Zavier

Protect Lydia. Protect Lydia. The words pounded in Zavier's chest along with his thundering heartbeat.

He tore through the corridors, searching for a sign of her, of King Titus, of more soldiers. There had been so many laying around Wilder, was that the same amount of men King Titus had with him? How many would Zavier have to fight to get to Lydia? Would he be enough to protect her?

Zavier shoved the thoughts from his mind, even if he faced an army, he would do all he could to get to her.

From a hallway he heard the clatter of running soldiers and Zavier ran harder. As he rounded the corner, he spotted King Titus further down, waving to two soldiers. King Titus was alone. Where were his guards? Had Wilder taken on all of them?

"Men!" the King yelled. "To me."

King Titus disappeared through an archway and the soldiers hurried after him. Zavier knew he couldn't let them get to the King. For whatever reason King Titus no longer had Lydia. And Zavier wasn't going to make it easy for the King to recapture her. He would handle these soldiers then help her.

As Zavier ran after the two guards, he tugged out a dagger and threw it. The soldiers heard him and both of them dove out of the way of the blade in time. Their avoidance gave Zavier enough time to catch up to them. He swung at the soldier on the left, while kicking out at the other soldier. The first soldier blocked Zavier's blade and the other soldier jumped out of reach.

Zavier spun away from the first guard and raised his sword to meet the second's blade. Back and forth Zavier fought, striking out when he saw an opening and retreating when the the men retaliated.

Over and over they went, the fight wearing him down, until he slipped beneath one of the soldier's guard and drove his sword into his chest. The second guard yelled but Zavier ripped his blade free and ducked, slicing the second's thigh. The man cried out and dropped to his knee. Zavier rose and slit the soldier's throat.

The man's cry died out and he toppled. Hastily wiping his sword, Zavier sprinted for the archway King Titus had disappeared into. The hallway beyond lay empty. He sheathed his sword and ran harder, glancing in every room and corridor as he passed. He heard a faint grunt of pain and Zavier slowed, waiting to hear more.

But nothing more came.

Swearing, he chose a hallway on his left and followed it, hoping he'd heard right. Through an archway Zavier spotted Lydia. His heart spiked with relief. He saw nothing but her as he raced to her.

"Princess!" he said. 

She lifted her head and tears gleamed in her eyes, a mix of grief, exhaustion, and relief.

"Zavier."

Zavier swept her into his arms and she clung to him. She trembled and he held her more tightly.

"I'm glad you are alive," he said.

He gazed around the corridor, seeing the two soldiers dead further on and King Titus unconscious near them.

"It appears you did not need me," he said.

Lydia drew back, looking into his eyes. Zavier felt his heart lurch at the flood of emotions he saw in them.

"I need you more than you know," she said.

Lydia kissed him. It was soft but certain.

Warmth rushed through Zavier as he returned her kiss.

Her words rattled around Zavier's head before finding a home in his heart. He kissed her hair, savoring how natural it felt to have her in his arms.

Footsteps sounded down the hall and Zavier released Lydia, spun around and put himself in front of her. He drew out his sword as Joric appeared. Zavier relaxed and sheathed his sword.

"You well?" Joric asked.

Only then did Zavier realize how much blood he was covered in. A lot of which had stained Lydia's own clothes.

"Not my blood," he said.

Lydia clutched Zavier's arm and he saw fear shoot through her face. 

"Zavier," she said. "Wilder. Did you-"

"He is alive," Zavier said. "Alwyn is with him now."

"A healer is with him now," Joric said. "Though he is unsure if he will live. Wilder was deeply cut and...it is uncertain, Your Majesty."

Lydia froze, face paling under the news.

"I have to..." she started.

When she didn't finish, Zavier wondered what was going through her head. Wilder meant so much to Lydia that he understood her want to go to him, to be by her side. But she remained standing there.

"Your majesty?" Joric said.

Zavier watched as the title settled around her. She took in a deep breath and straightened. When she gazed up at Zavier, he saw the girl that inspired him. A girl who found courage in the face of fear.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked.

He laced his hand with hers and kissed the back of it. "I am yours, Princess."

"Joric, can you find some men to help you tie King Titus up and lock him in the dungeon?" she asked.

Joric bowed his head. "Of course, Your Majesty."

As Joric left to do as instructed, Lydia took another a deep, stabilizing breath. Zavier understood, though the war was won, this day was far from being over.

When Joric returned with men and rope, Zavier and Lydia walked back through the halls to the throne room. What they found made Zavier's heart sink. Men wounded and dead lay littered across the floor. The stench of blood choked the air. Though he didn't know all of the Lorian soldiers there, he knew many of them. All good men.

Among the still standing soldiers was Quinn. From the streaks of blood on his shirt, Zavier guessed he was assisting some of the wounded.

"Your Highness," Lydia said. Quinn crossed over to them, looking relieved to see them both.

"Your Majesty," Quinn said, bowing his head. "I am pleased to see you alive. How can I be of help to you?"

"Can you find anyone, servants, soldiers, and tell them to come here?"

