Record of Ashes War

Chapter 15 - Names and Games

2 1/2 Years Later

Year 4240 of the Second Calendar, 4th cycle of Elaina

Azurus swept a bead of sweat from his brow. He slowed his breaths, inhaling and exhaling in measured paces just as he'd been taught to do. He wasn't fatigued. But his muscles were wary. Wary of the struggles they would soon endure. He was facing the only opponent within the realm that he hadn't yet beaten. He scolded himself for not having trimmed his hair prior to the bout. Wavy brown strands were getting into his eyes.

A split second mistake was all it took to end a duel. Azurus took his stance, arms outstretched before him. Sweaty palms clutched tight the hilt of a blunt training sword giving off a dull shine beneath the sowing season sun. He had been trained by the Queen's Guard captain. And by the Wolf of Metsiphon. While he had bested the latter, Azurus had yet to claim a victory against Sir Aegis, the one they called Thundersword.

This was Azurus' graduation fight. He had earned his place among the Order of Queen's Guard. But a graduation fight had become tradition within the Order. Victors were said to be blessed with bright futures ahead of them. Superstition, all that. Others of the Guard watched from the outskirts of the open courtyard. They were too far to hear any spoken words, but they were close enough to feel the impact of clashing blades.

Eildred Aegis stood about a dozen feet away, back straight and confident, two hands wrapped around the hilt of his own weapon. He wore a dark violet uniform with black trousers. The back of his violet coat held an embroidered white lotus. It was the uniform of Exaltyron's highest ranking commander. Officers beneath him wore a dark red the color of dried blood, while lowest ranking Queen's Guard wore navy blue. Exaltyron's regular soldiers wore uniforms of white with a black lotus embroidery while on duty.

Eildred, even without his daunting black armor plates, was as imposing as a fortress wall measured from its base. Azurus felt more sweat roll down the side of his head. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear when staring down the one man he'd never beaten.

He sucked air through his teeth and charged, thinking that if he couldn't win by technique, he would best his opponent with sheer strength. He was of similar build to his opponent, but Eildred was somewhere in his early forties. He surely did not still possess the physical prowess to match with a nineteen year old.

A sore mistake.

Eildred met the stroke with more than equal force, knocking back Azurus' blade. His guard was blown wide open and the Thundersword thrusted at the opportunity. Azurus forced himself to fall on his back. He rolled on the grass and quickly picked himself up. How? How do I win?

"Thinking won't do you any good, lad," the guard captain said, his voice deep and commanding. "And a maneuver like that will be hard to pull off when you're armored. You lack experience. That is all I will tell you."

That was utter nonsense. Azurus had as much experience as any other. The only thing he'd known since being taken in early in his childhood was the sword. He charged his opponent once more, now gripping the two handed blade with one hand only. He had built up his arms to have strength enough when wielding a longsword with a single hand. A skill he spent countless days trying to master.

Eildred had an amused smile on his face. The two clashed multiple times. By only using one arm, Azurus was weaker, but also more agile. He was more nimble with his footwork and could dodge much easier while retaliating with precision rather than relying on brute strength. But even that wasn't enough to reach the Sir Aegis. Eildred easily parried everything, barely shuffling his feet in the process.

Azurus looked into his dark eyes. There was a hint of melancholy. The captain aimed an attack at his throat. Even with a dull training sword, such an attack could be life threatening. He barely managed to raise his blade in time to deflect the stroke. He stepped back and stood still, ending his dance. His body shuddered at the killing intent. That stroke was meant to take his life. Fear seeped into his blood. He felt his joints stiffening in a natural response. A fatal mistake for a swordsman.

"Did you catch a hint of understanding?" Eildred asked. Even now, he was trying to teach a lesson. "As I said. You lack experience. Those eyes still belong to a child. You're quaking in your boots."

Azurus looked down. It was slight. But his knees were buckling. The fear of death was overwhelming. He had never been in an actual battle. One where his life was threatened. One where he was forced to kill. He swallowed hard as a cool breeze pressed against his damp forehead.

"Come now. I didn't raise a coward. You'll never protect the princess with such haphazard resolve."

