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Forever With You

Chapter Six

***

The next morning left others just as confused about Ike and Soren's relationship as before when Shinon pointed out that Ike's room only had one bed. "Sorry, kid," he chuckled at Sothe, heartlessly. The green haired youth didn't even have the heart to be angry.

It was King Caineghis who informed Ike of a special visitor. One of laguz royalty, who was also Queen to a Beorc country. "She is Almedha, the Goldoan princess, and she has asked a favor of me that I believe you might be suited to help achieve."

"Is that so? Should I meet with her privately?" Ike looked to his strategist who was standing by his side. Soren looked up at him.

"Perhaps we should meet with her together. As your staff officer, it is only reasonable that I join you." Soren's tone brooked the secrecy of their relationship, no love in his tone for the sake of those around them. His commander nodded once and told King Caineghis that he would meet the Queen known as Almedha.

King Caineghis arranged for the three of them to meet in a smaller, more private room. Ike entered first, Soren following close behind. There was a table in the middle of the room, adorned with flowers and fresh smelling rugs and carpets. Seated at the end of the table was a beautiful woman clad in black and gray. Ike took his seat just as the woman looked up. The bluenette was caught off guard with how familiar she looked; like he recognized her, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Soren, standing behind his lover and commander, saw nothing in the Queen.

The Queen found herself gazing at Soren for a short time before remembering that she was in a political meeting. Flustered, she cleared her throat and spoke, her voice oddly soft. "Greetings. I trust that you are the Lord Ike I was told I would meet with?"

"Aye," the commander replied briefly with a nod.

"And... who is this you have brought with you?" she asked, her gaze once again returning to the tactician.

"I am Soren, the staff officer of the Greil Mercenaries." Soren said immediately. "It is my duty to oversee the company's expenses," the sage explained shortly.

"Soren," the woman repeated, almost affectionately. "That is a fine name." Her smile was small, her eyes kind. Soren raised a brow and cleared his throat, as though he were slightly uncomfortable. He didn't notice it at the time, but it exactly mimicked Almedha from her earlier fluster.

Ike folded his hands. "King Caineghis said that there was a matter with which you need help? I'm willing to do so, if you would be so kind to explain."

"Right, well," she leaned over, he voice changing to one of simple, cold logic. "Twenty-one years ago, I was… involved with the late Daein king Ashnard. I bore his son, but shortly thereafter, he was taken from me," She looked down, eyes saddened at the nostalgia. "I wanted you to help me get him back. To find him," she concluded, her gaze returning to Soren under her veil. "As he is both the Prince of Goldoa and rightful king of Daein."

"Ironic that in all of his anti-laguz sentiments, that the Mad King Ashnard would marry one," Soren observed and then nodded. "So who are we looking for? Do you have a physical description?"

She shook her head. "He was only an infant when last I saw him, but... he had a brand... that I remember clearly, and it fits, because he is a Branded."

Ike looked confused and he tilted his head to the side. His mind was slowly piecing things together.

"Ah... a twenty one year old... bruh..." Ike tended to mumble strangely when he was thinking deeply. After a couple of moments, Soren began to realize the same thing.

Almedha raised her veil and looked at the two. "I see you both realize that you won't have to search very far..." She said quietly. Both sets of eyes widened at the sight of the Queen's exotic crimson eyes with feral slits. Soren shook his head slightly, his hands shaking from the implications being thrown at him. He took a step back, away from Ike's chair, and Almedha leaned forward a little, as if to be closer.

"Excuse me," he mumbled and fled the room in a panic, hoping to leave behind the Queen and her damning titles.

He had never been anyone. He had always been ignored by everyone but Ike. The commander had been the center of his world for fifteen years; the only person to ever truly notice the spell caster. And out of nowhere, he was to believe that he was a prince? To two warring nations? And his father had been none other than the Mad King Ashnard, whom fell at the hands of his lover?

It's over, his mind feared. It's all over! Ike won't know what to think of me!

****

Ike rose from his seat and he argued with himself, unsure of whether to stay and talk with Almedha or go to his lover. The bluenette finally rationalized that his lover deserved a moment alone from time to time, and he took his seat once again. "Lady Almedha," he began with utmost respect. "Are you suggesting that ... my staff officer is your son?"

