A/N: Well, this originally was suppose to be a one-shot. But (as some of you may know) I go above and beyond my expectations. This will be most likely four parts...each of them having at least 5000 words. Heh heh. (sweat drop) Well, I must be honest: I have never heard of this pairing before until a good friend and fellow writer told me about it. Well, it eventually grew on me and I was forced against my will (having been taken captive by my mind) to write this. I hope this first part meets your expectations. We all know about Innes's brash and arrogant side. And, as amusing as it is, there will not be much of his cocky confidence. Instead, this fic will explore his gentleman side. I have researched and found that Innes does possess a good side. And here's what I found: "The Prince of Frelia. He's brash and arrogant, but good at heart." So there. (sticks out tongue) Please enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: I'm sick of them. I really am. I really don't want to start a whole new series of disclaimers with this one. But I must. Stupid rules. I. Do. Not. Claim. Anything. There, happy??

Part One:Thin

Princess Eirika of Renais stared off into the distance. The clear afternoon sky filled her sight, streaked through with high cirrus clouds. The sun shone directly above her, warm on her head and shoulders. The air was cool, but comfortable. Her white mare snorted, shaking her head slightly.

"You will go to Frelia." Her brother had told her just the day before.

She had looked up at him in surprised. "Whatever for?" she had asked, bewildered.

"Apparently, there's been some unfortunate 'accidents' during reconstruction. Innes believes it might be sabotage." Ephraim had replied while shuffling through some paperwork.

"Sabotage?! Why would anyone do such a thing?!" Eirika had exclaimed, rooted to the spot in her brother's study.

He'd simply shrugged. "Despite the rumors of sabotage, Innes wants your help with reconstruction. And Tana—"

"My help? How could I possibly help with reconstruction in Frelia? Besides, we have our own building to attend to." She'd protested. "I can't just leave—"

Ephraim sent her a patient stare. "—And Tana wants you to visit, not send an official in your stead like the last time." He'd sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, shooting her a puzzled look. "Why does it seem like you've been avoiding contact with Frelia?"

She'd looked away uneasily, forcing out the image of a certain silver eyed man from her mind. "Avoiding? I don't know what you mean, Brother."

Her brother, the King of Renais, had sighed as if exasperated. "Very well, I won't pursue the matter. Regardless of your previous . . . issues, you will go to Frelia. We can't let them think we've forsaken their alliance."

"That would never happen, Brother." She'd pointed out.

"Regardless, you will go." He'd repeated firmly.

"You just don't want to give Innes an excuse to hate you." Eirika had teased.

"Isn't that reason enough?'

"Oh, very well! I'll go!"

"I'd though you might."

And now Eirika was on her way to Frelia. She sighed, trying to release the nervous tangle in her stomach. Honestly, she didn't want to go, even if it was to partly visit Tana. There was a certain someone in Frelia waiting for her. And Eirika had no idea how smooth that would go. She could only imagine the awkwardness of meeting him again after three months of silence on her part. Whenever a request for her presence came from Frelia, she'd politely decline and send a royal official in her stead.

But now she was going to Frelia. It was past time to face him. She just hope she has the audacity to stand in his presence long enough to resolve the unease she felt whenever she thought of him.

Eirika and her escort finally arrived in Frelia a few days later. Her stomach was jumping around as they approached the castle. Her palms were clammy within her riding gloves. She dismounted from her mare before a by-standing squire could. She thought that certain unwritten custom was utterly ridiculous. Princess Eirika of Renais was not a fragile flower. She was an independent woman who could fight her own battles and polish her own armor and . . . and . . . grow weak in the knees at the sight of a very forthright Frelian King.

"Good afternoon Eirika. I had been hoping you would arrive soon."

Eirika smiled meekly. "Hello Innes. I left as soon as I could. Ephraim says there have been . . . accidents?"

His brilliant smile dimmed and his silvery eyes turned stormy gray. Though his features were suddenly dark, his tone of voice was kept light. "Eirika, will you please step inside so we may discuss this in . . . private?"

"Oh, of course." She replied, a bit taken aback by his transformation.

