Chapter 28

“Everything will be fine. You’ve practiced this dozens of times already.” Lydia said with a reassuring smile, squeezing my hands.

“R-Right. I’ve just never been in front of so many people before…” I tried to calm my racing heart with a few deep breaths. We were standing in a small concrete tunnel, just barely out of view from the entrance to the arena. As Prince Luke had predicted, my father had pushed hard for the remaining battalions to move as soon as possible and had most of the cabinet behind him.

Luckily, the royal family convinced the ministers that the parade was necessary for public morale and managed to stall for another two days after our meeting. Eventually, they decided to make the official announcement in the capital’s arena since it would be the best option to accommodate the city's massive population. I peeked my head out, and my breath hitched at how full the stands were in every direction. The air buzzed with unease as the crowd whispered to one another, culminating in a dull roar.

On the arena field, the battalions of soldiers stood at attention in perfectly straight lines. The higher-ranking soldiers sat on horses at the front, ready to lead the way out of the arena and through the city once the gates opened.

I took a few steps backward, away from the light and noise. “Why couldn’t I just join the army outside the city gates…” I complained quietly. My girlfriend giggled and wrapped her arms around my waist from behind.

“That would defeat the whole purpose, " she said, her breath tickling my neck as she held me close. I was dressed in a stylish but simple set of armor. The base fabric was blue and black, and silver plates protected the vital areas. Despite the warm embrace, I knew we were both tense. We stayed like that, trying to comfort one another in silence until we heard footsteps echoing down the tunnel.

“Hey, you two. Father is just about to start.” Prince Abel said as he and Lucia joined us. Lydia and I didn’t break our embrace with their arrival, and they didn’t comment on it. I was grateful everybody has been so considerate of our time together these last two days.

We couldn’t see him from our position, but the crowd had a clear view judging by the silence that befell the arena before he even spoke. A few minutes later, Uncle Stephan's voice rang throughout the arena. His naturally booming voice was amplified further through the use of wind magic.

“Citizens of Venyth!” He started. “Today marks a new chapter in history. The empire has continued its destructive conquest for too long, and today marks the first of many battles to come for our survival. I know the future looks bleak, and many of you hold doubt in your hearts.” He paused for a second. “Many of you have parents, children, siblings, friends, and lovers among those who will be going to the frontlines today. I do not take sending my countrymen to war lightly. My son, second Prince Abel, will be taking a leading role on the frontlines.” A whisper ran through the crowd before suddenly stopping. “My family will take up arms alongside yours in hopes that we may emerge victorious!” Another minute of silence passed as the crowd digested his words.

Then, he addressed the soldiers directly. “The soldiers of Venyth are among the most skilled to exist on the continent. You are the bravest souls our country has to offer, and I know my son is honored to fight alongside you.” He took a shaky breath that was heard by everyone. “I do not ask that you fight for the country. Instead, fight for those you love. Your parents and children. Your sisters and brothers. Your friends and lovers.”

As I looked toward the soldiers, I could see their eyes blazing with emotion. Their fists clenched in determination at their sides even as their strict training keeps them from moving.

“This will not be an easy fight, and many of you will not return…” Uncle Stephan said, the remorse in his voice palpable. “But fight knowing that your comrades will carry on your dreams and memory if you fall in battle. And I swear, as your king: So long as there is breath in my lungs, those you leave behind will be cared for in your stead!” As he finished his speech, the soldiers all raised their weapons. Hundreds of weapons reflected the sunlight as the soldiers cheered and roared with determination.

“It’s almost time for our turn.” Prince Abel said, patting my head gently. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I stated.

“Now, I have another announcement!” Uncle Stephan said, silencing the soldiers and crowd. “The gods have also deemed us worthy of their protection, for we have a divine guardian among us who is willing to fight for our future!”

“That’s our cue.” Prince Abel said with a wink, leading the way out of the tunnel. Lydia gave me a reassuring pat on the back, pushing me forward.

“Go steal their hearts like you did mine.” She said playfully, but I could hear the sadness in her voice.

