WARNING: This fanfiction is NanoFate and it is rated M for strong and/or violent content and situations, as well as intimate scenes between two women. If this type of content is not to your liking, please do not read it.
DISCLAIMER: MSLN Characters belong to their rightful owners. All the situations and characters presented in this work are fictitious, any similarity with real, historical, or present situations or individuals, it is not intentional.
TRANSLATOR'S NOTES: I want to thank the new subscribers to the story. Also special thanks to skydragon23 (I truly agree with what you mention about StrikerS) and megamar (indeed I truly love NanoFate haha).
Anyways... on to the story now...
"Till the End of Times" by Aleksei Volken
Chapter 14. CERTAINTIES
"Are you listening, Nanoha...? Are you all right?"
The aforementioned jumped on her seat upon the sudden question. She had been so lost in her own thoughts that she never noticed Alicia talking to her. And apparently, her distraction had been even more evident, when, after raising her gaze up from her plate of untouched food, she discovered four pairs of eyes that were looking intently at her.
That morning she had decided to have breakfast in the main dining room along with Alicia, Hayate, Shamal… and Saber. The expression of the first three looking at her was of slight worry. Saber's was inscrutable.
The five women were sitting at one of the main tables exclusively reserved for the highest ranks in the court. The tables were long and rectangular and were distributed covering all the central area of the dining hall. It was early, and cold, and without counting them, it was almost deserted. Including the main table over a stage that the Hegemon seldom used. She used it during official banquets, but not on the day to day occasions.
A habit Nanoha and her counselors were grateful for as it was one of the reasons Nanoha had agreed to have breakfast there that day.
The large chimney on one of the sides of the room was fired up and although outside it could be seen it was already snowing, inside, the area was comfortably warm. Although not enough to justify Nanoha's blush when she was caught daydreaming.
"Hmmm… don't worry Alicia-sama," Hayate said at last, breaking the silence. "Our Nanoha-chan deeply misses Fate-san, it's the only thing in your mind, isn't that right, Nanoha?"
Nanoha blushed even harder with Hayate's comment. It had barely been a week since Fate had gone to her mission to investigate in Kestrel. During all those days she had kept herself busy training with Saber and Vita, and spending the rest of her time with Alicia, understanding the intricacies of the palace's politics in Dinsmark. Of course, she had not had the time to miss anyone!
Yes, she had been quite busy during the day, but the same could not be said about her nights…
She was still furious, looking at Hayate trying to find a dignified exit out of the difficulty she found herself in thanks to her counselor's last remark, when a soft-spoken husky voice was heard behind her.
"Is that true...? Have you missed me… Nanoha?"
Nanoha was petrified in her seat.
Not her heart though, which jumped in an uncontrolled speed at the sound of that voice.
Just like Alicia, who jumped out of her chair almost shrieking overjoyed.
"Fate...!"
And she leaped into her sister's arms before anyone else could move.
Shamal and Hayate stood up to welcome Fate as appropriate.
Nanoha stayed exactly where she was and when she looked up, her eyes met Saber's, sitting in front of her and who had not moved either.
After greeting Fate, Shamal was trying to clumsily excuse herself to run out and look for Signum but Fate stopped her with a little sadness in her eyes.
"I am sorry, Shamal-san... Signum has not returned with me… not yet."
Shamal's gaze darkened a bit but had the common sense of not asking anything else. She and Hayate just exchanged a meaningful look.
Fate considered giving more information at that moment and looked at her sister and then to where Nanoha was sitting. Her wife's back was the only thing she could see since the red-haired had not yet moved from her place. She had not stood up or even turned around to see her. Fate's entrance through one of the side doors had been so stealthy that, focused on Nanoha, none of the women had even seen her or heard her approach until she spoke. Not even Nanoha herself.
Fate's gaze extended ahead from Nanoha's back and into Saber's green eyes fixed on her.
At that moment, Saber stood up and approached her to welcome her.
"It is good news Lady Testarossa is back with wellbeing. I am sorry to hear Captain Signum is not back with you. I imagine we will have matters to discuss then," Saber said, stopping in front of Fate and lightly bowing her head to greet her.
Emerald and crimson clashed at that moment almost as two swords do when their eyes met one on one.
"Indeed," Fate said with a sudden cold voice, "we have a lot to talk about… but first I would like to have breakfast, take off the dust...or the snow from the journey… and speak with my wife."
Nanoha knew she could not delay any more the unavoidable.
After the initial surprise and with her heart beating in a rhythm much closer to normal, she remembered that they were in the main dining room; a public space where anyone could enter at any time. She recomposed her face and straightened up as dignifiedly as she could as she stood up.
When she turned to see Fate her heart again skipped several beats on its frantic race.
Fate was wearing the same dark outfit she had worn when she left a week before, a thick, discreet, uniform of the guard that showed a week-long use, the cape with her cloak draped over her shoulders almost in a careless way. It was clear the whole outfit had been shaken hastily to remove the snow. With the warmth of the room, the snowflakes that had stubbornly remained adding dashes of white to the uniform were slowly melting.
