Loyalty

As the days passed, the Warrior of Light and Prince were drawn closer to each other in their newfound alliance. The Garlean prince’s praises, his tender touches, and the way he treated her with both kindness and passion had a profound impact on her.

The miqo’te gazed outside the window, admiring the snowflakes that twinkled and danced in the wind. She is seemingly lost in thought as the cold of Garlemald continues its play outside.

With the Garlean Empire under the prince’s control, he saw an opportunity to entice the Warrior with a promise of power and status.

Zenos, with a seductive glint in his eye, whispered to the Warrior of Light as he approached her from behind, his words designed to entice her and draw her closer to his side. “My dear Warrior, you possess a strength and beauty that transcends all. With your power and my Empire, we could rule not just as conquerors but as legends to be written as history.”

He continued, his voice a sensuous murmur, “Imagine the world at our feet, the thrill of wielding power and passion in equal measure. You, my sweet Warrior, are the key to a future unlike any other.”

His words were a cunning and tempting proposition, and he used all his charm and persuasive abilities to win her over for himself. The promise of ruling at his side as his equal ignited a fire of desire within her, something she didn’t even know she had.

The Warrior of Light, her heart swayed by Zenos’ enticing words, responded with a mixture of desire and ambition. Her ears perked as he piqued her interest. “Zenos,” she murmurs, her voice laced with longing, “I’ve always yearned for something more, a purpose greater than the battles I’ve fought. With you, I see a future where power and passion are ours to wield. To finally stand by someone who sees me as their equal, rather than someone less or greater, someone who can make me feel valued for who I am, and not what I do…” she paused for a moment before regaining he composure at the next thought, “someone who doesn’t just use me as a mere tool...”

Her words were filled with a deep yearning for a life beyond the constant battles and responsibilities that had defined her existence. The promise of a future with Zenos, one filled with power, ambition, and no duties, had been on her mind, and she was ready to embrace the path he had laid before her.

Zenos, captivated by the Warrior of Light’s response and the spark of ambition in her eyes, couldn’t help but offer a smug and approving smile. He loved hearing his name coming from her mouth.

In a display of affection and possessiveness, he took the Warrior’s hand in his, and brought it to his lips while taking a deep bow. He placed a tender kiss on the back of her hand, his eyes locked on to hers.

“Ah, my dear Warrior,” he purred, his voice a husky whisper, “Together, we will rewrite the very fabric of history. The world will bow to us, and you, my sweet Warrior, will stand at my side, as an equal. Our power and desires will shape a new image, and no one will stop us. Anyone who dares to interfere will face our wrath.” he continued as he rose back to his usual looming posture.

Zenos’ enticements stirred Sachi’s emotions, but a concern gnawed at the back of her mind. She couldn’t ignore that she had once been the Empire’s enemy, and her sudden ascension to power alongside the prince could provoke chaos among his loyal soldiers.

With a furrowed brow, she voiced her concern to Zenos, her voice tinged with a touch of worry. “I can’t help but wonder about your soldiers. They once saw me as a threat. They probably still do. How can I be alongside you without causing chaos among them, or worry about them plotting to assassinate me?”

Her question was a valid one, as the delicate balance of power and loyalty within the Empire was a significant consideration considering the pride of Garleans.

“Oh, dearest of mine,” he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of his authority, “Those soldiers know they face certain death if they defy my orders. Anyone who tries to lay a hand on you will suffer a slow, gruesome, agonizing death,” he reassured her with a gentle caress on her cheek.

With a dramatic display of his power, Zenos removed his coat and draped the thick cloth over her, effectively shielding her from the current guards in the spacious room. It was a symbolic gesture, a demonstration of his commitment and protection over her.

He leaned closer from behind, “You’re my treasure, and anyone trying to steal my prize will face my unrelenting wrath,” he whispered in her ear with a possessive growl.

Sachi’s tension seemed to loosen, his confident words soothing her worries that had been gnawing at her. She crossed her arms to pull the coat closer to her and took in the smell of it, the scent entrancing her.

The prince was satisfied with the gesture she displayed and wrapped his arms around her over her shoulders, pulling her closer to his body that was looming over her. It’s making her feel safe and secure, and she finally feels protected for once, rather than constantly feeling like the protector to others. Both gazed outside the window to watch the snowflakes fall.

