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Chapter 9

It was as if he was parting the Red Sea.

As soon as Larsa stepped into the castle, Basch at his side and Catherine trailing behind, any one in the hall way at the time, dropped what ever it was they were doing, whether it was mopping, wiping, washing or making out, they all stopped and stepped aside to let him through. Larsa didn't have to say a word. His employees knew him well enough to know when not to stand in his way.

Larsa stalked down the hall ways with purpose, nodding to the occasional good morning call from his devoted employees whilst still keeping pace. He didn't care if Catherine could keep up and was more hoping she could not; he had no intention of holding this meeting with her standing in the shadows. He was unsure if she was prepared to experience this side of him, he was sure she'd be pleasantly surprised at first, but she'd be rather frightened later. Most were.

"Lord Larsa, I take you are heading to address the Senate members." Basch's voice sounded from a few paces behind him. He kept up with him effortlessly, and he would be a great support for him at the moment, but what he really needed from Basch was for him to take care of Catherine while he took care of business.

"Yes I am." Larsa stopped suddenly and turned to Basch who would've been standing still, waiting for Larsa to address him, had Catherine not run straight into his back. The two men smiled at her shy apology before Larsa continued, "But Basch, what I need from you is to take her Highness to her chambers. She is tired and in need of a change of clothes. In the mean time I will speak with the Senate." Catherine looked up, somewhat surprised to hear this sudden regal tone from Larsa. She had gotten the impression that he'd forgotten how to be a prince over the passed month so this was a pleasant surprise. Part of her wanted to go to the meeting and watch him in action, but the other part of her really wanted a hot bath with scented oils and foot scrub, so she willing went with Judge Basch after he nodded his understanding to Larsa and began leading the way to her room at a , thankfully, much slower pace.

Larsa watched them walk away for a moment before continuing on his relentless trek. It wasn't long before he reached the Senate's board room. He knew they'd be in there, they were always in there, scheming about something. He knew they were up to no good but he could do nothing until he was King. Larsa stood in front of the large oaken doors and pushed hard. He never understood why the Senate's Board Room doors should be the heaviest in the Palace.

All movement had ceased once Larsa opened the doors. The Senate members seemed to have been in the middle of a heated discussion as they gazed upon Larsa as if he'd just interrupted the greatest game of 'Truth or Dare' and someone was about to spill the beans on their secret love life.

It was Senate Leader and Acting head of State, Caligula Finnegan Rossi that spoke first. "Ah, the Lord Larsa. How good of you to grace us with your presence. We were beginning to worry." there was absolutely no hint of concern in his voice which sounded more like crackers and dry bone.

Larsa bit back a smart remark and instead responded politely. "Forgive my prolonged absence gentlemen. It is unforgivable, but as you can see, I am completely unharmed, as is her Highness Catherine Rossaria. There is no need to send out a search party."

Caligula smiled, and Larsa felt his spine prickle. "Yes indeed you are safe and unharmed. I will have to call off the search party then, but why, may I ask Lord Larsa," he stressed the title, sarcasm lacing his voice. If Larsa hadn't known any better, he'd have wondered if Caligula was mocking his position. "was your usual monthly... training session," again with the sarcasm, "so...extensive this month?"

Larsa matched Caligula's stare before sighing and looking around at all of the Senate members, making sure they were all paying attention, making sure they knew he was addressing them all and that they were to shut up and listen. "I, as Prince and heir to the throne, apologize greatly. Over the course of four years, my monthly adventures were not in truth..."

"Save us the long-winded recount of your four year long escapade, your Highness," Again, the stressed sarcasm, only this time, it was another member of the Senate. "We are well aware of your secret adventures with this thief friend of yours."

Larsa looked around at them, greatly surprised that they'd found out. "We'd allowed it to go on because in truth and in fact, it kept you busy and gave you something to do other than tedious, redundant paper work all day long." Another member said, a wry smile across his face. Larsa wasn't sure what to make of his comment.

"We would rather our Prince have spunk and life... at least until he becomes King. That way, the people would still love you and a King is only a dictator if his people do not love him, are we right?" Larsa found it almost creepy the way one Senate member always seemed to speak as if the entire room was talking through him.

"Why wasn't anything said?" Larsa asked, still completely lost. He didn't understand any of what they were saying. It was just so far out of character for them, there had to be a catch.

"We've just told you Prince." Caligula spoke now, "But now these little monthly adventures of yours must stop. If that thief is found anywhere near this palace, I have ordered the guards to kill on sight. So you'd best let her know that." Larsa twitched. He knew something like this was coming, but he had to be grateful, it wasn't as bad as he'd thought. He knew, however, that Kira would never be caught by the amateur guards they had monitoring the perimeter of the Palace, she's slipped through completely unseen for a total of four years now, what makes them think she'd be caught now. But even with things as they are, Larsa knew Kira would not be foolish enough to come back to House Solidor Palace.

Larsa sighed and decided he'd had enough of their company. He'd explained himself enough for them and wished he could simply walk out the door and rid himself of their presence. However, Caligula seemed to have other plans for the Prince.

"Well, since you are here, there was another matter I wished to discuss." Caligula said, his hands folded under his chin as he looked up at Larsa from his big, high chair as if Larsa was some servant he could call to his presence whenever he wished. "As you are well aware, the preparations for yours and Miss Catherine's wedding are under way and I have spoken with King Theodor. He has enlightened me of his..." he seemed to pause for effect, or perhaps it was meant as scorn, "grand idea to reinstate the Galtean Alliance, originally created by the Dynast King, Raithwall. He suggested that the union of the heirs of Rossaria and Archadia could jump start such a grand delegation and hopefully encourage the other nation leaders to unite. Have you..."

