Chapter 71: Ride Home
The air between all of my soldiers was heavy with silence. Almost like an invisible weight bad been placed on everyone of our shoulders. Grief hung above their heads, having lost one of our own, and learning that their was a traitor amongst us. Even as they sat on their horses, baccks straight and reigns loose in their hands, they still hung their heads. General Bregus was probably the most quiet out of all of us. He uttered not one word since we told him what had gone down the last few days.
There was a strangled grunt from his lips, but he uttered no more since then. As he rode by my side, I was able to gauge his reactions. But it was hard to read him as he stared blankly into the distance. His eyes where on the horizon, but his mind had wandered into his own thoughts. It would almost seem like he had even paled a little, grieving in the silence of his own mind. I know that Michael was still processing that his friend had died. He hasn't been the same since we found Jeremiah's body. Quiet, reserved, and he seemed to sit a little higher when ever he was addressed. The smiling, joking, and pleasant Michael was gone, replaced by his solemn attitude and short cut sentences.
Marquise's also upbeat and joking spirit also took a back seat, having nearly spoken a full sentence since we left the city. It had been a grim last few days, and it was taking its toll on everyone. Although he seemed as stiff as everyone else, his eyes waivered every now and then, showing uncertainty in the depths of his eyes. They seemed to be silently comtemplating, but I don't know what it was. Honestly, I didn't have the energy to ask either. I was still lost in my own troubled thoughts as we made our way back to the Kingdom. The fresh crisp morning air had long since faded away, and in its stead was the bitter cold night.
The sun had just finally started to set, leaving the sky in different shades of light pinks, oranges, and yellows. The dark blue from the coming night sky, slowly devoured the happy shades as the sun slowly set, leaving us to quickly pull out the torches and get them lit.
"We will be arriving shortly Alliah." The General stated blandly, not even trying in slightest to hide his unexcited demeanor. I couldn't blame him though, this next few steps where going to be the most unpleasant yet. Knowing that I would have to send my sister to the dungeons and decide what I want to do with her, and also handing Laylia and my father at the same time. The whole castle was going to be sent into a long trail of unrest and chaos.
"Upon our arrival, I want my sister arrested and thrown into the dungeons. Nicklos and I will head straight to the Counselman the neccessary documents given to me by Uriah," I couldn't help but pause, taking in the silence of my troops. "I know that this isn't going to be easy on any of us. Some of us how served my father for a very long time, and had to endure a lot of what he has done over the years. But I need you to trust me and let me handle the big stuff that's about to come our way." The light stomping of hooves filled the surrounding area, leaving my words to die in the wind.
"Your Majesty, I know that your time as a Knight hasn't been an easy one, but believe me when I say that we stand with you. I don't think I have ever seen a more noble royal in your blood line in a long time. It would be nice to have a change of pace and maybe enjoy some actual peace in the Kingdom for once." Marquise spoke softly. Like a rich velvet that filled and caressed the air around us. It was filled with a touch of sadness as he spoke. I looked around Nicklos's tightly embraced arm and offered a small smile as thanks.
Marquise replied with a small smile of his own, but it quickly faded as he went back to staring off into the distance. Nicklos sighed heavily, his own frustrations flowing from his body as we all tapered off into silence. It was more or less like we were traveling to the burial grounds rather then back home.
"I think her Majesty is a good leader. She came all the way to the City to find me and bring me home. She could have left me to rot in Laylia's lair, but she rescued me instead. For that I will forever be in your debt." Maxwell muttered against Marquise's back. His voice was rasphy and tired as he spoke. More than likely from all the medicine that had been pumped into him before we left the City.
"It's too bad you will be stepping down as a Knight after this. I'll miss seeing you single handedly kill a bear amidst a battle amongst rouges." Chuckled another soldier from behind. I could feel my face grow embarressed as I recalled the bear I had slain just a week prior after it had stepped on to the battlefield. It was amazing how much had actually happened in a week. The event where enough to fill up at least a months worth of fighting.
I mean a week ago, I had never wanted to see Nicklos's face again. But now I was completely wrapped around him. I never wanted to to seperate from him ever again. Looking forward, I am glad that things turned out the way they did. Who knows what would have happened in the future if I hadn't uncovered them. Father could have easily stepped down and continued trying to produce a male heir once his time began to open up. Illia would have continued to try and find ways to hurt me, and Laylia would have more than likely spend all of her energy trying to find ways to over throw me, and the Counsel too.
I mean, the Counsel probably never would have seen me as a good match for the throne given my female identity as a Knight. But with the passing days and trying to solve the matters of my Kingdom's safety over the last few weeks, seemed to have impressed them enough to side with me when it came to the throne. I also will have managed to saved Jespah, Nicklos's brother, from having to marry my sister and getting stuck in a horrible marriage.
I would finally step down and become the ruler I always wanted to be. I could finally be happy with how things are run in the Kingdom. Although not everyone will agree with how I rule, at least there would be no more unneccesary killings. Everyone would be treated equally, as one should.
"Are you ready Alliah?" Nicklos whispered into my ear as the light from my Kingdom walls came into view. I swallowed a hesitant gulp of air, but nodded anyway. I had to be ready, there was no turning back.
"I will always be ready with you by my side." I whispered back. Nicklos squeezed me affectionately and placed a single and simple kiss upon my head. I was right where I wanted to be, and with his reassurance, there was nothing I couldn't do.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone