The Hero King

Chapter XII

**Amelie's POV**

The day had finally come.

Today was the day of the Royal Wedding.

Today was also the official end of my and Marth's relationship completely. I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror as I brushed my hair.

I stared deep into my own eyes, where I could see the pain that I tried so desperately to hide. I practiced smiling, I thought about how happy Marth's life would be now that I had finally removed myself from it. I forced the smile, and it turned out to be somewhat genuine.

I wanted Marth to see that I was going to be okay, that I was strong and perfectly capable on my own.

I slipped on the dress that the maids had lent me for the occasion, it was a pale pink and dazzling, it shimmered as the light reflected off of sequins sowed into the fabric. It went well with my dark hair and fair complexion.

I powdered my face and lined my lips, I let my hair fall from its pinned up position into curls, and I slid my gloves up my arms. I let out a shaky sigh and jumped at a knock from my door.

**time skip**

After the ceremony, all of us who were formally invited by the King and Queen went to the castle for a party of sorts. It seemed more like a meet and greet for the families and close friends to the king and queen.

I had only just turned to walk out when a voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Amelie!"

"King Marth," I turned to him and smiled brightly, "Queen Caeda, good evening!"

I bowed deeply, keeping that smile plastered to my face.

"Congratulations!" I said as warmly as I could.

"Thank you, dearest friend." Marth said, his smile was so genuine.

I felt strange, my heart was racing but had stopped all at the same time.

"Yes, thank you. You have been a very dear friend to Marth, and we are both very grateful." Caeda said, there was no hint of hostility in her voice, only warm and kind appreciation.

"King Marth."

A deep voice jarred us all out of our feigned conversation.

"Oh, hello Ike! It's been such a long time!" Marth smiled and shook the hand of the beastly man beside him.

This guy was huge, he looked like he could crush me with just a snap of his fingers. He had blue, spiky hair and deep blue eyes.

He scared me, to the point of fidgeting.

"Indeed, it has been," he rumbled, "Caeda." He nodded a greeting to the princess.

"Hello, Ike is it? Pleasure to meet you!" She said with a bright smile.

He then turned to me.

"And this is?" He inquired, his eyes pierced straight through me.

"O-oh I'm-.."

"This is Amelie." Marth cut in.

"Hmm."

Ike seemed to be sizing me up, I felt so uncomfortable under his intense gaze.

"I'm surprised that he married this one and not you." He said bluntly.

"Whoa does this guy have no filter?!"
I thought, my eyes widening in surprise.

"I'm Marth's cousin, he used to talk about you all the time when he came to visit me and my dad." He turned his gaze to Marth, "He used to talk about how much he couldn't wait to get back so he could see you."

"Yes, yes. That's quite enough, Ike." Marth said tensely.

Ike merely blinked at him.

"I'm only speaking the truth, you-..."

"You and Marth must be very close then, huh?" I asked, cutting him off to spare us the fight that was about to ensue.

I could see the anger rising in Marth's eyes, one more word and he would've been at this man's throat.

"We used to be." He said, turning his attention back to me, "after my father died I became a mercenary and we stopped seeing much of each other."

Ike paused, "Still, if Marth ever needed my help with anything I'd be the first to jump in and help."

"Ah, that's very kind of you." I said, bowing my head slightly.

Ike shrugged, "He's family, I'd do anything for my family."

Marth nodded, "The same goes with me, if you are ever in need of my help, Ike, do not hesitate to ask."

Ike said nothing and crossed his arms, turning his attention back to me.

"If you do not have an escort for the party already, I could handle that for you."

I simply shook my head yes, who in the right mind would refuse this man?

Ike held out his hand and I took it, my hand looked so small and fragile in his. I was surprised at how gently his hand closed around mine. He led me away from the King and Queen of Altea and eventually outside away from everyone else.