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Chapter Text

Even knowing Hydaelyn was not well, the sight of her was a shock.

My mother lay in her four-poster bed, her elaborate robes of state put away in favor of a delicate white shift with ornate embroidery in sky blue.  Her crown sat on a cushion on the bedside table.  Even if she had been able to sit up, it would have weighed too heavy for her now.  Her skin was nearly as pale as the shift, as pale as the sheets, wan from wasting.  Something had sapped her energy, draining her of vitality, but her will was too strong to let her pass on without a struggle.  At my side, Venat put her arm about my shoulders.  Her fingers trembled.  At least I wasn't the only one in shock at the sight.

"My children," she whispered.  As one, we leaned closer, trying to hear her.  "I... I am sorry.  I have nearly exhausted my strength in defense of our kingdom.  And yet the enemy grows ever stronger."

She paused to catch her breath, and I squeezed my eyes shut.  For a moment the memory of her gleaming in armor, astride her white horse, sword aloft as she led our troops into battle, flashed before my eyelids.  It had not been so many years ago, in truth.  Once more I wished I could find the source of this wasting, find and defeat it, and return to her her strength.

"I cannot lead us further.  It is... it is time I stepped down.  My final act shall be the forging of a truce with King Zodiark and his kingdom."  She turned her head, her fingers moving on the bedcovers, and one of the gathered advisors stepped forward with a document.  "His terms are plain: a marriage between heirs.  My heir must journey to Irys and select a spouse, binding our kingdoms together in holy matrimony."

Venat and I looked at each other.  "But, Mother," I blurted, "which of us must go?"

She sighed, making a frightening rattling sound.  "Venat, my eldest.  My pride.  You are ready to be queen.  Will you accept the crown and rule in my stead, and guide Ethe into this new era of peace?"

Her hand on mine tightened to a painful squeeze.  "Mother, I..."  She looked at me, bewildered, and I smiled.  She would make a far better ruler than I.  I had too much adventure in my blood.  Even though it was something we had spoken of before, she hesitated until I gave her a nod and a squeeze of her hand.  "Very well.  If that is what you wish, then I will see it done."

"Thank you."  She smiled, her bright eyes locking onto Venat's.  They were so alike, so similar in appearance.  Or had been, before this wasting.  "I have every confidence in you.  As I do in you, Phoebe.  My joy."  I straightened upon being addressed.  "If anyone can bridge the divide between our nations, I believe it is you.  You have always flourished in adversity.  Let this not dull your spirit, but bear the light of our kingdom with you into the darkness."

I bowed my head.  "If that is your will, Mother."

For a moment I thought her wracked with coughing, her laughter shaking her fearfully.  "Oh, Phoebe, my bright one.  It is, only because I know you have always found your life here restrictive.  Go forth and be free, my child.  Be who you were always meant to be.  You shall not find it so onerous as you fear, truly."

I bowed my head.  Personally, I felt being forced to marry hardly qualified as "being free," but it did not matter.  Our people were exhausted, war-weary, alone in this struggle.  We could not continue as before, and a marriage was required for peace.  There was nothing, after all, I would not do to protect my people, however difficult.  While I would have preferred a straightforward contest, I was still the child of a queen.  I could fight my battles in the bedroom, if necessary.

"Then all is settled.  Let all here witness the brokering of peace between our kingdoms, and my subsequent abdication.  Let the preparations begin for Queen Venat's coronation!"

Of course I couldn't leave the kingdom before my sister's coronation.  The time gave me the chance to set my affairs into order, to pack everything I might need, to arrange my retinue.  I felt I would be fine with my horse and another to bear my belongings, but nooooo, it had to be a procession.  I managed to negotiate for no carriages, at the least, which meant none of the people I found tedious would be coming along, and we would move at a decent pace.  It was a much harder battle to convince them I did not need a retinue of retainers to attend me in Irys.  But in this I remained adamant, eventually recruiting my sister to back me up.  I would bring no one else into danger.

Her coronation was a beautiful affair, flower-strewn and joyous.  By careful intent had it been designed to be the bright dawn after war's long night, a fresh start and a symbol of rebirth.  The announcement of the truce had at first been met with a degree of uncertainty and fear, but the festivities of the coronation brought all but the most staunch hardliners around.  I stayed up later than I should have, celebrating, enjoying my last day at home, and bid my sister a warm but tearful goodbye.

The trip was a pleasant one.  It was late spring, so we were spared heavy rains and the worst of the chill weather.  Traveling not for war but for diplomacy was a novel concept to me, and I enjoyed not having to worry about being spotted by enemy forces.  A week and a half of travel brought us to the border.

King Zodiark's troops met us there.  A tense exchange saw me and my belongings handed over to their care, the rest of my entourage turning back.  At first it felt quite awkward, being surrounded by people that had so recently been enemies.  They treated me with wary respect and distance.  I decided quickly that that wouldn't do.  Given that I would soon be wed to one of this kingdom's heirs, I felt it would be remiss of me not to learn more about it.  I plied my protectors with questions, polite but merciless, until I broke them down.  By the time we reached the city I had befriended them, and learned much about Zodiark's kingdom in the process.

When I had learned that Zodiark had thirteen heirs, I had marveled that he could be so prolific in such a short time.  My imaginings of a harem of wives were quickly dispelled, though, upon learning that all but one of them were not his blood, but instead the sons and daughters of the kingdoms that had flocked beneath his banner.  It seemed I could opt to marry any of them, and my marriage would in essence bind our kingdom with his in the same way that these others were.  To think I would be another heir was strange.  It made a kind of sense, though, for my vote would be equal to the others in matters of policy, my voice equal in weight.

A clever way to ensure that my kingdom felt truly represented rather than subjugated.  I could not but applaud the wisdom of it.  Especially since, with so many former kingdoms now united, I could not overtake or overrule the rest, not without forming alliances, not without reason and right upon my side.  In truth, it was brilliant, and my unease at being forced to marry as part of this truce eased considerably for it.

When we drew into sight of the capitol city of Irys my breath caught in wonder.  The city was large, far larger than my home, and the castle at its farthest edge rose from the seacliffs, an impressive edifice.  It would have been intimidating if it had been as blocky as my mother's castle.  But it soared rather than squatting, long spires trailing upward, seeming to pierce the heavens.

"Quite the sight, innit?"

I turned a grin on the speaker, placing him as Pieter.  "It really is.  Please tell me I get to live there!"

He laughed at my breathless excitement.  "O' course.  Where else would ye live?"

We made good time to the city's massive gates.  Our procession through the city was not truly a parade, but people did take note.  I sat proud and tall in my saddle, though not too proud to look about in wonder.  I figured the people of this land would be more at ease with someone who plainly showed interest in their city, in their lives, than in some stiff royal whose head never turned from looking ahead.  If my mother had wanted to represent us as some vision of noble perfection, she would have sent Venat, not me.

My escort fanned out at the foot of the grand steps leading to the palace's ornate front doors.  Once I collected my jaw from the ground I dismounted, letting a young page take my horse's reins and lead him away to be stabled.  Swallowing, I made my way up the steps to the small group that awaited me there.  A young man stood at the center, clad in an immaculate white suit with a deep violet sash cutting from shoulder to hip.  His pale hair feathered about his face to brush his shoulders, and I thought I saw the faintest hint of lavender in its lowlights.  He gave me a bow, icy blue eyes smiling at me with a warmth that belied their color.

I bowed back, clutching the copy of the signed truce agreement that I was to deliver.  I held it out, and he accepted it, handing it to the woman beside him without looking at it.

"You are the princess from Ethe, then?"  I nodded, and he beamed.  "Be welcome.  Please, come in.  We would like to get you settled as soon as possible."  He bowed, gesturing to the doors as they opened behind him, and I squared my shoulders, marching in.

He led me directly to a suite of rooms that was, it seemed, to be mine.  I stood for a moment openmouthed in the doorway.  It was abuzz with activity, maids and manservants bustling back and forth carrying clothing, trays bearing philters and vials and small jars, and various tools, many of which I did not recognize.

My guide seemed to recognize my sudden hesitance, giving me a smile.  "Do not fret, it shall not always be so chaotic.  We are under orders to have you suitable for presentation to His Majesty Zodiark as soon as possible, as well as getting you set up with all you shall need to live here.  Clothing, mostly, I imagine."  He smiled, beckoning me in.  "I doubt you could have brought as much as you will need in a single seachest, after all."

