Fan Fiction ❯ Shielded in Broken Armours ❯ Part 2: Dance of the Dragons ( Chapter 13 )
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.30.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 162 | Status: Completed
by Alice Montrose
completed July 31, 2004
Chapter Thirteen
"You are good with a blade," Ignis observed later that afternoon. They were having dessert - or rather, Marzio had been having lunch when the prince had arrived, so Ignis had confiscated one of the baked apples with chocolate coating - a dish Marzio had taken a liking on the moment he had tasted it - confessing to having a weakness for everything that included that particular brownish sweet.
"You're not half bad yourself," Marzio replied half-jokingly, refilling his wineglass, and enjoying the delighted chuckle that came from his lover's direction at the clear understatement. "So, any other plans for today, or do I get you for myself the rest of the afternoon?"
Ignis' expression turned serious. "I'm afraid not. I have a meeting with the representatives of the Merchant Guild, trying to undo some mess Lucifer's made while I was gone."
"Oh. So that cuts our time to what? Half an hour or so?"
"I was actually going on two full hours, but if you don't want me here that's fine," the prince replied smugly. He knew damn well Marzio did want him there. "Oh, and before I forget - you'll get a visit from my tailor tomorrow."
"Tailor, huh? And what business do I have with your tailor, pray I tell?" Marzio rested his elbow on a drawn knee, watching Ignis stand and stretch out his body languidly. 'He looks more beautiful every time I see him.'
"Well, your clothes are getting a little worn, so I thought a few additions to your wardrobe would do no harm. Besides, with autumn here you'll feel the need for something a bit warmer than what you already have. And then, of course, there is the matter of the banquet."
That managed to get the Angelian's interest. "You mean the one next week?" He had heard various rumours concerning what was to be the celebration of Ignis' fifth year on the throne, but having received no official invitation he had presumed he was not included on the guest list. It seemed it was too much to hope for.
Smiling, the Demon bent over him. "That's the one. Don't worry, though, I'm making sure your four countrymen are properly outfitted as well. We don't want you to reflect badly on your king and country now, do we?"
He took Marzio's glass away and pulled him on his feet, putting his arms around him and leaning his head on a strong shoulder. He sighed in contentment as the general returned the embrace, and hummed softly as he led them both through the steps of a waltz.
"I certainly hope your dancing is as good as your swordplay, beloved. The ladies at Court have been dying to get their hands on you."
"Hn. Though I am flattered, I could not care less about the ladies. Not that I'm saying you don't have some fine women... But I prefer to think of myself as 'already taken', thank you very much."
Ignis grinned. "Are you willing to tell them that?" Taking in Marzio's half-shocked expression, he continued. "I did not think so. Nor am I looking forward to it, I confess."
"Then let's leave things as they are," the Angelian suggested. "A bit of secrecy has never harmed anyone." Then he remembered something. "I was going to ask you for a little favour."
"Oh?"
"I was wondering if you and I could... uh... visit Aquiline one of these days. Together, I mean."
Violent laughter erupted from the Demon. "Did Tanis talk you into this, or have you come up with it alone?" He waved one hand, dismissing any answer "Never mind. I'll take you into the city, if that is what you want. The Harvest Festival is next week as well; that's why I allowed the banquet to be held in the first place. Everyone will be worn out for a couple of days after, and we can sneak out of the palace in the relative safety of anonymity."
They retreated to the large bed in the adjoining room shortly after, and Ignis sunk contently against Marzio's body, enjoying the sense of safety his lover's arms around his waist offered. Marzio's lips found their way down his neck, and he tilted his head back to allow him better access.
"You don't want to go either, do you?" the blond whispered, his breath across the Demon's skin sending delicious tingles through his body. "I heard you are not particularly fond of banquets."
"You've been listening around, I see." There was no anger in the words. "They are not only a complete waste of time, but also money." He laughed a little. "Not that I'm miser or anything, but I can come up with at least half a dozen better ways to spend those funds. The southern roads are getting worse, and we need new irrigation systems..."
Marzio chuckled. "And let's not forget the sum you'll be spending on some clothes that are not really necessary."
A well-placed elbow in his ribs told him that was not a matter his lover was willing to be flexible on. "That comes from my private funds, not the national treasury. Besides, the nobles can have as many banquets as they want, provided they use their own income to fund them. I'm not really stopping them from it. In fact, I believe there are several major balls each month."
"Not that you attend any of those."
