Chapter Text
"Who is that?"
The party was in full swing. Men and women dressed in elegant clothes spun around the room, moving in time to the lively music being played by the orchestra. Many carried long, delicate glasses filled with different types of alcohol. This late into the night many were beginning to get intoxicated. The conversations were getting slightly louder, the laughter more forceful, the smiles a little too bright. It made Elsinore uncomfortable. She already hated being in social situations like this, but especially once they started drinking, the filters in the polite conversations came off. That was when the uncomfortable questions started.
"Elsinore are you listening?"
Startled by her sister's insistent tug on her arm, she turned to the younger girl, her sister, beside her.
"Sorry, Sophia, I'm just wishing I was somewhere else." She chuckled grimly. "Anywhere else."
Sophia sighed quietly. "How many proposals have you gotten so far?"
"Three, two of them from gentlemen twice my age." Elsinore wanted to scream with frustration. "But the night is still young and the liquor is flowing so I'm sure there will be more."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's not your fault this stupid country decided that being twenty-one meant I was an old maid."
"Mom and Dad..."
"Are even worse than the rest of them."
"Don't worry!" Sophia grabbed her arm, giving her a cheeky grin, "I'll fend off all your unwanted suitors."
Elsinore couldn't help but smile back. "What if there's a wanted suitor?"
"Is there?"
She chuckled. "Not yet, but I'll let you know."
They circled the party, trying their best to blend into the crowd.
"How goes your training?" Elsinore sipped on her drink, eyeing the passerbyes, ready to escape at a moment's notice.
"The Protector says I am doing well." Despite her cheerful words, the younger sister seemed depressed. "But I can't complete the ritual magic yet. There's only a few more months left."
Now it was Elsinore's chance to comfort Sophia. "Hey, you'll be fine. You're my sister aren't you? You were chosen for a reason. The Ceremony will go perfectly. You'll see."
"I wish I had your confidence."
"Well I wish I had your figure, so we're even!"
"Elsinore!" Sophia blushed, covering her face with her hand. "You can't say things like that in public!"
"Why not? I'm an old maid, right? I should be able to get away with saying whatever I want." Elsinore laughed. "In fact, give me a few more years and I'll be running naked through the streets and no one will be able to complain..."
"AHEM."
Oh crap.
Elsinore felt her smile freeze into place and slowly turned to see an older man standing there. His expression... was not pleased.
"Father! So pleased to see you!" Elsinore cleared her throat, decided that pretended that she hadn't just been loudly talking about running around naked would be the best strategy.
"I was hoping to introduce you two, but perhaps, this isn't the right time..."
What? Had she managed to chase off one the many potential suitors that her father had arranged for her? Great! She silently decided to be inappropriate in public more often.
"You can't imagine denying me the pleasure of meeting such talented and beautiful young women, can you?" A voice smoothly interrupted, and startled, she looked to the source.
A handsome young man, around her age, bowed over her hand while introducing himself. He was attractive, but no more so than some of the other men there. The young man's features were regular, but not perfect. His hair and eyes were dark, his build muscular, his hands had calluses on them. A soldier? But he carried himself so nobly... overall though, Elsinore felt there was something about him, an atmosphere of power, something that drew her in, made her want to look closer. Lost in thought while staring at him, she hadn't realized she was being rude until her sisters elbow connected with her side.
"Hey!" Annoyed, she turned to face her sister, and then came to her senses with a start. "I'm Elsinore De Mentura." She curtseyed, her face bright red, wishing she could hide it better.
He simply smiled, the expression causing her heart to race. "Well I hope I have a chance to get to know you better, Elsinore." He bowed over her hand, leaving a gentle kiss on the back, and walked away.
Elsinore dazedly looked at his retreating back, her thoughts racing.
"So you like him, huh?" Sophia was smiling, and if the expression was slightly strained, Elsinore didn't notice.
"Umm... Wait!" she panicked, realizing she hadn't been listening. "I didn't even get his name!"
"You really were distracted." Sophia laughed. "Should I fill you in on what you missed while you were making puppy dog eyes?"
"Don't be stingy. I'm your only sister." Seeing no change in her expression, Elsinore reluctantly made an offer. "I'll make you a cake!"
Sophia's eyes gleamed. "Two cakes."
"Deal." The two sisters shook hands.
"So... what was his name?"
"It's Roderick." Sophia answered quickly, as if concerned Elsinore would change her mind. "General Roderick."
----
Elsinore woke up in her cell in a cold sweat, tears streaming from her eyes. Panicked, she looked around the small room as if expecting an attacker. Confirming she was alone, she let out a sigh and fell back onto the bed, covering her eyes with her hands.
"Sophia" the name passed through her lips as a whisper, her fingers unable to keep her tears at bay.
