A Thousand Gasps

[Kender Bard]

Sunray sat beside Dusk at audience, though his attention was clearly elsewhere. Some of the courtiers grumped about this - didn't the king care enough to stay awake during Audience? Indeed, some of the petitioners seemed ruffled as well.

Sunray just kept one hand on some of the rolled up scrolls on his lap and gazed off into the distance with a bored look.

"Hey, wake up," Twilight whispered from his place at the adviser's seat. "I know this part of the day is a yawn but you're making people angry."

"Time to bring things to a close, then," Sunray murmured. He hesitated and leaned over to Dusk, lowering his voice for her ears only. "Dusk... I hope someday you can forgive me."

Sunray stood and cleared his throat. The court fell quiet. "I have a number of greatly important announcements to make," the King declared. He took the scrolls in hand and unrolled one. "My first announcement. I wish to make it official that should anything befall me or should I become unfit, unable, or unwilling to do my duty to the Crown and the land of Anarlina, I wish my queen Dusk to rule on with my brother, Lord Twilight Flamehart, acting as adviser to her, godfather to Prince Sunlight, and regent to the throne to rule alongside Dusk."

This was met with murmurs but... it was no terrible surprise. Twilight was already an acting adviser and while many might have expected that regeancy fall to just the queen alone or to his sister, Priestess Snowflake, it wasn't terribly unusual.

Sunray rolled up the scroll. "Next, I wish to announce abolishment of Audience and Court."

The court went wild immediately.

Sunray rather wished he was a Wind but he summoned up every ounce of shouting strength in him and boomed with all the kingly authority he could muster, "SILENCE!" He scowled darkly at the assembled people. "What purpose does this audience serve?" he sneered, contempt dripping from his voice. "You all come here, courtiers, and prowl about like jackals for some morsel of gossip to latch onto and fight one another over with. You slander good names, degrade the integrity of people, and make a laughingstock of our nation. And what of my petitioners? My time is wasted on people who insist on bringing the most petty of problems before me. No more! Take your grievances up with the lords of your district. Whisper your lies and treacherous words around the fountains. I'll have no more of it in my halls!" He gave a short, angry laugh. "And may that be my finest achievement in my reign! Good riddance to sycophants and slime! Congratulations, Anarlina, you have driven me to become a most desperate man indeed. To ensure I finally get some Force-damned peace in my life, I shall abdicate the throne to Queen Dusk and finally get to live the life I've always wanted rather than play liege to this petty land. Furthermore, to go into effect immediately after my leave of the crown, I announce us divorced. Let my actions stain not her - she who actually gives a damn about you people, and cares what you think and feel, Forces only know why. Etaf is a cruel Force to have made me king by blood and her by marriage when it should have been the other way around. Let you fill her ears with your whining."

He shut his eyes, and took a breath. The rest... The rest of his plan hinged on the next moment to come. Twilight, brother, please be as predictable and violently passionate as I know you.

"Are you INSANE!?" Twilight shouted and leapt to his feet, staring with open shock at Sunray. Sunray let out a shaky breath - so far so good. "Are you mad? Sunray, what has gotten into you!?"

"A good idea," Sunray replied smoothly.

Twilight snarled and stalked around to stand next to Sunray - the king turned to face his brother and the two glared at one another in front of the throne. "What you're doing is denying Anarlina her most basic and sacred right - to be able to come before the king for any reason and lay their troubles directly at the feet of their lord! How dare you defy them that right?!"

Sunray just snorted.

Twilight shook with his anger. "You'd spit on the principles this kingdom was founded on?! I won't stand by idly and let you do this! This is your DUTY to Anarlina! Yes, I know that courtiers can be a pain in our royal asses. They know it too! Yes, sometimes the day can be long and tiring and you question why you have to settle a dispute over minor issues. Everyone knows that our system is not perfect, but it's what's right! Only in Anarlina can the most humble of men stand shoulder to shoulder with men of breeding and power and be heard as an equal to their king, in court, in Audience. I won't let you tear that away from them! Not while I still draw breath!"

