Disclaimer: No, I don't own Odin Sphere as Vanillaware owns it.

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FAVOR

Walking down the aisle, Gwendolyn could feel her body trembling. 'Is it fear? Or is it excitement?' Being freed recently from the Demon Lord's sleeping spell, she is now into another spell that her father has put on her: love. She knows that she is destined to marry anyone that wakes her, but this man is the last possible suitor that comes to mind.

And now, she knows she is not that good concealing her emotions from her face, as her husband-to-be, seemingly concerned, asks her:

"Are you afraid of me?"

"No."

"Should we postpone this marriage? You seem unwell."

"I am alright. Please do not be concerned about me, as now I belong to you and I will follow you."

She honestly answers all the questions, and although Oswald knows better - that she does feel uneasy, he could not stop the raging feeling inside him.

Their marriage was simple and short, attended only by her loyal Myris, Brom, and a local priest. Gwendolyn found it rather ironic, as everything about this marriage was just like her idea of a dream marriage, where everything was divine – from her wedding dress, which made her look no less angelic, to being wed to a man that looked like he came from an ancient portrait of a beautiful prince. Ironic, how her long-lost childhood dream now became reality in the hands of her former enemy.

Before, she imagined that her life would be like a prisoner, enslaved in their little old castle with a low, mean being as her husband. To her surprise, living with Oswald gave her more freedom than she ever had before. Oh, how she enjoyed strolling around the city with Myris, something that royalty like her rarely had time to do before. How she enjoyed the scent of flowers and the warmth of her tea as she picnicked in a nearby flower field. And, although she hated to admit it, she loved the secure feeling in her heart whenever Oswald was around her.

Oswald was always kind and polite to her, too. Gwendolyn can't help but feel glad that, unlike her other suitors, her husband thought of her as a living, breathing human being. It is not like she was never treated like a human before, but she knows that only a few people in her life treat her as she is - not as a mere tool, but as a girl that needs understanding and care.

And deep in her heart, she knows that Oswald is one of those people. Maybe she really put him a favor. Being treated so nice, no wonder favored him, compared to her other suitors.

Several days ago, she would not have expected that she would miss his presence. Her hand missed the presence of Titrel, Oswald's symbol of everlasting love to her, and Gwendolyn felt as if part of her heart was now hollow and empty whenever Oswald was gone. At least, now she knows whom she really loved, and her father now accepts her. Thus, the only thing left is her worries for her husband, something that she would take care of.

With this, she made up her mind, and went to the Kingdom of Fire.

FIN

VEEERRRRY Special THANKS (billions of it) for Crazylobo for editing this story.

Also millions of sorry cuz due to my hectic school I haven't been able to update it until now.

And for all of my reviewers (YamiTenshi15, Mtakuja, GrimNightingale)-I love you all!