Chapter Three: Part Eight

Two days later…

Potsfurt

"Your Highness." Yasmine quickly entered the dining room holding an envelope. Brendan knew what she was about to say though before she continued. He would recognize the seal on the envelope anywhere. "This came from Blutkrieger, from His Majesty The King."

Brendan took the letter and quickly read it. The words on the page made his stomach clench and his throat tighten. He clenched his jaw and stood. "I'm being summoned back to the Capital."

Yasmine's brow rose in shock. "I see," she said. "Shall we call the deputy to oversee the city again?"

"We have no choice. His Majesty didn't specify what defenses to leave Potsfurt with." Without another word he stormed out of the dining room and towards the stairs.

Yasmine took a moment to glower at the letter before hurrying after his charge.

Blutkrieger

Three days later…

Kerime looked upon his charge with trepidation. "Are you sure about this, Your Highness?"

Vahan nodded, straightening his shoulders as he surveyed himself in the mirror. There didn't seem to be a day that went by anymore where he wasn't suiting up for battle. Now, though…now he was doing it to make a statement. He looked at Kerime. "I'm giving you an out. You don't need to follow me with this. I'll release you from your duty if you think I'm making the wrong choice."

Kerime narrowed his eyes and stepped forward. "I'm going to support you to the very end, Your Highness. That is the oath I made when I became your assist. Out of all my siblings, you are the one who had treated me like a true brother. Because of you, I do not feel illegitimate. I feel like one of your full-blooded siblings."

Vahan reached out and clapped him on the shoulder. "That's because you are my brother," he said firmly. "You're more of a brother to me than my full-blooded brothers. That will never change, Kerime."

Kerime's naturally hard expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"But we should be prepared," Vahan said, his tone sobering. "His Majesty has summoned Brendan back here, in addition to the Lordships and Ladyship from all around Zelant. I do not know if this is because of our conflict with the Bianca Alliance or—whatever it is Astraea is currently doing. But with this many witnesses present now is the time for me to act."

"…The package," Kerime said. "The one that arrived nearly a week ago. They said that it came from—her."

Vahan frowned. "Perhaps. Whoever it came from, Sir Albert is hiding it."

Having worked daily with the Intelligence Bureau, Vahan had seen firsthand the ever-building frustration amongst the agents that not only was intel not being actively shared with them, but it was being suppressed from being shared with them. Vahan shared in their frustration, as it felt like they were lacking a lifeline with all the conflicts that were going on. How were they supposed to deal with war with the Alliance, and Astraea's treason, if the very people who were supposed to be collecting intelligence were being prevented from doing their jobs?

Something didn't feel right. Vahan didn't quite know what was wrong, but he didn't like it. He didn't like the secrecy from his father or Sir Albert, especially when both were expecting him to put his life on the line to defend their country. So after careful deliberations, Vahan had come to a difficult decision. Something strange was going on. And if his own father wasn't going to tell him…

I need to protect myself, and Philomena, and all the soldiers who serve under me. This is not the ideal time, but…I'm going to challenge Father to Royal Combat.

There was a sudden knock at his door. "Your Highness," a voice called out. "The last of the lords has arrived. His Majesty the King has summoned all royals to the Onyx Chamber."

Vahan looked at Kerime and nodded. "I'm ready. We'll let His Majesty say his peace, and then I will issue my challenge."

Kerime nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."

The pair headed towards the Onyx Chamber, and when they arrived they found it filled with people. He saw Sarka, Benedict de Lancret, Reilly Krieger, and even Norma from the Magic Guild amongst the crowd. Then he saw Brendan and Kion standing at the front with their assists standing behind them, and Vahan hurried over to join them. "Hello, my brothers," he greeted them.

"Hello," Brendan said tersely.

"Hmm," was all Kion said.

