Chapter 28: Home

Summary: Timeline rewind- night of the Fhirdaid feast and next morning

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text 28

By the time they finished with everything and Gilbert and Rodrigue said they would take care of the last few things he was mentally exhausted. Dimitri took her to his old room. Rodrigue had thought that he would take his father's old room, but until it got rid of Cornelia's taint, he didn't want to step foot in there. His room had gotten treated like a guest room, but hadn't been messed with much. Dedue had already gotten everything back in order and new linens for the bed. A fire was already roaring in the fireplace.

She had her cloak wrapped around her tightly. Now that he thought about it perhaps the girls could let her have something old of thiers that would be warmer on her. He made her pack that turtleneck so she had that at the very least. He was glad that he had made and given it to her. He'd probably have to lend her his based on the shaking he could see. Her father had brought her straight to Morfis. She grew up used to warmer climates. He wondered again how she was going to take the colder winters.

"Come here by the fire a moment. There's something I want to check to see if it's still here." He said.

She sat in the chair next to the fire and Guren pressed himself against her feet as he curled around her. He moved one of the large chests that would normally be too heavy for one person to lift. He found his old hiding place, taking some of the bricks away so he could reach his hand inside. A bag of gold from his old allowance, a protective charm that Patricia had embroidered for him, but it was the item wrapped in cloth that he was after. He grabbed the edges of the cloth, careful not to grab at the object inside lest he break it. When he unwrapped the edges to see the metal that lay inside filled him with nostalgia. It had been so long since he last seen it and the protective cloth seemed to have taken the brunt of time's damage.

He went over to Byleth. "It belonged to my birth mother. I was too young to remember her before she died, but my father had kept this momento of her. After he met Patricia he gave it to me. He didn't want to taint my mother's memory by giving it to her since it was one of the few items he still possessed of hers."

She took it in her hands. "What is it?"

"It's an ornamental piece. It can be worn many ways, a necklace, wrapped around a crown, or a dagger's hilt." He replied.

"It's beautiful." She said, lifting it up in her hands. Byleth studied it, blue roses made from metal with small white diamonds and blue stones dotting along the chains that dangled in small loops. The chains on the side were detachable so you could decide the length you needed. It was currently wrapped around a small silver circlet. If one put it on the stones and chains would lay against the forehead. The rest of the chains laying down in small sweeps around their head.

"I'd… I'd like you to have it." Dimitri said. Like her ring, his father had given it to him with the intention of giving it to his bride, for the Queen of Faerghus to wear.

Byleth looked up at him, her eyes wide. "I.. it's beautiful, but I'd feel terrible if something happened to it."

"Humor me a moment and let me see it on you, please." He said, kneeling beside the chair.

She blushed before she made sure that it was all fastened correctly. Then she placed it on her head, making sure that it was centered before she looked at him. "It would definitely take some getting used to."

Dimitri reached out to touch her cheek as he swallowed. After Duscar his thoughts had never traveled to the thought that he deserved happiness, much less a loving partner. As the crown prince it was his duty to marry whatever woman would benefit the kingdom more, and he thought that he would never have a choice in the matter. He knew by choosing her he was turning his back to that part of his role, but he couldn't imagine anyone better for him or his kingdom. He loved her, her and that brilliant mind of hers. That radiant smile that made his heart race at seeing it. With the cloak, ring, and circlet, she looked every bit his queen as if she was born to the role, made for it, made for him. She laid her hand against his and gave him a shy smile.

"It does look beautiful on you. Thank you." He said, giving her a light kiss.

She smiled before she took it off and wrapped the cloth around it. "After the war I promise to wear it, but it doesn't feel right to do so yet."

He nodded, knowing that without her being married to him yet it was true. He wasn't allowed to touch the Blaiddyd crown until his coronation. There was a formal crown for the queen to wear at certain occasions that matched the king's, but this one was decorative, more for dances and audiences with visiting noble guests.