"Of course I do. Occasionally. I have quite a few friends among the aristocracy. After all, I'm supposed to be a social person, and they are partly my support on the throne, whether I like it or not."
"The pleasure of being a ruler, right? You mentioned private funds, I believe? What are those? I don't recall King Teh-Kai ever having any."
Ignis smiled, for once happy with Marzio's curiosity. He may have been Angelian, but there was genuine interest behind his questions, with just a faint hint of concern. "The Royal House has monopoly on certain goods. And I own shares in several ventures which earn me good interests. On those I pay taxes like everybody else, of course. On the whole, it's just honest business. It also allows me access to some information that would otherwise be out of reach."
"You probably have spies lurking everywhere in the city." Marzio stated, resuming his earlier activities with new enthusiasm.
"Very apprehensive, beloved. But not only in Aquiline. My secret intelligence service operates in most of the territory, plus the Mauri Confederation. I've got several sources in Terlandia. And let's not forget Angelia," he added with a roguish smile.
"You never cease to amaze me, my prince," Marzio told him, slipping one hand past the Demon's tunic and shirt to caress his chest, while the other lingered over his stomach for a moment, before continuing its route lower.
Capturing a handful of golden hair, the Demon pulled Marzio's head up so their faces would be only inches apart. "I'll start worrying the instant that happens," he said, bringing their mouths together as Marzio struggled to unbuckle his belt one-handedly.
Arching his back and letting out a contented moan, the prince allowed himself to enjoy his lover's attentions.
Having spent a fairly decent amount of time at Court, Marzio was accustomed to attending banquets. However, he was curious what surprises the night would bring - because if Prince Sagni-Dor had lent a hand in preparing this one, it meant he had had something special in mind. And when Ignis had something in mind... well, one never knew exactly what to expect.
The clothes ordered for Marzio had arrived promptly, and the Angelian was pleased to see that the tailor had managed to create a perfect duplicate of his high uniform out of thicker fabrics. In fact, most of his new clothes followed the Angelian style to the letter, much to his relief - he didn't know how Kelan would have reacted to seeing him dressed in Demon clothing.
So, wearing his new dress uniform and accompanied by a Palace Guard cadet - Kheerah was busy helping his master get dressed - Marzio slowly made his way to the banquet hall, trying to refrain from staring at what had become of the palace.
Each corridor was lit by dozens of torches, and flower garlands held together by red and gold ribbons adorned the walls. The effect was somewhat mystical, giving Marzio the impression of walking through a field rather than a hallway.
He passed many pairs and groups of Demons: nobles and courtiers, servants making the last adjustments to the décor, and not a few stationed guards. But even these guards looked different than normal, wearing red tunics trimmed with gold, white trousers, boots and gloves, and golden tresses stating each one's rank. The higher the rank, the more gold trimming and tresses, it seemed.
The highborn were another story; colour was the style for them, in an array of combinations that was astonishing, some of the clothes managing to look downright ridiculous but others having achieved the proper combination and giving a distinguished look to the one who wore them. The Angelian general noticed make-up not only on the women but the men as well, and jewels glittered in the torchlight everywhere he looked. His uniform, of simple cut and not exceedingly adorned, earned him more than a couple of dubious stares from those he passed by; but a rare few looked upon him with something bordering on admiration and respect.
Marzio wondered once more what could possibly happen that night, and sincerely hoped Ignis would not be wearing some over-adorned tunic of ill-chosen colours. But knowing the prince, he would probably prefer one of his uniforms over civilian clothing. The general unconsciously licked his lips - Ignis looked incredibly good in uniform.
He finally entered the banquet hall, and for a moment he stopped in the doorway, for the most incredible sight welcomed him. Hundreds of candles made the white-painted room shine like it was broad daylight and not just after sunset. The flowers-and-ribbons theme had been kept in this room as well, but the only flowers he could see there were roses - white and pink, yellow and red, filling the room with a faint scent. The tables were covered with expensive white silk, and formed four parallel lines, two on each side of the door. Carpets covered the floor under them, but left more than enough marble-tiled floor exposed in the middle for dancing. The Prince's table was placed on a dais opposite to the door, U-shaped and with only fifteen chairs, five of which were to be occupied by the Angelians.
The four Lords of the Angelian War Council had already arrived and had taken their places at the table when Marzio had entered the room. By Angelian tradition, the most honoured guest received the first seat on the right of the table, regardless to where the host sat. It was the position Kelan Loreh-Ven now occupied, followed by the Lords Elssi, Gettik and Angus. Marzio was to be seated next to the latter and an imposing Dreak that occupied the second place at the Prince's right.
