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Chapter Text

Chapter -01-

Solus zos Galvus had been an Ascian—oh, but of course. The lesson provided by Varis zos Galvus should have come as no surprise to those gathered for the parlay on the eve of war. An Empire with a history of invading lands near and far, that was known to leave destruction in their wake? Seeds of chaos—the kind from which calamities spawned—sown wherever their reach extended? The signs were obvious, in hindsight.

The proposed means to achieve a peace, however, was not. Nor was it acceptable.

"Emperor Varis, with all due respect…" Slow to sit up straight, Aliara clasped her hands together on the table before her. "I don't care if the founding father of the Empire was a Twelves-damned aldgoat. I'm not giving the Ascians what they want and neither should you."

Certainly, a portion of the information that Varis had shared with them all had come as a shock, but to speak of the Ascians and their agenda? Garlemald's leader had told her nothing new in this regard, and she would outright defy any effort made toward this long-desired Rejoining the Ascians toiled for.

Much to the chagrin of those few Ascians she'd shared a close bond with in years past.

"If you are sincere in your offer for peace then I suggest you reconsider your approach," Aliara said. "Otherwise I will see you on the field of battle, should you be brave enough to take up arms alongside your men."

On her left sat Aymeric de Borel who nodded. "Our friend speaks true. I have first hand seen the devastation wrought by Ascian machinations, to even consider aiding their endeavors would be unconscionable."

"In that case, might I propose an alternative agreement?" Garlemald's Emperor made no attempt to argue, as though he'd expected this outcome and remained one step ahead of the Alliance at each turn.

"We're listening," said Nanamo Ul Namo.

A glint sparked in the Emperor's eyes then, matched by a seldom-seen smirk that unnerved Aliara a great deal. "A rather traditional, and mayhap antiquated, solution—a union between our nations."

Raubahn sank back in his seat, his one arm tucked into the sash draped around his armor and a pensive furrow arched his brows. "By what means? A joined government, that we welcome you into our Alliance? An Alliance formed only because—"

"No." Varis raised his hand in a bid for silence so that he might clarify. "A union through marriage."

"Marriage?" Merlwyb barked in laughter. "If you truly believe that any one of us would ever—"

"Not any of you." His demeanor calm and his expression become unreadable, Varis's gaze drifted past each of Eorzea's leaders until he met Aliara's eyes. "I would ask you, Warrior of Light."

All color drained from Aliara's face at once and her breath caught in her throat. She didn't hear the immediate protest that erupted all around her—from Kan-E-Senna's polite refusal on her behalf to Hien's complete outrage—because the sudden, anxious beating of her heart rang loud in her ears. Raubahn slammed a fist on the table so hard that it rattled their cups of water, but Aliara sat dazed. Didn't notice and for a moment, she went numb entirely.

What an outdated notion. What a ridiculous suggestion. An arranged marriage, in a bid for peace? To bring about unity?

Bubbling laughter followed. She couldn't help that which began as a few stifled snorts from evolving to a cheek-and-belly aching laughter that soon enough sprang tears into her eyes.

"Marriage? To you?" Try though she might through drawing in a long and much needed breath, she couldn't stop giggling. "You and I walking down the aisle, and then what? Stipulations in writing to insist on any number of heir— Oh, gods… That would make Zenos—"

For the first time since she'd entered the meeting tent, her attention fell to the quiet silhouette stood several paces behind Varis.

He was the toughest adversary she'd faced yet. The prince who'd sought to resist defeat by escaping life itself and yet had managed to survive beyond the cut of his own blade. Beyond the laws of possibility. Garlemald's so-called miracle. The heir to the throne, he'd been declared an immortal by his people.

"Your husband," Varis swiftly corrected what false conclusion Aliara had drawn. "The marriage is not intended for myself, but for my son."

His revelation proved effective enough to bring her laughter to an abrupt halt. "Over my dead body," she spat in disgust.

Never.

"You would rather see all those whom you hold dear, fall in battle? To see the lands you've fought so valiantly to free, reclaimed by Garlemald's might?" Varis sat unfazed while relaying every potential future scenario. "You would spend what years remain to you, in constant conflict? Subject all citizens of Eorzea to a lifetime of suffering for your pride?"

"For her pride?!" Lyse shot up, infuriated by both the proposition and the exchange. "What of your pride? What do you hope to get out of this?"

"A future for Garlemald by seeing my son wed. The marriage would bind her allegiance—that of Eorzea's fiercest warrior—to our nation and forbid her from ever raising a hand against us. Of course, as surmised, heirs would—"

"Father, if I may…" Zenos at last stepped forth, his eyes kept averted. "I do not believe this course of action would best serve our interests."

