167: Better King Than The Ones Before

Better King Than The Ones Before

Music Recommendation: Andrea Guerra - Welcome Chris

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Anastasia and Marianne sat beside each other, just a short distance away from the bridge. Their bare feet dangled, immersed in the crystal-clear stream, with the water barely covering their ankles. This was something they did when they were young, and whenever the water level rose and the fish began to stir, they would attempt to catch them.

'Look, look, it's right there!' A faint echo of young Marianne's voice reached the two sisters as they fondly recollected their treasured memories. 'On the other side!'

'It is coming near me!' exclaimed young Anastasia in a hushed voice, as she fiddled with the brown net they had borrowed. She cast the net, and in the process, lost her footing and slipped into the water, creating a splash that rippled around.

'Anna!' Marianne exclaimed in alarm when she saw her sister plunge face-first into the water. She rushed to her side, and quickly lifted her sister back up. 'Are you alright?' she asked with concern, helping her little sister to sit in the water. 

Little Anastasia's lips curved into a frown and she mumbled, 'We lost it…' Marianne let out a sigh of relief, seeing that her sister wasn't hurt. She gazed at the water, a sense of disappointment washing over her as they hadn't managed to catch even one fish. 

'The fish here are smart. Let us get out of the water,' Marianne suggested, and Anastasia puffed her cheeks before getting to her feet and dragging the net behind her. However, just then, the younger sister saw something shimmering next to her leg and she quickly dived back in. 

'Mary, I caught a fish!' Anastasia shouted in excitement, but when she lifted the net out of the water, both girls' eyes widened in horror. 

'AHHH!!' The two of them shrieked upon seeing a small white snake thrashing in the net. 

The young girls got out of the water after releasing the snake, which continued on its way. Nearby, a young boy, who was slightly older than the elder Flores daughter, heard them scream and saw them both now drenched from head to toe. 

'What happened?!' the young boy inquired, his grey eyes watching them with a frown. 

'We couldn't catch any fish to cook,' replied Anastasia, whose knee was bleeding from a cut she didn't realise she received. 

'Cook?' Gabriel asked in confusion. 

'Yes, right there on the fire.' Anna gestured with both hands towards the haphazard-looking set-up, featuring two sticks that looked like a 'Y' shape, waiting to support the fish. 

'I have caught a few fish before; I can catch one for you,' Gabriel offered, looking at the two girls before rolling up his pants. After some time, the fish was cooked over the feeble fire. 

A smile formed on Anastasia's lips, even though the memories were somewhat hazy and incomplete. It was the emotion evoked by the memory that touched not only her but also her elder sister, who appeared to be at peace. In the distance, a bird perched on a branch sang a sweet melody, blending harmoniously with the rustling leaves and the flowing water. 

"Everything feels just as it used to," Marianne murmured with a contented smile. "I wonder if we will be able to catch a fish now."

Anastasia returned the smile and said, "Maybe a couple of them, though we will need to find a net first." She then wrapped her hand around her sister's arm and pulled her close, simply content to have her by her side. 

In response to this, Marianne moved closer to her sister, allowing her head to rest against her younger sister's. She confided, "You know, when I realised I was going to die, my greatest concern was about what would become of you after I was gone. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you behind. In those final moments, Maxwell came to help me with tears in his eyes, filled with regret, and I prayed. Prayed so that I could find a way to let you know what had happened."

"You came to the alley." Anastasia remembered Marianne's ghost. "I knew you wouldn't let me down." She knew in her heart that Marianne wouldn't allow her to leave Versailles alone… especially without offering an explanation. 

"You are my sister. My other half," Marianne recited what Anastasia had once told her. "I could never let you go alone, not knowing if you would be looked after." However, in the time between her passing and return to life, she noticed just how much her younger sister had matured. 

They spent their time together, during which Anastasia recounted the events of the last three to four months to Marianne. Some of the stories caused the elder Flores sister to raise her eyebrows, while others left her covering her mouth in disbelief, as she attentively absorbed the stories detailing how her sister had transitioned from a princess's maid to be the king's future wife. The information even broached the subject of Maxwell's death, and Anastasia noted her sister falling into a contemplative silence, refraining from uttering a word about it. 

Anastasia, who had released Marianne's arm, gently clasped her sister's hand, enveloping it with her own. She spoke softly, 

"I am sorry that we couldn't save him, Mary. None of us saw it coming. Magnus played his cards too well."

Marianne's gaze softened as she thought of Maxwell, the only one she had truly loved. 

"The Mother Queen gave me something." Saying this, Anastasia pulled out the handkerchief she had been carrying with her. She offered it to Marianne, and noticed her sister momentarily freeze when she saw it. 

"T—This is mine," Marianne uttered as she took her handkerchief, running her fingertips over the fabric. 

"It seems Maxwell had it with him when he died," Anastasia informed her sister. She wished she could convey her condolences and assure Marianne that he was at peace, but she doubted any soul could attain even a semblance of peace once they entered Hell. 

