Author's notes : Long time no see, but I am back! With special thanks to pt1oef, who did the beta-reading.
Shad7000 : Thank you very much for your words of support !
solarblaster : Do not worry, I am not trying or going to bash Hoshido. That part may seem biased, but I will just say that there is often a gap between how things are and how people perceive them.
pt1oef : I won't abandon this story unless something demotivate me for good. And thank you again for the beta-reading. It might still not be as good as it could be, but your advices will help me to progress further for the rest.
With everything said, enjoy !
The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 8
Finally, after only two days of preparation, the nohrian army crossed the Bottomless Canyon to invade Hoshido. They were riding through the borders of Hoshido, Garon and Lora leading the advance, the complete absence of any traces of resistance putting the nohrian commanders on edge. Scouts had not spotted a single trace of resistance above some nasty traps left by ninjas on the hoshidian's side of the canyon. And then it happened. Like an iron grip on the spine it shook Garon, making him abruptly stop his mount. The Dragon Veins. Something was activating all the Dragon Veins, all of those in the surrounding, no, even further.
''Your majesty?''
''Quiet!'' Barked the king to his guard, listening the earth.
Wherever they were strong or weak, his experience and power gave him such sensibility he could even use the faintest Vein to manipulate the land and empower his sorcery. But what was happening was too vast, too big. Those streams of power flowing in the lands could only be commanded by one possessing the blood of the dragon, in other words royalty. Sumeragi was dead, no one in Hoshido should be able to command so much power. No, not even Sumeragi could have done it, and Garon himself neither. What was happening?
''Dragon Veins! Soldiers in defensive formation! Paladins on the front, mages behind!''
Like waves on the sea his orders were relayed, the massive army becoming a diamond shaped formation. He tried to take control of the nearby stream but it eluded him, subjugated to an unknown master. A pulse. Like an anvil falling on his head, a wave of pure power from below. Looking quickly around he saw the same on all of his soldiers, the invisible assault grasping everyone. A strong hand held his arm, preventing him from lowering on his mount as the pressure slowly declined.
''Garon, hold yourself.''
Lora's voice came strong and clear, her grip firm on his shoulder. Was she unaffected?
''You don't feel anything?'' Groaned Garon in discomfort.
''Nothing. What is happening?''
That was bad. In this state, the whole army was not in condition to fight properly. Should they be attacked, it would be a slaughter. No, it didn't make sense. His head was clearing little by little. If it was a trap, why allow the nohrian army to advance so little before triggering it? Why is there no one to fight them?
''Something is using the Dragon Veins. I am not sure what exactly yet. Make the mages come. I need them!''
''Yes. Commanders, bring in the mages! Stay in formation, keep looking for the enemy!''
He had to mobilize all of his strength to stand up as proudly as the king of Norh was supposed to. Something continued to bear on his mind, but he couldn't pinpoint it. The Dragon Vein was still active. But it was only when the sorcerers came that the gravity of the situation became clear.
''A spell suppressing the fighting spirit of nohrian.'' Muttered Garon.
''Yes majesty, it is what we understood. It is an easy spell to cast for a strong sorcerer like myself...'' Started Iago.
''If course. That is why you can't do anything useful right now.'' Interrupted Lora with disdain.
The question closed the mouth of Iago instantly, but he didn't even scowled like he usually did when Lora talked him down. The king himself felt it, how magic was suppressing his emotions. His rage over Hoshido, his very desire to grab a weapon to fight. Dried.
''Can't your cabal dispel it?'' Insisted the king. ''At least on a part of the army?''
''I fear not.'' Said the sorcerer to Garon while making sure not to look at Lora. ''This is unlike anything I have ever seen, majesty. I mean, with more time and your divine power we could but...''
Hypothesis would not lead anywhere. There was no way to break such spell without a lot of time and preparation, not for something so powerful that it likely covered the entire nation of Hoshido. If the hoshidian attacked, they would destroy them for sure. It made him feel... Fear. Something like that should not have been possible. And yet here it was.
''Lora. Order a full retreat.''
''Understood.'' Said Lora as she rode to the commanders a little behind.
Watching the sky, Garon progressed through the ranks of his soldiers to join the rear-guard, still encircled by the royal guard. A very useless royal guards if not for their thick armors and shields as of now. Himself was not in better situation though, as he gazed upon his now defenseless army. No one could fight, with the notable exception of one person joining him again. But even she could not fight against an army alone.
