The sun rose over the Nohrian state, providing what little light in the Kingdom of Night got. It marked the top of the trees with shades of gold sunlight as it made its way from behind Castle Krakenburg. This marked morning for the capital, Windmire, along with its citizens. Though, there were those who rose before the sun, working by candlelight in the pitch black of Nohr's night. Among them was the daughter of a particular tavern owner by the name of Aemilia.
It had been about 3 months since Xander had stayed with his siblings at their tavern, but she had seen him many times in those months. All the way up until he'd left for his current mission. As a result, it had been some time since his last visit, and she missed him. Even so, she kept her mind busy in the early hours of the morning, cleaning up the tavern, feeding the animals they owned, and in general preparing for that day's customers. She didn't let her worry live in her mind as she did worry about Xander when he was out on missions like today.
She stretched a bit as she made breakfast, her soft red hair falling into her soft grey eyes as she leaned over the stove. She could hear the shuffling of her father on the upper floors as he rose with the sun. It had always been this way, ever since she was young. Her mother had passed not too long after her birth leaving many of the chores and household duties to her as her father was getting older, and it was getting difficult for him to get things done around the tavern. She did her very best to keep everything organized and orderly when her father was too tired or sore. She loved when Xander would stop by, he cared for her and her father. Often, he would help out with chores or the animals, whatever she needed help with. It wasn't an unusual site to see the Crown Prince helping in the barn.
Her father shuffled down the stairs, leaning heavily on his cane. His once red hair now faded to a stark gray. His eyes kind brown eyes were a complement to Aemilia's stormy gray color marked with bits of blue and green. He was still a strong-looking man, but he had put on weight since his days as a blacksmith. Unlike her, he was very tall and had a rounder face shape than she. Lovely in her own way, she looked much more like her mother than she did him.
"Good morning." She smiled.
"Good morning, Aemilia." He said in a thick-accented voice and kissed her forehead.
He had come from someplace further than Nohr or Hoshido. He never talked much about it, and she never really asked as she figured it was hard for him as he had lost his wife in an attempt to flee. He only had Aemilia who was not old enough to remember their escape as she was only a child at the time. She had no memories from her home before this or of her mother. She had great respect for her father and now that she was older, she didn't press as hard as she did when she was young when it came to these memories. She handed him a plate of food, pausing to say something before deciding against it, and turned away to take care of the dishes.
"What's wrong?" He asked her.
"Nothing, I was just thinking." She spoke.
"Of that prince?" He teased, making her laugh.
"Hardly, I have no time for such a childish thing as fantasies." She blushed.
He took a breath, "I wouldn't let him go if I were you, not many women earn the favor of the Crown Prince."
She shook her head, "It's not like that father."
"Aemilia you're not getting any younger. Before you know it, you'll be a childless spinster." He teased.
She laughed a bit shaking her head, what her father had said held some truth. She did love Xander dearly and Xander shared that feeling. They had known each other since they were both only 18, she was 28 now. So, they'd known each other for 10 years almost exactly but had only been courting for 6. Out of fear of endangering her, they had agreed not to tell anyone. The only people who were exceptions were his siblings and the rumors. So, her father knew nothing of the nature of their relationship.
"You shouldn't worry about my love life. It's bad for your heart" she said sitting across from him.
He laughed, "I just want to live to see my grandchildren."
She just laughed before heading to her room to change into her clothes for the day. She had a small, fragile-looking frame. She didn't have much of a figure as she had a flat chest and wide hips. She was more of a pear shape but was very thin and muscular. She ran a brush through her chin-length hair, trimming it a bit as she watched the small strands of red hair fall. She took a soft breath as she looked at herself in the mirror, her fair skin speckled with small freckles on her cheeks and nose.
She looked away and took a small dagger from her drawer, fastening it to her belt. It had been a gift from her father when she was young. Her graceful features lead others to believe that if attacked she would be helpless, however, that was untrue. With the help of Xander, she had become familiar with the blade. The blade, like her, was capable of much more than it looked. The hilt was decorated with a silver briar that entwined itself decoratively around it, but the blade which was about 4 inches long was sharpened with great care and had her name engraved in it on the flat side. It had been Xander's first gift to her, a promise to protect her and an excuse to spend his time training her.
