My Obligation
Chapter 14: Love, or Lack Thereof

"He said he wanted to see you both tomorrow," Eirika explained in a soft tone as she looked up at the Silver Knight.

Night had finally fallen. After Klimt had dismissed her from the hall, she had met up with Seth and Laeron who were looking at the architecture. Her retainer had been explaining Carcino's history and sounded as though he was ecstatically paraphrasing a textbook found in some ancient library. Eirika had always liked that sound, though. He was so very intellectual and there was something about the tone that made her want to swoon, like she only had in dreams.

"Laeron and myself?" Seth asked as he reached for her face and caressed her cheek gently with the back of his hand. "I cannot see what our presence would do for such a situation. If it is my lady's request, however, I will make myself present for her account."

Above them loomed a tree with willowy branches that hung low and seemed to hide them from the outside world. Inside, beneath the wings of that tree, it was as though they'd found their own little paradise. The sounds of the night were echoing in the silence between them. The cool breeze adjusted the locks of their hair appropriately and the moment was perfect.

Laeron had been taken to the temple in the town and was being cared for by one of the matrons, responsible for caring for the local orphans. Eirika could not remember seeing many children in Port Kiris and for that reason, she felt it was appropriate that Laeron should spend time with those around his age as well, and not just her and Seth. This journey she was making after all, was not entirely for children. They did not need to fight for peace and tranquility. They didn't need to fight at all—unless it was for fun.

At any rate, she'd left Mektar's son in the company of those like him, promising that he could stay the night with them to play and the next morning he could accompany her and Seth to her official meeting with Klimt. Then it seemed that they would be heading in the direction of Grado in order to meet with her brother, who appeared to be in distress, judging by the second letter she'd received from him.

Her mind was plucked from her thoughts when Seth withdrew. She fidgeted, by slipping her hands behind her back and shifting her weight from one foot, to the other, and back again. "I'm sorry for making you wait. I wanted to ensure that Laeron would be all right."

Seth watched her carefully and nodded slowly. "…I know, milady." He looked around once and then softened his tone, "…Eirika." Pleased by the smile he was rewarded with, he chose to continue. "You look endearing with Laeron, as though he could be your son. You do understand that he is holding you as a representation of his maternal unit, do you not?" He eyed her curiously, wondering how she felt about having that sort of weight placed upon her shoulders.

"…I know…" the princess responded quietly. She honestly wasn't sure how she was to feel about that. She hadn't been asked to be a mother. She'd been told that someone viewed her as one, and it was an awkward feeling at the least. She loved children, and to a great extent. "…I don't know what to think. My brother teased me about having children once. And it was coincidentally the same day he teased me about marriage. He told me I should be allowed to marry someone I love. And then he mentioned you."

Me…? The prince… spoke to Eirika about being wed to me…?

Seth's mouth ran dry as he fought for the words to respond with. When had he turned into a blubbering idiot? He straightened his posture, focusing his eyes upon her face rather than her becoming form. "…When? Why?"

She remembered the conversation well. She'd been thinking about it the day they were leaving for Port Kiris, so it was nearly a month ago, she'd figured. "I think it was the day we left… Well, no. It was before that… I think it was after the banquet, and everything with Prince Innes." Her expression contorted in thought. "I think, anyway. It was when he told me he wanted me to go to Port Kiris and Carcino. I was teasing him and saying that it was more because he wanted me to take care of it, rather than me really wanting to do it. And we talked about having children and things of that nature. Where children are involved, naturally marriage is as well. It's a bit…"

Seth knew what she was trying to say and continued softly, "…Risqué to have children out of wedlock, Lady Eirika."

And with their actions, he was well aware of the risk he was placing her at, and apparently so was she. After all, she retained that maternal look about her so well. It was an appropriate aura for her, the one that held a motherly unit within her. He had to admit that it was… more than becoming. Of course, he was still dreaming of the day that she would be carrying his children. Perhaps he gave that too much thought, however, for the idea of their relationship ever coming to light with Renais, much less Magvel, was fairly nonexistent. Their actions had proved it further, that they would need to act affectionate with each other in private.

