Note: Hi all! Sorry for the long wait. I've been busy lately. Anyway, here is the 6th chapter of that unbelievable story (look at me exaggerate). We go back to the third person now. No more first person anymore so... enjoy! I may switch from first person to third person so... just... yeah... enjoy again!
Chapter 6 - Decisions
The young woman stared out the window, thinking and knowing the consequences she will have to face when he returns. She had broken down her loyalty to the King, thus, following her own path to her heart. The night, filled with love and passion took her breath away, flying into the distant ocean towards the sun. She flew higher than the birds above the clouds and she has never felt so free. Caged for three years, the Queen was finally released from behind bars by her hero-her knight.
"He will return soon," she spoke, watching the sunlight burst into play around her golden tresses. She felt strong arms wrapped around her waist and she took the opportunity to rest her head against his chest. "My love, what will become of us?"
Seifer embraced her as tight as he could, never wishing to let her go. He has been pretending to be a Knight, pretending that he never loved her, all for the sake of loyalty. All this time he had, yet his loyalty kept him from going any further. He will always love her. "My love for you burns brighter than the sun. Nothing will keep us apart, my Queen. I have waited far too long for this," he whispered in her ear. "I will go to the ends of the earth to be with you and I will protect you with all my life."
The Queen brightened at his thoughtful words. "Please, no formalities, my Knight." She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She rested her forehead against his and they stayed that way throughout the morning.
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That afternoon, when the sun fully peeked from behind the mountains, Quistis stepped out into the balcony once again, feeling the warm wind whisper against her cheek. New had been spread that the King had been injured during battle. Seifer had to leave her for awhile to retrieve the fallen King and bring him back to the castle where he belongs and to his wife.... Those words echoed in the Queen's ears. She knew now that she must tell the King the truth about her love affair with the Knight. However, she was not ready. She will tell him sooner or later.
The sound of the horses' hooves startled her from her thoughts and she looked down from the balcony to see a single horse trotting towards the castle in the distance. She regarded the shining metal of her Knight and a white robe with blood upon it, as if it had been put there for a reason, woven around the King. The Knight walked alongside the horse, while keeping the injured King on the stallion. Quistis' eyes widened in horror at the condition of her husband. She ran out of her room to meet the two men into the courtyard.
"Irvine!!" she yelled, running towards the horse. The King, his face rested upon the back of the horse, lifted up his head to see who had called him and smiled slightly at his beautiful wife running to him, carrying the front of her dress alongside her.
"Quistis..." Irvine murmured, lifting up a tired arm at her.
Quistis felt something broken in her heart. The King was injured and her wife, her Queen, had betrayed him. One bad news was enough for the King today. She will have to purse her lips together to keep the burden from him. She placed a hand on his injured back and frowned, glancing back at Seifer for an explanation and wishing at the same time Seifer could comfort her with an embrace.
Seifer took a deep breath and looked down on the ground. They both knew what they had done. He looked up and met her ocean blue eyes, answering in silence that they were both going to be all right. "I found the King laying down, with his front firmly planted on the ground. I believe he has been injured during the fight in the marshes."
"Then, we must bring him inside immediately!" Quistis stroked Irvine's hair, feeling remorse for the King, no love for him. She has always loved her Knight. She heard footsteps behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed the kitchen men and the handmaiden made an effort to run to the King's side quickly. They all gathered around Irvine and together, they lifted him off the horse and carried him inside. Quistis and Seifer followed behind, glancing once and a while at each other with guilt in their hearts.
****************
The hot water dripped down her tiny fingers. She placed the cloth over the injury, receiving a wince from the fallen figure. Noticing his distress, Selphie removed the cloth from his back and stared at the King. She could see the color coming back on his face and she knew he was going to be all right.
She felt a draft in front of her and at that moment, she knew the door had opened. She looked up and saw the Queen with concern in her face, waiting for an explanation of his condition. Her handmaiden would never know the cause for the look on her face.
