Kingdom of Erstwhile Tales

Second Narrative

"I'm sorry for imposing, Your Majesty, but excuse me?" I stood confused in front of His Majesty's throne. "I do not need to repeat myself, Alpine. You know exactly what I mean by that." I clenched my fists in confusion and anger. "You shouldn't be saying those kinds of things! You're still young, Your Majesty!" His Majesty only sighed tiredly and strode toward me. He was only slightly taller than me, but he had an aura of intimidation around him. He then placed a hand on my shoulder.

"That's exactly why I want to be prepared. If I die were to die on this trip, please, I beg of you as a friend," His Majesty suddenly hesitated for a brief moment. "...Become Noire's royal advisor." I widened my eyes in shock. "W-What?" His Majesty only smiled and brushed back his short raven hair. "If I die, Noire shall become queen six months after the announcement of my death." I felt flustered and was still confused. "I-I don't understand w-what you're saying, Your Majesty," I chuckled out of fear.

"You're much older than me and yet your understanding of the world is like a child's." His laugh was almost painful to listen to. "W-Well, I haven't seen much of the world, Your Majesty." It was pitifully obvious how nervous I was from my tone. "And also, your daughter is only thirteen years of age. Don't you think she is a little too young to rule over the kingdom?" There was a hesitant glare within His Majesty's eyes. "That's where you and young Gaerwn come in. You will guide her while Gaerwn will ensure her safety." He smiled peacefully, wrinkles appearing under his eyes. "And I am aware that you don't particularly like working with him, but please, get along with him for me, okay, Alpine?"

"B-But..." My mind flashed forward to two weeks later. I stood outside the room of His Majesty's daughter, with her behind the door. I heard the silent cries and weeps from her voice and yet I said nothing. I only narrowed my eyes and tightened the fists behind my back out of bitterness and anger.

"This is bullshit!" I slammed my fist against the wall, producing a booming noise through the halls. "Woah, careful, wizard. Wouldn't want an accidental spell to blow up the castle now, do you?" My right eye twitched from annoyance. "I don't need your attitude, Beatrice." The albino man, Gaerwn Beatrice, only chuckled, almost in a pitiful tone. "Look, I'm mad, too. But we have to go by the king's orders."

"He can't be dead! I just know it! His Majesty won't die that easily!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, voice echoing ominously throughout the Gothic halls of the dark castle. Gaerwn immediately shushed me. "Noire's gonna hear you if you don't shut up, you know!" Who cares anymore? I'm sure His Majesty will come back if we just wait.

Oh, her coronation is today. Six months had passed since His Majesty's disappearance and he was finally declared dead a day before his daughter's coronation. I dreadfully gazed out the window from my study at all the decorations in the courtyard. The ceremony must be finished by now. I got up from my desk to leave until I heard a quiet knock on my door.

"A-Alpine? Are you in there?" I froze and remained dead silent. "You've been avoiding me ever since Father died so I'm worried. Gaerwn is worried, too." Did he tell her? I found myself growing more anxious and even going into a cold sweat. "Tell me, Alpine..." She sounded as if she was hesitating to finish her sentence. "Do you hate me... now that my father isn't here to watch over you with me? Is your behaviour my fault? Or have you always felt that way?"

A sense of guilt rushed over me as I thought back to when I first met her. I don't hate her, but I cannot bring myself to get attached to her anymore... I slowly opened the door to see a petite girl crying quietly. She then looked up at me, embarrassed. "O-Oh, I'm sorry, Alpine. I don't mean to seem unprofessional towards you-" I pulled her into a tight embrace. "Being this emotional doesn't suit you," I kept my voice calm and steady. "His Majesty- No, your father wouldn't want to see you like this." I let go of her and kneeled down to her height.

"And I know your father would not want to see me avoiding you as your new royal advisor." She expressed such a surprised look on her face. Now that I think about it, she looks a lot like His Majesty. She even has his beautiful and hopeful eyes. I smiled softly, seeing her resemblance to her father.

"This isn't your fault," I comforted her as I brushed her hair to the side. "This is just... shock, I would say." I felt a tug of regret on my chest. "As per your father's orders, I shall be the best royal advisor to you, so don't worry your little head," I smiled once more and patted her head. I then placed my hand on the left side of my chest, kneeling on one knee before the new queen.

"I shall follow you to the ends of the earth and obey your every command without fail..." I paused shortly with hesitance, chest heavy with grief. "...Your Majesty."