The Queens of Remnant - Chapter 37 (Patreon)

Weiss woke up the next morning with an unusual feeling of content flowing through her.  She was warm, comfortable, happy, and only needed to open her eyes to remember why.

Ruby was still here.  Still in Weiss’ bed with her arms wrapped around Weiss’ waist and her face burrowed in the back of Weiss’ neck.  From her deep, steady breathing, she was still sleeping.  Yet she was the source of Weiss’ warmth, as her body heat chased away the chill in Weiss’ heart.

Unlike the previous morning, Weiss didn’t jump out of bed in a mad, embarrassed scramble to find her clothes.  A blush crept onto her cheeks as she acknowledged that she wasn’t wearing anything at all, but neither was Ruby.  Feeling Ruby’s skin against hers, so soft and smooth and practically begging to be touched, Weiss was in no hurry to leave.

But the sunlight peeking through the windows announced that the day had already begun, so she sighed and soaked up as much of Ruby’s warmth as possible.  She had wished that morning would never arrive but, now that it was here, would admit that it was bittersweet. After feeling so alone for so long, she finally found someone to confide in.  Someone to trust.  Someone who made her feel like she could do anything she set her mind to.  Now, that someone had to leave.

Weiss understood that very little could be done about it, but that wouldn’t prevent her from longing for different circumstances.  If Yang weren’t ill, would Ruby stay for a few more days?  Another week?  Several weeks?  Could they send the treaty to Vale via messenger while Ruby stayed here, making Weiss’ days better with her infectious energy and glow?  Would they spend every night like last night and every morning like this morning?

Unfortunately, time wasn’t on their side, so Weiss closed her eyes and savored the moment while it lasted.  Ruby promised that this wasn’t the end, that she would come back.  Weiss believed her, but she also knew that the road between now and then would be fraught with turmoil.  Right now, they had peace, tranquility, and each other, and she didn’t want that to be over so soon.

When she reached down and set her hands over Ruby’s, Ruby finally stirred.  Weiss realized too late that her hands were probably ice cold, but that didn’t stop her from enjoying the way Ruby snuggled closer, clutching her arms around Weiss’ waist and nuzzling into Weiss’ hair.  A soft sigh slipped through Ruby’s lips, tickling the back of Weiss’ neck and making her subtly squirm.

Ruby suddenly stilled, probably finally awake and soaking in the moment just as Weiss did moments prior.  Seconds ticked past with Weiss holding her breath and Ruby not moving a muscle.  Then another sigh tickled Weiss’ neck, and Ruby’s arms hugged Weiss even closer.  Unable to wait any longer, Weiss spun around in Ruby’s arms. Her blush deepened once they were face-to-face and chest-to-chest, but she focused on Ruby’s expressive silver eyes, which never lacked excitement to see her.

“Good morning,” she whispered.

“Good morning,” Ruby replied with a heart-stopping smile.  “How’d you sleep?”

“Really well.  How about you?”

Weiss noticed the dark circles under Ruby’s eyes immediately after asking, but Ruby grinned, wrapped her arms around Weiss’ back, and tugged her even closer.

“Don’t think I slept much,” she admitted while Weiss’ blush deepened.  “But I feel like I have all the energy in the world.”

“Isn’t that how you always feel?”

When Ruby laughed at the somewhat teasing, somewhat serious question, Weiss smiled and snuggled underneath Ruby’s chin.  She could hear Ruby’s heartbeat clearly from there - a strong, steady beat that quickly put her at ease.  Feeling Ruby’s arms wrap around her shoulders, enveloping her in blissful warmth, she sighed. She had never been this comfortable with another person before, but Ruby made it so easy.  By embracing every gesture of intimacy or affection, no matter how fleeting or small, Ruby encouraged Weiss to offer more, and more often.

“What time do you think it is?” Ruby eventually asked.  Her strong, warm hands slid up and down Weiss’ back now, the comforting motion nearly lulling Weiss back to sleep.

