Levosta, Ostait Province, Ackesia, January 2020 (“Present Day”)Rain soaked the streets of the coastal city as a winter monsoon moved across the southern Ackesian coast with avengence. People mulled about still on their way to or from work, children played in the puddles to the protest of their mothers, and cars slid across the motorways kicking up waves of floodwater in the lower quarter streets. Not many lingered, people moved fast enough to not expose themselves to the elements for too long. That is why the hooded girl with the auburn hair perched on the side of the building stood out to Julian as he slowly made his way down the street.
The unshaven man held a wet paper bag in which his poison of choice resided in a somewhat obvious bottle shape. He largely kept to himself, coming and going for means of work or drink, not stopping to socialize unless he had to. Few knew him in these parts, his migration to the south eastern quarter of the city out of necessity. Julian deduced there would be no one else who would know his habits and routes to and from his home, the girl with the Auburn hair could be one of only two people.
He did not look her in the face, he couldn’t, instead he stopped walking, still faced in his direction of travel. The girl gasped when she realized it was him, quickly grabbing his arm with a clench of her long fingernails. Despite his thick jacket, her hand cut deep with her grasp, to an almost spiritual level.
“Julian…” The woman could not help but sob. Julian still did not turn, only looking at the rain pooling by his feet.
The woman examined him, moving around to his side where she got a better look at his worn face. He had large bags under his green orbs, his cheeks prickly and hair uncombed. There was a certain lifelessness about him, and as she moved her hand down to his, she noticed the bottle.
“Julian please… stop this.” Her tears mixed with the rain. “I know… I know you hurt… we all do! But you have to come back to us, come back please.” Her other arm moved to wrap around his, she now hugged him like she would not let go.
Still Julian “the uncouth” did not look at her.
“They’re… they’re gone Julian, they are…” she cried more, hoping against all hopes he would turn and embrace her.
“Won’t you please look at me… look at us…? They might be gone but we are… we are still family!”
Julian’s eyes perked up but froze forward, a thousand yard stare of emotional discipline at the cusp of faltering.
“Kei and I miss you, we want you to get better. You're killing yourself slowly Julian!” Her hand moved to touch his cheek, feeling his rough exterior, his armor that would not break.
“I… uh.. we love you Julian….” Her hand caressed his face softly.
“Look at me Julian….” she pleaded.
Still he did not move his gaze.
“LOOK AT ME!!” Her shrill scream startling many of the other passers by who jumped out of fright.
The rain pattered down on her hood as silence returned, and without a look in her direction or word Julian moved on, his worn leather boots as stretched out as his soul as he made his way home to find the bottom of the bottle.
The auburn haired woman collapsed to the ground, a splash of water soaking her as she sobbed… alone.
—-
Byni (Suburb 25 Miles North of Levosta), Ostait Province, Ackesia, October 2012 (8 years earlier) For the month of October it was a beautiful day, the skies were blue, the weather was not terribly cold, and the breeze coming off the Rosel was agreeable. Many in the small suburb of Byni were out and about socializing and browsing through the town's market as they prepared for one of the many traditional feasts celebrating the beginning of Jubilee (a traditional Ackesian holiday celebrating the victory of King Brack the III over the invading Lunders in 1123). Many families would be feasting that day with relatives, enjoying the love and communion of close family as is tradition in modern Ackesia.
Children played in the streets while their mothers and grandmothers picked fresh produce from the market. Farmers and merchants could barely keep their stocks of fresh hen or ham so long as the crowds kept demanding it. It was a loud chorus of life that day north of the coastal city, many lived for such moments and memories as they passed Acksian cultural heritage to the next generations.
For Julian Reqyn it was a particularly special Jubilee, though his rather stern and uptight expression did not show it. This would be the first such instance of the holiday he would be spending with others, his last memory of such an event when he was barely a toddler. Having been abandoned by his parents at a young age and growing up as a ward of the state, he did not have high expectations for holidays or other instances of tradition or cultural significance. Yet this time felt different to him, no matter how much time he spent denying it, putting up his usual barriers to attachment and emotion.
