*Cross The River*
Chapter 3- Carefully Unbroken
Written by Rap's (RaptorJNB@aol.com)
Notes: uhhhh.... sorry this took so long to get out? heh? *ducks* After my recent computer problems, half of this chapter was destroyed. *Sighs* And so- that is some of the reason for my delay. It's hard to get motivated to write something you've already written once, you know? I was happy with it the FIRST TIME!! BAHHH!!!
*coughs* in any case... I hope you enjoy this part! And, as a quick definition- to *Walk in Honor* means to have a close relationship. Really good friends. Stuff like that! Also... would you believe that, as I've begun to write Greham's character... I've actually started to like him alot?
OH!!! and.. Is my grammar improving at all? Im trying like hell to watch my spelling... and those blasted two words: 'Were' and 'Was'.... BAHHH!!! As usual- please be kind enough to review and point out my mistakes. You guys do help alot! ^_^ And criticism is what I live for, so please don't feel bad if you want to rip it apart or anything! Er, that being *CONSTRUCTIVE* Criticism. Flame me, and I'll hand you over to Rose!
Speaking of Rose.. I will have the next part of Save My tears out THIS WEEK!!! *does a jig* Aint you proud of me!? im so SO sorry for the delay...
***
"Dear hells Greham... everytime you see her that -look- gets the best of you again." A slight chuckle. "I trust she found him?"
Reese meant Servi, of course. The raven haired Greham simply blinked at his lieutenant as he exited the throne room; one hand quietly slipping off the knob behind him after shutting the heavy door. With a sigh of sorts, the commander of the second knighthood sent a piercing gaze towards his young subordinate.
"Obvious even now, am I?"
"I haven't seen you since our last stationing at Hoax, and still Mai tends to bring a smile across your face." Reese folded his arms, leaning back against the cool white wall of the corridor. He gave Greham a soft smirk, nodding to himself.
"Oh- Don't start." Greham scowled at him. "I was in love with her, yes, with emphasis on the past tense. Only you'd still bother me about this..."
His armored cuffs gave a slight protesting clatter as Reese held up both hands submissively."Don't take it personally, commander. But we're friends, you know? You and Servi have walked in honor since childhood... it has to be kind of weird. I mean, she MARRIED him, passed you up like-"
"Reese!"
"Sorry!! sorry!! But you haven't seen her in a long time, and It's okay to feel a little... you know. Sad, or nostalgic or something! Just make sure you know that!"
Greham sighed just slightly and closed his stormy grey eyes. He was a bit on the edgy side, he supposed. Reese was a good friend of his. A tall, rather talkative brick of man that was very dependable, if nothing else. In all truth, these past few hours he had become reacquainted with many people that the Serdian war had separated from him. Among them were the lieutenant and Servi. The friendly castle guards... and Mai of course. He wished terribly that he had been able to see Alexia before her death. Just one last time... and yet a day or so before his arriving a messenger had rode urgently from Bale and informed he and his troop that the queen were dead. Promptly, at Servi's request, Greham had traveled back to the capitol a disheartened man. Had sought out, as mentioned in the letter, Mai's presence; and taken her to the castle.
That had been an ordeal in itself. Blinking open his eyes, Greham sank back against the wall behind him and shot a gaze to Reese. The knight was silent, staring off at a window down the hallway. Perhaps... no. Reese *had* been correct. He did still feel for Mai as he had in his youth. There was not a time he could see or envision her face that something soft did not flutter briefly within his stomach. Greham could almost consider his feelings childish... he remembered the days that he and Servi had been two brash young knights in training. Remember *her* and the way she captured Servi's heart with such force that the man seemed to obsess over her every smile and laugh. And Greham... he was Equally as enchanted but hardly as charming. By the time he had managed enough courage to admit his feelings to the lovely young Mai...
Servi had proposed. Ironic, but true. It ate at him sometimes... inspired a fleeting surge of jealousy when they were together.
But that was life. Perhaps that was also why he had so quickly left Mai and Servi's presence just a few minutes back... upon taking her to the throne room. He... was happy for them. Truly. He was glad to see Mai so relieved in the arms of her husband.
But it still hurt.
