A partner's illness, a vicious foe, a sinister plot and a cursed stone. It's up for the leading man and his new recruit who may not be what it seems.
Set in post-game one year later between FFXII and Revenant Wings.
Disclaimer – This story is my idea. Places and characters are my OC. All Final Fantasy XII characters/plot belong to SquareEnix.
Author's note – I'm feeling much better when I wrote this one before I doing this longer chapter (I've listened one of Paul Schwartz's haunting music on my iTunes library) to find out on Ashe's POV and how she's secretly impersonating a boy in order to save her kingdom and her beloved sky pirate Romeo. And it's also loosely based on AsheXBalthier fanfic Eavesdropper (my favorite) by sapereaude13 on the end...so this is for you!
This chapter contains mild adult situations (just a little mild, baby...) than the scorching chapter 6.
Chapter 7
The Leading Lady's Story
Orsino: (to Viola/Cesario)
Give me thy hand
And let me see thee in thy woman's weeds.
– Twelfth Night, or What You Will
William Shakespeare
(1564 – 1616)
The bedroom was very still as the single firefly danced around the glowing orbs of the candelabra. And from the distance of the Naldoan Sea were spreading on moonbeams. The night breeze swayed the curtains, which moved and swirled gracefully, and the wind chimes floated, producing the melodic sounds of soothing, gentle bells.
They lay in each others arms and were still after their memorable and spirited night of lovemaking. Balthier stared at the ceiling as the Briolette of Aieval sat on the bedside table, its sparkles dancing in the dark like flickering stars in the night sky. Ashe lay with her head in the crook of his shoulder, her fingers tracing a line down his chest to the gauzed bandage on his stomach.
"I have a confession to make," she said gently, as the warm night air filled the room with the soft fragrance of Galbana lilies and dried lavender.
"What is it?" inquired Balthier. His breath brushed lightly against the crown of her head.
"I lied to you about what happened there at the temple," she answered her secret behind the so-called skills during the tough and exhausting fight alone with the Ancient Wyrm at the Cieloáh Temple. "I'm sorry; I don't want any trouble for deceiving you."
His arm tightened around her shoulder. "There's no need to apologize, Princess," he said in a kind and soft, apologetic tone. "Besides, I know you were there and I noticed that Esper that calling down there is really yours, I'd say."
"I have no choice, Balthier." Her voice lowered and her mouth tightened. "I have a little luck of my strength left."
"I'm glad you lived."
"Thank you."
"And you almost scared the hell out of me," he chuckled lightly.
"Will you ever forgive me?"
He smiled and kissed her forehead and then her lips. "I forgive you, my Princess."
"By the way: I am the Queen now, pirate," she retorted softly.
"Ah, that's right." he chuckled as he embraced her again and exhaled. "Hard to say the word 'Princess' is more fun than 'Queen.'"
Ashe gave a stern look. "Is there anything wrong with that?"
"Er... no, of course not, my Queen," he said sheepishly.
Then she smirked. "Now that's more like it."
He had known all along that she'd fooled him irrevocably and that she would forgive him. Balthier convinced himself and have a little patience than infuriated on the Queen's game of travesty.
Now it's his turn to speak. "I also have a confession to make."
"Hmm?"
"Well..." His voice felt tight, and then he swallowed. His hand stroked her bare shoulder. "That day when I was there in the Bahamut, I could hear your voice for the first time begging me to come back. You gave me life when Fran and I escaped, and it's hard to say that miracles will happen until now. Then later, at Lemurés, where I took a rest alone, that voice came into my head." He chuckled solemnly. "It sounds silly, and I don't know why I've got a strangest feeling those words. And then I was in your arms when I was half dead, and then I could hear the voice again when you kissed me...I know it was you, Ashe. I have dreamed of you ever since when we were separated for almost a months, years or so."
"Now... you came back...and to me."
"I told you about the story of my life? From the beginning."
Her eyes met in tender to his. "A leading man ever dies," she murmured, smiling lightly. "I love you, Balthier. I have to say it to you over there–."
He stroked gently on her soft cheek. "I'm still alive...and I still love you, Ashelia," he whispered sadly with a simple smile.
Ashe laughed faintly. "I can't believe you abandoned me, you pathetic fool of a pirate," she retorted with light sobs and tears burning her eyes. Her arm held him tightly against the chest as if she were afraid of losing him again. "I know about you and Fran at the Cache of Glabados. Why didn't you respond to me again or even see me after the coronation? How could you do that to–"
He pulled her to him and pressed her close, an expression of such fierce love in his eyes that her heart rocked in her chest. "Hush, my love. I'm here with you and I have to tell you everything what happened out there."
In a moment, after they held each other close, safe, and secure, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her face went calm. "And you still have me, Balthier?" she sniffed.
"Gods, you've talked too much, you vixen." He kissed her softly on her forehead and then her eyelids. "I'd rather die happy to be with you."
She sighed with a light and gentle laugh and snuggled against him.
"And I am supposed to kidnap you again, Princess."
"Do as you please, pirate."
"And you still have your ring?" His breath was on her mouth.
"Compensation again; is that what you want?"
He moved closer to her lips and played her again with a sensual touch of his tongue on hers. "Probably." He paused.
After the kisses, Ashe's half-naked body moved and she laid on top of him. Her bare breasts and stomach felt warm against his skin as she laid her chin on her both hands resting on his chest. Her legs pressed down on his hips.
"Liam would be proud," she said lazily.
"I'm sure," he replied. "He will be."
"Oh, yes. He's a very fine and clever boy."
"Ah, and a good fighter than a traveler," he added with a grin. His fingers traced a single strand of her soft hair. "He's also a big admirer of yours, Your Highness."
The Queen widened. "Oh, really?"
Their laughter broke and they stared at each other as Balthier caressed her face before he pulled her to him again. His eyes closed with a sigh. "Gods, I miss him."
"Me too," she sighed. "Let's see him again."
He nodded. "Of course, I'd like to see him someday."
They returned to their kisses once more without stopping. Wanting for more the muster as their arousal aching each other again. His hands moved slowly on her bare back and then slid under the covers to meet her hips and then her soft buttocks, caressing the gently then pressing her against him as he entered her.
"I've must say, you look so very handsome dressed like that," he said in a gentle and low tone.
"Is that so?" she asked with a feeble whimper. "Am I good?
"Yes, except for that ridiculous mustache."
"It was Penelo's idea."
He chucked with a sarcastic smile.
"Was it too much?" Ashe asked, disappointed.
He shook his head slightly as he brushed her lips. "Naaah... it was flawless. You're performance was excellent and breathtaking, just as I expected." He purred sweetly as he pulled her to him and she gasped with a light moan. "I'm very proud of you."
