23. Alessia
Alright, I admit it, I cried.
But I’m too busy to keep wallowing in self-pity. I have work to do. There’s no rest for a busy queen.
With the tournament coming up, I have many preparations to make. I have to visit the individual training rings throughout the kingdom, decide on which training ring to transform into a stadium, call a meeting for all the trainers in the capital, and decide on the logistics and finer details of the months leading up to the event and of the event itself. Additionally, I have to choose spies to send in with the missionaries, oversee the goods being transported to Krasta, and tend to all the rest of my administrative duties as Queen of Celestia.
Seriously, how does anyone expect a queen to do all this crap by herself? This is a lot for five people, let alone one. I can’t be in two places at once. Or five places, for that matter.
Such is the life of a queen,I sigh.
I walk along to the next training ring on my list, the arena just outside the aristocrats’ neighborhood. Aurelio keeps pace with me, keeping an eye out for any signs of recognition by others. It’s annoying, having to wear these hoods over our heads anytime we try to make our way through a busy city street, but I suppose it’s for the best. I’d be more annoyed ten times over if my citizens stopped me en masse just to ask me dumb questions. I’d prefer to get to the training ring sometime before next week, thank you.
With my arm looped around Aurelio’s, I lead us down the main street, then take the left street when we get to the Holy Church split. My heart sinks as I pass by the towering Church; I wonder if Daelia is inside, training her fool head off, still seething from my announcement. It hurts to know that my relationship with my sister may never be the same, but if it is for the good of my people, I will sacrifice any of my personal treasures to achieve my goals. I cannot waste time grieving over a relationship when the people of Krasta are suffering and dying by the minute. There are much worse things in life than feuding with a sibling.
I pass by some of the upper-class neighborhoods and apartment buildings, their brick and marble designs shimmering brightly in the sunlight. Some foreigners have spoken highly of the glittering streets of the northwest part of Celestia, like they’re some sort of wonder of the world. They’ve dubbed these homes the “gemstones of Celestia,” known for their beauty and the importance of those that live within them. If I’m being honest, between the nobles, the engineers, the high-ranking knights, and the wealthy merchants that live here, this is the most important place in Celestia, barring the palace. Most of our wealth, education, lawmaking, and inventions come from this very neighborhood.
I, however, only see it as a nuisance, as it’s so bright on a sunny day like today that walking by these houses is damn near blinding. The wealth or station in life of a person has never mattered to me as much as the kindness in their heart, anyway, and clearly, these people are not kind enough to consider the eye damage they give passersby just by constructing their homes in bright white marble laced with silver.
I’m grateful when we make it to the training ring at the very end of the street, right before the entrance to the aristocrats’ neighborhood. The training ring is a noticeably large building, standing six stories tall, a city block wide, and two city blocks deep. The entrance isn’t as grand as the Church or the palace, with only simple double oak doors standing in the very center of the building, but the majesty of the place feels the same, what with the hundreds of sparkling-clean windows overlooking the city and the many flags bearing the symbols of the gods hanging from the rooftop, fluttering triumphantly in the wind. Beside me, Aurelio looks up at the flags, shielding his eyes from the sun. A smile lights up his face.
“I’ve missed this place,” he says quietly.
“You said you trained here. Did you live here as well?” I question.
“I did. For five years, no less.”
I raise a brow as he pushes the doors open. “Five years? I thought nobles almost never stray from their homes.”
“I’m not much of a noble, really,” Aurelio replies.
He continues through the entrance hall without further comment, so I let the matter drop, sensing the sensitivity around the subject. I make a mental note to ask him about it later.
We make our way through the entrance hall, which bears smooth stone flooring, high ceilings, decorative pillars, and statues of the gods of war and justice interspersed throughout the space. There’s a grand set of seven stairs leading up to a raised platform, which gives way to several sets of double doors. Aurelio opens one of them for us, leads me up a staircase that rises three stories, and pauses at the platform at the top.
“Welcome to the training arena,” he says.
I pause at the top of the staircase, staring at the sunlit arena below. We’re on the central walkway of the arena, both halves of the stadium stretching out to my left and my right. There’s seating all around us, three stories’ worth of it above and below us, connected by vertical walkways to the central walkway. There are no “seats,” to be exact, but rather row upon row of stone benches.