Once again the large oak door that lead to the throne room gave a curt twump of motion as Pegelli exited. The sound echoed into the crisp air of early afternoon. Seeming to become colder and colder with everyday, as Winter was fast approaching. Both Reese and Greham turned their heads simultaneously to regard him.
Pegelli almost looked flustered. He blinked at them both and twitched his mouth as Greham and Reese respectfully nodded in his direction.
"Will Sir Servi and Mai be joining us soon?"
Pegelli turned his drawn, yet young features on Greham. "Yes. By chance, have you seen the young Lavits? I am currently off to fetch our prince."
"You mean king." Reese corrected. Pegelli sent a stark look in his direction.
"Technically."
Greham just sighed and raised a thick brow. Technically indeed. Everyone was referring to Albert as this or that- but never a direct title. Some said 'prince', others 'king'... it was annoying- in it's own way. He dismissed the subject altogether and briefly ran through the last time he had seen Lavits. He *had* been somewhat surprised in not finding the boy with Servi already.
"In ANYcase..." Greham waved a hand towards Pegelli to get his attention. "I'm not sure where Lavits has gotten to. The last time I saw him, the child was running headlong into the castle." Greham chuckled slightly. "I do hope he doesn't go and delay this 'meeting' Noish has set up. That man takes 'prompt' to the hilt of it's definition.
Pegelli's eyes shot him an ugly glance, and the commander of the second knighthood was rudely reminded that he *was* talking to one of Noish's pets. The tall, thin young man gave a snotty little tilt to his chin and briefly glanced to Reese. He absently adjusted the white and gold cap over his head, and then took off walking down the hall.
Reese stumbled away from the wall and called to him quickly. "Hey!! Er- do you want us to look for him or something?!"
Even before Greham could say it, Pegelli echoed a tight; "Obviously." And continued along.
The two knights stared after him.
"Tight ass." Reese muttered in an irritated voice. He and Greham chuckled lightly.
***
"hhheeellooooooo....?"
Lavits nimbly poked his head into the conference room and was met with five or six glaring faces. He blinked at them, coughed, smiled, and then carefully nudged open the door just a little farther. Noish was there- looking at him as if another head had popped up right on his arm. And the rest.. Well- they just looked mean.
Servi wasn't among the irritated company.
"Sorry!" Lavits meeped, and backed out. Closed the door sharply. He gave an unhappy sigh as murmurs echoed up from behind the large oak entrance, and then straightened unconsciously. Behind him, Albert slowly approached and looked at the closed door. His gaze drifted wearily to Lavits' own.
"I heard they were preparing a conference today... but I gather that, as of yet, Servi has not shown up?"
Lavits rocked back on his heels, annoyed. "Yeah... guess not. Well, if he ain't at the infirmary and he ain't HERE... where the hell, you know?"
Albert just looked at him. "You speak... oddly."
~You should talk~ The blonde thought, biting his tongue. In their trek across the castle, he had heard words coming from Albert's mouth (if however few) that made about as much sense to Lavits as the way girls always blushed and smiled at him. Then again- nothing was quite as *weird* as girls... but this guy was coming close. Lavits looped his thumbs around the belt at his waist and stared thoughtfully at the wall. Around them, the voices nearby echoed away into the long corridor. It was probably a good thing Noish didn't recognize him... Lavits didn't want to get ripped on just because some stuck up advisor decided he shouldn't be wandering around the castle alone.
Or... well- not really. He looked at Albert and debated silently. Being in the presence of royalty probably meant he was pretty much free. Besides- they were both looking for his dad. If anyone asked- he was just escorting Albert around!
~That sounds SO lame~
Well it was kinda true, right? Besides, the kid was all... distant. He wouldn't be all that surprised if the prince walked into a wall or something.
"It... IS possible that Servi may be in the throne room." Albert said after a few silent moments. His slight frame moved quietly into the middle of the hall, and the ash blonde looked both right and left. Blinked.
Lavits perked up a little at that. "Really? you think so?"
The six year old gave a hesitant nod. "I... my mother called for a witness. I think that means that..." And Albert trailed off uncertainly. "Well... I don't really know. But I think Servi is in charge." He glanced at Lavits, who looked utterly confused. "And people who are in charge sit before the phoenix in the throne room.... Because the phoenix is judgment... and will judge the intentions of he who is responsible of Serdio."
