On My Honor

by Yamato795

A Regal musing fic that gives you a look at the game from how he saw it, and a better look at his past

7. Seven

Title: On my Honor

Author: Yamato795

Pairing: Lots of mentions of RegalxAlicia, but no other ones planned at the moment…

Rating: Let's go PG-13 to be safe, since they do swear in the game, and the violence.

Status: Chapter 7 out of ? parts. Lots planned, but a number is not clear just yet.

Disclaimer: Don't own Tales of Symphonia. Please don't sue me.

Spoilers: A TON, mostly for Regal. I'd say this story is better suited for those who have beaten the game if you ask me. Read at your own risk of spoiling anything. Since it starts where Regal comes in, it should spoil quite a bit of the game after that, don't you think?

Summary: Take a look through Regal's eyes as well as a look into his past.

Author notes: I still can't believe that I have come this far. I suppose I should thank the fact that work was extremely slow this week or I wouldn't have gotten this done. At least there was less of a wait for this chapter. I suppose I should warn that there are some more adult themes in the beginning of this chapter, but it's all a bit suggestive if nothing else. Nothing that bad. Thanks to Christie especially for the encouragement, and Marika for the support! Enjoy!

On my Honor

Chapter seven

There was something thrilling about running through the estate's gardens late at night in the rain, clutching to Regal's hand, wanting to laugh loudly at just the sheer bliss of it all but having to hold it in. They couldn't get caught like this, she knew that. Alicia treasured every night that they managed to slip in and out of the Bryant mansion, and would not risk their ventures for one whoop of joy in the rain. But she still loved the warmth of his hand gripping hers, pulling her along, and the way he would look over his shoulder with a broad smile as if compelled to make sure she was still trying to keep up with him, even if it was something she had to bury deep inside to keep it secret.

Now if only it hadn't started raining.

If it hadn't been down pouring they would still be at the beach. He'd taken her to watch the sunset, just wanted to spend a quiet evening with her. Only as soon as the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon and they had lost track of how long they remained, clouds began to litter the sky, and rain had not been far behind.

By the time they had managed to make it under the overhang of the south exit of the mansion they were already drenched. She realized that they probably would not have returned to the estate for a few more hours if it had not been for the sudden change of weather, but her disappointment faded the instant Regal drew her back into his strong arms from behind whispering in her ear, "We don't have to call it a night just yet, Alicia."

Instinctively she relaxed against him, wondering how he could still radiate so much warmth when he was soaked. "Oh?"

"Well…" He turned her in his embrace, his eyes meeting hers with a bit of reluctance, one of his hands going up to cup her cheek tenderly. Even in the dark she saw the small tint of pink rising into his face, and his voice was barely above a whisper now. "We could always head up to my room…I could light the fire…it would give us a chance to warm up…"

He was asking her back to his room! No wonder he was blushing! Although they had been seeing each other in secret for quite some time, they had never discussed anything of this nature. Alicia felt her heart skip a beat as her breath caught in her throat. If it had been anyone else she would have refused, she would have hesitated, but this was the man she had lost her heart to nearly eight years ago. This was the man who shared his secrets with her, the man who had let her into his life without asking anything in return, and this was the man that was so absolutely wonderful to her that she didn't pause for a moment. "I'd love that."

He could have asked her outright, she still would have said yes.

But Alicia supposed she could play along with the nobleman's game. He wasn't trying to be sneaky; he was just nervous and didn't want to seem that he was pressuring her into this. The Duke was raised a gentleman, she knew that well, so she knew he would never try to trick her to follow him up to his chambers. She could see deep in his gaze that Regal just hadn't known how to ask her. What had she done to deserve a man that was so incredibly sweet? She knew she would always remember the way her beloved's azure eyes lit up after her response, as well as the tender kiss he gave her.

It was routine to slip back into the enormous house silently, still holding hands, but normally he would have escorted her back to her room before heading to the second floor and the location of the master bedroom. The Duke still led the way, yet now he was glancing over his shoulder more often, expecting her to disappear before they reached the large oak doors that would offer them shelter from prying eyes of anyone awake. Alicia squeezed his hand several times in an attempt to reassure him that she was not going anywhere, not without him.

Once in his room, the doors locked just in case, he released her to make his way over to the fire place, lighting it with what could have been practiced ease for a noble who usually had to let his servants take care of everything for him. With the light of the fire now at his back, he was surprised to find she'd moved to stand only a few feet from him, an almost sly grin across her lips.

Regal had never done this before. He'd never been in love before. He didn't know what move to make to get her to understand how much he needed this as well as how much he wanted it. His steps towards her were cautious, waiting for her to change her mind, waiting for her to vanish back out those doors. But she didn't move. She merely watched him with that playful expression, urging him forward silently. For a moment, the young noble shed his nervousness to commit how she looked to memory, wanting to cherish how beautiful Alicia looked with her pink wet hair spilling out of her pigtails and her uniform clinging to her slender frame.

It wasn't until he was within her reach that Alicia grabbed the front of his black shirt, jerking him forward so that she could kiss him almost roughly. He made no protest, allowing her to be the one bold enough to finally initiate contact, wrapping his arms around her waist to press their bodies flush together. The only reason she pulled her mouth from his was to fill her lungs, and even that was only so she could whisper, "I want you, Master Regal."

He gave her an odd look for that. "I'm not sure you should call me that now…"

She knew how much he hated the formalities of his titles, and she knew how much he missed being called just his name, but she couldn't help herself. Smirking, she traced her fingers over his well-defined chest teasingly. "Why not?"

The blush that rose to his cheeks was her reward. Even though he was protesting how she was using his name, he was still leading her over to the large bed, the firelight spilling over the silky sheets in waves. His fingers were running through her hair pulling it loose from the nearly undone pigtails while his azure orbs were searching hers. Did he expect to see doubt still? Did he expect her to change her mind? Then he ran his lips along the curve of her neck. "Do you want that? For me to always be your master? Even now?"

Taking hold of his chin, she brought him back up for another kiss. "Especially now."

He was easing her back onto the mattress, contemplating how to get her to drop this new little game of hers. Normally, he would have done anything to make Alicia happy; it was just that he wanted their first time to be romantic. They had all the time in the world for games after. Finally, he thought of something that he not only needed to say, but that might get her to forget all of his pesky titles for the night. "I love you, Alicia."

"I love you too, Master." She giggled, and he had to fight the urge to groan.

Lloyd was the only one that walked beside me as we neared the gates of Altamira, the others only a few steps behind us. Not much had been said, either during the fight or shortly after we landed outside the city. Perhaps the suspense I so selfishly held them in was what was keeping them all quiet, or perhaps, like Zelos, they had all had their suspicions about me as well and now they had truly been brought into proper light.

Dread tightening every single muscle in my body, I glanced to meet Lloyd's gaze just as we started through the gates. I hadn't stepped foot in the city I called home in many long years, and that lead to the fact that while I'd made arrangements for Alicia's burial just as I'd been imprisoned, I had never visited her grave. "…Where did you hear about Alicia?"

"At Alicia's grave, in the sky terrace of a company called Lezareno." The swordsman told me as our friends sped up a bit to close the gap between us.

So that was where she'd been laid to rest. The only thing I had specified for a location for her burial sight was that it be within Altamira. I suppose I had assumed George would have her laid to rest in the small lot that my parents were buried in, but on the terrace was sort of fitting. "…I see. Let's go there, then."

The dread only coiled with each step I took toward the Elemental Railway, and I did my best to keep my eyes from drifting over to Presea. I was beginning to think that I would never be able to look her in the eyes again. All of this time I had been a fool. All of the pieces that made me up the connection between myself and this girl form Ozette had been there and I had just been too engulfed in my own desire to be accepted and wanted again that I'd practically ignored them.

I winced as the car taking us into the Lezareno building came to a stop in the lobby. The others filed off quickly, and my feet had practically been dragging until I heard Lloyd gasp loudly. "Wh…whoa! What happened?"

My attention finally rested only on my surroundings as I forced my legs to carry me over to where the brunette swordsman stood. The lobby was empty, save one man, a security guard that was lying on the floor struggling to get up in spite that he was injured. I saw his eyes flash with recognition when I approached his side. "What's going on?"

