From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 Unforeseen Arrangement 𖥸

|| Requested By||
capricorn97_otaku

|| Information ||
This short story takes place before the events of Phoenix Gate and during the second time skip. This short story does NOT align with the events of the main story.

|| Plot ||
Lyra receives heartbreaking information that Duchess Anabella has arranged for her marriage with a noble's son from Sanbreque. She is forced to spend her time with her husband-to-be, only to learn of his true nature. Clive learns of this horror and does everything in his power to free her from the arrangement.

PS—I did not proofread this chapter for any grammatical/spelling errors. I'm hoping to get around to it soon!

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|| Rosalith ||
|| Year of the Realm - 860 ||

In the throne room of Rosalith Castle, all Lyra could hear was the sound of her heart beating rapidly in her ears. Her body was consumed by a cold sweat as she stood before a smirking Duchess Anabella. Archduke Elwin was currently away from the capital and in his absence, the woman had arranged a marriage between her and a nobleman's son from Sanbreque. At the command of the duchess, she would be meeting her betrothed near the city gates in an hour.

Unable to argue with Duchess Anabella, Lyra gripped the front of her dress with a distressed look. She quickly bowed her head to hide her face. "I...I understand, my lady. I-I shall meet him when he arrives."

The woman's wicked grin twisted further. "If you cannot behave with your charming husband-to-be, I will have you Branded and shipped to the Holy Empire within the week."

"Yes, my lady..."

Lyra turned and walked out of the throne room. Tears began forming in her eyes. Head still hung low, she closed the door behind her. The two guards who were usually stationed outside the throne room were gone, leaving her by herself. She wanted to find her father, but Rodney was accompanying Archduke Elwin. The only family she had left was Hanna. Alas, she was in Eastpool. If she attempted to leave to see her mother, the duchess would hear and carry out her threat.

Overcome with sorrow, Lyra leaned against the doors and slowly sank to the floor. Hugging her knees close to her chest, she sniffled as tears streamed down her cheeks. She buried her face against her knees in an attempt to silence her sniffles.

"Lyra?"

The girl hugged her knees tighter at hearing the worried voice of Clive. She didn't dare look at him in her current state. Her resolve almost shattered when she felt him place his hands on her shoulders.

"What did my mother say to you?" Clive asked. He squeezed her shoulders when she didn't reply. "Please, Lyra. Seeing you upset is something I cannot bear."

"Forgive me," she feebly said, her voice shaking with sorrow. She turned her body so his hands slipped from her shoulders and she stood up. Unable to hide it any longer, she lifted her head and looked at him. Tears continued to cascade down her face as she smiled sadly. "I must go." She walked past him, leaving the castle.

Unbeknownst to the girl, Clive's heart ached at seeing how broken she was. He was frozen in place due to seeing her in such a devastating state. He glanced at the door to the throne room, debating on whether to confront his mother or chase after Lyra. Deciding on the latter, he rushed out of the castle and entered the courtyard. Eyes frantically scanning the area, he searched for her but discovered he had lost her.