Chapter Text
1
Byleth made her rounds around the monastery as she checked in on her students. The events that passed within the Holy Tomb still shook her. She had sensed the darkness within Dimitri that was behind the charming smile. Byleth just wasn’t aware how far down those scars tore into him, nor the strength he possessed when his conscience wasn’t holding him back. There was a part of her that understood the want for Edelgard’s head. Byleth tasted the bloodlust herself when she remembered seeing the Flame Emperor with those responsible for Jeralt’s death.
Byleth ran a hand through her hair as she felt the old itch to draw her sword as her mind went back to that day. Her father’s death still felt raw to her. She had never felt so much emotion pour through her all at once. Even Edelgard had given Byleth condolences and that memory made Byleth burn with questions as to how sincere it was.
Edelgard was smart, and her schemes had been working out brilliantly, but it was something she said at Remire and even some of their conversations here at the monastery that made Byleth hesitate. Edelgard had been angry and condescending towards Kronya and the unknown mage when she talked of Duscur. The three of them had been conspiring together, but what was their relationship? The mage had called Edelgard their greatest creation, but did that mean that Edelgard was guilty of their crimes?
Byleth tried remembering how old Dimitri would have been when the incident occurred and that Edelgard was around the same age. Could a fourteen-year-old really participate or plan something like that? No, Byleth didn’t believe that either. Edelgard did not approve of the actions that were taken and the disdain had been thick in her voice. Edelgard might be working with them, but Byleth felt that Edelgard was using them to gain the power and numbers to accomplish whatever goal she had. Byleth didn’t think that Edelgard had anything to do with Duscur, but Dimitri was a different story.
Byleth took a calming breath as her thoughts went back to her house leader. Dimitri was angry enough for the both of them. She should not feed the flames of his hatred or they would both burn to ashes. Seeking revenge earned her the loss of Sothis, and it didn’t make the pain go away. In the end, her father was still gone and she couldn’t do a single thing to save him. Solon could have easily killed her students while she and Sothis were trapped too. Her rage had been destructive to everyone around her and she didn’t want Dimitri following that path. He would lose himself along the way if he let it consume him.
Byleth pondered the change in Dimitri they were witnessing. She had sensed his darkness, but had yet to see it in his kind and helpful gestures. His outburst at Remire had disturbed a few of the other students. Perhaps it was finally having a target within reach and realizing it was someone you cared about? It was easy to fight an enemy that you didn’t know, a faceless shadow. When it turned out to be someone whose company you enjoyed at some point, considered family, that sort of betrayal would cut to the core.
When Byleth walked into the training grounds her thoughts scattered. Felix was training as usual, but the look of disgust on his face was breaking through his usual concentration. Dedue and Dimitri seemed to be arguing. Whatever this was, Dedue felt strongly about it enough to question it. Dimitri was looking worse for wear and Byleth could see that his calm demeanor was shattered.
Dedue bowed when he caught sight of her. “Professor, His Highness has been complaining of worsening headaches and I fear he needs to rest. Can you please talk to him? He will listen if it comes from you.”
Dimitri had an edge to his voice when he replied that he was fine. Byleth didn’t believe it for a moment. She curled her hand under her chin as she debated on what to do. Dimitri’s body language was like a string being pulled too tight. Felix muttered about a reckless boar that was getting sloppy with his footwork and wild swings beside her. Dimitri’s glare went to Felix first before he set his jaw and looked away. When Dimitri’s gaze finally met hers she saw anger burning bright within.
“Dimitri, will you please come with me? We need to devise a strategy at how best to get you past the troops to where she will be leading from.” Byleth asked, reaching her hand out to him.
Dimitri stared at it a moment but didn’t take it. He did come to her side with a feral look in his eyes. “I will have her head. I’ll listen to what you have planned.”