“I will. But my heart will always belong to you.” I said back, then followed Prince Abel out into the sunlight. Lucia stayed beside me, which helped bolster my nerves as the three of us made our way onto a temporary stage in the middle of the field. Goosebumps ran all over my body as I felt thousands of eyes on me, but I did my best to push through it.

“This young woman has spent the last year training under the royal family and is blessed by the divine.” Uncle Stephan announced, and I could hear the uncertain whispers through the crowd.

“She’s younger than my child…”

“We’re really sending someone so young?”

“Such a pretty young girl… Poor thing…”

I quickly closed my connection to their shadows. The last thing I need is their pity. Shaking my head, I pushed their words from my mind as Uncle Stephan finished my introduction.

“She may not look it, but the divine guardian holds more power than even our most talented court mage. Let her prove her strength to you all!” He said, and I slowly raised my hands. Water shot upwards in thin lines from my hands, then slowly thickened as I increased the output. I merged and broke the individual streams as they moved higher before merging them all into a ball at the top. I had spent the last two days practicing this showy display, but I still focused intently to ensure I didn’t mess it up.

As the streams of water thickened and the ball of water began to grow, I infused some of my stella into my magic. Two lines of water broke free of the ball and started to orbit in circles around it. The mass of water cast a shimmering shadow over most of the arena now as the sunlight filtered through it, and I could hear gasps of surprise echoing around me.

Eventually, I decided I had enough water and sent a ripple of mana through the ball. The water ball shook briefly before shattering apart into a fine mist that seemed to shine as it showered lightly onto the crowd. I saw people reaching out to try and catch the mist and gave myself a small smile. I’m not done yet!

I spun in a circle, arms outstretched as I used my magic to hold all the water in the air. Then, I reformed the mist into hundreds of small fish that swam around the arena and through the crowds. I heard children cry out with joy and laughter as they reached out to catch the magic fish. Even if they managed to touch the water, the animal simply broke apart around their fingers and then immediately reformed to continue on its path.

But it wasn’t just the children whose eyes sparkled with excitement. The adults now had hope simmering just below the surface as they watched me with rapt attention. After letting the myriads of fish swim through the air for a few minutes, I gave one last wave of my arm, and all the water rushed to me. It gathered in the palm of my hand as I evaporated the excess liquid into the air.

I finished the display by raising my hand into the air, exploding the much smaller orb of water into another sparkling mist that surrounded my body. That was a perfect show! I thought to myself proudly as my chest heaved with exhilaration. The arena sat in stunned silence for a few moments before passionate cheers filled the air.

I waved at the crowd, the smile on my face coming naturally as I accepted all their feelings.

“I’m so proud of you, my guardian,” Aurora said, her voice trembling with emotion. “Not everyone could shoulder this responsibility.”

“Everyone here wants to protect those they love, whether they're going to the battlefield or not. I want to carry that strength with me.” I said simply. My eyes found Lydia, who had joined the rest of the royal family, in the announcement box. My beautiful girlfriend stood clapping with the crowd, but her smile threatened to fall apart as silent tears streaked down her face.

It took everything I had not to break down as well. I pushed my mana through the shadows until I found hers, then I materialized a tendril. It slowly wrapped around her hand, and I saw her look down in surprise before I felt her hand squeeze back. Please don’t cry…

As if she sensed my thoughts, Lydia wiped her eyes quickly and did her best to compose herself. She looked back towards me, the whirlwind of emotions now replaced with a calm and determined expression. That’s my girl.

I kept my shadow with her even as Uncle Stephan brought the crowd under control again and gave the final order to depart.

“Depart, my brave soldiers! Carry the feelings of your fellow countrymen and turn them into strength so that you may return to those you love!” He shouted, pride and grief shaking his voice. With a final yell, the soldiers reformed into a narrower formation, preparing for their exit through the city.

“Our carriage should be right in the middle.” Prince Abel said as we quickly left the stage. I nodded at his words, but my heart wasn’t quite ready to go yet. I infused some mana into the prince’s shadow so it would be easier to find, then grabbed his sleeve gently.

