The Queens of Remnant - Chapter 25 (Patreon)

Every time Weiss used the office, it reminded her less and less of her father.  She’d asked one of the housekeepers for candles, which erased the smell of his favorite drinks.  She’d also requested new paintings, replacing masculine scenes of war with serene Atlesian landscapes.  She left one of her favorite blankets draped over a chair for when it got too cold and brought in some smaller knickknacks that she liked from around the palace.

The desk was the biggest change.  Paper still covered much of it, but it was her work.  Her notes, her thoughts, her proposals.  The more effort she put into bettering Atlas, the more this felt like her space just as much as his.  And maybe one day, the memories of him would fade away.

Maybe.

In the far more likely case that those memories never fully disappeared, she felt more capable of handling them than she ever had before.  Whenever she thought about him, her pulse didn’t creep higher like it used to.  She didn’t experience that burst of terror and worry that she’d somehow invoked his wrath.  Her palms didn’t get clammy.  She didn’t immediately search for the nearest place to hide.  She just...thought about him, and often frowned before shaking her head and moving on.

It was a strange feeling - one of budding acceptance and growing assurance that he was never coming back.  He’d threatened to come back from the dead so many times, but if he hadn’t returned to haunt her yet - especially considering her role in his early demise - then he never was.

So much for being invincible.

When someone softly rapped on the door, excitement replaced her quiet brooding.  Unfortunately, that burst of happiness disappeared as soon as she realized that the knock was wrong.  Too soft, too slow...not rapid and confident like the person she hoped it to be.

“Come in.”

Once she recognized the young palace errand boy she’d tasked with an important job, she set down her pen and motioned him over.

“Your Highness,” he greeted her with a bow before presenting a thick file of papers.

“Is this what I requested?” she asked while accepting the file.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“This is everything we have on the Phage?” she clarified.  “All of the palace’s research?”

“Yes, Your Highness.  This is everything the physicians had.  I asked if they knew of more, but they assured me that they don’t.”

The file felt hefty yet too light, but she didn’t question the boy’s answer.  She’d made it clear that he was to find every shred of information within the palace walls, and he’d seemed determined to do just that.  If more research existed, it would be in greater Atlas - but finding it amidst the scattered populace would take far more time.  Or a royal decree, but...she didn’t feel comfortable making any royal decrees at this time.

“You’re certain you copied all of it?” she asked.  Again, he nodded.

“Yes.  Every page.”

“Great.  Thank you.  That’s all for now, but if you could...keep an eye out for anything else.  If you find or hear of anything, I’d like to have it.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Once he bowed and left the room, Weiss set the file on the desk, glanced at the top page, and quickly determined that it wouldn’t make sense to her.  She didn’t understand why the Phage was so important to Ruby - important enough to bring her to tears - but she was loath not to reciprocate Ruby’s support.  If this stack of notes helped Ruby in any way, Weiss would hand it over.  Hopefully then she wouldn’t feel like she was taking the Queen of Vale’s time and efforts without offering anything in return.  But she’d never heard anything about a cure...

Granted, it had become painfully obvious that she didn’t know much of what went on in Atlas.  Curing the Phage though...that would be widespread news.  Surely, Winter would have mentioned it, or their father would have lorded it over Vale with proclamations never to share the solution.

Weiss hoped that she was wrong, for Ruby’s sake.

When another set of knocks hit the door, her heart again jumped.  But, just like before, the knocks were too slow.

“Come in,” she said a second time, and a second messenger hurried into the room.

“Your Highness,” he greeted her with a deep bow.  “The Council sends an update from last night’s meeting - they’re drafting the Atlas-Vale treaty and will have it ready for your inspection tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Considering Weiss left last night’s meeting once it devolved into another round of finger-pointing, she could hardly believe the news.  Somehow, after all that arguing and posturing, the Council made progress?  That progress was long overdue, but she wouldn’t complain now.