Byleth nodded to Dedue and he bowed to her again. Felix tsked and turned his back to them. Byleth began walking with Dimitri at her side. She ignored his growling about revenge as she went straight ahead and turned to her room. It was the closest place and private so if her plan did work his rest wouldn’t be disturbed. He stopped at the bottom of the steps and looked at her wide-eyed.
“Professor, that’s your private quarters.” He was blushing slightly as he had stopped midstride.
Byleth didn’t know what she felt seeing it. Happy didn’t seem right, but she was still new to the emotions that had started growing as she began to experience more of them with her students. That response was more like the Dimitri she had come to know, the one that would reach something just to be able to brush his hand with hers, and apologize if she took notice of it.
She held the door open and waited for him. He swallowed before taking tentative steps towards her. Byleth sighed as he brushed past her. It was relief that she felt, she realized. Relief that even for a moment that he wasn’t cursing or growling about revenge. She locked the door behind them so they wouldn’t be interrupted.
“Take a seat. I want to get some tea ready before we talk.” Byleth used her flames to warm up the water she kept nearby. She grabbed some chamomile tea bags, knowing already that he was partial to the scent, if not the taste.
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Dimitri clenched his hands as he cursed himself for his nervousness. Her movements were fluid as she found what she needed. She applied just the right amount of magic to get the water boiling. He complied with her request, looking between the desk chairs and her bed. Since she placed the tea items on the desk he sat on the bed. His dark thoughts scattered.
For the first moment since the Holy Tomb, his mind seemed to be his own again. He looked around. The room was similar to his and the other student’s rooms. There were a few things that were unique to hers, like the bulletin board on the wall that she kept schedules on.
She kept the floor tidy, but there were still spots on the desk and on top of the dresser that seemed cluttered. She had a basket of odds and ends and he would swear he had seen that item in Ingrid’s possession last week. Byleth distracted his thoughts as she took off her cape and laid it on the chair as soon as the teabags were in the pot. He had seen her without it before when she trained, but in this setting, he felt more heat rise on his face.
“We should let it brew a few minutes before we partake. I don’t think I have anything to go with it, though. I didn’t actually plan on this beforehand or I would have been more prepared.” Byleth dug through her cabinet as she pulled out a few empty boxes.
Dimitri wondered if she knew how adorable her face looked at that moment. Her face started getting more expressions lately as she opened up to them. Byleth seemed disappointed. She came over and sat down onto the bed next to him. The sinking mattress tilted him towards her, their hands touched and he felt a shock go up his arm.
How he wished he didn’t have the gloves on at this moment. He still marveled at how she had completely charmed him. After the battles, she used the faith magic that she learned to help her students with minor injuries, and left the larger ones to Mercedes. There was the time an enemy blade had nicked his face that was still fresh in his memory. She took his face into her hands to get the angles she wanted. Her inspection had brought her face close enough for their breath to mingle. It sent his heart and mind racing. It helped him realize how much he liked her.
Dimitri tried to confess at the Goddess Tower. The voices laughed and jeered at her rejection in her silence. It was too late for him to stop when she finally opened her mouth, but he saw the way her face changed when he mentioned that it was a joke. It was only for a moment but she had been hurt by his words.
He had been careless, both with the confession itself and with her feelings. He should have stood there and taken the rejection, given her a chance so they could clear the air. She hadn’t mentioned it since that night, but then again her world spiraled shortly after.
He was thankful that she had chosen to lead the Blue Lion house, chosen him. Then his mind went back to the Holy Tomb, he had brushed off her touch. He didn’t deserve her kindness. His crest could have activated in the state he was in and he could have broken one of her bones. He looked away from her and started to move his hand. She grabbed it back and he looked up at her in shock. His breath caught with how close as her face was to his. Her gaze was searching his expression.
