Chapter 21: Devotion
"Oh, Alphinaud! What a surprise! I wasn't expecting you till morning," Krile stated as Alphinaud all but skidded to a stop when he came bursting through the Annex's doors, panting from his run. "How are your parents?"
"Overjoyed to see me and Alisaie return safely," he said as he put the deceptively light-looking basket on the desk, wondering just what his mother had been able to pack in it, before he asked "They are both well, otherwise thankfully. But what about the others? Are they settling in?"
"Sleeping most likely right now," Krile answered with a reassurance that settled any concerns he had, "We had some Sages here earlier thanks to Ameliance and they overlooked everyone. They did what they could tonight and said they should have more answers to help Claire and Ryne by tomorrow if we're lucky. Ameliance was here until a little while ago, by the way."
"Yes, she—ah, she had a care package that she wanted me to deliver," he lied as he removed the top of the cloth covering the basket where he could see a supply of fruits, potion bottles, sweet-smelling soaps, and even a bottle of wine tucked away inside.
"Well, isn't that considerate of her?" Krile said happily with a clap of her hands. "I shall be sure to thank her most humbly when we next meet. Now, I believe that you are here to see the others? Or is it just one person?"
He carefully unloaded the items and set them down on the table as he cleared his throat, "I was just… ah… checking to make sure that everyone was comfortable or if they needed anything. And ah… if I could… I would like to see them before turning in myself…?"
"Well, Ryne was sleeping like a baby when last I checked and I think that Thancred and Y'shtola have also gone to their rooms and most likely sleeping by now, as well."
"Oh… well, I see, in that case…?" Alphinaud began but Krile knew what he really wanted to hear.
"She, on the other hand, may actually still be awake now if you're lucky," she said with a kind smile. "Just go through the door on the right and follow the hall to the room at the end. When you knock at the door, she should knock back if she's awake. You have my permission to check, all that I ask is that you keep things quiet as to avoid waking anyone else."
She gave him a rather mischievous look that caused him to blush, wondering just what in the world she was thinking of when she said that—but he didn't dare say anything else as he nodded and she hopped down from her stool and stretched out.
"Well, in that case, goodnight," she said before marching off, leaving him alone to set the generous amount of food to the side for the others. He took his time in setting everything up neatly, even going as far as to tidy up the room as he tried to compose himself. He was trying to think of the best way to voice his intentions, but something about her made such thoughts flee from his mind until he was babbling mess. He really didn't want that to happen when he was on the verge of confessing his heart's desire.
His eyes then strayed upon the wine bottle—and after taking a quick look at the label—took a couple swigs of it before he was finally ready. He headed down the corridor to the nap rooms as Krile had instructed, coming to the one at the farthest end of the hall and paused outside it, trying to put himself together. Before he lost his courage, he knocked at the door and waited—half of him hoping she would answer back while the other half desperate that she was already asleep.
But then he heard a faint knocking coming from somewhere inside and he cracked the door open just wide enough to look in to find her sitting up in bed reading a book. Though her complexion was still pale, it was a relief to see the dusting of color having returned that made her look healthier than she had been on the ship. There was a lantern at the head of the bed that cast the room in a warm glow, highlighting her features—this did not help matters.
She looked up to see who it was and she smiled when she saw him.
"I-I just thought to check on you be-before turning in," he stuttered, silently cursing himself for becoming tongue-tied now of all times. Why was this so hard? He had given dozens of speeches in front of people back in the Studium?! "Before you go to sleep, I was h-hoping to speak to you. I do not wish to bother you if you rather wait till morning…?"
But she shook her head and put her book down before patting the chair set up next to the bed, silently inviting him to sit. He gulped before slipping inside and closing the door behind him, trying to ignore the painful pounding of his heart as he took the familiar seat by her bedside.
"How are you feeling?" he asked worriedly as she reached for a notepad and pen on the cushions beside her and wrote something down. A minute later she held it up so that he could read: "I'm feeling much better than before. Krile gave me this to that I could have an easier time communicating."
"I see," he smiled faintly, wondering why he didn't think of something like that earlier. "I am… gladdened to hear that. And just so you know, my mother and father are both well. I heard that you had the pleasure of meeting mother…?"
She nodded back with a bright smile before writing out: "She is something else. She wanted to know what she could do to help. I really like her."
