Ebony | Ivory

꧁CHAPTER THREE꧂

Over the next few months, Becca trained the three young royals. She drilled Ascian and Rupert through sword training and long range weapons, and Ascian wasn’t kidding when he said he was an archer. The boy could hit a fly without injuring it he wished to. Rupert proved to be exceptional with short swords. 

Ascian didn’t talk much, which Becca was thankful for, she didn’t think she could stand getting to know him.

And Erron- who Becca still refused to teach to sword fight- learned how to wrestle, which she was ok at, and she taught her the basics of archery.

And during the next few months she didn’t just train them, she trained herself, training herself to forget. To forget her troubles, forget her father and to stop worrying about him. Forget Father? She had hated herself, but she couldn’t spend her days distracted and worried over him. 

But some days, it would rush over her like a waterfall, the pain and grief, the betrayal of her father leaving her here. On those days she’d call off training, and sulk in her room. The room she was given, the king had given her a nice big room, it’s baby blue walls and luxurious furniture left her in awe, but it made her sick and alone in the big room. So alone.

Once when she had her episodes, she sat on the window sill, staring down at the courtyard and the small people going about their business. She breathed in a shaky breath, her chest tightening and warm tears pooled and trickled down her cheeks. 

A knock came from her door, she straightened up and whirled around, knuckling at her eyes she shuffled towards the door. 

“Hello? Rebecca?” 

Oh gods. Becca cursed, him? Ascian’s deep voice came from the door, he sounded concerned. Would it be considered impolite to tell the head of state to go away? Probably. Becca checked herself in the mirror on her vanity. A mess. She looked droopy and depressed, which wasn’t wrong but she still didn’t want the king to see her like this. 

Before she could figure out what to do, Ascian began to speak again. “Rebecca, I know you are there. You don’t have to answer, but could you listen?” He paused as if waiting for an answer. One he wouldn’t get. “I don’t why, but you keep on cancelling our classes. Well… I guess I have a theory, but that doesn’t matter. But just know you don’t have to do anything alone, there are other people here that can help you.” He sighed, “I can help you.” He waited again, and then she heard his footsteps echoing away.

She was alone again. 

She wanted to scream and kick and shout at his need to butt in in business that wasn’t his! She paused, thinking not of the consequences, but of his words. ‘But just know you don’t have to do anything alone, there are other people here that can help you.’

“Ughhhh.” She groaned, going to wash her face off. She looked like a mess anyways. 

When dressed, she rushed out the door, leather boots thumping on the stone floors, sheathed sword clanking at her side, where could he be? She didn’t have the first idea, so instead she decided to walk, a nice walk should calm her down…

She found herself in a garden, she didn’t know where, she had gone into a dazed state as she walked amongst the yellow and red roses, the petals bright and beautiful. 

“Hello.” A monotone voice murmured from behind Becca.

The blonde girl turned around to see a small girl in a blue dress, her long red hair tied back in a braid, and her wide brown eyes on Becca. 

“Erron? Hi.” She said, kneeling down to smile at the young girl. Becca may not care for the monarchy, but she couldn’t hate Erron, the flighty young girl had a sweet personality but a silver tongue. And she was young… without a father or mother. Like her.

“You are sad.” She said, staring into Becca’s eyes with a wise gaze, it wasn’t an accusation or anything mean, she was merely stating a fact. 

Taken aback, Becca stared oddly at the girl, was it that obvious? “Yeah, a little.” She admitted. 

“Do you… want to talk about it?” Erron said slowly.

“Not if you don’t want to.” She shrugged, seeing how uncomfortable she looked.

Erron scoffed, she reached out a small hand and dragged the older girl to a stone bench, it had once been white but was now scuffed and faded grey. “Sit.” She said, Becca complied, and sat down beside Erron. “What’s wrong?”

“Well… if you don’t mind?” Becca asked, Erron nodded. “I miss my father, I understand he must serve this country.” She gathered up her thoughts, “But- I can’t help feeling betrayed. He left! Without a second thought! I don’t have anyone, my momma left- I don’t have any siblings, and no immediate family!