"Perhaps not," I said, stepping inside, trying not to feel intimidated by the vast array of clothing already present.  He clapped his hands, bringing silence to the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our princess from Ethe."  He turned to me.  "Ah, kindly remind me of your name, my lady?"

"Phoebe," I supplied.

"My thanks."  Raising his voice, he went on.  "You are to treat Mistress Phoebe with all respect due a future heir of King Zodiark.  Please make her feel welcome in our beautiful home."  A wave of his hand sent them back to their duties.  Definitely the castle's master servant, I decided.  Shocking to become a master so young, but I supposed it was not unheard of.  His competence and pleasant demeanor spoke volumes, anyway.

Under his care I was brought before the tailors as they held what seemed a thousand scraps of colored fabric to my skin, my hair, my eyes, picking the perfect palettes for me.  I endured it, trying not to panic at the sheer amount of fine fabric all around me.  I was going to ruin hundreds of thousands of marks' worth of fabric, sooner or later.  The thought heightened my terror.  Sending me here was a mistake.

I tried to breathe slowly, even as the sensation of people touching me, toying with my hair, applying makeup here or there to test colors, began to overwhelm me.  When they asked me to strip, though, I couldn't.  I couldn't take any more.  I hid my face, pulling away.  Blessedly, the hands left me one by one, and I focused on breathing.  I could do this.  I had to.  I'd been in a state of undress in front of men and women plenty of times during the war.  This was no different, I told myself, and finally was able to uncover my eyes.

I was greeted by an empty room.  Somehow during my panic attack everyone had stolen out.  Everyone except for the master servant, who stood at a distance, waiting for me to collect myself.  My face blushed hot.  What a great first impression I had made, I thought bitterly.

He showed no sign of irritation when he came closer.  "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine."  He gave me a look, somehow at once respectful and skeptical, and I sighed.  "I am.   I have to be..."

To my surprise he stepped closer, setting his hands on my shoulders.  "It must be terribly difficult, coming to a faraway land for a duty you cannot be eager for.  And to be thrust directly into chaos...  I apologize.  In our zeal, we have done a poor job of welcoming you into our midst.  Pray forgive us this misstep.  We shall begin again, at a pace that better suits you."

Perhaps he wasn't as young as he looked, I thought.  Certainly he had earned his place as master servant; recognizing that I was overwhelmed, so quickly corralling the servants out, and apologizing when it was in truth my fault, not his own.  Making me feel welcome.  I sighed, my heart easing.

"It is not that... not truly.  But..."  My eyes fell to the clothing that had been tossed to the floor in the exodus.  Fine dresses, each no doubt worth thousands of marks.  And the idea of putting one of them on turned my stomach.  At home I wore pants and vests, casual and comfortable clothing.  My small kingdom was accustomed to my oddities, and my mother had long since given up on putting me into a dress.  Indeed, she had joked that it had been easier to put me on the battlefield.

Here, though, I was expected to marry.  To... to become a dutiful wife to one of Irys's heirs.  I had to find a way in me to do this.  And yet... I couldn't.

"Please, speak freely.  You need not fear judgment or rumor.  Anything you say will be kept in the strictest confidence."

That, at least, I could trust.  One did not reach such a lofty position—in the palace, no less—without knowing when to keep their mouth closed.  I screwed up my courage.

"I just... feel like a fraud.  A fake princess."

His brow furrowed.  "You are an heir of Ethe, no?  That is all that is required of you."

I clenched my jaw, heat building behind my eyes.  "That, and to marry.  To be a wife to someone who is a stranger to me, in essence."

He took my hand, gentle.  "There is no rush in this matter.  You are expected to take your time, to get to know your intended before making any binding decisions."

A sob broke free from me.  "I-I don't know if I can fake this that long."

He stepped closer, all but embracing me.  Sheltering me with his body, and even though he was no taller than me it was still comforting.  "There is nothing to fake.  You are you, and that is all that you need be.  I give you my word on this."

"This," I waved an arm at the mountains of brightly-colored dresses, "isn't me.  It's not who I am."

His hand made soothing circles on my back.  "Please... help me understand.  I want to make this right."

Another sob wracked me despite my best efforts to choke it down.  "I'm not—I don't wear dresses.  I ruin them!  I play in the mud, I ride horses, I beat all my weapons instructors in a matter of a year after picking up a new weapon.  I don't dance, I don't dress up, and I hate makeup!"

I kept my eyes squeezed tightly shut.  No servant, no matter how patient, would be able to put up with my nonsense for long.  It hurt to see their exasperation, their annoyance.  Their wishing that they could fit me neatly into a box.  Why didn't I just fit in the box?  Like I hadn't asked myself that a thousand times.

"I think I am beginning to understand.  You are no princess."  My eyes snapped open, my face heating in fury and embarrassment.  It stung because it felt true, but he didn't have to say it like that...  To my shock, the expression of contempt I had expected was nowhere in evidence.  He looked thoughtful, even... pleased?

"What do you mean?" I asked warily.  His gaze snapped to me, his expression morphing to concern.

"Ah, damn my careless tongue.  I do not question your eminent royalty.  But perhaps another designation fits you more comfortably.  If your hair were a bit shorter you would make a most dashing prince, I think.  Or perhaps you would prefer something less restrictive in either direction—"

Tears overflowed my eyes and began to spill down my cheeks.  The worry in his face deepened, and he cupped my face, his thumbs gently swiping them away.  "My deepest apologies, dear one.  It was never my intention to hurt you.  Forgive me..."

I shook my head, or tried to.  I found myself unwilling to pull away from the comfort of his touch.  "No, not that.  I..."  I took a deep breath.  "I never realized before how much I needed someone to call me a prince.  C-can I?  Be a prince?"

His expression warmed to a smile, and he embraced me tightly for a moment.  "You may be whatever you feel is you, and none will question it.  You are the only one with the right to say who you are.  What's more, you are a newcomer here, and we know little of the inner workings of the kingdom of Ethe.  In fact, you may find you are not the only one who has sought to redefine who they are in truth of self rather than be defined by others."  He gave me a wink, and I couldn't help but laugh.

I embraced him back, smiling through my tears.  "Thank you.  Thank you so much."  I paused, drawing back.  "I... I'm sorry.  I don't even know your name."

"Elidibus," he said, grinning.  "And you are most welcome, though there is no need to thank me."

I frowned.  The name sounded familiar.  Damn my terrible memory for names.  Hopefully it would come to me soon.  "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."  I laughed, reaching down to grip his hand.  "I mean that.  It's not just a platitude.  You've already made my life so much better, and we barely know one another."

He squeezed my hand back, straightening and drawing me up.  "Why don't you bathe?  I shall send in a hairdresser to cut and style your hair however you like best.  It will give you time to consider if you might wish to be known by another name, as well."

That hadn't even occurred to me.  I nodded, taking a deep breath.  "That sounds fantastic.  Perfect."

I was accustomed to bathing without attendants, though it did take me a few tries to figure out which of the numerous bottles on the tub's edge contained soap, shampoo, conditioner.  As I soaked in the steaming water, it felt as though the stress and worries of the day were lifting away, sloughing off into the water like the dirt of travel.  Perhaps more than that; a lifetime of quietly rebelling against princesshood had finally broken into outright refusal.

And yet, somehow, I felt free.  This felt right, true.

There was, I pondered, the matter of a name.  Phoebe yet held meaning for me; my mother had so many times called me her "bright one."  A part of me did not want to lose that cherished nickname, and I racked my mind for other names of similar meaning, considering and discarding several options before lighting on a likely candidate.  I rolled it about in my mind, tasted it on my tongue, and smiled.  Yes... I felt I could be a Lucas.

A knock on my door signalled the hairdresser's arrival.  I climbed out hastily and wrapped myself in a large towel before inviting them in.  A handsome middle-aged woman entered, bearing a sketchpad and a satchel.  She seated me in a chair, sketching as I described what I envisioned for my hair.  She turned out to be a deft artist, showing me several drawings of my face with possible different hairstyles.  With her help I soon settled on exactly what I wanted, and she set to work cutting my hair.

When she held up a mirror for me to examine the results, I near startled the daylight from her by hugging her fiercely.  She took it in stride, patting my back and assuring me I looked most handsome.  Once she left, I threw on a fluffy robe and emerged.

