A/N - Before this chapter starts, a huge thank you to everyone that read, followed and favourited the first chapter. It means a lot to know that you guys liked it.


It had been a little over a month since the battle against the Immaculate One. Presently, the army and the entirety of the Black Eagle Strike Force, with a recently recruited Catherine, had made their way to Enbarr to celebrate their accomplishments and mourn the fallen.

Though few were actually in the celebrating mood as Byleth and Shamir had still not awakened from their injuries. The entirety of the Strike Force shared the same sentiment, that it would not be the same without their Professor joining them.


It's the late afternoon of the 16th, Great Tree Moon. The sun was blinding warm today, making the Emperor Edelgard's mood infinitely worse. She has gone more than a month without any progress on her Byleth waking up, despite what the others have said.

'Slow progress is still progress.' Yeah, right. It's been miserable without her.

There had been several nights in a row when she cried herself to sleep. Only the comfort of the toy bear that her Byleth had gifted to her all those years ago, brought her some level of comfort.

Right now, of course, the Young Emperor had decided to travel to the infirmary only reserved for high ranking members of the Empire and check on her former Professor.

"Anything new?" Edelgard asked pleadingly for a scrap of any improvement to Byleth's health.

Linhardt shook his head sadly. "We've done everything we can, Edelgard." Linhardt spoke glancing between his Emperor and his former Professor. "All we can do it just wait for her to wake up."

Edelgard glanced at Linhardt and Marianne both were completely exhausted with their hair escaping from being tied up but were also glancing back at one another nervously.

"Is there something wrong with Byleth?" Edelgard asked with worry etched in her voice.

"It's nothing that concerns the Professor's health." Linhardt said barely staying awake.

"It is rather what we found around her neck." Linhardt began digging his hands into his pockets. "Normally, I wouldn't dare meddle in the Professor's affairs, but it was meant for you."

Edelgard looked on confused at Linhardt's answer. "Open your hands and close your eyes."

Edelgard was slightly caught off guard with the request but went along with it. Edelgard held out her gloved hands and closed her eyes. She felt a light, paper object, gracefully land into her open gloved hand. She opened her eyes automatically, inspecting the object.

It was a note written by her Professor.

' To my Emperor Edelgard

If you are reading this then I must have been a coward and have forgo my feelings, or I perished in the final battle against Rhea.

If it is unfortunately the latter, then I do apologise. You will make an amazing Emperor to the people of Fódlan and I am sure the others will be by your side. I just wish I could be there to see it, standing by your side every step of the way.

I just want you to know that the past 6 years have been the best that I have ever experienced. I have never felt more alive when I was with you. Anyway, this letter is not about me. It is about you. If it is truly destined that I meet my end in the coming battle, then I want my feelings to be known. There is a ring that I always keep around my neck nice my Father passed on. Father said my Mother give him that ring when he agreed to marry her.

I want you to have it. I want you to know that when I re-joined you, after my absence, I started to develop feelings for you. As soon as I saw you, you looked so beautiful. At first, I was confused at these feelings, so I asked Manuela and Dorothea what I was feeling. I will not bother you with the details or the teasing I received, but they told me that I harboured feelings for you.

They were right, so If I can afford the privilege. I want to say I love you and as a token of my love, I want you to keep my ring and treasure it. And if you do find love in the future, I hope you will put it to good use.

To be completely truthful, I was worried that you would not reciprocate my feelings, so I decided to hide them away. I am but a mercenary after all, no one that should deserve your love and affection. So, I hope you find someone that meets your expectations and that treasures you. Whoever they are, I hope they know they are the luckiest person in all of Fódlan.

Forever yours

Byleth Eisner'

As the young Emperor finished the letter tears landed onto the small piece of paper. The teary-eyed woman glanced at the still immobile form of the woman that had just confessed to her. The same woman that Edelgard, herself has had a crush on since they had met.

Reading her letter and reading her words of confession nearly tore Edelgard apart.

After all this time... She had feelings for me but was too scared to act on them. Is that why she pushed me away from Rhea's claws and ended up in the shape she is in right now. Would that be me, if she was too late?

"Edelgard?"

The young Emperor felt firm hands touch her shoulders. The Emperor turned and saw both of her trusted friends, Petra and Dorothea had walked into the infirmary.

Edelgard turned around and ran straight into Dorothea's chest as tears fell down her face.