Weakly, the guard managed to rasp out, "The Exsphere Broker, Vharley…went inside…"

As the man fell into unconsciousness' comforting grasp, Presea's eyes flared at the name of the man that had deceived her. "Vharley…! He must pay…"

"…Ugh!" I growled through my grit teeth, my hands already balled into his fists. What was that piece of filth that claimed to be a man doing here now? He had the gall to break into my company after all he had done and even go next Alicia's grave? Anger pushed back the dread, my muscles tight, but not from the same tension as before. Now they were ready for action.

"Let's go on in." Colette said biting her lip as she glanced towards the elevator warily; contemplating what awaited us on the upper floors.

Setting my jaw I stepped into the lift with the others, doing my best to contain the stir of fury that flared in me at just the thought of Vharley being near. That man did not deserve the freedom he abused, he had hurt so many, and I would make him regret stepping foot inside this building.

This was not what I expected when we ventured here, but until the Exsphere Broker was dealt with my confession would have to wait. They needed to hear this from me. Vharely would probably jump at the chance to put his own spin on what I had to tell them.

I was the first to step off the elevator once the metal gates opened, the voices drawing me toward the fountain before I even spotted George, who had been cornered by Vharley near what I could only guess was Alicia's grave as my old servant blocked it mostly from view.

Vharley took a menacing step towards George, unaware of our presence. "Tell me the password to the inner area of the Toize Valley Mine! Now!"

The elder man held up his hands as if in surrender, his body actually shaking while his tone came out firm. "…I don't know anything about it."

"Wrong answer!" the practically fuming Vharley ground out as he moved to take another step towards George. He had tried getting into the mines again, and again the security measures I'd had put in place over eight years ago still kept him at bay.

"…How about I tell you instead?" I knew my friends were watching me, they were probably confused by the fact I'd spoken up, but I still moved forward leaving only a few feet between myself and the man I despised and wanted to bring to justice.

"Master Regal!" George sounded stunned as he glanced me over, relief quickly lining his wrinkled face. "What are you doing here?"

Vharley turned to face me slowly, his lips stretching into a sneer that made me dig my fingernails into my palms to keep from attacking him. His dark eyes danced mockingly as he, too, looked me over, snorting as if he was unimpressed with my sudden appearance. "…So the president himself decided to pay a visit. Perfect."

"President?" Lloyd echoed in bewilderment behind me.

"The route to the Toize Valley Mine opens by my voice print and cornea scan." I would have to explain myself to the other later. I could tell them everything once the balding Exsphere Broker was taken care of. "Forcing it open would undoubtedly cause the Exsphere mine are to collapse."

"Is that so? In that case, Regal, you're just going to have to come open it for us!" Vharley snapped with a venom filled stare. He practically growled in my face, reduced to a snarling beast by frustration, clenching a fist. The breaths he took in were rapid, fueling the fact his body was practically rigid as his gaze was locked with mine. "I'm going to be out of business soon if I don't get my hands on some more Exspheres!"

"That's enough." Presea remarked sharply from off to my side. "I cannot forgive you for killing an innocent person."

Just as I began to wonder if Presea knew that Vharley had had a hand in Alicia's death or if she actually thought him to be the killer, when a puff of smoke burst on the path to the side of the fountain. In its wake then stood the ninja with a hard glare we had clashed with at the Other Worldly Gate, Kuchinawa.

"Kuchinawa!" Sheena gasped. "You're working with this guy?"

"Soon, the King will die and the Pope will take over." Vharley sneered at me with an arrogant air about him, one that spoke of the fact he was certain no one could stop him now. "And when that happens, I will grind your pathetic Lezareno Company into the ground!"

As if on cue, Kuchinawa sprang forward, and he was only between Vharley and me for an instant before he threw another smoke bomb to the ground. Caught off guard, I was too late to stop them, all of us were. I was left with nothing else to distract the group from what I'd brought them there to tell them. Plus with what had just happened, I owed them even more of an explanation than before.

I stepped a bit closer to George, trying to see if he was hurt while at the same time placing myself even more so in front of the group as if I were on display for what would come next. "Are you all right, George?"

The older man had never appeared more relieved as one of his hands raised to cover his probably pounding heart. "Yes, Master Regal. Thank you."

It was only for a second after that that I hesitated. Through my entire part in their journey I had strived not to lie to any of them. While I had succeeded in that, I had also kept things from them, some out of shame, and others out of the selfish need to stay with them to seek the answers I needed. After a deep breath, I turned back to my companions, placing my fate in their hands with the next words I uttered. "My name is Regal Bryant. I was granted the title of Duke by his Highness, and also the President of the Lezareno Company. Although it would seem that the Chosen already knows me."

Zelos grinned, smug at having figured it out. "I saw you at one of the Princess' birthday parties."

"Oh yeah…" Sheena commented as she gave a sidelong glance to the red headed swordsman with a bit of a smirk curling her lips. "I'd forgotten this guy's actually a member of high society, too."

Meeting her gaze, the Chosen let out a sarcastic laugh. "Heheheh."

Raine's expression fell when it finally came together for her, and she almost seemed hesitant to speak. "Then Alicia's killer, Bryant is…"

Colette's eyes widened before she shook her head, her hands clasped before her so tight I could see her knuckles were white. The hesitation in her voice made her sound hurt, betrayed. I'd done that to her. "W...wait, it can't be…Regal…"

Trying not to flinch at how she wished to deny it, I turned around, not because I couldn't endure their stares, but because I needed to see the grave and speak with the woman I loved even if she couldn't hear me. Yet something caught my eye when my gaze fell upon the stone engraved with her name, a stone that glimmered in the afternoon sunlight. An Exosphere? George had kept and put it here? "Alicia!"

There was a flicker of light around the stone just before she appeared. Her body was see through, ghost like, but she was still the Alicia that I remembered, the woman that still held my heart. I didn't understand how it was possible, I didn't really care, she was there. Alicia was in front of me even though she had died.

Yet didn't that mean she had been here the whole time? For eight years, had she been trapped in that stone? But…she was smiling at me. She looked happy to see me, like she always had when I'd finally returned from Meltokio or a business trip. "Master, I'm so happy to see you again before I disappear…"

Disappear…no…

"I'm sorry." What else could I say to her? Again I pressed my fingernails into my palms, close to breaking the skin. "Even after death, you still suffer…"

Because of me…this is my fault…

How can you still look at me that way?

"It's all right. It's not your fault." Alicia insisted gently. Her voice was something I'd longed to hear every day for eight horrible, lonely years, and even though she seemed to just be a shadow of her former self, she sounded just the same. I wanted so badly to reach out and touch her, but I was sure my hands would pass right through her, and what right did my shackled hands have to ever touch her again even if it was possible?

Presea had come forward, nearly at my side now. "Alicia…what do you mean?"

Gazing into the eyes of the woman I loved, I could only give one explanation as to what had caused all of this, the reason that my beloved had died. It was only fitting that I start at the beginning anyway. "Alicia and I were in love."

There had been a small stretch of silence were the others waited, their curiosity nearly tangible the air that hung around me. George spoke before I could find the words to. "Then, I, his servant, interfered…and forced them apart."

"Alicia was handed over to Vharley." My throat had gone dry as my hands clenched even tighter. How could I be so calm? Why could I say these things and not break down in front of them? She was watching me, I saw her expression soften, which caused my heart to cringe at the fact she could even meet my gaze after what I'd done. "He wanted to use her in an Exsphere experiment."

"Was he…" Colette's voice made me turn to the side, for just a moment, to meet her question as best I could. "…trying to create Cruxis Crystals?"

"It seems so. But the experiment failed." I told her with a small nod before I slowly turned back to the see through image of Alicia, the phantom that I had longed to see but didn't think I would ever have the chance to again. It was time that I told our story to the people I had befriended, and the sister of the woman I had murdered.

Angrily, I stared down Vharley, nearly trembling with the urge to wipe that sneer off his face. The filthy Exsphere Broker had told me that if I did not surrender the Toize Valley Mines to him, he would conduct more experiments on my beloved and that I would never see her again. I couldn't let him do that to Alicia, but I couldn't surrender the mines either, not to that swine. So I'd had security system that few knew about installed, one that would keep out thieves, and no one would be able to get into the inner area but me. It was my voice and a scan of my corneas that would open it. Vharley wouldn't know that until after Alicia was back safe with me. "I've fulfilled my promise. The mine is yours. Now, please, return Alicia to me."