Fate looked more like a lowly-rank soldier in a campaign rather than the Imperial Heiress, but even as her face was a little dirtied, her cheeks were rosy from the cold and her eyes were shining with anticipation when she finally looked at Nanoha in front of her.
For some strange reason… she looked beautiful.
"Welcome," was the only thing Nanoha was barely able to articulate.
In the meantime, Alicia had called the service and Linith was rushing in to take Fate's cape. Alicia was about to ask for her breakfast to be brought when Fate interrupted her.
"If you don't mind Alicia, I would rather have it in my room. We can meet at the quarters of the Imperial Guard in one hour."
"Does Mother know you are back?" Alicia asked after nodding to her sister's request.
"Aunt Olivie knows, I came by to see Mother but Olivie told me not to bother her yet. We have some time," Fate explained before turning to Nanoha.
"Will you come with me?" she asked, again with a soft-toned voice and the eyes of a puppy.
Nanoha felt she was melting even faster than the snowflakes in Fate's clothes.
"By the way, Fate," Alicia spoke again before Nanoha could answer. "I would like for Nanoha and her counselors to join us at the meeting we are having."
Suddenly alert, Fate looked intrigued at her. What could have happened in the last days so Alicia would be suggesting Nanoha to be included in those meetings? Fate realized she might need to speak to Alicia before the meeting.
Nanoha herself was surprised by Alicia's sudden request but dissimulated it better than Fate.
And upon Fate's silence, she took the opportunity to break from her stupor.
"Do you think I won't have the ability to understand what is happening?" Nanoha asked, feeling suddenly angry that Fate would just come in all of a sudden, looking at her in that way, sweeping away all her defenses with that irresistible look, and then would be reluctant to let her participate in a meeting where they were going to discuss significant matters to the Empire. All within two minutes.
"It's not like that…" Fate answered a little defensive, and before they got stuck in one of those endless discussions Alicia already knew very well, she intervened.
"I have been working with Nanoha the last few days, Fate," then she looked at Saber before continuing, "the same way Saber has been doing with Mother. I believe it is time for Nanoha to get more involved in matters of the court and the Empire… as your wife."
Fate held her sister's gaze and the slightly threatening tone in her sister's voice did not go unnoticed.
They had not discussed that topic ever before, but what Alicia seemed to be telling her was that it was the time that Nanoha assumed a different role in Stier Castle. As her wife and Imperial Consort in the court and not only in her bed.
They had not talked about that topic either, but Fate assumed that Alicia was aware that ever since she had relinquished her matrimonial bedroom, they were not sharing the bed in that way anymore. Everyone in the court had been speaking about that for weeks. Then Veyron's scandal happened and the Racheakt...
Suddenly, Fate understood.
It was precisely because of that, that Alicia wanted Nanoha to get a more active participation. Some significant gossip had to be going around in the upper spheres of the nobility that Alicia wanted to counter.
Fate finally agreed. If Alicia was suggesting it, she would have an important motive.
"You are right," Fate said with a serene countenance. "My wife will attend, as well as the Yagami counselors."
Nanoha could not hide her astonishment at those simple three words. Hayate smiled more than pleased and Shamal pressed her hands in front of her, finally, she would have more time to spend with Signum!
Alicia was also excited and pleased but she refrained from expressing it effusively. She never thought Fate would finally understand that quickly.
Saber slightly frowned but did not say a single word.
"Now, if you will excuse me... I will see you in one hour," Fate said and turned to see Nanoha.
She did not make any attempt to touch her, she just waited.
Nanoha approached her to stand by her side and together they walked to the door.
— X —
"So… did you really miss me?" Fate asked without turning to see Nanoha when they were finally alone in the hallway leading to their rooms. The warrior was dying to take her wife in her arms and kiss her, but Nanoha had been so disconcerted when seeing her, that she felt unsure. She did not want Nanoha to reject her again.
Nanoha felt like blushing and thanked the slight darkness of the hallway that concealed it.
"Of course not," she answered proudly. "I have been very busy… besides… I have no reason to be missing you."
Nanoha tried not to think about what she had been doing every night while thinking about Fate and remembering their goodbye kiss qualified as missing her.
"I see," Fate said, and then, mustering all the courage she could, added, "I… had to… I mean… I wanted to know how you were."
Until that moment, Nanoha turned to look at Fate intrigued as they walked.
"I wanted to see you," Fate recognized awkwardly under her wife's look.
Nanoha felt her face and other parts of her body were set on fire.
"How are you feeling?" Nanoha asked, quickly changing the subject and speeding up her pace a bit.
Vita and Zafira walked behind them at a safe distance but without letting them leave their sight… in case they needed something, like intervening in one of their already infamous verbal confrontations; needless to say, they were intrigued to see them walking and talking cordially to each other.
Fate looked at Nanoha without knowing exactly what to answer to the question.
"About ...your… wound," Nanoha clarified, pointing to her chest where Veyron had wounded her during their duel.
"Oh! Yes… the... wound," Fate stuttered, accepting Nanoha's topic change and suddenly getting very conscious that she was basically alone with her wife, that they were talking and not arguing like before. "Good… it has not really bothered me… it's almost completely healed."
