Work Text:
Grancel, Liberl Kingdom
The Embassy of the Erebonian Empire
Six Weeks Until the Coronation of Queen Klaudia von Auslese
It was rare for Olivier to not be the center of attention at any kind of party, Joshua thought, but perhaps he was just plotting his grand entrance. Joshua had found a quiet corner upstairs on the balcony from where he could keep an eye on the entire massive hall where the cocktail evening in honor of Princess Klaudia’s coronation was being held. Technically, bracers weren’t supposed to get involved with political events, but both the Liberalian and Erebonian security forces had asked for bracers present as a neutral presence in case that the militant branches of either countries decided to make a point in the Erebonian embassy.
Of course, the security teams had probably been talked into it by Kloe and Olivier, both of whom kept sending Estelle and Joshua forlorn letters. Olivier’s were far more lurid as always, but even Kloe’s immaculately diplomatic prose had been overshadowed by wistfulness. Kloe and Olivier both were more and more entangled in their official duties, just as Estelle and he were headed all over the continent on Bracer work. They had all grown a lot in the five years since he and Estelle had become full-fledged bracers.
Joshua leaned on the balcony railing, watching for anything suspicious, waiting to see if Olivier would notice him from where he was standing, further along balcony right next to the top of the stairs. It only took a few moments, Olivier’s sense for drama somehow alerting him.
“Joshua! It has truly been too long!” Olivier said, heartily placing a hand on his shoulder. “You have only become more rugged and handsome since we parted.”
“Hello Olivier,” Joshua said, trying not to smile too obviously. “Or should I address you by your title?”
Olivier’s face slumped. “Oh don’t yet, I’m trying to forget about that right now.” His eye darted to the hall below. “And where is your effervescent partner?”
“Estelle is escorting Kloe,” Joshua said, glad she wasn’t here to hear Olivier’s latest epithet. “Schera and a few of the other bracers are... mingling, as requested.”
“So they put you in charge of the Bracer detail then,” Olivier said approvingly. “Look at you, Joshua Astray. You’re finally moving up, taking a leadership role.”
Joshua flushed a little in spite of himself. “No, Estelle is leading this operation. My role is merely surveillance.”
“How are you and the lovely young lady doing?” Olivier quickly changed topics. “The pulse of love still beating strong within your hearts? Or has her favor been given to another?”
Joshua shook his head, trying to keep the flush spreading further across his face, “... we’re fine.”
“You hesitated a bit there, young heartthrob,” Olivier said, eyebrows wagging. “You can tell me. Just between us countrymen.”
“I am a citizen of Liberl,” Joshua said, almost a little too seriously.
Something flickered in his eyes, just for a moment, and Olivier remembered why that wasn’t necessarily such a good question to ask. His conversational stride took a lot more than awkward memories to break, so he plowed ahead with his teasing. “So perhaps it is you who has found a new paramore. Are you uncertain how to break this news to the gentle maiden Estelle?”
Joshua raised an eyebrow at “gentle maiden.”
“No worries, my young romantic,” Olivier continued, waving his hands to a flourish. “I Olivier Lenheim, expert in the ways of wooing, will educate you in the fine art of lightly breaking a lover’s heart.”
Joshua shook his head, now entirely serious. “I will not ever break her heart.”
Olivier sighed dramatically. “But heartbreak can be so beautiful, the tears, the self-reflection... Especially when it leads to greater things, and I am certain there are many willing arms waiting to console Estelle when she needs a place of solace.”
Joshua scowled at the crowds below.
“And of course it won’t be too long that you remain alone either, I can think of many an interested party in soothing your wounded heart…” Olivier fluttered his eyelashes.
“And how is your companion Major Vander,” Joshua asked, pointedly.
“As stoic as ever,” Olivier said, wistfully.
Joshua looked back over the crowds, not really heeding the other man’s response. Olivier studied his face for a moment, noting how Joshua seemed wistful as well.
“There is something that is bothering you,” Olivier said, his playfulness fading as he dropped the pretence. “And it is something with Estelle, is it not?”
Joshua leaned onto the railing and sighed. “I’m not quite certain why…” he said.
