Chapter one: Joined Hands

The clanging of the cathedral's bell woke Aether from his dreams. He groaned and rolled over into his pillow to block out the sunlight. It was seven in the morning, but Aether preferred to sleep as long as he could manage. That wasn't always possible with the church's built in alarm clock.

Just as Aether had settled into a comfortable position, he remembered what today was.

He shot up into a sitting position, panting heavily as distant footsteps approached his chambers. He was shaking, clutching his chest to try to calm himself. Today he would be married to the son of the richest dynasty in Mondstant, perhaps even in all of Teyvat.

The footsteps grew louder and were suddenly accompanied by a knock. Aether took several deep breaths to try to compose himself. He certainly was nervous about what his soon-to-be-husband would think of him. But his fears ran deeper; he had never met the man in his life.

The door swung open and his father, Walter, entered with a smile. "Today is the day, son!"

Walter was an honest, hard-working man. He owned a considerable amount of land to the south of Mondstant, where he farmed the finest fruits and vegetables, but never had the time to raise his children. Thus, to Walter, arranging a marriage between his son and the son of a winemaker was a good idea: it would improve his profit and guarantee a financial outlet. It didn't cross the farmer's mind that his son might not like his spouse, much less be ready to be married.

Walter sat at the foot of the bed, smiling hesitantly at his son. "You're doing the right thing. Now your mother and I will be provided for. Your sister too. The Ragnvindr's are so wealthy that you'll never have to worry about money again." He reached out and took Aether's hand. "You'll never have to work another day in your life."

That was everything to his father. Aether would be safe and cared for, and Walter could retire someday.

"Will I ever see you again?" Aether wasn't sure how he mustered the strength to speak.

Walter stood giving his son's hand a squeeze. "If I get a day off from work, I'll come visit you."

Aether knew that meant goodbye. He pressed his lips into a smile as his father left the room, giving way to his mother.

"My son is all grown up!" She cried happily, embracing Aether with force. Aether laughed lightly and gave his mother a squeeze in return.

She finally pulled away, brushing off her apron and crossing her arms. "Let's get you dolled up."

After an hour of his mother fussing over his looks, Aether finally had a chance to say goodbye to his younger sister, Lumine. Lumine had also helped in the getting ready by braiding Aether's long blonde hair down his back, shining his boots, and picking out a golden earring that had been passed down their family for generations. It was the biggest moment of his life.

"I don't want to do this," Aether whispered as Lumine helped him into his gloves. "I don't want to leave you."

Lumine grabbed Aether's hands tightly in her own. "You'll be a day away. I'll find any excuse I can to visit you. This is not goodbye!"

"I never thought this would happen to me," he cried quietly. "I thought I'd get to meet someone and fall in love, you know? Spend the rest of my life working, but at least be around you… And at least be happy…"

Lumine reached for Aether's cheeks and pulled his forehead to her own. "I love you, Aether." She let out a giggle. "Who says a Lord can't have a mistress?"

Aether let out a soft laugh too, finding himself ever-slightly more relaxed than before. He could run away if his fiance was abusive. He would at least enjoy the luxury as much as he could. "Don't forget me, okay?"

"Time to go," Walter called, pulling his wife out the door. Lumine straightened her dress and took Aether's hand to bring him along as well. They were headed to the cathedral, and it was all happening fast.

Before he knew it, he was standing at the altar inside the cathedral. An arranged marriage called for a discrete wedding, which meant only the two families would be in attendance as legal witnesses. Aether was so nervous he thought he might pee himself.

The great doors of the church opened as the Ragnvindr procession entered. They were all red haired, dressed in fine black suits or dresses, giving of an incredible aura of wealth. It was intimidating, to say the least. The hall was silent except for the echo of footsteps as they approached.

Aether kept his head bowed to the ground, staring at his boots in intimidation. He felt completely underdressed in his simple cape and brown trousers.

"Welcome all." Aether turned around to face the minister who had just entered, holding a large book and red silk cloth. "Would the grooms please come to the altar?"

There was shuffling behind him as the Ragnvindr family sat in the pews. Aether's heart was pounding so loudly he worried the onlookers would be able to hear it. As he turned to face his family, he saw him for the first time.

He was quite tall, despite being only three years older, with soft fiery locks framing his face and curling down his back. Even his eyes were amber, nearly as dark as his hair. The man stepped onto the stage, towering above Aether as he faced him. Aether could barely keep eye contact. He wasn't smiling; in fact, it looked like he hadn't for years. Was this the man he was supposed to marry? An intimidating giant with no emotions?

Aether quickly looked to the floor, but he could feel the man's eyes assessing every inch of him.

"We shall begin," the minister uttered, opening his book, though Aether had stopped listening. The priest read the contact of marriage and gestured to Aether, prompting him to say, "I do." He didn't dare to look at the red-head as he did so. There was another speech, and then his fiance's first words.