She headed to the barn to care for the animals. She hummed softly to herself spreading feed around the chicken pen. She spent her morning collecting eggs, milking the cows, feeding, and watering them. By the time she was done, she moved to tend the gardens, taking special care of a potted rose bush. She then moved to prep for the meals they would be serving that night. As she cut vegetables and deboned the meat, she found her mind wandering back to Xander.
She worried a bit about him. He was strong and more than capable of protecting himself, but it'd been about 3 weeks since she'd last seen him. She only realized when she found she was kneading her bread dough a bit roughly. She dusted off her hands just as there was a knock on the back door. She answered it to find Xander, of all people His deep garnet-colored eyes focusing in on her as his square face broke into a loving smile.
"Hello, Lady Aemilia." He said looking at her.
"Prince Xander, "She smiled. "I was not expecting you."
"I know. I was not expecting to see you here either, but I am pleasantly surprised."
"I live here." She pointed out a playful expression on her face.
He laughed, "I did come here first before I return to the castle."
"I can tell." She said softly, moving to tuck a loose strand of curly blonde hair back.
He took her wrist running his thumb along her palm gently before she pulled it away and moved to welcome him in. As she shut the door, she felt the familiar and warm embrace she knew to be his. He smelled of hot metal and dirt, the evidence of a victorious battle.
"Gods, I missed you," he said, his lips against her ear.
"I was so worried about you." She allowed herself to admit it due to him returning safely to her arms.
He let go for a moment holding her face in his palm, she leaned into it, and he took a deep breath. He then quickly pulled away as if remembering the purpose of his visit.
"Is your father here?" he asked, holding her arms.
She nodded, "Yes, I can go get him."
He nodded, "I'll actually go. I'd like to speak to him alone."
She felt a heat rise in her chest as she became anxious before she is pointing him towards the back of the building, "He's in his office."
Xander nodded and disappeared into the office. She stared at the door but decided to return to making her bread. She was curious about what they were talking about, but she had an idea of what it was. She oiled the pan and put the bread in it waiting for them to come out. She felt nervous but also excited, she and Xander had talked about marriage in detail. However, the topic came up more and more in recent conversations. Even as she put the bread in the oven, her mind reeled with excitement at the thought of marrying him.
She felt relief washing over her when she saw Xander exit the office and shake hands with her beaming father. She brushed her hands up against her apron turning to look at them. Her father gave her a knowing look and smiled a bit before pulling Xander down into a hug. Xander was let free by him and moved towards Aemilia. She looked at him curiously, holding her breath a bit. Her mind was racing a bit as he took her hand. He ran his thumb over her knuckles before kissing her hand gently.
"I will see you later tonight for dinner in the usual spot." He said, "I still need to report back to my father."
She took a soft breath, "Ah, yeah okay."
She frowned a little as he kissed her goodbye. She watched him for a moment, feeling a bit confused and disappointed. She looked at her dad who smiled again before going back into his office. She stared at the leftovers of her bread in confusion. She thought for a moment, he talked to her father and her father reacted excitedly. There was no way he'd have turned down the proposal. She began to cook the vegetables and finished making the meals. As business began to pick up around mid-afternoon when they opened and her father came out of his office, Aemilia didn't have time to think much about the conversation.
"Aemilia, you should take tonight off." Her father said to her as he poured a drink.
She looked at him curiously, "What?"
"Take the night off. You're meeting Prince Xander tonight, right?"
She nodded, "Yes-"
"Well, you shouldn't be late." He spoke.
"No, I want to be here to help-"
"Aemilia, I will be fine. You need to take tonight off; I'm not asking I'm telling you." She frowned a bit looking at him, he hugged her tightly. "My dearest child, I will be just fine."
She nodded as he let go, "Thank you."
