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Sighing into the mirror, Weiss reached up and removed her dangling, diamond earrings - which were far too heavy for her liking. After setting them down on the chest of drawers, she removed the sparkling tiara from atop her head and set it beside the earrings. 

It had been a long day, but it was finally over. Now the healing could begin.

The sound of footsteps approached her room, but stopped just outside the open door. The person who owned the sound was far too polite to come any further without a formal acknowledgement, even though an open invitation had been granted several times.

Two soft knocks rapped on the doorframe, representing the polite request for recognition.

“Do come in, Glynda,” Weiss said, stepping to the side so that her view in the mirror now included the stern woman standing in the doorway. 

Removing a set of jeweled bracelets from around her wrist and pulling off a glittering ring that symbolized nothing more than wealth, Weiss set everything in front of the mirror before turning around as Glynda strode across the room.

“What is it?” Weiss asked, noticing the trademark furrowed brow her closest advisor was wearing.

“I wanted to say that I’m truly sorry for your loss, Your Majesty.”

When Glynda bowed her head, Weiss huffed in disbelief.

“Save your sympathy, Glynda,” she replied. “What are you sorry for? That tyranny has ended? That people will no longer be forced into suffering so that we may live in excess?” Letting out another scoff, she shook her head. “There’s no need for sorrow. I’m glad he’s gone - we’re better off without him.”

“He was still your father…”

“Which only means I was closest to his ire,” Weiss pointed out, feeling not an ounce of sympathy for the miserable life that had finally ended. “Truthfully, Glynda, I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. I’m looking forward to making changes for the better.”

Only after studying Weiss closely did Glynda accept the words, giving a curt nod that would be the end of the matter for good.

“What will you do first?” Glynda asked, back to business now that the emotional checkup was complete.

“There’s much to be done - much that needs to be changed for the better. I’ll need your help correcting his mistakes, but first...reach out to the Kingdom of Vale - I’d like to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.”

“Vale?” Glynda asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “But -”

“I want to discuss a truce. It’s time to negotiate an end to this pointless war.”

For a long time, Glynda stared - trying to read the intent behind Weiss’ words. Finding that Weiss was speaking the truth, Glynda nodded again.

“When would you like to leave, Your Majesty?”

“Right away. Tomorrow, if it can be arranged.”

“We won’t be able to send a messenger there and back in time -”

“Then I’ll set out without their response,” Weiss replied, knowing that Glynda wouldn’t enjoy that idea in the slightest. “I feel strongly that they’ll want an end to this, as well. There’s no point in risking further bloodshed due to logistics.”

Again, that nod - which meant Glynda would do as instructed even if her pursed lips and furrowed brow gave away her true feelings on the situation.

“I’ll get started on that right away,” she said, backing towards the exit of the room, practically buzzing with restless energy now that she had multiple objectives to accomplish. “Expect to leave tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be ready.”

Without another word, Glynda turned and disappeared through the door, making sure to close it on her way out. 

Left in solitude, Weiss walked away from the extravagant jewelry and sat on the end of her bed to think about recent events and what her future might hold. And - for the first time in what felt like ages - she smiled. 

She’d wanted to visit Vale for years, but hadn’t found an opportunity that wouldn’t result in her father having her hunted down and executed as a traitor. Even if she managed to make it - and even if Vale was willing to provide her sanctuary - he would have no qualms sending legions of assassins after her or Ruby for the rest of their lives.

Now that he was gone, Weiss could finally go - she could find Ruby and hopefully win her heart.

That night as she got ready for sleep and mentally prepared for the following day, she felt lighter than she had since she was a child - maybe even lighter, as during her younger years she’d been ruthlessly aware of the expectations placed upon her.

There were days she never expected to make it this far. There were days she thought her life would be cut short - another victim of her father’s uncontrollable frost and anger. The only thing that helped her through was Ruby. Ever since her eighteenth birthday, Weiss knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. One day, her father would be gone and, when that happened, she could find Ruby. 

She’d dreamed of that moment for so long...and she would dream of it again tonight, on the eve of setting out in search of her happily ever after.

------  

“Uh, sorry to interrupt again…”

Coming back to the table in the midst of a restaurant, Weiss focused on Ruby and smiled. “It’s ok,” she said, her attempt at reassurance doing nothing to ease the deep crease of concern in Ruby’s brow.

“It sounds like your dad was a bit of a...jerk?”

Weiss sighed at the question and sadly shook her head.

“He was extremely powerful and extremely volatile. You never knew what would send him into a rage, and you never knew what he might do when that happened.”

