Aamon decided to stay for two more days in the village before heading on to Castle Aberleen. He had sent a letter with his seal ahead to inform the castle of his imminent arrival. Elric, whom I found a bit obsequious, insisted on giving Aamon and I the best rooms in the village inn. He also insisted on throwing a feast that night for the Duke, who saw it as an opportunity to spread the story of his fiancée. Really selling it, he was.

"I can't believe that idiot actually kissed you!" Gusion guffawed loudly. He and I were sitting in Mila's kitchen with Arlott. He would be staying with Mila and Arlott in secret while Aamon and I stayed at the inn. But in all honesty, I preferred Mila's little kitchen.

I glared at Gusion over the piece of toast I was buttering. "By any chance, was that forehead kiss your idea?" I asked acidly.

Gusion laughed again. "Aamon's so serious about his job, he's practically clueless about everything else! Argh!"

He let out a muffled cry as buttered toast slammed against his face. Mila laughed and even Arlott let out a small smile. "I ought to strangle you," I threatened.

"I can do that," Arlott said quietly. Gusion and I stared at him in surprise, and he hastily looked away.

Did he just…try to make a joke?

Mila, who was busying herself at her oven, smiled at him from over her shoulder. "I made cupcakes for our picnic!" she said cheerfully as the sweet smell of baking filled the air. She opened the oven and took out her tray of cupcakes. "Might need to let these cool down first!"

"Those smell heavenly," I said, making my way to her. "You're a very talented baker Mila. Wish I could bake."

"I could teach you!" Mila said cheerily as she prepared her frosting. "It's easy. Then you can bake delicious cakes for the duke!"

"For the duke!" Gusion echoed, nodding his head in agreement. This guy…

"Maybe one day when we come back," I said. "We'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon, sadly."

"Okay, next time!" Mila paused then grinned. "Oh, how about I teach you how to do frosting? You can decorate cupcakes for the duke."

I smiled as Mila began to show me how to mix the powdered sugar and butter in her bowl. "You're a natural!" Mila complimented as we began to transfer the frosting into piping bags.

"Only because I have a good teacher," I said, grinning at her. "You know, I've never done this before. Thank you, Mila."

"Hey, those look good," Gusion said, ambling towards us. He tried to reach for a cupcake, and I quickly snatched it from his hand.

"Hands off," I said.

"Those are for our picnic!" Mila said.

"What picnic?" Gusion asked.

"Our afternoon picnic!" Mila insisted. "Diana, Arlott and I are going. You and the Duke can come along too."

Gusion sat back down at his seat, muttering about cupcakes. Arlott raised an eyebrow at him. "Would you like one, Arlott?" I offered the hybrid, who politely shook his head.

"Hey!" Gusion snapped.

"And what is all the fuss about?" The door to the cottage swung open, and Aamon strode in, apparently finished with whatever business he had with the village leader. I inwardly groaned as I remembered the kiss he gave me earlier.

"We're making cupcakes," I said in what I hoped was a nonchalant voice. I held out the cupcake. To my surprise, he grasped my wrist and took a bite of the cupcake from my hand.

This guy was really selling the whole fiancée thing.

"Sweet," he said, eyes locking with mine.

"I wish I could be in love, too," Mila said, sighing loudly. Gusion snickered.

"Thank you, Mila made them," I told Aamon. It was getting more and more difficult restraining myself from hitting him.

"Your Grace, won't you come with us?" Mila invited as she bustled about preparing her basket. "We're going on a picnic! There's a meadow Arlott and I like to go. It's lovely this time of year. Here, Arlott." She thrust the basket into Arlott's waiting hands. The hybrid peered gingerly into it.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I'll have to decline," Aamon said, placing a hand on his chest, and giving Mila a gentlemanly bow. "The village leader has taxation matters to discuss." This last statement was directed towards me. I shrugged at him.

Mila grabbed mine and Arlott's hands. "Try to catch up your Grace! Lady Diana will miss you!"

Please let the earth swallow me whole.

"Stand back and watch this," Gusion said as he looked up at the fruit bearing tree before us.

Mila had led us to a little meadow not far from the village. I remembered seeing this place in Arlott's story comic. It was a tranquil place where white flowers dotted the green grass around us. In the middle of this clearing was a giant fruit bearing tree, its branches heavy with fruits. Mila had expressed a desire to pick more fruit to make jam.