She smiled innocently then seductively as she sat on his lap and rode him as he watched her body move very slowly. He watched her face as her breath struggled and her body arched slightly, as if she were dancing gracefully. She was very beautiful, naked before him with her nipples going harder again. He watched this regnant Queen pinning him to the bed in voluptuous movement: how alluring and mysteriously exquisite she was, her ivory milky skin glowing in the candlelight and her angelic face as pale and lovely as ever.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"Are you planning for the next play, Your Highness?"
"Shall I?"
"Yes."
"I think I'm ready for the next act in the play."
He gave her a wicked smirk with a wink. "And this time, you'll be in bed with Neva with her on top of you, and maybe I'll take over from you and–"
Wickedly, she pinched his lower rib hard, and Balthier yelped, jumping back slightly against the mattress.
"I was just kidding!" he protested.
Her eyes looked down at him while her hands moved slowly over his bare chest and to his shoulders, holding him still while she rocked against him. The touch of his hands turned into a smooth massage from one of her breasts to her left hip, and his other hand reached around to the back of her head. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately and hungrily as she feebly moaned. He savored the sweet taste of her mouth and tongue before the next course.
And then they stared at each other with ragged breaths. "From now on...you'll be my leading lady, my Queen." His voice went huskier, his mouth parted against hers. He kissed her collarbone and then her neck.
"I'm going to steal the show anyway from you, my pirate." Her teasing voice went harsh as it trembled with sighs and moans. She rocked him deeper with an intensely pulse and heat between her legs rise again. "Oh, Gods…I'm…" she whimpered.
"Harder…" he gasped with a shudder and sighed. "...Ashe, I'm here with you...take it slow and harder...that's...it..."
She's pinning him deeper as she arched her head. Her eyes closed as she felt the touch of his other hand brushing the soft skin between her lower neck and shoulder, one hand gently squeezing her breast with his thumb flicking gently on her nipple. "Are we...oh..." her voice was trembling between soft whimpers and moans. "...doing this play as a love scene between a leading man and his lady, pirate?"
Queen Ashelia was the most extraordinary and tempting creature, and she was no different than she was when Balthier had first glimpsed her at the Phon Coast years back. Dear Gods, Ashelia...he wanted her so badly, as much as she wanted him.
He lifted his body to meet hers and sat as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands stroked the soft velvet of her back, then her buttocks as he pressed both her and she straddled him. They rocked with a slow and deep rhythm as their eyes connected in reluctance and leaned forward so that their foreheads touched.
"Our play starts right now, Princess." he answered, kissing her quivering lips.
And they made love again, this time in a graceful and low manner, and she would tell him about the whole situation later tonight. Yes, in a little while, perhaps.
It was the most intriguingly escapades of the leading lady's play and it took a way back at the post-coronation.
And that's how it all started...
As a new, young Queen, Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca was the only woman in her country who ruled in her own right. And her only hope for the sake of the monarchy and her kingdom came from her uncle's wishes, Marquis Halim Ondore IV of Bhujerba. A marriage to Raed, Earl of the House Rivalen and son of the Viscount Piers le Rivalen of Jadewood, and distant cousin of the late King Raminas, was arranged for her after the coronation. This grieved Ashe because of hidden feelings for Balthier, and it had tormented her mind and heartbreak for two years after the Bahamut crash.
And her only cherished the most that remembering by is her wedding ring from her late husband: the ring that the dashing and kind-hearted sky pirate had taken her as a payment and then later he owe her by a note in return before the coronation.
But it was her duty for her people as Queen, and as a Hume, she refused herself in pain and desolated.
Handsome, charming, intelligent, and quite ambitious, Lord Raed showed her signs of loyalty and companionship as they shared opposite between nations, including Rozarria and Archades. As the youngest member and Chief Whip of the Dalmascan Parliament and future Royal Chancellor, Raed constantly attended on the queen, who displayed toward on their upcoming marriage.
But on the darker side, behind his mask, he had a Machiavellian instinct without a hissing sound behind from an Occurian's help. Raed's positions became more ruthless and dangerous, and he extended his power and influence, like his fellow conspirator Vayne Solidor, as they both shared as equals during the Occupation, and he was a law unto himself as he took control of the Parliament.
A notorious poisoner, he killed his own father and inherited his father's estate, fortune, and rank, and he also was willing to poison anyone who worked for him or against him. As a land grabber under the name of Borgia, his true identity, he controlled the countryside with the help of his fellow guardsmen, led by Medr to raid and burn every village that refused to collect taxes and sum of gil with no exceptions.
All of Raed's hideous different crimes and corruption as Ashe's in a state of shock and retribution became known through the anguished words of a young boy, the sole survivor of a ruined local village, named Liam.
The son of a dairy farmer and his wife, who were burned to death in their farmhouse by Medr and his men, the eleven-year-old Liam escaped from the madman's reign of terror to survive, encouraged by his father's last words. Later, he joined a small band of rebels from burned villages to act against Borgia and his henchmen, as well as the Empire itself.
Four years later, after the Empire surrendered, the sixteen-year-old Liam arrived at the heart of Dalmasca's capital, and there he served as a page at the Royal Palace of Rabanastre.
And when Borgia arrived in disguise to court the young Queen of Dalmasca, Liam's vengeful eyes recognized him as none other than Raed le Rivalen, and it was as if a dense mist entered him, promising revenge in his rage. And he feared and sensed the danger of Raed's plot to poison Queen Ashelia and seize the throne and the city itself. Worst of all, he intended to conquer Ivalice.
Instead of assassinating him in front of the Queen, he sneaked into her chamber and spoke the whole truth to her urgently in private. And Ashe believed in him because of his heart and the anger inside him.
Queen Ashelia shed bitter and grief-stricken tears as she stood alone on the balcony, gazing at the outskirts where wreckage of the Bahamut lay. Liam knew, as he asked her about her inner feelings, that she could not courting or marrying Lord Raed, and he believed that she was personally involved with someone else.
Without telling anyone in the Court or even the Marquis about Raed's conspiracies in case one of them was an informant working with Raed, Ashe and Liam shared a private connection each other as they remained in an inappropriate and proper manner to keep over Raed and his followers under surveillance. They had the help of Judge Gabranth, who became the next bait from attempting Raed's trust, and he came to see her confidentially while visiting, along with Emperor Larsa. He remained calm as he secretly investigated Raed's and Medr's motives and the mysterious Briolette of Aieval as a catalyst to send to the Queen in exchange for his ambitious position as Royal Chancellor. He became suspicious until somewhere at the gentlemen's club at the city's North End, where Basch was hiding in secret walls that led from the conversation between the two men, and the vengeful Bangaa was revealed to be none other than Ba'Gamnan.
And the sounds of the malicious affairs between them through Basch's prying eyes and ears were to pitch the plan to a dashing and sarcastic sky pirate named Balthier.
