Rigged from the Start

Chapter 69

Calm

Blue skies and sunshine were a welcome sight. Regna Ferox had its own coziness to it, sure; but there was something to be said about the stunning beauty of the Ylissean countryside. The favorable weather made the road to Ylisstol easy to travel, which I was sure the clerics among the Ylissean ranks were grateful for. As for me, seeing rolling green fields littered with daisies and dandelions brought a level of peace I had not felt in forever. Probably not since I lived in Wisconsin.

That was a startling realization. As I walked alongside Anna's cart, trailing a little behind it so I could see Severa sitting in the back, the sobering reality of the past year hit me. I have been fighting for my life for so long now that I was starting to wonder what genuine calm felt like.

Even when I worked for General Mustafa in Plegia, I was not safe. I was always looking over my shoulder, always keeping an eye out for any threats to myself and Severa. Don't even get me started on the ruined future I fled from. Safety did not exist there.

Now there weren't any immediate battles to fight, no Machiavellian mages to outwit, and no Fell Dragons to tangle with. There were no threats, no present danger, nothing to worry about beyond preparing for Grima's next move- whenever it came.

I have no idea what to do now.

A heavy sigh left my lips as my boot kicked a pebble off to the side.

"What's with that face?" Severa asked as she sat in Anna's cart, her legs dangling off of the back.

She had grown stronger in the couple of weeks since the Longfort Siege. Strong enough to travel and even walk a small distance while we were on the road. She still needed to be careful, but she wasn't a bandage-wrapped mummy anymore and her arm wasn't in a sling either. Libra, Emmeryn, all of the healers were miracle workers.

"We won't have to do anything when we get to Ylisstol," I replied, my hands slipping into my pockets as I strolled along behind the trundling cart. I glanced over my shoulder, spotting Sully and Stahl on their mounts as they rode along the edges of our column. "I'm kind of wondering what comes next."

Severa shrugged. "We both know that it's not over." She gripped the cart railing tight as it passed over a small hole in the road. "Grima's up to something, even if he's not doing anything. There's also Valm."

Right, Valm. I had almost forgotten about that, but Lucina leaving with Owain, Morgan, and Nah to that land across the sea served as a stark reminder of what was coming. In the game, Valm invaded Regna Ferox at some point in the next couple of years, sparking a new war for the Shepherds to fight. The same events played out in Severa's ruined time too, which was probably why she was bringing it up.

"I think we'll cross that bridge when we get there," I commented. "War with another country isn't our concern."

Severa bobbed her head. "Makes sense. Besides, we have other things to worry about."

This time, it was Severa's turn to glance around us. Specifically, she looked up to a group of Pegasus Knights flying in a V-formation above the column. Commander Phila led the formation; I could see her golden armor shimmering in the bright summer sun. Behind her flew Cordelia with her red hair and silver armor.

"I'm sure there are ways for you to avoid her if that's what you want to do," I remarked.

Severa's gaze whipped back down to me. "I-I'm not trying to avoid her," She stammered. When I gave her a skeptical look, Severa huffed. "Fine, I'm avoiding her. And, it's going to be harder to do that when we have to be around her so much."

I shrugged. "Not really. I doubt she'll stay in the Shepherds' barracks. She's still a member of the Pegasus Knights, after all."

Severa snorted. "And I doubt she'll stay with the Pegasus Knights. I remember mother talking with father about how they treated her in her early days. She's gotten a taste of good comrades with the Shepherds now, and I know Prince Chrom," She said his name with a small hint of disgust, "would happily take her into their ranks. Even if he's supposed to get married soon."

I blinked. "Married?"

Severa rolled her eyes. "What do you think is going to happen when we get back to Ylisstol?"

My lips thinned. "I thought Emmeryn was going to continue negotiating a treaty with Plegia while we did whatever for a little while."

"If only it were that simple," Severa snorted, folding her arms over her chest as she leaned against the cart railing. "If mo-" She caught herself as Stahl and Sully trotted by, both flashing us smiles as they rode towards the front of the column. Once they were past us, Severa continued. "If Cordelia joins the Shepherds, we will be working with her. And that's not even the worst of it."

I raised an eyebrow. "What's the worst of it?"

A heavy breath left Severa's lips. "Sumia and Prince Chrom are getting married. Do you know what that means? A party; all fancy and everything. One where you're required to at least say hello to everyone in attendance."

At that point, I decided it'd be a good idea to hop in the cart with Severa. I picked up my pace, caught up to it, and managed to jump onto the back. Severa reached out and pulled me all the way in, making sure I didn't accidentally fall out. Once in place, I cleared my throat.

"So, we go to a party. Big deal."

Severa rolled her eyes. "My mom has a massive crush on Prince Chrom. She's going to be a wreck when we get back to Ylisstol, even if she's going to put on a brave face."

I furrowed my brow, still confused about why that worried Severa so much. "You… you think you'll have to be there for her."

