Work Text:
Destiny could be a fickle thing, at times.
For some, it was a living beast that could be conquered and brought to heel, guided by a strong will and a clear vision.
For others, it was etched in stone by an unseen hand.
In her time as Emperor, Symboli Rudolf had mastered the former; under her deft hand, the Empire prospered. She'd yet to sit the throne for a full decade but she'd used the years wisely; all across the Empire, trade and travel were up as the people felt safe and happy, the last of the territory disputes settled by her cunning negotiations. Her people looked towards the future with smiles on her faces and hope in their hearts. Where she could, she'd taken hold of destiny and bent it to her will.
But even the Emperor was subject to the other form of destiny- the sort set in stone, the sort no umamusume could change. It was that very version of destiny that saw her ascend to the throne in the first place, born into a long, proud bloodline and set her on the path she now walked. It also deemed fit to take from her a choice she would've rather been given the freedom to make herself. It had never sat right with her; she'd worked hard to turn the Empire towards a future where any umamusume could chase whichever dream took hold, but she was still bound by chains of a decision made before she'd taken her first step?
"Is… something wrong, Emperor?"
Rudolf blinked, lifting her head to look at Tokai Teio and see the worry creasing her brow. "Not at all. What makes you ask?"
"You've been glaring at that parchment for five minutes," Narita Brian said flatly, arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the far wall and sighed. "Out with it. You're going to worry the kid at this rate."
Teio huffed, trying hard to give Brian a disapproving look that didn't turn into a pout. "Could you please stop calling me 'the kid', General?"
"Could you please stop calling me 'General', kid?" The Empire's top military official retorted with a roll of her eyes. "You know my name- and Rudolf's."
"I can't just call her by her name! She's the Emperor!"
"And you are my heir, Teio," she said, cutting the argument short with a small smile. "And I apologize for glaring. I was simply deep in thought."
"Deep in thought about what?" Teio again looked worried. "I read through that report, too, and didn't see anything too bad…"
Brian groaned, leaning her head back to dully thunk against the wall. "Oh, come on- it has nothing to do with the report. You're thinking about the wedding."
Rudolf sighed, rubbing at her temple. "Always to the point, Brian. It's one of your finer qualities."
"And your attempts to avoid the conversation are pathetic." Brian closed her eyes. "If you can't be honest with us, you're doomed to run yourself into the ground. Not even the big bad Emperor can carry the world on her shoulders forever but if it's your aim to try, I have other things I could be doing."
"I'll politely remind you that I never requested nor need a personal bodyguard in my office," Rudolf said, mentally looking forlornly at the path of silence. Unfortunately, she could tell by their body language that both of them were reaching the limits of their patience with her reluctance to talk about the situation. "However, if it will set your mind at ease, I'll admit that, yes, I was thinking about the wedding… and failing to find a way out of it."
Narita Brian growled. "You haven't even met her yet."
"Which is unlike you," Teio cut in, trying to soften the blow of the criticism. "You usually reserve judgment until after you meet someone. Shouldn't you hold the same mentality towards your future wife?"
Rudolf covered her face with one hand and sighed again. "It's nothing personal, Teio. It's the circumstances- had I a choice in the matter, I would feel differently. That I've yet to meet her is a deliberate choice on my part; better to wait until there's no choice left for me than to make the best of the situation." She then pulled her hand away and looked at the younger uma. "I imagine there are three possibilities that lay ahead of me: either she is eager to assume the position for the benefits the title of Empress grants- which, having met many of the mares in the capitol, you know a fair few would do devious things to be in such a position, and that I abhor such a self serving mentality-, she fears the assumption of the title because she's aware of the responsibility standing at my side entails- which is possibly worse, because I would never willingly put anyone into a position that provokes their fear-, or she's eager to assume the position because of the associated responsibility- at which point, I'll need to be on guard to ensure my legacy is not usurped by a power hungry tyrant."
"Um, isn't there, like, also the possibility that you two… get along?" Teio offered quietly, tapping her pointer fingers together gently. "I mean, I never got a chance to meet the previous Emperor, but…"
"I take your meaning." Again, Rudolf sighed. It was one of the many things she'd struggled with- the legacy she inherited was steeped in both greatness and misery. Many of the territorial disputes had arisen due to the… missteps of her ancestors, and she'd righted the course of the Empire at the earliest possible moment. It hadn't been easy but, were it not for the frank acknowledgement of those shortcomings by her sire, Rudolf wouldn't have been as prepared to take those steps. The scales had remained balanced. "Still, I find it incredibly vexing that something as monumental as the mare I'm to marry was a decision not left to me. While I've yet to find a way out of this situation, I don't think it's unreasonable that I at least try."
"Teio has a point though," Brian said, opening her eyes and fixing the Emperor with a hard look. "You've been thinking and thinking for years. Any way you look at it, breaking this contract brings too many risks. So, either suck it up or-"
"You're not killing her," Rudolf stated flatly, prompting a hushed eep from Teio.
