Voices Past Present
-Prelude-
Two and a half years it has been since the day he returned, the thief of Lindblum whom won the heart of a Queen from Alexandria. Not one single person in the audience could ever forget that moment. The reunion of the two spread across the Mist continent far and wide. Letters were swarming across Mognet than they could handle, causing yet another shutdown that hindered the story from being heard all across Gaia. Many people spoke of their story, the valiant journey of saving the planet.
For Alexandria, the people considered it their greatest moment in the aftermath of what was referred to as the "The Gaian War." Rising as the heir to the throne, Queen Garnet Til Alexandros 17th, served Alexandria with great honor, integrity and dignity that helped the kingdom prosper economically and no longer being known by its war driven reputation, now has become a world class trading post between the four nations and small villages of the Mist Continent, to the far reaches of the Outer, Lost, & Forgotten Continents. Alexandrians praised the Queen's resilience to progress the kingdom into a direction that has brought hope to the people, no longer bounded by the memories of the destruction it went through. For the people remained strong, rebuilding Alexandria to its former glory.
As for the thief of Lindblum, the great Zidane Tribal remained by Garnet's side, while still serving as cast member with his Tantalus trope with the Prima Vista. He continued to tour city to city performing the famous "I Want to Be Your Canary" play. To which Garnet herself would occasionally travel to the toured cities wherever the Prima Vista landed to watch her favorite play with Zidane and company. Their lives had intertwined with each other with Zidane learning the ways of the palace life after teaching Garnet the outside world. Now it had become his turn to learn the life inside Alexandria Castle.
All leading up to an unexpected moment in their lives. Everyone was gathered in the once small room, the Queen's chambers. After the castle's reconstruction, the wall was pulled back to make the room larger. Laying on her queen sized bed, underneath her red with green embroidery flowers along the edges wool fabric bed sheets, the bed stood vertically in the room. The soft burgundy currants hung around the doorway of the room. The tan stone walls matched the redness of the currents, as well was the small red and brown couch that sat a few feet from the bed. A vase full of flowers sat on top of a brown desk that was between the entrance of the room, and the entrance of the whole room itself. A red mat with a large pink rose laid at the door. The stone fireplace and large gray knight statue was moved slightly to the left to compensate for the room's expansion. She was surrounded by the few who stood by her side throughout her journey, along with her two maids fixing her sheets and adjusting her pillows giving her as much comfort as she needed. Garnet laid in her bed in much fatigue. Her face slightly pale with a massive headache, hips cramping in pain like the feeling of a cactuar's needle pushing against her, and a bloating feeling that just did not seem to go away in the past month.
"Is that comfortable Your Majesty?" Melody asked as she adjusted the Queen's bed sheets keeping her warm.
"Dear gods this seasons' weather just seems to be taking a toll on many people here, even the guards are catching something." Allison said as she finished adjusting the pillows.
"I know the seasons weather changes usually does do some harm to the people here in Alexandria but for some reason the Queen seems to have been hit the worst. Didn't Dr. Valurum say she was just fine last month?"
Allison continued as she turned her attention to Beatrix. The General took some small but cautious steps towards the bed with Steiner by her side as she observed her bed ridden Queen. "If my memory serves me well, Dr. Tot did say on his last examination that Her Majesty was doing just well." She said stopping jus but a few feet before the bed. "However truth be told that was about three months ago." She added.
"I feel Dr. Valurum may have been responsible for causing Her Majesty to be this sick." Steiner spoke aloud just realizing what he had just said.
"Steiner!" Beatrix chided.
"Uhm, much apologies." He replied as he saluted Beatrix in an apologetic fashion.
Garnet led out a small moaning of pain, the sound echoed in the chamber causing a twitch of a fur tailed genome watching from a distance feeling helpless and wondering if he had done something wrong to hurt his beloved. Zidane observing from a distance with his soft ocean blue colored eyes glancing in fear of the only thing that mattered to him the most.
"I'm sorry Dagger….." he said under his breath. "I wish I could've done more to make you feel better."
"It's rather strange, because the one thing I can't seem to put in terms is that, she doesn't have a fever." Melody spoke as she and Allison took their steps away from the bed to give the ill Queen her space while brushing off their one piece black dress with white apron donning the front, and briefly fixing their bows behind them. "It's as if she's struggling with something."
Zidane with all his might stepped forward walking between the maids and Steiner. "My bo…erm lord, its best we give her some space." Steiner said as he raised his hand in front of Zidane preventing him from moving closer.
Under most circumstances Zidane would take the chance to tease Steiner with his usual banter but felt this was not the time to do so. He heeded the knight's words and kept his distance. "Zidane, if I may ask, how long has this been since she started showing symptoms?" Beatrix asked as she turned her attention towards him.
He took a deep breath still lost in thought, seeking the courage to answer Beatrix' question while distracted by Garnet's slow breathing and moans heard clear as rain in his ears. "I…I believe this started around…two weeks…at least? I'm not really sure to be honest…" he said having no confidence in his answer.