“That’s great news,” she said instead.  “I should let Ruby know.”

“Would you like me to find Queen Rose?”

The messenger looked so eager to do so that Weiss nearly agreed.  Then she paused and, ultimately, shook her head.

“That’s alright.  I’ll find her.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

After another bow, he rushed off to fulfill his other duties.  Weiss, meanwhile, stood and stretched her back.  Sitting in the uncomfortable chair for so long wore on her more than she liked.  There were more comfortable chairs in the room, with plush cushions that were actually pleasant to sit on, but they weren’t desk chairs...

Shaking her head at the trivial issue, she left the office in search of Ruby.  Having the messenger find Ruby would have worked just fine, but then she would have to wait for Ruby to make it all the way to the office before sharing the Council’s news.  If she went to Ruby, they could walk back to the office together.  Besides, she hadn’t seen Ruby yet today - an oddity considering the past couple of days - and wanted to know what the Queen of Vale was up to.

She checked the dining room first.  Having shared several meals by now, she knew that Ruby loved food and the conversation that came with it.  Weiss usually didn’t linger in the dining room once her meal ended, but Ruby was content to sit and talk for hours.

Hoping to find Ruby and maybe sit down for another wonderful conversation, Weiss felt disappointed when she saw the empty table.  Two housekeepers were polishing the decorative candle holders and sconces but, other than that, the room was empty. If she was looking for anyone else, she would continue searching on her own.  Ruby, however, made a habit of engaging the staff in conversation.  Maybe she mentioned where she was going or what she planned to do.

“Excuse me,” Weiss called out to the housekeepers.  As soon as they saw her, they set down their rags and bowed.

“Your Highness,” one said while the other stared at the floor.  “How can we help you?”

“Have you seen Queen Rose?”

“She was here a few hours ago.”

“Do you know where she might be now?” Weiss asked, but both of them shook their heads.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness.  She didn’t mention where she was going.  She and her friend ate breakfast then left.”

Weiss smiled at the effortless way the young woman referred to James as Ruby’s friend.  That was the same conclusion Weiss reached after spending time with the unlikely pair.  James was Ruby’s friend, plain and simple.  She trusted him and enjoyed his company. What Ruby was to James, however, was a little more unclear.  ‘Friend’ felt too casual for how protective and devoted he was, but ‘queen’ felt too formal - regardless of how often he referred to her as his queen.

“Thank you,” Weiss told the housekeepers before turning away.  She nearly left too, but then she remembered where she’d seen one of them before - with the group of staff she’d tried and failed to speak to some days ago.  The memory still bothered her, but now could be the opportunity to set things right.  Her outings with Ruby had given her newfound confidence and taught her that people just wanted someone willing to listen.  Maybe he would see that Weiss was willing to do at least that.

“Wasn’t there something you and your coworkers wanted to discuss the other day?” she asked.  His eyes immediately widened, and he glanced nervously to the side.

“Oh, that.  That was nothing of importance, Your Highness.  We’re very grateful for the opportunity to work and live in this fine palace.”

At one point, Weiss would have left the conversation at that.  He said they were grateful, after all - what more could she ask for?   Today, she hated the thought of his voice going unheard.

“I know you might not trust me,” she replied, looking at him and then his cleaning partner.  “And I know you might think your issues are ‘too small’ to bother me with, but I’d still like to know.  I want to help if I can.  If I don’t know what’s wrong, how can I find a solution?  How can I make things better?”

While they shared a surprised glance, she waited patiently.  She wouldn’t press them any more than this, but...she hoped that they told her what was bothering them.  When the young man turned back to her, wringing his hands, she smiled and nodded for him to continue.

“We’ve heard rumors that the war might end...” he began hesitantly.  “And the Council’s demands keep growing.  They’re requesting things we don’t have, or too much of what we do.  We understand that they should receive more than us, but -”

“We have families to feed,” the woman interjected.  “If there’s suddenly more for them, why can’t our rations be increased, even just a little?”

