Turbulent Skies
AN: Sorry for the long wait people – I've been very busy. University will do that to you. Anyway, here is the next installment, and just because they are nicely married now doesn't mean that's the end to all the drama! :D Enjoy, and review please.
Vaula had never been so alive with gossip. The story spread of how Galcian's most trusted man had defied the orders of the Empress, killed his own soldiers, then married the air pirate traitor. Maids and servants had whispered it to their families, who had confided in merchants, who had sold the story to anyone who had a coin or wares to barter. Everyone was speaking about it and everyone was waiting with baited breath for the outcome of the Queen's wrath. Perhaps it would result in another day of executions in the arena. No one knew. But the young lovers of the world who heard the tale sighed at the romance of it all, those who sailed under the banner of the Air Pirate wondered what would have led to one of their own loving a Vaulan, and him loving her. Courtiers sniffed at the idea and were confident that the whore's head would roll, along with that of her new husband.
Aika did not know, nor did she care about the stories and the speculation. She had lost consciousness before Ramirez had been able to get her safely to his apartments. He had carried her, ignoring the curious stares he received from Vaulan nobles and serfs alike, as he strode with her blood soaked body pulled against him through the halls of the Palace. Once there, he had stripped and bathed her, washing away the evidence of her pregnancy and the tear stains of her face. For the last two days, she had sat, all but alone in the lavish apartments of her Admiral. Not only was she alive, but now, being married to Ramirez, she had even adopted a title. She was now Lady Aika Ramirez, Dame of the 6th Regiment, the squad loyal to him alone. However, how long she would keep it, or her life was still in question. Yesterday Ramirez had begged forgiveness from the Queen for his insolence and presented his reasons to her, he was also appealing that she, as his wife, should now be spared. It was today – now, that her fate was being decided. However, it was not her life which was at the forefront of her thoughts. Her mind swirled with images of Pirate Isle, of Vyse, and of her old life. They floated, tauntingly before her, out of reach. She had already wept. She had wept for all she had lost, for all she had gained, for all that would or wouldn't come to pass. She winced as a slight spasm twitched through her abdomen and she wondered what her baby would have been like. Perhaps a girl with green eyes like Ramirez, or a boy, with her smile… Healers had done all they could for her, but her fears were confirmed; her baby was dead and she was likely to suffer repercussions for a while. Their words floated back to her:
"You may bleed a little for a few days, but it shouldn't last long… we will have a better idea whether or not you can bear children again in a week or so, but with your internal injuries… well I cannot say for sure."
Her eyes gazed blankly out of the window, dry and bare. She had no more tears, she felt utterly empty and drained. She had fallen asleep before Ramirez's return yesterday and woken after his leave this morning. She knew that seeing him would somehow reassure her. Her husband… She shivered. It was odd, the very reason she had been captured by Alfonso was because she was trying to avoid the prospect of a marriage. Now she had been led to the very same end, albeit with a different man. Her thoughts turned sadly to her friends. Had they escaped the mines alive? Would they come for her? Would she still be alive if they did? Curiously her mind then turned to her birth parents. What would have happened if they had lived? Perhaps she would have grown up in Horteka, a wild jungle child. What a different life that would have been! Or perhaps she would have been raised as a merchant, travelling around the world to sell goods. But there was no sense in thinking about what may have been. This was her life; a wife and lady of Vaula.
Suddenly the door clicked, jolting her from her thoughts and startling her as it opened. She looked at him. The man who had saved her life, who had married her. His face was blank and unreadable. He gazed at her for a moment; small, hurting, and ready to hear her fate and rise to meet it. There was no fear in her eyes, only sadness. He walked to the cushioned window seat and sat down, propping one ankle on the opposite knee.
"So, when's my execution set for?" She asked mildly after a short pause. "I suppose dawn tomorrow would be a little cliché, and not nearly enough time for word to spread."
He blinked his endless green eyes at her, before a smirk lifted the corner of his lips.
"Her Imperial Highness has decided to let you live." He said simply. After a long, shocked silence from Aika, when it was clear no further elaboration was going to be offered, she spoke.
"But… why?"
"You almost sound disappointed." He said dryly. "I'm sure I can get to her change her mind if you wish."
She shook her head in disbelief.
"Impossible." She breathed. "Why would she let me live?"
Ramirez closed his eyes and pressed his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose. Tiredness, the result of two days of debating and stress, was wearing him down.
