Shackles of Duty
She was a princess, and he was her knight. When he had held Eirika in his arms as they fled their pursuers, she had felt as though nothing had the power to harm her. Seth had felt that here was the woman for whom he'd fight to the death to protect, for whom he'd lay down his own life.
I will contain my love for my servant.
He was the prince and heir of Frelia, and she was a newly knighted pegasus rider. Both Innes and Vanessa felt that it was their sworn duty to protect the other. It was this sense of duty that led them to fight side by side, and they fell in love amidst the battles raging on.
I will contain my love for my servant.
But not many can forget their duty, their place, so easily. Although it pained both of them, Seth told Eirika that, although he felt the same, the Queen of Renais can not favor one subject over others. Remembering her duty, she agreed. Unable to forget her feelings, she wept often when she was alone.
I will contain my love for my servant.
Ready to tell his father that he would marry Vanessa, Innes could almost hear his heart shatter as his father announced that as soon as the rebuilding of Renais had begun, he was to marry Eirika, to ensure peace between their lands. Such was his duty, and he had no choice to accept it.
I will contain my love for my servant.
And so, they lived out their lives. Innes and Eirika reigned as the monarchs of Freila. Seth remained in Renais, guiding the armies under the rule of Ephraim and his wife, and Vanessa had her sister relocate her to guarding the border between Frelia and Grado. None could forget their love, and their lives were less for not daring to defy the shackles of duty.
I will contain my love for my servant...