Marianne felt her throat tighten as she drew in a shaky breath and held the handkerchief close to her chest. She whispered, "I was hoping to see him again, wondering how he would react upon seeing me. Whether he would be surprised, not expecting that he would be the one to surprise me. But, it makes me happy knowing he had this with him." She continued softly, 

"On the day I was fated to meet my end, Max continued to act distant towards me, not sparing me a single word or glance… and it had truly broken my heart. I yearned to talk to him one last time before leaving Versailles. So, I went to look for him, but instead found death waiting for me in his place. I had no idea his soulmate was a farce and that he still loved me…"

Anastasia placed her hand around Marianne's shoulder and said, "You are someone worthy of being loved, Mary. You should be cherished and to be treated well openly, without being kept a secret. You deserve to be acknowledged."

Marianne smiled at her sister, who always offered her the kindest words. She asked, "Is there anything you would like as a wedding gift?" With their departure for Versailles just five days away, she couldn't help but wonder how many more shocked expressions she would encounter.

"Hmm, let me think." Anastasia gave it some thought, before she said, "I only wish to see you happy."

Marianne shook her head and clarified, "You know what I mean." 

"I returned to Hawkshead, reunited with our parents, and found you here. I met a man who was destined for me. I don't think there's anything else I could wish for." Anastasia smiled, content with how things were. 

Five days later, Dante, the Floreses, and a few others boarded the same ship that Gabriel had arrived on, setting sail for Versailles in anticipation of the upcoming grand wedding. 

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By the time the ship reached Versailles, aside from Dante and his men, the majority of the passengers had succumbed to sea sickness. They appeared pale and fatigued, with Gabriel being the exception, appearing less tired than the rest, as if he were used to such voyages. At the same time, he wore a cautious expression distinct from the weariness of the others, as he hadn't anticipated returning to this kingdom again. 

"I feel like I have gone through Hell," Mr. Flores muttered to his wife. 

"I have the same thought, Hugh. I don't think I want to lay my eyes on water again for quite some time," Mrs. Flores replied, receiving assistance from Marianne, who stood beside her. "I think it would do us good to stay here for a while before we prepare to make our way back. It will provide us with an opportunity to learn more about where Mary and Anna have been all this time." 

"Yes, that would be wise. Let us see this place for ourselves," Mr. Flores responded, before straightening his back and puffing out his chest to project an air of composure.

Dante, positioned beside Anastasia, observed her squinting her eyes as if the light in their surroundings was harsh, and noted she looked as tired as the others. He remarked with a hint of amusement, "You survived the voyage."

Frankly, Anastasia had hoped that the Devil would simply snap his fingers and send them back to Versailles in the blink of an eye. However, the Devil was peeved at the fact that Dante had handed the vial containing the pure souls to an angel instead of him and hadn't bothered to assist them with expediting their return. 

"Do you eventually get used to it?" Anastasia asked him, taking a deep breath and finding relief in having her feet on the ground. This was the second time she found herself happy to be here. 

"After a couple of times." Dante placed his hand on her back and guided her forward. 

"Brother Dante, Anna! Welcome back to Versailles!" 

Anastasia looked ahead and spotted Aiden and Emily, who were accompanied by Minister Aziel. He offered them a polite bow along with the others. 

"Welcome back, Your Highness!" Aziel greeted and said, "The imp informed us of your arrival today, and we have been eagerly anticipating it, as well as that of the others. I trust your stay in Hawkshead and the journey back has been…pleasant?" He couldn't help but notice the weariness on their faces. 

However, Aziel's gaze then landed on a woman whom he had personally declared dead. He glanced at the surrounding individuals, wondering whether he was dreaming or if the others could also see the ghost. 

"Uh, Lily…" Aiden whispered, catching sight of Marianne standing before them. When Emily followed his gaze, her eyebrows shot up in astonishment. 

"It has been," Dante replied to Aziel's question. He noticed Oasis standing to the side, patiently waiting for him, and he was glad to see him. Seeing how his siblings were intently staring at Marianne, he said, "Marianne is alive and in good health. And she's not a ghost." Turning to Aziel, he ordered, "Have the trunks brought to the palace. We will be going ahead."

"Yes, My King." Aziel bowed, and directed the men to fetch the trunks, while the guests mounted their horses. 

Anastasia rode with Dante, whereas Mr. Flores sat behind Aziel, while Mrs. Flores hesitatingly glanced back and forth. Emily dismounted her horse and offered the woman a respectful bow. 

"Mrs. Flores, you can ride with me." Emily immediately extended her friendship to the woman. 

Her eldest daughter had already quietly explained who each person was, which was why Mrs. Flores looked taken aback by the young princess's words. She inquired, "Will it be alright?" 

Emily wondered whether Mrs. Flores was concerned about the horse or her as a rider, but she reassured her with a smile, "Yes, you will be perfectly fine riding with me." 

The palace men soon assisted Mrs. Flores onto the horse, while Marianne took a seat behind Aiden, who appeared eager to question her about her return to life. As the others mounted their horses, they set off for the palace. The people from Hawkshead were struck by the vastness of the desert extending to the horizon, with only a few sparse trees in view. 