Quinn nodded and went off. Zavier stayed by Lydia as she moved further into the throne room. He watched as she took in the mix of Titus's and Lorian's and the gore spilled across the floor.

"So many dead," she said.

Zavier wanted to tell her that they had not died in vain, they had helped save a Kingdom. But still, death was death. He squeezed her hand, silently telling her he was still there.

The door to the throne room opened and Kristoff entered, his hand and part of his arm bandaged. When he saw Lydia, tears of relief filled his eyes. He wrapped his uninjured arm around her.

"You brave girl," he said, holding her tightly.

They hugged each other for a long moment and Zavier could feel their joined grief over all they'd lost.

Kristoff cleared his throat and blinked the tears from his eyes. He gave Lydia a tender smile.

"What do you need from me?" he asked.

Zavier saw as Lydia's shoulders relaxed. "Prince Quinn is bringing soldiers and servants, oversee them lining up the fallen soldiers along the wall and have the wounded taken to where they can be cared for."

"And King Titus's men?"

"Have anyone who is injured, cared for."

Zavier's heart glowed with pride at Lydia's compassion. When Quinn returned, Joric was with him, as well as people to help. Joric took up a position near Zavier as Lydia instructed the soldiers and servants with what they were to do. She assigned some soldiers the task of making their way through the palace in search of any more wounded or dead.

Lydia told Melina food would be needed for the soldiers. The servants moved into action. But before Melina left, she took one of Lydia's hands and bowed her head over it.

"I'm happy to see you alive, Your Majesty," she said. "My heart breaks for your family."

"Thank you," Lydia said, quietly.

From the city came the ringing of bells. Zavier listened, wondering what the message in the chimes was.

"All is safe," Lydia murmured. 

As if echoing the message, a man entered the throne room that had the bearing of a soldier, despite his disheveled appearance. He strode over to them and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty," he said. "I am Captain Hollis. I wanted to tell you that we have reclaimed the city and secured the borders."

Relief and hope filled Zavier. Reclaimed the city. They had done it. In the face of impossible odds, Wilder's plan had succeeded. Wilder...

As if thinking of the same thing, Lydia gripped Zavier's hand, but she stayed right there, her expression a force calm. "Thank you, Captain Hollis."

Hollis dipped his head again but looked like he wanted to say something.

"What do you wish to say?" Lydia said.

"Your Majesty, I know you have faced a challenging day but if your people could see you and know their Queen is alive, I know it would bring hope back to them. We have all grieved for your family."

Lydia leaned into Zavier as if her own grief and the burden of facing her people alone weighed too much. He understood, she would no longer be these people's Princess but their Queen. He squeezed her hand again. She was not alone.

"Captain Hollis," Lydia said, mustering strength. "If you would ride alongside with me, I would be honored."

Despite the man being three times Lydia's age, he colored with pleasure.

"It would be my honor, Your Majesty," he said. "I will see to it that horses are readied."

"Bring two extra for Prince Zavier and his guard."

Hollis departed and Zavier cupped Lydia's cheek and kissed the side of her head.

"I will be by your side the whole time," he said. "They simply wish to see you."

"I can do that."

"I know you can."

She held his gaze and straightened.

Before they left, Zavier found a maid to assist Lydia in washing off any traces of blood and finding something new to wear. Another servant helped Zavier do the same. When Lydia meet Zavier and Joric outside the palace, she wore a pair of trousers and a worn shirt. From the way it fit her, he knew this was the attire that she'd told him about in Loria. It seemed perfect that her people should see her as they knew her.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

She nodded and he helped her mount her horse. When he swung himself into the saddle, Lydia reached out and took hold of his hand. Zavier locked their fingers together.

As they entered the city, Zavier noticed the faces that peeked from behind curtains and out of upper-story windows. Murmurs rose in their wake. A woman poked her head out of her doorway.

"Princess Lydia," the woman said hesitantly.

Lydia glanced back at the woman and offered a small smile. Zavier saw tears brim in the woman's eyes as she pressed her hands to her mouth. Another voice overhead picked up Lydia's name and sent it floating through the street. As it went, more and more voices were added and passed on. Zavier glanced at Lydia. Her eyes appeared misty as the wave of her name grew, encased in emotions of surprise, hope, and happiness.

By the time the group reached the main city square with a three-tiered fountain at the heart, a mass of people had followed them. Already spread around the square were soldiers being bandaged. Seeing Lydia and her entourage, they rose to their feet. One man let out a loud cheer and it swept all around.

Zavier smiled as he took in the city and the people that adored Lydia. He couldn't fault them for their love, he was among them. He helped Lydia down and she stepped onto the edge of the fountain. Zavier didn't join her. These were her people.

"West Isle citizens," Lydia said. The crowd quickly quieted and people edged closer to her. "We all lost a part of this Kingdom when my family was killed. But today..." Her voice cracked. "But today we have reclaimed it."

Shouts and cries of joy rang out and neighbors turned towards each other, embracing. Lydia smiled out at all of the people, but Zavier could still she her heartache.