"I do love that voice, Seth," Eirika confessed gently as she reached her hands up and slipped her arms over his shoulders. She leaned against him, using his form as support for hers, and rewarded him with a very kind smile. "I must confess that I have considered many times what it would be like to marry you. I dreamt about it when I was younger, because I believed you were my prince, and one who had come to save me many times over. I blame the idea that my face was often shoved into a book or two."

Hesitantly, he reached for her, wrapping a single arm around her waist, marveling in how small her form was, how tender, how fragile, how pliable. And it was highly pleasing to the core of his being, something he could not admit—that he would be attracted to her on a level beyond personality—that he would consider how to adore her in the midst of physical intimacy. Physical intimacy. The word 'physical' was still foreign to him. Touching her, caressing her skin, placing his lips upon hers, and allowing her so dreadfully close to him was still new; new, and exciting.

His free hand tugged upon the fabric of her gown, examining it idly with his fingertips. "You have worn such fine clothing since we have left Renais. It, at times, intimidates me, as I do not wish to bring detriment to it."

Eirika's face lit up. Not simply at his words, but at the surprisingly casual way he chose to phrase that. Her chin lifted and she pressed her lips to the base of his chin, receiving a smile in return for her efforts, something she deemed as a perfect prize. "Really, now… I don't wear it to please you, you know. I've been wearing all of this to represent Renais accordingly. I would not be a very good princess if I misrepresented my darling brother."

"Well, I think you look—" Seth began with that determined tone.

And he was silenced by a kiss.

…Milady, you have grown so… bold. It is becoming, and yet, there is a bit of it that reminds me of the weight of reality. Should I be allowing this to happen?

He felt her hands slide across his chest and he shuddered in delight. Her fingertips were always so gentle, so caring, and so loving with him, as though she understood that to a degree, he too, was fragile and could be easily broken. For him, however, his state of vulnerabilities lied around his emotions, not his physique. There was naught she could do that would physically scathe him, but to wound his heart… it would be no difficult task.

Seth brought his touch over her forearms thoughtfully, still half-distracted by the rather anxious kiss she had bestowed upon him.

Should I be giving her this privilege?

His mantle dropped, and she carefully peeled away the black fabric adorning his midsection, exposing his chest. Eirika finally released his lips and inclined her head, offering careful attention to the bare flesh within reach. And without a warning, she showered kisses upon the ridges of his form.

"E-eirika…" he stammered, lifting a hand into her hair.

Should I be giving into her? To indulge her… And allow her this… Is it truly right of me?

There was no doubt in his mind that her actions were beyond provocative. Why did she allow this? At least a year before, he'd explained to her that she could not be seen fraternizing with her knights, let alone her retainer. He'd clarified further by implying that he did not want this attention from her. Yet here he stood, time later, beneath a beautiful tree with a beautiful young lady, and one that he had loved since the first day that he met her. All in the name of that precious keepsake that he still held with him.

An inner fire cascaded across his form, the way Emperor Vigarde's invasion had completely overtaken Renais during the war. Her actions were causing him to experience ripples of tension, anxiety, and something that he could only describe as what others would have seen as 'lust'. To him, however, it was love, for that was the only thing he could have for his liege lady.

My lady is the one instigating this. The actions that would follow would only be contributed to the desire I have to please her. She is my hope, my charge. It is my obligation to please her.

My obligation.

He'd used that one several times. 'Obligation'. It was his 'obligation' to do this; it was his 'obligation' to do that. Obligations often had a tendency to imply that the person executing the action was only doing so out of feeling a sense of subservience. His own actions could easily be seen as questionable, especially when it came to Eirika. Yet what he was going to do would leave no room for inquiries.

Seth suddenly took her with that gentle grasp upon her teal hair and he coaxed her chin to lift, so he might place upon her a delicate kiss of great ferocity. And then he bit after drawing her lower lip between his tenderly. He could feel her form tighten against his and it only invoked a greater feeling of desire. She knew not what she was doing. She was still so innocent. That was what made this so much better. Their actions were pure, and not taken in an unkind light.

And he left her breathless for when he allowed her to retract, her face was flushed and she suddenly looked so shy, "S-S-Seth…!" As though she could not believe he would ever do such a thing. Yet she enjoyed it, and her eyes betrayed her feelings.

