Rowena wished she had a pack of ice for the headache that she was getting. Even so, she tried her best to smile for Colonel Sun, who was seated across from her in their manor room.

  “So we can defeat Lapanteria?” she asked.

  The colonel nodded. “Yes, though, I wouldn’t bet on it. Realm Headquarters has prepared for the possibility of a Lapanterian invasion. There are multiple contingency plans and resources gathered for such a possibility. The problem is, what do we consider a victory?”

  Jess, walking over behind Rowena, gently placed her hands above her head and began to rub the princess’s temples.

  “What does Realm Headquarters define as victory?” Jess asked as Rowena sighed with relief.

  Colonel Sun, completely unperturbed, said, “Keeping all of our territory and making it so costly to take it that Lapanteria would incur twenty casualties to our one to take and hold it.”

  “But what if they don’t negotiate?” Gwen asked, flashing a wink at Jess, who rolled her eyes.

  “Then we can maintain the war for some time, but we’re not entirely sure how long to be honest,” said Colonel Sun. They glanced at Rowena and back to Gwen. Rowena, catching the colonel’s meaning, nodded.

  “I am certain Gwen will keep her silence on the matter, Colonel. Do we have a plan on how to force Lapanteria to surrender?” she asked.

  Colonel Sun sighed. “That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it, Your Highness? I’m afraid we don’t. We could invade Lapanteria to take military targets, but we anticipate the occupation to be terribly complicated. We also considered a raiding strategy, but our constitution forbids us from certain tactics that would damage the land.”

  Rowena grimaced. “Then the only option is a pre-emptive strike. Get an advantage before the enemy is prepared, which we can do since we’re going to Level 2 Mobilization.”

  “I do need to remind you, Your Highness, that the constitution has effectively outlawed a pre-emptive strike.”

  Gwen straightened, her eyes wide as Rowena and Jess exchanged a glance and groaned. “What do you mean you outlawed preemptive strikes?”

  Rowena leaned back, looking up at Jess. She couldn’t help but smile at her, even as she reiterated what she recalled by rote memorization. “If there is no invasion of Erisdale, war can only be declared with parliament’s approval and requires a two-thirds vote. Sending military troops for the purpose of destroying military targets is an act of war. Therefore, unless parliament approves and votes on a declaration of war, no preemptive strike can be launched. Effectively, preemptive strikes are outlawed.”

  The Alavari shook her head. “Your constitution is insanely restrictive.”

  “In some ways it is, Lady Gwen, but it’s also why we are eternally grateful to the royal family for ceding those powers,” said Colonel Sun.

  Rowena swallowed and stood up, gently brushing Jess’s fingers off. “Thank you, Colonel Sun. Please continue preparations in case we need to leave.”

  The Colonel stood and bowed. “Of course, Your Highness.”

  The moment the colonel left, Rowena turned to Gwen and Jess.

  “Gwen, I need to talk to Jess about what we can offer Forlana. Do you mind leaving for a moment?”

  “Of course not. There’s something I need to look into. I still don’t quite get why Alastor wants to invade Erisdale.”

  “Glory? Wealth? Because it’s territory he can claim?” Jess asked, echoing Rowena’s thoughts.

  “The question of why now is still unanswered. Especially when he could afford to wait when say, King Martin and Queen Ginger die or decide to retire,” Gwen said.

  Rowena had no reply to that. As her mind went into overdrive once more, an idea spurred her to pinch onto Gwen’s sleeve. “Try speaking to Princess Sallene. She may be more open to telling us of her brother’s plans or giving us more insight.”

  “How do you know she isn’t in on the plan, Wena?” Gwen asked.

  “I don’t, but I’m desperate. Besides, does Alastor seem the type to involve women in his plotting, even if they are of his family?” Rowena asked.

  Gwen smirked and clasped Rowena’s hand. “Good point. It’s also well known that she and Alastor don’t get along, so maybe she might talk. I’ll see you both later.”

  “Take care, Gwen,” said Jess, briefly hugging the Alavari before she left with a casual wave.