His smile returned. "Thank you. I'll have a stable hand take care of your horse and your escort may relax and enjoy themselves."

Innes ushered Eirika into the castle. He walked beside her down the hall and both of them were silent. Now that she was closer to him, she noticed a few changes about him. Innes's face was thin, almost gaunt. There were circles under his eyes as well. They weren't dark enough to be noticed immediately, but they were there. He looked thinner physically as well. Could things in Frelia be worse off than she had suspected? Everyone was feeling the effects of the war. Less food, more work to be done, disgruntled peasants to settle, legal matters to attend to--it was madness.

"So, Eirika. How was your ride here? Not too tiring, I hope." He stopped and studied her. "Speaking of which, perhaps you would like to rest before pursuing the matter at hand?"

"Oh, no. I'm fine Innes." She prayed he didn't notice the tremor in her voice when she said his name.

Concern wrinkled his brow. "Are you sure? No one would take offense or belittle you for it."

"No, Innes, I'm fine—"

"Eirika!" Tana squealed from the end of the hall. She closed the distance between them at a run. Before Eirika could say another word, Tana swept her into a hug. The Princess of Frelia released her friend after a moment.

"Oh, Eirika, it's so good to see you!" Her tone changed into one of mock scolding. "You have been gone far too long! Why have you been sending officials in your stead? They're far too boorish. I was almost tempted to throw the last one out of the castle."

"I'm sorry, Tana. I didn't wish to say away for so long." Eirika replied sincerely. "But I've been . . . busy." The last part was a complete lie, but she hoped no one would notice.

"Ah, yes." Innes broke in. "Ephraim has told me how busy you were." He didn't seem thoroughly convinced. "Now, Tana, will you be the compassionate hostess and allow our guest to rest a while? The ride must have been taxing." He said with a pointed look directed toward Tana.

"That won't be necessary, Innes." Eirika repeated. "I'm perfectly fine." Except for the fact you unnerve me in ways I can't explain. "And I would like to visit with Tana . . . unless you need my assistance immediately."

Innes shook his head. "No, not immediately. We'll discuss those matters in particular whenever you find time." he smiled at her. "Enjoy yourself, Eirika. I do hope this visit is a . . . decent one." With that he inclined his head in a respectful nod and walked away.

Eirika waited for her heart to settle into a normal rhythm before speaking. "So, Tana, is there anything new with you?" She smiled devilishly. "Have you heard from Ephraim lately?"

Tana blushed. "Well . . . not recently. I was expecting to get a letter from him soon, but . . ." She waved her hand vaguely as they walked down the hall.

"Well," Eirika drew out the word dramatically. "Will this satisfy you?" She pulled a folded document from her belt and waved it before Tana's face.

"Ooh! Give it to me!" Tana squealed, making a wild grab for it.

Eirika dance out of her reach. "Hmm. I wonder. Should I open it or should I keep it in my safe possession?"

"You should give it to me!" Tana exclaimed, chasing after Eirika through the halls.

Eirika laughed, dangling the letter in front of Tana as she ran. "Come now, Tana, you know better than to beg! A princess doesn't beg!"

"Oh, what do you want, Eirika?" she demanded, coming to a stop.

"I don't want anything." She said innocently.

"We'll trade." Tana offered. "You give me the letter and I'll do what you wish."

Eirika pursed her lips thoughtfully. "All right." she agreed and Tana reached for the letter. Eirika swiftly withdrew her arm behind her back. "Ah, ah, ah. You answer my questions first and then I'll give you the letter."

"Questions?" Tana pouted. "Oh, all right! Come on, let's go to my room."

"Okay," Tana plopped down upon her plush bed. "What do you want to know?"

Eirika sat on the window seat and looked down into the courtyard. "Does Innes talk about me?"

"Occasionally, why?" Tana persisted with an odd, inquisitive look. She hugged a pillow to her chest and rested her chin on it.

"Well . . ." Eirika toyed with her sleeve absently. "He and I used to talk occasionally on the battlefield and . . ."

"You like him!" Tana gasped, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Eirika looked sharply over at her. "What?! No! I mean . . . I think it might be the other way around . . ." She waited with her bottom lip caught between her teeth. She nervously twisted her fingers in her gown.