"Yes, I can't imagine anyone meeting her that won't like her," he chuckled. "I should warn you that she plans to take you shopping for some new clothes when she gets the chance."
He then laughed at the look on her face and knew that this was going to be an interesting experience for them both. He was aware of his mother's antics though and he knew that she almost always got her way. Claire was going to be spending time with her whether she liked it or not.
Seeing him laugh caused her to start smiling as well before she wrote down innocently, "So what is it that you wished to talk about?"
Seeing the words written there on the page brought him back down to the matter at hand, and he folded his hands together nervously.
"What I wished to talk about…?" he repeated, looking down, unable to look at her eyes. "Yes… I… well, I…?"
She waited before she moved to put her feet on the floor, sitting on the edge of the bed as she waited. She had been changed into a light pair of cotton clothes and her hair was tossed over one side of her face that he found strangely adorable about her. Again… this was not helping him.
He cleared his throat as he tried again to voice what he was thinking.
"I—I heard that you plan on continuing the fight with Vauthry?" he asked her and her eyes saddened as she looked to the floor and she nodded.
"Ok, first off… I just wanted you to know that, as much as I would like to see you no longer have to fight, I understand your feelings," he said. "And so… because of that, I wanted to speak to you about the future. Our future."
She looked over at him curiously, as if sensing something wrong before her eyes widened in realization. Before he could ask, she quickly wrote down for him: "Alphinaud? Have you been drinking?"
Damn, she must have smelt the wine on his breath.
"It's nothing," he answered back with a wave of his hand, "I'm not drunk or anything like that, I swear."
This was true, this wasn't like the time that he drank himself stupid at the dinner table in Eulmore. He only had a few sips from the bottle that his mother stashed into the basket before coming to see her. He was entirely aware of what was going on around him, having only drank enough liquid courage to be able to come here without giving himself a chance to overthink things.
She just shook her head at that before writing down, "What am I going to do with you?"
He chuckled at that.
"I believe that you stole my line. I've been worried sick about you ever since I first woke up after taking that fall from the balcony," he said and she winced slightly at that, clearly remembering how she had knocked him and Ryne from a pretty high place but he held her hand, running his thumb comfortingly over her knuckles. She was usually so strong but here, when she was alone with him, he wanted her to know that it was ok to show a little vulnerability to him… even if it was only him.
"Claire, I…?" he began before hesitating, feeling a nervous sweat upon his brow as he realized what he was about to do here. She looked back to him, her eyes focused upon his own and he drew an invisible encouragement from her silence as he felt his nervousness grip his heart. He could see how she was studying him, wondering what he was going to say—but he fished deep for the courage that he felt had to be there somewhere before he went on.
"When I learned that you were going to be executed… I… it frightened me more than I could ever say," he whispered in confession. "You… you just really scared me that time. I always knew that you'd be willing to sacrifice yourself for a good cause and that… there may be a day that you leave and will not return. But when I realized that you could die I… I realized that I had so much more that I wanted to say to you."
"Alphinaud…" she whispered back, taken aback by his confession of regrets as his hand shook as it held hers.
"All of this is just for me to say that… that I…?" he paused as he screwed up his face, trying to fight back the sudden urge to run from the room. Before he lost his courage and gave in to his temptations, he managed to choke out, "I just have to say that I care too much for you to allow you to go on alone like that. I just… I can't bear the thought of going through all that again. And yes, I know that we still have to find a way to deal with Vauthry. I understand that he will do whatever is necessary to find access to the Mothercrystal, if it even exists, but I can't bear the thought of letting you go without me. I can't handle the thought that I could lose you. And though I know that our time together has been short… and I know that we started off this marriage as a farce, but I know that these feelings have turned into something that could be described as anything but."
He looked down, his face glowing red as his confession hung in the air. He couldn't look at her, couldn't bring himself to face the idea that she would reject him.
She then picked up her notepad with her pen ready to write… but she just sat there with her pen on the page for some time. It was as if she was struggling to find the words she wanted to say. Finally, she managed to write down sadly, "I can't promise you anything."
He smiled sadly at that before stroking her arm affectionately and reassured her, "I know. I know. I just want to be beside you. That is all. Whatever you require of me, you shall have it."
"Are you sure?" she wrote back. "Is this what you want?"
As if to prove her point, he moved to sit beside her on the bed, pulling her into his arms as he said, without any hesitation this time, "I am. I'm am here because I wish it."
