an: and here we have it! the end! i hope you all enjoyed reading. i had such a blast writing this one. it just wouldn't leave me alone and became so much more than i could have ever hoped haha

thank you everyone who left a review ily all! they've brightened up my day during this tough time and you've all been so sweet uwu it's been so nice ;_; ilysm

The sun was high in the sky as Riza walked out into it, guiding Alphonse over to the edge of the balcony. He thanked her as he leant against the stone wall, sighing as the light hit his face. After being stuck in that bed all week, he obviously relished the feeling of the fresh air because his eyes closed and he took a deep breath, savouring it.

"Better?" Riza asked with a chuckle.

"Much better," he sighed, turning to face her with a grin.

"Well, you're almost walking by yourself now. It won't be long until you're cleared as being healthy."

"It can't come soon enough," he muttered.

Riza chuckled again, leaning against the wall with him. She cast her eyes out over the castle gardens, appreciating the greenery and bursts of colour thanks to the flowers.

"What's the first order of business then, after you get out of here?"

"I'm going home for a bit," Alphonse revealed. "I miss my family."

Riza swallowed and nodded.

All your fault. The thought whispered through her head, telling her he was finally leaving her because of what she'd put him through.

"Okay," she exhaled, forcing a smile onto her face. "Tell them I said hello. I'll miss having you about, partner," she joked, nudging his elbow, but even she could hear how false her cheery tone sounded.

Alphonse turned to look at her again. "I'm coming back, Riza."

That surprised her.

"What?"

"Like you said, we're partners."

"Al –"

"Don't start telling me I shouldn't be working with you anymore," he cut in, raising his eyebrows knowingly. "I stepped into this battlefield. I made that decision for myself and knew what I was getting myself into. You can't stop me anyway," he smirked, joking with her.

"You shouldn't," Riza muttered, casting her gaze away from him.

Alphonse sighed. "Not everything bad that happens in the world is your fault, Riza."

He'd hit the mark, so she kept quiet.

"We can go around in circles all day with the blame game, but honestly, I'm tired enough as it is."

"Do you want to go back inside?" Riza asked.

"Oh, God no," he stated horrified. Riza couldn't help but laugh at his expression. "No," Alphonse replied, his tone sincere this time. "I'll be fine, and I could do with the company."

"You're not bored of me yet?" she teased. She'd been by his side all week and he hadn't made a complaint about that yet, but she was curious. After he awoke, Riza had worried she'd been fussing too much over Alphonse, but Roy told her she shouldn't worry about it.

"Of course not, partner," he grinned.

Alphonse broke the silence that had settled over them in the summer morning.

"What will you do once I'm gone?"

Riza shrugged. "I don't know. I'll need to find something to occupy my time."

"Well," Al replied, zeroing on the movement that had caught her eye too. In the distance, Roy appeared in view as he strode through the gardens. His hands were back in his pockets as he walked, eyes down with a thoughtful look on his face. "You've got him to keep you company in the meantime."

Riza smiled tightly. "Maybe."

"Have you spoken to him yet?"

Riza shook her head. "No."

"Then what are you still doing here?" he asked, incredulous. "Go and talk to him."

"I wanted to make sure you got some outside time. You've been climbing the walls for the past few days."

"Riza, go. I'll be fine."

Again, she shook her head. Roy could wait for the moment. She wanted to see Alphonse walk by himself again. It was a happy moment for both, because to Riza, it meant he was almost back to himself after the battle.

"I'll talk to him, Al, don't worry. We've got plenty of time."

He huffed, clearly unhappy with her answer. He didn't press her on the matter though, and the two of them returned to admiring the view of the gardens. Roy had meandered his way through the greenery, and Riza found her eyes lingering on his frame for longer than it should have.

"Your Majesty," the guard called to the King, fisting his hand over his heart and bowing forward. "Riza Hawkeye is here to see you, as you requested."

Riza stood behind the guard, fighting years of training to do the same thing. She'd caught herself shifting her stance, but quickly dismissed the feeling. She was a commoner now and bowed in place instead. She remained bowed until the King thanked the guard and beckoned her to rise. She tried to hide her wince as the bow caused pain to flare up in her still recovering back. The King noticed and he visibly swallowed before returning his attention to hurriedly tidying the desk of his office.