She went upstairs to change her clothing before saying goodbye to her father and heading out to the woods. She'd met him many times in this space. A quiet space on the edge of a cliff, it was framed by two large willow trees. You could hear a stream nearby and there were always pleasant pink and blue flowers around the area. In the evening, the sunlight from the setting sun lit up the area more beautifully than the colors of the sunset anywhere else. This was their usual spot, if he was going to propose, of course, this would be the spot. They'd had so many long talks about the future and monumental moments there. She walked down the path, and she began to feel the nervous excitement again. She felt butterflies in her stomach as she fiddled nervously with the fabric of her dress. She carried a basket filled with homemade wine and fresh bread and wore a velvety black hood over her dress as it got chilly at night.
She entered the clearing to see Xander waiting for her. He'd removed his armor and wore a deep purple suit that looked as though it was black. His back was to her as he looked out over the cliff at the never-ending forest below. She enjoyed the way the sun made him almost shine, the way his dirty blonde looked brighter in the golden oranges and fluorescent pinks of the setting sun. He was the envy of all men, handsome charming, and a gentleman. She paused to admire him for a moment.
She noticed he'd set out a small dinner for them. It looked like he'd brought dishes from the palace, porcelain plates with gold lining, and crystal champagne glasses accompanied by silverware made from real silver. He'd brought some type of pasta, along with a small board of cheese and meat. He'd put extensive care into the organization of their rendezvous, the gesture filled her heart with warmth. She cleared her throat to make her presence known. He looked at her seeming a bit surprised at first, then a smile spread across his face.
"Aemilia." He said his voice coming out warm and kind.
"Xander," she said softly as he enveloped her in a hug.
She clung to him slightly, taking a deep breath in as he held on to her. She could smell his cologne, a mixture of cinnamon and violets, she'd gifted it to him. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes taking a deep breath.
"I thought you weren't going to come." He said softly.
She laughed, "Of course, I would come. When have I not come?"
"I know. I was just afraid that this morning... I-" He laughed a bit as she released her, "I thought you might be upset because it was rushed."
"No, I do have to admit I was more than a little confused, but I trust you. This is all so beautiful." She said softly.
"It could not hold a candle to your beauty, my love," he said softly, leading her to sit.
She blushed a bit, "Must you always flatter me so? You should know each woman has a man that matches with his own dapper looks."
He smiled, "Well, yes. I would hope we make a handsome pair. Perhaps for eternity."
She tilted her head slightly as he kept his hands in hers. He kissed them softly as he moved to pull a small box from his pocket. Her eyes widened slightly before she looked up at him. She felt that feeling in her chest again as her chest heated, she was anxious to scream yes at him. She held her breath for a moment as he got down on one knee, looking up at her happily.
"There is no other woman I'd rather dedicate every day of the rest of my life to than you. At the end of a long treacherous battle, Aemilia, it is your face I yearn to come home to. Aemilia Bryar, will you do the honor of being my wife and marry me?" He asked.
She nodded slowly at first, her voice horse and trapped in her throat, "Yes." He stood up smiling at her as she gained her voice back. "Yes! By the Gods, yes!"
His smile widened as she jumped to hug him. He held her close before setting her down to put the ring on her finger. She glanced at it for a second, smiling at the pink sandstone frames by rose gold leaves, before taking his head in her hands and kissing him heavily.
"I've been waiting for what feels like forever for you to ask." She said softly, laying her forehead on his.
He laughed a bit, "I've been waiting forever to ask. I just wanted everything to be perfect."
. . .
Xander had wanted to tell his father and siblings immediately, but she made him promise to wait till the next day in order to give her time to settle her affairs in her current life. However, it seemed like immediately everyone knew that the Crown Prince had asked one of the girls in the village to marry him. There was a lot of speculation that morning, but Aemilia went about her day as usual.
As she packed her things, to move to Castle Krakenburg, she went downstairs to find her father waiting for her. He held a sword in his hand making her pause for a moment. He smiled as he saw her.
"You're growing up so fast." He said softly staring at her. He took a deep breath, "Come sit with me."
She nodded and moved obediently to take a seat with him, "Are you alright?"
