Devotion

Part One

Chapter Two: Geoffrey

A/N: Okay, I know I'd originally said I'd have this updated "soon," which was forever ago, but lately I haven't have much time. Hopefully you'll still enjoy it, despite it's lateness...my lateness...whatever.

--

"Ahh, my dear friend Geoffrey, tis' quite a shame that you and the fair Queen Elincia have decided against having your wedding in Fayre. I, personally, believe that it would be the grandest..."

"Look, Bastian, I've already told you that Elincia and I would like to have the wedding in Melior."

"I know that, Sir! But I still--"

"Bastian!"

"Okay, fine. I still don't see why you'd want to have it in Melior when Fayre is so much more..."

The azure-haired knight sighed. His wedding was difficult enough as is, but the obnoxious count just couldn't let him be.

"Bastian, I must go see the queen. We'll chat later, alright?"

"If you'd like, I can accompany you."

"No, that's quite alright. In fact, I believe my sister was looking for you."

"The Lady Lucia wishes for my presence?! I must go to her straight away!"

And so it happened that the sage skipped off merrily.

"Finally."

Geoffrey once again sighed as he made his way towards the castle, walking through the rows of delicate flowers in the queen's garden, carefully steping so he wouldn't destroy a single one. He hated making that story up to push Bastian off on his sister, but at least the count was out of his hair. And besides, Lucia would probably find a way to get rid of him, right?

--

Geoffrey made his way down the long halls of the castle, searching for Elincia.

Now where could she be?

She hadn't been in the throne room, as he'd expected her to be, and she wasn't in her bedchambers either. The servants he stopped and asked said they hadn't seen her in over an hour, and Geoffrey had no clue where she could be.

She can't be in the gardens...but where could...

His thoughts were interrupted when he ran into something and fell. Looking over, he saw just who he'd run into...

"Oh! Duke Renning! I'm so sorry, are you alright? I must not have been paying attention. Please forgive me," he stated, helping the queen's uncle to his feet.

"It's no problem, Geoffrey. I'm fine. Now tell me, where exactly were you off to in such a hurry?"

"Oh, My lord, I was actually looking for Elincia...she wasn't in the throne room, nor her bedchambers. She couldn't be in the garden, as that is where I just came from, and the servants haven't seen her in over an hour! It's not like her to be missing for so long, and..."

"Calm down, Geoffrey...and quit talking so fast. My niece is in the library reading. She was actually asking about you a while ago."

"Oh, good."

"Now if you'll excuse me, I must be going."

"Wait, Lord Renning..."

"Yes?"

"What are you doing with those flowers?" he inquired, looking at the pale yellow roses.

"Well, Geoffrey, I don't see how that's any of your business, but..."

"Milord! General Geoffrey!"

Not again...

"What is it, Bastian? And why are you prancing around like a madman?!" questioned the Duke.

"Well, Milord, to answer your inquiry, I'm looking for the Lady Lucia, but she's no where to be found!"

"Well, considering you've been running around screaming her name, she's probably decided she doesn't want to be bothered and has hidden away from you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be going."

"Wait, Lord Renning!"

But it was no use, the Duke had already turned the corner and had no intention of turning back.

"Well, Geoffrey, it seems that Duke Renning has decided to ignore you. Now what might it be that you need?"

"Nothing you'd be able to answer, I'm sure. And even if you could, I doubt I could understand your explanation anyway."

"Well, it's worth a try, isn't it?"

"I suppose. You saw the flowers he was carrying, correct?"

"Ahh, yes, the exquisite yellow roses. What of them?"

"What does he need them for?"

"What need does he have of them? Well, for one, he could just get pleasure out of carrying them around. Though it's none of your affair, by best guess is that they're for a certain lady."

"Hm...you really think so?"

"Do you think that's funny, Geoffrey?"

"Oh, no...I just mean that with his age it's odd for him to be dating anyone."

"His age? Let me remind you, dear sir, I'm nearly as 'old' as he and your sister--"

"--Hates your guts."

