This chapter is mostly explanation after explanation to set up the several conflicts that will become more prominent later on, as well as erase a couple of plot holes. As such, I feel like the pacing is a little weird but I wanted to try to cram it all into one chapter.

Also, this is perhaps the longest single chapter I have ever written. Yay to me, I guess ;p

The Ambassador arrived around noon the next day and, after waving their farewells to the innkeeper, the group started to make the arduous trip to Daein. The trip was to take approximately three-weeks from their current location on foot but the Ambassador stated that a carriage would pick them up at some point along the way.

"So, you're a Daein ambassador?" Ike asked levelly a little while after they had set off.

"Ah. So the Prince has told you then?" the Ambassador answered the question with a question. Soren frowned at the title. It didn't feel like it fit him at all.

"Yes, Soren mentioned his heritage to me," Ike replied, also seeming unused to the title. "What I'm curious about, though, is how this came out in the first place? This news was sprung a bit suddenly."

"Honestly? I have not been privy to that fact. It's possible that Lady Almedha or perhaps her brother mentioned it and the news spread from there. I do know, though, that this was never meant to be made public knowledge."

"How come?" Ike asked, shifting the strap of the bag on his shoulder.

"There are multiple reasons. Since it was decided that Lady Micaiah was to be made Queen Daein, the fact was kept under wraps to avoid a dispute at first. Much like how Queen Elincia's existence was kept secret from the public to avoid disputes with Lord Renning. There is also the fact that confirmation of Sir Soren's identity couldn't be found for some time. It is also believed that Lady Almedha wanted to keep the truth away from him."

"That's a bit harsh for a parent," Ike wrinkled his nose. "Knowing you are the parent of a child and not wanting to admit to it."

"On the contrary, Lord Ike, I believe she didn't want this known because she wanted to protect him."

"Protect me?" Soren snorted bitterly, finally contributing to the conversation. "How has anything that woman done protected me? I didn't even know if she was alive until a few days ago."

Ike seemed saddened at his tone but offered no argument.

The Ambassador straightened, crossing his arms behind his back. "I feel this is a conversation you should hold with Lady Almedha, Prince, but I maintain that my lady didn't hold the truth from you in spite. My lady is rather… highstrung? at times and rebellious in nature, but she is not a woman of poor quality. I swear this to you."

Soren hummed in response and the conversation waned.

Soren found the idea that Almedha was his birth mother rather a hard thing to accept. Maybe it was due to his ignorance but Soren hadn't felt any form of connection to the woman during their single meeting. Regardless of why, Soren grew up away from the woman and his life had been hard for a long time, until he had met Ike. Although Soren was somewhat bitter at the chain of events that unfolded after his birth, he mostly felt indifference towards the dowager Queen.

She was nothing more than a stranger to him. If they didn't look so alike, Soren doubted he would have even believed such tales of their relation.

Despite this, the mage couldn't help the anxiety that blossomed inside at the thought of their imminent reunion. He didn't know how he wanted their reunion to play out, either. Part of Soren wanted to blame the injustices he had experienced on the woman, another part wanted to meet a woman who was so despicable that he could only feel gratitude for having been abandoned by her. However, the quieter side of Soren's consciousness craved to finally understand. To finally understand why he had been placed into the care of a woman who would be rid of him at her earliest convenience. To feel validated by the woman who, by all accounts, should have loved him more than any other.

Ike reached out a hand and nudged Soren's wrist, snapping him out of his reflections. Ike, much like he himself, was not much when it came to consoling words. He didn't always say the right thing to ease his worries and his blunt way of speaking could easily come across in the opposite way to what was intended; even to Soren, who knew Ike better than any other. Still, Ike tried to do right by him even if he didn't always know how to chase his fears away.

Soren smiled weakly at Ike, drawing from him further resolve.

Even if everything went terribly at the capital, at least Ike would continue to be at his side.

~~X~~

The carriage met them on the border between Daein and Begnion after a little over a week of travel. The journey had felt long, lacking the usual brightness of their other trips around Tellius. Instead, a foreboding aura hung in the air as if to warn them of the problems they were about to face.

Much to Soren's surprise and discomfort, the carriage driver bowed when he witnessed their approach. "Your highness," he greeted; his accent clearly that of a Daein nobleman. The quality of his carriage also betrayed his social class. It was far more ornate than the carriages the army had employed during the wars. "What a delight to make your acquaintance, my prince. To think that the world's most renowned tactician would be of Daein lineage!"

