The day was unbearably hot at Castle Renais. It was scarcely noon, but Eirika had already discarded her dress and corset in favor of a light linen tunic and pants. She had the sleeves rolled up above her elbow and was contemplating cutting them off. It would be improper she knew, but the heat was well nigh intolerable. She was prepared to swear that the sun itself wasn't this hot.

In light of this, she was had taken up residence on the side of the fountain and sat there, contentedly soaking her feet, when the Frelian Envoy arrived.
"Tana!" She exclaimed, seeing the blue haired princess arrive.
"Eirika!" Tana responded, running over in a most unladylike fashion to embrace her oldest and dearest friend. The two princesses stood together, hugging and kissing and talking of the things that princesses talk about. The great war, their clothes (namely the subject of Eirika's sleeves and if Tana could have lend of a similar outfit), and eventually, politics.
"So, Innes is to be king?" Eirika said, "I suppose you're pleased." Eirika said, knowing full well how bored her friend would be with the "pleasures" of the court. Tana laughed.
"That much is true." The Wyvern rider laughed, "I'm really rather glad of that. But, it seems that even without any hold on the throne I'm still stuck on official business." Eirika nodded her head,
"I'm aware of that. The Envoys from Rausten, Jehenna, Carcino and Grado will be here soon."
"Cormag is coming from Grado." Tana said happily, smoothing her blue dress to sit on the edge of the fountain.
"You must be excited." Erika teased gently, "I can imagine who will be coming from the other kingdoms." She smiled softly, "It will be nice to see them all again." Tana grinned widely.
"I KNOW! I can't wait. Did you hear that Carcino and Jehenna have all their difficulties worked out? Saleh took over the council and has been working for peace with Joshua and Natasha."
"So I had heard. It doesn't hurt that L'Archiel and Rennac are going to be married."
"Are they really?" Tana chuckled, "Has anyone told him?" Eirika nearly doubled over with laughter.
"Probably not." The princesses say there laughing as girls do. A mist came over Tana's eyes and she sighed dreamily,
"I know who I shall marry." the Frelian noble said softly, "Its already been agreed upon." she smiled, "Cormag. It's been decided that the union will greatly strengthen ties between our two nations and Cormag's such a sweetie." Eirika almost fell down laughing. In all their years of knowing one another, she had never before seen the Frelian princess speak with such...love in her voice. The way she said Cormag's name was almost like a sigh itself, as if the name alone could sustain her.

"But what about you Eirika?" Tana asked, running a hand through her friend's aquamarine locks, "Who would you have?"
"I...I don't...that is..." Eirika blushed profusely for a moment, "There is Someone but-"
"Princess Eirika, Princess Tana" The chatting girls were interrupted by the gentle yet commanding voice of Seth, the Silver Knight. Eirika's face reddened severely and nearly jumped to face him.
"Y-Yes Seth?" Eirika responded after taking a moment to regain her composure, "What is it?" The knight's face was a stoic mask as he looked at the younger girl.
"Your brothers wishes to see you both in the throne room. The other Envoys have arrived, and the meeting will begin soon."
"I see." Eirika said, "I thought I didn't have to go. Not that I'm not happy to attend." she added as a quick after thought, slightly disheartened at the idea of leaving her fountain and the cool water therein.
"You must, Princess. This meeting..." Tana noticed that for an instant, the General's mask slipped, but was immediately replaced. "Concerns your future. There is a dress prepared in your room." He bowed and waited patiently to escort her to her chambers.

"I guess I must get ready." Eirika said, standing up. She kissed Tana's cheeks lightly and walked to her bedroom, Seth close behind.

Seth was not standing too far from Eirika's closed bedroom door, waiting for her to emerge so her could escort her to the meeting he desperately wanted them both to be able to avoid. For the first time in his life, he was nervous. Truly nervous. Not afraid as he had been during Eirika's first battle, not anxious as he was those few days during the siege of Renais, but nervous. The Silver Knight bowed his head in contemplation, allowing his stoic appearance to drop for a short moment. The meeting today, was to decide on Eirika's suitors...and, he steeled himself for a mental blow, future husband. Seth was distraught, not that he'd ever admit it. Ever since he joined the royal guard, the young princess had had a hold on his heart. She was always brave, always sweet, everything a fairytale princess was. He was duty bound to protect her, to hold her closer to him than his own life. And he had.

He had watched her grow with what he had assumed was brother-like affection. However, now his mind was filled with doubt. She was beautiful. There was no denying that. He couldn't take his eyes off her as she moved like a breeze through the castle. The gentle way she stood when looking out a window, the way she tossed her head back in laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, she was absolutely breathtaking. Thoughts of her had been hounding his dreams since the war began. No, he corrected himself, before then. And they weren't dreams brothers had. It had always been Seth she was closest too. She would seek him out, him alone of all the soldiers and guards. In fact, King Fado had appointed Seth as the twins' special guardian BECAUSE of his affection for the girl. It was wrong of him, to love her. Seth knew this. Wrong that he, a lowly knight, should love the Princess, wrong too, that he should love the girl who had placed so much trust in him. But he couldn't deny it any longer. She had admitted to him that she loved him, and he had lied and said he didn't feel the same. He had broken her heart for duty. He was duty-bound to stay with her, duty bound to hold her dearer than his own life, and duty-bound not to think of her as anything more than his Queen.

"Seth?" The soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. In an instant his stoic mask was resumed.
"Yes Princess?" He asked, looking up to face Eirika. Her eyes were concerned, loving, and they made him feel guilty.
"Are you alright?" She asked, reaching out and touching his arm with butterfly-light fingers.
"Of course." He lied, she looked so lovely in the soft white gown. It hurt him just to look at her. Unable to meet the Princess' gaze he extended an arm, "We will be late Princess."