“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
- John F. Kennedy

The world of Strath was the garden world of garden worlds. Its population of ten million made Cenia seem practically overcrowded. Originally a barren rock with no existing life or climate, it was a blank slate for the chief terraformer to design and sculpt to their vision. They apparently really liked rain.

Despite the puddles on the ground and the sound of water, Anne looked up hopefully at the sky. She sighed, and took out an umbrella for what must have been at least the hundredth day that year. The year had started a hundred and twenty-four days ago. She quickly waved goodbye to the twins, Claire and Morgan, as they headed towards the lower year dorms. A brief pang of longing kept Anne’s gaze in place for a second, then it passed. Better to be an only child than to risk a younger brother stealing her birthright.

She started walking towards her dorm. A minute later, there was a tap on her shoulder. Instead of being surprised, she turned around to greet Nathan, and tilted her umbrella forward an inch to cover him.

“What now, Nate?”

“What? Can’t I walk with my favourite…” he paused, “…person?”

“That sounds like you’re unsure if I’m human,” Anne replied, continuing forward. Nathan quickly shifted beside her to avoid the downpour.

“Girl?”

“I always knew you and Morgan had a thing.”

“Fiancée?”

“How many do you have, exactly? You should tell my father about this.”

“Hmm…” Nathan paused in thought.

“That was a waste of the two minutes it took to walk here...”

Anne put away her umbrella. She waved to the guard through the reinforced glass, and walked through the metal door Nathan was holding. A few of the two dozen students present turned to greet them. Most of them greeted Anne specifically, then turned back to the screen. They seemed to be very engaged in the latest news about the protests.

“I’ll just be a minute Nate, find us a loveseat or something.”

Anne walked into one of the hallways, and quickly located her room. She swiped her key card, then pushed the door open. Immediately, electronic pings filled the air. Anne picked up her tablet with a grumble, and almost dropped it from its vibration. She pressed her right thumb to the screen, and it finally stopped. The screen remained black for a second, then the face of her father appeared. Anne instinctively frowned, but quickly forced a neutral expression.

“Yes, father?” she asked.

King Victor II’s mouth began moving, but no sound came out. Static filled the screen for a second.

“Turn on your mic.”

A click. The silence was replaced by overlapping yelling and laser fire.

“Where are you?” Anne asked, “What is so urgent?”

“Be quiet and listen for once. My convoy’s been ambushed. An entire fleet… where did it even come from? They were unmarked, but I’d guess it was the...”

Another second of static.

“… likely the Nationalists? Perhaps… Don’t celebrate just yet. I have no plans of dying here, and even…”

More static, for three seconds.

“…they’ll be coming for you next if I don’t make it out of this. You know where the safehouse is, right?”

Only a second of static, but the image returned partially corrupted.

“…will be joining you, trust no one else. Do what Hondis tells you to, he knows the…”

The video feed went black, and the audio began to falter.

“…make sure no one follows, tell no one-”

Another voice interrupted him, “Hold, men! Your majesty, we need to get out of here! We can’t…”

Nothing. Anne stared at the screen for a few seconds more, until she was sure the feed would not return. She silently put the tablet in her bag, and swung the bag onto her shoulder. She walked over to the window and opened it. With a boost from her bed, she climbed onto the windowsill, spun around, and landed on the muddy ground underneath.

Anne quickly opened her umbrella. She looked around. A man in the distance was looking in her direction. If he was planning to follow her, she’d lose him later. She turned away and headed towards the nearest sidewalk.

Quite a few students were walking on the nearby streets, either under umbrellas or running in the direction of the school. If any of them recognized Anne, they chose not to greet her. The streets were empty of anyone else, spare a few parents with their young children. This oldest part of the capital was practically built around the school. The citizens all lived in the former outskirts, which was now the core of the town.

Anne stopped in front of an unassuming house. She double checked the house number, then reached for something in her bag. She stopped. She turned in a full circle, scanning the surrounding area. A street of near-identical houses, connected to near-identical streets of near-identical houses. A little suburbia in the small sea of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment that thrived on the business of students and visitors of the school. The only people who lived here were the school staff and their families.

Satisfied, Anne retrieved a key card from her bag, and dusted it off. However, as she walked towards the door, a strong gust swung it inwards. She stopped. What now? Anne hesitated. Reaching for bottom of her bag, she took out a laser pistol. She looked at the safety for a second, but did not touch it. Gripping the gun tightly, she walked into the doorway.