So many questions and thoughts flew through Weiss’ mind that she briefly didn’t know how to respond.  From the arguments she’d overheard, the Council was dragging their feet ending the war - yet they saw fit to preemptively increase their compensation?  The hypocrisy annoyed her more than she would have imagined, but she didn’t want to drag these workers into a political mess.  Instead, she thought of a suitable compromise.

“Have they increased my allotment in kind?”

Confused, they glanced at each other before turning back to her.

“You’re entitled to anything you wish, Your Highness.”

“Then do your best to appease the Council for now,” she replied.  “But give all of the workers a ten percent increase to their rations, even if you have to take from my personal reserves to make it happen.  I know it’s not much, but hopefully it helps while everything else is sorted out.”

“But Your Highness -?”

Before they protested, she raised her hand.

“I hardly eat as it is,” she pointed out.  “So please, accept this small token of appreciation and use it for your families.”

She had no idea if she was even allowed to do this, but she would do it anyway.  If the Council had a problem, they could speak to her - and she would tell them that she had a problem with them increasing their personal gains before anyone else.

“T-thank you, Your Highness,” the young man stammered while the woman nodded beside him.

“You’re welcome.”  Weiss smiled and nodded to them but paused before leaving.  “Oh, but please make sure Queen Rose is still given everything she requests.  And her friend.”  Noticing their suddenly sheepish expressions, she frowned and added, “What is it?”

“Queen Rose already told us to take much of what she’s been given…”

They expected an admonishment for the admission.  Weiss, however, stared at them for several seconds before shaking her head and smiling.

“Of course she did,” was all she said before waving goodbye.

Of course Ruby saw people in need and did whatever she could to help.  If someone needed the clothes off her back, she would willingly hand them over.

Now, Weiss was even more eager to find her.  But if not in the dining room, where could she be?  It was too late in the day for her to be in her room - she was an early riser like Weiss.  The only other place she frequented was the office or exploring Atlas with James.

The last thought led Weiss to the entryway, where a collection of staff and guards milled about, but no sign of Ruby.  Unsure of what to do next, she lingered near the doorway and considered her options.  Finding Ruby in Atlas wouldn't work - she could search for days and never bump into the girl.  She could wait in the entryway, but that felt desperate and clingy. Realistically, she should ask one of the Knights to direct Ruby to the office as soon as she returned.  Then Ruby would know that Weiss was looking for her and would hopefully find her immediately.

Before Weiss made a decision, the doors opened and the person of her thoughts walked in accompanied by a blast of cold air.  Her heart leaped the moment she saw Ruby, sending a surge of cold through her veins, but she prevented herself from rushing over to greet the girl.  Instead, she held her place and watched Ruby speak to James.  The conversation looked serious at first, but it wasn’t long before Ruby broke into a big smile that made Weiss’ heart flutter.  Then her wonderful, uplifting laugh filled the entryway - a joyful sound the palace hadn’t known in years.

Likely thinking the same as Weiss, nearby staff and guards paused what they were doing and glanced Ruby’s way.  Ruby didn’t notice though; she just kept smiling at whatever James said, blessing them all with her elegance.

Calling Ruby ‘beautiful’ was almost a disservice to her mesmerizing aura, but Weiss couldn’t think of a better word.  Beautiful, breathtaking, attractive...but in an unassuming, unprideful way that only made her more desirable yet unattainable.

Weiss dreaded the day Ruby returned to Vale - the palace wouldn’t be the same without her energy, laughter, and cheerful spirit - but understood that was a pointless sadness to bear.  Of course Ruby would eventually leave.  Atlas wasn’t her home and, as much as Weiss enjoyed her company, Ruby had her own responsibilities and family to return to.

