Giselle’s head was pounding when the early morning sun shining through her window roused her. She groaned quietly to herself and rolled over to avoid the sun for a moment longer. To her surprise, Victoria was dozing beside her. Giselle scooted closer and gently draped her arm around her waist and rested her head on her chest, glad to have even a brief quiet moment with her.
“Finally awake?” Victoria mumbled, lazily opening one eye to look at her. She smiled softly and wrapped an arm loosely around Giselle.
“Unfortunately,” Giselle replied. “Decided to stay after all? I didn’t think you’d still be here.”
“Your bed is much more comfortable than mine.” Victoria planted a kiss on her forehead. “You feeling alright?”
“I have a splitting headache but I’ll live.” Giselle glanced over her shoulder to judge the time. Loathed though she was to get up, they had a long day ahead of them. “We should start getting ready.”
“It’s still early. We have time.” Victoria closed her eye again, seeming content to relax for a while. “Unless you’re that eager to get away from me.”
“Not at all. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Something on your mind?”
“I just hope I didn’t embarrass myself last night. I barely remember the end of the party.” Giselle idly fidgeted with the lace of Victoria’s chemise. Anything after dinner was hazy at best. She vaguely remembered the events after dinner, and walking back to the house with Victoria, but little else.
“So you don’t remember drunkenly professing your affection to me?”
“Oh please, I wasn’t the only one that was drunk.”
“At least you remember something. I was beginning to wonder if you would recall anything that happened.”
“It would be hard for me to forget it, drunk or not.” Giselle looked up at her, reaching up to caress her face. Victoria pulled her into a soft kiss, smiling as Giselle returned her affection in earnest. It was hard to say when she’d get another opportunity to spend time alone with Victoria. She wanted every moment she could get.
“Is this really what you want?” Victoria asked her between kisses. The feeling of her cold hand sliding up Giselle’s thigh sent a shiver down her spine and her heart racing.
“Yes,” Giselle replied, slipping one strap of Victoria’s chemise off her shoulder.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you this morning.”
“Why is that?”
“Your brother is at the door.”
Mere seconds later, there was a knock at the door. Giselle let out a defeated sigh. Finally, she had something and someone she wanted. Was it so much to ask for her to be able to enjoy their time together? Victoria detangled herself from Giselle, adjusting her chemise before climbing out of bed. She cracked the door and stuck her head out.
“What?” She said gruffly.
“Oh. Forgive me, but I thought this was my sister’s room,” Jean said. Giselle could practically hear the smug look on her brother’s face.
“What do you want?” Victoria maintained her displeased stance, refusing to open the door more than a crack.
“Well, I was coming to wake my sister for breakfast. But I can see you’re both… busy.”
“We’re coming.” Victoria slammed the door in his face, shaking her head as she turned around. “Permission to smack your brother later?”
“Granted.” Reluctantly, Giselle cast aside the blankets and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. If everyone else was up, there was no point in lingering in bed any longer. Before she could stand, Victoria stood over her, cupped her face in her hands, and gave her one last kiss before she left the room. Giselle blew out a sigh once the door had shut behind her. I’m in trouble, she thought to herself. But, it was more than worth it.
**********************************************************************************************
“Are you certain you’re alright, Your Grace? You seem very… distracted this morning.”
“I’m fine, Auguste. I just didn’t sleep well is all.” Giselle kept her gaze focused out the window. They were less than an hour from the city now. The stark white walls of Cintois were visible in the distance. On either side of the road, vineyards and farmland sprawled as far as the eye could see, dotted by grandiose manors and villas. Victoria and Jean were riding side by side just ahead of the carriage. Jean seemed especially animated as he talked with her. Victoria was laughing at whatever he was talking about, audible even over the thundering of hoofbeats on the cobblestone street. She looked so regal on horseback with her black and silver cape billowing behind her in the breeze.
“I noticed you snuck away from the show last night.” Auguste fixed her with a knowing but serious gaze. “You need to tread carefully, Your Grace. We cannot afford any distractions as the situation becomes more dire.”
“I’m not distracted,” Giselle protested, tearing her gaze away from the window.
“You’ve been staring out the window at her for the entire ride, Your Grace. As with last night, you are anything but subtle in your fondness for the Halaani princess,” Auguste said. “I do not mean to sound discouraging, however. For too long, you’ve put off your own happiness to protect your brother. If this is what you want, then I will not question or pry. All I ask is that it not detract from the present task at hand.”
