Disclaimer: I only own Jamaila and any other minor OCs that may be mentioned. The rest belongs to Squaresoft/Square-Enix.
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"The hell …? I thought you guys didn't get along? You're like, all buddy-buddy now." – Zell Dincht, FFVIII
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For the Love of Gaia …!
Chapter V: All Buddy-Buddy Now
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Centra Castle – Princess' Chamber
Following the whole fiasco yesterday (Edea had woken up at 6am, personally writing letters of apology to most of the guests – which, if they hadn't already forgotten the incident, would certainly remind them), Jamaila had woken up in dreary spirits, partially depressed about the impression she must have left upon the guests.
Hyne, whoever said that "first impressions last" was right …
Attired in a simple dress (picked out by her maids, no doubt – she would never deliberately pick out hot pink) the brunette opened her door, which had been rapped upon by soft but persistent knocks.
Her maid, Elena, smiled at the Princess as she opened the door. "Princess, would you be willing to come downstairs to the Guest Room? Someone requests your presence there."
Jamaila's brows creased together slightly, but she nodded anyway. "Sure, I'll make my way there."
Elena curtsied before making her way downstairs, possibly to tend to the Queen some more. Jamaila exited her room and retraced the steps to the Guest Room.
The hallway was plastered in white, with strong pillars standing tall, representing the strategic advantage of such a massive castle: sturdy, balanced, and unyielding. The marble floor caused Jamaila's heels to echo in the empty corridor. Truthfully, though, she had not been expecting anyone to request to meet her now.
Who knows, maybe Mother will be there with my groom-to-be …
Her eyes widened.
Gosh, his name better not be Tradition …
As her feet neared the guestroom, she tried to convince herself that regardless of how many faults her mother had, she would never let her daughter marry someone named 'Tradition' …
She took a deep breath in before exhaling and opening the door. However, a smile spread on the brunette's face as she recognized the guest.
It was Quistis; looking simple yet stunning in a black blazer and skirt set, with high-heeled shoes; her hair was open and flipped at the ends, reminiscent of Selphie's favourite style. Upon the door's opening, the blonde smiled at stood up before curtseying.
"Princess Jamaila." It was a formal greeting rather than a friendly one, but the brunette appreciated it nonetheless.
Jamaila inclined her head. "Quistis, to what do I owe this pleasure?" The tactician's visits were not always pleasant, though.
Quistis moved towards the table, where a bottle of one of Centra's best vintners and a glass stood. "After meeting my father, he informed me of what the Kings and Queens of Gaia were planning to do."
Jamaila frowned for the second time that day. Great, I haven't even met Mother yet and I'm already having a bad feeling about all this.
"-And if they have any suggestions, they will meet-"
I wonder what Tradition looks like …
"-because the royal brethren have come of age, and-"
Mmm, I hope he looks like Prince Squall. Hyne, wouldn't that be something …?
Quistis frowned, and then snapped her fingers across Jamaila's line of vision. "Princess, are you listening?"
"Huh? Oh …" Jamaila blinked her thoughts away. Upon catching sight of Quistis' frown, she smiled. "Of course, Quistis!"
The blonde gave her a disbelieving look.
The brunette persisted. "Yeah, you were talking about the royal brethren, and … stuff …"
Quistis decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Just … be sure to meet Her Majesty the Queen. She'll have more to tell you on that subject."
Jamaila nodded and watched the blonde curtsey before leaving the room.
Hyne, what in Gaia would my Mother want now?
x.x.x
Galbadia Castle – Throne Room
'Hyne knows why the hell I've gotta go meet that Centran chick.'
Josef had just informed Seifer of what he had planned: the pair were both going to Centra (with permission from Queen Edea) so that the King of Galbadia and the Queen of Centra could discuss "the well-being of you kids."
'Honestly, I'm the Prince of a country and he still calls me "kid."'
He rose, intending to go back to his chambers, when a messenger ran into the Throne Room, his grey head bobbing up and down as he repeatedly bowed to the Almasys. It was only when he caught sight of the King's raised hand that he stopped.
"Your Majesty," he started, addressing Josef, "I have a message for you from Colonel Martine."
"Colonel Martine?" Josef narrowed his eyes slightly. Martine was a friend of Caraway's, another man who was willing to serve his country with everything he had. Which was not a lot, considering; his wife had recently divorced him, and he had never been very good with money.
