Chapter 67

  Audrey

  My world was nothing but darkness as I drifted in and out of consciousness.

  “My ladies… please—”

  Leah! You’re alright! We’ll be alrigh—

  In the brief moments I could think properly, words would filter from beyond the darkness, but whenever I tried to respond, my voice wouldn’t work, nor would my eyes open.

  “Lydia, Audrey…”

  “How long are you two going to—”

  Luke… Abel… We’ll wake—

  It was impossible to keep track of time in the darkness, and my own thoughts felt disjointed and cracked. The only thing I could grasp was the lack of divine power in my body. Never before had I felt so drained… Even after I’d lost control in the past, and the power threatened to destroy my physical body, I still had plenty of magic afterward.

  But it was returning, even now. It was slow, but I could feel the stella coursing through my bond with Aurora, my mana regenerating from the natural absorption from the atmosphere.

  “My sweet—grown up.” At some point, I heard a voice I couldn’t immediately recognize. The other voices were loud and booming in the emptiness of my unconsciousness, but this one was faint… “—at locket— wears—?”

  “More than that.” The voice of my goddess was much clearer as she responded. “It’s become a part of her soul now, and it allows her great strength.” The haze in my mind vanished, and I finally realized.

  “So, you’re saying a part of me will always be with her then? I’m… glad.”

  Mom! I screamed as much as I could, but not even my goddess could hear me. You’ve always been with me! It didn’t matter if this was merely a hallucination; it was so real. Yet, I could feel the darkness encroaching on my mind once more, the temporary clarity disappearing like grains of sand through my fingers. No… Please… I just want to…

  The rest of their conversation became inaudible to me, and my thoughts scattered to nothing.

  ***

  “Audrey…” It felt like moments later that I became aware again. Everything still felt heavy and shrouded in darkness, but now… “My dear daughter…” Inside my mind, I saw her.

  “Mother… Mom!” I cried, my voice coming out for the first time. In front of me, in the vast expanse of nothing, floated a woman. She had the same scarlet hair and blue eyes I did, and while she looked much healthier than I remembered, I just knew it was her. “Is this… a dream?”

  “It must be, hmm? One last gift before I disappear into the universe?” She murmured, reaching out to caress my cheek. “I have so many things to apologize for…”

  “What do you mean…? Where are you going?” I asked, cupping her hand with my own as I felt the warmth of her skin. “Are you… leaving me alone again?” Her sapphire eyes mirrored my own and brimmed with tears.

  “What a terrible mother I ended up becoming… to hurt my child this way…” I could only shake my head in denial as my throat constricted with pain. There was so much to say, and I couldn’t get the words out. “Oh… It seems this dream won’t last…” She murmured, and we both looked down to see her feet losing their form and disintegrating into specks of rainbow colored light.

  "Please…” I begged pathetically. “Don’t go! I missed you so much…”

  “I know, my sweet child.” She breathed, gazing into my blurry eyes. “But my time has already come… I can only be grateful for this chance to see you one final time.” The light had already claimed most of her legs now, and I tried to protest only to be met with her finger on my lips. “I know it hurts, but you’re not alone anymore… right?”

  My eyes widened at that, and she let me speak.

  “I… wanted you to meet everyone…” I said, my voice breaking as I tried to compose myself. “Sasha, Lydia… All my friends…”

  “I wanted that as well… but even more, I’m ashamed I couldn’t watch you grow happy and healthy.” She whispered. “But you’ve become such a wonderful young woman, and I’m so proud of you, Audrey.”

  “M-Mom…” Her body was now half gone, but all I could do was stare. My limbs wouldn’t move in the darkness, my mental and physical strength still exhausted from the lack of divine power.

  “It’s enough for me you still call me that.” She said, brushing my cheek. “Even if I don’t deserve it.” As she spoke, my mind grew hazy, the darkness encroaching even on her figure as her form became less and less. I wanted to protest, but my mouth would no longer move, the ability to speak leaving me as swiftly as it came. I’m not sure if she saw the desperation in my gaze, but she raised an arm, placing her hand on my chest and covering the silver locket that always hung around my neck. “Even as I return to the universe, I take solace in knowing a piece of me has, and will, always be with you.”