  That left Rowena and Jess alone.

  “What did you have in mind to give to Forlana, Wena?” Jess asked.

  Rowena swallowed. “I didn’t have anything in mind to be honest, but I have an idea now, and I don’t like it.”

  “Because it won’t work or because you don’t want to give it up?” Jess asked.

  The princess met her girlfriend’s eye, choking down the urge to burst into tears. “Jess, I was thinking of Fairy’s Peak.”

  “Fairy’s Peak? But that’s—” Jess’s shoulders sagged. Blinking, she wiped her eyes. “That’s where we went for the camping trip. That’s where…”

  “Where we camped. Where we spent the nights hiking, watching the stars, cooking together, and sleeping in the same tent,” said Rowena. She took Jess’s hands. “That was the longest time we spent together. Just the two of us.”

  Jess bowed her head. “Where we did basically nothing but stay together.”

  “And yet we did everything,” said Rowena, a croak escaping her.

  Tears now ran freely down Jess’s cheeks. “This isn’t fair.”

  “I know. I’m sorry—”

  Shaking hands cupped Rowena’s cheeks as Jess pressed her forehead against her chin. “It’s not your fault, Wena. It’s Forlana and Alastor’s fault. You need to try to prevent a war. Bequeathing her Fairy’s Peak makes sense. Actually, no, it’s the best offer we can give.”

  Rowena swallowed. “Would Alastor even accept, though?”

  Jess was still sniffling, but her voice was firm. “We both know you’re not offering something that he would accept. We want to split Forlana and Alastor. Offering Fairy’s Peak would be perfect for that purpose.”

  “It’s not fair to you, though!” Rowena cried.

  “It’s not fair for us, Wena!” Jess retorted.

  They were holding each other, sobbing, both knowing they were remembering the same magical time.

  Two weeks of a glorious summer break, where Rowena and Jess could just hang out. Not over a mirror call, not just a weekend or a week-long visit. Not several months of school where adults, courses, and responsibilities had the pair apart, amongst others, and watching eyes with no privacy. The only witnesses to their camping trip had been them, surrounded by the wilderness in Fairy’s Peak. In Rowena’s mind, she could still smell the beautiful woods that stretched up the glacially shaped peaks. She could hear the streams bubbling and coursing through their stony beds. The carpet of night-studded stars stretched out. The warmth of her hand entwined with Jess’s.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  All gone.

  “Wena, don’t change your mind because of me,” said Jess.

  Rowena rubbed a tear away from Jess’s cheek. “Okay. I’ll make it up to you. I promise,” she said.

  Jess let out a watery chuckle. “Let’s just hope Forlana accepts.”

  ***

  “This is alarming to say the least,” said Eldecar.

  Rowena, quite certain her eyes were no longer red from her tears, nodded. She and Jess had gone to Eldecar’s accommodations in the Sunflower Court, which was another mansion on the palace grounds. This one was smaller than Rowena’s, but the entourage of grim-faced guards Eldecar brought was fewer in number.

  Rowena also noticed that Eldecar’s green-clad guards were younger than hers, some barely into adulthood, but they held their posture with determined or perhaps false pride.

  “That’s putting it lightly, Your Highness. We are on the brink of a new Lapanterian-Erisdalian war. I’m trying to do all I can to prevent it. You, right now, stand to benefit.”

  Eldecar leaned forward, hands on his knees. “You have something to offer, and something to ask. I am listening.”

  “The White Order is investigating Lady Veina, or shall we say, Princess Forlana’s power base in Roranoak, where I believe Alastor granted her a castle.”

  “He did. The Birchhold,” said Eldecar. He blinked. “You asked them to raid it.”

  Rowena could feel how grim her smile had gotten from the way it twisted her lips. “I asked them to prepare a raid, but the Birchhold and the area around it is traditionally Roranoak territory. I want to ask you to grant them permission to conduct a raid if they do find something.”

  Eldecar nodded. “They have it.”

