Peace is one of those subjects which brings forth mixed opinions. What exactly is peace? How does one define the meaning of the word? It varies, it always does. Even with a global agreement as to what peace should stand for, there will always be those who believe it should be different. For personal gain or more empathetic reasons, it didn't matter… There would always be differences.

This day was considered peaceful by most, but some felt the dark underlying tone which buzzed in the background during the celebration. She was one of the few to sense it, but she blamed her own thoughts for it. She tried to come to terms with the situation, to find the good amidst the bad, but she stumped herself with each attempt. What good could possibly come out of this union? She considered the future of Sadida and of the Osamodas while searching for a glimmer of hope, but the dead ends in her mind kept coming.

Her turquoise eyes fixated on the happy couple, the prince and princess who were unified through marriage on this day. They were smiling, just like their guests. She on the other hand… Her own smile wasn't as strong, even though she wished for it to be more genuine.

Dark thoughts… She didn't want them, not during a royal wedding, but they lingered and teased her with quiet voices which made her feel insecure or agitated. Prince Armand, the groom, was an obstacle in the pursuit of her own goal; to give a home to the orphaned Eliatrope children and to allow her people to gain a respectful standing in this world. He was never supportive of her visions, and frankly, she understood his reasoning. It was why she was here, why she accepted the formal invitation. She had an immense respect for his father and the kingdom he ruled, a kingdom which was put into jeopardy several times by artifacts related to her people. The Eliacube, the Eliatrope Dofus… They are catalysts for trouble, powerful relics which had no place in this world. She had a debt to repay due to them, a debt she tried to shoulder on her own so her young king could tend to different matters he deemed more important. It was why she was without him this day.

The ambassador allowed her gaze to wander, the gentle breeze playing with the free locks of hair which framed her face. This was, in a sense, peace. Laughter, smiles, the shining sun, pleasant smells... A perfect brew to bring the spirits up. She took a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine on her back, the wind caressing the bare skin. A moment of serenity, something to find some good in and hopefully push aside the brooding thoughts which tried to ruin the atmosphere. Not everything was lost, she shouldn't forget this.

Life was steadily becoming better. She found her bearings in the crowded city of Bonta, her embassy was a success, or well enough of a success to be a proper base for any Eliatrope related communication. There were some complaints about its location, but the complaints didn't last for all too long, which she was grateful for. The only downside to living and working in Bonta was the missing of her family. It was difficult to keep tabs on how they were doing and to discuss matters with the one who would one day rule her people. The worst part? She was missing out on her brothers growing up, something she wanted to be a part of but knew she couldn't be. Things had changed in her family, for better or worse, she wasn't sure yet.

Adamaï was still missing. She had made the attempts to search for him and even hired people to track him down, but all returned empty handed or with false leads. Yugo began his search far later than her, having impatiently waited for his brother to be the first to show a sign of life or hoping his sister' attempts would bring news. When neither happened, he became desperate enough to take the task and responsibility onto himself, at times accompanied by her and Ruel whenever they were able.

Alys looked over a shoulder to the scenery behind her while she thought about Adamaï, the festivities forgotten about. The shimmering of the ocean was beckoning her, the view more alluring than the wedding reception. He was out there somewhere… Why wouldn't he come home? What happened between the two brothers to have them part this way? She knew with whom he was and it worried her, even kept her up at times. Sipho's words* never left her alone. Even now, with the supposed positive atmosphere enveloping her, she could hear them echoing through the back of her mind.