Disguised as a merchant, Medr hired Balthier to locate the valuable Aieval as a wedding gift in return for a reward, and later, Medr and his men lured him into a trap and brought him to Ba'Gamnan's place to proudly and vindictively cut his head off. But Raed had other plans and, apart from the bounty hunter's chagrin due to Balthier's disappearance, he ordered Medr to hire Druas to finish the sky pirate instead.
For Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca, the fear and inflicting pain suffered more of losing him again and the more she's travail herself of losing her kingdom. She had to choose: she could go to Balfonheim to reunite with Balthier, or she could remain behind to protect Dalmasca and her people from Raed's dreaded uprising.
How did this secretive plan work?
First, the Queen and the pageboy bore an amazing and uncanny resemblance to each other: their height, their looks – and they looked curiously identical but different in sex. It was Penelo's silly and amusing idea to help Ashe cleverly impersonate Liam, and then she learned quickly how to act like Liam, but using a thin mustache? The real Liam was taken away safety by Kytes and his fellow sky pirate-in-training, named Filo, and he remained there at the former secret Resistance hideout in the North Sprahl of the Lowtown district.
Second, a scheme was devised using the Queen of Dalmasca as a decoy to save the situation. Lyssa P'Eryirhe, member of the Resistance Army and one of Queen Ashelia's most trusted and personal handmaidens, secretly took over while the real Ashelia, disguised as Liam, went on an errand with Penelo and Vaan en route to Balfonheim. Handpicked by the late Captain Vossler Azelas, of the Order of Knights and Ashe's protector, because of her strong resemblance to the Queen, Lyssa was the most important member of the Resistance, and she was chosen to be the first to take Amalia's place during the Civil War. Thereafter, reunited with Ashe and becoming her closest friend, her ally, her servant, and her loyal protector, Lyssa took on the role of the Queen to deceive Raed's supporters, ministers, and collaborators.
Meanwhile, before she headed to Balfonheim Port, Ashe stopped first at Eruyt Village to check on Fran's condition after the strange incident with Balthier at the Necrohol of Cieloáh. She was surprised with Penelo beside her as the cool and clever Viera showed up fully unharmed by the spores. Was it a coincidence? It was the a rare accessory is none other than the Super Ribbon that she had found in the secret shaft somewhere in the Henne Mines during their journey two years ago.
Fran had never used the Super Ribbon before, but she had no choice in wearing it during the battle at the Golmore Jungle, but she did as she put this on purpose before they reached Cieloáh due to the toughest poisonous fiends like the Ancient Wyrm. It wasn't effective yet when Fran was hit by the Wyrm's poisonous spores, but it works within a minutes. But she was attack from the Wyrm's powerful tail, and she was almost half dead until Balthier took her hand and carried her to escape. They had planned to return the next day, but Fran had refused to go back there because she had lost consciousness from her injuries and even the strong Mist almost ablaze her – and her feigned illness in bed using to lying his partner that she was poisoned.
Now it was up to Ashe and Penelo as they finally reached Balfonheim via local airship to locate Balthier. They separated in the streets until Ashe accidentally bumped into him…he stared at her in surprise. She met his gaze as her soul entered – she had missed him and his charming smiles –but there was an inconsolable look on his face, and then he walked past, not recognizing her because of her disguise. She stealthily followed him through the marketplace and to the Quayside Court as he finally entered The Whitecap.
She walked over to the stained glass window and peered around inside the noisy bar. She spotted Balthier alone, away from the crowded tables, sitting at a table next to the open window and without any woman patron or a saucy barmaid joining him to flirt. She stared at him for a while as he watched the sea's horizon as the sun set, and she could see his unsmiling face. After two years, she was finally gratified to see him again. Nothing's change at him. And there was a solace in him as she felt confident and excited in her heart.
According to Fran, the riot in Ashe's heart captured the sky pirate's tormented feelings for her.
"He's still has a pirate's true heart for you, Your Highness. As I can sense it?" Fran advised her warmly. "He needs you. Go. And show your own true heart and how you feel."
He truly loved her.
Ashe needed to see him, but not at this time. Not dressed like this. And she needed to keep an eye on him when trouble approached him. She stood for a moment, taking deep breaths to relax and unwind as she wiped tears from her cheeks, and then she was ready to enter the crowded tavern.
Earlier that night
Somewhere at Reddas's Manse...
There was a very loud knock on the front door of the Manse, and Greta, the caretaker and the pirate lord's former elderly servant, dressed in a sleeping gown and bearing a lantern, she walked lazily from her quarters.
"I'm coming! I'm coming! Mother of Gods!" she yelled as she yawned and walked to the front door. The hard knocks continued. "What the hell are they doin' here in the middle of the bleedin' night?"
She placed the lantern on the table next to the door as the storm of violent knocks continued. Patiently, she picked up a dagger from the drawer in the same table and hid it behind her back. "Look, you bastards! Stop knocking hard this instant or..." and then she opened the door. "I'll–"
She gasped as she saw three Humes at the front door: a boy, a girl in a red mask, and an older wearing armour carrying a man on his back. The caretaker stared in shock as she regarded the Archdian judge, and then she recognized him nervously.
"Oh my goodness!" she stammered as she bowed her head and put the dagger away. "Your honour, forgive me! Why are you here at this hour and who are these people?"
"They're your lord's old allies, madam," Basch said politely as he marched into the main hall, the two Humes following. "I'm sorry to disturb you so late."
"Yes, but..." Greta closed the door as she curiously and nervously turned to the unconscious young man carried across the judge magister's back. "What happened to this poor lad?" she asked cautiously. "Is he drunk?"
"No! He's not." The masked woman removed her mask and was revealed as none other than Penelo. "He's badly hurt!"
"Our old friend has been attacked by poison, and we need to bring him to his room immediately," the judge magister explained.
"His room..." Greta turned again to the ailing man, who looked familiar. His face was pale and turning blue on his cheeks, and his eyelids were swollen and red. "Wait a minute... isn't that Balthier?"
"Please, there's no time!" Ashe, disguised as Liam, pleaded impatiently.
The caretaker was startled by this boy, who looked oddly familiar, and that voice, but she hesitated, sighing, and then composed herself as she took the lantern from the table.
"Follow me," she said as she waved to them. "Dear Faram's sake."
They walked behind her as she ascended the stairs, then to the corridor, and, finally, to the hallway of the east wing where the room was located. Greta opened the door to let them in. Basch went in first carrying the moaning and debilitated Balthier on his back.
"Place him on the bed." Hurriedly, she placed the lantern on top of the chest of drawers. She walked quickly across the room to the wooden shoji screen doors and opened them widely to let the light sea breeze enter the room.
She walked to the bedside table and lighted the three orbs of the candelabra. "I'll get some hot water from the kitchen," she said quickly as she scuttled from the room.
Basch bent down one knee and bent his back slightly to drop Balthier on the bed.
