Let me explain, through wet eyes,
things my tongue cannot utter,
but ink may begin to describe,
What jubilance my soul once ice feels,
as dead branches are cast aside,
All making room for a sprouting joy.
Madeleine’s heart stopped. She could only stare at Yvette and her outstretched, accusatory finger.
“Don’t be absurd,” King Abel shouted from across the room. “Explain yourself at once, Princess Yvette.”
The proud blonde stood up straighter, her nose in the air. “Ask the queen yourself. She and the stable hand used to meet secretly right under your nose, and may still be to this day.”
Everyone looked at the queen who appeared unphased.
“What an outrageous accusation!” King Abel yelled, red in the face.
King Adrian waved a hand for silence. “Have you any proof of this claim?” he asked calmly.
She grinned. “I told you, you need only ask her.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Antoine snapped, but Adrian motioned for him to be silent.
“Nicole.” King Abel’s face was pleading as he addressed his wife. “Explain to everyone that none of this is true.”
For a small moment, something flashed in the queen’s eyes, and Madeleine was uncertain she had seen it, save for the expression that crossed her father’s face. “It is not true,” she said firmly. From the look her father gave the queen, Madeleine was sure that he knew she was lying.
Prince Bryson’s mocking voice cut in. “If it were true, I would never associate myself with the bastard of a stable hand.”
“Silence!” Adrian commanded. “I will not have royalty slandered in my courtroom. There is no proof these rumors are in any way true. Unless you have any, Yvette, I suggest you retract that statement at once or dire consequences will be placed upon you.”
For a moment, she looked frightened but reclaimed her composure quickly. “Since the queen will not speak, I do in fact have proof.” She slipped a hand into her pocket, pulling out three slips of paper, and Madeleine knew that nothing could save her now.
“These are some of the messages they exchanged with one another. There’s a secret code that means nothing to me, but I’m sure if you were to compare the stable hand’s handwriting with these you would know—”
“That’s enough.” King Abel approached the princess, his hand extended. “Give me those at once.” She put the papers in his palm, grinning. To her and Madeleine’s confusion however, he put them in his pocket without looking at them. “I can bear no more of this. If there is to be an interrogation of my dear wife, and that is if there will even be one, it will occur in my own kingdom, and not whilst visiting a neighboring country. I cannot place this issue in the hands of the king of Nebrasia when Nicole is the queen of Andveltica. It would be extremely indecorous.”
He nodded to king Adrian who returned the gesture.
“Either way,” Yvette butted in, sounding desperate, “a rumor like this cannot be ignored until it is settled, and even now, it will soon spread across Elderian and hang over her wherever she goes.” She looked directly at Madeleine. “She will not be wanted at court any longer, that much is certain.”
“It would not diminish her worth in any way,” Adrian replied boldly. “The matter is not settled as of yet, and whether these rumors are true or not, the sin would not be her own anyway.” Madeleine blinked at that. He glanced at her, and even through his kingly stare, she could see compassion in his eyes.
“These rumors are indeed disturbing,” King Abel said, “but seeing as though they come from a spiteful soul, I doubt they have any truth to them.” Yvette’s jaw dropped slightly. Though her father sounded confident, Madeleine could not shake the look previously in his eyes.
“Thank you, King Abel,” Adrian said.
“I will more officially resolve the rest of the matter when I have returned to Andveltica.” As King Abel sat down, he had to push past Yvette who remained in the center of the room next to her father, seething where she stood.
“Sit down at once,” King Jean commanded.
Yvette hesitated but was left with no choice but to slowly make her way back to her seat in muted complaint. She gave Madeleine a look of utter hatred, and the Andveltican princess used this time to utter a silent prayer for things yet again not ending in disaster.
“King Jean,” Adrian continued as the king of Cappeland remained standing in the center of the room, “I hope there is no resentment between our kingdoms.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Not in any way, King Adrian, in fact I hope you can accept my apology on behalf of my daughter for her crass, disrespectful behavior. It will not happen again.”
Yvette opened her mouth, closed it, then folded her arms, looking away in anger.