“I promise to be there when the parade leaves. I just…” He put his hand over mine and smiled at me.

“I know. Go to her.”

I looked at him with a teary-eyed smile. “Thank you,” I whispered, then entered the shadows. Finding her was simple since I maintained the tendril holding her hand. Lydia was walking through the back tunnels of the arena quickly, probably trying to find me before I left. She paused as I began to rise out of her shadow and threw herself around me before I even fully emerged.

We didn’t say anything and just silently held one another. She’s shaking… I thought, but then I noticed I was also shaking and gave myself a wry smile. We’re quite the pair…

Eventually, she pushed herself slightly away from my body and looked up at me. “I won’t cry anymore, " she said simply, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She cupped my face with her hands and smiled. “I love you, Audrey Rose. As your princess and lover, I order you to return safely, understand?”

I laid my hands on hers, kissing her palm gently. “I’ve already died once. I can assure you I have no desire to experience it again, my princess,” I said, putting on a noble voice.

She giggled softly at my act, her thumb gliding over my lips. “I mean it, Audrey. You carry my heart. if something were to happen…” She paused as I leaned down, stealing her voice away with a kiss.

“You have mine as well,” I murmur against her lips before pulling away. “The emperor himself couldn’t stop me from returning to you.”

“Then it sounds like the only option is to end this war quickly.” She says, and we both laugh before falling into another heated embrace. Our passion threatened to drown both of us again, but luckily, we were interrupted by urgent footsteps echoing down the tunnel.

Lydia and I managed to separate and compose ourselves before my sister appeared around the corner, her desperate gaze locking onto me.

“Sister!” She cried out as she ran into my arms. I held her tight as she sobbed into my chest, my hand combing through her hair placatingly.

“Sasha… I was just on my way to see you,” I said with a laugh. I planned to track her down after I was done with Lydia, but her coming to me saved much time. “Everything will be alright, I promise,” I comforted my sister.

“It’s not fair! I just found you again! How could you leave for such an awful place?” Sasha asked tearfully. This was the first time we saw each other since Lydia’s celebration, so it made sense that she was so upset.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t meet before now,” I whispered painfully, but she shook her head.

“No, I know you tried, but Father forbade me from the castle until everything was over…” She sniffled. “Even now… I only managed to escape Mother and Father because Anne helped me.” I looked up at her explanation and found Anne was indeed standing a few feet away, giving the two of us space. When our eyes met, she bowed.

“If I may, is it wrong to assume you are my lady’s older sister?” she asked. Her words froze Sasha, Lydia, and me in place before Sasha laughed unconvincingly.

“Oh, Anne!” She twirled some hair around her finger nervously. “W-Why would you say something like that?” Anne just gave her a small smile.

“Forgive me for saying so, but you've been terrible at lying ever since you met Lady Audrey.” Anne’s eyes were filled with the same warmth Leah had when looking at Lydia. Sasha pouted and opened her mouth to object, but I stopped her with my hand on her shoulder. I turned toward the maid, my expression serious.

“Yes. My true identity is the first daughter of House Rose, Audrey Rose.” I confirmed.

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“I knew it…” Anne’s expression turned sad as she bowed to me once again. “Forgive me, my lady. I stood by and watched while you were unjustly tormented. I failed as an honorable servant.” Her eyes were squeezed shut, fearing my reaction, but I just stepped closer.

“There’s no need for that, Anne,” I said gently. “Your priority was Sasha, as it should’ve been.” She slowly straightened at my words. “If anything, I’m grateful you were there for her when I couldn’t be. Can I trust you to keep looking after my sister while I’m away?”

“Of course, my lady!” Anne said, her eyes burning with determination.

I gratefully nod at her before turning to Lydia and Sasha again. “As for you two.” I take both their hands in mine. “Everything I hope to return to lies with you both. Please take care of each other, even if I’m not here, alright?” I ask.

“Of course, I’ll look after Sasha in your stead. Just until you return.” Lydia said.

