"Your tent is right this way, My Lady," the young recruit said eagerly, guiding Byleth through the war camp.
She could smell the salt in the air. The ship-town of Derdriu would have been a wonderful place to be, if not for the horns of war bellowing over the seafront. Come dawn they would be marching to take the port. Many lives would be lost, and she herself would be guiding their blades into the enemy. Some of her old students would likely be within the enemies ranks. Her stomach felt heavy at the thought of striking them down – and yet she would have to... For the glory of the Adrestian Empire, and one more step toward the end of the war.
The camp was bustling. Soldiers rushing by, some laughing, some shouting, others sat in silence. A handful of them appeared worried, clutching at their weapons with whitened knuckles; whilst others appeared to be already celebrating victory. The recruit guiding her seemed tense, he had not said a word to her as they walked.
The caw from a pair of seagulls caught her attention. She watched them glide gracefully through the air, oblivious to the raging storm beneath.
"Here we are," The recruit said, catching her attention. He gestured towards the large tent then bid her farewell.
Her quarters were simple yet surprisingly roomy. The canvas of the structure was thick and dark, not much light making its way through. She lit a candle upon the makeshift desk, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim glow. The long day's ride had made her eager to change out of her travelling gear, and so, with a weary breath, she undid the ornate latches holding her cape, letting it fall where she stood before starting to unbutton her blouse.
"Don't stop on my behalf," a familiar voice said from the dim.
"Ah!" With a start she whipped around, drawing the Sword of the Creator in one smooth motion. The jagged, bone-like blade pointed towards the man in shadow. Her sight quickly adjusted, a pair of familiar green eyes reflecting back at her.
"Hubert! What are you doing here?" she said with a hint of relief, lowering her blade.
"Isn't it obvious? I was waiting for you," he replied coolly as if she had merely brandished a feather.
"I see that. Why can't you wait outside like a normal person?"
"Heh, I've been hiding in the shadows for most of my life, seems it has become second nature to me. Why? Does it trouble you?" he replied in his usual shady cadence as he walked over to her.
"No. I just wasn't expecting you to surprise me like this." It was the first time they had met in private since their encounter at the library. Time had passed swiftly, the war preparations sucking up any spare time. The only affectionate outlet they had was the exchange of candid glances across the council room, a warm smile, sharing a meal here and there when they could steal away.
"I came to advise you that Lady Edelgard has requested your presence."
"Well, thank you for delivering the message personally," she said, taking a step towards him.
He pulled her close with one hand, the tension of the battle fading into a quiet background hum. It was as if within his arms was a small, cosy world for her to lose herself in. He gently took the sword from her hand, placing it on the desk beside them.
"That was… much more threatening than a candlestick," he said dryly.
She smiled into his coat, "I'm starting to regret not hitting you with it… Sneaking up on me like that."
He brought his free hand up to cradle the back of her head, "I saw an opportunity to have you alone and I took it."
"I'm glad. But do try to be a little less discreet in future, I almost had your head."
"Duly noted," he whispered before kissing her forehead, "I've… Missed this."
Byleth felt the heat crawl up her face, and judging by the way Hubert was holding her so tightly, she expected he was blushing as well. His words were genuine, yet she also felt frustrated with them. Beyond these passing moments together… He gave her nothing – as if whatever this was, did not exist. She couldn't help admitting to herself though, she too had craved his close company.
"Me too," she replied, wishing this fleeting minute could last longer. There was a long, comfortable silence before she spoke again, "I wish we could spend more time together like this."
He pulled away, placing a hand on her cheek, her hands still holding the fabric of his shirt.
"You are a… distraction. One I need to avoid like the plague, yet am compelled to chase… Perhaps if we were not at war, things would be different," he said regrettably. His tone then changed, giving way to his usual demeanour. "My loyalty to Lady Edelgard is absolute, she will always take precedence. Even – especially over you. That is what you need to understand."