"And I'm even more afraid that the truth will slip out," Severa hissed. "We barely managed to get out from hers and Robin's scrutiny last time."

My mind jumped back to the conversation I had with Robin in the Longfort infirmary. If that tactician knew how right he was, his jaw would have dropped. Thankfully, Cordelia scolded for talking without tact, which puzzled Robin long enough for me and Severa to concoct a good enough lie to pacify him for a little while. Besides, he couldn't press us any further with Cordelia there, scolding him. Add in how busy he became helping with travel logistics, and we haven't had that conversation with Robin again.

"Yeah," I grimaced. "At some point, that's going to pop up again."

Severa nodded. "That's the last thing we need. I don't want to have to deal with any nonsense right now."

"Nonsense?" Both Severa and I froze when we heard Gaius's voice. The thief strolled towards the cart from the front of the column. As usual, a lollipop sat wedged between his lips. He gave both of us a mischievous smirk. "Well, Ginger, if you don't want to deal with nonsense then I'd probably better keep walking."

I snorted out a laugh while Severa frowned. "Gaius," I said. "What's up?"

Gaius shrugged as he laced his fingers behind his head, still keeping pace with Anna's cart. "Oh, nothing much. I think we're only a couple of hours from Ylisstol now, but walking is boring and-"

"Manspawn!" Panne roared in the distance, making Gaius jump.

"Gaius…" I drawled. "What did you do?"

"I-I-" Gaius gulped, palmed something in his pocket, then gestured to the rear of the column. "I'm going to keep walking."

He hurried towards the rear. As soon as he rushed away, Severa and I traded confused glances. Then, Panne came tearing towards the cart, running on all fours like she was still in her Beast form. She shot me and Severa a furious glare as she slowed near the cart. Before I could say anything, Severa nodded in the direction Gaius ran.

"That way," Severa said with a devilish smirk.

Panne sniffed. "My thanks. That idiotic manspawn plucked my beaststone from me."

My mouth fell open as Panne barreled after Gaius. A couple of moments later, we heard a loud cry rise from the rear, followed by the sight of Gaius sprinting as fast as he could back to the front of the column with Panne racing after him. Dirt flew up from Panne's heels as she caught up to the thief, pinning him to the road and snatching her beaststone from his pocket. When the cart passed the pair, I saw Gaius with a dazed, shit-eating grin on his lips.

My head turned to Severa. "So, you were saying you didn't want to deal with nonsense."

Severa scoffed. "You were the one that had to invite him into our ranks. Therefore, he's your problem."

I chuckled then nodded. "Fair enough."

Despite being under siege for a couple of months, most of Ylisstol was intact. The city celebrated Exalt Emmeryn's return, cheering and throwing flowers as they realized we had won a major victory and Gangrel was dead. An aura of cheer and hope radiated over the entire city, and it compounded when it was announced that Prince Chrom was to wed Lady Sumia.

As soon as that announcement was made, preparations were made with a date and time for the wedding and celebration. Emmeryn did not take the lead in readying the royal palace for the wedding. Maribelle did, and it became as much an event as the wedding itself.

Banners and streamers were made and hung, servants rushed around the entire palace- including the Shepherds' barracks- cleaning and preparing for the huge influx of nobility coming for the big event. It was all a major fuss, and it made trying to find any privacy impossible.

But, the biggest issue that came up was the dress code. When Maribelle told the Shepherds about the need to wear formal attire, everyone except Cordelia and Virion groaned.

I didn't make my displeasure known to Maribelle. I knew better than to do that. But, as I went to my trunk on the morning of the wedding and threw it open, I realized that I might end up on the receiving end of one of her infamous scoldings yet.

Crap, I don't have anything to wear.

The wedding was only in a few hours, and I did not have a single stitch of formal clothing. I had travel gear that was not worn down at the seams from use, and that had been passable in Plegia, but I doubt that would be up to Maribelle's standards.

I don't have money to go to the market. My lips thinned as I looked down at my barren trunk. For that matter, I wouldn't even know what to buy. I doubt tuxedos exist in medieval fantasy fun-time land.

A heavy breath left my lips. Looks like I don't have much of a choice.

I shed my nightclothes and donned my "nicer" clothes, which consisted of a less-scuffed leather jerkin, black linen shirt, and decent enough pants with my boots. Once that was on, I took a deep breath and braced myself as I stepped out of the bunkroom.

As soon as I exited the bunkroom, I bumped into Gaius and Anna.

"Oh, hey Lucky!" Gaius chirped. He wasn't wearing anything fancy either. Maybe he was trying to get out of going to the wedding? He looked me up and down. "Looking uh… looking good?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Anna rolled her eyes. "Naga, you're seriously wearing that to a wedding."

"I don't exactly have anything else," I defended.

"For that matter," Anna stepped up to me and flicked a strand of my unruly, long brown hair from my shoulder. She then gestured at my face. "This is a mess. Right, Gaius."