But from out of sight all of that came down as he caught a glimpse of auburn hair from across the market. He paused for a moment and looked on at them, two girls carrying baskets full of food. They were both beautiful women in their own right, slender yet endowed and had faces that carried a sort of sweet charm. Neither were like the plastic models of magazine fame or the girls often lauded at nightclubs in inner Levosta. They were the girls nextdoor your babushka would not stop talking about.
One caught a glimpse of him and smiled, her bare arm raising up and catching the sun as she waved him over. The other turned as well and nervously waved, her demeanor far more reserved than her sisters, even though they were identical.
Aina and Chiyo were two of three identical girls, better known as triplets. Their identities to a stranger would be indiscernible, but over the year Julian had gotten to know each of their quirks, habits, and differences, enough to really appreciate them like no other.
Julian watched them as he fought to cross through the crowded market, the girls patiently waiting for him on the other side.
A stiff breeze blew up from the west as he approached him, Chiyo’s skirt fluttered up higher than was comfortable for her, arms dashing to control the fabric as Julian caught the slightest glimpse of black lace on her hip.
Face beet red she looked down at the ground as he approached, her sister Aina giggling.
“Hi Julian, isn’t it a nice day out?” Aina looked from Julian to her sister with teasing green eyes. Aina was the empathetic and clever sister, always observant of the other two triplets and their emotions. The narrowed eyed girl even had a knack for catching Julian out from time to time as she peered back to him, studying his expression next to her flushed sister.
Chiyo, eyes closed, gathered herself from such an embarrassing moment. Bringing her hand in front of her she took a deep breath and exhaled as she lowered her palm.
Her eyes popped back open with a brightness unmatched by any other.
“HI!!” She waved to Julian with yet another radiant smile.
“Hey… do you all need any help? Your hands look full.”
“Fu… fu….” Aina waved her hand dismissively. “Like we can’t carry a couple of baskets.” Her tone wounded as she strode up to another stall where an older woman sold bread.
Both Aina and Chiyo, as well as their currently unpresent sister Kei were Julian’s neighbors this last year in a nice apartment building a few blocks from the market. Being somewhat of a loner Julian did not plan to interact much with his trio of beautiful auburn haired neighbors, his introduction to them was casual when he took up occupancy in the unit across from theres. But through constant encounters in the hall, many requests for help from Chyio to reach something too high for her, Aina’s friendly teasing whenever she saw him outside, and Kei’s stern yet caring correction of his casual wardrobe choices, Julian was drawn into their lives.
After months passed of their relationship as neighbors morphing into that of close friends, they too became an important part of his life, the only women really of note around him. As the hear progressed and more of his time was spent in their apartment as they teased, socialized, and fed him. And from there, their relationship started to turn into something else, a feeling these four adults all had.
Julian and Chiyo began to walk down the path as Aina paid for a loaf of artisan bread for their feast.
“Here is your change sweetie.” The old lady handed Aina some coins as she looked over to her identical sister and the man that walked with him.
“Oh boy….” she shook her head and pointed her thumb in their direction. “If I had a stud like that rearranging my guts every day I’d look that happy too!” Her wrinkled face brightened as she cackled.
“Gahh! Ma’am! How… how could you say something so lewd!” Aina blushed as she hurried along to catch up. Chyio looked red again, obviously hearing the old woman's remark as Julian tried to play it off as if he had not heard a thing.
“Boomers…..” Aina shook her head as she held up her nose.
“Ya! Boomers!” Chiyo echoed. An awkward silence fell on the trio for a few long moments until normal conversation resumed as they headed back to their apartment.
A few blocks north Julian and the triplets prepared for the meal they would share. Kei the more serious and stern sister barked out directions as her sisters goofed off, and Julian, fearful of catching a slap on the back of the head did as he was told like a good soldier. Rolling out the crust for the apricot pie he used his muscles, his braun getting the best of him as he made it too thin.
