A True Knight
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 8. All I own is the plotline.
Last chapter: Olivia and Squall were promoted during the dinner and now they had roles
to play. Little did Squall know that he would have to be the leader for a band
of men who were not as disciplined and as fit as his SeeDs at Garden, but
somehow he manages. That same day Rinoa and the Queen decided to pay
him a visit and she learns that Squall is a man of many hidden talents. At the
end of the day Olivia clues Squall in to what the middle ages are really about
but something isn't quite right with Olivia. What ever could it be?
Chapter 6: Secret Visit
Tossing, turning. It's all I do at night. All of my dreams remind me of her. I wonder if
she misses me like I do her. I can't afford to think all night. I have pitiful soldiers to train in the
morning. I opened an eye to look out the window and to my surprise it was morning already. I
groaned in defeat. This had to stop. I have a mission to carry out here and I can't do it properly
without sleep. Luckilly as a SeeD I was trained so I could go days without sleep but eventually
that had to wear off.
I got up and dressed in my armor then I went outside. Like I expected Olivia was in the
hallway waiting for me. Today she wore purple and gold. I wonder what the occasion is. She noticed
me coming over so she met me halfway. She gave me a usual kiss on the cheek then looked me over.
" You look terrible Squall," she said. I chuckled. " I know. You and the mirror told me that today," I
mused. She smiled a bit and we proceeded down to the training yard. I looked back over at her but
to my surprise she expected my action so she was already looking at me. " You're wondering what
the occasion is,"she stated. " Yeah, would you mind filling me in?," I asked.
She smiled brightly. " Certainly. 'Tis your fifth month anniversery of being a knight," she
said. I smiled back. " I'm glad you remembered. I seem to have lost track of time lately," I said. She
stopped me from walking by pulling on my arm. " I know you don't sleep well at night. Tell me what
troubles you so," she said softly. I sighed and motioned for her to follow me into my tent. Even here I
don't like people in my affairs. We entered my tent and she sat comfortably at the table opposite of
me. I sighed again then began. " I miss Rinoa," I said.
She smiled. " Ah, I knew it was that. I know it makes you miserable because you can not
touch her and talk to her as you like," she said. I nodded. " And she makes it worse when she comes
around. She has to abide by her title and so do I. If the King knew I even touched his 'daughter' in the
wrong way I'd be killed and cast out. Then I would never see her again. Or you," I said. She blushed a
bit. " Do not worry Squall, I shall make it so you can have your sweet Rinoa for a night, but only for
a night," she offered. " Can you do that?," I inquired. " Of course, but do you believe me?," she countered.
" Yes, with my whole heart," I said.
She nodded obviously pleased with my reaction. " Good. I shall handle it now," she said. She
stood to leave but I caught her arm. " I can't help but ask why are you helping me?," I said. She smiled
sadly. " Because if I can't have you the person that loves you should," she said. I was surprised by that
reply. I never thought she loved me that seriously and by her doing me this favor made me feel worse.
" Livi, you really don't have to," I said. She grinned. " But I want to so badly. Please, just let me do this
for you. You saved me so I intend to save your spirit at least," she said. She released herself from my
grip and walked back to the castle.
I sighed in defeat. What am I to do with her? Sometimes I wish I could find the right person for
her. She deserves someone that will treat her right. " Captain," a soldier called. I broke out of my thoughts
and gave him my full attention. Turns out it was Bradley. Even though we've fought together without incident
for the past five months I can't help but loath him. All because of what he did to Olivia. " Yes Bradley?," I
asked. " The King has come down to see you," he replied. I felt my body tense. He wasn't exactly the person
I wished to see at this moment. " Where is he?," I asked. " At the podium awaiting your arrival," he answered.
I nodded. I began heading to my horse because it was a rather strenuous journey to the podium on foot. All
the while Bradley stayed close to my side.
" Where is the lady Olivia?," he asked. " Back inside. She has some business to take care of
today. Why do you care? She can not be your whore any longer," I quipped. Bradley stopped walking
therefore I did as well. I knew I would get this reation out of him. " You don't truly believe I did those things
captain?," he inquired. I chuckled to show my amusement. " I'm afraid I wouldn't put it past you," I mused.
He frowned. " Have I not shown her the utmost respect? Have I shown any ill will against you in battle
or in private?," he demanded. My amusement faded. " I'm afraid that battle and morals are two different
things, but tell me this Sir Bradley, if it wasn't you then why did you say those things when we we sparing?," I
asked. He lowered his head. " I swear on the shield that I did not harm her in any way ever," he said.
