Chapter 31 Masks
"Come here, Morgan." The toddler looked up from her playing blocks and to her mother that called to her from the other side of the room. The toddler put down her playing blocks and began slowly crawling towards her mother. Naomi saw her twin leave her side and immediately pursued after her on all fours. Emmeryn giggled seeing Naomi trying to catch up to her twin at an even faster paste.
"I didn't call you, Naomi." Emmeryn laughed and kneeled down to pick up Naomi—who beat her sister there. Emmeryn gently rocked the toddled in her arm as she looked to the adorable brown eyes that looked back to her while sucking on her pacifier. It was hard for Emmeryn to believe that she gave birth to both of these adorable children over a year ago. She could never forget the pain she went through while giving birth to her twins. It was like a thousand needles stabbing her repeatedly in her insides, but what was even more painful than being in labor and giving birth to the twins was the fact that the man she made these two with was not there by her side to witness new life coming into the world.
It had been over a year since Matthew, Naomi and Morgan sacrificed themselves. It hit the former Exalt hard to know that she did not only lose her husband, but also her own children, but as days turned to weeks, then months, Emmeryn began to put all her focus to the child that would be born just months after. Emmeryn couldn't remember shedding a tear of joy since the night Matthew proposed to her. The two toddlers she held in her arms, and her brother and sister, Chrom and Lissa, standing around her along with Maribelle, Gaius and Donnel. Even Tharja and Libra dropped by to see how the former Exalt was doing after her labor.
Since the fall of Grima, the Shepherds had all spread out to either look for their missing tactician and his children, while others returned to their families. Say'ri has been taking good care of Valm since the Shepherds left the continent and has yet to see any problems that has arisen. Thanks to her, Chrom has been able to agree to a mutual friendship between the two continents and they have helped to rebuild both damaged villages and towns in Ylisse, Chon'sin, Valm, Plegia and Regna Ferox.
Also, Gangrel has rarely shown his face around Ylisse since the fall of Grima. He was occasionally seen by some of the Shepherds on the streets, but they would never see him again until a few months later. Walhart and Yen'fey completely disappeared off the face of the earth—not to be seen ever again, and Aversa was last seen in Plegia helping rebuild her country (something about paying for her sins by helping where she could assist the most).
Much has happened since Matthew, Morgan and Naomi's sacrifice. Now here Emmeryn was, a year and almost a half later and still no sign of her lost family.
"Mama."
Emmeryn was pulled out of her trance when she heard the high pitched voice of her second daughter below her pulling on her green robe; one hand gripping her robe, the other extended toward her mother. "Mama." Morgan cried, wanting her mother to pick her up as well. Emmeryn smiled and pushed Naomi to her forearm so she could bend down and pick up her second daughter. Gods they were mirror images of one another. If not for the all-blue Morgan wore and the all red for Naomi, Emmeryn would never be able to tell them apart.
Emmeryn had to admit how hard it was to be a mother. She could still remember the days when she didn't know what it meant when her twins started crying, or how exactly to rock them to sleep. She also tried as hard as she could to forget the time she fell asleep and left her room door open—leaving the twins to roam around the castle until they were spotted by the cafeteria staff under the dinner table. Honestly, if not for Lissa and the wet nurses, Emmeryn wouldn't have ever learned to take care of her kids. Lissa tried to suggest that she be wet nursed most of the time, but the former Exalt refused to be separated from her children (heck, she even insisted that they sleep in her room). The two small beings were the very ones that woke her up every morning with a smile and kept her sane in this boring castle. It was hard, but she went through with it every single day with no complaints..
"You two are getting heavier." Emmeryn said as she walked over to where all of their toys lie on the ground. The second she bent down to pick one up, there was a knock on her door. Not wanting to put the twins down (in fear of them crying) she yelled to whoever was at her door, "You may enter."
The door slowly creaked open and entered faint sounds of footsteps. Once she was safe on the ground Emmeryn looked over her should to see who entered her room, but was blinded by two small hands that covered her eyes. "Guess who~."
Emmeryn smiled at the familiar sound of the high pitched princess's voice. "Could that be my little Lucy?" A short giggle and the release of her eyes told the former Exalt that she was spot on. The tiny princess peeked from behind her Aunt and looked at her with a bright smile.
"Wight as a'ways, Aunt Emwen!" Emmeryn smiled at the small blue head who wore an all blue dress with a white bow in her hair and a miniature wooden sword strapped to her side.
"You look as cute as ever, little one." Said the former Exalt, putting down the twins to stroke the cheek of the bubbly little girl.
"And your bew-bea…bewti-b-bew-" the toddler stopped for a minute and looked to the ceiling, trying to figure out how to pronounce the word.
"It's 'beautiful', darling." The voice of Maribelle joined in, causing the two to turn around to the new presence.
"Evening, Maribelle." Emmeryn greeted with a short bow of the head; Maribelle following suit.
"I've come to see if you have everything prepared for tonight's banquet, darling." Said Maribelle, her parasol as present as always held horizontally across her chest and wearing her signature pink and brown garb.
Emmeryn nodded and said, "My new robes are being cleaned at the moment, so I'm waiting."
"I understand, but that doesn't mean other activities are to be ignored." Maribelle scoffed, looking at the nightgown the blonde still wore 4 hours after noon. "We are but 3 hours away till it starts. It would be wise for you to prepare right now instead of parenting." Maribelle advised, but it did not seem to get through to the former Exalt who shook her head.
"I'm a parent before I am royalty, Maribelle. I wish to spend as much time with Morgan and Naomi as possible." Emmeryn argued. "Besides, I don't have to be there until an hour before. A couple of minutes with them wouldn't be too bad."