All I wanted was her back in my arms; away form the monsters that would go as far as to experiment on her. She didn't deserve that! She had done nothing wrong!

"…Sure thing, bub. You can have her. I don't have any use for a failed piece of work like that anyway." Vharley chuckled in that arrogant way that made me clenching my jaw and my fists to contain myself. How dare he speak of Alicia that way!

Yet before I could do anything a lumbering figure appeared, approaching the balding man from behind at a shuffling pace. The creature was tall, looming over Vharley easily, its twisted limbs swaying where it stood, the arms too long and dragging over the ground. I gaped. This thing didn't really have a face, but on its body were the tattered remains of Alicia's uniform! It couldn't be! I was stiff, unable to move or breathe. This…this thing just couldn't be Alicia!

"Wh…what?..." I gasped out as my mind reeled, unable to grasp what was happening now. Vharley had agreed to return Alicia to me, and he didn't know about the security system in the mines, he couldn't, so why had he brought this gangly creature? I couldn't breathe. I knew he had experimented on my lover. This wasn't the results of that, was it? It couldn't be.

"This is Alicia." Vharley announced smugly probably amused with the expression on my face. There was something more wicked about his voice, as if his tongue was covered with the slime I saw him as. "She wasn't compatible with the Exsphere experiment. It worked just fine on another from her family."

"Master Regal…please…kill me!" the thing that was Alicia, the thing she'd been changed into by evil hands, pleaded with her voice. She had stepped between Vharley and me, keeping my eyes trapped on her new form. That really had been her voice. Those really were her clothes. Vharley, the people who had experimented on her, had turned her into a monster with their damned stones!

One of her gnarled hands lifted, the movement slow and clumsy, but then it lashed out at me. I couldn't believe it as it connected with my shoulder with such speed, such force, that I was nearly thrown off my feet. Before I could blink, she stuck again, this time in the chest forcing the air to erupt from my lungs. Hunched over, I struggled more to come to grips with what she had asked me to do more so that the fact she had attacked me.

"I…I can't!" Even though she no longer appeared to be the woman I had fallen in love with, she was still Alicia. There had to be a way to reverse this, to save her! My rational mind laughed at such hopeful thoughts. There wasn't a cure for this, it was why Exspheres were primarily attached to machines now, because there were people that would reject the stone and become monsters. The Exspheres would consume them. Panic rushed through me. I couldn't let that happen to her! "I could never kill you with my own hands!"

Those clawed, no longer human hands clutched at her head. She sounded so desperate, afraid, and broken, as she pleaded again, "It's because I love you that I want you to do it!"

What could I do? Allow the Exsphere to take over her body, to mangle her soul as well? There wasn't a way to change her back! She couldn't even control herself now! Alicia would never have to hurt anyone, but that cursed stone had made her lash out at me, me of all people.

She was barely the woman I loved now. That realization nearly brought me to my knees as tears blurred my vision. What was left of Alicia now was what was begging me to end her life. My lover knew I could do it, she had been to the dojo, she knew my strength, and she knew I would show her mercy. Was I so selfish that I would damn her to an existence like she was now?

I love you…

I never wanted to hurt you…never…

This is my fault…I failed to protect you…

Goddess, forgive me. Alicia…I'm so sorry…

With my eyes closed, I grit my teeth. I had to do this. I couldn't let her suffer, I couldn't leave her like this. My soul was shrieking not to do this, I needed her, and I loved her with all that I was, but my hands were still charging with mana. It was my greatest attack. The least I could do was end her suffering quickly.

Suddenly, she lurched forward, and those long arms wrapped around my neck. Her whole form was trembling. What was happening to her? She had to have been in so much pain. Alicia was not holding me that tight, so I pushed my palms against her heart, lifting my gaze as if I could still meet her eyes. It was going to be the end of me as well, but I couldn't refuse her in this. How could I ask her to live like this just for me? "I love you, Alicia. I'm so sorry."

I thought I heard her sob, somewhere from deep inside that monstrous body, as I unleashed the energy, blasting right through her heart. I screamed, I know it was my voice that echoed around me in the daze of that moment while her blood splattered all over me. The crimson liquid of life even hit my skin, on my face and on my chest where her blows had torn my shirt.

As her body crumpled at my feet, my soul was doing the same. I had murdered the woman I loved. She'd asked me to kill her and I had! I was shaking uncontrollably unaware of anything else but the deep red blood that now covered my hands, Alicia's blood. There was nothing else, just that blood, just Alicia's blood and the horror of how it came to be there.

I was staring at my bound hands. Reliving it for them, for Presea especially, had made it seem as if it were happening all over again, like blood still coated my hands. I was afraid to look up, to meet any of their gazes now. They knew everything. Could I blame any of them now if that knowledge made them shun me or caused them to despise me? Wasn't that what I deserved?

"Master Regal killed me in order to save me." Her voice compelled me to look at her once again, to meet those blue eyes that visited my dreams and haunted the darkest of my nightmares. Sadness poured from her tone. "It was the only way."

"Just like Marble…" Genis mused quietly.

"I'm so glad I got to see you again in the end. I have no regrets, now." She actually smiled at me, sweetly, causing my heart to ache, to nearly burst. How could she be happy to see me? Why did this have to be the end? That damn stone was still tormenting her! "So, please, Regal, stop punishing yourself."

My voice came out strained. "Alicia…but with my own hands, I…"

I could still recall the feel of it still, the way her marred flesh had burst beneath my palms as I had released the most powerful attack I had ever known. I could still see how the blast had torn through her body taking her life instantly.

"I will disappear very soon. So please, don't' leave me anything to worry about." She replied gently, her words sending a new wave of emotion through me. Disappear? That was what she meant by this being the end, wasn't it? She was still suffering, all of this time she had been suffering. "You don't need those shackles. You've suffered enough."

"…I took the life of the one I love. These are a symbol of my crime as well as my punishment." How could she think I had endured enough pain after what I had done? There would always be blood on my hands, no matter what I did now, for nothing could erase the sin from me. I deserved far worse than to have my hands bound.

There were tears welling in her eyes now. "…You don't need that punishment anymore! Please, Regal…"

"…" I was more than stunned by her plea. Not only did Alicia not hate me, but she wanted me to remove my shackles as well? Wouldn't anyone else curse my name and hpe that I burn for eternity? Yet…Alicia didn't want that for me. She had even wanted to see me again. Was it…was it possible that she still loved me? Or as that just my foolish heart being far too hopeful? I was no longer worthy of her love.

"Genis and I once experienced the same thing you did." Lloyd sounded so much older when he was serious, his voice trying to express a similar sadness with the empathy he felt. "And I also imagine what it must have been like…for my dad when my mom turned into a monster and he struck her down, he must have suffered as well."

"…Your father did the same thing?" I murmured unable to conceal my surprise.

Is that why…you don't look at me with disgust, Lloyd? Because of your father?

"…That's what I heard." Lloyd replied with a small shrug, as if the story like that didn't affect him at the moment. "I don't know if the decisions your or my dad made were correct, but I don't think my mom would have wanted my dad to punish himself and live the way you have."

Again I met Alicia's gaze. I had to hear it from her. I needed to. "…Is that true?"

"…Yes. It's just as he says." She nodded, smiling at me warmly, tenderly. Goddess, if she hadn't have been see-through it would have been like she was still alive. "At least, I don't want you to live like that."

I was still so weak though. I couldn't just remove them, even though she had asked me to. The shackles on my wrist were a constant reminder of what I had done, as well as what I had lost because I could not protect her. Yet Alicia wanted to be able to rest in peace without worrying about me, so what more could I do than at least try to put her at ease? I loved her, and I always would. I would never be able to deny her anything. "…All right. But I will never use these hands as tools of death. I swear that to you. To you and to Lloyd. And once we have defeated those who use Exspheres to toy with people's lives, I shall remove these bonds."