"He will be fine, Your Highness," she spoke softly. She forced a smile on her face, thinking not of the King, nor the Queen's worried looks, but the life she was living in now. What if her one true love did this to him? How can she ever live with this? Maybe it was for the best that they kept apart.... No.... she could not let go of Zell. Her love for him was too much to let him go. For one brief moment, Selphie was silent, then looked up at the Queen and spoke again. "I have put some healing herbs on the wound. He will be fine by morning."
The Queen nodded. "Thank you, Selphie," she said, laying down on the bed. She placed a hand on his head and stroked the King's disheveled chestnut hair. He opened his eyes for a moment, smiled and closed his eyes again to sleep.
Selphie smiled and stood up from her position on the other side of the bed. She replaced the cloth with a white, strip and wrapped it gently around his torso, having to slide underneath him to tie the band securely around him. When she was finished, she turned the King over on his back and glanced at the Queen, who gave her a thankful look. She took one last look at the King, before leaving the room.
Quistis waited until the door closed behind the handmaiden. The Queen placed a hand over his large ones and smiled slightly at the King's sleeping state. He opened his eyes again, revealing his green orbs and squeezed her hand.
"I thought I would never see you again," he spoke.
Quistis shook her head, placing a finger on his lips. "Hush, do not speak. Your energy is important for recovery."
Irvine nodded and grinned. "Before I sleep, I need a kiss from my wife." He stroked the back of his wife's hand and lifted it up to his lips, kissing it lightly. Quistis smiled, her heart still aching with guilt. She leaned towards him and kissed him lightly on the lips.
****************
Seifer opened the door quietly, making sure he was not interrupting anything. He expected for the King to be resting by now, while the Queen sat by his side. It was her duty to do so, as not to have any suspicions from the servants or the Trusted Advisor of her behavior. Unfortunately, as he peeked inside the slightly opened door, what he saw sunk his heart. The Queen had her lips pressed against the lips of her King, that at that moment, the Queen and her King were meant for each other. Forcing a smile on his face, feeling lonely and lost, he closed the door gently and walked silently into the hall.
****************
"Zell.... How could you?" Selphie walked out into the grassy courtyard. She felt lonely and lost underneath the stars. She wished everyday that Zell would leave his duties and come to her.
"Selphie....." Startled at her whispered name, Selphie squinted her eyes towards the greens gathered slightly adjacent in front of her. The bushes swayed back and forth, alerting Selphie, when an unexpected visitor jumped out of the shadows. The figure clutched at his arm, blood pouring down the sleeves of his tunic and the corner of his temple. Selphie recognized his golden, blond hair.
Zell fell on his knees, his eyes weary from the long travel and looked up at Selphie running to him. She kneeled in front of him and gazed at him in worry. Selphie examined him up and down, noticing the bruises on his legs and the frowned.
She went to his side and wrapped an arm around his waist, then helped him up on his staggering feet. The blond warrior forced himself not to put all the weight towards Selphie, since he knew how small she was compared to him. However, Selphie just pulled him with her, not caring how much weight he put her. She guided him towards the door that led to the kitchen. It was a risk to bring him in, but she could not leave him to die out here. He would have to stay in the quarters where she sleeps.
"I wanted for this war to end, so I went to find out the truth on the reason why this war is happening. I went to my Highness' quarters to speak to him, when I heard a second voice, that I have never recognized before. The voice sounded female and I thought maybe it was just the Duchess, with something in her mouth, but it was not. I knew it was not. I peeked inside and I saw a woman with fiery red mane."
Selphie shook her head. "Do not speak, my love," she warned, placing a finger to her lips. "You may explain to me once you are well."
Zell sighed and nodded, closing his mouth.
****************
Thanking the Gods for giving her a chance to carry the injured soldier to her quarters, Selphie led Zell to the bed. It did not matter to her now the blood stains on her bed, just as long as Zell was here with her. Zell winced, as he voluntarily removed his tunic from his shirt to reveal a large gash going down his arm. Selphie gasped at the sight and she looked up with a frown on her face.
