Chapter Text
Dimitri’s mind was still in turmoil as Byleth lay against him. Even the steady thrum of blood he listened to before could barely be heard now as her pulse barely stuttered under his fingers at her wrist or his lips at her neck. How had she even done this to herself?
His mind danced between rage and despair. It tried to cling to every word she said and commit it to his memory to use for later. Every caress, every kiss still burned against his skin from the memory. Her enthusiasm had been wonderful; if only it hadn’t been because of her delusion.
He grit his teeth at how cursed the whole situation was. Maybe he pushed too much too soon, but she had responded well. If he hadn’t placated her, if he hadn’t pretended and played along with her whims, then she would be awake with him now. Was the information he gained worth this setback?
Rhea hadn’t been here long enough to do anything to her, so it had to be the power that overwhelmed the cuffs. He would need to do something about that too. They say that magic follows the will of the caster. For her spell to be that strong there must have been a lot of will behind it, but her wording made no sense.
He leaned down to kiss her thoroughly. Taking his thumb he forced her lips wider to allow him to put his tongue inside. He caressed her cheek as he glared at her unmoving body, retreating enough that his breath would fan her face. His thumb returned to rub against her lips, when she woke again he would be putting them to good use. It would be better than letting them spill out more excuses, more lies. What could he have said differently, where did it go wrong? The thoughts were rampant as the ghosts only laughed in contempt saying it was what he deserved.
His hands were shaking as he retreated from her. He took more brawling training from Rhea while Byleth was still unconscious in case she decided to fight against him. He thought the aphrodisiac would be needed to get her to understand desire. He hoped that he wouldn’t need to keep her locked up for long, but this… this he hadn’t prepared for. He got off the bed as he glared and the voices whispered in his ear. Patricia was especially venomous today.
The chair at the table was his first victim as rage swept over him, both from Byleth’s actions and the ghosts taunting. It shattered against the wall as he roared. He stood there panting, wild eyed and furious.
A knock made him freeze. “Is everything alright Your Majesty, do you need assistance?”
Dimitri rubbed his face. No everything was not alright. Byleth had done this to herself somehow. That blasted spell… he grit his teeth again. Rhea could have sensed the power and on her way to them already. He needed to be prepared for that option, and if Rhea could feel it the other mages might as well. It would send the entire castle into chaos as they searched for the unknown spike of magic. Especially in wartime, everyone would be vigilant and think it was an attack.
He moved to the door to open it. “Set up the defenses around this wing. We will have uninvited guests.”
“That was her then?” Dedue’s response only made him more paranoid that he was correct.
“Yes, she did something and I imagine Rhea will be on her way. Then there will be the mages who will want to investigate what the magic was and where it came from. I can’t let her be discovered by anyone else.”
Dedue nodded. “Understood. What is Her Majesty’s condition?”
“I do not know yet, but she cannot defend herself.” Until he knew more he would keep it to himself.
For now, he had to prepare for Rhea’s arrival and the upheaval of his ranks this would cause. The rats would take advantage of the chaos. He closed the door and turned his attention back to the bed where Byleth lay. His rage had simmered down to irritation, but this was her doing. He would need to clean up her mess. She would be unaware of the debt she owed him, but she would pay it all the same.
He nuzzled against her neck once more as he breathed her in. “You may not like what I have planned in response to the heartache you have given me, but I cannot let you get away with this.”
He pulled her hair to the side, leaving a few open-mouthed kisses that turned into marking bites. He rose from the bed and grabbed a nightgown for Byleth. He would not want anyone else seeing her like this. Her body was only his to enjoy now, and he would keep it that way.
There wasn’t any more time to waste. He needed to get ready to defend her. He gave her one final kiss before rising to get his clothes and armor on. Let Rhea come, he could use an outlet for the anger brewing beneath the surface.
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Byleth hadn't meant to slip so far into her thoughts. Seeing the king in the light of the spell instead of the prince she thought she laid beside shattered her concentration. The look of desperation and horror cut through to her soul as he scrambled to hold her.
Byleth swallowed as she realized everything she told him. From the moment she let her mind slip into her delusion to now it had been the king beside her. He could still be sweet, kind, and rational. He had treated her so tenderly, especially when he held her in his arms and comforted her. Those were still his thoughts, and he pleaded with her not to leave him. More importantly, he had listened to her and apologized.
That plea still tore through her heart and she promised herself that, if this worked, she wouldn’t leave the prince behind again. She would stay at her prince's side from this moment on and keep him away from the darkness that had swallowed the king whole.
The only time he had gotten angry with her was when she told him the truth about what she was. It seemed that they were both wound up in the strings of delusion so tight that it would become their noose. He called her his guiding light, but everyone that followed her ended up getting swallowed by pain or suffering. Perhaps she was the demon people claimed her to be.
“My heart would shatter if I lost you again.” His voice echoed in her head as that desperate sad tone bled through every word.
That pain Byleth understood. The pain that scorched her from her father's death still had yet to retreat from her mind. Even though Dimitri was angry that day she held him in her arms as the anger turned to disbelief then desperation as the light faded from his eyes and he reached out to touch her cheek. He could only breathe out a weak question as to why she didn’t stay. It had left her in tears, similar to the ones she shed for her father and it felt like her heart was being ripped from her chest.
She didn't understand love herself, but she knew of it through the eyes of others. The Black Eagles didn’t do much to help on that front. Rhea talked about Sothis’ love, but Byleth was never sure if Sothis showed her that more gentler side of herself. Even her own father wasn’t the doting type, but she did learn of the love her father had for her mother through his journal.