Olivier, perhaps for the first time in his life, noticed that Joshua was trying to say something and remained silent.
Joshua’s voice steeled. “We’ve been through so much together. Junior, then senior bracers, then I was… gone… for a while. I know how much she has done for me, how desperately I need her.”
“You’re not sure that you’ve done enough to earn her love,” Olivier said, thoughtfully. “You still do not believe that someone like you, with a past such as yours, deserves someone like her.”
Joshua nodded, his amber eyes gleaming underneath the chandeliers, his mouth set firm.
Olivier placed a hand on the other man’s shoulder. “You are never going to be certain that you deserve her, but in this life we do not always receive what we deserve, for good or for ill. Thank Adios that you have been blessed to be loved by a woman like Estelle, and do whatever you can do to show her that she is loved as well.”
Joshua looked at him, a little shocked by that answer from Olivier of all people.
“And there are many ways to show her how devoted you are,” Olivier said, the romanticism welling up in him again. “Write poems! Shower your bed in thousands of roses! Sing for her a song, one you composed, in the streets of Grancel for all to hear!”
Joshua smiled wryly. “Thank you, Olivier, I will keep all of those ideas in mind.”
He glanced back to the party below and spotted a flurry of motion at the entrance.
Olivier had not stopped. “Buy her jewels unending! Ask your home city to dedicate a street for her!”
Joshua leaned his head towards the front of the hall. “I believe the guest of honor has arrived.”
Olivier turned that direction, towards the front entry where the crowds were parting, looking expectantly towards the doors.
“Then it is time for me to make my entrance as well,” he said, turning to wink back at Joshua.
Joshua had already gone, melding into the shadows so thoroughly that it was like he had never been there.
“He’s almost got it,” Olivier muttered to himself, grinning, as he watched the entrance of the Crown Princess and her retinue. Joshua and Estelle had been so close for so long that the obvious next step for their relationship was seemingly not obvious to either of them. It was so dire that Cassius himself had mentioned something about it to Olivier at the last joint security summit.
Olivier still felt as though he owed Cassius for preventing a war during the Aurelia incident, and so he had quietly thought of ways to interfere with Estelle and Joshua. Then again, even if Cassius hadn’t asked, Olivier may have meddled in the love lives of his two dear friends. He was too much of a romantic to let the pure true love of those two fade away underneath the demands of mundane reality. He was just glad to have his chance to give Joshua a little push.
The sound of trumpets reverberated through the room as the Crown Princess Klaudia appeared. She was flanked only by Major Julia Schwarz of the Royal Guard and Senior Bracer Estelle Bright. Olivier nodded approvingly. The lighter, yet well-equipped, retinue was a good choice for a causal and tense affair such as a party at the Erebonian embassy, even with the previous five years of peace to rest on.
Kloe was also dressed far more fashionably than usual, Olivier noticed, much more glamorous than her usual formal wear. Someone had gotten her to loosen up a little. Julia was in her dress uniform, always more comfortable in uniform than out. Olivier knew a few members of the Erbonian guard like that as well, perhaps it was time for him to make some introductions.
It was tricky for him to see Estelle from his angle, but the crowd parted for a moment, finally long enough for him to get a good look. Estelle was, quite simply, stunning. She was wearing a white leather bodice with a sheer high-neck ruffle front tied around her neck. Her pants were wide-legged, loose and flowing enough to look like they were a proper skirt. Her sandals had silver ties wrapping around her calves. The design and tailoring were reminiscent of Calvard Republic designs, but if they had been made of fabrics that moved instead of stiff Calvard-style ones. They seemed like they were made specifically to fight in, as well as look dashing in, and they somehow shaped Estelle’s athleticism into a kind of poise. She was even wearing earrings, something long and silver, shown off by the two thick braids draped down her back, both with bits of silver thread and white ribbon wound into the braid.
Olivier grinned. He had asked Kloe for some assistance with his meddling, and true to form, the princess had over-delivered. Joshua would surely be unable to stray too far from his love, and if he did, the rest of this party would surely be glad to pay Estelle the attention she was due.