"Zell..." she whispered.
The blond soldier shook his head and grinned. "Do not worry too much of me, Selphie."
Selphie forced a smile on her face the second time that day and took out the items needed from her dresser drawer. Returning to Zell, she lifted up his arm gently, causing Zell to flinch and dabbed the healing herb on the large gash. Zell closed his eyes, trying to suppress the pain.
"This woman with the fiery red mane.... What did she speak to the Duke about?" Selphie asked, dabbing over the wound gently.
Zell winced at every dab, but managed to keep his composure. "She had asked the Duke about letting her have all Kingdoms once he was finished conquering them."
She looked up. "What? What does that mean? You are speaking of the Duke?"
Zell nodded. "Yes. I could not believe it myself, but I heard it with my own ears. When I peered in closer, she must have seen me. The next thing I remember, soldiers appeared behind me and began to attack me. The Duke did nothing to stop the abuse. She must have enchanted him somehow."
"Why do you believe that?" The blond man was silent, causing Selphie to stop and look into her lover's eyes. "Zell?"
"The late Duke Laguna would never force this kind of atrocity. He raised his son well and taught Squall to become a wonderful ruler of Esthar. When he died, Duke Squall promised to fulfill his father's dreams by being a good ruler for his people....." he paused. He stared ahead of him.
Selphie glanced at him. "What? What is it?"
"He has acted quite differently since that woman appeared." Zell remembered the woman with a hood over her head. She had sneaked inside the castle and was caught by him. He demanded to the woman of her purpose and she told him of the news about Balbadia plotting an attack on Esthar. "That woman lied!" he suddenly yelled, slamming his free hand on the bed.
The brunette jumped.
"How dare she lie to the Duke! He must have believed everything she said! I must go to him and warn him!" He stood up, but a hand stopped him from doing so. Zell looked down on the concerned face of Selphie, who had her hand placed gently on his shoulder. "Selphie, I must warn the Duke."
"You are injured, Zell. I can not bare to see you struggle during battle. Your warnings can wait." She pulled him back down.
Zell shook his head. "It simply can not, Selphie! The Duke's life is at stake. I must warn him!"
"Your loyalty to the Duke makes me wonder what kind of man you are. You are a kind man with a determination in his soul. I understand those things, but I simply can not let you go alone. You must speak to the King."
"The King of Balbadia?" Zell looked at her strangely. "I can not speak to the King of Balbadia. He is my enemy, my Duke's enemy."
"Am I your enemy, Zell?"
Zell stared at her. He did not speak. He did not want to believe that they were enemies, yet they were.
"You want to end this war, do you not?"
Zell nodded, silently.
Selphie wrapped a white band around his arm and clasped the two ends together with a clip and sat down on the bed beside him. She buried her face on his shoulder and began to weep. "If you wish to end this war, then I need you to stay. Please... for me? I need to see you, I wish to be by your side."
Zell could not look at her. He was too shameful of the words he said to her before. He wished to be by her side as well. "Selphie... my words to you hurt you deeply. I can not be forgiven."
"I have forgiven you even before you left for that battle in the marshes. Your words held truth in them, but I knew you never meant them." She kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish for you to speak to the King on this matter."
Zell finally nodded. "Fine. I will speak to him now."
Selphie shook her head and looked at him in the eyes. "No, Zell. You and I must rest soon. Night has fallen. I need you here with me right now. I have missed you so."
Zell nodded reluctantly and plopped down on the bed, along with Selphie. Their feet, both dangling at the edge, stayed firm, as they wrapped each other in comfort. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
"Selphie... I love you...." He whispered.
The brunette closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face. The words she has waited all her life has finally been spoken. Selphie looked up and kissed his lips. "I love you too, Zell."
GoodGurl: All right, sixth chapter is finished! I hope you enjoyed that one! Now.... Will Zell really talk to the King? What about Seifer? What happened to him after he saw the Queen and the King kiss? Will there still be Queifer in this story? Awww, don't get mad. This is a Queifer and a Zelphie after all!