“Julian!” Kei facepalmed as she crumbled up the crust and made him do it again.
“Sorry Kei.” He smiled, once again picking up the roller.
The girls looked on at him softly, all captivated by his smile as he did not give such an expression often. Both Aina and Kei shook it off, smiling at each other as they felt warmed by the unofficial little family they had here. Yet Chiyo did not take her eyes off him, her heart racing a bit as she cracked an egg into a bowl without considering the shell pieces falling in.
“Uhheerrmm.” Kei cleared her throat as she smiled knowingly at her little sister. Chiyo being the youngest by only an hour blushed at the oldest’s perception.
“Breaking news this afternoon as the President of Sylvkia announced today the nationalization of mineral assets in his country, drawing the ire of some in the international community.”
The television was tuned in to the news, this particular piece catching Julian’s ear as he rolled the doe haphazardly.
“But if the Great Powers would seek to exploit, rather than cooperate, than they have no place in our great nation!” Novez’s voice echoed across the apartment.
Julian knew this was not going to end well.
“Border skirmishes have become more frequent between Skylvkia and its neighbor Vlachavia since this announcement, with the Ackesian Foreign Service Department issuing a no-travel order to Ackesian citizens as troop build ups continue along the border. President Ackerman…”
The TV went black as Julian came to the realization he had rolled the doe too thin again.
“Julian…” Kei’s tone was softer this time, though he could tell she was mad, he also could see the worry on the triplet’s faces.
“Sorry.” He hehe’d as he fixed the doe once more and finished it right quick.
An hour later the food was in the oven and the triplets were setting the table inside. Julian however was on the balcony, looking west as he knew his path would soon head there. Never before did he feel such anxiety before a deployment, the special forces soldier always placing duty before self. Yet he now reflected that was so easy to do when you have nothing. In these past months the triplets had become a part of him that anchored his heart somewhere, and now cast a shadow on his heart as it reminds him of his duty.
“Get there and back before breakfast.” He muttered the famous words of his Flank Sergent. He now knew how important those words were.
“Hey.” A soft voice stepped out from the apartment to the balcony with him. Chiyo’s auburn hair fluttered with the wind as she came behind him.
“Hey.” Julian’s heart skipped as he turned to her, taking in the sight of the beautiful girl and her bright green eyes.
“So… you think they will send you?” She stood still, looking off to the side as if to hide the pain in her eyes.
Julian nodded his head, turning up the corner of his mouth as he conveyed the truth of it to her.
“Oh…” a heaviness came over her. She came just a tad closer, a hair’s movement that conveyed more emotion than any words could.
“But I’ll be back. No worries.” He gave her one of those rare smiles as he reassured her. Though Chiyo knew enough of Julian to know that his reassurance comes with stipulations, she still found comfort in it. She knew that where he went was the most dangerous, and no one, not even him could be certain. Only Beo knew.
“Well I uh…” she came closer, an almost awkward distance as the girl fumbled with her words. Inside, unnoticed by Julian and Chiyo, Aina was nudging Kei to pay attention as they watched through the window.
“We uh…” Chiyo leaned forward, her face entering a zone of comfort beyond the one they had already established as close friends. “We will be here… when you get back…” She smiled at him, her eyes watering. “I will be here when you get back…”
Her mouth met his as they kissed, and Julian accepted it without question, as natural as a surprise kiss could hope to be.
Though they all loved him in their own way, and Julian them, Aina and Kei both knew that he and Chiyo were meant for eachother. Each of them brought out the best in each other. Two souls on the same wavelength.
After a few long moments of not coming up for air Kei banged on the glass of the window. Her raps were stern as she was more than a little jealous. Aina merely wore a smile, happier for her sister than any day since they lost their parents when they were young.
“Alright you love birds!” Kei poked her head out the door to the balcony, as both Julian and Chiyo held each other, blushing.
