For an enitre night, Steiner avoided Beatrix. It was likely a relief to them both as Steiner had been doing little else but persuing Beatrix and the general did her best to avoid him. Instead, Steiner sought Garnet's company. He went in with the intention of informing her that Ruby requested a private audience. However, when he got a moment alone with her, he discovered his Queen sitting quietly in her room and stroking a length of lace.

Steiner bowed quickly. He was given permission to enter, but he thought that perhaps wasn't the best time. Garnet looked up and offered a sad smile. "Steiner, you don't have to do that when no one's watching, you know?"

The knight stood upright and coughed discreetly into his fist. He then spoke a gentle, "Maybe I should come back another time, your majesty?"

Garnet shook her head quickly and tucked the bit of lace away. She stood and straightened her gown. "No, please stay. To be honest, I could use some company tonight. Besides, I see you every day and we never talk." Crossing the room to her tea table, she gestured to a seat for Steiner. The knight rushed over and helped the queen into her seat. "Oh! Thanks." Her smile was sweet as Steiner held her chair for her and then eased her closer to the table.

"My pleasure," Steiner rumbled. He then claimed the seat she'd offered him. Under his armor and sheer size, the delicately crafted chair seemed like a fragile toy. He did his best to make himself comfortable.

Lifting a slender crystal bell between her fingers, Garnet rang for some tea to be brought in. Normally, she would regret having servants do this and that for her, but she knew Steiner enjoyed the pleasures of nobility. That, and she was just too weary to make a fuss. "So what did you want to talk to me about, Steiner?" She took up an informal, friendly tone with the big man, hoping he'd follow suit.

"Well, your ma--," he stopped as Garnet raised a hand. She obviously didn't want to suffer the formality tonight. Steiner nodded and grudgingly restated, "Well, Ruby, the young woman who used to be with Tantalus." He waited for a sign of her recognition. At her nod he continued, "She has asked for a private audience with you."

A servant entered and unobtrusively served the tea and cakes. Garnet sipped her tea and then asked. "Whatever for? Is something wrong?"

The fine teacup seemed too dainty in his big, calloused hands, but Steiner exercised what gentlemanly know-how he had and sipped the hot tea. "No. Not at all. Nothing's wrong. She wants to talk to you about General Beatrix." Anticipating her next question, he added, "Nothing is wrong, I assure you. Actually, she wants to talk to you about me, too."

The young queen seemed terribly confused. If nothing was wrong, why did Ruby want to talk about the commanders of her personal guard and the Alexandrian guard respectively? "Go on," she prodded, hoping he'd offer more of an explanation.

"Well, that is all, really." A gulp of tea burned down his throat and he decided to set the cup down before the nervous trembling spread to his hands. Was he nervous just because he was talking about Beatrix? Tired of dancing around the subject, he blurted, "Actually, I'm in love with her and I need your help, majesty-yours and Ruby's to help me tell her how much I love her."

Garnet's eyes lit with understanding. She almost laughed into her tea, but forced it back into a fond smile. Is that what all the trouble was for? Steiner was courting Beatrix again. He was so nervous this time, though. A deep romantic at heart, Garnet decided to help those two get together as soon as possible. In her eyes, they made a wonderful couple. They both needed each other, too. Naturally, the complimented one another. That, and as Steiner sat there, waiting for her to say something, she could see the raw emotion in his eyes. He really wanted this. What kind of friend would she be if she denied him that?

"Tell Ruby she's invited to breakfast, then," she said with a smile. "Make certain your dinner jacket is clean by tomorrow evening."

The big knight was elated and had all the reserve of a pleased little boy while trying to hide it. "Yes ma'am!" He tried to keep his tone serious, but the anticipation was just too much. Garnet laughed aloud to see him wiggle in his chair. How could such a big man be so boyish? This was only one of two times she'd ever had a chance to see this side of her protector. She enjoyed it, too. It reminded her so much of her lost love.

Steiner's elation melted away as Garnet's mood quickly turned somber again. Had the discussion on love steered her thoughts back to Zidane, he wondered? Maybe now was the time to leave. "Thank you, your majesty-Garnet. As a friend, I thank you." His tone was sympathetic and laden with guilt. Garnet did her best to force a smile for him. He could see the tears clinging to the corners of her eyes. It pained him so much to see her like that. He eased from his chair and kneeled next to hers. Garnet wrapped her arms around Steiner's neck and cried silently into his shoulder. This had all happened before. Steiner stroked her back and let her cry herself to sleep again.

