Attha sighed at seeing Rhambert fuming his head off. Not only was their appointment delayed for two hours, Coates had mysteriously ran off exploring the palace on his own like a child in a candy shop. As if the building wasn't big enough already!

" Calm down, Rhambert, I'm sure he'll be outside the meeting room when we get there..." She tried to pacify her assistant.

" You're too nice on the boy, Attha," Rhambert growled slightly, more frustrated at the circumstances rather than the woman," And do these Highlanders think our time is expendable? It's the third time this has happened to us..."

" Unless you're a Highlander, Rhambert, you won't understand," Attha smiled meekly as they walked down the corridor grandly flanked by paintings," Punctuality was never our thing. I remember how my mother used to be so late for everything that my father would go ballistic!"

"Is that so?," Rhambert smirked, a spark of amusement surfacing over his agitated self," Are you sure your mother was a Highland General? It seems hard to believe..."

" Of course she was, silly," Attha gave Rhambert a slight punch on the shoulder," For things that matter, Highlanders do make it on time..."

Her words was suddenly interrupted by a bump.

On her face.

" Kya!" Attha shouted as she fell unceremoniously on the floor. Grabbing her head, Attha wanted to shout abuses at her bad luck, but remembered where she was...and knew it was mostly her fault for not noticing her surroundings.

" I'm sorry for knocking into you..." Attha quickly got up, but as soon as she removed her hand from her face, her vision caused her to falter her words.

It was Prince Ruka Bright, clad in his royal garb, staring straight at her. Beside him was an older man, but he wasn't the focus of her shock.

" Oh my!" Attha exclaimed in surprise, and quickly bowed in respect as Highland protocol required her to," I apologize deeply from my heart over this mishap, Your Highness. Please forgive my carelessness."

She didn't know whether she should be scared or awed. Or maybe she WAS feeling a bit of both. Goodness, his dark eyes were so...intimidating. She had to admit the feeling of fear did dwell within the depths of her heart; she had heard of how capable this man was on the battlefield, and the horrifying fates he bestowed upon his enemies...she could definitely see that within his wild, beast-like eyes! And yet, she could also see a tinge of sadness (however hard he tried to hide it behind his overall menacing appearance), wispy forlorn memories of past regrets hiding within his small pupils. She wished she knew what to conclude, for their presence was a striking contrast to the prince's grimness...adding a tragic quality that can be only seen when one is face to face...

" Careful."

"Eh?" Attha exclaimed softly, snapping out of her thoughts.

The dark-haired prince narrowed his eyes as he stared straight into Attha's own.

" Be careful, woman." He spoke, his voice noticeably deep and trickling with annoyance," I am not keen on having my movements obstructed by clumsy ones like you."

Attha was one who is easily blinded to positions whenever her general good nature is spoiled, and this case was no exception---an insult is an insult, it made no difference who voiced it. Her dark brown eyes stared back at him in an intensity equal to his, her mixed emotions on encountering the prince dissipating into an annoyance surpassing his own. She did not utter a word, but her gazed said it all.

" Attha!" Rhambert exclaimed his friend's name in a whisper, very much fearing the repercussions of this moment of faltering. He was Highland's Crown Prince, for gods' sakes! If she could at least have a secure hold on her patience, this would be a good time as any!

Ruka, expecting some cowering from the girl, raised his right brow in surprise. She dared to look back at him with defiance? Him, Prince Ruka Bright of Highland, who had killed many people for less? Doesn't this bitch know what he was capable of doing? His anger began to rise when he realized that she had no intention of backing off from their visual confrontation.

The silence between them was disturbing, and even Grayton found it uneasy. He knew who the girl was, and knew he had to intervene for her own good.

"Hrmph," Grayton cleared his throat, the sound breaking the surmounting tension," Lady Albion, I believe?"

Attha blinked, somewhat unsure what to respond at first." I...yes, I am." She turned to the older man beside Ruka, and immediately recognized him as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs," Oh, Lord Grayton...good day to you, My Lord."

Ruka thinned his lips at the indirect mockery.

" You are here about the Royal Company armor supplies, I assume?" Grayton continued, keeping a close watch on Ruka's temperament.

" Yes, My Lord, it is most gracious of the King to honor me with this venture...," Attha tried to smile, suddenly understanding what the old man intended to do," And if His Highness permits, we would like to be on our way. Come, Rhambert," She nudged her assistant to move swiftly, who quickly complied.

Bowing quickly to the Prince, managing to shoot him an annoyed gazed, Attha sped off as quickly as she could.

" That was Lady Albion?" Ruka raised a brow at Grayton as they disappeared into a corner.

