5th of Horsebow Moon
Edelgard swallowed. Rhea kept her smile polite. The poor child looked like far too many young women Rhea had seen pass through Garreg Mach into matrimony. It never helped to directly confront them, but gentle nudges usually got something out of the poor children.
"Are you feeling well? Do you need to lie down?"
Edelgard blinked, and then shook her head. "No, no thank you. I've just been thinking about…" She choked down a swallow in as graceful a manner one could manage. The girl seemed practiced at it. "…How fast things have changed this year."
Rhea hummed. "Yes. Time seems to pass so quickly when we look back."
Edelgard nodded slowly. "I suppose so." Her eyes were studying Rhea. Searching for something. Rhea could see a spark of fear, and something harder to name was dancing beneath Edelgard's eyes. Her body was stiff, full of nervous energy. Rhea flattened her expression from polite smile to polite curiosity. Instantly, Edelgard's expression became even more stiff.
What a poor child. It was even worse than after the attack on the holy mausoleum. "You seem quite tense, Edelgard. Is there anything you would like to ask me?"
Edelgard shifted. "No, no. I just have…" She paused for a moment. "…Personal matters. I wouldn't want to bother you with them." Edelgard bowed her head. "I should be off to class now. Apologies, archbishop."
Rhea nodded back. "Of course." The girl was being stubborn. Perhaps another avenue would help form a connection. "It's good to see you so studious, Edelgard. Your siblings were much the same."
Edelgard froze. "You knew my…siblings?"
"Yes. Your father's four eldest attended Garreg Mach. Nicholai, Henry, Carlos and Marie. They lead the Black Eagle house in each of their respective years."
Edelgard stared. "…What were they like?"
Rhea smiled. "They were eager to learn and passionate about leading their class to success. They were all strong, brave, and quite pious." All had the irritating air of arrogance that usually came with imperial children, but it would not do to insult the dead. Rhea clasped her hands together. "We were all greatly saddened to hear of their untimely deaths."
"Yes…" Edelgard shifted. "Archbishop, I wanted to know…"
"Please."
"I wanted…" Edelgard's brow creased. "It's just…" The corners of her mouth were being tugged in strange directions. "I…"
Rhea remained patient. Edelgard let out a small breath. "I have a question about theology. History, really."
Rhea's smile was bright. "Of course, Edelgard. What would you like to know?"
"It's just that in the church's history, Saint Seiros…" Edelgard bit her lip. She was quite skilled at hiding her nervousness. "…Saint Seiros first appeared forty years before the imperial calendar, correct?"
"Yes."
"But the same history says Seiros was the one who defeated Nemesis nearly one hundred and fifty years later. And was present at the completion of Garreg Mach almost one hundred years after that. How is that possible?"
"The goddess blessed Seiros with extraordinarily long life much the same as Emperor Wilhelm, I imagine." Rhea said. "Had Wilhelm not fallen in battle, he too might have lived long enough to see this fortress' completion."
"And no one else lived so long? Just the generation that fought the war of heroes? The ten elites and King Nemesis lived just as long, as I recall." Edelgard leaned forward. "Why did their children not inherit any of that long life?"
"It is a question that has vexed scholars for centuries." Rhea hummed along to her long-practiced half-truth. "Some say that it was because the goddess grew angry at humans for misusing her gifts. Others suggest more scientific theories, positing that long life is a side effect of particularly strong Crests. I could not say for certain."
Edelgard nodded politely. "I see." They turned a corner into a secluded passage. A wrinkle creased Edelgard's brow. "I did have one other question."
"Please, name it."
"When we were training together, why did Flayn say that Seiros and Wilhelm were lovers? I have never heard anything even approaching such a rumor."
Rhea tripped over the hem of her dress but managed to keep steady and correct her stride. "Ah, yes. The church also does not have any records of such an…" Rhea bit the inside of her lip. "Event."
"Then why ever say something so odd? You called it an old wives' tale. That implies someone told her." Edelgard's eyebrows arched.
"Well…" Rhea sighed. Her eyes closed, and a plausible lie formed on her tongue. "I believe that belief started when the empire and the church split. Some of the faithful, particularly in Garreg Mach, were desperate to hold on to the connection between the two institutions. Naturally, they focused on the connection between Saint Seiros and Emperor Wilhelm, as their partnership brought both the empire and the church into being. I imagine it did not take much for gossip and speculation to see a…proximity between the two figures and conclude something wholly unsubstantiated."
"Is that right..." Edelgard muttered.
