Interlude - Castle

Archanea has fallen, the Sable Order rules, and I'm now the personal bodyguard of Her Royal Highness, Princess Nyna of Archanea. Not bad for a mercenary, and it only cost me some injuries and my brother.

I'm too numb to feel anything. I like it. Makes it easy to keep my promise.

"How much did my father pay you anyway?" Princess Nyna asked one day as we stayed in her room. Sir Camus had his Sable Order cleaning the castle of shattered glass, blood, corpses, and other things. Like entrails. The dining room was a particular mess. "Knowing him, I doubt it was much."

"Technically, he didn't pay me anything," I answered, brushing her hair. I'd gotten tired of watching her try to do her own hair; it was obvious she'd never done it before. "Contract didn't even have a down payment."

"That's…" She held still as I twisted her hair up in a ponytail and only once I stepped away did she shake her head. "That's horrible."

"It's common. That's why you have a bunch of employers who use mercenaries as shock troops." I crossed my arms. "Your father was no different."

"...The people cheered when we went out on parade." She ducked her head. "During festivals… during speeches… we lived too luxuriously, but surely…"

"He had control of the army, and the knights served him." I debated and then decided against telling her about the 'Right of First Night' that her father had allowed. I'd heard that some very high ranking nobles had joined in, particularly Duke Lang. "You don't want to anger the person who can legally order your home razed."

"...Did he order that?" Her voice was soft and fragile. "Did he…?"

"No." I tried not to grimace at how relieved she looked. "He didn't care enough."

"I see." The conflicted look on her face hinted she wasn't sure if that neglect was better or worse. "I…" She glanced out the window and suddenly stiffened, eyes wide and hands shaking.

The change was so abrupt that I moved behind her to peer out the window too, and it didn't take me long at all to figure out what had her so pale. There, on the gates, in plain view of the window. were her parents' corpses, dangling from ropes that twisted and turned on the wind. It was clear, even from here, that rot had set in.

I closed the curtains, and led her to the bathroom, setting her by the basin. I knelt in front of her and waited until she focused on me before saying, "you stay here. I will be right back, so stay here."

She nodded, looking a little lost, and I left her there to get to Sir Camus. A quick word later, and the bodies were down, to be properly buried. The damage was done, though. She refused to have those curtains ever opened again, and as she slept, she screamed from the nightmares.

Some other nobles survived, and they fawned over Princess Nyna in a faux court. But most days, Princess Nyna actually spent her free time with the servants. She talked to them, listened to their stories, and tended to whatever injuries they had. It might have been to simply earn their loyalty, but a little kindness went a long way. It wasn't long at all before I felt comfortable leaving her alone in their company. I knew they'd brave Medy's own wrath in order to protect her.

So, instead, I snuck my way down into the prisons, checking on those Camus ordered to be kept prisoner. They were treated well, certainly better than I would've thought.

Midia, for instance, had a cell all to herself, with a real bed and rich blankets. She might have only had soup to eat, but it was a rich one and smelled amazing.

"You…" she whispered. Some part of her eyes were accusatory, but most of her was calm, even kind. I remembered how she'd once had a prejudice against mercenaries; it didn't surprise me that she would still be biased against them, even as she loved Astram with everything she was. At least she was trying to change. It was better than most. "Are you well?"

"Yep," I replied, shrugging. I glanced around the cell, checking for anything that might seem 'off'. But, honestly, if not for the bars, I'd have called it a nice little room. "Looks like you're better than I'd been fearing."

"Yes, I'm well. I've been better, but I know how much worse it could be. I am, after all, a female warrior." Defeat was particularly 'disgraceful' for us. "I will admit that I dislike that Jeorge was carted off."

"Was he?"

"Yes. Though, to be fair, he'd nearly broken himself out. He was too bored." She laughed, a strangely fragile sound. "Damn him. He was always too smart."

"And Astram?"

"For now, he's 'free', but I've a feeling Princess Nyna and I are being used as hostages to keep him compliant." Her smile fell. "The rest of my group are fine. Bishop Boah is being treated very kindly on account of his age."

"Good to hear." I glanced down the hall as I heard footsteps. I had to leave. "Princess Nyna is fine."

"Thank the gods." She closed her eyes and smiled slightly. "Please, keep her safe."

"I will." After all, this was how I could keep my promise to Charles. "Try not to incite the guards to kill you before she takes back Archanea."

"I will."

I later told Princess Nyna that Midia and the rest of her group were safe. She cried tears of relief, and thanked me profusely.

Slowly, Nyna worked on winning the nobles. Even some who turned traitor begged her for forgiveness. Not all, of course. But some. Enough, at least, to brighten the air of the castle and make it less like a tomb.

But one traitor in particular did a lot of damage to her spirit. A landed knight named Horace, who had informed Sir Camus all the ins and outs of the castle. That was why they had been so effective.

