[a--elessedil]

[It almost sounded funny coming out of Eretria’s mouth. Amberle hadn’t thought much about Eretria knowing how to make herbs and cocktails but she knew first hand that the rover did.] Yeah… [Amberle smiled, happy that maybe she could give Eretria something to feel less helpless and slightly comforted by the thought of the gesture.] That sounds nice. Maybe we can get the kitchen to send us up way too much food. 

[rover-etria]

[Eretria wasn’t sure Amberle would be up for a sleeping aid, considering she’d turned such offers down in the past. But to her surprise, the princess agreed, and a small smile crossed the rover’s lips. At last, something she could do that would be helpful. Something real, no matter how small.] Sleeping draughts and fully bellies sound like the perfect night. [Eretria replied with a nod of her head, pushing up on her toes to touch a kiss to Amberle’s cheek.] And I won’t make it too strong. Just an herbal mixture to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle felt releived that Eretria would be there. A part of her had wanted to request it but she didn’t want to force Eretria to watch if she didn’t want to. But the thought of having her there eased Amberele’s nerves significantly. She smiled, a slow smile that crept across her face and barely parted her lips.] I promise. [Amberle placed her hands on either side of Eretria’s face and kissed her forehead.] Just have to find a way to somehow get a real night’s sleep tonight. 

[rover-etria]

[Eretria swallowed thickly and blew out a slow breath as Amberle kissed her forehead. They were so far from feeling normal on a regular basis... but maybe this was something Eretria would just have to get used to. Amberle’s involvement in the court -- and other dangerous things -- would only increase from here on out, after all.] Would you like me to brew you some tea? [She asked, hoping to find some way to be helpful here. And she knew well enough that Amberle hardly slept as it was on her own.] I know some things... some remedies to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. [Obviously, considering Eretria knew the proper cocktails to knock out a small battalion with a single dose.]

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle steadied herself. She had to calm Eretria down and assure her that this would be fine. A part of her was nervous too but she felt in control and that was better than anything else. Eretria, on the other hand, probably didn’t feel that way at all.] Yes, I can use my sword. It’s tomorrow before noon. Don’t – it’s going to be fine, Eretria. It’s going to be fine. You can be there if you want to be.

[rover-etria]

[Eretria listened and slowly nodded along. The whole thing sounded ridiculous to her, but she was in no position to argue with elven laws.] I want to be there. [She insisted immediately, taking a small step closer to Amberle and settling her hands against her chest.] I can’t say I’m happy about watching you fight, but... I’ll be there for you. [Eretria touched a chaste kiss to her girlfriend’s collarbone before looking up.] Promise you’ll win?

[a--elessedil]

[The tone of Erertria’s voice only made Amberle feel worse. She lowered her eyes to the floor and swallowed the lump in her throat before taking a few steps forward and reaching for Eretria’s hand, holding it loosely between her own fingers.] Then he goes free. We look weak. They could turn on us. They can still turn on us even if I win. I just… needed to show them we wouldn’t lie down. I had to do.. something to try to fix this or we’re going to lose anyway. 

[rover-etria]

[Eretria fought to steady her breathing, and her heart rate. It didn’t feel like so long ago that Eretria had nearly caused Amberle’s death. Now here the princess was, marching off into a battle that felt so... so contrived.] What are the parameters of the fight? [The rover asked after a moment, lifting Amberle’s hand to touch a kiss to her palm.] Do you get to use your sword? [Because at least then, Amberle would have the best chance of winning.] When is it?

[a--elessedil]

[Eretria’s reaction was exactly what Amberle had been afraid of, but exactly what she was expecting. She wouldn’t be pleased either if Eretria had made the same call.] I won’t lose. [ She cleared her throat and found her eyes shifting once again. It was hard to face Eretria knowing this would scare her and guilt sat like a heavy rock between her chest and her stomach.] I won’t lose. And .. if I think I’m going to, I can forfeit. It isn’t as scary as it sounds. I can beat him. 

[rover-etria]

[Okay, so there was no chance of Amberle being killed in this fight. It was a comfort, but anxiety still sat like a hot stone in her stomach and Eretria dragged her fingers through her hair.] What if you can’t beat him, Amberle? [She asked. It wasn’t that she doubted her girlfriend’s ability to fight, but they both knew better than anyone how often things didn’t go according to plan.] What happens if you lose? [Eretria repeated her question, eyes hard on Amberle, imploring her to answer honestly.]

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle could see Eretria’s wheels turning, could see the many thoughts in her head that she knew would be there. She shook her head.] No… he won’t fight Ander. Ander is by no means capable of something like that right now. And besides, Ander didn’t charge him. [Amberle’s eyes fell for a second, only because she worried a little what Eretria would say. But following that small lapse, she looked back up and straightened her shoulders.] He’s going to fight me. 

