Well ladies and gents, we're off to meet Eir and Henriette! We'll be heading a relatively short way there, but it'll be fun to see how this goes no?

Also, I was originally thinking this'd be the last chapter before epilogue, but it looks like we'll have one maybe two more before that happens. Depends if I come up with a good reason to continue the road trip.

Anyway, off we go!

Proposal

Breakfast at last allowed Alfonse, Fjorm, and Laevatein to meet the local lord.

He was a genial and exuberant man, gladly raving about the opera and after-party while being a grand host. Everyone got their fill of delicious food and drink that morning, the Volk family offering the entertainment with their antics.

While Gunnthra and Laegjarn were mostly quiet during the meal, instead keeping close watch on their respective sister and Alfonse. Laevatein was doing a great deal better that morning, as shown by her smirks whenever Morgan did something silly, but she was still subdued.

It reminded Laegjarn far too much of what Laevatein had once been but watching Alfonse and Fjorm do all they could to lift her spirits warmed the new queen's heart. It was especially interesting when Fjorm got her to feed Alfonse, all laughing when he wondered aloud why that was such a common thing in stories.

Eventually business call them away, the new queens entering an extravagant carriage with an entire entourage of guards shortly after breakfast. Gunnthra smothered Fjorm in affection while Laegjarn pulled Laevatein close and whispered soft words of encouragement before they were on their way.

The Volk family would be staying, at least for now. Selena had, after a night to think on it, come up with several minor revisions to her opera that she wanted to see to. The rest would stick around to help her out before returning to the palace.

As such, when Alfonse and his loves had successfully procured a wagon in addition to their horses and supplies, the Volk family saw them off.

"It's only a day-and-a-half to the next destination." Alfonse sighed as he watched Cordelia and the lord fret over the food and other supplies stuffed into the wagon. "And then its only two for the one after that. We don't need a month's provisions."

Morgan grunted as she pushed against the mass with all her might. "Yeah… well, you're heading to a mountain village so having this is only… precautionary. Never know… when a rockslide could… strand you…"

Owain was pushing with her. "Indeed!... Such supplies are only… to see you safely… to meet your noble… mother!"

"And a prospective bride." Selena reminded sourly, off to the side and glaring at a sheet of parchment with Lucina. "Geez, I remember dealing with that when we were younger. Suitors came at Lucy and I left and right before our timeline went to hell. Morgan was only spared it because everyone was focused on me."

Lucina patted her shoulder gently. "We still found each other, no point dwelling on it. I'm sure things will go fine too. After all, Prince Alfonse has shown himself to be quite devoted."

She gestured to the wagon, where Alfonse had insisted the girls take control of it while he rode ahead. While Fjorm and Laevatein had quietly lamented the lost chance to continue copping feels when they rode with him, they saw the chivalry and care in the decision.

After all, wagons were a great deal more comfortable on roads and wouldn't give them saddle-rash.

"At the end of the day, they'll be enjoying themselves." Robin reminded as he finished helping Morgan and Owain shove in the last bags. "I'm sure Queen Henriette will be more than understanding of the situation, if confused as to how it occurred."

Alfonse sighed, hoping that would be the case. "Regardless, with your work complete, we best be on our way. The sooner we meet with my mother, the sooner we can put this situation to rest and enjoy our destination. Be well my friends, and we'll see you back at the palace."

The Volk's and lord bid the party goodbye, Alfonse guiding the wagon into the city while Fjorm and Laevatein's horses pulled the wagon. The girls had gotten new travel dresses for this leg of the trip, the white cloth thicker for the inevitably cold weather ahead, while Alfonse had received a coat of similar make.

"I still can't believe you of all people have a suitor coming to meet us." Laevatein grumbled as they trundled through the city streets, relatively few up at this hour. "Even on the battlefield, you never seemed the type to have something like that happen."

