This chapter especially is rated R-18, so if you are underage, kindly leave.


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Chapter 38: The Marriage


When the doors to Julius' office opened, he found a hesitant woman striding towards him.

He sighed. Suddenly he was nineteen and she was sixteen, back when he first captured her. When he forced her to marry his cousin and conceive a child.

Despite the passing years, the woman's beauty remained undeniable, her aging face doing little to diminish her allure. Her blonde hair was elegantly styled in a braided bun, not a single strand out of place. Her green eyes reflected a mix of surprise and dismay at the unexpected encounter with Julius. The high collar of her purple gown seemed to constrict her throat, yet she maintained a dignified poise, reminiscent of her younger self. Memories of her younger self flooded in when she made stern eye contact with the king.

She stood at a distance from his desk, silently waiting to be acknowledged, refusing to offer any pleasantries or greetings.

"Still as stubborn as always, aren't you Celeste?"

She pursed her lips, the intensity of her green gaze threatening to consume him, her unspoken words echoing like a silent accusation.

"Please, take a seat." He gestured towards the plush golden couches adorned with royal blue accents. He observed as Celeste obediently took her place, while he settled into a seat across from her, the fancy coffee table separating them, adorned with tea and sweets.

"You haven't aged a bit." Was all she could offer for small talk.

"Strange, isn't it?" Julius responded with a pause, as if lost in deep thought. "Living in the same castle, yet not seeing each other for seven long years. Time slips away faster than we realize."

Celeste huffed in annoyance, her patience wearing thin. "Anyone can appear youthful if they so desire."

"Then tell me, why am I the only one who doesn't seem to age?" his tone tinged with curiosity, but Celeste took his tone for what it was.

Condescending.

She would run her tongue, say something that would offend him. Then he would enjoy tormenting her over that. So she offered nothing.

"Nobody has mastered alchemy like myself, Celeste. I have taught my kingdom all there is to know it."

"I have been aware of that for quite some time," she responded, her voice laced with a hint of resignation.

"You seem...tired of rebelling against me."

"You play unfairly when you wage war. Of course I am tired."

"Right," he paused, as though in deep thought. "I thought this piece of news that I am about to share might light anew that fire of yours. A fire for vengeance, so you can fight for the throne."

"Your Majesty," she spoke earnestly, her tone devoid of any playful banter. "I must remind you for the umpteenth time that I have no interest in the throne."

"Not even if your son were to come back?"

"He's been dead for seven years," Celeste sighed, flexing her fingers underneath her white gloves. "Why torment me with such false hope?"

"I have no intention of tormenting you, Celeste. Jellal is indeed alive."

Celeste blinked multiple times, attempting to hide any tears that threatened to escape at the revelation. Julius may have played many mind games in the past, but this was not one of them. "How did you find out?"

"That girl he got engaged to all those years ago. I saw her again in Crocus. Jellal was imprisoned by the Magic Council, and she wanted him pardoned." He observed Celeste's reaction. Judging by her frown, she must have assumed he made the situation worse for them. "King Toma was due to see her in over a month. The poor girl, so desperate to get Jellal pardoned. I took pity on her and took it upon myself to release Jellal."

"You're up to no good," she whispered, despite his actions appearing good-willed.

"Strange, Erza thought the same. She was uncomfortable around me the entire time. I can only imagine Jellal knew about my heinous reputation and warned her. He's even smarter than Gerald. A Wizard Saint and a councillor at seventeen, not to mention that he accomplished it without any connections. Truly a worthy heir to the throne through and through, don't you think?"

Celeste gulped at the mention of her late husband. Being smarter than Gerald did not mean that Jellal could outwit Julius. "Why did you take a sudden interest in Jellal?"

He chuckled, "A sudden interest? I kept him under my wing until I sold him to that cult. That boy managed to escape their clutches and join a guild. I must say I'm impressed."

Celeste suddenly wanted to cry, thinking back to what Julius had done to Jellal in his younger years.

At least she could be grateful that he altered Jellal's memory before sending him to the cult.

"What do you plan to do with him?"

"I think it would make sense to do what I've always done. First Gerald's father, then Gerald himself. How fitting would it be if Gerald's son was the last life I took."

"You would not dare!" Celeste stood abruptly, her frustration boiling over, and she hurled her cup of tea towards Julius.

Julius caught it in the air with Telekinesis, bringing it to the table and setting it gently. Nothing spilled, a testament to Julius' temper not yet being set ablaze. "I think that's a little boring, wouldn't you agree? Giving him a clean death would be ending his life the easy way. If he does come here, I'll assume he's challenging me for the right to the throne. And when he does that, I'll take that girl away from him."

"How cliché of you to target his lover," Celeste quipped.

"At first, I thought she could be used as leverage against Jellal. But after meeting her in person, I found her quite intriguing. She's the first person who has made me consider the possibility of marriage," Julius revealed with a sly grin. "Marrying her would be quite an interesting twist, wouldn't you agree?"

"Marrying her? Marrying my son's lover?" she could not help the snarl that slipped into her tone.

"And what will you do about it, Celeste? Last I recall, you cannot use any magic or alchemy."

"Underestimating Jellal will be your demise. As for the girl, I doubt you'll be able to get to her."

"Oh, she will marry me, Celeste. I will make sure of it. As we speak, they are arriving in Pergrande."

"How do you know?"

"Let me leave it at this. Ever since I found Erza, using my alchemy to trace her magic has never been easier."

The idea repulsed Celeste, especially the notion of marriage. Even if Julius had stopped aging long ago, he was still as old as Jellal's father, her husband. His fondness for someone so young unsettled her.

"Do you know how they survived the incident seven years ago?"

Julius craned his head to observe the carved ceiling patterns. "It's beyond my understanding. Given that it's sacred ground, the dead may have lent a hand. Though, I hardly believe in miracles."

"Of course you would not."