Soren nodded back, not knowing what exactly to say in response. He had been constantly lost for words recently, since this whole thing had arisen.

"And the radiant hero!" The driver bowed again in Ike's direction. "I never thought I would receive such honours to take not only a hero of your calibre, Lord Ike, but also the lost prince, to the capital. Praise be to the Goddess Yune!"

"Uh… you're welcome?" Ike tried.

Undeterred by the reaction, the man turned to the Ambassador. "Your excellency, as you can see, we are prepared to depart when you are. The journey should take little more than two days from here, considering stops to rest the horses. Please let us know when you are ready."

The Ambassador nodded as he approached the carriage. Opening the door, Soren could tell immediately that whoever had designed the thing was a talented craftsman who had spared no expense. Red velvet seats obviously new, a wooden floor that showed no mark of dust or dirt… There was even leather (not the cheaply made stuff that made up their attire but leather that cost more to fashion than anything he had ever owned combined) which clung to the doors to fit the style. Soren glanced at the woodwork and counted the different kinds of wood. Oak, acacia, painted cedar… wood which had definitely been sent from lands other than just Daein.

He admired the skill that went into making the carriage but despised the excess of it all. 'The frivolity of nobles…' Soren found himself thinking with a glare. 'Spending money on something like this while the some of their species struggle to even secure a meal.'

Would he have turned out so ignorant to the way the world operated were he raised in the courts? Soren had been called cold by many people but his coldness was a result of what he had suffered. Soren wondered if he would still be uncaring to those other than the ones who he had personal investment in, were he raised into royalty.

Soren stepped into the carriage before the driver could try to offer him a hand up and Ike quickly followed. Sitting together, with the Ambassador opposite, the Ambassador signalled the driver to depart. The carriage moved with a slight jolt before the trotting of the horses eased the movement of the carriage into a gentle rhythm.

"Sir Soren," the Ambassador began after a few moments where the only sound was hooves on stone. "I feel it is about time we discussed what you should be expecting once we arrive at the capital."

"Very well," Soren agreed. "We have heard very little about Daein since we set off from our headquarters. Any news we have heard has been minor gossip."

"That's not surprising. Your lineage is quickly becoming known among the Daein public but news takes time to travel. I suspect it would take several more days before it would be commonly known among, say, Begnion's citizenry."

"Who does exactly know about Soren?" Ike asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"The nobility of every nation was notified of this revelation when we were trying to track you both down. Your brief stop to see the Apostle Sanaki was what eventually notified us that you were in Begnion and we simply followed the trail from there. Your old mercenary company are also aware, as that was one of the first places where we tried to find you. In terms of public knowledge… it is hot news in Daein right now and rumours are starting to spread on the Crimean border. Otherwise, it is not too widely known right now. However, I doubt this will last. The news that one of the greatest tacticians of our age is the son of King Ashnard is unlikely to be silenced anytime soon."

There was a pause.

"But, digressing back to what I was initially going to say, I feel you need to be aware of some of the… conflicts… within the Daein court."

"Conflicts?" Ike brows raised in alarm. "You mean the nobility are fighting each other?"

"Not literally, but yes, the nobles are in a disagreement right now."

Soren let out a sigh. What a surprise. The idea that he would have to talk to such annoying beings was perhaps what he dreaded most about arriving in Daein, but he didn't voice this. It would be unwise to talk negatively of nobles to an ambassador, no matter how much he wanted to voice his distaste.

Ike didn't seem to surprised either and he gradually settled back into his seat. "Aren't they always in disagreement?"

Soren had to hold back a grin at their thoughts synchronisation, even if he still felt voicing such thoughts unwise.

The Ambassador Mavus let out an unsure chuckle, like he wasn't sure whether or not to be offended. "Yes, I suppose they are but I meant they are in a disagreement over who should wear the crown. See, Soren, by blood, should become the next ruler of Daein. He is the only remaining heir to the Daein royal line. However, Lady Micaiah is loved much by the people and her passion for Daein is clear for all to see. In terms of the Daein population, the overruling opinion is that she should become Queen."

Soren narrowed his eyes slightly. "I have already said that I don't want the crown and would abdicate it. If the general opinion is that Micaiah should rule, what is the point in bringing me here."