Almedha's eyes traveled to the table for the second time. "I'm sorry. I was simply coming to ask for your help. I did not expect to find him so quickly... especially him being your staff officer, or whatever it is you called it." Her eyes narrowed at the table's surface. "Lord Ike. It sounds rushed, but I just know that that young man is my son. He's taking it hard right now, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would accept my invitation to bring you and your mercenaries to Goldoa."

Ike kept quiet, unsure of how to answer. What would Soren want?

"I will take my leave," the Queen stated, replacing her veil and standing. She gave Ike a respectful bow of her head. "Think about whether or not your mercenaries will join, but now that I know my son lives, nothing will stop me from taking him home." She made sure that her eyes made hard contact with Ike's blue orbs before finally exiting the room.

Ike was alone with his many thoughts. His head felt as cluttered as the day he found out the truth of his parents. But Branded or no Branded, royalty or peasant, Ashnard's heir or orphan, Soren was still Soren and his lover. Nothing had changed, although everything had changed. Ike decided that the sage had had enough alone time and that now was as good a time as any to discuss strategy. Almedha had been undeniably clear when she stated that Soren was coming with her regardless.

And where ever Soren was, Ike wanted to be.

"Soren...!" Ike burst into their room gracelessly, only to find Soren simply sitting on the bed.

The sage flinched back from his lover's dramatic entrance, afraid of his possible anger, but in the commander's eyes, he saw only love. "Oh, Ike…" he called, his voice barely a whisper.

"Soren," Ike breathed, scooping his lover into his arms and kissing him. "It doesn't change a thing. I know that's what's got you worried, but nothing's changed. You're still my beautiful Soren... The only man I'll ever love."

The spell caster's heart felt heavy with all the love he had for the bluenette. It seemed that there was nothing that could tear them apart. The boy twisted to fully face his lover and shower him with kisses. "What will I do, Ike?" he asked, not even noticing his tears.

Ike chuckled. "You tell me, my brilliant tactician. What does logic dictate we do?"

Soren gave a rare bright smile and with a final kiss to Ike's waiting lips, the two relaxed to discuss strategy.

They agreed to Almedha's request, but decided to stay in Gallia a few days and let the group rest. They had done nothing but travel for days on end and had not even had the thrill of battling to relieve them. Almedha was fine with this. Soren avoided her, which she expected. Ike noticed Sothe avoiding him, but he didn't have time to worry about it. Soren was his entire world, now and forever, and he always came first.

As far as their relationship was concerned, Ike had been true. Nothing had changed. The two made love nearly every night, falling asleep in each other's arms. It gave Soren the courage he needed to face his noble blood; Ike was by his side, backing him no matter what.

After four days of rest, Almedha grew restless and wished to return to Goldoa as soon as possible. Ike made preparations while Soren drew out rations. By dawn the next day, the group was back on the move.

Through all of this, Micaiah remained silent and withdrawn, going through a mild depression. Mist looked after the girl, but Sothe felt very isolated. Mia continued to encourage him to talk to Ike, but whenever he worked up the courage, Soren would appear to steal the commander away.

The trip lasted a little of three weeks and before long, the group had made it to Goldoa. King Dheginsea had been in a meeting with ambassadors from Begnion, but he dropped it temporarily when his guards informed him that his daughter had returned. He welcomed her and her guests in with open arms. He gave them all places to stay, two to a room. Soren and Ike shared a room, as was Soren's only request, and Almedha was more than happy to oblige him. She hung on the boy's every word as if they meant the difference between life and death.

This made the sage beyond uncomfortable. He was so used to being independent, and he was just now getting used to Ike's presence in his life as a companion. Almedha tended to smother the poor boy. When he expressed this to Ike, the commander had joked, "Well, you can't have 'smother' without 'mother'."

"That's surprisingly witty of you, Love," the spell caster had replied, sitting beside the bluenette on the extravagant couch the room held. Feeling accomplished, the bluenette kissed his head. "It was. You should reward me," he teased, stretching out on the couch and looking suggestively at the sage.