"The details are unimportant, but I based my argument around the fact that you were never the property of the Queen, or the Empire, but of me." He raised his hand to quiet what he knew would be an outburst against him caller her 'his', and continued. "That was true from the moment my crest was inked into your flesh." Aika's hand unconsciously rose to run across the back of her neck where the tattoo lay hidden beneath her thick hair. "Then, as far as the killings of the soldiers go, I said that they were unwilling to halt and, as there was no time to appeal in the Throne Room, no other option was left to me. Of course, those arguments alone, I doubt would have swayed her much, but our official marriage changed that somewhat. Now, as a Lady of Vaula, you gain certain rights and are subject to certain laws and, albeit grudgingly, the Queen has to abide by them. No one of noble name, by birth or marriage, can be executed."
"But I thought anyone could die in the Arena." Cut in Aika, confused.
"Only if they enter the Arena, or interfere with the proceedings once the executions have begun. They cannot, however, be sentenced to such a fate, even if their crimes are just the same as someone of low birth."
She made a disgusted face at the unjustness of it all. Vaula was a corrupt abyss in which those of low birth and low income would never be offered any means of escape. Every code and moral she had been raised to fight for screamed out against the very system which had just saved her life. Fury, mixed with exhaustion and an unexpected surge of relief welled within her.
Ramirez watched her. Her eyes were shining with rage, he could see it. He could see her hatred. Hatred for the Empress, for the laws of Vaula, for herself for being saved by them, and for being so helpless. He felt sure at any moment she was going to surge to her feet and smash the apartment to pieces, but just as suddenly as the fury had risen, it vanished. She moaned meekly and clutched at her stomach.
"Just a spasm." She murmured as he stood to come towards her. She straightened, and sighed, turning to the windows, watching the lightning sear the skies. "It such a terrible way to live." She remembered the screams of the peasant girl on her first visit to the cells, and shuddered. She had come so close to the same abuse.
"Terrible, unfair, but if that wasn't the way things worked in Vaula, you would most certainly be dead." He replied, as he moved towards a bottle of wine which stood waiting. He poured two large goblets and forced one into her hand.
"Drink it, Aika. You're alive, and will remain that way for now, a small cause for celebration."
She looked at him with a pained expression.
"Celebrate?" She whispered. "Ramirez… how can I celebrate? I wish I had fought back in the Moonstone Mines, then at least I may have had an honorable end, along with the baby." Nevertheless, she sipped her wine and receded into silence. Ramirez remained quiet too, not knowing what to say to her. What could he say? The woman had lost her child, was once again a prisoner of Vaula, albeit with a title, and wished to die… to her there must seem nothing in all the world to be happy about. Ramirez, however felt a strange calmness about him. The sudden discovery, then loss of his heir was a burden on his heart, yet as he gazed at her, realization sunk in; here, before him sat his wife and he could not have asked for a woman more suited to him. He made a silent pledge. He would never let the Queen touch her again, nor anyone else. He had experienced a few weeks without her, and he had thought of nothing else. He would not let her be taken from him a second time, she was his and he was hers.
That night, after she had bathed, Aika slipped into bed beside her husband. Despite having taken many deep breaths in an attempt to calm her racing heart, she was still trembling slightly. She owed this man her life and now she was bound to him for the remainder of it. But her body still ached, she was bruised and hurt in more ways than one. What if he expected intimacy? As a wife she would be expected to conform to the carnal side of marriage… but so soon? Her throat was dry as his eyes turned on her, as she lay down, very close to her edge of the bed.
"You look terrified, Aika." He murmured quietly. Thinking of nothing she could say, she remained silent, but turned to her side, so she lay facing him. "Look Aika, I know you hold me in no high regard, and our marriage was done to save your life. I have affection for you, but I am no fool and I am aware that you most likely despise me, quite justifiably."
"No!" She broke in, surprised at his words. "Ramirez, I do not hate you, I.." She paused. What did she feel for the man? He lay on his side, propped on an elbow, looking at her, waiting for her to continue, one eyebrow only slightly raised. Unlike Aika, who had instantly donned a bed robe in the privacy of the washroom, Ramirez was carelessly naked beneath the sheets, and she was finding it difficult not to be acutely aware and afraid of that fact. Unable to find the words she needed to correctly sum up her feelings, she glanced way, mumbling. "I don't hate you."
Ramirez could not prevent his smirk as he watched a gorgeous flush creek across her cheeks.
"Well then, let us be friends, Aika."
She looked at him and frowned.
"What?"
"Well, you, as a pirate, and me as a… a Vaulan, naturally are enemies. Yet, at the same time, neither one of us hates the other and as husband and wife, as we are, I think it only fitting that we be friends."
Half a smile twitched at her lips.
"I'd like that, Ramirez."
He nodded, almost absently in response, before speaking again.
"Now come here, Aika."