Lavits twitched his thin mouth to one side. "You've totally lost me on that other stuff- but I heard the throne room part. If you think he's there, lets go check!" And then, almost as an afterthought, Lavits stopped the run he was about to begin and gazed at Albert.
"What do you mean... with my dad being in charge and all...?"
Albert quietly walked up to him and tilted his head. "My mother knew she was going to die... so I believe she gave her power to Servi. Your father."
Lavits stared at him.
"Alexia is... dead?"
Albert's face stayed pale and unresponsive as he echoed a heavy; "yes." And then walked quietly around Lavits. Pointed towards the staircase at the end of the hall. "Come."
Oh... hell.
Lavits didn't follow. He was ... shocked. He knew how much resided on Alexia. He remembered how greatly his father admired her. How she was always so important to everything. Albert... didn't have any family 'left' now, did he? The blonde knew of Doel... but Doel was...
"I'm really, really sorry." He echoed softly.
If Albert would have answered, the child did not gain that opportunity. Just then, A cream colored run of fabric appeared at the height of the stairs. Began downwards quickly to reveal the frame of Pegelli. His hurried steps were muffled as each further decent slowed to a final stop. The man blinked at Albert, and then turned his gaze on Lavits.
"Young prince!?" And a brow quirked in confusion as he stood there, dumbfounded. "I thought you had been left at the infirmary?!"
Albert looked displeased enough to make even Lavits fidget just a little. He gave Pegelli a cold, hard stare, and then began forwards- right on past him.
"Sire, please-!"
Lavits was so *totally* confused... uncertain of what exactly he should do, the blonde gave a mental shrug and jogged forwards to catch up just as Pegelli yet again implored the small boy. It was... kind of funny if he thought about it. No one under the age of 12 questioned, or just flat out disregarded an adult as Albert was doing now. Not unless they wanted a good whip at their back, in anycase.
"Lavits-!?" Pegelli's attention had turned to Servi's son.
"I'm with him!" The blonde pointed at Albert, who had reached the height of the stairs. He regally folded both hands behind his back and followed the prince with a smirk. "Toodles!"
Pegelli was someone Lavits vaguely remembered... but one thing he *did* recall was the guy being a pain in the ass. As Lavits climbed the stairs quickly, and without looking back at the... well- Pegelli was an apprentice, right? He briefly thought back nearly a year, when snow gathered on the tree's and his father was safely home. What had Servi said?
~Pegelli is a good man, but young and ignorant as well. He accepts orders like a blind dog, unwilling to follow a scent he is unused to.~
His father had been talking about the castle folk in general, that night. The next day, he had been called to arms.
"Sir Greham!" Albert's voice suddenly called out. Lavits shook his thoughts away and snapped his head upwards to look at the young royalty. That was probably the most lively two words he'd completed all day. Albert was surprised; or, that's what it sounded like. He watched the ash blonde slow his walk and stop before both Greham and that Reese guy he had met outside the castle some time ago.
They both looked damned surprised themselves.
"Greham!! hey!!!" And Lavits waved his arms frantically, finally cresting the top of the stairs and taking in the spanning Great Hall. The throne room would be nearby, if he remembered correctly.
"Lavits!? Gods boy- where have you been!?" And Greham, who had been leaning against the wall outside two massive doors, shot his gaze to both he and Albert repeatedly. Two boys- and two different situations... hell damn it. Who did he *start with* first!?
"I was with Albert!" The blonde said in way of an explanation. "Um- looking for my dad and... we just sort of ran into each other."
Albert blinked at him; debating upon whether or not he should add "Literally" to that sentence.
"Wasn't Albert at the infirmary!?" Reese spoke up- having otherwise appeared rather confused.
"Um-?" A glance at the royalty.
"Wait- I'm confused..."
"Where IS my dad anyways!?"
Under any other circumstances, this small meeting would not have turned out such a mess. But when Noish, Pegelli, and a few other clergy pounded up the stairs in a fit of sorts- and then having both Mai and Servi emerging from the throne room all at once; Albert and Lavits found themselves pressed between the two groups and at quite the proverbial 'ground zero.' Greham turned a helpless look to Servi. Servi looked at his son, at Albert, then at Noish. Mai simply closed her eyes as if suspecting a violent headache...
