@armatization / xx.
Eirika was not prone to fits of violence. It was not her nature. She valued peace and diplomacy above all else.
However, she sometimes felt like making an exception for Innes.
"Do not forget who holds my brother's confidence more than any other. I may not be in line to sit upon the throne, but I have a very good idea of the pressures it entails. As I support Ephraim, I hope to support you as well." No matter how she wished to wrap her hands around his neck sometimes, Innes was still her friend. She had known him since childhood.
She was almost willing to accept the sentiment of his words. As he meant a great deal to her, so she did to him. The drive to protect someone close to you could overshadow all sense.
“I will not allow that to happen, because I love you, Eirika.”
Was this his idea of a confession?! Confusion, then rage, and then exasperation ran through her.
It was no secret to Eirika — though it was one to both Innes and Ephraim — that Innes held feelings for her brother. Eirika could be blind and she would see it. At some point, his feelings had become misplaced on her, and if she had to listen to him again insinuate that she was the one who held her brother in such lofty standards, she might very well break her own morals and strangle him.
Ephraim, of course, had no idea of Innes's affections. Her brother thought the Frelian prince hated him.
The other issue she took with his so-called confession was that what if she did love him? His thoughtlessly spoken words would give only false hope. Yet he had no idea.
"Innes," she started slowly, knowing she needed to be tactful in how she spoke. "I care for you a great deal as well. However, I caution you to not use such words so casually unless you really mean them."