He nodded, taking her hand. "Yes, I am alright. I wanted to give you something your mother left behind for you." He said softly, handing her the blade, "I made this blade for your mother as a wedding gift. I think it is only fitting I see you have it know that... now that my baby girl is engaged."
She looked up at him then at the sword, "Are you sure?"
He nodded, "Yes, every day that I have watched you grow you remind me more and more of your mother." He said softly, "There is no doubt in my mind she would be proud of you and the path you are taking."
Aemilia wiped her eyes as tears formed, "I wish I knew her."
"I do as well. Sometimes things don't go as planned." He said, "When you have a family, you have to make hard choices. Sometimes, they are harder than you ever thought you would have to make." He paused for a moment seeming lost in thought, "I am so proud of you, Aemilia. You're going to be a good wife and an even better queen. I will miss you more than you will know."
He hugged her pulling her close, holding her tight to him as she sniffled softly.
"I love you, Aemilia, stay safe."
"I love you, too, Dad."
Later that day, Aemilia found herself entering the palace doors, walking beside Xander through the dark arches of the entrance hall. Aemilia took a small breath, she felt nervous that this was to be her new life. The atmosphere seemed tense within the castle walls, even with him by her side. She felt out of place as it seemed like even the servants were more dressed up than she was.
He rubbed her back gently, "Are you alright?"
She nodded ignoring the pit in her stomach, "Yes."
They drew nearer to the center of the castle and the feeling seemed to get worse. The pit in her stomach made her quite nauseous. Her head began to pound as she passed by the throne room, her ears ringing. She felt an overwhelming amount of darkness like she was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of foreboding doom. Xander led her past the throne room to a sitting room.
"I arranged for a tailor to come to see you if it is alright with you." He spoke.
"A tailor?"
"Yes, I... It is not meant to be an insult." He said softly.
"No, I understand." She said, "I am out of place in these clothes."
"Not necessarily, you are beautiful no matter how you are dressed." He paused for a moment then smiled.
He watched as her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, "Xander, that is very sweet but there is no need to sugarcoat things."
He laughed, "My apologies, I just want you to feel comfortable. I think you would feel more comfortable if you were dressed like us but only when you are ready to."
"I am ready." She said softly, "If this is what it means to be your wife... I will do anything it takes."
He cupped her face kissing her gently, "I love you, Aemilia."
She smiled, "I love you, too."
Aemilia spent a few hours with Xander as the tailor measured her and let her pick the fabrics. He watched her get the treatment, helping her to navigate the questions and mechanics. He'd done this many times with his sisters, though they had a far grander taste in outfits. However, he found Aemilia's style charming. She was elegant and reserved, he found her beauty intriguing and refreshing He let them finish as Elise entered the room happily.
She looked at them before she hoped in front of Aemilia, "I heard you were here." She smiled.
"Me?" Aemilia asked softly.
"Yeah, Xander's new girlfriend." She teased softly.
"Elise." Xander said with a small smile, "She is my fiancee. I asked her to marry me."
"A new sister!" Elise said excitedly.
Elise was the first to greet Aemilia. Gradually, the others followed behind, Camilla greeted her in a similarly excited manner embracing her tightly as she congratulated them. Finally, Leo, who was more reserved than the others, stood off to the side with his wife and child as they spoke. Aemilia was most excited to see them as she'd witnessed their wedding only a few months earlier. She glanced at Xander as she held the happy baby and spoke excitedly with Una, Leo's wife. Xander admired the seamlessness of it all, the way she blended easily with his siblings. The next couple of weeks were going to be some of the most stressful moments they would ever go through. Planning a wedding would not be easy, let alone working to adjust to a new life.
"I already told my father of my intentions to marry you," Xander explained as Leo left the room.
She seemed to become a little nervous, rolling her shoulders a bit as she stretched her neck. She'd only met his father, King Garon, briefly and in passing. The last time they'd met was at Leo and Una's wedding, where he had thanked her for making sure the family returned safely. She'd have hardly considered herself a reason that they were returned safely. Most likely it was more of an excuse for Xander to spend the night with her, it just so happened they'd also been in danger. Either way, she was nervous, this would be her first official time meeting his father for the purpose of their union.
