The Reception Hall was busy, bustling with students and faculty alike, all dressed in elegant and luxurious formal wear. Many with partners, dancing to the sweet and soothing sound of the violin and piano. The fluttering of the piano keys, the gentle tugs of the violin strings echoed throughout the hall, alongside the excited and relaxed voices of the students and teachers. The atmosphere was warm, calm, serene, safe.
So unlike what she was used to.
Byleth felt out of place, slightly uncomfortable in the dress that her students had chosen for her. But she had to admit, Mercedes and Annette knew their stuff, and were at least sensitive to the fact that Byleth never had worn such attire before. The midnight blue dress was long but stopped by the ankles, the black heels around the same height as her boots and the dress covered her enough, but left her arms exposed and showed just enough cleavage to catch the attention of many an admirer. Or perhaps one in particular.
Dorothea volunteered to do her hair; according to the songstress, Byleth's hair could use a little bit of flair to catch the eye of her 'dream man' as Dorothea put it. Byleth couldn't help but find the idea a little bit appealing, but that was not her focus right now. The success of her students was.
And so, a pretty hair clip was tied into her hair, one that looked like a blue rose. Her short hair brushed and lay down neatly. The blue dress, the blue clip, it was obvious what the intention of the girls was. She didn't understand why they were pushing it, or how they got to such a conclusion.
She doubted Dimitri would be easily drawn to her, even in this outfit.
The whole mess started with a simple tutoring session; after the attack on the Holy Mausoleum, Dimitri had asked for some help with his studies, mainly his sword techniques and battalion strategies. Byleth agreed, and so the prince would stay after class or meet her after hours in the Training Grounds, working away on the areas he found difficult. The sessions had the desired effect; he had pulled his grades up enough that he now had a good chance of passing his next exam in a few weeks. She was worried that he would fall behind, but now he was on track to pass.
"It's all thanks to your excellent tutelage, Professor. I am truly grateful."
Something about that made her smile; a warm, fuzzy feeling would bubble up in her chest. The sessions had caught the interest of the remaining Blue Lions and it was Sylvain who made the first remark that there was more to those sessions than just tutoring.
Of course, rumours meant little to Byleth. And the odd look or comment or two didn't even faze her. Even Sothis, from within the Ashen Demon's mind, tried to make things appear more than it actually was. But then again, the young girl within her head may be sleepy and forgetful, but she wasn't always wrong; maybe her feelings regarding the Crown Prince were more affectionate than she may have first thought.
She carefully observed the students dancing in the hall, keeping an eye on her students. Mercedes and Annette were dressed in nice ball gowns, the medic's a nice light brown and white, and the mage's was a lovely mix of soft blue and orange. Both were chatting away with one another near the buffet table, while Ingrid was avoiding the gazes of the male students, who were seemingly in awe of Ingrid's cyan dress with ivory lace. Her blonde hair was no longer in its usual loose plait, but down and curled with it lying over her left shoulder. It was clear that Mercedes and Annette managed to convince her to put on a little makeup, as Ingrid was wearing subtle eyeshadow. All three looked elegant and refined, and Byleth was happy to see them enjoying themselves.
The boys of the Blue Lions were a slightly different story; Ashe was talking to the rather shy Marianne, his formalwear while not as refined as his classmates was still something that suited the young boy perfectly. Both Felix and Sylvain were dressed in nice suits; Sylvain spent his time trying to convince one of the girls to dance with him, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Felix stood in the corner, unamused by the whole event. Dedue was also present, but also kept to himself for the most part. He was talking to Flayn, the pair in deep conversation. Byleth smiled; it made her so happy to see them all enjoying themselves, especially after all they had been through the past few months.
"Professor, there you are!"
She turned and was immediately caught off guard by the prince standing behind her; his blonde hair done up neatly in his usual style, dressed in blue and silver formal attire. A cobalt cape draped over his left shoulder, much like his academy uniform. He still had his armoured gauntlets on, as well as the boots to match, his blue eyes locked with hers.
"Dimitri." Byleth said, "Is everything okay?"
"Of course." Dimitri replied, "I was looking for you."
"Looking for me? Why?"
Dimitri looked at her, a little embarrassed, "I…I wasn't sure if you would be here."
"I was going to say the same about you." Byleth replied.
"I admit, I wasn't really sure if coming here was a good idea." Dimitri responded, "But I will say that seeing everyone enjoying themselves makes it all worth it."
"I agree." Byleth replied.
"Dimitri. Courting the professor now, are we?" A sly voice interrupted.
"Seriously, Claude?" Dimitri mused, his brow furrowed.
Claude strolled over to the pair, a sly smirk on her face, "Now, now, you can't just stand in the crowd and not dance, your kingliness. We house leaders have got to set an example. Come on!"
"What? Woah, hey!" Dimitri said shocked as Claude pulled his arm to lead him to the dancefloor.
Byleth laughed at the sight; something about Claude's teasing of the young prince was amusing. Times had truly changed.