———

The Warrior and prince sought privacy in his chambers later that evening, the wall torches and fireplace giving the room a dim, warm glow, shielding them from the cold seeping through the walls as the winter storm danced fiercely outside.

Zenos is prepped up against the headrest, pillows shielding him with comfort against the tarnished wood. In his left hand, he’s holding a green book with gold lettering. The cover has noticeable wear, and he’s reading it in a rather bored fashion.

His right hand gently caresses the miqo’te’s hair, who is resting on his lap, gazing at the fireplace. She has no interest in books and finds more comfort in staring at the ember that escapes the contained fire across from them, seemingly lost in thought.

However, their peaceful moment was soon interrupted by knocking on the chamber’s door.

“My lord, I have come with the requested arrangements for the evening.” a female voice speaks up.

“Enter,” Zenos responds, closing the book and setting it on the nightstand beside the bed. The miqo’te’s ears perk up at the disturbance, and her gaze shifts towards the door.

The door opens, and a female Garlean servant comes through, dressed in a maid outfit. She has served Zenos for a long time, judging from their familiar glances at each other. The servant brought a tray of arranged charcuterie, two glasses, and a wine bottle and placed it on a nearby tray table close to the pair on the bed.

The servant’s presence, the way she looked at Zenos, did not go unnoticed by Sachi. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of irritation, her proximity to Zenos raising hostility within the miqo’te as they exchanged friendly expressions, something the prince normally doesn’t do with anyone else but the Warrior.

When the servant prepared the table for them, she took a deep bow. She remained in the position before speaking up, “My lord, I have matters to discuss privately with you, if you would meet me in my chambers later,” she requested and straightened back up to meet his gaze again.

Zenos nods. “Very well,” he answers and feels the Warrior stiffen at his response beneath his hand that was petting her. Her long ears were folded back, and her tail flicked in annoyance.

“Privately?” The Warrior hesitated but finally spoke up, and she got off his lap to sit straight up on the bed. Her tone betrayed her, revealing the unease and jealousy that had taken hold of her quickly. After all, why can’t she discuss the details here? The thought of Zenos spending time with another woman agitated her, especially with how friendly he looked at her.

Zenos, with a sly smile, found amusement in her display of jealousy.

The maid, noticing Sachi’s jealousy, feels a little smug as she sees how the former enemy is getting jealous. “Yes, privately, the matter does not concern you,” she answers Sachi with a smug tone and sly smile, knowing that the prince will seek her out later and there is nothing she can do about it.

This expression was like a challenge to Sachi, who was already on edge. The miqo’te’s irritation peaked at her answer, and she lunged at the servant, her brute strength taking the maid by surprise. She forcefully grabs her throat and pins her against the wall, having snapped and lost her patience rather quickly. One should know not to mess with a short-tempered Warrior.

“Watch your attitude, lest you want me to be your last image before death,” she threatens as her gaze pierces that of the servant. Her hand closes around the woman’s neck tighter to ensure the message gets across. “He’s mine,” she growls, her fangs bared as her grip tightens.

Zenos couldn’t help but find the situation darkly entertaining. His sly, sinister grin remained as he observed them, but he was getting ready to interfere if things went too far.

“Oh?” he mused. “Is my Warrior jealous? How animalistic of you to choke your potential competition.” Zenos’s words carried a sense of amusement as he watched the two women locked in a tense and potentially dangerous confrontation. He had a twisted fascination with the dynamics playing out before him, curious to see how far Sachi would go to shield him from anyone getting close to him.

The servant’s eyes widened in shock and desperately tried to pry the Warrior’s hands off, but to no avail. She gasps for air and looks at Zenos with desperation in her eyes. “M-my lord!…” she yelps out, afraid that the brute in front of her will take her life right then and there.

“Release her,” Zenos spoke up with an authoritative tone loud enough to echo through the room.

Sachi releases the maid and, for good measure, tosses the maid to the floor. She tilts her head up in pride as she watches the maid scramble against the wall to distance herself from the Warrior.