"If I did not know any better, I would say you are angry with my beliefs. There are few things that I leave to chance, Celeste. And if I doand when I do, it often leads to regrets. For instance, giving Jellal to the cult leaders was a mistake." He grinned ear to ear. "I should have killed him myself."

Celeste balled her hands into fists. "You disgust me."

"He did bring my little wife to me, though. I am going to enjoy tearing those two apart."

"And what...what will you do if I try to see Jellal myself?"

Julius smirked, "Oh, you need not to worry about that. I will bring your son to you very soon."

In that moment, Celeste realized that monsters did not always possess fangs or claws.

Sometimes, they wore the façade of a king.


They had opted for a simple civil marriage, a quiet ceremony where they would sign the legal documents. The grand celebration with friends and loved ones in Magnolia would have to wait until later.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, both Jellal and Erza took the time to indulge in some self-care. Jellal appeared much the same as before, though his hair had been neatly trimmed, his ends caressing the nape of his neck. He casually mentioned that he had also visited a spa, which made Erza chuckle. Despite his efforts, Jellal's appearance remained largely unchanged, his flawless complexion still captivating her.

Erza, on the other hand, had embarked on a quest to find a potion or charm that could rid her body of the scars she carried. However, no such remedy seemed to exist, leaving her standing in her wedding dress, scars still visible. Yet, she refused to let it dampen her spirits.

Now, she stood alongside Jellal, the two of them alone in the lake house he had rented for their special occasion.

The lake house was a breathtaking retreat, a secluded haven nestled amidst nature's beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery, the house stood tall and imposing, its elegant architecture blending harmoniously with the tranquil surroundings. Large windows adorned the facade, inviting the gentle sunlight to bathe the interior with warmth and serenity.

Stepping inside, Erza was greeted by a spacious and tastefully decorated interior. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork and intricate tapestries, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. A comfortable sitting area welcomed them, with plush sofas arranged around a cozy fireplace, inviting them to unwind and enjoy moments of quiet intimacy.

Erza couldn't help but marvel at the thoughtfulness behind Jellal's choice of this enchanting retreat. It was a place where they could find solace, away from the demands of their guild and the bustling city.

Their own private sanctuary awaited them outside, where a pristine lake stretched out before their eyes. The shimmering water mirrored the azure sky above, creating a mesmerizing reflection that seemed to transcend reality. A small wooden dock extended into the lake, inviting them to sit and immerse themselves in the peaceful serenade of nature. The mountains encompassed them, and there was no sign of another human for miles on end. The sun hid behind the mountains, the canopy of the sky turning purple.

"What do you think?"

"Beautiful," she said, turning around. Jellal grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a deep kiss. He felt her arms go around his neck, hesitant they were. He tampered with the lock in the midst of their kiss, ensuring that the house was barred to outsiders before parting from her.

He grinned at her surprised reaction. "Did you not anticipate this tonight?"

"I did," she breathed, chest heaving up and down. Jellal took her ear between his teeth, slowly grazing it so it were a mere tickle. "I did."

She reiterated it like she was trying to convince herself that this was simply normal, simply routine.

"Good." He breathed. "This is exactly how I want you."

He hauled her from her thighs, letting her gown hug his frame as he quickly took her up the stairs and into the master bedroom.

"Jellal." She reached out for his face, casting her eyes downward.

"Mhm?" he waited for her response. The room was silent, so silent that they knew this was all they had.

"Are you going to take my gown off?"

"Would you like me to?"

She looked away, so he made the decision. "I'll do it."

Erza slowly nodded in gratitude.

Jellal reached for the back of her wedding gown, brushing away the waves of her long hair, eager to get her out of her dress. He had dragged the material halfway down her body, trying so hard not to stare anywhere else but her face. But when her bra came into view, he cupped one breast.

"Beautiful." He mumbled, thumbing her breast over the lace material.

She wrapped her arms around his frame, breathing heavily. "Wait, Jellal."

"Hm?" he continued with the feathery grazing for long moments, before sensing her pending discomfort.

"Am I...do I look alright?"

"What would make you think otherwise?"

"My...my scars."

He gave a once-over to her body. "You are the most beautiful thing I've seen, Erza."

"You're sure?"

"Lie still for a moment." He said against her lips, gently laying her on the mattress. He tugged the rest of her gown off gently, sliding it off her slender legs. He discarded the pooled material on the couch behind them. "Perhaps let me show you."

Lights dimmed, sheets uncovered, the fireplace on the other side of the room crackling. This was all they had in the moment.

He wrapped Erza's legs around his waist, and she looked away, blushing furiously.

"Jellal, I'm underdressed."

"I think I'm overdressed." He corrected, sliding his fingers over her bra. "And I'm about to tear this unless you take it off yourself."

His voice went low, a purr that made her heart pound. With haste, she reached for it and unclipped it from behind, struggling to do so.

Her natural charm returned after Jellal had reassured her. Erza was confident and unwavering in front of other people, but around Jellal, she was self-aware. Conscious about his every reaction.

"I rarely have nice lingerie. This is my first lace set."

"They're all going to end up in shreds because of me." He assured her, leaving a kiss between the valley of her breasts.

He slid the material out of her arms, followed by her panties as he hooked a finger under the skimpy undergarment. That, he tugged down with haste and tossed her remaining clothes onto the couch.

He spread her legs as though savouring the moment and pulled her closer so he was between her.

"Your clothing, first." She made a point by tugging at his suit jacket.

"In due time." Jellal went to kissing her neck, trailing a path of light kisses all the way to her abdomen while loosely cupping her breasts.

He caught sight of a scar by her hip, and Erza put her hand there to cover it.

Jellal looked at her and gently grabbed her hand. "I want to see every part of you, Erza."

"But–"

"There's nothing to worry about." He soothed, caressing her scar. "You are lovely. A scar will not change that. It's a visible victory."

"You think so?"