Fjorm giggled, her words delayed by someone in a hurry running in front of the horses. Once they were appropriately scolded, she spoke. "Alfonse doesn't seem the type to have two paramours either, yet here we are. Who knows, maybe he'll steal her heart as well and we'll have to figure out a ménage a quarte."

"You, stop reading the smut novels." Alfonse shot, knowing he'd spotted several of them getting slipped into the wagon by Cordelia. "I know we can't have engaging conversation at all hours, but there has to be something else to read."

Laevatein smirked at her pouting friend. "He has a point. You've been reading those things whenever you're not engaged with us or some other task. Surely you must have all kinds of dastardly thoughts and plans for our dear prince."

Fjorm flushed from the neck up, eyes wide in surprise. "N-no! I simply read them for… the stories, yes! They're actually very well written with compelling characters, its not just indecent acts!"

Alfonse and Laevatein laughed at her desperate defense, the prince dropping the tease for now. "It's alright, I just can't help but worry your brother will come for me should you say such things so openly upon our return. We've enough rumors surrounding as is, yes?"

He gestured to the pedestrians, eyes following them with clear interest. From what whispers could reach them, it appeared most believed Fjorm was Alfonse's lawful suitor while Laevatein was… an exotic extra. They frankly couldn't believe their eyes considering Alfonse's upstanding reputation.

"Wow…" Laevatein groaned. "Why on earth are people so… want to make things dramatic? Especially since I'm not the one who kissed you before heaven and earth."

They thought on that question until they were out of the city. Then, it came to Alfonse and he sighed. "That's… partly my fault, I believe. There's a tradition in Askr that has to do with royalty dancing at balls, since we're essentially alone with someone for a few minutes."

Curious eyes turned to him and Alfonse scratched his cheek. "So… one dance with someone isn't too big a deal, it's meant to be a meeting between us and those we've yet to know. Two are for friends or allies. Three though… it's generally reserved for either very close friends or courting pairs."

"Which only made things worse when I decided to kiss you in front of everyone after you'd danced with Laev." Fjorm groaned, face heating once more. "Gods the rumors that will be born from that alone… I won't be able to show my face for two weeks."

Laevatein cackled. "Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure to take care of Alfonse here while you're wallowing."

Fjorm punched her shoulder, the wagon rumbling as they got into a juvenile slap fight. It wasn't much, but Alfonse still stepped in to keep them from running the wagon off the road. Once that was settled, Alfonse got them back on track. "Fjorm, there'll be no need to hide yourself from polite society, we'll be back at the palace before you'd need to do that."

He looked back to the road. "Now, my question to you both is how we want to approach the coming meeting. Should we just inform my mother out the gate or try to bring it up later?"

"My sister has always said honesty is best." Laevatein said. "This though… I can only imagine trying to tell my parents about this situation. Before all the madness, obviously."

Fjorm shuddered in agreement. "Yes indeed. Oh, I may not have known my father, but I can see Mother's face turning an interesting shade of purple."

"Your attempts at encouragement require a great deal more work." Alfonse growled in annoyance. "Here I was expecting something a bit more, you know, encouraging!"

Fjorm blinked at the emphasis. "Alfonse… are you really that nervous about telling your mother? She's a very genial woman from what I've seen of her, and far more likely to take the news well considering my mother was a stickler for tradition."

Alfonse sighed and looked away, regretting his sharp words. "It's… nerve-wracking to be honest. Mother may be ok with it, after the shock wears off, but she'll tell Father for sure and… well, he and I don't see eye-to-eye as you know."

"He's the one you're scared of." Laevatein realized, the connection like how Laegjarn thought of the late Surtr. "Would he… really be that upset?"

Alfonse sighed and thought on his father, the stern and scarred visage appearing in his mind. "I… honestly believe he'd never speak to me again. He believes me reckless and too quick to put myself in harm's way, not to mention my apparent inability to see the big picture."

The bitter voice was quite at odds with the usual Alfonse, as Fjorm was sure to point out. "Alfonse, there's no reason to think like that. You're still young and I'm sure he's simply worried about you. There's no reason to think something will happen before it does."