“As I should as well,” he said, tying back his hair and walking towards the stairs. It was time for Prince Olivert, Erebonian Ambassador to Liberl, to make an appearance.
Downstairs, Estelle was doing her best to stay cool and professional next to the center of attention in the kind of party she would rather never go to. She had attended her fair share of formal political events in her time as a Bracer, but somehow this decidedly informal formal gathering managed to be more nerve-wracking than the first dinner she had gone to for the Queen’s Birthday.
This was a party, where politics happened under far foggier rules with far less oversight. Joshua had explained once all of the kinds of deals that had been made at events like this, and Estelle understood their importance, but she wasn’t quite sure why she was here. She hadn’t been permitted to bring her staff, as bringing a weapon onto Erbonian soil might have been seen as a threat. In theory she understood why, but it did not make her feel any less vulnerable.
At least her bodice was a bit of armor. Estelle had told Kloe she would come only if she didn’t have to wear a dress, and Kloe had done her one better and sent a tailor to create something specifically for this event. The tailor worked primarily with dancers, but that meant that she was easily able to make something that Estelle could fight in if necessary. Estelle even felt pretty. Kloe had said she looked like a knight for the modern era. Estelle just hoped she didn’t make a fool of herself.
The three of them were announced as they reached the main floor of the embassy. There was brief applause, and then a bit of a stampede, as party-goers rushed over to give the Crown Princess their personal best wishes and perhaps bend her ear in their favor. Estelle and Major Schwarz spent a very tiresome hour managing the crowds, keeping the mass of people orderly and polite. Estelle spent the entire time desperately missing her staff. She would have been so much more effective with the threat of head bashing.
When the last wave of well-wishers had finally dispersed, Kloe politely asked a passing server if they could arrange a few chairs in a quieter corner. Kloe was still not accustomed to being the focus of these kinds of crowds, even as the frequency of events like these increased leading up to the coronation. Her grandmother had assured her that things would quiet down somewhat when she was fully Queen Klaudia, but the time until then was proving to be exhausting.
The servant appeared quickly, leading them across the room to a table underneath the stairs, already full of food. They were also kind enough to create a space between the Crown Princess and the nearest set of tables so they had a bit of solitude. This peace was quickly broken by the appearance of Olivier. He did bow politely on his approach, but then, after double-checking for anyone who might disapprove, plopped down dramatically on the chair next to Kloe. He swiped a few strawberries off of Estelle’s plate.
Kloe turned to him graciously, practicing her poise under all circumstances. “Prince Olivert, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
Olivier waved his title off wearily. “Please not him right now, the Baron [XX] has been boring me for the past hour, and my dearest Vander expressly forbade me sneaking into the musicians.”
“You haven’t tried yet?” Estelle asked surprised, grabbing one of the strawberries back.
Olivier scowled. “I tried, but Schera was lurking over there.” He reached for Estelle’s glass of wine. “I thought she was supposed to be out of the country right now.”
“She got back two days ago to help with the extra work for the coronation,” Estelle said, not even bothering to rescue her wine glass. “Since so much of the army is being pulled for the whole event, the Bracer Guild has been stuck with a lot of extra responsibilities.”
“I suppose I’m going to have to be cautious about going into bars again,” Olivier sighed. “And just when I was going to take Joshua out to raise his spirits.”
“Are you sure his spirits weren’t depressed because you were talking to him,” Estelle said, pouring herself a new glass of wine, as Kloe giggled and even Major Schwarz cracked a smile.
“I am very offended that you would even think such a thing,” Olivier said pouting. “I bring joy and beauty to all whom with I speak.”
Estelle rolled her eyes.
Olivier glanced around their little pocket of quiet space. “Where is that dark-haired handsome young man anyway? I would have thought that he would want to keep a close eye on you.”
Kloe and Major Schwarz exchanged knowing grins as Estelle looked back towards the main part of the ballroom. “Joshua is keeping an eye out for us, so he’s probably up somewhere, hiding too well. He’ll get here quick if there’s any kind of trouble.”
“Well, I at least hope he did not miss your entrance,” Olivier said. “You look radiant tonight, Miss Estelle.”