"Maribelle is going to have a field day with you," Gaius nodded.

"Glowing compliments. Thanks, guys," I droned.

I tried to step by them, only for Anna to move with me and cut me off.

"Uh-uh," Anna remarked. "You're not going to a wedding looking like this." She reached into a pouch on her hip and withdrew a small tape measure. "Arms out."

"Huh?"

"Do what she says, Lucky. I tried to ignore her and it did not end well for me," Gaius cringed.

I blinked. "Wait, so you're not wearing that?" I asked.

"Of course not. That'd be a crime against fashion," Anna answered for Gaius. "Which is what you are right now. Arms out, already."

I sighed and spread my arms out. Anna measured me, nodded, then shoved her tape measure back into her pocket.

"I'll get something whipped up for you in a couple of hours. Stop by my cart then," Anna said. "For now, Gaius, help him get cleaned up."

"You got it," Gaius nodded, taking me by my arm. "C'mon Lucky. We're taking you to Frederick."

"Why Frederick?"

Gaius paused as he opened the barracks door. "Well, you need a haircut and shave don't ya. Frederick does that for Prince Chrom, so he can probably do it for you too."

Now that he mentioned it, I supposed I could use some grooming. While I never neglected to bathe when I could, I hadn't had a haircut in over a year, let alone shaved. Straight razors spooked me a little bit.

So, I did not protest Gaius tugging me to the palace and towards Frederick's quarters near Chrom's room. They were the quarters for the Knight-Commander of Ylisse, which Frederick had been promoted to following the retirement of his predecessor in the wake of the Plegian War. Upon reaching the tall, double doors leading to his room, Gaius knocked and we waited for an answer.

Ever punctual, Frederick answered within moments.

"Yes?" He asked.

To my shock, he wasn't wearing his armor. I was not used to seeing him without the blue and white steel plates all over him. Instead, he wore a sharp white shirt, dark pants, and a dark vest with a thin bowtie. As if he already finished getting ready for the wedding.

"How's it going, Freddy?" Gaius clapped my shoulder. "As you can see, Lucky's a mess."

"Thanks," I deadpanned.

"Hm… that he is," Frederick nodded. "And he is a Shepherd too. He is a representative of the Halidom and must appear as such tonight."

"Our thoughts exactly," Gaius replied. "I heard you cut Chrom's hair."

"I do," Frederick nodded.

"Good." Gaius shoved me into Frederick's room. "Groom him, please. I'll be waiting out here when you're done."

"I don't need chaperoning," I griped.

"Sure ya don't," Gaius chuckled before shutting the door and leaving me alone with Frederick.

A heavy sigh left my lips. Part of me wondered what on earth I got dragged into. Another part of me felt excited about finally getting a haircut. Maybe my head will feel lighter once Frederick is done.

So, I turned around and saw Frederick pulling a chair towards a tall mirror. He also carried a small, leather case. When he popped open the case, I saw various razors, scissors, combs, and sheers within; all of them shining like they had been freshly polished. Frederick removed one comb and gestured at the chair with it.

"Take a seat."

Hesitantly, I crossed the room and sat down. As soon as I was seated, Frederick flicked a thin sheet over me, tying it around my neck as he stood behind me.

"Anything in particular?" He asked.

That was an excellent question. After over a year and a half of not cutting my hair, I guess I have forgotten how I liked to style it. Not that I paid much attention to that back home. I always wore a hat whenever I went out before. Plus, whatever haircut I used to have was achieved with modern hair clippers, not scissors. I wasn't sure how that would impact this.

So, I shrugged. "I trust you, Frederick."

Frederick's reflection in the mirror looked surprised. A small smile creased over his lips and he nodded.

"Very well," He spun the comb in his right hand. "Hold still. I would rather not accidentally chop off an ear."

"Heh, that's fun- wait what!?"

Longest haircut of my life. I swear, I sat in that chair for so long my butt went numb. I've never had anyone, let alone a barber, tug and turn my head so much in my life. But, by the end of the haircut, I can honestly say Frederick did a very good job. I could see my ears for the first time in a very long time. Also, my hair didn't cover my eyes whenever I dipped my head forward anymore. It felt like my skull could breathe again, which was nice.

It wasn't the shortest haircut I ever had; that still belongs to the haircut my parents gave me as a young child. Buzzcuts were the norm on a military base, after all. In fact, my hair was still long compared to how I got it cut back home. But, instead of being a greasy, snarled mess of tangles and knots, it was neatly trimmed and combed. That meant it was so much easier to clean.

I'm not taking thirty minutes to get all the grime off of my head anymore. A content sigh slipped from my lips as I finished scrubbing my head, then dunked myself into the bathwater, washing all the soap off of me. After that, I gave my head a quick, sharp shake, wiped my eyes, then sank into the tub, enjoying the warm water for a few more moments.

