It is an open secret that there are two kingdoms that continue to be enemies even though the great war of all nations in Teyvat has long ended. Snezhnaya and Liyue didn't care enough to put out the fire between them even though a lot of blood was spilled and pooled on the battlefield.
Although the Snezhnaya kingdom was considered the coldest for centuries (just like the blizzards in winter), in King Alexander II's second year in ruling, he proved them wrong. War leaves nothing but pain for those left behind. the King who lost his first son—Anton—from that, chose to end the war between his country and Liyue.
The King of Snezhnaya—who was tired of the bloodshed that also took away his son's life—found a way out.
At a great banquet, all nobles without exception raised their glasses high on the signal of the current Snezhnayan king. They had enthusiastic faces for what came out of their lips next as his wife pushed his second son to stand beside him, not far from them was a little girl with beautiful colored hair in twin buns.
"Now, let's raise our glasses!"
The glasses clinked. The room instantly fell silent. Everyone's eyes were on the two children in front.
"The crown prince of Snezhnaya, my son, Ajax, will marry the princess of Liyue, Princess (Y/N)! They shall marry once they come of age. Through the union of a couple who shall spend a lifetime together, may the alliance between these two nations only be strengthened!"
At that time, the Crown Prince was as confused as the little girl wearing a dress that was foreign to him. Though, inwardly he compared it to traditional Snezhnayan clothes and found that whatever she was wearing made her look beautiful.
You were his first love. Maybe it would make his life easier if it also stayed with him as he grow up.
Although the political marriage agreement has been approved, it has not happened considering you both were not old enough yet to get married. Liyue and Snezhnaya were no longer at war however, nor did they trust each other that much. Invitations from their respective banquets were always met by the king/emperor and queen/empress, neither you or Childe rarely ventured outside of their own country.
The void left by his supposed fiancé provides an opportunity for Childe to fall for someone else, Lady Lumine.
Her blonde hair that doesn't hide those golden twinkles of her eyes isn't the only thing that captivates him. She demonstrated her skills in archery, finishing as the third place in the hunting competition hosted by Snezhnaya. Two polar wolves known for their agility became where her arrows pierced them.
Childe realized with all his heart that he had fallen in love with her. Soon enough, they know they have the same feelings for each other.
Though, it wasn't enough to break his engagement to the princess of another country he hadn't seen in years. Even when his parents understood there was something between their son and Lumine, they did nothing more than separate the two.
From that day on, his secret encounters with Lumine were becoming less and less. Whenever they were at the same banquet, one of them would walk away from the sea of people while giving a look telling each other to follow whoever walked first. Only when the curtains fall do they kiss, only behind closed doors are they lovers.
Today is the day he turned twenty one. The palace is decorated as fancy as possible to welcome the guests who are invited to the banquet for the celebration of him reaching adulthood, which means that he is getting closer to inheriting the throne.
The now oldest prince of Snezhnaya's smile widened as he stepped into the large door. A red sash against the white-silver suit, on his shoulders a gold epaulet hangs. The guard who saw him ready to enter where the banquet was being held saluted before pulling the doorknob swinging the teak wood door which caught the attention of many people.
"His Highness, Crown Prince Childe has arrived in the room!" The herald shouted loudly to the guests downstairs.
Childe was on a higher floor than them, a short chance for him to find Lumine in a sea of colorfully clad nobles. They really took advantage of the virtue of employing sorcerers to keep the palace warm even though the autumn winds remained unfriendly outside. He descended the stairs after spotting her blonde hair.
Several other nobles bowed their heads in respect, while the imperial families from other kingdoms simply smiled. At this banquet, Childe knew he had to open his first dance and he couldn't dream of doing it with a woman other than Lumine.
It won't hurt. After all, his parents couldn't possibly forbid it because it would look weird in the eyes of people who didn't know about them.
However, he had only taken five steps toward her, as if he were not the star of the celebration; people turned their heads another way. The direction where the King and Queen were standing to welcome the arrival of a family through the door.
"My, my! It is a great honor to welcome the Emperor and Empress, Prince Shiva and Princess.."
Whatever he said next was blurry because of the people around who started whispering after seeing the faces of whoever they were who was being greeted by his family. It was too late for him to turn around so he wouldn't have to join them as the King had landed almost the same blue eyes as his with a beaming face.
"Ajax! Come here! Shouldn't you greet your in-laws and your fiancée?" he said.
Childe sighed mentally, the smile on his face contrasting his exasperation. However, as soon as he processed what his father had said just now, his heart fell into his stomach. Childe stopped when his family moved away from blocking his view of their special guests.
Fiancée.
His breath caught in his throat as he landed his gaze on the woman who had hair the exact hair of the little girl with whom he shared the misfortune of the political marriage that bound them. The difference is that you are much more mature now, as evidenced by the curves of your body that are emphasized by the belt from your Liyuean traditional dress.
You—the fiancée—stood some distance in front of him, at his coming of age banquet despite not attending any events in years.
You bowed in greeting, "I greet Your Majesties the King and the Queen, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Prince Teucer of Snezhnaya." You look up slowly either from your hair accessories or you weren't so sure to look at him.
Childe's smile was hopefully enough to hide his surprise. "Princess (Y/N), welcome." He spoke before greeting the three others.
"With your sudden public presence, I'm sure many men will line up to ask for your hand," The smirk in his father's voice sounded clearer then, "Unfortunately for them, the Crown Prince of Snezhnaya will be the luckiest."
The Queen turned to him, her cheeks raised as she smiled. "Why don't you guide the Princess to your first dance?" She suggested.
The whole universe knew Childe would do whatever he could if it was possible to decline it. The plan was that the first dance of his coming of age banquet would be with Lumine—who when he glanced at her, she was looking with slightly parted lips and wide golden eyes. His hand wanted to grab her, despite the fact that it was useless if he was in the public eye.
"I believe there's no need to push if the Princess doesn't want it, don't you agree?" He said followed by a nervous laugh.
Prince Shiva—your older brother followed with his own, sounding more amused, "My sister can neither accept nor refuse anything if there is no offer."
Of course he had to open his lips and say things that would put Childe into a corner. The rest of them laughed at the same time thinking it was a joke. He almost sighed before walking over to you who was standing still staring at him with sparkling eyes under the chandelier.
Childe doesn't know what makes it hard for him to reach out, between Lumine's concern seeing him approach you or the hopeful gazes of people who have nothing better to do than wait for him to say the magic words. Despite him taking several beats to ask, you were patiently silent.
A breath was taken, "Princess, may I have this dance?" Childe hoped any sound in here muffled his voice so Lumine wouldn't hear it.
You put your smaller hand on his outstretched one, giving him a glance interspersed with a faint smile, "You may, My Prince." You gave a reply that did nothing but increase his discomfort.
The fake smile Childe was holding on to had never felt heavier before. On his way to the dance floor, his blue eyes glanced at the place where Lumine was and his heart felt like it was being clenched. This doesn't mean anything. Lumine should have known that even though the woman in his hands was his fiancé, his heart was still hers.
Your hands were placed on his shoulders, while his own gripped the other and your waist. Music started playing, you both started to move your feet.
"I congratulate you of your come of age, Prince Childe." You chose to call him with a more recognizable name even though you knew his birth name.
Childe thought that was a good thing. Maybe you didn't want this engagement (that would soon turn into a marriage) as much as him. You had also not seen him in years, Childe wouldn't be surprised to hear if you also had a lover in Liyue.
"Thank you." Childe said but then, regretting on how short it was. Should I add a harmless compliment? With accessories in your half up half down hair, Childe also can't lie and say you weren't one of the prettiest here.
Childe offered a smile, "You look exquisite, Princess."
Your lips curled up as red tint filled your cheeks. As expected it didn't take much to make you blush. "Thank you." You said.
When Childe had the chance not to look at you, he realized that the whole room locked their gaze on the two of them. At this point Childe was sure nothing could make things worse. However, only a pair of golden eyes did he care about.
Lumine, you know this means nothing, right? You know if I had a choice, I'd rather disappear into one of the dark and lonely sides of the palace to spend time with you. (Y/N), who caught everyone's eyes even the married nobles might be the prettiest but, you are the one I want.
"Ah!"
"Watch out!"
Childe tightened his grip to secure you from tripping. You looked up from staring at your shoes, cracking a smile as if rather than embarrassed, thinking it was funny and sent your cheeks turning redder than the rouge your maids had applied.
"I apologize, My Prince. It seems like two days is not enough to learn the Snezhnayan dance." You said.
"You studied it in two days?" The question came before Childe could stop it.
You nodded, "I think at least I shouldn't embarrass you in your own ceremony, I want to do my best for you."
Do her best for me..
Normally, Childe would reply flirtatiously. The flustered face and the smile that women usually display for him heightens his pride. Yet none of them compares to Lumine's which looks cute. But, why is his tongue gagging? He even knew that you had no intention of flirting with him, only your choice of words was so sweet and innocent.
Then why couldn't he reply? Instead, his cheeks warmed as if he was a teenager in love. Childe decided to take it because he didn't expect you to have a sweet mouth that could make him taken aback.
The music ended before Childe knew it, your hand that was lifted from him shoulder was what woke him up. You both gave a closing greeting, he bowed while crossing one arm over his chest while you curtsied. The crowd erupted in applause as soon as you finished the first dance of the night.
Childe glanced around for Lumine, finding she had taken a step out of the sea of people. "The floor is too big for just one dancing couple, come and fill it. Please do enjoy the rest of the banquet." He said to the other guests.
Head turned back to you, "It was a lovely dance, Princess. But, unfortunately I have need elsewhere so I have to excuse myself."
You nodded, "No need to worry, Prince Childe. Do take care." You gave your understanding.
One more bow before Childe quickened his pace following where Lumine had disappeared. A long, familiar hallway led him to the place he had predicted she would choose. After all, the palace gardens at every banquet were always quiet because the nobles preferred to be immersed in gossip and trends rather than plants and fountains.
Childe found her standing leaning against one of the pillars, the red dress she was wearing wrapped around her petite body. "Sweetie." He calls her.
As soon as Childe was in front of her, he stroked her cheek when he noticed that her expression was quite crumpled. She is jealous, he is very well aware of that. And there's nothing he likes more than the jealous and possessive Lumine. This signifies their many years of relationship, she still loves him the same as in the beginning. Isn't that a luxury that not everyone gets?
"You danced with the Princess." She said punctuated by pouting lips.
Childe landed a peck, "Wish it was you, though. My hands on your red dress, sounds good, huh?" He says.
Although he wasn't sure that was a good response (considering that Lumine gets irritated every time he retorts to her complaints with a joke), she laughs and leaves a smile. She put her hand on his cheek, stroking it gently with her gloved hand.
"Yeah, how about we do it now?" She matched his energy.
The distance between them closed, lips colliding against each other. The banquet is one of their small opportunities for them to meet, so it's only natural that they'll make out like tomorrow the apocalypse will happen. She probably drank a small amount of wine, could be tasted from her tongue as Childe explored every inch of her mouth. Hands brought her closer.
PRANG!
Childe and Lumine jumped from the sound. Fear is on the cusp of being caught by other nobles or worse, his parents may feel that the palace gardens are a suitable place to visit.
But, to his surprise, his heart didn't expect anything worse than all the possibilities that crossed his mind. Childe found the Princess he danced with earlier—who was staring at them with wide eyes and jaws gaping in shock. You dropped the glass you were carrying, shattering the glass at the bottom of your long dress.
"Princess.." Childe's voice sounded so weak calling out to you.
Childe didn't turn to look at Lumine but, from the way she gripped his hand, it was a sign that she was having a severe anxiety attack. The fact that you were now standing there without saying anything didn't help much, even your expression remained the same.
Once you had processed everything marked by your lips being closed, Childe expected you to cry or scream hysterically. But even under the dim lighting of the garden he was sure you didn't shed a single tear. You just looked down at the broken glass, then at him then Lumine and back to him again.
"Ah," You lowered the hand that was still raised. "I see I have interfered with other people's intimate time."
What?
What on earth is happening right now? Your reaction was very, very different from what he had thought. Even though he wasn't your fiancé out of love but, at least you had the right to be angry because Childe failed to appreciate you enough to not make out with other women elsewhere.
Instead of cursing, you hooked your hands in front and bowed slightly. "I'm sorry. I'll take my leave now."
You actually turned around and left as you promised. The back of your head was obvious to him but, had no answer to your confusing reaction to his infidelity.
Chapter 2: The Explanation
Chapter Text
If Childe didn't have something to hide under his sleeves, then he would be happy for you to discover his infidelity. That might be enough reason for you to cancel the arranged marriage that years later gave him the opportunity to build a dream with Lumine—the woman he loves with all his heart.
The key word is if. As a matter of fact, Childe had a goal that almost fused into the reason he was still alive today.
If he didn't have one, he would have walked all the way from the palace where he lived to the Emerald palace—where royal guests stayed for a while before returning to their country—to annul the wedding himself in front of your face.
Unfortunately, the goal stuck even before the matchmaking took place. And Childe didn't find himself going to let it go anytime soon.
Childe looked up at the blue sky, looking for confidence in it. In his head he was running down the reasons he could try to persuade you to continue with the marriage. Or worst case scenario, he would beg you not to spread news that could damage the reputation of the Snezhnayan royal family.
After all, no one wants to be cheated.
Colorful flowers that are strong enough to survive the cold of Snezhnaya are planted along the way. In the center, a three-tiered fountain seemed to emit boundless water. A greenhouse built from his father's benevolence for guests to entertain themselves.
And ten steps ahead was you. You were standing in a dazzling blue dress though it wasn't Liyuean traditional style dress like the one you wore last night. Your hair was pulled in half and head accessories shone in brilliance as the sunlight reflected on it. You were so graceful that it took two glances for Childe to realize you weren't completely alone.
No, he wasn't making a fuss about your ladies-in-waiting following closely behind. He wonders who the man next to you is, too close to his liking—talking to you as if you two had known each other longer than he had.
Childe was not a coward; however, considering what happened last night, he thought it would be wiser to wait for you to land your eyes on him and greet him first (that's if you don't choose to take the opportunity to make the scene you missed last night). He stood, watching the two converse comfortably still not realizing his presence.
Until you and your strolling companion got close enough to find a tall man standing in the way, that's where your irises met his dull blue eyes.
Your plump lips curved into a very thin smile, "I greet His Highness, Prince Childe of—"
The words died first on the tongue as Childe hugged you after a very, very fast walk. You felt the warmth of his body close to you, his breath brushing against your earlobe. Your eyes widened completely from shock, as did the amber of the man beside you and your ladies-in-waiting who covered their mouths from gasping loudly.
Childe pulled away before you could return the hug (not like you were planning to anyway), staring at you with his lost blue eyes that supported whatever expression was being displayed. But why did he seem burdened by something now?
"I.. do you know how worried I was since last night?!" He asked out loud yet, not loud enough for you to take it as a shout.
You furrowed your brows, "Since last night?"
It was strange to feel his fingers caress your cheek. Either way, it must have been enough for Childe to drastically change from someone trying to find excuses to avoid you to someone who is almost realistically playing the role of a worried fiancé.
Childe nodded, pulling you in his arms again. "You.. you just left before I could explain anything."
Childe bet with his words. He just needs to pray for good luck that you have high self-esteem to prevent you from talking about last night's events. The woman who was touted as the prettiest in Liyue and perhaps in all of Teyvat didn't want people to know that her fiancé was having an affair, right?
He had to suppress that smile once you put your hand on his chest to slightly push him away. "Wait, Prince Childe. Can we talk about this inside?" You stare at him before glancing left and right hinting that the two of you aren't exactly alone.
As expected. Childe didn't think things would be this easy. At this rate he shouldn't have lost sleep just for this.
Zhongli who realized the situation swallowed glumly. He nodded in understanding, bowing to both of them, "I will take my leave. May prosperity always be with you, Prince Childe, Princess (Y/N)." He spoke politely, turning in the opposite direction.
Either the goddess of luck is on his side or you are this absentminded. You seem to fail to notice the layer of mask Childe is wearing, which now presents him as a sad and sorry man. So innocent.. is this what makes men swarm her like bees on honey? After all, people love gullible things.
You ordered one of the maids to bring tea as soon as you both arrived in a room that was wide enough yet quiet for you to talk. Childe followed, in the back of his head strategizing and the words he should say next.
Should I take the dramatic path? Kneeling and begging for forgiveness perhaps? He thought.
Blue eyes glanced at you who had been sitting on the sofa with carvings on the edges. You straighten the wrinkled part of your dress, watching as he positions himself in front. Only the coffee table separates the two of you.
Childe scanned your face and felt discontent at that. Aren't you too calm for someone who just caught her fiancé cheating on her?
Could it be.. she's thinking of actually annulling the engagement? He bit his lower lip subconsciously. No, that can't happen. I won't let that happen! Not when I still have a lot to achieve.. that thing..!
In silence, you feel strange. You tilted your head while looking at Childe who seemed to be lost in whatever he was thinking.
"Prince Childe?" Your call alerted him. "Do you—"
"I know you're upset."
Your lips are left open even though the words are now gone. You watched as Childe lifted his head, fully focusing his dull blue eyes that never sparkled no matter how wide his smile was. What you find to be the problem, however, is what he just said — his assumption that he's pissed you off.
Confusion dominates your face, ".. sorry?" You ask him to repeat from the possibility he misspoke.
However, his sharp jaw was even more tense than before, behind his lips perhaps his teeth were lined and clenched. "Last night.. I know how you feel." Childe threw his bait to test the waters before catching fish.
What reaction would you show, (Y/N)? Childe thought, playing riddles with himself in his head. That night, maybe you were too prideful to make a scene especially when you were attending a big banquet. However, there are only us in this room—if you scream, none of these people dare to stop you.
In his point of view, Childe took your loss of words for the sadness you are now feeling.
Little by little, he raised the drama in his voice. "I-I can explain." He tried to make his words tremble as if he was stricken with regret.
Childe realized what a perfect match they were. A man who is too talented at acting like an actor, whereas you are a woman who will enjoy whatever he has to show you because you are so easily deceived. You are the perfect victim to his acts and tricks, you are the one who will believe his every sentence.
"I saw you with my own eyes, so I have all the explanation I need." You said with a flat intonation.
Oh, oh. Is she angry? She didn't even want to hear any explanation from me. This is good. (Y/N), show me that you're jealous—
"And as I understand it, there is no problem at all."
What?
Childe didn't know why he had just realized how your expression was far from what one could infer from a sad or betrayed woman. You look a bit.. unaffected. Heads still raised with all the elegance people talk about.
Why.. why are you putting on a face like that for me? He subconsciously dropped the mask and presented himself in shock.
Childe stood up suddenly until the heavy sofa behind him shifted. He looks at you who is taken aback by his actions but, his brain is spinning for an answer as to why you are behaving this way. As if this has no importance.
"I understand how upsetting that must've been for you! At least yell at me!" His voice was raised, even so you smiled what he thought was mockery.
"But I'm not upset at all." Slipped out from you easily.
Throughout his life, Childe had been accustomed to people prostrating himself at his feet as if he was their only God. Women would cling to him like noisy bees and wish they could at least touch him if it was impossible to feel him between their legs. He's so used to it all that he feels what you're showing now is very foreign.
This can't be real. I had guessed she had high dignity and pride but, at least she should be cursing at me and screaming at the end of her throat! She should have asked who that woman was, why did I do that, why did I have the heart to do that!
His emotional turmoil subsided for a moment as a new thought entered his mind. There are some people who cover sadness with sarcasm, right?
Without his permission, that scoff from his lips found a way out and fled. "Of course you're upset! That's why you're being sarcastic right now!" He said aloud, proud to think he had found the answer to a complicated, difficult riddle.
You look at him as if he has gone mad of his own affair. "But, I'm not, My Prince."
The words were spoken in a voice that was calm and too steady for Childe to like. That supports the fact that you're not actually speaking in sarcasm.
"I know about your liaison with Lady Lumine and that you didn't have to worry about me."
At the mention of his lover, Childe froze. He looks at you as if he hasn't spent about twenty minutes with you. The fact that you even know her name.. how much do you actually know? It's as if standing in front of you this time feels like he's being stripped naked. It's as if you could see inside of him and his mind—knowing everything about him.
This isn't good. Childe couldn't let her get in his head.
Then, what does she mean by that? Why.. why does it seem like she's willing to let me go to Lumine at any time? He clenched his fists at the sides.
You rose from your seat, Childe had an illogical fear about you leaving him. You turned, staring at the window featuring the luxury of the flowery garden where he had put on the mask of a desperate lover for the first time.
His thoughts led him to the brown haired man walking beside you before he came. Duke Zhongli.
Childe grabs your hand suddenly, causing you to gasp and turn to look at him. Within those dull blue eyes there is fear, which you secretly know the cause. Certainly not because he is afraid of losing you out of love.
"Do you have another man?" The question seemed accusatory rather than coming out of an anxious fiancé.
You blink before laughing, "Another man, you say?" You glanced at his ginger hair. "Is there a man like that in Teyvat who dares to approach the great Tartaglia's betrothed? Isn't that the same as asking for a death wish?"
Once again Childe was surprised. For a fiancée who barely even saw him until his coming-of-age celebration, you sure know a lot about him. It lines you both up, putting you on a pillar that seems higher because Childe knows—he doesn't know anything about you, even as simple as your favorite color.
"It's just because it is as simple as.." An ambiguous smile landed on your face, "you can do whatever you please."
Immediately Childe saw his dream cracked and shattered a second after those words were spoken. He stood still, not moving even when the door was opened and the maid placed the tea and snacks on the table. For some reason you seem to be standing far from his reach even though the two of you only share a room to talk while sitting opposite each other.
No.. this can't be happening.. He doesn't want to let go of his dreams and grudges just like that. I have promised to bring hell to Liyue! And... and this woman will be my key to that. She can't just walk away!
And so, Childe did something he had never done before. It was even hard to believe what the imperial maid and Princess of Liyue were seeing now. The crown prince of Snezhnaya and the war general 'Tartaglia' kneeled before you. He always had so many ways to get what he wanted, then, why was he begging so hard now?
"Princess!"
His hands gripped the fabric of your dress. If any of the other nobles had seen, then they would have concluded that Childe was no different from those who prostrated themselves at his feet before he raised his sword to execute them.
You gasped, "P-Prince! Please, don't do this!" You glanced at the maid and signaled for her to leave.
Childe looks at you with a crazed expression, "No! I won't get up until you say you won't cancel our wedding!"
Your gloved hands try to pull Childe to his feet but he purposely holds his position. "Prince Childe, you shouldn't be doing this. Please stand up and I promise I'll talk about this with you."
However, your words was like the wind. Childe was too caught up in his fears—the fear of not being able to achieve what had been almost became his life goals. He didn't go through many years of suffering just let it go. He would move heaven and earth to make the marriage happen.
Childe realized the last thing he could try to say, gripping your dress tighter. "I'm willing to do anything for you, Princess!" You're about to ignore the sentence again and try to get him to stand up.
But Childe knew exactly what he needed to say. "I'll leave Lumine for you!" He speaks so loudly that you hope no one hears.
Silence fell suddenly, felt more real after the room had been filled with Childe's screams and pleas for a while. You froze, while he was still on his knees with an expression that hid his head thinking for another plan if his persuasion didn't work.
If he had paid more attention to you, he would have noticed how the corners of your lips tugged slightly into a smile before it disappeared. You stopped asking him to stand, instead lowering yourself as if to match his eyes. It sent a glimmer of hope into his mind—could he have succeeded in melting your heart?
The glove you're wearing touches his cheek. He doesn't expect you to cup his face in your hands as your eyes scan him as if you're looking for signs of whether it's a promise or just another lie.
"You're going to do that for me?" you asked, irises sparkling which he misunderstood as you being hopeful.
It worked. Childe celebrated this in his head, thanking God for creating his fiancée as an innocent woman. He doesn't need to pull off a trick that's still neatly tucked under his sleeve when you've nibbled at the bait with just a tiny worm. Everything was back in order, even now he wasn't sure it had ever changed.
His big hand rested on top of yours as he nodded reassuringly, "Of course! I'll give my all if it keeps you by my side!" He stifled a groan when he realized how much he sounded hopelessly in love.
However, it does bring a smile to your face which it interprets as you are satisfied with the answer.
"In that case, no marriage will be annulled."
The sentence just now shattered all the anxiety that enveloped his heart. He seemed to be given another chance to pursue his dream, given the ladder to what he considered his top priority suddenly reappeared after it had disappeared.
Childe couldn't help but smile. "Princess!" He hugged you without warning. "Please, please don't ever scare me like that again."
Leaning your head on Prince Childe's shoulder, you turned that smile into something bitter. You wrapped your arms around him, feeling his body warmer than when you danced with him. What face is he making right now?
You close your eyelids before opening them again, revealing the eyes that have seen a lot of things that haven't even happened yet.
Childe was probably happy, feeling this was his process to achieve the destruction of Liyue which he had aspired to and would be realized as soon as he became king. They had to pay for Anton's death—no matter if it meant he had to use his future wife as a pawn before sacrificing her as a part of his revenge.
For him, anyone with the blood of the Liyue imperial family must die as well. People like them should not be left on earth.
Humans always think themselves to be all-knowing. Little does Childe know that you've seen it all before he even makes his first move. You have tasted Liyue's destruction at the hands of King Childe who ascended the throne after his father died of a serious illness. And you also know he's planning to kill you.
Because an oracle was given eyes that could see into the future. The gods gave you the ability to see the future as an opportunity to change it.
Childe let go of his arms, finding you still smiling. Are you that excited to hear he's going to end things with Lumine? If that was the case, he should have said that before he knelt down like a beggar.
That's alright. Maybe you demand a little bit of his pride to be sacrificed in order to forgive him.
But in reality, the smile you painted was because you stood by your choice from the start. Your choice to cheat destiny, and bring his own war back to him.
Chapter 3: An Oracle Does Not Dream
Summary:
The reader's secret ability.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
An oracle does not dream.
News of the birth of the Liyue imperial family's second child reached not far beyond the high walls of the palace. Under the eclipse of the sun outside, a princess was born and wrapped in a blanket after the blood was cleaned from her body.
"It's a princess, Your Majesty!"
Carrying her child in her arms, the Empress then turned to the so-called oracle. He had been the one to recite fortune-telling on the fortunes of the imperial family's newborn babies, a tradition they had passed down each time there was a new addition to the family. Under her gaze, the person advanced toward the newborn princess.
His hand rested on the forehead of the still crying baby. He closed his eyes, his lips pursed into incoherent words that could either be spells or prayers to bless the newborn. They waited for the oracle to say his prediction.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he had an expression that the Empress hated so much. He lowered his hands, tucked them into the sleeves of his traditional hanfu while holding back his silence. His eyes glanced at the newborn for a while as if composing a sentence before saying something he didn't expect would bring him to his doom.
"From my prediction, the Princess will go through many misfortunes during her lifetime, Your Majesty." He said quietly.
However, from the silence of the room, those who were still there could hear him even though he tried to hide it. They gasped, whispering about how he dared to say that. Even if he hadn't lied, he should have saved his life—because now, Her Majesty's glare landed on him.
"What did you say?" The Empress wasn't asking for a repeat but, a last chance at life for him.
The oracle bit his lower lip, "..the Princess will have misfortune—"
"How dare you to wish my newborn daughter such bad things!" Her loud voice echoed, not caring if she made her baby cry worse.
"N-no! That's not it, Your Majesty! I was just relaying my prediction!"
Whatever his defense was, it was too late as the Empress only saw red. There was nothing she wanted but this oracle to be dragged and hung from his tongue. With one flick of her finger, the guard guarding the corner of the room carried out her orders.
The Princess' first misfortune was the death of someone from talking about her.
Not only was the Empress reluctant to accept the prophecy of the dead oracle, she was also reluctant to admit that it had influenced her mind. Therefore, once a week her daughter named (y/n) gets a ritual that is believed to wash away her sins and misfortunes—at least until it is proven that the prophecy could not be further from the truth.
At an age when you can string enough sentences to communicate with other people, you begin to tell the dream you had after sleeping. Which, coincidentally or not, always came true soon after.
You proved something about yourself.
One night, the old oracle came by order of Emperor Sile. The guard assigned to pick him up immediately took him to the room where you and your parents were waiting. He greets, then glances at you sitting at the end of his bed and notices something.
"Congratulations, Your Majesties! The Princess is definitely an oracle with the ability to see the future!" He said loudly.
Emperor Sile raised his eyebrows, turning to his wife as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "The ability to see the future?"
"That's right, Your Majesty. Her Highness has been blessed by the gods and is entrusted with this ability."
The Empress brought her daughter closer to her, "So, the dream she was telling me all along was actually the future she managed to see?"
The old oracle nodded, "That's right, Your Majesty," He looked up, "or if I may say so, oracle doesn't have the ability to dream like an ordinary human."
Hearing this, the Empress let out a scoff while stroking the top of your head. "And that dead oracle dared to say that my (Y/N)'s life would be full of misfortune." She said triumphantly. If possible, your mother would like to spit in his face.
After the old oracle left the room, the Emperor knelt down to align his face with yours. The color of your beautiful eyes that glittered in the pale moonlight, one of the features you inherited from your mother besides the color of her hair. He thinks its unfair that none of his children inherit his black hair, luckily Shiva got his eyes.
"You hear that, Baobei? You are an oracle. You will predict everything about this empire and lead us to another century of our glory."
You bit your finger which was then gently brushed away by your mother. "Would you like it if I did that?" You ask, your eyes widening with curiosity as you wait for an answer from the smiling emperor.
"Of course. You will become the most precious treasure in this empire." He takes you in his arms.
News of you becoming an oracle and being given a miracle to see into the future was considered by the Emperor and Empress to be a blessing. You become a weapon to predict what will happen in the ongoing war. Therefore, they always remind you to tell them whatever 'dreams' you saw.
An oracle does not dream.
The words repeated like a spell, seeped in and settled in your head.
The ability to see the future develops later. You no longer just get clues about what will happen in your sleep, you can even suddenly receive visions when you are sitting or touching someone's head. But, somehow as you progress, your misfortunes seem to spread like the roots of a banyan tree.
Your father really made you an imperial weapon by bringing you to the frontline. As if he didn't care if his daughter was more familiar with the smell of rancid blood than flowers, he did it over and over—claiming it was for Liyue's victory.
So is it worth the little fright you feel every time you hear a loud noise?
