Rekindled
Conrad was far from pure and virginal, but he had never been with a woman. It wasn't that he was only attracted to men, or even more attracted to them. But choosing men was the simplest, most complete way of distancing the people he was with from the person he wished they were.
And then he met Lelia. He had been at a particularly low point in his life. He walked the land as a traitor, wearing the uniform of a land that was rightfully his, but that had rejected him. And still he had rejected the king who embraced him to serve this master until such time as the Shinou's plans came to fruition. He wished he had asked more questions, but it wasn't in his nature. He could only wait and see, and he had seen more than enough.
Lelia was the first person who saw, with unbiased eyes, his true affiliations when he wasn't sure what he was anymore. She had challenged and encouraged him at a time when he felt worthless and forsaken. But there was too much going on then. He couldn't focus on her. There was Belal, his wicked, temporary master and Yozak who was either on his way to save the day or lying broken and alone at the bottom of that cliff and Yuuri who was ever hopeful. Yuuri who called for him. Yuuri who cared for him. Yuuri who cried for him and because of him.
It wasn't until later that he saw her again. Months had passed, but it might as well have been a lifetime. Everything had changed for him. His true expression matched the mask he wore until it was no longer a mask. Belal was no longer suited for the throne. Yozak was healthy and causing just enough mischief to be interesting but not enough to get in trouble. And Yuuri was Yuuri. If he cried it was only because he was cutting up onions for some questionable cookie recipe with Greta.
She accompanied King Antonie when he visited Shin Makoku on a diplomatic mission. He watched as she inspected her king's room to approve of its safety. She was competent, determined, and kind. An outside observer might say she reminded them of a certain tan uniform-wearing soldier, but of course, he didn't see that comparison, nor would he have seen it as favorable.
Their banter came easily. They were both trusted protectors of their nation's kings. It was enough to base a conversation on, and it went from there. He took her on a tour of the castle. He knew she would appreciate that as a visitor and a guard.
They ended in the guest quarters. He came in to start a fire and it turned out to be more of a metaphor rather than a literal description of what followed.