The General looked back at Garnet making her own observations. "Lady Beatrix, I do fear that something must be floating around the castle, as stated several guards have taken ill and I fear that maybe one of them must have been in contact with the Queen." Melody said adjusting the glasses on her face.
The maid had been by Garnet's side for since returning from her journey, she always tended to the Queen at every moment when needed and has always been aware of the people she comes in touch with in the palace, especially that of Zidane. The middle aged maid with her short light brown curled hair and gentle emerald eyes was brought into to the palace maids after taking a year off from her previous employment. Her colleague Allison a young maid from Dali whom recently joined the palace maids just a few months after Melody with her hazelnut hair that passed her shoulders slightly with two strains of hair falling through her front shoulders and the rest falling behind with a sincere pair of blue eyes that would make her approachable at any time and for any reason.
"I do fear you may be right Melody, granted you've always been of great service to Her Majesty, I can't thank you enough for standing by her side all these years." Steiner complimented.
"Melody, if I may add, I've noticed that the times I've helped Her Majesty prepare for her day, there has been some minor wardrobe issues. Particular relating to how they fit, this is mainly with her usual gowns for her outings. Have any of the guards had the same issue with their wardrobe or armor?" Allison added turning her attention to Melody.
"I'm not quite sure about that, although it wouldn't be any issue to ask." Melody responded.
"From my observations her gowns have become far less form fitting-"
"SHE'S NOT-"
"Zidane! Watch your language, she may be ill but she can still hear us speak." Beatrix instinctively interrupted the soon to be upset genome. Allison covered her mouth with a slight gasp. She quickly bowed in the direction of the Zidane, Steiner, & Beatrix. "A thousand pardons." She apologized.
Zidane sighed and slightly held his head down in a bit of shame. "I…I'm sorry…I'm just….upset that she's this ill and I feel like I can't do anything to help her." He said clenching a fist and hanging his head.
Garnet as she laid in her bed wearing her soft off white silk fabric night gown, which didn't seem to have any signs of unfitness to her in the present moment. Though for many of the Queen's night gowns always were lose fit at her request as she felt more comfortable with the free flow of her sleeves and legs with no hoopskirt. The back of the gowns tend to have a small train following her feet giving her enough leg room walk freely without constriction.
While she heard the voices of everyone in the room slowly opened her eyes gazing upon Zidane. She felt as if she had caused stress to him the most for her current condition. "I…..I….." she tried to speak. "Your Majesty please try not to exert yourself." Melody interjected raising her right hand slightly up in the air signaling her to speak no more. Zidane looked up towards Garnet making eye contact with her, their eyes connected together with a sense of sorrow between them.
"This makes no sense at all, Dr. Tot said she was fine three months ago, yet Dr. Valurum spoke that she was fine just last month, this doesn't add up whatsoever." Steiner spoke placing his hand covered in armor underneath his chin thinking more into the situation. "It's as if some new disease is upon Alexandria."
Beatrix turned her attention to Steiner, noting his statement. "Dr. Tot said three months ago she was in good health, and last month Dr. Valurum said she was also in good health. However, it does not explain the high amount of fatigue she's been in all the times I've seen her myself." She thought. "Allison, you mentioned that she was not fitting into her gowns?" she spoke redirecting her attention to the maid.
Allison glanced at Garnet for a brief moment then diverted her attention back to Beatrix. "I would say primarily her formal gown and some of her daily outing clothing have become a bit very less fitting, primarily around the stomach."
The General glanced at Garnet whom was still keeping her attention towards Zidane breathing slowly keeping herself as much comfortable as possible. "Steiner, do you perchance know how many guards have become ill recently?" Steiner removed his hand from his chin and turned his attention to Beatrix. "I believe last roll call we only had two that have been ill, but they have been off duty for the past week." He responded.
"That's rather interesting…"
"How so?"
"Well, those two guards whom are ill, were they given duties inside the palace?"
"From what I was last told, Nabalt was stationed at the ferry terminal on the palace grounds and Calisco was stationed on the guard's towers by the main entrance on the city side. Other than that, no one else has become ill since they were dismissed from duty."
"Have they or any other guards who have taken ill perchance also mentioned any armor not fitting them upon their return to duty?"
"Nay, from the ones whom returned for duty after recovery, there has been no complaints of any armor no longer fitting them."
Beatrix started to wonder if what she is seeing before her along with the words being spoken of, she suspects it may be something else in the works. "If I may ask…" she said as turned her attention to Zidane. "By any chance Zidane, has Garnet been acting a bit….off per say?"
Zidane without taking his eyes off Garnet began thinking hard about Beatrix's question. "As…far as I'm aware of…she has been just a little stressed out from time to time but I figure it's because ruling a kingdom is a tough job. I'm not complaining at all about it. I just don't want her to think I'm blaming her job as for her being this ill and maybe taking a toll on her. I do everything I can to make her feel better I swear." He said trying to choose his words carefully.
