Pairing: Zeldris and Gelda. This is AU but with spoilers up to 235 of the manga. Rated M for adult material.
"Any student of military science, knows humiliation will always breed defiance" - The Vichy Government, 'We Are Now At War With Germany'
"Tell me what you want and I will make it happen", her soft voice, so gentle, so rich with feeling smoothed over him, reverberating all through his trembling form. Even after all these days and nights, all this time they had managed to snatch for themselves, he still could not quite believe she was here.
He wanted her of course. No, it was far more than that. His absolute desire for her filled his whole being making him shudder with the strength of his emotion, and as he gazed into her peerless face, so pale and flawless, he pulled her naked body even closer to him. He never wanted to let her go. He wrapped his arms round her exquisite shoulders, feeling the strength of her delicate bones under his palms as he gently stroked the flowing hair which fell in waves down her back, losing himself in the sensation of her silken strands as they ran through his fingers. Overwhelmed, he nuzzled into her neck as he remembered all that time they had lost, allowing himself to enjoy the feel of her blissfully soft skin as his lips gently caressed her, savouring her taste, sweet as always and with the gratifying salty edge that signalled their earlier exertion. She responded pleasingly to his urgent embrace, digging her fingers into his back and twisting her legs around him, drawing him even further into her until they were practically moulded together. He sighed with contentment. She was his and he loved her so dearly. How could he ever have sent her away?
That thought had nagged at him horribly as he had frantically surveyed that cursed hole in the ground. Edinburgh Castle, the carved golden stone edifice which should have stood proud on the top of that perilous hill, glowing softly in the sparse, cold sunlight, was completely gone, blown off the face of the earth. Seeing the absolute desolation of the area had flooded his hearts with the chill of cold dread. He had lost her. And as he gave himself over to try and work out what happened it became clear to him that his own brother had killed her.
Then the traitor had appeared, grinning, taunting him, flaunting his new power and Zeldris had never felt so much anger. He had wanted to end him, to slash him to pieces, to torture him, but it was all to no avail. He had disappeared quickly, as if he had never been there at all. But through his fury, Zeldris realised the attack had given him the excuse he needed to finally get the others out of the way. He had told them to split up, to work in pairs to replenish their strength and conquer the land, leaving him mercifully alone with only that indolent layabout who was more interested in sunbathing, in Northern Britannia of all places, than making any progress with the mission ahead. Normally this sort of behaviour would have frustrated him no end, he had always had a particular distaste for laziness, but this time he was thankful. Estarossa's inexplicable attitude gave him the freedom he needed to search, to comb the area for days without interruption or rest. And he had. He had needed to find a part of her body so that he could bring Gelda back to him from the dead and he would not leave Edinburgh until he had achieved this objective.
Zeldris had looked so carefully, moving aside dry fallen leaves and even blades of grass scattered with dew to try and find what he was looking for. It was at the very bottom of that accursed abyss that he had located it. A clump of her hair, obviously torn from her with force, preserved through the years by the quiet magic of the desolate hole where time itself had stopped ticking. He had realised then that she must have been at the very centre of the blast for it to have caused her this injury and he wondered if she been the object of the traitor's attack. The hair was unmistakably Gelda's, the smooth golden strands picked out in the red light he created still smelled faintly of the perfume she preferred. The sweet scent of rose calmed his nerves as he held his find carefully to him and he wished fervently that he was not trembling so much in case he might drop it. There was not a lot there and he would need every last bit for the spell to work.
When he had emerged, Estarossa had wanted to move. Something was obviously going on with him but Zeldris was too absorbed in his own quest to care. They had travelled to Camelot, knowing that this place was built on a seam of rich magic and spurred on by the myth of an invincible weapon which would guarantee victory for the one who could wield it. And there Zeldris had bided his time, waiting for a chance to revive Gelda. It had taken some effort. First, he had needed to replenish his magic which had depleted significantly while he was sealed. The spell he needed to cast was incredibly difficult and even with his father's power he needed a strong base of his own. The pathetic humans of the once great city he now ruled had been easy to overcome, and he had devoured their souls with earnestness, rejoicing as his strength grew a little each day. And then it had become clear that he was being watched as, without warning, the Demon King's voice would boom forth, criticising, issuing insulting demands. So Zeldris waited, hoarding his precious find close to him at all times. He had hollowed out a space in the silver buckle of his belt so that he could always check it was safe, smoothing his fingers over the place it was hidden to reassure himself that it was still in his care.
