This spiral of infatuation… I hate it.
"So you have every intention to prevent this war…?" Yunalesca questioned, trying to understand Zaon's logic.
"Well, I suppose that's what it comes down to."
"I don't see why you even bother," retorted Yunalesca. She sipped her drink slowly and politely, not taking her red eyes of off Zaon.
"I don't know… But I have to try," Zaon replied. Yunalesca chuckled lowly to herself, shaking her head. She finished her drink and set it down quietly on the table.
"Have fun trying." She stood up from the table, throwing some gil down onto it to pay for the drinks. Zaon took one last sip of his drink and stood up as well. For the past hour they had discussed the politics and purposes of war, avoiding the topic of Yevon's effect the entire time. Zaon explained how Bevelle wants to be the only leading power in Spira. How the people of Bevelle disagree with Zanarkand and what they practice. Yunalesca was amused throughout the entire conversation; Zaon was so passionate about what he said.
The two exited the pub together, eyes squinting as they came in contact with the sun. Yunalesca held up her hand, sheilding her red and sensitive eyes from the radiating light.
"So will I see you again?" Zaon asked, as they approached the steps of the palace. Yunalesca stopped and turned on her heels to face him, tilting her head, studying his expression—his sincerity.
"I don't know… Will you?" She was teasing him and could tell he didn't like it at all.
"I just thought… since… hmm…"
"You just thought that…?"
"It-it'd be nice to see you again," Zaon stammered. Yunalesca grinned fakely, as if to mock his honesty.
"We'll see." Zaon nodded to her reply regally. It turned into a soft bow.
"Thank you for your time, m'lady. I do hope our paths cross in the future," he said.
"I'm sure they will," Yunalesca replied, smiling warmly to him; the smile seemed to hurt. Zaon smiled in reply to her own. He seemed to be grinning—beaming with satisfaction. His feet led him backwards down the stairs, not taking his eyes off Yunalesca, who stood at the top of the stairs by the large doors. She tilted her head sheepishly, indulging in his happiness. Zaon nodded to her once more, before turning and walking cheerfully down the street towards Mt. Gagazet, which bordered the city on the south side.
Yunalesca's first reaction would be to roll her eyes. But this time… it was different than that. Her smile faded, as it was hurting; her cheeks pulsing from the extended length of grinning towards him. There was something about Zaon that appealed to her.
He was everything she wasn't.
That was enough to satisfy her.
—————
Yunalesca's hands laid limpy at her sides as she strode through the palace towards her father's quarters. She was debating whether or not to let him know of Zaon's approaches to her. Perhaps it would add a surge of more tension between Bevelle and Zanarkand. That, to her, was a very good thing. She grinned, anticipating what her father's final reaction would be.
The doors before her were many many meters tall and were almost impossible to push, even with effort. After a few moments of pressure against the doors, she was able to step cautiously into the depths of her father's quarters.
The area was much more extravagant than any other parts of the castle—even hers. Yunalesca couldn't decide if that was good or bad, considering she knew her father loved her with all his heart. Perhaps he was planning to update her quarters. Of course he would, even if she were to ask right now. Shaking the thoughts of rooms and decor out of her head, Yunalesca approached the door to her father's bedroom chamber. She was prepared to enter with news of Zaon, hoping that her father would be quite pleased.
The door to the bedroom chamber was much smaller than the large one to enter his quarters, though this seemed much heavier to Yunalesca than the previous door. She pushed as hard as she could, noticing that the door was slowly opening.
Extraordinarily, it was much harder to open. Yunalesca concluded that her anticipation was weighting her down and clouding her inner and outer strength.
She assured herself she was not being swayed by Zaon's intriguing personality. Though deep down, she was.
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Chapter 3. Finally. I neglected this fic for a while… please forgive me =O! A new chapter is in store. Please stay tuned!
- Sarah