She almost felt sorry for him, he was truly conflicted. But those cold, biting words snapped her out of his wicked spell.
"I best be leaving," she said rather coldly, but still with a smile. "She is, after all, awaiting my presence. Would be rude to tarry."
She gave him a peck on the cheek before striding out of the tent and into the bright sunlight.
Hubert smiled to himself, looking over to the sword she had carelessly left in her haste. Having such an effect on her gave him a ceaseless sense of delight. He picked up the cloak she'd dropped to the floor earlier, folding it before placing it carefully on the desk.
Her scent still lingered on his clothes, the very smell of her clouded his judgement.
Byleth had been on his mind even as much as Edelgard recently, and the thought was beginning to worry him. As much as his heart desired her every moment, his mind pushed against it. He needed to make a decision soon, lest he hurt her further. She deserved happiness – someone who saw only her – and that was something he could not give. He needed to stop this, but damn it all if she didn't make that difficult.
He sighed before blowing out the candle upon her desk.
"So, are we in agreement?" Edelgard said after summarising the last of the strategy.
"Yes," Byleth agreed confidently, "I'll make sure it all goes to plan." Her eyes scanned over the figurines on the war table, all masterfully set out.
The Empress smiled, taking solace in her reply. "Good. I'm counting on you," she said as she sat in her chair. "Though the fact that this is Claude were facing concerns me, I'm sure he will pull off some sort of scheme to throw us off course. We need to have our guard up – we don't celebrate any victory until he is either captured… or killed." The last two words she said softly, shifting her gaze.
"It's not going to be pleasant, but it must be done," Byleth replied, though it did not offer much comfort. She could hear the clashing of training swords in the distance, and the billowing of the canvas walls as the sea breeze rolled through the camp.
"My thoughts exactly," Edelgard said in thanks. "Now then. I wish to discuss… something else with you."
The timid way it was spoken caught Byleth's attention. "What is it?"
"What? Do you think I wouldn't notice? You and Hubert are my closest advisors! Frankly, I'm hurt that you've even kept this from me." She paused, looking dejected. "I also consider you both my friends, I'd like you to be able to share these kinds of things with me."
Byleth sat in a pressured silence. Edelgard was certainly more perceptive than she gave her credit for. How can I explain to Edelgard what's happening when I don't even know myself? She brooded for a moment, eyes darting to the exit, contemplating a quick escape.
"I – well… I'm not entirely sure..." She couldn't seem to get the appropriate words out.
Edelgard laughed softly. "Look at you! Speechless. I must say, I'm a bit jealous, being able to live your life like that. So free, able to fall in love on a whim. Unfortunately, due to my position, I can't pursue such flights of fancy, especially since I may need to marry for political reasons. Never the less, I'm happy for you."
Her face climbed redder and redder through every word she spoke, Love? Marriage? What exactly did she think is going on? Byleth hardened herself, trying to take control again, yet her words still came rather subdued.
"You're right that there is something between us, but…"
"I'm glad someone else can appreciate Hubert for who he is behind all that cloak and dagger. He deserves more than just a sense of duty in his life."
"I just wish he could see it like that. But it doesn't matter how I feel, I suppose it's no more than a fleeting fondness at this point. He doesn't have room for someone else right now. Not like that."
Edelgard quickly noticed the dejected tone. "Oh. Forgive me. It seems I got ahead of the situation." Edelgard's voice then rumbled like thunder, she slammed a fist upon the hardwood desk! "That FOOL," she barked, "surely there is something I can do!"
Byleth raised her palms, "No, please, that won't be necess –"
"Perhaps I could order him to marry you!"
"No! Please don't –"
"Could I order him to love you?" She mused, placing a hand to her chin, "…. Surely that's within my power."
"Ah! No no no –"
"I could have you both dispatched on a mission together…"
"You've gone mad…"
"Perhaps I can arrange your duties to coincide!"
It was at that moment that Byleth realised why Hubert had kept this a secret from Her Highness.
