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The grand council chamber of the Palais Mermonia was supposed to be a place of order and decorum, but today it was anything but. The long table, usually reserved for Fontaine's most critical discussions, was now covered in wedding plans—swatches of fabric in varying shades of white and blue, sketches of floral arrangements, sample menus, and a half-finished seating chart. Yet none of it seemed to matter.

Furina sat at the head of the table, her small frame practically vibrating with rage. Her hands were clenched into fists on the polished wood surface, her aquamarine eyes blazing as she glared across the table at her brother, Neuvillette. He sat with his usual unshakable composure, his hands folded neatly in front of him as if he weren't currently being torn apart by his younger sister's fury. Wriothesley stood nearby, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes flicking between Furina and Neuvillette like he was watching a storm roll in.

Arlecchino was seated beside Furina, her crimson eyes calm but watchful. She rested a gloved hand on Furina's thigh under the table—a subtle attempt to calm her fiancée before things escalated further. But Furina was far beyond calming.

"This is fucking unbelievable," Furina snapped, breaking the tense silence. Her voice echoed off the high ceilings, sharp and cutting. "You two have no goddamn right to be here meddling in my wedding plans."

Neuvillette raised an eyebrow at her outburst but remained calm. "We're not meddling," he said evenly. "We're here to ensure everything proceeds smoothly."

"Smoothly?" Furina repeated, her voice rising with incredulity. "You mean like how you so smoothly decided to trade me off like some fucking pawn? Like my life is just another piece on your goddamn chessboard?"

Wriothesley sighed heavily and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Here we go again," he muttered under his breath.

"Don't you dare dismiss me!" Furina snapped, slamming her hand on the table so hard that several fabric swatches fluttered to the floor. "Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to know my own brother —the person who's supposed to protect me—decided my fate without even asking me?"

Neuvillette's expression didn't change, though there was a flicker of something—guilt? Frustration?—in his pale blue eyes. "It wasn't an easy decision, Furina," he said quietly.

"Oh, spare me your fucking excuses," she spat venomously. "You betrayed me! You and your husband decided that my life and my choices were expendable for the so-called 'greater good.' Well, fuck your greater good!"

Arlecchino's hand tightened slightly on Furina's thigh as if to steady her. "Furina," Arlecchino said softly, her voice low and even. "Let's not lose focus here."

Furina turned to look at Arlecchino briefly, her anger softening just a fraction at the sight of her fiancée's calm expression. But when she looked back at Neuvillette, the fire reignited tenfold.

"You didn't even bother to ask me," she continued bitterly. Her voice cracked slightly under the weight of her emotions. "Did it ever occur to you that I might have been willing to help Fontaine without being manipulated into it? That I might have chosen this if you'd just fucking trusted me?"

Neuvillette finally stood from his chair, his towering figure casting a long shadow across the table. His voice remained steady but carried an edge of authority that made even Wriothesley glance over warily. "You think I wanted this?" he asked sharply. "You think I enjoyed making that choice? I did what I had to do to protect this nation— our nation."

"Bullshit!" Furina shot back, standing as well. Her chair scraped loudly against the marble floor as she glared up at him despite their difference in height. "You didn't trust me enough to let me make my own decisions! You just handed me over like some fucking bargaining chip!"

Wriothesley stepped forward then, raising a hand as if to intervene. "Alright," he said firmly, his deep voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Let's all take a breath before this gets out of hand."

"Stay out of this!" Furina and Neuvillette snapped in unison, their voices sharp enough to make Wriothesley stop in his tracks.

The tension in the room was suffocating now, thick enough to choke on. Arlecchino rose from her seat slowly but deliberately, her movements measured as she placed both hands on Furina's shoulders from behind.

"Enough," Arlecchino said firmly but without raising her voice. Her tone carried a weight that silenced everyone else in the room instantly. She leaned down slightly so that only Furina could hear her next words: "This isn't helping anyone—not you and certainly not us."

Furina's shoulders trembled under Arlecchino's touch as she struggled to rein in her emotions. Slowly—reluctantly—she sank back into her chair, though her jaw remained tight and her hands still clenched into fists on the table.

Arlecchino straightened and turned her attention to Neuvillette then, her crimson gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. "You've made your choices," she said coldly. Her voice was calm but laced with an unmistakable edge of disdain. "And whether or not they were right doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is that you respect Furina's boundaries moving forward."

Neuvillette inclined his head slightly—a gesture of acknowledgment if not agreement—but said nothing.

Arlecchino returned her focus to Furina then and knelt beside her chair once more, placing one gloved hand over hers on the table. "We have more important things to focus on," she said softly but firmly enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Like our wedding."

Furina blinked rapidly as if trying to hold back tears before nodding stiffly.

Neuvillette watched them silently for a moment before speaking again in a softer tone than before: "Furina... I never wanted to hurt you."

"Well," Furina whispered without looking at him, her voice trembling slightly despite its bitterness, "you did."

The room fell silent once more as Neuvillette lowered his gaze briefly before turning toward the door with Wriothesley following close behind.

