She was a soldier and the long lost Queen of an underwater world.
When her war is finally over and she is crowned Queen she tasks herself with the mission of creating allies with the people her great grandparents turned away from. Her people didn't...
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The days it took for Delphine to be comfortable in her own body again amounted to nearly a week. She was grateful for Historia's understanding nature, slowly easing her back into the nearby towns and villages. Immersing herself within the outside gave Delphine the breath of fresh air she desperately needed.
After the contract between their two kingdoms was announced to the people William believed it was necessary for Delphine to show herself, especially with the spread of the rumors involving her kidnapping. Showing herself had revealed to those who aided in her trauma that she was still alive. Which is exactly the message Historia and William both wanted to send.
Hopefully, her unbothered outlook would draw attention and they would reveal themselves.
Delphine had fought to smile again and it was becoming easier to do so. She still however found herself flinching at random sounds and waking up in cold sweats. Their words echoing in her mind, their touches briefly passing over her skin as she shivered and remembered their final screams.
Now she cried, but no sound escaped her lips used to the fear of being hit for causing the glass box to echo at night.
Now she was busy stirring her refilled cup of tea, a familiar piece of bread untouched to her side.
"Delphine, are you there?" Historia leaned forward, grasping her attention.
Delphine barely moved but her eyes raised from her glass cup, "Sorry," she shook her head, "Were you saying something?" She lifted the spoon allowing it to rest on the plate.
Historia gently smiled, "William was asking how you're sleeping is going," she gestured to her advisor.
Delphine made direct eye contact with him, nearly flinching at the concentrated look in his eyes. As if he were analyzing every little thing about her. His black curly hair hid one of his eyes making him look deadlier.
Still Delphine stared him down, her eyes empty.
"It's fine," she answered robotically from over the cup.
It was an understatement to say Historia felt uncomfortable. Between the empty stares, she attempted to smile, sipping her tea as she put on an uneasy grin ignoring the odd energy between them. The baker even had an eyebrow raised confused at the lack of smiles and conversation between the normally free-spirited Queen and her aid.
Historia shook her head as if telling him not to worry, and he didn't appear to. But on the inside even he was feeling the anxiety creeping up Delphine's back as she lost eye contact instead choosing to look over her shoulder. Her back was to the wall and yet she couldn't help but be paranoid.
She gripped her hands together turning back to face the two. William lifted his eyebrow knowing her, but hoping she'll tell him herself.
Delphine cleared her throat, "What's on the agenda today?" She turned to Historia.
She smiled at the change in conversation, "Well we have a few meetings to attend with Judge Zackley and Commander Pixis wanted to discuss your opinion on the joint military operation we discussed at our last meeting."
Delphine nodded slowly, her mind readying itself for today's events. She sipped slowly as if savoring the taste or the moment of silence.
Finally, she set her teacup down, "I'm ready whenever you are."
Historia nodded.
And so the day began.
───
Delphine had always wondered how she reverted back to herself after the war. Did it take this long to recover? To smile? To laugh?
She knew Historia and William must be frustrated. Attempting to get her to say something. Or eat.
She was frustrated with herself!
Historia caught sight of Delphine rubbing her eyes self consciously. Within her palms were nail indents revealing just how tightly Delphine held her own hands.
Historia thought back to her father's kidnapping. She hadn't been ill-treated, but she could understand Delphine's fear. Not knowing who's your enemy or who's your ally.
She was grateful Delphine even came out of her room the past few days. She knew if she were in her place, it would take more than just effort. That act alone had reassured Historia that she chose right, in making Delphine an ally.
"Your highnesses, how should we summarize the ending?"
Attempting to focus Delphine turned to William. "We should make sure it's clear that the main virtues of justice, honesty, and loyalty remain the basis for future statements."
William barely smiled and nodded.
"And after we finish summarizing that point and its requirements we can have you two sign again showing you agree with that statement," Doxis added as he poured whatever was in his flask into his teacup.
Delphine was amused by his action and wondered how William would feel if she did that. She seriously considered asking for a sip of his liquor.
She refrained from doing so knowing that there was zero chance she could actually drink the liquor since it was different from what she was used to. She could be flat on her butt in minutes. She knew she'd find out later tonight, that was a worthy distraction.
Historia chuckled, "I've never written a treaty before, this is exciting."
Delphine nodded, "It's like we're creating a foundation for upcoming rulers like we're making history."
William clapped, "Noah and the others would be proud of our progress."
Delphine looked down, "Yes. I hope so." And stared out the window.
As if sensing her thoughts the door burst open and in walked or more like ran a newly changed scout. Delphine gripped the sleeves of her black gown littered with gold flowers.
He fell to his knees exhausted, "Your majesties, the rest of the scouts will be returning tomorrow evening, Sir Noah and I left at the same time, he to your Kingdom," he made eye contact, "and me here to prepare you for our arrival."
William turned his nerves shot through the roof, he could still feel the lives of his friends and Delphine was sure of it too. Yet the way this scout spoke of the rest of the scouts left an empty pit in their stomachs.
Historia swallowed, not wanting to ask but knowing it was necessary, "How many are left?"
The scout completely fell to the ground, his eyes glossed over as he mumbled.
"Not enough."
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i'm supposed to already be done with act 1 and starting act 2 but dang yall i'm losing time. and im gaining readers so fast, what did i do? why yall like this so much? don't get me wrong I love the readers but dangggg. for everyone imma try. we got four chapters left in this act.
