25Love and Duty
Felicie lifted her voluminous skirts into her hands, moving them out of her way, as she raced down the stone path in front of the castle. A few nobles that were wondering around gave her looks as she passed but she ignored them, wholly focused on her task.
The message in her hand was crumpled against her skirt. It had just arrived this morning with the regular post. It wasn't an emergency, but the news had made her so excited that she had run out of her room towards the palace with all haste.
Cy was finally coming back.
It had only been a few days since they arrived, but she hadn't seen him since they had gone their separate ways at the Lloegyrian border. He had wanted to follow her inside Gwenael, to make sure that she arrived safely, but Watkin had absolutely refused to allow it. Worse, he had orders from Queen Eleonore that, until she said otherwise, Cy was to return to the capital.
It wasn't forever, Watkin had assured them both. There was simply proper protocol that needed to be followed, especially in situations such as these. Besides, Cy had needed to give Eleonore a report on everything that had transpired while Watkin dealt with the Gasconite prisoners that he had captured and that Nicolas and Colette had handed over to him.
Felicie wasn't worried about him being reassigned as the official ambassador, she just missed him with a fierce loneliness that surprised her. So, to see his message this morning that he was on his way, nearly made her cry with joy.
Before she could begin preparing for his arrival, however, she had to inform his majesty. Really, this message should have gone to the royal family first, but she wasn't surprised that Cy had directed it only to her. They were playing as besotted fools, after all.
"Felicie? Where's the fire?"
Her name being called out as she passed into the entrance hall pulled her up short. She stopped, turning to face Lord Odilon Yvain as he walked her way. There was a small stack of papers in the crook of his arm and he was smiling, undisturbed by her haste.
"I just have a message for his majesty." She told him, letting her skirts drop.
"Oh? Is it urgent?"
"Well, not particularly. I'm just excited. Cy is coming back."
"Cy? The ambassador."
"The very one. I must confess, Odi, I'm quite smitten with him." She didn't even have to fake the light pink flush that filled her cheeks to think of his grin.
Odilon grinned at her. "Well, then, that's something. Do you mind if I walk with you? I have something to discuss with Cyrille myself."
"Oh, sure." She couldn't exactly run as she had been doing, but she didn't mind the company. The excited energy just made it difficult to contain herself to a mere walk as Odilon fell in step with her, both of them heading to the king's office.
"I haven't been able to see you since you returned from Lloegyr. It was successful, I hope?"
"Yes, and no. I got more out of it than I expected but I didn't manage to accomplish all that I would have liked. Still, I can't complain. I honestly thought I wouldn't live through it."
Odilon chuckled at her, unaware of everything that has transpired. "Really, Felicie. It was a simple friendship and peace mission. I'm sure that it wasn't all that bad."
"Absolutely terrible, Odi." She threw her head back dramatically, grinning to herself. "Although, meeting Cy was definitely the highlight. I can't wait to see him again."
"Then, I'm happy for you."
"How about you? How are you doing without Elaine?"
Odilon, the most wealthy and powerful lord in Vasconia, was engaged to the most skilled, and most obstinate paladin, Elaine. Although, it was nothing that they could act on at the moment since Elaine was needed at the front lines. It severely limited how much time they could spend together. And, until winter returned and a lull was once again brought to the war effort, they likely wouldn't get to even begin planning their wedding. He was the most powerful lord, but she was invaluable in battle. Both of them were instrumental to the war and, unfortunately, their duties kept them apart for now.
"By her last letter, she was annoyed and bored." Odilon grinned to remember it. "The stalemate around Antonin Pass is driving her mad. She can't make any progress."
"Well, she's also not losing ground, and that's the most important thing."
"Do you imagine that his majesty is going to be sending you out again soon?"
"I doubt it. I don't mind the time at home though."
"I'm sure not. Oh, I wanted to ask you. How did Princess Manon fair in Lloegyr?"
"Quite well, actually. I'm very proud of the way she conducted herself."
"Truly?" He looked surprised. "From the way she has been behaving, I would have thought that something dreadful had occurred."
Felicie just smiled, inwardly wincing.
Manon had seemed to take it well when Felicie informed her of Master Damien's fate. She hadn't raged or cried. She had only nodded, thanking Felicie for telling her, before calmly asking if she could be left alone.
To be honest, Felicie hadn't heard from her since then. She had only good things to report to their majesties about how she had performed as an ambassador and then - more secretly - how well she had coped when the Cacher had crashed. She had been reluctant and angry about leaving, but that only showed how passionately she felt about her people. It was a good thing and both of her parents had been equal parts surprised, delighted, and anxious upon hearing it.
They certainly wanted their wayward princess to grow up, they hadn't wanted it to happen the way it seemed to be going. Illegal gambling, running for her life through Gascony, and now being forced through such a tragedy in Lloegyr.
"I'll go check up on her later." Felicie said aloud, more for herself than Odilon. There was a lot she had needed to do since arriving, but she couldn't let tending to the mental and emotional wounds Manon would have gotten in Lloegyr fall from the list.
Of course, she first needed to finish sending letters to the families of those that she hadn't been able to save.
The soldiers who had lived in Gwenael already had their families informed. However, those that had come here to serve from other towns couldn't be similarly alerted as quickly. As their commanding officer, it was Felicie's right and duty to give the news.
It was heartbreaking to write all the letters. Which was what Felicie had been doing when this letter from Cy had arrived.
Once that was over, and once she had made sure that those who had survived were still faring well, then she would make sure that Manon was coping. She didn't know how much space Manon needed, but she at least wanted to make sure that she was managing her emotions in a healthy way.
Losing soldiers and loyal citizens wasn't easy. Especially when you were completely helpless to do anything and were actively forbidden to try on top of that. Felicie couldn't blame Manon for taking the events badly.
Felicie and Odilon stepped in Cyrille's office together, but Felicie left alone after informing his majesty of who was coming. He was excited that Cy was returning, since it meant that Eleonore still intended to preserve their friendship, and relieved that they would have another chance to secure their Lloegyrian border.
Once again, Felicie was put in charge of tending to Cy once he arrived. She informed his majesty that she would only be too happy to do so. Then she left without informing him that they were lovers already. That was a surprise for later.
After all, she didn't want to ruin their game before they could play it here. These were a whole different group of people to annoy and frustrate. It was going to be such fun.
She held his letter close to her heart as she returned to the Suite. There was still a lot left to finish, but just knowing that she would see him soon gave her the strength to keep on.
Master Hue, the private physician that attended to the paladins, clicked his tongue as his hands moved along Addie's deformed knees. Felicie stood beside her sister - who once again was her twin - holding her hand and waiting with bated breath.
She already knew what he was going to say, and the look on his face was hardly encouraging, but she couldn't help but hope. Even as that hope was strangling her, even as it was eating her alive, she had to hope.
His wizened hands were gentle but firm as he lifted her leg, trying to range it downwards. Addie grimaced in pain but said nothing as he pushed downwards.
