Fate II

CCXXIX

"We welcome Her Royal Majesty the Queen's return!"

The Retainers, Generals, ministers, soldiers, and servants were all lined up at the entrance of the Royal Palace, bowing low in reverence. The sky was a brilliant blue without a single cloud and the sun shone radiantly down on the Kingdom of Sindria, almost mocking her. Stepping off the carriage with Masrur by her side and Masud right behind, she gazed at the nostalgic yet unfamiliar scenery in front of her. It was the place she once called home but, compared to the manor that she had spent the last half year — just as Sinbad had predicted — it was cold and dark. Standing here in front of her subjects, she was reminded of her duty as Queen of Sindria, making the last six months feel like nothing but a dream. Gazing up at the blurry image of the blooming cherry blossoms, she stared off in almost a daze.

"To think that it would already be spring."

"Lucy."

Turning towards the voice, she softened her eyes. Her Retainers walked over to her with Tomoyo bounding over to her. In that image, she saw the faint shadow left behind by Kuugen who had always joined them and enthusiastically greeted her.

"Lucy-sama!" Tomoyo threw her arms around her.

Lucy smiled softly, patting her head.

"Tomoyo missed you!" she held her tightly, beginning to tear up. "Do you know how much we missed you? Do you know how lonely Tomoyo was? Without you, every day is a series of monotonous events. Without you," she lowered her head and cried, "the Palace seems so much colder and lonelier."

She widened her eyes slightly. It wasn't just her. Realizing the impact her absence had on them, she closed her eyes and furrowed her brows in frustration and regret.

"Forgive me. For being selfish," she held Tomoyo.

Tomoyo cried but shook her head. "There's no need for Lucy-sama to apologize. Since," her eyes shone with affection and relief, "you came back for us."

She smiled as Tomoyo entered her embrace once more, holding her. "There's no way I would ever leave you all behind. Never."

"Mn!" Tomoyo nodded her head.

"Kaede and Wu Kong, too," Lucy turned to them. "I apologize for having kept you waiting."

"What are you talking about?" Kaede waved her apology away. "We're just glad to see you back. Given how your complexion looks ten times better, I'm glad to see that the break was well worth it. If only..."

"If only it weren't for the selfishness of that man," Wu Kong finished for him, his eyes narrowing in disdain. "If it weren't for him, Lucy could've enjoyed her outing for several more months. Yet, he dared to force her back by moving the forces as soon as spring arrived. Who does he think he is?!"

He was not afraid to speak his thoughts out loud, caring little whether or not the people overheard him. They were long aware of the disdain the Retainers carried towards Sinbad and with the recent chain of events, it was reasonable for them to be angered. They could not argue what was a fact: King Sinbad was a selfish, greedy man.

"There's no need to work yourself up over it."

"You're too kind, Lucy."

"Even if didn't move the forces earlier than planned, my return was bound to happen," she answered. "Sooner or later, I would return to my position. I'm not so selfish as to leave my people helpless during the turmoils of war and watch from the sidelines. Whether it be a month, two months, or several months later, it makes little difference. I am the Queen of Sindria and as long as I hold this position, I will fulfill my duties without fail."