Gusion had expressed a desire to demonstrate his impeccable knife throwing skills.

Arlott had become Gusion's reluctant assistant. He stood beneath the tree's leafy canopy, waiting for Gusion to begin.

The younger Paxley stood before the tree, eyes looking up into its branches. He spread his arms out, and at once, five daggers appeared in each hand. Faster than the eye could blink, he threw them, all at once, at the fruits. Each dagger cut cleanly through the stems anchoring the fruit to the tree.

Quick as a flash, Arlott darted beneath the tree, catching every piece of fruit. Mila clapped happily. "Amazing!" she exclaimed as Arlott brought the fruits over to her. "These will make for more good jam."

Gusion made a little bow, pleased with himself.

I smiled at Mila as she began to braid flowers together to make a crown. It was way past Mila's birthday now. Way past the time she was supposed to die. Had my plan worked? For now, it appears it did. I made a mental note to let Arlott know, though.

I glanced at the hybrid. He had been distant the whole time we were here, and with good reason. He had never taken off his eyepatch, always hiding the demonic eye behind it. Despite that, it felt as if he was slowly settling down into this idyllic life with Mila.

I smiled to myself. Arlott had one of the more tragic backstories in the game. I was happy he seemed to be content here.

"Here you go!"

Mila plopped the flower crown onto my hair with great relish. "Oooh! You look just like a princess!" Mila said, giggling happily.

I touched the flowers on my head and smiled at her. "It's very pretty, thank you," I said.

"Or, should I say, duchess?" Mila said, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes good naturedly at her. "Oh, Your Grace!" Mila said, waving behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder. Aamon walked out of the trees behind us, glacial eyes taking in the scene before him. I waved at him, and he made his way over to us.

"Having fun, I see," he commented, eyeing the flower crown on my head.

"Gusion has amazing knife throwing skills!" Mila said. Again, Gusion looked pleased with himself.

"Business over for the day?" I asked as Aamon sat down next to Mila and me on the blanket.

"Not quite," he said. "It seems the village leader insists on throwing that small banquet in honor of our engagement. It would have been rude to refuse."

"Of course," I said nonchalantly. "When?"

"Tonight," Aamon replied. He turned to Mila. "Would you and Arlott wish to join us, Mila?"

Mila looked excited, then glanced at Arlott with uncertainty. The hybrid shook his head. "You go with them, Mila," Arlott said. "Enjoy yourself."

"But—"

Arlott smiled reassuringly at her. "I'll bring you back something delicious!" Mila promised.

"Let's be off," Aamon said brusquely as he got to his feet. "Gusion, you remain here with Arlott."

I reluctantly took the hand he offered me and I pulled myself up. He didn't let go of my hand as we made our way back to the village. I sighed, sorely tempted to tug my hand lose.

Really selling the whole fiancée thing.

The village square had been transformed in a matter of hours. Lights dangled from ropes strung across tall, colorful poles placed here and there. Tables with white linen had been spread out, making room in the middle for a space for dancing. People were already in the square, bearing dish after dish in their arms, and laying them out on the tables. Fiddlers were playing a joyous tune all around us.

"Oh, wow!" Mila exclaimed, her eyes practically shining.

"Your Grace! My Lady!"

Elric made his way over to us amid the throng. "This way, please," he said as he led Mila, Aamon and I to one of the tables near the front. Several people eyed Mila with suspicion, and I narrowed my eyes threateningly at them. They quickly turned away. Thankfully, Mila hadn't noticed.

After we were seated and food piled on our plates, Elric began making a speech, thanking the Duke Paxley for his continued patronage and support. He made it a point to emphasize how the village's trade had improved thanks to the duke and his contributions. Lastly, he offered a congratulatory toast for our engagement.

Once the applause died down, Aamon stood, raising a glass of wine before him. "Thank you for your wonderful hospitality," he said, every bit the sociable duke he was. "I would like to make a toast to my darling fiancée. To Diana. Thank you, my love, for saying yes." People applauded.

Smile, I told myself. Dammit, Aamon. I swear the man did it just to make fun of me. I raised my hand and waved as the people around us began to clap. Aamon drank his glass of wine and promptly sat back down.

"Really, really selling it, aren't you?" I whispered, leaning towards him.

He glanced sideways at me and smirked in amusement. "Is it not very believable?"