Oh brother, thank you, Sunray thought, but merely flashed the elder Flamehart a nasty little grin. "It hardly matters now? I'm free." He took off his crown and tossed it contemptuously to his empty seat.

Twilight snatched the crown in the air and stood with it upheld as he hissed, "Then stand aside, former king, and let the regent fix what you've dared to break."

The people stared in open, silent shock. None had ever heard the Prince speak so passionately of Anarlina, defend her so vehemently.

And, incidentally, one of the courtiers got the bright idea that it seemed as though Twilight was in favor of keeping Court. Their lifestyle. That seemed like a very, very good idea. And the first voice might be able to steal a little of that patriotic thunder... "Hail to Twilight Flamehart!"

Another courtier got the same idea. "Hail, Twilight Flamehart! Hail to the Queen!"

Others, perhaps less selfishly motivated and simply stirred by the passionate speech Twilight had given, joined in. "Hail, Twilight Flamehart!"

Sunray shut his eyes. That's it. Love your Prince. Love the man who stood up to the king for your rights. Love your future King. Hail, Twilight Flamehart, true king to the throne.

[Darastrix]

While the court began to take up the cheer, Dusk remained frozen to her throne, her thoughts swirling rapidly as she tried to process what had just taken place.

She had noted his oddly distant behaviour earlier as well, and thought that perhaps his divination from the day before was still weighing upon his mind. Well, clearly it was, but she'd had no idea that he would go so far. Dusk had been as startled as anyone at Sunray's first announcement. She was in full agreement at making Twilight officially regent, of course, but one would think that he'd tell her before making it public. Even so, it was a minor thing. So why had he asked her forgiveness for that?

At Sunray's second proclamation, her surprise had turned to full-fledged shock, her jaw actually dropping as she'd turned to stare at her husband. Dusk had barely had time to recall Sunray's words from the previous day--"Damn the court. I have half a mind of ripping the entire place to shreds."--before he'd crossed the line from merely shocking to completely offensive, and her heart had sunk lower with every word.

When Sunray had announced that they would be divorced after he quit the throne, her breath had caught in her throat, her eyes pricking with sudden tears. Even though they hadn't married for love of each other, they had wed at least in part for the love of their people, and to hear him speak of those same people with such contempt and end their marriage in the same breath....

It was all Dusk could do to keep from just bursting into tears right there in court, but she didn't want to make Sunray look any worse than he'd just made himself appear. Instead, she rose slowly from her throne, pale-faced and trembling, and waited for the din to calm down.

---

~Sunray, what in Thuoth's name are you doing?~ Zira's voice sounded sharply in the other man's mind. ~You don't think so poorly of your own people.~

Well, maybe he did of most courtiers, but the good, honest people who came to petition him and Dusk? Surely not.

---

Zack stood dumbstruck, just staring at Sunray and Twilight in disbelief, his bow slipping through his fingers. While he would certainly support his friend, he found it no cheering matter. What what the matter with Sunray??

[Kender Bard]

"Court dismissed!" Twilight bellowed over the roar. Sunray swirled his king's cape about himself and made a beeline for the double doors to the side of the room, where he could seek refuge from the people in the hallway there. Twilight was hot on his heels.

As soon as he'd entered the relatively quiet hallway, Sunray turned around. "Twi-"

Twilight punched him as hard as he possibly could. Sunray stumbled back, hand gripping at the wall to keep from completely being knocked down. Twilight reached out and grabbed Sunray by the shirt, holding the smaller man upright.

"You arrogant little bastard!" Twilight shouted at him and punched him again, his grip keeping Sunray from getting away.

"Acting!" Sunray managed to gasp out. All he could see, for the moment, were stars. "I was-"

Evidently Twilight didn't care to hear that. "LYING, arrogant, bastard!" And hit him again in the stomach. "How dare you!? HOW DARE YOU!? You jackass, look at what you've DONE!"

"For you," Sunray whispered. Of course he hadn't expected Twilight to understand. He doubted anyone would. It was too far-reaching, too calculated, cold.

[Darastrix]

This is not good, Midnight thought as Twilight left after Sunray. Quickly, he ordered his guards to start clearing the hall in an orderly fashion (though at that point "orderly" was a relative term), and rushed off after Twilight. Zira, having the same thought at Midnight, exited quickly as well.