  My eyes drooped, and when they opened again, I only caught the smile on my mother’s face as all but her arm touching my chest vanished.

  “Always remember… I love you, my Audrey.” Her final words echoed in the darkness, as that agonizing rainbow light claimed the last of her, the tips of her fingers leaving a warm sensation on my locket.

  “I love you… Mom.” I forced out with the last of my strength. Then I sank into unconsciousness once more.

  ***

  Lydia

  The light from the magic lamps in the room blinded me as my eyes cracked open and I groaned. Immediately, a figure appeared above me, but I couldn't tell who it was because of my blurred vision until she spoke.

  "My lady! Are you in pain anywhere?!" Leah's hands ran over my body, and I sensed her eyes watching my face intently for any reaction.

  "Leah... I'm fine... I'm so glad... you're alright." I said, the words coming out rough and uneven due to the hoarseness of my dry throat. Seeing my struggle, my lady-in-waiting disappeared from view for a few moments before I felt her hand on the back of my head, lifting gently. I tried to lift myself up, but my body felt like lead, and my limbs wouldn't move.

  "Drink this, my lady." She whispered, and the cool touch of porcelain on my lips made my mouth open. The lukewarm water soothed my throat and made me realize just how dehydrated I was.

  "How long...?” My throat felt slightly better with the liquid, but it was still an effort to speak. My vision refused to focus, so I did my best to look at where I assumed Leah's face was.

  "My ladies have been asleep nearly a week."

  "Audrey?"

  "Beside you, as always."

  Turning my neck felt like an impossibility, but I glimpsed a red splotch on the pillow beside me, and let out a quiet sigh. My eyes started to close again, but I fought to keep them open. I still needed to ask about everyone else—

  "We're all alive and accounted for, and the funeral services for Her Majesty are on hold until you and Lady Rose can attend." As if reading my mind, Leah told me everything I wanted while pulling the covers up to my shoulders. "Please get some more rest. I'll be here when you wake up."

  "Alright... I'll do... that..." I muttered before falling into darkness once again

  ***

  The next time I woke up, it was to the sound of Audrey calling out beside me.

  "Mom... Please don't go..." I felt marginally better, and managed to roll onto my side to look at her with worry. My vision had improved as well, enough that I could make out her features from this close. My girlfriend's eyes were squeezed tightly shut as she mumbled her heartbreaking plea. I wanted to comfort her, but my arms were still unresponsive... Yet, when I saw a solitary tear escape from beneath her lidded eyes and trail down her face, I found the strength to raise a trembling hand to wipe it away.

  With great effort that left me heaving for breath, I pulled myself closer to her, found the most comfortable position I could manage with my low strength and held her head to my chest. It hadn't been my intention to disturb her, but the movement caused her eyes to flutter open, revealing the damp and unfocused sapphires beneath.

  "Lydia...?" she asked quietly, and I hummed a response. "I can't see very well... Is everything alright?"

  "It is." I whispered. " I don't know all the details either... but we're safe in the castle."

  "I see..." Silence stretched between us for a few minutes before my curiosity got the best of me.

  "Were you having a bad dream?" I prodded. She didn't answer for a moment, and I almost thought she had fallen asleep before she did.

  "I don't really remember it... It was sad, I think... But I also feel really happy." That made sense, if it was about her mother.

  "How about you, Lydia?"

  "Hm?" I responded, a bit confused.

  "How are you feeling? Have you had any dreams?" I smiled a bit at that and giggled, which made my lungs ache.

  "Nothing while I was asleep, at least." My gaze swept over the room we were in... I realized through my half-blurred vision it was my old room, save for the colors of the walls and furniture having been swapped for that dreadful black and red palette.

  "We won... And I got to say goodbye to mother properly. On top of that, I get to hold you in my arms like this... I'd say my dream has been fulfilled."