During the days when she was away, that last afternoon she had spent with Nanoha seemed too good to have been true. Almost like something she had longed for so much that she had ended up dreaming about it. Especially in the goodbye kiss Nanoha had given her.
During the frantic way back, despite the speed and under the hard conditions she had to do it, Fate had a lot of hours alone and in silence to think about everything Zest Grangaitz had told her... But also to recall that last afternoon she had spent time with Nanoha before leaving. To replay that kiss in her mind over and over again. And also some of their nights.
She had promised to return as soon as possible and it had been like that, she had returned to Dinsmark much sooner than expected. But also with unexpected and unsettling news. Uncertain times and almost certainly dangerous ones were upon the Empire and that meant, also over them.
Despite all that, she was also going to see Nanoha. And by the Gods, how had she missed her!
The ironic part was that at that moment when she was finally with her next to her side, she had not had enough courage to hug her and tell her that yes, that she in fact had missed her every second she had been away from Dinsmark.
Keeping her word about not touching her again had been very difficult for Fate. Especially since Saber had arrived and the last night before departing.
When they finally reached their rooms, Nanoha stopped in front of their matrimonial bedroom and for a moment, Fate doubted whether going in or continuing to the room at the end of the hallway that she had been using by herself as study and bedroom. To enter the bedroom they had shared, suddenly felt mighty overwhelming. Especially considering how badly she wanted to hold her wife in her arms.
Finally, Vita decided for them.
"I will tell Linith to bring you your breakfast and everything necessary for your bath, Fate. Is there anything else either of you need?" the warrior asked, after approaching them during the seconds Fate had been hesitating.
The fact that she addressed both of them, made them blush.
"No.. that is just fine, Vita," Fate said before suddenly taking Nanoha's arm and getting inside the room.
Nanoha did not resist and before she could protest, once inside, Fate let go of her arm.
They both stood in the middle of the room.
And for the first time since they had been married Nanoha realized Fate seemed to not know what to do. Gone were the times when Fate had to force her and had to resort to it to subdue her. Now that the two finally seemed to have accepted their situation with each other, neither knew what to do.
Nanoha blushed thinking about how she had already shared intimacy with Fate before. Neither should be so nervous of being together and alone.
But they were.
It was the middle of the day, but with the snowfall outside, the windows were closed and the candles were lit. It might as well have been night already.
Fate tried to settle down thinking she must not rush things, Nanoha had said goodbye to her with a spectacular kiss, yes; and she could not get her wife's response to that kiss out of her head. Fate wanted more kisses like that one and to do much more than just kiss her, but there was also so much more than that. Nanoha was right there with her by her side.
Breathing in deeply, she started to remove her sword, the boots, and the upper part of her uniform until she was only wearing her white shirt and her trousers, while Nanoha kept busy in moving and fixing things that did not need to be moved or fixed. Soft knocks on the door indicated the arrival of Linith with a group of maids, who upon Nanoha's answer, entered bringing food for Fate's breakfast and the necessary items for her bath.
When everything was ready, Linith offered to stay and help Fate.
"No…" Nanoha said without even thinking her words. When she met the surprised look in Linith's eyes and the completely flustered one in Fate's looking at her, she only managed to stutter while blushing, "I… I will… help... her."
"As my Lady orders," Linith said bowing before exiting, signalling the rest of the women to exit with her.
When they were alone again, Fate did not even want to breathe, fearing even that would make Nanoha regret her decision and would make her run out of the room.
Nanoha, for her part, was about to kick herself for her sudden impulse.
"What the hell were you thinking?" she thought to herself. And then she realized she had not been thinking. She simply did not want anyone else around them.
Nanoha convinced herself it did not have to be a big deal, during the time Fate had been wounded and unconscious, she was the one who had been by her side, taking care of her, cleaning her wound and her body. She had already seen her wife's naked body. There was nothing new in it or intimidating. It is just a body, she kept telling herself.
Of course, Fate had been unconscious and unresponsive and had not been aware of anything. Unlike that moment, where she was standing in front of her exuding vitality and strength and her bright eyes were set on her.
"Your water is going to get cold," Nanoha said a little harshly, getting close to Fate and the bathtub. "Do you need any help?" she asked.
"No, it's fine like this," Fate answered, trying to concentrate on removing her shirt and trousers.
Nanoha discreetly averted her gaze since the sight of Fate unbuttoning her shirt made the temperature of her skin increase several degrees.
As she finished taking her clothes off, Fate mentally repeated to herself that Nanoha, along with many people had already seen her completely naked during Racheakt. There was nothing there that Nanoha (and all those people) had not already seen before. If even then, she had not minded, then she did not have to feel her face burning in shame at that moment. And yet, she turned her back to Nanoha to hide her blush and to get close to the bathtub once naked, to carefully get in.
During those brief seconds in which Fate concentrated on getting into the bathtub, Nanoha finally gave herself the opportunity to look at her wife's naked back. And not only her back.