"Yes, he has spoken to me about it." Larsa quipped dryly. He really did not like being in the Senate Board room.

"Well, as you know, Archadia has yet to send her reply on her...take on the matter. We were waiting..." Larsa was seriously beginning to feel as though Caligula needed to go back to law school and remind himself that he was only acting Head of State and that matters such as international relations were only dealt with by him if the next Heir were forever unavailable or dead.

"Archadia," Larsa put emphasis on the name. Caligula needed to be reminded that Archadia was not his charge, she was Larsa's, whether or not he is King yet. "believes that reinstating the Alliance is a brilliant idea and will take full participation. I expect to have the letter on my desk to be signed by this afternoon and I will send it to Catherine's father by my own means." Larsa finished sharply and was contemplating a polite goodbye when Caligula again interfered.

"Ah, but there is one more thing, my Prince," he seemed to take note of Larsa's frustration with being treated like a pheasant, "King Theodor also asked me to arrange a meeting with all the major nation Leaders, and in that meeting, he wishes us to discuss and decide who should take over all charge of the Alliance once formed." He paused for a moment, looking for a reaction; he received none. "He suggested you, and asked me to inquire about how you felt about this position. If the other nations agreed, would you take it?"

The way Caligula phrased the question, and the dangerous glint in his eyes made Larsa almost want to say no; he made it sound like he'd be taking on a dictatorship. Larsa thought on it for a moment. It would be a big responsibility, and a lot of work, a lot of hard work. But he was willing to do anything for his country and his people, he'd do anything for anyone in all of Ivalice. He would agree to whatever was asked of him and do his absolute best at it. "I would do anything for my people."

Caligula smiled, and again, Larsa's spine prickled. "Well then, we have good news for our Rossarian...allies." Larsa inwardly smirked and wondered how hard it was for him to choke that one out.

"If that is all gentlemen, I will be taking my leave." Larsa's patience had run out; he could no longer stand being among those hypocritical politicians. Larsa bowed his head slightly, taking bitter note that none of them had the decency to return his gesture and swiftly made his way out of the Senate board room.

Larsa sat up straight and held up the letter to read it over, examining his work. It was nearing midday and Larsa had been spending most of his time in his study trying and failing to write a letter to Kira informing her of the Galtean Alliance that was due to be reinstated at his wedding/corronation/birthday on the second of May just about a week from today. In the letter he told her that it was likely that they would be choosing him as the next Dynast King of sorts and that he had agreed to take the position were he elected. He contemplated telling her that he was secretly afraid of the position, but decided against it considering the possibility that the letter could be intercepted, all the information in the letter was bound to become public in a week anyway so there was no real danger, besides, his letters were safe once they flew with Kairos. Larsa stood by his office window and called Kairos over to him so that he could tie the letter to his foot. Kairos screeched joyously as he flew over to his master from his elaborate golden cage that could've housed five more hawks, a waste of material Larsa always thought, but it was his father who designed it for him so he could not refuse. Larsa smiled at his beloved pet and tied the letter expertly around his leg and sent him to Low Town where he suspected Kira would be trying to make everyone happy and being her usual selfless self.

He watched Kairos set off as he leaned against the windowsill; he watched him until he was completely out of sight and sighed as he dropped his head, exhaustion finally catching up to him. Larsa closed his eyes as he laid his head down on his arms and began to think. He thought about the Senate and wondered just what they were up to, if they knew full well that he had been secretly sneaking out with Kira the whole time, then why would they plan to send a whole platoon for a rescue mission? Were they really going to call it off like they said they would? But what was the reason for it in the first place, it was common knowledge that they didn't really give a damn about their prince so it certainly wasn't to find him, and it wasn't for Catherine either, so for what? Larsa sighed slightly and as he decided he didn't have the brain power to ponder it at the moment. He then though of Kira and Tihana and wondered how Kira was going to explain the sudden absence of the little girl's father. How was she going to explain to her that Lamont was in fact Larsa Ferrinas Solidor, heir to Archadian Throne and to be king in a week, married to the one she had long since deemed her 'aunt' and that she would never see him again? Larsa cringed as he felt his chest tighten, the painful truth hitting him hard. He would never see his beautiful daughter ever again, he'd never be able to hold her, kiss her or comfort her. He wondered if she would be able to understand his situation, or if she would hate him forever for leaving them in such a time of strife and suffering; he wondered if he would ever be forgiven. Larsa sniffed noisily, trying and failing to keep tears from his eyes, the tightness in his chest and throat constricting his breathing. Larsa then thought about Kira, how would she coop with all that was happening? She had just lost her father, the last of her blood relatives; she had suddenly become a single mother, she alone would have to raise Tihana, she alone would be charged with her well being and if anything were to happen to the girl, she would be blamed for it. Not to mention all the other orphans in Low Town looked up to her as well, they were all her children and she alone would be left in charge of them, Vaan and Penelo would help no doubt, but more often than not they were off being Sky Pirates or in Balfonheim. Kira was right, he had left her completely and utterly alone, she had no one to turn to when she needed a moment to just let it all out, she had no time for herself, no one to look after her while she looked after everyone else.