  "Hold me, hm?" she giggled, then stopped because it hurt most likely. "Your arms aren't even around me..."

  "I'm doing my best..." I defended with a mock pout, which only made both of us laugh with pain again.

  "Anyway... I'm glad it's over..." Her words started to slur together, and I sensed her body relax again. "I'm so... tired..." she was fighting the wave of exhaustion but was losing the battle.

  "It's okay... I'm going to sleep some more as well." I whispered, and Audrey nodded subtly against the pillow before her breathing quickly settled into a regular rhythm.

  Seeing her like that made me relax as well, and my mind also began to fall under the spell of sleep for the third time as I laid my head down beside her.

  ***

  It took a few days after the first time I woke up, but eventually my vision returned to its normal acuity, and I had enough strength to move around on the bed. Walking was still a bit much for both of us, so we were currently waiting for some wheelchairs to be delivered, at the order of my brothers. They had both been injured in the fight but had recovered swiftly thanks to the resistance's healers.

  As for the current situation... Today, Audrey and I would head to a meeting to finally be given a briefing. Everyone had been insistent on our resting, despite our protests. It was probably for the best, considering our state, but we still wanted to be of help. It took some convincing, but eventually my brothers broke down after Audrey and I were in much better health, even if not full quite yet.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  While we waited, Leah moved around the room, preparing tea for us, as well as doing some light cleaning and helping us change out of our nightgowns. Seeing her was the most relieving thing after I had woken up, but...

  "Leah."

  "Yes, my lady?" She paused while taking away our worn nightwear and looked over her shoulder at me.

  "Isn't it about time you explained yourself?" I said, sitting on the edge of the bed with Audrey beside me. We hadn't noticed at first, since our vision had been recovering, and nobody had mentioned it, least of all the lady-in-waiting herself. Audrey and I had discussed what to do, but I was done waiting.

  "Whatever do you mean, my lady?" She asked but refused to turn fully to reveal the source of my question.

  "Are you mocking me right now?" I said, letting a bit of anger into my voice. "Look at me, Leah." With hesitation, she slowly turned to face us and I stared at the half-mask covering the right side of her face. The side that had taken the brunt of my mother's mind-controlled attack.

  "I am still capable of performing—"

  "Quit the act." I finally snapped, and Audrey placed her hand over mine with a look of concern.

  "Lydia, maybe we should give her time."

  "No," I said, glaring at Leah. "I know you, Leah. You would continue on without ever saying a word, and I won't allow it!" Leah just stood there, looking at me with a gaze free of any blame or anger... All I saw was her usual professionalism as I shouted. Taking a breath, I composed myself and then met her unwavering gaze again. "What are you to me, Leah?" The question seemed to throw her off, and her expression faltered for a moment.

  "I am your attendant and closest aide."

  "Wrong answer." I grabbed the pole of the bed and strained to pull myself to my feet. I gasped as pain lanced through my soles and up my calves, but I gritted my teeth and continued until I was standing on shaking legs.

  "Lydia!" Audrey called out, reaching for my hand, but I pulled away from her, my focus only on my foolish, capable older sister. Leah watched me with a concerned look and pursed lips but said nothing as I continued my glare.

  "You're so capable, but why is it you don't seem to understand my heart?" I pointed at her and pushed myself from the bed frame, taking unstable steps forward, wincing with each step I took closer to her. "No... it's not that you don't understand, it's that you refuse to accept it.... Are my feelings that much of a burden to you?"

  "No, of course not!" Leah said in response before catching herself and biting her lip.

  "You're my family.. My sister." I continued, finally reaching her and sinking to the ground as I held the front of her uniform, the strength in my legs leaving me. "Please... Just let me worry about you!" My anger gave way to tears as I choked back a sob. There was silence for a long moment before she replied.

  "My lady—" When Leah finally spoke, her voice was incredibly gentle, and I looked up at her to see a ?warm smile on the visible half of her lips. The mask of my attendant was gone, and she knelt down to hold my face in her hands. "I'm sorry... You just shine so bright in my eyes, I only wanted to be someone worthy of being by your side."