“Late,” Weiss mumbled against Ruby’s chest.  “But I don’t want to get up…”

“I don’t either…” Ruby sighed.  “If we didn’t have anything to do, I’d convince you to stay in bed all day.”

Thankfully, Ruby couldn’t see the furious blush that comment elicited.  That possible future sounded incredible.  Just the two of them lying here all day...wrapped up in each other while talking, kissing, and...enjoying other activities.  It wouldn’t take much convincing for Weiss to agree to that.

“Just a few more minutes?” she requested instead, but even that felt greedy.  Now that they were both awake, those other pressing matters became more pressing, but she couldn’t bring herself to let go a second before she had to.

“Of course.”

Ruby kissed the top of her head and continued tracing up and down her back while Weiss closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  If Ruby would be gone for the foreseeable future, Weiss wanted to memorize as much of this moment as possible.  The way Ruby smelled...her soft skin and warmth...her jumpy spark sending gentle breezes across the room...how she held Weiss as if holding something treasured and valuable...

Only when Weiss felt reasonably assured in her memory did she lean back to meet Ruby’s gaze.  She would remember Ruby’s eyes best of all.  That expressive shade of silver said so much without using words.  At some times, offering encouragement.  At others, endless support.  And right now...adoration, devotion, and fondness that made Weiss’ heart sing.

Weiss hoped Ruby knew that she felt the same.  She possibly felt even stronger emotions but didn’t have the courage to put those into words.  They weren’t even allowed to be together, but that mattered so little right now.  The only thing that mattered was that Ruby left Atlas knowing how important she was.

From the way Ruby searched Weiss’ eyes, and the small smile that appeared on her lips, she knew.  At the very least, she suspected.  That was good enough for now, but Weiss couldn’t let her go without making one thing very clear.

“I’ll miss you.”

The confession was a whisper, but Ruby heard it loud and clear.  Her eyes brightened in response, and her smile became even more beautiful.

“I’ll miss you, too,” she whispered before leaning in and capturing Weiss’ lips in a kiss.  The kiss was sweet, tender, and a little sad, but Ruby smiled when she pulled away and a wisp of frost unfurled from her lips.  “I’ll miss that, too,” she added before giggling.  Even though Weiss blushed at her disobedient spark, she still found the confidence to reach up and brush her fingers through Ruby’s hair.

“I’ll have more for you when you come back.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

When Ruby kissed her again - a quick kiss this time - Weiss felt more assured than ever that this was only a goodbye for now, not a goodbye for good.  Regardless, she sighed and turned toward the window, where the sun shone even brighter.

“We should probably get ready.”

“Yeah...and we should probably check on Councilor Hill.”

Reminded of that horrible memory, Weiss sighed again.

“You’re right.  We should.”

When Ruby finally untangled from Weiss and rolled out of bed, Weiss followed.  Her modesty immediately returned, especially when Ruby glanced her way.  But if she was going to sneak looks at Ruby, it seemed only fair that Ruby could do the same.  So Weiss accepted the blush on her cheeks while quickly slipping into her clothes.

There would be plenty to do today, but those responsibilities felt inconsequential compared to Ruby’s departure.  Once Ruby finished getting ready, looking as beautiful and elegant as ever despite the lack of sleep, Weiss willingly accepted her hand for their short walk to the door.  There, Weiss listened for sounds in the hall before opening the door and leading Ruby out.

She let go of Ruby’s hand because she had to, not because she wanted to, and clasped her hands in front of her instead.  Ruby walked close enough that their shoulders brushed as they made their way downstairs.  They usually had so much to say, but this morning they opted for a comfortable, if not slightly somber, silence.

The busy foyer erased any sense of calm.  Stewards and housekeepers rushed in and out of the front doors, some carrying large packages of food or other supplies in their arms.  Their actions were warily watched by nearly double the usual number of guards, whose stiff postures and suspicious glances revealed their heightened sense of alert.  Rather than dwell on the commotion, however, Weiss led Ruby to the infirmary.