Ashe sat down on the bed after she lifted both of Balthier's legs to the mattress and straightened them. She pulled Balthier toward her in a sitting position, and she held his body gently, and pressed close to hers. She could smell his aroma as she closed her eyes, the scent of gunpowder and leather, warm and sensual spices, and sandalwood. Gods, I want him so badly, she thought, in a light trance. She wanted him and embraced him to enter her body and mind.
But she paused stupidly to pay attention what she was doing. She reached behind his back and found one of the metal clasps of his vest with her fingers. She unfastened it quickly the moved to the next clasp. Penelo sat on the other side of the bed and pulled one of Balthier's open-backed sandals off, then the other. Then she helped Ashe in hand afterwards.
"Is he going to make it what you've taking?" Ashe asked uneasily as her deft fingers worked on another clasp.
"He'll live," she answered. "If he's gotten worse, I'll just give him another shot."
The Queen shot a stern look at Penelo.
"Hey, don't worry, Ashe." she crooned, and she smiled in abashing look. "He'll be okay."
The judge magister removed his helmet and he watched, worried, as the two women helped the unconscious Balthier, pulling the vest from his body. Then, slowly and carefully, they supported his head and back as they laid him down on a pile of soft pillows.
Penelo pulled a small vial from her pouch and uncorked it. Basch gave a curious and cautious look.
"Is that an antidote?" he asked the girl.
"Special herbs from the Eruyt Village," she explained. She placed her hand on Balthier's chin to open his mouth and pour the liquid steadily. "It's most powerful stuff to evaporated status effects."
"Does it work?"
She nodded as she closed Balthier's chin. "Let's hope so…"
Balthier swallowed and then choked, coughing and moaning as his body spasmed. Ashe held him close to ease him down and comfort him as she hushed him. She stroked the side of his damp head, she feeling his skin grow warm and his loosened breath slowing down to normal, as if he were fast asleep again.
"I think Balthier needs some rest to let his body heal," Ashe said to Basch. She began to unbuckle his belt.
"And how long will that be?"
She sighed, shuddering. "Two or three days, I hope."
Basch swallowed and shook his head slowly. "Good Gods."
She moved gently as she pulled the belt away from Balthier's waist. "All we have to do is pray," she murmured.
Basch fon Rosenberg looked at her sadly. He could see her despair and distress because of Balthier. Long ago, as the former Captain of the Order of Knights of Dalmasca, he had defended and protected her during their journey, as well as kept an eye on her to shield her from this scoundrel of a pirate was too often close to the Princess. Later, he learned about her clandestine relationship with a sky pirate that would cause a royal scandal, but he understood that she'd be careful regarding his reputation.
"I understand, Your Majesty," said Basch with a gentle nod.
He placed his helmet on the table next to him, walked to the bed, and helped Penelo to cover Balthier properly with the bed sheets. Ashe removed the belt and vest from the bed and walked to the mahogany closet to hang them inside.
Greta entered the room with a bowl of hot water and a dry towel hanging on her right arm. "I've bought these to clean him up, milady," she said to Ashe, setting both down on the bedside table. "I'm boiling some hot soup and herbal tea. And you're most welcome to stay here as guests."
Penelo smiled firmly as she bowed her head. "Thank you very much, ma'am," she said warmly and generously. "We appreciate your hospitality."
The caretaker chuckled briefly as she folded her arms across her chest. "Oh, please," she said, and then she sighed with a look of amiable comfort on her face. "It's been a while that Master Reddas has been gone. I prayed to the almighty Gods for him."
Ashe remembered him at the Pharos, where she saw with her own eyes the pirate lord's destiny to the light as the Sun Cryst shattered across the skies of Ivalice. Reddas chose to save all, and during the coronation, Ashelia gave a speech dedicated to the memory of this loyal sky pirate.
This is the only place is full of memories for her and her comrades, and they'll never forget that.
"We're missed him greatly, madam." Basch said in somber. "I thank you on your behalf."
Greta smiled and sighed mildly. "I'm going back to the kitchen then." She turned to Ashe again. "You can stay as long as you like until your friend is full in health, Your Highness."
Ashe gasped at the revelation of her true identity as Basch and Penelo glanced at her. Then she finally smiled kindly to her and bowed her head. "Thank you, Greta," she said with gratitude. "Penelo and I will take good care of him."
Hours later, after supper, Penelo returned to the room and continued to heal Balthier while he slept. Instead of giving him another antidote, she put her head to check his fever. Then she dipped the small towel into the hot water, wrung it out, and folded it into a rectangular shape to place onto his forehead. She sighed peacefully as she watched the bluish color of his swollen eyelids and cheeks dissolve faintly as he slept and breathed heavily.
Meanwhile, the Queen and the judge magister were in Reddas's large office. It was a very open room touched by the warm ocean breeze with a view of midnight the waters outside the sea; candlelight glowed throughout the room, and it was peaceful, full of the pirate lord's memories accumulated here before joining them as they headed to the Pharos of the Ridorana Cataract.
They spoke about what had happened that night. It was Ashe who spoke first as she paced back and forth, and then she was silent for a while before renewing the conversation with Basch about Raed's sudden appearance.
"Raed was here," she said, lifting her chin. "Did you arrest him?"
He cleared his throat. "I'm afraid it was too late; I didn't get there soon enough, Majesty."
"He's dead." She paused.
"He fell overboard and drowned."
She exhaled lightly and crossed her arms. "And this Medr?"
"He's also gone. The rest of Raed's men are in custody. Furthermore, two sky pirates they've accomplished by Medr and you've been fighting are also in Judge Zargabaath's hands. I'll have to put them on trial immediately for conspiracy, including assault and attempted murder against Her Majesty." Then he scoffed with a grin. "Perhaps you should take the stand first during the trial; it'll shock them to find out. What do you think? "
"That sounds good, I suppose, and it would be a better idea, Basch. Yes, I'll do that." She smirked firmly. Then she gazed at the sea's horizon and she could hear the sound of a foghorn from the distant Port. "This man named Druas - he was a judge formerly known as Kadyriath."
His face was dumbfounded as the Queen turned to him. "Do you know him?" she asked.
"Zargabaath knows him and searched for him during the war," he replied. He looked down as he opened his hand to reveal Druas's Imperial medallion. "He's a wanted criminal, Your Majesty. Kadyriath has been charged with treason for spying against the Rozzarian forces and the Resistance, and he was also involved with piracy, illegal smuggling, and murder."
She nodded. "I know. He told me about he's been accomplished with Vayne."
Basch stood and grinned as he put the medallion into his pocket. Ashe thought of him as anything as her protector than her father's false murderer, he had no hesitation in putting as a traitor behind him before he took over his brother's place after the war.
"I'm afraid your troubles are over now," he said to her.
She paused for a moment as she closed her eyes against fear. The world had changed her fervent pluckiness as Queen. She wanted her kingdom safe and she knew she would do anything against the game of scheme preyed upon. Like a game of chess as the Queen moves against the opponent down and checkmate, it was a success.