“That sounds really scary.”

“It was,” she answered honestly. “But this was a different world, Ruby. It was a more dangerous world, and the people reflected that.”

When Ruby bit her lip, Weiss added, “And we made it through just fine.”

Finally appearing somewhat relieved, Ruby smiled again.

“But your dad now…?”

“Is much nicer,” Weiss answered with a smile that removed the rest of Ruby’s worries. “He’s driven and almost solely focused on work, but he tends to grow frustrated rather than angry - a much better situation, in my opinion.”

Comforted by the knowledge, Ruby nodded and waved a hand in apology.

“Sorry, I just wanted to know,” she said. “I’m excited to hear what happens next!”

Ruby’s concern over Weiss’ father was heartwarming, so much so that Weiss felt the incredible urge to give Ruby a kiss for being so caring. That would have to come later though. There were more stories to tell first...

------  

The next morning was bright and sunny, but not warm. Atlas was hardly ever warm anymore, but the chill bothered Weiss very little as she was led towards the escort for her trip to Vale. Multiple carriages lined the front of the palace steps - some carrying advisors and negotiators while others carried various gifts of treasure to be used as an offer of peace. The largest of these carriages was reserved for her, built to provide as much comfort as possible over what would only be a few day trip. 

The legion of soldiers accompanying the carriages was large, numbering near a thousand men and women clad in extravagant silver armor. It was surely more than necessary, but Weiss understood Glynda’s precaution. Relations with Vale had soured long ago thanks to her father’s demands of fealty. Hopefully, that would change soon.

Approaching the caravan while flanked by her most loyal guards, Weiss examined the soldiers set to accompany her. They stood in crisp, straight lines with their weapons at their sides, while those on horseback sat rigid in their saddles. Each had plumes of icy breath billowing from their lips - the mark of Atlas and its frigid warriors. These men and women proudly displayed their element for her inspection, each of them assuring her through sight that they were capable of protecting her on this journey.

She wished that the display of force was unnecessary, but until she spoke to Ruby there was always a possibility they would be attacked on sight.

Satisfied with what she saw in front of her, Weiss called upon the ice running through her veins - the constant cold that never went away. The cold deepened, approaching what would be a painful freeze if she wasn’t used to the feeling by now. Drawing out this power and projecting it in front of her, she summoned ice to do her bidding - pulling shards into the loose shape of a towering soldier that dwarfed them all.

The figure moved like a swarm of crystals, coalescing and breaking apart as he walked to the front of the caravan while Weiss was escorted to her carriage. Once she was situated inside, she commanded the figure to point the way with his giant sword, spurring the soldiers to motion before she scattered the crystals by the wayside.

With the journey underway, she leaned against the window and sighed. She loathed the posturing, but it was the way of life in this realm - a subtle reminder to those serving her that, while they may wield some semblance of power, it was her family that controlled the ice within them.

Their voyage would take several days, with most of the delay caused by the slow progress leaving Atlas. High mountains and snowy corridors at the edges of the kingdom were a boon as protection from invaders, but treacherous when it came to traveling between kingdoms - especially when traveling in such a large group. Of course, with the war going on, very little traveling was happening anyway.

Settled in for the long road ahead, she had plenty of time to think about what she wanted to say, and what response she might receive. She already knew she needed a way to calm Yang’s fire - the older sister being notoriously hotheaded and fueled by flames. But what would Ruby be like? How had this world shaped her? Weiss was excited and anxious to find out.

The first two days of travel were uneventful and long, but a commotion outside the carriage in the early hours of the third morning disrupted Weiss’ breakfast. 

As she went to the window to see what was happening, but the door to the carriage abruptly opened and one of her elite guard jumped inside. He shut the door behind him as the windows were shuttered and locked from the outside.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her heart beating fast as fear and confusion flooded through her.

“Someone slipped into camp,” he explained, on high alert while listening to the shouts and motion outside the walls. Weiss understood his caution. They’d left Atlas and entered the no-mans-land between Atlas and Vale - The Badlands, as it was called. In this place, they were susceptible to attacks or assassins. Her family didn’t have the most highly regarded name, after all.

After a few minutes spent waiting on pins and needles, the commotion died down, and the windows opened back up.

“Sir,” someone called, knocking in a very specific pattern on the door. When the guard immediately relaxed, Weiss did too, and she followed him out the door to see what was going on.

“She claims to be a thief, Sir,” one of the soldiers explained as the lead guard approached him.