“I’ll try to ensure Sister Lydia doesn’t overwork herself.” Sasha volunteered happily.

“Perfect, I’m counting on both of you.” I pull them into a tight hug together, fighting back the tears. After a few moments, I break the embrace. “It’s time for me to leave… I love both of you.” I state one final time before sinking into the shadows once more. As I raced through the shadows, my mind occupied with worry and love, I didn’t notice the presence of a certain maid hiding just out of view, listening in on our conversation.

***

I grumbled to myself as I wandered the tunnels of the arena. “Seriously… Where did the little brat go?” I thought back to my master’s worried expression and continued onward. “How long does it take to go to the washroom?” Anne, the little brat’s personal maid, was in charge of her but apparently didn’t know how to do her job.

I’d rather serve the duchess than a kid ten years younger than me. What a nightmare that would be… Even just thinking about the tantrums and asinine demands a child would have made me shudder. But even though I wasn’t assigned to the brat, the Duchess has been sending me to babysit.

“Leslie, go do this, go do that!” I complained under my breath to the empty tunnel. But as I neared the corner, I heard voices.

“Yes. My true identity is the first daughter of House Rose, Audrey Rose.” What?! I peeked my head around the corner, and my heart nearly stopped. The person who said that was the divine guardian that was just announced.

There’s no way someone like that is the same pathetic girl! But the brat was there with her useless maid, and neither of them looked surprised in the least. It couldn’t be… Right? But the more I thought about it and stared at the redhead, the more it made sense. There is a striking resemblance to the first duchess. And how she reacted to me when we met… My lips curled into a smile. It hadn’t been disgust… She’d been afraid.

I kept spying on them until the divine guardian left, sinking into the shadows. Quietly, I retraced my steps for a few minutes before turning back around, making sure my footsteps announced my approach. When I turned the corner, I saw the princess and the brat already looking for me.

“My lady, the duchess was worried about you. I’ve come to retrieve you.” I said, putting on my best service attitude.

“Right… Thank you, Leslie, just give me a moment.” The brat said before turning to the princess. “I need to go, Sister Lydia. I’ll be sure to write, even if I can’t visit the castle.”

“I’ll look for your letters, then.” The princess patted the brat on the head and smiled. “I need to return as well, but I promise we’ll get together again soon, Sasha.”

With that, the brat and her maid walked toward me, and I led the way. I don’t know how you’re still alive, Audrey. But I do know the Duchess will find this revelation quite… Interesting. Perhaps I’ll even get a little bonus! The thought put a little bounce in my step as we walked down the tunnel back to my master.

***

Prince Abel and Lucia jumped as I rose out of his shadow, the carriage already rolling out of the arena. “Just barely made it!” I said happily.

“Goddess, Audrey! Don’t scare us like that!” Prince Abel said with a laugh, and I gave them an apologetic look. “Ah, sorry… Lydia usually senses me, so I forgot most people can’t.”

“Must be the power of love or something,” He smirked. “You were so late returning. I thought you two had gotten lost in some bedsheets somewhere.”

I sighed, his playful jab going right over my head. “Wouldn’t that have been nice?” I said wistfully.

“I think I’ll be the bigger person and let that one go.” Prince Abel muttered, and Lucia nodded her head.

“A wise choice, Your Highness.”

Finally, the caravan began to enter the city, the streets lined with people cheering and throwing flowers into the air. The air was electric with expectation as I awkwardly waved at the crowd.

“Can I hide in the shadows yet?” I complained to Aurora, keeping a smile on my face for the public.

“Of course not, Audrey.”

As I did my best to please the crowd, I overheard some kids talking through my shadows.

“What? No fair! My parents said we couldn’t go to the arena!” One boy complained.

“I want to see the magic fish, too!” Another girl cried.

“Hmph. My parents are just better than yours.” I heard a smug voice say, another boy. They all sounded a little younger than Sasha, and when I finally found them with my eyes, my suspicions were confirmed. It seemed a young noble was bullying some commoner children, bragging about my display in the arena. One of the younger girls looked on the verge of tears, and I decided to do something.

