The royal palace in Askr was even more opulent than the castle we used in the Order. I thought I saw everything when I was in the castle, as Anna had made it a point to basically deck the castle with lots of bells and whistles, but I was quickly proven wrong. I was quite nervous as I was in the palace by myself. I was strictly forbidden to bring Alfonse or Sharena with me for this visit. I was to meet with King Gustav as soon as I was finished with the last assignment he gave me. The final plan was going to discussed today and I had a few ideas written down. However, I had a feeling that His Highness had other plans that he wished to run by me.
I marched myself over the entrance to the throne room, which was guarded by a pair of knights. They basically interrogated me like I was a god damned criminal even though I had brought physical proof that I was authorized to be there. They claimed that I was suspicious looking and shit because I was wearing my hood up. They also called me sir a few times despite my voice and face being very feminine. Perhaps they thought I was just a stereotypical gay boy? In which case, they had only gotten it half correct. I had dated two girls before in my past but that shouldn't be preventing me from freaking meeting up with Al's dad. I pulled my hood down to show them that, yes, I am in fact a woman and would like to be addressed as such.
"Now can you let me through? I have job to do and I'm wasting precious seconds arguing with you because apparently according to you, I'm not allowed to come here. I have His Majesty's seal and signature right here. I literally couldn't have forged or stolen this even if I tried." I have never been so irritated with someone so dense that they could make diamonds in their ass.
"That's what they all say, Lady" one of them says with an excess of verbal venom
"Yeah come to the palace without Alfonse he says… Jesus Christ, I am really regretting that now."
It was then my saving grace, Henriette showed up. "Why hello there Kiran, It's nice to see you! Has anyone told you that you have a very pretty face?"
"Oh hello Your Highness! I'm afraid that I seldom hear that. More people seem to focus more on my boyish figure. Lots of people mistake me for a young boy if I'm not wearing bright pink dresses or something. I'm very flattered that you think so." My face turned to a light pink in embarrassment. Everytime I talk to Henriette, I feel more and more like I'm talking to Sharena.
The guards just stood there baffled by my overall casual banter with the Queen. I guess me knowing the Royal family was a shock to them. It really shouldn't have been, since I told them exactly who I was, what the purpose of my visit was, and the physical proof should've have let me in.
"You two can let her in. Kiran is our tactician in training and His Highness doesn't like being kept waiting." Henriette said with a wink.
"Y-yes Your Highness! We'll let her in right away!"
"Thank you, Your Highness. I am in your debt"
"No it's I that owes you. You already do so much for the Order and Askr. You even help my son keep his head on straight. He's a smart boy, but he can be a bit headstrong sometimes. I always worry about him."
"That's nothing. I'm just doing it because they are my friends. If meeting with King Gustav will help me save Alfonse then I'll do it"
"You don't owe me anything, Kiran. As a mother, that's all I could ever hope for. I'll be praying for your success" Henriette then quietly excused herself.
I honestly, don't know why the Queen had been so interested in me. I'm not that great and it's not like I'm doing all of this because I have this sense of duty to the kingdom. I'm doing this entirely for my own selfish reasons. If it weren't for Al and Sharena, I probably wouldn't have stuck around for very long. Of course there's Anna as well but, my friendship with her can be a bit shaky at times. Even if I get along with her most days, there are days where a dark part of me just wants to blame all of my problems on her. She was the one who pulled me into this world in the first place, afterall. I have mostly forgiven her, but I feel as though my resentment hasn't been fully resolved yet. I hated it too, because I want to fully forgive her. It was kinda silly that I have fully forgiven Al and Sharena for being in on what was essentially my trans dimensional kidnapping, but not Anna. In fact, I had forgiven the two royal siblings long before I had realized that I had a thing for the prince.
It just felt odd that she was being so nice to me when we've barely known each other. I've known her for only about a week. In my mind, I kept telling myself that I have no reason to feel this way. Queen Henriette was kind and ernest just like her daughter. Not everyone has a hidden agenda, after all.
I took a deep breath and I went inside the throne room. I put my hood up and walked over to throne where King Gustav sat. I knelt before him since I felt that it was probably the appropriate thing to do. Despite being around plenty of Heroes from Royal families everyday, I wasn't used to interacting with them on a more formal level. I usually talked to them like I would talk to my friends. It seemed put them at ease. That was not the case here, since Gustav did not adopt the "befriend everyone you meet" approach that Sharena did. He was more cautious and definitely was more of a no nonsense kind of person. I could sometimes see traces of Gustav's personality in Alfonse. If I were to believe Henriette however, and I had no reason not to, then Alfonse was almost exactly like Gustav when he was younger.
"Your Highness… I arrived as soon as I could. I have a few plans ready for your approval. However, these are all assuming where Hel woul-"
"There's a missing piece to all of your plans."
