Chapter 2: To be a bride (part 2) (Verdant Wind)
A/N : Sorry that I took some time to update this story, and sorry that this chapter is mostly dialogues and if the character don't really match up correctly.
Goddess Tower: After the war.
"Hilda, I want you to have this" Byleth said giving the pinked hair girl a silver ring.
"*gasp* Does this mean what I think it means?" She was astonished, it was a beautiful ring, white in color with a blue and red design that is supposed to resemble a flower.
"It does, Hilda, will you be by my side from now on?" Byleth asked, for the lack of emotions he usually holds, he was sweating tremendously. A few weeks ago, they met in the battlefield against the reanimated Nemesis, the king of liberation, now he is asking Hilda to marry him.
"Your life is going to be hard; you do know that means that you'll drag me down with you right" Hilda somewhat annoyed replied but was swiftly replaced by an affectionate smile. "But for some reason, I feel obligated to say yes." Of course she is overjoyed, since the six years when they first met at Garrech Mach, they have grown closer together and slowly turned into something greater.
"So, are you sure?" He knows that being a queen of a new unified Fódlan isn't part of her life plan, but it would make him happy if she accepts but he doesn't want her to regret her decision. The pinked hair young lady came closer to Byleth and put her hands behind his neck and whispered to his ear, "Of course I accept, but please don't overestimate me too much."
With that said, Hilda planted a sweet tendered kiss on the professor's lips. Byleth returned the kiss. A few seconds later they separated and shared the same pink shade growing on their cheeks.
"Profe-" Hilda was cut off.
"Please call me Byleth from now on" he insisted.
"Ok, Byleth… You know, it will get a little getting used to," she chuckled a little. She and the other have been calling Byleth professor even after he was no longer their teacher. "Let's continue supporting each other ok" She winked at him.
"Don't worry Hilda, I'll make sure to make you happy no matter what happens next" Byleth leaned in and kissed her one more time.
"Now, I guess it's time to let Claude and the others" he suggested, he held her hand and started to lead the way out.
"Not so fast" she pulled him closer, this caught him by surprise, she might look like an ordinary maiden, but she is one of the strongest people he knows. She gave him a devilish smile, with noticeable blush on her cheeks.
"No one is coming here for a while and the sunset here is beautiful so… the others can wait a little bit longer right?" she trailed off.
"Oh" the light green hair man said eye widen. Byleth gave a light nervous laugh and accepted her plea.
Two months later, Fódlan is in a time of celebration, the new king of Fódlan is getting married to the sister of Duke Holst Goneril, Hilda Valentine Goneril. Outside the monastery people from all over Fódlan flocked the village below to enjoy the celebration. The Knights of Seiros and the detachment of soldiers from the Leicester Alliance had their hands full tightening up security. Peace may have arrived, but a few rouge imperial soldiers who are devoted to Edelgard's views still fought on in small pockets of resistance.
The day before the wedding
Byleth was sitting in his room, anxious then never before. He got up and paced back and forth thinking. Suddenly the door opened but it was unnoticed by the former mercenary.
"Hey teach, it seems that your skills are dulling, it will be a real shame if you ended up dead before anything happens right." This was able to break the trance he was in. He turned to look at the man´s direction. He gave a sincere smile.
"Yeah it's me teach, I´m not done in Fódlan just yet" he then held out his hand in a show of friendship.
The former mercenary held out his hand as well and shook it. "If I may add, where is the bride to be?"
"She is out with a few of the girls from the former Golden Deer house, but It´s good to see you Claude," Byleth told the man. "I thought you said you were leaving Fódlan after I took your place as ruler?" Claude looked at him and replied.
"You know I like a good mystery, but I guess I can let you have this one, why don´t we take a seat" Byleth pulled up two chairs and they both took a seat. He grabbed a tea set and poured some. A few seconds passed by when Claude finally spoke.
"I want to see your wedding" For some reason, Byleth knew he was lying, Claude wasn´t someone to easily give out an answer like that.
"Thank you, but something tells me that isn't the entire truth"
"That's a little hurtful isn't it teach," Claude protested, he sighed loudly, "Nothing gets by you huh teach, although I really am here to congratulate you, I can't tell you all the detail just yet. As you know, I've been working with Margrave Edmund."
"Of course, Marianne's adoptive father."
"Yes" Claude stood up to stretch before continuing, "I've figured I should let you know eventually, but I guess there is no time like the present I guess," Byleth knows that Claude is trying to improve relationships between Fódlan and Almyra through trade routes, but they never formally set up on a deal. "The people of Almyra have finally budged and agreed to open up trade."