A quick wave of my hand materialized dozens of orbs of water above the street. Prince Abel looked at me curiously.

“What are you doing, Audrey?” He asked.

“Nothing dangerous. I just want to make sure everybody sees what I’m capable of.” I said with a gentle smile. Once the crowds started to notice the floating water, and I saw the group of children turn their gazes my way, I struck.

I once again formed the water fish, sending them swimming through the air and around the people. I focused a set of fish on the children, circling them playfully. One of the fish swam close to the little girl who had been crying, rubbing against her face gently to absorb her fallen tears. She giggled and nuzzled the fish even closer, but it slipped through her grasp and swam towards me, drawing the group's attention.

I winked at them and waved softly, which made the girls bubble with joy, and the boys blush. My eyes met those of the noble boy who had been mean earlier, and I opened the shadow at his feet and whispered through it.

“If you want to be truly noble, you should protect those weaker than you, not bully them,” I admonished gently. He looked around in shock, trying to find the source of the voice before his head turned toward me again. I smiled and put a finger to my lips. The boy looked down in shame before suddenly turning toward the other children and bowing in apology.

Giving the children one last wave, I turned to give the rest of the crowd some attention as well, but Prince Abel just elbowed me gently.

“Look at you, already acting like a hero.” He joked. He saw that?! I fought the blush creeping up my neck and looked away.

“I’m just doing my best to fill the role I was given,” I muttered, slightly embarrassed. The rest of the parade passed without incident, but I did keep my magic fish flying the whole time, even adding some birds and other animals to change things up. It seemed to be a big hit with the people, so I was happy to do it.

Once we reached the city's outer walls, the crowds thinned drastically, and by the time we were on the road we were set to travel, there was nobody other than the soldiers. I couldn’t help but look back wistfully, seeing the castle I had called home towering over the cityscape from the center.

A pair of hands suddenly landed on my shoulders, and I jumped slightly in surprise. “Ha! That’s for earlier.” Lucia said with a grin. “Don’t look so sad. It will affect the soldiers.” I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

“You’re right. I apologize,” I said.

“No need to go that far. It’s okay for you to miss them. I know I will.” she said, her gaze also focusing on the castle in the distance. “But that feeling will drive us to win this war and come back victorious.”

I nodded in agreement. “Right.”

We stood for a moment together, enjoying the view before turning around and heading into the ranks of soldiers reorganizing from parade formation. I noticed the carriage we had ridden in getting pulled back to the city and raised an eyebrow at Lucia.

“Are we walking to the frontlines?” I asked and immediately regretted voicing such a dumb question. “Ah, I take that back. We’re riding horses, right?” I corrected, and she laughed at me as we met up with Prince Abel. He had two horses in tow.

“Here you are, my ladies,” he said with an extravagant bow, handing the reins to Lucia. “The finest steeds our army has to offer.” I bit my lip and looked away.

“Hey there, Mary,” Lucia cooed to the cream-colored horse. How’s my good girl been?” If that one is Lucia’s, then that must mean… I looked at the second horse, whose mane shone almost gold in the sunlight. The rest was an incredibly light brown, with white socks at its feet.

“This one is for you, Audrey.” Prince Abel said, patting the horse on the side. “Do you want to guess her name?” His lips trembled in barely contained anticipation, but I was so absorbed by the horse's beauty that I didn’t notice right away.

“I don’t have a clue,” I said bluntly.

“Lydia,” he said.

“What?”

“Her name is Lydia.”

“Did you really name a horse after your sister?” I asked, confused.

“Just for you! Now you get to ride Lydia all day and night, even if my sister isn’t here!” As his crass joke assaulted me, he burst out laughing. I stood there in stunned silence, shame rising to my face. Lucia just stood beside me, rolling her eyes. What do I even say to that?!

Lucia finally saved me as I battled with myself on what to say. She stepped up to the pretty horse and sighed. “Don’t worry, that isn’t her name, Audrey. The foolish prince is messing with you.” She just ignored Prince Abels' attempts to defend himself since he was still catching his breath from laughing so hard.