The Ambassador offered a small smile as if that could dissipate Soren's annoyance. "That isn't necessarily true. Although Daein, overall, would rather Lady Micaiah on the throne; in terms of foreign support you are a much stronger candidate. You served as second-in-command to the general who freed Crimea from occupation. In addition, your role in the last war where you served as key tactician in both the Apostle's army and the Laguz alliance has earned you much favour in the eyes of foreign nobility. Some of the rulers, namely the newly crowned King Skrimir and Queen Elincia, have specifically voiced their preference for you. Although Lady Micaiah ultimately was of aid in the war, that incident where she tried to murder the Apostle burns in many minds still, much to her regret."

"There is also the fact," the Ambassador continued, "that although the general opinion of Daein leans towards Lady Micaiah, there are some who would rather those with royal blood to take the throne. Traditionalists, mostly, but there are also those who feel Micaiah would be too light-handed in her rule in order to avoid upsetting her people. For those who see this danger, you seem to be a much stronger potential ruler."

"And so," Soren concluded, "I cannot be discounted."

"Correct."

"Seems like a mess to me," Ike muttered, obviously dissatisfied. "If Soren doesn't want to rule then he shouldn't be forced into the position."

"And he won't be," the Ambassador assures him. "If Soren wants to abdicate his right to rule then he can. There is nothing stopping him and there is little anyone can do about it should he refuse. However, until Soren announces his stance then the debates will continue and it will take even longer for Lady Micaiah to take the crown. Also, until Soren voices the fact he doesn't want to rule, there will be a massive amount of gold on his head. As war veterans, you should know well the value of royal prisoners. Many people would try to hunt him down and auction him for ransom, which would place you both at risk."

Ike sighed, crossing his arms across his chest. "Fine," he answers with resignation. "As long as Soren has a say in what occurs, I'm fine with it this plan."

"Many thanks for your compliance, Lord Ike. What do you think, Soren?" the ambassador asked, raising a brow. Soren noted that he seemed to have given up on attaching 'Prince' to his name, like he felt as uncomfortable saying it as he did hearing it.

"I'm not happy about this situation, at all," Soren stated bluntly. "I am aware that these are the required steps to renounce any claim I have on the throne but this whole process feels tedious, especially since I know already that I won't rule Daein. However, I will do what I must to see this situation through."

"And for that, you also have my thanks. I hope the process goes on without delay for you."

"As do I," Soren replied with a sigh.

~~X~~

Daein keep had always seemed a foreboding place to him. It wasn't pretty like Crimea capital with its blank stone and pointed towers; built on a mountain to increase its strategic edge but the mountain served the additional purpose of making it seem more imposing. In the evening light, the stone burned orange, the colour reflecting off the walls and causing the towers to cast long shadows. The snow which always accompanied the keep made approach even more difficult for would-be invaders. Objectively, it was a masterpiece of architecture and an extremely well built fortress besides but it was one Soren didn't appreciate. Perhaps it was the memories that accompanied the place.

"Ambassador Mavus?" One of the guards on duty stopped his rounds as they approached, seeming not to recognise them. Usually, this would hardly be surprising. Their names and achievements were well known, not their appearances. However, considering how this was Daein keep, the lack of recognition seemed unusual. Even if they didn't know what Soren looked like, they surely should deduct who he was given his escort being an ambassador.

The Ambassador nodded briefly to the guard before breezing past him, heading for the core of the keep as he escorted them up several stairways.

"Nobody seems to know who we are," Soren mused aloud after the Ambassador nodded to yet another guard who seemed unaware of their purpose.

The Ambassador didn't look back but replied anyway. Soren was beginning to think the man adored hearing the sound of his own voice as he gave yet another detailed explanation. "It was decided that your discovery should be kept unannounced for your safety. I alone was sent to retrieve you in order to avoid suspicion; hence why there was also little security guarding the carriage. A measure that seemed to function rather well, given the lack of issues we faced travelling here."

"That's quite a gamble to make," Ike commented. He walked alongside Soren, lagging slightly behind the man. "If it was discovered, we would have been pretty defenceless."

"Lord Ike, you should know that no plan is without flaw. Yes, there was a risk, but there would have been a worse risk if we had increased Soren's guard. That would have made an attack a much higher possibility. Better to avoid a fight than to be prepared to combat one."