"I have them, as well. I know so."

His words held true, a testament to the scars left in the wake of Jose's torture.

"Still," he continued, "I, too, would be vulnerable showing them. But if it's you, Erza, then I would be more than happy to show you everything."

She peeled her fingers away from his shoulders and brushed them over his belt. "I want to see you, Jellal."

He acquiesced, shedding off his own coat while Erza worked on his belt with unpracticed fingers. He loosened the buttons of his dress shirt and they both removed his clothing until he was as bare as she was.

Under a thin white bedsheet, undressed. Nobody could mistake their intentions.

Jellal brought his hand to her waist, caressing her everywhere, while she ran a hand up and down his chest, breathing heavily.

"You're beautiful, Jellal." She said, looking up at him tentatively.

He had never known Erza could be so sweet, shy, flushed, while undressed beneath him.

"I don't think there's a word to describe the extent of your beauty, ma chérie."

She loved when he spoke Old Norman. It was rare for him to lapse back into that language, but when he did, he said loving things.

Jellal's hands ghosted over the inside of her thighs before going to the sweet bundle of nerves in between. His hand slipped into her slit, trying to find the most sensitive part of her.

He pressed into her deeper, until Erza lifted her hips and moaned loudly.

He flashed a smile. "Found it."

Jellal had never heard anything sweeter, and continued pressing into her clit. He smoothed her over the bed, laughing lightly when she desperately sought his touch, bucking her hips against his fingers.

"I need you," she breathed, clutching his neck. Her eyes were closed, and suddenly she was back at the Tower of Heaven, begging for him to save her. "Jellal, don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere."

She wrapped her legs around his lower back, making a point. To never let her go. She would never let him go. "Please, take me."

Small whispers, teary eyes, and affectionate touches.

His palm went to her cheek. "You do not need to beg me, Erza."

She woke from her trance, opening her eyes, startled at the words he merely whispered to her.

"I didn't mean to."

"I'm here with you. Forever."

Forever was such a long time, she thought. He could give no more perfect of a response.

He continued working his fingers between her legs, tracing firm circles into the most sensitive part of her, until she could no longer take it. Until her nails dug into his back and she begged him to hold her in his arms.

Her legs splayed out, curling helplessly around his robust frame as she clawed Jellal's shoulders. "Jellal, I–"

She could not finish her sentence. A pink flush of her body, Jellal's fingers pressed into her for many minutes, the desperation to have him inside her, rather than his fingers. She bloomed beneath him and came.

Jellal smiled, watching her take deep breaths to recover from her high. He must have done something right if she was so rosy, breathing heavily. "Are you alright?"

"Never better," she responded, turning her head away in embarrassment.

She did not remain like that for long. Her eyes widened when Jellal darted his tongue out to sample the globs of her discharge.

"You taste sweet." He noted casually.

She could barely find the right words after witnessing something so unexpected from him. "...eating certain foods can make you smell nice."

"Ever considerate of you."

Was that the right word to describe her change in eating habits leading up to this night?

"Considerate?"

He cupped her face, capturing her lips in his. "It was for me, was it not?"

Erza had not anticipated that he would taste her. She had never known of such a pleasure, and she knew Jellal for a fact did not, either, until today. She supposed her effort to be conscious paid off handsomely.

"Of course it was for you."

Jellal's mouth twitched at her response. He went between her legs, lapping at whatever remained. Erza moaned again, wanting him to bruise her thighs with his grip. To leave a mark so she could remember this was no dream. She arched her back, throwing her head against the bedspread as he held her in place. His tongue pressed into her and she clawed at the bedsheets.

"Jellal, you don't have to..."

She felt his tongue flick her clit once more before he sat up. "I want to make our first night memorable, Erza. It's hard doing this the first time, so let me make it special."

"Being with you is special, Jellal."

Erza's legs felt lightweight, like jelly. She sat up slowly, noticing Jellal's eyes were hungry with lust. She had never seen his eyes darken like that. He was simply calculating other ways to have her moaning and writhing before nesting inside her.

"You always know what to say, don't you?" he leaned into her neck, pressing his lips on her clavicle.

Erza reached for him, sliding her hands down his toned body until she met his cock. She squeezed gently, meeting his gaze. "I wish that were the case."

Startled, he moaned and immediately grabbed her wrists, laying her down.

"Jellal, let me."

"We would have to wait if you went through with it." She watched as he placed her hands to her sides, still confused. "Another time, Erza. For now," he said, pressing his cock into her folds. Her heart pounded and her core throbbed in anticipation. "I want to make your experience pleasurable."

Erza breathed heavily as Jellal parted her legs again, moving between them to better position himself.

He held her thighs in place and slid in slowly, noticing the way her fingers clenched around his body. The way she welcomed him into her wet crevice.

"Are you alright, Erza?"

She teared up, even more so when his lips barely met hers. "I waited so long for you, Jellal."

"I know," he whispered. There was a flicker of regret wondering what would happen if their love unravelled earlier. It was just a matter of time before they would be here, making love. Probably as teenagers.

But this was perfect too, having Erza here in the end was all the more worthwhile through their struggles.

"I love you, Erza." He whispered.

She watched him with wide eyes. "Jellal."

It was an affirmation of her trust for him. He sunk into her, feeling her hymen that he had not really considered when imagining their first time.

Erza's thighs quivered, and so did his, as he tried to be slow and coordinate his movements as smoothly as possible. She was not helping, clenching on him, threatening to engulf him. As though he belonged inside her.

He snapped his hips forward involuntarily, earning more clenching but also a loud moan from Erza. This one sounded different, almost wounded.

"I'm sorry," he immediately went to her face, wiping her sweat away as Erza grabbed ahold of his neck.

"It doesn't hurt," she managed.

They both knew they were each other's first, but for Jellal to feel it sparked on an entirely different emotion.

