I'm sowing the seeds for part 2, which will start after the marriage! The pacing will be different and have an arc with TWSTD which I'm excited to write. (tbh I haven't had a plan for this story since chapter 6 and have just been writing as I go.)

The marriage will be in the next chapter, I promise you!


Byleth had spent little over a month within the capital, but the days felt slow, punctuated by rare moments outside of the norm. Today was one of those days, walking through the bustling markets accompanied by her two closest friends. The smiles they wore gave no credence to the war under the noses of the people. Today they were three carefree women, indulging in a task they had been looking forward to since her and Hubert's engagement.

"I am hoping we find you the perfect dress!" Petra said above the clatter and murmurs of the townsfolk.

"Of that, I have no doubt," Dorothea said, "I know the perfect place, and with money being no obstacle your only downfall will be choice!"

Byleth was away with her thoughts, allowing herself a moment to relax. The midday sun was beating down, children playing happily in the streets, their delighted shrieks only rivalled by the merchants hollering deals to attract customers. The three of them were dressed casually as not to attract any attention, and thus far it had worked. They blended in perfectly, the only stares coming from the men that crossed their path.

She felt Dorothea nudge her before grabbing her arm sweetly. "Away with the fairies, are we?" She said, "Are you trying to imagine his face when he sees you walking down the aisle? No doubt he'll be speechless!"

"I – well…" Byleth felt her ears burn. It wasn't what she had been distracted by, but now it was all she could imagine. Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt a wave of embarrassment as a flash of the potential scene ran through her mind.

"He will lose his words!" Petra said.

"Stop it, both of you!" Byleth replied, shielding her blushed face with one hand, "I swear to the goddess, if you two get married I'm going to make you suffer."

Their laughter added to background noise and they walked in a close huddle, giggling, talking, and joking as they went on their merry way through the busy cobbled streets.

"It's a shame Edie won't be joining us, I know she would have loved to be here," Dorothea said.

She hummed in agreement. "El and Hubert have been very busy as of late."

"I heard you and Hubert bought a house in the northern district," Petra added.

"Yes, we moved in a few days ago."

"Why you wouldn't want to live in that beautiful palace is beyond me, but each to their own I suppose!" Dorothea said.

Petra's tone then quickly shifted after she glanced over her shoulder, her voice lower. "Be on your guard. We are being followed."

Dorothea's hand hovered over the concealed blade to her side. Through the years of conditioning, their minds could turn on a dime, discreetly hyperaware and ready for anything. The two women exchanged looks, communicating nonverbally.

Byleth smiled. "Yes, I know. Not much gets past you, does it?" She noticed them both loosen at her unfazed and slightly humoured reaction.

"You knew? Why didn't you say anything?" Dorothea said mouth parted.

"Because it's one of Hubert's operatives."

"He has you followed? And this doesn't bother you?"

"I find it quite charming, actually," she replied sarcastically. She turned to give the spy a small wave, who then quickly shifted behind a wall, concealing themselves. "Quite the shy one though. Pay no mind."

Dorothea giggled, moving her hand away from her hidden blade.

"Thanks again, for staying here until the wedding. I know you both want to move on to Brigid."

"Come now! What bridesmaids would we be if we didn't attend? I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world. And I've been looking forward to this little venture all week!"

Petra nodded in agreement.

"Well, here we are," Thea said, pulling Byleth towards a large boutique shop.

The window display framed beautiful gowns, lavish and exquisitely adorned. She felt her stomach drop as they entered, the little bell above the door chiming their arrival. She felt Dorothea's grip tighten, surely sensing her apprehension. It was odd, the only other time she had felt this was before a battle – denying herself the impulse to pull out a weapon in defence. Suddenly surrounded by extravagant attires and finery, she began to feel a touch out of place.

"Miss Arnault! What a pleasure it is to see you again." An older lady praised, walking towards them in greeting. She was dressed modestly, a sharp contrast to her extravagant surroundings. "And a fine welcome to you young ladies as well."

"And you, madame Beatrice," Thea replied with a dazzling smile, "may I introduce to you Petra Macneary, Princess of Brigid. And the soon to be Lady of house Vestra, Byleth Eisner."