Something snapped within the young knight's mind. He had something to protect. Someone he loved. Someone he would gladly give his life for. His resolve was renewed, the thumping engine in his chest melting all previous thoughts of fear.

He bent his knees and examined the towering wall before him, trying to glean any sort of a weakness. He recalled Emeria's slender form dancing with a sword under moonlight. She was quite a skilled duelist herself. She used a thin one handed blade, almost akin to a rapier, but not quite. He had gifted it to her for her fifteenth birthday. Something he'd had made specifically for her physique. Her skill surpassed many of the Queen's Guard. Hardly anyone was able to keep up with her speed and footwork. The only reason Azurus would win against her was due to the difference in strength and endurance. It was easy to drain muscles of their strength when they were forced to absorb the shock from constant parries.

Emeria was ever relentless in her pursuit for improvement, asking him for bouts often. They'd sparred enough times for him to have a decent memory of her footwork. He took a similar stance to her and held his longsword with one hand again. Faster. I have to go faster. Strong but quick at the same time. Just like the wind.

Eildred had that same amused smile on his face again, as if realizing that something new was coming. He attacked instead of waiting for his opponent.

Azurus flinched, his legs reacting faster than his mind and stepping forth to meet his opponent. He deflected Eildred's overhead swing rather than blocking it head on and lunged to one side using only his toes. Eildred hardly shuffled while Azurus danced like a butterfly, striking with thrusts from every angle. It made him strangely happy. The swift movements felt liberating as if he were being swayed by the wind. Impressed whistles and mutters could be heard from around the training field.

I can win. I will win!

"Mm. To use a longsword almost like a rapier. Most impressive arm strength, young man," the captain commented.

Azurus ignored the words, falling deeper into his dance. His heart matched his rhythm. But his breathing did not. The pain of overuse was settling into his limbs. His toes and calves were already burning from the constant short burst leaps. He wasn't used to this style of footwork. It made him realize just how impressive Emeria was to constantly move this way.

He finally found an opening. Eildred's neck was exposed. He leapt forward with his toes and brought down his sword in an angled stroke, aware that doing so would leave him off balance, but it was a chance he couldn't miss. The chance at victory.

He was too preoccupied with the target of his attack that he hadn't been paying attention to his opponent's movements as a whole. Eildred had been holding his own longsword with just one hand for a while. He had intentionally created the opening. With his free hand, he gave the young knight a gentle shove. Already off balance, Azurus fell to his rear, breathing hard. He soon found a sword tip poised at his throat.

"Hmm. Not bad," the captain said. "Almost like a whirlwind. But I cannot be beaten by mere improvisations. Perhaps in a few years that style could pose a threat. Remember, do not fall so deeply into a trance that your surroundings become oblivious to you. Having fun during duels is one thing. But you cannot do that in a real fight. You are Queen's Guard. You need to be mindful of your every surrounding. Welcome to the order, Sir Aegis." Eildred held out a hand.

"Aegis? What do you mean?"

"You're an orphan, Azurus. The Queen's Guard is a group of elites both in status and skill. There have been exceptions in the case of talented individuals like yourself. But it's different for you, isn't it? You'll never be taken into House Lakris without a family name of your own. To that end, I will adopt you. Are you dissatisfied?"

Azurus felt his face color. Eildred was correct. The court could be thrown into chaos if a nameless person became Emeria's betrothed. But it bothered him to use the name of another. He had gotten so far with his own skill. He wanted to prove himself. Wanted to prove that status wasn't all that mattered. "I… respectfully decline," he sighed. "I will remain Azurus. I cannot accept something like this. And, it might shame you, Sir Aegis. They would say that I am your illegitimate child."

"That much is true. Though I care not for such words. I won't question your affection for the princess. I'll have to ask her majesty to make record of it in paper. If it comes to it, you can use my name when Emeria and you decide to wed. Besides," he smiled, "this works well for me. House Aegis has no legitimate successor. This will remain our secret. Until then, prove yourself. Attain new heights as just Azurus the Whirlwind."

"Whirlwind?"

"Yes. I'll grant you that name. You have earned it. Spread it far across all of Illusterra. Let the Whirlwind be feared by our enemies just as they fear the Thundersword. As a new member of the Queen's Guard, you have five years to gain experience before you become duty bound to the palace. Five years to serve the nation elsewhere. I spent four of my five years serving House Serene and fighting on the frontlines. I imagine you would do the same. It would be the easiest route to attaining experience."