She looked again to the sea and her breath shuddered. Her arms crossed again and she shivered, but not from the wind. "What shall I tell the Court about this?" Her voice went tensive and doubtful, like an ordinary Hume girl in a boy's clothing.
Basch hadn't moved a muscle, but he stepped toward her. "Then tell them the whole truth, Ashe," he suggested. "You're the Queen, just as your father was King, and you have your own right to the throne and the monarchy. Take courage the whole facts about your threats against those who are responsible. Show your gallantry as the true ruler of Dalmasca."
She glanced slowly at him and met him with a regal smile. "Thank you, Basch." She began a simple, humorous laugh. "And I was surprised you started calling me Ashe."
"I have no idea," he said in amusement, chuckling softly. "Maybe I should give it a try and find out."
They both chuckled and then the laughter faded as Basch continued; he'd almost forgotten something important for her.
"Uh...and I also found this at Raed's boat after he fell overboard," he added as he unlaced a small pouch from his belt and handed it over to Ashe. "I believe this is the one we're talking about."
She looked down at the pouch and was afraid to open it. She felt that a curse had caused Raed's drowning death, and she feared touching or staring at the Briolette of Aieval again. Her lips tightened in placated and then despair as she closed the pouch in her hand. Her eyes rose to his as she nodded.
"I'll handle this." she said without hesitating. "And I'll speak to Balthier when he's fully awake. This is the evidence that will allow me to show this to the Court."
"Understood," he said in guard with a grin and tucked his helmet beneath his arm. "I must go. Emperor Larsa is expecting me at Kadyriath's trial. I promise I shan't tell you about your whereabouts. And please give my best wishes to the scoundrel, will you? Because he owes me something."
"What for?"
"It's a manly excuse sometime long ago."
"Oh, I see." She remembered that the two of them had played cards at The Whitecap, bickering about who was betting or owing something. She placed her hand gently on his arm and smiled. "I'm glad you came, and thank you, Judge Gabranth."
He smiled finally and bowed to her, and then, before he left, he studied her again. "Come to think of it, Ashe," he said, amused by her and her clothing. "You're looking perfect dressed as a boy. But what's that mustache? A boy doesn't have grown yet."
"You mean this?" She pointed to her upper lip where she wore the thin mustache and then felt less embarrassed and scoffed with a shake of her head. "Well...er..." she said sheepishly as she scratched the back of her neck. "As you can see, it was Penelo's ridiculous idea. She's the one who planned this charade."
"Not bad. Not bad at all," added Basch, chuckling again. "And it's better as a boy who became King, though. I'll leave you now, and in the meantime," he bowed again to her before he turning and walking to the door. "Good evening, m'lord."
Ashe, with a bow in a royal manner, heard the snickering Basch as he left the office.
The next morning, still in disguise as Liam, she accompanied Greta to the marketplace to buy some food for the evening's supper while Penelo remained at the Manse, guarding and nursing the still-slumbering Balthier as he healed. Enora spotted Liam there as she asked about Balthier and where he was; Ashe answered her, pretending that he'd gone off somewhere to visit Fran. The kind-hearted barmaid understood easily as she asked Ashe to wish Balthier and Fran safety in return.
Later, after they finished supper, without disturbing Balthier, Ashe walked outside to the balcony and stood overlooking the moonlit port as her fingers played with her silver wedding ring on her necklace. Her false mustache was absent, but she still wore the boy's wig before changing into something comfortable to sleep in her quarters.
She remembered this balcony in the middle of the night, two years before, as she and Balthier had spent their last moment together. It was the evening before they had left for the final showdown with Vayne. During the night as they talked, Ashe came close to saying something important to him, but she refused and moved to return to her room until the sky pirate placed his hand on hers and pulled her closer to him. He was afraid to tell her the same thing.
They knew.
They shared their first kiss that night. She wanted the way she feels as much as he is. Every passion they shared each other without anyone caught.
It was the last kiss before saying goodnight until the morning dawn changed forever...
Their paths were broken because they had had their own rights since the day after the crash of the Bahamut. But they'd never forget each other while on a distant, far away...
"Hey, Ashe." Penelo's voice called as she turned to her. She came to join Ashe at the balcony, stretching her back and yawning.
She turned to her. "So how is he?"
She took a breath as she leaned forward on the rail and placed both arms. Then she lowered her head against her arms and sighed lazily. "Still asleep and his fever worn out. And I've just found a minor stab wound that poisoned him."
"And?"
"I add it out on the same antidote. Don't worry, he's perfectly fine."
"That's good." She looked back toward the port.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she sighed lightly. "I'm just overwhelmed, I guess."
"Why?"
"I was so stupid...how could I have betrothed this man?"
"Hey. He wasn't your type, was he?"
Her lips tightened and she frowned. "I didn't plan this: my uncle is been too much to handle the situation when I'm Queen, Penelo. I wasn't ready to start the engagement during the coronation; for me, it sounded like slavery. Being a puppet. Forcing the wrong place as I'm not interested. All I want is to serve my country and my people, and all I want for me first is love."
"Love," she sighed deeply. "That's the most powerful and intense word of all."
"Yes." she nodded lazily. "It is."
"And Rasler?" asked Penelo. "Do you still love him?"
Ashe remembered Rasler Heios Nabradia, the young Prince who had married her four years ago. They were both very young but their marriage vows were a symbol of two nations. But behind between them as they care and loving each other until his homeland, Nabudis destroyed by the Empire. He left to defend Nalbina after the wedding, and Ashe asked him to promise to come back and invited him to their first lovemaking after their wedding.
But Rasler never came back. His death was entered his own life forever before he reached Rabanastre to see his loving bride to welcome his open arms.
"Yes, I do," she said sadly, still playing with her wedding ring. "And I miss him, Penelo. But it's just the past now. I've finally let go and moved on."
Penelo nodded. "So...what now?"
"I must talk to Uncle Halim personally and then later to the Court. Furthermore, I'll set my own rules and regulations. I'll have to fight for it to the bitter end."
"That sounds good, Your Majesty."
Ashe turned and forced a smile. "Now...I'm feeling worried for him."
"Balthier?"
"I'm concerned about Liam," corrected Ashe. She remembered the boy who swore to defeat Raed for murdering his family.
"Oh, you mean the servant boy? He's perfectly safe and sound, and I have to contact Vaan afterwards. How's your decoy?"
She smiled slightly. "So far, so good, as Basch told me. Lyssa has been my loyal friend since the war, and she was a very clever girl to fool Raed's accomplices before Basch charged them with treason, and..." She lowered her head and shook herself. "...I have a bad feeling about what happened to her."
"Ashe, don't be so edgy," comforted Penelo as she gave her a one-armed hug. "She'll be fine, really... and besides, Basch told me keep along with her."
In the moment of silence that followed, she turned back to Penelo. "Why don't you take some rest, Penelo? You've been working all day."