  “Good—” Rowena blinked as her mirror shook. She pulled it out. “I’m sorry, one moment.” She opened it and blinked as she saw Frances in one side of the mirror, Morgan and Hattie on the other side. “Hi—”

  “Did Eldecar give his permission, Rowena?” Morgan asked.

  “He just did—”

  “Good, we found a lot of things that he may be happy about. Stay tuned for tomorrow,” said Hattie.

  “Are those your mentors?” Eldecar asked, eyes wide.

  “Yes, and Frances too,” said Rowena.

  Eldecar rose to his feet and sprinted over into the view of Rowena’s mirror. “Grandmaster, I just want to say you have my thanks for sending Indomia and Eotta. I also wish to express my deepest apologies. Roranoak is not unaware of who waters its roots and has not forgotten our insult against you.”

  Frances’ mouth dropped open before she slowly closed it and sighed. “When did you find out?”

  Eldecar grinned. “Later than I care to admit. I hope one day in my lifetime I can allow the White Order in again, but there are those in my court that hold grudges.”

  “I understand, and I am glad to finally talk to you directly,” Frances smirked, resting her chin on her elbow. “I scarcely believe you are related to Clawdia. Keep up the good work, and don’t worry about Indomia and Eowa. I won’t be asking them to come back to Athelda-Aoun anytime soon. You should tell them you know, by the way.”

  Eldecar turned red, and Rowena had a pretty good guess as to why. “That’s very gracious of you, Grandmaster. I will… take that under advisement.”

  “They do love you, Eldecar. They just take their duty very seriously. Rowena, mobilize to Level 2 if you haven’t already. I’m receiving reports of movement at the border.”

  “We have, though, that I didn’t know. Thank you, Frances,” said Rowena.

  Frances, Morgan, and Hattie waved, and just before the image faded, Rowena realized that her teachers were flying through the sky. To where, she had no idea, but from the way the wind whipped through their feathers, they were going really fast.

  She closed her mirror, glancing at Eldecar as Jess crossed her arms and smirked. “Indomia and Eowa? I remember them. I was wondering where they went.”

  “They are my magic teachers and trusted instructors, though, not just that.” Eldecar took a breath and stood a little straighter. “Things are moving faster than any of us are expecting. What is your offer, Your Highness?”

  “Resumption of trade. Erisdalian aid convoys, along with potential weapon exports, potentially leased to you to be paid at a later date,” said Rowena.

  Eldecare blinked. “Lending us weapons? But if they are used, you wouldn’t get them back—Oh, I see. Are you sure?”

  “I’d rather threaten Lapanteria with a two-front war rather than have one break out between her and Erisdale,” said Rowena.

  “That cannot all be what we are offering you, Your Highness. As much as I appreciate the support, I don’t want our relationship to be based just on convenience.”

  Rowena pursed her lips and glanced at Jess. She didn’t have a reason, but looking at her girlfriend just felt like it would smooth her nerves.

  She needed to have doubted herself because Jess smiled and nodded ever so slightly. The reassurance was enough for Rowena to collect herself.

  “I’m worried about asking something of Roranoak, Your Majesty. While it’s clear that our countries will be partners in the future, I do not wish to take advantage of Roranoak’s situation,” said Rowena.

  “I see. In that case, then I will make a gift to Erisdale, a gesture for our new partnership. There are a number of my veterans who need rest, and you need to know how Lapanteria has been fighting. They’ll be on the next ship to Erisdale, where they can brief your commanders on what to expect. I’ll also ask them to contact your high command to arrange the travel details.”

  “That would be most appreciated, Your Highness. We’ll take good care of them,” said Rowena. She rose to her feet and extended her hand. Eldecar took it.

  “Good job, Rowena. This is a pretty big step,” said Tristelle.

  “Well, if I’m not able to stop a war between Erisdale and Lapanteria at least I’ll have made us an ally,” thought Rowena.

  ***

  “I’m sorry.”

  Rowena looked up at Jess, quickly placing her fork down at her plate's side. After Rowena had called her parents and advised them of what she’d discussed today, the pair were eating a private dinner. However, her girlfriend had been quiet for the most part.