“So instead of staying with me, he comes out of retirement and leaves me with the people I hate most! The people who don’t give farmers and common people a voice, who-even if they start out good- always end up corrupt and ruthless!” She cried out, angry at the world and all its creatures. 

“You hate us.” There it was again, the calm insightfulness of the young girl, not even ten. 

“Yes.” Becca said meekly, embarrassment leaking in as she wrapped her arms tighter around herself. She hated that she hated them, she shouldn’t. But she did. 

“Something else is bothering you.” She stated simply, waiting for Becca’s answer, she always seemed to answer.

“Yea-uh.” She scratched the back of her head, “It’s your brother.”

Erron smiled, “He is a little annoying.” 

Becca smiled back sadly, “He’d be easier to hate if he wasn’t so nice.”

“Trust me,” Erron giggled, jumping off the bench, “I know.”

Becca stood up, and followed the princess along the paths, neither of them talked, they just enjoyed the  comfortable silence. Becca stared at the garden, finally noticing the area. There was green everywhere, the bright emerald leaves and dark evergreen shades dappled the entire botanical garden. Like lost and shiny gems roses and dandelions dotted the ground and lined the pathways. Ivy crept up the stone walls and archways. A gazebo sat in the middle, a large cottonwood had wrapped its long roots around it, growing into the small area. The garden was a little haven, a world of its own.

And in the middle stood Ascian, leaning against the fence that bordered the gazebo, his crown was gone and he was in his simple clothes, he looked tired… but happy. He had a book in one hand, a pencil in the other, a distant joyous expression on his freckled face.

“He’d be easier to hate if he looked more kingly.” Becca hissed under her breath, she was out of earshot from Ascian, but she didn’t want to risk it.

Erron smiled, “I know.”

“Where is Sir Reuben?” Becca asked, glancing around. The king’s personal guard was usually around the corner, but she hadn’t seen much of him recently. 

Erron pointed up at the stone wall, sitting peacefully with a tattered book, was the guard. His blonde hair hid his face, he looked almost asleep, but Becca knew better. Behind the hair she knew the bright green eyes were watching them. She dared a look at the large sword strapped to his back, he was an amazing soldier, she’d give him that.

“Look.” Erron murmured, nodding towards the gazebo.

Becca looked, Ascian stared at her, a sad smile on his face. His gloved hands closed the book and he put the pencil in his pocket. Becca looked back at Erron to see the girl trotting over to Reuben. Knowing the girl would be safe, she walked down the path towards the boy king.

She walked into the shade of the gazebo, vines weaved around it, creating a curtain of leaves and wisteria around the corner. The cottonwood, giant and daunting, swayed in the soft breeze.

“Hello.” She said curtly, walking to the other corner, trying to ignore the eyes she knew was following her. She leaned against the fence, reaching out to touch the ancient wood. This tree must be over a hundred years old. 

“Hey.” He said softly, she heard his boots as he walked over. “You ok?”

The way he was so casual around her, not acting haughty or stuck-up made it even harder. 

“Mhm.” She muttered, which could either be a ‘yes’ a ‘no’ or a ‘go die in a hole’. She’d already talked to Erron, she didn’t feel like telling her rival. Are we rivals though? She thought he's been nothing but nice to me.

“Ok.” Ascian sighed, he leaned his back against the railing, arms crossed around his book he stared up at the ceiling. “You don’t have to tell me, but I’m not going to preach what I said earlier again. I wanted to-.”

“Can we just sit in silence? Without me having to either A: Beat you up in fencing, or B: Yell at you, ok?” She interrupted, seething quietly.

“Sounds fine to me.” He agreed. 

And so they sat there, in silence. 

==========

“You ready?” Becca said, holding the basic at arms length, a smile on her face. 

It had been over a month since her last episode,and she felt amazing. She still despised the three, but it had dimmed to a dull throb. She was getting better.

“Always.” Ascian grinned, he crouched getting ready to spar. If Ascian was able to either beat her or the time, she was going to let him pass. 

She bowed, then counted to five. Backing up, she planted her feet and studied the boy, after four months he had grown stronger, as did she. She was used to fighting larger opponents but it had grown her teaching so many others. 

