The first thought I had was that it was exceedingly comfortable, more so than I had been in a long time. As I opened my eyes, the sight of a lavishly furnished room spread out before me. The finest sheets and bedding that could be obtained in the Kingdom gently nestled around me. Like the Goddess had assured me, it looked like I was still alive.
I stirred my body to a sitting position. The early morning sun poured in from a window. Outside was a full view of the castle gardens. Adorned with beautiful flowers, trees and tasteful statues, it was a warming sight.
"Good morning Rain." The feminine and refined voice came from beside me.
I turned to it slowly and immediately jumped back, "Y-your Highness!? Ah- It is a pleasure to meet you once more my Queen." I bowed my head awkwardly. Of things I didn't expect to see in the morning, this was high in the list.
"No need to be so polite Rain. You have performed your duties more than admirably and ensured the success of the Hero. More so without the loss of life. You have my thanks."
"That- It was a long journey and without the others we would have failed. I do not deserve your thanks alone."
"True and I have spoken with them, however I wanted to speak with you alone."
I faced her curiously, "Is something the matter your highness?"
She laughed and then turned her eyes down guiltily, "I put you through a lot of pain. I'm sorry."
"It was necessary." I meant that. If I had never been selected to go, I would have never met Lara, the reason I was here, or Taylor the person I was falling in love with.
"If Mattias and the others of Axel knew who I was they'd never forgive me."
I didn't expect them to be mentioned, especially Mattias by name, "Um excuse me?"
"Perhaps this will clear your mind," she waved her hand over her face. Although late in her years the Queen still held plenty of beauty and now those features dimmed down and wrinkles weathered her skin. Her eyes changed from green to brown as did her hair from chestnut to black. It was a face and appearance I knew very well. My Aunt Nera from the Capital.
"Aunt Nera?" I mumbled. "What? How?"
"Because to me Axel is a special place," she smiled. "It was where I could take a break and be with people who didn't see me as the Queen. It was where I could see you. It is also why I chose you.... I looked through hundreds of potential attendants but with each I knew you were their better. I really did struggle with the decision... however I had to choose the best. I am sorry what I put you through and it gladdens me to no end that you returned safely with everyone."
"I see...," it was all I could say. My mind flicked back to the memories of our beginning. I always thought it was odd but now it made sense. With a painful surge I remembered when I had lost myself in rage, when I had tried to kill Ronalt and was intent to kill them all. The Queen's expression when I finally noticed her, she hadn't been looking at Ronalt but me. More than ever I was glad that cycle never existed.
"You must be disappointed in me," her eyes turned downwards as she once more resumed her appearance as Queen.
"No, I stick by what I said before. It was the best choice to send me," I gave her a tender and sincere smile. Despite all the torment and pain, if I hadn't gone, though Lara may have succeeded in the end, I believe it was because I was there that a happier ending could be achieved. "I learnt a lot..., thank you."
She wiped a tear from her eyes, "Please do not thank me Rain."
The way she spoke now, I couldn't help but see her as my emotional Aunt Nera, which begged the question, "Why are you Aunt Nera?" She visited almost every other month and brought with her presents and trade for Axel. I had known her since I was a baby.
The Queen smiled, "I am very fond of my husband. He is a kind and intelligent man. Together we are the best of friends, but we do not love each other, not in a romantic sense. Ronalt told me he talked to you, so you know some of our relation."
"Yes... but why is this important?"
"Because in my younger years I was in love. A certain righteous knight stole my heart but left the Kingdom's service and formed a new home. Despite me marrying I have never forgotten him."
"So you really did have a thing with Mattias," I had thought as much whenever she visited.
"Yes... though I could never take the final steps between us." She looked at me and gently touched my arm. "Please forgive me. I've considered you like my own son, a son I shared with Mattias and yet, I put you through so much peril."
"I already said it was fine," I smiled. "Besides when I said I learnt a lot, I also did get some other benefits on my end as well."
"Ah yes, the Hero Lara was quite concerned with you and more so to my surprise the Master thief Taylor."
"A lot happened."
"And one day I'd like to hear it from your mouth."
I closed my eyes in thought, "Hang on... that means you knew about Kerchest and Servius being a demon."
"About Kerchest... yes I did know but like you I did not want to involve the place I call a second home." She stood up from the chair. "Do not worry Rain, I will ensure their safety. I do not want to see another war between our races. Come outside when you are ready. Your friends are waiting..., and welcome home."