Riza was very familiar with this office. When she wasn't in the barracks training new soldiers, she'd spent it in here, advising Roy on different strategies and plans he had. They'd spent many evenings in here, with Roy lounging in the chair to her right, his legs slung over the arm of it. Riza would sit in the chair to her left, closer to the fire, because she always found herself cold in this room. Roy would use his magic to increase the intensity of the flames and she'd snuggle in deeper the blanket he'd given her for warmth, silently relishing in the fact that it smelled like him.

A high ceiling arced over her head, rich oak panels towering over her. Instead of warm and welcoming, now it was intimidating. She shifted in place, still unsure where she stood with him. Riza hadn't spoken to him properly since that day in Alphonse's hospital room. There had been quick greetings in passing and well wishes, but that was about it. However, she'd heard word from the Healers and nurses that he was busy processing the prisoners and investigating their plot further. She'd initially worried the King was working himself too hard for this, but then Alphonse woke up and that was all that mattered to Riza in that moment.

Plus, it wasn't her job to worry about him anymore… No matter how many times she told herself this, the feeling wouldn't leave. She'd loved him for years. She couldn't not worry about him.

"Hello," he smiled softly, glancing back up to look at her face. She noted the sorrow still present in his eyes and it made her stomach clench.

"Hello, Your Majesty."

Roy faltered as she used his title.

"It's Roy, Riza," he murmured, unmoving and staring down at his desk. "It always has been."

That may be true, but not anymore.

"I came to thank you for the hospitality you have shown Alphonse over the last week."

Roy's face perked up. "How is he doing?"

"He's up and walking, Your Majesty." She couldn't bring herself to use his name. It was too personal and that wasn't what Riza needed right now. She needed distance so she could concentrate and get through this conversation. "We took a trip out onto his balcony this morning and he was very thrilled about that."

The grin that broke out over the King's face almost made Riza's heart stop. She was jerked roughly back to their childhood. The sight of it reminded her so much of the boy she'd grown up with. Swallowing hard, Riza took a deep breath to calm herself.

"That's excellent news! Oh, I'm so happy for him. That's good to hear." The King was entirely sincere, and that beautiful smile had yet to leave his face.

"Thank you," Riza managed to force out. "I'll pass on your well wishes to him."

"What…" Roy faltered, and that grin slowly left him. He seemed to give himself a shake and drew himself up taller. He popped his hip and rested it against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. "What does he plan on doing now he is mobile again?"

"He's going home to visit his family, Your Majesty."

Roy twitched at the use of his title, but he didn't correct her again. She wasn't using it to be difficult. She'd lost the right to use the King's first name in conversation when she'd been stripped of her status.

"Will… Will you be going with him?"

Riza hadn't thought too much about her future. She was going to escort Alphonse home to his family but after that… She had nowhere else to go. It had terrified her, but she's dismissed it while she focussed on caring for Alphonse, otherwise the terror would have swallowed her whole.

"I will. I don't feel comfortable with him riding home by himself."

"Understandable," the King nodded. His arms uncrossed and one fell to rest atop his desk, his fingers pressed into the mahogany wood. "And what about yourself?"

"Me?" Riza echoed.

"What are your future plans?" He'd tried to be casual, but Riza detected a hint of something more in there too. She wasn't sure what, but then again, she wasn't sure about her future plans either.

"I…" She froze, finding herself arrested by the look in the King's eyes. He was looking at her so intently, his lips parting in anticipation of her answer. "I don't know, Your Majesty." There was no point in lying to him. He'd see right through her in an instant, like he'd always been able to.

The King pushed off the edge of his desk, approaching her slowly.

"In that inn, you told me you had nowhere else to go. Is that still true?" His expression looked both pained and concerned.

"It is."

"You know you'll always have a home here, right?"

Moisture threatened to flood her eyes. She had no answer for him. How could she?

Roy was right in front of her now. His gaze still held the same intensity she'd seen before from across the room. She was losing herself in it, wanting to fall into his arms and forgive everything, but she couldn't.

"I still care about you, Riza," he murmured softly. His gaze dropped in shame. "I'm so very sorry for what I did to you. I'll never be able to forgive myself for such foolish actions, but this castle will always be your home, regardless of our relationship. It's been that way since you were a child and will continue to be so until your dying breath." Roy sucked in a shaky breath. "As much as that statement terrifies me."