"How did you spend your last year?"

"Wasting it. It was the year of her majesty's coronation. It was Queen Dahlia's wish to improve the Impoverished District of the capital. I spent my last year roaming about in the city, seeking a way to eliminate the various street guilds and criminal organizations. That ultimately resulted in nothing. Even after returning to the palace, I aided in attempts to bring order into the district, but that also ended in failure. We were wasting resources and her majesty eventually decided to let them be."

Azurus thought for a moment. Emeria had expressed her desire to improve the district as well. But many a past monarch had tried the same, each one failing. The Impoverished District was his birthplace and he wanted it bettered.

He realized that he was still sitting on his rear and that other members of the Queen's Guard were staring at him, though they couldn't hear the conversation he and Eildred were having. He finally took his captain's offered hand and picked himself off the ground. "Am I not still her highness' appointed knight?" he asked.

Eildred frowned, scratching his chin. He kept a trimmed beard of dark brown. "I suppose you are. Unless her majesty decides otherwise that is. In that case, your circumstances are much different compared to other recruits."

"I'll think on it later then. Thank you, Sir Aegis. For everything you've taught me and done for me."

"It has been my pleasure, lad. You'll find your uniform and sword in your new quarters. Both blade and clothes have been made with your build in mind. Your armor has also been modified to include the lotus regalia."

Azurus nodded and left the training grounds. A few of the knights uttered words of praise and welcome as he passed them by. Others crossed their arms and offered mocking side glances. Not everyone wanted an orphan to be a part of the Royal Guard. Azurus had no friends from amongst them. He was avoided by others when he was a child. Even those few who had risen through the ranks through effort alone avoided him. Everyone stuck their noses in the air once they attained a certain position. As if they had forgotten where they really came from. Azurus never had the opportunity to make friends in his adolescence either. He was chosen to be Emeria's appointed knight during those years and spent most of his time with the First Princess. The only people he considered to be his friends were Emeria and Elizia.

Queen's Guard had their residence a short distance from the palace —a five storey building that had the appearance of an oversized manor. A few select members such as Sir Aegis and Sir Draumen had living quarters within the palace itself. Azurus made his way to his new room. It was spacious. More than he ever wanted. A room with a small round table in the center and two red-cushioned couches for lounging. A large window opened up to a balcony, giving a view of Exaltyron's western half.

A lingering memory of his orphan past resurfaced. He didn't want to forget it. Didn't want to be like the others that refused to acknowledge their origins. He made his way down a narrow corridor a few feet in length to his bedroom, and was surprised to see Emeria going through his near empty wardrobe with a frown on her face. She wore a short sleeved blue dress that widened beyond the hips and had embroidered yellow flowers near the ankles. Her blonde hair was tied in a short tail.

Azurus raised an eyebrow, both surprised and admiring Emeria's accentuated beauty in the dress. She tended to dress herself similar to male nobility, with a long coat and loose fitted breeches. The dress revealed her more slender and graceful figure. She still had her thin sword at her waist. She carried it with her everywhere.

There was a stack of expensive looking coats on his bed which she was putting away into the wardrobe whilst humming. "I suppose it's useless to ask about what you're doing," he commented.

"Very," she answered, lips curling.

He drank the sight of her. That smile was worth kingdoms. Worth every worldly possession. Was that how it was for every man in love? "Any news regarding Lord Serene's hunt for the Lady's antidote?" Azurus wondered what the duke was going through with his beloved wife still in a coma.

"Ill, last I'd heard," Emeria said. "He's sent scholars everywhere. They've had little luck searching the records of other nations. They've recovered a larger sample of the poison recently. Physics and scholars alike have been studying it."

"And Elizia? Do you still send letters to each other?" The queen had insisted her heir remain in the capital to further her studies, which Azurus knew, Emeria diligently ignored through bribing her lecturers, spending days practicing with a blade in secret. A bad habit he knew he'd be chewed out for if the queen ever realized, but he couldn't help but indulge Emeria every now and then.

"She's well, I think. At least her words don't indicate any stress."