Dorothea rubbed circles around the Emperor's back. "There, there Edie. Everything is going to be alright. The Professor will be back on her feet in no time. I promise."

"Professor Byleth is made from sturdy things. I am knowing that she will be back before long." Petra spoke as she held tightly to Edelgard's hand.

It took a while for Edelgard to calm down but as soon as the sun had set, Dorothea motioned the Emperor to the door. "Come on, let's get you to bed. You're exhausted."

"I-I'm perfectly fine, Dorothea. Just... Today has been a long day." Edelgard sighed as she clung tighter to her friend. "I need to stay with Byleth in case she wakes up."

"Which means you'll want to look your best for her." Dorothea continued on and she would not give in. "She would only worry seeing you with bags under your eyes and pale skin."

"B-But." Edelgard tried to fight back, but she knew it was a losing battle.

"I'll ask Leonie, Felix and Ingrid to watch over her. I'm sure if anything happens, they'll let Hubie know." Dorothea concluded as she knew she had finally won.

"I am also thinking Alois will be alerting everyone. His voice is very loud." Petra agreed.

Edelgard pulled away from her two friends, glancing at them and then finally to Byleth. She let out a small sigh. "Okay. I won't lie and say I am not a tiny bit exhausted."

Dorothea smiled at her friend. "Good. I knew you'd see things my way." The songstress then hooked one arm into Edelgard's.

"Petra honey, will you tell the others to watch over the Professor tonight." Dorothea asked squeezing her foreign friend's hand.

"Of course. If it will be making you feel better, Edelgard, I can be telling Manuela to check on the Professor." Petra said with her hand over her chest. "As the future Queen of Brigid, this is the very least that I can be doing for you."

"Thank you, Petra." The Emperor dipped her head slightly, thanking her friend.

The three friends then noticed Linhardt approach them with his hand covering something small, silvery and round.

Edelgard immediately diverted her eyes already figuring out what the object was.

"Edelgard, what would you want me to do with this?"

Linhardt was about up open his hand, but the Emperor immediately turned her head away, avoiding the healer's hand. Edelgard closed her friends' hand. "Please, I don't want to see it yet. Not till Byleth wakes up. Not till she asks me herself."

Linhardt nodded his head and then gave his dearest friend a comforting pat. "Of course, Emperor Edelgard. I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture and she'll be a great partner for you."

Seeing this sweetness on display between her two friends set of Dorothea. "Awww, that was so sweet, Edie." Dorothea swooned as she grabbed her younger friend in a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground.

"D-Dorothea... P-Please." Edelgard blushed as her friend relented and placed her back on the ground.

"Awww, sorry Edie." Dorothea pouted, but she then wiggled her hands into her lover's. "Come on Edie, let's get you to bed, before Hubie throws a fit."

Edelgard reluctantly nodded her head, but she then turned to her Professor in the Infirmary bed. She reached over to the Professor and took her gloved hand into Byleth's own.

"Please, wake up soon my love. We all need you." Edelgard squeezed tightly to the Professor's hand. "I need you."

Edelgard pressed a kiss onto her former Professor's forehead.

As Edelgard, Petra, Dorothea and Linhardt left the room they failed to notice the faint movement of their former Professor's hand.


It was well into the night as members of the Black Eagle Strike Force had taken turns into watching the unconscious form of their former Professor.

While some of the former students were watching over their Professor, one former agent of the church had just woken up from her bed.

"Hmm." the older Archer groaned as she opened her eyes, taking in the unfamiliarity of her current surroundings.

She tried to sit up, but her ribs heavily protested. "AH!" Shamir cried out as her hand shot straight to her ribs.

"Shit! Goddess, that hurts."

Shamir unravel the sheets covering her, revealing the severity of her situation. Bandages covered her chest as a dark circle was evident near her left set of ribs.

"Hey, you're supposed to be resting." A voice shouted out.

No way... There's no way the Empire let her live.

Shamir thought as only one single person came to mind as soon as she heard that voice.

"C-Cath?!" Shamir chuckled to herself while trying to hold back tears.

The woman in question then entered her peripherals. Still with her blonde hair tied up in a small ponytail. The ever-present bags under her eyes had still not faded. Nor did the teasing smile from her face.

This is the exact same woman from the battle against Rhea. All except her lack of any piece of armour. Instead she was wearing a thin black top and shorts.

"Hey partner." The Swordswoman spoke with sweetness in her voice. She laid her hand on the archer's cheek, cupping it.