Their chests pressed flush together, their lips meeting as Jellal swallowed her sounds. His groans against her mouth. The delicious friction of it all.

She panted, pressing into him even closer, even more. He took ahold of her hips, angling himself so he could venture in deeper.

He felt her cervix as he thrusted all the way in, smirking as her fingers curled from the feeling. It was only a matter of time before she would be swollen with his child.

Too many nights alone resulted in figments of their imaginations showing dark rooms with their children sleeping, with paintings of their small family hung on the cream walls.

Erza sank her face into Jellal's neck, muffling her sounds. Clutching onto Jellal feverishly. It was so instinctive, as though she were afraid.

And he knew exactly what she feared, for he feared it as well.

"I'm not going anywhere." Again. Another reminder.

He stroked her bare back, feeling her shiver. It was likely a reaction to his silver ring. The cool touch of it. "It's alright, Erza."

She imagined his death, and shook her head at the memory.

He understood the reality she refused to accept.

Jellal pulled her body flush against his so that Erza was now sitting on his lap.

"Do you want to take control?"

She tangled their legs together, trying to lift her hips in their new position, bouncing desperately. That became her answer.

It started out uncoordinated and awkward, especially since Erza was eager to feel more of his skin against hers.

Jellal brought his hands to her hips to help, adjusting to their languid pace.

"Take it slow, we have time."

"I want to...make you feel good."

"I already feel wonderful, Erza."

Still, he let her do the work as she kept their bodies pressed together.

There was something different about seeing her trying to take control and losing it just as quickly. Jellal found himself on the verge of amusement

He brought one hand to her clit, stroking it to ensure the position was as pleasurable for her as it was for him.

Jellal took time to appreciate her breasts, sucking and swirling the hardened pink tips using his tongue. When he used his teeth to graze over them, Erza bounced harder. When he sucked, she would throw her head back. When he blew on them softly, she would claw his shoulders until her knuckles would turn white.

Erza made eye contact with him somewhere between her rhythmic hip movements, unable to let out anything but incoherent sounds and pleas.

Jellal simply smiled.

Only then did she realize that he knew exactly what effect his actions had on her, despite only experimenting.

Erza ground herself desperately against her husband, unable to control herself as a result of Jellal's ministrations.

His mouth on her breasts. His fingers pressed into her clit.

"Jellal it's too much." She grabbed his hand toying with her, holding it in her grasp desperately tight as she lost her rhythm, preventing him from touching her.

"Does that feel better?" he asked, breathing unevenly.

His fingers were better, but she dared not say it aloud.

But it did not matter, he heard it anyway, in his head, prompting a smirk.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her in for a long kiss before whispering, "What was that, Erza?"

She opened her eyes, biting back a moan unsuccessfully. "I...didn't say– ah!"

"Try again," he husked.

When Erza didn't respond, he brought his fingers to her clit again. "Perhaps you like this better?"

Erza mewled, "I..."

Jellal chuckled. "Tell me, Erza."

"Yes. Yes." She answered, looking him in the eye. Her eye contact faltered when his mouth went to her breasts again. "Jellal, it's too much."

He had no intention of relenting. Too much was not enough until she finished.

"Well then," he whispered cheekily, "let me give you more."

He grabbed her hips and took control of their pace, watching as Erza startlingly gave a yelp when his hands maneuvered her so she sunk deeper onto him.

At this point, Erza was a complete mess. Unable to feel her legs. Could not breathe because she was either trying to catch her breath, or Jellal gave her kiss after kiss.

"I can't...take it."

"You are, Erza. You're taking me so well."

She curled into his chest when she heard him utter those words. If only he knew the effect his voice, his words had on her.

They were both flushed, tumbling over an edge together, with Jellal falling first, followed by Erza.

"Jellal...I..."

Quickly, he took to changing their position. He held her hands, pressing her against the bed gently, her legs bent over Jellal's frame as he came down from his high.

He met her eyes a moment later, still thrusting into her.

"Let go, Erza." He whispered.

She did, and Erza finally collapsed with unrestrained moans, legs trembling in ecstasy.

Full. Content.

Still pink.

When Erza caught Jellal's gaze, she looked away.

Jellal chuckled, maneuvering her chin so she was facing him. He slowly slid out of her, sitting on the bed and grabbing a towel. His gaze flickered to her momentarily.

"Even now, are you still trying to hide from me?"

"I'm not." She protested, making a point by crawling to him and putting either leg over his right thigh, straddling him.

"You're still leaking." He noted with a grin.

Erza, too, played along shamelessly. "Perhaps that is exactly why I'm sitting on your thigh."

"Is that so? I should clean up the mess you're making."

Jellal curled his finger into her opening, eliciting a content noise of approval from Erza. Granted, he prevented most of the leakage, but he really just wanted an excuse to touch her.

Erza asked, "Did I wear you out?"

He was focused on curling his finger inside her walls. Erza would argue he was treating this with much precision and delicacy, as though he was doing paperwork rather than pleasuring her.

He spared her a glance and answered, "Of course."

"It didn't seem like it." She said in response. "You kept a straight face as you..."

"As I teased you?" his finger curled in deeper as he found the rough patch inside her walls. Jellal grazed his finger against it, up and down, noticing Erza writhing again.

"...yes."

"I tried, but it was hard to control myself." He confessed. "How could I when you were clenching on me so helplessly?"

Erza did it again unintentionally, with his finger inside her, prompting a quirk of his lips. Her fingers curled into fists as she rocked her pelvis against his thigh.

"You're impossible." Her voice came out high-pitched and strained, opposite to what she intended.

He gazed at her innocently. "What's wrong, Erza? Where did your voice go?"

She was on the brink again, legs shaking. It was not fair, she thought—he found another spot that was deliciously torturous.

"I'm fine." She forced out.

"Are you?" he pressed into the spongy tissue, watching as she threw her head back, exposing her neck. Jellal planted a kiss on her clavicle. "You poor thing."