"I don't understand," she whispered after another day of trying to meet with Horace to talk to him. She absently set some flowers other nobles had given her on a table and collapsed into a chair. "He was always so loyal…"

"That might be the problem," I replied. I set the flowers in a vase and absently began arranging them. "What do you do when you're stuck between two loyalties?"

"Take a third option?"

"What if the only third option is to die?"

"Make a fourth."

"Can you do that alone?" There was no answer. "What else has you shaking?"

"Pontifex Miloah is dead." Her eyes looked haunted, and I wondered why it had taken her so long to learn about that. He'd died in the initial battles. "No one knows what happened to his daughter, Linde."

"That's good news, Princess."

"How?"

"Because there's no way they wouldn't brag about having killed her." I shook my head and continued arranging the flowers. "She could be alive. I'd bet it."

"Is that safe?"

"No." I looked at her then. "But the world is at war. Nothing is safe."

"Of course." She turned her attention to the window, one that didn't show the gate. "Diana?"

"Yes?"

"Will you tell me about the Knorda Market?"

"Yes."

She had to ask me to pause twice in my description of the slave market and the gladiator 'games', mostly because she had to go throw up. But she insisted on me finishing, with eyes determined to listen to the end. I gained a lot of respect for her, that day.

After that day, Princess Nyna often asked me about the world. She asked me about the strained relationship Archanea had with the other countries. About my jobs. About battling and killing. I gave her the unvarnished truth about everything, leaving out no details no matter how gory. She was often sick, but she continued asking.

"Why do you want to hear any of this?" I finally asked her one day as I helped her clean up after a particularly bad bit of puking. "You know by now that I don't hold back."

"That's why," she answered fiercely. She coughed and spat out some water she was using to rinse her mouth. "I will lead the Archanean League. Soldiers will battle in my name. I want to know what led to this. I want to know what they will face, what I am choosing. I will not hide away in a fantasy world. I owe them more."

"...Well, let's take a break for a bit." I helped her back to the 'main' part of her room and got her to sit down in a chair. "Too much throwing up is bad for your health."

"I… suppose." She looked a little frustrated. "But…"

"Don't rush. Rushing only leads to overextension and pain." I hesitated before poking her cheek, just like I would do with Charles. "There are other ways to prepare yourself."

"Like?"

"Talk to people. Ask them about their lives. Listen to them as they talk about their homes." I smiled slightly. "Take it from a mercenary who fights for a living. We fight a hell of a lot harder for people who seem like they care."

"And if I'm to show them, I best get practice in how to listen." She nodded reluctantly and suddenly became thoughtful. "Diana?"

"Yes?"

"Will you get General Camus for me?" She smiled bitterly at my surprised look. "Who better to practice on? I hate him. But if I can learn to listen to him, then I can learn how to listen to anyone."

I couldn't find a fault in the logic, so I went to get Sir Camus and dragged him back with me.

Their conversation was terse and awkward, but Princess Nyna was determined to listen, and slowly, Sir Camus realized how serious she was. I think she earned his respected then. My own respect certainly increased.

Sir Camus and Princess Nyna talked every afternoon, often over whatever tea I could make for them. Sometimes over her plans, sometimes over his life in Grust. While they talked, I explored the castle, gathering information on what was going on for both of them to discuss. Most of it was simply getting a feel for how the people were. Sir Camus had control of the castle, but not necessarily of all of Archanea. Dolhr was doing its best to destroy everything.

However, one day, I ran into Astram. Both of us stared at each other, almost dazed. It had been months since I'd seen him, and he looked haggard and far thinner than normal. I wondered how I looked to him.

Then, I decided I didn't care and nodded to him before stepping off the path to continue on my way.

"Diana." He called after me, though. "I'm sorry about Charles."

The words made me pause and I turned to face him. "I am too." I hesitated before whispering, "do you know why he stayed?"

"...Yes." He looked uncomfortable. "Do you want me to tell you?"

"No, it's fine." I shook my head. "It's enough to know that he told someone."

I walked away then, to return to Princess Nyna's rooms and make sure she and Sir Camus hadn't killed each other yet. I knew Astram watched as I walked away.

It was enough to know that he felt guilty.

At some point during their conversations, Sir Camus and Princess Nyna decided to have her walk through the castle town so that the people could see her and hold onto hope. Sir Camus would be with her as a visible guard, while I would remain in the shadows, ready to cover them both.

I spent the whole morning helping her get ready. I brushed her hair until it shone, put on her makeup to enhance her beauty without it being obvious she had it on, and dressed her in one of her former 'court dresses', a fancy thing of whites, golds, and blues. It was a little big on her, but I used some cords to make fancy belts and managed to hide how much weight she'd lost. It was important for her to look good. She would be judged by how pretty she appeared.

"You're good at this," she observed quietly as I secured her tiara into her hair.

I hesitated before replying, "I was born into nobility. I learned a lot about this."