The Brotherhood of the Forgotten. She did some research on them after Sadida recovered from Ogrest's Chaos, but there wasn't much solid or trustworthy to go by. Anyone with previous experiences either dodged her questions or would keep it brief, not wishing to delve too far into talking about these Forgotten. Demigods, that's what most of them were, demigods who were dissatisfied with their divine parents. The opinions and observations about this brotherhood varied between respect and disgust, the brotherhood's motives either frowned upon or considered revolutionary. They had a certain care for this world, but their methods to right the wrongs committed against them and others were questionable. The fact they whisked Adamaï away from her wasn't working in their favor…

Eyes were burning on her bare back, she could feel it. The realization slowly dawned upon her after she got lost in thought, the slow blinking of her eyes and turning of her head a clear indication she got distracted by other matters than the wedding. She remained in the open archway to stay in the warmth of the sun while she faced the crowded room, her gaze wandering to find whoever was looking her way, if they still were…

A small smile tugged on the corner of her lips when she found who she was looking for, their eyes meeting across the room. The slight squinting of his eyes gave away the smile which rounded his cheeks before Joris Jurgen nodded to her and somewhat rose a finger with a slight sideways tilt of his head. His quiet inquiry if she was doing well pinched her heart, her smile growing a little at his concern before she gave him a hardly noticeable nod, the small movement accompanied by a flicker of sunlight which reflected against the decorative headwear she wore. She lay a hand against the oval shaped pin she wore on the front of her ceremonial robes, her fingers tenderly caressing the silver and polished glass before she rose her eyebrows to return to question to the Bontarian master, his response hidden but picked up on by her. He was faring decently during this event, just like her.

"You're still here."

The silent exchange of care between the two ambassadors was broken by a surprised sounding observation, the approaching figure having been alerted to Alys' presence by the shine of silver. The princess of Sadida came towards her with stiff but quick steps before she stepped up beside Alys to join the female Eliatrope in the open archway, a faint pout present on the young woman's face.

"It would be rude to leave this soon."

Amalia's shoulders rose with the large inhale of air she took before she released it like a long sigh, quietly muttering under her breath," I wouldn't hold it against you if you were to leave shortly. I would even join you if it were possible."

Alys rose a brow at the princess' muttering, having picked up on the bitter tone in her voice. Something was obviously bothering the Sadidette, but what it could be was a guess; it could be the smallest insignificant thing. What was more surprising was that she sought out Alys' company… It wasn't uncommon for Amalia to do so during political events, but she didn't expect it this day. The Eliatrope's surprised expression softened a little while she observed the princess before she asked hushed so others couldn't listen in on their conversation," did something happen, Amalia?"

Her brown eyes narrowed when they turned to the newlyweds, a hint of spite present in the glare she threw their way before she huffed to audibly pout and harrumph. "The usual happened," Amalia answered as she balled her hands into fists and pressed them against her exposed thighs," even during their own wedding, they can't leave me alone."

Ah, of course. A knowing but sympathetic smile formed when Alys realized what Amalia was talking about. She didn't need more details on the matter, for she was aware of the urgings from Amalia's brother and new sister-in-law, particularly the sister-in-law. Princess Aurora was on the prowl, had been for months after she became Armand's fiance, determined to pair Amalia up with one of her available brothers. It was no secret… Aurora wasn't exactly subtle with her attempts to arrange a marriage between Amalia and any of her male relatives. And Armand, well… He believed it to be a brilliant idea, all to have Amalia settle down and take her responsibilities as future queen more seriously.

"Again her oldest brother. I already declined the proposal the last time she pushed him onto me. Do you know what he smells like?" She didn't wait for Alys to guess. "Gobballs."

A soft chuckle escaped the Eliatrope after Amalia blurted out the truth with her usual straightforwardness, for it was true; the eldest son of King Osamodas wasn't exactly known for having an endearing musk. Still, he had other qualities which could be of interest or make up for his natural perfume, but she understood that Amalia wasn't interested in the male Osamodas. Her taste lay elsewhere... "You are still so young, Amalia. You deserve someone closer to your age, and someone you personally approve of," she said before she fell silent, the familiar small shape of the Bontarian master gone from sight after she wished to smile towards him. She searched for him while she unintentionally straightened up to make herself taller, her eyes wandering across the present crowd the find the familiar blue hue of his coat before Amalia spoke to her with a more quiet voice.

"I'm glad you're here. They don't understand what it's like..."

