Author's notes : And I am back yet again, with another chapter ! I am in the middle of my exams and hardly have time to write, but here it is !
pt1oef : Once again, a thousand thanks for beta-reading me ! I never went into Archive of our own before, I will look into it.
Goldspark1 : I am pleased you liked the way it was done, I am trying hard to make a story without making peoples and motives pure black or white.
Unzealots : Well... I never thought about if it count as necrophilia or not... She is technically fully alive now, so I don't think so. And for her going to do it or not, you'll see !
Shad7000 : Hahaha you said it.
Artyom-Dreizehn : Thank you very much ! I am happy to see you liked it to this extent. I hope what follow will keep you satisfied !
Marbeno : You made a good point. From that chapter onwards, I will make the text a little less thick.
Now that everything is said and done, enjoy the story !
EDIT : Blaise Welchman made me realize I did a slight error while editing. Corrected.
The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 9
Piercing cries came from the chamber, anguished echoes of a child newly born. Apprehension was reaching its peak in the adjacent room, where King Garon waited for the end of the delicate process. He knew how much birthing was painful, many times over he waited by the side of Katerina and his concubines. But this time, he did not present. Anïa insisted he left the room, to avoid putting "unneeded pressure" on the midwifes assisting her delivering. And as soon as the scream came to an end, he could not but fear the worst. Soon a maid came, head low, bloodstained dress and soaked hands nervously twitching.
"Speak, woman."
"We did everything we could milord. But her hips, they were too tight, and she lost so much blood, and the baby would not go out, not without opening…" She said, almost stuttering.
She knew it could happen. She tried to reassure him, to minimize the risk. But even he could see it, her enormous belly deforming her small, gentle figure, the pain coursing through at her every movement. Yet she insisted, telling it wasn't that bad, that she would be cuddling her newborn soon, humming while weaving crown of flowers…
"It's a girl, milord."
"Bring her to me."
The nurse nodded frantically and ran back to the chamber, leaving the king alone with his guards, fatality weighting his shoulders like rocks. Twice before he lost someone in that way. The maid came back, carefully carrying a crying baby enveloped in a blanket. Looking closely, Garon noted it already had hairs, a little mess of blonde that reminded of both himself and Anïa. His last child. Did she get the time to see it properly before closing her eyes? He hoped so… Memories flashed. If it was to be a girl, Anïa told him she would be called...
"Child, I name you Elise. From now on, you are my daughter, princess of Nohr." Declared the king solemnly before addressing the maid. "Find her a wet nurse. Your life depends of her own."
"Yes milord!" Quickly answered the woman, bowing.
"And hear me. Take the body of lady Anïa and inhume it into the garden of Krakenburg, with the proper rite."
"It shall be done, majesty." Acknowledged the servant with a deeper bow as he left.
It was something Anïa evoked long ago, a simple and innocent wish. As Garon offered her to become a true lady of the court, she laughed and turned it down gently, asking to remain part of the queen's suite. And as an afterthought, for her final rest to be among the flower she loved. Her laugh, her smile. Still their vision warmed him, although it was now tainted with pain. In a way, it was the end of a long road. She had been the last of his concubines alive.
Bertre, the only other left, died of fever during the rebellions. Sometimes Garon cursed the passion of his youth. The fever of love taking him briefly, the remaining affection and loyalty preventing him to leave them afterward, and the naivete of thinking that every of them would coexist peacefully, without fighting for his favor. Wouldn't have thing turned for the better if he had curbed his desires, and limited himself to his queen?
However, every time Garon watched his children, every time he gazed upon their face, it was a balm upon his regrets. A bittersweet one, for they were the surviving of many, but they were now united as one. Never they would be turned against each other, he swore it. Elise was to find solace in the arms of an affectionate wet nurse, while he would visit her as much as he could…
Something came to his mind, a conflicted feeling. The Hoshidian princess, prisoner of the northern fortress. Not counting Elise, she was the last addition to his family, in place of Azura to whom she had apparently the same age. Her name… Yes, he remembered it. Corrin. In time, she would become a princess of Nohr. But for now, she was just a little girl, one that needed reassurance, siblings and parents before anything else.
While he was deep in thoughts, Garon's steps led him to the training ground, where the sound of clashing steel caught his attention. In the large room deep into the castle, a ferocious duel was taking place between a newcomer in the royal guard and a full-fledged member, supervised by Lora. As soon as he came in, the duel stopped, and everyone bowed.
