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It had been two weeks since Byleth had to kill someone. It was a relieving thought, albeit a bit of a demented one. The former professor was no stranger to death, but to escape from it, even for a little bit, was a great relief off his head. He sighed, easing his head back on his pillow. This wasn't the time. It was one of his rare breaks after all. A departure from the muddy battlefields, bandits, blood and viscera that was a rare treat for him. Why not enjoy it a little bit longer?
For a moment, Byleth forgot where he was. A bedroom fit for a king, larger than life, unnecessarily so. The cream-colored walls, tapestries and regal paintings adorning the bedroom walls just spelled royalty. Sunlight peeked through the half-drawn purple curtains in his room. He quietly scoffed. How did some low-born mercenary end up getting in some place as deliciously rich as this? That answer came in the form of a white-haired beautiful woman clinging to him, nearly buried under blankets.
The Emperor, Edelgard von Hresvelg, ruler of Fodlan, war-hero, possibly the most tenacious, dangerous and beautiful woman in the country, was snoring quietly on his bare chest. He smiled. This was too precious. It was so heartwarming to see her resting so peacefully, bare chest rising and falling with each calm breath. A devious and despicable part of him wanted to wake her up, but to hell with that. The poor woman worked herself hand, foot and soul for the country after all. Why not let her sleep that extra five minutes.
A slow thump inside his chest nearly made him jump out of his bed. It took a few moments to remember that it was his heartbeat. His lips curled into a thin-lipped grin. This old thing again? He still wasn't used to that weird organ hopping up and down against his rib cage. It was subtle, dull even, but it reminded me that he was still alive. That little sudden motion did make the Emperor stir a little and moan, face frowning a little.
"Shh, just go back to sleep, El." Byleth whispered, running his fingers soothingly through her hair. A drowsy smile stretched across her face that nearly made his heart skip a beat. Unfortunately, that didn't stop her eyes from fluttering open.
"What time is it?" She yawned, nestling a little more against his chest.
He peaked at the grandfather clock on the other side of the room, and sighed. "It's nearly eight. We've already overslept," In terms or royalty anyway. Edelgard unapologetically groaned, wrapping her arms tighter around Byleth's waist. He stifled a laugh. For a woman so stoic, witty and composed, she could be so cute sometimes. "Come on, you slugabed. We've got work to do."
"Mm, don't remind me. And who are you calling a slugabed?" He chucked as she nipped mischievously at his chest.
"Come one, up you get." Perhaps in one of his most bold of moves, he reached down and swatted at her bare bum. Even though it was light and wouldn't leave a mark on the sturdy woman, she squealed, face beet red.
"I could execute you for that." She growled, scowling at him.
Byleth grinned mischievously. "If that little stunt would have me beheaded, you probably would have done it the first night after the war," He studied her face, his mirthful grin going soft. "Red has always been a good color on you."
"Flattery gets you nowhere with me." She said, pulling herself up and kissing his lips. "Now close your eyes. I must get dressed."
Byleth obliged, turning over and plunging his head into his pillow while she slipped out of bed. "How tight is your schedule today?"
"Business as per usual," Edelgard sighed. "Ferdinand is calling for a meeting regarding the recent crash of nobility standards in the north. Meanwhile, Lorenz requested a meeting. A simple tea party of all things. Ha! As if I truly have time for that- Oh! Turn your head immediately!" She brought her nightdress above her bare chest, turning her entire body away from him. Byleth still didn't mind the view. There was still a slight imprint of his hand on her right on her left bum cheek. He would catch hell and fire for that later.
"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist." Byleth admitted, closing his eyes.
"Scoundrel."
"Your scoundrel."
Edelgard shook her head, soon starting to smile. "Behave yourself for five minutes while I work, won't you? Be a good little soldier and patrol around the castle."
"It's about all I do these days." He said, standing up and stretching out. He didn't notice Edelgard walking closer until her arms were around his neck. Her smile was absolutely stunning. Every time, it would make his heart race. She stood on the tips of her toes and left a kiss on his lips before putting the rest of her clothes on and walking out the door. Byleth stood bewildered, and rather excited, for a moment before dressing himself and marching out.
House Hreslvelg. The leading station of the Empire, current capital of Fodlan, the ground zero for governmental authority, and current home of a dingy mercenary in way over his head. It was still as surreal now as it was two years ago, when he first set his dirty rucksack on the pristine white marble floors. Not one day went by when he didn't stop and ask 'what am I doing here?' Perhaps this estate was just one big spoil of war? It was unsettling, categorizing this beautiful place as just another trophy on a rack though, especially when it was the home of his dearly beloved, but his thoughts were his own nonetheless.
