Act VIII

The town Swordhaven was back to the busy times as it usually is. The marketplaces are full with people buying and selling stock amongst each other as it was really to recover supplies from their own celebrations as well. On top of a hill somewhere just a little distant from the town, a horse rides in full speed as the rider would seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere. The rider was none other than Regis Felliand himself, Riftwalker and the hero of Lore. He soon made his way through the gates, easily let in as any person would recognize him and some would be aware of his duties. He rides into the town and makes his way to the castle before dismounting from his horse and entering through the gates. He sighed in relief knowing he had made it on time to resume his post. He would soon make his way towards the study where Robina would be continuing her education as the princess. He would pace his way quickly past Sir Ano who was smiling towards him.

"Well G'morning sunshine."

"Yeah yeah"

Regis soon made his way towards the study, slightly opening the door so that his body would be able to fit right through without making too much noise. An elderly teacher and three other princesses, including Victoria herself would look upon Regis' subtle entry before resuming to their tasks. The riftwalker would sigh to himself before looking towards Victoria who was still looking to him slightly with a subtle smile on her face. Either there was the ambient sunlight or it was just him, but Regis could not help but see the glowing outlines of Victoria as she makes the soften expression to him. He turned his head away for a moment, pretending to look towards the other books on the shelves before looking back to her with slide redness upon his cheeks.

Several hours later, Regis is taking his break within his room with his face against the table and the rest of his head hiding away within his arms. He appeared to be having some sort of discussion with himself.

"Awww, what the hell, Valencia... Now I'm conscious and things are feeling weird and off. Gahhhh, and now I'm talking to myself too... very loudly!"

Small knocks would hit against the wooden door of his room before the Riftwalker would lift his head from the dip and look the entrance of his room when a muffled voice would peer between the cracks.

"Regis, are you there?"

He immediately jumped off the bed before rushing to the door and opening it with a bit of haste. On the other side of the door, Princess Victoria would be standing there with her castle gown and her head tilted to the side as she looked at him weirdly.

"Greetings Princess Victoria, how may I help you?"

"Were you talking to someone?"

"Uhhh... nope"

It was safe to say that Regis was acting weird as he had a stiffened smile and a slight shake in his voice, not to mention that his eyes were shifting about as he answered her. However, another concern appeared to be on Victoria's mind.

"Can I come in?"

"Uhhh, yeah sure."

Regis nodded before pointing his arm into the direction of the inside of his room before Victoria would walk in and look about then finally sitting on the bed. Regis had taken a seat next to her as he was wondering what had brought her to his room within the castle.

"How are you, Regis?"

"Hahaha, I'm a little hungover but I'm holding up okay. What about yourself?"

"Heh, somewhat the same I'm afraid"

Regis smiled to her response before he felt a little tense of himself. It is certain that he is now very conscious of Princess Victoria being next to him before she would look to him in a different expression, somewhat smiling but somehow something was off.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead"

"What is Valencia to you?"

Taken aback by the question, Regis would widen his eyes and tilt his head slightly as he would try to understand what he was hearing.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"

"Do you like her?"

"What would make you say that?"

"Cause she pulls you around a lot and you don't seem to object very strongly"

Though smiling, Regis feels that something was off with Victoria's mood before he forces a chuckle to try and lighten the atmosphere up to make them both comfortable despite the discussion.

"Hahaha, no it's nothing like that. She just does whatever she pleases. You know Valencia."

The Riftwalker turn on his position so that his body was facing Victoria's as she still sits facing away from the bed.

"Does that bother you?"

Regis gestured lightly before Victoria would turn her head towards him and look up slightly to meet him eye to eye.

"It kinda does..."

At this point, Regis would lean his head away for a moment to ponder on what she had just told him, and the discussion that had taken place. His attention was captured once more to the sad tone of the princess of Swordhaven.

"All my life within my own home, everything was being decided for me. I was told what to do, what to eat, what to say, and how to act. I've always felt restricted in such a way. That's why I secretly became a ranger. I wanted to make my own choices and my own paths. Then again, that was all I had. I guess I'm just scared to not have you around anymore. For some reason, I always find myself comfortable knowing that someone took the time to actually get to know me and to be around me... Not just because of social gatherings and adventures, but actually gotten to sit down and just let time pass. You won't go away, right?"

Regis, touched at this point would look to her with a slight smile before leaning forward and wrapping his arms about the sulking princess and hugging her close to him. His hand comes to pat her head and stroke her hair gently, running his fingers through the strands of her auburn locks.

"Hush hush, princess. I promise I won't leave you. Not now, not ever. Even if my duties as your bodyguard pass, I will remain to be around for you to talk to for a friend you can come to. I will be your hero if you wish me to be so."

Victoria would tilt her head up and look at Regis eye to eye, surprised with his comfort to him. To her, it felt warm to be within his grasp. She smiled weakly for a moment, still seeming holding back a few tears before digging her head into his shoulder and nuzzling into him. The two would remain in the position for a while before looking at each other once more.

"I told you not to call me that."

She weakly said with a slight giggle in her tone. However, the sound of footsteps was approaching and the two broke away from the embrace and adjust themselves to seem as if they were only having a casual conversation that would be interrupted by Sir Ano knocking on the door.

"Princess Victoria, there you are. The King calls for your presence at the main hall."

Immediately, the two would stand to their feet and give a light smile to each other before making their way out of the room.

"Regis Felliand, could you kindly accompany me?"

"With pleasure, your highness."

All three would make their way out of the room and the corridors to head for the main hall. While Princess Victoria is at the lead, Sir Ano lightly pulls Regis back to whisper something.

"You are not going to like this."

Regis would squint his eyes and look to Sir Ano before realizing he had already made it to the main hall. Within the hall, King Alteon sits proud and smiling upon his throne as he was accompanied by someone who at the moment is kneeling facing him, and a long black cape with golden linings would be all that those who enter would see.

"Father, you have called for me-... who's this?"

"Allow me to introduce you to someone."

The cloaked figure would stand slowly; revealing locks of golden hair tied in a tail and placed around his pale neck. As he turned around, his attire was completely in uniform of the colours of black and gold. He wore the gala of his royal family, including the crest, pins, and cravats. He had slight armour that is by few quantities, polished into mirror sheen. His sabre hangs upon his side by yellow velvet ropes. His boots were covered with metal greaves. His face was pale as the moon with his emerald green eyes looking to only the princess as he would step forward, paying no heed to Regis or Sir Ano. He takes a knee, maintaining his smile infront of Princess Victoria. His gloved hand would take hers as he placed his lips upon the back, giving a gentle kiss. He spoke confidently, soothingly with a most regal accent, pitch, and demeanor.

"Princess Victoria. Tis my utmost pleasure to finally meet you."