Aisha's POV:
It had been several months since I had arrived back in the Empire and I had been undertaking my normal duties. I had come back from Mora as I had to settle a dispute there between two noble families. That was done effortlessly when I showed them my power, scaring them into accepting the Empire's judgment.
I walked up the steps into the Royal Palace and I felt a familiar presence next to me, I turned my head and I saw that I could see who it was.
"Amine, how are you?" I smiled at her, she was my second in command and would take control of my squadron whilst I was away. She was a middle-aged woman who had served in Hijaara's armed forces for many years before joining the Empire's army when Hijaara joined the Empire. She had been at my side at the end of the war when we invaded the Tribal Lands, she had really impressed me and became part of my personal squad.
"I am very good, how are you Princess?" My squad was full of Hijaaran veterans and they venerated the Royal Family, it was my personal request when I joined the twelve to have a squad of my kin.
"I'm good, the mission went off flawlessly so I can relax in Vistarion for a while before heading back out on another mission. Did I miss anything whilst I was away?" I smiled at Amine, as we walked through to the great hall. The shadow of the Spriggan Throne ominously looming before us.
"Amongst the twelve there hadn't been many changes, I think Neinhart arrived back recently but aside from that, nothing. We do have a special guest that Invel has extended his hospitality to."
I raised my eyebrow and looked at her, slightly confused as to who it could have possibly been.
"It was the master of Fairy Tail, he arrived without explanation and Invel has set him up with a room in the Palace. He has come here for negotiations with the Emperor, but of course as Emperor Spriggan was away he is dealing with Invel. At least until August is back." Amine looked up at me slightly worried, she knew what mission I had been on, and the possible consequences it could have with Makarov back.
"I am going to speak with him right now, I will come around the barracks and speak to the rest of the squad when I'm back. Take care of yourself, Amine." I left her and walked quickly back up the stairs and headed towards the garden where I had met my Grandfather and Ajeel. Makarov liked peace and quiet, that is where I will find him.
I walked into the garden through the familiar wooden doors, I made my way through the gardens and headed towards the balcony. I approached it and I could hear my grandfather's voice and I also heard the familiar fatherly tone of Makarov. I walked out onto the balcony and my Grandfather looked up, a gentle smile on his face.
"Aisha, my granddaughter. Please come take a seat with us."
Makarov looked behind him and the shock I expected to see on his face was replaced with a stern look, he already knew that I was here. He was smart and must've worked it out. I walked over to the table and sat around their table, I pulled out the seat and sat down on it. This whole situation felt uneasy, if it wasn't for the calming presence of Grandfather Yajeel, this could've been much worse.
I took a glass from the centre of the table and put it down in front of me, I took the bottle of wine they were sharing and poured myself a glass. Offering the bottle to my two elders, they both declined non-verbally. I put my hand on the foot of the glass and swirled it, I took the glass to my nose and smelt it.
"Argiano, vintage. I'm not sure what year it was from though." I smiled gently, I took a sip and the rich flavour was beautiful. I would need some sort of alcohol for the conversation I was going to be having with Makarov.
"You have always had a good nose for these sorts of things Aisha. It's from X754, a fantastic year for their vineyards." My grandfather wore his familiar smile on his face. "Now I can see you two need to speak in private, so I'll make myself scarce. If you need me, I'll be in my study." My grandfather got up from his chair gingerly.
"Thank you, Yajeel. Your hospitality is always appreciated. Same time for Regenca tomorrow?"
"Of course Makarov, I'm sure you'll come closer to beating me tomorrow." My grandfather walked slowly out as they both had a small laugh.
I waited patiently for my grandfather to leave, and once he had left I cleared my throat. Before I could speak Makarov spoke first. "So, Aisha Alyamani. You were sent by the Empire to spy on Fairy Tail." Makarov looked at me in the eyes, his gaze was unwavering and I could feel myself melting under it.
I waited for a few moments, unsure about how I should proceed. He most likely knew everything, so all I could do was come clean.
"You're right master, I was sent to spy on the guild and see what you were up to."
He looked at me for a few moments, his eyes not telling me any clues about how he was feeling or how he would react.
"I see, and with the guild. Did you find what you were looking for?" His words clearly had a double meaning, but they were delivered laced with venom.
"I did, I completed my mission. The guild wasn't what I expected either. I nervously swirl my wine in my glass, looking away from Makarov. I didn't think I felt bad about my decision, but meeting someone from the guild so soon has made me reconsider it.
"And how was the guild not what you expected? Or was lying to one of my children and making them fall in love with you whilst spying part of the mission?" I could feel the tension building in the balcony, I knew that he wouldn't attack me but this might honestly be worse.
"That wasn't part of the mission and it wasn't planned, Mira and I just happened." I bit my lip as I swallowed the lump in my throat, I moved a hand into one of my pockets and brought out a pack of cigarettes. Since coming home, I couldn't stop myself from smoking.
"You understand how wrong that is, you understand what Mira has been through and you've toyed with her emotions. You've betrayed the guild and her most of all." Makarov balled his fists.
"I do understand what I did! But you need to understand, I really do love Mira and the guild! I don't want to hurt the guild but the Empire needs all the strength it can to defeat Acnologia! That is why the Empire exists and we must save the world. Fairy Tail can join that!" I took out a cigarette then a lighter, putting the butt in my mouth and lighting it.
"My child, do you really believe that the Empire only wants to defeat Acnologia? They want power for the sake of power, why do you think they've conquered all of this land? You know about those conquests yourself as you've taken part in it." The master put his hands on the table.
"Yes, the Empire just wants to beat Acnologia. The Empire can be peaceful and benevolent, but it will be after defeating him. Please at least consider it, I don't want to fight the guild. I would love nothing more than to live back in Magnolia with Mira. This has to come first though, we can't value individuals over the collective good!" I took a draw of my cigarette to try and calm myself down.
"Aisha, if it wasn't for those individuals then the collective doesn't matter anyway. I agree we need to beat Acnologia, he stole seven years from me but we can't join the Empire. This invasion cannot happen, it will just weaken us both." I finally got enough courage to look at him, looking into his eyes. He spoke true, the war doesn't need to happen but the Empire needs their strength.
"Makarov, we need to be on the same side for this, I'm pretty much the only member of the Twelve that sees this will be a mistake."
"You know something is wrong here, I can sense it too. Aisha, if you have any love in your heart for me and the guild. Please do me a favour." I nodded at him and moved slightly closer. "Try and stop this war from happening, if you can stop it from the Empire's side then it will not happen, also I need to know more about the Emperor. With some more information we can stop this war together."
I took a draw of my cigarette and relaxed in my seat, exhaling the smoke. I thought about what had happened before this, maybe he was right. I know from prior experiences about the Twelve, I have gotten along with some of the members. The senior members themselves had seemed secretive, even more so than usual.
That energy I felt when I was at the Eclipse Gate felt so similar, it reminded me of Emperor Spriggan. Is it possible he is connected to Zeref?"
"Ok master, I will do this for you. This conversation cannot leave here. Otherwise we will both be dead. I will take the risk to stop this war, I will tell you what I find out."
"Thank you, my child. I don't know what will happen Aisha, but you might have a choice to make. Please do not make the wrong one."