Jeralt had felt the loss of her mother so hard that he never talked about her. Sitri was all her father wrote about for a time, and Byleth was the last thing he had of Sitri. It made sense to Byleth when her father would wake up in a cold sweat and reach out to make sure that Byleth was still there. She made sure to stay close when they were on missions so she wouldn’t worry him. Dimitri’s reactions seemed along the same vein, but much more suffocating in his actions. It came from a good place from the sound of it, but it was tainted by desperation and loss.
Dimitri had lost so many people close to him already. He stayed with the Blue Lions throughout most of his academy days when he wasn’t alone training or studying. The only exception had been her now that she thought about it. He was the one that showed her around the monastery that first day and he had been so wonderful and charming, enough so that the girls in the background were swooning and giving her dirty looks. He didn’t pay any attention to them. Instead they talked the day away until he apologized for taking too much of her time.
Byleth thought briefly that perhaps joining the Blue Lions might be the path for her, but when the decision was called for she couldn’t speak his name. Instead her mind went back to the stoic girl that was similar enough to her own cold demeanor and that had to be rescued from death. She was afraid now, she realized, afraid that the friendliness was him only being polite and that she misread the situation as she normally did in social gatherings.
He had been so cold the next day, excusing himself promptly when she tried to talk to him. It was like that for almost a month, and Byleth took up her mantle as a teacher as well as she could. She could teach battle tactics that her father had passed down. The rest she was practically useless in. She knew how to make them soldiers, but she didn’t know how to prepare them for the world, she barely knew that herself.
It was when Dimitri asked if he could help her with anything, when her class had left her there to put everything away, that things took a turn. Ferdinand would usually be the one to stay behind and help, but he had a meeting with another noble that he had to attend so it left her to pick up the books and clean up.
Of course the first thing Dimitri had to notice was the misspelled word on her chalk board. She could see the tilt of his head as his face scrunched up. She expected the same teasing or exasperated response her own students made. Instead, Dimitri ignored it as he tried to ask her something else. She only hung her head at his attempts to change the subject.
“You deserved a better teacher than me. I doubt Hanneman would let something like this slip through.”
“Is that why you didn’t choose the Blue Lions?”
Byleth shrugged. She thought about the choice often, especially after being paired up with Ashe on cooking duty, or Dedue in the gardens. All of the Lions were capable and easy to get along with. Most people would argue that Felix wouldn’t fit that category, but she spoke his language. Words weren’t necessary when you could learn most of what you needed by how a person fought.
Petra understood that as well and it was why she was Byleth’s favorite of the Eagles. She was by all means a prisoner of the Empire, but she used that opportunity to learn. Her strength gained Byleth’s respect. Dorothea rose up from the streets to have what everyone wanted, fame, beauty, and yet she wanted someone to see her for who she was, not the persona she created.
“My apologies, I should not pry into your personal matters.” Dimitri’s voice broke her out of her thoughts that day.
Byleth shook her head. He was always so polite. “A little, you were all so close. I felt like I would only be trespassing.”
Dimitri changed the word on the board for her with a piece of chalk she had already broken. Then he turned to her and bowed. “We would welcome your company. If you would like to join us in the dining hall or for training, please do so. Also I would be happy to help you with your notes to avoid problems like this, if you wish.”
In that moment, Byleth regretted not choosing him. Even Sothis was taunting her by trying to find out if she could exchange with Hanneman. She found Dimitri by her side more often as the months went by. As she taught her Eagles, she found that she was bonding with them as well. She no longer regretted the choice because they had needed her, but she often wondered about what it would be like to start over.
She didn’t have the determination then, but she would change the past and detangle these strings of fate that threatened to choke her.
When Byleth opened her eyes she had a pounding in her head that made her groan. Looking around, she saw her old academy room surrounding her. A smile ghosted on her lips, had her spell worked? She hoped to go all the way back to Remire and chose Dimitri and the Blue Lions, but this might not be too late to choose Dimitri and stop Edelgard’s plans. Dark strands of hair caught her attention out of the corner of her eye and her mouth parted as another thought went through her mind. Perhaps she was early enough to save her father.
Byleth got off the bed and shook her head at the sudden dizziness that almost sent her back on her ass. What day was this? All she would need to do is look at her planner to know. A box wrapped in blue paper was sitting on the desk. Her mouth went dry. Was it Dimitri’s birthday? She grit her teeth as she made herself upright and went to the calendar.
Her fingers glided over the calendar and she confirmed her suspicions. This was the day she got to taste his passion for her firsthand as they kissed in the gardens. It was also the day she was caught by Seteth and Hubert. She could change it, and tell Dimitri how she felt. Sothis had said fate couldn’t be changed, but perhaps this wasn’t a fate set in stone. The goddess was silent inside her head. That was odd, but perhaps the spell had drained her somehow and Sothis would need to rest. There was a knocking at her door and Byleth went to open it.
Edelgard stood there and a blush covered her face when she saw Byleth. “My teacher, I apologize, I was not aware I would be waking you up. It is past time for the lecture. Did you want us to do something else today?”
Byleth shook her head, trying to remember. That’s right, she had taught classes until the afternoon and then met with Dimitri in the gardens later in the day. This was odd, she had woken up early that day to get Dimitri’s gift ready. She had taken a nap, but she was still on time for the lecture. Perhaps the spell had brought her back during the nap and the drain had kept her asleep? That was the only thing that made sense.
“I apologize Edelgard, I don’t feel well today. You may all have a free day to do as you wish.”
Edelgard gave her a skeptical side glance. “It isn’t like you to shirk off your duties, my teacher. Normally you soldier on without complaint.”
