Author's Note: I was going to apologise for the delay, but at this point each chapter is just about 20 days apart so I wonder if it's even a delay anymore? Anyway, IRL is keeping me crazy busy, but I managed to get this chapter done before I'm out of town for another week.

Also, this is the 10th chapter, so that's a milestone I guess! I honestly can't really make a prediction on how close to the end we are, because whilst I have a general outline, the chapters tend to grow on their own. In my original draft, this chapter and the previous one were basically meant to be one chapter, but now combined they're near 12k+ words. This chapter alone was actually meant to include more than it did but then next thing you know you're on 6k+.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling. Thank you all once again for your wonderful reviews, they really do make my week when I read them and give me the energy to keep doing my best, not just in writing this story but my daily on-goings. Also thank you so much to Nitewind for the recommendation over on TvTropes! I'll admit, I was checking over there now and then to see if it would ever be added. I'd always hoped my previous works would one day be added on the TvTropes recommended list, so this is weirdly fulfilling for me!

So please enjoy the chapter and I hope you all have a nice day.

Byleth stood beside Edelgard as she addressed the room, his hands folded tightly behind his back and the Sword of the Creator put on clear display for all to see. He had never cowed before anyone before, but he truly did feel like he stood straighter and taller than ever wearing the armour that Edelgard had made for him.

After their sleepless night, the pair had gotten ready for their early morning meetings and met up just over an hour after they parted ways. Byleth, the ambassadors, and the gathered nobles were led into the meeting room, with Edelgard coming in shortly after them to begin the meeting. If he didn't know better, Byleth would say that Edelgard looked no different from normal. Her hair was immaculate as ever, and she kept her imposing presence. But Byleth knew her face and mannerisms well. There was a tiredness to her voice that only ever so slightly undermined the authority in it, and she wore makeup to cover the bags under her eyes. Byleth had known her to do this before, back in her academy days after she hadn't slept. Despite how little sleep she had, Edelgard still handled the meeting, and the room full of nobles, well, but even he could see that the facade was beginning to crack from the endless questioning and finger pointing.

"Your Majesty, we understand that a great victory was won at Derdriu, and that the Alliance forces are now being brought into the fold. So the question remains, why are we not using their newly recruited forces as the vanguard force in our battles? Our forces are already thin enough after five years of war, and no small part of that is precisely BECAUSE of our clashes with those in the Alliance! You do realise how much support they were sending in secret to the Kingdom, correct? Do you not think we should demand severe reparations for these treacherous actions?" One of the Nobles spoke, earning approving nods from some of the others, along with a few disapproving head shakes.

"Whilst we may have brought the Alliance territories back into the fold through conquest, I do not intend to pillage their land and their supplies. Nor do I intend to treat their people, or their soldiers, as beneath those from Adrestian territories. They will join our armies as members of the Adrestian Empire, and all that entails, not as thralls of war. I have no intention of jeopardising the process of fully bringing them into the fold by giving the Nobles there who see us as conquering tyrants even more reason to rally banners against us." Edelgard said. There was heated murmuring in the room, before another noble, a lady that Byleth thought had to be pushing sixty summers, spoke up.

"Your Majesty, all within this room are dedicated to the eventual victory of the Empire in this conflict. Is that not so?" She asked. All in the room nodded in agreement, though those who seemed to staunchly support Edelgard's position nodded hesitantly, as if sensing some sort of trap coming. Edelgard, too, seemed to notice this, as her posture stiffened.

"And we all want to see our proud sons and daughters return home in victory, to be able to enjoy the fruits of the new Fodlan that you will create." She continued, pausing for more murmurs.

"But I must ask, Your Majesty, are you sure you can win this war with our forces as they are now? I know you intend to bring Alliance forces into the fold, but I simply don't think it's enough. All here would agree that the soldiers of the Alliance are of… lesser skill, than those found within our own forces, and even those of the Kingdom and the Knights of Seiros, is that not correct?" She asked. The nods from others varied from proud to reluctant. Byleth didn't move himself, but he did agree with her statement. The rank and file of the Alliance soldiers left… much to be desired.

