Hello, everyone. Here's another idea that struck me during the latter half of August, another part of my Elibe binge you could say. A whole lot's happened between then and now, which kept me from rolling this story out. Carving out the time for it wasn't easy, but I was managed to do it.

So, let's get this out of the way first. Borrowing a bit from a fellow author who's done an excellent job in writing for the Elibe games, I'm going to alter the events of Binding Blade a little. Namely, the war took roughly three years instead of the undisclosed time it took in-game. In addition to that, a few months have passed since the endgame. All this means Roy's close to 18 rather than his in-game 15 years of age, and Cecilia's aged up as well. For the sake of this story, I'm putting her age during the game at 24, meaning she's 27 herself at the time of this story. So, those are the ages for this story. The three-year timespan is going to be filled in a little throughout the story.

So, all that said, if you're still interested read on, and I hope you all enjoy the story!

I do not own anything.


Mating Dance


People were optimistic the rain would lighten up if outright end by the night of the day. Roy hoped so, but he didn't think it'd be too much of a hindrance. Many veterans like him had traveled, built, and fought in the rain. Sure, it hadn't been a fun experience, but it'd been done. For many, himself included, it'd been a test of their abilities. Really, the worst that could happen would be that the festivities, dancing included, would have to be kept to the inside. Now that would be cause for some disappointment, but hopefully not enough to completely spoil the night. There were a multitude of other ways to do that, one of which involved him making a fool of himself. When Roy thought of that possibility, the ingrained self-control and self-respect he held rose up to eliminate it.

Staring out at the rain, listening to the continuous drumbeat of it against the glass lulled Roy's mind to another time. It was one where instead of a massive castle he was in a simple tent, no different from the dozens of others housing his comrades. They were doing their best to hold out against the passing storm, which also afforded them a degree of respite from Bern's army. At least it was until Roy got the crazy idea to move out in the midst of it.

He'd immediately discussed it with his chief advisors, but the opinion of one amongst them stood out above the others.

"Roy, it goes without saying this will be an incredibly risky move. This rainstorm isn't the sort that one can go venturing out into without precautions." No one more than Cecilia knew about his strange relationship with the rain, or rather, their relationship with the rain. He saw it in her eyes, her thinking about it. Right up front she knew this something different than merely practicing horseback riding or fighting in the rain, yet such training might have prepared them for this moment. That said, this wasn't just them-it was an army composed of thousands. Not to mention the stakes were absurdly high. Not to mention personal.

Retaking Etruria hadn't been easy, no one expected it to be. Aquleia was the ever-distant goal, but if they pulled this off, that distance was shorten considerable. Granted, Roy knew if they failed, they'd suffer a major setback, one that could prove fatal in the long run. He weighed his options as the rain continued to merciless patter down outside the tent. It seemed both daring him and trying to talk him down, a contradictory response. His hands tightened the table as he looked at the map, then around his war council. Cecilia, Lilina, Elffin, and Zelot were all waiting for his response; rather they agreed to his plan or not depended on how well he could sell it, if he went through with it at all.

Despite knowing it was unprofessional, his eyes lingered on Cecilia. She'd been the one to voice the obvious, and Roy knew in his heart she'd be the most critical of any plan he provided. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's a high-risk high-reward move. If we succeed, we'll be able to halt Bern's advance on top of being in a prime condition to continue to Aquleia. On the other hand, failure will mean we won't be able to retreat back to Lycia in time." Bern's forces will likely catch up to us and…that'll be the end of this war, and Elibe. Everyone's faces were grim as they were reminded what their choice was. "Even with Armads' power, there's a chance this battle will be lost. Even with the power of the other Sacred Weapons, there's a chance we could lose this. I still believe this is too critical a chance for us to pass up. We have the bulk of Bern's Etrurian force pursuing us with a rainstorm pouring down on them which could help neutralize their wyverns riders. It's the Scarlet Wing Corp, who we've long suffered. Likewise, Commander Melker has made it clear he's not going to stop until he crushes us. For now, he's stopped to take shelter from this storm same as us. His guard is down and we may never get another chance like this again."

"Roy," Elffin cautioned. "Those are all good points, but-"

"I for one, am throwing my support behind the plan. As Roy stated, we're never going to have opportunities such as this. It is high-risk high-reward, but we've made plenty of those to get here." Zelot declared in a plan-spoken voice. "While it's true the rain will be a hindrance to their wyverns, the same won't be true for our pegasus riders. They've fought in harsh weather before, even a torrential rainstorm like this." It was commendable how there wasn't a hint of emotion on his face when speaking of his wife and her fellow fliers. A likely result of both his long marriage and Zelot's many years of combat. Either way, his words sunk in, more so as he looked around the assembly. "What about the rest of you?"

Lilina looked at the table, undoubtedly wrestling with herself. She'd had time to practice with Forblaze, but this would undoubtedly be her greatest test thus far-keeping the flames going while in the midst of such a powerful storm. Not just going but controlling them as well. Roy would have a similar ordeal in wielding Durandal. Her face hardened a moment later as she looked straight at him. "I'm behind it, too. I believe we can do it."

Elffin's eyes opened in a rare moment of absolute seriousness. "…I will support it as well."

His heart accelerated as he looked to the final member of the war council, and the person who' opinion mattered the most to him. There was no shame as their eyes locked, and they became the center of attention for the entire tent. Where once the rain was a continuous patter, it suddenly seemed quieter. The only constant drumbeat was the rhythm of his heartbeat in his chest, anticipation and anxiety fueling each pulsation.

When she spoke, her words cut across the tent like swift gale, much like those she wielded in battle. "Very well, but I will request command of our best magic users. I have a plan of my own that I believe will shift the battle in our favor, provided it works."

"Do tell," Zelot spoke with a note of curiosity in his voice.

It was a stark contrast to the naked willingness Roy showed on his face. A possible factor in how Cecilia's smile lingered on him a moment longer than the others, including Lilina. Given the perceptiveness of those in the room, it more than likely went noticed. Due to a combination of the situation and personal respect, no one said anything about it. At least, they likely didn't until after the war council was concluded. With the conclusion, the Liberation Army's plan was set and the army itself made aware.

Thus came the Battle of Cumae Plains, a decisive victory for the Liberation Army, heralding its advance to the Etrurian capital. It'd became known as one of the most pivotal battles of the Bern War for that entire reason, also in part thanks to the feats performed. Etruria's Mage General leading a battalion of sorcerers to conjure a mystical tornado, and overpowering the one created by Bern to counter theirs. Amidst the rain and wind, the dreaded Scarlet Wing Corp fell, quite literally. One of Bern's best wyvern units, defeated after a year of engagements with the Lycia Liberation Army. An animosity laid to rest, and with it, hopes of Bern holding Etruria. Such notions also died with Command Melker Collberg, a rising star in Bern's military. Cut down by Roy himself after a fierce battle. Even with Melker's death, his men insisted on fighting, going down the chain of command until it became overwhelmingly clear they couldn't win. Surrenders were made while others retreated to Aquleia to bring news of the defeat.

Roy looked up to the gray clouds through the windows, remembering how they'd celebrated their victory in the rain. It didn't slacken off until the following morning, when they were recovering. A force of some fifteen-thousand defeating an army of almost twenty-thousand. Quite an achievement, and with fewer than four-thousand causalities on their part, even after tending to the injured for two days afterward. Although many had accredited Roy with the victory, he always pointed to the people behind him, namely Cecilia, who exhausted a great deal of her magical energy generating what amounted to a force of nature to give them an edge. She'd spent those two days of recovery on bedrest with dozens of others.

Coincidentally, when she was finally able to move around, the storm passed. The words "gift" and "opportunity" seemed to pass his ears, and his specifically. Roy couldn't help but wonder if Cecilia had heard the same; everyone knew when he stopped by the infirmary, she was the one he was the most concerned about. Not to the point he ignored others, but Roy felt like with her, he showed a touch more care than usual. It hadn't gone unnoticed, especially when he'd stood there staring at her as she made her way outside the medical tent. With the storm having passed, the sun had emerged, bringing with it much beloved rays of light and a gentle breeze contrasting the cold gales they'd known for the past week.

That natural breeze caused her hair to sway, an emerald curtain that he found himself wanting to reach out and stroke. Roy didn't have that urge as he was too awestruck by the overall sight of her, looking up to the clear skies with such a luminous smile. A luminous smile, a radiant smile, near heavenly. Her eyes twinkled with happiness staring up at the clear skies while taking in the buzz of activity around the camp. For what felt like days, he'd waited for her green eyes to open, and they did, but only for a fraction of a second hours after the battle was over. They were half shut with exhaustion, but no more. With hope and joy, they looked up to the sky where the sun continued to shine. And then, she was looking at him-smiling at him. He smiled back, but not for the reasons she might have believed he did. It wasn't the world that he found comfort in, but her, seeing her on her feet as well as seeing her happy.

"Roy, I know we're in the middle of preparing to mobilize, but…would it be possible you would join me for a ride? Before we continue to Aquleia, I'd like to see Cumae Plains as it once was, and is again."

"S-S-Sure, I-I'll just let everyone know. They're obviously going to ask we don't go too far."

"Oh, I know. There's still a possibility that Bern forces could be lurking in the area. They'd be salivating for a chance to catch us out on our own. I know I'm asking for something-"

"Cecilia, I'll do it. I'd…I'd love to do. Frankly, I think it'd be a good chance to unwind a little. St. Elimine knows we're going to need it because once we're within striking distance of Aquleia, we might not have that opportunity."

They would either die or retake the capital, the latter being vastly preferable and thus the one they focused on. That said they knew anything resembling a break would be a long way off, especially Cecilia. So, they chose to make the most of the moment while they had it.

Maximus was more than happy to get out and ride, more so that his rider was up and about. Roy believed he was happy to see him as well, given the affection nudge the white stallion greeted him with. They'd built up something of a bond between one another over, potentially a given since Roy had taken care of him until Cecilia's rescue. Depression over such had made them close companions, and following her rescue, a shared fondness for her kept them united.

It was a tranquil ride across the rolling hills that marked the road to Aquleia. The grass seemed greener thanks to the torrential rain followed by the spring sun. A perfect recipe for plant growth, as they witnessed. They were also witness to the plethora of overflowing rivers and puddles that still dotted the landscape, as well as the scars of battle. Everything they saw, the greenery and the tranquility were polar opposite of what they'd been in two days earlier. Bodies strown about and the grass being either torn up or stained red. Roy's nose had been awash with the odor of blood and dirt, yet it was something he'd grown used to. He had to in order to make it through the war he found himself fighting.

"Thank you, Roy. Thank you for helping me reclaim my homeland." To her, the verdant plains looked different. Knowing that Bern had been purged from the area elevated its beauty to a height that Roy could actually sympathize with. He'd felt the same seeing parts of Lycia liberated from the same invaders. If it hadn't been for Cecilia, those invaders would have fully infested Lycia as they had Etruria.

Despite that being the basis of what he wanted to say, Roy's words came out every different. "You're welcome, Cecilia." That was it, no words about returning the favor. Even if that wasn't a factor, Roy would have done it. Sure, he'd have done it because he couldn't ignore people in danger, but he knew the truth-he'd have done it for Cecilia.

They stood there watching the grass softly sway in the spring breeze, soaking up the sunlight all the while. A moment of peace-private peace-in a war that was still raging around them. As fulfilling as the last battle had been, it wouldn't mean anything if they weren't able to retake Etruria's capital. Though they'd have a larger force for that, Roy knew as much as Cecilia they'd run into greater resistance. Bern had roughly two years to dig into the city thanks to turncoats, some of whom they'd ran into over the last year.

"Roy," She called while still keeping her gaze on the field. "If you don't mind me asking…what do you hear?"

Smiling, he closed his eyes, and bit back the urge to lean into her swaying hair. In spite of everything, Cecilia's scent was fresh; no doubt she'd attribute it to good luck. Roy frankly didn't care, he was just happy to take a second to bask in it before turning his full focus to his hearing. "Birds chirping, happy that the fighting's over and the rain's passed. A flock of them are about to take flight to your far right. There's a wolf stocking a deer drinking at a spring behind us. It's done well sneaking up this-it just took off after the deer. Despite the matter of life and death, Cecilia laughed. Just the circle of life going on as usual. "The wolf caught the deer. A beehive buzzing about. I don't know if there are any bears in the area, but it'd love that honey. Hm, come to think of it, I wouldn't mind having some of it as well."

"Oh, simply point me in the direction and we could share it between the two of us, if you'd like."

Roy thanked the heavens he was behind Cecilia instead of beside her, really, just that she couldn't see his face at all. He did think about it, he thought about having a picnic with her, just the two of them. Using this quiet alone time for what he hoped would be a pleasurable experience for the both of them.

He still had that desire within him. Just the two of them having lunch, or dinner together. Either outdoors or indoors, although he would have preferred the latter slightly more. Sighing, he leaned his forehead against the window and acknowledged the desire for what it was-a date. One date that would lead to another, and then another. Much like how the shower beyond the window had begun. With his forehead pressed against the glass, he heard more cleanly each drop of rain against it. After a moment of such close contact, he pulled his forehead away. A smear remained on the glass, drawing a laugh out of him.

