Hey everyone! Just two nuggets of information before we kick off today.
Wasn't able to get through all the reviews. I read them all, of course, and greatly appreciated each and every one of them.
But, my speed in replying to them has grown longer and longer over time. Though, I do promise to continue giving my best to reply to each of them! I just hope you might forgive me if I skip a few or it takes a while.
And the other, exciting thing, all of Love in the Dark is now on Archive of Our Own! Finally got around to posting this there, as well. So, if you're someone that prefers reading over there, feel free to! I will now be posting updates in tandem on both websites.
Anyhow, on with the chapter! I hope you all enjoy!
As they walked through the crowded streets of Enbarr, murmurs filled the air. With each step they took, it felt as though another head appeared from nowhere, another pair of eyes sticking to their backs.
"Is that…?"
"Honey, look!"
"It's Her Highness!"
"Lady Edelgard!"
"It seems they've noticed your return," Byleth remarked dryly, his eyes jumping from head to head.
Her professor seemed to be stuck in some constant state between relaxed and alert. His expression was calm and unfazed, but his hand never strayed too far from where his sword rested. His shoulders were slumped and posture imperfect, but his fingers were twitching in preparation for the worst.
While she doubted the people here, the people of her country, would be so brazen to attack her in broad daylight… Having Byleth at her side did leave her feeling relieved. Being ogled, and in some instances, worshipped by a crowd of this size was uncomfortable to say the least. Having Byleth with her made her feel slightly less out of place.
"That it does." Edelgard smiled politely, nodding at a few citizens as she passed them by.
"Who is that shiny-looking man beside her?" One husband whispered to his wife.
"Have you not heard the rumors?"
"What rumors?"
"They say a man, her very own professor, mind you, received a gift from the goddess herself! That must be him!"
"Pah, hogwash!"
"It seems they've noticed you as well, my teacher," Edelgard murmured through her shut lips.
Byleth grunted, a frown forming on his face.
The narrow street (thanks in due part to the crowds that had formed) eventually opened up into Enbarr's marketplace. Just like the rest of the city, the market was teeming with commoners, the rich, the poor, and the local guards. However, as Edelgard and her professor continued their slow walk through the area, they too parted to allow the duo passage.
It was something Edelgard had experienced before, but even now, it was no less strange. To think, one, single person could cause such a reaction among a sizeable crowd… It was unnecessary, she thought. Other than the family she was born into, there was nothing inherently special about her. Simply because of her rank, and her lineage, the people of this city would bend over backwards just to give her an extra inch to walk through.
It made no sense. Nothing Edelgard had done ever warranted such a response. She was no greater than they were…
The princess's eyes widened as a small, leather ball bounced across her path. As if some terrible affront had happened, the market grew deathly still, all eyes stuck on the child's toy that had the 'misfortune' of crossing paths with her.
"Henry!"
A woman yelled from somewhere within the crowd. To her right, Edelgard could see a woman push her way through the bodies.
Not a second later, a small child, no older than six or seven, came barreling out of the mob.
"Get back here this instant!"
The boy ignored her as he laughed like a child should, his eyes glued onto his ball and nothing else. He didn't even seem to notice Edelgard or her teacher.
The ball eventually rolled up to Byleth, who stopped it casually with his foot.
The boy running towards them began to slow as he noticed the two, somewhat frightening adults standing before him. That big, ear-to-ear grin on his face slowly faded as he met Byleth's impassive eyes. The child's own eyes began to dart around, only now noticing what he had just stumbled into.
And, as he did, he shrunk, a vain attempt to minimize his presence. That smiling face was all but gone as he turned his head to the ground, one arm grabbing the other defensively. A small whimper escaped his throat.
Watching such a reaction made Edelgard's heart crack.
"Is this yours?" Byleth knelt down to retrieve the ball, then offered it to the young boy.
The boy jerked his head up and down, but his gaze didn't move from the stone beneath him.
"Henry!"
The mother, finally catching up to her son, quickly placed a hand to the boy's head and nudged it downward, forcing him to bow.
Byleth tilted his head at the response, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness! Terribly, terribly sorry!" She apologized profusely as she bowed. "Please, don't blame my child. It was my fault I-"
"There is no need for apologies, nor bows," Edelgard interrupted softly. "You have done nothing wrong; your son was just playing, as children should."
Edelgard held her hand out towards Byleth, who promptly placed the leather ball in it.
The princess stepped forward, lowering herself down to one knee as she offered the boy his toy back.
"Here you are, Henry," Edelgard said gently, nudging his chin up with her forefinger. "Be careful not to lose it."
The boy's head slowly inched up, eventually meeting Edelgard's eyes. His gaze moved to the ball she was holding, then to her, then back to it.
Smiling widely, he happily accepted it and hugged it to his chest.
"Thank you, Miss!"
"You're welcome." Edelgard returned the smile as she rose back to her full height. "Now, run along. Be a good boy and make sure not to leave your mother behind, this time."
The boy nodded cheerfully, taking his mother's hand as the two made their way back to the crowd. The mother met Edelgard's eyes, nodding her thanks rather fervently as they left.
Once they were gone, and safely out of ear shot, Edelgard sighed.
With the 'scene' over, the marketplace resumed its usual routine. Customers moved from stall to stall, purchasing their goods for the day as they conversed with their partners. Children walked hand-in-hand with their parents. Friends loitered around, talking idly with one another.
"You handled that well," Byleth commented as the two continued their walk towards the palace.
"I only handled it how any reasonable human being would," Edelgard replied, her eyes still on the boy and his mother. "They had done nothing wrong…"
"Yet, the woman was still afraid," Byleth remarked, his own green eyes shooting in their general direction.
"Why wouldn't she be?" Edelgard's hands clenched into fists. "It isn't as though the nobility have given the citizens any reason to trust them."
Byleth glanced at her, his pupils gravitating towards her fists before meeting her eyes.
"I do not have the highest opinion on the ranks of nobility, but… Surely, they cannot all be bad."
"They are not," Edelgard relented slightly, Ferdinand's cheeky face springing to mind. "But, there are enough corrupt officials to make them question even the most seemingly 'pure' and 'just' noble. They have been burned one too many times to expect anything different. It is not so much a case of one rotten apple ruining the barrel, but dozens poisoning the tree."
Byleth's expression darkened, turning his head across his shoulder to gaze upon the market once more.