Chapter 6 - Decisions
The young woman stared out the window, thinking and knowing the consequences she will have to face when he returns. She had broken down her loyalty to the King, thus, following her own path to her heart. The night, filled with love and passion took her breath away, flying into the distant ocean towards the sun. She flew higher than the birds above the clouds and she has never felt so free. Caged for three years, the Queen was finally released from behind bars by her hero-her knight.
"He will return soon," she spoke, watching the sunlight burst into play around her golden tresses. She felt strong arms wrapped around her waist and she took the opportunity to rest her head against his chest. "My love, what will become of us?"
Seifer embraced her as tight as he could, never wishing to let her go. He has been pretending to be a Knight, pretending that he never loved her, all for the sake of loyalty. All this time he had, yet his loyalty kept him from going any further. He will always love her. "My love for you burns brighter than the sun. Nothing will keep us apart, my Queen. I have waited far too long for this," he whispered in her ear. "I will go to the ends of the earth to be with you and I will protect you with all my life."
The Queen brightened at his thoughtful words. "Please, no formalities, my Knight." She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She rested her forehead against his and they stayed that way throughout the morning.
****************
That afternoon, when the sun fully peeked from behind the mountains, Quistis stepped out into the balcony once again, feeling the warm wind whisper against her cheek. New had been spread that the King had been injured during battle. Seifer had to leave her for awhile to retrieve the fallen King and bring him back to the castle where he belongs and to his wife.... Those words echoed in the Queen's ears. She knew now that she must tell the King the truth about her love affair with the Knight. However, she was not ready. She will tell him sooner or later.
The sound of the horses' hooves startled her from her thoughts and she looked down from the balcony to see a single horse trotting towards the castle in the distance. She regarded the shining metal of her Knight and a white robe with blood upon it, as if it had been put there for a reason, woven around the King. The Knight walked alongside the horse, while keeping the injured King on the stallion. Quistis' eyes widened in horror at the condition of her husband. She ran out of her room to meet the two men into the courtyard.
"Irvine!!" she yelled, running towards the horse. The King, his face rested upon the back of the horse, lifted up his head to see who had called him and smiled slightly at his beautiful wife running to him, carrying the front of her dress alongside her.
"Quistis..." Irvine murmured, lifting up a tired arm at her.
Quistis felt something broken in her heart. The King was injured and her wife, her Queen, had betrayed him. One bad news was enough for the King today. She will have to purse her lips together to keep the burden from him. She placed a hand on his injured back and frowned, glancing back at Seifer for an explanation and wishing at the same time Seifer could comfort her with an embrace.
Seifer took a deep breath and looked down on the ground. They both knew what they had done. He looked up and met her ocean blue eyes, answering in silence that they were both going to be all right. "I found the King laying down, with his front firmly planted on the ground. I believe he has been injured during the fight in the marshes."
"Then, we must bring him inside immediately!" Quistis stroked Irvine's hair, feeling remorse for the King, no love for him. She has always loved her Knight. She heard footsteps behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed the kitchen men and the handmaiden made an effort to run to the King's side quickly. They all gathered around Irvine and together, they lifted him off the horse and carried him inside. Quistis and Seifer followed behind, glancing once and a while at each other with guilt in their hearts.
****************
The hot water dripped down her tiny fingers. She placed the cloth over the injury, receiving a wince from the fallen figure. Noticing his distress, Selphie removed the cloth from his back and stared at the King. She could see the color coming back on his face and she knew he was going to be all right.
She felt a draft in front of her and at that moment, she knew the door had opened. She looked up and saw the Queen with concern in her face, waiting for an explanation of his condition. Her handmaiden would never know the cause for the look on her face.