According to his father his birth mother's favorite flowers were roses, but the poor soil in Fhirdiad had always made it hard to grow food, much less decorational plants. His father's solution had been to get the smiths to make metal and glass ones for her, ones that would never wilt and she could enjoy year-round. Every year on bloom day he would make sure to import some white ones for her garland. Rodrigue would often tell him of how many times his father had gotten thorns embedded in his hands trying to dethorn the flowers beforehand. He wish he could have known her, but like Byleth that chance had been taken from him.

Byleth slipped her feet away from Guren as she stood. "Here right?" she asked, going to hole in the wall.

He nodded. "Yes, it was where I kept my treasures that I didn't want anyone else bothering or trying to steal."

She smiled and shook her head before she placed it gently back inside and put the bricks back in place. The fact that she didn't want to pry was endearing. He wasn't sure what he was going to do about the charm at this moment, but he would think about that later. His gaze went to the washroom that was connected to his. It wasn't as large or extravagant as the one that attached to his father's old room, but it did have a large tub. After the days of traveling, fighting, and the lack of supplies they had at the monastery for soaps and oils, she would probably appreciate a nice soak. It had angered him to see what Cornelia and her men had hoarded here in the castle as the people suffered, but he would use it to his advantage for the moment.

He went inside and lit the torches. He saw clean towels on the side folded in the manner he knew Dedue preferred. He must have been in here to clean and check on things. There was a long blue nightgown and some stocking hanging on the side with a note from Annette saying that she hoped it would fit Byleth enough to keep her warm. Dimitri decided it wasn't too odd, he imagined that all of them would probably be enjoying the baths while they could. They all knew she wouldn't have anything for herself here other than what she brought. He was thankful for it since he had already thought of it himself. Dedue had even laid out a sleep set for him. He smiled at his friends' thoughtfulness.

Byleth followed him inside, looking around. She caught sight of the nightgown and looked at the note, a small smile and shaking her head as she read the note. Dimitri turned on the water for the tub. There were a few bottles on the side but he wasn't sure what all of them were. She sat beside them and sifted through them, opening and smelling a few, before adding a bit of one to the tub.

"The scents are a bit nicer than the ones I'm familiar with from the inns, but the consistency of the brew is much the same." She said, putting her hand in the water and using the heat from a fire spell to help heat the water as small bubbles popped up from the soap. They had a pipe system in place that went through some magical contraptions to heat it, but he wasn't sure if they were being monitored as they should be. Either that or it wasn't warm enough for her. She pulled her hand away after checking the temperature with her other hand. The scent of lavender flowed through the room as she added another oil.

She looked up at him as she clutched the bottle to her chest, eyes wide. "I'm sorry I should have asked if you even liked lavender."

He chuckled. "I noticed that you preferred the lavender tea a while ago, your room smelled like lavender because of it and it would cling to you sometimes. It's a nice scent and I don't mind that you added it."

She smiled before putting the bottle down and went to hang up her cloak next to the nightgown before stripping off her armor and clothing. He followed suit, intending to join her. She nodded for him to go first. The water was warm, but not scalding. He got himself comfortable before she joined him, stepping in and then straddling his waist to kiss him. He pulled her to him and looked at the water level before he shut it off. It was enough to cover the both of them but not overflow if they moved too much. She took her hand once more to warm the water a little bit more gradually before she settled against his chest, enjoying the warmth. Then after a kiss turned around so she was settled against him as she stretched her legs and relaxed against him.

"This is nice." She breathed.

He smiled down at her. "Yes it is. The tub in the royal suite is larger than this one, but I'm not ready to take that room over just yet."

She nodded. "Something to look forward to then."

"Get your hair done first, that way it gives it a chance to dry before we return to bed. I do not want you catching a cold your first night here." He said.

She handed him the bottle. "I trust you." She said before taking the cup, leaning forward, and rinsing her hair before she leaned back.