"This seems like an entirely different world," Mr. Flores said as he took in the sight. 

Aiden sidled up his horse next to Emily's, and he said, "Lily, I have an idea. Want to have some fun?" 

Mrs. Flores clutched Emily's waist firmly to ensure she didn't fall off. The princess turned to look at her younger brother and inquired, "What kind of fun?"  2

"Just play along. Actually, everyone will need to play along; I cannot wait," Aiden snickered mischievously, earning a sidelong glance from Emily. 

Oasis galloped across the desert, his hooves continuously kicking up sand and his mane billowing in the wind. Anastasia felt a little queasy, making her wonder if she should have vomited before mounting the horse. As if sensing her discomfort, Dante asked her, 

"Would you like me to stop?" 

Anastasia shook her head and replied, "No, I am fine." After a brief pause, she asked, "Are faes capable of apparating?" 

"Not to my knowledge, but the sky is your limit," Dante replied, guiding her to lean against his chest. Soon, they neared the towering red walls, which loomed high, concealing the kingdom beyond. "Welcome back home."

"Welcome back home." Anastasia smiled as they passed through the entrance gates. The commoners, upon noticing the arrival of the king and the rest of the group, were quick to offer their greetings and bow in respect. 

As they approached the palace and drew near the entrance, Anastasia caught sight of the Mother Queen standing alongside King William's two women, accompanied by Prince Victor. 

The Mother Queen turned her gaze upwards, and as her hand moved, petals began to fall from the sky, surrounding the area where they stood. 

"What is this, Grandmother?" Dante asked as he approached her, and he was soon enveloped in an embrace. 

The Mother Queen looked proud and delighted, patting his back affectionately. She remarked, "You have finally returned home, bringing not only my granddaughter but also her family. I believe this calls for a grand welcome," and her smile widened. 

Anastasia realised that there was some truth to it—the Mother Queen did indeed dote on Dante a little more than the others. Dante continued to hug his grandmother a while longer before they pulled away, and he expressed, "I missed you, Grandmother."

The Mother Queen pursed her lips, as if her emotions were overflowing, and she said, "I missed you too! You have no idea how frequently I had to summon that grumpy old man, who appears more lifeless than possible."

Dante had heard about it from his imp and planted a kiss on the top of her head, saying, "It is good to see you still alive."

"I have another hundred years left in me; no one can snatch me away. Also, I am not that old," the Mother Queen chuckled before looking at Anastasia. "Come here, dear. I've missed you the most!"

Anastasia smiled at the Mother Queen as she made her way towards the older woman and received a warm squeeze in her embrace. Perhaps the woman was correct, because despite her claims of a backache, her arms possessed remarkable strength. 

Soon, introductions were made, and during that time, Anastasia received bows from Lady Sophia and Lady Maya, but nothing more than that. Dante's eyes fell on his youngest brother, who appeared timid and positioned himself behind Lady Sophia. 

Dante made his way to where Victor was standing, and the others cleared a path, causing the young prince to become frightened. 

The area fell into silence, and the boy didn't raise his gaze, but he managed to offer a deep bow and said with a shaky voice, "Welcome back to the palace, King Dante!"

Many individuals in the palace had been waiting for this moment, questioning what decision Dante would make regarding this young boy, who was the son of the traitorous woman. Though Victor's health had improved, with the poison no longer affecting him, he hadn't been spared from the looks of disgust cast his way. He had overheard whispered conversations in the palace corridors speculating about the possibility of him being executed. 

Dante stared at Victor, and he questioned him in a stern tone, "What do you think you are doing?" 

The young boy's knees had begun to tremble, and he didn't dare to meet his eldest brother's gaze. Suddenly, when Dante placed his hand on the boy's head, he appeared even more frightened. 

"Victor, raise your head," Dante instructed. And when Victor finally managed to comply, he inquired with a frown, "Why are you shaking?"

"I—I fear I will be punished," Victor stuttered.

Dante's voice was calm as he asked, "Have you committed any wrongdoing that makes you believe you deserve to be punished?" 

"They say Mother did things…"

"Anything you did has no relation to your mother's actions, Victor. Unless you believe what your mother did was right." And at Dante's words, the young boy rapidly shook his head. "Then you shouldn't hang your head as if you committed a mistake. I am still your older brother, and this is still your family that will protect you." 

Tears welled up in Victor's eyes, and he whispered, "Yes."

"I am your brother before I am a king," Dante declared, letting the others know that he wouldn't tolerate anyone badmouthing his family. 

Just because his father hadn't been man enough or king enough to protect him when he was young, that didn't mean he would allow his siblings to endure the same mistreatment. Dante asked, "Do you understand?" 

Victor resembled a lost puppy as he nodded and replied, "Yes, Brother Dante."

"I told you it was going to work out fine, didn't I?" the Mother Queen remarked with a smile, having had complete confidence in Dante. 

Anastasia smiled as she observed the Blackthorn family reunion, but upon turning around, she noticed her sister was not there. But it wasn't just her, as Aiden was also nowhere to be seen, making her wonder if they had already made their way inside the palace. 

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