Was that why she was so valuable to Edelgard? That she wouldn’t question or complain when the circumstances got rough? Byleth clutched her head as another wave of dizziness almost made her hurl. What was that smell? It was sickly sweet, like decaying flowers. Her chest burned as she tried to stay stable. What was this?
Edelgard’s eyes widened as she took in Byleth’s condition. “Should I fetch Maneula?”
Byleth only shook her head as she put the heel of her hand against her temple. “No, I have medicine here. I just need to rest some more.”
Edelgard nodded. “If you are sure, my teacher. I will let the others know of your condition and the status of the lecture.”
Edelgard turned and Byleth’s eyes widened as red hair caught the edge of her vision. Her blood boiled at the sight of Monica prancing up to Edelgard. She even took Edelgard’s hand like they were close friends as they chattered away. Byleth’s fist clenched and her eyes narrowed at the sight of the two of them. Edelgard she could forgive, she understood. Byleth knew of the nightmares Edelgard had to face.
But Kronya… that vile little bitch was the one that threatened her father’s life.
She hadn’t even been aware that she moved from the door when she felt a hand wrap around her arm. “I recognize that look, Professor. I can see the murder in your eyes, but now is not the time.”
Dimitri’s voice in her ear washed over the dizziness like a wave crashing through her. Suddenly her head was clear, but her body gave out on her as she trembled. Dimitri was always fast on his feet. He scooped her up and into his arms before she could even blink or hit the ground. Her door was still open and it didn’t take much for him to shoulder his way in before hooking the door with his foot to shut it behind them.
He sat down on the bed with her and she couldn’t help but snuggle deeper into the embrace he had her in.
A small huff of laughter escaped his lips as she felt her bangs being pushed aside. “Jealousy does not suit you, Professor. I am aware that Monica has been spending more time with Edelgard, but I did not think that would be enough to earn such deep hatred from you.”
Byleth closed her eyes as Dimitri stroked soft lines through her hair. He only stopped to take the gauntlets off before he resumed his soothing touch. She melted into him and hummed at the feeling of his fingers. “That is not her crime. I feel that she is an imposter, but I have no proof. Even Hubert is wary of her with how much of Edelgard’s time Monica demands.”
“In other words, you are not sure if you can trust Edelgard right now, is that right?”
Byleth swallowed as she thought of what she should say. She had no idea why the attack happened or if Edelgard even knew about it. Byleth knew that Edelgard said she had nothing to do with Jeralt’s death, but could Byleth be certain without a doubt of Edelgard's innocence?
Based on what Kronya said, it was out of spite and not planned at all. The fact remained that Edelgard kept the truth about turning on the church until the very end, and her identity of being the flame emperor a secret. War would come to Fodlan, and Edelgard would be the one to fan the flames of destruction. “No, I don’t think I can, not in this matter.”
Dimitri’s hand caressed the edge of the lace trim on her shorts. Byleth realized then that she was in only the robe Hubert gifted her, and the lace night set that Manuela gave her. It was her usual sleep attire. As Dimitri’s fingers played against her thigh she was made well aware of how easily he could remove the attire from her.
“Interesting, then what do you plan to do? A teacher turning on a student would not go well for you, even if you were correct.”
Byleth shivered at the contact as she looked up into Dimitri’s gaze. The expression on his face was familiar now, one of hunger and desire. How did she miss it before? His other hand went to brush her cheek with the backs of his fingers. She turned her head and enjoyed the feeling of his warmth. The headache and the dizziness were already subsiding with his touch.
"Dimitri…" she bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Without thinking about any of the consequences she reached up and kissed him. It was hesitant, tentative at first as he sat like a statue beneath her. Then the growl that came from his chest surprised her.
He returned the kiss with such ferocity that it took her breath away. Her hands clenched into his uniform as she attempted to pull herself closer to him. When he pulled back the disbelief was tangible on his face as his eyes searched hers.
He gripped her chin before studying her. "I think you may have a fever. You must not be thinking clearly."
Byleth admonished herself for her actions as she swallowed thickly. Her reasons for avoiding him last time was so she wouldn't cause him trouble or rumors. She shouldn’t feed the fixation until after he graduated. A flush covered her face as she attempted to turn her gaze away.
Dimitri tilted his head as the grip on her chin turned into a stroke to her cheek. "Do not worry, Professor. I will not hold it against you or let it change the way that I view you. Fevers can make us say or do odd things that we may not do normally. The kiss can be our secret."
How should she even answer him? "I…it’s not because of a fever..." she leaned her head against his chest to avoid looking at him. She felt his fingers in her hair as he rested his head on top of hers. It felt nice as he tightened his hold on her.
Why did she suddenly feel tired again? "Birthday… I have a gift for you."
The hum he made resonated through his chest as she felt his chin tilt towards the desk. "I will open it later. Thank you for all the things you do for me."
It was warm in his embrace and she was comfortable. That sickly sweet smell was gone for now. Instead, the scent of pine filled her nose as he cradled her to his chest. The soap she used for him in the bath smelled like this.
"I was looking forward to hearing your lecture today. It is not often that you allow other students outside of your house to attend. Such a shame, but it cannot be helped. I know that it is relatively warm here, compared to Fhirdiad around this moon, but I do hope you have not caught a cold."
His fingers were stroking her softly through her hair while his thumb continued to rub over the edge of the lace. Her head was spinning again as darkness took over her vision.
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"It's just an overuse of magic. The Professor only needs to rest. Some food and tea will help as well. I have some herbs here to give her. Thank you for coming to get me, Your Highness."
That was Manuela’s voice. Blinding pain shot through Byleth’s head when she tried to open her eyes.