“Your Majesty, I advise you stand back,” the lead guard said, pointing to a spot on the ground before continuing forward. Weiss didn’t listen to him - because she didn’t have to - and several guards moved to her side as protection while she walked towards the source of the uproar.

As soon as a split in the crowd opened up, allowing her clear view of their new prisoner, Weiss’ heart sped up in surprise.

Kneeling on the ground, surrounded by more soldiers than necessary, was Blake. She was immobilized - her wrists and ankles bound with cuffs of ice - but she still held her head high.

This was the Blake that Weiss knew - and that Blake would never be foolish enough to attempt stealing from such a heavily-guarded caravan. 

“Who sent you?” one of the guards demanded, glaring down at her while she refused to meet his eyes.

“No one.”

Thinking the answer was a lie, the guard raised one hand in the air, prepared to level it across Blake’s face.

“Stop!” Weiss ordered, encasing the man’s arm in a large block of ice. He yelped in shock when he was dragged to the ground by the dead weight, but she paid him no mind while shoving through the soldiers and kneeling in front of Blake.

Their proximity made every guard nervous, causing them to inch forward in fear, but Weiss looked into Blake’s eyes knowing that the girl would never hurt her - even if that had been Blake’s initial intent.

“Blake?” Weiss asked quietly, watching confusion swirl in Blake’s eyes at the sound of her name. 

“How do you -” she began to ask, but Weiss smiled.

“You have impeccable timing, don’t you?” she said before standing. With a small glance, she cast away the ice binding Blake’s arms and legs and freed the guard of his block of a hand. 

“Has she been searched?” Weiss asked, finding it prudent to take a little precaution. Knowing Blake, there was a high probability that she’d allowed herself to be caught for a reason - which meant she might very well be an assassin, after all.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Good.” Looking down, Weiss extended a hand to help Blake to her feet. “I’m going to need your help with something,” Weiss explained. “Please come with me.”

Ignoring Weiss’ hand, Blake stood on her own.

“What could you possibly need my help with?” she asked, disbelief and incredulity seeping into her tone. Something about this situation wasn’t playing out as she expected, which was good. Weiss needed to keep Blake curious - that was the only way she would put her original plan on hold.

“You’ll see soon,” Weiss replied, raising a brow at the idea Blake thought she was in a position to decline the request. “I think you’ll find it preferable to your other options.” After nodding towards the soldiers, Weiss waved towards her carriage and took a step in that direction. The silent invitation took everyone by surprise, but Blake accepted it with narrowed eyes and a hesitant nod.

While Blake walked towards the carriage, Weiss held onto a higher sense of caution. She knew Blake was crafty in ways others were not. But Weiss wasn’t defenseless, and she’d been smart enough to hide the depths of her powers from her father and anyone else.

It was still a risk, but a calculated one.

“Your Majesty,” the lead guard said, reaching out to stop her before she followed Blake into the carriage. Blake paused with one foot on the lower step, turning around and watching the interaction closely. 

The guard’s eyes were fearful - approaching panic - as he glanced at Blake and then looked down at Weiss. “I strongly advise you not to trust her -”

“I’ll leave the window open,” Weiss replied, attempting to allay his fears. “If I need your help, you’ll know.”

He wanted to disagree, but knew that he shouldn’t. Instead, he nodded and straightened his posture.

“I’ll be right outside.” After giving Blake one last look, he rallied the soldiers back in order so they could resume their journey. Blake looked at Weiss for direction and stepped into the carriage when Weiss gestured that way.

When Blake took the seat on the far wall of the cabin, in plain view, Weiss wasted no time following. The door shut behind her, and the windows were opened on both sides for the anxious guards outside. Thankfully, the weather here wasn’t nearly as frigid as in Atlas, and provided a nice, cool breeze that swept across them.

Sitting down opposite of Blake, Weiss couldn’t help but smile at the surly girl across from her. If she had to guess, Blake’s life had probably been difficult up to this point, but that would change now. Soon, the four of them would be together once again.

But first...silence. Blake said nothing, and Weiss said nothing as the carriage spurred to motion once more. It was normally like this between the two of them, but Blake’s curiosity always won out in the end.

“Where are we going?” she finally asked, glancing out the window before looking at Weiss.

“Vale.”

“Vale? Why would you go to Vale?”

“Your Majesty!”

Hearing the voice, Weiss left the question unanswered as she looked out the window and found a man on horseback riding up beside them. Based on his more casual clothes, he wasn’t a soldier. He was a messenger - the one Glynda sent ahead to Vale.

“Your Majesty!” he called out again, looking through the window and spotting her. “I bring news from the high court in Vale!” he said, his breathing labored from what had likely been a long, sleepless journey.