Josef looked back at the messenger, both impatient to find out what Martine's message was and annoyed that the anonymous messenger had not straightened up yet.
Sighing, he commanded the grey-haired man to rise.
The still-unnamed messenger attempted to rise, but –
CRACK!
Seifer winced as the messenger's facial expression contorted to one of pain. Instantly, the King clicked his fingers, summoning two guards who helped escort the messenger out.
'Ouch, that must've hurt …'
Exiting the Throne Room, Seifer was glad that he had not run into Ling. Hyne knew how much he wanted to deal with her (i.e. not at all).
'Hyne, please make something good come out of this stupid meeting …' Hyne, however, chose to ignore him.
x.x.x
Centra Castle – Throne Room
Due to Quistis' request (and, most likely, her mother's order), Jamaila had to go to the Throne Room. Why, though … she still didn't know.
As she entered the Throne Room, she noted her mother was wearing a white robe, her hair open like Jamaila's.
Suddenly, the brunette felt an irritable sensation at the back of her feet. Therefore, instead of smiling back at her mother, she ended up grimacing. Yeah, it's a really bad time for you shoes to start hurting.
Edea looked affronted at her daughter's expression and asked the one question that was already answered. "Jamaila, are you okay?"
Jamaila plastered a sickly sweet smile on her face, and looked up at her mother. "I'm fine, Mother."
But my feet aren't, she hissed under her breath. I swear, whoever made these shoes –
"You know, maybe you should take them off," Edea suggested. Jamaila inwardly rejoiced at her mother's sudden understanding and compassion for her.
Hastily, she slipped off both shoes and examined her feet. They throbbed in pain and the back of her feet had turned pink from the exposure of the devilish shoes. Jamaila grimaced again, obviously realizing one of the repercussions of allowing the maid to pick out the attire.
Edea frowned slightly, but then something else caught her eye: she spotted a messenger outside gesturing wildly, possibly hoping to convey a message to her. Evidently, he thought that the two females inside were discussing something private, which is why he did not want to intrude. However, he was far from inconspicuous.
Jamaila, meanwhile, had just realized who her mother had diverted her attention to, and turned her head to stare at the messenger, attempting to decipher his message. Unfortunately, 'lip-reading' and 'gesture-translating' were two fields that she was not particularly adept in, so she was reduced to simply staring at him blankly, hoping that at least her mother understood.
He finished relaying his message and stood there expectantly; reminding Jamaila suspiciously of a boy that wanted a treat after doing what he was asked to do. Edea gestured at him, before sighing and turning back to Jamaila.
"Jamaila, why don't you go back and change your shoes whilst I sort this out?"
The brunette lightly shrugged before making her way back to her chambers. If she had only listened to Quistis when she had the chance … she would have known who were due to arrive in her castle.
x.x.x
Galbadia Castle – Outside
Josef's message, from Colonel Martine, had basically outlined the various factors that would have to be taken into account when Galbadia and Centra "become one." Seifer, of course (seeing as he never listened to his father's ramblings – political or otherwise), misunderstood; he assumed that his father was planning to invade Centra – something, that at one point, would have been running through his mind.
Both the King and Prince – not to mention some escorts (one of which – to Seifer's dismay – was Ling) were all waiting outside for the ships that would take them to Centra. Being a somewhat 'reclusive' area of land, most visitors always sailed by ship when going to Centra, as a sign of respect for their privacy. Seifer, at times, had assumed that they were building a weapon of mass destruction there.
Josef narrowed his eyes slightly, both to shield his eyes against the blinding sunlight and to silently reprimand the driver of the approaching ship for arriving 0.9 seconds later than was expected.
Harsh, but when you worked for Josef Almasy, you had to get used to it.
The blond straightened his navy blue blazer before turning to his son. "You wait, Seifer, we'll hold the most land before long."
Seifer nodded absently and turned to watch the ship dock. It was best not to question the Galbadian King about his 'true purpose'; not unless you wanted a 20-minute lecture on 'unity and 'Almasy lineage', anyway.
One of the ship's attendants – a mousy-looking boy of about 16 – bowed and extended an arm behind him. "Your Highness King Josef, Your Majesty Prince Seifer, please step on board the Highwind."
Josef nodded curtly before entering. Seifer sighed before following after him.