"I know," Alfonse sighed as he buried the bitterness. "Sorry for bringing the mood down."

Laevatein shook her head in answer. "Alfonse, that's nothing to be sorry for. You worry, that's just your nature, but try to leave it buried for now. We'll follow your lead when it comes time to arrive, act when you're ready."

Alfonse saw Fjorm agree and he conceded the line of thought. "Very well. Just know that when we get near, snow is a certainty. We're bound to have trouble moving, especially if a blizzard forms."

"You're talking to a living source of heat." Laevatein reminded before poking Fjorm's side. "And this one could walk into a raging blizzard in not but her smalls and still be fine. If anything, I'd be worried about you."

Fjorm poked her back. "Then I'll set up next to the entrance while you focus on being the fire. Maybe you'll let us roast nuts if you really concentrate."

Alfonse laughed as they snarked at each other, enjoying the return to easy chatter. They were right, trying to focus too much on the inevitable wouldn't do them any good before it arrived. Best to just enjoy the time they had.

The rest of the day passed peacefully, only the growing banks of clouds over the mountains dampening the mood. Fjorm and Laevatein were continuing their work on Cat's Cradle while Alfonse acted as guide, pointing out the various landmarks per usual.

It was a nice rhythm they'd settled into after their weeks of travel and none of them were want to disturb it.

Eventually though, the threat hanging over their heads couldn't be ignored. As the first frigid winds descended from the slopes, the party dug through the supplies they'd been granted and set to work.

A simple lean-to was built to house their horses, the wood able to block the wind while a bed of leaves softened the ground. After that came the tent, everyone huddling inside it for the winds swiftly grew to gales.

"You weren't kidding about that blizzard." Laevatein muttered, the wind howling outside while their tent shuddered under the onslaught. "It's a good thing we found this overhang."

Alfonse agreed, knowing the rock above them would keep out the snow. Wind on the other hand would go right through, so no fires for them.

"I just hope we won't have to dig ourselves out in the morning." Fjorm sighed, not wrapped in a blanket like her companions. "That'll take time, even with Laev speeding us along."

Alfonse shivered as another gust shook the tarp, silently scooting closer to Laevatein. Much to Fjorm's chagrin, Alfonse was sharing his blanket with Laevatein, mostly because she was putting off enough heat by herself to keep them both comfortable.

"At least we were able to stake everything." Alfonse said after several moments of silence. "I don't know what kind of foresight Lady Cordelia had, but it's good she included a pickaxe and rock-hooks."

The girls nodded quietly, and silence descended again. There really wasn't much to talk about and the howling wind was incredibly distracting. At that point, Alfonse was cursing forgetting his violin when Fjorm grabbed a book she'd brought and passed it to him. "Here, read this."

Alfonse eyed the book wearily. "It's… not one of your personal books is it?"

Fjorm flushed while Laevatein giggled. "No, I'd never give you such a ribald thing! This is the first book in a series that I've been reading alongside some of the others back at the palace. It's quite good and I think it'd be a good thing to pass the time with. We can take turns reading aloud."

"Yes, she gives the ribald things to me." Laevatein cracked, making Fjorm flush further. "Oh, I can't wait to see the dichotomy when she has to be all polite, knowing she loves erotica."

Fjorm practically shoved the book into Alfonse's lap. "Laugh it up, you're the one who wants to discuss those books with me. Anyway, could we use this to pass the time?"

Alfonse took the book gently and read the title. "Let's see… 'Furies of Celeras'. Ok, I don't see why we can't do that. You won't spoil anything will you?"

"I can barely remember what happened at the start of the series, it's been a while." Fjorm said with a low laugh. "Don't worry about it. Laev, you up for it?"

Laevatein nodded, if just. She quite liked snuggling with Alfonse as was but having something to help drown out the wind would be nice.

Alfonse chuckled at Laevatein and bid Fjorm closer. "Alright, grab whatever snacks you want, and I'll get started."