Her weak smile vanished instantly and she felt the color drain from her face, as worry for her health washed over her. Ramirez saw the renewed fear in his young bride's eyes.
"Aika, look at me, I know what pain you are in and I am not seeking to hurt you, nor will I ever."
Still, she did not move. He sighed.
"I will make you a promise, view it as another of my vows." He said, "I will never force myself upon you, never. I will lie beside you at night, but I will not touch you in any way you do not wish and I will never harm you. I will also do my upmost to ensure that you never suffer such abuse at the hands of others again. I give you my word, as your friend and as your husband."
She smiled softly at him, knowing that his words were spoken as one would take an oath, and that he would never break it.
"It's not that Ramirez… but my body is still healing, and I'm afraid that you may damage it so soon after what happened."
"Aika, how oblivious do you think I am? I had no intention of having you tonight; I am not utterly insensitive to the damage your body has sustained." He said with mock anger, earning another small smile.
"Then what..?"
"Just come here."
Gingerly she inched closer to him, until they lay side by side. Then, turning her, so her back was flush against his chest, Ramirez pulled her into a surrounding embrace. Aika felt all the tension slip from her body as his arms wrapped around her. Who would have thought that she would ever feel this safe lying beside a Vaulan. Ramirez felt her relax, her supple body pressing against him and he felt with a mild sense of surprise, that he had never felt so at peace. Ironic, he thought, considering the world was on the brink of a war it didn't even know was coming, but that was tomorrow's drama. That night, the newlyweds fell asleep tangled together and contented.
Over the course of the next few days, it became apparent that Aika's new husband did not trust that the Queen would not try and dispose of her, despite her legal ruling. Aika would not be popular among the nobles of Vaula. This was not something that bothered the Rogue overly, but it would mean that an 'accident' would be all the harder to trace back to the Empress. A trip, a fall, a knife in the back… anything was possible, and without the fear of execution, what would prevent them? So, she was to be chaperoned at all times, she was also never allowed to possess weaponry outside the sparring arenas. So, Ramirez had introduced her to two men from his personal squadron, Roddick and Bowen. When Ramirez could not be with her – which with his duties, was the majority of the day, these two men would be her shadows. One was dark haired and quiet, that was Bowen, and the other was blonde with a quick smile, Roddick. However, with their helmets on, it was impossible to tell them apart. Other than bodyguards, and the hatred from most of those around her, it seemed that she had a literal life of luxury laid out before her. She, as a Lady of Vaula, was even permitted to have up to three handmaids. She had laughed and snorted at such a notion, claiming that she had had no trouble dressing and washing without help up until now, until Ramirez informed her that she could ask for anyone, from any of the palace servants, even the Harem. This changed her snide amusement into happiness. Joyfully, accompanied by her two bodyguards, she made her way to the Harem, to find Maev. She walked slowly, still bruised and aching. She found it frustrating how quickly she became tired, but the healers assured her this would gradually improve. She had decided that she should begin to dress a little better. She still felt ill at the idea of wearing the contraptions that the court women wore and called dresses, the things had more ropes and ties than rigging, and looked uncomfortable and claustrophobic. But Ramirez had presented her with an outfit the day before, which she had been silently thrilled with. It was no dress, it was something not unlike the uniform that Admiral Belleza wore, but it was black.
"It has been made for you, to match my imperial uniform, just with a rather more womanly, flattering cut."
On the breast was no crest, she didn't ask why he hadn't had it made with his mark on. Perhaps he knew that she would never be totally happy walking around boasting a Vaulan mark. Instead was something that made her chuckle; it was small, but the design picked out in silver thread was distinct. A crescent of the Silver moon, surrounded a skull and cross bones, which in turn was embraced by an elaborate 'R'.
"Your very own sigil." He had told her, "The pirate from the unmapped region below the Silver moon, who married Ramirez."
She had to admit, that wearing it made her feel both regal and fierce as she walked through the hall ways towards the pleasure quarters. Upon entering the huge, ornate chamber, hundreds of eyes swiveled in her direction. The room fell silent, all but for the breeze of whispers that blew among the women. They, along with the rest of Vaula, had heard the rumors. The silence lasted a long moment, before it suddenly burst. In an instant Aika found herself surrounded by chattering faces, asking questions, gasping in shock or amusement at the stitching on her breast, and welcoming her back. Others hung back, those who, like the nobles, thought she should have been executed for her crimes against Vaula and the Queen.
"Aika!" There was a commotion as Maev shoved her way to the front. She looked rather disheveled, her hair rather tangled. Aika glanced up towards the girl's room, and saw Alfonso leaning on the railing, watching the reunion with a stony expression. She passed over him, the man was a worm, and not worth her concern, it baffled her that Maev seemed to find him tolerable.
