Chapter 23

Land was in sight. The Empire was in sight. The fleet of invading ships would soon be ashore with a large army and the invasion of Valm would be underway. Weiss stood on the bridge of her flagship. It had once been her sister's flagship, the Rosanne. Now Winter's embalmed body rested below decks in the cargo hold, loaded into an ornate carriage that would serve as her herse. It had been quite some time since Winter's death but Weiss had still not talked to anyone about it. On the march to the coast she had remained silent except for outbursts of shouting when Yang or Blake pressed the issue. While they were gathering the fleet and loading up for the voyage she had immersed herself in the task of preparing the invasion. During the long sea voyage she locked herself away in her cabin and would speak to no one except on matters of a military nature. She was the sole commander of the invasion. Qrow had to remain in Ylisse to consolidate his power and ensure the Plegians did not take the opportunity of the Exalt's death to cause trouble. Glynda had to help Penny cement her authority and also deal with the chaos Winter's invasion had wrought on Ferox.

Weiss expected an unopposed landing. Her choice of destination was crucial to that expectation. Rather than landing in Chon'sin, the easiest crossing point and the base of Weiss' personal power, she was landing in Rosanne, a little further down the coast. She hoped a combination of Ruby's presence as rightful heir to the duchy and her own pleas would bring the people over to her side. If not, her army would do the job. Most of Rosanne's soldiers had joined the invasion of Ferox and few would be left to defend it now. Many had actually joined Weiss' army, though after Winter's death she was a little skeptical of their loyalty.

Weiss turned to the signals officer. "Order the shallow-draft ships to land on the beach." She commanded. "The soldiers will then secure the port, allowing the rest of us to disembark there. There is to be no violence, no looting, nothing." The officer began waving a pair of flags to transmit the orders. After he finished flagmen on the other ships passed the orders along until the entire fleet was informed. Weiss hoped there would be no need for fighting. She had sent Pegasus messengers ahead of the fleet to inform Rosanne of her imminent arrival and of all that had happened. On their return the messengers had told her they had been well received and instructed to tell Weiss that Rosanne was with her. Still, she could not be sure until her arrival. That there were not soldiers lined up along the beach to oppose them was a good sign.

Her ships bore the banners of the Empire and Rosanne, along with the personal emblems of Winter and Weiss. That would go a long way toward defusing any potential conflict. The smaller ships hit the shore and the soldiers piled out. They did not come under attack. Confirmation of the successful landing reached Weiss by flag signals. Less than an hour later, Weiss' banner flew over the port, signaling it was safe to land. The ships too large to land on the beach docked in Rosanne's huge port, all without a shot being fired. It was an auspicious start.

Weiss remained aboard the Rosanne, preparing plans for the army's advance in the coming days. Meanwhile the soldiers set up a camp just outside the city. Weiss used gold captured from her sister's army to pay for their supplies. There would be no theft. Weiss was going to present herself as the rightful and just ruler, not a conqueror. After an hour or so a delegation from the town arrived to see Weiss. She disembarked the ship to meet them on the dock.

"Princes Weiss, we, the people of Rosanne, surrender the city and submit to you." The mayor said.

"I do not accept your surrender or submission." Weiss said. "But I will accept your assistance in my effort to rid this land of a tyrant."

"We pledge our support, Your Majesty." The mayor said. "How may we serve?"

"I wish to bury my sister." Weiss sighed. "Tomorrow if possible. Please prepare for a suitable funeral, and for the official installation of a new duchess."

"It will be done, Your Majesty." The mayor said. "Tomorrow we shall lay Winter the Fair to rest with all the dignity befitting a royal princess."

"The funerary procession will begin here, from her flagship." Weiss said. "Plan the route accordingly." The representatives bowed and departed, no doubt relieved that Weiss was treating them with such gentility.