Inside the tranquil room, Weiss found one of the doctors writing notes at the desk while a new nurse organized supplies on a small cart.  James, however, sat exactly where they last saw him, looking like he hadn’t moved all night.

“Anything?” Weiss asked while glancing at the bed.  If possible, Councilor Hill looked even worse this morning.  Dark purple bruises had blossomed around her wrists and jaw.  The smaller cuts - the ones not deep enough to require stitches or bandages - were now an angry red.  The bandages had been changed overnight, but dark patches of blood remained visible.

“Several visitors, but none stayed long,” James answered before standing and stretching his back.  “The doctor seems encouraged though.  She must be improving.”

“That’s great news.”

After sharing a confirming look with Ruby, Weiss took a deep breath and slowly released it while looking around the room.  Now that the day was underway, more people roamed around the infirmary.  There were the doctors, multiple nurses, along with whoever arrived for their own ailments - anything from upset stomachs to twisted ankles.

There were plenty of witnesses if anyone tried to hurt the defenseless councilor.  As much as Weiss would love to have James stand guard until Councilor Hill woke up, that was impossible - he had to leave with Ruby.

“I think she’ll be alright for a little while,” she eventually decided.  “I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

“A good idea.”  James slightly bowed to Weiss before turning to Ruby.  “I’ll collect our belongings and make sure everything’s ready.  I believe we can leave shortly.”

“Got it.”

Ruby nodded as James set off to complete those tasks.  When her eyes returned to Weiss, however, a frown tugged at the corner of her mouth.

“Guess it’s almost time, huh?”

“Yes...I guess it is.”  Sparing one last glance around the infirmary, Weiss sighed and motioned Ruby after her.  “Should we get breakfast first?” she offered while they returned to the entryway.

“Um...if there’s food packed up, we should probably just get going.”

“Right.  Of course.”

Weiss tried to hide her disappointment, especially when Ruby stopped by one of the entryway closets and collected her jacket.

“Thanks again for this.  I love it.”

Ruby was referring to the jacket, but Weiss silently claimed some of the affection in Ruby’s eyes for herself.

“I’m glad you like it,” she whispered before grabbing her own jacket and slipping it on.  Even though she could say goodbye to Ruby at the palace doors, she wouldn’t.  She would accompany Ruby as far as she possibly could before accepting their separation.  Glancing around the crowded foyer, however, she realized that she didn’t want to spend their last few minutes surrounded by other people.

“Excuse me,” she addressed one of the butlers as he hurried past.  “How long until Queen Rose’s carriage is ready?”

“Not long, Your Highness.  Everything should be packed in the next fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you.”

With that timeline out in the open, Weiss turned to Ruby and attempted a smile.  It felt lackluster but didn’t come close to matching the sorrow building in her heart.  Ruby wanted to comfort her - she could see that in warm, silver eyes - but knew better than to try with so many people around.

“Can I show you something while we wait?” Weiss asked when a solution popped into her mind.

“Of course.”

As soon as Ruby granted permission, Weiss caught the nearest Knight’s attention.

“We’ll be on the balcony.  Please have someone find us as soon as everything’s ready.”

The man hardly nodded before Weiss hurried Ruby back upstairs.  There wasn’t much time, but they could enjoy what they had left.  A few more minutes was all Weiss could ask for as they climbed the main staircase, then several side staircases, before arriving at a solid set of double doors. Regardless of the cold, she opened one of the doors and led Ruby out onto a large balcony with an impressive view of Atlas stretching below.  The frigid air nearly made her regret the decision, but she couldn't possibly when she saw the sparkle in Ruby’s eyes.

“Wow…this is incredible.”

From there, they could see much of the palace grounds.  Ruby’s carriage was right below, still being carefully stocked and prepared for the trip to Vale.  Atlas took up much of their view, with snow-capped rooftops and puffs of smoke coming from chimneys.  And, in the distance, the towering stone walls keeping them safe from intruders but not much else.