Elsinore had thought she had adjusted to her solitary life here, her imprisonment due to their fear of her powers. But since she had returned from accompanying her niece and her fellow students from the tournament, she had felt... restless.
When had she become so weak?
"Did you forget about your revenge?" A cold voice called out from the corner of the room. Elsinore looked up, startled, before covering her eyes again.
"Go away."
"What an interesting request." The young woman smiled, her face lovely but the expression didn't reach her eyes, making an uncomfortable picture. "Considering I'm only a figment of your imagination."
"Please... please I can't bear it anymore... leave." Elsinore reached out to her, her hand seeming to rest on the other woman's cheek. "I'm sorry."
"It's a little late to be sorry, sister." Sophia examined her nails, seeming unconcerned by Elsinore's distress. "It's your fault I married him."
"Sophia..."
"Your fault I was trapped there."
"...please...." Her heart was breaking.
"Your fault he killed me."
"No... No..." She shook her head over and over, wanting to deny it, but knowing deep down that she couldn't. "I didn't know, I couldn't have known."
"Too late now."
"You're not real." Elsinore covered her ears, trying to shut out the laughter that answered her words. "It's my illusion powers out of control again. You died, Sophia."
"And?" Sophia's image raised an eyebrow. "Does that make me wrong?"
"...No... you're right. I was the fool who trusted him. You paid the price. But I will not fail you again. " She stared at the image of her dead sister, her face stern. "I have prepared for years. Sacrificed everything... including that child." Her expression was regretful at the thought of her niece Erin, but quickly the momentary hesitation faded. "But no matter what...I will avenge you. "
As the illusion smiled, fading, Elsinore clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palm.
"You're going to die, you bastard. Your own daughter is going to kill you and I'm going to watch. And then Sophia will rest peacefully." She looked to the corner, but her sister's image was already gone.
"I promise."
---
"It's too weird being back!" Olivia sighed and leaned back in her desk, looking around the classroom with a look of dismay.
Erin chuckled, checking over her notes from the previous class. "We weren't gone that long, what did you expect?"
"I expected SOMETHING to change!" She threw her hands in the air. "We traveled to another country! We won an international competition! We defeated a freaking army!"
"I have NO idea what you mean!" Erin glared at her friend, "We were at the competition the whole time, remember? There was no army. You must be mistaken."
Olivia blanched. "Umm.. I mean, yes! Of course! No armies or super awesome battles at all!" Groaning, she muttered "Not that anyone us paying attention anyways."
"I like it better that way."
"Spoilsport. Some of us like the attention." She looked around. "It would nice if our accomplishments were at least acknowledged by someone!"
Olivia seemed like she was going to continue to rant, but to Erin's relief, the teacher stood up at the desk and started the class on magical theory.
"We'll be reviewing modes of magical induction, keep in mind that next week the midterm exam is coming up. This information will appear on the test."
As the teacher continued to lecture, Erin felt her attention wander.
I hope Gerald is paying attention, with the test coming up. As this thought occurred to her, she turned in her seat to check on him.
Not good.
Gerald was obviously distracted, staring down at his desk with a large grin. He had a large book open and was scribbling furiously on the pages. Erin didn't think the passion was coming from his love of magical theory. She reached over, tapping his elbow with a soft hand. He startled, looking over at her briefly.
"As your tutor, I'm telling you to pay attention!" She whispered.
Their eyes met briefly, and his face slowly turned bright red. Seeming dazed, he looked back down at the notebook he was writing in and scratched something out before beginning to write again.
And... we've lost him again. Erin sighed with frustration.
"Is there something interesting, Prince Gerald?" The teacher's annoyed question startled the class from the distracted stupor.
Gerald didn't even look up, continuing to write. Erin wanted to reach out and poke him again, but felt it would be too obvious now that the teacher was looking. She quietly summoned a small amount of wind magic to push his back.
"Urgh, what?!" Gerald looked behind him, as if expecting someone to be there. He glanced around, confused, before seeing the teacher standing before him.
"It seems you are distracted by something, Your Highness." The teacher's eyes were cold.
Gerald started sweating nervously. "O- of course not! Umm.. I was just taking notes to your fascinating lecture on..." He trailed off, futilely looking at the board for some clue on the lecture topic, "Artifact reversal?"
The teacher raised an eyebrow. "I wrote that on the board yesterday." Reaching forward, he snatched the book that Gerald had been writing in and glanced through it.
"Wait, no! That's... secret royal stuff! Top secret... military stuff... you could be executed!"
Despite the young man's desperate cries, the teacher calmly continued to turn pages. He paused, shaking his head slowly. "This..." sighing, he looked directly at Erin, making eye contact for a few awkward moments. His gaze seemed... pitying almost. Erin had a bad feeling.
The book snapped shut in his hands. "Talk to me after class, Prince Gerald." The book was placed on his desk.
"... okay." Gerald seemed like he wanted to argue, but instead hung his head and agreed.