"I do." It was deep and gravelly, making Aether raise his eyes to the sound. He was met with the piercing gaze of his now husband, who didn't shy away from the stare.

"By the power vested in me, by the anemo archon Barbatos," the minister bellowed, pulling Aether and his husband's hands together, "I now pronounce you husband and husband." He wrapped the silk cloth around their joined hands, Aether still locked onto the amber eyes. "Congratulations."

Aether bowed as he was instructed, and the couple was suddenly surrounded by family who congratulated them. Why were they congratulating the men who didn't have anything to do with this? This was all their economic scheme.

He scanned the room for his family, who was already leaving. Lumine managed a small smile before Walter pulled her out the door. Aether was Ragnvindr property now.

"Welcome to the family, son," Mr. Ragnvindr, his now father-in-law cheered. "Have you met my son?"

No, Aether wanted to say, But I'm tied to him at the moment.

Aether looked back at his husband, who lowered his head slightly in greeting. "I am Diluc Ragnvindr." He pulled Aether's hands to his mouth and gently placed a kiss on his glove. "A pleasure to meet you."

Aether immediately looked at the floor. Surely this man couldn't like him. They had just met! Was he putting on a show for his father?

"Now," Mr. Ragnvindr breathed, untying the newlyweds. "Let's get home. I have important business to attend to."

Obviously Mr. Ragnvindr didn't care about his own son's marriage, but it was a shock to be so quickly escorted from the cathedral by the Ragnvindr servants. Aether watched and Mr. Ragnvindr and Diluc walked ahead, and he was swept up with the servants and Mrs. Ragnvindr.

"Darling, welcome," she spoke gently. "You're such a handsome man, I'm sure you'll fit right in with our family."

The servants fussed with Aether's attire and hair as he was pulled to the carriages that awaited to return them to the Ragnvindr estate, Dawn Winery. Aether had never been in a carriage before, if covered farm wagons didn't count. These were made from dark oak wood with decorative silver trims, each pulled by two well groomed horses. There were three in total, one for Mr. and Mrs. Ragnvindr, one for the servants, and one for…

Aether was suddenly standing before the empty middle carriage, eyes wide. Even the inside was fashioned with silk curtains and velvet seats. He couldn't bring himself to step inside.

"Allow me." Aether turned to see Diluc at his side, extending his arm. Even being kind to Aether, Diluc wasn't smiling, his continual stern face slack. Aether gently grabbed Diluc's arm and climbed into the carriage.

Diluc followed close behind, closing the door securely and settling into the seat across from Aether. It was their first moment alone, and all Aether wanted to do was escape those fiery eyes. For now, he could stare at the ground. It would be a long ride, but he could be secluded in the Ragnvindr manor, certainly. The show is over now, right?

The carriage rattled gently as the journey began, but the ride was surprisingly smooth. Aether watched the town he grew up in fade away, from city to rolling hills to cliffs and forest. He couldn't help himself from memorizing every turn. Maybe one day he would need to escape and see his family again. For now, it seemed safe, even if he wasn't comfortable.

After a few hours, Diluc finally cleared his throat and spoke. "So your name is Aether."

Aether looked to him hesitantly and nodded. "And you are Sir Diluc."

"Nice to meet you."

Aether fidgeted with his hands and dropped his gaze. "You've already said that."

"I know," Diluc hummed, glancing out at the passing countryside. "But this is the first time I've met the real you, wouldn't you say?" He turned. "How we behave for our parents is all for show."

Had he really just admitted that? Aether furrowed his brows, but nodded slowly.

"Listen," Diluc sighed, brushing his bangs from his face. "I know you are my husband, but I don't expect anything from you, okay?" Aether's silence led him to continue. "When we are not performing for others, I mean. I will never ask you to show me any affection, or ask anything sexually of you."

Aether shied away once more, his face incredibly hot. It was good to hear he wouldn't ask for that, but did he have the impression that Aether saw him as… His captor?

Diluc continued. "This arrangement affects me as well. Because of it, I can never marry for love. And neither can you." Aether swallowed hard. "We'll provide for your family, and we can leave one another alone."

It hurt. Maybe because they had just been married and Diluc was promising to leave him in seclusion. Maybe because he was suggesting that Aether was a burden. Or maybe because Diluc loved another, and the only thing standing between him and that love was Aether, the man who he had just met and had no care for. Whatever the case, Aether at least expected to be cared for himself, and Diluc was implying that care was none of his concern. Aether held his tongue.

"Well, that is taken care of." Diluc crossed his arms. "And look, we've arrived."

Aether's head shot up as the mansion came into view. His new home, probably for the rest of his sorry life: Dawn Winery.