“I am pleased to hear the news. When she fainted in my arms, I was worried for her. I’m glad Dedue could fetch you so quickly.” Dimitri’s voice, so he must not have left her side from earlier.
“Will you continue to watch over her and keep me updated then? There shouldn’t be any danger, but I’m not sure what type of spells she was practicing. Some darker spells can have ill side effects on the body.”
“I will be sure to fetch you if the Professor’s condition changes.” Byleth could almost see the small bow of his head Dimitri often gave.
“Thank you and happy birthday, your highness. Although if I may be frank with you for a moment, I’m surprised that it’s you here at her side and not any of the Black Eagles. Did something happen?” There was a hint of something in Manuela’s tone, although Byleth couldn’t be sure if it was disbelief or distrust without seeing the older woman’s face.
“The Professor sent Edelgard away, and I was leaving the training area when she collapsed the first time. It did not feel right to leave her when she was this vulnerable.”
“I see. Well then, I will continue to leave her in your care. Don’t have too much fun today.”
The disgruntled huff Dimitri gave as soon as the door closed echoed in the room. Dimitri muttered something under his breath, but Byleth couldn’t catch what that was. Footsteps brought him back to the bed and she felt fingers stroking on her cheek.
Dimitri’s name left her lips, but she still couldn’t get her eyes open. What in the world was wrong? Then she felt Dimitri’s lips on hers. She did what she could to return the kiss, but as she felt the bed sink from his hand by her shoulder she froze. There was a panic rising in her chest as she still couldn’t move or open her eyes.
She wasn’t sure how long he kissed her as his hand moved to caress her shoulder. His bangs tickled against her forehead right before she felt him place his lips there. “Do not tempt me with dreams I cannot have Professor. Once this fever of yours breaks, so too will the delusions that come with it.”
His hands retreated from her completely as she heard his footsteps go to her desk. There was the rip of paper and it registered in her mind that he was opening her gift. She heard the intake of breath before Zoltan’s name left his lips in disbelief. His reaction to the gifts still made her unsure which of the two items in the box he appreciated the most. Zoltan’s dagger had brought more questions on how she had gotten her hands on it than appreciation for the gift itself.
As for the other gift, the last time he had mistaken the metal and wooden quill for a paperweight. When she told him what it was and why she thought of it for him, something in his gaze changed that day. It was then she realized the value of making something instead of buying it off of a shelf. Even though the dagger was rare it was still a gift that many people would use to curry favor with nobility. The writing instrument she had built and painted with him in mind. It wasn’t only the time spent, but the thought behind it that had him at a loss for words. The one she made for herself lay on the desk with the metal tip exposed so he may be able to figure it out for himself.
As she heard him pick up hers off the table and then the pop of the protective cover she realized that he did connect the dots himself. She remembered how that smile spread on his face as his eyes widened while he examined it in his hands that day.
He had told her that no one had ever put so much thought into giving him anything like she had. She heard the rustle of the items being put back into the box before his footsteps went back to the bed. She felt his weight dip the mattress beside her and his arm sneak underneath her to hold her to him.
“Perhaps I am mistaken.” She felt his thumb stroke her bottom lip. “It seems you’ve been preparing a confession for a while now. That writing instrument appears to be handmade. Just how long did that take you?”
It was warm against his chest. His greaves must have been removed too because she didn’t feel any metal against her skin. “Could you really want something like me? I know thoughts of you invade my mind daily. It has been quite distracting.”
He seemed content to just hold her and soon as she felt the faint ruffle against her hair from his even breaths she realized that he must have fallen asleep as well. It felt like she was finally let go from the prison her mind had kept her body in. She opened her eyes to confirm her suspicions.
His face was close to hers and he looked peaceful napping like this. His hand rested against her waist while the other arm went under her head and curled up against her back. Byleth snuggled further into his hold and sighed contentedly before she saw that his eyes were now open and focused on her.
The hand on her waist slid underneath the robe to hold her closer. “How are you feeling now that you have gotten some rest?”
She did feel better, both in body and in mind. Sleeping next to her she could handle, and she hadn’t felt his hands wander. He just wanted her company. “Better with you here. I heard you open your gift. Do you like them?”
“They are wonderful. I hope you don’t mind that I made myself comfortable. It was so pleasant to have you in my arms earlier, and I wanted to indulge myself a little longer. I cannot remember when I was able to rest so peacefully.” His hesitancy was cute as he had a bashful flush over his face. His voice was wistful, and not as confident as she’d heard him before.
“It does feel nice. I’m glad the gifts are to your liking and that you were able to rest, even if only for a little while.”
“May I stay here with you a while longer?”
There were surely those that wanted to offer him birthday wishes. Why would he want to spend it all with her? “Yes, although I’m sorry that I may have to miss our tea out in the gardens today.”
A soft smile crossed his lips before he pressed his lips to her forehead again. “Do not worry yourself. I was looking forward to it, but this is a better treat. I was hoping perhaps that you would permit me to do something more intimate.”
Dimitri’s lips came back to hers in a soft kiss. Byleth’s fingers dug into his shirt as the kiss deepened. When they parted their breathing came in heavy pants. Again and again, they came back together as their lips crashed and tongues danced. His hands started to slide over her, but it wasn’t until his thumb brushed over her nipple through the fabric that a deep moan rose out of her throat.
Dimitri pulled back, his breath ragged as he gripped her chin and made her meet his gaze. “You have no idea what you do to me, Professor, or the things I want to do with you.”
She had a very good idea of what those things were, and she found herself willing to comply with those desires. “Close the curtains and lock the door.”
His mouth curled into the dark smile she had seen on his future self and it sent a shiver through her. “I want to unwrap you myself. Be good and wait on the bed for me.”