The girl stood as she arched her back and stretched her neck. "Yeah, I should."
"I'll go check on him right now before he's awake." She cleared her throat as she returned to the Manse. "Good night, Pen."
"'Night, Ashe." She waved with a yawn as she lowered her head against her arms on the rail again.
Ashe entered the room and closed the door behind her as she saw Balthier lying half-naked on bed, still slumbering peacefully. She looked around the room, surrounded by semi-darkness but with a glow coming from the candelabra on the bedside table. She could feel the warm breeze coming through the wooden shoji, still wide open, and she gazed into the distance where moonlight spread across the distant sea.
She walked slowly to him as she stared at him. She could hear his light and easy breathing. Sweet Gods, he was so beautiful when he's asleep peacefully, Ashe thought. She lowered her head as she pulled the Briolette of Aieval from her pocket. Her eyes went placid, but enchanted with draw irresistibly the fascination as she stared at the colorless stone. Then patiently, she gave up staring and relaxed herself, placing the Aieval carefully on the bedside table. Her face went pale and sad as she turned to him, and then she moved closer to him.
"Balthier…" she murmured softly, stroking his face gently while slept. "It's been a long time. I can't believe you're alive... and I'm so happy we've finally seen each other again. I thought you'd forgotten about me while you were away or that you'd cheated death." She smiled sadly. "I thought... I thought..."
She could hear his breathing still.
"So how's your own adventure with Fran?" Her voice went calm and simple as she smiled warmly, her fingers playing with the silver wedding ring on her necklace. "Did you find something more valuable there at Bervenia? Vaan and Penelo told me you didn't, but you still keep searching for it. I hoped and prayed for you and your journey to discover something more important out there than sneaking into the palace to rob the treasury again. Whatever you do, pirate, don't act too heroic or dangerously stupid or go crazy like a greedy, reckless fool. And, uh... please save your precious head from that bounty hunter who took vengeance on you. He's going to be wildly disappointed when he finds out."
"I also wanted to say thank you for saving my kingdom and bringing back to life again. I shall reward you and Fran; you're both welcome to stay at Rabanastre any time. Then afterwards, we could spend each other as equals. Just the two of us. And you can sneak up to the palace to see me in the evening while the guards are away." She continued with a sniff and stopped playing with her ring. "I wanted to know everything about you, Balthier. You gave me hope and understanding after I lost someone I loved as you kept smiling at me to calm me down. You also thanked me that I bought you about your father's faith. And it was the first time..." She swallowed timidly. "...the first time I met you after I married Rasler. As Fran said to me, you had luck about me when we were on the long journey. Fortunately, Basch kept watching us when we were together and he turned against you." She chuckled, then silently and angrily. "You imbecile...you are such a fool of a pirate...you sneaked out of your own ship without telling me? Is that what you do?"
She took a trembling breath and went sympathetically as she moved a little bit closer to him. She sat by his side, holding his hand and stroking it gently. She placed his hand on her chest as Balthier slept; she kept watching without turning away. Her heartbeat running in her chest, she spoke as tears flowed down her cheeks.
"I love you." she whispered. She kissed a knuckle of his hand and stroked it gently against her cheek.
"Gods know what I'm say to you is this," she continued with a soft whisper. "I love you for the first time in two years that someone who take his arms around me or touching me. I love you because I ran away from my kingdom for a while and came here looking for you. I love you because I condemned myself to protect or to save you..."
And she moved her head slowly, closer to his. "I love you because I'm glad that you're alive and still across the sky after you promised to return my ring. I love you because I want you to steal from me again and show me around your free life in the skies above..." She moved even closer. "...I love you because I want you to come back and be with me, Balthier...I love you...I love you so much because I want to be together...forever..."
Her lips trembled and parted close to his. "Please, Balthier...come back..." she said, just before her lips touched his. They were the same words she had spoken at the Strahl, calling him back in a whisper. "...come back..." And finally, she said in a soft whisper, "...come back..."
She kissed him softly and slowly on his lips, and a single tear from her eyes fell slowly from his closed eyelid to the upper ear. She wanted to feel his lips again eagerly in every possession she have that night they're shared. She wanted her lips to barely caress his in sweet hunger while her tongue touched his. She wanted to kiss him in return. She wanted her love to come back to life. She wanted it badly. She wanted it all like this kiss.
She felt his soft breath brush her skin, his voice a weak whisper in Ashe's ears with her eyes suddenly opened wide and slightly gasped. He spoke again in his sleep, dwelling around him and calling her name.
"Ashe..."
"Balthier." Her voice became timid...and alarmed.
And then she rose, calm as she wiped away her tears. She watched him before he woke from his deep slumber, but she felt in tremble on edge, and she had to hide herself or walk away quickly from the room. But it was too late as Balthier's eyes began to flutter open. Ashe took the chair, placed it next to him, and sat. Before surprising him, she placed her false mustache on her upper lip and pressed it hard.
"L...Liam..." he said in a loosened voice.
His eyes were weak when they opened, and his blurry vision faded so that he could see her face. And then he finally woke as Ashe stood in silence. She sighed expectantly as she gave him a smile.
"Balthier," she said with a light laugh, imitating the voice of the young boy that the sky pirate recognized. "Thank Gods; are you all right?"
Hours Later...
After hours of the second leisurely night of copulation, she talked and explained everything to him from the start. The Queen of Dalmasca's ultimatum, Raed's scheme, Ba'Gamnan's revenge, the Aieval, the relationship with Liam, and her clever plan to lure Raed to the trap.
Balthier, resting his back against the headboard, listened and watched her, half naked and sitting on her knees with her hands clasped lightly on her lap. "I hope you understand why I was impersonating Liam. I don't want any caught that the Queen of Dalmasca is at the pirate's cove," she said, soft and breathless.
"No, I understand clearly now," replied Balthier.
"And there's word from Fran. To you."
He raised his eyebrows. "Fran?"
As she she moved toward him with her hand resting on his knee, she said, "Well it's this…" Her voice went tense.
"So what did she say?"
''She's fine.''
''And?''
Ashe began to answer. "She lied to you."
He was stunned. "She lied to me?"
"Remember the Super Ribbon I wore? She used it during the attack at the temple."
Balthier scoffed as he shook his head. "That cheeky devil of a Viera. I can't believe she fooled me!"
"I'm sorry, Balthier," she sighed. "After you left for Balfonheim, I came with Penelo to stop in to see her when we heard she'd been badly hurt. She told me the whole thing that happened to both of you out there before she left her village to meet Vaan at Rabanastre, so he came here to see you. Then I told her the situation about the Aieval and Medr . . . you know the rest. And you're unnerved about Vaan as well."
He scoffed but was flustered. "Don't tell me he's also lied to me?"
She smiled meekly. "I'm afraid so. What did he tell you, Balthier?"