Maribelle sighed at the former Exalt's uncooperative behavior. "No offence Emmeryn, but I know you. A couple of minutes will turn into hours. You've been spending too much time with the twins and not enough times outdoors. If you are not bathing or sleeping, then your attention is captured by them. I understand that you want to be a parent, trust me I do, but you are a major figure to Ylisse. How you behave and carry yourself is a major reflection on not only Chrom and Lissa, but the whole Halidom. That goes for both of us, understand Emmeryn?"
Emmeryn, taking every word to heart but not changing her resolve, replied with a stern face, "Whether it's my duty to be an Exalt or be a figure for the people, I will choose my family over my position any day. Nothing you say will make me waver from how I feel. I know I'm being selfish, but I am not the old Exalt any longer." Emmeryn knew Maribelle meant well by her words, but surrounding herself with her kids was the only way she knew how to continue on with her life. They gave her hope that the future them and her husband would one day return and she wanted to believe in the words he told her before he disappeared.
"Does tis mean you haff time to play, Aunt Emwen?" Emmeryn and Maribelle were interrupted by the ecstatic blue head bouncing up and down next to the former Exalt.
"No, Lucina. You and I have a tight agenda today." Maribelle informed her child whose face fell to one of anguish.
"Aaaaahh, but I neva get ta play wit Aunt Emwen!" The small blue head whined.
"You'll have plenty of time for that afterwards, child. Right now I must make you look as presentable as possible for tonight. There will be nobles from Plegia, Valm, Chon'sin and Regna Ferox. I want them to gaze upon the bright and noble princess me and your father raised."
"I told you Mama, I don't wanna be a pwincess!" Lucina shot back, reaching to her waist, pulling out the wooden sword and pointing it heroically to the ceiling. "I wanna be a gweat sword fighter and beat big fat meanies like Daddy!" Emmeryn giggled at the young girl's enthusiasm while Maribelle sighed and shook her head.
"I swear I shouldn't have let Chrom watch you in my absence."
"I, for one, love her enthusiasm." Said Emmeryn, glancing back to her twins to make sure they were OK.
"I cannot say I feel the same."
Everyone in the room was thrown out of the conversation and to the closed door that echoed repeated knocks. "You may enter." Emmeryn called out, but seconds passed and no one replied nor entered. Instead, the knocks continued over and over. Maribelle and Emmeryn eyed each other before Emmeryn stood to her feet and walked over to the door hesitantly; the knocking still refusing to cease. The two blondes stopped at the door and nodded at each other before Emmeryn reached to the doorknob and slowly opened the door. She didn't get it halfway open before the door shot open and a yellow blur shot through the opening and tackled her to the ground.
"Mom~!" Emmeryn's eyes shot open and all the pain she should have had from the fall was now nonexistent. She slowly looked over chest and saw blonde hair identical to hers nuzzling itself in her breast. Her heart stopped when the nuzzling stopped and the brown eyes of her daughter looked back at her. "Did you miss me, Mom?"
Tears began forming in the former Exalt's eyes the longer she looked at the face of her daughter. She reached out to the blonde on top of her and gentles caressed her cheek to make sure what she was seeing wasn't and dream.
And it wasn't.
"You really are here." Emmeryn mumbled before wrapping her arms around her future child tightly. "I missed you so much, Morgan."
"Hehe, told you we'd I'd be back!" Morgan said gingerly, returning the embrace.
"Ehem!" Emmeryn was so caught in her overwhelming joy that she almost didn't hear someone clearing their throat just above her. "Don't I get a hug too, Mother? Preferably standing up and not on the ground." Naomi's familiar voice sang in the former Exalts ear as she sat up with Morgan still strapped around her. Naomi looked down at her mother with the same smile as her twin. Naomi would have wait for her mother to stand up, but she couldn't wait any longer and decided to attack her mother with a tight embrace before she could stand to her feet-causing them to all fall back to the ground.
The room was filling with nothing but the gleeful laughs from the former Exalt and her future children-everything else around them completely irrelevant at the moment. After minutes of embracing and laughing on the floor, the three blondes stood up to their feet and Emmeryn took this chance to fully evaluate the twins before her. They truly did not change from the time they left almost 2 years ago. "You two look as cute and healthy as ever." Emmeryn commented.
Morgan and Naomi smiled at their mother's words. "And you look as beautiful as ever, Mom!" Morgan replied, her innocent smile spread from ear to ear. "Uncle Chrom told us we've been gone for nearly two years, but you look the sa-" Morgan gasped and covered her mouth—looking pass her mother and at something on the ground. "O. My. Gods. Is that little me and Naomi?!"
Emmeryn smiled before nodding. "That is indeed your infant selves."
"And is that little Lucy!" Morgan exclaimed and ran to the confused blue head next to the baby twins. Morgan hovered over the toddler with glittered eyes. "She's so cute and small and gullible!" Said the blonde as she stroked the cheeks of the blue head—much to the toddler's dismay.
"Owieee! Mama~ hewlp meeeee!" The toddler cried out to her mother, who silently giggled next to the former Exalt and Naomi. Luckily for the toddler, Morgan released her and found her infant self more interesting.
"Hi there, Me!" Morgan said to the toddler wearing the red overall and picked her up. "So this is what I looked like when I was little?"
"That's Naomi, dear." Emmeryn, now behind the blonde, corrected her daughter and reached down to pick up the other toddler. "This right her is Morgan."
"Wow, how can you even tell us apart from each other? Everything about us is exactly the same!"
"Actually, I really can't tell one apart from the other." Emmeryn confessed. "It was easier telling you from Naomi now since you both speak differently and have different hairstyles. Also the marks on your hands was somewhat a giveaway, but these two have so much similarity I wouldn't be surprised if I mixed them up some time ago."
"Speaking of marks, look at our hands, Mom!" Morgan gently sat down her twin sister and raised her left hand, palms-in, before her mother. "Grima's mark is gone!" The girl revealed. It was true. The mark that once occupied the back of the girls hand was now none existent. Grima's no longer had any control over her daughters. He was truly gone forever…
Though Emmeryn was happy that Grima was gone forever, the pain and loneliness he forced upon her in his living is still affecting her in his death. The former Exalt's head fell slightly as she tried to ask the question she already knew the answer to. "…Matthew is still missing, isn't he?" Emmeryn didn't mean to ruin the mood, but she couldn't help but ask what's been in her mind since she saw her future children return.