Ignoring the stiffness in his joints from maintaining the same position for so long, Steiner lifted Garnet from her chair and carried her to her canopied bed. There he layed her down gently. She'd likely only catch an hour or two of troubled sleep, but she needed every moment of it. Steiner stood near the window with the moonlight glinting off his armor. He whispered a prayer to whatever gods watched over scoundrels that stole beautiful queens' hearts. He prayed that Zidane returned soon.

--

Though the messanger took his time, Ruby arrived promptly for a private breakfast with the Queen. The two talked and laughed like old friends. Steiner stood outside the banquet hall, pacing and trying not to eavesdrop. Another guard approached the hall to take up her position as a guard. Steiner waved her away impatiently. "Go guard the main hall," he commanded in hushed tones. "This post is covered."

The young soldier took a step back and regarded Steiner dubiously. She wasn't certain if it was Steiner's place to order anyone but his knights around. However, she wasn't about to directly disobey a superior's orders. With a quick nod and a 'yes sir' she hurried off to her new post and hoped dearly that general Beatrix wouldn't be cross with her.

A servant proceeded the Queen and Ruby as they exited the hall after two solid hours of talking. They were both still laughing and carrying on like two excited schoolgirls. Both ignored Steiner as he stood by the banquet doors at attention. He watched them with interest, wishing he could glean a little of their conversation. Everything seemed to be going well, but what about them getting him and Beatrix together? Hopefully, they hadn't forgotten.

--

Later that afternoon, Steiner stood in his customary position beside the Queen. Beatrix stood on the opposite side, silent as always. Ruby had been invited to attend court, too. She sat among the other nobles, dressed in a lavish, borrowed dress. She seemed pretty bored with her company though. Steiner watched her with interest. It always amazed him how consummate and actress Ruby was. In one moment, she seemed to enjoy the company of the other nobles. In the next, she was pursing her lips and looking as bored as he'd ever seen her. Then again, acting was all part of the court. Maybe she could become a permanent edition if she wanted.

After two and a half grueling hours court was dismissed. The queen rose from her throne and gestured to both Beatrix and Steiner to stay put. Beatrix shot a curious glance at Steiner, but he simply shrugged. He honestly had no idea what her plan was, or if this was the beginning of it. The queen crossed the floor to where Ruby sat. Some nobles mingled close to Ruby hoping to catch some gossip, but they were all shooed away (and each one very indignant about it) by the queen. Ruby and Garnet nodded in unison.

Ruby waved Steiner to join her, "Oh, Cap'n. Would ya'll mind escortin' me?"

Steiner looked to Garnet for confirmation. The queen nodded with a smile and then made a gesture similar to Ruby's to Beatrix. "General, if I may have a moment of your time?"

The general left the dias with a firm, "Of course, your majesty." She joined Garnet and watched Steiner escort Ruby away.

"Beatrix? How do you feel about an evening off duty?" Garnet chirped as she led the general out of the courtroom though a servant's passage.

--

"Steiner-honey, ya'll been gainin' some weight, I think." Ruby gave a tug and buttoned the last button on Steiner's dinner coat. She did have to admit that the older man looked rather dashing out of his armor and dressed like a gentleman.

The large knight frowned and turned back the loose sleeves of his red jerkin. He had to admit that his breeches did feel a little snug. Perhaps it was time to have a tailor update his finer wardrobe. Ruby offered him a pair of soft, mu skin gloves. The supple leather hugged his large hands, making them seem more graceful but no less strong. While he pulled on his large-brimmed, plumed hat, Ruby pulled a wide yellow sash around his middle. The sash helped hide the straining buttons around Steiner's waist as well as the buckles of the leather shoulder belt from which hung the sword of his station. The young actress stepped back to take in the full effect. With his slightly-heeled boots, Steiner had been transformed from an intimidating knight, to a fine (if not broad-shouldered) man of the court.

In play, Ruby curtsied before him and sweetly said, "Why sir, Ah don't think Ah've ever had the pleasure." She extended a hand, knuckles up toward the man.

With a smile, Steiner actually played along and cradled her hand in his. His lips brushed her silk gloves and he rumbled, "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Ruby."