He grunted in response. Emeria continued to smooth out the coats and shirts before hanging them in the wardrobe. Azurus slowly closed the door to his bedroom, door hinges creaking. She cast a quick glance towards him, a deep blush very evident on her fair skin. "You know I won't be carrying all of that to Arcaeus Peak with me, right?" he asked.

"I don't expect you to. It's for much later. For when I'm queen. You can't be strutting behind your wife wearing military uniform now can you?"

"I imagine these things will be caked in dust by that time," he said.

"Then you should air them out and wash them every once in a while!"

"Really now, Emma? I thought you were excited to go to Arcaeus after two years of learning politics and attending balls. If I'm to wash them every so often, I guess we won't be spending much time at the garrison." She shut the wardrobe and turned to glare at him. Azurus pulled her in close. "I jest. You've brought them here for me. I'll take care of them for you."

"I brought myself here too…" she breathed.

He didn't need another hint. Their lips locked and he slowly guided her to his bed. His hand reached for the strings of her dress.

"You've learned to be more assertive," she whispered with a shy smile. He kissed her neck as her dress slowly fell away.

Azurus positioned himself above her and stared into her deep verdant eyes.

"All the way, please," Emeria whispered, chest rising and falling quick.

Azurus pulled his shirt over his head and slowly ran a finger down her bare body. A soft moan escaped from her mouth. He kissed his way back up. "As her highness commands," he whispered into her ear.

***

Dahlia quietly stepped along the palace gardens. An unveiled sun breathed life into budding leaves and early seasonal flowers. She felt at ease embraced by their sweet scent. Time to herself seemed a luxury of late. Afternoon strolls did wonders to alleviate her stress.

She rubbed her shoulders. Sowing season winds still held an echo of winter. Her head of gold had been tied in a bun. She released the knot and let her hair flow about freely if but only to cover the back of her neck. Her loose teal dress dragged behind her. Soft chirping of various birds were like music to her ears. It was accompanied by the sounds of laughter from others. The gardens weren't solely hers to occupy, though she wished that she could have been alone for a while. She had the power to make such arrangements, but she hadn't the heart to take away joy from young couples.

Dahlia seated herself beneath the shade of a willow. She stared at two white swans gliding across the waters of a small pond before her. It wasn't long before she began dozing off. To her dismay, she was interrupted. Adrian came and sat down beside her. Her peaceful afternoon had come to an end. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

The First Chancellor cocked his head in curiosity. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"What's what supposed to mean?"

"That sigh. As if I was a bother. I feel as though you've been avoiding me recently, Dahlia. Hmm. Recently isn't the right word. If I think back on it, you've been sort of distant since Lady Sar'tara's poisoning. Nights aside, we hardly speak to each other during daylight except for when you hold meetings in the court."

"You are being a bother," she said, playing with strands of her own hair. "Rather, you were. I had wanted some time alone. But seeing you was more relaxing than I would have expected. Though, I suggest we keep walking. The two of us sitting here alone could create unwanted rumors."

Adrian agreed and stood up, holding out his hand for her to take. She accepted and allowed him to pull her up. "You still aren't willing to make our relationship public? This is getting tiring, Dahlia. I love you. All of you. And I want to show it. I don’t want us to hide."

Her heart ached. Two years had already passed since her dear friend's poisoning. Two of Sar'tara's supposed ten year limit was already gone. Dahlia had wasted those years. The Order of Trillia had not been dealt with. And Kalin still awaited the declaration of war he expected her to give. The duke was patient, conducting frequent reconnaissance missions across the border, but never overstepping his authority.

"I love you too," she said truthfully. Though, she was wary of him as well. She had secretly investigated Adrian, but hadn't found much of anything. She wanted to believe he wasn't affiliated with the Astral Union. But her investigations did confirm the things Kalin had claimed regarding the Trillian faith. They indeed had far too many mercenaries posing as everyday citizens or acolytes. And many of their officials were former members of the Union.

Oddly enough, the warnings of the Tarmian emissary from two years prior did hold true to some extent. She had gone to Metsiphon for Sar'tara's premature funeral, but when Dahlia returned, she'd found that many from amongst her court had adopted the Trillian faith. They weren't enemies by any stretch. But religious zealotry was dangerous and could split loyalty. Those that were fully loyal to her were few. Dahlia did not count Adrian amongst them despite wanting to.