Falling from one surprise into the next, Aliara and Lyse exchanged a look of utter bewilderment. Had this not been discussed between father and son, prior to the meeting?

"That is not for you to decide, boy," Garlemald's Emperor chided and though Aliara had expected an argument to follow, Zenos merely withdrew into the shadows. "I would, however, hear a more sensible response from the Warrior."

Though many a voice wished to protest still, all eyes turned to Aliara. Aware that ultimately, this would have to be her decision, and Aymeric took her hand to offer his reassurance—no one expected her to agree to this proposed arrangement and none would fault her were she to decline.

"I…" Hesitation lingered on Aliara's tongue.

Thaliak forfend—how desperately she ached to draw her weapon. By magic or the blade, she would cut the Emperor down and his son to follow, immortality be damned. He couldn't possible be, though who knew the sort of feats Aulus mal Asina had accomplished aside from creating an artificial form of the Echo. Mayhap he had managed to synthesize immortality and bless his prince.

If only it were nothing but her own fate at stake and not that of Eorzea and the Far East combined. Despite Aymeric's reassurance, it would be irresponsible to dismiss the option for peace outright—even if it were a peace to be gained through such archaic means.

She sighed and flashed Varis a meek smile. "Present your terms so we may discuss each point and see whether an agreement can be reached."

Nearly did the Emperor clap his hands together, beyond pleased with his victory nigh secured, until Aliara added, "But know this—I will never share a bed with your son so any heirs would have to be conceived via other means and if I ever hear another word uttered about Ascians or a Rejoining, no amount of marriage licenses would stop me from tearing your Empire apart."

Barely more than a faint figure obscured by the back of Varis's chair and those ridiculously large shoulder-pads he wore, Zenos cast a subtle glance at Aliara. One that she chose to ignore along with his entire presence because the mere sight of him still left her reviled.

"Hm, rather a cold union it would be," Varis observed and dare anyone suspect it, the man appeared amused. "Now, if you could all please give us the room, there are matters I should like to discuss with the Warrior in private."

Most all in attendance spoke up in unison, their protestations renewed because none wished to leave Aliara alone with the Emperor or his son.

"Might I suggest you save the objections for the ceremony itself?" Deadpan in his delivery, Varis remained seated and spared not a glance for Zenos. "You may rest assured that my son is equally dismissed from this meeting."

Was there to be no end to the surprises during this one single parlay?

"I'll be alright," Aliara said. "If this union is to take place then we must all learn to get along somehow. Why not start today, hm?"

Risen from her seat, she found Aymeric's embrace within seconds and closed her eyes. Inhaled a staggered and desperately needed breath, and impressed upon him a simple instruction, "Do not share a word of this with the Scions, not yet. When necessary, I will inform them myself."

"You have my promise." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Remember, you do not have to do this. Our armies stand ready to pay whatever price we all must for freedom."

"I know, but if this is a freedom that can be bought without further blood-shed then that's an option I must explore. I can handle the fight but far too many within our realm cannot."

Resigned, Aymeric merely nodded. The last of her allies to depart from the tent and Aliara spun around just in time to watch how Zenos vanished from view on the opposite end.

"Okay, it's just us two now," she announced. Her eyes kept on Varis though she declined to sit down a second time and instead stood in between various of the abandoned seats, arms folded before her. "Let's put all our cards on the table, shall we? Starting with yours—why would you ever agree to see your only son wed to a savage such as myself?"

A rather gleaming and wide-split grin formed on Varis's face. "Did I not already say?"

"My allegiance cannot be worth that much when you are convinced that this is a war you'll win. You'd have no need of it, so why do you want it?"

"It is a war we needn't fight." Varis made himself comfortable and remained smug, as though he were the sole keeper of a secret that went beyond Aliara's understanding. "Tell me, in all the years, have you ever wondered why the Ascians chose to challenge you specifically?"

"Because for every calamitous event they plan, I show up uninvited and cancel the party." Aliara shrugged. "What of it?"

"Precisely, and that is where your true value lies. If we cannot agree to aid their Ardor then I need to make sure my Empire stands protected from the Ascian's wrath—you are the only one who can achieve this. You, are the very bane of their existence."

"My presence would also invite challenge rather than discourage it," Aliara pointed out and heavy sarcasm accompanied her next words, "What of your grandfather, the great Solus zos Galvus? I can't imagine he'd be pleased with this."

"He would not. However, his visits are far and few in between, and mayhaps once you are with child—"

"Assuming I am able to conceive, which is another matter we must discuss. That and the entire subject of heirs."