"Those fortunate enough to be born with everything, will never understand those who were not," Edelgard whispered to herself, her eyes moving towards the horizon, and specifically, the castle. "Once I ascend the throne… Things will be different. The 'nobles' that prey upon their people, using them as mere cattle to line their coffers will not escape judgement. They will be held accountable, just as anyone else would. Those that do not deserve the positions they have been handed will be weeded out, and those that do will be allowed to continue to serve at the pleasure of the people."
As Edelgard spoke, she could feel Byleth's eyes return to her.
"You know I'll help you, in any way that I can," he said, his fingers brushing against her hand. "People should not have to live in fear."
Though, for a time, she was certain they would. The war Edelgard would instigate would certainly cause many good, innocent civilians to spend their days living with fear. Knowing that made her feel sick to her stomach, but… She had to trust- no, hope, that this war would create a world where they no longer had to be afraid.
"Nor should they feel lesser simply because the blood that flows through their veins was not deemed as 'special' as others." Edelgard nodded, glancing at Byleth. She gave his hand a solitary squeeze, flashing him a quick smile. "Thank you, Byleth."
Byleth returned the nod, but whatever was left of their conversation would have to be cut short.
Because as they grew closer to the grand, stone staircase that led to the castle's gate, an armed escort was already descending to meet them. At least two dozen men and women, decked out from head-to-toe in armor and weaponry. At the escort's rear, a flag was raised. The red flag of Adrestia, with the Empire's insignia embroidered in its center.
As the escort approached, Edelgard immediately recognized the woman leading it. Brown hair tied neatly into a ponytail, a strand hanging down the side of her face. Sharp, red eyes that exuded strength, while conveniently hiding a soft, gentler side.
Ladislava's neutral and reserved expression did not crack as they met Edelgard, but the princess could see her eyes brighten as she looked to her.
"Your Highness!" Ladislava greeted, her hand shooting to her chest in a salute. "It is an honor to see you again."
The rest of her men followed in her example, saluting, then all stooping into a bow in unison.
"Ladislava, please." Edelgard smiled. Stepping forward, she placed a hand to her guard's shoulder. "The honor is all mine."
As she rose to her full height, Edelgard was greeted by the sight of Ladislava's own smile, small thought it might be.
After all that happened, Edelgard didn't have many friends growing up, nor did she particularly go out of her way to find any. There was always Hubert, but… Their relationship didn't constitute what one would describe as the typical friendship. Hubert had always put Edelgard on the highest of pedestals, freely sacrificing his own wants and needs to satiate hers. He would always do whatever was deemed necessary for Edelgard's 'sake,' even against her will at times. It could be quite infuriating at times.
Ladislava, however… While she was the leader of Edelgard's personal guard, she was also the closest thing the heir ever had to a friend in those days. At times, much like with Hubert, that line had been blurred due to their positions. She could feel her intent to be a friend and confidant with Edelgard, but she could never fully drop the formalities.
"It is a relief to see you safe and sound," Ladislava said. "Your presence has been greatly missed while you were away."
"The feeling is mutual." Edelgard nodded. There were many aspects to Enbarr she did not miss, such as the agonizing loneliness, the inconsolable anger, and the bitter reminders of a life she once had, but it was nice to see her again.
Stepping to her left, Edelgard motioned towards Byleth, who had been standing off to the side somewhat sheepishly during this exchange.
"This is my professor from the academy, and dear friend, Byleth Eisner. He will be joining us during our time here."
At that, Ladislava's composed demeanor slipped. Her brows raised, and her eyes widened as they fell upon the man behind her.
"I-I see. Stories of your professor's deeds have reached even our ears," she murmured, clearing her throat as she realized her gaffe. "Well, any friend of Lady Edelgard's is a friend of mine."
Again, she lowered her head for a bow.
"It's an honor, and a pleasure, Professor Eisner."
"Just 'Byleth' is fine. I am not here in a professional capacity," he replied, offering his hand out for a shake. "And the pleasure is mine."
Upon noticing his hand, Ladislava raised her head, accepting it with a subtle smirk.
"Is my father waiting in the throne room?" Edelgard cut in. It made her feel guilty for interrupting the reunion, but… Time was of the essence.
"Yes. He has hardly left since we heard the news of your return." Ladislava nodded, returning to formality.
Father…
It had been nearly a year since she saw him last. She was excited for the opportunity to see him again, but she couldn't shake the worry or anxiety that came with it. Ionius's health had deteriorated quite rapidly over the years. It was very possible the man she saw today would be but a shell of the man she saw not so long ago. Granted, after the death of her siblings, her father was never the same, but… There had been a time where he could still walk without assistance. Where he could stand on his own two feet.
What would he be like now? Would he require help sitting down or standing up? Could he even eat on his own? Could he even eat solid meals?
…For his sake, she would make this quick. The process of passing down the throne had already been expedited quite a bit, but for his sake, she would not dwell a second longer. The sooner the crown rested upon her head, the sooner her father could finally rest.
Edelgard swallowed her anxiety, ignoring the slight elevation of her heartbeat as she spoke.
"Take us to him."
Ladislava nodded, motioning for her troops to fall into formation. Flanked on either side by armed guards, with Ladislava leading the way, the group entered the castle's gates.
The only sound present as they walked was the clanking of metal, and the slapping of boots on the tile floor. It was almost rhythmic in a way, not a single step out of place outside of hers and Byleth's.
But Edelgard didn't focus on it. It was barely even an afterthought. The familiar main hall she once knew and loved passed by in a blur. The antique, decorative suits of armor that lined the walls, suits she once admired, were only dots in her peripherals. The great, beautiful tapestries of the double-headed eagle on its crimson cloth were all but forgotten as she walked.
Once the ceremony is concluded, all that must be done is finalizing the succession; giving my signature and preparing an ordinance, among other busywork. I must be fitted for my royal mantel that I will wear henceforth, then a meeting with the generals and the other nobles that have already pledged their support to my cause… But none of that will happen before I round up the Prime Minster and his gaggle of men to be-
"El."
As Byleth's whisper drifted into her ears, her mind jumped elsewhere, instantly and against her will. For a fraction of a second, a memory flashed across her eyes, a memory of the last time someone called her that name in these slightly hollow halls. She had been but a child, and her… Her… Was it Father? One of her brothers? She had trouble remembering clearly… Her memory was foggy.
Forcing that pain and deep sense of regret from her mind, Edelgard glanced at the man walking beside her.