Garnet led out a small smile, despite the pains going through her hips were still lingering. "Zidane….you always knew how to keep me at my best." She thought to herself.
"Hmm has she experienced any mood swings?" Beatrix pressed on.
"Uhm….now that you mentioned it, she has, please don't take this the wrong way Garnet, she's had occasional mood swings, maybe in the past three weeks? But I figure it's probably cause she's under a lot of stress." Zidane replied as he crossed his arms & legs in unison, tilting his head slightly keeping his eyes on Garnet. "I don't mean any ill will towards her, I know she has many responsibilities on her shoulder, I'm not here to tell her to relieve herself of them…I….I can't ever ask that much of her."
Garnet weakly keeping her smile hearing the comforting words of understanding, she wondered at the time of his return if she would leave the throne to live a different life. Given the circumstances it was seemed like the perfect opportunity to live a life of simplicity without the stress of monarchy responsibility. However Garnet remained loyal to where she belonged, she remained confident in her decision that not only did her people needed her, but given the renewed experience of exploration of Gaia, it proved to be her advantage to understand the people's needs and wants. Throughout the past two and a half years, she was better known by her alternative title. "The People's Queen."
"Is it quite possible that her exposure to the mist during her travels may play a pivotal role in her illness?" Melody ask. "It's quite possible, we were exposed to it a great deal of days, especially after the Iifa Tree's relentless attack before we crossed into the planet's core." Steiner replied. "But we don't travel as often as we use to, only for the Prima Vista tours but even then, she only goes to one show then returns to Alexandria." Zidane added.
As the group talk among themselves, Beatrix drowned out their voices thinking to herself of this new found information. "No fevers, constant pains, unfit clothing, mood swings, stress and timeline of her wellness. I must be missing something else here." She thought to herself. Suddenly she came up with another question to bring forth. "Allison, how has Her Majesty's appetite been, since her examination with Dr. Tot?" she asked.
"Uhm….let me think for a moment." The maid responded.
Allison slightly tilted her head upward giving thoughts of Garnet's meals she had. Most monarchs would have a three course meal; appetizers consisted of vegetables, with main course having protein and small side of greens and soup, and dessert if any, a small piece of bundt cake.
"Now that you mention, the head chef Quina has mentioned to me in passing that the Queen has been doubling her portions lately. It was quite rather an interesting conversation because s/he felt that it was rather odd for her diet to be doubled in portions due to the fact that she is currently ill. In fact in most other times during supper there were times where Zidane would occasionally-"
"AHEM!"
"Dear me, apologies sire, uhm as I was saying, Quina has made absolute that meals provided to Her Majesty provide every nutritional values needed for her to keep her healthy and in most cases ill free. Even at times when Her Majesty is ill, she would receive an alternative diet which required doubling her vitamin D intake while lowering her protein intake temporarily. However in this case, it's been doubled than normal which it was not at the recommendation of the head chef, but in recent days highly requested by Her Majesty."
Steiner gave a small glare at Zidane as he tried avoid eye contact with the knight but can feel his glare. "Have you…been feasting off the Queen's plates?" He asked raising a small tone. "Hey, to be fair, she asked me to finish for her, growing up on the streets of Lindblum food was never wasted. Some people grew hungry were I came from, in fact anytime someone at our table didn't finish their meal, even a small one no less, we finish for them. Not like here where everyone is given the feast and barely anyone can finish a meal….no offense by the way." He replied.
Steiner gave out a deep sigh and swallowed part of his pride. "I understand that your still not familiar with our lifestyle but please, please maintain etiquette at all times."
"I at least only do it private and not when there are guests present. I at least try to but it's not easy going from living on the streets to the luxurious palace life."
"Sire I understand you're not use to our lifestyle, I do implore you to at least make efforts to not make this habit become a serious issue further more."
Beatrix let out a small chuckle hearing the two's interaction between each other. Their growth for one another has dramatically changed, she could name all the times Steiner would lose his wits over anything Zidane caused. Enough to write her own novel even. From their first encounter of being at each other's throats to respecting their difference while living in the palace. She felt very proud of the two newly renewed friends. She began thinking further from all the information gathered. The group began talking amongst themselves again as Garnet listened wanting to speak her peace.
"I feel like I've caused so much trouble…." She thought.
"Gods this bloating feeling I just can't stand either. I wonder if missing my brooding last few months has something to do with this. My hips feel like they're on fire, as if Ifrit is tormenting me. This is all my fault…I should've done better with taking care of myself. Gods I feel hungry now, I feel like seven hells but I'm so hungry. Maybe I shouldn't have asked Quina to secretly send up my meals to my chambers in those evenings. Have I done something wrong to deserve this? Have I harmed Zidane with having his stay with me at the palace? Are the gods upset with me? Am I doing a well enough job for Alexandria?"
She began lowering her eyes away from Zidane's as he noticed as well. She was finding herself deep in sea of thoughts that began to make her feel uneasy with herself.