Larsa could no longer hold back as he felt hot tears begin to swell up behind his eyes. He let them fall as he sob quietly. He just couldn't handle it, everything that could go wrong had gone wrong, anything that could've turned in his favour went in the opposite direction. He felt like he had betrayed all those people that he'd worked so hard to protect over the past four years, he felt like he'd stabbed everyone in the back, like he'd thrown them all off to the way side and for what, just so he could get married, and become supreme ruler of all Ivalice?

Larsa mentally slapped himself and remembered that it was all a sacrifice he had to make in order to bring peace to the world. "Put the needs of others before your own..." he whispered to himself, his voice strained and hoarse. Larsa groaned loudly as he thought that betraying and hurting all the ones he cared about most in order to bring peace and harmony to the world was a rather steep price, but he mentally slapped himself again and forced himself to look at the broader picture to see into the future, after the treaty was reinstated, after he married Catherine, after he'd become King to where the world lived in a new peaceful era, where no one was hungry, where no children were crying for their mothers; a place where Kira and Tihana could live a prosperous and peaceful life.

Larsa smiled softly as he thought about it. Yes, that was what he would be working towards, that was his goal, he'd make the world a better place for them, if not for all the people of Ivalice, then for Kira and Tihana, for his family.

Larsa stopped himself and realized that he'd already acknowledged them as his new family, as if he'd already gotten married and had a child of his own. He laughed softly and sighed before he proceeded in trying and failing to pull himself out of the fantasy.

"Larsa?" Larsa was startled by the sudden sound of his name and turned to see Catherine standing by his office door, her expression worried as she gazed at him. Larsa smiled softly and began to wipe away his tears while half turning away from her.

"You're finally awake I see." Larsa said, his voice still rough, hoarse. "Did you sleep...!" Larsa was somewhat startled when he suddenly felt her small arms wrap around his waist as she hugged him tightly. "C-Catherine?"

"I'm sorry Larsa. You must be going through so much. So much happened last night and all I could do was complain and get angry and... and..." Catherine was sobbing as she clung to Larsa, tears flowing from her eyes as she apologize profusely.

Larsa stared down at her and smiled, she truly was an amazing person. Larsa should've been the one apologizing, after everything he put her through and all after he'd promiced to marry her. What kind of fiancée was he really? "Oh, Catherine, you needn't apologize. I am the one at fault. I put you through all that, how could I have expected you to be gracious and understanding under those conditions? I should've explained things properly, I neglected you and I sincerely apologize for that." Catherine looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears and a strange excitement, as if she knew what he was about to say. "You needn't worry, there is nothing between Kira and I. You are to be my wife and I give you my word that I will be faithful."

Larsa knew full well that that was indeed what Catherine was worried about, he didn't know if she completely understood the magnitude of the events of last night or if she knew how he felt about Kira and Tihana, but he knew that none of that mattered any more and what mattered now was that he was to be king in one week and that Catherine was to be his queen, and one can't possibly be a good king if your own queen, your own wife, does not trust you.

Catherine's face lit up like a bulb and Larsa forced himself to smile. It was not that he did not enjoy making her happy, he himself was just not in the state of mind to be anything but depressed at the moment. Larsa was no doubt expecting her to jump for joy and proclaim her undieing love for him, and when she did he smiled, but what came next had completely shocked him and sent his mind reeling into the abyss.

Catherine suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him square on the lips. Larsa was so stunned that he had not figured out how to react before she broke the contact and let him go. Catherine stood beaming at him as he stared at her, dumbfounded. Catherine giggled at his cute, lost expression and hugged him tightly once again. "I love you Larsa." Larsa squeezed his eyes shut and hugged her back, desperately trying to clear his mind as notions of betrayal and feelings of guilt whirled around in his mind.

Catherine knew she was not to expect him to reply with the same message, but it still hurt her that he had said nothing in return. Catherine could feel his heart racing and wondered if it was from her kiss; she blushed slightly at the thought and grinned as she buried her face in his chest. It wasn't long before Larsa pulled away and announced that he was beyond exhausted. Catherine offered to walk him to his room and he silently agreed.

Just about half way to Larsa's bed chambers, they encountered Judge Basch. When Basch had turned the corner and saw the couple walking down the hall he stopped and watched as they came ever closer to him and he prayed silently that Larsa would some how make it out of this ordeal. Not once ever before had he seen the young lord so exhausted, emotionally and physically; the boy looked like a zombie walking the corridors of his palace. They stopped in front of him and Basch stopped Larsa before he could try to say anything coherent and said, "I'll have one of the doctors whip up a strong sleeping tonic for you, you resemble a zombie walking the halls you know that?"

Larsa gave a half hearted chuckled and a smile as Basch smiled softly at him. He had heard about Old Dalan's death through Ashe and knew exactly what must've been going through Larsa's mind and also that he most likely hardly got any sleep the previous night, so he knew full well that their young Prince needed to sleep. If he could, Basch would've put him in a coma just so that he could get the sleep he needed.

"Thank you, Basch." Larsa choked out, "I am expecting a letter from..." he stopped himself as he took a quick glance at Catherine and continued with the modified statement, "Low Town this evening or perhaps tomorrow. If I am not … available when it arrives would you please hold on to it for me?"

Basch smirked (he understood what he meant) and nodded before he bowed and headed towards the infirmary to get that sleeping tonic for Larsa.

Larsa sincerely thanked Basch and continued on his way to his room with Catherine where she left him to sleep. By the time Basch arrived with the tonic, Larsa was already cuddled into his sheets and fast asleep. Basch smiled and decided to leave the tonic on his bedside table so that he could have it later in case he woke too early considering that he had an aversion to sleeping during the day, being the generally pro-active man that he was. Basch smiled as he thought of how he could no longer refer to Larsa as a boy any more, especially with everything that he was going through and the fact that he knew Larsa would pull through it all. Larsa was going to be a great king, in fact, he already was.