"H-how… did you?"
"I have arrived at the same conclusion that you have. No matter what you tried, the outcome is always the same."
"Your Highness… I refuse. I know exactly what you're implying. I've been wondering for these past few days why you are putting me through all these assignments… and that's when it hit me. You had your answer already from the start. You wanted me to figure it out on my own but… what I think you are asking me… is cruel." I say the last sentence softly.
"This is war Kiran. You cannot hesitate. It is a sacrifice that must be made to win this and you know it. This is your final test. With my life as your gambit, you will lay down the path to Askr's victory. I trust that you will keep my son from doing anything too rash once I'm gone."
"Your Highness! You are asking me to send you off to be slaughtered! This isn't right! Your blood will be on my hands once this is over!" I cried out in protest
"I'm not asking you. I'm ordering you to come up with a strategy and use my life as the 'Hail Mary' that you've been so desperately looking for. Furthermore, you will not tell my son and daughter anything about this. Not even after we execute the plan." Gustav's voice growled.
"I understand that to in order to save Alfonse, we need someone to take his place. At least that is what it's looking like anyway… but you're telling me that you are going to purposefully march to your grave and you're pulling me into this. There's still time to figure out a way to save him without his father becoming a martyr!"
"Kiran. We have been through this before. Someone is going to have to die. Hel will come to collect him and the curse targets the blood of Askr. The only way Alfonse is getting out alive is if I take his place. We mustn't waste anymore time. I've haven't much longer for this…"
"...Fine. I'll do it. It pains me so much because… I know how much you mean to your family. I'll do it for Alfonse. I believe in him. He'll become King and he'll make you proud. I will support him every step of the way. I…" I was beginning to choke on my own words and hot tears were streaming down my face.
Why did I cry for this man? I mean… it wasn't as if we were close and it wasn't like I was going to be the one to actually kill him. That would be Hel's handiwork. However, it felt like I was the would-be murderer of my own best friend's father. It was something that weighed on me heavily. I had to do it. He just wanted to do what was best for his son and I should respect his wishes. I should accept that in war, there are always sacrifices. Had my Dad been in his shoes, he would die for his family too. I wiped my face dry.
"A person like you doesn't belong on the battlefield. There will always be death and sacrifice. Why do you continue? You don't have to stay in the Order. I could open a gate your world if you wished…" Gustav's eyes bored into my own and for a moment… they pitied me too.
"I ask myself that everyday, Your Highness. I never wanted this and yet… I can't just leave either. It's the bonds that I share with Alfonse, Sharena, Anna and everyone in the Order of Heroes that tether me here to this world. My loyalties are to Alfonse and Sharena and no one else. You… you...are playing with my emotions like a goddamn play toy! I'm not a goddamn china doll who'll break if anyone ever so much as looks at me funny!" I then gasped and cover my mouth as I realized that I shouldn't have done that.
Gustav's expression was as stone cold as always, but I knew that he was very displeased with my outburst. I panicked and started to rapidly apologize up and down. It really did piss me off for him to play with my heart like this but I should've known better than to talk back at him like that.
"That's enough. If you are so adamant on staying here, you must heed the final words and wishes of a dying father. Accept your final task and guide my son to his rightful place."
"Of course, Your Majesty. It's actually quite a simple change to my plan. I'll need you to handle the knights and I'll take care of the Order. We'll meet up in the fated spot and when I give the signal… you know what to do."
"Good. I will send a servant to escort you back to the Order. You are dismissed for today. " Gustav says gruffly.
I looked into his eyes one last time before taking my leave. I couldn't find one trace of fear in them. Either he did not fear his own death and had already made peace with that fact, or he was wearing the meanest poker face I've had ever laid my eyes upon. Either way, it did little to comfort me. Tomorrow I was going to be a part of an assisted suicide plan to save the man I fell in love with. It was the cruelest twist of irony I've ever seen. It was enough to send chills down my spine.
"Excuse me, would you happen to be Lady Kiran?" Asked a maid with long dark red hair.
"Lady? I'm afraid I don't have a title here. Just Kiran would do just fine, I think. Are you the one escorting me tonight?" I ask. I was slightly confused by the slowly increasing amount of people within the royal guard calling me Lady. It has been going on for a few days and I was genuinely concerned. The King and Queen have named me as Alfonse's official tactician. Well I am apparently still a trainee but this was to be my last and final test before I would fully earn that job. I was in no way, shape, or form Askran nobility so being called Lady seemed way too extra.
The maid nodded. "The King has assigned me to be your guard for tonight. Are we ready to depart for the Order of Heroes, Lady Kiran?" The maid said in a very formal and professional manner while completely ignoring my request. I guess she preferred to speak with a certain degree of propriety whether or not it was asked for.
