Guilford and Cornelia.
Their relationship was never really defined, though their names were always linked together. Guilford had liked to think that the two of them kept their feelings private, that no one knew they were attracted to each other. If others were to discover their relationship, it would present nothing but trouble.
In public, their demeanors were kept professional. Guilford was Cornelia's knight, and he would do anything she asked. He would advise her, plan strategies, and follow her every command. In private, however, things were slightly different. Guilford was still his Princess' knight, though they were a little more than professionally amiable. They stole kisses when they thought no one was looking. Their fingers would interlock underneath the table during meetings.
The only one that seemed to notice was Darlton, though he hardly said anything about the matter. Occasionally he would drop a hint here or there, just to remind them that he knew what was going on between them. However, Darlton's knowledge of the two didn't place them in any danger. So long as they were both able to perform their tasks, he could have cared less.
Yet, lately, Guilford was finding it harder and harder to concentrate. He was constantly paranoid, watching his demeanor and behavior in public. It was as though he was stretching himself too thin; he was trying to be two completely different people. He wasn't entirely sure how long he could continue to do so. He couldn't focus on the matters at hand when his mind was swimming with only one person.
They walked through the garden together in complete privacy. Cornelia's slender arm was linked through his. A silence had settled between the two of them; it wasn't uncomfortable, but its presence was clear. Guilford could sense Cornelia had a lot of things on her mind. He was in the same predicament. He loved Cornelia; every fiber of his being was dedicated to serving and protecting her. He knew how much victory in Japan meant to her. It meant avenging Lelouch and Nunnally in a way. It meant he could avenge Blanks. Yet, he felt guilty because he wasn't able to devote his full attention to this war. To achieving peace. Because, in all honesty, that was what Guilford truly desired. Peace.
"I can't do this," Cornelia whispered, pausing. She let her arm fall from Guilford's and stared at the ground. She was voicing the very words that Guilford had been thinking, yet his heart dropped as she said them.
"Do what, Princess?" He asked, though he already knew her answer. "Are you not happy?" he asked childishly, almost immediately regretting his inability to restrain himself.
"No, Guilford," she said, her voice soft. "I've never been happier. It's not that. It's just- I-" she sighed, clearly searching for the words she needed. "Darlton knows." She said. "He knows about us. He confronted me the other day. He said you hadn't been performing as well. Like your mind was always miles away from where it needed to be." Guilford sighed.
"Then maybe you've got the right idea," Guilford agreed slowly. "Princess, you plague my thoughts. Darlton is right; I cannot concentrate on anything else when all I can think of is you."
"We both want the same thing, don't we?" Cornelia asked. Guilford nodded. Anything his Princess desired was something he would go to great lengths to achieve.
"Peace." They said it at the same time, softly. He could feel that their demeanor had shifted, becoming much like the one they wore in public. It was odd and cruel feeling at first, but Guilford knew that it was best.
"It always requires a sacrifice," Cornelia said. "Our men are sacrificing their lives. The least we can do for them is make sure we're focused completely on the tasks at hand."
"Agreed," Guilford nodded. "We need to stop being so selfish." Cornelia flashed him a dazzling, yet sad smile.
"I'm not going to stop being selfish, Guilford," she said gently kissing the corner of his mouth. "Not forever, anyway."
Guilford gently took her face in his hands, staring into her beautiful eyes. He kissed her softly, realizing that this would be one of the last kisses they shared. Unless… No. He couldn't entertain the possibility of posing such a question to Cornelia. Yet, with a war on, he couldn't let his feelings go unexpressed. Internally, he waged war upon himself, unsure of which side to succumb to. Luckily, Cornelia made that decision for me.
"Guilford," she said slowly. "Once this is all over, once we attain peace, will you promise me something?"
"Of course, Princess," Guilford said, bowing slightly. Cornelia hesitated before she spoke again. Her cheeks were slightly flushed.
"Will you indulge my selfishness?" She asked.
"Princess," Guilford said with a small laugh. "When we attain peace, I plan on indulging your selfishness everyday for the rest of my life. If you'll have me." Cornelia smiled.
"Of course," she said, laughing a little. "Guilford, of course."
"Blanks was right," Guilford muttered quietly. He looked up into the clear blue sky, as though expecting to see his sister's face right before him. He smiled lightly.
"She predicted we'd get married. Perhaps she hadn't had too much morphine after all."