Seteth was not happy with when he found them. The goddess tower was sacred ground and off-limits for a reason. There was plenty to do today and it was best not to cause unnecessary conflict.
Sothis waved him off. "Don't be so uptight! They won't be able to have their wedding for a while, and what better place to do a soul bind than in the place you've deemed to be where I watch over everyone?"
Seteth looked between the three of them. "You had mentioned that they were doing that, didn't you? How do you both feel?"
"I have a heartbeat now," Byleth said.
Seteth's eyes went wide. "You need to see Linhardt or Hanneman immediately. We need to find out what effects it has on the rest of your body. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for you to get examined as well, Dimitri. Normally when our kind did the soul bind we already had crest stones for our hearts and normally it would turn a human's into a mirror of our own. What has come to pass is unheard of."
Byleth nodded and took Dimitri's hand to pull him towards the cathedral. She wasn't about to leave him for Seteth to continue his lecture. They would gather up what they used for bedding last night later.
Linhardt was not happy with being woken up so early, but when he found out the reason why he seemed wide awake as he gathered supplies. Manuela did Byleth's exam and the results were good. There weren't any problems that she could find. Dimitri's heart was still beating strong as well, so there wasn't anything to worry about with that at the moment. Hanneman wanted blood samples from them both. Linhardt's examination was far less intrusive. His hand hovered above them as it pulsed with white magic, like he was examining them from the inside.
"Before when you let me examine you Byleth, you had a large bulge on your heart that's gone now. It seems that the poison is out of Dimitri's system from before and both of you seem fine. How do you feel? I mean in magic or connection, I know the others already covered your health and I can feel nothing wrong," Linhardt noted.
Byleth took Dimitri's hand in hers and closed her eyes. "I can feel… it's like a current, back and forth between us."
Linhardt took down some notes. "Please don't hesitate to come to us is something feels off. In the meantime, I will not keep you. It is a busy day after all."
Byleth suddenly looked sheepish. "Yes, perhaps I could have chosen a different day."
Dimitri squeezed her hand. "I wouldn't have it any other way, so don't let such thoughts burden you."
Rodrigue sighed at the weight of the box that was sitting in his lap. He had left Fhirdiad in the hands of the council for the moment until Dimitri returned to his rightful place. The wolf Dimitri had left as his protector rested on the cushions opposite of him. How odd to feel so much at the thought that he would be losing such a trusted pet. The wolf had been his shadow since Dimitri left. He was happy to know that when Dimitri returned he'd have such a trusted companion at his side. He worried that perhaps the wolf would decide to stay with Byleth, but that would be their choice to make. Either way he would miss the company.
The crown in his lap had been the same one that he had watched Lambert receive. He still missed his old friend, but he was glad that his promise was kept. Lambert would be proud of his son, and he had no doubt he would adore Byleth as well. Lambert would be pleased to know how much his son was loved, not only by the woman he chose but by his people. Fhirdiad had mended itself well after Cornelia and her snakes were taken from power. The people had cleaned the streets and the dead disposed of and were gathering to greet their king when he entered the city. They had heard of his kindness and attentiveness from his time at Garrag Mach and were excited to know that he would be turning that disposition towards them.
Rodrigue wondered about the five years that Dimitri had been forced to live on the streets or away from people. He wished that Dimitri had gone to him, but that would have been too obvious. Rodrigue imagined that Cornelia had spied on their territory the entire time in case Dimitri would have made such a move. From the day that Gilbert found Dimitri, and every day since, Byleth had been by his side. The things they had accomplished together had been wonderous. The Dimitri he had seen resembled Lambert in more than features and he imagined it was Byleth he would need to thank for that. It seemed that almost all of the scars Dimitri had to bear were finally healing. He just hoped that Dimitri would stay strong enough to weather this next part alone. He would need to stand tall and learn things for himself and to grow his circle of trust in order to succeed. To know that many of the things he knew about himself were his own and not only because of her.
The carriage stopped and the wolf opened its golden eyes as his tail began to wag. Guren hopped off of the cushions to the floor by Rodrigue's feet. He could already smell Dimitri and Byleth nearby and the excitement it sent through. How much excitement he felt was unexpected to him. The door to the carriage had barely opened before he bolted out. Some of the other of her pack members were there too, but all he could focus on was how she knelt down to greet him with a large smile on her face.
He didn't mean to barrel into her that hard. She squeaked and fell back into Dimitri who steadied her. Her laughter caught him off guard, but he loved the feeling of her hands through his fur as she ruffled it before she hugged him close. He leaned his head against the crook of her neck and down her back in his own type of hug. Safe, she was safe and with her king that she loved. Everything was right in the world again. He hadn't lost another queen with his absence.
Dimitri leaned down to pet his head. "Thank you for taking care of Rodrigue for me."
"You're welcome. Thank you for keeping her safe," Guren said, opening his eyes.
Rodrigue smiled at the bark that the wolf gave to Dimitri. It was as if the wolf had understood him. He did think that the wolf had seemed extremely intelligent, but he had thought perhaps that was due to living inside a human's head for so long. He still didn't understand how such magic worked, but it was only the end result that mattered.
Dimitri stood and came over to him as Rodrigue opened his arms and took Dimitri into an embrace. Rodrigue looked to Felix afterward and had to suppress the need to sigh. There would be no way to enjoy such a simple act with his own blood. He wondered if perhaps there would ever be a way to reconcile. Byleth walked over with the wolf shadowing her steps. Rodrigue again felt torn. He might have to get a pet himself after this. He showed her the crown inside the box. It would be in her care until the ceremony when it was placed on Dimitri.
It was beautiful, was her first thought. It was silver metal with blue stones, like her ring she thought. She heard Dimitri take a deep breath beside her. He had told her a few nights ago that there was a part of him not looking forward to it. The crown had been in their family for generations and it was a role he was afraid of failing in. She had told him that he had already accomplished so much without it, the only thing he could do was accept his role and use it to the best of his ability. She took it in her hands, it wasn't that particularly heavy. His crest was etched inside the front point.
Like Loog's armor, it seems that the crown was also another decoration for the crest they bore. He would be wearing the armor for the ceremony as he had been asked. He didn't want to greet his reign as if he was going to battle, but it was what tradition called for. The moment he was crowned they had all agreed that he could change into something that was formal but not armor to mingle around those that came to give him their congratulations. She was going to have to watch his anxiety levels to make sure he could get a chance to breathe and decompress if he needed it.
"There's a matching one still in Fhirdiad. It's slimmer and without as many points, but after we marry it will be yours," Dimitri said.
She placed his back into the box and took it into her possession. Then she looked up at Dimitri. "I don't need a crown to know I'm yours. I will see you at the ceremony my king."
Dimitri knew why she was being formal, but it still stung. Guren looked between them, torn between who to stay with as she left.
Dimitri bent down. "I would like it for the moment if you stayed with me. She has something prepared for you and asked that we make you look presentable."
Guren tilted his head and narrowed his eyes on Dimitri. "And what does that mean exactly?"
"Well for one a bath, then a brushing, then you are to go to her and get your gift," Dimitri replied.
"Is that Marianne girl still around? The one that can talk to animals because of her crest," Guren asked.
Dimitri nodded. "She's at the stables right now looking after the horses."
Guren's tail twitched in annoyance. "I'll go to her for the bath then. It's good to see you both safe and sound. Thank you for keeping our promise. Will Ashen be coming back to the castle?"
