For the Future

Although Milena was mad, she still had to attend the wedding. She couldn't show the Princess was sulking either, so she had to hold it in, but no one in the House De Crescent was blind. She found Prudence, and the young girl, very cautious about Milena's visible anger, said nothing, only following her to go and greet the future bride.

As expected, Lady Eugenie was beautiful in her wedding dress. She had insisted on a very flowery theme, in dark red and purple shades. Milena had always thought Eugenie was a graceful and beautiful young woman, and it was even more obvious now. Her dress was a perfect mix between the House De Crescent's colors and those of the House d'Iris, and had an antique feel to it; Most likely because of her belly, it was extremely puffy in the front, but was going in twirls around her legs, and was actually a short dress that stopped right below her knees. Even Milena was baffled, as the dress managed to show off Eugenie's lean body while completely hiding her little belly. The accent corsage was put on her long arms rather than around her waist, and her hair had been tied to make her face look leaner, although Milena knew her sister-in-law enough to tell she looked slightly chubbier. Once again, no one else would notice or suspect a pregnancy like this.

The two women greeted each other, but, as the room was filled with Eugenie's bridesmaids and all the servants helping her get ready, they only exchanged the most trivial greetings. Yasina couldn't be here, but she had sent two of her best seamstresses to help, and really, they were only checking on the embroideries and pearls over a work already done.

Milena wished she could have talked to Eugenie about Valentin's decision, but it wouldn't have been very appropriate given the time and place. She had to keep her concerns to herself and wait for the ceremony to be over. At least she managed to somewhat calm down while chatting with the other Ladies. Eugenie's friends were all very calm and composed women, some older than her, and there wasn't as much gossip as Milena had feared, or anyone desperate to get her attention. Hence, she sat there silently sipping tea, hoping this would all be over soon, getting lost in her thoughts.

She couldn't say the idea that Valentin was going to be sent to war had been completely out of her mind.

They had talked about this, but it felt like ages ago, when things were different. Now, her brother was on the verge of being the Duke and a father. She was so sure it would make him let their father go in his stead. She wasn't so scared about him going to war; Valentin was a good knight, with excellent swordsman skills, and good leadership too. No, Milena was angry about his reasons. It felt like nonsense to her that he would decide to go now, of all times, when he should have stayed behind, to take care of the Dukedom and his family.

Was he going soft, or... was she? Milena took a deep breath, watching Eugenie laugh with her friends. For the first time, she had somewhat lost sight of the politics to focus on her family. She wasn't mad at herself for that, but she was doubting herself a lot. How could she stay focused on protecting her loved ones and navigating through the intrigues of the court when she was now living afar? Did it make her weak to be so mad at Valentin for taking the right decision for her? For the Dukedom?

As she was lost in her thoughts, only smiling slightly for the sake of it, Milena barely noticed the bridesmaids slowly leaving to get Eugenie something to eat before the ceremony. Hence, the room was emptied quickly, and the young woman also asked her maids to leave her alone with her future sister-in-law.

"I've rarely seen you so troubled, Princess Milena," chuckled Eugenie.

Milena raised her head, a bit troubled indeed. They were left alone, aside from Prudence who was quietly sitting next to her, looking concerned too.

"My apologies, Lady Eugenie. I shouldn't be so grim on a day like this..."

"Oh, you're so much like your older brother, always brooding and keeping your thoughts to yourself. Please, Lady Milena. We are just about to become family, and you know you can talk to me. ...It's about my future husband, isn't it?"

Milena sighed, and stood up to face the future Duchess.

"Indeed. he told me about his plans for the war, and I can't help but think this is a bad idea."

Unlike what Milena would have thought, Eugenie simply chuckled, and turned towards the large mirror again, checking the folds of her dress.

"You can't be so surprised, Lady Milena. You know this was one of the possible outcomes."

"I thought it was the most probable one, until I was made aware of your condition, and my brother was so close to getting the seat of the Duke De Crescent. It just feels wrong to me that the natural course of things shall change because of me."

Eugenie turned to her with a gentle smile.

"...I don't think it's a bad thing, Lady De Crescent. Do not misunderstand me, I am in no way happy for my future husband to be sent to war. However, I am a noblewoman, and I know what is best for my kingdom. For our future generations. I think Valentin is more admirable than ever, to be able to step aside to give his younger sister the opportunities she needs."