What Kelan and his friends did not know was that, in Demonis, those seated closest to the Prince's right were considered the most important guests. Tanis had only told Marzio that earlier that day, when he had come to congratulate Ignis and inform him he would not be attending the banquet. Whatever his reasons, Ignis had agreed; Marzio suspected Tanis did not want to let the other Angelians know he was still alive, but he had kept silent on the matter.
Marzio reached the high table and greeted his countrymen most politely; his greeting was promptly answered, with just a hint of disdain from Kelan. It was the first time Marzio would be forced to spend more than a few minutes in their company, having avoided them as much as possible for over two weeks, and he hoped it would not turn into another fight. Hopefully Kelan would behave in the presence of most of Demonis' elite.
After sitting down, Marzio introduced himself to the older officer on his left; the Demon shook his hand vigorously and introduced himself as Meris Keefer, Master of the Monastery of Dreak. Having heard of the man before, mostly from Ignis who had spoken very highly of him and had called him his mentor, the general was genuinely flattered to be seated next to him.
As Marzio was reasoning what it would be like to be trapped between his own nemesis and Ignis' allies, two familiar faces approached, and everybody except Meris Keefer rose in greeting. The new arrivals were Lord Lucifer, dressed in the heavy red and purple robes of his office, and a young woman Marzio recognized as the one who had been spying on Ignis during his sparring. Marzio realized there was a certain resemblance between the two, only confirmed when the woman was introduced to them as Lady Sanja, Lucifer's niece.
Much to Marzio's disdain, Sanja took the place at Ignis' left. 'Tough luck,' the general reasoned, while noticing the dark looks exchanged by Lord Lucifer and Meris Keefer. 'She is a beautiful woman, in spite of the ill-chosen dress and by far too much make-up. She looks a bit artificial... surely Ignis has no interest in her? She seems interested in him...'
While Marzio had a hard time to decide whether to be jealous or not, Kelan was exchanging pleasantries with Lucifer. 'These two are getting along - just what I needed!' he thought, trying to stop fidgeting in his chair and glaring at Sanja with hostility. He hoped the other people at the table did not notice it, especially Meris Keefer and the Demons seated across from him. Luckily for him, the heralds announced the arrival of Prince Sagni-Dor and everybody in the hall had to stand.
Marzio was once again left breathless as he watched Ignis advancing through the hall confidently, flanked by General Neri-Lokh, Captain Alisi-Feit and six other guards, guests bowing deeply as he passed by them. Ignis looked simply divine, his clothes a variation of the Dreak uniform with forest green tunic, black breeches, boots and gloves, and a blood-red outer garment that rippled across the floor with every step the prince took. The tunic's seam-lines and upper front were heavily embroidered with a gold-thread leaf pattern, and a strange eagle-shaped brooch was fixed on the left side of the outer garment. His reddish hair was held away from his face by a gold coronet, and one of his priceless swords hung at his side. The Supreme Commander of Demonis had abandoned her uniform for a lovely red taffeta dress with burgundy patterns and silver lining, while Owen was wearing the same uniform Marzio had seen on all the guards, naturally more adorned and with a golden circlet on his forehead proclaiming his rank.
Marzio saw Ignis smile and nod in his general direction before circling the table and helping Tempesta into her chair and sitting down while Owen placed himself behind his chair. Then he motioned for all to be seated, and turned to whisper something to Tempesta before putting on the serene mask he always had when ceremony was involved. Marzio had thought at first it was some sort of religious exigency, but he now knew Ignis was merely concentrating on the matter at hand.
Thus composed, the prince listened to the speeches various members of his Court, ambassadors and the representatives of the Guilds delivered, congratulating him on his glorious reign and his recent victory and the gods knew what else; for Marzio had stopped listening and was focused on Ignis and Ignis alone. He watched every tiny gesture, every little shifting in the prince's bearing, and found he could determine when Ignis knew those speaking were sincere or not. His lips would curl even so slightly when someone pleased him, a quick frown would pass across his forehead or he would move a little in his chair when he was annoyed with someone else. Ignis was unreadable on only two occasions: when Lord Lucifer spoke, and when Lord Kelan followed suite, voice all milk and honey though Marzio could feel the venom underneath. Then the prince replied with a speech of his own, and to his credit he did not read it as many of those present had. When he was done, the banquet proper commenced.