I brought a hand up to my now bare chin. That was another feature that felt alien to me now. The patchwork mess of a goatee I had for the longest time was gone, shaved off without a scratch by Frederick. I almost felt naked without it. My skin definitely felt cooler without all the hair on top of my head and on my face.

My fingers paused as I felt a stray scar along my chin. I never had that in Wisconsin. That was one I got from some fight or another in this world. Although, I couldn't recall if it happened in the future or the present.

I shifted in the bathwater and glanced down at my torso, grimacing at the various ribbons of lumpy, pale flesh littering my scrawny body. When I took a deep breath, I held it in, surprised to see my ribs outlined so clearly through my skin.

Severa's right. I have gotten skinny.

My head leaned back against the edge of the tub again and I let out a long, slow exhale, allowing all of the tension in my body to fade into the warm water. But, I was not allowed to relax for long.

A knock sounded on the bathhouse door. Before I could say anything, Gaius strolled in, along with Anna. As soon as I spotted Anna, my eyes bulged from my skull and I quickly curled up in the bathtub.

"Gaius, Anna!"

Gaius let out a low whistle. "Damn, I knew Freddy did a good job, but now it looks even better than I thought it would. What do you think, Red?"

Anna nodded. "Looks good. Nice scars, by the way. Some girl will fawn over you for them."

I sank into the bathwater, trying to hide as she marched to a bench and set down a bundle of folded clothes. When Anna noticed me sinking further and further, she snorted.

"Or a guy, I don't judge," She remarked.

Gaius guffawed. "Good one, Red. But, he's got feelings for only one person. I think you know who."

"Gaius…" I warned.

Anna blinked, furrowed her brow as she thought for a moment, then gasped. "Oh!" She threw her head back and laughed. "Naga, I should've known. You and Severa are getting frisky, huh?'

"Fr-Frisky!?" I stammered.

"Not yet," Gaius chirped, nodding at the deep blush shooting over my face. "But I can tell he wants to."

"Gaius, I swear I will get out right now and beat the hell out of you," I growled, trying my best to hide my embarrassment.

"Sure you will," Gaius replied, not believing me for a second. He called my bluff, and unfortunately, he was right. "But, back to the good stuff. Have you talked with her about any of that yet?"

My eyes widened. "Wh-what?"

"Oh gods, you sound hopeless," Anna sighed, spinning around from the outfit she brought in to look at me. "Have you talked with Severa about how you feel about her?"

I swallowed hard. "How do you know I feel anything about-"

"Samwise, if you turned any redder I would assume you had internal bleeding," Anna interrupted, which only made my cheeks turn a deeper shade of scarlet. Anna scoffed out a laugh and nodded at Gaius. "He has it bad and he doesn't even realize it. Poor guy."

"Mhmm," Gaius nodded. "Well, he's gotta say something at some point. You and I both know that."

A long groan left my lips as I let my head hang back over the edge of the tub. After staring at the ceiling, praying that they would somehow leave me alone, I took a deep breath and looked at Gaius and Anna once again.

"I wouldn't even know where to start," I admitted.

Gaius drew back in surprise, but it was Anna who said something first.

"Really?" She remarked. "You've never been intimate with a girl before?"

"That's a bit sad, actually," Gaius clicked his tongue. "Looks like appearances aren't the only thing he needs help in, right Red?"

"Oh, I'm sure he needs help at a lot of things," Anna droned, returning her attention to the outfit as she smoothed out some wrinkles in the dark fabric. From where I sat, it looked like she brought me a black doublet with gold buttons. Fancy. My eyes then widened when I spotted a gold and ruby broach on top of the clothes. Anna went through my stuff!?

"Alrighty, Lucky," Gaius snapped his fingers, drawing my attention. "Eyes on me. We're going to roleplay."

"Can I at least get dressed first?" I groaned.

"No, no, keep going. This is hilarious," Anna snickered while grabbing a black, long-sleeved shirt that would go under the doublet. She smoothed out some wrinkles, held it up, then hummed. "Yeah, that should be right. The doublet will make it look less baggy." She glanced over her shoulder at me and Gaius. "Go on, roleplay."

"Can we please use a different word for this?" I whined.

"Alright, Lucky," Gaius clapped his hands and cleared his throat, ignoring my request. "I'm going to play the role of Severa, and you play you."

"This has to be the stupidest thing I've ever done," I sighed.

"Ready?" Gaius waited for me to reply. I gave him an exasperated nod. "Good. So, one thing I learned from the brothels in Doluna-"

"Oh this is a great start," I droned while Anna snickered.

"Let me finish," Gaius continued. "One thing I learned is ladies love compliments regarding their beauty. So, first things first, Lucky: tell me I'm pretty."

"You're pretty fucking annoying."

Anna barked out a laugh. Gaius winced. "That might not go the way you think it will, but it's a start."

I rolled my eyes, finally fed up with this entire scenario. "Anna, pass me a towel."

"Roleplay," She replied.