“It’s one of my favorite spots.”  When a gust of wind whipped across the empty space, Weiss pulled her coat tighter and stood by Ruby’s side.  “Winter and I would sit out here sometimes, talking about things we didn’t want anyone to overhear, or just...getting away from the palace.”

Remembering some of those moments, Weiss looked at the city and sighed.  She used to come here when she wanted to feel connected to Atlas - the ‘real’ Atlas.  Now, she understood just how far away she was.

Ruby showed her what Atlas was really like.  Ruby taught her that standing here within the safety of the palace walls was still disconnected from the people calling Atlas home.  But she didn’t have to be disconnected.  She didn’t have to stand here, alone, imagining what it would be like to be out there instead.

Ruby changed everything.  By being open, honest, and caring, she’d changed so much of what Weiss thought to be immutable.  She’d shown Weiss that things didn’t have to stay the same.  That things could be different.  Better.

“My entire life…Winter was the only person I could trust.”  Finally turning away from Atlas, Weiss smiled at Ruby.  “Until I met you.”

While the wind rustled Ruby’s short hair, Weiss reached up and gently cupped her cheek in one hand.

“I’m so grateful you came back with me, Ruby.  Honestly...I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“You would’ve kicked serious butt.”  Only after Weiss smiled and shook her head did Ruby grow more serious.  “But I’m glad I came here, too.  I loved learning about Atlas, and about you.  You’re amazing, and I can’t wait to spend more time with you once...once things settle down.”

Noticing the flicker of pain in Ruby’s eyes, Weiss grabbed both of Ruby’s hands and squeezed them.

“I promise we’ll find a cure.  We’ll devote every resource we can spare.  We may not be able to save your sister, but...we’ll stop this.”

Ruby squeezed Weiss’ hands in return and managed a small smile.  “Together,” she whispered before leaning in.

Just before their lips met, the door slammed open in the wind.  Weiss jolted away, startled by the loud noise just as much as the messenger rushing onto the balcony.  James was right on the young man’s heels, on high alert at the perceived importance of the matter.

“Your Highness!”  Out of breath, the messenger bowed before setting his hands on his knees.  “Word from Vale - the palace has fallen!”

For a second, Weiss couldn’t even process the words.  Then her heart chilled to pure ice.

“...what?”

“A coup,” he huffed out.  “The palace overthrown - the queen - we think - we think the queen’s dead.”

Weiss covered her mouth in horror, but Ruby stared at him.

“Who did it?” she asked, her eyes already filling with tears.

“No names - rumor is a band of mercenaries - snuck into the palace overnight -”

That was all Ruby needed to hear before turning away and covering her face with both hands.

“Ruby...”  Weiss motioned the messenger away and set a hand on Ruby’s shoulder.  “This must be wrong.  We’ll send someone else to confirm.  Surely, it’s just a rumor.”

“It’s not a rumor…” Ruby whispered through her hands.  “Cecelia did it…she killed Yang.”

Before Weiss could reply, Ruby buried her face in Weiss’ shoulder and began to cry.  Weiss wrapped Ruby in a hug while meeting James’ gaze and, for once, they agreed on something: they had no idea what to do, but they had to do something.

“I’ll speak to the scouts at the border,” he decided.  “I’ll find the truth behind this rumor.”

Once Weiss nodded, silently telling him that she would stay right here, he set his hand on Ruby’s shoulder.

“I’ll find out what happened to your sister,” he said when Ruby peeked over at him.  “You have my word.”

He rushed off of the balcony with that promise, leaving Weiss and Ruby standing there alone.  Unsure of what else to do, Weiss held Ruby close and didn’t let go.  She felt utterly helpless right now, and that hurt nearly as much as Ruby’s sobs did.

“I just...don’t get it…” Ruby choked out while Weiss rubbed her back.  “Why would Cecelia kill her?  Unless…unless Yang tried to fight…”

Ruby’s tears renewed at the thought.