"There are no records of any romantic link between the two in the histories." Rhea brushed her dress. "And simply no evidence connecting the two as anything but partners in church and state."
Edelgard looked ahead. They were closing in on Manuela's classroom. "I suppose it is just a foolish bout of gossip, then." She turned, and curtsied. "Archbishop. It has been…" She looked up. "…Pleasant, talking with you."
"Oh course, Edelgard." Rhea nodded. "Your company is always welcome. If you ever find yourself needing an ear, I am at your disposal."
Edelgard's lip quirked. "If I ever wander across any other torrid rumors from my ancestor's love life, perhaps?"
Rhea pushed out a short laugh. "If you wish. But I would imagine a young woman like you would be more interested in more ambitious topics."
Edelgard's smile was not different from her father's when Rhea had seen him last, just after the insurrection. "Until then." She turned and walked into the classroom.
Rhea waited for her to pass the threshold and let out a sigh. Her Wilhelm always loved to cause trouble.
"Psst. Hubie." Dorothea leaned forward, her best flirtatious smile plastered on. Hubert's eyes turned just enough to see. "Ferdie says his father sent him double the gold this month! What say we have him take us out to dinner tonight-"
"I'm busy." Hubert shifted back to his papers. Dorothea pouted and gave a whimper just loud enough to be heard. He did not react. Dorothea's lips pressed together.
Steps rang out in the classroom entrance. Everyone looked up to see Edelgard walking into the classroom. "Pardon my tardiness, Professor Manuela." She moved to sit down at her desk.
"O-oh. It's no problem, Edelgard!" Manuela laughed. "We all have sleep-in days. What's an hour? Just stay after class, I have a few things we need to talk about…"
The day ticked by. Dorothea watched as Hubert leaned towards Edelgard, whispering into her ear. Manuela was still lecturing about what was to be expected of them in the upcoming battle of the eagle and lion and what goals they were going to be aiming for across the months. Students took notes or just nodded along. Linhardt dozed in the back of the class. All in all, a perfectly normal day. Just so long as one discounted Edelgard's unusual punctuality.
Soon the church bells rang, signaling the end of the class day. Before anyone had so much as touched their school bags, Edelgard and Hubert were already up and out of their seats, marching off to wherever it was they went to hide from the world.
Dorothea looked around the room. Manuela was staring at Edelgard's wake. So was everyone else in the class. Linhardt was wiping away the sleep from his eyes.
"If any of you would like to talk to Edelgard if you get the chance, I…" Manuela coughed. "I would appreciate that."
The sound of shuffling papers took on a peculiar, uncomfortable quality after that. Afterwards, Dorothea made her way to the library. She found a book Manuela had assigned a report on and began to flip through it on one of the library desks, quill and parchment at her side. An hour later she had still not written a word.
"Dorothea!" She looked up. Ferdinand was rushing towards her, Constance in tow. "I've been looking for you! I-"
A librarian stepped in his way and glared. Ferdinand paused, his cheeks coloring. The librarian's eyes narrowed. "My apologies, sir. I didn't mean to-"
Constance slipped by as Ferdinand's apology stumbled on, sitting across from Dorothea. "Hapi is taking Princess Edelgard and Hubert on a tour of Abyss. It's rather peculiar."
"Hapi? The monster tamer?" Constance nodded. "So, they're trying to recruit her?"
Constance frowned. "Hapi says all they want is to see some old architecture buried in the catacombs. I don't understand it myself, but…" She leaned forward. "Does Hubert live up to the rumors?"
"Hubert is…" Dorothea shifted. "…He's not that terrible, no. A little…zealous, but…"
"He is not cruel." Ferdinand said as he sat down. "He is a grim man, but not sadistic. Nor does he have an interest in marriage, or romance of any kind." Ferdinand's lips quirked. "He is peculiar, but he would not wish any harm against your friend."
"I can only hope…" Constance sighed. "Hapi took them before we were aware- if Hapi is correct, they should be back from…whatever they are doing within the hour."
Dorothea's fingers tightened. "Ferdie, did you manage to talk to Hubie?"
Ferdinand shook his head. "He does not want to be found. I have had little success trying to speak with him."
Constance turned to him. "Has your lord father told you anything?"
"No, nothing. I asked him if there was anything I should know about the state of the empire, but he just told me to mind my studies."
"What are you all mumbling about?" Everyone looked up to see Linhardt standing above them, a stack of books in hand. "Are you still barking up Edelgard's tree?"
"Why shouldn't we be concerned with Edelgard? She's our friend." Dorothea said.