Alys' shoulders lowered when she picked up on the dip in tone, her curiosity as to where Joris had gone pushed aside to make way for concern. Amalia stood a little sheepish beside her, her gaze averted to look at nothing in particular, a somber look in her brown eyes. She looked incredibly lonely…

"They don't, no," Alys agreed with a sympathetic sigh, the topic at hand a heavy one. Arranged marriages and betrothals were complicated, especially if they relied on gaining needed resources for your kingdom and people's survival. It was an experience both the women shared, an experience which didn't end well for either of them. It as a strange thing to bond over, but it worked well enough for them; they weren't exactly close friends, but they got along. She touched her shoulder as she gave the princess a small but a reassuring smile and said to her," we can't hold it against the others that they've made their peace with their betrothals, Amalia, but at least we can find our own happiness. Keep standing your ground and perhaps one day soon…"

She didn't finish her sentence, instead ending it with a slight shrug while her smile grew a little warmer. The future was uncertain, for everyone. She wouldn't make any promises towards Amalia, neither give her false hope even though she wanted the princess to look forward to what lay ahead. The Princess Sheran Sharm was desired, a young beauty to one day rule a kingdom; it was only normal that others wished to ask for her hand. But there was one suitor Alys knew about, a suitor Armand didn't approve of and was the reason for his fevered attempts to saddle Amalia up with a husband of his choosing.

Poor Yugo. Would the young Eliatrope ever have a chance to share his feelings? Would it be the same for the Sadida princess?

"Is he searching for Ad?"

Alys nodded in answer after Amalia showed an appreciative smile and asked about Yugo, pleasantly surprised that they were both thinking about the Eliatrope king. Was she a little disappointed Yugo wasn't here today or was she merely curious about the reason for his absence? "He left Emelka three days ago…" she said as she took her hand away from Amalia's shoulder," Ruel is accompanying him this time."

"Is it the Kingdom of Winds again, or is he trying elsewhere?" Amalia asked after she crossed her arms and took in the large room with the open archways, joining the Eliatrope representative with enjoying the sunlight shining onto their bare backs. She sounded somewhat annoyed, surely due to Yugo considering certain matters more important than attending an event like this, but the hint of annoyance was shrouded by the genuine interest she showed.

"The Winds. It is the only lead we have…" It was heartbreaking. She thought she had a better bond with the young dragon and that nothing would break it so easily, not after what they went through together. She didn't even get the chance to say goodbye... Did he know they were searching for him? Did he even care?

No answer came to her silent wonder, at least not an answer Alys would have liked. Instead, she received something else and it was most unsettling, a winter's chill accompanying the unpleasantness which came towards her and Amalia. The approaching figures were an interruption neither of the two women wished for, but there was no avoiding them… A storm brew on Amalia's face when Princess Aurora came closer, the Cra Matriarch and the Eniripsian queen right behind the newlywed bride.

Aurora smiled sweetly for Amalia when she approached, the cold look she received in turn casually ignored. "There you are," she said just as sweetly," I was wondering where you had gone. I'd hoped to spend a little more time with you on this special day... Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Having a blast," Amalia uttered without much enthusiasm, a pout still present though she did make the effort to smile a little and not fully brush off her brother's wife's attempt at small talk. A silence followed, however, a silence which brought along a heavy sense of unease amidst the onlookers and made them a little nervous.

"This wedding has been absolutely delightful," Aphrodia* cut in after an awkward tension rose between the two princesses," the arrangements are gorgeous and you are so radiant, my dear. I would be jealous if I weren't married yet."

The Cra Matriarch nodded in agreement while she stood at attention, a natural habit which was drilled into her throughout years of tough military training and ruling her forces. "Quite so. It was a grand wedding, one any princess would dream of having."

"Right…"

Alys glanced to Amalia when the Sadidette remained fairly sour, uncertain of what to do to bring a change in the topic. It did feel as if Aurora was singling Amalia out for reasons she had yet to uncover, and that observation didn't sit right with the Eliatrope. She took a second think while Aphrodia continued to compliment the smallest things to remain in Aurora's good graces, feeling the pleasant atmosphere slipping away. "I wouldn't mind something smaller, something more private," she said softly after a moment of thought, being honest with herself and those who would listen and add a different opinion to the subject at hand.