My amusement began to return as I crossed my arms over my chest. Many of my men had come over
and circled us to see what the fuss was about. " Becareful what you swear on. Why should I believe you?," I
inquired. " Ask her yourself then if you don't believe," he challenged. I smiled and his frown deepened. He might
think that I was mocking him but I am doing no such thing. " I like your spirit Bradley and for the most part
I do believe you. We shall talk more of this later. I have kept the king waiting long enough," I said. I climbed
on my horse and rode to the podium in a gallent gallop. I'm mainly used to visiting the Queen on the podium but
I suppose change is good.
When I was close enough I pulled on the reins to make the horse slow to a trot. The King clapped
his hands in amusement. " I have never seen a man handle a beast with such gentleness and still get the job
done. I wonder do you handle women in this same manner?," he mused. I fought my urge to blush. " I assure
you I do if the woman is right. What is it that you wish to speak with me about?," I asked. He sat back on the
throne and stared at me. I wasn't intimidated. I was used to such displays when I was a trainee at Garden. The
King looked to be well in the prime of his life. Late thirties early forties tops. He still looked young enough to
court the prettiest maiden. His eyes reminded me of my mother's. From what I recall in Laguna's memories of
course. With a sterness and a gentleness mixed together. Very fearsome when the right person bears these
eyes.
" The matter that I came to address is a rather...important one. It concerns my daughter. My wife thinks
I do not know that she comes down to visit you frequently. I do believe she has taken a shine to you as my
daughter has which is again not surprising," he said. I nodded slowly not sure where he was going with this. " What
do you need of me?," I asked. " I see in Lydia's eyes that she loves you already and I do believe I see the same
in yours. It really is no point in making this a drawn out affair so it comes down to this. Do you plan to court my
daughter?," he asked. I was surprised by his boldness but I knew it was coming sooner or later. " I do, but I
thought that only a Prince can court the Princess," I said. He laughed. " Oh poppycock, I don't believe in such
customs. Whomever my daughter loves suits me fine, but it does help if I like the lad and believe me you are a
favorite of mine," he said.
I bowed as best I could on a horse. " You honor me greatly your Majesty," I said. He chuckled. " Yes,
yes. When do you plan to tell her? You have to make it public so everyone of the court can know and begin to
prepare. Yes, this will be glorious," he said. I smiled back but then my thoughts lingered back to Olivia. " Your
Majesty, I am concerned about Olivia," I said. His smile faded quickly. " Yes, I know. Tavela has alerted me
about her bond to you. She would very well die if you commanded it," he said. I shook my head 'no'. " But I
don't wish her to be this way! I want to free her!," I protested. " Ah, but if the bird stays even when you open
the cage maybe it does not wish to go," he said. I sighed in defeat. " I don't know what to do," I said. I felt
the King pat me on the shoulder.
" There now lad, don't fret. Maybe if you present something else to her she will be lured away hmm?," he
said. I thought about that for a while then my thoughts landed on Bradley. He has been sticking close to her
lately and is making claims that he would never hurt her. She doesn't mind his company and sometimes she
seems to enjoy it. I smiled now. " Maybe I can do that. Thank you your Majesty and I plan to make the proposal
official in a weeks time. Please don't tell Lydia," I pleaded. He nodded smiling. " Of course," he said. I smiled
then rode back over to the camp. I bet Rinoa will be pleased to hear that.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Once again I sat in my room bored as ever. Talking to my GF was more stimulating than this. I sighed
and Maven overheard as she always does. Over the past few months she's noticed my displeasure. I try not to
say to much in fears of not acting like the real princess. I looked over at her but she was busy patching up another
dress but this one was white and long with lace and other grand things on it. It looked much to intricate to be a
ball gown so I went over to her to investigate.
" What's that?," I inquired. She jumped a bit at my sudden intrusion but then she smiled. " Princess,
you must not creep up on a woman like that. I have bad nerves as it is," she mused. I giggled at her remark then
pressed her to tell me what she was doing. " Alright M'lady, I shall tell you. Tis' your wedding gown. I've been
working on it for months now," she said. I felt my heart stop. A wedding dress? Could that mean that 'father'
picked a suitor for me that wasn't Squall?! " Whatever for?," I asked. She blushed a bit. " Well, since Lord
Squall has shown up you haven't been able to think of anyone since. I hear you talk in your sleep sometimes when
I check on you and his name is what you say and besides, I think he likes you too," she said.
I began to blush. If she only knew the truth and at times I wish I could tell her but she would tell the
court and the King if necessary. " I think so too. Might I add that the dress is beautiful and I would be honored
to wear it if the time does come," I said. Maven blushed even more at my sudden praise. " M'lady you are too
kind to me," she said. I smiled brightly at her. She doesn't deserve to be a maid. She is much too kind for this
type of work.
