As promised the day before, the Exalt summoned Morgan and her sisters the next day for an audience. The bluenette only managed to quickly greet her companions before they were led into a great hall. Although the hall was spacious enough for at least a hundred guests. It was currently only occupied by the Exalt and his queen, who sat at the end of the hall. They were however soon joined by Frederick and a few others Morgan couldn't recognise but guessed that they were prominent figures of the castle's household. These people took position alongside the walls, while Frederick took a standing position at the left side of the Exalt, who with his queen on his right side remained seated. Morgan, Severa and Noire stood in the middle of the hall.
Severa had a relaxed stance, but Morgan could see that she was discreetly taking stock of every person within the room. Mogan speculated that the redhead was probably trying to figure out who she could take on if a fight should ever break out in the hall.
Noire seemed to have reverted to her more meek personality. While it was clear that she tried to make a confident figure, her shaking hands betrayed her. It seemed that the poor girl could crumble into a fetal position at any moment under the gaze of so many people.
As soon as everyone had found their place, the Exalt spoke.
''Good morning. I hope that you ladies had a peaceful night?''
Morgan spoke on her and her sister's behalf.
''It was most pleasant your highness, we thank you for your hospitality.''
The Exalt made a discrete smile and continued.
''That is good to hear. As for the purpose for this meeting, I would like to clear your position of the current situation. For you and my household.''
The Exalt gestured to the other members in the room.
''I'll be direct. You were sent here as hostages, and a guarantee that Plegia would uphold their part of this treaty. Any breach would mean dire consequences for you. And you're to be under guard during you stay here in Ylisse.''
Chrom made a pause. While his words were harsh, Morgan had learned enough of her grandfather to know it was unlikely that he would ever harm her or her sisters. This was most likely just for show. A charade that was set up for the benefit and information of his castle staff.
''However, you're also my guests. And I would see to it that you're given every courtesy while you're under my guardianship. Feel free to buy anything you might need on my expense. Frederick will fill in the details later.''
Morgan cast a quick worried look at Severa. Her grandfather had no idea of the economic calamity he was about to unleash with that statement. The redhead was notoriously bad with maintaining a budget or just money in general. Despite her misgivings, the bluenette did not want to humiliate her sister by pointing that out in the middle of this audience, so she kept quiet and decided that this problem was something the Ylisseans would have to discover themselves.
Oblivious of the potential danger, the Exalt continued.
''If everything goes well, and it's clear that the peace will be upheld. I'll consider allowing you return to Plegia in a few years' time if you so wish.''
Morgan was sure that she did not want to return to that den of vipers. It didn't help that she had learned a lot of things of concern in these last few weeks. The fact that her father has been indifferent about her as well as the revelation that he had tampered with her memories, was disturbing to say it mildly. Yet she still felt a small pull in her heart at the thought of returning. The young mage quickly dismissed it as homesickness.
''Now, I have spoken much and yet I believe that I haven't properly allowed you ladies to present yourselves. You know of me and I in turn only know of Morgan. If you would be so kindly to introduce yourselves?''
At this Severa was the first one to speak.
''My name is Severa, your highness. I..I'm just a simple guard to Lady Morgan.''
It was clear that Severa was a bit hesitant to mention her blood relation to Morgan. It was custom to mention your family relations whenever presenting oneself to nobles. The Exalt did not let that slide, however.
''Surely there are more to you then just being a guard. Can you tell me about your parents?''
The redhead's usual confidant posture seemed to crumble a bit at the question.
''I…My father is the king of Plegia as well. I'm Lady Morgan's half-sister, but I'm considered to be of lesser birth. I don't know much about my mother, but I'm told she was a soldier.''
The Exalt stared attentively at Severa. The redhead's attempt to hide her Ylissean heritage did not go unnoticed by Morgan, and it failed to satisfy the Exalt.
''You're Ylissean are you not? Red is a hair colour that is very common here in Ylisse. Tell me, did your mother happen to serve the royal guard of Ylisse?''
It was a very specific question. Morgan remembered what her father had told her back in the throne room, and she felt that the Exalt had already guessed the identity of Severa's mother.
''Y-yes, I have been told that it might be the case your highness.''
A silence permeated the room. Morgan noticed that her grandfather suddenly had a very melancholic expression, while there was a small twitch in Frederick's hand before he returned to his stoic stance.
''I had a friend once who served as my captain of the guard. She was the best flier in the army, and one of my best soldiers. She disappeared while undertaking a dangerous mission many years ago. Her name was Cordelia.''
The Exalt looked at Severa as if expecting the name of his old captain would encourage a reaction from the young redhead. However, Severa made no indication of such and merely replied.
''I'm sorry for your loss, your highness.''
Her grandfather seemed to contemplate whatever he should dig further into the subject, but in the end, he simply decided to let it be.
''Whatever the circumstances of your birth Lady Severa, know that I consider you to be of the same standing as Lady Morgan. And shall receive the same rights as her station demands. And now to your last companion.''
Chrom turned his head towards the terrified Noire. To her credit, she did not freeze and become unresponsive and shakingly gave the Exalt an answer.