Soren wasted little to no time in leaning over and enveloping himself in the pleasure only Ike could give him.

Early the next morning, Ike escorted Soren into Dheginsea's throne room, where Almedha and the Begnion ambassador Zelgius awaited. The princess was not too pleased by the Begnion general's presence, but she tolerated it because her father felt it was necessary. Zelgius already knew of her special guest, and denying him the opportunity to meet said person would raise suspicion between their nations.

Kurthnaga took his position at his sister's side, waiting to see who she brought with her. He was little more than confused. "Ike? Soren? Sister, why did you summon them? They are my friends."

Ike and Soren had discussed this moment at length. They had gone over every detail they had at their disposal, and came to the conclusion that Soren would acknowledge Almedha as his mother and at least discuss his rights and positions. They sent each other confident glances.

The bluenette pulled away from Soren's side. His eyes locked with Zelgius'.

"Long time, no see, General." he said idly. "It's been a while."

The dark-haired man smiled a little. "That it has. You look like a man now instead of the little teenage boy you were back then."

"Ah, so you know each other? Then there is no need for introductions there." Dheginsea said, his voice a natural boom. Soren flinched slightly. This was his Grandfather? Dheginsea turned to his children. Almedha had ignored Kurthnaga's question. "Almedha, who is it that you have brought?"

Soren swallowed.

"Father, I have returned to you, but I have not come alone. Much has happened in my travels," she began, a small smile blooming in her stern features. "I give you," she gestured to Soren, "My child, Soren, Prince of Goldoa and sole heir to the Daein throne."

Zelgius's eyes widened. Dheginsea's head whipped toward the sage. Kurthnaga choked audibly, trying to cover it with a cough. "Almedha," The King growled. "What have you done?" The moment that Dheginsea raised his voice, Ike moved to stand in front of Soren. Zelgius saw this.

The Princess glared at him. "You will not harm my son," she snarled, her eyes only crimson slits.

The black dragon king sighed heavily, knowing that his daughter had once again made his life far too difficult. If Soren was a beorc heir as well, if would only mean complications for his country. "We will discuss this at length..."

"Yes. We will discuss this." Almedha said with as much conviction as her father. She turned to look at Soren. "I still have not... spoken with him much."

Soren swallowed again, a little surprised at how much of himself that he saw in the two. "I... We can." he said to his mother, then looked to the King with as much respect as he could muster. He knew that he being a Branded wasn't getting on the man's good side. "...Grandfather... I would like to... talk later."

The Dragon King felt something twist in his heart at the familial name. It was the first time he had ever been addressed by it, and it stirred something within him. Although known for his stern demeanor, he still had a soft spot for his children, no matter how trying their actions. He was a family man at heart, and Soren's words warmed him to the situation. "Very well," he replied, his voice still cold. "I will see you in private tonight. You have my leave."

Soren nodded and turned to leave with Ike.

"General, I thank you for your patience," Dheginsea addressed of Zelgius. "But now, I must ask you to leave, so I may speak with my delinquent daughter in private."

Zelgius bowed to the King. "I'll go to my room, Your Majesty. If you need me, I'll be there." The King grunted in response and Zelgius turned to leave. Almedha followed him with her eyes before turning to her father, who waved Kurthnaga away.

"Father, I know that you are angry with me."

"Almedha, you have done nothing but disgrace this family. Laying with a beorc, bearing his child... sending your elder brother to his demise. I will not pass judgment on my grandson for your error; I only pray that my genes made it to him without being tainted by what went wrong in you. Now, be gone! Out of my sight!" the Black king boomed, turning his back on his only daughter.

Almedha bowed and took her leave.

"That went... well," Soren muttered as he and Ike shut the door to their room. The commander sat on the bed and leaned back, his lap open and inviting. The tactician soon filled it. "Your presence is appreciated more than I can convey... I know it must have been awkward." He said, arms wrapping around Ike's neck.

"I was fine. It's you having the hard time." Ike planted a kiss on the sage's forehead. "Don't worry about me so much." Ike pulled at the gray robes, causing Soren to smile that smile he only showed for Ike. The bluenette held Soren protectively, whispering sweet reassurances until it was time for his meeting with Dheginsea.