"Are you alright?" Byleth asked, concern seeping into his tone. "You look… pale."
Given the look in his eyes, he already knew the cause and the source of her pain. It likely didn't take much mental gymnastics to put two and two together.
"There's no need to worry." Edelgard shook her head, her bangs shaking back and forth. "I… am more than ready."
"I believe you," Byleth whispered back. "That doesn't answer my question, though."
Despite herself, Edelgard cracked a small smile at his persistence. It really was night and day how her professor treated her compared to many of the others she had crossed paths with. Most would have accepted her reply with a nod and left it at that, but not him.
"I am fine, my Byleth," she replied under her breath, her eyes finally moving to take in her surroundings. "It's just… There will always be painful memories tied to this place, no matter how much time passes. But, I'll be fine, I assure you."
Out of the corner, Edelgard spotted Ladislava give the two a quick, intrigued look.
"Okay."
Byleth nodded. His jacket's sleeve fluttered as his arm moved, and not a second later, Edelgard felt the rough cloth of his glove brush against her fingers. He lingered on her hand, his thumb tracing reassuring circles on its back.
For a second, she allowed herself to get lost in the strength and support his simple hand offered. For a moment, she allowed herself to guiltily indulge in his touch. She allowed the frightened, scared, and lost child hidden away beneath her façade a moment to seek shelter in Byleth's seemingly everlasting and protective presence.
A single moment was all she would really have, however.
As the doors to the throne room grew closer and closer, Edelgard inhaled deeply. She calmed her erratic heart and smoothed out her tangled nerves.
Again, the world around her began to… fade into gray. Colors lost their vibrance. Sounds became distorted. One by one, the armed guard that escorted her began to disappear. Those doors, at the end of this impossibly long hallway that never seemed to end, became the only thing in her world.
Those doors, and Byleth's hand.
She squeezed it again as… something crept up her throat.
Fear?
Anticipation?
…Regret?
Edelgard wasn't entirely sure. Perhaps it was all three. Fear over what came next. Anticipation to finally be taking her first steps on the path to her dream. Regret that the moment she walked through those doors, this tiny slice of a happy life she had found within the monastery's halls would be gone forever.
And as those doors seemed to grow in size and she seemed to shrink, she thought of all of the friends she had made back at the academy. Dorothea, Petra, Bernadetta, Caspar, Linhardt, Lysithea, Felix, Flayn, and dare she say, even Ferdinand… Those happy memories she spent with her fellow classmates flashed before her eyes. The laughs they had shared, the lectures they had listened to, every battle they ever fought together…
She wondered what they were doing now. Given the time of day, they were likely sitting in class, listening to a lecture from Professor Manuela. Hopefully they weren't giving her too much trouble in their absence.
Linhardt was probably snoozing through class… No doubt to Caspar's chagrin. Dorothea was probably taking notes. Despite the terrible rumors that circulated around her, she was quite the diligent student, who always tried her best when no one was watching. Knowing Ferdinand, he was likely sitting tall and proud, listening intently to the lecture. He didn't want to fall behind Edelgard, of course. He would likely lord it over her when she returned.
Part of her wished she could be there, if only to have one more day to add to her collection. To sit by Lysithea for one more day… To bear witness to Bernadetta's constant growth… To watch as Felix slowly, but surely, came out of his shell as he opened up to the rest of the Eagles. To see Petra do her people proud…
These were the things she thought of last as the doors finally seemed to get closer. Those moments she shared not with classmates… but a small, close knit group of friends, were some of the happiest of her life. It almost made her feel guilty for finding this much enjoyment in life while her brothers and sisters would never get such a chance.
But… she knew such thoughts were not necessary. There was nothing wrong with finding happiness. There was no need to feel guilty; her family would have likely told her the same thing. It was… okay to feel this way. To feel all of these conflicting emotions. There was nothing wrong with it. Remorse, sadness, longing… Edelgard knew now that these emotions didn't have to be negative. Sure, they might have left her heart aching and her chest tight, but that didn't mean the pain was wrong or unwanted.
If anything, it just went to show how much this group of rambunctious and aggravating students had come to mean to her. It simply proved how lovely those days were. It was a testament to how wonderful being a Black Eagle had been. In the end, Edelgard was thankful to be feeling these emotions rather than feeling nothing at all. The thought of walking towards these doors alone while not feeling a hint of remorse, sadness, or fear, was so deeply harrowing that it made her shiver. The imagery was so lonely that it broke her heart in two. That could have been her fate. It would have been… If not for…
Their feet slowed to a stop.
Ladislava placed a hand to the door, turning her head back to where Edelgard and Byleth stood side-by-side.
"Are you ready, Your Highness?"
Edelgard swallowed, stealing one last glance at her professor-
No.
Not just her professor. He was… so, so much more than that. That title just didn't hold the same weight it used to. It didn't feel ample enough. There wasn't a word or title in the dictionary that truly described how she felt about the man that was standing beside her now. Savior, greatest friend, love of her life, soulmate, these terms just didn't perfectly encapsulate all that Byleth was to her. Even saying that she loved him didn't feel adequate enough as she thought of how much he meant to her. It was as if her very heart, finding a new purpose, beat for his.
But, as she stared into his eyes, great shades of green that reminded her of the field she saw in her dreams, she felt at ease. These terms and titles, though they might not fit the bill, flew through her mind at such terrifying speeds she halfway worried they might spill out of her mouth.
And for the first time in her life… Edelgard realized she truly didn't care if they did.
So, Edelgard straightened her back.
She lifted her head and puffed out her chest.
Her hand, now free from Byleth's, shot to the dagger she carried on her person. Her fingers closed around its hilt, bolstering her resolve.
Giving her beloved friends one last thought and a mental 'thank you,' she gave her reply.
"I am."
Ladislava nodded.
With no other words spoken, she pushed open the door.
In unison, the group stepped through the entrance.
The throne room was as large and grand as she remembered. A room so great, stone and marble so white, it was almost blinding. The sun's light that spilled in through the stained glass behind the throne seemed to bounce off of every surface. Thankfully, the long, elegant red carpet that led from the entrance to the throne itself contrasted heavily with the other untainted colors around the room, otherwise it truly might have blinded her.
This was hardly the first time she stepped foot in this place, but it felt so much… lonelier than she recalled. Back then, it felt as if her and her siblings were always running around while her smiling father sat and watched.