Philomena and Aravine were the last to arrive, and Philomena took her place at Vahan's left as King Franz entered the Chamber, Albert trailing behind him. Vahan's heart began to pound in his chest but he kept the outward appearance of calm. He knew issuing a Royal Combat challenge would enrage the King—and his siblings would be angry with him—but he felt that it was a necessary course of action.

My siblings will understand. And maybe…maybe when I triumph I can bring my other siblings home to end this conflict.

He had sided with the King out of necessity, but he couldn't ignore the discomfort he felt at seeing Sigrun, Denzel, and Astraea as enemies. Sigrun was his older sister—someone he had always looked up to—and while Denzel sometimes got on his nerves he was still Vahan's little brother. As such he somehow felt responsible for Denzel's rebellion. And Astraea…

"Thank you all for coming so promptly," Albert announced from the dais once King Franz took his seat. Vahan did not linger on his thoughts. "His Majesty the King has called upon all of you to act. In this dire time, when we are in conflict with a condemnable nation, His Majesty received this notice."

Albert suddenly raised a roll of parchment high and shook it out to unroll it. From his position Vahan couldn't read the writing, but he saw the handprint at the bottom of the page. A handprint of blood. And he saw a signature next to the handprint, and unlike the text above (which had been written in pen) this signature was also written in blood. Vahan's stomach clenched, and a feeling of dread swelled inside him as the realization dawned on him.

Albert confirmed his fears when he reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a glove. It was a woman's glove, but Vahan knew whose glove that was.

"The traitor, Astraea Reiser—who was responsible for the Massacre of Innocents—has issued a challenge for Royal Combat against the King," Albert announced.

A stunned silence swept over the Onyx Chamber. No one spoke, even gasped in shock. The silence lingered for a few painful moments before Philomena suddenly burst into laughter. Vahan, Kion, and Brendan's heads simultaneously snapped to look at her, but they saw the pain in her expression as she tried to smother her laughter with both hands. It was clear that she was laughing out of shock.

"Astraea Reiser may be acting to buffer the charges of treason against her," Albert continued. "For as this is an official Royal Combat challenge, His Majesty the King is compelled to respond. But as we all know her treason, it is clear what this challenge truly means; this is a ploy for the Bianca Alliance to claim control of the Kingdom of Zelant."

The murmurs of shock finally filled the Chamber. Vahan locked his jaw and clenched his fists. He looked at his siblings and he saw that Brendan looked angry, Kion looked different, and though Philomena still held her hands over her mouth she seemed to be fighting back tears.

"We cannot allow this to stand," Albert said. "His Majesty will not step down from any challenge, as he answered the challenges of his two other children—"

Brendan shifted when he said that. "But because His Majesty knows what this challenge means," Albert said. "His Majesty is calling upon all of you to reaffirm your loyalty to him. Astraea Reiser will never beat him, but any victory made by her is a victory for the Alliance. A victory for the people who butchered our children."

Vahan looked over his shoulder, his eyes searching for Sarka. He spotted his half-sister three rows of bodies back, but to his shock his Sarka did not look resolute. Or even angry. She was frowning, but…he thought he saw conflict in her expression.

She tried to kill Astraea rather than turn her in. Because of what happened to Milo. Does she look guilty for defying Father's orders, or…

"We will crush the Bianca Alliance," Albert said. "But this—" he pointed to Astraea's challenge. "Proves how dangerous Astraea Reiser is. To crush the Alliance…we must crush her. It is your duty—as citizens of Zelant and servants of the King—to join His Majesty in answer this Royal Combat challenge. You are hereby called upon to fully take arms against her, and to ensure that she is stopped."

Murmurs broke out across the Onyx Chamber once more, but to Vahan's surprise they weren't murmurs of agreement. The words that filtered over to him sounds confused, and…impatient? In a way, he saw their point. Royal Combat was a natural right of any legitimate Reiser heir. No matter the loyalty to the Crown, interference with Royal Combat was an affront to the foundation of the Kingdom. Because loyalty was not to the sovereign solely; it was to the position of the sovereign. To ask the lords and ladies of Zelant to take up arms against Astraea after she declared the Royal Combat challenge was almost tantamount to suppression of the succession process. It was truly tantamount not to the workings of a kingdom…but the workings of a dictatorship.