The arena’s floor is made up of weathered cobblestone, worn down by the elements and centuries of fights. There’s no one training now, but there’s a man waiting in the center of the fight ring, a man of high status, judging by his glittering jewelry, fine button-up, and tailored slacks. It doesn’t pair the best with his plain sandals, but I’m not one to judge. The man fought his way to the top of the wealth pyramid in our society, and he got there with sweat, blood, and tears.
He is Eren Sudak, the owner of the Meadow Hills training ring, the largest and oldest training arena in the entire country. His gray hair and lined forehead tell of age, but his muscular stature and suntanned brown skin speaks of an intense daily training regimen. Even from afar, I can see the wisdom sparkling in those kind gray eyes. He waves from the arena as Aurelio and I approach.
“Queen Alessia. Wonderful to see you,” Eren says, bowing his head.
“I appreciate you making the time to meet with me, Eren,” I greet.
“It’s no big deal. One should always make time for their queen,” Eren says. He turns to Aurelio, and he breaks out into a broad grin. “And it’s so wonderful to see you, Aurelio. I was so excited to hear that you’d been chosen as the next King of Celestia. You’ve always been such a kind, passionate young man; I’m sure you’ll do remarkable things as king.”
“Thank you, Eren,” Aurelio says, bowing his head. “You still look as healthy as ever.”
“Oh, looks can be deceiving, Aurelio. My bones ache like you wouldn’t believe after that last match with Emilia,” he chuckles.
“You must be a remarkable knight to compete with the top talent in the nation,” I remark.
Eren shakes his head. “No, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s remarkable. Years’ worth of experience will always give you an advantage over the fervor of youth. In time, however, I will lose the speed and strength necessary to keep up with these young ones. The best contribution I can make is to teach all I know to the next generation. But, please, you didn’t come here to listen to the nostalgia of an old man.”
“No, I did not. I’m here to discuss the knight’s tournament.”
“Indeed. What do you have in mind?”
“I was thinking of visiting each of the arenas to evaluate their capacity, but now that I’m here, I have a feeling this will be the optimal training ring to host the knights’ tournament,” I say, gazing at the enormous space around me. “What is your total capacity?”
“Around ten thousand.”
“Brilliant. That should be all we need. Since it is an all-day affair that takes place over the course of a week, we can sell tickets for specific days, or even specific matches, if need be, to ensure all citizens of Celestia get a chance to view. Besides, this is a historic site that holds great significance to our country; I believe it would be a wise choice for such an important tournament to take place here.”
“I would be honored to host,” Eren says. “What would you have me do to prepare?”
“I will see to the preparations myself, actually. I would rather you tend to the extra training sessions I’m sure your knights are demanding. With the chance at a general’s position, I would be hard-pressed not to give it my all if I were a knight right now. It would be rude of me to take away your students’ master when they need you the most.”
Eren beams at me. “Your kindness exceeds expectations as always, My Queen.”
“How many of your knights will be participating?” Aurelio asks.
“Oh, all of them,” Eren laughs. “There’s not a knight alive that would turn down the chance to compete on such a large scale. All eight hundred of my trainees have committed to the tournament.”
I raise a brow. “This tournament may take more than a week if there’s only one match going on at a time. Would it be wise to have the preliminary rounds take place in multiple arenas across the city?”
“Yes, that would be most wise,” Aurelio agrees.
“I’d recommend the two arenas run by the Adventurer’s Guild in the center of the city,” Eren suggests. “Barring us, they’re the largest arenas, and they have the largest numbers of live-in knights.”
“Perfect. I’ll contact them straight away.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you, My Queen?” Eren questions. “We have a great many quality knights that live here. I would be happy to put on a training session for you.”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary, but thank you for offering,” I reply.
“Actually, would I be able to take you up on that offer instead?” Aurelio asks.
“Of course!”
I glance at him, noting his unusually conflicted face. The shadows under his eyes reappear, but his smile is genuine.
“Do you plan to return tonight, or should I tell Mina to hold off on making you dinner?” I question.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be back for dinner. There’s just someone I’ve been dying to spar with,” Aurelio says.
“Ah, that would be Emilia, I presume,” Eren says, nodding. “She’s been chomping at the bit for a rematch with you since you became the crowned Prince of Celestia, you know. She’ll be happy to fulfill your request.”
I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Aurelio, you’re going to come home bruised again. I won’t baby you just because you’re beat up.”