The rest of the class went by quickly. Erin tried to catch Gerald's attention, but all of his focus seemed to be on the book resting on the teacher's desk. Once the lecture was done, Erin and Olivia packed up their things and left the room. They hung out around the classroom door, waiting for Gerald who had stayed behind to talk with the teacher.
"What do you think was in that book?" Olivia was trying to peek through the cracks around the door.
Erin sighed, leaning against the wall and shutting her eyes. "It's probably better I don't know, for the sake of my mental health."
"Think it's something dirty?"
Erin chuckled. "Gerald? No, if anything, it's likely to be something embarrassing."
"Yeah that's right, we are talking about Gerald, a gentleman. He's very different from the other boys, especially a certain idiot who also hangs around us."
"What are you guys doing hanging around here? You look like delinquents." Frederick was grinning as he walked up to join them,
"Speak of the devil."
"You were saying something rude about me just now, weren't you?"
Olivia shrugged. "Nothing that wasn't true."
"You want truth?" Frederick's smile turned vicious. "How about..."
"SOOO." Erin broke in, trying to prevent an argument. It wasn't that she really minded them fighting, but once they got started it was hard to get them to stop, and they got annoying... fast. "What brings you here, Frederick? Shouldn't you be next door?" Frederick wasn't in the same class as them for magical theory, which was probably for the best as it limited the amount of time Olivia and him were in the same room.
"We have a break, and I wanted to come find you."
"Haven't you met your quota of annoying people today yet?" Olivia snapped.
Frederick rolled his eyes. "You obviously haven't met your limit for asking stupid questions." Turning back to Erin, he continued. "I wanted to remind you that we have a Student Council meeting this afternoon."
Erin groaned. "Can I not come?"
"You were officially recognized as one of the most powerful students in the school, and the headmaster personally requested you be made the new vice president." Frederick's voice was dry. "I think he'll notice if you don't show up."
"Wait." Olivia stepped in between them. "Wasn't that brat Wilhemina the student council vice president? The one who always picks fights with Erin?"
Frederick's grin widened. "She used to be." A low, ominous chuckle filled the hallway.
Erin patted him on the shoulder. "You're doing your evil laugh again."
"I can't help it. Her face when I told her..." he sighed happily. "The misery was just so wonderful. I almost wish I could make her forget it so I can tell her all over again."
Erin shook her head. "You're disturbing, you do know that, right?"
"Thank you." He shrugged. "The next best thing will be watching her having to deal with your newly promoted status."
"Didn't I take her place on the council?"
"Oh yes, and now she's the secretary." He clapped his hands gleefully. "She's been demoted to your subordinate! It's going to be the best student council meeting ever!"
"..." Erin honestly didn't know how to reply to that. Fortunately, before the silence could grow too awkward, the classroom door opened. Gerald walked out, his face slightly pale, a large book clutched tightly to his chest.
"Hey...everyone." Seeing his friends gathered in front of the door, he stopped in his tracks, greeting them awkwardly.
Olivia turned to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's in the book?"
Gerald's face froze, his hands quickly putting the object in question behind his back. "What book?"
"Buddy." Frederick groaned loudly. "Don't tell me you took that embarrassing thing out in class?"
Erin turned towards him. "You know what this is?"
"Know it? I've had the contents forcefully shoved down my throat every day since we got back!" He shuddered. "If only I could cleanse my brain. This is all your fault you know!"
"My fault?" She looked back over at Gerald, questioning. In response his face turned red, and he looked down, scuffing his foot quietly against the pale stone floor.
"If it's something you can't show me, it's fine." Erin felt a little bad at how uncomfortable he had become.
"But ERIN!" Olivia protested.
"Don't force him." Erin grinned, placing a hand on Gerald's shoulder. "Want to grab some lunch before practical lessons?"
Gerald muttered something so quietly she couldn't understand.
"I'm sorry?"
"YOU CAN LOOK AT IT." He thrust the book into her hands, and then covered his face.
Frederick laughed. "If you're that embarrassed, then why did you make it?"
"Shut up."
Erin held the book closed, studying Gerald's face. "Are you sure? I don't have to look."
"You can." He seemed resigned.
Curious, she opened it, and slowly started turning pages.
...
What was she supposed to say to this?!
Olivia looked over her shoulder before bursting out into laughter.
"Isn't this a wedding planning diary?" Grabbing the book, she began reading page titles.
"Wedding locations, guest lists... future children names?" She almost dropped the book, unable to continue through her laughter.
Erin took it back, shaking her head with a smile. "It's definitely..." She trailed off, unsure of what word to use.
"Weird?" Olivia supplied.
"Creepy?" Frederick joined in.
"Romantic?" Gerald's face was hopeful.
Erin backed away slowly as they all stared at her. "...Interesting?"
She handed the book back to Gerald with a grin. "I'm glad you're excited."
