So this what it came to? Because of his temper, Jaakuna has put them all in a difficult situation. The Maester who was practically as high up in the Dalmascan ladder as Isabelle was had been struck by a foreign power, by the Emperor Proxy, no less. It didn’t help that the opinions he shared were, at the very least, something that a lot of other Dalmacans probably shared. If not, then those who made most of the decisions in the Queen’s sted. Those thoughts were obviously connected to how Isaiah hadn’t been brought in for the murder of King Jonathan. Despite Wesley clearing him of all charges, there was still an air around Dalmasca that demanded justice for their late king.
As he leaned back into his chair, Jaakuna stayed relatively--and uncharacteristically--silent throughout the entire time both she and Lorenzo were talking. The latter was stating that Jaakuna couldn’t possibly turn in his own family. While there was some truth to that, Isaiah wasn’t his family, not really. They hardly knew each other. He was his cousin, but nothing more than blood connecting him. So it’s not like Jaakuna would feel any regret turning in his own cousin. That wasn’t bothering him. It was what Reia said after that.
“
The time has come for Jaakuna to take a seat and for Jackson to take a stand.”
As if taking a cue from her words, Jaakuna stood up, taking in a deep breath. He scanned the room just to take in the sights of their faces. It appeared that he had their attention. For better or worse, it was his turn to speak, but what should he say? No, he knew what must be done. But he really hated it. Gods, why couldn’t he have been born into a noble family instead of the Royal Family of Archadia? Of course, he knew what he had to do. Again, turning in Isaiah, while unfortunate, wasn’t the bit would be regretful, it was the other part that Reia said. For everything to be forgiven and for there to be some kind of mending of fences, he would have to take the reigns of Archadia.
Letting out a sigh once more, Jaakuna, instead of responding to what they had said, went towards the door.
“
Where are you going?” Isabelle asked.
He stopped, looking back at her. “
I need to speak with someone before I do anything. If Nicholas wakes up, tell him I am sorry for striking him.”
That was all he would say. Jaakuna went through the door and closed it behind him.
“
Do either of you know what just happened?” Isabelle asked the Rozarrians. She was speechless.
It was disappointing, to say the least. Savayna wanted a reason to actually get away from everything, but from how things appeared, they most likely have to head back. A shame, too. Savayna thought she might get more information on The Brotherhood. Though, at the very least, she might be able to rest.
“
Then let’s get going. I’m sure everyone is worried about--”
Just as Savayna had turned around, she felt the slight shift of the mist in the freeze for a brief moment, then, like a hurricane, the breeze increased to speeds that it naturally wouldn’t. Before her or Nadeline knew what hit them, a wave of magick hit them so hard that it knocked the both of them against the wall. Though, due to Savayna’s quick thinking, a protectga and shellga were cast on a whim and it cushioned the impact with the stone wall. That didn’t mean it cushioned
all of the impact. Savayna felt some of it, though that was mostly because of Nadeline’s mass.
“
Seriously, Nadeline, you need to go on a fucking diet. You weigh more than a cow!” Savayna cried, shoving the ‘cow’ off of her, which allowed her to finally stand.
Savyana saw a blur of red and blue mist, though once her eyes seemed to focus more, she saw the blur no longer appearing as such. Instead, she saw two men who looked identical to each other. The only difference was the color of their hair and their attire. One had wavy, shoulder-length blue hair and brandished a topless approach and wore some kind of leather pants. Meanwhile, the other had a mullet-inspired hairstyle, but it was red like blood. He too chose to go topless, but unlike his twin brother, his choice of bottoms was less tight like leather and seemed to be more loose-fitting. However, the two of them had wings and horns and strange markings on their bodies that almost resembled the Glyph of Zodiark.
“
Oh princess, how wonderful to see you again. I thought you didn’t like us after what happened the last time we saw each other.” The blue-haired twin said, smiling warmly at Nadeline.
“
Friends of yours?”
