Chapter 34

“Damn it!” Abel shouted, ripping the letter in half before taking a deep breath to calm himself. His green eyes burned with anger and resolve. “We will hold out. This report doesn’t leave this tent, understand?” Everyone nodded at his order. We can’t let the soldiers get disheartened now… Not when we’re barely holding on as it is. They will realize something is wrong when the Yamadians don’t show up on the promised day, but we need them at their best for now.

The prince sat down heavily, and after the generals had left, he spoke again. “Audrey… Lucia…”...” he said, looking up at us, the fire in his eyes gone now. We need to be prepared. If something has given the Yamadians pause about an alliance with us at such a critical moment, then there will likely be no reinforcements at all.”

Lucia and I looked at each other with wide eyes, then back at him. “Auntie and Uncle will definitely resolve the situation quickly, right?” I said, trying to reassure him, but he shook his head.

“Of course they will, but it won’t matter. Our forces are already strained, and it’s only a matter of time before we break completely.” He took a shuddering breath. “We will fight for as long as possible, but waiting even an extra day will likely not end well for us, and if the time comes… I will give the order to retreat.” The words hung in the air, the sounds of war echoing in the background as Lucia and I processed his words.

“It’s not likely the imperials would just let us turn our backs and run,” Lucia said bluntly, and Abel nodded in agreement.

“Of course not. That’s why I’ll be heading the rear guard, along with any volunteers from the seasoned knights.”

Lucia slammed a hand on the table in anger. “Are you insane?! In a situation like that, being in the rear would be a death sentence!”

“What choice do I have?!” He asked back, his voice rising. “I am a prince! I have a duty to protect my people!”

They stared at each other for a tense moment before I timidly cut in. “I might have an idea—”

“Absolutely not!” They said together, their eyes flicking to me momentarily before they continued their staring contest. I opened my mouth to object but was cut off again.

“Stay out of this, Audrey,” Lucia said. “We both know how reckless your ‘ideas’ are, so keep it to yourself.”

“There’s no need to be so rude about it…” I muttered with a pout.

“Lydia would cook me alive if I let you do what I think you’re about to suggest,” Abel said, and I couldn’t exactly argue back with him on that point. Instead, I decided to ignore his logic and push ahead.

“But it really is the best option!” I said, but this time, they just ignored me, choosing to start fighting again.

“You being a prince is precisely why I can’t let you sacrifice yourself!” Lucia said, pausing for a moment before speaking a lie. “I have a duty to the royal family to protect its members. That includes you, so let me fulfill my role!”

“You want to lead the rear guard?” Abel scoffed. “I refuse. You aren’t strong enough.” There was a note of something more than worry under his words, but Lucia was too angry to notice.

“Excuse me?” She asked, her voice low and dangerous. “What the hell did the foolish prince just say to me?” I saw a flicker of hesitation cross Abel’s face, no doubt his instincts from living with Auntie and Lydia telling him that he had made a mistake.

“You heard me.” And yet he doubles down!

“There are only a handful of knights that could claim to be stronger than me now!” Lucia said back.

“That’s right.” Abel stood up, facing her and stepping closer. “And I’m one of them. You’ve yet to beat me a single time, Lucia. As your prince and vice-commander, I’m ordering you to stand down.”

“N-No… I won’t!” Lucia looked down, her body trembling and her fists clenched at her sides. “Why the hell did you train me if I’m not meant to protect you!”

The Lucia from only a year ago wouldn’t have dreamed of defying a royal’s orders, but here she was. Though I can tell she’s torn between her feelings on the matter.

“I trained you to protect my sisters and yourself,” Abel responded, his voice taking on a softer tone.

“I think he just called you his sister, Audrey,” Aurora commented unnecessarily after being silent this whole time. I fought the happiness away because I was far more annoyed with the lover’s spat they’d been subjecting me to.

“This is ridiculous… Is it okay if I stop them now?” I asked my goddess, but I didn’t bother waiting for an answer as I wrapped them in shadows, forcing them both to sit in the nearby chairs.

“What are you—” Abel tried to ask but covered his mouth with my magic and glared.

