Imperatrix Fallen: Alith's Cradle

VI

King's County (Equestris Victrix): Home of Honor. Governed by the Russ family from its capital, Poisson City, this county only consolidated its borders twenty years ago, a process finalized by the war between the brothers Thomas Alex and Alan Gray Russ, who contested sovereignty and inheritance. The war ended in unity after the assassination of Alan, his wife, and their newborn daughter at the hands of Roth the Traitor, just days after Thomas had signed the surrender. Roth, former commander of the Victrix army, hanged himself the day after the murders. It is believed that he acted out of anger after Alan refused to give his 12-year-old daughter Valeria's hand in marriage. The death of Count Alan caused the leadership of the family to pass to Thomas, as the noble council decided that once his infant daughter Carlota came of age, she would take her rightful place as the legitimate heir. During this period, Alan's daughter, Valeria, would serve as the "Transition Princess," ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

Annotations by Flora from the book "Contemporary History of the Great Counties."

The soldiers of the Rue burst into the room. They were met with a chaotic scene: Princess Carlota sat in a chair next to one of the mercenaries, holding a weapon. Blood, bodies, and signs of a fierce battle surrounded them. Their momentum halted. Caution became their best advisor.

"What happened, mercenary?" The obvious question came from what seemed to be the squad leader, a burly man standing at least two meters tall, with a thick silver beard. He surveyed the frightened students, gauging the horror they must have witnessed based on the number and condition of the bodies.

"Sir, we encountered some resistance. Only I and Anastasia, the commander of B-56, remain standing," Makia replied.

"We'll take the princess and send for help—"

"And you get all the credit? Damn it..."

One of the soldiers approached the leader. "They're just two, and injured... I can handle them..." she whispered, noticing that Makia was missing an arm.

Makia was already within a meter of them. His sword strike was parried by the squad leader. "Stay out of this! Protect the civilians!" he shouted to his men as he braced for Makia's next attack.

Laura rushed to position herself in front of the princess.

A young soldier with intense blue eyes ran to assist her leader. Makia retreated to avoid her.

"Those uniforms! Where did you get them?! Man, stop!" Anastasia interrupted, ordering Makia to stand down. She recognized insignias that should never be together, not in the same platoon.

All action ceased.

"So, we're all resistance now?" Laura remarked. "I recognize you, Agora the Lumberjack," she said, addressing the squad leader. "This mess was a fight between mercenary groups, and this deserter and this... guy helped us," she finished, pointing to Anastasia and Makia.

Makia knelt down. Agora recognized Laura as well, moved her aside, and knelt before the princess.

"Milady, I am Agora, a royal mercenary. Five Victrix battalions are waiting for you outside the city. The path is clear for now..."

Carlota stood and embraced Agora, crying. Her body released the tension; she felt protected, free from responsibility. She composed herself.

"Not without the students. We're taking them with us," Carlota replied.

"Milady... that's too risky. For you, for them. We can't guarantee—"

"Find a way. I'm not leaving without them."