“What is it?” Weiss asked, knowing that this was the first moment of truth. If the response was bad…

“The sister queens agreed to meet upon your arrival to discuss a truce!” the messenger said with a smile. “They await your presence and wish you safe travels into Vale!”

Sighing in relief, Weiss gave the man a nod of appreciation. “Thank you for that message,” she said. “Please return to Atlas and let Glynda know.”

Nodding, the man spurred his horse off for the final leg of his journey. Upon receiving the good news, Weiss sat back in her seat and smiled. If Ruby and Yang agreed to a meeting, maybe relations weren’t as poor as they seemed. Maybe there was hope that a valuable alliance could be formed.

“You’re negotiating a truce?”

The question brought Weiss out of her thoughts and back to the carriage, where Blake was staring at her - clearly surprised by the information.

“I’m going to try,” Weiss answered, watching Blake’s eyes widen in response. “This isn’t my war,” she added. “And I have no desire to keep fighting it.”

Knowing what she did about Blake, the words would make an impact. At the very least, Blake would be willing to stay if she thought that doing so would help the greater good. 

“You want to end the war,” Blake repeated, sounding very much like she didn’t want to believe the statement.

“Yes, I do.”

After saying the words, Weiss watched Blake’s demeanor change - from pent-up anxiety to confused and befuddled...relief.

“If Vale agrees...what will you do next?”

“Hopefully, fix what my father destroyed. Rebuild Atlas.” 

“What about The Badlands?”

In one question, Blake laid down her cards for all to see. That was the cause she’d attached herself to this time. That was what drove her forward, and what brought her into Weiss’ life.

“The Badlands also need healing, which I mean to help with...if they’ll allow it.” Looking out the window and thinking about how ruined the world had become, Weiss sighed and shook her head. “There’s so much work to be done…” Pausing, she sent a glance at Blake. “That’s one of the reasons I need your help.”

The Badlands had grown lawless as war ravaged the small towns and cities located there. The citizens now operated under their own rules - or lack of them. They wouldn’t take lightly to the kingdoms stepping back in, even if it was an attempt to help restore order. But with an advocate...there might just be hope of healing the damage her father had caused.

“Why me?” 

“You seem like someone they’ll listen to,” Weiss replied, shrugging as if she didn't understand Blake’s importance to this world. But, based on lives past, Blake was likely already a leader in this rouge area of society - earning respect by following her morality through thick and thin. 

“Do you have any ideas on how we can make things right?”

The question lit a spark in Blake’s eyes, saying without words that it was the right one to ask. 

“I have a few.”

“I’d like to hear them,” Weiss added, nodding once to encourage Blake to speak.

And speak she did - launching into a list of suggestions both detailed and ingenious - so much so that Weiss actually found a pen and paper to write them down while Blake spoke. 

For hours, the two of them discussed the state of the kingdoms, and what could be done to repair their way of life. When Blake asked questions, Weiss answered honestly - even if that meant saying she didn’t know the answer. But Blake appreciated the candor, and her walls were lowering by the time Vale came into view.

“Your Majesty,” one of the guards said, appearing by the window and pointing up ahead. Following the direction, Weiss found herself staring at a sprawling metropolis hemmed in by towering walls that glowed red from the sunset. The palace was easily viewable in the distance, rising above the rest of the city and glittering in opulence.

“Have you been to Vale before?” Weiss asked, her heart fluttering when she realized that Ruby was right there, tucked somewhere inside those walls.

“Not in a long time,” Blake answered, looking out the window before turning to Weiss. “What about you?”

Shaking her head in response, Weiss stared out the window as their caravan stopped outside the city gates. The soldiers up front conversed for several seconds before the gates opened and they were admitted inside, but with a large contingent of Vale soldiers joining them as they traveled through the city streets towards the palace.

Their grand entrance garnered the attention of everyone they passed - the citizens of Vale curious as to who was the cause of such a large procession. Weiss’ attention was solely for the palace though, watching it grow larger as they neared it.

Her heart, which had remained quiet for so long, now loudly announced its presence - determined to control her actions as her moment of destiny quickly approached. She had no idea what to expect inside the palace, but she expected Ruby...and that was enough for her hands to shake with nerves.

“I’d like you to come with me,” she said as the first of the carriages arrived in front of the palace doors. Turning away from the window, she looked at Blake. “I’d like you to participate in our discussions as my advisor,” she elaborated.