“Oh, now you remember I’m here!” I said, my annoyance evident. “You’re both adults, yet you’ve been sitting here arguing like a married couple! In front of a child, no less!” I gestured at myself, and my goddess scoffed.

Lucia’s face flushed red at my comparison. “We were not—!” And I covered her mouth as well.

“I don’t want to hear it! The two of you have been sitting here arguing over who should sacrifice themselves and completely ignoring that there’s another option.” I look at both of them, bound by my shadows, and smile. “If we’re going off strength, I have both of you beat. So I’ll protect our retreat. Alone.”

Immediately, they both start shaking their heads in denial, and I can’t help but smirk a little at the sight.

“I have no intention of dying. Lydia would never forgive me.” I take a breath and fold my arms over my chest. “But it makes the most sense. I wasn’t lying to the general before when I said I could probably hold the imperials off for a while. It may not be enough to ensure every one of our troops escapes, but it’s the best option we have. Plus, I can travel through the shadows to get away, so the risk isn’t that high for me compared to you.”

I could tell my reasoning was starting to convince Abel, but Lucia was still defiantly looking at me. Of course, I knew she was just worried about me, but I needed to convince her anyway. I’ll just reassure her.

I leaned down, whispering so only she could hear me. “I’ll be fine, I promise.” But mid-sentence, the sudden urge to tease the older girl filled me before I could stop it. “If you want, I could leave the two of you like this for a while so you can talk about your feelings…” As I stood back up, I saw the defiant gaze replaced with acceptance and a faint blush. She’s too easy to read!

Finally, I released them from my magic, and Abel looked at me weirdly. “I thought you were supposed to be the sweet one. That was a very ‘Lydia’ thing to do.”

My chest puffed with pride at his statement. “Thank you!”

“It wasn’t a compliment."

***

“What do you mean the reinforcements have been delayed?!” I asked angrily. “What cause could the Yamadians possibly have?”

“Calm down, Lydia. You’ll only make things harder on Mother and Father if you go into the audience looking like that.” Luke said as we walked through the castle halls. We were on our way to the audience chamber, where we would hear the reason for the Yamadian’s delay.

“I know, Brother,” I said, trying to compose my expression. “But you know as well as I do that the situation on the frontline is worsening by the day…” I bit my lip in frustration as I thought about Audrey.

“You won’t be able to fix anything with anger. All we can do is hear what they have to say.” He replied, but I could sense he was upset about it as well. We said nothing else as we arrived in the audience chamber, sitting beside Mother and Father. The four of us exchanged some glances but remained silent as we waited for the Yamadian representative to arrive. It only took another minute before the large doors in front of us opened, and a man entered with Yuzuki. My friend’s face was ashen, and she avoided my eyes as they knelt at the bottom of the ornate steps.

The man wore his long, black hair up, and when my Father permitted them to raise their heads, I saw that he and Yuzuki bore a striking resemblance. Don’t tell me… one of her brothers?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.” The man began. “I am the second eldest of the Hina clan and Yuzuki’s older brother. My name is Yuuichi Hina.” Father only nodded at him before cutting to the point.

“Time is of the essence, so forgive me for being blunt, Lord Hina. Why has Yamada gone back on their promise? The Yamadian troops are already heading back to your homeland, no?” Father’s words shocked me to my core. They have already abandoned us?! My hands gripped the arms of my seat in anger, and Luke gave me a warning glance. It took everything I had to not lash out at Lord Hina. My friend trembled beside her brother, and now I knew why she refused to look at me.

Lord Hina only gave Father a small smile. “Those Ethereals of yours are unexpectedly competent if you already know our movements.” His remark was only met with an icy glare from my parents, and I could see Mother was starting to lose her patience.

“You dare stand before us, smiling while betraying our alliance? I should execute you here and now for the sheer disrespect.” She said, Ice crawling over her throne. “I’m disappointed to learn the Yamadian’s code of honor is nothing but empty words.”

