A/N: This is being crossposted on both AO3 and here because I crave attention lol.

Disclaimer: As always, nothing belongs to me.

Chapter 1

Lorenz found himself not surprised by the fact that Claude was the Almyran King-all his talk of 'busting open Fodlan's throat,' emphasis on how much of an outsider he was before and during his tenure as leader of the Alliance, and lack of adherence to the tenants of Seiros all hinted that he probably wasn't a Fodlan native. His disparaging comment about the pirates who pretended to be the Almyran navy from their time as students also made more sense in light of the revelation.

While the new information made him even more glad that their professor had decided to take on the rulership of Fodlan-Claude likely would have made a hack-job of it all, even if Almyra was purportedly prospering-it also engendered...quite a few other emotions that Lorenz wasn't entirely sure what to do with. When Claude had vanished after the war with only a goodbye to the Professor, Lorenz had been oddly wounded, even if he intellectually knew he shouldn't be. After all, he and Claude were uneasy acquaintances at best, weren't they? Yet, he hadn't been lying to Claude when he said a life without the other man would be ever so dull, and was irked to discover that he had't been wrong about that. The fact that he had developed a 'mental Claude' against whom he double-checked his decisions somewhere during the time when he had been assigned governance of much of the former Leicester lands was irritating.

He was also frustratingly flattered that Claude had reached out to him when he (Lorenz) sought to establish better relations with the surrounding countries, even if House Goneril sat at the border and Claude and Hilda had been much better friends. That the tone of the exceedingly formal and official letter had held an almost apologetic undercurrent was bewildering to Lorenz, and he found himself reluctantly looking forward to meeting Claude again.

Of course, he hadn't told anyone who 'King Khalid' was in truth-save for the Professor, naturally, as they were required to know, and Hilda, since they were using her territory for the summit-as Foldan was still strongly isolationist and he didn't know how some of the residents would respond. If he was successful in establishing a peaceable and profitable treaty with Almyra, it would be known for generations to come, so he desperately wanted to have as many factors on his side as possible.

The day of the summit dawned bright and clear, and Lorenz had found sleep only through sheer force of will and a stubborn refusal to look anything but his best when encountering Claude for the first time in years. He was still more nervous than he would have preferred, and how poorly Hilda was suppressing a smirk was irksome.

"If you have something to say, simply say it," Lorenz commented as they waited for Claude to arrive.

"I just don't think I've ever seen you so nervous, Lorenz," Hilda said as she casually tossed some of her hair over her shoulder.

"A great deal is riding on this treaty," Lorenz responded primly. "If successful, the Gloucester name-my name-will never be lost to history."

"You know, you don't have to lie to me," Hilda commented. "You're looking forward to seeing him, aren't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Lorenz huffed. "He was nothing but a nuisance during both our schooling and when he was leader of the Alliance. I am looking forward to seeing him as much as I look forward to, to...to traveling in the rain. An occasional necessary evil, but not one I relish."

Hilda simply shook her head, her smirk remaining firmly in place.

Before Lorenz could find a way to defend himself further, there was a commotion at the doors, which were abruptly swung wide open to the cry of, "King Khalid of Almyra!"

There were numerous, audible gasps as people recognized Claude-how could they not, him having once led the Alliance?-as the man entered with his typical, overconfident, irritating swagger, a wide, cocksure smile on his face.

Shivers of annoyance crawled up and down Lorenz's spine, causing him to stand even straighter, and only practice and necessity kept the burgeoning hostility from showing on his face. Being confident was, of course, a good bargaining strategy, but how Claude acted-and the clear joy some felt upon seeing him again-grated.

I work exceedingly hard to help implement progressive policies and rebuild a shattered nation, and the minute he walks in, all attention and admiration is on him, Lorenz thought with no small touch of bitterness. Wonderful. I'm sure I'll be hearing constant comparisons of us once more, with myself consistently the wanting.

Lorenz nevertheless managed to fix a polite smile on his face and gave Claude a bow the exact depth that their stations necessitated.

"Welcome...Your Majesty," Lorenz said, his voice carefully neutral. "Fodlan thanks you for your willingness to parlay."

Claude's smile never faltered, instead widening as he did the highly undignified thing of throwing an arm around his (Lorenz's) shoulders. "C'mon, Lorenz, no need to be so formal."

Lorenz pointedly shrugged Claude's arm off. "Would it kill you to act with some decorum?" Lorenz snapped. "This is official business between our respective nations. Our history may help smooth the road before us, but you are here as king and I am the representative of Fodlan."

There was a flash of humor in Claude's eyes, even if his expression did become almost mockingly solemn. "Of course. Lead the way, Count Gloucester. We have much to discuss."