The request took Blake by surprise, but she nodded in agreement. Satisfied that she had one pseudo-ally with her, Weiss took a deep breath and turned towards the door as it was opened for her.

“Your Majesty,” the soldier said, bowing his head while holding one arm in the direction of the palace entrance.

Not showing any hesitation, Weiss left the carriage behind and stepped into the cool, Vale air. It was nowhere near as cold as Atlas, which was a relief to the ice running through her veins. But while her element warmed, her nerves tripled while following her elite guards through the towering entrance to the palace. She glanced over her shoulder once, making sure Blake was close behind as they entered a grand foyer that was comparable to Atlas’ own palace in terms of grandeur.

Spotting a group of people standing up ahead, Weiss’ palms grew sweaty as they approached - knowing that the moment was almost upon her. As the opposing party neared, however, she realized she would have to wait a little longer, as the only person she recognized was tall, blonde, and wearing a smirk.

“The Ice Queen arrives,” Yang said, stopping several paces away from Weiss with a group of red-hued soldiers surrounding her.

In four words, Weiss knew this was going to be more difficult than she’d hoped, for a couple of reasons. One, Yang was cockier than average, as evidenced by the way she folded both arms over her chest and smirked. Two, Ruby was nowhere in sight.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Weiss replied as politely as possible before glancing around and finding nothing but soldiers and more soldiers. “May I ask whether or not your sister will be joining us?”

“She’ll get here when she gets here,” Yang answered, waving a hand as if she could care less about Ruby’s whereabouts before nodding towards the large throne room beside them. “Let’s get this over with, shall we?”

With Yang waiting for her to enter the room first, Weiss turned towards her royal guard.

“Wait out here,” she directed them - the unanticipated demand making Yang’s brow raise. 

“No guards?” Yang asked before grinning and shooing her own guards away. “l like where this is going.”

“I’d like my closest advisor to come with me though,” Weiss added, gesturing to Blake. If Blake was surprised by the term, she did an excellent job hiding it. Instead, she returned Yang’s questioning gaze with an impassive expression.

Eventually, Yang shrugged and waved them both through the doorway.

“After you, then.”

Blake and Weiss shared a look before walking into the throne room, which was just as cavernous as Weiss would have expected. The ceilings towered over their heads, their footsteps echoed off the highly polished floors, yet it was the sight of the twin thrones sitting ahead of them that really caught Weiss’ attention.

Where was Ruby? This conversation was almost destined for failure without her presence.

“So -” Clapping her hands, Yang stood in front of the thrones and sent Blake and Weiss a grin. “What’s this I hear about a ‘truce’? Doesn’t make much sense coming from someone like you.”

The words were intended as an insult, but Weiss tried not to let them annoy her. If she let Yang get under her skin too early, they’d be at each other’s throats in no time.

“I want to discuss a truce,” Weiss replied as calmly as possible. “This war has done nothing but harm - it’s time we put a stop to the needless fighting and focus on rebuilding the damage that’s been done.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Weiss saw Blake nod in agreement - and that small gesture assured Weiss that she had at least one person on her side. 

However, Yang scoffed and shook her head.

“Righttt...so after years of fighting, you suddenly just wanna up and quit?” Again, Yang scoffed in disbelief. “What terms are you trying to negotiate then - you want the crown off my head? You want to march your armies into the city and take over?”

“That’s not at all what I’m suggesting.” Weiss lifted her hands - trying to show she wasn’t playing a trick - but Yang stared her down, sending tendrils of uncomfortable heat across the room. “I want to end the war,” Weiss repeated. “Your soldiers can return home, and so will ours.”

Yang frowned at the words.

“But…” she said, intuitively picking up that Weiss had more to say.

“But we’ll need to work together to repair the damage. Especially in The Badlands -”

“Oh that’s just ripe,” Yang interrupted, her frown turning into a full-fledged scowl that rang alarm bells in Weiss’ mind. “We’ll work together to fix The Badlands. Vale and Atlas will unite to fix the problems that we caused. Maybe you don’t remember that you’re the ones who marched your armies through there, killing innocent people -”

“And your armies started torching villages!” Weiss retorted, her voice rising with a spike of indignation. Quickly shaking her head, she struggled to calm down - which would be easier to do if Yang’s inner fire wasn’t burning so hot. The element was pulling at Weiss’ ice, bringing it to light.

“Those weren’t my decisions,” Weiss added firmly. “I had no say in the matter -” 

“Bullshit!” 

As Yang shouted the word, flames shot from her. Weiss reacted with a wall of ice to deflect the anger, but in front of that ice a mountain of stone appeared, erupting from the ground as an impenetrable boulder. The flames hit the rock and dissipated, dealing no damage before disappearing completely. 