The room had undergone some manner of nigh-magical transformation in my absence.  Gone were the dresses, the makeup, replaced by racks of suits and other accessories.  For a moment I stared, agape.  The master servant—Elidibus—beckoned me, smiling, and I joined him once more.

"A most flattering style for your face, my good sir.  Now, tell me—what preference have you for the cut and fit of your suits?"

"I..."  I glanced around, eyes wide.  "I have not been allowed to wear full suits.  I don't know...?"

"Not to worry!  We shall find out together, then."

A servant handed me a garment—something almost like a corset, but only for the bust.  Elidibus explained that, should I wish to reduce the appearance of my breasts, I could wear this beneath my garments.  Concerns of modesty left my mind completely, and I put it on forthwith.  It was a bit restrictive, but after admiring the new profile of my chest I decided I could get used to that quickly.

For some reason, stripping down to my underthings to try on suits was an altogether different experience.  I had always hated having to try on outfit after outfit, but I was rapidly coming to realize it was simply that the outfits I had been put into before were just not to my liking.  Learning about suits, finding what I found comfortable, flattering, fashionable, was... fun.  Engaging.  And Elidibus was a gracious and knowledgeable source of information, with a knack for never making me feel ignorant.

Before long I stood before a floor-length mirror, resplendent in a silvery suit.  The fabric was sleek and shiny, and I could not seem to stop touching it.  My vest was black with silver buttons, and surprisingly comfortable leather shoes ensconced my feet.  From my shoulder to my hip I wore a fine sash, in the same blue as my mother's eyes.  A sign of my kingdom, and I could not help but treasure the attention to detail.  I seemed utterly transformed, a vision.  I blushed to see myself so handsome, so dapper and confident.

"I'm ready," I said, and it was true.

"So you are," Elidibus murmured.  "And how shall the heralds introduce you before His Royal Majesty, King Zodiark?"

"Prince Lucas, of Ethe."  My voice did not tremble.  I smiled at myself.  Perfect, I thought.  Turning to Elidibus, I gave him a smile, too.  He blinked, his face pinking faintly.

"So be it," he said, and gave me a bow.  "Truly, this is a wondrous transformation.  The confidence you project now..."  He cleared his throat.  "If you could follow me, my lord...?"

He led me through mazy halls to a grand set of doors.  He spoke with the herald there, then returned to me with a warm smile.

"Ready?"

Taking a deep breath, I nodded.  My confidence had begun to quail, but I reminded myself that I was child to a monarch.  Surely this Zodiark was not much different than my own mother.  Smoothing my palms against my thighs, I said, "Yes.  I'm ready."

He gave me a gentle squeeze of one shoulder.  "Don't be timid.  He respects boldness.  You shall do fine, of course."  Stepping aside as the doors opened, he gave me one last smile.  I returned it and strode forward.

"Prince Lucas of Ethe, heir to the royal throne!"

I tried not to falter at the last addition.  I supposed that with my sister unwed and without heir, that was true.  But the fact was I wanted nothing to do with that throne.  I fought to banish the thought without visibly shaking my head, striding forward.  If nothing else, my upbringing had taught me how close to approach, how deep to bow given our respective stations.  It gave me a perverse burst of joy not to have to think of curtsying; when it became plain I would not be put into skirts I had happily learned both traditions.

"You may rise."

I had glimpsed King Zodiark as I approached, but I took this opportunity to study him, now that I stood before him.  He was an absolute bear of a man, broad of chest and arm.  He seemed to burst with vitality, in stark contrast to my mother's wasting.  He wore a beard, long but neatly tamed into three braids, and his dark hair similarly branched out into almost antler- or hornlike formations.  His skin was swarthy, sunkissed, and even his royal attire seemed to evoke armor somehow.

"Your Majesty."  I pitched my voice low.  "Allow me to extend my deepest gratitude at accepting my peoples' desire for peace.  I am keen to seal the bond between our kingdoms."

He gave me a grave nod.  "Your dutiful nature does your kingdom credit.  Please, make yourself at home here.  There is no rush.  I have many heirs for you to get to know; any of them will serve to fulfill your duty to your kingdom, and you need not fear that delay of choice will threaten your truce."  He smiled, and despite his fearsome aspect it was somehow still reassuring.  "I would see you welcome and happy here, my heir-to-be.  If aught threatens your comfort, make it known unto my agents, and I shall see it redressed."

I bowed.  It was not strictly required, but what he offered seemed a generous boon, and I could not help but respond.  Especially given that he seemed to make no issue of my voice despite my announcement as a prince.  "You have my gratitude, Your Majesty.  Already your hospitality has been more than I could dream of."  The face of his master servant, Elidibus, flashed before my mind's eye, and for a moment I wished he could be one of the princes I might marry.

Zodiark chuckled, his voice low and rich.  "If you are prepared, I would see you introduced to my court this eve."

Swallowing, I nodded.  "Nothing would give me more pleasure, Your Majesty."

He gave a wave of one large hand.  "Then let it be so.  Take your rest until such time as we gather for the evening."

It was a dismissal.  I gave a deep bow.  "By Your Majesty's leave."  I turned, making my way back to the large doors of the throne room.  Elidibus was waiting there, plainly having heard the conversation.

"It seems you shall have a most busy evening.  Let me take you back to your rooms to rest.  While you have much to learn, I dare say there is no rush.  All shall know you are newly come, and any that should try and leverage such against you will face our lord Zodiark's wrath."

I nodded, a bit hesitant but most grateful for his reassurances.  I felt that I ought to begin learning who was who in this kingdom as soon as possible.  He noticed my expression and smiled.

"You must be weary from your travels.  You will be introduced to Irys's heirs tonight, no?  Best to be fresh for that.  There will be a state dinner this evening; you will have ample opportunity to get to know everyone then."

I sighed, acquiescing to his logic.  I was tired.  "Very well.  I could use a nap."

Smiling, he led me back to my rooms.

Chapter Text

If I had been nervous before meeting King Zodiark, it was multiplied some hundredfold as I waited to be introduced to all thirteen princes and princesses of Irys.  The thought that I would marry one of them...  It wasn't as frightful as it had been before, but it was still enough to make my heart hammer in my chest.  To my secret disappointment, it seemed Elidibus could not attend me after I awoke from my nap.  Selfish of me, but I had come to rely on his support.

He had left me a manservant, though, to my amazement finding someone who had, like myself, been born female but cast off femininity in favor of a man's dress and habits.  It was unspeakably comforting to have someone who understood—better than me, I suspected—what it was like.  It helped me feel less self-conscious as I changed once more into my fine suit.  Standing before the grand doors, he fussed over my outfit for another moment and then bowed, stepping aside.

Once more I was announced, this time to a room full of courtiers and advisors.  I strode with manufactured confidence once more toward the throne.  Arrayed beside it was a dazzling array of lovely men and women, each dressed in finery and wearing a differently-colored sash.  My eyes roved along the line, trying to take them all in without turning my head too much.  I counted six on either side of the throne.  These must be the heirs of the other kingdoms.

Zodiark sat in the center, upon a single throne... and standing beside him, in the position that would be reserved for the crown prince, stood Elidibus.

Oh, hells.  I knew I had heard that name somewhere.

My face went hot when our eyes met, but before I could work myself into a full panic, he winked at me.  I swallowed hard, trying to breathe normally.  Hopefully he bore me no ill will for failing to recognize him.  Stopping before the throne, I bowed once more.  The ceremony passed in a flurry, my head spinning from this revelation, and soon I was seated near the head of a long table.

Zodiark sat at its head, his deep voice booming beneath the chatter around me.  At his right sat Elidibus, with the rest of the heirs descending along both sides of the table.  I sat at the end of this arrangement, as the newest arrival and one who was not technically an heir yet.  Across from me sat a woman with nut-brown skin and hair the color of honey.  She wore a bright green sash over her dark brown dress, and had kindly reminded of her name, Halmarut.  She was now deep in conversation with the woman to her right, whose name I overheard to be Emmerololth.

How was I going to keep all these names straight? I wondered, dispirited.

The gentleman to my right leaned close to me with a warm smile.  "Lucas, it is truly a pleasure.  Fandaniel," he added at my look of panic.

I glanced him over.  Tall and slender, his short dark hair was cut in an artfully casual style.  A blue suit with gold accents drew out the startling green of his eyes.  His sash was navy, and I wondered which kingdom he represented.

