The Second Archon War: Comedia Glacialis 21

Comedia Glacialis 21: The Queen’s Brief Interlude 

The very air trembled with the roar of the crowd, and the earth shook with the tread of heavy military boots. Confetti and streamers fluttered in the air, and bright colors filled Snezhnaya Plaza. Below Kollei, a sea of celebration spread out as the Fatui marched in triumph through New Moscow. Thousands of jubilant Russians waved and cheered, with children riding on their parents shoulders in order to see their victorious heroes. 

Heroes. The word was like ashes in Kollei’s mouth. They were not heroes. They were bloodthirsty conquerors who had desolated an entire nation, one that, despite what should have been the height of Summer’s heat, was still locked in Winter’s Heart. Only, Finland was a nation no longer. It was just a Duchy. Her Duchy. 

Kollei did not smile at the troops parading below her, nor at the Harbingers standing beside her on the balcony. Her expression was serene and calm as she sat upon her mother’s throne, the gnosis held in her hands. Even now, as her doubts raged, she could feel the beating pulse of Love that flowed from her mother, through her, and to the people. 

Beside her, Anatoly was smiling in satisfaction, a cup of wine in his hand, Elana standing stiffly beside him, obviously pregnant in her gown. She had a smile fixed on her face as well, but it was obvious she had no Love for her husband. A pity. 

Yelizaveta had her own gold and silver goblet and was blowing the occasional kiss to her passing troops. Ivan was boisterously singing marching songs off-key and off-rhythm, a slightly crazed look on his face. He’d been killed a dozen times this campaign, and his sanity was waning. To restore him would require years of peace and therapy. Neither of which was available. 

Anastasia and Riley stood closer to Kollei’s throne, both with attendants surrounding them. For Anastasia, some of the most beautiful former capes of the enemy fawned over her in adoration. The delusions they bore were rapidly diminishing what was left of their souls. Soon, they would be nothing but hollow puppets of the Dancer. She was not making the mistake she had made with Thoma again. 

As for Riley, her children, including Jean-Paul and Cherie, stood about her. Cherie had gained a cat’s tail to go with her ears, a “reward” from her father. However, much of the anguish had also been excised from the girl’s soul. The look of devotion and love Cherie had fixed Kollei with would have been disturbing if Kollei couldn’t feel how genuine it was. The small kindnesses that Kollei had shown the girl, such as ensuring she was released from solitary after another escape attempt, or having her dine with Kollei at the table instead of having to eat off the floor for once more trying to manipulate someone’s emotions…it was almost sad, how little it took. The girl was broken now. The last embers of her defiance stamped out. Just like Finland. 

In contrast, Jean-Paul’s love for Kollei, her mother, and especially Pater, was quite real. It had taken no coaxing for him to embrace his new family and declare steadfast love and loyalty to his adopted home. The same could also be said of the war orphans in the House of the Hearth. Riley doted on the ones who showed a willingness to join her family, and ruthlessly reeducated any who resisted. Once more, the Tsaritsa had chosen well. 

That was her mother, not her, wasn’t it? It was growing ever harder for Kollei to remember that she was only the Princess, and not the Tsaritsa herself. 

As evening approached, the Million Fatui Parade ended. It was, of course, not nearly so many people. While there were a million under arms in Imperial Russia, many remained deployed in the newly conquered Duchy of Finland and the Duchy of Ruthenia, which comprised Latvia and Estonia. Eastern Ukraine and Belarus were much less volatile, but still had garrisons to ward off the monsters that constantly invaded from the Storm Range. Still, 50,000 troops and captured equipment had made a formidable display. There had been no tanks, and the flights overhead had been only Tinkertech craft and flying capes. Kollei personally saw such vehicles as ridiculous. What purpose had they when a single Delusion bearer could rip a tank to shreds or knock a plane from the sky at a fraction of the cost? 