Zack shook himself and scooped up his bow, walking over to where Dusk still stood on the dais. "Come on, Lovely. I'll walk you out," he said softly, offering the queen his arm.

Dusk cast him a grateful look and accepted, allowing the bard to escort her from the hall.

---

Midnight was the first to come upon Sunray and Twilight, and tried to grab the...prince...regent...pissed off brother from behind and pull him away from Sunray. Zira, upon arriving, went to the other side, attempting to either pull Sunray out of Twi's reach or at least get between the pair.

[Kender Bard]

Twilight continued to scream obscenities at Sunray and struggled in Midnight's grasp to get back at his revenge.

Sunray sagged against Zira once he was freed, panting and trying to re-align his thoughts. He doubted Twilight was really listening but continued anyway, "I was acting, Twilight," he panted. "I lied, lied through my teeth."

"How could you do that to Dusk!?" Twilight shouted and strained again in Midnight's grasp.

"She loves you," Sunray whispered and brought up a hand to gingerly touch his wounds. "I love her... I loved her... Father would spit if he'd seen what I'd done to such a wonderful woman and to my own brother, to your son. I've freed you all. They love you now, Twilight."

"Fuck you, Sunray," Twilight growled and finally stopped his squirming. "I'll never forgive you for this."

[Darastrix]

Zira silently stood by his friend, deciding that with emotions running so high, it would be unwise to offer his opinion either way. He didn't approve of what Sunray had done, but still sent him a gentle wave of empathic support.

Midnight relaxed his grip, but didn't completely let Twilight go. "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps my sister wouldn't want to be 'freed' in such a manner?" he asked frostily. "She gave up the life she wanted for what she thought would be best for our people, and you thank her by chaining her to the throne? If she comes to me in a state like she did the night before our weddings--"

"Does it not occur to any of you that I can speak for myself?" Dusk interrupted. Now out of view from the court, she rested her head against Zack's chest, tears beginning to slip from the corners of her eyes. "Why didn't you talk with us?" she murmured softly. "Why did have to try to fix everything by yourself?" She frowned and gave Sunray an angry look. "And why do you think I'd be happy with a 'remedy' that involves you trying to make the people hate you?" Dusk shouted.

[Kender Bard]

Sunray looked at Dusk steadily. "If I came to anyone, you would have stopped me." He jerked his chin in Twilight's direction. "And I needed his reaction to be genuine. I did what I thought was best for everyone, feelings at the moment not withstanding."

He reached up and wiped the back of his hand against his mouth, grimacing. "Twilight has been groomed and conditioned from the day he was born to lead. It's in his very blood and a little setback wasn't going to change the fact. He loves Anarlina fiercely and will do everything in his power to see to it that it is ruled well and right, as you saw. He loves you with all of his heart and the land needs a king who understands Love to its core. The royal family shouldn't have to lie to its people day in and day out."

"You are the finest woman to be queen, as I've told you and I meant it. If ever you decided that you didn't want to have a hand in things, you could quietly step into the background and let Twilight rule. A title doesn't make a queen, but actions do, so I doubt you'll ever do that. Nonetheless, the option is there."

"Sunlight shouldn't have to grow up being lied to anymore than the people of Anarlina deserve it. I won't do that, I won't. I love him-" his voice cracked for a moment but he managed to get it under control "-I love him too much to be able to look at him everyday and pretend I'm his father when I'm not. It was killing me and I'm sure it was killing Twilight and it's much better that he find out the truth now than when he's older."

"In one fell stroke, I have placed Twilight back on the throne where he belongs - and yes, wants. Twilight has never said it out loud but I know that he longs to rule as much as he - wrongly - fears it. I have given Dusk the chance to have a family true and without lies, without scandal. She can have a husband she loves. Sunlight can be with his real father. Anarlina can have a ruling family as it should; one that loves and cares for each other, as my father loved and cared for his wife and children."

