Roy wasn't sure how long it would take before his father's throne and crown would feel like his own. The seat felt too large, and the crown far too heavy upon his head. The moment it was placed, all eyes in the kingdom landing on him, he felt he'd sink into the marble beneath his feet. Nevertheless, he held himself high, withstanding the weight with all the strength he could muster.

The crowd of people at his feet, bowing to their new king, included some of the most well known figures in the kingdom, as well as those from allied neighboring countries. Dukes and duchesses, even other kings, bringing along princesses to, hopefully, strengthen the relationship between their countries. He met with each of them politely shaking their hands, smiling his warm smile.

In the mist of it all, he'd lost track of his adviser. He searched for the head of blond hair among the mass of people, begging for their chance to congratulate the young king, throwing their names into his good graces. It was unfortunate for them, however, that their names would be quickly forgotten as he continue sifting through the crowd.

As the afternoon wound to a close, the newly crowned king had given up his search, submitting to the celebratory greetings of his visitors. Roy counted his blessings as his knight and friend came to his side, escorting him away from the coronation ceremony and out of the main hall. "I'm so glad I could kiss you..." He mumbled, smiling as he made his exit.

"That'd be a sight." Maes laughed, his expression lost beneath his helmet. "As if the country didn't have enough to talk about. They are already making bets on the next queen."

Roy rolled his eyes, releasing a breath as the doors closed behind him. "I've met so many women today whose father's were practically pushing them into my bed, I'm not sure there won't be at least three waiting for me in my chambers."

"That doesn't seem like something to complain about." The knight chuckled. "Unless you had a woman like Gracia waiting on you at home." He added, the smile, though not visible through his armor, heard through his voice. "Or maybe a Hawkeye."

A halfhearted glare fell to the king's eyes as he dropped into a chair. "I'm not even sure she was at the coronation. Maybe it's about time the pressure of all this actually ran her off, after all."

"You really think she's that easy to scare away, Roy?"

The young lord chuckled lightly. "Not a chance. Though, I do wonder where she went."

"The coronation ball is tonight. Maybe she's getting all dolled up for you."

Roy shook his head. "A pleasant thought, but also unlikely." He mumbled. "I only hope she'll be there to distract me from all the hopeful young ladies."

With a pat on his friend's back, Maes pushed the king to his feet. "You should be getting ready as well. No time for pining and hoping, your majesty."

The young king couldn't have prepared himself for the number of dancers pushed into his arms. Each shy young noblewoman, stepping with the music, eyed him with blind affection, falling for his warm smiles and honey-sweet words. It was unfortunate for each young maiden, however, that his eyes were filtering through the dancers, even scanning the back walls, for a familiar head of blonde hair.

The night was halfway over, and his feet stung from the steps he'd made with each over willing partner on the ballroom floor. He'd given up on finding her, eyes now vaguely taking in the redhead that stared at her own feet while she danced.

"King Roy?"

He did all he could to hide the sigh of relief in his voice as the dance with the redhead came to a halt. "Lady Owens, please excuse me." He let go of the young lady's hand as he spoke, watching her bow politely before turning to his aunt. "Madam, have you come to ask me to dance?" He mused.

"No. Of course not. I'm worth more than a dance with a cocky young king. I only came to present you with a gift." With a hand on his back, she pushed him towards the wall, through the crowd. "I hope you enjoy it. It wasn't easy."

He laughed, moving as directed. "Of course I will." As he slipped from the mass of dancing couples, he realized how true his words were as his eyes landed on his "gift."

Blonde hair was pinned neatly at the sides, but the length of it cascaded over the adviser's shoulders. Her gold strands accented the emerald fabric of her dress, fitting close to her form over the bodice, and a high collar covering the back of her neck. "It seems..." he started, his voice soft and low as he stepped forward, "that you've been given to me once again."

Riza laughed lightly. "It would appear so.

He held his hand out to her, feet aching for one more dance. "I hope you came to me willingly this time."

She placed her palm in his, fingers wrapping gently around as he led her away from the shadows. "I won't be punching you this time, at least. Although, I still feel like I'm bound in this clothing your aunt put me in."

His free hand went to her waist, hers to his shoulder. "Perhaps you'd allow me to unbind you again?"

Her brown eyes set him aflame as they met his. He felt as though he'd lose his footing in her sly smile. "And perhaps I'll take back what I said about punching you, sire."