“Time for family dinner.”
Family dinner… words he never thought he would hear in his life. Sitting down together they enjoyed what little time left they had before Julian revisited duty.
—-
-Present Day“I’m right here for you.” The voice was warm and welcoming, it washed over Julian Reqyn’s mind like a soothing scent, dulling all other senses as he closed his eyes. Sitting on the couch of his living room he listened to his friend speak, its words affirming that his suffering did not have to continue.
“Just come to me, I can end all your pain.” Julian picked up a glass of golden liquid, taking a full swig as he winced at its bitterness.
A tear ran down his cheek, thinking of how useless he was, how utterly pathetic his existence had become.
“This pain…” the voice like a warm hand on the shoulder. “...it does not have to continue, embrace me.” It beckoned him.
Clenching his hand he sobbed, his drink spilling on the couch he sat on, his dark apartment filled with the sound of his shaking sorrow.
In his hand he opened it, a picture. The image struck him harder than any hammer, turning his head swiftly away as he clenched his face and sobbed.
“They love you Julian. Even where they are now.” His friend’s voice attempted to reassure, the words echoing around his brain as he attempted to make every excuse for how he was not worth their love.
As he closed his eyes he saw them again. But not in the happy and warm setting of the image, but as he last saw them… dead. Every time he closes his eyes he sees the face of his wife, Chiyo, an expression of horror and pain frozen on it as she sat dead in the driver seat, body contorted from the collision he witnessed first hand, her auburn hair stained in blood. And as deeply painful as that image was and how much it haunts him, it does not compare to the memory of seeing his daughter, Hana.
There his child, on the eve of her fourth birthday was, dead before she could even begin her life. His own child’s face was a picture of horror as the last breaths of life parted her with only enough strength to look at her father. He saw her expression, one of a child not understanding of the permanence that cursed her as her eyes forze forever.
Julian choked on his tears as he opened his eyes and tried to drown it in liquor. His sisters in law, part of the set of triplets his wife came from, could not even bring him out of this darkness. Julian pushed them away, the only family he had in his life, because he only saw his wife when he looked at them, their identical faces haunting him.
“Julian… it's ok, it doesn’t have to be this way.” The voice struck him.
“STOP!!” He yelled, his empty apartment ringing. “Stop…” his voice calmed as he shook his head.
“I hate myself… I hate myself…” he cried, until finally he balled his fist, striking himself on the temple.
He lay there on the couch, a dark abyss set before him as he waited to hear what wisdom his friend could give a man who lost everything, a man who lost his heart and soul.
“Julian… it doesn’t have to be this way.” The voice was closer now, just in front of him. “You don’t have to feel pain… I could take you to them.”
His friend, the loaded standard issue Steyr M assured him safe passage to see his family.
Julian stopped sobbing for a moment, his heart beginning to race as he thought about it. He was not a religious man before this, no hope for an afterlife ever really stuck to him as he grew up in the orphanages of the north part of the country. But if there was any hope of seeing Chiyo and Hana again, any hope to leave this pain behind, he had to take it.
Taking one last sip of drink, the warm liquid washing down his throat like fire. He picked up the sidearm issued to him, the round already in the chamber. He held it in his palm for a long moment as he felt its weight. Julian had fired it many times before, both in training and in war, yet there was an extra heaviness to it tonight. There were no more tears in his eyes as he contemplated what he must do.
“Embrace me.” It told him in that singsong voice, a reassurance that all the pain would soon be gone. In that moment the thoughts of those that still lived were not in his mind, both Kei and Aina, his wives fellow triplets would surely despair at his death and blame themselves. Those that did not know him would call him selfish taking his own life, pitying his situation but pinning his despair as unnecessary. Yet when he held the pistol he did not think of these things, no person in the abyss of suffering ill enough to come this close to claiming their own life would consider themselves selfish. Only egotists would dare pin that on the sick after they had already perished, if only those who so boldly spoke could be there to assure him everything would be fine now.