"That's great, Holst and the people of Fódlan have also agreed to open up trade, but it will still be a while for open traveling to be accepted." The Almyran general Nader and his troops proved useful taking down Ft. Merceus during the war, with that heroic deed, tension with the Almyrans declined.
"With that said what is wrong with you my friend, when I came here, you seemed to be in distress about something, don´t tell me, are you regretting your proposal to Hilda?" Byleth coughed up his tea.
"No, you got it all wrong." Byleth protested. "It's just that, she's been acting differently towards me for the past few days, plus she told me she has something important to say but she can't tell me at the moment."
"Hmm… It sounds that you are thinking too much teach, If I know Hilda, she is probably planning to surprise you later."
"How can you be so sure?" Byleth uttered.
"Listen to yourself teach, this isn't like you, you aren't one to lose your head in something so trivial" He shook his head, "If you won't accept it from me, maybe you can accept it from him"
"Who?" Byleth questioned
"Hilda's brother, Duke Holst Goneril" Claude answered.
"Is he here?" the greened haired questioned. He knew that Hilda told him that she sent an invitation but doubted he would ever show up due to his injuries.
"Here and waiting" the door busted open. In came a pinked haired man not that much older than him, he was covered in bruises and had on an arm sling, he used a sort of cane to help him walk. This doesn't look like the man who protected Fódlan´s locket.
"It's good to see you your Majesty" He bowed down. Byleth simply sweat dropped, such titles would need getting used to.
"Who's it going Holst, I see you haven't kicked the bucket just yet" Claude addressed Holst.
"Just because I'm crippled doesn't mean I can't wipe the floor with you."
"Wow, geez, can't take a little joke huh." He sighed.
"Holst, was it really a good idea to come here in your condition?" Byleth worriedly said. The injuries he had where not light in anyway.
"By all means your Majesty, but there are somethings in life that I rather not miss" he looked around,
"Say, you haven't seen my sister as of late have you?"
"No, a few of her friends whisked her away yesterday, saying that they'll be checking the town and how we are not allowed to see each other for the last forty-eight hours." This caused a little bit of concern, the future queen was out and about, terrible things might happen if they are not careful.
"Are you certain that it is a wise decision, Edelgard's remnant factions still fight on you know."
"We know that, Leonie and Raphael have been assigned as their personal bodyguards for the moment, and the Alliance soldiers have set up various check points around the town as well."
"I'll take your word, I know that my sister can at least hold her own, anyways I'll like to thank you for all you've done for her." He sat down on and empty chair. "I still find it hard to imagine, that you found a way to make her work for her own cause." Claude got up from his chair and walked towards the door.
"I'm going to get some fresh air, if you need me, I'll be waiting outside." Claude exited.
"Did he bring you here?"
"Yes, after I received the wedding notice a few weeks ago, I made sure that when that boy Claude passed by, I would ask him to take me with me with him." Holst explained, "He's been working hard with Margrave Edmund, opening up trade, but that's not the only reason?"
"What do you suggest?" This spiked his curiosity.
"It seems that lady Marianne and the boy have reach the same relationship you and my sister share, but that's not all," he took a cup, while Byleth poured some tea. "There are rumors that the king of Almyra will pass down the throne to Claude."
"How true are these claims?" Byleth put his hand under his chin.
"With how much detail he normally gives us, I say that the claims are almost one-hundred percent true." Holst added.
"My sister always sent me letters talking about you, my professor made me work, my professor keeps putting me in the front lines, on and on. When you disappeared 5 years ago, she never lost hope, almost as if she knew that one day you'll return."
"That's much appreciated, but what are you trying to say?"
"Sorry your Majesty, but I've eavesdrop on your conversation with the boy" he took a sip of his tea, "but I know that you worry about my sister's decision, all I want you to know that she does love you more than anyone else, I mean that"
Byleth was satisfied with that answer, if Hilda truly lamented her decision, she would of inform him about it. Holst and Byleth talked a little bit more, soon it was time to bid goodbye. Holst told him that he would be meeting with Hilda tomorrow if anything. Claude came in and wished him luck.
"I'll be there tomorrow; you can count on it." Is what he said, Byleth thanked him. Claude hasn't changed a bit; he still says what he wants you to hear but never what he truly intends to do.
The day is still young, He won't be able to see Hilda for till tomorrow at the reception and mostly of his old students will arrive tomorrow. "I might as well walk around."
