"We'll be late."

Erika took her Knight's arm, for a moment allowing herself to pretend that he wasn't leading her to official business, but as a lover. Little did she know that Seth had a similar wish. However, he knew what awaited in the throne room. It hurt him to know that this meeting would further prevent any chance of letting Eirika know how he felt, how he would always feel. But, he chided himself, he had closed that door in the war and she deserved happiness. She deserved someone who could and would make her happy. She didn't need to know how he longed for her. How he longed to pull her to him in a soft embrace, a lover's embrace. To press his lips to hers, to tell her how lovely she looked. To whisper in her ear that he would always be beside her.

Eirika was smiling innocently, half-leaning on Seth humming to herself. How nice it would be, to be a normal maid. To be able to love as I would choose, and to be loved in return. She pictured, just for an instant, walking down to market with Seth. Laughing gently, maybe reaching up to place a soft kiss on his lips. So sweet a dream.

Lamentably, she was soon snapped back to reality by the sound of the heavy oaken doors opening to the throne room. Sitting on what was once his father's throne, looking, slightly more uncomfortable than usual, sat Ephraim. Upon seeing his twin the young king smiled slightly, motioning to the smaller throne on his right side. Eirika and Seth walked up, Seth bowed and stood slightly behind the two chairs after Eirika had been seated. Around the room, sitting in chairs of various sizes were the envoys from the neighboring kingdoms. Eirika grinned and waved discreetly at Tana who was sitting beside her brother Innes. Tana responded with a similar motion, and for it received a very stern look from the Frelian king. Erika surveyed the other nobles, old friends, every one of them.

L'Archiel from Rausten was accompanied by Dozla, her faithful guard and a somewhat disheartened looking Rennac. Joshua had accepted the Jehenna throne and was accompanied by Natasha, the new queen. Cormag and Dussel were representing the republic of Grado, though rumor was going around that Dussel might become the new Emperor. Eirika grinned to see Tana holding Cormag's hand. Myrrh was sitting on Ephraim's left, clearly glad to have his company again. The young dragon was beaming and fidgeting like a child, evidently Ephraim had promised to play with her once this was all over. Saleh was beside her, the mage smiled a secret smile at the dragon's happiness.

"Right." Ephraim's voice rang out through the hall, "Everyone I assume knows why we're here." He spoke as one many times his age. Both Eirika and Seth noticed the worried look on the young king's face.
"Um...I don't." Eirika said softly. Seth closed his red eyes for a moment and tensed, letting out a single deep breath, steadying himself for a blow he knew was to come. No one noticed but Eirika. The princess felt her heart tighten, Seth... it held on to the name. Every atom in her screamed the name she loved, the man she cherished. The man she knew would never feel the same. After all, Seth was a great general. He had known her since she was a child and he a new recruit. How young she must be to him, how childish. She let out a light sigh, knowing that he probably viewed her as a younger sister, or worse, a ward. Someone he had to always protect, a child. He had rejected her before, her heart had never quite mended after that.

Ephraim let out a sigh, "Eirika...you aren't going to like this." He whispered to his twin. The girl looked at him, puzzlement in her blue eyes. The boy-king cleared his throat, "I've called the meeting because..." he paused, " after much discussion, it has been decided that, Princess Eirika of Renais is to marry King Innes of Frelia. That bonds of friendship might be strengthened by bonds of blood." Eirika's heart froze. WHAT?she wanted to scream, INNES! WHO'S IDEA WAS THIS? Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to smile. She looked at Innes, he had been her friend for years. She had had a childhood crush on him. It was Innes, how bad could it be? Her mind tried to rationalize this, but soon gave up and she felt tears brimming in her eyes.

"May...May I be excused Majesty?" She asked quietly. Ephraim nodded, and then watched helplessly as his sister fled the room. Tana moved to stand, to chase, but Cormag kept a hold of her hand. Natasha and Joshua exchanged knowing looks with each other and then with Ephraim. Seth, stood there. Rooted to the floor with sorrow and a horrid, gut-wrenching feeling. His face was the normal calm look everyone associated with the Silver Knight of Renais. All but his eyes, they betrayed everything he felt. Across the room, he felt eyes on him. Saleh and Myrrh were watching him intently. For a minute, Seth worried that the two knew everything. Nonsense. He corrected himself, Myrrh just knew something was bothering him.

"When is the wedding to be?" asked L'Archeil, ever the impatient one.
"Um..." Ephraim responded. "Well, er...we..." he took a deep breath.
"After the reconstruction is complete." said Innes sharply. "We can not expect Eirika to leave her home this way." Seth looked around the room at the nods and murmurs of agreement. He couldn't tolerate this anymore. Why wasn't Innes chasing her? Why did they all sit here, discussing a marriage they knew she didn't want, while Eirika was undoubtedly crying.

"Majesty." He whispered into Ephraim's ear.
"Yes Seth?"
"May I have leave to find Princess Erika?" Ephraim gave him a relieved look and nodded.
"Please do."