The Hero King

Chapter XXVI

"Here's a message from Ike of Crimea, milord."

The messenger handed the king a small envelope before bowing and leaving.

The kings fingers eagerly slid under the seal of the envelope, popping it open. He pulled up the letter, unraveling it to read:

"Dearest King Marth,

You have been formally invited by princess Elincia to attend the wedding of her personal guard, and your close cousin, Ike. 

The wedding will take place at the square of Crimea, where all people of the country shall be invited to celebrate.

We will discuss there after the details of your Ruffian problem, and the effort we are willing to put in to help you and your people.

Looking forward to your appearance.

Elincia."

Marth hadn't even noticed the tears streaming down his cheeks until Caeda placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Marth, what's wrong?"

The king simply blinked in response and shook his head. He swallowed a few times, trying to choke down the burning sensation in his throat; fighting more tears that threatened to spill.

"Amelie... She's getting married."

He straightened his back and cleared his throat.

"And I have been invited to go to the wedding by princess Elincia."

Caeda tilted her head, "Shouldn't you be happy, then?"

Marth said nothing, rereading the letter over and over; as if the words might magically change.

Caeda gently pulled the letter down, meeting the sapphire eyes of the king.

"Be happy that she's happy."

It took Marth all of his strength to keep from falling to his knees in despair; this was really it, the end of he and Amelie as lovers. This was past the point of return; his heart lurched, hand clutching the letter shakily.

"You hurt her."

Ike's words slid through his mind, stabbing his heart like a dagger. Rage now ensued; until he felt he wanted Ike dead. Marth seethed as he began to feel the betrayal of his cousin, someone he had trusted from childhood. The king's eyes went dull, his eyebrows knitting closely together as he reached his resolve:

I'll have his head.