The pain in his feet had faded as he moved in time with her, enjoying her snide remarks and playful smiles as they talked. She'd been at the coronation, and was swept away by his aunt while he was accepting his greetings. Placing her in her dress and having her perfectly preened for the ball seemed to be an all evening affair. Roy questioned why she even agreed to it, but she didn't really have an answer. "If this was what you wanted, it'd be all I could give. I'm a noble in name only, and only by your doing. That doesn't mean I have the money to buy you anything in celebration."

He pulled her closer, too close for the eyes of their company, he was sure. "This is perfect. Thank you, but I hope you aren't too uncomfortable." He added, gently. "I'd much prefer you comfortable than unable to breathe, milady."

"I'm breathing fine, my king." It wasn't until the title slipped from her lips that he at last felt pride in it. Her king... it was all he needed to hear.

His smile widened as he turned them to the music. The onlookers were lost to him as his eyes locked onto the girl in his arms. "I danced too long before you got here." He told her, gently.

"I advise you take a break then." The blonde teased, stopping with him in the middle of the ballroom floor. "I do have a gift for you...besides this."

His hand left her hip, but the other kept her hand, leading her now off the dance floor once more. "Oh? And where is it?" His voice was light and gentle. He was as tired as he was excited after the day's events, and it was beginning to show.

"Call the evening to a close, your majesty." She told him, taking her hand from his at last. "And I'll bring it to your chambers." Her voice was quiet, whispering the words like a secret.

She disappeared once more, then, leaving him light-hearted and drunk on her words. With a bright smile, he stood at his throne, calling the party-goers to attention. His 'goodnight' was short and sweet, but poised and polite. The knights took their places, ushering all the men and women from the ballroom, Maes taking his place by Roy's side to escort him away from the final attempts of those trying to win the king's favor.

Roy was silent as he walked at his friend's side, but he couldn't tear the smile from his lips. As they stepped to the hall to his room, Maes gave him a pat on the back. "Congratulations. Enjoy your evening, sire." There was a laugh to his voice that couldn't be ignored, but Roy let it pass, simply nodding his head in thanks as he walked to his chambers.

His room was empty, much to his disappointment, but he took the time to take off his coat, laying on the back of a chair. He considered removing his boots, or even his shirt, leaving him in just his undershirt, but chose against it. He set the crown on his dresser, hoping the title would stay with it when she finally arrived.

"Your majesty." She spoke instead of knocked, and he felt his nerves turn to ice. She'd come to his chambers. She'd dressed up for him and she had a gift for him.

With a deep breath he went for the door, smiling at the woman who waited for him. She'd abandoned the corset for a robe, hair now completely loose down her back. She'd pulled her robe tightly around her, as if the chill of the hallway could be kept out. "Come in." He invited, trying not to pull her in on his own. He held the door, watching as she passed him by, closing the door behind her. The brunette stepped towards her, watching as her face lit up by the fireplace. "So you brought my gift..."

Riza nodded gently, turning to him. "It's not much. Not even sure you'll want it..." She started slowly, looking away from him.

"I want it." His hand pulled her chin up as he moved in closer. There was nothing he wanted more than the woman who'd brought herself to his chambers. He leaned in, taking her lips with his slowly, his free hand finding her hip. Her hand went to his, and her slow response caused him to freeze, knowing he'd read the situation wrong. Just as he started to pull away, however, he felt her step against him, pressing up into the kiss.

She'd given him all the invitation he'd needed. His hand moved to the small of her back, pulling her to him as he let his mouth explore hers. Feeling her tongue against his was more than he could bear, as he moaned low into her. He pulled from her lips to trail his down her jawline, kissing and nipping a line to her ear. "Sire..." Her voice was breathless, and her one hand still held his.

"Mm-mm..." He mumbled in disagreement as he gently bit her ear. "My name, Riza..."

"Roy..." She let her other hand slip into his hair, stepping back gently, pulling him with her. "It's... a bad idea..." She warned, but did nothing to stop his attack on her neck, or his hands leading her to the bed. "We shouldn't." She said again, but fell against the blankets as her robe slipped open.

He couldn't help but laugh against her as he pushed her up on the bed, easing her sleeves from her shoulders, untying the back of her gown with nimble hands. "You give wonderful advice..." He purred, kissing her once more. "I'm glad I hired you..." As he pulled away, he met her eyes, cupping her face in one hand, supporting himself over her with the other. "I know we shouldn't. I know it's a bad idea, but, Riza..." He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes closing as if he were pleading gently. "If I said I loved you, would you allow it?"

Her arms draped themselves over his neck, her lips pressing to his softly. "Yes, my king." She whispered. "I am yours."