dallarsaol:
“Yet your opinion opened their eyes, quelled their doubts. You showed them the path they must follow and pushed them to take a step along it. It is not only from outside threats that people are in need of protection. It is just as often from their own doubts, their own weaknesses.” He had not been there to witness it himself, but both guards on duty at the time had left similar reports on the matter, both filed with ample gratitude. “Were you not deserving, I would not offer it.” Though neither would he force her to accept it, especially from him.
He had cast aside his family when he decided to pursue the throne. Traitor and usurper, should he have failed his sister would have been the one to pay for his choices. So did vanish Erston Outway, Gaius rising to take his place. It was the only means by which he could protect her from the consequences of his choice, though he knew it would hurt her in its own right.
He feels her emotion pull at his chest, surprise though he tries not to show it. Did she truly still care for him so much? Even after casting his family aside, after being forced to put someone she cared for to death?
“I assumed you would resent me,” Gaius admits, his eyes closing briefly. “You have plenty of reasons to. I was… surprised when I heard you had intervened. Do you not hate me for all I have put you through, sister?”
That part was true...upon seeing the merchants and civilians arguing over matters they could resolve themselves broke some chains inside her, causing her to lash out at them...and reveal Gaius’ true identity. How could she stay quiet though? Seeing them squabbling like children, refusing to do anything for themselves after everything Erston had sacrificed. It was only after that outburst did they try to work out some solutions, aided by Jude’s encouragement. She hoped he’d been mentioned in the report as well. He was a bright and strong young man, he deserved recognition where it was due. “As a school teacher I must have some leadership skills and knowledge of conflict resolution.” Karla lowered her head shamefully, eyed focused on the carpet of the audience chamber. “Though truly, it was through no skill of mine that resolution was found. It was my own weaknesses that caused them to notice their own.” She fought the urge to shake her head at his insistence to thank her, trying to keep to formalities but finding it difficult. “It is your example as King that guides your people. They spoke of working to carry out what you always do for them on their own, that is not something I could instill in them.”
Looking to Gaius’ face was unbearable, though Karla knew it would show nothing. Her brother held an excellent mask in place, one that even she could not hope to read.
Gaius’ next comment caught her off guard. They never touched on this topic before. “I...” She couldn’t lie to him, not this time. “I do, brother.” She lifted her head, letting him see the tears she’d hidden. “I’ve hated you for a long time and I still do. As my brother, though, I still love you. When you became King the philosophy you lived by, it was a way to repent for what you’d done, wasn’t it?” She thought of her fiance from so long ago. While the marriage was arranged, Karla loved the man nonetheless. “As angry as I am at you, I’m still proud to have you as my brother and refuse to let your name become tarnished in history books. You’ll always be my brother, not matter what name or identity you may take.”
