The Fallen Throne

Chapter 21.1 ✦ Rising Sun

ALAINA

She feels the heavy clank of metal weighing down on her. Safe, yes, but comfortable? Definitely not. Still unable to believe it herself, Alaina is starting to prefer dresses for once in her life. However, if there's something that doesn't change, she can confidently name two things that makes her feel safer than ever: one, the dagger strapped around her thigh – the one she shall always have with her, dresses or not, whatever the occasion may be; and two, Lancaster simply being by her side.

Lancaster's presence is certainly comfortable for her, but to her left, she finds Lancaster feeling – and somehow acting – the exact opposite of how he normally is, being oddly uneasy. He shifts nervously – a weird term to use, Alaina hesitates, for someone as proud and confident as him.

"What is wrong with you?" Alaina means to ask in concern, but her anxiety is throwing her tone and emotions off, and the question comes out really demandingly. "Sorry," she rephrases, "are you fine?"

He doesn't turn to look at her, which makes Alaina feel worse – although his words come out kindly. "Do not worry, your highness. Worry about yourself."

"That still means you are, in fact, uncertain of something – is it not?" she demands, speaking formally, suiting Lancaster.

Sighing, he finally turns to face her. He forces a smile. "I have to admit, I am fearful."

"You? Fearful?" Alaina begins to laugh – unintentionally, but freely. She allows the bubble of unease to rise gradually with the lightness she is starting to adapt to, ultimately letting it pop. She smiles, for the first time since last night. "That is impossible. Preposterous."

"Admitting our fears is the first step to conquering them."

"What is it that you're afraid of?"

Lancaster's gaze drops to the ground – something Alaina finds uncomfortable, knowing him. He never looks down; he is someone who would only try to look forward and beyond. "Of losing," he finally admits. "And honestly, I am unsure what it means to win in this rebellion."

Alaina ponders on this. Surely, to win is to... deny the empire? But what happens then? Will the kings – her father, of all people – agree to this? They've already agreed to the formation of the empire, after all. Do the rebels actually have a say in this? Can a large group of people really overpower the monarchy?

The real question is: do they even have the slightest chance of winning?

The bubble of unease forms once again in Alaina's stomach. She is beginning to think this is hopeless – and is rather justified in believing so.

Just then a conch horn blows. And whatever she thinks is now useless, because the installation ceremony is about to begin, but most importantly, she is unable to deny the fact that she is standing here as a part of the rebellion.

Whatever it is, there's no turning back.

But when Alaina glances at the window, though, she spots the little hill where they'd arrived and camped out yesterday – the one overlooking the Kingdom of Theia from afar. The one where Kai and Rose are currently at, fighting alongside them despite not being near her. Then her eyes find the old bell tower not far from the back room of the central podium where she and Lancaster are currently in, standing proudly despite its old and crumbling exterior, the west of the city centre. And that's where Lloyd is. Finally, she steals a glance at Lancaster beside her.

There's a slight confident smile that forms around her lips. Despite not being able to turn back now, there are people with her. Friends.

At least she knows she isn't alone in this.