Larsa first slept for maybe an hour or two before waking again to the early afternoon sun. He wasted no time in downing his tonic, however, and fell right back to sleep. He hadn't so much as twitched in his deep and thankfully dreamless sleep until the next morning when Basch walked into his room reluctantly with a rather tattered piece of paper in his hands. Basch stood beside Larsa's bed and watched him as he slept, his mind finally at peace and Basch wondered if it would be alright to let him sleep through this. But he knew that Larsa would never forgive him if he did not wake him. This was indeed an urgent matter.

Basch gently shook Larsa's shoulder and heard him groan slightly before turning over , cuddling further into the sheets. Basch smiled and almost took back the notion of no longer calling him a child for he very much resembled a toddler cuddling into the sheets of his parents' bed at the moment. Basch sighed however and shook him harder. "Mi Lord, there is urgent news from Rabanastre."

Basch's firm voice seemed to have woken the prince as he groaned and sat up while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He looked up at Basch with the cutest expression of confusion and said, "News...? What news?"

Basch handed him the letter and said, "It came just now from Vaan and Penelo. At first I was going to wait for you to wake before I gave it to you, but when I read it knew you would want to see it as soon as possible."

Larsa gave Basch a questioning side glance, his mind still foggy, unable to think of any news that was so urgent that he would have to be woken up for it. Larsa huffed slightly and looked at the letter for a moment and waited for his eye to focus before he began reading it.

Larsa it's chaos here in Low Town! Yesterday Archadian soldiers invaded Low Town, claiming that they were looking for something. They spent most of their time in the South Sprawl near by Old Dalan's place. They're gone now but Lady Ashe is livid. She's sent a letter to the Senate demanding to know what's going on, why she wasn't given a heads up and why they sent a platoon! It's almost as if the war were still going on! It's crazy! The kids are scared and Kira's no where to be found! What the hell is going on over there? What's the Senate thinking?! You have to do something!

Vaan, Penelo

Larsa read the letter twice before he looked up at Basch for confirmation, as if he couldn't believe what he was reading. Basch looked back at him and said, "I thought that it would be best if you were the one to approach the Senate on the matter."

Larsa's expression hardened and he shot out of bed and headed straight for his drawer and began putting on his clothes over his under shirt and boxers he'd been sleeping quite peacefully in before he began speaking, "I will address the Senate on the matter. I need to get to the bottom of this. They've been scheming for weeks and now they've gone too far, or am I just too late...?" Larsa pondered allowed as he buckled his belt and tied his shoes.

"I believe that the Senate members have indeed planned something and that this plan of theirs just might be under way. I regret, however, that I haven't the faintest idea what they're planning or for what purpose." Basch said as he followed Larsa out of his bed chambers.

"Well whatever it is I doubt that it's anything good. Old Dalan constantly warned me about the Senate...i wonder if he'd known anything..." Larsa thought aloud as he pondered on the many times Old Dalan had dragged him off to a corner to let him know that there was something fishy about the Archadian Senate members, especially the Acting Head of State, Caligula Rossi.

When they reached the Senate's Board room, Larsa ordered Basch to stay behind before he violently shoved the door open and waltzed in without so much as a good morning to any of the slightly startled members of Senate. Larsa walked into the room with a vexed expression that only deepened as he looked at all their faces.

When Larsa locked eyes with Rossi, he felt a chill go down his spine as he watched him smile knowingly. Rossi knew exactly why Larsa was here so early in the morning and Larsa had a sickening feeling that Rossi was having fun with this whole affair.

"Ah, Lord Larsa, how good of you to visit us once again. Heard you had a nice nap..."

"What do you think you're doing Rossi?!" Larsa was quite obviously not in the mood for small talk. Rossi leaned back in his chair slightly, somewhat surprised by the Prince's forcefulness and mentally reminded himself that Larsa was indeed a formidable foe.

"I am terribly sorry Prince, I am not sure I know what you are talking about." Rossi said calmly.

Larsa took a deep breath. He would not allow Rossi to get under his skin. "You said to me that you would call off the search party, and yet this morning I hear that Rabanastre, Low Town has been raided by my soldiers." Larsa was quite obviously livid but his voice was smooth and barely raised in volume.

Rossi feigned a hurt expression and replied, "Raided? I dear say young Prince, I do not know of this raid of which you speak, I sent a few of my guards on a search mission. It was nothing more than that."

"And does a few of your guards equate to a platoon of heavily armed soldiers? You knew full well that the Lady Catherine and I were safe here in the palace. What is that you were searching for so desperately in Rabanastre?" Larsa asked, his voice quivering slightly with the effort of keeping it level.

"Oh that is none of your concern my dear Prince. In time you will know." Rossi smiled wryly at Larsa and watched as a fire behind the young man's eyes blazed with anger, oh how he knew to push the young Lord's buttons.

Larsa's hands balled into fists as he took a few deep breathes before replying, trying desperately to keep his cool. "Sir Rossi....this is more my concern than you would want to believe. I am in charge of international relations whether or not I am King, you know that, and with this...disturbance caused by our soldiers on Dalmascan soil, you have jeopardized our chance at reinstating the Galtean Alliance with Dalmasca. The Lady Ashe, I know for a fact, is far from pleased with these latest events and I am aware that she has sent a letter."