When the square quieted again someone asked for the story and Lydia told them, sharing how her survival was owed to so many people. When she spoke of Loria and the Royal family's part in helping them, Lydia held out her hand to Zavier. He took it and climbed onto the fountain's edge with her.

Cheers greeted him and he bowed his head, humbled by the ease in which these people welcomed him.

When Lydia reached the end and told of King Titus being locked away, the celebration nearly deafened Zavier. Lydia encouraged the people to continue the celebration by first seeing to the soldiers in need and then asking for others to share what food they might have to offer.

As people swarmed to aid the wounded, someone produced a lute, another a flute, and a third a fiddle, and the music began. For a moment, Zavier and Lydia stood there absorbing the dancing figures and beaming faces. Zavier couldn't help but admire the strength of these people who faced grief and embraced hope.

The group remounted their horses and made their slow way away from the square. As they went, Lydia gave out smiles and brief touches. The celebration spilled into streets and swept down alleys. When they finally managed to find a more empty street, Zavier kissed Lydia's hand.

"You did beautifully," he said.

She smiled, though it was filled with sadness and exhaustion.

"There is one more place we must go before heading back," she said.

No one asked questions as Lydia guided them to the ports. When she reached The Duke, she spotted Isla and Raif standing on the deck, gazing out on the city. The sun hung low behind them, showering the ocean with golden rays. As Lydia swung down, Isla and Raif descend the gangplank.

"Your Kingdom is yours once again," Isla said.

"Thanks to you," Lydia said, looking between them. "There will never be enough I can say or do that will repay you for what you've done."

Raif easily waved away her words. "It was nothing. If you didn't ask we would have found a way to be involved. We do love a good fight."

Zavier laughed at this, knowing it to be true.

"Thank you still," Lydia said. "Will you stay?"

"No," Isla said. "We were about to set sail. Thayer and Gigi will want to know that you and her sons are alive and well. But we will be back, I have no doubt Gigi will want to visit as soon as possible."

"Then I will look forward to your return."

To Zavier's surprise and astonishment, Isla hugged Lydia. He'd known the captain for most of his life and embraces were not something she gave freely. 

"It will take time, Lydia." He heard her whisper. "But I promise you the heaviness of loss will slowly lift in time. But be strong, for yourself and your people."

Lydia nodded but Zavier could see how the words effected her, bringing fresh tears to her eyes. "When you see Alwyn," Raif said. "Tell her of our departure. We told Cyrus, but he might not have the brain to remember."

He looked further down the dock and Zavier followed his line of sight. Cyrus stood inches away from Yasmine, touching her cheek as if to make sure she was all right. From the intensity in their gazes, Zavier held the same belief.

With a promise from Zavier he would pass on the message to Alwyn, the pair boarded their ship and called the crew to raise the anchor.

As the group rode back through the city, they found the celebration had tripled in size. More musicians had joined in and laughter filled the air. The sound made Zavier fall in love with the people knowing if they could find happiness out of grief, so could Lydia.

When they returned to the palace, Zavier discovered that Lydia's work was still not done. The dead soldiers had been lined out and she walked past each one.

At the end, she faced the rows.

"Your families will know," she said softly. "They will not be left to worry and suffer. I promise you this."

As she finished with the final soldier, Melina found her and told her Commander Ror was awake and asking for her. The news spurred Lydia forward and Zavier hurried with her to the Commander's room. Lydia rushed to Ror's side. Zavier hovered behind her, not wanting to interfere. When she whispered Ror's name, he opened his eyes and tears formed in them upon seeing her.

"Your Highness," he rasped.

Lydia clutched his hand. "Shhh, you don't need to speak. Save your strength. Rest in the knowledge that the Kingdom has been reclaimed and your son was the one to bring it about."

"Where...is...he?" he asked, weakly.

Zavier could tell Lydia was mustering all her strength to remain composed. "He is resting. As you should be." 

Of all the wounded soldier's they'd seen, Wilder hadn't been one of them. For Lydia and his friend's sake, Zavier desperately hoped Wilder was conscious when Lydia found the courage to see him.

Ror nodded once and closed his eyes. Lydia squeezed his hand. They left the room, Zavier shutting it behind them. Lydia didn't move, even though Zavier could tell where her thoughts were taking her. There was only one soldier left to see.

Lydia asked Melina for where Wilder was. At the closed door, Zavier paused. He understood the connection Lydia and Wilder shared.

"Do you wish for me to be with you?" he asked.

Lydia hesitated then shook her head.

"I will be waiting for you then," he said.

Lydia reached for the handle but stopped. Her hand hovered there, frozen. Zavier could feel her fear. He reached out, brushing his fingers along her arm. She looked up at him, vulnerable.

"Whatever may come next," he said. "Remember that you are strong and will get through it."

Bolstered by his words, Lydia stepped into the room.

**********************************************************************

Hail to you, Your Highness!

Remember this is the first of 4 parts, so leave your comments real quick and then keep reading!

🤴🏾⚔️🛡 👉🗯💭💬👈 (You have to say something about the kiss!)