''The full retreat order have been transmitted.'' Informed Lora when she came to his side.
They rode for a moment in silence, the cacophony of the moving army surrounding them. Garon was waiting for Lora to tell what she had in mind, as he could clearly see the concern in her attitude.
''There will be revolts once we come back in Norh.'' Finally, she told. ''The great lords will never let such admission of weakness from the royalty pass.''
''They have been promised lands, plunders, and return with nothing. It is a given some vultures will try to obtain their share one way or another.'' Stated Garon, pleased to see her catch the greater picture. ''However, there is another consequence that may appear.''
''And the people itself may lose faith before that failure.'' Acknowledged Lora, somber.
A cold and yet unavoidable truth. Nohr can handle death, destruction, chaos, and stand back up evenly. Time and time again in the past the country proved it. But this time, it was different. The whole nation had been preparing this moment for decades. To unite the country, he made it his open ambition, the grand goal he would accomplish in his lifetime. That one and only perspective helped him in quelling old rivalries between lords, made the people tolerate the more and more frequent famines, and most of all gave them hope. And now, that hope have been shattered... If that damned spell hadn't been there to repress his emotions, Garon would have surely screamed in frustration. But right now, his mind was forcibly clear. He had to plan. Lora was right, a revolt, or maybe worse, a rebellion, was inevitable... His mind raced. There might be a way to take advantage of a rebellion.
''Iago, I have a task for you.''
''Anything, my lord.'' Obsequiously answered the sorcerer before listening attentively and nodding with deference. ''A incredible strategy, my lord. I shall act as once.''
Lora sent a harsh look toward the departing mage but said nothing as she crossed gaze with Garon. She tolerated the sorcerer at best, barely trusting him despite his position into the council. In truth, Garon himself would see Iago die without a single regret. However, despite the man being a sadistic, power-hungry coward and boot-licker, his loyalty was unquestionable. Even confronted with a certain death, he only had plaid for help and never once proposed to betray in exchange. That peculiar situation has been easy to create with a few assassin indirectly engaged to kill Iago, then eliminated when the mage proved faithful. If only the relation between the arm master and Iago could be less hostile, they would be a lot more efficient together.
''I do not like it.'' Whispered Lora.
''Me neither.'' Quietly agreed Garon. ''But it must be done. If we do not, the entire kingdom will fall into chaos.''
''I know. And I don't want to see such thing ever again.''
It didn't take long for Hoshido to react. Upon seeing Nohr leaving, they understood the barrier worked and took advantage of it. Protected by their magical barrier, they launched multiple offensives and crippled the frontier, only pushed back with heavy losses. Their assault was brief and brutal, a tribute in blood and steel for the murder of their king, lasting for three days and night until they finally retreated. But it wasn't the most dangerous threat looming over the country. Frustrated by the failure of the invasion of Hoshido, pushed by their own ambition, two great lords prepared their plan to overthrow the royal family, aided by a close ally of the king. They made an alliance, both ready to back-stab the other once the country in their hands, planning the movement of their troops to avoid suspicion. But unknown to them, their rebellion was doomed from the very beginning. For the man that approached them, the one feeding their dream of reign and sulking about the weakness and failure of the king, was none other than Iago. None of them ever thought of doubting the sorcerer supposed treachery toward the king, just like they expected him to turn coat to himself in the last moment. And before their plan could even start to fall into place, Iago revealed their betrayal to all and the king launched his armies at them both. Treason was the highest of crime. No one would come to their aid, no one would listen to their plea. To rally the nation with an iron fist, the duke Richard and duchess Agnes had to be the sacrificial lambs.
After weeks of fighting, there was only one remaining rebel bastion in the eastern lands of Nohr. The proud citadel was covered in flames and smoke under the dark daylight, gruesome sight of what have been under the duchess's rule one of the richest place of the country. Numerous days of siege already breached the first and second layer of walls, leaving only the lone building as last haven for the besieged. In front of the vastly more numerous army the defenders were painfully outmatched, but fought with all the tenacity of those born in the wasted lands of Nohr. No walls to escalate, only tight arrow-slits prevented the use of ladders, but it was not needed. The assailants roared in anticipation when a final strike of battering ram broke the heavy doors. Under a rain of arrows, they advanced as one only to be welcomed by a barrier of spearmen. The melee started, bloody, chaotic and cruel. Axe broke bones, swords sliced limb, spear pierced flesh. Slowly the defenders fell back against the superior number, fighting ferociously for each inch of ground. There was a purple shock wave. A gap opened as multiples soldiers were pushed aside by the power of the legendary blade, Siegfried.