“But why would she fight back...?” she whispered.  “She’s in no shape to fight back…she shouldn’t fight back...”

At a loss for words, Weiss lent whatever support she could.  Holding Ruby close, rubbing her back, letting her tears fall and heartbroken sobs shake her shoulders.  Weiss didn’t interrupt or try to move away.  Even when the balcony grew colder, even when she wanted to suggest that they go inside, she stayed there instead.

If Yang had the Phage, this moment would have arrived eventually.  But for it to happen like this...when Ruby didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye…

Ruby couldn’t return to Vale now.  Until they had more information, it was unsafe.  They needed to know exactly what they were up against, then retake the kingdom.  Atlas would help - Weiss would make sure of it - and Vale would be returned to Ruby.

But none of that mattered to the girl in her arms, who’d just lost her sister in the most horrible way.  Several tears slipped from Weiss’ eyes as she held Ruby close, offering what little warmth she had.

She didn’t know how long they stood there but, eventually, Ruby’s sobs began to soften.  Her shoulders stopped shaking so heavily.  And, after a few quiet moments passed, she pulled away and wiped more tears from her eyes.

“I’m so sorry...” Weiss whispered, brushing her thumb across Ruby’s cheeks to wipe more of the tears away.  “But we’re going to figure this out, ok?  I promise.”

Ruby closed her eyes, leaned into Weiss’ hand, and nodded.  The defeated aura tore Weiss’ heart in two, but she was more determined than ever to make this right.  No matter what it took, and no matter what she had to do.

“Do you want to go inside now?” she softly offered.

Once Ruby nodded, Weiss gently held her elbow and led her toward the door.  They only made it several steps, however, before Ruby abruptly froze and spun around.  Weiss hardly opened her mouth to ask what was wrong before she heard it too - a new noise had joined the cold wind whistling across the rooftop.

Seconds later, a young man clambered onto the balcony only to be instantly met with a gale-forced gust of wind that knocked him right off his feet.  He landed on his back with a hard thump before groaning and rolling onto his side.

“Ouch,” he moaned, rubbing his back.  “Note to self - don’t surprise you again.”

“Who are you?” Ruby demanded, holding an arm in front of Weiss while staring down their unexpected visitor.  His spiky blonde hair and tan complexion looked out of place in Atlas, and that alone was cause for concern.

“I’m Sun,” he replied, flashing a brief grin.  “Blake sent me.”

“Blake?”

Ruby’s arm lowered slightly, but her voice filled with as much confusion as Weiss felt.

“Yeah.”  After slowly pushing himself to his feet, Sun held out his hands so that they could see he was unarmed.  “Blake sent me to find you.  Your sister needs you.”

“Yang?  She’s alive??”

“Barely.  They’re in the Badlands - Blake got them out before everything went down.  They’re hiding out now, but the queen’s going downhill fast.”

“But she’s alive,” Ruby repeated and Sun quickly nodded.

“She is,” he confirmed before turning to Weiss.  “Your sister, too.”

Weiss blinked, then nearly told him that he must be mistaken.  That her sister had vanished long ago.

But he looked at her as if he knew her.  As if he’d seen her before.  Or someone who looked remarkably like her.

“Winter?” she asked, hardly even able to believe it.  “Winter’s there?”

When he nodded, she laughed.  She could think of no other way to express her sudden joy.  Sudden relief.  After thinking that Winter might be dead, or might still be running, but now knowing exactly where she was…and that Yang was there too…

There was still hope.

“They’re in the Badlands?” Ruby asked, looking off in the distance.  “I can make it there.  With my spark...I can get there fast.”

“Then go now.”  Weiss grasped Ruby’s hands and squeezed them when silver eyes met hers.  “Hurry back to her.”

Before Ruby expressed any hesitation, Weiss wrapped her arms around Ruby’s neck and pulled her into a kiss.  Through their lips, they communicated a rush of emotions - happy, sad, and everything in between - before finally breaking apart.