And much to her dismay, Morgan's head fell and she slowly shook it back and forward. "Sorry, mom. When Naomi and I were found, Father was nowhere around…sorry, Mom."
Emmeryn shook her head and gently stroked her daughter's already messy hair, "It's alright, Morgan. Having you two back has taken a huge load off my shoulders." She said honestly. "It would be a lie to say that I wasn't slightly disappointed, but I promised not to shed anymore tears of sorrow. I need to continue to be strong not only for the Halidom, but for you guys—and of course these two trouble makers right here." Toddler Naomi began giggling as her mother playfully tickled her.
Morgan's worry was replaced with relief from her mother's behavior. It was good to see that she was keeping it together even if there was a possibility that it was all an act. She didn't have to worry about comforting her, and them returning has at least given her hope that Matthew would one day return. When he returned, then they could all be a family again…
"EHEM!" Once again, everyone's attention went to Maribelle-who cleared her throat and had a displeased look on her face. "I believe your Aunt has been ignored quite enough." Said Maribelle, Lucina in her arms and sticking her tongue out at Morgan. "I was in the middle of scolding your mother before you two walked in, but that will have to wait. You girls are just in time to follow me and your mother down to the fitting room for tonight's banquet."
Morgan and Naomi brows furrowed. "What banquet?"
"There's a feast tonight to celebrate the fall of Grima and the unity of Valm, Ylisse, Plegia and Regna Ferox. Many nobles will be attending today's party and I would like everyone here to demonstrate the proper way to be a noble. I want everyone to gaze upon our noble etiquette."
Morgan's shoulders slumped and she let out a long 'ugh' before saying, "Can't we skip it? We just got back and I want to spend time with Mom only today."
"You will do no such thing!" Maribelle snapped, frightening the twins and causing them to step back. "This is a once a year event and you will NOT miss it! Understand!" Out of fear, the twins nodded—extinguishing their aunt's anger. "Good, now follow me, darlings. We must not waste any more time. I expect you both to be at my room in no less than 10 minutes. I have 4 hours to shape you two up and I will not waste a single minute." Maribelle said with finality before turning on her heels and walking out of the room; little Lucina saying her goodbyes before following after her mother.
"Uuuuuuugh, I don't wanna go~. I think we can all agree that I don't look good in a noble clothing like dresses." Morgan complained.
"You never know, Morgan. A nice noble boy might be there who will find you quite attractive in a dress." Emmeryn teased, making the young tactician frown.
"I'll have you know that I am not easily swayed by the words of men!" Morgan stated before puffing her chest out a pound her fist into her bosom. "You will have to bribe me with at least THREE chocolate cakes before you can woo me!"
"If that's the case, then I think I will keep an eye on you. I don't need some rich slob trying to court my sister." Naomi declared.
"Awwww, I'm so glad you care so much about me, Naomi!" Morgan chirped, running over and engulfing her sister in a warm hug. Even if Naomi showed verbal displeasure from the physical contact from her sister, her embarrassed flushed face showed a bit of hidden joy in it to the former Exalt. It's already been nearly 2 years since she last saw them and they are already bring her heart back to joy she felt when before they left.
It was truly amazing how two people could cause so much joy to Emmeryn. She was broken when they left and could barely focus on her everyday life without them when they left her. Even when she was starting to feel better, she still felt an emptiness in her heart without them there. Now that they were here and gap had refilled itself in her heart. It was truly a wonderful feeling to have back.
"What's wrong, Mom? You're crying again."
Emmeryn came out of her trance by Morgan standing in front of her—looking up to her with those big, innocent brown orbs. She had not realized tears rolling down her cheek this whole time.
"Is something wrong, Mother?" Naomi joined in next to her sister.
"N-Nothing's wrong." Said Emmeryn, whipping away the stray tears with her free hand. "I'm just so glad to have you two back with me is all."
Morgan and Naomi were dragged away from their mother shortly after they left her room and into Maribelle's quarters. Morgan begged for her mother to at least stay with them, but she had other prior engagements—one being the retrieval of her new robes. After entrusting the maids with her infant twins, she headed to the cleaning room in the castle and retrieved her new robes. The robe was actually quite similar to the previous robes she wore, only difference being the green robe she wore was now completely white with gold outlining.
She bumped into Lissa not long before taking her and was surprised to see her little sister in a garb very similar to Emmeryn's old one. Her long, golden hair was now about to bloom since it was down from her twin tails and now flowing down her back. Even Chrom and Gaius were now wearing an all white suit different from their regular wear. Even the throne room (the place where everything was taking place) was completely decorated for tonight's occasion. The only ones in the whole castle who didn't seem to change in some way for the feast tonight was Frederick and Cordelia (the main royal guards for tonight's banquet).
After saying farewell to both Chrom and Lissa, who marched off to find their returning nieces, Emmeryn headed back to her room where 2 of her loyal maids were waiting to help her with makeup and getting her robes on properly; which she could have honestly done herself, but they would not stop pestering her about it being their duty to help her. After giving in to their demands and letting them have their way, aside from putting on any make up, Emmeryn was now dressed in her new robes and bidding her maids and nurses farewell. Before she knew it she was standing in the throne room surround by nobles from Valm, Plegia, Regna Ferox and Ylisse.