Tana shot to her feet. "My brother actually likes someone?! It's . . . unbelievable! And you, no less!" With wide purple eyes she quickly sat beside Eirika. "Do you like him?" she asked in an excited whisper.

"I . . ."

"You do! You do! By the light of the gods above! You like him!" Tana shrieked, bouncing around the room. "You like him! You like him!" she chanted, dancing about.

"Shh!" Eirika hissed, grabbing her by the arm. "Someone will hear!"

Her tone dropped dramatically. "So you really do like him?!" she asked with a mischievous grin.

Eirika placed her diplomatic mask over her face. "I shall say nothing more concerning this matter, and neither shall you." she said firmly and smoothly.

"I bet you do." Tana sang, clasping her hands, fluttering her eyelashes dramatically.

Silence.

"Oh, come now, Eirika. I'm your best friend, you can tell me. I won't tell a soul!"

Continued silence.

"Do you really expect to keep this from me?"

Further silence.

Tana sighed exasperatedly. "Oh fine! I give up! Now will you give me my letter?!"

"I better not hear another word from you about this." Eirika said, grudgingly handing over the letter.

Tana took it eagerly with a grin and flopped onto her bed. She turned away from Eirika and all but destroyed the envelope in her haste. Eirika watched her friend with amusement as she resumed her place at the window. She was happy for them. Ephraim tried not to show it, but Eirika knew he loved her. She was already thinking of wedding arrangements.

While the girls enjoyed their chat, Innes was busy with far more important things. He was focused on the task at hand. Nothing could divert him from his duties. Well, except for . . .

"Eirika," he mumbled under his breath.

"Pardon me, sir? I don't think I heard you. What did you say?" the chief architect asked.

"Um—nothing, Karlen." Innes said quickly. "Now, uh, what are we working on next?" he gestured down at the blueprints on the desk.

"Well, sir, as you know, we're continuing repairs on the tower that held the Frelian Sacred Stone." Karlen replied, pulling those plans to the top of the pile. "The stairway is being rebuilt, despite our earlier—ah—difficulties. The entrance door is set. All that's left is the work on the room itself. We aren't sure how much damage it received." He shuffled through the prints again. "And then we got a few more houses to rebuild and the guardhouse next to the tower to finish . . ."

Eirika is here after all this time. I know she was avoiding this place—me in particular. I wonder what changed her mind . . . or who. Her idiot brother no doubt. I have yet to prove myself. I may not be able to do it here, amongst these "accidents". It probably wasn't a good idea to ask her here, but I do need her help. Our forces are far too weak to fend off possible saboteurs—and I'm not asking Ephraim for his help! I couldn't send a formal plea of help via messenger. Too risky. My only choice was to ask her here where we can talk and plan in a relatively safe environment. Perhaps if she sees for herself the danger, help will come swiftly without requiring Ephraim's meddling . . .

" . . . King Innes? Ahem, King Innes? Sir?"

He blinked and looked over at Karlen quickly. "Oh, yes. Ah . . . what were you saying, Karlen?"

The architect had a thoughtfully curious look on his face directed at Innes. "I was asking your opinion on the orphanage. We have a small building nearly finished. It simply needs a little paint and furniture. The structure of the main building is nearly complete. I've got an order coming in for more materials. I was asking if you wanted my workers to concentrate on finishing the orphanage rather than the tower."

Innes turned to the headmistress of the soon-to-be orphanage. "Do you have the supplies you need for a functional home?"

Headmistress Gaelle nodded. "Almost everything. I've got staff, beds, clothing, water—everything but the food. The local bakeries and eateries are cooking up everything they can in their spare time. But what with the war and all there hasn't been much food."

Innes sighed. The war had left a good percentage of the Frelian population orphans and widows. The crops had been picked clean. The farmers were trying to bring the land back to a healthy state before planting their seeds. The homeless children were temporarily staying with families that could support them. Children old enough were working in the field or elsewhere of importance. The bakeries had scarce little provisions and some of the eateries were about to go out of business. It wasn't that they lacked the money necessary. They just didn't have the mandatory supplies to keep a restaurant. Expendable livestock were given over to slaughterhouses in hopes of feeding the people with what little they had. With the way the crops were going, Frelia might have to wait another year for grains, vegetables, and fruits. Resources were stretched thin and the people were displaying the consequences in the form of gaunt, haunted faces, pleas for food—not money, but food—and the orphaned thieves.

