Author's notes: I am back ! This took so much time to write, I was hoping to get it finished at least two weeks ago... Sigh. School doesn't really leave much time. Thank you all for your patience.
pt1of: As always, I am eternally grateful for your support and beta-reading. The Ice Tribe won't disappear from the story, and the two sister even less. No, Soul of Cinder can't absorb power like that, like you said they follow different rules. Lora will show her magic at some point, for now she never felt the spells she knows could have helped. Group fight is better taught by soldiers, Lora is a better fighter than soldier.
Spartastic 4: Glad you find it great! If you could develop on what sort of details do you feel are lacking, it would be interesting to know.
kerrowe: I'm happy to hear it interested you ! The ring of the sunlight princess that Lora gave to Azura continuously regenerate its bearer. The effect is not that powerful, but it give at the same warmth and comfort.
With that said, I hope you will enjoy this new chapter ! If you liked it or want to help me improve, please leave a review ! Good reading !
The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 12
''I worked hard on it! Please mother, come!''
Lora kept a straight face as Corrin tirelessly pulled her hand, following the excited little girl in the corridors of the dungeon. Despite just finishing a training session in which she was thoroughly beaten, the princess seemed determined to display how much she progressed with the piano.
''Do not strain yourself in your enthusiasm, little princess.''
''I'm fine! I wanted to show it to you for a long time!'' Chirped Corrin, her red eyes full of anticipation.
So much energy, thought Lora with a little smile. Was it how her own mother saw the hyperactive child whose wish was to join not the clergy but the knights? Although Corrin had still to progress a lot before being even called a squire. For all her stamina she lacked strength and most of all, discipline. But maybe if she was actually serious in learning her piano lessons, then maybe the princess will learn to show the same seriousness in her other actions. The corridor finally ended after a stair, leading to the quiet little library where the princess did most of her studies. It had been previously used as depot but raising the kidnapped daughter of Sumeragi in the Northern Fortress forced Lora to make some new arrangements.
''Your majesty, I wasn't aware that you would be present in today's session.'' Apologized the princess's tutor as they approached.
''At ease, lady Lorelei.'' Reassured Lora. ''The princess simply wishes for me to witness her improvements.''
The answer didn't seem to reassure the plump middle-aged woman, who curtsied deeply in her ostentatious yellow dress. She had been once one of the most popular musicians of Nestra some years ago and Garon recruited her with a heavy price. Lora was curious to see if that musician actually deserved her reputation and generous wages.
''We will start with the same score we studied last time. If you can do it well enough, we will advance to the next one.'' Said the music teacher.
Corrin nodded with uncharacteristically serious eyes, sitting on the three legged seat in front of the piano. Biting her lips, she started to play. The melody was slow with long and emphatic notes, a very simple score. A lone dissonant note came out, making lady Lorelei frown. There was no other until the score ended, but the teacher told the princess to do it again. Which Corrin did, and this time she played her piano without a single error. Still severe but apparently deciding the performance was acceptable, the tutor placed another musical score in front of the princess.
This time, Corrin took a little longer to read and memorize the sheet before starting. Breathing slowly. The score was more complex but not overly, a slow, almost melancholic piece that Lora let herself appreciate. A string of long notes marked its end, leaving only silence as the princess anxiously raised her eyes.
''You seems to have finally worked seriously.'' Commented the tutor.
Corrin deflated, lip tight and shoulder low at the implicit reproach. It didn't surprise Lora, who knew all too well how the girl could oppose resistance to what she saw as a hassle. It made all the difference when she did dedicate efforts, just like she obviously did. The lesson continued. The princess had to play at various speed, the tutor often correcting the position of each finger, then using only the left or right hand. Sometimes the teacher would show the desired result by playing herself. Multiple time Corrin sent brief look to Lora, as if asking if she was doing good before immediately dive again into the exercise. The lesson lasted about an hour before lady Lorelei ended it.
''For our next time, princess, you will have to play the Ballad of Old Days seamlessly.'' Said the woman with an austere look. ''I also expect you to keep doing as much effort as today in the future.''
''Yes, lady Lorelei.'' Nodded Corrin in an exhausted voice as the tutor turned to Lora.
''Is your majesty satisfied with how I'm teaching her daughter?''
The queen nodded. Despite Lora's small knowledge of music, she could see the musician was obviously a competent teacher, and it did not escape her that when the lady played, it was as much to show the princess what to do as to demonstrate her own skill. Sending lady Lorelei away, Lora turned to Corrin, still sitting on the stool in front of the piano with expectant and anxious eyes.