Minutes later, he decided he'd had enough of watching the rain, which didn't look like it was going to be lighting up anytime soon. Regardless, he was optimistic it would halt by the time of the guests arrived. Roy knew he had to do something productive with the time he had left until then.

In other words, he had to muster up the courage to tell Cecilia how he felt. The more he reminisced about her, the more he was reminded how strong his feelings had become. That seemingly childish crush hadn't gone away, only grown in the two and a half years they'd spent fighting together. Everything she'd taught him, he used. At times her instructions had seemed the only thing he had to go on, something he'd finally owned up and told her.

"Roy, you cannot imagine how happy I am to hear that. However, I am happier to say that you've exceeded my teachings. You've used them, but you've also charted out your own path. It's a path that I'm proud to observe, and walk beside."

"Would you keep walking that path with me after the war." He whispered in futile replacement of the silence he'd answered her with that day. In retrospect, it probably still wouldn't have been the best thing to say considering they still had roughly three-quarters of the continent to liberate. Well, here they were three months out Elibe piecing itself back together.

His feet acted on his subconscious mind. Roy didn't realize it until he opened the door and found the place he'd gone to for contemplation was occupied. "Father,"

To his credit, he didn't jump. His smile had a twinge of embarrassment he found comforting as he turned to face him. "Ah, Roy. Heh, I'm sorry you caught me, and I'm sorry for taking up the room."

There were over a hundred rooms in Pherae Castle, and barring the private rooms of servants, the Pherae Family had access to all of them. At least, that's how it went in theory. For the past two generations, it'd been relatively wide and empty rooms that'd been of interest to the family. Rooms with enough space one could practice their dancing, even lose themselves in it as his father had done. Roy had been the same, he would have been the same if it'd been empty as he thought it would be.

Walking in on his father dancing was a pleasant sight. When he'd left Pherae to confront the growing threat, he'd barely been able to stand longer than a few moments, borderline requiring a walking stick. Such sickness was why it'd ultimately been him to lead Lycia's forces, despite Roy's clear apprehension. His father believed in him, as did the rest of the castle occupants. Roy appreciated their support, but in the back of his mind his father's deteriorating health was always a concern to him. He'd flat out been told to brace for the possibility that he would receive the worst possible news either during the war or afterward. Mercifully, he never did. He had foreign medicine to thank for that, even though his father always told him he'd saved his life.

It was a fact his father would never have as much energy as he did in his youth, at Roy's current age. Time and his bout with sickness had taken that from him, but he was still relatively physically fit. Fit enough that he could move with speed and grace, the likes of which Roy still found himself in admiration of.

"It's alright, father. I was just surprised to see you. I thought you'd be with grandmother helping arrange things for the party."

"I actually just finished up and decided I wanted to go some place to unwind a little. I suppose in coming here the urge just…came over me." Flashing his father a sympathetic smile, Roy rapidly closed the distance between them. Arms wrapped around one another as a warm hug ensued. No matter how many times Roy did it, he always felt a tiny voice in his head telling him to show his father how much he loved him. He was always receptive.

Neither of them spoke of the obvious. While they'd made their peace with it, accepted it, there were times they avoided putting it into words.

Pulling away, his father placed a hand on his shoulder. Before the war, he was always looking down on him, but over the two and a half years, Roy had finally hit his growth spurts. They were roughly eye-level with one another, and near perfect mirror images as well. As many said, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and that didn't just go for looks either. "So, how are you feeling? Are you ready to see everyone again?"

"I'm looking forward to it." He genuinely answered. "I have been meaning to see everyone again and catch up with them."

"Anyone in particular?" His father teased.

"Well, a few. It's been some time since Lilina and I have been able to talk face-to-face instead of through letters."

While his father nodded, it was clear that wasn't the answer he was hoping for. "It will be nice to see our again. I'm sure she feels the same about you, Roy. Anyone else?" He did his best to hide his thoughts behind a smile, but it was clear it wasn't working. "Anyone special?" That fatherly tone might as well have been a divine command.

Hanging his head in defeat, he whispered the name he knew his father had been expecting to hear. "Ce…Cecilia. I'm happy she's coming. Excited even. Yet at the same time, I'm…nervous. I've spent what felt like hours staring out at the rain reminiscing about all the time we spent together. We're three months past the war-"

"And you two have continued your correspondence. In fact, you've spoken to her more so than anyone else."

"How did you-"

"Father's intuition." He answered with a laugh. "Perhaps one the day you become one yourself, you'll pick it up." Roy's cheeks flared red at the notion, though he couldn't help but entertain the thought. Seeing the rippling effect his words had, his father laughed again. "Well, if there was ever a time to tell her how you feel, Roy, I do believe this party would be it."

Nervousness crept into him as he stared at him. "Are you saying that because we'll be seeing each other again, or…because you've heard about the…proposals?"

The good humor his father dimmed just a litte, and Roy felt bad about being the one to douse it. He withdrew his hand and crossed his arms in a show of discontent. "Both." Naturally, he was quite aware of the literal flood of marriage proposals his own son had received since the war's end. It was to be expected. Roy had become a hero, the Hero of Elibe, and in doing so he'd elevated House Pherae to the highest position possible. Some even claimed they were bigger than House Ostia, who were now Lycia's first royal family. A blasphemous boast, but one that couldn't be quelled. What had drawn serious effort was various parties, various families, attempting to tie themselves to house Pherae. Of course, that meant marriage. Especially since Roy himself was, in a word…single. And incredibly desirable.

Several had expected him to tie the knot with Lilina, more so when she was crowned queen of a unified Lycia. It just seemed like the natural progression given their closeness, from childhood friends to their partnership during the war. It never happened, to the bafflement of some, but the joy of many others. Hundreds, in fact.

Coming up on eighteen, Roy would be a bit on the young side, but still considered of proper age to marry. As the sole heir to House Pherae, he was practically a golden goose everyone wanted for themselves-a fact that didn't escape his father. The evening he'd had walked in on Roy to find literal towers of marriage proposals had been a funny if awkward memory. He'd helped him shift through them, some so forward and even lewd that his face had turned the same shade of red as their hair. So many proposals, and all for him. His father had told him not even Lilina had received as many marriage proposals. Roy had learned he'd apparently outpaced Elffin; the formerly disguised bard had found it just as amusing as his father and grandmother had. For the latter's part, she was enthusiastic, but took the same stance as his father, that it was ultimately his choice who he chose to wed.

So many women wanted to be that lucky lady. Many his age, and just as many…a little older. Or a lot older. And some younger. It was inevitable. He was the Hero of Elibe: of noble birth, kind, righteous, wise, a proven warrior, and leader. Oh, and single.

So was Cecilia, the now battle-tested and celebrated Mage General of Etruria. Her decision to oppose the Bern conspirators from the start had gone a tremendously long way in boosting her reputation. Being one of the leading generals in the Elibe Liberation Army had been a greater enhancement. Those that mocked and questioned her worth had all reversed their opinions. With the proving of her worth, Cecilia had found herself swamped with marriage proposals as he had.

His father was more attuned to the gossip of royals and nobles than him. Those marriage proposals had been a popular subject. The strongest woman in Etruria, perhaps the strongest sorceress in Elibe, and again, unmarried and unbetroth to anyone. Like Roy, most people had expected something to happen between her and her fellow Etrurian general, Perceval, yet nothing happened. For admirers of both, that was good news. Roy took it as good news.

At his father's behest, they took a seat by the window, where the rain continued its barrage, albeit Roy felt like it'd begun to slacken. The once hard patter-patter had lost some of its rhythm, a minor observation he made while looking to his father for his guidance. For everything he'd experienced and learned, there were still some fields he could use some help in. Seeing as his father had been happily married, he was the best one to see about it.

Lacing his hands together, his father inhaled, the wisdom of ages sticking to him like his noble cape. "There will be suitors for both of you at this party, particularly you, Roy."

"I know, I know. This'll be their chance to meet me in person."

"Not to mention see you dance, and perhaps even dance with you." His father jabbed with a smile. Roy's response was a half-smile that lasted for barely a second. Laughing, his father sat back and looked around the room with a gleam of nostalgia. This was one of the rooms where he'd danced with the love of his life. Roy had danced with his mother in this same room as well; for the both of them, it held sentimental value that often drew them back here, as it had this afternoon. "You know, I was already quite enamored with your mother, but the first time we shared a dance was…well, somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized I wanted to do it again and again." Even if it was eighteen years ago, his father could still remember that dance. He'd never forget it.

"I'm…not sure I felt that way when Cecilia and I first danced together. I mean, I was only twelve."

"Yes, I know." His father laughed again. "And you were so cute back then."

"And…now?"

The brunt of his father's attention was focused on him. With it came the air of authority and familial love he'd come to associate with him. "You are a handsome young man that I know will do me and our family name proud. One whose decisions I will trust in."

Though he'd heard some variant of that answer before, it still struck Roy like a hammer, several such blows he'd taken throughout the war. This one, however, left a different feeling within him. He sat there, wide-eyed at the full support he'd received, again. Once he'd absorbed it, he fell regained his bearings. "Even so, I'm…I could use a little help in that decision making. Do you think…Cecilia would be able to help me?"

"It's just my opinion, Roy, but…" He leaned forward, eager to hear his response. "Yes. She is not just a brilliant general but an extremely intelligent woman. She's been a leading advocate for relationships between Etruria and the Western Isles. Though I'd feel a little bad about pulling her way from Etruria, I would love to have her in Lycia. Of course, that's just my opinion. What ultimately matters is your opinion of her, Roy.

The glance was a silent question, one whose answer his father already knew. A sense of comfort and acceptance took hold of him as he spoke. "She's…the greatest woman in the world. I mean…right up there alongside mother."

"Ninian would have approved of her, solely because she makes you happy."

That's what Roy always wanted to believe, and now his father had backed him up on that. While heartening, it brought him to perhaps the source of his nervousness. "I'm just…worried I won't be able to make Cecilia happy. She's the one woman that I seriously want to be happy the most, and I…I genuinely want to be the man who can do that for her."

"Roy, I believe the only way you'll be able to find that out is if you tell her how you really feel. Now, I know that can seem scary, more terrifying than all the battles you've been through. Take it from someone with a little bit of experience." Roy laughed at that. He always saw himself following in his father's footsteps, even if the finer details of their stories differed. Though aware of that, his father was always willing to offer what advice he could, and now certainly seemed to be a prominent time to do so. "The only way you'll put your anxiety to rest, and see your hopes potentially realized, is if you go up to Cecilia and tell her how you feel. I'm optimistic we don't have another war on the horizon." A surprisingly casual chuckle filled the space between them. "As you know, we Pheraes have become dancers over the last two generations, and I'm sure you and Cecilia have shared a few dances."

The flush of his cheeks was light, but no doubt still noticeable, especially before his father's perspective gaze. Although Roy said nothing, he knew his face still spoke for him, confirming his father's words. Not just a dance between a pre-teenage boy being humored by his teacher, but more. The former had grown into a young man. When he closed his eyes, he thought of the short but sweet "victory dance" they'd shared in the royal castle at Aquleia following the latter's liberation. It was a beehive of activity, yet they'd found a quiet little wing to have to themselves, not to mention carved out the time to do so.

He'd never forget the way she looked at him, eyes sparkling with heartfelt admiration and perhaps even affection. A far-cry from their previous little dances in this very castle. It'd been her helping him practice his dancing, a continuation of their bond as teacher and student. Roy knew it in his gut that hadn't been the case at Castle Logres. That dance hadn't been between a teacher and a student, nor a little boy and a woman.

Before he knew it, Roy found his hand resting on his chest. Recalling the memory brought with it the quiet yet fierce beating of his heart that evening. Even in his hands he remembered the warmth brought by Cecilia's touch. Simply everything about that private escapade returned to him, and with it a longing that Roy felt was stronger than ever.

"Perhaps a dance here, with both of you different people than what you once were. Or rather, seeing one another in a new light." Came his father's soft voice.

Looking up to him, Roy answered, "I think I'll give that a try. After all, I am a Pherae."

"That you are!" He affirmed with a hearty laugh. "Just another piece of advice, you should-"

"Lord Eliwood! Lord Eliwood!" Both turned to the door as the knocks came. Roy was the first to get up, rushing toward it and opening it. The maid on the other end quickly bowed her head. "Ah, Lord Roy! I'm sorry for disturbing you, and your father."

"It's alright, Melinda." His father waved off. "Is it my mother?"

"Not quite, milord. Mr. Cornet has arrived and is waiting for you." The blonde answered.

"Mr. Cornet? From the builders' guild?" Roy inquired.

"Yes. While road repairs have gone relatively smoothly, we have many esteemed guests coming in a week's time. Naturally, we need to make sure they arrive safely, even if many of them will have escorts." Roy nodded, immediately understanding this marked the end of their father-son talk. Regardless, it'd been both fulfilling and helpful as far as Roy was concerned. "The room is yours, Roy. I'll see you tonight at dinner."