Xander's voice broke through the slowly forming fog in her brain, "There is no need to be nervous, my love."
He turned her towards the mirror so that she could look at the dress the tailor had made. The material was black velvet, and, in some places, an iridescent burgundy lace accent turned the black velvet into a deep glittering shade of maroon. The dress itself was long floor length in the same gothic style as the other women in the family. The gown had a Queen Anne neckline attached to a pleated bodice and puffed sleeves. The sleeves puffed out at the shoulder with the rest clinging to her arm the same gold ribbing that was on her neckline sewn into the seams. Below the bodice, the fabric hugged her waist flowing off her hips with the skirt ending just above the top of her foot. The skirt ebbed and flowed; the iridescent material that peeked through the middle of the skirt complimenting the unfinished gold embroidered flowers along the base.
She'd never worn anything as gilded and glamorous as this gown. Even though, the dress she'd worn at the ball was elegant this was leagues above. She felt it fit her new position, the crown prince's betrothed, the future queen of Nohr, and above all Xander's wife. Xander ran his hands gently down her arm, his unarmored hand lingering for a moment on hers. He met her eyes in the mirror as he moved to stand beside her, a nervous grey to a reassuring crimson. It took her a moment to notice the commonalities her and Xander's outfits shared. They were similar in style, material, and design. His gold buttons matched the trim on her dress, the black velvet and burgundy accents complimenting her own. They were quite the pair.
"How do I look?" She asked, wondering when he'd had time to change his clothes.
He smiled and stated confidently, "Beautiful. That is a fact of nature."
She ran her clammy palms over the coarse fabric of the dress. The silk underskirt rubbing against her thighs was oddly discomforting. She felt like she was staring at a stranger in the mirror, the fact she was here beside him left her in disbelief. The fact is just this yesterday she was a barkeeper's daughter and today she was engaged to the crown prince. She knew someday that might be the case, but she'd guessed he'd have moved on and married someone that was closer in class to him. And yet here they were on the cusp of becoming husband and wife. She felt a bit like an imposter like she was living some other woman's life or perhaps lost in a fantasy.
The dress felt constricting suddenly, however, she figured it must be due to her nerves after hearing she would be meeting his father. Everything was happening so quickly, she felt as if she'd been given whiplash. Her whole body ached down to the marrow in her bones. Xander guided her down from the small stool and for the first time, she noticed how happy Xander was with her by his side. The way his stern features warmed with the small upturn of his lips, the difference in the look in his eyes, even the way he walked was a bit peppier.
"I arranged to have a private dinner with my father tonight." He said, "I'm sorry to spring this all on you but I really wanted to surprise you with the proposal."
"You are fine." She said softly, noticing the beads of sweat on his brow. She had to admit how comforting she felt knowing he too was nervous, "I've met your father before, I'm not too worried."
"In passing, my love, but this is the first day of our forever." He said as he paused at two large oak doors.
The dark doors loomed over her as she paused to stand in front of the door. She could feel an overwhelming presence lingering behind the doors, something dark and foreboding. Xander pushed open the doors with a loud creak, letting the dark feeling wash over her. Opening the doors was like opening a box filled with plague. She immediately felt nauseated, her stomach twisting as a pounding began in her ears. Xander glanced at her as he held the door open for her.
"Nothing can go wrong as long as you are at my side." He said, his voice quiet, but reassuring. The tenseness she could feel everywhere else in the castle was so intense here, she could almost see it. She pushed herself to move, practically, dragging her feet on the ground beneath her gown. She could feel a cool sweat forming on her skin as she entered the thick air. As she traversed, every muscle in her body ached down to the marrow in her bones. She felt as if she had been cemented to the ground, her feet were as heavy as lead. Everything felt like she was wading through the thick dark water. She took a deep breath to try and lift the weight on her chest but found herself feeling choked, her throat and lung filling with the thick air. Her head pounded and ached like her brain was trying to escape from her skull.