"It is," I whispered grudgingly. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Careful, Duke Paxley, or you might end up believing it yourself."

"Not a problem," he said.

The audacity.

"I wish I had your overflowing confidence," I said, leaning back in my seat.

At that moment, several children, all a little more than eight by the looks of them, rushed in front of our table. They all wore white dresses with the same flower crown I wore.

Mila waved happily at them, and they glanced shyly up at me. "My Lady," Elric said from where he sat beside Aamon. "These children have prepared a dance for you and the duke."

"May we dance for you, Lady Diana?" one girl asked shyly, glancing up at me from under her lashes.

So cute. Admittedly, when I wasn't busy in the operating theater, I often visited Julius in the children's wing of the hospital. "Of course, you can," I said, smiling at them.

The children grinned at me. One by one, they grabbed each other's hands and began to dance in a circle just as the fiddlers began to play a lively tune. One little girl spun in the center, throwing flowers from the apron she wore. As she did a small twirl, her foot got caught in the tangled lace of her shoe, and she fell to the floor with a dull thud.

It suddenly became silent.

A second later, I jumped up and rushed towards her, a dozen physical assessments rushing through my mind. I gently made my way through the throng of children. The little girl was sprawled on the ground, her pudgy arms shielding her head. She glanced up at me and began to cry.

Oh, thank goodness she was conscious.

"There, there," I said kneeling beside her.

"I'm—I'm sorry, my Lady!"

"It's all right," I murmured reassuringly. "May I look at your forehead?"

The little girl reluctantly lowered her hands, her tearstained face pleading. There was a small abrasion on her forehead, with a bruise slowly forming around it. "What's your name, little dove?" I asked as I gently traced the outline of the bruise. It didn't appear to be expanding.

"Li-lisa," the girl said sobbing.

"Lisa, do you feel a little dizzy? Does your head hurt anywhere aside from here?"

"N-no, my Lady." Good. She seemed fine for now, aside from the bruising.

"My Lady, I am so sorry!" I glanced up. A young woman with raven hair was making her way towards us. She appeared flushed and breathless. "That's my daughter. Lisa, how could you trouble the lady like that?"

"I'm sorry!" Lisa wailed.

"It's no problem at all," I reassured her. "She just had a little fall. She's a bit bruised but other than that, she should be fine. Just press a cooling compress to her forehead and she'll be right as rain."

"Thank you, my lady, and I'm so sorry for the trouble."

I shook my head as Lisa continued to cry. I removed the crown of flowers that Mila had made for me earlier and gently placed it on Lisa's head. "You lost your crown when you fell," I said, smiling at her. "Here, you can have mine. Please take good care of it. A special person made it for me."

Lisa reached up, feeling the petals on her head. Then she smiled at me. "Thank you, my lady!" she said, giving me a toothy smile.

"My lady, I apologize for the interruption!" Elric said from where he sat beside Aamon. "Please excuse the little children, they can be bothersome at times, but they mean no harm."

…was he for real?

I wanted to snap at him. But my gaze slid to Aamon beside him. He was staring intently at me from over his interlaced fingers, expression unreadable. What was that look in his icy blue eyes? Oh no, had I somehow breached a protocol of etiquette?

"It's no trouble at all, Sir Elric," I said as I stood, and made my way back to my seat.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, as I leaned towards Aamon.

"Whatever for?" he asked, glancing sideways at me. "I'm quite fortunate to have such a beautiful and compassionate fiancée." The last sentence was said just loud enough for Elric and the people near us to hear.

I blushed. "Keep selling it, Aamon," I hissed under my breath. Seriously, this guy.

He smirked, amused.

Clouds hung low in the noon sky the following day. I'd woken earlier and left my room in the inn Aamon and I were staying. I made way through the narrow village streets, the sounds of merchants hawking their wares following me close behind. I kept the hood of my cloak over my head as I walked, determined not to draw too much attention to myself.

I held a basket of fruit and chocolates in my hands. The lady at the inn had been kind enough to help me assemble it for Mila, a small token for the kindness she'd shown us when we first arrived. Turning down another street, I came across Mila's little cottage. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted over me.

"Lady Diana!" Mila greeted me cheerfully as I swung the door open. The young girl was up to her elbows in dough, kneading bread on her kitchen table.

"I hope you and Arlott are doing well, Mila," I said, sweeping my hood back. "I have a gift!"