"Then what is the hold up?" he asked. "Are you still worried about Princess Emeria's opinion? She's seventeen now. She's more than capable of thinking for herself."

Dahlia bit her thumbnail. She wanted to ask him. Wanted an answer from his mouth. Wanted him to assure her that he was and forever would be an ally. That he loved her more than his Goddess. "I'm afraid of… everything falling apart. I've spent two years suffering this guilt, Adrian. Two years dancing around issues, trying to find easy solutions to complex problems. The duke is a friend of mine. And I promised I would allow him the chance at vengeance. But you don't want war. I didn't want to hurt you. After everything…"

Adrian stopped walking and took hold of both her hands. Dahlia thought she heard another pair of footsteps behind her. She spared flitting glances for any prowling set of eyes and ears. The garden was large but it would only take one person for rumors to start spreading.

"Is that all?" Adrian asked.

"Yes…" And the fact that Kalin suspects you of being a traitor. Flames but he was handsome. Not quite intoxicating like Agrienne Caranel. Nor possessing the sort of rugged allure that Madrivall and Kalin had. But handsome. Adrian had an admirable build similar to her Royal Guards and an angular and cleanly shaven face that could put stone statues to shame.

"Then stop looking about like a frightened kitten, Dahlia. My love for you transcends the divine. And the Goddess also does not tell us to turn in cowardice if enemies come on to us. I will support the war effort against the Empire. But I want us to at least get engaged."

Dahlia gaped, blinking more than necessary. The words she had wanted to hear for two years were said in an instant. Her heartbeats quickened. He squeezed her hands. Squeezed them harder than she was comfortable with.

Dahlia swallowed. Why is he being so pushy all of a sudden? Two years of being wary had created a cautious entity within her mind. Adrian had had more than enough opportunity to say those words when visiting her chambers at night. More than enough opportunity to mention her odd distance since the past few years. And yet, he hadn't. A growing sickness clutched at her chest. Was I being used all along?

Adrian had responded far too quickly. But he loves me. Of course he would respond quickly. Dahlia didn’t know what to make of it. She didn't want to feel hurt. Didn't want to admit to being used. She desperately hoped for her worries to be wrong. Adrian leaned in before she could react. He kissed her, melting away her doubts. She responded in kind, placing her hand on his chest. He loves me. He has to. "Give me a bit of time," she said when he pulled away. "We'll be engaged by the end of this year. I promise."

"I'll keep my end of the bargain, Dahlia. I'll bring up Lady Sar'tara's demise in the next court meeting myself and sway the fence sitters. The Empire needs to at least learn to fear us. It is my hope that once the Order of Trillia spreads in Tarmia as well, we can achieve true peace."

Dahlia looked at her shoes, a wave of guilt overcoming her, that sickness in her chest returning with renewed vigor. She almost gagged. He said 'demise' as if Sar'tara was guaranteed to die. And those final words sounded so much like those of one seeking conquest. As if —As if he believes he's already won Xenaria because he owns me.

Owns her. That thought enraged her.

"Yes. That would be like a dream come true," she said, maintaining her calm. Two conflicting parts of her clashed with each other. The doubtful part of her was winning, holding control of her brain and thus, her body as well. The soft side of her held control of her heart, a heart that desired Adrian's embrace.

Dahlia inhaled deeply, flinching at the mind numbing scent of Adrian's cologne. It was attractive enough to hinder her train of thought. But she had to know. She mustered the courage to ask the question suffocating her decisiveness. "Adrian, about the Vicegerent of Trillia, the one currently residing in the former summer residence for royalty in Heira. Will Vicegerent Odain really be in agreement to this? I hear he is a fierce advocate for ending any conflict."

"I've met with the man a few times actually. I can assure you, he will agree. Left unattended, the Empire poses a serious risk to the nation. And as such, a risk to my faith as well which finds its roots here."

Dahlia could sense no lie within Adrian's eyes. If it was deception, he was a master at it. She felt guilty for both doubting and loving him. It made her feelings seem flimsy. It had taken a while, but she had managed to confirm that Odain was once the Astral Union's most prized general. Though the reports were somewhat conflicting at times because the timeline didn't add up. Odain was said to be a middle aged man and yet the reports had him as the Union's leader for many decades.