[rover-etria]

[Eretria froze for a moment with the revelation, eyes flicking back and forth between Amberle’s as if waiting for this mirage to vanish. But it didn’t. Amberle continued to stand before her, chin up and shoulder’s straight.] What do you mean he’s going to fight you? [She suddenly burst, moving off the bed to instead stand on her feet. It left her even shorter than before, but steadier, in a better position for questioning Amberle on this stupid decision.] What the hell kind of fight is this, anyway? What happens if you lose, Amberle?

[a--elessedil]

I’m not chipper. I’m just – [Amberle quickly tried to adjust her tone a little. It probably wasn’t ideal to go into this conversation as though she were excited. And she wasn’t excited, just relieved and empowered in a strange way.] He wasn’t exactly unsuccessful. I might have.. demanded he be arrested for treason. And that.. nearly went poorly because for a small moment, I was pretty certain the entire home guard was going to take his side and turn on us but he stopped them and offered to face the charges. He’s… waived his right to a trial by elvin court and demanded a trial by combat. By law, we have to give it to him. It’s an archaic practice, barely ever used. We could probably find a way to deny it but we don’t have the influence to bring him to a real trial by the court. He’s smart. They probably did it on purpose. As a coup.

[rover-etria]

[The explanation did nothing to make Eretria feel better, and her expression fell further and further the deeper Amberle got into the details.] A trial by combat? [The rover wasn’t even sure she understood what it meant. They had very little laws to abide by as rovers, but she could guess at the implications of such a title.] He’s going to fight Ander? That’s a horrible idea, especially with his current... fixation. [Eretria could already see it going so poorly, and yes, it was an incredibly smart move by those who wanted to see the king dethroned.] How are you so calm right now?

[a--elessedil]

Well maybe one day, you’ll be part of the council. Or at least.. part of my council. [Amberle was still smiling. She probably shouldn’t be. But court had made her feel better in the strangest of ways. Things had certainly taken a turn, and she would have to explain it to Eretria but for the first time in weeks, Amberle felt powerful again. She stood by the foot of the bed, petting Leo.] Today was just a general meeting. Ander was.. still drinking and sloppy and sad. One of Kael’s supporters tried to force him off the throne right then and there. They’re getting bolder and he’s becoming a bigger mess. 

[rover-etria]

I think your council is the only one I’d be interested in anyway. [Eretria responded, slowly moving onto her knees to shuffle across the bed to where Amberle stood. Her face grew somber at the information given. She’d really hoped Ander would get his act together after the most recent blowup with Amberle, but apparently he just wasn’t going to make this easy.] That doesn’t sound good. What happened? [Eretria asked, sitting up on her knees to rest her hands on Amberle’s shoulders.] Clearly he wasn’t successful, otherwise you wouldn’t be quite so chipper.

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle walked back from court with her head higher than it had been in days. Her heart was hammering and her steps brisk. She’d accompanied Ander that morning to a meeting that was called. Once again, they were calling him into question. Amberle couldn’t blame them, really. They may not be able to tell but his breath was thick with alcohol and his eyelids heavy. They called him into question for other things, for his lawmaking and strength, for his stability and power, all things he wasn’t displaying when he was busy sloshing around his room and crying over their lost loved ones. Amberle was horrified that the court may have a point. Even if they didn’t at first, even if at first it had been a power play, they’d upset him enough that now they might be right. So Amberle became more present. She sat at his side during a discussion two nights before, and again this morning, even despite their fight earlier that week. 

Today, a man named Byron came forward in defense of Kael. He stepped forward with anger and his sword raised, calling Ander a coward and demanding his step down. Amberle was quiet for a minute, stoic until she finally snapped, standing from her own seat and demanding the homegaurd arrest him for treason. It was a horrible idea, given how many of their people probably would take his side. At a better time, Amberle would be the first one demanding peace and listening and patience. But now they needed to show strength. 

The result of the altercation had been a bit different than she expected and Amberle was torn with nerves and a sense of pride as she strode back to her room. Her sword hung at her side, her choice of clothing for court had been more powerful and regal than usual, something less like the dresses she usually wore around and more like the leather and cloak she wore out of the palace. The dark cloak she wore billowed behind her and she unfastened it as she walked through her bedroom door to find Eretria sitting on the bed with Leo in her lap.] One day, I won’t have to leave you up here when the council gathers. 

[rover-etria]

[It felt like half of her time here in Arborlon consisted of just waiting lately, and while Eretria wouldn’t complain about it out loud, she was beginning to grow antsy and a little frustrated by it. Simply sitting around just wasn’t her forte. Amberle had announced early that morning that she’d be attending a meeting with the council and Eretria was nothing but supportive, of course. Especially considering the fragile state of the crown and Ander’s position beneath it. But in truth, Eretria wished she could go. She had no business in the elven court and she probably wouldn’t have understood the majority of matters discussed, but she felt so useless anymore. She didn’t hunt, she didn’t cook, she didn’t clean. She didn’t fight. It was a difficult thing to swallow for someone as restless as Eretria.]