"As soon as any building is prepared and ready, move the children in. I will see what imported goods I can order for food supplies." Innes told her. He directed his next words at Karlen. "How are your men, Karlen?"

"They try their best, Your Highness. They're a bit tired and hungry. Everyone is. This shift is almost over and the next will be starting soon." The lean man reported.

"Can they continue through the rest of the week?" Innes asked, his eyes darting over the plans, making calculations.

"I think about half could continue with the way things are." Karlen answered.

Innes nodded. "In that case, starting tomorrow, allow the men more rest periods, but try to continue work."

"Yes, King Innes."

"You are dismissed, Gaelle. If you find anything you can do to help, it would be much appreciated."

"Yes, King Innes." The headmistress curtsied and left the tent.

Now that Gaelle was gone, Innes could talk freely about the most recent, pressing matter. "Karlen, what was the damage done in the last accident?" he asked, dreading the answer.

"The third floor stairs are completely gone. Thirteen men were working on those stairs. Of those men, one was killed in the fall, four were seriously wounded, three bear broken bones, and three bear minor injuries." The architect replied solemnly.

Innes furrowed his brow. "How can a whole wooden structure give way so suddenly? The workers were planning to set the stone, correct?"

Karlen nodded. "Correct. The wood was simply a guide to follow and a place to stand as they lay the stone. We can't continue work on the tower until the stair is fixed. My workers have just started rebuilding the wooden structure over again since most of the wood used was broken."

"And in the previous mishap? What is the status of that?" He swallowed uneasily, preparing himself. He had heard it wasn't pretty.

"The guardhouse roofing is halfway done since it collapsed on twelve of my workers. As you know, eight were killed and the others seriously injured. They're still recovering at the infirmary. I'm amazed any came out of there alive." Karlen shook his head. "Hundreds of pounds of stone crashing down on top of you . . ."

"Be thankful that four survived at all." Innes said quietly.

"I am." Karlen responded. "King Innes . . . I don't like this one bit. Every night I check the work, check the structures. Every piece of wood and stone was steady and strong the night before any of these . . . 'accidents'. There's more at work here than bad luck."

"I know, Karlen." Innes said gravely. "I know."

"You missed dinner again, Innes." Tana called to him from the den. Eirika looked over to the open doorway where Innes had paused. He looked tired and the dark circles under his eyes seemed more apparent. She hoped he was getting enough sleep. But, her brother had looked the same over the past few months as he adjusted to being King of Renais. She was sure Innes was going through the same thing. After the war, King Hayden had stepped down and formally announced Innes as King, having proved himself worthy during the war.

"I had something to take care of, Tana." He told her.

She folded her arms and scowled. "You're the one who insists on mannerisms, Innes, but you're also the one who doesn't follow his own advice. Hypocrite! You were very rude to Eirika, our guest. Apologize right now, young man! I don't care if you're the king of Frelia! That's no excuse!" she continued.

Eirika turned to her friend. "No, Tana, really. It's okay. I understand perfectly. I'm not—"

"No, Eirika," Innes cut in. "My sister is right." He inclined himself forward in a slight bow. "Please pardon my atrocious behavior as host. Will you please accept my humble apologies?"

"Innes, it's fine. You don't need to—"

"Please, Eirika? I would feel simply horrible if you didn't accept." Innes implored, not allowing himself to look at her.

"Very well, Innes. If it pleases you, yes, I accept your apology." Eirika gave in with a sigh. This was completely unnecessary.

Innes straightened. "Thank you Eirika. Now, goodnight to both of you. Please don't stay up too long; I'd like to talk about the recent occurrences early tomorrow morning." He nodded at them, still not meeting their eyes, and walked away down the hall.

Eirika sighed. "Tana, that wasn't needed. I wasn't offended at all. I understand the stress of being royalty. I'm sure he did have something important to tend to. Didn't you see how tired he looked?" She frowned. "Tana, I don't think this is anything to smile about."