"That hurts?" Hue asked her, trying again to stretch it out even just slightly.
"It feels like it's catching, I guess?" Addie nodded with a grimace. "Like there's something that's pulling back on it I can't control. Does that make sense?"
"How about this one?" He rested the first leg and grabbed the other. That one was able to bend just slightly, but no more than a few degrees.
"Not as badly. It's more of a... blockage on that one, I guess?" She shook her head, having trouble trying to describe the feeling. It wasn't like there was anything similar she could compare it to.
Hue hummed, setting it back down before turning his focus to her ankles. The deformity there wasn't as obvious, but it was still clear that her ankles weren't normally shaped any longer. Hue ran his warm hand along the lax skin, sighing and shaking his head.
Felicie heart trembled as her hand tightened around Addie's. "Is there nothing you can do, master?"
He pulled the blanket back down over Addie's bare legs with a resigned sigh. "I'm sorry, girls. I wish I could... I'm afraid there's no way to fix a cut heel cord."
"What about her knees? Can't you... like, re-break them or something?"
"If it were a long bone like her leg or arm, certainly. It's the kneecap that's been shattered though. Rebreaking it would do nothing but make more shards."
"Then... Elaine! Elaine could heal it, couldn't she? I've seen her fix greater damage than this before. I know she can."
"Felicie." Addie called to her softly but she shook her head in desperate denial.
Master Hue touched her shoulder with a sad smile. "Elaine's power is to heal, Felicie. These wounds are already healed. They may not have healed very well, but they have healed, and Elaine's power can do nothing for a scar."
"But... But..." Felicie stuttered, looking between them as she tried to think of a solution. Both of them just watched her with patient, sad looks, waiting for her to accept what both of them already knew fact.
Letting out a single, stuttered breath, Felicie fell back, sitting down beside Addie on her bed in sad defeat. She knew that there was nothing to do even before they came here to Master Hue's clinic in the Magnesium District, but part of her couldn't help but pray that, maybe, there was something that could be done for her.
"Don't despair, Felicie." Hue gripped her shoulder comfortingly. "There's no reason at all that Addie can't still live a long, fulfilling life. Besides, the college makes advancements in medical science every year. Who's to say that someone won't be able to help her someday?"
"It's okay, Felicie." Addie promised pushing herself up so she could put her arm around her sister's back and hold her close. "This just means that I'll be home forever now. Think of all the time that we'll be able to spend together."
"Of course, I'm happy to see you, but..." Felicie's voice trailed off as she looked at the bulge in the blankets where Addie's legs were resting.
Master Hue made a face before clearing his throat. "I'll do some research into such things myself. I can't promise results, but I'll try to find something."
Felicie nodded but she couldn't bring herself to hope again. She was just going to have to accept the fact that Addie wouldn't ever walk again.
"Thank you, master." Addie smiled at him. "How is everyone else?"
Seemingly grateful for the change of subject, he beamed and began telling her how the people who were all downstairs were faring.
Master Hue's clinic was a three story affair within Magnesium. The top floor was exclusively for the paladins, but the lower floors were accessible by more common folk. Master Hue had his own apothecary and cafeteria, both attached to a small garden, making his clinic fully self sufficient. He offered the best medicine in the city and had a great many apprentices and assistants that worked together to tend to the patients he oversaw.
Mostly out of guilt, Felicie was paying for the treatment of everyone that managed to survive their time in Lloegyr.
Those that had simple wounds - bones that needed to be reset or lacerations to wrap - were already gone by now. Andrea was being kept for a few more days but she was slowly recovering her full mental function. Master Hue said he was going to keep her off duty even after he let her go home on account of brain injuries being so difficult to heal from.
Wallis was the one who really required to most attention. As far as Felicie knew, he was still trying to fight off the fever that had taken over him. She had even heard rumors that Mater Hue was considering cutting off the rest of his arm before the infection could spread further.
Hue didn't address the validity of those rumors, saying only that Wallis was going to require more care before he was comfortable sending him to the home Felicie had promised him.
Most everyone was already gone though. It had just taken Felicie a few days to convince Addie to come see the physician. All of her wounds were healed, she wasn't in need of medical attention she had protested. Felicie couldn't help but wonder that she didn't want to officially hear that Master Hue wasn't going to be able to help her at all. That had certainly been a fear of hers as she brought her down here.
"Are you staying in the Paladin's Suite, Addie?" Hue asked as he brought her skirt back. She had removed it for the sake of the exam, the thin blanket preserving her modesty.
"I am." She nodded, taking it from him with a smile of thanks. "It's been a while since I've seen my room. It's nice to be home, I can't lie."
He nodded. "I'll come visit to check on you or if I discover anything."
"You don't have to go out of your way."
"Please, I want to do it." He smiled warmly. "I'll leave you to get dressed. It's good to see you, Addie, even if it is in such sad circumstances."
She waved at him with a bright smile as he walked out beyond the curtain that had been drawn around her bed for her privacy. Not just because she was undressed under the blanket, but because she was still unknown as a person. Only Master Hue himself in his clinic knew about Addie's identity and she had no great desire to change that.
Even if she was trapped here, she was content being in the shadows, her existence only known to the few that needed the information.
Felicie said nothing as she picked up the skirt, unfolding it and moving down to help Addie pull it onto her legs. Since she couldn't bend her knees, she needed help to get it up. She was able only to lift her bottom to allow Felicie to pull them up.
"I'm sorry." Felicie whispered as she buttoned the skirt in place.
"For what? Hoping?" Addie smiled, shrugging without concern. "It's all right, Felicie. At least now we know."
"We knew before."
"We suspected before. It's confirmed now."
Felicie didn't bother to argue as she pulled a cloak off of the side table. She pulled it around Addie's shoulders, lifting the hood up to conceal her face. While it would be easy for Addie to simply change her face, while her legs were stuck in an outward position, it wouldn't matter. She would always be recognizable for that fact alone.
Picking up her sister, Felicie moved her to a three wheeled chair with a small grunt of effort. The chair was altered from the typical design for those bound to a seated position. The legs were stretched outward to a single front wheel so that she could sit in it with her legs straight. Addie rather thought it looked like a wheelbarrow, but she decided to keep that particular observation to herself. She didn't want Felicie to feel bad about the chair she had created for her.
Hidden in her cloak, silent, with her head down, Addie said nothing as Felicie walked her out of the clinic, needing to use the lift to make it to the first floor. Unlike Lloegyr, Gwenael had convenient aircabs that could bring them to any of the nine upper plates. However, Addie wasn't able to sit inside any of them. Felicie had to walk her to the large lift connecting the plates and ride it up to the Royal Complex. It was a much longer walk, but Felicie didn't mind.
Like Hue said, it was sad circumstances but she was still happy to have Addie here.
