A/n: A Special thanks to Anti-Broadcast for helping me with this chapter; she is incredibly talented and I couldn't have done it without her. If you haven't read "Off-Duty" or its sequel "Audience of One" then I strongly suggest you check it out! Happy reading!

…

Footsteps resounded through the stone corridors of the castle as Beatrix strode purposefully towards the royal chamber. The return of Zidane had prompted a shift in her behavior; she now refrained from stationing herself directly outside the door to the royal chamber as she had often done before. This change granted the young couple the privacy they so obviously required. A lifetime spent in the castle had made the sounds that often emanated from behind the heavy wooden door all too familiar. After all, considering the council's growing anticipation for an heir to the throne, such noises were only expected.

Steiner, however, was a different matter entirely. While he no longer actively interfered with their attempts to steal moments alone, his discomfort was evident. Any inkling that their activities might stray into the inappropriate territory rendered him crimson in embarrassment. At first, Beatrix found this reaction somewhat childish. In truth, considering Zidane's supposed penchant for scandal, most of their escapades had been relatively harmless, if not entirely predictable given the circumstances of a prince consort. Comparatively speaking, Zidane's actions were practically virtuous when contrasted with the escapades of the late king during his youth. That being said, it had taken Beatrix weeks to start back using her desk again.

Shaking her head, Beatrix poised herself to gently knock on the entrance to the royal chamber. Yet, her intention was caught off-guard when she found the door slightly ajar, an unusual occurrence given the early hour. Left to their own inclinations, the couple would typically remain in slumber until nearly midday, a pattern she disrupted with her persistent insistence on punctuality. A flicker of concern crossed her mind; for a fleeting moment, she wondered if they had once again slipped away quietly into the night and failed to return. However, her knock elicited a swift and cheerful response. "Good morning, Beatrix."

As the door swung open, Beatrix was met with the sight of Garnet, fully dressed and composed, engaged in her work at the desk. Garnet's hair was neatly combed, and there was no sign of Zidane. "You're up earlier than I anticipated," Beatrix remarked with a chuckle, her gaze sweeping the room. "Where might the prince consort be now? What mischief is he brewing?"

"Steiner asked him to assist in training some of the soldiers this morning," Garnet replied with a smile. "It's going to be quite the challenge for them, and I believe Zidane could use a bit of activity to temper his restlessness."

"Hmm..." Beatrix regarded the young queen skeptically. "My apologies for my audacity, but I sense there's a lot more to this than meets the eye."

"What do you mean?" She asked innocently, not looking up as she applied her royal seal to another parchment before moving on to the next one. "We just thought it would be best to finish our duties early today. Sometimes, it's nice having a quiet evening."

Beatrix continued, undeterred, "You've ventured on another unsupervised escapade, haven't you?"

Garnet finally met Beatrix's knowing look with an apologetic smile. "It's been a while since we visited Pinnacle Rocks and Zidane believes Choco can get us there in just a couple of hours."

Beatrix's resolve wavered. "Is there any chance of talking you out of it?"

A soft plea touched Garnet's words, "No… but please don't be angry. I realize I should have informed you earlier, but this has been something I've eagerly anticipated for months. Still, a part of me fears that my hopes will be dashed if I invest too much thought into expectation."

Concern etched Beatrix's face, and she accepted the stack of completed letters that Garnet handed to her. Beatrix's demeanor shifted to a more empathetic tone. "What do you mean?"

Garnet chewed on her lip anxiously, her hands finding their way to her lap. "I... I've been plagued by a sense of unease lately." Beatrix was about to inquire about the root of this feeling, but she held her tongue, allowing Garnet to continue in her own time. "I just... I need a respite, even if it's just for a single night."

"Is this about the dreams again?" Beatrix asked, gently.

