A/N: Only a few chapters left! I just wanted to say that I had forgotten just how much I adore this pairing. Posting this chapter caused me to take a look at some clips, and I have fallen in love with them all over again.

Reviews are like booze...the more the merrier!

Disclaimer: Square Enix owns FFXII and all of the characters. I only wish I owned Balthier.

Chapter 6

Balthier was never one for all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded the nobility. Years ago, as a young member of the Archades upper class, he absolutely dreaded having to do anything that his status required. Once he became a sky pirate, he had very little need for any of that formal nonsense, and he thought himself better for it. This day, however, would be different. The actual coronation ceremony was public, and all were welcome. The coronation ball, however, was an entirely different matter. Usually, only nobility and the occasional "special guests" were invited to attend. Luckily, Balthier knew someone who might be able to get him into the ball. He just had to convince the girl to help him.

When Ashelia tore out of her bedroom earlier, he wanted to chase after, but he could not. There were tons of guards, and he did not want to end up in a cell. He quickly headed out to the balcony, and it took him several minutes to escape unnoticed from the castle. Now that he was back on the streets of Rabanastre, it was time for him to make his way to the coronation. He arrived toward the end of the ceremony, just as she was getting ready to step forward and receive her crown. He watched proudly as the Marquis placed the crown upon her head, making her Queen of Dalmasca.

As Ashe stepped forward to receive the crown, she looked out at the citizens of Dalmasca filling the church and overflowing outside into the streets. She swore to herself that she would do everything within her power to protect and nourish her country and her people. She knelt in front of her Uncle, and he placed the crown upon her head. She smiled at him, and turned to address the masses.

"People of Dalmasca, I have dreamt of this day for a very long time. I swear my allegiance to you and to this land. Together, we will rebuild this great country."

The crowd roared its approval and she made her way down to the awaiting carriage, which would take her on the parade through Rabanastre. Along the route, she spotted Vaan and Penelo in front of Migelo's shop, and waved to them. They both would be attending the ball later tonight, and she could not wait to see them. Larsa and Basch would also be there, and she smiled as she thought of the reunion. Her smile faltered a bit, as she realized that not all of her journey-mates would be in attendance. "He could have been there, if he were not such an ignorant, self-centered jackass," she thought bitterly.

The parade turned down another street, and they passed in front of a tavern. It was almost as if she summoned him by her thoughts, because as soon as she turned her head to wave at the people, she saw a cocky grin out of the corner of her eye and knew instantly who it belonged to. "I guess he managed to sneak back out of the castle unscathed—pity," she contemplated mischievously. There stood Balthier, in all his glory, smiling as though he had not a care in the world, with his faithful partner beside him. Ashe locked eyes with the Viera, and gave her a huge, heartwarming smile. Then, she purposefully waved and grinned at the other people lining the street, refusing to even take a second glance or smile at the sky pirate. "He's not the only one who can be elusive," she thought while wearing a smug grin.

Balthier frowned as the carriage continued to make its way down the street. "I dare say that she may still be a bit mad with me," he said to his partner as he motioned for her to follow him. "Come, it's time to see if Penelo will help me make amends."

They made their way through the streets of Rabanastre, coming to a stop in front of Migelo's Sundries. When they entered the store, Balthier saw his target standing behind the counter. She was in the midst of a lively discussion with a customer, and he didn't think she noticed their entrance. He walked up to the counter and announced, "I will take one of everything."

"Balthier!" Penelo chirped happily, "I hoped you would come!"

"He only needed a small amount of persuasion," Fran interjected.

"Fran, I am so glad to see you!" the girl exclaimed.

"Penelo, may I have a word with you?" He grabbed her by the arm, and led her over to a quiet corner of the shop. "I need your help to get back into the good graces of our Queen."

She stood there eyeing him suspiciously, mulling over his request. Then she slowly shook her head. "Sorry, Balthier, but I can't. You stuck me in the middle of you two when I delivered the ring at your request, and there is no way I will ever be in that position again. If you had seen her face that day, you would understand why I do not want to be involved. She was really hurt."

"I made a huge mistake, Penelo. I was doing what I thought was for the best, but it ended up making things worse. Please, help me make things right."

The girl stared at the sky pirate and then sighed loudly, "Fine, I will do what I can to help you…with one condition."

The sky pirate made a face. He did not like conditions. "And that would be?"

"You will tell me, right now, how you feel about Ashe, and you will tell me the truth. I have to know because I will not help you hurt her again," she stated matter-of-factly.

Her request startled Balthier, and at first, he was not sure what to say. He just stood there, lost in thought, trying to figure out the words to express just how deeply he felt for Ashelia. She was charming, gorgeous, brilliant—and so much more than that. His Princess was calculating, bull-headed, and manipulative. He could still vividly recall the day when he realized that she was so much more than just an empty-headed, pompous monarch. She had commanded of him, "You're sky pirates, aren't you? Then steal me! Is that too much to ask?" That was his Princess—questioning his abilities, daring him to make off with her, and taunting him—all at once. She was a real treasure, and he wanted her, like any sky pirate worth two gil would. He knew he loved Ashelia, so much that he was willing to give her up if he had to. But, he had never said it out loud, let alone told another person how he felt about her. He knew once it was out there, there was no taking it back. However, he was quick to come to the conclusion that it didn't matter. He didn't care who knew how he felt, because it was real. What he felt for Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca was true and right and so very real. "I love her, Penelo, more than anything in this world."

"I knew it!" she shouted gleefully. "So, what do you need me to do?"

"I have to get into the coronation ball. But…"

"Well, that's no problem at all. You can go as my guest."

"I'd be honored, but isn't Vaan going to be mad that you ditched him?" he said with a wink and a wry grin.

She laughed aloud, "No, silly. Vaan and I both received invitations. We each have the option of bringing a guest. I guess Ashe didn't want to make the assumption that we would go together."

While she was speaking, the door to the shop burst open, and in walked Vaan himself. "Balthier! Fran! It's about time you two showed up."

"It's nice to see you too, Vaan," Balthier stated sarcastically. "Penelo and I were just discussing the coronation ball. Were you planning on bringing a guest?"

"Nah, I probably won't even go myself."

"You are going Vaan, and that is final!" Penelo yelled. "You are so selfish!"

The two started bickering back and forth, and Fran sauntered over to join them in their conversation. "Vaan, will you take me as your guest? It will be nice to have all of the party members together again. It will be just like old times."

"Sure," the boy said with a smile.

Balthier grinned, "Well, that business is settled. I am going to head back to the inn and rest." He smirked, "I plan to have a busy night ahead of me."

With that, he turned and walked out the shop.