Eirika's day with L'Arachel had been splendid.
She'd shown L'Arachel the glory of the capital city, from the high court residential areas to the sweet scented gardens. Citizens greeted the twosome with open appreciation, and Eriika's ears caught the soft whispers direct at them. It was clear the kingdom saw possibility in the pair, saw L'Arachel's grace and beauty as a definite asset to Eirika's somewhat masculine mannerism. "They approve, you know," L'Arachel mentioned, reassuring Eirika of the whispers she heard. "It's pleasant to know they approve of their newest resident."
Eirika remained speechless.
Casually, the women meandered through the city, passing through the market, two royals amidst a city buzzing with revelry. Soon, Eirika led them to her favorite nook: the bakery tucked away in the middle class quarters, near a library and a small, but reputable, cobbler.
There, they'd snacked on all manner of treats, from almond croissants dusted with powdered sugar and fresh honey to sweetened flatbreads covered with cream cheese and fresh fruit. It had been wonderful, her time outside with L'Arachel. It felt easy.
It felt like the beginnings of a relationship.
Yet as Eirika sat on her bed, retired for the night, she felt her stomach clench, enough to keep her from the plate of almond croissants on her nightstand.
"Maybe you're beginning to develop a fondness for her?" Puck said, taking a lock of Eirika's hair into her hands. She slowly separated it, twining the strands together into a moderate braid.
"Possibly, but… only after a day? I mean, I've known L'Arachel for ages, and I traveled with her as a youth, but…" Eirika exhaled, covering her face in sheer exasperation. "That just makes no sense. I mean, we were just… friends."
Puck chuckled, running a gentle hand up and down Eirika's back. "Eirika, that doesn't mean you can't have developed feelings though. Don't be so daft, Eirika," Puck finished. She took up another lock of hair and set to braiding.
Taking a croissant, Eirika stuffed her mouth full, crumbs falling onto her lap. She brushed them off and gave another sigh, this one a bit muffled. "Bwut Pwuck, I don-"
"Not with a full mouth," Puck interjected.
Eirika swallowed hard, a painful lump slowly falling down her throat. She reached for her flagon, sipping down the sweet juice inside. Gasping she pounding her chest twice with a her fist, aiding the food in going down quicker. "But Puck, I don't even know how I could find her… enticing in that manner."
"Try that dress this morning. Lady L'Arachel looked attractive enough to rival the head chef's spread. I'd have dropped my breakfast if it weren't for the fact hat I was so hungry," Puck chuckled. "She's beautiful. Not my type, mind you, but beautiful nonetheless."
"Not your type?" Eirika mused.
Puck nodded. "She's a bit too headstrong for me. I prefer something a bit more… manageable." Both girls laughed at this, and Eirika passed Puck a treat, relaxing against the pillows."
"Thank you Puck. I… I suppose I feel a bit more at ease now. I think… I think I'll give the alliance a fair try," Eirika said, her voice still a bit reluctant. "After all, I've got no other marriage prospects. Innes isn't likely to pursue my hand, and Seth is too busy with the military to think of me fondly." Eirika sighed. "I guess L'Arachel is the next best prospect.
"How merry of you, milady. Now sit up. I've got to finish your hair. Saints know you look wretched with tangles."
L'Arachel woke up right at the crack of dawn.
She enjoyed this time of the morning in Rausten. The capital city Latona, named for the saint, always looked splendid, the gilt of the buildings reflecting the shimmering rays off the white stone, making everything radiant. Yet the sunrise here was just as refreshing.
"Morning, milady. We've drawn your bath," a maid said. She adjusted her white cap, tucking in the spill of navy curls.
L'Arachel gave one last yawn and smiled. "Ah, thank you, Rima. Keep me company?"
Rima nodded, a slight smile settling onto her lips.
L'Arachel undressed quickly, sliding into the open air bath attached to her suit. Rima undressed also, folding their clothes into neat piles before stepping in. "Ah, nothing is as luxurious as a hot bath," Rima murmured, undoing her hair. The curls fell into the water, fanning out in the bath. "Ah, so what are you up to today, milady?"
L'Arachel smiled, relaxing against the wall. "Well, I'm supposed to be tutored on the history of Renais, along with lessons in their culture and etiquette. All necessary, I suppose, if I'm to be both a ruler and a good wife." L'Arachel looked less than pleased.
Rima nodded. "That sounds…" she paused.
"Boring?" L'Arachel offered. Rima's face flooded with color. "Well, it does to me. I'd much rather be frolicking around the capital than in a library with some stuffy old man. Plus, my goal isn't studying: it's getting Eirika to like me as much as I like her."
Rima giggled. "So you do like her, milady?"
L'Arachel nodded. "Of course I do. I've liked her since the war. It's not just duty, although that's easier to masquerade under. I truly have feelings for Eirika. That's why her initial… greeting was so despicable."
