The Vermillion Garden

Chapter Two

      War was a strange thing, for humanity figured it best to achieve peace through brutal violence, by doing despicable things to despicable people, and putting innocents in harm's way. War was the physical embodiment of nightmares. Foggy filled memories would remain forever ingrained in a soldier's thoughts, haunting them in the quietest, deepest, and darkest corners of their minds. It was unfortunately remarkable how quickly war was able to taint the minds of those who witnessed it directly. And it were these very effects that worried Queen Dianne of Norwin, for her own son was amongst those unlucky souls.

      While his enlistment into the nation's military proved himself to be a worthy leader, the thought of him never returning home shook her to the very core.

      Staring intently out the window, the Queen gripped the dark blue curtains that spilled onto the marbled floors, watching as yet another storm beyond the palace's walls began to rage, the fattened raindrops pattering against the glass. She drew in a sharp breath, clutching the fabric over her heart at the sound of the door promptly pounding behind her.

      She gathered herself and spun on her toes, hurriedly tucking in the loose strands of her hair before silently placing her hands before her skirt. She cleared her throat.

      "Come in." she said.

      The large doors slowly creaked open, and in popped a plump woman's face. Upon seeing the Queen, the woman quickly presented herself with a respectful bow before straightening her posture. She was a delicate creature, with rosy cheeks, and auburn hair that was pinned back to the nape of her neck.

      "The Duke and Duchess have returned, your highness." the woman said.

      Nodding, the Queen expressed a gentle smile.

      "Thank you for informing me, Annice. Please, send them up here as soon as you can."

      "Right away, mum."

      Watching the servant gently close the door, Dianne quietly exhaled as she paced about the room. It was a beautiful place, her study. It was a room where she would spend a great deal of her time, but that was before the war. Before the war, times were much simpler, and she wished for things to remain just at that. But beggars couldn't be choosers now could they?

      She spied her desk, her eyes meeting the thick newspaper that rested upon the wooden surface. The Queen snatched the stack of paper up and scoffed at its title, crumpling it up in her hands. Then she turned on her toes and stalked towards the ornate fireplace, the fire crackling and dancing before her.

      She clutched the ball of paper and tossed it onto the flaming pile of timber, watching as it caught fire, it's edges quickly curling and singeing off into flakes of ash. Dianne sunk to her knees, entranced by the fire's erratic movements. While she perched motionless, her dark brows knitted together as her mind began to run rampant with worry. But those thoughts were paused as the door creaked once more, and this time, in came her beloved children.

      Pushing herself from the floor, she silently stood with her hands cupped around each other, holding them close to her chest. Anona and Liam both stood poised, giving the Queen a short nod and bow.

      Dianne wasted no time.

      "Ventra has been invaded." she said. "The Crightons are taking this war too far."

      Liam heaved a heavy breath as his face twisted into a look of concern.

      "I know, I saw the paper on my way home." he said.

      The Norwinian Queen glanced to the flickering fire, and shook her head solemnly.

      "You know what this means, don't you?" she asked.