And everyone attempted to talk at once.
"This is unacceptable, Servi!" That was Noish, his cloudy eyes casting daggers at Lavits' father. "Your son deliberately interrupted..." A couple of floundering exchanges drowned out the next part of his sentence- which ended upon a furious: "And Albert is NOT permitted to.. Just...!!!" which trailed off, in anycase. The young blonde, distressed, wanted nothing more then to finally embrace his father... but now was obviously not the time. What in the hell was everyone so mad about!!??
Servi and Mai, above all, were the two most quiet. Every time Servi 'would' attempt to speak, he was cut short by another... and then 'another' angry voice. Greham took the offensive; marching his large, intimidating frame directly into the crowd of white robed noblemen and sharing more then a piece of his mind.
Albert, quiet throughout, stood silently.
"We have been delayed long enough due to your *son* and his-"
"And WHY was he with the royalty!?"
An arm struck the air directly in front of Albert's face. A voice followed. "HE should be confined to his chambers! not wandering about aimlessly like a-" And The boy closed his eyes as the hand cut through the air again and again for emphasis in speech- just above his head. When they reopened, they reopened upon Lavits.
Exchanging a thin glance, the blonde mouthed a quiet; "What's going on?"
Although Albert did not reply to his question- he did speak. What he said, however, was not nearly as surprising as the force with which he spoke.
"I DEMAND SILENCE!!!"
And just like that, the surprise was enough to shut everyone up.
"All of you!" he continued, face both stern and distraught."Do you rule a country or keep the stables!? Stop shouting!! Stop fighting!! It solves NOTHING!" And the small boy swung in an arc of sorts, his arm thrust out towards Noish. "Lavits did NOTHING wrong and Servi is NOT in fault. You WILL allow him to SPEAK and you will NOT question he or his actions in doing so!!!"
Lavits stared at him in stunned silence. The men around him were just as shocked. Swallowing hard, Albert quietly bowed his head and echoed a low; "Am I understood?"
Noish was possibly to outraged to respond, and it was the first time anyone had seen the advisor's face turn a pale red with such an emotion.
"Yes, your highness."
In the godsent quiet that had been reached, Lavits quietly shuffled over to his father and took his hand. Servi gripped it lovingly; telling him in that single gesture that things were all right, and that he promised they would talk soon. He held his son close, and then reached out his left hand.
"Albert, come here." Came his quiet voice.
The six year old quietly regarded his arm, still standing in the middle of this entire scenario. He shook just a little and then began to cough almost violently. Backed away as Reese stepped forwards in sudden concern, although the reaction was more instinctive then anything else. Again turning his gaze back to Servi, Albert looked at him a good long moment.
And then submissively took Seri's outstretched palm and allowed himself to be brought to the Knight's side. Servi gently touched his shoulder. Leveled a deep gaze on the Advisor and his... subservients.
Greham couldn't help but smirk just lightly as he and Reese came across the hall to stand beside their friend. The look over Servi's face was a very distinct expression that he could only compare to one thing;
The protective concern of a *very* pissed off parent.
***
"Alright then, you two." Servi said quietly. "I need some sort of explanation. Lavits, you've gone and made Noish quite upset... and Albert, the entire castle doesn't know what to do with you. I can't have you in one place- and then another. I need to know where you are at all times, alright?"
"... Why?"
"A precaution, young king. You are ill."
"He is?" Lavits jumped in.
Silently watching the two children and the tall form of her husband, Mai was silent. Thankful for the general quiet around them. Some ten minutes ago Servi had commanded that Noish and his nobles return to the conference room, where upon they would wait until he and the children arrived. Reese went with them just to calm down the matter as it were... and Greham now stood at her side. He regarded Servi quietly and once or twice looked in her direction. Checked to make sure she was all right.
She knew why he was concerned.. And concern is what it was. She could see it each time he looked at her, and Mai knew the reason as well. Afterall, he was the only other person alive that knew...