"Until then, father." With his departure, he was alone as he originally intended. Ironically, Roy found himself longing for company, although he quickly put that desire to rest. He had a week to prepare himself to confess to Cecilia. Surely that would be enough time, right? The saying is true, confessions of the heart can be more frightening than battle. "Hmm?" reaching to his right, he noticed for the first time the book that sat atop the table. Reaching over, he felt the worn cover beneath his fingertips. Quickly realizing he'd been so focused on his father and their discussion the book had been invisible to him, he began inspecting it. What immediately drew his attention were the figures on the front, a pair of intertwining dragons. Furthering his curiosity was the title. "The Dances of Xuajing," he read aloud. One look at the cover and Roy knew the book was written by dragons. This was a relic of an ancient civilization, Elibe's draconic past. "It…must have belonged to mother." The realization came with a certain heaviness, only increasing as he looked back at the door.

He'd been told when his parents first met, his father simply believed his mother to be a traveling dancer. Nothing more. Only later did he learn she was a dragon, or half-dragon. It hadn't affected his love for her; the irony of a descendant of the Twelve Legends hadn't been lost on him when he was old enough to comprehend Elibe's history. From that union came him, Roy Pherae, a quarter-dragon being.

His mother had been in the midst of teaching him dragon script when she passed away. It wasn't until his army discovered Arcadia that he was able to restart his education. Upon recognizing his draconic heritage, several residents had seemed to make it their mission to educate him.

"A quarter or not, you are descendant of dragons. For that alone, you deserve to know of your heritage." Explained to him one such resident. Roy was taken back by the proud gleam in her eyes, draconic pride.

Thanks to those lessons, he was able to not only read the title but the pages that came afterward. Roy imaged his mother had read these same pages, and for good reason-they dance instructions. Some rather…arousing dancing instructions. Luckily, they came with illustrations, for both dragon form and human form. It seemed that the movements "roused" the draconic power within the one who performed them, if they had any.

Roy stopped his reading and looked around him. A burning blush was creeping onto his cheeks as a new thought emerged. His father's words echoed in his head, as did the dances he and Cecilia had shared.

A minute of silence passed, punctuated by the rain outside. Roy stood up took two steps away from the table. There was plenty of room for him to practice, as his father had done, and his mother as well. "I might as well give it a shot." He whispered to himself. The fiery determination that'd seen him through two and a half years of war blazed in his eyes as he began to follow the instructions written down in the book as best he could.

It was a practice session that would last for the next three hours, and would be repeated over the following week. All for the sake of one of the many hundreds traveling to Pherae. The one person Roy wanted to be his lifelong partner.


"Are you sure about this, Lady Cecilia? You could-"

"Yes, Amelia. This is how I want to look, and it is how I will go out." Her handmaid looked her over once more, sighing in acceptance. Still, she smiled at her, reaffirming her support for her decision. Cecilia smiled back as she stepped forward and took up her hands. "Thank you, Amelia."

"You're quite welcome, my lady. Really, I believe you can look your best in anything because…you are natural a beautiful woman, something I'm sure you will hear a lot tonight." At that, Cecilia laughed in agreement. Even if she'd gone for a more subdued appearance, Cecilia had a feeling she would still receive a great deal of compliments. She was sure at least a quarter to half of them would be fueled by their desire for her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, that might be the reason why she decided to go for a dress that would have been considered basic, perhaps even lacking compared to the other extravagant and lavish dresses other ladies would be wearing. Cecilia had never been a person for that, unless absolutely necessary. Some would argue this party was one such occasion.

Lavender had always been a favorite color of hers. No matter the outfit, be it armor for battle, casual wear, or formal occasions such as this, Cecilia found a way to incorporate it. Not only did it go well with the green of her hair and eyes, she simply liked it. For this evening party, she'd gone with a lavender dress, woven from the finest silk imaginable. Given the Pridwen Family's fortunes, that meant she was wearing something that cost more than many people would make in an entire lifetime of work. While other nobles would boast about it, Cecilia tried to remain more humble about it.

Glancing at the mirror, she saw herself as a noble lady, not as the wartime general she'd been almost three years ago. The halter dress she wore was such a sharp contrast to the white and purple armor she spent months adorned in. The former glistened in the light of the room like the stars in the night sky. Subtle yet beautiful. The opera gloves she would be wearing would be a lighter shade of lavender while the thin yet gorgeous shawl she'd be wearing around her arms was more of a lavender-pink hybrid. It all complimented her emerald green hair and eyes, as well as the rose-themed hairclip she wore. That was it, no jewelry of any sort, as well as very light makeup. While no doubt attractive, Cecilia knew she would be outshined in the glamor department by many, many other women at the party. That was fine with her-she'd chosen to dress this way, and she would enjoy the evening with pride in her fashion choices.

"Lady Cecilia, if I may…I…I would put forth the opinion that Lord Roy will find you the most beautiful."

Ah, yes. As she sometimes did, Amelia voiced what she herself was hesitant to. Ironic despite her being the handmaid and her the battle-tested general. More so in that Cecilia had a reputation for being overwhelmingly honest, brutally honest, as some had called it.

Looking away from the mirror, she faced the older brunette with slightly wide eyes. "Amelia, I…that is…that is what I am hoping for." She knew at least a quarter of the people that would be attending this party. Her peers, associates of her family and Cecilia herself, and even a handful of foreign dignitaries. One thing that would unite several groups, particularly the ladies, was their interest in Pherae's future Marquess. Also known as the most desired bachelor in all of Elibe.

Roy, her Roy.

Cecilia blinked in astonishment at the possessiveness that colored the thought. While it was true Roy was hers in a sense, her (former) student, that wasn't the relationship she was thinking of.

For better or worse, it all happened in clear view of her handmaid. Amelia withdrew her hands, using one of them to stifle an amused giggle. "Thinking about him already?" Though normally respectful, this seemed one of those times she got catty with her.

"I…yes, I suppose so." There was no need to tell her the details. That'd only make her laugh harder.

"…Pardon my saying such, but I believe the best way to combat your jealously-"

"I'm not jealous. Or worried. Who Roy chooses to take for his wife is his choice." The response was automatic, ingrained into her. It'd become so for roughly the last four months.

Amelia's blue eyes cackled with amusement as she bounced on the impulsive response. "But how would you feel if that woman wasn't you?"

Cecilia was silent as she mulled over the answer. Saddened. Despaired. Heartbroken.

Amelia's hands reached forward, this time falling on her shoulders. "My lady, I…personally approve of Lord Roy. There are few in Elibe who do not, but I do personally believe he would make an excellent husband for you. If he has not said it, then I believe Antero thinks the same, perhaps more so than me."

Laughing, she gave her handmaid some clarification. Just as Amelia came to know her, so too had her lieutenant, who would also be attending the party. "He has let it slip a few times. Antero would just prefer anyone to Clovis Galeshin." Cecilia laughed harder seeing Amelia's face morph into an unapologetic sneer.

"He is far from the only one, my lady." Cecilia continues to laugh at her handmaid's clear disdain, not that she didn't understand it. Personally, she'd rather remain a spinster than take up Clovis on his marriage proposal, even her family had yielded to that stance. "Unfortunately, he will be there as well, so as usual, avoid him."

"I already planned to, Amelia." That would be easy to do, although she could simply put her foot down this night. So far, Cecilia had been courteous, but perhaps tonight was the night where she dropped that and made it clear to the pompous man she had no intention of marrying him. Cecilia had a feeling that if she did that to Clovis, she might as well do it to the rest of her more aggressive admirers. While it'd make the night eventful, she had a feeling it'd spoil what was supposed to be a night of celebration and goodwill. Not to mention I don't want such things filling up my entire night. Roy… The mention of his name came with the mental image of him, and it made her heart race.

Perhaps sensing she needed some alone time, Amelia bed her farewell and left the room. While she could attend the party as well, she'd be staying at the manor, having things to do herself. Cecilia was grateful for her help and wished her a happy evening as well. Alone, she took a seat by the window where the sunset could be seen painting the horizon light shades of red and orange. While still entirely visible, its decent was obvious, and it wouldn't be long before it vanished from the sky. Replacing it would be the moon, a crescent moon.

Her cell in Castle Antium had a window through which sunlight and moonlight had shined through. A cruel reminder of what lay beyond the stone walls and chains she'd spent a month in. That time had left a mark on her as after her release, she found herself staring up at the sun and moon, a distant look on her face. Sophia knew the reason why, and promptly told Roy and Lilina when they grew concerned about her. What she did not tell them, was how she often thought of Roy during her captivity. Loyalists had managed to slip in and tell her of his progress, keeping the fire of hope alive within her. Not simply hope for a rescue, but hope for all of Elibe.

She wasn't sure when she realized Roy was the latter. Perhaps after he rescued her and she saw with her eyes the size of his army. Ragtag as it may have been, it was still humungous, and it was being led by a capable commander. A command she had no problem pledging her loyalty to. Officially, anyway. Roy always had her loyalty. When he sent out a call for help, she answered without question, marching an army of thousands into Ostia and scaring Bern away. As much as people wanted to believe that was the end of it, Cecilia knew it wasn't. The so-called "war for Elibe" had finally come, and in it would be her two favorite students. Fighting it would be the boy whom she'd always held a special place in her heart for.

Roy was entirely the reason she made trips to the Western Isles during Roy's seven-month assignment there. Their letters of correspondence were not enough, she had to see him with her own eyes. The protests of her family and comrades couldn't overpower that desire.

"Cecilia, please, just promise us you will be careful."

"I will, father. I promise."

She laughed at the memory, at the way a bulk of House Pridwen had assembled to see her off. Instead of a two-week trip, one would have thought she was sailing to another continent.

After three days at sea, she arrived in the Western Isles, and contrary to what her countrymen believed, it wasn't a savage wasteland populated with pirates, bandits, and giant vultures. It was a place just like any other, with people doing their best to live their lives. Something that Cecilia was sadden to admit, her country hadn't made easier. Roy had done that, though. And the people were grateful to him for it, even if he was there under Etruria's banner.

"There's still a lot of mistrust toward us, but things are getting better. Little by little." Roy told her once she'd settled in. "There's good people here, bad, and everyone in-between."

"Unsurprisingly, you seemed to have found the good, Roy."

Two months of work on the island had shown in him. He'd had a bit of a growth spurt on top of beginning to fill out. Rather than sitting up in an office or focusing solely on supervising, he'd been working alongside the Isle natives. Repairing structures and building them up from scratch, not to mention keeping up with his training. Cecilia looked back then as the first signs of the boy she knew growing into a man. A capable, noble, and even handsome man.

A man, young man, but still. Cecilia knew that's who she desired to see, who she would be seeing in just a few minutes. Her heart raced with further excitement, such that she felt it growing by the second.

Pherae Castle, the place they'd met years ago. How they'd grown in those ten years, and how their view of one another had changed.

The desire to see him, to be held in his arms in another dance, hit her like one of her own magic attacks. Cecilia felt the phantom sensation of his arms wrapping around her, their bodies swaying to nonexistent music.

She made for the door, a calm but determined expression etched onto her face.


As she expected, there were numerous familiar faces at the party, all dressed for merriment instead of war. It was the kind of reunion that Cecilia found herself immediately enjoying, just as she knew she would. Still, there were several faces missing; most prominently was Zelot and Juno. Given they were now king and queen of Illia, their absence was entirely justifiable. In their place were several of their former mercenary comrades, including Juno's sisters. In Thea's case, it was especially prominent since her husband, Klein as attending alongside Cecilia and Perceval. Speaking of Etrurian VIPs, her king was absence as well, for much the same reason as Zelot-running a country offered little in the way of breaks. Even for close friends. That said, the elevated prince had sent his regards to the Pheraes, namely Roy.

Cecilia recognized several women who'd made it clear they had their eyes on him. Their presence was expected, as was them visibly chopping at the bit to get to Roy. He'd kept himself hidden as guests trickled into the castle. She knew he was going to give a speech, likely following his father, or maybe entirely in his place. Those that'd heard him speak were eager to hear him do so again, and those that hadn't wanted to hear him in person. Roy had blossomed into quite a public speaker, a skill that'd helped him a great deal during the war.

"You know, I'd have to say you look the best of anyone here. You'll definitely catch his eye, provided you can work up the nerve to talk to him." Turning to her left, Cecilia felt herself gasp at the sight of Echidna making her way over. She didn't let the opportunity slip through her fingers. "Yes, I know. Quite a long way from the Western Isles, and quite a departure from my preferred fashion sense. Dressing like this isn't my style, even for special occasions, but this was extra special."

"Y-You and Roy have quite a relationship, f-f-friendship, I mean." It was slightly embarrassing how discombobulated she was by the resistance leader's appearance. Echidna laughed harder seeing how her classy shoulder dress had thrown the Mage General of Etruria for a loop. Cecilia noted as she'd made her way over, she'd turned several heads, and attention justifiably remained on her. "E-Echidna, it is good to see you again." That proper greeting finally came out, though it was too late to salvage the entirety of her initial response.