As the words left her mouth, a pit formed in Aliara's stomach. While she hadn't given frequent thought to the idea of marriage and children, the few occasions on which she had were ones when she'd fantasized about love. Romance. A caring, good partner. Children born from that same love, and not as part of some contractual agreement.

"My personal physician is in attendance, once we are agreed on the fundamentals of this treaty and with your consent, I can arrange for a preliminary exam."

"A preliminary exam?" Stunned, Aliara let her arms fall at her sides before placing both her hands on the table to meet Varis's eyes directly. "Here? You expect me to undergo a physical examination here?"

"The sooner we know, the better."

By the gods—he really had come prepared and for a moment, Aliara wasn't sure whether to feel impressed or simply surrender to her frustration and punch all three of his eyes shut.

"Fine. Very well, but my question remains—what if I'm unable to provide any heirs? Would the option for a peace be torn up?"

"Other methods could be employed." Throughout their exchange, Varis's smile had remained and this, even above the nature of their conversation, unnerved Aliara most of all. "For it would seem we will be in need of those regardless, if you are indeed unwilling to share a bed with my son."

"I would sooner walk into the fiery pits of hell than to ever let him lay a hand on me again." Venom laced her tone of voice to match the scowl on her face.

"A cold and loveless marriage indeed…" said Varis. "You realize that for the wedding ceremony, within the public eye, minor displays of affection will be expected?"

Bile rose in Aliara's throat and she pushed off the table before turning away entirely. Somewhere behind her eyes, the threat of tears stung and she'd be damned if Varis got to see any of it. It didn't help that any time she heard the name Zenos, when she saw him or thought about him, phantom pain would ignite in the scars he'd left on her body.

"I can play the part. I can walk down the aisle, say 'I do', and… what more might be expected of me. In public, to sell the lie, but that is also where I draw the line."

"You'll have to contend with Garlean tradition. He is our crown prince and the people will expect him and his betrothed to tour the nation."

"Oh…" Her shoulders dropped and she groaned. "Right. The pomp and circumstance."

That part she hadn't even considered yet. Not only would she be expected to marry her very worst enemy, but this was an enemy of royal blood. A man born in a palace, into an Empire that still dealt in titles, had its own noble houses, no doubt galas and fancy dinner parties and the gods-only-knew what else.

Aliara felt an unpleasant shudder coursing down her spine and she spun back around. A phony smile forced onto her lips, and her frustration manifested itself in pure sarcasm while she sank into what curtsy she could manage.

"Of course we will tour the land, my lord."

"Your Radiance," Varis corrected.

Aliara frowned. "My what?"

"No," the Emperor laughed a single, haughty sound. "'Your Radiance' is the title by which you're expected to address me."

"Oh. Ah, yes." A hint of embarrassment crept into her cheeks while she sat down again at last. "I suppose there's much I'll have to learn…"

"I will secure a tutor for you."

"My. A prince, a tutor, and a medical examination, it's my lucky day."

"Let us not forget about the offer of peace," Varis pointed out.

"Hm, speaking of which and barring the obvious, what benefit does the Alliance stand to gain? Is peace the only offer on the table?"

"What more would you ask of me?"

It would have been foolish to hope that Varis might offer a myriad of favors from which she could pick and choose so she wouldn't have to formulate her own demands. Politics were one area where she severely lacked in experience.

"I uh…" If only she'd paid closer attention to the debate between the city leaders prior to the parlay. "L-lands. I would expect your armies to retreat from Eorzea and the Far East both. And a release of prisoners. An exchange."

"A fair starting point," Varis conceded with ease. "Continue."

"Hm. Well… mayhap an exchange of technology, materials, discussion on technique and the likes could be mutually beneficial? That is, assuming Garlond Ironworks would be willing to…"

Stars, what would Cid and Nero have to say were they to learn of her plans? Gaius still loved his homeland truly, Maxima would fight for it, but what of Lucia?

"If Cid finds himself amenable then we could arrange for a communication. What else?"

Everything. None of it. By all rights, she should demand all manner of favor to benefit Eorzea in exchange for essentially selling herself to the Empire, but selfish needs weighed on her mind just as heavily.

"I won't be cooped up in a palace all day to serve as a trophy wife. Do not expect me at the dinner table to play happy family because we are not and won't ever be. I will have an equal say in how my children are raised and while I will agree to defend your Empire should the Ascians cause a scene, I will not turn a blind eye if you so much as think about launching another war."

Varis's lips parted to speak but before he was able to offer his thoughts, Aliara held up a hand in a bid for his silence.

"I'm not done yet. To reiterate—I will keep up appearances during public affairs and for the wedding ceremony itself but there will not be a wedding night of any sort. I want my own private room far away from him and I would like a job. Something I can focus my attention on, though preferably I'd remain available in times of crisis when I'm needed elsewhere."