"Oh?" Her eyes held the silent question, but when I shook my head, she nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Well, I'm quite lucky. I don't know how my maids managed all of this. If I ever see any of them again, I'll be sure to thank them profusely."

I didn't tell her that her maids had likely been raped and thrown to the dogs by Dolhr's troops before they left Camus in charge here. I didn't have to. She knew from my stories just what likely happened to them.

But she smiled and hoped anyway. I thought her brave for that.

By the time the year anniversary of Archanea's fall came, Princess Nyna's visits to the castle town became as regular as the sunrise. Most of the time, Sir Camus and I traveled with her. Sometimes both of us visible, sometimes neither of us, but most of the time he was the visible one and I was the hidden one. I was their silent, protective shadow.

On the exact day, Princess Nyna played with some children in the courtyard and taught them how to make flower crowns. Their mothers watched with fond eyes, and cheerfully said their farewells when it was time to depart.

When we returned inside, though, Princess Nyna looked ready to cry. "Did you see how thin they were?" she whispered. She held up her hand, and I saw it shake. "Those poor children… I was so afraid I would accidentally snap their wrist!"

"It's not that hard to break a joint," I told her absently. The children had all given her flowers, and I was carefully pressing them in books for her. "Enough pressure in the 'wrong' direction…"

"Not the point." She sighed and looked out the window. "They left with smiles, even though they must be hurting. Why do they hold such faith in me?"

"...Because you are a child, Princess Nyna." I held her gaze as she looked at me. "Children can learn."

"I see." She nodded and frowned slightly. "Oh, that's right…"

"Hmm?"

"It's been a year since you lost your brother." Her eyes softened. "Are you okay?"

"...I'm as fine as I can be, Princess Nyna." I had no idea how to answer her. It all still hurt.

"I understand." She likely did. After all, today was also the day her parents died. "Nyna."

"Pardon?"

"Call me 'Nyna', please." She looked back to the window. "It seems silly for you to keep calling me by title when you're my friend."

"Others called you by title."

"But they were never honest." Her eyes flicked up to my reflection. "You are. You and Camus are the only ones who have always been honest with me."

I could hear the unspoken plea in the observation. "I will never lie to you, Nyna. You have my word, for whatever that is worth."

"To me, it's worth everything."

That night, I had a nightmare. It started with Charles's death and ended with Nyna's. I shook as I woke, and wondered why the nightmares were coming back.

Some bright day after the year anniversary, Sir Camus and Nyna had tea as usual, planning out their next town visit. Normally, I left them to it, but this time, I returned a little early. Though both seemed surprised to see me.

"Sorry, Nyna, I thought you'd want to hear this latest bit of gossip at once," I explained, leaning against the doorway. I noticed how close the two sat and wondered if it was purposeful or not. "And Sir Camus, you'll have to deal with Dolhr soldiers' bitching about it."

"That sounds wonderful," Sir Camus deadpanned. He looked so exasperated that both Nyna and I laughed. "What happened this time?"

"It seems that a certain famous sniper escaped Dolhr custody."

"A sniper?"

"You mean Jeorge!" Nyna exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. Her eyes with glittering with amusement. "He's always been sharp and he knows how to put on a show to fool people."

"Oh, you mean the one that almost broke out of here," Sir Camus sighed. Still, he visibly fought off a smile, and I knew he was just as amused. "I'd best leave, then."

"Good luck." She waved him goodbye and returned to her giggling as I shut the door behind him. "Ah, Jeorge! I hope he remains safe."

"I'm sure he will," I reassured her with a smile. "He seems crafty enough. He'd do well as a mercenary, actually."

"I think he considered that option a few times, but he is the heir and so, duty ruled," she replied. She gave me a smile. "I think you and he would get along rather well." Her smile grew. "At least, I think I'd get a great amount of amusement watching you two interact."

"Maybe you'll get to see that."

"Maybe I will."

Nyna and Sir Camus spent a lot of time together. Their awkward, hateful start eased into a tentative friendship. Then, as their respect for each other grew, their relationship became a working partnership as they did what they could to ease Archanea's hurts. Between the large amounts of time spent together and the constant bits of kindness and admiration, I knew it was only a matter of time before feelings developed.

The possibility, however, didn't seem to occur to either of them. Not until one day when Nyna tripped on the way back from a trip to the town, and Sir Camus caught her. The two of them stared at each other, lost in their own little world for a single breath, before pulling apart, both blushing and stammering. Then they both fled, Sir Camus to his work, and Nyna to her room.

I followed her, of course, and found her pacing her room, flailing about as she screamed at herself.

"Isn't it so stupid?" Her voice cracked as she whirled to look at me at last. "I should hate him, yet I can't! Not when he is so kind, so honest! Not when he does what he can to help me!"

She started to cry, torn apart by this perceived 'betrayal' to her dead loved ones and country. I sat down on her bed and tugged her down so that she rested in my lap, and let her sob while I stroked her back and hummed half-forgotten lullabies in the hopes it would soothe her.