"Yes, and I you, Cecilia. I'm sure Roy will definitely appreciate your presence here. In fact, I might even say he might quicken all the pleasantries just to get to you." Despite knowing where the conversation was going, Cecilia found herself helpless to shut it down in its infancy. Loath as she was to admit it, a part of her was entertaining Echidna's scenarios. "Say, is there any chance you two might-"

"Echidna," the courage was found and channeled into a polite yet forceful tone. "As I said, it is good to see you again, and I'm sure Roy will appreciate seeing you as well."

"Hah! I hope so! I came all the way across the channel for him!" The cackling amusement in her eyes morphed into a more mature respect. Although Cecilia took the time to admire it her wartime ally continued to speak. "He's grown into a hell of a man. Honestly, it's a little hard to believe he's still the same scrawny little kid I met all those years back. Just an Etrurian errand boy, one in way too far over his head. Looking back, I can't help but see it as a blessing that you Etrurians sent him to the Western Isles to do cleanup."

"It was not supposed to be a noble endeavor, even if many viewed it as a necessary one."

"Funny how things ended up working out, huh?"

Cecilia returned her smile. "Yes, it is. A few of the same people who laughed at that decision are here, proudly boasting of it."

Echidna shook her eyes while holding her smile. She genuinely wasn't surprised. Though she knew little of Etrurian court life, she had a certain view of the nobility, one that Cecilia couldn't entirely dispute. "Of course they are. One thing I wonder though is if the daughters or sisters of those tweets are here as well. Wouldn't you know, Cecilia?" Her face reddened at the insinuation. "Both for themselves and for their families, I'm sure. You, however, you're more of the former, aren't you, Cecilia?"

Her mouth was in the process of moving, putting form to the response she'd quickly formulated when it froze. The paralysis hit the rest of her body a second later. Everything save for her heartbeat, which hastened despite the frozen nature of her body. Cecilia felt her mind recovering, primarily due to the revelation that she knew this feeling before. Someone was focusing on her, singling her out amidst this crowd of hundreds. Most importantly, she somehow felt like it wasn't hostile, but it was intense. It was swept over her like a gale, a fiery gale that made her feel warm down to her very core. Amidst the frantic stirring to move her body, Cecilia recognized such a feeling as well.

"Cecilia? Cecilia? What's-!"

"Cecilia," The second voice was the one she responded to. It exerted a near mystical sway over her body, breaking the hold over it. Ironic as the voice's owner had been the one to cast such a trance upon her. Free, her entire body turned, her heart thundering within her so loudly it threatened to explode in her chest. "Cecilia,"

"Roy," She whispered back in a hushed tone. It wasn't like she hadn't known he'd grown. Quit r the opposite since she'd found herself thinking a lot more about it. Growth spurts that'd left him at a greater height than her, even in heels. Although his face still possessed a boyish charm to it, he was definitely maturing into a man. More so with the lack of his trademark bandana and his hair swept up in a gentlemanly manner, as befitting of the festive night. He looked so handsome, and more so the longer she stared at him. It was easy to do given the intense longing that shined in his blue eyes. They'd sought her out and upon finding her became welded to her, just as hers were transfixed to his face. Continuously, she drunk in every detail of it, right down to his labored breathing. Had he ran to see her? Through the crowd without making a sound? Whereas normally Cecilia would have worked to deduce such answers, she found herself unable to do so. More specifically, she didn't want to. All that existed was the desire to bask in his presence, and embrace him. The latter energy struck her like an arrow, filling her body with incredible newfound energy.

His hand caught hers mid-way. The warmth of his touch shot through her glove then raced through her heart. Cecilia was almost so lost in the rapture she missed how Roy experienced one of his own. Brief as it was, she caught the transformation of his eyes, round pupils morphing into narrowed silts. His eyes returned to normal; only she had seen the transformation, and Cecilia had a feeling their touch had been the reason. While that might have been cause for concern, she instead found herself wanting to explore such a change.

She would have, and he might have let her, if they hadn't been interrupted.

"Lord Roy!" A myriad of voices all shouted at the same time. Their eyes simultaneously widening, they realized they were caught in an intimate moment before the eyes of many. Exchanging a glance, they knew what they had to do.

"Lady Cecilia, I welcome you and those of Etruria to Pherae Castle."

Or at least, Cecilia thought she knew what they were going to do.

Her cheeks turned such a shade of red it could put his hair to shame. The seconds in which Roy kissed the top of her hand seemed to drag on into eternity. His transition to such a move had been utterly flawless-Cecilia would have praised it if she wasn't busy being so starstruck by it. She was far from the only one.

A multitude of ladies rushed Roy as he stood up and pulled away from her. It was like a pack of wolves pouncing on a carcass. Cecilia stood outside of the gathering, her cheeks still aflame and her eyes locked on Roy's before he was forced to break eye contact. She felt a sharpen dagger plant itself into her heart as he did so. Further twisting it were the numerous women now crowding around him. Given her station, Cecilia didn't think of herself as a violent person, she rarely resorted to violence unless absolutely necessary. That said, looking at the flock of girls, she felt the growing urge to conjure a blast of wind and send them flying, perhaps out the window. Even without a tome, she felt she could do it. She knew she could do it.

Cecilia could practically feel the mana surging through her hands, fueled by the ugly emotions surging up within her.

It took outside intervention for them to cease. Blinking, she whipped about to find Echidna beside her, one hand on her shoulder. "Woah, there. As much as I'd love to see you send those harpies flying, I don't think that'd work out well in the long run. Granted, I think Roy might enjoy the display. He always loves watching you in action." The former resistance leader leaned over with a grin. "And you love watching him too, don't you?"

A gaping mouth and fumbling words, that was her response. At least it distracted her from the flock of harpies nipping at Roy. For the time being.


Somewhere in the back of her mind Cecilia acknowledged she was waiting for that feeling again. Third time's the charm, after all.

The first time had been sudden, unexpected. She'd felt very much like a deer suddenly caught in the predatory gaze of a wolf. Alternatively, she was the recipient of what had been a mating gaze, one that shook her to her core. Such an exhilarating feeling that she'd came to enjoy once she got back the initial shock. Roy looked at her with such desire that the feeling she'd wrestled with were made clear. She'd have acted on them if they hadn't been interrupted. Roy would have on his end. For the next several minutes, Cecilia wondered what might have come about from such a thing.

The second time came after his speech. Orator could officially be added to Roy's list of skills, and this one would no doubt serve him well as Pherae's Marquess. On the more leisure side, it'd make listening to him talk quite pleasant. Those of Etruria like himself would be quite pleased hearing him recite poetry, which she knew he could do. Once his speech ended, Cecilia felt Roy's eyes hone in on her. She knew it, she felt it. Before a crowd of dozens, he was able to pick her out; such a thing filled her prideful joy, something that ran concurrent to the sultry excitement.

His talk of forging a future together, Cecilia knew he was talking about her, about them. Of course, she wasn't the only one who had that thought. The difference was, Cecilia knew Roy was thinking of her and no one else.

Roy's speech ended to thunderous applause, as she knew it would. Whispers and promises to find him were made amongst the audience, namely his admirers. Cecilia felt a need to join the hunt as well, but a calmer voice told her there was no need. That voice was filled with the brewing desire she felt within her. It was the calmer voice of the two within her, and the one she ultimately listened to. It wasn't easy, but she chose it to uphold her dignity.

"What is this, you playing hard to get? Or perhaps you are too nervous to approach him."

Her green eyes narrowed in annoyance at the blond paladin. "I can assure you it is nothing of the sort, Perceval."

His expression was a cross between annoyance and amusement. "Here I was believing I'd seen enough of this during the last three months. In fact, I was under the impression I would receive news one morning that it'd finally happened. Evidentially, I will have to keep on waiting."

"You sound almost eager for such a thing." She inquired. Now that all the speeches had been given, the party was in full swing, to the delight of practically everyone. Those that weren't dancing were either talking or enjoying the impressive bar of refreshments, especially the drinks. The finest wine Pherae had to offer was, which Cecilia and Perceval were busy helping themselves to. Neither of them had any plans on being drunk before the night was over.

Perceval regarded her with an aside gaze, a favorite expression of his. Lesser recipients shirked from it, but Cecilia had proven herself his equal time after time. Not to mention she could shoot one back of fair intensity herself.

"I just…want two people whom I respect to be happy." The confession was slow and quiet, almost lost to the pleasant thumping of the party. Perceval's words immensely muted it. "You two are at your best when side by side, as well as at your happiest. With that in mind, I believe it's only logical you two take the next step. Preferable before some people get it into their heads to seriously test their luck in pursuing either of you."

Though touched, her smile took on a humorous tone. Even strait-laced Perceval had caught wind of those attempts; and maybe found one or two laughable.

"Well, thank you for your words, and encouragement, Perceval. They mean quite a lot coming from you."

"I hope so. You know my praise does not come easily." She wasn't fooled by his dismissive tone, which she'd grown used to. "Now, hurry up and go do something about it. I tire of hearing about that fool's attempts to woo you."

She briefly wondered who he was talking about when she heard the voice. "Cecilia!"

"Dance with me. Now."

Her half-finished glass was put down, and she waited for Perceval to do the same. She looked straight at him with glaring eyes while his expression remained entirely neutral. The sound of Clovis Galeshin's steps across the marbled floor grew causing Cecilia's brow to knit.

Perhaps a second before his mouth opened for a response Cecilia felt the feeling. Just like the first time, it her suddenly, not a hint of warning. Her breath froze, which given Roy's draconic heritage, would have been literal. She could have sworn the air itself was being shaped to his will to hold her in his grasp.

Spinning to her left, she saw him there, staring straight at her with those hungry eyes. Though he was reigning it in, Cecilia saw the still searing desire within him. It called out to the feeling within her. It led her to stretching her arm out while whispering his name. Of course, he picked up on all of it. Smiling, he took hold of her hand.

"Cecilia, may I?"

Her heart fluttered as she felt the warmth of his very soul flowing into her. "I would love nothing more than that, Roy." Cecilia's response was completely unconnected to the black-haired noble gaping at her, or the other looks they were drawing. Even as she walked to the center of the dance floor with him, she ignored the looks they received. The shock and hostility sent her harmlessly bounced off; the same went for Roy. He was doing what so many men across Etruria wanted to do-take her hand and make her smile. Their envy no doubt tripled as he put his arm around her waist, pushing her body against his in a blatantly intimate manner.

Cecilia's felt the incredible drum-like beat of her hear. A gasp left her while her body adapted to the new position. She and Roy never had this sort of closeness during any of their dances. Nor were any of them dressed as formally as they currently were. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they never had this near searing-hot tension between them-and such an acute awareness of it. Strikingly, that awareness further pushed them to embrace their feelings. Cecilia had to say, it felt incredibly pleasing.

Roy had always been a good dancer, a given as his mother was an amazing dancer herself. Having inherited her passion for it, he practiced it throughout his life. Even during the war, he found the time to keep up his abilities; not something most people would have done with their freedom, although it was a nice way to relieve stress. Those moments of relaxing practice showed their worth at times like this, and Cecilia was happy she'd chosen to partake in a few herself.

People were probably watching them, but Cecilia didn't dare look away to confirm that. She looked nowhere but at Roy, at his charming, handsome, and loving face. The smile he wore, the twinkle in his eyes, Cecilia was too absorbed in it to look elsewhere. Plus, there were his hands. Though they primarily griped her right hand and her waist, she felt them occasionally sliding elsewhere. While she'd always known him to be capable of such moves, this was different, greatly different. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but every time his hands left her only to return, Cecilia felt her blood ignite in her veins. The ignition was greatest when their bodies physically touched. Her breath caught in her throat feeling her breasts so much as brush up against Roy's chest, even if only for a second.

She felt something. Something raw and powerful. Fortunately, its impact was fast yet fleeting, at least until her eyes locked with Roy's.

Desire. That's what it was, plain and simple. Desire for her and no one else, not the scores of women watching them. Nobles and upper class or not. They didn't matter. Only she did. She was the only woman Roy saw, and the only one whom he held such strong, romantic feelings toward.

To say she was happy would have been an understatement so colossal it dwarfed Pherae Castle. It's why she hugged him so tightly when he spun her about. She flew into him like an arrow hitting its target. Roy responded to it with a chuckle so quiet only she could hear it.

"You've gotten so much better." She whispered to him.

Cecilia felt his hand moving further down, its destination obvious. Normally, she'd have stopped such a move before it could be finished, but this time, she wanted it to continue right down to its completion. Anticipation swirled within her as she waited to feel Roy's hand on her bottom.

"Ah~" By Saint Elimine, it did not disappoint in the slightest.

"I've been practicing, just for you, Cecilia." Though he pushed her away, his voice still felt close enough it was practically in her ear. She could only stare at him in blushing shock while her arms remained looped around his neck. They gently swayed to the music with the eyes of the entire ballroom still on them. None of the spectators existed as far as they were concerned.