Ruby laughed lightly. It had been a glorious day already. She hardly remembered having so much fun around a bunch of stuffy peacocks. Well, not since she'd been around Tantalus had she had so much fun, anyway. She flicked a green chocobo plume out of the knight's face and then gave him a tender pat on the cheek. "Ya'll gonna miss yer date now, honey. We best get goin'."

--

Amber light cast a warm glow all around the ballroom. The brass and copper fixtures on the walls caught the subdued firelight and tinged it a very romantic red. As Queen Garnet strode to the center of the room, Beatrix complained under her breath. The general stopped and shifted her wide skirt for the fifth time that night. Her petticoats rustled like autumn leaves. Practical, but still courtlly, her rich sienna dress was accented with golden embroidered roses. On her left breast, rested one, perfect pink rose-the only mark of her station that Garnet would allow her to wear.

"Did you say something, Beatrix?" Garnet turned and her white skirt swept the highly-polished floor.

Beatrix lowered her gaze and said through clenched teeth, "I feel naked without my sword, your majesty."

The soft amber light lent Garnet's eyes a peculiar, honey-like color. That color was only enhanced as she smiled. "That's what I thought you said." She was truly enjoying herself. This little bit of mischief was welcome after the hundreds of dredging days she'd just suffered through. "Don't worry, Beatrix. We have guards posted around the ballroom, and the Knights of Pluto are on patrols around the castle."

Was that supposed to make Beatrix feel at ease? She tried not to let her exasperation show. The queen was enjoying herself and Beatrix knew that she dearly needed this bit of mischief. What she couldn't understand, though, is why she had to be dragged along in the midst of it. After bolstering her corset, Beatrix asked, "So how may I be of service, your majesty?"

Still wearing that warm, gentle smile, Garnet pointed back toward the enormous double doors that led into the ballroom. Beatrix turned in time to see a finely clad man and woman pass into the amber light. The plumes on the man's hat dipped with each easy step. At his side, the woman walked with a poise and grace befitting royalty. Were these two ambassadors from another kingdom?

The queen brushed by Beatrix and ran up to the man. Rather than greeting him, she walked around his side and seemed to appraise him. "Oh, I like this very much, Steiner! Ruby, you've outdone yourself."

Steiner??! Beatrix did a double-take. Steiner swept off his wide-brimmed hat, revealing his dark, close cropped hair. He bowed with a flourish and the plumes of his hat swept the polished floor. "My Queen, Lady Beatrix. You both look stunning tonight."

Beatrix seemed to be the one stunned to silence, however. She had seen Steiner out of his metal armor before, but never in such a lavish costume. He seemed a different man altogether. Beatrix wasn't certain how to react to the change.

"General Beatrix, meet Captain Adelbert Steiner, your escort for tonight," Garnet chimed in as if cued.

"An' a fine escort if Ah do say so myself, General," Ruby added.

Steiner reached out and coaxed Beatrix's hand into his with gentle fingertips. He pet the back of her hand and then bent to let his lips linger on her knuckles. What had they fed Steiner to make him so self-assured in courtly romance, Beatrix wondered.

A blush deepened her cheeks, but all she could manage was an indignant, "What is the meaning of this?"

Both Garnet and Ruby withdrew with a hasty, "That's up to you," and 'We're all gonna leave the rest up tah cupid's arrow, sugah. Buh-bye now."

The Pluto Knight and the World-renown general stood there in the middle of the ballroom, as unmoving as a portrait. Finally, Beatrix tugged her hand back and demanded, "Steiner, what's going on?"

The large man straightened, squared his shoulders and stated, "Something I should have done a long time ago, Beatrix."

Long, curling tendrils of brown hair bounced over the generals shoulders as she stated emphatically, "We both agreed-"

Steiner cut in with an upraised hand and a quick, "Ssh!" He stepped closer to her and looked into her eyes. "I wasn't sure if I could separate my heart from my duty then. Now I know the one certain truth in my heart"

Beatrix shook her head and took a pointed step back. "I'm not going to listen to it this time. This is ridiculous, Steiner, and a waste of my time and yours. I just-"

A gloved finger pressed her lips together. Under any other situation, she would have batted the offending hand away, but Steiner's words caused her pasue. "I love you, Beatrix."