"Besides visits, she'll be here for a year before stepping down from this position to join me there," Dimitri answered.
Guren nodded. "Looks like I have a choice to make then."
Dimitri watched Guren trot off towards the stables. Rodrigue was looking at him oddly and he realized that no one would be able to understand that Guren was talking back to him. He rubbed the back of his neck and then Rodrigue smiled and clapped him on the back and mentioned that they had to get him to look presentable as well.
Most of the group had scattered to take care of the various jobs they had today. Ashe and Dedue would be cooking for the crowd again. Yuri and the other wolves were planning on making an appearance today to help keep an eye out for undesirables who might try to interfere with the ceremony.
They had both already taken their baths earlier that morning. Dorthea was preparing Byleth with makeup and her hair. Mercedes was here with him for the moment. He had balked at the idea of needing anything, but she had said that they at least had to tame his mane and that she wouldn't really need to do anything like that for him. He had always been handsome. Dimitri sat as she ran the brush through his hair. He had been hearing that for a while, not even the haircut he had botched as a teenager had shut up the whispers.
Mercedes opened up a bottle and the scent of chamomile wafted through the room. "I know that you don't like big gatherings so I hope that this will help you, even if it's only a little bit."
He let the scent settle around him as she applied it to his hair. "Thank you Merci. You had done this for Byleth too. She said it helped out a lot that day."
"Oh I'm so glad to hear that. I just wish it was a little longer so I could get a few of these fly aways to stay in place," she said.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention to what parts I cut, it had gotten too long for my taste so I just cut until it seemed suitable to fight with," he said.
"You did this? I had wondered with the layers being so uneven but I wasn't going to pry," she said.
He blushed. He didn't think he had done that badly with it. "Mercedes… when it all gets longer would you do me the honor of cutting it properly? Byleth is about the same as I am, she'll just take a dagger and cut hers if it gets too long for her taste so she'd probably end with the same result that I have."
Mercedes started to giggle. "Yes in the future I'll be happy to fix you both up. Thank you for feeling that you can rely on me."
She placed his cloak onto him when she was finished. He took one look at himself in the mirror. His hair did look a little less haphazard than it usually did. The armor had been polished to a gleam, looking more ceremonial than the part it had played in protecting him during the war. In less than an hour, he would be crowned king and all of the burdens that came with it would be placed on his head. He still didn't feel worthy of it. It had been a great weight just thinking that he would be in control of Faerghus, but now it was the entirety of Fodlan. Who was he to think he had all the answers?
Mercedes seemed to pick up on his cloud of dark thoughts. "You know Dimitri, even at the academy you had this uncanny way of getting people to believe in you. You aren't alone in this, and you never will be. We've always had faith that you'll make a great leader as you have always been. If you make a mistake we know you won't just shove it under the rug and try to ignore it. You will do what most rulers won't and take responsibility. That alone will endear you to being worthy more than anything else."
Dimitri let out a deep breath as he let her words soak in. "Thank you Merci."
She gave him a warm smile. "Anytime Dimitri. All of us are here for you."
Guren wasn't sure what to expect from this so called gift that was prepared for him, but he had done as was asked. He was bathed and brushed and he had to admit that the feeling of his fur being so soft and light was nice. Marianne had been kind to him as he thought she would and treated him like a living being instead of just a mutt who needed to be washed. She could also tell him when to lift his paw or how to maneuver to get at whatever spot she needed to better. She had been very nice to talk to. He sat outside their door hearing Byleth chatting with someone inside. The guard at the door let him inside.
"I'll be staying for the time being too. If you need someone to talk to know that I'm here for you. I expect plenty of tea party invitations from you, I'll have you know," Dorthea said.
"Guren, you're looking nice. Good, I'll get your gift as soon as we're done here. For now, just make yourself comfortable," Byleth said.
Guren hopped up onto the bed and almost had to sneeze at the scent. He imagined if the sheets weren't changed out regularly it would be a whole lot worse. It was a little stale though. Where had they slept last night?
Dorthea ran a brush through her hair. "So Lin told me that you two completed the soul bond. What was it like? I can't imagine that kind of commitment to be honest, but you and Dimitri are good for each other. You never told me how the top went. I'm still waiting for those juicy details."
Byleth smiled at the memory. "He said he was going to thank you for getting it. Based on the expression he had when he first saw me in it I'd say it went over very well."
Dorthea laughed out loud. "It's a miracle that he's so open with you. I'd imagine he'd only say thank you for the gift to me and if I asked him which gift I wouldn't be able to get him to say it out loud before he went red and clammed up. For as charming as he is, he can be easily flustered. You know I could probably have some fun with that."
Byleth chuckled. "Yes, his best moments are when he's not trying so hard. He is adorable when he gets flustered, but that's one of the most endearing parts about him."
Dorthea smiled. "You've been acting differently today, but it's a nice change. It's also really cool how your hair changes like this. So Sothis is no longer a part of you now?"
"She was solid when she touched me so there is still a connection between us. If I had to think of where she is right now she's probably causing trouble around the monastery. Lysithea is going to be terrified when she hears stories about the new ghost," Byleth said.
Dorthea paused a moment. "Yeah, you're right. With her nature, she's going to be like the gremlin ghost who can punish you for speaking ill about her."
Sothis appeared beside them. "Who are you calling a gremlin?"
Dorthea jumped. "Oh, um we were talking about what Lysithea might think of a new ghost around the monastery. If she hears that people can't see you, but they can hear or see something you do... I would certainly never call you a gremlin, and Lysithea wouldn't know who the ghost actually was."
Sothis narrowed her eyes. "I see. I wouldn't want to scare the little ones by accident. I'll be careful about my actions."
"Seteth and Flayn should be free game though, so would Alois," Byleth suggested.
Sothis grinned. "Right you are. I can't imagine being mean to Flayn though, even if it was just a prank. Seteth though, he needs to learn not to be so uptight, and I need to get Alois back for all those stupid puns during the academy days. I won't cause any trouble today because it is an important occasion, but I make no promises for the future."
Dorthea finished Byleth's makeup while they all chatted about the event coming up. Byleth would of course be at the head of the cathedral to perform the ceremony. All of the classmates who fought in the war would be invited first, as well as families like Rodrigue for the front row seating. Then the doors would be open for anyone to find seating or a standing place that didn't block the view of the others. Anyone that wanted to be there was welcomed. Dimtiri had been very determined on that part.
Byleth stood and thanked Dorthea for the lovely work and promised that later over tea she would answer any questions that Dorthea wanted to know about that night or preferences so they could decide on what she should be wearing underneath for the wedding night. Byleth thought it would be quite fun, although somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered how red Dimitri's face would turn if he found out that she was speaking of such things. She went over to the dresser and pulled out a silver and leather collar. The leather was wrapped in blue cloth. The silver had the etching of Dimitri's crest on the front. Once they married that symbol would become hers when she took his last name so it seemed fitting to place on the collar.
She brought the collar over to Guren to swap out his old one with the one in her hands. "As the protector of the royal family, we thought that you needed a better symbol of your loyalty."
Guren was speechless at first. It felt like it was better quality and yet wasn't too heavy. The cloth made it feel softer than the old one. There wasn't anything to bite into him to make it uncomfortable.