The room itself was like any other room in the castle. It was a long dark room, lit by gilded candle chandeliers. The only furniture in the room was a long oak table accompanied by about 20 seats, 9 on each side and 2 at the ends. The chairs had black cushions on the backrest and the seat, the rest of the chair was gold. The gray brick walls were lined with portraits of what she could only assume were Xander's ancestors framed in gold. Not far from the head of the table was a fireplace alight with a blazing fire. It was made of dark stone engraved with a small swirling pattern and carvings of dragons. Along the mantle, were 2 candle sticks in gold candle holders and a mantle clock carved of the same stone as the fireplace itself.
At the head of the table, sat the impatient king, the source of the malice energy. The sound of his foot tapping on the marble floors filled the room with an ominous rapping sound. The noxious scent of death punctured her sinuses as they drew nearer to him. Xander seemed unaffected by the overwhelming feeling of anger and aggression. The king's gaze snapped to them; his once kind eyes were now tinted with red. This was not the same man who had attended his youngest son's wedding.
"Xander." The king's voice boomed through the room, echoing through the empty hall.
"Good evening, Father," Xander answered, a polite smile warming his stoney features.
King Garron's voice stunk of annoyance in exchange Xander's held an adoring admiration for his father. Aemilia approached the seat on the right of the king giving a deep bow. She could feel him watching her, his lifeless eyes filled with hate. A hatred for humanity itself, for the kingdom he served, and seemingly for her. She raised herself to meet his gaze as Xander dutifully pulled out her chair. His eyes didn't seem to follow Xander as he rounded the table to sit on his other side and across from her.
The pain at this point was excruciating. She felt like she might explode or at least collapse, if fact she prayed, she would It felt like she was facing the man that would kill her, that Armageddon would begin with, a man the world would open up to embalm if given the choice. An evil so pure and obvious a stain was left on everything the king would come in contact with. She couldn't force herself to look up at the king, to speak to him. She couldn't face the source of this tremendous evil out of fear he would swallow her up.
"Father, I have news," Xander said happily.
His voice was far away like she was hearing him through cotton.
"What filth did you sit beside me?" Garron asked bitterly.
Xander seemed taken aback by his father's sudden outburst of rage. She could see him clearly though his mouth moved without sound. However, Aemilia could hear a second voice behind the king's when he spoke. A barely audible whisper behind the old man's bold tone, the whisper seemed to be all that she could hear.
Xander quickly jumped to defend her, "Father, this is Aemilia. You met her before at the ball last year. She is the woman I was talking about."
"You never said she was a – "The whisper became louder at the end, keeping her from hearing the last word the king said.
"A Vallite." The whisper hissed.
The whisper was gravelly and like a growl instead of an actual voice, she could hear it plain as day. Her head snapped to look at him and, for a second, she swore she saw a great horned beast. His sunken dark eyes were like gapping caverns on the surface of a gray husk. A powerful and old evil parading around in a once great and kind king. She felt her own consciousness fade, the conversation around her becoming background noise as she felt panic rise in her chest.
"So, you can hear me." The whispered chided.
Aemilia felt completely isolated as the whisper invaded the sanctity of her mind, speaking directly to her. She felt her breath catch in her throat, fear welling up in her inner mind. There was no place this beast could not see her, not even in the deepest part of her mind. For the first time, she was fully confronted with the fact there was something masquerading around as the powerful leader of Nohr. An ancient, forgotten beast inside the already dead and decaying king.
"Aemilia, "A distant familiar voice said, calling her away from the whispers grasp
An anchor to her foremind, her rock, Xander. She pulled her gaze away from the whispering beast finally able to gasp the putrid air. He looked concerned for a moment; his broad brow sewn together.
"Aemilia- "His voice came to an abrupt pause.