The entire incident lasted no more than a second, but left Weiss staring at Blake - stunned by the display of power - while Yang laughed.

“l knew it!” Yang said. “Belladonna - the earth assassin! Walked right into my castle!” Yang laughed again, her eyes trained on Blake while pointing to Weiss. “Are you here to kill her or me - or both? Because I think you’ll find that more difficult than you’re expecting.”

Undeterred by Yang’s response, Blake stood straighter and never looked away from Yang’s gaze.

“I’m not an assassin.”

“Really?” Yang asked, tilting her head in clear skepticism. “Because they say you are.”

“And they say you’re hot-headed and reckless,” Blake shot back. “It appears the rumors were right about one of us.”

Weiss expected Yang to scowl at the fiery response, but instead she let out a short huff - looking almost amused by the quick wit aimed back at her.

“You’re still an outlaw,” Yang pointed out. “And what - you hitched a ride here?” Gasping for effect, Yang leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Were you planning to off the Queen of Atlas on the way?” Dropping the act and chuckling, she leaned away and waved towards Weiss. “Because feel free - I won’t stand in your way.”

Weiss scowled at the response, but dropped the expression when Blake turned towards her - eyes begging for forgiveness.

“I’m sorry,” Blake said, confirming Yang’s words to be true. “When I heard your caravan was stopped nearby, I knew I had to take a chance - in hopes it would stop the fighting.” 

“Forgiven,” Weiss replied before Blake could feel too badly about it. “I figured it was a possibility, anyway.”

Again, Blake was surprised by Weiss’ reply - pleasantly so. With a smile that felt like the beginnings of friendship, she continued.

“After hearing your plans, and what you hope to accomplish, I knew I wanted to help.” Pausing, Blake turned back to Yang. “l believe her,” she said, not at all intimidated by the raw power emanating from Yang. “And I have no reason to believe either of you.”

“You believe her?” Yang asked, pointing towards Weiss and scoffing.

Yes,” Blake said, unafraid to use emphasis in the face of the Queen of Vale. “You try to place the blame entirely on Atlas, but Vale hasn’t cared about us either. The people at the fringes were left to fend for themselves - free to starve to death while both kingdoms ignored us or destroyed what little we had left. Why do you think we organized? Why do you think we fought back? You’re deciding your politics on our land, our homes. We might never recover from the destruction, but you won’t care about that, either.”

When Blake’s impassioned rant ended, Yang stared - her mouth open as she searched for a response. But she wasn’t given the opportunity as a giggle broke through the silence in the room. Weiss’ heart leapt at the sound - because she would know that giggle anywhere. It was everything she remembered it to be and more...even more incredible to hear in person than to imagine in a dream.

A breeze swept across the room, and Ruby finally joined her sister - playfully shaking Yang’s shoulders to remove the angry stiffness from them.

“She’s got you there, Yang,” Ruby teased, her lighthearted voice working wonders in dispelling the rising tension. But then Ruby shook her head sadly, understanding the situation far better than her years would suggest. 

“We knew people would suffer, but we had to protect those we could. Now Atlas wants a truce - why would we keep fighting?”

“l - because -” Searching for an answer and coming up empty, Yang shook her head and pointed at Weiss. “Because I think she’s lying!”

“Hmm...” 

Thinking about Yang’s concern, Ruby met Weiss’ gaze and walked over. Weiss’ skin tingled the closer Ruby drew, buzzing with an energy unlike anything she’d experienced in this life. When Ruby was close enough, Weiss broke every custom she’d learned and curtsied.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Queen Rose,” she said, her inner ice melting under Ruby’s warm, silver gaze.

“You too,” Ruby replied, responding with her own curtsy that made Yang frown. “You can call me Ruby.”

“Ruby...” Weiss savored the name on her lips before smiling, fending off the waves of happiness that wanted her to kiss Ruby right then and there. “Please call me Weiss.”

Ruby was enjoying the interaction, and enjoying every bit of royal protocol Weiss was willing to break with her. 

If that’s what Ruby wanted, Weiss would willingly break every rule she’d ever learned.

“Are you lying, Weiss?” Ruby asked, her expression serious but a smile threatened to break at any moment. “Are you pretending to want a truce - to trick us?”

“I’m not lying,” Weiss replied, willing Ruby to believe her. “My father craved power and was willing to fight to take it. I’m not my father. I want nothing but peace.”