The inside of the house had been ransacked. Papers were strewn across the floor, and half the furniture was too. One of the windows was shattered, and lights flickered on and off. Anne took a few steps into the house, closing the door behind her. Footsteps from above. Fumbling for her gun’s safety, she spun to face the staircase, but recoiled. A man was already behind her. The same man from earlier. Her gun fired, and punched a cup-sized hole in the wall behind him.

“By Remos, Miss Capet, did I teach you nothing about gun safety?”

That manner of speech… The well-groomed beard… Hondis. Lower year self-defence and military history teacher. Former four-star general. One of her father’s closest friends. Anne flipped the safety on, and carefully placed the gun back in her bag. Hondis lowered the pistol he had been inconspicuously pointing at her.

“I suppose I should refer to you by title outside of the school…” he said, mostly to himself, “Now, what do you know of the situation?”

Anne collected her thoughts for a second, “Someone has attacked my father’s convoy. His fate is unknown. I’m to wait here until further notice.”

“Excellent. However, this safehouse has clearly been compromised. It will take some time for me to finish investigating this. For the best, as we are expecting a few others. After I am done, we will head to the Marquis’ residence, with them or without. For now, keep yourself occupied as you will. Forgo that uniform if possible, it’ll be conspicuous in the city. Also, watch the door! Whoever was here earlier broke the lock. Understood? ”

“Understood.”

Satisfied, Hondis returned upstairs to continue his investigation, leaving Anne to her own thoughts. Hope. Not for her father’s survival, but for quite the opposite. She berated herself. No sense in getting ahead of herself just yet. There was a knock on the door. She took out her laser pistol, then peeked out the window. Nathan was at the door, wand in his other hand. She went to let him in, but Hondis appeared from seemingly nowhere. He pointed his gun at the door.

“If this was the Cult’s doing, everyone’s identities are in doubt. Ask Mister Melun a security question.”

Anne panicked a bit. If she asked something too easy, Hondis might not accept it. If she asked something too hard…

“Alright, Nathan. Before I open the door, answer this. What was significant about this day, two years ago?

A pause.

“…absolutely nothing?”

She nodded to Hondis. He paused, then nodded back, and opened the door. Nathan entered the house, greeted Hondis briefly, and then gave Anne a questioning look. He fidgeted with his wand, spinning it in his hand.

She explained, “The officialising of the line of succession. Any good imposter, and probably a lot of people, really, would know that. However, I doubt they’d know you’re exceptionally bad with dates.”

Before Nathan could reply, Hondis interrupted, “Please stop playing with that stick of yours, Mister Melun. It is causing me some nervousness.”

Anne snickered a bit as Nathan quickly pocketed his wand.

“Excellent,” Hondis continued, “Now, I am sure Miss Capet here will inform you of the situation. I will be resuming my investigation.”

He walked back upstairs. Nathan retrieved his wand, then moved one of the couches upright with a quick flick of his wrist. Anne promptly walked over to sit, prompting him to tell her off a bit. He flicked his wrist again, moving some of the more hazardous debris out of the way. He then sat down beside her.

“So…” he paused, “You feeling alright?”

“Yeah… yeah… just taking it in…” she replied. There would be plenty time to speak ill of the dead later, if that was the case. Hondis was almost certainly eavesdropping though, intentionally or otherwise. Anne rested her head on Nathan’s shoulder, and they settled into a comfortable silence.

~~~

About thirty minutes later, Hondis appeared, again seemingly from nowhere, “My investigation is complete. Others are expected, but their arrival was expected earlier. You are my priority Miss Capet, and they are ultimately unimportant. We must leave now, I have left a note for them. Neither of you have forgone your uniforms, I will return briefly after a look around the nearby area. Be in front of the safehouse in ten.”

~~~

Nathan slowly turned in a full circle, looking through each houses on the street. He lowered his wand, “Nothing. Wouldn’t surprise me if he hides himself from magical detection, but…”

“It’s been almost forty minutes. If someone attacked him, we probably would’ve been targeted by now…” Anne said, “But we can’t just wait forever. Someone here will eventually recognize us. I say we just go.”

Without waiting for Nathan to agree, she started walking down the street. He quickly caught up, and peered over her shoulder at the map on her tablet.