Garnet exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and nodded her head. "I thought once the dreams ended it would bring relief, but the last one left me utterly bewildered. No matter what I try, I can't help feeling like something horrible is going to happen. Perhaps it's immature to wish to escape from it, but I've begun to consider whether there's truth to the notion that the stress of being a queen is finally catching up to me. Please don't misconstrue my intentions. I'd never shirk my responsibilities as queen. But is one night of respite too much to ask?"

With empathy etched across her features, Beatrix replied, " Then perhaps we should make arrangements just in case it goes on longer than expected. Shall I inform the nobles that you're rescheduling their appointments for an earlier time?"

Garnet's tense shoulders eased into a posture of relief. "Thank you, Beatrix. Your friendship means the world to me."

Beatrix waved away the sentiment. "Looking out for you is a privilege, and for once, I'm in agreement. While the idea of you and Zidane journeying with no other escort will never sit well with me, I trust your ability to fend off any bandits that might cross your path."

Garnet's gaze shifted to the list of appointments awaiting her attention, her tone taking on a more resolute edge. "Most of these appointments can be rearranged without much trouble. Many could probably be deferred to later in the week. However, this one... Tarius, who is he?"

"I believe he introduced himself as a prosperous merchant hailing from Treno. He expressed a keen interest in acquiring land near the city," Beatrix recollected, struggling to recall the finer details. "He specifically requested an audience to offer you a gift as a demonstration of his loyalty and appreciation for the throne."

Garnet nodded, absorbing the information. "I see... As much as I dislike admitting it, given the ongoing restoration efforts, we can't afford to overlook potential contributions. So, let's hope this encounter goes well."

A few hours later…

"Are you comfortable?" Beatrix's inquiry brought Garnet's restlessness to light.

Garnet released a frustrated sigh. "I detest this gown. I understand the necessity of formal attire when meeting with nobles, but the sheer discomfort..."

"Sometimes, duty demands sacrifices," Beatrix responded, a faint trace of amusement in her voice. "Shall I admit Lord Tarius now?"

"Yes," Garnet nodded. "This is the final important matter of the day. Hopefully, it won't be too prolonged, but I don't want him to feel rushed or undervalued." As Beatrix exited the room, Garnet meticulously organized her quill and parchments, ensuring every detail was in order. "I wonder if Zidane has everything prepared," she mused to herself, contemplating the evening ahead. Zidane had alluded to a surprise, and while she felt almost selfish for harboring the thought, a flicker of hope lingered that he might finally propose. Lost in these musings, she was jolted back to reality as the grand wooden door creaked open once more. Her attention turned to the man entering, closely trailed by Beatrix. A subtle distinction caught her eye — though the man was well-dressed, he didn't fit the mold of the nobles she was accustomed to. Could Treno's fashion have evolved since her last visit?

"Good day to you, your Highness." Tarius greeted with a modest but elegant bow. "I am Lord Tarius, and it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"Good day to you, too, Lord Tarius. What brings you to the castle today?" Garnet inquired politely, her gaze shifting momentarily to Beatrix stationed dutifully by the door.

"Forgive my boldness, Your Highness, but having chosen to establish residence in your realm, I deemed it appropriate to meet the one in command. Moreover, your reputation as a benevolent queen and a hero who aided in saving our cherished Gaia from ruin precedes you."

While such praise had become familiar, she couldn't help but feel a flush of humility at his words. "Thank you, but I assure you that I merely fulfilled the duties that befitted my position. My efforts would have been in vain without the support of those around me- a support that continues even now."

Tarius responded with a warm smile, though an indefinable inkling hinted that something about it was askew. "It seems your benevolence is matched only by your modesty, your highness. Now that we have made our introductions, perhaps it is time we address the matter at hand."

A look of curiosity crossed Garnet's expression as she observed him intently. "And what matter might that be?"

"One should not approach a ruler such as yourself without bearing gifts," Tarius replied with a glint in his eyes, producing a vivid crimson stone from within his vest and placing it on the imposing oak table before her.