Linhardt raised his eyebrow. "She's been like this for a few months now. Maybe she's just like this and her more outgoing self is a face she can only put on for a few weeks at a time."
"Or maybe," Constance growled. "Our imperial princess has found herself between a rock and a hard place. Between one court actor and another."
"Oh, hello Constance." Linhardt adjusted his grip on the stack of books. "Have you had time to rethink my proposition-"
"No, I will not be your test subject, you oafish-" The librarian stepped between them. Constance's lips pressed together.
"One more time, and I'm throwing all of you out." The librarian returned to his post. "Ever since Tomas left, these brats think they can get away with anything…"
"Anyway, it's not like we can do anything about whatever it is you're chasing after." Linhardt shrugged. "And as your efforts have proven, Edelgard and Hubert are more than a bit tight-lipped on the subject."
Ferdinand crossed his arms. "Linhardt, we cannot simply let our future emperor fall into a melancholy. Or stand idly by if there truly is something nefarious afoot."
"We've got to keep trying." Dorothea's fist clenched. "We've just got to keep trying."
Edelgard took another step into the tunnel. The earth was damp, bits and pieces crumbling off the ceiling with each step.
"Is this passage safe?" Hubert grunted out behind her.
"Shai's tunnels are sturdier than you'd think. This will hold just fine." Hapi's lantern illuminated her face as she turned back. "What, you getting cold feet now? We're almost there."
"Hardly." Hubert sniffed. "If the tunnel collapses, you will be buried along with us."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Bert."
"Don't call me that."
"Whatever you say, Bert." The tunnel curved. Edelgard felt a shift in the air. It smelled less earthy. "Just a few more steps now."
Certainly enough, the tunnel gave way to a large chamber, shrouded in darkness. Light reflected on the smooth stone rocks, which surrounded the room. Dust was thick in the air.
"Where are the doors?" Edelgard raised her lantern. "Surely this cannot be the only entrance."
Hapi shrugged. "I thought the same thing when Shai first found the place. No doors, no tunnels, no collapsed passageways, nothing. Just some air vents and this weird pattern on the floor."
Edelgard turned to where Hapi had pointed. "That's the Crest of Gautier."
Hubert walked forward to inspect it. "There is some magic here. Some sort of teleportation device." He frowned. "But it has been closed off. It will not function."
Edelgard's eyes narrowed. "Questions for later. You said there was a statue?"
"Right over here." Hapi jumped off a loose rock she was standing on. "Funny thing too, if Shai had just veered a bit to the right, he would have gobbled up the…"
It was difficult to make out with just lanterns for illumination, but Hapi's mouth twisted. Edelgard walked towards her. "What's wrong, Hapi?" She raised her lantern. There was nothing to see, just a blank wall, stones much the same as all the others in the room. "You were talking about the statue Hubert brought us to see?"
Hapi's tongue clicked. "Yeah…" She scratched her hair. "Not quite sure how to say this, but…" She paused, looking back at Hubert, who stared back. "I thought you'd have interrupted me by-"
Hubert rolled his eyes. "Get to the point."
Hapi shrugged. "So anyway, the statue was here the last time I checked." She gestured at the bare wall. "It's not anymore."
Edelgard and Hubert rushed forward, waving their lanterns around the scene. "You are certain?" Hubert asked as magic danced along his fingers.
"Dead sure."
Edelgard looked down at the floor. It had been partially obscured by the debris the worm's tunneling had created, and years of inattention had allowed dirt to start to creep up through the narrow holes and weaknesses in the stone, partially submerging what had once likely been a smooth and impenetrable surface. Still, the signs of disturbance were clear. Upturned dirt framed a section of the floor where a statue might have been. A trail of displaced dust ran between it and the Crest etched into the floor.
"Damnit!" Hubert shook his lantern. "It's been moved! Now we'll never find the proof we need…"
Hapi chewed her lip. Edelgard looked around the room. The only other item of interest was the Crest of Gautier etched into the stone.
"Hubert, could you trace where this device teleported to?"
He shook his head. "No. The magic is too faint."
Edelgard turned to Hapi. "Is there anything else you can tell us?"
The lantern's old, rusted metal sounded out a squeak as Hapi switched it between hands. "If you want to look at other rocks…"
"I see." Edelgard bit down a sigh. "In that case, thank you for your guidance, Hapi."
"No problem Eddy."
"Do not call Lady Edelgard 'Eddy.'"
"You got it, Bert."
