I really wanted to put this story to bed, but I felt pressured to add a third (and hopefully final) chapter due to a couple reviews. Well, I hope I didn't disappoint with this one.
Special thanks to BigMoose01, Cosmic Sky, and scooter2 for the reviews.
Alear's coronation as the new Divine Dragon Monarch went off without a hitch. Nobles and commoners from Brodia, Elusia, Solm, and Firene were invited to Lythos Castle for said coronation. The Divine Dragon's army/allies/friends were, of course, present for the momentous occasion. After a long and inspiring speech from the Divine Dragon about hope and forging bonds, a grand ball was thrown in Lythos Castle, organized by Citrinne.
As the sky turns dark and the stars twinkle up above, the fun continues inside Lythos Castle. Whether it's feasting on Bunet's dishes or stepping on the dance floor, the ball was full of nothing but smiles and cheers.
Alear sits on his throne as he watches everyone have fun. It makes his heart beat with joy to see such a peaceful sight - representatives from all nations under one roof, just talking and dancing and cheering. Many Elusians chose not present for the festivities due to the unfortunate state their nation was left in thanks to the Fell Dragon Sombron, but there were some Elusians outside of the Divine Dragon's army who wanted to come and see if the new monarch of Lythos will truly champion peace for all.
"Brother!"
Alear was interrupted from his contemplation. Stepping forth towards his throne is his beloved sister Veyle.
"Everyone is having so much fun dancing. Why won't you join us?" Veyle asked.
"I would love to dance, Veyle," said Alear. "I'm just, well, thinking."
"About what, brother?" Veyle asked.
"Something important," Alear said vaguely. "I'm working up the courage to announce it."
"Ooh, so it must be a very important announcement," Veyle said excitedly. "Well, how about a little dance to help you muster the courage."
Veyle grabs Alear's hand and pulls him off of his throne. He does not protest and just laughs as his sister drags him to the dance floor. As he dances with his sister, he takes the time to look at the other pairs dancing.
Panette is trying to help keep Amber balanced.
Merrin and Kagetsu are showing off each other's footwork.
Goldmary displays her "perfect" steps to Boucheron.
Chloe and Louis can only stare at each other's eyes as they danced the night away.
Etie accepts Alfred's invitation for a dance.
Yunaka and Seadall dance together with slow but enchanting grace.
Alcryst is trying to steady himself for Lapis's sake.
Diamant and Ivy keep it simple - no flashy steps or laughter.
"It was very bold of you to ask me to dance with you in front of everyone," Ivy said to the Brodian prince. "But it does help that we sough other dance partners first before approaching each other."
"Rumors will start regardless, but it is best to avoid as much suspicion as possible," said Diamant. "I am glad that you agreed."
"How could I not?" Ivy smiled. "I think I made it clear how I feel about you, despite some troubling revelations. Besides, there was no way I was going to leave tonight without a dance with the soon-to-be King of Brodia."
"And I would hate to end this night without a dance with the soon-to-be-crowned Queen of Elusia," Diamant said with a smile.
"Have you spoken to Hortensia and my retainers yet?" Ivy asked.
"I have not," Diamant answered.
"That's a shame. Tonight was as good as any time to ask for my hand in marriage," Ivy teased.
"I think we both know that proposing to you in front of the Brodian nobility and the Elusian common folk on this very night would make peace between our nations less than possible," said Diamant.
"I was just testing your patience," Ivy chuckled.
"I do not know when the right time is, but I will be thinking about it every day," said Diamant.
Diamant and Ivy have decided that they danced with each other for too long, especially since Brodian nobility and Elusian commoners are present in the audience. Diamant and Ivy slowly let go of each other as they search for new dance partners. Diamant asks Timerra for a dance, while Ivy approaches Alfred.
"Isn't it beautiful, brother?" Veyle asked. "Now that the war is over, we can all find joy in moments like tonight's ball."
"It warms my heart to see it so," said Alear.
"We should have one like this every year," Veyle suggested. "I would like to see our friends get together and just have fun."
"I'll remember to tell Citrinne to prepare for next year's ball then," said Alear.
"I'm surprised Citrinne didn't go all out for this ball," Veyle noted. "She seemed like the type of person who would want everything to be big and grand and shiny."
"Well, I think it was my influence that convinced her to throw a simple ball," said Alear. "And I appreciate her for it."
As Alear danced, his eyes wander towards a certain member in the audience - his fiancée Citrinne. No one knows of their engagement just yet, though. Citrinne looks at his direction and waves. He can see the Pact Ring sparkling on her ring finger, just begging him to open his mouth about the truth.
"Is there someone else you wanna dance with, brother?" Veyle asked, as she noticed her brother's eyes wandering elsewhere.
"I think I'm just about ready to make that announcement," said Alear.
"Oh, okay," Veyle replied.
Alear tells Vander to stop the music and tell everyone that he has something important to say. Vander obeys and orders the musicians to cease. The dancing, eating, and casual chatter stop as all eyes turn towards the Divine Dragon Monarch.
"Everyone, I apologize for interrupting your fun, but the Divine Dragon wishes to say something important to you all," Vander said as loud as he can for all to hear.
Alear stands before everyone, preparing to say what he wants to say. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
"Good evening, everyone," Alear started. He tried to sound as calm and confident as he can. "It warms my heart to see all of you having fun this very evening. As I have mentioned earlier, all I want to see all nations live together in peace and harmony. I have taken up my mother's title as the Divine Dragon Monarch in order to see it so. However, I must now tell you all that I do not intend to rule alone. In fact, I wish to share this responsibility with someone, someone special, someone I trust and adore with all my heart."
Murmurs started amongst the nobles and commoners. It made Alear a bit nervous, but he tried to stay as calm as he can be.
