Chapter Seven

When Ashelynn awoke, it was dark. She went to the window and looked out seeing the moon high in the sky. All the emotions and memories from the day before flooded her mind. She had to get out. She pulled the nightgown off and finding an outfit from the closet she put it on. Tying a cloak around her to ward off the cold night air and slipping her feet into a pair of sandals, she unlocked and opened the door. With the hood of her cloak covering her face, she quickly hurried down the hall. She avoided looking at any of the guards who were stationed in or patrolling the halls. She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the footsteps that followed her until a voice gently called out.

"Lady Ashelynn?" She knew that voice, but did not turn to look at the man. "May I walk with you?"

"If you wish," was her reply. A few long strides later and Vayne was walking beside her. He offered her his arm, but she did not accept it, choosing instead to watch the floor. Accepting that she was probably still upset, he placed his arms behind him, his hands clasped together. She refused to look at him afraid of the expression she would find there. Vayne was not sure what to say or do, never having been in this type of situation before. As they walked along in silence his mind was working, thinking about questions he could ask, then discarding those ideas, as he already knew the answer. They came to the double doors leading into the garden, and stepped through as the doors were opened by the nearby guard. Ashelynn walked over to the railing and looked out. She did not see the magnificent view though as her mind was too absorbed. Vayne came up behind her and she stiffened as memories of how her fall from ladyhood started. But he just came to stand beside her. He tried to look into her hood to see her face but it was down, completely covered in the hood. Finally she spoke.

"I am truly sorry. I have ruined everything." Her composure was steady but Vayne could hear the sadness in her voice.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. What happened was not your fault. Kyzel was the only one responsible for his actions."

"Will you be returning to Archades in the morning?" She asked. Vayne took a minute to respond as he was confused by her question.

"Why would I leave? I came to spend time with you." She finally looked up at him. His face did not hold the contempt and disgust she expected. But she couldn't read the expression on it.

"Why do you wish to spend time with me since we will no longer be getting married?" Surprise and confusion entered his eyes.

"Why would we no longer be getting married?"

"Why would you want to marry me? I am no longer a lady. I am no longer worthy to be your wife. I am no longer worthy to be the daughter of a Marquis. I am not even worthy to be called a citizen of Ivalice. I have become something lower than that." Vayne placed his hands on her arms.

"What happened to you does not make you any less a lady. Nor does it change my mind about a marriage to you." He said looking straight into her eyes.

"Then you do not abhor me? I do not disgust you?"

"Of course not." Then it dawned on him. "The things that Kyzel told you were lies. That is why I was so angry when he called you that name. I wish to marry you, no matter what happens." He replied. She still didn't look convinced.

"Kyzel said the only reason you were marrying me was because you wanted me to warm your bed and give you heirs and you get to control Bhujerba after my father dies." Vayne looked at her.

"Those reasons are true. I do want you to warm my bed as you are an exceptionally beautiful lady. I do want you to give me heirs as I can't produce them by myself. And yes I will be the one to rule Bhujerba after your father dies as I have married his daughter. But ruling Bhujerba is not one of the reasons I wish to marry you. As it is, I am already going to be ruling Archadia after my father dies." How smoothly he lied. Having Archadian control of Bhujerba was indeed one of the many benefits of a marriage to her. When the time came for the Marquis to die, Archadia would then have control of the magicite mines. But he would never tell her this. "But all that aside, you intrigue me. I wish to know you better." This part was true. She seemed to accept this.

"I apologize for doubting you." She said sincerely.

"There's no need to apologize as you needed to ascertain my affections toward you. Though I do believe now would be a good time for me to try to rest." He said, offering her is arm, which she accepted, and the pair walked back to Ashelynn's room where Vayne said, "And now I will bid you a good night. Sleep well." And with that he bowed and kissed her hand. "I hope to see you in the morning." He walked away and Ashelynn with her cheeks blushing, entered her room and flopped down on her bed. She was definitely falling for the dark-haired Archadian heir. Of course that had started the first time she met him. Thoughts of the events of the previous day gone, she fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Please review. As always the next chapter will be uploaded in a few days. Enjoy. Thanks so much to ArchadianRose for her reviews. There will be Gabranth/ Ashelynn pairings later on I promise.