"Hmph! We'll see about that!"

Geoffrey shook his head and headed for the royal library as Bastian went on his way.

--

When he arrived in the library, Geoffrey saw his fiancé sitting in a chair with her back to him. She had a book in her lap and seemed not to hear him come in. He walked up behind her and leaned on her chair.

"What are you reading?"

"Ahh!"

The queen jumped up and threw her book after hearing Geoffrey's voice.

"Geoffrey! Don't scare me like that!"

He took her hands in his.

"I'm sorry, Elincia."

"It's quite alright. So how did the wedding planning go?"

"Hm? Oh, you mean with Bastian? It was awful."

"How's that?"

"He keeps trying to get us to change the location of the wedding and have it in Fayre."

"Oh, does he? Well, that won't work."

"Exactly. Oh, and speaking of weddings...your uncle Renning seems to have a bit of a girlfriend."

"What? Who?"

"I don't know, but Bastian and I saw him with roses."

"Roses? Really?"

"Yes, they were yellow."

"Yellow? Oh, well that explains it."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll tell you later...after I confirm it."

"But, Elincia!"

"No buts. Now tell me, where's Bastian now?"

"He's probably still trying to track Lucia down. I told him she was looking for him."

"Why was she looking for him?"

"I wasn't."

The two turned around to see Lucia leaning in the doorway.

"Oh, Sister. I can explain. I..."

"Save it. I'll kill you, then you can tell me."

"But if I'm dead, how could I tell you?"

"Do you really want to find out? If not, I suggest you start running."

"I...uhh... See you later, Elincia. And by the way, if she kills me, I still love you."

With that, Geoffrey darted out the door, while Lucia just stood there.

"Aren't you going to chase after him?"

"No, I think I'll see how long it takes him to realize I'm not pursuing him."

"Knowing Geoffrey, it'll probably take him forever."

"Are you saying he's not that bright?"

"Yes."

The two foster sisters laughed as Bastian walked in.

"Ahh, my fair lady, Queen Elincia, it's so nice to see you again."

"Bastian, you saw me five minutes ago. What's your problem?"

"Milady, shouldn't you know? Your beauty has captivated me, and I'll miss you until you're with me forever. Until you agree to marry me, forever my heart will ache."

"Well, let's hope you don't die waiting."

"Does that mean you would consider it?"

"No! Absolutely not! Don't be ridiculous!"

"My plans have been crushed again...what a sad fate. Don't cry, fair lady, for I know in my heart we'll be together someday. Until next time, I bid thee farewell."

The count then grabbed her hand, which he placed a kiss upon and left.

"Who does he think he is?!"

"Hehe. He is quite a fool, isn't he? Maybe he'll give up eventually. Let's hope he'll at least give up if you marry someone else."

"If he doesn't, I think I might just kill him."

"How simple that would be. Oh, that reminds me, I have a something I must do, but later can we talk about something?"

"Of course. I have some research I'd like to do in the library, so when you want to talk, I'll probably still be here."

"Very well. I'll see you later then."

The queen exited as Kieran walked in.

"My lady! Please come quick! I think something's wrong with General Geoffrey! He's running around in a circle outside screaming 'Don't let her get me! I don't want to die!'"

"Oh, Kieran, don't worry about it. He'll be just fine."

"If you're certain. Now, by your leave..."

--

Why must my sister do this to me? And why in the world didn't I realize she'd have to get revenge if I passed Bastian off to her?

"Hey, General! Are you alright?"

Geoffrey looked around and realized he was no longer being chased by his sister. In fact, she was no where to be seen. In her place, Marcia was watching him with a curious look.

"Oh, Marcia...I...yes, I'm just fine. Thank you."

Of course, my sister gets amusement out of making me look like a fool in front of my troops! I'll have to remember to pay her back for this...

--

A/N: Well, there it is. It's not very long, but I kind of liked it. Anyway, I have the next chapter planned out, so I might update soon, but I doubt it.