  “Jess, what are you apologizing for?” Rowena asked.

  The blonde girl’s jaw tensed. Her grey eyes briefly met Rowena's before falling away, and she closed her eyes.

  “Jess?” Rowena reached out to touch Jess’s hand. To her relief, she didn’t pull back, but held onto her hand. When Jess spoke, her voice was choked.

  “When I came on this trip, I wanted to support you. I know you have a lot of responsibility, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t been doing that much to help you. You’ve been making the important decisions by yourself and coming to them mostly by your own conclusion.”

  “You’ve been helping,” said Rowena.

  “Not as much as I should have. Not as much as I would have if I’d been a princess,” said Jess, finally meeting Rowena’s gaze. “I know it’s stupid, but I feel like I wish I weren't heir and now you’re taking on something that would have been my responsibility.”

  “That…that is silly,” said Rowena. She squeezed Jess’s hands gently. “But we’re only human. It’s fine to have silly thoughts, Jess.”

  Her girlfriend smiled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “You know you’re doing really well, right, Rowena?’

  “I don’t know, Jess. War seems really close,” Rowena said.

  “You’re doing all you can. It’s Alastor who wishes to pursue Lapanteria’s expansion no matter what,” said Jess.

  “Yeah, but…” Rowena took a breath. “Jess, you know I question my own motives, right?”

  “Motives for what? Wait, for holding fast? But that’s the right thing to do!” Jess exclaimed.

  Rowena could feel her shoulders sag from the weight of her own thoughts. “Maybe, but I’m not… I’m not sure exactly why I’m doing this. I know I have to protect Erisdale and stop a war from happening, but if I really, really wanted to, I could find a way to put Forlana in the line of succession. That wouldn’t stop me from being my father and mother’s daughter, and there could be ways to prevent her from doing too much damage. But I’m not. I don’t feel like I should.”

  “And you don’t know why?” Jess asked.

  Rowena shook her head. Her fellow princess, her girlfriend, frowned, quiet in contemplation.

  “What do you feel about the idea of Forlana becoming Queen?” Jess asked.

  Rowena blinked and tried to imagine that idea. Once more, a twisting, vile feeling coursed through her body, wrapping itself around her stomach and squeezing tight.

  “I feel like I want to throw up,” said Rowena.

  “Why do you feel like that?”

  “Because her being queen… It’s insane. She doesn’t even know Erisdale. She’s lived in Erisdale, but all she wants is the kingdom. How would she be a good queen? After all she and her supporters have done to kill and endanger innocent people? To support and involve people like Sylva?” Rowena demanded.

  Jess nodded. “And isn’t that reason enough?”

  Rowena blinked, and her mouth opened. She managed to force herself to close it. “I… I guess so? I still feel like I’m missing something.”

  “You’ll figure it out, Wena. I know you will,” said Jess, smiling.

  They were close now, leaning over the table, the food half-finished, but hunger having vanished. The two princesses faced one another, so close they could see every dimple.

  “What’s this about not doing enough to support me?” Rowena asked in a quiet voice.

  Jess giggled. “Maybe I wasn’t giving myself enough credit.”

  Rowena took a breath. Her fear, her worry for the future, still pooled like a pit in her stomach, but the warm, bubbling feeling that blossomed in her chest was far stronger.

  “Then I will do that for you, Jess. I love you. I don’t know what I could have done without you being here, beside me, just being there for me and being you.”

  Rowena watched, slightly teary-eyed as Jess blinked, smiled so joyously her own hear sang and leaned forward.

  Their lips met gently and it was better than anything that either of them had ever dreamt. As the electrifying, magical feeling raced over both princesses. Jess whispered, “Wena… I…thank you. Thank you for being my best friend.”

  Rowena, through half-lidded eyes, giggled. “Same to you, Jess.” She swallowed. “I think I’d like to go for that walk in the gardens with you. With just a few guards.”

  Jess grinned, her voice husky. “I can’t wait.