But the information she had obtained had come from two years of efforts. A very limited number of her spies had managed to infiltrate the Thousand Sun City's innermost wall and had risked their lives for that information. Dahlia smiled at Adrian and rested her head against his chest. She squeezed her eyes shut. She was the one doing the deceiving this time. "Then I am happy. Thank you." If the First Chancellor was deceiving her, she needed to play along and make him believe that she had been fooled.

What if he's not lying? The Trillians are still too dangerous to leave alone. What would happen to him if he realized she was attacking the leader of his faith?

What would Kalin say, if he knew she didn't arrest this Odain fellow despite knowing that he was the same Lord Sun who'd burnt his beloved wife's home to ash?

Adrian nodded and looked towards the sky. "I'm glad we cleared this long misunderstanding. I have a prior engagement to attend before evening. Should I come by your chambers tonight?"

"No, um. It's that time of the month for me," she blushed.

"Oh, of course. My apologies. I'll take my leave then, Your Majesty."

Adrian turned and left the garden. Dahlia walked towards the exit as well, though more leisurely. She thought she heard faint footsteps behind her but noticed no one when glancing back. The First Chancellor could assume misunderstandings cleared, but Dahlia didn't believe it. The thoughts gnawed on her mind, causing her head to ache.

"I suppose I should count it a blessing that the Adrian Rinz will not visit you tonight. I have a proposition, Your Majesty," a deep voice boomed, like a distant rumbling of thunder.

Dahlia jumped and whipped her head around. "Eildred? How long… no I mean, it isn't what it seems." The knight tilted his head to the side, as if wondering why she was trying to hide the matter in the first place. "Did you know about Adrian and me?"

"I've always known, Your Majesty. As did your chamberlain. And did you forget, I was in attendance when you spoke to the duke two years prior."

She sighed, forehead creasing. Of course. "Were you not told to wait for me outside of the garden? I don't need someone hounding me at all times. I need some privacy, Sir Aegis."

"Of course. I left someone else in my stead. I only entered the garden after the First Chancellor. I don't trust him."

Her frown eased with that simple explanation. Eildred hardly trusted anyone, and she found that more a comfort than a hindrance. Often, he seemed overprotective. But that wasn't at all the case if she took time to think about it. Protective as his younger brother had been. How she wished Madrivall were still alive now. "You don’t trust him even after what he just told me?" Dahlia asked. Eildred looked so much like his brother, but a bit more rough of face, with broader shoulders and thick neck muscles. More mature too. And stoic. Very stoic.

"Even more so after what he just told you. His response was too quick to not doubt. Two years ago, at the meeting with Idris Khan, he wanted peace. Now he favors war. Seems simple. He loves you. Or claims to. A convenient excuse. From my eyes, he advocates for unity before the court. A farce that has paid off for him. Most of them now worship his Goddess now, and more or less repeat his talking points.

"And now, well, now that the court majority belongs to the Order of Trillia, it is the perfect time to start a war. To send away all loyal soldiers to the border. After all, there are no other external threats to the nation. The Thousand Sun City will not attack us directly. They need to maintain their neutrality to let their battalions freely roam our nations. But the Trillian faith's mercenaries are another story. That is how my eyes view this situation."

He painted a very clear picture. But it only served to inflate Dahlia's headaches. She had authority to override the court's decisions, but she risked any allies within them and would paint herself a tyrant if reasonable results were not achieved with such a drastic power grab. "Then, what would you have me do?"

"For now, observe as you've done these past few years. But approach it differently. We've only recently learned of Odain's true identity. The time to strike decisively will arrive soon. I don't want to make a mistake. It is in your right to be happy, Your Majesty. But once our information is complete, if Adrian is confirmed a traitor, I won't arrest him. He'll die the moment I lay my eyes on him. Here's my proposition. I'm certain you are aware of the rumors surrounding Azurus and the First Princess. The court is obviously not in favor of this." Eildred paused for a reaction.

"And?" she crossed her arms. "He is a man of outstanding character. A fitting partner for my daughter."