Fjorm smiled and grabbed a sack of dried fruits while Alfonse took his turn. The rest of the evening was passed in the comfort of loved ones, even the howling wind silenced by the dramatic reading of the book and the laughter that followed.

They fell asleep like that, Fjorm on top of them while Laevatein snuggled into Alfonse, but upon waking they were greeted with an annoying sight.

A snow drift had piled high enough to let only a thin line of light enter the space they'd set up in.

"Alright, grab the shovels." Alfonse directed as he went to check on the horses. "Start from the top so we don't get buried in it."

Fjorm was already on it, the pickaxe from yesterday used to hack out several openings in the wall of snow. Laevatein summoned small flames onto her hands and started running them over the edges of the openings, slowly widening them while Fjorm opened others.

They were efficient enough for Alfonse to check on the horses and tend to their needs without needing to help. In fact, by the time he was done, the girls had opened a path through the snow and out into the bright outdoors.

"I hear a wagon." Laevatein commented as they went back to start packing. "Say, Alfonse, does the city send patrols into the mountains after blizzards? You know, to see if anyone got stranded or snowed in like us?"

Alfonse shook his head. "No, that's too expensive and most people tend to avoid traveling through these mountains in groups as small as ours. Besides, the town we're going to is only a few hours away."

Fjorm was curious enough to step out of their erstwhile sanctuary, eyes taking a moment to adjust to the very bright light. "Actually… Alfonse, there's a carriage flying the royal heraldry! I see Sir Dorcas!"

Alfonse felt nerves grip him with icy claws, knowing what that meant. "How can that be? The route Mother would be taking goes through the other side of the mountains."

"We'll be facing the music early then." Laevatein said with a tone of dismissal, more focused on getting their things packed up. "Or at the very least have the luxury of a carriage. Can we withstand the awkwardness if it means not being in the wind and snow?"

Alfonse dearly wished he could roll with these events as easily as Laevatein. "Somewhat… though the sooner we get you exposed to my mother the better. Fjorm, shall we go forth and endure?"

Fjorm gave him a smile. "Alfonse, what else are we to do? Let's go."

She stepped through the opening and started to wave at the approaching carriage, Dorcas and guards walking alongside it. "Sir Dorcas! Great timing, we need a bit of help!"

The great warrior sighted them and blinked before calling back. "Oh, did you guys get caught in the blizzard? We were expecting to run into you at the town, the same storm made us take a wrong turn or two."

Fjorm gestured to the snow drift as Alfonse joined her. "Our wagon and horses are stuck in here with us. If you and your fellows could lend a hand, we can be on the road with you before long."

Dorcas smiled at them and ordered the guard to help dig them out. While they set to that, Dorcas strode up to Alfonse. "Well Prince, your mother's in the carriage right now along with the potential betrothed. They're bound to ask why we stopped before long, so best be ready."

Alfonse gulped and nodded right as the carriage door opened and Queen Henriette poked her head out. "Sir Dorcas, why have we stopped? We'll be late at… this…"

She blinked several times before her eyes lit up with joy. "Alfy! Oh gods, I didn't think we'd run into you so soon!"

The queen leapt out of the carriage and charged her son, sweeping the poor boy into a crushing hug that nearly snapped his spine. "What a joyous find! We can have an enjoyable rest of the trip with you and your companions before making the town!"

Alfonse couldn't breathe let alone speak, so Fjorm did instead. "Queen Henriette, if I may be so bold, I think you're suffocating him."

Henriette realized Alfonse was turning blue and released him, his hacks and coughs greatly embarrassing her. "Oh, I'm so sorry my dear. You know I don't get to see you often and I just can't help myself."

"It's… fine…" Alfonse wheezed, expecting the action. "Would you… like to… meet Laevatein?"

Henriette perked up. "Oh indeed! Sharena said she was a quiet girl but I'm eager to see her. Has this trip borne the fruit you hoped it would?"

Alfonse smiled and nodded, knowing it had yielded far more than just that. "I'd say so. Hold on, I'll get her."