"If you're not going to let me handle this directly-"
A sudden knock at the door had Brian shifting into a ready stance, hand on her sword as the door burst open and one of the more… eccentric knights entered Rudolf's office. "Heya, Emperor! It's mail time!"
"Sir Gold Ship?" Rudolf raised a brow. "Since when are you on mail duty?"
"Since my evil overlord of a Castellan thought that putting me on mail duty would stop me from sneakin' up on her!" Gold Ship laughed, loud and brash as she tromped into the room, the metal of her armor glinting with each motion. Admist the many questionable decisions her forebearers made, knighting Gold Ship was definitely among them. "Besides, how else would you get this super important letter?"
"If it was 'super important', I'm sure the Post Master would have it on my desk," Rudolf said plainly, though she kept a small smile on her lips. While her impending marriage was still a point of vexation, Gold Ship didn't need to know that.
"Ah ah ah! You think anyone can sniff out details better than the one, the only, the Sir Gold Ship!?" For a moment, that wide smile dropped into a disproving frown. Then, it returned, wild as ever as mirth suffused her voice. "The Post Master wouldn't be able to see how important this letter is at just a glance! But I and my keen eyes saw it immediately!" With a flourish, she held out the letter- a plain envelope, lacking any seal of import. "Go on, take it!"
"Sir Gold Ship, please let Sir Mejiro know that I'd like to speak with her at her earliest convenience regarding your temporary duty placement," Rudolf said, accepting the letter and turning it over. While the front was straightforwardly addressed to her- of course- the back had only a rank and family name to indicate the sender. At first, it seemed like any of the many petitions sent to the capitol with a request of the crown. But then, her memory sparked. "Wait." Grabbing her letter opener, she ripped open the envelope and slid out the letter, opening it to find a simple missive contained within.
To: Emperor Symboli Rudolf, master of the realm
At the request of my superiors, I am accompanying a military shipment to the capitol from the southeast. You no doubt know of the anticipated arrival. I've been told there is a fine track near the warehouse district. I will be there from sunrise to sundown the day after the shipment arrives. I would like to see for myself how the umas of the capitol race.
Your presence is requested but, ultimately, unnecessary.
Kind Regards,
Lt Air Groove
"General Narita," she said, her head snapping up and gaze landing on her friend with enough force to make the other stand a little taller. "Do you have something to do with this?"
"Oh! Is the General in trouble?" Gold Ship looked between them as Brian crossed the distance and took the letter into her hand, reading through it herself. "Is she planning to assassinate you? I could throw her out the window for ya."
"That won't be necessary, Sir Gold Ship." Rudolf opted to not focus on how serious that offer was in favor of watching Brian's reaction. It was muted as ever but there was genuine surprise in her eyes when she handed the letter back.
"I did order for all shipments to be escorted; the last thing we need is brigands getting armed. Peace is fragile and young." She pointed at the letter. "Specifically her? No, I didn't make that call."
"Who is it?" Teio, who'd admirably held onto her curiosity for as long as she could, finally asked. "Who's 'her'?"
"Why, none other than Lieutenant Air Groove, our very own Emperor's bride-to-be!" Gold Ship puffed out her chest and laughed. "This'll be her first trip to the capitol, huh? Planning a secret rendezvous? You know you're supposed to wait for the wedding before you two-"
"There you are!" Sir Mejiro McQueen's glacial tone cut through the air like a winter wind as she marched into the office, a scowl on her face. "How many times have I told you to stay out of the royal wing?" Upon seeing the Emperor sat at her desk, the knight froze and bowed, low and proper. "Apologies, Your Imperial Majesty, for the intrusion."
"Actually, you're just the uma I wanted to see," Rudolf said. "Excellent work putting Sir Gold Ship on mail duty."
"Oh… uh…" As McQueen straightened up, the light dusting of a blush appears on her face. "About that-"
"Whether it was intuition or divine intervention, it was the right decision." Her voice remained calm and steady. "I am now in possession of time sensitive information that may not have reached my in a timely manner otherwise. Now, if you would indulge me, I'm in need of an escort."
"Of course, Your Imperial Majesty," McQueen replied, bowing again. "I'll notify-"
"There's no time for that." Pushing back from her desk, she looked out the window behind her to see the setting sun. "General, unless my understanding is incorrect, the shipment mentioned in that letter arrived today, yes?"
"Yeah- and two days ahead of schedule at that."
"Then that means we have an appointment to keep." Rudolf turned her gaze on the four umas in the room. Normally, traveling with such a small retinue would provoke concern from her advisors and the court, but within the bounds of the capitol, she had a bit more freedom. "I need all of you ready to race tomorrow morning. We meet one hour before dawn to head for the Shigiku track." Stepping around her desk, she opted to set aside her remaining paperwork to focus on race preparation. "My betrothed wishes to witness capitol racing. Make the preparations you must to ensure we do not disappoint."
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."
"Fine."
"Oh, okay!"