Silence fell between the adversaries and Aliara sat with her arms crossed. Waiting, impatiently, and she drummed her fingers along the underside of her elbow without understanding that Varis yet held his tongue at her command.

"Okay?" She pushed.

"Your demands are acceptable." The Emperor grinned, genuinely delighted this time rather than his mask made of sinister intent. "I think you and I will get along quite well. Now, let us see about that physical examination and then we will proceed with the finer details of this treaty."

Chapter Text

Chapter -02-

The awkward moments spent with Varis's personal physician did not compare to the headache inducing outrage that Aliara faced when she informed the Scions of her news. She hadn't for a moment imagined they'd be particularly pleased, but barely had she made the announcement and Estinien had threatened to lock her away in Anyx Trine until she'd come to her senses.

"There has to be another way," Alisaie pleaded. "This isn't right or fair."

"I do agree," said Urianger. "Sooner would we all face the entirety of Garlemald's might than to bless this union."

"But she has a point—the blood shed may well be beyond what we can afford." Alphinaud chimed in, a mere attempt to reason and process the news but his efforts went unappreciated.

"Nothing is worth her throwing her life away for!" Alisaie spat.

A choked sigh hung in Aliara's throat while she clutched her forehead and attempted to message the tension from her temples. She was tired. Of the battles, of the arguments, of the countless of lives lost no matter how diligent her plans or heroic her deeds were.

War was exhausting.

"You are determined to do this, aren't you?" Y'shtola stepped past the bickering crowd and took both of Aliara's hands in her own. "Have you considered the full breadth of this decision?"

"I am and I have," said Aliara. "It's… in the grand scheme of things, it is a small price to pay, don't you think? My future for the future of many."

Upon hearing this, Thancred turned away from the Solar and slammed the door in his wake. He'd offered not a word this entire time, stood silently in a corner with his gaze cast toward the floor beneath his feet.

Y'shtola lowered her voice. "I don't think he agrees, or that any of us here could. Your future may be but one, but it holds value beyond measure."

Kindness and concern lingered on Y'shtola's face while she pulled Aliara into her arms. "If this is what you have decided, I will support you and stand beside you, but know that I do not believe this the right course of action."

"Of course it's not the right course of action," Estinien scoffed while he pushed off from the wall he'd leaned against. "And it's not happening. I will bring every able-bodied Ishgardian and the entire brood down on your head if you so much as go near the Garlean border."

Relinquished from Y'shtola's embrace, Aliara's shoulders dropped in defeat as she turned around to face the dragoon. "Aymeric supports my decision, why can't you?"

"Because it's a stupid decision."

"You're allowed your opinion and you may be right, but I stand by my choice. With or without you."

"We will see."

As Thancred had, Estinien turned from view and abandoned the Solar entirely. He saw no point in staying any longer among those who wouldn't listen, and the sudden departure of two of her friends left Aliara torn on which to chase first.

"Can you" —she turned a plea toward Y'shtola while she indicated at the three remaining, bickering Scions "—deal with them, please? I have to…"

"Go on." Y'shtola flashed a tiny smile.

Aliara mouthed her gratitude and fled from the turmoil. Past those who remained within the Solar and out the door where F'lhaminn, tending the bar, met her. Concern lingered in her eyes—she'd overheard and seen enough—but she didn't push for any explanations when Aliara inquired after the two men.

"The dragoon went out the front door, I reckon he's halfway through Mor Dhona by now. As for Thancred…" F'lhaminn inclined her head toward the hallway where the sleeping quarters were located. "He went that way."

"Thank you."

Nearly did Aliara run off then until F'lhaminn's somber words reached her. "It would have broken my heart," she said, "if Ascilia had promised herself to a Garlean for the sake of peace. As her mother, I couldn't have stomached such a thing, not after what our family went through."

"I…" Aliara lowered her eyes as a tinge of shame settled in her cheeks.

"But that is not your family history. You have always stood free, and if you wish to purchase peace with that freedom… Oh, sweetheart, be safe and remember who they are."

F'lhaminn's kindness shone through in something that came as close to a blessing as Aliara was ever likely to get, and she offered a nod of acceptance in return before hurrying down the corridor to find Thancred.

In his room, alone. Stood staring at the wall behind his desk because he refused to turn around and face Aliara when she entered and quietly closed the door.

"Thancred… Say something," she pleaded.

It had always been so difficult to try and figure out where his mind was at. Thancred wasn't a man of many words outside of vital information provided for a mission or when he'd had too much to drink, and in case of the latter, his words generally made little sense. They'd rarely enjoyed any heart-to-heart's and the few times they had, had proven rather painful.