Alphinaud leaned down to kiss her fondly on the forehead, as if to seal his vow. But when he pulled away, she gripped the front of his shirt, her eyes looking directly into his as he tried to speak but could no longer find anything to say. His eyes glanced down to her lips and he could feel himself turning red once more.
He wasn't sure what to really do right now. His body ached suddenly but his mind was screaming that she was in no condition to be doing anything… strenuous at this time.
But…?
Perhaps it was the wine, but before he thought too much of it, he closed the distance between them and captured her lips with his own. The few kisses they had back at the gaol cell were quick and desperate, but here, he could feel himself melting against her. He opened his mouth and deepened it as he felt her hands upon his cheeks, gently stroking his face before reaching up to entangle her fingers in his hair. As she did so, she accidently brushed up against his long ears which sent a wave of pleasure down his body in the form of goosebumps.
For those who have never been with an Elezen, their ears tended to be extremely… sensitive. Alphinaud couldn't stop the moan of bliss that escaped and he felt her smiling against his lips once more before taking advantage of this new discovery and began to stroke his ears with shaking fingers.
His eyes all but rolled into the back of his head at the sensation before he had no choice but to pull away and suck in a lungful of air desperately. She was breathing hard as well as they held the other, seeing the flush that crept across their faces as their eyes were both wide with emotions that sent another shiver of desire down his spine just looking at her.
But she suddenly let go of him, gently pushing him back so that he had no choice but to move away from her.
"What is it?" he asked, taken aback and afraid he may have accidently hurt her.
That was until he realized that she had gone back to her notebook again, but instead of writing anything down this time, she flipped it open to a page that she seemed to have written earlier and held it up for him to see by the faint lantern's glow.
"I want to be with you, Alphinaud. But… you must understand that my fate is not my own now. It hasn't been for a long time… I don't know how my story will end or if I will even be alive at the end of this journey… nor will I lie and say that I'm not afraid of what that future might hold. But my mind is made up and I will continue to see this fight through till the end."
He read it through a couple times, having guessed that she had been wanting to talk about their own future as well if she had this prepared. Perhaps she was trying to find the right way to word her own concerns and fears judging from the many crossed out words and sentences before she attempted to try and rewrite it.
"I know," he said softly as he watched her write something else at the end of that message.
He patiently waited for her to finish and the words she had this time were: "And so, I need you to fully understand. I cannot promise you a future together. All that I can do for you is to give you the here and now in the present. I fear that is all that I can offer."
The present.
Their future was filled with so much uncertainty. But he had come to accept that before coming here.
"I know," he said as he pulled her in close again and he gently stroked her face, taking her by surprise.
"But then… why…?" she asked softly as he ran a hand through her hair.
"Because it doesn't feel right sometimes," he confessed. "We got married before ever getting to know each other and that is the part that I don't like. I care about you enough that I want to have a real, deep, and meaningful relationship for you and so I want this marriage to work out with us both in it and dedicated to each other. But how can we when there is still so much we don't know? I think back to the moment where you stood against Vauthry and Ran'jit… and it…? It was a miraculous moment that I know I shall remember. I've seen you do so many incredible things… I've seen you change the lives of all who cross your path… but it wasn't until that moment did I realize something… something that I should have known before then."
He paused there to catch his breath.
"I wanted to tell you so many things in that moment," he confessed. "I don't know when it happened, only that somewhere along the line I came to truly care about you. I think everyone else could see it before me. But I… I think that I was too afraid of what it could mean… or perhaps afraid of having my feelings rejected… I don't know. I supposed by staying away from you I thought I could avoid any future pain. So I choose… I chose to run instead of confronting those feelings. But it wasn't until my mother talked some sense into me did I realize just how much you meant to me."
"And you are willing… to accept… what little I can offer?" she asked back, trying to make sure that he fully understood what he was getting himself into. "I have… nothing left…?"
He just smiled as his eyes drooped as his heart felt excitement starting to race through him again.
"I am," he reassured her and he kissed her again, and suddenly any fears she had seemed to have melted away as she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him close until he could hear her breathing becoming labored and he could see her face screwed up with pain. Knowing that she was pushing herself in her weakened condition, he carefully pulled her arms from around his neck as he pulled her close to rest her head against his chest.
"Do…?" he began slowly, "Do you wish for me to leave?"