''Death to the rebels!''
''For the king!''
''Follow the prince!''
The flow of the battle shifted even more in favor of the assailants as prince Xander came in the battle, surrounded by a whole squadron of the royal guard. The disciplined force tore their less trained and much less armored enemies like an executioner axe, the young prince using the magic of his two-handed sword to strike from inside the protective formation.
''Halt! Wait for the main forces!''
The young prince order was almost unheard, but the royal guard stood their ground and ceased their advance, letting the infantry pour inside the now almost fallen castle. It was only after a sizable mass of soldiers came in that the prince made his protectors walk again. Walking atop of carpet of corpses, they progressed in the depth of the castle, the sickening smell of blood following them. Unlike Krakenburg, most of Nohrian castle don't elevate too much, instead they descend inside the earth, avoiding both the damages from the routine storms of the country and assault from wyvern riders in the sky. In fact, most had a dungeon tower without any opening at the top for this very reason. The fighting sounds were becoming weaker and weaker, and the prince observed as more and more, he passed through rooms where surrendering soldiers were watched, often badly hurt. But everywhere he looked, corpses and blood were splattered, flipping over his stomach. Finally, he came to see it. The great hall, where the last defenders were standing. A hundred knights and soldiers, proud despite their incoming and inevitable defeat. And on the steps of the little throne stood an aged woman whose beauty was still visible, wearing an armored dress and an open thunder tome in hand.
''Duchess Agnes. In the name of my father, I ask you to surrender.'' Proclaimed Xander.
''Prince Xander. I must applaud you for the fall of my fortress, but I simply accept your offer as it is.'' Answered the lady with a small bow.
''You would condemn what is left of your vassals to death?''
''Prince, do not misunderstand. Though my defeat is undeniable, I would prefer favorable... conditions. Did I not served the king well all those years?''
''Your service have been defiled by the treason you committed against your king.'' Replied Xander.
Everyone tensed and some blades rose. The duchess made a small hand wave, clearing her throat, and her soldiers lowered their weapon reluctantly.
''Please prince. Do every men and women who lived in my lands deserve death? Surely you must agree, that would be unfair... I would gladly end this bloodbath, but alas I cannot do as such if the life of my subjects is not assured. Wouldn't you do the same, prince?''
''… Because the lives of your soldiers may still be of use for Nohr, I shall ask for their sparing to my father.'' Said Xander after a slight pause. ''I can't promise more as prince.''
There was a new pause. The duchess seemed to consider the words of the elder son of the king, fingers drumming on her lightning tome. Finally, she closed her tome with a soft clap.
''I surrender.''
Upon those words, her followers laid down their weapon with various amount of reluctance, and the last to do it was a young man whose armor was far more elaborate than that of the others, barely older than the prince himself, that Xander recognized as the son of the duchess. No more words were exchanged as they were disarmed and brought with him and the Royal Guard out of the fortress. Cheers erupted once they came outside, the soldiers acclaiming their lord all the way down to the main camp. A song of victory, glory. And satisfied blood lust. A low scowl slipped away from the duchess's son but stopped when the tip of a spear poked his shoulder. Only when they arrived the prince left his prisoners in the hand of a group of mages, taking the direction of the command tent with an almost mechanical walk, not even paying attention to the still overwhelming sounds of celebration resonating thorough the base or the salute destined to him as he refolded the entrance of the command tent. A few lanterns lightened up inside, revealing a wooden table, two chairs and a huge metal chest on a side. And in one of the chair was the one who truly led the campaign and the siege on the rebellious lands, waiting for his report.
''The duchess and her son yielded alongside about a hundred of their soldiers, milady Lora.'' Announced Xander with a controlled voice.
''Good work.'' Lora said.
Lora offered the prince a flask. He drank the water eagerly, exhaustion slowly starting to replace adrenaline inside his body. It was over. He wouldn't have to kill anymore, at least for a time. He knew he had to do it. But it only left bile in his mouth, and nightmare in his nights. From the very first time. He eyed the arm master, looking at her writing. Most certainly to inform his father of the victory. Surely the rebels under the command of the duke Richard have already been defeated by his hand, and he was waiting for them to return. Yes, he had to stay strong before the army, the nobles and people. He was the crown prince, the one to rule Nohr in the future, his conduct had to be irreproachable. Gathering his courage for a good minute, he finally took the plunge he wanted to do for a long time.