Her breath caught in her throat from his tone as he stood up. She maneuvered to get out of the robe and the dissatisfied look he gave her made her swallow. “It’ll be easier without it. I also don’t want another man’s gift on me when you take me.”
The flash of hate in his eyes shouldn’t have surprised her as he curled a fist into the fabric and leaned in to kiss her. “Then I’ll just have to get you something more beautiful for me to enjoy while you wear it, won’t I?”
The thought made her shiver as his voice turned into a deep husky growl. She wondered for a moment if the other Dimitri had plans like that for her, but she pushed them back out of her mind. She tried to wipe the memories of the other Dimitri’s touch, unwilling to let this moment be ruined by her thoughts of the king.
The prince left a tender kiss on her neck before he turned and went about the tasks she gave him. The robe slipped out of his hand and onto the floor.
When she heard the lock click her pulse kicked up as she realized the reality she was making for herself. Dimitri glared at something outside the window before the curtains obscured his view. His expression warmed as he turned his sights on her. Byleth willed herself to stay calm. She did want this, wanted him. It would be years before this Dimitri would take the form of the one she saw, and by then, she would be able to see that Dimitri was only a nightmare.
But was it? Fate had dealt them that hand. Their actions paved the way for that reality. It was obvious now that, even at this age, the prince had desired her and wanted to be with her. She had run from him and denied him the opportunity to show her how much he cared. He had told her his reasoning, but would it have been enough to give him her forgiveness?
Dimitri sat back down onto the bed with her. “Tell me, have you been intimate with anyone before?”
Byleth swallowed, knowing that he had been forgiving, but she didn’t want to admit the truth out loud. The king had not been the first to have her in bed. The memory of her time in the tavern had her wincing more than the memory of her time in Fhirdiad. Dimitri had made her feel wanted and desired. She didn’t want to remember the other man’s face, much less his name.
Dimitri’s eyes darkened as he saw the regret in her eyes. “What happened? I will not make you say it, but I promise you that I will make sure you are never left unsatisfied with me. I will do everything within my power to please you.”
Byleth placed her hand on his cheek. Her emotions warring inside her as she saw reflections of the king within her prince’s words. “And if the bastard hurt you I can only pray that your father gave him the punishment he deserves. If he were still alive, the punishment I would give him would make him wish he died a clean and painless death.”
The corners of her lips didn’t know whether to curl up into a smile or tremble from the weight of the sadness of the memory. “The other mercenaries talked about it so highly. When I got propositioned, I figured why not, it’s not like I was saving myself for someone special. I was a demon that only my father would love.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened. She could tell he wasn’t happy with what she just said, but he stayed silent and let her speak as he moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her. She snuggled into his chest and traced the lines that decorated the front of his uniform.
“I didn’t feel anything, no lust, no passion. I merely went through the motions. He didn’t care at first, his hands were everywhere, and I just wondered why they talked about it so much. I figured that I wasn’t doing something right. It did hurt, but nothing worse than I’ve gone through. He got angry with me about halfway through." Byleth swallowed and she felt Dimitri tighten his embrace around her.
"He called me a cold fish, stopped, and left me there saying that I should at least act as if I enjoyed it. When he slammed the door he said he was going to find someone else to warm his bed.”
Dimitri’s hands were shaking behind her back, his teeth grinding above her head. “Does your father know?”
Byleth nodded. “I told him. He gave me something to drink down and asked for me to refrain from that type of activity again. He asked where it happened and what the guy looked like, but I put it out of my mind after. It’s nothing like what I feel right now with you. I want this, I want you.”
“Byleth…” It was the first time this Dimitri had said her name and it sent an odd thrill through her. He seemed at odds with what to say. She felt his lips against her temple as his breath tickled her hair.
Byleth reached up and stroked his cheek. “Can you show me what it’s supposed to be like?” She had an idea of the pleasure, of the intimacy, through her encounters with the king, but something seemed warped.
Dimitri took her hand and kissed it as he closed his eyes for a moment. “I would never treat you that way. To hear that only makes my blood boil.”
When he opened his eyes, she could still see the dark anger there before he reached out to stroke her cheek. His eyes softened, but his face stayed solemn.
“Do you truly want me, or are you only out to sate your own curiosity?” There was no smug bravado in his tone. It almost sounded bitter or sad.
Dimitri moved his hand to cup her cheek and let his fingertips brush against her hair. “I do not make relationships like this casually. If you allow this to continue, I will be the only one allowed to have you. You will be expected to join my side in Fhirdiad as my queen.”
Her breath caught for a moment as his thumb rubbed over her lips. Her tongue darted out to lick the pad of his thumb and he pushed it inside of her mouth as he rested it on top of her tongue. She found herself moving her tongue along it, enjoying the texture. When she began to suck, he let out a small huff and she could feel his cock stirring to life against her hip.
“There is the possibility of a child to consider as well. It’s not an easy task to carry a Blaiddyd heir to term from what I’ve heard. I believe that, with your crest, you will have an easier time than most, but I will not let you go into this blind. That life will be much different than what you know, but I will do my best to shield you from the hardships.”
Byleth made her choice and turned back time to be with him. She would save him from the darkness and protect her father. As far as Edelgard… her loyalty was already proven in the fact they hadn’t cared enough to search for her. It was as Dimitri pointed out, she couldn’t trust her. Byleth was only a means to an end to Edelgard. To Dimitri, Byleth was everything, and she wanted the place to belong he promised her.
“I should have chosen you in the beginning. I’m no queen, but I do know that I want to do this with you.”