Such a contrast knowing a princess who grew up in a palace, lived in a place guaranteed to be free of shards and nails, is now on a battlefield where people risk their lives to kill each other. Plus, you are really treated as a strategist here.
No matter how many drops of blood drip from your nose from exhaustion, the Emperor will always find a way for you to endure it.
Because you're the key to Liyue's victory, because only you can cheat fate.
Contrary to what your parents believed to be a blessing, in reality this is your second misfortune. At a young age, instead of being familiar with tea parties and dolls, you have memories of corpses strewn on the ground as gifts you can't get rid of.
Until one day, your father took you to Liyue's second capital—Morax—after taking over another territory. After a long journey, the horse carriage you both were in stopped at a large house. The building was luxurious enough that at one glance, you infer the possibility of a Duke inhabiting it.
Your father was the first to come out. He holds you by his side while the guards take up formation. As you approach, you can see the figures of two figures who have been waiting even before the carriage arrives—a man your father's age and a boy who appears to be two or three years older than you.
"We greet His Majesty the Emperor and Her Highness Princess (y/n). May prosperity and health always be upon you." The man bowed respectfully and was mirrored by the child beside him.
The Emperor turned to you, "(y/n), this is Duke Zhen Xiang and his son, Zhongli." At the mention of the latter's name, you set your sights on the boy. "If I'm not mistaken, Zhongli is your age."
My age? You thought.
Observing Zhongli, you notice that he has brown hair color with golden tips. Amber eyes with golden pupils instead of black. He wore traditional Liyuean clothes that were more luxurious than people, no wonder since he was the son of a duke.
"Say hello, Baobei." Your father told you.
You subconsciously gripped the side of hanfu. "Hello." You thumped, afraid that your father would reprimand you like your mother every time you stuttered.
But the anger didn't exist and instead was replaced with Zhongli who returned the greeting. "Welcome to our humble abode, Your Majesty." He is very polite even though he looks younger than Shiva (who often fails in manners class).
The Emperor let out a laugh, "Zhongli, how about you giving my daughter a little tour around the house? Your father and I have a lot to discuss."
The suggestion (which was actually an order) was agreed by Zhongli with a nod. "Your Majesty, allow me to do the honor of taking you around." He reached out while looking into your eyes, adorning his calm face with a faint smile.
Surprisingly, once you compare this duchy with the palace you live in, you find this place more comfortable and lively. Although not bigger and wider, the caretaker makes sure to put flowers on several sides of the room. You don't know how to put it but, if they offered to exchange the palace for this, you wouldn't object.
You turn your head when you think you hear something, "What's that noise?"
Zhongli stopped walking for silence which gave him a chance to listen too. His amber eyes lit up as he knew exactly what and which creature was making a low 'meow' sound.
"My cats." He answered.
You turn your head quickly almost assuring him you're going to get whiplash from it. "Cats? You have cats?"
"Yes," Zhongli noticed the curiosity in your eyes. "Would you like to see it, Your Highness?"
Your lips were bitten from doubt. In the back of your head rang your mother's voice saying that animals are dirty and disease-carrying every time you want to pet the imperial guard dog. Luckily, Zhongli had eyes sharp enough to catch that, then stretched out his hand like he did earlier.
"I'm sure Your Highness will like them."
You looked up to meet his eyes. "Will.. will they bring disease to me?" You ask and then regret it when you realize it has the potential to offend him.
However, instead of being gloomy, Zhongli chuckled. "I assure you my pet is cared for in the best possible way."
"I'm sorry," you almost mumbled before getting a little louder, "I didn't mean to offend you. It's just, my mother always says that every time I ask for a pet."
"You didn't offend anyone." He said, glancing at the hand you haven't yet taken. "I won't force the Princess if you don't want to."
Hastily you put your hand on his. He smiles, cupping it before leading you to a door. The room that is now open to you is filled with about three cats. As he says, they look clean and well-groomed.
"They're so cute!"
You let go of Zhongli's hand to run to the gray fur cat. As if knowing you are a guest of its master, it rubs its head against your dress, scaring you a little at first, but subsides when you know it means no harm.
"Would you like to pet them?" Zhongli offers.
You looked up at him, "Is it okay?"
"Of course."
After getting his permission, you slowly use your index finger to stroke the cat's fur. You gasp from how soft it feels against your skin. Once it's comfortable and confirming it won't bite, you stroke it with the palm of your hand.
"O-oh! It made a purrrrr sound!"
Zhongli laughed at your attempt to imitate his pet. "Her name is Ming Ming." He says.
Your cheeks lift as a smile spreads across your face. "Hi, Ming Ming!"
The brunette pointed at another cat who started to approach you because it wanted to be petted too. "This one is Chen, this is Po." He mentioned the names of the white and brown cats.
"They are all so cute!"
Zhongli couldn't miss how your face lit up from happiness, replacing the gloomy expression that you carried with you for some time. He loves how your cheeks turn red from enthusiasm, reminding him of an apple from a fruiting tree in the back garden.
"Must be nice to have them." You said, followed by a sigh.
Whatever you are thinking now, it has erased your smile. He doesn't like this, why do your eyes seem to lose their shine?
"Your Highness can say that until they mess up the house." Zhongli said in the hope that it will cheer you up.
It worked because now you seem enthusiastic about the story. "They did that?"
The boy nodded slightly, "That's why father put them in this room." He answered.
"Ha ha! They are still cute in my eyes!"
That's the smile. He puts up his own and prays that you don't lose it again. With such beautiful eyes, it would be a pity if you used them only to lower your head and stare blankly at every part of Liyue.
Zhongli turned to look at the window that showed the bright sky outside before returning to you. "Does the Princess want a tea party?"
You looked up from his new offer, "Tea party?"
You ask that question even though you don't wait for an answer. In your mind, you remember the last time you tasted the sweetness of your favorite tea under sunny weather. You remember enjoying it with your older brother, you were about to laugh when you remember Shiva spilling his cup from his negligence. But you locked it up knowing it was just a memory, because now you're traveling with your father with the war he brought.
Zhongli's hand that he stretched out in front of you again brought you back to reality. Where then you look at him with wide eyes.
" Zhongli?"
Amber eyes looked back at you, "I don't think we should miss this beautiful weather."
You haven't accepted the offer yet, Zhongli spoke as if you had said yes to him. However, you don't find it in yourself to be angry about it. How can you be mad to him who always reaches out his hand to invite you to discover new things? Things that feel appropriate for a child your age to enjoy, things that aren't swords, arrows, shields, wounds, blood, death, and fate.
And so, you smiled at his invitation, letting him take you to his garden.
Zhongli was right about the beautiful weather. At the table where you two enjoy tea and Dim sum, you wish time would pass slowly.
The petals of the cherry blossom tree flutter when the wind blows, informing you of its existence. You haven't even realized that spring has arrived, where your country will show off its natural beauty to the fullest. However, from the five spring years that you have passed, you have faith that this will be the most beautiful.
You smiled so broadly, as if the palace gardens were no more beautiful than the dukedom. So even though he doesn't dislike it, Zhongli feels that your expression is out of place.
"Your Highness?"
You turned to him, "Yes?"
Zhongli scanned your face for a moment before asking, "Forgive my rudeness but, I heard His Majesty came here straight from the battlefield. How did you come along?"
The question he asks freezes you in place. Zhongli seemed smarter than kids his age, of course he would pick up on small details like that. Then, would it be good if you told him the real reason? That His Majesty brought you to the battlefield because of your misfortune being an oracle?
Will Zhongli see you differently in the future? Or worse, treat you the same as those who use you for their own purposes?
You stare at his beautiful amber, hoping to find the answer to your doubts. "Father took me to the battlefield."
From that, his eyes widened. "But, the battlefield is a very dangerous place. You shouldn't be there." He said, wondering what the reason for a little girl in a place where people raised swords and archery to kill each other.
Your gaze shifted as you gripped the fabric of your dress. "Father said I can bring victory to Liyue with my prophecy." You told him and Zhongli still kept his silence.
Now that you said it, what kind of reaction would he give?
You took the heaviest breath, "I can see the future." By the time you rediscover his eyes, the evidence of shock is on his face.
Even though his jaw isn't hanging down, you know a lot is going on in his mind. Only this time, Zhongli's gaze made you uncomfortable to choose to look the other way. You're trying to understand though, knowing that even though oracles are believed by their words, oracles who can predict and change the future from their actions are different things.
Zhongli blinked after processing everything. "Are you comfortable with it? Being on the battlefield?"
That's weird. Instead of asking what you can see or begging for his future to be predicted, Zhongli said the things that failed to come out of your parents' lips.
"Father said I could help a lot by being there." On purpose, you avoided what Zhongli hoped to hear.
"Isn't drinking tea and playing with cats more fun than standing in the middle of adults fighting each other?"
You're surprised by how gently he says that. Amber eyes stare at you with lips curled into a smile, Zhongli looks at you while telling you that you shouldn't go through things like that at this age.
"…He is the Emperor."
"However, he is neither a saint nor an oracle. He won't see past your lies if you say your miracles disappeared." Zhongli countered, slightly enjoying your parted lips from his suggestion.
"Isn't lying a bad thing?"
Zhongli laughed at that, "Small lies won't hurt a person as great as the Emperor."
You can't deny that he has a point. People knew that an oracle could lose their miracles once the gods felt they no longer deserved to be blessed. Maybe this lie will save you later.
From that day, you took Zhongli as your first friend.
From that day, you answer your mother's questions about your predictions by saying you don't see anything in your sleep. You repeated the same thing whenever she brought it up, so often that they concluded you had lost the miracle, which makes you no longer treated more special than the crown prince.
After they thought you were nothing more than an imperial princess, they set you up with the crown prince of the Snezhnaya kingdom after the war ended.
Ironically, despite being stuck in an engagement you didn't want and people no longer treating you as if they were willing to kneel at your feet, you find your new life more serene—as an oracle thought to have lost her ability to see the future.
Because you believe that in the end, everything will be fine.
Because you believe Prince Childe will call off the engagement after years of not seeing you and you'll find the happy ending you've always dreamed of.
However, the world is not as beautiful as expected, thus heaven was created.
In the year that you are about to reach the coming-of-age, a high fever hits you who is lying weak. The doctor who couldn't find the cause also advised your ladies-in-waiting to apply a compress in the hope that it would relieve the heat.
You're in a dream—no, you remember what they used to say about the oracle having an inability to dream. However, with the plumes of smoke covering the sky and the roof of the imperial palace burning in flames, you believe this is the most terrifying prophecy of all you have received.
Because in your arms is Zhongli. His armor is stained with his own blood.
Meanwhile, not far away was a soldier who had planted his proud flag—which you remember as belonging to the Snezhnaya kingdom. He was the one who managed to stab Zhongli with his sword after ordering his men to release their arrows.
"It's a shame to see a duke as great as you fall like this." He said, venom in his voice.
You gritted your teeth but chose to ignore him away as your priority was to hold Zhongli tightly so the soldier wouldn't have a chance to touch him again.
That soldier was so brave now that he knew the Liyue empire had collapsed, and you became the only remaining member of the imperial family. He laughs, finding solace in your vigilance and the man who will die in your arms.
"If the marriage hadn't been annulled, we might have become allies." This time, he did not hide his ridicule.
In that vision, you couldn't take your eyes off of Zhongli—which left an invisible wound on your heart seeing him in this state. He uses what little energy he has left to cup your hands, rather than the warmth, coldness he gives you.
You wake up from your sleep covered in sweat. The memory of what you saw—what will happen in the future—still vivid. Your noisy thoughts block out the worried voice of your ladies-in-waiting.
What happened? You thought. All this time, my vision of the future had been Prince Childe insisting on forcing the marriage to me to kill me after making me his bait to a war. Then, why this time it was Zhongli who died instead of me?
You brushed off the hand of the waiter who brought you water. The ringing in your ears hasn't gone away yet, as if it were there forever. All this time, you've been avoiding Prince Childe in hopes that he'll get tired of you and have the wedding annulled. Was Zhongli's unexpected death an effect of your efforts to avoid your death at Childe's hands?
You put lines on your mind. Then you blink when you realize what you have to do—do your best to make the marriage happen, even if it means entering the lion's mouth. But, you think it's better than witnessing Zhongli's death for real, you thought you'll find a way to change your destiny again later.
With trembling legs that almost tripped you down the second after getting out of bed, you ran outside. The dark corridors of the imperial palace doesn't stop you from finding your way to your parents' chamber.
You stop only when you reach a large gold-carved teak door. On each side, the palace guards bow to you.
The door is opened after one of your mother's ladies-in-waiting informs you of your arrival. Now, the Emperor and Empress stood with their bewildered faces. You know there's a lot of questions in them but, you're the one to make requests.
"Baobei, what are you doing here? Your maid said you—"
"Father, Mother," you cut him off even though you know it's rude but, you don't really have much time.
A breath you take. Oh, you swear this is the heaviest breath you'll ever take.
Opening your eyes, you look them straight in the eye before saying: "Please let me go with you to Prince Childe's coming-of-age banquet."
An oracle does not dream. Now, you're the one who makes sure you'll always remember that.
Which means, in the distant future, Zhongli's death is real and will happen if you don't put in your efforts to change it.
Notes:
hope i didn't confuse anyone about y/n's ability to see the future and how zhongli ended up 'dead' in her recent vision! thank u for the comments and kudos, very appreciate it. hope u like this one and see u on the next chapter!
Chapter 4: A Strange Night
Summary:
(Y/N)'s coming-of-age banquet.
Chapter Text
The thin clouds that had previously covered the moon finally left, giving it a chance to shine Snezhnaya under its pale light. The wind howled, moving the branches that knocked on the windows of the classic building.
Childe lay with a woman in his arms. They both share one thing in common—naked under the covers after their love-making. Although the burning fireplace had provided enough warmth for them not to shiver in the Snezhnaya autumn chill, neither one wanted to let each other go.
Lumine closed her eyes while enjoying the rhythm of his heart beating against his chest. She hoped that time would pass slowly, because tomorrow she had to return to Monstadt with her twin brother. Which meant she didn't know when she would see Childe again.
Therefore, Lumine chose to open her mouth despite the possibility of spoiling the atmosphere. "I heard you talked to the Princess." She says.
As expected, Childe groaned in annoyance from her words, not hiding his annoyance in the slightest. "Really, Babe? We just had a nice sex and you have to spoil the mood by bringing that up?"
"You have no intention to tell me so, I guess I should ask." Lumine watched as he let go of his embrace and lay staring at the ceiling. "So, what did she say? What did you say?"
From the question, he lost his mind to his fiancée who had probably arrived in her country after sailing home for four days. He remembered that day. The day he knelt before her, apologizing and begging for her to continue the marriage. She melted her heart for him after he made a promise to leave his lover, and yet now he is in bed with the said woman.
"Childe." Lumine brought him back to reality. "What did she say?" She demanded, getting impatient now.
Childe was a liar to the Princess but an even bigger liar to Lumine when he said: "She said she wouldn't call off the wedding." A shrewd lie without hesitation.
Lumine furrowed her brows, "She said that?" She shook her head in disbelief. "And here I thought she was going to curse you."
Crazy that he thought that would be better if that was the case. However, let alone cursing, any negative expression didn't stop on her face even for a second. Childe clenched his jaw from irritation as soon as the memory of the calm Princess played back. She really made him look like an idiot, kneeling begging like she was the most important thing to him.
"What did you say afterwards? Why don't you just cancel the wedding?" Lumine still has her questions.
Childe sighed as he closed his eyes. "And here I thought you know it's not that easy." He got up to sit on the edge of the bed, picking up his shirt which was hanging carelessly on the nightstand. She had already started with her interrogation session and he had to leave before this got any longer.
Lumine sat on the bed, "Are you going home? When I asked you questions?"
"Babe, let's not end this with a fight." He said while buttoning his shirt.
Her golden eyes did not hide her displeasure at his response. He was way too calm even though he knew the wedding that would separate them would take place shortly after the Princess' coming-of-age banquet—which would be two months away. He had the authority to cancel it, but he didn't.
Or maybe that's what he wanted too. So, is all their talk about the future just nonsense then? Where should Lumine throw those dreams?
Childe who dodged the questions put a doubt in her heart.
"Do you really love me?"
Childe paused for a moment from her question, turning around to find her head hung low. He didn't need to see her expression to know she was sad, the trembling in her voice was enough to represent that.
"Hey, what are you talking about? Of course I love you, you know that."
"Do I?" Lumine raised her gaze. "Then cancel the wedding."
Childe laughed dryly, crawling to her. "I can't do that." He told her.
Those golden eyes glared at him, "Why? You don't love her, do you?"
Childe choked on his own laughter. What Lumine said was by far the funniest joke he had ever heard in his entire life. Him loving the Princess? If that day came, then he believed the sun would rise from the west and the entire universe would collapse.
"You're so funny." He pinched her cheek lightly. "Don't worry about things like that. You know I'll marry you once I have full authority as king."
Lumine raised her eyebrows asking for more explanation. "Can you imagine what those bastards would do if they found out I threw away their princess for you? I don't want to put you in danger when I'm just a prince."
Apart from being a liar, Childe is a sweet talker. He brushed off her irritation and doubt, which was replaced by a nod and a smile.
"Fine then."
Childe kissed her lips, then her knuckles. "You have my word on that."
The ginger haired man got up from the bed. He walked towards the dressing table where Lumine had put the things she hadn't put in the suitcase. A smile was carried on his face when he found the pink perfume he had given her. Lumine watched him pick it up, spraying it all over his body before setting it down slowly.
"Gotta smell like my girl." Childe gave her a wink.
Lumine suppressed her smile. "Just leave already."
"Alright, alright." He picked up his jacket from the floor and put it on. "Don't miss me too much, okay?"
Childe turned the doorknob. He stepped out of the room, greeted by a dim hallway supported only by a row of wall lamps. He descended the carpeted stairs one by one and ended up in the voyer, where a man he recognized stood as if waiting for him.
Even though he couldn't see it clearly, Childe had grown familiar with Aether—Lumine's twin brother. The Duke bowed respectfully, then continued to glare at him.
"Your Highness Crown Prince Childe."
Childe wore a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Duke."
Aether didn't reply. He had always been one of those people who dared to show his distate for him. "I see you are still visiting my sister."
"What's wrong with that?"
Golden eyes closed to relieve anger from his rhetorical question. "You are someone else's fiancé and will be getting married soon." Aether hoped it would knock some sense into him.
"Oh, don't be so cold, Duke!" Childe laughed, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "You talk as if you don't know how marriage works in our world."
Aether paid no heed to his attempts to make the situation less hostile. "With all due respect to you, please stay away from my sister. This will only bring bad things not only to you and Lumine but, to the Princess as well."
From his words that sounded commanding, Childe erased the fake expression he was wearing, now not covering the cold gaze from those blue eyes of his. He was just a duke from another country, and he had the audacity to speak in that way to the heir to the Snezhnaya throne? Aether must know his place.
There was so much he was holding back from not strangling him right now. "Apparently there are some people who have forgotten their position." He took a step closer to Aether. "If I was in a bad mood, that would have been your last breath."
This was precisely why Aether didn't want Childe anywhere near Lumine. Besides the fact that he will justify any means to get what he wants, he is the most selfish human he has ever met. Despite having the achievement of becoming Snezhnaya's war general, it does not rule out the fact that he is one of the most dangerous people in Teyvat.
Feeling that his point had been made, Childe walked past him, leaving a cold wind blowing against his face. Aether watched his back as he headed towards the horse carriage that was waiting for him.
Sooner or later, Lumine will be pulled down with him. Aether had to stop him before that happened.
Two months later, Childe set foot on the famous Liyue capital pier. He took off the red scarf that was wrapped around his neck when he realized the temperature here was much warmer than his home country. The voices of the merchants around greeted his ears.
"This way, Your Majesties and Your Highness." Viktor—his right hand man—said after bowing, leading him to the waiting horse carriage.
On their way to the imperial palace, boredom hit him. Even so, he made no effort to bring up the conversation with his parents sitting in the opposite direction. Blue eyes looked out the window, hoping that Liyue would cheer him up.
A country that seems more lively than Snezhnaya. He thinks it's because of their favorable climate. Many people on the roadside peddling merchandise in the form of spices and fresh fruits. Lanterns hung above with other decorations they were trying to put up as they climbed the wooden stairs.
Childe couldn't help but comment, "Is Liyue always this colorful?" He smiled mockingly.
His mother stopped fanning herself and looked outside, realizing what he was talking about. "You didn't know? They have a tradition of holding a festival every time a member of the imperial family has a birthday."
"Is that true?" Childe put on his bored face again. "That's troublesome."
His father laughed. "What can we do about it? Their daughter's birthday is today. Soon enough, she will marry into another royal family."
Marry into another royal family. Childe doesn't realize how close he is to letting go of his single days. After today, the days where he would be busy taking care of the wedding preparations would come. He wanted to speed things up to finish quickly.
"Make sure to look good in front of the Princess." His father reminded him.
Childe smiled bitterly. "Of course. After all, she is my fiancée."
Although he had been waiting for her coming-of-age in sight but, Childe found himself wishing for a postponement. However, time stops for nobody let alone him. Morning turned to night in the blink of an eye—Childe was now standing in the celebratory hall.
The walls of this large open hall were carved in gold, either because the royal family saw its artistic value or simply showing off its wealth to guests. Beneath the solidly colored chandelier, the people were lost in their conversation. The waiter who passed by was carrying a tray filled with Liyuean's drinks and food.
"Your Highness!" A shrill voice called out for him to turn around.
Childe found a woman—if she could enter here, she was definitely royalty—smiling so wide that he felt his jaw hurt from looking at her. She was the fourth woman to approach him tonight. In fact, none of them hide their intention to flirt with him.
Childe replied with his typical fake smile. How did people do that even though they knew he was the fiancé of the host of tonight's banquet?
"Good evening, Lady..?"
The woman was gloomy from him asking her name. "Your Highness, we have met before. Have you forgotten me?"
Oh, can you just give me your name and get out of my sight? Childe wanted to say however, did not. He laughed in an apologetic way, "If I didn't have a bad memory, I couldn't have forgotten the name of a woman as beautiful as you." He slipped a flirt that made a blush rise to her cheeks.
"I-it's Sophia, Your Highness. The daughter of Count Lancaster of Monstadt."
From the mention of that country, his mind wandered to a certain someone. He looked at Sophia again, remembering that Lumine had introduced her to him at a banquet earlier.
"Ah, Lady Lumine's friend." Childe felt strange calling her that.
Sophia nodded, "That's correct, Your Highness!" She cried out in joy. "Ever since you stepped foot here, I wanted to greet you right away! However, Lady Lumine is holding me back from doing that."
There is a tug in his heart. "Lady Lumine did that?"
The brown-haired woman nodded not noticing the change in his expression. "I don't know what's wrong with her," She said softly before getting excited again, "But, isn't that good? We can talk alone."
"Where is Lady Lumine now?"
Regardless of the words or the smile that fell from her face, Childe looked her straight in the eye with his blue eyes. Even though he wasn't sure it would be a good choice to look for Lumine right now, he wanted to take a quick look. Is she wearing that blue dress he sent last week? The necklace that he specially ordered must have graced her neck beautifully, right?
Just as Sophia was about to raise her index finger to show where he could find her, the trumpet sounded without warning. Guests automatically face the large door.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince and Her Highness, Princess (Y/N) have arrived!"
In the arms held by your older brother, you passed through the door so gracefully wrapped in a traditional Liyuean dress that is more majestic than the one you wore in his coming-of-age. Your hair was styled and tucked in accessories that glowed under the light. After descending a few wooden steps, people see the makeup that adds to your beauty.
You captured all the attention of those in the room, Childe was no exception. He didn't even realize he was holding his breath this whole time.
Every time you swept your eyes across people who weren't him, Childe still wouldn't admit he wished those beautiful eyes landed on him. He just stares at you, standing in a sea of people who didn't do much for you to notice his presence.
Without even realizing it, he had forgotten his intention to search for Lumine.
After the emperor raised his glass high to give a toast, the floor that was left empty was filled with professional performers. They danced gracefully, slender hands decorated with various striking jewelry that entertained guests from all over the world. On the sidelines, there are still many people who come to you to congratulate.
"Someone's getting older today."
You turned quickly when you heard a voice you would recognize everywhere. Within your line of sight is Zhongli. To support the appearance in his traditional dress, the long hair that is usually tied is loose but, neat enough to still show the earrings in his ears. You smiled even though you couldn't remember the last time you saw him like this.
"Zhongli!"
Your enthusiasm from his presence widens his smile. "I congratulate Your Highness' coming-of-age." He bowed politely.
You laughed at his formal way of speaking. Nonetheless, you nodded in acceptance of his words, "Thank you, Duke Zhongli. Though, I have to admit I was quite curious about what you gave me as a present this year."
Of the many people who give you gifts every time you get older, Zhongli's is the one you care about the most (or you could say the one that doesn't end up being kept in an empty palace room). He has a strange taste in choosing what he wants to give, the proof of which is that he gave a flower statue made of gold last year.
"Something different from previous years. Considering it will likely be your last year staying in the imperial palace."
The line does its job to put a burden on your heart, erasing that smile for a moment before being replaced with a fake one. You notice a change in your mood, trying to ward it off by repeating the reasons you would do it. However, it is undeniable that lifting your foot from where you grew up is not as easy as turning your palm.
"Oh, he's coming."
Zhongli's voice took you from your long thought to turn to Childe who was walking towards you. He put on a smile that didn't sparkle in his eyes as usual to make him look friendly to you. Before he arrived, Zhongli thought of leaving first. He excused himself from your presence, reasoning that he wanted to talk to Duchess Ningguang.
"Who is that?" One of the nobles whispered curiously.
"I think it's Crown Prince Childe of Snezhnaya, the Princess's fiancé." Another one answered.
From the movement and gazes he doesn't take away from you, Childe gathers people's gazes on the two of you. You pay attention to him, examine his clothes and thought that grey is good on him. If you weren't capable of seeing the future, you'd think he was more like a golden retriever than a wolf in sheep's clothing.
You bowed slightly as he stood before you, "I greet His Highness Prince Childe." Your facial expression is no less fake than his.
Childe holds out a hand which you welcome with yours. He lands a kiss on the skin of the back of your hand, then looks up with a smile. "Congratulations on your coming-of-age, Princess." His voice has honey and sweetness in it.
You slowly pulled your hand away as he let go. "Thank you, Prince Childe. I hope you enjoy the celebration."
"What do I not enjoy when my fiancée stands so beautifully in front of me?"
You laugh at the compliment which is actually one of his camouflage as a future love-struck partner. Even if you're not convinced yet, it's enough to make the nobles around you whisper behind their glasses and fans. Maybe you should give Childe some credit for his hard work.
"Prince always knows what to say." You said.
"Your Highness." You both turned to the bespectacled man whom you recognized as your father's confidant. He bowed to the two of you before saying his point into the conversation. "Pardon for the intrusion, Your Highness. His Majesty asks for your presence."
"Oh, is that so?"
You look the other way in search of your father but, back to Childe when you can't find him. "That is unfortunate, I'd love to talk to you more, Prince." You speak to him so apologetic despite knowing the possibility he finds pleasure in this.
Childe smiled. "So do I. However, I can't be selfish when the Emperor is asking you."
You nodded, "Thank you for understanding. Then I'll go." You curtsied to him.
Childe reflects what you do. He watched you turn around, walking away with your long dress sweeping the hall floor. Once he sensed you were far enough away from him, he dropped all his exhausting fake expressions.
Blue eyes scanned the entire room. He noticed the fireworks exploding in the sky over the capital. It was golden in color, reminiscent of someone's eyes.
Lumine. He had to find Lumine.
His guess was right about looking for her in the gardens of the Liyue imperial palace. It was far enough away that he felt safe to approach her who was standing under the gazebo by the lake. He had sneaked glances at the hall before, however, being in front of her like this made him notice the glittering details of the blue dress he had chosen for her.
Lumine recognized his presence behind her but, for some reason chose to keep staring at the moon's reflection in the water. "Turns out it's not that easy."
"What is?" Childe walked over.
The blonde woman turned around, finding him looking handsome and not so far away. "Seeing you with the Princess, kissing her hand and praising her in front of the crowd."
"I can give you more."
A bitter scoff slipped out of Lumine, yet, she wasn't worried he'd hear it. "Have you both set a wedding date yet?" She asked, hoping that at least a shake of his head was the answer.
Maybe Aether was right. That not everything is worth holding on to the end. Choosing to be with a man who was soon to be married was wrong, Lumine should know that. However, she still thought it would be unfair for them who loved each other to just give up when Princess's relationship with Childe didn't have that.
As if reading her complicated thoughts, Childe lifted her tiny chin. He stared at her beautiful golden orbs, then landed a kiss that hoped to ease the pain in her chest.
People in love mostly do unreasonable things. People who have their partner in their arms tend to forget about their surroundings. However, the two of them should have known not to think they were completely alone.
"Princess?"
Childe didn't know what was wrong with the room the Liyue empire had prepared for him. He judged the furniture and atmosphere as very comfortable for him. However, no matter how much he tossed and turned on the bed, his eyes refused to close to go to sleep.
That was the reason he chose to take a walk in the garden at the very end of the palace even though his bones ached from the banquet that ended four hours ago. However, he did not expect to meet her here.
You turned your head from his call, "Prince Childe?"
The man approaches you. You notice he's wearing a long robe, while he wonders where you're going in a hooded robe like that—not to mention the absence of bodyguards around you.
"Are you going somewhere?" He couldn't help but ask.
For a moment he thought you wouldn't answer him, feeling it was none of his business to know. He watched you nod before setting your sights on the fireworks exploding in the sky outside the high walls of the imperial palace. The festival of celebration that the Liyue people hold whenever a member of the imperial family gets older.
"The festival." You answered.
Childe didn't expect you to sneak around at night just to visit the festival, alone. You don't seem to think about the risk of being kidnapped or killed. Isn't this very reckless of you? Have you not yet realized your value to your own people and your enemies? Many people will do anything to harm you (him included).
"Alone?"
You nodded again, "I've done this many times."
"However, it is still dangerous." Childe reminds you.
You don't want to hear his protests, so you ask him a question: "What about you? Why are you here?"
Childe looked back at you, "I can't sleep."
A frown on your face. "Is the bed not to your liking?"
Childe shook his head quickly, "It's not like that. I'm just not sleepy." He says.
"Oh."
Silence fell upon you both. You are lucky enough that the wind blows even though it doesn't wash away the awkwardness between two people who are about to get married but, doesn't quite know each other. The cool night brings new ideas to your brain.