“The residence is near the city core. It’s quite the walk, actually… Well, we better get going. The rain’s stopped, but it’ll be dark soon enough,” she said.

~~~

“Oh come on, don’t tell me you wouldn’t be at least a little sad?” Nathan asked softly.

Anne looked around. No one else was nearby, but she dropped her voice further, “Look, I know I have no right to complain about parents when talking to you, but…”

She stopped. Approaching sirens suddenly surrounded them. None were visible from the side street they were on, but there must have been at least a dozen nearby.

“We should see what’s going on…” Nathan suggested, raising his voice, “In case something’s happening.”

Anne nodded, and followed him to the nearest avenue.

In the few minutes it took to reach the scene, the sirens had turned off. A crowd of protestors faced a makeshift podium, and dozens of police officers were observing them. Seemed to be a peaceful protest of some sort. Anne asked Nathan to pause for a second so she could watch. A man ran up to the lady speaking at the podium, and said something to her.

She turned back to the mic, “Ladies and Gentlemen of The Mavanian Alliance. It is now clear why these fine officers came here sirens blazing. Their commander-in-chief. The oppressor. The coward. The late King Victor II. At long last, dead.”

The crowd broke into a spontaneous cheer. Anne was drawn to the speaker’s words, forcing Nathan to begin pulling her through the crowd, in the direction of the residence. The woman at the podium quieted the crowd after a minute.

“This is our time. You, and our allies across the empire, have prepared for this moment in secret for years. If you’ve asked why I chose to speak here and now, wonder no longer. The serpent has lost its head. Now, we take its offspring. Do not harm anyone that doesn’t resist, but make no mistake. The time for peaceful protest is now at an end! Epsilon, to the Marquis’ residence with me! The rest of you know what to do. For freedom!”

The crowd yelled back at her, “For freedom!”

More sirens. Flashes of light. People at the far edge of the crowd fell to the ground. The woman at the podium ducked. Return fire from nearby buildings. Shots at officers from all sides. Shots at the crowd from all sides. An approaching helicopter. An explosion. Fire fell from the sky, and leapt from vehicle to building to person.

Anne unfroze from her shock. Everyone around them was shooting at someone else. It was a miracle they had yet to be hit by crossfire. She subconsciously reached for her weapon, but Nathan grabbed her arm.

“No! You’re going to get us killed!” he yelled, barely audible.

He took out his wand with his other hand, and practiced a hand motion, moving his mouth without making any sound. He let go of Anne, and took out a small vial of golden liquid, downing it.

“You better give me a pardon if we live through this.”

Nathan repeated his earlier hand motion, this time almost shouting the spell. A sphere of red energy spread outwards from the tip of his wand, and quickly surrounded them. It turned a darker red, then continued expanding. It began disintegrating everything in its path, and those nearby screamed and ran away. Both sides fired at the sphere, to no effect. It was starting to block out the sun. Wait, no… Anne blacked out.

Anne woke from a stab of pain in her head and the increasingly close sounds of gunfire and yelling. She groaned, opened her eyes, and crossed them, trying to focus on the wand tip touching her forehead. Nathan quickly pulled the wand back in reaction, accidently dropping it on her leg. She yelped, and the wand rolled onto the pavement.

He bent to pick it up, “That spell’s supposed to be perfectly safe, but… You’ll be fine, just really tender for an hour or two.”

Anne nodded, wincing as the back of her head scraped against the brick wall behind her.

Nathan continued, “We’re a block away. I’d offer to carry you or something, but I’m not sure that’d actually be a good idea …also, I’d rather not.”

“What a gentleman,” she replied softly, “That’s fine, just help me up here.”

He offered his hand, and Anne grabbed it, pulling herself up with only a bit of pain.

“Come on, we should go. It doesn’t sound like this thing’s going to be put down any time soon.”

She nodded, and let Nathan lead them towards their destination.
~~~
As the two of them approached the residence gates, a guard turned to face them.

“What are-,” she stopped, tore a poster off a nearby tree, and handed it to Anne.

All civilians are to return to and remain in their homes until further notice from authorities. Emergency powers are in effect for a period of seven days. The situation is under control, but we cannot guarantee your safety unless you remain in your homes. This is an official order from The Lord Trent, Marquis of Gladus, Viscount of Brurn, and Baron of Strath, effective immediately.

The poster continued on for several more paragraphs, but Anne stopped after the first. She started to say something, but the guard cut her off.

“Under emergency procedures, this is restricted ground. You should not be here,” the guard paused again, “But you’re just children… If you leave now, I don’t see a need to report this-”

Anne held her hand up, stopping the guard, but surprising her. She narrowed her eyes, and stared at Anne and Nathan.

Before the guard could do anything rash, Anne said, “No one would think this sentence is an actual pass phrase, but it is, you should check.”

The guard paused. She spoke into her walkie-talkie, then visibly paled at the response, “You majesty! My sincerest apologies! I never meant to imply you and your friend here were children.”