How long ago that was…
But now, it was only Ionius and his personal guard. A room so large, so great, yet not even half a dozen people inhabited it. Lonely or desolate were the only apt descriptions for this place anymore.
Edelgard's heart throbbed as she met her father's tired, weary eyes. Even at this distance, she could see the bags that hung beneath them. She could see how pale his face had become, and how frail he now looked. What must he weigh at this point? His royal garment seemed so much baggier than she remembered, as if her father was nothing but skin and bones at this point. The sparkling gold of his outfit seemed so out of place beneath the face that was whiter than the snow.
One by one, the escort began to break off, until it was only Edelgard and Byleth approaching the throne. And as they approached, her father's colorless eyes never left hers. How lifeless they now were... She remembered a time when they would shine whenever they looked upon his children. A time when they bore an air of pride and dignity whenever he addressed his people.
They were nothing like that now. When she looked into those two, black holes called eyes, Edelgard barely felt her father looking at her. Instead, they seemed to be staring through her, listlessly… As if they were staring at things that were once there. Things that he once had.
Her heartbeat quickened as the anticipation took hold. Once she accepted the crown and took her father's place upon that desolate throne, he would no longer have to live this way. Freeing her beloved father from the loneliness he was entrapped in, this painful, agonizing life that had now become his own, was just one of the many motivating factors guiding her feet.
"My father."
Edelgard fell to one knee, Byleth mimicking her movements.
"It fills my heart with joy to see you once again," Edelgard continued, her glistening eyes glued to the floor beneath her. She feared that if she did not, her reddened eyes might betray her words.
While there was joy to see her sole parent and her only remaining family member, it was outweighed by the excessive amounts of sadness and remorse. A small light in an endless abyss.
"My child…"
She nearly flinched at the sound of his voice. It was raspy. Scratchy. Almost like two planks of wood rubbing against each other. Like something trying to mimic human emotion, but failing miserably.
"Please, lift your head."
So she did, raising to her full height as Byleth did the same. Edelgard could feel his analytical gaze move from her, to her father, but he didn't make a peep. His lips were sealed shut, determined to remain that way until he was called upon.
"Father, forgive me for asking this of you," Edelgard spoke, fearing that if she did not cut straight to the point, her emotions might get the better of her. At this distance, peering directly into her father's soulless eyes was… chilling to say the least. "I… I know how much pain you're in- how the burden of the throne weighs heavily on you…"
Though she tried to disguise it with a quick movement of her hand to her brow, the cracking of her voice was clear as day.
Even now, her eyes were pinned on the throne Ionius was sitting on instead of his face.
"And, so…"
"There is no need to apologize, Edelgard."
And finally, Edelgard met her father's eyes.
Two blackholes masquerading as windows to the soul.
But, even so…
She could still see a glimmer of that same light she once saw.
There was a small, almost miniscule, crooked smile adorning his face. As if the muscles in his jaw were trying to emulate the easy smile Ionius once showed to her.
"You must know… that I do not have much time left in this world."
The once great emperor could barely make it through the sentence without gasping for air, breaking out into a fit of coughs before he could even finish it.
"The time… has come."
Edelgard fought back the frown that so readily jumped to her lips.
This was never the way she envisioned it. The throne, it was her birthright, but it wasn't supposed to be. It wasn't her that should be accepting this crown. It should be her standing where Byleth stood now, watching happily as her eldest sibling accepted the throne. It shouldn't have to be this way…
She should have been able to give her father a proper greeting before commencing with the ceremony. She should have been able to spend but a few days with the man who raised her before what little life that dwelled within him dwindled out.
Thinking back on it… When was the last time she even told him that she loved him? When was the last time her father had even heard those words from his children? When was the last time he was able to hug his daughters? His sons? How often did her father dream of an end she once dreamed of? When was the last time he was thankful to be alive, instead of begging for a merciful release? When was the last time he counted the days they had spent together, instead of counting the days he had left?
When was the last time…
"Thank you, Father."
Edelgard bowed once again.
It shouldn't have to be this way, but it was.
"Now, to complete the Imperial succession, you must relinquish your crown here in the throne room."
Edelgard continued to speak, but it was merely a formality, her brain on autopilot. There was no thought to the words she spoke. They were not important words; they were simply words that needed to be said.
"The archbishop of the Church of Seiros would normally act as witness, but my mentor and dear friend, Byleth Eisner, will fill that role instead."
She motioned to Byleth. At his name, the man rose an eyebrow, but he nodded nonetheless, accepting his position as witness.
For the first time since the start of this exchange, Ionius's weary eyes inched towards Byleth.
When they finally made their way back to Edelgard, there was some kind of semblance of understanding. A slight softening to the wrinkles of his stretched, pale skin.
"Edelgard…" He whispered, a hitch to his voice.
Pushing down the lump in her throat that had yet to cease its growing, she pushed onward.
"From this day forward, the weight of the Empire's future shall rest upon my shoulders. All that I do will be for the benefit of the people of Fódlan."
Ionius's head slowly and carefully bobbed up and down. The two guards closest to him moved to assist him in standing, but he waved them off.
With a grunt that resembled that of a dying man giving his final breath, Emperor Ionius IX rose to his feet. His arms trembled at the exertion, his legs looking like they could give out at any second, but his limbs did not buckle.
A guard handed him the crown, which he accepted with shaking hands.
"Kneel…" Ionius wheezed, his face slightly red. "My child…"
Edelgard dropped to one knee, closing her eyes as she lowered her head. There was a slight ringing in her ears, as the room had grown so deathly quiet there were no other sounds. She could not even hear Byleth's breathing.
"Edelgard von Hresvelg…"
The hairs on her arm stood up on end as she waited for the immense weight to be placed upon her head. The ringing in her ears was now drowned out by the hammering in her ribcage.
"The crown is yours."
The breath was stolen from her lungs as she felt it rest on her hair. Again, almost on instinct, her hand shot to the dagger given to her long ago.
And as she held that dagger, she swore another pair of oaths. One repeated, one new. It was almost a chain reaction, of sorts.
For the people of this world, who have been forced to toil against the shackles bound to them.
"By the covenant between the red blood and the white sword-"
For my family, tortured and broken.
"And by the double-headed eagle upon your head-"
For my dearest friends, my constant source of strength.
"I hereby pronounce you the new emperor."
All that I do, will be for you.