"When the time comes to march on Faerghus, do you not think we will need our most elite troops, the soldiers of the Empire, to make that final push into the capital, to overthrow the Archbishop and that King once and for all? Yes, it may seem cold… callous, even, to force the Alliance soldiers to the van and have them weaken the enemy, but can we really afford any more losses to our own troops and still win this war? What if the Nobles of the Alliance are simply biding their time until we've exhausted ourselves against the Kingdom, then will strike when we are away and weakened?" She finished, folding her arms and adjusting her spectacles. Byleth glanced at Edelgard. Whilst her face seemed calm and collected, Byleth could see a small trace of frustration on her brow.

"Lady Huss, I understand your concerns, but our forces are more than equipped to deal with the coming battles with the forces currently requested from the Alliance. We have the strength, the will, and the means to see this war through without needing to stoke the flames of mistrust amongst those so recently brought back into the fold. If you fear they intend to stab a dagger into our backs, then this course of action will only give the encouragement they need to go through with it." Edelgard said. Byleth glanced at her, and honestly, he agreed. Between the strength of those within the Black Eagle Strike Force, and the former Golden Deer students who would be joining the fold, they were the most elite fighting force in Fodlan. With the Sword of the Creator at his side, Byleth himself was pretty confident he could hold an entire flank with just a small amount of back-up if the situation called for it.

"We do not doubt the resolve of our forces, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid that the point stands. I am reluctant to commit any more of my troops, and any more of my funds, if we have to fear potential treachery from those… upstart merchants. With my own territory being so close to the border we share with them, I fear for the safety of my family if I send away more soldiers. We also don't have sufficient proof that your soldiers will be enough to win this war as they are." Lady Huss said. Byleth frowned and glanced at Edelgard. The Emperor took a deep breath and gave a small glance at Byleth. Byleth went to speak up, to tell Lady Huss that her doubt her their abilities is honestly insulting, that the students he trained, and his own power, could easily overcome-... But he didn't. This… Was not his place. He had no idea how the politics of the Empire worked, or politics at all. If he spoke up now, he might insult Lady Huss to the point she'd fully withdraw her troops, and it might not end with her. Byleth clenched his teeth, feeling utterly powerless. He wanted to help Edelgard, more than anything he wished he could say the right thing and ease some of the burden on her but… Was it really his place? He was a soldier. A good one, he'd admit, and a commander of high quality but…

"We're going to take a short break. We'll reconvene in half an hour. Please, help yourself to the tea and pastries in the meantime." Edelgard said. She rose and turned to leave through the side door, into a smaller, private chamber. Byleth rose to join her but something about her told him she wanted to be alone with her thoughts, especially as she closed the door behind her. Byleth clenched his teeth harder and looked out over those gathered in the meeting, already whispering quietly amongst themselves. Byleth let out a short sigh and left the room out into the main corridor, walking towards where he knew there to be a balcony overlooking one of the castle's many gardens.

Byleth clenched the stone railing tightly as he arrived, cursing his own indecisiveness. It was a mistake for Edelgard to bring him, he saw that now. Hubert, Ferdinand, at this rate, even Caspar would have been a better choice, he thought.

Byleth was good at one thing. Killing, and teaching others how to kill. He stared at the plated gauntlet of his hand, emblazoned with the proud eagle of Adrestia, and wondered if he truly deserved to wear this. It wasn't just his lack of support of her… She was so exhausted. So unbelievably exhausted. Right now what she needed was rest and care, not being interrogated by that group of vultures. Byleth wanted nothing more than to just ask her to take a day off, and give her the much needed recuperation. At this rate, she was going to burn herself out. But, again, was that his place? Could Edelgard even afford to do that, what would the ramifications be? So should he just do what Hubert would do, encourage her to push on? He just didn't know enough about this to make a judgement call.

"Good morning, good sir. I have brought you a spot of tea."

Byleth turned around to see Luitpold standing behind him, holding up a saucer and a small tea cup. Byleth gave a small smile to the elderly man, and took it gladly.

"Thank you, Luitpold." Byleth said. The butler nodded, adjusting his small, circular spectacles and smiling.

"No thanks needed, my good sir. Serving a trusted advisor of our Emperor is my pleasure, not my burden." He said. Byleth gave him a half-hearted smile. Though the old man meant well, he was just digging the dagger in deeper.