"No, Jellal, not another–"

It only took less than a minute. She reached a high again, breathing laboured and moaning loud.

She blushed in mortification as she came on his hand again.

"I was wondering if you could come again so quickly. I heard it was possible."

She shakily grabbed his hands. "How...?"

"I'm a quick learner when it comes to you." He paused, noting her reaction. It seemed that piece of news alarmed her, as though he should not have been able to figure her out so easily.

She got ahold of her surroundings again and noticed Jellal's fingers and thigh were coated with her fluids. "Sorry. I'll clean this up."

"I should be apologizing for not letting you catch a break."

When he pulled away, Erza grabbed a towel from the stack placed on their bed beforehand as she mounted off him.

"The reality is that you wore me out." She said, shivering as she imagined how Jellal's teeth grazed her hardened tips, how his fingers played with her clit all the while he split her open with his cock.

"It was mutual, but hearing you admit it makes me happy."

"More like smug."

"I won't deny that, either." His eyes flickered to the movements of her washcloth as she cleaned between her legs. "You should shut the door while you bathe."

She understood the consequences if she ignored his advice.

Erza gave a wicked smile of her own before disappearing into the ensuite with a calculated and agonizingly slow pace, leaving the door barred on purpose. "No, I'll leave it open."

He watched her fondly, waiting for her to run the water.

Their day felt like a dream.

Wife. Husband.

His silver band cool against her body. Her diamond ring grazing over his skin whenever she held him.

Her sweet noises, his intentional teasing, their synchronous love making. Flawed, but wonderful.

It was only because of their telepathic connection that their first time had gone as smooth as it could be. Rarely did people have the luxury to read minds.

Today was a reminder that he engraved a different sort of mark into her. Not anything physical.

But her desire for him was lasting enough.

When Jellal heard her drawing a bath, he looked over at the door and found her glancing away immediately. She had been shamelessly staring at his body until he caught sight.

He took notice of her flustered behaviour, smile widening as he walked over to her. As it stood, it took all his self-restraint to not grab her rear, bend her over the counter, spread her legs, and take her from behind.

On second thought, that would be exactly what he would do before they stepped into the bath. Just thinking about her helplessly watching through the mirror got him hard again.

"I warned you, Erza."


She woke up multiple times throughout the night, restless because she envisioned Jellal bending her over the polished marble counter of the bathroom, just as he had done last night. She imagined the way his cock pummelled inside her, how she watched with wide eyes in the mirror, moaning like never before.

Her restlessness also caused Jellal to wake up, light sleeper he was. He cradled her in his arms, wiping the sweat off her skin. Even though she was in light pajamas, Erza felt unbelievably hot. She would doze off somewhere in between, and then wake up, hot and feverish again. Imagining Jellal's fingers inside her. Hearing his baritone ring in her ears.

His voice was a whisper when she awoke for good in the morning. Jellal was dressed for the day, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Barely slept?"

She sighed. "I didn't mean to worry you. It's just I..."

"It's my fault," he countered. "I probably shouldn't have overwhelmed you with that much sex."

"I enjoyed it," Erza commented hoarsely, sporting a light blush as though the revelation was shameful. "Our wedding night is the only thing on my mind. Is that...normal?"

Jellal glanced at her, unsurprised. "Is it because you want more?"

He thumbed her lips, caressing them slowly. She nodded in response, hesitantly.

That was all the confirmation he needed before tugging at her shirt. Erza sat up and let him pull it off her.

"Can you stand in front of me?"

Erza raised a brow. "Is something wrong?"

"Not at all. On the contrary, I have an idea."

She slowly got off the bed, standing between his spread legs, with him still fully clothed.

He reached behind to unhook her bra, tugging at it but unable to take it off. The inability to examine the mechanism and the lack of experience with unclasping things made it difficult for him to understand how the bra was supposed to come undone.

"What's wrong, can't take it off?" she asked mischievously.

"Shall I tear it off you?"

Erza had an affinity for her lingerie, it seemed. "Jellal."

"I only jest," he got up and circled behind her, examining the back and unhooking the bra himself. Erza would not have been much help in unclasping, since she was used to requipping her clothes away.

"You're supposed to take my bottoms off first."

He let the bra drop to her feet, standing behind her and sinking his teeth into her neck. His bite was not hard, but still enough to make her flinch, all the while he watched her nipples harden.

Jellal lifted his face, bringing his lips to her ear. "Does it matter?"

"It's a rule."

"Since when?" he inquired, entertained by her established norms in the bedroom.

"Just how it's supposed to be done. A thing...I don't know, written in a sex manual?"

He laughed at that. "Did you read one beforehand?"

"No, but I imagine there are books out there that exist."

"I'm sure, but you and I always did things differently."

"That's true..." she lost her train of thought when his hand slipped into her pyjamas, stroking her legs before bringing his hands around the waistband.

Jellal sat back down on the bed before tugging her pyjamas off, watching the material pool at her feet.

"You are gorgeous," he breathed, teasing the band of her lace panties. Jellal greedily watched her, a personal artwork meant for his eyes only. Her full breasts and hips, toned legs, her prominent collarbone, everything about her was absolutely perfect.

After prolonging the teasing, he finally pulled her panties down, gazing up at her face for her reaction. Erza pursed her lips together, watching anxiously as he slipped a finger between her closed thighs, stroking her insides slowly.

"Well aren't you wet?"

Her breath hitched, legs trembling under his touch. "I can't do this, Jellal..."

He watched her ravenously. "Do you want to come?"

"Yes." She answered breathlessly. Erza could barely keep herself upright as he curled his fingers into her. "Please."

"If you can stand until then, I'll let you come." He leaned closer to her. "If you can't do that, then you'll take my cock."

"Is that...is that a punishment?" she lifted her head, staring up at the ceiling and trying to keep herself distracted.

"Depends on how you see it."