Later, after she fell asleep, I left to check on Sir Camus. I found him on a balcony on the opposite side of the castle, staring at the moon. He glanced briefly over his shoulder, to check who it was, and when he saw it was me, he returned his gaze above.

"Isn't it so foolish?" His voice was almost too soft to hear. "I protected her because I felt that would, ultimately, be what was best for Grust, yet now I…"

I rested my hand on his shoulder, and in the gesture, I gave him my silent reassurance. Just as I would keep Nyna's secrets, I would keep his. He needed that, just as much as she did.

One day, while Nyna was with the 'court ladies' and guarded by one of the Sable Order, Sir Camus invited me to share a drink, a mixed drink of cider and whiskey. It was a favorite in Grust. Things like that told me he had quite a few guesses about my past. But he never said a word. Instead, we talked of different things. How things were outside the castle. How the people were reacting to Nyna.

Then, suddenly, he whispered, "did you know there were two royal children?"

"Prince Yubello and Princess Yumina," I answered easily, sipping my drink. It was more cider than whiskey; he'd made sure it didn't hold a lot of alcohol because he knew I couldn't handle it. "Their mother died soon after giving birth to them."

"Yes, she did." He downed his drink, and I wondered just what he hoped to drown. "Today is the two year anniversary."

"...Of what?" It couldn't be of the Queen's death. The twins weren't that young.

"Of Gharnef taking them hostage." The words were soft. "To ensure our 'cooperation'."

"Oh." I thought of them. They were very young. "I see." I could also see why he was drinking.

"They screamed." His eyes were lost in that day. "They screamed for their father, for me, for Lorenz. But the king would not help them, and Lorenz and I could not, pinned as we were. So, they were taken away, screaming and wailing, and I could do nothing." He laughed hollowly. "I am frequently called the strongest of warriors, yet I couldn't even protect my prince and princess. I couldn't protect those little children, not even ten years old, who looked at me adoringly."

"...That's why you don't go against." I looked him right in the eye. "It's not the king. It's not Grust, or at least, not entirely. You love Prince Yubello and Princess Yumina. You are terrified for them." I shook my head. "Though, you do… risk… by protecting Nyna."

"I know." His smile was a little broken, and I knew right then what was going on. He had many loyalties and a good heart, and they were in conflict. He was a knight in the 'truest' sense, and so he couldn't help but protect one of the people's greatest hopes, even as those he loved were in danger. But, even worse… was that he had many loves. He loved Nyna. He loved Prince Yubello and Princess Yumina. And now he was torn between them, because there was no way to protect them all. Not in this broken world.

That night, my nightmares showed Camus dying, ripped between Nyna's corpse and the skeletal remains of Prince Yubello and Princess Yumina, while I was helplessly pinned by Charles's dead body. When I woke, I was crying, and I realized just what had happened.

The heart I thought had turned to stone… it started to feel again, and it broke for me, for Nyna, and for Camus.

One day, another general of Grust came to visit. A man named Sir Lorenz. I knew of him. When I saw the missive he carried, I hid Nyna in a side room and stood outside it, just in case.

Luckily, though, Sir Lorenz didn't seem to care about her or me. He marched right up to Camus and handed him the paper. "Apparently, they decided you couldn't conveniently never see me," he rumbled. Camus eyed the paper warily and sighed. "You knew this was coming. Medeus wants her dead."

"I answer to Grust, not Dolhr," Camus replied firmly. He pointedly held the missive over a candle and let it burn. "That's all."

"Camus, I fear for you." Sir Lorenz's voice was a quiet rumble. "You are like a son to me."

"I know. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and affection you have given me." Camus's smile was a little broken. I was grateful Nyna couldn't see it. "But this is what… I must do. I can't kill my own heart."

"I curse the day Ludwik sided with Dolhr." Lorenz sighed, shaking his head. "It's not right for the young to die because the old are too weak and cowardly."

"You have a good escape."

"I will not leave the burden solely on you. I make a better scapegoat than you, boy." He glanced at me, and his eyes widened slightly. "This is…?"

"Diana, a mercenary." Camus kept his voice firm, a clear declaration that Sir Lorenz was not allowed to ask for anything more. I hadn't been so grateful to a person since Charles saved me all those years ago. "She is Princess Nyna's guard."

"And hid the princess just in case I proved to be an enemy." Sir Lorenz nodded. He still looked curious, but there was some understanding there as well. "Smart. But there's no threat from me, I promise. I have to leave now anyway."

"So quickly?"

"I was tasked with this on the way to deal with a 'rebellion' in Altea." Sir Lorenz's face twisted at the sentence. I had a feeling the 'rebels' were going to conveniently escape. "Let her see me off. It'll make people think you read the damn thing."

I didn't move one bit until Camus nodded, and I didn't go to Sir Lorenz until I opened the door and waited for her reassurance. Even then, I waited until they were both walking down the hall before leading Sir Lorenz out of the room.