Her gaze strayed from the line of Fate's shoulders, watching her muscles flex with controlled, careful movements, her narrow waist which line widened a bit to give way for her hips and her glutes, all the way to her long legs. Fate's body was strong, Nanoha knew that very well… but she had never observed it in the way she was doing and she never noticed the sensual femininity of her curves.
She imagined herself getting closer to that body and touching it, and the desire that unraveled in the lower part of her womb made her shiver in panic.
She observed Fate holding with two hands to the border of the bathtub slowly sliding into the hot water, and then resting her back and head on the tub with a sigh of satisfaction.
Nanoha's mouth was dry, her breathing was uneven and her heart was beating in her throat while a very different heart was throbbing between her legs.
"Damn it," Fate mumbled, without moving and with her eyes closed, from the bathtub. After a non-stop week through the snow that bath felt like heaven on earth.
"What's wrong?" Nanoha forced herself to ask, getting close to Fate, but standing behind her. She did not trust yet that her face and her eyes would not betray her thoughts at the sight of her wife naked in front of her.
"I forgot the soap…" Fate answered.
Nanoha went to the small table Linith had set beside the bathtub to take the soap and the small bowl, and after breathing in deeply, turned towards Fate.
The warrior remained in the same position, relaxed and leaning back in the bathtub with her eyes closed and her arms resting on the sides of the tub.
Nanoha remembered her first night in Stier Castle when she was the one taking a bath and Fate had stormed in full of arrogance and confidence, positively threatening to share the bathtub with her. That day, Nanoha felt like dying from the shame of being naked in front of Fate's eyes. She had never been naked before a complete stranger, they were not married yet and a lot of things had not happened between them.
At that moment, Fate looked very different from what Nanoha imagined she had looked when the roles had been reversed. Fate did not seem to mind being naked in front of her. Her posture was relaxed and at ease even when the clear water left little to the imagination.
Nanoha made a considerable effort in fixing her gaze on Fate's shoulders and not look down to her breasts that were outlined in the waters, or farther from them as she got closer.
The red patch of Fate's wound on the left side of her chest attracted her attention. It looked red and swollen.
"Did you use the medicine Shamal gave you before leaving for your trip?" she asked as she placed herself again in the safe position behind Fate.
Fate cleared her throat before opening her eyes.
"Uhmm.. yes… for the most part," she answered, shrinking a little. At that moment she did not want to give answers regarding her personal care.
"Shamal will have to check up on you after the bath," Nanoha sentenced and Fate had the common sense of nodding without arguing.
In silence, Nanoha got closer to her and extended the rough soap bar to Fate and started to help her untie the ribbon that was still holding her hair in a ponytail. She used the bowl to wet her hair and carefully, helped her wash it in silence.
Fate could not repress a smile. Nanoha was touching her, even if it was only to wash her hair, but she was touching her.
"Uh, Nanoha…" Fate said, who had remained in silence for the last few minutes and she had just allowed herself to enjoy the warm feeling of Nanoha's hands in her hair. "My wound is better but I still… cannot wash my back by myself… would you… help me?"
Fate had tried her best to ask in the most natural way possible but Nanoha's heart skipped a beat hearing the request. A little faster than she pretended, she took the soap from Fate's hands and with slightly shaky hands, she started to wash her back and shoulders very carefully.
It was not the first time she touched Fate's body, but it was the first time she was doing it with her being conscious and awake… and it felt very different from the times she had done it while Fate was bedridden. The skin under her fingers felt very alive, a vibrant body, warm with the water, smooth and slippery with the soap.
She could not prevent the shiver when her hands slid down her back and for a moment, Nanoha wished to be inside the bathtub with her and not only touch Fate's back but everything else.
"But… what am I thinking?!" she scolded herself and hurried to finish her task as fast as possible.
When she finished, she helped Fate finish rinsing off and the moment she was stepping away from the bathtub feeling feverish, a wet hand grasped her wrist.
She turned to find Fate blushing and with her eyes set in hers.
"Thank you," Fate mumbled and they both stayed suspended just looking at each other.
Nanoha could not find the strength to free herself from Fate's hold and Fate could not find the strength of will to let her go.
Fate's gaze on her seemed to be full of meanings Nanoha did not even want to start to imagine. Nanoha's was full of doubts Fate wished she was able to rip off by any means necessary, preferably one that included having her very close and in her arms.
Lost in each other's eyes, neither noticed the door opening until a very well known voice flash-froze them.
"Well, well... it seems you had more important things to do than coming to see me, Fate... How quickly you forget about your priorities."
Fate felt Nanoha tense up but even in her unfavorable position in the bathtub, she did not let her step away and held on tighter to her wrist.
"This is not the best moment or place for explanations, Mother." Fate said, slightly turning to see Precia.
Olivie entered at that moment behind Precia.
"Precia… Fate did come to see you, I was the one who…" but the Hegemon did not let her finish.
"Which proves how misinformed she is about the chain of command. You do not determine the priorities and Fate should have known better than anyone else," Precia did not even turn to Olivie as she talked to her. "Get dressed and come see me at my chambers… and Fate... Don't. Be. Late... No more than you have already been."