"Would you like to join me?"
"Allow me to come with the Princess."
Unexpectedly, the two of you are talking at the same time, with the same topic. Two pairs of different colored eyes stare at each other for a few moments before you are the first to laugh, finding the situation amusing.
As soon as your laughter died down, you spoke up saying: "Okay, I'll be your tour guide, Your Highness."
This night is full of strange things. At the banquet earlier, there was a guest who was too generous to offer you a large gold-plated frog statue. Then a group of noble ladies asked you to have a tea party tomorrow morning and made you order your ladies-in-waiting to prepare it. And as the closing, you sneaked out of the imperial palace with your soon-to-be husband who was secretly planning to kill you in the future.
Even if you believe that many stars stretch across the dark night sky, the light of the lanterns seems to dim them. On the streets where people pass by, you feel the warmth in your chest when you see their happy smiles.
Your birthday.. do they like it that much?
Crowds crowded the festival. All around them was the rhythm of musicians, echoing softly as drums were pounded to enliven the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the fireworks they continued to launch seemed endless. People carrying a variety of Liyuean street food in their hands.
To Childe, Liyue was a foreign land. However, now that he was standing here, he no longer found it a bad thing if it meant that he would continue to discover new things every day.
"Very crowded." You commented to yourself but, Childe who heard it realized the potential for the two of you to be separated or lost.
His hand is stretched high enough for you to catch it from the corner of your eye. Under the hood that shielded his face from the light, you stared into his blue eyes with yours widening.
"Take my hand. I don't want us to be separated here." He said followed by a smile.
At first, you looked at his big, naked hands with some doubt. However, when the fireworks exploded in mid-air once again—showcasing their colorful crown and making you excited to go further into the festival—you let Childe hold your hand.
Strange. Didn't you say you'd be the tour guide for this festival? Then, why was he the first to walk through the sea of people? Protecting you from colliding with others by putting you behind his broad back.
You end up visiting several tenants including one selling street food. From end to end you make sure your special guest try the sweet and savory that Liyue has to offer. Oddly enough, Childe has no problem with that other than not being able to use chopsticks (which you both solve by buying food that doesn't require one).
Your next stop is a person who sells various accessories and jewelry. Although it can't be compared to what you usually get from your father and other nobles, it's enough to make you approach enthusiastically.
"Come and find what you want! Lady, what kind of accessories are you looking for?" The merchant greets you as soon as you stand in front of his desk.
"Ah, let me have a look."
You swept your eyes at the merchandise. From brooches, necklaces, rings, bracelets, to hair accessories he sells. Your hands want to take a closer look at the pink hair pins, but you remember having something almost the same to this. You're not a big fan of jewelry so you have no intention of collecting anything similar.
"How about this one?"
Childe opened his mouth when you were about to excuse yourself for not finding what you wanted. When you turned around, you found him picking up a brooch. He lifts it close to you to reveal its leaf shape with diamonds that coincidentally have the same color as your eyes.
"It has the same color as your eyes." Childe said. The diamond he was talking about reflected the light of the lantern on it.
You smiled amused, "Do you think it's beautiful?"
Childe nodded, "Yes." You think he's referring to the diamond.
You took one more glance at the brooch. "Hmm, I guess that's not bad."
"No," Childe said suddenly, making you look up at him in confusion. "I was talking about your eyes. I think you have beautiful eyes, Princess."
You didn't expect that, at all. And so, your mouth hung open for a few moments before muttering the quietest thank you. You watched as Childe showed the brooch to the old merchant, said he would buy it and then took some gold coins out of his pocket.
The warm wind blows again. The petals of the cherry blossom tree that you didn't even know existed danced in the air. As soon as you look up, you find the dark sky still stretched out, making you wonder if the night is still long.
After leaving the merchant earlier, Childe again cupped your hand in his. He splits the crowd and makes sure you stay behind him. That broad back... you wonder if he has the scars from all the battles he's survived. A battle that spreads fear at the utterance of the name 'Tartaglia'.
Then, you're curious about one more thing.
If the circumstances were different—if he wasn't the same person who would wage war on your homeland, where would you two stand?
Chapter 5: Between Fiancée and Lover
Notes:
Trigger warning: self-poisoning.
Chapter Text
You wake up with a throbbing headache. You think it's from lack of sleep from returning to the palace earlier in the morning with Childe, however, the vision you had that made you let out a sigh could be the reason as well.
The vision of your brother—Prince Shiva—poisoning Lumine, and it will happen at your tea party this morning.
You don't understand why Shiva would do that. As far as you can tell, he's not aware of Childe's affair with Lumine, nor has he ever spoken to her to the point of having issues with her. You put your assumptions on something happened last night.
You pulled your feet out of the covers to sit on the edge of the bed. Whatever the reason he would do that, you can't let that happen. Even though you've never really fallen in love, you hear a lot from people about love being at the center of everything—and that's why there are so many poetic songs that tell of its greatness. Maybe Childe was like that, which meant he would do anything for Lumine.
You don't think that he will declare war without utmost preparation just for Lumine's sake. However, you also don't want to risk him taking revenge more than this after finding out his lover was poisoned at the tea party at the Liyue imperial palace.
"... cess?"
Only a few things you see in the vision. The clearest fact is that Shiva was the mastermind, and that the poisoned tea was in a cup that looked the same as the others but, actually had a slightly different pattern near the hilt.
"Princess!"
You jumped from the call. You turned to find your closest ladies-in-waiting named Lilian looking worried.
Realizing what she had just done, she bowed apologetically. "Forgive me for raising my intonation but, you have been daydreaming." She says. "Is there something Your Highness is thinking about?"
"Yes." You answered quickly as you got out of bed. "Lilian, please prepare a warm bath for me."
Lilian nodded, "Right away, Your Highness."
As Lilian made her way to the bathroom, you walked towards the dressing table. In front of you is the mirror reflection of a woman in thought. "If they used a slightly different patterned cup than the others, they most likely wouldn't have used the Assassin's Teapot." You muttered to yourself.
You glanced at your neatly arranged cosmetic products. Near the lined lip rouge, the powder you used to wear everyday. Seeing the powders scattered around it helps you think of other possibilities.
"Is it possible that they will put poison in the cup before the tea is poured? Then, I'll have to swap seats with Lumine."
Before thinking further, Lilian and the other ladies-in-waiting have come to inform you that the warm bath is ready. You leave your mind to walk to the bathroom, taking off your clothes for a bath.
After they finish washing and combing your hair, the ladies-in-waiting help you out of the bath. They bring you to the front of the dressing table after you put on your towel robe, then do their job to put your makeup on. Lilian chose a purple hanfu according to your request, while the other two chose matching accessories.
Your ladies-in-waiting swipes the rouge once more before telling you they're done. You stand, staring in the mirror even though your mind isn't really here. Then, you exited your room towards the imperial garden.
The rustle of the wind was heard as you stepped under the umbrella that Lilian was holding. You turned to find birds flying across the clear sky. Near the lake—under the arched-roof gazebo to be precise—the table where cups of tea and various snacks were arranged neatly. You think it's not bad despite last-minute preparations.
You approach the noble ladies who have been waiting for you. "We greet Your Highness Princess (Y/N) of Liyue." They bow once you are in front of them.
"I hope all you ladies slept well last night." You said friendly.
"With the hospitality offered by the Liyue empire, of course that is a sure thing." The woman you know as Countess Jean of Monstadt replied.
You smile at the compliment. You briefly swept your eyes over the noble ladies you invited to today's tea party and found Lumine in the crowd. She seems to be avoiding your gaze but, you don't mind that.
"Let's all take our seats." You're the first to walk into the gazebo.
The women were amazed when they saw the long table decorated with flowers. To add to the fun, they will be enjoying a tea party near the lake surrounded by lush trees. They took their seats according to napkins with their own names embroidered on top of neatly arranged plates.
"Lady Lumine."
Your call to the blonde not only turned her head but also the others and got an awkward silence. You looked into her golden eyes that seemed to tremble under your gaze.
"Y-yes, Your Highness?" Lumine asked.
You glanced at the teacup on the side of the table where she was supposed to be sitting to confirm the slight difference in the pattern. Lumine who was waiting for an answer was still silent until you turned back to her.
You smile at her, "Lady Lumine, sorry but, can we swap seats today? I feel like enjoying tea looking at the cherry blossom trees today."
From your request, you know that some ladies will be surprised. After all, it was common for the tea party host to sit at the end of the table. However, with the excuses you speak loud enough for them all to hear, you expect them to loosen up for you.
"Ah?" Lumine looks confused, following your eyes that are directed at the tree that is dropping its flower petals. "If that's what Your Highness wants, I can't refuse."
"Thank you."
You walk towards the chair that Lumine should be sitting in while she takes your seat. She was trying to hide her discomfort, probably thinking you had some bad plan out of revenge that night. You don't mind it. She can think whatever she wants because the fact of the matter is that you're trying to save her from being poisoned to death.
Ah, yes, the poison.
You looked closely at the surface of the cup, finding white powders that were almost invisible if if you weren't keen-eyed. You'd guessed they'd put it here because the Assassin's Teapot's existence had been destroyed and its manufacture banned.
You looked up remembering there were still nobles waiting for you to open the tea party. "Thank you for accepting my invitation to this tea party." You said gracefully. "I have asked the maids to provide sweets that Liyue's overseas guests can suit the tastes of. Therefore, enjoy this small event with a happy heart."
After your small speech ended, you raised your finger to signal for the waiter to start pouring the tea. Smoke rises from the filled cup. The maid moves until it reaches you and does the same.
Although there was no change in color or aroma, you were absolutely certain that the poison powder had been mixed the second after the tea filled your cup. You don't know what kind of poison this is and how long it takes for its effect to have an effect on the body, so you're thinking of pretending to accidentally drop the cup so that the tea is replaced with a new one.
However, if you do that you will miss the chance to ask Shiva why he did this. It's not like you can just confront him and then talk about his failed attempt to poison Lumine. He'll ask how you know that when there's been no incident, and eventually uncover lies about your lost fortune-telling ability that you've been hiding for so long.
This headache-inducing matter.. You know you have very little time to make a decision because the nobles are waiting for you to raise your cup to allow them to drink their tea.
A sip won't kill me, right? You tried to calm yourself down even though you weren't sure. You have to get that answer from Shiva.
A smile is plastered on your face, adding to the beauty of the woman wearing the purple hanfu who gets compliments with every step you take. You raised your cup not too high, mirrored by the ladies.
"Let's celebrate this beautiful day." Your lips spoke before opening to take a sip of your poisoned tea.
Once it washes your tongue, you expect to feel a burning sensation by it. However, it tasted the same as regular Liyuean tea, leaving you unsure if the powders were nothing more than granulated sugar that had somehow fallen into the cup. You took one gulp as promised before putting the cup down in confusion.
Odd, you thought as you turned to Lumine who took a sip of hers then conversed with Ningguang. Is my vision wrong? But, it's never wrong. You noticed the pattern of your cup and confirmed it was what you saw in your 'dream'.
You were silent without moving at all to feel maybe something was different in your body. Nothing. You're now doubting you've been drinking poisoned tea.
"Princess (Y/N), I must say your birthday celebration was truly magnificent." A voice praising you turns your head where you find the blue-haired girl you know as Princess Ayaka of Inazuma.
The apples of your blushing cheeks lift as you smile. "I'm glad to hear Princess Ayaka enjoyed it."
The sound of the chair being shifted from the enthusiasm of the person sitting on it, "Ah, that reminds me! Last night I think I saw the Princess walking out of the palace with His Highness Prince Childe!" Another noblewoman enters into your conversation even though she wasn't invited before.
However, the topic she brought to the table made the rest of the nobles let her off the hook from the fact she was so impolite to suddenly speak out of turn. You who have not responded are immediately bombarded by those who are no less enthusiastic, making the tea party centered around your relationship with your fiancé.
You just remembered there's his lover sitting here too. Even though you wanted to know what expression Lumine was putting on right now however, you refrained from glancing at her. You don't want to look like you're making sure she hears and get jealous about all this.
"Wow! So romantic! Did you both went to enjoy the festival?"
"I heard you both weren't even accompanied by guards. Is that true, Your Highness?"
"Please have some control over yourself, ladies. Give Her Highness a place to breathe." Ningguang is the one who comes to your aid. From hearing her words, the nobles returned to their seats with calmer selves.
Whether Ningguang did it out of sympathy for you or she was also annoyed by their voices you don't know, you clearly thank her in your heart. Even so, there are still those who demand your answer in their seat. You let out a chuckle from the realization that there would be nothing to keep them from gossiping later.
"Some of what you all heard is true." You say, greeted by those who gasp like fangirls.
"Oh my!"
"We shouldn't be surprised at this stage. After all, Her Highness and His Highness Prince Childe will be getting married soon." Countess Jean took a sip of her tea.
You really wish they would stop talking about you and Childe. You don't know what kind of person Lumine is but, if she ends up being a sensitive one and ended up crying at this table in front of the nobles, that won't be good.
You smiled nervously, "Enough about me. Let's change the topic." You asked, luckily the ladies agreed.
Topics go on and on, making you wonder how they can have so much to talk about. The neatly arranged sweets slowly became less and less—though you thought that was proof they were enjoying the atmosphere. When you don't quite understand the conversation this time, you turn to your tea which is fuller than theirs which has been filled over and over again.
You subconsciously furrowed your brows. Is it really just a normal tea? Then, which one was poisoned? You glanced at Lumine and found she was completely fine.
Could it be that your vision was wrong for the first time? Or did you drink it so little it doesn't have any effect on you? From that thought, you feel it's the most likely thing to happen. Therefore, you wrapped your hand on the handle of the cup to lift it from resting on the small plate below.
However, you got the sight of your shaking hands. It was at that moment that you realized that your heart was beating fast for some time. You may have been immersed in the conversation more than you thought.
The voices around you blur as you focus on the changes in your body. Is it because of the sun? However, this is still considered normal weather in Liyue. You search for answers, remembering what you ate before you came here. You dazed like crazy until finally your eyes swept over and landed on your teacup.
Realization hits you then. This is the effect of the poison that you have questioned about its existence.
"Princess?" Ayaka called out to you but, before you could answer, you covered your mouth with your hand as you coughed.
The conversation died down after that, you didn't even think it was possible knowing how much they liked to talk. But the moment you take your hand away, you know you're the reason all eyes widen in shock.
You hear them gasp in horror. "Y-Your Highness! You're—!"
Your bare hands returned with enough red liquid to stain your purple hanfu. Blood. you just coughed up blood. Only then did you feel a burning sensation that was so intense inside your body, as if someone was putting a hot iron inside you before tearing you apart with it.
"P-Princess!"
You can't tell who just called you. In addition to your ears which are now buzzing loudly, your vision begins to see black spots that resemble holes. Before you know it, you lose consciousness.
Chapter 6: The Unexpected
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
As the eldest son of the Liyue empire which automatically makes him the next heir to the throne, Prince Shiva carried a lot of people's expectations on his shoulders from an early age. They demanded that he be proficient in everything. Maybe that's the same reason his world seems black and white at such a young age.
Until the birth of his little sister, Princess (Y/N).
Shiva recalled the first time he met her when his father took him into a large room, where he later found his mother lying holding a baby wrapped in thick cloth. He saw the tiny face that was fast asleep, the chubby cheeks that he often poked.
The existence of his younger sister brings color to his monochrome world.
You're the reason why Shiva whines at his nanny to pass through the front hall of the Empress' room every time he goes to class, even if it means he has to walk twice as far as usual. From the slightly ajar door, he would peek at his little sister playing with her toys. More often than not he comes in to give you a small kiss before waving away saying he'll be back.
Shiva doesn't really suck at ethics class. In fact, he knows very well what is right and wrong. However, every time his teacher sends him to the garden to remember his mistakes, that is where he will find you playing with your nanny under a tree.
You are his beloved little sister whom he will protect with all his efforts.
However, after the day your parents found out about your ability to see into the future, Shiva knew it would only bring bad things to you. And that really happened when your father started to take you away from the palace to the most dangerous place—the battlefield.
You never know how many times he asked your mother how you were. Shiva who is always the most enthusiastic every time a letter you write in your messy writing comes through a messenger pigeon. You never know how happy he is when they tell you that you've lost the ability to predict the future — which means his little sister will be out of harm's way.
Even though you end up getting engaged to a boy who grows up to be the war general 'Tartaglia' who is rumored to be thirsty for chaos, Shiva promises he will always keep you safe and happy.
However, one thing he never understood was why not everyone could think the same as him. Why can't the man who should be your fiance be like that? Rather than that, he kissed a blonde woman in the Liyue imperial garden instead. Yes, you didn't see that but, that doesn't mean it doesn't count as him cheating on you.
You'll never know how his hands were shaking with anger at that moment. However, Shiva refrains from hurting the two because he remembers the day you begged your parents to meet Childe.
The night that Shiva had seen Prince Childe making out with a woman who wasn't you, he nearly broke things on his way to his chamber. After reaching his private study, he sent his right-hand man to find out about the woman he described and demanded that the information be obtained within an hour.
Lumine. Her name is Lumine. The twin sister of Duke Aether from Monstadt.
Shiva loves his little sister. That's reason enough for him to acquire an almost undetectable poison to eliminate the woman he feels will be an obstacle for you to reach your happiness.
Then, why now his confidant entered the door impolitely stammering out your name?
Why is he now running down this long hallway after he heard the news that you passed out after coughing up blood? He didn't know how quickly he took his time until he arrived at the imperial garden and found you in Zhongli's arms. To make his fear worse, bloodstains are clearly on you.
"What—what happened?!" Shiva stammered as he rushed to help Zhongli move you to the stretcher the healer had brought.
"I don't know for sure but, the ladies said Her Highness coughed up blood and then fell off the chair."
Shiva swears his heart stopped beating instantly. Coughing up blood? He turned his head quickly at the blonde woman who was standing very, very well among the crowd of noblewomen who were in worry and fear.
Why is that woman in good health? Instead of her meeting her death, you seem to take her place.
His knuckles turned white from his tightly clenched fists. Did the waiter put the poison in the wrong cup? If that happens, Shiva will behead them as soon as you wake up. Oh, he swears by it.
Arriving at your room, the imperial family's personal doctor checks your pulse every now and then, noticing your pale skin that is almost blue. He ordered his assistant to take out a medicine which Shiva hoped would neutralize the poison that his confidant had obtained on his orders.
The doctor whispered to his assistant as if he didn't want anyone else to hear. "Internal bleeding." However, if they did that, they should have been quieter because Shiva caught it clearly.
"What?! Internal bleeding?!"
Zhongli who read the situation immediately blocked Shiva before he walked towards the doctor who was doing his work. "Your Highness, we must wait outside."
"How dare you order me to—!"
"It's for Her Highness' sake too. The doctors can't work if we riot here." Zhongli gave an excuse in his voice which he tried to keep steady. "I know Your Highness is worried but, we can't do anything by being here."
From his words, Zhongli managed to persuade Shiva who was known to be stubborn to leave the room. Even so, it hurt to see his beloved little sister lying pale on the bed. He thought it should be Lumine. Because he prepared everything and told the servant to put poison in the cup for your happiness.
No passerby can persuade Shiva not to crouch in your hallway waiting for the doctor to come out. Zhongli also didn't move from being beside him.
"From my assumptions, Her Highness drank poison." Zhongli said despite his doubts.
However, rather than being surprised, Shiva nodded as if he knew that from the start. "I don't know how this happened." He still didn't lift his bowed head. "..she shouldn't be the one drinking it."
Zhongli froze from his last sentence. He looked left and right to make sure there was no one other than the two of them around before then asking: "What do you mean, Your Highness?"
Shiva lifted his head slightly, his long hair falling to cover whatever expression was on his face. "I ordered my men to poison that woman's cup."
"Who is this woman?"
"Lumine."
Zhongli's face turned into something that reflected confusion. As he recalled, Lumine was from a different country from them—Monstadt, which was quite far away. His dark brows furrowed wondering why Shiva would want to get his hands dirty to poison the blonde woman. How serious was the matter that he was about to kill her?
"Why would you..?" The question disappeared like smoke from his hesitation to ask.
However, as if he found a piece of the word Zhongli didn't say, Shiva massaged the bridge of his nose before saying the thing that shocked the Duke of Morax the most.
"That damned prince—Childe is having an affair with her."
The hallway had never been so quiet since you were rushed to your room and treated by the imperial doctor. Even the two of them could hear the breeze finding its way here. Shiva gave him time to process the information, while Zhongli really didn't expect the problem to be this serious.
It raised a new question in his mind. You... did you know this was all going to happen? As far as Zhongli was concerned, Shiva wasn't the type to make a mistake like this. Apart from loving you very much, he is a perfectionist.
Shiva chuckled coldly, "Would you look at that? The bastard isn't here even though I'm sure he has heard of (Y/N)'s condition. I really don't know what she saw in him." He shook his head in disbelief.
If you hadn't put on a pitiful face when you begged your parents to meet Childe, Shiva would have killed the man instead of Lumine. Really, what besides his pretty face are you after?
That's weird. You clearly hear a lot of things but somehow you can't find the source or distinguish the sound. When you try to remember, it feels like there's a big wall blocking you from doing that.
Next, there is a pain that makes you flinch. Then, you feel the warmth on your left side before you realize that you are looking up at the ceiling of your canopy bed. Beside you there is a figure of someone sitting but your head doesn't obey even though you really want to turn to look at them.
"(Y/N)?!"
You're just getting a headache from trying to remember the owner of that voice.
Whoever sat next to you before, he has already left the room. Silent situations give you the opportunity to keep replaying memories in your brain. As soon as awareness hits you, you jolt and end up regretting it as the pain spreads through your body.
You drank poisoned tea then coughed up blood and lost consciousness. You keep repeating it in your mind because you are afraid you will forget again.
Thanks to your head turning to look at the door, you see Shiva entering the room with a middle-aged man you know as the imperial doctor. They both come to you. You already know the doctor will do an examination to make sure you're alright.
After heaving a sigh of relief before saying you just need to take your medicine and get enough rest, the doctor bowed to the two of you and left the room.
Your eyes scan the room and find that your ladies-in-waiting are nowhere to be found, as if they had been asked to leave while waiting for you to wake up. However, with Shiva here, you're just confused—especially with his slightly dimmed expression of regret and concern now.
You just remembered there's a lot you want to ask him.
"How long have I been unconscious for?" You asked in a low voice.
Shiva looked up to meet the color of your eyes. "Five days."
Despite being surprised at his answer, you did nothing but widen your eyes. You think you should be grateful. If at that time you did take a second gulp, maybe five days would be a month or even forever.
"Please say you didn't punish or kill anyone for this." You ask guiltily.
Shiva looks at you, still with his piercing eyes. "That crossed my mind for a while. Slaughtering all the negligent maids for hurting you like this—" You were about to open your mouth in protest, "—but I didn't because I knew you wouldn't like it."
You breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why did you do that?"
Now it was Shiva's turn to ask. However, instead of coming out as a question, it sounds like an accusation to you. It's as if you did that on purpose (which you actually did but Shiva didn't know that).
Your brows furrowed, "Do what?"
Shiva scoffed in annoyance even though it's not directed at you. "Why did you have to switch seats with someone else and end up like this?"
You have to get an answer out of him. "You speak as if I was swapping seats with a criminal sitting on the execution seat." You're now playing dumb.
"At least you shouldn't have swapped with Lumine!"
The intonation he gives off in frustration isn't enough to make you stop playing dumb. This is what you've been waiting for. Shiva will bite your bait without you needing to work hard.
"What do you mean, Brother?"
You saw Shiva's face turn red from anger and frustration. He bit the inside of his cheek, hesitating to say it. However, from your face that reflected you were so waiting for his answer, he gave up.
"I put poison in her cup."
You act like you're hearing this for the first time. If only those actors from the theatre you used to visit often knew how great you are as an actress. You put on a surprised face as if you didn't expect Shiva to do something crazy like this. If you knew his reason, you wouldn't have tricked him this far.
"Why.. why would you do that?"
Shiva's jaw hardens from your new question. "I saw him kiss the woman. He cheated on you!" His voice was full of hatred in it.
This time, there's a lot of his words that really surprises you. First, Shiva probably thinks you're crazy about Childe (which you think is better than he thinks you have ulterior motives). Second, he finds out about Childe's affair with Lumine. Third, he admitted to seeing it with his own eyes.
This is the answer you've been looking for to the point where you're willing to drink a poisonous tea that makes your internal organs feel like they're on fire. However, you don't expect your body to freeze after hearing about Childe kissing her despite having promised you to leave her.
You'd guessed he wouldn't forget her that easily. Then, why does your heart feel like it's being pulled by an invisible thread before it falls into your stomach?
In your silence, Shiva finds his opportunity to scan your face. "Judging from your reaction, I conclude you knew that some time ago." He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes glaring at you.
You don't reply even though you know it's like giving a yes in response.
Shiva sits at the end of your bed. "What are you really after? I'm no expert when it comes to romance but, you definitely don't look like someone who's in love with him."
From that you laughed a little. "Whatever I'm aiming for it has nothing to do with you, Brother. So, please separate yourself from my personal affairs."
"How can you say that—"
You cupped his big hands to calm his burning emotions, proving it always worked as a method of silencing Shiva. "I know you love me. However, I'm old enough to get married soon, let alone know what's good and bad for me."
Even though his gaze softened slightly, his stubbornness was still there. "If only mother hadn't destroyed and banned the manufacture of the Assassin's Teapot, this wouldn't have happened."
"Brother." You warned him accompanied by a sharp look in your eyes. "Don't."
You two were silent for a moment before you opened your mouth again. "I don't want you to get your hands dirty just to get rid of my fiancé's lover. Are you not sure I can handle my own problems?"
Shiva didn't reply to you again after you said so. He closed his lips, killing the unspoken words that were finally replaced by a heavy sigh. You've always been the most stubborn person even more than him, that's why he knows better and chooses not to argue for you to change your mind.
"Zhongli is waiting outside the room. Do you want to see him?"
You nodded enthusiastically, bringing a smile to Shiva's face erasing any remnants of his anger. "Yes, please."
Shiva ruffled your hair slowly. He gets up from your bed, his back to you as he steps to reach for the doorknob. You watched him open the door and talk to someone outside. Before long, Zhongli's familiar face came into your line of sight. He walks so awkwardly you almost cringe at the sight of him.
Zhongli bowed politely once at your bedside. "Your Highness."
"Please drop the formalities."
"(Y/N)."
You smile from him doing what you ask. However, you know it will be short lived as soon as he opens his mouth again to ask the same question as Shiva.
"Why did you do it?" Zhongli asked before looking doubtful. "Wait, I already know why you did that. Then, have you expected this before?"
Of course Zhongli was always on point. He's so smart, has the greatest deductive abilities than most imperial investigators you know. You just nodded at his question while giving him a smile in hopes that he would go easy on you in the protests he's been holding back for the past five days.
Zhongli was gloomy from how you who almost died looked too calm. "You almost didn't survive."
"But, I did. Can we just focus on the good stuff?"
"No." Zhongli replied to you firmly you were almost taken aback from him. "I can't focus on the good stuff when I almost lost a good friend."
Somehow you feel so small. Compared to Shiva, you feel ashamed under his amber eyes that seem to scream in disappointment. You know what you've done is dangerous. However, just as Zhongli doesn't want to lose you, you don't want to lose him either. Therefore, the crazy things you do have only one purpose—so that he doesn't have to face his death.
You wanted to tell him. You wanted to tell him why you're acting like this, in hopes that he'll understand. However, knowing Zhongli; instead of understanding, he will move heaven and earth just to stop you.
Your head is turned to the thick curtains that block the pale moonlight outside from fully illuminating the room. You smile even though you don't have to look in the mirror to know how bitter it is. This time, you can't bring yourself to meet his eyes, afraid of what emotions are soaking it.
"I'm sorry." You speak softly. "I just want to save someone."
Instead of Lumine, Zhongli becomes the one spoken of in your sentence. You don't want him to leave or get hurt. His presence in your life gives you hope in the world.
Zhongli bought your lies. So he softened his gaze on the person who had just woken up after being unconscious for days. He has a lot to ask you, including why you didn't tell him anything about Childe and his affair. However, he held back his selfishness to let you stare at the window a little longer.
"(Y/N)."
"Hmm?"
"If one day you find yourself unhappy with him, you can always come to me."
You turned your head quickly as soon as you heard that from Zhongli. Whatever expression you're making now, it brings a smile to his face—making whatever he's feeling now even more unreadable to you. Under his charm you felt your heart pounding, yet it wasn't the kind that made you want to vomit blood.
Illusion or not, you swear you saw something else in his amber irises.
Zhongli tucked a strand of hair that had fallen over the side of your face behind your ear. "Rest, Your Highness." He said, getting out of bed and walking away from you to the door to get out of the room.
You don't know what he means. All night you regretted not asking him before he left you alone.
The next day, your ladies-in-waiting served you more carefully than usual considering that you had just woken up after days. You appreciate those who wish you a speedy recovery but, are they always this chatty? It feels hot against your ears to hear them constantly discussing how romantic Prince Childe was to left you bouquets of flowers every day when you were unconscious.
"Your Highness, you should know he still ordered his people to bring you flowers even though His Royal Highness Prince Shiva had forbidden anyone to enter your room!" One of them who was combing your hair said.
"Surely His Highness Prince Childe is sad to not be able to see you!" The others chimed in.
Lillian nodded in agreement. "Prince Shiva should not have prevented him from visiting you. Don't you agree, Your Highness?"
You almost laugh at their little chat. From what you conclude, Childe doesn't even make time for you, so he sends a confidant in his place to leave bouquets of flowers at your door. Even so, You're a little surprised he hasn't returned to Snezhnaya. Is this part of him acting as a good fiancé?
"We're done, Your Highness!"
You look back in the mirror when your lady-in-waiting moves away to make room for you to observe their handiwork. Lucky for you, this isn't too much for a walk to the garden. After all, you will only be sitting in a wheelchair as recommended by your doctor.
"We can go now." You said, signaling one of them to help you move into the wheelchair.
The imperial gardens are so beautiful, you never have any doubts about that. But, after waking up from a long sleep, it feels like being grateful to still be given the ability to breathe and enjoy the cool air around you. Sunlight peeking through the leaves of the tree. A lake that reflects the clear sky above you. The warmth of the temperature around you binds you in pleasure that curls your lips into a smile.
Unfortunately, that genuine smile of yours ends the second after you hear the voice of someone you've grown familiar with calling out to you.