“No need. It is already forgotten.” There was tiredness behind Adrian’s eyes now.
“I had hoped there would be a wedding in the making during our stay here, but things do not always go as planned.”
“Actually,” Queen Nicole interjected boldly, “I would like to speak with you privately concerning the matter of a marriage, King Jean.” Madeleine watched her mother curiously. “Perhaps you do not have to give up quite yet on this particular prospect for one of your children.” Nicole glanced at the rows of chairs, and Madeleine followed her eyes to see Courtney seated next to Amabel in the crowd. The bastard princess glanced away shyly.
“I am intrigued, Queen Nicole,” King Jean boomed. “I will gladly meet with you afterwards concerning this matter.”
She nodded in response.
Adrian stood. “Unless there is further information, I must ask that the council stay behind for an urgent meeting to be held in ten minutes. This trial is adjourned.”
The crowd slowly began rising from their chairs. Queen Nicole immediately approached King Jean and they went to a secluded corner to talk. Queen Adele joined them, and Madeleine watched the three of them with overwhelming curiosity.
“Madi, may I quickly speak with you?” Adrian asked in a hushed tone, approaching her.
She searched his face, then nodded, realizing that she could now speak freely with the king without fear of Yvette’s wrath.
They came closer together for a more intimate conversation.
“About what you said in the garden,” he began gently, “about me making the marriage decision for myself…” He looked down humbly. “No one has ever told me to think of myself first before. It meant so much to me when you said it.”
“Is that why you decided to refuse Yvette?”
He nodded. “I also wanted to discuss the proposal I offered you.”
Pain crossed her face. “Adrian, the things you said…”
“I know. I was being controlled by fear and I was selfish with your heart. I hope we can mend things.”
“I…” she began carefully, glancing away. Her chest tightened at her next words. “You must understand, you broke my heart. I am glad you found your courage, I truly am, but,” she bit her lip, then gave a small exhale, “I cannot court you again or except a second proposal.”
Something flashed across his face as his chest heaved. “Oh, Madi…”
“I had already accepted we were not going to be together, Adrian—"
“N-no, it’s alright. You do not have to explain.” He looked down, obviously trying to maintain his composure. “I understand, and I’m so sorry I did not accept you earlier. Things could have been different.”
She considered him. “You made your choice, and I made mine, but we may remain friends, if that is what you wish.”
“Yes, I wish that.”
Duke Bourgeois came up to them then, looking determined. “My Lord—”
“A moment, Duke Bourgeois,” the king snapped. “The meeting will begin soon.” The man blinked, then bowed before leaving them. He sighed, looking back at her. “I never have a moment.”
There was a pause.
“Will you be alright, Adrian?” she asked softly, considering his defeated expression.
He fully summoned back his decorum. “Yes, of course. Do not worry about me.”
She searched those blue eyes then nodded.
Prince Antoine approached them . “We should begin, Adrian. Everyone is seated and waiting.”
“Alright. I’m coming.” He took her hands and brought them to his forehead slowly, closing his eyes as he did, then walked away.
Madeleine watched him, knowing the rejected king was putting on a show of stoicism. She wished there was more she could do, but of course, she could not.
That’s when her eyes took notice again of her mother who was still talking to the king and queen of Cappeland.
Queen Adele had a scowl on her face, but King Jean was beaming with delight, shaking Nicole’s hand, and smiling. Duke Adam then approached them, and the king and queen nodded, said one last word to each other, then made their way towards the other council members. Queen Adele was left to stand in the same spot, glaring after them, her face twisted into bitterness. She left the room in a huff.
The members sat in their usual order, though some had to grab a few chairs from where the audience sat to accommodate for the location change.
“Thank you for joining me on such short notice,” Adrian began. “I believe we have much to discuss.”
“Should we be concerned, Your Highness,” Count Alexandre began, “that Venwick will strike soon?”
“Vauquelin would know the answer to that,” Prince Bryson said. “We should have him brought back, ask him more questions.”
There was a grunt of agreement.