"I'd like you to stay with Dimitri. I have Sothis here to keep me company. Do you remember his nightmares? He still has them some nights and I want to make sure that he's not alone," she continued.
"Ashen I am queen's guard. The king is supposed to be strong enough to protect himself and the pack," Guren replied.
Byleth put her hands to cup his face. "You know of his strength when it comes to that, but you also know how vulnerable he is to the enemies he can't fight back against. It will only be for the year and we will still see each other on occasion. Once we marry I will be stepping down to join you both in Fhirdiad."
"This is what you want correct? He didn't ask for me," Guren asked.
Byleth shook her head. "No, I haven't mentioned it to him yet. I don't want him to be isolated and if what he did in the academy is any indication he will throw himself into his work and not take care of himself. I trust you to be his anchor since I cannot."
Guren nodded. "If that is what you desire I shall see it done, but I expect to be able to spend time with you during these visits."
Byleth nodded. "Done,' she pet him and looked at the collar to make sure it latched and stayed properly. 'It suits you well."
Guren snorted. "Royal guard dog huh? Well guess it could be worse. At least I have a pack to protect again."
She nodded and opened the door. He stepped out to follow her. Dimitri and Mercedes stepped out of the room across from them. That armor did wonders for his form. She found herself staring at him before she smiled.
"I told you long ago that armor suited you and it still does. Once I reach the cathedral and everyone is seated we will be ready for you," Byleth said.
Dimitri took her hands into his and took a deep calming breath.
Dorthea patted his arm. "You'll do great. Come on Byleth, I know you may want to kiss him for luck or something but we can't have him walking in with a lip stain on his face. We can't start this thing without you so let's get this over with."
Byleth gave his hands a squeeze before she let go. "She's right, and you don't need a kiss to know my love for you."
She noticed that he had the dagger at his belt and tapped hers. She had made a belt of chain to hold hers that matched the other jewelry. With how she had everything draped around it, making it look like a decorational pin instead of a weapon. She had also wrapped a cloth the same color as her cape around the chains for it to dangle at the scabbard's side. Unless someone was looking very closely they wouldn't realize she had it. He ran his thumb over the hilt of his as she left to go down the stairs. Mercedes patted his arm as well before following the other two out.
Now was the waiting game. Guren had followed Byleth and it left him to his thoughts. He went out to the balcony remembering those few weeks on the other timeline that he had allowed himself to be shadowed by his doubts and nightmares. How long ago had it been since the day he found Byleth in the rubble? The events that have led up to this point… would it still have happened in that reality? If the people knew of what a madman he had been would they still be as accepting with him? Byleth knew of the husk of a man he had been before he learned to start living again. Where would he be right now if no one had reached out thier hand to give him a lifeline to walk out of the shadows?
He watched Byleth as she crossed the bridge, people pressed against the sides to be able to see her and ultimately to see him when he took the same path. Some of the children even offered her flowers as she passed, which she reached down to take. He felt something in his heart settle. Even if they hadn't been able to rewind them back, as long as he had her to rely on she would have helped him find the right path. The only thing he could do now was continue on the one they made.
Guren followed beside her and when they were ready for him Guren would come back and escort him as his guard. It still felt surreal. He could feel the ring under his gauntlet. He had never thought he deserved happiness after what had happened, and yet here he stood with a woman who loved him enough to bind herself to him, not just in marriage, but soul to soul.
"Do you really have to brood at a time like this?" He heard Sothis's voice behind him.
"I was actually thinking of the good things this time, mostly. Yours is the only other voice I heard just now," he replied.
Sothis was floating near him and sat herself on the edge of the balcony beside him. She kicked her legs out as she looked at the scene below them. So many people from all walks of life were in attendance. The land finally wept no more and it was all thanks to the bonds that were forged.
"You've done well and I have faith in you as time moves forward," Sothis said.
Dimitri stared at her wide-eyed.
"What? Do not tell me that you are a boulder too. You're both so dense, but that is probably what endears you both to me. Even with what you lack in manners you make up for with kind hearts," Sothis said.
"Thank you Sothis," he replied.
"Please have more confidence in yourself. I cannot take away the darkness in your mind. Only you can do that, but you have done better in managing it. I can only do so much, but I'm glad… I hope perhaps… it doesn't heal the injustice done to you, but I do hope that my gifts have helped."
"They have Sothis. I am grateful to you. I am sorry if what I said in the goddess tower all those years ago bothered you," he said.
Sothis burst out cackling. "Oh that was… no, you have nothing to apologize for. I felt no offense since I didn't know who I was at first, much less be in a state to reach out to you. You should have heard her thoughts when you asked to be together forever. She must have looked blank because she was panicking and talking to me in her head. I had told her to answer you. She did like you, but she felt that as her student it would be improper to give you hope for something more. Then you made the comment of it being a joke and it broke her heart. I was so mad at you for both being such fools, but she had told me to calm down. A 'it's for the best, I can't because he is a student, no matter how much I favor him' repeated over and over. It makes me happy to see you both now. You still fumble with your words sometimes, but that too seems to be getting better."
Guren padded up behind them. "Dimitri, it's time."
Dimitri nodded and Sothis vaulted herself off the edge to float down to the cathedral. Dimitri took one last deep breath before following Guren down the stairs. When he was at the main floor he shouldn't have been surprised at the sheer amount of people. They still left him a path, but they stared and crowded each other all the same.
Right outside the cathedral he noticed the boy that had sat in his lap and hugged him that night with Byleth. He was trying to make his way through, but another child who was better dressed knocked him back down. They made a snappy comment about how someone like him didn't deserve to even be at a celebration like this. One of the adults moved to reprimand them for their behavior.
Dimitri shook his head and knelt down to lend a hand to help the boy up. "I never caught your name when we met before. We'll get you a nice seat with Mercedes, right in the front."
"It's Kyle. My sister, can she come too?" the boy asked meekly.
Dimitri turned to see the girl that had been there that night as well and held out his other hand for her to take.
The boy that pushed Kyle down clenched his fists "Why do they get special treatment?"
Dimitri turned back towards the entrance. "You are more than welcome to follow, but if you are going to resort to violence let it be to protect and not to harm."
He took Kyle to sit in the crook of his arm. The child that had been in Byleth's lap that night took the girls hand to follow. There had already been murmurs when he had knelt down but there were more whispers when he stood up to take the children. Guren went to the other side to guard anyone that might try to snatch them away. At the moment Dimitri didn't really care what the prattler's thoughts were. Let them whisper. If they were going to give him such a pompous title as Savior king then it would be for all people, not just the nobles. The boy had curled into his chest, embarrassed at the attention. A few of the other kids were trailing along behind him based on the footsteps he heard.
He saw Byleth suppressing a smile and Seteth looked pensive. Sothis came floating beside him and gave them a warm smile of approval. Guren herded the children towards the pew that had the blue lions and Dimitri gave Mercedes the boy he held. She and Dedue were on the edge of the first pew and both siblings settled on their laps. The others sat on the floor in between their feet to stay out of the way. He gave a sheepish look to Byleth who only gestured for him to stand in front of her. For the look of awe on the children's faces, paired with the excitement they all had, he would take whatever whispers came.