"Princess (Y/N)!"
You bit your lip before turning your head to find a figure standing in the tree's shadow. Aside from his ginger hair, you'd recognize that fake smile anywhere. You had expected to meet him sooner or later but you didn't think it would be this soon.
And on top of that, finding Childe wearing something different than his usual fancy attire. He slings a jacket (which still looks just as expensive) over his shoulders. Underneath it was a dark red button-up shirt that was so pressed against his body, leaving the buttons open revealing his navel.
You hear your ladies-in-waiting trying to muffle their whispers about how cool your fiancé is. But, all you're thinking is did this guy just come out straight from a bar after a drunken night?
And what's with the chest harness anyway?!
As he walked towards you, you cracked your fake smile. "Prince Childe."
Once in front of you, he smiled. "I didn't expect to meet you here. However, it's a good thing considering I couldn't see you at all when you were bedridden." He said, extending his gloved hand to cup yours and kiss it.
"That's alright. My ladies-in-waiting said you gave me flower bouquets every day. I have to thank you for that."
Childe smiled. "It's nothing. I would have given everything if it was for my fiancée." You refrained from rolling your eyes, while your ladies-in-waiting almost squealed in joy from his words.
"Right." You say, taking in his attire which you can't seem to ignore. "Have you just arrived from somewhere?" You ask, hoping it doesn't sound weird.
"General Alatus invited me to try Liyue army training."
"Ah." That explains his unusual appearance.
Childe walks around your wheelchair and tells the ladies-in-waiting to rest because he will take you around the imperial gardens. Those who didn't notice you were glaring at them happily obeyed, instead sending a smile as if teasing you about having some alone time with the Prince.
You just hope Childe has no intention of pushing you into the lake.
As long as he pushes the wheelchair, you pretend to enjoy the view as if it's the first time you've seen it (despite the fact that you've grown familiar with it your whole life). You don't feel like talking to Childe. Luckily, he filled his time by humming what you'd guess might be a traditional Snezhnayan song.
However, when you straightened your gaze again, Childe finally broke the silence. "How are you feeling, Princess?" He asked.
"I'm fine now." You said, letting him push the wheelchair near the gazebo where the tea party that ended in chaos was held last week.
Childe stopped the wheelchair by the lake. Next to you are pink hydrangeas that grow embellished along the edges. You've never been so close to this lake because you have a bad memory of being pegged by a duck that had inhabited it but, seeing it from this side doesn't feel bad.
" If you're going to keep looking at the garden this happily, I'll build you a big one in Zapolyarny's palace later." You turned and realized Childe was kneeling beside your wheelchair.
You looked into those blue eyes that you had compared to the ocean. "You're going to do that for me?"
"Of course." Childe said. "A special garden for you."
"That would be very lovely." You gave him a smile, hoping he would keep this promise in the future. "I can't wait to see it."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about the long wait."
From his new sentence you furrowed your brows. He smiles, there's something different this time as he brings your cupped hand to his lips even though he hasn't landed the kiss yet.
"Really?" You tried to ask.
It only added to his smile. "Haven't you heard?"
You wish he would stop giving you riddle after riddle. "Hear about what?" You scanned his face for answers.
You obviously didn't expect the next thing to come out of his mouth.
"That the Emperor has agreed to my suggestion of having our wedding earlier than planned." He says it very smoothly, while you hold your breath as he continues, "We're getting married in two weeks, My Dear."
Instantly, your awareness of your surroundings increases. At this very moment you freeze and he has landed his kisses on your knuckles. His words just now filled your head to the point where it felt like it might explode. Enough to drive you crazy.
However, something reminded you of who you are and why you were willing to hold on to your engagement even though you knew Childe was probably the worst human possible.
Now, you both put on the same fake smile, able to hide your intentions. Instead of declaring some undying love and vows, both you and Childe are waging war inside each other's minds.
"That's—that's amazing news!" You exclaim with joy as if you are the happiest woman on earth. Childe matches your energy and takes you in his arms.
Two can play this game.
Notes:
So, since I've been talking about Assassin's Teapot lately.. it's a teapot with two hidden chambers. One is for the normal tea, one is (usually) for the tea mixed with poison. You can switch it depending on where you place your finger.
So.. woooho! We're gonna get married soon ;3; hope you like it! Likes, kudos, comments, and Kofi tip(s) are appreciated3 P.S if you want the link to my Kofi page, it's /kiryoutann !
Chapter 7: A Wedding in Snezhnaya
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
You never would have thought that in the span of as short as two weeks, your wedding preparations with Childe could be accomplished without anything lacking. Starting from the invitations, your wedding dress, the chapel where you will make a promise in front of God, even the magician who will use magic to keep the temperature around it warm even though autumn is approaching winter in Snezhnaya.
That day has come. And now you're standing in front of a big mirror while your ladies-in-waiting and designer fix your long veil.
The woman you are looking at in the reflection is clad in a luxurious white wedding dress. Your hair is styled in a perfect updo that will be covered with a veil. Your face is more heavily made-up than usual however, not to the point that people will think you'll be performing in a circus.
"Your Highness, I will now put on the veil." One of your ladies-in-waiting said, you nodded in response.
The bouquet of flowers given to you completes the look. Behind you, the designer and ladies-in-waiting are in awe as they compliment you on how beautiful you are. This is you who will be the topic of conversation for months. The bride.
You left the room slowly thanks to the weight of your dress. However, you know that is part of the inviolable traditions and rules of the royal family. The golden horse carriage is waiting for you. You went up cautiously while holding the hand of the servant who helped you to sit down. Then the coachman whips the horse that pulls your carriage.
On your way to the chapel, the people of Snezhnaya line up neatly by the roadside waving small flags in their hands. Their cheers send you a smile as you wave your hand which makes them even more enthusiastic.
The closer to the chapel, the louder the sound of the large bell ringing incessantly could be heard. In between the sound of horseshoe hooves around you, you hear the flapping of the bird's wings from two white doves crossing the sky. You hope they will wish you good things on your wedding day.
The carriage stopped right in front of the building. Where all the way to the large door that was left open was spread a red carpet. You get off the carriage as soon as the door opens. The boy in the neat tuxedo greets you with his toothless grin.
"Princess (Y/N)!"
You find hair and blue eyes almost the same color as Childe's. The difference is, the child you know as Prince Teucer clearly has little spark in his orbs. "Prince Teucer." You greet him. "Are you going to help me with my dress' train?"
Teucer nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! Wow.. you look so beautiful!" He scanned your current appearance. You can't help but laugh at how cute he is.
Meanwhile in the chapel, the hymn sung by the choir and accompanied by the orchestra was over. The silence did not last long because the trumpet was blown signaling the bride had arrived and the groom was invited to stand on the altar. People watched their crown price reveal himself.
Now that Childe was standing before the nobles and special guests, he could see anyone in the room. However, when he swept his blue one to find a pair of golden eyes, he didn't expect that Lumine would avoid his gaze.
Before he could process the discomfort in his heart, the trumpets had been blown again and the guests rose from their seats. Childe turned his attention to the open door. The sunlight outside makes your figure into a silhouette. Childe swears that he won't be able to see you in whatever wedding dress you're wearing without imagining Lumine.
However, once the accompaniment music is played again and you take your step into this gold engraved room, he has been proven wrong.
People call you the prettiest not for nothing. In fact, in this very moment you have lived on that. Whispers from guests as they marvel at you taking such graceful steps, like a walking goddess with Princess Tonia spreading flower petals along your tracks and Teucer holding the end of your long train.
From your incessantly smiling lips, people will think you are a woman who is slowly making your way to a long road of happiness and the man standing still at the altar loves you so much that he wants to marry you quickly.
Aren't they so funny?
However, you will not do anything to their imagination. After all, people are free to live in a world they have created by their own minds. A world where anything is possible and fairy tales are the norm.
You swept your eyes around the guests and found Zhongli among them. He gave you a smile however, it wasn't the smile you usually like. This one puts a strange feeling in the back of your head. You can't curl your lips to reply because you're busy looking for the meaning behind it.
Why didn't that smile make his eyes sparkle?
You reach the altar steps before getting your answer. Your parents and your older brother sitting not far from where you are now standing. You looked up to see Childe in his red formal uniform. His ginger hair was slicked back.
This reminds you of when you first met at his coming-of-age banquet. The difference is that he was wearing a different color at the time. And clearly, he didn't have the expression he now had on his face. You smiled at him though confused as to why a blush filled his cheeks. Was this cool autumn temperature hot for him?
You really don't know what's wrong with him. By the time Teucer and Tonia return to their place a second after you reach the altar, Childe never reaches out his hand to hold yours. Rather than that, he's really just looking at you with his jaw hanging slightly.
You glanced at the archbishop looking for an answer but, all he did was stare back at you in confusion. "Prince Childe." You end up trying to call him.
From your voice, Childe blinked at anything that made him act like you had three heads. He holds out his hand and you let him lead you to the archbishop. The music stopped, leaving silence after the guests were seated again.
The wedding ceremony opened with the word of God. The whole room silently listened to the archbishop. You and Childe keep your eyes on the front. However, every now and then you turn your eyes to see the stained glass behind him.
"First, I am required to ask if any man can show just cause, why they may not legally be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace." The archbishop gave a pause that made you nervous.
The archbishop continued after that met only a quiet silence. "The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not legally marry, you must declare it now." This time, it was said to both of you and got the same result.
"Ajax, will you take (Y/N) to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will."
You expect him to take some time to answer. However, it comes off his lips so naturally that it takes you by surprise.
The archbishop turned to you. "(Y/N), will you take Ajax to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
This is the culmination of this ceremony. Just by answering with two words, it means that you will truly tie your life and happiness to Childe—who you know still hasn't changed his goal of killing you and waging war on Liyue after he ascends the throne.
However, this has gone too far for you to be afraid and run away. Of all the opportunities that life throws at you and you don't take, you can't back down from this.
So, with smiling lips you then say: "I will."
In that moment, you are absolutely certain that your door to hell has been opened. The bridge that will lead you directly to the lion's den stretches wide. Childe and you, between who will be the winner you have no idea though you have the ability to see the future. But, you want to think you have the nerve to witness it.
All the prayers that are said and the procession that follows are blurry to you. Childe reads his vows (which you know he'll be breaking soon) and you speak yours. Before long, the archbishop declared you both as husband and wife.
The chapel's closed door opened again for the two of you to pass through. Apart from the larger, roofless horse carriages, the people of Snezhnaya waited as they cheered for the newlyweds. The bells are ringing above you again. You glanced at the Snezhnaya flag that was everywhere.
This land will be your dwelling place for the rest of your life.
Your husband holds out his hand which is now covered in white gloves. You stare at his blue eyes for a moment, wondering what emotions are in it only find your own confusion. How funny it is that you think you can always guess how complicated Childe is.
"Princess?" Childe is calling you.
You put your smaller hand in his. He guides you to walk towards the now open carriage, getting on it first before helping you.
After the carriage doors closed, the two coachmen who were controlling the four white horses whipped them. The horses ridden by the guards walk beside your carriage. Childe and you waved a few times to greet the crowd who didn't seem to lose their energy to see the royal family. It brings sincerity to your smile.
"I'm not sure if this information is important to you or not but, I must say that the nobles can't stop talking about how beautiful Princess (Y/N) is!"
Childe who was standing in front of the mirror while the ladies-in-waiting helped him get dressed for the wedding reception rolled his eyes. This is the fourth time Dmitri—his confidant and assistant— has spoken of you. This time he is sure that he's not only amazed, he is clearly deifying you.
Dmitri spun aroun. "They even asked who designed her dress, where she did her hair and makeup—"
"Dmitri, please shut up before I find a way to get that turtle statue down a human's throat." Childe said in the cold that was sent to him.
Dmitri fortunately did as he asked. He looked at him through the mirror and noticed his frightened expression. The ladies-in-waiting styled his hair with stiff shoulders. However, Childe doesn't care if he scares them, he doesn't need to hear anything about you.
Because it would only bring him a strange feeling. As if telling his brain to replay the image of you in your wedding dress.
Childe massaged the bridge of his nose. He glanced at the window which showed a view of the star-studded sky outside. His ears caught the ladies-in-waiting mumbling about they had finished their work and were about to leave. He looked back at his reflection in the mirror, finding the accessories of his uniform reflecting the light.
The ginger haired man turned around, down the podium where he had been standing. "Let's go." He said to Dmitri as an order.
Standing right behind the door that will open later, Childe doesn't find you anywhere. How long will he have to wait for you? He hopes you will show up soon so he can do this and get it over with quickly.
"Am I late?"
Your voice, which seemed innocent, caught his ear. Childe was about to take a deep breath before putting on a fake smile however, all his efforts were lost when he landed his gaze on you.
Damn you.
With you in a red dress that flaunts your neck from side-swept hair, Childe doesn't have to listen to Dmitri to know the guests will be talking about you again. Even though he won't admit how his heart beats with enthusiasm, you're incredibly beautiful and he's sure no one would dare deny it.
You smiled as you made your way towards him. "Should we go now, My Prince?"
Oh, you. You know what effect you had on him. However, before it spread far, Childe remembered that he too had to play his part. He lifted his usual fake smile on his face while holding out his hand like he usually does.
His lips touched your knuckles which were covered by the black gloves. "We should, Dear." He said with a smirk.
The big door opened after the newlyweds stood next to each other. A luxurious ballroom decorated with gold was displayed. The huge chandeliers lit up giving light for those below to look up at the two of you. Childe and you walk in unison, taking little by little steps down the stairs.
Once you reach that expansive floor, you know you have to open this reception with your first dance as a married couple. This awareness brings with it the uncomfortable feeling you are trying to swallow.
Childe takes you to the dance floor with his radiating charm. His handsome face smiling at you made your heart skip a few beats and you cursed yourself for it. You notice the guests are taking a step back to give the two of you some space to dance freely.
How perfect this man is as he kneels down to kiss your hand in front of these people. You bit your cheek hoping it would distract you from blushing.
Childe stands still looking at you as he says: "I will lead our dance tonight, Princess." You wonder why now he has no intention of hiding the cunning in his voice yet, you have no time to care.
As his arms wrap around your waist, you almost hold your breath. The violin is the first to find the melody, followed by another orchestra that plays music while the two of you sway. You compare this to your first dance at his coming-of-age banquet, not realizing that he's doing the same thing.
Childe smiles sweetly as he raises your hand into a twirl that proves something in the back of his head. "I see you have mastered the Snezhnayan dance." He praises.
You chuckled. "I would be a fool if I repeated the same mistake."
Whether it's a good sign or a bad one however, you're a little pleased that there's been a change in your relationship with Childe. Small conversations like this made the dance not as stiff as before. At least you can forget about the fact that you two are doing this just for a show before pointing swords at each other's necks later in the future.
Your first dance is over. You bowed while he put his right hand on his left chest as a goodbye. Before you could step away and leave for the other couples who were starting to make their way onto the dance floor, you heard your name being called out loud.
"Princess (Y/N)! Princess (Y/N)!"
You turned to find the owner of the voice was Teucer. "Prince Teucer!" You greeted him enthusiastically.
Childe watched as his youngest sibling ran up to you and hugged your dress. He laughed from how a blush spread across his freckled cheeks. You crouched down to match his height.
Teucer moved his feet from nervousness. "Can I.. can I dance with you?" He asked almost inaudibly.
"Oh, so now you want to steal my bride?" Childe teases Teucer. You can't help but catch how the expression on his face warms up as he does so.
Teucer furrowed his brows. "It's not like that, Ajax!"
You laughed at the sight of his cheeks puffing up in annoyance. "Of course, Prince Teucer can dance with me." You give your answer.
It's so satisfying to see how his blue eyes light up when he hears you. He threw his hands in the air in small celebration then held out his hand which you think he was imitating the gesture from seeing Childe earlier.
"Teucer, you should ask the Princess again." Childe returns with his attempt to annoy Teucer.
"But, I just did!"
"You should have said it more politely."
You glanced sharply at Childe. "Oh, please. What part did he say that was disrespectful?" You asked, taking the little boy's side.
However, Teucer realized what his brother was talking about and immediately opened his small lips. "Oh! You mean like this?" He cleared his throat, "Princess (Y/N), may I ask you for a dance?"
Teucer was so cute when he tried to imitate the aristocratic way of speaking. Childe thought the same thing however, suppressing his laughter so his little brother wouldn't lose his confidence. After all, he had used most of it to approach and ask the most beautiful woman in the ballroom to dance with him.
"Since you two are going to dance, I better not interrupt." Childe bowed to you. "Excuse me." He excused himself from in front of you two without forgetting to send a wink at Teucer.
You took the hand of the boy in front of you happily. So far you've been dancing with Childe but somehow you're sure this will become your favourite.
Though in your dance with Teucer, you can't heed your mind wondering where Childe has gone when your eyes that sweep around can no longer find his broad back anywhere.
After your second dance is over, you give Teucer a chance to dance with the kids his age. You walk over to a table serving food and drink, intending to grab a glass of red wine to quench your thirst. Your dry throat is finally satisfied.
"May I take you for a dance?"
You turn around and find Zhongli holding out his hand to you. "Zhongli!" You greet enthusiastically, placing your glass on the table behind. "What are you doing here?"
Zhongli laughed. "This is your wedding reception and I am your best friend. How come I'm not here?"
"I know that but, what I mean is why are you here and not there?" You glanced at where people were busy dancing.
"Didn't you hear me asking you to dance?"
Your eyebrows meet in the middle. You looked around you to make sure you weren't hallucinating about finding women who kept staring at Zhongli as a signal to be brought out for a dance. However, as if blind, he didn't even give them a single glance.
"Those ladies are waiting for you."
Zhongli smiled telling you he realized that. "I know."
You nodded as you pursed your lips. "If the Duke insists, I can't refuse." You raised your hand in the air telling him to cup it.
Once he does, you can't help but compare him to Childe's. Yet, you didn't find the answer you were looking for. Therefore, all you can focus on is your steps towards the dance floor with Zhongli.
However, once you two reached it, you didn't expect what you're seeing now. Childe is standing there, holding Lumine's hand—whom you guessed will be his dancing partner in the song that was about to begin. Even though you understand very well why he chose her, you can't put your mind about the sharp look in his eyes that are directed at your dance partner.
Luckily the music starts playing so you have no choice but to give them a smile and ignore it. Zhongli wrapped his arms around your waist. You put yours on his shoulder, brushing the cold metal of his epaulette.
When the ballad ends, it leaves a good impression on your ears. You and Zhongli exchanged smiles as you bid farewell to your dance.
DRAP..DRAP..
Before you had time to turn to look at who was making such heavy footsteps, you found Childe standing between you and Zhongli. This time, he didn't even have any intention of hiding how fake his smile was.
"Enjoying your dance?" He asks.
You furrowed your brows after glancing at Zhongli who seemed to understand why Childe was approaching you. "Very much, My Prince." You answered just to be polite.
There's something in your words that widens his smile. However, rather than giving off a friendly impression, he looks like a psychopath who is only one step away from torturing his victims. You shudder in horror at how much he really reflects that.
"Really? Good for you because I didn't."
Your eyes widen at his words. You looked behind him to find Lumine drinking her red wine. From where she's standing, you make sure she's a distance away where it's impossible for her to hear what Childe just said.
"You didn't enjoy your dance with Lady Lumine?" You asked skeptically. Shouldn't Childe feel like he's on cloud nine every time he's with her?
"I don't enjoy seeing you with my wife." Childe answered to Zhongli instead of you.
Your mind immediately stops processing everything. You really don't understand why he suddenly came to you just to say this. He should be the last one to protest about you and Zhongli sharing the dance without any ill intention.
Childe still maintained his completely provably fake smile at Zhongli, "I'll say this in case you didn't know. That a man's greatest sin is when they openly seduce a married woman." He made sure his sentences were delivered clearly.
There is a lump that forms in your throat while you are silent listening to their conversation which somehow grows into something hostile.
Zhongli also did nothing to lessen it by laughing.
"Is that so?" His mocking expression surprisingly matched the structure of his handsome face. "Then where is the place for a man who abandoned his wife and went to love another woman then, Your Highness?"
The blood on your face drains away the second you hear the reply. You look at Childe and realize his fake smile has been wiped away, leaving nothing but his face with badly disguised venom in its place.
"What did you—"
"Gentlemen, I would appreciate it if you would take your squabble somewhere else." You cut off Childe before he made matters worse, luckily for you they're now turning to you instead of throwing glares at each other.
You turned to Childe first. "Prince Childe, there is no seducing anyone here. After all, you know it's common for people to dance even with a married person, especially when she's one of the hosts." You said. Seeing the change in his expression, you thought (and prayed) was a good thing before turning to Zhongli. "Duke Zhongli , please stop saying bad things about my husband."
You think them fighting each other is the worst thing that could happen. However, you proved yourself wrong when they both gave an expression that reminded you of a puppy who had just been scolded by its master.
I really can't handle this, you think.
You took a deep breath before looking at them in turn. "Now if I may excuse myself." You walk past them.
Somehow tonight feels so heavy that you're sure there's no alcohol in the world that can lighten it for you. Your hand encircles the famous Snezhnaya red wine glass. You try not to listen to noble ladies gossiping to your right and left about a handsome Duke.
Heaven brings you something else to stare at as Lumine ends up passing in front of you. You thought she would continue her way by pretending not to see you. However, she surprises you when she bows politely in her greeting to you.
"Your Highness." Her voice is toneless to your ears.
You gave her a smile she didn't expect. What does she think of you? That you have a grudge against her and will spit on her before pouring the red wine in your hands? You're reminded of your crazy act of drinking the poison that should have been in her tea.
"Lady Lumine, I hope you enjoy the party." You said, hoping she wouldn't take it as a mockery of you marrying her lover.
"Of course, Your Highness. I congratulate you on your marriage."
You held back your laughter when you heard that. She claims to be congratulating you but, her expressionless face is clearly set to hide whatever she feels for you. Even though you can't really see her true emotions, her unsmiling lips are enough to tell you that she doesn't like you in the slightest no matter how many parties you invite her to.
But you couldn't be more indifferent about this either. You have a lot on your plate and you don't need the little things to weigh it down.
"Thank you." You replied.
Lumine looks like she's about to take her leave now that she's said what she needs to. You know those legs under her purple dress are ready to turn once she's excused. However, there's a new footstep you two catch that comes from another blonde.
"Ah, why the rush to leave? Please stay, Lady Lumine." You turned and found a woman in a tight dark blue dress that accentuated her curves.
You've never seen her before, nor have you ever invited her to any of your tea parties. From the way she spoke and carried herself, you would conclude she was one of the Snezhnaya aristocrats. She has blonde hair that seems colder than Lumine's. The light gray eyes that supported the appearance of the smile you took as possessing cunning and everything that was still wrapped hidden inside.
Surely, she recognized who you were so she gave a graceful bow. "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Rosalyne-Kruzhka Lohefalter, though people know me better as the wife of Rostam—Duke of Kovroninsk." She spoke to you.
You smiled, "A pleasure to meet you, Duchess Rosalyne."
"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. To meet the woman who has been the topic of conversation among us aristocrats is a fortune that not everyone has." She wrapped sweetness in every word.
A dry laugh slipped out as you brought your glass closer to your lips. "You are too kind." You said.
Behind you, noble ladies are still in their gossip. You wonder how interesting this topic is that they don't keep their mouths shut. A step back you take to try to listen.
"Oh, Duke Maxim is really charming. I'm sure I can warm his bed better than Duchess Anna." One said followed by a loud laugh.
You almost wince from how they talk about a married man in such a bad manner. However, it turns out that you weren't the only one eavesdropping as Rosalyne and Lumine now have changed their facial expressions.
The platinum-blonde woman fanned herself with her hand fan to dispel her vicarious embarrassment. "I can't imagine how Duchess Anna will act if she hears this. Some women really have no shame, don't you agree, Your Highness?" She glanced at you with a glint in her eyes.
"Do you know that woman?" You asked out of curiosity.
"Of course not. However, perhaps Lady Lumine knows." Rosalyne turned to the other blonde. "If I'm not mistaken, I've seen you talk to her."
Lumine nodded, "She is Lady Annika, daughter of Viscount Andrei."
"Ah, I've heard of her. To think she would be so ill-mannered." Rosaline said. "Your Highness, you should avoid interacting with such a person as it will only bring you a bad name. I am passing this on as one sister's advice to another now that you have become part of the Snezhnaya royal family."
You didn't know Rosalyne was conveying this sincerely or she had other motives. You're not so sure because you've met too many people who hide their true colors. For now, for your own safety, it's best not to get close to anyone just yet.
However, you know apart from your entry into the aristocracy of the Snezhnaya kingdom, there are more things ahead that you need to worry about. Your wedding night.
Notes:
guys guys GUYS. i'm thinking of writing smut for the next chapter, what do you thinkkkkkkkkk?! i've already said this on my tumblr but i wanna know what my ao3 readers wants! i'll try to give my best tho but if my writing turns out not like what i expected, i think i'm gonna leave the smut later :(
cant wait to hear your thoughts! ily ily stay healthy all!
Chapter 8: A Good Lover
Summary:
(Y/N) and Childe's wedding night.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
In the aristocratic world, a wedding could be annulled the next day if nothing happened on the wedding night.
You know that very well. It's the exact reason for you to sit in front of the dressing table even though your body aches from dancing with so many people at the reception. The woman combing your hair seems to understand it from the pitiful face you catch in the mirror.
"Would you like a massage, Your Highness?" She offers.
You shook your head slowly, "No need." You answered curtly.
The woman nodded, combing your hair again. You're grateful she knows you're too tired to build a conversation even though you wanted to. After all, your ladies-in-waiting will return to Liyue tomorrow with your family and be replaced with the one from Snezhnaya.
"Is it scary?" You open your mouth suddenly, providing no context for what you're asking.
"What is?"
You're not entirely sure to ask. This is something you find embarrassing to say. However, she already saw how your cheeks were turning red through the mirror. You guessed she had guessed on what this was.
"Wedding night." You said softly before loudly, "Is it scary?"
A breath you take to prepare if she laughs or teases you about it. If you compare this to when you were young and curious about where babies come from, would it be the same? For a moment you think about how quickly time flies. It feels like just yesterday you were playing in the imperial gardens and now you're going to spend your wedding night with your husband.
"I don't think so." The lady answered, giving you some relief even though you're not entirely sure. "Are you nervous?"
"A little." You said.
This will be my first time , you thought. You know you can't say the same about Childe, which only makes your anxiety worse. What if you end up embarrassing yourself in front of him?
One of the reasons you wish you could keep your current lady-in-waiting is from how quickly she noticed the change in your facial expression. She smiles as she stares at your reflection, combing your hair for one to three times before placing the comb on the dressing table. Then, she smears the perfume around the nape of your neck and collarbone.
You looked up at her who was now standing next to you. "Don't worry, Princess. Everything will go well." She says.
Instead of smiling, you feel sadder from it. These are moments where pleasant words will only bring sadness to the recesses of your heart. You don't want to be left alone in this unfamiliar land while they head back to Liyue.
"Must you go?" You asked a rhetorical question that was conveyed in a low, almost whispering voice.
Your lady smiled. "Princess.." She knelt in front of you then put her hands on top of yours. "I have served you since you were a child, I know you are a tough person. Therefore, I won't worry because I'm sure you'll be fine here."
You bit your lip which started to tremble. Your eyes heat up and then blur from the tears welling up around them. If being tough means having to watch the people you care about leave you one by one, you are eager to give this role to someone else. However, the cruel heaven above won't give it even if you ask at your bloody feet.
"Oh my God, please don't cry, Princess. You'll ruin the makeup."
Your lady wipes the tears that have flowed down your cheeks. Even though in her sentence she seemed to be worried because of the powder and lip rouge she had applied but, you know she was just trying to distract herself from not crying either.
You hold her hand. "Please promise me to visit me."
Though she knows her promise can't be kept, your lady-in-waiting nods as if she will arrange her visit later. You hate how easy it is for her to lie like this to you.
"Of course, Your Highness."
Her hand reaches for your powder to apply to you again. When she was done, she took one glance before placing it again on the dressing table. She makes sure your satin nightgown hugs your body perfectly.
The lady stood up. "Princess should go to His Highness' chamber now." She extends her hand to help you do the same.
You want to swap lives with anyone right now. However, you're reminded again of the future of Liyue whose clear sky is covered in black smoke from the war. Besides for the sake of Zhongli and your ladies-in-waiting, you must know that the lives of your people are also in your hands. The people you love will be at stake if you stop here.
In that realization, it also brings courage in you.
"Okay." You lower your maid's hand.
The steps you took to the door have stopped. However, it's not from doubt overpowering you, but rather her words about you being one of the toughest people she knows.
You tried to lift a smile, "I'll go now." You turned the doorknob and walked out of your room.
In the aristocratic world, a wedding could be annulled the next day if nothing happened on the wedding night. You wouldn't give Childe a chance to do that (even though you're sure he's doing the same to keep you by his side too).
If it weren't for the bitchy-faced woman waiting for you at the door, you might have gotten lost in your search for Childe's room. After walking down several dark alleys in awkward silence, you finally reached a large door. You thank the lady (and hope she won't be your future lady-in-waiting) then let her bow and leave you.
Your hands are clenched at the sides however, mustering up the courage to knock the door is a different matter. You stood there until you took a deep breath for the fourth time before bringing your knuckles against the surface of the door.
In this silent night it is not difficult to catch the faint Come in! that comes from the other side. You took another breath. It feels like no matter how many times you do that, the burden that fills your lungs won't go away either. You guessed that apart from stepping in—stalling for time and calming down was pointless.
The door was pushed open after you turned the cold handle. The room was almost completely dark if it weren't for the nightstand lamp and the moonlight outside. You caught his silhouette sitting on the sofa pouring red wine into a glass.
You closed the door behind you. "Prince Childe?"
"Ah," Childe put his bottle of red wine on the table. "You're here, Princess."
His voice sends goosebumps down your spine. You still had your back against the door as you took little by little detail from Childe.
From where you were standing, you noticed he was wearing a button-down shirt that was left open. You're not sure it's burgundy or purple but, all you know is it's enough to show off his defined abs. Damn, you really want to curse yourself as warmth creeps up your cheeks from it.
Childe felt your gaze, which then brought a sly smile to his face. "Hmm? Why are you still standing there? Come here, have some red wine to drink."
You can't help but think he's put something in it.
A dry laugh escaped your lips, "I'm afraid I already drank too much during the reception, My Prince."