That didn’t stop Weiss from wishing for more time, especially when Ruby’s eyes landed upon her and an even brighter smile sprung into being.  Without a word, Ruby showed how much she genuinely enjoyed Weiss’ company and erased any hesitation Weiss might have felt in approaching the gorgeous queen.  Instead, Weiss’ icy spark begged to get out while she walked over with a smile of her own.

“Ruby,” she began, her skin tingling with the beginnings of frost as that silver gaze lingered upon her.  “How are you?”

“Better now.”  Again, Ruby effortlessly offered the compliment, unaware of how much it played with Weiss’ heart and warmed her cheeks.  “But how are you?  How’s your day?”

Weiss wished that she could admit that her day was better now too, but she lacked the courage.  Instead, she straightened her posture and gently cleared her throat.

“My day has been...good.  But I have some updates for you - will you join me in the office?”

When Weiss gestured in that direction, Ruby followed the motion of her hand before meeting her gaze and smiling.

“Of course.  I’d love to.”  Before moving, however, Ruby looked up at James.  “Do you want to come along?” she asked, but he shook his head.

“I’ll see to those other matters instead,” he replied before bowing to Weiss and stepping away.  Unsurprised, Ruby shrugged and returned that heart-melting smile to Weiss.

“Guess it’s just you and me again.”

The simple, nonchalant comment fluttered through Weiss’ chest as if it had wings of its own.

“It appears that way,” she quietly mused before turning away to hide her blush.  Fortunately, Ruby didn’t notice - she just moved closer to Weiss so they could head to the office together.

For the first several seconds, they walked in silence.  Ruby seemed lost in her thoughts, and Weiss couldn’t think of anything except how close Ruby was - so close that their arms would brush if Weiss edged over a fraction of an inch.  Had Ruby always walked this close and she just hadn’t noticed until now, or was this something new?

Before Weiss got caught up in what Ruby’s proximity did or didn’t mean - along with the hopeful emotions and unexpected feelings that came with it - she focused on the first topic that came to mind.  Fortunately, it was a good one, and a smile lifted her lips while she lowered her voice and leaned toward Ruby.

“I heard you’ve been sneaking food to the servants.”

When Ruby turned to her, Weiss quickly moved away so they didn’t accidentally bump into each other.

“I have too much as it is,” Ruby replied, her silver eyes already searching Weiss’.  “They told me how hard things have been and...I only wanted to help.  I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.”

“I’m not upset at all.  I just...had the same thought.”

Weiss noticed Ruby’s confusion but turned forward and smiled to herself.  Reaching the same conclusion as Ruby without any guidance made her feel incredibly proud and...encouraged.  It made her feel like, even though she and Ruby couldn’t be more different, maybe one day she could become an incredible queen like Ruby.

Her father would have a stroke if he knew how much she considered Ruby a role model of a perfect queen.  Smart, benevolent, calm...and so much more.  If Weiss could emulate even a fraction of Ruby’s aura, Atlas would be in good hands.  For now, she could only do her best.  Fortunately, she’d made progress on several matters of importance.

Reaching the office, she nodded to the Knight guarding the door before letting herself in.  Ruby followed close behind and shut the door before Weiss even asked.

“So...what’s this news?” Ruby asked now that they were away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears.  When Weiss motioned to the desk so that they could sit and chat, however, Ruby wrinkled her nose.  “Uh, no offense, but these chairs suck.  Can we sit over here instead?”

Weiss’ brow rose when Ruby skipped across the room and ran her hand across the far more comfortable sofa.

“It’s not exactly...proper,” Weiss pointed out, following Ruby regardless.

“Pretty sure I have a bruised butt from those things though.”

When Ruby gestured at her butt, Weiss looked but turned away the instant she realized what she was doing.  She immediately blushed, but Ruby didn’t notice as she flopped onto the sofa and sighed.

“This is what sitting on a cloud must be like...” Ruby said while wiggling on the cushion.  Once settled, she patted her knees and grinned.  “Alright, now that my butt’s happy, what’s the news?”

