CHAPTER 9

Felt had been in Riesevelt for a few days, spending time with Fee. He was surprised at how much the girl had warmed to him, her usual detached demeanor was absent now, and in its place was a much warmer persona. They had learned much about each other over the past few days, Felt's story had led Fee to share her own, and before either had realized, they'd taken until one in the morning sharing their life stories.

It was then that Fee had asked Felt what he planned to do next, a strange intensity in her eyes when she gazed into his own. Felt didn't have an answer for her then, and still didn't now.

The crowded cafe was the perfect place to hide out from her royal retinue, its patrons all focused on their food and their own conversations to ever take notice of them. Felt glanced around shiftily, trying not to draw any unnecessary attention to them.

The fall breeze lazily drifted through the streets outside, brown and amber leaves dancing for but a moment before the ground trapped them. Fee and Felt watched the dances of the leaves, a comfortable silence fell upon them, neither needing to speak, for there was scarcely anything to say. The lilac haired girl was the one to break the silence.

"So... how does it feel to wield the Crimson?" Her eyes caught his face for a moment, the slight grimace gave it all away.

"It's... uh, it's okay I guess." Felt was trying to dodge the question, truth be told, he had never considered what it was like to wield the Belkhyde Azoth, for he had only ever used it with the Azure.

The young queen looked apologetic. "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."

The silver haired man shrugged, it wasn't that big of a deal, he had made his peace with it. "Nah, it's fine. I mean, really, I already accepted all that when I took the blade."

Felt's casual deflection only increased Fee's irritation, why did he insist on not showing his true feelings on the matter? She sighed lightly, shoulders dipping almost imperceptibly.

"So, what did you want to order?" Felt was the one to change the subject, the controversy was put aside for now. Fee, however, took note of this and internally vowed to help him solve this, to her, blatantly clear resentment he was harboring towards himself.

"I-I'll just have tea and whatever else." Came her listless reply, her mind travelling down unknown avenues. Felt grinned, the face she was making was just like before any major battle they'd fought. She was planning something, and Felt was looking forward to whatever it was... unless it involved logistical theorem or math. Felt didn't like math... Well, look at that! The waitress was here.

Completely unrelated, maybe he should go to Tatalia next, or Altena church, or... well there was still so much to see, so maybe he'd leave for foreign lands soon. Oh, right waitress, duh.

"Uhh... yeah I'll have the-" Felt began, his thoughts having betrayed him. His mind was blank, what did he want again? He pointed lamely to some random item on the menu, his cheeks aflame with embarrassment.

The waitress giggled, bending forward to take the menu from him, flashing cleavage. Felt glanced away indignantly, cheeks growing redder. Of course, if he had looked at his companion, he'd have seen her shoot the waitress a death glare. However, this was Felt, social cues weren't his forte.

For the rest of the meal, Fee barely made conversation with him, her thoughts elsewhere.

"Worried that Max'll screw something up?" Felt lightly teased, seeking any reaction from her.

Fee said nothing, her distant gaze absentmindedly drifting back to him. Her crimson eyes were glazed over, her brow furrowed slightly. It made Felt a bit worried, he had no clue on how to deal with this. What was it Gray had said about when a woman gives you the silent treatment? They were mad? Wanting something? Just messing with you because it was funny? Too much work to think about it, better to throw sand at the wall and see what sticks.

Nothing he tried worked. Thus, after paying for their meal, they departed in uncomfortable silence. Felt made to turn back to the palace, Fee, however, kept on walking, an air of apprehension wafted around her.

Fee's mind was wandering, Did she really want to do this? Should she let him leave out into the wild blue yonder, all on the hope that he'd ever return? The world was a big place after all, and knowing Felt, he'd be leaving to see it all soon.

And her? She'd likely be forced into some loveless marriage to carry on her bloodline, the suitors were already coming daily. So she could imagine what would happen when things settled down around here. However, if she could prevent this, should she?

After all, Felt would need someone to keep him from rushing into things, and knowing Felt... But, should she though? The Slaith dynasty had only just been restored a few months ago, any change that was going to be made would need to happen soon. But it wouldn't be for the good of her people, it'd be a selfish venture.

Did she even deserve to be selfish? What had she sacrificed? What had she truly had to give up? Felt had risked being trapped in Belkhyde, being killed in her war, and had even prepared to die to destroy the Crimson Azoth. He'd been a statue for nearly two months, what kind of hell had that been? To be aware but not aware, needing to breath but couldn't, wishing for a swift death which refused to embrace him?

Truly, no one in this world deserved Felt. The man with a heart so large he'd risked his life for both his home and for a land of strangers. The man who, against all reason, insisted on using a priceless alchemic artifact on a dead girl just for the sentimentality of it all. The man who'd saved the world.

