--- Elise

After days and days of traveling, the outskirts of Cassidia began to appear.

The weather was clear, springy, the sun bright in the sky. Elise couldn't have chosen a better moment for her return in the capital. Messengers telling of her arrival had been dispatched, so she was sure to find at least some sort of welcome waiting.

It saddens my heart to celebrate our victory here and not in Lyngard, among the people who suffered most because of Rickhart's deeds. Yet, this is the very center of my kingdom and there isn't anywhere else I should be now. Lord Albert left the repairs and the wounded under good care.

The thing the young princess missed the most was having general Cremont by her side. She had grown to like that strange man more and more during her time learning from him, and it was also thanks to him that she had rallied the defenders so effectively. It wasn't like she had done it all by herself, of course. That battle had also been decided by Roric and his courage.

Elise's friend was marching somewhere in the column, waiting for the King's approval to take his place near her in public like they used to do. It was better to be patient, he had said, and let the people of Cassidia appreciate their princess for the time being.

Albert, who was sharing the carriage with her, sniffed. "It's been years since my last visit in the capital. His Majesty and me share a close friendship, but his injury reduced his ability to take trips significantly."

"You told me he traveled to Lyngard very often, in the past."

"All the rulers of Cassidia did. They have always been attached to their blood and the traditions of old," the man glanced out. "You know Lynn didn't even see the foundations of the city his son was going to build?"

"Yes, I'm aware. He died some time before that, and Lanis completed it without him."

The elder nodded. Elise, however, was still thinking.

"I want to bring prosperity to this kingdom, Albert. My ancestors knew their lives were limited, but they engaged in plans bigger than themselves nonetheless. I'll work hard and achieve at least the same."

"It's good to hear, Princess," replied the old Lord. "I hope I'll stay for long and manage to witness the fruits of your work."

Visiting Lyngard changed me, I can feel it, and gave me even more ambition. Cassidia isn't as strong as it used to be when my father became king, but from now on I won't find peace until I restore my home's former glory.

A little thought of hers went to Fradot, of course. The small village in the North had been Elise's most important place, it was true, yet she almost forgot about its existence sometimes. Being pushed into such a bigger world had overwhelmed her, at first, but she was beginning to understand her responsibilities better. The people between whom she had grown up were still in her memories, and one day she would have done some good for them too. But not before being sure that the Kingdom was safe from Rickhart and his evil schemes.

The wagon stopped before the gates, letting the girl and Albert out. They both mounted horses, and proceeded to the head of the parade. Once the walls were cleared, the main street of the capital opened to their eyes and it was packed with people.

"Princess! Princess Elise!"

"Long live the Princess!"

"She's victorious!"

It was a triumph. The crowd yelled in excitement at Elise's passage, cheering at her return and her unexpected success. If before the departure only few knew she was even with that small army, now the news had spread like wildfire. She started waving back as she rode.

Things became even more incredible in the market district. A sea of people, barely contained by the city guards, passionately celebrated the column. Some children managed to slip past the soldier but were nabbed immediately. That made the girl laugh, but also reminded her of the many who had died and couldn't be in Cassidia that day. She silently addressed a prayer to them.

Makers... May they rest in peace.

It took another good hour to ascend and reach the upper sector of the capital. Part of the soldiers returned to their respective barracks in the meanwhile, leaving their princess and Lord with a far less numerous escort. The welcoming among the nobles was more contained, but equally warm. Wherever Elise could look, there were banners of the Kingdom and blue flowers.

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These people are treating me like a savior. It's funny, back in Fradot the situation was the complete opposite... But how could I argue with them? I was too inexperienced, too arrogant to obtain a good result. And good results, at the end of the day, are all that matters. Whatever my intentions are, I won't win their hearts if I'm not successful. I think that's the lesson here.

The girl owed so much to Dominic. He had not only raised her, but also let her get to a place where she could learn more. Had she remained in Fradot for the rest of her life, maybe she wouldn't have come to that same conclusion that early.

She dismounted in front of the palace and the guards quickly escorted her and the old man inside. King Sebastian was waiting.