The satisfied hum that left his lips made her shiver. His arms tightened around her as he pulled her closer. “You don’t know of the nights that I’ve taken my cock in hand and thought of you. How I’ve wished to sink my teeth into your flesh while I spill my seed inside of you. I’ve wanted nothing more than to steal you away to Fhirdiad and have you to myself.”
She knew now of what that situation entailed, so why did her body burn, her mind yearn to make his words into reality? If the king would have asked, tried to talk to her, tried to do something else, anything else while she was asleep she could forgive him. Even now while this prince’s hands wandered under the hem of her shirt he did not go far.
Then the prince gave a heavy sigh. “You are still not feeling well. I do not wish to make your condition worse.”
Even though he wanted her he could refrain for her sake. The thought almost brought her to tears as she snuggled her face deeper into his shirt. “Give me a day or two at the very least. If you still want me, I think I have a plan in place that will allow us to be together without the risk of others noticing or interrupting us. I may have locked the door, but I know there’s a certain someone who does frequent your room through other means.”
He must be talking about Hubert and his training attempts. The goal was usually to slip inside and take something of hers without alerting Byleth of his presence. Hubert’s attempts were mostly at night where he hoped that Byleth’s sleep would give him an advantage. Unfortunately for Hubert, Sothis would sense the magic and that was enough to alert Byleth to his presence.
The thought barely crossed her mind before she heard the sound of a warp spell. Dimitri pulled away from her and turned to face Hubert. It had to be him, there were no others that even knew they had the ability to get past the usual spell warding walls.
It would also explain the glare Dimitri gave to whatever he saw out of the window. Dimitri was expecting Hubert to interrupt. Hubert had done the same the first night that he caught Dimitri in her room. Byleth wasn’t sure now if Dimitri’s hesitation to go further came for her sake or if it was because he didn’t want to be interrupted. She found her heart sinking if it was only for the latter.
The two of them had almost come to blows when they met like this last time. She didn’t have the desire to see a repeat. Byleth tried to call on Sothis to rewind time and found that she couldn’t reach the goddess. Turning back the years must have drained her more than she thought.
When Dimitri stood, he took a relaxed posture in front of her. “I see that the rumors are true. You have been entering the professor’s room uninvited.”
Even though Dimitri’s posture was relaxed his voice was still full of authority and disdain. Seeing them across from each other made Byleth realize that Dimitri was shorter than Hubert back then. If she had to take a guess, Dimitri would rival his height now if Hubert hadn’t gotten any taller.
Hubert narrowed his eyes on Dimitri before turning his gaze to Byleth. “I apologize for the intrusion, but when I heard about your condition I felt I needed to come to see you myself. We agreed that your magic practice was to be kept when we were training together. It seems that you have broken that promise or I was not astute enough to notice during our last session. Either way, it is my responsibility. Why is the crown prince here? You have no obligation to her, and she belongs to the Empire.”
Dimitri’s hands clenched slightly, the only indication that Hubert’s words bothered him at all. Byleth moved to grab his hand. “I may teach you, but I do not belong to the Empire. Dimitri caught me earlier and I invited him to stay. He’s been keeping me company. I asked him to close the curtains because the light was only bothering my headache.”
The displeasure was tangible on Hubert’s face. “Should I grab Linhardt instead for you? He would be more suitable for making sure that you are well.”
Byleth smiled as a small giggle rose in her throat. Oh, how she missed some of her Eagles. “Knowing Lin, he’d be more than likely to use it as an excuse to nap in my bed instead of keeping me company or watching over me.”
Dimitri went rigid beside her and Byleth realized that was the wrong thing to say. Lin had fallen asleep next to her on monastery grounds before. Dimitri hadn’t looked happy about it and asked her to refrain from letting it happen again. Before, she just thought it was because of some sort of noble conduct, but it seems he just didn’t like the thought of her sleeping next to someone else.
Hubert’s jaw ticked. “Regardless, you are a teacher here and you pledged your loyalty to the Black Eagles. It should be one of us watching over you. Fraternizing with the other houses will only gain the scrutiny of the church. Another piece of advice I will give, your highness, is that as a prince, being in a closed-off room with a commoner like her will only feed more rumors. If you do not wish to tarnish either of your images, then I suggest you stay away from her.”
It was gentler than when Hubert and Seteth caught them kissing in the gardens, but his words stung all the same. Byleth tried to retreat her hand away from Dimitri’s but she felt it tighten around hers. “I will consider your advice, but the Professor is not feeling well. Monica is with Edelgard. I would have thought with the mistrust placed upon that girl by you and the professor, that you would be keeping a better eye on her rather than concerning yourself with someone who is already being cared for.”
Byleth heard the grunt Hubert made before he crossed his arms and placed a finger to his lips as he thought. The glare he gave Dimitri was cold, and Byleth could see him gnash his teeth before exhaling deeply. “Professor, are you sure this is the path you wish to take? If you wish me to leave I shall, but only by your word.”
Byleth looked up at Dimitri a moment before she turned to Hubert. That wording was familiar, similar to when he questioned her loyalty to Edelgard. In the end, Hubert would always prioritize Edelgard's well-being over anyone or anything else.
“I trust him, Hubert. Dimitri is correct, I am worried for Edelgard’s well-being. I don’t trust Monica. It would put my mind at ease if she were under your watchful eye.”
Hubert nodded before he turned. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Professor.”
When Hubert warped out Byleth breathed a sigh of relief. Through the hand she still had joined with Dimitri, she could feel him shaking as the rage built up. She squeezed his hand and he looked down at where their hands were joined together. Dimitri turned then as he kneeled in front of her, kissing her hand that was still encased in his. “Pay him no mind. Let them chatter until their tongues fall out. It does not change my feelings for you.”