“Vauquelin is being interrogated as we speak,” Adrian said, “however, I already have some news on the matter. This morning before the hearing, I was informed that Venwick has massed on the border between Tyrus and Nebrasia.” Many of the members began to object, but Adrian raised his hand impatiently. “The group looks to be the more trained Venwickin soldiers we’ve seen in the past, though it was reported that they have nothing of real sustenance to eat. It is safe to say, they are eagerly waiting to begin battle in order to scour Nebrasia in search of better food.”
“What are we to do then?” Duke Adam asked, his voice wavering.
“It is too late to amass the army consisting of our combined forces as we originally discussed, King Adrian.” It was King Abel who spoke. “Why did you not call the council together sooner? We could have saved time.”
Adrian looked at him calmly. “I did not have the time to call a meeting and made a decision on my own. The order has already been carried out.” The council listened in tense silence. “Messengers have been sent out to the East Nebrasian castle to gather supply wagons and load food to be moved to the Tyrus border. Since we had already been sending food and supplies to East Nebrasia after the Tyrus situation, it will not be difficult to amass a significant amount. The Venwickin soldiers will be offered filling meals as a peace offering. Those willing to accept, will be offered full citizenship and also jobs in the fields to help yield crops and provide food for the extra mouths.”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“King Adrian, you have not thought this through.” Duke Adam shook his head as he spoke. “Even if the soldiers wanted to cross into Nebrasia and accept this offering, the leaders would not allow it.”
“That’s right,” King Abel chimed in. “Not to mention, this simple offering will not be sufficient to stop them. We need some sort of backup plan.”
Adrian nodded. “A special envoy will be sent with food, spreading word of the promise of more as well as stable jobs. A few will be sent the first few days until hopefully much of the army dissolves. When this happens, we will have sent our own army and they will have arrived in order to deal with the more hardened Venwickin troops. This is where you all come in. We must decide who will be sent, how many, and soon so they can be sent out immediately.”
There was silence as they all stared at him.
“King Adrian,” Queen Nicole spoke for the first time. “This is a simple, yet well thought out plan. It is smart as well as caring to the Venwickin soldiers. Can we be certain it will work?”
“I do not doubt him,” Madeleine said. “Venwick is desperate and hungry. I do not believe many wish to be a part of this war, and simply want a decent meal.”
“That’s their plan, though, isn’t it?” her brother interjected. “Venwick is using their hunger as a weapon against us. They would do anything to fill their bellies.”
“Then their plan shall be used against them,” Antoine said. “I say we take the best soldiers from each country and send them to the front as soon as possible. Let’s work together quickly and get this done. All of Elderian is depending on us.”
Many of the members nodded. Though the intensity in the air thickened, they were all unified and ready to take action.
“What of Les Oiseaux Libres and the weapons they received from the castle?” Duke Adam asked.
“We will learn more of their whereabouts and numbers after Vauquelin’s interrogation,” Adrian replied.
“So, that’s it then? We just hope they do not revolt after finding out their Great Liberator is in the dungeon?”
Madeleine thought of the group that had amassed at the abandoned church and how unsure they were in supporting Vauquelin’s vision. “I believe without Vauquelin leading the group,” she said, “their anger will peter out and the organization will fall apart. The people here in Nebrasia do not want a war. They said so in that Les Oiseaux Libres meeting. All they want is food and finances for their families.”
“I will make sure the hungry are fed and that more jobs will be open and available to Nebrasians and Venwickin refugees in need,” Adrian stated.
“What of the weapons?” Count Alexandre asked.
“They may keep them,” Adrian radiated confidence as he spoke, “and perhaps one day they may join the royal guard. If we can tackle the larger battle on the border of Tyrus, the small rebellion in Nebrasia will indeed peter out.”
“I have confidence in your plan, King Adrian,” the count said. “I will stick with you until the end on this one.”
“That goes for me too, Your Highness,” Queen Nicole added, and many others began declaring their allegiance to the Nebrasian king.
King Adrian looked at all of them with great determination and pride. Madeleine smiled at him as he glanced her way, giving him a simple nod. His expression melted slightly but despite the earlier rejection he’d sustained, he returned the gesture with a polite nod of his own.
♛♚♛
Madeleine left the large courtroom, her thoughts racing.