"Yes. I think so too. Good. I want you to send him away. He is skilled but staying at Emeria's side is the equivalent of clipping his wings. I expect him to succeed me as Captain of the Queen's Guard one day. But he is nameless. He will need a lot of fame before he is accepted in that role. Send him to Heira. Use the excuse that you don't want a filthy orphan defiling your daughter. Harsh, I know. But convenient nonetheless. The Draumen estate is a short distance from Heira. He can take up residence there. Investigate this Vicegerent and Adrian's potential ties to him. It is the perfect opportunity."

"And you want me to do this tonight?"

Eildred nodded. His expression rarely changed. It was picturesque. Like a still painting. Always blank and unreadable. "He officially became a member of your Guard today. It wouldn't be strange to revoke his title as the princess' appointed knight now. But to ask of him in public would draw too much attention. It should not be known that you are sending him to Heira. I would recommend visiting him in the dead of night today."

Dahlia thought for a moment. Azurus was untainted and had also spent a number of years with the duke. She could confirm his loyalty by using her own daughter as a bargaining chip. "If he is to gain fame, what good does it do to have the boy be a part of a covert mission?"

"I have named him 'The Whirlwind'. None yet know of it. It shouldn't be hard for a man of his caliber to spread that name. Azurus need not be associated with 'The Whirlwind' until the time is right."

Dahlia didn't understand the odd titles warriors acquired. Something meant to carry respect and fear. To her, it seemed childish. Her eyes lingered on the captain's broad shoulders and thick arms hidden beneath his violet uniform. Childish. And yet having him near, having the Thundersword near her, made her feel invincible. Fearless even. And protected.

A clear picture accompanied by a solution. Eildred had somehow inflated her headaches as if goading it to commit an error and then killed it entirely. "That makes sense. Then I will do as you say, Sir Aegis. I'm glad to have you as an advisor. This nation would not have lasted long if I was alone." Sometimes, the simple yet keen perspective of a seasoned soldier was the best one.

"I am not deserving of those words, Your Majesty."

***

Dahlia edged along the walls of the Queen's Guard residence. It felt terribly immoral to be sneaking about with a black hood over her head. Though, it reminded her of a distant past when she would do just that to visit Madrivall in his quarters prior to their wedding.

It was well into the night and Eildred had made it such that there were no guards on standby. He led her through the dark passages and stairs. Luminite was sparse and small. Dahlia nearly tripped on numerous occasions, creating more noise than she would have preferred. This place could use a bit of renovating, or at least the budget to purchase more light.

Eildred had a dark cloak thrown around his violet uniform, clothes clinking softly with every step. She knew he wore mail beneath. At no waking hour was he ever defenseless. He carried two short swords at his waist as they were more appropriate for narrow halls than a larger weapon.

They came to Azurus' room at last. The newest of recruits had their quarters in the uppermost floors of the residence. And the young knight, being the only new recruit for a while, was the only one on the highest floor of the five storey building. Dahlia expected Azurus to be asleep, though her guard were supposed to be trained to wake at the most sudden of noises. She meant to softly knock on the door but Eildred stepped between her and essentially banged on the door before stepping back. She frowned at the man.

"There's no one else on this floor," he whispered.

Whispered. After just banging like a mindless drunk. She shook her head.

A shirtless Azurus opened the door. Moonlight spilled out of the open doorway from the undraped window at the back. The boy's well-toned body shone with faint traces of sweat. He blinked a few times, staring Dahlia in the eye. He immediately slammed the door shut. Dahlia's jaw hung open in shock as she slowly pulled off the hood of her cloak.

The door opened again shortly after. This time, she was greeted with a face full of terror. "You-your Majesty. I didn't mean to-it's just that-that I thought, I mean thought I was dreaming for a second and… yeah."

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. He still stood in the doorway. His face grew even more worried when he noticed his captain standing behind her. "May I come in?" she asked.

"No —I mean yes. Um, yes. Of course not, I mean, of course. Yes. Why not?" Azurus finally stepped aside. His behaviour was very strange and different from what she knew. He stepped back until he stood before the short hall that led to his bedroom. He hastily went down on one knee. "Um, what can I do for you, your majesty?"