"And we have already replied with our most humble apologies to her highness. We have explained that we were only in search of something of great important to us that we had...lost so to speak and that we are terribly sorry for the disturbance it caused." Rossi said flatly.

"Disturbance?!" Larsa could feel his self control slowly slipping, his anger bubbling to the surface. "Your soldiers reeked havoc in Low Town! There have been...."

"Now now young Prince, you needn't worry about any of this. You just worry about your up coming wedding and corronation. It is only six days from now is it not?"

Larsa stared incredulously at Rossi for a moment before, "That is not of importance at the mom..."

"Come now, you are only what, sixteen going on seventeen. In your youth you shouldn't be so worried over such matters and just to show you how gracious and caring we are, the Senate has decided to relieve you of your duties as head of International Relations." Larsa felt his jaw unhinge and fall to the ground. "Sir Mannings will be taking up your charge." one of the Senate members bowed his head and grinned maliciously, "You just focus on your future young Prince, all of Ivalice is depending on you." Rossi smiled widely, mockingly.

Larsa was stunned, he couldn't believe it. Rossi didn't have that sort of authority...or did he. Larsa quickly riffled through his archives, all the laws and regulations and he knew immediately that he'd been beaten. There was one law in particular that stated that a King had every right to change, remove or add a law to the system as long as he had got a unanimous 'ok' from the Senate Board members. And as Acting Head of State, Caligula also had that right, and there was no doubt in Larsa's mind that the Senate members all agreed to this sudden, ridiculous change in law. Larsa could do nothing, he knew it.

The Senate members all watched Larsa as he seethed, they all knew that he knew that they were planning something, but they also knew that he could do nothing to stop them, and they reveled in the fact. Larsa groaned under his breath and stumped out of the Senate board room, slamming the door behind him.

When Basch saw Larsa storm out of the Senate Board room, he immediately knew that there was bad news. Basch followed Larsa down the hall and waited for him to calm down enough to start talking. Larsa groaned loudly and stopped walking before he turned around to Basch, "They've relieved me of my position as Head of International Relations. That bastards taking advantage of Archadian laws and regulations, making a mockery of our system. I can't do anything!" Larsa thumped his fist hard against the wall and huffed loudly, trying to calm himself down.

Basch stood beside him and said, "Listen Larsa, right now what you need to focus on is your up coming corronation. Once you are king then Rossi will have virtually no power at all."

"And that's what bothers me! That's exactly what he told me. Focus on becoming King, but he seems to be completely fearless about it. Once I am in power then he'll be in deep trouble, but he's acting like we're preparing for a party! He's up to something, and I just feel so vulnerable not knowing anything." Larsa said angrily as he looked up at Basch.

Basch sighed and realized that he was right. Rossi was definitely up to something, something that most likely had to do with Larsa and the throne. Basch folded his arms and looked at Larsa seriously and said, "So what will you do then?"

Larsa pondered the question for a moment before he said, "First I need to speak with the Lady Ashe and let her know that I have virtually no power and that the Senate is up to something. We'll all have to be on guard from now on. I'll go to Rabanastre tomorrow morning, no doubt Catherine will expect me to spend the day with her today considering is slept most of yesterday. I owe her a great deal, after all that I put her through..." Larsa sighed and ran a hand over his face then through his hair. He felt Basch put a firm but comforting hand on his shoulder and smiled up at his guardian, greatly appreciating his attempt at comforting him. "Well, Judge Basch, thank you for accompanying me this morning, but I think it best I find Catherine on my own. I'm sure you have other duties to attend to as well." Larsa said politely and Basch smiled before he nodded, then bowed and began down the hall. Larsa sighed and began his search for his fiancée.

Larsa reached into his pocket and pulled out a pear of crystal earrings, the very earrings Catherine had begged him to buy for her a month prior. He smiled as he looked at them and placed them back into his pocket hoping that she would like the gift he had in store for her.

Larsa woke early the next morning and got dressed after a long, hot, relaxing bath. He made for Catherine's bedroom where he woke her gently to let her know that they would be leaving for Rabanastre in half an hour and that she needed to be ready by then if she wanted to come along. Larsa smiled as he watched her fumble about and felt a certain pride and joy as he noticed that she was still wearing the earrings he'd bought for her.

He exited her room to give her some privacy and headed down to the Aerodome after kindly asking a passing guard to escort the Lady Catherine to the Aerodome when she was ready. He gave Basch a warm good morning as he met him in the lounge.

"Good morning your Highness." Basch said giving a shallow bow, formalities for the image they called it. "Your ship is ready and waiting. Is the Lady Catherine coming as well?"

"Yes, I believe she'll be down soon." Larsa said with a soft apologetic smile as Basch sighed, no doubt he would have to escort her around town while Larsa spoke with the Lady Ashe, and Larsa knew that Basch was not fond of baby sitting.

It didn't take long for them to arrive in Rabanastre and when they did Larsa told Catherine that she would be spending the time with Basch while Larsa spoke with Lady Ashe. She, of course, was not happy with the news, but Larsa begged her to understand. Catherine eventually gave into her prince's wishes and complied. The three of them, flanked by an escort of Rabanastran High Guard, walked together up to the Royal palace. There Basch and Catherine stayed behind while Larsa was lead up to Lady Ashe's office.

Larsa waited patiently as one of the three guards wrapped three times on Lady Ashe's office door and announced his presence. He smiled upon hearing Ashe's voice from behind the door as she ordered them inside, it had been quite a long time since they had seen each other. The Rabanastran Guard opened the door for him and bowed graciously. Larsa thanked the man kindly and walked into the room.