The lift wasn't very crowded because it was taking them up to the royal plate, a place that was guarded and only those who were given permission were allowed to pass through. Although the guards didn't recognize Addie, Felicie went unmolested, even despite the fact that she had someone that refused to show her face with her.
The Paladin's Suite was a mansion on the Royal Complex grounds, closer to the Quicksilver district where the Holy Sacellum rested and religious services were held. It was a gorgeous building surrounded by fabulous gardens and tended by loyal and superior servants. It was also mostly vacant and, except during times of trouble such as now, was rarely lived in by more than a single person.
Currently, only Sybille, Nina, and Felicie called the Suite home. Sybille was almost always working and Nina was starting to live in the palace more often than not. As was only fitting for the fiancée of the prince, the woman who would eventually be queen. The other paladins were out fighting in the war effort, meaning that, for the most part, the Suite was usually empty.
Except, from now on, Addie would also be a permanent fixture here. Most of the servants didn't know exactly who she was, but they were aware that she was a paladin and that she was not to be spoken of. All of those that needed to interact with her daily her were sworn to silence in regards to her existence. Usually, when Addie was in residence, most of them thought that she was Felicie anyway.
"Do you want to go to your room?" Felicie asked, pausing in the entry hall.
"I feel like some fresh air, actually. The back gardens?"
"Sounds like a great idea." Felicie beamed, changing direction.
With spring in the air, the garden was alive with beauty and tranquility. The flowers that bloomed here changed with the season, so the plots were never barren. Felicie took in a deep breath of the lively, floral scent as she pushed Addie along the path. They stopped beside a simple fountain with only a single spout. Felicie pushed Addie alongside it, out of the sun, before sitting beside her on the rim of the fountain itself, watching the spray.
It wasn't quite perfect, but it was nice to be here with her.
Addie reached out and began stirring the water with a single finger. "I suppose that I'm a retired paladin now. Right in the middle of the war, too."
"You're hardly the first paladin to retire because of injuries." Felicie smiled at her. "Have you given some thought to Cy's offer."
Addie bit her lip. "I don't want to be a burden."
"You're my sister. You're not a burden. If Cy ever referred to you as a burden, I would immediately leave him. You and I are a set. You can't have one without the other."
"But dragging me to Duhghlas and back every year..."
"It would be fun. Like a family trip. We always said that we would do things like that."
"Yes. When we were older and our duties as paladins were complete." Addie shook her head, grinning at the old dreams. "And we never actually thought about having husbands then, did we?"
"I guess not. Well, they can come along too, I suppose." Felicie laughed. "Although, I'm going to be far more stringent and judgmental with any man you bring home than you were with Cy. I'm actually surprised you didn't demand he prove himself or something."
"He was rescuing me from captivity because he loved you. What was left to prove?" Addie laughed, deciding not to bring up the fact that Felicie had just assumed that Addie was ever going to get the chance to love as she did.
"So? You still didn't answer me?" Felicie bit her lip in excited anticipation.
Addie shrugged, leaning away from the water. "Well, who can resist Duhghlas in winter? If you two really want me to come along, then I suppose it would be rude of me to deny you."
"Absolutely it would." Felicie beamed, throwing herself forward to hug her in relief. "You and I are bound always. Live together-"
"-die together."
Addie finished, holding her tightly.
The two of them remained like that, chatting away the day and relaxing in the garden, until they heard footsteps approaching from the manor. Since only a few were allowed here without first being announced, they weren't overly concerned and only waited for their visitor to come around into the little clearing made around the fountain.
His cane clicking on the ground, Master Eneas, leader of the Sacellum and the closest thing to a father figure that they had, came into view.
"Master!" Both girls cried out excitedly, Felicie jumping to her feet so she could run over to help him. He gave her a smile when he took her arm as Addie pushed back the hood of her cloak.
He let out a long, happy sigh. "Seeing you two together again really warms my old heart."
"What do we owe the honor, master?" Addie asked as Felicie helped him sit on the fountain between the two of them.
He groaned as his old bones settled on the stone, relaxing his knobby hands on his cane before smiling at the twins that flanked his sides.
"I wanted to see you both again. Do I need a reason for that?"
"No." Felicie laughed.
"Of course, not." Addie beamed, leaning in closer to him. "I didn't get to see you the last time I was here. You look more worn out. Are you okay?"
"This war is taxing on us all. I might not fight as you do, but the mental burdens are no less heavy for being intangible. It is my joy and honor to help carry those burdens for those who find that it's difficult to hold them on their own."
"No offense, master," Felicie frowned at his thinning frame, "but isn't it about time that you let Gael take over most of your duties. You're not exactly a spring chicken any longer."
Eneas laughed at her, eyes dancing. "But, if I did that, I wouldn't get to hold you girls' worries in my hands as my own. I'm not quite ready to relinquish the Sacellum to Gael yet. He's got some training left to do before he's ready to take it.
"Now, then." He turned his gaze onto Addie. "Are there any burdens that you want to put on me, my dear? I'm here if you need it."
Felicie looked past him to Addie. "Do you need some privacy?"
"Hm? For what?"
"So you can talk to Master Eneas?" Felicie frowned, confused. Even for twins, they didn't tend to let even each other hear the private thoughts that they would give only to Master Eneas and, by extension, the Lord.
"I'm perfectly fine." Addie assured them both with a calm smile.
"There's no need to be brave, Addie." Eneas assured her, reaching out and laying one of his hands over her knee. "A traumatic experience can lay even the strongest of us low. Especially if you let it fester in your heart."
"And, if it begins to fester, I promise that I shall inform you both with all due speed." Addie laid her hand over his. "Believe me, I'm just perfect. I'll finally be able to get some reading done now. I'm only sad that I couldn't do more for my country."
"My dear, I think you sacrifice more than any. But, if you are sure, then I will just be happy that you two managed to make it home safely. Now, then, why don't you tell me of what has happened to you. It may not be a burden, but it's certainly a story, and I would like to hear it from your mouths."
Felicie smiled, letting Addie go first, since she was the one that had been there for most of it. Mostly, she allowed her to tell it as she smiled, listening to the tale through her eyes.
Addie and Felicie had both told Cyrille, Radelle, and Sybille about everything they had seen, including the train, the factory, and the fact that the Gasconites had gotten away with both. Beyond reporting on the intelligence they had gathered, they couldn't help any further unless Felicie was given another order to go out on another mission.
That wasn't what Eneas was looking to hear. He wanted their emotions, their reactions. And while Felicie certainly gave him plenty of both, he was rather disappointed with the dry, clinical version of events that Addie delivered in her retelling.
She insisted that she wasn't burdened by the tragedy, but he was worried that the weight of it was pulling her far deeper than even Felicie could guess.
Both girls were extremely adept at hiding behind smiles.
"Manon? Are you in there?"
Felicie knocked against the princess' door, frowning when nothing but silence followed the call. It had mostly been a rhetorical question; she knew that Manon was inside. Her maids had already informed her that Manon hadn't left since returning.