She shook her head before whispering back, "Just stay… with me…"
He smiled back as he carefully maneuvered them in the bed so that they were laying down together, his arms still wrapped protectively around her and he pulled the blanket up to cover her as the lantern was soon blown out, leaving them in a comforting darkness.
"As my lady commands," he replied softly as he could feel slumber quickly drawing him in and in a matter of moments, her own soft breaths lulled him to sleep.
*Morning*
She was still sleeping peacefully when he awoke hours later. She was cuddled up close to him with her head tucked under his chin and enjoying the warm of his body from the chilly morn.
Alphinaud smiled down at her before yawning, glancing about the room as his sluggish mind brought him back to where he was. It was very early in the morning now and he could see light mixed in with the thick clouds through the window, with the worst of the bad weather having passed and faint promises of a clearer day than before. He had only intended to stay for a short time when he came to the Annex last night but it seems that he accidently stayed till morning—he was not looking forward to his father's questions that were sure to come when he next returned to the manor.
Rather than dwell upon that, he got out of bed and went to the small cooktop on the other side of the room and looked through some of the bags of food that were stored there—luckily finding some coffee beans in one of them. Desperately feeling the need for some caffeine, he began to heat a copper kettle as he stretched out once more, feeling strangely at peace. Despite the confusion and uncertainty that his future suddenly held for him, he couldn't help but feel happy to have finally found the courage to let her know what was in his heart.
Speaking of which…?
He turned his head back to the bed where she was still fast asleep, but he suspected that the scent of the coffee would soon change that… not at all minding the thought that he could get used to waking up every morning like this.
He really had become a love-sick fool, hadn't he?
His eyes suddenly strayed to the many medicines and bandages on the table that he didn't pay attention to the night before and knew that he would have to check her injuries to make sure that they hadn't gotten any worse. While he waited for the water to finish boiling, he went over to examine the notes that were left behind and glanced over to see the long list of injuries that she had suffered from and it caused him to frown heavily. It was like he was given a list of reasons to hate Vauthry even more than he already did. Carefully taking mental notes of all of this and rearranging the bottles and bandages, as to be better sorted in terms of necessity, he began to think of plans that they could use to go from here.
In between trying to escape Eulmore and the emotions that went into that whole experience…? It was hard for him to even put it into words and wrap his mind around all of the things that happened just in the time that he had been a part of it. Despite knowing that there is a fight that they were trying to end, to rewrite and change the meaning of it… getting there was going to be far from easy. And he had never experienced anything like it…?
Still, he wanted to walk this road to the end.
He wanted to see this story come to a happy ending.
As those thoughts seemed to reinforce themselves into his heart, and the smell of fresh coffee filled the room, he noticed the stirring from the bed and Claire stirred at last. He smiled at the tossed pink hair that appeared from under the covers and finished pouring two cups for them both.
"You are so sluggish in the mornings," he commented as she yawned out, rubbing her eyes.
She looked around for her notebook, which he quickly fetched for her as well as her quill as she quickly wrote down, "I'm up running around all night. It's to be expected."
He smiled as he handed her one of the two cups he had made and said, "Fair enough."
As she took the cup, he took the time to examine her bandages, replying them as he saw fit. She let him and patiently waited for him to tend to her with loving care even as he warned her constantly to be careful and not overdo it.
She could only nod as she sipped the coffee, allowing him to follow the instructions that were left behind—though getting her to swallow some of the medicine was a struggle.
"They aren't supposed to taste nice," he said, unable to keep the amused smile off his face as she wrinkled her nose at the foul scent that came from the bottles he passed her, "So be a big girl and bottoms up."
She just gave him an annoyed look but did what she was told, knowing that the longer she resisted the longer it would take for her to get better—which he knew better than anyone that was the last thing she wanted.
According to some of the notes he knew that she was not going to be able to walk properly for at least a few more days. That wasn't good because he knew that she wasn't going to be happy being kept locked up in this room the entire time. The idea of keeping her all but confined here made him feel uneasy because it would be no different than what Vauthry did by keeping her imprisoned in that lonely tower.
That was when he had a sudden burst of inspiration and his leapt up, taking her by surprise as she finished pulling her shirt down on and she tilted her head curiously.
"I have an idea," he said in excitement, "I'll be back."