[For some time, the rover waited on the balcony in her usual spot. Then she moved inside again, crawling to the head of the bed to wait with Leo. He was growing quicker that she wished he would, but every day he looked more handsome, more regal. He curled contentedly in her lap and Eretria sighed as she stroked his colored full, head resting back against the headboard. Dark eyes glanced up when the bedroom door finally opened, and immediately she could see something different about the way Amberle carried herself.] I’m not sure what business a rover has in a council meeting, but hopefully you’re right. [Eretria responded with a soft smile. Leo was up now, stretching out his skinny limbs before bouncing to the end of the bed. He really loved Amberle, and Eretria didn’t blame him.] What was today about? How was Ander?

[a--elessedil]

I’m scared, Eretria. [It was one of the few times Amberle would ever say that and her strength fell away with the tremble of her lip and in the quiver in her voice. Her shoulders shook in the sobs she tried to contain against Eretria’s chest. So much had happened, so much that was even bigger than this and yet suddenly it felt like the whole world was coming apart and there was nothing she could do.]

[rover-etria]

[Eretria’s arms wrapped tight around the princess as she truly fell apart in a way she’d been expecting for days... Weeks, even. This felt so long overdue that Eretria wasn’t even surprised by it. Saddened, yes, and concerned. But prepared.] I know. [She whispered, pressing her lips to Amberle’s hair as she gently led their bodies to the edge of the bed. She didn’t dare let go of her girlfriend.] It’s okay. [The reassurance wasn’t for the situation, or any kind of promise that things would be okay eventually. She just wanted Amberle to know that it was okay to be scared. At least here, in their room, in this moment.] I’ve got you... I love you. You don’t have to do any of this alone, Amberle.

[a--elessedil]

[All it took was Eretria’s touch and gentle tone and Amberle could barely keep her tears back. More fell down her cheeks and she tried to keep the breath in her chest from shaking.] And.. what if he gives it up? What if he doesn’t fight? He’ll…. hate me if I try to take it from him. And I can’t.. fight the council. They’ll.. never accept me if they won’t even have him. 

[rover-etria]

[Amberle crumbled and Eretria shook with her, inhaling a quick breath as she fought to gather her girlfriend in her arms and guide her away from the broken glass still littered across the floor.] I don’t know, Amberle... [And god, how she hated giving such a weak answer. She wished she had more. She wished she could fix it, but Eretria didn’t know how.] If worst comes to worst, you just... find a new legacy. [Eretria reached from Amberle’s face, tenderly wiping away the tears that fell from her jeweled eyes.] He’ll sober up... and he’ll realize you did him a favor. [The rover insisted, praying to gods she didn’t believe in that she was right.] Everyone... has rough days. Let him get through his before we start panicking, okay?

[a--elessedil]

[Kneeling on the floor, Amberle tried her best to gather what of the shards she could into a pile without cutting her hands. The door opened again behind her and she assumed it’d be Eretria but she couldn’t look up. Her focus was on fixing the mess in front of her. ] He just.. threw something. I’m fine. [Amberle wiped a tear away rolling down her cheek.] He’s.. not fine. Is it.. wrong of me to force him to fight for this if he doesn’t want it?

[rover-etria]

[Eretria’s hands slowly as she listened, her attention shifting fully to Amberle now. She carefully reached for Amberle’s wrists and pulled her fingers away from the glass. They could have someone with the proper tools clean it later, for surely one or both of them would end up cutting themselves like this.] Force is... kind of a strong word. We both know you can’t actually force him to do anything. [Eretria spoke softly, reaching up to brush her thumb along the damp track on Amberle’s cheek left behind by a single tear.] All you can do is encourage him to do what’s right, maybe push him in the right direction. And that’s not wrong.

[a--elessedil]

[When Ander went to pick up his crown, a part of Amberle half expected him to hand it to her. And that part of her was terrified. She’d fight for it if she had to but Amberle didn’t want to take the crown from her uncle and she didn’t feel ready to be Queen by any stretch of the imagination. But he didn’t hand it to her. He picked it up and walked out. The door shut and Amberele’s shoulders sank, her legs felt weak and the emotion in her chest threatened to boil over in the tears she’d been holding back. Her head fell and she moved to the window, slowly beginning to try and gather all the smashed glass.]