Her other hand came up to stroke his cheek. “We all have some sort of monster inside of us Dimitri, I’m not afraid of you, nor do you have a reason to avoid me. When Jeralt was murdered, I was thankful for how eager you were to help me. I’m still not sure how to deal with my emotions and I can tell that even though you know what they feel like you still struggle from the burden of them. I know what it’s like for your mind to keep you awake. I will help you get Edelgard, just as you helped bring me Kronya, but it doesn’t help with the feelings of loss. I want to be here for you too, but I won’t force you to accept my help.”
She put her forehead against his and squeezed his hand before getting up. She started gathering up the cups and lifting the lid to look at the color of the tea. Dimitri still found it hard to breathe. Her closeness had his heart pounding as he thought about her words. He was glad he had the professor on his side. He pulled off his gloves so he could actually feel her if she came close again.
He tried to get his heavy tongue to work. “Professor, I…”
She looked back at him for a moment. “Dimitri, would you please use my name? It’s Byleth, if you’ve forgotten.”
He smirked. As if he could forget when she introduced herself. He only used the title out of respect for her position. As much as he hated his own title, he should know that she was tired of her own. To use her name would indicate a familiarity that could easily be misinterpreted by outsiders, but here in this room, it was only the two of them.
She turned her attention back to the tea. “Oh, also I meant to tell you all. I found Jeralt’s diary. I was apparently born in 1159 here at the monastery.”
Dimitri blinked rapidly as he processed that information. She was only a few years older than he was. All of the students commented on how young she looked, but Dimitri never entertained the thought that her age was so close to his own. She was their professor, and she always had an aura of experience around her that made her seem wiser than her years.
He heard the rattle of the cup as it and the saucer shook from her hands. “Um… there’s something else, but please don’t tell the others. Please keep it secret as I’ve kept the ones you’ve given me.”
“You can trust me, Byleth.” He loved the sound of her name on his lips. Everyone called her Professor, and even Jeralt had usually called her kid. He barely heard her name spoken. This was something only he would have.
What he didn’t expect was for her to start undressing. She left her top half only covered by the undershirt that protected her skin from the metal. She came over to him and bent down, with both arms on either side of him. Her chest was in front of his face. She sucked in her breath before she took her arms and hugged his face to her chest.
Dimitri was glad she couldn’t see his expression, to see the hunger it caused him. He wrapped his own arms around her and held her there as his mind silenced its talk of revenge completely. Instead, another beast rose, but this one he wasn’t scared of. His hands wanted to trail down and explore. He slipped his hands under her shirt to feel the soft skin of her back. His head was still at her chest and he could hear her breath become more rapid, but it took him a moment to realize what he wasn’t hearing.
He pulled his head back in alarm “Byleth, why don’t I hear……”
Her gaze was sad, but her expression didn’t change. “My father didn’t know what Lady Rhea did to me, but I think it has to do with the fact that I bear the Crest of Flames. If you want nothing more to do with me then I understand, but I still want to help you. I love all my Lions, but you, I can’t explain what I feel, because it’s something that I’ve never dealt with before.”
She pulled back from him, and his arms fell to his sides as his mind whirled with questions. She poured the tea and he barely caught a glimpse of her face as a single tear fell. She reached up and touched it with a puzzled expression. Without thinking about it, he stood up and embraced her from behind.
“I could never hate you Byleth, especially for something that was not yours to control. It just surprised me, I am sorry if my lack of speech or actions hurt your feelings.” His hands snaked under her shirt again to touch her warm skin.
She put her hand over his and looked back at him with a dazzling smile. He was reluctant, he noticed, to let her go from his grasp. She trusted him with a secret that no one else knew, let her name grace his lips, and didn’t protest this breach in physical contact. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against her back as thoughts of what he’d like to do to her passed through his mind. Goddess knows Sylvain talked about it enough, teasing him sometimes because he had never really been with a woman. Dimitri wasn’t here at the Academy to play, and none of them had captured his interest like Byleth.
All of the Lions would tease him for being so obvious when it came to her. Sylvain had taunted him for weeks after Byleth gave him a garland. The girls had only told her that it was for a close friend that you could always depend on, but even then his mind had wandered to what it would be like if Byleth did want to be with him like that. He let go of her before he did something that either of them might regret. He missed her warmth immediately.