"Please." Aliara tried again.

"Marry me." At once, Thancred turned to face her with a most unexpected demand, "Marry me if marriage is something you seek so desperately."

"Thancred…" She blew out a sigh and subtly shook her head. "You know full well that this isn't about getting married. And, if marrying you could bring peace to our nation… Oh, I would have done so long ago."

A fist balled at his side, he averted his gaze because he couldn't stand to see the determination in hers. "We never even got a chance. Three years and…"

"All we've got to show for it is that I've lost you twice. Once to La—"

"Don't say his name."

"Once to Lahabrea, and a second time during the banquet. I searched for you for so long then, lost faith time and again. I… it started me believing that mayhaps you and I—"

"Ali, don't." Thancred held up both hands, in a plea and to fend off her words while he stepped closer to where she lingered against the door.

"We'd never have worked," she persisted. "All this time and we never found even a moment to explore what might be. Always another obstacle, another loss, other people who got in the way. Hells, you tried to push me onto Aymeric at one point."

"At least he would have done right by you. More than I ever could have, especially after…" He drifted closer and rested his forehead against hers.

The Ascian, Lahabrea, had done so much damage to what budding romance had developed between Aliara and Thancred long ago. He'd shattered her trust and taken advantage in every imaginable—and unimaginable—way and so Thancred had chosen to try and protect her from needing to relive those memories.

From himself as a constant reminder, even when he hadn't needed to because much to his dismay, Aliara had actually loved Lahabrea.

It was beyond maddening that she ever could have.

"Thancred…" She curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt. "Please understand. I… If things had been different, mayhaps. But I have a chance here to do something right, something good, and if all it'll cost me is—"

"Your future? Your life?" He swallowed hard. "Don't throw it all away for a peace that'll never last, that could be achieved via other means. Every Eorzean—"

"But it isn't just for every Eorzean. Think about our Garlean associates and friends. Cid, Lucia, Maxima… even Gaius and Nero. They deserve a better Garlemald and who knows, mayhaps…"

Thancred merely shook his head—none of these reasons were good enough, not in his eyes. "Not if the price is you. I would sooner infiltrate Garlemald to unseat both Zenos and the Emperor by the edge of my blades."

Before Aliara could argue further, she was met by his kiss that came unexpected and most desperate. It went beyond begging through words to let her feel what she meant to him, how far he'd go to protect her. It promised everything she could have dreamed of and once upon a time had hoped for above all—love, care, affection, to be truly cherished. But their first, second, and third chance had come and gone.

Still, with one arm placed above her head and against the door, Thancred persisted. He cupped her cheek and jaw in a free hand and let his thumb stroke her cheek. It was a gentle caress and a plea that she let him in, that she welcome the kiss by parting her lips, but Aliara turned her head to the side before either of them could get carried away.

"I'm sorry," Thancred said at once when he noticed the fluster on her face and assumed it to be one made of anger. "Hells, Ali, I'm so sorry, that was… uncalled for. I shouldn't have."

"No. No, it's… Thank you," Aliara murmured and touched her fingertips to her bottom lip.

What could she possibly say? Her mind had been made up and no matter how wonderful even the mere remnant of his kiss felt, it came far too late.

"Thank you?" He frowned.

"Mm. It's uh… The last kiss to ever mean something, I suppose." Still somewhat startled, she brushed a lock of hair from her face before meeting his eyes again. "So thank you. Now, as for your intentions of infiltrating Garlemald…"

"I know, it's a stupid—"

"No, please do, though not for the sake of…" Gesturing with her hand to slide a finger along her throat, Aliara got her point across. "You know. But find a way to get in and out of the palace and city unseen. In case I ever need an escape route which, to be fair, is not an unlikely scenario. Be my eyes and ears."

"I uh, if that's what…" Uncertain of what to make of her request or how to feel about her brushing their kiss aside so matter-of-factly, Thancred ran a hand through his hair and down the back of his neck. "Is there really nothing I can say or do to talk you out of this?"

"There isn't. I'd rather you have my back, but if you can't then I would understand."

Every nerve in his body still begged him to refuse. Deny her wish, disallow her from ever leaving the Rising Stones again if necessary, but he knew that to do so would be wrong. Not to mention an exercise in futility, and to stay mad at her for all time?

"If that is truly what you want," he relented and let his head hang low. "So a spy network then, and a potential escape route? More than one would be a safer bet, I think."

"Yes, please."

"And uh, would this route be solely for you or…" When Thancred looked up again, he let his eyes rove her body and grumbled, "any, you know. Kids, too."

Aliara reluctantly nodded. "If there are any kids by then, yes I'd see them to safety as well."