"Not until I know the name of my guide for tonight's trip. If we find ourselves running into the enemy, it would be easier for me to coordinate an escape plan if I could call for you."
"My name is Antonia, Lady Kiran."
"I like it. It rolls off tongue nice and smooth. Well then Antonia, lead the way"
We then headed towards the stables where Slow Dancer was waiting for me. Antonia mounted herself on top of a midnight black horse and we sped off into the night towards the Order of Heroes. The trip went without a hitch and upon our arrival, I offered to arrange a room for her to stay the night. She reluctantly agreed since it was close to midnight and I began to lead her to one of the empty rooms. I was then greeted by Sharena and Alfonse.
"Hey Kiran… You're back. How did everything go?" Alfonse asked while yawning.
"I can't really talk about it, but it seems that they are putting me in charge of tactics for the whole Kingdom after we defeat Hel. The King has been testing me for the whole week. Ever notice how much more efficient and effective the royal army is than before? That was my handiwork." I'm not usually one to brag, but I was proud of my recent accomplishments. I worked extremely long and hard hours to get everything to run as smooth as possible. There were a lot of experimental strategies that I had to implement to stay on top. However, it was hard to stay silent about tomorrow's plans. Nobody was to know about the King's plan and I am the only one besides Gustav and Henriette that knows about it.
"I knew you could do it Kiran! I'm always rooting for you of course." Sharena giggled.
"I understand that you are happy for Lady Kiran, but you should all go to bed. The next battle is going to happen soon. Everyone needs to rest, especially you Lord Alfonse. You have the entire kingdom in an uproar right now."
"Hello, Tonia. It's been awhile since we've last met. You were Kiran's escort today I take it?" Alfonse asked, apparently having known this maid previously. Antonia simply nodded.
Sharena gave Tonia a big royal bear hug. Tonia seemed to be uncomfortable but also used to it. They've definitely met before.
"Lady Sharena… I… need air…!" She gasped
"Hey Alfonse… care to explain why Sharena is strangling Antonia? It's obvious that you both know each other but… can you fill me in?" I asked
"Tonia is the best maid in Askr. She used to be Sharena's maid before the Order of Heroes was established. I'm glad Father sent her with you. I was worrying about you earlier when you went all the way to the palace by yourself. Now that you're here with Tonia, I can rest much easier knowing that you are well protected. Her skill with a dagger is quite impressive."
Sharena let Antonia out of her hug. Antonia was gasping for air but eventually she curtsied. "I happy to hear such high praise from you Milord. It's an honor."
I yawned, having had next to no sleep the for past few days. Managing two separate armies was exhausting and demanded that I spend much of my time awake. Alfonse looked at me and noticed the dark eye circles and baggy eyelids.
"Kiran you should go rest. You look like you've never slept in your entire life. I'm going to have to speak with Father to make sure you aren't getting overworked."
"You owe me a vacation after I save your royal butt from Hel. I'm in desperate need to recharge myself. Maybe catch up on some sleep at least."
"I will grant it to you in a heartbeat, Kiran. The Aether Resort is almost finished so I am sure it'll be a good spot to unwind."
"I will definitely consider checking it out. There are a lot of things I want to do… Mostly I just want to go to the beach again. I miss being able to feel the sand in between my toes and the salty breeze caress my face. Though the people here are far better than in Hawaii. Certainly they are much nicer than the ones back home." A wave of homesickness washed over me once more as it had done several times before.
Lots of things in Hawaii sucked, but my old man had a house there and we had a small stretch of land that was mostly unmarred by people. It was a private retreat in which I could just quietly stare at the scenery. My dad was extremely career driven and so when he was forced to retire from the army due to age, he went around and ended up doing work for a large corporation. His obsession with work made him rich but it left me without a father to rely on outside of money. I rarely got to see him or mom once Kaiden was old enough to handle the day to day operations of the house and I was starting high school. I had some good memories of home, though most of them were just of me hanging out with Kaiden. I honestly missed the father that I had grew up listening to hard rock with, but he was eventually replaced by someone who only looked like him. I had often wondered what changed him but never had the courage to ask him.
"Are you thinking about your home again Kiran?" Sharena asked
"Yeah… home… I guess I'm just a little homesick. It'll pass eventually I think…"
In a way, going home sounds heavenly compared to the actual hell we were going through to orchestrate Alfonse's survival. No pressure to dirty my hands with the blood a king, no glowing skeleton people, just a peaceful normal everyday existence. Gustav's words echoed in my mind. I shook my head at myself and pushed those thoughts aside. Im neck deep in this mess and quitting right now would be disastrous for everyone else involved. I found myself avoiding eye contact with the prince and princess standing before me. In a few hours, their father will cease to live and I was the only one in the room who knew.
