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It was a beautiful morning for Kiva, just like it normally was. She could never tire of the luxury she had, to wake up in the safe and welcoming haven compared to the horror she had to endure in Zalindov- where she had to sleep with an eye open, so she would always be ready to scream at the sign of trouble from other inmates. However in Vallenia, the sun was shining brightly, sending warm rays into Kiva’s room as she woke up in a safe home. Home. That was what the River Palace was to her. That was what Jaren and Tipp were to her.
After a quick stretch and glance out Kiva’s balcony, Kiva saw the town below her was already buzzing with life. Merchants were opening up their stalls while children were playing in the streets.Soft noise fluttered up to the balcony, children squealing and horses trotting along could be heard even from afar.She smiled to herself as she took in the glorious moment, something she never would have imagined during the atrocities of Zalindov. It truly showed how far she had come. Kiva then dressed, donning an emerald dress that fell to her ankles and chose to accompany it with a matching emerald necklace.
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“Kiva!” Tipp’s cheerful voice called out to her as he raced up to her. She had been taking a stroll in the palace’s gardens when Tipp had seen her in the distance. He waved her over to him and they moved to each other, meeting halfway. It was one of the many little things about Tipp that made him special, he always said hi to Kiva and never missed an opportunity to see her. Kiva smiled at him, opening her arms to wrap him in a big warm hug. Not too far behind Tipp was Ori since the two didn’t spend too much time apart- usually when they slept even though it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for the boys to have a sleepover.
“We’re going to go into Vallenia, want to come?” Tipp asked with a toothy grin, once he let Kiva go. It was something that Tipp and Ori had been doing more and more often, Kiva even joining them on some of their outings. It made her heart warm, seeing Tipp finally exploring the world and life that was ahead of him, choosing a future and making friends around his age. Again, something that he could never do in prison.
“I think I’ll pass on this one Tipp. You two can have some fun together instead- Make sure Naari comes with you.” Kiva added in an after-thought. Tipp gave a little frown, miffed at Kiva’s suggestion though a huff came from Oriel, who was clearly not happy.
“But Kiva. We’re old enough to look after ourselves.” He argued back while shoving his arms in front of him. Kiva chuckled to herself, as she responded, “Humour me Ori. I know you two will be fine but I’d rather have a guard with you, just in case.”
And so, Kiva took the boys with her while she went to find Naari.
–
“Kiva, I was just looking for you.” Naari said pleasingly as Kiva came into her view. Naari was standing just outside of the throne room’s closed doors, her gloved hands resting on the hilt of her sheathed sword.
“Naari, we were looking for you too.” Kiva said, eyeing Tipp from the side. She gave him a slight nudge in the shoulder, letting him ask his all-so important question.
“Um, Naari, could you take us into Vallenia? We can buy you a chocobun, if you want.” He said with a bounce. Naari smiled at that, her golden eyes sparkling.
“Alright, we’ll head out shortly.” She responded before turning to face Kiva. “Jaren would like to see you, Kiva. He’s in the throne room.”
Kiva nodded and then waved goodbye to the boys and Naari as they went out to get ready for their excursion. Then Kiva walked towards the door of the throne room. Her hand rests on the door handle, she didn’t know why Jaren had asked for her. Usually he would find her himself so this felt very much unusual.
She waited for a moment before Kiva decided to bite the dust, opening the door to see Jaren slumped against the King’s throne. His head was resting against his hand, his fingers running through his hair. He looked worried.
“Jaren?” Kiva asked, as she walked up to where he was seated. Jaren looked up to her, his gaze searching Kiva’s. He looked away with a sigh.
“Kiva.” He breathed out, before staying silent until Kiva had to ask, “You called for me? You never call for me…” She whispered. Something was wrong. Jaren seemed to be different, acting in a way Kiva had never known him to.
“Kiva, I’m so sorry. Father’s sickness is getting worse.” He said ever-so quietly as his eyes focused towards the ground, away from Kiva. He couldn’t bear to look at her while he had to say what he needed to. It was so unlike him. It was so strange.
“Jaren-” Kiva started but he continued on.
“We’re currently in preparation for me to ascend as King.” Jaren moved his hands together, wrangling his fingers while he didn’t look at Kiva. He couldn’t see how she would react though he sensed that the room had suddenly started to close up. Kiva had to be feeling it too, so Jaren continued on. “The council… They have made it clear that I can’t ascend with you by my side. I can’t be King and be with you.” Jaren said, his voice cracking as emotion seeped through.
Then, at that moment he looked at Kiva while her fingers flew up to her mouth. Her green eyes seemed to mist up, as she understood the words which Jaren said. The room felt colder, the air dropping– running away from Kiva. She took a deep breath.
“What?” Kiva’s voice shaked, her hand reaching out to Jaren’s entwined hands. He looked back at her, tears welling in his eyes as he pulled his hands back. One hand tore through his soft, golden hair.
“The council won’t allow me to be King. Not while you’re a Corentine.” He said, Kiva’s green eyes meeting him.
“The council? What can they sa-” Kiva started to ask but Jaren cut her off. He couldn’t bear to look at the way Kiva was looking at him. Her forehead was wrinkled while her eyebrows were furrowed, her mouth hung open. Jaren was sure that he looked just as worried, if not more while his heart slowly broke at the sight of her.
“They have everything to say. Only they can proclaim me as King and they will never let a Corentine join me on the throne. They made that very clear.” Jaren’s voice was quiet. It was gentle, holding back tears but the message of what he said echoed in the empty throne room. It spoke volumes. Vallenia would never truly accept Kiva. Jaren had to break up with her. And there was nothing they could do.
“Jaren, please you can’t let them. I’m not a Corentine anymore. Please.” Kiva begged.
“Kiva, I don’t want to do this. But I have to do it for my people. You would do the same.” Jaren solemnly said, after taking a moment to think. But he was wrong. Kiva wouldn’t follow through with what Jaren was doing. She would have fought, she would have given up the kingdom. The inside of Kiva’s stomach was filled with anger, annoyance and worry– it bubbled up, adding to the chaos of what was happening.
“No Jaren, I wouldn’t. How could you sugges-” A tear fell down across her cheek. She quickly wiped it away.
“Kiva, I’m sorry. The council suggested that you went away. Maybe off to Mirraven with Caldon.” He said, giving her a pause to respond. Kiva stood there, frozen. It was happening. Jaren couldn’t be swayed even if she could see the features of his face cracking.
“By the power of the King and Crown Prince, you, Kiva Corentine, are hereby required to stay out of Vallenia.” Jaren quietly announced.
“You can’t do that, Jaren. I-” Kiva choked out, tears now pouring down her face.
“Kiva, I’m so sorry.” Jaren whispered.
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This is crossed-posted from wattpad!!