"Damn, they think they're being subtle, but they aren't," he muttered, watching the two of them disappear around a corner. "You don't walk that closely or lean into each other if you're not…" He sighed. "The gods are always cruel." He looked at me, and mentally debated something before nodding. "I know I have no right to ask you anything, but-"

"I protect Nyna first," I answered him, so quickly that I surprised even myself. "So, if I have to pick, I pick her. But if there's a chance to protect both her and him, I'll do that. However I have to."

"I'll work things on my end to get you that chance. It won't be hard. For all his faults, our king does truly adore Camus, and would plead for him."

I didn't ask why King Ludwik didn't 'plead' for Grust. I knew, as well as anyone, that King Ludwik of Grust stopped trying to be strong when his wife died, and I knew, as well as anyone, that no small part of him blamed his own children for her death.

A strange disturbance near the treasury changed a peaceful day into a weird one. Nyna and I, of course, went to go investigate, and saw there was a group of strangers with large bags of gold and gems in their hands. Camus was talking to them, quietly, and some of the Sable Order eyed them warily.

Nyna hummed a little in thought before turning to me. "Who are they?" she asked. "Any ideas?"

"Well, I'd guess they're thieves," I answered. I narrowed my eyes as I saw a swordsman in crimson garb lingering in the distance. "That's Navarre, though. One of the strongest mercenaries on the continent. Only one is said to be his rival."

"Really? Who?"

"Mercenary by the name of 'Ogma'. Last I heard, he was serving in Talys." More like he chose to join it after the princess there saved him from a death by whipping. "But that's neither here nor there."

"Ah, yes, you're right." Nyna frowned slightly. "But why is a cleric here?"

"That is the question." I glanced at her. "Do you want to get closer?" I laughed softly when she grinned. "Come on then."

As we stepped around the Sable Order knights to approach the group, it was clear the sister's temper had snapped. "Ever since Dolhr invaded, life here has turned for the worst!" she argued. There was passion in her voice, and a devotion in her eyes. She was a 'genuine' cleric, one who loved helping the people. "Many have had their homes razed, lands stolen, and now, they suffer from hunger. Yes, we're here to steal, and gods forgive us for it, but there is no hope for even the children!" She looked almost defiant, almost self-righteous, but she managed to also appear perfectly calm. "General Camus! Do you take such joy in their misery? Are you nothing but a pawn who refuses to think?"

"...I suppose there is no better way to describe me," Camus murmured. He smiled almost bitterly. "Or a dog. I've been called that too."

"Camus, you're neither," Nyna snapped, glowering. Everyone turned to face us, and I waved when Camus gave me a 'why are you two here?' look before pointing to her. I laughed when he facepalmed. "I know both of you are sharing exasperation."

"Of you? Never." Camus gave her an innocent look. "What are you doing here?"

"Clearly, I'm here to remind you, once again, that you're being too harsh with yourself." She sighed. "Camus, you let me live as a princess. You defy Dolhr every day just my letting me have a little bit of freedom. I know that you despise Dolhr, perhaps even more than I do."

"And what do you suggest I do?"

"Turn a blind eye as you do with those messengers. Let them go."

"And what they stole?"

"It's from my treasury, right? Let them keep it to help my people." She smiled sweetly, and I could see the sister's eyes widen, as well as the rest of the group. "Get them somewhere safe?"

"...If it's an order from you, I suppose I have no choice." Camus sighed, shaking his head. "I'll will be gone for… a mark or so. To patrol."

"Of course. Safe travels." Nyna turned her attention to the others. "Thank you, very much, for taking care of my people."

"It is my job, and my pleasure," the sister murmured. She smiled back. "Please, stay safe. I shall pray for you."

Nyna kept her smile until they were all out of sight and the Sable knights dispersed. Only then did she let it fall. "Ugh…" she groaned, tilting her head back. "I know she meant it kindly, but I cannot help but feel the urge to laugh bitterly." She smiled sadly at me. "The gods have never seen it fit to answer my prayers, after all." I didn't ask what she prayed for. I wasn't sure she knew anymore. "They just seem to watch us from above, toying with us when they're bored. Giving us fates on whims."

"Fate is an excuse to the dead." I rested a hand on her shoulder. "We make our own paths, no matter what the gods throw at us."

"Is that what you did, when you left your old life?" The words were a question, but her tone made it clear she expected no answer.

But I gave one anyway. "Yes. I made my own path. But I wasn't alone."

"You had your brother."

"Yes, and the rest of the Pack, including the one I called 'Father'." I tightened my grip on her. "You aren't alone either."

"I know." She finally smiled warmly. "Thank you."

At some point, Camus and I started sparring against each other in the early mornings, while Nyna watched and read. I couldn't really remember how we fell into the habit, but we did, and it was a good way for both of us to keep in shape and to work out frustrations.