The doors to the throne room made a hallow bang as they shut. It set the mood for their meeting. Soren hated how his footfalls echoed in the large room; it made him self conscious of his every move. He stopped right before the throne and went down on one knee.

"Grandfather," he addressed with as much respect as he was able to muster for someone who wasn't Ike.

"Rise, Prince Soren." Dheginsea ordered, though his tone was not as critical as before. The title caused the sage's heart to race, but he stood tall before the mighty king of Goldoa. "Tell me, young prince, how it is that you came to be? Did you grow in your father's care? Are you the one who organized his downfall?"

"The second would be more accurate, sir. However I grew up a peasant in Gallia, despised for what I was. I eventually found Ike and joined with his mercenaries. I used my tactical knowledge to overthrow the Mad King, but my blood has always been a mystery until only a short time ago," the youth explained.

Dheginsea snorted. "Your lineage is as apparent as the brand on your forehead." Soren winced, but Dheginsea did not see. He didn't know how to reply. "What are your plans, Prince?"

Soren knew the answer to this one. "I wish to stay with Ike and the Greil Mercenaries, Grandfather."

Dheginsea was having quite a hard time with himself, being such a family man. "...You should stay here a few weeks. And visit often, if staying with Ike is what you wish." The King tried to sound cold, but Soren's lips twitched with the urge to grin.

"Of course, Grandfather." Soren bowed and the King smiled. "Would you... answer a few questions of my own?"

*******

His curiosity now satisfied, and the Dragon King now on his side, Soren returned to his and Ike's room. "It went well... He even insists on a party as an announcement of my birth and homecoming... it's strange."

"Hm... you have such a busy life as a noble, I hope you don't forget me," Ike teased and lovingly kissed the boy's brand.

Soren smiled. Forgetting Ike was beyond impossible. "There will always be room for you as a consort."

Ike roared with laughter. Soren figured that he would take that moment to simply be with the man he loved, and keep Zelgius's activities, along with Sephiran's, a secret for the time being.

End Chapter Six

Description
Forever With You

Chapter Six

***

The next morning left others just as confused about Ike and Soren's relationship as before when Shinon pointed out that Ike's room only had one bed. "Sorry, kid," he chuckled at Sothe, heartlessly. The green haired youth didn't even have the heart to be angry.

It was King Caineghis who informed Ike of a special visitor. One of laguz royalty, who was also Queen to a Beorc country. "She is Almedha, the Goldoan princess, and she has asked a favor of me that I believe you might be suited to help achieve."

"Is that so? Should I meet with her privately?" Ike looked to his strategist who was standing by his side. Soren looked up at him.

"Perhaps we should meet with her together. As your staff officer, it is only reasonable that I join you." Soren's tone brooked the secrecy of their relationship, no love in his tone for the sake of those around them. His commander nodded once and told King Caineghis that he would meet the Queen known as Almedha.

King Caineghis arranged for the three of them to meet in a smaller, more private room. Ike entered first, Soren following close behind. There was a table in the middle of the room, adorned with flowers and fresh smelling rugs and carpets. Seated at the end of the table was a beautiful woman clad in black and gray. Ike took his seat just as the woman looked up. The bluenette was caught off guard with how familiar she looked; like he recognized her, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Soren, standing behind his lover and commander, saw nothing in the Queen.

The Queen found herself gazing at Soren for a short time before remembering that she was in a political meeting. Flustered, she cleared her throat and spoke, her voice oddly soft. "Greetings. I trust that you are the Lord Ike I was told I would meet with?"

"Aye," the commander replied briefly with a nod.

"And... who is this you have brought with you?" she asked, her gaze once again returning to the tactician.

"I am Soren, the staff officer of the Greil Mercenaries." Soren said immediately. "It is my duty to oversee the company's expenses," the sage explained shortly.

"Soren," the woman repeated, almost affectionately. "That is a fine name." Her smile was small, her eyes kind. Soren raised a brow and cleared his throat, as though he were slightly uncomfortable. He didn't notice it at the time, but it exactly mimicked Almedha from her earlier fluster.