He thread across the dark-colored, portrait-laden halls, trying to at least appear busy. Since he had no desire in political affairs, nor did he have the affinity for it, he left it in Edelgard's hands. Wouldn't want the country to suddenly catch fire, would we? He leaned against the large open window, viewing the town that once held a grand scale battle not too long ago.
Two years so far had come and gone like a bolt of lightning. The war against Rhea felt like it happened yesterday. More often than not, he'd be awake at night, stiff as stone, just waiting for a fight that wouldn't happen. The nightmares didn't help matters, all were more heart-wrenching and gut-punching than the last. He shut his eyes tight, jaw clenched. Faces, bodies everywhere, burning, constant fighting, so many kids dying under his watch, it killed him inside.
Stop. Enough. He took a deep breath. It was over. The war was over. Edelgard fought hard and made change.
"Just let it be over." Byleth muttered under his breath. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw silver boots marching in his direction. Dignified and sure, with a bright smile and flowing light red hair going past his shoulders.
Byleth stiffened. Oh no. Maybe if he stood still, he would go unnoticed. Bernadetta's logic had to stand somewhere, right?
"Oh, Professor!"
Damn.
"Duke Aegir." Byleth said curtly.
Duke Ferdinand von Aegir beamed at the sight of his former professor. Meanwhile, here Byleth was trying to figure out how to turn into smoke and blow away. Mind you, He did like his former student. There was no animosity between the two. Although, if you were on the other end of one of his dutiful speeches on the principles of nobility, you'd rue the day you ever learned the concept of it. The man would keep it going well past sundown and beyond the point of insanity.
"Please, refer to me as Ferdinand in private," Ferdinand corrected. "Different in status we may be, I still consider you one of my finest companions."
"At least that makes one of us," Byleth teased, shaking his hand. "Is the new position doing you well?"
Ferdinand grimaced slightly. "It certainly has my full attention. I fear I haven't found much time to rest my feet, let alone my head. Edelgard may be under the same circumstances, correct?"
"Unfortunately. We haven't shared a meal in ages." It was rather sad, not being able to spend that much time with those you love. Since their engagement at the war's end, no preparations were truly made toward a wedding. "Is there something you needed? Normally, I don't see you much outside your office."
Ferdinand's brow furrowed. "Yes, as to that, I have several correspondence regarding the state of certain noble families. In fact, the entire idea of nobility as a whole seems to be up for debate. Her majesty still has yet to address it."
Hasn't this woman suffered enough? "The conflict with Ones Who Slither In The Dark just concluded. Just, Ferdinand. Barely even two weeks. After a two year war. That's not even enough time to catch your breath." He reasoned.
Ferdinand gnawed on his lip, looking rather apologetic. "Forgive me, but an Emperor is still an Emperor at the end of the day. One cannot simply 'breathe' with such a heavy burden on your back."
"Obviously." Byleth pinched his own chin in thought. Of course, the monarch of an entire country would never get a break. The rules of society wouldn't allow it. Just then, he sported a sly little grin. Some rules did need a little breaking from time to time. Monarchs can't get a day off? How about a reckless former professor takes a hammer to that? "How about I help her out? It might take some ease off her shoulders"
"Ah, our esteemed Professor, guiding Her Majesty once again?" Ferdinand beamed. "Perfect! We may have hope yet. You have my gratitude."
"Don't worry about it." Byleth soothed. "It is my duty after all."
Duty. Byleth's face suddenly went pale. Ferdinand's eyes lit up. He could almost see the bonfire behind those eyes. "Fear not, Professor. You're doing a service to the people under your care. Alas, the toils are never ending. For our duty is to the people. And for the people, we- Professor, where are you going?"
Byleth's foot was already half out the window. "Attempting a flying spell. It must be performed under strict silence and unobserved, or I will fall to my death." Before the noble could say anything else, Byleth had dove out the window, crashing into a soft hay bail down below.
He winced and groaned, pain shooting up his back. The fall was even that arduous. A couple of stories if anything else. Petra made this look so much easier than it actually was. Brushing hay off his coat, he sat up and marched out to the market. Time to fetch some ingredients.
/
It had been around four hours since Edelgard had tackled her mountain of paperwork. Hours of pouring over countless drafts under a small candlelight, filled with the most mundane prattle on this side of Fodlan. Trade agreements here, negotiations there, a threat or two to make the 'rats' of Abyss to fall in line, the usual boring, yet unfortunately necessary tasks to take care of as the Emperor.
