Here's a bit of a continuation of chapter 7, in which Al-Cid and Balthier can't seem to see eye-to-eye and Balthier cannot speak Rozarrian. Once again, translations are at the end of the chapter!

For the last week, the royal palace had been abuzz with excitement. Maids had been fluttering around, whispering rumors to each other as they passed by. Cooks had been changing the menus, wondering what they would need to make sure not to serve. And as for Ashe's adviser, well, he had been answering questions he never thought he'd need to.

You see, her majesty Ashelia was expecting. Many assumed that the father was a certain Rozarrian prince the queen was often seen with and those same were now eagerly awaiting a royal wedding to accompany the news. The rumors swirled still, the father supposedly being everyone from an Arcadian judge to her adviser himself. To a select few, however, the truth of the matter was known.

A celebration was to be put on, of course, with nobility from far and wide coming to offer their congratulations to Ashe. By the time the festivities were planned and invites sent out and replied to, Ashe was nearing her seventh month and had still not confirmed the identity of the father.

Greeting guests and seeing some giving her looks of disappointment did not wear out the queen's enthusiasm. 'Let them talk and call me what they wish.' Ashe could not care less of what they thought of her.

Penelo, Vaan, Fran, and Balthier were in attendance as well; Vaan and Penelo chatted happily with Larsa as Fran made her way over to Basch, leaving Balthier with Ashe. The skypirate smiled softly, and brought her hand to his lips.

"Princess, might I say you look lovely today?" Then dropping his voice, he continued. "How's our little man doing? Everything is still okay?"

Ashe replied in equally hushed tones. "I still think we're having a girl, and yes, I'm the same as I was yesterday when you asked, and the same as the day before and the day before that. You don't need to worry." She laughed lightly.

"It's hard not to, knowing that we're having a child." He then returned his voice to normal. "So, how is everything around here? Keeping out of trouble while being the biggest scandal to hit Dalmasca in quite a while?"

Ashe rolled her eyes slightly. "I really haven't had to worry much about not causing trouble. I cannot do anything without being followed by at least a single maid." But you knew that, her eyes continued for her, since you've been here as much as you can. His smirk gave all the reply she needed.

"Mi Bonita!" A voice boomed out, and many nobles turned their head towards the Rozarrian Prince entering the room. Al-Cid turned to his 'little bird' and passed his sunglasses to her before crossing the room to where Ashe and Balthier were standing. Balthier crossed his arms and shook his head, turning away as Al-Cid took her hand. "You are simply radiant, my dear bloom." A quick kiss on the hand, and -as if the rumors weren't flying enough already- a kiss on the cheek.

"Al-Cid," Ashe grinned hugging the man loosely. "I'm glad to see you could make it."

"Now would I miss an event where many people think I am also to be celebrated?" He chuckled.

"Yes, how could you ever miss such an opportunity?" Balthier muttered, turning back towards the scene.

"Ah, my dear galán!" Al-Cid grinned. "I hear congratulations are in order, no? Do not worry, I shall only bask in the rumors today, and then I'll admit to not being the father."

Balthier was still scowling slightly. He had yet to learn what that horrible word meant, but he would find out one of these days. "Yes, but the one day of praise will be enough to fuel your ego until there is another opportunity." His tone was dry.

"You wound me, galán! Surely you can understand a man's need for a bit of praise. Did you not boast of your new improvements on the Strahl to Ashe for this same reason?"

"But that is a ship and not a child!"

"The way you treat it," Al-Cid's eyes shone, "One might think otherwise."

Balthier clenched his fists and stormed off, muttering angrily.

Ashe sighed, giving Al-Cid quite the look. "Must you always be like this with him? It would be nice if my best friend could get along with the man I love."

"But isn't it much more fun this way? Anyways, my public awaits! Les deseo muchos años de felicidad con el galán! Farwell, mi bonita!"

She just shook her head after him. He was a character, that was for sure. Perhaps she would have to live with their conflicting personalities. After all, she did wish to ask Al-Cid to be the godfather of their child… Which she wasn't going to tell Balthier just yet, as it seemed he was still brooding.

Galán- Leading Man

Mi Bonita- My pretty one

Les deseo muchos años de felicidad con el galán- I wish you many years of happiness with the leading man!