That night, you receive Madeleine in your quarters.

After a few hours, in which the Sinnabarrovian party settle in, you retreat to your quarters. As of your wedding, Kara has been sleeping by your side every night, though her responsibilities often keep her up well after you've drifted off. Either the princess did not believe in delegation, or the conflict was so personal for her she was unwilling to practice it.

As you sit, draining your customary goblet of wine, you're alerted by a rap on the door. Answering it, you're greeted to the familiar forms of Madeleine, and Elodie, her demure, blonde lady-in-waiting.

You invite them in. As soon as the door's closed, Madeleine throws her arms around you, pulling you into an embrace.

“Edward, it's been too long!” the princess says. “It does me good to see you.”

Elodie stares off into the distance, obviously trying not to pay too much attention to her mistress' affections, or seem too disinterested.

“I-Indeed,” you slur. “Your arrival here is most unexpected.”

“Couldn't let you have all the fun!” Madeleine giggles. “Besides, I think it's past time I showed the world exactly what I can do, if I'm to be a queen one day.”

Not if your stepmother and the Chancellor have any say in the matter, you think to yourself.

“An... admirable sentiment, Madeleine.” you state.

“Donald's a little hesitant to act on some of my ideas, but I'm certain I can convince him my way is best.” Madeleine tells you. “I'm rather fond of the man, but he clearly thinks innovation in warfare peaked with the war-axe!”

“They do come in handy, or so I hear.” You remark.

“Yes, but think what we can accomplish if we really apply our minds to it!” Madeleine says, unable to contain her excitement. “I've only been in Beatha a few days, and already I've had so many ideas-”

“Another week or so and you should have this entire war figured out, then.”

“Well I think that might be a scad optimistic, Edward.” Madeleine says, with complete sincerity. You glance to the side, meeting Elodie's gaze, but if you were too nervous to say anything, Madeleine's servant wasn't about to.

“Still, it's good to have someone believe in me.” Madeleine smiles, taking your left hand, entwining her fingers with yours. “I feel like you're one of the only people in this gods-forsaken world I can trust, Edward.”

With that, the princess leans up, bringing her lips to yours.

“I've missed you so much!” Madeleine says needily, rubbing herself against you.

“W-We shouldn't.” you slur, withdrawing a little from the redhead's touch.

“Why?” she asks. “You haven't become shy, have you? It's alright, I can make Elodie face the wall-”

“No, it's just...” you begin, searching for an excuse, part of you wondering if you shouldn't just break the bad news to Madeleine right now. “The battle. Seeing so much **** and devastation, even the aftermath. It's shaken me?”

“I'll shake you back to your old self, then.” the princess smiles, gold rings gleaming as she reaches up to caress your face.

“No. P-perhaps you had better just leave.” you say finally.

“Edward, no one's ever turned me down.” Madeleine says, her voice losing its usual self-satisfied, smarmy timbre. “Ever.”

“And I'm not.” you insist. “I just think it would be best if you came back another night. Tomorrow, perhaps.”

“Fine.” Madeleine remarks. “Come, Ellie.” she seizes the blonde's hand, and makes for the door. “Perhaps Donald will be in more of a mood for some entertainment. A strapping, strong, fit man like him usually is.”

As Madeleine leaves, you limp back over to your drink and pour yourself another cup of wine, almost to the brim this time. Even though you'd been more cruelly insulted, and by people you held in higher esteem than the Red Princess in your time, Madeleine's veiled insult still stung. You had no idea how exactly, but were sure you could have handled that better.

As you imbibe your drink, you muse that at least she's Donald's problem for now. Of course, given what you knew of his proclivities, he might actually find Elodie rather intriguing...