Title: Finding Home
Chapter 7: Royal Pains
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or any of the characters involved. This work is not intended for profit.
A/N: So Romeria gets a PoV chapter all to herself. I expected this chapter to be shorter. Instead, this might have turned out to be the largest single scene I've written. Hopefully, I didn't try to cram too much into it.
Romeria Zin Emurille, Queen of Aquaria, and Holy Mother of the Church of Apris, surveyed the great hall that stretched out before her. Back straight and head held high, she sat her gilded throne. Poised. Regal. Behind her, the sigil of Apris, a golden sun with 8 emerging rays of light covered the rear wall. The sigil was massive, the sun itself dwarfed her throne, the rays of light stretched to the very corners of the room, and all of it polished to a brilliant shine. The image shifted, rippled, viewed through an endless sheet of falling water. The steady flow of water would never cease, remained unbroken for over 400 years. Like the other streams in the room, it was drawn from the holy land of Kaddan, showing the limitless bounty of Aquaria. Queen Romeria knew it made for an impressive display, meant to intimidate the hostile as much as to inspire the faithful.
It appeared that her guests would not be swayed.
The ambassadors from Greeton, the first in over 100 years, stood in her royal court. They observed all of the expected court pleasantries. They complimented the beauty of her city and of the castle itself. They offered condolences for her losses. They devoted their prayers to the fledgling peace that had settled over Gaitt. Queen Romeria had smiled politely but only when appropriate. She had listened to their words but not too closely. And she had asked the right questions but never too eagerly. Through it all her face betrayed nothing, neither her suspicions nor her anxieties.
The same role she'd played every day since her coronation.
She often wondered how Arzei conducted his royal court, how he played this game. The King of Airyglyph was always more forward, more open, than herself. He would not hesitate to smile, to jest, even allowed himself to laugh. She envied that freedom. Arzei was both a King and an accomplished warrior. No one would think him weak if he appeared anything less than stoic. Then again, perhaps his personality offset the more serious nature of his court. Airyglyph's throne room like its castle, indeed, like its people, were more austere than her own. Castle Airyglyph was designed for strength, safety, and above all functionality. Whereas Castle Aquios was undeniably beautiful, more a place of worship than a stronghold.
Queen Romeria's attention returned to the Greeton delegates below her. Only three stood in the great hall but looks could be deceiving. They travelled with a respectable entourage, servants, aides, and retainers. Their retinue totaled over a dozen people and the White Tower had been made available to them for their visit.
Farleen, having been assigned to the delegation, stood next to their leader, Lord Ryell. Lord Ryell might have been in his early forties, with very light brown hair. Much of Greeton's political landscape was unknown to the Queen. However, she did know that Lord Ryell was no minor lord. Wealthy and well connected, his voice carried weight in many circles. Some suggested he might be appointed Chancellor in the not too distant future. Unfortunately, Lord Ryell's personal opinions of Aquaria and Gaitt in general were a mystery.
His daughter, Alys had accompanied him on his assignment. Queen Romeria wondered at that. Would Lady Alys be expected to carry on her father's work? Did Lord Ryell simply wish to have his only family close? Lady Alys was an attractive young woman with the same light, almost golden brown, hair as her father. Had Lord Ryell been a member of Aquaria's nobility the Queen would have assumed he was formally introducing his daughter as part of a debut.
The Greeton nobles were accompanied by one aide. He was an older gentleman and though his hair was graying, he was not yet stooped by old age. The man had introduced himself as Aldred, pleasantly enough, but otherwise seemed content to let his lord speak.
One of the court attendants, the new girl with a long blonde braid, entered the great hall. The young girl came to a stop beside the delegates and bowed. "Please forgive the interruption. Your Majesty wished to know when Lady Nel had arrived."
Lady Nel. Excellent timing.
"Please show Lady Nel in." Queen Romeria ordered. Lady Nel would need to have a better understanding of the Greetons' interests.
Queen Romeria thought she saw Farleen flinch.
"Yes, your Majesty." The attendant bowed again and quickly turned to leave the hall.
Queen Romeria returned her attention to the delegates, locking eyes with Lord Ryell. "Perhaps Lady Nel will be able to provide some answers to your questions." Unlikely, given that Aquaria's official stance on the celestial ships was that they were of unknown origin.