She grabbed a cup and held it out for him. “I’d like for you to sleep with me, Dimitri. I want you to rest for the coming battle. I don’t know what I’d do if you slipped up because of exhaustion and I lost you. I’ll be here in case you wake up from nightmares to help soothe any demons that might be chasing you from the dreams. I haven’t slept that well either and I could benefit from a nap too. I think it would feel nice to have your warmth chase away the cold that keeps squeezing at my heart when I think about the future.”
Dimitri had to force his mouth to shut after he gaped at her first sentence. He took the cup and quickly took a sip as warmth crept over his face. Chamomile, his favorite, its scent settled his nerves a little. He was sure she didn’t realize what that action would implicate, but she also phrased it differently than what Sylvain talked about when he slept with a woman. She wanted to actually sleep, not the other context, but the thought still made him hard thinking about being that close to her, to share her bed...
“If you don’t want to then I,' she took a sip of her tea. 'Then I ask that you at least get some kind of sleep. I grabbed some herbs from the greenhouse if they’ll help you.”
He almost spilled his cup. “No, I want to… I’m… it’s just… it is usually only couples that share a bed.”
“Couples…” she mused before her eyes widened. “Oh.”
A cute blush crept over her cheeks. Dimitri reached out to put a hand on her face. “I know I do not deserve someone as good as you, but if you could accept me Byleth, I’d love nothing more than for you to be mine.”
She nipped at his finger that brushed close to her lips gently as he heard her put her cup down.
Her gaze held something different that he hadn’t seen before. “Dimitri…I… I was the Ashen Demon. I know what it’s like to be a killer too, but you and the others have been teaching me things I’ve never experienced before. You, in particular, I can’t explain this feeling because I’ve never had it before. I will make the same promise you made to me, I want to be by your side, until the bitter end.”
He put his cup down, it was rattling from his trembling hands as he continued to listen to her speak.
“There is one thing… if you rise as King of Faerghus can someone like me stay at your side? I know the nobles all talk about pedigree and how important choosing a partner is.”
“Byleth…” He placed both hands on her face as he brought his lips to hers. At first, she barely moved or responded but, as he was about to pull back, it was like a spark was ignited. She moaned past his lips and returned the kiss as she buried one hand in his hair and wrapped the other around his back. He trembled at the ferocity and answered it, moving his hands to embrace her. When their lips broke apart her face was flush and her lips swollen.
He bit her lower lip before leaning his forehead against hers. “I don’t give a damn about politics. As king, I will make my own choices and I promise you here and now that I won’t let anyone take you away from me. You’ll be mine, now and forever.”
She smiled. “Just like in the Goddess Tower, you have me at a loss for words. I’m sorry I didn’t have a response for you then.”
Byleth started to pull back towards the bed and he followed her movements. He let her go as she sat down and took off the rest of her armor pieces and boots. She left her undershirt, shorts, and tights on. Dimitri fumbled with the more stifling of his clothes and armor. When all that was left was his black pants and blue undershirt he debated on also taking off the shirt, but he wasn’t sure how far he was allowed.
He wanted to feel as much of her skin against him as he could and the high collar felt like it was going to choke him. He started to pull up his shirt and caught a small quirk of her lips as she watched him. That was all the encouragement he needed. He took off the belt, but would leave the pants on for now unless she undressed more.
He got onto the bed with her. “Is that still comfortable to sleep in?”
He rubbed a hand against the lacy fabric that covered her legs. It felt better than he had imagined. She shrugged and pulled him onto the bed to lay with her. His mind whirled and he wondered how he would manage to sleep with as fast as his heart was beating. She had kept her arms around him, one beneath his head and the other near his waist. Her body was flush with his and he tried to keep all the impure thoughts out of his head as he felt himself harden for her. He saw her curious look before the hand on his waist traveled down to cup him. He hissed from pleasure and her hand was gone in an instant. He almost whimpered.