It felt like a weight was beginning to press into her chest.

"When… When I thought you were dead on that battlefield, I realised my life was over. It hit me so hard I couldn't breathe. I'd tried and failed to make things right, letting my idiocy get the better of me. It was all my fault you were dead." His breath hitched and Riza's tears made themselves known. "I knew then that my life wasn't worth living without your presence by my side." His eyes were shining as they lifted to meet hers.

"I… I understand if you don't feel the same way. I completely forgive you if you no longer want anything to do with me. But… After seeing you dead…" He swallowed hard, letting out a shaky breath after stuttering over the word. "I realised all was lost. And when you came back, I promised myself I would at least finally tell you straight how I was feeling."

Riza searched his face, noting his sincerity. The tears in his eyes were confirmation enough of that. Plus, she'd known this man for over two decades. However, one thing was holding her back…

"I couldn't forgive so easily," she whispered. Out the corner of her eye she noticed him tense, but Roy nodded. "You preached that I betrayed you, but you did it first to me," she added. "You disregarded my worries and fears carelessly." Her eyes lifted to meet the King's. "You made me feel like nothing."

"I know," he whispered, his voice wavering as his shoulders shook. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm going to leave with Alphonse," she revealed. Her breath was let out in a rush.

The King nodded, a sad smile appearing on his face. "I wish you the safest of journeys. If you would like an escort, just say the word and I'll arrange it."

"Thank you, Roy."

Despite herself, she reached hesitantly for his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"But I did swear an oath when I became a Knight," she continued, taking the plunge. "I swore I would protect your life with my own." She noticed his brow had furrowed in confusion. "Everything I've done recently has always been for that cause, and I plan on continuing that regardless of my position in the court."

Riza had told Alphonse that everything she'd done was so above and beyond her and the King, and it had been. It had developed into something so much bigger than their petty squabble, and Riza dealt with it as such. However, seeing his face when the King had thought she was dead, and hearing how broken up he was about the experience now… She couldn't get it out of her head. Despite it all, she still cared. That would never go away, and after years by his side, it had been ingrained into her to protect him.

"Are you saying… You would like to return to my court?"

"I'm saying I will continue to do my best to look out for you, not only as my King, but as my friend." Anticipation blossomed over her skin as she prepared herself to continue. "I love you too, Roy. I have done for years. So, despite the pain we'd caused each other, I still care about you, and I want to help."

This was unprecedented because his mouth opened and closed a few times, before snapping shut. In a swift movement, he gripped both her hands in his, bringing them up to chest level.

"I know I have a lot of making up to do, but I would be honoured to have you in my service once more." His eyes shined in the candlelight once again. "After all, you're more than qualified for looking out for this idiot," he joked, managing to crack a smile out of Riza too. "You're the best person for the job," he murmured, his thumbs sweeping over her knuckles. "And this whole event proves that. You protected me from myself.

"I don't expect forgiveness." His eyes dropped. "I could never ask that of you after what I did."

Riza extracted one of her hands. A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Roy's face, but it was replaced with surprise as she pressed a hand against his cheek. His skin was rough with stubble.

"I care about you too, Roy," she replied. "I just want you to be safe and happy."

"Despite recent behaviour, I've realised that only occurs when you're by my side," he admitted in a whisper. His hand squeezed hers. "And I will do everything in my power to make sure you are loved and happy as well."

"Loved?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as her hand dropped to her side in surprise. Her stomach twisted inside of her, but not painfully this time. This was a completely different feeling.

"I love you, Riza. Rules and appropriateness be damned, and if you'll let me, I'll show you just how much you mean to me." Her breath caught in her throat. "I'll never let a day go by without loving you. I've hid it for years, afraid you wouldn't feel the same way, but after all I put you through, and all I saw…" He swallowed, looking pained. "But only if you'll have me, obviously."

Before she'd been conflicted, but after talking with Roy one final time her future was laid out in her mind's eye, clear as day. Her path was straight ahead, all she had to do was give into it.

While Alphonse had been recovering, she'd had more than enough time to think things through. She'd talked it through with the young mage, and while his opinion of the King hadn't been the best because of how he'd treated Riza, Alphonse had stated that it had changed.