She would make the effort of asking Lady Nel, or at least the appearance of it.
The attendant reappeared in the doorway with Lady Nel beside her. Even from across the throne room Lady Nel was already sizing up the situation as she approached. "Your Majesty." Lady Nel stopped at the base of the steps, bowed but remained on her feet.
"Thank you for answering so promptly, Lady Nel." Queen Romeria turned her attention back to the Greetons. "As we were saying, regarding the origins of the celestial ships. There is only speculation." So much speculation. Each and every citizen of her realm had their own theory. Nobles swore they were from Greeton, the precursors of a full scale invasion. The fanatical thought they were the gods' wrath, sent to punish the nonbelievers. As much as that rumor rankled her, Queen Romeria made no efforts to refute it. She made no efforts to refute any of them, in the hopes that each theory would serve to undermine the others.
Her people were not ready for the truth.
"I must admit that makes their mystery all the more frightening." Lord Ryell lamented, his expression serious but not harsh. "What of the celestial ship that appeared over Arias? Your runlogical weapons drive it off or were you able to destroy it?"
Aquaria's weapons could never defeat such a ship. She knew it. The Greetons certainly did. How much did they know? How many spies did they have?
The Queen glanced at Lady Nel. If only the delegates knew that Lady Nel could answer all of their questions, and more, from her own experience. "Some reports say a beam of light pierced the sky and the celestial ship disappeared."
"It was an arrow." Lady Nel insisted, regarding the delegates. "It was the will of Apris."
The delegates exchanged looks between themselves. The Church of Apris had less of a following in Greeton. They might think Aquaria's faith misplaced but they couldn't refute the argument openly. The Greetons would see it as hiding behind their faith and many, even within her own kingdom, would agree. However, if the Queen had taken the measure of Lord Ryell, he would not fall into the trap of breaking protocol or risk offending her royal person.
Thought Romeria was utterly convinced, Master Fayt's presence on Elicoor was no accident.
Lord Ryell did not falter. When he finally broke the silence his words were positive even as he kept his tone resigned. "Wherever they came from, let us hope we have seen the last of them. This new era of peace is quite fortuitous."
The Queen let a genuine smile cross her lips at the change of topic. "Indeed. We are pleased to open communication between our two countries once again."
"It has been too long. We are eager to see much of Gaitt." Lord Ryell agreed. Perhaps he sensed that they would make no further progress regarding the celestial ships.
At that his daughter Alys smiled brightly. "We hope to visit the Sanmite Republic," she glanced at her father "after paying our respects to the Kingdom of Airyglyph," she finished smoothly, albeit in a more subdued tone.
Lord Ryell said nothing, though his features softened. Queen Romeria smiled at the young girl, recalling her own experiences traveling through Surferio. She'd seen little of the Lousyd as they swam beneath the walkways. The fairy folk had been enchanting even if the Menodixes had proved to be quite the handful. Surferio was a simple explanation for Lady Alys' presence and why the delegates had arrived so early.
"Your Majesty, if I may ask," Lord Ryell began. "There were reports of a Greeton craft in the city of Airyglyph."
Or perhaps they were preparing a different stroke. Queen Romeria went still, ignoring her rising heartbeat or her suddenly dry mouth. The celestial ships, the battle over Arias, and the crash landing in Airyglyph…
And at the center of it all was Master Fayt.
So the Greetons already knew about Master Fayt, not surprising. As the savior of the kingdom, Aquaria had made no effort to hide his exploits or the fact that he remained in Aquaria. So… they knew of Master Fayt and soon they wouldn't have to pretend otherwise.
Well played.
How to respond? Acknowledge the ship and reveal they knew of these "engineers from Greeton?" Or feign ignorance and be caught in a lie later?
When she did not immediately answer Magistrate Lasselle stepped forward. "We have heard of the disturbance in Airyglyph. It seemed quite a bit of damage was done to the city." The Magistrate paused, as if waiting for the Greetons to respond. Except, Lasselle was not waiting for a reaction from the delegates.
Queen Romeria held her tongue, allowing Lasselle to take the offensive.