Edelgard lifted her head. The crown… was not as heavy as she expected it to be.
"Are you prepared to take those responsibilities as your own?"
Her father was staring down at her, a glint in his eyes. A faint reminder of better days. It was reminiscent of the pride he used to show when they looked to his children.
That crooked smile she saw moments before had smoothed out somewhat. It was more… normal. A brief flash of how her father used to smile when he looked down to her. It reminded her of the days they spent together learning how to dance, or the days when he taught her to wield a sword. Days she cherished so, but found too painful to dwell on.
Edelgard opened her mouth to speak. It was dry.
"In accordance with the ancient covenant-"
She rose to her feet.
"And in keeping with the Hresvelg legacy…"
And for you, my Byleth.
Edelgard snuck a glance at the man standing behind her. Still, he remained utterly silent, his eyes fixated on her. The emotions that swirled within those green orbs weren't discernable, but the gentle smile he bore was. A familiar smile she had seen before. In that smile, she found her strength renewed.
My light in an endless dark. You are the very wings that allow me to soar.
"I swear upon this throne, I shall use my reign to lead Fódlan to a new dawn and achieve peace for all."
We will achieve the peace we dreamed of.
"The succession is complete," Ionius murmured. "It is my dearest wish… that your reign may be long, and peaceful, Emperor Edelgard."
Her father coughed violently, stumbling backwards. Were it not for the quick hands of his men, he surely would have fallen outright. Instead, they carefully placed him back down upon his throne.
"My daughter," he gasped. "I… I regret that I could not do more for you."
If possible, Edelgard felt the hole in her heart grow a little larger. A little wider. The regret and remorse in his words were pungent. With the silence that engulfed the room, the loneliness they bore was doubled.
"Father…" Edelgard whispered.
She reached her hand towards him, only to stop before it could touch his. It hung in midair, frozen in indecisiveness. When it came to the traditions of royalty, and during a ceremony as monumentally important as this, it might seem uncouth to lay a hand upon the emperor. Even for his child.
But, Edelgard decided she did not care.
Slowly, and carefully, she took his trembling hand within her own.
Ionius's lips began to quiver, his eyes moistening as he stared upon the smaller hand clutching his own.
"When you were stolen away to the Kingdom… When the Prime Minister did those horrible things…" The crack in his voice was noticeable. "I could only watch in horror."
Behind them, she could hear Byleth shift his weight.
"You, my children, deserved… so much more than me. If I could do it all over again…" As he closed his eyes, a single tear broke free. "You will never know how sorry I am, El…"
Edelgard twitched at the name. As it reverberated in her ears, she couldn't help but note the differing emotions it held compared to when Byleth said it. One, filled with love and affection… and the other, a sorrow so deep Edelgard feared she might drown in it.
She knew, with all her heart, that the love and affection her father felt for her was still there; likely stronger than it had ever been before.
But she also knew more than anyone what this nickname symbolized for her father now; a forlorn reminder of wonderful days they could never reclaim. Days filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Days that were not lost or outgrown, but days that were stripped from them. Stolen and crushed. Even uttering 'El' was likely very painful for him.
Edelgard could not fault her father for feeling this way. For years, she had felt the same.
"Father. Do not speak like that." Edelgard knelt before him, squeezing his bony hand with both of hers. "In those dark times, your eyes and your fists were my salvation. Within your eyes, I saw true care."
There were many wishes Edelgard had made since those days. Some of them for vengeance and blood. Some of them happy and carefree. Some of them… for the betterment of this cruel world.
But, one of her oldest ones, was to have the ability to stare into those wonderful eyes of Ionius's just one last time. Those beautiful eyes of her beloved father. Bright, brimming with strength and intelligence. Eyes that whenever they fell upon her, they made her feel safe and sound.
How she wished she could stare into them, one final time.
While there were still flickers, remnants of a time long passed…
Now, they were filled with guilt. Unfathomable guilt.
"And upon your fists clenched tight with indignity, I saw the blood that dripped and fell." Edelgard's voice grew soft as she bowed her head. "Even as I bled, I felt that you, too, must also be bleeding."
The emperor carefully stroked his hand with her thumbs. Ionius's spindly fingers wrapped around her hand, tremoring as they did so. They were shaking so much.
"Edelgard… My dear El…"
His free hand moved to graze her chin.
"I leave the fate of Fódlan in your capable hands… I am sorry I could not do more…"
Edelgard closed her eyes, leaning ever-so-slightly into his touch.
"Father…"
Would… Would this be the last time she had the chance to feel her father's-?
"Your Majesty!"
Edelgard froze. The blood coursing through her veins ran cold.
Now? It had to be now that he would appear?
"You must not leave your sleeping chambers in your condition!"
Her mind grew cloudy. Hazy. Images tied to that nasally, weasel's voice erupted within her mind, overcoming all of her senses. Suddenly, as if some mage had casted a spell, she could smell that familiar musty scent of the dungeon. She could hear the constant drip, drip, dripping of water. She could feel trails of blood crawl down her skin.
For a second, Edelgard saw only black.
She had to let go of her father's hand out of fear of crushing it within her own.
"Ah, Edelgard. I did not expect to find Your Highness here."
The contempt present in Ludwig's voice was quite evident. Even if she had yet to see him, she could picture the sneer he must be wearing.
Edelgard slowly rose to her full height, keeping her hands glued to her sides. If she did not, it was possible they would unconsciously move to her dagger- this time, for differing reasons.
The emperor turned her gaze towards the rat disguised as the empire's Prime Minister, mustering all of her willpower to push back the waves of hatred and anger at the sound of his grating, nauseating voice.
He looked just as she remembered him looking. That balding head, those cruel, beady eyes. One of the many faces Edelgard could never forget.
Byleth, sensing the change in mood, turned his body to face this unfamiliar man. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see his fingers push back the corners of his jacket, allowing the hilt of the Sword of the Creator to poke out.
Seeing how prepared he was… soothed her, if only slightly. It helped her find her words.
"Prime Minister, you have misspoken."
The professor visibly flinched at the title, his wide, green eyes jumping back and forth between Edelgard and Ludwig.
While she wished for nothing more than to eradicate this man, to torture him as they had tortured her and her siblings…
She could not.
Edelgard was many things in this world, but she was not like them.
"I am no longer Your Highness, but rather… Your Majesty."