Her words silenced the queen's wave of compliments and made the women look at her in mild surprise, the Eliatrope's honesty and cutting into the conversation having rendered them speechless. There was a moment of hesitation before the Cra Matriarch looked to Alys and weighed the words she wished to say before speaking them aloud with the same reluctance," Ah, of course… Considering what happened to your previous engagement." It wasn't mocking in tone. The female Cra was an assertive woman with a warrior's spirit and a stern hand, but there were moments where care would shimmer through the tough exterior. This was one of those moments and Alys appreciated it enough to quietly confirm the Cra's guess with a respectful nod.

She had a taste of a large royal wedding without any present love, a hollow union which was held together by filthy lies and fell apart with bloodshed. A slaughter… No, she had her fill. A secluded wedding ceremony with close loved ones was the only wedding she would like to have someday, in the far future mayhaps.

The Eniripsian queen leaned into the conversation to fixate on Alys rather than linger on the growing tension between the two princesses, saying with genuine interest," I am surprised you haven't had any suitors ask for your hand during the past few years, Lady Alys. You are available, no?"

A scoff of a laugh stabbed the present women in the back and made the unsalvageable atmosphere drop steeply down, their attention unwillingly turning to the bride who was the source of the sound. "Please be considerate, Aphrodia," she said while stepping up beside Alys to take the Eliatrope's arm and pet the fur trim of her sleeve, her fingers running across the brown fur," after what happened in Brakmar, do you honestly believe the Lady Alys would want any suitors, or that anyone would dare to ask for her hand?"

"Aurora."

Alys' gentle expression remained after the cloaked insult, but it twitched when Aurora threw a vile smile her way and held her arm tighter after the Cra Matriarch sternly said her name. Alys knew that kind of smile all too well… She wondered if she deserved the insult for having interrupted the princesses' quarrel to come to Amalia's defense and divert the attention, but then again… This was Armand's wife; she didn't need a reason for anything.

"It is quite alright," she said reassuringly to the Cra after pushing back the frustration," it is in the past. What was done, is done, as unfortunate as the circumstances were." Alys didn't linger on the dark subject which had followed her around like a dark cloud these last few years, even though it was rarely discussed these days. Her marriage to Brakmar was nothing but a bad memory people didn't wish to remember. She turned her attention to Aurora instead, saying as she looked the Osamodas straight in the eye," allow me to remind you that I am no princess, Your Royal Highness, and that I therefore get to choose whomever I wish to wed; I have that freedom. I am no longer a pawn in someone's political game of inheritance and power… and neither is Amalia. Please respect that."

The hold around her arm lessened with the widening of Aurora's eyes and the slow dropping of her jaw, before the Osamodas pressed her red painted lips together and forced a smile, the feigned expression forming a crinkle across her small nose. How bold of the Eliatrope, and surprising too… She had a bit of a fight hidden behind her manners and poised appearance. "I do," she said as she retook Alys' arm by hooking her own around it," I only wish the best for anyone, including my new sister. And speaking of best interests…" She ignored Amalia's disapproving glance while she kept her attention on the Eliatrope ambassador, her forced smile becoming a little softer in tone. "There is something I need to discuss with you in private, Lady Alys. Walk with me?"

She didn't have much of a choice but to accept as Aurora already tugged on her arm with the step she took forward. The princess courteously excused herself to the others while she guided Alys along, not receiving any resistance from the Eliatrope. The female Osamodas was all smiles while she made her way through the crowd of guests, waving towards familiar faces and finally her husband before she led Alys out of the circular hall and down the well-lit corridor. Her pace didn't pick up, neither lessened; the princess was in no hurry, though her arm remained rather firmly around Alys' to keep her close.

"You look rather lovely today, Alys. You should braid your hair more often. It really suits you when you wear your hair like this. You mostly wear a hood during council meetings."