"Ah, yeah, let's go show off!"
As McQueen started chiding Gold Ship for her lack of decorum, Rudolf turned her mind to the next morning.
It was time to determine, resolutely, the sort of mare destiny had chosen for her.
Mornings in the capitol quickly filled with the sounds of the rousing populace. Bakers and merchants were wide awake, preparing for the day's sales, while the fishers and sailors waited with baited breath for the tide's next move. Guard patrols changed over in the lull as young umas took to the streets for early morning runs. Rudolf didn't always have the opportunity to witness the lives of her citizens up close but she couldn't help but step lightly and smile at the carefree shouts of the young and the gently chiding calls of their elders as wagons were loaded and unloaded in preparation for a busy day.
"You need to get out more," Narita Brian said gruffly, arms crossed over her chest as they approached the track. "You act as if you've never been off the palace grounds."
"Your tact is a breath of fresh air as always, Brian," she replied with a chuckle. "I genuinely don't get out nearly often enough."
"Oh, if you want suggestions, I know where all the best bakeries are!" Teio piped up, rushing ahead and walking backwards as excitement made her eyes gleam. "Plus, I know where the good running paths are, and there's a really cool tailor over by-"
"Yeah, yeah, but do you know where the little green guys live?" Gold Ship followed at a liesurely pace, fingers interlaced behind her head. "You might've grown up here, Teio, but there's no way you know this place better than I do."
With palpable annoyance, Mejiro McQueen groused from the back of the group. "Gold Ship, what street are we on right now?"
"I dunno. How would I know that?"
"Next time, could you pick different knights to accompany us?" Brian grumbled, her ears laying back as McQueen and Gold Ship continued their bickering. "Or, better yet, none at all?"
"As much as you hate to admit it, the three of you are some of the best long distances racers in the palace." Rudolf hadn't let her gaze waver ever since the track came into view; as they'd never met, she didn't know what Lt. Air Groove looked like, but she expected a military uma would stick out amongst the capitol populace. In their armed heirarchy of the Empire, the guards were the most lax in terms of demeanor and uniform, usually drawn from the local born population. The knights earned their titles from the crown directly, establishing their bloodlines amongst the nobility of the land and working to retain those honors through the years via service to the Emperor, adhering to the strictest of standards- Sir Gold Ship notwithstanding. The military fell between those in terms of strictness and would range far afield in service of the Empire. Surely, she could pick the mare out at a distance- and Lt. Air Groove likely had talent at distanced running as well. "Anything shorter, myself and Teio can handle."
"Since when did you get good at sprints?"
"Brian, if you'd like, we can start with a sprint to warm up."
Instantly, the stallion huffed as a means of retracting her question.
"Uh, Emp- R-Rudolf?" Teio nervously ventured. "Do, uh… we know who we're looking for?"
"Ah, sure!" Gold Ship chuckled. "Look for whoever's at the center of attention! Military folk love attention!"
"Watch your tongue, you walking tin can."
"Hey!"
"Oh, would both of you knock it off?" McQueen snapped. "If Her Imperial Majesty wanted to attract attention, she would've brought a proper procession! Show some discretion if not decorum!"
"Thank you, Sir Mejiro." Rudolf stopped just before entering the track grounds proper, scanning the assembled umas. Some were in the stands, waiting their turn, while a group finished a race- all possessed of the wild fire of youth, that rampant urge to feel the wind in their hair and the ground pounding beneth their feet. It was often on such local tracks, racing against friends in the early light, that young umas discovered where their paths led. Some chose to pursue racing in the various forms popular throughout the empire while others found themselves lacking the fire of competition, content to join in the informal races held on holidays as preludes to the professional ones. Wherever those paths led, the first steps towards their awaiting futures were taken on tracks.
As the racing group crossed the finish line- a tight contest between three while another two lagged behind- they all turned to a tall, slender uma with a severe air about her, a tight line to her shoulders, and a yellow ribbon tied around one ear.
"Yup, that's gotta be her." Gold Ship nodded, having caught up with the group at some point. "Bet she's about to start yellin'."
Rudolf's hands balled into fists as she strained her ears forward to catch every word.
"How was that?" One of the young umas asked breathlessly.
"A strong showing for most of you," she replied, her words as concise and crisp as those she penned. "This distance suits you well." Her gaze shifted to the front runner. "You were having trouble with your pacing- remember, if you choose to run at the front, you must set the pace. Don't count on the person behind you to stay behind you; focus on your running and yours alone." Her attention shifted. "Both of you have a strong sense of when to push; trust that sense. Your hesitation cost you both in the end." Then, she looked to those who lagged. "For you, stamina is your forte, so choose a longer distance; you have the ability to run down your competition but lack enough distance to do so on shorter races. And you, are you recovering from injury?"