Witnessing his face drain of color, seeing those disgusting eyes bulge as his eyebrows shot up, while pleasing, barely scratched the surface of the pain she wished to inflict on this man.
Ludwig's eyes darted to Ionius, then back to her.
"I-impossible…" The pig murmured. "Surely, that is a jest, Your Majesty?"
"It is true," Ionius rasped, finally relaxing against the back of his throne. "Edelgard is the new emperor of the Adrestian Empire. It would behoove you to treat her as such."
Ionius coughed once before continuing.
"We will summon the officials and prepare an ordinance at once. And you, Prime Minister-"
"Are dismissed," Edelgard finished for him, her voice sharper than steel. These were words she had always dreamed of spitting at this man. "It will be some time before you are allowed to make contact with the outside world again."
"No!" Ludwig gasped. If possible, his face grew even more ashen. "T-that cannot be! I-"
"Are you questioning my authority?" Edelgard whispered beneath her breath.
The Prime Minister took a shaky step backwards at the tone of her voice. There was no arguing it.
His repulsive, orange eyes jumped to every face in the room. When he found no assistance, protection, or solace from any of their gazes, Ludwig hung his head in defeat.
"…U-understood, Your Majesty."
"Take him away."
Edelgard met Ladislava's eyes, motioning with her head towards the Prime Minister.
Her and her troop bowed in accordance, then moved to Ludwig. Two of her men flanked the Prime Minister on either side, taking hold of each of his arms in an iron grip. They quickly, and forcefully, led him away. In the end, Ludwig didn't put up much of a fight.
Edelgard exhaled slowly, pointedly ignoring the bead of sweat that had formed on her brow.
"Go, fetch the necessary officials," Ionius muttered, slumping slightly forward in his throne. It wasn't hard to spot the toll this day had taken on him already. "It is… of the upmost importance."
Ionius could not finish without a cough.
His men saluted, excusing themselves to do just that.
With no one left in the throne room but her, her father, and Byleth, the former emperor turned his tired eyes to his daughter.
"It is not my intention to rush, but…"
"No, I understand, Father." Edelgard shook her head. "Once this is through, you'll… you'll finally be able to rest."
"'Finally able to rest…'" Ionius repeated Edelgard's statement quietly, almost to himself. His eyes grew glassy and distant as he seemingly stared past Edelgard and into the unknown.
Eventually, his pupils darted to the only other man in the room.
"Byleth. That was what-" Ionius paused abruptly, coughing into his hand. "W-was what my daughter… said your name was?"
Byleth did not reply.
Edelgard quirked an eyebrow, glancing towards her teacher.
During their short exchange, Byleth's eyes had yet to leave the doorway Ludwig and Ladislava had left through. His lips had twisted into a rather painful looking frown. At some point, while Edelgard hadn't been looking, his hand had snuck to the hilt of his sword. His right foot was slightly jutted out, as if he was preparing to take a step.
She had rarely seen Byleth make such an expression off the battlefield. Eyes sharp enough to cut through diamond and an expression filled with so much hate and contempt she could feel it radiating off of him. For her, it was a somewhat rare sight. It wasn't often in moments like these that Byleth bore such negative emotions on his face.
Ionius's own eyes narrowed somewhat as he watched Edelgard's guest, his interest seemingly piqued.
"Byleth?"
At the sound of her voice, the professor blinked, and the expression was gone. His sword hand dropped back down to his side, and he turned to face the last two of the Hresvelg name.
"My apologies." Byleth shook his head, exhaling slowly with closed eyes. "Yes, my name is Byleth Eisner. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
Byleth turned to face Ionius, lowering himself into a bow.
"There is no… need for that," Ionius replied with a labored breath. "You have my gratitude for… escorting my daughter here."
The former emperor grunted as he rose to his feet. At one point, he teetered dangerously backwards, but after he steadied himself on his armrest, he was able to stand on his own two feet without fail.
"I would like… to speak with you when we have the time," Ionius continued, his hazy gaze shifting to Edelgard. "But I am afraid there is much to be done before nightfall."
Edelgard frowned slightly at that, her brow furrowing as she watched her father. Speak with Byleth? While it was her secret wish that her father would get an opportunity to converse with the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with at least once, she would be lying if she said there were not parts of her that were not concerned, nor curious.
"Perhaps later, then." Byleth nodded. "I imagine there is much to be done."
"You are welcomed to join us if you wish," Edelgard offered. She silently hoped he would. "Although, I will admit, it may not be the most exciting use of your time."
Even she wasn't particularly looking forward to this next part. While she wanted Byleth to tag along, she also would not blame him for skipping this segment of the coronation process. Like her father said, it was mostly meeting with the proper officials, preparing the ordinance, signing papers… The work of an emperor.
"I appreciate the offer…" Byleth trailed off, scratching his head timidly. "However, I hope it would not offend either of you if I decline. I was thinking I might wonder around the castle. I'd regret missing the opportunity to see the place you grew up in."
Edelgard smiled. His reply was not terribly surprising, but his reasoning did catch her somewhat off guard. Not that she was opposed, but…
"Just promise me you will not visit the gardens until after?"
Byleth returned the smile, his features finally smoothing out.
"I promise."
During the exchange, Ionius remained silent, quietly assessing Byleth as he spoke. His gaze never leaving the man, he reached into his garment.
"…Here," Ionius croaked, pulling an envelope out with a shaking hand. There was nothing particularly special about this paper, but Edelgard recognized it immediately. It was marked with the seal of the emperor.
Byleth accepted the envelope, giving it a once over.
"This… will let you traverse throughout the castle unimpeded," Ionius answered his unspoken question. "If any of my… men should try to stop you-"
"Show them this?" Byleth asked, lifting it.
Ionius jerked his head up and down.
"Very well." The professor nodded, slipping the paper into his jacket pocket. "I'll do just that. Thank you, Your Majesty."
"There is… no thanks necessary…"
Byleth's neutral expression wavered at the weakness to his voice.
"I'll excuse myself for the time being, then." He shot Edelgard a look before his eyes made their way back to her father. "Your Majesties."
Byleth bowed in their general direction, catching Edelgard's eyes once more as he flashed her a reassuring smile.
With that said, the professor turned and left the two, taking off in a hurry towards the door that the Prime Minister had been escorted through.
After a few seconds of strained, and dare she say, awkward silence, her father finally spoke.
"That man… is your professor, correct?" Ionius asked in a low voice. "He seems… dependable."