''Lady Lora, may I ask you a question?''
''Of course, prince.''
''How does it feel for you to kill someone? How do you cope with it?''
''I don't.''
''You... don't?'' Repeated Xander, bewildered.
''They are my enemies. They die, or I die. Why should I feel anything about them? If you wish to survive, forsake those thoughts.''
''But Lady Lora, I promised to speak in favor of sparing the rebellious men to father.'' Almost blurted Xander.
''They will have to die regardless. Nohrian law allow only one punishment for traitors.''
The glacial tone of the arm master paralyzed the prince. It was wrong. It was so wrong. The peerless knight of father was not like that. She could not have said that unblinkingly. How could the one who always taught him that honor and compassion were the mark of a great king, say something like that?
''But can't they still fight for Nohr? So many soldiers died already. We could spare some of them. We don't have to kill them all...''
His voice derailed, flashes of the battle coming back. The screams, the blood of the soldiers, the dead eyes looking at nothing. Siegfried piercing flesh, the sound of broken bone, the blood of the villagers. The knife. The gaping wound. The blood of his brother...
''Calm yourself, prince! Breath!'' Imperiously told lady Lora.
Reflex kicked in and Xander started to inhale and exhale heavily. One, two, one, two. Like in training. One, two, one, two. Dispelling the scenes, shutting the screams, ignoring the blood. Coming back to present, he found himself sitting on the other chair, the standing up arm master's hand on his shoulder. She must have sit him, he vaguely thought as she assessed him. Those gleaming eyes. As far as his memory went, it was always the thing that attracted his attention when looking at her. He always feared them as a child, as if the fire was going to come out and burn him, a fear amplified by the rumors surrounding the arm master. Even growing up, his old childish delusion aside, he could not help but to avoid looking at them. And now...it was like the inner fire was about to engulf him. She then softened a little, releasing his shoulder to sit on the other chair.
''I apologize for my rudeness, prince Xander. But do understand that you must harden. Life don't always leave the luxury to be compassionate, especially to someone of your rank.''
''I know, lady Lora.'' Muttered the prince, regaining composure. ''But it just feel wrong.''
''It may be. Because something must be done, it does not mean it is right.''
To his surprise and curiosity, she told it with something that was like... Reminiscence? Regret? It came and disappeared so quickly, he was almost sure he imagined it.
''Prince, whatever you have to do, do not lose sight of why you have to do them. It is what will make you a king as great as your father.''
''I... I think I understand.''
''Good then. Take your rest, prince. We will depart to Windmire tomorrow.''
Xander nodded, exhausted. What lady Lora said in the end eased the pressure and unease the conversation brought him. He should ask his father to discuss about it in more depth...
A horn thundered, three hoarse tremors coming from outside the city. Another answered, and the gates of Windmire opened to welcome the returning victorious army. Citizen cheered the prince whose first conflict successfully asserted the royalty's legitimacy, acclaiming his grace and glory as he progressed toward the gates of Krakenburg, banners floating in the wind. Confident despite still being a child and the legendary sword at his side, he was just like a youthful version of his illustrious father. The elder prince crossed the bridge alongside his personal guard and the commanders of the army, only dismounting in the great entrance to progress further into the castle. And in the throne room, under the gazes of the whole court, Xander made his entrance with great pomp. Walking calmly through the whole hall, leaving his escort behind, he finally knelt before his father and king.
''Father, I come back bringing victory. The traitorous duchess submitted to our armies.''
With a stern stance, Garon stood up from his throne of stone, dominating the assembly.
''The rebels have fallen. Before our might they were nothing. And the day their foul trick will be dispelled, Hoshido shall fall the same way!''
Age seemingly did not affect the king in that instant, his stunning stature and powerful voice filling the room.
''My elder son, you did well. Your brought glory to our kingdom, and today your strength and bravery shall be celebrated! Now, gather your heralds! May there be feast for all! Tomorrow, we celebrate our triumph. For the glory of Nohr!''
''For the glory of Nohr!'' Acclaimed the whole court as one.
Little by little the nobles dispersed. Garon invited his son to rise, and as Camilla and Leo came from the side to congratulate their older brother he glanced toward the entrance. Lora was there among the royal guard, coming toward the throne through the flow of nobles and servants.