''Continue.'' Simply told the King, walking to Lora. The clash of steel began anew as he came to her level.
''My King.'' She said, catching his sour gaze.
The challenger was in obvious difficulty, entrenched behind his great shield to avoid the expert aiming of his opponent's spear, but his defense seemed solid. The new member was refusing to move away and even advanced, blocking each and every blow until their spears became impractical. The two great shields bashed into each other. The royal guard suddenly diverted his shield to the side and used the spear handle to trip his opponent, making him fall. It was over. The man cursed before standing on his knee, eyes down. Garon studied him with more attention. Large, with a tanned and rough face under the helmet, probably coming from the common people.
''You lack finesse for the spear. Axe is the weapon you should stick to.'' Sharply commented Lora before exchanging a look with Garon. ''Captain Eric, this is all for today. I have other matter to attend to.''
''Yes, your majesties.''
The King and Lora left in the corridor leading toward the hall of the citadel of Krakenburg, four royal guards were at their side and back.
''A messenger came earlier. It seems Hoshido retracted their soldiers beyond their side of the Bottomless Canyon. A complete retreat.'' Said Lora.
''Any words from our spies?''
''Not to me anyway. Iago may tell you something later, if he found anything worth hearing.''
An intriguing development. Why would they do that? Even though it made sense to exploit their barrier, to give up on their side of the canyon was odd. It would leave the Norhian border without surveillance, furthermore it was like declaring themselves incapable of protecting their outer territory. However, they still haven't made any move after kidnapping his adopted daughter. Was that it? But what were they planning?
''My king?''
The voice of Lora reached him. She noticed the disarray despite his impassible traits, of course. There was no sense to delay the new any longer.
''I have a new daughter. Anïa died giving her life.'' Said Garon with a low voice.
''… I see.'' Acknowledged Lora after a moment. ''What is her name?''
''Elise. This is the name Anïa wanted.''
They kept walking, taking the long spiraling stairs. A maid ran by, stopping only to bow before going on, a package of sheets in hand.
''A wet nurse will raise Elise until she is old enough to live with her siblings.'' Continued the King. "Until that happens I want her to live as a little girl should. What her older siblings lived and endured, she has to know nothing."
Mutual understanding coursed through their gaze as Lora nodded solemnly. Both of them could see the after effects of the concubine war to the royal children, even almost a year after its end. Xander still had nightmare about the killing of his half-brother Alexander in self-defense. Camilla was desperately doting on her brothers as if they would disappear at any instant, the recent kidnapping of Azura made it even worse. Leo could not sleep without light, often waked up at the tiniest of sounds. Was it surprising that he wished for his last born to live without such burden?
Leaving the stairs, Garon and Lora went into the larger and more crowded corridors, where soldiers patrolled, and courtiers almost instantly fled to them like a swarm of groveling bee. With practical ease the royal guards filtered the flow, allowing Lora and Garon to reach the gates of the throne room. The gates opened.
''May all kneel before our King Garon, Dark Blood of the Dusk Dragon and sovereign of Nohr, and his consort, Queen Lora, Blazing Blade of the King and Sovereign of Nohr.''
The whole court knelt following the herald's proclamation, as the royal couple walked toward the throne. Whispers followed them, hungry curiosity and expectations mixed together. The newly crowned Queen advanced without paying any attention to it, just like she did during her time as regent. Lora still wore the blue cape Garon offered her and her silver diadem, but her armor was something else. Shining black in color, made of plate and adorned with golden engravings, it was a masterpiece matching his own royal set both in color and majesty. Yet the style was definitely foreign. For good reason: it was the armor of her dead prince Lorian, remade to fit her to perfection. Never before she dared to wear it, showing it to him only before her coronation three days ago. Many of her memories were resting within this set of armor... Garon sat on the throne, Lora stood beside it. The king rose his hand, commanding silence.
''Numerous matters that have been discussed recently, in regard of the troubles that agitated the kingdom. Today, we will announce our decisions. Rebellious duchess Agnes and her son Tyler, come.''
The young man and her mother approached, pale and surrounded by five soldiers. They made them kneel in front of the stairs leading to the throne, under the harsh gaze of the king.
''Duchess Agnes, your betrayal of the crown is unforgivable. For this, in this day and place, you are sentenced to death.''