"He will be fine, Your Highness," she spoke softly. She forced a smile on her face, thinking not of the King, nor the Queen's worried looks, but the life she was living in now. What if her one true love did this to him? How can she ever live with this? Maybe it was for the best that they kept apart.... No.... she could not let go of Zell. Her love for him was too much to let him go. For one brief moment, Selphie was silent, then looked up at the Queen and spoke again. "I have put some healing herbs on the wound. He will be fine by morning."
The Queen nodded. "Thank you, Selphie," she said, laying down on the bed. She placed a hand on his head and stroked the King's disheveled chestnut hair. He opened his eyes for a moment, smiled and closed his eyes again to sleep.
Selphie smiled and stood up from her position on the other side of the bed. She replaced the cloth with a white, strip and wrapped it gently around his torso, having to slide underneath him to tie the band securely around him. When she was finished, she turned the King over on his back and glanced at the Queen, who gave her a thankful look. She took one last look at the King, before leaving the room.
Quistis waited until the door closed behind the handmaiden. The Queen placed a hand over his large ones and smiled slightly at the King's sleeping state. He opened his eyes again, revealing his green orbs and squeezed her hand.
"I thought I would never see you again," he spoke.
Quistis shook her head, placing a finger on his lips. "Hush, do not speak. Your energy is important for recovery."
Irvine nodded and grinned. "Before I sleep, I need a kiss from my wife." He stroked the back of his wife's hand and lifted it up to his lips, kissing it lightly. Quistis smiled, her heart still aching with guilt. She leaned towards him and kissed him lightly on the lips.
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Seifer opened the door quietly, making sure he was not interrupting anything. He expected for the King to be resting by now, while the Queen sat by his side. It was her duty to do so, as not to have any suspicions from the servants or the Trusted Advisor of her behavior. Unfortunately, as he peeked inside the slightly opened door, what he saw sunk his heart. The Queen had her lips pressed against the lips of her King, that at that moment, the Queen and her King were meant for each other. Forcing a smile on his face, feeling lonely and lost, he closed the door gently and walked silently into the hall.
****************
"Zell.... How could you?" Selphie walked out into the grassy courtyard. She felt lonely and lost underneath the stars. She wished everyday that Zell would leave his duties and come to her.
"Selphie....." Startled at her whispered name, Selphie squinted her eyes towards the greens gathered slightly adjacent in front of her. The bushes swayed back and forth, alerting Selphie, when an unexpected visitor jumped out of the shadows. The figure clutched at his arm, blood pouring down the sleeves of his tunic and the corner of his temple. Selphie recognized his golden, blond hair.
Zell fell on his knees, his eyes weary from the long travel and looked up at Selphie running to him. She kneeled in front of him and gazed at him in worry. Selphie examined him up and down, noticing the bruises on his legs and the frowned.
She went to his side and wrapped an arm around his waist, then helped him up on his staggering feet. The blond warrior forced himself not to put all the weight towards Selphie, since he knew how small she was compared to him. However, Selphie just pulled him with her, not caring how much weight he put her. She guided him towards the door that led to the kitchen. It was a risk to bring him in, but she could not leave him to die out here. He would have to stay in the quarters where she sleeps.
"I wanted for this war to end, so I went to find out the truth on the reason why this war is happening. I went to my Highness' quarters to speak to him, when I heard a second voice, that I have never recognized before. The voice sounded female and I thought maybe it was just the Duchess, with something in her mouth, but it was not. I knew it was not. I peeked inside and I saw a woman with fiery red mane."
Selphie shook her head. "Do not speak, my love," she warned, placing a finger to her lips. "You may explain to me once you are well."
Zell sighed and nodded, closing his mouth.
****************
Thanking the Gods for giving her a chance to carry the injured soldier to her quarters, Selphie led Zell to the bed. It did not matter to her now the blood stains on her bed, just as long as Zell was here with her. Zell winced, as he voluntarily removed his tunic from his shirt to reveal a large gash going down his arm. Selphie gasped at the sight and she looked up with a frown on her face.
"Zell..." she whispered.