"Anna-"

"No roleplay, no towel," She spun around, giving me an impish grin.

I sank to my mouth into the bathwater. This was going to be a long wedding.

Violins sang, violas hummed, harps plucked, and flutes fluttered notes through the enormous Ylisstol Palace ballroom. Nobles in elaborate suits and gowns floated along the marble dance floor to the gentle rhythm of the music. I was amazed any of them could move at all with their tight pants, corsets, and dresses that barely moved when they did.

Occasionally, a pair of nobles would approach a table set up on a dais overlooking the rest of the ballroom. Exalt Emmeryn and Princess Lissa sat at the table, but Prince Chrom and Princess Sumia took center stage there.

The nobles would pass me as I lingered near the beverage table, not so much as giving me a second glance. I guess the black doublet with gold buttons, dark shirt, and dark pants made it pretty clear that I was not, in fact, rich or noble. The only wealthy part of my outfit was Anna's broach, which I managed to polish before coming to this party.

After moving by me, the nobles would proceed to flatter the royal family, who graciously accepted their greetings or compliments. Then the nobles would pass me again, some hesitating before taking a flute of champagne along the way.

Even with a haircut and shave, I guess I'm a little scary? I leaned against the table, puzzled. I guess there's a first time for everything.

A heavy, annoyed sound came from my left. I glanced in that direction and spotted Sully lean against the table. To the surprise of many nobles, and not surprising me at all, she opted not to wear a dress. Instead, she wore a rather nice red tunic with gray accents along with gray pants and polished boots. She snatched a flute of champagne and downed it all in one gulp.

Her face wrinkled in disgust, telling me all I needed to know about her opinion of the hoity-toity beverage.

"What the hell is this swill?" She said, voice hoarse as she smacked the empty flute back down on the table.

"Champagne," I remarked, earning a skeptical look from Sully.

"It sure tastes like pain," Sully grumbled. She leaned over the table. "Where is the firewine? Whiskey? Hell, I'll take mead at this point."

"Good luck finding any here," I snorted, earning a sidelong glare from her. "These noble-types apparently don't like that sort of thing."

"Oh yeah? Well, I'm a noble, and I want real alcohol."

I blinked and gave Sully a surprised look. "You're-"

"Yeah, yeah, just don't shout it from the rooftops," Sully interrupted with a dismissive wave of her hand. She grabbed another flute and downed all of it in one gulp again. "Naga, how am I going to get a buzz off of this crap?"

"Drink enough and it'll happen," I remarked.

"Sound advice."

Sully glanced around the ballroom. I followed her gaze. More of the Shepherds started to arrive after having their own, private toast with Chrom and Sumia. I did not participate in it. It didn't feel right for me to be there. So, I had been lingering in the ballroom, waiting for more familiar faces to arrive from both the barracks and the Cathedral.

As expected, the Shepherds all showed up in their finest attire. Robin entered first, still wearing his usual gold and purple coat. He quickly made his way to the high table, where Chrom gestured for him to join the royal family at the table.

Frederick, Stahl, and Kellam all sported sharp suits and ties, bearing Chrom's preferred blue and white colors. No doubt that was organized by Frederick. Lon'qu wore what would have passed for formal wear in Regna Ferox; mostly fine leathers with some fur. He earned some curious glances from the nobles in attendance, but their gazes averted whenever he shot a sharp glare at them in return.

Gaius wore an outfit similar to mine, except it wasn't black but a mix of browns and reds instead. He still wore his headband around his forehead, and still had a lollipop dangling out of the corner of his mouth. Ricken wore fancier mage robes, which earned approving nods from the nobles in attendance.

Gregor sported an outfit similar to the kind of formal attire I often saw Mustafa wear in Plegia: a nice doublet, pleated pants, and shining brown boots. A modest outfit fit for a man who lived modestly, and a sharp contrast to the man walking in next to him.

Virion wore all the frills and collars he could find in his trunk. His outfit seemed to be made out of satin and velvet, poofy at the shoulders, and with a collar with more folds than a crinkle-cut french fry.

Vaike… Vaike somehow got away with wearing no shirt. He wore pants, nice shoes, and a tie around his naked neck. That was it. If this party was taking place in Wisconsin, I have no doubt some people would have confused him for a male stripper.

Strangely, I didn't see Donnel or Henry enter with the other guys. Before I could search for them in the crowd filling the ballroom, Vaike and Gaius hollered at me and Sully.

"Lucky! Ya missed some good firewine," Gaius grinned as he lazily strolled over to the beverage table. His brow furrowed when he spotted the champagne flutes. He pointed at one. "Really?"

I shrugged. "You get what you get."

Vaike already grabbed one and gulped it down faster than Sully did. Almost as fast as he drank, a loud belch erupted from him. He wrinkled his nose and looked at his empty glass, which looked comically small in his large hand.

"Fizzy," He remarked.