“It won’t,” Giselle said, pausing for a moment to think on his words. “Was I really that obvious last night?”
“Terribly, I’m afraid. I’ve never seen your face so flushed. Your absence as the guests were leaving will certainly spread rumors.” Auguste chuckled. “Those of us old enough to be familiar with Halaani culture know that one doesn’t ask a casual acquaintance to dance the Vetslindre. Her Majesty was obvious as well.”
“You know she doesn’t like the titles.”
“I’m afraid I cannot abandon my etiquette, not even at the behest of royalty.” Auguste leaned his head back against the cushion behind him as he turned his gaze out the window to his right. “What did the crown princess say last night?”
“Nothing specific, which worries me. She just asked that we both report to the palace this afternoon.” As happy as Princess Analise had seemed the night before, Giselle couldn’t help but wonder if something terrible might have happened. Her invitation had been so vague. Too vague, in Giselle’s mind.
“I don’t think we have anything to fear, Your Grace. Victoria is the empress’ niece, after all. Her homecoming is a momentous occasion. I’m amazed the king of Tosanko hasn’t demanded we give him his granddaughter back yet. King Ruleo still lives.”
“Well he can’t have her,” Giselle said.
“Planning marriage already, are we? That’s one way to keep her at your side.”
“Auguste, you’re shameful.”
“I only jest, Your Grace. She is a good match for you, though.”
“Yes, her pedigree is very impressive. Now let’s drop the conversation, please,” Giselle said, exasperated. There was no telling if either of them would even survive the days to come. To think of a future with Victoria seemed foolish—wishful thinking would only lead to even more heartbreak on one side or the other.
“Of course, Your Grace.”
As they reached the gates, Giselle spotted a massive retinue of imperial soldiers waiting atop the walls of the city and lining the cleared streets. Trumpets blared, and Halaafin’s banners were thrown over the walls as they rode through the gates. From the buildings lining the streets, the crowds of people cheered when they saw Victoria on her horse. She waved to everyone, putting on the best smile she could as they rained flowers down on her. Giselle couldn’t help but roll her eyes as Victoria caught a rose and waved it at the young girl that had thrown it to her. Suave as ever, she thought to herself. For someone that detested her station, Victoria carried it well.
The soldiers lining the streets closed in behind the carriage as they proceeded through the street, heading for the spired palace sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the Green Sea. As far as Giselle could see ahead of them, the streets were packed with citizens eager for even a fleeting glimpse of Victoria. The sheer number of soldiers present in the city indicated just how serious the empress was taking security.
The crowds disappeared as they neared the palace. Instead of cheering, the only sound was that of the soldiers marching behind them and the waves crashing into the cliffs below. The golden gates of the Veilmarr Palace swung outward for them as Victoria brought Riven to a stop. She led the way into the courtyard, riding Riven to the base of the steps before dismounting. Auguste opened the carriage door as it came to a stop behind her. Victoria offered her arm as Giselle stepped out. Gladly, Giselle accepted, ignoring the surprised look that Auguste gave the two of them as they started for the stairs.
Jean and Klen were already ascending the steps together, chattering quietly to one another. Judging by their not-so-subtle glances over their shoulders, Giselle knew the two young men were talking about them. Victoria placed a hand over Giselle’s as she began to pull her hand away and leaned down to whisper to her.
“Ignore them. I don’t care who sees us together,” Victoria said.
“Are you sure? What about your family?” Giselle raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“I am free to make my own choices, regardless of what anyone thinks of them. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, anyway.”
“As long as you’re okay with being open about it.” Giselle let out a relieved sigh. Any shred of doubt about where the two of them stood was gone now.
Lord Steward Tulierre was waiting for them just inside the foyer, along with several of the empress’ advisors from across the empire. They all dropped to one knee as Victoria and Giselle came to a stop before them. Klen and Jean lingered just behind them with Auguste. Tulierre rose to his feet first, crossing his hands before him.
“Your Majesty,” Tullier said, bowing his head to Victoria and then Giselle in turn. “Your Grace. Words cannot express how good it is to see you in these halls again, Princess. Her Imperial Majesty is awaiting us in her throne room with her family.”
“Take me to her. I believe she has waited long enough for my homecoming,” Victoria said.