But are we not a dictatorship? After all…the King's word is law.

"You are hereby called upon to present yourself to His Majesty here and now and you will pledge to destroy Astraea Reiser and all her allies," Albert announced, pointing to the spot directly before the King. "If Astraea were to best the King, then this country will be absorbed into the Alliance. We must do everything we can to stop this from happening. Prince Brendan, Prince Kion, Prince Vahan, and Princess Philomena. You will each come forward first."

There was no room for argument or debate. King Franz was demanding loyalty of everyone, and he was demanding before the eyes of all. Vahan felt a surge of anger swell in his body and he clenched his hands into fists at his side. He was supposed to challenge the King to Royal Combat! But Astraea did it first, and now he could not!

Damn you, Astraea! You've put me into a terrible position!

But Brendan stepped forward to make his pledge with Yasmine. Then Kion with Gwenette. Vahan looked at Kerime, but they stepped forward. He knew that any sign of hesitation would be taken the wrong way. But it was a great struggle to keep his emotions in check as he knelt before the dais and vowed to support the King.

You have no chance against Father, Astraea. I have a better chance than you! But you have ruined things for me!

After making his pledge, Vahan rose and turned to join his siblings. "Vahan!" King Franz called out suddenly.

Vahan frozen in his tracks, and his heart leapt into his throat. He swiftly turned to face his father. "Yes, You Majesty?" he asked.

"Did you really think I wouldn't notice?" King Franz continued, his eyes narrowing. "I am not blind, you know."

Vahan's breath hitched, and he couldn't stop his eyes from widening in shock. He knew. His father knew about his plan. But how?!

King Franz suddenly pointed, but not at him. At Kerime. "Your assist's hair is clearly longer than twenty-five centimeters. Why has he not gotten his required haircut?"

Vahan quickly looked at Kerime, relief flooding his body. He hoped that it did not show in his expression. "I apologize, Your Majesty," he said quickly, looking back at the King. "Kerime will get his required haircut once we are done here."

King Franz nodded curtly. "See that he does. I am sick of reminding Kion and you to mind your assist's hair length. You are grown men; act like it."

Vahan felt heat flood his face from the admonishment, but he was too relieved to feel offended. "Yes, Your Majesty." He saluted and turned to return to his spot between Kion and Philomena. He saw that Gwenette's face flushed from embarrassment and and Kion's jaw was locked.

"Princess Philomena," Albert said, motioning her forward.

"Y-Yes," Philomena said. Her steps were hesitant as she approached the dais, but as to be expected neither Albert nor the King admonished her for it. Vahan wasn't surprised. After Philomena and Aravine made their pledge, one by one the nobles of Zelant stepped forward to swear fealty. Try as he might though, he couldn't the turmoil inside of him. The frustration. The…anger.

It was supposed to be me who issued the Royal Combat challenge. Now thanks to Astraea…I'm stuck in this position where I must continue serving under Father. Serving under someone who will not tell us a damn thing of what's going on!

"What will you do?" Kerime asked. They were in the hallway of the Royal Apartments.

"Nothing," Vahan rasped, shaking his head. "That is all I can do, isn't it?!"

"Vahan!" Philomena hurried over to them with Aravine. Her forced attempt at cheer was both painful and irritating to Vahan. "Father wants us to do some planning together!"

"Later," Vahan said dismissively, and then stormed away. Kerime gave them a nod and then walked away.

Philomena sighed quietly. "He's angry."

"He is," Aravine said, and left it at that.

"Your Majesty—" Yasmine said.

