The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Two Birds One Stone

"Marx!"

The sharp call jolted Marx from his focused task of organizing reports. He turned toward the sound, surprised to see Aphi jogging over to him with a broad grin.

"Aphi?"

Aphi smiled and waved, slowing to a stop in front of the confused assistant.

"I need your help,"

Marx frowned, glancing around quickly.

"If it's about wedding plans, you should talk to-"

Aphi interrupted him with a burst of laughter, shaking his head,

"No, no, it's not don't worry."

Relief and intrigue flickered across Marx's face, but before he could question further, Aphi gestured toward the hallway.

"Can we go somewhere private?"

Marx hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright, follow me,"

He led Aphi to his office, pushing open the door to reveal a cluttered desk piled high with documents and a chair that had seen better days. Marx quickly brushed some papers aside and gestured for Aphi to sit.

"Take a seat,"

Aphi sat down and Marx nodded at him,

"So, what is it that I can help you with? Usually people send me letters,"

Aphi smirked, and Marx immediately felt a wave of regret. That mischievous glint in Aphi's eyes could only mean trouble. Marx groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose,

"Oh, I am so not going to like this,"

Aphi chuckled, leaning back in his chair.

"No, no, you will, trust me,"

Marx crossed his arms, his expression skeptical,

"Oh, really?"

Aphi leaned forward, his grin widening.

"Don't tell anyone what I'm about to say, alright? Not even Mynx."

Marx furrowed his brows but nodded,

"Alright,"

Aphi exhaled, his smile softening,

"Mynx and I are not getting married. We broke up-"

Marx shot out of his chair so quickly he nearly knocked it over,

"WHAT?!"

Aphi winced, holding up his hands in a surrender gesture,

"Yeah, but it was mutual, so don't worry. We're fine. We haven't told anyone yet... except her siblings. And, well, let's just say that was an interesting conversation. You're the first non-family member to know. Oh, and she doesn't know I'm here."

Marx narrowed his eyes as he slowly sat back down,

"And why are you telling me this?"

Aphi smiled at him,

"You, my blue haired friend, are going to help me play cards,"

Marx blinked, utterly lost,

"What?"

Aphi laughed,

"I assume you know the Wizard King is in love with Mynx, yes? I knew the moment I met him."

Marx groaned, letting his head drop against the desk with a dull thud,

"If I were you, I would have punched him,"

Aphi laughed,

"I didn't because I was confident that Mynx would never do anything to hurt me...turns out...we aren't meant to be together...and those two are...I realized something when I died, I don't love Mynx as a partner, I love her as my best friend...I never felt any love for anyone before, so I got myself confused,"

Marx raised his head, studying Aphi,

"Are you alright?"

Aphi shrugged, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips,

"I will be...It's just...so weird to think about."

Marx reached across the desk, patting Aphi's hand,

"You will find someone more perfect for you,"

Aphi nodded his head,

"I have to believe that,"

After a moment of silence, Marx leaned back in his chair,

"Why do you want to help Julius?"

Aphi ruffled his hair, his grin returning,

"Mynx...Mynx loves him. She doesn't realize it right now because she's still mad at him...it will be hard for her to let go of the grudge...but she needs to. Julius is her soulmate, her romantic soulmate."

Marx groaned, rubbing his temples,

"They are impossible, though,"

Aphi laughed,

"Which is why I have a plan,"

Marx tilted his head,

"A plan?"

Aphi's smirk turned devilish as he locked his fingers together,

"We have to drive the Wizard King insane,"

Marx deadpanned at him,

"He already is,"

Aphi laughed and shook his head,

"We have to drive him insane with jealousy, my dear friend,"

Marx raised an eyebrow,

"You do realize that you have been doing that this entire time anyway?"

Aphi chuckled and winked at him,

"Of course I do. But we gotta tip him over the edge,"

Marx sighed, already regretting his involvement,

"I have a bad feeling about this...but go on,"

Aphi stood, his grin widening,

"Mynx and I have a wedding to plan. And, to mend the friendship between Sir Julius and Mynx, I think it's only fit that he can lend a hand to the preparations, no?"

Marx chuckled and nodded,

"He is attending the event, so I guess it is only fit."

Aphi nodded his head,

"Yes, we need to make sure King Augustus doesn't suspect that Mynx and I are no longer getting married...at least until we know he won't throw us out of the capital,"

Marx nodded,

"Wise choice, Aphi."

"Yep! Anyways, I'm going to go talk to Mynx about the fake wedding! See you later!"

Marx watched as Aphi turned and strolled out of the office, whistling a cheerful tune. He sighed and slumped back in his chair.

"This is going to be a disaster,"