Julian had seen enough of his comrades claim their lives, haunted by wars or loss. He sat through the trainings the brass thought prevented this, if only a signature acknowledging the training erased the darkness in him. No one was coming for Julian, no one was bold enough to look him in the eye and say he was worth something. Kei and Aina would be better off without him to worry about.
It was decided, turning the pistol he pressed the barrel to his throat, his eyes closing to think of one last happy memory with Chiyo and Hana, his finger finding the trigger.
Bzzzzbbbzzzzzz
His cell rang on the counter behind him. It sung a tune of vibrations assigned to only one person.
Taking a deep breath he made a split second decision, it was either pull the trigger or put it down.
Julian couldn’t find it in him, he exhaled as he lowered the gun, wincing as he sobbed for a moment as his phone beckoned him in a real way, unlike his gun.
A loud tap on the table and his “friend” was back in its place.
“Another time perhaps.”
Drunkenly Julian stumbled to his phone, almost falling over as the blood rushed to his throbbing head.
On the phone a name “Tom” lit up as it sang a diddy that he assigned to the contact. Swiping right he answered.
“Yeah…” his voice raspy.
“Whoa brother you alright? You’re not drinking alone again are you?” A real friend questioned on the other side.
“What else are leave passes for.” His tone so matter of fact his friend did not know how to take it.
After a brief moment of contemplation Tom went on with his reason for calling.
“Well sober up buttercup. All leave has been canceled. Contact your chain of command and initiate a recall, we have orders to spin up in 12 hours.”
“Ah… didn’t realize this was a pleasure call.” Julian looked at his unshaven and unkept self in the mirror as he stroked his face. Bloodshot eyes looked back at him as he tried to peel himself away from his isolated reality.
“I have a feeling you weren't sitting on the beach enjoying yourself anyways.” His friend knew enough about Julian to understand his past and how it affected his present. But he did not know enough to be concerned.
“That it Sir?” Tom was the executive officer of their battalion, and Julian merely a company commander.
“Yeah that's it.” The voice turned a bit more serious. “Clean yourself up man, I can smell the whiskey through the phone. We can talk on the way if you want.”
Julian remained silent.
“Alright, well… see you soon cap’.”
“Roger.” Julian hung up the phone and grabbed the counter, hanging his head.
What was one more mission? He asked himself as he looked back over to his friend on the table. Just one more act of duty before the end.
Julian retired to his room to sleep off this binge, mustering the energy to clean himself up tomorrow and report into his unit.
—-
A day later, Palace of AvondaleTrinity sat at her desk, her head held high as she looked down at the paper before her, pen in hand once more. A new declaration of government, one with stipulations to the Princess’ liking. A full activation of emergency personnel to tackle growing poverty and homelessness. Money from both the Principality and Avondale Family charity flowing to emergency funds to feed and shelter her people. Strategies to put those who were able back to work on civil projects, and best of all a new First Minister.
Constaintin Valeriu, the son of a landed noble with old ties to the north of the principality and up and coming young Royalist Party politician knelt on the opposite side of her desk, head lowered as he presented his Princess with articles solidifying a sustainable plan of action to save the Principality of Avondale.
“My princess.” He said it suave enough to make Trinity want to puke. “I come to you humbled to be nominated by the party as your First Minister. Your words and actions over the course of this crisis have been an inspiration to me and my political career.” His eyes wandered back up to Trinity, drawing over her face and shoulders.
She was skeptical that this man really was inspired by her words, rather than being inspired by an advantageous situation. The young Princess had yet to fully adapt to reading people, her experience being played before in the past months. Yet a Delegate to the National Diet with a healthy political career in Beldon returning to Avondale to demote himself to a provincial parliament seemed like an odd choice. Her suspicions suggested it had more to do with a handsome young nobleman wanting to work closely to an unwed Princess.