''You may take your leave, children. I will come soon after to properly congratulate you.''
''Thank you, father. I am sure Azura will be happy to see her big brother again.''
A look of discomfort appeared on his siblings. Xander looked at his father, anxiousness taking hold as he saw the features of his face harden.
''Father?'' Xander asked.
''Leave me Siegfried. And go into your apartments.'' Ordered Garon with a blank tone.
''But, father...'' Xander said.
''Please, brother. We will tell you there.'' Told Camilla as she forcefully pulled his arm.
With the insistence of both siblings, the prince began to walk toward the back door with an escort of royal guards, letting the royal sword into his father's hand. The door closed with a soft sound as Lora reached the stairs of the throne. The arm master bowed.
''My lord. Is there something you need of me?'' Lora asked.
''We have to talk. Elsewhere.'' Gravely said the king.
With a wave of hand Garon dismissed the remaining waiters. This was something that had to be done as soon as possible. Going down in the castle, toward a path that they both knew well. Briefly stopping before the large doors of metal, they watched the guard open the doors of the royal crypt.
''Why this place?'' Asked Lora, puzzled.
''No one can hear us there.'' Garon answered.
There was another reason, but he couldn't say it outright. The doors closed behind, and they descended, alone in the dark. Some torches still lightened the place, but they were far and few. It was when only when they arrived far in the main alley, close to the tomb of his own grandfather, that he finally spoke.
''Azura have been kidnapped.''
The declaration was followed by a brief silence.
''… How?''
''One of them was captured. They were nohrian, but Hoshido hired them to take back their princess. When almost all soldiers were away because of the rebellion, they stroke.''
But the child was at the Northern fortress, not in the castle of Krakenburg. A place the king knew no spy could approach because of its antic wards. His adoptive daughter have been likely taken as substitute. A bargaining chip to maybe reclaim the one they lost, without a doubt.
''They were almost all captured. But they escaped with the help of a warping scroll, without a doubt made to send them directly to Hoshido.''
''How many did you sent on her search?''
''None.''
''What? She is your child!''
''Nohr is still fragile, and showing that it reached us would ruin everything we just fought for. For the sake of stability, I can't act.''
The words were twisting his guts like a knife. Garon truly wished he could take her daughter back.
''Then I will go.''
''No.'' Firmly denied the king.
It was like he stroke her. She partly regained countenance and immediately argued back.
''You know the barrier does not affect me! I can bring her back''
''It is still a suicide. I won't allow it.''
Have it happened before that night, he would have sent her in a heartbeat. But age, loss, and careful thinking soothed his famous temper. For better or worse, Garon already decided to take the decision with the lowest risk involved. Repressing his own feelings, he carefully placed himself between Lora and the path toward the exit.
''I swore to keep her safe.'' Lora groaned with a low voice, one the king knew indicated she was struggling to control herself ''I swore to Arete I would keep her safe. I swore I would be there to help her.''
Her teeth gritted, fist clenched to the point her gauntlets were grinding. Never before he watched her like this. Even when he forced her to assume regency she wasn't so barely restraining herself. Lora was about to walk away when she suddenly seemed to realize he was blocking her way.
''Lora. Do not force my hand.'' Garon warned firmly.
''I swore to keep her safe. I swore.'' She repeated, almost a plead as she made a step forward. ''I will uphold my promise. I will.''
Garon unsheathed Siegfried and pointed it forward, realizing his worst fear was likely to come true.
''As your king, I order you to stand down and renounce your foolishness!''
The shout froze her. In a fleeting moment, he hoped she would. Then a broken and stained greatsword appeared in her hands as her skin started to fume, and she leaped in the air. On instinct Garon blocked the blow, the impact almost making him fall before using his blade's power to briefly overpower Lora and push her away. She fell back on her hand and rolled on the side before attacking again in one fluid motion.
The clash of steel filled the area as Garon painfully maintained his guard. It was surreal. Lora jumped, slid and stroke recklessly, each of her move leaving countless openings, and yet the strength and speed prevented any retaliation! A vicious blow came from under him but only cut the air ahead of his shoulder, before she jumped above him again, her sword falling into a murderous strike. He parried it once again with all his power and pushed back. Her face was distorted by pain, rage, almost madness. Another lightning fast offensive almost penetrated his defenses and he smashed it away before backing away. Gritting teeth, the king stepped forward when she rushed, hoping to reduce her enormous advantage in speed by cornering her.