Alys rose a brow at the compliment, having a feeling this was but casual banter to break the ice although the compliment sounded rather authentic in tone. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness."

"Please, there is no need for formalities today. You may call me Aurora," the princess said with a much brighter attitude than before," I apologize for whisking you away from the festivities, but the time to discuss certain matters is very little today. While I leave all the Council matters to my father and I personally am not fully sold on your or your king's intentions, I feel forced to bring my concerns to you. You see… my father has been wondering about his proposed allegiance to your people. He is hesitant to discuss it with you, he doesn't wish for it, but there are certain rumors which worry him."

"Rumors?" Alys couldn't help but to slow in her walking when confusion rose to the surface, curious as to what exactly the rumors were about. Aurora slowed with her before they came to a full stop at the foot of a suspended walkway, the sun shimmering through the partial curtain of vines and purple flowers which hung before them.

"The ones about your Goddess? Surely you must know of them, it is your faith."

There was a twinge in her chest, the mention of her Goddess making Alys a little uncertain and wary about what Aurora was hinting at. She hadn't heard any rumors… Was someone spreading false information or were they old rumors most already knew about? Who was discussing her Goddess and why? "Could you elaborate, please?"

Aurora pursed her lips with a soft thoughtful hum, seeming to be a little taken back by the fact Alys wasn't quick to confirm or deny the rumors she was hinting about. "Well, you see… The rumors are about our Gods and your Goddess, about why she isn't a part of their pantheon?"

There it was, the heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. There were guesses as to why her Goddess wasn't a part of the Twelve and why so little was known about her in the history and religion books and documents any archive, library and temple of the Twelve had to offer, but actual rumors? That was concerning. How true were they, and who started spreading them? "I am unaware of them."

"Ah." Aurora's shoulders slightly lowered before she stroked a hand across the white glove of her wedding gown, a faint smile remaining on her lips," I overheard Father express his concerns towards a guest a few days ago. He sounded nervous… perhaps a little scared. Frankly, he is afraid our allegiance with your people is pointless because our Gods didn't favor yours."

"Pardon…?"

Aurora was quick to grab for Alys' hands and hold them after Alys blurted out her building confusion and looked bewildered at the young Osamodas, her hidden wings perking up within her cowl as if mimicking the rising of her hair on the back of her neck. "He was discussing something about forbidden knowledge, I didn't fully understand it. Someone found out about it while they were researching dragons, something you know Father loves more than his own horns. They came across some ancient book which holds passages on the Gods shunning your Goddess and forbidding any mention of her in any historical documents."

"A-A book?" Alys' eyes couldn't get any larger, her thoughts going rampant after a shudder crept up her spine and had her stand like frozen, unintentionally holding her breath. Forbidden knowledge, about her Goddess? The Gods shunned her? Her Goddess? But why? Why was she treated this way? No, wait… What was this information? It wasn't making any sense. She needed to know more before she would make wild speculations.

The Osamodas observed the Eliatrope for a short while, the silence which had fallen over them broke by the exhale of air Alys released like a shuddering breath. She seemed to calm down after she slowly blinked a couple of times and her eyebrows furrowed in thought, her startled expression becoming a little darker in tone.

"They are merely rumors, right?"

Alys looked to Aurora when she asked the question with a peculiarly sweet voice, the Eliatrope's startled expression flickering through her grimace before it grew softer and she gave the princess a weak smile," yes… Yes, just rumors, nothing more." Could her heart beat any louder and faster? It was distracting her, but at least it helped with keeping up appearances. She had to hide her shock to not allow matters escalate any further, to keep it professional and not accidentally cause panic. This needed time to sink in... Her smile wavered ever so slightly when Aurora released her hands and took a small step back, the bride looking like she hadn't just delivered deeply concerning news.

"Such a relief," she said after she beamed a broad smile, the way she placed her hands together a sign she was delighted by Alys' confirmation," I hope it will calm Father and put his worries at ease. Though…" The pause which followed only fed Alys' wariness. "I hope the other delegations will be as easily convinced. Some haven't taken kindly to these rumors."