The blond soldier shook his head and grinned. "Do not worry too much of me, Selphie."
Selphie forced a smile on her face the second time that day and took out the items needed from her dresser drawer. Returning to Zell, she lifted up his arm gently, causing Zell to flinch and dabbed the healing herb on the large gash. Zell closed his eyes, trying to suppress the pain.
"This woman with the fiery red mane.... What did she speak to the Duke about?" Selphie asked, dabbing over the wound gently.
Zell winced at every dab, but managed to keep his composure. "She had asked the Duke about letting her have all Kingdoms once he was finished conquering them."
She looked up. "What? What does that mean? You are speaking of the Duke?"
Zell nodded. "Yes. I could not believe it myself, but I heard it with my own ears. When I peered in closer, she must have seen me. The next thing I remember, soldiers appeared behind me and began to attack me. The Duke did nothing to stop the abuse. She must have enchanted him somehow."
"Why do you believe that?" The blond man was silent, causing Selphie to stop and look into her lover's eyes. "Zell?"
"The late Duke Laguna would never force this kind of atrocity. He raised his son well and taught Squall to become a wonderful ruler of Esthar. When he died, Duke Squall promised to fulfill his father's dreams by being a good ruler for his people....." he paused. He stared ahead of him.
Selphie glanced at him. "What? What is it?"
"He has acted quite differently since that woman appeared." Zell remembered the woman with a hood over her head. She had sneaked inside the castle and was caught by him. He demanded to the woman of her purpose and she told him of the news about Balbadia plotting an attack on Esthar. "That woman lied!" he suddenly yelled, slamming his free hand on the bed.
The brunette jumped.
"How dare she lie to the Duke! He must have believed everything she said! I must go to him and warn him!" He stood up, but a hand stopped him from doing so. Zell looked down on the concerned face of Selphie, who had her hand placed gently on his shoulder. "Selphie, I must warn the Duke."
"You are injured, Zell. I can not bare to see you struggle during battle. Your warnings can wait." She pulled him back down.
Zell shook his head. "It simply can not, Selphie! The Duke's life is at stake. I must warn him!"
"Your loyalty to the Duke makes me wonder what kind of man you are. You are a kind man with a determination in his soul. I understand those things, but I simply can not let you go alone. You must speak to the King."
"The King of Balbadia?" Zell looked at her strangely. "I can not speak to the King of Balbadia. He is my enemy, my Duke's enemy."
"Am I your enemy, Zell?"
Zell stared at her. He did not speak. He did not want to believe that they were enemies, yet they were.
"You want to end this war, do you not?"
Zell nodded, silently.
Selphie wrapped a white band around his arm and clasped the two ends together with a clip and sat down on the bed beside him. She buried her face on his shoulder and began to weep. "If you wish to end this war, then I need you to stay. Please... for me? I need to see you, I wish to be by your side."
Zell could not look at her. He was too shameful of the words he said to her before. He wished to be by her side as well. "Selphie... my words to you hurt you deeply. I can not be forgiven."
"I have forgiven you even before you left for that battle in the marshes. Your words held truth in them, but I knew you never meant them." She kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish for you to speak to the King on this matter."
Zell finally nodded. "Fine. I will speak to him now."
Selphie shook her head and looked at him in the eyes. "No, Zell. You and I must rest soon. Night has fallen. I need you here with me right now. I have missed you so."
Zell nodded reluctantly and plopped down on the bed, along with Selphie. Their feet, both dangling at the edge, stayed firm, as they wrapped each other in comfort. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
"Selphie... I love you...." He whispered.
The brunette closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face. The words she has waited all her life has finally been spoken. Selphie looked up and kissed his lips. "I love you too, Zell."
GoodGurl: All right, sixth chapter is finished! I hope you enjoyed that one! Now.... Will Zell really talk to the King? What about Seifer? What happened to him after he saw the Queen and the King kiss? Will there still be Queifer in this story? Awww, don't get mad. This is a Queifer and a Zelphie after all!