"By the goddess!" Beatrice replied in shock, bowing subserviently. "Do forgive me, My Ladies, I did not mean to address you so casually! Please pardon me, it is an honour to receive you."

"It's quite alright, I prefer casual," Byleth said, raising a hand bashfully as she began to relax.

"As do I," Petra said, her eyes running over the displays.

"You humble me with your good graces, truly. How can I be of assistance?"

"Well, Miss Eisner here is looking for a wedding dress!" Dorothea said, pacing her hands upon Byleth's shoulders.

"In my humble shop?!" Beatrice ranted, hands beginning to shake, "My – My lady! I will do my best to accommodate you! I have heard so much of your story, this - this is a great honour! Oh my!" she quickly pottered to the door, locking it before drawing the curtains as she mumbled happily to herself.

"My story?" Byleth whispered to Petra, raising an eyebrow. It wasn't the first time she'd heard someone mention it.

It seemed Beatrice had quite sharp ears, contrary to her age. "Yes, My lady!" she said, scooting over. Byleth felt the woman's hands upon her back, directing her over to the other room which was hidden behind a large velvet curtain. "The story of our chief advisor and general falling in love amongst the fires of war! Oh my! You simply must share with me your tale; it is surely a romance novel come to life! You must know you have captured the hearts of the people, it's all us ladies have been clucking about recently!"

Captured the hearts of the people? She winced internally, wondering what damned fairy tale everyone had been spinning. She turned her head back to Dorothea and Petra, with a look that cried help me! But, as she expected, they stood their ground trying to stifle laughter.

"You should be sharing with madame how he proposed!" Petra said, trying to contain herself.

Byleth shot the princess daggers before disappearing into the other room.

After a long and exhausting hour of trying on multiple heavy dresses, she found herself gazing listlessly into the full-length mirror. Tightly laced and drowning in fabric, she looked like a porcelain doll with a fetish for ruffles.

Hubert would surely die of laughter if he saw me like this.

"This one isn't for me..." Byleth sighed, looking onto Beatrice's face as it dropped with failure again.

"I forbid you from wearing black. This is a wedding, not a funeral," Dorothea chimed, walking through to admire herself in the mirror as she fumbled with a pair of earrings. She was wearing a long silken dress with a low back, a gorgeous dark shade of purple.

"I am thinking you look very decorative. Like a dove… with many feathers!" Petra said cheerily, trying to make Byleth feel better as she helped Dorothea with her jewellery.

The bride-to-be smirked, trying to find the amusing side. "Think of all the daggers I could hide in the ruffles. Or perhaps a rapier beneath the underskirt? I could be a walking armoury," she replied with a tired laugh.

"I applaud you for your practical thinking, My Lady, but perhaps something simpler would be more to your tastes?" Beatrice said, defeated. It seemed madame wanted her to look as lavish as possible.

As more dresses came and went, she found herself watching Petra and Dorothea; feeling a little enchanted by their subtle and adoring relationship. The way they tenderly laced up the back of each other's dresses, fingers briefly tracing over bare skin and peppering each other with kisses when they thought no one was looking. The way they blushed and melted when praising each other with gentle whispers and laughter. She dearly hoped that the people of Brigid would be accepting of their relationship, and their marriage if it ever came to it.

Theirs was much more of a fairy tale relationship than her own, so she thought. Entirely more deserving of the praise and idolisation of the people. A princess falling in love with a commoner, whisking her away to a new country – definitely a more interesting love story.


Finally home, but exhausted and without anything to occupy her idle hands, Byleth flopped down onto the sofa. She tiredly looked out of the bay window across the room, eyes following the moths which flitted next to the lantern outside. Alone and without much to distract her mind her thoughts fell back to the war. She wondered if she deserved all this. Especially when others more deserving had fallen. Dimitri, Claude, and many of her old students. She could recall each of their faces with clarity, including the smiles they wore in simpler times. She had taken the time to grieve for them, but even so, knowing happiness at their expense proved difficult.

She often wondered how things would have turned out if she hadn't gone with Edelgard that day five years ago. Or if she had chosen a different house to teach. Would it have changed everything or nothing at all?