If anything, these two were consistent in their efforts to get Cassandra to see to their reason, but what instead of trying to get her to see how they saw the world’s events, they should focus more on not trying her patience. Or did they forget that Cassandra held Emiri’s life in the balance? Truly, for rumored geniuses in their own right, they sure seemed to miss the bigger picture. It mattered not; for Cassandra was about to halt any and all discussions on the matter.
“
I appreciate one of you trying to keep their tact, but it’s falling on deaf ears.” Cassandra informed them. Though she had made her mind up even before the two of them barged into her brother’s room, she did appreciate their candor. It was a refreshing trait to have. She didn’t think people--especially Rozarrians--still held value in not beating around the bush. “Now, if you have any last words to plead your case, I believe we are done--”
“Many apologies, your majesty.” One of Cassandra’s
Queenguard came in dressed in Dalmascan Steel. He approached her and bowed on one knee. “A blonde man is outside, waiting for you. He says it’s important he sees you,” he would look to the other three, “and
only you.”
“
Can’t you see I’m busy?” Cassandra stated, clearly displeased.
“He urges haste, your majesty.”
Cassandra let out a sigh and would release the Spawn of Zodiark from her grasp. “
Watch them. Make sure they don’t go anywhere.” Cassandra ordered her guard.
“As you wish.”
Though she proceeded to walk towards the door, she stopped by Emiri and Grant. “
Consider my earlier statement carefully, Rozarrians.” She would leave them with those last words.
Exiting her brother’s room, Cassandra looked around and saw a blonde man waiting next to the room as he leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest, one leg up against the wall and humming some odd tune. “
Jaakuna Darcone, what’s the meaning of this?” She flat out demanded he answer rather than asking politely.
“
It’s Jackson, actually. And I overheard what you were doing in there.”
“
You were spying on me?”
“
Not exactly. My Esper gave me temporary control over his senses and I was able to hear what you said about--well everything. I know you don’t like the idea of the treaty. I know you hold my country responsible for your father’s death. You might even hold Rozarria responsible for Wesley’s condition. You hate Nadeline for leaving your brother.” Jackson listed off all of the things that she had said to GRant and Emiri. “
Am I getting warm?”
Color Cassandra impressed. Underneath all of that hot air was actually a man that knew how to keep a cool head. She knew about the infamous Ifrit of the Skies. She heard tales of his crass and impulsive nature. Had this been one of the days where that man was present, she most likely would’ve heard a different speech from him. “
Very warm,” Cassandra simply stated, smiling at Jackson.
He got off from the wall and approached Cassandra. “
If it would please her majesty, may I propose a middle ground? We know you don’t want to go to war and with Zodiark afoot, nobody can afford to get distracted.”
Not saying anything, Cassandra simply tipped her head, giving him permission to speak freely.
“
I am willing to give you exactly what you want. For the promise that you will not threaten war, I will give you--as well as the Dalmacan people--Judge Ixion. And if it will ease your heart, I shall also take reigns as Emperor of Archadia.”
That was...not what she expected. Consider her speechless. Cassandra didn’t know what to say. She honestly didn’t. Where was this fiery man that Wesley often spoke highly of? Where was this crude, obscene man that often showed his pirate tongue to those who angered him? Where was Jaakuna Hinoko, lover of gil and hater of all things authority? This wasn’t the man she was speaking to. This was Jackson Darcone, duteous son of Simon Darcone, and rightful heir to the Archadian ruling seat. This was a man who spoke with dignity and was a man of his word. This was not who she was expecting.
“
Very well. I accept these terms with one of my own.” She said, smiling at Jackson. “
We will seal this deal with an official bonding of our empires.”
“
What do you mean?” Jackson asked, barely able to comprehend what she just said.
“
If you want peace, I want your hand in marriage. I want for Archadia and Dalmasca to unite together.” Cassandra took Jackson’s hand, “
I want you to be my king, Jackson Darcone.”
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