The battle is won, and it seems that the Princess has survived as well!
So let's work on a few of the loose ends.
We give you...
The "Aftermath"
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22 Aftermath
Fredrik had decided to send the surviving Morlanians home with the body of Lord Rathard. But he also needed to care for his own wounded, including his sister, Princess Lillian.
Rolf suggested they send to Waterton for wagons. Fredrik told him to make the arrangements, glad to see him occupied once more. Within minutes, a rider was on his way back to the castle.
✠
The sun was setting when Lady Juliet heard horses again in the courtyard. There were low voices. She could not make out the words, but it was apparent that things had not gone well. Before long there was a commotion outside her cell. She heard a woman crying. Then the sound of a key turning in the lock.
Marianne rushed in sobbing, and clung to Juliet. She was too upset to speak. In a moment Damson followed her in, with the castle chaplain. The chaplain spoke first.
"My Lady..."
Juliet had expected bad news, and Marianne would not be grieving for Fredrik. She wondered whether it was her father or her brother this time. Her sister still clung to her in tears.
"...your brother, Lord Rathard, is dead..."
Now Lady Juliet wondered if she should feel more grief than she did.
"…he died in battle," as if that somehow made it a noble thing.
Juliet could see Damson watching her closely. Then it dawned on her; she was now the Grand Duchess of Morlana. And she was free, or as free as any ruler can be. They were all waiting for her to speak.
"Take me to my Father."
"Yes, Milady." It was Damson who spoke. "He is in his chamber," he said following closely behind her.
The Duke did not recognize Juliet. He did not respond at all. There was nothing that could be done for him.
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She was taken to her brother's body. She noted with irony how he had died. He had not brought back Fredrik's head. He had lost his own. She questioned Lord Rathard's captain.
"Did the King kill your Lord?"
"No Milady, it was his companion."
Juliet felt some relief at this. But shame once she had finally dragged the details out of the man.
"Do we avenge him?" the man asked.
"No," she answered turning away.
It was past midnight when they brought her more news. The Duke had thrown himself from the battlements. Now there was no question of who ruled Morlana.
She thought of Fredrik and wished things had been different. Her first act after burying the Duke and her brother, would be to make peace with Midmont. With cooperation they could both prosper.
And things would change in Morlana.
If the Archbishop was disappointed with the turn of events he didn't show it. But he did leave the next day. Marguerite left with him, with the Duchess' blessing. She was glad to be rid of them both.
✠
Juliet's peace overtures to Midmont were favorably received by the King. No one had any desire to continue the war. And over time the relations between the two lands grew to be quite friendly and co-operative. With the new road through the mountain passes, both prospered.
It was in the Springtime of the following year, that the Grand Duchess of Morlana was finally invited to pay a visit to the Kingdom of Midmont. And there at her formal reception, she met the eyes of the Queen of Midmont again. And she remembered another night, when she had met the eyes of this same woman, in what was now, another world.
But there was little time for reflection on these matters. For it was here, that the Grand Duchess, Juliet met Phillip of Solland, cousin to the King of Midmont.
And while it is true, that these lands were united in future generations, that does not concern us here. For this is the tale of Fredrik of Midmont, and his Queen, Elise.
And what of Queen Elise? She became the most beloved by the people of all the house of Midmont. She was their Queen; and yet one of them.
And lastly, there is the matter of the Princess Lillian, and Rolf, the Ranger…
Yes... What about them?
To be continued...
(One more time- Promise!)
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