She observed as each of the house leaders got into position and began to dance with a partner, gracefully moving across the sleek dancefloor under the warming candlelight chandeliers. Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude looked regal and refined as they carefully moved to the music in time. The hems of the ballgowns swirling as the ladies twirled, the capes of Dimitri and Claude's attire swished and twirled as they moved. They looked so happy, and Byleth was pleased to see it.
…
The cool night's air was soothing; the Reception Hall had become so hot and stuffy she was becoming uncomfortable. The night was clear; stars scattered across the sky like glitter. She took a deep breath as she soaked in the cool air.
"Running away?" Sothis said, "I understand. You hardly had the time to breathe in there. It must be hard to be the favourite teacher at the ball! Hehe, poor, poor Professor!"
"It is difficult." Byleth mused internally.
"So you do think you're the favourite!" Sothis replied amused, "I might have known."
Before Byleth could respond to Sothis, she had caught sight of Dimitri, who was also standing in the courtyard, seemingly unaware she was here until he turned and saw her looking at him.
"Professor Byleth? What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Byleth replied, "Aren't you going to dance with Claude?"
Dimitri laughed, "Haha, good one, Professor. I could see saving a dance for Edelgard, but Claude is another story. In any case, I have no intention of dancing with anyone. At least, not right now. As a child, Edelgard taught me how to dance. It was…a bit awkward, honestly."
"Edelgard taught you how to dance?"
"Yes. I've told you before that we're siblings by marriage, haven't I?"
"You did. But I didn't know that you two met as children."
"I didn't know that my stepmother was Edelgard's birth mother at the time." Dimitri elaborated, "She treated me with such kindness…just as though I were her own flesh and blood. And yet she never so much as hinted that she had her own child…Edelgard. We were born and raised in different territories, without ever knowing the other existed. Yet, against all odds, we became childhood friends."
"You two were friends?" Byleth questioned. She found the idea to be a difficult one to fathom, considering how icy Edelagrd could be, especially towards Dimitri.
"Indeed. We were unaware of each other's stations and backgrounds when we met. And we became incredibly close." Dimitri remincised, "This was when she and Lord Arundel were living in the Kingdom."
"Why would they be living in the Kingdom?"
Dimitri hesitated for a moment, "They were in exile…this was a time of great turmoil within the Empire. I ran into her when visiting Lord Arundel's residence with my father. She seemed…quite bored. With everything. At first I found her to be difficult and stubborn."
"Much like how she is now?"
Dimitri smiled, "Very. But back then, the facade quickly fell away, revealing her true self beneath. That happened around the time she taught me how to dance. Her instruction was…oh let's call it strict. To put it nicely."
Byleth smirked, "She was quite demanding with her instruction, wasn't she?"
"You could say that." Dimitri replied with a small laugh, "That one year before she had to return to the Empire was…so much fun. The time of my life, in many ways. It's kind of pathetic to think about it all these years later, but can you guess what I gave her as a parting gift?"
Byleth thought for a moment, "Well, knowing you and the customs of Faerghus, I'm going to say…a dagger?"
"Huh. Good guess, Professor. But I swear, it came from the heart." Dimitri said shocked, "In Faerghus, we've long considered blades as tools of destiny. As a way to cut a path to a better future. She was being dragged all over, unable to live the life she wanted. I thought the dagger could help her cut a path to the future she dreamed of. However… that was many years ago. I'm sure she's forgotten all about the boy I was back then."
"I'm not so sure." Byleth replied, "It's never too late to reconnect with someone. Especially if you care about them."
Dimitri shook his head, "I'm afraid it's far too late for that. Things are different now. She's different. I'm different. anyway…I'm feeling a bit out of place here. Festivities like this don't suit me."
"You and me both." Byleth replied.
"Still, I suppose we should get back in there." Dimitri sighed.
"Or maybe we can go someplace else." Byleth said, catching the prince off guard.
She expected him to brush off such a suggestion; it would be outlandish for them both to sneak off into the night. And yet, she was greeted with a warm smile, an excited look.
"Where do you suggest we go, Professor?"
…
"It's quiet here, isn't it, Professor?" Dimitri said, his voice echoing within the tower.
The Goddess Tower was the first place that came to mind; it was quiet, secluded and far enough away from the ball to give the pair a bit of privacy. She wasn't sure if Dimitri would've agreed to come up here, but considering how quickly he took up her offer and the fact that he had run up the stairs to the top of the tower with her, it was safe to assume that he was okay with the whole thing.
"That reminds me." Dimitri mused, as they both sat on the floor of the tower, "Do you know the legend associated with the Goddess Tower?"
"I've heard a few tales." Byleth admitted, "Although I don't usually believe in such things."
"They say that wishes made in this tower will come true." Dimitri mused, "I wonder who came up with such a silly notion."
"Well, there's a surprise." Byleth replied, rather surprised by Dimitri's revelation, "You don't believe in it?"
"Legends are legends, nothing more." Dimitri replied, his tone cynical, "I doubt there are many who really believe that wishes can be granted. The Goddess just watches over us from above…That is all. No matter how hard someone begs to be saved, she would never so much as reach out her hand. And even if she did, we lack the means to reach out and grasp it. That's how I feel about her."