When he stood before her the entire cathedral grew quiet. Seteth was holding the box that held the crown. When asked for his name he repeated it out loud enough for the crowd to hear. He knelt before her as she continued. He knew she had spent weeks trying to remember everything she needed to say. The ceremony went on for a little longer to go through the necessities and wording on both sides. They had tried to snip it down as much as they could, but tradition called for many things. He didn't mind it much. The rubble had been cleared away and the sunlight spilled on her to give her that ethereal quality again. Because she was supposed to have his attention he didn't feel like he had to hide his stare as he drunk the sight of her in.
Finally, it came time for Byleth to hold the crown up in front of her. "This crown represents the circle of power you have been entrusted with. It has been passed down from one leader to the next. Each of them has brought their own commands for their reign. The goddess chose you as her champion during war and you have given life to her wish of bringing peace to this ravaged world. You have been chosen now by the people to lead in times of peace. Do you promise to uphold the order to the best of your ability? Will you be a servant for the people and protect them if the need arises? Do you come before everyone today willing to lead them to a brighter dawn?"
"I give my word that I will do all I can to uphold the oaths expected of me," Dimitri replied.
He felt her hands linger on him as she made sure it was balanced. He could hear the roar of applause and cheering behind him but all he focused on was her as he rose. She raised an eyebrow at his scrutiny. She nodded towards the crowd and he turned.
"The reign of Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd has now begun. May the goddess watch over his rule," Byleth's voice echoed in the cathedral.
After the crowd calmed down Seteth stepped forward. "The monastery is open to all guests. There is food in dining hall. His Majesty and the Archbishop will be seeing guests in the gathering hall and courtyard. Please make your way there and give him a moment to gain his bearings."
The blue lions stood and created a semi circle around them to deter anyone from approaching. The children stayed by the pew and were petting Guren before he shook off their touch and went to sit next to Dimitri and Byleth. Mercedes was the only lion to stay behind to herd them all to stay near her. Byleth smiled, knowing Mercedes, she had a hidden stash of sweets she planned to share with them. Most of the gathering had exited the cathedral before the group decided to move.
When Dimitri passed he knelt down to the group of kids that have gathered. "I am going to go change. Make sure you grab some food and not just Mercedes's sweets. Be nice for the Archbishop and don't cause trouble while I'm gone. Can I have your promises for that?"
The children chorused agreements and Byleth came to his side with a warm smile. She and Mercedes herded the children out. Byleth waved at them before she went out of sight. There was an argument behind him and it made him turn. Ingrid was looking as if she was about to strike Felix. Strange, it was usually Sylvain that had her ire.
"Did I miss something?" Dimitri asked.
"All I said is I don't want to imagine more boars running around and here she is overreacting," Felix said.
Ingrid glared at him. "He is our king! Can you please stop with that boar business? It's cute how he gives attention to them, and the children like him too. He'll make a good father and I will not have you teaching them otherwise when it happens."
Felix waved her off. "Alright, alright. That won't be for a while anyway."
Sylvain put an arm around Felix's shoulders. "Perhaps you're just not ready to hear 'Uncle Felix' from a Dimitri look a like yet."
Felix elbowed Sylvain hard enough for him to double over. "Quit spouting nonsense and let's go. We have to do a perimeter sweep."
Dimitri looked at Ingrid. "What brought this conversation on?"
Ingrid only shook her head. "You are so unaware of the person you radiate when you don't shackle yourself to your expectations aren't you?"
"I'm not sure if I get what you mean," Dimitri replied.
Annette patted his arm. "What it means is that watching you deal with the kids makes us wonder what you'll be like with your own. You're already so good with them. You and Byleth both, I don't know what it is exactly, but with her calm nature and your noble one… well, as Felix says it won't be for a while."
Ingrid chuckled. "Yes, let them get married first. Come on Your Majesty, you need to get changed so you can greet the guests, otherwise, you'll be stuck in your armor all night. I doubt you want that."
Dimitri nodded and started to walk back to their room with Guren keeping pace beside him. He remembered Byleth whispering in his ear something similar. He needed to put it out of his mind for the moment. He needed to think of the present for the moment. Children didn't shackle others to expectations as much as adults did. Their innocence was part of what drew him in.
He had been thirteen when he lost everyone. When he saw a child that didn't have anyone else he couldn't help but think what may have happened if someone had been nice to him after that time. He had Rodrigue and his friends, but they were expected to be on his side. The children were innocent, victims of misfortune, and usually lost everything to no fault of their own. Ashe had turned out so well because Lenato had reached out to him. He was only trying to do the same.
When he got up to the room there was a blue wrapped gift on her dresser. There was no name on it so he left it alone. It could be something for her from Dorthea and he didn't want to assume and open something meant for her. His face went red at the thought of Dorthea's last gift. Yes, he wasn't going to touch it unless it was handed to him. He started to take off his armor and his mind kept going to the gift. There was something that he was forgetting, but he couldn't put a finger on it.
It wasn't until he was redressed and putting the dagger on his belt that he remembered what day it was. She had said last night that horsebow moon was coming up. He hadn't thought of what to get her for her birthday, and he didn't know if he would be able to come back for it. He would need time to think about it, but he would try to make some excuse to come see her sometime next month. He felt horrible for forgetting at all.
Guren turned to him. "You've got a spike of fear going in your scent. What's wrong?"
"I just forgot something important was all. I'll make sure it's taken care of before the time comes," Dimitri answered.
Guren narrowed his eyes at him, but he could smell that Dimitri wasn't lying so he decided to let it go. The clothing he was wearing made him look like one of those fairy tale book characters, but Guren wasn't going to mention it and make him feel self conscious about it. Dimitri picked up the gloves off of the dresser, but he put them back, flexing his hands and looking at the ring. There were calluses and scars on both and a burn scar on one of them. They were hands that had known war and pain. Guren wondered how many of them were from breaking something and getting the pieces embedded in his hands.
Guren followed him silently when Dimitri was ready to depart. Everywhere was crowded and Guren had to watch that his paws didn't get stepped on.
Dimitri had hoped he'd have a moment to collect himself but he had people asking questions and giving congratulations, but that was not the case. The moment he stepped out of the stairs that lead down to the main level he was greeted by the people that had gathered. The dining hall was open for people to get food and the courtyard set up with tables for people to mingle and eat. He found Byleth in the great hall, talking with Rodrigue. Felix and Yuri were close by on opposite sides to keep an eye out for anyone that would cause trouble. He noticed Ingrid had come to flank him in the same manner.
Music had started to play as soon as he entered the room and it brought everyone's attention to the doorway. Dimitri tried not to finch as he felt himself start to freeze. Whispers about how he didn't deserve to be here echoed in his head. He felt Guren brush against his leg and bring him back to reality.
Rodrigue stood forward and got the crowd's attention. "I would like to address something before everyone gets started. I imagine, as is usual when a new monarch ascends the throne, the first thought most people have is how they can further connections with those in power. The most common of those are marriage proposals. Before you burden His Majesty with daughters to offer I would like to announce that he has already asked the woman who has held his heart for many years and she has accepted. I will let them decide if they would like to reveal as to who, since the wedding will not be for some time. The council of the Faerghus territory would like to extend their congratulations and acceptance of your choice Your Majesty."
The room roared with whispers before Lorenz stood forward. "As you know with Claude gone, I have replaced my father in his position as a territory council member. The Alliance territory also knows of this engagement and would like to congratulate you both and extend our acceptance. You know you both have Claude's blessing as well."
Ferdinand nodded to him. "The empire territory council has also been notified of the union. We too offer our acceptance and congratulations to you both."