Mila beamed as she wiped her flour dusted hands on her apron. "Oh hey," Gusion greeted. He was seated with Arlott in the living room, a basket of bread and cups of tea in front of them. Seemed like those two were getting along.

Mila removed the basket from my hand and gave a small exclamation of delight at the fruits and chocolates inside. "Oh wow!" she said, taking out each item. "Chocolates are normally so expensive, so I don't bake with them much. Thank you, Diana."

I smiled at her, but she suddenly turned quiet. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"You guys are leaving today," she said sadly.

I smiled at her. "Yes," I said. "But don't worry, I'll come back to visit one of these days. Maybe you and Arlott can come see us at Castle Aberleen!"

Arlott glanced towards me. I get the feeling that it was something he wouldn't readily agree to, but for Mila's sake, he didn't say anything.

"Really?" Mila asked, her blue eyes wide.

I nodded. "Isn't that right, Gusion?"

"Yeah," Gusion said in agreement. "Always room for more at Castle Aberleen."

Mila's smile was so wide and infectious, I grinned at her. "And then you can teach me how to bake," I said, winking at her.

There was a soft knock at the door, and Aamon strode in a moment later. "Your Grace!" Mila greeted with a small bow.

Aamon offered her a polite bow in return before turning to me. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, Gusion and I were just saying our goodbyes," I told him. "And…if it's okay with you, I told Mila and Arlott they can come visit us at Castle Aberleen anytime."

"I see no problem with it," the duke said, giving the young girl a small smile.

"I would love to bake your wedding cake, Your Grace!" she said brightly. I blushed.

"It would be my honor," Aamon said, placing a hand on his chest and giving her a small bow. He turned to Gusion and me. "We had best leave now. If we ride hard, we can make it to Castle Aberleen by tonight before the rains start."

"Can I take some of these for the road?" Gusion asked Arlott, holding up one of the rolls Mila had baked for them. Arlott pushed the entire basket towards him.

As Aamon and Gusion saddled the horses, Mila drew me to one side, a conspiratorial look in her eyes. She fished in the pockets of her apron and pulled out a lovely silver bracelet with an amethyst stone set in the center.

"I'd like you to have this," she said, smiling at me. "My mother and father gave it to me before they died. I hope you'll remember me by it, Lady Diana."

I stared at the gift in my hand and shook my head. "Mila, are you sure?" I asked. "This is a very precious gift."

Her smile was like sunshine. "You and the duke also gave Arlott and I a very precious gift these past few days," she said.

"What would that be?"

"Friends!"

My eyes widened. I could feel them start to grow hot as tears threatened to form. I glanced towards Arlott. The Lancer inclined his head respectfully in my direction. I smiled at Mila and drew her tight against me in a bear hug.

"Thank you," I said. "I will keep this gift close."

Aamon helped me wear the bracelet where it gleamed on my wrist. I glanced towards Arlott again. "Arlott, may I speak with you for a moment?" I asked, ignoring Aamon and Gusion's curious looks.

Arlott looked surprised but didn't comment on it as we walked a little further away from everyone. "Is there a concern you wanted to share?" Arlott asked in his deep, soft voice. "I've sensed something has been troubling your mind since yesterday."

I glanced towards Mila, who was giving Aamon's stallion, Orion, an affectionate pat. "Keep a close eye on Mila," I told him.

He frowned at me. "Is there any danger?"

"No, I don't think so. Hopefully," I said. "It seems to have passed. But still. Please take good care of her."

"You don't need to tell me that," Arlott said, staring at the young girl. "I would protect her with my life."

I smiled at him. "I am serious, by the way," I said. "You and Mila are welcome at Castle Aberleen anytime."

"Thank you."

We walked back to where Aamon and the others waited. "Goodbye, everyone!" Mila said as Aamon helped me onto Stella. "Thank you for sharing your days with us!"

"Goodbye!" I said, waving at Mila as we rode out of the village.

"So, is there anything I should know before we get to Castle Aberleen?" I asked Aamon later that afternoon. We were riding through the forest outside the village, and the horses had slowed to a trot. I glanced towards the leafy canopy of the trees, where the sun's dim light shone through.

"Such as?" Aamon asked. He kept the hood of his cloak up, and I could barely make out his expression.