  "You idiot." I sniffled, lightly hitting my clenched fist against her shoulder. "You've always been worthy, and if anyone says otherwise, I'll burn them."

  My threat likely wasn't that threatening, considering all the tears, but she got my point and we both laughed. The moment helped me compose myself, and I grew serious again. "We've lost so much... almost lost each other... I don't want to keep living with this distance between us." my fists. curled into the front of her uniform again, and I couldn’t look up at her as she finally let go of my face.

  “I understand… Lydia.” The shock of hearing my name from her lips made me gasp, and I looked up at her. She gave me an indulgent smile, as if looking down at a spoiled little sister. “I’ve been too stubborn… You’re right. I can manage this much, at least in private.”

  “That’s all I ever wanted.” I said, the strength in my body failing completely once it was no longer fueled by my frustration. With a smooth motion, I found myself in Leah’s arms as she carried me back to the bed, then sat me down next to Audrey again.

  “I’m happy you two made up,” Audrey said with a grin despite the obvious exhaustion painting her features. After a peaceful moment of silence, I cleared my throat and folded my arms while trying to ignore the blossoming embarrassment that hit me.

  “Now… will you show me?” I asked, and Leah knelt before me and nodded. Slowly, her hands reached up and pulled away the half-mask covering her face. It took a conscious effort for me not to gasp and cover my mouth. I felt Audrey tense up beside me as well, the shock more clear on her face than I hoped on mine.

  On the previously hidden portion of her face, starting from her hairline and down through the right corner of her lip, Leah’s skin was bluish-gray. Her right eye had lost its piercing brown, replaced now by a glassy white that seemed to struggle to focus on me.

  “Oh, no…” I mumbled, instinctively reaching out. Leah flinched slightly as I did, but didn’t pull away. When my finger touched the discolored skin, the texture was taut and rough, and her skin felt… cold, as I followed the streaks of white veins that cracked across the area. An immeasurable sense of guilt rocked me, knowing that my mother’s magic had done this to the person I considered a sister… even if she had been mind-controlled. “I’m so sorry.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and Leah covered my hand with hers.

  “Don’t say that. Nobody is to blame but the Duke and the Empire for putting her majesty in such a position to begin with.”

  “But if I hadn’t lost focus—”

  “I still would have jumped in to save you.” She finished, giving me a rare grin that broke through her stern professionalism. “You are my precious little sister, after all.”

  That killed any protest building in my throat, and I sighed. The more I thought about it, the more I realized she would’ve needed to save me, regardless. Mother’s enhanced magic had been strong enough to penetrate my barrier, after all.

  Although…

  I shook the thought away. Maybe there was a scenario where I would’ve been fine, but thinking about it would be disrespectful to the sacrifice Leah had made for me.

  “Then… Thank you.” I said, pressing my full palm to her scarred cheek and smiling reassuringly. “For saving me.” Then my eyes drifted down the edge of the scar, where it disappeared beneath the unusually high collar of the uniform she wore. I traced my hand down to her neck and frowned. “Show me all of it.”

  “Ah… But—” She began, but I shushed her.

  “Leah.”

  “...Alright.” She stood up, her fingers deftly undoing the buttons of her collar before she untied the apron that hung down the front of her body. She placed the discarded cloth on the bedside next to me before pulling the zipper down the front of her maid uniform, slowly revealing her body until the outfit pooled in a heap at her feet.

  My eyes narrowed as I examined her mostly bare body, only obfuscated but the straps of her underwear now. Her face hadn’t been the only part affected, and the scar continued down the right side of her torso before curving out at her hip. Her legs appear to have escaped the attack, which was a blessing. At the sight, Audrey leaned over, reaching her arm out.

  “May I?” she asked Leah, who nodded in response and moved closer so my girlfriend could reach. Audrey mimicked my examination, running her hand across Leah’s cheek, then down her body. My lady-in-waiting squirmed as I watched, and I suddenly felt like I was witnessing something I shouldn’t be. The prickling in my heart eased, however, when I glanced at Audrey and saw her face twisted with concentration and concern. When her hand reached Leah’s hip, she finally pulled back, unaware of Leah’s slightly flushed cheeks.