"Uh, yes- my knee's still-"
"Then you should properly rest. It's maddening, true, but rest now- while you can. You will find that later in life, there will be some races you must run, some injuries you must push through, but that carries risk. Only take risks when the injury itself is the least of your concerns- leave that risk until you have no choice but to push through." She nodded resolutely. "Perhaps it will not be in battle or an important race but when everything is on the line, that's when the risk is worth taking. Until then, take proper care of yourselves. You're far too young to run yourselves lame, am I understood?"
Despite not a one of them having any sort of military training, the young umas all straightened their shoulders and gave a unified response, accepting the life lesson for what it was and thanking her for her thoughts.
Then, she turned towards the stands. "Who wishes to run next?"
As a fresh group of runners hurried from the stands and the finished group left, Rudolf found herself smiling.
"Are we just going to stand here?" Despite the bluntness of her speech, Brian kept her voice low.
"Let this next group start," Rudolf replied, watching as the runners got into position before musing to herself. "Not even properly introduced yet and she's already challenged me. Fascinating."
"Challenged?" Teio sounded concerned. "I don't think she's done anything wrong- her advice was pretty good."
"Not that sort of challenge, my dear." Rudolf turned her head, smiling a bit wider. "I had prepared for all possibilities except the one you so wisely pointed out: that I could possibly get along with my bride-to-be."
"Pretty words are easy to fake," Brian said, ever the suspicious one. "Let's see her run first."
"Cool, I call dibs."
"For the love of the Three Goddesses and then some- please shut up, Gold Ship."
"Oh ho ho, did I get the unflappable McQueen to invoke the Goddesses? That's blasphemy, you know."
"Sir Gold, could you please be nicer to Sir Mejiro? It would mean a lot to me."
"Well, if the heir to the throne asks, I suppose I could do it. But I'm not gonna like it!"
As the running group took off, vying against each other, Rudolf nodded. "Now. All of you, follow me. Let's meet the Empress-to-be."
Her steps were sure as she approached, watching the mare's posture. While Lieutenant Air Groove never so much as glanced their way, one ear cocked in their direction; she was well aware of the group approaching but her focus remained on the runners, watching their forms and clearly taking mental notes. Whispers started up as everyone took note of the Emperor's presence, a few bowing as she passed, but Rudolf only had eyes for the mare.
While Symboli Rudolf trusted her General's judgment, she felt she'd seen enough to paint an effective picture of the mare's character. Still, she did look forward to the opportunity to race against her, to see that proud spirit on full display. After all, she doubted any of this was coincidence- the letter being sent ahead of her arrival and yet the shipment came two days ahead of schedule, her presence was 'requested but, ultimately, unnecessary' because this was not about posturing or first impressions but an earnest desire to observe, too many details that felt so achingly familiar.
McQueen cleared her throat as the group reached Air Groove but a raised hand from Rudolf stopped her. The race was still running; she'd hate to impede on the assessment.
Besides, she truly needed no formal introduction.
Instead, she turned her attention to the runners- younger than the last group, their motions less refined and their pacing erratic- and found herself itching to run as well. While she'd long since discarded the reckless abandon of youth, seeing your umas pouring their hearts into running for the joy of it filled her with pride. They ran without fear hindering them, with only the vaguest hopes for their futures, and they ran towards it.
"They run well," Lieutenant Air Groove said, voice even and smooth. "Hope runs strong in the capitol."
"It's my hope that it runs strong everywhere," Rudolf replied. "Do my steps falter?"
"No, Your Imperial Majesty, but there is a difference between country running and capitol running. Many tracks beyond the crown's immediate sight are in a poor state."
"I'm aware and I've approved the necessary funding and work permits to begin the process of updating and repairing those far away tracks- starting with those most affected by the ills of recent years."
"A prudent course of action."
"Do you approve?"
"Does my approval matter?"
"Well, the deed's already done, and I'll not be dissuaded. However, if you have insight I lack, I would be grateful for the expanded view. Perhaps I can then use that view to make better decisions in the future."
As the runners rounded the final corner, silence fell over them as all attention focused on the group. They were fighting hard for the lead with the impertinence of youth, the fire of playful competition still burning bright in their hearts. A gorgeous sight to behold.
They finished as strong as they started- a group of sprinters, content to use their full speed early and fight hard. Air Groove gave them pointers in the same vein as the previous group, allowing each to have some insight as to how to improve their running. Then, she unexpectedly turned her attention to Rudolf.
"I'm sure Her Imperial Majesty also has something to share."
"I do," she said with a nod, turning a small smile to the group. "Thank you, umamusume, for running with all your hearts, and I wish you the best of luck in chasing your dreams. May they motivate you to new heights in the years to come." As the group bowed and turned to leave, Rudolf pinned one of them in place with a severe look while disquiet radiated from the mare beside her. As the singled out one froze in place, Rudolf stepped forward and lowered her voice. "Do not begrudge another their ability. Accept your rival and seek ways to beat her. Push each other forward rather than drag each other down."
For a moment, there was shame, but then resolve took its place. "Yes, Emperor Symboli. Thank you."