"His decision shouldn't be about me!" exclaimed Milena, frustrated. "I knew Valentin could be sent to war, I grew up in a family made for war. However, I didn't think he would still consider this in his current situation. It shouldn't be about me, it should be about you, about his child."

Eugenie chuckled, and caressed Milena's hair very gently. She was probably the only woman alive allowed such a gesture towards the Princess.

"Lady Milena, this is exactly what it is about."

As she held Milena's hand, and took her to sit on the little cushions on one side of the room, careful not to create any folds on her dress or undo some of the embroideries.

"It's precisely because of our child that your older brother has made his decision. It's about protecting our whole family. It's... Lady Milena, you're such a brave and strong woman. Now, your heart is filled with worry because you care, and it is a good thing. You ought to be able to have such feelings to lead with a right heart. However, you also need to be able to make the right sacrifices."

Milena's eyes grew wide. Never would she have thought to hear such words from Eugenie, of all people. However, before she could even say something, the Lady's smile took her by surprise. Eugenie was sitting so close to her, and she took Milena's hand in hers.

"Lady Milena, we all know the upcoming war isn't just going to happen past our borders. With so many people gone to risk their lives, you'll need all the help you can get keeping things here stable. You'll need your father's vote. You'll need to be strong and to stand alone. The factions will be restless as soon as a new King is chosen. I... I pray that Prince Rayan isn't sent, and gets to be chosen as the Crown candidate. However, there is no certainty of that, and we cannot allow ourselves to lose time. We have to act fast, Lady Milena, and be ready for all situations. Even the worst scenarios."

"I know all of that Lady d’Iris. What I don't understand is why..."

"Valentin is betting on your future, as a Princess, or as a Queen. Even if you do not make it as Queen, I truly believe you have the power to help our kingdom, Lady Milena. We know the situation we're in, you know how much we all fear if the next winter will be the last. We need strong leaders to hold on, and for our children's future. We need someone who can match up to Prince Ellias, even if your husband isn't by your side. We are all trying to give you our support, and I think you need to learn to accept the support."

Milena took a few seconds to let her sister-in-law's words sink in. It was hard. Not because she knew Eugenie was right, but because she felt like many more people than she thought were expecting a lot from her. Moreover, there was also that growing fear that Prince Rayan would be the one sent to war. Milena couldn't blame anyone, but she hated that this outcome was still hovering over their heads continuously.

She nodded, trying to calm herself down, and take things more rationally. She hated the idea of letting herself become weak, and she already knew how she was going to get stronger, from now on.

"Sorry for being so... emotional," sighed Milena; "Thank you for your kind advice."

Eugenie chuckled.

"Milena, do not ever apologize for your emotions. If anything, I think they can be your greatest strength. Never apologize for being able to feel, and to cry if you need to. Despite what they say, I don't believe all politicians need a heart of ice to do the job. I think a woman like you can do much better, because she knows how to listen to her heart too. Being able to feel is no weakness, Milena. It's a sign of strength."

Milena smiled, and very gently, the two women hugged each other. There was this strong tie of mutual respect between them, but more than that, Milena already considered Lady Eugenie as family. They separated, smiling, and her heart was indeed a lot lighter now. She was determined, and even more resolute to take action. She stood up, only to realize Prudence was all teary behind them.

As the two women noticed, the younger lady blushed and tried to wipe the tears away clumsily.

"I'm sorry! It's just, it was very touching just now..."

Eugenie chuckled.

"Silly little sister of mine! How are you going to stay by the Princess' side if you can't control your emotions? Come on, come and help me put my shoes on, Lady Milena should go first."

Politely, Milena took the cue and left just as all the other ladies were returning.

Blanche took this opportunity to slip out of her pocket and trot ahead. They were both happy to be back in the De Crescent Manor. It still smelled a bit of burnt wood, but nevertheless, it was their home. Milena felt like this feeling would never change no matter how many years she lived in the Royal Castle.

Taking the time they had left before the actual Ceremony, Milena made a detour by the wedding hall, checking in with all the butlers thriving, greeting the first guests already present, mostly Lady Eugenie's family. To her surprise, many welcomed her as "Princess De Crescent", and behaved as if she was the host of the wedding, which made Milena feel proud. People weren't dissociating her from her original house.