  Audrey stared at her palm for a long moment, a slight spark of silver in her eyes telling me she was conversing with her goddess. Giving her a moment, I turned back to Leah, who still stood nearly naked before me. I eyed the scar once again, but only sighed this time.

  “Alright… You can get back to work.” I said with a wry smile. As Leah bent down to pick up her clothes, I spoke unconsciously. “Is this the first time I’ve ever seen you out of uniform?” Her body was surprisingly curvy—something I had never noticed because of her servant's pride, apparently.

  “I believe so. It’s bad taste for an attendant to be so open in front of their master.” She said, pulling the uniform back up her legs and waist before pulling the zipper back up the front. An intrusive pang of regret hit me as the view disappeared, but then I shook it from my mind. Bad Lydia…

  “But you’re not my attendant right now.” I smirked, and she smiled at me, having swiftly redone her apron and fixed the wrinkles in the outfit.

  “I suppose not.”

  It wasn’t long before she had retrieved our discarded nightgowns and made to leave the room. With one final warm glance over her shoulder, she disappeared into the hallway, leaving Audrey and I alone.

  “Did you notice something?” I asked after a few moments, and Audrey met my gaze with concern.

  “I couldn’t feel any mana circulation where her scar exists… Aurora says it’s likely her magic pathways have been destroyed.” I felt the blood drain from my face. It was uncommon, but there are documented cases of mages overdrawing their mana and suffering backlash that left them magically crippled. Magic pathways weren’t fully understood, so it was rare for individuals who had fallen victim to it to recover. In most cases, they have to relearn how to cast magic around the dead parts of their body.

  “I know we’re not in any condition to heal ourselves right now… but once we regain our strength, won’t we be able to heal her?” I asked hopefully.

  “If it were normal mana backlash, it wouldn’t be an issue.” Azure’s voice echoed in my head for the first time since I had woken up. She was distant… but audible. “Leah’s soul was partially damaged by the immense divine power that the attack had contained. Magic exists more prominently within the spirit, rather than the physical body. And as you know—”

  “We don’t have the affinity.” I finished aloud, hanging my head in despair.

  “It would take several prolonged sessions to even heal the superficial scar.” My goddess continued.

  “So there’s nothing we can do?” I mourned. “Just like with Mother?” The thought of failing another member of my family in such a way was too much for me to bear.

  “Not quite.” Azure said pointedly. “Actually, unlike with Bella, repairing magical pathways is something the two of you could manage… With enough practice and care.”

  “Why didn’t you lead with that?” I grumbled, flopping onto my back against the mattress. I heard Audrey giggle beside me before she also laid down.

  “Aurora says it will take a very long time for us to learn.” My girlfriend chimed in as if she could hear my goddess, but I guessed Aurora was keeping her informed. “But if we are diligent, healing Leah is possible.”

  The revelation filled me with hope. Even if it took the rest of my life, I would repay Leah for everything she’s done. What kind of master would I be if I let the current situation stand? She’d never be able to marry… I mean, I wouldn’t let anyone marry her who couldn’t see past such things, but such partners were few and far between. The woman herself probably doesn’t think about such things, but it was my job as her family to ensure she finds proper happiness. Even if it doesn’t mean love in her case, she still deserves the best options.

  Filled with resolve, I pumped my fist in the air and grinned.

  “We’ll definitely heal her.”

  “Of course.” Audrey agreed.

  After the serious topic ran its course, the two of us just lay together enjoying each other’s presence until the bedroom door opened again a while later. Leah entered, pushing a wheelchair.

  “It finally arrived, huh?” I asked, pushing myself upright again. Leah nodded with a smile, and right behind her entered Sasha, pushing a second chair.

  “I’ve got yours, sister.” She said cheerfully, causing Audrey to shoot upright as well with an excited look. Sasha had come to visit plenty of times, but the two sisters never got sick of one another.