As the young one hurried to join her friends, Lieutenant Air Groove hummed. "You're perceptive, Your Imperial Majesty. I doubt much escapes your notice."
"I had thought the same for quite some time." She turned, waving a hand towards the track. "But tell me, Lieutenant- are you only here to observe? Is there no desire to participate?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"You are surely a mare of action, not mere words. I propose a race." Her gaze slid to the stands- which were suspiciously more full than she suspected was normal for that time of the morning. "Five laps, a field of six- though I won't discourage others from running."
"Then I will." Sharp eyes landed on her- a metaphorical blade gently tapping her jaw. "I want no excuses as to why you're not running your hardest. Surely, none you brought with you are of such weak constitution as to take a loss too hard?"
"Not gonna lie- McQueen might."
"Gold Ship, I'm assigning you trash duty for the rest of the season."
"You can't do that!"
Brian snapped. "She might not but I damn well know who could!"
Rudolf chuckled, a smile on her lips. "Forgive my entourage; they show their excitement in… unique ways."
"Indeed." Lieutenant Air Groove turned her attention to the starting point. "As long as there are no complaints with the outcome."
Rudolf waited a moment, sizing up the mare's confident stride as anticipation crackling in the air.
"The offer to kill her is still open."
"Show some respect, Brian," she replied, tail flicking excitedly in anticipation. "That's an Empress you're threatening." Then, she made towards the starting point. "If someone would be so kind as to give the signal once we're set, I would greatly appreciate it."
Many scrambled for the honor but only one could properly give the signal- an uma who looked as though she'd already ran a race, probably one of the first to recieve the Lieutenant's guidance. There were no formal gates- those only came out during holidays and official celebrations- but they had a starting line and excitement thrummed through the air. Rufold almost found herself possessed of the urge to prance like a newborn foal, recalling the excitement of racing a new opponent, of discovering how fast she could push herself.
Come to think of it, she didn't have much time for racing as of late. An Empire didn't run itself and she'd already rearranged her schedule to accomodate venturing to the track. Perhaps she could do with a bit more racing in her day-to-day schedule. If nothing else, it would help rebuild Teio's confidence in her own skills; her observations, support, and advice could only do so much.
"Is everyone ready?" To her credit, the young uma tried to sound confident as she raised her voice above the din of the growing crowd. It surely had to be a sight- the Emperor herself, alongside her heir, her top General, and two Royal Knights, all preparing to race alongside a face none could hope to recognize. "Okay, go!"
And just like that, the rest of the world fell away for a brief time. Symboli Rudolf let herself fall into the rhythm of the race, watching as McQueen took an early lead while Gold Ship lagged behind as was her wont. Brian fell behind Rudolf, prepared to strike when the time was right, while Teio and Air Groove followed in her shadow. She could feel them all around her, their racing hearts, each step bringing them around the track. The Royal Raceway was much longer, only four corners to worry about, but there wasn't such space here, and she had to adjust just as the others did. It challenged her in a way she relished- and she could tell by how relentless the others ran that they felt it, too. For four laps, they remained spaced out by a length or two at most, chasing McQueen's pace.
Then the final lap began and the gathering storm finally broke.
Rudolf shot forward, intent on overtaking McQueen. Each step closed the gap, the wind rushing past and whipping at her hair, her heart hammering in time with each beat- she'd missed this feeling. More than that, she missed what always came with it- the response from those she raced against. McQueen could feel her approach and fought valiantly to hold her lead. From behind, she could feel Brian stalking closer, and distantly, Gold Ship's approach was akin to a warship bearing down on a dock with the sails still down and no anchor in sight to slow its approach.
Above all that, she could feel Teio pouring her heart out.
And a step behind her, Air Groove's quiet fire roaring to the heights of an inferno, licking at her heels.
Suddenly, it was as if she'd just started running. The burn in her lungs and muscles, any fatigue she might've felt- all of it evaporated and she pushed herself harder. She was The Emperor and her power and speed would not be questioned.
She pulled ahead of McQueen on the final corner, could see the finish line just ahead as she thundered down the track.
All too suddenly, it was over.
She'd finished first, there was no doubt, but those behind her…
"Wow!" Teio laughed breathlessly. "Lieutenant Air Groove, that final push was amazing!"
McQueen chuckled. "I'll admit, I thought you had me at the end. I'm surprised I found the reserves to keep pushing."
Brian groaned, expression pinched into a slight scowl. "And we're well rested. She just finished travel from the border; a day's hardly enough to recover."
"You needn't make excuses for me," Air Groove said, though there was a thread of pride in her voice. "I find it humbling to know I can still improve."
"This distance isn't your forte," Rudolf said with a smile. "Had we ran only three laps, I daresay you would've caught the lot of us." Then, she set a hand on her chest. "Now, I have a selfish request- if you would indulge me." She bowed. "Please, dine with me tonight."
"Your Imperial Majesty, I've nothing in the way of attire fit for the palace."
"Have you attire you can wear comfortably?"
"Of course."