Ashe smiled as she looked up at Larsa, it really had been a long time since she had seen him last. She of course knew of all his past...endeavors and was proud of him to say the least, he had grown to know the difference between what was right and what was 'proper' and choose to do what was right. "Larsa, it's been a long time since we last saw each other, how are you?"

Larsa repaid the smile, "Things could be worse, but honestly I can't see how.," He said as he took the seat she offered him in front of her desk behind which she sat, the desk itself was strewn with papers and envelopes and pens, one elaborate crystal paper weight sat on top of a messy pile of papers that threatened to tumble off the edge of the desk if disturbed.

Ashe sighed and said while placing her elbows on the desk, her fingers interlocked and under her chin, "I can see that. Have you any idea what that Rossi is thinking? Any idea what it is that they've lost?"

Larsa sighed and shook his head slightly. "I haven't the foggiest. Basch and I believe that the Senate members have planned something and we fear that that plan may already be underway. I believe that whatever it is he has planned, it is likely that he hopes it'll end with him on the throne, considering the way he keeps casting me off to the way side, but he is underestimating his opponent." Larsa said, his tone dark and heavy.

Ashe nodded, "Yes, it is true that Rossi has a certain taste for power. They all do, those bitter old fools of the Senate. Larsa, may I ask, when you become King,"she paused for a moment, "would you disassemble the Archadian Senate?"

Larsa blinked. He wasn't expecting that question and he didn't know how to reply. He thought deeply about it. It would make sense yes, in previous generations, the Senate was a great help to the King, but that was when the Senate was full of good, honest people who served their country, now it was full of old, conniving, evil men who only wanted power. Larsa nodded slightly and but then frowned and said, "I am not sure if would have that power. Even as King, the Senate still holds a great deal of authority. It may require a vote among the people or at least among the high standing bureaucrats...but yes, I would do it if I could. They have become a burden on our nation. We could do without them."

Ashe smiled slightly at him and said, "It still amazes me. You who are just barely a man and yet you speak like the Dynast King himself. You will be a great leader some day." Larsa blushed slightly at her sudden compliment.

He sighed and scratched the back of his head, "Ah, but I'll admit that I wish that day was not so close at hand." Ashe laughed at him and shook her head slightly.

"You have good friends Larsa, you'll do just fine." Larsa blushed slightly again. "By the way, I believe congratulations are in order."

Larsa blinked at her for a moment and then blushed slightly as she winked at him, understanding what she was talking about. He sighed slightly and nodded. Ashe watched him and smirked, "So, it's that sort of wedding is it?"

Larsa looked up at her sharply and said, "No, no its not that, it's just..." Larsa didn't know what to say. He knew he should've been smiling and blushing, but, the subject some how made him a bit sad.

Ashe sighed as she watched him and smiled before saying, "Kira...right?" Larsa looked away from her, hating how women had such good intuition. Ashe smiled at him and said, "Don't worry about her, she completely understands I'm sure."

"You know Kira?" Larsa asked, not sure he understood how she knew so much.

"Well of course I do, how do you think she gets a way with some of the things she does to get money?" Larsa smiled and then chuckled. It was true, sometimes he really had to wonder how Kira got by scotch free from some of the heists she pulled. It wasn't from the House Solidor Palace alone that she stole from, and when he'd found that out he was quite stunned. It turned out that she stole from many different places during the time which they did not see each other, places including, Balfonheim Palace, the Lhusu Mines, Bhujerba's Royal Palace, Nalbina Fortress and even the Royal Palace of Dalmasca.

"The truth is though, I am in great debt to her. She can reach the places that I cannot just yet. Low town has been a real problem since the war. People who insist on living down there, especially those that actually grew up there, it's hard to get them supplies when the economy up top is still bad due to the war. Simple things like clean water and clothes, the Garam Scythe water way still full of dangerous monsters so its impossible to get men down there to fix things up so that we can have a steady flow of clean water and prices have gone sky high, everything has just been out of whack since the war. I've been able to make good head way on the economy since but things are still bad. So to have someone like Kira on your side, working to keep things going, and to keep people happy; she's a true blessing really." Larsa could see that Ashe was truly proud of Kira and that she very much admired her even though she herself was someone very much worth admiring.

Larsa smiled and said, "I know what you mean. She has been the saving grace for those in Old Archades as well. Once I am King I will most definitely do something about that place. It is a shame and another blight on our history." Ashe nodded her agreement, having seen the hellish place with her own eyes many times before during her travels in the war.

There was a heavy silence between them. The mood of the conversation impregnating the silence with an ominous aura. Ashe decided to change the subject. "Would you like to stay for lunch?"

Larsa looked up at her and smiled before shaking his head, "No, actually, I was thinking to pay Vaan and Penelo a visit...perhaps I'll see Kira along the way..." The thought excited him in a way he would never have imagined but he shot down the feelings and decided to remain calm and together.

Ashe smirked and said, "Now young one, be careful, you're getting married in a couple of days aren't you?" Larsa gave Ashe a pointed look that made her laugh before he stood up slowly and thanked her for her time. Ashe escorted Larsa to the door, a playful smirk still splayed across her features as she waved goodbye.

Larsa sighed as he made his way out of the Royal place, dismissing his escorts as soon as he was into the streets of Rabanastre. He looked around and wondered where Catherine and Basch might be. As he thought about the places they might possibly be in, his mind drifted to where he might find Kira. The thought of accidentally bucking her up in a random shop made his heart race and he shook his head vigorously to get the thoughts out of his head.