"Have you recently lost a craft?" Lasselle wore an arrogant smirk, long practiced. "If you are looking for survivors it is quite late don't you think?"
Lady Alys was quick to respond to the not-so-subtle jab at her father. "We're looking into a rather strange occurrence. Is that so hard to fathom?"
Again Queen Romeria said nothing.
"So it is merely curiosity? That was nearly six months ago. I had thought your interests beyond your own borders was a more recent thing." Lasselle finished with clearly feigned curiosity.
Lord Ryell was staring at the Magistrate now, his expression grim. Greeton's interests in recent events were no great secret either, but the Queen had to admit that was skillfully done. With tempers flaring it was time to step in. Queen Romeria turned to her Magistrate. "That is enough Lasselle." She spoke reproachfully.
"Your Majesty." Lasselle gave the slightest nod of his head, not appearing humbled in the least. He watched the delegates, a look of thinly veiled disdain on his face. Lady Alys' frustration was written across her delicate features. No further, progress would be made today for either side.
The Queen faced the delegates, her tone not quite apologetic. "It would be best if we adjourned for today. Please enjoy the comforts of our kingdom. Farleen will be at your disposal."
Lord Ryell studied the Magistrate for a long moment before returning his attention to the Queen. "Thank you, your Majesty." His voice calm, controlled, and completely unreadable. What was he thinking? If he suspected the Magistrate's actions were by design, he was more observant than most. Very few of her own subjects realized Lasselle's abrasive personality was often intentional.
Farleen bowed before ushering the delegates from the room, rather hastily. The purple haired woman must have been uncomfortable with the exchange. If the Greetons found Farleen's behavior odd, they complied nonetheless.
Queen Romeria watched the delegates depart, feeling a knot loosen in her chest. It wasn't often she was backed into a corner or had to rely on Lasselle's "gifts" to adjourn a meeting.
How much did they know? How much more did they suspect? How much longer could they be kept in the dark?
The remains of Master Fayt's craft were locked somewhere deep in the bowels of Airyglyph Castle. Smaller pieces, picked up by curious onlookers and informants, had by now spread far and wide. Did Greeton have samples of their own? Would Airyglyph reveal the true nature of the craft? Could the Greetons reverse engineer the technology? Queen Romeria thought that was impossible for them, hoped that was impossible, even for them. Master Fayt's technology had been too far advanced for Lady Elena and her research team to analyze in any way.
At the least the Greetons would learn the true nature of the celestial ships. It was a minor miracle they didn't know that already. Only Greeton's strict policy of isolation had kept them from learning of the celestial ships much earlier. Once they knew the origin of the craft, how long before they sought out Master Fayt?
Curse the Greetons.
Greeton was a century ahead in terms of technology, closer to two by some reports. Lady Elena was brilliant and she swore that with Master Fayt's aid Aquaria was on the verge of a new age. Unfortunately, Lady Elena was one mind compared to a nation of superior technology. What could Greeton do with Master Fayt's knowledge? What would they offer him to have it?
Why now of all times?
The Queen glanced at her Magistrate, her lips pressed into a thin line. Lasselle's face revealed nothing as he watched the backs of the retreating delegates but she knew him well and he was quite pleased with himself. Lasselle had a gift for getting on someone's nerves and often, like with the delegates, he used it to the benefit of the kingdom.
That was not always the case.
Lasselle had taken it upon himself to speak to Master Fayt, informing the young swordsman of his duties in the tournament instead of asking him. A simple conversation turned into an argument, which escalated into a shouting match. From all reports both men had lost their tempers and Master Fayt's participation in the tournament was the least of her worries. Some whispered Master Fayt had threatened to leave the kingdom all together.
The news had spread through the castle with alarming speed. How many of the townsfolk had heard? How many had they told? Would it encourage certain visiting delegates to pursue him?
She could not allow that to happen.
Some doubted Master Fayt was the Arrow of Apris. Queen Romeria knew better. Only the most stubborn hardliners of the nobility questioned his status as the savior of the kingdom. It was no accident Master Fayt found his way to their world precisely when they needed him. It was no accident that he had needed the Sacred Orb to save them from the Vile Wind. No, it was the will of the gods.
