The people had flocked to the gates of the Resvyan castle, all curious to hear the words of their Princess and be granted an explanation as to why their King and Queen had deceived them for years. No one knew just what the speech would be about, but with Forquesse troops marching towards the country borders, one could only assume that war would be high on the list.
"People of Resvya! I humbly greet you in this hour of crisis. I know most of you have learned the truth already, but I believe a proper introduction and explanation to be in order. I am Her Royal Highness, Yekaterina Petrovna of House Zamolodchikov, First Of My Name, Princess of Resvya, Heir to the Resvyan throne, and future Protector of the Northern Seas." Katya said in a clear, confident voice.
Trixie couldn't help but admire her, for she was all that a ruler should be there she stood demanding the attention of her people. The content of the speech was sure to bring her heartbreak, she knew it would, but still all she could feel in that moment was pride.
"I know this has been a shock to many of you, I know most believed me to be dead and my brother to be alive, but please believe me when I say that all I have done has been out of care for this country. I wanted to give Resvya it's best chance, as did the King and Queen, and it was this desire that lead to our deception. If I could somehow bring my brother back, I would do so in a heartbeat. I loved Prince Alexej, as much as a sibling possibly could."
"Prince Alexej, may he rest in peace." The crowd and all the servants responded, as was custom, especially with a recently revealed passing.
"I thought that stepping into his shoes was the best for this country, that doing anything to uphold the marriage agreement with Midrosen was the best for this country, but I was wrong. The King of Midrosen upholds ideals which we in Resvya have stepped away from, and which we should be proud to have stepped away from. He did not want me to marry his daughter, simply because I was not a man. But I have married Princess Beatrice, because I believe that to follow our hearts is our more sacred duty as humans. She has sacrificed her family and she has been exiled from her country in order to stay here, by my side, as your Princess and future Queen Consort of Resvya. She has made this sacrifice because she believes in Resvya as I do, and believes in the bond of our love as I do. I may have deceived you, but I believe in this Kingdom, and I only kept up the deception for all those years to protect this Kingdom. So now I am asking you to protect it with me." Katya paused for a minute, staring down the crowd with a look that was both comforting and daring.
She needed them to fight with her, otherwise Resvya would be doomed. The people hold the true power, she knew, and it was their choice that would make the difference. As much as nobility would like to think that they are in control, Katya knew it to be folly to think one can simply demand people to lay down their lives. No, they needed to believe in the cause, they needed to trust in their rulers. It was the only way.
Katya looked towards Trixie, feeling her heart lighten when the girl nodded and gave her a sweet smile of encouragement. She was far from a fool, she knew Trixie did not truly wish her to go. But she understood why Katya had to, and that was more than enough for the Resvyan girl.
"I will ride at the front and lead our army into battle as I have been trained to do. As your next Queen, your next leader, I will lead this country to victory and stand with our brave soldiers on the battlefield. But I cannot do this alone, I need you to fight as well. Resvya needs fighters, strong soldiers who will put everything on the line to protect this beautiful nation which we all call home. So I beg you to trust in me, as you would if I were truly my brother, and follow me into battle. We can win this war, but only if we stay united. So will you follow me? Are you with me?!" Katya asked the crowd.
"Yes!" The crowd yelled back, making her breathe a sigh of relief.
They trusted her.
They would fight with her.
She had done it.
"Then sign up by the gate! We shall ride at dawn!" She yelled before stepping down from the podium.
"I am so proud of you." Trixie said as she wrapped her wife up in a tight hug.
"As are we. You did a fine job, Kathinka." Katya's father said, and her mother nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, all of you." Katya said earnestly as she and Trixie pulled back slightly from their hug.
"I do not know how I shall live with you being away, I shall miss you too much." Trixie whispered, tears threatening to spill. Katya lifted her head by placing a hand beneath her chin, making the girl look into her eyes.
"I shall miss you too, but I will return to your side soon enough. Before the first snow falls, remember?"
"Before the first snow falls." Trixie replied, leaning in for a kiss and savoring the feeling of her wife's lips meeting her own.
YOU ARE READING
When The Gold Is Gone ✔ ~ trixya
FanficA Prince. A Princess. Two Kingdoms. And a marriage arranged from birth. But what happens when the Prince's sister Katya is suddenly forced to take his place?