Ike folded his hands. "King Caineghis said that there was a matter with which you need help? I'm willing to do so, if you would be so kind to explain."

"Right, well," she leaned over, he voice changing to one of simple, cold logic. "Twenty-one years ago, I was… involved with the late Daein king Ashnard. I bore his son, but shortly thereafter, he was taken from me," She looked down, eyes saddened at the nostalgia. "I wanted you to help me get him back. To find him," she concluded, her gaze returning to Soren under her veil. "As he is both the Prince of Goldoa and rightful king of Daein."

"Ironic that in all of his anti-laguz sentiments, that the Mad King Ashnard would marry one," Soren observed and then nodded. "So who are we looking for? Do you have a physical description?"

She shook her head. "He was only an infant when last I saw him, but... he had a brand... that I remember clearly, and it fits, because he is a Branded."

Ike looked confused and he tilted his head to the side. His mind was slowly piecing things together.

"Ah... a twenty one year old... bruh..." Ike tended to mumble strangely when he was thinking deeply. After a couple of moments, Soren began to realize the same thing.

Almedha raised her veil and looked at the two. "I see you both realize that you won't have to search very far..." She said quietly. Both sets of eyes widened at the sight of the Queen's exotic crimson eyes with feral slits. Soren shook his head slightly, his hands shaking from the implications being thrown at him. He took a step back, away from Ike's chair, and Almedha leaned forward a little, as if to be closer.

"Excuse me," he mumbled and fled the room in a panic, hoping to leave behind the Queen and her damning titles.

He had never been anyone. He had always been ignored by everyone but Ike. The commander had been the center of his world for fifteen years; the only person to ever truly notice the spell caster. And out of nowhere, he was to believe that he was a prince? To two warring nations? And his father had been none other than the Mad King Ashnard, whom fell at the hands of his lover?

It's over, his mind feared. It's all over! Ike won't know what to think of me!

****

Ike rose from his seat and he argued with himself, unsure of whether to stay and talk with Almedha or go to his lover. The bluenette finally rationalized that his lover deserved a moment alone from time to time, and he took his seat once again. "Lady Almedha," he began with utmost respect. "Are you suggesting that ... my staff officer is your son?"

Almedha's eyes traveled to the table for the second time. "I'm sorry. I was simply coming to ask for your help. I did not expect to find him so quickly... especially him being your staff officer, or whatever it is you called it." Her eyes narrowed at the table's surface. "Lord Ike. It sounds rushed, but I just know that that young man is my son. He's taking it hard right now, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would accept my invitation to bring you and your mercenaries to Goldoa."

Ike kept quiet, unsure of how to answer. What would Soren want?

"I will take my leave," the Queen stated, replacing her veil and standing. She gave Ike a respectful bow of her head. "Think about whether or not your mercenaries will join, but now that I know my son lives, nothing will stop me from taking him home." She made sure that her eyes made hard contact with Ike's blue orbs before finally exiting the room.

Ike was alone with his many thoughts. His head felt as cluttered as the day he found out the truth of his parents. But Branded or no Branded, royalty or peasant, Ashnard's heir or orphan, Soren was still Soren and his lover. Nothing had changed, although everything had changed. Ike decided that the sage had had enough alone time and that now was as good a time as any to discuss strategy. Almedha had been undeniably clear when she stated that Soren was coming with her regardless.

And where ever Soren was, Ike wanted to be.

"Soren...!" Ike burst into their room gracelessly, only to find Soren simply sitting on the bed.

The sage flinched back from his lover's dramatic entrance, afraid of his possible anger, but in the commander's eyes, he saw only love. "Oh, Ike…" he called, his voice barely a whisper.

"Soren," Ike breathed, scooping his lover into his arms and kissing him. "It doesn't change a thing. I know that's what's got you worried, but nothing's changed. You're still my beautiful Soren... The only man I'll ever love."

The spell caster's heart felt heavy with all the love he had for the bluenette. It seemed that there was nothing that could tear them apart. The boy twisted to fully face his lover and shower him with kisses. "What will I do, Ike?" he asked, not even noticing his tears.

Ike chuckled. "You tell me, my brilliant tactician. What does logic dictate we do?"