''M…My n-name is Noire your g-grace, I too am a daughter of the King of Plegia. M-my mother is headmistress of the collage of mages, her name is Tharja.''
Surprisingly, the Exalt eyes lit up at the name of Noire's mother.
''Ah…Tharja, that's a familiar name. Despite the history between our countries, we haven't forgotten her contribution during the war in Valm. I'm glad to have the opportunity to host her daughter.''
The Exalt's kind words seemed to have a calming effect on the brownette, who visibly relaxed before thanking the Exalt. For Morgan it was very interesting to learn that Lady Tharja was apparently known favourably in Ylisse and was a participant of the Valmanese wars.
Having presented themselves, the Exalt proceeded in turn to introduce the other members in the room. First was his wife, queen Sumia of Ylisse, while the queen greeted them politely as one would expect of a woman of her station. The young bluenette noticed that the queen took great efforts to avoid making eye contact with her would-be granddaughter.
Frederick was only given a quick introduction, given that he was already a familiar figure, with the added information that he was also head butler of the castle.
Other people of note were the sister of the Exalt, a lively blonde woman named Lissa, who gave them a cheerful greeting and an excited wave at her introduction, before correcting herself and gave them a more reserved greeting.
Another one was Lissa's son Owain, who not unlike his mother gave them an informal greeting. When his uncle presented him, the blonde man gave the trio a dramatic bow before introducing himself.
''As fellow scions of houses of dragons. I, Owain of house Ylisse, descendant of the First Exalt and blessed bloodline of Naga, welcomes you to the land of Ylisse. May your stay here mark the beginning of a new age of peace and prosperity!''
Morgan could swear that she heard a quiet groan from her grandfather.
The introductions went on for awhile with Chrom introducing various leading figures of the castle for example head of the library and resident castle mage Miriel and so on. Morgan made a note to explore the library of the castle at the first opportunity.
When it was done, the Exalt excused them all and made a note that Morgan and her sisters may move to one of the common rooms to sort out their belongings.
This suited the young mage fine, as it gave her an opportunity to speak with her sisters.
''He seems n-nice. I like him, very d-different from most lords in P-plegia.''
''Of course, he does, most rulers know when turn on the charm in front of an audience. I don't trust him. Since getting here I have gotten the creeps.''
Severa made her statement clear by shaking her body as if she was freezing. Noire in turn just gave the redhead a small smile, unable to find an appropriate response. Morgan would incline to agree with her older sister, if it weren't for her observations of the Exalt the last few days. Back in Plegia, a smiling noble with kind words usually meant that they wanted something or had a sinister purpose, but Morgan had a good feeling with the Exalt. She remembered the way he treated his people back in the road as well as the reception they received by the common people as they entered the capitol.
Moving a few books to her corner, Morgan tried to look for the chest that contained her clothes. Their belongings had been placed in the middle of a common room. The girls now only needed to sort it out before some servants would move it to their quarters. Both Noire and Morgan had found most of their belongings while Severa was still in the process of sorting hers.
''I trust him, he seems genuine, and the people clearly loves him. It's not something you can easily fake.''
Severa looked at the bluenette for second before repeating her previous statement.
''I don't know Morgan; I got this feeling since we crossed the border. I don't know how to explain it. It feels wrong.''
Morgan could somehow relate. Ever since they crossed the border, she got frequent headaches and unusual dreams. She speculated that it was caused by Lady Tharja's tempering of her memories, but it surprised her that Severa also felt some discomfort. Could it mean that Tharja had also done something towards Severa too?
Before she could speculate further, Noire changed the subject.
''W-what do you want to do now? I think I want to seek out Libra. He said that they have a huge garden here in the castle with lots of different plants with medicinal properties.''
The previous conversation forgotten, Severa casually gave the archer a response.
''Hmm? I think I'll take the Exalt offer and go out in the market to buy myself some new boots. Care to come along?''
The red head looked at her sisters, Noire gave a small nod and mumbled something weakly. Morgan was tempted if nothing else to keep the red head's shopping impulses in check but decided against it. She decided it was more prudent that she investigated their surroundings.
''No thanks, I think I would have a look around the castle before…''
Suddenly the young mage remembered something that stood out.
''Wait, Noire did you just say ''he'' when you talked about Libra? She's a man?!''
Noire looked at her confused while Severa stood cross armed with a small, amused smile.
''Y-yes, Libra is one of the high priests of the temple of Naga. He is very nice a-and he also runs an orphanage outside the castle.''
Severa decided to smugly chip in.
''Yea Morgan, didn't you know? Well, that's just embarrassing! Can't tell the difference between a man and a woman. How can you make such an obvious mistake?''
The better part of the morning was spent with the girls teasing each other before they moved on doing their own things.
Morgan would spend the next few days exploring the castle. Most of the time alone and (surprisingly) unescorted. Some days she was joined by her sisters, but those days were rare. Unsurprisingly she quickly found her favourite area to be the library, which nearly matched the library of Plegia in seize, although the young tactician again noted that most of the selection in the library were fictional novels.