Sometimes Jellal left her guessing and anticipating in the worst of moments. His cock seemed much like a reward.

But Erza settled on taking the challenge, trying to keep herself upright. She clutched onto Jellal's shoulders from time to time and he let her.

She was getting close, and that was when Erza tripped despite herself. She fell into Jellal's lap, moaning pitifully when she registered herself mere inches away from him.

He still continued moving his fingers until she clenched on them. He could sense she was close to release.

So he took his fingers out.

Erza wanted to claw him for being such a tease.

"You'll only come when I'm inside you, Erza. That was part of the deal."

"I would have your head for playing this game with me."

"Would you?" he asked with mirth, taking a rosy nipple into his mouth.

"Lucky for you, I'm your wife."

Jellal popped her breast out of his mouth, leaving a trail of saliva. "Lucky me indeed for having such a lovely wife." He concurred, feeling the rustling of clothing as she worked deftly, taking off his few layers of clothes. A white crisp dress shirt, black pants and matching boxers.

"Black suits you," she commented, grabbing his length beneath his boxers and holding him, gently grazing it.

"Really? I'll make an effort to wear it more often."

Staidness. Erza could see it in his eyes whenever she tried to please him. He much enjoyed giving her pleasure, not taking it.

Your happiness is my happiness. Your pleasure is my pleasure.

As though that was how his actions translated to words. He failed to hide a smile as she tugged down his boxers. "Tying your hands doesn't seem too bad of an idea."

"Maybe you should." She pressed on with a small smirk.

"Next time." Jellal said it as though he promised to make due on it, and Erza suddenly felt a thrill go up her spine.

She could not help but admire Jellal's body. It hurt to look at him sometimes, to admire his beauty for long moments.

"I wanted you to take me again in the middle of the night." Erza professed, finding the courage to express her thoughts. "I wanted you to bend me over the counter again."

Jellal gave it a thought, savouring her confession. Honest. Erza was simply too honest for her own good.

"Titania acquiescing to being subdued?"

"It's you," she whispered sultrily, guiding her hand over his abdomen. "Who could refuse you?"

"Your words light a fire within me, a dangerous one." He whispered, kissing her bare shoulder. "Why don't you get on the bed and show me how wet you are?"

Erza got off his lap and on her stomach as she squeezed the pillow in her grasp nervously, awaiting his next instructions. She remained flat on the bed, realizing that he could not exactly work with much if she remained like this.

Jellal chuckled, "On your hands and knees, chérie." His fingers lightly brushed the inside of her thigh. "Spread your legs."

She blushed furiously, slowly propping herself up into a doggy-style position. Remembering his last command, she inched her legs apart, leaving herself completely on display for him.

Jellal caressed her back, moving down to her hips until she felt his hand cup her rear.

He squeezed her there before striking her lightly, testing the waters. Erza gasped in surprise. "Is this how you want it?"

She closed her eyes, thinking back to the night before. Replaying the moment where she could not watch him fucking her in the mirror.

"More," she moaned.

"More?" he repeated, taking a deep breath. "I could get used to this."

He put a hand to her clit, stroking her slowly. Erza shook her head.

"No, Jellal, I need you inside me."

He examined her flared clit, deeming her aroused enough to take his cock. "Are you sure?"

"You...you don't need to ask."

"I do." He affirmed in all seriousness, before positioning himself behind her. He stroked her labia a couple of times, watching her hips rock, following the sensation of his length.

"Jellal, please."

"So you decided to relinquish your control in the matters of the bedroom?" he inquired, trailing kisses on her shoulders.

Her lips parted as he sank inside her, rocking into her slowly. Erza was unable to give him a coherent response. She clenched around him, though not out of discomfort; coming to learn that he liked it when she tightened around him.

"You're doing that on purpose," he groaned, putting his hands on her hips and pulling her body against his. His entire girth filled her insides and Erza could not help but moan. "I'm going to lose control."

"Good," she managed, squeezing again purposefully and smiling secretly when he voiced his pleasure.

He noticed her countenance, leaning over to catch her earlobe between his teeth. "I don't take well to recalcitrance."

Jellal snapped his hips faster, pulling her body flush against his so she felt the entirety of his girth inside her.

Any words were hard to get out at this point. "Is it a crime...to make you feel good?"

"Is this what you think it's about, Erza?" he paused, before thrusting faster and deeper into her. She arched her back in response.

Reserved. Refined. Collected.

Jellal was none of those things in the moment.

Erza did not have the breath to respond, flushing as Jellal continued rutting inside her. Neither of them lasted long in this position, reaching their peak together.

When they came, Erza collapsed on the bed, catching her breath as Jellal curled her to his chest after pulling out. He cleaned them up before speaking to her again.

"Was that satisfactory?" he inquired softly.

"More than what I expected." Her throat felt parched. Erza nuzzled herself against her husband's shoulder, peering up at him wondrously. "Does taking control bother you?"

"I like it," he whispered, pinching her nipple lightly. "I find the juxtaposition amusing. An indomitable knight in front of others, but a submissive wife in bed."

She kissed him on the lips. "Only for you."

They both got out of bed and showered separately, because Jellal knew he would not be able to give her peace had she gone in with him. Downstairs is where they met, where Jellal paced down the stairs. Erza had been lounging around in the kitchen, examining it in fine detail.

Having been a lake house, the kitchen was luxurious, and the sliding doors across from it—leading outside to the scenery—was even more breathtaking.

"Makarov said he won't hand Eugene back to us for another week." Jellal said, pacing down the stairs with the same outfit as before. He had showered the second time that morning, she realized.

She, in the meantime, went with her regular armour and skirt. Jellal made no comment about it.

"Is the fancy attire necessary here?" Erza inquired, referring to his dress shirt.

"A bad habit, I suppose?"

She crossed the kitchen until she stood in front of him and then the first couple of buttons came undone on his dress shirt as she worked through them. "There, that should be less suffocating. Anyway, continue."