He wants to kiss me. He wants to kiss me. He wants to kiss me. She continued to dance in that trance-like state. Her body followed the motions, or rather, she followed Roy's lead. He was clearly the better of the two of them, and the most forward. His feathery-soft hands slid up her body and arms, sending a shiver of undeniably erotic delight through her. After enough of them, she realized the truth, Roy wanted to do more than just kiss her. That became all the more evident when a twirl ended with her back to his chest, his arms gently yet securely wrapped around her front while hers looped around his neck. It stirred the imagination in some of the sultriest of ways; Cecilia was no exception.

The position was arousing enough, but either by choice or chance, Roy added to it.

"A-Ah~" Her self-control just barely made it in time to keep the gasp from sounding too loud. She suspected her face still showed it, though. Again, she tried to get that under control, although Cecilia still felt her cheeks burning when she found herself facing her partner again. "R-R-Roy, t-t-that was…" Her intent to admonish him dried up as she looked into his eyes. He knew what'd happened, and he didn't regret it. She didn't either.

Shooting upward like a geyser was the desire to feel that touch again. Longer, and harder, as well. Cecilia tried to suppress it, but it continued to smear. The best she could do was not let it overwhelm her, at least not until the dance ended. How long until that was? What would happen when it did end? Did she want it to end? All those questions bounced about in her head.

They came to a stop longer than a few seconds. The first question had been answered, and now it was time for the second. What now?

Her heart beat at a hundred paces a second as she stared into Roy's light blue eyes, the pupils still round, yet she felt some primal yearning behind them. It'd only grown throughout their dance together.

Only for me, he'll only ever look at me that way. And…I will, oh, Roy. I will only ever do the same for you. Not as my student or as my comrade, but as my…my…

Cecilia leaned forward, guided purely by her innermost desires. Roy did the same, his eyes shining with joy and relief; hers were probably the same. Their lips were mere moments away from connecting in a kiss they knew would fill up ballroom, hell, perhaps even the entire castle. She was fine with letting that happen. In fact, a part of her wanted people to see them. Let them know that Roy was-

CRASH!

"Gaah! T-The enemy!"

"W-W-What the hell!"

"Dammit!"

"Oh, thank Elimine."

They separated, some ingrained combat instinct springing to life in them. The sound of glass breaking and the jolt of magic in the air reminded them too much of battle. Retaking Aquleia had been rife with both things. Etruria's once beautiful capital turned into a battlefield, the its pristine buildings being reduced to rubble. Thankfully the city had survived, but the damage was evident. Cecilia and Roy had been there for it, even regrettably partaking in some of it themselves. For just a moment, they were back there.

In synch, they turned in the direction of the crash, barefoot of weapons yet ready to fight as they were. They'd fought unarmed countless times and this time would be no different. That is, if there was an enemy to fight.

What there was, were several shards of broken glass lying on the floor, their contains spilled out. Huddled around them were people dressed for partying, not for war, and they were all just as surprised and confused as Cecilia and Roy were. Their alertness faded as confusion took hold.

For Cecilia it was short-lived. She spotted her in the crowd, practically right in front of her. Of course, she was dressed to impress, a gorgeous white dress lined with gold as befitting House Ettare. Cecilia had seen that smug, self-assured look several times throughout her life, but never had she hated it as much as she did then. And not since the war had she felt such a powerful desire to hurt someone, murder them even. To hell with a tome or a sword, her bare hands would do just fine.

Gwenda, you conniving bi-

"I'm so sorry, Lord Roy. I fear perhaps I had a bit too much to drink, it must have stirred up some bad memories." The blonde feinted as Roy examined the scene.

He didn't believe it, but dammit, the courteous soul in him couldn't just let it be. Maybe the scene had reassorted a twinge of self-awareness into his mind. Roy looked back at her with regret written all over his face. Her own civic and polite nature prevailed; at her nod, he went off to deal with the mess. She would have stayed, if she didn't catch the wondering gazes of several of her would-be suitors, including Clovis. Between that and the frustration she felt, Cecilia chose to simply leave. Her heels clacked against the floor in a naked show of irritation. Maybe she also just needed to be alone before she said or did something she'd regret. Such moments were few and far between, but Cecilia certainly felt one coming along.

Being so close to Roy, affirming their feelings for each other then having it so cruelly snatched away, and by one of her own countrywomen. It was embarrassing, but Cecilia found that this blow had hit through her defenses.

Just calm down. It's not like the night is ruined for good. You'll have another chance, even if you have to make one. It was a mantra she repeated as she put more distance between herself and the incident. There were no tears waiting to be shed. No, the only thing that would be shed would be skin, preferably Gwenda and those she got to go along with her little plan. Admittedly, it was a good plan. Of course, she concocted it so quickly and tactfully-she'd been like that during the war and it'd worked to great effect against Bern.

Her pace slowed. Looking back, she saw Clovis nor any of her other would-be admirers were pursuing her. Bobbing and weaving through the crowd hadn't been easy, but she'd done it. Now, all she had to do stay out of sight until she could meet up with Roy again. Perhaps attempt number two would be more successful; she could only hope. However, there was something she needed to do first.

Cecilia couldn't remember the last time a drink looked so appealing.

"Maybe two would suffice." She muttered to herself. If only her great aunt was here to see her. She'd be telling her that instead of two, maybe she should go for three. Two to clear away her frustrations and a third for the hell of it. Hopefully, she could confine that-

"Cecilia,"

The emotional geyser returned. "Ro-" The fact she couldn't speak his full name was a testament to how fast he moved.

Being a master of wind magic herself, Cecilia could say with absolute certainty, she was being carried by the softest, warmest gale imaginable. Much like the wind itself, she couldn't see it, only feel it. Nowhere was it more concentrated than in her left hand; she recognized Roy's grip in seconds, and promptly squeezed it in reassurance. How her feet were moving was a mystery to her. Perhaps it was just instinct-recognizing Roy's voice and his grip, then following his lead without question. That was their relationship, built up over the near eight years they'd known one another. Those years had led them to this moment.

Her back touched something hard, a wall. The hum and roar of the party was a distant echo; the loudest sound, and only sound she focused on, was Roy's heavy breathing. Her own was no better. They mingled as she felt his arms wrapping around her waist. Hers fell on his chest, her mind still disoriented from the sudden movement.

All of it, everything came to a screeching halt as she looked into his deep blue eyes. They closed simultaneous to his lips smashing against hers. Cecilia's eyes widened in astonishment. Roy was kissing her. Roy was actually, finally kissing her. And then she was kissing him back. Her hands tightened on his chest, likely ruffling his suit, but she didn't care. She didn't care about the confusion their sudden departure might stir up. She didn't care how Roy had moved them so rapidly out of the ballroom. She didn't care about anything except him. Cecilia kissed him with all the pent-up affection she'd been carrying inside, and he did the same. Between the two of them, his was far greater.

His kiss was focused and aggressive. Brimming with all the passion he brought with him to battle, befitting of his personal element. It was a surprise, but far from unpleasant. Cecilia never expected their first kiss to be like this, but she immediately decided it was far better than anything she could have imagined.

That included the way he grinded his body against hers.

Cecilia moved her hands up his chest, still not caring about the wrinkles she was creating in his immaculate suit. Amidst her frenzied grouping she brushed against the corset he wore on the left side of his chest. It reminded her of her hairclip, now sandwiched between her head and the wall. Again, Cecilia simply didn't care.

Air came after a long and pleasure-filled lip lock that lasted for hours, at least as far as they were concerned. They were breathless in the kiss' aftermath, and rightfully so. Cecilia could say she'd never been kissed so intensely before, and she was confident Roy hadn't either. He seemed to take stock of what he'd just done as they caught their breath. Still, the ball's roar was a distant murmur. Cecilia would have looked to either side if she still wasn't transfixed on Roy's face, even though their lips were no longer touching. The feeling that could change any second was incredibly strong.

"I…Cecilia, I…" She knew that tone. An apology was on its way.

"That was incredible Roy." She swiftly confessed. After it came stunned silence as he looked to her with wide eyes.

"…Which part?"

She smiled at the whiff of humor in his voice. "All of it. The dance, you giving us some privacy, and the…the kiss. That was…I…I never knew you could kiss like that." Her heart fluttered at the still-fresh memory.

"Cecilia," The change in his voice was amazing. Equally so, his eyes had undergone a rapid shift. Replacing the uncertainty was certainty, determination to see this through. Roy's arms tightened around her as he leaned forward, their heads brushing against one another. "Can I…for the rest of the night, do you…want it to be just the two of us?"

The realization of what he was truly asking of her was immediate. Cecilia gasped at it, though Roy maintained his piercing stare while his cheeks remained enflamed.

Her hands reached up to caress those cheeks. Not a boy anymore. A man, one that…I won't…I won't let anyone have him. A single thought, but with ironclad resolution. "Yes, Roy," she answered. "I do."

Relief flooded his eyes, but only for a second. In the next breath Cecilia felt Roy kissing her again, hard and ravenous. As before, she returned the favor. Her hips grinded against his, feeding the hardness she'd felt between his legs…as well as the tingling sensation she'd long denied between hers. No more.

Some time later, they broke away. Heavy pants tumbled from their lips for the second time. Pleasurable tingling racked their bodies from head to toe.

Cecilia glanced at her hands and internally sighed in relief she hadn't seriously damaged Roy's corset. She'd laughed at his choice of green, believing he'd chosen it himself. Likewise, she'd thought of him when she'd chosen her own red rose hair clip. It seemed they'd truly been thinking of each other.

Roy's lips graced her left shoulder, causing the strongest, hottest shiver imaginable to shoot through her. His lips were like the touch of a hearth-warmed feather, yet the effect reached across her entire body. Her legs shivered beneath her as she found herself clinging to his chest. More so as his kisses continued. "R-R-Roy," she gasped. "A-Ahh~ Ahhh~" He continued, no doubt enjoying the pleasurable sounds she was making, they were proof he was doing the right thing. His hands lightly played against her backside, moving his fingers in those slow sensual stretches he had during their dance. Where had he learned to do such a thing?

"You're excited, Cecilia." Came his whispering voice.

"O-O-Of course, I-I am, Roy. W-W-What woman wouldn't be?" She stuttered out. The flames of ecstasy continued to dance about throughout her body, even as she felt the absence of his lips on her shoulder. They'd left their mark none the less, perhaps quite literally. Cecilia wondered if she found a mirror she'd find a set of hickeys on her neck. Never did she think such a sight would excite her. "R-Roy," she beckoned. "Roy?" Blinking, she looked straight ahead to find he was gone, but only from her sight. Looking down, she saw his perfectly combed red hair. He was descending lower as well as pulling her skirt up. "R-R-Roy! W-W-What are you doing?!"

"Like I said, you're excited." He replied in a tone no different then telling her of the weather. Her eyes widened as he looked up at her. Gone were the rounded pupils she'd known. In their place were draconic silts, although those weren't cause for alarm. They still shined with the same affection they had before, only more intensely. Roy's gaze was amorous.

Shock held such sway over her that she couldn't stop him from moving beneath her skirt and in-between her legs. Roy ran his fingers up the bare skin sending new shivers of ecstasy rolling through her. Cecilia immediately became lost in them. She moaned in delight feeling his hands moving up her thighs, heedless to the grip he came to have on her undies. Not until they were pulled lower than their original position, not until Roy brushed his tongue against her womanhood did she noticed.

"Ahhhh~!" It was the loudest, lewdest moan Cecilia had ever made. Every nerve within her, starting from her womanhood on out was ignited by the touch of Roy's tongue, as if it were one of the two mystic blades he wielded. As he did with them in hand, he delivered swift slashes across her vagina, each one piling more fire onto the seared mass. "Ahhh~! Aaahhh~! Ahhhhhh~! R-R-Roy~!" There was no need to encourage him, or guide him, not that Cecilia had any experience herself. Speaking of which, this was undoubtedly one of the most blissful things she'd ever experienced in her life. Her head slammed against the wall as Roy pushed his into her vagina, having slathered her outer lips in his saliva. She felt him inside of her, his tongue making itself comfortable within her vaginal tunnel. Sophisticated as she was, Cecilia had heard women speak of what this feeling was like; the description didn't do the real thing justice. At all.

Roy's hands were still on her waist, holding her as he at her out. She was grateful for it as she was alternating between leaning against the wall and leaning forward. Strands of her vibrant green hair fell as she did the latter, her hands grasping at Roy's head through her dress. The once fine and smooth fabric was being crumpled up in her hands, but Cecilia didn't care. All the work that'd gone into preparing it was dust in the wind to her. Not even the semi-decent idea of pulling it up so she could see Roy's head occurred to her. Truly, there was nothing but the mind-numbing ecstasy brought about by her former student eating her out.

"AAAHH~!"

Her toes curled within her heels and her grip tightened. Though she was still new to all this, Cecilia was able to recognize the signs. Her vaginal walls were clenching around Roy's tongue, as fast and constantly as it was moving. Not even the tightening of her walls slowed it down. Biting her lip was the only way to repress the next pulse-pounding scream that Pherae's next ruler threatened to induce. In doing so, a sliver of self-awareness came back to her. Using it, Cecilia looked to her left and right.

They were still alone, but Cecilia wondered how long that would last. How long before someone noticed they were missing, especially Roy? Surely someone would notice Pherae's favorite son as well as one of the most sought-after guests was missing.