" Yes, Your Highness," Grayton nodded, unsure whether the prince was still angry or not," Please overlook her rashness...she is young for a position so significant, and after all...she is the daughter of the late General Ramona."

" She is, isn't it? She didn't inherit her mother's grace, that's for sure," Ruka's grim face broke into a laugh, much to Grayton's relief. A mentioning of the general's name, who was favoured by the Queen a long time ago, would surely simmer down Ruka's temper. He knew that the Prince had fond albeit brief memories of the kind lady who married that merchant from Gregminster.

" She's lucky to be Ramona's...it's a pity, though, that she passed away in that incident," Ruka smiled with a twinge of bitterness surfacing briefly on his lips," That Attha...she's here for the Royal Company Armor Supplies negotiations, you say?"

"Yes, but..." It was Grayton's turn to raise his brow in curiosity. He thought the matter had ended at that.

" Interesting...Grayton, I've changed my mind. I will attend Pahral Atan's meeting with that merchant," Ruka smile turned into a wide, devious grin that dissipated whatever that was left of Grayton's relief.

" I give up."

Coates slumped his shoulders, admitting defeat.

The Palace was too big.

The one in Gregminster is admittedly small by comparison to this majestic fortress; the ivory marble structure that dominated the interior brought a sense of tranquility to the corridors, although the darkened lighting did little to flatter that very fact. Nonetheless, Coates was so awed by the beauty of the place that he went off to explore it by himself, since Lady Attha's appointment had been delayed. Engrossed with the adventure of exploring the richly decorated castle, Coates only realized that he stood alone a while later.

" Yeah...I'm lost, alright." Coates grimaced sheepishly.

Being dressed in this coat also didn't help either...the enclosed spaces were devoid of any fresh air. Walking aimlessly with his dark green coat on his arm, Coates fanned himself with the glove that previously covered his left hand. To pacify his father, he decided to hide his rune in public to prevent unwanted attention...and to tell the truth, he welcomed the choice. Almost having his hand chopped off does that to a person.

He turned into a secluded doorway, hoping to chance upon an exit from the endless maze. He did not, for it was just a large and dusty room devoid of any life save for spiders and their cobwebs. Instead, Coates found himself face-to-face with the most puzzling thing he had ever seen.

Old, tattered curtains prevented most of the light to pass through the large windows, dimly shining on the floor covered by worn-out carpets and books. An old study?, Coates mused as he made his steps towards the center; his attention was too focused to mind the mess below him. Too focused on the portrait before him.

It was twice his height and wider than his outstretched arms, perched a few feet above ground. A portrait of a family of four in oil, beautifully rendered to look very much lifelike in its vibrant hues that shine despite the age and dust that had claimed the room. The man, obviously the father, stood proudly in the back in regal threads that proclaimed royalty. His hand rested on the shoulder of the seated woman, who looked as equally grand as him in white; she was a beautiful brunette who looked so gentle that it touched his heart...but somehow Coates noticed the slight tightness in her lips, as if the smile she had was a melancholic one. Standing beside her, with his height the same as the seated woman's form, was a boy around ten years in age. His hair as dark as his parents', the boy looked simply charming in his golden tunic...Coates could only imagine how hard it was for him to stay still while the portrait was being painted. However, what disturbed him were the boy's eyes---they looked somewhat feral for a young child, as if warning those who were looking to back off as he leaned protectively towards his mother and the baby in her arms---

" What in Gods name are you doing here?!"

" EEP!" Coates exclaimed, surprised at the sudden booming sound. He quickly turned around, like an intruder caught in the act facing his discoverer...

...who was a tall man at the doorway, looking sternly at him. He was middle-aged, with dark hair streaked with grey, clad in a dark green coat that suggested nobility.

" Uh...I...uh..." Coates was at a lost for words, which wasn't such a good thing at that point in time.

" Are you mute, boy?" The man said out again, this time marching into the room," Speak up!"

" Uh...I was exploring the castle and I got lost, sir!" Coates gulped and summed up his explanation quickly, nervously watching as the man came closer towards him," I accidentally stumbled here, sir!"

" Exploring?" The man raised a brow, looking down at the nervous lad," And pray tell, why were you doing that of all things?"

" I...uh...never been to a grander castle such as this, sir, and I got carried away," Coates stammered," I was separated from the people I came with, and I'm currently trying to find them, sir!"

The man gave Coates an incredulous look that made Coates fidget even further. The poor boy almost fell back in shock when the man threw his head back with a laugh.

" S...sir?!" Coates stammered.

" Grand, eh?" The man chuckled, apparently amused by the young one's explanation," I've been in this place so often that I forgot about it being that...I think I am getting old and jaded."

Coates didn't know how to respond. He played it safe with a smile.