''You did well, little princess. I enjoyed your music.''
Corrin beamed brightly, eyes full relief and joy. Before the queen could react, the princess was already close, hugging Lora tightly. With only a small hesitation, Lora ran her hand in the long hair of the princess. It took Lora some time and a little talk with prince Xander before understanding that the girl was making a lot more effort when she was trying to impress her, something that she felt strangely ashamed of not noticing sooner.
''Your siblings must be back from their patrol. Wait for them here, will you?'' Asked Lora when Corrin stepped off the hug.
''Can't I see them in the courtyard? ''
''Do not be so hasty, little princess. Maybe next time.''
''You said that last time. And the time before too!'' Pouted the princess.
She... did. Why was the child memory so sharp for those things and so empty when it came to some of her lessons? Weighting the possibility, Lora found herself hard pressed to reply with a single argument against the desire of the princess. She had to hear reports of the royal children patrol, and having Corrin accompany her would likely not impede it. In fact, it could give her an insight of some of the duties that would become hers later. Lora's reluctance seemed less and less rational the more she thought about it...
''Very well, little princess. But do behave.''
It was only because of her speed that Lora managed to grab the girl before she could flee, bringing her to a more measured pace by her side as they left the library. The queen herself had been surprised by how fast Corrin could be running away. Especially when the little princess avoided wearing shoes. Lora had to severely insist before having the princess wear shoes out of her room, and Gunter reported that the princess still didn't follow through when she was absent. The old knight was a model of patience and strictness, but even him seemed to slowly give up on that matter.
Arriving into the courtyard, Lora noticed something unusual. Surrounded by a group of soldiers were two kneeling men bound by ropes, more likely peasant according to their ragged clothing. Corrin gasped silently with curiosity, gripping the hand of Lora with more strength. The queen approached, noticing prince Xander coming out of the stables and shifting her path to meet him as the soldiers bowed.
''Queen Lora, my men caught those two inside the forest, with a deer on their back.'' Said the eldest prince, answering to the silent question. ''According to the guard, it is the second time.''
His now deeper voice of young adult added weight to his words, a voice she now found to be very close to that of his father Garon. Lora gazed upon the two criminals prostrated on the ground, noting the gashes in their clothes and the reddish bump the bigger one had on his head. That one likely resisted.
''Are your siblings here yet?''
''No, queen Lora. But I assume they will be there shortly.'' Said Xander, a hand resting on the pommel of Siegfried.
''Then dispense justice quickly.'' Decreed Lora.
The crown prince nodded and turned to his soldiers. As he went to them, Lora felt her arm pulled.
''Mother? Why are those people tied up? What is big brother...'' '' Asked Corrin, eyes filling with incomprehension.
''Poachers. For their crime, they will be hanged.'' Replied Lora as the prince and his soldiers were taking the two criminals outside, their plea of mercy ignored by all except the child.
''Hanged?...'' Repeated the princess before it dawned on her. ''Why? If they are hungry, why can't they hunt? They were just searching food!''
''Hunting deer is reserved to nobility. You should be remembering this from your lessons.''
''But it's unfair!''
''Corrin.'' Said the queen with a severe voice, stopping the juvenile indignation. ''That is how it is, and I will not tolerate further protests on the matter.''
The princess fell silent, obviously displeased but wisely choosing to cease her tantrum, only showing it through her pouting face and little too strong grip on Lora's arm. The queen, hearing the flap of wings, ignored that little rebellion, preparing herself.
A handful of wyverns came from above the rampart and landed in the western side of the courtyard, signaling the arrival of princess Camilla. The eldest princess came down her mount, petting it on the head and scratching its ears before walking toward Lora and Corrin, flaunting her purple hair.
''Oh, my sweet little sister, why such a sad face?'' Said Camila with a caring voice as the child ran into her arms.
''Mother is mean.'' Mumbled Corrin just high enough for Lora to hear it.
''Don't worry, your big sister is here.''
Lora sighed internally as the eldest princess deliberately ignored her, and took the opportunity to call an officer, instructing him to send more patrols into the forest. Poaching was becoming more frequent lately, and the northern roads have been especially calm in term of banditry. The guard could be redirected toward that last matter. A moment after she dismissed the officer, the sound of hoof trample rose from beyond the wall. Lora saw with satisfaction a large number of soldiers pass the gates with at their head the princes Xander and Leo. Both of their forces must have joined in town, before or after hanging the two criminals.