The lock to the front door clicked open; a welcome relief.

As Hubert entered she sat up, feeling too weary to stand. "You're back early," she said, holding out a hand.

He took it without pause, sitting beside her. He tilted her head up with a couple of fingers beneath her jaw, placing a chaste kiss upon her lips. It was gentle, but it brought with it a heavy, meaningful sentiment.

"I missed you," he said in earnest.

"I missed you too," she replied softly, pressing her forehead to his before breaking away and resting her head against his shoulder. She noticed a poorly suppressed smile upon his lips.

"Did you enjoy your outing with Petra and Dorothea?"

"If you mean, did I find the right dress? Then yes," she smiled, tracing a circle over his gloved hand. "Don't play coy, you know exactly what my 'outing' was about. I'm sure your little spy would have informed you as much."

"Hmph. That he did. Speaking on the matter, allegedly you waved at him."

"Him?" She prodded his side in a taunting gesture. "My, I'm surprised you've placed my safety in the hands of another man."

"Boy, actually," he replied, deflecting her derision. "He is more than capable to serve this purpose, but not skilled enough that he would be missed in other areas."

"What's his name?"

Hubert scowled, reluctantly sharing the boy's name. "Samael."

"No surname?"

"Not that I'm aware, but he is likely an offcut from House Vestra. Perhaps the illegitimate spawn of one of my uncles or cousins. Regardless, when we recruit operatives into this specific service, they renounce all titles and connections."

"So you're likely related…"

"What has you interested anyway, has he done anything untoward?"

"I was just curious to the name of my new shadow."

"Please, try not to interact with him if at all possible. He is an extension of my reach. Not your new toy."

Byleth rolled her eyes, flashing him a mischievous smirk.

Ignoring her unspoken threat, he relaxed into the cushions, running a hand through his hair. "I'm surprised actually, I wasn't expecting you to be so accepting of it."

She arched an eyebrow. "If I opposed it, you'd likely find a way to do it without me knowing. Besides, if it puts your mind at ease…"

"Heh. Nothing finds its way past you, does it? Hm, that reminds me."

He pulled out a roll of documents, placing it on her lap.

"I've transcribed some reports on the activities of those who slither in the dark. I thought you'd like to be kept informed. Of course, I'd like to know if you have any insights… It should not need to be said, but do take care to burn the pages when you're done."

It was akin to receiving a lavish gift. Her eyes lit up and she took the documents without pause. Eagerness winning over her exhaustion. "Thank you."

"Heh. Whereas most ladies prefer flowers and perfume, mine favours dull words of espionage on parchment... I should consider myself lucky."

She held the papers up to hide her shy smile. She read through them carefully, discussing her thoughts with him. He listened attentively, never humouring. Vested upon each opinion and sliver of insight she was able to give.

"Perhaps I should convince Lady Edelgard to have you work alongside me… Then again, this line of work requires a delicate touch." He smirked, bringing her face closer with a gentle hand. "You'd likely bring trouble."

The warmth of his breath and deeply baiting words sent a shiver down her spine.

"And what if I like trouble?" she replied in kind, tilting his head to the side as she tenderly raked her teeth down his neck, punctuating it with a kiss. She felt his hand grab the back of her head, fingers weaving into her hair.

"On second thought, it is most definitely a bad idea. We'd barely get any work done," he whispered into her ear.


Cool morning air filtered through the bay window, bringing with it scents of dew and cut grass. He noticed goosebumps raising on her arm, bringing the quit up to her shoulder to keep her warm. She stirred, but only slightly, before drifting back into a more comfortable sleep. He admired her in the dim of first light; the way her blue hair fell upon the pillow, messy and untamed. Her lips slightly parted as she took quiet breaths. How she appeared content… happy even, and with someone like him no less.

She had asked to be woken before he left for the day, but part of him wanted to leave her to rest. He agonised over the simple decision, brushing her bangs from her face with care. She was so incredibly beautiful. He desired to tell her often but did not want to cheapen the words.

He found himself quickly giving in to her request, deciding to wake her by brushing his lips upon her neck. He travelled down to her shoulder, kissing the red marks he had inflicted on her the night before during their throws of passion.