"Dag erm...Garnet are...are you okay?" he asked making a small attempt to walk closer but still held back by Steiner.
She sighed and slowly turned her head slightly to the right on her pillow feeling emotionally distraught with herself. "Gods…what is wrong with her, can anyone give any answer to any of this?" Zidane said getting a bit anxious.
"Sire, I know the doctors will do the best they can to heal her…" Steiner responded giving the Zidane a soft pat on his shoulders giving the best assurance he can give for him.
"I don't understand how she can't heal her own illness, nothing makes sense anymore, I don't understand why having doctors if she or Eiko, hells even you Beatrix can heal her."
"It doesn't exactly work that way Zidane, we can only heal just mortal wounds but illnesses is not something any of us are capable of healing."
"So what are we going to do then!?"
Zidane diverted his attention towards Beatrix as she still kept her attention at Garnet, still thinking hard.
"There has to be something that can be done to heal her, doesn't she have like the best doctors here!? Why hasn't Tot come back yet!? Three months! Yet the doctor she just saw said the same damn thing and hasn't been back since she took ill almost three weeks ago!"
As if on cue Beatrix twitched her head up, eye slightly wide open with a loud gasp escaping her breath.
Everyone took note of her reaction as if a chocobo just escaped the stables.
"Is everything alright m'lady?" Melody asked adjusting her glasses.
"Beatrix?" Steiner added.
"M'lady is something amist?" Allison asked.
"Uh…what gives?" Zidane said as he rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead cleaning up a small hint of sweat coming out from his hair.
Beatrix paced to the left of Garnet's bed as she followed her movements closer to her, slightly confused but aware of the General's presence. "M'lady, please I advise keeping distance from Her Majesty-"
"It's quite alright Melody…I don't believe Her Majesty…..is ill."
"You can't be serious, is this a sick joke?" Zidane said starting to feel a bit annoyed.
"Beatrix, surely you can't be serious." Steiner added a bit confused.
Beatrix kneeled beside the bed gazing upon the bed ridden Queen. Studying her eyes then slowly making her ways down to her upper torso studying the shape of the bed sheets pressing down against her body. She continued further to her stomach seeing the creases gently curving in an almost hidden but hard to notice round shape. She returned her focus back at the face of her Queen seeing her gentle brown eyes, hearing her slow breathing, sensing the feeling of listlessness. The more she glanced the more Beatrix began putting the pieces together, in that instance it made sense to her now.
"Wha…what is wrong…Beatrix?" Garnet asked softly.
Beatrix led out a small smile, leaving a perplexed look on Garnet's face. Beatrix stood up then gave her attention to Melody.
"Melody, in light of all the things we've spoke of, Her Majesty has no report of any fever correct?"
Melody glanced at Garnet briefly followed by returning her attention to Beatrix.
"None at all, even when I checked myself, no fever of any kind, even earlier before ten bells no fever was ever felt. This also includes checking before summoning all of you here."
"Given that, she has been experiencing much fatigue as of lately, much pains on her sides, appetite on the rise, and as Allison mentioned, wardrobe seems to not be fit for her anymore."
"I get all of that but what's the point? We know about all of this, so what are we going to do about it!?" Zidane said as kicked his foot up in the air while throwing his arms across all in unison.
"My point is, I do not believe she is ill whatsoever. It may sound off putting but I can safely assure all of you, that she is not ill. I apologize if my words offend you Zidane but, from a woman's stand point from my experience, I know fully well that she is not ill."
Zidane with his eyes shifted towards Beatrix giving a sense of denial from her words. "I'm…not sure I follow ya there. I may have flirted much in my hey days but I've stopped that after being by Garnet's side. So I do know most woman's needs and wants." The maids taken by surprise of Zidane's response let out a small gasp in disbelief. "Uhm, I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry. What I meant was that-"
"That's quite enough Zidane." Beatrix interrupted.
"It's not knowing a woman's wants and needs that will settle this discussion, however from this day forward, Her Majesty will most need you more than ever now."
Zidane then turned his head towards Beatrix giving her his full undivided attention.
"What do you mean by that?"
Beatrix gave pause to give thought of how to answer the question, she came up with a somewhat vague and in your face type answer. "What if I were to tell all of you, we're not alone in this room."
With not really giving it some thought "An intruder!?" Steiner barked about ready to draw his sword but stopped as Beatrix instinctively turned her attention towards him giving him a death glare to stand down.
"No Steiner…that's not the case here." She responded.
"I don't follow you." Zidane added.
The two maids stared at each other for a brief moment before looking at Beatrix. "Someone else is….in here? But there are only six of us here." Melody said slightly puzzled.
"If I may remind you again, much fatigue as of lately, pains on her sides, appetite on the rise, and unfit wardrobe. When you add the timelines of her last examinations from both doctors, it's clear to me that she is not ill, only on account of the fact she has not had any fever of any kind, otherwise you yourself would have noticed it after all these months and in recent weeks as well." Beatrix said turning her attention towards the maids.