Briefly gathering her thoughts, Mai sighed quietly and let her gaze slip over Albert. She would not say that doing so didn't hurt- because it did. It was a pain both thin and far away... and yet one that clawed at her relentlessly when she would hear his name. Hear it from Servi- who could not avoid to speak of the child freely as a knight of Basil.
~He looks like his mother...~
And, at the same time, their were certain aspects of his features that were unmistakably Servi's own. The mix was delicate and well crafted... the boy would grow up to be a handsome man.
Mai supposed she should be thankful that, in finally meeting the young child, she did not break down in tears.
"I'm sorry, Sir Servi..." Albert now spoke quietly. An exception being his sudden outburst in the Great hall, the child otherwise had an extremely soft voice. It was feather light to the point where not even the slightest echo let up from the walls around their small group... and that was a near impossible thing, being in the vast Throne Room. They had retreated back within the large chamber to speak after Noish had stalked away.
"I didn't mean to become angry with you before... when you came to my room." Albert continued softly. Both he and Lavits were seated on a four-step staircase that rose the main floor level, where it would then branch into another flat area. The throne of Serdio loomed at the center of this layout like something... watchful. This place had seen it's share of bloodshed.
"No, Albert. It's alright. You were frightened." And as Servi said this, he caught the hopelessly confused expression on his son. Lavits was only just now learning about so many different things...
"I... didn't trust them. That's why I left." And the ash blonde gently raised a hand and gripped his shirt again- dead center against his chest. "But I don't want it! I don't want what it shows me!"
Servi tensed a moment. Right now, he would not deal with whatever that meant. Lavits, on the other hand, perked at this almost instantly in confusion.
"Shows you?" His child asked, baffled. "What does that? What are you talking about?"
Servi waved him down, an unsettling feeling left to take root in his gut at the borderline terrified expression that had shot across Albert's face. Almost instinctively he reached out a hand to steady the child. Gently gripped his shoulder. There was far more going on here then he could entirely understand, but time would bring answers soon enough. Servi remembered something briefly... years ago- on the day Neet was destroyed and the Moon That never Sets had turned blood red.
~Servi! I can't make them stop! They won't stop screaming... they won't... I-!!!~
~Alexia!?~
~Oh gods... Servi, I can't... I .. I can't!!!"~
~ALEXIA!!!~
He shook the memory from his mind, shivering to remember the depth of her pain. Alexia had shook terribly in his arms like a wounded deer... all the while both hands at her chest as she cried and screamed that mercy be given to the dying. Greham too had been in the room, and were only able to watch in shock until the episode passed and the queen fell unconscious.
Learning of Neet's destruction a mere day afterwards seemed a startling coincidence. When Alexia had awoken, she had said simply; "I hate what it shows me. What it knows."
~The damned Moon Gem.~
"You... are Mai?" Albert began out of the blue, his large eyes wearily seeking out the single woman in their presence. Servi, still kneeling beside the young child, felt himself taken slightly aback. He hadn't expected that Albert would...
"I am, young king." His wife replied quietly. And then, watching as Albert slowly lifted himself from the stairs, she almost winced as he began towards her. One slender foot reached back- and she stepped away unconsciously.
~I can see you. I can observe you... but you silly little boy, do not approach me. Please- not yet. Not now.~
Both Greham and Servi could easily read the distress over her soft features. Lavits also was not immune to his mother's almost fearful expression.
And Albert, granted, was not oblivious either. As he carefully came towards Mai, the royalty studied her features. The way her brow creased and her lips drew tight. Uncertainly the ash blonde stopped, feeling that he was upsetting her, and lowered his head just slightly. One thin arm bowed at the elbow, and he stooped a moment. Rose.
"Servi speaks of you often." He echoed quietly. Apologetically- for however he may have hurt her. "I... wanted to apologize for my behavior; Given that we have only just met."
Greham, hand partially outstretched to steady Mai if need be, threw off his sudden surprise. Spoken so formally... was he truly only of six tender years? A strand of raven black left to dart over his left eye, the knight quietly studied the boy and then heard Mai echo a quavering;
"You've no need to be sorry, small one. No need..."
Servi looked as if he had been holding his breath throughout the entire brief exchange.