"I doubt the Church of Seiros would look at that viewpoint fondly." Byleth replied, "Considering everything that's been going on."
"I know. But as long as I keep that to myself, I'm not going to cross the church." Dimitri reassured Byleth, "In any case… I suppose there's no harm in passing the time with silly legends. What do you say, Professor? Care to make a wish?"
"Me? Make a wish?" Byleth scoffed.
"We are here on the night of the ball." Dimitri replied with an amused look, "Why don't you try wishing for something?"
"You first."
"Okay. A wish of my own…" Dimitri mused, lost in thought, "I suppose my wish…is for a world in which no one would ever be unjustly taken from us. Or…something along those lines."
"That's a great wish, Dimitri." Byleth smiled, "I'll wish for the same. Then it'll definitely come true."
Dimitri laughed, "Thank you, Professor. Although at a time like this…"
He looked at her with a smile before continuing, "Perhaps it would make more sense for me to wish that we'll be together forever. What do you think?"
Her heart nearly skipped a beat; it took a moment before Dimitri realised what he had said. His face turned scarlet red much like Byleth's. The pair sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes before Dimitri spoke up.
"Haha! Well now, Professor! You must admit I've improved in the art of joke telling!" He said quickly and nervously.
"Dimitri, that doesn't sound like a joke." Byleth replied, eyeing him carefully, "It sounded like you really meant it."
Dimitri's eyes widened; he looked lost in thought, like he was contemplating her response. She wasn't sure what to make of his responses.
"Because if you did, if you really did mean it," Byleth continued, as Dimitri hung on her every word, "Then I'm flattered, and I hope that wish…really does come true."
His scarlet blush returned; a smile began to appear on his face. He moved a little closer to her, just as close as they were in the classroom, in their tutoring sessions.
"Is this…is this what I think it is?" Dimitri asked.
"Depends. What do you think this is?" Byleth replied.
"I think this is something more than just camaraderie or even a friendship." Dimitri replied quietly, loud enough for Byleth to hear, "I think this is something more than that."
"So do I. And I want it to be more than that." Byleth replied softly..
"Me too."
It happened so fast; she found herself leaning towards him, he was getting closer and closer. He cupped her face with his hands as the pair locked lips, kissing passionately without worrying about anything else in the world. Her hands were on his chest while his hands slid down and rested on her thighs. She loved it.
It went on for a long time; by the time they did indeed pull away their faces were as red as a tomato. It was natural and yet neither could look the other in the eye until Dimitri spoke up.
"I'm sorry if I stepped out of line." He said in his confident, princely tone.
"You didn't." Byleth replied.
Dimitri sighed, "In truth, I've blurted out many irresponsible things to my classmates, and you are no exception. Promises that we'll see each other again and the like. I have no business making such promises for the future."
"Why not?"
"Because there are certain things I must accomplish, even if it means risking my life." Dimitri replied solemnly, "I may not even have a future to promise to someone. To promise to you."
"I'm not asking for your future, not right now." Byleth reassured him, putting her hand on top of his, "I just want you to promise it for now, for the present. If that's what you want as well?"
Dimitri smiled as clasped her hand gently, "I think I can agree to that."
He stood up, offering Byleth his hand, "Come on, we should head back soon."
He smirked before adding with a teasing tone, "It's rude of me to keep you all to myself. Shall we, Byleth?"
"We shall." Byleth replied smiling, "But you owe me one dance before the night is over."
"Then we best get started." Dimitri replied.
They left the tower, arm in arm. Their return to the Reception Hall went largely unnoticed by the many denizens of the monastery. And the prince made good on his promise and led Byleth out to the dancefloor, where they faded from view as they danced. She was captivated by his blue eyes, his charming smile. And the mutual feeling between them made her feel so happy.
"Your father isn't going to approve of this, is he?" Dimitri mused.
"The relationship? No but that's our little secret." Byleth said, "As for the dancing, he'll get over it."
"You think so?"
"Yeah. and if he doesn't, well, you can hold your own."
"I'm not sure I could take on the Blade Breaker, especially if he's mad at me for dancing with you."
"He breaks blades with his blades. You can with your hands. You can do it. I could even teach you how to counter some of his signature moves."
"I'll take you up on that offer."
"Good." Byleth said, "Now, let's not worry about anyone else and just focus on us."
"Let's do it." Dimitri replied.
Much may have been left unsaid between the two, but they didn't need to rush things. Byleth didn't need to say it and neither did Dimitri. They knew what the other meant, and what their intentions were. Their bond was an unbreakable one.
They made a promise, a vow, underneath the Ethereal moon. And as they danced the night away with graceful steps across sleek marble floors, nothing felt impossible or out of reach. Their problems simply faded away, disappearing into the night only to return when the sun arose again. Byleth didn't know what tomorrow may bring, but knowing who was at her side now, she was ready for anything, no matter what would come to pass.