Ascian, instead of waiting, made the first move. He leapt forward his sword coming sideways, swinging in with what should’ve sliced her head clean off. She ducked, bringing her sword close to her side so she wouldn’t cut herself. Tucking into a roll she ended up behind him, she scrambled quickly to her feet. 

In the fading sunlight she squinted at Ascian, the boy had her cornered with the sun in her eyes. He had wanted this, huh, smart. 

While she blinked away the spots in her eyes she relied on her ears to hear the thumping footfalls, Ascian was larger, his feet were heavier. She edged away from the sound just in time as she saw the silhouette of a sword. He missed, but grazed her cheek. The sword was dull, but it still cut her. 

She ignored the pain and tried to jump around the boy, bringing her sword up in a defensive block, Ascian mirrored her movements, keeping her facing the sun. Good, the boy was on the offense. She knew he wanted to pass, but she wouldn’t let him off easy. Never.

Realizing she was running out of time she focused on his silhouette, ducking again she rushed him, at the last second she switched the blade around so the hilt would collide with his chin.

“Urgh!” Ascian grunted, he wasn’t expecting it, but he recovered quickly. He linked the hilt of his sword to hers, pushing her back with force, closer to the stones. 

Panic seeped in, but she pushed it down, she bent lower, but so did Ascian. Angered by how predictable she must be, she leaned back then sideways, the swords unhooked, and the momentum sent the king sprawling to the ground. 

Becca let out a shaky breath, she took a moment to tap her cheek, a small streak of blood followed, but the cut itself wasn’t deep. He wouldn’t harm her on purpose.

And she hated him for that. 

Anger fueled her, emotion awry she lunged at him, he was halfway to his feet, a gloved hand swiping the blood dribbling from his mouth. He raised his sword in defense, his eyes wide in fear. 

“Time!” The paladin, Sir Reuben, yelled.

Becca reeled to a stop, she stared down at the boy, she stood frozen with her sword poised in the air, a killing blow she almost brought down. She dropped her sword, looking down at the suppressed fear on Ascian’s face. 

Oh gods- I almost… I- she looked at Reuben, who was as calm and cool as ever. 

“Ascian has passed the test, he beat the time, but failed to push you out of the circle.” Reuben said, walking into the circle, reaching out to pull the boy to his feet, Ascian comically looked like a kitten being grabbed by the scruff by the mother cat. But it wasn’t funny to Becca, it made Ascian look as fragile as he was.

She turned on her heels and rushed out of the arena, she felt terrible. Out of anger she almost killed him! And that raises the question, did she want to kill him?

She found herself at the gazebo, she was here almost everyday, it was her favorite spot.

The sun was now gone, and the last light of the day hung in the air. She was thankful Rupert and Erron weren’t there, it would’ve only made the situation worse.

“Ugh!” She yelled out clutching her head she sat down, curled into a tight ball. “I hate it here!” Tears threatened to overflow, and this time she let the dam burst.

“Hey, I know you prefer silence. But I think you need to talk.” A familiar voice said softly. 

She didn’t look up as Ascian sat next to her, she stared hard at the floor, she sniffled and cried. Embarrassed that she was so emotional, she hugged herself tighter, hoping he’d lose interest and leave.

But he didn’t, instead he placed a hand on her shoulder, “I know you don’t like me, I don’t particularly like me either.”

“B-but I almost killed you!” She sputtered, daring to glance at him before returning to the safety of her arms.

“Nah, Reuben would never let you. He was the ref for a reason.” He paused, “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“What?” She lifted her head, confused.

Ascian pointed at her cheek, “I only meant to drive you back. I feel really bad.”

“Oh, this?” She touched her cheek, the bleeding had stopped and was already dry. “It’s nothing, I’ve had worse.” She sniffed, then laughed darkly, “You know, that’s why I attacked you, because I knew how sorry you’d be.”

Ascian looked taken aback, “Really? Not because I did it?”

“No.” She looked down again. “It’s stupid, I know.” 

“I’m sorry you hate me, do you want to tell me why?” Ascian asked, when Becca narrowed her eyes he chuckled, “Ok- maybe some questions don’t actually need answers.”