The aged woman simply lowered her head. No other sentence has been expected from the start for her. The soldiers took her away, leaving only her son, face down.
''Son of the former duchess Agnes, Tyler. Even though you partook in the betrayal of your mother, I am willing to show clemency due to your youth. In this day and place, you shall be stripped of your nobility, enlisted into Nohr's army as a simple soldier, and devote the rest of your life to fight for the kingdom.''
The young man's face became one of pure relief, then shock at the realization of what the mercy implied exactly. Even if he had the chance to rise up in the hierarchy, he would never be a lord again. He nonetheless managed to regain a bit of composure to bow deeper before being taken away.
''Rebellious duke Richard, come.''
The man was brought before the throne. Garon himself had difficulty to believe it was the same man that stood at his council before: his dark hair turned white since from his incarceration, his body and face worn out. So weak he was, the soldiers had to support him while he was made to kneel to avoid his fall.
''Rebellious duke Richard, you will suffer the same fate as your accomplice. In this day and place, you are sentenced to death.''
The man didn't even react at the announcement. Was he even conscious of what happened around him? At least the duchess maintained her dignity. Looking at the pathetic shell of a lord was brought to his fate, Garon continued.
''Lastly, all the men and women captured in the rebellion shall be sent to the mines to work until the end of their day. May this be a warning to all those who dare to bring strife to Nohr.''
The declaration echoed in the throne room. The stick. Now, the carrot.
''Daughter of the former duke Richard, Faye, come.''
A poised young lady in her second decade with raven hair and a blue dress approached, kneeling elegantly. She looked like a typical norhian noble, but there were some little details that showed otherwise in the vigilant eyes of Garon. Few ladies of the court ever carried three daggers, furthermore not in sheathes in the same tone and style as the robe to hide them from superficial inspection, and her posture was that of someone ready to defend itself. She had been trained in the art of killing.
''Daughter of the former duke Richard, Faye. You stayed faithful to the throne despite the betrayal of your father, secretly corresponding with our spies during the rebellion. Furthermore, you opened the gates of the city of Dunberg to our army, avoiding a siege. Your loyalty to the throne shall be rewarded. In this day and place, I grant you the dukedom formerly belonging to your father, from the Fuming Dell up to the river Archon. Rise up, duchess Faye.''
The young lady did a delicate curtsey before standing up, a small smirk on her lips. Despite losing about a third of its territory, the dukedom was still one of the largest of Nohr, possessing some of the richest iron mines of the continent. She was a cold opportunist, the sort that understood the benefits of loyalty, something Garon valued greatly.
''General Daniela, come.'' Said Lora, taking the reins.
A red-headed woman approached, wearing the traditional armor of norhian strategist, a white and carmine tunic reinforced with shoulder and breast plates.
''General Daniela, you won a battle against the forces of the rebellious duchess, less than one against three, protecting the rear-guard of the prince. For your tactical feat, in this day and place, I grant you the dukedom formerly belonging to the duchess, from the Wood of Forlorn up to the mounts of Sarre. Rise up, duchess Daniela.''
Numerous other rewards were assigned afterward, the ceremony taking most of the remaining day once followed by official matters. Only by night fall the court dispersed, leaving the royal couple free to rest in the royal apartments. Butlers helped the king get out of his armor, leaving only his long tunic before quitting the massive bedroom. Garon let out a low sigh as he sat on the bed. Soft steps in the dark, another weight came on the mattress as Lora sat at his side, maids had undressed her too.
''How do you feel, Lora?''
''I... am tired. I hope things will get calmer soon.'' She admitted.
''It will be. Do not worry, you did well.''
It took her more than two hours of private repetition to perfectly memorize her part, the way she had to speak to every of those who were rewarded, the titles of all those she had to name. Her frustration had almost been funny to watch, but at the same time he was aware on how much it was weighting on her.
''And you, Garon? You haven't mourned Anïa yet.''
''I will. Tomorrow.'' Said the King in a low voice. ''I need some time.''
Lora nodded. For a moment they stayed still in the dark, simply listened each other breath. To the rest of the court he was a standing mountain that nothing could reach anymore, be it emotions or events. Even to his children, to whom he could show affection and love, he had to maintain the image of a perfect King, the example they had to look upon. His Queens were always the one to whom he could confide his doubts, in the secrecy of the night. And now he did the same for Lora.