With the first course conversation began - the part Marzio disliked most, when everybody would gossip and lie under the guise of polite dialogue. And Ignis smiled. Through the first two courses he smiled the fake smile he put on for shows just like this one. Few received a genuine smile, Marzio among them, and the general was dying to know if Sanja did, as well.
Meris Keefer turned out to be a very interesting person, quite open-minded and friendly. He confessed he had only arrived that afternoon, and had not had too much time to speak with Ignis in private, but he seemed to be very confident in the prince's decisions. Then Tempesta joined in and they exchanged opinions on several tactics and strategies, their discussion turning into a heated debate about the recent battle. Meris Keefer pointed out Marzio's mistakes, Marzio pointed out Kelan's mistakes, Tempesta pointed out everybody's mistakes. And Ignis pointed out his own mistakes, which made a pair of green eyes and two pairs of brown ones turn to him in time to see him grin victoriously, Lucifer's niece clinging to his arm like a forgotten weight.
Marzio realized he did not like the woman at all. He hated the sweet looks she gave Ignis and the way in which she always managed to reach out for something at the same time the prince did, casually touching his hand too many times to be considered proper. It was clear she was trying to gain his attention, which was an implicit threat to Marzio's relationship with the man. Marzio had been hurt far too many times not to notice such details, and he hated not being able to do anything about it. He was planning to find the proper moment to address Ignis and... and what? What could he say that would not sound too suspicious to his table companions?
"Is something the matter, General?" Meris Keefer asked, pulling him out of his daze. "You went terribly silent all of a sudden."
Marzio's blood went cold as he realized everybody's attention was now fixed on him alone. He took a moment to recover, not missing the suddenly worried look he got from Ignis. "Everything is fine, Meris. Thank you for your interest," he finally replied, gaze fixed on the prince asking for a little comfort.
Ignis nodded his way, his eyes and his smile suddenly warm. "I hope nothing has inconvenienced you, Lord General," he spoke, true to his position that night. "I wish for all my guests to feel excellent tonight."
Marzio smiled back, but at the same time Kelan snorted. "Your Highness, I am sure General Zain-Reil is feeling perfect. Your presence is all it takes for his mood to raise."
Ignis' hand trembled as he placed the glass he was holding back on the table. 'The nerve he has, to say something like that in front of all the people gathered here!' Marzio thought.
Prince Sagni-Dor recovered extremely quickly. "Lord Loreh-Ven, I am not very certain I understand what you are implying," he said coolly.
"Only the obvious, Your Highness. It is a well-known fact in Angelia that General Zain-Reil has a... shall we say 'inclination' toward beautiful men. Like yourself, for example."
Marzio would have spoken up, and he saw Ignis preparing to cut in; but help came from someone he had least expected. Sanja, who had been following the conversation with interest, exclaimed in outrage, "Lord Kelan, I can assure you there is no threat! Prince Sagni-Dor only likes women!"
This time, Ignis went pale, coughing lightly behind his handkerchief to show his discomfort. He gave Sanja a shaking smile and turned to face Kelan. "My lord, I have long been aware of Marzio's preferences, and yet I see no danger in calling him my friend. As for whom I fancy, that is my business and mine alone." Offering Marzio a little smile as well, he turned to Keefer. "So, what theme are you considering for next year's graduation party?"
Understanding why the prince was changing the subject, Meris Keefer indulged him. "I was thinking perhaps the Dance of the Seasons. We had a hunting theme when you graduated and... "
The discussion went off in that direction; then came the time for dancing, and Sanja's efforts to gain Ignis' interest seemed to blossom as Ignis kissed her hand gallantly and invited her to dance with him. One dance became three, then five, and Marzio was now positively fuming. It was not enough that she had been flirting with Ignis, but now he flirted back! And the way he held her, turning dangerously close as the song grew slower and slower until the pairs were practically holding each other... Damn! This was driving him insane!
And then... then the prince leaned forwards even so slightly, and whispered something in her ear which had her smiling; a smile that widened as Ignis kept saying Seleh only knew what! Marzio's hands clenched under the table and he had to try hard not to let his inner turmoil show. What the hells was Ignis doing?!
He started feeling misled. He had been certain Ignis was feeling something for him, and that something was not a mere fixation. Had he been just another affair? Had Ignis used him? Was the Demon now discarding him like one did an old pair of gloves?
His head swarmed with so many questions, and a million possible answers to those questions... He could not stay there any longer. He couldn't stand looking at those two together for any longer!
Getting up from the table abruptly, he hurried out of the hall not bothering to look back.