“I dare you to be smug around me again. Next time... you’re dead.” the Warrior threatens with pride.

The room was tense, and the maid returned to stand straight despite her current fear. She knows if she doesn’t keep her posture and composure, it will cause consequences she can’t comprehend.

The miqo’te turned on the spot and made her way back to the bed. Her gaze shifts back to the maid, and she glares at her, watching every movement and expression change. She draped herself over the prince’s lap, like a hound possessively protecting its bone. She made herself comfortable as the adrenaline was still coursing through her.

Zenos leaned in closer, his voice a low, taunting whisper. “Aren’t you a feisty one… ready to fiercely guard what’s yours? How admirable to see you lose your temper to something as simple as friendly glances,” he murmured with a hint of mockery, his words intended to stoke the flames of her jealousy.

“But remember, she’s nothing to me, just a servant. She discusses details she overhears when cleaning the castle, nothing more,” he reassured her, not wanting his maid unnecessarily killed.

He gently strokes her hair, hand trailing down her neck and then her back, and he feels her tense body relaxing at the touch, something he has learned recently on how to soothe her troubled mind.

The servant didn’t want to provoke the Warrior again and bowed before retreating to her chambers for the evening.

Sachi couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph as the servant bowed and left, reaffirming her position by doing so. Her hostile posture has faded as she feels at peace again.

“I can’t help but notice how friendly you two seem with each other, something you never do with any of the other servants or guards,” she said, voicing her concern with a tinge of jealousy. Her ears are folded back, and her gaze is shifted away sheepishly.

Zenos shifted his position, his hand trailing from Sachi’s head to her shoulder. He gently pushed her over, maneuvering the Warrior of Light to lie flat on her back. He did it with such a swift and graceful move, asserting his dominance with his display.

He loomed over her with his tall, imposing figure, his face mere ilms away from hers as their breaths mingled. His hand on her shoulder secured her in place while the other gently lifted her chin, ensuring her gaze met his. His golden hair fell around them like a curtain, shielding them from prying eyes that would have been around if they weren’t alone.

“Oh, my sweet Warrior,” he purred in an enticing, husky voice. His thumb brushed gently over her cheek as he continued, “Your jealousy is admirable, but my eyes are only on you.” He leaned in even closer, his lips almost brushing against hers, the hand on her shoulder gently trailing down her body as his other was planted firmly next to her head on the mattress beneath them. “No one compares to you with your fierce personality, your pride entices me as you fend for what’s yours, and no one can come close to the strength you wield,” he continued.

The Warrior’s eyes widen as she feels her heart pounding in her chest. Her ears perked, and her tail swished with excitement. “I...I—“she’s quickly interrupted by him.

“Shh, shh, hush now, my beloved…” he whispers gently before continuing. “You’re mine,” he said with a low growl and then closed the remaining distance between them, capturing her lips in a deep, possessive kiss as he pulled her closer with his hand around her waist.

The Warrior of Light was shocked by Zenos’ intense and possessive advance. Her heart raced, and her breath quickened as their lips met in a searing kiss. The combination of his words, his touch, and the depth of the kiss left her momentarily breathless.

But as the initial shock faded, she responded to his passion with equal enthusiasm. Her arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer, and she returned his kiss with a hunger that mirrored his own. She no longer held back the feelings she had growing for him.

Zenos pulled away from their tender kiss, and both were catching their breath. Both their gazes were locked with one another, and Sachi was feeling rather bold and playful.

“If I’m yours, claim me then,” she said with a teasing purr in her voice, her right hand grabbing a fistful of hair at the base of his neck as she looked into Zenos’ eyes with a sultry and intense gaze.

The prince, his desire stoked by her words and actions, needed no further encouragement. With a hungry and possessive gaze, Zenos leaned down, claiming her lips in a fierce and passionate kiss.

(To be continued as a spicy chapter in the future.) ———

The next day, peace only lasted so long in the throne room. A Garlean guard approached them to announce the arrival of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.

“Ah, it seems we have guests, my dearest,” Zenos said with a tinge of annoyance but also some amusement to see how this would unfold. His gaze shifted from her to the few figures entering through the large double doors.