Many different men and women were now walking around the throne room to different white tables to take a seat, or gaze at the food that was coming in and being placed in the long tables that extended to the back walls. Many nobles stopped to greet her as they came in; some stopping for idle chit-chat about things Emmeryn knew nothing about due to her lost memories. Many faces she hadn't seen in a long time were also starting to show up. Nowi and Tharja both came in with their husbands Ricken and Libra, Lon'qu and Olivia were busy pulling the ears of their future child Inigo away from the noble women who had fallen victim to his scandalous flirting, and even Vaike (who finally found a shirt to put on) brought Miriel out of her scientific hole at home. Priam, along with some of his soldiers, also were in attendance along with…wait. Was that…Gangrel? Emmeryn had to look closer to see if it was really him. Glory behold, it was truly him. He wore a yellow dressed shirt with a black cravat and black dressed pants topped off with a black fedora. Did she forget to mention he grew out a low beard? Others might not have been able to tell who he was, but Emmeryn knew for sure he was the Mad King of Plegia.
Emmeryn trailed over to the Mad King—waving and greeting people as she went. Gangrel noticed Emmeryn approaching and turned toward her. It wasn't till he turned that Emmeryn noticed a lady holding on to his right arm. She was dressed in an all-black dress that went to her knees with thigh high black stockings, black gloves and glittered black heels. She also wore a black bow in her gold hair that was put up in a ponytail. Judging from the lack of wrinkles and how young her face looked, Emmeryn estimated that she was somewhere in her 25-30's. "Well if it isn't Lady Emmeryn herself coming to speak to me." Gangrel said dramatically and took a bow. "It is a pleasure to see you, Your Highness."
"I-It's a pleasure to meet you, Y-Your Highness!" The blonde stammered, bowing quickly like her companion. Emmeryn didn't know what to do besides give the same greeting she did with everyone else.
Emmeryn bowed before saying, "It's a pleasure to see you both here today as well. And please, just Emmeryn is fine."
"It has been a while since we last seen each other, Emmeryn." Said Gangrel. "How are the children doing?"
"Just fine. I haven't spent much time away from them, so I just hope they haven't gotten sick of me yet." Emmeryn replied, causing a, almost sounded like forced, laugh from the redhead.
"I highly doubt it. You are indeed the spitting image of a great mother."
Something was definitely not right about this. Gangrel didn't act this polite the entire time Emmery had known him. The way he talked was nothing like the more noble-like and loose tongue he had before. What exactly was going on here?
"Umm, Gang-"
"David, Your Highness." Gangrel corrected the former Exalt immediately. "Have I been gone for so long that you have forgotten my name?" Emmeryn would have shown confusion and spoken if not for the wink the redhead gave her, hoping she would catch on; which she did.
"Sorry, my memory hasn't been very good as of late." Emmeryn lied.
"No worries. I understand that you are still recovering from your accident."
"Y-Yeah! If it wasn't for that Gangrel guy you would definitely be yourself right now!" The blonde holding onto the Mad King interrupted. She didn't see, but Emmeryn saw Gangrel's eye twitch the second the words left the woman's mouth.
"Ah, I don't believe I have introduced my companion yet. This is Serra. She is my date for tonight." Gangrel introduce the girl, who took a while to register her introductions before catching on and quickly bowing once again.
"H-Hi again! I-It's my first time speaking to someone of the royal family! I-I'm a bit nervous to be honest!" Serra spoke, shuffling her feet and keeping her gaze on the ground. "I-I've always wanted to meet you Miss Emmeryn, but I was always limited to staring at you from afar when you walked the streets of Ylisse. When I heard you had died in Plegia, my heart was shattered, but when I heard rumors that you yet lived, my world was filled with light once again! I came back to life and the people around me stopped worrying. Y-You have no idea h-how much of a pleasure it is for me to be able to speak with you right now!"
Emmeryn smiled and walked up to the fidgeting woman. She gently placed a hand on her shoulder, causing the girl to freeze and look up to her. "It is a pleasure to meet such a kind woman like yourself. I am truly delighted that you have used me as a role model to keep moving on. Keep that close to your heart and never let anything stray you from your path." Emmeryn could see tears forming in the woman's beautiful blue eyes. Was this what people who admired her really like? It wasn't till this very moment that the former Exalt realized just how powerful a figure she used to before she lost her memories.
"T-Thank you very much!" The blonde responded with a long bow.
"My, my, you really have a way with words, Emmeryn." Said Gangrel, joining back in on the conversation. "All this talking has made me a bit thirsty. Serra would you mind fetching us a glass of punch while I find us a table to sit at?"
Serra nodded and replied, "Of course, David. It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Emmeryn!" The blonde took one more bow before unhooking herself from her date's arm and walking off to the nearest punch bowl. The second she left Gangrel let out a heavy sigh and the atmosphere around him seemed to change dramatically.
"Jeez, I can't take much more of this 'acting nice' thing." Gangrel grumbled, turning toward the former Exalt, who looked at him with a blank stare, and smiled. "It's been a long time, Emmeryn. As you can see, I am still the man we all know and love!" Instead of reacting to the Mad King's change of behavior, Emmeryn just stared at the former King with the same blank stare. Gangrel raised an eyebrow at the former Exalt—starting to become a little annoyed at her lack of response. "The devil are you looking at me like that for?"
"It is polite for a gentleman to remove his hat when he enters a building and is in the presence of royalty, David." Emmeryn deadpanned. Gangrel reeled his head back and cackled at Emmeryn's serious reply.
"Man made that rule, but it's not stated by law that my hat must be removed while in buildings or before royalty, your highness." Gangrel replied, getting a short giggle from the former Exalt.
"I see you are following your own rules as usual, Gangrel."
"You better believe it. I would be damned if I let anyone change who I really am inside."
"Oh? Then what was that display a few minutes ago?" Emmeryn teased.
Gangrel huffed before replying, "She hates Gangrel with a burning torch, but I'm no longer Gangrel on these streets. Here I am known as David. I lift things and deliver for living and I am pretty darn good at it. Oh how the mighty has fallen indeed."
"I think it is good that you have found something to do since this war is over. I'm really happy for you, Gangrel." Emmeryn replied honestly.