"You'd share a bed and your body with him?" Thancred asked rather bluntly. "I remember the state you were in after that first confrontation, I've never seen such fear in your eyes."

A shiver coursed down her spine at the mere memory of how Zenos had caught them all unawares at Rhalgr's Reach. He'd nearly gutted her that day. Gripped her jaw in gloved fist solely to bring her close, to look into her eyes and force her to meet his while he drove a blade through her stomach.

There wasn't a chance in all the heavens or hells that she'd ever allow him to witness the scars he'd marked her with, let alone meet them with his touch.

"No. Their scientists have a method of uh" —Aliara threw her hands up, not wanting to explain the seemingly uncomfortable process in full detail "—making it happen. Without the need for him and I to share a bed."

"Share it with me instead," Thancred suggested, quite facetiously and with half a slanted smile on his face. "Together, you and I could spend many a lust-filled night to ensure you end up with child. You'd be safe and have a lot more fun."

"And when the child is inevitably born without a third eye? Bearing a striking resemblance to you rather than myself or Zenos?"

"That's what the escape route is for." Though he flashed a grin, he understood well that she could never risk it, and he would never risk her, so he conceded, "I'll make certain that if necessary, more than one person will be able to leave Garlemald unnoticed and unseen at any given time."

"Thank you." Aliara took his hands and brought his arms around her middle to claim a desperately needed embrace. "I don't think it requires saying but, Thancred… it's you I'll miss most of all and I pray that you don't give up on me. This can work, it has to."

"I still think it's a stupid idea, and to go along with it is foolish." His chin nestled atop her head and he sighed. "But it is your decision and for as long as I can stand to, I'll be by your side for this."

She smiled and rose to his height to kiss his cheek. "I appreciate it. And now… I suppose I should go and find Estinien before he drags all of Ishgard and Hraesvelgr's brood to the Garlean border."

"Hm, speaking of Garleans, have you told our associates yet?"

"Cid and Gaius were there. Not inside the tent for the parlay, but at the battlefront. Cid uh, he doesn't think it wise or safe and Gaius… He's rather livid. Not with me, but upon learning that the founding father of the Empire was an Ascian he kind of… lost it."

"I can only imagine."

"But he has agreed to join me, as a tutor and guide. On my request and after some back and forth, Varis agreed to allow it. Each of them have been pardoned as well."

Where possible, Thancred held on to her for a moment longer. His fingers laced with hers, the palms of their hands as one. "Good, at least you won't be over there alone. I can't say that I trust Gaius completely, but I certainly trust him more than the Emperor."

"Mm, so do I…" A look of longing dwelled within Aliara's eyes but before Thancred could say anything further, before he could ask what more played on her mind, she'd pulled away. "I need to go find Estinien or at least send word to Aymeric. Mayhaps I'll see you around for dinner?"

"Mm, sure." Without really knowing what else to do, he offered a small wave. "Uh, good luck."

Chapter Text

Chapter -03-

It had taken the strength and wisdom of Aymeric, Lucia, Urianger, and Lord Edmont combined to dissuade Estinien from interference or provocation towards Garlemald. There'd been heartache, anger, and tears shed when Aliara offered her farewells to those she felt loathe to leave behind. A chill down her spine when she'd taken Gaius Baelsar's gloved hand to begin a journey across the border and into Garlemald for the first time in her life.

"If you harbor any doubt," said Gaius when he helped Aliara onto the airship that awaited them, "you say the word and I will see you safely returned to Ala Mhigo."

"I stand by my decision." Determined, Aliara swallowed the lump in her throat and bit back renewed tears when she finally tore her gaze from the sorrow writ plainly upon Edmont's face.

He was the only father figure she'd ever known. She'd see him again for the wedding—if that day would come—and he'd already accepted the verbal invitation, but to leave him behind sat ill in her gut. Started an aching in her heart that only became worse when she spotted Estinien posted atop the jagged mountain range, his stare fierce and condemning as it followed the airship until both it and its passengers fell beyond the dragoon's field of view.

The choice she'd made and the goodbyes that had taken place hurt in places she could scarcely acknowledge, beyond her heart and soul. To know and remember the betrayal and fear in Alisaie's eyes, the dejection in Alphinaud's. To say farewell to not only the Scions but her inherited family in Ishgard—the de Fortemps. Even Emmanellain had been without his usual quips and posturing when she'd shared the news.

And Thancred… she'd spent her last night at the Rising Stones with him. In comfort and friendship only while they'd lain in bed, held each other, and spoken until dawn's first light. A last kiss—feathered upon her cheek—exchanged between them before the spy had departed for Garlemald ahead of everyone else so that he might keep his promise made.