"…Thank you, Master." Alicia sounded so relieved and the smile she turned on Presea was so bright, so cheerful. "Presea…I think I can finally rest in peace. Please destroy the crystal before I am totally absorbed into the Exsphere."

"Why?" Presea asked hurriedly, a note of hurt lacing her tone. "Can't you stay as you are now?"

"If I stay like this, I will live on forever. An isolated consciousness, unable to speak, existing for eternity…" What could have been fear danced across her azure eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a deep longing. She didn't want to leave us even though she knew she had to and she had to know neither of us wanted to let her go. "It would be true hell…"

"…Presea, Regal, what do we do?" Lloyd had turned to us, probably sensing that the two of us would be unable to fulfill Alicia's request on our own.

Goddess…not again…I don't want to see her go again…

Alicia, why couldn't I keep you with me?

Gritting my teeth to contain such selfish wishes, I whispered in defeat, "Please, set her free."

"…Yes. Goodbye, Alicia." It was the closest Presea had ever come to sounding heartbroken, the most sadness I had heard in her voice since she'd returned to normal and discovered her father dead.

"…Thank you." Her expression was so tender, so serene now, while I felt my insides crumbling. I was going to lose her again. "Presea, please forgive Master Regal. Please."

Oh, Alicia…what did I ever do for you to love me so much…that you'd ask that of her?

First her form flickered, and then vanished. Inside, I wanted to scream, but outside, I could only watch numbly as Lloyd stepped forward with his sword drawn. With one fluid strike his blade shattered the stone. Now, after so long, my Alicia was truly gone. She had finally been freed. Even as Lloyd turned with his head hung I could not tear my eyes from the grave marker, not yet.

There was a long moment of silence before I faced the young swordsman again. "I'm sorry I never said anything about this until now. I'm a criminal."

"Master Regal confessed to killing Alicia and went to prison on his own will." George added quietly.

"While I was in prison, the Pope promised to arrest Vharley in exchange for kidnapping Colette. "I remarked after a deep breath trying to focus on anything other than my revived sorrow over losing Alicia. There would be time to break down, later, when I was alone. "I believed him and agreed to do it."

"So that's why you were after us." Colette murmured in understanding.

"…Yes." While I would always regret what a low I had stooped to, I could not regret finding Presea or getting to see Alicia one last time. "Please, I ask you to postpone my final judgment until we defeat Cruxis…and put a stop to them using Exspheres to toy with people's lives."

He didn't have to accept my request. There were so many times before that he could have, that perhaps he should have, especially no, but he still offered me a warm smile. "Of course! We'll work together to defeat them and restore the Giant Tree!"

Even after everything he was still willing to accept me. I couldn't believe it. He knew of my past, of my crime, and of all I'd kept hidden, and he was still willing to let me fight by his side. I was certain I would always be grateful to him for that.

Genis bit his lip as he spun in an arc to face the pink haired girl that, without even trying, had a way of making him blush. "Are you okay with that, Presea?"

Her eyes drifted up to mine and I could only wonder what she saw now that she knew. "…Vharley was responsible for Alicia's death as well. Okay. I'll…try not to think of you as my enemy. I'm not sure I can change right away, but…"

"…I'm sorry." I choked out through a swell of guilt and shame. Didn't I deserve her hate, for her to see me as an enemy? She had probably thought of me as her enemy the moment she'd learned her sister had been murdered even if she hadn't known at the time that it was my face attached to the deed. While Alicia had asked Presea to forgive me, I understood that there was probably no chance of it happening. I had taken the last of her family form her.

"It was Alicia's last request, so…I won't say a word about it anymore." The ax woman said to close the subject. I wasn't sure if I should have been relieved by that or disappointed.

Raine seemed hesitant to speak but chose to do so after a short awkward silence that had probably made them all uncomfortable. "We have all had a long day. Perhaps it would be best if we just spent the night here at the hotel and got a fresh start in the morning."

Sheena nodded. "That sounds good to me."

"It's probably for the best." Zelos commented with half a shrug, pivoting towards the elevator. "We should probably go reserve our rooms. Hey! Maybe we could go to the theater tonight…or hit the casino!"

"We're not all old enough to get into the casino, Zelos!" Genis called after the red heated Chosen as he, Raine and Sheena strolled back towards the lift. The white haired mage glanced at Presea one more time, still concerned about her, before charging after the other with Colette on his tail. Presea followed a few seconds later.

Lloyd started after them as well, but by the time he reached the elevator, he realized that I wasn't with him. Looking over his shoulder, his expression softened when it rested on me. "Hey, Regal...aren't you coming with us?"

"I…will meet you at the hotel later." I said after a deep breath.

The smile he'd been wearing faded. He didn't want to leave me behind, but would he understand after what had happened in the last few hours that I would need some time to myself? "Really? You're sure?"

"Yes." I nodded, hoping to reassure him. I needed to sort through everything, to collect myself as much as possible. "I'll be fine, Lloyd."

"All right, we'll see you later then." He still hesitated to step into the lift.

Until I heard the gates close I'd remained still, but then once I knew they were gone, I turned back to the grave, falling to my knees as if everything that had occurred this day now rested on my shoulders. Shutting my eyes tight, I could only manage to choke out one word as I battled back tears, "Alicia…"

"Are you sure about this, Master Regal?" She couldn't help but glance around once again, expecting someone to object to where he was leading her. But there was no one else out and about in the resort town in spite of its night time attractions. "The beach is supposed to be off limits at night."

"Yes, but technically, I own the entire area so there isn't anyone that can reprimand us for being out here." The Duke reassured her with a wide grin holding her hand to steady her as she stepped over the ropes that blocked off the shoreline to tourists. "Besides, if the beach is supposed to be vacant at night then there is no chance of someone stumbling upon us here. Trust me, Alicia, tonight will be perfect."

Alicia did her best to push her worries of being caught to the back of her mind, not wanting to spoil the late night excursion that the Duke had put so much effort into planning. Regal had spent the last three days in Meltokio for some unexpected business in the court, and with his first night home he wanted to make it up to her. She could tell that he felt guilty when he had to run off to the Royal Court, leaving her for days at a time, and it made her feel special that he cared enough to plan a romantic evening for them both as if he owed that to her. So she did not protest again, or heed the urge to look over her shoulder any further, allowing the noble to lead her down the concrete steps and onto the white sand. The shoreline was vacant of another soul, the waves lapping gently at the beach in a gentle rhythm with the crescent moon glittering above, and it all seemed so mystical compared to the hustle and bustle of the tourists in the blistering sun.

He gave her hand a squeeze as he led her down the beach to where there was already a large blanket laid out, a picnic basket set on it, waiting for them. When the Duke had had time to set this up, Alicia could only guess, unable to hide a wide smile as they sat down next to each other on the blanket. Regal only let go of her hand to begin pulling things out of the basket, setting out three different desserts along with a pair of plates and silverware.

"I know we both already ate at dinner, but I thought a late night snack would do." Regal commented, gesturing to the three dishes he'd laid out in front of them. One was a small raspberry and chocolate swirl cheesecake, the second a delicate pastry decorated in fruit and caramel, while the third was a small layered chocolate cake topped with white frosting. "I was not sure what you would like...so I made three different ones."

"You…you made these?" She shouldn't have been surprised, considering it was common knowledge for any of the staff that worked in the kitchen that their young master enjoyed cooking. But perhaps it was not that he had made the desserts, more of the fact he'd had time to do so.

He gave her a warm smile. "Of course."

"Regal, you know…you didn't have to do all of this…" Was she blushing? She felt the heat rising into her cheeks even though she tried to will it back down, clutching the end of the skirt of her uniform. He was a Duke as well as a company president, he had to have more important things to do than bake desserts for one of his servants, and yet he had anyway. The nobleman had gone out of his way to surprise her, to practically spoil her, but she didn't want him to stretch himself too thin for her sake.

"Alicia, I know I don't have to, but I want to do things like this for you. You do know how much joy I find in making you happy, don't you?" The Duke remarked in her ear gently before planting a kiss on her cheek. In the light of the crescent moon, he could see her blushing; it made him smile as he felt a sensation of warmth spread through him. He enjoyed surprising her, as he did not get to do so often, just as much as he enjoyed having her near. As she seemed hesitant to reply he leaned his side against hers as he took one of the plates and one of the forks that he'd set out, pointing at each of the desserts. "Now, which one would you prefer? As ashamed as I am to admit it, I had no idea what you would like most."