[rover-etria]

[It took every ounce of Eretria’s strength not to return to the bedroom. With every yell, with every angered sound that drifted through the closed door, the rover grit her teeth harder, pacing the hall with bare feet against the cool stone. It wasn’t until Ander bustled from the room that Eretria even looked up, quickly shuffling back inside. She thought she’d heard something like shattering glass, and upon finding Amberle knelt on the floor, Eretria realized she hadn’t been wrong.] What the hell happened? [She asked, quickly crouching beside her girlfriend to help sweep up the glass shards as carefully as she could.] Are you okay?

[a--elessedil]

It doesn’t matter what we deserve, Uncle Ander. No one cares. They don’t care what we deserve. You’re a king. They’re our people. This land and that crown will take every single thing we have to give it until there’s nothing left. I would love a break. I would love some peace and for the world to stop trying to kill me and the people I love for just one minute. I would love to get real sleep and not worry any more. But we don’t get that. We don’t get to decide when that happens. Not without quitting. If you want to quit, go ahead. I’ll stop trying to force you. I’ll stop trying to help you. Give me your crown and I’ll fight the council for it myself without your help. I won’t sit here and watch helplessly from the sanctuary while you drink away our family’s legacy. I won’t let the council tie me to you and toss us in the river and I won’t let you kill the only part of our fathers we have left. 

[rover-etria]

[It was so much more than Ander was willing to listen to right now. Yes, he was being childish, and later -- when the buzz faded -- Ander would realize that. But for now, he couldn’t help but be stubborn. He couldn’t see anything but his anger and Amberle’s righteousness only perpetuated that. The king held up a hand for her to stop, standing silent for a moment before crossing the room without a word. On her balcony, Ander picked up his crown, which lay upside-down amongst the shattered glass.] You’ll report to Galvin in the Sanctuary tomorrow at daybreak. [Ander spoke firmly, his voice calmer than before, but edged with his rage. And that was all he said before exiting, carrying the crown in his hand instead of on his head.]

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle wanted to calm down. She knew it was the best thing for both of them if she did. There was no sense in having neither of their heads straight. But she couldn’t help it. He was being infuriating and condescending and she was the only one thinking about what their people needed.] Your trust? You acting this way is a direction violation of my trust. Of your peoples’ trust. It’s no wonder they’re questioning you, Ander! They’re counting on you and this is what you’re doing with your time. They want a leader and you’re being selfish. 

[rover-etria]

Counting on me to what? [Ander retorted, his patience wearing incredibly thin now as he stumbled into something of a screaming match with his niece.] The demons are gone. The Ellcrys isn’t dying. Bandon is dead. Our people are fine, Amberle. Am I not deserving of a goddamn break? [The king carded his fingers through his messy mane of hair once.] Don’t we all deserve a break?

[a--elessedil]

You’re in no place to talk to me about abandoning responsibility. [Amberle snapped back. Her back straightened and she clenched her teeth together, ignoring the way her nails dug into her palms at her side. She was unsure of so much but she was certain that the one of them that needed a lesson in responsibility wasn’t her. Ander was being spiteful and it wasn’t the time for it. More than that, she was furious at his insistence on always treating her like a child.] My focus now needs to be on my duties as the princess, not as the Chosen. You don’t get to come in here smashing things and acting like a child and then start barking orders like you’re so high and mighty. I’ll listen to you like a king when you start acting like one.

[rover-etria]

I may be faltering, but I am still your king and the only guardian you have left. [Ander all but boomed as he once again spun on his heels to face Amberle.] Sneaking into my private chambers and going through my things was a direct violation of my privacy. And my trust. You will do as I say and figure out how to balance it with whatever royal duties you feel fall upon your shoulders. Which, I assure you, aren’t many. 

[a--elessedil]

[Amberle’s heart skipped, her shoulders stiffened. She wasn’t exactly used to someone yelling this way. Especially not someone she loved, not Ander.] We’re not dead. {She answered stiffly, trying to keep her jaw square and her face from showing the hurt she felt by his responded.] You and I are still here. And that’s our crown. Stop destroying us over what you’ve lost and fight for what we still have. You’re being a coward the one time this family needs you most. 

[rover-etria]

[Ander shook his head, turning his back on Amberle to pace stiffly across the room.] I’m not the fighter. I never was. [No, that was Arion. That was Aine. Ander had never been anything more than the baby brother with no obligations and no expectations to live up to. He hadn’t been groomed for this like his brothers had and the more Amberle pushed, the more desperate Ander was to resist it all.] You’re going to spend every morning for the next month in the Sanctuary with the new gardener. You’re all that’s left of the Chosen, might as well learn some of the responsibilities you once abandoned. [Ander’s shoulders stiffened, eyes downcast and focused on the boots that rest beside the table. Not Amberle’s, but Eretria’s.] Take the rover with you, for all I care. And next time think twice before breaking into my room. Mornings with the Ellcrys start at dawn. Is that clear?