Larsa huffed and decided he would go pay a visit to Migelo. To his surprise and relief that was where he found Catherine and Basch as well. As Larsa opened the door, he heard a familiar voice call his same and he steeled himself for the impact he knew was coming. He grunted slightly as Catherine crashed into his middle, wrapping her arms around him tightly as she embraced her fiancée.

"I missed you! How did it go?" she looked up at him and immediately let go when she realized that he could not breath.

Larsa huffed slightly, trying to regain his breath as he silently wondered why it was that Catherine only ever had this much strength when she was hugging him. After catching his breath he looked over at Basch who looked quite amused and grimaced before saying, "Lady Ashe is as much in the dark as we are."

Basch nodded, his smile still in place, and said, "Are you planning to go down to Low Town before we leave?"

"Yes, I want to have a word with Vaan and Penelo. I want to know exactly what happened." Larsa said looking fierce. Catherine wondered just what was going on. She had been wondering why they had come to Rabanastre and figured it was just a friendly meeting between too nation leaders but now it appeared to her that there was something wrong.

"Larsa, what's going?" Larsa looked over at Catherine and sighed, wondering if he should tell her.

"Come, let's walk and talk." Larsa said as he took her hand and lead her out of the shop, signalling for Basch to follow. "Two days ago, the day after Old Dalan's death, the Archadian Senate sent a platoon of soldiers into Low Town in search of something. We do not know what it is that they were searching for but I have reason to believe that they are planning something. Possibly something that will end with Rossi, the current Acting Head of State, on the throne." Basch took a glance at Larsa with a somewhat alarmed expression and Larsa returned his gaze, "It is all speculation of course, but I know that I can't be too careful around them." Larsa looked down to see Catherine's worried expression and said with a soft, reassuring smile, "But no need to worry, Rossi is underestimating his opponent."

Catherine smiled slightly at him before saying, "But for what reason would he not want you on the throne? You were born to rule Archadia, father even thinks that you should rule over the Galtean Alliance like King Raithwall did."

"And that is exactly why Rossi wants my position. Rossi is a power hungry man who I suspect would do just about anything to gain power, and if he has an opportunity to gain power over all of Ivalice, I am sure, without a doubt he would take it. I just don't know how." Larsa said. The more he talked about it the more it made sense. Rossi and the Senate members were planning to over throw him.

"But then...if that is indeed their goal, then why involve Dalmasca?" Basch asked. Larsa looked over at him and sighed. Yes, that was the thorn in his side. He couldn't possibly imagine why they would need to involve Dalmasca in all of this if all they wanted was to over throw their Prince. As much as Larsa hated to admit it, in his current state, that wouldn't be very hard for the Senate. "If Rossi was really looking to over throw you and take control then he would've done it by now would he not?" Basch said.

Larsa thought about it and shook his head, "No, he would wait until after the treaty is signed. He would wait until all the chips were on the table, then he'd grab it and cash them all in. He's waiting until I take control of the Galtean Alliance before he strikes."

By then they had reached the south gate and were heading down to Low Town through the stair well. Larsa looked around for someone that might've been able to point him in the right direction to find Kira...no Vaan and Penelo. Larsa shook his head and reminded himself that he was trying to find Vaan and Penelo so that he could try to find clues about what the Senate was planning. It wasn't long before Larsa spotted Kytes and smiled.

"Kytes!" Larsa called as he hopped down the rest of the stares towards his friend.

"Lamont! Dude, wasn't expecting to see you back so early, what's up?" Kytes said with his usual energy.

Larsa smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "Hey, any idea where I can find Vaan and Penelo?"

"Ah, yeah they should be around here somewhere I think they're on the other side of the South Sprawl."

"Thanks." Larsa said with a smile as he quickly hugged his orphan friend and made his way back to Catherine and Basch where they waited just by the stair well.

"They're in the opposite side of the South Sprawl." Larsa said to Basch as they began to walk. They walked in silence, Larsa and Basch occasionally waving and saying hi to random people, but the South Sprawl was eerily empty, almost as if Old Dalan's ghost haunted it's walls and people were afraid to get too close. The air around the place was heavy and sad, the few people they passed giving half hearted greetings and hardly saying a word. Kytes' energy was in complete contrast to everyone else and Larsa had to smile as he realized that Kytes had learned from the best.

Larsa then began to wonder, again, where Kira might be. He was actually surprised that he had yet to meet her. He was sure that word of his presence would've reached her by now and she herself would've come to greet him, or was she upset with him? Was she angry that he'd left? Did she not care about him any more? Larsa mentally slapped himself and told himself to stop thinking like that and focus on the matters at hand.

It wasn't long before they reached the other side of the South Sprawl and when the walked out into the large open hall where Larsa suspected Vaan and Penelo might be, the apple of his eye came and lit up his world like a florescent bulb in the dark.

Larsa felt his lips stretch themselves across his face as he watched her bound across the room towards him, her hair bouncing and blowing in wind, her eyes bright and shining. Larsa laughed out as he picked her up and twirled her around before hugging her tightly, her laughter peeling out and echoing in the hall. He never imagined he would've missed her so much after just two days.

"Daddyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!" Tihana screeched joyously as he spun her around and hugged her. She wrapped her tiny arms around his neck and squeezed tightly, almost choking her surrogate father. Tihana let go then and leaned away so that she could look up at her father and said, "Daddy, Tihana missed you sooooooo much!! Where'd you go?!"