On one day, though, my nightmares had been particularly bad, and as I sparred with Camus, I found myself slipping into them, unable to tell what was 'real'. So, I swung harder than usual, and used dirtier tricks than normal. One particular swing was aimed for his groin, and when he sidestepped it, it landed on his leg. And as soon as it connected, he dropped like a stone, ashen from pain.

"Get some ice!" I ordered Nyna as I helped Camus up. She bolted before I even finished the sentence. "Easy, easy…" I got him to hobble over to a nearby bench and pressed against his leg. "Nothing broken…" I tried to think of why he'd drop, and came on the answer when I remembered the day Archanea fell. "The wound Charles gave you?"

"I think so…" he hissed, struggling to get his breathing under control. "Damn, that hurt."

"Clearly." I wondered how that could happen before wondering if he had scar tissue on a bundle of nerves. But even then, would that cause this? "Ha… he's causing trouble even when he's dead."

"He truly was a skilled warrior. Judging by you, I'd guess he was an even better brother."

"...Yes, he was." My eyes blurred, but I shook my head to be rid of them. "Nothing is broken, and I'm not really feeling any swelling."

"That's good to hear." He hesitated before bowing his head. "Please…"

"I won't tell a soul." I thought of something he said, two years ago. "You have my word, for whatever it's worth to you."

He laughed quietly before smiling. "That's quite a lot. Though, i have no idea how much mine is worth to you."

"Considering what you've proven over these past two years? It means quite a bit."

The look on his face told me that he appreciated that, far more than he could ever say. If Nyna hadn't returned with the ice when she had, I had a feeling he might have actually started crying.

Chaos completed erupted one day, and Nyna and I immediately headed to Camus to figure out what was going on. He didn't even bother to greet us when he saw us approach. Instead, he waited for us to stop and said, "The Dolhrian Army will be here soon, led by Medeus's personal guards." We all knew what that meant.

"So, Medy's stopped playing around," I murmured, steadying Nyna as her eyes widened and she swayed from the shock. "Death?"

"Hostage, I think," Camus answered. His eyes, however, all but screamed that he didn't place much faith in Nyna staying 'safe' as a hostage. "A way to keep Archanea quiet."

"I… cannot be caught," Nyna whispered. She hugged herself and leaned into me. "I cannot. If I am captured, then it's all for naught."

"Precisely." Camus nodded. "Get yourself ready. We'll sneak you out and make for Aurelis to the north. Prince Hardin has proven skilled against the Macedonians there; he should be able to keep you safe."

"I…" Nyna hesitated before looking between us. "What will you two do?" She looked scared as Camus and I shared a look. "What will…?"

"I'm with you," I whispered. My heart ached at how relieved she looked. "I'll come with you. I won't leave you alone."

"Thank you, Diana…" she breathed, smiling sweetly. It faltered, though, as she focused on Camus. "And you?"

"I will help you escape," Camus answered. His posture was tense. "But… that is all. I will not come with you to Aurelis. I cannot betray Grust."

"But then you…!" She shook her head. "If you help me, they'll treat you as a criminal, a traitor! They'll kill you!"

"I remember telling you, Princess, that you could have my life at any moment." He shrugged. "It seems that moment is upon us."

"NO!" She broke from my grip to cling to his shirt. "No, I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me!"

"...Ha…" Camus started laughing softly and carefully took her hands. He didn't pry them off him, but held them gently. "This reminds me of when we met."

"I… did yell at you then."

"Yes, you did. You also declared you would command Archanean League to topple Dolhr and Medeus. For that purpose, you have worked very hard these past two years." He pulled her hands off of him, but continued to hold them. "The people call you their 'White Rose'. You give them courage and strength." He looked at her very seriously. "Will you ruin all that you worked for? Just for a… a fleeting fancy?"

"...I get what you are saying." Nyna's eyes took a fierce light and she purposely twisted her hands to interlace her fingers with his. "But it's not a fleeting fancy. My feelings for you are not so weak, even if I am." Her voice cracked. "You and Diana… without either of you, I wouldn't have had anything to live for! So, don't… don't just…"

"Princess…" Camus sighed, and he nodded. "That's enough. I understand."

"Good." She hesitated, but pulled away, lingering as if scared he'd disappear as soon as she let go. "I'll go get ready." She ran, and I could see the tears in her eyes as she ran past me.

So, I gave him the most droll look I could manage. "That was cruel," I told him bluntly. He flinched slightly. "Calling it a fleeting fancy like that."

"She was trapped," he replied. His voice was hollow. "I was kind. It's not uncommon."

"That doesn't make them any less real."

"Realness doesn't mean it's healthy."

"Then what of your own feelings?" I waited for a response, but he didn't have one. He simply looked to the side. "You love her."

"...I am the one who slaughtered her home."