Faced with joining Ruby on the sofa or remaining standing, Weiss acquiesced and sat down.  Of course, Ruby was right - in terms of comfort, the sofa blew the desk chair out of the water.

“Nice, huh?”

Noticing the sparkle in Ruby’s eyes, Weiss scoffed but didn’t disagree.

“The Council sent me a message,” she said instead.  “It’s good news,” she added as soon as Ruby’s eyes darkened.  “They’re writing the treaty now and will send it to us tomorrow.”

“Really??”

“Yes.”  Weiss couldn’t help smiling at how Ruby went from annoyed to thrilled in a heartbeat.  “Oh, and -”  Weiss briefly stood and retrieved the research file from the desk. “This is for you,” she said while handing over the file.  “I haven’t had the chance to go through it, but I hope it’s helpful somehow.”

When Ruby opened the folder and looked at the top page, her eyes widened.  She then glanced at Weiss before flipping through the first several pages.

“Is this…?”

“All the information the palace has on the Phage,” Weiss answered.  “This copy is yours, so feel free to take it with you.”

“Weiss, I…”  After numbly thumbing through several more pages, Ruby set the file in her lap and looked at Weiss.  “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do…” Weiss mumbled, finding sudden interest in her sleeve as Ruby’s sincerity threatened to pull her spark free from her heart.

Giving the information to Atlas’ former enemy might be frowned upon, but she didn’t care.  If the Phage was as big of a threat as Ruby suggested, and if the only thing keeping Atlas safe were their closed borders, then investing in a cure benefited both kingdoms.  Atlas couldn’t remain closed off from the rest of the world forever, and the people of Vale needed help now.

“Still, I…”  When her lip quivered, Ruby dropped her gaze to the file and clutched it tightly.  “You have no idea how much I appreciate this…”

As soon as Weiss saw tears shimmering in silver eyes, she reached over and set her hand over Ruby’s.  Ruby glanced down at their joined hands, but Weiss didn’t pull away this time.  Instead, she waited for Ruby’s gaze to meet hers, then smiled.

“If you ever need help, I’ll help as much as I can.  After everything you’ve done for me…I owe you that much.”

The gratitude in Ruby’s eyes made Weiss’ heart impossibly warm, edging out the persistent cold of her spark for the first time in ages.  The feeling grew the longer they sat there, neither of them willing or eager to move away.

In that moment, Weiss wondered what their lives might’ve been like had her father been a different, better man.  What if the war never happened?  What if Atlas and Vale had been on good terms throughout her childhood?  Would she and Ruby have met sooner?  Would they have been friends from afar?  Would Ruby have ever felt for Weiss a fraction of the way Weiss felt for her?

When Ruby smiled and intertwined her fingers with Weiss’, rampant flurries unleashed through Weiss’ chest.

“Ruby -” she got out, her heart pounding when she looked at their joined hands.  She wanted to ask what it meant - and what Ruby’s smile meant - and what the look in Ruby’s eyes meant - but she could do nothing because someone chose that moment to knock on the door.

Regretfully withdrawing from the intimacy, Weiss cleared her throat and turned away.  She noticed Ruby’s disappointment though, and wished she could ask about that rather than entertain whoever just interrupted.

“Come in,” she said while returning to the desk.  When the door opened and Councilor Ironwood strode into the room, Ruby also stood and moved beside Weiss.

“Your Highness,” he greeted her with that half-bow he’d perfected.  “Sorry for the intrusion, but I just came from the Councilroom -”

“Wait,” Weiss interrupted.  “The Council met today?”

“Yes, Your Highness.  I would have informed you, but we covered only trivial matters.  It felt best not to disrupt the important work you’re doing.”

While he smiled at the response, Weiss couldn’t decide whether she was grateful or bothered by the assumption.  She had told him to take care of smaller matters without involving her, and she could honestly say that she hated the Council meetings, but she still felt like it was her duty to be present and informed on what they were doing.