After a time Garon felt Lora lied down on the bed, allowing him to see her muscular body covered by a simple white tunic. It would have been tantalizing in his younger days. But not now. Furthermore, he promised to Lora. Even though they shared bed, she asked him to respect one last limit. He understood, thought Garon, gently stroking her short dark hair. She wished to respect the memory of Katerina and Arete this way. And he would never tarnish that.
''Sleep well, my love, my Queen.'''
LINE BREAK
The throne room was almost empty, an unusual sight in the midday. There was only a handful of high lords and ladies and their entourage, as well as almost all members of the royal guard. However, the circumstances were quite unusual themselves, thought Lora as she looked at the royal guards on the side. They were more on edge than ever, and for good reasons.
''Majesties, the emissaries are here.'' Announced the herald.
''Bring them in.'' Decreed Garon.
Envoy from Hoshido, an official, royal envoy, sent to parley with Nohr. If the records told the truth, according to Garon, it was the first occurrence since about ten generations. About three centuries without a single true contact between the two kingdoms were coming to an end, if she was to discard the disastrous meeting between her king and the now dead king of Hoshido. It was clear now why the Hoshidian retired their forces from the frontier: were it not the case, the messenger would have likely been slaughtered by fear of a trap.
The gates opened. From the side of the throne Lora squinted, looking at them intensely. They were three, two men and one woman. Two of them carrying weapons, two katana for the man, bow and naginata for the woman, their gears far superior in quality than that of ordinary soldiers revealing them as samurais. The last man was wearing ample clothes instead of armor and used a staff to walk.
A priest. Surely, he was the one to actually parley while the other were her to protect him. Nohr was not a very religious country, as opposed to the rumored great piety of Hoshido toward the gods and spirits, and the man was surely not as untouchable as he would have been in another kingdom. Flanked by no less than six nohrian guards, they came at thirty feet of the throne. Four guards then stopped the advance of the two samurais, leaving only the cleric to continue with two soldiers. He was stopped at twenty feet of the throne and knelt, both knees and forehead on the ground.
''I salute you, king Garon, son of King Jorden, descendent of the Dusk Dragon and Sovereign of Nohr. My name is Zenma, monk in service of Hoshido's royal family. My companions are lady Reina, retainer of Queen Mikoto, and Idaten, vassal samurai of the royal family. I come at the behalf of Queen Mikoto, Sovereign of Hoshido, to open talks with her words and authority.''
Silence followed the declaration, a long moment where Garon seemed to consider the words of the man. Just enough time not to seem too eager to listen, but not too long not to look hesitant, such was the delicate equilibrium that Lora learned the hard way at the court when she became the first advisor. Judging enough time have been spent in that tedious manner, Lora spoke up.
''Rise, priest. We shall listen to your words here and now.''
The man rose to one knee, looking at her with old eyes marked with a slight curiosity.
''Please forgive me, milady, but I do not know whom I am speaking. Would you please be so kind as to illuminate this old cleric, who live in isolation to serve the gods?'' Respectfully asked the man, lowering his head as he used his staff to support himself.
Lora felt her muscles tense. To serve the gods. She didn't think that hearing those words would affect her still.
''I am Lora, consort Queen of King Garon, and Sovereign of Nohr.'' She answered clearly without letting her feelings show through. ''Until recently, I was his first general and master of arms.''
The monk seemed to be affected by her words as he gripped his staff with enough strength to whiten his fingers, but when his face rose it was devoid of any trace of feeling. However, Lora immediately noted that it was not the case of the two samurais. The man's face was distorted with pure hatred, while the woman kept a stoic face betrayed by the tension of her body.
''Thank your majesty, for indulging my curiosity.'' Said the monk, attracting attention to himself again. ''I shall now speak the word of Queen Mikoto. This long war claimed far too many lives, for both kingdom, including our beloved King. She does not hope naively for the grudge to disappear, but desire to make a first step together with Nohr toward a peaceful resolution. As such, Queen Mikoto ask for a ceasefire, beginning at the start of the next moon, which will be signified by the withdrawal of every troop of each side of the Bottomless Canyon up to at least one league. In return, the queen is willing to open the border of the country for Nohrian merchants to come through.''
Silence followed, but this time it was broken by thousands of whispers. The court was visibly taken aback. They thought Hoshido would came asking retribution for their dead, flaunt their so-called superiority and now impregnable position, maybe even threaten them. No one believed such absurd offer could be made. Lora neither. Queen Mikoto was willing to brush aside the death of her King Sumeragi in favor of a possible peace? From their position of undeniable tactical advantage? In Lora's mind, she could only be a fool or a saint.