While the monarchs would be very busy making decisions the next several weeks, all the princess could do was wait for updates and speak up during the meetings. Adrian’s plan was a good one, but was it enough? She did not know, and neither did anyone else.
She breathed out a shaky breath. As she rounded the corner to make her way to the dining hall, a hand was placed gently on her shoulder.
“Madi.”
She turned to see Antoine smiling gently at her. “Oh, Tony.” She searched his face, unsure of what to say.
He pulled her into a hug, and she felt some stress alleviate. Neither said a word, but stood in the hallway, embracing. “Are you doing alright?” he finally asked.
She stared into his shoulder, a sadness looming over her. “Everything is going to change, isn’t it? What if Adrian’s plan does not work?”
They pulled out of the hug. “Then we will make a new plan. We’ll get through this. Also, since this new predicament, all the council members are going to stay longer, which means you do not need to leave soon anymore.”
Her face brightened. “I know. I’m so glad of it.”
“We’ll have more time to be with each other.” Her eyes darted up to his, and he smiled again.
“Yes, we will.” She placed a gentle hand on his cheek.
A slight commotion made them both jump, and they looked down the hallway.
“They approved it!” Amabel exclaimed, coming into view while pulling Courtney along, then stopping to take her by the hands. “You and I—”
The Cappeland princess was interrupted as Courtney took her face in her hands and kissed her on the lips. Amabel blinked in surprise, then closed her eyes, sighing into the gesture.
“I suppose it worked out for them after all then,” Antoine said, chuckling.
The sound of his voice made the two princesses break apart in shock.
“Madi, Tony,” Courtney exclaimed, her face bright red. She cleared her throat. “When did you both get there?”
“We were just on our way over to dinner,” the prince mused, grinning at them as he walked over. Madeleine followed him. “Our deepest apologies for interrupting.”
The red would not leave her cheeks. “W-we were just on our way as well.”
“Of course,” he replied smugly.
Amabel reached out and squeezed Courtney’s hand. “We are to be engaged before we leave Nebrasia,” she blurted out, and Madeleine’s jaw dropped.
“Amabel…” Courtney sounded embarrassed, the flush spreading to her ears.
“Oh, that’s so wonderful,” Madeleine said, hugging her sister.
“Now I can live with Amabel in Andveltica,” Courtney said cheerily.
“I’m sure many opinions will be thrown around,” Amabel began, looking down.
“Their opinions do not matter,” Madeleine said firmly, pulling from the hug to look at her. “This decision is for you, not them.”
Courtney smiled at her sister warmly. “We’ve both grown so much since coming here, haven’t we?”
She nodded, looking back at her. “Several months ago, you were sick and wondering if you’d ever overcome the endless illnesses, and now you’re as healthy as can be and found love no less. I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy for you too. You get to remain in Nebrasia longer, and I know how much that means to you.”
She smiled at her gently, and Antoine came to stand by her, offering his arm. “I think we’ve delayed dinner long enough, don’t you?” he said gently.
Amabel offered her own arm to Courtney who took it.
The four of them walked together, and though Madeleine still felt uneasy about the future, she knew she would not be facing it alone.
~Three Years Later~
“Tony, no! The last tart is mine!” Madeleine elbowed Antoine in the side as she snatched the pineapple pastry out of his hands.
“Hey! You’re supposed to share with your husband.”
“Seeing as though they are my favorite, I think you should share with your wife.”
“You are both so rowdy,” Adrian butted in, quietly eating at the head of the table, his expression unreadable.
A large, ornate red cloak was draped around his shoulders and blond bangs hung in his downcast blue eyes.
“Don’t worry, Adi,” Antoine said, taking the tart and cutting it in half with a knife, “one day you’ll find a woman you love, and then we’ll see how reserved and quiet you are then.”
“Don’t say that Tony,” she hissed, lightly hitting his arm before taking one half of the tart. “Courtney already pesters him about finding someone so that we can ‘all be couples.’ I have to keep reminding you two that you sound just like my mother when she was trying to marry me off to men I couldn’t care less about. No one likes matchmaking.”
