Chapter 45

Superstar

Florina watched Hector pace back and forth. It wasn't like him to be so worried about such things as his appearance, and what others thought, but today…today was different. After Mark had come to say his greetings, Hector practiced his speech for the sixth or seventh time. Florina fidgeted nervously with her dress.

"Will you stop that? You look amazing today, you don't have to be constantly primping," he said. Florina looked down and twirled the ring on her left hand.

"I'm just…nervous. I'm not used to the way nobles do things and I'm just not sure I'm cut out for it," she told him. He cupped her cheek and she tried not to cry.

"It doesn't matter what has been done previously. You set the pace for yourself," Hector said. "I should take my own advice."

He began to pace again and Florina sighed in frustration. Hector finally stopped pacing and looked around slowly as though he finally realized where he was. He spun around to Florina with a devilish grin and wild laugh. He picked her up by her waist and spun her around.

"What has changed your spirits so, Hector?" she asked. The lord pulled her close so he could whisper in her ear.

"There's still time," he said softly. "We can run away and leave this all behind. It can be just you and me until the end of our days. No nobles, no provinces, no peace keeping, no fighting for our lives…nothing but us. You, Huey and I can just go and live somewhere far away and peaceful."

Florina didn't want to point out that she knew of no such place. The idea of not having to deal with so much responsibility made her game for the situation. No prying eyes, no whispers, no judgments, just Hector. She wasn't keen on the idea of mercenary life, but it was something she was familiar with and knew how to cope with. This new life of courts and manners was something rather alien to her. She nodded and bit her lip.

"Let's go now," she said. Hector grabbed her hand and reached for the door knob when it swung open on its own. Well they found out that it wasn't quite so much enchantment as it was Oswin.

"And where do you think you're going?" he inquired. Hector shot a glance back at Florina and she looked down in defeat.

"To the front of the castle, where our people await…" the young lord replied dutifully. Oswin snorted and shook his head. Hector let out a long sigh and held out his arm to Florina. She took it and walked with him down the long hallway toward the cheering crowds. The closer they got the more Florina felt like retreating into her shell. So many, many people…

"Florina?" Hector began. She turned to reply, instead he caught her lips in a kiss. "What ever happens, I'm here."

There was still time to run. There was still time to cause a scene and escape the castle. There was plenty of time to flee to the countryside never to be heard from again. Instead they walked. The two of them hand in hand walked to the future; opening the wide doors of the castle and stepping into the sun and greeting the people as Lord and Lady of Ostia.

The End

That's it people. This story is over. I've been working on this off and on for five years and…well…finishing this is like good-bye to high school/college me forever. That chapter of my life is done and this is really closing everything up. Thanks so much everyone who has been reading this and will read this.

What's next for me? I have a few fics for other fandoms up my sleeve. Anyone in Ouran Host Club, Havest Moon or Death Note fandoms? You'll be really happy in the coming months. But as Fire Emblem is the fandom I can't quit, I'll be back. Hector and Florina don't have a wedding one shot I like, I have an alternate timeline thing, a Lucius/Serra fic, I feel something must be done for Oswin and Fiora and as Florina is my fandom bicycle, she is not done being in random and improbable pairings.

And yes, this story will be here. For your enjoyment. Thank you for making this such a fun ride!