"Thank you.  Likewise."  I smiled.  At least they seemed quite understanding.  "So, ah... what do we do here?  Daily, I mean."

He gave a thoughtful hum.  "With the war now ended, I believe we will turn our efforts to rebuilding the destruction caused by the fighting and repairing our relations with Ethe.  An endeavor for which you shall be critical, no doubt."  He smiled.  "Not to worry.  For a time your only duty shall be to get to know us and to accustom yourself to life here."

He paused as a servant leaned between us to place a plate of food before him.  "It was not so long ago that I was the newest arrival.  Feeling clumsy and foolish for not being able to learn a dozen names."  He chuckled.  "Rest assured that we all understand how much it is to take in.  It is our fondest hope that you will find yourself happy and fulfilled here."  With one last smile he turned to his meal, and I did the same.

The food was rich and absolutely delicious.  I let myself have a single glass of the wine, finding it similarly choice, but stuck to water after that, not wanting my head to be any fuzzier than it already was.  I soon found myself in conversation with the lavender-haired man to my left.  He introduced himself as Hythlodaeus, not a royal in his own right but spouse to one of the princes here.  Handsome and delicate of feature, he had pale skin and gentle eyes of a color that made me think of lilacs.

Curious to learn that two men were openly married, I asked shyly how such a thing worked.  He proved more than happy to explain.  I learned that such love was not seen as a thing to be kept private, secret, as it was in my homeland, and my heart eased considerably.  I had feared that, by presenting myself as a prince, I would have to take a princess to wife, but it seemed that was not at all the case.  I found myself daydreaming about the possibility that Elidibus might wish to bond himself to me...

Our pleasant conversation was interrupted by a tap to Hythlodaeus's shoulder.

"Your pardon, but would you mind terribly if we switched seats?"

My back snapped straight as I recognized Elidibus's voice, my cheeks heating.

"Not at all.  You know I will always jump at the chance to sit beside Emet-Selch."

My heart began to thud as he vacated the seat.  The oddity of someone who was not even an heir taking the seat at Zodiark's right hand barely registered through my awe and alarm at Elidibus—the crown prince himself—choosing to sit beside me.

"Lucas!  I hope you have been getting on well."

I nodded stiffly, turning my blushing face toward him.  "I have.  Thank you, my lord."

But he gave me a secretive smile, taking my hand.  "Now, there is no need to be so formal.  Save that for the ceremonies, hm?"

I blushed deeper at the touch of his hand on mine.  "I... very well, if you insist."  I sighed.  "I am so sorry, by the way.  I assumed you were the master servant of the castle—"

He stopped me with a soft shush, and behind me I heard Fandaniel chuckle.  "Do not trouble yourself over it, Lucas.  He has done the same for all of us."

I turned to look at him over my shoulder, surprised.  He wore a warm smile, his eyes gentle as they met mine.

"He takes his duties as crown prince more seriously than his position as crown prince, if you take my meaning."

I had to laugh at that.  Turning back, I found Elidibus nearly in a pout.  "What?" I asked him, still smiling.

"Fandaniel is technically correct, which is in my opinion the worst sort of correctness."  Another chuckle floated up from behind me, but my eyes were now caught by Elidibus's gaze.  "Pray forgive me my indiscretion.  I take far too much pleasure in finding out firsthand how much each kingdom knows of my own.  Only one so far has recognized me on appearance alone—that being the lovely Emmerololth right over there."  He nodded toward her.  "Beyond that, most of the others recognized me by name once I introduced myself."  He grinned.  "Which I do not do until requested, so that accounts for only about half of the royals here.  You are in good company, my dear boy."

My heart leapt at the casual expression, the affirmation of how I had chosen to present myself.  Tension slipped from my shoulders and back, and I let myself relax.

"I knew I recognized that name from somewhere," I muttered.  "It sounded so familiar, but I just couldn't place it."

His eyes twinkled.  "You figured it out in the end.  And may I say you did not so much as miss a step when you realized.  No doubt your martial training serves you well in hiding such reactions, no?"

I narrowed my eyes at him.  "Yes, but how do you know about that?"

His eyes slipped to the side, suddenly evasive.  "All in due time, hm?  Surely we can leave some mystery between us?"  He gave me a grin, his eyes warming once more.  "I know much about your kingdom, by strategic necessity.  But not as much about you as I would like to."

As dessert came out, we chatted about one thing after another.  Elidibus encouraged my questions, and I learned much about his kingdom and its traditions.  Apparently this castle was named "Chrysalis," and had been built from stone with natural amethyst inclusions.  Certain hallways were notorious for the purple glitter in their dark walls.  At my fascination he promised to take me down one such hall with a lamp so as to best see the effect.  I blushed to realize it was a date of sorts, and then blushed further on realizing how much I liked that idea.

Speaking with him was comfortable.  Pleasant.  And he had already demonstrated that he was compassionate and kind.  And obviously he was untroubled by my desire to be seen and treated as a man...  Maybe he would be willing to marry me?  It almost felt selfish to try and have the crown prince for myself, but in truth that mattered little to me.  It was him that I liked, not his position.  Hells, had he in truth been the master servant, I might have found myself trying to seduce him all the same...

I blushed at the turn of my thoughts.  If someone had told me that I would be thinking dreamily of marriage on my very first day in King Zodiark's castle I would have called them a liar.  And yet, here I was.  It wasn't even that marriage to him wouldn't be too bad—obviously I didn't know him terribly well yet, but everything I saw, everything I learned gave me the impression that such a marriage might actually be, well.  Good.  Very good.

We lingered, still talking as the dinner began to break up, people leaving in pairs and groups to go who knew where.  King Zodiark stopped by to bid his son a good evening, seeming entirely unperturbed that he had abandoned his position by his side to sit with me.  When Elidibus suggested that we could go right now to see one of the shimmering halls he had spoken of, I was more than eager to assent.

He led me by the hand, collecting a lamp from a table near the hallway's mouth.  Apparently this was a thing enjoyed often enough to merit a permanent station for lamps.  The hallway was lit only dimly, no doubt for this same purpose.  Heart fluttering, with Elidibus's hand warm in my own, I came up to the entrance of the hallway.

He squeezed my hand and led me forward.  He held the lamp high, and my breath caught as the walls glimmered to life.  Sparks of light, ranging from colorless to a deep violet, danced and flickered within the polished stone.

"Oh... it's so beautiful!"

Elidibus grinned, plainly pleased at my reaction.  "Keep watching," he said.  As though I could take my eyes from the shimmering walls.   As we went along, the effect grew even more pronounced, certain blocks seeming almost to light with purple fire.  The effect was stunning, a mosaic of light.  It felt like magic, like I had stepped out of reality into a fairy kingdom.  When we reached the hall's end, it was a strange feeling, almost like emerging from being underwater.  I blinked in the sudden light, almost disappointed to find I was still in reality.

Elidibus released my hand, setting the lamp down on a table placed for the purpose.  He greeted me with a smile as he turned back.

"What did you think?"

Feeling bold, taking advantage of the privacy of this location, I strode forward and took both his hands in mine.  "Elidibus, that was absolutely magical.  To think that I am to live here... it hardly feels real."

He chuckled, giving my hands a squeeze.  "You may visit these halls at any time you wish, of course.  While some feel it dulls the shine to see it too often, I find the effect clears my mind when I am cross or feeling overwhelmed."

"That's a clever idea.  I hope you don't mind if I use it myself."

He laughed.  "Of course not.  It is the beauty of these halls—there is enough for everyone."

He released one of my hands, leading me the rest of the way to a door that I assumed to be mine.  There he leaned close with a secretive smile.  I blushed as he raised my hand to his lips, brushing a feather-light kiss over the back.

"Sleep well, sweet prince."

He slipped away, leaving me standing for a moment, heart thundering, face burning.  Full of emotions I hesitated to look too closely at.  I broke from my trance and made ready for bed, my heart still soaring from the wonderful evening I had enjoyed.

After two weeks I had largely learned the most important names about the castle.  It seemed the sashes we wore were typically only used for formal occasions, but because of my arrival it had been decided that they would be worn daily for a month.  It helped more than I would have expected, and I soon came to associate each color with the names I was finally grasping—bright red for Altima, gold for Emet-Selch, orange for Erichthonios, and so on.