"*Huff* Whatever." Emmeryn could see the slight blush on the former King's face and it made her giggle even more. "…So, I heard that the tactician still hasn't returned." Gangrel didn't want to bring him up, but he had to find some way to change the subject and this was the only thing he could think of. Just as he expected, Emmeryn's smile dropped slightly and she looked to the ground.
"It's true, but I still have hope that he will come back. It's just a matter of time I believe." Gangrel expected Emmeryn to be down more than she was showing, but it seemed that she had finally began to climb over that wall of depression she had the last time he saw her.
That was a relief.
"Well, it's good that you aren't dwelling on the past anymore. Now my conscience can have some relief." Said Gangrel as he turned his back to former Exalt. "It was fun talking to you again, but I must get moving. I have a banquet to enjoy."
Emmeryn smiled and said, "It was good seeing you again, David."
Gangrel smiled and raced his hand back to the former Exalt. In the distance he could see Serra coming towards him and quickly walked over to her. "I got the punch!" Serra exclaimed and handed him a glass. Gangrel thanked her and gulped the entire thing down. "Hey, you never told me you were acquainted with the former Exalt of Ylisse!" said Serra, a childlike pout on her face.
"My dear, I have many things I haven't told you about myself."
…
After Gangrel left, Emmeryn made it her goal to speak with everyone she had not seen. The first to get hunted was Tharja and Nowi, who were thankfully already together. Of course, neither of them changed much. Tharja was still as distant as ever, and Nowi was the same bubbly manakete she knew before. The best part about the entire conversation they had was the fact that Tharja was pregnant with little Noire. The attention made the dark mage flush furiously, but Emmeryn pretended that she didn't see a smile on the dark mage's face when she walked away.
An hour went by quickly and Emmeryn was able to reunite with old comrades—everyone having a different story to tell her. She also saw the most heart-filling moment when Naomi tackled Donnel to the ground the second she saw him. Nobles that didn't know the young couples whispered about the over affectionate action, but those who knew smiled and even applauded the happy reunion. She would have said something to them, but the smiles on their faces told her they didn't care about their surroundings, so she left them alone. Shortly the scene, Chrom and Maribelle entered the party. Now everyone was either sitting down or standing as Chrom got everyone's attention to the center of throne room.
"Everyone, thank you for joining us on this fine day to once again celebrate the fall of Grima." Chrom spoke, a glass of red wine in his hand. Emmeryn never thought of Chrom as much of a speech maker. She always believed he was one to talk with his sword than with his words, but he was showing no signs of hesitance or struggle in his speech. "It brings me great joy to know all of our nations are able to come together and have a peaceful dinner with one another. We have all had our differences in the past, but our future is more important than our past. We have lost many lives in the fight with Grima and we have still yet to completely move on, but I believe with the combined strength of all our nations, we can rebuild the homes that were lost and hopefully make the lives of the ones who lost someone in the wars better."
Chrom continued on about other problems they were facing and how we were to come together and fix said problems. Emmeryn, however, wasn't paying much attention to the speech. Ever since Grima's name left Chrom's mouth, all she could think about was everything the dragon put her through. Everything from the torture she experienced when she lost her memories, to him taking away the one man that meant everything to her. She had lost so much in the war. Her memories, her sanity at times, her children, her lover, in all honesty she was just glad to finally be rid of Grima and his cult. She prayed that she never had to run into anyone associated with the Grimleal ever again…
"Sorry, I don't mean to hold everyone up with my speech. I would hate for all of you to travel so far just to hear me talk. So I propose a toast." Chrom raised his glass into the air; everyone following suit. Emmeryn was late on the drop, but slowly caught on and raised the glass of wine she retrieved before the speech into the air. "To a new and peaceful future."
"To a new and peaceful future!"
The room resumed its chatter from before, but now with the addition of soft violin music and dancing. Emmeryn never really joined the dancing portion of the any party she been to, and it wasn't because she couldn't dance. Most dances required the assistance of another and the former Exalt refused to dance with anyone that was not Matthew, Chrom or Lissa. She occasionally danced with one of the Shepherds if they were present, but otherwise she would refuse any other invitation from other nobles. Now was no exception. She decided to sit to sit at an idle table close to the throne, but if she was being honest, she was becoming really jealous over the amount of couples that danced on the dance floor. Naomi and Donnel, Lissa and Gaius, Gangrel and Serra, Virion and Cherche, Say'ri and Priam, Lon'qu and Olivia, even Libra used some sort of sorcery to get Tharja to do a slow dance with him. Never had she felt so…left out.
The second the thought came to her mind, in the distance approached a tall noble man that made a beeline to her table. He had slicked back black hair and wore a silk navy blue jacket, pants and shoes with a white dressed shirt underneath and a black bow tie. The way he carried himself was among one of the more proper nobles of the party—chest puffed out and posture as straight as a steel sword. Emmeryn couldn't tell, but if she were to take a guess, she would say this man anywhere from the age of 20 and 25. Interesting, but he wouldn't be able to court this stubborn former Exalt with just looks and etiquette. Sorry, but I must reject you. Emmeryn told herself as the man finally reached her table.
The man did a polite bow to the former Exalt before speaking, "Good evening, m'lady."
Emmeryn also did a short bow before replying, "Good evening, sir. Sorry, but I do not wish to dance today." Emmeryn said that last part hoping to make the young man go away, but to no avail.
He smiled back at her and said, "Worry not, I do not wish to make you dance, m'lady. I only wish to talk with you for a bit." The man gestured toward a seat next to the former Exalt. "May I?"
Emmeryn didn't really see any reason why to send the man away, or rather she couldn't think up a good excuse, so she nodded and the man happily walked over and pulled the chair from under the desk, sitting down next to the blonde. "It is a pleasure to be able to speak with to Emmeryn in the flesh." Said the man. "I was overjoyed to hear that you had returned to your kingdom after your accident in Plegia."
