*

[Four years ago]

*

[Many weeks after the war]

*

*

Her boots clacked alongside his against the stone floor.

Up ahead, Violet observed a small group of young guards.

They approached speaking excitedly amongst themselves, failing to notice her or the Imperial guard’s escorting presence.

-- I heard he was the Champion of his year

-- No, you're mistaken. That went to someone else

-- Regardless, he shook my hand!

-- Mine as well!

- He shook all of our hands, fools.

-- I have to admit though, he seems quite young. And to accomplish such greatness- 

-- He’ll be forever honoured, that’s for certain

- Certainly!

-- His Eminence will reward him beyond anything- anything he wants. Can you imagine?

             - What do you reckon he’ll ask for?

-- I don’t know but I wish it were me. Then I would ask for- Oh! 

– C- Captain!

Without missing a step, the captain’s head turned, following the men. With narrowed eyes upon them, they hurried past and quickly scattered.

-- Hmph!

He then led her into the same corridor the young guards exited. 

There up ahead, handsome in his uniform, beneath a grand chandelier in the magnificently decorated corridor, Violet spotted someone familiar. 

Facing the large guarded doors to the audience hall, he stood. 

-- Stand and wait there.

And he pointed at Ren. 

Who, only then took notice of them. 

The captain then departed, leaving Violet to take her place.

Violet: Are you alright, Ren?

Ren: Yes, yes. I’m fine.

Straight and tall he stood, his shoulders tightly reaching his neck.

{He’s nervous about meeting the Emperor. As am I, but-}

Violet: Is Anna doing any better?

Violet questioned. It was an attempt to take his mind off things.

Ren: Yes, yes, she is. Thank you for asking.

All the while, his eyes remained upon the closed doors before them. 

Not wanting to press him further with any more questions, an awkward long silence fell.

Violet: William…

Ren: …

Violet: William’s… funeral service is overmorrow 

With the burning rites long performed, Sir Rícard waited, or rather, had not the strength to proceed immediately to the final step. 

Ren looked down at her and frowned. Heaviness in his face. 

Meeting her eyes, he expressed

Ren: Yes, I know. …I’ll be there. ..You have my deepest condolences, Vi

She nodded and quietly added

Violet: To you as well

Ren: …Should you ever need me for anything, I’ll always be there to help. Simply say the word

Violet: ..thank you

And he gave a little smile in acknowledgement

Violet: May I ask..how has His Grace been keeping?

Ren: Ben? I mean, Commander Rícard, …Commander has not been so forthcoming with expressing his feelings but we spoke a little. He seems to be doing alright now. 

Violet: ..I see

Ren: He even…he even gave me William’s sword

Violet: Oh?

Ren: I accepted it. Only because it seemed to put him at ease but..

Turning to face her, he expressed

Ren: ..but I don't think that I should be the one to have it. It really belongs to you, Vi. 

Violet spoke to the floor, saying meekly

Violet: Thank you, Ren…

Ren: …

Violet: ..but it really doesn't. 

Ren: Surely he would've wanted you to have it, of all people-

Violet: No. No, William wouldn’t have wanted…

She stared up at Ren who stood slightly hunched to meet her

Violet: No, the sword is yours, Ren. Keep it. It belongs to you. It always has been yours

He appeared puzzled and with a shake of his head asked

Ren: How has it- What do you mean?

Violet: I mean…Be- Before the finals for Champion..William, uhm..

Not wanting to besmirch the memory of him, and speak ill of the dead, Violet hesitated. Deeming the truth wasn't worth telling or knowing now.

Ren: Finals? What about it?- I don’t under…stand..

Violet: ….

Ren: ..wait! Wasn’t there- that evening at the academy, there was something else you wanted to tell me…about William. Was it about that?

Violet: ..uhm, It doesn’t matter now. Besides, you-

Suddenly, the doors to the audience chambers opened. And with it, the many voices buzzing in various discussions, poured forth into the quiet hallway

Ren wide eyed and startled then added

Ren: I thought it to be a one-on-one meeting with His Eminence?

He wasn't alone in this, for Violet thought so as well. 

However, it appeared to be in the presence of lords and ministers and officials. 