"Is something the matter, good sir?" Luitpold asked. Byleth hesitated. This man was a butler, one Edelgard clearly trusted if he was the one who oversaw the delivery of the armour that meant so much to her, but… Was it safe to confide such things? He had never really confided in anyone but Edelgard before…

"I…" Byleth began. Luitpold said nothing, simply waiting.

"I don't feel like much of an advisor to her, Luitpold. I taught her how to fight well, and how to lead well in battle, and I've been there for her as a trusted ally and supporter, but… I am not sure if I can help her now. I wanted to speak up in support of her in that meeting, but I was worried about potentially jeopardizing her alliances. I've never been trained in statecraft or politics." Byleth said, taking a sip of tea. Luitpold brought a hand up and tweaked his thick grey moustache, looking thoughtful.

"Ah, yes, yes… Quite a conundrum. Politics is tricky business, no doubt. I overhear some of what is said, from time to time, when delivering refreshments, and it all sounds terribly intense, no doubt. Those Noble folk may have a wealth of coin to buy the tallest walls and finest steel, but all the treasure in their coffers can't shore up the fragility of their egos." Luitpold said, before quickly adding. "If I may be so bold to say, of course." Byleth laughed lightly.

"You may, Luitpold. Speak frankly with me, I've had enough of honied words to last a lifetime." Byleth sighed. Luitpold nodded.

"Very well, good sir. Do you trust our Emperor's judgement?" He asked. Byleth nodded.

"Yes, I do." He said.

"Then you trust that if she brought you here, that if she trusts you so deeply, that there are two possibilities. Either she has made a glaring error in judgement, or you have yet to fully realise your own value." Luitpold said. Byleth looked at him curiously, playing the words over in his mind.

"Our Emperor wants you by her side because she gets something from you that the others do not provide. Our Emperor brought you along for that very reason. Now yes, our Emperor could have brought the loyal and focused Count Vestra along, and he no doubt would have handled those Nobles in his own… unique way of doing things, likely with some "encouragement" after the meeting. But our Emperor did not do that. Indeed, our Emperor could have brought along the charming Ferdinand von Aegir, and he would have no doubt won over the attending Nobles with a speech that read like poetry, all whilst he served them the finest teas. But our Emperor did not bring Ferdinand von Aegir either! Our Emperor brought Byleth Eisner! Do not act as the others would, my good sir! For you cannot and should not! For our Emperor does not expect it and, if she wanted it, our Emperor would have brought those good sirs along instead! So the question is, good sir, what do you uniquely offer our Emperor? What can you do for her that only Byleth Eisner can?!" Luitpold said, his voice and enthusiasm raising as his speech went on, his arms motioning wildly as he spoke. Byleth found himself surprisingly moved by the speech finishing the tea and thinking deeply.

Hubert would encourage her to push on and "deal" with the nobles...

Ferdinand would deliver a flowery, charming speech, soothing their egos…

I can't do any such things, but what I can do is simply…

A memory came back to Byleth.

Do you mean it? Even the thought makes me happy...

A smile appeared on Byleth's face.

"Luitpold!" Byleth said, some of the elderly man's enthusiasm infecting him. Luitpold smiled broadly at seeing this.

"Yes good sir?" He asked.

"Send a message to the kitchens! Tell them I have a personal order to make." Byleth said. Luitpold gave a deep bow.

"It will be the greatest of pleasures, good sir!" Luitpold cried. Byleth finished the rest of his tea, handed it back to the elderly butler, and began to explain his plan in detail.

Upon returning to the meeting, Byleth quickly took his position and waited, saying nothing. He kept his face as neutral as possible, going over in his mind once more on what needed to be done. He wasn't exactly one to get nervous, but this was… different. Just like when he'd confessed his love to Edelgard, it was uncharted territory for him, with so many unknown factors. But as he'd pushed through back in the Goddess Tower, he would push through now.

All chatter in the room stopped as Edelgard re-entered. She gave a quiet nod to Byleth and returned to her seat next to him. After a few moments, she took a deep breath.

"We may continue from where we left off." Edelgard said. Two nobles on either side of Lady Huss gave her a meaningful look, moments before she began speaking again.