And before she could ask him what was going on, he went running out the door, secretly glad to find that no one else was awake just yet.
*The Leveilleur Mansion*
It was not easy slipping back inside the manor for fear of being caught by his father. He knew that he was risking his father's wrath, but his mind couldn't help but mentally argue with him that he was an adult and as such he didn't have to give an explanation to where he was all night—still, he wanted to avoid any possibility of an argument and quietly snuck around the manor to make sure that no one was watching.
He was able to slip in through the back door that the servants tended to use in the kitchens and he was lucky to be able to avoid anyone. But his luck ran out when he reached the outside of his bedroom door. He was about to head inside when…?
"Oh, master Alphinaud!" one of the servants said in surprise, causing him to jump and spin around when he saw her come out of one rooms with a basket of laundry in her hands, "I didn't expect you up so early!"
"Yes! Sorry, I was just planning on heading out to check on my friends," he lied, "But… but I just realized that I need to change! Be right back!"
"Would you like me to prepare you a bath, master Alphinaud?" the servant asked brightly. "It's so lovely to have you home after such a long time. Is there anything special you would like for breakfast?"
"No, that is alright, I can handle it myself," he reassured her before awkwardly slipping back into his room and closing the door—causing the servant to blink in confusion.
He leaned up against the door, sighing in relief but knowing better than to think that he was in the clear just yet. He had a lot of work to do today and so after he went through his clothes to look for something clean to wear—he went straight to writing a letter.
It was later in the afternoon when he was well-dressed and put together did he manage to find time to leave the manor again. To his surprise, his father didn't say anything to him for the most part when he put in his request to the healers positioned upon the Forum. All the preparations were in motion and all he had to do was pick up his surprise from them on his way back to the Annex.
Still, he was truly taken aback by calm his father was when he spoke to him as he was leaving.
"Try not to stay out late tonight?" he warned, "Your mother said she gave you a scolding when you returned."
Alphinaud blinked at that. Did he really not notice that he was out all night? Alphinaud didn't dare correct him but he did politely bow to his father before he headed to the door.
"Oh, before you go, Alphinaud…?" called his mother's voice and he paused with his hand on the door handle as his mother exited the kitchen, another basket in her hands and a happy smile on her face. "I was hoping to catch you before you left again! I took the time to make something for your friends."
"M-My lady, we could have…?" the head servant choked but his mother just waved her hand at him with a friendly glance before passing the basket to Alphinaud as she just said, "Please let me know if they enjoy it! I'll be happy to stop by later this week to see them again! They were all a delight to speak to."
"Ah, right?" he said, hoping that it didn't sound like too much of a question. "I'll be home later today."
He then waved them off before running out the door, promising himself to give his mother a big hug when he did get back.
*Hour later*
The others were all up and lively when he returned to the Annex, and they were all so happy to receive more food from Ameliance.
"Damn fine woman she is," Thancred said as he pulled out one of the sandwiches that were packed for them.
"Watch it," Alisaie warned, who had chosen to come along with Alphinaud when he set off. "She's way too good for you."
"Ouch, you wound me, my lady," he teased, causing her to snort with laughter as Y'shtola chuckled, enjoying a cup of calming tea as Ryne was given some coffee biscuits from the Last Stand—who she seemed to have a true liking for already.
"So, have we all decided what we're going to be doing?" Alisaie asked them curiously as she sneakily pulled one of the biscuits from Ryne's plate without the younger girl noticing, "Where to go from here, I mean?"
"We're still reaching out to all our contacts and we have some options already," Y'shtola answered back as Ryne stuck her tongue out at Alisaie when she saw her snacking on her treats, "I did hear back from G'raha though to inform us that Tataru and the others have arrived to the Crystarium safely. The last few ships leaving Eulmore have already left as well—meaning that most of the island and city is currently abandoned."
"Will the people be alright? Leaving behind everything like that?" Alphinaud asked in concern.
"They'll make due," Thancred answered, leaning back in his chair once more, "It seems that many were planning on leaving for a while but weren't able to afford it. But with Vauthry having all but lost his mind, well, they decided to take their chances. Most have gone off to the Crystarium or in other settlements across Lakeland while the Dwarves up in the mountains have taken up various jobs across Norvrandt. They're pretty handy and know their way around tools so they shouldn't have trouble finding work…? And much of Eulmore's army have chosen to take up the guard around the Crystarium or have taken to wandering Norvrandt on their own. Whatever they choose to do, I think that they are far better off than remaining in Kholusia with Vauthry running it."