''Princess Camilla, your brothers arrived. Let us move to a more appropriate location for hearing your reports.'' Said Lora to the purple haired girl currently pinching the cheeks of Corrin.
''As you wish, queen Lora.'' Answered the elder princess politely yet almost absently, taking the hand of her little sister for the walk.
A few moments later, the royal children were gathered inside the far more private and comfortable quarters of the fortress commander. Or rather, the quarters the fortress commander was leaving to the queen, or more rarely the king, when they were in visit. A single desk with papers, ink and a quill were occupied by a butler supervised by Lora, while the princes and princess were standing a few feet apart of each other. Corrin was still in the hand of Camilla, who was with Leo just behind Xander. The eldest prince naturally positioned himself at the front, and he was the first to talk.
''Except those two poachers, nothing stood out in the forest paths. The soldiers weren't reluctant to go deep inside, probably because of the lack of banditry since a few years, and I have to commend their discipline.'' Summarized the prince.
''There wasn't anything interesting up there, except the winds were very calm. It was agreeable to feel a little sunlight for once.'' Said Camilla before again focusing on arranging Corrin's hair.
This report was going to be short, thought the queen as the butler plunged the quill into the inkwell between quick writings. But it was to be expected. The now usual presence of royalty within the wall of the Northern fortress encouraged the soldiers to intensify their efforts. And because the royal children led them during their stay, they worked even harder in the hope of getting eventual favors, be theirs, or that of the queen.
''Prince Leo, have you anything to report?''
''… No, this is nothing.'' Said the young man, his short hesitation not avoiding the attention of the queen.
''I alone will decide if it is truly nothing, young prince. Speak now.'' Asked Lora, forcing the blond prince to move a little more forward from his withdrawn position behind his siblings to speak.
''Yes, queen Lora. The attitude of the townspeople was tense. They seemed wary of me and my soldiers, almost scared sometimes. I do not recall such reaction during our last visit at the Northern Fortress.''
This made the queen's gaze sharpen as she looked at the butler, who wrote those last words a little more slowly. She trusted the insight of prince Leo, and it meant the peasantry was not as calm as the fortress commander pretended. She would have to hear more details about it, and her loyal soldiers in the fortress were going to speak very soon... Taking the scroll, Lora spread a drop of wax and apposed her seal on the piece of parchment, dismissing the butler.
''Good. Princes, princess, is there anything you wish to add?''
''They should have been left.'' Muttered Corrin to the annoyance of Lora, understanding clearly what she was talking about, and to her surprise it was the eldest prince that talked first.
''Little sister, it is our duty to uphold the law. You may not like it, but that's how it is.'' Explained Xander patiently to the girl. ''They knew what they were doing was wrong, little princess.''
''Had they searched for lesser game, they would have been fine. They simply suffered the consequence of their own actions.'' Said Leo stoically.
''But...But...'' Stuttered the little girl, highly distressed that her big brother didn't support her.
''Shhhh, calm down my dear. Just forget it, okay? It's not worth seeing you so sad.'' Insisted Camilla, hugging her sister tight.
Lora stayed silent as the siblings disabused and comforted Corrin at the same time. In a fleeting moment of uncertainty,
''All right. Little princess, stay with your siblings for now. Princess Camilla, I trust you to take care of her.'' Finally spoke the queen, standing up.
''Of course, queen Lora.'' Politely nodded the young woman.
Leaving the room, Lora took the direction of the barracks. She wished prince Leo only saw a passing moment of discontentment among the populace. The current fortress commander had an exemplary record, and it would greatly disappoint to learn that his management of the land suffered from brewing resentment...
The close council, or rather the rearranged close council in which prince Xander and princess Camilla replaced the deceased traitors Richard and Agnes, was unusually quiet. Matters were brought one at a time by diligent heralds, and little talk was made between each. A quietness that Lora savored for how rare it was, and how easier it made to take actual decisions instead of hearing endless debates and negotiations.
Maybe this morning would be dedicated to more than just paperwork. And thus despite one recurring subject that always took much time than its worth: the eternal disputes of lords and ladies over lands, and accusations of raiding from one to another. It was no secret that half the "banditry" of the kingdom was made of mercenaries sent to plunder resources in a way or another, but catching the culprits seemed as impossible as finding someone able to properly smith titanite. The most that was done was usually to kill the raiders, burn their base of operation, and possibly recover some loot.