After that last phrase, Precia, who had completely ignored Nanoha and almost ignored Olivie, turned and left without saying anything else.
It was until that moment that Fate reluctantly let go of Nanoha. Her mother had a truly unique sense of timing.
"I am sorry Fate…" Olivie said after the Hegemon had left, closing the door to give Fate more privacy.
"Don't worry aunt Olivie…. I left instructions at the Guard and there are things we cannot do any faster," Fate tried to ease her up as she stood up to get out of the bathtub.
Nanoha averted her gaze but promptly offered her the soft and light robe Linith had left for her.
"Your mother has no idea of the journey you have endured non-stop on horseback to get here, Fate… You cannot come like this just to leave again," Olivie said and immediately Fate felt Nanoha's eyes on her.
"Leave again?" Nanoha asked, looking at her.
Fate took a deep breath.
"Yes…" she started, "I only came back for reinforcements, Nanoha. It is part of what I need to discuss with Alicia… and with you. I need to leave again."
Fate wrapped the cloth robe around her body and slowly approached her wife, staring directly at her. Nanoha asked the question Fate feared.
"When?" Nanoha asked again, trying to eliminate the worry she felt in the pit of her stomach since Olivie had mentioned Fate had to leave again and Fate had confirmed it.
"As soon as possible," Fate said as softly as she could.
For a few seconds they just looked at each other. Nanoha eventually looked away.
"I will ask Linith to clean all this up… you better hurry. Your mother is waiting for you," she said heading to the door, exiting before Fate could say anything else.
"You had not told her anything."
Olivie's comment had not been a question.
"It seems things are moving too fast… even for me," Fate said as she looked in the built-in-the-wall armoire for the clothes she would wear. She chose another variation of her uniform of the guard, since, judging by the looks of how things were with her mother, she doubted she would have time to change before having to leave again.
"I don't think any faster than for Nanoha," Olivie said, and then added, "At least I am happy that you two seem to be… getting closer."
Fate felt like blushing but did not answer.
She was not sure if closer was the correct word; she did know she enjoyed much more of Nanoha's presence like that… without discussions and hurtful confrontations… even if she could not touch her the way she longed for.
"And the way she looks at you," Olivie said after a while.
Fate was almost ready getting dressed but stopped at her aunt's comment.
"Come again?"
Olivie looked at her niece. A sad smile strived to come to life on her lips.
"The way she looks at you has changed, Fate. Haven't you noticed? You may not have lost your battle with her… just yet…"
Fate took her sword and looked at it pensively for a few seconds between putting it on.
She was not as sure as Olivie.
The memory of that night in which she had accepted her defeat despite having forcefully imposed herself over Nanoha was still too alive in her memory and in her heart.
In a very short period of time, Nanoha had let her see a glimpse of gentleness instead of her aggressiveness. That made the faint touch of her fingers on her skin when Nanoha dared to touch her be even more precious to Fate.
Nanoha had too much to blame her for, starting from being Belkan up to having forced her to marry her… among other things.
And Fate knew that the fact that Nanoha was keeping her side of their truce they had wordlessly agreed to, did not mean she had already forgiven her for everything else.
— X —
"So.. that bastard is the one who has been causing all these problems…"
Precia, very much looking like an enraged lioness, was pacing from one way to the other of the private room she used for small meetings.
Olivie was sitting at the table next to Alicia, who Precia had not summoned but Fate had insisted had to be present, and Saber, whom Fate wished had not been summoned, but she was already there with the Hegemon when they arrived. Unlike all the rest, Fate stood up almost in the position of attention but keeping her hands behind her back.
After a brief exchange with Olivie, Fate omitted to tell her mother who had given her the information regarding Glatisan and the Jeremiahs. Fate was still unsure who inside the palace was really behind the conspiracy, so she decided to keep to herself that Zest Grangaitz was not dead as everyone thought.
The Hegemon finally halted and looked at Fate. "The punishment must be exemplary."
Fate did not nod as she usually did to her mother's requests.
"I do not think Bruno Jeremiah is the only one involved mother, we need to secure the position and then unveil the truth."
"Of course not!" Precia roared. "Konrad never completely agreed with me… but the worst thing is you have one of them on your guard Fate. I should suppose by this time you already have Sieglinde under arrest, isn't that right?"
Fate breathed in deeply.
"No, Mother. I don't have Sieglinde under arrest. Neither was I planning to."
Precia looked at her in disbelief.
"Mother… I want to speak to Sieglinde, I will have her in custody, but I really don't think we need to get to that extreme…"
The Hegemon did not even finish listening to what Fate was saying; with long strides, she reached for the door and opening it, she harshly ordered the guard outside to bring Fortis Huckebein to her presence… immediately.
"Mother…" Fate tried again.
"I do not care what you think, Fate. The Jeremiahs will be punished. Exemplarily."
Fate retold again what she had seen with Signum at the Fortress of Glatisan; she tried to explain to her mother that could be, in fact, something very small compared to what really could be going on, she tried to defend Sieglinde's position… but everything was useless.
As soon as the door to the small room opened and Fortis entered, Precia as if she had not listened at all, dictated her orders.