"That isn't a good idea Byleth." He said solemnly.

Byleth rolled her eyes. "You can't break me Dimitri. You haven't hurt me yet. Just use small motions like you'd use on yourself."

"You put too much faith in me." Dimitri said, but he lathered the soap in his hands and tenderly started to run his hands through her hair, starting with the part that hung off her neck.

He was nervous about going near her head. He had cracked skulls before with his bare hands. He wasn't sure why it still bothered him so much. She was right, he had been careful with her, even the bruising would fade after a while and she never complained. He had to learn to start trusting himself. The main time he lost control was when his temper or anxiety rose. He took a deep breath before moving his hands further to massage her scalp. She made a soft sound and he relaxed as well. When he lifted his hands he wrapped his arms around her to cradle her to his chest.

"See. Your hands can do more than harm Dimitri. Please put more trust in yourself." She took the cup and he let her go so she could rinse the soap out of her hair.

She turned to him to do the same. He leaned forward for her as he felt the water pour over him. Her touch was soothing. He could see why she had asked for it. After all the things they had to do today it was peaceful. He closed his eyes and let her do as she wanted. After she poured the water to rinse he heard her run a cloth through the water before he felt her touch him again. She massaged his shoulders, his neck, down his arms. He tried to keep his eyes closed. He could feel her body pressing up against him as she moved, but what she was doing was a different kind of intimacy. It was something he didn't want to interrupt with the temptation to touch her.

She had come in to hug him to get her hands to his back. Then he felt her lips against his. He returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around her. She moved his wet hair from his forehead to the sides to pace a kiss there as she held him. He still couldn't fathom how much comfort one person could give. He realized how comfortable he was with her. Despite the trying times they had ahead of him he was glad he had asked her tonight. It was as she said the anxiety from trying to plan the perfect moment had clawed at him. It had come so easily and he was so grateful to her. The words had come naturally thank goodness and he hadn't tripped over his words too much. She was tracing small touches along his back and it he returned the movements on her back.

"Would you like the cloth to do me?" she asked.

He nodded before grabbing the cloth from her, and his hand hovered over the bottles. She turned around and handed the one that held the soap. He thanked her before pouring some out and rubbing the cloth together until it foamed in his hands. He ran it over her shoulders first, using his thumbs like Sylvain had shown him to massage her as he washed. The soft moans and sighs of her contentment went through him like a fever. Pleased that he had gotten better at this he used the cup to rinse off the suds before kissing her and lathering her neck with small nibbles as he let the cloth wander and wash over the rest of her.

Then with one final kiss to her neck, he rose to get out, to grab and then holding the fluffy towel for her. "Come on you shouldn't stay too long."

"But it was feeling good." She said as she rose and stepped out.

He wrapped the towel around her. "I can continue the massage in the bed if you like." He said, hugging her to his chest and leaning his head to kiss her jawline.

"That sounds….. we have a problem. I don't think I packed the herbs. I had taken them out to use them that morning and I don't think I put them back. It hadn't crossed my mind since I don't normally take them." She said with a curse.

He huffed. "No helping it for the moment it seems. I can still give you the massage, and we both have a long day ahead of us. Perhaps it's best if we behave, I did enjoy the bath."

"Me too." She turned to kiss him and take the towel from him as she patted herself dry.

She went up to the nightgown and tried it on. It fit rather well, and the stockings were nice and warm as well. Dimitri put on the pants, casual shirt, and socks on as he looked over at Byleth. He wondered at the note. Annette was the one that offered it up on the note, but the size looked more like Mercedes'. Knowing the two of them they probably were both in on it.

He snuffed out the torches before he followed her into the bedroom. She had dove under the covers and was looking very cute under all the layers. He went and snuffed out those torches as well and fed the fire so it wouldn't go out before they woke up.

He saw Byleth stretch and yawn. "You really need to stop staying up so late my friend."

"Says the one who's awake with me." She teased.