"Eirika," she said with a giggle. "You're defending him."

"So?"

"I knew you would! You really do like him!" She leaned over to her to whisper in her ear. "But the real question is: do you love him?"

"Tana!" Eirika could feel a dreaded blush creeping into her cheeks. "You did that just to see how I would react?!"

"Yep!"

"Tana! How could you be so heartless?" Eirika mock scolded. She shook her head. "Really, Tana, I don't believe I'll ever understand your methods."

"Oh, but Eirika, I'm not heartless! Who else is going to play matchmaker?" Tana asked as she stood.

Eirika blinked, stunned. "What?"

Tana giggled, overly pleased with herself. "It's obvious neither one of you is going to make the first move . . . so I'll decide for you!" She waved. "Goodnight Eirika! Sweet dreams!" she winked at her and walked off.

Eirika slumped against the couch, groaning. "Oh, Tana . . ." She covered her face with her hands. "You and your meddling . . . Can't you leave anything alone?"

With a sigh she stood and straightened her long robe. Eirika walked out into the hall in her slippered feet. She turned a few corners and up a set of stairs. She had spent the night here at Castle Frelia many times before and she knew the guest room would be waiting for her upstairs. Now, which hall was it in . . . ? She bit her lip and glanced down one hall and then the other adjacent to it from the top of the stairs. She knew Tana's room and Innes's room were in separate halls and there were guest rooms in both halls. Her room would be near Tana, so now all she had to do was find it. It should be easy enough, she was just there this afternoon. She turned around and took a few steps down the staircase. Then she stopped.

"But what if I'm in the wrong half of the castle?" she wondered aloud.

There were bedrooms on either end of the castle. Tana and Innes took one side (demanding their independence) while their parents willingly took the other side (being ensured some peace at night far from any squabbles between the siblings). Servants' quarters could be located anywhere in the middle. She could be lost for all she knew! It had been so long since her last sleepover. Now, she only came strictly on political matters.

She walked down the stairs nonetheless. She'd have better luck finding a servant and asking them rather than wandering around upstairs. The bedrooms were upstairs, right?

"Oh, this is hopeless." She muttered.

She turned another corner—did these things ever end?!—and saw a dim light spilling into the hall. Yes! Rescue is in my reach! She approached the light and found a door slightly ajar. She raised her hand to knock on the door when it opened. She stifled a squeak of surprise and found herself eye-to-chest with Innes.

"Eirika?"

She looked up at him and smiled weakly. "Oh, hello there, Innes . . ." she trailed off, chuckling nervously.

"What are you doing still awake and . . . here?" he asked, raising one brow in surprise.

She took a step back and fiddled with the belt of her robe. "You see, that's the funny thing about it. I, um, well, I'm afraid I can't quite remember the way to the guest rooms—my room in particular. The servants took my things to my room, but I didn't follow along to see where it is. So then, here I am, wandering about a dimly lit castle, trying to find my room, or someone to find it for me, and I bump into you. Fancy that, huh? And now I'm babbling on because I'm quite embarrassed, having to resort to wandering about like a fool. If you wouldn't mind telling me to shut my mouth, it would be greatly appreciated—"

"Eirika?"

"Yes?"

"With all due respect, shut your mouth."

She closed her mouth with a smile and glanced up at him. Innes was smiling, clearly amused.

"Come, Eirika," Innes stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind him. "I was on my way to the kitchens to see if there was anything the cooks saved for me. If you don't mind waiting, we'll go there first. But, if you wish, I can escort you to your room."

"No, that's fine. You should eat first. I'll join you, I don't mind." Eirika said, hoping he wouldn't deny her like ealier.

Instead, to her relief, a corner of his mouth lifted. "Very well. It won't be anything spectacular, but midnight meals have become a habit of mine and the cooks are still awake."

"Again, I don't mind." She repeated. Couldn't anyone understand a simple "yes"?

"Good," He settled an arm around her shoulders. "Frankly, I'm not for all these decorated titles and overly respectful appearances. It's too much for me at the end of the day. But I try to be a good host." He told her as they walked down the hall.

