[i][color=springgreen]Can you hear me?[/color]

[color=pink]You again?[/color]

[color=springgreen]Ah, you remembered. Good. Nice to see you in one piece. But we have a lot of work to do, don't we?[/color]

[color=pink]Work? What? Who are you? How do I know I can trust you?[/color]

[color=springgreen]Yes, work. Everyone else has surpassed you. It's about time we caught up! And I'm--[/color][/i]

The sensation of falling seemed to wake her up before hitting the floor did, resulting in a yell of terror. She let out a low groan followed by a whine as Jaakuna would pick her up by her arms. She was momentarily dazed, though a hand was on her nose, wincing from pain. She almost forgot where she was for a moment, Jaakuna's words clearing her mind. There was that voice again, though it spoke a lot more than it did before. She crossed her arms, trying to match the voice with anyone she knew, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It was the same voice that had confirmed Zodiark in her dream, but for some reason, she was perfectly comfortable with it. But who was it?

After a moment, Emiri looked at Jaakuna, as if wanting to say something. "[color=pink]Honestly...this trip makes me miss the Ifrit,[/color]" She admitted, changing her mind about telling him at the last second. "[color=pink]It was a lot faster, too.[/color]"

[hr]

Grant patted the dozing Lorenzo's shoulder once, signaling their arrival. The man groaned something about needing more rest, though the moment he realized they had arrived, he sprung to life once more. Grant had to admit he wished he had a little of Lorenzo's spirit--he seemed very excited to be back in Stigma. It was likely his enthusiasm to see Karolina again, though it just made Grant slightly more regretful. He should've accompanied Savayna, but he had his own business to attend to. Still, distance makes the heart go fonder, and as the pair met up with Wesley and Nadeline, he noticed her fidgeting slightly. She had changed into something more appropriate, though it was obvious that she wasn't used to such a flowing dress. Likely, she was trying to hide her figure--and it was then Grant knew exactly what Nadeline was going to do. He gave Wesley a sympathetic look, and together, the group would go to the castle.

To his relief, the city had been let off with minimal damages. The soldiers were busy at work, but the civilians were doing their part as well. Some of them would greet the group before continuing on their way, bringing Grant joy he didn't know he had. He was worried when Aloa informed them that the cities had been attacked, but it seemed they handled themselves just fine. He let out a sigh of relief, though an equal sense of dread took him for a moment. He wasn't sure why, but it was likely due to Nadeline's announcement. He was probably going to hear it from...everyone. 'How could you let your niece do something like that under your watch' or 'The dignity of the princess stolen under her nose'! Gods, he wasn't looking forward to this. At all.

They entered the castle easily, at which point Nadeline would take the lead. She was nervous, but she hid it rather well, all things considered. That, and everyone's attention would likely turn to Lorenzo, who apparently couldn't stand to be away from his wife for another second. "[color=darkorange]Oi! Mariano! Where's Karolina?![/color]" He yelled out to a servant, his voice slightly more demanding than usual.

"Welcome back, Your Highness," The servant greeted him, seemingly used to Lorenzo's wildness. "Lady Karolina is on her way to meeting with the Council. Shall I inform her of your arrival?"

"[color=darkorange]Meeting? Without us? Pshh...assholes. Nope, we're going there now,[/color]" Lorenzo said, motioning for the group to follow. "[color=darkorange]This is probably what Reia was afraid of, and another reason I need to stay here. They're probably all hatching their own plans, passing shit without opposition...[/color]"

"[color=magenta]Karolina knows at least how to stall,[/color]" Grant said, frowning.

Nadeline exhaled, though as they came to the door leading to the Meeting Room, she gave Wesley an apologetic look. "[color=coral]Time to face the music,[/color]" She mumbled, pushing the doors open.

There sat four older gentlemen, completely silent, though all equally surprised at the group's arrival. "Your Highnesses! You've returned!" One exclaimed.

At the same time, Karolina had arrived, equally as surprised. "[color=orange]Lorenzo--![/color]" She didn't even get a chance to properly express herself before literally getting swept off her feet by her husband. "[color=orange]Goodness![/color]" She giggled, clearly happy to see him again.

"[color=darkorange]How could I go another minute without you?[/color]" He asked, grinning widely as he put her down.

"[color=orange]We were going to meet about...well, it seems you have something more important,[/color]" Karolina was surprisingly astute, though she smiled warmly at Wesley. "[color=orange]It's wonderful to see you again, Wesley.[/color]"

"Wesley? Of Dalmasca?" Another councilman questioned.