Shamir sighed happily. "You're really here."

The smirk on Catherine's face grew. "What? Worried that these arms were imaginary?"

Catherine posed flexing her arms, showing off her muscles.

Shamir rolled her eyes, ignoring Catherine's showboating and pressed her lips against the Swordswoman, finally getting her to shut up. This surprised her, but she soon leaned into the kiss.

After a few minutes, they broke apart and rested their foreheads against each other. "You worried me. I-I thought you were gonna die."

"I couldn't leave my partner behind, now could I." Shamir teased, pressing another kiss to Catherine's lips. "I meant what I said before. I love you Cat, and I'm so sorry for worrying you."

"You're here now. That's all that matters." Catherine was careful as she pulled Shamir into a light embrace.

"I'm sorry about the kid. I know he meant a lot to Rhea and he looked up to you as a role model." Shamir sighed as she leaned further into Catherine.

"It's fine." Catherine spoke but Shamir could tell that she was lying. She almost made eye contact with her. The only time when Catherine didn't was when she was lying.

"Cat-"

"I said it's fine!" Catherine snapped. "Sorry. Just this is kinda the first time someone brought it up."

Shamir nodded her head as best as she could. "W-Where are we anyway? This doesn't look like the Monastery." The Archer asked trying to change the subject. Something Catherine accepts.

"It's not. We're in Enbarr. The home of the Andrestian Empire..." Catherine droned on, but all that Shamir could understand was that her lover was here with her, in what she called enemy territory only a few months back.

"By the way, not like I'm not happy to see you, but how are you here. I thought the Empire would have had you executed." Shamir spoke placing her hand on top of Catherine's.

Catherine smirked as she interlocked her fingers with Shamir's. "That's thanks to the Students, well former students. Them and Edelgard persuaded the council to lessen the sentence and instead I am indebted to the Empire. I am now Catherine humble Knight for Emperor Edelgard."

"Oh, a Knight for the Emperor. I was for sure that our oblivious Emperor would appoint her precious Professor as her Knight. Or has she finally grown up and eloped with her." Shamir teased as she started to relax in her bed. Though as the seconds went by and still no silly remark from Catherine, it caused a pit of worry to soar in her Shamir's stomach.

"Is something wrong with Byleth?" Shamir asked but Catherine looked on with a grave expression.

"Just focus on getting better, Shamir." Catherine spoke getting up from the bed, not looking directly at Shamir. "I'll go and fetch the healers to do a check up on you. I'll be right back, rest up."

Without saying another word Catherine exited Shamir's infirmary room. With Catherine gone, Shamir sank down on her bed.

Shit... Byleth... please be okay.


As the morning broke into the next day, the young Emperor made her way to Byleth's Infirmary room before she started her duties for the day. Thankfully, she had managed to avoid Hubert's stern front he usually gives her whenever her mind drifts away to her love.

Although Hubert's sudden disappearance from her side might have to do with the deal, she made with Ferdinand to distract him. As Edelgard arrived at Byleth's room, it seems the distraction worked.

I guess I own him extra tea leaves the next time I see him. I just hope for Ferdinand's sake, Hubert does not leave any marks. The council grew curious the last time they saw Ferdinand's neck.

As Edelgard took one last deep breathe she knocked on Byleth's infirmary door. On the other side it was quiet until she heard metal boots stomp their way towards the wooden door. As it opened, she spied a half-defeated Alois.

"Ah, Emperor. I thought it would be you." Alois smiled but it lacked his usual overzealous positive energy.

"Alois? I thought that Dorothea had sent Felix, Leone and Ingrid to watch over Byleth?"

"That she did, but I sent them on their way. By the time I visited, they were all exhausted." Alois spoke inviting Edelgard into the room.

He brought a chair and placed it right next to Byleth. "Please sit. You have a long day ahead of you."

Edelgard wanted to refuse, but she knew deep down he would not relent. "Thank you."

The two then sat in silence as they were never the two that would routinely communicate to each other, especially with Alois acting as Byleth's surrogate father since Jeralt's passing. Honestly, Alois is the only person that frightened her. He's the one the young Emperor has to win over. He's the one he has to get permission from when Byleth asks to marry her.

And why would he, it's because of her association with her uncle and his followers that Jeralt lies dead. It's because of her that Byleth was dragged into a war she wanted no part in.

It's because of her that Byleth is in the state she is in right now.