"Sieglinde Jeremiah must be arrested and taken to the Tower… immediately."
Fortis bowed his head. The man had not even had the chance to greet Fate or any of the other women that were present.
"Under what charges?"
"Treason," Precia said, almost spitting the word with disgust.
"Right away," Fortis said and left as he had come in.
"Mother, you are making a mistake," Fate said, tightly clenching her fists, cursing herself for not having spoken with Sieglinde first, but it was useless. The Hegemon simply cut her explanations short and demanded to know Fate's plan to attack Glatisan. Not Alicia, nor Olivie had been able to express any opinion.
Picking up herself as good as possible, Fate explained why she had returned alone to Dinsmark, sending Signum to Kestrel to gather a small attack unit with Victoria and Micaiah. According to what they had seen, the surreptitious forces stationed in Glatisan were working under the shadows and not like a full-fledged military unit.
Fate doubted a one hundred percent frontal attack would be effective against such forces and her strategy consisted of an attack from multiple flanks.
"Signum will arrive with the forces of Kestrel from the southwest, blocking the access to the forest in order to prevent the cloaked men, or at least the most of them, from escaping through there. They would act as a containment wall. The main attack would be coordinated with Gil Graham with a part of Nihon's army from the East. And we would come from the North. That way, no front will be unprotected and we can perform a swift, blunt strike."
As she explained, Fate moved several metal tokens over the huge map of the region she had extended over the Hegemon's table.
"The south looks totally inaccessible due to the mountain ranges, but is there not the chance that they can attack us from there when we least expect them to? It looks like the ideal place to hide. I do not think all those forces you mention are hidden in the Fortress of Glatisan," Saber, who had remained in silence until that moment, said.
"Us?" Fate asked arching a brow without answering the question the Warrior of Albion had made.
"Saber will take a place on Dinsmark's forces," Precia said without looking at the map. "And she is right. The only one that could cover that flank was Signum anyways. Send her a message and tell her that Saber will meet her with instructions."
Somewhat reluctantly, Fate nodded. She did not like anyone else but her giving Signum instructions.
"We do not have much time and the attack needs to be perfectly timed, Fate. There also cannot be any hint that we are onto them. When is the soonest we can attack?"
Fate pondered for a few seconds before answering. The slowest armies to move would be the cavalry and heavy infantry from Graham. If the rebels got wind they an army of large proportions was closing in they would unequivocally flee.
"We need to get Graham moving right now. I will send a falcon with instructions immediately. And Zafira will go to give him more detailed instructions and lead the assault group. I will arrive first with a small group in speaking terms so the first ones Glatisan will see behind me, will be them. The reels will try to flee, but by the time they see Graham, the other three fronts of attack would be in position by then. Graham will be there just to double-tap if needed."
"So we are really going just to distract them," Saber said looking appreciatively towards Fate.
"Yes, actually, more than an attack with our armies, we will do an attack of assault forces. Even if the leaders in Glatisan are involved in the conspiracy, I seriously doubt the citizen from Glatison support that…"
"We will see about that," Precia said, cutting Fate off.
Fate tried to ignore her mother's remark and continued. "... so the best would be to get in quickly, secure the position and try to minimize the number of citizens that could be injured."
"In that case, I believe it's best if I join Lady Testarossa and her escort to enter the city. That should disconcert them rough to avoid being attacked beforehand since they would not only be attacking Dinsmark but also Albion."
"I like the idea," Precia said smiling. "Make the preparations to leave as soon as possible."
After resolving the attack would take place in five days counting from that day, everyone came out to join in the frenzy of preparations.
When they left, Zafira was already out waiting for Fate to inform her about Sieglinde's situation.
"That Huckebein used all the unnecessary roughness with her, Fate… and he deeply enjoyed it."
Fate clenched her teeth. She did not have to ask.
"Sieg is already at the Tower of Dinsmark, Fate."
— X —
After an incredibly long day with frenzied activity and preparations, in which she also had to find the time to go see Sieglinde and explain what was happening, Fate was only able to see Nanoha in the brief moment they met with Alicia to explain what was going on.
Fate was still hesitating how much to tell Nanoha and her counselors but seeing the firm determination in her wife's eyes, almost like a leap of faith, she decided to jump into the void and tell her everything.
She could still remember the stupefied look in Nanoha's eyes after revealing that the mighty Belkan Empire was facing a serious threat to its stability. And even more when she found out one of the possible people involved in the conspiracy was a person as close to Fate as Sieglinde Jeremiah.
Much to Fate's surprise, Nanoha did not make any summary judgment on Sigelinde's guilt or not, and even when she found out she was been held in the ominous Tower of Dinsmark she offered to verify she was well until Fate came back and they knew the truth of what was really happening.
Fate knew part of the interest Nanoha was showing was also due to the Florian sisters from Kestrel, both of whom still remained closely watched by her to make sure no one would harm them while they were detained.
That night, alone in her room finishing the last details for her departure, Fate pondered all the facets she had been able to see from Nanoha in such a short time and understood a little better why the Belkan imperial system seemed so burdensome and humiliating to her wife.