"Oh, even if he's being a sourpuss, it's great to see you again, Claude!" Hilda said once they began to walk towards the meeting room where the official talks would be held, linking her arm in Claude's, which made the man chuckle and smile fondly.

Goddess preserve my sanity, Lorenz sighed to himself as the two bantered between themselves. Can neither of them act responsible and with the propriety appropriate to the situation?

The room had once been where House Goneril held its tactical and war meetings, meant to defend against Almyra-now, the more martial aspects had been cleared and a round table set up where the diplomatic discussions could take place. Claude and his retinue had agreed to stay for at least the night, so after the summit, there would be a party, hopefully celebrating the new, beneficial relationship between the two nations. Lorenz personally doubted it would take only one day, but this summit was meant to be a starting point, not the be-all-end-all. He would, in all likelihood, have to spend more time in Claude's presence, which left him….strangely unsettled.

However, once everyone had settled at the table, much of Lorenz's apprehensions and uncertainty melted away. Much as Claude was, Lorenz had been raised to rule, as the Duke Reigan hadn't possessed an heir for years, so the language of politics, the subtle maneuvering, the cultured, cutting words were almost relaxing to him. Throughout the meeting, however, he had the sneaking suspicion that Claude frequently mocked him, and the smiles that were exchanged covertly only caused both his certainty and frustration to deepen.

Even now, when I am the representative of an entire nation, when I have the trust of the Professor, he still sees me as his lesser, Lorenz thought. In his eyes, we have never been equals and we still aren't. Foolish of me to think that he had changed at all, that he would see me as something other than an annoyance to suffer through in order to achieve his grandiose dreams.

To all accounts, the summit went exceedingly well, but Lorenz could never quite shake the feeling that he was being humored, being talked down to and around, that he wasn't being seen-which made all that the summit accomplished, all the 'concessions' he received seem hollow, rehearsed, given to him out of pity and amusement instead of genuine recognition of his skills.

Whenever Claude was involved, all of Lorenz's efforts were meaningless. History would remember the generosity of the Almyran king, not the hard work of the Count Gloucester, and it left a bitter taste in Lorenz's mouth. The summit would be known as one of Claude's 'schemes', not as the result of outreach and diplomacy on Lorenz's part. It made Lorenz want to withdraw, to shun the celebration, because what were they celebrating? Certainly not his achievements. Merely Claude's triumphant return to Fodlan's politics.

Still, it would be highly unbecoming, and he had a noble standard to uphold, so in spite of his own feelings, Lorenz attended-and was summarily unsurprised when nearly everyone in the room gravitated to Claude, who clearly reveled in the attention and admiration.

It is always those who work the hardest who are the most easily forgotten, Lorenz thought as he sipped at the surprisingly good wine that had been provided for the celebration. I brought the Alliance territories back from the brink, and yet…this will be known as Claude's day, not mine. Damn him.

It was not mere speculation that made Lorenz think so-not when he heard people constantly laughing over the event being just another of Claude's schemes. What vision, to have such a long-term plan! And to even work with his former enemy and rival! Such magnanimity!

Lorenz left perhaps a little earlier than socially acceptable, but it seemed that in order to praise Claude, someone had to put him down, and there was no requirement for him to endure such slander and abuse. It wasn't as if he could change their minds-if they still thought so poorly of him, even after the years of labor and care on Lorenz's part, nothing he could do or say would modify their perception.

However, he was too wound up-and more than a little tipsy-to head straight to bed, so found his way to the hedge maze that House Goneril had on their property. It was purportedly used to help train in stealth and perception, but Lorenz appreciated the varied roses that were used in its creation, and frequently stopped to enjoy either the scent of them, the feeling of the delicate, soft petals between his fingers, or the vibrant colors. It kept his mind from circling around the hurt that pulsed in his chest.

How unbecoming of me, to sulk so, Lorenz thought as he wandered aimlessly in the hedge maze. But, can I truly be blamed? Overshadowed, insulted, disregarded...no man should have to suffer such indignities and affronts. Not when he has tried to undo all the negativity surrounding his legacy.

He distantly herard someone else making their way through the hedge maze, but paid them little mind-it was likely merely someone else seeking privacy for one thing or another. They were almost certainly not looking for him. Who would care to? At best, he was a star in the night sky-useful as a guide only when the sun wasn't visible.

Lorenz allowed himself one heavy, almost mournful sigh as he reached the center of the maze, and the small shrine to the Goddess and the Saints that laid at its heart. It was strange to think that he had known Saint Seiros, had fought two of the Saints and counted the other two as companions-in-arms, and that the Professor was the incarnation of the Goddess. Those revelations had set everything he believed in on its head, and he still hadn't fully recovered his faith fully. He wasn't sure he ever would.