Alois and Shamir where out with most of the knights patrolling the monastery, Lady Rhea, Seteh, Flaynn, and Catherine where finishing preparations for tomorrows service. Hanneman and Manuela said they are leaving for some time but will return when the Officers Academy opens again. The soldiers and staff greeted him; the gatekeeper gave his daily report.
"I say that congratulations are in order aye professor, or should I say your Majesty, but I never expected you to become our leader, I always expected you to at least become Claude's right-hand man you know, I bet the Captain would have been proud is he where here."
"Thanks" He waved goodbye, by now, the sun has started to set, the bell rang signaling the ending of the day. "Well that's it for today" With that said He returned to his quarter's tomorrow is going to be a big day.
Day of the wedding
"Professor, Hilda and the others are ready" a dark-skinned male reported.
"So the time has finally come" Byleth got up "Thank you Cyril" with that said the boy departed. Its been two long months but the time has finally arrived. He is wearing the same outfit Lady Rhea gave him that time he and Sothis became one, not his favorite but it held symbolism to a union and changing times. This is the last act for Lady Rhea as Archbishop of the Church of Seiros before she passes on the role onto Byleth.
The two guards standing at the door stood in the position of attention when Byleth came out, from there he was escorted to the first floor of the cathedral. Knights where scattered around, many of them stood guard on the front gate. Rounding the corner was her. If the heavens sent down a goddess to Fódlan, she would be the one.
"Byleth" she walked up to him the clang of her heels filled the air. "So~ how do I look" she playfully winked at him.
"You look great" Byleth held her hand.
"Is that all you have to say?" she pouted "Marianne and the others did their best you know."
"I'm sorry, I'm just at a loss for words" He apologized, Hilda's pout changed to a smile.
"Don't worry Byleth, I'm only joking with you" she seems more cheerful than she has ever been.
"You seem overly excited."
"What do you expect, the day is finally here, also my brother came in to talk to me earlier, I was thinking he wasn't going to show up due to his injuries, but here he is" She giggled, "also he was able to relieve some of my worries"
"What worries"
"It doesn't matter now; all I want you to know is that I love you with all of my heart."
"I will say the same to you, I promise to never stop loving you" Hilda then grabbed his arm and pulled herself next to him locking each other arm in arm. The two knights open the door to the cathedral, and they walked in together.
What they saw amazed them, soldiers stood in two rows along the aisle, weapons raised. The aisle itself was decorated with white anemone flowers and some various other flowers. Byleth noticed Leonie, Raphael standing amongst them. Waiting in the altar was Lady Rhea along with Seteh, for a moment their eyes met with his, was it fatigue or sadness in her eyes, he will never know. Seteh wore the familiar serious expression
Once they reach the front Rhea gave a speech welcoming the union between Byleth and Hilda. Hilda looked towards the crowd and saw her brother sitting in the front, along with Lorenz and Caspar, she didn't see Marianne, but she did see Margrave Edmund.
Rhea turned to Byleth and Hilda, which in turn faced each other holding on to each other. She began, "Will you Byleth… Eisner take Hilda Valentine Goneril to be as your lawfully… wedded wife?"
"I, Byleth Eisner, take Hilda Valentine Goneril as my lawfully wedded wife, through hardship, famine, through prosperity, and decline, and so death shall we part or so help me goddess."
"And will you Hilda Valentine Goneril take Byleth Eisner as your lawfully wedded husband" Hilda looked up at him, she gave him a smile before answering, "Yes I do"
The Archbishop closed her eyes, "and it shall be, may the Progenitor God Sothis bless your union, you may kiss… the bride" Hilda could leap for joy, she and Byleth shared a blissful kiss.
When they kissed the audience gave a round of applause, a few of the soldiers erupted in cheer. The unified kingdom of Fódlan finally has a queen. The bell started ringing signifying their union. The newlyweds turned to the crowed and waved. "Congratulations you two, you can go know" Seteh quietly said.
Locked arm in arm, Hilda and Byleth walked down the aisle, the knights along the aisle raised their lances and did a ceremonious crossed lance bridge. Around the corner, Byleth made out two figures standing in the back.
"Is that Claude and Marianne?"
"Really? Where?" Claude waved his hand followed by Marianne.
"I suspected as much" Hilda giggled. They soon reached the entrance where one of the mages awaited their arrival.
"I am here to teleport you to the balcony as soon as you are ready" She addressed.
They both nodded, the mage held up her hand and started chanting a spell. A faint glow started emanating around them and they vanished. Before they even knew it, they were already on the top floor. Cheers from the masses outside are audible even through the closed door.
"Are you ready?" Byleth asked her
"More than I ever will" she responded.