She moved back. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was curious about what I was feeling. I’m sorry.”
“No, quite the contrary it felt a little too good,” he replied with a chuckle. Then another thought struck him. “Byleth, have you ever been with a man before?”
“The mercenaries talked about being with women, but Jeralt usually wouldn’t let them talk about it when I was around. Sylvain talks about it a little too much, but as his professor, I figured I’d get a yelling at from Seteth if I didn’t try to reel in those impulses of his. I’ve never had feelings like this with anyone before so no curiosity led me to seek a man out, much less do anything like this. The other meaning wasn’t my intention when I asked you to join me to sleep. Right now I want you to rest.”
Dimitri leaned forward and embraced her. “I know, and I’m not asking for it today. Being with you like this is enough for now. There are so many things I need to thank you for. You are wonderful. If you were watching over another house, I’m not sure I would be able to bring myself to fight you on the battlefield. More than that, I am glad I have such a trustworthy companion at my side.”
Byleth nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. “We will bring those that caused Duscur to justice, but please don’t be rash. You aren’t alone in this Dimitri. If we find that Edelgard is involved then I will help deliver her head to you, but I think it’s best if we use her to lead us to those responsible.”
His anger rose as he flipped her underneath him, pinning her arms with his hands. “Why are you bringing that up now?”
Byleth’s eyes seem to stare into him. “I was hoping now that you seem calmer you would see a bit of reason. Do you remember that conversation we eavesdropped on? They talked about her being their greatest creation, but after that. She said that there would be no saving the souls of those that participated in Duscur and her tone wasn’t guilty, it was angry. The mage replied it was to achieve their goals, to give her the strength she needed, but I don’t think that she herself had a hand in it.”
Dimitri's fingers dug into her skin. “It doesn't matter. If she is working with those who will commit such atrocities, she can suffer the same fate as them. I won’t let you sway me from what needs to be done.”
Byleth shook her head. “I will not sway you from what you believe, I just don’t want you to be blinded by the monsters of the past. Those rash emotions will only get you killed. Edelgard needs to be stopped, but there is a bigger threat pulling her strings that we need to strike down. I want to stand at your side and fight with you, but only you can let me do that. I want to be your partner Dimitri, both on the battlefield and off of it. Your enemy is mine, and my blade is wielded to protect those I care for.”
“The dead want their tribute and it will start with her death. I’ll snap that wicked head off of her neck.”
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His eyes seemed to glaze over, unfocused as he moved one of his hands to Byleth’s neck. She was losing him again. Byleth had been enjoying the conversation, kisses, and touch. She should have just kept her mouth shut and not bring this side out of him again, but she needed to try to get the unhealthy fixation off of his mind or it would end up getting him killed. His weight was on top of her and he felt good there. She could still feel the hard part of him near her stomach.
He said that he enjoyed her touch, maybe that would be enough to break through to him. She took back the freed arm and pulled it between them to stroke him again. His entire body shuddered and he closed his eyes. The pressure around her neck intensified for only a moment before he took his hands off of her like her skin burned him.
He tried to scramble away. “Professor, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean….”
Byleth reached up and put her hands around his shoulders. Leaning in, she nibbled his ear. “I liked hearing my name on your lips. I’m the one who brought it up and I’m sorry.”
“I keep hearing the voices of those I’ve lost, they want their vengeance, they ask why it was only me who lived, they call out for blood.” He hugged her tightly.
Byleth returned the embrace, stroking his hair. She had felt that rage and confusion only briefly when Jeralt had been killed. If he had been trapped in that state since the tragedy of Duscur… she was surprised that he could even function at all. She pulled away from him and stepped onto the floor, grabbing his cup of tea and bringing it to him as she finished off her own. Once the cup was empty she started to pull off her shirt.