"Is that so? Well, that's a shame." You caught a glint of disappointment in his voice.
You choose to turn your attention to something else. This room is huge, which doesn't surprise you considering it's the room of the crown prince of this kingdom. On the ceiling is a painting amidst gold carvings. A big luxurious chandelier makes you wonder how it looks when turned on.
On one of the tables at the side of the room, you find an unfamiliar wood carving. It's enough to make you curious and approach it.
"What's this?" You asked, eyes sweep over every detail of it.
"Oh, that?"
You hear the sound of a glass being put down. The silence between you makes it easier for your ears to pick up on the sound of feet approaching you. You pretended to look around to buy time and calm your racing heart. However, from your question this brings the man you are trying to avoid to stand beside you.
"That's Mr. Cyclops."
From the odd name, you furrowed your brows. "Mr. Cyclops?"
Childe let out a warm laugh. "Sort of like Teucer's imaginary friend. He liked it so much that he asked a sculptor to carve it. We ended up making two."
At first, you thought you were hallucinating about how his face softened whenever he talked about his siblings. However, after being this close to Childe and catching his voice talking about Teucer with a smile, you can conclude that Childe really appreciates his brothers and sisters.
You certainly can't help but curl your lips from it. "You must really love him." You said.
"Of course. For me, my siblings are my number one priority." Childe said proudly.
Teucer, Tonia, Anton. The last name feels bitter to say. Looking at Childe who was holding the wooden sculpture with a smile, you could somewhat understand why he was so eager to reach his dream of bringing war on Liyue.
To think this ginger-haired family man is a mass murderer blows your mind.
You almost forgot about your intention to avoid him until you realized you had been staring at him for too long. Those blue eyes found you too. And from that realization, you awkwardly laughed while walking towards the bed pretending to admire the exact same canopy bed you had in your new room.
However, Childe has been watching your movements. He noticed how you avoided being around him as if he had an infectious disease.
You believe he has some sort of ability to move as fast as lightning. What else can explain how he was by the table and now standing in front of you with owl-like eyes? His height that towers over you puts you in his intimidation and ends up backing away until you're sitting on the soft bed.
"You're avoiding me, Princess. Is there anything I need to know why you did that?"
Childe did ask but, a hint of cunning in his voice gave the impression that he knew why. He took another step in getting closer to you.
Unfortunately for you, at this close distance you're not the only one who can see the expression on his face. He doesn't need your answer about why your eyes feel like they're avoiding eye contact or how your hands are squeezing the sheet behind you.
Rabbit in the lion's den, you remind him of that.
You caught your breath as Childe cupped your chin while placing his other hand beside you. He leaned closer to you. From his warm breath rubbing against your skin, goosebumps were sent all over your body.
God, you really want to erase his handsome smirk.
"Don't tell me you're shy." He said, ridicule clearly audible in it.
You think of yourself as pathetic allowing someone like him in his impression to be able to shrink you under him. Childe has a very high pride, which you believe will only grow if you can't control yourself from acting as if you've lost confidence for the rest of your life.
Little time you have to gather yourself. The least you can do is pretend you're not at all nervous in his presence.
You put your hand on his that cupped your chin. "Shy?" You looked into his slightly wide blue eyes. "You think so?"
Childe watched as you brought his fingers to your lips, sending warmth all over his body as your tongue brushed against his skin. Your wet bottom lip brings an erotic impression that he didn't realize before. Those eyes of yours staring at him under your curly eyelashes that blink at him.
You won't let this man think he has any influence over you.
"Do you .." You brought his wet fingers down your neck until it reaches your satin-covered cleavage. "Do you want me to act like that?"
Apparently you underestimated your acting skills a bit. Because with his hands now led to your exposed thighs, you see how hard he is to hide his jaw tightening along with his shoulders.
"Stop."
You think you're hallucinating he's muttering something under his breath. But, why do those blue eyes that stare at you now seem to find a way to darken? The hand that gripped the hem of your evening gown stirred a strange feeling in your stomach.
"Stop," Childe repeated louder as he drew closer, the scent of the red wine he drank earlier brushing under your nose. "I should be the one making you feel good."
You know there's no going back after this.
"Show me, then."
How brave you are. The sentence that just escaped from you was taken by him as a challenge as well as an opportunity for him to smack his lips on yours. You were taken aback by his sudden action however, you didn't push him away.
Childe tilts his head to kiss you more, slipping his tongue in to explore every inch of you. He tasted like the wine he drank, yet you don't find yourself intoxicated from it. You feel his slender fingers creep up your neck, then to the back of your head deepening the kiss.
The knot that his free hand loosens makes your robe pool on your thighs, leaving only your satin nightgown. He lowers the strap from your shoulder. A small moan threatens to escape you as his fingers slip in and gently squeeze your breasts.
A string of saliva forms when your kiss ends. Childe wasted no time and lowered his lips to the crook of your neck, landing a peck that made your cheeks heat up even more.
You didn't notice the straps of your nightgown dropping further, giving Childe an easy chance to cup your breasts in his hands. He continues to smear you with kisses until he reaches your chest. You bite back on the moan that barely escaped when he landed another one before twirling the tip of his tongue against your nipple.
"Mmhh!" The back of your hand covers your lips as he sucks on you.
When did this room catch fire? You try to dismiss the logical reasons that make the atmosphere feel heated. Your eyes are on Childe who is pampering your breasts with his mouth and hands.
There's a lot you can get out of your mind except for one. You wonder if he does this to Lumine often.
Before you feel a scratch on your heart, Childe brings you pleasure again by twisting your other nipple between his fingers. His sudden movement surprises you, leaving your lips parted for a moan.
Childe releases your nipples from his lips with a pop sound. He made sure you saw him licking his wet lips, warmth blooms in your chest. You watched him put his hands under your feet. A gasp comes out of you as he throws you over his shoulders without warning then lays you on the center of the bed.
In front of you, Childe tore off his buttoned shirt before throwing it behind him carelessly. Your gaze follows the outline of his athletic body. You are very, very sure that God carved him with great care.
"I'll take it that you like what you see."
You were caught staring at him. Your lips parted however, didn't say anything for a response.
Childe let out a small chuckle. He crawls over you, his hands resting on your calves and then moving up and down your inner thighs. He stops right at your wet panties. His fingers rub gently against you, feeling the outer part of your folds. Your back is slightly arched. It's getting harder and harder to hold back the embarrassing voices at the end of your throat.
His strong hands spread your legs to open wider. Your heart skipped a beat from worrying about what he was going to do.
Then Childe leaned, slipping his tongue into your wet panties and licked your fleshy folds. You moan, your hips lifted. It feels weird and good at the same time. By the time he does it again, your back is arched like a cat. Before you know it, your fingers are on his ginger head, gripping it every time his tongue moves enthusiastically to explore your outside.
"Y-Your High—"
Your calls to him are cut off from a moan as he plays around your clit. Something stirred in your lower stomach. It feels like your mind is foggy from everything he's doing to you.
Childe put your feet on his shoulders as he licked and sucked you down there. A wave of pleasure makes its way to roll from within you. You bit your lower lip holding back a cry. Your toes curled. Next thing you know, your thighs start shaking from a pile of tingling ectasy that threatens to burst out.
"Nnghh!"
Your body feels foreign when you can't get an answer for what you're feeling. However, Childe seems to know very well because he puts his hand on your hip. Your legs wrapped around his shoulder as the waves release all your pleasure, leaving you breathless.
Childe straightened his back, licking the remnants of your liquid from his lips. He looked at you lying with your breasts spilling out of the nightgown. The face you're making does a lot to him including tightening his pants. Your chest rising and falling, your lips swollen from the long kissing session.
Fucking God ..
Childe likes to think he is a patient person. However, can you expect him to stay that way while you're lying pretty like this? You looked at him with a flushed face as if you were testing how long he would last.
A gasp escapes you as he tugs at your panties without warning and throws them on the floor. You feel totally exposed when he does the same to your evening gown, leaving you naked without a single thread. Once close enough, he licks your earlobe giving you goosebumps.
His fingers caressed your swollen pussy. You gripped the sheet as he ran his fingers in a circle over your clit. He puts one finger inside you before moving it inside.
The distance between you and Childe is closing, allowing you to smell his scent. Your warm breath hits his ear as he slides two more fingers into you. Childe groaned from his tightened pants. His patience growing thin when he saw you holding back a moan beneath him.
"God, what a sweet face." Childe bit his lower lip, pulling his fingers away from you to strip his pants.
Now, you two are naked on that big bed. You felt your face heat up from sweeping your gaze over every inch of his body. Scars covered almost every part of him—evidence of countless victories from the battles he'd been through.
However, there is nothing about him that you can compare to his big fat cock which stands tall and proud. You sure can go crazy from this. Your heart is beating so loud you're afraid he'll hear it. Before you can react, he has positioned himself on top of you, his hand holding his dick in front of your pussy.
Childe rubbed his cock on the outside of your cunt, moving it up and down and slightly into your hole. You whimpered from the pain you feel. His blue eyes noticed it then he kissed your lips.
"Don't worry. I'll make you feel really good." He says.
Somehow the sentence doesn't really bring you comfort. You nod slowly, biting your lip as he begins to push himself into you. Your jaw locks as you try to endure the pain radiating from him tearing you in. Your hands turned pale from how tightly you gripped the sheet.
You've always thought of Childe as a selfish maniac, that's why you don't expect to be treated sweetly by him even on your wedding night. However, you probably wouldn't even notice the tears rolling down the corners of your eyes if it weren't for him leaning to you and gently wiping them away.
"Does it hurt that much?" Childe looks at you with blue eyes that make you think he's worried (or is it just you hallucinating).
This isn't good. Him now acting as a good lover brings a warmth that swallows all the breath in your chest. It tastes sweet before bitter when you hit realization. The possibility of him making love to you while imagining someone else.
Childe starts moving his hips, thrusting in you slowly. You winced from the pain you still felt. He tries to distract you by kissing the curve of your neck. You wrap your arms around his neck as he picks up his speed. Although this isn't entirely pleasant for you, the soft groan that comes out of him makes you conclude that he feels something different.
Your inside hugs his cock very, very tightly Childe is sure he will go crazy. He slows down, pulling out before pounding harder into you. You whimpered as you brought him closer.
"You're so tight..!"
Slowly, your pain disappears. Childe noticed the look on your face and took the opportunity to speed up his thrusts again. Maybe you have been influenced to let your moans out. Your fingernails dug into his back from pleasure, breasts swing freely in every pace.
"Mmmh! Harder!"
Childe smirks at your request. "Harder? Are you sure?"
The nod you give when your lips let you down. He grants it by slapping his hips against you harder than ever, his cock brushing against every part of your walls.
The sound of skin clapping, but his favorite is those lewd ones that come out of your lips after a lot of trying to hold them in. Just how good is his cock that you no longer care if it all boosts his pride? Even now you show a face that burns his lust even more.
Involuntarily, your legs hooked around his waist as he continued to pound you deeper. Your pussy twitching from his cock provoking your second orgasm tonight. You're too lost in your own pleasures to notice his pace getting sloppier by the second.
"Fuck." You caught him cursing under his trembling breath.
Childe gives you a final thrust before pulling his throbbing cock from inside you, squirting his sticky warm cum over your stomach. His broad chest heaved up and down trying to catch his breath as you gathered yours. He takes a handkerchief from his nightstand drawer wiping his liquid off you.
Now that your vision is no longer covered with lust, you reflect on what just happened. Even though you know you have no way of avoiding this, you can't really believe you've made love to someone who has the potential to kill you later. Thinking about it raises a new question—did anything of this change that?
While you were lost in your own thoughts, Childe had pulled the blanket over you. You're not sure he's doing that out of considerateness or he doesn't need your naked body reminding him that you're not Lumine.
You know you're in big trouble when you wish Childe would take you in his arms instead of picking up and putting on the pants he threw on the floor earlier. You like to think you're still lost in the mood, not from actually wanting him to lie down next to you until morning comes.
Childe combed his hair with his fingers before crawling over to you. He leaned closer, giving a cold kiss though you could tell his lips were warm.
"Rest up, Princess." He said to you.
You were silent in his bed. His back is away from you as he steps toward the large door and disappears behind it. Though you can't really see it, you feel a wound in the deepest recesses of you from how it stings when you take air to fill your lungs.
No one is willing to tell the reason why you feel suffocated. That's okay, you expect nothing anyway. Whatever it is, you just have to pour it in the sea and watch it drift away later.
Notes:
AAA i hope i don't disappoint anyone with this. i tried to add the 'angst' in the smut scene, hope it didn't spoil the mood( ˙-˙ ) kudos and comments are appreciated. god, i love reading your comments! if you want to gimme tip for my writing, please visit my kofi! this broke student will be grateful to you for the rest of her life!
Chapter 9: Words to Live By
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The birds chirped loudly as they stopped on tree branches. The sun shining through the window causes you to stir in your sleep. When you opened your eyes, you were no longer confused by the unfamiliar ceiling compared to your room in the Liyue imperial palace. You were past that when you woke up this morning in Childe's room and returned to your own after finding the other side of the bed still empty.
Upon fully awakening, you replay the last few scenes of your 'dream'. The vision of Childe joining hands with a duke who was in the armament business—Duke Maxim. This was one of his thousand steps in his plan to bring a new war between Liyue and Snezhnaya.
You seem to be reminded again of the main reason you dare to set foot in this hell. However, this time you didn't find it as something you were complaining about, especially when it managed to lift your mind away from your husband who left and didn't come home the whole night. As you suggested to yourself last night, let it be poured into the sea and watch it drift away.
After touching the cold marble floor, you walked towards the curtain blocking the autumn scenery, something you never had in Liyue. You guess the people chosen to be your ladies-in-waiting will arrive soon.
You hear a knock on the door, your feet walk to open it. On the other side of it, you find three women—speaking of bad luck, one of them being the one who brought you into Childe's room last night. Even though she wore the same expression as the day before, that smiling face of yours welcomed them in.
"We greet Her Highness Princess (Y/N)." They bow to you at the same time.
You watch them, "Please introduce yourselves."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The black-haired woman standing in the front pointed her hand at her partner on the left, "This is Laura and this is Ksenia." She looked straight at you to say her name then. "I am Sasha from Popov county, assigned to be your head lady-in-waiting."
At this point, you are very convinced that you are filled with misfortune because this sour-faced woman is the one responsible for your ladies-in-waiting. Apart from Laura—Ksenia and Sasha have enough facial expressions to tell you they would be happy to serve other nobles if they had a choice. You don't know what there is to hate you when you've only been in the palace for two days.
Even if they like you or not, it won't make a big difference. After all, they must still serve you out of respect for the royal family.
"Nice to meet you all. Please serve me well." You said trying to be friendly. "I need to bathe now, can you prepare warm water for me?"
Sasha nodded, "Of course, Your Highness."
The task was given to Ksenia because Laura was ordered to prepare several choices of your clothes. Once the tub is ready, Sasha helps you out of your satin nightgown. The rose oil they mix in the bath is greeted by your nose. Laura poured water over your head to wet your hair while Sasha massaged your shoulders.
As usual, as soon as you come out of the bathroom in your towel; You are faced with choosing the dresses that have been hung. The beige dress is what you wear to match the autumn mood.
Your new ladies-in-waiting help you get ready. At the dressing table, they style your hair in a graceful low bun, apply powder and blush to your skin, and pair earrings that match the color of your dress. As a final touch, your neck is adorned with a simple necklace that shines in brilliance.
"We're finished, Your Highness." Sasha told you.
The dressing table chair makes a sound when it slides against the floor. You took one more look in the mirror before walking to the door. Your ladies-in-waiting followed behind after you left the room, Sasha walked beside you to lead you into the dining room.
Accustomed to the extravagant chandeliers found in almost every room in Zapolyarny's palace, you focused your attention on something else—some of the members of the royal family enjoying their breakfast. You dipped in courtesy for the Queen sitting with Teucer and Tonia.
"Princess (Y/N)!" Teucer was the first to land his eyes on you.
A smile appeared on the Queen's face whether it was from her youngest son's enthusiasm or your presence. "If it isn't my lovely (Y/N). Come, have breakfast with us!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
You walked over to sit on the chair that had been pulled out for you. The waiter brings your own plate and places it between the silverware. The smell of whatever this food is called enters your nose.
"How was your sleep, my dear?" The Queen's voice came back when you lifted your spoon to eat it.
"It was lovely, Your Majesty." It was not, but you can't say that.
She nods at your answer. "I hope everything is to your liking. After all, I know how difficult it is to adapt to moving from the place where you grew up."
You couldn't help but smile from her considerateness, feeling that nothing she said wasn't true. Even though you knew being in a new place meant getting an experience you didn't have in Liyue, it all felt so foreign. Plus the fact that you're completely alone here. With the Queen understand that is enough for you.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Since I have received nothing but kindness here, I don't think it will be long before I get used to all of Snezhnaya."
From the optimism you speak, she smiles. "Ajax is really lucky to have you." She was about to bring her glass to her mouth but, stopped when she realized something. "Speaking of which, where is he? Skipping breakfast like this."
Your hand mirrors her pause, realizing that she's waiting for an answer when you're wondering just as much as she is. Your husband who left you alone in his bed apparently hasn't come back from God knows where. You set the odds only to conclude he went to his mistress, that was if Lumine was still in the nation.
"His Highness left for a sudden matter." The half-truth easily slips past your lips, doing it so you don't have to feel so guilty about lying to her.
You're thankful she doesn't dwell on it anymore and goes back to drinking.
The waiter clears your plates after breakfast is over. Tonia and Teucer's nannies approached them to make sure there were no stains from the food. You lightly pat your lips with a napkin, while the Queen has put hers back on the table.
"Spend your day touring around the palace. You should grow familiar with this place sooner."
You turned your head when you heard Teucer gasp enthusiastically, "Oh! I want to give Princess (Y/N) the tour! Please, Mama! Please!"
Unlike you, your mother-in-law is immune to Teucer's cute face and whining whenever he asks for something. Without showing any softening expression, she looked at her youngest child and said, "You and Tonia have history and ethics classes, Moye Solnyshko¹. Did you forget?"
Teucer grumbled that his request was rejected. "But, but..."
"Come on, Teucer. I'm sure we can play with Princess (Y/N) after!" Tonia tried to comfort her little brother.
You smile from that, reminding you a bit of Shiva. After getting up from your chair, you walk over to the kids and crouch down to their heights. From this close, you can see his big blue eyes and cheeks that still have a little bit of his baby fat.
"Princess Tonia is right, we can play together after you both finish class. Are we in agreement?"
Teucer looked at you expectantly. "You promise?" You nodded, watching his face brighten again. "Then, we must seal this promise!"
You don't quite understand what it means to seal the promise but, followed when they hook their pinky fingers on two of yours. Teucer and Tonia looked at each other as if signaling to say something at the same time.
"You make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life. You break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice. The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend, the frost will freeze your tongue off so you never lie again."
Your smile has not been erased. "I assure you both I won't break any promise."
The sound of footsteps from behind you belongs to Sasha, making you look back and find the Queen has gone to do her duty today. You stood while Teucer and Tonia waved away with their nanny.
There's a sigh you're holding from coming out. "Let's go now." You walked out of the dining room, followed by your ladies-in-waiting.
As per Her Majesty the Queen's advice, you walk down a long hallway while Sasha is the one giving you a tour around. There was nothing she missed, including the statues of the Gargoyles arranged on pillars near the royal gardens. She also explained all the palaces names and who inhabited them.
Once you reach the Emerald Palace, you take a pause from your long walk to look around you. The three-tiered fountain is still the same. When you look to your left, you see flowers whose leaves turn into a lovely reddish brown.
"Zhongli?"
You can't help but say his name when you catch him five steps ahead of you. He smiled, approaching before bowing in respect. "I greet Her Highness Princess (Y/N)." He looked up then.
It feels good to see someone you really know here. However, you're wondering why he's still here and on top of that, just stepped out of the Emerald Palace building. As far as you know, Zhongli owns a mansion that he bought out of consideration for frequent visits here.
"I didn't expect to meet you." You said then asked, "Why haven't you returned to Liyue yet?"
"I just met a delegation from another country who happened to be visiting as well."
You don't know why Zhongli is speaking so formally with you. When those amber eyes glanced at the people behind you—your ladies-in-waiting to be more precise—you got your answer.
"Do you have time for tea together?" You offer, you don't want him to hurry away and lose a friend to talk to.
The smile that curved on his face took your worry away from thinking he would refuse. "I have plenty of time, Your Highness."
Your tour is cut short, replaced by you telling your ladies-in-waiting to prepare a place for you and Zhongli to drink tea—which ends with you two hanging out under a tree. You just got a taste of how nice it is to be around the autumn atmosphere. The changing color of the plants paints Ruby Palace garden in a peaceful mood every time the cool breeze blows.
Zhongli put down his teacup, looking at you who was enjoying pastries. "I hope you haven't encountered any difficulties so far."
After swallowing the last of your cookie crumbs, you lift your teacup and take a sip of the liquid that warms your throat. You put it back on the small ceramic plate afterwards.
"Everything's fine." You pause for a moment to debate whether or not to be completely honest. After all, Zhongli can always see past your lies. "Well, apart from people looking at me as if they wished I had fallen into a giant hot cauldron."
A chuckle slipped out of him. "Giant hot cauldron?"
"I don't know what I did wrong, even my ladies-in-waiting treated me the same." You glanced at those standing far from you.
Zhongli didn't look surprised by that as he took another sip of his tea.
"I experienced that in my days when I first arrived in Snezhnaya."
You turned to him with furrowed brows, "You did?"
"At first, I was just as confused as you are now until I figured out the reason."
"What could possibly be the reason?" You asked impatiently.
His amber eyes stared at yours filled with curiosity. "It has to do with the long history between Liyue and Snezhnaya." Your face only grew more confused from the answer. "A war that cost so much. Some people here carry hatred towards the Liyuean they meet because of it, regardless of whether they are involved in it or not."
From the explanation, you can conclude that the expressions of your ladies-in-waiting are a projection of their hatred for the war waged by the elders of the two countries. But, aren't they unfair now taking it out on you? You never even wielded a sword to kill their people.
You think of this as misplaced anger. Though you think it's funny since the reason you're here is to prevent another war that will be brought by their own king.
"I didn't think that would be the reason, I think it's because I'd never seen them that way." You're a little saddened to know they see you as the perfect target for the grudge that's ingrained in them.
Even though you know a lot of sweet and nice people here—like the Queen, Teucer, and Tonia—you're not comfortable with your ladies-in-waiting having ill feelings for you. They will be the ones you spend a lot of time with, hoping for each other's destruction will only make things more difficult.
Zhongli watched your shoulders rise and fall as you sighed. He couldn't have missed the way you bit your lips while frozen in silence.
You don't need to tell him to know your mind is in conflict, Zhongli has known you long enough to take evidence whenever you have one. Every time you were like this, he would always hold your hand, making sure everything wouldn't be as bad as your overly paranoid thoughts. But, just as he was about to do so, his hand stopped before touching you.
Zhongli is made aware of the reality that people's eyes are watching—your ladies-in-waiting who are standing not far away. Though they aren't close enough to hear your conversation, their eyes can still see you clearly.
Sure, in the aristocratic world, cupping a woman's hand wasn't consideredas an intimate gesture. However, he doesn't want to pour gasoline on a blazing fire especially the fact that not everyone here treats you as well as they can. Before reaching for you, his hand had rolled into a fist which he then placed on his thigh.
Zhongli wouldn't give them any chance to make up new gossip.
"Don't worry," you look up as he breaks the silence, a smile supporting his face. "Knowing you, there is no obstacle that you cannot overcome."
The warmth that lingers in each of his words washes away your guilt and worries, replacing them with a face that brightens up again. You want to trust yourself as much as Zhongli believes in you.
Under this sky, the grass is carpeted with yellowed leaves. You raised your cup again, enjoying the cool autumn with your best friend.
His eyelids opened from his slumber, revealing cerulean eyes that squinted at the glare of the sunlight that came in from the window. Even though he knew it was noon and he had a lot of work to do, Childe had not moved from his position.
Glancing at the coffee table not far from him, he caught a bottle of vodka he had brought from the bar he visited last night. He had finished half of it after wolfing down more liquor before. At this point, he was quite surprised that he hadn't had alcohol poisoning. After all, all of that he did as a testament to his attempts to get you out of his mind.
Childe groaned in frustration from just doing it again.
A knock on the door shook him. He replied a quick Come in! before seeing it swing open and reveal Dmitri.
"I see you're finally awake." He said, coming in didn't bother closing the door.
Childe knew he was here to accompany him back to the palace, he couldn't stay long in his private mansion when he had so much to do. He got up from the sofa and replaced his current shirt with a new one.
"Anyone looking for me?" Childe asked curiously as he buttoned his navy blue shirt.
"Her Majesty the Queen did." Dmitri answered.
His ginger head nodded before he paused for a moment.
"(Y/N)?" He breathed out your name in a lower voice.
Though Dmitri seemed oblivious to that and replied to him for the second time, "No, Your Highness." He said before continuing: "Should I tell you that I saw Her Highness shortly before going here?"
Childe scoffed softly, "Really? What was she doing?"
"Her Highness was enjoying tea with Duke Zhongli from Liyue."
Instantly his fingers stopped moving. He fell in silence after hearing what Dmitri said. Why from the many activities you can do to fill your boredom, you choose to hang out with other men?
"Dmitri."
Dmitri almost flinched from his sudden call. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Bring me a horse."
The confidant's brows knitted in confusion. "Surely you mean a horse carriage?"
"No." Childe looked straight at him as he finished putting on his shirt. "A horse. Fast."
Although he didn't fully understand his sudden request, Dmitri knew he had no choice but to agree. He rushed out of the room to bring the horse Childe had requested.
Before long, Dmitri—who hated horse riding the most—followed Childe, who rode fast. The carriage that had been waiting in front of the mansion was left empty. People watched as two people in hooded robes part the crowd from hearing the hurried sound of horseshoes.
Arriving at the palace, Childe dismounted and pushed back the hood of his robe. He took it off, handing it over to the maid standing close to him. His feet moved hurriedly down the hallway of Ruby Palace to look for your figure.
Finding you laughing while sitting across from Zhongli wasn't what he expected. However, his face hosts a smile that doesn't reach his eyes as he makes his way towards you. His not-so-quiet steps cause you to turn your head and realize his sudden presence.
You stood up to say: "Your Highness."
"I see you are entertaining our guests." He turned to Zhongli. "Duke, I hope my wife has treated you well."
Zhongli nodded politely yet, too short for his liking. "It is a virtue of Her Highness to give me the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful autumn."
Childe leaned closer to you, placing a hand on your shoulder that was slightly tensed from the sudden gesture. "My, my, I really am a lucky husband, don't you agree?"
Although his stoic face didn't show any change, Childe was sure there was disdain in Zhongli's heart from seeing how he could touch you freely. Maybe you are blind to what the man has for you but, Childe isn't. He could clearly see what kind of stares the Duke often send and what every smile he gave you meant.
"I agree."
It was more than enough to raise his pride. Knowing he had something that others coveted in his hands was always Childe's satisfaction. He strokes your shoulder in a circular motion.
"Well, my wife may be generous but, I'm not. So, I will excuse myself and take my wife with me. You don't mind, do you?"
Zhongli didn't want to make your situation worse, so he nodded at his question. "Of course not, Your Highness." He said to Childe.
Childe turned to you, "You heard the Duke, Dear. Let's go." He tried to add sweetness to his voice, hoping it would take your lingering gaze away from Zhongli.
Something in his stomach felt stirred. He doesn't like this, he wants your eyes to land on him. The urge to pull you away with hands gripping you tightly ensures you won't go near anyone else. However, for reasons he could not find, he refrained from doing so. Was it because he simply didn't want to betray his pride?
"Duke Zhongli, let's chat again sometime." You said, watching Zhongli who looked up after avoiding your gaze all this time.
Childe really wanted to peel that smile off him.
"Of course, Your Highness."
"Alright, alright. Everyone, bid your goodbyes! Goodbye, Duke!" Childe said suddenly.
Childe's hand resting on your shoulder made it easier for him to lead you away from Zhongli. Unfortunately for you, he doesn't let go even though you two are now in the hallway near his room. You're too lazy to protest, so you'll just let it be.
"I heard you had breakfast with my mother and siblings." Childe was the one to break the silence between you two.
You smiled as you nodded, "That's right."
"I heard you took a walk around the palace too."
"Countess Sasha gave me a tour introducing me to every room here."
You answered, realizing you were close from reaching Childe's door. You made up your mind to heave a sigh of relief knowing this conversation was coming to an end.
"I see." Childe was silent for a moment. "I hope it was fun."
You can't really label it as fun. On the little tour given by Sasha, she only explains what is necessary and answers all your questions in the shortest possible way. However, despite it all there is nothing you can really complain about.
"It was, My Prince."
Your shoes stop making noise once they reach the front of the large door. You looked up at it like as if it was your first time seeing it. Then you realize Childe hasn't let go of your hand yet.
You looked up at him, "Aren't you going to let me go?" You asked.
No matter how many times you scanned his face, you couldn't tell what he was thinking. That is until he lets out a sigh and looks at you with narrowed eyes.
"Not until you stop calling my name weirdly."
Your lips parted before closing without saying a word to him. You just realized he's blessed with curly lashes that are darker than his hair color. To say this man won the genetic lottery wouldn't be considered an exaggeration.
"How should I call you?" You asked.
"Hmm.. you can call me by my first name."
First name? This man has so many names that you forget his real name. 'Tartaglia' was the name he used on the battlefield. Rumor has it that from his formidable combat skills and thirst for bloodshed, just one mention of his name would scare the enemies. 'Childe' is a name that is usually put behind his nobility title. You try to remember the name Teucer uses when he talks about him.
"Ajax?"
You say his birth name for the first time and Childe has realized he underestimated how it got his heart rate up. Blood pumped up his cheeks, causing them to feel warm despite being in the middle of autumn.
Even Lumine didn't call him that. However, he wants to think he allowed you to do so to smooth out his plans.
"Ajax, yes." He said as he let go of his grip on your shoulder as promised.
You don't mind however Childe calls you, that's why you don't ask for the same thing like him. Rather than that, you question one thing in mind. Being this close to Childe gives you a chance to smell the strong alcohol scent from him— and you're sure it wasn't from the red wine he drank last night.
Did he disappear last night to go out drinking at a bar?
You want to ask him instead of getting lost in your own riddles. However, haven't you chosen to wash away all your curiosity about this?