"That's champagne for ya," Gaius sighed. He leaned in close to me and Sully. "Give the word and I'll go raid the Palace cellar." He glanced to the entrance and nodded. "The Feroxi just arrived."

"Eh?" Sully craned her head around Gaius while Vaike took another drink. "Oh yeah, there's Flavia and Basilio, and… who's the pink girl in that outfit?"

"Concubine?" Gaius suggested.

"That is Olivia, who may as well be Khan Basilio's adopted daughter," Lon'qu grunted, startling me with how quietly he reached the beverage table. His arms were folded as he gave Gaius a stern look. "So watch your tongue."

Gaius raised his hands. "No need to get nasty. I was just saying what we were all thinking."

"She does look pretty hot. How much do you want to bet it's silk?" Vaike asked.

Sully smacked him upside the head. "Be respectful and-" She spotted the drop-dead gorgeous woman striding behind the Khans. "Well damn, she does make that work, doesn't she? She dance, Lon'qu?" Lon'qu sighed, then nodded. Sully whistled low. "Alright, don't blame ya for looking, Vaike."

I snorted and shook my head. That quiet snort managed to make Vaike, Sully, and Gaius all look at me.

"Oh, you can't say that she didn't catch your eye, Samwise," Vaike drawled.

"She caught my eye and I'm busy trying to keep this pig in line," Sully said, jabbing her thumb at Vaike.

Before I could reply, Gaius spoke for me.

"Oh," Gaius chuckled, "he's waiting for someone else."

"Gaius… shut up," I growled, bringing my champagne flute to my lips.

"Oh, oh!" Vaike bellowed out a laugh. "Teach forgot all about that. You actually gonna make a move on her or not?"

I choked on my champagne. As I coughed, Sully howled with laughter. "Oh, no wonder you got all spruced up for tonight," She smacked me between the shoulder blades. "Looking good by the way."

"Th-thanks," I wheezed.

The song the nobles had been dancing to ended. After a brief rest, the musicians picked up their instruments again and started another gentle waltz. As that song began, the ballroom doors opened once more.

Donnel stepped in, wearing a sharp lavender suit that I doubt he could actually afford. I figured out how he managed to get such a swanky outfit when I saw Lady Maribelle Themis hanging on his arm. The farmboy gave all of us by the beverage table a big grin and a friendly wave. Vaike, Sully, and Gaius all chuckled as they waved back.

"How long before Maribelle eats him alive?" Vaike asked Sully.

"Is that a question or a bet?" Sully replied.

"We can make it both," Gaius cut in.

"Oh, give it a rest you three. From the smile on Maribelle's face, I'd say they're doing fine," I remarked.

Sully snorted. "Spoilsport." She tapped Vaike's shoulder with the back of her hand. "Three gold says they kiss at some point tonight."

"You're on!"

The two meatheads shook hands. I couldn't help but laugh at their antics. My laughter screeched to a stop when I realized the rest of the Lady Shepherds were entering the ballroom.

Miriel sported fancy robes, like Ricken. She also clutched her notebook and a piece of charcoal so she could take notes on whatever caught her interest during the evening. Nowi bounced in next, flying so fast through the ballroom that the green dress she wore looked like a blur. She stopped in front of the food table, making Sully snort.

"I'm about to join her," Sully commented.

"Yeah, the squirt's got the right idea," Vaike nodded. "Teach could go for some good food."

Panne strolled with Anna and Tharja next. Tharja earned more than a few stunned glances since she opted to stay in her Plegian robes rather than donning party attire. She slunk to a corner of the room and hid away behind her personal tome, content to sequester herself from everyone else.

Panne also earned strange glances, but she also ignored them. She followed Nowi to the food table, probably to both eat and manage the little Manakete's enormous appetite.

Is Nowi balancing four plates on her arms?

I spotted Anna right when she reached the beverage table. She wore a yellow gown with silver accents that hugged her athletic figure. After taking a flute of champagne, she noticed some noblemen gawking at her. She gave them all a little wave of her fingers before rolling her eyes and taking a drink.

"The sooner this is over the better," She muttered.

"Really? I thought you'd enjoy this sort of thing?" I said.

"I enjoy the pageantry of a wedding. I don't enjoy being in a room with a bunch of nobles who have sticks up their asses," Anna said, muttering the last bit into her champagne flute.

"I don't know about the pageantry, but I'm with you on the nobles bit," Sully nodded.

A puzzled look came over Vaike's face. "Ain't you a noble, Sully?"

"Choke on your boot, Vaike."

Gaius snorted champagne from his nose, trying his best to stifle his laughter. Anna snickered as well while Vaike's face flushed with embarrassment.

Cordelia arrived next, but she did her best to be inconspicuous. She crept along the walls of the ballroom until she reached the same, empty table Tharja sat at. To all of our shock, Cordelia sat down there and snatched some champagne from a nearby servant.