He got under the covers with her and pulled her close. "Not for long."

"Goodnight Dimitri."

"Goodnight Byleth, and thank you for everything."

She twined her hand with his, the blue stones catching in the firelight. "Thank you my love. The path won't be easy but I'm happy to be your chosen. Rest well."

He stroked her hair away from her neck and laid a light kiss there. "And to you my guiding light I will always cherish the warmth you give me. I will be worthy of you."

He heard her huff at that. "You already are. Now go to sleep." She grumbled through a yawn.

"As you wish beloved." He said, snuggling into her. He loved how well she fit with him. She would complain about her height, but it only added to her cuteness. He was home, and he had her in his bed. Tonight he hoped that both of their nightmares would stay far away.

This council was not going the way he hoped it would. Byleth was sitting at his side with her mask, Rodrigue and Gilbert next to him. His allies behind him as he was being glared at by several councilman, as well as lords Kleiman and Charon and their vassals. They hadn't even given him a chance to open his mouth before they focused on the rings and questions of who Byleth was and things like her pedigree. He didn't feel the need to indulge them. They were all chatting among themselves already anyway. He wasn't about to add more fuel on that fire.

"You have a duty your highness to marry another noble. We all have daughters that you could benefit from having, and yet you are choosing a common whore." Kleiman said.

Dimitri slammed his fists down on the table as he rose. "Hold your tongue. I am the only one who has touched her and I will not stand by as you insult her."

Byleth uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. Dimitri sat back and folded his hands as he propped his elbows on the table. "Tell me my lords. Would you rather have a noble woman who only cares about the rank it gives her, or would you rather have someone at his side that loves him, can help him rule, and would die to protect him and this country?" she asked.

"You have no right to speak here commoner." Kleiman snapped back.

Byleth stayed calm. "As the upcoming archbishop and the Master Tactician of this army, I do have a right to sit and speak my lord. To be honest I don't like politics, they are usually petty squabbles over pride and don't always have the people's interest in mind, but they are necessary. You feel offended that your daughters have lost their chance at such a prize, but what you are neglecting is that we are here to talk about what can be done to get Faerghus back onto its feet. I will stay by Dimitri's side unless one of you wants to fight him to take me from his grasp? Noone, good now moving on. Arienrohd is still under the control of the empire. We should strike that on our way to Deirdru. We still need to make sure…"

Kleiman rose. "We will not take this insult…"

"Then stop acting like petty children." Byleth's voice was calm and even, but Dimitri had heard that reprimanding tone before.

"I beg your pardon?" the lord gaped.

"Dimitri is not an object to be bartered, sold, or puppeted at your command. He has fought to free this city and save it from the tyranny Cornelia placed it under. I will not waste time on petty bickering while lives are at stake. If all you are going to do is whine that things aren't going your way then get out." Byleth said cooly.

Lord Charon started to chuckle. "I see why you like her. Eisner was it? One question and then I am more that happy to make my loyalty known." Byleth nodded for him to continue. "Why did you accept His Highness's proposal knowing that trouble like this would occur?"

"Because love is worth fighting for. We make each other happy and I won't sit idly by as he's forced to be miserable with someone he doesn't care for just for the sake or politics or pride. I will not become his mistress because that would not be fair to his queen, nor would his honor allow such a thing. I stand beside him because I can't imagine anywhere else I'd want to be." She replied.

Dimitri glanced up at her, smiling behind his folded hands.

"And the break in conduct?" the lord continued.

She shrugged. "You never know when the next battle will be your last. I've gotten used to soothing his nightmares so we both can sleep. They have been fewer and far between as time has past."

The lord rose and bowed. "I see. Yes his highness has suffered much. There are things on the battlefield that someone who has not participated in war cannot fathom. I stand by your decision Your Highness. I have heard of your tactician's skill as she has lead your army, and even more her reputation proceeds her. Welcome Ashen Demon, I am glad that His Highness has found someone to place his trust in. Consider house Charon's troops yours. I am excited to see how you'll do as Archbishop."