“Byleth?” his voice wavered.
She unzipped the back of her shorts and wiggled out of it as it dropped to the floor. Based on the blush covering his face she was distracting his thoughts well enough. She debated slipping her underwear past her leggings that were being held up by a garter belt, but she wanted him to rest and that would only invite activities they shouldn’t cross while he was in this state. Something still made her hesitate. Damn Seteth and his proper conduct lectures. She probably shouldn’t be doing this at all, but…it's what she wanted. Byleth took the empty cup from Dimitri’s hand and placed it next to hers.
“Could you keep the leggings on if they aren’t uncomfortable? It’s something that’s uniquely you.” His eyes widened as he glanced away.
She smiled at how cute he was. “Would you like any more tea?”
“No, I’d rather drink you up instead……I mean……” His face was red with embarrassment as he groaned, covering his face. “If I keep saying and asking weird things like that what will you think of me?”
Byleth returned to him and put her finger under his chin as she brought his face to hers. “What I’m going to think is that you are charming and as awkward in this kind of situation as I am. I have no idea what I’m doing either and no real plan. I’m just doing what comes to mind and hoping that it’s enough or at least not overstepping boundaries that you don’t want to cross.”
The kiss Dimitri gave her as a response took her breath away. It was hungry and demanding as he pulled her to him. His hands danced over her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Then he started to kiss a trail down her neck and Byleth closed her eyes from the pleasant feelings it brought. When his kisses got to her chest, he cupped one of her breasts with one hand and gave a tentative lick at the peak. She shuddered and he continued his assault with his lips, tongue, and teeth, getting bolder as her quickening breaths turned into moans of encouragement. Her hands gripped into his hair.
His breath was warm on her skin. “Like that, do you?” he asked before moving his attention to her other breast.
Dimitri moved his other hand lower to squeeze her ass. She started to shake in his hands. Then she breathed his name with a moan following quickly after. He pulled her onto the bed with him and from there, he let his hands and lips run all over her body, nibbling and suckling the places on her chest and neck that seemed the most sensitive to his touch. Then moved to capture her lips.
He put his forehead to hers, their breaths mingling. “I don’t deserve you.”
She tried her best to give him one of the wide smiles that he liked. “Dimitri, a person can only suffer so much alone. It’s not about being deserving or undeserving. I’m here because I want to be. I chose the Lions and I stand by you, no matter what may happen.”
Dimitri’s body shuddered at her words and her touch. He reached down past her navel and she caught his hand, twining her fingers with his.
Byleth pulled him close. “There will be plenty of time later. I’m not used to feeling this much, to be honest. Thank you for what you have done, I’ve enjoyed it all and I look forward to doing it again. Stay with me Dimitri and let’s carve our path together.”
Dimitri responded with a kiss that made Byleth’s toes curl. He wrapped himself around her and they readjusted until they were both comfortable. She stroked his hair and nuzzled him. Byleth smiled as she heard his breathing change, knowing that sleep finally found him. He must be truly exhausted she thought, relishing the warmth of him as she fell asleep as well.
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Dimitri found himself feeling safe and warm in her embrace. The ghosts weren’t yelling in his head. The hardened member in his pants was distracting, but he couldn't be greedy when she asked to cease. He calmed down as he snuggled into her embrace, grateful to at least be granted this. As he concentrated on her breathing he felt his eyelids become heavy, and sleep took him.
Dimitri slept next to her through the rest of the day and through part of the night. He hadn’t slept for that long in years, nevermind so peacefully. He couldn’t remember his dreams, only the fact that this one hadn’t been a blood-soaked nightmare. From what he could tell she was still asleep. Their limbs were tangled together and he took a moment to memorize the feeling of her skin on his.
So all that transpired between them hadn’t been a dream. He had touched her intimately, and she had not only welcomed it, but had returned the affection. She had asked to be his and his alone. She stirred in his arms and met his eyes before she smiled.