"Kiran, you don't look so good. Please let me escort you to your room. It may be the last thing I can do for you." Alfonse offered
I briefly considered declining the offer. I didn't want to hear him talk about his last wishes after all I was doing to keep him tethered to living world. He couldn't have known of course, but I didn't know how much more heartbreak I could take. I decided to go along with the request, however. Even if it was hard to face him right now, I craved for his company and support all the same.
"I will gladly accept your offer, Al. I have a lot on my mind and talking to you and Sharena makes me feel a little better. The only thing I will ask for in return, is for Sharena to guide Antonia the rest of the way to her temporary quarters."
"Pppfftt! Please! I was always going to do that. She and I have a lot to catching up to do anyway. You and Al go on right ahead." She winked at me before animatedly dragging the maid towards her room.
We both exchanged looks of confusion before he shrugged it off and guided me back to my room. It was an awkward and silent journey, but it was preferable to being alone. When we finally arrived at my room, I began to feel the tears slowly dribble down my face. I couldn't help it. It felt like I was saying goodbye to him for the last time.
"Hey Al, could I ask you for something? It's kinda silly but…"
"Ask away. You know that I am more than happy to help you whenever I can."
"Well… I um… I was wondering… would it be ok if you stayed with me just a little while longer? I afraid that my plans for tomorrow might not work out and... " I honestly could barely believe the words that were coming out of my own mouth. My entire face was turning into a bright crimson red.
"You want to spend time with me before I die right? I understand. I was thinking the same thing, actually. We both know there's a high chance that even with our best laid plans, the curse would finally kill me. I don't care what others will say… I just want to spend my last minutes with my best friend. So… I will stay with you for as long as you want."
"R-really? Are you sure that this is what you want? I mean… if you don't care what anyone thinks about this… then I guess I don't either. I'm more scared of you dying than anything else right now. I don't want to lose you to that woman. We both promised to protect each other right? Then this is no different than that!"
"I am sure of it. I want to spend my last hours with you. If the worst comes to pass, then I'd at least die happily knowing that I've spent my time sharing my last with the person I trust the most." Alfonse smiled softly
"So… then is that an order then?" I asked jokingly
"No. It is a request from a friend."
"Then that's good enough for me. Lemme open the door for you" I say as I held the door to my open for him
"Thanks, Kiran. You're far too kind."
I laughed "Ha! That's rich considering that I'm the one who came up with this little get together in the first place. I'm doing this because I want to. Anyway, how many pillows do you want on the bed?"
"You're not sleeping in your own bed, Kiran?" Alfonse winced
"Nope I got a comfortable armchair and a foot rest over there that I can sleep on."
"How about you take the bed and I get the armchair? I refuse to let you sleep poorly after all you've been through because of my mistake."
"Oh no you dont! It wouldn't be proper for a hostess to force her guest in a chair. You get the bed."
"Beauty before age" Alfonse shot back in attempt to get me to sleep in my own bed tonight
"Good then that means you get the bed and I will sleep in the chair!"
"That's not what I meant Kiran!" Al blushed after I had basically called him a beauty inadvertently.
"Im two years older than you, you doofus!"
"O-oh that's right… but I'm still not forcing you to sleep in that chair!"
"You're going to have to pry the chair out of my cold dead hands!" I say as I grabbed a pillow to assault him with.
"Not if I can help it! The order needs to have it's summoner fully rested for tomorrow!" He said as he grabbed his own pillow and began to walk towards me.
"Oh? You're approaching me? Instead of going to bed, you are coming right to me?" I said as I posed dramatically.
"I can't get you to sleep if I don't come closer"
"Oh ho! Then come as close as you like!" I taunted. I pitied the prince… he didn't know that I was a seasoned veteran of the pillow wars back home. I had perfected the techniques and strategies so that my failure at the battle of Arizona would not be repeated again.
The fight began in earnest as we smacked each other around with the pillows. I think I got too into roleplaying the Dio versus Jotaro fight thing though, because I was saying "Muda" a lot. The only thing that would have made it better is if he said "Ora ora ora!" However, the fight ended in a draw, and we both collapsed on top of my bed after exhausting each other out. We both fell asleep in each other's arms without fully realizing it, but it was the most peaceful I had ever slept.
A/N: Hey it's me again... yeah I didnt expect to be dropping an another A/N so soon, but I do have an announcement of sorts. I have updated previous chapters to have actual line breaks instead of those visually jarring transition place holders I had used before. This also means I'll go back to using transitions in future chapters. Also Im kinda digging all the new info that is out for Three Houses. If Dorethea becomes summonable in feh Im totally having Kiran screaching in "Is ThAt A mUtHa FoOkInG JoJo ReFeReNcE?" and everyone just looks at her like "dafuq she talking about?"