The Scions entered the throne room, and as they got closer to the throne, their hopes of reaching Sachi and bringing her back shattered immediately as they witnessed the distressing scene before them.

Silence befell all of them as they couldn’t believe their eyes, this all seemed like a nightmare.

There, sitting on Zenos’ lap, was their beloved Warrior of Light. Her usual characteristic armor was now gone, and instead, she was clad in a dark red dress adorned with black armor, echoing the aesthetics of the Garlean Empire. Her tail flicked a few times, clearly showing her annoyance.

Sachi’s presence in the enemy’s attire sent shockwaves through the Scions. Seeing their friend transformed and allied with their adversary was a stark reminder of the difficulty they would face. Her appearance only solidified the grim realization that she might not be returning to herself at all.

A heavy silence filled the room as the Scions stared in disbelief. The room seemed colder, and the path to rescuing their friend had become even more treacherous. The Warrior of Light was now a formidable enemy, and their mission to bring her back had grown immeasurably tricky.

The Scions watched with uncertainty as Sachi disengaged from Zenos’ lap. Her heeled greaves clashing with the floor echoed through the room with a heavy thud, a stark reminder of the change over her.

Zenos leaned back on the throne, resting his head on the back of his hand that is held up with his elbow on the armrest. He watches with a sly, sinister smile, ready to see his entertainment for the day.

As the Scions’s gazes remained fixated upon her, they expected her to reach for her trusty axe, a symbol of her former self.

However, to their surprise, she went for a black and red blade that matched her attire. The sword was long and thin, gleaming in the dim light of the throne room as she took hold of it. She took it with a graceful motion as she cut the air a few times to test her new blade. Her cuts are confident and precise, thanks to her years serving as a Paladin.

“Why have you returned?” The miqo’te finally spoke up with an annoyed growl as she faced them one step closer, the blade gracefully held out to the side. The words are more of a threat than curiosity. Her posture is straight, her head held high, taking a confident stance as she looks at the Scions with irritation.

“We’ve come to bring you back, Sachi,” Alphinaud declared, his voice steady. “This isn’t the path for you. We won’t give up on you.”

Sachi’s laughter filled the room, a mocking and bitter sound that sent a shiver down the Scions’ spines. Her amusement at their attempts only fueled the sinister grin on Zenos’ face, who watched the scene unfold with dark satisfaction.

Estinien, devastated by the transformation of his beloved wife, reached deep within his heart, desperately hoping to rekindle the memories of their shared past. He called out to her with a voice filled with anguish and longing, using the affectionate nickname that once had so much meaning.

“My little light,” he implored, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Please, remember who you are. Remember the love we shared, the battles we fought together. This isn’t you, my love.”

But instead of the desired effect, his words were met with disgust. The miqo’te regarded her past with disdain. The memories of her former self are now a source of repulsion rather than nostalgia.

“You dare speak of such a thing when you always ran away, having me constantly chase after you,” she growled at the memory. “My place is here, and Zenos has not dared to leave my side even once,” she answered with resentment.

Estinien, known for his stoicism, felt his heartache deepen as he witnessed Sachi’s reaction. The woman he loved, the light of his life, had turned away from him and their shared memories. The disbelief that clouded his expression mirrored the rage and betrayal within him.

Estinien stepped back, his usually strong facade giving way to an overwhelming sense of despair and sadness. He didn’t know how to respond. The realization that Zenos had eclipsed their love was a heavy burden to bear, and his heart ached with the loss of the woman he had once called his own. Guilt washed over him as he remembered how he would sometimes retreat to have a moment to himself. He just wanted space, but never thought of telling her that.

The Scions faced a difficult decision in their approach. They knew Sachi was firm on her decision to remain by Zenos’ side. Pursuing her with words had proven ineffective, as she had reacted with disdain and mockery. The emotional barrier between them appeared impenetrable.

“Leave. Now. Or face the consequences of disturbing my peace.” The miqo’te spoke up impatiently with a threat, clearly not wanting to see them ever again.

However, their bond with Sachi was strong, and they couldn’t simply give up on her. Instead, they might choose a multi-pronged approach. While some continued to engage her verbally, attempting to appeal to the memories and emotions they had shared, others might be ready to defend themselves if necessary.