"They all look delicious, Regal." She could not believe how much trouble he'd gone to just to give her a romantic evening, how much time and effort the Duke must have put into this venture, and she knew that she had to be a deep shade of crimson in spite of her efforts. Alicia couldn't help but feel breathless; to feel utterly flattered, that a man of his status would ever take time to pay attention to her let alone find so much pleasure in spending time with her. There wasn't a day that she was not thankful to the Goddess Martel for giving her such a wonderful gift, for helping her find Regal Bryant, and for the fact that he felt the same way for her. "And you put in all this effort, so I should at least try a little of each."

Grinning broadly, Regal began to cut her a small sample of each, placing them onto one plate. He did the same to the second plate, but only took one in his hand once he'd finished, using the fork to lift a bite of the cheesecake to her lips.

It was only after a deep breath that she managed to open her mouth, taking the offered dessert, chewing slowly when the sweet flavor swarmed her senses. She knew that the Duke enjoyed cooking and that he would often make his own meals, but the dessert he'd prepared was amazing. Her blue eyes alight, she swallowed, smiling brightly. "Oh Martel, that was heavenly…"

"Now there's no reason to tease me if it's awful." The Duke remarked his tone only slightly serious, but the mischievous sparkle in his gaze gave him away all the same.

"No, it's wonderful! It's perfect! Here…" She picked up the second fork off the blanket as well as the second plate, and without thinking she had scooped up a bite for him bringing it up to his lips as if it were the most natural thing in the world to feed the nobleman. She prayed that she wasn't the color of a cherry as her young master savored the dessert right in front of her eyes. Alicia never wanted to be nervous around him, to act so shy, but Regal was her first everything; her first kiss, her first date, and her first love. There were so many times that she wasn't sure what to do or how to act around him so that he wouldn't change his mind and never want to see her again. "S-see?"

"Well, one out of three at least." That playful smirk had returned as he presented her with another morsel, this time from the chocolate cake. His date took the bite with him watching, his head tilted to the side.

"Master Regal, I don't know which is sweeter, you or your desserts." Alicia giggled, copying his actions so that he could try his own dish. To keep herself from flushing as she watched him, she added, "I think you're trying to spoil me, taking me out here on such a beautiful night and spending all that time to prepare such wonderful food."

"What can I say?" Regal leaned down, kissing her cheek, setting down the food as if it would be forgotten the moment it left his hand. He looped one arm around her waist, drawing her close so that he could whisper in her ear. "You have me under your spell, Alicia, so much so that I can barely do anything but plot on how I can impress you next. I would do anything to see you smile, anything at all, because you are so precious to me."

"Oh, Regal," she rasped breathlessly, melting into his embrace while gazing up at him and placing a hand on his cheek. "You know how precious you are to me too, don't you? I'm so lucky just to be near you, to spend time with you."

"No, I'm the fortunate one." The Duke insisted softly, brushing his lips over hers. "There aren't many women in Tethe'alla that would tolerate my schedule, or care so much more about how I feel than my reputation. You have done so much for me, more than you could ever know, Alicia, and I don't think there will ever be a way that I can repay you for it all. But I love you so much."

Every time those words fell from his mouth it was like the first time. A shockwave went through her system, her heart nearly leaping from her chest, and she lost her breath. How could she not be stunned that Duke Bryant loved her? Yet she would not allow the shock or the bliss to stop her from replying, "I love you too."

He rested his forehead on hers. "So now you know why I do all of this. That and I wouldn't want you upset with me for having to leave to go to Meltokio so abruptly."

"I wasn't angry with you before." Alicia murmured, nuzzling further into his arms to soak in the sense of security and of being cherished that came with being held against him. She kept his gaze, smiling sweetly, while falling into his azure hues. She always got lost in his eyes, probably because they changed when they landed on her, as if filled with so much emotion that it compelled her to look and to bask in all that was there. "And there's no way that I could possibly be angry now after you did all of this. You should be careful; I may get used to it and come to expect you to always be this romantic."

"I'm not worried." He told her as he pulled her a little closer, then planting kisses down her throat and feeling her shiver under the attention. "I will never stop being this romantic with you, Alicia."

"You know, the beach is supposed to be closed at night." Lloyd chuckled as he took a seat next to me in the sand, his gaze following mine out to the lapping waves of the sea that rhythmically caressed the sand.

I gave in to the slight grin that tugged at my lips, shaking my head. "The rules don't always apply when you own the beach, though."

"I'm not going to get over that…that you're the president of a big company and own most of this island." The teen laughed as he crossed his legs, glancing to me before watching the waves again. The grin on his face was nearly contagious while it was obvious he was having trouble sitting still at the moment.

"The whole island." I murmured sheepishly.

"What?" It sounded as if he hadn't heard me.

"My family owns the whole island." I said again a bit clearer.

Lloyd gaped at me for a moment. "See, this is why I'm not going to get over that! You own everything here! You're a rich company president…even if I sill don't know quite what it is that you do. The Duke thing…that I can see. It even fits with your name."

"Lloyd?" I tried to get his attention as he'd started laughing again.

He quickly quelled his laughter, still smiling, but trying to meet my gaze from where he sat. "Yeah?"

Finally, I turned my head, looking at him. He had obviously come looking for me whether that had been compelled by feelings of friendship or obligation as our group's unofficial leader I wasn't sure. But never before, not even when I was younger, had someone found me on the closed off shoreline when I had escaped there to clear my mind. "…How did you know I was here?"

Even in the dim light of the moon, I could see the red rise up in his cheeks as he scratched the back of his head. "This was…uh…the last place I could think of to look."

"Hm." He'd searched that much for me?

"I can…go…if you want me to…if you'd rather be alone." The crimson clad swordsman replied hurriedly. "I don't want to bug you or anything, not if you want some time to yourself. I…just wanted to make sure you were all right."

"I used to come here quite often…when I could really…to think." I told him after a moment, realizing that if he'd looked for me that much I couldn't just ask him to go. Taking a deep breath, I shifted to sit cross-legged as well, turning my gaze back to the rolling waves.

He nodded, hugging his knees to his chest. "It seems perfect for that. It's so peaceful here. And no one is supposed to be around."

"Heh…" Was he determined to try to get me to smile again? Is that why he'd come? With a small sigh, I breathed out without thinking, "I…used to bring Alicia here, too. When we were together…it was somewhere that we could go to…just be a normal couple for a while."

"A normal couple?" Lloyd questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Alicia was a servant in my home, Lloyd, and I'm a Duke, a man of noble blood. While it didn't matter to me, a lot of people would have disapproved of my relationship with her." It was so easy to tell him these things, things I'd never shared with another soul until now. But it felt safe to tell him, to bare my soul to him. So many time before he had had the chance to shun me, and every chance he ignored making me feel welcome, needed. "She thought keeping our relationship a secret would be easier on me…and while I insisted that the opinions of other meant nothing to me, I agreed to it…to be with her."

"Oh. I guess that must have been tough on you both…having to hide how you feel around each other when other people were around…" Lloyd mused quietly, hugging his legs tighter. "But you could come here whenever you wanted with her, right?"

"I…never brought her here enough…" I closed my eyes in an attempt to shut out the memories, clenching my fists. "I loved her. I should have made more time for her. There shouldn't have been anything more important than she was…nothing that came between us."

"Regal…" the young swordsman murmured gently as he put a hand on my shoulder to try to calm me. "You can't change how things were then. You had the time you could with Alicia…and I'm sure it was always special when you could sneak away from everything. She didn't want you to keep hurting yourself over what happened, you heard her say that."

"I not only lost the woman I loved, but I took her life, Lloyd." I whispered as my eyes fell to my shackles. "How can I ever supposed to stop hurting?"

"I don't know." Lloyd replied honestly after a moment's consideration. "I guess you have to remember that Alicia wants you to be happy, to live, and to stop punishing yourself. Then…take it one step at a time. It's hard…I can't imagine how hard it is for you, Regal…but you'll have your friends with you now. We'll do all we can to help you. That's what we're here for."