Letting out a sigh, Felicie knocked again.
"You know that nothing is going to change if you just ignore it, right?"
Still no reply. Felicie frowned, leaning against the large door frame. The double doors that guarded the princess' chambers were massive, only hinting at the large suite that the princess lived in. It was only fitting for a member of royalty.
Felicie smirked as the silence continued. "If you don't answer me, I'm going to be forced to assume the worst and, worried that something has happened to you, I will come bursting in with all due haste."
Something heavy hit the ground, widening her smile, and, a moment later, the door opened and Manon glared at her through the crack.
"There. I'm alive. Satisfied?"
"Not nearly." Felicie pushed her foot into the crack, preventing Manon from closing it. "Do you really think Master Damien would approve of you locking yourself away like this?"
The princess' eyes flashed in anger. "We won't ever really know, now will we?!"
"I'm fairly certain you already do and that's why you're mad."
"Why are you here, Felicie?"
"Because, I made you a promise and I've come to keep it."
Manon frowned, staring at her for a moment before opening the door just a bit wider. "I don't remember you promising me anything."
"You asked me to teach you how to sneak."
"I... did." Manon blinked, thinking back as she opened the door fully. "You're actually going to teach me? Really?"
"I told you that I would if I couldn't get the person better than me to do it. Luckily for you, she's agreeable, since she doesn't have anything else to do."
Manon bit her lip, hesitating to Felicie's surprise.
"You don't want to?"
"No, I do. It's just... Are you going to tell my mother?"
"Did she know about Master Damien?"
Manon shook her head sheepishly.
"Did Nina?"
"That's the entire reason she hired him."
Felicie shrugged. "I'm not opposed to you learning new skills, even if they're not the sort of thing your mother would consider proper for you. I won't tell her if you don't."
Manon smiled bright. "Thank you."
"Not a problem. Here."
From the pocket of her skirt, Felicie pulled out a small box. It was just big enough to fit into her hand and so small that it probably couldn't hold more than a few coins. However, it was intricately decorated with small tiles that, while brightly colored, appeared to be random and mismatched. They covered the lid and all four sides, sparing only the base.
"What is it?" Manon asked, taking the box from Felicie's hands. It was surprisingly heavy for its size but, when she pulled at it, it wouldn't open.
"It's a puzzle box. You need to create the pictures with the tiles. I think they form a flower bouquet or something? I'm not entirely sure."
Manon squinted at the box, turning it in her hands. The tiles were each about the size of her pinkie nail, and there were many of them.
"This will take forever." She frowned, lowering the box.
"I can solve that in about a day."
"What?!"
"Your teacher barely needs an hour."
Manon's mouth was moving, but no sound was coming out. She looked down at the complicated box, the four different pictures, and was awed that anyone could solve it in just a day.
"You also need a small key. It's about this big." Felicie held her fingers apart. "It's silver, like the lock there on the bottom."
Manon turned the box on its side, looking at the lock below.
"You have to solve the pictures before the lock can be turned, even if you have the key. The key, I'll tell you, is hidden in your mother's room. You have to sneak into her room, find the key, and get out without being seen to be successful. Oh, and, just as a hint, the maids that clean your mother's rooms are trained to notice if something is out of place and report it. And, I'm going to be the one they report it to if they notice such a thing."
"You?"
"Who better? If someone is spying in the castle, I'd be the one set to find them ordinarily. So, we'll know if you fail."
Manon bounced the box in her hand, not looking her in the eye. "So, if I fail, are you going to change your mind about teaching me?"
"No. This is more like a test to determine where your current skills are. If you can't solve the box in a month, I'll take you to her myself. The box is going to determine how well you can problem solve and fetching the key will tell me where you are already in your abilities."
"What's in the box then?"
"Instructions on where to find your teacher. She'll be waiting for you."
"Well, then, I better get to work." Manon smiled, lowering the box. "I don't suppose that you're going to let me get out of my official duties to focus on this though."
"Absolutely not. The entire point of sneaking is that no one knows you're doing it. The best way to do that is to keep up the front that you're busy during the day. Oh, and, it's not necessary at this point, but the less people who see the box, the better. Just so I can see how good you are at hiding things. That includes your own maids, by the way."
"I feel like you're trying to make this harder, but it just seems more fun with each complication that you're adding to it." Manon chuckled.
"That's the kind of attitude you need." Felicie pushed herself upright. "There's no need to rush. She'll teach you anyway. We just want to see how well you're doing now."
Manon nodded before smiling with genuine sincerity. "Thank you. Really."
Felicie winked at her as she turned to walk away. She heard the princess shut the door back behind her, but she was no longer concerned that she was going to remain trapped in her room. She now had a mission to accomplish, even if it was just a simple one.
Not for the first time, Felicie began to wonder about what the future was going to hold for her princess. What path she was going to end up taking. For all that she had been the rebel child, it seemed that it had only stemmed from a place that longed to do something more than to be the proper princess that her mother was trying to mold.
And, with each chance she was given to grow and change, Felicie was suspecting that Manon wasn't going to be content with being a figurehead for the rest of her life.
That, however, was not something she was involved with. She made a detour to inform Nina of her personal lesson plans for the princess and Nina didn't even blink. Confirming to Felicie's mind that Nina was seeing the same thing in their princess.
She was more than proud now. She was confident. The future looked bright.
At least, in regards to Manon.
Felicie hadn't been present the first time that Cy had had come in. It hadn't been anything that she thought she needed to be involved in, so she hadn't even thought to remember what day he would be arriving when Sybille had informed them it was happening the first time.
However, for his return now, she was bouncing eagerly at the front of the welcoming party as she waited for his ship to come down into dock. She could already see it on the horizon and the anticipation of seeing him was eating her up inside.
She was dressed up in her best purple and blue gown, accented in gold, her hair coiffed and curled, and she looked a dream. She wanted to present herself to him in her best light, considering the last time he saw her she had been wounded, unbathed, and disgusting.
Of course, he had kissed her goodbye then. Which she thought was probably the most romantic thing he had ever done.
"Excited to see your friend, Felicie?"
A warm and friendly voice turned her eyes back to see King Cyrille walking her way. He hadn't dressed as finely as she, but he carried himself with a regal bearing that went beyond clothes. She bowed her head to him as he came to stand beside her.
"I owe Cy much." She said to him, smiling.
She might not have told her king the exact nature of their relationship, but she had divulged the truth of everything that had occurred in Lloegyr. Including the fact that Cy had been responsible for saving Addie's life while there. However, although she hadn't said it in so many words, she was sure that he suspected their relationship anyway.
It was a secret that she wasn't trying that hard to keep. She just wanted the fun of people discovering it for themselves when they witnessed how disgustingly sweet and loving they would act towards each other while in public.
"I do miss him." She told Cyrille, coyly batting her lashes. "I do wonder what coat he'll be wearing. He does look so handsome in blue, but green is rather flattering on him as well."