“If you could give me a brief agenda in advance next time, I can decide whether or not to attend.”

That sounded like a good solution to her, but his smile dropped for a half second before returning.

“Of course, Your Highness.  That’s an excellent idea.”

When Weiss glanced to her side, she found Ruby frowning at the Councilor.  As soon as Ruby noticed Weiss’ attention, she forced a smile.  With Ruby’s presence, however, Weiss felt confident enough to bring up the disturbing news she’d learned that morning.

“On the agenda for the next meeting, I’d like to add the matter of the Council increasing their compensation even though the war isn’t over.”

While confusion, then realization, seeped into his eyes, Weiss didn’t shy away from the potential confrontation.  Even though she wanted to, the palace staff needed her to hold her ground.

“Please let the Councilors know that I want those increases reversed until the treaty is done.  No one should benefit while making everyone else wait.”

This time his nod was so delayed that she wondered if it would come at all.  Eventually, he managed a slight tilt of his head, and that was good enough for her.

“Yes, Your Highness.  I’ll let everyone know.”

“Thank you, Councilor.”

She didn’t want to be too demanding, but it bothered her that the Councilors put themselves first.  As far as she was concerned, those at the highest levels of power should benefit last.  That seemed only fair considering their rations were cut the least during the war.

“Is there something you came to see me for?” she prodded him when he didn’t immediately continue the conversation.

“Ah, yes.  A more urgent matter.”

As soon as his smile returned, apprehension trickled into Weiss’ veins.  Whatever he was happy about, she didn’t think she wanted to hear.  Before speaking, however, his gaze drifted to Ruby.

“I can tell you in private -” he offered, but Weiss shook her head.

“That’s alright, Councilor.  Unless it’s a matter of utmost secrecy.”

Councilor Ironwood considered the comment for several seconds before shaking his head.

“I don’t think so, Your Highness.”  When Weiss motioned for him to continue, he straightened his shoulders and let that smile fully appear.  “As you’re aware, a team of Knights was tasked with finding your sister and returning her to Atlas.”

In a single sentence, Weiss’ heart froze and her blood ran cold.

“And?” she asked, hearing the strain in her voice while she clutched her suddenly shaking hands in front of her.

“They spotted her in the Badlands.  She’s injured, but she managed to duck through the settlements and temporarily lose them.”

Realizing that she’d been holding her breath, Weiss looked down at the desk and slowly released it.  For a second, she’d feared the worst.  But Winter was still alive.  Out there somewhere, injured and alone, but alive.

“They’re still searching?” she directed to her hands.

“Yes.”  When Weiss glanced up, Councilor Ironwood smiled.  “Don’t worry, Your Highness.  We’ll find her.  She will pay for what she did to your father.”

Weiss stared at him for a long time, her heart pounding in her ears and her fingers stiffening from the growing cold.  Was it just her or did he look pleased to be delivering this news?  He probably thought that she would be happy to hear it.  That he deserved congratulations for nearly tracking down the ‘traitor.’

She didn’t want them to find Winter.  She wanted Winter to stay safe and hidden until she could make Atlas safe for her return.  But he couldn’t know that, so she forced a stern nod instead.

“Good.  Thank you for the update.”

Fortunately, Councilor Ironwood interpreted the response as his cue to leave and wasted no time nodding and walking out of the room.  Silence descended immediately after the door closed, but Weiss didn’t say anything.  She stared at her hands and focused on breathing.  Deep, even breaths in - deep, even breaths out - not moving a muscle lest she burst into tears, struggling to keep her spark from freezing the desk in front of her.

“Weiss...are you ok?”

Ruby’s concern struck something in her - something painful - and her tears suddenly became much more pressing.

“Excuse me,” she whispered before rushing out of the office.  She knew it was rude, but she couldn’t deal with it today.  The pressure of leading Atlas.  The guilt of her mistake ruining Winter’s life.