"Don't," Brendan said, shaking his head at her. "I know what the outcome will be. Astraea has no chance against Father. She never has and never will. All her actions have done is doomed this country to a civil war while we attempt to fight a foreign enemy."

Yasmine nodded. "Are you all right?" she asked. It was only because they were alone that she asked him this.

Brendan shook his head. "I haven't been all right for a long time, Yasmine."

Kion did not say a word until they got back to his chamber. The moment Gwenette closed his door though, he rounded upon her. "I need you to promise me."

"Your Highness?" Her eyes widened in shock.

"I know you like Astraea," Kion said. "But now we must truly take a stand against her. This isn't about bringing her in to answer charges of treason—we must definitively kill her. And I need you to promise me that you will back me up in this."

Sorrow filled her expression and he wavered slightly. But only slightly. Kion reached out and clasped her shoulder with his good hand. "Promise me, Gwenette!" he said sharply. "I need you to say it out loud! My father has been looking for any reason to get rid of you as my assist! Promise me right now—when we take her down, you will not hesitate! If you are given the opportunity, you MUST kill her! Do you swear, Gwenette?"

She didn't want to do it. He could see it in her expression. It was always a point of contention between them; Astraea. Gwenette liked her and cared about her. While Kion…

She caused so much pain. So much chaos. I hate her. I hate her so much!

But Kion didn't want anyone else to be his assist than Gwenette. That was why he needed the affirmation of her loyalty.

It was a long moment, but Gwenette finally nodded. "Yes," she said quietly. "If we face—her—on the battlefield, I will not hesitate to kill her."

Kion nodded in kind and let her go. He turned away from her. "I'm giving you a free day. You're working too much and you need to rest."

"I'm fine, Your Highness—"

"You're not," Kion interjected, looking at her over his shoulder. "Go back to your room and rest. That's an order, Gwenette."

Gwenette nodded stiffly and saluted. "If you wish Your Highness, I will do so."

Kion waited until she was gone before walking to his table. He picked up one of his chairs with one hand and threw it against the wall. The chair made a loud crashing noise, and one of the legs broke off before it fell to the floor. Kion didn't care. He was too angry to care.

How many people are going to die because of you, Astraea?! He clenched his jaw and slammed his fist against the table. You should have NEVER been born!

He exhaled sharply, his tone shaky. He glanced towards the ceiling. "At least I can avenge you now, Mother," he said softly.

In the courtyard in front of the Eisenblütig, Sarka stood with her head ducked and her arms crossed. She was silent, and frowning deeply.

"Lady Sarka." The familiar sound of accordion music filled the air as Benedict de Lancret approached her. "Are you all right? I understand that this must be a terrible time for you."

Sarka said nothing. "I cannot say I know what happened when the rebellious princess came to Triona," Benedict continued. "But if you would like a sympathetic ear, then I am available to—"

"Excuse me," Sarka said abruptly, and then she stormed away towards the city.

Benedict watched her go and gave a toss of his head. "Poor woman. The loss of her beloved brother has had a profound impact on her."

Ernst waited until they were alone before he said anything. "This is turning into a terrible mess," he said softly.

"Yes," Norma confirmed, shaking her head. "The claims by Sir Albert seem…lofty at best and unrealistic at worst. I sincerely find it hard to believe that an eighteen-year-old girl concocted such a conspiracy!"

"But you made a pledge to the King," Ernst pointed out.

Norma laughed humorlessly. "I did. Not that any of us had a choice."

Ernst nodded in agreement. "So what will you do?"

Norma smiled at him, but it was a painfully said smile. "I will support the Crown. That is what I pledged to do."

Alone in his Blutkrieger residence, Reilly Krieger in his sitting room holding a framed photograph. It was a picture of Darko; one that had been taken just before his departure to Harmonia. He scoffed harshly and shook his head. Tears threatened to sting his eyes, but he held them at bay. He shed enough tears when he saw Darko's body after the Massacre. His son, so full of promise. He had his whole future ahead of him. But instead of making his mark on the world, he was butchered by cowards.