There was a final cheer as the troops' formations stood to attention before Kollei, with their ranks stretching beyond what mortal eyes could see. Civilians surrounded them, all cheering and delighted. Indeed, Kollei had spent weeks when it was obvious victory was inevitable, ensuring there would be adequate restrooms, food, and water to avoid a repeat of the Khodynka Tragedy. All the food and drink was free, of course, though the supply of beer and vodka had both been diluted and was tightly controlled. Even so, Kollei had needed to knock out more than a hundred drunks before they caused a problem. A simple proposition, and something she’d only consciously done the first time. After that, she’d simply willed it to happen, and it had. 

Am I a god now? She wondered. She didn’t know. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that in this moment, her people were safe, and victorious. 

She arose from her throne, and lifted her gnosis topped scepter. A hush spread rapidly, and there was a great sound as hundreds of thousands of people sank to their knees and bowed their heads. 

My Beloved subjects, Kollei began, projecting her voice not just to all of Moscow, but to all of her mother’s realm. Everyone from Vladavastok on the Pacific to conquered Turku in Western Finland could hear her, and a gentle snow began to fall across her mother’s empire. Today, Love has triumphed. Once more, the Duchy of Finland is restored to union with the rest of my mother’s lands. We welcome our beloved brothers and sisters to the Empire, where they will be sheltered in my Mother’s embrace.

She gestured to the newest contingent of Fatui, who were front and center before her. It was made up of Finnish troops who had volunteered to serve the Tsaritsa. Some were opportunists who sought to be on the winning side, a few were true believers in the Tsaritsa’s new religion, but most simply had wanted not to starve in the endless winter that gripped their country. 

“HAIL, TSARITSA! HAIL, PRINCESS KOLLEI!”  the crowd roared. They had, of course, been instructed what to cheer for days beforehand. 

Kollei forced a small smile, and waved to them all. Even now, I feel your Love. My Mother, her serene Majesty, the Tsaritsa, feels your Love. Though she yet slumbers, she-

I SLEEP NO LONGER. YOUR LOVE, MY PEOPLE, HAS AWAKENED ME. 

Kollei’s heart flew into her throat, and tears wet her cheeks as she spun. There, upon the throne, a small ice storm sprang to life. A few moments later, the storm resolved into Bronya. Her mother. The Tsaritsa. For a moment, no one knew how to react. The Harbingers were already kneeling, and gaped at their god and queen who had returned to them. 

For aching moments, she could only stare up at her mother. Then, trembling, Kolleo knelt and proffered the gnosis. “M-mother, I…I return to you…”

“No, child. Come,” Bronya opened her arms, and an actual smile formed on her lips. “I am so proud of you.”

Weeping in earnest now, Kollei raced up the steps and threw her arms about her mother. The icy embrace felt warm and welcoming, Kollei’s tears freezing on her cheeks as she clung to her mother. The crowd behind them exploded into applause with cries of “HAIL TSARITSA!” and “HAIL PRINCESS KOLLEI!” in true earnest now. 

“You’re awake, you’re really awake,” Kollei said, clinging tightly to Bronya, who clutched at her, but not as strongly as she would have liked. 

“Only in a sense. I had to be here this day. I am still weary. I am afraid…you must shoulder the burden of leadership a little longer, my beloved daughter,” Bronya said, and Kollei opened her eyes to look at Bronya, horrified. 

“What, no! I, I’m terrible at this! I couldn’t think of anything to do but lead us in a pointless, bloody war! I couldn’t keep the harbingers from fighting, they’ve killed dozens in their clashes! And…and the entire world is allied against us now!” Kollei gasped. 

“To the first, the war was not pointless. You secured us new lands and peoples. You did exactly as I would have done, and in that, proved yourself truly my daughter,” Bronya said, caressing Kollei’s face. “All of the Dutchy of Finland I give you, Kollei. Though, in truth, it is not mine to give, for you took it. Rule it as you see fit. You have proven yourself capable.”

“As for the Harbingers…ever they play their little games. So long as they do not rebel, it simply keeps them sharp and strong. And if the world hates us…then our ice shall freeze them all. For my cold burns those who hate me, but strengthens those who Love me. And you, my daughter, my precious Kollei…I love more than life and ice itself.”