"Your Majesty, I hope that during the break you had time to reconsider our proposals. The point continues to stand, that we simply can't jeopardise our own elite forces simply to spare Alliance troops, and the risk of treachery is still all too real." Lady Huss said.

"Do you doubt my ability to negotiate with the leaders of the Alliance, Lady Huss?" Edelgard asked.

"Of course not, Your Majesty, I am simply worried that, in your infinitely benevolent nature, you trust those sons and daughters of merchants too much. They would sell their own mothers for a small handful of coin. And assuming we can trust them, I have yet to see any guarantee that our current forces will be enough to claim victory-"

"I can guarantee it."

The elderly woman's mouth hung agape at the interruption. If it had been her Emperor who had been the source of it, she might have taken it in stride. But after not saying a word all day, no one was expecting the Emperor's stone faced general to speak up.

"Excuse me?" Lady Huss asked. Byleth glanced at Edelgard, who was looking at him with slight shock.

"Professor?" She asked. Byleth swallowed hard.

"I can guarantee it, Lady Huss." Byleth repeated.

"And how do you intend to prove such a thi- Ah!" Lady Huss gasped, along with the other nobles in the room, as Byleth drew the Sword of the Creator.

"With this. With this blade I could split mountains if I willed it. With this blade I can shatter armies by myself. With this blade, I can face down the Archbship Rhea, the King of Faerghus, and even the Goddess herself. I am the son of the famed Jeralt Eisner, the Blade Breaker. All he knew he taught to me, and I in turn, taught to my students. As I vouch for each of them being worth two-dozen soldiers in combat, do I vouch for the honour of those within the Alliance who we will entreat with. I knew many of those leaders during their times as students within the Academy. They will not betray any deal we make with them." Byleth said. Lady Huss visibly bristled.

"No one doubts the power of that blade, General Eisner, and no one doubts the skill of the late Jeralt Eisner, but how can you-" Byleth once again interrupted her.

"I have fought and defeated the Death Knight in combat. I fought Rhea myself at the Siege of Garreg Mach, and handed her defeat before she assumed her true form. I defeated Claude von Riegan as the siege of Derdriu. I have lived and breathed battle my whole life, Lady Huss, and more than that, I have a vested interest in seeing that we actually win this war for the true reasons we fight it, for Fodlan. Not for my own personal gain." Byleth said. It was not a direct accusation, but the implication was obvious.

"If I thought that we would lose this war without the additional Alliance troops, I would speak up. It is as simple as that." Byleth said. The room was dead silent. Byleth spared a glance at Edelgard, who's brow was furrowed, her mind clearly working a mile a minute.

"But-" Lady Huss began, before being interrupted, this time by Edelgard.

"Lady Huss, you fear retaliation from the Alliance, yet the territory across the Airmid river is held by the Gloucester family, is it not? And it is the Gloucester family who is currently overseeing talks and negotiations with Count Bergliez. The Gloucester family has ever been loyal to the Empire, even in recent times. If there were to be a hypothetical attack into your territory, do you not think that the Gloucester family would hear of it first and take action?" Edelgard asked. Lady Huss's mouth formed a thin line. She stayed silent for several moments, clearly trying to think of a way to turn this situation to her favour. Eventually she let our a short exhale of breath.

"You are correct, Your Majesty. It would appear that my worries were… misplaced." She said.

"Misplaced as they were, your intentions were, I am sure, pure, Lady Huss." Edelgard said. She turned to Byleth and gave him a small smile.

"Now onto the next matter." Edelgard said. There was quiet murmuring amongst those in the room, before another Noble who had mostly kept his quiet spoke up. He was clean shaven, with tightly cropped greying hair, his face kept in an almost permanent scowl.

"Well, Your Majesty, there is still the matter of you being unwed. As it stands, there are many suitors looking to take your hand, not simply from the Empire alone. We are wasting a potential powerful, strategic alliance the longer you put this off. Even the talk that you spurn any suitor is already damaging the possibility of alliances we might possibly make from either the Alliance or the Kingdom. Securing loyalty in such a way, it is simply another duty of the Emperor. You know this." He said. Byleth glanced at Edelgard, who's face had gone to stone. Byleth looked back at the Noble who had been speaking. To Byleth's ear, untrained as it was, it truly seemed that he was speaking out of concern for the Empire, not looking to further his own standing. He didn't seem to at all be suggesting any of his own sons.