The general's one good eye cast downward and she fell silent. Young, naïve feelings that she'd buried under duty and cause rose again, fluttering behind her breast. Love wasn't for her, especially with this bumbling idiot, but before Bahamut's attack thoughts for him were kindled with a ridiculous mix-up involving a little girl and a love letter. These feelings weren't entirely unwelcome, they were just surprising. At the time, she lost herself in the hope behind that passion. Then she came to realize she honestly couldn't respect Steiner. However, his actions proved her wrong, but by that time she was lost again in her duty. They had both agreed to call the entire mess off in favor of serving their kingdom.

Steiner's voice pulled her out of her reverie. In a warm, gentle voice he requested, "Beatrix, please say something. Don't say 'no', but please don't stay silent."

The general closed her eye and rested her palms against her voluminous skirt. "I should have known what you were trying to do all this time. You were acting strange because you were trying to court me again." A small laugh shook her shoulders and slowly, she let her gaze trail back up to Steiner's strong-lined face. "You sentimental fool. Why couldn't you have just told me, rather than"she raised her arms, indicating the room in general.

The captain held out his hands to Beatrix and admitted, "Every time I tried, words got in my way. I'm sorry, but I'm desperate at this point. I feel better now that I've said it."

Beatrix placed her hands in his, and despite her more pragmatic side, she stepped close to him and let him guide her arms around his waist. Together, they began to sway to an unheard song. "You never were good with words, Adelbert."

"I have a terrible time adequetly expressing my emotions for you." He hugged her muscular shoulders as they slow danced. "My heart aches with the burning-"

"Adelbert?" Beatrix mumbled into the front of his jerkin.

"Yes, my love?"

"Please don't spoil this moment."

--

Garnet peered through the crack between the doors. "Wow, that went better than expected," she marvled at the two slow dancing together.

Ruby nodded and examined her fingernails smugly, "Ah figure they just needed some time all alone. Don't ya think they make a beautiful couple, sugah?"

Easing the door closed, Garnet admitted, "Not at first, but seeing how they move together-it's just amazing. I wonder why they didn't get together sooner."

A mischievous grin played on Ruby's lips. "Have ya'll ever seen the Captain's poetry, honey?"

Garnet perked with curiosity. "No? Is it bad?"

The young actress laughed and began walking down the hall. "I don't think 'bad' even begins tah describe it, ya majesty. C'mon now. Let's leave them two alone, huh?"

With a light step, Garnet left her seat by the door and joined Ruby down the hall. "I'd say we earned ourselves some ice cream."

Ruby smile to the young Queen and proclaimed, "Ah love yer thinkin', darlin'!" With that, the two disappeared around the bend.

Epilogue.

Aboard the Prima Vista, life went on as usual. Baku tromped back onto the deck and bellowed, "MAIL CALL!" In his arms were bundles of documents and one parcel. "Marcus, Cinna, heads up!"

Cinna turned in time to see the parcel zooming in on his face. Marcus reached out and tapped the package off it's trajectory right before impact. As Cinna cowered, the bigger man turned the box over in his hands. "Hmm, it's from Alexandria. I wonder if it's that new knife I ordered."

Opening one eye and then the other, Cinna peered between his fingers. Seeing the coast was clear, he lowered his hands. "Hey!" he demanded, "The boss said it's for me too. C'mon, let me open it."

Marcus danced back, holding the box just out of Cinna's reach. "Maybe next time,bro," he chuckled as he began to tear away the brown wrapping.

Cinna made another jump for the box, upsetting Marcus' hold on it. The two scrambled after the box as it tumbled to the ground. "It's mine!" Cinna insisted as he tackled it. Marcus dogpiled on top of him and tried to wrestle it away. Finally, the box gave up under all the abuse and tore open. Oglops literally poured from the hole in the parcel. The crawled and lept over the two, stunned men.

Both Cinna and Marcus lept to their feet and brushed at their clothing. "Aaah! I hate oglops!" they cried in unison.

With a look of utter confusion, Blank peered through the cloud of swarming oglops at Baku. The boss only held his gut and laughed heartily. How could that man laugh with oglops leaping all over the ship. Ah well, just another day on the Prima Vista.

Author's note: Well, that's it. Thank you all for your feedback. This all worked out a little differently than I expected. Anyway, for those of you who are wondering, this all happens about a month before Zidane's return. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. The Pink Tonberry loves to hear from readers. [email protected]