Cyrille chuckled, bouncing on his heels. "I'm glad to see you much improved since your success in Lloegyr. I was quite worried about you before you left."
Felicie's smile warmed and she nodded to him. He knew how badly the idea of Addie dying had affected her. Seeing her alive, even if not as perfect as when she left, had lifted a large weight from the king's heart that had been pulling down on him since he had learned the news. He sent his soldiers to war every day, but it was different when it came to the paladins. Each girl was close to him in her own way. To lose them was like losing a dear friend, family in some cases.
Seeing Felicie so happy again, knowing that Addie was alive and safe, was a balm on his weary and worn soul that only became more tired with each day this war waged on.
"You talked to Manon yesterday." He said to her simply.
She nodded. "I did."
"I don't know what you said to her, but thank you."
Felicie turned to him, surprised by the sadness in his voice. Her shoulders drooped to see her normally happy king frowning down at the ground. None of the welcoming party at his back - including more than a few nobles - could see his face, nor would he want them to. His smile, while often called foolish by his queen, actually filled the people with hope. Even during war, so long as Cyrille was smiling, they knew that they were going to be all right.
Unfortunately, that created a situation where Cyrille wasn't able to show weakness or sadness in front of anyone for fear that he lower moral.
That was probably why it was so disturbing to see him like this now.
"Your majesty..." Felicie murmured softly.
He shook his head, fixing a smile back on his cheeks, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I worry for my children, Felicie. Erec is out fighting even now, and not a single night passes that I don't pray for his safe return. I, foolishly, thought that Manon was safe because she wasn't even of age yet."
Felicie flinched. "I'm sorry, your majesty. She was only in danger because of me."
He was shaking his head even before she finished her apology. "I don't blame you. Your actions saved her life when things became dire. You put her even above the one you consider most precious. I can only blame myself for being so confident in the assurance of her safety."
Felicie bit her lip, turning her eyes away in guilt. She not only had put Manon in danger, she was even now teaching her things that could very well put her in more danger later. Spying and sneaking were what lost Addie her ability to walk, and both of them were quite happy to teach the eager princess all about the arts and trade.
All without telling her parents.
Cyrille took in a breath, casting his eyes upward. "I know that I can't keep my baby safe forever, but it seems like she's grown up far too fast. That's why I wanted to thank you. The tragedy had really been weighing on her, but she was smiling at breakfast this morning. I don't know what you told her, and really, I don't particularly care. Thank you, Felicie."
She smiled at him because she couldn't do much else. "I wouldn't worry about Manon, your majesty. I have a good feeling about her."
"I wish I could share in those good feelings." Shaking his head, he forced his usually friendly and, deceivingly, open expression back in place. "I can only hope that you girls, my paladins, will be able to lead us to better times."
She bowed her head to him before looking forward again, focusing once more on Cy's incoming ship. It had closed a considerable distance already.
The king might worry, but she had never been so full of hope.
Since Elaine, the rogue paladin, had been returned to their ranks, Gascony's progress into their country had not only come to a full halt, but she had managed to reverse it a great deal. She had pushed their forces back to Antonin Pass, the only pass that offered an easy entrance from Gascony into Vasconia and which was currently under Gasconite control. She was stalled there, unable to retake the fortress-like pass, but it was more than they had been able to accomplish without her.
Now, Queen Eleonore was lending her aid to them. She wasn't adding to the war effort, keeping to her vow of refusing to bring war to her people. But, Gascony's intrusion into her land without permission, conquering a town, even one that was officially abandoned, was grounds for war in and of itself. It was only her vow that kept it from becoming such.
However, just because she wasn't willing to put soldiers on the front lines didn't mean that she wasn't willing to help in her own way. She had promised to act as a guardian in the northwest, making sure that Gascony didn't attempt to attack them through Lloegyr. She had also promised to track down the missing Gasconite train running illegally in her country.
Aside from that, however, she had increased trade of vital supplies that the war effort was quickly draining them of. Mostly in regards to food, but simple things that the missing workforce was costing them was also being provided. Soap, fabric, and animal feed was chief among the imports that were vitally needed. More importantly, however, she was providing for them wood and metal materials that they could use in weapon building. For all that Vasconia did well in airship technology, they lacked in abundance resources such as wood.
And Cy, her official ambassador, was returning.
Felicie's heart leapt in excitement as the large ship began lowering down into the docks. Burly men worked around it to get it into place, tied down and secured. The crew was moving across the masts, tying up the sails and calling out to each other as they worked.
And, standing at the rail, Cy was scanning the docks. It didn't take him long to find her, and she knew the instant the heat of his eyes ran over her body.
Beaming, she lifted her arm to wave and received a similar gesture in turn.
It seemed to take forever for the crew to begin lowering the gangplank. Felicie was bouncing on her heels, hands tightening in her lace gloves as she watched Cy walked towards the opening in the railing where the gangplank would be placed.
The moment it was secured, he began walking quickly down.
Felicie lifted her skirts and ran to him.
He wasn't wearing blue or green. He was wearing the vest that resembled a starry sky, the diamond buttons winking in the bright lights flooding the dim docks.
He smiled as the distance closed between them. He stopped just before she reached him, bracing himself and holding out his arms.
Delighted laughter that escaped her lips as she threw herself at him, holding tight to his neck as he squeezed her to his chest.
"Felicie." He whispered her name into her ear as though it were the sweetest of endearments.
She leaned back only so she could look into his face. The handsome face that she had missed to the point of pain. He grinned at her in that playful way of his.
"We have an audience, Felly-Darling." He whispered.
"That's fine. They're used to me being outrageous."
"Ah, you truly are the perfect match for me. Well, if they're going to be watching, shall we give them a real show?"
Felicie was laughing as he dipped her down low, holding her up with his arm around her back, submitting her to his mercy so he could lean low and plant a deep kiss on her mouth right in front of everyone. It was part of their game.
And it was also the first kiss they had shared since they had separated a few weeks ago. The fact that they had an audience faded from their thoughts almost immediately.
Felicie moaned, her arm around his neck anchoring her as he pulled her up into his mouth. The flashy nature of the dip kiss, purely meant to show off, began to relax as he slowly rose her back up so he could properly hold onto her.
The loud and deliberate clearing of a throat broke the kiss, but it didn't separate them. Felicie and Cy both turned, their cheeks pressed together, to see Cyrille grinning at them as a few nobles blushed from the heat of just seeing their reunion.
"Look, Felly-Darling," Cy snickered, his hand caressing her bottom without care. "It seems that we've shocked them with the power of our love."
"Oh, Cy-Honey, you rogue. I've told you not to do such things until we're alone."
"Believe me, honey, I am holding back a great deal."
Cyrille coughed again, forcing them to turn back to him. "And we thank you for your restraint. Now, if you would so kindly move your hand. We are in public."