But if foolish Queen Mikoto was, her proposal was prepared by someone smart. The retreat of Hoshido's forces beyond their frontiers and the barrier, away from the Bottomless Canyon, meant they technically already fulfilled part of their end of the bargain. Since no Nohrian could hold malignant will inside Hoshidian borders because of the magical barrier, there was no way for the merchants to become an infiltrated force. If they were to accept the truce, depending of the final terms of the accord, the kingdom would benefit from a massive increasing in trade in form of the food they always lacked.
The accord seemed way too good to be true, but it was also an occasion that could never come again. No sorcerers or witches of the kingdom managed to find any weakness in the barrier, and Garon confided to her that the power that created it was much stronger than any person of dragon blood should be. Was it the work of the spirits or the gods to help Hoshido? In any case, it was almost certain that the chances of ever breaking it were null. It was too good to pass, but her mind still screamed at her that it was too good to not hide something.
''Monk, I heard the proposal of your queen. Know that I do not disregard the idea of peace, so I am willing to consider your offer.'' Declared Garon as he raised an inquisitive gaze, taking away her indecision.
''I, too, heard the proposal of Queen Mikoto, and willing to consider the offer.'' Followed Lora, trusting the judgment of her king.
The old monk bowed once more, forehead on the ground as he gratefully answered:
''May the gods bless you, majesties, for accepting to listen words of reason. I pray we reach an agreement soon.''
''Hum. We will start negotiation tomorrow. Until then, you shall be our guest.'' Concluded the King.
Rising up, the priest was about to walk back to his companions when Lora interrupted him with a clear voice:
''Wait.''
Stopped in his track her interlocutor turned back, the attention of the court now entirely focused on them.
''What does her majesty require of me?''
''I will see myself for your settling.''
Lora noticed the unease appearing on the monk's face, but nothing was said as she descended the throne stairs. Two royal guards followed her, taking with them the six soldiers guarding the three Hoshidian as they strode across the great corridors of Krakenburg, traversing the heart of the castle to reach their destination.
''Those are the apartments you will occupy.''
The two samurais, visibly on edge, were examining the place like it was going to fall down on them but did not voiced any complaint. The luxurious succession of three rooms Lora showed them was composed of a massive bedroom with a large bronze basin, a living room with multiple armchairs and a sculpted wood table, alongside a low shelf filled with books, and finally an antechamber endowed with a metallic fireplace and sofas. Light was provided by magical stones embedded in the walls, another luxurious commodity most of the castle lacked. The overall wealth of the place was easy to understand if one considered who was the previous owner: the witch Evelyn, late mother of princess Camilla. No one have been using it since her death, making it the perfect place to host the envoys.
''This is too much, majesty. Thank you for your generosity.'' Said the priest, bowing.
An almost inaudible snarl, one that could have been missed if it was not for the acoustic of the place, came from the male samurai.
''You worm, what did you just said?'' Exclaimed a guard, angry at what was likely an insult from the Hoshidian swordmaster.
''This does not concern you, Nohrian scum.'' Scornfully retorted the Hoshidian.
Tension immediately started to build-up, shattering the fleeting impression of quietness and tranquility that have lingered until then, mutual animosity laid bare between Nohrians and Hoshidians as both side were about to draw their weapons.
''Quiet.'' Firmly decreed Lora, making the guards instantly sheath their half-draw weapons.
The samurai didn't move, keeping his gaze filled with hostility high and proud. Again that overwhelming vanity that Lora witnessed so many time in those people, the same one that made them kill themselves to avoid capture or the shame of defeat. For an instant she considered executing the offender on the spot to avoid further complication.
''Idaten, we came at the order of Queen Mikoto to draw the war to an end! Apology this instant!'' Dryly reprimanded the monk, striking the ground with his staff and actually shaking the samurai.
''But... My... My apologies, lord Zenma, for... my disrespectful attitude.'' Reluctantly said the man, looking down. ''I swear it will not happen again.''
''Then I will overlook this incident for the sake of our parley.'' Concluded Lora, looking the man down before waving at the priest. ''Settle down. Should you need anything, the guards will call servants.''
