(In the early hours after the battle)
A carriage stopped near the castle gates, which were still surpisingly intact. Several Sanbrequois soldiers were present there clearing the rubble at the gates. The air was silent with only the soft patter of the rain to keep them company.
A gorgeous women draped in a purple cloak seemingly dulled by the morning mist, stepped out of the carriage. Her face saddened by the death of the only person, whose life she valued. The woman began walking inside the castle through the rubble, covering her nose due to stench of burnt flesh and smoke. Two handmaidens followed close behind, their faces mirroring the duchess's despair. One of them, unable to contain her anxiety, muttered under her breath, "Poor duchess, prince Joshua's passing has truly shaken her…"
Anabella, who was the women with the cloak, turned towards the maiden, with a fierce and angry look on her face. She roared, "Speak another word about it and I will not hesitate to silence your tongue forever!"
The young woman paled, her eyes widening in fear. "A thousand apologies, Your Grace," she stammered, her voice trembling with fear.
Anabella thought to herself, doubt clouding her mind, " What have i done? Have I destroyed the very kingdom my ancestors bled to protect...."
She barely noticed reaching her destination – the castle courtyard which now lay ruined amidst the rubble. The once proud banners of Rosaria lay trampled underfoot.
In the center of the courtyard, a Sanbrequois captain, his armor wet from the rain, barked orders at his men as they killed the remaining Rosarian soldiers trapped amidst the rubble. He muttered to himself, " Damned Phoenix, A single Eikon... such devastation, A shame he isn't alive " His musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching through the mud. He turned, his gaze falling upon the now former duchess of Rosaria, Anabella and her two handmaidens walking towards him.
He understood immediately. The duchess must have overheard his remark, " My condolonces your grace, is there aught we can do? "
A silent sob escaped Anabella's mouth as she spoke, " Haven't you done enough captain ? Joshua was my world and now he's gone. Nothing else matters "
The captain held her gaze, the raw pain in her eyes silencing any words of consolation that might have formed on his lips. Anabella continued speaking, " I can only hope there is a place for me in this world your radiance seeks to create "
The captain trailed off, " I See...." His gaze then fell upon a young boy lying unconscious amidst the rubble, his face streaked with dirt and grime. He immediately recognized the boy as the Archduke's firstborn son. Your Grace!" he exclaimed, "Over here!"
Anabella rushed to his side, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes. Perhaps, just perhaps, a part of her world remained. But as she drew closer, the hope died in her eyes, replaced by a burning rage that contorted her when she saw that it was Clive. Anger boiled inside her, " Why did everyone i loved died besides him ! "
The captain asked her, " shall can take him as a prisoner. Perhaps his radiance, considering the surrender of your son—."
Anabella cut him off, " No need for that captain, kill him "
The Captain stared at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Kill him, Your Grace?" he stammered, disbelief coloring his voice. "He is your son, your blood....."
A cruel smirk played on Anabella's lips. "Blood that carries the taint of betrayal," she declared, her voice devoid of any warmth. "He will face the same fate as the rest – obliterated into oblivion."
But orders were orders and just as he raised his sword to deal the killing blow to Clive, Anabella yelled, " Stop"
The captain glanced at her expectantly
" As my husband never tired telling me, he is a fine soldier. "
With a smirk she walked away, " Make good use of him captain, I'm sure he would make an excellent addition the imperial front lines "
As she walked away she gestured her hand to two of the nearby guards to kill her handmaidens,
" No witnesses, Captain," Anabella called over her shoulder and walked back the path she came in albeit without her handmaidens
The captain gestured at two of his men to lift Clive up and check him for any serious injuries. Deep in his heart he felt sorry for Clive. He ordered, "We shall take him prisoner, kill the rest. No witnesses "
Clive spoke in a low and tired tone, " Joshua....", A single tear escaped his eye, carving a path down his soot-streaked cheek. His whole world, his family and his kingdom all were destroyed in a single night.