"What's happening back there anyway?" Ryne asked worriedly and he shrugged.
"The last of our contacts on the island had left on the last ship a few days ago," he answered darkly, some of his cheer fading at that, "So no one really knows for now. But we're safe for the time being and that's what matters. I think that it's best that we stay away from Norvrandt for the time being though. If we set up shop back in Eorzea then we can rebuild there while also trying to make new contact to what's happening back there."
"I agree that it would be the best option," Y'shtola nodded sagely, "But there are many resources here in Sharlayan, I do plan on spending some time in the library while here. So, I think that we should take our time in thinking things through carefully while we can afford it." She then looked to Alphinaud and added, "Speaking of which, why don't you go and show our friend the surprise you got for her? I think that she will enjoy it immensely."
Everyone sniggered at the red in his face as he turned and left the main hall, heading straight back to the nap rooms where she was staying.
Once he left the room, Thancred sighed and said, "I guess he'll be sticking with us?"
"Oh, I have no doubt," Y'shtola chuckled as Ryne and Alisaie were now fighting over the bag of coffee biscuits.
Meanwhile, Alphinaud rolled the surprise down the hall, thus taking Claire by surprise when she sat up in bed and saw him enter with the large device.
"This is a wheelchair," he explained and rolled it over for her to see, "I asked a few members of the Forum who are gifted healers if I could borrow one for a few days until you are recovered enough to walk. I know that staying cooped up in this room is enough to drive you crazy so I figured that I could take you out and show you Sharlayan while you heal."
She stared at it and he could see that familiar sparkle back in her eyes as he rolled it over closer to the bed as she tried to get up, but struggled to find her footing.
"Easy," he said, coming to her side to help brace her.
"Alphinaud, I am alright," she whispered and he sighed at that before realizing that she was already out of breath.
"Here," he said as he moved over. He helped her to stand long enough to move to the wheelchair and make sure she was comfortable. "You shouldn't be trying to walk yet anyway. Allow me to at least help you here. We'll have a tour of Sharlayan."
He took her outside, determined that she enjoy the new sights and sounds, and like he hoped, her eyes lit up at the sight of everything new around her. He knew that they were getting more than a few curious looks, but he found that he didn't seem to be at all bothered by that for now. Rumors were already flying about how the son of House Leveilleur had finally returned home and he was aware that he would have to deal with that soon enough. Not least of all he would have to speak with the Studium about his education—though he wasn't sure how he would be able to handle that right now… he missed so much schooling that he doubted that he would be able to catch up in time before graduation. Ah, speaking of which…?
"I just realized something," he said as he pushed the chair along the cliffs of tranquility, turning her so that she could get a full view of the ocean.
"What is it?" she asked before he passed her the notepad to ensure that she wouldn't use her voice.
"That the finales are coming up soon," he stated as she began writing, "At the Studium, I mean. I was originally planning on taking them before but with how long I've been gone…? I fear that I shall have to miss them."
Claire then frowned at that before showing him, "Why not take them?"
"I fear that we have bigger things to be concerned with," he answered back in an unconcerned way.
"Won't you regret it?" she wrote back and he shrugged.
"It's not important," he reassured her. "It's not your problem to face."
She shook her head before asking, "You've must have read every book back in Eulmore? I know you still kept up your studies while there."
"Maybe…?" he said uncertainly, "But…?"
She pouted and folded her arms at him as he frowned back.
"They're just exams," he reiterated. "Making sure that you and the others are well taken care of are more important."
She then scribbled back, "I can easily rest while you prepare for the tests. We will be here for a while yet."
"Well yes, but…?" he began. It was amazing how fast she could write because as quick as a flash she wrote out, "I think that would make your parents happy as well, won't it? I know you can do it."
"I doubt the Headmaster would allow it after all the time that I took off…?" he began but she was frowning heavily at him before she wrote down a single threat on the notepad, which caused him to splutter into indignation.
"You wouldn't dare," he warned as she gave him a mischievous grin back. "No… no, you will not tell my sister about how drunk I got back in Eulmore that one time! I will never hear the end of it."
She just smiled as he sighed and shook his head, knowing defeat when it was handed to him.