You just realized something. Now that Childe has let go of your shoulders, why are you still here? It's as if you find standing face to face with him the most interesting activity. As far as you know, the library that Sasha pointed out earlier offers many books which are definitely more entertaining than being with Childe.
But, neither of you moved.
Childe is scanning you and you're doing the same thing. That's a big mistake because you get anxious when you notice one button of his shirt is in the wrong hole.
Without a word, you drew closer to Childe. He's not given time to be confused by your actions because your hands have found their way to unbutton it one by one. It's not fair, you're not fair. How can you have such a calm face when you bare his chest in an open hallway?
"What are you—"
"You must have been in such a rush this morning that you buttoned up your shirts in a mess." You said while inserting the buttons back into the correct holes.
Childe was grateful you were too focused on that to notice his blushing face.
Your feet take a step back when you're done. You stare at his now tidy shirt, smiling contentedly. One thing you can't understand is why does his face look like someone's being out in the sun?
"Are you alright?"
Childe jumped like a thief caught red-handed. "Me? Of—of course! Why?" He covered his embarrassment with a dry laugh.
"Your face is red." You said without suspicion. "Could it be that you fell ill?"
"Oh, haha.. it must be because I drank too much last night." He slipped in a lie, took a step back toward his door while doing so.
Now, you furrowed your brows in worry, Childe didn't know if this expression that had replaced your usual flat face was any better.
"Should I fetch a healer for you? Or perhaps a cook to make you some hangover soup?"
"I'm sure it will go away after I shower."
That makes sense. You nodded. "If that's true then, you better wash yourself now."
"Right."
Childe smiled, though this time you couldn't help but think this one was more awkward than fake. Before any of you left, Childe opened his mouth again to a new question.
"Are you going somewhere?"
Childe knows you may be uncomfortable with him constantly questioning you like he cares the most about everything you do. However, he has to make sure you don't come back looking for Zhongli the second he releases you from his grasp.
"I was thinking of doing some reading in the library." You answered.
That's pretty good. He won't stop you from that.
"I see." He answered.
You just realized this might be your longest conversation ever. It's not entirely bad however, nor are you so comfortable continuing it. Childe seemed to be thinking the same thing as silence fell between you again.
You're the one who ends it by saying: "Then I'll be taking my leave."
Childe acknowledges you with a soft hum. He watched as you bowed slightly to him then turned your heel the other way. The lonely hallway echoes from your footsteps for a moment before completely disappearing the further you move away.
Finally, the door opened as his hand turned the doorknob. Childe closed it slowly, giving him time to think.
"That damn Duke." His voice was full of thorns as he gritted his teeth in an exasperation that resurfaced now that he was completely alone. Memories of you enjoying tea with Zhongli swirled in his head.
What Zhongli feels for you is not something he is blind to realize. And even though you may not feel the same right now, aren't human feelings the most complicated thing to predict? Childe thinks it's not impossible for you to reciprocate Zhongli's feelings if you haven't.
The possibility of you going to Zhongli and screwing up his plans hardens his jaw. He went this far not to fail.
Frustration brought his hand to massage the bridge of his nose as he sighed.
"Might as well planted a spy on her." This time he muttered more quietly.
There were many who were loyal enough to him to carry out this order. However, if Childe was to come up with a plan, he had to make sure it didn't expose itself out of mistakes. If he wants to choose a spy among his people, it has to be someone who can be close to you and will not be suspected.
Blue eyes opened as he found the answer.
"What was that Countess name again?"
Throwing yourself in bed after a tiring day makes you smile. You know it's far from reflecting a noble lady however, you think of it as a gift after running around playing with Tonia and Teucer. You come to believe when people say children have a lot of energy.
However, as you stare at the painted ceiling above you, your thoughts wander to remind you of your vision of Childe and Duke Maxim.
You knew you had to do something—find a way to prevent it so Childe wouldn't join hands with him. But you don't even know this man named Maxim even though you're sure you've heard about him somewhere. If you go to Childe and ask about him out of the blue, it's the same as blowing your own cover.
You wish you had a more useful vision than this.
Your eyelids are drooping. Though you haven't found a solution yet, you can't get rid of sleepiness no matter how many times you blink hoping to sweep it away. So you chose to give yourself a break by getting into the covers.
This room is so comfortable that you have no problem falling asleep quickly.
Unfortunately for you, your sleep doesn't last long because you wake up apparently in the middle of the night. Looking for the thing that might be the reason your sleep ended, your eyes went to the slightly open door. A woman entered the room. There's something fishy about her that makes you choose to stay in your current position to make her think you're still asleep.
However, from the light of the outdoor hallway before the door closed, you caught the structure of her face. It was Laura.
Like an owl, your gaze follows where she walks—to your fireplace that warms you from the cool autumn breeze. She's been standing there long enough for you to explore the possibilities of what she's doing here..
Your question answered itself when the fire that radiated warmth suddenly went out. The room was completely dark, the cold was starting to creep up to your bones. You feel your heart beating fast. Of all the ladies-in-waiting, you thought Laura is the only one who doesn't have any ill intentions towards you.
Or maybe you're just too fast to judge.
Laura turned to your bed where you were 'sleeping' as if making sure you would wake up with a sore throat and congestion before walking to the door and closing it slowly. You fell silent, focusing your hearing on her footsteps in the hallway that were getting quieter and quieter.
Pondering for answers about why Laura did this was a waste of time. You're sure she's no different from the people Zhongli talked about earlier.
Goosebumps cover your entire body as you get out of the blanket to put your feet on the floor. You walk out of your chamber hoping to find someone to help you with the fire to keep you from sleeping in the cold.
Notes:
Footnotes:
¹: My Sunshine
Chapter 10: Be My Eyes and Ears
Notes:
guys i love you. thanks for leaving long comments and kind words TT-TT 3 l̶e̶t̶'̶s̶ ̶g̶e̶t̶ ̶m̶a̶r̶r̶i̶e̶d̶ ̶f̶r̶.̶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
You don't know whether it's too late to find someone or people simply hiding because they don't want to help you. God, you don't ask for much other than them turning on your fire and letting you sleep before morning comes.
These people are really something. You shouldn't expect anything from them.
However, just as you were about to accept your defeat and return to your cold room, you stopped walking when you found a familiar back facing you.
"Prin—Ajax?" You're not completely used to your new way of calling him.
The owner of that name stopped in his tracks, turned to you with wide blue eyes. Just like you, he did not expect to meet his wife in a dark hallway in the middle of the night. You two should be fast asleep in separate rooms instead of standing across while staring at one another like this.
As soon as he got in front of you, he opened his lips to ask: "Shouldn't you be enjoying your beauty sleep?"
"My fireplace went out."
Now that you've answered him, you can't help but wonder what reason he's here. There's not even the slightest hint of alcohol you get from him as an indication he just came back from a bar like he did yesterday.
"It went out? Hmm.. it's a bit difficult to light the fire again." Childe rubbed his chin in thought. He looks at you before offering, "Mine is lit."
Your brows knitted in confusion, "What do you suggest?"
"I suggest you sleep in my room."
You don't know he's being nice or just mocking your bad luck. With his grin and slightly raised eyebrows, you don't want to expect anything from him. However, you're really sleepy and being under a warm blanket would be really good.
"Are you fine with that?" You asked.
Either you were hallucinating or his smirk did grew wider. "Hmm, what do you mean? Of course I'm fine with that, you are my wife." He replied.
As a thank you, you gave him a half-hearted smile. "Then, what are we still doing here? Morning is coming, we have no time to waste." You took the first step to leave Childe some distance behind you.
Childe dropped the fake smile he gave you earlier, a sigh escaped him. "At this rate, I'm sure I'm going crazy." He then follows you.
When you get to Childe's room, you're grateful he didn't lie about the fireplace. The big bed tempts you, makes you imagine what it would be like to lie there and then go to sleep. However, you end up not doing it from not wanting to be rude especially when he's being generous.
You turned to Childe "I will take the couch if that's alright."
Childe looked at you skeptically, "That would be a problem for me. You should sleep in my bed."
It's weird, really weird. You know Childe is not the type to offer kindness with no intention of benefiting from it—he's a far cry from that. Then why is he being nice to you? You wonder what trick he's hiding under his sleeves.
Or..
Your heart is racing without warning. Cold nape even though the burning fireplace provides more than enough warmth for you. You see Childe drinking from his glass, his Adam's apple bobbing as he does so.
Maybe this is one of his attempts to get under your nightgown. Memories of your wedding night come to your mind again.
"Could it be.. could it be that you are trying to bed me?"
Childe spit out his drink in surprise. You saw the liquid run from his lips to his neck and then onto his shirt. He pounded his chest to get the remnants out of his throat before looking at you.
"I'm offended. Do you think I'm the type to take advantage of the situation?"
Yes, you are exactly that kind of a person, you want to say. However, you don't want to risk to anger him and throw you out of the perfect warm room. You shook your head in response to the man who was wiping his wet lips with a handkerchief.
It somehow makes the situation a bit comfortable for you to let out a genuine laugh.
"My apologies, I was just making sure." You smile at him. "I'll sleep on the bed then."
Without further ado, you climb into the soft bed and pull up the covers. You make sure to cover yourself from the neck down from concern about Childe rather than the cold. Your eyes peek at him who is still standing near the dresser before trying to close it. Before long, you have fallen asleep to replace the sleep you had lost.
The grip of his long fingers tightened. Childe glanced at where you were asleep, regretting that it only brought a bunch of unanswered questions to his head.
Why did he let you here? Even though he needs you to carry out his grand plan, he shouldn't have to worry about you sleeping in a cold room and waking up sick in the morning. He put his glass gently on the table, rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at the moon shining outside the window.
"I guess I was trying too hard to make sure everything would go perfectly."
Childe mumbled to himself before bringing his legs to the door, disappearing behind it not caring if he had left you alone in the room.
As soon as morning falls on Snezhnaya, you wake up to your ladies-in-waiting standing in front of the tray that holds your breakfast. They line up while waiting for you rubbing your eyes while gathering full awareness.
"What's this?" You asked about the tray on the bed.
Sasha answered to you, "His Royal Highness Prince Childe told us to bring you breakfast."
Your eyes scan the room and find no man spoken of anywhere.
"Where is he now?"
"We have no idea, Your Highness." Sasha tells you while bowing slightly.
Of course he had to go and disappear. The mysterious Childe. You don't even know where he went this time from so many places he might go. You're quite used to him treating you sweetly before erasing all traces of it later.
Something reminds you of the reason you were in his room in the first place. With your eyes on Laura, you painted a smile. Curious about her reaction when she found out her plan didn't work. Maybe she didn't think Childe would be this generous to you.
"This isn't necessary, I will be joining breakfast with the others." You said as you got off the bed. "Let's go to my chamber."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Your room is still the same as when you left it, cold and lonely. The difference is, the incoming sunlight no longer leaves a place for darkness to stay. You're trying not to glance at where your fireplace is from not wanting to mess up your own plans.
"Should I prepare the bath now?" You heard Sasha ask.
"No." As you turned around, you smiled at your three ladies waiting for you to continue. "Actually I have something to complain about."
Silence fell again in the room. Whether from the politeness of not speaking out of turn or the fear of making a mistake, neither of the women opened their mouths to ask. You turned around, opening the box that held your jewellery.
" Laura, can you close the door slowly next time you come into my room at night?" You said, watching how her body stiffened through the mirror.
Of course she would react that way. She didn't think you would know this, let alone talk about it in front of the other ladies-in-waiting. Unfortunately for her, this isn't the end of your game, oh, you still got a lot more to do so you don't have to get your hands dirty for Laura to uncover her own bad deeds.
"M-My apologies, Your Highness." Laura hung her head lower than usual.
Your jewelry box is left open while you turn to look at your ladies-in-waiting. "Countess Sasha, did you order her to disturb my sleep?"
You never thought you'd see an expression that wasn't the cold face she usually gave you. Her dark eyebrows knit together, showing that she's confused by your question. Your eyes scanned every part of her face and made a conclusion all entirely on Laura.
"I did not, Your Highness." She said, side-eyeing the younger one. "We ladies-in-waiting are forbidden to enter the royal family's chambers at night without requests."
Laura's hands that were intertwined with each other turned white as she tried to keep them from shaking. You feel a little sorry for her. She should have known better that you weren't the kind-hearted princess like ones in children's fairy tales.
"Ah, then I'd better ask someone else for an explanation." You chuckled as if that would ease the tension.
As you took a step closer to her, Laura was almost flinched in her stiff stance. You looked up at the top of her head which was clear from how low she looked down. The fireplace that you had avoided glancing at became where you stared before returning to her.
"Laura, why did you take my jewelry last night after putting out the fire?"
From what you said, Laura hastily denied it. She didn't take any jewelry—and you know that too. This is just one way for you to get her to confess her sin. After all, people can't help but correct misinformation, especially about themselves.
By bringing up bigger accusations than what she actually did, you know Laura will deny the false one but admit the other.
"Th-that's not true, Your Highness! I didn't steal any jewelry!" She screamed at the tip of her throat, face red from embarrassment.
If only you could compare Laura to a mouse that had been baited with cheese in a trap. You played your part by putting on an expression as if you were hurt by what she had done.
"So you're saying I was right about you putting out the fireplace to freeze me to death?"
In your words, Laura realized that she had exposed herself in front of three pairs of shocked eyes. Miraculously, the defensive words she had prepared disappeared, as if extinguished like the fire she splashed with water last night. She looks up slowly and finds your offended expression.
"I..I.."
"You plan to freeze me to death. Aren't I right?"
Sasha was about to open her mouth after hearing Laura intentions to harm you. However, you first raised your hand to stop her. Your lips are bent into a frown.
"I—I'm—!" Laura lost her ability to speak. So, all she did now was get down on her knees and pull your robe in desperation. "Your Highness! Please spare me!"
As if hurt, you put your hand on your chest. "Lady Laura, I never thought you would do something like that to me." Your voice is like that of someone who has witnessed betrayal. But the truth is, you never even put your trust in anyone here to feel it.
"Your Highness! Let me teach her a lesson!" Sasha offers.
You ignored her, you were still fixing your eyes on Laura who started to shed tears. If she was this scared she shouldn't have done that. Hadn't she worked here long enough to understand that any attempt to harm the royal family would be severely punished? Even if she was lucky, she would still have to languish in prison for life.
"Bring me a poker."
Laura gasped at your words, while the other two acted as if they had seen this coming. Even being hit with the firepoker that Ksenia gave you was the lightest punishment though it resulted in bruises on her hands later.
"Your Highness! Please forgive me this once!" Laura hasn't given up on begging for your forgiveness, kneeling on your feet wet from her tears that keep falling.
"You two, get out." You gave firm orders to Sasha and Ksenia.
Both of them obeyed even though they hesitated. The door closed slowly, leaving you and Laura. She paled from your fingers that had gripped the iron firepoker. If you're going to hit her without warning, she doesn't know how to react.
"Lady Laura, haven't you thought long before you did that?" You ask, watching how she fails to put together the words to respond to you.
To her horror, her dark eyes follow your pacing feet without you removing your fingers from gripping the firepoker . She hopes you find a reason to forgive her. Laura swears she'll thank you for the rest of her life if that happens.
"Apart from the possibility of being in a dungeon for life, can you imagine what my husband would do to you if he found out about this?"
If Childe does something about this, you're sure he's doing it more out of humiliation than worrying about you being harmed. However, Laura didn't need to know that. All she needs to know is that there are many punishment options you can impose on her and yet, you're standing here with an iron stick.
Laura walked on her knees to you "Y-Your Highness, please forgive me! Don't.. don't let His Highness know about this—my God, what would he do to me if he found out!" She has no shame in trying to soften your heart. Oh, this time Laura would risk anything for you to give her a little kindness.
"Why should I forgive you? What can you give me that is so precious for me to do that?"
Laura was back on the verge of despair. What can someone offer to a person who can get whatever she wants with just a few words and a snap of her finger? Even if you asked for the cheapest jewellery, Laura knew her wages would not be enough to fulfill your request.
The least that can be offered to a person that great is their lives.
Laura's grip on the hem of your nightgown tightened as she stammered out: "M-My life! I will dedicate my life faithfully to you! Please, please forgive me, Your Highness. I'm sure I will be of use to you!"
This is easier than you think.
From the start, you have used your mistreatment as a ladder to get what you want—an informant. Countess Sasha will not be able to fill the role due to her aristocratic status among your ladies-in-waiting, making it very possible for her to act as a spy for someone who wants to know your every move. Ksenia on the other hand was too apathetic to immerse herself in gossips circulating in the palace.
Whereas Laura is the perfect one for it. In addition to her status as a commoner which makes her too far for the nobles to reach, she also likes to gossip.
Your face hosts a triumphant smile. You crouched down to take a closer look of her, cupping her small chin so she wasn't afraid to meet your eyes anymore.
"You're going to do that?"
Laura thinks of this as you softening for her. What she really doesn't know is that she stepped voluntarily into your trap. However, there is nothing for her to worry about as you will ensure that whoever stands by your side will be safe from harm.
They have to be.
"Y-yes! I will do whatever you ask! "
Because you don't know what you will do if they don't.
The iron in your hand you tossed aside, clinking as it hit the floor. You noticed Laura's shoulders weren't as tense as before, her breathing wasn't as heavy as before. She watched you stand up and turn around, stroking your jewelry box.
"I don't think that's a bad offer." You smile at her through the mirror. "Prove how useful you are to me by telling me the latest gossip around the palace."
You wrap yourself up as a woman who doesn't want to miss the talk around. Even if Laura is your criteria out of your other ladies-in-waiting, you shouldn't be too sure. By placing your trust in someone, it means that you have accepted the fact that betrayal will be as close as a pulse.
"… The latest gossip, Your Highness?" Laura made sure she had not misheard.
Now that she has dedicated her life to being loyal to you, the thing you want is as simple as her supplying you with all the gossip around the palace?
"Surely you can do that, right?"
Laura nodded quickly afraid you'd change your generous offering. "Of—of course, Your Highness!"
"Well. You can try to prove it from now on."
Your lady-in-waiting's lips open and close like fish, turning her head to think about the latest, most interesting gossip she can give you. While waiting patiently, you noticed every inch of her slightly tattered dress. A frown manages to sit on your face from it. You'll do something about it later.
Laura looked up after finding something she was ready to tell you. "D-Duchess Anna!"
Your brow furrowed, "Duchess Anna?" Another familiar name you can't remember where you heard.
A nod from her before continuing, "She and the Duke are currently in the capital."
You don't know what's so special about a duke and duchess visiting the capital. Did you miscalculate about Laura? A bit of disappointment crept into your heart from thinking she would give you more useful information.
"Then?"
"Earlier this morning, the maids in the kitchen were talking about Duchess Anna who had just doused her lady-in-waiting with hot water."
You swear you've heard her name before. The more Laura mentioned it the more you tried to remember. Then, the memory of you, Duchess Rosalyne, and Lumine talking at your wedding reception replayed.
"Why would she do that?" You asked curiously.
"Some say it's because the lady-in-waiting doesn't turn to her even though she's been called twice."
Isn't that too trivial an excuse to hurt people? You didn't even have the intention of hurting Laura though she was planning to harm you. However, there will always be nobles like her, ones to act arbitrarily because they think they have authority.
Laura seemed to have noticed the change in your facial expression as she then added: "Duchess Anna is well known for being a grumpy person."
Grumpy person? More like cruel and ruthless, you think.
"Have I ever met her?" You asked for sure.
"The Duchess is invited to your wedding reception."
That night, you met a lot of new people. However, you don't remember hanging out with the one named 'Anna'. So far, all you remember is Rosalyne—well, how could you forget her when she gave off that lingering charm when she first introduced herself to you.
Your lips pursed, "I don't think I've ever met her."
Laura nodded approvingly. "Besides being famous for her temperament, Duchess Anna has a husband that women often talk about. Some even said that he was the second most handsome in the aristocracy after His Highness Prince Childe."
Your smile was almost replaced with a grimace. Of course, you also admit that Childe is an attractive man but, you didn't think people would make lists sorting them out like that.
Only out of curiosity you then ask: "What is her husband's name?"
From the blush on Laura's face before she managed to say it, you wonder how handsome this man is. "Ah, he is Duke Maxim, Your Highness."
As soon as your ears perfectly caught the name, a chilling sensation struck you. Something fell before it was sucked in your stomach. You're disoriented as the memory of your most recent vision plays in the back of your head.
Duke Maxim. In your prophecy, he will be the one assisting Childe in the weaponry.
But, you have to make sure you don't mishear from hallucination. And so, with eyes watering from unblinking, you looked at Laura about to ask her again.
"Duke Maxim?"
Laura moved her head up and down in a nod. "Duke Maxim is in charge of Krykiye territory—"
"He's in the capital right now?" You interrupt rudely.
"That's right, Your Highness."
The waves of anxiety roll in bringing pain and a churning feeling in your stomach. The palms started to get wet from the sweat that suddenly came out. You feel like pins and needles are being stabbed in every part of you from wondering why Maxim is here.
Will the agreement be made sooner than you expected? Your vision does provide minimal information about when that will happen.
But, you haven't even prepared anything to thwart it.
"Do you.." You hate how soft your voice comes out. "Do you know why they're here?" You're trying to control the urge to pick on your fingers
From the expression Laura showed, you have concluded that she doesn't have the answer to your question this time. "Pardon my ignorance, Your Highness." She shook her head, hanging her head low again from shame and fear.
This is bad, this is really bad. Laura did give you information but, not enough for you to know what will happen next. Even if Maxim isn't here to make a pact with Childe, that doesn't mean you have a lot of time to waste. You had to do something—you had to make sure in the future they wouldn't join hands.
So far, all you got was the fact that the temperamental and impulsive Duchess Anna was his wife. Secondly, Maxim is labeled as the most handsome man in Snezhnaya after your husband, making him always talked about by women as happened at your wedding reception.
You just realized something.
You realize you have the key that is likely to change everything.
Slowly, your breath feels less heavy. You took a deep breath before exhaling, sweeping away any remnants of your anxiety as you turned to your jewelry box.
"This is enough, you have proved you are useful to me." You take the red gem necklace that is now in your hand.
Laura's dark eyes followed how you turned back to her with a friendly smile. She notices the jewelry hanging in your hand, complimenting it in her heart of how beautiful it is when the sun's rays fall right on it.
You approached Laura. "As a reward, you can have this." You said, extending your hand to her and watching the surprised look on her face.
"But, Your Highness—"
Laura stopped talking when you bent down to look at her still on the floor. "In exchange, I want you to find out if Lady Lumine of Monstadt is still in Snezhnaya."
The necklace you handed over to her outstretched hand. Your back was straight before you turned around to close your jewelry box—where you had a chance to see the brooch Childe bought on the night of the Liyue festival. You can't help but taste bittersweet in that.
"I will be waiting for your result to determine if I want to have a tea party tomorrow. If so, make sure you send out invitations to her and to the noble ladies currently in the capital, Duchess Anna included."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"You can prepare my bath now."
After receiving another order from you, Laura got up and walked towards the door to summon your other ladies-in-waiting. The room was quiet again. You stare at the fallen leaves outside the window even though your mind is elsewhere.
Whether your plan goes smoothly or not, you don't know. However, to find out don't you need to give it a try?
Notes:
HOW WAS IT?! don't u love a manipulative (y/n)? because i know i did lol. from now on things are going pretty dramatic so GET READY. looking forward to see what u think~ take care ^o^
Chapter 11: Another Tea Party Disaster
Notes:
the comments under this work got me laughing so hard. i love to see you guys have love-hate relationship with childe TT-TT hope u like this one!
Chapter Text
Even though your invitations were sent the day before the tea party however, when the letter got to where it was intended, all the noble ladies were enthusiastic to come. The Queen had too much on her plate so it had been a long time since she had held a gathering, so when there was news the new princess was going to host one, they contacted their favorite modiste and request to sew a prettier dress.
Tea parties usually coincide in spring, where sweet treats are enjoyed amidst the flowers in full bloom. This time, the long table was among the brownish-yellow leaves, only a few of the plants were still green.
To match the atmosphere, you specifically asked the maids to use tea sets that had gold accents around it. Decorative candles are placed in the center of the table. Instead of flower arrangements consisting of roses, daffodils, and peonies; you choose goldenrods, orange carnations, and marigolds to match.
You made sure that there was no poison in any of the cups. You don't want to risk an incident that will ruin your plans.
Welcoming the noble ladies, you maintained a smile until your jaw ached. They make an effort to get to know you by complimenting your ivory dress and its yellow details. The pearl choker necklace that adorns your neck doesn't go unnoticed. After thanking them, you let them take their seats.
Your eyes find strands of blonde that belong to Lumine. She walks up to you in another blue dress that looks like it's mocking you because you know you'll never look good in that color. You offer a smile that she doesn't return even after she arrives in front of you.
Lumine dipped in courtesy, "I greet Her Highness Princess (Y/N) of Snezhnaya." She said flatly.
"Lady Lumine, thank you for coming." You reply kindly like a good host.
The blonde nodded, "It's an honor to be invited here."
You're not sure you can believe that when she puts on a face like she's eager to sit down. However, you will pretend not to notice and let her take her seat. Just like her, you want this to be over quickly.
"Your Highness."
You looked up to find Rosalyne in red. Beneath the fascinator sitting on top of her platinum blonde, you could see those gray eyes gleaming at you.
When you were about to open your mouth to greet her, the corner of your eyes found another figure who then entered your small circle. A brown-haired noblewoman becomes the focus of your vision. When her thick lips smile, you find dimples that add to the sweetness of her beautiful face.
"Duchess Rosalyne." You greet her the first woman before moving on to the other. "Pardon me, I don't think we've met before."
The woman chuckled, "Oh, where are my manners." She bowed to you, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am the Duchess of Krykiye. Your Highness can call me Anna."
Unlike before, this time you recognized the name very well. Of course you do. After all, this woman is the guest you've been waiting for. Finding her coming with Rosalyne surprised you a bit.
Your lips curved, "Duchess Anna, it is an honor to meet you."
"I should be the one saying that, Your Highness. To stand in front of a woman who has been the talk of the nobles lately is really something I will be proud of later on."
What a sweet mouth, just like the rest of the aristocrats. The three of you immediately took your seats to start the tea party.
The autumn atmosphere was bustling with their conversations, sharing gossip behind the hand fans that covered their rosy lips. You were half listening to Rosalyne and Anna's conversation. Your eyes glanced at Lumine who was busy talking to the woman next to her.
"What do you think of Snezhnaya so far, Your Highness?" Anna opened a new topic with you.
You put down your cup after taking a sip of tea. "Very beautiful. Honestly, it's my first time enjoying autumn." You said.
"Oh, I just remembered that Liyue has a tropical climate. In that case, I suggest that you keep yourself warm because winter is coming soon."
Hearing that, you doubted she was the same woman Laura spoke of as being temperamental. "Thank you for your concern." You gave her a smile.
So far everything is going fine. Although it was different from the atmosphere of the tea party they were used to attending, none of the nobles protested. In fact, you get a lot of credit for giving them the opportunity to enjoy this activity differently.
Sitting at the end of the table, you could hear almost the entire conversation of the women.
"I saw Duke Maxim on my way here!"
"Me, too! His Excellency was walking with His Royal Highness Prince Childe!"
"Ah, I want to find the Divine Tree and pray for a beautiful son like him."
The conversation between nobles has come to the topic you've been waiting for. You had predicted this would happen despite the fact you didn't get any visions of your tea party. Your eyes glanced at Laura who was standing not far with the other ladies-in-waiting and called out to her with a single gesture of your hand.
While the ladies continued to talk about the handsome duke, Laura who had approached you bent down to hear what you were going to whisper.
"Please find His Highness and tell him I need him here." You make sure your words clearly reach her.
Laura nodded without asking anything. "Understood, Your Highness." She then walks away doing your bidding.
Your fingers intertwined on the hilt of the cup and you took a sip of the last drops of your tea. After putting it down, you turned your ear to the topic still surrounding Duke Maxim. Your gaze fell on Duchess Anna who was smiling proudly rather than annoyed.
A laugh slipped out of you, "It seems you have gotten used to women talking about the Duke in front of you."
Her smile widens now that you've pointed it. "There's nothing to worry about good talk." She said in a graceful manner with a hint of arrogance, as if to imply that no woman could be with Maxim besides her—no matter if they had talked about it until their mouths foamed.
"Women's beauty lies in being confident in their worth." Rosalyne chimed in.
Anna nodded approvingly to the woman next to her. "As the saying goes, chtoby preuspet' v zhizni, nuzhny vsego dve veshchi: nevezhestvo i samouverennost'." She continued after drinking her tea, "To be successful in life, you need two things: ignorance and self-confidence."
A good saying you have to admit. If you don't have your own agenda, you might be comfortable continuing your conversation with Rosalyne and Anna. However, like most people, you too have goals to fulfill.
"Is that so?"
Anna fixed her gaze on you after the question came out. The smile on your face seems permanent though you know what you're about to say will offend her and drop the mask that hides her temperamental nature.
"Even when they say they can warm your husband's bed better than you?"
Your words are caught by her hearing. You saw how that smug smile fell ungracefully from her. The next second, her nostrils are flaring. Her gloved hands gripped the hilt of the cup too tightly for a noble's standards.
"Who.. who said that?" Her voice was low yet sharp, threatening.
You wonder what happened to the saying she recited earlier.
You didn't say a name. That's what made Duchess Anna dive headfirst into conclusion when you glanced at a blonde woman who was busy in another conversation to realize the situation. You're a little sorry for dragging her into this.
It's all part of your plan. With your gesture just now, Anna will think Lumine to be the one saying that obscene thing.
"That woman..!"
Anna stood up so violently that her chair fell. However, she had stood up with anger blinding her. With teeth showing, she was on her way to getting to Lumine. You've left your seat to chase after Anna.
Lumine felt all of the women's gazes on her before she was forcefully pulled out of her chair. She found Duchess Anna—with her skin turning red.
Her anger was too obvious to the eye of the beholder. "You shameless promiscuous woman!"
"Duchess Anna!" You shouted her name.
The sound of Anna's palms touching your skin roughly. The noble ladies gasped at what had just happened. Duchess Anna has slapped you.
The heat stings your cheeks from the severity of the slap. Even your eyes start to water because you can still feel her hand marks. However, you held back a smile from breaking out as your gaze fixed on the ground caught someone's fancy pair of shoes.
"Have you lost your mind?"