She crossed her arms. "You can step aside for starters," she said as she walked around him regardless. His lips slowly parted as his expression grew even more taut. Eildred went around the room lighting candles. Dahlia thought she heard Azurus swallow as she walked past him. In his bedroom, on his bed, was Emeria, unclothed but hidden under the sheets. She pulled the sheets up to her mouth at the sight of the queen.

"Mother…"

"I suppose that explains why you weren't at the dinner table today. Sir Aegis, escort the royal heir back to the palace. Or throw her over your shoulder and carry her back. I care not of the method. I wish to speak to Azurus alone."

Dahlia waited in silence as her daughter dressed and was carried out by Eildred. He threw her over his shoulder, as Dahlia said, and the princess squealed as he carried her off. Dahlia closed the door behind them and turned around. Azurus was standing still, though trembling. "Do you imagine it proper to be without a shirt before your queen?" she asked.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," the young knight said as he hurried to wear something more appropriate. He came back and knelt before her.

She sighed aloud, taking a seat at the round table. She wasn't sure as to how she would start the conversation. "You are officially stripped of your position as my daughter's appointed knight. Effective immediately."

Silence.

"No defence at all? No reaction? I expected more, Azurus."

"You are the queen. Your words are absolute. I am bound to accept whatever punishment you believe I have earned."

"Punishment… You, an orphan, have slept with my daughter. I should put you to death, if only to silence you." The boy still showed no reaction. He was flustered at first, but his resolve was strong. His loyalty even stronger. She could see why Eildred had taken a liking to him. "I have a task for you. Sir Aegis recommends I send you to Heira and I agree with him. Do you accept?"

"Whatever you command."

"No hesitation. I haven't even explained the details. It's something you have no experience in. Which ironically makes you the perfect candidate for the job. It also allows me to be rid of you. Perhaps you've tried hiding your affection for my daughter. But I doubt she hid hers for you. Sar'tara influenced that girl too much. There's already been less than savory rumors about my daughter's character. She's beautiful and spends her time near soldiers. You can imagine what they say of her. Imagine the uproar the nobles and the court will cause if I let you marry her. But to be frank, I don't give Flaming dreg about all of that."

"Your Majesty…"

"Right, right. Pardon my language. I'm sending you to Heira. It's a covert mission. I need you to investigate the Trillian temple. Do not, under any circumstance, take your task lightly. You might be a skilled swordsman, but I don't expect you to do much fighting unless absolutely necessary. This matter entails the safety of the nation. It has come to my attention that the Trillians are affiliated with the Astral Union. I need you to investigate a man named Odain. He is their Vicegerent. And formerly the Lord Sun of the Thousand Sun City. Find out, if you can, exact details of his plots. And find out how they are connected to the First Chancellor, Adrian Rinz. Any questions?"

"… The same Lord Sun said to have burned down an entire forest of ours?"

"The same. Anything else?"

"No," the boy answered, closing his fists.

Fiercely loyal to the nation as well. Or is it perhaps a sense of maternal attachment to Sar'tara? He was an orphan after all. And Sar'tara was too likeable for those around her to not at least feel the need to share a fraction of her pain. "This has little to no relations with what you've been trained to do. You have yet to shed blood, Sir Azurus. Are you resolved to kill if need be?"

"Anything for the safety of Xenaria."

"Even if you are forced to kill in cold blood? Kill dishonourably? Go beyond your code as a knight to hide your identity?"

"A knight's duty is to his nation. I will fulfill my task as you command."

Good. The boy was unknown. So long as he was at least half as cautious as Eildred, he would not be recognized. Or should not be, Dahlia hoped. "Set out at dawn tomorrow. Notify no one of your task. Head for the Draumen estate. Sir Draumen's sister will receive you and provide further details regarding your cover identity. And remember this. You aren't just a valuable asset to this nation. My daughter loves you and I have no qualms with that. If your position becomes compromised, return immediately. Whether you succeed or fail, I still plan to give you Emeria's hand. I know no better man. I'll ask you one last time, do you have any further questions?"

"No. I will complete my task as ordered." He said, still on one knee and face pointed towards the floor.

Dahlia breathed easy. She undid her folded arms. "Rest well. I wish you good fortune, Azurus Whirlwind."