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Kenneth let out a sigh. It had been more than a year since he had seen Neilstrom’s capital, and frankly, that was much too short. He held very few happy memories of his life there, and he couldn’t help but recall the bad ones as he approached the gate.
Kenneth shook his head and pushed the thoughts back, He wasn’t returning as the heir - he was returning as the ruler, now that his father had fallen to his own hands. Kenneth stopped in front of the gate and looked up expectantly before calling out
“Open the gate! I have returned!” Kenneth shouted, crossing his arms. He watched the gate slowly rise, and began walking once again when they finished.
As Kenneth walked through the streets there was a heavy air of tension. His subjects watched as he walked through, stepping aside to make room. It pained him to see them so afraid, but he continued walking anyway. He could not show weakness.
Kenneth continued walking until he reached the castle. There he paused for a few moments before pushing the doors open, being greeted by a small group of about twenty soldiers. Among them was General Veridi, a general who he was always close to.
Once the soldiers saw Kenneth they all immediately bowed.
“At your service, lord Kenneth.” Veridi said, her tone surprisingly light for someone speaking to a man who had committed patricide.
The gesture stunned Kenneth. He had expected opposition, not this. After he regained his composure, he couldn’t help but smile softly.
“At ease, soldiers.” Kenneth said, gesturing for them to stand. As they did, he stepped forward and took a powerful stance - one befitting a ruler. “I thank you all for your support. It gladdens me to see that you’ll stand with me, when I’ve given no reason for you to do so.”
Veridi let out a chuckle, and quickly covered her mouth to stifle it. “Forgive me, my lord. I’m not used to seeing this side of you.” She said, a small smile on her face.
“I’m more offended that you felt the need to apologize.” Kenneth said, stepping forward once again. “I’m surprised to see you here, and not fighting for my father and Arbordia,” he finished, glad he didn’t have to fight her.
“I almost did. Tarquin left to fight your group, and almost ordered me to come with him.” Veridi replied, her stance shifting nervously. “The only reason I didn’t was because Arbordia said that he’d prefer to have the Yg’strans prove their worth. Tarquin told me to stay and handle affairs here, while some woodsman took my spot.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. I wasn’t expecting to see a friendly face at all.” Kenneth said, his soft smile growing brighter. “Come, walk the halls with me. The rest of you are dismissed.”
Veridi nodded and stepped beside Kenneth while the rest of the soldiers dispersed. Once there was a path, Kenneth began walking and beckoned Veridi to follow. Veridi did and the two walked in silence for a few moments before Veridi bagan speaking.
“Lord Kenneth, I’m glad you’ve returned. When I heard that you and Lady Blair had started a rebellion, I was shocked, and worried for your safety.”
“Please, Veridi, drop the formalities. We’ve known each other since I was a child.” Kenneth said, looking over. “Hell, I’d say I know you better than my own father,” he finished, his voice lacking any sadness.
Veridi’s face brightened, and she eased up a little. She looked at Kenneth warmly, and seemed to be more confident. “I’m happy to hear that”
Silence filled the room once again, the only noise being the armor shifting as Veridi walked. After a few minutes, Veridi took a sharp breath and looked over at Kenneth with sad eyes.
“Your mother would have been proud of you.” Veridi said, her voice filled with sorrow. She stopped in place and looked up, her face filled with a mixture of sadness and fondness.
Kenneth walked for a few steps before stopping to turn back. He looked away from Veridi, hiding his reaction to the words. All he could do is stand in thought, reflecting on the loss of his mother.
Veridi looked down and reached out to hug Kenneth, a gesture he was glad to return. The two of them held each other in their arms, both struck with grief at the loss of Kenneth’s mother, Frederica von Neilstrom.
After a few minutes, Kenneth let go and stepped back. He quickly wiped away a tear, but not fast enough for Veridi not to notice. Kenneth smiled weakly at her and decided to ask a question that he had wanted to for years.
“Veridi, you attended the academy with my parents, correct?” He asked, taking a deep breath. “What were they like back then?”
Veridi took a moment to gather her thoughts before taking a deep breath and speaking. “Your father was… different.” She began, trying to keep her emotions in check. “He still had the ‘business first’ attitude you knew him for, but he was much, much kinder. That’s the side your mother fell for.” Veridi said, clenching her fists in an attempt to keep it together.
“Your parents began dating in the academy. They always went on little ‘excursions’ on their lonesome, saying they were doing research as their excuse.” Veridi paused to take a breath. “I was a friend of both of them, and your mother asked me for relationship advice a few times. Once they graduated, your mother moved in and they got married. At the same time I joined the Neilstrom military, and quickly rose through the ranks.” Veridi paused, wiping away a few tears that formed at the memory.
“Your parents loved each other, and you were born. Your father was a much better parent at first, spending hours of this day with you and your mother. Then, fifteen years ago, he was summoned to Arbordia Capital. When he returned, he was the man you knew. I don’t know what happened there, but whatever did changed your father into the man you knew.” Once again Veridi paused, this time to stop herself from sobbing.
“After that, I began spending more time with you and your mother. I started helping to look after you, and grew even closer to your mother than your father was. When that illness took your mother, I was beside her all the way. Your father only visited once.” Veridi took one more breath, looking Kenneth in the eye. “I’m sorry that my letter was the way you found out she had passed while you were at the academy. You should have been there.”
Kenneth didn’t say anything, instead pulling Veridi into another, even tighter, embrace. His head filled with thoughts of Blair, Arin, and Natasia, the friends who were by his side when his mother died. He was grateful for them, and was proud to be fighting by their side.
After a while, Kenneth released Veridi, still offering his shoulder if she needed support. Veridi took a moment to catch her breath and began speaking once again.
“Your mother asked me to give you something once you became the new Lord Neilstrom.” She said, her voice shaky. “I’ll take you to it.”
Kenneth walked with her, going deep into an unimportant side of the palace. Eventually, Veridi pulled out a key and unlocked a door, revealing a suit of armor. Kenneth stepped inside and placed a hand on the armor, captivated by the look of it.
“It’s yours. Your mother wanted you to have it.” Veridi said, standing in the doorway. Kenneth nodded and began putting it on with Veridi’s help, feeling the weight of the armor push him down.
“Armor that heavy will take forever to get used to.” Veridi said, smiling proudly. “How does it feel?”
“It’s a size too big.” Kenneth said, smirking. Still, he was beaming with joy at the sight, and began taking a few steps. The armor clanked against the ground and Kenneth stumbled a bit, but Veridi caught him before he fell.
“Thank you, Veridi.” Kenneth said, finally getting used to the armor. “Thank you for staying loyal to me.”
“Of course. I wish your father didn’t have to die, but I know you’ll be a much better ruler than him. Now, I appreciate the visit, but shouldn’t you return to Lady Blair?”
Kenneth smiled, crossing his arms. “I suppose you’re right. I take it you’ll remain here?”
Veridi nodded, shrugging. “As much as I’d like to fight by your side, Someone’s got to look after the place while you’re gone. Just don’t get yourself killed, you got it?”
“Understood, Aunt Veridi.” Kenneth replied as he began walking out of the room, the armor still making it difficult.