***
Lavits, in all honesty, couldn't understand his own feelings. By all rights, he should have been happy. He should have been wearing a grin the size of Endiness with energy to boast... and yet nothing. He'd been permitted to go to the Castle Indels, had *met* the royalty for crying out loud, and finally found his father again.
So why in all the seven hells did he just want to go home and bury his head under three or four pillows?
he wasn't at all sure, but it may have had something to do with his surroundings. Hunkered down between his father and mother at the spanning white conference table, the blonde let his eyes trace wearily over the many people present. Nobles... lots of them. Noish of course- and Greham. Reese. Pegelli. The tall chandelier above cast a bright glow around their flat caps of gold and white. It was like he was sitting in a room full of bossy chefs... and Lavits didn't enjoy a goddamned minute of it.
His father- was sullen. Sad. Defeated? His mother had become ever the more depressed and ever the more quiet. Greham too seemed not his usual self, and only offered Lavits a halfhearted grin when he had quietly tugged on his arm. Asked simply; "Whats going up?" As he had with the royalty earlier.
~Albert...~
It seemed like, whatever the hell was going on, the six year old was the source of it all. He *knew* Albert was part of the reason his mother seemed unhappy... but he didn't understand that- just as he didn't understand much of anything at the moment. Looking across the table just then, he felt bad for the kid... Noish was at his right- a hand clasped over his shoulder like some unholy vice.... and then there was a mean looking knight at his left who *defined* the term ugly. These three were situated at the opposite head of the table; the two adults on either side of Albert. Ash blonde hair trailing loosely into his sight, the young royalty kept his eyes averted and his head down. Lifeless was the term, he supposed.
"Let's summarize then, shall we? " Noish was saying, his mouth a thin, drawn line. They had been talking for hours it seemed. Constant, constant voices..
"As of last night, her majesty Alexia passed on. In leaving a heir to young to be throned, she had called for a witness to observe the Passing of Rights... The Power of her Throne, as to be used accordingly until Albert is of age to inherit his kingship. These rights have been bestowed upon Servi Slambert. Commander of the 1st knighthood, guardsmen of the royalty. Hence should there be trials with this arrangement, or misunderstanding, let them be spoken now."
Quiet ensued. A blessed silence that Lavits sank into...
His dad really *was* in charge now.. Wasn't he? But why would Alexia choose him? His mother had been... shocked to learn of the arrangement; but as always had kept her surprise to no more then a tilt of her head. A flicker of thought behind soft blue eyes.
~Doel.... that's why- isn't it? Alexia had to make sure Doel did not take the throne of Serdio, because by all rights if Albert is unable to rule then he should have been the next king...~
"Good." And Noish let his hawk-like eyes jump towards a few of his men that had (earlier in the talks) Quite strongly opposed Servi's new power. Anything to keep the throne from a commoner, they had said. Continuing, Noish then let something irritated and disapproving slip over his face. Lavits shivered ever so slightly as the advisor sank his gaze into that of his father.
"Also... as I had been informed this afternoon... Servi has made certain arrangements that this court should be aware of."
Arrangements that Noish did NOT approve of- if the way his face twisted as he spoke was any indication. Lavits winced, and then watched as Servi nodded. Glanced at both he and his mother. Mai gave him a thin smile... saying in that simple gesture that yes; be whatever he had decided, she would agree.
~Mai... this will not be easy. Please don't hate me after I have spoken. Please forgive me.~
"I, as of tomorrow afternoon, shall be removing Albert from the castle Indels." And even as startled protests began up at an instant; Servi would not have it. His voice raised like thunder, drowning the angry words that now echoed about the room. Lavits unconsciously looked to his mother and pressed back even further into the chair beneath him. His eyes closed.
~So... angry.~
"This castle is an unhealthy environment, and I will not have Albert subjected to you and your damned men any longer." Servi cast his eyes in the direction of Noish- and then lowered his gaze to regard the young king. Albert was simply... staring at him in some form of curious shock.
"Unhealthy!?" And that was one of the noblemen, his face a flustered red. "Where do YOU find the nerve to-"
"Albert nearly *died* because of your customs alone." Servi growled back at him. "Alexia left the boy under my care... He is my responsibility- and this is MY decision."