Finally her heart dropped. Alys stared at Aurora after she so casually shared the information about other Council members, as if it meant nothing and was but another piece of gossip rather than something which could completely destroy what Alys had been working for. To rub even more salt in the wounds, the princess let out a loud pleased sigh of relief before she turned around and smiled for the battered Eliatrope.

"Shall we return to the festivities?"

What was going on? Alys couldn't believe the smile she was given, or how easily Aurora brushed this off. Then again, this wasn't exactly her problem nor someone else's. This day was all about her and Armand's wedding, not Eliatrope related issues or some book with forbidden knowledge... if it was true. Still, it felt incredibly surreal. She was shaking. "I will join you shortly," Alys said, sounding and looking unnaturally calm considering the raging turmoil within. She had so many questions… and no answers. Even after Aurora took her leave when Alys' reassurance was convincing enough, Alys couldn't get herself to take a single step, rooted to the spot while her mind raced.

The sun had lost its warmth after dark brooding thoughts took hold of her while she tried to convince herself that this was less serious than she believed it was, all because Aurora was far too casual about the matter. Perhaps she didn't care enough? Only the princess had the answer to that question, and it frustrated her.

Rumors… Rumors were false until proven otherwise, that was the only comfort she could give herself at this point. But still, who else had heard these so called rumors about her Goddess and considered them as the truth? Who were the delegations Aurora hinted about? Brakmar? Sram? Bonta…?

No. No, she won't go down that path.

Alys reeled back with a shaky step after she abruptly halted herself to not think about the unspeakable and doubt the one she trusted and valued more than life itself. This was absurd… Too absurd. She was better than this, she shouldn't get affected by this. It wasn't new for the Council to have their personal doubts and negative opinions about the Eliatropes; it has been the same song for nearly a decade. Many council meetings and political discussions were tainted with some discontentment towards her people, lingering in the background like a poisonous suffocating gas. These rumors weren't any different and nothing she couldn't handle.

Until proven true, she told herself as she gripped for the flower curtain to regain a grasp on her poise and take a moment to come to her senses, her fingers clamping around a few of the purple flowers and crushing the silky petals as her nails dug into the palm of her hand. She would have to try her best to not speculate or be suspicious of others until she could look further into these rumors, something she knew would be complicated. She was already at her limit with the cloaked insults and distrust she had to face… She had to try, though, for many different reasons.

The wedding was no longer in her interest when she slowly retraced her steps to the crowded hall, the festivities but a distant buzz, the pleasant scents and beautiful scenery dulled to a tasteless dish she no longer wanted. Everything which gave her a little enjoyment during this event had lost its vibrancy and it pained her because she loved the kingdom of Sadida like a second home.

Her hollow expression warped after she was once more surrounded by the many guests attending the wedding, a small feigned smile shimmering through the void which curled around her mind. To pretend and keep up appearances… She would endure this endless charade to ensure a future for her people on this world.

Goddess, how she longed for peace.

The air in the room was warm and thick, the glass of the round window showing a fading hint of condensation which distorted the nightly city view. Only a single candle was lit, the lantern on the simplistic nightstand illuminating the room with a cozy glow and highlighting her glazed skin. Her breathing was deep, still catching her breath although the rush of blood had already settled. Her heart was still aflutter… and it made her smile.

She welcomed this night and its serenity with open arms, a pleasant ending to a frustrating day even though it wasn't over yet.

Her fingers tenderly stroked the back of the head which rested on her chest, trailing down the scalp to the nape of his neck before repeating the motion to caress her lover while she enjoyed their closeness and the atmosphere which hung in their little sanctuary. She wished for it to never end, but she knew better as time wasn't in her control. It was why she appreciated every second of it.

"Did you discuss anything of interest?"