“At once, Your Majesty.” Tulierre motioned for the advisors to stand and led the way into the palace proper.
Victoria gazed up at the vaulted ceilings above them as they walked, admiring the scenes of ancient battles and depictions of gods and heroes painted on them. Giselle admired them with her. The opulence of the palace was legendary—from the sprawling gardens to the halls full of famous paintings and statues, the Veilmarr Palace was considered the most beautiful in the known world. Giselle swore she discovered something new every time she visited the empress, and she’d been coming to the palace since she was a young child.
The massive double doors to the throne room were open for them by the time they arrived. Gazing down at them from the raised seats on either side was the entirety of the empress’ court—dukes and duchesses, earls and barons, and all manner of important citizens. Many of them had been the very same people that they had dined and celebrated with just the night before. Even Commander Allard was present. He and his Halaani captains were all dressed in their finest parade armor, glittering in the light streaming through the massive windows on either side of the room. The banners of several visiting dignitaries were hung on the walls, including that of Tosanko. The sheer number of people present made Giselle dizzy.
Across from the doorway, a tall staircase led up to the throne; the Seat of the Lion. It was shaped like the head of a roaring lion, with the seat positioned inside the mouth of the great cat. Empress Esmee sat upon the massive golden throne, dressed in her family’s royal purple colors. On either side of her stood Crown Princess Analise, her widowed daughter-in-law, Princess Ninette, and the empress’ eight grandchildren, all dressed to match. Tulierre took his place by the door and announced their arrival.
“Princess Victoria Alexandra Boucher of Halaafin, Firstborn of His Majesty, the late King Relith Boucher, Scion of Clan Boucher.
“Duchess Giselle Marie-Elizabeth Labelle of Alize, Firstborn of the late Duke Claude Labelle, Head of House Labelle, and Occult Advisor to Her Imperial Majesty.
“Lord Jean Labelle, Vanquisher of the Undead, and heir to the duchy of Alize.
“Sir Klenden Orzhov of the Knights of L’Oriath, Knight Enchanter, and Occult Advisor to Her Majesty, Princess Victoria.”
There was thunderous applause as Victoria stopped their precession at the foot of the stairs until the empress raised a hand to silence them. She and Giselle dropped to one knee before the throne. Esmee leaned forward to get a good look at Victoria, scrutinizing her. As usual, her serious gaze was near impossible for Giselle to read. Was she happy, angry, or indifferent? It was hard to not shrink back under her gaze, especially as she clung so tightly to Victoria’s arm. There were so many eyes on them that Giselle almost felt like she was suffocating. It was amazing how calm Victoria seemed despite it all as if this was just another daily occurrence.
“So, you’re here at last,” Esmee said finally. She sat back in her throne, the faintest of smiles softening her terse brow. “It certainly took you long enough.”
“I didn’t wish to impose, Your Majesty” Victoria replied innocently.
The empress scoffed. “Do you have any idea how infuriating it was to learn of your survival secondhand, after all these years?”
“Immensely, I’m sure.”
“And yet, you show no remorse.”
“None whatsoever. You and your family were and still are better off if I keep my distance, Your Majesty,” Victoria said.
“Duchess Labelle?” Esmee turned her piercing green eyes onto Giselle.
“Yes, Your Majesty?” Giselle replied. Her heart began to race.
“Should Lady Boucher ever make such a stupid decision again, I ask that you smack some sense into her. She needs someone sensible such as yourself to keep her in line.” A full smile finally broke the empress’ terse expression. “I cannot thank you enough for your quick action in rescuing the princess and returning her to us, Duchess, though I had little doubt that you would succeed. It would have made my husband glad to know he was not the last of his name in the end.”
“It was my honor, Your Majesty,” Giselle replied.
“For your dedication to your empire and your valiant efforts at Fort Vaegar, I am awarding both you and your brother with the Imperial Gold Star. Wear these as a symbol of honor, knowing you have served your homeland with the courage and loyalty of your forbears that I have come to rely so heavily upon. Your father would be proud of you both.”
Analise descended the steps, followed closely by her youngest daughter, Lillie, barely seven years old. Giselle thanked the young princess as her mother helped her pin the medal on. Lillie smiled and curtsied before moving around to pin a medal on Jean as well. He did the same, a starstruck look on his face as Analise smiled at him before guiding her daughter back up the steps to stand beside her grandmother.