Even the fearsome Feroxi soldiers under her command were kept under tight control despite their rage at the invasion. Ren and Nora commanded Ferox's contingent. Ylisse had given about half its army to the invasion as well, and it was being led by Pyrrha. Blake commanded the loyal Valmese soldiers from Chon'sin and Ruby those from Rosanne. Yang would command any new recruits gained along the way, in addition to all the other Valmese soldiers that had joined the cause. They were all very busy, too busy to bother Weiss about how she was feeling, and that was how Weiss wanted it.

The following day it was time for Winter's funeral. The ornate carriage carrying Winter's corpse rode near the back of a seemingly endless procession of local notables. Weiss, her retainers, and the nobles from the army that were loyal to them rode as well. Winter's husband joined them, riding beside Weiss. He was inconsolable, and had been since news of his wife's death had reached him. Weiss was a stark contrast, her face expressionless. She just rode on as the procession wound its way through the streets of Rosanne, finally reaching a Temple of Naga. Winter would be interred in a spot she had marked out before her departure for Ferox.

All around were extravagant displays of grief. People threw themselves on the ground, tore their clothes, or just cried their eyes out. Winter had been beloved in Rosanne, perhaps more than Weiss was in Chon'sin. It might have caused trouble for Weiss, as her actions had led to Winter's death and many would surely blame her, but the truth Weiss brought with her was readily accepted. Winter's husband confirmed the seizure of their child by the emperor, and the entire duchy was turned against him in an instant. There was some whispered criticism of Weiss' behavior at the funeral. Her emotionless appearance caused many to wonder just how much she cared about her sister. If only they knew.

That night Weiss retired to the bedroom in the castle she had assigned herself. It was the same one in which she had slept when visiting to celebrate the birth of Winter's daughter. She changed into her nightclothes and prepared for bed. It had been a long, painful day. There was a knock at the door, a servant no doubt. "I require nothing." She said. "Leave me."

"We're not leaving." Yang said.

"Open the damn door Weiss." Blake demanded.

"Damnit!" Weiss shouted. "You two should be at the camp! You're commanders. What of your troops?"

"Taiyang's covering for us." Yang said. "Now open up, we need to talk."

"Just go away." Weiss sighed. "I want to be alone."

"You leave us no choice." Yang said.

Weiss expected them to break the door down, but instead after a little metal clicking it opened. "Thanks." Blake said, waving to someone outside of Weiss' view.

"You should really remember who has the keys." Yang said. "Your brother-in-law is worried about you too."

"I never got along with that man." Weiss grumbled.

"Not good enough for Winter?" Yang suggested. "I don't think anyone would meet your standards anyway."

"What do you two want?" Weiss asked.

"We just want you to talk to us." Blake said. "When I was dealing with my eye, you and Yang talking to me helped a lot. Now I want to return the favor."

"And we haven't had sex in like a month." Yang said. "I'm a little pent up."

"Yang, not now." Blake said. "For once I don't think sex is going to make her feel better."

"You've got that right." Weiss groaned. "Look, I don't really want to talk right now."

"Well too bad." Yang said. "We're not leaving until we're satisfied...in more ways that one."

"Yang, seriously." Blake said. "Now please, Weiss, talk to us. Tell us what you're feeling."

"What do you think I'm feeling?!" Weiss snapped. "My sister killed herself right in front of me, and it's my fault!" Suddenly there was no hiding it. From her clenched fists and tensed stance her anger was clear, but the anguish on her face and the tears in her eyes spoke to a deep despair as well.

"But it's not your fault." Yang said. "It's your father's fault. He tried to kill you. He kidnapped Willow. He set all this up."

"If I'd just died like I was supposed to Winter would still be alive." Weiss sobbed. "I loved her so much. She was my hero. I always just wanted to be like her. Now she's gone...and I'm still here."

"You can't blame yourself for surviving." Blake said. "Winter's fate should not be on your conscience. This is all down to your father, and if you'd died, he would rule the world now. And who's to say he didn't intend for Winter to die regardless. He already tried to kill one of his daughters, along with ordering the murder of his own wife. He's clearly evil and insane."