Their goal would be to create an opportunity to reach Sachi’s true self, even if it meant temporarily confronting the manipulated version of her. The Scions understood that fighting her head-on should be their last resort, and they hoped to find an alternative that would allow them to break Zenos’ hold without resorting to violence.

Before meeting her again, they had discussed options. They contemplated knocking her unconscious and taking her away from Zenos, but they knew fully well that he would interfere. Even if they were successful, they would have to face her when she wakes up, and they would face inevitable wrath.

The other was to kill Zenos, but this task proves equally tricky as the Warrior of Light guards him. If he would fall, she’d rip them to pieces to avenge him with no mercy.

The Scions’s choice was focused on trying to see her reason with herself.

“How DARE you abandon us!” Alisaie finally spoke up, unable to contain her hurt anymore.

The miqo’te shifted her gaze to the smaller Elezen with narrowed eyes. “Abandon? You mean how you all go on with your day when I completed your dirty work for you?” She scoffs, a scowl appearing on her face at the memories. Every time she completed her duty, she’d get temporary praise, and everyone would go off and do their own thing right after, only solidifying her feelings of feeling used as a tool.

Alisaie is taken aback. “That’s not true—” she was immediately cut off at the denial. The denial of the Elezen sent Sachi over the edge as it angered her. Her temper snapped, and she lunged forward quickly, the blade cutting through the air with a swift, agile motion as she aimed to slice her neck with brute force.

Estinien was quick to react, thanks to his knowledge from her sparring. Knowing how she dips her ears and tail before jumping forward with an offensive attack, he hooked his lance under the blade to deflect it upwards.

Alphinaud, ever to react quickly out of instinct, stood in front of his sister to protect her, shielding her with his body by standing between Sachi and her.

The Scions knew that there was a possible third option: ending her life with their own hands, an option they did not discuss lightly. They exchanged worried glances, knowing that this may very well be the only viable option for them.

Such a choice would not only be a last resort but also an agonizing one, as it meant taking the life of their friend and comrade, a person they had fought alongside and shared countless battles and memories with. The mere contemplation of this possibility left them with profound despair and sadness. None of them are ready to commit to it.

The Scions were exchanging glances to see how to approach this. Sachi’s patience faded quickly, and she was determined to demonstrate her allegiance to Zenos. She made sure they understood the consequences of challenging her.

In one swift, clean motion, she lunges to the left and thrusts her blade into Estinien’s chest, aiming for the spot between the plates. He was distracted by his emotions, and she was able to connect the blade with his body. The blade penetrated the chainmail beneath his armor and then his flesh. The wound was deadly, and unless addressed promptly, it would prove fatal.

Estinien, betrayed by the woman he loved, staggered back, a look of disbelief and anguish in his steel blue eyes. “Sachi,” he choked out, his voice a mixture of pain and sorrow. “Why...?”

The pain from the wound coursed through him, but it was the emotional torment that cut deeper. He clutched his side, blood seeping between his fingers, and his voice trembled as he struggled to speak.

Sachi didn’t respond to his question and gave him a coldhearted glare as she pulled the blade back with one clean move. Her gaze trailed over to the other Scions to see their reaction as she gracefully moved the blade to her side again.

The prince watched as his Warrior pierced her former lover’s chest with a sinister smile. He knew that her loyalty to him would shatter all hope the Elezen had left.

Alphinaud and Thancred, equally shocked and devastated by the turn of events, rushed to Estinien’s side to provide immediate assistance. The severity of the wound was apparent, and they knew that time was of the essence if they were to save him.

The betrayal had deepened the rift between the Scions and Sachi, and the emotional toll it had taken on them was immeasurable.

With Estinien’s life hanging in the balance, the Scions had no choice but to retreat again. Their hearts were heavy with the knowledge that their friend and comrade had fallen so far from the light they once knew.

They all knew that the next time they saw each other again, it would be between life and death.

Sachi’s threatening presence loomed over them as they hurried to tend Estinien’s wound. She contemplated to strike the next Scion, but for now, she decided that the Scions were not worth her time.