Where Nanoha spoke about freedom and respect, the Belkans spoke about conquest and submission; when Nanoha talked about equality and rights, the Belkan talked about force and superiority… When Nanoha referred to listening, the Belkans referred to authority, a single and unquestionable authority: the sacred will of the Hegemon.
They had been raised and had grown up in two different worlds set so apart, that Fate was barely starting to catch a glimpse of the extent of the abyss that stood between them.
And yet, despite everything, the day of her duel with Veyron, the day that her death would have meant her freedom, Nanoha had asked her not to die.
Shaking her head Fate told herself it was not the time to think about that.
Even if Nanoha was always in her mind, there was a lot… too much that was at stake at that moment. The rebels would be cornered and they would be like a trapped, terrified, and violent creature. There would be much danger to everyone. Fate had to concentrate and be alert, she had to be focused in battle and in the safety of her men.
Around noon she had seen Zafira and Vita go, who swiftly had departed to meet Graham and Signum, respectively, and she had also sent falcons with messages to the troops in the front so they would be ready waiting for them. For the first time since the incident with Veyron, Nanoha would be alone without a permanent guard looking after her at all times. Fate had left instructions in the Imperial Guard for an element to be always with her, but she did not feel as confident as when it was Zafira and Vita watching over her.
Despite her doubts, the only thing she could do was to go fulfill her mission and return to her wife as soon as possible.
Following her mother's instructions, she, Saber, and the retinue that would go with them on her official visit to Glatisan, an escort of about fifty men and women from the guard, would depart at midnight waving the Dinsmark and Albion banners. According to her calculations, the news of her departure would be received in Glatisan when it was already too late for them.
With determination, Fate put her cape over her shoulders as well as the light bag she had prepared for the trip and went out.
Saber and the small retinue were already waiting for her in the central yard of Stier Castle. Luckily for them, the snow had stopped that afternoon, and judging by the time, everything was peaceful and quiet. They had to make the most of those conditions to advance as quickly as possible towards Glatisan. They could not risk a new snowstorm that would set them back.
Alicia was, as always, in front of everyone, covered up to her ears, waiting to say goodbye to her. She was, however, alone. Fate did not see Nanoha anywhere and did not want to ask Alicia out loud for her.
In silence, Fate fastened the bag to her horse's saddle and when she was finished she turned to see her sister. Alicia was still alone and upon Fate's look, she just shook her head.
Saber was already on her horse, a white high-spirited steed that seemed eager to start. The others got in their horses when it seemed Fate was also ready to leave.
"I'll be right back," Fate said abruptly and to everyone's surprise, they all saw her hurriedly walk back to the castle. The only one that did not seem surprised by her reaction was Saber.
Once inside the castle, Fate could not continue walking anymore. She launched into an almost frantic race until she reached the matrimonial room, and, forgetting to knock before coming inside, she abruptly entered to find Nanoha moving away from the window. Her wife was wearing a simple but thick deep blue dress, with high neck and long sleeves that made her eyes look even bluer and shinier; her woman looked like one of those stags, graceful and elegant, that are suddenly surprised by a stranger and look back without fear, but almost with defiance.
Fate stood barely by the entrance, breathing heavily, and a little surprised by the image in front of her.
Nanoha was watching her leave but had not gone to bid farewell like the previous time.
They both just looked at each other without knowing what to say.
"I… am leaving…" Fate said as if it was not obvious or if Nanoha did not know already.
Nanoha, who had been watching Fate leave the patio and then enter again to the castle never imagined she would come to her room. Or actually, that she would arrive that fast.
"Yes… I saw… you leaving…" the red-haired admitted not breaking eye contact with Fate at any moment.
Fate slowly got closer to Nanoha and she did not back down. Standing right in front of her,
Fate tried to say something but none of the words that came to her mind seemed appropriate or enough. She wanted to tell Nanoha she would come back, she wanted to tell her she would miss her every second she was in her campaign… she wanted to tell her…
And she also wanted to hear from her, but she did not know what she expected to hear from her wife, whose only words for her up to that moment had been that she hated her. And to not die.
The whole range of emotions that Fate was feeling reflected on her face while she struggled to find the right words for that farewell. Nanoha felt a lump tightening in her throat seeing Fate struggling with herself.
Allowing herself to be carried away by an impulse, without thinking what she was doing, Nanoha took the steps forwards to get closer to her and placed her palms on Fate's chest, feeling the warmth emanating from her body and her accelerated breathing from the frantic race.
"I did not come down... because I did not want to distract you…" she lied as she looked directly to Fate. "You have many things to worry about."
She tried to smile but her attempt only made it as far as a slight and sad smile.
The truth was that she could not bear the idea of seeing Fate leave again. She felt like a red-hot iron fist clawing her insides at the thought of Fate getting into a dangerous skirmish with a plan that was, from her point of view, almost suicidal. That afternoon, after the meeting they had held with Alicia and her counselors, alone in the privacy of her room, Nanoha had realized she was scared to death and overflowed by feelings that she did not want to name.