Trying to chase away her worries and remember it was a special day, Milena did her best to entertain the guests until it was closer to the time of the ceremony. She and Lucian were actually the only ones around available to do so, as Valentin would still be getting ready, and the vampires in the family would most likely appear later in the day.

"Good afternoon, my Lady."

Milena smiled, feeling an arm snaking around her waist. She turned around, surprised to see Rayan there, perfect in a tailored suit. Naturally, his arrival surprised a lot of people, and everyone around bowed politely.

"Your Highness! We had no idea you would be participating in the ceremony..."

"I decided to surprise my in-laws. After all, I do like an occasion to have some fun, don't I?"

As the nobles present laughed to his joke, Milena smiled, a bit troubled by his presence. She knew he'd come, but this was earlier than she had thought he'd appear. Even her father had yet to arrive! Rayan kept greeting everyone and smiling for a little while, his arm around her, the two of them acting like a loving couple to everyone present.

It was hard to sneak away when they were at the top of the kingdom, but the two of them took the first occasion they found, as Raphael finally arrived. Rayan gently pulled Milena away from the crowd.

"How are you?" He asked with a little frown. "Your eyes are slightly red. Did you cry? Did you make them cry back? What did I miss?"

Milena chuckled, and shook her head. She had hoped he wouldn't notice.

"I'm fine, I just... learned my stubborn older brother was going to war."

He cupped her face in his hands, frowning.

"...Wasn't that meant to be so?"

"Not with... his most recent circumstances."

Rayan kept frowning for a little while, but then, he sighed, and nodded. Regardless of whether he had caught Milena's hint or not, he knew it wasn't something he could speak about there and now. Hence, he did not ask any further, and quickly looked around.

"I think the young Duke is a very wise young man, caring very much for his younger sister."

"I know. I know Valentin is making the... right political choice. I feel like an idiot for not being able to swallow that pill, that's all."

Rayan chuckled.

"My Princess, even in fifty years you'll still be a younger sister able to care for her beloved older brother. There is no wrong in that. Do not believe any man is going to war with a light heart and no thoughts of what’s left behind. Valentin De Crescent is just making things easier for himself too."

Milena was aware of that.

If Ellias went to war, everything would be fine, and Milena could reign alongside Rayan, the De Crescent family would be safe from danger for a long time. In the opposite case, the main danger would come from Ellias taking the power and favoring his in-laws. Then, Milena would have to be the one standing for the House De Crescent. In either case, it was important she remained strong at court, alone or not.

She nodded, and let out a long sigh, glancing up at her husband.

"Aren't you early?" She asked, curious. "How come?"

The Prince sighed, and glanced around, making sure no one was listening.

"I wish I was only missing you, but... I came to let you know the news early. My father wants to see us tonight."

"Tonight?"

Something was wrong about this. Today was the future Duke De Crescent's wedding, the King ought to know Milena would be busy and expected to attend the ball. Even if the wedding had been put to a minimum, people would start to talk if the sister of the groom left early. 

Hence, Milena understood something was really wrong. Rayan's expression wasn't stiff per se, but he was obviously keeping up a front. His cheerful attitude from earlier had given her a hint.

"...Is he?"

"Yeah. I don't think my father is going to stay with us for long."

"...so the Oracle was right," she whispered.

Rayan slowly nodded.

"Do you know what he's going to say?"

The young vampire sighed again, wrapping Milena closer in his arms.

"Well, I do hope the old man is still smart enough to make the right choice... He summoned all of the Council first thing tomorrow morning. Someone is probably talking to your father right now, to let him know. I think we will have to attend a crowning soon."

"Rayan, tell me. You know, don't you?"

The vampire prince hesitated, a bit nervous.

"...My brother threw a monster tantrum this morning after you left. I don't think he talked to my father personally yet, but... He must think what I'm thinking. My father will not choose him."

A strange feeling grew in Milena's heart at this very moment.

"...Really?" She whispered. "You think he's going to..."

"He knows he has to make a decision before the decision is taken for him. He can't push this war away indefinitely, or wait for... another kind of news. I think we'd better be ready for another kind of battle tomorrow morning."

Milena took a deep breath, and nodded. Then, she swiftly put a kiss on his lips.

"Alright," she said. "Actually, there will be another fight."

"Another fight?" Asked the Prince, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. The De Winter’s want to change the Laws about the Progeny, right? I have an idea, but I'm going to need your support, and your input as well."

Rayan smiled and nodded.

"Always, my Princess."