''Father, those taxes asked are quite absurd in proportion. If our dear merchants wish to compete with hoshidian products, why don't they make some efforts instead?''
''Wise words, princess Camilla. Fifty percent for all good coming from Hoshido? Surely this is a jest.''
The words of marquis Alex sparked a glint of approval within Garon's eyes, but only Lora caught it beyond the impassible expression he was showing as usual. The opening of Hoshido to a trade, regardless of how limited it was, had a lot of consequences. And among them, the arrival of a commercial competition that led countless merchants to complain that their trade was in ruin, and demand increased taxes on the imported goods. A bother that Lora thought the sovereign wouldn't have to handle, since the lords were the one to decide such things in their territory. But the merchants united to send a collective request directly to the king, forcing the matter into their hand. For the fourth time.
''To impose further taxes on the trade with Hoshido would ruin the entire point of them opening their border to our merchants. I would advise to ignore them as well.'' Agreed duchess Rose.
Iago kept his mouth shut, to the greatest pleasure of Lora. Only prince Xander was still deep in thought, but she hoped he would share what seemed to be the consensus. Since next to no hoshidian merchant would ever set foot into Nohr, those who brought hoshidian products were nohrian who made the entire journey from Nohr to Hoshido, then back to the black kingdom. In the queen's eyes, to put further pressure on those who were able to trade reliably with hoshidians the food the kingdom was sorely needing would be the epitome of foolishness. Every other merchandise was just a bonus.
''Father, I think it is not as absurd as it sounds.''
This time Garon noticeably turned his gaze toward his son, making the whole room attentive, all eyes looking at prince Xander.
''Some products from Hoshido are not so rare anymore, and they are threatening our craftsmen's work. Our weavers for example simply can't rival hoshidian's.'' Explained the eldest prince calmly.
''Then, prince Xander, what do you propose?'' Asked the marquis, joining his hands and leaning over a little. ''Raising taxes may discourage our merchants, and their contribution is currently invaluable to the current prosperity we are experiencing.''
Or more accurately, his own prosperity. It was no secret that of all the lords, marquis Alex was the one who benefited most of the commerce between the two kingdoms. His lands edging the Bottomless Canyon were the easiest passage and it allowed him to wholeheartedly tax every single passage, although she knew from the soldiers that he only did to a fairly low extent. A smart decision that discouraged people to use riskier, longer paths, and was enriching him consequently.
''I would propose to increase taxes of those problematic products specifically. Not much, but just enough to balance the price from our craftsmen and that of hoshidian goods.''
''With all due respect, prince Xander, your proposal is very unlikely to do anything but create smuggling.'' Pointed the duchess with a little wave of hand. ''Worse, it could promote laziness among the populace.''
Lora turned toward Garon and shook her head slightly. The king nodded in answer, silencing everyone.
''There will be no changes in the taxes toward hoshidian merchandises. This is our final decision.'' Decreed Garon.
Frowning, Xander stayed silent as his proposition was rejected. He has been approached a lot by minor nobles, remembered Lora from the report she received. Minor houses which were very dependent of trade over lands for their living, appealing to the prince magnanimity... That would explain how the merchant voice reached the council so easily multiple times.
''The last tribute from the Ice Tribe included a small amount of colored mosses and green weed. It appears cultivation was a success, your majesty. '' Spoke the messenger, who seemed quite content not to announce bad news upon bad news like he sometimes had to.
''Good. In which proportion?'' Asked Lora, trying to hide how much she was eager to hear the answer.
''Mostly white and purple, along very little purple and green blossom.''
''Have them stored in the castle for the royal physician.'' Decreed Lora to another herald, who bowed before leaving.
This idea was ironically coming from Iago himself, or rather one of his less than subtle taunt. She had been comparing the strength of her purple moss to other antidote frequently used with the help of the royal physicians, trying to find a substitute to avoid finishing her reserve entirely.
None of them seemed to function as efficiently, or at least none that wasn't exceedingly rare, which would defeat the whole point. Same for the green blossom of Faron. The main problem of the mosses and the green blossom was their difficult cultivation. They only sprout near lakes and died quickly at the slightest heat or heavy rain, and the green blossom furthermore bloomed only once a year. She cared little how Iago learned it, only that he let out some low remarks about her "failure of gardening". But it was at this moment that she realized that Nohr now controlled a place where the conditions were ideal - The Ice Tribe.