"A stupid one at that!" Came another voice. "Where the hell should you take him!? Out amongst the common people of-"
"Bale? Yes. With me- in my home." And that brought about another uproar- followed by something soft. A gasp, in fact. Mai...
Lavits just echoed a startled: "What?!"
"Object all you want- but my word is Alexia's blessing. What would you do with him? keep him confined to his room, a prisoner of this stone fortress? He will have the opportunity to learn and grow within the city. I myself shall continue the duties of the crown- but Albert will not have part of it. None of the politics. None of the blasted rituals."
"And what of his schooling!?"
"It shall stay within my authorization."
"You can't DO that!"
"I just DID."
"But- this is unacceptable!!!" Someone blurted desperately."Albert is royalty you fool! They... you are only-!!"
"Don't say it." Albert growled from his chair; cutting the man off an an instant. It was amazing that, despite his soft voice, when Albert made a point of being heard he WAS heard. The entire room stilled if only for a moment as the child finished with a somber; "Don't you *dare* say commoner again."
The man who had spoken sank back in his seat as if cut with a sharp knife. Albert continued to press his earthen gaze into the noble until he no longer so much as *glanced* at Servi. The effect was made, and the voices of protest began to quiet.
Even at this age, Albert knew very well he did have some form of power. Perhaps only one that could quiet the cackling hyena's that surrounded him... but a useful ability nevertheless.
"Now." Servi began once again in the hush that had settled over the room. "My words given, do you understand?"
And despite the hesitation, up came the voices of before. On each was a low "Aye" or "yes" or... perhaps it was simply a nod.
Noish just stared at him; a straight, controlled gaze that was not without hostility. Beside him, Albert cast troubled eyes to Lavit's father. They said, very simply; "Why?"
~There are so, so many reasons- Albert. Each of which is unfortunately painful.~
As Servi then stood; headed for the door to allow the company time to process this new verdict, Greham followed. Lavits watched, and then gripped his mother's hand.
***
"How could you DO THAT to her!!!??"
Servi winced; but as soon as Greham had moved from his chair the blonde knew they would exchange words. Walking from the conference room, he could almost feel Greham's outrage... the anger of his eyes burning into his back.
"Greham..."
"I can't believe you!" His friend said sharply, cutting Servi off. "Taking Albert from the castle is one thing alone; but subjecting Mai to his presence!?!? Day in and day out!?!? Have you gone blind kicking MAD!?" And with a rough pull of his hand, Greham jerked Servi around. To face him. " Did you ever stop to think how this could effect her!? Having a six year old reminder constantly-!!"
"YES- by god!" Servi growled, his bangs fluttering like angry leaves as he interrupted Greham's speech. "But I don't have any other choice!"
"He could stay HERE Servi!"
"Never. I won't let that child slowly die in this blasted castle! Don't be a fool, Greham! you know I speak the truth!"
"You are putting your duty before you family!"
"Albert IS My damned FAMILY!" Servi growled, shaking off Greham's hold and twisting on heel. His heavy footfalls echoed briefly away- into the hall where he then stopped. Both arms rose, crossed, and then shuddered. Servi quietly bowed his head.
"Over a year ago, Greham, I made a choice. And it may have been disillusioned. It WAS wrong... but regardless of what I and Alexia had done, both of us took responsibility for our actions; and just because she has... died- does NOT mean I have any right to dismiss my own blood. I am obligated as a father to ensure Albert's safety. I love him- just as I love Lavits, and just as I love Mai."
And then, in the brief silence that followed;
"I know, Servi. It's alright."
Even though Greham had gathered another breath to speak, it fell flat as he hard Mai's sweet voice. Hells be damned... both he and Servi turned almost mechanically to watch as she slipped from the conference room and walked quietly towards them both. Her sad eyes flickered briefly to Greham, and she touched his shoulder.
"Noish requests your presence. There is something he wishes to tell you."
Which, regardless, was another way of asking to be left alone with Servi.
The commander of the second knighthood gave a solemn, understanding nod and glanced back at Servi. Sea green eyes held his own for a moment, and then averted. Looked to Mai with something like shame and fear. With a slight moment of hesitation then following, the Knight passed by Mai's left shoulder and continued on through the conference room doors. Left alone in the cool white hall, the echo of his exit rattled around both husband and wife. Finally settled, and allowed the blue eyed woman to speak.