“As for you, Victoria, I have been holding onto a gift from your father in hopes that you may someday appear to claim it.” The empress stood from her throne and slowly descended the steps, assisted by her eldest grandson, Prince Gaspard. Behind them, Princess Marie followed with a plush velvet cushion. Tears began to well in Victoria’s eyes when she saw what it was as Esmee stood before her. Giselle slid her hand down Victoria’s arm to hold her hand tightly. No wonder Analise had been so vague with her invitation—the empress had planned quite the surprise. There was a heavy silence in the air as everyone waited and watched with bated breath.
“This arrived two days after I received news of your homeland’s destruction, delivered by one of your father’s eagles. Though he knew he was doomed, he hoped that you would live on to bear its weight in his place. Your birthright—The Stag’s Crown.” The empress lifted the ornate golden crown from its cushion and placed it gently upon Victoria’s head. Victoria’s eyes were wide in shock, and tears were now flooding down her cheeks. “You are a princess no longer. All here are gathered to bear witness to your ascension. May you reign with all the wisdom and might of those before you.”
“I am not worthy of it,” Victoria said quietly, dipping her head down.
Esmee lifted Victoria’s chin, beaming at her. “My girl, you have always been worthy. Few women have ever been presented with the power that you and I have been given. It is your destiny, as the Seat of the Lion was mine.
“All hail Queen Victoria, the first of her name, protector of the nine realms, and ruler of the Halaa!”
Slowly, Victoria rose to her feet, taking in the faces of everyone saluting her in the stands above. Allard and his captains were cheering the loudest by far, beating their fists against their chests as they hailed their new queen. Giselle couldn’t even begin to imagine the thoughts running through her head as she took in everything happening around her. But the sight of Victoria in her crown made Giselle’s chest swell with pride. It may not have been what she desired, but she was born to wear it.
“I know that you had a celebration just last night, but I have taken the liberty of preparing my own for the evening. A coronation such as this must be celebrated properly, after all. Before the festivities begin, however, I would speak with you and the Labelles. Come.” Taking her grandson’s arm again, the empress walked back up the steps.
Victoria wrapped her arm around Giselle’s shoulder, staring after the empress in a daze. Giselle placed her hand on the small of her back and urged her forward. Together, they followed the empress up the stairs, with Jean and Klen following close behind them. Esmee led the way through a small door to the left of her throne, with all of her family filing in behind her. Once they had all entered the room, the door shut silently behind them, muffling the throng of voices and applause from the throne room.
“As much as I would love to say that I invited you here just to celebrate, I’m afraid that we still have business to discuss. Best to get it out of the way now while we are all clearheaded and coherent.” Esmee walked around the massive wooden table in the center of the room and took a seat in the wooden chair at its head. “Gerduwin has already been briefed on my decision. But, it is now time to get the three of you up to speed.”
“What would you like to discuss, Your Majesty?” Victoria asked. Her voice lacked her usual confidence. Clearly, she was still in shock.
“These undead fiends that have sieged your lands are threatening to do the same to mine. As much as I would like to display the true might of my empire to this ‘vampire lord’, I cannot do that when my lands are being ravaged to the north.” Esmee gestured to the map of the empire on the table before her. “Garignon houses the only passable trade route through the Urudal mountains and the forests surrounding its peaks, and if Gwardenveld falls into chaos and rebellion, it will split my empire in two. That is why I have decided to create a specialized task force to deal with this nuisance so we may finally attack this cult head-on.
“I have decided for you to head this operation, Victoria. You and Duchess Labelle understand these creatures far better than any of us. With the Knights at your disposal, I am hoping to send you all north with a battalion of my own soldiers to wipe these beasts out so that trade with the northern half of our empire can resume. Once things have settled, I can move my soldiers through to finally retake Halaafin.”
“It would be my honor to eradicate these beasts for you, Your Majesty,” Victoria said. “If my gut feeling is right, the undead and this sudden werewolf pandemic are not isolated incidences. The Amunraza only benefits more from cutting your capital off from the rest of your forces. Almost half your army protects the northern territories.”
“I knew you would have a good grasp of the situation we are faced with.” Esmee turned her gaze from Victoria to Giselle. “Lady and Lord Labelle, I am assigning the two of you as my liaisons to the newly crowned queen. Protect and advise her to the best of your abilities—Bouchers are renowned for their fierce bravado in battle, but she is no good to her people if she is dead.”