Ike hummed a response, following the man through various rooms. Some he recognised from his few visits to the keep; others he did not. The keep was massive and it would take hours to explore it all. "Where exactly are we headed?" Ike asked.

"The throne room, Lord Ike. Lady Micaiah will want to speak to you both."

'Micaiah probably wants to observe my stance on all this' Soren mused, doubting a friendly greeting was her true agenda. After all, he was potentially standing in the way between her and the Daein crown.

From his few conversations with Micaiah, he had determined that she also wasn't given to excess, much like himself. Soren doubted that she would want to keep the crown for personal reasons. It would be a logical guess that Micaiah simply wanted to see if he would lead the country well, were he to take her role.

Daein's wellbeing always mattered more than anything to Micaiah.

Well, with one exception.

They saw Sothe in a room on the same hallway as the hallway doors. Soren suspected it was his base of operations from the documents and maps covering every surface available. Although she wasn't officially crowned, Micaiah had taken on many of the roles appointed to a ruler and Sothe (as her fiancé) would naturally become king. This was likely where he organised reconstruction efforts still remaining from the war.

The man had dark shadows under his eyes as he talked with someone in a chair opposite his desk, not noticing them at first. Soren deduced from the fact the door had been left open that whatever they were talking about wasn't of vital importance. Or Sothe just wasn't careful.

"-if I knew that then we would have obviously told him- of course not! Micaiah would never be so- yes, it may look that way but Micaiah's only interest is Daein's recovery, not who wears the crown…"

As they approached, the person sat on the chair became clearer. The person, a beorc woman with brunette hair cut long, had her back turned to the door so it was impossible to see her face but as they neared, the tone of her voice gave her identity away.

A glance at Ike betrayed both his awkwardness and his relief to hear Mist's voice again.

"Ike?" Sothe said, finally noticing them with raised brows. He glanced over to Soren and his expression turned grim.

"Ike?" Mist echoed, confused. Turning to follow his line of sight, her face lit up upon spotting the pair. "Ike!" She cried enthusiastically, leaping out of her chair. "And Soren too! Oh, I have missed you both!"

Running up to them she all but leapt into Ike's arms and he barely managed to keep himself upright. "Hayy, Mist," Ike greeted, somewhat less enthusiastically. He never was given to wild fits of enthusiasm at the best of times but the lingering guilt he felt at having left Mist, seemingly for good, made the reunion less sweet for him. Not that Mist seemed to mind as she released her brother.

"Soren!" She regarded the mage with a smile, deciding against hugging him too when he stared at her with distaste. Her excitement was beginning to dissipate as she forced herself to speak in a calmer tone. "I hope my brother hasn't been too much trouble for you? We have really missed you both back at the fort."

"Mist, what are you doing here?" Ike asked, his expression sombre, cutting through the excitement of the reunion. "How did you know this is where we were headed?"

Mist placed a hand on her hip. She had matured through the years; both in body and mind. Her curves had become more refined and her personality had strengthened. Disappointed with her brother's serious behaviour, she pursed her lips. "We had a couple of men show up at the fort looking for Soren. Obviously, we didn't go spouting of where you had gone but then they start telling us that he was royalty! I knew once you were found you would wind up coming to Daein so we all thought we would take a trip to see you both again."

"'We all thought?'" Soren selected. "The other mercenaries are here too?"

"Yeah. Even Shinon, believe it or not. Mia has gone on another journey, though, so she is not with us but the rest of the gang is here! We know this is probably the last time we will get to see you both before you journey away and since you slipped off last time without so much as a goodbye…" a scowl in Ike's direction. "We couldn't turn down this opportunity."

Mist talked on for a bit before Sothe, who had been silent during the exchange, frowned as he noticed the waning light. "I think it will be a little late to meet with Micaiah now," He admitted. "Mist. Would it be okay if you escort them to their room? We are a little understaffed at the moment and the room we were going to assign them is just down the hall to your own."

Mist nodded. "Sure, Sothe!" She turned to face the pair and placed her hands on her hips."I should imagine you both are pretty tired after riding in a carriage all day? C'mon, you have to tell me what you both have been up to."

And, as if they had never left, Mist dragged them away from the room and down the halls, leaving the Ambassador behind with Sothe. Ike's sister always was good at sweeping people along with her wavelength.