This evening there was a ball.  My head was once more whirling with names and faces; this was a prime occasion to get to know others of note in the kingdom, but by all that was holy there were just so many names.  I eventually gave my feet a respite, settling into a quiet private booth to recover both physically and mentally.  It was strange to think I was enjoying myself, at dancing no less.  I had danced with each of the other heirs, partly as a nod to the courtship that was my duty and partly because it sounded like fun.

And it had been.  Seeing each one's different styles, from dancing to dress to speech and jokes, was fascinating.  Already I was beginning to develop friendships, finding common interests with others of the heirs.  Pashtarot and I now had a daily martial training date, and I was thrilled to find he was far more skilled than the teachers I had had back home.  And he was not the only one I spent my time with.

A head poked into my booth, and I started out of my thoughts.  It was Elidibus, and he grinned when his eyes landed on me.

"I thought I saw you disappear somewhere nearby here."

I smiled back.  "Hey.  Need something?"

"Just checking on you.  How are you holding up?  I know there are a lot of people out there."

"I'm fine, truly.  I just need a bit of quiet."

"Then I shall disturb you no more.  Though I pray you'll save another dance for me?"

I flushed.  "Of course.  And, er... it wouldn't disturb me at all if you were to stay.  Your presence is a welcome one."

He tipped his head, studying me.  "If you're quite sure..."

I beckoned to him, and he stepped into the booth, sitting down close beside me.  I sighed, relaxing once more against the padded bench.

"Elidibus... I was wondering.  What is the procedure for selecting a spouse?  To fulfill my duty, that is."

He gave me a look of surprise.  "I'm not sure I take your meaning.  You simply decide for yourself who you would feel happiest binding yourself to.  It is nothing terribly difficult."

"Okay, but I mean... do I need to contract with a jeweler, make a ring?  Do I propose on one knee?"  I blushed.  "It's... not something I have much familiarity with.  And what am I to do if the one I am interested in does not return my interest?  How would I even know if they're already married?"

He put a hand over mine, and I realized I was knotting and unknotting my fingers in a fit of nerves.  "Lucas.  Do not fret.  Such things can come later."  He grinned.  "And I think you perhaps misunderstand.  Being married does not preclude one from marrying another, not in this kingdom.  Not a one of the heirs is unmarried, or have you forgotten that is the method by which we bound our kingdoms together?"

I stilled, staring at him.  Of course it made sense when he said it like that...  I flushed lightly.  "So... wait.  You must have been married at the beginning, when whichever kingdom first allied with King Zodiark..."

Smiling, he nodded.  "King Lahabrea has been a longtime supporter and friend of my father's.  When the schism happened, Zodiark was deeply heartbroken.  It was Lahabrea that drew him from his depression, sending his son—Erichthonios, you know him—to marry me and bind our kingdoms together.  Not long after Emet-Selch saw the wisdom of joining us, though as you know he brought his own husband with him as well, our marriage more one of political convenience than love.  For quite a time it was just the three of us, our kingdoms against your own alliance."

I nodded slowly.  No doubt that was why Erichthonios and Emet-Selch sat at the head of the table beside Elidibus.  Not only because of seniority, but that deep bond of allies who relied upon one another in a time when all seemed to be against them.  "So, all I have to do is ask, and secure their agreement, and then figure everything else from there?"

"Exactly."  He beamed.  "And as has been mentioned before, you need not feel rushed."

I blushed, my gaze falling for a moment.  "Rushed" was not what I was feeling.  "In love," perhaps, or "confident in my heart's choice" fit better.  Heart pounding, I raised my gaze to Elidibus.

"In that case... would you perhaps consider marrying me?"  I held my breath.

He blinked, apparently surprised by my forwardness.  His expression melted to a tender smile.

"Lucas."  He drew my hand from where my other clasped it, holding it in both of his.  "Yes.  Absolutely yes.  It would give me great pleasure to marry you."

I took a deep breath and sighed it out, my heart lifting.  That hadn't been so bad.  Hadn't been bad at all, in truth.  Certainly it helped that he seemed to show an interest in me directly, but...  I beamed, bringing my other hand up to clasp his.  "Thank you, Elidibus.  Thank you so much.  You have done so much for me since I came here.  I know it seems abrupt, but... I really like you."

He released my hands to wrap his arms around me, drawing me closer.  My heart hammered as he leaned in, my breath suddenly coming short.  His lips touched mine, and with a gasp I leaned into him, my own arms fumbling about him.  Heat lit through me as his lips caressed mine.  When he drew back and smiled at me I could not breathe for a moment.

Gods... I was so incredibly lucky.

His smile broadened at my difficulty.  "Are you all right, Lucas?"

I managed a breathy laugh.  "I think this is more 'all right' than I've ever been in my life," I joked, and he chuckled, drawing me into an embrace.

"First kiss?"

"...Was it that obvious?"

He laughed.  "Of course not, dear heart.  Your reaction was merely one of such amazement that either I have improved my technique by leaps and bounds since I last put it into practice, or you have little experience in the matter."

I wasn't sure I believed him fully, but I wasn't inclined to make a fuss.  I felt almost as though I were floating on clouds.  Even if I had been truly upset with him, I could not have stayed so for long.  For a while I just leaned against him, my head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth, the steady rise of his breathing.

"So," he finally murmured, "when would you like to break the news to everyone else?"

I straightened with a sigh.  "I suppose now is as good a time as any, isn't it?  Everyone is conveniently gathered and everything, after all."

Grinning, he rose, taking my hand and drawing me to my feet.  "So they are."

Heart tripping, I let him lead the way through the massive ballroom toward his father.  His height and size made him an easy man to locate, even through the throng that sought to claim a moment of his time during this occasion.  They made way for the crown prince, though, and soon we stood at his elbow.  My heart raced, and I reminded myself that he could only be happy I had selected a spouse.  There was no need for nerves, no matter how insistently they tried to coil in my belly, to make my fingers tremble.

We did not wait long.  King Zodiark turned with a smile toward us.  "Elidibus!  How fare you this eve?"

"Well indeed, Father."  He beamed at me a moment, drawing me forward.  "Lucas but recently requested my hand in marriage, and I was more than happy to accept.  With your blessing, we would like to be wed, and bind our kingdoms all the closer."

Zodiark's eyebrows rose, and he broke into a broad smile, a mirror to Elidibus's own.  "That's fantastic news!  Of course you shall have my blessing."  I started as he seized my hand, shaking it firmly and giving me a grin.  "Welcome, lad.  I look forward to calling you my son!"

"O-of course, Your Majesty.  I should be proud to join your family," I managed.

He released me, waving a hand high, his voice booming.  "Did you hear that?  We have a royal wedding to plan!  Servants!  Open the cellars!  Bring forth champagne—this calls for a celebration!"

The ball, already festive, turned positively jubilant as fine champagne was distributed.  My face seemed in danger of a blush setting in permanently as we were toasted and cheered again and again.  Elidibus was confident, gracious and warm, and I tried my best to emulate his attitude.  I had never had so much attention heaped on me, and by the time the ball wound down I was exhausted but thoroughly happy.

King Zodiark requested we retire with him, and we followed him to a cozy den.  It seemed we would be able to speak privately, and I sat gratefully, my feet aching despite the comfort of my shoes.  I was not used to dancing this much.

"Lucas."

My head snapped up.  Zodiark was watching me with a thoughtful expression.

"Er—yes, Your Majesty?"

He gave me a tolerant look.  "You shall have to learn to address me more familiarly soon, you realize."  He chuckled at my reaction, shaking his head.  "A concern for later, then, I suppose.  Are you happy with your choice?  It seems quite soon, and I wish to be sure you will not regret this."

I turned to look at Elidibus.  I couldn't imagine regretting closeness with him.  He had been so wonderful to me since my arrival.  And the funny thing was?  After he'd explained how marriage worked here, I could see any number of times he had interacted with others with whom he must also be married, finding time and affection for all of them.  How one man could have so much love and generosity to give astounded me.

I couldn't have stayed away from him had all the world been against us.

Zodiark's chuckle brought my head about.  "That look was perhaps more eloquent than words could ever be.  Very well; you may consider my concerns addressed.  And yourself, Elidibus?"

He put an arm about my shoulders, tugging me closer.  "I have been taken with Lucas since his arrival.  I am more than eager to wed him."

Zodiark smiled.  "That is wonderful to hear.  My congratulations to both of you.  I shall have the servants begin the preparations, and a date will be set.  Not too soon; I assume your mother would like to come?"  His expression twisted slightly; he plainly wasn't keen on the idea.