“Then, what is her name?” I asked, relief flooding through me.

“Sunshine.”

The breath caught in my lungs, and I smiled. “That’s a fitting name.” Lucia agreed with me before extending her hand toward me.

“Now, it seems we’re just about ready to go. Do you need help getting up?” she asked. But I took a step back, looking away sheepishly.

“So… About that,” I said, trailing off. I swallowed my nervousness and just said it. “I don’t know how to ride a horse!”

My admission echoed between the three of us and even managed to shock the humor out of the prince.

“Huh?” He said.

“It isn’t my fault! It wasn’t part of my lessons!” I defended hastily.

“Wait, you’re being serious, Audrey?” Lucia asked, her face beyond confused and in disbelief. “You’ve had the best instructors in the world, even the queen herself… and nobody thought to teach you how to ride a horse?”

“That’s right!” I nodded. “I feel bad I won’t get to ride such a beautiful mount, but I can just travel with the caravan through the shadows!” I suggested.

“Absolutely not!” She said exasperated. “Half the reason you're here is so the soldiers can idolize you! How do you expect them to do that if they never see you?” That’s blunt, Lucia.

She sighed in exasperation. “Fine… Sunshine’s a good lady; she’ll follow obediently even with nobody on her back. You’ll just have to double up with someone.”

“You can ride with me, Audrey.” Prince Abel said with a flip of his hair, which I’m sure most girls found attractive. Unfortunately for him, the two girls present did not.

“She’s riding with me.”

“I’m riding with Lucia.” Lucia and I said simultaneously, both amused at his crushed expression. After switching out the saddle on Mary for one suited for two people, Lucia mounted and pulled me up behind her. She took a moment to explain how to roll my hips to match Mary’s gait.

“It will be uncomfortable until you get used to it, but with your abilities, I suspect you’ll be fine,” she said, then urged the horse to turn around with her heels, keeping perfect control the whole time.

Prince Abel quickly followed suit, and we rode up the now perfectly organized column of soldiers.

“Soldiers! Move out!” Prince Abel yelled, his face serious, and there was a resounding cry of acknowledgment before everything shifted into motion. I turned around, giving the castle one final look before facing forward with determination.

Wait for me, Lydia.

***

“This tea is delicious.” Mother said, trying to start a conversation with me.

“Yeah… I’m sure Audrey would love it,” I mumbled, depressed. I knew I said I would do my best to support her while she’s gone, but it’s so much harder in practice!

I heard a sigh escape my mother’s mouth before gently putting her cup down. “Darling… she’s only been gone a day!” Her queenly facade faded into one of an exasperated parent. “Surely you don’t intend to bring the mood down until she returns.”

“Of course not! I just…” I said, turning my head. “I was just really lonely last night. It takes time to get used to!”

“Well, there is much we can do to fix that.” Mother trailed off, and I blushed.

“That isn’t what I meant!” I huffed, and she smiled at me.

“There’s my daughter.” she reached over and took my hand. “I know how you’re feeling. I also miss Audrey, but keep looking forward, and she’ll come home to us.”

“Of course, you’re right… I just worry.” I relented.

“As you should, but she had the best instruction our kingdom could offer. She’ll be fine.” Mother said before suddenly freezing in place and slowly putting her fork down. “Um, Lydia?”

“Yes, Mother?” I asked, now focusing on the sweets, trying to take my mind off my girlfriend.

“How are those three traveling?” She asked.

“By ‘Those three,’ do you mean Audrey, Abel, and Lucia? I imagine they have horses.” I said, sipping my tea.

“Yes, of course… That makes sense.” She said, her hands fidgeting slightly. “I suppose it wouldn’t make sense for them to walk, given their status.”

“I imagine so?” I said, now confused. “What’s wrong, Mother? You’re acting strange.”

“It’s just… Does Audrey know how to ride a horse?”

Her question froze me, and I slowly looked at her.

“Now that I think of it…” Oops… Sorry, Audrey!