"R-R-R-R…oy, R-Ro-oohhh~" Her attempt to call him was riddled with moans and interruptions. Focusing on someone had never been so hard, not even in the midst of battle. Not helping was that she couldn't see Roy, but by the Saint's Light, she could hear him. "Ahhhh~! Ahhhh~!" Despite her trying, it wasn't enough. Like all the rest, the moans burst forth despite her half-hearted attempts to contain them. "R-R-Roy, p-pl-please, s-s-some o-one m-might hear us!" Her plea fell on deaf years, or maybe they were simply taken another way. His tongue dug deeper into her, flicking against her vaginal lips with greater force. Desperate, she bit her finger, tasting her own glove. H-He's…h-he's…trying to make me cum! Cecilia realized with a gasp, which gave way to another barely muffled moan.

Instead of stopping, he was trying to hasten things toward the climax. Cecilia had to admit, there was something admirable in that. More than admirable, it was desirable. She wanted to cum.

"Mmmmm~! Mmmm~! Mmmmmmm~!" Instead of her finger, it was her thumb, the once pristine gloves being mangled by her teeth as she came. Her first orgasm was…to be blunt, it was mind-blowing. Truly, undeniably mind-blowing. Everything she'd heard women say it was cracked up to be. She didn't care that it'd happened in the middle of a hallway during a ball featuring guests from across Elibe. Cecilia didn't care about any of that, just that Roy had made her cum, and he was gulfing down her cum like a starving beggar.

Cecilia hunched over, the wall and Roy's head being the only thing that kept her from falling to the ground. Her already undignified position would have gotten even worse, not that she would have cared. Maybe not even if someone had came upon them.

A second passed, then another, and finally enough that it must have been a full minute. The only sound was her heavy breathed and Roy's continued lapping of her juices. Cecilia couldn't even find it in herself to look up to either side after the initial check. She probably should have, but she couldn't bring herself to. The so called post-orgasm daze was indeed hitting her hard, helped by the fact this was her first one. With her downward-facing gaze, she watched as Roy slowly removed himself from underneath her skirt and between her legs. He rose to his full height, reminding her of how much he'd grown during the war. No more was she slightly looking down on him. Now, she looked in the opposite direction, and what she saw never failed to impress her; now more so than ever given the circumstances.

Her essence dripped from his face, casually scooped up with his hand. Roy did it so effortlessly las if he'd done it dozens of times before. It was a sight that had her going weak at the knees, again. She laid her hands against the wall in a half-hearted attempt to steady herself. Her breathing continued to come out heavy and her eyes continuously shadowed while never breaking from his.

"R-Roy…I…I…I…" He waited for her to finish, clearly ready for whatever response she'd give. Something told her if she disapproved of it, Roy would disengage, profusely apologize, and leave her be. "I…deeply enjoyed that." Which is why it was a good thing that she felt the exact opposite. "I-I think I-"

"Want more?" He answered for her. Blushing, she nodded. "Then…how do you feel about going someplace more private?" There was a hint of humor in his voice.

She injected some into her own, and it was all natural. "That would be ideal, Roy."

Perhaps knowing how weakened her legs were, Roy carried her bridal style instead of pulling her along as he had before. Cecilia certainly wasn't complaining.


They didn't separate for several minutes when they made it back to the room, Roy's room. No candles, only the moonlight through the curtains, adding an undeniably romantic undertone to the mood. Cecilia had never been one for romantics, although Roy admittedly had a bit of a fondness for it. It was growing on her.

Their lips were red when they finally broke away, saliva only briefly connecting their mouths before the bridge collapsed. Panting, they simply stared at each other, drinking in all that they were while coming to terms with what was about to happen. Alone in Roy's room, so far away from the party that not even its farthest-reaching thumping could be heard. The thought that someone might notice their absence briefly crossed their minds, but it didn't stop them from going ahead. Short of the sky falling, nothing was going to stop them.

Surprisingly, they removed the floral accessories they'd worn, her hairclip and Roy's corset. Sitting them atop the desk by the window, they found themselves taking a moment to admire them. Red for Cecilia and green for Roy, side by side. They looked to each other with tender smiles. Neither said a word regarding the other's choice of color; if there was anything to be said, it would come later. Cecilia reached up with her left hand, loving caressing Roy's face while pulling him in. The kiss was soft and warm, yet still sent a cascade of sparks through them. They reignited the erotic fire that'd temporarily cooled on their way to his room.

Roy took Cecilia up in his arms and guided her to the bed. Her shawl fell to the floor, having miraculously remained on her person throughout their little journey. Next to go were her gloves. Cecilia was glad as she was finally able to feel Roy's hands against hers, skin-to-skin with nothing between them.

Despite his ice dragon heritage, Roy always possessed a certain warmth about him. Ironically, his personal affinity turned out to be fire. Fire and ice, polar opposites, much like humans and dragons, yet they existed in perfect harmony within Roy. He advocated for that harmony, believing human and dragon could coexist-he was living proof they could. Such contrasting harmony was once more present in him as he leered at her. His eyes were feral, burning with near animalistic desire, and yet his touch was so gentle. As he'd done before to her legs, he ran his hands up her now naked arms, sending hot shivers up Cecilia's spine.

She knew his aim was the strap around her neck, holding her dress up. Cecilia's pulse pounded with anticipation as Roy's hands followed that path, only to retreat-the actions created the aforenamed shivers that were rapidly frying her brain. Then there was the kiss, Saint Elimine, the kiss was incendiary in its own right. Enthralled, she threw herself into it. Roy chuckled against her lips, loving whipping his tongue against hers. Their muffled moans echoed through the room, eventually ending in a gasp when they separated. Heavy breathing and locked eyes. Desire, temptation, joy, and amusement filled their respective gazes. Roy once more moved his arms around her waist while Cecilia looped hers around his neck. They fell onto his bed, her on the bottom with him on top. She found herself liking the position, more so when she felt Roy's erection poking at her dress.

Either intentionally or not, Roy was thrusting his hips at her. Such actions were driving her insane. For the first time in her life, lewd images filled her mind, images that she so passionately wanted to become a reality. She'd have called out to Roy, begged him even, to materialize them if her mouth wasn't preoccupied with his. Once again, she found herself asking where in the hell had he learned how to kiss like this, or had he always been a natural? Was he a natural at this?

Suddenly, the kisses became hard and vigorous, his body feeling warmer than it had been a moment ago. He pressed her against, almost as if he were afraid she'd vanish; Cecilia embraced him as well, telling him she wouldn't. it lasted for several seconds, even a full minute. Another shuddering gasp marked the kiss' end. Roy lifted his head up, and Cecilia, through hazy eyes, glanced at him. His eyes were silted, telling her all she needed to know. Smiling, she lovingly ran her hand over his right cheek. His expression softened considerably, giving her a glimpse of the soft side of him that she loved just as much as his assertiveness. Slowly, he descended upon her again, but this time his lips landed on her right shoulder. It seemed he remembered the loving he'd given her left during their escapade in the hallway. This one was no less mind blowing. To go along with his optical shift, Cecilia felt the slight intrusion of fangs against her skin.

Though he was only a quarter-dragon, the war had "roused" that draconic blood within him. This was an application of it Cecilia had never seen, though she wasn't complaining about it.

R-R-Roy, a-are you…you're…mating with me. The realization was one she'd already subconsciously came to. It was honestly the only explanation for his actions. She'd, of course, heard the stories, especially when they were in Arcadia. Not once did she ever consider such primal urges would apply to Roy. That said, it wasn't like "mating" was exclusive to dragons. Humans, especially those of Etruria, simply preferred a classier term to it.

Currently, there was nothing classy about them, save for their clothes, and even those were becoming more ruffled as time passed. Given the primal urges gripping Roy, Cecilia wondered if he would simply tear away her dress to get at her body. For some reason, she found such a thought…slightly arousing.

Just as arousing was the thought of Roy staring at her body-her naked body. Cecilia wasn't one of those women who held her looks to be the absolute pinnacle of beauty, although she did believe herself to be fairly attractive. The long line of suitors she had to her name was proof of that. However, what she wanted was for Roy to find her attractive, beautiful, even.

She made an unspoken declaration as Roy pulled away and their eyes met, I want you to want me as I do you. Her hands once more reached up to his cheeks, feeling the heat behind their redness. His combed hair had started to become undone, a state of undress she was approaching. "Roy," she called. "You can-"

"Cecilia," His use of her name silenced her. With a pounding heart, she watched him reach for his chest; the pounding intensified as she watched him begin to work them. Piece by piece, his suit fell away. Eyes wide as the full moon, she watched him undress until his upper body barefoot of clothing.

To be blunt, Roy had started out a scrawny boy. From the get-go, Cecilia had theorized him to be built for speed, and she'd been right. He possessed decent strength with the above average burst, but his speed was where he shined. Speed, agility, and reflexes, likely results of his affinity for dancing. She theorized he would grow up to be of similar build. Not bad, but far from the rippling physique of others. Cecilia had been perfectly fine with that as such a body didn't suit Roy in her opinion, nor did he need one.

He'd grown during the war, mentally but especially physically. Her first time seeing such had been when she visited the Western Isles. Humorously, the so-called "rough edge of Elibe" had toughened him up considerably. He began filling out, his arms gaining muscle before he hit his first growth spurt. Between climbing, hiking, handiwork, and axe training (courtesy of Echidna), he began to fill out. Finally, learning to wield the Blazing Blade, Durandal had furthered his muscular development. The broadsword had been almost as tall as him, so swinging it as he had required a certain amount of strength, more so as the threats grew bigger and stronger. The same went for his physique, even if he never reached the same brawly shape as the likes of Dieck or Garret.

Her bare fingers touched that physique, reliving the history she'd seen with her own eyes. Hard yet soft, and humming with warmth. Faint scars dotted his body, long-healed and faded, yet they still existed as reminders. Cecilia had been there for a few of them, but not those he'd received from Bern's Mad King. He'd been blasted by fire, wind, earth, lightning, pure magical energy, and sickening darkness, yet he sat before her. Eventually, her hands rose up to his face, where she found his blue eyes still shining with light, and love. Framing his face, she kissed him, and he kissed her back.

"Mhmmmm~"

The only thing better than kissing Roy was being able to feel his naked body beneath her fingers. Cecilia admitted to the shameless desire and basked in it. A not-so-insignificant part of that enjoyment came from the fact she knew dozens of women would have wanted to be in her position, namely Gwenda. No doubt she'd realized they were missing by now. This time, she wasn't interrupting them, no one was going to.

Thanks to her halter dress, her backside was just as exposed as Roy's. She'd always felt his fingers dragging across her backside, but now she could return the favor. Cecilia decided to return the favor from before, moving her lips to his shoulder. She started with his left, lovingly biting on it. While she may have been new to this, she had…read a scene or two in books. It wasn't much, but it was all she had to go, besides her instincts. Based on Roy's heavy moans, she was doing it right.

How interesting that I'm following your lead, and in the bedroom of all places.

His hips thrusted against hers, the hot motions caused her to bite down on his shoulder. In turn, she felt his nails softly digging into her backside. "Cecilia," he whispered to her. "I'm going to…take off your dress now."

Her response was swift. "Do it."

It was all so sudden, though her top knot wasn't exactly that hard to undo in the first place. Roy pushed her down before gravity could cause the front portion to fall, ironically keeping her from revealing her chest. With the speed he'd used to outmaneuver enemies of all shapes and sizes, Roy did away with her dress, pulling it over her head. With it came a rush into her lungs as she felt air tickling her nipples, her hard nipples which now lay exposed to Roy. His eyes drunk in the sight of her nearly entirely naked body. She still had her underwear and heels, but her breasts, so often hidden from view, were now there for Roy to see. The first man to do so. As well as the first man to touch them.

"Ahh~"

"My hands aren't too cold, are they?" Despite the question, his eyes still held that hungry leer.

Cecilia shook her head. "Not…not at all. T-They're…warm, just like always." Smiling, he immediately continued to grope her right breast. She moaned a second time, Roy watching with a pleased smile. Wearing that proud expression, he added his other hand thus ensuring both her breasts were tended to. Cecilia took hold of the sheets as she felt tidal waves of ecstasy rolling across her body. Each one made her heart thunder, yet there was no end to them. Through fluttering eyes, she saw Roy leaning forward, just barely pulling herself together in time to meet his lips. The kiss was positively invigorating thanks to his shameless pawing of her breasts. Cecilia knew that she could get used to this, perhaps even a little addicted. She encouraged him by pressing her hands against his. Roy welcomed the encouragement; maybe it was what spurred him to pinch her nipples.

The kiss was broken due to her inability to hold the resulting moan in. His pinching continued, feeding the wetness between her legs. At this rate, she felt like she was going to cum again.

Roy must have sensed that as he pulled away from her, chest and all. It gave Cecilia a moment to catch her breath. Everything was…tingling. From her constantly fluttering eyelids to her toes, curling and uncurling within her shoes. At least they were until they too tasted fresh air. Dazed, she looked down to find Roy kneeling at the bottom of the bed. She wiggled her toes in surprise. He chuckled, then began removing his own shoes as well. Hearing the sound of his belt being undone caused Cecilia's heart to skip a beat. It seemed it was finally time.