The blond king’s corners turned upward. “Thank you, Madi. You do bring some sense back into the castle.”
“Adi, you know you’re referred to as the virgin king in Fernshire?” Antoine commented. “It’s been two years now since Madi and I were married.”
“So, what?” he replied irritably.
Antoine blinked, his expression softening. “I actually think it’s rather admirable that you’ve stuck to ruling alone until you find someone you actually love. It’s quite brave.”
“I agree,” Madi chimed in. “And your heart will know when you’ve found someone you love ever so dearly. There’s really no rush.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
There was a pause.
“Madi,” Antoine said, taking her hand. “Did you want to finally tell him?”
Adrian blinked up. “Tell me what?”
“Yes, I’m ready now, Tony.” She hesitated. “I received news about Justin Chevalier. As you know, King Abel could have easily put my mother away or even beheaded her with little to no evidence of the alleged scandal between her and Justin, but he never did call a hearing, since ‘having looked at the proof and finding it faulty,’ he ended the matter. Father loves her so dearly, I believe he could never do anything so awful to her.”
“Yes, I remember.”
She breathed out. “Well, there’s something I learned several months ago, from Queen Nicole, concerning Justin Chevalier and his death.”
His mouth dropped slightly. “Death?”
She looked down as she spoke. “He’d attempted to see her again, having sent one last letter. He was apparently stricken with disease and knew he would perish soon, so he went to travel to see her once last time. However, on his journey to Andveltica, he was killed by roadside men.”
“Oh, Madi…”
She swallowed. “His body was found and buried by the queen’s order. This is not public knowledge so please, do not repeat what I have told you. You and Antoine are the only ones who know.”
“Of course. Madi, that’s awful.”
“I wondered why he would do such a thing, but I remembered, one of the last things he said to me was that he could never love another but her, no matter how much time had passed.”
Something in Adrian’s chest seized up as he blinked at her, the words piercing his heart. He swallowed before saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss. I really am.”
“Thank you. I wish I did not have to tell you these things, but I trust you and I thought you should know.”
He nodded mutely in reply, unable to meet her gaze.
“Well, that’s enough gloomy talk for now, I think,” Antoine said, sipping from his goblet.
She grinned at him. “Yes, there’s much better news to report. Oh, Adrian, you’ll be so happy to hear that hundreds of Venwickin refugees have begun settling in the mid and southern Elderian countries, all thanks to you.”
He perked up slightly. “Oh, I do like to hear that.”
“Ever since you began offering them food and medical aid, it has been much easier on the Venwickin people.”
“You’d think,” Adrian began, “that Cardinal Vauquelin would be pleased to hear that Venwick is doing better, but as you know, he would have preferred to be put to death than watch Venwickins become Nebrasian citizens.”
“Despite his reaction,” she said, “I believe you have done amazing things as King of Nebrasia since your rule began. I still find myself inspired by you.”
Adrian was thankful to see a messenger quickly walk into the room, saving him from embarrassment as a small blush spread over his cheeks.
“King Adrian,” an almost hysterical voice rang out. “King Luc requests your presence immediately. It is of great urgency that you do not delay.” Adrian made eye contact with his brother and they both stood from their chairs.
“Madi, please excuse me,” Antoine said quickly, and she nodded, her face full of worry.
The two brothers hurried after the messenger, making their way to their father’s chambers. In a few moments they burst through two heavily embellished double doors to enter a lavish bedroom. They rushed to King Luc’s bedside in the middle of the room.
“My sons,” a withered voice spoke hoarsely. “Come closer. There is not much time. Everyone else, leave me.” The servants and guards in the room quickly left.
The eldest son trembled as he took King Luc’s hand in his, and Antoine sat on his knees beside him.
“Father, what is it?” Adrian asked. “Are you feeling worse? I will send for a doctor—”
“No.” The gray-haired man with sunken eyes squeezed his hand. “There is nothing to be done. You must listen to me.” His chest heaved up and down with raspy breaths. “There is something you both must know.”
“Father, please,” Antoine’s voice broke. “Let us send for the doctor.” A frail hand was placed on the younger brother’s cheek.