Sully pointed at Cordelia as the Pegasus Knight gulped down her drink. "Does she know-"

"With how much firewine she already drank, probably not," Gaius commented.

Some worry filled me as I spotted a dark glare flick from Tharja to Cordelia. Cordelia didn't notice the dark mage sharing the table with her, which made her situation even more precarious. Before I could suggest that one of us go over there and make sure Tharja didn't hex her, I spotted Robin moving from the high table towards Cordelia and Tharja.

"Oh good," Gaius sighed. "Bubbles is on it."

"You were thinking the same thing as me, then?" I asked.

"I wouldn't leave anyone other than Chuckles alone with Sunshine," Gaius replied.

"Chuckles?" Vaike questioned.

A crow cawed, startling all of us. That's when we noticed Henry standing on the other side of the beverage table in full Grimleal regalia, with Bill perched on his shoulder.

"He means me," Henry grinned. "More champagne?"

I gulped. "Uh…"

"It's quite good," Henry continued. "I watched it uncorked myself."

"That somehow does not reassure me," Gaius muttered.

"That is a wise position to take," I nodded.

"Oh, Samwise," Anna gave me a wry grin. She flicked her eyes towards the ballroom door. I furrowed my brow, puzzled. That made Anna roll her eyes, move up to me, and turn my head to the door.

Severa stepped in, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She wore a ruby red dress with silver flecks in the fabric, making her entire outfit shimmer in the bright ballroom. A silver necklace ran around her neck, and silver gloves covered her hands and forearms. Her red hair was not tied up in her usual twin-tail style. Instead, her long locks flowed over her shoulders, curling a little at the ends. Her red eyes flicked nervously around the room, some relief flooding them when she spotted all of us by the beverage table. That relief immediately evaporated when she locked eyes with me.

Anna playfully patted my shoulder. "Go get her."

"Haha!" Vaike smacked my back hard, violently shoving me forward in the process. "Get a move on, Lucky."

I stumbled several steps before screeching to a stop right before plowing into Severa. When I caught my balance again, I realized just how close I stood to her. My throat tightened as I locked eyes with her.

"Um…" I swallowed hard. "H-hi."

"Hey," Severa said with a sheepish look, her cheeks turning pink. Her finger tapped my chest. "You um… you look good. Haircut?"

"That was the start of it, yeah," I replied with a small laugh. "And, um, you look, um… really good?"

For the first time, Severa's nervousness gave way to quiet amusement. "Thanks."

A whistle shot from the beverage table. Both of us whipped our heads over to see Gaius motioning for us to get onto the dance floor already.

Panic set in for me. I don't dance. I don't know how to dance. I didn't even dance at any of my high school homecomings or prom. Not having a date for those played a factor, but having two left feet probably played a bigger role in my reluctance.

Severa noticed my hesitation. Instead of pulling me to the dancefloor, she nodded her head to the door.

"You look like you could use some air."

"Air?" I blinked. "Oh, right, um… probably?"

Severa giggled. Before I could do anything, she took my hand in hers. I drowned out all of the other noise in the ballroom as she led me out the ballroom door towards the Palace's main courtyard.

A few nobles lingered outside as well, but most were filtering into the ballroom as the wedding reception got underway. Pink flowers bloomed on tall hedges while flickers of silver moonlight peeked through a blanket of gray clouds. The hedges ran through the courtyard, surrounding a stone walkway. The walkway led to a large, stone fountain in the middle. Four benches sat around the fountain. Once there, Severa puffed out a long breath.

"Gawds, I feel like everyone was looking at me in there."

I cracked a wry smile as some of my own nervousness ebbed away. "Are you sure I was the one who needed air?"

"Ha, ha," Severa drawled, the corner of her mouth twitching up into a smirk. "I guess I didn't mind getting out of that place. Besides, I don't like to dance."

"Ah, you don't dance either?" I asked.

"I didn't say that."

My mouth fell open and a surprised laugh left my lips. "Well, well, well, it appears it is possible to learn something new every day."

Severa waved off my comment. She then took a seat on the bench, folding her gloved hands in her lap as she let out a long breath. "You learn when your parents are important people in the court. Never got to put those lessons into practice though."

I grimaced a little as I stood next to her. I was doing a wonderful job with this conversation, wasn't I? Make her remember Grima more, Samwise. See how that goes.

"Well, since we're both uncomfortable in a crowd like that," I held out a hand to her, "how about we dance out here."

Severa eyed my hand with some surprise. "There's no music."

A knowing smirk crept over my lips. "Last I checked, I never needed an instrument before."

Her red eyes sparkled in the brief glimpses of moonlight. After a brief moment of hesitation, she reached out and took my hand. I gently pulled her to her feet, some nervousness creeping back inside of me.

"So… how do we do this?" I asked.

Severa snorted and shook her head. "Take my left hand like this," She weaved her fingers with mine. "Right hand on my hip." I gingerly placed my hand there. "Now, follow my steps, okay?"