For the longest time, Ruby looked into Weiss’ eyes as if reading her very soul. It made her feel vulnerable, exposed, and...alive - alive in a way that only came from sharing everything with another person, trusting them to treat what they learned with confidence and security.

Finding whatever she was searching for, Ruby smiled and turned around.

“l believe her!” she said, walking back to Yang’s side - leaving Weiss wishing that the moment hadn’t ended so soon. “Why don’t you?”

Staring at Ruby, Yang opened and closed her mouth several times before finally snapping her jaw shut and shaking her head.

“Because her father was an ass,” she grumbled, looking extremely unhappy with the turn of events. 

Hearing the comment, Weiss burst out laughing. When everyone stared at her in surprise, she held up one hand and quickly pulled herself back together.

“I’m sorry,” she said, chuckling several times before clearing her throat and shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but that might be the most succinct description of him I’ve ever heard.”

“Well at least we can all agree on something...” Blake muttered under her breath.

Having found common ground - in despising her despot of a father - Weiss discovered an opening, a chance to present her case to Yang and Ruby.

“l understand your hesitancy,” she said, her gaze inevitably drawn back to Ruby. “And I understand you have no reason to trust me, but please feel free to suggest some way I can assure you that my intent is pure.”

Weiss waited, looking between Yang and Ruby while hoping one of them had a suggestion she could willingly agree to. It didn’t matter what it was - as long as it was somewhat reasonable, she would do it. 

“l have an idea,” Ruby spoke up, smiling at Weiss and melting her heart in the process. “I’ll go back to Atlas with her.”

“What?!” Yang shouted, while Weiss stared at Ruby in shock.

“I’ll go to Atlas with her,” Ruby repeated. “That way I can make sure she’s keeping her word.”

“I’m more than willing to accommodate that,” Weiss replied, still in a state of dumbfounded disbelief at the pleasant turn of events. This was actually turning out far better than she could have hoped for.

“And if she - I don’t know - tries to kidnap you and use you for ransom?” Yang asked, but Ruby merely giggled at the serious question.

“l don’t think they can catch me. And if they do, we know she lied and can unleash our secret weapon.”

“Secret -?” When Ruby gave Yang a pointed look, Yang paused and slowly nodded. “Ohhh, right - uh, that secret weapon.”

Weiss wasn’t sure if they were serious or if this was some long-standing joke between them, but she felt compelled to add her thoughts.

“l would never do that,” she said, again searching out Ruby’s gaze in an attempt to assure her. “You have my word that you’ll be treated as the Queen you are and given access to the decisions our court makes. Atlas needs to rebuild itself - we could use someone with experience to help shape our future.”

“I’d love to help,” Ruby replied, dipping her head in acceptance of Weiss’ response before turning to Blake. “And maybe you’d be willing to stay and help Yang restore The Badlands to what it was before it became...you know...bad.”

Weiss could kiss Ruby for the suggestion, which took Yang completely by surprise. From the interaction so far, it was obvious Yang was used to getting her way - unless Ruby overruled her. Knowing Ruby, Weiss had to assume this hardly ever happened, which was the cause of Yang’s current consternation.

Blake, however, was hesitant but willing to try to make this work for the better. Her inner desire to help the less fortunate normally led her decisions, and it continued to do so today.

“If you’d like my input, I’m willing to offer it.” 

Everyone’s attention turned to Yang, who stared at Blake for a few seconds before laughing. “Sure,” she replied with a shake of her head. “I don’t mind an assassin moving in.”

“I’m not -”

“Not an assassin,” Yang interrupted with a wave of her hand. “l get it. I’ve heard the other stories - how people look up to you, follow you. You might not have a crown, but you’re a leader - like us.” 

The compliment left Yang’s lips easily, and she failed to notice Blake’s blush at the praise while sharing a long look with Ruby - the two of them conversing without words. Weiss wished she understood what they were secretly discussing, but knew she’d develop that ability as she and Ruby spent more time together. Today, she was simply happy to see Ruby give a slight nod and smile once more.

“Ok, if Ruby’s going to Atlas,” Yang began, meeting Blake’s eyes and - for the first time - looking pleasantly agreeable. “I could use the help.”

When Blake nodded - looking both relieved and excited by Yang’s acceptance - Ruby giggled, the sound drawing Weiss’ intent gaze.

Ruby was as joyful as ever, but had just navigated a room full of explosive egos with aplomb. Beyond that, she’d crafted solutions that would benefit the multitudes of people depending upon them. 