That was what had nearly cost Estarossa his life. At Liones, Zeldris had seen the way the battle with the monster would go and, in an unexpected rush of familial loyalty, had braced his brother against the impact of the vast magic which called on the burning power of the sun itself. He had forgotten in the moment about the treasure he held, and had quickly manoeuvred himself so as to avoid being hit when, with a shock, he remembered what he was carrying. This had saved Gelda but left his brother to take the attack on his own. Zeldris had not even used his magic to lessen the blow for him. He needed it all. Estarossa was now in a coma, and although it was probably his fault he did not care in the slightest. They had never been close, Estarossa always ignoring him, lost in his adoration for that despicable traitor. Gelda was safe, and Estarossa's predicament had proven rather useful as it had distracted his father long enough for him to complete the spell.
It had been as difficult as expected. One word wrong would have ruined everything so he had studied for days, reciting the spell again and again, checking his pronunciation of the strange tongue which had originally come from Belialuin. Finally, he was confident in his abilities and had taken the risk, falling to his knees when Gelda emerged from the pale blue smoke which had clouded his room, her delicate heart-shaped face and wide, clear blue eyes radiating inexpressible misery until she had seen him. She had come to him quickly, dispelling any doubt he might have of her current affection, and had lost no time in showing him how much she cared. The thought of her passionate welcome stirred his ardour, even all these days later and the girl in his arms noticed his need. She ran her hands over his chest in response, teasingly brushing her fingers down him so slowly until she finally held his throbbing length in her hands, her touch deliciously soft and smooth. He collapsed back on the bed as she caressed him, moving slowly and firmly the way she knew that he liked. He felt more than heard himself groan her name out loud as he closed his eyes with the bliss, delighted with the way she continued to lavish her full attention on him. Her warm lips trailed down his stomach, her tongue flicking out to explore the dips his muscles created, her wonderfully soft breasts rubbing over him, teasing him even more. And then he finally felt the amazing hot cavern of her mouth smooth around him as she took him in slowly, inch by inch, until she was practically swallowing him whole and he felt himself hit the back of her throat. She found his hands then, stroking them gently before pulling them silently into her hair and he eagerly moved her into the pace that he needed.
Fuck this had so been worth it, he thought as he guided her, quickening her pace, feeling sparks run through his veins as her tongue swirled over him even with her exertion and he was pleased he had used the last of his power to cast an the extra spell over his room to ensure them some privacy. His father had not been content but Zeldris had stood his ground. He could definitely not let this be discovered, she would be in such danger. Gelda was moving even more rapidly, as if that were possible, her mouth wonderfully soft as she slid over his length without even pausing, making succulent noises as she did so. He let himself focus fully on the sensation, her movements igniting his passion to searing heights at the friction she gave and he felt the welcome burning warmth pooling and growing within him, taking him over. The overpowering tenderness for her that washed over him with the force of his release was incredible and he scooped her up into his arms to breathe in her scent, the faint smell of roses prolonging his pleasure.
"I love you Gelda, I adore you. I can never lose you again", he breathed into her, panting slightly and she pulled him closer to her in response to his words.
"I love you too Zeldris. I missed you so much", Gelda hummed as she gently massaged his shoulders. She had been sated from their earlier joining but was delighted to feel him caressing her stomach as he moved his skilled fingers down towards her sex. She needed to understand what he was thinking and knew that this was the best way to get him in the right frame of mind. He was always so controlled, so good at keeping his true feelings hidden, the habit of his upbringing extending even to her. Once spent, he would be less guarded and more likely to share with her where he saw their lives going.
Although it was going to be difficult to concentrate, she conceded as she felt his fingers brush between her folds and she shuddered with pleasure at the low murmur of approbation he gave. He was pumping two fingers into her slowly, curving them round to where she needed his touch. She bucked her hips with the sensation, and before she knew what was happening she felt his tongue running over her clit. Gelda gave up trying to think, and stretched down her hands to weave her fingers into Zeldris' thick, dark hair, relishing the feel of it in her hands. It looked so spiky but was in fact beautifully soft, and she pulled him flush against her as he continued to please her, licking her firmly without any pause. He was so driven she thought, as he quickened the pace of his tongue, never stopping until he heard her cries signalling her growing ecstasy. It was then that he took her pearl into his mouth, sucking firmly and her cries grew to wails as the suction became harder and his quick fingers went over and over again into her cunt.