“I’ll miss you,” she whispered while running her fingers through Ruby’s hair.  “But we’ll be together again soon.”

“Please be careful,” Ruby whispered back, her eyes begging Weiss to agree.

“I will.  Promise.”

The promise erased the last of Ruby’s worries, and she gave a resolute nod before turning toward their unexpected messenger.

“How fast are you?”

“Pretty fast,” he answered with a big grin.  “How fast are you?”

“Really fast.”

Finally realizing who he was speaking to, his grin fell.

“I’ll...catch up then,” he said.  “They’re in Menagerie Township.  Ask for a guy named Red.  He’ll know where Blake is.”

After nodding, Ruby met Weiss’ gaze one last time before leaping off the balcony and disappearing like a breeze.  Weiss rested her hand over her heart while watching that gust of wind tear towards Atlas’ walls.  Her mind still reeled from the tumultuous turn of events, but Yang was still alive.  Ruby could make it to her in time.  They could share a proper goodbye.  There was still the matter of what to do about Vale, but...that problem could be dealt with later.

“Well, now I’m embarrassed I had to climb up here,” Sun said, chuckling as he swept a hand through his short hair.  “Wish I could’ve done that instead!”

“I’m sure we’d all like to be a little more like Ruby…” Weiss mused before turning toward him.  “But you must be tired.  Would you like to rest here before returning to the Badlands?”

“Actually -”

“Your Highness!  Stand back!”

Councilor Ironwood rushed onto the balcony, an icy dagger already clutched in one hand.

“He means no harm,” Weiss said, raising her hand and stepping in front of Sun.  Councilor Ironwood paused several paces away, but confusion flashed through his eyes.

“The Knights spotted an intruder.  After what just happened in Vale, how do you know he wasn’t sent to kill you?”

Councilor Ironwood glared at Sun, who raised his hands and backed away.

“Because he delivered an important message,” Weiss replied.  “He’s a friend.”

She kept her voice steady and calm, but a chill had begun spreading through her veins.  The way Councilor Ironwood rushed out here put her on edge, and that feeling only grew when he set his jaw and looked around.

“Where’s Queen Rose?”

“She had to leave unexpectedly.”

“Unfortunate...” he mused, lightly rubbing one of the barely healed cuts on his cheek.  “I was hoping to take care of both of you at once.”

Before Weiss deciphered that sentence, a spear of ice shot toward her.  It barely missed - she watched it glance by her right shoulder after a sharp breath of wind blew it off course at the last second.

“Woah there, buddy,” Sun said, now standing between her and the Councilor.  “That’s not how you treat a lady.”

“Out of my way.”

Sun yelped when large blocks of ice suddenly encased his arms and legs, freezing him to the ground while Councilor Ironwood brushed past.

“Councilor,” Weiss warned, backing away while her fear and adrenaline rose.  “Release him at once.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”  Fake sympathy dripped from Councilor Ironwood’s voice as he stalked toward her, forcing her to the edge of the rooftop.  “If only you were more careful...but you’ve proven to be quite the risk-taker.  Venturing beyond the palace without your guards - with an outsider no less - and now entertaining this...this rogue assassin who means nothing but harm.”

Dagger still in hand, Councilor Ironwood waved dismissively at Sun before feigning a sigh.

“First, your father’s death, then your sister’s excommunication, now you.  It looks like this is where the fabled Schnee bloodline ends.”

Backed into the balcony’s railing, Weiss glanced over her shoulder and found she had nowhere to go but down.  She could call for help - hopefully, one of the Knights would hear her from up here - but they would never reach her in time.  She was on her own.

Fortunately, being on her own didn’t scare her like it once had.  If she kept him talking, she could think of a way out of this.

“But why?” she asked while slowly spurring her spark to life, feeling a deep chill seep through her veins.