"Maev!" She smiled, taking the girl's hands and giving them a squeeze. "Can you believe it?"
"Aika, I'm sure I have no idea what to believe. All Alfonso has ranted about for the last hour is how you should have had your head off, along with your new husband, and the nerve of it all." She chuckled. "The fool, I think he's determined to try and make me hate you. I think it's great, I knew you had caught old Rami's eye! Never seen a man more smitten in my life, and now you, a Lady of Vaula! We have heard so many different versions of how it happened!"
"I'll tell you everything." She said with a smile, "But I wanted to ask you something first."
She was about to pull her over to sit by the cooling fountain, when suddenly a burning pain in the back of her head, accompanied but an all too familiar snarl of rage jerked her to a halt, as her hair was grabbed and wrenched backwards.
"I knew it you fucking pirate slut! We all knew it! You got caught out in the end! I'll fucking kill you myself!"
Aika wriggled and managed to twist to face Celeste. Her dark eyes were shining with madness and hate. But they snapped shut suddenly in pain as Aika drove her knee up into her stomach. Celeste released her, gasping and Aika was able to reel back, away from her. It was only a moment before the taller woman was up and lunged at her again, however, she was caught in Bowen's armored fists, locking around one of her wrists, and forcing it up, behind her back.
Celeste cried out in agony, bent double to keep her arm from snapping.
"Keep still woman, or you'll end up ripping your own arm off." He said calmly.
"Fuck you! Don't you threaten me!" She snapped at him. "This little bitch may be Ramirez's little favorite, but I'm still Galcian's!"
"Either way, we are sworn to protect the Lady, and if that means disciplining a whore then it will be done."
Aika had never seen such hatred as she saw there in the eyes of her rival. Celeste's glare burned into her.
"Leave her." She found herself saying. "This woman is simply mad with jealousy and not worth your trouble."
"But My Lady, the things she was saying-"
"Were words and nothing more, if she harms me, a Vaulan noble, then she will be put to death in the Arena. I do not want to waste my time with her."
"Jealous?" Snarled Celeste, still held by Bowen. "Of you? A pirate? You are less than human to me!"
Aika couldn't help the slight smile that crept onto her lips.
"Nonetheless, I am the one, human or no, who is married to Ramirez."
Bowen released her slowly. The taller woman stood, her arm now limp at her side, the rest of her body trembling with rage. Her face was a terrible mask of fury as she spat at Aika's feet, before turning and shoving through the throng of women. Aika turned back to Maev, smiling.
"Be my handmaid Maev, come and live in the apartments and… and…"
Aika didn't finish her sentence, a terrible pain ripped through her abdomen, she cried out and felt her knees buckle. She was vaguely aware of Maev calling her name, and gauntleted hands catching her before she passed out.
Slowly, as time began to pass, Aika's body started to heal. The pain started to recede, physically at least. After fainting, Aika had been warned against strenuous activities until the spasms had ceased.
"So no more fighting." Ramirez had informed her with mock severity. He had been furious to learn that she had collapsed in the middle of the Harem, however, once he had heard that it was due to an argument with Celeste, even he had chuckled about it. To him, now, Celeste was less than nothing. She could no longer be forced upon him, and he no longer needed to pretend towards politeness with her.
Maev had now moved into a chamber very close to Ramirez's own apartments, and she and Aika spent each day together. She was still visited frequently by Alfonso, but insisted that he treated her very well. Aika could not understand it. Now Maev could chose to refuse him, but it seemed that she genuinely cared for the fool, often smiling warmly when she spoke of him.
"He is an idiot, I know that." She said with a wry smile one morning. "He is ambitious and arrogant, a terrible combination in a man, but when he comes to me… he seems so peaceful. He calls me his paramour, and tells me that he can only breathe easily when he can see me before him, like the cares of the day are swept aside. Don't ask me why but.. I could no more refuse Alfonso than the Moons could refuse to rise."
Aika shook her head and had to accept it. She only wished that she could see even a glimpse of what Maev saw, perhaps then she could let go of her hatred towards him. It would never come though. Whenever she heard him, or even thought of him, her stomach clenched like a stone and felt like a block of ice below her ribs. Maev seemed happy in her new position though, and if Alfonso was still a part of that then Aika could only bow to her friends wishes.
In the evenings, the new Lady would eat with her husband and they would talk. He was always careful never to mention the General's plans, but Aika soon realized the contempt he held for the Royal Court and for Teadora herself. She found herself, curiously, one evening, asking about the young Prince Enrique.