"Is that... a ruby?" Garnet leaned in to examine it closely, prompting a soft chuckle from Tarius. "I apologize for my impudence, but you don't understand me. This gift carries more value than a mere ruby. In truth, it's worth more than the entirety of your kingdom's treasury."

As Garnet gazed deeper at it's flawless surface, a peculiar sense of unease unfurled within her. A distant memory whispered that gazing too deeply could yield consequences beyond her comprehension.

"Your Majesty?" Beatrix's voice carried an undercurrent of concern. "Is something amiss?"

Returning to the present, Garnet realized she had been lost in a gaze that seemed to peer into the stone's bottomless depths. "I apologize, I drifted momentarily. That was entirely inappropriate. Why do you assert that this stone holds such astronomical value? And, if it does indeed possess such worth, why then would you offer it to me?"

"It is, in essence, a profoundly powerful magical artifact." Tarius's eyes locked with hers. "The 'why' is of no significance. What should seize your attention is its capacity to grant your deepest desires. Should you yearn for power for your realm, it can grant the power to obliterate your most formidable adversaries. If wisdom surpassing your years beckons, a mere call upon its power shall unveil eons of knowledge at your disposal. I bestow this gift upon you, as you're undoubtedly a ruler deserving of it. With this stone, your reign shall not merely be illustrious; it could very well be eternal."

"Is this some kind of jest?" Garnet's voice quivered with uncertainty, her focus shifting between Tarius and the stone.

"I can assure you it is not," Tarius replied with a gravity that seemed unbreakable. "Will you accept my generous offering?"

"Why must you subject yourself to such perils, when all of your heart's desires can be granted if only you speak them?"

The sudden memory of her dream jolted her, and a newfound clarity seemed to infuse with her understanding of her recurring dreams.

"You took everything from me…! If you had never existed none of this would have happened!"

Emerging from her trance-like state, she recoiled, scrambling away from the table. Beatrix, ever vigilant, hand on the hilt of her sword, moved instinctively into a combat stance ready to attack if necessary. "Get that cursed stone out of my castle! Who exactly are you!?"

Tarius hesitated briefly, his expression unreadable, as he scrutinized her. "I comprehend now," he responded in a measured tone, calmly retrieving the stone and securing it within his vest. "A regrettable outcome." Though his actions posed no immediate threat, Garnet felt her heart racing and a cold sweat dampening her brow as Tarius moved towards the exit. He paused, his hand resting on the door handle, his gaze shifting to Beatrix. "You are soon to encounter a brother of mine, Your Highness. I fear he has not come bearing gifts as I have, and one talented General may not tip the odds in your favor. And no, I am not threatening you, only offering you a bit of insight of what is now to come. Farewell." And with that, Tarius exited, his departure resolute and purposeful.

Garnet remained standing, her gaze fixed on the closed door for a few lingering moments before looking down at her hands, only to find them trembling. "Are you well, Your Highness?" Beatrix's voice broke the silence, her stance relaxing. "Was that stone truly as the man described? You seemed as though you'd encountered it before."

Garnet shook her head, attempting to steady herself before responding. "It wasn't exactly the same, but in some of my dreams, there was a stone quite similar. The woman in my dreams... she conversed with it frequently. Moreover, she believed that stone, or whatever dwells within it, was responsible for the death of everyone she held dear. I can't explain it, but suddenly I felt all her dread and hatred toward it as though it were my own... I can't even begin to fathom losing all of those I care about."

"If I may be bold, Your Highness, I believe you made the right decision in declining it. Power often demands a steep price, and your dreams certainly suggest it's a cost we wouldn't want to pay," Beatrix offered, aiming to console her. "As for the man's brother, what shall we do about that?"

Garnet let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head. "Without even knowing his name, it would be impossible to ascertain his identity. Luckily, that was the final meeting for today. We can wait and address this issue tomorrow."

"As you wish," Beatrix agreed. Garnet pushed her chair back in place and crossed to Beatrix, stopping momentarily at the door. "I will ensure they don't cause too much of a problem. Nobles tend to be all bark and no bite," The General offered.