Cy chuckled, turning but keeping his arm around Felicie's waist. "Forgive me, your majesty. I was overcome with excitement to see my beloved Felly again."
"Well, I'm glad to see you so overjoyed, but," Cyrille cleared his throat, pointing, "your hand."
Cy sighed and, with obvious and greatly dramatized reluctance, stroked his hand up, away from Felicie's bottom, to rest against the curve of her hip. "Is that more suitable?"
"Slightly." Cyrille looked a combination of amused and resigned.
Felicie just laughed, leaning into Cy's side as they began walking up the docks. The nobles were all coughing and murmuring, trying to gather their composure. Felicie wasn't sure if their reaction or the king's, was funnier.
Cy politely greeted the others, but his arm didn't leave Felicie's waist.
The warmth of his body, the steady but slightly fast beating of his heart - revealing his true excitement despite the calmness in his smile - was even better than she remembered. A long sigh came from her lips as she covered his hand that was holding her hip with her own.
They turned to each other, their fake smiles warming, becoming real, as they looked into each other's eyes for the first time in too long.
"Cy-Honey, I think I'm going to have to protest you leaving me again for such a long period of time."
He laughed, squeezing her tight. "I assure you, my lady, I have no desire to be separated from you like this in the future."
"Good." She kissed the slope of his shoulder. "Come on. My other half has missed you dearly."
"I have to present myself to the queen first. It's only proper."
Felicie pouted. "The king said hi to you already. That's not good enough?"
"Patience, Felly-Darling." He flicked her pouting lip as he chuckled. "We'll be alone together soon enough. And then, I'll have no need to hold back."
Behind them, King Cyrille cleared his throat loudly again. He was definitely grinning now, giving Felicie a look that told her he was very well aware what Cy was doing now.
They flew back to the palace on an aircab then followed Cyrille through to Queen Radelle's sitting room where she was currently reading over budget projections for the coming year. She lowered the top sheet of paper when the door opened and gave Cy and Felicie a look, raising a single brow.
With no one to perform for, they relaxed their game while alone with their majesties. The topics of trade, foreign relations, and formerly welcoming Cy back were dry and to the point. There was no need for them to play here.
Despite that, Cy still didn't release his hold on Felicie. The two of them sat together on the sofa opposite their majesties and discussed Cy's arrival and his role as an ambassador. However, through it all, he kept his arm around her waist.
"We're quite glad to see you again." Radelle was saying when they finished their talk. "There's going to be a dance held to welcome you back."
"Excellent! I do love parties." He grinned at Felicie. "Would it be too soon for me to ask for you to accompany, Felly-Darling?"
"Ah, Cy." She leaned into him, resting her hand on his chest. "I do believe that we're already come to the agreement that you're not allowed to attend a function with anyone else besides me."
"Of course. But I do so enjoy asking." He snickered, rubbing his nose against hers.
Cyrille cleared his throat again. Radelle had crossed her arms and was giving them a look that promised she was not nearly as amused as the king.
Laughing, they excused themselves. Permission Radelle was only too happy to grant. However, they remained giddy and unrepentant as they left the sitting room and returned to the halls.
"Come with me to the Paladin's Suite?" Felicie asked, still putting on her silly disposition. Just because she couldn't see them, didn't mean there might not be eyes pointed their direction.
"Lead the way, Felly-Darling." Cy gestured grandly, tightening his other arm on her waist.
They talked and laughed as they walked. She asked about his journey and if it had been an easy one. He told her of the storm that nearly knocked them off course. His booming voice carried the grandiose story far down the halls as he recounted the tale - making sure to spend a ridiculous amount of time on how, tragically, the storm had brought disorder to his room and wrinkled nearly all of his clothing. Even worse than that, it had disturbed his hair!
In return, Felicie gasped and cried out in horror or shock with appropriate dramatic flair. When he described the pitiful state of his wardrobe, she bemoaned his loss, declaring that she simply couldn't imagine how she would survive such a thing.
There might not even be an audience for their performance, but they got so into it, each trying to top the other's last exclamation, that they quickly turned into a stage play. By the time they were walking up the path towards the entrance to the Paladin's Suite, both of them were laughing so hard they were holding onto each other for support.
They nearly fell through the front door. The moment it closed, still laughing uproariously, Cy gathered Felicie into his arms and spun her about the foyer.
"Oh, honey, I can't even begin to describe how much I've missed this."
Felicie's feet hit the ground but they didn't release each other. She smiled up at him, the playfulness gone. She was just happy to be in his arms again.
"Did you talk your father into agreeing to the marriage?" She asked hopefully.
"Well, he's still unconvinced that someone as silly as you would be appropriate for our caste." Cy laughed, still enjoying that his father didn't know Felicie's true nature. "My mother and sister, however, cannot wait to see us married and giving them scores of babies to love and play with."
"Scores?" Felicie repeated, laughing. "My, aren't they getting ahead of themselves?"
"I hope not too far ahead." Cy ran his hand down over her bottom, pulling her pelvis into his. "I do believe you already know how much I love kids."
"I can only imagine how good of a father you would be." Felicie pushed back against him, grinning salaciously. "However, you are going to have to wait until this war is over."
"I only need one chance, honey."
"Don't even think about it." She threatened evilly. "Or you will find that your marriage bed is a very cold place."
He chuckled, pulling on her hands to bring her back into his arms. "Fine. I'll wait. But I hope you realize, that I won't be patient for long. Come winter, I plan on keeping our bed very warm. And, if you happen to rise from it with child, I can hardly be faulted for the spirits' will."
Felicie giggled wickedly. "I will counter that by reminding you that I am one of a set of twins. And my sister and I were hellions when we were young. Think about that."
Cy actually did so, his eyes rising to the ceiling as he imagined it. A grin spread out over his face but it quickly softened into something warm and loving.
"I can't wait."
Felicie laughed, putting her arms around him. "Fine, fine. But, more importantly... What are we wearing to the dance? You know that we have to coordinate right?"
"Oh, absolutely!" He responded in his fake voice, as though the very idea of anything else was completely preposterous.
The two of them broke out into laughter again which ended when Cy scooped her up in his arms so he could kiss her deeply once again.
"Are you sure you want to stay here?" Felicie asked, frowning at Addie through the mirror as she fixed her bright, sparkling earrings - rough diamonds in clusters suspended by golden chains - in place. "You're going to miss all the fun."
Addie, who was snugly wrapped in a silk robe, nestled in her large bed, and had three books by her elbow on the nightstand, shrugged without concern. Since she had already been in bed, Felicie had gotten dressed in Addie's room. Although all the available paladins were invited, Addie had opted to remain inside so she could read and rest.
Since doing so meant that she would be alone, Felicie had worried for her. Before her injuries, Addie had used to love dancing and playing around. That would limit Felicie's time there since they couldn't both attend with the same face, but it wouldn't be the first time that they had split their time at a party in half so that they could both attend for a short while. Cy certainly wouldn't have minded.