The Silver Knight smiled a little sheepishly and he leaned down, brushing the tip of his nose over hers. "You cannot hide so easily from me," he commented gently.

When she did not fight his advance and instead pulled him forward, he nearly groaned with pleasure. His arms wrapped around her and he scarcely heard her words before he proceeded with kissing her once more.

"I… have nothing to hide from you…"

xxx

"So we get to go with you, right Mother?" Laeron asked as he clutched the skirts of Eirika's crimson and white dress.

She arched an eyebrow at him and patted him on the head. "Would you not call me that? I'm not your mother, Little Lae." The princess hoped he was teasing her. After all, she was too young to be a mother. Far too young, in her opinion. Of course, if Renais had anything to say about it, she would have been married and with child already.

Laeron shook his head with a grin, "No, you're not. But you could be."

As Eirika looked over to Seth, she noticed he simply listened with a smile upon his face. Her expression hardened. So he would merely stand there in bliss. Or he was amused by the situation. Either way, she was annoyed, because she knew he wouldn't be giving any sort of opinion. In fact, he was probably silently agreeing with Laeron and that was a step in a direction she wasn't ready to even think about with him.

"It would be improper," she finally responded to her young companion before hoisting him up within her arms. She hugged him close and sighed softly when he began to play with the light curls at the ends of her hair.

The boy's face lit up, "Is that why you and the general don't hold hands, even though you two love each other?"

You want to answer that one, Seth?

His expression responded with a negative and the Silver Knight shook his head at her. Eirika sighed with disbelief and nearly mirrored his gesture. "General Seth and I have a very professional relationship in public. If we were to hold hands and act as we wish to, it would be seen as a controversial issue. It is considered to be a social mockery of some sort. And that, is why we are not married."

And most likely will never be.

She could not help feeling disappointed by this realization. She had at least wanted to explore the possibility, but in spite of her brother's reassurance, she felt there was something much more than simply her and Seth. As a result, she offered a sigh and then turned her full attention onto the doors in front of her. They opened, granting her access, and the three chose to enter the hall for the Council once more.

They were greeted by Klimt, who was enthusiastic to see Seth once again. Seth didn't look too different. His hair was a little longer, but the overall build was the same, and perhaps that was what came off as thrilling. Seth was still able to invoke that fear into those around him. Then the leader of the Council offered Laeron some attention and to the fair princess as well, before he discussed his thoughts and those differing within the Council's speak. Their overall uncertainty had revolved around the idea that an alliance implied in times of war that Carcino would have Renais' back, rather than being neutral. As wonderful as peace sounded, once again, it was Eirika hearing the words that peace didn't really exist and was more like a happy little dream she had in her head.

Her face finally started to brighten when Klimt's tone picked up and he lent her a smile. "I assure you, Klimt, Renais would never place Carcino in the pathway of detriment. We are a peaceful province and would not strike, even in the temptation of vengeance."

"This I do understand," he began with a reassuring nod, "However, surely even you can—"

"In the name of Frelia, open this door!"

Eirika jerked suddenly and the voice was more than recognizable for her. She peered over to Seth who was already beginning to withdraw his sword. "How did he get here so fast??"

Klimt lifted his eyebrows and started for the set of doors, "Prince Innes too? This is turning out to be a rather grandiose couple of days."

The princess slid in front of him smoothly and brushed off her dress, "Please don't answer that." When she was offered a rather blank look in response, she blushed, "…He's come here looking for me."

"It would seem the rumours are true," the older man replied. Faced by the inquisitive expression from the princess, he chose to explain with a kind smile. "Word has reached even Carcino of the union between Frelia and Renais. You must be engaged to be wed; is that it?"

And Eirika nearly flushed to the roots of her hair, "O-oh! No! My brother is the one getting—"

She was interrupted by another pounding on the door and she jumped. "Please. Hide us in here. At least Seth and me. Laeron should be all right as Prince Innes doesn't know who he is."

Klimt stared at her hard, wondering if he should comply. Then he nodded, took her by the elbow, and gestured to Seth. "In the conference room, general, there is a room in the back. Please, take Laeron and wait there. I will meet up with you in only moments." Receiving a nod, he returned his attention to escorting Eirika safely down the corridor. At the end, they turned to the right and stopped at the first door on the left side.