Butchered by a selfish, treasonous princess.

Reilly swiftly stood up and went to the cord next to the fireplace mantle. He yanked it hard, almost ripping it from the ceiling as the bell rang. A maid quickly ran into the sitting room. "You called, Milord?"

"Get me my page," Reilly told her, returning to the couch. "I need to send a letter." But as the maid hurried from the room, he finished the sentence silently in his mind.

To Harmonia.

One day later…

"Your Majesty."

Astraea came down from her tower to the main hall with Dawa when David raced towards her. His eyes were wide. "Come please, Your Majesty," he said. "Zelantan soldiers are approaching from the forest!"

Astraea's heart leapt into her heart. She quickly looked at Dawa. "We need to evacuate the city," she said. "Bring our allies into the castle and prepare a siege!"

"Wait, Your Majesty," David said, raising his hands. "It's not just soldiers. It's civilians as well. We should go out and greet them first and foremost."

"What's this about soldiers?!" Sigrun and Denzel raced down the stairs from the second floor, their assists behind them.

"Apparently both soldiers and civilians have emerged from the forest and are on their way here, Your Highness," Dawa said. She looked at Astraea. "We don't have the numbers for such a threat, Your Majesty."

"That's why I suggest we go and see them first," David said. "See if they're coming to invade…or join us."

It seemed risky. Astraea looked at her siblings and they looked. She looked back at David, and though he still seemed shocked he also seemed resolute. After a moment's contemplation she nodded. "I'll go out and see them."

"I'm coming with you," Sigrun said.

"As am I," Denzel said.

"Nin mel, are people invading?!" Brownie flew over and settled upon Astraea's shoulder.

"We're going to find out," Astraea said. "Let's go, everyone."

"Ah, would you like me to come Your Majesty?" Viki called out.

"No, please wait here Viki."

Astraea formed an active party with Dawa, Sigrun, Denzel, Ferdinand, and Musashi. She had David and Brownie as support party members before they left the castle and hurried into the Old Capital. It did not take them long to reach the main gates of the city, where Viktor stood Dr. Tieling and Zerase. "H-How did you get here so fast?" Astraea exclaimed, looking at Zerase in shock.

"I move quickly as needed," Zerase said bluntly.

"She just appeared out of nowhere," Viktor said. "So, what are we gonna do about these invaders?"

"Astraea wants to see them first," Sigrun said.

"Hopefully they're not here to kill us all," Denzel muttered.

"I think what we should do is leave the city," Astraea said. "And greet them before we get too close. If things go south we can retreat and prepare for a siege."

"Good idea," David said.

"You always agree with her," Viktor laughed.

David shrugged. "I'm doing what a good strategist does."

"Can you guys stay here and be the lookouts?" Astraea asked.

"If I must," Zerase sighed.

"I'm still learning how to fight with my left hand," Viktor said, tapping his right arm. "Go on ahead. But be careful."

"I'll stay here on the ready for any injured," Dr. Tieling said.

"I must stay as well, nin mel," Brownie said, flying off her shoulder. "As a House Pixie I must watch the city."

"I understand," Astraea said.

"You're so sweet to your betrothed," Denzel teased her. Astraea pinched him hard in the side.

The royal and their three assists ran out to greet the incoming mob. They faced minimal enemies along the way, but they were quickly dispatched with a combination of several unite attacks; Astraea and Dawa's Sworn Protector, Sigrun and Ferdinand's Heavy Protector, Denzel and Musashi's Swift Protector, as well as Royal Family E (which was Astraea, Sigrun, and Denzel) and Royal Family F (which was Astraea and Sigrun). They made quick work of any monsters that crossed their path.

It didn't take them long to meet the mob. David muttered to himself as they approached and Astraea looked at him. "I count 300 in uniform," he said. "And double that with the civilian numbers."