He still didn't understand why the hell he had to go to Centra: his father was the one that had to meet the Queen to discuss … whatever they were planning to discuss. He also did not want to meet the annoying 'Princess', either; he knew that the only discussing they'll do will consist of snappy retorts and even wittier remarks.
'What was her name – Janette, Julia?'
However, he decided not to question it any further; he was more curious about why they were going to Centra, anyway.
"Father?"
Josef looked back at his son. "What is it, Seifer?"
"Do you know exactly what we'll be expecting there?"
Josef frowned at his son. "Seifer, this is simply a meeting about the union of Galbadia and Centra. I just need to discuss a vital point with Queen Edea before we finalize the … deal."
Seifer raised an eyebrow, but said nothing else. Josef turned back to stare out at the waves.
However, the younger blond heard a familiar voice yell "Seifer!" from behind him.
He looked back, and grinned.
'Maybe this journey won't be so bad after all.'
x.x.x
Centra Castle – Hallways
What her mother had just told her was even worse than the time she had to wear that stupid shawl, due to stupid 'tradition' … and that was saying something.
Jamaila's turquoise eyes narrowed overhead as she imagined Mr. Arrogant strutting down the hallways, acting as if he was already King.
Why in Hyne's name does he have to come as well? It would have at least been bearable if only his father had arrived.
Who knows, maybe that big head of his would end up stuck somewhere, postponing his visit here. Jamaila briefly entertained herself with that thought, before her mother clapped her hands twice.
"Patrice, make sure all dishes are of the best quality. After all, the Almasy family are arriving shortly, not the mayor of Fishermans' Horizon."
Jamaila wondered inwardly if the mayor still remembered her.
Probably as 'The-Weirdo-Who-Smiles-For-No-Apparent-Reason', she thought sourly. After all, she had not left a good impression in the Inauguration Dinner.
Patrice looked like a Moogle high on Haste. "I'm on it, Your Majesty!"
Jamaila looked back towards the entrance. Honestly, what was the point of all the dashing around?
It's not like it's the … oh, all right, so it is the King … but is that really a reason to rush around, trying to make everything perfect?
She did not (predictably) receive an answer. However, the sound of pans crashing awoke her from her reverie and Patrice's stream of Estharian curse words lash out. It was lucky that no-one but he understood – Edea could have fired him just for that.
The guard stationed near the Entrance rushed back inside. "Your Majesty, I see a ship approaching!"
Edea hastily straightened up. "It must be them. Quick, Jamaila, make sure that you're all ready, and then come and meet them outside."
Jamaila rolled her eyes. No thanks, I'd much rather wait for them in here. However, she would not (or rather, could not) voice her thoughts out loud. And, even if she did, she doubted her mother would have heard them; she was too preoccupied trying to glimpse the blonds on the ship.
The King got off first, with his navy suit; she had expected him to have been wearing robes. It'd make him look more 'King-like', at any rate.
The blond nightmare got off next, and Jamaila hoped he fell face-down on the ground.
Unfortunately for her, he didn't.
Edea started to move forward toward them. "Josef, so good to see you!"
Josef smiled something like Seifer's customary smirk but slightly withered with age. "Well, Edea, it was most gracious of you to invite us."
He grasped her hand and raised it up to his lips. Edea, enjoying the attention, beamed up at him, a faint blush staining her cheeks.
Seifer, however, looked away at the chivalrous act. His eyes locked onto Jamaila's for a moment, before the familiar smirk crept onto his face. Jamaila had the sudden urge to strangle him, and then seemed to think better of it.
After all, not even he was worth a lifetime confinement in the Dungeons.
Edea and Josef both made their way towards the Entrance, Seifer resignedly following.
After the Queen and two Almasys entered, she gestured for her daughter to come forward.
Rolling her eyes up towards the ceiling, Jamaila made her way towards the trio.
Edea then smiled and turned to the two blonds. "This is my daughter, Jamaila Kramer."
Josef's jade-green gaze lingered on Jamaila's form for a minute, and she felt extremely self-conscious. He then extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Your Highness."
"Um…" She smiled tentatively up at him. "Pleased to meet you too … Your Majesty."
Seifer raised an eyebrow in bemusement.
An awkward silence then ensued, both parents wondering why Seifer and Jamaila were not introducing themselves to each other.