"The boy disagrees strongly with many of his mother's rulings." Ramirez replied slowly. "But he is gentle and has sympathy for the inhabitants of Lower City. The court tends to follow the views of its Queen, thinking he is rather weak and simple. I have no dislike for him, but then, nor do I care for him. Although, weak, the man is not. He is a remarkably strong and gifted swordsman, but dislikes it and doesn't see the sense in fighting.
Aika nodded absently, remembering the way the Prince had spoken for her when she was first brought to Vaula. One evening, they were sat together on the window seat, illuminated from below by the bright lights of Upper City. She was leaning against him, her back against his chest, one arm casually draped around her body, the other hand idly twirling a strand of hair between his fingers. They had been silent for a long time, quietly content merely to be close.
Her mind, as was often the case, was occupied with thoughts of her lost child, of Vyse and her comrades, of sailing and freedom, and of how it may have been if only Ramirez had been born a Rogue.
"Why did you do it Ramirez?" She murmured quietly. "Why did you save me?"
The question surprised the young Admiral, who at that moment had carefully been trying to assess his feelings for the pirate in his arms.
"A difficult question to answer, Aika." He said slowly. He was silent for a while after that, and she began to think he wouldn't care to elaborate. Then he sighed and continued. "You were the first woman I have ever truly lusted after, and I hoped that after I had taken you, I would be able to put you from my mind." In his arms, she had gone very still. Had all this pain and sadness truly only been the result of one man's fleeting lust? Was there nothing more..? She began to pull away from him, but his arms locked around her, keeping their bodies against one another. He chuckled at her angry expression. "Let me finish woman, control that quick temper of yours and listen."
Her scowl remained firmly in place, although her body relaxed somewhat, and she stopped trying to pull away from him.
"The morning of the executions in the Arena, I knew I would never grow tired of you, and I was wary in case you attempted to intervene… which of course, you did, with great showmanship." The tight disapproval in his voice forced a slight smirk of satisfaction onto her face. "I thought you would certainly die before me, cut down to add your blood to the Arena sands. But, of course, it seemed I and the rest of Vaula underestimated you all. After you and your comrades escaped, me and my squad pursued you to the monorail. We thought we had you for a moment, I could see you above me on that bridge, then you jumped. I was angry, Aika, for a while I was furious, and told myself that I would happily watch you all die when you were caught again. But, as the days ticked by, I found you forever in my mind. It was like my blood was afire, I could concentrate on nothing else, and I began to want you back by my side, for me alone to guard."
Aika had gone quiet, all traces of annoyance or anger was gone from her face.
"I dreamed of you… almost every night." She said after a pause, flushing red at her own words. "I started to wonder what it might have been like if you had been born one of us, a Blue Rogue."
Ramirez chuckled.
"Strange, Galcian told me that had you been Vaulan, he would undoubtedly have made a match of us."
"The General said that?" she said in surprise. He nodded, before pulling her tight against him again.
"The truth is, Aika, I married you, as it was the only way I could see to save you. But Vaulan, or pirate, we are now joined, something I now feel I would have wanted and worked towards, had you not escaped. I planned to name you as my Mistress, then, if it was what you wanted, I would have wed you. It seems that our fates led us to that eventuality all the same, albeit not in the way I would ever have wanted." He closed his eyes for a moment and drew in a deep breath, taking in the scent of her. There was silence between them for a moment, as they gazed out across the lightning streaked sky. Dark clouds were billowing over head, no yellow light from the Moon reached them, and spats of rain began to tap against the window.
"There wasn't a day, you know, that I didn't think of you." She glanced nervously up at him, over her shoulder. "Sometimes it was with resentment, but it was mainly… mainly wanting to be back with you. To forget everything like titles and sides, and just be two people again, like we were that night. After I discovered the baby, I knew that it would probably grow up never knowing you. The thought of that broke my heart, every child should know its parents."
"I will give you more children, Aika, and they will know us." He paused. "If that is what you want."
Aika sat up, pulling out of his arms, and shifted round so she was facing him. She looked at him, long and hard. This breathtakingly handsome man, her husband. Young, powerful and touchingly gentle. Her enemy. An enemy, she realized, that she had fallen in love with.
"Yes, Ramirez, I think it is what I want." Her voice was quiet, but the words firm and unwavering. She felt him gently drawing her closer, drawing her face close to his. Her heart rate was spiraling out of control, it had been almost a week since she had had any signs of another spasm, and she had almost forgotten about this side of a marriage. Was she ready?