Alys rose her gaze to the sloped ceiling when Joris continued with their pillow talk, her thoughts lingering on the negative before one of his small hands distracted her ever so slightly when it brushed across her stomach. The master had done a decent job at keeping any brooding thoughts at bay, although he was unaware of what Alys had learned about earlier this day. She hadn't told him, mostly because she didn't want to sour their evening or give into the paranoia, and she wasn't planning to let him know anytime soon. All she wanted was him and his comfort rather than rumors which could be nothing but made-up slander.

She focused on his fingers instead as they wandered across her skin before she answered him with a slight shake of her head to continue their little catch up on what happened during the wedding," not exactly… It was all mere princess gossip."

A mildly amused hum sounded before he nuzzled his face against her bosom, muttering a little muffled while speaking honestly," not really my thing."

"That's why I'm sparing you the torment, sweet Dragon," she smirked, his breath tickling her as he kept himself buried away against the pillowy flesh of her chest. His upper body rose along with hers when she filled her lungs with a deep inhale of air before she released it like a long drawn-out sigh, smiling at him while she stroked the tips of his pointy ears," just flowery nonsense…"

"All of it?"

She only slightly rose a brow when she heard him, his question making her doubt. "Of course, what else could it be?" she asked as she looked at him, wondering what he knew and if he was fishing for something in particular.

"Your mind was elsewhere earlier. You seemed distracted..."

He picked up on that? Alys held back on letting out another sigh after Joris hit the nail on the head with his observation and it bothered her. She was incapable of fully surrendering to his touch because of what she was told during the royal wedding, but she did try and drown herself in his affection and attention. She was too easy to read… even during the heat of passion. "Distracted by you, perhaps," she faintly chuckled, dancing around the subject to not bring it to light. Her fingers slipped from his ears to his cheeks and chin to lift his head from her chest, quietly saying to him with a tone and glance of admiration,"you know how to make me feel better…"

Joris listened to her after their eyes met, taking in her smile and the faint glow in the depths of her pupils before he said observantly," so there was something more than flowery nonsense."

"Joris…" Alys grumbled his name as she pressed her head back into the pillow and her visible wings folded, the huff which followed an indication she didn't wish to confirm his suspicion. Why was he so… so… attentive? Nothing escaped him, did it? Goddess, she loved him too much to get frustrated with his inquisitive care, but she rather not have him ask too many questions, not tonight.

He held a knowing but mischievous look as he pushed himself up and crept over her once she finished pouting, closing the gap between them after she threw him a puzzled look. She wasn't certain what he was up to at first, the tender kiss he placed against the faded scar below her collarbone not matching the naughty smile and glance he shot her way. He left a trail of affectionate pecks up her neck as he brought his face closer to hers before the growing temptation was suddenly interrupted by a heavy flinch of her whole body when his fingers started scratching her side, his tickling giving her goosebumps.

All she could do in response was sharply inhale through clenched teeth, instinctively struggling to get away. "Joris! No!" She loudly gasped in utter surprise while she squirmed on the bed to escape his playful assault, her confused giggling flowing into crying laughter as her attempt to get away only made him more persistent. "Stop! Stopstopstopstop, Dragon, nooo!" Her whine was drowned out by laughter as he continued to tickle her side and stomach with a broad grin, easily avoiding her grabbing hands by incapacitating her further while the pleasant sounds of her giggling and laughing filled the room.

"Surrender!" She was nearly breathless when she begged for his mercy, having kicked the blanket off them with her flailing," I surrender!" Her laughter and squirming died down when his tickling became less aggressive and turned into a gentle stroking, his attack leaving her panting before she exhaustedly chuckled and repeated with a smile," I surrender." She cupped his face to kiss him after he gave her a cheeky grin and leaned over her, whispering to him in jest," how can I possibly win against your impressive interrogation skills?"

He only shrugged with an accompanying tilt of his head while a smirk played on his lips, seeming awfully amused that he managed to best her. He returned the kiss she drew him in as he propped himself up on an elbow beside her, taking a moment to savour the softness and taste of her lips before he asked," what happened?"