Alas, it didn't matter. Byleth took a deep breath, and readied himself for the next step of the plan.

"My good sir," Byleth said, trying to mask the fact he didn't actually know the Noble's name, "And all other attendees. I'm afraid the meeting is going to have to be cut short." Byleth said. All those in attendance, and even Edelgard, were looking at him in shock.

"Cut short…?" Lady Huss asked.

"Professor?" Edelgard whispered.

"During our brief recess a letter arrived of utmost importance to not only the safety of the Adrestian Empire, but the Emperor herself. I'm afraid that, until we can take the first step towards dealing with this matter, the contents of that letter simply cannot be revealed to anyone but Her Majesty. As one of the top generals of the Empire's forces, I consider all matters of state to be inconsequential when the very safety of our Emperor is at stake. I assume all in attendance would agree with this?" Byleth asked. Each nodded in turn. Some… Reluctantly. Byleth made sure to remember their faces.

"Your Majesty…" Byleth said, turning to Edelgard.

"Please, at your will, let me escort you to safety. Your honour guard have already been called for. We can discuss the letter in private." Byleth said. Edelgard nodded. As she stood from her chair, the nobles began to speak amongst themselves in a flurry.

"General Eisner! What is the nature of this danger?" One cried.

"A-are we in danger presently? Is the capital in danger?!" Another asked. Byleth extended his hand.

"Enbarr is in no present danger. This is a long term ordeal, but one we must act on swiftly. If proper actions are taken now, then disaster will be averted in the future." Byleth said. This seemed to appease the nobles somewhat. Byleth placed a hand on the hilt of the Sword of the Creator, just for show, and began to walk towards the exit, Edelgard following quickly behind. As he opened the door, Alberich and Magnus were already there in full armour.

"General Eisner. Your Majesty. Come with us, please." Magnus said. Byleth glanced back, noting the shock in Edelgard's eyes, but she managed to keep her expression neutral.

"You may continue to discuss what you wish with my ambassadors, or return to your own rooms. Dinner will be served in the main hall within a few hours, so please be well until this matter is resolved." Edelgard said to the room, and followed quickly after Byleth.

They walked in silence, Magnus and Alberich leading, Byleth behind them, followed by Edelgard. She said nothing as they walked, though Byleth knew she suspected something wasn't quite right with his story. He imagined that suspicion only increased as it became increasingly obvious they were heading to her personal chambers. As they finally arrived outside the door of their destination, Byleth looked back at Edelgard. Her expression was unreadable.

"My personal chambers?" She asked, a small hint of… accusation in her voice.

"Alberich. Magnus. Thank you. I can take it from here." Byleth said. The pair bowed, and left without saying a word. Edelgard regarded Byleth quietly, allowing the exhaustion on her face to show clearly now they were alone.

"My Teacher, what is this about? I know that any such letter would have gotten to me before it got to you, so what…?" Edelgard began, slowly trailing off as Byleth opened the door to her room. The curtains were pulled far back, letting the morning sun directly hit what Byleth had ordered placed in her room.

A table with a simple white cloth thrown over it had been placed at the centre of the room, along with an assortment of empty plates stacked up on either edge. Taking up the bulk of the table itself, was an assortment of pastries, sweets and various other sugary foods, along with a large pot of tea.

"I…" Edelgard said. She'd already made it clear she suspected he was planning something. Her reaction showed it wasn't this.

"There was no letter. But my point stands. This is a matter that concerns the health of the Emperor. Of you, El." Byleth said, walking into the room and closing the door as Edelgard followed him in.

"I… Sweets and tea?" Edelgard asked, incredulous. Byleth nodded.

"You… You interrupted an important diplomatic meeting with allies who's aid we need, people who are looking for any chance they can get to get an advantage over me… Led them to believe there was some plot afoot endangering the very life of the Emperor… For… Tea and sweets?" Edelgard asked. Byleth looked at her simply. There wasn't even a slither of doubt in his mind about his actions.