“The queen is in good hands, Your Majesty,” Jean said. “My sister and I will keep her out of trouble as best we can.”
“Sir Klenden?”
Klen shyly stepped forward from where he stood at the back of the room by the door, crossing his arm over his chest as he bowed. “Your Majesty.”
“Your commander has informed me that you are his liaison to Victoria, and sworn to protect her. I have asked for you to take charge of the security team that I will be sending north with you to protect her. It will be a modesty team of my own Lion’s Guard, about ten soldiers in total. Do you feel comfortable taking on such a task?”
“I must admit, I have never led men in battle before, but it is my honor to step up to the task for you, Your Majesty.” Klen bowed again.
“Good. Now, enough of all this darkness and despair. There is a party starting that is awaiting its guest of honor, and we have to have you all dressed and ready for the occasion.”
******************************************************************************************
Giselle took in a deep breath as she stared out at the ocean. The sun had set hours ago, but the ocean was still just as dazzling under the light of the rising moons. Behind her, the cacophony of conversations and music from the party flooded out of the open door to the balcony. The empress did not throw parties this extravagant very often. But tonight, the occasion demanded the finest of everything. Dinner had been incredible, with dishes from all across the Green Sea being served. She had danced with so many friends and distant relations that she was sure her feet would be blistered come the morning.
There had been only a few fleeting moments that she had been able to speak with Victoria, let alone see her. A great many people were eager to speak to the newly crowned queen, some offering favors, others offering soldiers or money. A few especially bold dignitaries had even offered marriage proposals. It was hard not to feel overlooked with how many people were so interested in her. Perhaps it was selfish of Giselle to want Victoria all to herself when there were duties she had to keep as a queen, now.
“May I join you out here?”
Giselle looked over her shoulder, smiling as Victoria stepped out onto the balcony to stand beside her. She looked stunning in her cape and black suit. Her hair, braided down one side, had been adorned with diamonds and pearls. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“I certainly hope you won’t make it a habit to call me that all the time.” Victoria leaned against the railing, watching the waves lazily crash against the shore below them.
“Only in public,” Giselle promised.
“Did you know that the empress had planned any of this?”
“No, but I have a nagging suspicion that Auguste knew. I should have suspected something was going on when I saw the luggage loaded on top of the carriage.” Giselle leaned into her shoulder. “Are you alright?”
“I’m still not certain that this is all real,” Victoria said. She reached up and took the golden crown from her head, rubbing her fingers over the emeralds set into it. “I have a hard time believing that anyone will want to return to Halaafin after what happened. The land will take years to recover.”
“Well, you’ll always have a place at my estate, regardless of what happens.” Giselle tentatively reached for the crown. “May I?”
“Of course.” Victoria handed it to her.
“It’s beautiful.” Giselle held it up to the light, admiring the finite details carved into the antlers and vines that made up the crown. It weighed far more than she had initially expected. She placed it back on top of Victoria’s head, admiring how perfectly it sat upon her brow. “I think it suits you.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Victoria smiled softly at her.
“I couldn’t help but overhear a few of the many marriage proposals thrown your way this evening,” Giselle said, smiling as Victoria rolled her eyes at the mere mentioning of it. “I can only imagine how uncomfortable that must have been.”
“It should come as no surprise that I declined them all. I have my sights set on someone already.” Victoria reached over and took one of Giselle’s hands in hers. “But, if this is more than what you thought you were signing up for, I understand. I would be asking you to sacrifice a lot.”
“Are you proposing to me, Your Majesty?” Giselle smiled wryly, delighting in the embarrassed blush that crept into her cheeks.
“I think we have a ways to go before we get to that point,” Victoria replied, “but our circumstances have changed dramatically over the course of a single day and I don’t want you to feel as though I expect you to be okay with everything.”
“It’s quite a change, but I’ve always wanted to see what your homeland looks like in person.” Giselle adjusted the chain keeping Victoria’s cape in place with her free hand, smiling up at her. “Jean will have Auguste to guide him when his time comes, and I will always be able to advise him from afar. It’s high time I focus on myself for once.”
“You’d give up your home for my disaster of a kingdom?” Victoria raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“In a heartbeat, if it means that I am by your side.” Giselle let go of her hand and took hold of her cape to pull her into a kiss, which Victoria returned in earnest. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”