"Thank you for your concern. I would not be back here today if it wasn't for my friends and family that watched over me as I recovered. I truly am blessed to have such people by my side."
"Ah, the joy of having someone to lean on in your times of need. As nobles we are always pampered as we grow, so most of us don't get to enjoy the experience of having someone close to lean on. I'm truly no exception. But you seem to have had all of that from the beginning, didn't you?" Emmeryn couldn't actually answer that question. Or rather it was impossible to answer something she didn't remember. But what she did have were the stories that Chrom, Lissa and Matthew shared with her in the past, but even those weren't enough to answer the man before her.
"Due to the loss of my memories, I can't fully say that I had everything given to me from a young age." Said Emmeryn, her face dropping and causing the man to wave his hand apologetically.
"Forgive me, I had forgotten you had lost your memories. I should have watched my words."
Emmeryn shook her head and said, "It's alright. I know you meant no offence when you said it. It just…brings back memories is all…" The two shared an awkward silence between each other. Well, it was more awkward for the former Exalt than the man who simple placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his fist. Emmeryn didn't notice anything until she looked up from her lap and at the man that was now giving her the same gaze Inigo would give a woman when he was trying to flirt with them; which made her really uncomfortable fast.
"Is there something wrong?" Emmeryn asked with raised brows.
"My, I'm sorry, but I just have to say you truly are a beauty." The man said, making Emmeryn even more uncomfortable with the conversation that seemed to be going downhill. "I've heard rumors of your beauty, but seeing it for myself is truly a different story."
"Umm, thank you. For…your words." Emmeryn responded, an uncomfortable smile on her face.
"You are quite welcome." If the former Exalt wasn't uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going before, then she was definitely twitchy when the man moved slightly closer into her personal space. To make things worse, the man grabbed her hand and began to gentle massage the top. "I've heard the terrible stories about your husband, Miss Emmeryn."
Emmeryn would have jerked her hand away if it wasn't for what the man just said about her husband. Curiosity got the better of the former Exalt and she asked, "What stories?"
"Both good and bad, actually. The story of an amnesiac tactician who brought the Shepherds of Ylisse to life with little numbers. He was able lead the army into countless victories no matter the odds. He was truly a remarkable and respectable figure to observe. And yet, despite all of his achievements, he was unable to save the one woman. That woman being a major figure to Ylisse."
…What is he talking about…?
"I don't mean to put him down, but don't you find it weird that he is able to beat impossible odds and save many lives, and can't even save a major figure to his own nation? If things weren't bad enough, he was also found a Plegian—the enemy at that time. I've heard this story from many people, but the more I thought about it, the more untrustworthy that man became."
Shut up…
"If he couldn't get any more suspicious, he successfully courted the woman he failed to protect and married his way into the royal family when said woman wasn't even healthy enough to decide for herself."
He never tricked me! It was my own feelings! Emmeryn wanted to yell at the man, but she kept her anger contained behind her blank expression.
"Sadly, after everything he had done, he fell in the battle against Grima. They say he sacrificed himself to end Grima once and for all. It is indeed a heroic act, but going from the profile he had before his 'sacrifice' I cannot deem this man worthy of your hand, Miss Emmeryn." The man finally looked up to Emmeryn and smiled brightly—unaware of the rage he had been building up in the former Exalt's heart. "I am a major figure in Valm and it would really bring our nations closer together if we were to be wedded, Miss Emmeryn."
Emmeryn couldn't believe the nerve of this man! First he speaks ill or her husband, now he proposing to her!
"If you accept my proposal, I will give you all you could even dream of. Both love, money and power would be ours for the taking! I swear I can be a better husband than that foolish man ever was!"
Finally, Emmeryn jerked her hand away from the noble and her rage was now showing. She couldn't hold it any longer and was about to explode before this…this…thing! "You will ta-" Emmeryn was interrupted by two arms that wrapped around her and a weight on her shoulders.
"Hi there!" The familiar voice of her future daughter Morgan rung above her. "My name is Morgan." Said the short blonde with a smirk, tightening her grip around her mother. "She's married, and I'm her daughter."
Emmeryn saw the man's face twist in confusion at the word 'daughter'. "D-Daughter?"
"That's right. Mom is only in love with one man in this world, and that's my Father. So please, make like a leaf and leave." The noble man was still in shock from what Morgan just said, but the message was clear. The man sighed before standing up.
"Please consider my proposal, Miss Emmeryn. If you need time to-"
"I don't need time to think about it." Emmeryn shot back harshly, brows furrowed and rage present on her face. "I will never wed a heartless, despicable man like yourself. Now, would you please excuse yourself from my presence?" The man looked at Emmeryn will pure disbelief. All confidence he had was completely shattered and he felt his body go numb.
"I-I see." The man said before taking a bow. "Then I will give you some space. Excuse me." The noble walked away quite quickly, leaving Morgan Emmeryn behind. The former Exalt let out a sigh of relief before placing a hand on one of the arms wrapped around her.
"Thank you, Morgan." Emmeryn cooed.
"No problem, Mom!" Morgan replied gingerly and plopped down in the now open chair next to her mother. "It's my job to protect you while Father is away! And plus," Morgan's head fell as she tried to continue. "I don't want another father. I only want mine back." Emmeryn smiled and rubbed her daughter cheek.
"Don't worry, Morgan. Your Father is the only man I will ever love." Emmeryn reassured her daughter who leaned into her touch. Emmeryn just got the chance to look at the dress her daughter was wearing. She wore a sparkling red dress that went to her knees, black thigh high socks with red closed toe heels. Her hair was also straightened and held down with a white flowered headband. She looked completely different from the messing haired girl she knew and loved. "You look absolutely beautiful, Morgan."
"Hehe, thanks mom!"
"I think I'll have to be the one to protect you from the stares of the young men here, sweetie."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that, Mother! Inigo said he was my personal guard for today! In exchange, he's taking me out to eat however much I want tomorrow!" Emmeryn stared at her daughter with disbelief.