"The Pact Ring is yet another gift that my mother Queen Lumera left to me," Alear continued. "I am to give to the one who I cherish the most, to the one I love. It is with great joy that I announce the name of the person who wears it - Lady Citrinne of Brodia!"
Gasps of shock and cheers erupt from the crowd as all eyes turn towards the wearer of the Pact Ring. Citrinne hides her blushing face as her friends cheered her on.
"Congratulations!" Pandreo cheered.
"When did this love story begin?" Fogado wondered.
"The Divine One has a future wife!" Framme shouted.
"This means she's gonna be the Divine Dragon Queen," said Lapis.
"I'm so happy for you and my brother, Citrinne!" Veyle said excitedly.
Seeing that Citrinne is too shy to step forward, Veyle grabs hold of Citrinne's hand and drags her towards the Divine Dragon King. Veyle happily throws the Brodian noble into the Divine One's arms. Citrinne's face becomes redder as she thinks about how they are holding each other in front of everyone present in this ball.
"Well, Lady Citrinne, would you like to say something to everyone?" Alear asked.
"Oh, to put me on the spot," Citrinne replied, embarrassed. "But I swear to you, my Divine Dragon King and the people of Elyos, that I shall do everything in my power to forge everlasting peace! Although I am from Brodia, it is also my wish to unite all five nations! As your queen, you can count on me!"
The cheering becomes louder as Alear holds Citrinne closer. It's still embarrassing for the two of them to be holding each other like this in front of everyone, but they might as well since the secret is out. Both their faces are so red, but they don't care. They adore the look on each other's blushing faces. They enjoy being so close to one another, holding one another.
"I can't believe you actually did it, announcing our engagement tonight," said Citrinne.
"Well, to be honest, I wanted to marry you as soon as possible," said Alear.
"Same," said Citrinne. "We only have so much time together, what with you being a dragon and all. Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my years by your side as your queen."
"And nothing would make me happier than to cherish our time together, however long that may last," Alear said lovingly.
"Queen Citrinne of Lythos. It sounds lovely," said Citrinne. "Such a title would weigh heavily on me, but it only gives me joy because of you."
"And it gives me joy to hear you say that," Alear said happily. "Peace will not be easy to establish between all nations, but with you by my side, I am more hopeful of the possibility."
"Peace will be the greatest gift I can give to Elyos and to you," Citrinne promised. "Our marriage is just another step forward."
"Shall we have that dance?" Alear asked.
Citrinne's answer is a big smile.
Alear signals the musicians to play music again. Alear holds Citrinne's hand as they both walk towards the dance floor. They get into position and start to slow-dance to the music. Other couple join them, but made sure that the Divine Dragon King and his future queen are the literal center of attention, leaving enough space in the center of the throne room for the two of them.
"I love you, Citrinne," said Alear.
"And I love you, Alear," said Citrinne.
Alear and Citrinne share another kiss. Citrinne leans on him as they dance to their hearts' content.
From the crowd, their friends/allies stand together as they watch the happy couple dance. They were still surprised by the announcement. Not only has the Divine One made several new friends and forged alliances but he has also found someone special among them. When they retrieved the Pact Ring, there was curiosity and anticipation about who Alear would give it to and for what intent. Would it be as a token of friendship, or would he ask for one's hand in marriage? Well, they know that answer now.
"Seriously, did anyone expect those two to get together?" Fogado asked.
"I did," said Jade. "Citrinne gave the Divine One a bouquet, with one flower symbolizing love."
"A shame I didn't think of such a gift first," Goldmary joked.
"Goldmary!" Boucheron whisper-shouted. He felt a little offended.
"Zappy! You can just feel the love in the air!" Yunaka cheered.
"The cards predicted a union, just not the names," said Seadall.
"I'm so happy for them," said Lapis. "I guess I'll be cooking potato goodies for their wedding."
"I did notice Citrinne's behavior around the Divine One change over time," said Alcryst. "Now I know why."
"It was a lovely scene, his proposal was," said Louis.
"You were watching them?" Vander questioned.
"Louis and myself did," Chloe confirmed. "Don't worry. We made sure to stay hidden as to not spoil the mood."
"Aww, I wish I saw it, too," said Framme.
"Citrinne, the new Divine Dragon Queen," Clanne imagined. "So much is happening all at once, I can't contain myself."
"Ooh, this means Citrinne is going to be my sister," said Veyle. "I'm so excited!"
Diamant, meanwhile, notices that Ivy is not exactly smiling right now. He knows that she is just as happy as everyone else for the union between Citrinne and the Divine One, but the sight of them also bothers her for some reason.
"Do you wish that could be us?" Diamant guessed.
"It's like you read my mind," said Ivy. "But, yes, I do."
"Is that an official answer," Diamant teased.
Ivy chuckles and says, "One of these days, Diamant, but not today."
"Shall we resume our dance?" Diamant suggested.
"I would love to, but as you said before, we must keep suspicion to a minimum," said Ivy. "This will be torture, having to act like nothing is happening when we're around allies, nobles, and commoners."
"I feel your pain, Ivy," said Diamant. "Believe me, I would like to get down on one knee right now and ask you that one very important question, but there are steps that must be taken before we can get to that point."
"Another step towards peaceful relations," Ivy said with a smile.
After making sure no one is looking, Diamant takes Ivy's hand and kisses it, making himself and her blush. She didn't mind, though, especially since everyone was so focused on the Divine Dragon and his fiancée.
"Another step towards unity," Diamant said.
END (for real, this time lol)
I left out some playable characters when it came to their reactions to the engagement, so I apologize for that, but I didn't want to drag this chapter on any longer. Also, I couldn't resist throwing in a few minor ships for the ball.
Well, that's all, bye.