Larsa had to laugh at the girls cuteness and simply said, "Daddy just went out for a bit that's all."

"...ok" Tihana said cutely. She looked like she was about to say something else when Vaan and Penelo suddenly appeared before them.

"Lamont! You got our letter then?" Vaan said and Larsa noticed that he looked rather tired with dark bags under his eyes and his stance seemed...heavy almost.

"Yes I did." Larsa said, his tone becoming serious. He looked down at the bundle of cuteness in his arms and then over at Catherine who had been standing a little ways off. "Catherine, take care of Tihana for me while I talk to Vaan."

Catherine smiled and took the little girl from him as he walked over to her, "Sure. Hi Tihana, do you remember me?"

The little girl smiled brightly and nodded, "Uh huh!! Hey Aunty Catherine, have you seen my mommy?" Catherine glanced down at the girl with a quirked brow and shook her head before she looked over at Basch to see if he'd heard. He hadn't, he was speaking with Penelo a little ways off and Larsa was talking to Vaan.

"I'm sorry, we only just came we haven't seen...her yet." It was then that Catherine realized that there was a high possibility that they might see Kira today, and she prayed silently that they wouldn't, fearing what Kira might do if she saw Larsa.

"So they just came and left?" Larsa asked, his arms folded and his expression thoughtful.

"Yeah, it was weird, scary, but weird. They came in loaded with armor, bomb rushed the place but they didn't hurt any body and then just took off. One person says that they saw one of them go to the morgue up top and when he came back they left. Not sure what to make of it all but, it's a bit scary. You have any idea what's going on? No doubt this has nothing to do with you..." Vaan said nervously, after everything that had happened, he was just sort of on edge.

"No, I'm as much in the dark as you are, all I know is that the Senate is up to something, something along the lines of a coup d'etat but I'm not sure what they would want with Dalmasca if it is a coup d'etat, so I really don't have any idea what they're planning." Larsa said. He watched Vaan nod and shifted his stance slightly. He wanted to ask...he needed to know, he was getting very worried, he just couldn't understand why he hadn't seen her yet. "Vaan..." Vaan looked at Larsa at the sudden sound of his name. "Where's Kira?"

Vaan frowned suddenly and sighed before saying, "I was hoping you could tell me. She's been gone ever since the night Old Dalan died. Last time anyone saw her was when all the orphans were going to bed in Old Dalan's place. Poor Tihana woke up and both her parents were gone. She came running to us and we've been looking for her ever since. We knew you'd be gone, but I'm a bit worried about Kira. Any ideas?"

Larsa stood staring at Vaan for a moment, his mouth agape. Kira was gone? How? Why? That can't be right. Kira wouldn't have just disappeared and not return at a time like this. Larsa thought back to the morning after Old Dalan's death. He remembered her teleporting away as she told him that she didn't love him and he began to wonder if it was his fault. Where did she teleport to after he'd asked her that question? Had he driven her away? Was it all his fault?

"Larsa?!" Larsa looked up suddenly at the sound of his real name to find that Vaan had been trying in vain to get his attention. "I was asking if you had any idea where Kira would be."

"No... no I don't know...." Larsa said slowly, guilt washing over him in waves as he pondered on why Kira was no where to be found, and where she could be.

"Larsa, where ever Kira is, I'm sure she's fine. I don't know why she hasn't returned but whatever it is, it's not your fault." Basch said, suddenly appearing beside him as he placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

Larsa looked up at him and shook his head slightly, "We have to find her." his voice came out firmer than he'd thought it would.

"No, Larsa, you can't, you don't have that sort of luxury any more. The leaders of your country are plotting against you, I know how important Kira is to you, but Archadia needs you right now. Kira will be fine, if anything, she's probably just out on a hunt who knows." Penelo said as she stood beside Vaan, Basch having apparently filled her in on the little details they knew about the recent happenings.

Larsa sighed and looked away from them for a moment before he noticed that Tihana was now suddenly running towards him, having some how escaped Catherine's hold. He turned to face her and picked her up when she'd reached him and smiled at her. His smile fell just as quickly however when she'd asked, "Daddy, where's mommy? You know don't you?"

Larsa sighed and looked away from his daughter for a moment, getting a glimpse of the sympathetic expressions on Basch's, Vaan's and Penelo's faces. "No sweety, I'm afraid that I don't. I'm sure she's fine though, where ever she is." Tihana pouted and rested her head on her fathers shoulder. Larsa huffed slightly, not liking that his daughter was sad and that he could do nothing to cheer her up. In fact, to make matters worse, he would now have to make her even more sad as Basch silently let him know that it was about time they got back, before the Senate decided that he'd been gone for too long. Larsa looked over at Tihana and said, "Tia, honey," She looked up at him, "I have to leave now sweety, but I'll be back I promice." he added on quickly as he saw the sour look on her face.

"Next month?" Tihana said bitterly. Larsa sweat dropped and sighed before he gently kissed the little girl's forehead.

"You tell mommy that I came by alright. If you see her before Vaan and Penelo, then you tell her I said to go talk to them ok?" Larsa said to her, he wouldn't continue about coming back, he didn't want to lie any more.

Tihana frowned again and huffed before she nodded her head and said, "Yes daddy..." Larsa smiled at his cute little girl and kissed her forehead one last time before he put her down.

"Alright, let's go before the Senate comes up with another reason to do something stupid on account of my absence." Larsa said, giving Tihana one last hug, praying silently that he'd be allowed to see her again once this was all over. His prayers would not be answered.

OoOoO

To be continued...