“Listen. You must know the truth about your mother.” They both blinked, and the withered king took a moment to cough. “She did not die from a disease of the lungs. It was something far more sinister. She found something during her travels for lost Alchemist relics. I do not know what it was, but she returned with a strange device embedded in her stomach. She died soon after from the device's effects, but she begged me to never tell anyone of the means of her passing if she did not make it. She uncovered something. I don’t know what, but it was something big.” He coughed again before continuing. “I want you two to have something of hers. It’s in the drawer beneath my bed. Take it. Quickly.”
Antoine frantically opened the drawer his father mentioned, reaching his hand inside and pulling out a strange diamond shaped device. Adrian took the device into his hands, staring at the perfectly etched lines that wound around the object made of what looked like black glass.
“I-it’s a relic!” he exclaimed.
“This relic is what was embedded in Gabrielle, causing her death,” King Luc said. “It has since been dormant, having closed up after fulfilling its purpose.” Adrian dropped it on the ground in shock. “It has never opened again since as long as I have kept it. She said it held the key to the mystery of the ancient Elderians. If you want to know what your mother found, all clues left behind would be in her book. Lift the floorboard from beneath your feet and you will find it there.”
Adrian stared at him, unmoving, and Antoine too could not seem to move, his eyes locked on the object on the ground. When a cough seized the aged man once more, his voice was barely audible when he said, “My sons, I am so proud of you.” He individually touched both of their cheeks. “Adrian, you have become a more amazing king than I could have ever hoped, and Antoine you have been such a good support and friend to your brother. Gabrielle and I love you both so dearly.”
The tears started coming and Adrian did not hold back as he soaked the hand beneath his grasp. “Father, I’m begging you not to go,” he choked. “I am still so lost and confused. I-I messed up. Madi...she slipped through my fingers, and I am more alone than ever.” Antoine’s eyes widened as he watched his brother incredulously. “You cannot leave me too.”
“Adrian,” the man said softly. “Tony is here for you. He will not fail you now. You must trust in him, and you must trust in yourself. Don’t become clouded by the past as I did. I spent my whole life mourning Gabrielle and look where it got me. You must have hope and allow yourself to move forward.” Adrian lowered his head, his face twisted in pain. “Look at me.” The young king blinked up, his eyes clouded. “Promise me you will trust yourself and look forward with hope.”
“I…”
“Promise me.” The king’s eyes closed, and they did not open again.
Adrian prodded his arm, but he did not stir. “Father. Father!” Sinking his head into their still intertwined hands, he sobbed bitterly.
Antoine stared in shock, unable to move as tears poured down his own face.
After a while, he placed an arm around his older brother, holding him as they both silently wept over the still body.
The sky outside darkened, but the young king did not raise his head until stars began to peak out from their blanket of darkness. Antoine had left to tell Madeleine the news, assuring Adrian he would return soon.
The king’s hair was a mess, his eyes and cheeks swollen. He rose slightly, letting go of his father’s now cold hand, then looked down at the floorboard he was kneeling on. Silently, he felt along the edge of it until he was able to lift the wooden panel.
Underneath was a large dusty package. He slowly lifted it, wiping his nose on his sleeve as he removed the wrappings to reveal what looked like a small journal. The title was written in ancient Elden. He read the words, ‘The Alchemist Archives: Volume I’ in large, carved letters, then gasped.
“Hans Fox’s ancient text!” he whispered aloud. It was the same text the ancient leader had used to enter Elderian. The one originally owned by the ancient Alchemists.
Opening the cover, he scanned pages full of ancient writing. He flipped to a map of Elderian with a section of Venwick circled in black ink. “Elden Town,” he read aloud. He gasped again. “Mother’s handwriting!” Below the marked-in circle was small, unmistakable writing that read, Vessel’s holding cell. Return relic to site.
He searched around before quickly finding the black object he had dropped, hesitating before picking it up. Looking between the relic and the note on the map, he glanced back at his father and a tightness seized his chest.
He wiped old tears from his face before standing, saying aloud, “I must travel to Elden Town.”