She hadn't noticed it until now, but she was standing near the damaged bridge to the Tatalia region. She closed her eyes wearily, the stress of her mind catching her.

"Felt... if I were to ask you a question, would you be completely honest?" This was it, her only shot at ever getting what she wanted. She tensed, waiting for his response.

"Of course, why wouldn't I?" Came Felt's almost automatic response. He was willing to say about anything to get her to stop being mad at him.

"If you leave, will I ever see you again?" There. She'd asked him fully knowing his dreaded response.

Felt's gaze became locked to the distance, jaw setting in deep contemplation. He didn't have an answer for her.

"I don't know. It's a big world, we might see each other again, but I'm doubtful. I've always dreamed of adventure, and there's still so much I don't know about the world. There may be other alchemists out there, or maybe even something greater." Felt avoided her gaze, knowing she would be devastated.

"So... is that why you're going around to see us? To say goodbye forever?" Her voice was bitter, defeat, sorrow, and something else he couldn't quite place boiling below the surface.

"Maybe, I don't know yet... I'm sorry." Felt knew he'd hate himself for this later, but the truth wold set you free and all that.

He chanced to look at her. Bad idea. Her crimson eyes were filled with tears, she was biting her lower lip, and to top it all off something in her looked broken. He had caused this. Did she really value his friendship so much? He had been among her first friends outside of the church, but something didn't quite add up here. Hmm, questions for later.

He instinctively wrapped his arms around her still form. And there in his arms, she broke. Her eyes scrunched up with tears flowing freely, her choked sobbing echoing from the empty bridge. Her face was buried in Felt's blue vest, holding on to him for dear life.

"Th-then... t-take me with you." She choked out, meeting his dark blue eyes with her watery crimson. Fee knew this was nothing like her private fantasies, but if it got her Felt, she wouldn't care.

"You know I can't do that, you're the queen of all of Belkhyde. They need you." Felt swallowed hard, guilt eating at him. "After all... in a few years time, you'll have forgotten all about me. You've got your entire life ahead of you, and you won't need me. I'm going to see the world, you don't want that, to be always on the move. What if you fall in love? And what about Max? Will you just dump the weight of the crown on him? Ask yourself if this is what you really want, and it isn't, not really."

Fee was out of tears, she was numb. How to get it through to Felt? Why? A thousand hurtful questions bit at her heels as they slowly trudged back to Riese palace, neither speaking, all their energy drained.

It had been two days since then, and Fee hadn't left her room. Max had gone in yesterday, staying in there for the better part of the day. His gaze wandered to Felt, observing him oddly, as if appraising him. The prince strode toward him, easily dodging the passing staff, his eyes never leaving Felt.

The prince was upon him now, hard blue eyes set on him, his arms crossed unamusedly.

"Felt, walk with me?" It was not a request, but a command, the normally jovial Max had lain every pretense of the forgetful, happy-go-lucky leader aside, the stern, cunning general taking over.

The palace gardens were abandoned, likely on Max's orders. The myriad of reds, yellows, and oranges of the leaves contrasted the conversation that Felt knew was coming. Max motioned for him to take a seat on one of the benches. Felt obeyed.

"Now then Felt, as you know Audrey has not left her chambers for a few days now. Would you know why?" His voice was low and deadly, which unnerved Felt, for Max had never been like this. This was a man wo would see the world burn for the slightest offense, a man set on having things a set way. This man was anathema to the Max he knew.

Felt found that he could only nod his head, gazing up at the standing figure.

"Very well then." Max observed a low flying bird, taking his time to address the younger man. This was all calculated, for Audrey would have her way even if Max had to do something drastic. How dare this boy make his sister so upset? The nerve.

"In a few days time, I will announce my ascension to the throne. My sister Audrey has deemed herself too young for the crown. And to keep the tradition of a patriarchal rule as stated in the doctrine of the first Slaith king. On that very same day, she will announce her engagement." Max studied him, making sure to drink in deeply his reaction.

So this was why Fee had wanted him around, she'd hoped he'd help her get out of this. Felt opened his mouth to respond.

"Did I say you could speak?" Max demanded of him. "Now then, on that day, you will be standing beside her. As her fiancee." His tone finally showed a hint of softness, as if this were all just to throw him off. Felt relaxed, his tension beginning to relieve itself.

Max smirked. Wait a second, he had to marry Fee now? Confusion was written all over his face, why?

"But-" Felt spat out before Max's hand clasped over his mouth, his eyes wild.