"Lloyd…"

"We're friends, Regal. I mean that. You've helped us all a lot and you're great to talk to when I'm feeling down or whatever." He insisted before I could finish. "Stop thinking we're going to ask you to leave, okay? It's not happening."

I grinned in spite of myself, my eyes closed as the muscles in my shoulders and arms relaxed. "And Presea?"

"Give her time?" the crimson clad teen suggested as he released his knees and crossed his legs again, resting his hands in his lap. "A lot has happened to her lately…to the both of you, really…but I think things will work out. Maybe, in the meantime, you could talk to her like you did to me?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean tell her stuff like you just told me. Stories about Alicia. It sounded like they lost touch after Alicia came to work for you…so maybe you could give her an idea of what her sister was like." Flashing me a warm smile, he ran his fingers through his hair. "You know…if she'd like that?"

"I…I don't know…" I murmured quietly.

"You won't know unless you ask her. The least you can do is offer…then she knows the option is open." Lloyd shrugged as a far away longing flooded his gaze as it returned to the horizon lined with seawater that seemed to stretch forever onward. "I can't be sure ho Presea will feel about it…but if I knew that there was someone who could tell me about my parents, I know how much that offer would mean to me…"

"Then…I'll be sure to talk to her." It wasn't as if I didn't want to. She really was Alicia's sister, the family of the woman I'd treasured so dearly. Perhaps I owed her more explanations than I gave her today or perhaps I deserved the hatred of Alicia's only living relative. Whatever the case, I had to reach out to her, and recoil only if that's what she wished. "Lloyd?"

"Yeah?" His attention slowly came back to me.

"I don't know how I can ever thank you…for everything." I murmured softly. The words I needed to express the gratitude I felt did not exist in any language that I knew, and I didn't know what I could do instead to express it either. Lloyd had done so much for me, even if he didn't realize it. "I wish that I could…"

"You don't have to, Regal." Lloyd chuckled, that action bringing back the light to his gaze, and made him bounce where he sat again. "But, knowing you, me saying that won't change how you feel…will it? So why don't I just suggest something you could do?"

With my head tilted to the side, I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "All right…what do you suggest then?"

"Keep your promise. Do everything you can to keep your promise to Alicia. Help us take down Cruxis…so you can start the new life that Alicia wants for you. A life without the shackles." His voice was serious in spite of his lively expression he wore, and what was more, I could tell he meant every word of it. This teen that was out to stop an organization that ruled two words, this boy that was battling against impossible odds, had much more to worry about than the burden of my sin. Yet he cared. I could see it. I had thought the friendship he offered me fragile because it would be shattered when he and the others learned of my crimes, but it held on strong in spite of everything.

"I will." The words passed my lips without complete sincerity.

With one finger encased in his red gloves, he traced a cross over his heart. "On your honor?"

I mimicked the gesture as best I could with my bound hands. "On my honor."

Grinning broadly, he hopped to his feet. "Good. I think it's about time we head back then. The others will start to really worry about us if we don't."

"All right." He seemed pleased when I climbed to my feet, a smile once more tugging at the corner of my mouth. Lloyd was not the most intelligent of our group, that had been clear to me since early on, but when it came to knowing people the boy seemed to have an impeccable knack for it. As I started to follow him along the shoreline, I knew for certain he'd done what he'd done because he knew something about me that it almost seemed he'd just used against me.

I always keep my word.

With a small moan she nuzzled her very warm pillow, fighting back wakefulness in the hopes of enjoying a few more hours, maybe even a few days, in the comfort of her bed. Everything was perfect now and being awake would just ruin it. But the pillow under her ear was making this steady noise that eventually roused her from her blissful state only to bring her into another.

Her head hadn't been resting on a pillow but on the chest of Regal, her new lover. He was the warmth she had been curling into, his strong arms still wrapped around her waist as he remained slumbering peacefully. Alicia could feel the smile curling her lips as she allowed one hand to move some of the young Duke's blue bangs from the front of his closed eyes. Never before had she felt this happy, this elated, just to be near Regal and to recall his confession from last night.

"I love you, Alicia."

It had been all she had ever wanted, to know that he felt the same way. For nearly eight years she'd been falling for her employer, treasuring any moment she could spend with him, praying that he noticed her as more than just a servant girl from a small country village.

And now she was lying beside him after a night of love making. She had never seen him look as handsome as he did sleeping, his hair in disarray but a serene expression on his face that warmed her heart. She would have given anything to have this moment never end so that she might be able to watch him sleep forever and never have to worry about anything else ever again. Alicia just wanted to remain by his side, to soak in the feel of her skin pressed to his, to never leave his embrace, for the rest of her life.

But she couldn't stay. Deep down she knew that. Someone, probably George, would soon realize the time and that the master of the house had yet to leave his room for the office. She knew she couldn't be here when that happened. As much as she had tried to ignore it, Alicia had seen the disapproving looks George had given her when she was too close to Regal or when the Duke seemed to go out of his way to be a gentleman to her. And as much as she hated it, the man she loved was of noble blood and she was a servant. It made no difference to either of them, as what had happened last night was a testament to, but the last thing she wanted was to cause trouble for her lover.

Perhaps some day she would be able to stay with him, to greet him when he woke, but for now she was going to be late for her morning duties and she didn't want him to watch her go. Leaning up slowly so as not to alert him to anything but the sweet dreams he might be having, she gently pressed her lips to his whispering, "I love you, Regal."

She had to practically force herself to vacate his embrace and climb off the mattress, unable to tear her gaze from his slumbering face. The Duke would be upset that she left, he would insist that it didn't matter to him who found them together, but she couldn't bring herself to cause any sort of problems for him.

For the longest time she expected him to wake while she gathered her clothes up, to see those heartwarming azure eyes flutter open and catch her getting dressed. He'd claimed to be a light sleeper, since someone might hear any alarms he set to sneak out most nights for his martial arts training. But perhaps their previous activities had helped the nobleman to reach a deeper level of sleep, one she was grateful for as she crossed the room one more time to stand at his side of the bed, her slender hand slipping into his larger one and she leaned down to give him one last kiss. He moaned softly at the action, as if in protest of her plans to leave, but did not wake.

She checked her uniform quickly before exiting the bedroom as stealthily as she could. The coast seemed clear. Not all of the staff got up around this hour. Most of the time Alicia found it amazing that Regal could manage his busy days with only a few hours of sleep between rigorous training and still get up so early each morning. With a sigh of relief she slipped out into the corridor, shutting the door to the master bedroom as quietly as possible, and then attempting to rush down the hall without making as sound.

"Miss Combatir, what were you doing in Master Regal's room?" The sudden question breaking the silence caused her to gasp, whirling around to see just who had caught her in the act. George stared back at her, arms crossed over his chest, lips set into a thin line, with his foot tapping the floor impatiently while his eyes were ever so slightly narrowed.

"I…" Alicia had a gut feeling that if she lied he would know. For so long she could just see how much this man disliked her anywhere near Regal, and perhaps he'd been waiting for an opportune chance to keep them apart. Remembering how her lover had insisted so many times that he would never let anything happen to her, and that Regal kept telling her that since he was the master of the house the only person she truly would ever answer to was him, the young woman set her shoulders and steadied her voice. "I do not believe that is any of your business."

The flare of anger in his gaze was unmistakable. "Oh?"

"Yes." She answered flatly, doing her best to stare him down for a moment. Then she spun on her heel. "Now if you'll excuse me, sir, I have morning duties to perform."

She was nearly at the end of the hall when she heard him clambering to catch up to her brisk pace, stating sharply behind her, "No, Miss Combatir, you do not."

"Excuse me?" She stopped halfway down the stairs that led to the first level of the Bryant estate, fixing him with a hard glare over her shoulder. He caught up with her because of this, but she paid no heed to it.

"I said you no longer have duties to perform here, Miss Combatir." George seemed to ground the words out as if not only to remain polite, but to keep his voice down. Was he trying to make it so no one else heard this little confrontation? And was he doing this for his master's benefit or for another reason entirely? "Your services here are no longer needed. You many pack your things and leave immediately."

"What!" Alicia exclaimed in a combination of disbelief and shock.