"Excited?" Frederick snorted. "He's talked about nothing else but the fact you've been engaged non stop since we got back."
"Aww." Olivia sighed. "That's actually really sweet."
"You're not the one having to listen to it."
"... good point."
"..."
Taking advantage of the momentary silence, Erin grabbed Gerald's hand and pulled him away.
"Excuse me, I think my fiancé and I need a moment alone." She moved them quickly, not slowing down until they'd left their friends far behind. They paused beneath a tree, neither of them speaking for a moment.
"Can you say that again?" Gerald's voice was quiet.
Erin was confused. "Say what?"
"What you called me..."
"My fiancé?"
He smiled, his whole body relaxing. "Yeah, that." He finally met her gaze, and her heart beat a little faster at the joy she saw there. "I've had a lot of titles in my life, but I think that's my absolute favorite."
Erin couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm glad you like it." She handed his book back to him.
"Well, don't get too used to calling me that."
"Really?"
"Really." His face was mischievous. "Because eventually you'll have to change it to 'husband.'"
"You're an idiot." Erin looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"For you? Always." He leaned in and gave her a tight hug, and held that position for a few long moments.
"Just promise me one thing?" Erin said into his chest, not pulling back from his embrace.
"Sure."
"Keep the wedding planning to after class. We have the midterm exam coming up."
Gerald shuddered. "Don't remind me."
"I'll help you study, but actually paying attention in class would help."
"Okay, got it. Keep all wedding planning activities to before and after class, or during breaks, every day."
Erin decided to overlook the slight change in the wording in his promise.
"Thanks."
Both unwilling to pull away, they stood there holding each other a little longer.
"Éirinne de Roderick?" A voice called out, startling them into taking a step away from each other. A tall man with a stern expression stood closer than she expected, an envelope in his hand. Erin's heart sank and her blood ran cold as she recognized him.
Gerald stiffened beside her, and she knew he had remembered the messenger as well.
"Isn't this...?" Erin put a hand on his arm, stopping him from speaking further. Silently, she took the envelope from the man and read the note contained within.
It was from her father... an order to return home.
She smiled, turning to face the messenger who stood confidently nearby.
"Are you ready to return?" His voice was just a little too proud, almost mocking as he waited for her reply.
Erin's smile widened, and the man's smug expression faded.
"Tell my father he can take his invitation..." She paused, the letter in her hand bursting into flames. "And burn with it in Hell."
The messenger's face turned pale. "You can't refuse the General."
"I believe I just did."
"But... what am I supposed to tell him?" His eyes were wide with panic, the pride all gone from him.
Erin's smile grew colder. "I told you the words to reply with. "
"I can't say that to the General! He'll kill me!"
"I don't understand how that's my problem."
"But... But..."
"I'll give you some free advice." With a wave of her hand, an air spell formed around Erin, turning into a strong wind and lifting the messenger into the air by his neck. His color turning blue, he struggled desperately, his thrashing movements unable to free him from the grip of her magic. She brought him closer, until he was hanging just a short distance from her. A golden flame formed around her body, scorching the air around her.
"You should be less worried about my father, and much more worried about me."
The threat was whispered, the flames silent. The messenger looked as if he wanted to answer, but the grip of the wind magic around his throat prevented it. She waved her hand once more, and the magic moved, throwing the messenger a long distance away. Slowly, he struggled to his feet, hoarse shrieks of fear erupting from his damaged throat. As Erin watched him run away, the flames around her sputtered and died.
Before he was out of sight, she was walking away.
"..." Gerald walked quickly to catch up to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Erin..."
She turned her face away, not wanting him to see her expression. "It's nothing."
"But if you refuse to see him, won't he come after you?"
"I don't care."
He pulled her to a stop. "I thought you said you weren't ready to fight him! What about your revenge?"
Erin shook her head. "I can't..." She sighed, searching for the right words. "I won't see him."
"but..."
"He wants to force an engagement for his convenience. I won't comply with him."
"I..."
"If that means I have to fight him sooner, so be it. I won't be his tool." Her eyes rose to meet his gaze, a slight smile painting her features. "Things have changed."
Gerald' voice cracked on the single word. "Changed?"
"I have something else to fight for. Something I never thought I would have." She reached out and grabbed his hand. "A future." Embarrassed by her own words, she stared down at her feet.
"..." There was only silence in response. Uncomfortable with how long he was taking to respond, she finally looked back up at him.
Gerald free hand was covering his face, his skin bright red between his fingers.
"Warn a guy before you say something like that." He finally muttered.
Laughing, Erin kissed his cheek and then pulled him along towards the cafeteria.
"He won't take your refusal well though." Gerald squeezed her fingers. "Remember, I'll help you no matter what."
"I know." Her happy expression faded, as she thought of her father's likely response. "I'm ready."