“Shouldn’t it be obvious?” he asked, so unafraid of her that he didn’t think twice about delaying his betrayal.  “You’re the last of the royal line.  There are no heirs.  Once you’re gone, the kingdom is passed to the highest-ranking member of the Council.”

“To Councilor Hill.”

“Who will succumb to her injuries tonight, I assure you.”

“You attacked her…” Weiss whispered as the pieces fell into place.

“This is how dynasties rise and fall, dear child,” he replied before giving her a pitying look.  “You should have just let the Council handle everything, but you had to get involved.  You had to feel important.”

Feeling an unexpected cold on her feet, she looked down and watched ice wrap around her ankles.  Her heart raced faster now, especially as the ice tightened to the point of pain, but she also felt...unexpectedly calm.  She saw him clearly now.  She understood what he’d done and why.  And, surprisingly, she was just as unafraid of him as he was of her.

“How courageous of you,” she drawled.  “Killing someone who’s unable to fight back.”

“That’s where you’ve got it wrong.  I didn’t kill you - he did.”  Councilor Ironwood pointed at Sun, who was still struggling against his traps.  “An assassin from Vale...sent to kill the Queen of Atlas and Speaker of the Council?  The war will be back on within hours.  And with Vale’s current upheaval…”

Trailing off, he clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“I’d hoped to get rid of Queen Rose at the same time, but that will have to wait.”

Weiss’ spark abruptly surged to life, sending frost flooding through her veins.  He could threaten her all he wanted, but threatening Ruby?  That made her heart beat harder and her blood pump faster as her entire body turned the most frigid cold she’d ever experienced.

She didn’t want to resort to violence, but she wouldn’t let this filth fester under her watch.  She wouldn’t let Atlas be dragged back into war.  She wouldn’t let innocent lives be lost so that Atlas could prosper.  And she would not let anyone think about harming Ruby, ever.

So, as he approached her with that dagger in his hands, she didn’t feel fear.  She scowled as indignation lit her veins.

“I think you underestimated me, Councilor.”

He paused for only a second, briefly amused, as Weiss called upon her spark and shattered the ice binding her ankles, sending it scattering like shards of glass across the balcony.  Sun’s binds broke at the same moment, freeing them both while the Councilor looked around in confusion. Before he understood what had happened, she formed a perfect, icy rapier in her hand and pointed it at his neck.  Finally, his eyes widened.

“But you’re - you’re sparkless.”

“Surely you know better than to believe everything you hear, Councilor.”

For several seconds, he stared, stunned and confused.  Then he scowled.

Weiss sensed the barrage of icicles and formed a shield just before they plunged into her back.  They shattered across the ground as Ironwood charged at her, his dagger elongating into a sword as he swung it at her head.

After all of Winter’s training, it was almost too easy.  The blade whistled toward her neck, intent to kill, while she summoned an icy Knight to take the blow. The Councilor’s sword clanged off of the guard.  In the split second that followed, Weiss slammed a block of ice into his chest with enough force to knock him from his feet.  He tumbled across the rooftop while the Knight grew bigger and taller, towering above them as it strode over to the miniscule man in white.

Before Councilor Ironwood regained his feet, the Knight grabbed him around the throat, lifted him into the air as if he weighed no more than a feather, and held him out over the edge of the balcony.  His feet dangled in the air as he grabbed at the Knight’s icy glove and summoned a series of mallets or cleavers in his defense.  The objects hardly chipped at the Knight’s impenetrable armor.  If anything, the resistance only angered Weiss further, prompting thick flurries to fall across the rooftop as the Knight’s grasp tightened.

She only stopped when Councilor Ironwood gasped and clutched onto the Knight’s hand, trying to ease the building pressure on his neck.  She walked over as his spark weakened, parting the snowflakes around her so she could see him glaring down at her.

“You’re...unfit...to be queen…” he seethed, his eyes filled with rage and fear alike.