" Ease up, boy," The man patted Coates' shoulder to assure him," What's your name?"

" Coates, sir."

" And I am called Han," The man smiled, " Well-met, Coates."

" Han?!" Coates exclaimed, suddenly realizing who he was facing" Han, THE Highland General?!!"

" Yes, that I am."

" Oh my Gods," Coates brightened up, suddenly excited," I don't believe it!! I've heard stories of your heroics when I was a child, milord, but to think I would meet the legend in the flesh---" Coates immediately bowed in respect," I am honored to be in your presence, Lord Han!"

As soon as he bowed, however, Coates was yanked up to stand again.

" I have enough share of honorifics, boy," Han grimaced," I'd be happy if you won't add more to them. Now, who did you come here with?"

" Uh..." Coates blinked, still in disbelief,"...with Lady Attha-Mari Albion and her assistant, Mr. Rhambert. I believe they were here for a meeting...?"

" Lady Albion, you say?" Han smiled," I did cross paths with her a while ago, and she did mention about searching for someone...alright, I think I can lead you to her meeting place."

" Really? Thank you, Lord Han!" Coates exclaimed, happy that the solution to his problem had been found. He followed Han as they exited into the corridor.

" It's a good thing that you mentioned her name, Coates," Han explained as they made their way down the path," Otherwise, I wouldn't be so inclined to believe your story...in these times of strife, you could be a spy for the City-State"

" I see...Lady Albion, you mean? Why is that so, milord?"

" Lady Albion's mother was Ramona Eldritch, a Highland noblewoman and confidante of the Late Queen Sarah," Han said, glancing occasionally at the lad," I take it you're not local from that strange accent of yours, so having a well-regarded Highlander for a friend is always a good thing."

" That's true," Coates laughed softly, his curiosity of Attha's background was perked. He noted to dig for more when he had the chance. Currently, however, he had other thoughts in his mind...

" Milord, was that woman in that portrait...the Queen?" Coates asked.

Han paused before answering, somewhat hesitating at first. "...Yes. That was her and the Royal Family."

" I think she's beautiful." Coates smiled, genuinely expressing his admiration for the woman's image," She must have been a very gentle woman."

" Yes, she was that," Han cast another glance at Coates, one almost forlorn," If only her son was like---"

" Hmm?" Coates looked up, expecting Han to finish his words.

" ---Never mind what I said, boy." Han smiled, refusing to continue, concentrating instead on their journey," Now, we shouldn't be that far away from your friend."

After making their way through the maze of corridors, Han and Coates reached a section filled with activity. Pages and servants moved with haste, stopping to bow to Lord Han as he passed them by.

" I can see people!" Coates exclaimed with a chuckle," I've never been this glad to be around people like now!"

" I trust you've had enough exploring for a day, Coates?" Han grinned.

" Make that for a month, milord! But honestly, I'm just happy that I get to be in L'Renouille Palace...it's something I've wanted to do for a long time."

" Is that so? I'm happy to know that your wish is fulfilled."

They arrived at an intersection, each branching out to a large doorway at each corridor's end. Han pointed towards the on to his left, signaling where Coates should wait for his friend.

" Don't run off again, alright? I think you've given Lady Albion enough of a hard time."

" I certainly won't." Coates beamed, bowing slightly," Thank you for all your help, milord."

" Think nothing of it, lad," Han replied. Suddenly, before Coates even knew it, Han's face was near the boy's ear, the elder man whispering softly," Keep your rune away from the sight of others, Coates...for your own sake as well as Highland's."

Coates was too shocked to react, dumbfounded by the sudden words. Han quickly patted the his shoulder and quickly left, leaving the hazel-haired young man alone in the intersection.

How did he..., Coates searched his thoughts, and suddenly realized his uncovered left hand. In panic, he frantically searched for his glove and quickly slid it back on his hand. His limbs were tingling as he recalled Han's words...whatever did he mean by that?! Does he know something about his ru---

" THERE YOU ARE!!"

Coates jumped for the second time that day, surprised by the loud sound.

It was Attha, and she didn't look pleased.

" I've been looking all over for you!" She yelled, grabbing hold of Coates' shirt," You are not going to wander off like that again! I almost got my head bitten off by a meanie, so you better not give me anymore trouble!"

" I...uh...HEEY!!" Coates yelped as Attha pulled him along as she walked towards the meeting room.

" Come on! Everyone's in there already!" Attha growled," Am I going to get a lecture from Rhambert because of this!"

" But, but---" Coates protested helplessly as he was dragged, his mind taken away momentarily from the recent event that had him suddenly aware of how potentially dangerous he is to his own self...and Highland?

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"Coates" and "Suikoden 2" are (C) Konami. This chapter was posted on July 20, 2000