"The first time I saw you, I…I wanted to…"

"Take me?" Roy refused to look at her, likely still wrestling with some lingering shame. Now oriented, Cecilia sat up. "I felt it when you looked at it. Roy, it was…heavens, I've never felt such a feeling before."

"I'm sorry, Cecilia. I-"

"I liked it!" It was the first time she'd raised her voice outside of a lustful moan or scream. They were loud enough, bot in volume and emotion, to startle Roy. He turned around, staring at her with shock. After a calming breath, she began to explain herself. "I won't say it started at the end of the war, rather, earlier. Perhaps even after we retook Etruria, that was when I could no longer look at you the same way, no matter how hard I tried. You'd long since stopped being a boy, but…you were a man, one that I found myself falling for. More so as time went on. When we finally invaded Bern, when you fought Zephiel, my heart worried for you above all others, above the fate of the entire continent. Then, when we sought out Idunn to put an end to the conflict once and for all…" A frustrated sigh escaped her.

Knowing what she was thinking, Roy laughed. "Again, I'm sorry for scaring you, Cecilia."

"I was practically on the verge of tears." That wasn't anything he didn't already know. Roy had stayed conscious long enough to see her let out a few tears. Her focus had been entirely on him, not the defeated but very much alive demon dragon he'd just risked his life to save. "Even if I was not quite aware of my feelings back then, the thought of you dying was still…too much for me."

He moved toward her with remorse on his face. Roy placed his hands against her cheeks, a touch she embraced. "I'm so sorry, Cecilia." She knew he'd say it a hundred times if she asked him to, but she wouldn't. She knew he was regretful of what'd happened, though he didn't regret saving Idunn. Cecilia was happy he had, even if he'd given her a heartache in doing so. "I thought of you when I was trying to escape the temple. I thought of everyone, but your face is the one that just kept on coming up the most."

Her laugh was humorful, a sign the mood had shifted. "That is exactly how I felt whenever I discussed marriage. Someone to spend my life with, to give myself to. Roy…I always thought of you."

His demeanor shifted. With intensified breathing, he leaned forward, "…Cecilia," He gave her no time to respond. The distance between their lips vanished. She was all too happy they were back to being intimate. Sure, it was nice to talk, but Cecilia knew there would be a time for that, later. Just as there would be a time to explain themselves to their family and associates. Later.

For now, it was just the two of them, kissing each other, groping each other, grinding against each other. All of them were now even better given their near equalized state of undress. There was still more to be done, though.

After several minutes of kissing, Roy apparently thought the same.

Saliva and bite marks coated her breasts, Roy kissed his way down to her waist. With his heightened sense of smell, he undoubtedly smelled the arousal between her legs. He'd already sniffed it out before in the hallway. This time, he was able to lay eyes on it without any obstructions.

Cecilia braced herself as her underwear disappeared beside the bed. "Ahhhhh~! Ahhh~! AAHH~!" The futility was immediate. Roy obviously remembered his prior go at her pussy, so he knew exactly where to lick to get a response out of her. Not only that, but he was going at her harder and faster than before. Her hands shot to the pillows above her, pulling them down and holding them in a tight grip. Air was expanded in piercing shouts that bounced about the room. While her hands gripped the pillows, her legs tightened around Roy's head. He took the added pressure was a sign to push deeper into her with his tongue. Cecilia's eyes flew open feeling her core touched by his tongue, a scorching hot whip. The loudest scream yet shook the room. Fueled by the all-consuming sensations, she thrusted her hips against Roy's mouth. They were wild and unfocused, a stark contrast to his precise flicks.

She never in her wildest dreams could have imagined this is how things would turn out, Roy being the one leading while she was disorganized in following him, in the bedroom. During sex.

Something hit her, a stab of raw pleasure that nearly overwhelmed all her senses. Cecilia just barely held onto them, but her grip was loosening by the second. Despite that, her hips continued to thrust downward, slamming into Roy's mouth, His tongue stabbed at her core, then dragged itself across as if it were a blade.

"ROY~!"

The orgasm was stronger than the previous one, just as her resulting scream was louder as well. Cecilia would have been grateful for the seclusion of the room if she had any thoughts other than the mind-shattering bliss of cumming into Roy's mouth. Her back arched off the bed, her fingers dug into the pillows, and her eyes squeezed shut so tightly she wondered if they'd ever open again. While they did, Cecilia felt like it'd been hours in hot, searing darkness. They opened to brighter lights, stars dancing above her. All she did was pant and stare, no strength to reach for them or even attempt to lift herself up. All she could do was lay there, watching the star dance above her.

Now she understood why people sought this sensual high, although Cecilia believed what made it truly worthwhile was who she did it with. The man who'd touched her in places no one had and brought her such pleasure. Only Roy could have done that, and she was confident she could induce the same when she got her turn.

Finally, she opened her eyes and kept them open. For the umpteenth time of the night, Roy surprised her.

"R-R-Roy," She wasn't sure which was more stutter-inducing, the fact that he'd discarded the rest of his clothes so quickly or the size of his cock. Cecilia knew next to nothing about cock sizes, but something in her gut told her Roy's was…sufficient. It was practically a small dagger, though hard and ready for use, its tip was round instead of sharp. Regardless, her mind immediately filled with images of that organic sword being impaled in her; they sent waves of shudder-inducing excitement through her.

"I can't…I just…I really want to put it in, Cecilia." His eyes were looking away from her, likely embarrassment and unease driving him to do so. As for her, Cecilia's attention lingered on his near entirely red face before glancing down at his penis.

Seeing it twitch was like igniting a patch of dry kindling, nay, an entire forest. The fire instantly rose up toward the sky, painting it red, orange, and yellow.

She spread her legs out. "Then do it, Roy." For just a second, her trademark confidence was there. Cecilia immediately wished she'd sounded a bit sweeter, like she actually wanted this. She truly did, but Roy might have-

"GAAAAAH!"

"ANNNNGGHHHH~!"

After hours of dancing around it, he finally pounced on her. One second Cecilia felt the cool room air tickling her cunt, and the next it was filled. It was filled. Her eyes shot open along with her mouth, a scream to surpass all others shooting from her lips. It was a cry that could rival the roar of Armads, and her body shook as if the earth were being trampled by one of Elibe's ancient dragons.

The inner dragon within Roy was now fully awakened. It must have been. His thrusts were immediate, fast and powerful, each one leaving Cecilia seeing stars again. Given their speed, it was impossible to tell where one ended and the next began. Any concept of time vanished for her, and any notion of space fell away, too. All that existed was Roy holding her in his arms as he pounded away at her. His cock slid in and out of her womanhood without mercy or restraint. Cecilia felt her vaginal lips tightening around it, but the organic blade was uncontrollable in its back-and-forth motions. It was an endless rhythm that Cecilia was utterly lost to.

"Ahhhh~! Aaaahhh~! Nggghhhhh~! Nggaaaaaaahhhh~!"

"I just couldn't stop thinking about you when I saw you! I wanted to touch you! Kiss you! Hold you!" Despite the emotional undertone of the confession, Roy still sounded far more put together than her. Cecilia couldn't even begin to imagine speaking coherent words, even in short bursts. "Nggggghhhhhh~!"

"Haaaaa~! HAAAAAAHHH~!"

"NNNNGGGAAAAAAH!"

She squeezed him so hard it'd have been a serpent jealous, yet Roy's body remained a bastion of fortitude. Instead, hers was the one breaking down, his thrust unleashing a wave of ecstasy that pulverized her insides; Cecilia still wanted more though. She'd have screamed for it, if she could form coherent words. Such a thing was still beyond her, so all she did was continue to scream in ecstasy. Roy (correctly) interpretated that as a cry for more. His hips drew back, his cock nearly leaving her. The loss became noticeable near immediately, though she didn't have to mourn it long. Cecilia screamed again feeling him ram his manhood back into her with the same force he'd done with before.

"ROOOOOY~!" She yelled. How fitting that the first intelligent thing she said was his name. Then there was the next, "MORE~! MOOORE~!"

"RRRAAAAAHHHH! GGGWWAAAAAHHH!"

He was living up to his draconic heritage, as well as the epithet he'd gained during the war-the Blazing Lion. Truly, he was a beast in heat, and she, his mate. Cecilia couldn't be happier at that; it was what she'd wanted, and what others plainly saw. How happy they would all be to know their predictions, and even wishes had come true. Granted, they wouldn't know the exact details. Such a thing would be Cecilia's alone. Likewise, she alone would know the feeling of being pounded by Roy's cock, feeling it slamming into her cunt again and again. Each thrust was like the impact of a flame spear, enchanted by some amorous deity. It'd burned away every notion of rationality and restraint that existed within Cecilia.

All that was left was a burning husk, and it smiled in ecstasy. She called for more, and Roy gleefully answered her. Like a great fire, nothing could stop him, and like the wind, her cries served to only strengthen him.

"C-CECILIA, I'M GOING TO….CUM!"

The word entered her ears as she thrusted her hips upward to meet his. All around his member, her walls tightened. That might have been the moment it happened, alas, it passed without a release on either of their part. Although there was always the next one. "D-DO IT, ROY!" Cecilia shouted. "CUM INSIDE OF ME! MARK ME! CLAIM ME~!"

"IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU! NO OTHER WOMAN! NO MATTER WHO THEY WERE!" He roared as he thrusted into her. Her walls tightened around his flaming manhood once more, tighter than before. Any second she was going to cum, and so was he.

Before that, she grabbed the ability to speak to voice her own feelings. "I'VE FELT THE SAME WAY ABOUT YOU! I'VE WANTED NO OTHER MAN BUT YOU!" Hearing that seemed to send his hips into overdrive. Another thrust, stronger than the rest. Cecilia shut her eyes as its effects ripped through her entire body. "ROOOOOOY~!"

"CECILIAAAAA!"

Their release was near simultaneous, his cock and her walls spewing forth their respective juices. A sense of fulfilment and exhaustion swept over Cecilia, as well as the feeling something entering her very womb. It left her trembling while still maintaining her hold on Roy, whose body shuddered as well. It didn't stop him from thrusting his hips into her, forcing every shot of cum he could into her. Cecilia welcomed it, as well as Roy's sweaty body when it slumped forward, falling atop of her. His cock was still buried deep inside of her, hard and now thoroughly soaked in their intermixed juices.

She held him against her, not minding the weight. Her hand moved up his back to his hair. Gone was the neat and proper hairstyle. The same went for what remained of her hairstyle. It clung to her face like the numerous droplets of sweat on her body, and Roy's. She didn't mind hugging him as such. This wasn't a time for being prim and proper, just being together, being happy.

For several minutes it was only Roy's heavy breathing in her ear, only broken by the fleshy shock of his member removing itself from her snatch. With it came a slight gushing sound, like a leak. Cecilia giggled realizing the leak was her.

"That was…amazing, Cecilia." He whispered to her.

"Heavenly, Roy." She replied. Pushing himself up, she received a kiss for her word choice. Mutual laughter ensued until she felt something constantly poking at her.

Roy sat up, putting his lightly muscular body on display before her. It was a sight that once again left her speechless. More awe-inducing were his eyes, Cecilia saw them alternating between her face and her chest, which rose and fell with each anticipation-filled breath. "I'm still…I've still got…some energy left, Cecilia." His husky voice rumbled through her like an echo in a cave. Roy leaned forward, placing his hands against her breasts before she could even form a response.

There was none to give, save for another piercing scream as his cock reentered her. Just like Roy had said, he still had some energy left, although Cecilia wondered just how much of it he'd burnt in their first coupling. His cock was still rock-hard, and his thrusts were still battering rams in disguise.

"AAAAH~! AAAAHHH~! NGGGGGHHHH~!"

It wasn't just his hips thrusting against hers, it was his hands. That loving yet erotic groping he shown a talent at returned, and Cecilia welcomed it, as well.

"Do you…like my…breasts, Roy?" She asked in the sultry tone she'd attempted to work up before.

His face was bent in concentration, but not so much he ignored her question. Rather, he snapped to her face, showing her those contrasting blue eyes and red cheeks she'd come to like. "Yes, Cecilia. Saint Elimine, yes, I like them!" She had only a moment to bask in his answer before he showed how much he loved them by pinching her nipples. Cecilia's screamed in ecstasy. "I love them, just like I love your hair, your eyes, everything about you, Cecilia." Some time later, her scream ended and he was there, leering at her with that ravenous gaze.

Reaching up to his face, she pulled him into a searing kiss. It contained the moans and screams that would have burst from her thanks to his continued thrusting and groping. Roy never lost his rhythm as they locked lips again, and he came close to overwhelming her. It was multitasking of the most erotic sort-another apparent skill of his. She really was lucky to have a man like Roy.

Cecilia pressed her nails against his backside, along with wrapping her legs around his waist. She was constricting him, yet it didn't slow him down in any area. His hips easily stressed her legs' hold with their constant thrusts. In and out, forward and back, every thrust shattering her insides while she put herself back together. She knew it wasn't going to last. That familiar pressure was swelling within her, the accumulation accelerated by the tenderizing of her breasts. And the kisses she and Roy shared between it all. Each one was never enough, yet it filled their already pulsating bodies with fiery vigor.