Some of it was benign- repeats of things she'd already agreed too, as if the handlers needed some sort of confirmation on her part. It wracked her brain what an extra signature or two would solve, but what did it matter? She always kept his word, one way or another.
The study walls looked as though they were closing in. Lines of filled bookshelves filled every wall, outside of a mahogany desk in the middle of the room, buried in several inches worth of paperwork. It would take a full minute just to find her inkwell in this mess. The only light came from an open window out at her back, letting in the sunshine that she would much rather be in. The more she worked, the more the space bothered her. What she wouldn't give to bust the walls down, break the shelves and get some air, but duties were duties, and whether or not she liked them, they had to be done.
After a good hundred or so documents, she sank back in his chair, sighing. That was it. Done. No more. Her patience could only take so much. The faint scent of vanilla from the candles were already starting to fade as well. Usually, that was a good time to take her leave. She stacked her papers and left them atop his desk, strolling out of the room and yawning unceremoniously.
Two years after one of the most vicious wars the country of Fodlan had ever seen, cementing the Empire as the supreme ruling force over the country, and it still felt like it was raging on. The new government was still fresh, with a lot of wrinkles in its fabric to iron out. Still, it barely felt like a process had been made. When problems were solved, something else would crop up, somehow bigger than the one she just solved. It was always something. Always something more. She sunk her head back in frustration, letting out a loud, open sigh.
Edelgard jumped a little in her seat as a plate was eased onto her desk, in the middle of the mountain range of paperwork. She blinked. Orange-spiced ham steak? The smell was absolutely heavenly. She looked up to her savior.
The Professor, Byleth Eisner. Stoic, handsome and dignified, with his neck-length dark hair still messy from his pillow. He wore black short-sleeve shirt with red highlights, and black pants, suiting his affinity for darker clothing, right down to his night clothes. Thinking about it, even after two years of sharing a bed, it was still strange seeing him in night-clothes, but it was comforting at least.
Edelgard couldn't hide a smile. "Steak? This early?" Edelgard asked curiously.
Byleth raised a brow. "It's noon, El. You've been at this for hours now."
She couldn't help but groan. Just how much of her day was spent rotting away at this desk? At some point, she was sure she was fusing with it. "It can't be helped. Would you rather let Ferdinand try his hand at this?"
"Oh no," Byleth's face scrunched up. "I had just escaped him as is. If I have to hear another speech about his 'noble duty', I'm throwing myself off the highest tower in Enbar for a second time."
"And leave me to toil on my own? Shame on you," She chastised. Her brow cocked. She pulled a loose string of hay out of his hair, and impatiently stared. "And just what is this?"
"The result of my patience snapping like a twig." Byleth answered, rubbing his sore neck.
"Well then, I suppose you'll have to remain here. Some documents need revising, and there are trade agreements your discerning eye can analyse." Her mouth watered. "I on the other hand will indulge a little. It is nearing noon, after all." She hastily dug in, eyes closed, savoring the sweet flavors. She caught a fleeting glimpse of her fiance's smile before he buried himself in work.
She smiled quietly, slowing down her pace. Normally, she would have to scarf down whatever she ate just to continue working. No time to appreciate whatever she was eating, or the fact that she could eat to begin with. Taking the time to savor it was a gift. One that should refused to waste. She watched him diligently work, and felt nothing but adoration. So few people she could trust in this world, and a living miracle just happened to grace her? Who could consider themself this lucky?
Her eyes squinted. Was that a smirk on his face? Another devious plan in the making, it would seem. Edelgard tensed a little, feeling a rush of excitement. "Should I be worrying about that little grin on your face?" She asked.
"Not until you finish your brunch." He said ominously, hastily scribbling down signature after signature.
"You know full well I don't like surprises."
"You'll love this one."
Edelgard scoffed. "I swear, you're becoming more like Claude every day."
"Just finish your food, El. And make sure you enjoy it. We'll be pretty busy for a while."
Edelgard let out a quiet croak, looking at the mountain of papers at her desk. A while was an understatement. That stack of tree genocide was their day incarnate. Agonizingly slowly, she finished her meal, chasing it all down with a goblet of wine, and reluctantly, she cleared her throat. "You have my gratitude for the meal, but I must take over."
Byleth looked up at her, mid-signature, with his grin suddenly stretching from ear to ear… before turning around and flinging her pen out the window.
Edelgard's jaw dropped. Needless to say, she was stunned into silence.
"Sorry, Your Majesty. I have something else in mind."