''Lowering the tribute in exchange of so little does not seem very profitable.'' Snarled Iago in a low voice.
''I have to admit, your majesty, that I am very curious about the capability of those medicinal plants. Are they so potent that it was worth lowering the tribute of the Ice Tribe?'' Asked the duchess Rose as if Iago hadn't talked, making the dark mage scowl dangerously.
''They are.'' Succinctly said Lora, signifying her unwillingness to speak of it longer.
The tribute was not the biggest concern. If the tribute was lessened, the Ice tribe would likely be a little less inclined to have rebellious thoughts. As for the mosses, the nobility had no business in those. She destined them to the royal children first and foremost. Even thought they were not meant to go anywhere alone like some stray mercenaries, having some of those could save their life.
''Next topic is an invitation. From the dukedom of Izumo, at the intention of king Garon and queen Lora, to celebrate... The Archduke... His fourth time winning... the Best... Hair Award?'' Announced the herald with stunned disbelief, scroll in hand.
The silence was deafening. Lora could not have heard it right. It must be a counterfeit. A sabotage. Wordlessly, the herald bowed and gave the scroll to Garon, pale as snow before the frown of the king. After a moment examining the scroll and more importantly the seal upon the document, the king spoke.
''The seal is genuine.''
A snicker escaped the marquis. The rest of the council seemed to hesitate between stunned silence and following his example, but Garon still looked at the piece of parchment with calculating eyes. Lora was becoming curious, and slightly concerned. Was there something inside this invitation that escaped her? Izumo was, from what she learned, barely noteworthy. A small coastal kingdom in the south of Hoshido's eastern part of the continent, not unlike Notre Sagesse in its neutral attitude toward the rest of the world. It was admittedly renowned for its healers and medicines, but the queen knew better than thinking such insignificant things could be the concern of her king.
''Father, as amusing as this missive is, it can't be anything else than a trap. It would be better to simply ignore it.'' Finally said princess Camilla.
''I concur. Though if this contest truly existed, princess Camilla would have won easily.'' Flattered the duchess, her own long light-green hair moving elegantly as she bowed slightly.
''Silence. '' The king abruptly interrupted, freezing the two women. ''Iago, you will send spies to Izumo to prepare our coming.''
''At once, great king. I applaud your wisdom in this decision.'' Said the sorcerer, apparently understanding why the king was adamant in his decision.
The puzzled look of Lora crossed the one, determined, of Garon, promise of later explanations. One thing that was certain was that that Xander would have to rule on his own for the time the king and herself went to Izumo. There was no doubt that the crown prince was ready this time.
''Allow me to speak, my lord.'' Declared Iago, his long and skinny fingers running on the stone table. ''My agents recently talked of troubles in Cheve, a revolt in the making around the southern regions.''
''And why do you bother us about it? The local lords should be quelling that.'' Contemptuously waved the duchess.
''Of course, of course, they should be, but they are so short-sighted that I have to deal with it myself.'' Answered Iago with just as much disdain. ''I spread the rumor that some of the rebels are actually on the side of Nohr and directed their effort into tearing each other apart. I simply felt the need to inform our majesty about this and ask for his wise judgment.'' Finished the sorcerer in a honeyed tone.
Damn those chevois, thought Lora. Even though they were conquered by Nohr, the complicity of the chancellor of Cheve made the conquest quick and without much bloodshed, their famous three companies of knight finding themselves already beaten before being able to assemble their strength. A rebellion would likely lead to the death of many farmers, which would directly impede one of the main reasons of the conquest: to secure another source of materials and food. Subduing Cheve also crushed the very last bastion of influence Hoshido still possessed on the western part of the continent. If a rebellion broke out, Hoshido could regain a footing. That was not acceptable.
''It would be an honor to crush those rebels. Your highness, please allow me.'' Asked the marquis eagerly.
''No.'' Denied Lora, an inspiring thought blooming. ''There is a simpler solution, should our court mage provide correct information, that is.''
The snarl of Iago approached dangerous territories, almost hostile. But unfortunately, the worm controlled himself and answered politely.
''Well then, your majesty, what do you wish to know?''
''Does members of the three companies of knight provide the core of the rebellions?''
''… According to my spies, it does appear that some members of the three companies of knight are supporting those rebels. What do you seek to do, your highness? Execute every single of them?'' Sarcastically proposed the pale man.