She left after the old monk bowed one last time, followed by the two royal guards as she walked back to the throne room. She learned enough for now from her brief interaction with the Hoshidians. Zenma was actually level-headed and patient as his station would indicate, and Lora was quite sure he was the best kind of person Hoshido could send. The swordmaster, Idaten, was just as prideful as any other samurai and already made an incident. Maybe Garon could find a way to exploit it. The royal retainer, Rena was her name, seemed more composed than her companion, not having said a single word since her arrival, but there was no mistaking her gaze. The gaze of one who would have fought thousand times over trying to negotiate.
Once more, Lora wondered what kind of person could be Queen Mikoto to wish peace, in spite of everything that happened between the two kingdoms. In truth, she had something else in mind too. She heard of the wild rumors and stories that came along her ascension through her informers. The most persistent ones made her either a descendant of the Fire Dragon or a witch. And those were the dullest, so she decided to just ignore them altogether. But now, the reaction of those Hoshidians made her curious. What did the rumors and tales made her in the land she fought against for almost a decade?
LINE BREAK
''Idaten, you have to control yourself better. One word from their Queen and we would have all died for nothing.'' Quietly chastised Reina.
In the living room of the apartments given to them, the two Hoshidian warriors were taking shift in the middle of the night. Deep into what was the heart of the enemy territory, it was unthinkable not to do as such. Who knew what treachery the Norhians were actually preparing under their apparent willingness to negotiate. They did kill Sumeragi as he was visiting Cheve, a cowardly assassination that only them would dare to.
''My deep apologie, lady Reina, but I just couldn't stand it. To see lord Zenma act so smarmy toward that... Monster.'' Spat Idaten, disgust and hatred mixed into his voice.
''I know. I fought there too.'' Said the royal retainer, reminiscing.
The Battle of the Red Plains, the one that happened years ago. It was at this occasion that they discovered in person the creature fighting alongside Nohr, and the memories were still haunting many others. Reina had been in the sky alongside her fellow Kinshi knights, slaughtering those wretched wyverns as the ground forces were slowly cornering the enemies. Then it happened. A deafening conflagration resonating like thunderclap in plain skies, frightening her Kinshi and making her look below. That was when she saw it. A figure engulfed in red flames, standing in the middle of charcoal corpses before jumping into the fray, killing hoshidian by the dozens and burning the very ground it stood on. That abomination alone disrupted the vice and allowed the Nohrian King to escape, spreading death and fear everywhere. The monster even spread its fire to the sky and incinerated some of her comrades when they tried to attack it, before escaping as the ground opened.
''My master Shingetsi was killed this day. I found his remains fuming, his swords melted, burned without a chance to even fight. I cannot forget that sight, I cannot!'' Muttered Idaten, hands clenched. ''And now, I learn that this demon is their new queen...''
There have been rumors about it before. Rumors of a creature of fire and destruction that helped the Nohrian in battle. No one believed it. Not until that battlefield, where it left behind the unrecognizable corpse of a hundred soldiers. In mere days, rumors inflated that Nohrian summoned a demon to fight alongside them, until the identity of the being was discovered by chevois spies, encouraging the rumors even more. To many, the mysterious warrior that seemingly appeared from nowhere in Nohr was not human: it was a demon of flames, an Akuma summoned by Nohrian sorcerers to fight Hoshido. Reina have found herself inclined to agree with those rumors, and all the more so after seeing it face to face. The shine in that woman's eyes was no mere reflection.
''I would love to kill her myself.'' Said the blue haired retainer with the dangerous smirk she was famous for. ''But I trust Queen Mikoto. If her offer manages to quench those barbarians, then we will live in peace at last.''
''Isn't the heavenly barrier of Queen Mikoto enough? They cannot attack us anymore. At most we would have to clean the borders of the Bottomless Canyon once in a while.'' Mumbled the samurai.
''It may be enough, but her majesty wishes for peace. If we can have it, then I am willing to endure much more than that.'' Reina said.
''I am the Queen's vassal. Whatever she desires, I shall strive to make it happen.'' Agreed Idaten.
Silence followed the declaration of the royal retainer, before Reina switched place with her subordinate, taking her turn to watch while he went to sleep. Tomorrow, the negotiation would begin. Unknown to everyone but herself and Orochi, the other retainer of the Queen, there was one mission she had been specially asked to do. There would be no better opportunity than those talks to find about Princess Corrin. And maybe, if there was a chance, to take the kidnapped daughter of Mikoto back.