It's super easy getting to Alcamoth when you're at level 80+. Now I get to enjoy myself!

Chapter 6

Izo turned out to be a challenging patient. He was released from the infirmary with the orders of keeping his wound clean and dressed. The only person he would sit still for was Rineah.

Fabrion watched as she changed the bandages. He had a smirk on his face. "I have to say it. This is kind of amusing."

"What is?" Izo demanded.

"You. You being the one to get hurt."

"That is uncalled for, Fabrion," Rineah snapped.

Fabrion chuckled and said, "My apologies, my lady. But it's Izo to get hurt, after all." To Izo, he added, "I guess you aren't untouchable after all."

Rineah scowled at him. She did not speak again until she finished applying a fresh bandage. "You need to apologize. I doubt Izo would be making fun of you if you were the one wounded."

Fabrion looked surprised, then he flushed. "I - "

"Let him have his fun," Izo said gently. "I'll get him back for it."

Rineah left them to dispose of the dirty bandage. When she left, Fabrion softened. "You scared her," he whispered. "Hell, you scared all of us."

Izo felt his cheeks grow warm. He did not know what to say. He was rescued from his loss of words by a knock at the door. They shared a look of confusion. Fabrion excused himself to answer the knock.

"Seer," he said coolly once he opened the door to reveal Alvis on the other side.

"Fabrion, is Princess Rineah here? Prince Kallian would like to speak to her privately. I can escort her."

"You?"

Alvis ignored the tone of Fabrion's voice. He peered behind him and called, "There you are, my lady. Would you come with me?"

Rineah looked to Fabrion for help. He shook his head only a fraction. Alvis held his hand out to her. "I would escort you home, of course," he added. "But it is of the utmost importance."

Timidly, she took Alvis's hand. She looked back to Fabrion and mouthed If I'm not back in ten before Alvis led her into the hall. He was silence on the walk to the Audience Chamber. It was just her, Alvis, and Kallian. The three of them gathered near the throne.

Kallian did not mince words. "Father has gone to Prison Island. No matter what occurs, you need to know - "

"Oh, now I need to know?" Rineah flushed with anger. "You have kept so much from me recently, haven't you? What else do I have no clue about?"

Kallian sighed, his expression hurt. "I have, and I apologize. It is something Father and I have discussed at great length. Along with Melia's ascension to the throne instead of myself. It is the best for our people."

Rineah was angry, but the hurt expression on his face made her feel ashamed. "I know you know best, both you and Grandfather, but I am no longer a child."

"You cannot keep her safe forever."

Rineah and Kallian both turned to face Alvis, who they had momentarily forgotten was in the room. "I know," Kallian admitted. "And I swear you and I will have a long talk later, but for now, I had to tell you this. In case something goes wrong on Prison Island."

"And you think it will." She rounded on Alvis. "What have you said - "

Alvis held his hands up defensively. "Only as much as I am granted through visions."

"And you let him go alone?"

"I mislike it as well, but Father refused to take anyone with him." He reached for Rineah. She allowed herself to be held for a moment. When she pulled away, she sniffled.

"That sounds right," she admitted. "I think I should go. Izo and Fabrion were bickering." She gave them a watery smile. "You will come for me immediately?" Kallian nodded. "Thank you."

Just as she and Alvis left, they ran into Melia making her way to the Audience Chamber. And she was not alone. "Rineah?"

Rineah and Melia met halfway down the stairs. She reached forward and grabbed Melia. "Emperor Sorean went to Prison Island, by himself." She struggled for the right words to say. "I do not like this," she whispered with a glance towards Alvis. "Is there anything we can do?"

"We were just going there." The speaker was a Homs with messy blonde hair. Rineah glanced from him to Melia.

"Who Melly friend?" An orange Nopon waddled over between the two of them, breaking the fragile moment with his cutesy speech.

"This is Rineah. Rineah, I'd like you to meet Riki," she gestured towards each in turn, "Shulk, Sharla, Reyn, and Dunban."

Knowing their names was not important at the time. She gave them a brief look and took a step back. "They will not bite, except maybe Reyn."

"Hey!"

Melia laughed. Rineah did not. "Will you hurry?"

"We'll go right away."

"Riki help make Rinny not so sad!" The Nopon hopped and fluttered between them.

"Rinny?!" She had been called "Bird Lady" before, but "Rinny" was a new one. And one she did not take kindly to. But there were more important things to deal with at the moment. The sight of Fabrion lurking nearby comforted her. "Melia..."

"Do not worry yourself, Rineah. We're on our way right now."

It occurred to her to wish them luck as they left the palace, but she bit her tongue. Fabrion joined her at her side. "Do you want me to join them?"

She shook her head. "Stay. With me."