She grimaced after she lay her head back down on her pillow, the deep breath she took not soothing her worries after they surfaced. She didn't wish to discuss the rumors with Joris, too afraid to find out he was aware of them and had been keeping that information from her. "The typical political backtalk about the Eliatropes' standing in this world," she said instead as her grimace softened, her words holding a sense of truth," you know how it gets me…"

"Who was it this time?"

"Aurora..."

The corner of his mouth and a nostril twitched once in disapproval before he shook his head. "Is she defying her father's wishes again?" It wouldn't be the first time the young woman was testing her limits after she became of age, though she had never really caused trouble before.

Alys took a moment to think about her answer, recalling what the princess told her. "I wouldn't call it defying, no… More like she's spreading her roots after becoming Armand's wife," she thoughtfully said, quietly wondering if Aurora's worries for her father were genuine. She wasn't so sure anymore… not after she had the time to let things sink in. "You already know about Armand's views towards my people, my goals, Yugo's position… It is only expected she will share his visions now that they are married." She rolled over onto her side to face Joris rather than lay on her back, letting her eyes wander along the crinkles of the sheet they lay on. "They make quite the pair."

"And we don't?"

She couldn't help to chuckle after hearing his jest and seeing the look on his face, his words catching her by surprise, although pleasant surprise. "We do. Goddess, we do," she murmured with a pleased sigh after she leaned in to bask in his presence, nipping his lips while she spoke softly to him," we are better in every sense of the word. We are the power couple people don't know about, and I am fine with that. Our secret, no...?" She retracted ever so slightly to look into his eyes after she asked him an important question, wanting to take in how he would answer.

He nodded without reluctance or thought, the promise they made to each other still held in high regard. "Ours alone."

His assurance and the way he caressed her cheek made her smile, her already present blush turning a shade darker. He truly made every sacrifice worth it and the burden of carrying the secret more bearable. He made her feel loved and appreciated, something she tried to return to him at any chance given. "Though…" Alys propped her head onto her hand before she huffed, a crinkle forming across her nose," it would be nice for the assumptions that I am single and available to stop."

Joris brushed some of her hair aside after his lover huffed and looked a little disgruntled, tucking the wheat colored strands of hair behind her ear. "Are the ladies of the Council still trying to pair you up with someone?" he asked, actually intrigued by the thought. He knew it was true, he overheard the urgings once while he listened in, but he was curious about what others thought to be Alys' preferred type of man. Did they even suspect she had fallen head over heels for the mysterious and oddly short master of Bonta or did they believe the white lie about their friendship being purely platonic? He took in her naked skin and curves when the thought made him inwardly chuckle.

Their relation was anything but platonic.

"Not as strongly as before, but… they can try all they want," she said as she brought herself closer and ran a hand along his side, her skin looking pale in comparison to his," nobody can take me from my Dragon." Not even peculiar rumors and distrust towards her people could pry her away from him.

"I am not so certain... I have gotten a few tempting offers." He couldn't hide his smile, even though he tried to look serious while he joked. His attempt fell through completely when he saw her purse her lips with a high raising of her eyebrows and a perking of her glowing wings before it dawned on her that he was aiming to get a rise out of her.

She let out an overdone gasp after she understood he was merely teasing before a playful smile crept onto her pursed lips, the hand she placed against his chest applying some pressure. "Well then, Master Jurgen," she said as she pushed him onto his back and brought herself up to position herself over him with an arched back, sensual and exposed in the glow of the candle," it seems I have to step up my game to be rid of those temptations. I hope you're ready."

His eyes were large with intrigue and eagerness after she played along with his jest, no longer thinking about his earlier observations or attempts to gain more details about what exactly was bothering the female Eliatrope, the current moment far more interesting. "Yes, ma'am," he uttered in compliance before she hunched over him to drown him in her passionate affection, the union between Sadida and Osamodas and the accompanying rumors forgotten about for the time being.

To be continued.

*: Sipho's words. From the 'Those Two - Risks' short story.
*: Aphrodia. The fanon name I gave to Queen Eniripsa in my fan fictions.