Remembering herself and what she needed him to feel, Gelda pulled Zeldris up towards her, claiming his lips, putting everything she had into her passionate, demanding kiss as she pressed him down to lie on the bed, moving herself over him so that she straddled his hips. She let his length pulse with need against her for a few moments, watching the look of concentration take over his face with the anticipation before finally lowering herself down over him. He gasped then, his eyes fixed on her as she moved over him, using the wonderful hardness of him to bring her the pleasure she needed, angling herself so his cock pressed into her just as she wanted. He let her do as she pleased, his eyes hungrily locked on her breasts as she ground into him and she let herself lie flush against him so that he could taste them, rocking her hips to build the burning inside her. Her mind went blank as she felt her climax approaching, and she fell limply into him, her cries reaching their peak as wave after wave of hot rapture spread over her body. He held her thighs tightly then, pulling her, guiding her to rock quickly over him, the pace accelerating to impossible speed as he thrust up inside her with urgent, jagged movements. She relished the look of pure gratification that washed over his face as she felt him spill into her. She loved seeing him like this.
He waited until their breathing had slowed before pulling out of her and guiding her down to cradle her head to his chest, gently kissing her damp forehead as he wrapped his arms around her. She loved him so much. Sleep was beckoning, wanting to help her enjoy the remaining sensations, but she made herself push it away. She needed to talk to the man who was holding her.
"You didn't answer my question. Will you tell me what you want?", she murmured softly, as seductively as she could manage. She did not want him to know that she needed this answer for her, not for him.
Zeldris paused, his cheek resting on the soft, pale gold of Gelda's head. He had been on the point of blissful sleep and was welcoming the prospect of respite from the cares pressing down on him. Her question poured icy water all over his contentment. How could he possibly tell her? How could he even begin to say to the woman he adored with everything that he had that, try as he might to make himself feel otherwise, she was just not enough? That he wanted the throne as well as her.
Gelda felt his hands pause as they ran over her arm and knew that she was finally going to get the honesty she needed. She had reassured herself when she first came back that he would surely not want to run away with her. That was not in his nature. He needed to rule, not to hide. It was why she had chosen him in the first place, the supreme ambition he nursed was his most attractive quality. But she had seen the pain in his eyes as he came to her each night and had worried that he was perhaps reaching his limit. Tonight in particular he had been agitated, distracted even, so unlike his usual self. Something terrible must have happened that day and maybe he would want them to run. He looked haggard enough.
"I want that traitor dead by my hand", Zeldris snarled and she felt his head sink back into the bed with the force of his rage, and she missed the warmth where his cheek had rested on her.
"Why? What has happened?", Gelda asked gently, raising herself to look into his face. His eyes were on fire with his anger, flashing the cold arrogance she loved so much. Zeldris had not mentioned Meliodas since he had revived her, so this must be linked to something specific.
"I've been told, ordered, to go get him so that he can be placed on my throne. I have to bow down before the little shit as if nothing has happened, as if the last three thousand years were just a sick joke", Zeldris spat. "My objections meant nothing...".
Gelda thought. That must have been difficult for him to say, nothing hurt him more than wounding his pride. She would need to play her cards carefully if she was to guide him to the best course, but she knew then what she needed him to do.
"Are you being watched?", she asked carefully. Zeldris had told her the Demon King was sporadically observing his efforts to reclaim Britannia, and he had very apologetically confined her to his rooms. She didn't mind. They were comfortable enough and he made sure she had everything that she needed, but she could not go on living her life in the shadows. She and Zeldris were doing nothing wrong, nothing that they should feel ashamed of and the injustice of it made her clench her teeth. She took several deep breathes to calm herself down, she needed to keep her temper under control.
"Oh yes. He explicitly said so. There's no way I can do it. I've thought about it, dreamed about ending him, curse or no curse, but I can't. There's no way to win", Zeldris sighed, holding his hand up to cup Gelda's face. "I'm so sorry. You deserve more than this. More than I can give you".
Gelda reached her hand down to press a finger gently to his lips. "I love you Zeldris. I have since the moment I saw you all those years ago. You are mine and I am yours. Please don't apologise. I want to be with you, whatever that means".