Not wanting to catch sight of her mother's 'What-are-you-doing?' glare, Jamaila plastered a fake smile on her face. "A pleasure."
Seifer grinned. "Oh no, the pleasure is all mine … Princess." He drawled out the last word, sarcasm unmistakeable in his tone.
Jamaila narrowed her eyes slightly, but dared not say anything as her mother and King Josef's gaze continued to stare at them, probably sensing the sudden tension in the atmosphere.
Edea smiled back at Josef, as both Jamaila and Seifer continued to glare at each other. "Well – um – Josef, shall we – er – get down to business?"
Josef cleared his throat. "Why, yes, Edea, that would be lovely. Shall we?"
Edea looked back at the duo, who had ceased their non-verbal battle and were staring at their parents with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.
"We'll be in the Throne Room. You two get acquainted now, won't you?" Edea's glare was directed at Jamaila, conveying a message of its own: 'or else, I'll un-throne you.'
She left with Josef, leaving Jamaila to ponder her mother's so-called 'threat'. Wait, was it even possible for Edea to 'un-throne' her?
Maybe – after all, she is the Queen.
Seifer's scoff, however, ceased her train of thought. "Is this your castle?"
Jamaila smirked. "Yes, it is. A beauty, isn't it?"
Seifer walked off. "I've seen better."
Jamaila straightened herself up before following him. "And what, pray tell, do you mean by that?"
Seifer stopped walking and turned to look at her. "Exactly what I said."
He began to stride down the Hallway, for no other reason than to annoy the Princess beside him. After all, he had no clue where he was going.
"Ugh!" Jamaila's voice sounded behind him, as she moved to keep up with his longer strides. "Why the hell do you have to be so difficult for?"
Seifer stopped again, causing Jamaila to almost bump into him. "I'm difficult? At least I don't end up throwing a temper tantrum just because someone was in my way."
Jamaila glared. "Well, I'm sorry it affected your ego so."
Seifer raised an eyebrow. "And, I'm sorry it pissed you off so."
Jamaila rolled her eyes. Seifer was about to leave her and walk off to Hyne-knew-where, but her voice stopped him … yet again.
"Why do you think they're discussing, anyway?"
Seifer folded his arms. "You're asking for my opinion now? What, you learned to respect your elders or something?"
Jamaila looked ready to pounce on him and suck his blood out. "Just answer the question, Almasy."
Seifer rolled his eyes and uncrossed his arms. "They're hoping to get married and have kids. How many do you think they should have – 1 or 2?"
Jamaila made a face. "Ew!"
Seifer turned. "'Ew' is right."
Jamaila was just about to call him back, when the door to the Kitchens opened and a chef ran out, with a tray in hand. Hastily, he walked past Seifer, nudging the blond slightly. Seifer regained his balance, before he incredulously cried "Hey!"
The waiter ignored him.
"Bloody stupid waiter…" Seifer mumbled. Luckily, there was no stain in his suit.
A laugh interrupted Seifer's search, and he looked up to Jamaila.
"Serves you right." She grinned.
"Yeah, what-the-fuck-ever." Seifer rolled his eyes. "Are your chefs always that stupid?"
Jamaila huffed. "My chefs are not stupid!"
Seifer raised his eyebrows. "Well, could've fooled me."
Jamaila help up a finger accusingly. "Actually, because of you-"
The doors to the Throne Room opened, and the King and Queen exited. Jamaila hastily put her arm back down to the side, still thinking about her mother's threat.
Edea beamed, something she always did when there was good news for her …
… And, usually, bad news for Jamaila.
Josef smirked at his son, his mind already concocting his plan to take over the world (well, not literally). Seifer frowned; for the first time, he was a bit afraid.
… Yes, only a bit.
Edea folded her hands in front of her. "Well … we've come to a decision."
Josef grinned. "I hope you've become all 'buddy-buddy' now, because…"
The two exchanged a look, before extending out their arms. "You two are going to be married!"
Jamaila and Seifer gaped. "WHAT?!"
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A/N: Wooooooaaahhhh! Cliff-hanger! (yep – hate them too!) Anyways, sorry about the delay, but I hope you enjoy the chapter!
If not, then – well – press the 'REVIEW' button with your thoughts! Lines are now open, so phone in! (Yeah, don't ask …)
Ash XX