He ducked into the snow drift, the guards making progress around him, albeit a bit slower than he'd want. While he did that, Fjorm spoke with the queen. "I'll be honest, it's been a great honor to tour Askr as we have. It's a beautiful land and the people generous, all signs of great rulers."

Henriette grinned. "Hush you, you'll make me blush. We're lucky the land's as fertile as it is and we can attribute most of our bounties to policies laid down long ago. If anything, I'm glad most things have continued apace considering Emblia likes to poke at us."

Fjorm nodded demurely. "Indeed, and I have no doubt Nifl will be glad to join in that prosperity. Um… have you given thought to the situation with Muspel?"

"You mean how the king got blasted?" Henriette asked, Fjorm's wide eyes making her lower her voice. "Well, I got to meet the new queen before this whole thing happened. Very serious girl, but sensible. She wanted a trade agreement in exchange for helping both your kingdom and ours rebuild the damage caused."

Fjorm knew that already, but it was nice to hear confirmation. "I see… well, I'm sure Laevatein will be relieved to hear that as well. Mayhaps we can head back to the palace after our next destination now that peace is at hand."

Henriette smiled at her, a glance over showing Alfonse yet to return. "Princess-no, Fjorm. Um, your sister had a talk with me prior to leaving and I was wondering if you and I could speak privately at our destination. Do you mind?"

Fjorm had a feeling she knew what that conversation would entail, but she was saved by Alfonse ducking out with Laevatein. "Mother, this is Princess Laevatein. She's Queen Laegjarn's younger sister."

Laevatein curtsied to the queen, many years of manners drilled into her by her sister coming to the fore. "Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your son has been a truly gracious host and guide upon this journey, and I have learned much."

Henriette took in Laevatein before bowing her head. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Princess Laevatein. Your sister told me you were a polite young woman, and I see she was right. Beautiful too, just like her."

Laevatein didn't look up as she straightened. "That is kind of you to say, Your Majesty, but my sister is far and away more beautiful than I could ever hope to be. I'm flattered you would think to compare us."

"Oh, I like you." Henriette chuckled. "Can certainly see why Alfonse came up with the idea to have you tour the kingdom. I look forward to working with you in the days ahead."

Laevatein merely nodded in answer, silently deciding now wasn't the best time to latch onto Alfonse.

Henriette for her part looked back to the carriage. "Well, if everyone's introducing themselves may as well have our last guest do the same. Princess Eir, come and greet our new companions!"

The air was silent save the guards digging out the last of the snow. It stretched for several moments before the carriage shook a bit and a new face stepped into the morning light.

"Damn, she's gorgeous." Laevatein muttered low enough for only Alfonse to hear. "How the hell do we compete with that?"

Alfonse had no answer to give for he was stunned as well. Princess Eir, for this had to be her, had a sharp, flawless visage from which electric blue eyes shined like gems. Her ashen hair was pulled pack into a cascading pony-tail, held in place by an elaborate black headpiece. Her dress was an intricate ensemble of black and white, making her pale skin shine.

It was even backless from what he saw when she curtsied lowly to them, showing off even more of her porcelain skin alongside the sleeves that hung separate from the rest. Compared to that, the simple heeled boots of black were entirely pedestrian.

"She sure looks like a princess of death." Fjorm whispered, trying to not be rude. "So pale… she's practically glowing in the light."

Alfonse remembered his manners after that and bowed to Eir. "A pleasure and an honor to meet you, Princess Eir. I hope my mother hasn't been too much of a distraction on your journey."

"Her Majesty has been a gracious host." Eir answered, her airy voice hinting at minor lethargy. "As have all I've met. It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Alfonse, and I hope what time we have shall be peaceful."

Alfonse took the hand she held out and pecked her knuckles, the picture of a gentleman. "I hope so as well. We're bare hours away from our destination and I'm sure it has many things for us to see."

