Waitin', expectations that I'm gonna make it

One week has passed; the girls and I have made ourselves at home as if the Archipel Céleste belongs to us. In the evenings, after training, we stop to dine at Kenji and Hasami’s with the princess. Still, I worry about Laila—she goes out every night and comes back reeking of alcohol.

Outside, things are no better. Now and then we hear reports from scouts: Goran’s domain is expanding again as it once did, slaughtering anyone who stands in its way.

°°°

Today, my day off, I sit with the princess drinking afternoon tea in a gazebo in the English garden. As we chat, two strange birds land on the railing. They look like a crow and a snowy owl, except they have long tails and long legs.

The owl-like one catches Liliane’s attention. She seems delighted to see them and greets them like old friends, standing to stroke them. The odd crow playfully tugs the chain of an onion-watch attached to her choker.

«What animals are they?» I ask.

«The black one is a shadowstalker and the white one is an ombrelame,» she explains without taking her eyes off them, «and they are the two creatures that symbolize the cooperation and closeness of two kingdoms once at war—so different, yet who, even after Goran’s rise, kept fighting for total control of these islands, safe from the king’s conquest.»

«And what brought them together if they hated each other so much?»

She sets the two animals on her forearms. «The royal families—the Windsors and the Orléans—came to see how foolish it was to fight in a place that sought peace. So they placed the two family emblems together in one coat of arms and married the two heirs, preserving both surnames.»

«I see. But how did your kingdom become so advanced compared to Spis?»

She turns to me with a smile. «You are rather curious, I see.» I look away, slightly embarrassed. «There is nothing wrong with curiosity; it’s thanks to it that the Archipel Céleste has been able to progress.» She steps closer. «Give me your arm.»

Without question, I offer it, and she brings the shadowstalker near. The bird studies me with darting eyes, then settles on my forearm. She smiles at me; I smile back.

«Follow me,» she invites, opening her black parasol, and we begin to stroll through the garden. «Unlike Spis,» she continues, «we did not shut ourselves from the world. Thanks to our strategic position in the sky, the kingdom continued to advance undisturbed, securing a good quality of life for its people and a solid defense.»

I listen to every word in admiration, reflecting on what she says.

She turns and adds, «And because of that we have been able to host those in need… Although…» Her face clouds as she forces a smile. «Unfortunately, we can only do so for those who manage to reach us.»

My chest tightens at the sight. «Lili, you know I joined the army to guarantee a safe place for Nadia and Laila, to be on the front line to protect them.» The two birds flutter, perching on the branch above us. I look to the sky, remembering the suffering of the villagers of Nebb and the towns of Bekov and Slapnik. «I would give anything to protect the lives of this realm and of Spis. You are a responsibility too large to ignore.»

«You are not obliged to do it.» she says, worried, her habitual smile gone.

«I do it because I want to, even at the cost of my life.»

«Don’t say that—I know you could do it…» Her expression darkens. «But if you die, the ones who will suffer are not you, but everyone around you.»

«Lili…»

She lifts her face, returning to her sunny manner. «I will see that it does not happen!» She rises on tiptoe and kisses my cheek. «Come!» she cries, taking my hand and tugging me along. I am so bewildered I let myself be swept away.

We hurry through the castle corridors until we arrive at a door. «Father!» she calls as she flings it open. «Renren and I must speak with you!»

«What’s the matter?» he asks, alarmed, putting his hands on Liliane’s shoulders. In an instant his worry softens into a smile in my direction. I turn, but no one stands behind me. «know what’s going on here. You want my blessing, don’t you?»

«What?!» I blurt, confused.

Who could blame you,» he nods, folding his arms. «You’re young and you get along so well. Uhuhuh—did you think I hadn’t noticed you always strolling together through the gardens at night?» His gaze drops to our joined hands. «But before coming here, you might at least wipe the lipstick off your cheek, young man.»

«What?!» I feel my face burn.

Liliane turns to me, laughing with a hand over her mouth. «Sorry—I didn’t realize I left a bit.» She produces a handkerchief and gently wipes my cheek. I watch her hand, unsure where else to look. When she finishes, she faces her father. «I’m sorry to contradict you, but that’s not what we came to speak about.»

«Oh, what a shame—you two are so adorable together.» “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” I scream inwardly, trying to remain outwardly composed.

«Father, this is serious.» Lili urges, drawing him back.

«Sorry, sorry.» He clears his throat and takes a more solemn tone. «Tell me—what is it you wanted to discuss?»

«We want to go to war and defeat Goran once and for all. I’m convinced that he, with our army, can do it.» she says firmly.

«Your intent is noble, but it’s not so simple, and I think the young man understands that.»

«Yes, I am aware,» she replies with resolve. «But Renren told me of his journey. I am convinced that by forming an army within the kingdom and with a solid plan, we could neutralize the king’s forces without excessive losses.»

«And how do you plan to do that? Kenji told me their soldiers are immortal, that they reform.»

«That is the case, but he single-handedly killed soldiers who terrorized a city.»

«General Ito told me broadly of what you endured to get here and of the progress in training.» He studies me for a long moment, stroking his beard. «I want to give you my trust, my dear daughter. Raise the army you speak of; devise a flawless war plan. When you are ready, present yourselves before me.»

«Yes.»

«Very well. If there is nothing more, I politely ask you to leave my chambers.» He gestures toward the exit.

«Thank you.» we reply together with a slight bow.

As soon as the doors close behind us, Lili looks at me and smiles. «See? All it took was asking.»