"I don't understand why he is doing this to me. He owes me! When have I ever refused to do his biding? When have I ever not made the sacrifices he has demanded of me? How dare he replace me! Fuck, I hate him so much", Zeldris spat, a look of fear crossing his face as he realised the gravity of what he had said. He took deep, shuddering breathes himself and slowly he regained control, his face smoothing into its usual countenance. "I'm sorry, I need to get this in check".
"You are right to be angry", Gelda soothed, sinking back down to the bed and wrapping her arms round him once more, running her fingers through his hair as she pulled him close to her. "He is treating you cruelly. But there is a way out of this".
"I know and I should be able to take it. I should take you away, look after you properly somewhere you don't have to be shut away. But..."
"No, that's not what I had in mind. I know you could never do that. You are destined to rule, to have the whole world bow down before you. You can't live in hiding, and neither can I. And the throne will be yours, we just have to be careful that's all", Gelda smiled, pulling away slightly so she could check his reaction. He was so still, his face a perfect mask giving nothing away and she wished he was not so good at keeping things from her.
"I'm listening", he answered, his tone cautious and hesitant. She would need to make sure her next words were convincing.
"Go and fetch Meliodas as he has asked you to", Gelda replied, running her thumb across Zeldris' jaw as he started his objection. "As you said, you have to. It won't do you any good if you disobey your father now. But once Meliodas is on the throne, your father will die. He's been barely hanging on for a while now hasn't he?", Gelda paused and Zeldris nodded slowing showing that her arguments were sound.
"Once he is dead, the only thing standing between you and the throne will be your brothers. Estarossa is barely alive you said, and even if he recovers I am sure you can deal with him quietly, take him out before he knows what is going on. And with you as their prospective leader, who in your clan will follow Meliodas? I take it from what you say that he's reverted to his previous self, but what will make sure he doesn't betray you all again? Nothing, and they will know that. However powerful he is, they will follow you. You can depose him, take the throne for yourself and then we can come out of hiding. Once you are in charge, no one will dare oppose you."
He looked at her, a small smile creeping up the corner of his mouth and she relaxed. "When did you get so ruthless, my Gelda?", he asked her. "Not that I'm complaining."
"You've been looking so run down, my darling. I don't know what's been happening but you can't go on like this. You need a way forward", Gelda murmured as she caressed his neck with her lips, resisting the urge to bite him. He loved it when she did that, but she needed him to concentrate now, to either accept or reject her proposal.
"I thought you would want me to run away with you. I've been worrying for days how to tell you that I couldn't go through with that", Zeldris murmured, pulling Gelda more firmly into his embrace, tilting his head to make room for her mouth as she continued to suck on his neck.
"If I wanted someone who would be so cowardly, I would not be with you. You are strong, and you will win this", Gelda murmured, rewarding his compliance with a soft bite, just deep enough to pierce the skin, relishing the metallic taste of his blood and the low moan which fell from his lips.
"There's barely anyone left though", he gasped. "You may be right, most of the demons will follow me, but our elite warriors have all been defeated. I called them today. The only ones who answered were the Fairy and Giant Kings telling me they were switching back, are now my enemies. The seal has thankfully let forth a couple of useful fighters but there is barely anyone who could help with a coup, and it would only take one of them to join Meliodas' side for any attempt to be jeopardised".
Gelda paused in her ministrations. That was unfortunate. No wonder he had been so agitated that evening.
"That's a problem, but not a significant one", she soothed. "You will breed more. You may even be able to get your brother to put you in charge of the breeding programme. You could develop warriors in secret. There must be some combination that will create high-ranking soldiers from the genes you have to play with".
She was right, Zeldris thought. It would take time, but was not impossible. If he bred the creatures himself he could even take steps to more perfectly ensure himself of their loyalty.
"And you will stay with me, even if this takes centuries?", Zeldris asked, his tone casual but Gelda could hear the pleading strain underneath. "It might you know..."
"I am yours. However long it takes I will be there for you", Gelda pulled back so he could see her, putting all her emotion into the words as she gazed into his eyes. He had to believe her, to be sure of her loyalty or his confidence would falter and his mission would fail.
"I love you. I always will", Zeldris sighed, pulling her flush against him once more and closing his eyes with relief as she returned his embrace. He let himself drift into sleep, his hearts feeling lighter than they had since the seal had broken. She was here and she would wait for him, so maybe everything was going to be alright after all.
