Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy. If I did, Final Fantasy XII would've been more sappy.

Ashe sat down next to her father. She had to force herself not to look at Rasler. She stared at the floor, the ceiling, the table...Her father, sensing her discomfort, decided to do something to let Ashe and Rasler get to know each other.

"My daughter, why don't you show Rasler around the palace?" King Raminas suggested.

"Yes, that would be a lovely idea, father. Rasler?" Ashe replied, barely managing to keep her voice from shaking. Rasler nodded and stood.

"Excuse us," Rasler said as he walked for the door. Ashe was waiting. They closed the doors as they went out. Both Ashe and Rasler could feel the tension in the air. Finally, footsteps were heard down the stairs. Ashe inhaled sharply. Grabbing Rasler's hand, she pulled him into a large ballroom and shut the door. Motioning for him to keep quiet, she flattened herself against the door, placing one ear to it. The hallway fell silent once again.

"I apologize, Lord Rasler"Ashe said somewhat shyly.

"What was that all about?" Rasler asked, bewildered.

"Do you want all of Dalmasca to gossip?"Ashe said, in a tone that perfectly depicted a teacher to her student. "Us...walking down a corridor...alone! Most of the city doesn't know we're engaged yet."

"Of course, princess" Rasler replied.

"Please, call me Ashe. Everyone does."

"Sorry, of course Ashe."Rasler stated. Ashe smiled.

"Oh, I almost forgot..."Rasler started. He reached into his coat to retrieve a blooming red rose. "For you, my lady" Rasler smiled. Ashe blushed and took it.

"Thank you, that's...very thoughtful Rasler"Ashe grinned shyly. Maybe this engagement would work out better then she'd hoped. "Shall we start here, then?"Ashe asked, gesturing to the room.

"That would be fine." Rasler replied.

"Well, this is one of our many smaller meeting rooms, used when my father needs to consult with his advisors. On the wall, there, is one of Dalmasca's greatest treasures, our family tree. It dates back to the beginning of the empire." Rasler moved over to inspect the embroidered tapestry. He noticed that his name had been stenciled in next to Ashe's. He couldn't help but grin.

"Shall we move on?" Ashe asked. Rasler nodded, and they walked down the hall. They entered a large room through a pair of carved doors. The cathedral ceilings were inlaid with gold. There was a large table in the center of the room, and several smaller tables scattered around it.

"This room isn't used much anymore. It used to be where the King would meet with his vassals, but since a new, larger room has been made to accommodate the growing number. Rasler nodded, taking it all in. It reminded him somewhat of the Nabradian castle, but it was different. He sighed. This was to be his new home, he couldn't constantly compare it to Nabradia. Looking up, he noticed Ashe leaning on the door panel, arms crossed. She was smiling. Rasler hurried to catch up.

Ashe took him to the kitchens next. "Oh, our cook is just wonderful! You'll love her!"

Rasler grinned. He was starting to feel as if he would believe anything Ashe told him, no matter what it was. He entered through a large pair of carved doors. Through them was one of the largest kitchens he had ever seen. A short woman, probably in her thirties, oversaw about 20 chefs. The smell of meat and freshly baked pastry permeated the air. When the head chef saw Ashe, she threw down the towel she was using to clean a stain off the counter, and embraced the princess.

"My lady, it's been so long since I've seen you! My, who's this young man?" the cook asked.

"Bridgette, this is Rasler, the prince of Nabradia."Ashe gestured to the prince, and he waved.

"My goodness, you two are thin! Please, take some of these cupcakes! And...brownies and cookies...and...um"

"Thank you, Bridgettte, but just the cupcakes will do" Ashe couldn't help but smile. Bridgette packed two cupcakes neatly in a basket and passed them to Ashe. Ashe thanked her, and headed out the door. Rasler followed.

"She was nice" Rasler said as they walked down a long corridor.

"Yes, she's wonderful."Ashe replied. She looked out the window, and gasped. "Oh, it's almost sunset! You'll miss the best part of the palace if you don't hurry up!

So, what do you think? Remember, reviews speed up the typing process!