Sunray bit his lip and fought his own tears. "I love you, Twilight," he murmured. "Forces, I love you. You used to make me miserable when we were kids but not always and when you came back from Morilanta you were a man I could look up to and adore for your strength and your character."

"Father told me that a good king is willing to die for his country and his kin. Well I would die for you, brother, and for you, Dusk. Death doesn't always mean having your body killed. The only way Anarlina could set aside its grudge and barely remembered anger is if they had someone just as prestigious but more hateable than Twilight. I would gladly switch places with him - I the outcast, now taken from a job I never wanted, and you, in your rightful place."

Twilight stared coolly at his brother. He couldn't think of much to say, so he said, "Father would be ashamed, just as I am."

[Darastrix]

Midnight remained silent, releasing Twilight completely and turning away from Sunray. His sister was hurting and he needed someone to be angry with. Regardless of his intentions, it was still Sunray's fault.

Zack was quiet as well, and avoiding looking at anyone in the room, his head bowed enough that his bangs covered his eyes. He cupped a dark wing around Dusk, his hand moving to tug at his feathers.

"It wasn't on this scale, but you've pulled the same kind of stunt in court," Zira pointed out quietly. He'd been the unknowing pawn in that little gamble Twilight had made, and though things had turned out fine in the end, it had hurt like hell at the time.

~Snowflake, I hate to be the bearer of ill tidings, but I think you should come to the palace, and not stop to chat with any courtiers on the way. Sunray has done something either incredibly stupid or incredibly clever. Perhaps both.~

"I just don't want everyone fighting and angry with each other," Dusk said helplessly.

[Kender Bard]

Twilight seethed in silence and chose to ignore Zira's words.

Sunray bowed his head slightly. "Then I shall take my leave."

"I didn't say you could go!" Twilight growled at him.

Sunray gave Twilight a flat look. He hurt too. Hurt that his brother hated him now. But he didn't give the slightest indication that he felt that way. "My lord, what would you have me do then?"

Twilight made a frustrated gesture akin to wanting to choke someone. "Get the hell out of my sight! Get out of Anarlina for that matter!" Marion had to cool his heels for less, after all.

Sunray bowed his head again and left to go finish packing. He wanted to speak with Lyra as well, but wasn't sure how well that would be received. Finally he decided she deserved better than a goodbye note and ordered a very confused looking servant into having her brought to his room.

"Dusk," Twilight breathed as he turned towards the queen. "Dusk, I am so sorry things have turned out this way. Please don't cry..."

Snowflake was swift in coming. She hadn't spoken with anyone on the way though she overheard enough between the temple and the palace to have... well no idea what was going on but enough to grasp the scale and she looked a bit wild eyed. "I'm here."

[Darastrix]

Zack stepped away from Dusk and drew his wing back, allowing the queen to go to Twilight and wrap her arms around him. The bard walked quickly away from the group, heading off to his own quarters.

Dusk buried her face in Twilight’s chest and shook slightly with muffled sobs. "I-I knew he wasn't happy with the way things were," she whispered. "He was so lonely...and upset that our...our marriage had taken my chance for a real one. I knew he wanted to make it so that we could be together, but I had no idea...."

Midnight looked over, surprised to see his wife there already. He knew word traveled fast, but still.... He cut his eyes at Zira, who nodded slightly as he walked after Zack. Sighing heavily, he walked to Snowflake and took her hands. "What have you heard?

---

Lyra came quickly to Sunray's room, looking completely baffled. "Sunray, what's going on? It's like court outside. People are saying you're leaving the throne, you divorced Dusk, you tried to abolish court.... What really happened?"

[Kender Bard]

Snowflake looked at Dusk in concern. She wanted to comfort the woman but Twilight had it well in hand. "That Sunray went foaming-at-the-mouth crazy and denounced all of Anarlina, and that Twilight stepped in to defend the honor of the land."

Hey with gossip this fresh, the news hadn't been completely distorted yet.

Selfish little bastard, is what Twilight wanted to say. Instead he held Dusk close and stroked her hair. "Don't let Sunray upset you, darling, he acted stupidly and without thinking of those around him. I will take care of this mess. You don't worry about a thing. Is there anything you'd like to make you feel better?" He kissed her forehead gently.