“Leave,” she demanded, her growl echoing through the throne room. Her glare was fixed on them, and the hostility in her posture made it clear that she would not be patient for much longer.

The demand sent a shiver down the Scions’ spines. They knew that, with Estinien’s life on the line, they could not afford to provoke her further. They were unsure if they could even handle her in their current state, and the risk was too significant. For now, all they could do was heed her demand.

Thancred and Urianger stood by Estinien to give him support to lean on in case he needed it. All of them, especially Estinien, looked at Sachi with betrayal and sorrow before turning away to leave the room.

The throne room closed once more, and silence settled over the room as the Miqo’te’s hostile stance gradually faded. Her gaze shifted from the now closed door to the blood dripping from her sword, her expression void of emotions. She felt no satisfaction from the encounter, but neither did she feel guilty. She was hoping for more entertainment to let out her frustration.

Zenos, who had been a silent and imposing presence throughout, finally chose to speak. He remained seated on his throne, his voice dripping with fascination and amusement as he addressed Sachi.

“How fascinating…” his eyes fixed on her, “…to see you bury that blade into your lover. But... why did you miss your mark?” he asked curiously.

The Warrior of Light turned to face the Garlean Prince, her expression changing to a scowl. With slow, deliberate steps, she approached the throne, her black and red blade being discarded to the floor that echoed through the room. The remaining blood on the weapon splattered across the floor, a reminder of the violence that had unfolded.

As she stood right in front of Zenos, her voice remained confident. “He’s not my lover anymore,” she declared, a clear and final break from her past. The emotional attachment she once held for Estinien had been severed by the prince in front of her.

She gazed into his eyes as she declared with confidence, “I did not miss my mark.” Her words held a sense of pride, and it was clear that her actions had been calculated to send a message, rather than to end a life.

Her hand, now devoid of the weapon, caressed Zenos’ cheek with a seductive touch. “I have no interest in killing any of them just yet,” she added as she leaned closer to the Garlean prince.

“Hmm..” Zenos hummed in approval and didn’t question her further. Sachi’s anger, though veiled, was not lost to Zenos. He knew how to read her, something he had grown accustomed to the last few weeks.

With a honeyed, enticing voice, Zenos spoke, “Come, sit.” His words were a seductive invitation, an attempt to soothe the rage within her. His hand extended to her waist, pulling her closer in a gesture that was both affectionate and possessive.

The Warrior, despite her lingering anger, indulged the prince’s request. Her more petite figure made it difficult for her to get on his lap, and he deftly assisted her, using both hands to lift her onto his lap.

Once seated, Zenos’ left hand began to caress her hair gently, a soothing gesture to calm her down. His right hand remained firmly around her waist.

“You know,” Zenos whispered in her ear with a husky voice, “I think your new attire suits you,” he purred, his gaze traveling over her, admiring her curves. In her old armor, her scars had remained hidden, concealed from prying eyes. But now, in her new armor, they were on display, a testament to the battles she had fought and the trials she had endured. Some of which were from him from their past encounters, her permanent faint limp in her right leg being a constant reminder.

The Garlean prince had developed a fondness for these visible scars, viewing them as a symbol of courage and strength. They represented her resilience and her unyielding determination, qualities that had drawn him to her in the first place.

A faint smile graced her lips as she accepted his praise, acknowledging the compliment without uttering a word. Her ears perked, and her tail swished happily.

Zenos sees this as a good enough answer and hums playfully at her physical features, betraying the true emotions she is trying to hide. He continued stroking her hair gently as her body lost its tension over time.

As Sachi closed her eyes to relax, the soothing touch of Zenos’ hand gently petting her hair and the comfort of his embrace gradually lulled her into a state of drowsiness.

Subconsciously, a soft purring sound escaped her, a sign of contentment that she had always been self-conscious about, only slipping out when she was half-sleep or intoxicated. In this moment of vulnerability, it revealed her hidden happiness and sense of security.

Zenos, holding her possessively in his lap, continued his gentle gesture. He allowed her to rest and, after a while, stood up, holding her in a bridal-style manner, being all too careful not to wake her.

He gently pressed his lips to her forehead, kissing her affectionately. He turned to the hallways and began walking, retreating to his chambers with her for the rest of the night.