Arrangements

Chapter 23

By the end of the second week she can walk in short bursts, but refuses to remain in the med bay any longer.

"Brother dear, you know I value your thoughts, but if I stay in this bland colorless room a second longer I will go mad." She says so with such utter seriousness I do not venture to rebut her.

"Very well Serina." She is placed back in Corrin's chamber not ten minutes later

Prince Corin's POV

I'm surprised to find Serina resting in our bed instead of the med bay, she still looks tired and it seems to take conscious effort to complete even simple actions. She is kept secure in several blankets even with the warm temperature of the room. Her eyes are closed, but as I lay beside her she moves closer lazily opening her eyes, she smiles. "Good evening, Corin."

"Evening, Serina." I debate whether to share the news, but she must know it certainly important. "The nations have agreed to our meeting." She shifts, sitting straighter I secure my hold.

"Honest?"

"Always."

"We must sign our own agreement, first. ...In front of the people."

"Serina, you can barely stand on your own."

"Then we shall do it sitting down, this all means nothing if we do not secure our own terms. How could we be trusted to carry out others? Besides, even with your ships it will take at least two weeks to reach Carnebi, we mustn't waste time if we wish to arrive on the set date."

I cannot argue with her logic, but I worry she will be unable to handle such an act. She needs rest, but we can put this off no more.

"Your word is true, darling."

"Best grow used to that, dear."

The ceremony is set the next evening. We gather in the town square of Besan directly in front of the memorial. With the document already drafted and further investigated by our scholar all that remains is to sign. Serina stands shakily by my side. No one objects when we hastily sit.

It is a rather anticlimactic affair; the terms of the arrangement are read aloud and at our confirmation of these being terms we consent to each party signs. Starting with Prince Zargot as the rightful heir of Ariox then mom and dad myself and finally Serina her hand trembles slightly whether from fatigue or nerves I'm not certain, perhaps both. She does sign, though the motion seems to have drained her despite the bright smile she wears at the thunderous applause.

We are quick to leave following the customary bows and curtsies to complete the formalities. She does not object to an early night.