"I want you to know, Servi... before anything else happens; that I don't blame you anymore."
He simply watched her features; expression a facade of control and strength he simply didn't feel. He wanted to *say* something. Anything! Anything that might make that soft hurt in her eyes fade away. How could she be so supportive, kind... when he... had...
"You... *are* Albert's father. It hurts, Servi. I won't lie and say I can't feel it anymore. Be it betrayal or hate or confusion... but I understand. I agree that he *cannot* stay here. Watching those men... all of them. The way they *looked* at the boy as if he was more of a prize then a person..."
Servi felt his mind turn, and he closed his eyes. "Mai..."
Carefully, a slender, cool hand took his. When Servi reopened his eyes, it was upon Mai's lovely features.
"There is a reason I didn't leave you after finding out, Servi." She smiled; if however a thin pull of lips. "Because you told me. A bad man wouldn't have done that. Wouldn't have even cared... but you did, and you still do, and that's why I love you even more then I did then."
Servi could only watch her eyes as he had done many times in the past. Feeling, all at once, as if he was both the luckiest and most horrible man alive... he shook his head softly.
"...How can you forgive me?"
Mai moved closer and turned her face near his. With a sigh, she breathed a helpless; " Why can't you forgive yourself?" And, When her husband closed his eyes yet again, she kissed him gently a moment.
"You have two beautiful children, love. It... will not be easy. But we must let the past lay past."
Servi nodded in an almost listless fashion... wondering why he should deserve such a woman. He carefully gripped her shoulders and smiled slightly upon her. Nodded in thankful recognition of her strength. But very suddenly, unexpectedly.. a brief thought fluttered within his mind. Servi parted his lips in mild surprise.
"Servi?"
"I just..." And his brows narrowed. "We can't ever tell them, Mai... can we?"
She knew what he meant almost instantly, having not toyed with the concept herself as of yet. By the gods... should they? Tell Albert and Lavits that they were stepbrothers? Mai lightly lowered her head in thought, shaking it once.
"I... don't know. They've only just met! And... the complications..."
The blonde nodded, his face twisting just slightly at the concept itself. "It seems wrong not too... but Mai, if anyone ever found out... they would question the royal bloodline. I can't put Albert through that; our Family through that. It's to large a risk!"
"But why? Albert is undoubtedly royal born... Alexia is his mother and Carlos was only the nephew of some runabout brother to a king in Millie Sensaue. Your... your influence in his birth was no more pure then his. There is nothing to question!
Servi shook his head in quiet patience. "Logic would not play harp to such scandal. They will question both Albert and even Lavits- as I am his father. We cannot let something of such gravity tear the throne of Serdio in several directions. Doel could use the uncertainty to... to gain power over all of this country. Hells if we can let that happen."
Mai nodded only a moment. "Then.. We should.. Play it by ear. Carefully. Oh- but lets not rule out the possibility completely!! They have a right to know!!"
Servi brought up a tender hand to cup her face, hoping to coax away her sudden distress. Her white tresses then gave a slight ruffle as the conference room doors flew open- and an annoyed Noish stood in their arch. Mai closed her eyes against his presence and gripped Servi's hand.
"Your attendance, please." The Advisor bit out. And then, coming up beside him, was the gruff looking knight that had stood at Albert's left during the talks. Servi tensed instinctively at seeing him... he didn't know who the man was- nor why he were attending the conference.
But then, as if to answer, the unknown figure turned his head to the left and gave an abrupt wave to someone down the hall. Heavy footsteps approached. Armor clattered like steel stones.
When Servi turned to regard the newcomer, he nearly stumbled in shock. Reached for- and unsheathed his broad sword all in the same motion. Mai followed the flash of steel with her eyes and instinctively leapt backwards. Of course, *seeing* the figure alone was enough to make her gasp in uncertain fright.
Doel.
Emperor Doel was walking quietly towards them, a cocky smirk carved into harsh, strong features.
***
BAHAHH!!!! Doel is a god!! Doel is a god!!!! *hugs Doel* Ah well- I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! I hope to get another out within about a month. ^_^ toodles!