Chapter Text
You wanted to cry when you finally summoned Ephraim. It had taken so many orbs, so many failed attempts… but he was here. And happy to be here! But not a moment later, did Innes appear too. By then you really were crying; you felt like the most lucky summoner in the world. That… didn’t last long.
Not that you didn’t care for both of them, but goodness they could be so competitive! If Ephraim managed to defeat an enemy for you, Innes has to defeat two more, and so forth. In battle, it could be used to you advantage; both of them were ready and willing to prove to you who was better than the latter. But outside of battle it go out of hand, fast.
“Do you think I should ignore them?” You sighed, standing a ways away with Tana and Erika. “They always get like this…” You sighed.
“Its kind of funny.” Erika laughed. “And besides, its good to see them try and better themselves.” Currently, Ephraim and Innes were seeing whose tactics could help you the most; obviously, the answer was Innes, but Erika was right. They argued and bickered, but more than put him down, Innes was helping Ephraim learn.
“Might want to cheer him up, Ephraim is looking a little sad.” Tana smiled. You rolled your eyes, but made your way over anyways.
“Any luck you two?” You asked sitting on the edge of the table.
“We’ve got it figured out.” Ephraim stated, quickly covering whatever he was working on. “There’s no need to worry _____.”
“He… helped.” Innes said, smirking. “Though it was mostly my doing.” He added.
“Its nice of you to help him Innes. And Ephraim, its good that you take the chance to grow.” You praised. “The two of you work better together, you know? I like it.” They both glanced at each other, with a look you couldn’t quite understand.
“Eventually, one of us will have to win, summoner.” Ephraim grinned.
“And neither of us plan on backing down.” Innes added.
“And pray tell, what is the prize of this little game of yours?” You asked. “Because I much prefer it when the two of you are calm with one another.” You added.
“The better man gets you, of course.” Innes said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“I’m sorry what?” You blinked in surprise, not quite sure you heard Innes right. He looked serious, though.
“Whoever is the better man will surely win your heart.” Ephraim supplied. “So we’ll know who wins when you choose one of us _____.” Ephraim smile and you blushed.
“I? What makes you say I’ll even choose one of you?” Your voice rose in pitch a little, and you were looking between them flabbergasted. The both of them just laughed.
“Who else is there?” Ephraim asked, as if there really were no more suitable heroes.
“I just… what on earth am I going to do with the two of you…” You rested your hands on your cheeks and pulled down, shaking your head all the while.
“Perhaps put an end to this debate once and for all?” Innes suggested.
“I… I’ll like you duke it out for a little bit longer, I think.” You had hardly been with them for 10 minutes and already you were tired.
“If you say so _____. But just remember we’re striving to prove to you who can better take care of you.” Ephraim bravely reached for one of your hands.
“I know its just… a lot to take in is all.” You already knew Innes would take your other hand, so you didn’t protest the matter.
“Just, promise me this comes from a place of genuine caring, and that… its not just another way to prove to the other your better?” You pleaded, looking from Ephraim to Innes. “Don’t drag me into this if I’m just going to end up hurt in the end.”
“Never!” Ephraim beat Innes to the punch, gripping your left hand a little tighter in between his own. “I know that I… really do care.” He admitted.
“It pains me to think that you would feel that way…” Innes closed his eyes a moment before speaking again. “But I understand your worries _____. I too, genuinely care. Its a shame that we have to fight over you like this but…” He shook his head.
“Can you really blame us when your such a wonderful person?” Ephraim had a lop-sided grin, and Innes a small smile.
“You two really will be the death of me…” You sighed, but your heart was pounding. Perhaps you were lucky to have the two of them; now, you had two very different, but very devoted princes after your heart.