---

Sunray sat on the edge of his bed, gazing out of his window. His things were packed near the bed - most of it had been done the night before, in anticipation of this part of things.

My Anarlina, he thought somberly. He had never wanted to be king. Not really. The mantle had weighed heavily on his shoulders and each decision he'd made had been done so with wrenching insecurity. Mistakes like his proposal to Dusk lay like scars on his heart.

But as he absorbed the reality of things he found himself feeling very hollow. It wasn't precisely sorrow at losing the crown. More like losing a part of his identity. He had been king so long, it had simply become who he was. Now it was gone. He trusted that the life he had before him would fill the gap, with time.

Would father really be ashamed? He thrust that question aside for now and looked over at Lyra as she entered.

"It's all true," he said quietly. "I threw a screaming fit at court, spurned everyone there, and built stairs to a pedestal that my brother now stands on." He smiled, weak and wan. "You should have been there. I could have asked you if I might have it in me to be an actor, my beautiful maestra."

[Darastrix]

"Well, he wasn't actually foaming at the mouth, but as for the rest...." He gave a curt nod. "He also named Twilight regent, abdicated the throne to Dusk, and announced that effective immediately upon leaving the crown, he and Dusk would be divorced." Midnight scowled. "And he didn't discuss it with a blessed person beforehand."


"I want our family to be whole. I want the people to be able to love you both. I want us all to be happy."

---

Lyra looked stunned. "A-all of it?" No wonder he hadn't wanted to give her all of the details beforehand. "Are the queen and your brother happy with the result, at least?"

[Kender Bard]

"In time," Twilight murmured. He was still so very, very angry at Sunray but he doubted it would last forever. His family held too dear a place in his heart.

Snowflake raised a hand to her face and covered her eyes briefly. "Blessed Love, he's turned into Twilight."

"Hey!" Twilight snapped at her.

"It's true," Snowflake said levelly. "This is exactly the sort of insane, dramatic cockamamie scheme you'd think up if you thought it'd solve all your problems. You men are insane, truly and utterly." She made a small, frustrated sound. "Sunray will have to go somewhere else for a while."

"I already ordered him off," Twilight told her. Snowflake gave him a piercing look but didn't say what she was thinking - that likely he had not done so gently. She would need to catch her little brother before he slipped away.

She turned her attention back to her husband and said, very quietly, "Get that anger out of your eyes, Midnight. There's a surplus and all it's doing is agitating hearts."

---

Sunray shook his head. "Not now," he admitted quietly. "But in time, I'm sure they will be. It's everything they ever needed to have happiness. As such, my presence won't help that along and I probably have some particularly zealous citizens who wouldn't mind putting an arrow in my 'traitor' back right now." He offered Lyra another smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm going to be going away to Mentis a while. Probably until... late spring. When it'll be good weather for traveling. If I leave tonight or tomorrow, I'll likely beat the winter storms."

His smile faded and he looked at Lyra sadly. "I'm sorry I couldn't warn you better," he murmured. "And being apart from you is going to tear me up inside. But this was one aspect I couldn't find a way around. I... hope you'll permit me to write you."

[Darastrix]

"Oh no...," Dusk murmured as a sudden thought struck. "How will Mother take this?" she asked, looking up at Twilight.

"I put up with the upset and heartache caused by their original arrangement silently," he muttered. "So let me be angry for a time over this."

---

"Of course," Lyra said quickly, moving to hug him tightly. "Write me every day if you like. I'll write you back, I promise."

[Kender Bard]

Twilight winced at that thought. "Ah, not... well," he admitted. "I mean, I think she's going to be angry. Like come down here to give Sunray a twist on the ear and a lecture angry."

"Fine," Snowflake grumbled, and moved away from him to try and put her arms around Dusk as well. "Let us worry about mother. I can have Emerald hurry to Maelstrom to speak with her before she catches wind through more unsavory channels."

---

"Really?" Sunray brightened and held her tightly as well. "Oh, Lyra..." He kissed her cheek softly. "You'd make winter vacation in hell bearable if I knew you were waiting for me when I got back. I love you so much."