Childe's voice standing not far away caused all heads to turn to him. You noticed Anna's lips trembled from slapping the wrong person and was caught in the act by your husband right after. You looked up to find those blue eyes reflecting anger.
"Y-Your High—no! I was about to slap the wench but Her Highness suddenly pushed herself in front of her!" Anna stammered.
Childe locked his jaw tightly, "'Wench' you say?"
You pity Anna enough now. She shouldn't have defended herself by saying that she was originally aiming for Lumine, plus calling her in inappropriate ways. You're sure the whole rage in Childe wasn't because his wife was slapped, but that she was planning to hurt his lover.
It goes the way you want it to. Therefore, the pain in your chest from that realization you must swallow and pretend it never existed.
Maxim—whom you assume came with Childe—comes over to his wife. You don't need to be told that he's in a rage mixed with shame. Anna had slapped a member of the royal family at her tea party, and in front of the nobles who didn't take their eyes off the five of you.
"Anna." Maxim called her sternly.
Anna's teary eyes looked at you. "Y-Your Highness! I didn't mean—" She turned to Lumine and her jaw tightened again. "It's all because of you! How shameless you are to say you can warm someone else's husband's bed!"
From the corner of your eye you're sure Childe is stiff from that.
"What?" Childe asked.
"That's right, Your Highness! The Princess told me herself!"
You look at her as if she suddenly switched to speaking in another language. "What do you mean? I didn't say Lady Lumine said it."
Instantly the blood drained from Anna's face. Her lips opened and closed, struggling to put the words together. Did she mistake you for glancing at Lumine? Or maybe she was acting impulsively again.
"B-but, but, Your Highness!"
Far from your expectations, Childe grabs your hand to push you behind him. Whether he did it out of a play or he wanted to make sure there weren't any scratches on Lumine without you noticing, you tried to ignore whatever was on his mind.
"Duke Maxim." Childe spoke again, breaking the silence as no one dared to interrupt him.
Maxim turned to the man in front of you, "Yes, Your Highness?" Even though he tried to cover it up, the trembling in his voice was too much to hide.
You find it amusing to see the man that women glorify crumble under your husband's gaze. Actually, aside from the rumors going around, how terrifying was Tartaglia? So far none of Childe has managed to shake your bones in fear except for his insane intentions and ambitions.
Unbeknownst to you, Childe locked his jaw as he cast the most threatening glare at Maxim.
"From now on, let's just say that the agreement we made today has been annulled." You looked up at Childe's words. "My people will send the fine I owe to your duchy." He adds and you can't believe your ears.
Honestly, this is easier than you expected. Was he so in love with Lumine that he threw away those who could benefit him so easily like trash? People really don't lie when they say crazy things can be done out of love. Something so great, you don't know if you will get the luxury to feel and also get it from someone.
Now, Maxim's face is no less pale than his wife's. "Yo-Your Highness, surely you jest." He slipped a nervous laugh at the end.
"Dmitri. Where's the agreement paper?"
You hear footsteps and see Dmitri walking beside Childe, in his hand is an important document of how fancy the paper looks.
"Here, Your Highness." Dmitri answered.
"Shred it."
The sound of paper being torn apart could be heard clearly from the silence among the nobles. The torn swayed before it finally touched the grass, becoming nothing more than trash for the maids to sweep up later.
Maxim didn't want to give up yet as he opened his mouth, "Your Highness! Please give me a chance—"
Whatever expression on Childe's face was showing right now it managed to keep his lips from speaking. You wanted to see it, but with his hand still gripping your wrist, you had no choice but to stay behind him.
You watched his shoulders jerk as Childe pulled out a scoff. "Now all you need to do is keep your demon wife away from mine."
Such a pretty lie, you know that. He loves Lumine, and everything he says about him doing that for you is just deception. When the time comes, you're sure he won't think twice about leaving you to be with her. The more you keep repeating that in your mind, the more bitter your tongue becomes.
"This tea party is over. All of you, leave."
Without being told twice, your guests scatter like flies. They're too scared to even approach the two of you to bid their goodbyes. You held back a sigh now that your tea party ended in another disaster. However, Lumine was still standing in front of Childe, being one who wasn't afraid of his words. And he didn't repeat for her either.
Being around them makes you feel like you shouldn't be here.
You forcibly released your hand from his grip, turning Childe's head who had been staring at Lumine forgetting that you were still standing behind him. Those blue eyes imply something you find too useless to translate. After all, he would turn his gaze over to Lumine again later.
"(Y/N)." You felt his gaze scan your face, especially the red slap marks.
Your lips smile, ignoring the pain that is getting worse from it. "I'm going back to my chamber." You said to him before going to Lumine, "Lady Lumine, thank you for coming. I'm sorry for ending it like this."
Her golden eyes are surprised from you bowing in apology. "Thank you for inviting me and.. protecting me, Your Highness."
This is the first time her voice doesn't contain hatred for you. But, you wouldn't take that as progress in your relationship with Lumine. You know better that whatever will happen between you and Lumine is no good.
"(Y/N)—"
The pain in your heart prompts you to turn around and pretend to be deaf from all of Childe's calls to you. You want to get out of here quickly. You don't need to take the time to listen to him sweetly talk to Lumine. You've already imagined what he's going to ask her—or maybe he'll even take her to another of his embrace to comfort her.
It's weird. It shouldn't be this hard to walk away from him. You should have no hope that he will come after you and grab your hand.
It's only because of pride, you tell yourself.
Being chased increases one's pride. That's why you always go first before your feet go the other way to go after him.
Soon, your ladies-in-waiting are following you. Countess Sasha stood aside to take a look at your slap marks. She mumbled some things that you couldn't catch from how fast she spoke. You didn't think about it, engrossed in your efforts to turn a deaf ear to the whispers among the maple trees telling you to go back to Childe.
"Your Highness."
Someone's voice stopped you in your tracks. However, you know it doesn't belong to the person you have in mind. It makes you realize that there is a speck of hope that wants it to be him.
You turned slowly to find Rosalyne smiling with one that didn't reach her eyes. Though you're not bothered by that since your current one isn't much different from hers. Your ladies-in-waiting bowed to her.
"Duchess Rosalyne." You called her.
Rosalyne took another step in approaching you before saying: "May I have a word with you, alone?"
Honestly, you want nothing more than to go back to your chamber for a glass or two of red wine in the hopes it will fill the void that overwhelms you. Perhaps now you're curious enough to agree to her request and tell your ladies-in-waiting to go to your room first to prepare another warm bath for you.
Beneath the palace pillars, you and Rosalyne looked at each other. Yellow leaves fall when the wind blows, yet you no longer find the beauty in it.
"Is there something you want to say to me?" You asked.
Rosalyne hosted a wide smile on her beautiful face. In those gray eyes you don't like the look she gives you. It was as if she had read something about you and felt she could use it as a weapon against you.
"I have to say, that was really a clever move on your part." The lips that were polished red from her lipstick spoke.
You chuckled as if you didn't understand the sentence, "I'm afraid I've no idea what you're talking about, Duchess."
There's a glint in her eyes as she laughs, this trick of yours won't work on her anymore. "Although I an uncertain why you did it however, you must have expected Duchess Anna to fall to a conclusion and was about to slap Lady Lumine out of her impulsiveness." She said, making you wonder why she even bothered to come to you just for this.
"I'm not sure I follow."
Rosalyne opened her hand fan which then hid her lips. "In other words, you're deliberately provoked her." You don't have to look at her to know she's smirking behind it.
Oh, she knows it.
In a second, you no longer see the purpose of continuing to maintain your fake expression. The smile fell, replaced by a face Rosalyne had never seen before. She didn't expect your eyes to be able to stare at her so coldly yet, not enough to diminish your beauty while you opened your mouth to respond to her.
"Then what are you going to do with your assumptions?" You do not intend to sweeten your intonation.
Rosalyne chuckled from how wary you were. "Oh, don't worry, Your Highness. I'm saying this without a bad intention." She then continued what you didn't expect, "I know what kind of relationship His Highness and Lady Lumine have."
You could have sworn your heart stopped beating right then and there.
"... How?"
"That's simple, Your Highness. His Royal Highness and I have been friends for many years. However, please don't think I agree with all of his behavior especially when it comes to that woman."
Rosalyne is a puzzle to you. She knew about the manipulation you did to Duchess Anna—and now she claims to be by your side just because she doesn't agree with your husband's infidelity? Talk about being too concerned about other people's business. Even so, you can't help but think this might be a good thing for you.
You smirked, "Then, what does the Duchess expect from this conversation?"
Rosalyne seemed interested in your question as she no longer covered her expression with her fan.
"I want to tell you that I am standing by your side." You were a little taken aback by her words. "If one day you ever find the need of something, come to me. Oh, in case you're skeptical.. think of this as helping a sister."
Over the course of your life, you have learned that nothing good comes without expecting something in return. Rosalyne had never treated you badly before but you knew she was a cunning person too. To believe she was doing this only as a 'sister' felt untrue. You scanned her face yet, failing to see her intentions underneath.
"What's in it for you in this?" You ask, not bothering to cover up your suspicions.
"My, my, didn't I say I wanted to help you?"
"You don't seem the type to offer selfless kindness."
Rosalyne gave a dramatic gasp from your words. "Oh dear, now that you are no longer pretending, I just realized you have a sharp tongue." Although in her choice of words she seemed offended, it was a contrast to her expression as if nothing could erase the sly grin on her face. "There is no need to rush, Your Highness. After all, you have plenty of time to prove my words."
Once again, you look at every inch of her face before sighing. "Fair points."
The platinum blonde woman in front of you reflects contentment. She closed her hand fan with a faint clack! "Now that you've got my points, please allow me to excuse myself. I have lots of places to attend." She bows to you before walking away.
Rosalyne is an enigma. On your way to your room, you can't decide whether to believe her or think it's just nonsense. However, as she said before, you have plenty of time to prove whether she really stands by your side or not.
Before dinner, your ladies-in-waiting make sure you've showered and that your slap mark has been smeared with ointment to soothe the redness. When they did that, you couldn't help but wince from the tiny wound that Anna's fingernail had made on your skin.
Now that you are at the dinner table with the whole royal family, you cannot avoid Teucer and Tonia's curious questions.
"Your cheeks are red, Princess! Are you sick?" Teucer was the first.
The queen immediately told him to be quiet. "Teucer, it's rude to ask someone like that." She rebukes.
Childe sitting across from you saw you laughing. "That is fine, Your Majesty." You turn to the two kids who are looking at you with their wide eyes. "I got this because I fell on my way here." Even though almost the whole family already knows the real reason, you can't really tell these kids that you got slapped across the face.
Tonia's face morphed to something that reflected concern. "You fell?" She asked which was answered with a nod.
Teucer gasped. "That means Brother Ajax has to kiss it to heal it! Have you gotten a kiss from him yet?!" You almost choked on your food and it looks like Childe did too.
"You two, stop talking and eat your vegetables." Childe warned between coughs.
"Mama always gives me one every time I get hurt!"
"Teucer," This time, the King's deep voice became the one to scold his son. "Have you forgotten about your etiquette? Eat in peace. Don't throw away your vegetables."
The dining room fell silent again after Teucer let out a grumble under his breath. The clinking of cutlery on the plate is what you hear. You occasionally glanced at Teucer and Tonia, comforting them by smiling at them.
If you weren't so focused, you'd have noticed Childe's gaze on you.
After dinner, you walk down the hall that leads to Teucer and Tonia's room as per their request. Childe joined in on the pretext of making sure his siblings wouldn't say anything that might make you uncomfortable. They skip happily while singing a traditional Snezhnaya song.
"Goluboy vagon bezhit, kachayetsya.. Skoryy poyezd nabirayet khod.."
Not knowing the lyrics of the song, you walk while slowly swinging their intertwined hands as proof that you enjoy the song. Childe laughed as Tonia tried to hit the high notes with all her might.
"Akh, zachem zhe etot den' konchayetsya.. Pust' by on tyanulsya tselyy god!"
You clapped after they finished the song. Now that you are standing in front of two tall doors, you give Teucer and Tonia a hug one by one to say goodnight and watch them go into their own rooms.
"They are so cute." You said.
"And troublesome." Childe adds, though you know he's more than happy to walk his siblings to their room like this.
Childe and you resumed walking, leaving the hallway of Teucer and Tonia's room. He offers to accompany you to your room, which you accept because you don't want to sound weird turning him down. You're grateful that the awkward silence between the two of you ends once you reach your door.
You turned to Childe, "Thank you for walking me here." You told him.
For some reason, instead of smiling, his lips curved down into a frown. Childe stares at you, still a person whose facial expressions are hard for you to figure out. Within his blue eyes, you could almost see your own reflection from how clear they were.
Suddenly, he did something unexpected.
His bare hand found its way to touch your red cheek. He stroked the edges gently, making sure it didn't hit the scratches the Duchess had made. You weren't sure you just heard a grunt from him but, you noticed his jaw tightened as his eyes continued to stare intently at it.
"Must you get hurt like this?"
The question left his lips like a worried person. However, instead of giving him an answer, you were questioned by thousands more buzzing in your head.
Why is he touching you like this? A gesture that did benefited nothing for him. The look he gave you was as if he didn't want you to have even one scratch on your skin, as if he wasn't someone who would give more in the future.
You cupped his hand, feeling how warm it was before lowering it. "It's nothing, it will fade soon." You told him.
Right now, you believe Childe is being unfair to you. You're sure after this sweet treat, he'll go and disappear like he always does. What reason made him cast this gaze? As if he would do anything to make sure you were alright.
If you hadn't smelled a certain woman's perfume from his hand, you would have fallen into his perfect honey trap that made you think there was a chance between you and him.
Chapter 12: Zelenossosh
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Early in the morning, the servants were busy carrying suitcases to be loaded into the carriage that was waiting in front of the palace. They made sure all the things that would be carried on the long journey to Zelenossosh—a town which was located at the end of Snezhnaya.
Childe watched from the window of his office as he waited for Dmitri to pack up the necessary documents. He crossed his arms looking at you who was standing not far from the carriage, talking to your ladies-in-waiting. His lips smile seeing how small you are from this far.
A knock on the door. "May I come in?"
Childe turned to find Rosalyne standing in the doorway. Her usual arrogant expression was thrown at him while waiting for an answer.
"Dmitri, leave us alone."
"Yes, Your Highness." Dmitri hastily stuffed the important papers into his brown leather bag and walked briskly to close the door behind him.
Rosalyne's grin grew wider as she realized the presence of the packed items. "I met Her Highness earlier. Apparently you brought her to Zelenossosh too?" She asked as she sat down on one of the leather chairs.
Childe nodded, "Winter is coming soon. For a woman who is used to living in a tropical climate, it would be better if she was somewhere warm at the end of the year." He says.
Rosalyne was quite intrigued by how Childe didn't notice that he sounded so considerate of you. She picked up the whiskey bottle that was at the end of the table and poured it into a glass for her to drink.
"I really didn't expect a day like this to come." She got a turn from him.
"What do you mean?"
"Is it because you are now married? It feels like just yesterday you were crazy about Lady Lumine—"
"Be careful with your mouth, Rosalyne. Stop talking about her." His voice was cold, threatening.
Instead of being scared, she chuckled at this. "Oh, will you take a look at this, a man threatening a helpless woman." Rosalyne glanced at the ginger haired, still maintaining her old smile. "Don't be angry, Your Highness. I was just wondering if you really didn't do this as a concern for Her Highness."
Childe came close enough to see her gray irises. "There's no need for me to worry about her." He said before continuing, "The information you promised, tell me."
Rosalyne turned away from him. She twirled her glass before gulping down the whiskey.
A sigh came from her, "I don't understand why you are so adamant about the Divine Tree. People haven't seen it in centuries."
"I need something from that."
"Ah, I wonder what a man—who can have everything in the world at his fingertips—want from a mystical tree." Rosalyne watched as Childe was lost in thought.
Childe sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose as he leaned against the edge of his desk. He looked up at the sky outside the window. Little did he wonder if you'd like Zelenossosh more than the chilly autumn leading up to winter here.
"Something big." He answered her question.
When you first heard that Childe was taking you to a town at the end of nation, you never thought it would be this beautiful. With crystal-clear waters, plants and coconut trees that thrive along the path of your carriage. Under these blue skies and warm atmosphere, it was so hard to believe this city was part of Snezhnaya.
Zelenossosh, the magical city. Rather than following the climate of the rest of the country, the sun shines all year round here.
"Woah.." You couldn't help but be amazed as you landed your gaze on the green hills.
Childe finds his smile from watching your jaw hang as your eyes widen. "I told you I wouldn't disappoint." He said.
"This city is truly amazing. Even in Liyue, the flowers are not this colorful."
For the rest of your trip to the mansion, Childe lets you look back at the scenery outside the window. Your cheeks lift from the smile that never ends. He takes that as proof you're happy to be here.
For some reason his chest felt warm from that.
The big gate is the first thing you see when the carriage starts to enter the royal family's mansion. Then, the coachman stopped after passing a fountain, the water reflected the sunlight. All around you are well-maintained bonsai plants. Not far from the main door are workers lined up neatly.
You held Childe's hand as you got off the carriage. That summer breeze that you almost forgot was inhaled into your nose.
"Welcome, Your Highnesses." The workers bowed together.
"I don't think I need to introduce her to all of you." Childe is talking about you.
"Of course, this must be Her Highness Princess (Y/N)." One of them who you assumed to be the butler said. "We are delighted to welcome you to Zelenossosh, Your Highness."
You smiled, "Thank you. I also enjoy visiting this beautiful city."
An old woman—the housekeeper— entered into the conversation. "If you wish, I would like to offer you a tour around the mansion." She seemed to be asking you however, her gaze was fixed on Childe.
You don't want him to answer it for you, so you immediately reply: "Please show me the way." You said, turning to Childe and then to your ladies-in-waiting who were busy hauling your things from the carriage.
Childe smiled at the workers, "Take good care of her. I certainly don't want my wife to be upset."
From the way he spoke it seemed like this place was more like something dangerous than a mansion with a beautiful view. You put on your own fake expression, walking after the housekeeper who had let you in.
"I must say, you really are as beautiful as they say. I'm sure many women would wish to pray to the Divine Tree for a face like yours."
The housekeeper—Alina—said in between she explained to you about the room you're in now. You're not sure if it's really a compliment or she's making small talk. But, on second thought, how many people actually talk about you, anyway?
You laughed nervously, "You are too kind, Mrs. Nikitina." You said.
The tour of the house gives you the opportunity to get to know the names of the workers. You expected them to treat you coldly like most people in the capital but, in reality they are so warm. The cook offers you sweet snacks that he made to welcome your first arrival here, the other servants don't stop praising you.
Indeed, they are warm people. You wonder if it's because of the climate.
Reaching the back of the mansion which is bigger than the front, you are amazed by the existence of a lake large enough for small rowboats to float on it. All around were beautiful flowers—though not hydrangeas like in Liyue however, it was enough to make you feel a little deep in melancholy reminiscing the one in the imperial palace.
Your shoes make a sound when they come into contact with the dock's wooden surface. Under the parasol Sasha gave you, you approach the end of it to see your reflection in the water.
"Be careful, dear. Falling into the lake is the last thing you want, isn't it?"
Childe's voice startles you, turning you around to find he's left his coat somewhere—now wearing only a white shirt. He's smiling at you, blue eyes that don't sparkle no matter how blinding the sun is above.
You glanced at the water then back at it. "I was just admiring how beautiful it was." You said.
Childe set his sights on the wide lake behind you. "Hmm, is that so? Well, I can't disagree with that." He agrees with you and you thought you can go back to enjoying the view in front of you.
Of course he had to prove that wrong by taking a step forward and leaning closer.
"But don't you find it strange?" He whispers, his breath against your neck giving you goosebumps. "If you haven't noticed, even the maids don't want to come near here." He glanced behind, your eyes following him.
That's weird. Why aren't your ladies-in-waiting and maids standing nearby? They are standing far from the lake watching you talk. Usually, Laura will offer to hold your parasol or Ksenia will come with a hat to save you from the hot sun. But, they stayed there.
You turned to Childe for an answer, only to find a smirk on his handsome face. Your heart is beating fast.
"Has the housekeeper told you?"
Your eyebrows met in the middle reacting to his half-assed question. "Tell me what?" You asked.
With his grin widening, you should have known better not to believe anything that would come out of his lips. However, you still can't understand why the maids are reluctant to approach like you have an infectious disease.
Unbeknownst to you, Childe had previously told them to let you be with him. Alone. However, of course he will use this opportunity to scare you.
"Oh, don't tell me she hasn't. It's quite fatal if you don't find out earlier." Childe said.
You'd really want him to say it straight away rather than keep tugging at it making you more curious. "What are you talking about?" You looked into his blue eyes nervously.
"That there is a monster in the water of this lake."
That doesn't make sense. He didn't even try to say that with a hint of seriousness on his face. As if his grin can't be erased, he continues to watch you process whether what he said was true or a lie. However, you also can't deny the fact that it reminds you of the legend about the monsters that live in the waters of Liyue.
You chose to laugh dryly, "A very sporting jest, My Prince."
From hearing that, he formed a frown. "A jest, you say? I'm completely serious." He takes another step forward—which for you, it is another step back.
"Saying a monster lives in this lake is ridiculous."
It's your fault. Allowing his ears to catch your stuttering while you keep looking back careful with your retreating steps. Even though you speak in disbelief however, the expression on your face doesn't do much to cover up your nervousness.
And Childe will take advantage of that now.
"Oh really?" Childe continued to take steps forward.
You know this dock isn't that long. Two more steps back and you're in for it. You gripped your parasol tightly, while your free hand held his broad chest under the thin shirt trying to stop him from taking another step forward.
"Ajax, stop. If you don't, I will fall." Your warning falls on deaf ears.
Childe continued to approach even as you reached the end. "That monster.. should we need to prove it?"
"Ajax! Stop!"
A scream came out of you when your heels no longer touched the wooden dock. The tight grip around the handle of your parasol loosened causing it to fall into the water. You closed your eyes preparing for the impact, only to find warmth around your waist as Childe's body drew closer to you.
You fell into the lake, in Childe's arms. The maids who had been standing not far gasped and finally ran towards the two of you.
Under the scorching sun and breezy wind, two members of the royal family splashed into the lake soaking their expensive clothes. You feel a cool, wet pressure against your skin as you welcome the water blocking your ears. From the strands of hair that tickle your face, you can tell that your hairdo has gone awry now.
However, in all of that, you somehow focused on the feeling of your heart in your ribs. You're not sure the tempo is faster because you're afraid that what Childe said about the monster is true or because of the arms still wrapped around your waist.
Your water-soaked dress feels heavier than usual. Childe knows that, so he won't let you go as he brings you to the surface.
Quickly, your lungs fill with air as your head pops out of the water. Drops of the liquid from your hair keep falling. There's no part of you that isn't soaked. All this thanks to the man who is now busy laughing while carrying you.
"Ahahahaha! That was.. that was funny!" He arranged it between his laughs.
You want to protest to him. You want to protest because he made you fall into the lake so you have to deal with heavy clothes. You want to protest that he ruined the hair Laura has worked so hard on. Oh, there are a lot of things that could be the reason you're scolding him now.
However, somehow you didn't find your intention for it.
You want to believe the reason is that even though this all happened from his silly behavior, you can feel the freshness of the lake water. Or maybe because in the end, you were able to prove that the monster he was talking about didn't exist.
Yes, definitely between the two. Definitely not because of his genuine laugh and how happy he sounded.
The footsteps of the maids could be heard on the wooden pier. Childe helps you before himself so that your lady-in-waiting can quickly wrap you in a towel. Laura helps squeeze the hem of your dress to reduce the weight, while Ksenia sweeps some of your wet strands off your face.
There, you turn to Childe standing in his damp white shirt clinging to his athletic body. His long fingers ran through his wet hair, brushing it back from covering his forehead.
You know you're not the only one enjoying the view. However, that doesn't mean you can keep looking at him. Before he knows it, you've set your eyes the other way though not enough to wipe your already flushed cheeks from it. Unlucky you when Laura pointed that.
"Your Highness, your cheeks are turning red! Could it be that you have fallen ill?"
"Is that true?"
Before you process, Childe who approached you was already in front of you—sharpening the sight of his broad chest poking out of his shirt. You're sure heaven really hates you because the heat on your face is getting worse.
Without a word, he puts a hand on your forehead to check. His smile curved downwards as he felt the rising temperature of your skin.
"You caught a fever this soon?" He asked with worry mixed with guilt.
You grabbed his wrist as you glared at him. "You lied. There are no monsters in the lake." Ignoring the question, your tone reflects your seriousness and offence.
The eyebrows of the man in front of you furrowed in confusion as he retracted his hand. "Of course not, or does My Princess actually believe that?"
Your lips pursed as you avoided his gaze. "W-well.. in Liyue there is a legend of a monster living in the ocean." You said softly from embarrassment.
"Like you said, it's a legend."
You don't want to lose this argument. "But, some legends are based on true stories!"
A chuckle this time reached his eyes. You can't help but pick up on the little details like how his wet skin glows in the gleaming light. A flawless exterior of a man who holds a big grudge in his heart.
"Well, should that monster ever come to touch you, I'll cut it to pieces." He says what you expect to be a promise.
Childe put his hands on your shoulders, turning you to your ladies-in-waiting waiting for the two of you to finish speaking. He ordered them to take you to your room, wash your body and change your clothes to new and comfortable ones.
Every step you took on your way to your room was blurry. Your mind goes back to thinking Childe has been unfair again—treating you sweetly, dipping his every word in honey. However, you find yourself complaining about it no more than you cursing your rushing veins from that.
You're in a new dress after soaking in the warm water. While sitting in front of the dressing table waiting for your ladies-in-waiting to dry your hair, your eyes swept across the table in front of you.
The wedding ring that you put before you bathe is between your thumb and forefinger. The ring finger of your right hand becomes the place where it is tucked. The diamond on it shone in the light of the bedroom lamp.
Without you knowing it, you smiled at it. Instead of admiring its beauty, behind your head is the person who owns the ring that matches yours.
Notes:
i know this chapter is pretty boring (i feel that too) but, we're taking a break from angst b̶e̶f̶o̶r̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶n̶e̶w̶ ̶s̶t̶o̶r̶m̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶i̶n̶g̶. ANYWAY, though this one's plain and short, hope you guys are still looking forward for more ;-; thanks for reading!
Chapter 13: A Mansion Full of Stories
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
From a different temperature to the capital of Snezhnaya, you are a little surprised to wake up in the warmth of your room. However, you also don't mind getting used to the climate of this beautiful city. After all, you grew more familiar with this than the skin-biting cold.
It's only been a day and you're already in love with the whole place. One more thing that makes you happy is that at least here, your ladies-in-waiting allow you to wear a simpler dress than you normally wear while strolling around the Zapolyarny palace. In order not to seem too plain, a silk shawl wrapped between your arms as the last touch.
From your intention to see the view from the balcony before going down for breakfast, you found a familiar figure riding a horse in the wide pasture of the mansion. From the color of his hair in the wind, you could tell who he was without needing to watch any longer.
"Your Highness, we should head downstairs now." Sasha's voice is heard behind you.
Turning to her, you gave an apologetic smile. "You can go first. I will join you later." You said.
Although Sasha looked displeased with your reply however, she nodded. Your ladies-in-waiting did as you asked and left the room. You return to the balcony, seeing Childe still in the pasture.
You went downstairs after that but, instead of going into the dining room to eat the prepared meal—you made your way out of the mansion through the back door.
The green grass was bordered by wooden fences at the ends. To reach it, you have to walk further than you think due to the size of the property. The closer you got, the clearer the sound of horseshoes hitting the ground. The white horse looks dashing, running here and there celebrating the beautiful weather today.
You chose to stop right outside the fences rather than enter, not wanting to disturb Childe who was still on his horse.
However, you can't go on unnoticed by his blue eyes, especially when you're standing in the sun that confirms your existence. As soon as Childe noticed you, his lips curved into a smile as he steered his horse closer to the fences.
"(Y/N)!" He called as he approached you.
Childe dismounted recklessly. He allows the steed to enjoy the fresh grass as he walks towards you. From his lace-up neck shirt, you could see the sweat running down his neck towards his chest.
"I didn't mean to interrupt your riding." You said, glancing at the horse that lowered its neck to eat.
"Not at all. After all, I have to be somewhere else after this." He answered you, couldn't help but scan the clothes hugging your body. "Shouldn't you be having breakfast now?" He asked trying to distract himself.
You put a smile on your face as you nod. " I thought it wouldn't hurt to say hello to you for a bit."
"Well, I guess I should appreciate your efforts going this far just for that."
You pursed your lips, "I thank you for the appreciation." You turned to the white horse that was still busy filling its belly. "What's his name?"
"Ah," Childe walked over to the horse and stroked its neck. "This is Garsha." He told you.
You think it's a beautiful name.
"Hello, Garsha."
Not admiring Garsha was something difficult. With ears that stood between the long mane as white as his body. Black line near nose. Dark eyes that looked gentle and fixed on the green grass beneath his strong legs.
You remember one of the many dreams from your childhood that you thought died out as you grew up. Horseback riding is something you've always wanted to try but never had the chance to do. Whenever you mumble about it every time you see Shiva doing it, your mother would always say that it pointless and unsuitable for a woman.
Her voice every time she told you that all you needed to do was stay quiet and dress up beautifully echoed in your head again. Now that you think about it, you're quite sorry for yourself.
"I've always wanted to be able to ride a horse." You said mindlessly.
You don't expect anything. You don't expect Childe to be the one to make it happen because you think he has a mind not much different from your mother's. Stay quiet and be a beautiful flower—as she used to say. You don't expect anything. You're sure you'll be fine if he doesn't listen to your words—
"I shall find a suitable horse for you then."
Your gaze lifted from Garsha to Childe. Half of you can't believe he said that.
"You.. you shall what?"
Childe jumps over the fence and stands right in front of you. "I shall find you one." He repeated, noticing your widening eyes. "What?"
You shake your head, "Nothing! I just.. I just didn't expect that."
The skepticism within you silences you. You place your gaze on your busy hands picking on your fingers, while your mind has its own agenda. Instead of acting like your mother, Childe will find you a horse. And now, you're really conflicted about what to feel.
You looked up at his blue irises, "You're really going to do that?"
Wrinkles formed on his forehead as his brows knit together. However, it didn't last long because after that, he took a deep breath. "You talk like I can't afford to buy you one." He said before turning to your occupied hands, pulling slowly to separate it. "Stop doing that, you'll hurt yourself."