Blake staying with Yang meant that Vale could provide aid and resources to The Badlands without it being rejected outright. And Atlas needed to recover from the tyranny from which they’d just been freed. The citizens needed to trust in leadership once more - and what better way to foster this trust than by bringing in someone as sweet as Ruby, who they would love in no time?

“I guess that’s settled then?” Yang asked, looking at Blake and Ruby before her eyes landed upon Weiss. “The war is over? We’ll call the troops back?”

“As soon as possible,” Weiss agreed. “I’ll send a messenger right away.”

“Alright. We will too.” Yang and Ruby shared a look before nodding in unison. With that answer, Yang broke into a big smile - one that reflected her true personality. “It’ll probably take Ruby a couple days to get ready...you’re more than welcome to stay here while you wait.”

“That would be very nice. Thank you,” Weiss answered, appreciative of the hospitality.

“Don’t mention it,” Yang replied with a wave. “So...how about a tour?” With the question, she turned her attention back to Blake. “Have you been to Vale before?”

“A long time ago,” Blake replied, moving to follow when Yang motioned towards her. “But I can’t tell you what for.”

The teasing comment succeeded in making Yang laugh as the two headed out of the throne room, leaving Weiss and Ruby behind. 

It was strange to think that it was that easy - that the four of them just ended the war and were now on speaking terms, that the four of them would work together to bring peace and prosperity to their kingdoms. Of course, none of this would have happened without one person’s influence.

“I appreciate your help,” Weiss said, turning to the side and giving Ruby a sincere smile. The situation would’ve ended far differently if not for Ruby’s timely arrival.

“I appreciate your honesty,” Ruby replied with a smile of her own. “Please forgive Yang. She tried to reason with your dad quite a few times, and...it never ended well.”

The disclosure wasn’t a surprise to Weiss, but she still shook her head in shame, wondering when she’d ever dig her way out of the hole her father had dug for her.

“I’m sorry to hear that, but I mean to change things. And you’ll always have my honesty.”

“I know!” Ruby replied. The certainty in the response cause Weiss to tilt her head in curiosity.

“How are you so sure about me?” she asked, unable to escape the feeling that Ruby could see right through her.

“You can learn a lot about a person by watching them,” Ruby commented, lightly swinging her arms while never losing that hint of a smile. 

“And what did you learn about me?” Weiss asked, willing her heart to stop beating so quickly at the thought that Ruby had been watching her. 

But it only beat faster when Ruby leaned close and whispered, “I learned...that I want to learn more about you.”

Leaning away and giggling, Ruby had no idea she’d just given Weiss a small heart attack - or she knew exactly what she’d just done, and that’s what she was giggling. 

“Can I show you around Vale before we leave?” Ruby asked, taking a step towards the door before turning back to Weiss with a heart-stopping smile.

This version of Ruby was...majestic. Maybe it was the air fueling her - flowing through her like a breath of freshness in a world of uncertainty - or maybe it was her upbringing as royalty, but her traditional kindness was layered with elegance that Weiss found impossible to resist.

“I’d love that,” she managed to reply, spurring her feet into motion as they left the throne room and rejoined Yang and Blake.

All these years, Weiss had dreamed of meeting Ruby - of finding the person she was destined to be with. Now that they’d finally met...she was dreaming of a kiss.

------  

“Did we fix things?” 

Weiss smiled - at the question and at the fact that Ruby had listened to the second half of the story with a French fry halfway to her mouth.

“We did. There were trials along the way, but the four of us always worked together to solve them. And we were...happy.”

The memory spread like a warm ray of sun through Weiss’ chest. They’d formed a bond comparable to the one they’d shared in their very first life together. It was that closeness and trust that led them through all the evils the world threw at them. And, through it all, Ruby stayed by Weiss’ side - a constant source of love and devotion that got them through.

“You were a queen, too,” Ruby commented, finally biting off half of her French fry before chewing thoughtfully. “And your family owns some businesses this time...it sounds like you’re usually pretty rich?” 

Fortunate in wealth, never in love. That’s how Weiss’ lives worked - until she met Ruby, then her fortunes changed. But she would gladly forego her wealth to stay by Ruby’s side, and in some instances she’d done just that.

“Usually,” Weiss answered. “I like to think it provides me with the resources to find you. But that’s not always the case. There are times when we both have nothing - but in those lives, it seems like we find each other far earlier.” Leaning forward, she smiled. “Those are some of the best ones.”

This time there was no hesitation in Ruby’s eyes. Instead, there was a sparkle of excitement as she picked up another French fry and leaned closer to the table.

“Will you tell me about one?”

The question was music to Weiss’ ears.

“I’d love to.”

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