“Weiss, wait!”

Hearing Ruby behind her, Weiss picked up the pace.  Of course, that was fruitless considering Ruby’s spark - she appeared at Weiss’ side not even a second later.

“Please leave me alone,” Weiss whispered while hurrying upstairs.

“I will, but only if you’re alright.  Are you alright?”

Weiss couldn’t answer without lying, and she didn’t want to lie to Ruby.  Instead, she said nothing and tried to hold her tears at bay.  Her room wasn’t far now - just a few more halls and she could hide from everything.  She could disappear and wish for the ‘good’ days to return.

But when she reached her bedroom door, Ruby was still right beside her.  She stopped and turned around, thinking she would tell Ruby to leave, only to reconsider when she saw the overwhelming worry in Ruby’s eyes.  For a second, she felt guilty for causing that concern - she didn’t want to make Ruby feel bad - then she remembered the news she just received.

She could tell Ruby to leave.  She knew that if she did, Ruby would respect that decision.  But Ruby wanted to help, and Weiss...for as much as she wanted to be alone, she didn’t want to be without Ruby’s support right now.  Somehow, those were separate things.  Somehow, she could be near Ruby yet still feel safe.

“Come in,” she said before opening the door and entering the outer room of her chambers. Whoever designed the palace strove for gargantuan size and excess in every possible way.  Multiple silver chandeliers hung from the high, arching ceiling, each strategically placed over a separate seating area.  Each seating area had a sofa, several plush chairs, and a specific purpose she had never figured out since she never had company.

She expected Ruby to marvel at the glittering silver, the immaculate tapestries, or the sheer size of it all.  But Ruby said nothing - she stuck near Weiss’ elbow and followed her to one of the sitting areas.  And when Weiss sat down, Ruby sat right beside her, still not saying anything but still there, lending support in that unspoken, effortless way she had.

Weiss stared at her hands and willed herself not to cry.  There was nothing to cry about.  Winter was alive.  But she was hurt - Councilor Ironwood hadn’t said in what way, so Weiss imagined the worst - and the Knights were still pursuing her.  She was still on the run, her life was still in danger, she still couldn’t come home, and Weiss still couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered as tears welled up in her eyes.  The apology was intended for Winter, but Ruby scooted closer and gently set her hand on Weiss’ knee.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.”

For the first time, Ruby was wrong - Weiss had so much to be sorry for.

But she didn’t say that.  She focused on Ruby’s hand instead, embracing the gentle warmth and reassuring weight on her knee.  It calmed her, somehow.  At least, it dulled the edge of the spear in her heart and helped her get ahold of her jumbled thoughts.

“I’m sorry...” she repeated, this time to Ruby.  “I just...hate the thought of Knights hunting my sister...”

“I understand…”

“She’s wanted for killing our father,” she pointed out as if Ruby didn’t already know.

“And?” Ruby asked before scooting close enough that her warmth snuck into Weiss’ side like rays of sunshine.  “No matter what Yang did, I would still love her.  I’d never want anyone to hurt her.”

In one statement, Ruby proved that she understood Weiss’ heartbreak.  Even if Winter was guilty of what the Council charged her with, she was Weiss’ sister.  She was the only one who’d ever stood up for her.  Cared about her.  Weiss would love her no matter what.

“If you need someone to talk to…” Ruby added.  “I’m here.  I won’t judge, I only want to help.”

Somehow, Weiss knew that was true.  If Ruby wanted to judge, Weiss had given her ample reason to by claiming to be sparkless.  But this secret...if the Council found out…could be the difference between life and death.

While the invitation hung in the air, Ruby stayed close to Weiss’ side, one hand on Weiss’ knee, and waited for whatever Weiss said or did next.  They sat like that for a long time - Ruby never talking but never withdrawing her support; Weiss trying to decide what to do next.