Once they were gone, Arlecchino squeezed Furina's hand gently and leaned closer so their foreheads almost touched.

"They're gone now," Arlecchino murmured softly.

Furina let out a shaky breath and finally looked at Arlecchino fully for the first time since their argument began. Her aquamarine eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she asked hesitantly: "Do you think I'm overreacting?"

Arlecchino shook her head and offered a rare smile—small but genuine—and brushed a stray strand of hair from Furina's face with surprising tenderness given how sharp and unyielding she usually seemed.

"No," Arlecchino said simply but firmly. "You're fighting for yourself—and for us."

For the first time that day, Furina allowed herself to relax slightly in Arlecchino's presence. She leaned into her fiancée's shoulder and closed her eyes briefly, letting out another shaky breath.

"We'll get through this," Arlecchino promised quietly.

And for once—for perhaps the first time since all this chaos began—Furina believed her.

————

The sprawling estate that Furina and Arlecchino shared was a masterpiece of elegance and precision, nestled on the outskirts of Fontaine's capital. It was a place of quiet beauty, with its pristine cobblestone paths winding through lush gardens bursting with hydrangeas, roses, and lilies. The sound of fountains trickling in the background was soothing, their crystalline waters reflecting the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Yet, for all its tranquility, Furina's mind was anything but at peace.

She walked briskly along the path, her hands clasped behind her back as her heels clicked against the stones. Her long, flowing dress swayed with each step, its intricate design shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Beside her strode Lian, her best friend and personal guard. Lian had been by her side for years, a constant presence in her life who knew her better than most. Their tall, imposing figure was clad in polished armor that gleamed under the sun, though their posture was far more relaxed than their formal attire suggested.

"You've been sighing so much I'm starting to think you're auditioning to be one of those fountains," Lian teased, their voice light and playful as they glanced down at Furina.

Furina shot them a sharp glare but couldn't entirely suppress the faint smile tugging at her lips. "If you keep making stupid jokes like that, I might just drown you in one of them," she retorted dryly.

"Please," Lian replied with a smirk. "You'd miss me too much."

Furina rolled her eyes dramatically but didn't argue. She continued walking ahead, her pace slowing slightly as they reached a small clearing where the path split into two directions. A grand marble fountain stood at the center, its cascading water sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. Furina stopped there, staring at the fountain as if lost in thought.

Lian tilted their head slightly as they watched her. "Alright," they said after a moment of silence. "What's going on? You've been brooding all day."

"I don't brood," Furina said defensively, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness.

"Sure you don't," Lian replied with a chuckle. "You've got that look on your face—the one you get when something's eating away at you but you're too stubborn to say it."

Furina sighed heavily—again—and crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine," she muttered. "You want to know what's bothering me? Everything."

Lian raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. They simply waited patiently for her to continue.

"It's Neuvillette," Furina admitted after a moment, her voice quieter now. "And Wriothesley. I can't stop thinking about our argument."

"The one where you nearly flipped a table?" Lian asked with a small grin.

"Yes," Furina said sharply before softening slightly. "I mean... can you blame me? They decided my fate without even consulting me! My own brother—someone who's supposed to protect me—just handed me over like I was some... some *thing* to be traded away for Fontaine's safety."

Lian's expression grew serious as they listened. They had heard bits and pieces about what had transpired between Furina and Neuvillette but hadn't pried too deeply—until now.

"I'm supposed to be the Hydro Archon," Furina continued bitterly, pacing back and forth in front of the fountain now. "I'm supposed to protect Fontaine! But instead, Neuvillette and his husband decided I wasn't capable of handling things on my own." She stopped abruptly and turned to face Lian, her aquamarine eyes blazing with frustration and hurt. "Do you think they see me as weak?"

Lian frowned at that question and shook their head firmly. "No," they said without hesitation. "I don't think that's it at all."

"Then what is it?" Furina demanded, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "Why would they do this to me?"

Lian hesitated for a moment before speaking carefully. "Maybe... they were scared," they suggested gently. "Scared of losing you."

Furina blinked at them, caught off guard by the response.

"You're important to them," Lian continued. "To Neuvillette especially. Maybe he made that choice because he thought it was the only way to keep you safe—even if it wasn't fair to you."

Furina looked away then, her gaze falling on the fountain once more as she processed Lian's words.

"And then there's Colombina," she murmured after a long pause.

Lian stiffened slightly at the mention of the Second Fatui Harbinger—the Seelie whose name alone could strike fear into even the bravest hearts.

"What about Colombina?" Lian asked cautiously.

Furina wrapped her arms around herself as if trying to ward off an invisible chill. "Now that I'm tied to Arlecchino... what if Colombina sees me as a threat? Or worse—a liability? You've heard the stories about her—what she's capable of." Her voice dropped to barely above a whisper as she added, "What if she comes for me?"

Lian stepped closer then and placed a firm hand on Furina's shoulder, their touch grounding and reassuring. "Listen to me," they said firmly but kindly. "If Colombina—or anyone else for that matter—comes for you, they'll have to go through me first." They grinned then, their confidence shining through despite the gravity of the conversation. "And trust me—I'm not an easy target."