Narrowing her eyes as she looked at both him and pen. Beside him were Vasile and other staff and politicians, most of which were new faces as those partied to the last such signing resigned, all smiled and nodded encouragement to her.
Taking the pen she placed her signature at the bottom of the declaration. To finish, her handmaids poured hot wax at the bottom and handed her the seal of her house.
“Thank you Anya, thank you Petra.” She stamped the violet wax with the bird of prey that signified her house and position.
“And thank you First Minister, I hope the parliament’s deliberations are short on these measures.” Trinity’s voice was firm yet still had a hint of nervousness to them. She had the confidence that her path was righteous, yet her vigor and charisma needed to catch up.
Constantin stood up before her and smiled, his white teeth meant to melt her girlish sensibilities.
“I serve at the pleasure of the princess.” He bowed at the waist, before turning about and exiting with his staff and fellow members of parliament.
Trinity exhaled, her stomach fluttering with both girlish lust and equal parts skepticism. Her heart had not yet healed from the events of the past month, it would take more than a handsome man of noble and political fame to break down the walls she was building inside of her. Though as she watched him walk down the hall she wondered…
“He is a good choice for the position my Princess.” Vasile walked beside her to reassure that she made the right choice. “It is a good sign that parliament wants to make way for a new generation of leadership, much like yourself.”
Anya, dressed in violet and black dress came beside Trinity and rubbed her shoulder soothingly. Her handmaidens both had become some of the few people she felt she could rely on, or even confide in. Often they comforted her as she bore the weight of her family’s death and her new role as Princess.
“He seems… nice, in a very polished way… like a boot.” Petra jested as she poured Trinity some tea.
“Petra…” Vasile scolded her.
“Vasile.” Trinity waved a hand to protect her friend and handmaid. “My handmaidens you assigned to me are free to tell me their feelings.” Trinity smiled at Petra as the girl crossed the study with a teacup and saucer, smirking like she just got in trouble with a teacher.
“It is also important you take those connections you have that have political power seriously.” Vasile walked towards the window of the study that overlooked the front of the palace and the parade ground.
It did not take long for the commotion of the front parade grounds to register with him, the guards running up to the gate. As the sun set over the ancient city, a line of Ackesian Army APCs and other various wheeled vehicles sat in front of the Palace of Avondale, soldiers dismounting and taking up positions around the gate as they shouted at the palace guards.
“Princess… wait here.” Vasile dismissed himself, rushing out of the Princess’s study and running down the hall.
Trinity stood up and looked behind her, peeling back the curtains and finding armored vehicles at her doorstep.
Wayland FV99s with large 30mm chain guns dominated the mainstreet of the city leading up to the palace, residents gathering around the long column to denounce their presence loudly as the soldiers advanced.
“My lady perhaps you should step away from the window.” Petra said as she sat the tea down on her desk.
Trinity grimaced, she knew they could not kill her, that would be war. But they could keep her locked in here under the guise of security.
“Ackerman…” she cursed his name.
On the parade ground Vasile quickly stepped towards the gate where Royal Guards and soldiers came face to face in a shouting match. Between the bars he could see several Army officers holding papers and pointing furiously at the ornately decorated guardsmen.
“These are orders, straight from Beldon, we are here to provide anti-terrorism security. Internal Security has deemed this Palace a target.” A Commandant (Ackesian major rank equivalent) shouted.
“What is the meaning of all of this.” Vasile parted the guardsmen as he approached with a dignified annoyance.
“Ah thank beo, good, someone in charge.” He readjusted his shoulders and prepared to repeat himself a fourth time.
“We are here under order-“
“We do not recognize the presence of western troops within the city.” Vasile interrupted. “This is a clear violation of the treaty.” He turned his nose as he reminded the officer of the treaty signed between the Ackesian Democratic Front and the Royals decades ago that precluded western forces from entering the city of Avondale proper, unless under wartime necessity.
“This specifically cites the necessity of anti-terrorism related activities with regards to a war on internal terror threats.” Another voice, a captain, pointed out with a sense of annoyance but also calm. Vasile looked the man over, his eyes weary and face marked with the ills of life.