"There you are!"

Lorenz twitched, then turned away from the shrine to face the reason he had left the party early.

"Your Majesty," Lorenz drawled in response, allowing a slight mocking tone to creep in. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

"C'mon, don't be like that," Claude said and walked over, running his fingers through his hair. "You're the last person I want to hear call me that."

Lorenz crossed his arms over his chest. "Grew tired of your many admirers, did you?"

"You could say that, I guess," Claude said and walked over, although came to an abrupt stop with some distance yet between them. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

"Then speak," Lorenz replied. "I'm sure people are already starting to look for you, so make it quick."

Claude huffed an exasperated sigh. "Right you are. I've heard you've made strides with diplomatic relations with Dagda and Sreng."

"I have, yes," Lorenz said, smirking faintly, a pleasant glow kindled in him at the reminder of the diplomatic successes. "Although Petra and Sylvain have both been invaluable in that pursuit. Dagda and Brigid were always close, so being on friendly terms with their queen provided me an inroad I don't think we've had before; Sylvain, for how annoying he can be, is a smooth talking charmer, and has enough knowledge and history with the area to know how to approach its people correctly. I'm glad they joined our class."

"I've heard it's not just them, though," Claude said. "People outside of Fodlan know your name, Lorenz."

Warmth that had nothing to do with his buzz flowed through Lorenz and he said, "Is that so? Then it's even more the shame that this summit will be known as your grandest scheme and not a result of concerted efforts on my part to get a hold of a notoriously difficult to pin down king."

"I've had to deal with a lot of assassination attempts, so I've had to be extra careful," Claude replied with a shrug. "And while peace with Fodlan has been a dream of mine for decades, it couldn't come true without a willing partner in Fodlan. I'm glad I'm dealing with you, Lorenz. Our history and your bargaining skills makes it clear that this is a meeting of equals, and that any concessions are hard-won."

Lorenz gave a short, sharp laugh. "Nonsense. The whole of this summit is abuzz with how generous you are, your visionary nature and lofty goals. They have me being played by you, another victim of your schemes and tactics, not an equal."

Claude frowned sharply at that. "That's not-Lorenz, that's not true."

"Is it not?" Lorenz asked dryly. "You've never seen me as your equal, Claude, admit it. I've always been, at best, an annoyance, a hindrance to your dreams and aspirations. That's all I am now to you, as well."

Claude idly played with one of the decorative coins on his waist-sash before saying, "Okay, back in the Officers Academy, you were a certifiable pain. 'Noble' this, 'noble' that, with a stick so far up your ass I was surprised you could walk. I understood your resentment-you were being raised to become the next Alliance leader before I just waltzed onto the scene. I was, in all honestly, surprised when you kept your malice to mere talk and didn't actually try to kill me. In truth, it made you seem weak, as if you lacked conviction to follow through on your goals and ideals."

Lorenz bristled. "I would never stoop so low as to attempt to assassinate a rival."

"I know that now, but remember-I was the son of the Almyran king and a foreigner-a foreigner that most Almyrans thought weak and duplicitous. People have been trying to kill me from before I could walk. That you snipped and insulted me seemed childish, petty, and ineffectual. You were just a nuisance."

"I suppose I'm pleased to know that I was able to read that much correctly," Lorenz muttered in reply, shoving down a surprising spike of pain.

"I wasn't really good at hiding my distaste for you," Claude admitted with a wry smile. "But...that's changed."

"Has it really? You're a king now, Claude, and were the leader of the Alliance," Lorenz said. "I have always only existed in your shadow. It feels like a pittance that you mention you see me as an equal."

"Teach has entrusted you with the former-Alliance lands, which makes you more-or-less a Duke," Claude said. "While that isn't the same level as a king, it's only a step below."

"A significant one," Lorenz insisted. "Although I suppose that you recognizing my position and influence counts for something. People respond to your light, charisma, and authority in a way they do to little else."

"Well, it's nice to finally be liked after being hated for so long," Claude said. "Took long enough to win them over. There's really only one person I don't think I've completely won over to my side, though."

"Oho, finally found someone resistant to your charms, have you?"

"You could say that," Claude hedged. "I'm surprised that you're not here with a Lady Gloucester."

"I have been too busy to find a wife," Lorenz said. "And all the suitable noblewomen from our time at the Academy have found themselves other partners. I suppose I truly must have been insufferable back then. There simply hasn't been time for social engagements since the war ended-Fodlan was in rough shape. I noticed there was no mention of a Queen when you finally responded to my invitation."