"Alright," he moaned out, "Alright, I'll speak with the Headmaster about taking the exams despite my prolonged absence. But if I am to have a chance of passing it, then I shall need to put in a lot of study work in."
She nodded in agreement before he warned, "Oh, don't think that you're off the hook. I shall make you suffer for it as well. You brought this upon yourself."
She just folded her hands up in front of her to make a little heart shape and winked at him which he could not find himself unable to smile. But unwilling to admit that outloud, he went behind the chair and began to push her along the road again. They walked in silence for a moment before she held up the notepad again so that it blocked his vision where he read only one word: "Studium?"
"You want to go now?" he demanded as she nodded. "No, we can do that later," he began but she just held it back up for him to see the word Studium again and he rolled his eyes.
"Alright, fine," he said exasperatedly, "We'll go now. But only because I did want to speak with some of the Sages there about your condition. After that, I will speak with the Headmaster before I take you to the Last Stand."
She turned around to look at him curiously, clearly wondering what the Last Stand was before he went red and muttered, "That is… if it would be alright if we dine together at least once? If you are feeling up for it?"
She just smiled back with an excided nod as he could only grin like a love-sick fool, cleared his throat, and began to point out more of the landmarks that they passed, sounding like he swallowed a textbook on the history of these locations.
Meanwhile, under the shade of a nearby tree, two people were watching the couple making their way up the road, one was watching with a bright smile while the other was still frowning heavily.
"See, dearest?" Ameliance said as she watched the two as her son was being the perfect tour guide, "There's nothing suspicious about them. I think that you are over worrying too much."
"I thought that he agreed not to spend so much time with them," he grumbled. "I know that he went to see them last night?"
"I told you already, that I saw him last night and he just left early this morning," Ameliance lied as she reassured her husband, well aware that her son never came home. "You were just so focused on finding an unnecessary loophole to use to get their marriage annulled that you didn't notice. Now, let's leave them be. I think that it's adorable."
"How?" he asked exasperatedly, turning fully to his wife. "How can you be so calm about this? Doesn't it upset you?"
"In the beginning, it did," she confessed. "And had our son been unhappy when he returned, I would have been the first to demand an annulment. But look at them? I have tried to set him up with a few young ladies before and never have I seen him connect so well to any of them like he is with her."
"According to Alisaie, she's the one causing so much trouble," he reminded her, having been told the story of the Warrior of Darkness. "She now has a bounty on her head and a powerful man wants her dead. You cannot tell me that is a good influence on our son? What does she have to offer him?!"
"She is a princess?" she offered with a smile.
"In title only," he reminded her with a roll of the eyes, "She has nothing else left to her name save for that title. And it's questionable if she is really still a princess with her marked for death."
"Darling, this is not our place to say," she said, "Now see them on a nice little walk together? That is a lovely idea. How about we do so as well? We can talk about other things in the meantime."
She then hooked her arm through her husband's and all but dragged him along with her as they headed off in the opposite direction. As they walked she reminded him gently, "And dearest, need I remind you that you weren't always on the straight and narrow yourself when you were his age?"
"If you are speaking of that one time I snuck into the library after hours…?" he began before she cut him off.
"It was more than one time, and need I remind you that it was because you were sneaking around the forbidden archives?" she reminded him sweetly and red dusted his cheeks.
"I was young and curious, I never planned to use that knowledge for ill purposes," he grumbled.
"Well," she said, also blushing slightly, "I always did find that side of you rather… attractive. I guess my son gets his sense of taste from me."
"What is that supposed to mean?" he demanded hotly as she just laughed while he turned an even brighter shade of red.
"Did you know that a twin does have a higher chance of having twins themselves in the future?" she asked him suddenly and he blinked in confusion at the random question.
"I—what? Why are you bringing that up?" he choked, as she just smiled back and batted her eyes mischievously while just walking along with a spring in her step.
(Yeah, Ameliance really wants grandchildren and she's not shy about making that known. Also, I think that one of the reasons she got together with a stick in the mud like Fourchenault is because she could see he had a trace of a bad boy in him. No one can resist a bad boy, right? Anyway, this chapter was all about taking it easy and being a bit more lighthearted compared to the previous ones especially with Valentine's Day here! But these times aren't meant to last for long though as they decide their course of action and get ready to set off from the safety of Sharlayan once again. Hope you all enjoyed it and have a Happy Valentines Day!)