Eir straightened and smiled demurely. "Indeed. If it is not too much trouble, will we be able to set out soon? I'd… prefer we not get caught in another blizzard."

All could agree to that idea, Henriette guiding Eir back to the carriage while Alfonse and his, at this point secret, lovers went to gather a few things before joining them. Henriette though kept an eye on them, noting how Fjorm and Laevatein were whispering to each other aggressively.

"Oh dear, I wonder…" Henriette sighed as the trio ducked into the overhang and out of sight. "I apologize Princess Eir, I appear to have brought this about when my poor boy has unknowingly drawn two other pairs of royal eyes. Speaking of, what do you think of him?"

Eir looked a bit dazed. "Oh… polite, gentlemanly. Kind too, if I can hazard a guess. I'll need to see more of course, but… he's quite handsome, the portrait does no justice."

Henriette couldn't help but puff up a bit in pride. "Glad to hear that! I'm sure you'll get to like him even more over these next few hours of travel. Then, we can enjoy the town after dealing with that heavy business."

Eir didn't answer, apparently lost in thought. With that avenue cut off, Henriette looked outside the wagon and beckoned for Alfonse and the girls to join her. "Come on you lot! Can't be that much in there!"

A wagon packed to the brim and a trio of horses answered her, Henriette sheepishly rubbing her head as the trio came to join her. "My, it seems I was wrong again. No lotteries for me, I'm having bad luck."

Alfonse smiled at her and hauled himself into the carriage, politely helping Fjorm and Laevatein in after him. Once everyone was settled, Henriette signaled Dorcas and closed the door, the carriage rattling away once more.

Silence stretched for a time, Alfonse sitting next to his mother while Laevatein and Fjorm sat to either side of Eir.

"So, what have you three been up to on this trip of yours?" Henriette eventually asked, eager to start a conversation. "Lady Anna told me you've been to several places so far."

She didn't miss Alphonse and his companions share silent looks, her son starting after they came to some kind of agreement. "Well… we started in a local village getting ready for a festival."

Henriette nodded, wishing for him to continue, and he did. For the rest of the trip, Alphonse regaled his mother and Princess Eir with stories from the journey. Fjorm and Laevatein gladly offered their own viewpoints whenever able, the numerous joys and humorous happenings filling the carriage.

Alfonse even made sure that Eir herself was involved, unknowingly garnering her affection as well. She didn't know it was affection, obviously, and hid it well, but the other girls could see her getting charmed before their eyes.

No one said anything about it as their journey came to an end, the carriage pulling into a colorful town full of streamers and kites tied to the beams of balconies and roofs. It appeared the citizenry were out and enjoying the clear weather while the snow buried most of their job sites.

"Ah, nothing beats that mountain air!" Henriette exclaimed when she stepped out. "So you all know, we have rooms set up at the inn here. They're famed for springs fed by snowmelt up in the peaks that gets used in everything, along with their stone-work. How's about we have a look around after settling in?"

She received no complaints and they set about getting themselves together. The guards and Dorcas helping made the process much smoother at that, to the point they were settled into the four rooms Henriette had reserved within an hour.

Henriette proceeded to dismiss the guards and Dorcas to either relax or explore the town. They'd been walking for long enough and it was time to rest. "Alright, before we head out, I'm afraid this can't be held off. Alfonse, Princess Eir, if you'd come with me please? I'd prefer the reason for this meeting not hang over our heads much longer."

Alfonse gulped and exchanged a few hurried words with Fjorm and Laevatein before following. Eir said nothing, her mask of disinterest returning. It was a shame too, she'd taken to being far more expressive in the carriage and it was weird to see her go back to how she once was.

Henriette guided them into her personal room, locking the door and gesturing for her son and guest to take a seat on one of the two sofas set on either side of a small table. Alfonse took one side while Eir took the other, Henriette taking her spot next to the princess.

"Alright, let's get to it." Henriette sighed after a few minutes of silence. "Alfonse, Princess Eir has agreed to step forward as a suitor for your consideration. While you've every right to refuse as she herself has told us, both your father and myself would like you to hear what her offer comes with."

