Lieutenant Brooks stepped forward decisively, his presence commanding attention amid the murmurs that filled the chamber. The gathered ants—soldiers, elders, and Royalty alike—fell into a hush as his steady voice cut through the silence.
"Also, to add," Brooks began, his eyes scanning the assembly, "both Lance Corporal Rory and I faced off against Barracko in battle. It was a fierce and undecided fight. After Hopper's timely death, Barracko chose to retreat with the surviving grasshoppers. He has since declared himself their leader and vowed that our colony will no longer be oppressed or exploited for resources."
Beatrice's brow furrowed sharply, a flicker of surprise and disbelief crossing her face. "Wait, really? Why did you keep all this information from me, Lieutenant?" Her voice carried a sharp edge, betraying a mix of frustration and concern.
Brooks folded his arms across his chest, a faint, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If I gave you all this information now, Corporal Beatrice," he said with calm certainty, "then my voice here wouldn't hold much purpose, would it?"
Beatrice crossed her arms, her posture rigid but her eyes searching for truth. "Fair enough. But I like to be prepared."
A subtle glint of calm wisdom sparked in Brooks' gaze as he raised an eyebrow. "Well then, if that's the case, why didn't you question Anastasia about her battle with Viser?"
Beatrice's cheeks flushed lightly, and she looked down, avoiding his eyes. "That's… well, that's none of your business."
Brooks chuckled softly, a warm sound that echoed gently in the chamber's cool air.
"You all have explained your battles in a sequential manner so that I understand exactly what occurred. I am genuinely astonished by contributions and achievements during the war. Your efforts will not go unnoticed." Elder Myrra voice was steady, sincere.
Just then, Queen Celeste's voice rang through the room like a clear bell, silencing all further conversation. Her tone was calm yet carried the undeniable weight of authority. "Now, to the next matter at hand. As it pertains to these two ants before us..." Her piercing gaze settled on Lieutenant Gor and Princess Regina. The entire chamber seemed to hold its breath as silence returned.
Regina drew a deep, steadying breath and stepped forward. Her delicate wings fluttered faintly, reflecting the gentle light emitted by the bioluminescent fungi that lined the chamber walls. "I am Princess Regina, from Queen Elira's colony," she said, bowing gracefully with a quiet dignity that filled the space with respect.
Lieutenant Gor stood resolute beside her, shoulders squared. "I am Lieutenant Gor, tasked by our queen to protect her," he stated, his voice calm but firm.
Queen Celeste's gaze lingered thoughtfully on the pair, eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed them. "I see. Before I ask why you are here, let me state what I have observed. You arrived with approximately six hundred ants. My question is simple: Are you enemies of this colony? And what is your purpose here?"
Regina swallowed hard, the faint tremor in her hands betraying her nerves despite the composed exterior she projected. But before she could find her voice, a confident voice broke the tension in the chamber.
"I was the one who brought them all here," Ari declared, stepping forward with quiet authority. His dark blue eyes flickered with determination. "Princess Regina and her people—along with ants from eleven other colonies—were enslaved by Hopper for two to three years. They suffered immense loss and hardship. I promised them that if I could end Hopper's tyranny, I would help rebuild their colony. Now that we've won, that's why they are here."
Anastasia, standing just a few paces away, bit the inside of her cheek, chastising Ari silently. You can't just blurt out decisions you made on your own in front of the Queen, you idiot.
Queen Celeste studied Ari thoughtfully, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I see. So her colony was a victim of Hopper's might, and now, freed, she seeks to rebuild. That is an ambitious goal. But tell me—how do we benefit from expending our resources to help them?"
Ari moved closer to Regina, lowering his voice into a steady, persuasive tone. "It's simple, Your Majesty. If we help rebuild her colony, would Princess Regina be willing to accept a treaty with our colony?"
A faint smile curved the Queen's lips, surprise and approval flickering in her eyes. "A treaty, you say? That's not a bad proposition. Very impressive for a soldier of your caliber, Ari. I expected nothing less."
Celeste turned her gaze toward Princess Regina, awaiting her answer. "The decision is yours. What say you, Princess?"
Regina's wings fluttered lightly, a tear glistening at the corner of her eye. She smiled warmly, her voice soft but resolute. "It's an offer too generous to refuse. I want to carry on my mother's legacy and rebuild the colony so that these ants can have a home again. Your soldiers have already done so much for us, and a treaty is exactly what we need. Thank you."
Ari nodded, turning back to the Queen with a satisfied expression. "Then it's settled."
Queen Celeste's gaze softened. "Then it is decided. Let history remember this alliance as the beginning of something greater, I look forward to our treaty."
"Likewise," Princess Regina said with a respectful nod toward Queen Celeste.
Regina, just out of curiosity, are you sure you're ready to rule an entire colony? You're still so young."
Regina straightened her posture, her voice unwavering. "There's no one else to assume the role. I must take up the mantle and shoulder the burdens of these lost and tormented ants. It's not a choice, but a responsibility I am willing to bear."
Her words struck Princess Tanya deeply.
That princess... she's not much older than me, Tanya thought, a chill running down her spine at the strength in Regina's words. Yet she is fearless, willing to go the extra mile for her people. Where does she find such strength?
Queen Celeste's gaze softened as she looked directly at Regina. "Your resolve is remarkable, young one. You will make a fine queen one day."
At that moment, Seth stepped forward, clearing his throat softly. "If I may add, my Queen," he began, his voice calm but resolute, "I led an expedition squad to secure additional food supplies, in case the infiltration failed. It was a precaution—a countermeasure to safeguard the colony's future. On our way back, we came across our soldiers—bruised, battered, but alive—bearing the marks of a hard-fought battle. That's when we learned Hopper had been defeated. We returned not only with that news… but with more provisions than expected. We now have more food than expected, and those resources can be allocated to help the new colony survive through winter."
Celeste inclined her head approvingly. "Excellent proposition, Seth. Thank you for your input. We will discuss these matters further in future meetings. For now, all of you may rest. This meeting is adjourned."
One by one, the elders, military ants, and Princess Regina departed the chamber. The rustle of exoskeletons and the soft scuff of feet echoed faintly as the room emptied, leaving only Tanya and Queen Celeste behind.
A thick, awkward silence settled between mother and daughter.
Tanya's heart pounded painfully in her chest, each beat a drum of nervous anticipation. She braced herself for a reprimand or a stern lecture. Instead, Queen Celeste rose gracefully from her throne and walked toward her.
Before Tanya could find the words to respond, her mother's arms wrapped tightly around her in a sudden, fierce embrace.
"Queen Celeste..." Tanya whispered, startled.
"I was so worried about you, my daughter," her mother murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would have done if anything had happened to you. I'm so glad you're safe."
Tanya's breath hitched as tears spilled down her cheeks, the flood of relief and pent-up fear overwhelming her. Her body shook slightly with quiet sobs.
Celeste's hand moved gently to rub soothing circles over Tanya's hair. "It's all right now," she whispered.
This was the first time in years that her mother had held her like this—unwavering, warm, and utterly present.
Tanya's voice trembled as she finally whispered, "I was so scared… I thought I wouldn't make it back. It was so dark, and I witnessed so much pain and suffering… I couldn't bear it."
Celeste pulled her even closer, her embrace tightening. "But you did, Tanya. You did… and you came back stronger."
Tanya's tears turned to pure joy. I'm so happy, she thought, finally allowing herself to feel safe in the arms of her mother.