However, Addie was adamant that she wanted to remain inside.
"I'm already halfway through this book, and it's a fascinating epic." She told Felicie, holding it up, the page already marked. "I can't possibly put it down now."
Felicie frowned, the silver and spring green skirt twirling around her legs. "If you're sure..."
"Oh, you can probably have them send me some wine though. I would appreciate that." Addie beamed, snuggling deeper into her pillows. "A good book, a glass of wine, and a comfortable bed. I can't think of anything else I'd like better tonight."
Felicie smiled, walking to her side. Addie automatically reached out to hold her hand. "I'll have them send you wine and cake."
"Even better!" Addie laughed delightedly. "It's just about time for you to leave though, isn't it? You're right on time to be fashionably late."
Felicie leaned down and kissed her temple. "If you want a chance to have fun, just send me a message. I'm sure Cy won't mind sitting with you for a while."
"And rob you two of the chance to enjoy your reunion? I think not. Besides, I'm already having fun. It's a great book. I'll lend it to you once I'm done."
Felicie laughed. "I think I'll pass on that, thank you though."
Addie shrugged, unconcerned. "Your loss. Anyway, how's Manon's task coming?"
"One of the maids caught her in the queen's room yesterday. She actually came up with a good excuse though. Said that she was looking for a broach that she wanted to wear for a guard review because it was traditional to do so. It wasn't even a lie."
"Wonderful! Did she find the key?"
"Not yet. But I have faith in her."
Addie nodded in agreement then urged her to go. Felicie gave her one last look before walking from the room, leaving only the scent of her lily perfume in the air after she had gone.
The moment she was out of sight, Addie let out a long breath, her smile fading away. Her head fell back against the cushions as she dropped the book onto her leg.
She hadn't lied. It was a good book. But a night of dancing and merriment sounded so much better right now.
"Forget it, Addie." She told herself mercilessly. "This is your life now. Get used to it."
Down the hall, Felicie cast one sad look back at her closed door. It was torment knowing that she couldn't do anything else for her sister.
Sighing, she turned and continued on towards the stairs.
The dance for Cy's return was being held in the grand ballroom. It was already in full swing when the servants flanking the double door entrance pulled them apart to welcome her in. Felicie walked through, head held high, as she looked for Cy.
She didn't have to look for long. Unlike her, he had needed to show up early. Being polite to the king as a guest of honor took precedence over their game and so he hadn't been able to be late as she was. He had, however, been eagerly waiting for her.
When she stepped in last, after everyone had already gathered, he immediately began making his way towards her, a grin on his face.
The dark green of his coat flattered the pink embroidered flowers along the hem of his sleeves and perfectly matched the jeweled flowers Felicie had in her hair. He held out his hands for her, smirking, and she took them with a smile.
"Felly-Darling!" He proclaimed loudly. "What a beautiful dress! Although, it pales in comparison to you yourself."
She laughed, tossing her hair back. "Oh, please. Go on."
They both giggled at the collective groan from the crowd. It was quiet, breathed out under the bright music, but it was still audible. Even in just the week that Cy had been here, he and Felicie had already become known as that sickening couple.
After stopping a servant to have wine and cake delivered to the Paladin's Suite - not mentioning who it was for, stating only to give it to the servants there - Felicie and Cy immediately moved to the dance floor together.
"I must admit," He grinned, pulling her close, "I do enjoy your people's style of dance."
"I'm developing a new appreciation for it myself." She assured him with a laugh.
They were still playing their game, but very little of it was fake. It was just fun to shower Cy in affection and to be similarly adored in return. If the people around them were disgusted by their open and unabashed love, it only made it better.
They danced until they were dizzy. Then, they found a corner that was only partially hidden and proceeded to kiss each other breathless. They didn't stop until Cyrille came by to, once again, clear his throat loudly and remind them that they were in public.
Giggling, they broke apart and Cy pulled her out into the garden. Their hands remained clasped tightly together as they walked away from the festivities into the courtyards that filled the Royal Complex, separating the various buildings from the palace itself.
"Felicie, just out of curiosity, how good are you at running in a dress?"
"I would say fairly proficient. Why?"
He grinned. "I would like to propose a race."
Her eyes glinted in eagerness. "Oh? Do tell."
Cy pointed forward to the tall walls of the plate that held up the Royal Complex. "First person to run to the outer wall, climb up, and touch the pole right there with the flag, wins."
Felicie laughed. "I accept your challenge."
They came to a halt, still holding hands. She looked at him. He winked at her.
"Ready?" He asked, muscles tensing in preparation.
"Go!" She announced.
Their hands separated and they sprinted forward at the same time.
Felicie had to gather her skirt into her hands. The boots on her feet were laced up and she couldn't kick them off, but, even with the heels, she could run in them without issue. Her hair almost immediately fell down, only the jeweled flower remaining in place as the pins lost their hold.
Cy might not have been weighed down by skirts, but his suit was constricting and hardly offered him the range of movement he needed to run as well as he could. He could, however, and did, remove his coat, tossing it away into the near bushes without a care, leaving himself only in his white dress shirt and the spring green vest, both of which moved much easier than the coat.
Their handicaps mostly kept them even with each other as they ran.
The outer walls of the plates that kept the city of Gwenael off of the mountain it sat upon weren't there for defensive reasons. Mostly, they had been constructed to discourage people from climbing over them. The districts weren't flush with each other. On the other side of the wall, it was a straight, long drop down to the mountain face below.
The metal and stone walls were three stories high and wide enough to walk across for those who needed to do maintenance on them. Most people wouldn't be able to climb them because the stone had been rubbed smooth and the few ladders offering access to the top were locked behind gates so that accidents wouldn't happen.
That wasn't enough to stop either Cy or Felicie.
She pulled off and threw away her lace gloves, bearing her hands for the climb. He pulled his rope and grapple from the belt that had been hidden under his coat.
As she was jumping up, catching her hands on the wall, he was throwing the grapple up. The hook caught on the edge of the metal walkway that rested over the stone. She had the lead on him already, but the skirt was seriously slowing her down.
By the time they reached the top, Felicie was only just pulling her body up as he was putting his hands on the edge. She made to stand, her foot caught on the edge of her skirt, and she fell forward, landing with her head looking out over the edge of the wall. The darkness of night completely swallowed up the fall to the mountain, but just across the gap, she could see over the Gold District. The expensive and fabulous homes of the richest citizens sparkled, even this late at night.
She turned over, standing as Cy was getting to his feet. The metal clicked under her heels as she gathered her skirts to begin running towards the flagpole. There weren't any rails this high up and the wind beat at her loose hair as Cy chased after her.
Laughter bubbled up in her throat, escaping despite herself, as Felicie realized that the rest of her life would be exactly like this.