“Mother…” Kollei bent her head, which Kollei kissed the top of. “I just…I’m so glad you’re back…with me…”

Finally, her mother was awake. At last…at last everything would be set to rights…

The rest of the day proceeded as the planned grand celebration. Food and drink were provided to all citizens of Russia, and had been a massive logistical undertaking. Kollei had even ensured that the people of conquered Finland were given gifts of cake, spirits, bread, and vegetables. None would go hungry in her mother’s realm ever again. Here in the palace, a great feast and spectacular gala and ball took place, with every noteworthy of the Empire present. 

Knighthoods and writs of nobility were given, forming a new class of Boyar that were entirely loyal to the Tsaritsa. While initially it had been planned for Kollei to do so in her mother’s name, now Bronya sat upon her throne and gave accolades and awards. 

“When great service in the name of Love is done, then in Love, great rewards are given,” Bronya told a captain who had earned himself a noble title through his efforts in the war. 

For the ball, Bronya reclined upon her throne, sipping iced wine. It was up to Kollei to dance the night away, and for once, she let herself be swept away in giddy delight. Her mother was awake again. She was merely a princess once more, no longer a ruler, but simply the one who stayed by her mother’s side. 

Noticing that Cherie was looking morose at the sidelines behind Riley, Kollei walked past several handsome officers and more than one beautiful warrior to take the cat-girl’s hand and drag her out onto the ballroom floor. 

“M-my Lady?” Cherie gasped as Kollei took her in her arms for the dance. “M-me? I…I am but a humble-”

“Shhh. Just relax, Cherie. While you are with me…you are safe. No harm will come to you,” Kollei whispered, and kissed the girl on the forehead. 

Girl. Cherie was a year older than Kollei, and yet…she felt like the younger one here. 

It was even more obvious when Cherie melted into Kollei’s arms, looking up at her with sheer worship in her eyes. When the song was done, Kollei turned to find Riley and Jean-Paul watching them. 

“Do you like her? She’s yours if you want her,” Riley said, head cocked to one side. “She’d still be my daughter, of course, but fathers give away their daughters, right?”

“I…” Kollei felt a bit sick. She didn’t want Cherie as a lover. In fact, Kollei had no desire to take anyone as a lover anymore. Oh, there had been a brief window where she’d started to find various men handsome, but now…well. She had about as much interest in lovemaking as her mother seemed to. Which was to say, none at all. 

“Oh, please, mistress,” Cherie begged, taking Kollei’s hand and kneeling. “I…I will be your devoted pet!”

“You should take her. She’s worthless to Pater, always trying to break free. Plus, even if she tries to manipulate your emotions…just like she’s doing now, you’re immune to it.”

Cherie winced. “I…I swear I’m not- it’s an accident! Please don’t punish me!” 

That settled it. “She will be my lady’s maid. I could use one,” Kollei said firmly. Cherie nodded eagerly, and Kollei reached out and…touched her. Not physically, but emotionally. She didn’t mind control her, not exactly, but…just as Cherie was trying to toy with Kollei’s emotions and having as much success as a kitten moving a boulder, Kollei nudged those feelings of devotion, and solidified them into Love. Not eros, or romantic love, but Storge: familial love. 

Oh yes. The look of delight that came over Cherie as Kollei affectionately pet her forehead, the way she willingly rubbed against Kollei, just like a cat…Cherie was hers now. There would be no betrayal here, ever. The loyalty that Kollei needed. 

“Thank you, Mistress,” Cherie wept, and Kollei gestured for her to rise. 

“You will get a uniform in my colors, that all may know you belong to me. You will sleep at the foot of my bed, as my bodyguard and maid.” But not her friend. Oh no, Kollei had no friends. Not anymore. Only Amber had ever really been her friend, and she…she had betrayed Kollei. Just like everyone did, eventually. Except for her mother, of course. 

At the stroke of midnight, Bronya arose from her throne, and all eyes turned to the Tsaritsa as her subjects knelt before her. 

My Beloved subjects, take this time and night to celebrate your victory. You have served my daughter well, and in doing so, you have served me well. None have my Love more than Princess Kollei, who is my chosen Vessel and Heir. Rest, and reap your rewards. For soon, the rest of Our Empire will return to us, and all the world shall know Our Love.