"I think she remembers that." My voice was very, very dry. "I remember how she felt such guilt for 'betraying' her parents, even as she smiled simply because you walked into the room. "I held up my hand as he tried to answer. "I get it. You don't want her to know the real reason you stay. You're scared for the hostages. I even get why you don't want her to know." I knew, just as well as he, that Nyna would risk quite a lot to save the hostages. Not just because Camus loved them. She'd do it just because they were children in a bad situation. "It cannot be afforded. Not yet, anyway."

"You would need the full might of the continent to even have a chance."

"I know." I gave him a little glare. "But you… you need to stop living in guilt. It's not fair to anyone that you refuse any sort of happiness out of a twisted belief that you don't deserve anything because you 'failed'." I turned away, not expecting a reply. I knew he wouldn't have one that would satisfy either of us.

Before long, we were running. Camus, three of the Sable Order who managed to out-argue the others who wished to come too, Nyna, and me. All of us ran as fast as we could. Which wasn't very fast. Nyna and I were on foot on treacherous ground, and we did have our packs. Once we reached Aurelis, Nyna and I would be on our own until we found Prince Hardin.

It didn't help that Medy's guards were faster than we could've anticipated. They were on us before long. The three Sable Knights acted as decoys; I had no idea if they survived the experience or not.

So, when we reached the fortress that marked the border between Archanea and Aurelis, it was just Nyna, Camus, and me.

"You must go forward," he urged, dismounting to give his horse a break. The poor thing had worked itself into a lather. "I'll hold them here."

"Camus…" Nyna whispered. She was a breath away from crying, and only didn't because she couldn't cry and run at top speed. "I… your fellows…"

"They made their choices, as I made mine." His words were firm. "But you must escape." He reached into his saddlebags and produced a strange looking shield, one that made Nyna gasp. "I cannot give you back Gradivus. It is the one weapon I have on me that hasn't broken yet. But I can at least give you this."

"The Fire Emblem." Nyna hesitated at taking it, and she only did so after wrapping it in a spare cloak she had. Even then, she quickly handed it to me, like she couldn't stand the thing. "How did you get it? Surely, it was guarded."

"I might have asked a thief for assistance in exchange for a little more gold." His grin was almost boyish, like a child who pulled off a successful prank. "Though I think he got a friend of his to help." He shook his head as his smile faded. It was all too easy to hear the approaching army now. "Go. Stay safe."

"You too." She hesitated before surging forward, grasping his shirt, and tugging him into a kiss. Camus's eyes widened in shock before they closed, and his free hand wrapped around her tightly to hold her there a moment longer, tangling in her hair.

Then, they both let go and turned away. Nyna ran, and Camus stayed.

I lingered, though, and waited for him to remember there was an army on the way. "Hey, Camus," I whispered when I had his attention. I made sure to look him right in the eye. "When we meet again, if you still love and she still loves you, then I will drag you to her side, kicking and screaming if I must."

"Are you…?" he began. But then he shook his head. "Of course you're serious. You always are." He gave me an exasperated look. "Shouldn't you be glad that I'm-"

"I'd never be glad if you die. You and Nyna made the mistake of making me feel again." I glared. "And my biggest fault has always been my loyalty. So, that's a promise."

I turned and ran, chasing after Nyna and letting Camus remain behind to fight the army chasing after us. I heard later that Medy himself came to deal with him.

It didn't take us long to find Prince Hardin of Aurelis, the Coyote of the Plains. Someone had sent him a message that Nyna would be escaping soon. He had no idea who, but the message was intriguing enough that he'd been patrolling the border for several days now. Nyna thought she recognized the handwriting, when she saw the note, but she couldn't place where. It didn't help that she ended up fainting not long after we made it to him. The strain of the escape had left her exhausted, and actually gave her a minor fever.

Prince Hardin tried to assign maids to her and me, but I chased them out, firmly declaring that I was Nyna's guard, and I'd only allow the maids near if Nyna asked. He'd been startled by my vehemence, but didn't make a fuss. When Nyna recovered, the issue came up again, and Nyna whispered that she'd prefer to not have maids hanging on her every whim until Archanea was restored. It earned her their respect.

"This is the fifth dress the King of Aurelis sent over," I growled, balling up the thing and tossing it into the corner. "And he still doesn't get my instructions!"

"It's amusing seeing you lose your temper over something so simple," Nyna laughed. She was resting in bed with some soup one of Prince Hardin's personal soldiers made. I hadn't caught his name, but thought it was 'Sedgar'. I wanted to make a point to learn their names. I couldn't remember the names of the Sable Knights. Not even the ones who helped us escape. "What's wrong with this one?"

"That shade of green would look horrific with your hair!" I glared at the offending garment. "Maybe if it was an emerald green it would work. Emerald works well with most everything. But you'd look like someone vomited bile on you."

"That's a delightful mental image, especially considering I'm eating."

"You need to at least finish that bowl, by the way." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It was shorter than I was used to now, mostly because another of Prince Hardin's knights, Roshea, had attacked me on accident, thinking I was an enemy. "Okay, I'm going to write a sternly worded letter and give him a description of exactly what sort of of dress you need because clearly he needs the repeated reminders!"