My mother’s venomous words seemed to make the man falter, and he composed himself before bowing his head. “I have made a grave error. It is as you say: We are indeed pulling our forces from the war effort. To the kingdom, it most certainly is an act of betrayal.” He raised his head again, his black, piercing eyes meeting my Mother’s with no hint of regret. “However, just as you have a duty to your people, my clan has a duty to ours. My elder brother has deemed the chances of victory too low to risk so many of our troops away from home. I’m sure, as honorable rulers, you can understand his decision.” A tense silence fell over the room as Lord Hina’s gaze challenged my parents. Finally, Father asked the question that was on all our minds.

“If that was the case, then there was no need to promise reinforcements in the first place.” He narrowed his eyes. “So, what information have you uncovered that has led to this change of heart?”

“My eldest brother does not take breaking our agreement lightly. As such, I am under orders to share everything our shinobi have learned with you.” He took a breath before delivering the worst possible news. “Duke Thomas Rose is colluding with the empire to seize control of the kingdom. He will march a private army of three thousand into the capital tonight to take the castle… and assassinate the royal family.” My whole family shot to our feet. I was so shocked at the news that I almost didn’t hear Father’s orders.

“Bella, Lydia, finish this meeting. Luke, organize the royal and town guards. If Duke Rose truly plans to turn traitor, it’s likely the traditionalist faction's nobles will support him.” Sparing no time for appearances, my brother ran out of the room. Even if we combine both the guards, there are only around a thousand trained soldiers in the capital. I gritted my teeth as I realized this was precisely what the duke wanted. By tying up the majority of our army at the border, there’s no way for us to defend the capital from an inside attack. We had our suspicions of a connection, but who would’ve thought Duke Rose would indeed betray us?

Father walked down the steps, standing face to face with Lord Hina. “Do not think information is enough to make up for this. Venyth will not forget Yamada’s betrayal. Even if the kingdom falls, there will be consequences. The only reason you’re leaving this room with your head attached is due to Lady Hina’s friendship with my daughter.” With those chilling words, my Father quickly followed Luke out of the room.

Despite his composure, I could see a flicker of uncertainty in Lord Hina’s eyes as he turned to face Mother and me, but he wasn’t the one in charge, so it didn’t matter.

“Now, Lord Hina. I’ve heard the proxy Daimyo is very wise, but it seems the rumors are misleading if your eldest brother really believes the empire will leave your little islands alone.” Mother said, her words biting. Her insult to their eldest sibling caused both Yuzuki and Lord Hina to bristle a little, but the blizzard emanating from her kept their mouths shut. “Do you have any other information to report?”

Lord Hina hesitated before answering, bowing his head. “No… Your Majesty. Know that Yamada hopes for your victory against the tyrant emperor.”

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“The hopes of a cowardly nation that refuses to fight mean nothing to me. Spare me your empty words and leave my kingdom before I change my mind.” Her magic intensified around her, and the blood drained from Lord Hina’s face. Even I flinched at her tone as she spoke.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” The man said it for the final time before turning to leave the audience chamber with Yuzuki in tow. I hesitated to chase after her, my emotions in turmoil from the conversation. I know it’s not her fault, but I might say something I don’t mean.

Suddenly, a cold hand pushed me from behind, and I turned back to look at my mother. Her magic had faded, and the blazing anger in her eyes had dulled, now mixed with sorrow. A small smile graced her lips as she urged me forward.

“Despite everything, Lady Hina is still your friend, right? This may be the last time you ever meet; don’t let it end in regrets.” Her ice-blue eyes seemed to focus on something else for a moment. “It’s my duty as your Mother to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes I have.”

Words of comfort died in my throat as I looked at her, then I nodded my head. “I won’t, Mother.” Then I ran down the steps, pushing open the large doors to catch up to Yuzuki. They hadn’t gotten too far down the hall, and I yelled after her. “Yuzuki! Wait!”

Her body went stiff at the sound of my voice before slumping as she turned to me. Her composed expression broke and was brimming with tears as she stepped toward me. “I-I’m so sorry, Lydia!”

“It’s alright!” I said, then enveloped the younger girl in a hug, my hands running through her black hair. “I know you did everything you could, and as your friend, I could never blame you for that.” As Yuzuki cried in my arms, Lord Hina stood a respectful distance away. I avoided looking at him for fear of my anger growing, so I just focused on my friend. Eventually, her sobs stopped, and she looked up at me.