Byleth smiled and reached out to let her fingers run through his hair at the softness of his gesture. “Do you really want someone like me?”
The snorting chuckle against her hand surprised her as he looked up at her with a wide smile on his face. “Such a silly question. I want you in many different ways. On the night of the ball while everyone is distracted by the festivities, may I steal you away to show you the extent of that desire?”
Byleth thought for a moment. "Just not the goddess tower. I know the rumors about that place, but everyone might be trying to get inside that night because of it."
The grin he gave her reminded her too much of the smug bravado the king exuded. "Leave the details to me. The place I have planned will be much more intimate of a setting. We shall have the entire night to ourselves. Is there any type of food or drink you would prefer?"
Byleth thought for a moment. “The dance is after dinner so not really. Something from the sweets shop would be lovely, but not required. Water would be enough as far as the drink.”
“And for right now? Manuela did say that you should eat and rest. Is there anything I can provide you with?” His voice was sultry as his lips hovered over her hand.
Simple pleasures, that was something the king had said he enjoyed. “A kiss before you leave would be... nice.”
Dimitri’s eyes widened as he blinked a few times. She had caught him off guard based on that reaction. “It seems you plan to bestow many gifts upon me today.”
The kiss was every bit as claiming as the king’s had been. As she lay there panting for breath, she could see the outline of his erection in his pants. The look he gave her was one full of lust as he leaned down to kiss her one more time.
“Be careful how much affection you feed the beast. I can only stave off the temptation for so long. You don’t know how much I desire to have you wet and willing beneath me. Would you grant me one more gift?”
Byleth nodded as she swallowed, wondering what he wanted. His hand went past her waistband then as his fingers rested right above her clit. “I want to bring you pleasure and be able to watch your face as you succumb to it. Nothing is needed in return, not now at least.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Please, Dima.”
It would be a good experiment. She had fingered herself before and while she could get herself off it always took so long. The king had been able to get her off multiple times, but the prince was still learning. His breath fanned her face and he was watching her with the same fascination and adoration the king had displayed. She thought perhaps that this side of him was twisted and warped over the years, but it seemed that this was always a part of him.
His fingers slid over her folds. She could feel the moisture coat the calloused pads as he teased her slit. His other hand readjusted his cock in his pants to allow him to be more comfortable. He had said nothing was needed in return, but there was still a part of her that wanted to grip his cock in her hand and stroke him while his fingers played with her.
Desire was something she was starting to understand. There was no way of being a cold fish with him as her face flushed and her entire body felt like a flame was igniting through her veins. Based on the dark stain forming on his trousers, she could tell Dimitri wanted her too.
When he inserted a finger inside of her she arched up as she bit her lip to hold back the whine. His pace was slow and exploring at first, taking in her reactions with an attentive gaze. Tension was coiling in the pit of her stomach as he continued. Dimitri added a second finger with the first. His palm rubbed against her clit, making her writhe as it sent shockwaves through her.
"My imagination has done you no justice. You are absolutely beautiful."
His voice and praise only made her warmer as she could feel the coil tighten. She was getting close. It was almost as if he could sense it too as his movements were more pinpoint. Every stroke had him touching a spot that made her gasp as her hands twined into the sheets.
"I do not do things in half-measures. If you truly want to be at my side you will need to obey my orders. We cannot have the other suspecting anything until it is too late for them to protest. I want to see you undone by my hand; see what expressions you will make for me, and only me."
Byleth’s breath caught as she heard the same sultry tone that the king used. Even the wording seemed similar. The desires may have been twisted over the years, but the core of his thoughts and actions remained the same. She couldn’t resist the temptation any longer as she moved her hand to stroke his cock through his pants. The next thrust of his hand was forceful as he jerked at her touch.
He grabbed her wrist as a pant came from his mouth. “Byleth, I can seriously hurt you if I am not concentrating probably. I welcome the gesture, but it’s not a good idea to startle me like that.”
He let go of her wrist to lean down and nuzzle against her cheek. “Be good for me and you will be rewarded in return. I need to learn my limits and your reactions before I can move further. You are normally so patient. If not for your condition and the risk of someone interrupting us, I would already have you naked beneath me to explore you with my mouth and hands.”
She felt his fingers resume their previous pace as his other hand snaked under the hem of her top. When he started to slide the hem up her body his look was pleading.
Byleth placed her hand back on the outline of his cock again. “You may, but I get to touch you as well in return.”
The kiss he gave her was thorough and demanding as he pulled her top over her breasts. Dimitri’s moan resonated through her as her hand stroked him through the fabric. His fingers found that spot inside her again and she arched up towards him as she made a moan of her own as well. It wasn’t that hard to get him out for her to touch, his cock springing free into her hand as soon as she had the fastenings undone. He pinched her nipple as she wrapped her hand around him and it sent a surge of heat through her.
She tried to match the pacing of his fingers with her hand as she felt herself start to unravel on the bed. What surprised her was when he leaned down to nuzzle against her ear. “Look at you Professor, how desperate you are for my cock and touch, so shameless with all those beautiful moans. Do you think that the Church would still want such a depraved instructor if they found out? The Empire? No, you belong in the Kingdom with me, beloved.”
His whisper in her ear made her shudder as his fingers pinched her nipple at the same time he thrust with his other hand. Her body seized as the stimulation crashed through her like a tidal wave. She lay there panting as Dimitri gazed at her with that smug, adoring smile. Mutterings of how beautiful she was were followed by small kisses all over her face and neck as she felt the precum beading at the tip of his cock. He shuddered when she rubbed into the slit to coat her fingers so they would slide easier over his erect length.