Edelgard's cheeks immediately went pink. "M-My Teacher! In my office? On my table? Do you realize the sort of scandals that would arise from that?" She sputtered.
Byleth's brow raised. "Oh, no no, not that. Not yet." He reached from his rucksack and pulled out what looked to be a poorly put together picnic basket. "Do you remember that little cottage we went to last year? To get out of that storm?"
Edelgard nodded. "Yes, go on?"
"Well, there is a carriage outside," His grin returned. "How about we go for a ride?"
Edelgard was aghast, mouth spasming open and closed, trying to comprehend her fiance's plot. An Emperor sneaking out of her own palace on a picnic? It was reckless, devious, downright dangerous for a monarch of her caliber to do. Wondering out in the middle of her business? How outrageous! How absolutely insane!
"When do we leave?" She asked in a low whisper, as if by some chance Hubert could hear her through a solid oak door.
"Whenever you're dressed and ready. Preferably as soon as possible," He replied, checking the time on the grandfather clock nearby. It was noon, but the day was still young. Plenty of time to be had in a few hours.
"I suppose you have a plan for getting us both across the gate without alerting the guards?" She asked expectantly.
He nodded, leaning casually on the table. "In a sense. The guards won't think twice about me going through the gates. I am the royal jack-of-all-trades, after all. So if they see me driving a cart full of farm animals out of the city, the most they'll ask is where I'm going."
Her brows furrowed, trying to read between the lines, then her eyes suddenly widened dinner-plate wide. "You wouldn't dare."
Byleth fought off the urge to cackle, raising a pair of stage play donkey ears.
/
Devilish plans and risky gambits were something of a specialty for Byleth, even at a young age. Trojan horses filled with explosives, painting trees with honey and chasing enemies through bear and bee filled forests, and even going so far as to dress Ferdinand in chicken fashion as a distraction to inexperienced bandits. He just about talked Byleth's ear off after that for a week, rightly deserved. Barring that, his little plans often involved a lot of risk and personal embarrassment, in return for substantial reward.
If only everyone else saw it that way.
From their point of view, Byleth was a crack-pot genius with the social tact of a concussed fruit fly. Victory was nice, but sometimes a little pride had to be abandoned first. Maybe a temper flair here or there. However, from the grumbling and shuffling he heard in the back of the cart he drove, a little temper was the least of his worries.
No guards stopped him in the streets, or questioned where the Emperor went at least. So far so good. There was even a little time to stop by the well-stocked market in the town square. It wasn't until he reached the gate that the only issue stood in his way. A pair of guards, one of them looking strikingly familiar, crossed their spears at the gate, preventing them from going any further.
"Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!" The Gatekeeper cheerfully sang.
Byleth clicked his tongue, suddenly feeling annoyed. "For the love of- I have a name." He mumbled before clearing his throat and speaking clearly. "There was a call for a few more farm animals across the Varley territory. Wasn't exactly given a 'why', but I never am given one these days."
The guard's brow suspiciously rose. "Farm animals? In the Varley territory?"
Byelth's face blanched. What was he thinking? The area around Varley was close to the mountain range, being one of the closest territories to Garreg Mach. What sane man would dump animals on such terrain and expect them to survive? In the back corner of the waggon, he could just about make out a sigh, and shuffling. The guards suspicion seemed to raise.
"What exactly is back there?" He inquired.
"Just an ass. Don't mind it. She's far too restless for her own good." It took willpower bestowed by the goddess herself not to crack a grin in full mirth. And from that growl in the background, he would certainly be paying for it.
The guard thought about it for a moment, then snapped his fingers, as if realizing something. "That's right! You would need donkeys and mules to pull around heavy loads inside the territory, right? That makes a lot of sense!"
Byleth blinked. This certainly wasn't part of the plan, but he liked where it was going.
"Right, so we can pass?" He asked.
"Yes sir!" The keeper joviantly affirmed, reaching curiously into the carriage.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Byleth warned. "She bites. Hard."
The Gatekeeper shivered. "Good call. I wouldn't want another run in with another crazed farm animal, especially when that horse ran me over seven years ago. What was its name again? Dorte?"
"Right then, I'll be on my way. Thank you." Byleth cracked the reins, and the horses trotted past the gate. It was about a mile out before he felt a sharp jab in his side. A small, strong fist striking just under the ribs, making him wince. "You must admit that it was funny."
Edelgard poked her head out of the carriage, unamused. She all but tore the prop ears off the top of her head, glowering at him. "Next time, we will simply just walk out the gates. I haven't the will to care anymore."