The group turned back into the tunnel, which soon gave way to a small maze of narrow passageways and false turns. Hapi confidently walked ahead, lantern held high.
"Is there no other place you can take us? Have you seen any other statues of intrest?" Hubert asked as he brushed away a cobweb that looked older than all three of the party.
"There's some statues of the four saints?" Hapi shrugged. "But they look just like the ones you have topside, so not much going there."
"Four sculpted faces, unchanged in centuries…" Hubert shook his head. "Anything else? Any secret passages you've just happened to stumble upon wandering these halls?"
"No, just your perfectly ordinary underground ruin full of rubble and unstable passages ready to collapse at a moment's notice." Some loose stones began to rumble at their feet. Edelgard and Hubert froze. Hapi looked over her shoulder as she kept walking. "That's just Shai passing through. No need to worry." another rumble sounded. Hapi paused and frowned. A moment passed, and no more tremors occurred. She sniffed. "It's fine. But let's get out of here."
Edelgard looked after Hapi before accelerating to catch up to her. "How does your…pet…not collapse the entire structure over our heads? Surely constant tunneling breaks the foundation…"
"Eh. Shai's good about keeping tunnels to a minimum. And you've been in a tunnel he made. The dirt around here is pretty compact." Hapi scratched her hair. "Though there was that other weird thing…"
Hubert leaned forward. "Something else? What?"
"It's…well…" Hapi shrugged. "Might as well let you know. There's this weird section underground that Shai refuses to tunnel through."
Edelgard's brow furrowed. "Your pet…refuses? Is it some sort of bedrock?"
Hapi shook her head. "No, it feels the same as all the other rock around the Abyss. And I don't think it's an instinct to protect a load-bearing wall. Shai's tunneled around and below whatever it is he's avoiding." She paused as they came to a fork in the road. Hapi looked down both with her lantern before sniffing and turning left. "This one. From what I can tell, whatever Shai's avoiding is big. Easily the length of the chapel to…" Hapi sucked on her lip. "To…uh…I want to say the graveyard?"
Edelgard's eyes widened. Words formed on her tongue before she could think of them. "Or to the kitchens?" She felt Hubert's eyes turn to her.
Hapi nodded slowly. "I guess? It's hard to tell with how fast Shai moves and the total lack of reference points. Or light." the group turned another corner, and the passage opened into a large, cavernous room. On the far side, Edelgard could see the dim flicker of torches. "Well, we're almost there. Any other, deep, dank caves you want to go hunting in for Rhea blackmail?"
"I am shocked and appalled that you would suggest such a thing." Hubert huffed. "Lady Edelgard and I merely have an interest in the historic architecture hidden beneath the monastery."
"Hubert." Edelgard sighed. "No. But thank you Hapi. We appreciate your help."
As the group arrived in the dim light of Abyss' central hub, Hapi floated off into the crowd. Hubert quickened his steps and marched towards the exit. As they moved by, Edelgard saw his head turn up towards one of the stairwells. She followed his eyes to find a lavender haired boy standing in the gloomy torchlight, staring back. Hubert grunted and tore his eyes away. The two continued walking, until the ambience of hushed conversations was nothing more than a whisper.
Edelgard sped up to walk next to Hubert. "Who was that? I vaguely recall seeing him."
"No one important." Hubert shook his head. "What does matter is that this proves someone was trying to hide what Hapi found. And the only one she told was…" Hubert tugged his collar. They were approaching a ladder that led up to Garreg Mach.
Edelgard's brow creased. "But does that mean…Uncle was right?"
Hubert stopped in his tracks. He breathed in, and then out, before turning to face Edelgard. "I don't know." The lantern light covered the entirety of his face. "But rest assured, he is trying to force your hand."
Edelgard looked down the hallway, back towards Abyss. The crowd at the stands still moved about as any group of people at a marketplace did. "We are running out of time. Byleth is going to…" Edelgard bit her lip. "She is moving quickly. If I choose to do nothing, we will not have the strength to overturn the rotten structure." Her lantern creaked against her grip. "…But if I go the other way, she will see everything coming." Edelgard gripped her temples.
Hubert was silent for a moment. "I shall follow wherever you lead, Lady Edelgard."
Edelgard breathed in, and stepped forward, one foot at a time. When she emerged to the surface, twilight had arrived.
Edelgard leaned against the bedpost in her room. It was early in the night, and the moon was bright in the autumn evening. Sounds of celebration echoed from the mess halls. Apparently, the Blue Lions had returned from a mission early, and there was to be an archery contest among the houses.