Melody glanced at Garnet as she turned her head towards her. Melody observed Garnet's solemn expression still breathing slowly. She slowly followed the bed sheets pressed against Garnet's body noting a very small but somewhat noticeable anomaly creases close to her stomach. As if a moogle just found itself a kupo nut, Melody made her realization.
"My gods!" she yelped covering her mouth with her left hand with Allison turning her attention to her. "Melody? What is it?" Zidane and Steiner both confused turned their attention to the maids as Melody leaned towards Allison whispering something into her ear. "No! You mean!?" Melody pulled herself back and nodded. Allison slowly taking in her colleague's words as if she had just witnessed a fight broken out before her.
"What the seven hells are you three onto? You know I'm still here in the room right!?" Zidane exclaimed.
Beatrix led out a small chuckle as she turned her attention to the only two men in the room. Garnet feeling confused as well diverted her attention towards Zidane and Steiner also.
"Zidane….how do I put it this way." Beatrix paused for a moment to figure out how to explain her finding. "What if I were to tell you that, your days of helping Her Majesty finish her meals are no longer….necessary." she stated.
Zidane felt a bit dumbfounded by the General's statement, still drawing blanks. "Look, I'm not really one for guessing games as it's not my forte." He answered getting slightly heated up a bit.
"Beatrix I'm just as perplexed as he is, by means please explain more rationally." Steiner added.
Beatrix sighed and scuffed at the two men.
"Men, always slow to see the signs."
"What do you mean by that?" Zidane asked.
"Don't you get it? You were following everything being discussed did you not?"
"Of course! She's sick, has no fever, hips in pain, eating more, and clothes not fitting which I honestly don't see any reason why that's being brought up, she's just fine the way she is! She's still beautiful no matter what! I don't get why everyone is playing the guessing games…what in world am I missing here!?"
"Sire, think about it, she no longer need your assistance for finishing her meal anymore."
"What does that have to do with anything here!?"
"I'm saying she….no longer is feeding for one anymore."
"Beatrix, please I don't think these guessing games are helping the situation here, even I am at a loss of this." Steiner interjected starting to feel even more confused.
"Steiner's right, come on Beatrix out with it already!" Zidane added.
"I'm saying, she's not feeding for….ONE….anymore."
The two men paused for the moment trying to make sense of Beatrix's response. The two maids observing were highly amused at the clueless men while hiding their snickering. Even Garnet herself was lost trying to understand the General's words.
"Am I missing something here as well?" She thought.
For what felt like an eternity that was only a mere minute, the twitch of Zidane's tail in a domino effect caused a tingling feeling creeping up through his spine, into the back of his brain, and his eyes blinking harshly and without realizing. "SHE'S KNOCKED UP!?"
The maids gasped in shock, Steiner taken by surprised, Beatrix nonchalantly nodding her head and Garnet blinking in disbelief yet still confused. Zidane had not realized he screamed the quiet part out loud while looking like he had just killed a beast in the outskirts of Alexandria.
"Kn….knocked up….wait you mean the QUEEN IS!?" Steiner started to realize.
"It took you two long enough, yes, the Queen is indeed pregnant." Beatrix said as she brushed her curly hair to the side returning her attention to Garnet.
Garnet's eyes widened and she slowly started to push herself in an upright position while the maids instinctively rushed towards the bed assisting the young Queen. "You….mean I'm….having….a child?" she asked while trying to keep her posture and the maids struggling to keep her comfortable.
"It is the up most truth Your Majesty. Given the timeline of everything that has transpired it only makes logical sense to me in my expressive view, that you are indeed pregnant."
Garnet finally able to keep herself up after being adjusted by the maids. They finished their task then took a few steps away from her. She looked at Zidane whose shocked expression reminded her of the time she jumped off the tower during her escape from the palace during her sixteenth birthday. It felt very surreal to be where she is now compared to where she was years ago.
"Wait a moment….if Her Majesty is pregnant…then that means…."
Zidane could feel a pair of eyes glaring directly at the back of his head, he slowly about faced towards Steiner making note of his very familiar pouting face with fists clenched as if he had kidnapped the Queen again. "YOU SNUCK IN HER CHAMBERS!?" he screamed. Everyone in the room adjusted their attention towards Steiner whom was slowly starting revel to his old habits trying very hard not to jump up and down, throw his arms in the air, or shake his fists in anger. Zidane went from shocked to a hesitant laugh trying to draw up some excuse to get himself out of this predicament.