“Yamada will go into isolation as soon as my brother and I return home… I’m not sure when we’ll get to see each other again.” She paused and bit her lip. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to carry your legacy as student council president.” I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me at her apology. What a thing to be worried about at a time like this… but she is only fifteen.

I used my thumbs to brush her tears away. “Please don’t say that. We will see each other again.”

She nodded at my words, though I could see she only half-believed me. “My brother and I need to go… Will you please pass along my feelings to Audrey as well?”

“Of course I will, Yuzuki.” I grabbed her hands and squeezed them. “Take care of yourself. Goodbye… for now.”

“Right. For now.” I could see her jaw set in determination as she turned away and walked toward her brother. I knew she was still fighting back tears, and when she neared Lord Hina, he reached out comfortingly. They’re good siblings… She’ll be just fine. I thought with a smile. Then Yuzuki slapped his hand away, glaring at him as she continued to walk past her brother. I hope so, at least.

Another thought crossed my mind as I watched them disappear. That was the first time she’d called Audrey and me by name… The feeling was bittersweet as I realized my girlfriend might never hear it.

***

Even if my emotions were all over the place, there was still much to do to prepare for the Duke’s attack. So after I returned to Mother, it was decided a public announcement needed to be made. So, an hour later, I found myself standing on a stage in the middle of the castle town, surrounded by the wide eyes of the citizenry. Why did it have to be me… I had no fears of public speaking, but I didn’t have nearly as much exposure to the people as the rest of my family did.

No, I can’t waste time complaining. Every minute that ticked by brought us closer to the fight, and the people needed to be prepared. Leah stood beside me, her wind magic at full cast to amplify my voice as much as possible. It was impossible for every person in the capital to fit in the central square, and since it would take time to gather everyone, it was better to do it this way.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “People of the capital! Hear the voice of your Princess!” My voice echoed through the buildings and streets, reverberating even to the city's outskirts. I had already gathered quite a crowd in the square, but now I was drawing even more attention. “As you all know, our army, along with Prince Abel and our Divine Guardian, are currently fighting at our border. They are risking their lives to thwart the imperial threat that has been consuming the continent like a wild beast!” I paused for a moment as I looked at those around me. “Even now, they are seeing the horrors of war… All to defend those of us who remain here. Yet, some among us look to satisfy their own greed during these uncertain times…” I trail off, taking a moment to gather myself. “Duke Rose is a traitor who has thrown his lot in with the empire and now leads an army to take the capital for himself. Our beloved home will turn into a battlefield in a mere few hours.”

Cries of outrage rang around me as the people digested my words. Anger and fear overtook the capital, and I knew I had to maintain control. I raised a hand, silencing the immediate area around me.

“I will not lie to you… the situation is grim. However, the Duke is only after the lives of the royal family and those who support us. As your princess and a member of the royal family, please…” Hushed whispers filled the square as I bowed my head to the crowds. “Please, take your loved ones and leave the capital. The royal family does not wish to see our citizens become war casualties. The duke is a cruel man, and he will not care to be mindful of innocent lives caught up in his ambitions.” I lowered myself to the ground, and I ignored Leah’s surprise as I prostrated myself before the entire capital. “I beg of you! Allow the royal family and the knights to fulfill our duties of protecting our people until the last breath!”

A hushed murmur fell over the crowds as I stayed on the ground, and I did my best to ignore the whispers.

“The princess would go so far for us?”

“We should leave, right?”

“Should we really abandon our home?”

“I don’t want to get caught in the fighting.”

I trembled with my head lowered but looked up when the whispers faded. A man had stepped forward from the crowd. He wore a handkerchief around his forehead and was adorned in a dirty apron.

“I will not leave, Your Highness.” His voice echoed through the city, which surprised him for a minute before he continued. It seemed Leah had applied her wind magic to him as well. “I am a simple street vendor, but I’ve had the honor of serving the Princes on more than one occasion. Even as a commoner, they treated me with respect.”

“My brothers…?” I asked, confused. And the man laughed at my expression.