That was when George grabbed her arm rather roughly, starting to pull her down the rest of the staircase and then towards the back exit of the manor, curiously in the wrong direction of her room where she could pack her things. "In fact, Master Regal has been discussing terminating your employment here for weeks now, my dear."

It was because of her shock that she did not tear from his grip until they were nearly to the back door that led out into the gardens. Again she stared at the old man harshly, no longer concerned with being polite. Alicia was certain that, in her eight years in this house, she had come to know Regal Bryant better than his other servant ever had. Also, she could not help but suspect it was not the Duke that wanted her gone but his meddling servant. "Then if Master Regal wants me gone I would like to hear so from him."

With that she stalked past him. How dare he tell her that Regal was planning to send her away! Did George know what was going on between her and the young nobleman, or did he just suspect? Either way she just wanted to go back to her lover's room, to have Regal assure her that there had never been any plans of firing her. The Duke had said he loved her! She could not believe George, and she could not doubt her beloved now.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow that." Before she could get very far, George had taken hold of her arms from behind, dragging her back towards the exit to the gardens.

"Let go of me!" Alicia exclaimed struggling against the old man's grip. Somehow the other servant managed to pull her out into the gardens, albeit while she was kicking and screaming for Regal. But no one came to her rescue. The man she loved was in a deep sleep on the second floor while none of the other servants were in this wing of the estate at this time of the morning. The gardeners wouldn't even be up and about for another two hours at the least.

So there was no one to come to save her.

George roughly shoved her at two men in armor who'd been waiting on the cobblestone path for them. "Bring her to Vharely. Tell him he can do what he likes with her as long as Master Regal never lays eyes on her again."

Alicia couldn't believe her ears. And even as she screamed and begged for them to let her go, the two strangers began to take her away. They were the only ones that heard her cry out for the Duke, or curse George in as many colorful words as she knew. But no matter what she did she couldn't get away from their vice-like grips and sneering faces. She could not break free to return to the embrace of the man she loved so dearly. Nor could she even warn Regal how George was so quick to go behind the Duke's back and do as he pleased.

She fought so hard, but it was all in vain. "Regal!"

Nothing seemed that different as, the next morning, we left the hotel headed for the gates of the city. Lloyd, Colette, and Genis, had rushed ahead, the crimson clad swordsman and the blonde angel excited at the prospect of our next destination being the Temple of Darkness, while the young mage groaned about how soon Lloyd's attitude would change. Sheena was chatting with Raine and Presea to calm down after Zelos had made another lecherous advance on her. I was content with walking at the back of the group and openly, and openly sulking, the Chosen of Tethe'alla joined me.

Normally, I would have kept silent, and Zelos would have grumbled and complained about how the ninja didn't have to hit so hard, but there was something I needed to say to him. "Thank you, Zelos."

"Huh?" He looked up at me in confusion, still rubbing the bruise that was most likely forming on the back of his head. It was a wonder, with all the abuse he'd taken at Sheena's hands, that he hadn't learned to not say such things to her or to duck. "For what? If you're thanking me for making entertainment for you this morning that's just cold, man."

Shacking my head, I couldn't help but chuckle at his hurt expression. "No, no, not that."

"Then what?" He was looking at me strangely, one eyebrow raised, obviously puzzled by my gratitude. It was odd that he couldn't guess it already.

"For letting me tell them." The fact that he'd recognized me, even if he couldn't quite place me, had worried me from the start, yet even after he'd figured it out he had said anything. Zelos had given me the chance to tell them myself, which I would always be thankful for. He could have exposed me the moment he realized my identity, but he'd kept silent, waiting for me to tell them myself.

"Hey, when we first bumped into each other you kicked me in the back of head and pinned me to the disgusting sewer floor…but other than that…you're a good guy, Regal." Zelos actually sounded serious, something I knew to be somewhat rare. "Besides, I may be of noble blood, but I'm not one to gossip about stuff like this. It wasn't my place."

"Well, thank you." I said again, smiling down at him.

"Oh no, don't thank me." Zelos smirked. "Apologize."

"Yeah! For holding me down on that filthly sewer floor!" the Chosen exclaimed waving his arms. "That was not only gross, but it messed up my favorite outfit! Do you know how humiliated I was to walk back to my mansion like that?"

I was trying very hard not to laugh. Now this was the Zelos Wilder I'd come to know, not really serious about anything but women or his looks. He saw my expression, and it flustered him further. Again he flapped his arms, and I couldn't help but laugh, something I didn't think I would do so soon.

"Hey, come on! I kept my mouth shut for you, the least you can do is apologize for getting me slimy that day!" the red headed swordsman complained lovely.

"All right, all right. I'm sorry for what I did I the sewers that day." I sighed once I got my laughter under control even if I couldn't remove my smile. Even if he was a bit vain, as well as a little more than flirtatious with women, but he was a good person where it counted.

"Good, see, like I said. You're a nice guy." The red head flashed me one more wide grin before he sped off to pester Sheena once again.

Something was missing. He'd never woken up feeling that way before, and yet he knew that something that should have been there wasn't. No, not something, his groggy mind slowly corrected his train of thought, someone was missing. The idea of it was what brought the young noble around, his blue eyes struggling to focus because of the sunlight streaming in from his windows. As soon as he came back to himself he sat up in the very large bed, concerned. "Alicia?"

She wasn't there. Her side of the bed was empty, not even the slightest bit of her impression was left in the pillows or the mattress where she had been when he closed his eyes. A quick glance at the floor confirmed that even the young woman's clothes had been taken off the floor of his large room. The sight of the empty bed, no traces remaining of her, made him wonder if last night had been a dream for just a moment. And then the disbelief of what had transpired between them was replaced with an ache.

After everything that they'd done, everything he'd said, she hadn't stayed with him.

Heaving a disappointed sigh, Regal laid back down, shutting his eyes. He probably should have been expecting her to slip out before he woke up. Alicia wanted to avoid the stigma he'd suffer if anyone discovered their relationship, no matter how many times he had calmly, firmly insisted that it did not matter to him. What everyone else thought was irrelevant to the Duke. He did not care that they were supposed to be master and servant, or that six years of age separated them. After everything he'd been through, Alicia Combatir was the first person to make him happy, and he would have given anything to cling to that happiness forever.

"Alicia…how do you feel about being a…duchess?"

He had asked that timid question in the after glow, when the moment might have been too perfect. She had been tired, and after he'd asked that she'd murmured something noncommittal, incoherent, merely snuggling closer to him and promptly falling asleep. If anything he would have liked to ask her when she was more aware, when she might have actually answered him, but there was still a doubt in his mind. There was still a small shred of doubt that said that if he really asked her, Alicia would turn him down.

But she had smiled so sweetly when she'd babbled her response into his skin. Regal wanted to believe he could make her happy, that what they had was real.

Rolling onto his side he lazily opened the top drawer to his nightstand, rummaging around blindly inside until he found it. A small velvet box he'd kept there since he was fifteen. His mother had given it to him, for it was a family heirloom. The gorgeous engagement ring glittered in the sunlight once the lid of the box had been pulled back, and Regal couldn't stop the grin that curled his lips.

Last night he had fumbled for words to ask her what he'd really been thinking. He hadn't asked her what he'd meant to. But he had plenty of time to come up with the right words, the proper way to ask her, before he tried again.

Again Regal couldn't hold back a smile, feeling more light and carefree than he had in years. Rising from the bed finally, he decided that both the office and the court could go on without him for at least one day, that for the first time since he had been named President of the Lezareno Company and a Duke of the Royal court, he planned to shirk his duties. He wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day with Alicia, and it was not as if he would answer to anyone if he did so.

Quickly bathing, deciding not to bother slicking back his long bangs opting instead just to tie his shoulder length locks back at the nape of his neck, Regal finally dressed in a simple pair of black slacks along with a black silk button-down shirt. He had carefully returned the velvet box to its place before he left the room with an extra spring in his step, the smile on his lips still bright even though the woman he loved had not been next to him when he'd woken up. Nothing could dampen the Duke's spirits, not with the way his heart was soaring because when he had confessed his feelings, having finally found the courage, as well as the right moment, she had replied in kind.

"I love you too, Regal."