Zidane, not familiar with palace etiquette, is use to sleeping in a shared room with others all of his life. Even during their adventure he always found himself sleeping on the bed closest to Garnet, in some cases Vivi and Steiner would be in the beds further away from them if the inns allowed it. Eiko, Freya, Amarant, & Quina would be in a separate room among themselves, although from time to time Eiko would sneak her way into any room Zidane was staying in. At times scaring poor Vivi in the middle of the night when he heard her sneaking into the room. The idea of Zidane sleeping in a separate room away from Garnet did not flow well with him. At times some guards had a hard time keeping him away from the Queen's chambers, his sly like movements proved useful to sleep with the Queen at times and sneaking out before anyone could realize he was ever there. Sometimes the maids would catch wind if he was not in his chamber and only guessed there was only one other place he was at. Though none felt the need to raise concern given his relationship to the Queen and his inability to adapt quickly to his newfound home. They decided to accept his personality difference and maintain their duties.
"BY GODS! EVEN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!? YOU'VE SNUCK INTO HER CHAMBER!?" Steiner screamed aloud.
"Steiner! The whole palace can hear you, quit your blundering!" Beatrix ordered with a stern voice.
"I…I…." Steiner kept diverting his attention between Zidane, Garnet, and Beatrix. The entire room was staring at him in awkward silence. He turned his whole body towards Beatrix giving her a salute. "Much pardons." He said.
"With….all due respect sire. I understand that you're still not…..quite use to our palace etiquettes….again as I repeat myself but, it's most unwise to ever be in the Queen's chambers during her slumber. It's where she needs her most rest." Steiner said trying to maintain his short fuse.
"I uhm….I can attest that, I don't do it all the times….." Zidane said attempting to lie knowing full well that the only two people in the room who beg to differ without any doubts were Beatrix and Garnet.
"With utmost respects, no one ever enters without her consent, especially in the middle of the nights."
"As I said…I don't do it…all the time…only when…I feel lonely."
Steiner raised an eyebrow at the response.
"Only when you feel….lonely?" he snipped back.
"Well y'know, after all the months of travels and two years of living together in separate rooms, it gets old and lonely in that room you call a chamber that, no offense, isn't to my likings."
"BY SEVEN HELLS! NO ONE DARES INSULT THE KING'S CHAMBERS!"
"Whoa ease up man! I said no offense!"
"IF ANYONE OUTSIDE OF THIS ROOM HEARD YOUR MOUTH, THERE WOULD BE OUTRAGE!"
"I didn't mean to sound offensive! Take a kupo nut or something!"
"You're most mad! We granted you permission to live among Her Majesty and THIS IS THE THANKS WE GET!?"
"I never said I was ungrateful! I'm just not use to this lifestyle!"
"If you just learn to beha-"
"Enough you two!" Beatrix shouted over the arguing men. Zidane and Steiner stopped and stared at the upset General with her arms crossed and a look in her eye ready to tear open a new one on them.
"Sorry." The two said together in unison.
"Now is not the time nor the place to speak of this and have you both forgotten that someone here is carrying a child!?"
The two men peeked over towards Garnet who awkwardly waved her hand at the two with the most confusing look on her face that anyone has ever seen. As the two men were making a scene the two maids couldn't help but chuckle quietly underneath their breaths enjoying the unexpected show they were entertained by.
"You two certainly do need to mind your manners in the presence of Her Majesty, after all the infant might be hearing all of this." Melody sarcastically spoke.
Zidane and Steiner both caught up in the moment brushed themselves off and bowed towards Garnet. "Apologies." They both said.
She briefly closed her eyes taking a deep breath trying to keep herself calm and not allowing the pains still lingering on her hips besting her. She turned her attention to Beatrix. "Beatrix." She spoke. Beatrix turned herself towards the Queen. "Yes Your Majesty?" she replied.
"What…..what does this mean for me? For Alexandria? And most of all…for Zidane and I?"
"Hmm, it so happens by sheer timing prior to my almost departure from Alexandria. I did manage to speak with Dr. Tot about this potential event to happen."
Beatrix walked beside the bed where Garnet was sitting up, kneeling by the edge with Garnet focusing on her. Beatrix took one deep breath preparing to explain the soon to be mother.
"Alexandrian general laws dictate any sitting monarch whom with their spouse give birth, hereby consider the child the heir to the throne, unless in cases where such matters do not exist, the throne is forfeited to the oldest Duke or Duchess of the extended family from Lindblum upon death of the last surviving member of the immediate sitting family. When the child is born, an announcement of their birth must be sent out immediately informing all the citizens of Alexandria and to members of the extended family. Should there be more than one child born at once, the first one that comes out of your wombs will be the first heir to the throne, while the second child will be next heir in line should, gods forbid, your first child pass. In which one hopes that would never come to fruition. This rule also applies to any child you may give birth to in a later time. We must hire additional maids to help raise the child, including at a later age a tutor, should Dr. Tot not wish to return, we must also prepare your former bedroom for the child, we will have to schedule most of your times to spend with the child, making sure it fits among your regular everyday schedule. There's also the concern of keeping the child safe since being a young infant at the time we'll need several more guards to keep them safe. As far as for you and Zidane is of concern, there's going to be much time spent between the three of you, we have to make sure the child is well aware that you are their birth parents and must be able to maintain emotional bonding. I do fear most of the time depending on the seasons there may be times where the two of you may be away from your child but hopefully not for too long."