"Then that attire is fit enough." She tilted her head up while maintaining her bow, looking at the mare through her bangs with a small smile. "It is your company that interests me, not your attire."
For a moment, cool, pale blue eyes watched her. Then, Air Groove bowed. "As you wish. I accept your invitation."
Without another word, she straightened and turned on heel, marching away with her head held high despite the defeat in the race.
"Um, Your Imperial Majesty, you… do realize it's… ah… not quite… how do I put this-"
"You know she's the one who's supposed ta bow to you, right?" Gold Ship oh-so-elegantly butt in, and Rudolf had to look to see why it sounded like her mouth was full as she spoke. As it turned out, it was; at some point, the stallion had slipped away and purchased some snacks from a nearby vendor and was happily eating them. "You're kinda at the top of the whole Empire, ya know-"
"Gold Ship, did you even finish the race?" McQueen's ears laid flat against her head as she hid her face in her hands, embarrassed by her cohort's antics.
"Nah, didn't feel like it." A shrug. "Besides, this wasn't about winning, right?"
Rudolf straightened up and squared her shoulders. "We return to the palace immediately. I need to consult my library and advisors."
"What?" Brian's brows furrowed as her tail lashed in annoyance. "What could you possibly need to know that we can't help you figure out?"
Rudolf smiled. "How to woo an Empress."
By the time the evening bell rang out across the capitol to signal the end of the standard work day, Rudolf had amassed all the available knowledge in the palace, set the menu for the evening, and blazed through her daily tasks in record time. Normally, she would do light work in the evenings- read reports during dinner, if she didn't have anyone else to entertain, and review missives she'd already written to ensure they were fit to send. Tonight, though, she spent her time before dinner reading a work of fiction, as it seemed to be the best source for the information she sought.
"You don't actually think that's going to work, right?" Narita Brian lightly prodded, having swapped her typical tattered military coat for her dress uniform, her awards pinned to her chest and dully catching the dancing light of the fireplace. It was a rare sight for the Empire's foremost General to be in her formal attire but she'd made the change without consulting Rudolf.
"It's a romance novel," Rudolf replied, looking up from the page and raising a brow. "Surely, there's at least some truth to it, no?"
"And how will you tell the truth from the fiction? From experience?" Brian shook her head. "Just state your case plain. She raced you; she knows your word is true. She may even appreciate the straightforward approach."
"And if she doesn't?" Rudolf turned her attention back to the page. "Perhaps I am the one who desires to take a more romantic approach."
"She races well and carries herself with earned pride but what about her has entranced you?" There was no criticism, really- just a plain sort of confusion, perhaps the result of the realization that there was an aspect of the Emperor she didn't know. "If I was a fool, I'd think she'd cast a spell on you."
"Perhaps she did, because for all your wants of a well spoken answer, I can't seem to spell the spell she's cast upon me for a spell."
Brian's ears dropped. "You and your word games. I can tell you're in high spirits despite the unknown."
"I find myself enjoying the unknown. It's akin to a game I've never played, the rules a mystery I must discover through trial and error- and you know how little I care for errors." Snapping the book closed, she set it aside and cast her gaze towards the window. The sun was dipping towards the horizon, which meant dinner would be ready soon. "I must prepare. Brian, please, do me the favor of greeting Lieutenant Air Groove upon her arrival. I'm sure you two could speak at length regarding military matters while escorting her to my personal dining hall."
"Fine, but only because I have my own questions to ask."
"Of course." Rudolf stood, retreating to her rooms as thoughts whirled through her mind.
There was merit in Brian's mindset; surely, a direct approach would leave less to the imagination. At the same time, such bluntness could paint her as cold…
"Do you approve?"
"Does my approval matter?"
Then again, perhaps the cold bite of proverbial steel was necessary to slay this growing monster of uncertainty.
Rudolf was already seated at the head of the long table in her personal dining hall when Lieutenant Air Groove arrived, ushered into the room by a mildly amused Brian and an excited Teio, the latter in the midst of telling a story of one of her early races. What struck Rudolf most was the little smile on the mare's lips as she listed, ears canted forward in earnest attention to Teio's excited story.
"Oh, we're here!" Teio chuckled, scratching at her head. "Guess I got carried away."
"Entirely understandable," Lieutenant Air Groove said. Despite her protest, the mare's uniform looked crisp and her awards glinted in the light, far better maintained than the General's. She clearly took pride in her decorated career."It's good to reflect on past performances. I will say, you certainly ran with more confidence this morning than I would've expected, given your injury."
"I've had a lot of umas helping me recover. Sir Mejiro McQueen and the Emp- Ru- uh…"
Rudolf chuckled. "Come now, Teio. Don't discount your own strong work ethic; our encouragement would've done nothing without your unrelenting drive to recover your strength." Then, her attention. "Lieutenant, if you'd like to hear the rest of Teio's story, I'm sure she'd be willing to join us as well."