"Innes, you're an excellent host." She insisted. "In spite of your foolish pride." She mumbled under her breath.

"My pride?"

She winced. He had heard her. This was exactly what she had been trying to avoid. Her first day here and what does she say? She might as well have shouted it from the battlements: "I think you're an egocentric airhead who loves me so much that you've developed an inferiority complex with my brother!"

Innes chuckled. "On the contrary, Eirika, I'm a very modest man on the inside. Not too many people know that, though." He paused with a frown. "Light above, I don't think anyone truly knows that." He resumed their walk to the kitchens.

"So . . . you're haughty pride is just . . . a guise?" Eirika asked. Oh no. That didn't come out right. Oh, by the gods, Eirika, you dolt! Open mouth, insert foot.

"Hmm, I've never had it described to me quite like that. Tana always calls me an impertinent pig. Ah, but that's a sister for you." He shook his head in amusement. "But I suppose you could say it's a guise. I call it a crutch, but—ah, here we are."

They stood before a wide set of double doors with windows in their centers. Innes opened the door on the left. "After you, my lady." He said politely.

Eirika walked into the immense kitchen, gleaming white with metallic shimmers of pots and pans hanging from the walls and racks. She felt a bit more than out of place in her soft blue robe and leather slippers. A few cooks with aprons smiled at them while preparing the food for breakfast. Innes was still dressed in his day clothes. The garments weren't the finest of threads, but decorated enough to identify him as king if his stance couldn't.

"Please, sit, Eirika." He said as he pulled two tall stools from under an equally tall counter. "The cooks could make you something if you're hungry."

"Oh, no. I'm fine." She replied. "You eat. Besides, I've already eaten."

The head chef set a steaming plate before Innes and placed silverware next to it. Eirika noted the meager portions. It was the same size portion Eirika had for dinner. She knew now resources in Frelia were stretched thinner than in Renais. "I knew you'd be back again, King Innes. I saved your portion like always." The man said.

"Thank you, Alenn. Do you think you could make something small for Princess Eirika, please?"

"But, Innes, I don't—" She didn't want to take what little they had.

He looked over at her. "It wouldn't be incredibly rude of me to eat in front of you." He nodded at the chef, who walked away.

Eirika contemplated calling him back, but sighed. "I thought you weren't for mannerisms this late at night." she reminded him. "And eat your food while it's hot. I would hate for you to eat it cold."

He watched her with quiet amusement. "My manners may slip late at night, true, but never in front of my servants." He told her calmly.

"But you also said you weren't for 'overly respectful appearances'." Eirika pointed out, quoting him so he couldn't back out so easily.

"I'm not, but it's different when in front of servants." He replied, still refusing to touch his food.

"Ooh, Innes, you're an infuriating man!" she exclaimed. "I try to figure you out, think I do, and then find out I'm wrong. Can you settle on one personality and stay that way?" The chef, Alenn, returned with another plate just as full as Innes's—sparsely. "Goodness, this is a lot—and I didn't want anything to begin with."

"Please, Eirika, eat so I can eat." Innes said with a touch of pleading in his voice.

She felt swamped with guilt and a touch of annoyance. "If you weren't such a gentleman, you wouldn't have to wait for me to eat."

"Ah, but I am." Innes said with a smile. "Besides, chivalry is so hard to come by these days."

Eirika scowled, picking up her fork and poking the food on the plate. "Why else do we have knights?" she remarked.

Innes didn't reply, but smiled as soon as he swallowed his food. "An interesting perspective. But I expect no less from you, Eirika. You're a very interesting person."

"How so?" she asked curiously, taking a bite of the meal that had been forced upon her.

"Well," he took another bite and swallowed. "You prefer to talk things out rather than fight and listen rather than act. Some would say that's just the tenderness of a woman speaking, but . . . I think it's wiser than anything else we've come up with. You're a very strong person, Eirika—and not just for a woman. I know of men who would have retreated back to their home—despite the ruin—and allow their sibling carry on with the retaliation rather than march after them. But they wouldn't admit to that even if their life depended on it. You're brave, strong, practical, gentle but firm, and attractive." He glanced at her. "As a female figure, I mean." He added quickly.