Zidane shook his head trying to swallow every word of Beatrix's explanation, he felt like he had just been hit upside the face from a girl at a nearby pub. "That's….alot more than…I had anticipated." He said scratching his head.
"I do apologize it's a lot to take in but, this is only just a small portion, there's quite more to say actually, I was just trying my best to summarize it as best as possible." Beatrix replied.
"I feel like I need all of this written down on paper." He added.
"Zidane?" Garnet softly spoke extending her hand in his direction. Zidane took her gesture as a cue to be at her side. Without any hesitation he walked beside her bed on the opposite side of Beatrix was kneeling. He gently entwined his fingers with Garnet's fingers, feeling her soft delicate hand giving him a feeling of comfort.
"I'm….I'm so sorry for causing all this trouble for you." She said solemnly as she laid eyes on him.
Zidane shook his head with slight disbelief over her apology. "I could never ask you to apologize for all of this. I know you meant well when you wished for me to stay here with you. I know that, there are some things I'm not use to but I'm doing the best I can to make amends with not just living here but, knowing that you're…erm I mean we're going to be parents soon. I never could've imagine this was going to be such a wonderful experience."
"But…I feel like I put so much pressure on you. I feel responsible for your occasional depression with learning the lifestyle I've lived with for most of my life where as to you always been so free to live amongst the people everyday."
"I would never blame you for my upbringing having much restrictions being here, I want to be here with you, even if it hurts because for you, I went through many pains during my travels returning home to you. I'd do it again just to stand by your side with all my heart and soul."
Garnet carefully untwined her hand from Zidane's, rotating it and holding the back of his fingers as she stared down at the scars across the upper sections of his fingers and bruises of different sizes on the palm of his hand. She took her free hand with the tip of her pointer finger rubbed against each individual cross line on his palms. Following each curve flowing through some of the bruises feeling each trenched lines with his fingers playfully reaching for her finger as she continued.
"I only wished for you to be by my side. I feel like with my carrying, I feel as if I've brought more on to you than I should have…"
"Don't say that."
"But I…"
"Please don't say that, I know that being a father means taking on more responsibilities. Truth be told I want to take care of this child more than ever now."
Garnet stopped rubbing his hand and looked up to Zidane's gleeful eyes and smile as if he had just won a game of cards. "You mean…?"
"I'm willing to be not only the father this child needs, but I am more than ever willing to help raise this family together more. I know it won't be easy but I want us to be happy. I would sacrifice my time spent on the Prima Vista tour just to raise this child. Not because it's for the kingdom, but for us."
Garnet started to feel at ease by the genome's words. His words have always left a lasting impression on her since their first encounter. Despite not understanding most at times feeling confused but always learning more through her interactions with him as with the rest of the world. There was never a time where he would complain to her about anything, not even if his meals were undercooked from time or if she stayed out longer attending to her duties as Queen. Even being permitted to come as her escort, when she traversed into town.
"Zidane, truth be told but, I am a bit nervous about becoming a mother." She said trying her hardest not to be a downer in a moment that should be celebrated.
"I understand that Beatrix has more to say about this, but I promise you that I shall hereby do my best to be the father our child needs." He said speaking a very familiar tone all too well to the Queen's ears.
His voice with his words gave her a brief flashback of the moment she heard the words "I shall hereby do my best to kidnap you" on the Prima Vista, stowing away in her white mage robe keeping her identity sealed away from the guards seeking her out. Those very words that changed her life.
"We will all be by your side Your Majesty." Beatrix added in.
"As will I." Steiner chimed in with most confidence.
"So will we Your Majesty, it would be an honor to serve you and soon to be youngling." Melody cheerfully said with Allison smiling beside her.
"It has been a pleasure serving under you and will be an honor to be part of the staff to help with the youngling as well." Allison said giving a small curtsy towards the Queen.
Garnet took her time slowly browsing around her room, everyone smiling at her in confidence in her ability to become a mother whom will helm the additional responsibilities of her soon to be child. Given the nature of her past of overcoming the many hardships she endured, she had always told herself she must persevere, she must be able to overcome, and she must be able to take the stand. Her role as a mother is now going to become a part of her livelihood.
"….thank you, all of you. I'm…so grateful…for all of you for being by my side."
Everyone in the room altogether led a small bow to the Queen, giving her a sense of assurance and unity for a new chapter in her life.
"I hope, I can do this…" she thought to herself.
"Why do I feel like this may become more cumbersome than it seems…"
"If I may, perhaps we should leave Her Majesty to rest, I'm sure she must be exhausted given her circumstances." Melody recommended.
"Uhm, Beatrix, do you mind staying behind? I still wish to learn more about the meaning of my child's birth." Garnet said turning her attention towards Beatrix.
"Of course, oh and don't worry Zidane. I'll have one of the scholars provide you an explanation of what we have discussed earlier with regards to your child." Beatrix said brushing her hair to the side.