Weiss sat on the edge of her bed, covering her face with her hands. "I just want my sister back." She wept. "None of this was supposed to happen. She was supposed to join us. We would overthrow my father together and she'd be emperor. That was what should have happened. But now she's gone and there's no bringing her back."

Yang sat down beside Weiss and leaned into a hug. "There's no bringing Winter back but you're still here." Yang said. "You bring hope to all these people. You bring hope to the world."

"I don't care." Weiss declared.

Blake sat on the opposite side of her, also embracing her. "We care." Blake said. "We love you and we don't want to see you like this. Winter wouldn't want you to be sad like this. She'd want you to go on and stop your father, save her daughter and avenge her. Being stricken with grief will only stop you from fulfilling her wishes."

"I would always ask her when I really needed advice." Weiss sighed.

"I thought you usually asked me." Yang said.

"No, I mean about the really big stuff." Weiss explained. "Now I need her advice more than ever. And we talked about everything. The letter she wrote to me when she first met her husband is so full of joy, it made me so happy. I was so excited that I would be able to return the favor by telling her about you guys. But I never got the chance. I never even got to say goodbye."

"I'm sure her spirit is watching over you now." Yang said. "And I'm sure she's thrilled that you found people you love, people who love you."

"She tried to hide it for sure, but there was such happiness in her eyes when she saw you were still alive." Blake said. "Even knowing what she had to do, she was so happy you still lived. Just seeing you filled her with hope. You need to fulfill that hope."

"It's okay to be sad." Yang said. "Hell, it would be weird if you weren't, but you can't let it destroy you. Blake and I just want to help you. The others do to. You can talk to us whenever you need to. We won't judge you, no matter how you feel. We just want to see you happy again."

"I...I suppose you're both right." Weiss said. "I need to accept how I feel, and I need to accept when you're trying to help me." She pushed Yang and Blake away to free her arms and wiped away her tears. "There are still people who are counting me. And people who love me. If I spend the rest of my life like this Winter's death will be for nothing. She'd want me to be happy." She took a deep breath. "I think...I think I'm okay now."

"There you go." Blake said. She leaned back in and hugged Weiss again, gently rubbing her back.

"We'll be here for you, always." Yang added, leaning in as well. She too started to rub Weiss' back but her hand began to drift. "So...now that we've worked that out, how about we have a little fun?"

"Not tonight." Weiss said. "I think I just want to relax, with the two of you of course."

"I'm always down for a good cuddle." Yang said.

Ruby stood in front of a full-body mirror. She was wearing the fine red and white gown that had hurriedly been tailored for her. The crest of the duchy was embroidered into the back. Tomorrow would be her coronation as Duchess of Rosanne. It would see nothing like the extravagance that attended the crowning of a king or emperor, but it would still be a lavish public celebration.

Having helped Ruby dress, Pyrrha stood beside her. "You look stunning." She said.

"I feel awkward." Ruby complained. The closest thing she wore to a gown like this was the armored skirt that was part of her armor. "It's so heavy, and there's so many layers. How am I supposed to move in this?"

"Very rigidly." Pyrrha laughed. She had been made Countess of Nikopolis at a young age but still remembered the occasion. "It's not about being practical. It's about looking pretty and impressing everyone with your fancy clothes. Just walk in there, avoid tripping as best you can, and kneel before the princess. Then you swear fealty, give a little speech, and it's over. You change into something simpler, there's a feast, and we all get to relax."

"Oh, I forgot about the speech." Ruby groaned. "I suck at giving speeches. I don't even know what to say."

"Don't worry about it." Pyrrha said. "No one's going to remember the speech anyway. Just say a few words about enforcing the law and protecting the people and you'll be fine."

"There's going to be a lot of people there though." Ruby said. "What if I'm too nervous?"

"You've charged into battle against people trying to kill you." Pyrrha said. "This is nothing."

"Are you sure I look okay?" Ruby asked. She turned around to see the back of the gown. "I don't look fat?"