Our conversation was cut short when someone knocked on the door. I was hoping it was the Queen to
take me down to the training ground for our annual visits to Squall but I found Olivia behind the door. I tried to
hide my grimace but I believe she saw it before I could. She smiled at me bowing. " Good day your Majesty, I
hope you do not mind but I would like to speak with you in private," she said. I nodded and motioned for Maven
to leave the room. She did so leaving the wedding dress on the chair. She bowed to Olivia then left the room.
Squall told me that she knew so I didn't have to be too nice to her. I turned on my heel to sit on my bed. She followed
behind me but opted to stand.
" What do you want?," I inquired. All of the hostility that I had aquired over the past few months came
out now. I hated how she groped Squall and stood by his side all the time. Little did she know that was *my* job.
She chuckled but continued. " I know you despise me. I hear it in your voice and see it in your face. Your anger
is so thick I could cut through it, but I do not understand why. I did not come here to start a personal war between
us for Squall's favor because that is already decided. I come instead to offer you a utopia," she began. I quirked
an eyebrow not believing a word she said. " Right, and I'm suppose to say 'of course Lady Olivia I will follow
you because I can trust you?' Please," I retorted.
Even through my bashing her smile didn't waver. " I knew you would say something of the sort and I
could be lying but what's the point? Even if I was to kill you Squall would never want me in the way he wants you.
In the end the action would be pointless and I would be miserable along with him. Rinoa you must believe me," she
said. I frowned at her even though she was pleading. " Why should I?," I countered. " Because Squall does. He
needs this Rinoa and so do you. He's losing sleep over this and you are all he talks about. I would not do this if it
was not important to him. Please," she pleaded. I tried so hard to despise her but I could tell she was sincere so I
smiled back at her. " Fine Olivia. I shall do what you ask but let me inform you of something that Squall might not
have told you. Don't fuck with me or else you will have hell to pay understand?," I warned. I knew my eyes
began to turn yellow like I wanted them to.
She was beginning to get frightened because she backed up against the door. " What are you?," she
asked in a hushed whisper. I made my eyes turn brown again before I addressed her. " That's not important for the
moment. If you do figure out who I am you won't stay alive long enough to tell anyone," I said. She gasped but
said nothing. " You may go if you like but tell me where I am to meet him," I said. " He'll be in his room. No one
should know you are gone but Maven. I will tell her of this as soon as I go outside," she said. I nodded and she
immediatly left the room. I fell back on the bed laughing. Being a sorceress kicks major ass!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Well past midnight. Everyone in the castle should be sleep or at least finishing up their work so
they can get to sleep. I sighed staring up at the ceiling of my room which was decorated in intricate murals
done by artists. It's sad to think that in the furture we loose all of these magnificant masterpieces. The first
Lunar Cry destroyed everything of the old world. We can only thank the brilliant people who kept records
because this big chunk of history could have been forgotten.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a soft knock on the door. My heart began to speed up
and I could hear the beats loudly in my ears. Did Olivia get Rinoa to agree to come to me or would I be
disappointed yet again? I got up and went to the door. My palms were sweaty and would have slid off the
doorknob if I didn't have a strong grip. I opened the door and saw the most beautiful sight since I got here.
Rinoa was standing in the doorway in just her blue nightgown that hugged her curves tightly. She smiled when
she noticed the shocked expression on my features.
" See something ya like?," she inquired. I finally smiled back and gathered her into my arms. " Yes,
I like everything. Can I get you giftwrapped?," I asked. She giggled and kissed me lightly. " Well if you don't
mind I'd like to be unwrapped," she retorted. My smiled beamed as I picked her up. " Can do," I said. I shut my
door locking it tightly so that no one would interrupt. I carried her to my bed and laid her down. She was
beautiful in any position. I kissed her deeply savoring her taste because who knew when I get her like this again
before the wedding. " I missed you," I said when I finally released her lips. She smiled again. " I missed you
too. Olivia told me that you weren't getting any sleep. I won't lie to you, I didn't believe her at first. I thought
she was setting me up," she confessed.
I chuckled. " I thought you would think that. I don't know why she helps me sometimes," I admitted.
She smirked. " I don't care why. All I know is that I owe her now for letting me come to you," she said kissing
me again. " But what will happen if we get caught?," I asked. She frowned wrapping her legs around my waist
pulling me down on her. " I don't care. Right now I know that I need you and you are holding up progress. The
faster we get started...well, we still might not be done early," she said. I smiled and did as she asked and once
again I knew I wouldn't be getting any sleep.
TBC..........
End chapter 6. I know that didn't end too well but hey, I don't write lemons. Limes I do sometimes depending
on how I feel and believe I have to feel pretty... anyway, read and review like always. The next chapter will
be very interesting. *wink,wink* ~LS~