"Uh…that's alright, I'll talk to Garnet about it later on." He said trying to find an excuse not to let his ears be tangled with politics.
"Right, please this way everyone." Allison spoke with her arm extended in the direction of the chambers double doors signaling all but Beatrix to leave the room. Steiner gave his salute to the Queen, turning towards the door and making his way out first. Melody and Allison gave a quick curtsy at the Queen then shortly made their way together leaving the chamber as well, while Zidane was slowly stepping away from the bed trying to hold on to Garnet's hands as long as he possibly can. "Talk later?" He asked. Garnet keeping her eyes on his face giving a small smile. "Don't be late." She replied. He gave her a smirk in response as he snuck a peck on her hand, slowly releasing his hands from hers as he made his way out of her chamber with her eyes following him. He turned around making eye contact with her, slowly walking backwards to the doorway. He kept his head peeking through the door giving pressing his lips together making a kiss sound in her direction. Garnet let out a small chuckle and gave him an air kiss as well. With a smirk still on his face he pulled his head out through the door shutting firmly from the outside leaving Beatrix and Garnet alone.
The moment shared between Zidane and Garnet left a gentle smile on Beatrix's face.
"Your Majesty, I do hope that all this was not too much for him." Beatrix said as she stood up. Garnet nodded then turned her attention to Beatrix. "I don't believe he would ever give up on anything, he never has and never will." She replied.
"He certainly is not like many nobles in the realm, truth be told, most of the nobles your mother brought forth. I honestly despised them all. "
"You…have?" Garnet said tilting her head slightly.
"Gods yes, all of them had just one thing in common, they just wanted more riches in their lives than to be given the honor of wedding you. All these men brag about they are the greatest things to Gaia and always flashing their wardrobes. Gods I remember one noble would not shut up about his god awful summer home near the lagoons, which bored me to death. I swear I almost was about to pull the cloth of the dining table from under the silver wear in hopes it would hurt the bastard. Gods one after another it was just an annoyance that doesn't stop giving. I could go on and on I swear!"
Garnet let out a small chuckle at her General's unexpected words she thought she never would hear before. The idea of Beatrix opening up like this was very new to her. Garnet had always thought of Beatrix as the tough solider who did not ever let her guard down for anything. It made her wonder about how she felt about Steiner, given her life in the palace working beside him. For as long as Garnet had been living in the palace, Beatrix never struck to her as the romantic type, but solely sworn to duty for the royal family first before anything else.
"And what of you and Steiner?"
"Of course, that is a different story for another time."
"Beatrix…" Garnet said giving an authority like tone.
"That tone won't work on me this time Your Majesty, I do believe we of some business to speak of."
Garnet teasingly let out a pout towards Beatrix as she chuckled in response to the Queen's action.
"Seems you've taken some lessons from Eiko I see." The General teased. "Oh stop, I am quite curious about you and Steiner as well."
"As said, a story for another time, I promise."
Garnet let out a sigh of defeat, shaking her head. But she couldn't help but to smile back at the woman who stood by her side all her life. Even during Beatrix's tumultuous time when she had questioned Brahne's actions during Alexandria's uprising, she still stood by Garnet's side to the very end.
"Alright, you win this round, I will hold you to it the next time we are alone and the men are away."
Beatrix couldn't help but laugh at the Queen's words.
"Fair enough, seems you've even taken lessons from Zidane as well."
"Please, I've managed our diplomacy with Burmecia when we returned from Memoria with very little influence from anyone. To my own surprise our agreements to come to a peaceful treaty was beyond what I could honestly imagine."
"Wise truth indeed, I will give you proper credit for that. It certainly was your finest hour as a Queen. I am more than proud of your gifted knowledge you've learned all your years growing up."
"I couldn't have done it without everyone's help whom I've had by my side. Because of all of you, I've been gifted with so much knowledge from the world."
"Much obliged Your Majesty. Shall I continue with the information relating to your newborn?"
Garnet slowly adjusted herself just a bit, cautiously turning her body position in the direction of Beatrix.
"Well….."
Author's/Notes: Thank you for reading everyone the prelude, just to get this out of the way, the first few chapters will be kinda slow, so I apologize if it doesn't grab you attention right away, however I will promise you that the later chapters I hope will certain keep you wondering how the next chapter will fare. I will be introducing my original characters for this story in the first few chapters and then the story will progress more and more, I want everyone to get the know the new characters while at the same time keeping the spirit of the game characters alive and well. I hope everyone will enjoy this story, I'll post my notes at the end of each chapter to gauge the meaning behind what was written or in some cases explain references, oh yes there will definitely be references, in this story, just like how the game played. I wanna keep this spirit of this game alive and well. I also wanna thank my good friend Venus who is my beta for this story, she's been such a blast helping me edit and tailor the story in hopes all you readers will enjoy
Til then everyone have a safe holidays and Happy 20 years of Final Fantasy IX!