...He bribed her for protection? Emmeryn thought. She had heard…things about the young man (mostly from the female soldiers that fell victim to his smooth talking). He sounded like a good kid…maybe?
Morgan began to guard Emmeryn like a lion defending its cub. If a man started to approach, she would immediately send them a death stare and scare he possible flirts away. This went on for an hour before Inigo and Lucina dragged the young tactician in training away to a private party that the future children arranged in secret. Morgan seemed hesitant about leaving, but Emmeryn reassured her by promising to stay away from any men that approaches her.
"Lady Emmeryn, please wait!" …Or at least she tried. The same rude, black haired man that insulted her husband had made it his goal to try and court her ever since Morgan left, but she refused to give him the time of day. "Please, at least give me a chance. I am a very honorable man and will treat you well. I will act as if you were one of our finest diamonds and hold you with nothing but the utmost care. If you would just think about-"
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested." Emmeryn took a bow, turned, and continued on her way through the crowd of people. The noble gritted his teeth in frustration, but quickly put out his flames as anger wouldn't get him anywhere. He quickly moved and cut off the former Exalt, causing her to stop and look up to him with displeasure written on her face.
"Please, m'lady. I assure you that if we get engaged, it will be nothing more than a benefit to both our countries." There he went again. This man was one of the nobles she hated the most. The noble that only thinks about their wealth and the power they could obtain. Her image of him was slowly twisting the more he talked. "This could bring partnership between our houses throughout the generations! We-"
"My answer still stands sir." Emmeryn interrupted him, not even wanting to hear the rest of whatever he had to say about power and politics. "I told you that I am already wedded. My husband is only away and I'm sure he will return very soon. I will appreciate it if you would take my rejection like a true noble and remove yourself from my presence." The noble gritted his teeth so hard that they looked ready to shatter at any minute. Emmeryn once again began to walk around the man when he could no longer contain his frustration and he burst with anger.
"What's the point of waiting on a dead man?!" Emmeryn stopped. The voices in the ball room seemed to slowly die as well and everyone's attention turned to the noble and the former Exalt in the center of the throne room. Emmeryn turned her head to the noble with an awakened fury within.
"Excuse me?" Emmeryn said, not even attempting to hide her anger.
"You heard what I said. We all know your husband died in the fight with the Fell Dragon." The man stated. "Wake up! It's been a year and a half and he STILL hasn't returned! I don't see a tactician here. Do you people see a tactician around here?" The noble looked around to the people staring their direction. No one answered. They just stared or whispered between each other. Never in Emmeryn's life, maybe even before she lost her memory, had she wanted to hit someone out of rage. He wasn't only questioning her sanity, but he was stomping on her husband's promise before he disappeared. Emmeryn's brows furrowed in frustration and made an attempt to restrain her inner self from striking the man in front of her.
The noble looked to Emmeryn and mimicked her frown. "Don't give me that look. Everyone knows he isn't returning but you! In truth, he was nothing more than a fool who took advantage of a feeble queen who couldn't even comprehend what love actually was! Don't you see that man took advantage of you when you were weak? In fact, I bet the fool is either dead or has found a new woman to bed. And yet, here you still are. A fool who doesn't even know how to accept reali-"
"Shut up..."
The noble raised an eyebrow that showed both confusion and anger at the former Exalt's mumbled words. "What did you say to m-"
"Shut up. Shut up. Shut UP. SHUT UP.SHUT UP!" Emmeryn snapped at the man like a lion warnings its enemies not to cross into its territory. All her will power could do nothing to stop the tear that rolled down her cheek and her anger from spilling out. "I will not sit here any longer and have you insult me or my husband any longer. I don't care if you are the son of high nobility or the King of Valm himself! Leave my castle immediately!" Almost everyone in the hall gasped at the Exalt's speech. Emmeryn didn't know if she had ever been this angry in her life or if anyone had ever seen her angry, but today everyone saw a side of her that they didn't know existed. But she didn't care what other people thought about her at the moment.
"You little," the noble began with gritted teeth and a sour look that matched Emmeryn's angered facial. "You think I will sit here and be talked down upon a crazy woman! The day I leave this castle will be the day I decide to walk out! If you even dare to touch me I will spread war upon your country faster than a swordmaster can swing his sword! And it will all be because of a crazy bitch like you who can't even bring terms with reality!"
Emmeryn had enough.
She was about to raise her arm and release all her fury upon the nobles face when a short blonde skid to a stop in front of her. The blonde raised her right arm with open palms and slapped the noble, sending a sickening smack throughout the hall. The noble stumbled backward and put a hand to his now swollen cheek. He looked at the culprit with shock in his eyes only to be met with an icy stare from the Princess of Ylisse.
"How DARE you talk to my sister like that! And how DARE you talk ill of my best friend!" Lissa roared. "Matthew is NOT a fool and he did NOT take advantage of Emm! If you ever speak ill of my sister OR my friend again, I'll make sure my husband gives you injuries no healing staff in this WORLD will be able to fix!"
Emmeryn's frown dropped to astonishment as she looked to her sister through blurry eyes. She had never seen Lissa so angry. Even more, she was defending her. On the field of battle it was usually the other way around, but now she felt a soothing warmth in her chest to see her sister right now.
The noble gritted his teeth and stomped toward the two blondes. "You stupid little-! I'll teach you to stay out of grow folks business!" The noble pulled his arm back and got ready to swing. Lissa eyes widened as she saw the man about to strike her. She shielded her head with her arms and the man release his strike, but was stopped by a hand grabbing his wrist. The noble looked up to see the face of a bearded man with a black fedora looking down on him.
"My, oh my. Hitting on women both orally and physically. I can't say I approve of your actions my good man." Gangrel protested.