Withdrawing a key from his cloak with his free hand, he unlocked the door and handed the implement to open it to the princess with a smile. "You can either stay in this passageway, or you can follow it. If you choose to follow it, at the first fork, take the center road. At the second, take the right. And at the third, take the left. It should lead you back outside, and closer to the market here. Make sure you remember which way to go, otherwise, I will come back later and knock for you when you are safe to leave."

Eirika nodded gratefully, "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you." And shooed into the passage, she opened the door and showed herself in, just in time for Innes to burst through the front door.

"Klimt! What is with you today? Must you make me wait?" the Frelian prince questioned, clear disapproval glinting within his tone.

The leader of the Council hurried along and he laughed, "Prince Innes, you are always such a delight. Tell me, what brings you to my halls today? I was not expecting you at least for another fortnight." Of course, he had a feeling he knew what was coming if Eirika had been absolutely correct in all that she said.

Innes huffed, annoyed by the situation he was in. Leonardo had not been joking when he said that the princess and her knight had fled from Port Kiris rather hastily, and with the young boy as well. Still, he had hoped that with the three Pegasus knights accompanying him that they would have sped up the process of finding her. Was it possible that she knew of his pursuit? And even if she did, what possessed her to avoid him? What made her so adamant to see him?

Lifting a hand into his hair, he swept from his eyes the bangs that were obstructing his view. Of course, no sooner had he done this, had they fallen back into place, an eternal struggle between the two forces. "I am looking for Princess Eirika. I was told she had come through here. Her presence here was requested by her brother. I had hoped to return her to Renais, so that she would not face potential harm."

Klimt couldn't quite see why Eirika was against returning to her home, especially when there was a prince viciously scouring Magvel's lands to ensure her safety. Then again, he had only heard smaller pieces from Frelian's older heir. Something about a banquet, and the claiming of a heart. That was in addition to Ephraim's engagement to Tana, however, wasn't it?

"I have not seen her," he finally replied for the sake of the princess. "I was not even informed of her coming until you said as much. She is not in danger now, do you think?"

Unlikely. Not if Leonardo kept to his bargain—and if he didn't…

Innes didn't want to face that possibility. "No," he replied stiffly. "I suppose it means she just hasn't arrived yet. In that case, I'll be staying here with you for the time being." And as though he was the true leader, rather than his white-haired companion, he made no hesitance in heading for the conference room. "Come on, then. Let us have some tea while we wait."

xxx

"Do you think Princess Eirika will be all right?" Laeron asked as he looked up at Seth.

The Silver Knight faced his companion and nodded once, "Yes. My lady is very intelligent and well aware of what it is that she faces." His tone was filled with confidence and he was smiling, to reassure the young boy.

He was not so at ease on the inside, however. If Innes stayed there, and waited for Eirika's arrival, then she would never receive the answer she was waiting on from Klimt. And the longer they were there while the prince was, the greater the chance was that they would be discovered.

Seth watched Laeron pace back and forth in a remotely childish manner. And when he heard the approaching footsteps, he reached forward, took Laeron by the shoulders and ducked behind the gossamer curtains adorning the stone walls. It would do no good for them to be found. For now, they would simply need to wait.

xxx

Oh, by the gods… Which way did he say again? First one was straight. Second one was… which? Right or left? The right one will lead me closer to the outside, which I don't really want to go to just yet. The left will take me in deeper to the halls for the Council. As long as I don't go in too far. Prince Innes is still here, after all.

By choosing the side she often preferred for a variety of reasons (although the main one was because Seth usually stood on that same side), she went to the left, and deeper into the bowels of the halls, following the dimly lit corridor. Bypassing a connecting one that led into darkness, she continued ahead, not feeling adventurous enough to take the time to explore.

"Oh, Innes," she groaned to herself. "I can't believe you would have come all of this way simply to see me. It isn't that I'm avoiding you. I just feel like if we were to meet while I was out here and attempting to finish my brother's request, I wouldn't be able to concentrate. Surely you understand…"

He needed to wait. She needed him to wait. Perhaps if she asked nicely…

The candelabras along the walls began to grow sparse in their distance, causing the corridor to dim. And as she approached the next clearing, she was unaware of the hand reaching out through the darkness to her shoulder.