"How could you…..Ashen….that killer as our queen?" Kleiman stuttered.

"In a fight, it's your life or your opponents. I do not go looking for unnecessary fights." Byleth said simply.

"House Faldarius stands behind the union." Rodrigue said.

"House Dominic will also stand in acceptance." Gilbert said.

"I can vouch for House Gautier." Sylvain said.

"As well as House Galetea." Ingrid said.

Kleiman slammed his fists on the table. "House Klieman does not."

Yuri took Ashe forward with him. "As the adopted sons of House Rowe and Gaspard can we vouch for our houses as well?"

Count Klieman seethed. "Both of you adopted commoners may not. No noble blood runs in your veins."

Byleth breathed deeply before pulling out a few papers. Dimitri recognized Hubert's reports as she put them in front of the count. "And what of Duscar Klieman? We already know of your atrocities to get the Duscar land for yourself. We also interrupted your hunts for anyone of Duscar blood five years ago. You not only sided with the Empire during this war, but you were the one working with Arundel. You may not have been the one to swing the blade, but you did help conspire against Fearghus' king once before."

The fear and disbelief in Klieman's face were tangible. "How did you?... No.. No … I don't know what you're talking about." He was trying to weasel out of it, but Byleth had already sprung her trap.

The servant behind him was the one that shattered. "It was for the good of the kingdom. Lambert's radical ideas would have brought Faerghus to ruin."

"Be quiet you!" Count Klieman hissed.

Dimitri rose from his chair as did Rodrigue and Gilbert. "Take them both and lock them up for questioning." Dimitri snarled.

Rodrigue nodded. "Don't wait for me to return. Felix help me take these scum to the dungeons."

Gilbert put a hand on Rodrigue's shoulder. "Perhaps it's best that is not someone so invested take them."

"Ferdinand and Sylvain, can I trust you both? Felix you may accompany them, but they are to be locked up, am I understood? They will receive their justice, but we are back to where we started if they are dead. Lock them in different cells on that note." Byleth said.

"You whore! You cannot do this to me!" Klieman yelled before Sylvain came over and knocked him out with a swift hit.

"If he was allowed to keep talking, I would make no promises. Glenn was my friend too, and no one insults the Professor as he did." Sylvain said before dragging the count out of the room. Ferdinand left the vassel out who didn't make any moves to resist.

The men still at the table picked up the papers to start going over them. "Yes I see where you came to that conclusion Lady Eisner. The timelines match up perfectly with the shipments and payments received. Why, though, may I ask to you suspect Lord Arundel? He was in the area at the time, but that doesn't prove enough. This does mean we made a grievous error. If Kleiman and Cornelia were responsible, then the people of Duscar….."

"The ones responsible that Arundel works for have done many nefarious deeds and have a way of making sure you look elsewhere. Duscar was a convenient target and it was good to bait Klieman with since, as we saw, he gained more territory. It also worked because of Fodlan's nature to not include anyone within their borders. We see the same thing with Almyra. Anyone not from Fodlan is an outsider, and anyone that is from the other territories are treated with disdain." Byleth answered.

The councilman nodded solemnly. "Too true I am afraid. We will do what we can to help atone for our actions. It seems a change of opinion will be needed. Although the laws we have do state specifically on matters of royalty and their linage, I have to say we haven't been in the same room long and yet you have already come to impress us. In time of war I think leniency can be granted, especially when it is a matter of church and state joining as one. Tell me why were you named as the archbishop's successor?"

"My mother is Rhea's adopted daughter, taken in by another of Rhea's family who fell ill and left Sitri in Rhea's care before they died. Between that and my own abilities, Rhea felt that I was capable should something happen." Byleth answered. Dimitri was a little jealous of how quickly she had taken the upper hand. He was good at politeness and keeping the friendly façade unless something truly angered him, but she was wrapping the entire council to her will. Like with the war councils, she was commanding the room, just as she so easily commanded the battlefield.