Rima's eye grew wide with interest. "How long?"
"How long what?" L'Arachel titled her head.
"How long have you liked her, L'Arachel!" Rima shouted, all formalities dropped. She waited eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement.
L'Arachel's smile turned a bit shy. "I'd say… since the assault on Jehanna's halls."
L'Arachel closed her eyes, the memories coming in a steady flow. Eirika had looked so brave, so strong, as she commanded their meager forces against the raw power of Carlyle and Jehanna's soldiers. Yet they'd crushed them, although the cost was Queen Ismaire, Eirika had won another decisive victory. L'Arachel wasn't one for carnage, but the memory of Eirika's torn clothes, blood covered skin, and fierce eyes had long since stuck with her, maturing with age.
Rima gasped. "That's been ages! You've liked her for so long! I'd dare say for at least five years!"
L'Arachel nodded. "Well, if I'm twenty two years, and the war was during my seventeenth year… yes I suppose it was five years, wasn't it?" L'Arachel paused, heart suddenly thudding a bit quicker. "I mean, I've most likely liked her since childhood. We had interacted prior to that, being heirs and whatnot, but I suppose I didn't truly notice my feelings until the war. Maturity and whatnot."
Rima clapped her hands together. "I hope that this engagement works then. I'd hate for you to be torn from your affection," Rima whispered. "I'll make sure to send Saint Latona my prayers during our silent hour, milady."
"I appreciate that," L'Arachel said, shifting in the pools. "Now, let's get ourselves clean before we look like wrinkled fruits. Breakfast awaits."
Eirika found her knees bouncing as she waited for L'Arachel.
Today would be the first of many days that they were separated. L'Arachel would learn Renais' history, high court etiquette, and about the Renais' culture. Eirika would learn to same for L'Arachel's fair Rausten, and she wasn't pleased. It meant less time to try to get to know the girl better, and more time away from her old friend.
Like it or not, Eirika had to admit that the closed buds of love were blooming once more, her heart reawakening to old feelings. She'd hid them since the war, her affections and romantic desires not as important as reassuring her nation of their security, but now that peacetimes were sure, she could feel her mind readily thinking about L'Arachel.
"I wonder if she has another dress like the one from yesterday," Eirika mused. She felt her cheeks warm as she thought of L'Arachel's creamy white limbs and rounded bust. She coughed hard and shook herself, ridding her mind of the thoughts.
Creak.
Eirika's chair scrapped loudly against the stone as she stood. She adjusted her cape and smiled, eager for company.
L'Arachel entered, lips in a relaxed smile. She wore a simple outfit: a steel blue bodice and knee-length skirt with red accents a white ribbon. Her shoes were the same blue, with red spats and laces, and she wore a cathedral-styled habit that revealed only hints of the loose curls of her hair. It was a reasonable outfit, made more for comfort than appearance. Her outfit made Eirika's simple white tunic and breeches look modest, despite the fact that L'Arachel looked less like a princess and more like a maiden.
"Good morning, Eirika," L'Arachel smiled. She took her seat across from Eirika and settled in. Eirika fumbled a reply and sat down, flopping into the seat and scooting forward. The chair screeched on the floor and L'Arachel winced.
"Ah, sorry!" Eirika said.
"Heh, no worries, friend," L'Arachel smiled as a servant poured her a cup of tea. "Now, are you being punished like I am today?"
Eirika felt her cheeks heat up. "P-Punished? What for?"
L'Arachel chuckled. "For this engagement. I'm to learn all about Renais, a topic that intrigues me, but not when it's being forced. I'm in for history and culture lessons till midday, and then etiquette classes from lunch till dinner. It's as if they're forgetting I'm a Princess!" L'Arachel huffed, spearing a piece of sausage with her force. "I have half a mind to order them otherwise!"
Eirika relaxed, snatching up a piece of bacon with bare fingers. "Ah, then yes, I'm being punished in the same manner. I'm learning all about Rausten, but then I'm free in the afternoon." L'Arachel chucked a muffin at Eirika playfully, and Eirika caught it, taking a bite out of it. "Mmm, blueberry. Thank you." She winked, and took another bit of bacon.
L'Arachel's gaze quickly dropped, her cheeks turning pink. "W-Well, perhaps you could come rescue me from my lessons. I'd much rather be with you then with a bunch of old men."
Eirika swallowed and nodded. "I readily agree. Well, maybe some miracle will happen and we'll both find ourselves with one another rather than inside the castle all day. If not, we…" Eirika paused, gazing finding L'Arachel's, "I could always escort you out for a taste of the Renais' night life. I think you'd find it a bit less reserved than Rausten." Eirika smiled, desire upon her lips.
L'Arachel leaned back, taking a long sip from her tea. The liquid scalded her tongue but she swallowed, unable to do anything else. "I think I'd enjoy that."