Wesley found it near to impossible to keep a straight face after Nadeline’s comment. He made a mental note of things not to do, especially when she was concerned. He knew that this whole morning, as well as the past couple of days, were taxing on the two of them. He had to admit it to himself that a lot of things got away from them—he knew that much. All of that wasn’t even considering the headache that was caused from his troublesome, little sister. Whatever had gotten into her as of late, Wesley knew it was only going to get worse. Still, he had faith in Lorenzo. He knew his future father-in-law could handle troublesome royalty figures After all, he [i]was[/i] one of those troublesome royalty figures.

And now he was laughing for an entirely different reason. “[color=fff79a]Sorry. I was just reminded how much Reia’s situation with Lorenzo is similar to my own with Cassandra.[/color]” He stated as he found the comparison uncanny.

When they had started walking through the halls, Wesley had remained quiet for a few long moments. A lot was on his mind and most of was centered around the two things that they needed to talk about, but how exactly was he going to bring it up. Not that he was one to become stuck on such things. He had no problem addressing the subjects that most would normally avoid. For him, it was all a matter of coming up with the right words and seeming so straightforward.  Wesley looked at Nadeline, letting her through the tall, silver marble door in front of them.

They had arrived near the [url=https://i.imgur.com/ib6ojOx.png]west garden[/url]. The entrance was from an exit from the castle and led them to an elevated view with a half-flight of stairs next to them. The entire garden, small compared to the main garden on the opposing east side of the palace, was beautiful in its own right. There was a water fountain in the center that was powered by blue magicite. It was built into the ground, so it didn’t seem as tall as it would’ve been had it been an above-ground fountain. In it was clear-as-the-eyes-could-see water that was blue like the magicite that powered it. Set around it were green bush-like plants that were also placed in bulk around the entire garden. There were a few areas with orchids and roses, though. 

The two of them would go down the stairs, Wesley gestured to the bench that was across from the fountain. It seemed to be a good place to sit and enjoy the scenery while they would finally get the chance to really talk. 

Wesley shifted his position and looked at the orchid and roses near one of the windows. “[color=fff79a]I used to come here with my father. He really loved flowers.[/color]” Wesley smiled peacefully. “[color=fff79a]He grew up here and spent most of his youth among flowers. His mother -- Lady Kaitlyn of the Rosey Jordana Plains, the nearest village that has the most beautiful rosefields -- was someone who adored flowers. She spent a lot of time with him, telling him about how flowers required a lot of care and patience. He was an impatient man, from what I heard from my mother. But when it came to flowers, he was like a Saint of Ultima.[/color]” Wesley found himself laughing as he looked up at the blue sky. “[color=fff79a]This isn’t common knowledge, but all the gardens in the palace and throughout the surrounding, smaller nations in Dalmasca, were my father’s doing. He appreciated beauty.[/color]” As he spoke, Wesley had a few tears drop from his eyes. He didn’t bother wiping them away. “[color=fff79a]He bestowed his love for flowers and beauty on me. I intend to pass it on to my child.[/color]” His slightly-watery eyes came into the periphery of Nadeline. “[color=fff79a]That’s why, when I heard you were pregnant, I was taken back from it. I wasn’t sure if Keiran was playing his games again or just saying to get us to lower our guard against him. But,[/color]” Wesley took Nadeline’s hand in his own, looking at her eyes with his, “[color=fff79a]I am more than ready to retire from my adventuring days and fully commit to you and our child.[/color]”
[hr]
When Zeromus--erm, Grant--had dropped that bombshell on her, Savayna wasn’t exactly how to respond to it. He seemed so sure of himself that it was the truth. And if it was indeed an accurate account of what had occurred in Archadia, then why couldn’t she remember that? She would remember confessing her love for Jaakuna. He was lying. There was no other explantion. 

“[color=lightblue]Honestly Grant, I know you’ve always had problems with Jaakuna but that’s low - even for you.[/color]” She let out a sigh, obvious that she was not pleased with the way he was speaking.

It was a bit surprising that Grant would resort to such low tactics to hurt her. Was that what he wanted to do? Maybe he said that with the sole intention to hurt her. If so, then he was absolutely right about how he wouldn’t be able to change her hypothetical mind about her hypothetical feelings for her [i]ex[/i]-husband. If she wished it, she could hurt him right and now, but that’s the line that he obviously didn’t believe she’d never cross. Whether willingly or not, she would never consciously admit her love for Jaakuna. Savayna might be a ice queen, but she’s not cold-hearted.

[color=7ea7d8][i]What will you do now?[/i][/color] She heard Mateus ask her. To be honest, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Hurting him seemed to be her go-to response, but maybe that’s what he expected from her. 

Savayna took in a deep breath, inhaling as the scent of the garden overtook her. It calmed her, though not by much. She closed her eyes. “[color=lightblue]You’re right about one thing, Grant.[/color]” She opened her eyes, seeming calmer than before. “[color=lightblue]You [i]are[/i] an idiot. You’ve always been a fucking idiot. But I’ll let you in on a secret.[/color]” She sighed, getting up and approaching him only stopping a pace away. “[color=lightblue]I have a pattern of falling in love with idiots.[/color]” She stayed in front of him. “[color=lightblue]I might still have feelings for Jaakuna that may or may not bring thoughts of ‘what could’ve been’.[/color]” As she spoke, she saw his forming expression of disgust. “[color=lightblue]I didn’t finish![/color]” She snapped, forcing him to look at him as she gripped his face. “[color=lightblue]Whatever I said yesterday in whatever state I was in, that is [i]not[/i] a reflection of how I feel [b]now[/b]. You said I had a meltdown, right? Then think about it for a second. People aren’t in their right minds when they have meltdowns. They say things that are overexaggerated or are simply not true. Yes, I love Jaakuna, but he and I are friends now.[/color]” She reminded him. “[color=lightblue]It’s the same situation you and Emiri are in. You love her still. And I’m sure, had she been in a similar position, you might’ve said things you didn’t mean. However, you wouldn’t have made it known if you could help it.[/color]” 

Savayna could feel that she was losing his focus. Not to mention, he mentioned something about not having a lot of time. “[color=lightblue]Just shut up and kiss me, you idiot.[/color]” She said, grabbing him and planting her lips on his.