I sighed.  "I don't think she's well enough to be out of bed, let alone travel this far.  My sister may wish to attend in her stead..."  I trailed off, suddenly concerned by King Zodiark's expression of dawning horror.

"I... beg your pardon?  She is unwell?"

I winced, realizing that my kingdom had probably gone to great lengths to conceal her wasting from our former enemies.  Well, it hardly mattered now.  Unless King Zodiark decided to rescind the offer of peace, something I dared to hope he would not do given my plain and genuine affection for his son, it was not a betrayal of our national interests, not truly.  I heaved a sigh.

"I suppose we must have done a better job than I realized of keeping it quiet.  It began perhaps three or four years ago.  At first she struggled to lead our charges as she had in the beginning of the war.  Before long she could not swing a sword without being winded.  It progressed inexorably, inexplicably."  I shook my head, the pain and fury of the helplessness I'd felt in the face of this horrible disease burning in my breast.  "We could not find a cause.  Medicines did nothing, nor exorcisms and other more spurious attempts to cure it.  She is a shell of the strong, powerful woman she once was, although last I heard she yet clings to life."

"Is it truly so dire as that?"

Fleetingly, I wished I could offer Zodiark more comfort than I had.  I did not know how it came to be that he harbored some affection for my mother, especially in the face of the long war they had waged upon one another, but he seemed as lost as I had been in the face of a disease I could not simply fight.

"I try not to think about it, since worrying accomplishes nothing.  But every time I receive correspondence from my sister, I cannot help but fear it will be dire news.  'Return home; her time is upon us.'  Or worse, the news that it progressed faster than expected, and I need to attend a funeral."  Despite my attempts to maintain my bearing, tears had begun to slip down my cheeks.  Elidibus embraced me, drawing me close, and for a moment I pressed my face to his chest.  I drew strength from his support, his soft encouragement.

When I raised my head, Zodiark sat staring into the distance, his face carved in lines of pain.  After a moment he stirred, a weight settling onto his shoulders even as his face cleared.  "My condolences.  I had no idea.  Please extend the offer to Queen Venat, then, and any others of your people you would like to have present."  He rose, moving heavily.  "And I pray you have a good evening, despite this grave news."  With a brief smile and wave, he left us alone.

Elidibus held me close, his hands soothing on my shoulder.  "Allow me to add my own condolences.  Such a thing must be painful, especially to one such as yourself, so strong and determined to face any foe."  He squeezed me lightly and kissed my brow.  "Your mother is a powerfully strong person, to hold on in the face of such a tragic illness.  Have faith in her.  I give you my word that if she cannot come to our wedding, I will travel there with you and present myself to her instead."

I clung to him, smiling despite the tears that threatened once more.  "Thank you.  It means so much to me, and I think it will mean even more to her.  To see that I am not only successfully wed, the treaty fulfilled, but that I am so happy to be with you..."

He held me until my heart eased from the painful clench that remembering my mother's condition always put me in.  Held me after, with gentle caresses and light kisses that only made me wish to be wed all the faster.  Held me until sleep made my eyes droop, my head fall against his shoulder, and then he escorted me once more to my rooms, bidding me a good night with another tantalizing brush of his lips.  I fell asleep in the company of happy thoughts of a future with Elidibus.

Chapter Text

The wedding was a grand affair, more than I would have expected of the child of a recent enemy, even given that I was marrying the crown prince.  Perhaps I felt that being his tenth spouse meant it would not be a special thing.  But much like how he always made me feel important, the wedding was as grand as any such royal union, a beautiful spectacle.

And perhaps, I realized as I strode down the aisle escorted by my sister, it was much more meaningful than I would expect for myself alone.  After all, we were essentially the prodigal kingdom, in Irys's view.  The ones who had sundered the once-happy unity into a myriad of factions, who had sparked this war.  To have Ethe join once more beneath Zodiark's banner was, I supposed, worth celebrating.

My heart thundered to see Elidibus standing before me in a suit pure as driven snow, smiling fit to split his face.  King Zodiark stood behind him, smiling beneficently over the proceedings.  My own suit was black, a sleek and handsome contrast to Elidibus's outfit.  I took his hands as Venat released my arm and swept up the stairs to take her place.  I barely noticed, so consumed I was in Elidibus.

My sister had been shocked and a touch dismayed to find me dressing and behaving as a man, but after seeing for herself how I glowed, how much more confidence and joy it brought me, she had acknowledged that perhaps it was meant to be.  Certainly she found no objection to Elidibus, nor his plain affection and devotion to me.  My heart had soared when she agreed to walk me down the aisle in our mother's place.

Our vows passed in a whirlwind, and before I knew it we drew one another close, sharing a sweet, passionate kiss to deafening applause and cheers.  The wedding reception was just as grand and spectacular, and we spent the first dance closely entwined.  Before I knew it, it was over, and the entire wedding party flooded onto the dance floor—to include Queen Venat and King Zodiark.  I would have been content to watch Elidibus dance with all of his other spouses, but before I could consider retiring to the sidelines Erichthonios swept me near off my feet and into a lively dance.

Much as I craved the chance for us to retire to the privacy of my rooms, festooned with wedding finery as they were for the occasion, I still found myself caught up in the festivities.  Dancing with most of the princes and princesses of the kingdom was a delight, absorbing their affection and goodwill and doing my best to reflect the same back upon them.  Even when we retired to the table at the head of the room to take our meal, well-wishers made a near-constant stream of goodwill.  It was overwhelming but good, and Elidibus was sensitive as ever to my state, intercepting the majority of the attention and deflecting it from me.

Finally we made our excuses and slipped away.  Heart trembling in my breast from anticipation, I clung to his hand, letting him lead me into the suite that had been prepared for us.

Elidibus was as good as his word.  My sister made her plans to return home, and he argued that we should go with her.  Our honeymoon would not be ruined by travel, he posited.  Not when we could just bring a large and decently sound-proofed tent on the road.  Plus we were both accustomed to traveling.  He even offered to bring a carriage so we might sit close to one another.  I assured him that was not necessary.  I was much more comfortable on horseback.

The weeks since the treaty had seen changes to the political landscape between Ethe and Irys.  I didn't realize how far they went until we crossed the border.  Unlike when I had left my home, we were not simply handed over; instead we found ourselves with two security details.  I found myself watching them carefully, putting my previous experience as a troop commander to use in making sure violence would not break out.  But aside from maintaining a cautious distance, there was no animosity between the former enemies.

It likely helped that I had once again befriended the soldiers from Irys.  That plus the plain affection between myself and Elidibus seemed to set my homeland's soldiers more at ease.  Oh, how they had stared when they first recognized me.  After seeing me on the battlefield it was not so shocking to see me in pants, of course, but a fine stylish suit was something else.  If their frequent glances were anything to go by, though, I looked good.

Not that I had any doubt on that front, not when Elidibus paused each morning after we dressed for the day, drawing me into a fierce embrace and telling me as much.  It was unusual to see him in darker colors, but his usual white suits would not stand up to the rigors of travel, and he had decided he would rather not ruin them.  He was still breathtakingly handsome, and as I teased him, would look so even in a potato sack.

Once we reached the palace, he took the first chance he had to change into white once more.  I helped him, trying not to panic over the idea of seeing my mother.  What if seeing me dressed like a man was too much strain for her?  I couldn't bear the thought that I might be responsible for giving her a heart attack...  Maybe I should just dress down into my usual clothing.  But Elidibus soothed me, encouraged me.  His words reminded me of her own before I left, that I should be free, that I might not find life in Irys so terribly onerous.  Nerves still twinging, I led him to her rooms.

Venat had gone ahead, to check on her and announce us.  As keen as I was to see her, to check on her health and assure myself that she was still holding on, I did not want to disturb her rest if she slept.  But soft voices came from within.  I clung to Elidibus's hand, leaning on his shoulder.  I was glad my mother would get the chance to meet him.  That alone was worth the fuss, the trip, the nerves over my own appearance.

Venat emerged, giving us a smile.  "She is ready to see you."  I gave her a grateful smile in return, and we stepped in.  I led the way to her bedside, heart beating hard.

"Mother."  I looked her over.  "You... look better.  How are you feeling?"

She gave us a wan smile.  "I could not well leave before seeing you wed, my dear.  Venat tells me you make a most dashing prince..."

I held my breath.  Beside me, Elidibus gave my hand a squeeze.