"Yes." Edelgard's grin grew as she watched his back move further and further away. "Although, he is much more than that. He is… very important to me."
Ionius nodded, his gaze following Byleth as he exited the room. His features seemed to relax as he registered the gentleness to his daughter's voice.
"So, I see…"
The once great Prime Minister sat whimpering on the cold, hard stone of his dungeon cell. He tugged on the metal chains that were locked to his ankles, fighting back tears as he realized they would not loosen. Not even a bit. Though there was a thin layer of fabric protecting his skin from the cruel metal, he was beginning to feel its jagged edge dig into his skin. There was a slight dampness around his ankles, and he didn't wish to imagine what it could be.
The dungeon cell they harbored him in was far from kind. It was cold. Cold, and dark. Not a thing could be seen. The only source of light was that of the torch near the door, held by the guard who had been assigned to watch over him. Ludwig had only been down here for a few hours, but the lack of visibility and the denial of some of his senses were beginning to take its toll on his already frantic mind.
And the stench… The stench was almost unfathomable. It reeked of all manner of things unsightly and unseemly. Mold, blood, sweat, and other bodily stenches from past prisoners… It was putrid. It was enough to make his eyes water.
They were only holding him here on a temporary basis, as they prepared the transport back to his home for permanent house arrest, but Ludwig could hardly stand it for another second.
In his time as Prime Minister, he never once stepped foot down here. Not since-
"Ahh!"
The once great Prime Minister of Adrestia shrieked as he felt something graze against his pantleg before scurrying off. Given its squeaking, he assumed it to be a rat. How grotesque…
Ludwig sniffled, burying his face into his hands. Somehow, he had nearly forgotten that his wrists were shackled to the wall as well. The uncomfortable tugging sensation on his wrists quickly reminded him of his situation.
"How could this be…" he bemoaned. "I-I was the Prime Minister! How could they do-"
He stopped.
The sound of the dungeon door opening was near deafening. The creak of the door was long, almost comically drawn out.
Ludwig perked his head up, eyes wide in fear as he tried to discern who had entered. Could it be his escort, finally come to take him home? Though the prospect was far from alluring, he would much prefer house arrest to this.
It was almost impossible to tell. The guard was standing in a way that covered up almost all of the visitor. Whoever it was hadn't stepped fully into view.
After a few seconds of whispered conversation, the guard saluted, and stepped out of the prison… Taking the torch with him.
Ludwig began to tremble as the only source of light in this hell was taken away.
Again, the door to the dungeon creaked as it closed, followed by a loud ker-chunk as it was locked.
Had… Had they left him alone in here?
Alone in this suffocating darkness?
As his heart nearly leapt from his throat, Ludwig began to hear the sounds of approaching footsteps. They were slow, and deliberate. The echoing noise filled the entirety of his mind.
"W-Who's there?!" He screamed, scooting himself further away from his cell's entrance.
Eventually, the walking stopped. The only thing separating him from this presence were the walls of his cell.
"Don't worry," came the reply. "I won't bite."
As the words registered in his ears, Ludwig felt a very brief moment of relief.
Then, he picked up on the emotionless, bordering on lifeless tone the man's voice held.
"Can you move?" The voice asked.
Ludwig nodded, only to realize this person likely wouldn't be able to tell in this darkness.
"I-I can," he stuttered. "But only for a few feet."
"Good. I brought you food."
There was a screeching sound as metal slid against stone.
"I slid a tray beneath the cell. You should try to eat to preserve your strength. Wouldn't want you dying just yet."
The Prime Minister stumbled to his hands and knees, wincing at the way the metal rubbed against his ankles and wrists. He began to crawl forwards, his eyes never leaving the general vicinity of where the voice was coming from.
Eventually, his hands brushed against said tray. It was impossible to see what was on it, but he felt the round, smoothness of an apple, the softness of bread, and the tougher exterior of smoked meat. Hardly a meal befitting someone of his station, but… He was famished. The Prime Minister hadn't eaten since morning.
Squeaking out a 'thank you,' Ludwig began to greedily devour his meal. He was thankful it was dark. The image of a man as noble as he, sprawled out on the ground like a mutt as he devoured a meager meal was hardly befitting of him.
As he feasted, the voice began again.
"I couldn't imagine what you're going through. It's hard to believe that she would hold you, the great Prime Minister, in this dingy, little cell."
There was a tapping sound as he ran his fingers across the bars.
The words were sympathetic… but they hardly matched the inflection.
Yet, still, Ludwig felt his guard momentarily slip-
"What might Ferdinand think if he knew the truth?"
At the mention of his son's name, Ludwig froze midbite. The air grew even colder. He began to shiver at the drop in temperature.
"W-who are you?" He asked, voice trembling.
The figure ignored him as he continued.
"Turned on by people you considered friends… Allies, even. People you never expected to hurt you. People you trusted… Now, here you are, forced to suffer in this cold, unforgiving prison, all alone in a darkness that never leaves. How terrifying that must be for you. To make matters worse, I'm sure your cries for help went unnoticed, or even ignored. The only ones that will listen to you now are the rats that inhabit this place with you... Well, that and the goddess. Tell me, have you tried praying yet? Maybe that will help. At least then, you'll have someone to talk to."
The Prime Minister's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. He nearly choked on his bread.
The voice was no longer emotionless.
It… It was much more hostile now.
"The silver lining, at least, is that soon, you'll be allowed to leave here. You'll get to return home, to a palace fit for someone of your splendor. You won't have to spend more than a day or two in this nightmare. Lucky you."
His heart plunged into his stomach as he heard the sound of a key being placed into the cell's lock. His mind grew hazy and distorted as the door slowly, and painfully, opened.
"Though, I do wonder… What would it be like if they never freed you from this place?"
There was a single step.
"It's interesting to think about, isn't it? Would your body grow weak? Being chained to a wall everyday cannot be good for your health. How long before your muscles began to atrophy? How much of that weight would you lose? Would your hair go grey? Would you even be able to sleep, knowing that when you opened your eyes it would still be just as dark?"
Then, another.
"Would you go mad? Would this darkness make you go insane? How many months would it take?"
Then, another.
"Would you hallucinate? Would you start seeing the night sky in this dungeon's ceiling? Perhaps your dreams would even begin to turn to simple things. Like being able to see the fields of grass again or to feel wind one last time. Things that people like you and me take for granted."
Then, another.