"You will marry her because I asked you to. You know, an entire continent suddenly appearing inside of another is bound to cause some tensions, right? Think of this as a preemptive alleviation of those tensions." Max dropped his hand from the younger man's mouth, fully prepared for any response Felt would make.

"...is she okay with this?" Felt was finally asking the right questions here, maybe this young man would eventually prove himself worthy of Audrey's love. But that didn't mean he'd have to like it, his baby sister already getting married. It didn't sit right with him.

"...I'm sorry." Max didn't know why he was apologizing to the younger man, but here he was. "It's just, when my mother looked at my father with those eyes... and I see Audrey looking at you like that... I just want her to be happy. Is that so wrong? But not like this..." Max cursed internally, his long, thought out speech failing him.

"It's okay." Felt's response was supposed to absolve Max of his guilt, but it somehow made it worse. Max knew he probably should have just been clear with Felt from the beginning, asked him in a more kindly manner. But what's done is done, now he'd have to deal with the fallout.

"Is there any reason you chose me to marry your sister?" Felt's curious blue eyes looked at him expectantly, but there was also a conflict deep within. So Felt was searching for something to do with his life now that there was no evil to battle.

"You may just be that dense, but she's hopelessly infatuated with you." Max's kingly persona was gone now, replaced by the carefree leader Felt was used to.

Now that he thought about it, that made a lot of sense. The looks she'd been giving him since they'd went to Altena Church alone together. The Ein Zecksclaw activating so many times when they were together, her behavior in the cafe, the bridge. It all made sense now.

Enlightenment found it's way onto Felt's features. Max smiled warmly upon seeing this.

"Then go to her, and take this. It was our mother's." Max dropped a small lilac case unto his lap, turning away quickly. "It's your choice after all, I understand either way, but Flea? Ask yourself what you want, and really try to figure this out, okay?"

With that, the soon to be king strode off. "i gotta practice my royal strut now, so go get her eh buddy!"

"Max..." Felt trailed off, his mind in turmoil. What did he want? That question kept popping up, would it vex him eternally? Why? Was the illusion mana toying with him in petty revenge for rejecting Viese? Or was it his subconscious trying to tell him something? He hated this. Why did he have to feel like this all the time?

The small box weighed heavily in his pocket, it was demanding a response from him. Some part of him told him to leave it outside her door and walk away, to leave Belkhyde and see the world like he'd thought he'd wanted. Even his monologues were betraying him now. Felt knew what to do next, for the first time since leaving Eden and getting the Azoths.

Felt knocked on the door to Fee's room and stepped inside.

The room was a mess, clothes strewn here and there, a few bags lain on the bed, overflowing with clothes. It was like she was preparing to run away.

Felt searched for her in her room, turning his gaze around the room. There. On her knees facing one of the large windows, hair unbound and her head bowed in prayer. He decided to wait for her to finish, out of respect and definitely not nervousness.

"What do you want Max?" Fee asked irritably, tiredness evident in her voice.

Felt smirked playfully, "Close, but no cigar."

Fee froze, her shoulders tensing, and posture completely changing.

"What do you want?" Was that passive aggression he was sensing?

"To say I'm sorry, and to ask you something." Felt knew she'd never let this go unless he took action now. Fee turned to him, her lilac hair framing her face, eyes looking past him, and her bottom lip being bitten again.

"...What." Fee knew what was coming next, he was saying goodbye and asking her to please understand. She knew this was coming, so she was abdicating to Max and following him no matter what he said.

Felt smiled at her kindly, his aura seeming to melt away Fee's bitterness for a moment.

"You know, travelling the world alone would be boring, not to mention I can't cook." Felt dug around in his pocket, fiddling with something. He strode over to her, placing one hand on her shoulder.

"To steal a page from one of Poe's weird letters; marry me." Felt was pretty proud of himself for that one, even if he was rushing into marriage just to make his friend happy. She was like him in a way, alone for most of her life, with no real parents aside from a kindly leader of a temple. Yeah, those parallels were a thing. But he'd had Viese, and she'd had no one. Besides, she looked so elated.

Fee swallowed, was this really happening right now? Why? No matter, she'd just take this now before he changed his mind.

"Yes." Came her simple response, her voice tiny. Her heart pounded in her chest, her legs shaking in anticipation, fight or flight instinct activated for some primal reason. She allowed herself to melt into his embrace, taking in his scent. That scent would soon be changed, mixed with her own.

She briskly erupted from Felt's embrace, leaping up to claim the older boy's lips with her own. As her tongue forced its way into his confused mouth, she allowed herself to close her eyes in happiness, praying this was real. But for now, her questions of worthiness were answered.

Yes, soon Max would take the throne, and they could go see the world for a while, and maybe settle down near Riesevelt. Yes, she decided, that would be their plan for now.

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