Edelgard looked down her window, towards the fishing pond. Caspar was lifting up two separate boxes, with Hilda and Marianne perched atop the creates. Annette clapped along as Rafael balanced four barrels in his arms, with Petra and Ashe balanced atop of them.
Edelgard drew her curtains and stood up. She drifted out of her room, deeper into the halls of Garreg Mach. The noises faded as the ancient stone danced with the torchlight flickering in a cold breeze, keeping the shadows just at bay. Despite the darkness, it was just bright enough to see everything.
Edelgard slumped against a wall, rubbing her eyes. She stayed there for a time, staring up at the stars. No clouds covered the sky letting each little dot of light shine brightly. So many distant specks of possibility, all competing to illuminate the night. So many to look up to, to study. Too many to catalogue in a single evening. And by morning, they would have all faded, only to return the next night, but shifted, until one day it disappeared over the horizon.
Edelgard continued on her way. By the time she returned to the front of the dormitories, the sounds of revelry had died down, but still full of energy.
"Yes, it's fine Dedue. I just hope you are well."
"We succeeded in our mission, your highness. You have kept your vow. I am elated."
Edelgard turned towards the familiar voices. Dimitri was just outside of Dedue's room, both men standing at ease next to the door. She found herself walking a little closer-the path to her room made it necessary. Dedue's eyes flickered over to her. Dimitri followed suit.
"Edelgard. Good to see you." Dimitri's eye flickered over her shoulder. "Are you partaking in the festivities?"
"No." Edelgard shook her head. "No. I have- I am feeling under the weather at the moment. I think I shall retire for the evening."
Dimitri frowned. "Is it serious? Do you need any help getting to Professor Manuela's infirmary?"
"No. It's just a passing spell."
"I understand." Dimitri's face remained neutral. "I've had similar hiccups."
"In any case," Dedue bowed his head. "It has been a long day, and I should retire. Your highness." He nodded at Edelgard. "Princess Edelgard."
Dimitri smiled. "Good night, Dedue. Rest well."
"A peaceful slumber to your highness as well." With a final nod, Dedue gently shut his door behind him. Dimitri turned back to Edelgard.
"It seems we have a similar destination."
Edelgard began walking towards her bedroom. "Are you trying to escort me?"
Dimitri laughed. "Not at all. It was a long day, and I wish to retire to my room." He folded the paper he had been holding into his coat. "You always think there is time to write on trips, but…"
Edelgard's eyebrow quirked. "Who are you writing too?"
"An old friend of my mother's. Cornelia is her name. She served in my father's court, and-" Dimitri's expression snagged, before smoothing out. "We decided to reminisce about old times together."
"From before…?"
"Yes." Dimitri looked up at the stars. "Sometimes I forget that I was not the only one to lose precious people that day." He looked back to Edelgard. He seemed to be studying her. "It is good to be reminded that you are not alone."
"Yes…" Edelgard's foot landed on the first step of the staircase. Dimitri's smile was small, but warm. Despite tragedy, despite hardship, he had endured. He had continued living. His path forward was clear.
He was happy.
"Edelgard?"
She looked back as her foot landed atop the final step. Dimitri's lips were pressed thin.
"Do you…ever need to talk to someone? About your…problems?"
Edelgard blinked. "I suppose everyone does."
"Yes, it's just that…" Dimitri took the step to join her atop the staircase. "If…you ever wanted, we could…talk. Together."
Edelgard stared. "Is this a marriage proposal? This seems quite sudden from you."
Dimitri's eyebrows rose. Edelgard kept staring. Dimitri's jaw slowly opened. "…No. I've just been hearing that you've been…out of sorts. I wanted to offer my help."
"Oh." Edelgard opened the door to the second floor. An odd feeling ran through her. "As a fellow heir to the throne? As the foundation for better relations between our countries? I understand that." She ran her fingers through her hair. "Thank you for the offer, but I must politely decline. Rumors about my health are often exaggerated."
"That's not-" Dimitri's words were bit off by his sigh. "I was hoping…more as…"
Edelgard turned back to look at Dimitri. His brow was creased, and his eyes were narrowing-not in hostility. Concern? Worry? Dread? At his sides, his fist were held tight. "As a gesture of friendship?" Edelgard tested. Peculiar. There was something missing, she could sense it.
"…Yes. I suppose." Dimitri's expression did not change.
"I thank you for the concern, but I am perfectly fine." Edelgard turned back, walking towards her room. The nagging at the back of her brain remained. "Good night, Dimitri."