With that, Kollei hastened to her mother’s side, and taking her hand, led her away. As soon as they left the servitors behind, her mother stumbled, and Kollei once more had to prop her up. A sense of deja vu washed over her, and she recalled a night that felt like ages ago, but had been only 15 months. 

“Mother?” Kollei asked, infusing Cryo from the gnosis into the Tsaritsa. 

“It is…it is well, child,” Bronya said, slowly straightening up. “I have rested too long. Five months of idleness is too long. There is…there is so much work to do.”

Kollei nodded, then, to her surprise, someone came alongside the Tsaritsa, and helped her up as well. Cherie. 

“Mistress, I, I will speak to no one of this,” the cat girl whispered, and Kollei could see she was trembling. 

“Indeed you will not. For if you do, your tongue will freeze from your mouth, and you will be able to speak no more,” the Tsaritsa growled. 

“Mother, there is no need to threaten her,” Kollei said as they helped the Tsaritsa back to her rooms. 

“It is not a threat. It is a Curse. This creature will not betray us, or she will lose her ability to speak,” the Tsaritsa gasped. 

They lay Kollei’s mother in her grand bed, and Kollei reached to put the gnosis on her breast. 

“No. No, child. It is yours. I may be the Archon, but you…you are the Love for our people that must be my hand. I will…I will sleep for some days yet. Perhaps weeks,” the Tsaritsa said, closing her eyes. 

“No! Mother, I need you! I, I’m not strong enough! Not wise enough! Not-”

“Hush, child. You are all that, and more,” Bronya said, and icy fingers caressed Kollei’s cheek. She clutched at her mother’s hand, pressing it to her face. “You will make…a fine Tsaritsa. Finer than I.”

“But, but mother-!”

“I will not survive this war. I have seen it in the Ice. No, not this mortal contest, but the one against the Sustainer and his Cycle. At the end…someone else must care for my people. That someone is you, Kollei.”

This was horrifying, and Kollei looked over at Cherie, only to find the other girl’s eyes were narrowed, her tail flicking back and forth. Perhaps she was not perfectly loyal after all.

You will love my mother as you Love me. 

The command left Kollei’s lips almost before she was aware. Cherie shuddered, and then a look of pain and adoration washed over her face, and she began to weep at the Tsaritsa’s bedside. 

“See? Already you are Love. You will make…a fine god,” Bronya said sleepily. 

“But, but what should I do! I’ve conquered Finland, yes, but, but the Harbingers always want more! I have armies, trained for battle! I…I’ll have to find somewhere new to invade, and start the bloodshed and violence all over!” Kollei said, feeling panicked. 

“South. Once, Russia ruled the Baltics: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan…expand even to Afganistan. Find Buer. Seize her gnosis. Become…become that which can defeat the Sustainer,” Bronya whispered. Then ice formed over her body as a clear dome, and she slept once more. 

Slowly, Kollei stood, feeling hopeless, helpless. War. More war. Always more war. She turned to Cherie. “What should I do?”

But Cherie was no adviser. No wise companion. She was a pet. A devoted slave enthralled and compelled to Love Kollei. “Whatever you decide, mistress, it will be wise. I will do whatever you ask of me,” Cherie said, and kissed Kollei’s fingers. 

Squaring her shoulders, Kollei swept from the room, Cherie trailing after. Ice formed in her wake, and she gripped her scepter. 

Ice. Her will must be forged in ice. She would never falter. As her mother willed, so she would command. 

When she lay down, against her better judgement, Kollei removed her dull vision from its velvet box and opened it. She stared into the faded depths of the divine gift, and pondered. What would the girl who had received this do? Was this how she had envisioned herself? Was this her Ambition?

No. But it didn’t matter. She had to continue forward. She had to save the world. 

And to do that…all must Love her. 

She did not sleep that night. Nor for many more. She merely lay in bed, icy tears on her cheeks. She was becoming the Tsaritsa. All that mattered was to do what must be done. She could have nothing else. 

Amber…why did you abandon me? 

Alone in the dark, the girl who had once been Kollei Moskaylova wept.