"You love her... Don't you?" Alois broke the silence as he glanced towards the young Emperor.

Edelgard hesitated for a moment, before squeezing her hands into tight fists. "Y-Yes... Yes, I do."

Alois chuckled lightly. "I thought that would be the case. Jeralt's family always attracted the women they thought were way out of her league." Alois glanced at Byleth and held her hand. "I promised Jeralt I would keep an eye on her. Protect her from harm as best as I could. " He then squeezed tightly to Byleth's hand.

Alois's eyes drifted lower towards Byleth's hand. His eyes clenched shut as tears started to well up in his eyes. "I'm so sorry Captain."

Without missing a beat, Edelgard soothing his cries by pasting his shoulder. "I might not have known Captain Jeralt for long, but I know he would forgive you."

Alois turned his head towards Edelgard and saw for himself, that he was not the only one that let their emotions get the better of them, as tears were streaming down the young Emperor's cheeks.

Edelgard glanced back to her comatose lover. "It's my fault she's in this state."

The young Emperor lowered her head. "I... Byleth pushed me out of the way as Rhea was about to grab me. That monster wrapped her claws around B-Byleth and squeezed her. There was so much blood. Then she threw away like she meant nothing." Edelgard could barely hold herself together as tears fell down her cheeks. "That should be me in that bed."

Edelgard openly wept, though she soon felt a heavily armoured hand touch her shoulder. She raised her head and saw the red eyes looked back with a warming smile. "She would not blame you for this, you know. If it were you in that bed, she would be thinking the exact same as you are now."

She placed her had on top of Alois's. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it, your Highness." Alois said sweetly.

Silence settled between the two, until Edelgard sighed heavily and stood from her chair. "I have to go, or Hubert will be torturing the poor guards for my whereabouts. Will you be staying?"

"Yes, your Highness. I want to keep her company with the little time I have left here." Edelgard looked on worryingly, though, Alois brushed off that worry with a smile that reached his cheeks. "It's not me. I'm fit as a fiddle. You see my wife sent me a letter. My little girl is getting married and I promised my wife that once the war had ended, I would return."

"Ah, then the Palace will be a lot quieter without you here." Edelgard smiled sadly, shaking Alois's hand.

"Nonsense, I'm sure when Byleth wakes up, you'll have your hands full with her."

"Still, thank you for all that you've done for the Empire, for the Black Eagle Strike Force and for Byleth. If there is anything that I can offer, please say the word."

Alois stood and thought to himself for a good few minutes, until he had settled on an answer. "Well when she's able to travel, I want Byleth at my daughter's wedding."

Edelgard chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."


"As you can see my Emperor, the recovery effort made in Faerghus have progressed quite well. The major cities have begun construction to fix the damages from the war. The lesser known cities have progressed quite well, they have been grateful for the supplies that were sent their way." Edelgard's right hand, Hubert, spoke up as the meeting with the council was winding down for the evening.

"Funding has also been secured for the Orphanage in Enbarr, all that is waiting is your signature and the construction can begin." Ferdinand spoke.

Since he took over from his exiled Father's duties, he has grown a lot more mature for his young age.

"Thank you, Duke Aegir." Edelgard thanked.

Ferdinand bowed his head. Edelgard then turned her attention to the Woman in charge of her Military. "Has there been an update on the Bandit encampment near Remire Village, von Karma?"

"Yes, your Highness. The forces led by Lord Gloucester, Sir Kirsten and Lord Duran drove them off. No casualties." von Karma commented handing over the report to Hubert, who in turn handed it to Edelgard.

The Emperor took a moment to go over the full details in the report before placing it on the table. "Great work, General Karma. Give the men their commendations for a job well done."

"Of course, my Emperor." General von Karma bowed her head and took her leave.

However, before she could leave, the door to the Council blew open. On the other side of the door was Bernadetta, Dorothea and Petra. Both Dorothea and Bernadetta looked exhausted as they desperately tried to catch their breath.

"E-E-Edie..."

"We are sorry for the interrupting" The Brigid girl apologised as she politely bowed to the members of the council as well as the Emperor herself.

Immediately, Edelgard stood up from her chair and made her way towards her friends with Hubert in toe. "Dorothea, what's going on."

"It's... It's..." Bernadetta tried to speak but her words failed her.

After petting her younger friend's shoulder, Dorothea took over.

"It's Byleth, She's awake."