Embers of Sun and Flame (Fuegoleon Vermillion x OC)

Chapter 50 A brief kiss and rain

"You wanted to see me?" Fuegoleon asked, entering Augustus' throne room.

"Ah, Fuegoleon. That is indeed correct," the king spoke with a tone that kept climbing as he spoke, sounding much like a slide whistle.

"For what purpose?" The vermillion-haired royal inquired with a frank tone, despite his heart beginning to flutter with the careful thought of hope. Hope of King Clover encouraging him to take initiative with the relationship he was already in.

"The... foreign woman that was at the ball, you danced with her. Did you not?"

"I did. Is that a crime?"

"Oh no, no," Augustus replied while twirling his moustache between his fingers. "I realize that the idea of engaging with a foreigner can be off-putting, but it didn't seem intolerable, which is why I have something for you to do."

"And what might that be?" He asked as the faint whisper of hope kept growing louder. The distant, faint voice was coming closer, speaking to him. And it sounded much like Solara, as if she was right next to him, speaking to him about a future that they almost had. The future that they were so close to having.

"We don't deal with many foreigners for a reason, but they do seem to have a lot to offer us. So, an alliance with them does seem beneficial enough at the moment. She might have a bit of a loose tongue, spilling that they have magical tools and artisans who can craft such. But I'm sure you can work your way around it."

He really is trying to talk me into a marriage, Fuegoleon mused to himself. He does have a few good arguments, but nothing that I'd abide... If the circumstances were what he thinks them to be...

"She's not a complete waste of breath however."

Please... Don't talk about my future wife that way.

"As she pointed out, an alliance is much stronger if there's a personal relation with people in positions of authority, or nobility."

"You want me to marry her?" He asked, trying to contain his tone, succeeding only because of the thought, the realization of not actually asking her yet.

"Oh I couldn't ask such a thing right off the bat," Augustus replied. "But I need you to start courting her, and see if an alliance with them would actually be beneficial. And since she's here in person, you'll have easier time to do so and try to get close to her."

"I'm afraid that... she'll be going back to her home country shortly," he stated, not quite sure why. I could have just agreed to it. I could have.

"Hmmm... In that case I need to hurry to prepare a list of demands for her to present to their king. And during the time that you do have, try to get her to like you."

"I... shall do my best," he bit down his teeth in an effort to keep himself from smiling.

"You seem displeased by this," Augustus commented. "And I can understand why. Marrying nobility instead of royalty is unfavourable to a member of the royal families. But you're of marrying age, and she is already on friendly terms with you, so you're the most suitable candidate."

"I am. Indeed of marrying age." His eyes were down to the floor, into the distance that laid in the tiles of the floor, as he tried to keep the smile, that kept trying to bubble up, contained.

"I realize the inconvenience, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the good of the kingdom," Augustus concluded.

"I understand," Fuegoleon replied, feeling a weight being lifted from his shoulders. I can't believe... that it's finally happening... Though it was far too easy. Perhaps it's a good thing that the King isn't too fond of the idea of going abroad. Otherwise, we might be talked out of the kingdom's riches...