Hydaelyn sighed.  "She is right.  I did not realize the disservice I did you with my expectations and demands.  I hope you can forgive me."  She raised a hand, reaching toward me, and I seized it gently in both of mine, leaning down and pressing my cheek to the back of her hand.

"Mother... of course.  I have already forgotten it."  I raised my head and gave her a teary smile.  "And, look, I chose the name Lucas.  It means 'light-giving,' see!  I can still be your brave spark..."

She laughed, a weak sound, her hand tightening in mine.  "So it does.  How very fitting for one who shines as brightly as you do."  Her gaze turned onto Elidibus.  "And  you must be the crown prince, Elidibus.  Please, be welcome in our humble kingdom.  Venat has already told me of how Lucas lights up in your presence.  I am pleased to meet you, and proud to call you son."

Elidibus gave her a graceful bow.  "The pleasure is all mine, my lady.  I was most pained to hear of your condition.  Would that we could have feasibly brought the wedding to you.  I hope that my presence here will help to make up for your inability to attend."  He took her hand, bending low over it.

"What a lovely young man you are.  Thank you for coming all this way.  It means much to an old woman..."

She seemed to have recovered somewhat.  Perhaps Venat shouldering the burden of rulership had freed her to focus on recovery, on hoarding her strength.  That, plus the end of the war, could only lead to less stress.  As the two of them spoke, I just watched her, absorbing the fact that she was, more or less, all right.  That I did not need to worry she would pass so soon.  I was too afraid to hope for more; such diseases often showed improvement only to lapse once more.  But I would seize every moment I could.

Unsurprisingly, Elidibus charmed my mother, winning her heart with the same natural ease with which he had won mine.  We chatted for a time, until I began to worry she would exhaust her strength.  I made excuses, citing weariness from the road, and we retired.  Having traveled all this way, we took a few days to linger.  Elidibus liaised with my sister and other of the kingdom's advisors, working to strengthen the still-fragile bonds between our kingdoms.

I also took advantage of his free time to show him around the city, taking him to old haunts of mine as well as anything I thought he would particularly enjoy.  Despite the need to see to political necessities, I managed to enjoy the time, bidding my mother and sister farewell once more before setting out.  Our travel passed without incident, and when I saw the spires of Chrysalis in the far distance, I was surprised to find it felt like I was returning home.

All too soon the honeymoon was over, and I found myself embroiled in political matters.  It was tedious but, as I firmly reminded myself, very important.  Not least of which because I needed to represent my kingdom, to make amends and smooth over matters where there had been harm or offense, as well as advocating for a portion of recovery and rebuilding funds to be directed to my own lands.  I still saw Elidibus frequently, though I didn't feel it fair to monopolize him fully as I had when we were newlyweds.  Still, it was enough to keep my spirits high despite long and exasperating days hard at work.

Apparently I was known to the military staff of Irys from my time leading Ethe's troops.  Most of them regarded me with a degree of wariness, and a few with outright hostility.  It was frustrating.  Normally the martially-minded folks were those I got on best with.  Discussing it with Elidibus late one evening, he suggested that perhaps they did not trust me, having come directly into conflict with them in the past as I had.  I tartly shot back that perhaps they were prickly because they knew I could best any of them one-on-one, sending him into a fit of laughter.

The conversation continued to weigh on my mind, though, and I made a point to do all I could to demonstrate that my allegiance was to our alliance, our newly reunited nation, rather than to my homeland alone.  Pashtarot proved a help, as well, introducing me to the right people, giving me insights into the harder cases or advice on how best to approach them.  It was enough to turn the tide, and gradually they began to thaw.  I began to make friends with others like myself, which came as a relief.  As lovely as the other royals were, sometimes I just wanted to go galloping through the back streets or wrestle someone down to the dirt.

It also eased the way for political matters.  As usual, military folks had little use for politics, and instead of facing a shield-wall of policy I began to find myself on the inside, at the game and drink tables where policy and alliances were quietly forged.  Elidibus seemed eased to see me make friends, and they kept me from foundering as I tried not to lean so heavily on him.  Slowly but surely, I carved a place out for myself, a place that fit me comfortably.

A place that felt like home.

It had been a particularly long and trying day.  Normally I tried not to be needy, trusting that Elidibus would visit whenever time permitted, but I was near the end of my rope.  I needed his presence, his soothing voice and wise insights, or I was going to explode.

But it seemed he had made himself scarce this evening.  I finally gave in, asking about until I found someone who could direct me to where he'd last been seen.  Thanking the woman, I poked my head in through the door she had indicated Elidibus was in.  I spotted him immediately, but heat rose to my cheeks on seeing he was not alone.  He sat closely entwined with Erichthonios.

"Er… apologies for the interruption," I said as two sets of eyes landed on me.

"Not at all," he said, smiling.  "Do you need something?"

"No," I assured him hastily.  "I was simply seeking out your company.  It can wait until you're not busy."

He smiled more broadly.  "If you like.  Or you could join us."

"I..."  I stood, speechless at the thought.  "Er, you..."

Erichthonios laughed, warm eyes sparkling, and extended a hand toward me.  "Oh, say you'll consider it.  I should like to get to know you better.  Dear Elidibus is most taken with you, and I have had few opportunities outside of official functions to get to know you."

Blushing, I stepped the rest of the way into the room, making my way over to the pair.  My awkwardness was little barrier when they set me across their laps, whispering and giggling, drawing me into their conversation.  Elidibus all but pushed me at Erichthonios, and he soon had my heart thudding and my blood singing in my veins.  When his hands caught at my suit to begin removing it, though, I stopped him.

He drew back immediately.  "I'm sorry.  I did not mean to be too forward."

I blushed.  "I... I mean, it's very enjoyable, don't get me wrong.  But we are not wed, and I wouldn't want to cause a scandal."

Erichthonios blinked, then turned to Elidibus, an expression of confusion on his face.  He, too, looked baffled for a moment before his expression cleared.

"Ah!  My apologies, Lucas.  I have done a poor job of explaining the differences between this kingdom and the one you grew up in, haven't I?"  He gave me a bashful smile and took my hand in his, making my heart speed up.  "Marriage is a declaration of dedication, of a deep bond, but such a thing is not required before becoming intimate.  The only requirements for sexual intimacy is that anyone to whom you are married does not object and that all parties involved are willing and remain so throughout."

"Oh," I said, my face warming.  "So... all that is needed is your okay..."  His grin told me in no uncertain terms that he didn't mind a bit.  As if his whispers and teases as he settled me on Erichthonios's lap hadn't been obvious enough.  I turned my gaze back toward Erichthonios, found his red eyes suffused with heat.  "In that case," I said, "please... let's continue."

He smiled, wide and satisfied.  "It would be my pleasure."

Afterward we lingered together, snuggled close, chatting.  It was lovely to get to know Erichthonios, to witness firsthand the depths of his bond with Elidibus.  To be included in their orbit was a treasure, and I savored the evening.  The warmth of our shared time followed me when I went to my own bed and even beyond.

It was strange to walk the halls the next day, to greet others of the heirs as well as my friends, and think I could take any of them I chose as a lover if they returned my interest.  Strange, but somehow freeing.  It certainly wasn't something I intended to rush into, of course, but more than once I had felt the stirrings of interest and quashed it quickly before I could, to my mind, betray Elidibus.  Learning that he did not feel the jealousy I'd assumed he might but rather encouraged me to find happiness and pleasure wherever I might wish to had turned my perspective about rather dramatically.

No, I didn't wish to rush into anything... but if the opportunity should arise naturally, I would be happy to see how things might play out.

Evening descended slowly over Chrysalis, the dark stone seeming to fade to black as light retreated from the sky.  I stood on a high parapet, gazing out over the ocean to where the sun had disappeared.  The last of the light lingered in a corona, and as I watched it dimmed slowly, stars twinkling through the darker portions of the sky.  It was beautiful.

The early summer evening was still warm, a breeze playing about me, and I took a deep breath, sighing it out.  I was struggling with an unaccountable bout of melancholy, but the quiet solitude here was already helping set me once more to rights.  Recognizing my state early, I had slipped away to explore the castle's towers and battlements.  I never had any reason to come here, so it was all new to me, interesting and fresh.

Finally the last hints of color were swallowed by indigo, and I straightened from the large stone battlement I had been leaning on.  There was more to explore.  I wandered along the top of the walls, through deserted guard posts and storage rooms.  Everything here was so different from my home, but the more I got to know it the more I loved it.