One could say that the days were fairly uneventful for the bluenette. That was until she came upon a hallway that was lined with portraits of various historical figures of Ylisse. For amongst the various figures, she saw one very familiar face. It was the face of her father.
He was clad in a tactician coat not much unlike her own and looked a youthful as he had back in Plegia. The portrait was stated to had been made around forty years ago, well before Morgan was even born. Yet despite looking like her father, the man in the portrait seemed like a different man. Unlike the man that was her father, the man in the portrait had a warm smile and eyes that radiated a warmth that seemed alien to the young girl.
Unable to believe that the portrait depicted the same man she was familiar with. Morgan began to look after the portrait's description.
Crown Prince Robin of Plegia
Tactician of Ylisse
Hero of the wars in Valm
''I see you found the portrait of your father.''
Startled the young girl quickly turned around and stood face to face with her grandfather.
''I-I don't understand, why is there a picture of him here? Isn't he an enemy of your nation?''
Her grandfather sadly looked at the portrait before answering her.
''Yes, but there was a time where it was not so. There was once a time where I gladly would call him my brother in all but blood.''
The Exalt went silent for awhile before continuing.
''Did you know that he was raised here as a ward? Not unlike your circumstances, there was once a war that Plegia lost and had to sue for peace on our terms. One of the conditions was that they sent their heir to be raised in Ylisse. He and I grew up together, played together and fought together. He was the brother I never had. And when the valmanese came to our shores to conquer this continent, he petitioned his father to send aid, despite the lingering animosity between our kingdoms.''
Her grandfather then told her about how the war in Valm was only won thanks to her father's genius tactics and strategy. How he destroyed the enemy fleet by setting half of their own empty ships on fire while they were in the middle of the battle, creating a firestorm that engulfed and consumed their adversaries. How he lured the superior valmanese cavalry into a narrow mountain pass, where they were unable to manoeuvre around the flanks of the heavy infantry of Ylisse.
There were many stories like this, and Morgan was left in awe on how her father again and again seemed to be able to come up with winning strategies on the fly against superior foes.
It was getting late in the evening when her grandfather neared the end of his tales.
''After the war, Plegia requested that we return their heir so that he may take his father's place. Citing how they have aided us during the campaign in Valm. We could not refuse such a request since the war would have been lost without their aid. It was even hoped that when he would ascend the throne in Plegia, lasting peace would finally come between our nations. Hell, Lissa was even prepared to marry him in order to seal the deal. But alas…''
Again, the Exalt paused before continuing.
''After a few years silence war came again between our nations. I tried to arrange a meeting, just so that I may be able to speak to him again or at least learn why Plegia decided to attack unprovoked, but no answer came. The war dragged on for so long that my eldest soon came of age and was granted her own command. And then…''
Her grandfather looked sadly at her.
''I should have never let them go. I should have gone myself, but I was getting too old, and my advisors urged me that Lucina and Cynthia needed to prove themselves to the people. I should have just told them to go to hell, but I followed their advice, and my daughters paid the price of my decision. Lucina most of all. I can never forgive him for what he did to her.''
''But then why do you keep this portrait here in this hallway?''
The Exalt seemed to contemplate her question for some time before answering.
''As much harm he had done to my family and country. I think a part of me still can not let go of the good man I grew up with. Besides he still played a vital part during the war in Valm, and I believe that history should be preserved as it is, if nothing else then as a reminder.''
Morgan felt self-conscious at his last statement.
''I-I wish to thank you again for taking me in, and for trusting me to roam around your home without escort.''
To her surprise the Exalt looked at her inquiringly at her statement.
''It's of no concern Morgan, you are not him. But I'm curious on why you said that you have been able to go about without guard. I'm fairly certain that I have ordered knight Kellam to escort you wherever you went during the day.''
''Kellam?''
''Yes, one of my senior knights. He should be around here somewhere…''
''I'm standing right behind you sir.''
With a shock both Morgan and her grandfather turned to the voice behind them.
''Dear Naga! Kellam! Would you stop doing that!''
''Doing what sir? I was here the entire time. I even greeted you when you approached Lady Morgan, and I even came with some commentaries during your recollection of the Valmanese war. I was there too, remember?''
Flustered the Exalt quickly composed himself.
''Yes of course, my apologies Kellam, one would think that I would have learned to sense your presence even after all these years.''
''My presence? My lord I'm not even trying to hide. It kinda hurts that you are unable to see me despite my best efforts...''
Their conversation continued for some time, while Morgan just stood there dumbfounded. How could this man in full heavy armour follow her in these last few days without her noticing? Maybe Severa was right that she was too inattentive at times. But then again, her grandfather did not notice either, maybe it was something that ran in the family?
Morgan gave a sigh, first it was a man who she for weeks had mistaken to be a woman and now this.
Ylisse sure had its fair share of interesting individuals.
Hmm..I think this has been my longest chapter yet ^^ Anyway this chapter pretty much mark the first of half of the story, so won't be long before I can say this story will finish soon (yeah). Thank you all for reading and seya around for the next chapter.