Petra smiled. "Brigid is also accepting and may happiness always follow you both."
The room looked to Byleth since the church was the last power yet to speak. Byleth's eyes met his and he nodded. There was nothing to hide. It was better to reveal it now and clear the air then let it fester as a secret.
"Rodrigue is correct. The wedding will not be until Great Tree Moon of not this coming year but the next. By then I will have found a successor and stepped down from my role before I gain another. Seteth and Rhea both knew of this before they anointed me to the position. His crowning today was only my obligation as the current Archbishop. We have been engaged for some time now," Byleth said.
Dimitri smiled at her bluntness. The room was a mix between stunned stares and those who were whispering in the background. Dimitri took the opportunity to make it to her side while everyone was occupied. It's not like there was much choice for them to accept. There would be no going back on his word and they had the backing of the major councils that would be helping to govern the territories. He took his ring handed in hers and stood beside her.
"I know that we will have to wait and be apart for the meantime. That is only because we are both in agreement that we need to focus on our roles as Fodlan heals and learns to stand again. We are promised to each other and neither of us are looking for different partners. I waited over five years to be able to propose. I can wait a while longer to be able to keep her at my side," Dimitri said.
The music resumed and Byleth smiled up at him. When Rodrigue had mentioned their engagement to her a few moments ago she didn't expect him to bring it up as one of the first announcements. She did see the importance of it. There were already a few of the nobles who had their daughters at their side that were picking at the fabric and checking makeup. This would save time in keeping those that only wanted to use what they thought was his bachelor status to their advantage. It was part of why she had made sure that she had the ring visible the day she was appointed. She had already started receiving proposals and knew that Dimitri had to throw away a few as well.
It still didn't prevent everyone from trying to talk to either of them. The night drug on with endless questions. Sylvain had gone to the dining hall to bring them back some food since they hadn't had a chance to eat anything yet. It gave them a small reprive as they sat and ate together, as most of the guests felt that it was rude to interrupt during a meal. As the night drug on and more of the guests retired the crowd began to thin.
Dimitri heard familiar music and looked over to where Sylvain was talking to the musicians. Sylvain raised his drink towards Dimitri and pointed at Byleth. This hall they were in now had been where the ball took place back then and it was clear what Sylvain's plan had been. He went over to Byleth and gave a half bow, one that wouldn't tilt the crown off of his head.
He reached out to Byleth. "Would you do me the honor of a dance beloved?"
She fit her hand into his and smiled. "I'd be delighted, Dimitri."
He led her to the center and what was there of the crowd gave them a wide berth. Dimitri would have to thank Sylvain for this. The dance they shared inside the cardinal room had been nice, but being here again and having the chance to reenact the ball would be a good memory. He drunk up the feeling and the sight of how happy she was in this moment. A few of the other couples had joined them on the floor, but he paid them no mind. Even when the song ended he didn't want to let go of her. Sylvain made his way over to them.
"Come on, we've got a private party in the blue lion's classroom. Let's get you away from the crowd," Sylvain said.
Neither of them had to be asked twice as Seteth and Rodrigue intercepted any lingering pests. When they entered the room all of the previous students were inside, drinking and joking away. The ones that followed behind were Dedue, Dorthea, and Darren who had swapped to standing guard.
Dorethea was barely through the door before she grabbed Byleth's arm. "I still can't believe how adorable you both were out there!"
"See I can have good ideas," Sylvain said, grabbing another drink.
Byleth had grabbed a drink for herself. She was thirsty and wasn't worried about the alcohol. Still didn't taste all that good, but she didn't want to bother anyone with grabbing water when they were all interacting so well. The entire room was bursting in chatter around her. Dimitri mingled around and she could tell he was more relaxed. The pressure that he was keeping himself under was starting to deflate. She grabbed another glass and started to mingle around herself.
After this she imagined a lot of them would all be leaving to live out their dreams or ambitions. She paused before she threw her head back to drink it down. It burned a bit, but she didn't care. What was this hollow feeling that was settling in her chest? It hurt and unsettled her. She talked a bit more and grabbed another glass.
"Hey, Byleth your face is a little red are you alright?" Sylvain asked.
Byleth looked up at him and tilted her head. "Not sure what you mean. I feel fine."
Ingrid took the glass from her. "How many of these have you had?"
"Not sure, it's ok, alcohol has never gotten me drunk before," Byleth answered.
Dimitri studied her a moment. Perhaps not before, but if her body was no longer acting as a vessel anymore then it could be something that happens now. She snatched the glass back and threw her head back to drink it down. He would have to keep an eye on her. Linhardt had said she had seemed healthier than she had been before the change which was good news.
Her heart was functioning normally that they could hear, but they haven't tested how much she could exert herself. He imagined the main reason she was able to fight for such long periods was that her body relied on the power of the crest stone to fuel her.
They had let Edelgard and Hubert out to join them for the after celebration between friends. Everyone wanted to talk and congratulate and party with the new king. All of the challenges this war brought to a single event to start the process of healing, they had said. The glass in her hand had been emptied many times, the alcohol burning down her throat until she was numb to it. They had kept those stupid silencing bracelets on her.
Hubert, the damn traitor, was even teasing and having fun with Ferdinand, talking about something at length while Bernedetta hid from the crowd behind his cloak. They had started to trust to let him out more and every time she had hoped that he would figure out a way to break them out, to finish what they had started. How could they even do that now? She didn't have an army, no supporters, and even her crest was gone. Wasn't that what she had wanted from the beginning to have that wretched thing gone?
The people absolutely adored her step brother, flocking to him and his ideals. The church had already begun its new reform and dismantling old ideals piece by piece. Everyone around the monastery talked about how wonderful Byleth was, especially with the children. They had announced their engagement today at the public celebration and they were here, hand in hand. It was supposed to be her. She was supposed to rule this land and free it from the slithers after they had finished their worth. She was supposed to have the power of the sword of the creator at her side. So what went wrong? Why did this have to happen? Why out of everyone in the room she was the only one alone?
Byleth came over to her with a blush on her face and if El hadn't been tipsy herself she would have recognized the signs. Byleth took off her circlet and everyone stared as her hair went from green back to her normal hair color. None of them had seen that color on her since the academy days. Sothis appeared beside of her and El wondered if she maybe had drunk too much.
"Professor, what's going on? Your hair, I thought that you were like us now," Flayn said.
Sothis smiled as she appeared at her side. "It seems that she's not in her right mind, but she trusts you all. We are now separated so she is her own self."
Edelgard looked up into the eyes that were a darker shade of her own. When Byleth had come back to them with the different hair and eye color at the academy her uncle had told her it was from the beast's influence and she had wanted to find a way to free her from it. To see her now as she was supposed to be it was enough to make tears sting in Edelgard's eyes as she threw her arms around Byleth.
Sylvain started to laugh. "Hey, now Dimitri can finally have those I want to take my teacher fantasies that he had in his academy days!"
The entire room started to burst out in agreeance and laughter. Dimitri's face started to turn red as he stammered his denial and the room only burst into more noise. Byleth returned the hug Edelgard gave her before she pulled back.
"For your crimes against the church we can put you in charge of it," Byleth said, putting the circlet on Edelgard's head.
The room had ceased its laughter and a few of them were scrambling towards them horrified.
Byleth pouted at them. "I kinda hoped her hair would turn green too."