He knew the day when Vaan was on a treasure hunt at the Oceana Temple, but what's the weather change as Vaan said. The receptionist said of the Aerodrome that the heaviest storm continued until the end of the month. And no one could travel out there. Worse, Oceana Temple no longer exists. Oh,Vaan, He thought with a sneer. You lying prick! Is this is why you're planning to run away from me?
His ground his teeth. First it was Fran playing him, and now Vaan. "Then perhaps I'll talked to him. Personally."
She gave a light laugh. "Sorry again."
They sat in silence for a moment as they stared at each other. Balthier smiled warmly at her as his fingers traced slowly up her chest to the swell of her breasts. He wanted to make love to her again, love her more.
But his feelings overwhelmed him, and he was afraid of losing her again. She was no a Princess, but Queen. She had duties to her people. He was a sky pirate with duties of his own.
But tonight, he wanted to share the same intensity with her over and over again.
As his mind wandered, Ashe gave him a gentle and compassionate look. "Are you alright, Balthier?" she asked.
So trouble is over for now, he thought. But . . . he glanced toward to the Briolette of Aieval on the bedside table. Possession sparkled in his eyes, and he understood confidentially in a moment. Desire stirred in him again as he looked back at her. He smiled, staring somberly at her innocent beauty.
Oh, Ashelia. What am I going to do? Am I cursed if I ravage your body tonight one more time? Will it be hard to see each other again?
"I'm fine, Ashe."
"Are you going to face Ba'Gamnan again?"
He sighed, still tracing her breast and then her nipple. "It isn't easy though," he said gently with a sarcastic grin on his face. "He's pathologically suspicious that I'm still alive. And he almost had the last laugh before he fell flat."
'I know how you feel,' she noted with a trembling sigh from his touch. "Please don't make it worse."
Under his breath, he said, "And how did Raed know about me, I wonder?"
Ashe's chin tilted upward fractionally, awkward and distrustful. She exhaled clearly in response. "Does the name Jadeah d'Valiere ring a bell to you?"
The sky pirate halted his stroking. He was suddenly aware of the woman's name. "Jadeah d'Valiere? Did I know her . . . I think . . ." he stammered.
"She's Lord Raed's mistress," she answered with a prim and stern look. "And I believe you know each other. I saw her on several past occasions, and she told me about a handsome leading man, a sky pirate. That scoundrel is none other than you."
He was silent and agitated. He suddenly chuckled nervously but said nothing. He buried his face in both of his hands and groaned. Ashe's jealous face was defiant, and with a quick astringent grin, she folded both arms across her bare chest.
"So tell me, pirate," questioned Ashe, rigid and demanding. "When is the last time you made advances toward Raed's wench?"
"A . . . Ashe. It's not what you think!" said Balthier, raising both of his hands to to calm her down; he gave a feeble laugh. "It's only a flirtation, that's all. I left her for good but she's still following me from town to town. I couldn't get away. I swear to Gods. I swear I didn't know she's Raed's—"
Furiously, Ashe hit him in the face with the pillow and lifted up her gaze. "So this is what you've been up to?" convulsed Ashe. "For two years?"
"Listen, Ashel—" She hit him again. "I told her it was only a bloody one night stand! I've had enough of her but she's still threatening me—if I abandoned her, she would tell Raed everything about me! Please believe me!"
And then the third hit.
"I don't give a damn!" she snapped venomously.
"Or she wants me dead!"
Then the fourth hit.
"Then I wish you were dead!" Then the fifth. Again and again. And this time infuriatingly. "You bastard–"
"Stop that!" he yelled, as Ashe repeatedly hit him. "Ashe! Stop hitting me!"
"Philanderer!"
"For Gods' sake—" he brought his arms over his head to protect himself.
He had enough as he snatched the pillow from her hand and threw it away. Ashe continued hitting him with her bare hands, but he finally grabbed her wrists and pushed her down on the mattress.
He was on top of her, both hands gripping her wrists against the sheets. She was defeated, but she struggled against him with a trembling breath as his mouth pressed against hers.
Anger and lust were aflame with each other. His kisses deepened and contact sent her rage and frustration away. Then she surrendered and finally stopped struggling.
"Look. I'm not doing this for a living," retorted Balthier with his ragged breath against her swollen lips. "I don't want her. I want you, Ashelia."
"Then prove it," she scowled softly.
With acceptance, he answered her with kisses. Warm, tantalizing, hungry. Punishingly sweet. Ashe begged him to kiss her. Kiss me now or never! she thought. He understood her clearly.
"I'll never betray you," he said hoarsely, still kissing her lips, her collarbone, and her neck. "It's not easy what I'm dealing with."
"I won't abandon you this time, Balthier," she said with her eyes closed in ecstasy. "There's something much better between us."
"What?"
"A Princess and a pirate may never break apart for good."
He welcomed her back to pleasure and pain as he entered her. She willfully accepted it while her arms slid up and around his neck. She concentrated on the same stimulating and intense memory of the feeling of joining with him. He helped her with a plea, pulling one leg and then another around his hips and continued to pin her completely. And he moaned he whispered her name in her ear, again and again. She understood now that he truly loved her. The aching pleasure came with sighs of rapture, and agonizing sheer cries and moans of joy.
For the last six years of Balthier's life, he had seen lots of different women: flirtatious, clever, and beautiful. He had used his charming wit and a suave grin to greet women in every place around Ivalice. He'd used finesse, attraction, and captivation on one woman and then another. . . doing whatever he desired the most, whenever he desired it. Balthier got almost attention to Fran in a ways of wooing her. Their relationship was strictly professional, and he knew her reasons: She was his partner and best friend.
This continued until this enigma of a woman appeared in his life. While traveling, he slowly showed more attention to the lone creature who had lost someone she loved. A woman warrior with a vagrant's voice: an unusual pedigree of a quick temper combined with femininity. And unlike other women who were impudent, she was pure, alluring, and vibrant. The sky pirate found himself dumbstruck and eager to see if she was what she seemed: more serene than an angel, so innocent, exquisitely passionate, and above all, hauntingly beautiful.
Sometimes he forgot he was physically and emotionally involved with the royal descendant of a Dynast King and the sole heiress to the Dalmascan throne.
Balthier found himself surrendering to the feeling because of her. He couldn't help it as his mental capacity upset him. He could not bear it as he uncontrollably laid his eyes on her. He was driven by a passion that tortured him for nearly six damned years. It disturbed him that he was afraid of this feeling.
He was afraid to call it love. Love was the most powerful and thought-provoking word in existence. For six years, he had never been in love, but he knew the word was appealing and real. But before he'd said a word to Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca for the first time, he had solemnly sworn to care for her and to protect her. To be with her. But it was too dangerous for a sky pirate to have a close relationship with a Princess; it could lead to a scandal. Falling in love with a Princess was not something that Balthier would have done by choice. So he had no choice but to tell her something important, and then he shared with her their first and final chaste kiss before they moved on to their final step to-the-death and beyond somewhere above the dark skies of Rabanastre. A moral dilemma was solved when Ashe succeeded as Queen; Balthier felt she'd abandoned him, but she still remembered him when he sent Rasler's ring back to her. The memories they shared in a spiritual and passionate bond had sustained Balthier through the years of waiting to reunite with her; Ashe sustained him.