Shamal had checked Fate up and although she had reprimanded her lightly, she had admitted her wound was doing moderately well. She had overexerted in those non-stop rides.
But that trip was not even for that. Fate was going to a battle. One that could be even more dangerous than her duel with Veyron… which she had faced healthy and in perfect conditions.
The more she thought about it and the closer the time of departure got, Nanoha felt more and more anguished. And the last thing she wanted was for Fate to read all those feelings in her face as they said goodbye.
"You do not distract me," Fate answered with a husky voice, shivering from the contact of Nanoha's hands in her body.
Fate had seen the combination of emotions on Nanoha's face and although she did not know what they all meant, she realized that her wife was not indifferent to her departure.
"I will be back soon," Fate added, wishing with all her heart she would, and she delicately placed her hands in Nanoha's waist, getting a little closer to her with caution.
Nanoha did not pull away and seeing her blush under her touch, Fate could not resist anymore; she brought her closer to her body and tilted her head until their lips met.
At first, she barely brushed Nanoha's lips with hers but just at the touch, Nanoha's lips parted and her hands held on to her shoulders. Fate parted her lips to turn the kiss into a more intimate one and embraced her tightly. Her hands traveled through Nanoha's back, one holding her wife's body tightly close to hers, while the other one went up to her neck to caress it as the kiss deepened more and more as the two were swept away in a staggering tide of sensations.
Nanoha locked her arms behind Fate's neck and pulled her as close as she could, not only parting her lips but responding to the kiss as she had never let herself do before.
As they kissed almost desperately, there was no space to be found between their bodies and Nanoha felt like burning from within, overwhelmed by the feelings that kiss was unleashing in her.
When they broke apart, the two of them were breathing haphazardly and were equally holding onto each other. Nanoha shuddered at the sight of her own desire, sharp and clear in Fate's eyes as she looked at her… her groin throbbed and her skin was on fire… she wanted Fate to take her right at that very moment; she wanted to be held in her arms, for her to strip her of her clothes and take her to the bed that was waiting for them behind her… The only thing she could think of at that moment was in Fate making love to her.
Fate's arm around her waist held her even more possessively and her head was descending to reclaim her mouth again when several noises and voices coming from the outside yard reminded them where they were and why.
For a few seconds they looked at each other blushed and embarrassed. Fate cursed in her head all the deities that were making her pay for all her faults in that cruel way and with a remarkable effort of her will, she released her hold on Nanoha.
She did not try to kiss her again because she knew if she did, there would be no stopping herself… and if she did not goot back down soon, she would be in big trouble with the Hegemon. One Nanoha would have to pay for staying alone with her and her court in the castle.
That encounter with her wife would have to wait until she returned.
But now, she had no doubts anymore. That fire in her look and her wife's response did not lie. Nanoha desired it as much as she did.
"I…" the warrior was starting to say but Nanoha covered her lips with her fingers to stop her.
If Fate told her anything else, as close as she was and looking at her the way she was looking at her, Nanoha knew she would do something she would regret later. And would put them in a very compromising situation.
"Go and come back safe," was all Nanoha said and then slowly moved away from Fate.
Fate nodded and forced herself to walk to the door.
There were too many things between her and her wife that could not be solved in a matter of seconds. She was aware of that. But that did not make it any easier to leave her at that moment.
And yet, Nanoha had kissed her. Like never before.
Before walking through the threshold of the door, she turned around; Nanoha was still in the same place.
"Don't lose," Nanoha said, smiling as confidently and calmly as she was capable of in those moments when her heart was beating like a ceremonial drum and the hot moisture in between her legs betrayed her.
Fate remembered that day of the duel and smiled again.
"I won't lose," she said with firm conviction and made her way back with all the strength she could gather, back to the main yard where her men awaited her.
She was almost reaching her destination when Fortis Huckebein intercepted her.
"Your mother is wondering why you have yet to depart, Marshal Testarossa," Fortis said staring coldly at her.
"By the time you get back to my mother to tell her that we have left, we will already be by the end of the city, that is how fast we will be going, Fortis," Fate said while walking hastily past him without waiting for any other comment or question from the most important Belkan counselor.
Fortis looked at her with disapproval and walked towards the Hegemon's chambers, who was indeed, waiting for his report.
Fate left with a smile she could not (or even wanted to) hide, hugged Alicia effusively while twirling her completely in her race, and then hopped on Niger.
With energy, she gave the order to advance and before spurring her horse she quickly glanced at the top floor of the castle towards where she was able to see an illuminated gap of the window of HER room and a shadow peeping from there.
Fate's heart swelled with something that was much more than joy.
There was no doubt in her, when she returned that would be her room again and Nanoha… would be her wife for the first time.
— X —
In the darkness of the night, all the shadows are the same.
Especially during the winter, in the hours before the sun rises when the fog comes from the cracks and the ghostly whiteness of the snow turns everyone into blurry faceless specters and muffles all the voices until they are but whispers that vanish as if they had never existed.
"... All good…?"
"... it'd be better if she was already dead… but it won't be long…"
"... Soon then…"
"... Yes… very soon…"
"... I can't wait much longer…"
— X —