"Are your Elders going to, I don't know, interrogate me, maybe?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"They will," Gusion interjected from behind us. "They're going to strap you down in the dungeons and then interrogate you to make sure you're worthy to be Duke Paxley's bride."

Aamon threw him a look of disgust from over his shoulder, and I rolled my eyes. "You don't need to worry," the duke said. "Like I said, they don't get a say in who I marry."

"Please," Gusion said. "They wanted me gone because I didn't use magic like everyone else."

"They wanted you gone for a variety of reasons," Aamon agreed. "However, it was not in their power to issue orders on my behalf."

I remembered Aamon's story trailer then, how the Elders of House Paxley had gone behind the duke's back to have Gusion assassinated, not because of his magic use, but because of Kalon, the slumbering god imprisoned in Gusion's mind.

"I'm curious, though," I said looking towards Aamon. "Who make up the elders of House Paxley?"

"My late father's uncles, and his brothers," Aamon said curtly. "They do not rule the Paxley family, but they may offer their advice, wanted or not."

"So much for family," Gusion said, scoffing. "I mean they're sort of our great uncles if you think about it. Did that stop them from trying to kill me?"

Aamon remained silent. "The assassins were easily dealt with," he said.

"Yeah, because you killed them all," Gusion pointed out. "The fact that they weren't even going to listen to you, the duke, speaks volumes about what's been going on in House Paxley. I keep telling you, you can't trust the elders."

"Gusion." There was so much authority in Aamon's voice, that Gusion fell silent at once. Aamon turned to me. "Diana, do you have the ring?"

Keeping one hand on Stella's reigns, I held out my left hand, where the enchanted engagement ring he gave me sparkled in the light of the dim sun. "Good," Aamon said. "Keep it on you at Castle Aberleen at all times. Do not take it off."

I tilted my head at him. "Is there something I should worry about?"

"Are you worried about the Elders sensing the Heart of Anima?" Gusion asked, giving voice to his brother's thoughts. "You don't trust them, do you? You don't know what they'll do when they find out she has it, that it's inside her. That's why you made her your fiancée. The future duchess isn't someone they'd dare mess with."

I stared at Aamon. "I am being cautious," the duke replied, his face in shadow.

"Just admit you don't trust those old loons," Gusion said, kicking Comet forward so he rode alongside his brother. "Vas and the others don't. What does House Paxley need Elders for, when the duke's rule is absolute?"

"Gusion," Aamon said in warning.

Gusion fell silent, a frown on his face. "Keep Diana close at Castle Aberleen," Gusion told him after a moment.

"I intend to."

"You guys need to relax," I said. "You're making it sound like I'm going to walk into a nest of vipers."

Gusion gave me a look. "Oh," I said stupidly.

To my surprise, Aamon reached over and placed a hand on top of mine. His hand felt warm. "You have nothing to worry about," he said, his hand lingering on top of mine.

"Right," I said, pulling my hand away from his. "Of course, I don't have to worry. I have such a reliable, strong, and powerful fiancé, after all."

Aamon glared at my sarcasm. "What's that?" Gusion suddenly said.

Up ahead, a shape emerged from the darkness. A knight was astride a black steed. He wore silver plated armor, polished to a high shine. His helmet was elongated with the carving of a spiked metal sun forming a halo behind his head.

My face paled. This knight…He couldn't be…

"Diana?" Aamon asked, staring at me, then at the knight. He frowned and rode ahead of me to greet the knight.

"Identify yourself," Aamon ordered, his voice ringing with the full authority of the Duke.

The knight paused. "I am Gaston, one of the Knights of the Church of Light," he declared pompously. "Stand aside, travelers, so I may catch up to my brothers. We are here to do the Lord of Light's noble work and exterminate heretics in the village yonder."

My blood froze. Mila…

Aamon threw off the hood of his cloak, his cold eyes burning with fury. "By order of the Duke of Aberleen, stand down."

The knight drew his sword. "By authority of the Church of Light, we bow to no one, not even you, Duke Paxley. Now, stand aside so I may catch up to my brothers."

At once, shards of light flared around Aamon. But I paid no heed, my mind lingering on the Knight's words…

…so I may catch up to my brothers.

I stared at Gusion in horror. "Diana?" Gusion said, worried.

"Mila!" I cried as I turned Stella around. The mare neighed as I quickly nudged her into a gallop towards the village, we had left hours ago. Aamon's voice rang out behind me.

"Diana!"