The councilman's eyes lit up at that remark. "Why didn't you lead with that my dear girl? If you are kin to Rhea that alone qualifies you. The church may not follow nobility rules because they only consider the crests as gifts, but there is no denying the hierarchy that the church follows. Rhea is the ruler of the church and any child of her family would be connected to that rulership."

Byleth shrugged. "It wasn't a fact that Rhea made public. My father only met Sitri because he was captain of the knights of Seiros and spent enough time around Rhea to meet her in passing before they started seeing each other. My mother died giving birth to me so it's not something I talk about lightly."

The council members whispered among each other. "The council is in full agreement. When this war is over we will welcome you to Fhirdiad Lady Eisner. Now you had other business with us?"

Dimitri tried not to gape. How ….nevermind… he wasn't going to argue over a blessing. It took a lot of weight off of his chest. Byleth turned to him and nodded. She was giving him the floor. He returned the nod before he turned to the ones behind him.

"We have received a request for aid from the alliance. They are being invaded by the Empire. We have only just taken back Fhirdiad, and yet I am already asking all of you to move out once more. Please accept my apologies for that."

"That no problem. More importantly, how is the alliance fairing?" Ingrid asked.

Dimitri crossed his arms. "House Riegan has rallied the Alliance lords. They are facing the enemy with all the strength they can muster. But we do not know how far that will get them. It seems the enemy's relentless attacks have forced them into a tough situation. Because they sided with us after the bridge I assume that the Empire plans to destroy them before we can regroup."

"To think they'd watch us chase their soldiers out of the kingdom capital, then immediately go invade the alliance. The general is Lord Volkhard von Arundel. He serves as regent to the emperor. He has taken command of part of the Emperor's forces. The Emperor herself has stationed herself in Fort Merceus." Gilbert said.

Dimitri and Byleth shared a knowing glance. "He is known for his shrewdness and excels not only in domestic affairs, but tactics as well. He is not an opponent we should take lightly. Lord Arundel… I always suspected that he was behind the tragedy nine years ago. The timing of his departure from the kingdom, the fact that he abruptly stopped making donations… too many factors made him suspect. Then there was the document you brought me. If Lord Arundel conspired with Cornelia ….it .. well never mind for now. The alliance needs our help. What are your thoughts?

"If we turn our backs on the alliance after their acceptance to help us and Derdriu falls, it will undoubtedly make our situation difficult further down the road." Rodrigue said.

"That is true. We would not be able to safely march our soldiers to Enbarr." Dimitri replied.

"I am terribly worried about Lady Rhea…. But I believe we must save the alliance first." Flayn said.

"There is also Airenrohd to contend with. We cannot leave it in the empire's hands." Byleth reminded them.

Rodrigue nodded. "Your highness, would you permit me to take a group there to take it and secure it while you get the rest of the troops ready for Derdriu?"

Dimitri hesitated. He didn't want to lose Rodrigue again. "Only if you take Byleth with you."

Byleth gave him a knowing nod. "I'll make sure I bring everyone back safe. May I have Ashe, Ingrid, Sylvain, Felix, Lysynthia, Lindhart, and Petra? I want mobile units. We need to strike hard and strike fast. Do I have any objections? That includes from you Rodrigue."

The members she called out all agreed. Lindhart grumbled about being made to work, but he also said he was interested in seeing inside the silver maiden himself.

Rodrigue nodded. "I am honored, and yes I would appreciate the help. Lead us well."

Byleth put a hand on Dimitri's shoulder. "You take care too. There might be enemies still lurking. I can't be in two places at once."

He nodded. "I know I can trust you. They need us. We cannot turn our backs on them, but we can't ignore the danger the empire poses. I'll arrange for you to head out at once. Prepare yourselves, everyone. As soon as they return we head for Derdriu."