I slowed as I spotted another figure standing atop the wall ahead.  It seemed unfair, almost, to have my solitude so abruptly jostled.  I frowned, peering more closely at the figure.  Was that Elidibus?

He turned, registering my presence, and I decided it was too late to leave.  I came to his side, giving him a hesitant smile.

"Hey."

He smiled, the expression growing from distracted to warm, and slipped an arm around my waist.  "Hey.  Dare I ask what brings you all the way up here?"

I smiled back.  "Just seeking some solitude, trying to clear my head.  I've never explored the battlements, so I decided it was a good evening for a walk."

"That it is," he murmured, contemplative.  We stood like that for a time, in comfortable silence.  Finally curiosity got the better of me.

"So... if you don't mind my asking, what brings you here?"

He turned a smile on me.  "A need to clear my head, to find quiet in order to think.  Though your presence is not only welcome, but timely.  Something has been weighing on my mind of late."

I gave him a curious look.  "Oh?  And what is that?"

"When we traveled to Ethe, you mentioned that your mother looked better than when you had left.  At the time I found your comment startling, for to my eye she looked..."  He grimaced.  "Forgive me.  There is no way to put it gently.  I could not see how she could be any worse and still cling somehow to life."

I nodded, leaning closer to him, a shiver running through me.  "Yeah.  It was very bad before.  She looked like death itself."

He gave me a tight squeeze, just holding me for a moment, and I let myself lean against his shoulder, inhaling his clean scent.

"Do you know when she began to improve?"

I frowned.  "I'm not sure.  Venat was only willing to come to the wedding because she seemed better, I do recall that much.  I'm not sure how long it takes for the birds to deliver messages between here and there, but certainly by the time word of the wedding reached her there was some noteworthy improvement in her state."

Elidibus nodded slowly, his gaze distant.  Thoughtful.  I watched him, wondering where his thoughts had turned.  Perhaps he suspected some sort of foul play involved?  It certainly had brought an end to the war, eventually, but it had seemed that neither he nor King Zodiark had been aware of Hydaelyn's state, making it unlikely they were involved.  Perhaps some other courtier looking to curry favor... but would they not then boast of what they had done?  No, more likely it was simply a natural illness.

"Well."  His eyes warmed as he drew out of whatever thoughts had consumed him.  "As my mother-in-law and a royal of your family, her health is something that concerns me personally.  I pray you will keep me appraised of developments, whether good or bad."

"Of course," I assured him.  "In fact, I haven't spoken with Venat in some time.  I should message her.  I can inquire as to how Mother is doing when I do."  I leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek.  "I'm going to continue my walk.  Don't think so much your brains leak out your ears, okay?"

He laughed, catching my hand and drawing me back for a full kiss.  "Very well.  Your concern for my well-being is touching, dear."

With a chuckle and a final glance backward, I left him to continue my exploration.

The castle hummed with activity, commoners and nobles alike thronging its halls.  Today was apparently an ancient holiday, the one day of the year when Zodiark took any and all petitioners regardless of rank or status.  I had let myself be drafted into service by the head of the guard, a gruff man by the name of Tiernan.  Apparently since the war began the holiday had been by necessity much restricted, for fear of assassins and the like.  This year was the first time it could be thrown wide once more, and the guards were run off their feet trying to keep an eye on the crowds.

My own status meant I had free access to the throne room, so I served by running status reports to Commander Tiernan and then returning to his lieutenants with their updated orders.  It kept me constantly dashing back and forth, but if it meant I had a hope of finally winning his grudging acceptance, I'd keep going until my shoes wore through.

"West wing," I gasped under my breath, handing over a scrap of paper.  "Lt. Ennan says it's not urgent but could well develop in a way to become so."

He frowned, eyes flitting over the paper.  He flipped it over, scrawling something on the backside.  "Tell her I'll find someone to reinforce her somehow.  Then go to northwest and see if they can spare anyone.  Jansen will push back, but don't let him bluff you.  They should be able to spare a team or two."

"Understood," I said, and turned.  As I strode back toward the door, a familiar face caught my eye, and I slowed.  That was Roderick Keene, Ethe's minister of war.  But why was he wearing dirty peasant garb?  I frowned.  Something wasn't right here.  Keene had been one of the hardliners who didn't want to make peace with Irys; I remembered his scowling face at my sister's coronation.

As I watched, he shifted on his feet, glancing about surreptitiously.  I turned, scanning for the nearest guards.  He was almost to the throne, only a dozen or so people back.  The guards lined the room's sides, and a few flanked Zodiark, but if Keene intended foul play, they likely couldn't react fast enough.  My heart beat faster, and I analyzed my options.

I could direct the guards upon him.  He wasn't a citizen of Irys, and due to the recentness of the war and the still-high tensions, citizens of Ethe were not yet allowed to present their petitions before Zodiark.  But it would cause a fuss, and it would be difficult to prove quickly.  He likely had some kind of false papers, or else the guards would not have permitted him entry in the first place.  I needed something a little more concrete than "I know him."

I let myself walk past him, then slowed.  As a royal I had freedom of movement throughout the throne room.  I doubled around, drawing up close behind him.  The next group moved up to the foot of the dais, presenting their petition, and I watched him.  He kept touching his breast pocket.  I narrowed my eyes.  Something small, then.  A throwing knife, perhaps, or a blowdart?  It must be something that required him to get close, or he would have acted by now, while still hidden away in the crowd.

I pretended to read the message I was to deliver, standing as though distracted from my task.  In truth I was watching him closely, waiting for him to make a move.  Another group moved up, and he stood now only a few yards from the throne.  I tensed.  He reached once more to his pocket, not just touching it but reaching in this time.  I tucked the paper away and spun, tackling him from behind.

He gave a shout, and a long thin tube tumbled from his fingers, sliding across the ground.  Cries of startlement and fear sounded around me, but I ignored them, focusing on keeping him pinned as he squirmed, trying to grab at his blowpipe.  Some clever civilian kicked it away, toward the fast-approaching guards, and a few seconds later he was securely grappled.

"What the hells is going on?"

I stood, dusting my suit off as they pulled him to his feet and turning to Commander Tiernan.  "Foul play.  This is Ethe's minister of war.  I know him.   He shouldn't be here."  A guard dashed up, handing Tiernan the blowpipe, and his eyes rounded.  He turned to Keene, and I came to stand before him.

Keene's face turned a furious mottled red as he recognized me.  "Bitch!  Traitor!  Whore!"  He spat at me, the ball of spittle striking the front of my suit.  I blanked my face, refusing to let the insults find any purchase.  I knew who and what I was, and I wasn't the traitor here.  "My sister does not agree," I said dryly, and waved a hand dismissively.  "He's all yours, Commander.  Let me know if you require my assistance.  I had better get this message to its destination."

"Wait."  He stopped me with a hand on my arm.  I found him looking at me with surprise and what seemed to be gratitude.  "That was well done, lad.  You may have just saved the king's life."

I smiled.  "I'm just glad I was in the right place at the right time."

He released me, giving me a respectful nod.  "As are we all."

I turned to go, taking a deep breath.  My hands were beginning to shake from the adrenaline.  It was going to be all right, though, I reminded myself.  This was not my first time dealing with conflict, and thankfully no one had been hurt.

Fortunately, the rest of the day passed without further incident.  It was late when I finally returned to my rooms, and I was ready to fall over into bed.  I nearly walked past Elidibus, sitting on my loveseat.  I hadn't expected him to be there waiting for me.

"Hey," I said, managing a smile.

He didn't speak, just wrapping me in a tight embrace and holding me for a long moment.  I sighed, relaxing against him, running my fingertips through his downy hair.

"Thank you," he finally whispered.  "Thank you for saving my father."

My breath caught at the realization.  I hadn't considered it at the time, but Elidibus would have been heartbroken to lose his father so young, not to mention to something so asinine as an angry warmonger.  I squeezed him back, tears pricking at my eyes.  Holding him for a long moment.

"I'm exhausted," I finally said, giving him one last squeeze and then releasing him.  "I need to get off my feet and into the bath."

He drew back reluctantly, smiling through reddened eyes at me.  "I'd be glad to help you with that."

That made my heart flutter, and I smiled back, suddenly not feeling quite so exhausted.  Surely I could muster a little more energy...