Part of Alicia's job in the morning was to assist the chefs in making breakfast for everyone on the estate as well as prepare the dining hall. He knew that he should find her there, already working, and just the idea of being able to lay eyes on her again was what practically had him floating on air all the way to the huge kitchen. Upon opening one of the swinging doors he was hit with several delicious aromas he had to pause for just a moment to savor. Then his gaze swept over the familiar faces, searching each one, finding the one he was looking for to be missing.

"Sanji, have you seen Alicia by chance?" Regal asked the chef closest to him, confused by the fact his lover was absent from her usual post.

"Oh! Master Regal." The man seemed startled for only a second at the young master's presence in the kitchen. Almost everyone who lived in the Duke's manor knew of the noble's passion for cooking, so it was never out of the ordinary for any of the staff to find Regal down in the kitchen perhaps choosing to make his own meal for a change. "Um… no. Oddly enough, Alicia hasn't come in all morning. She has never even been late before. You might want to check the dining hall though; maybe something came up there to keep her busy."

"Thank you." His grin began to lessen as he exited the kitchen and went straight into the dining hall, scanning over the occupants with a knot of concern twisting in his stomach. She wasn't in the dining hall either. She wasn't in either place that she was supposed to be at this time in the morning, so where could she have gone?

"Master Regal, are you looking for someone?" a young maid asked softly.

"Yes, Jillian, have you seen Alicia this morning?" the Duke asked her unable to rid himself of the feeling that something was very wrong. Alicia was never late for her morning duties and yet she was not in the kitchen or the dining hall. He should not have been so concerned about this little disappearance, he should not have had panic building up in the back of his throat, but even as his rational mind argued this his instinct wouldn't respond. Every nerve ending was flared, prepared for what he knew was coming. Something was wrong. Alicia wouldn't just disappear after last night! Would she?

"No, Master Regal. I even checked her room." Jillian told him searching his expression as if she suspected he already knew what was going on. "All of her things are gone. Some of the other maids say she was fired."

"Fired?" Regal managed to choke out in his disbelief.

He was back out of the large dining area, running through the corridors of the mansion before he knew it. There was only one thought in his mind, and that was that what Jillian had said could not be true. No one else had the authority to fire his servants, and he would never have terminated her employment. The panic growing rapidly within him, Regal finally tore open the door of Alicia's chambers, expecting to find her behind the door or maybe sitting on the bed.

But there was no one in the room.

Frantic he tore open the drawers of her dresser, her nightstand, then throwing open the closet and chest set at the end of the bed. All of it was empty. Empty like no one had ever carefully folded their clothes to fill the drawers and chest, and had never hung up freshly pressed uniforms in the closet. None of her personal items were on the floor, the shelves; even the books he had given her were gone!

Regal could not believe his eyes. Where were her things? Who could have taken them all out so quickly? Where was Alicia? This was impossible! Her things should still be here! She should still be here! Or…did she leave? No, Alicia wouldn't do that to him. Not sweet, caring, wonderful Alicia who had reached out to him and pulled him back out of the grips of loneliness! No, Alicia loved him. She wouldn't leave him. She wouldn't do that to him.

But then where was she? What had happened to all of her clothes, her books, and her keepsakes from Ozette? She could not have been fired, he wouldn't have done that to her, and yet all of her things were missing from the room she had once occupied, and she had not been seen all morning. Where could she be? What had happened to her?

"Oh, there you are, Master Regal." George's voice caused him to whirl around, finding the older man standing in the doorway, watching him curiously but cautiously as well. The man that had served him for longer than he could remember almost seemed wary of him now, a nervous expression creeping over his wrinkled face. There was a moment that the Duke did not see George that was standing there, but the man that had once sent everyone he had ever known as a child away. It was that moment that made something click in his distressed mind.

"Where is she?" Azure eyes narrowed dangerously. He had been wrong before, he was not the only one who had the authority to fire someone on staff, and he had tried so hard to ignore the disapproving glares from the older man towards Alicia.

"Master Regal, should you not be--"

"I will not ask you again, George." Regal cut in sharply taking several menacing steps forward, knowing that after years of secret and intense martial arts training that he was of an intimidating build and using it without thinking. He watched the elder man back up, into the hallway, but the Duke continued his advance until the servant had his back pressed to the wall with no escape. Part of him wanted to believe that the older man had nothing to do with this, that his servant was innocent of any knowledge concerning Alicia's sudden disappearance, but there had already been so many people that George had escorted out of his life. He would not allow the same to become of his lover. "Where is Alicia?"

"You must understand, sir, that I am only doing what is right for you. Miss Combatir was a distraction and she was not right for you. She was a commoner, you are a noble. I could not allow her to soil your good name, Master Bryant." His servant insisted in a shaking voice barely able to meet the hard gaze of the man he served. "You are a Duke, a man of prestige. I saw fit to end this now before she could ruin all that you have come to achieve. So I had her removed this morning."

"You...what?" the Duke hissed darkly. His control was slipping. He was never a violent man, in spite of the fact he had trained his body to fight, but in that moment there was a frightened man screaming inside of him. There was the seventeen-year-old Regal who had just lost everything in the span of a few days that was crying that Alicia could be taken away as well. His hand shot out and before he knew it he was holding his servant by the front of his suit, inches off the floor, having already shoved him roughly into the wall.

"I…had Miss Combatir…removed." George stammered hurriedly.

The nobleman could barely draw in a breath. Alicia was gone and it was because of the one man he'd thought he could trust. George had been a friend of the family, he had served him well for so long, Regal did not want believe that the elder man could be so callous as to totally disregard the Duke's feelings. How could George still see Alicia as nothing more than a commoner when she made his master happy? Didn't that matter? Didn't his happiness ever matter? Inside he was screaming and struggling against the blind anger coursing through his veins, thundering against his temples. He squeezed his eyes shut searching for the rational part of his mind, but all that he managed to do was picture his beloved and remember her words.

"I love you too, Regal."

With enough force to wind the old man, Regal slammed him back into the wall growling out, "You had no right to do this, George! You had no right to decide this for me, to disregard my wishes and go behind my back! I love her, do you hear me? Do you understand?"

"Perhaps what you felt for her was genuine, Master Regal, but I have seen women like her before, and she was probably using you. She wanted your status and your wealth." How he managed to sound almost calm while his legs kicked in the air uselessly was a mystery.

"What you think of Alicia is of no concern to me, but in firing her you have overstepped your bounds. You are not my father, my guardian, or my keeper, George, and you never should have tried to act as such. I do not care about your intentions or what you consider to be in my best interest." The noble shouted, furious at how a man he had once respected could insult an innocent woman with such ease and without remorse. How could he have not seen how quick George was to judge? How could he have been blind to the fact his servant cared more about image than about his happiness? "You had no right to remove her from my home!"

"But--!"

"No, I don't want to hear it!" Regal exclaimed furiously releasing his grip on the other's suit and watching him crumple to the floor with only the slightest bit of satisfaction. "You had no authority to fire Alicia. And you did so behind my back. How could you, George? After everything…how could you?"

Fearfully the servant climbed to his feet, his gaze watching the Duke for any movement, any sign that the nobleman might attack again. This time he held his tongue, wise enough to see that it was taking a great deal of Regal's willpower to not lash out at him again. Eight years ago when he had replaced the entire staff, George had only gotten a few protests from his young charge, but now it seemed that the Duke had found the voice to speak out now that something had threatened his relationship with Alicia.

"George, you have served my family for many years, but I will not look over this. I will not tolerate it." Regal's voice did not seem his own for it was colder, harder than it had ever come out before, matching the newfound ice in his azure eyes. "You will bring Alicia back. If you don't, I will find her myself, and then I will forcibly remove you from my property with no guarantee for your safety."

He left George standing there stuttering and trembling in shock.

To be continued

End notes: Yes, finally past the confession scene. I never thought I would make it, and I never thought it would turn out this way. Originally, I was going to do the flashback in the middle of the terrace scene like all the others in third person, but I thought it would have more impact if it were in Regal's point of view. I kind of see it as Regal reliving it while he's telling them all what happened, but perhaps that's just me. So, from here on out, some of this might be a bit choppy thanks to the fact that the focus on Regal diminishes a good deal unless he is the character that likes Lloyd the most. Hope to have you back for the next chapter!