Life with Cy would be filled with laughter. Playing their games. Loving each other despite what anyone would say; partially because they could and partially because it was part of the game. Then, when they were alone, they would run and chase and play a whole different game that only the two of them were welcome to enjoy.
Felicie, the nameless twin from the Iron District, stood atop the Royal Complex as a paladin and found herself loving a foreign noble.
She reached the flagpole first and caught onto it with both arms, clinging to the large, metal pole as she continued laughing. The excitement of being so high, of being chased, coursed hot in her blood and, for a minute, she didn't realize that Cy wasn't chasing her any longer. He had only been a step behind her; she had expected him to hit her after she caught the pole.
Breathing fast from exertion, she turned to look back on the path-
-to find Cy kneeling down before her, a ring gleaming in the moonlight between his fingers. He was breathing fast as well, but he grinned at her as the wind tousled his hair that had already been disturbed by his run.
"Felicie," he offered the ring with a smile. "I really hope that I'm doing this right. I'm not entirely sure how the ring thing works. We don't do this in Lloegyr."
She started laughing, covering her mouth with her hand as her eyes danced with tears and joy. She knew it was going to be coming, yet he had still managed to surprise her with it.
"I, er, knew about the ring thing. They only said that I had to present it to you. Is this right?" He looked really concerned that he was wrong in his presentation.
Felicie nodded, lowering her hands and clasping them together in an effort to keep them from shaking as she took in a trembling breath. "You're... You're wonderful, Cy. Doing wonderfully, I mean."
He chuckled. "Ours is going to be a marriage of cultures, Felicie. So, I will offer you a binding ring meant to mark you as my bride. I will also ask you to take my caste as yours, to make my family yours. Trust and love me as commanded by your Lord, and I will make you my family and priority until our spirits leave our bodies behind.
"Felicie Medee, will you take me as your husband and join my caste?"
Struck dumb, it was all she could do to nod.
Cy chuckled, reaching out for her hand, but he hesitated. "Erm, I know that this is supposed to go on a specific finger, but er... The left one... The... middle finger?"
Felicie laughed, giving him her left hand. "The third finger. Right there."
He took her hand but, before sliding the ring in place, he leaned over and kissed her finger causing her heart to flutter. With his kiss burning on her skin, he pushed the ring up her finger, nestling it in place where it would stay for the rest of her life.
The simple silver band encircled and caressed a single, large, gleaming diamond that winked brightly in the moonlight. Felicie found herself hypnotized by its shine as Cy got back to his feet. He intertwined his fingers with hers, coming in close to kiss her on the mouth.
Tears of joy ran down her cheeks as she tightened her hold on his neck. He lifted her clear off her feet, holding her off of the wall as he deepened the kiss.
He broke the kiss first, but he kept hold of her, grinning at how beautiful she looked, face flushed with pleasure in a gorgeous gown but her hair messy and wild. He couldn't imagine a more perfect woman than the one he held in his arms now.
"I love you, Felicie." He told her, voice ringing with the truth of the words.
Her smile softened and she rested her forehead down against him. "I believe you."
"Hey!" He laughed, finally putting her onto her feet. "You're supposed to tell me that you love me as well."
"I do love you." She stroked a hand down his face. "But you already know that. I thought it would be better to tell you that I believe you, because I trust you."
He started in surprise, his grin fading.
Felicie looked away shyly. "This isn't going to be easy. I know that. We'll have to work to combine our cultures, but if the border towns can do it, then so can we. And, stripping away all my lies and falsities isn't something I'm particularly good at, but I want to try with you."
Cy shook his head, smiling as he squeezed the hand that now held her engagement ring. "That's not necessary, Felicie. I don't even want you to rid yourself of your falsities. If you end our game like this, it won't be fun for either of us."
"But I have to-"
"You don't have to do anything." Cy tugged her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "The only thing you need to do is love me as I love you. We'll play our games. Sometimes, our duty will put us at odds, but that won't change the love I feel for you."
"Cy..."
"We'll face the problems as they come and we'll solve them together. But we'll also play our games and annoy everyone around us and let them believe that we're silly and fluffheaded and, at the end of the day, we'll be exhausted from laughing and loving and fall asleep in each other's arms. You don't need to change a single thing about yourself."
Felicie laughed, running her hand through his hair. "Thank you, Cy. But, even if it's not necessary, I still want to try. You said it yourself, didn't you? We may lie to the world, but we don't want there to be any lies between us."
"Everything about us is a lie. If you take that away, we're nothing."
"No. If you take that away, we're still in love. We're still loyal to our country and protective of our family. At our core, Cy, we are the exact same person. And, I think, if I'm stripping away my falsities, I would rather it be with someone like you. Like me."
He grinned. "There's still a lot of time before we'll be able to get married. I did promise your sister a week's worth of festivities. It's going to take quite a while to plan something that grand."
"If it's all the same to you, I would rather wait a bit before we actually hold the ceremony." Felicie frowned, looking away from him.
The Grosamador Palace, glittering and lit up even in the late night, stretched high into the sky, above even the mountain itself. Gold spires glittered with marble stone. Glass panes reflected the city that it faced while their flag flew proudly at the top.
All around it, the nine upper plates surrounded the complex. From this position, she could really only see Gold and, beneath it, Silver - where the middle class lived. The city itself was massive, encircling the mountain that struck upwards, alone in the center of the Great Plains. So far separated from the front lines, it was easy to forget that they were a people under attack.
But, as a paladin, it wasn't something Felicie could ever drive fully from her mind.
"I owe this country everything." She told Cy seriously, looking back to him. "The Lord gave me these powers so that I could serve my people in this war. Until it's over, I don't feel like it would be right of me to focus on a life of my own."
Surprised flitted briefly over his face before he smiled and nodded once. "I know exactly what you mean. I wouldn't expect anything less."
"My people need me. Addie needs me. I love you, Cy, but I have to finish seeing this war to the end before I can let myself marry you."
"Colette got married before the war ended."
"Colette is also incredibly carefree and blazé about everything. War is as much a game to her as spying is to the two of us. But I'm not Colette. I can't be as cavalier about all this."
He chuckled, bringing up her hand and kissing the ring reverently.
"Take as much time as you need, Honey. You've already promised to be mine. Just so you know, however, if you do accidentally get with child, I am going to pull you away from all of this and into Duhghlas no matter what time of year it is. Is that a deal?"
Felicie nodded. "I'll agree to that. But you're still not allowed to get me pregnant on purpose."
"Please!" He laughed, holding her tight. "The sooner we start, the bigger the family we can have."
"Absolutely not. Duty first; kids later."
Kissing her forehead, he let his playfulness fade again. "No matter what troubles the future may bring us, we will face them together. I don't know how much help I'll be to your people during this war, but you have my aid if you need it."
Felicie nodded, wrapping her arms around him. "I believe you, Cy."
"Good, because you are my family now, Felicie."
They smiled at each other. The war wasn't over yet, but for the first time in a long while, Felicie had real hope for what the future would bring them.