The Hero King

Chapter VI

Marth's return consisted of people frantically running around and welcoming him, and they even had a parade in his honor. His people had missed him dearly. I had missed him dearly.

The maids had put me in a frilly blue dress, in honor of the royal family. The dress came with white gloves the ran past my elbows, curled hair, and a load of make up. I didn't feel like myself in this.

Finally the time came for Marth to get up in front of his country and speak. It became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"I am proud to be here today, in Altea." His voice rang out, it was smooth like a bell, "the war was a long and grueling one, but we have finally persevered."

Cheering rumbled through our homeland. It was so loud that it made my chest reverberate.

"I am also proud to announce the new queen of Altea!"

More cheering.

Wait, what..?

"While I was away I wed to the beautiful princess of Taly's. Many of you know her already, I'll only hope you accept her into your hearts as I have!"

I watched in horror as Caeda walked up to Marth and kissed him squarely on the lips. The kiss lasted for a good minute, Marth's arms wrapped tightly around her hips. I felt a choking burn in my throat. I held my breath as tears stung hotly in my eyes.

'I have to get out of here.' I thought, rushing madly through the mass of people.

Before I knew it I had ended up at Marth and I's tree. I fell to my knees and let the sobs run through my body. It was strange, I knew this day would come, but I wasn't yet prepared for it. Seeing the love of my life with someone else made my chest feel hollow and numb. Now I was vomiting as well.

After a few hours I finally stopped crying, I leaned back against the tree and closed my eyes.

'How unfair.' I thought, it was so quiet that the thought seemed to echo in my head.

Some time later I heard the thumping of a horse running, and before I could react a voice cut through the silence.

"I thought you said you'd be the first one to welcome me back. What are you doing here, Amelie?"

I stayed silent for a minute before responding, mulling over what I was going to say.

"Welcome back, King Marth, and congratulations." I said with false enthusiasm.

Marth hopped off the horse, and sat down beside me.

"You know I don't love her." He said bluntly.

I didn't respond.

"Amelie, I'm truly sorry. I led you to believe this could be something other than it was, and for a moment I believed it myself bu-.."

"Just stop." I cut him off, "You have no idea how I feel, Marth."

"I suppose not, it's not like I ever loved you right?" He spat annoyedly.

More silence.

"Marth I-..." I was cut off by the sound of more horseshoes.

"Marth."

It was Caeda.

"What are you doing here?" She snapped, "With her?"

I flinched.

'He told her about our spot?' I thought, feeling sick to my stomach again.

Marth stood up, "She's my best friend Caeda, I haven't seen her in two years."

"If she wanted to see you she would've been at the ceremony." She hissed.

I felt tears sting my eyes again.

"Caeda just-.."

"No, she's right." I intervened, standing up and bowing, "My deepest apologies milady."

"A-Amelie.." Marth murmured, standing up to look at me.

"Humph, Marth you're needed in the castle." Caeda said, completely ignoring me and moving between us.

My heart lurched as she draped onto Marth and led him away without so much as a goodbye to me.

Just like that my love left me along with my friend, Caeda.