"I haven't reached Axel yet but it's good to be back." With that she left.
*
I spent another few hour lying down in the bed. The simple fact that I had no responsibilities now melded into me creating a lazy tiredness that prevented me from rising. The morning sun turned to noon and I made no attempt to move, though I was getting hungry.
Just as I thought that, the door opened.
"Taylor you need to knock first, what if he's getting changed," Lara exclaimed.
Taylor walked in anyway, "All the better to get a good peek at him."
I sighed and faced their way, still under the blankets. A part of me wanted to pretend to keep sleeping however I was afraid of what Taylor may do to me. While Lara would stop the worst of it, though because she knew me as Jane she'd let through a certain amount of pranks.
"You should really knock," I got up.
Lara smiled to me warmly, "I'm glad you're okay. When you collapsed we all freaked out. Taylor couldn't stop crying your name."
"Shut it," Taylor said embarrassed. "I really thought you'd die."
"Luckily there were enough healers and together with Marley we brought you back from the brink."
"How's everyone else?" I asked. "Is Ardent alright?"
Lara answered, "Ardent woke up earlier this morning. Ronalt is writing his report. Marley is communicating with the Temple of the Goddess and Earnest is lazing about."
"I see," I stretched my muscles. "Let's get something to eat, I'm kind of hungry."
After waiting for them to leave the room so I could get changed we left for the palace's dining room. Last time I had come here I was treated little better than the staff, but now whenever we passed someone they bowed to us respectfully. As much as it felt wrong, I surprisingly got used to it quickly. Not long after we sat down the others arrived and behind Ronalt was an extra party. The Queen and from what I could tell the crown prince and 1st princess. They were several years older than Ronalt but looked younger. I guess that's what happens when you don't work in the military. We all stood up as they entered and bowed respectfully.
The Queen spoke, "There is no need for such formalities, please seat yourselves. We have just come to enjoy a meal with you." Aside from the occasional palace staff that came to serve us our food, the room was empty. I was thankful for Ardent who talked joyously about our journey without strain, the man didn't care at all with the royalty beside him.
Earnest who sat opposite of me pointed his fork at me, "Rain I didn't have the chance before, but your fight with the Demon Lord... it was truly impressive as you said it would be."
I felt my food get stuck in my throat as all eyes turned to me, "Well I was desperate."
"If desperation could do that we'd have many more master swordsmen," Earnest scoffed. "The first half of the fight you could barely dodge his blade but by the end you were able to hold yourself. I do look forward to our training later." It looked like Earnest was just taking it at face value, but more importantly.
I raised my hand at him, "Hold on, we took care of the Demon Lord. I no longer need to be your apprentice."
"The way of the sword doesn't end when your enemies are gone, it surpasses even life itself."
My eyes turned dull towards him, "We'll talk about this later." I managed to change the subject as the crown prince turned his attention to Lara. He was quiet interested with her talent. Thankfully that's where it ended.
As our lunch ended the Queen excused herself taking the prince and princess with her. The only ones left were us again.
Ronalt turned towards me, "Rain, I'd like to talk with you in private."
"Sure," I stood up as he did and followed him to a small room.
As he closed the door he looked at me seriously, "Who are you really?"
"Excuse me?"
"Are you an agent my mother placed among us? If so, you did not have to hide yourself."
"No way," I crossed my hands. "I'm just Rain Axel from Axel."
"So I've been led to believe but someone as multitalented as you cannot simply exist. Knowledge of magic on the same level as Ardent, and swordsmanship to go against the Demon Lord. Just those alone put you in the position of mass power."
I scratched the back of my head, "The knowledge came from the Goddess, about the Demon Lord, well... how do I explain it? As we fought I learnt, though without Earnest's training I'd be dead."
He folded his arms and stared down at me. Then he sighed, "It is a shame I cannot tell if you are lying. Though I at least know you are not telling the entire truth."
"We all have our secrets," I smiled. Telling him otherwise would only work against me.
"Although I am intrigued, it was those secrets that saved us. I will respect your privacy."
"Thank you," I bowed my head to him.
He spoke wryly "Perhaps I am just jealous. In the end I was useless against the Demon Lord."
I shook my head, "No, without you we never would have made it. You led us, and guided us. I am truly thankful to call you friend."
He returned a soft smile, the engraved lines in his face loosening, "Thank you Rain."
"No problem," I stepped back and gestured for the door. "Shall we?"
"Yes, the others are waiting."