When he retreated his hand from inside her he took a tentative lick before placing his fingers close to her own mouth. She latched her lips around them and used her tongue to clean them off, swirling it around as if she was cleaning his cock instead. Dimitri groaned as she squeezed his cock harder and slid her hand faster along him. The look in his eyes and the praise from his lips only made her bolder as he started to rock himself into her hand.
This too, was similar to some of the waking moments she had with the king. When Dimitri got more comfortable with her and his own strength, how many of those requests and tendencies would show themselves? The thought made her shiver as his other hand came to caress her cheek. She pushed out his fingers with her tongue before she turned to lick the tip of his cock. His hand preoccupied itself with her breast as she wrapped her lips around his cock. The bobs of her head stayed shallow, letting her hand continue to do most of the work for her.
It was when Dimitri rocked his hips that she heard the groan she came to associate with his pleasure. He had tried to stay still for her, much like the king had when she did this for him. The more she did with the prince the more she realized that what she was accusing the king of was unfounded. Even with the twisted nature of the situation, the king had not hurt her, and neither would the prince. It was when she looked up and locked gazes with him that she could see the reflection the most. His mouth hanging open as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The main difference was that his hands were hovering as if he was almost afraid to touch her.
Byleth retained that eye contact as she took more of him in her mouth. She relaxed like the king had told her to, breathing through her nose and keeping her tongue curled under him so it would caress along the vein as she moved. She felt too weak for the bobbing motion, but she found that she didn’t need to as he came when she was halfway through taking him.
He looked embarrassed as his panting made his chest rise and fall rapidly under the uniform. She swallowed down what he gave her as she swirled her tongue around him to clean him. He softened slightly, but he was still erect even when her lips let go of him with an audible pop. So it seemed that was something that was natural for him.
When she leaned forward to give his cock one last stroke and kissed his length, she felt his hand on top of her head in a petting motion. It was tentative at first, but after about the third stroke it seemed he was comfortable enough with it. She found herself preening under the touch. “When you are feeling better I hope you will be ready to face the consuming desire you’ve lit within me. For now, this will be more than enough.”
Byleth could only nod and nuzzle against his hand as she felt the darkness creeping back upon her as the post haze bliss started to fade. She retreated her hand as she laid herself onto the bed in a more comfortable position.
Dimitri tucked himself away as he moved her bangs to kiss her forehead. His lips lingered there a moment before he dove in for a proper kiss. “Rest, I’ll bring you something to eat and it will be waiting for you when you wake.”
She remembered humming into his kiss before the darkness took over again.
-------
When Byleth woke back up, the first thing she noticed was the plate of food on her desk with a white rose laid out beside it. She remembered being told that those roses were meant as gifts for potential lovers back on the Day of Devotion. The room smelled like mint, likely from the tea that would need to be warmed up.
Byleth swallowed and rolled her tongue on the roof of her mouth. There was a strange texture… her mind registered what had happened between her and Dimitri. She covered her mouth as panic rose at what she initiated. Yes, she turned back time to be here with him, but she hadn’t meant for them to move that far that fast. What was worse was if Dimitri had asked to continue she would have willingly and eagerly complied.
Her thighs were still tacky from her arousal. Perhaps he was right and she did have a fever, because his touch brought a warm haze to her brain that only concentrated on more pleasure. She was getting wet just thinking about his voice and his touch. He had promised her more, and she was ashamed to admit that she looked forward to it.
When she stood up this time there was no dizziness at all. She stretched as she went over to the food and lifted the lid. There were so many options and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to try first. The mint was all she could smell as she leaned in to sample a bite from the plates. She would need to reheat the tea since she wasn’t sure how long ago it had been made.
Byleth looked around as silence surrounded her. Something was wrong. Sothis hadn’t answered her request to turn back time earlier today, and the goddess was still missing. Byleth swallowed as she realized that if Solen tried to trap her into the void this time she would stay locked away. Her gaze went to the dagger hanging on her belt.
Kronya had to die, for more reasons than revenge on her father. The question was, how? She already gave Dimitri more information than she should. She sat down to nibble on the food as she thought about possible tactics. The tea kettle whistled as it got to temperature and she turned her attention to it as she examined the rose again.
Another noise made her jump as she dropped the rose, hissing as a thorn snagged her fingers. Her door burst open and a wind colder than what was normal for Garreg Mach swirled in, the wind’s whistling mingling with the tea kettle as her head throbbed from the noise.
What she didn’t notice was the frost now resting on the petals of the rose as she moved to close the door. Footsteps caught her attention as Dedue came into view and looked around. “Is everything alright, Professor?”
Byleth nodded as she retreated from him. Dedue made no move to enter her room, only bowing his head as he turned away. “His Highness told me that if you needed anything that I was available to get it for you. He was called away by his classmates for a birthday surprise. He expresses his regret and hopes that you enjoy the food.”
“Thank you Dedue, and no. That burst of wind just surprised me was all.”
Dedue tilted his head. “Wind? I did not detect anything of the sort. His Highness said you were struck down by a fever. Those herbs Manuela gave you are within the tea. Have you already drank your medicine?”
Byleth shivered as a chill ran down her spine. “I will do that now. Have a good day Dedue.”
Dedue bowed his head. “You as well, Professor.”
As soon as the door was shut Byleth wrapped her arms around herself and looked around for the robe only to find it gone. How was it suddenly this cold? She poured out her tea into a mug and wrapped her hands around it, trying to gather what warmth she could.
Byleth picked up the rose off the floor. It was cold to the touch as she placed it against her lips. There was an old superstition that dealt with demons granting dark desires. She snorted at her childishness as she sat back down to her food. There was planning to do and she was the only demon that would be fulfilling her wish.