  “Are you going to push me around? Sounds fun.” My girlfriend laughed, taking Sasha's hand to get into the wheelchair as Leah assisted me.

  “It’s my pleasure.” The younger girl replied with a smile.

  Honestly, Sasha had started to resemble the young first-year she had been at the academy. Ever since the Duke died, it seemed I wasn’t the only one that had been relieved of an immense burden. As Audrey and I were pushed out into the hallway, we found Lucia and Hailey waiting outside the door, along with Sasha’s attendants in Sir Strauss and Anne.

  After a quick and pleasant greeting to everyone, the four of them fell into formation behind us. We had a few minutes before arriving at my brother’s office, and I let myself fall into thought while eyeing Sasha inconspicuously.

  We were told Thomas Rose had been found dead in his escape tunnels, the final blow not being any of our magic, but rather a dagger buried into his heart. As much as I hated it, I couldn’t help but suspect Sasha. It was unlikely the Duke had revealed the tunnel's existence to anyone else, knowing how careful he was. That only meant someone who would’ve had the freedom and access to find them on their own.

  On top of that, I wasn’t as… blinded by love as Audrey was. I knew very well that Sasha hadn’t fully let go of her grudge, even if she had started to reconcile with her mother. One of the first things I learned about my future sister-in-law was that she was a phenomenal actress, and I had to be careful not to fall for her acts myself. Deciding to do a little investigation, I cleared my throat.

  “I hope nothing happened the night of the reclamation, Sasha?” I asked. Calling it a reclamation was Luke’s idea, to further cement the righteousness of our cause. Not that it wasn’t plenty righteous…

  “Not around the safe house, that I’m aware of.” She responded calmly, glancing down at me as she continued to push Audrey. My girlfriend looked at me as well, but it didn’t seem like she was suspicious. “And thank the goddesses for that.”

  “I agree.” I said with a smile and nodding. “And you all stayed in the house the whole time?”

  “Of course. It would’ve been much too dangerous to wander the streets, after all.” I really couldn’t sense anything in her tone, but right as I was about to let it go, I noticed a furtive glance the girl gave her knight.

  “Thank you for keeping them all safe, Sir Strauss.” I said, directing the conversation toward the boy in the back. “Did you need to leave for any reason that night?” He was one of the youngest cadets to ever become a knight in the history of our kingdom. I had been told by many people about his skill, and from a glance I could tell from the way he moved and carried himself that his reputation was no lie.

  Unfortunately for him, and Sasha… having skill with the blade does not mean he’s a good actor.

  “Uh, um…” He stuttered for a moment, his eyes bouncing around the hall before landing on Sasha, who was openly glaring daggers at him now. Audrey had mentioned these two got along really well… I didn’t know if I would say that myself, but it seemed Sasha did forget herself around him. “No, Your Highness.” The knight finally finished with a sheepish smile.

  “Uh huh…” I murmured, then met Sasha’s gaze above Audrey’s head as we arrived in front of my brother’s office. “Let’s have a nice chat after this, Sasha.” The girl put on a pleasant smile, but then looked down and sighed.

  “Yes Ma’am.”

  “Good answer.”

  “Are we going to have a tea party?” Audrey asked, oblivious to the atmosphere as she clapped her hands excitedly. “It’s been so long since we all sat down to relax together…”

  I laughed and reached over to pat her arm.

  “Yes, that’s exactly it. Let’s all have a good time together after the briefing.”

  As I spoke, the doors in front of us opened to reveal my brothers, the resistance council— Or would they be the new cabinet of the kingdom? I wasn’t sure, but that was beside the point. The Yamadians were also present, and I shared a nod with Yuzuki as Audrey and I were rolled up to the table.

  “Alright.” Luke said, grabbing everyone's attention. “Now that everyone is present… Let’s discuss the future. Not only of our kingdom, but of the inevitable war with the empire.”

  As the discussion started, I listened intently. The decisions made in this room today would affect more than just our lives, and I had every intention of ensuring they were the right ones this time.