“I hate how perfect you are.” She murmured. “You and your perfect family, which is stupid because you are orphaned, and you are a king at a young age, and Erron should be learning to read and write but instead she’s learning how to fight. And Rupert should be making real friends.” She sighed. “It’s selfish.”

“But you are right, “ he looked down, his gloved hand going from her shoulder to his still bleeding lip. “You should hate us- or at least me. I’m a terrible king, I can barely take care of the kingdom, I’m trying. But it’s… difficult.”

Becca’s expression softened, she swiped away the last tears and watched his eyes, his brown eyes even in the fading light sparked with grief. Did he always look this sad? “Maybe I judged you for a foolish king, but it seems you are just a… fool.” That was the closest to an apology he would get.

He smiled and turned to look at her, the left side of his mouth covered in blood. “Thanks, Rebecca.”

“Ok. Enough being droopy.” She stood up and dusted herself off. “Let’s go into town, I heard there was a festival tonight.” 

“Oh! I’d love to but uhm-.” Ascian looked up at her, then turned to look around, “I don’t think Reuben would allow it.”

Becca laughed, “Are you kidding? Your Highness you are a king. I think you can go without the permission of your lap dog.” She reached her hand out to help him up, “Besides, I’ll be there. I can protect you.”

Ascian smirked and reached up to grab her hand. “Ok then, let’s go.”

==========

Becca kept an iron grip on the young king’s hand, weaving in between the town folks and into the town square. Ascian glanced up at the lanterns, shaped like the moon and smiling faces. Paintings of a horned man with multiple masks floating around him were everywhere he smiled in awe. As they walked he gazed after the good smelling foods, then turned to look at the people young and old in different masks. 

He laughed happily and looked in front to see Rebecca staring at him, a warm smile on her face. He almost gasped in shock, this was the first time he’d seen his tutor smile- not counting the taunting smirks or evil laughter during training- and he liked her smile. 

He smiled back, “You should smile more often, it looks better.”

Rebecca flushed and whirled around, looking ahead. Ascian laughed as she tugged him farther into the mass of people.

When she finally slowed down she looked him up and down, “Hm, I doubt anyone would recognize you, but I don’t want to take any chances, here-.” She paused at a mask shop and handed the merchant two bright gold coins, “Take this.” She handed him a painted wooden mask, it’s fine head shaped into a red dragon, ornant horns curled over its head, smoke wreathed its fangs. He smiled and put it on. 

Through the peep holes he saw Rebecca, she had put on a mask as well, this one only covering the top half of her face. “Hah. A magpie.” He noted, remembering how a few months ago General Erik had called his daughter that. 

“I suppose so.” She shrugged, running a finger over the black and grey painted feathers. 

He spotted another painting of the man with ram horns. “What is the festival celebrating?” He asked.

“Ah, this is Day of Identity, the celebration of an ancient deity- or god- named Cato, he was the deity of Fatherhood and Identities. Legend says he comes to visit the people of Earth once every year on the solstice to grant one soul a new identity.” She explained, pointing at the lanterns of moons and faces.

“Amazing.” He gasped, “I’ve never seen this before.”

“Really?” Rebecca said, confusion on her pale face, “It’s quite a common story in the villages.” 

Ascian blushed, “I’ve never been in any of the villages before today.”

“What?!” She gasped, “Maybe killing you would’ve been better, living without seeing the sights of Scintillation? How dare you.” She shook her head, but a smile was plastered across her face.

“Well maybe you could show me them?” Ascian flashed back, raising his eyebrows mischievously. 

From what Ascian could tell, Rebecca was blushing now. “Whatever, kingling.”

“ALL HAIL THE FIRE CHIEF. LET THE ASHES RAIN!!!” A booming voice howled. 

Ascian and Rebecca whirled around towards the loud voice. In the middle of the square were three people, two men and a woman, all wearing demon-like masks. They held swords and spears, their clothes were blood-red and ashy grey. Ascian gasped and Rebecca grasped his hand tighter. 

They had come face to face with the ‘Ashes.’

The murderers of Ascian’s father had appeared on his doorstep.