Furina let out a soft laugh despite herself, shaking her head slightly. "You're ridiculous," she said quietly.

"Maybe," Lian admitted with a shrug before adding with a smirk, "but you love me for it."

Furina rolled her eyes again but didn't deny it this time. Instead, she reached out and took Lian's hand briefly—a rare gesture of affection from someone who so often kept others at arm's length.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"Anytime," Lian replied with a warm smile before gesturing toward one of the paths ahead. "Come on—let's keep walking before Arlecchino starts wondering where you've wandered off to."

Furina groaned dramatically but allowed Lian to lead the way down the path lined with blooming hydrangeas and roses. As they walked together under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees above them, joking and laughing like old times, Furina felt some of the weight on her shoulders begin to lift—even if only for a little while.

For now—for this moment—it was enough to know she wasn't alone in facing whatever challenges lay ahead.

-——-

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawns of the estate as Furina and Lian approached the grand entrance. The imposing structure loomed before them, a masterpiece of Fontainian architecture with its soaring spires and intricate stonework. Hydrangea bushes in full bloom flanked the wide marble steps leading up to the massive oak doors, their blue and purple hues a stark contrast to the estate's pale façade.

As they neared, the doors swung open silently, revealing Arlecchino standing in the threshold. She cut an impressive figure, her tall frame accentuated by her tailored black and red outfit. Her crimson eyes, sharp and observant as ever, softened visibly as they landed on Furina.

With measured steps that belied her eagerness, Arlecchino descended the stairs to meet them. Her movements were fluid and graceful, reminiscent of a predator—but one that had no intention of striking, at least not at this moment.

"Welcome home, my dear," Arlecchino purred, her voice smooth as silk. She reached for Furina's hand, her black-gloved fingers enveloping Furina's smaller ones. With a slight bow, she brought Furina's hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. The gesture, though familiar, still sent a flutter through Furina's chest and a faint blush across her cheeks.

Arlecchino's gaze then shifted to Lian, who stood a respectful distance away. Her expression cooled slightly, but remained polite. "Always a pleasure, Lian," she said, her tone cordial but with an underlying edge that suggested a complex history between them. It was clear that while she respected Lian's role as Furina's protector, there was also a hint of possessiveness in her stance.

Lian nodded back, their posture relaxed but alert. "Arlecchino," they replied simply, their eyes never leaving the Harbinger's face.

Without further ado, Arlecchino turned back to Furina, lacing their fingers together. "Shall we?" she asked, gesturing towards the open doors with her free hand.

Furina nodded, allowing herself to be led inside. She glanced back briefly at Lian, who gave her a reassuring smile before taking up their usual position by the entrance.

The interior of the estate was just as impressive as its exterior. High ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes stretched above them, while polished marble floors reflected the light from crystal chandeliers. The walls were lined with priceless artworks and tapestries, each telling a story of the House of the Hearth's rich history.

As they walked through the grand foyer and into one of the many long hallways, Arlecchino's thumb traced small circles on the back of Furina's hand. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about their relationship—tender moments amidst the chaos of their lives.

Suddenly, Arlecchino came to a stop in front of a large window overlooking the gardens. The fading sunlight streamed through, casting a warm glow across her features as she turned to face Furina fully. With a grace that seemed almost impossible for someone of her stature, Arlecchino cupped Furina's face in her hands.

"I've missed you today," she murmured, her eyes searching Furina's face as if memorizing every detail.

Before Furina could respond, Arlecchino leaned in and pressed their lips together in a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle yet passionate, conveying all the emotions that often went unspoken between them. When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Arlecchino's eyes were alight with an excitement that hadn't been there before.

"I've been thinking," she said, her voice low and intimate. Her thumbs stroked Furina's cheeks gently as she spoke. "The House of Hearth... it's been doing well, but I believe it could be so much more."

Furina's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected topic. The House of Hearth was Arlecchino's pride and joy, an orphanage she ran with surprising tenderness given her reputation as a Fatui Harbinger.

"What do you mean?" Furina asked, curiosity piqued.

Arlecchino's lips curved into a smile that was equal parts affectionate and mischievous. "How would you like to help with it? Your touch... your influence... it could bring so much light to those children's lives."

The proposal hung in the air between them, weighty with implications. Furina's mind raced with possibilities—both the potential good they could do and the complications it might bring given her position as Hydro Archon.

"I..." Furina began, her voice trailing off as she considered the offer carefully. It was clear from Arlecchino's expectant gaze that this wasn't just a passing thought but something she had been considering for some time.

The hallway fell silent save for the distant ticking of a grandfather clock somewhere in the estate. Outside, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden and bathing everything in a warm, golden light. It was a moment suspended in time—one that could potentially change everything.

———
greetings my little lake Lillie's<3 how are yall? I'm doing fine :))! I hope you enjoyed this part and tysm for over 1.29k reads<3! And 3k reads on apologies miss furina<3! I promise I'll back yall!!!

-Lady Furina De Fontaine