"Frederick."
"Milady?" Said male tilted his head towards the redheaded woman, perched in between his legs. For once, both lacked their armor, in nothing but casual, loose clothing. The sun's rays kissed their exposed skin warmly. They rested atop a small hill with a tall pine tree, absorbing a wondrous view of the upcoming village. Other Shepherds had gone to protect a few nomads from a round of thieves – something that did not require every single unit to assist in.
The fresh scent of pine brushed against her nostrils with the crispy breeze that had her involuntarily shuddering. Cordelia's lips graced a soft smile at the minuscule scene of villagers walking through the entrance of the village down the hill. Her thumb softly grazed the inner part of her wedding ring – Frederick had promised her a proper wedding once the war concluded. Her unrequited love for the prince was long gone. Now, it was the great knight before her who had all her love and affection.
When he got no response, he grunted, lowering his head down slightly. He perched his chin on her shoulder, broad figure easily towering her own. "Cordelia," Frederick gently named, "do you wish to say something?"
Her response had him blinking in surprise: she said nothing. Her hand, however, lifted up his own, pressing the back of his palm to her soft lips and planting a chaste kiss. The lax gesture had him easily bringing his cheeks a few shades up in color. Gods, she wasn't doing anything… rash? Over the top? He tried to figure out the right word to use – bad.
"Not really," she cooed softly. Moving her head and leaning, her mouth then made contact with his cheek, pressing another soft peck. "I simply enjoy spending time with you like this."
"… Indeed," he answered with a nod, gazing ahead. "It is unfortunate with the ongoing war to have time to ourselves like this."
Cordelia frowned. "I know that we have a war going on." She felt his broad arms lock around her stomach gently. "But… None of us really have a day off. We're lucky to get slow days like this whenever possible."
Frederick nodded at her words. "Unlike for royals such as Milord, a great knight such as myself must always be prepared for times of war. It is… perhaps considered as my instinctive intuitions." He remembered far back to his younger days, where he had to babysit a young Chrom and a toddler Lissa – and at times, had to defend them from nearby bandits or others who wanted to torment with the Ylissean royals. "One can never be too wary of their surroundings."
"I see… But, I can count on you to keep me safe?" Cordelia peeped softly, nuzzling into him more. Simply being in his arms had her with a sense of security. She was positive that Frederick would ensure her safety.
His mouth parted to laugh. "By no means, milady, shall I ever let you get in harm's way."
Time seemed slow, almost non-existent to them. Everything around them faded into the background with no relevance. This woman in his grasp was all he ever needed.
"Please tell me I made you happy, milady."
Her smile stretched wider at his words, and before he caught his lips, she muttered, "The happiest in all of Ylisse."
a/n: Request for Claudina. Frederick/Cordelia sweet fluff. ^u^