Oh, you did it again. A habit that your mother hates because to her, it will detract from the beauty of your hands. But, rather than worrying about how it will look, Childe is afraid you'll peel the skin off and bleed.
"Thank you." You told him.
Childe grew even more confused. "What for?"
"The horse."
"I haven't even found it yet."
You laughed, not realizing it had the ability to put a blush on his cheeks. "The thoughts also counts."
Childe lowers your hand, still not letting go. "Shouldn't you be eating breakfast now?" He changed the topic.
"Aren't you too?"
"I will eat mine at Duke Grigoriy's residence."
Your smile faded as if blown away by the wind. "Oh." You don't heed the drop of disappointment from that.
Childe smiled, brought your hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss on your knuckles. He strokes your skin in a circular motion before letting go. You are in dismay of how short it was.
"I will wash myself then take my leave. In the meantime, enjoy your breakfast."
You bit your lip, afraid to say something you'll regret later. So, a nod was the response you gave him before taking the step of leaving Childe.
The first time you landed your eyes yesterday the housekeeper gave you a tour around the mansion, you knew this private library would become your favorite room. With towering bookshelves containing a lot of things you can read. By the window is a sofa that reminds you of the one in the Zapolyarny palace.
In your enthusiasm, you begin to move your feet noticing more of the room. A wooden table where framed photos are displayed, you find a familiar face of one of them.
"Is this Ajax?" You asked Alina who accompanied you here.
The middle-aged woman approached you, squinting her old eyes for a clearer vision. "Yes, it is His Royal Highness, Princess." She says.
Childe as a child. In the photo, he's lifting a fish hooked on a fishing line with his face shining with joy and pride. His chubby cheeks remind you of Teucer. His blue eyes used to sparkle, a pity now it's different.
You smiled as you looked the other way. An embroidered handkerchief is what catches your eye.
"So beautiful." You praise.
"Ah, that is the handkerchief Her Majesty the Queen embroidered for Her Highness Princess Tonia. If you want to make something similar for His Royal Highness, I can teach you." She gave a smile as if encouraging you to do so.
It's a good idea to fill your boredom.
"Then if you don't mind, please teach me." You told her.
Her wrinkles deepened as she curled a smile. "It's an honor for me. Please wait here while I fetch the required materials." She rushed out of the room.
Not long after, the two of you were sitting on the sofa with tea and cakes at the table in front of you. You begin your work of threading the needle through the white handkerchief, embellishing it with the purple thread that follows. Alina makes her own while making sure you embroider it correctly.
"I still really cannot believe His Royal Highness has become a married man." She started a conversation in between sewing. "It feels like just yesterday he was crying from falling after running around the mansion."
You can't help but laugh from it. The thought of Childe crying was impossible. However, hearing stories about what he used to do as a child comforts you.
"I also remember him always asking for bedtime stories because he was afraid of the dark."
Another laugh from you. "You make him sound like a coward."
"Oh, if only I could tell you what a crybaby he was." The housekeeper actually agreed with your words before placing her hand on her thigh. "Watching him grow into a war general… it felt like they were two different people. I wonder what happened."
After she said that, your fingers stopped completely from your embroidery. You rested your hands on your thighs as you turned to look at her, realizing she was drowning in melancholy.
"I think he changed after Prince Anton's death." She continued, more quietly this time.
You held your breath at the mention of that name. None of her sentences blame you, then why are your shoulders heavy from an invisible burden? You never raised a sword at anyone however, it feels as if you are the one who has stabbed him to his death.
"Was.. was Ajax close to him?" You asked quietly.
Alina gave a nod. "Very. Prince Anton was someone he admired."
You've never really lost a loved one before, so you feel you have no right to speak about this. The grief that the Snezhnaya royal family had felt must have been heavy enough that their king chose to lower his pride and make peace with Liyue—hoping that no one would have to feel the loss anymore.
As for Childe.. as for him, you quite understand why he insisted on taking that revenge on Liyue. However, that doesn't mean you're going to let that happen later.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't mean to make the situation so grim." She said guiltily.
Your lips formed the faint smile you gave her. "No apologies needed."
The housekeeper approached to check your embroidery. She smiled proudly to find you managed to make a flower that looked like a yarrow flower.
"That is very beautiful, Your Highness! Is that a yarrow flower?" She tried to confirm her assumption.
You nodded, "You know this?"
"Of course! Yarrows grow a lot around the city." She put her hands together in admiration. "You really are a fast learner. No wonder His Highness loves you so much that he brought you here on his first visit in years!"
Bitter on your tongue, but, you act like you didn't taste it. You go back to your embroidery, making sure this yarrow flower will sew beautifully on the handkerchief that is no longer plain. After that, you will think about who it will be given to.
By the time you finished half of your embroidery, the day has turned to evening. The birds outside the window bathing in the fountain were out of sight, probably returning to their nests to warm themselves. The blue sky turned black with stars. Your ladies-in-waiting have come to tell you that they have prepared a warm bath.
Childe hasn't come home yet. You just hope the 'business' he's referring to has nothing to do with his big plans for the future.
After telling Laura to put your unfinished embroidery in the drawer, you walked to the bathroom. In the bath with rose petals they gently massage your head, though it doesn't completely relieve the headache from remembering the story about Childe and Anton.
You come out of the tub after they scrub your body and rinse it off. You asked Ksenia to bring dinner to your room instead of eating it at the long table alone.
Too quiet for your liking. Aside from being awkward being the only one eating here, the knocking on the window by the tree branch moving from the wind didn't really make things a little better. You miss Tonia and Teucer so much now.
However, it is as if the heavens have heard your worries; your ears catch the sound of the neighing of horses from outside the window. You stare at your lady-in-waiting to make sure you're not hallucinating, then leave your food and walk to the balcony after seeing the expressions on their faces. A horse-drawn carriage stops at the main door, you know Childe is finally home.
Your feet automatically ran out of the door while you had a big smile on your face. Your heart skipped a beat from enthusiasm to welcome him, bringing an end to your lonely times inside the mansion.
You shouldn't expect much from heaven, considering that they have repeatedly taken the opportunity to grant you your prayers in the worst possible ways.
Your feet stopped just as you descended the stairs and reached the main door—where you could clearly see the silhouetted figure of Childe coming in in torn clothes. The red stain running through the fabric was enough to nail you to where you stand.
Your stomach hardens like a rock. Even though he was clearly the one who was hurt, you felt your face cold and sure it had turned pale.
By the time you get over your shock, Childe is already two steps ahead of you. You hate how he's still smiling, either taking his condition lightly or he's too stupid to realize it's doing a terrible job of covering his wincing in pain.
"What happened?!" You rushed to his side.
If this is what you get every time you wish for him to come back soon, then next time, you swear you won't mind waiting a little longer if that means you'll find him smiling without a single scratch.
Notes:
ok a new update for making up my boring chapter (man, i overthink it so much but, that has to be included in the story). thanks for reading!
Chapter 14: Wine, Flowers, Us
Notes:
hello hello! thank u for kudos and comments TT_TT I APPRECIATE IT ALL. i'm sorry i haven't been able to reply to all of it. i've been busy to open ao3 lately. BUT, i'm more active on tumblr and sometimes i post sneak peek of this fic so if you want, you can go ahead and check it out!
for anyone who wants to give me tips on my writings, you can do it through: /kiryoutann ! i'd be very very happy :) (no pressure tho!)
hope you like this chapter! BTW, please read while listening to this: watch?v=Qml2gfDq6ng
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Bring me a bottle of wine."
Upon your command, the maid immediately rushed to the cellar. She comes back with what you asked for and leaves it to you. You reached for Childe's hand to pour wine on his open wound, not minding it soaking the carpet beneath you
"Where else did you get hurt?" You asked while sweeping his entire body, finding his shirt stained with blood.
Without warning, you quickly unbutton the buttons. Childe who had been grimacing from the pain in the wound that had been splashed with wine looked at you in bewilderment before wiping it off with a smirk that you didn't appreciate at all.
"Eager are we?" He slipped a joke.
With your eyesight that seemed to only catch red, you didn't have time to respond to it. You splashed the wine again on the wound on his stomach—on top of his old scars. His groan was heard.
"P-please, towels, please." Your trembling voice turns Childe's head to you.
You put the white towel on the wound. However, when your vision began to blur, you just realized the feeling of tightness in your chest. The ringing in your ears that seems to have no end. Your mind wanders to the past, where your memories of the battlefield where your father used to take you are playing back. Images of corpses scattered everywhere. Blood pooling at your feet.
You held your breath hoping it would ease your trembling hands as the memory of your vision of Zhongli's death haunted you.
"(Y/N)."
"Y-Yes?"
Your voice came out trembling, the result of your fear crashing like a crescendo. It whispers to you: you will lose him—he will die like those soldiers and Zhongli in your vision.
Your eyes are staring at the wound but, not really looking at it. The emptiness in it reminded him of his own. From your unstable hand, he certainly didn't miss that detail.
"(Y/N)."
Childe holds your hand, causing you to look up and give him a chance to meet your tear-filled eyes. A different expression that you never put on however, he didn't find his enthusiasm from it. He even held his breath from the sight while feeling his aching heart.
His brows furrowed in confusion and worry. "What's wrong?"
You hate how you react every time you see an open wound—you hate being scared. It's nothing compared to the fear of bugs perching on your gloves or after hearing back the stories of the legendary monsters living in the waters of Liyue. It's the sort of thing that makes you a child again, and you're more afraid of being a helpless child again more than anything else.
But, you have endured for a long time by burying your feelings. You think if you act that your fears don't exist, maybe they'll really go away in the end.
"Nothing." You swallowed, about to start your sentence again with a smile even though it contrasted with the rest of your face, "Nothing is wrong."
While still looking at you, he didn't say anything. Of course he doesn't buy your lies especially when the tears roll down your cheeks.
But, fortunately for you he did not insist on getting answers.
Instead, his thumbs touch the skin of your cheek and you can't help but feel not only wiping away your tears, he's also wiping away half of your fear.
"Just breathe, alright?"
Just breathe. Before he said that, you failed to realize that you had been holding your breath in hopes the aching in your chest will go away. However, you need air, no matter how much you sacrifice it to avoid the pain, you will only find shortness of breath later.
So you fill your lungs, dare yourself to feel everything.
After covering the wound with a bandage, it felt like half of your burden had disappeared in the night. The maid handed him a new shirt before returning to leave the two of you. Your dry throat was relieved from gulping down the water in the glass served at the table, while Childe chose to gulp down a glass of red wine.
"If I may ask," You broke the silence after spending time debating whether or not to satisfy your curiosity. "What happened?"
Childe finished his wine and set his glass on the table with a thud!
"Question for question, if you don't mind."
Two pairs of eyes looked at each other. You're back in doubt about his request, already guessing what he might ask. However, just as it seems, you also want an answer to the one that has left your lips.
"Alright."
Childe rested his head on his hands. "Just unfortunate enough to encounter bandits on the way."
You furrowed your brows, a little disbelieving that bandits could leave a few wounds. Yes, they weren't deep enough to need stitches but, enough to stain his shirt red with a little bit of the iron smell that got to your nose.
"How many of them?" You ask again.
Childe pretended to think. "Hmm.. sixty."
A gasp out of you. "That sounds more like a premeditated attack than a robbery." You said, getting a laugh out of him.
"My turn." He said before continuing, "Are you… are you afraid at the sight of blood?"
If only it were that simple. You want to say it was from the fear of watching someone die in front of you but, you know new questions will rise from that. Though lying is not an option from how you acted earlier.
You take a deep breath. "I guess it's from how much you bleed."
Childe laughed as if he wasn't bothered by it. "Hmm, then, would you appreciate it if I didn't come bleeding in front of you?" He asks, slipping a joke.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't come bleeding, Ajax."
"Ahaha! Well, I can't promise you that."
His laughter leads you to scan all of him, making sure no wounds are left untended. Once you reached his hand, what you found was his bare right ring finger without any accessories—different from yours. You shouldn't be surprised to see the wedding ring not everywhere on him. However, you can't stop disappointment coming your way.
Childe got up from the couch slowly, adjusting to the pain that disappeared after he straightened his back. "Now that my wound has been treated, what say we head to town? You've never really seen it at night, have you?"
"You just got hurt." You remind.
"These wounds mean nothing to me."
The more convinced you are that he is the craziest person on earth. However, you also had time to think that these injuries were probably nothing compared to what he had received before. Your fists clenched as your mind imagined something worse.
"As long as you don't endanger yourself or me." You answered.
"Of course." He held out a hand accompanied by a sweet smile. "I won't let any harm come to you."
Childe wouldn't know how much you wanted to fully believe that line.
Before long, two people in hooded robes came out while riding horses that seemed to be gray in the dark night. You sit in the front with Childe behind you holding the reins. From the closeness of you to each other, you can feel the warmth of his body against your back.
A cool breeze welcomes you. The sound of horseshoes continued to be heard from Garsha who was running at a steady pace. You laugh enjoying things you've never had the chance to feel before.
"This is fun!" You said a little louder so Childe could hear you.
His chest shook as he laughed. "Is it? Garsha can go faster than this!" He squeezed his calves and heels against the sides of his horse.
Soon, Childe proves his point. From the widening of the steps and the increase in speed, you gasp in surprise. You put your hand on the reins before he placed his on top of yours.
"Hold on tight, Princess." He said right next to your ear, sending warmth to your cheeks.
You don't know which fills your heart; either the shining pale moon, the cool breeze of the town of Zelenossosh, the sound of the distant waves, or being with this man. However, from how whole you feel, you ultimately choose not to question it and make it one of the many mysteries that you have yet to find the answer to.
Garsha slowed down as the reins were pulled. The two of you stopped just before entering the bustling town center to hand the horse over to the man you assumed was one of the guards who would be watching you from afar.
Childe held out his hand to you, "Let's go." He turned his head at the crowds this place had to offer.
The sound of music is heard everywhere. However, not the kind of classic that is usually played in the palace, it's a mix of what you'd assume to be harmonica and maracas. It animates the spirit of dancing in the people around you as they joke and laugh and enjoy the food sold along the roadside.
Walking forward, you and Childe find people gathered to witness the performance of the two dancers in glittering outfits. They smile as they wiggle their hips out.
"They are so beautiful." You commented.
Childe chuckled, "Do you like all of this?"
The nod is given with a smile from you. "I really like it." You told him.
"Good, because there are still more for you to enjoy." He said, directing the gaze you followed to the street food stalls. "I bet you've never tried vaflya."
"Vaflya?"
A nod. "Hmm.. I can't really explain it to you in detail but, the most important thing is that they serve it with ice cream on top." He saw your eyes sparkle.
"I'm sure I'll like this vaflya you're talking about." You said enthusiastically.
Childe let out a chuckle. "Then I'll stand in line for you. You wait here and don't disappear, is that clear?"
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
You watched Childe make his way to one of the food stands. Instead of waiting in the middle of the road, you choose to stand on the side while watching people pass by. If only you don't need to disguise your identity, you will definitely be wearing a beautiful summer dress like the ones the women here wear.
"Hey, hey! Go away! You're scaring my customers!"
Your head jerked quickly when you caught the aggressive voice of the man standing behind the flower booth. You looked around at who he might be cursing at and found a little girl clutching a book tightly to her chest.
"But, I just wanted to draw—"
"I don't care! Go away!"
Your shoes create a sound of footsteps that grabs their attention. "Aren't you too cruel? She didn't even touch the flowers." You make sure to cast a sharp glare on him under your hood.
The mustachioed man placed his hands on his waist in mockery, his eyes looking you up and down making a conclusion. "Lady, if you don't have the money to buy either, then go now! Stop acting like some kind of hero!" He said loud enough for the people around to turn to you with judgmental looks.
This guy really..! you swallowed back the evil words you wanted to throw at him. No, you have to play pretty as usual.
You stooped down a bit to match the child's height. "May I know your name?" You asked quietly.
"Umm.. it's Olga." She gave an answer even though she had doubts. Though, you don't blame her. Many parents teach their children not to talk to strangers and there is nothing wrong with that.
"Very well, Olga," You turned to look at the rows of flower bouquets neatly arranged on the booth table. "Out of all of these, which one do you like the most?"
Her round hazel orbs widened. She follows where your eyes look, holding her book tighter as she thinks before giving you an answer. You noticed she kept looking at the bouquet of flowers with wrapping paper that looked fancier than the rest. However, for some unknown reason, she pointed at a rose.
You approach the bouquet of flowers she's actually interested in, holding them high so the man knows you intend to buy that one. "How much for this?"
"Ha! You want to buy that one? You have 1,000 Mora under your cloak?" The man opened his mouth again more arrogantly than before.
Even though you don't know much about the market price of the flowers in that bouquet, the price he put was clearly too expensive. But, then again, nothing can be expected of a person who is too stingy to let a child draw his flowers without even touching it.
"What about 700 Mora? Surely you would at least have some kindness to sell it to a poor woman like me." You told him.
The man scoffed loudly, "Hah! You bastard, bidding the price of my flowers so ignorantly! 800 Mora and let's see if you can afford it." He slipped a sneer between his sentences.
"Deal."
Your hand pulls something out from under your cloak—a brown pouch you put on the table. You loosen the string, revealing the gold that filled it. You glance at how the seller's jaws are open so wide that you're afraid you'll fall to the floor. Eighty pieces of Mora you roll to him.
"800 Mora, right?" Now, you didn't hide your grin as you took the bouquet of flowers.
"What?! This is a scam! Why are you lowering my price if you have a bag of Mora like that?!"
You smiled as if you were blind to his anger. "Mora wasn't created just to buy your overly expensive flowers." You turned to Olga then handed her the bouquet of flowers and the bag of Mora. "Here, you can have it."
The seller was furious. "This is nonsense!" He screamed out of frustration.
With your hand resting on her back, Olga looked up at you from looking at the gold in the pouch. "Now, we better get out of here." You said, leading her to leave the man.
The wooden chair is where you and your new friend sit. Between the two of you is the bouquet and the bag of Mora so that Olga can put her sketchbook on her thigh. Her little legs that were too short to touch the ground swung freely as she hummed a happy tune. You want to talk to her but, wait for her to speak first.
Olga finally turned to you with round eyes. "Thank you, um… Lady." It comes out softly that brings a smile to you.
You stroked the top of her head, "You're welcome."
"But, isn't this too much?" Olga held up the bag of Mora to you intending to return it.
You chuckled, "No one told you to spend it right now, you know." You put her hand down. "With this much Mora, you have to promise me to use it wisely and only to buy good things, you understand?"
Olga nodded quickly, her chubby cheeks moving as she did that. "I promise, Lady!"
"Then let's seal this promise." Your little finger is already the only one standing on your right hand.
"Seal?"
A nod from you. "You don't seal promises?" You asked and she replied with a shake of the head. You thought what Teucer and Tonia used to chant after making a promise with you is something that the kids in Snezhnaya usually do.
"Alright, I will seal it. You just need to hook your pinky with mine."
Olga smiled and nodded. She does what you ask and you realize how small her fingers are compared to yours.
"You make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life. You break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice. The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend, the frost will freeze your tongue off so you never lie again."
The jaw of the child in front of you hangs in awe. "Wow! Did you learn that at school?" She asked.
A small laugh escaped your lips, "My friends taught it to me."
The words you said invite the longing for Tonia and Teucer into the recesses of your heart. You wonder what they are doing now. Maybe the capital had snowed and they had played in it.
In your attempt to dispel the melancholy and continue to enjoy the atmosphere of the town, you set your sights on Olga's sketchbook—where she's almost finished drawing the bouquet of flowers between you two. Although you can't compare it to the paintings of famous painters, you know she has a talent for drawing a thousand times better than you.
"How about you? Did the teachers teach you to draw like this in school?" You're asking just to change the topic.
You expect her to nod, then start talking about how good her classmates are. However, what you got this time was a shake of the head supported by the smile she was trying to force to keep on her face.
"No, my mother did, at her bakery."
From the answer, your lips loosened up not lifting your cheeks anymore. Eyes widened at her as if she had three heads.
"Is.. is that so?"
Olga nodded as her face lit up again this time with pride. "My mother taught my friends there too!" She said cheerfully.
You forced a smile. "That's good! But, why not just study at school?" You hope your question won't take that expression off her.
"Um.. mom said they don't have enough to accommodate us."
The world is never fair. However, you never think it is so unfair that education is so difficult to achieve for those who want to gain knowledge. While nobles could extend their knowledge to other countries, there were people who couldn't even get the basic lessons and had to scavenge for them in a bakery.
Before you could say anything to Olga, the child got up after hearing someone call out to her. You followed where she was running and found a woman in a simple brown dress.
"Olga, where have you been?" She asked.
"I met this nice lady! She bought me a bouquet of flowers and gave me a bag of Mora!" Olga said cheerfully as she continued to look at you.
Aside from hers, you felt the older woman's eyes fall on you—the skepticism she aimed at you. You don't blame her, you would too if a stranger under the hood suddenly gave away something for free.
You get up from your chair to walk and greet her. "You must be Olga's mother. Nice to meet you." You hook your hands in front.
"And you are..?"
Of course you couldn't tell her your real name. Although you may not be the only one who has it however, only few to no of the Snezhnayan women have the same name as their crown prince's wife. And of course, not all of them will give them a bag of Mora as easily as you.
"Laura." You took the name of one of your ladies-in-waiting as your fake name. "You can call me Laura."
"Lady Laura, thank you for what you gave my daughter. However, I am afraid that I will not be able to repay your kindness properly."
A laugh escaped you as you waved your hand. "No need, Madam. I did it because I saw Olga's talent in drawing." You said.
"Oh, really?" She ruffled her daughter's hair proudly. "Thank you for your compliment."
A sight that brings bittersweet to you. You compare it to the relationship you have with your mother. As far as you can remember, she was only proud of you for your fortune-telling skills (and that was before you 'lost' it) and your marriage to another kingdom's crown prince. The rest was her constantly making sure you grow up to her expectations.
Just like you, your mother is an ambitious woman. However, you wish she had a little heart on that side.
"I have a bakery near here. It would be a pleasure to me if you took as much as you like."
Her voice brings you back to reality. You turned to where Childe was supposed to be and found him still in line at the food stand. After nodding at her offer, you followed the two of them.
It doesn't take far to reach the bakery. Olga went in before her mother, then closed the door with a squeak as you stepped inside. You look around where the bread is peddled on trays. The smell of dough you assume is being baked on the back warms your heart.
"Please, choose whichever you want." Olga's mother said to you.
On the walls there are several small paintings on display along with sketching papers. You smile from that, wondering if it's Olga's work or the other kids she's said to be learning here.
You walked over to pick up two long buns, then picked them up. "Is this okay?"
The older woman furrowed her brows, "Is that all? You can take more." She persuades you, walking to your direction to show you another kind of bread. "How about this one? This is our newest recipe."
"No need, Madam. If I brought home too much bread and was full before I finished it all, it would just be wasted."
Olga's mother is silent hearing your reasons. "Oh, you're right. Apologies, I just wanted to repay your kindness." She takes your bread to wrap in brown paper.
A smile you gave her. "Then I'll pay you a visit sometime." You said then continued your walk around this small bakery.
It is an ineffective environment for one to study. In addition to the place being too small to accommodate many children, the sound and smell of the kiln baking the dough breaks the focus. Not to mention if Olga's mother has to take care of customers who want to buy bread.
There's a question you're not sure you can say. However, you need to know why schools here are limited.
"Madam?"
"Yes, Lady Laura?"
You look at her. "I heard from Olga that you teach the children here." You said.
The woman smiled as she tucked a strand of hair that came out of her ponytail behind her ear. "That's right."
"That is a good deed from you however, why not send them to school instead?" You hope she isn't offended by this.
"Schools here are limited and eventually turned into a business opportunity so that only the children of the rich who are willing to spend a lot of money can get a formal education." She said in a voice that failed to hide the sadness.
And in that sadness she shared it with you. "That.. that is awful." You muttered.
"What can we—paupers—do?" She asked a rhetorical question.
"What about the Duke? Does he know about this?"
"We... are not sure about that. After all, the new duke seems to be still adjusting to the title after his father died."
As you pick your fingernails, you think about the situation more deeply. No matter how many questions you ask this woman, it won't change anything. Authority was in the hands of the rulers—the hands of the aristocrats and the royal family.
You are one of the royal family.
"Your bread." Olga's mother handed you a nicely wrapped bun. "I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, Lady Laura. Then, I will pray that you will remain happy forever."
Unbeknownst to her, you expect the same from her and your new friend, Olga.
The last smile you gave her after thanking her. You wave at Olga and walk out of the bakery. Your feet return to where you first waited for Childe.
"There you are!"
A familiar voice made you raise your head that you didn't realize had been hanging low all this time. It belongs to the ginger haired man who was carrying two of what you guessed was vaflya. Both you and Childe approach each other closing the distance between the two of you.
"I looked for you everywhere. You almost scared me out of thinking you were kidnapped." Childe said, obviously being dramatic.
A faint smile appeared on your face. "How can that be when the guards are guarding us so well in secret?" You turned to the one you could find in a dark alley near you.
Childe hands you one of the food, "Vaflya."
This vaflya is a dough that is baked until it is pleasantly crisp and then topped with chocolate ice cream. You could feel the sweetness of it on your tongue without tasting it. With a mumble of thanks, you took it from Childe.
"What's that?" He asked for the brown package in your other hand.
You unwrapped a little of the package, "Bread."
"We still have a lot at home. What's so special about this that you even bothered to buy it?"
"This was given by a friend I made while waiting for you." You said, not noticing the slight change in expression on the face of the man in front of you.
Childe pursed his lips. "Is it a man?"
"Hmm.. if so, what are you going to do?" You asked and laughed as he let out a dramatic gasp.
"(Y/N), you can't just accept gifts from strangers especially if it's a man." He snapped his fingers which signaled one of the guards closest to you to approach him. "Take the bread."
The guard nodded at his command, taking your bread and made you furrow your brows. "Wait, I don't think that's necessary." You said.
"It is necessary because you received it from an unknown man." Childe is adamant on his point.
You really don't understand him. "Haah.. well, fine. It's from a woman. Can you return my bread now?"
Childe was silent for a moment. He scans your face that isn't very clear from the hood that blocks the light from touching your skin. You didn't stop him from doing that even though you were a little annoyed. After all, nothing satisfied his curiosity but himself.
"Even though she's a woman, you still can't eat the bread right away." He says.
"Why not?"
"Because Andrei has to confirm whether it contains poison or not."
"That's ridiculous. She's an ordinary baker, not an assassin." You protest.
"There's nothing wrong with being careful, Princess." Childe said clearly before getting quieter as he turned his gaze in another direction. "Besides, I don't want you to be poisoned again like that time."
Now you got really confused. Was he discussing the tea party at Liyue? If so, that was even months ago. Childe showing your concern feels so foreign—you don't even know if he really cares about your health and safety or if he's just making excuses.
"Tell me how you met this woman." Childe said as you started walking, parting the crowd of people.
A hum before you answer, "I gave her daughter a bouquet of flowers and a bag of Mora."
"My, my, you are so generous."
Not a day without Childe teasing you. "Well, she draws so well. How could I not?" You picked up your vaflya and took a bite, tasting the saltiness of the battercake and the sweetness of the syrup that had been mixed with the melted ice cream.
There was a debate deep in your heart whether you should tell Childe about that or not.
"Her mother taught the children who could not attend formal school at her bakery." You continued, Childe stopped from bringing his food to his lips.
"Could not?"
Childe who had turned his head to see you nodded. "She said the school buildings here are limited and the cost to study there is expensive."
"Expensive? But, no one should be paying for anything." Childe said before feeling he had to add something especially after seeing your face that reflected you were thinking this deeply. "I'll look into that."
You stare at those blue eyes. Even with his title and position, taking care of this matter would definitely take some time. You want to do something for the children while Childe takes care of it his way.
"Thank you." You said.
Such a heavy conversation. The topic of politics and policy is always something you avoid knowing it will only make the two of you think hard. However, as members of the royal family (and Childe as heir to the throne), you know the two of you can't keep running away from that.
You cleared your throat. "About the bread." You brought up a new topic. "How will Andrei make sure it's safe to eat or not?" You asked him, turning to the guard who was now behind you.
Childe took a bite of his vaflya—God, he ate it in such a mess that the syrup smeared on his pointed nose. "Simple." He replied after swallowing it, raising his index finger to emphasize what he was about to say. "If he eats it and dies, that means the bread is poisoned."
You who was chewing your vaflya choked both from his answer and from how he remained cheerful while saying it.
"You can't be serious." Your eyes stare at him in horror.
"Don't you like it when Andrei dies?"
"I don't like it when anyone dies, Ajax." You said.
Childe stroked his imaginary beard in deep thought. "Hmm? In that case, how about I do it?" He asked as if it was normal.
"Why would you do that?"
"Why would I not do that if it ensures my wife's safety?"
You stopped as you held your breath.
Whether it was meant to be a joke or not—oh, you're sure it was a joke considering that Childe still had a lot of ambitions he wanted to achieve—however, you found it strange to hear that. You shouldn't worry that he'll actually do it but, something whispers that he might be serious this time.
No. If Childe ever sacrificed his ambition and life for someone, you would be the last person that would cross his mind.
But, you're scared. You want to think this from seeing him bleed before then hearing him say something like this. You can't help but fear that the small possibility of that being turned into reality.
Childe turned to you when he was no longer walking side by side with you.
"I told you, I don't want anyone to die." The words came out of you so firmly, forcing him to remember what you said.
As soon as you lifted your head and those beautiful eyes stared at him, Childe felt his heart skip a few beats. Somehow he can pick up more details about your face than before. From the way your hair sticks out of your hood to your curly lashes that flutter every time you blink.
You walked to him, approaching as if you didn't realize how those blue eyes followed the outlines of you. His fists clenched beside him, afraid that if he didn't then they would fill his will to have you in his arms.
No camera is as good as the human eye. A misfortune because Childe wanted to capture how he sees you now. With the light fading behind you—with everything blurred and focused only on you. For the first time in his life, Childe wants to know everything about you without missing a thing.
You then said, "Therefore, stop talking like that—"
The hand holding the handkerchief is lifted and you wipe the syrup smeared across his nose, failing to notice his wide blue eyes and flushed cheeks in the middle of a hot summer night.
"—and eat right." You continue.
What a big liar Childe is. Where he kept denying that in fact, he desperately wanted to stay in the moment.