"Oh, I don't want to impose-"
The smile twitched. "While I would love to hear more, Lord Tokai, I would like a private audience with the Emperor. There are some matters we should discuss and now seems an appropriate time to do so."
While Rudolf's ears and tail stilled in surprise, the look in Brian's eyes set her at ease. Perhaps her closest confidant had the right of it: blunt may be the appropriate way to go.
"Teio, Brian, I will see you both at breakfast tomorrow," Rudolf said, indicating the seat to her right. "Please, Lieutenant. Join me."
As the doors were pulled closed to leave the two of them alone, Lieutenant Air Groove briskly took her seat beside the Emperor, a certain stiffness to her posture. "Thank you for the hospitality, Your Imperial Majesty."
"We're alone. Rudolf will suffice." She inclined her head. "And, beyond that, we're to be wed. Surely we can step into the realm of familiarity."
"Can we?" She was suddenly fixed with a stern stare, those cool blue eyes akin to an icy wind that cut straight to the bone. "Our wedding date has been set since before either of us were able to speak, we've yet to exchange proper introductions, and now you wish to establish familiarity? I've seen for myself that you are as fast as they say but I didn't anticipate for that to be your manner in all things."
Surprise rippled through her, a chuckle slipping past her lips. "You speak the truth with such deftness, Lieutenant Air Groove. Please, speak your mind further. I see a storm in your eyes."
"And if I speak my mind, what then?"
"Then we can have a frank discourse." Then, she gestured towards their bowls. "But, we should eat while the soup is hot." To her point, she picked up her spoon and took her first mouthful, humming at the pleasant taste. "It's not military rations but this soup is hearty; more than enough to replenish the energy we expended this morning."
Lieutenant Air Groove picked up her spoon but hesitated. "If I take your meaning correctly, you wish to dispense with pretense and speak freely, yes?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me: is Lord Tokai your heir by blood?"
"Yes, she is," Rudolf replied. "If you listen to the court gossip, they will either tell you she is merely an orphan I took a shining to or that she's the product of a youthful fit of reckless indiscretion."
Lieutenant Air Groove narrowed her eyes briefly. "Ah. So, the union was not a fit of reckless indiscretion. It was a calculated move."
"It was." Rudolf nodded, pausing for another sip of soup. "I had incorrect perceptions regarding our arranged marriage. I disliked the idea that I had no choice in partner; I resolved to have a choice in heir, at least."
"And what of her dam? Did you cast her aside?"
"No." Rudolf's expression darkened briefly, prickling with a barely contained fury. "She died of illness shortly after Teio was born- you recall that terrible influenza that ravaged the coastline a few years passed?"
To her credit, the Lieutenant lowered her gaze. "I also recall how diligent your orders were to limit the spread and care for the sick. Many lives were saved and countless more granted mercy that helped them through difficult times. I'm sorry for your loss."
Picking up her goblet, Rudolf took a long pull of the sweet rice wine within and sighed heavily as she set it back down. "I suppose the gossip is more true than false now. I was reckless and young- I saw something I didn't decide for myself and rebuffed the wisdom of my sire, seeking to forge my own path. Hindsight has made a fool of me, it seems, but I love Teio dearly. If you have any plans to request that I revoke her from my favor or to reveal that I'm her sire, abandon them now. She wouldn't believe you, having heard the same rumors her whole life; she doesn't know of our blood relation."
"And you made that decision?"
"No; I've told her I know her true pedigree and offered to reveal it but she's uninterested in the information." Rudolf stirred her soup, a frown on her lips. "I've never claimed to be without my faults. Some think of me as infallible but, try as I might, I find the most egregious mistakes a stallion can make."
They ate in silence for a time, finishing off their soups and moving on to a small appetizer of roasted carrots harvested from the fields just beyond the capitol's walls. The servants who attended the private dining hall moved quickly and quietly when clearing their places or bringing new dishes- and Rudolf welcomed the small reprieve the flurry of motion granted.
"Even if she were not of your blood, she makes for a fine heir." Rudolf looked up, ears twitching. She found Lieutenant Air Groove's attention focused on her, calm and steady. "Young and reckless, perhaps, but it sounds like she gets that from you."
A small smile curled her lips. "She does, doesn't she? Though, I would argue her recklessness doesn't impact others the way mine does."
"Then she is truly your heir- improving on the legacy she's inherited." The mare nodded. "Only a fool would object to her following in your footsteps."
Rudolf smiled and nodded. "She's young still but… I truly believe she will surpass me, in time."
The appetizers finished, servants quickly cleaned up their dirty dishes and brought out the main course- a curry rice dish that didn't quite reach the level of spice to satisfy some of the ambassadors but made capitol natives reach for their goblets often. Based on the gentle sniffling from beside her, the Lieutenant's spice tolernace matched her own, though she'd found a strange sort of affection for the dish.
"You've answered my question fully and truthfully. It seems only fair that you ask a question now."
Rudolf paused, fork halfway to her mouth, and set it back on her plate as her brows furrowed in thought. "The question I truly wish to ask must wait a little longer, I fear. Instead, I'll ask why you decided to send the letter."
