Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to any of the "Fire Emblem" games. This is true for the Japanese and English versions alike, on any or all game systems. I do not own any rights to any characters contained within these games. The way I have protrayed these characters, on the other hand - That is mine, and mine alone.

Author's Note: This is my first Fire Emblem fanfiction, and I expect it may become a lemon. It's based on the "Path of Radiance" game, formatted for the Nintendo Gamecube. And though this is my first Fire Emblem story, I do hope it is at least halfway decent. This is also my first fanfiction in a long while. Since I joined I lost all writing creativity. So, this is my first fanfiction in a fair six months or so. Keep in mind that I am writing this entire story from school, and therefore, updates will be sporatic. Have fun reading the story, and if you have time, a review would be appreciated. Thanks, everyone. Much love to you all. -As Ever, The Author, Zackislord

The Queen and Her Man

By: Zack Finley

"Zackislord"

The war in Daein had been progressing. The winter nights were harsh on the former mercenary troop. Though now they had more men, and more supplies, the battle beyond seemed like one that would be impossible to win. For Ike, that battle was nothing… Nothing, compared to the battle within his own heart. That battle was the one worth dying over.

Princess Elincia Ridell Crimea was her name. Ike often referred to her as Elincia. He was in love with her, or so he thought. She was beautiful, smart, kind, and many other things which attracted the young boy. He was confused, though. Ike had never experienced such emotions as these. He had never held a passion for someone like he had now, just for her. It wasn't natural – It wasn't right. Not for the mercenary boy raised on the outer plains of the country where this woman would be queen. That much was certain, yet Ike wasn't angry with the way things played out. Quite the contrary, actually. He was happy that she was there, and he was able to protect her, so long as he could be with her.

Little did he know, she was developing feelings for him, too. Elincia had held great feelings for Ike, and she was also quite confused. A boy of common birth – That was all he was. Yet…She held feelings for him. He was energetic, and quick; Both in mind, and otherwise. She had only wondered what it was that kept her attracted to him. She had once thought she were in love, but it wasn't so at all. It was a simple childhood infatuation, which resulted in much pain and suffering for the princess. This was different than before, and she knew it.

It was currently the year Begnion 645. Ike and Elincia were both young children, yet they both had goals which were very dear to them. But what if these dreams were realized? What would happen then? If these two were to admit their feelings for one another, all of their battles could be ruined. If anyone learned of their love affair, they would surely lose the support of the great lion king, and possibly that of their own mother country. Begnion was not at all unprofessional. If these two had crossed a line of that magnitude, the country who aided them so much before would surely reconsider. It wasn't something that they could think of…

Ike had been talking to Soren that night. The conversation had been of that day's battle. At least, that was how it started. No one had died in the army, and with the victory at Tor Garen, they had found lots of gold. The amount discovered was enough to fund the mercenaries a very, very long time. They had taken as much as they could, and they would supply the army with it. But for now, they much rest. The battle at the fort was very tiring. Then again, what would you expect from a place of defense once thought impregnable?

As the talks went on, Ike began to ramble. Soon, this idle chatter of the day's battle had become talks of the Princess Elincia. Ike had told Soren everything, and he hadn't realized he'd done so. Soren sat in disbelief, not wanting to trust the words that came from the Commander's mouth. He wasn't too sure he could believe them. This was Ike, after all. The very same Ike who would take charge of this army in his father's stead.

"Ike, I do hate to tell you this… But she's a princess; someone born into nobility. You can't just go off and fall in love with her… It's not right." Soren spoke these words out of worry. He was scared his young friend, and commander, would do something foolish. He feared that something would happen to cause the army to lose their next battle, or the ones after that. Personal biased and business were not to be mixed, ever, yet here Ike was, mixing at the highest level possible.

"I understand what you mean, Soren. Honestly, I do. I just don't know how long I can stand by while my emotions eat me inside and out. Can you even expect me to?" Ike retorted, obviously angry, yet fearful.

"Yes, Ike, I can expect you to. You know how Begnion will react to such an action as marrying the Princess. Even if you have received peerage, and are the General of this army, you are not of the Crimean bloodline, and they will not accept you. You know this, Ike."