"No, you look great." Pyrrha encouraged. "A little short for a duchess though." Pyrrha laughed but Ruby did not. "Come on, it'll be fine."

"I hereby invest you with the title, lands and rights of the Duchess of Rosanne." Weiss said, placing the flat of her sword on the top of the kneeling Ruby's head. Weiss sheathed the sword, stepped forward and held out her hand.

"And I swear to fulfill my obligations as Duchess of Rosanne, to uphold the laws, and to assist in the defense of the realm as called upon." Ruby said. She took hold of Weiss' hand and kissed her signet ring. "I am your loyal vassal."

"Then rise, Duchess Ruby of Rosanne, and address your people." Weiss commanded.

Ruby stood and turned to face the assembled crowd. The Temple of Naga was filled beyond capacity with friends, allies and local dignitaries. "I...I…" Ruby stammered. She was petrified by the sight of the huge audience. She looked to the front row and spotted Pyrrha.

Pyrrha noticed Ruby's predicament. "Calm down, you're doing great." Pyrrha mouthed.

"I, as Duchess of Rosanne, vow to protect my people, from the lowliest peasant to the wealthiest nobleman." Ruby said. "Justice shall be done in accordance with the laws of Rosanne and the Valmese Empire. I hope to live up to the example of my predecessor, and to that of my liege lord, Weiss, Duchess of Chon'sin, Royal Princess of Valm, our rightful Emperor. Thank you all, and may peace reign over this land." Wild cheering and applause erupted. Those assembled bowed before the new duchess as she processed out of the temple with the other nobles.

Rather than retiring after the feast, Weiss and her retinue instead headed for the army's camp. Ruby was not there, instead remaining late at the feast to fulfill her social obligations with the local nobility. Taiyang joined the group in the command tent. Since Ruby's coronation the smile had not left his face. Summer had once held the dream of becoming Duchess of Rosanne, and now that dream had been fulfilled by their daughter. "General Taiyang, I know you'd like to celebrate more, but I have a mission for you to carry out." Weiss said.

"Anything for you, Your Majesty." Taiyang said with a bow, still smiling widely.

"I need you to take the army to Chon'sin and secure the duchy." Weiss said. "Right now our army should be large enough to force the Imperial Army to retreat."

"What if they seal themselves in the city?" Taiyang asked. "And what of they offer battle?"

"If they take to the city start a siege." Weiss said. "They'll only be trapping themselves. If they offer battle, find a strong position and array your troops. Do not attack. Time is now on our side. Do not move the army beyond the borders of the duchy."

"Which of the commanders will be joining me?" Taiyang asked.

"None." Weiss said. "You'll be in sole command of the army. We will arrange for the defense of Rosanne, just in case my father launches a counter attack after we depart. To that end we'll be keeping one third of the contingent from Rosanne here, along with the troops from Nikopolis. Once that is arranged we'll join you in Chon'sin."

"It will be done, Your Majesty." Taiyang said with a bow. "Be safe, all of you." He left the tent and set out to spread the orders through the army.

"You probably don't need all of us to stay." Pyrrha said. "We can accompany Sir Taiyang."

"No need." Weiss said. "You all need your rest, and this will give us a chance to take some time off. Besides, the people of Rosanne should have some time to become acquainted with their new Duchess, and her future bride."

"Future bride?" Pyrrha gasped.

"Yes, future bride." Weiss confirmed. "You gave up your own county to be with her. Surely you wish to wed her."

"I do...but…" Pyrrha struggled. "...maybe...I don't know…"

"Buy a damn ring and ask the girl." Weiss commanded. "And do it before we leave."

"What if she says no?" Pyrrha asked. Her tone of voice made it clear that this was a legitimate concern for her.

"And what if I run through the streets of the capital naked?" Weiss shot back. "There isn't the slightest chance."

"If you say so." Pyrrha sighed, clearly unconvinced. "I'll have to plan a suitable occasion."

"Leave that to me." Yang said, putting an arm around Pyrrha's shoulders. "I know exactly what she'll want."