“Yes. While I’m sure you royals have thought you were fooling us whenever you wandered around in your disguises, I assure you we all knew who you were.” He looked me in the eyes, and I saw nothing but genuine fondness. “The Princes said my kebabs were some of the best in the capital. I even earned praise from the king himself!” I sputtered at that, and my utter disbelief sent a ripple of amusement through the crowd. Father snuck into town, too?!

“B-Be that as it may, it will be too dangerous for you to stay here!” I said back, finally gathering my thoughts.

“My pride as a man will not allow me to turn tail and run while a girl younger than my own daughter plans to fight.” He said, crossing his arms. Then he turned to the crowds, raising his voice. “And I know I’m not the only one! Will we really abandon our homes? Our country? Can we really just up and leave while our brave princess sits on her knees trembling?!” Silence momentarily fell over the capital before a roar of determination filled the air.

“Let us fight with you, Princess!”

“We will not run!”

“How dare the Duke betray us!”

The noise was overwhelming as the capital's citizens resolved to stay and defend their homes, and I began to cry. I did my best to stifle the tears, but there was just no stopping the sheer gratitude I felt. As I sat on the stage, a middle-aged woman with a kind face also stepped forward. Her auburn hair was tied in a loose bun as she extended a hand to me.

“Your Highness… Please don’t cry.” The woman’s gentle voice was also amplified, and her words caused another lull in the crowd. I grasped her hand and let her pull me to my feet and off the stage. “I own the cafe on the main street… You once came in with the Divine Guardian and those dashing attendants, right?” She asked, and I looked at her wide eyes. Is she talking about the first time I brought Audrey to town? I thought back to that day and the way my girlfriend had enjoyed lemonade for the first time.

“We did… We all enjoyed your beverages.” I said, still sniffling. The woman laughed gently and tucked some loose hair behind my ear. She’s quite motherly…

“I’m honored to hear you say that… I was quite surprised when I saw the Divine Guardian during the parade and realized she was the same girl that was with Your Highness that day. Seeing such beautiful young women fighting pains my heart, so I will also.” She squeezed my hands. “Will you all come to my cafe again?”

I nodded happily at her request. “Of course! We’ll make a date of it!” My emotions were running so high that it took me a moment to realize my slip. I looked down in embarrassment as my face flushed. “I-I mean…”

The woman just smiled warmly. “The Divine Guardian is very precious to you, isn’t she?” Again, I nodded before returning her smile.

“She is… We love each other very much.” Did I just announce our relationship to the whole capital?! But lying about my feelings for Audrey is something I could never do.

“The Princess and the Divine Guardian are together?!”

“How their hearts must hurt at being separated!”

“It’s just like a fairy tale romance!”

I knew the general populace was more accepting of this kind of relationship, but I hadn’t expected the support to be so unanimous. I suppose it’s also thanks to the rapport my family has built with our citizens. Fresh tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I fought them back this time as I looked around at everyone.

“Thank you, everyone! Should even the worst happen, I know the Kingdom of Venyth will live on within its people. I’m proud to call myself your princess!” As my words of gratitude echoed through the capital, they were met with a resounding cry. This is true power, Duke Rose.

I pray it will be enough.

***

“You need to rest, Audrey!” Lucia shouted at me as she pierced the chest of an enemy and kicked the woman away to draw her blade free. We were on the verge of losing the wall as the imperials climbed one after the other over the crenulations.

“I’m fine!” I shouted back, my own sword glinting in the setting sun as I sliced an arrow out of the air. Water spears formed around me, flying forward to pin a dozen imperial soldiers to the floor and walls. There was a brief respite from the assault as Lucia stomped up to me, her face twisted with worry and anger.

“You’ve been fighting for damn near sixteen hours!” Her hands landed on my shoulders, gripping me tightly. “You only stopped for the meeting, right?”

My eyes flicked to a soldier pulling himself over the wall behind Lucia, and I sent a shadow to deal with him. I kept my attention on our surroundings as I responded.

“Like I said, I’m fine. My divinity allows me to fight much longer than the average person.” My voice came out flatter than I intended, and my friend shook me roughly.

“Listen to yourself! You may be physically fine, but your mind also needs rest!”