Again she asked herself, why now of all times?
All she had needed was time. Time for Master Fayt to settle into his life in Aquaria, time for him to accept a formal position within the realm…
The Queen's eyes settled on the young woman before her. With the delegates from Greeton gone, Lady Nel moved to the center of the throne room and smoothly lowered her lithe form onto one knee. Lady Nel bowed her head and the Queen stared at the top of her ruby colored hair, knowing her vibrant green eyes were respectfully lowered.
…time for nature to take its course.
Queen Romeria was not immune to court gossip, even had a weakness for it when it came to… certain members of her court. It was no secret Lady Nel was one of her most favored royal subjects. Lady Nel's devotion was unrivaled even among the Crimson Blade. If anyone deserved to find happiness after the war…
So when it came to Lady Nel, Master Fayt, and their budding romance… Well, Queen Romeria was not immune to court gossip.
Lady Nel's feelings for Master Fayt were apparent to anyone, except perhaps to Master Fayt. In his defense Master Fayt barely knew the Nel Zelpher that existed before was he drawn to their world. To those that did… night and day was the only way to describe it. The queen had watched the war wear down even Lady Nel's spirit. Lady Nel's resolve had never wavered, not once, but few could hold on to hope in such times.
The way Lady Nel acted now, still a realist but… hopeful. Passionate instead of just determined, as if she believed the world could be changed. Even Lady Elena had commented on it and how often did she notice anything that wasn't part of her research?
And then there was Master Fayt, whose decision to remain on Elicoor, could only have been for Lady Nel.
The stories of their adventures were whispered in every corner of her kingdom. A few of them were even real. The Queen liked to think she could tell the true from the false, better than most.
There had been talk, at first. To be fair, there were no shortage of reasons. Master Fayt had rushed to Lady Nel's aid, saving her from capture, torture, and death, all within days of having met her. Some speculated he felt indebted to Lady Nel. Others claimed he was struck by her beauty. Later, when Lady Nel risked her life to aid Master Fayt, at the cost of abandoning her duties… the gossip had grown out of control. A year ago Queen Romeria wouldn't have imagined that anything could distract Lady Nel from her duties.
It was endearing to watch them grow closer and frustrating to watch them move so slowly.
It was their lack of time together.
Since returning to their world Master Fayt had thrown himself into his new roles, aiding in Lady Elena's research and working with Lady Clair. But while assisting Lady Elena's research kept Master Fayt in Aquios, the same could not be said for Lady Nel. Even in peacetime, Lady Nel was no less devoted to her duties. At times she seemed determined to root out any and all threats singlehandedly. Before spending over a month in Greeton, Lady Nel had taken on missions throughout the continent.
With so much time apart, how could their relationship grow?
Rumor was their relationship had cooled, that Lady Nel chose not to pursue it.
Queen Romeria knew better than to believe that for a second. Wishful thinking, fueled by jealousy. Lady Nel, a beautiful woman, had no lack of admirers. As a high born lady from such a well-known family, Lady Nel would be sought after by half the nobility for an arranged marriage. Queen Romeria was certain those hopeful suitors would be sorely disappointed.
She suspected Master Fayt was the true focus of the rumor mill. Master Fayt certainly had the attention of the ladies at court, a handsome young swordsman, the savior of the kingdom, and that was before the gender imbalance…
The war with Airyglyph, struggling to hold back their military might, and the battle against the Vendeeni… Queen Romeria had seen the casualty reports, the final numbers. And those numbers were high, far higher than she was willing to reveal to the common folk.
But the evidence was everywhere.
The Demon Hunter Legion existed in name only, the first casualties in a war that had raged for years. They'd conscripted many of the commoners from the surrounding towns, boys as young as 15 years. So many lives lost. The Shield Legion along with Lady Clair's Runological Corps had been reassigned from Aquios to the defense of Arias. Despite Lady Clair's skilled leadership the butcher's bill was high. Arias was no fortress, and at the time had no real defensive structures. Untrained and untested, the new recruits had not fared well.
The Shield Legion, the strongest swords of her kingdom, was not what it once was.