As soon as his lips touched hers, all questions left her mind. Her dark eyes slid shut, and she was kissing him back with heated passion. Thunder rolled and lightning flared in the skies above them, each flash turning them into a pair of white marble statues for a moment. The winds howled around the turrets of the Vaulan palace, but the couple were warm in each other's arms. The night and the storm drew on and they were oblivious to it. Aika was aware that he had lifted her and carried her to the bed, her legs wrapped around his waist. They fell together, the cracks and booms of thunder drowning out their cries of pleasure, as they devoured one another. Only in the hours of dawn, when the storm began to lift did they mumble their final words before falling into a contented sleep side by side.
By the time the morning had fully broken, the storm had moved on, and the air above the city was clear but for the thinnest layer of cloud. Far off in the distance, over the Oceans, the storm could still be heard, wreaking its havoc. Aika awoke feeling more content than she had ever expected to feel again. Keeping her eyes blissfully closed, she stretched and rolled over, her hand seeking him. However, all she encountered was an empty space, which still carried the warmth of his body. Unwillingly she grumbled, and opened her eyes, glancing around the empty room. She frowned and sat up, pulling the thin sheets around her naked torso. Where was he?
Aika jumped in surprise when the washroom door opened without warning. Ramirez, his hair still a little damp, stepped out. He was dressed in the full battle finery of the Armada and was tugging on white fighting gloves, flexing his long, slender fingers. His emerald eyes were hard and cold. In that moment, Aika shivered. Before her stood the very thing she had been raised to hate; a full blooded Vaulan. A man who even now, was actively involved in a fight against her own friends and family, who sought to bring an end to the freedom of those she loved.
Then he glanced at her and his rigid form, and glassy eyes softened. The hint of a smile tugged at his lips and in his emerald depths, she saw a warmth, reserved only for her. He was her husband again. He stepped towards her, leaning down to press a fleeting kiss to her lips.
"Sorry I woke you." He murmured quietly, as if he was still trying not to wake her. She shook her head.
"You didn't." Then she cast a questioning glance at his garb. He sighed.
"I received orders this morning. The General needs me to head on a campaign to Nasrad." Aika frowned in confusion.
"Nasrad? But the Red Moon Crystal is already…"
"I know, Aika." He cut in, a little sharply. "This time, our primary agenda is not the Crystals. Vaula and Nasr have a long history of war, and years ago it nearly destroyed both continents. But still, after all this time, the Nasultan continues to restrict his airspace to Vaulan ships. I am being sent to… show him the error of his ways."Aika shook her head.
"The pass to Nasr is well guarded. The South Dannel Strait is too narrow, even with the best Vaulan artillery, it will mean nothing against their cannons in that corridor. There are mountains to the South and rifts to the East, and that huge maelstrom which blocks the North Strait." He chuckled, appreciating the natural tactician in his wife.
"Which is why, my little Rogue, we plan to use our modified engines and cut across the skyrifts in the East, to encircle the Nasrean forces from behind."
"Ramirez…" She said slowly. "What is it exactly, that you are going to do to the Nasultan and his city? I'm sure if you merely told them that you were there for negotiations, they would stand down and allow…"
"The Queen has ambassadors for negotiating, Aika. You know I am not being sent there to sit down and discuss peace." He said. She paled. Her and the Little Jack's crew had stopped by in Nasr on their way to Marmaba. She remembered the vibrant buzz, of the capital; the corwded market, the rich aroma of spiced meats, children selling skins of water and merchants trading their wares, hassling anyone passing by to come to their stalls. Women carried babies in sashes across their backs, heads swathed in cloths against the Sun. it was a happy place.
"What… what is going to happen to the city?" She asked again, her voice unsteady, knowing the answer. Ramirez sighed and straightened, he began to turn away, not replying.
"Tell me, Ramirez."
She watched him buckle his shimmering blade at his side, again becoming the cold, imposing Admiral she had once, so feared.
"What will happen?"
"Whatever the General wishes to happen!" He snapped angrily, glaring over his shoulder at her.
"And have you no will of your own? No compassion?" her anger was rising just as his was. "What of the innocent people there? Women? Women like me? With children! What of them?"
"Silence!" He said with a snarl, turning fully to face her. "I have my orders and I will follow them. I am not going to go out of my way to kill civilians, Aika, however, I cannot help the casualties of war and I most certainly do not have the time to sit with you and argue about the merits of right and wrong!"
War… the word seeped coldly through her like ice, clawing its way up her throat. Her blwoved, free Arcadia… at War, once again. Starvation, hatred and fear would spread like a plague and cover the continents with a darkness thicker than the clouds of Deep Sky. All for the greed and gain of one cruel and tyrannical woman. Anger, whit hot and deadly, burned away the chill of her fear, as she allowed hatred to fill her.
Ramirez watched the changes in her expression, unsure of where her obvious anger would be directed.