Sothis groaned. "That's not how it works! Your body recognizes my magic, hers would not. What kind of prank are you pulling anyway? She is the last person I would want to take care of this place. I may never have wanted to be worshipped, but she wouldn't be bringing any care to the people. Do not even joke about such things!"
Byleth pouted, "It's not like she'd even accept so where's the harm?"
Edelgard took it off and shoved it back. "Agreed, that's not happening. Do you realize how bad of an idea that would be? Kill me if you must, but please don't torture me here with something I will never have by giving me something I surely don't want. Just send me away or something."
Byleth pet her bangs away from her face. "Not happening El. Just sending you away, do you really think you can get away with all you've done and all the harm you've caused that easily? No, you are going to help rebuild your empire that you've almost destroyed. Hubert, Ferdinand, and Linhardt will be the ones you will be working under."
It was Edelgard's turn to pout. "Why is Hubert being a traitor?"
Hubert came and knelt down in front of them. "I have talked to them both at length about what their ideas are and what future for Fodlan they see. It may not be exactly everything you wanted, but it is close enough, and I think you can be happy in such a world. I would rather you be alive then to see you dead over foolish matters. I intend to stay by your side Lady Edelgard. Lindhart will require your help the most at first and will be able to keep progress to make sure there are still no ill effects from those years the crest was causing the infection in your blood."
"It was supposed to be me. It was supposed to be my dawn," Edelgard said, draping herself on Byleth again.
Hubert sighed. "I know, but it has gone out of reach. All we can do is stay alive and do our part in it to make sure they succeed so we both can find some peace."
Dimitri walked over to them. Byleth was still petting Edelgard's hair. Dimitri had had his suspicions when Byleth started letting Hubert out, but it seems that he wasn't scheming anything. Like Dedue would for him, Hubert only had her best interests in mind. There was no way to wage war and win against them now, so the best case was to stay alive and do their best to forge a path ahead. Hubert and Ferdinand have oddly enough been working very well together.
Dimitri had already sent approvals of some of their plans to start implementing in what had been Empire territory. The old empire council have already started calling them the jewels of the empire and thanked Dimitri profusely for leaving them in charge of their territory affairs. He glanced back to Byleth, yes Fodlan was very fond of their tiles.
El did her best to glare at him. He wondered how she had managed to drink herself this badly. She was supposed to be under supervision. Turning his gaze to Byleth's red face he wondered how no one had caught onto her sooner than Ingrid and Sylvain had.
He had talked at length with Byleth about what to do with Edlegard, going in circles around their decisions. He really didn't want to kill her unless there was no other choice. If she refused to stand down then… they had finally asked Hubert and the other Eagles what they thought since they knew her best. It was Ferdinand who came up with the plan. She would be stripped of her titles and under house arrest.
Hubert had thought about the offer and said that she probably wouldn't like it, but it kept her safe. It also allowed him to stay near her, which he had thanked them for. He would not apologize for his previous actions, but he did offer that his allegiance would go to Dimitri as long as his intentions stayed benevolent towards Edelgard. He would not betray him if it meant keeping her safe and Byleth approved it. She would take responsibility if need be.
When he sat down beside them El took the crown from his head and twisted it around in her hands. Dimitri made no move to take it back, wondering what was going on in her mind. Her hair was already starting to grow brown at the roots, and soon enough he might see his stepsister how he had always imagined that she should be. She would probably never lose that strict side of her, but he hoped in time she'd learn to let go of her stubbornness and live free.
There were going to be some that wouldn't agree with him, that would demand her head as payment for her crimes. He could almost laugh at the thought. He had been one of them, for different reasons, but he hadn't been in his right mind then. He knew that she thought her reasons justified, but as the Argathean's puppet, they had twisted her with their strings so much that she had lost her string among theirs. Like the strings of the dead had almost strangled him.
Linhardt had found a room with victims from the Argathan's experiments, people like Lysithea and Edelgard. It was too late for some of them. Her first act of atonement would be helping Linhardt take care of them as they recovered. He still couldn't fathom why she chose to ally herself with such a dark group, but she would help them squash the few remnants that remained. They would rid Fodlan of their poison once and for all. If she refused or began to cause trouble… he would deal with it if it came.
El pouted again before she put the crown back on his head. "I always thought…that in times of peace you would make a good king. Don't prove me wrong on that too."
Dimitri pulled her into a hug, and she was hesitant at first before she finally wrapped her arms around him and started to cry.
"Why do you have to be so nice?" Edelgard asked between sobs.
Dimitri caught Byleth's gaze with his own. "Because all it takes is a nice gesture to crack that armor of darkness so it can fall away. Only you can banish it. Sometimes you need to be shown what it means to be kind before you know how to live without that darkness as your crutch."
Byleth smiled before wrapping them both in her arms as Edelgard cried. Byleth pulled back and Dimitri allowed Hubert to take her as she tried to remove herself and stumbled a bit. He wondered if she would remember any of this with as much drink that she had consumed.
Hubert hesitated by the door. "I was wondering perhaps if I could take her to her old room and stay within my own."
Dimitri shook his head. "For both of you to stay safe you need to stay in your cells. We'll arrange for you to leave for the Empire soon with Ferdinand."
Bernadetta came up to Byleth. "May I go with them?"
Byleth tilted her head. "Of course, all of you may go wherever your lives take you from here. Neither Dimitri nor I are your keepers. I'm surprised a lot of you haven't already gone home already."
"The food's been great! I wanna go see my little sis, but at least I can bring her home a good story," Rapheal said.
Leonie let out a laugh. "And miss an event that us commoners could only dream about? Not a chance! Also Byleth I had a request for you. I'd like to take the mercenaries that Jeralt left here that stayed during the war with us to go traveling again."
Byleth sat down beside him. "Again, why do you act as if you need permission? If they'd like to go then let them leave. They'll probably be happy to be traveling again. I'd at least like Darren to stay here unless he wants to go. We've patched things up and he's been doing good keeping Abyss protected."
Darren gave her a small bow. He and Guren had been sitting out of the way in the corner of the room watching the windows. "Yeah, I'd rather stay here too."
Yuri hummed in agreement. "Yes, I've appreciated the help. My mockingbirds are at your disposal if either of you requires them."
"Speaking of leaving. We shouldn't impose too much. Byleth, I assume the gift was to your liking?" Ignatz asked.
"I haven't shown him yet, but thank you Ignatz. It was wonderful work. Thank you for taking my request," Byleth said,
Ignatz nodded. "I'll have the coronation one done within the week."
Byleth smiled. "When we have the wedding Ignatz, can I count on you for that as well?"
Ignatz grinned wide. "I'd be honored!"
Most of the group dispersed then, saying their goodbyes and thanks. The blue lions were the only ones in the room. Felix glared at Ferdinand who was going to bring them back to their cells.
"I still don't trust her," Felix said.
Byleth shrugged. "She makes a better villain, but we need to see if she can change. I will not condone what she did, but I am happy to see that we can choose a path that doesn't include violence. Now, what do all of you plan to do? None of you are obligated to work under us unless you want to."
Dimitri nodded. "She's right, all of you have fought well and deserve some rest. Ashe if it would be acceptable to you I can offer you a place in the Lion's Guard, or you can take leadership of the Gapsard Estate. I know you might feel as if you don't have a specific path, so I hope that at least gives you some options."