''The three companies are to be disbanded. Their members will be scattered into Nohr and included into as many different units as possible. None of them shall remain in Cheve to support this futile revolt, which will collapse without them.''
Garon hummed thoughtfully for an instant before nodding appraisingly the proposal of the queen, shutting in the throat of the sorcerer any kind of protest. The marquis seemed disappointed too, but not enough to voice it against the king.
''The council is dismissed.'' Decreed Garon.
The lords left first, then Iago, and finally Camilla. Only Xander remained, silent and waiting.
''Speak, my son.''
''Father, I must ask why you are insisting on going to Izumo. Even if we are not at war with Hoshido for now, it feels like a trap they could have prepared. I simply don't see why you would take such risk.'' Explained the crown prince, as serious and frowning as his father.
The resemblance was more and more remarkable as time passed, almost a mirror of Garon's younger years. But Lora could very well see some differences from her memories. The prince was softer, his features less sharp, his nose more narrow. He also inherited more of his mother's nature: calm, circumspect and rational, unlike the more passionate man that Garon was before.
''Xander, do you know why the Principality of Izumo is called the kingdom of the gods?'' Asked the old king with expecting eyes.
''I was taught Izumo is rumored to be the land where the First Dragon first came. That the Dragon Veins are stronger there than anywhere else on the continent, that it is the home of the greatest healer of the world, and that it has never been in a war alongside anyone despite having friendly relationships with Hoshido.''
''Hum, good. But there is one thing very few know. The ruling family of Izumo is said to descend directly from the gods, their blood almost pure of any mixing. The truth of this is unimportant. What matter is that Izana, the current archduke, is said to be able to predict the future without failure. Izumo may be worth very little, but an invitation from the archduke is an opportunity.''
All ears, Lora could not help but remember the words of the Rainbow Sage. He said that he knew everything, including the future. Was that archduke similar to the sage? Or maybe, was the Rainbow Sage a god of this world? She thought they all disappeared as spirits, or so what was she read in the royal library. Nonetheless, Garon's intent was now obvious and Xander left with a small bow.
''If the archduke does not live up to his reputation, this will only be an immense waste of time.''
''I am aware of your disdain for soothsayers. But the archduke predictions are famed for being infallible, if somewhat obscure.'' Pointed Garon, rising from his ornamented throne before gallantly offering his support.
Holding Garon's hand as she got up from her own throne, Lora couldn't help but brush over the wrinkles around his strong palm. He seemed so old, so tired when he was not maintaining the kingly composure. It was unfair.
''Do you still wish for us to duel this morning?''
''A certain defeat in exchange of seeing your smile still seems fair enough.'' Smoothly replied Garon as they walked out. ''Or since our journey to Izumo will be by boat, should I offer you swimming lessons in addition?''
''… This was devious. Devious and unkind, my king.'' Groaned Lora as her husband chuckled teasingly.
Is she purposely trying to annoy me, or is it simply that this woman couldn't allow anything to escape her control? Thought Camilla as her unwavering smile concealed her feelings. The eldest princess displayed an elegant and mature attitude, something perfected from very young age that she now perfectly mastered. A necessary behavior to survive in the dreadful court that almost killed her in childhood, and still tried sometimes. But she also added just the right amount of her opinion inside her tone, just enough to make people understand if she was appreciative, disdainful... Or, like now, positively irritated.
''Queen Lora, the choice of my retainers is mine. And my dear Beruka have done nothing to justify such harsh words.''
''Yet it is my responsibility to watch over who you choose as retainers, princess Camilla. I will not blindly allow a girl whose I do not know the combat abilities to be your retainer, something you forgot to tell me for quite a long time.''
An entirely intentional choice, Camilla wished she could have said as she challenged the burning gaze of the woman in front of her. The training ground was currently empty of soldiers, entirely reserved to her present training. Training that was delayed by the annoying insistence of that woman to judge her lovely little Beruka. The poor girl was silent as usual, her blue-gray hair falling upon her feature and hiding her steel colored gaze.
''Must we waste our time like this, queen Lora? Since assure you that my little Beruka is perfectly fit, why don't we start this training?'' Argued the princess, falsely carelessly rising her battle axe.
''Not before I test your retainer.''
The stubbornness of that woman... Camilla smile widened as she closed her eyes to hide the irritated glare she would have sent. She would never let her Beruka being bullied like this.