"I will see this through…" Aliara pulled her black, fur-lined cloak tighter around her shivering form as the airship planed ever closer toward the border. "But what of you? Are you glad to return home at last?"

Though many years ago he'd been as one of her greatest enemies, Gaius Baelsar had in recent months become an ally. A confidant and her tutor, as of today and by Emperor Varis's command.

"I am eager to see my home, yes, and to serve our Empire…" Leaving his answer to linger, and as the icy wind whipped like a set of blades across the deck, Gaius lead Aliara inside for shelter.

"But?"

"The truth concerning our Empire's history does not sit well," he admitted. "I've always considered ours a proud nation—"

"A bit too proud."

"In hindsight, mayhaps," Gaius conceded, "because for all we have conquered, for each battle won and each nation brought to submission, it was us who were mere pawns in the end. An Empire built upon Ascian lies, created to serve an Ascian agenda. Our very rulers, an Ascian dynasty."

His voice broke upon those last few words and not solely for the harsh winds that raged on as they neared the Magna Glacies. If there was one irrefutable truth, it was the love that Gaius van Baelsar held for his Empire—the one in which he'd grown up and believed all his life. The one for which he would have died in the Praetorium, had fate not intervened.

"The strength of your people, however, is their own," Aliara pointed out in earnest. "No Ascian is responsible for how your people have managed to persevere, and while an Ascian may have directed their actions, it was the skill and dedication of your people which has lead to so many victories."

"Our people." A half grin played on Gaius's lips while he peered down at the Warrior. "I believe you'd best get used to calling them thus. Especially as we are nearing Garlemald and should begin our descend in just a moment."

With furrowed brows, Aliara scanned their immediate surroundings but other than the ship's interior and the thick clouds just outside above deck, there were no clear indicators for their exact location.

"You can judge this by how long we've been in the air?"

"By the scent on the wind."

Barely had Gaius made the observation and the airship groaned as it broke through the clouds and into an ongoing snowstorm over Garlemald. Nothing that a seasoned and skilled pilot couldn't handle, but Aliara had never felt quite at ease aboard any vessel—flying or otherwise—of which she wasn't in control herself.

Gaius noticed and pulled her close while with his free arm, he braced against the wall. "We're almost there. I've been informed that your arrival has been kept a secret so we should be able to skip most formalities."

"For a blessing."

There were moments when Aliara considered that, even far greater than her hatred of Zenos, was her resentment toward bureaucracy. Politics. Ceremonies with all their pomp and circumstance, and certain traditions.

"Hm," mumbled Gaius, his face set and thoughts unreadable beyond what Aliara recognized as a wistful glint in his eyes.

"Hm?"

"This isn't how I'd once envisioned escorting you into Garlemald."

Aliara curled her fingers into a tight grip around his middle when the airship shuddered in response to surrounding gales. "No? What did you have in mind, shackles and chains?"

"Hardly. Back then, I firmly believed you'd take up cause with me and together, we'd forge a new era of peace across the realms. We'd have arrived in Garlemald united and as equals."

"Ah…"

The Black Wolf—an idealist and a dreamer. Aliara hadn't given his words much consideration at the time, but weighed them to a sad conclusion in hindsight of all they'd come to know since then.

"Chances are—had we united—that Garlemald would be a wasteland today," she reasoned. "Had I joined your side then the Ascians would have had free reign to bring about their Ardor. There is no reason to believe they'd have spared this nation."

Reality was a bitter pill to swallow, Aliara knew this even without noticing how Gaius's jaw clenched upon hearing her words, and there was little comfort she could offer. After all, where the Ascians were concerned, she had a few secrets of her own and this wasn't the moment to share those with Gaius.

The whistling of the wind grew fainter as the airship made its descend onto Garlean soil which, at present, was covered beneath thick layers of snow. Not too dissimilar from what she'd experienced in the Coerthan Highlands, though the air held an odor that could hardly be described as fresh and clean. It was the sort that pricked in Aliara's nose when she breathed in, and sprung a tear into her eyes.

"Ceruleum fumes, you get used to it," said Gaius when they disembarked from the vessel.

"And here I mistook it for Ovibos manure."

The dry delivery of her remark betrayed her nonchalant demeanor for the lie it was.

To arrive in Garlemald at last should have been an exciting endeavor. For so many years, Aliara had only heard stories about the nation. She'd studied its history with Urianger, she'd listened to the tales told by those who'd visited or once upon a time lived in Garlemald. She knew its people through combat on many a battlefield and through the few Garlean allies she'd met, but none of that could account for a first hand experience.

Alas, at present she had only the pit in her stomach while she took a cautious, last few steps from the boarding ramp until both her boots sank ankle-deep into the snow.