Byleth cuddled against Dimitri, and grabbed part of his cloak to wrap around her. "We also need to know who's staying here with me and who goes with you. We aren't even married yet and it feels like we're divorcing and splitting up the kids."
Dimitri froze as the others started to snicker.
"Yep, she's definitely had a bit too much to drink," Sylvain commented.
Byleth wrapped her arms around Dimitri's waist. "Can't get drunk, so why am I drunk love?"
Dimitri smiled down at her and pet a few strands of her hair from her face. "They did say there would be things different about you now that your heart is beating. This might be one of them. I had thought perhaps your endurance in a fight might be another."
She nuzzled her head against his chest. "Small price to pay I guess."
Dimitri wasn't so sure how to feel about having an audience right now. He had gotten used to her touches and affection when they were alone, but this display in front of everyone made him... he wasn't sure. She was sat next to him now all she would have to do is raise her head if she would want to kiss him here.
Sylvain chuckled. "What's the matter, Your Majesty? You're looking awfully red, and I know you haven't touched a single glass." His tone was teasing, especially on the title.
If this day continued Dimitri might want a drink, but he had never been good with alcohol before. He had tried it once during that five year span to try to numb the pain, the destruction left in his wake was not pleasant to wake up to. It had also left him vulnerable, and that was not a feeling he had liked. He had also seen how it affected his uncle and that was never behavior he wanted to match.
"Leave them alone Sylvain. It's cute, and I'm happy to see him relaxed for once," Mercedes said, cradling her own drink in her hands.
Byleth twisted away from him and went to crawl up on the desk behind him. He started to ask her what she was doing but then he felt her hands on his shoulders. As he felt the tension leave where she touched he tried not to look up at the others. This would be something better to do alone, but he was grateful for it. It was still odd, but everyone here was a friend. It also felt really good and despite the place he didn't want to ask her to stop. He would repay the favor before he left. Sylvain plopped down beside him to give her a few tips as the others ignored them and started to talk among themselves.
"So what do you all plan to do?" Byleth asked.
Annette nodded to Felix and he sighed. "I will not be made into a knight no matter how much you ask, but for the time that you're here at the monastery, I'd like to offer my sword for your protection. Annette would like to help you organize the curriculums for the reopening at the academy. When you step down and head to Fhirdiad we'll follow, but for now we stay with Byleth."
Ashe knew that Byleth had mentioned it to him before, but to be offered it was still a bit of a shock. "I'm not really sure what I want at this moment. They had mentioned a restaurant idea during the Archbishop banquet. I know I've always dreamed of being a knight, but that does sound like something I'd enjoy. May I please think about it? My dream to be a knight was to be able to help people, but if there is a way to do that without fighting… I think that would be a worthy dream."
"Of course," Dimitri replied.
Dedue nodded. "That does sound like something worth doing. Hopefully, besides rebellions there won't be much fighting left."
Mercedes chuckled. "Well I'd like to help the children, so for now I will stay here with Byleth. I would like to open up a school in Fhirdiad and I would like to see the system Byleth puts into place here. Plus, if I'm going to be sewing a wedding dress I will want you close for a fitting."
Byleth shook her head. "Keep in mind you're competing against Dorthea and Bernadetta for design and embroidery."
Mercedes giggled. "Oh, I already talked to them about that. We've already got a few designs we want to show you so Bernedetta can start working on the embroidery to send back so I can stitch it on."
Dimitri didn't envy Byleth in the least. There would probably be tailors clamoring to be the ones to make his formal wear as well.
"Ingrid and Sylvain, that just leaves you two," Dimitri said
Ingrid bowed to him. "I would still like to become a knight to protect your ideals."
Sylvain leaned back and rubbed the back of his neck. "I really have no idea, Dimitri. After all the time we've all spent as a group it feels wrong to split up like this."
Dimitri nodded and leaned back into Byleth. He sighed. "Trust me I know, but leadership, unfortunately, doesn't allow for much rest. It's only temporary. The only thing we can do is get whatever system we can up and working as quickly as we can so all of us reside back in Fhirdiad or whatever you decide. Dedue can handle Duscar, now that we have that land back from Count Klieman. Claude has assured us that Alymra will pose no threat. Do you think I could get you to help with Sreng? I know you've done research on it before. If we can claim those waters we can make travel for supplies and trade routes."
Sylvain nodded. "I'll do my best."
Ingrid tilted her head. "I could help you as a knight's escort if you'd like."
"I'd like that. Think you could put up with me for that long?" Sylvain replied.
She gave him a side glare. "Yes, you're right. I need to make sure you don't cause a disaster with Sreng. I will be going and I won't be hearing any arguments."
Sylvain smiled softly. "Just stay close so I can protect you if I need to."
She huffed. "Same for you."
Byleth reached over to pat Sylvain's head. "I will miss you both, but you're right. Take care of each other. I am also proud of you Sylvain. You've come such a long way from the flirtatious annoyance you used to be."
Sylvain looked up at her. "Still Tomcat?"
Byleth leaned herself down so she was hugging Dimitri's neck with her chin atop his head. "Unless you'd like a different nickname, I've called you that for so long and I still like it."
Sylvain nudged Dimitri's arm. "And what is your nickname for him if I can be curious?"
Byleth ran her hands over him. "The one thing he likes is his name over titles so I try to say it when I'm not tempted for anything else, but he's always been my golden lion. Beloved, my lion, my love, and my heart are the more recent ones. I will be looking forward to adding husband to the list."
Dimitri leaned his head back so he could see her. She smiled and leaned her head against his.
"Why don't you take her to her room Dimitri? It seems the more time passes the more affectionate she gets," Ingrid suggested.
Sylvain stuck her circlet back on her and her hair turned back to green. "Really cool disguise technique."
Byleth huffed. "Take me to bed love."
Dimitri froze at her breath on the back of his neck as all of the eyes went to her as soon as those words came out of her mouth. He knew that the blush crept over his face at that one. He did need to get her out of there, before she did anything more embarrassing. He stood and she reached out with both hands outstretched. He leaned down and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her up so she was cradled in his arms. Guren followed them as the rest of the lions dispersed to their rooms. No one knew where Sothis had gotten to, but she wouldn't have gone too far.
When he got them to their room Guren went in with them to lay on the bed next to her when Dimitri put her down. She didn't let go of his neck, but instead tightened her hold as she kissed him. She took off his crown and then her circlet and put them onto the bedside table before she kissed him again, running her hands through his hair as she took the band out to let it fall around him.
Dimitri really wasn't sure how to deal with her in this state. She was more affectionate than usual, but that could also be due to the fact that her emotions have also been unlocked without any hindrances. The other cause could be that it was due to alcohol. When she pulled back from the kiss she flopped herself onto the bed and threw her arms around Guren.
He started gathering up his things and he hated the feeling that was encroaching on him. He wanted to take her with him. He had gotten used to her as his side when they slept. The voices had only been mere whispers most of the time and they had less of an impact on him now. The nightmares still bothered him some nights and he wasn't looking forward to having them again without being able to pull her close when he woke.
"I told Guren I want him to go back to Fhirdiad with you. I'll have Sothis here with me in the meantime for company. It wouldn't be fair for me to have both of them," she said.
"I'm surprised he agreed," Dimitri said.
He was thankful for the gesture, but it… it felt wrong. He was gathering his things to leave. He had those five years to be alone and part of having her accept his proposal was to keep her at his side. He knew it was necessary but that didn't make it any easier.