"...Was I supposed to hear that?" The voice made me whirl, blade in hand and prepared to strike. Prince Hardin stepped back to avoid having his head chopped off. "I apologize," he murmured, unperturbed by having a blade pointing directly at his face. "You normally hear me."

"Your brother's poor fashion choices are driving me further into insanity," I deadpanned. I sheathed my sword and moved to Nyna's side, making sure her robe was secured around her shoulders. She wore one over her borrowed nightgown during the day. "Especially since this is the fifth time."

"Well, they're his late wife's clothes, so I imagine he's letting nostalgia tint his reason." He smiled slightly. "I am due to give him a report soon. Shall I remind him that Princess Nyna's coloring is very different?"

"That'll work. I'll give you a list of things her dresses need for her to look her best." I moved so that I was simply standing beside Nyna, and turned to face Prince Hardin. "Do you need something?"

"I am simply checking in on both of your healths." He smiled gently, and bowed. "Aside from the clothing, are there any issues?"

"No, none," Nyna reassured, smiling. I could see the strain in it, but I knew Prince Hardin couldn't. "Though, I'll almost be disappointed when the clothing situation gets sorted. It's fun watching her complain about black trimmings."

"They were a horrible dark grey," I retorted, mostly so that she laughed. "But yes, we're fine. The food is delicious, by the way."

"There's a reason I try to get Sedgar on cooking duty a lot," Prince Hardin joked. His smile softened. "In that case, I will leave you both to your rest. I'll be back later for that list."

"Thank you." I waited until he left, closing the door behind him, before I took the half-empty bowl from Nyna. "You can eat the rest of this in a bit. You've been more melancholic lately."

"Am I?" she replied, a little startled. Then she sighed. "Well, that makes sense. I suppose it's really hit me now that Archanea has fallen. I knew it of course, but now, I am in exile."

"That's not all, though."

"...No, it's not." She laughed again, but this time, it was broken. "Have you heard of Artemis's curse? Her curse haunts the Fire Emblem." She glowered at the shield, half-hidden in the closet, still covered in the cloak. "Whenever it is given to a hero… whenever it changes hands to protect the world… it guarantees the war will end at a price." The more she talked, the more wooden the words became. "Artemis was like me. The last surviving member of the royal family while the world warred with Medeus. Her curse is the end of war, and the end of love."

"Nyna…" My heart was breaking again.

"I won't see him again." Her voice cracked and she twisted her fingers into the blanket, gripping them tightly. "I won't hold his hand again. I won't-"

"Nyna." I made my voice firm. "Look at me." I waited until she slowly did so. "Nyna, when we see him again, if you still love him, if he still loves you, then I will keep both of you safe. I will see you both through this damned war. You can count on that."

"Diana…" Her eyes widened, all sadness replaced by shock. "But…"

"I know what it's like to be sacrificed, Nyna." I knelt in front of her and clasped her hands, easing them to relax. "So, I am going to do everything I can to make sure you do not sacrifice yourself."

"But Archanea…" She was at a loss for words. "My people, my country… I am their ruler… I have to…"

"I am your guard, Nyna. That means I'll protect you from everything, including yourself." I tightened my grip on her hands, and smiled when she looked like she couldn't decide if she wanted to smile or cry. "And I am your friend, Nyna. Meaning I want you to be happy. So, have faith. Have hope. You're brave enough. I know you are."

"...Thank you…" She finally decided to just do both, smiling warmly even as she cried. "Thank you, Diana. I'm so glad you're with me."

"Always." The word was fierce, and I knew why. This little princess, who I once dismissed as a ninny, had won my loyalty. She and Camus both had it.

And may the gods have mercy on those who harmed them or made them miserable. I certainly wouldn't.

Author's note: So, like the previous Interlude, this details the 'two years' between the prologue and the start of the main game (meaning that Diana is 19 by the end of it; Nyna is 18 ftr). Again, we have mentions from the BS Fire Emblem episodes, specifically the third (which features Lena and Ricken stealing from the treasury and getting help from Navarre, Castor, Maris, and Dice) and the fourth (which details how Camus helped Nyna escape the castle to get to Aurelis). In the fourth episode, if you manage to defeat the boss prior to Nyna making it to the escape tile, then Medeus himself does show up to deal with Camus himself. Yes, Camus fights, and wins, against the bulk of the main army to the point that Medeus compares him (and subsequently, the player) to Anri. It's mentioned that Camus's eventual capture was due more to his weapon breaking.

The description of Nyna's parents being hung on the gates comes from Chapter 11 of Shadow Dragon; Horace is another sidequest character from the same game (chapter 12x is his recruitment chapter). Artemis's Curse is described in Chapter 20 of Shadow Dragon.

Next Chapter - Marth Embarks (main game start)