Soren gave a rare bright smile and with a final kiss to Ike's waiting lips, the two relaxed to discuss strategy.

They agreed to Almedha's request, but decided to stay in Gallia a few days and let the group rest. They had done nothing but travel for days on end and had not even had the thrill of battling to relieve them. Almedha was fine with this. Soren avoided her, which she expected. Ike noticed Sothe avoiding him, but he didn't have time to worry about it. Soren was his entire world, now and forever, and he always came first.

As far as their relationship was concerned, Ike had been true. Nothing had changed. The two made love nearly every night, falling asleep in each other's arms. It gave Soren the courage he needed to face his noble blood; Ike was by his side, backing him no matter what.

After four days of rest, Almedha grew restless and wished to return to Goldoa as soon as possible. Ike made preparations while Soren drew out rations. By dawn the next day, the group was back on the move.

Through all of this, Micaiah remained silent and withdrawn, going through a mild depression. Mist looked after the girl, but Sothe felt very isolated. Mia continued to encourage him to talk to Ike, but whenever he worked up the courage, Soren would appear to steal the commander away.

The trip lasted a little of three weeks and before long, the group had made it to Goldoa. King Dheginsea had been in a meeting with ambassadors from Begnion, but he dropped it temporarily when his guards informed him that his daughter had returned. He welcomed her and her guests in with open arms. He gave them all places to stay, two to a room. Soren and Ike shared a room, as was Soren's only request, and Almedha was more than happy to oblige him. She hung on the boy's every word as if they meant the difference between life and death.

This made the sage beyond uncomfortable. He was so used to being independent, and he was just now getting used to Ike's presence in his life as a companion. Almedha tended to smother the poor boy. When he expressed this to Ike, the commander had joked, "Well, you can't have 'smother' without 'mother'."

"That's surprisingly witty of you, Love," the spell caster had replied, sitting beside the bluenette on the extravagant couch the room held. Feeling accomplished, the bluenette kissed his head. "It was. You should reward me," he teased, stretching out on the couch and looking suggestively at the sage.

Soren wasted little to no time in leaning over and enveloping himself in the pleasure only Ike could give him.

Early the next morning, Ike escorted Soren into Dheginsea's throne room, where Almedha and the Begnion ambassador Zelgius awaited. The princess was not too pleased by the Begnion general's presence, but she tolerated it because her father felt it was necessary. Zelgius already knew of her special guest, and denying him the opportunity to meet said person would raise suspicion between their nations.

Kurthnaga took his position at his sister's side, waiting to see who she brought with her. He was little more than confused. "Ike? Soren? Sister, why did you summon them? They are my friends."

Ike and Soren had discussed this moment at length. They had gone over every detail they had at their disposal, and came to the conclusion that Soren would acknowledge Almedha as his mother and at least discuss his rights and positions. They sent each other confident glances.

The bluenette pulled away from Soren's side. His eyes locked with Zelgius'.

"Long time, no see, General." he said idly. "It's been a while."

The dark-haired man smiled a little. "That it has. You look like a man now instead of the little teenage boy you were back then."

"Ah, so you know each other? Then there is no need for introductions there." Dheginsea said, his voice a natural boom. Soren flinched slightly. This was his Grandfather? Dheginsea turned to his children. Almedha had ignored Kurthnaga's question. "Almedha, who is it that you have brought?"

Soren swallowed.

"Father, I have returned to you, but I have not come alone. Much has happened in my travels," she began, a small smile blooming in her stern features. "I give you," she gestured to Soren, "My child, Soren, Prince of Goldoa and sole heir to the Daein throne."

Zelgius's eyes widened. Dheginsea's head whipped toward the sage. Kurthnaga choked audibly, trying to cover it with a cough. "Almedha," The King growled. "What have you done?" The moment that Dheginsea raised his voice, Ike moved to stand in front of Soren. Zelgius saw this.

The Princess glared at him. "You will not harm my son," she snarled, her eyes only crimson slits.

The black dragon king sighed heavily, knowing that his daughter had once again made his life far too difficult. If Soren was a beorc heir as well, if would only mean complications for his country. "We will discuss this at length..."