"That leaves us with a few days before we take him back."

Erza looked around the grand lake house. "Then how long are we staying here? A week?"

"I was thinking a couple of months."

Erza stared at him in bewilderment. "We need to take Eugene back. We can't just let Master take care of him. He probably has his hands full."

Jellal's eyes tore from the scenery to Erza. "Makarov is bringing him to us in four days. They both are coming to Pergrande to stay with us. For now, we can simply enjoy ourselves. I'll take you anywhere you would like to go." He smoothed her hair with his fingers.

"Shall I speak some Old Norman to practice for when we go out?"

"Please, do entertain me with what you have learned so far."

"As you wish, mon amour."

That was probably the only thing she could say in the language.

"That's a good start. I wouldn't worry too much, since most people can speak our language too."

"I see." Erza padded towards the kitchen and rounded the long kitchen island, tracing patterns with her finger along the smooth counter. A beautiful kitchen, all to themselves.

It would be made use of today.

"I want to go strawberry picking," Erza declared, her eyes flicking up to meet Jellal's expectant gaze.

He awaited an explanation, but Erza's face lit up with excitement as she continued.

"We're going to make our wedding cake!"


"Sorry, the strawberry season doesn't start for another two months. Come back in June and you can harvest them yourselves."

This was the ninth farm they had went to in order to inquire about picking strawberries directly from the field.

They all had rehearsed the exact same words, as though they knew Erza Scarlet would not leave without a fight.

"You're hiding them," Erza countered, much to Jellal's dismay.

Every farmer ended up the same way; cowering behind Jellal as Erza raged over her strawberries.

Jellal gently took Erza's wrist and brought her back to his side. "Apologies. My wife is very passionate about strawberry picking."

He repeated that line for the ninth time as well.

"Why not just get strawberries from a local market? They're sure to have exported it from another country that grows strawberries."

"That's not fresh!" Erza declared, for the—you guessed it—ninth time as well.

"Let's get going, Erza."

Jellal had to practically drag her away as they ventured through multiple farms. The tractors passing by left a trail of dust, which started to soil his clothes.

He also noticed they transmuted items in order to operate all their machinery on the farms. An interesting concept.

"I'm sorry. I really wanted to create the perfect wedding cake. I suppose strawberries from the market will have to do," Erza lamented.

Jellal's mind wandered back to the serene lake house nestled among the mountains.

"Erza, what if we try picking different varieties of strawberries?" he suggested.

"Anything goes at this point."

Without hesitation, Jellal scooped her up in his arms, holding her like a bride. Her unconventional armor and skirt attire made her feel less like a traditional newlywed.

"I think I know of a place. Meteor."

In a matter of seconds, Erza found herself soaring through the sky at breathtaking speed. The altitude made it slightly harder to breathe, but the sight below was worth it—a vista filled with golden bushes resembling berries.

As they touched down on the mountainside, Erza surveyed the fields with wonder. "Golden...strawberries?"

"Yes. I think I've read about them somewhere before."

"I should read often." Erza commented, causing a teasing smile to form on Jellal's face. "But this is...exactly what I needed. You made my day, Jellal."

"Glad I could. Shall we get picking?"

Erza summoned two baskets, and although one would wonder why a Requip Mage had baskets in her space dimension, Jellal knew better than to ask.

He grabbed the basket from her all the while recapping their conversations on the way to Pergrande. They had discussed the wedding logistics, their plans for the wedding night, and Erza's time spent with Porlyusica.

Jellal never found out how she managed to pardon him so quickly.

"Erza," he began.

"Yes?" she replied, squatting down to pluck the golden strawberries. As she heard him approaching, Erza barely registered the unusual silence that hung between them.

"I noticed you were particularly bothered every time I brought up your trip to Crocus. Did something happen there?"

Erza froze, remaining in her squatting stance. "You're going to read my mind, aren't you?"

"I won't," he promised. "This time, I want you to tell me everything."

She continued plucking strawberries from the bushes. "Can't we leave the subject be?"

"Does it bother you that much?"

"If you're keeping secrets from me, then isn't it fair that I have a few secrets of my own?"

"We agreed that I have confidential information regarding the Magic Council. That's the only thing I won't share with you. I'm not hiding anything else, Erza."

"You know about your past." She said. Erza settled on phrasing it like a statement rather than a question.

Jellal knelt beside her, gently breaking the strawberries off their stems. "I was only speculating about my origins, but I can't be certain," he admitted. Pausing for a moment, he watched her continue picking strawberries. "King Julius granted you the pardon, didn't he?"

"I told you not to read my mind."

"I never did, Erza. Sometimes I just need to look at your face to understand," Jellal clarified.

"Even though you are my husband, that sounds uncomfortable."

"Does it? After knowing each other for so long, it would be strange if I couldn't sense your thoughts."

Erza's eyes cast downwards. She stared at her boots for a while. "Is it strange then, that I find you unpredictable? Perhaps it's because you are far more intelligent than I am."

"In what way am I unpredictable?"

"In matters of the bedroom," she asserted, growing slightly frustrated as a smirk formed on his face. "Don't look at me like that."

"That's an interesting example," Jellal remarked.

"It only fuelled your ego."

"When you admit to such things, I feel as though I have won some sort of game against you." He said, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Let's not change the subject."

"How did you know that I received the pardon from him?"

"I already told you," he replied, his smile widening slightly.

"There must be more to it than that."

He shook his head, standing idly as he observed her diligently filling the baskets with as many strawberries as she could gather. Jellal utilized his Telekinesis to bring the fruit directly to her basket. "How did he find you?"

"Find me?" she almost snorted at his word choice. "He had a meeting with King Toma on the same day I went to Crocus. The palace guards refused to let me in. He happened to be there and overheard some of my concerns, piecing the situation together. Then the king proposed granting me a pardon, claiming that any kingdom in Ishgar had the authority to do so."