Nadeline clapped her hands together. "[color=coral]Be seated, please, I have an announcement to make,[/color]" She implored everyone. As they did, all eyes were on her. It was somewhat unsettling, though she had little choice. "[color=coral]Before I begin, I would like to formally introduce His Highness, Prince Wesley Alexander of Dalmasca. Wesley, these are four representatives of our Council--[url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6f/45/0d/6f450dbe72ace1549880492f069962d3.jpg]Arcturus[/url], [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a6/e8/75/a6e8759ce209724c4d623e569131fe55--character-portraits-head-shots.jpg]Aurelio[/url], [url=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--42QArEEw4Y/USokBNLqUYI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7XvEPoTqDcQ/s1600/Sir+Oryn.jpg]Leblanc[/url], and [url=http://orig02.deviantart.net/4e4d/f/2014/209/0/b/heavily_scarred_man_by_dashinvaine-d6wxl2o.jpg]DeVanios[/url].[/color]" She would introduce them, and only then would she decide to unveil her announcement. "[color=coral]I've come here today to officially withdraw myself as successor to the throne.[/color]"

"What? Truly?" DeVanios asked, shocked. "This is quite sudden."

"I assume this coincides with Prince Wesley's arrival?" Aurelio asked, a suspicious look on his face.

Karolina frowned, though Lorenzo took her hand in his, as if assuring her. Nadeline would nod once, and continue, "[color=coral]It is a decision I did not make easily. I assure you, I weighed every possible outcome, though as you've suspected, it...does have to do with Prince Wesley,[/color]" She stated. "[color=coral]As of this moment we are engaged--he has proposed marriage to me, and I accepted.[/color]"

The four men looked at one another, concerned. "With all due respect, this is usually something that is discussed between members of the royal family," Aurelio said slowly. "While the prospect of unifying Rozarria and Dalmasca is one that will lead to much prosperity, it could quite possibly send the wrong message to Archadia."

Grant cleared his throat, deciding to help Nadeline out. "[color=magenta]We--uh, excuse the voice, it's...complicated--we understand the implications, and have been working extensively with Prince Jackson Darcone and Emperor Roman. As a gesture of peace, Her Highness Cassandra is being offered in place, as you know the treaty between the three nations is also a symbol of this.[/color]" He said.

Leblanc let out a sigh, placing his hands on the table. "We are aware that that is the reason our Empress is far from home. Though...you must know we have also come to a decision on our current succession crisis. Admittedly, this changes things," He told them. "While we appreciate you going out of your way to ensure peace and creating a relationship between the three countries, the fact of the matter is that Rozarria is--technically--without a ruler. We named Reia Empress after the death of Augustus out of necessity, though we have learned that she is not fit to rule."

"As Lorenzo refuses to take part, that would lead to Princess Nadeline's ascension. Of course, with this news, things change once more..." DeVanios added. "If Nadeline is to be wed to Dalmasca's prince, then that leaves Grant as next in line. It's...somewhat unconventional."

"Well, having Grant as ruler would be beneficial. Though it would lead to the question as to who to marry him to," Aurelio said. "His marriage to a commoner is no more at his request, but perhaps the daughter of Baron Timothy, or Duchess Jessibel?"

And now to really throw the oil onto the flames. "[color=magenta]I've laid my heart out to another,[/color]" Grant told them, bracing himself for the backlash. All four men seemed unsettled by this, but Lorenzo would nod at him. Still, Grant had to tell them the truth. "[color=magenta]...to an Archadian General by the name of Savayna Glacie...[/color]"

Suddenly, it felt like the spotlight was thrown onto Grant. The conversation was getting out of Nadeline's hands, and she summoned all her willpower to make sure it didn't get derailed. "[color=coral]That being said, we have laid out our future. We hope to gain your support,[/color]" She told them.

"Both of them marrying outside of the country, how will our noblemen take this?" DeVanios asked, worried.

"They'll be outraged." Arcturus was more blunt about it. "To think an Archadian becoming the wife of our emperor...our princess handed off to another country without any sort of warning..."

"[color=coral]We mean no offense,[/color]" Nadeline quickly said. "[color=coral]Among other reasons...[/color]"

Karolina's expression went from confused to shock. Unfortunately, it seemed Aurelio had also picked up the cue. "Other reasons? Marriage between nobility has no other reasons other than something to gain from their nations. Or...Are you bearing a child?" He asked her, eyes narrowed.

"This is an insult to the highest caliber!" Leblanc gasped. "How could this have happened?! Who is the father? Is it Wesley? Some other man?"

Nadeline's eyes widened, though she immediately recovered, gaining a second wind. "[color=coral]Do not think me some common whore! Remember who it is you are speaking to![/color]" Her words had all the weight of her birthright behind them, silencing everyone at once. Once she had gotten the reigns of the conversation once again, she would continue. "[color=coral]I have always acted with Rozarria's intentions in mind. With Jackson's treaty, our reign will be one of peace. Marrying Wesley is a step in the right direction, and I am willing to forsake my homeland, to leave and ensure that we prosper together![/color]"

Arcturus nodded. "Rozarria's very heart lies with you, Your Highness," He told her. "But you must understand our position as well. Marrying out of love is a fantasy people in your role dream to have."