"It was a tad more interesting than just walking out the gates. It will allow you for some private time as well, all things considered," Byleth said. "The higher ups won't ask too many questions- I've notified Hubert that you had private business to attend to, and couldn't be followed."
Edelgard looked rather surprised. "And he said nothing against it?"
"Oh, he said plenty against it, but I just sort of blocked it out. I could've sworn he once said he'd eviscerate me in my sleep if something were to happen to you, but I'm used to that by now." He said.
The young Emperor pulled herself out of the carriage, dressed in commoner clothes, and sat next to him. A smile soon stretched across her face as she soaked in the gentle breeze and warm sun, like a plant stuffed in a cave for far too long. For now, even if just for today, even if it was just a few hours even, she was free. It was as though an entire continent had been lifted off her back. Byleth smiled. This woman's beauty was a master violinist, playing his heartstrings.
The cottage wasn't very far away from Enbarr. Maybe less than an hour by carriage ride from the borders of Hresvelg territory. It was reasonably sized, sitting close to another village, separated by a small thicket of trees and bushes. The outer walls were a little worn with wear and tear, but it was still about as clean as they left it last time. The couch, desk, large bed and kitchen had been largely untouched, with a thin layer of dust on a few surfaces, but certainly still livable. Sothis knows it beats sleeping on the ground in the middle of nowhere.
Edelgard grimaced as the solid wood door loudly creaked open. "The hinges still need some tuning."
"I've given up on that thing," Byleth admitted with a sigh, dropping his rucksack on the ground. "Two years and it's still giving me hassle."
The pair stood for a moment, marveling at the creme walls, ample furniture, the fireplace, the small wood carvings of ships and portraits decorating walls and ledges, the space was a little small and tight, but feasible. The best part of it was how little there was to truly gawk and stare at. None of it spelled royalty to the common folk. It was benign. Simple. Insignificant.
It felt like home.
"At least this place wasn't looted." Byleth said, smiling, fishing through his rucksack.
"With how much this country is crawling with bandits, that fact is startling," Edelgard mused. Seeing Baelith obviously struggling to pull something out of his rucksack, she a corner of her mouth rose to a smug grin. "Would you like a hand, Darling."
Byleth rolled his eyes, successfully dislodging… a bag full of scones. Her eyes widened. Different colors and flavors of scones. The pair exchanged looks, and the former professor grinned, dropping the lot onto a platter, sitting atop a cabinet, near the fireplace. "You did say that you wanted a day where you could just not worry, and gorge yourself on sweets, right?" He sneered. She shook her head, unable to smile. The nerve of this man.
The pair sat by the now freshly-lit fire, enjoying scones and some roasted boar meat, and just… talked. Talked about their busy day, about school, about anything they couldn't. No matter how strange and outlandish the stories all turned out, she was just happy to be in his company. Before she knew it, nightfall came round the corner, and with it, the gentle chirping of crickets.
"It's getting late already?" Edelgard sighed.
"I suppose we have been yapping for a while," He said, rubbing his throat. "Maybe that's why we can never find time to schedule weddings. We can never concentrate around each other."
"Perhaps," Edelgard said. "However, there is the re-opening of Garreg Mach to look forward to. A perfect place for a wedding, yes?" Any attempt to keep her face stoic and composed was lost with the wide smile on her face.
"Are you sure we won't get smote the second we step in there? We did sort of burn a religion to the ground." Byleth chuckled.
"Details, My Teacher." Edelgard brushed crumbs off her fingers and shirt, before standing up and stretching. To his surprise, the next brilliant move on her part was to march over to her finance, and straddle him, arms wrapped around his neck.
Byleth's cheek flushed. "Does the moonlight just awaken something in you? It's like this almost every night."
"If you want to complain, you can spend the rest of your night in this sweet while I sleep alone." She snipped back, laying a long, savory kiss to his lips. It would be half a minute before the pair came back up for air, both red and restless.
"We don't need to return that early in the morning, do we?" He asked with some thought.
"Let's face it. Hubert will always be Hubert. He knows exactly where we went. Any sort of trouble can be dealt with by him. He has my faith, after all," She answered, laying a few more pecks across his collarbone and chin. "This is our time, my Beloved, and I want to spend it with you. No one, but you." Her fingers curled in, nails digging into the back of his neck, almost possessively so.
That was enough. The larger man stood up suddenly, Edelgard's legs instantly wrapped around his midsection. Arms braced under her rear to keep her up, he marched off to their bedroom and blew out the lonely candlelight.