"Building a new world order isn't exactly easy," Claude replied with a strangely bitter smirk. "A lot of the Almyran noblewomen still look at me and see a man with a dual, weaker bloodline."

Lorenz scoffed. "Clearly they don't know what strength truly is."

Claude hummed noncommittally. "I was thinking of asking Hilda to marry me, since we get along so well, but before I could even bring up the topic, she showed off the ring she was planning to use to ask Marianne to marry her. She looked so genuinely happy that I discarded that plan."

"I'm surprised-both that you are willing to give up so easily and that you don't have some kind of scheme for a political marriage."

"Who said I don't?"

Lorenz shook his head. "Silly me. Of course you do. Is she a noble from Morfis? Sreng? Those would be the closest and most advantageous nations."

"It wouldn't be much of a scheme if I revealed it to you, now would it?" Claude said, a slight tease to his tone.

Lorenz shook his head disparagingly. "You always did love your secrets."

"Because Teach is so busy with running the country, I was wondering if you could be my point of contact with Fodlan," Claude said, catching and holding Lorenz's eyes. "While House Goneril is closest to the border, Hilda is going to be busy with wedding preparations soon, and Holst is a soldier without the skills needed for diplomacy."

"The Professor has already assigned diplomatic relations with Almyra to me, so you needn't ask-it was going to be a point of conversion tomorrow as we wrap up the summit."

Claude nodded nearly imperceptibly, and Lorenz could almost see the wheels working in his head-not that he knew nor cared about what thoughts Claude was entertaining, just that he was thinking quite hard.

"Well, that's good," he eventually stated with surprising firmness. "I would rather deal with you than anyone else."

"Should I be flattered?" Lorenz asked, a half-disbelieving laugh escaping him.

"Up to you," Claude said with a strangely easy smile. "I know where I stand with you, Lorenz, and in the political world, that's invaluable."

"It is hard to determine friends and enemies sometimes, this is true," Lorenz admitted. "But I doubt I will ever know where I stand with you and your schemes."

Claude's smile grew uncomfortably mischievous. "I hope that, one day, you'll figure it out."

A strange, yet comfortable, silence fell between them, and Lorenz said, "I plan on retiring now. The summit day starts early, so make sure you are well rested. It won't be any easier a day of negotiations for you, I promise."

Claude laughed. "I look forward to it, Lorenz. Do you think you could show me back to the guest quarters? I got a bit turned around and am glad I happened to run into you."

Lorenz highly doubted that Claude had gotten lost, although that led to the conclusion that he had been actively looking for him (Lorenz), which was...uncomfortable on a number of levels.

"If I must," Lorenz pseudo-agreed. "Come along."

"I forgot how nice the weather is this time of year," Claude said after a long moment of comfortable silence as they wound their way through the hedge maze.

"It is better than usual," Lorenz replied. "Although I consider it...auspicious."

"I didn't think you were superstitious."

"I am not," Lorenz insisted. "But, if this treaty works, then my legacy will be secured in history...as long as this summit isn't recorded as your greatest scheme come to fruition."

"No, I have one, even greater scheme still going, and if that one succeedes, it will be truly my greatest accomplishment."

"Then I sincerely hope it fails," Lorenz drawled, which made Claude voice a strange, tight chuckle.

The air between them grew tighter and more uncomfortable the longer they walked together, and Lorenz found himself fighting a mixture of emotions that left him uneasy. While it was odd to have Claude following him-especially since it was clear he knew where he was going-he couldn't call the man out on that without initiating conversation, and he was strangely reluctant to do that. He couldn't think of any topic of conversation that wouldn't lead to an argument, and the last thing he wanted was for the servants or other attendees of the summit to overhear them arguing.

"Here you are," Lorenz said and gestured to the entrance to the guest wing. "Do you want me to request servants be sent to you to bring you to the dining room for breakfast?"

"Nah, I'll be fine," Claude said with a forced smile. "Thanks, though. It was...we still have a lot to talk about, so you better be on your best game tomorrow."

Lorenz smirked. "Of course. Same to you."

Claude's smile relaxed slightly. "Right. Until tomorrow."

Lorenz watched Claude disappear into the guest suite, then turned on his heel and headed towards his own borrowed rooms. Now that he was no longer in Claude's presence, he found his shoulders relaxing.

And yet...this is only the beginning, Lorenz thought. As relations with Sreng and Dagda are not settled yet, there is still a long road before us with Almyra. It will certainly be a challenge worthy of Lorenz Hellman Gloucester.