"Frankly, I didn't expect you to come," she said, ears drooping slightly. "I sent that missive out of frustration. We're months away from the supposed wedding and hadn't had a conversation. I'd spent years working towards being a proper Empress and had little idea what all my efforts would amount to- I'll not be a fixture on your coat, some trinket to be gawked at during balls and ushered back to my rooms to be kept out of sight."
There was that fire, burning cold and cutting to the core of her, and Rudolf couldn't help but sit forward. "And what sort of Empress have you been working towards becoming?"
"The sort that any umamusume can look up to, aspire to- an ideal to chase," she said, the conviction in her voice bringing to mind that morning on the track. "Only one of such high caliber could hope to be suitable to run at your side. Beyond that, all of the Empire is watching you, pinning their hopes upon you. It's a burden I have worked my whole life to share- to be worthy, to encourage each and every uma to be more, to continue striving towards greatness!"
"Then my initial assessment was correct: you are an Empress, chosen by destiny just as I was, though it did not come to you by blood," Rudolf said, holding the mare's gaze. "You're just not mine, not yet." Before any reproach could come, she continued, barreling on just like she was finishing a race. "I don't need a trophy on my arm for the sake of balls or to satisfy the nobles; I don't need someone scheming behind my back or buckling under the pressure. All I have ever wanted was to shape the Empire's destiny towards a bright future for all- and a partner to help me in that mission. Your advice this morning, the way you guided the foals and encouraged each- that is exactly the sort of mare I would have at my side in any capacity." A brief pause. "And now, I can ask the question I truly desire to know the answer to- after you, of course."
"Very well." The Lieutenant took a deep pull of her wine before setting down her goblet, humming lightly. "Let's be more plain. What would being your Empress entail, explicitly?"
For a moment, she couldn't find the words to articulate all the things she wanted to say. Just as the role of Emperor was as vast as the Empire itself, the role of Empress she now saw could be just as dramatic, just as encompassing. Finally, she reached out, turning over her right hand to hold it out, palm facing up. "Be my right hand. When my gaze is turned to the left, look to the right. Watch my back as I watch yours and we can pave a path forward for this Empire to continue to prosper- to shine brighter, to strive ever forward."
"So I will speak with your voice?"
"No; you will speak with yours, and have authority equal to mine. Having seen your judgment in action and ran against you, I feel confident my trust is well placed."
"Then we are aligned in vision," she replied, setting her hand in Rudolf's. "I can be your Empress." Rudolf looked at their joined hands- both gloved, both in leather, but hers fine and supple while the Lieutenant's was the well worth, thicker sort of a soldier. Someone who could see the things she couldn't. "Now, ask your question."
"You can be my Empress without me ever holding your heart." It was a blunt statement of fact as she kept her gaze on their hands. "I never accounted for the idea that not only would you be someone who could work with me towards my goals for the Empire; I certainly never thought you'd capture my attention so completely, so quickly. But… that puts us in quite the awkward position, doesn't it?" She sighed. "We're to be married. That is set in stone. But I would like the chance to court you properly and I don't know if that would even be appreciated. So the question I have, Lieutenant Air Groove, Empress-to-be, is simple: is it possible I could earn your love?"
The silence that followed weighed heavily in the air.
"And if I say no?"
A weight settled on her heart and she pressed her lips into a thin line. "Then I would ask your forgiveness for the imposition and encourage you to pursue your own happiness. As I said, you will be Empress and we still can achieve great things for the sake of the Empire, for the sake of every uma within our borders." Then, she forced a smile and looked up. "And I may be a little meloncholy but I'm sure that will pass, with time. Don't trouble yourself over it."
Lieutenant Air Groove frowned, turning her gaze away. "Curse you." The barest hints of a blush began to stain her cheeks. "It would be so much easier to discount your words if I didn't know for certain that you mean each and every one. On top of adjusting to palace life and the myriad of duties that await me, I have to learn how to be courted, too? You don't ask much, do you?"
Could it be?
"I'm the Emperor," she replied. "All Empir-ical evidence points to the idea that I only ask with, truly, the best of intentions."
"I don't speak lightly- I have focused all my efforts on learning and striving to become an Empress fit to stand at your side. I don't have any 'reckless indiscretions' to speak of; I know little of love."
"And I've never courted an Empress before. Perhaps, in this, we can stumble from the gate together until our steps are sure." She lightly squeezed the hand in hers. "I can think of no instance where I wouldn't wish to run at your side."
"If this is how you ask to court, I have to wonder how you'll actually court me." Despite the light chide, the hand in hers squeezed back. "I'm not easily impressed and material wonders will do little, so I hope you weren't entertaining the idea of emptying the Empire's coffers, Rudolf."
And with a single word, she suddenly felt lighter than air. "I wouldn't dream of it, Groove."
The carrot cake dessert tasted all the sweeter for the twitch of a smile she earned in response.