“So captain… Reqyn…” Vasile condescendingly read his name tape. “I presume you are here to interpret law for us?”
Julian turned up the corner of his mouth, this old man was getting on his nerves. In fact if he wanted to he could, his studies at university did include International Relations and treaties.
“Sir there is little interpretation needed, we are here to provide for the security of the Princess and those who reside in and around the palace, what concern-“
“There is no interpretation needed Sir.” A voice from behind came forward, an older wrinkled man wearing the rank of Colonel on his collar stepped in front of his subordinates.
Vasile stood tall, a disgusted expression crossing his face.
“Indeed Colonel, is that why the President sends war criminals to provide security, Colonel Teofil?” He referenced the man before him’s record during the civil war, an Ackesian Democratix Front commander known for his cruelty.
The Colonel chuckled, spitting out a wad of chew through the gates.
Above them the whirls of a helicopter kicked up a breeze, the news outlets of Ackesia capturing footage of the armored column in the streets leading to the ancestral home of the royal family.
Pointing upwards he wagged his finger.
“See that, neither of us want that.” He looked to Vasile, a stoned cold expression shared between both men.
Julian recognized the deep seated hatred the two men shared, a hatred that could never be taught. Only these two men standing here were old enough to be around for the war. Everyone else just had to be told stories of it, their perception taught by whichever side had influence over them. The man who only a day earlier held his life at the end of his own pistol tsked at the thought that this pointless grudge was one day going to cause bloodshed once more.
“Yea those cameras are probably playing in every household across Ackesia, the whole of the nation holding on to their breath as they watch another war start before them.” The Colonel’s smirk was loaded with ill will. The shouts of Avondale citizens protesting the Ackesian Army presence beginning to get louder.
“No matter your justification, I still will not allow-“
“Vasile.” The soft voice of a woman came from behind the richly dressed noble.
Julian’s eyes furrowed, watching as the Royal Guards part as a blonde girl came between them.
“My Princess… you shouldn’t…”
“Vasile, let them in.” The guards and her chief of staff looked to protest as their brows moistened.
“We don’t harbor ill-will towards our Ackesian brothers here.” The girl’s expression was sincere, and wise as she addressed the trio of officers.
Julian had heard of Princess Trinity, mostly what he caught in the news when he cared enough or was sober enough to watch. He never had strong opinions on public figures, it was all neither here nor there to him. Yet he supposed for her to come out here to the gate and speak peace to her men when she could have taken a position of privilege inside where it was safe took some fortitude.
The colonel chuckled at this turn of events, Julian knew his commanding officer served on the side opposite this girl’s forebears. But Julian also knew none of those forebears were here now. He studied her face, as soft as it was there also was sadness, an emotion Julian recognized well. There was a brief moment where their eyes met, Julian wanted to believe it was their own darknesses acknowledging one another as they communed for a long moment, eyes locked.
Before long she turned, her eyes leaving his as she retired back to the palace.
Julian stood there for a long moment, an odd feeling inside of him that he could not come to terms with.
“Eyes front soldier.” Commandant Tom Horea slapped the back to the captain’s head. He studied his friend’s face wondering if there were really any good words to say to him right now. They had a brief talk about what Julian had been going through since his wife and child’s death, but Julian did not tell him even half of it, or what his phone call stopped him from doing.
Tom stood with his hands on the sides of his interceptor vest as the gates to the palace opened and the APCs began to roll in to form a perimeter.
“Did you see that ass though?” Tom awkwardly interjected, subtly enough the Royal Guards standing near could not hear.
Julian looked over at his friend, his face judgemental as he squinted his eyes.
Laughing Tom gave his friend a good punch in the shoulder. They had many tours of duty together under all sorts of commands, so he knew how uptight this guy was.
Julian however kept his cards close to hand, wondering how long he could hold himself together during this duty.