She immediately felt her insides begin to twist. 

Escorting someone, officers then came marching out. And found in between a forest of armoured men-

{Alex!}

His fair hair stood out. 

In catching glimpses of him, she silently hoped he would look in her direction. 

He didn't. 

In fact, he looked at no one while being heavily escorted from the hall. 

He kept his head down and simply followed, all the while tightly embracing something.

-- Ren!

A captain excitedly called, breaking formation to meet him.

Ren: Charlotte?

Her eyes became squished by the fullness of her cheeks as she laughed 

Charlotte: Violet!

Violet: Charlotte!

Ren: Where are you taking him?

Charlotte:  Him? Oh! The southerner? 

Violet: …

Charlotte: For now, back to the palace dungeons.

Ren: What of His Majesty’s judgement?

Charlotte: A life for a life

She stated it so matter of factly, that Violet was taken aback. 

So too was Ren. Only, his mouth was slightly open. 

And together their expressions made the captain question

Charlotte: huh? Why are you both…I don't understand. What’s wrong?

Violet: Wh- What do you mean by-

Ren: Did His Majesty sentence him to death?

Charlotte: Pardon? No, no no…

She shook her head saying hastily and continued

Charlotte: ..A life spared for the ones saved. Quite merciful. Were it me- ..Why are you both so concerned about that southerner? 

Violet: There is…no reason. 

Ren: …I only wished to know

Charlotte: Uhm..alright. Well that’s enough of that then- Ren!

Ren: Ow!

Jabbing him playfully in the arm

Charlotte:  Congratulations! His Majesty is to greatly reward you.

Ren: Thank- thank you, Charlotte

Charlotte: Mm? Why such a long face?

Ren: …

Charlotte: Not to ruin much more of the surprise for you.. but I overheard father stating that you’ll gain a title. Lordship. To lands in the far north. Aren’t you thrilled?

Ren: ..sure

Ren nodded mournfully. 

Charlotte eyed him, confused, then to Violet who smiled and shrugged, then back at him.

Charlotte: What’s wrong?

Voices were still pouring into the corridor. However, they were even more boisterous, so Ren spoke up saying

Ren: It’s something- something I've always wanted…

Charlotte:  ..?

Ren: ..Anna and Ferdie know this. But after Sam- I swore..

Violet: ..?

Ren: ..I swore to myself that if I was ever given the chance, however it came to be, whenever, wherever, I would take it. I would take revenge and be at peace. Yet..the thing is, I must admit, …despite everyone’s praises since then, I don't feel..

Charlotte: You did the right thing, Ren. There’s no need to-

Ren: I don't.. 

Charlotte: …

Ren: I don’t… I question myself whether it was the right thing. 

Charlotte: Ren..

Ren: Ever since then. All the time. He saved Anna’s life and I thank him by killing his brother..I killed their king and I took my revenge

Violet: …

Charlotte: It was the only choice. And it was the right one. At that moment- you have to know that it was. On the battlefield there’s little time for doubts..you know this

Ren: .Yes..But then tell me why..tell me- why does it feel as though I made the wrong choice?

Ren’s emotions radiated from him. 

It made Violet's heart hurt and she found herself tight in the throat.

With upturned brows Charlotte reached forth and comfortingly placed her hand on Ren’s arm and said 

-- Captain Rícard?!

Charlotte: ..!

They all stood in wait some distance away but only Commander Jenkins looked her way

Charlotte: Commander! On my way.

To her friends, Charlotte’s steely grey eyes returned. 

Slowly drawing away from them, she said with an apologetic tone

Charlotte: I have to leave now. Ren. Violet. Please take care. Ren, we’ll talk soon. Violet- I'll see you...for William..

Ren: …

Violet: Yes. Alright

As she looked on; the armed officers escorting Alex away, Violet couldn't but help wonder what transpired in the audience hall between His Majesty and-

-- Lieutenant Redmond?

Ren: Yes?

When Violet returned her attention forward, a slender Royal guard stood close. 

He looked down his nose at her, quite indifferent.

-- Officer St. Hill?

Violet: Yes?

-- Would you both follow me into the hall, please.

➵