"My Lord, they've arrived," a boisterous announcement rang out and Aliara whipped her head around.

My Lord? Certainly not…

Zenos. There he stood, a few ilms removed from the bow of the airship, with a detachment of Garlean soldiers by his side. Posted beneath him, in truth, because none could match the prince's height.

Twelves damn it.

"So much for skipping any formalities…" Aliara lamented.

"I did say most," Gaius pointed out before he pulled her aside and brought his voice to a whisper. "You are to address him as 'my lord' until he instructs otherwise. Curtsy, for him and for the Emperor. Mind your manners, mind your…"

Frustrated, but without ever meaning to, Aliara rolled her eyes. Judged the finger of warning that Gaius held up to her as if she were an errant child unwilling to listen.

"—mind your words and your impulses. You have to sell the lie, remember? Not for their sake but for the people—ours and yours. Everyone will be watching you."

"Right, put on a show." She let out a sigh and took a moment to compose herself. Vanquish all signs of displeasure in favor of a smile. "Mayhaps I might have danced had I been allowed my chakrams…"

Of course, it would have been poor form had she arrived in the capital city with her weapons ready at hand.

"Keep your head held high," said Gaius. "I will meet with you in a matter of days to begin your first lesson."

Stars, as the Warrior of Light she'd navigated rougher waters than her current situation presented and yet, the temptation to cling to Gaius in a last bid for salvation struck unexpectedly.

No. Do as he says, keep your head held high and remember that you chose this for a reason.

"Yes, very well. I will see you then," she confirmed.

Best not to dwell on any farewells, there'd been too many of those in this one single day already. Instead, Aliara spun around to retrieve her traveling bags from the ship's cargo hold, only to find that one of Zenos's men had already begun doing so.

"Hey, put that down!"

A startled, blue-haired soldier—a boy eyeing no more than twenty summers old—clutched her bags as if his own life depended on it. Stared at her wide-eyed and hesitant, before casting a nervous glance in Zenos's direction.

"M-my Lady, apologies, I…"

"Let him perform his duty, my Lady, while you report to the prince," whispered Gaius.

A last word of advice before he took off on a type of magitek vehicle the likes Aliara hadn't seen before, and she watched him vanish into the distance with a hint of envy.

"Fine, I…" Uncertain of how to address Blue Boy, she shrugged. "Go ahead, but try not to…" Break anything? As if she owned anything of value beside her weapons. "Just, be careful, please."

"Yes, m'lady."

Lady—ugh. There were titles for everyone involved it seemed, and she cared not a whit for her own.

Left with no other distraction, she turned toward Zenos and tried her damn hardest not to scowl. It wouldn't do for a future bride to look upon her fiancé with sheer loathing though fortunately, the Garlean prince had yet to meet her eyes.

Curious. In past times they'd met, he'd narrowed his gaze or smirked like one of those ravenous beasts he favored, but not today. A relief.

"My lord," said Aliara when she approached and bend at the knee for what was her best effort at curtsying.

A bit of an awkward and rushed display during which her flailing hands searched for a skirt to hold, before remembering that she'd deliberately opted for trousers in order to keep warm on the journey.

At least no one laughed, smiled, or even blinked. Certainly not Zenos, but he did acknowledge her presence at last. Cleared his throat once and stepped forward into a bow.

"Welcome to Garlemald…" A moment of pause followed while the prince's brows furrowed above piercing blue eyes that still would not meet Aliara's. His lips pressed into a thin line before offered his upturned hand. "My lady…"

"I uh…" As if he'd offered poison, she flinched at the gesture and stood hesitating. "Thank you. Please, I uh…"

Mind your manners.

With the detachment of soldiers present, she couldn't well ignore the gesture. Sure, plenty within the realm were aware that the upcoming nuptials were part of the arranged peace treaty, but it was for that reason precisely that the betrothed couple needed to appear amicable. After all, if Garlemald's crown prince and Eorzea's fiercest warrior couldn't get along, then how could anyone trust in a potential peace?

Grudgingly, Aliara placed her hand within Zenos's palm. "Lead the way."

One. Two. Three. Breathe in, breathe out. Six. Seven. Eight. Oh, kill me now.

Rather than attempt any conversation with her betrothed, Aliara opted to count every step she took. To focus on her breathing pattern, and keep a mask of pleasantness on her face while Zenos escorted her toward what appeared to be some type of magitek carriage. Not quite the chocobo carriage she'd ridden during her first ever venture to Ul'dah, though the ride that followed once the driver received Zenos's signal proved a lot smoother than the sand-filled roads of Thanalan had been.

If only every other aspect of the journey ahead would run so smooth.