"Hue?" She mumbled, eyelids fluttering open. He had always disliked people shortening his name, but he found himself not minding when she did it. He had even become quite fond of it. The word itself meant colourful, or vibrant. Both of which he was not. But it was likely that he was overthinking it.

"Good morning," he replied quietly as their eyes met. "I was in two minds on whether to wake you."

"Are you leaving already?" she said with a yawn.

"Yes… But there is no need for you to get up as well."

She groaned pleasantly, stretching out on the bed. "I can always go back to bed once you're gone… Do you want me to make some coffee?"

He huffed, knowing for a fact that she wouldn't be going back to sleep. He grabbed her hand as it stretched passed him, planting a kiss upon the soft skin of her wrist.

"I like the sound of that."

The sides of her lips curl into a smile and he couldn't help but smile back.

He found himself sleeping less since leaving the security of the palace, regardless of the agents he had safeguarding the house. But it was worth it, just to see her light up like that. It was obvious he was entirely weak for her, denying such a thing was futile.

They got dressed and pottered about the house doing their own things. She looked slightly different today, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Perhaps her lips rosier?

"The palace is always open to you if you find yourself bored," he said before heading to the door.

"The palace bores me more. I think I'll tend to the garden today, perhaps go to the market and buy some new plants."

She followed him to the door, placing a firm kiss on his cheek. "Bye," She said sweetly. He caught a mischievous glint in her eye but decided not to challenge it. He said his farewells before heading to the palace.

The guards and servants had been acting unusually strange around him that morning, many averting their eyes and moving along quickly. It was something he was used to. The nature of his work tended to carry with it unfortunate rumours. But something was slightly off, and he couldn't tell why.

On his way to the throne room, he crossed paths with Ferdinand. The bright noble barely looking up from his paperwork as he stopped him.

"Ah! Hubert, my friend! I was wondering if you would like to go through some of the finer details to your wedding. With the duty of best man naturally in my lap, I want to make sure that your day is flawless and without any dilemmas!"

His cheery attitude this early in the morning was grating. Hubert grimaced. "Although I appreciate your efforts, the colour of the drapes is of little concern. Please excuse me."

Ferdinand halted him by shoving some documents to his chest.

"Additionally, here are some reports regarding the eastern territories, I think you'll find them quite…" Ferdinand's eyes widened as he looked up, his voice falling to a mumble. "… Interesting."

"What is it?" He asked with narrowed eyes, taking the papers.

"You appear… happy. Our dear professor seems to have left her mark upon you…"

"What are you blabbering on about?" He replied, pinching the skin between his brows.

Ferdinand stifled a laugh, bringing a hand to his lips. "Nothing at all my friend!" he replied, trying his damnedest to hold in a laugh.

"Will that be all?"

"Yes! Yes, please, go about your day."

As Hubert walked away, he heard Ferdinand imitate the sound of a cracking whip.

He didn't look back. "I will murder you one day," he muttered in jest under his breath.

Eventually, he came to Lady Edelgard's chambers. He knocked before entering at her behest.

"Good morning, Hubert. Honestly, you really shouldn't fuss over me like this."

"It is my duty to serve you my lady, that will never change."

When their eyes finally met her face lit up, a smile firm on her lips.

"Hubert. Did you look in the mirror before leaving the house?" She asked, raising a hand to her mouth.

"Of course! What do you take me for?"

"I mean… right before leaving the house."

Suddenly he saw sense, everything fell into place. "There's… something on my face, isn't there?" he replied, fists clenched. His knuckles whitening under his gloves. He walked over to one of the many mirrors that adorned the Emperor's room. "First the ribbons, now this?!"

Edelgard couldn't hold in her laughter, handing him a handkerchief with a shaky hand.

"Is it possible to get a divorce before you're even married?" he asked rhetorically, wiping the lipstick from his cheek.

"H - Have you been walking around the castle all morning like that?" Edelgard said, words muffled through her fingers.

Hubert didn't respond.

"Send her my thanks, I've not laughed like that in a long while," She added, trying to compose herself.

"That damnable woman," he muttered under his breath.

After that incident, Hubert made sure to hang a mirror by the front door, much to Byleth's amusement.