"CECILIA, HERE…IT COMES…AGAIN!" He warned.

"I FEEL IT TOO! SAME AS BEFORE, INSIDE OF ME~! EVERY LAST DROP, ROY~!" She answered feeling the tightness reaching its apex.

His hands pressed against her breasts, squeezing them as he made that final thrust. "AAAAAAHHHH~! CECILIAAA~!"

"HAAAAAAHH~! AAAAAAHHH~! ROY~!"

The second payload, just as might and warm as the first. It was enough to nearly knock Cecilia unconscious, yet she remained awake through it all. The thick ropes of semen shot into her as her walls caved in on Roy's cock, blasting it with her own feminine essence. Her cunt experienced an overflow, yet Roy continued to thrust into her, driven solely by instinct and pleasure. Cecilia didn't mind, she in fact loved it and wanted him to continue for as long as he could. For that reason, she wore a dreamy smile on her face despite the feeling of exhaustion that slammed into her.

Her legs gave out first, the iron grip on Roy's waist loosening as they fell to the side. She still kept her arms wrapped around his backside. It made it easier to hold onto him as he shifted their positions so they were lying on their side. Cecilia immediately took advantage of the position to cuddle up against her lover. Once more, it was just them and their heavy breathes, mingling together as they stared into one another's eyes.

His had returned to their normal rounded shape. She really didn't care if his eyes were those of a human or a dragon's, it was still Roy to her. He would always be Roy, her Roy, no matter what form he took.

Cecilia reached up and caressed his right cheek. "Mine," she whispered.

Roy placed his hand atop of hers, nodding while wearing that smile she so adorned. His current sweat and nakedness did little to take away from its charm. "I am, and Cecilia," he trailed off moving his arm around her waist. Once it encircled her, he grinded his hips against hers.

"A-Ahh~"

From the moment Roy swept her up in his arms, Cecilia knew she wasn't going back to the party. That was an absolute, undeniably certainty now, and she didn't care. The rest of her night, and indeed her future, was still looking bright.


There had been many mornings Roy woke up with a sense of apprehension. Many of them had been during the war, and for good reason. Being the underdog in a fight was never fun, and even when that changed, he was still conscious of their chances. That included his chance of survival. Few things were promised in life, and even less so in war, besides death. His death was a possibility he woke up to every morning. Only after the war did it fade.

It hit him again the morning of June Twenty-Seventh. When he woke up in bed with the woman he loved. Naked. And the bed stained with their respective juices, long since dried. Memories of the previous night came flooding back to him. Every detail, from his spiriting of her away from the ball to the hallway where his…restraint lost out. It sure as hell never came back for the rest of the night.

Taking in the still lingering smell of sex in the room, Roy wondered if he should have tried hard to reassert it. Although Cecilia didn't seem to mind. Hearing that was the greatest relief, along with her telling him she was looking forward to more mornings like this. The excitement he felt at that prospect was muted when they discovered the letter resting at the foot of the door asking them to meet his father in his office.

Roy and Cecilia had shared a look between each other, fear across their faces. It'd always been there in the back of their minds, someone noticing their absence, especially after the heated dance they shared. Now, it was time to face the consequences.

"Let's go, Roy. It's probably for the best we confront this now then wait until later." Soft yet confident, that was the Cecilia he knew and loved, deeply.

"You're right. Besides, I…need to tell him that I've probably found the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. More so since things have taken an…interesting turn to say the least." She laughed at his word choice, or rather, his understatement.

Before going to see him, they did shower and get dressed. At Roy's behest, the maids provided Cecilia a fresh set of clothes; thankfully, none of them questioned her presence at the castle in the morning. Although they did have smiles on their faces. At least they were respectful when Cecilia stepped out; their compliments were genuine, making receiving them easier. Still, she seemed a little embarrassed. She'd likely arrived at the same conclusion he had. Self-conscious, they walked through the halls toward his father's office, unsure of what they'd find. Well, mostly unsure.

Roy knew his father wasn't a man who angered easily, nor was he antagonized over noble etiquette. That said…

"Ah, Roy, Cecilia, good morning!"

Such a pleasant greeting like it was an ordinary morning, which it seemed to be. Sunlight through the windows and everything as exactly as it should be: books on the shelves, a semi-clean desk, and two chairs pulled out for them. Focusing on the desk, Roy noted how there was a book sitting on it.

"Good morning, father," So far, so good.

"Good morning, Lord Eliwood." Her greeting was more formal. His father's eyes seemed to linger on her for a moment longer. He was drinking in the sight of her dressed in Pherae robes, the signature blue being a match for those worn by Roy and Eliwood. "I…I can explain my presence here."

"We can explain it." Roy corrected.

Holding a warm smile, Eliwood beckoned them to take a sat in front of him, which they did. Neither sense any hidden anger or disappointment from him. Roy put that aside as his eyes wondered over to the book lying on the desk. His eyes widen as he immediately recognized it. His father followed his gaze back to the book. Sighing placed his hand atop it.

"Roy, when we spoke about the ball a week ago, I…forgot about this book. Did you by any chance open it up and read from it?"

Everything fell into place. He felt Cecilia's worried gaze on him as he slowly nodded. "I shouldn't have done that, should I?"

"Well, Roy-"

"Father, I'm so sorry! I was just curious about it! I saw it was written in dragon script and thought it was a book left behind by mother and…and…" Emotions crept into his voice, though not in an attempt to sway his father. It was imply him speaking the truth of what'd happen.

"Roy, you're not wrong. This book did belong to your mother. She received it as thanks from some associates I met in Arcadia. The books is…" The way his father's cheeks flushed red furthered confirmed what he suspected, but he didn't want to say it. Glancing to his left, he saw Cecilia's cheeks had taken on a pink tinge. She was rapidly approaching the same conclusion as the them, but was reluctant to say anything, yet. Looking back at his father, he saw him taking a deep breath. "The book is indeed draconic in origin. The Dances of Xuajing are a collection of dances by…Xuajing, a dragon from the world beyond the Dragon Gate, Gondwana. Ninian, told me about her. She's…a dragon of-"

"Sensuality? Love?" Roy finished.

"Yes, she was…quite popular in Gondwana. Ninian was quite happy to receive this book containing her dance moves. They have a unique charm to them, and effects when performed by any possessing dragon blood-including you, Roy."

"Effects such as?" He and Cecilia asked. Again, they shared a quick look between one another. Their cheeks seemed to be getting redder by the second.

His father took another deep breath; his focus rested squarely on Roy, who braced himself for whatever news he was to receive. "It stimulates the dragon blood, if any, within the dancer, sending them into…heat." It was the conclusion Roy had already arrived at, but hearing it still threw him for a loop. "The dances have no effect when performed by humans, but those with the smallest sliver of dragon blood will feel the effects."

"…Oh," Cecilia whispered.

Roy felt like his head was going to spin off with all the information he'd learned. Trying to put it together left him able to say only one thing. "I…didn't know that. I was only able to read so much of the book."

A nod of understanding was his father's first response. "The book is written in more developed dragon script, which Ninian never taught you. Nor me. I imagine the only people who know how to translate are the citizens of Arcadia, namely the older ones. You couldn't have known, Roy."

"If I had-" he stopped short as he impulsively looked to Cecilia. The words dried up in his mouth as he fell for her unwavering, blushing stare. Roy felt his heart skip a beat when she reached over and grabbed his hand. "C-Cecilia," he stuttered.

"Roy, as I told you before, I enjoyed the dance, and all that it led to." The stirring sea that was his anxiety, shock, and building worry were immediately soothed. Done so with such ease and calmness-he expected nothing less from her. Apparently, so too did his father, who shot her a look of approval. Cecilia turned her attention from Roy to him. "Lord Eliwood, you knew how events would play out, didn't you?"

Her question, or more accurately, her hypothesis, brought a smile to his face. "I considered it, and found I wasn't against the idea. Especially since it would probably cut back on the abundance of letters Roy's been receiving."

He flinched at his father bringing that up. Although he recognized it as him having some fun at his expense, Roy still wished it wasn't in the presence of his lover. Though he relaxed a bit hearing Cecilia's amused laugh, he still felt a stab of embarrassment. "Well, I…suppose we put a dent in that last night. Hopefully."

"There will be a few who'll be more…defiant. I believe nothing short of a wedding will be enough to get them to give up hope."

"Then I suppose I better get to writing House Pridwen to arrange that." His words caused the two of them to practically bolt up in their seats. Roy looked to his father, then to Cecilia, gaping like a fish. "Hahaha, that is…if you two truly want that."

"We do." Roy looked to Cecilia, their flustered surprised quickly dissipating. It'd vanished the moment they'd spoken in synch. Such an act might have left them more shocked, but as they stared into each other's eyes, they acknowledged they were past that. Far past it. Smiling as well as still holding hands, they looked back to his father. He wore a smile of pleased assurance, no doubt having anticipated a yes of some sort.

"You will be eighteen in less than a month. Not as old as some would prefer, namely your grandmother, but still old enough to be legal. Most likely Cecilia will be there when I formally pass on the title of Marquess to you, Roy."

"And I shall be there long afterward." She definitively, and proudly, proclaimed. Roy squeezed her hand in affirmation. "Although, you mentioned earlier you should perhaps consider writing to my family. Even if it was just a joke, they should probably be notified, especially my mother. I've finally found someone, amongst other things." Despite being in a room with two redheads, her cheeks outshined both. Roy felt like his were trying to catch up to her when Cecilia glanced his way. The unspoken topic was raised in their held gaze, as well as agreed upon to be verbally discussed later. "I shall be by Roy's side, no matter what."

"Then you two have my blessing."

It was a statement that Roy was beyond happy to hear, as was Cecilia. Once more, they looked to one another, overwhelmed by emotion resulting in a sudden embrace. Their chairs scooted away as they hugged one another in plain view of his father; he was a silent observer, and supporter, further showing his blessing of their union.

"I know this may seem a little redundant, but how would you feel about joining me for breakfast, Cecilia? After we send word to your entourage that you're alright." He added that last part with a sudden yet humorous laugh. Only recently did the thought of her servants cross his mind.

"Heh, I do believe it would be for the best I tell them what happened, to an extent. Afterward, yes, Roy, I would love to join you for breakfast." Her eyes looked away, then refocused on him. He was getting used to her cheeks colored red-the color (his color) really did go well with green. "And perhaps maybe…lunch as well?"

He would have her for that, and dinner, and so much more.

Fin


Yet again, this one turned out longer than I expected. Toward the end, it was because I wanted to include that scene with Eliwood instead of saving it for a potential second chapter or sequel. I had a lot of fun writing an older parental Eliwood, which reminded me of how much I wish FE would just let at least one parent live so they can have some good interactions with the main character(s).

As you hopefully picked up on, I stretched the war out to lasting roughly three years, primarily starting with Roy's stint in the Western Isles lasting for roughly half a year. It was also there and then that he started to fill out physically, in no small part thanks to all the physical exercise he got between training and working. By the end of the war, I pictured him looking more like his Super Smash Bros 3D/Wii U appearance.

In keeping with my New Years Resolution, as well as Eliwood/Ninian being one of my favorite pairings, I worked a bit of dragon-centered headcanons into Roy. In fact, it was one of the first ideas I thought of in how to kick off the main event of the story, which was Roy and Cecilia dancing and that leading to sex. It also allowed me to incorporate Ninian and her hobbies into the story despite her having long since passed. I like to think of dancing as the Pherae Family's trait thanks to her.

On the other side of things, it was a bit tricky writing the line between Cecilia remaining dignified and being jealous at all the women coming after Roy. My aim was to balance the two showing that she could handle it most of the time, but certain things could throw her off, like someone pulling the rug out from under her. Personally, I found it synched well with Roy essentially going into heat with his eyes on her.

Reading the manhwa, Keep This a Secret From Mom! gave me a burst of inspiration to write this story. The exact details eluded me for a time, but reading roughly the first quarter of it focused on Hae-sung and Go Suyeon just got me eager to finally do a Roy/Cecilia lemon. A secondary yet still noticeable inspiration were the works of Blast Ketchup, whose written some great stories focusing on Elibe.

Xuajing comes from the Xuannü Jing, a book on sex dedicated to the Chinese goddess of, war, sex, and longevity, Jiutian Xuannü. It was quite surprising looking up love deities and finding China essentially had their own version of Ishtar (Mesopotamian myth), but it turned out to be perfect.

The average marrying age for men in the late middle ages were their early twenties. That said, the average could fluctuate depending on the economic mood and social tensions such as war and unrest. Not to mention nobles could marry young. Between his reputation and age, I like to imagine Roy would indeed be Elibe's most desirable bachelor postwar.

I hope you all enjoyed this story. It was my second time writing Roy/Cecilia, and it probably won't be my last, especially since Cecilia has a rather sexy Christmas alt in Heroes. Let me know what you thought of it and if you have any ideas! Until next time!