"Even so, I will not hold my tongue for long. I just can't. It's not like me to keep to myself, and you know it. Ever since I was young, I couldn't contain myself when emotions built up."

"It's never too late to start, Ike. Maybe we should inform Titania of these events. She may be able to help you."

With those words, the two had turned in. The next morning would probably contain another battle, but even if it did not, the commander must be ready. He would confront the Deputy Commander, of course, and talk with her about the decisions he would need to make about pursuing his love.

He sleep that night was quite restless. He wasn't able to dream of anything but the young woman he had come to love. He tossed and turned, though the dreams were not bad. They were…Distracting, if you get my drift. Besides, had anyone walked into the room while he was asleep, they'd surely think Ike had a hidden sword…In his bed. And obviously, not many would want that knowledge.

The sun had finally arisen, and Ike had as well. He had seen the princess, and she had seen him as well. She had waved to him, and put on a bright smile. As she began to advance, he looked hesitant. She neared him, and began to speak, though it wasn't quite the same as usual.

"Lovely day… Isn't is, my Lord Ike?" Elincia asked him, calmly.

"Y-yes, of course, princess. It certainly is a lovely day." Ike had almost choked on the first sentence. He was nervous around the young woman now. He had spoken once more. "Oh, I need to see Titania. We can speak later, yes?" He had already began to walk off, not really waiting for a reply from the princess.

She looked at him, her eyes holding a look of forlorn. She hadn't wanted him to leave, but she knew how important it were that he led the army. She looked around real quick, and noticed that no one was watching. She turned, and blew Ike a kiss. Little had Elincia known, Soren had been watching. He had seen her blow Ike the kiss. He ducked back into his tent, and frowned. He could sense that trouble would come of this, and he hadn't liked it.

Ike walked into Titania's tent. He sat down, and his foot began tapping immediately. Titania had not been there at the moment, but Ike was sure she's return soon. She was never away from her tent for very long, after all, so Ike knew he should just wait a short while. About five minutes later, she walked in. She smiled as she saw Ike.

"Hey there, Commander. What brings you here?" She was happy to see that Ike was not only worrying about the affairs of the army, but honestly, it worried her. It wasn't like Ike to ignore the affairs of things. He was here for something serious, and she knew it already.

Ike's mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. After a moment, he closed it again. He took a deep breath, and made a second attempt. "I believe I may have feelings for Elincia, and I came to you for advice, Titania. Can you help me?"

Titania's eyes shot wide open, and she sat beside the General. "Ike, you do know this can cause problems, do you not?"

"I do, but honestly, I don't care." Ike had replied with a voice of force. It wasn't loud, but it carried weight. It was hard to explain, for Ike was always very calm, and so very gentle. Why would he be angry?

Titania examined the boy for a moment, and then she smiled once more. She took Ike's hand, and then simply said "Tell me everything."

Ike had told Titania everything. He told her that he thought she was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. He had also spoken up about how kind she was. Another point of interest was her brains, and her ability to restrain herself. To Ike, she was perfect. There was no mistake about that. Titania's eyes lit up, and she seemed not like herself. She was no longer playing the role of a soldier, but that of a woman.

"You must tell her, Ike!" She exclaimed. "You must tell her right now!"

Ike looked stunned. Never had Titania acted like this. She was acting totally unprofessional, and woman-like. This change of character was not something anyone would expect. And it sure wasn't something anyone would dare to think of. But yet, here it was, happening right before him.

Meanwhile, Elincia was wandering about. She had been looking for someone she trusted like no other. Someone she could confide her secrets in. Finally, she had realized the perfect person. Mist. Mist was a young girl who was very loyal to her friends. If Elincia asked her to hold her tongue, she certainly would.

"Mist, can I talk to you?" The Princess had asked, her voice low. Her hand had clasped to Mist's shoulder lightly, as if asking for her to stop.

"Of course you can, Princess." Mist's eyes were shining brightly, and there was a broad smile upon her face. She was perfectly willing to help her friends, and Elincia was one of the best. After Rolf, of course.