***

The first meeting in the throne room was intended to be private, so the only people allowed inside were Elise, Lord Albert and the King with his brother.

When the doors were closed behind her, the young princess felt the weight of her father's stare from far away, but walked forward proudly in order to show she had no regrets. His will of keeping her out of the battle had been violated after all, but also the council's predictions on the extent of the attack.

What I did I did for Cassidia. If he's the same as me, he'll understand.

She arrived in front of Sebastian's seat and knelt. Albert did the same, albeit more slowly because of his age. Rising her head, the girl addressed the ruler.

"Father. Uncle. I have returned."

"I'm happy to see you came back unharmed, Elise," replied the King. "Despite leading our soldiers in battle."

"Your Majesty," the elder stepped in, with a cough. "The Princess was under my care at that time, since Cremont was injured. Please consider me responsible for what happened. It was my duty to stop her from committing to such a folly. Still, she saved Lyngard and the army loves her. I hope you'll remember that feeling and spare at least her from a punishment."

Sebastian sighed, exchanging a look with Darius, who was strangely silent. "Punishment... Since I heard about the battle, I never thought once about a similar thing. Indeed, Albert, I remember what's like to lead our men to victory. How we carried our standards, how we fought for the Kingdom, how..."

"How you almost lost your leg."

Darius came closer to the throne, looking down at the two who were kneeling.

"We took an unacceptable risk this time," he went on. "Elise proved to be a strong leader when it counted, but from the reports I read, I understood that the enemy was much more prepared than we had initially guessed."

The girl exclaimed, "it is true, and I remained inside the keep until the situation was almost compromised. Then I had to act."

Her father stood up and limped down the stairs. He grabbed her by the shoulders and their eyes locked.

"I'm proud of you, my daughter. For a moment, you managed to remind of my old self. I should have trusted you from the start and I'll do it more in the future. You are capable enough, for me."

"I... Thanks, Father."

"Brother, I'm sure you are aware that she brought the Elemental with her."

"Roric did his part. He respected my will and did as I asked him. I'll present him with a choice later. He'll be free to stay or go where he pleases."

"Are you sure about it? Even if he is-"

The King turned towards him. "Maybe it's time for us to reconsider our opinion on his kind."

"So, are you forgiving him?" the girl giggled. "He'll be happy to know."

"I'm sure he knows already, my dear. What I requested of him wasn't easy. Finding Barden and be accepted as a student, and return in time to be useful? How commendable. At least I was right on one person."

Lord Albert raised, and his jaw dropped. "Barden? Are you talking about that Barden?"

The two began a lively discussion about the wars of the past. In spite of the clear difference in age, they both acted as friends rather than a monarch with his retainer.

I don't really get what they are saying, but at least it means Roric is safe now.

"Princess," said Elise's uncle. "Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, Uncle. What's the matter?"

"I... I was surprised by how well you handled the situation in Lyngard. I thought you hadn't enough experience, and a certain part of me still does, but you showed the entire Kingdom what a good leader should be about. Please, accept my apologies."

Uncle Darius... Telling me he's sorry? Well, truth be told he's the only one who didn't fully believe Rickhart would have come without any sort of plan. He's interested in the well-being of Cassidia and is willing to go any length for it... So it must mean a lot.

"There is nothing that needs to be forgiven," the girl answered. "Don't worry. Once Cremont gets better, I'll study more and become and even better general. Then, maybe I'll ask you for some help on other matters."

The man laughed. She had never heard that sound before.

"State affairs? Gladly. As long as it keeps our princess away from battlefields."

They glanced at King Sebastian and Lord Albert, who were still recalling memories from years prior with the excitement of kids.

"Nonetheless, I would ask you to be more cautious in the future."

"What do you mean, Uncle?"

"Don't do anything rash. Like I said back at the council, Cassidia can't afford losing the only heir. It would be a disaster for your father, for me and for the entire nation. Please, never forget it."

Elise nodded.

He is right. Even this is part of my responsibilities. Still, as long as Rickhart breathes, we'll always be in danger. And someone has to stop him.