She tightened her hold and kissed him. “I hope you slept well.”
All he could do was nod. His mouth was dry and his tongue heavy.
She untangled herself and went about getting a candle and lighting it. “I liked having you here, but I think I need to make you leave. If we’re caught like this, I think Seteth would have our heads. Thank you, Dimitri, I hope we can do this again.”
He wanted to confess his love for her, but when he saw the ghost of Glenn glaring at him from the corner of the room he swallowed those words. Even when the candlelight chased the shadow away he was still left with the reminder of what he needed to do. He was grateful for the night of reprieve. He felt stronger than before, the much-needed rest invigorating him. He knew that he couldn’t stay.
Now that he felt what peace was actually like the voices would only plague him more, but with her, if she stayed by his side and they achieved their goal then just maybe she could light the way that chased the shadows out. They would have Edelgard’s head as payment and he could finally rest. Only then could he keep Byleth.
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Byleth watched him dress and he seemed off, like he was distancing himself again. She really didn’t want him to go, it had felt wonderful to wake up at his side. She tried to say something, but she was at a loss for words. When he was back into his uniform he turned to her and gave her a light kiss before turning away towards the door.
“Thank you, Professor, it does seem that I needed some rest.”
“Dimitri, I told you to please call me by my name.” Her protest fell on deaf ears as he shut the door behind him. Byleth didn’t know how to describe the tightness in her chest. She wanted to dress and chase him down and demand an answer as to why his demeanor changed, but that might only drive him away more. She buried her head in her pillow before she pouted. What was wrong with her? She usually didn’t let her emotions take ahold of her like this.
Byleth wasn’t sure when she had fallen back asleep, but based on how high the sun had risen she had slept the rest of the night away. Byleth woke up to a pounding on her door and someone calling out her title. She grabbed her robe and put it on before opening the door to a Seiros soldier. He saluted her.
“The Archbishop and Seteth request that you meet them in the audience chamber immediately.” He said before bowing and leaving.
Byleth bit back a curse. Did they know about Dimitri and herself already? Dedue’s room was right next to hers, even if she had been too loud, he wouldn’t have told anyone. He had watched the two of them enter her room and he would not do anything to implicate Dimitri in anything. Felix had heard her wording but he wouldn’t care enough to know where they went after.
“Professor, if you greet every man like that I might need to knock on your door sometime.” Byleth was broken out of her train of thought by Sylvain’s overly loud voice.
Sylvain and Felix were walking past her room. Felix was probably going back to the training arena, but Byleth couldn’t recall where Sylvain was hanging out yesterday. Dimitri came out with Dedue out from his room. So he hadn’t gone back to his own dorm room Byleth mused. She wondered what the conversation they had was like. Dimitri stopped when he caught sight of her. Sylvain had walked up the steps to her.
Sylvain gave her a knowing smile. “So Professor, who’s the lucky guy?”
Byleth tilted her head, staring at him blankly. Sylvain reached a hand out to pull the collar of her robe further out. It hadn’t been appropriately tied in her haste to see who was there and the gap left a lot of skin exposed.
Sylvain traced his hand from her neck to her collar bone, he didn’t follow the trail farther than that, but it continued down towards her breasts, but it was apparent that someone had been with her, Sylvain had left marks like those on plenty of women.
“Or girl, I wouldn’t judge you on that, Professor.” He teased when she was still silent.
Her confusion turned into an appalled expression. “What about my personality makes you think that I’d let another woman… nevermind. Shoo, I’ve got work to do.”
She promptly shut the door in Sylvain’s face. Sylvain turned to Dedue. “Did you hear anything last night? She’s always getting onto me about how I shouldn’t be bringing girls into my room, and I’d love to get her off my back with some leverage of my own.”
Dedue shook his head. “Nothing to report.”
Sylvain frowned. Dimitri’s face was red and his fists were clenched. “What’s wrong, Dimitri?”