Lora was less and less able to jump and spin her blade around making it a battle of strength, weapons clashing again and again. Garon started to feel the pain in his muscles, he was panting more and more. Even in his prime, he never had hope to win, and age was catching him. The tip of the rusty greatsword sprung past his guard and missed his neck by an inch and he riposted with a shock wave from Siegfried at point blank range, making her stumble.
An opportunity. Garon attacked with his full strength in a swing before realizing the mistake. His opponent bent, her left arm rose. The flat of the sword met the gauntlet and was deflected, making him lose balance as the stained sword thrust toward his chest... Only to change its course and hit the ground, breaking the stone on impact. It was all he needed. With a brutal push the king's shoulder collided with Lora and knocked her down. Seizing the occasion, he fell on her, pining her sword arm. But his right wrist was immobilized by her iron grip, preventing him from lowering his blade. He could feel the heat of her hand, of her body despite his armor, smell the scent of ember as he was on top of her. Like a mirror of that one moment, their position were now reversed. The grip of Lora started to weaken, a flash of recognition passing through her eyes. Yet she didn't let it go, her skin even starting to frizzle and glow.
''Enough. Yield.'' Insisted the king.
''No!... I can... Have to... To...'' Weakly cawed Lora, arm shaking.
''Yield.''
Silence coated them, only broken by their breathing. Finally, the arm master's hand released his wrist and fell on the ground, the growing heat vanishing. Like a broken spell, Garon felt tiredness catch him, and he fell on the side.
''I lost...'' She said like a curse, still lying on the ground. ''I went mad like a mere hollow...''
''Why?''
''I couldn't bear... my promise to serve you... my promise to protect the princess... Why wouldn't you let me?...''
''Foolish woman. Why do you keep hurting yourself? Why can't you accept that some things can't be done?'' Berated Garon with frustration.
''I... have to do it. I can't fail my promises anymore. I failed my princes. I failed the queens. I failed you... I can't fail the princess... If I can't even do that...
Suddenly she snapped, whispers changing into yells.
''What am I to survive everyone? Andre, Irina, Cornyx, Sirris, Yorshka, they all died hoping I would link the fire, and I ran away with what was left! I killed Shira just to see the end of all! What I have ever done? Nothing! I couldn't save anyone! Anri died, Horace died, I killed my princes! The queens died! Azura is gone! Even you, you will die, and I will still be there!... I will still...Why should I deserve to live when I leave everything else die?!''
The bitter scream died as she was choking on her own words, tears running down as she stayed still on the ground. Garon grasped her hand, forcing their gaze to meet.
''Do you remember the first time we met?''
She nodded weakly.
''I was simply curious at first. A solitary woman, a stranger, able to best one of my most experienced knight! I thought it would be a passing infatuation, a whim of the heart. And yet you kept surprising me. You never allowed me to win once, frustrating and inspiring me like no one before. When my wives started to fight over for my attention, you were still keeping your distance. I was intrigued. I felt challenged to discover who you were under that exterior."
Lora's hand was still inert in his own, but her gaze became increasingly focused as he spoke.
" And I loved what I found.'' Continued the king. ''Bravery, loyalty, hidden passion, thirst for challenge. I found in you the same fire I have. When Katerina died, you supported me unfailingly, without trying to take advantage of it. And then, when Arete and the other died, you saved me from myself. You saved me, Lora. You saved my life, my sanity. There is no one in the world who have triumphed over so much adversities. How can't you be proud of everything you accomplished?''
''I almost killed you...'' She tried to say, but he cut her out.
'You didn't. How many time did you miss to avoid hurting me?'' Corrected the king. ''You can't atone forever for a past you can't change. Please, my love. Forgive yourself. This is what they wished too.''
Lora quivered, gripped his hand harder, then finally rose up with him. Sitting up, she was looking at him from the same height at last.
''I need you. I can't...I can't do it alone.'' Lora said imploringly.
''You don't have to. And if you wish it, I will never leave you again, for the rest of my life.'' Firmly answered Garon.
She chuckled. For a moment, Garon was left stunned. It was the first time. The first time she ever laughed with him, maybe at all in this world. Despite the tears, despite the darkly crypt, despite the scars. It was beautiful.
''Lady Anïa was right. I fell for the smoothest liege of all.'' Lora declared, clasping his hand between hers as tears leaked, tears of relief. ''I accept. Whatever the past, the future, I shall stand at your side... My king.''