“You’re unfit to keep breathing,” she replied before having the Knight drop him onto the rooftop, where he crumbled to a heap at her feet.  “Yet you’ll continue to do so anyway,” she added as another rapier formed in her hand.

With her weapon at his throat, he glared up at her.  Clearly, he’d expected this to be easy.  Now that he’d failed, he had nothing but anger.

While Weiss decided what to do with the man, who’d just proven himself too dangerous to release on his own, footsteps raced toward them.  A group of Knights burst onto the balcony seconds later, and Councilor Ironwood’s eyes filled with false fear as he scooted away from her.

“She attacked me!” he shouted, jabbing a finger at her.  “The Queen - she attacked me!”

Surprised, the Knights looked at Weiss before turning back to the Councilor.

“Don’t just stand there.  Arrest her!”

The Knights glanced at each other before one of them stepped forward, but Weiss raised her hand and said, “Stop.”

He stopped.

As he should.  This was her royal guard, not the Council’s.

“Take the Councilor into custody for treason and attempted murder.”

“She’s lying!” Councilor Ironwood hissed, spit flying from his mouth while the Knights obediently grabbed him by the arms and hoisted him to his feet.  “She attacked me!  She’s unstable!  She’ll lead Atlas to ruin!”

“Please make him be quiet,” Weiss added.  A patch of ice covered the Councilor’s mouth almost instantly, silencing his protests as the guards bound his wrists and ankles with sturdy cuffs of ice.  He was almost blue in the face still trying to claim his innocence, but no one heard a word.

“Keep him under armed watch for the foreseeable future,” she instructed the captain of the guards.  “If he causes trouble, deal with him as you see fit.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the captain replied with a bow.  Before they dragged Councilor Ironwood away, however, Weiss walked over and shook her head at him.

“Don’t worry, Councilor, you’ll be given an opportunity to plead your case to the Council.  Pray they grant you the mercy they wouldn’t grant my sister.”

After watching anger, then fear, flit through his eyes, she motioned for the Knights to take him away.  They followed the order without question, lifting Councilor Ironwood off his feet and dragging him inside.  Several Knights remained on the balcony, standing at attention and casting wary glances Sun’s way.  Weiss, however, walked over to Sun without hesitation.

“I’m sorry about that,” she apologized.

“It’s cool.  Literally.  Think I might have frostbite or something.”

That ice hadn’t exactly been pleasant, but Sun appeared none the worse for wear.  A blessing, considering Weiss now needed his help.

“If you’re feeling alright, I need to ask for a favor.”

“Sure.  What is it?”

“I need you to find a man named James,” she said, speaking quickly when she realized how urgent it was.  “He just left for the border.  He’s tall with sandy-blonde hair - do you think you can find him?”

“Of course.  I’m fast enough to do that.”

“Good.  Tell him that Ruby’s gone to the Badlands.  And please go after her.  Make sure she’s safe.”

Ruby just left for the Badlands without any means of protection other than her spark.  As strong as Ruby might be, Weiss hated thinking of her racing into a dangerous situation alone.

“Are you sure?  Because -”

When Sun glanced at the Knights, Weiss shook her head.

“I can handle this.  Please hurry.”

Thankfully, he didn’t argue.  He nodded and hopped over the balcony’s railing before disappearing below.  While he set off to find James, Weiss sighed and turned away from Atlas.  It felt like forever ago that she and Ruby stood here enjoying the view, sad that their time together would soon come to an end.  Now, everything had changed.

When she turned to the Knights still standing guard by the door, they quickly bowed.

“Your Highness,” one of them said, and she nodded before addressing him directly.

“Find the Councilors.  Tell them I want to meet with them.  Now.”

Once he rushed off to do as instructed, she waved the remaining guards after her.  They fell into step behind her as she returned to the palace more determined than ever before.

For the first time in her life, she knew that she deserved to be here.  She deserved to be heard and listened to, and she had quite a few things she wanted to say.  The Council would either agree with her or they would go home - she was done playing their games.