Beatrix's warm smile carried a hint of amusement as the young queen pushed the door open. "You and Steiner should retire for the evening as well," she commented with a small grin. Garnet did not look back at the woman who had surprised her by reacting with an unexpected sheepishness regarding her and her husband. A year ago, she would have likely been the same way but now things like that didn't bother her as much. Was it his influence? Even she could see that she had become more assertive and self-assured lately.

Garnet chuckled quietly. Others might think it a change unbecoming of a queen, but she didn't care. As she walked down the hallway towards the royal chambers her thoughts were on the fun and relaxing evening that she had eagerly been waiting for. Zidane always thought of himself as the master of surprises, but he had no idea what was up Garnet's sleeve. She grinned to herself as she grasped the doorknob of her room, only to find it locked.

"Hmm?" Garnet mused, trying the door handle again. But it remained unyielding, refusing to even rattle against its hinges. "Zidane, are you in there?" She called, waiting patiently for a few moments for a response that never came. She pressed her ear against the door, straining for any sound but nothing could be heard. "This door wasn't locked earlier... Zidane, if locking me out is some kind of prank, it's not funny!"

Her patience waned, replaced by growing frustration. With her cheerful mood beginning to sour, she turned briskly and retraced her steps back down the hallway to find Beatrix as she was the only other person besides Zidane who kept a key to the room. As she drew near to the room, however, its heavy double doors slammed loudly upon her approach. Instinctively stepping back, a tinge of panic began to take hold. "Beatrix?" She called out, but was again met with only a chilling silence. "Who's in there!?" She hadn't heard the bolt slide locked but when she pulled on the door it resisted her efforts like the one before.

"What the hell is happening!?" Garnet shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway. Uncertain of the cruel game being played, a sense of urgency surged within her. She felt a desperate need to flee the castle as quickly as possible. Not wasting another moment, she sprinted through the empty hallways, down the staircase and towards the entrance of the castle. As she pushed against the large doors with all her strength, she felt a wave of relief as the massive doors opened before her with ease. But that feeling was swiftly replaced by despair as the open doorway revealed not the welcoming evening sun, but instead, the interior of the castle's foyer.

"What… What is this madness?" Garnet whispered, her heart hammering in her chest. She shut her eyes tightly not wanting to look behind her, a futile attempt to deny the unnerving reality around her. Gathering her courage, she turned around and forced herself to open her eyes again, her breath catching as the imposing doors remained closed. Her chest tightened with anxiety.

Summoning her resolve, she dashed toward the stairs once more. In her haste, a misstep caused her to trip, twisting her ankle and snapping one of her elegant shoes' heels. Ignoring the pain, she tore off both shoes and surged to her feet, her only focus on escaping the eerie predicament. She rushed onward, desperately hoping to find Beatrix or anyone who could offer an explanation.

As she entered another hallway, her steps faltered, and she came to a stunned halt. The corridor seemed to stretch infinitely before her, the door at the far end receding into an unreachable distance like a mirage. Disbelief washed over her. "I'm… I'm just having a nightmare," she muttered, her voice shaking. "That's what this is… I'm going to wake up soon. I must wake up soon." With trembling determination, she moved forward, each step an uncertain venture into a reality that defied logic.

…

"Your Majesty!?" Beatrix's voice carried surprise and concern as Garnet stepped through the doorway and then abruptly vanished. Reacting swiftly, Beatrix drew her sword, her eyes darting in every direction, scanning the hallway, and the immediate surroundings. Garnet couldn't have vanished so quickly, even if she had sprinted away at full speed. Beatrix might have questioned her own judgment on numerous occasions in the past, but her combat experience had honed her instincts to recognize signs of dark magic.

"Is something amiss, General?" A female guard asked quickly, picking up on Beatrix's distress.

"Did you..." Beatrix started, her voice steadying as she regained her composure. "Did you happen to see Her Highness leave this area?"