"That fat old bitch! How dare she?" Aika suddenly shouted. His brows rose slightly in surprise and relief, that her fury was directed at the Queen, not at him.
"I swear by the Moons themselves that I will kill that woman, one day!" She was trembling with anger. Ramirez eased himself onto the edge of the bed beside her, and took her hands in his own. Gently, but firmly he uncurled her balled fists, keeping his eyes on hers. Aika felt tears of hatred and utter, blinding fury spill onto her cheeks, as she looked at him.
"Calm yourself, Aika." He said quietly.
"She just doesn't care…" His wife breathed in reply. "She doesn't care how many people she has to kill. How many men die in battle, how many women are raped, how many children are… are…" She could not think of it. She opted for merely closing her eyes, her head bowing under the weight of grief and guilt. Grief, for the loss her child and the loss of more lives to come. Guilt, for here she sat, a Lady of Vaula, and could do nothing.
"Aika, look at me." He said. Grudgingly she obeyed, taking refuge in the perfect contours of his face. "The Queen's reign is not destined to last. Before the end of this War, it shall be her who falls." He instantly knew he had said too much, and continued before her questioning and puzzled expression could be voiced. "The inhabitants of Vaula are the ones who will end up funding the War. Taxes will rise to pay for an army, and rebellion will undoubtedly stir."
She seemed somewhat satisfied with this, and he ran his fingers up her neck, pleased when she leaned into his touch. He could not voice the truth to her; that there would be no time for any rebellion to build. The Queen would lose her throne before that, and Galcian would step up and take control of Arcadia. None would dare to stand against the power of the General. But Aika would know all this, in time. She would see the events that would come to pass, and she would have no choice, but to accept them.
"I must go, Aika." He said, truly regretful that he did not have longer to savor her before he left. He began to pull away, but her hand flew up to cover his, where it still rested against her neck. She was suddenly desperate at the thought of being without him in Vaula.
"When will you be back?" She asked, all the anger of moments ago, forgotten.
"Two weeks at the most. It's a three day sail to Nasr, but I have some other business on this trip as well as the attack. I hope to be back with you much sooner than that." Her eyes lowered at the thought of being without him even for a short time. "Keep yourself out of trouble, Aika. Stay safe."
He looked so indestructible as he stood before her, and his Flagship was huge, armed with the finest guns in the Armada. The Monoceros was a force to be reckoned with, as was its Captain. However, her heart ached at the thought of harm coming to him. He was about to go and start a war. From this day forward, every soul would be at risk, even his, and none would be safe, not truly.
"Only if you do." She replied with a half hearted smile. He chuckled at her, laughing that she would fear for him, his eyes soaking her up for a moment. Naked, but for one thin, silken sheet, she was looking at him with genuine concern in her eyes, a true fear that he would not return to her. She was exquisite. He felt desire sweep over him hotly.
Aika felt her own heartbeat quicken as she saw his eyes darken. They stared at each other for a long moment, the silence between them stretching, straining to be broken. Ramirez needed to leave. With a surge of effort he galvanized his muscles into action and forced himself to move.
He forced her backwards onto the bed with the weight of his body, his lips seeking hers. He kissed her everywhere; her neck, lips, face, breasts. The rich material of the Imperial Uniform was thickened and was hard and rigid against her skin. Her fingers sought the fastenings at his jacket, desperate for the heat of his flesh against hers.
He was swift to cast aside the thin sheet that separated them, one hand grappling at his breeches.
"Ugh, too slow." She growled with husky impatience. Rolling to the side, the naked Rogue pushed him onto his back, straddling him in the process. Her nimble fingers, used to the knots and ropes of the rigging, swiftly unlaced his uniform.
"In a hurry, Aika?" He asked with amusement. She smiled down at him, her glorious hair was tumbled over her shoulders, falling to her breasts, her dark eyes hazy with lust, as his were.
With a groan, Ramirez rolled her, and had her back below him in an instant. She cried out as he moved into her without further warning. The pair moved together, both caught in a fevered need for the other. Her hips rose to his rapid movements. His fists balled in her fiery hair as he gasped. Sweat swiftly slicked their bodies as they moved faster. There was no drawn out passion and gentleness between them, no lingering touches or kisses. This time it was a mutual, animal need. The world ceased to exist for them, and their universe shrunk to the size of their bed. They climaxed together and lay still for a few minutes afterwards. All that could be heard was their ragged breathing as the heat of their encounter momentarily robbed them of speech.
Eventually, Aika stirred beneath him, her eyes were bright and invigorated as they shone up at him.
