I shouldn't waste Holy Light on that

(Aidan's self worth: 9)

Seeing Aidan getting worked up, I think that maybe I should have thought about something to stop them, but it’s probably too late now.

"You were bored? While we prepared the trip, made sure that everything was ready for when we’ll meet with the embassy of those who might well raze our whole country if things go wrong, you were bored? I wish I had the luxury to get bored! Our soldiers, the ones who died for us during the last battle would have liked getting bored too! Those who’ll die because of you if you mess up like you’ll do if you don’t pay more attention won’t have the occasion to be bored either! When will you realise that being the Queen doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want, but quite the opposite. You have a duty to take care of your country, of your people!”

Well, that was to be expected. And obviously, Leona won’t take that graciously either… As if on cue, the young queen retorts the second Aidan stops to breathe in.

“You think that I don’t know about my duties? I was there at the battle you talk about, or have you forgotten? While you were safe, up on the hills with your field-glass, giving orders, making war by pouring on maps, fighting through your men, I was in the thick of it, up to my elbows in imperial soldiers guts! Running left and right to support and rally the troops wherever our line started to falter. I must have killed more than a hundred men that day. Then you were pretty happy with my recklessness weren’t you? But that is not enough, no! When you need my sword, then I am the champion of the Lady and I am your mightiest warrior. But as soon as it is finished, while the soldiers go out to party or mourn their fallen comrades, then I have to suddenly sheathe my sword and don an ornate dress to become wise and regal again. I get to go back to the throne room to read obscure treatises and talk about levies, taxation and debts to our creditors…”

And like night and day follow each other, Aidan retorts as soon as she stops, and the cycle goes on. Around us, most of the soldiers have found pressing matters out of the plaza while the inn’s staff look upon the scene with fright.

“Oh, you’re right. Life’s been really unfair to you. Not only are you the champion of the Lady of Light, able to become so strong that you can pierce a steel armor with your bare hands, deflect what would be a lethal blow to anyone just with your hand and keep going where your soldiers would not see another sunrise, but you’re also the heir of Lineria, respected and obeyed by all of its denizens. You’re right. So unfair! Tell that to the soldiers who went to fight the Empire without your gift? You don’t like having to work for the country, tell that to the farmers, the porchers, the labourers, who have to work for a living without all the luxuries you seem to take for granted!”

“I didn’t ask for any of it! Are you jealous, dear brother? Jealous that the lady of Light favors women? Well, I can’t give you my powers, but believe me, I would if I could as long as that would free me from your constant criticisms. And you know what, maybe we can change the rule of the country so that the firstborn, be it a girl or a boy, gets to rule, but before that, why don’t you take on one of my dresses? Since you think that I am such a poor queen, why don’t you go be the Queen in my place in the Empire and let me stay in my country to rule the people? Or are you happy to see me go? Hoping that I won’t come back so that you finally can rule the country as you see fit?”

Aidan was getting redder and redder, but as Leona utters that last barb, he turns white and takes a step backward as if his sister had just hit him.

“What? How could you…” He stammers, too shocked to keep arguing.

Resisting the urge to slap her, I join Leona.

“Well, your Majesty. After this great display of queenly grace, why don’t you dress more appropriately, get yourself cleaned up and get in that coach? Maybe like that your brother and you will manage to get to our rendez-vous without ending up punching one another in front of each other.”

“What… But… He started it.”

“Well, and you finished it. And I don’t believe that your last stab was one that would qualify as sisterly banter. Now go, we have some roads to travel and some things to discuss.”

She leaves, trying to still appear angry, but even she seems to realise that she’s taken things too far.

Still shocked, Aidan looks at me like a hurt puppy.

“What she said… Sylenia, believe me, I’d never wish for anything to happen to you, or to her.”

“I know that Aidan, and she knows that too. Don’t worry. That was just her frustration speaking. On the other hand, maybe you should try it…”

“I should… Try what?” he asks, perplexed.

“To wear a dress next time you see her.”

He looks at me incredulously, then, seeing my smile, he bursts out laughing.

“Hah, maybe I should then.” He says. “Well, I’ll get our men. With the way Leona and I screamed at each other, I’ll have to make sure that they haven’t run away to the castle, or decided to surrender to the Empire to get some saner rulers. We’ll leave as soon as my queenly sister is decent and no longer smells like a plow horse after a day in the field.”

Well, crisis aborted, but Leona really needs to learn to keep a lid on her emotions. I doubt that if she spoke like that to the emperor I’d be able to defuse the situation as easily as I just did.