"I did." Byleth said. Edelgard looked at him in continued shock.

"My Teacher… What-" Edelgard began.

"You're pushing yourself too hard, El. If you continue like this, handling important diplomatic meetings when you're so exhausted you're fit to collapse, then you will end up giving those people the advantage they want. If we're to rebuild Fodlan after this war, we're going to need you. Your vision, your drive, your ability to hold this entire Empire together. Hubert may always encourage you to push onward, no matter what, but he is not here, and I am not Hubert. Have you forgotten one of the first lessons I taught you and the others? About "being a hero?" Byleth asked. Edelgard took a shaky breath.

"Trying to continue the fight when you're fit to drop is not bravery, it is foolishness. You'll get yourself killed, along with those who are now distracted trying to save you." Edelgard said. Byleth nodded. He didn't feel the need to explain further, he could already see the look of realisation on Edelgard's face.

"El. As one of your closest and most trusted advisors… And as someone who loves you, please. Rest. Today, with me, rest. For all our sakes. We can't do this without you. And I can't go on without you, either." Byleth said. Edelgard stayed silent for a moment, her stern, stunned face eventually cracking into disbelieving laughter.

"My Teacher… My Love. I've always known you were unconventional, it is one of the many things that made me fall for you… But…" Edelgard interrupted herself with laughter once more.

"To… To tell such a brazen, such an extreme lie to such a powerful group of people, so you could whisk me away to eat sweets with me all day?" Edelgard asked, wiping a tear of mirth away. Byleth reached behind him, grabbing a flavour of tart he knew she was fond of, and offered it to her.

"Well, do you want one?" Byleth asked. Edelgard looked at the tart, then at Byleth. She took a step forward, grabbed Byleth's arms and pulled him into a kiss, one that, not to Byleth's displeasure, kept being interrupted by Edelgard's beaming smile and laughter.

Edelgard let herself submerge into the bath, trying to not pay attention to her bloated stomach from what was, she had to admit, no small amount of indulgence of the sweets. Even now, many hours later, the smile wouldn't leave her face. She'd almost turned down the bath that Byleth had gotten prepared for her, purely because she didn't want to leave his side. As a small compromise, he stood outside the door as a guard, both allowing her to have her privacy, and still being just one call away from her.

Over the course of several hours, she and Byleth had nearly cleared the table. Well, truly, it was mostly her, as Byleth didn't have much of a sweet tooth, but it truly did feel good to indulge. As they talked, she had brought up a conversation she and Byleth had had many years ago, about how she longed for a day of simple idling and gorging herself on sweets. Back then, he had promised they would do it together one day. The thought alone had made her unspeakably happy, but she never thought it would ever come true, especially since it was only a week later that he had disappeared during the siege of Garreg Mach.

Once again she mused at the bizarreness of it all. Byleth had never been one to care much for tradition but… even for him, this was bold. Of course, it made her happy. She cared little for tradition herself, after all. Being limited by the nonsensical traditions of the past was just…

Yet still there are those who do care for it, with many of them being important allies she can't afford to lose. As deeply as she wanted to declare that there wouldn't be any suitors, as she had already found her beloved… Right now, she needed to dangle such a tantalizing possibility of marrying into the Imperial bloodline in front of these people. It would keep them loyal, for now…

Edelgard sighed, letting the water completely soak over her and dipping her head under. Byleth had been right. If Hubert had been here, he'd be in a fit of panic over seeing her neglect her duties like this, and she almost swore she could hear his voice at the back of her mind telling her to get back to her work. But, whilst she had always known Hubert was right, Byleth was right, too. Whilst he was mostly motivated by his love for her, she had to admit, handling such important negotiations when she was so exhausted was… dangerous. It had completely slipped her mind that the Gloucester family held the territory nearest to Lady Huss' until Byleth had mentioned the former Golden Deers. Such a blunder never would have happened if she'd had her wits about her. Edelgard came up for air, pushing her silver hair out of her eyes. She'd been relaxing here only a short while, but already she was eager to get out and rejoin Byleth for the rest of the evening. A small, particularly bold, particularly tradition breaking side of her almost considered calling him to come in and join her…