"My conditions are that I get to visit her when you do. If she's there I am sleeping in the bed and at her side for the duration of her stay," Guren said.
"Simple enough," he responded.
He grabbed his usual cloak and she snatched it as soon as he laid it on the bed. She gathered it underneath herself and hugged it against her with a glare. He started to chuckle. She looked absolutely adorable with her head nestled against the fur like that despite the fierce expression. He knew what prompted the gesture, but the cloak that went with Loog's armor will be staying with the set.
Even if it wasn't the Holy kingdom anymore it was still the Faerghus territory, but perhaps it would be best to humor her and get another one made that was the same color but didn't have the emblem. The one underneath her wouldn't be something he should wear outside of the territory anyway. It might be his home, but if he was the king to a unified Fodlan than it would be best not to show favoritism to just one of the territories.
"Alright, it can stay here with you," he said.
She smiled wide at that and he found himself mesmerized like the first time he had seen her smile. He reached out to cup her cheek. She still felt warmer than usual, her face tinged in a slight blush as an after effect of the alcohol. She leaned into his touch. Without the circlet, her hair was back to blue.
He thought of the remark Sylvain had given. Last night in the moonlight what she had been to him was one of the last things on his mind. No matter the color she was still his beloved. Had he really been so obvious to the others of his hidden desires? That day she had brought him into her room was still special to him. He was able to look upon that day fondly because there had only been the promise of what was to be.
That hadn't been the case right after it happened. The shame from his desperation to want to do it again tore at him. He had avoided her during the chaos and planning. At night he had wanted to go and knock on her door even if it was only to lay beside each other again, but he was afraid of his desire. He had wanted more, but he didn't want to push her past the boundaries they had already crossed. There were nights that he wanted to go to her just to apologize for the lewd thoughts that had overtaken him and would not leave him alone. He wanted to beg for her forgiveness for tainting her both with what they had done, but also for what he had done to her in his thoughts. His depravity knew no bounds and she didn't deserve it when she had been nothing but kind to him.
He would watch her leave her quarters to devise late-night strategy sessions and he had wanted to follow her since they both couldn't sleep. He wanted to talk to her, and see if they could soothe or help each other. He had the courage to follow one night and found that she had left the door open to the classroom. When he saw her bent over the table any civil thoughts had fled. She had been working so hard for everyone's sake and there he was trapping himself inside his room to play out desires in his head. He had retreated back into the claws of the dead that told him how disgusting he was, how greedy he was to want to be with her so badly.
After she had disappeared he had wished he had been bold enough to ask her if they could have done more than sleep and kiss, but he had been selfish with what he had taken. He had forced the distraction, and the pain that came with it, out of his mind so he could function. He fell to the voices in his head instead.
Now that he had felt her true touch and what it was like he knew that those five years would have only been more torturous if they had consummated that desire. They had come so far since then, but somehow the cycle was about to repeat itself. She would be out of his reach again, but at least this time he wouldn't have to worry if she was alive or injured. He breathed deep, trying to shake those lingering shadows away from his mind. She loved him, flaws and all. She wouldn't have bound herself to him if she was disgusted or simply pitied him. She was strong and independent. She could make her own decisions and she had made it willingly. She pointed to the gift that caught his eye earlier.
"That gift is for you love. I'd like you to take it with you," she said.
Dimitri took the blue square into his hands and untied the ribbon. The paper was only folded loosely so he wouldn't have to tear anything off. Inside was a painting of the two of them. Their heads leaned together, their hands intertwined between them as they sat on the bench together. He knew the moment, it had been a particularly rough day and he had sat down to catch his breath and fight down the headache that was forming. She had come to him and sat down with him and twined her hand with his. He had taken a moment of respite and leaned down towards her and she had smiled and met him in the middle. Thinking about it now they would have been visible from the golden deer's classroom.
"Ignatz painted it for me. I have a copy of it that he made as well. I'll be putting mine either here or on my work desk, but I wanted to make sure you had something," she said.
He leaned down to kiss her. "First the daggers and now this. You're going to spoil me at this rate."
She looked up at him with a smirk. "And why are you keeping a tally?"
"I'm not used to receiving, not until you," he said.
She pulled at the collar of his shirt to pull him back to her. "We'll just have to fix that won't we?"
Guren hopped off the bed and let himself out. Based on the scent they were not going to stay clothed for long.
She pulled back and licked her lips."What are your orders, Your Majesty? I wish to serve you as only I can."
He pulled her back so he could cradle her face. "Byleth, you know I get most of my enjoyment knowing that I please you. I won't be selfish like that."
She tangled her other hand in his hair again. She trailed kisses against his jawline before nuzzling against him.
"Then let me be selfish and please you, Dimitri," she whispered.
"Thank you Byleth, for indulging me."
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she pulled herself against him. "All you have to do is ask. We are partners, so we'll learn what we like together."
He pulled her onto the bed and laid her on her stomach as he began to kiss and knead his hands into her back. He felt her start to melt under his touch as he continued. He had gotten better at giving her the massages. When he flipped her over she gave him a lazy smile. He kissed her slow and deep as he brought one hand to cup her face.
"I love you Dimitri," she whispered against his ear.
He smiled. "I love you too Byleth. Rest, I still have a few things to gather. I will try to come to see you for your birthday. I will write to you in the meantime. Stay safe and stay well."
She looked up and placed a hand on his cheek. "I hope that time moves quickly. I know this will only be a small portion we will need to endure, in comparison to afterward, but I will be looking forward to when we take our vows."
He let her go from his grasp and laid his cloak over her. He went for a quick rinse in the bath that was combined to this room before he put on his armor. Rodrigue had mentioned that the people were waiting to celebrate his arrival. In addition to the possibility of an ambush where he would have to defend himself, he needed to look the part for the role he had been given. Byleth was sleeping soundly when he was ready to leave. He kissed her forehead and stroked her cheek before grabbing his bag, his crown, and the painting she gifted. His dagger on his belt.
"It's only goodbye for now," he said as he opened the door.
Guren poked his nose inside and saw that she was asleep. He had wanted to say goodbye, but he didn't want to wake her. Dimitri shut the door behind them. Guren pressed himself against Dimitri's leg. The look on his face worried him. Dimitri took a deep breath and pet Guren's head, thankful for the company. Sothis was standing at the doorway. She floated up to hug him and he was surprised at how solid she felt.
"I'll watch over her for now. Stay safe," Sothis said.
Dimitri nodded. "Thank you. I'll be back when I can."
When Dimitri got his horse from the stables and attached his lance to it he took one last look at the building where Byleth was sleeping. Sylvain put his hand on Dimitri's shoulder and he nodded. Ingrid, Dedue, and Ashe were all on their mounts to accompany him for the journey. Sylvain's wyvern would be flying with Ingrid and her pegasus. Sylvain would be traveling on his horse for now, able to use magic if he needed to. There were dangers in traveling at night, but since most of the guests would wait until the morning to leave it left the roads clear for the moment. Rodrigue waited at the gates for him and they began their tread to Faerghus. Guren scouted ahead for them to make sure there weren't any enemies waiting in ambush.
With every step away from the monastery he could feel his heart grow heavier, but he had to remind himself that it was only temporary. For now, they had roles to fill and work to do. He knew that she loved him. There was no uncertainty to cloud his judgment. Together they would bring the changes that Fodlan needed, and then they could rest.