She nodded to Eir, who bowed her head demurely. "Prince Alfonse, should you agree to my offer and we become betrothed, then all the wealth and assistance my mother and I can offer will be at your service. We have seen that the people of Askr are kind and the royalty just, to the point we believe that binding ourselves to you through marriage is the correct course of action. In addition, when your Order spared my mother's life after defeating her, they cited you as their reason for mercy."

She looked up, eyes alight with thanks. "Our brief time together has shown me why, if just on the surface. I am not personally opposed to this engagement, as I would do far more to thank you for setting the example that saved my family. Were you to agree, I swear that you would have all of me and I would never hold another. If what I've seen is true, then… I believe that this can work."

The question was if Alfonse did.

The prince in question was beyond flattered and moved to hear that. Clearly Eir loved her mother deeply, much as he did his own, and he could feel they would be able to bond over such matters even if they'd met under different circumstances. Having the very realm of the dead as allies was bound to bring peace to the world at large too, though he feared having that connection would draw out less than noble actors.

"Were I to accept, what would the assistance you offer entail? Alfonse asked, taking the long view. "And for how long would we have it?"

Eir's expression didn't change. "The assistance is shelter for your people in case of war and aid during times of famine or drought. All that dies enters our realm, even crops, and we can bring them back should it be needed. So long as we wed, the assistance would be offered so long as our bloodline survives."

Alfonse knew that was a magnificent offer. It would practically guarantee Askrian prosperity for generations in addition to the peace with Nifl and Muspel that was soon at hand. Emblia would never dare attack any of them again for fear of Hel's aid, which would give Zacharias all the time he needed to break the curse afflicting him and Veronica.

They could deal with Loki in her entirety too.

It's just… he'd given himself to others already, he'd likely never be able to love Eir like he loved Fjorm and Laevatein. Then again, he was royalty, and his own desires meant less than nothing before the needs of his people.

"You… present a truly compelling case." Alfonse eventually sighed, noting his mother watching him carefully. "I can tell you do care for your family, greatly, and are willing to go through with this. My question to you is, would you be willing to consider all Askr your family? That is how I view them, and it is what drives me to serve them as their heir."

That made Eir finally look away, uncertainty entering her voice. "I… am not sure. My mother has been the only family I've had for so very long. Though… as with this betrothal, I am willing to try and do all I can. It's all I can offer."

They went silent, Henriette watching them carefully before seeing nothing further would be said. "Alright, we've at least cleared the air. Princess Eir's mother, Queen Hel herself, came up with the terms alongside myself and your father, Alfonse. Everything's been hammered out these past few days to the point that the ceremony can be held at a moment's notice. Obviously, your father's all for this since he not only likes Eir but it's the kind of offer that tempts saints."

She smiled at him tenderly, motherly love on full display. "However, if there's one thing we swore never to do, it was make decisions for you. I know you're thinking this through the mind of an heir, but I want to know what Alfonse wants. Your father will live with it, I'll make sure of that, so please."

"What does your heart say?"

Alphonse sat back in his seat and thought. The faces of his loves popped into his mind, each smiling at him warmly and full of love. Their journey had caused so much to change is so short a time, from Laevatein opening herself to a new world to Fjorm discovering a well of courage that had nothing to do with vengeance.

It was the greatest time in his short life, finding love on the roads of the kingdom he called home. His heart ached for them, wanted them more than anything in all the world.

He had his answer.

"Princess Eir… I…"

He sighed once more and sealed the matter.

"I accept your offer… and your hand."

He was his father's son, even now.

Gods forgive him.

Ch. End

Well, no one saw that coming did they?

In the interest of handling the fallout from this situation, we're adding another chapter to this story to tie everything up. With Alphonse's acceptance, the road trip is at an end, and now we have to go through a pit of drama before going into the sun once more.

Hope you'll stick around to enjoy it.

Ciao!