"Yes. We will discuss this." Almedha said with as much conviction as her father. She turned to look at Soren. "I still have not... spoken with him much."

Soren swallowed again, a little surprised at how much of himself that he saw in the two. "I... We can." he said to his mother, then looked to the King with as much respect as he could muster. He knew that he being a Branded wasn't getting on the man's good side. "...Grandfather... I would like to... talk later."

The Dragon King felt something twist in his heart at the familial name. It was the first time he had ever been addressed by it, and it stirred something within him. Although known for his stern demeanor, he still had a soft spot for his children, no matter how trying their actions. He was a family man at heart, and Soren's words warmed him to the situation. "Very well," he replied, his voice still cold. "I will see you in private tonight. You have my leave."

Soren nodded and turned to leave with Ike.

"General, I thank you for your patience," Dheginsea addressed of Zelgius. "But now, I must ask you to leave, so I may speak with my delinquent daughter in private."

Zelgius bowed to the King. "I'll go to my room, Your Majesty. If you need me, I'll be there." The King grunted in response and Zelgius turned to leave. Almedha followed him with her eyes before turning to her father, who waved Kurthnaga away.

"Father, I know that you are angry with me."

"Almedha, you have done nothing but disgrace this family. Laying with a beorc, bearing his child... sending your elder brother to his demise. I will not pass judgment on my grandson for your error; I only pray that my genes made it to him without being tainted by what went wrong in you. Now, be gone! Out of my sight!" the Black king boomed, turning his back on his only daughter.

Almedha bowed and took her leave.

"That went... well," Soren muttered as he and Ike shut the door to their room. The commander sat on the bed and leaned back, his lap open and inviting. The tactician soon filled it. "Your presence is appreciated more than I can convey... I know it must have been awkward." He said, arms wrapping around Ike's neck.

"I was fine. It's you having the hard time." Ike planted a kiss on the sage's forehead. "Don't worry about me so much." Ike pulled at the gray robes, causing Soren to smile that smile he only showed for Ike. The bluenette held Soren protectively, whispering sweet reassurances until it was time for his meeting with Dheginsea.

The doors to the throne room made a hallow bang as they shut. It set the mood for their meeting. Soren hated how his footfalls echoed in the large room; it made him self conscious of his every move. He stopped right before the throne and went down on one knee.

"Grandfather," he addressed with as much respect as he was able to muster for someone who wasn't Ike.

"Rise, Prince Soren." Dheginsea ordered, though his tone was not as critical as before. The title caused the sage's heart to race, but he stood tall before the mighty king of Goldoa. "Tell me, young prince, how it is that you came to be? Did you grow in your father's care? Are you the one who organized his downfall?"

"The second would be more accurate, sir. However I grew up a peasant in Gallia, despised for what I was. I eventually found Ike and joined with his mercenaries. I used my tactical knowledge to overthrow the Mad King, but my blood has always been a mystery until only a short time ago," the youth explained.

Dheginsea snorted. "Your lineage is as apparent as the brand on your forehead." Soren winced, but Dheginsea did not see. He didn't know how to reply. "What are your plans, Prince?"

Soren knew the answer to this one. "I wish to stay with Ike and the Greil Mercenaries, Grandfather."

Dheginsea was having quite a hard time with himself, being such a family man. "...You should stay here a few weeks. And visit often, if staying with Ike is what you wish." The King tried to sound cold, but Soren's lips twitched with the urge to grin.

"Of course, Grandfather." Soren bowed and the King smiled. "Would you... answer a few questions of my own?"

*******

His curiosity now satisfied, and the Dragon King now on his side, Soren returned to his and Ike's room. "It went well... He even insists on a party as an announcement of my birth and homecoming... it's strange."

"Hm... you have such a busy life as a noble, I hope you don't forget me," Ike teased and lovingly kissed the boy's brand.

Soren smiled. Forgetting Ike was beyond impossible. "There will always be room for you as a consort."

Ike roared with laughter. Soren figured that he would take that moment to simply be with the man he loved, and keep Zelgius's activities, along with Sephiran's, a secret for the time being.

End Chapter Six