Once a secret made it out into the open, it couldn’t be taken back - Weiss knew that.  At the same time, she wanted someone to know.  And she wanted that someone to be Ruby. She didn’t understand why she trusted Ruby so much.  Ruby had every reason to lie - to use any information against Atlas, for her own people - yet Weiss still trusted her.

Winter told her not to trust anyone...but Winter had never met Ruby.

“If I tell you something...do you swear to keep it to yourself?”

“Of course.”

Again, Weiss trusted that response.  Before saying anything, however, she looked around the empty room before leaning closer and lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Atlas condemned my sister to death,” she began, feeling the words like a knife through her chest.  “If they find her, they’ll kill her...because they think she killed our father.”

“‘Think?’”

“Yes.”  She paused and took a deep breath.  If she was wrong, this was possibly the second-biggest mistake of her life.  But if she was right...

“It’s not true,” she admitted, the truth leaving her lips like a sigh of relief.  “His death was an accident, but it was my fault.  He was in one of his moods - he threatened her - and I...pushed him.  It was an accident, but…I killed him, not Winter.”

As soon as that disjointed explanation ended, silence blanketed the room and amplified the pounding in Weiss’ ears.  Suddenly, she wanted to take it all back.  She wanted to grab the words and stuff them back inside, never to be heard again.

“You’re telling the truth?”

If there was ever a moment to lie, this was it.  She could make up something.  Laugh and say it was a horrible joke.  Lie and say it was only meant to scare Ruby.

“Yes,” she whispered instead.  Because she couldn’t lie.  Not when Ruby’s eyes - smooth silver that were never short on caring - studied her so intently.  Not when Ruby’s warm, capable hand never left her knee - offering steadfast yet undeserved support.

While Ruby processed the confession, Weiss waited for her to call for the guards.  To yell at her - call her a murderer.  Instead, Ruby reached out and gently tucked a strand of Weiss’ hair behind her ear.

“And you’ve kept that to yourself this whole time?” Ruby whispered, her eyes so sad and caring that Weiss’ tears instantly returned.

“Winter knew,” Weiss admitted before sniffling and wiping the first tear away.  “Obviously, she did, but...she’s not here anymore.”

She didn’t want to cry, but heavy waves of emotion crashed upon her heart.  The anger, fear, and turmoil of that fateful night still hadn’t washed away.  It only grew stronger the longer Ruby didn’t move away - didn’t even budge after learning such a horrible secret.

“Weiss...I won’t tell anyone.  I promise.”

The words struck Weiss like a bolt of lightning - sharper and stronger than the rebuke and rejection she’d feared.

“Really?”  The tears were impossible to ignore now, making the world shimmer as she held Ruby’s tender gaze.  “You don’t...think I’m a horrible person?”

“Of course not.”  Ruby wiped away a tear with her thumb and smiled - a genuine, warm, affectionate smile.  “If possible, I like you even more.”

In any other situation, Weiss might have asked for clarification on that comment.  Instead, her eyes fluttered shut when Ruby leaned forward and pressed a soft, gentle kiss to her forehead.

She opened her eyes when Ruby pulled away, her heart beating faster while she searched Ruby’s eyes for answers to even more questions.  They were so close now that she could hardly breathe.  She could see every emotion in Ruby’s gorgeous eyes and wished she could hear the thoughts that went with them.

The way Ruby looked at her made her feel like the most valued, treasured person in the world.  For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel invisible.  Ruby saw her for who she was and accepted her...flaws and all.

When Ruby tenderly cupped Weiss’ cheek in one hand, Weiss leaned into the touch.  Her spark became nearly impossible to ignore.  Anticipation tingled down her spine.  Yet she couldn’t turn away from Ruby’s gaze, wanting nothing more than to get lost in those silver eyes.

Ruby leaned closer before pausing.  Her gaze dipped for a brief second...then she searched Weiss’ eyes...then she closed the distance between them and captured Weiss’ lips in a kiss.