“No need to apologize, you had no idea who I was. Besides, you’re not really wrong…” Anne replied, “What’s your name?”

“Kelsey Ingram, ma’am. Junior Guardsman of the House of Trent and Barony of Strath.”

“Well, Kelsey, you know who I am…” Anne motioned at Nathan, “He’s…just call him Nathan.”

Kelsey turned slightly, “Pleasure to meet you.”

“The same to you,” he replied, “Now, please, lead us to the Marquis.”

Kelsey nodded, took out a key card, and swiped it against the gate pillar. The gates swung inwards. Kelsey waited for Anne and Nathan to enter first, and they obliged. She quickly followed, closing the gates behind her.
~~~
As Anne walked into the main room of the residence, she noticed Claire and Morgan near the back of the room, looking a screen on the wall. She motioned for Nathan to be quiet, and snuck up behind Claire’s chair.

Anne paused, then sighed, “Hey Claire, hey Morgan.”

Claire spun around, “Anne! Nathan! I thought- I’m so glad you two are safe.”

Nathan asked, “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Claire motioned to the screen, “Violent riots near the school. People are being evacuated, but…”

Claire dropped off as the reporter started speaking, “Sorry about that, we’ve been having audio issues. Sources say the government is trying to cut off the rioter's comms, but all that’s done so far is disrupt our broadcast.”

The screen switched to the anchor, “Any other updates on the situation, Bruce?”

“Government forces have just retreated to a perimeter of one block around the school. Priority evacuations are nearing completion, but the disappearance of our new Queen and our future King Consort have local authorities in a panic! The Lord Trent is refusing to speak on the situation, and attempts to reach the newly arrived Duke of Acroth-“

Morgan grabbed the remote from Claire, and muted the broadcast.

Claire smacked him in the arm lightly, then turned to Anne, “Yeah, our dad’s in the situation room with the Marquis. He told me to tell you to come alone, and to have Guardsman Ingram escort you.”

“Alright… I’ll be back in a flash, you three.”

“Follow me, your majesty,” Kelsey said, “I do hope you have your clearance on hand.”

“I do,” she said, following Kelsey down the hallway, “You’re part of the new guard trial, right?”

“Of course, it’s really the only way I could be a guard,” she replied, “Honestly, I’m not sure the job’s for me, but I can’t let everyone down, you know?”

Anne nodded.
~~~
After walking down increasingly dark hallways and descending staircases for about ten minutes, the two arrived at a metal door with a guard on each side of it. One of the guards stepped forward, and stopped the two of them.

“Identify yourself.”

“Kelsey Ingram, Junior Guardsman.”

The guard nodded, then turned to Anne, “Your clearance is unnecessary, your majesty. You are expected.”

The guard turned to his partner, who looked into a small screen on the door. A beep. The door swung inwards, and everyone in the room beyond turned towards it. An older man in a suit stood up from his seat.

“Your majesty, you arrive at last. No time for formalities and introductions, we have much to discuss.”

Anne nodded, “Very well, uncl- Duke Damas.”

“One issue first, however,” said a younger man in a decorated military uniform.

He stood and turned to face Kelsey, “Guardsman Ingram, consider yourself dishonourably discharged from service to the House of Trent, effective immediately, for failure to report an incident and lack of due respect towards an authority.”

Anne began to protest, but Duke Damas stopped her, “Lord Trent, there are no dishonourable discharges for civilians, which continues to include your guards.”

The Marquis glared at the Duke, “Guardsman Ingram, wait outside, you will receive your termination papers after the meeting.”

Kelsey turned around and left the room, deflated. The two guards then closed the door.

“I knew this trial was a bad idea,” Lord Trent murmured.

“Now,” Damas said, ignoring him, “The head of the table is yours, Queen Anne. We have many important things to discuss, and not enough time to do it.”

Anne carefully sat down at the end of the table, to the left of Duke Damas.

Anne asked, “What’s the urgency?”

“Ah, yes,” he replied, “This is no mere riot. It appears the Alliance has gathered much of its forces for a full blown rebellion. Few of our forces are close enough to respond, and the local forces are rather outnumbered. My navy is en route, as are several others, but none will arrive for several days. We will likely have to retreat from the system after evacuations.”

Anne nodded, “Then don’t let me delay this meeting any longer.”

“We will continue the previous discussion later,” Damas said to the rest of the room. “There are more urgent matters right now. Your majesty, how much do you know about the Empire’s enemies?”

“Not enough, I imagine.”