A thought that ended when she looked at her body. The refraction of the water obscured them, but she knew the myriad of scars to be there. Scars from battle and scars from the experiments. Along her arms, down her legs, her stomach, the most grievous of all being at the centre of her chest. An ugly, deformed gash that never healed properly. Her skin was utterly marred, not at all smooth and soft as one would expect of a lady of noble birth. She closed her eyes, looking away from it. Deep down, she knew that Byleth wouldn't care. That he would smile at her in that comforting way and take her in his arms, kiss her, then lay her down…

She shook her head as if to dislodge the thought. She long ago came to realise that, when it came to her own insecurities, logic often did little to scare them away. It didn't matter if she knew on an intellectual level that Byleth would accept her, even the smallest possibility of him being appalled at what he saw gave her pause. Edelgard sighed again, running her hands through her hair. It was something she'd have to face eventually. But not tonight. Edelgard spent a bit more time relaxing in the water, shampooing her hair and applying a body rub to her skin, before finally washing off and getting out to dry. She stood in-front of her mirror, letting the water drip off onto the towel beneath her feet, and studied herself once again, looking at each and every scar in turn. Remembering the cut of the cold steel, feeling the hot blood running down as she was strapped to the table, helpless to-

She jumped in shock at a knock on the door.

"El? Are you alright?" Byleth called. Edelgard let out a shaky breath.

"Y-yes. I'm fine, My Teacher." Edelgard replied.

"Alright. Hadn't heard any noise in a while and we both know you can't swim." Byleth said. Edelgard gave an exasperated laugh.

"That tub is not deep enough for me to swim in, My Teacher." She said.

"I don't want to take any chances. I don't intend to be drawn and quartered because I let the Emperor drown in her own tub. That's assuming Hubert doesn't get to me first with a far worse fate." Byleth said. Edelgard felt warmth blossom in her chest, memories of the past forgotten. She walked toward the door, leaving her towel behind. Shaking slightly, she slowly moved her hand to the door handle and…

Drew it back.

How I want you to see me, My Love but… Not yet… I'm not ready just yet. She thought.

"Byleth?" Edelgard said.

"El?" Byleth replied, clear surprise in his voice to hear her so close, and saying his name at that.

"Thank you for today. I needed it." Edelgard said.

"The day isn't over yet, El. We still have the rest of the evening." Byleth said. Edelgard smiled warmly.

"Yes… We do…" She replied. Turning and grabbing her towel, Edelgard finished drying off and changed into more comfortable clothes, finally inviting Byleth back in. After a while, Luitpold arrived with two maids to help retrieve the bathtub and bring in an assortment of evening snacks and beverages. They passed the rest of the evening chatting idly away, making plans for the future, places they'd go, things they'd do, that both knew wouldn't happen for many, many years.

Before the sun had fully set, Edelgard was yawning, sleep heavy on her eyelids. Her exhaustion had finally caught up with her, it seems.

"You should rest, El." Byleth said. She smiled in return.

"As should you, My Love, you slept as little as I did." She replied.

"Without the burden of nightmares." Byleth said. Her smile lessened slightly.

"I think this day has been restful… and joyful enough that I will be without them tonight. I know you're worried that stepping on the toes' of the nobles could have dire consequences for me, but… I'm glad you took the initiative, My Love." Edelgard said.

"When it comes to taking initiative, I learned from the best." Byleth said, giving her a small grin. Edelgard grinned herself.

"Well, you're not wrong there." She said, yawning. She had been putting this off for as long as possible, she didn't want to be away from him, and who only knew when they'd get another day like this.

"Alright, El. Let's get some sleep." Byleth said, standing up. Edelgard hesitated a moment.

I can't let him take the initiative all the time now, can I? I may not be ready for some things quite yet, but…

"Byleth… You don't have to go." Edelgard said.

"Hm?" Byleth asked. Edelgard stood up now too, slowly walking over to him.

"You could stay… You could sleep here." Edelgard said, smiling.

"...Hm?" Byleth replied again, eyes a little too wide.

"I don't want to be apart from you." Edelgard said simply. Byleth's eyes flickered to the door, then to the bed, then back to her.

"I… El… That's not the…" Byleth said. Edelgard gave a soft smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek.