"Was he accompanied by any guards of his own?"

"No," she replied, growing motionless as she found that peculiar. "Even when he took me to the cafe, there were no guards."

"He came on his own, timing his visit with yours so it would appear coincidental."

"Are you sure you're not reading too deeply into this? You've been really weary around him. Not even Jose bothered you as much as this man. Would you have taken me to Pergrande if he was a cause for concern?"

"Nowhere else in Ishgar would offer such a secluded and breathtaking view. That's why I brought you here. As for the king, I believe we are somehow related. He's aware of this fact, which is why he approached us in the dining car during our journey back to Fiore."

"Why am I not surprised that you're a prince?"

"I'm probably not," he clarified, finding her conclusion rather humourous. "King Julius is a distant relative of mine, from what I gathered. If he is king, then I would have no connection to the throne."

"That's reassuring," she whispered, exhaling in relief. "I was just thinking that if you were truly the heir, our children would also bear that burden."

"I promise they won't suffer like us," he vowed.

"Yes, of course."

"The king seems to have taken a liking to you, hasn't he?"

She nodded, "But your connection to him probably explains why he wanted to pardon you. You're important, not only to the kingdom, but to Ishgar as well."

"I'm a member of a guild known for causing trouble, previously charged with the destruction of the Magic Council and conspiring with Jose. What significance could I possibly hold now?"

"More than you realize," she responded softly, lost in her thoughts.

Jellal took a filled basket from Erza and held her hand with his unoccupied one. "I don't know what he told you, Erza, but I would rather you forget your encounter with him."

"I have a debt to pay to him."

"I'll pay it in your stead."

"Jellal, I don't want you to get involved in my problems. That's why I hesitated to tell you about your pardon."

"If he asked you to repay him with a favour far beyond your capability, how would you fare?"

"I don't think he would ask something like that."

Jellal pondered for a moment. "If he wanted your hand in marriage?"

"Marriage is certainly not a favour. Do you really think a king would want someone like me? Besides, I would never agree to it."

He took ahold of her chin. "If I were a king, I would want only you."

Erza stared at him with wide eyes. He seemed so much like a king, an air of royalty around him, always. If she had met him for the first time today, Erza would have believed him. "I will personally see to it if he tries anything of the sort."

She laughed a little. "I can take care of myself."

"I know of your capabilities, darling wife. However, I have good reason to be wary of him."

"We don't need to worry about it, especially not when we're enjoying our beginning as a married couple."

"You're right," he held up the basket to show her the litres of space filled with golden strawberries. "Shall we return?"

"Onward to our quest to make a wedding cake!"


When they returned to the lake house, Erza locked Jellal in the study room on the ground floor, instructing him to occupy himself while she worked on the cake.

He complied, knowing how excited she was to bake for him for the first time. He spent his time engrossed in a book, one that delved into the theory of Primordial Magic. Earlier, he had visited local bookstores and discovered that the kingdom had much larger collections of books on magical theory compared to Fioran libraries. It was as if they rivaled the Magic Council's archives. Surely, the kingdom must have boasted extensive libraries.

Jellal perused the works of previous authors who attempted to make sense of Primordial Magic. The closest anyone had come was describing it as a response to emotions. Hades was far from the truth, but Jellal tried to explain Zeref's fanaticism through his pursuit of false keys as an introduction.

Writing an extensive introduction to explore the different theories on Primordial Magic and their historical origins was no small task.

Just as he began writing, the doorbell rang.

Strange. Even if Makarov had taken the next train to Pergrande, he was not supposed to arrive today.

He left the study and found Erza standing there with a blindfold in her hands. Cheekily, he remarked, "Are you suggesting we try something new tonight?"

"You are sometimes beyond me."

"I know."

She reached up to blindfold him, securing a knot at the back of his head. "You can't see the cake yet. I'm taking it out of the oven before I frost it."

All this effort for a cake. Jellal found her attempt to keep the final product a surprise utterly endearing. She led him to the door, removing the blindfold before darting back to the kitchen.

Jellal turned the knob and was greeted by a man dressed in an elaborate uniform, adorned with the emblem of the Pergrande royal kingdom. The man held a small, ornate package in his gloved hands. "Delivery for Miss Erza Scarlet, from His Majesty Julius Durand."

Jellal hesitantly took it, examining it skeptically. That was the first time he heard Julius' last name spoken aloud. Durand. It had no correlation with his last name.

The messenger gave him a fleeting glance. "We inspected the contents before sending it to you."

"Mistrust for your own king? I would see no other reason why you would need to examine a parcel from the king himself." He was taken aback at Jellal's implication. The former Wizard Saint offered a knowing glance. "I doubt anyone in the kingdom questions what His Majesty orders. My skepticism is rightfully so, then."

The messenger descended into silence, watching Jellal hold the package in one arm and the door with his other hand. "Thank you for going through the trouble of delivering it all this way. I imagine the journey must have been inconvenient."

"Hardly," the messenger replied, before nodding to Jellal. "Good day, monsieur."

Erza, having been busy frosting the cake and decorating it, did not take notice of Jellal's careful examination of the package.

Normally, he would not care if the package were from anyone else, but this was the king. A relative of his, intrigued by Erza.

He unboxed the parcel to find a packaged gown with an invitation on top of it.

Jellal opened the envelope, reading through an invitation to a ball intended for Erza.

With a plus one.


I have a skill issue. I either throw 12k words of important plot to you in a single chapter or I write a bunch of fluff in one chapter. There is no in-between.

And...did I make Jellal a top in bed? Yes. I always thought it would be like that, especially since Mashima confirmed that Erza doesn't see anyone as a male (someone she could experience attraction towards) except Jellal. So her behaviour towards her male guild mates vs. Jellal is completely different. That's why I still believe their personalities are canon-compliant here, but by all means feel free to disagree.