Could there be freedom for them? The sky pirate made a decision, and spoke in her ear.
"Then let me steal you again, Princess," he murmured softly, running his fingers through her soft hair.
Her eyes opened wide after bliss. "Huh?"
"Come with me."
She didn't say anything, but she felt her lips tremble. "I . . . I . . . Balthier . . ." she stammered.
"Come to Bevernia with me, Ashe. And I'll show you what the real heaven across the skies above looks like," he said sincerely, smiling down at her. Embracing her. "Our freedom—yours and mine."
She was afraid and unwilling to speak to him right now, but she tried hard to reason with him. "Balthier, I cannot," she answered unsteadily.
"You can't?"
"I'm sorry."
"Why not?" he paused with a smirk.
"Don't you see, I'm a Queen now," she scoffed. "I don't want to abandon my kingdom and I'm doing this to finish the whole mess. Gods I wish I could, but I can't. Because it's my duty, you know—"
"And what about your decoy friend?" he coaxed sarcastically as he winked at her. "Can't she handle this situation of yours?"
"Yes, she can," she said. "Well, I . . ."
He wanted to steal her away again . . . away where the place upon between them.
"Then let her stay there for a week to pretend she is Queen while we're on a romantic holiday. Besides, we need some time for both of us to be happy."
She wondered what Lyssa had been up to at the palace while she was on the errand with Penelo. Perhaps the decoy Queen had other plans to trap Raed's conspirators, and Ashe promised her to be careful and not get into trouble. After all, Lyssa had taught herself the demands of royal protocol etiquette. She had more time to take care of the entire situation along with Basch and needed personal luxury of her own. Lyssa even suggested to her milady to take personal time off for. As Lyssa's cheerful and trusted words rang in her ears, Ashe still couldn't decide. Have some fun with him, dear Amalia! Go out there and give yourself one taste of freedom!
He grinned firmly as he caressed her cheek softly. "I love you, Princess. I want to feel the same way I did that day we shared together when we're on a long journey and I want to know everything about you."
She sighed sadly, her eyes fluttering once. "Balthier, I don't know what to do."
"I'll help you," suggested Balthier, still stroking the soft skin of her collarbone. "You need some time to spend with me. As long as we return to Rabanastre soon you'll be ready to show yourself and tell the truth about Raed's scheme. I'm still behind you, Your Highness. No matter what happens, I'll protect you and watch over you when you need me."
He wanted to be with her, overcome by the feeling that time had almost run out. Little by little, the time was coming for less persuasion and more declaration of adoration. He was eager to be ready. He leaned his forehead against hers, and smiled peacefully with his eyes closed.
In a moment, he beseeched her one last time. "Come with me, Ashelia," he said softly. "Let me steal you once more."
She had no choice. And yet, she had finally chosen it. Ashe pulled him down gently and kissed him passionately. She tasted him with a soft stroke of her tongue on his, and he jolted at the caress and moaned quietly. He guided her with intense kisses again. So invitingly sweet, luscious, and loving.
She broke the kiss with a trembling breath and beating heart. Her eyes filled with tears and met as she smiled. Her true smile was reborn. "Yes," she answered. "Steal me anything when you want, pirate."
It was done! And it was decided. Balthier sighed as he kissed her again. Soft, agonizing, and longingly. "Are you?" he breathed.
"Don't be an ass," she sneered with a soft chuckle and a sob. "Show me out there what it looks like."
And so they chuckled and embraced. They would be together for the rest of their lives. It was so easy and gay. "Don't you worry, dear Liam. I promise I won't say a word that you're the Queen of Dalmasca disguised as a boy."
"Not a word, sir," she giggled. She affected a masculine accent. "I'll be the judge of that."
"And then later on after we've been together, we'll go see if Fran's alright and then Vaan," he added with a sly grin. ". . . And I'm going to kill both of them."
They kissed again, teasingly. Ashe grinned over him and said, "I think we should do it again," with a demure look on her. Balthier smirked at her, then growled. She shrieked with laughter. He kissed her more and moved his lips lower and lower to the meeting between her thighs. Ashe's body squirmed blissfully with gasps and moans.
He wanted to be with her and show her the skies because he'd loved her so much. Her pluck, wit, and beauty were almost more than he could bear.
Patiently and without violent passion, he gave her a better one.
In the hallway outside Balthier's room, Penelo stood standing with her ear against the door. She giggled quietly with her hand covering her mouth, and when she heard the sounds of muffled cries of pleasure, she felt scarlet flood her cheeks.
Penelo was surprised at how deeply and responsively satisfied she was by those two. She knew everything from the beginning. And she had been eavesdropping on them the day they'd made their long and dangerous journey with Vaan, Fran, and Basch. It had struck her with excitement when she'd slyly witnessed the private connection between the Princess and the sky pirate, and it excited her that it had worked out.
It had all started with a rivalry back at the Ozmone Plains before they reached Jahara. Ashe was impatiently shrewd after borrowing her wedding ring from Balthier as compensation. Then sometime later that night at the Phon Coast, they became congenial and close while talking as they sat alone on the sandy beach away from the nearby camp. And then between Archades and Giruvegan, they became less intimate but platonic until subsequently they shared a chaste kiss at Balfonheim. And now this...
Penelo was astonished at the clandestine meeting between Ashe and Balthier that she had witnessed, and it had been better than anything she had imagined.
She stood there for an hour after silently following Ashe as she entered the room to see Balthier, and then she listened to the sounds of chattering, argument, and lovemaking. She would have to give up sitting here listening to them and finally leave them alone. Penelo was fond of Ashe and knew about Ashe's physical ability to blot out mental anguish because she loved him, and because she would always love him. She understood now why Ashe had come to him after her grief, desperation, and loneliness. This as why Penelo had helped the Queen plan to sneak out of the palace.
She's been keen on listening, but she was suddenly aware of Vaan. Is Balthier going to kill him? Would she warn Vaan to escape? She would have to talk him into apologizing to Balthier instead.
She didn't care. Let Vaan deal with his own misery from now on.
Penelo stretched her arms and arched her back lazily after hours of healing and nursing the sky pirate.
"I hope you'll enjoy a romantic adventure, both of you," she said softly to them as she smiled to herself and walked silently back to her own room.
Yaaay! One more more chapter to go before I freaked myself. I was so evil to add light lemons of these...can't help it! I'm soooo baaaad!
Oh yesh, o ye last epilogue with a credit/thank you words on the author's note after last days of fall semester! KUPO!