"It's about your brother. Can you keep a secret, please?"

"Of course. I won't tell anyone."

"Thank you. I hope you won't judge me harshly for this…But, I believe I am in love with him."

Mist's eyes held the same look as that of Titania. Mist was only hoping for the day to come in which the feelings were admitted. And now, that day had come. It was literally a dream come true, for Mist. She pulled Elincia into her tent, and had her say everything she knew about Ike, and everything that attracted her to him.

Elincia was more than willing to comply. She went on and on about how handsome, strong, brave, and kind Ike was. She talked about how he had been so sweet to her, making sure that she was alright. She had also referenced the time back in Begnion's Mainal Temple, in which Elincia had been the pawn in some joke, and Ike had risked his life to defend her. She had always loved how great the young commander had been, and she had always admired him. It had taken her longer than expected, but she had finally realized and admitted her feelings.

Mist had continued to talk to Elincia. It seemed that most of the Inner Circle of the Griel Mercenaries had now known of Ike and Elincia. There could be nothing more, except for the two of them to become a couple. But, this war would not allow that. There was no way the two could be so unprofessional during a time like this. Even though neither knew of the other's feelings, they both knew that there could be no insubordination or any relations when at war. It was just disallowed.

Ike had talked to Soren some more. He had told the young boy about Titania's reaction when he told her. He told Soren everything, not leaving out the smallest detail. Soren's face reflected that of what Ike's had when he had been talking to Titania. It was quite a sight to see. Ike had pretty much been looking at himself, through a mirror.

"Well…" Soren began, "I suppose you could tell her. I mean, as long as you two don't do anything to act as a couple, or anything of that sort, I don't suppose it could be considered insubordination. I don't see why you shouldn't make a move."

Ike's eyes instantly held a look of cunning. He had yelled a "Thanks" as he ran out of the tent, heading for the direction of Princess Elincia's. He sprinted there, and ran through the door of the tent. The Crimean Princess had been sleeping. Ike was going to use the element of surprise. He crept closer to the princess, his footsteps slow and silent. He neared her bed, and as he reached the bed, he lowered his head. His mouth was hovering right next to her right ear, and he let out a simple "Boo."

Elincia had popped up. It wasn't the smartest move, for sure. Her head had made contact with Ike's knocking him back a few feet. He reached up and rubbed his head, giggling slightly. Elincia had grasped her forehead as well. When she realized it was Ike, she had also laughed.

"Now, what do you want, Commander?" Elincia had tried to sound serious. Then again, she wasn't entirely sure she was awake. Had she been asleep, it was definitely a dream she would come to like.

"Hmm, nothing. Just wanted to see how you were. Is it wrong for a mercenary to check on his employer from time to time?" A smirk had come across his lips. The same look had formed on hers. She rose from her bed, and extended her arms. She charged at Ike, and pulled him close.

"Well, Commander, I am fine. Thank you for checking on me. I mean it." She hugged him tighter, and give his cheek a quick peck, before smirking slightly. She was able to partially show him how much she cared. For now, it was all that she could do, though she would love to do so much more.

"Oh, a kiss?" Ike had kissed her cheek as well, and hugged her just as tight as she was hugging him. His arms held her tightly in his embrace, and he pulled her into her bed. He used one arm to keep her down, and the other to pull the blankets over the two of them. He had smirked wider, and pulled her closer, his lips once more pressed to her cheek.

They both were smiling, feeling that they were getting what they wanted. Neither could admit their feelings just yet, but they could enjoy the time they were spending together, at this time. For now, this alone would do. They were together, after all. And, they had been alone. The two of them had fallen asleep together, innocently.

The only questions now… Would they be found in the morning? And, if so, how would they react?

Author's Note: So, that's chapter one. I hope to have chapter two up late tomorrow afternoon. Might be sooner, might be later. I started this story in first period English, and I have just ended it in seventh and eighth period Web Design. I love this class, and i'm far ahead, so I'll be starting chapter two now. Hope you had fun reading chapter one of "The Queen and Her Man"