Oh my word. So...long...between...chapters...

Raine: You keep coming back. -Sigh- What does it take to get rid of you!

Alot more than being harassed by my muse...

Raine: I was afraid of that. Very well, get on with it. -.-

'Kay.

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"Raine was...arrested?" Regal blinked. Why would Raine have been arrested? And how on earth had they ended up in Meltokio rather than here, Palmacosta?

"That's what we've heard. 'The new wife of Duke Bryant arrested for assaulting a citizen of Meltokio.'" Sheena heaved a sigh. "I know Raine is rather violent at times...but she doesn't try to kill people."

"All she does is smack them one," added Genis under his breath, though Regal caught it. He felt a spark of amusement rise, then burn out rather quickly.

"Karla set it up," said Regal. That much was quite obvious to him now. He shook his head, glowering down at the stone beneath his feet. "Something is not right, however."

"Well, yeah. Raine's sitting in jail and we're standing around here talking." Zelos shrugged slightly. "So let's go get 'er."

"No, that's what I mean. Karla gave off the very distinct impression that she wanted to see, as Lloyd said, the end of Raine and myself. It does not seem to fit that she would simply allow Raine's arrest, and leave it at that."

"That is a little fishy, I guess," agreed the red-headed Chosen. "Y'know, that probably means she expects you to go. Maybe you should stay here while we rescue Madamoiselle Dukess."

Somehow, Regal wasn't fond of that idea. It was his fault she in this situation...he wasn't about to sit around in Sylvarant's equivalent of a capital city, helpless and useless in regards to her rescue. "No," he said, flatly. "No matter what Karla may be planning, I will not sit idly while Raine is in prison because of a horrible injustice."

"Yeah, that's sweet and all," sighed Zelos, "but what if that's exactly what Karla wants you to do, and you're putting not only yourself in danger, but maybe even the gorgeous spouse?"

Regal blinked. "...I have to take that chance, for Raine. Even if I may be walking right into a trap, I will not stand by and do nothing," he said, his tone offering no room for further protesting. "I will help her."

Sheena and Zelos shared an exasperated, and helplessly defeated glance as they sighed. "Okay, then," said the Summoner, shaking her head. "Let's go. We won't solve anything by arguing here."

"Yeah, we've got to help her," agreed Lloyd. Again, they set out for the field surrounding Palmacosta, in order to take off on the Rheairds. It was a somewhat lengthy trip, but they made good time nontheless. As they set down near Meltokio the next morning, Regal was the first to stride toward the gates with a determinedly angry look on his face.

It was quite helpful to walk through Meltokio with a glare that plainly said "Keep quiet or else," as everyone seemed to part from eachother at his passing, and they weren't stopped once til they came upon the castle. "I wish to see Raine," he said, gruffly.

"Lord Bryant," acknowledged one of the guards. "Ah, of course...Your wife is currently resting comfortably in the dungeon, sir." It was quite obvious that the man was smirking under that thick helmet, and it made the Duke's glare harden. The very fact that people were getting joy out of the suffering of one woman was despicable.

"That, I highly doubt," was, however, his only verbal reply. "Please allow me to pass so that I may speak with her and possibly His Majesty, as well."

"Yes, M'Lord," said the guard, his voice just dripping with amusement.

Regal lightly brushed past them and into the Grand Castle Tethe'alla, only vaguely aware of the others at his heels. Yes, he would allow them to come along, perhaps even welcome their assistance...but right now was not the time to keep his attention on them. No, his focus belonged on Raine right now.

He ignored the other guards that watched him with chuckles, and some with scoffing as he made his way toward the cells he knew so well. He was grateful, however, when the others hung back as he started into the Prison. Evidently, they sensed the desire to be alone...even if they were standing at the entrance, just in case Karla decided to show up.

It wasn't long before he spotted her; there was no one else there, and her opaline-white gave her away immediately. "...Raine," he said gently, approaching slowly. She gave a start, and looked up at him with anxiety in her face.

"Regal, you shouldn't be here," she said, nervously. "This is a trap set up by Karla...you have to leave, now."

"No, Raine. I left you once, but not again." She had gotten to her feet now, and he stuck his hand between the bars of her cell, taking her chin in his hand. "I won't do it again, I can't. Don't worry, I am well aware of Karla's supposed intentions."

"And you still came alone?" she asked, incredulously, staring at him as though he was some exotic creature.

"I am not alone," he mused, inclining his head at the entrance, where the others were still standing. "They insisted upon accompanying me."

"And a good thing, too, I should think," said Raine, her voice dry. "Coming by oneself could possibly show a level of stupidity far below your level of intelligence."

He blinked, cocking an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment, I suppose," he said, cocking a tiny smile. He released her chin, and took her hand instead. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, I trust?"

"No, I'm fine," she said, dismissively. Her expression and tone had both relaxed, now that she was apparently confident in his safety. Raine shook her head. "Though I must say, even with the changes made to Tethe'alla's law, this political structure still leaves something to be desired."

He patted her hand gently, his smile widening. "Human nature," he said, apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"It isn't you, it's the idiot of a--"

"Raine." He silenced her by interrupting, bemused. "I promise, I'll straighten this out. Karla won't get away with anything, that I can gaurantee. Just don't' start insulting the king, or you're liable to be kept here no matter what."

This earned a little sniff of annoyance on her part, and he slowly released her hand. "Alright. I'll go talk to the king now," he mused. On his way past Lloyd ad the others, Sheena volunteered, "We'll stay here to watch for the Salri Sister."

"He gave a nodding, "Thank you," and left.

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Not a very exciting chapter.

Raine: Thank goodness.

But hopefully it'll get better.

Raine: That's quite alright...

Nah, it's the least I can do for you!

Raine: The very least.