“She’s right, Audrey. You’re pushing your mental limits. Go rest. Now.” My goddess’s authoritative tone left no room to argue. Yet, as I looked around, I saw the endless fighting in every direction. Shouts and cries of pain rang in my ear from our soldiers as they fought with everything they had.

“How can I rest at a time like this? I promise I’m fine!” I said, trying to brighten my voice to ease their worry, but Lucia just stared at me until i gave in.

“Alright… I’ll go check in with Abel, at least,” I said, and while the two of them didn’t seem wholly satisfied with that, Lucia finally let me go. I was quite far away from the wall’s center, so I needed to go patrol the other direction anyway. “Stay alive, Lucia,” I said, then sunk into the shadows after she nodded at me.

“I can feel your intention, Audrey. That’s not resting.” Aurora said, her voice upset. I just smiled at her as I moved through the shadows. I knew she could feel my emotions, so there was no need for me to explain myself to her.

As I made my way to the center, I stopped to heal who I could. I did my best not to think about the countless bodies of kingdom soldiers that littered the wall. But every time I saw a new one, I felt another piece of my heart break.

As I neared Abel, I ran into Anthony’s squad, struggling to push back a group of imperial soldiers on the wall. I quickly sent the enemies flying with my magic and appeared beside Anthony.

My holy magic was already glowing as I walked through the group. Luckily, the worst of the injuries had been an arrow in Marianne’s shoulder, but once I healed up the wound, the knight was raring to go again. Then, I realized that someone was missing.

“Where’s Hailey? Why isn’t she with you?” I asked, worried. Anthony just smiled at me and pointed back towards camp.

“She needed a break; I’m sure she’s resting somewhere.” A breath of relief escaped me, and I nodded. After looking everybody over a second time, I once again continued to find Abel. I locked onto his shadow and made a beeline straight to him. As I rose out of his shadow, I found him hurriedly giving orders to a few battalion commanders, then rose from the prince’s shadow once he was done.

“What’s the situation?” I asked, ignoring his flinch at my sudden appearance. He didn't even have the energy to comment like he usually did.

“We’re losing.” He said bluntly. “At most, we can manage another day or two like this… Probably less.” He raised a hand, launching a streak of lightning toward an approaching fireball. The bolt easily broke the opposing spell, continuing on to hit the caster and leaving a charred corpse behind.

That was the only spell from the volley Abel bothered to block as the rest collided with the wall, absorbed by the magic barrier that briefly shimmered over the grey brick.

“There has to be something we can do!” I said in frustration. We hadn’t received any other reports from the capital since the news of the delayed reinforcements, either, and I couldn’t help but feel something was very wrong.

Suddenly, an explosion rang out, and an enormous billow of black smoke rose from the wall to our left. Abel and I immediately ran to the area and discovered that a large section of the wall had been destroyed, and the ground was littered with the bodies of our soldiers who had been standing on top.

“No! The barrier! What happened!” Abel shouted as we both began to rain magic down on the horde of imperial soldiers who were now trying to push through the rubble. “Audrey! The magic device that powers the barrier is in the central guardhouse. See what’s wrong! Now!” He ordered, but I hesitated to leave him alone to defend the newly opened hole in our defenses. Sensing my hesitation, he yelled again. “I can handle this! Go!”

More explosions began to ring out across the wall, and the blood drained from my face. Realizing I didn’t have time to waste, I moved through the shadows, and as I got closer to the guard house, I sensed a familiar shadow. No… Why is she here? I infused stella into the shadows of those I wanted to keep track of, and I used this mainly for the royal family and Sasha, but the only people on the battlefield I had marked were Abel, Lucia… and Hailey.

As I materialized myself behind her, She turned to face me. Her brown eyes were red from crying, and the tears had tracked paths through the grim on her face. Hailey’s sword was buried in the now shattered mana crystal that was both the power source and mana storage for the wall’s barrier.

“Hailey… Why?” It was all I could bring myself to ask as more explosions and shouts of panic erupted around us. The defensive line was crumbling along with the wall.

Silent tears streamed down Hailey’s face as she gave me a small smile. “I’m sorry, Audrey… I had no other choice.” And with those words, she unsheathed the dagger at her side.

And plunged the blade into her own chest.