The Hero King

Chapter XVII

**Amelie's POV**

Ike gave me three days to pack up my things.

I only needed one.

I had decided that if I were going to go through the with this, I needed to leave as soon as possible before something caused me to change my mind.

So, headstrong, shoulders lifted, face determined, I left Altea and its Hero-King behind me.

It was a long ride for two people, luckily Ike had managed to get us separate horses so it wouldn't be too uncomfortable. We had been riding for almost four hours, stopping every two hours or so for a break.

Ike didn't talk much, every so often I'd build up the courage to ask him a question with his response usually being a grumble, nod, and or chuckle. Eventually I just stopped talking altogether, I felt that I was annoying him and wasting my breath at the same time.

Eventually he stopped his horse and looked back at me. Confused, I rode up to him and stopped.

"About an hour left until we get there. I figured we'd take one more break, you seem pretty tired."

I didn't want to show it, but I was exhausted. I simply nodded and got off the horse. Ike put a blanket on the ground and we sat there for a while, I found it was getting harder and harder to hold my eyes open, especially now that the sun had went down.

"You should ride with me for the rest of the way." Ike's voice made me jump.

"I-I don't wanna be a burden, it's only an hour.." I said, feeling my face start to burn.

"You're no burden, if it bothered me too much I wouldn't have asked. Also, You don't have to feel bad about relying on me, that's what I'm here for." Ike chuckled and patted my head.

The gesture made me giggle.

"Hey! Stop that! I'm not a dog you know!" I laughed and to my surprise, so did he.

"But, if you're sure it's not an issue then yes, I would be more than pleased to ride with you the rest of the way."

So I did, I got on the back of Ike's horse with him and wrapped my arms tightly around him, resting my head against his broad back so I could sleep.

When I awoke I was in a bed, sunlight pouring through a window. I sat up and stretched, taking a good look around the room.

It appeared to be an empty attic, the floors were of wood surrounded by a light brick wall. There was a single bed, a vanity, and all of my stuff. The room was about double the size of my shack in Altea alone.

Eventually I got up and looked at myself in the vanity mirror, my hair was sticking up all over and my eyes had slight bags under them. I quickly walked over to my satchel of things and pulled out a brush.

I sat down in front of the vanity once again and began to brush my hair. Then I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Ike opened the door and walked a few steps in.

"Good morning."

"Good morning to you as well, Ike."

"Breakfast is ready downstairs, come eat when you're ready. If you need any help settling in, just ask." And with that, the mercenary stalked out.

I couldn't help but smile as I continued to brush my hair. Being away from Altea was nice, waking up to a meal and having the privilege of living with such a kind man was even nicer.

I put the hair brush down and got ready to go downstairs. Today marked a new chapter in my life. One where I didn't have to be miserable anymore.