Lord Trent sighed softly. Damas paused for a second, then continued.

“There are several, but let’s focus on the relevant one: The Mavanian Alliance. They are, in brief, revolutionaries who want to topple the crown and replace it with tyranny of the masses. They are the most reasonable of our foes, but yet the most dangerous. They promise democracy, which sounds very promising to the masses, who know little about power and leadership. We estimate a membership of nearly a tenth of a percent of the population, and sympathy rates are no doubt much higher. They have a large militia, and possible assistance from…certain sources.”

Damas looked around the table.

He continued, “Their leader was giving a speech in this very city when she ordered what we fear to be the start of a large scale rebellion. As we speak, an organized militia is moving towards both the academy and this residence. As I said before, our forces on planet are insufficient to stop them. Nevertheless, we must deal with this quickly, as manipulating public opinion is their strong suit, and we cannot give them the chance to make us look weak.”

Anne nodded, then remembered something, “Hondis is missing.”

Damas paused, “Concerning, but the military types can handle themselves. There are bigger things to worry about right now.”

“Alright...What about the assassination?”

“Ah, yes, your father… While the Alliance is the most likely culprit, we simply cannot be certain. The empire has many enemies, and any could be responsible for this. Be assured, whoever they are, they will be brought to justice.”

“What's the plan now?"

“Now… I would suggest you return to Cenia in preparation for your crowning. This is no time for a succession crisis, and even with the confirmation, there is almost always several claims. They are rarely successful, but it is an unnecessary risk. We will deal with these problems, worry not.”

Lord Trent suddenly stood, “I will crush this rebellion with the might of my army and armada. There will be no mercy for those who oppose the kingdom. I will bring you their leader’s head.”

Anne paused, “No. I want their leader alive if at all possible, and I’d prefer you not make too many martyrs.”

Lord Trent shook his head disapprovingly, but then offered Anne a handshake. She hesitated, then stood up to accept it. He squeezed hard, and Anne bent over in amplified pain.

“…pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. What did I tell you, Nicholas?”

Lord Trent turned around and walked out of the room. Silence.

Anne quickly sat back down, “…you are all dismissed.”

Most of the room quickly gathered their things and dispersed.

“Are you alright, Anne?” Damas asked, in a completely different tone.

“Yes, yes, just…” she replied, “Magic.”

“Magic?” he asked, “Did you get attacked by a mage? Was it the Cult?”

“No… It’s nothing. I’ll be fine.”

“If you insist,” he sighed, “Come on, I have a ride arranged for you.”

Anne stood up, and walked out of the room. Damas followed after a few seconds. In the hallway, Lord Trent was handing a pile of papers to Kelsey.

“Please, give me another chance,” Kelsey pleaded, “I can’t fail everyone…”

Lord Trent responded, “This isn’t a negotiation, Ms. Ingram. Guards, escort her out.”

He spotted Anne and Damas, and hurriedly rounded a corner. After a few awkward seconds, the guards asked Kelsey to leave.

“Wait,” Anne interrupted, “Give me those papers.”

The guards immediately stopped. Kelsey hesitated for a second, then handed the termination papers to Anne.

“…I’m not sure why I took these...” she said, “Do you want to continue being a guard, Kelsey?”

“Of course,” Kelsey replied, not looking very sure.

“Well, my last personal guard was…” Anne hesitated, “Anyways, you can have a shot at the job if you want it.”

“Thank you, your majesty,” Kelsey replied, “I must accept.”

“Great. Now…”

Damas interrupted, motioning at the guards and Kelsey, “You three, leave us.”

He waited for them to leave earshot, then turned back to Anne.

“Lord Trent and his House are permanently stuck in the military mindset, and you know what that entails. Honestly, he will probably never like you, or even respect you. He deeply respected for your father, but… Either way, there’s no sense in antagonizing him more, Anne.”

Anne nodded slowly.

“He and his house are very loyal, but mostly to the empire, and not the crown. He’ll turn on you in a heartbeat if he thinks you aren’t a fit ruler, and his expectations are already… well, you saw what happened in there.”

Anne nodded again.

“Don’t worry too much, Lord Trent doesn’t want this getting out either, and I’ll talk to him after,” Damas said, “Now, enough of that. My children and your little entourage should be waiting on my personal craft.”

“Are you coming with us?”

“No, it’s being used for evacuations. I’ll get a ride after this whole mess is dealt with. Someone needs to make sure Lord Trent doesn’t decide the planet’s acceptable collateral, after all,” he deadpanned, “Come on, let’s go.”