Xander gestured for her to wipe her nose discretely. She used her dinner napkin which she'd mindlessly placed in her lap after sitting. She didn't think she'd been sweating or crying, so wasn't sure why her nose was running. However, she could smell the metallic scent of blood as the thick warm liquid ran down from her nose to her upper lip. She dabbed the napkin at the dark liquid to have found thick red blood on the cotton napkin. She gave a small gasp and stood abruptly to excuse herself.
She pushed open the doors behind her to free herself from the dark prison of evil energy into an unknown hall of the castle. Xander followed after her into the hall, gently laying his hand on her waist.
"Aemilia." She jumped at his words, more than blood flowing down her face now.
She hadn't even noticed she'd begun to cry. The panicked feeling in her body had not yet settled, but she could breathe out here. She found herself gasping a little for the clear air she'd escaped into. He took her cheek in his palm, the feeling of his soft palm soothing her a bit. He used his thumb to wipe away the tears as he looked at her, concerned with a sprinkle of confusion on his face.
"I'm sorry. My father is just a little old fashion..." He said he seemed desperate to excuse his father's actions. He grasped at invisible straws desperate to deny the man as he was now, "He didn't mean what he said about you and your family. I am sure it is difficult for you to forgive him now..."
"Xander, he is a monster." She said, the words spilling. "I saw it, Xander. I-I heard it."
Her voice came out fear-stricken, but she would do whatever it took for him to believe. Still, she knew just by the look on his face, he did not... He could not. If he believed her, it would mean he was a traitor to the crown. She knew in a situation where he had to choose between her and his duty, she would not come out as the winner.
"No. He just- You don't know him like I do." Xander tried to give her a reassuring smile.
"Xander, please." Her voice sounded pleading, "I-I don't think he is the man you think he is, or even who he was at one point."
Xander just pursed his lips for a moment, then moved to wipe the blood from beneath her nose. She could see it on his face, part of him already knew and had for a long time. However, this was his father a man he once aspired to be like. She felt hopeless; her insistence would be futile. She felt like a child as he wiped the blood and tears from her face. She felt as if she would have no other choice than to watch them be led to their demise. Even if she managed to get him to believe her, where would they go? There would be no place to they could hide in Nohr or Hoshido where the whisper could not find them.
"You are simply mistaken, my love. I think you are under a lot of stress and could use a bit of rest." He said gently.
She stopped him, grabbing his shoulders as she looked into his eyes "I wouldn't be saying it if I was unsure. Xander, he talked to me."
Xander's eyes shifted a bit, looking past her. Aemilia turned to look where he was looking, noticing a partially feathered cape sticking out from around the corner of the hall. Xander's expression showed his annoyance immediately, an unusual but not unheard-of reaction.
"Iago." He called, his demanding voice calling out the greasy man. "Reveal yourself."
A small man came out from around the corner, his greasy pale complexion standing out against his loose dark clothing. He was slimy in both nature and complexion. He bowed slightly to them.
"My apologies, Prince Xander, I couldn't help but overhear." The court advisor said, "Perhaps, the gentlelady should rest for the night. She seems to be quite distressed; I would hate for the king to be bothered by a sight such as a peasant girl in distress."
His thin lips curled into a knowing sneer as Xander took a deep breath to not lose composure. Xander turned back to Aemilia, "Perhaps, Iago, you should leave the care of my wife up to me. Seeing as you have no experience with women, and I don't expect you to soon."
Iago tucked his cape under his arm, his becoming indignant for a moment, "Perhaps, you'd like me to escort her to her quarters, so the gentlelady can rest."
"I am perfectly capable of escorting her myself, I'd feel more comfortable that way," Xander said.
"Xander, I am fine. "She was cut off by Xander giving her a knowing look.
"Of course," he said, bowing slightly again.
Xander put his arm in Aemilia's to keep her close to him, "Please inform my father that we will reconvene another time when Lady Ameilia is feeling better."
Iago's one red eye watched them as they passed him, heading further into the bowels of Castle Krakenburg. She glanced back in time to see him sneer slightly; his yellowed teeth bore at the Crown Prince's back. Aemilia turned her expression to Xander, his stoic and calm expression soothing her crowded mind. She was sure she would not be able to sleep with everything that had happened.