"Really, Ramirez." She breathed with a satisfied sigh. "Making the entire Armada late, just for me? You shouldn't…" A playful, inviting smile settled on her lips, willing him to stay, to defy his master. But, Aika misjudged the bounds of Ramirez's loyalty to his General. With a sigh, he rolled off her, swiftly relacing his breeches, reaching for his sword where it had tumbled to the floor. In a hurried silence he snatched up his cape and stepped towards the door. He paused, glancing back at her saddened expression.
"Believe me, Aika, I would like nothing more than to stay in bed with you all day. But I must go." She nodded slowly, sullenly. "Keep Maev with you as much as you can, and my men the rest of the time, and as I said, stay out of trouble." He said. A little of her spirit returned at this.
"Me? Trouble? I hardly know the meaning of the word, Husband!" She said, her voice high and innocent, heavy with sarcasm. He shot her one grin, before vanishing from sight, the door snapping shut in his wake.
Aika slumped back onto the suddenly too-big bed. What would she do with herself for all that time? Where was the fun without the trouble?
There was a knock at the door, and Aika swiftly drew a robe around her before calling 'enter', hoping, vainly, that Ramirez had somehow changed his mind, deciding to disregard to General and stay in bed all day after all. It was Maev. Aika smiled at her friend, glad to at least have her company, trying not to show her childish disappointment.
"Well, what's M'Ladyship wearin' today then, hmm?" Maev asked with a smile. Aika shrugged.
"Oh, you pick… I only ever see clothes as armor, I'm not used to all these bloody gowns and frills and layers, anything but that Imperial thing Ramirez had made for me, its too warm for that today." The two women laughed together for a while, while Maev helped Aika into a periwinkle blue dress, which ended in a straight skirt to mid-shin. Below this her legs were encased in dark brown knee-high boots. Maev nodded.
"Goes well with yer hair. Not the usual type you see a Vaulan Lady in, but 'tis mighty fine on you!"
Aika chuckled.
"I shall take that as a compliment." She checked herself once more in the looking glass, before sighing and turning to her friend. "How do you spend your days, Maev?" She asked. "Until recently I've been preoccupied by thinking about what might happen if the Queen refused to accept the marriage, then I was commanded to rest and heal my body. Now that Ramirez has gone away, I have no idea what I should do to keep myself busy. I don't think I would mingle well with the other ladies at court." Maev grinned wickedly.
"Well, we could always go and stay in the Harem." She said. "I'm sure Bowen and Roddick wouldn't complain too strongly about being stationed there for a while, as long as you don't cause too many more catfights. Besides, now that Celeste knows that you are protected, you can have a bit of fun torturing her a little."
Aika laughed at her suggestion at first, but then began to warm to the idea. Maev was a wonderful companion, but it would indeed be pleasant to surround herself with the inane babble and gossip of the Harem women again. Why not? After all, she had a room there, and had made a few friends among the other girls. She grinned.
"Aye then, lets go."
Throwing a few items of clothing, along with a bottle of scented water that Ramirez had gifted her, into a bag, Aika left his apartments. They felt far too desolate without him. Her two bodyguards were awaiting her and snapped to attention when she emerged. She waved away their formalities.
"Stop damned well doing that, I'm not a fucking officer."
Bowen raised his helmet visor and smiled at her coarse language.
"Sorry, My Lady, but its Ramirez's orders that we treat you with the same respect that we show him." She rolled her eyes.
"Well, while my high and mighty Beloved is away," She said, "I plan to stay in the Harem with the girls. At least then I'll have some semblance of a social life."
"With all due respect and understanding at your position, My Lady," He said carefully. "as a lady of Vaula, I'm not sure how appropriate…"
"A Lady who started off as a whore at the Queen's own orders!" She snapped. He really thought she cared what the citizens of this city thought of her conduct? "I don't forget my beginnings."
With that she spun on her heel and began strolling away. Maev skipped after her with a smile and a bawdy wink at Bowen. The two soldiers had little choice, but to follow their willful Mistress.
AN: OKAAAY! Sorry that took so long, I lost a load of my notes and writing for this chapter, so it took a while to fill in the gaps, also Uni is CRAZY. Sooo, things seem OK for them. They're all married and loved up, having some sex and generally living Vaulan life. HOWEVER, we who have played the game, know it is far from over.
In the next chapter, Enrique attempts to get to know Aika a little better, and Aika herself discovers some things that even Ramirez doesn't know, things which will send her to Galcian, of all people, for help. Celeste is still jealous and cruel, but she has something that Aika doesn't…
And of course... what of Vyse and the crew? They will also come back into play when Ramirez reaches Nasrad, you'll get an update of what things have been like for them without our lil red haired Rogue. Please let me know what you think of my 'warm fuzzy chapter', and please keep reading. I AM STILL WRITING!