Soft notes from stringed instruments still managed to float out of the ballroom to the courtyard. They were just loud enough for Severa to find a gentle rhythm. Soon, I found us swaying to the music, moving in small, slow circles in front of the trickling fountain.

"Doesn't seem so complicated now, huh?" Severa said softly, her left hand on my shoulder as we continued moving in a circle.

"Not really," I replied with a quiet laugh.

Severa's smiled, but it wavered a little as we continued our slow dance. My brow furrowed as she ducked her head, taking her eyes from mine.

"Are you okay?"

"Um… yeah," Severa replied. "Sam, what do you think's going to happen now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like- gawds-" Severa shook her head. "I'm not exactly sure what to do anymore, y'know. I… I haven't felt safe like this in a long time."

I raised my brow even as my heart hammered in my chest. "You saying I make you feel safe, hm?"

Severa cracked a shy smile. "Well, if it wasn't for you, I definitely would not have survived Plegia."

"The same could be said about me, y'know," I commented. "If you weren't there, I probably would've gotten killed by some random bandit or soldier."

Severa rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Give yourself a little more credit than that. You've got surprisingly good instincts, Sam."

Our dance slowed down even more, to the point where we were barely moving our feet. We simply held each other, not even noticing the quiet music from the ballroom anymore. Even when I felt a drop of rain hit the top of my head, I didn't notice it. I was too captured by her as we shifted our weight from one foot to the other, unable to stop. I didn't even notice how much closer our faces were getting.

"Really?" I whispered. My heart pounded in my chest. Warmth flooded my chest and face.

"Mmm, yeah," Severa replied.

Just as our lips were about to touch, the sky opened up. Rain cascaded down from the clouds in torrential sheets. Both of us froze as the cold water hit us.

"Oh crap!" I exclaimed.

Severa bellowed out a loud laugh as I took her by the hand and pulled her towards the closest shelter, which turned out to be a nearby side entry to the Palace. Thankfully, the door was unlocked, allowing both of us to get shelter from the sudden storm.

We were in a long corridor in the guest wing of the palace. A few faint candles flickered on sconces along the walls, but the hall was otherwise dark. It wasn't a terrifying darkness though. In fact, the entire space felt warm.

I wiped some water from my brow then looked down at my completely soaked outfit. "I hope Anna doesn't mind waiting a little while before I return this."

Severa shook her head and laughed. The candlelight danced off of her wet hair, skin, and eyes, giving her a glow that stole my breath away. We couldn't hear the music anymore. The only sound in the hall was rain tapping against the windows.

My chest rose and fell as I drew in several deep breaths. "So," I wiped water from my hands. "Do you think there are towels near-"

Severa stepped up to me, cheeks red and chest rising and falling. Her throat bobbed once. Then, she placed a soft hand on my cheek and brought her lips to mine.

This time, I did not freeze. Instead, I clumsily cupped her face with one hand while the other pulled her in closer. It felt like electric shocks were shooting through me, lighting every nerve on fire and spreading heat through my entire body. My eyes were closed as I held her close, not wanting that kiss to end anytime soon.

But end it did, and when it did, both of us held our breath. Severa took a step back, her eyes still closed as she smiled.

"Just to be clear," she opened her eyes halfway, "we'll tell everyone else that was our first kiss. Not that other one back at the Long-"

I didn't let her finish. I kissed her again, and she melted, giving way immediately as her eyes lidded. This was more hasty, chaste, and fervent. It ended faster than the first one, but it led to a couple more tender pecks that only made us want more and left us breathless.

Severa's chest rose and fell while I gasped for air.

"That's the second then," I said with a wry smirk.

A laugh interrupted her sharp, quick breaths. After shaking her head a moment, she took my hand again, lacing her fingers with mine. Then, she pulled me along through the hall towards one of the guest rooms. When we reached the room, she leaned in close to my ear, her breath brushing over my skin, making my hair stand on end.

"Thank you for being there for me, Samuel," She whispered as we both stepped into the dark room.

She brought a tender kiss to my lips again.

I shut the door.

And chapter! LET THERE BE FLUFF! All of the fluff! I think I might have actually pulled this relationship off, amazingly enough (especially since fluff is not in my wheelhouse). Well, our main characters finally have a moment of calm, but that is only going to last so long. Grima's still out there, and we have Valm coming up, as well as a new wrinkle to the story that I've concocted approaching. It's gonna be fun!

Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!

Interested in having your own fanfiction or original story written? Message me on Fiverr! Username: thebobcat18

Come join the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord Server! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a

Also, come check out the Fanfiction Treehouse Podcast! Myself, Stormtide Leviathan, RedXEagl3, GrandPaladinTyrux, Narwhal Lord, Mixed Valence, and Rozey_Pozey are the hosts. We talk about writing, writing tips, fanfiction, regular fiction, and whatever else comes to mind. You can find the podcast on Spotify and on Soundcloud. Hope to see you all there.