"When?" Riza had asked.

"On that battlefield." His expression had shifted completely. Al had set down the fork he'd been using to eat his food, his hand gripping the utensil tightly. "You didn't see his reaction to your supposed death. I… I've never seen anything like that before, and I don't really want to see it again." Alphonse had lifted his eyes to meet Riza's. "He really does love you," he'd stressed. "I realised that as soon as he saw your "dead" body on the ground. His world was suddenly gone."

It was an intensity that made her slightly uncomfortably, but Riza couldn't deny that was the same way she felt about him. It made her uneasy, because how could a King feel that way about someone like her? An orphan at a young age, and just a knight in the King's Guard? That didn't happen.

But, according to Alphonse, it did.

Maybe it was time for her to grasp what she wanted from life, and not live in the shadows, one step behind happiness that was just out of her reach.

"Okay," she breathed.

Roy's face lit up, like the life had been returned back into his body. His grip on her hands tightened, and he leant forward, however, he quickly stopped himself short.

"I'm sorry, I…" The grip on her hands slackened. He was afraid he'd stepped over a line.

Riza pressed her hand to his cheek once more. She cupped is jaw and pulled him gently forward, pressing her lips against his.

The feeling was nothing Riza could have prepared for. It felt like every moment in her life had been leading up to this moment – her and Roy joining together. She'd been in love with him for so long, but she'd had to hide it. It lay buried underneath the surface for so long that she lost sight of it. It was always there, but it had been smothered into an ember by her, desperate for it not to affect her doing her job. Now, it had burst forth into an inferno, and she felt like she was losing control of it.

As Roy's hand rose to her neck, his fingers curling around it as he deepened the kiss Riza whimpered, her own hands lifting to his shoulders. She held on for dear life as she stumbled backwards, only for Roy to catch her as she fell, wrapping an arm around her waist tightly. She was pressed securely against his body and Riza thought how wonderful it felt. She was meant to be nowhere else than here. With him.

They broke apart, panting. Riza body thrummed with everything he'd awoken inside of her.

"I swear to you," he vowed, pressing her hand over his heart. "I will spend every day making up for what I did –"

"Roy," she interrupted him softly. Riza appreciated the gesture of the vow very much – more than he would ever know – but he didn't need to. "I love you," she whispered.

"Marry me," he murmured.

"What?" Riza stuttered. She didn't think he was being serious, but the look on his face told her otherwise.

"Marry me, Riza Hawkeye," he repeated. "Be my Queen."

"Wh…"

"I've wanted to ask you for years, but you were happy as my First Knight and I didn't want to take that away from you."

"Are you just asking me to marry you to get me to forgive you?" she deadpanned. Seeing how his face dropped in horror, Riza smiled softly and pecked his lips. She felt giddy. Her arms were shaking as she still held onto his shoulders.

"I would be honoured."

"No," Roy shook his head. "It is I who would have the honour of marrying you," he murmured, kissing her again in his happiness.

"Just to be clear, I was always happy with you." They'd parted after their kiss, still stood in the middle of his study, happy in each other's arms. "Every day I spent by your side was a blessing I counted."

"Me too. I couldn't believe I was so lucky to have a friend and an advisor like you. I just… I didn't want to ruin what we had, even though," he huffed, and Riza's expression turned into a frown when is face fell. "I ruined it anyway."

Riza guided his head back up so his eyes met hers.

"Now, we look to the future," she replied firmly. The future… As a Queen…

She hadn't envisioned this was how this meeting would go. Like Roy, she'd wanted to tell him her true feelings before leaving, mainly just to get it off her chest, and to let him know she didn't hold anything against him. She didn't want her life to be ruled with anger and hatred. Riza had been prepared to forgive and let go… Whether that meant leaving once and for all or returning to his side, she hadn't known as she walked in that door. It all depended on what happened during their conversation. Thankfully, it was the latter.

"We can look into things properly when I return from escorting Alphonse home?"

Roy had apparently forgotten about that, but a determined smile replaced the look of disappointment on his face.

"I can't wait," he whispered, hovering his lips just above hers.

She couldn't wait either. Her path was clear in her mind's eye, and it would always be by Roy's side. That had never changed, only her circumstances.

Now she was going to be Queen.