Eirika knew she was blushing. She also knew that Innes was looking right at her. Lastly, she knew that's part of the reason that she was blushing. She picked at the food that became increasingly interesting. "Thank you, Innes." She mumbled.

"People look up to you, Eirika. They admire you and depend on you." he continued in a murmur. "You would be a very good queen."

She looked sidelong at him. "Are you . . . suggesting something Innes?"

He blinked at her. "Such as?"

"Oh, nothing." She replied quickly. Perhaps that's not what he meant. But he is oddly expressionless now. The meal was over with before long, there was so little to eat. The chef took the plates away once he saw they had finished.

"You barely touched your food, Eirika." Innes commented. "And thank you, Alenn." The man nodded with a smile. Innes stood and replaced the stools to their previous location. Then he led Eirika out into the hall. There is where she spoke her mind.

"Innes, why didn't you ask for food? We would have gladly given it. I'm shocked--stunned--that food here is this scarce. You could have asked for help, why didn't you?" she questioned, folding her arms and taking on a stern expression.

He sighed, running a hand through his stormy gray hair, his youthful face looking suddenly weary. "Why do you think I sent all of those requests?" he said patiently, tiredly.

"But, couldn't you have made some of sort of arrangement without me?" she said in her defense, beating back the guilt.

"Any other request would go straight to Ephraim." Innes muttered.

"Is that it?" she demanded, growing angry. "This all comes down to your rivalry with my brother, right? That's what always happens! Would you really sacrifice the health of your people for your pride? How can you be so heartless?" Now she was infuriated as it all became clear to her.

Innes turned his back to her, his head resting in his hands. "Please don't accuse me of being heartless, Eirika. There has been a lot happening and I am beyond weary, beyond sleep. I try and I try, but I still can't seem to figure out how my father handled all of this. I care deeply for my people, Eirika. They depend on me to lead them in the right direction. Their lives are resting in my hands. There is no greater stress than that. I would give everything for them. I believe I already have. My 'pride' has nothing to do with this. I went to you because I trust you. I know you can make Ephraim understand matters better than I ever would. I don't mean to drag you into this, but . . . I do need help. My people need help. And you're the only way I can get it."

Her guilt was so heavy that she feared she couldn't breathe. "Oh, Innes . . ." she rested her hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have assumed."

He offered her a small smile, which she returned. "It's quite all right, Eirika, I understand. Let's talk about this in the morning, all right?"

"Of course."

"Come, I'll show you to your room." He again placed an arm around her. Eirika found herself able to relax against the touch, surprising herself. They walked down a few halls and up one flight of stairs. Eirika memorized it all, creating a mental map for herself. She wouldn't forget again.

"Here we are." He opened the door for her, withdrawing his arm. Eirika was already missing his touch, gentle and reserved, but comforting all the same. "My room is just a few doors down to the left."

She blinked in shock. "Y—Your room?" she stammered.

"Yes, did you expect anything less? I did ask you here and a good host would ensure his guest's safety." Innes replied with a slight smile.

"Don't you have guards for that?" she pointed out.

Innes's smile faded a bit and she sensed this wasn't a good topic—for some strange reason. "True, but other . . . factors also come into play."

"Oh," She decided to say nothing more.

"We'll talk more in the morning. Goodnight, Eirika." Innes said and kissed her hand like a perfect gentleman.

"Goodnight, Innes . . ." she replied faintly. She leaned on the doorjamb and watched him walk down the hall. After a moment she shut the door and untied her robe. Hanging it on the bedpost, she crawled beneath the blankets. She sighed contentedly. She should have come to Frelia sooner.

A/N: And there you are. Part one of hopefully three or four parts. Now, I must say that I'm no expert in construction. I know my information is most likely incorrect, so I'm trying to keep the details to a minimum. If you have any expertise in this area, you can make it up for yourself. Otherwise, let's just say things are breaking in Frelia. I hope this chapter will bring you back again. I know for sure Part Two is even better with a lot more action. For now, please review and I will update on next Saturday as usual. Thank you so much!