Suikoden VII

Chapter Two: Part Two

Note: The 5 polls for the second Suikoden plays for 1-5 will be ending on 12/31, so you still have plenty of time but make sure to vote before then. If you cannot vote in the polls leave your vote in a comment and I will count it towards the total.

I'm feeling much better, so to make up for last week I'm planning on doing 3 chapters this week.

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Chapter Two: Part Two

"So it was sent to everyone?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Albert said with a respectful bow. "I had messenger birds sent out before your meeting with your remaining heirs. All of the lords and ladies across Zelant have heard of Princess Astraea's...treason."

King Franz nodded. "They can't kill her. They must bring her back alive. She can't die until I get the True Wind Rune."

"Understood, Your Majesty. If Her Highness is smart though...then she will avoid Triona."

King Franz frowned deeply and ducked his head. "She must think me a monster. But I HAD to do what was necessary. Sarka obviously cannot know of this. If she does..." he shook his head and looked up at Albert again. "Astraea must be the last, Albert. I cannot kill any more of my children. I will manage however I can with Sigrun and Denzel, but..." he gritted his teeth. "There must be no others after Astraea!"

"I understand, Your Majesty." Albert bowed again.

"That will be all for now," King Franz said. "You've been working too much. Go and spend time with Darya and my grandson."

Albert's mouth quirked slightly. "I won't protest spending time with my wife and son, Your Majesty."

Albert departed the king's private offices. He headed in the direction of his apartments, but as he idly glanced out the window he paused. It was nighttime, but in the gardens below he saw Prince Kion and Gwenette. The Prince was lying on his back on a garden bench, his arm still in a sling and his eyes closed. He looked like he was taking a nap. Gwenette was standing over him, her back to her charge and watching her surroundings.

Albert stared down at them for a few moments before looking for a set of stairs. He descended down to the first floor and entered the gardens. Gwenette was at the ready; her body taut for a brief moment. But then she relaxed when she saw him. "Sir Albert," she said, saluting. "Good evening."

"Good evening, Gwenette," Albert told her. "Congratulations on braving the Crypt for seventy-two minutes."

"His Highness spent the same amount of time down there, Milord," Gwenette replied. "It was no fascinating feat."

"Staring down Bhayankar is always a great feat," Albert said. He looked down at Kion. "The Prince is not overdoing it, is he?"

"He is briefly resting," Gwenette reassured him. "He wants to nap for an hour before we go back to work."

"You both should go back to bed when he wakes up. The work will still be there tomorrow. Tell him I said so."

Gwenette looked like she wanted to protest, but she said nothing. "Have a good night," Albert said, turning to walk away.

"Sir Albert?" Gwenette called out softly.

Albert stopped but did not turn around. "I—I saw Bhayankar," Gwenette said. "In the Crypt."

Albert turned around to face him. "Not every day that you see a Sarcosuchus, is it?"

Gwenette nodded stiffly and fidgeted slightly. "I...noticed that Bhayankar has a...brand on him—"

"Enough," Albert interjected, gesturing. "I cannot stop you from telling His Highness, but I must ask that you keep this observation to yourself."

Gwenette looked startled by his proclamation, but after a moment she nodded. "I...understand, Sir Albert."