"Stay out of this! This has nothing to do with you Plegians!" The noble yelled, immediately noticing his ascent and exposing him to the crowd. But none of it seemed to affect the former King. Infact, he was getting a thrilled that the man before him was being so hostile. It was time to show him what hostility really was.
"My, what a mouth you have there, sir. But I can't actually be mad at you for stating facts. I AM quite the mad man aren't I? After all, our last two kings were QUITE the mad men, so it has to run in the race!" Gangrel said, his grin getting wider as he spoke. "In fact, I've really become MAD these days. You see, now a days I can't tell the difference between a snobby noble and a Risen." Gangrel explained while gripping the noble's wrist tighter—causing him to cringe from the pressure.
"H-Hey! That hurts damn it! Unhand me this instant!" Gangrel looked to the noble with a triumphant smile.
"I'm soooo sorry sir, but my MADNESS seems to be telling me that you are a Risen. Now a days I also sometimes hear my hands talking to me. I really have gone MAD haven't I?" Gangrel let out a fake gasp and raised his hand and the nobles hand to his ear. "What's that hand? You have the sudden urge to SQUEEZE harder you say? Go ahead SQUEEZE to your hearts content! GYAHAHA!" The noble let out a painful cry every time his bones cracked from the pressure of the Mad King's grip.
"P-P-Please. M-Mercy." The noble pleaded, causing Gangrel to raise an eyebrow.
"What's that? Mercy? Never heard of it." Gangrel fanned ignorance. "That's probably a name. Do any of you know the man that goes by the name "Mercy"?" Gangrel asked, looking around to the crowd of people spectating the scene, who responded with audible chortles. Gangrel shrugged his shoulders and looked back to the noble who was still cringed and trying to free his wrist. "Sorry, no one seems to know where this 'Mercy' man is right now. Maybe it was my MADNESS that scared the poor lad away."
After the Mad King tightened his grip again the noble cringed one final time then reached into his suit and pulled out a well sharpened dagger. "I said release me NOW!" The noble thrusted his dagger at Gangrel's abdomen, but met nothing but air as the Mad King released the man and sidestepped out of harm's way. The noble stumbled, but was caught by his daggered wrist by another figure. The man looked up and immediately began to sweat as the thief before him looked down on him with a glare Grima couldn't match.
"You dare raise a hand against my wife?" Gaius lifted the man's wrist and forcefully opened the noble's hand, retrieving the dagger. "Maybe I should show you how to really use this knife." Gaius release the man and he once again stumbled back. The noble looked around him. On the right of him were two angry Ylissean royalty, in front of him was the princess' husband, and behind him was a pissed off Plegian. Pressure weighed down on him and a new anger arose as he slowly walked to his left.
"You think I won't remember this?! Denying my marriage and treating me like a dog is nothing short of an act of war between our continents! When I get back to Valm I'll make sure your soil is filled with blood!" The noble looked to Emmeryn and pointed to her. "And you skank are not even worthy to be my bride! You're nothing more than a sad excuse of a woman who can't get over the death of her idiotic husband! You-" The noble was silenced when he was forcefully turned around and a large fist connected with his jaw, sending him straight to the floor and laid out prone on the ground. He was unconscious before he made impact with the marble floors.
Everyone looked to the culprit. It was the Exalt of Ylisse straightening himself upright with Frederick and Cordelia standing next to him in full armor and lances in hand.
"Frederick, Cordelia. Please see this man out of my castle and out of Ylisse. He is not to even stand on our Halidom's grounds."
"With great pleasure, m'lord."
"Gladly, Exalt Chrom."
The two knights walked over and grabbed the man by both of his arms and dragged him toward the throne room doors. Chrom looked out to the baffled crowd and bowed.
"Please forgive that little scene people. The party will continue with no further interruption I promise you. So, please carry on." As if nothing ever happen the room quickly echoed with conversation and music. Chrom looked over and walked to his two sisters. Emmeryn looked a little distressed, but was being comforted by her younger sister.
"Are you two okay?" Chrom asked concerned for his two sister's wellbeing. Lissa looked to her brother with a weak smile.
"We're not physically hurt, Chrom, but Emmeryn said she wasn't feeling good." Chrom looked to his older sister who stared hard at the ground with furrowed brows and dried tears in her eyes.
"Are you alright Emm?" As if a switch going off Emmeryn snapped her head up to her brother and tried to give her best smile while using her sleeve as a handkerchief to wipe her tears away.
"I'm fine Chrom. I'm just not feeling good is all. I think I will retire to my room for the rest of the night. Excuse me." Emmeryn did a quick bow then turned on her heels and walked to the corridor leaving the throne room in the right.
"Wait up Emm!" Lissa called out as she quickly went after her sister. Chrom sighed then looked to Gaius and Gangrel with a smile.
"Thank you both for protecting my sisters. I really appreciate it." Gaius smiled and nodded while Gangrel just huffed.
"I was just walking by and saw a bug, so I decided to toy with it is all. I had no intention of saving anyone, prince." Chrom just smiled seeing that that was the best "Your welcome" he was going to get from the Mad King.
"It was too bad you hit him before I did, Blue. If I had, then he would have left with more than a bruised cheek and a concussion." Chrom laughed at his brother-in-law's comment.
"Then it was good that I got to him before you did." Gaius huffed and walked away with a smile. Gangrel followed suit and went on about his business. Chrom was left alone with nothing but the soothing music and voices around him to listen to. Chrom looked to the ceiling with a frown as his other brother-in-law and tactician came to mind.
"Damn it, Matthew. Just where the hell are you?"
Due to an incident that occurred, I had to take a break from writing, but I'm back and BOY was this a long chapter (over 10000 words)! I'm now working on the next chapter and the chapter after that right now. I can't give out an exact date when they will be coming out, but I'm done with finals and summer has started! Hope that you all enjoy the last 3 chapters and hope you enjoyed this story as well!
As always, thank you for the favs, follows and reviews and hope to see you are having a GREAT summer!