Even the Runological Corps, who were thought safe away from the frontline with their runological weapons, had been decimated. The weapons themselves could be rebuilt, had been mostly replaced, and Lady Elena swore they were much improved. It would still be years, decades, before Aquaria regained his former strength.
Broken families, mass graves, and half a generation lost.
Queen Romeria released a frustrated breath. Aquaria's population problems would not be solved today. The issue at hand was Master Fayt and Greeton's interest in him.
It had not escaped Queen Romeria's notice that Master Fayt only attended the dinner services for Lady Nel's sake. Master Fayt did not care for life at court, though he was too courteous to ever admit it aloud. Master Fayt found many of the court ceremonies interesting, some tedious. He found some of the nobles interesting, most tedious. So he avoided them, the ceremonies and the nobles, when he could.
A freedom Queen Romeria found entirely unfair but with rank came responsibility.
Yet Master Fayt had joined Lady Nel for dinner almost every night, since her enforced vacation. The Queen studied Lady Nel silently. There lied the solution to her problem. Aquaria had not declared there last representative. Master Fayt could still be convinced.
This would require a woman's touch.
"Lady Nel," Queen Romeria began, "you will monitor our guests more closely." Farleen, as a guide, was an excellent start but the Greetons would not remain in Aquios for long.
"I understand." Lady Nel's response was immediate.
"You will convince Master Fayt to fight under our banner in the tournament."
"Your Majesty?" Lady Nel lifted her eyes from the floor, confusion evident in her eyes.
Just confusion? Or resistance? Queen Romeria paused. Would Lady Nel refuse? She would have to choose her words car-
"I would think it obvious." Lasselle cut in, his tone bored. "It would dissuade certain parties from approaching him."
Lady Nel's eyes narrowed.
"Lasselle, leave us." Queen Romeria ordered, before a genuine argument broke out. This time she didn't bother to hide her frustration. She should have seen that coming. The confrontation with Master Fayt had stung his pride.
Unfortunately, Lasselle could upset anyone and Lady Nel was a… passionate individual.
He bowed, "Your Majesty." The Magistrate descended the steps and walked to the exit of the great hall. The Magistrate didn't spare Lady Nel another glance. It wasn't until the great doors closed behind him that Lady Nel visibly calmed. The tension in the room noticeably dropped.
Hopefully, so did the redhead's guard.
"Lady Nel, do you understand the advantages of Master Fayt fighting under our banner?" Their banner and no other. It seemed the Merchant's Guild might extend an invitation to Master Fayt. Queen Romeria doubted he would accept their offer. Yet she could not be certain. The champion's purse would be tempting, men were driven by a thirst for glory, and the chance to spite Lasselle might prove irresistible to the blue haired swordsman.
Lady Nel lowered her eyes before answering. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Yes, she did. There were numerous advantages to having Master Fayt represent Aquaria and his considerable skill with a blade was the least of them. As the savior of Aquaria it would be a huge boost for morale to see him in action. Reminding the Glyphans of his presence and his exploits against all three of their brigades would be an added bonus. Most of all it was a first step in drawing Master Fayt formally into Aquarian society while… insulating him from outside parties.
Queen Romeria rose from her seat. The fabric of her robes rustled softly but it was drowned out by the ever present sound of flowing water, until she was almost standing in front of Lady Nel. Taken by surprise, Lady Nel stared up at her, green eyes wide. Queen Romeria knelt slowly, carefully, as the many layers of her robes settled around her. A floral scent filled the air, light and warm. Perfume, she noted. An attempt to garner Master Fayt's attention? Queen Romeria took hold of Lady Nel's hands. It was in the best interests of the kingdom and, Queen Romeria truly believed, in the best interests of Lady Nel herself.
"Nel," she began, dropping her title for the first time. "You will speak to Master Fayt and convince him to accept our offer."
"… yes, Your Majesty."
A/N: What does everyone think of Queen Romeria? Her portrayal and/or her actions? I really struggled with this chapter. Maybe it was the different PoV or just trying to balance out the characters. I have a tendency to portray Queen Romeria as a bit of a supporter of Fayt/Nel, a shipper on deck if you will.
Any opinions of the new characters?
To my consistent reviewers, thank you. I appreciate the support, especially when the chapters tend to drag out.