"I just want you to sleep here, My Love." Edelgard said. Byleth inhaled sharply, nervously glancing at the door again.

"Is that… appropriate?" Byleth asked. Edelgard gave a small, confident smile.

"Of course not. It would be the scandal of the decade. And it's incredibly risky. It goes against every expectation of me as a Noble woman." Edelgard said. Byleth inclined his head slightly.

"Now I'm starting to think this is purely because you're looking for another tradition of the nobility to break." Byleth said wryly. Edelgard let out a short laugh.

"I'll admit I do get a certain enjoyment from breaking their antiquated customs." Edelgard said.

"And.. It's risky, if they find out…" Byleth said. Edelgard simply continued to smile.

"If Rhea had found out I was the Flame Emperor she would have killed me. She tried to, actually. I've never let risk stop me from chasing after what I want, My Love, and right now, I want you by my side. We can feasibly get away with this here, my quarters are so isolated. When we return to Garreg Mach…? We won't get a chance." Edelgard said. Byleth once again glanced at the bed, then back to the door. Edelgard leaned onto her tiptoes, and kissed him gently.

"Byleth…" She whispered. Byleth gave a weak smile.

"Ha… I've never been able to deny you anything, have I, El?" Byleth asked. Edelgard gave a small smile of triumph, and pulled him into a deeper kiss.

After attending to a few night time rituals, and Edelgard ensuring that her honour guard would make sure that no one was to come up to her quarters, Edelgard returned to her room dressed in a very concealing nightgown. Her eyes fixed on Byleth, who was standing by the window, gazing out at the starry sky.

"Byleth." She called. Byleth looked back at her and smiled.

"You look-" He began.

"Please, My Love. I'm dressed down to sleep. Don't try and compliment me." She said lightly. Byleth gave a small grin and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Edelgard pulled the drapes shut and blew the candles out, before working her way over to the bed in the dark, feeling forward with her hands. As she felt them touch Byleth, she pushed him back onto the bed, encouraging him to move up to make room and get under the blankets. As Byleth made room for her, the pair laid side by side for several minutes, not moving, not speaking, not touching. Even though she'd taken the initiative, now that they were here, she felt… very shy. Slowly, she reached her hand across the sheets, and found Byleth's.

"Byleth…?" Edelgard asked.

"Yes?" He replied. She prepared herself mentally for a second, before rolling onto her side, facing away from him.

"Please… Hold me." She whispered. For a few moments, Byleth didn't move, and she was worried he was too nervous to, or had actually fallen asleep, but at last she felt his weight shifting as he started to lean against her. Edelgard took his arm and wrapped it around her stomach, before nuzzling herself into him. She could feel her face resting against her hair, and his breath breathing down her neck made her shiver slightly.

"Sleep well, Byleth… I love you." Edelgard said.

"I love you, too, El." Byleth replied, tightening his grip on her. The pair didn't speak after that. She simply basked in his warmth, and the feeling of closeness to him. A small part of her still couldn't believe it was happening. Byleth… Her teacher… Her guiding light. From the man who's skill she had respected, to the man she had come to see as a mentor, to the man she came to love. She had never thought he would side with her, yet alone fall in love with her, as she did him. Yet… Now she was in bed, wrapped in his embrace.

When sleep finally claimed her, she dreamt not of her siblings pleading for help, or of the cold, metal knives piercing her flesh. She dreamt of a quiet, unassuming village by a river, of her and Byleth reading to a group of children with a mix of black hair and lavender eyes. She was not the Emperor, and he was not her general. And unlike those children they had read to back in the Alliance lands, these children were their own. That night, Edelgard rested more soundly than she had in over a decade.

Author's note: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Don't fear, this fic isn't going to suddenly go all M rated out of no where! But it's an important element of any relationship, so expect aspects of it to be explored in the future. Having said that, this is (possibly because I might get new ideas) the last fluffy chapter for a while. I haven't decided if I'm going to write the paralogues yet, namely Edelgard's and the Petra/Bernie ones. It's something I'm gonna think over, but either way we'll be returning to some good plot soon. As I'm sure you all know, the counter siege of Garreg Mach is coming up and I have quite a lot of fun ideas to really add my own twist to that. Anyway, see you all soon