''Well then, you wouldn't mind having me fighting alongside my retainer. It is only normal for a retainer to be alongside her lord on the battlefield, isn't it?''
''… Very well. Prepare yourself, princess.'' Agreed lady Lora, stepping back to set up a distance.
''Beruka, darling.''
''Yes, lady Camilla.'' Dispassionately answered the little girl.
Beruka was wearing an old armor of Camilla, one that didn't fit her anymore in all sense of the term but was a near perfect fit for the retainer. The eldest princess was now fully grown, even taller than her older brother who still hadn't finished his own growth, her voluptuous forms attracting many envious gazes. Her little Beruka in comparison was quite small, even accounting that she was younger than her liege. Focusing on the upcoming battle, Camilla noted that Beruka was already shifting on the side to get a better attack angle, her own axe in hand.
A brilliant flame erupted before leaving in the grip of the queen an immense double-bladed battle axe. Pitch-black with the blade ornamented with gold, as tall as its wielder, it seemed impractical at best, yet Camilla had seen the formidable strength and speed it had under the hand of lady Lora. However, this was practice. The queen never went into the offensive first, and even less with a weapon of this size, instead using it as a shield before crushing the opponent with a counter-attack.
Camilla sent a fire spell first. The fireball was blocked by the axe of the opponent, but the princess capitalized on the blast to advance quickly. Her weapon swung but was stopped short and she had to jump back to avoid a violent strike. The queen made a large backhand swing and Camilla deflected it, but the queen kept spinning and took the handle with her other hand in an overhead smash that missed by a hair, damaging the stone ground. The princess took the opportunity to strike in turn as her opponent was open... only for the black axe handle to be shoved into her stomach, the shock unbalancing Camilla despite her armor...
Abruptly and with a speed unlike anything before Lora turned around as Beruka attacked her in the back. Lora bashed away Beruka's axe then chest with the small shield on her left arm. At the same time the steel-eyed retainer was thrown violently on the ground Camilla recovered and threw a blow with all her strength, the battle axe going toward the neck of lady Lora... Only to be parried and pushed back by the dark axes large blades. The queen rolled away to place herself to face both the elder princess and Beruka who had just stood up.
Camilla lifted her hand and prepared a stronger spell. As the queen was about to rush her down a whistle signaled the throw of a dagger from the side. Lora dodged at the last moment the blade in a roll as Beruka jumped in front of her mistress in a defensive stance, her thrown succeeding in slowing down the queen. Lora's blow slammed the girl's weapon away and pushed her aside, but gave the princess enough time to finish the spell. A circle of runes appeared around the queen before detonating... The dark blade of the great axe stopped a hair away from her throat.
''Enough. Stand down, both of you.'' Commanded the queen, showing no damages from the blast.
Slowly Camilla lowered her axe, accepting her defeat. She never had any real hope to win in the first place. The queen once handled both her and Xander at the same time, and that was still burning in her memory. A servant approached and was about to use a staff of healing before Camilla shown him her poor Beruka. The blue-gray haired girl was wincing in pain, her right arm was hanging uselessly.
''She fights like an assassin'' Criticized lady Lora as Beruka was being healed, eyes severe. ''Where did you find this girl?''
''Why, she came to me and I engaged her.'' Smiled Camilla.
Camilla remembered vividly. The dark of her room, alone with a dagger hidden in the sheet and another under the pillow. The girl slowly advancing toward her, blade in hand, eyes dead and empty. Repeating the same words endlessly, like a doll whose wind-up mechanism had broken.
"I can't return until you're dead. I can't return until you're dead. I can't return until you're dead. I can't return until you're dead."
Sweeping the memories away without losing her composure, Camilla waited for the queen to voice her opinion, although it wouldn't matter much. Beruka was her cute, stoic little retainer. Maybe Father could be swayed to her side even...
''She fought well, and took blows for you.'' Finally said lady Lora still looking at Beruka intensely, her tone became more appreciative. ''She will do.''
''Of course, she will.'' Insisted the elder princess as her smile turned proud.
''However, I would like you to inform me if you are thinking of taking another retainer. I will not accept anyone inadequate into this position. Is that clear, princess?''
That woman. Why didn't she take more time looking for herself, and less meddling into other people's business? And why couldn't she simply leave her precious baby brothers and sisters to her care instead of interfering every time? At least, the little trip to Izumo lady Lora was going to do very soon alongside Father would spare Camilla her presence for a time.
''As crystal, queen Lora.''