“Excuse me, I do not need babying!” Aurelio says, crossing his arms. “Plus, you don’t know if I’ll get beat this time! Maybe I’ve improved since sparring with you and fighting off wendigos!”
“Improvement is one thing. Defeating Emilia is another, as much as I’ve heard of her skill,” I say, smirking.
Aurelio deadpans. “You’re the worst.”
“You’re no better.”
“Jerk.”
“Idiot.”
Eren suddenly lets out a laugh, catching me off guard. I look at him, then back at Aurelio.
“Did I say something funny?”
“No, not at all. It’s just, if I may, I never thought I’d see the day when Aurelio found his soulmate, but you’re standing right before me, My Queen. You act like you’ve been married all your life in the short time you’ve known each other. It’s the fine work of the gods, if I’ve ever seen it.”
Aurelio and I exchange a glance. Then, as if sharing the same thought, we look away from each other, and I avert my eyes to the stadium.
“No, we just happen to have the same attitude,” I say.
“Well, in any case, I’m happy for you,” Eren says, bowing his head respectfully. “I wish you good health and a peaceful evening, My Queen.”
“You as well, Eren.”
I leave the arena as quickly as possible, but I pause before I leave the stadium, taking a second to glance back at Aurelio. My heart leaps into my throat to see him already staring after me, his eyes shining with that same light they did that day in the river. I’m not embarrassed, though; if anything, I’m excited to know he’s sharing the same thought as me. I return his smile with one of my own.
It is fine work of the gods, isn’t it? The finest work, if I’ve ever seen it.
I give Aurelio a small wave, turn on my heel, and walk out the doors, pulling my hood back over my head before I leave the building.
***
By the time I make it back to the castle, it’s already time for my own training session. I suit up in my room, then head down to the courtyard, where I find Mina just finishing up preparing my practice dummies. She waves enthusiastically when she sees me.
“Alessia! Welcome back!” she chirps. She looks over my shoulders, then frowns. “Where’s that hot husband of yours? Didn’t he go with you?”
“That ‘hot husband’ of mine stayed behind. He’s challenging Emilia to a rematch,” I chuckle.
“Ah. I’ll prepare the doctors before he gets back, then,” Mina laughs.
Smiling to myself, I unsheathe my sword, then launch myself at my practice dummies, performing blow after blow until I’m sure my fundamentals are perfect as always. After doing this for so many years, there’s only so many times I can mess up; the fundamentals are beyond second nature. Then, I practice my advanced forms, over and over, the sweat gathering at my neckline and then trickling down my back the longer I work. I furiously push myself to work faster, imagining that I’m competing with that demon I met in the forest.
Stronger, faster, quicker, cleverer—
My sword cuts clean through one of the practice dummies, and I stand there after the follow-through, stunned. My breath comes in light pants, my shoulders shaking from the effort.
I’m not getting better this way.
I frown. There’s no way for me to be disappointed in myself after giving it my all, but that’s the closest description I can manage for the way I’m feeling right about now. I’m not proud of myself. I’m not fulfilled. I know that if I walk up to that demon and challenge her to a duel, she’d kill me within the first five minutes, even with my imperial human strength. Training with practice dummies can only get me so far.
Maybe I’ve improved since sparring with you and fighting off wendigos!
Aurelio’s words hit me like a runaway cart full of bricks. I’d dismissed him in the context of the situation, but I’ve noticed that he’s looking stronger, and he fought more confidently on the second half of our journey from Krasta. Maybe it won’t help him against Emilia, but the improvements he gained when his skills were put to the test with his life on the line are irreplaceable. There’s nothing like a reminder of your own mortality to force you to reach deeper within yourself.
If I’m going to invade Krasta—hells, if I’m even going to enter this knight’s tournament—I need to have full confidence in my abilities. Right now, the best I can do is shut down in front of a wendigo, shoot fire at an elf, and cower before the combat prowess of a demon. That’s not good enough for the queen of a nation. I need to dig deeper, be better, and get stronger. I won’t get that here, in the lap of luxury.
“Mina,” I say, “tell me if you think I’m crazy.”
“Um…maybe you’re a little crazy, but that’s a requirement for ruling a nation,” Mina admits. “Why do you ask?”
“I’m glad we agree. I’ll be taking leave of my duties for a while. Six weeks, to be exact.”
Mina’s eyes round. “For what, exactly?”
“I’m going adventuring. It’s time I get a little live-action training, don’t you think?”