A.N.) This is my first attempt at a Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood story, so I might suck. I don't know. But I tried.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. I figure you all could guess, but it just feels ichy not to put it up for me.
What It Means to Be the Wife of the Emperor
Chapter 1: Echoes from Undying Wrath
Lan Fan walked into the room feeling the weight of a thousand red and gold imperial robes on her shoulders, and the large phoenix crown tangled to fit with her raven tresses caused her neck to cramp. Despite the feeling of looking completely silly and out of her element, she could honestly say she was the happiest she'd ever been in her whole life.
The eyes of all her good friends instantly fell to her and cheered with overwhelming joy.
So many faces… she thought mesmerized. The Elric Brothers seemed excited; Edward circulated between screaming just "Congratulations!" and "Congratulations, Ling, you lucky bastard!", while his more civilized brother simply applauded and flashed Lan Fan a wide smile. Mrs. Elric-Rockbell gave a toothy grin while holding her youngest child and watching her older one stand near her husband. Her new sister-in-law, Mei Chang, clapped with the panda, Xiao Mei, mimicking her actions. General Mustang and Miss Riza were in the crowd; Lan Fan was glad they found the free time to attend the ceremony, being so high in the responsibilities of military. The friends she made in Rush Valley came too! Lan Fan couldn't help but notice Paninya wore a nice pair of pants and blazer. Mr. Garfiel was strutting in a kimono indented to be wore by a woman. The two were slowly edging toward the buffet while still clapping with cheeky grins. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, Mustang's team, Major Armstrong, Maria, Denny, Sciezska, and even the four chimeras had made it. Lan Fan felt so humbled that Dr. Knox had even agreed to come.
Being the center of attention of such a crowd caused a light blush spread across the Lan Fan's cheeks. I don't think I can do this, she thinks in panic with a brief self-loathing at the decision to leave her mask behind forever. Her doubts were silenced, however, as a firm; strong hand entwined its fingers with her own. She stole a glimpse at the man to her right standing high and proud, seeming as happy as a man could ever be. The butterflies in her stomach flew wild.
The Emperor of Xing, Ling Yao, glanced at his bride with open midnight blue eyes and revealed his gentle, for-real smile just for her. Not the sassy, ear-to-ear smile he used when trying to seem innocent and friendly, or even the grin that he used when he needed to seem powerful and intimidating. This gift made Lan Fan's heart swell up like balloon. He made her feel so special.
Before the crowd's roar fully died, Ling tugged at Lan Fan, leading her to the center of the Imperial Palace's ballroom.
Lan Fan took a moment to admire the magnificent architecture with the heart of Xing gleaming off every golden dragon framing the windows and doors. The sunset seeping through the west windows only added to the effect, giving the illusion that the world itself was just a void of golden mist. The sound of a suona seemed as if coming from a distance in Lan Fan's world.
She only snapped back to her senses when she felt Ling's other hand on the left side of her ribcage, pushing her automail arm to settle on top of his. He tightened his grip on her hand before raising both up to the height of her chin, far from their bodies. This position felt vaguely familiar to Lan Fan. The music was playing smoothly; she could, in all logic, say it was… romantic. She looked up to her partner and smiled, which he returned with no hesitation. Their eyes locked as Ling stepped forward taking her with him.
She remembered how she was forced to learn how to waltz for not only her wedding dance but any gathering she'd have to entertain for as the new, one-and-only Empress of Xing. It was confusing to her how Ling had insisted to be her only partner as she learned, despite how awful she was. She stepped on his feet countless times, but all he'd do is chuckle and make some sly comment about how cute she was when in a nervous fright.
As time pushed on, the couple was soon accompanied on the dance floor by other pairs of partners. The sun's light burned to its highest peak before rapidly fading, only to later be replaced by moonlight and glowing lanterns. The music continued to get slower and slower until eventually the newlyweds had broken from the stance of the waltz into a simple embrace with twirling. Ling's strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her securely against his chest and his cheek nuzzled in her hair. Lan Fan had both arms wrapped around his neck and her head resting on his shoulder. She couldn't stop herself from sighing with delight; her mind had practically been smothered in their bliss.
I'm married… she thought as if saying it was official as of that moment. A soft smile was plastered on her face. I'm married to him… she could feel her cheeks burning with excitement and embarrassment from being so excited. Unfortunately, though, one thought stuck her and caused her comfort to practically vanish in a split second. The dawning realization made her feel so naïve for thinking this day was going to go with only happiness. Her smile dropped. Oh… I'm married to him… I'm married to the King of Xing. The truth only scared her, because for horrid timing, she thought about King Bradley.
She hated that man. He was so evil. He was out to steal everything she had. He had stolen her arm, her honor, her dignity, her master, her ability to fight, her grandfather's trust, her grandfather entirely, and also her chance at revenge. She could still hear his words mocking her:
"My wife understands. She's the one that I chose to live by my side. No more words that need to pass between us now. That's what it means to be the wife of the Fuhrer."
She held back a grunt of disgust so not to alarm her husband.
Why was she even thinking about that awful man? Why was she letting his words depress her? This was her wedding day!
This morning she had woken up to immediately prepare to promise herself for the man she loved, which didn't even cause jitters because she already vowed to honor, respect, defend, and be at his side at age ten; she was only afraid of what he was going to do. She spent the morning terrified that he'd call off the ceremony at the last minute; that he'd decide it just wasn't worth spending his life with someone like her.
She wouldn't have stopped rambling in her head until she felt Ling's hand gently rub the middle region of her back.
That's when her wanderings actually lead her to a small epiphany. Ling had every right and opportunity possible to leave her whenever he wanted. She remembered how excited she was after the ceremony was over and it occurred to her that he was there and embraced their union. He was just as happy today as she was. He chose her. Of all people, when he could have so easily had fifty of the most beautiful, intelligent women of Xing. That was more than enough proof that he loved her, and she felt so grateful to him for it. It was the best thing he had ever done for her, well, aside from saving her life from homunculi of course. Even now, she knew the job as a king was both stressful and time-consuming, she'd understand if after tonight they'd hardly get to see each other. It didn't bother her much. She knew he loved her.
Now I must start with proving myself worthy as his spouse. She decided from here on she would no longer expect anything from him, nor badger him for anything. If he never spoke to her again, she would have no complaints. She'd obey his every whim. She'd help him in any way possible. She'd do whatever it took to give him a benefit of the doubt. All she wanted now was to be somebody worthy of his love.
Once that dispute was settled in her mind, she went back to just enjoying the moment of being secure in his embrace. She was preparing herself as if she wouldn't get to feel it again for months.
"I love you," Ling whispered to her, so sudden yet so tender.
Lan Fan couldn't hold back a shudder; he'd startled her. As a quick distraction, she snuggled closer in his chest before replying, "I love you too, my Lord."
He chuckled. "You know, my name's still Ling, Lan Fan."
"I know, my Lord."
"By that, I mean call me Ling. There are no more boundaries between us now."
"Yes, Husband." She just couldn't bring herself to say it.
A.N.) This is meant to be sort of a prologue and just an exposition. The conflict will be introduced next chapter, which is already almost finished, and way longer. I only hope you readers like it.