"No," the guard replied. "Apart from a noble who departed a few moments ago, no one else has entered or exited this vicinity. Except for you, of course, General."

"It can't be," frustration laced Beatrix's words. " What kind of sorcery is this?! Hurry, gather the other guards! We need to locate Her Highness immediately!" The guard saluted and hastened to fulfill the orders.

Doubt crept into Beatrix's mind as she considered returning to the room. Perhaps she had been mistaken, and Garnet was still inside. With determined steps, Beatrix retraced her path back to the chamber. Pushing open the doors she distinctly remembered closing, she was met with a sight that sent a chill down her spine. Despite the fact that no one could have gotten past her, standing where Garnet had been mere moments ago was a young man, appearing to be in his early twenties. His emerald eyes shone against the backdrop of his neatly combed jet-black hair. He was dressed in a pristine silver suit that perfectly complemented his elegant dress shoes, which gleamed under the castle's illumination. His fair and pale complexion held an unsettling allure, an aura of other-worldliness that left Beatrix uneasy.

Beatrix had encountered her fair share of nobles, each with their own distinct presence. However, something about this young man transcended her previous experiences, leaving her with a sense of unease.

"I do not think searching for Her Majesty will be necessary." He commented with obvious satisfaction.

"What do you mean?" Beatrix demanded, her sword aimed defensively at the mysterious man. "Are you responsible for this?"

The man's laughter danced through the air like a mocking melody. His hand glided delicately along the edge of a table, a casual gesture that contrasted with the gravity of the situation. "Ever the faithful general... how amusing," he remarked, his tone dripping with a mix of amusement and condescension. "Is it a general's duty to fret over their superior's safety, even when their own life hangs in the balance?"

Beatrix took a step forward, her gaze locked on him, determination blazing in her eyes. Her experiences as a General through countless wars had fortified her confidence. Facing off against a mere noble couldn't possibly unnerve her, especially in one-on-one combat. The list of individuals who had bested her was short, populated by the likes of Zidane and Steiner, two of the most formidable fighters she had ever known. "Are you attempting to intimidate me?"

The man waved her off dismissively, an air of nonchalance about him. "Oh, no. No threats here."

"Then I'll ask you plainly: who are you?" Beatrix growled, her grip on her sword tightening.

The man closed the distance between them, his gaze appreciative as it traced her form. A grin played upon his lips, a mixture of arrogance and amusement. "My, my. Quite the imposing figure, aren't you? A woman of your stature does deserve the courtesy of an introduction. I am Damian, though I would much prefer if you addressed me as 'Your Excellence.' From this day onward, you will serve me."

"I would sooner meet my end," Beatrix retorted fiercely. "Unless you divulge what you have done with Her Highness, you'll find yourself facing your demise."

Damian's eyes glinted, his voice turning more commanding. "I don't think so."

Something inexplicable occurred then. Despite her strong resolve, Beatrix found her sword arm lowering against her will. A sensation of detachment overcame her, as though her limbs were no longer under her control. Her actions defied her intentions, a perplexing conflict that seemed to blur her thoughts.

"What kind of magic is this?" she muttered, her confusion palpable.

"Does it really matter?" Damian challenged, stepping closer and brushing a hand against her cheek. "Or would you rather know how you can serve me better?"

Beatrix's resistance wavered. What was she supposed to do? The significance of the situation slipped through her grasp, and even her own convictions grew hazy. "I...," she began to respond, her voice faltering.

Damian's tone turned menacing as he leaned in. "You wouldn't want to displease me, would you?"

"No... Your Highness," the words tumbled from her lips, but they felt distant, as if spoken by another.

"I require you to take this stone," Damian urged, placing an unfamiliar stone in her hand and enclosing her fingers around it. "Invoke its power... it will demand your very soul, but I assume that won't pose a problem?"

"No. I will fulfill your wishes," Beatrix replied, her voice now void of her prior conviction.