Dimitri glared back at him. “How could you touch her like that?”
“I doubt she even knew that they were there so I was doing her a favor by pointing them out. Her usual outfit doesn’t leave much to the imagination as it is, but I just couldn’t help myself. She shouldn't be answering the door half-naked.” Sylvain said with a shrug.
Byleth’s door reopened as she glared at Sylvain. She had put her armor and choker back on. Her cape hung on her arm. “Next time just point and don’t touch.”
“Well, some of the love marks are still visible professor. Someone had a lot of fun, care to share with the class?” Sylvain said.
Byleth growled before she put her hand on her sword. “I am not a doll to be passed around. I made my choice and I’m sorry if it hurts your ego that it wasn’t you. I have no regrets about what transpired, nor is it any of your business. Now go work on your assignments before I add more to it. If we want you to be the Wyvern Lord class we’ve got to work on your accuracy with an axe.”
Sylvain raised his hands up. “Ok ok, message received,” He stepped down down the stairs and joined Felix back on the path.
Felix glared between the three of them but must have decided it wasn’t worth his time as he moved to the training area.
“What will you do about the marks?” Dedue asked.
“I’m going to stop by Mercie’s room. She should have some powder to spare. I’ve been summoned to go see Rhea and Seteth and the last thing I need is for them to start asking questions.”
Dimitri swallowed and Byleth’s gaze softened on him. “As I told Sylvain I don’t regret a thing and would happily do it all again. Rest well you two. Dedue, I found a horse that can take your weight and I would like it if you’d practice on your lance work. You need to be more mobile if you’re going to protect anyone. Dimitri, you’re good as you are, just keep working with the skills you have to hone them.”
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It turned out that Byleth’s fears were unwarranted. She had been summoned there to discuss Edelgard and the Imperial army. Shamir came in with a report that in two weeks time the monastery would be invaded. Rhea had also told her that she wished her to take over as Archbishop if something happened to her.
It was not something she wanted to think about right now. She let her students know the situation. For the next two weeks, she was busy helping prepare for the battle to come. She still wanted to talk with Dimitri to see how he felt about what they did, but there was never time.
Then on the day the battle arrived, it seemed that his madness had crept back upon Dimitri.
“Your Highness, you do not seem – well.” Dedue noted.
“Hah! Unwell you say? What’s gotten into you? Nothing could be farther from the truth. I’m so happy I can hardly contain myself. My father. My stepmother. My dear friends. They want her head. They want her life. They’ve whispered as much to me. And the chance to answer their pleas has arrived at long last!”
“Don’t act rashly. We’re in this together.” Byleth said.
“Haha! Of course, of course. But don’t mistake my intentions. Edelgard will die by my hand, and mine alone. Let’s move, Professor. Even if it costs me my life, I won’t rest until I’ve crushed her skull with my bare hands.”
Byleth pushed down the emotions threatening to choke her. Had nothing really changed? She had hoped that their time together would have helped, even a little, but with only two weeks between then and now it seems that the voices of the dead were getting the better of him.
She sighed. “Be careful, I don’t want any of my Lions dying today. Remember your training, and remember why you pick up your weapon to do today. The Imperial army threatens our home and we must defend it. You all know your places, don’t be reckless out there.”
If only she had listened to her own words. Something inside her snapped when she saw Rhea being overrun by the beasts. A protectiveness she hadn’t realized she bore for the woman. It was true that she shared Jeralt’s suspiciousness, but whatever Rhea had done had brought her to life. Without Rhea she wouldn’t have had the opportunities that she had, and without her Byleth would never know the full truth as to what she was. Byleth had realized the trap too late.
The mage that was with Monica and the Flame Emperor, Thales she assumed based off of Solon’s last words, the one who had stopped her from saving her father, was on the battlefield. He shot a ball of dark magic at her. It took all of her strength to block, and when she finally had her footing, the ground crumbled beneath her. Even her screams faded into the blackness.