Knights opened the door. As they got closer to the edge, the cheers got louder and louder.
Once everything was said and done with the Nobles Claude came to them and said, "follow me lovebirds" and took them to the dining hall at Garreg Mach. There, all their close friends and allies gather to throw an unofficial celebration.
Raphael raced Caspar in a meat-eating competition while Leonie stared baffled in her seat, Lorenz spoke with Lysithea which surprisingly didn't end in denial. Dorothea spoke with Bernadetta, a strong friendship for sure.
Claude got their attention by hitting a glass with a spoon,
"I'll like to make a toast," He raised his glass "To teach and our friend Hilda, may their marriage be filled with happiness. "
"To the professor and Hilda!" they all took a sip.
The party continue for another hour before they slowly started saying their goodbyes. The last ones left are Claude and Marianne.
"Take care of yourselves alright" Claude extended his hand.
"I'll say the same to you." Byleth shook his hand.
"When I become king of Almyra, let's make sure to break down these walls alright"
"I agree, till then."
"Hilda, may we continue to be best of friends even with your new position" Marianne held Hilda's hand.
"Don't worry Marianne, I will never allow that to happen" she pulled Marianne to a hug.
"I think it's time to tell the professor" The blue haired whispered.
"I think the same, thank you for your help" The pinked hair bride hugged her harder.
With that said they departed.
The walk back was peaceful to say the least. The only ones out are the Knights on night watch and the occasional owl hoot. The stars glimmered ever so elegantly with the moon in the night sky.
"I want you to follow me" Hilda suddenly requested.
"Hmm? Where to?" It was late at night, if they didn't get any rest, there tour around Fódlan would have to start later during the day.
"It'll be a surprise, c'mon don't make that face it'll be fun."
"It's not that I'm not up for it, it's just that it is really late"
"I'll drag you if anything" She tugged his arm.
"Hey! I'm right behind you, no need to be so forceful."
Goddess Tower
"The Goddess Tower? What are we doing here?" Byleth asked Hilda.
"Do you remember when we came across each other here?" Hilda began. "I told you that you were perfect to make a promise with."
"Of course, even after the war when I asked for your hand in marriage" Byleth responded.
"I know it's not that time to make promises, but I do have something important to tell you" She twiddle her index fingers nervously.
"Oh, and what may that be?" she got his curiosity, finally he can hear what she has to say.
"You can say that this delicate flower just became a little more delicate."
"You act just like a the anemone flower you know, frail and delicate" oblivious to what she is trying to convey.
"No! Why don't you understand what I'm trying to say?" she said somewhat annoyed.
"Sorry, please explain" Hilda got closer and embraced him, she whispered to his ear. The words she spoke made his eyes widen, almost as if time stopped, the moon seem to shine just a little bit brighter.
"Are you sure"
"That is what Manuela told me. Aren't you happy?" She frowned.
"N-n-no, that's not it at all" He laughed, "I am happy beyond words." Byleth embraced his wife. She hugged him back and shed tears of happiness
"Thank you Byleth, for everything you have done for me" she locked eyes with him and gave him the sweetest of smiles.
"No, thank you for trying even when you didn't want to" Byleth leaned in and kissed her.
From there time together in the academy, to surviving the horrors of war, friends they had to kill. They're struggles has rewarded them with each other, and now they will live by each other for the rest of their lives.
'Looks like a new chapter has begun' Byleth told himself. He and Hilda turned to see the beginning of the sunrise. The suns rays painted the horizon a beautiful shade of red and orange, and blue.
"Well, that's the sun" Byleth sighed.
"Yeah, that's too bad right." Hilda looked at him.
"You know what? Lets just enjoy it while we can" he sat down by the wall facing the sunrise, Hilda joined him and leaned her head on his shoulder. A second later she fell asleep.
"Looks like you where tired after all *yawn* its time for me to get some rest as well" he took of his cape and covered her with it. "Sweet dreams my love." He closed his eyes and fell into a blissful slumber.
A/N: Well, school is starting to shift into high gear, homework and studying is draining my free time. I can say that I lack the political knowledge necessary to put into writing and don't know how royal marriages work, but I'll try to make it sound reasonable enough. Wedding scenes are always so cheesy but hey that's how they usually are anyways, and how about a cheesy ending to go along with it. I originally planned to have different perspectives of this stories from various characters, but I really want to focus on Hilda and Byleth overall. Sorry for taking too long, I had a hard time writing the ending, and looking for grammatical errors (I probably created more problems than I fixed though.) Anyways, thank you for reading.