"Wait!" Sigrun said suddenly. Her eyes went wide. "Those soldiers—!"

"Heeeeey!" Denzel suddenly shrieked, and broke free from the group and ran towards the group. Sigrun raced after them, and Astraea peered closer at the faces of the soldiers. Her heart leapt into her throat and she cried out. "They're ours!"

It was the soldiers that were part of their war battle units. One hundred to each royal. Denzel reached the group first and threw his arms around a random man and woman. When they returned his embrace, relief further flooded Astraea's body. She suddenly felt emotionally overwhelmed and her breaths came out quick and sharp. "It's them," she whispered. "My soldiers are there, David!"

David smiled as he stood beside her. "Looks like they come in peace."

The massive group came to a stop, and in a sudden wave they all began to kneel. Prostrating themselves before the royals before them. Shouts of loyalty and fealty floated over to them. "Y-You all defected?!" Sigrun exclaimed.

"Forgive us for the delay, Your Highness," one soldier shouted to them. "We needed to secure the safety of our families before we could join you!"

That explains the civilians, Astraea thought.

"We KNOW our princess isn't a traitor!" another shouted.

"Yes!" another yelled.

"I'd rather serve HER as Queen than that bastard as King!" another added.

"So you all know?" Astraea asked.

Everyone began to speak at once as they all rose. The voices overlapped, but Astraea understood what was going on. Her father had definitely received her challenge for Royal Combat. But his response was to order the entire country to mobilize against her and crush her before she could fulfill the challenge. She wasn't surprised, but…it was no less painful.

Father…you truly won't ever stop until I'm dead, will you?

"Everyone pledged to the King?" Denzel asked.

"Yes, Your Highness!" came a reply. "Even the other royals!"

Astraea closed her eyes and exhaled sharply. David had been right when he told her that issuing the challenge was the point of no return. The line had been drawn, and people chose sides. The soldiers who served under her command while Brendan, Vahan, Kion, and Philomena…

They chose Father. Now it's not just me against Father; it's me against them all.

She opened her eyes and looked around. She found herself smiling. But…at least I'm not alone.

"Thank you all for your loyalty to me," Astraea announced, raising her hands. "And I will not forget this sacrifice you all have made for me. While I only sought to challenge the King for the crown, it's clear now that the challenge isn't enough. The King is involving the entire country in this, and so I must respond in kind. I must respond with an Army of my own. Having all of you with me will ensure victory."

The soldiers cheered and civilians hugged each other. Sigrun and Denzel mingled with their soldiers. David clapped his hands together. "It's not surprising that the King respond to your challenge by escalating so drastically, but now we truly have a good starting place for this army."

Astraea nodded. "I made a claim for my own survival, but the way that man is handling it shows that a lot needs to change here. There needs to be reformation. And—I want to be able to do it."

"You'll succeed, Your Majesty," David told her. "And as you seek reform, you should call your army what it is—the Reformation Army."

"The Reformation Army." Astraea smiled as the words rolled off her tongue. "I like it. And I'll need to live up to what that name means."

No matter what, she needed to. There was too much at stake. Not just her life, but the lives of now hundreds of people. She could not fail.

It was somewhere. He knew it was.

Albert's very private office was a mess. Books and loose pages were strewn all over the floor. He thought he had brought it with him. He wrung a hand through his bangs and scoffed harshly. "Where is it?"

"Awww, did you lose it?"

The familiar voice sent a chill down his spine. But he kept the outward appearance of calm and turned to face her. "Lady Windy," he said, keeping his tone cool and professional. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Windy smiled thinly. "I doubt it."

"What brings you here?" Albert asked her, his tone forcefully polite.

Windy held onto her smile as she moved closer. She idly stroked her ponytail before she spoke. "I'll do it," she said. "But only if you ask me nicely."

Albert's brow rose. "What do you mean?"

Windy laughed mirthfully. "You know exactly what I mean."

End of Chapter Three