"What about the rats that live down here with you? You must realize these creatures are your only friends. They are, after all, the only things that will actually notice you. They're the only things down here with you, really."
Ludwig was frozen in fear. The man was only inches away now.
"W-w-who are-"
"How long might it take for those rats to turn on you? A month? A year? Eventually, they'll betray you, too, you know. They'll realize what an easy meal you are. I wonder how long it would take those rats, your only friends left in this cruel world, to feast on your flesh? How long before you feared them, too?!"
The Prime Minster screamed as something slammed into the tray of food. Though he could not see, he assumed it to be a boot.
"How long before everything that you are is lost to this hell?! How long before you would have given up?! How long?!"
The man's shouting echoed throughout the tiny cell, reverberating in Ludwig's ears. It had been so loud it left a ringing in his ears.
"How long would it have taken a monster like you to beg for death?! Crying, pleading every day for this torture to stop?! How long would it have taken you, the great Ludwig von Aegir, to reason with the goddess to put an end to your miserable existence?! No goddess will answer you, but I will!"
"Who are you?!"
Silence.
Deafening silence.
The Prime Minister couldn't hear a single thing over the sound of his hammering heart and a squeaking rat scurrying far away from here.
It was agonizing.
…But, after another few seconds that felt like an eternity, the voice replied.
"The End."
And Ludwig could see a pair of bright, green eyes glow in the darkness. He could not explain it. There was no rational explanation for this phenomenon.
But, he could see them, clear as day.
And he could see the incredible amounts of hate and disgust they bore.
They were nothing like a human's eyes. No, far from it.
They were closer to that of a demon.
"Y-you…!" Ludwig gasped. This… This was the man that was with her!
"I can scarcely believe Edelgard's kindness," the green-haired man ignored him as he continued. "If was up to me, I would have tortured you."
Ludwig tried to scamper away, but another boot fell upon his chains, stopping him in place.
"I would have taken a dull knife to your flesh and carved you like they did to her and her siblings. I would have kept you conscious as I cut you open, playing with your insides like some grotesque doll. I would have overwritten all of your senses with nothing but pain and agony. You would soon forget what it felt like to be happy. To feel joy. You'd only know pain. Not even your son would have been able to recognize you when I was through. After I had my way with you, dying would be what you daydreamed of."
The man stopped, taking a deep breath as he calmed himself.
"She is kind... Far kinder than I. Given the chance, I would have made you suffer as they had suffered."
And then, something else began to glow, something other than this man's terrifying eyes. It was red, and… artificial. It was unnerving to look at. It was quite bright, but the shade of red reminded him of blood.
As the light pierced the darkness, slicing through it as it moved, Ludwig only then realized that it was a sword.
He did not move as he felt its razor-sharp tip get pressed against his throat. He knew that if he did, that if he moved even one, single inch, his throat would be slashed, and he would bleed out before there was even a chance to realize it.
"However, even my kindness has limits."
"P-Please…" Ludwig whimpered. He could feel the wet, sticky sensation of blood trail down his neck. He… He didn't want to die! He didn't! "Please…"
"I won't kill you."
It took a considerable amount of willpower to not let out a sigh of relief.
"Yet."
In the blink of an eye, the red blade flew to the side of his neck, a few inches below his ear.
Ludwig howled as the sword licked his skin. The gash wasn't long or large, but the mark it left was agonizing, as if someone had dribbled molten lava on him. Immediately, he could feel the blood pour from his wound and down to his shoulder.
"After I've dealt with the rest of them, I'll be back to finish what I've started. Let that scar be a reminder of the painless days you have left."
The sword lowered and returned to the man's side, but Ludwig couldn't see it clearly through the tears that sprung to his eyes.
"You have twelve years. Twelve. No more, no less."
The man sheathed his sword. His jacket, blacker than the shadow Ludwig was encased in, fluttered in the air as he turned.
"Until we meet again, Prime Minister," Byleth spat, his voice oozing with hatred.
His boot smashed into what remained of Ludwig's meal, grinding it into a paste, before he walked away.
Ludwig flinched as the door to his cell slammed shut, the explosive noise echoing endlessly throughout this hell he currently found himself in.
The Prime Minister whimpered once he was assured the man was finally gone, pushing himself snugly against the closest corner of his prison. He curled his knees into his chest, hugging them tightly. He could feel a wetness streak down his muddy cheeks, but he did not care.
His right hand gingerly cupped the wound on his neck. The warm blood was still seeping from it. He had never bled so much before… The gash couldn't be longer than an inch, but he had never been cut in such a way before.
"T-t-twelve…" Ludwig sobbed. His vision was growing increasingly and increasingly more blurry- not that it mattered much, in the end. Even with his tear-filled eyes, there was no way for his poor eyesight to pierce this suffocating darkness.
Curling up on the disgusting floor as he accepted his pitiful fate, ignoring the rats helping themselves to his ruined meal, Ludwig's cries began to grow in fervor.
However…
Cry, cry, cry as he might-
Shamelessly pleading to an absent goddess to revert this cruel fate of his-
There would be no answer.
Thanks for reading, everyone! Fingers crossed there are no glaring spelling or grammar mistakes in this one... Kinda sped through the review process this time.
I didn't think I was going to be able to end this chapter on the scene with the Prime Minister (this was the one I was really looking forward to writing that I mentioned before), but the coronation itself took up a hefty amount so everything went as originally planned! The remaining scenes I have planned for Enbarr will take place next chapter, so don't be afraid if you think I've forgotten an Ionius and Byleth moment.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I shit you not, this actually might be the FIRST chapter that doesn't have a single Byleth POV moment, and for good reason. I really always wanted this chapter to be majority Edelgard (partly so I could use this title).
And though my man didn't get a POV this chapter, it was really fun writing a scene with excessive emotion like this one. I've written Byleth in quite a few settings, but this one felt like a first.
Also, the "twelve" years is vastly important. There is one, big reason why Byleth gives him a twelve year time limit.
Well, that's all for now, everyone! I'll see you next chapter!
Best of luck during these times, and take care everyone!
Oh! And to the guest reviewer, I chose carnation for a handful of reasons. One, due to the fact it's Byleth viewing El. Two, Edelgard's favorite flower of course. And three, my personal favorite, because of the flower's meaning! Depending on the color, a carnation can symbolize admiration, deep love, affection, pure love, and good luck. Thanks for reviewing!