"Good night." Dimitri watched Edelgard walk down the hallway into her room. He pulled out his half started note to Cornelia. Looking back towards Edelgard's path, he barely saw her disappear behind a closed door.
She did not seem to recall their time as children. Or at least did not put as much importance on it as he did. Had they not been any more than acquaintances, even after spending so much time in their youth together?
Dimitri let out a breath. He supposed it was fair. He had not spent any great time trying to reconnect with Edelgard, instead he kept postponing it. Finding other reasons to not have an awkward conversation.
But then, it had seemed so odd when she had not made any effort to reconnect with him at the beginning of the year. He had tried to approach her then, but…
"It's because unlike you, Edelgard has focus. Discipline." Patricia whispered. "She is not distracted from her destiny at every possible turn."
Dimitri looked again at his letter to Cornelia, before crushing it in his hand.
Edelgard lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She opened and closed her eyes. Sleep would not come.
On top of all the other things she had to worry about, Dimitri's offer had lit a strange feeling. Perhaps this was something important?
Edelgard closed her eyes again and tried to quantify what she was experiencing. It wasn't an instinct, a gut feeling, like what she felt when speaking with her uncle. Nor was it the constant pull at her memory of etiquette and court intrigue like when she spoke about important matters with other nobles in the empire. It felt like a gentle tug at her memory, something trying to break loose.
Edelgard's brow furrowed. A memory?
"Byleth can remember past lives because of the Crest of Flames."
Was that it? Had she made some fateful decision that reverberated through past lives? Was her past self trying to warn her of something to do with Dimitri?
Hubert had suggested that only important memories could break through. Edelgard sat up, and the sigil of the Crest of Flames sprang to life in her hand. Its glow was dull, faint. It pulsed with the faintest light rhythmically. Like a heartbeat.
Not letting the Crest out of her eyes, Edelgard reclined backward. "Show me what I need to know." She whispered. "Let me see what was so important about Dimitri." Her teeth clenched. "Show me my path. Show me everything."
A warmth spread across Edelgard's hand. Her eyes began to droop. Darkness swallowed her whole.
Dimitri stood tall. Taller than before, with shaggy, unkempt hair. He was clad in a dark suit of armor, and animal fur lined his cape. Areadbhar, the Blaiddyd family relic twitched and hummed in his hands. He opened his mouth to say something-
A flash of lightning appeared. Now he stood in silver armor, on a muddy field, rain pouring down his face. His lance was gripped tightly, ready to strike-
Another flash. She was looking down at him, in the same muddy field. Blood covered his right eye, and he coughed up more. His face was twisted in a grotesque display of hate as he screamed, shouted-
Another flash. The same broken man, but far distant in a foggy field. An eyepatch covering his eye. His face was pale. A knight was carrying him, shaking Dimitri-
Another flash. She was looking down at him from an impossible height in a room draped in many shades of red. His face was dour, but determined as he rushed forth-
Another flash. His hand was outstretched, reaching down to her-
Another flash. His other arm was now holding Areadbhar. She could feel something cold.
Another flash. His face was twisted. In pity. In hatred. In remorse.
Another flash. He stood before her; his lips parted in a truly vile show of happiness as a deep, dark bag dragged down his one eye.
Another flash. He sat beside her at a banquet table, laughing along at some joke, both of his eyes gleaming in delight. "Edelgard, that is-"
Another flash. And another. And another. And another. A madman, surrounded by blood and smoke. "Edelgard…" A cordial king, greeting her at an entrance hall. "Edelgard?" A determined fool, charging ahead. "Edelgard!"
A child, with long blonde hair and an innocent smile. "Edelgard." The voice was not his. He looked past her shoulder. Her eyes followed. Her uncle's hand was on her shoulder. His eyes were cruel, as always.
"Wake up."
Her bed shook and Edelgard grabbed her dagger from underneath her pillow before she even opened her eyes.
"Enough of that." Her arm was hallway down before she could see. Arundel stood at her bedside, his eyes narrow. "You are awake. Good."
Edelgard shot up out of bed. She did not lower her knife. "What are you doing here?"
"Believe me, this brings no joy to either of us." Arundel sighed. "Get dressed. We must depart."
"Who? Why are you awakening me here?"
"Stop being difficult. We have to go-"
"No." Edelgard realized she was breathing heavily. She clutched her knife tighter. "Explain yourself. Now."
"Very well." Arundel bit his lip. "You have been summoned by Nemesis, King of Liberation."
As always, thanks to dox over on A03 for beta reading!
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