Estelle flushed deep red. “Uh… thanks, Olivier.”
He stood abruptly. “I should return to my duties as host of this little soiree.” He leaned towards Kloe conspiratorially. “If you see Schera move, let me know.”
“Olivier…” Kloe said disappointedly, but he was already walking off, his posture instantly becoming stiff and formal, slipping into his Olivert persona.
“He is never what I expected a prince of Erbonia to be like,” Major Schwarz remarked as she neatly piled cheese and shaved meats onto her plate.
“I’m not sure that he is what Erbonia expects a prince of Erbonia to be like,” Kloe said, watching him begin speaking with a group from Bose. “He is a very accomplished actor to say the least.”
Estelle sighed. “He gets more and more ridiculous every time I see him. And he keeps roping my dad in on his hairbrained schemes.”
“I will be forever grateful for all he’s done for us over the years,” Kloe said simply. “He prevented another war, in addition to risking his life for you and I over and over again.”
Estelle smiled and shook her head. “That goof, always trying to act like he doesn’t care.”
Major Schwarz nodded.
Kloe looked back out at the crowds. “I think I ought to be getting back to things,” she said, rising from her chair.
Estelle took one last wistful look at the platters of food they had barely made a dent in and then stood as well.
The next several hours were a blur of faces and names and compliments for her Royal Highness. Around midnight Kloe told Estelle to take a break for a little while, which Estelle tried not to take as a commentary on her demeanor. She’d managed to stay poised and patient far longer that she’d thought possible. Her years of Bracer training might finally be turning her into a professional.
She found herself headed outside to the landing overlooking the rear grounds of the embassy. It was much quieter and darker here, much more like home than the busy streets of Grancel. She moved to the railing and let the the cool night breeze flow over her.
“It’s not like you to be alone in the middle of a party,” a familiar voice said from behind her. Estelle turned and peered at the inky darkness around the doorway.
“No, disappearing into the shadows is usually your trick,” Estelle retorted.
Joshua stepped into the square of light from the open doors into the hall. “I like to see things without them seeing me,” he said, leaning on the railing next to her.
“Kloe and Olivier were wondering where you had gotten to,” Estelle said.
“And you weren’t?” Joshua said wryly.
“I could tell you were around somewhere,” Estelle said. “I know you always have my back.”
Her smile alone was almost enough to light up the whole sky. Joshua found himself lost in it for a moment, forgetting that he could speak.
“This really isn’t my kind of party anyway,” Estelle continued. “All these rich and fancy people and I had to get all dressed up and leave my staff at the guild.” She patted her pants flatter.
“You look beautiful, Estelle.” Joshua said, gesturing to her new clothes. “All of this really suits you.”
“You really think so?” Estelle said, a little more earnestly than he had expected.
He leaned down and kissed her softly. “Yes, of course.”
She smiled and reached for his hand. “Well come on then, we have work to be doing, we can’t just spend all night out here saying nice things.”
“Just wait a moment,” Joshua said, pulling her back onto the balcony. “There’s something I wanted to say.”
“What is it?” Estelle said, a flicker of worry crossing her face.
Joshua took a deep breath. “Estelle, you know I love you?”
Estelle, smiled, confused. “Of course I do.”
He sighed. “I just don’t know how to say-”
“Come on, Joshua, just spit it out,” Estelle said.
He clasped both of her hands in his own, looked into her expectant eyes, and said: “Estelle, I think we should get married.”
There was a long moment of silence as Estelle processed his statement and Joshua realized what he had just said.
Estelle blinked a few times. “What?”
“We been partners officially for five years,” Joshua continued. “And unofficially longer than that. But I want more than that for us, Estelle. I want us to be permanently bonded in the eyes of Adios and everyone.”
Estelle nodded slowly, trying to process. “Um, okay, so I wasn’t expecting this-”
Joshua leaned away a little. “Of course if you don’t want to, we don’t have to, not ever if it’s something you really don’t-”
“Of course I want to marry you, Joshua,” loud enough that it almost buried the noise of the party blasting through the doors. “I just wasn’t expecting you to ask now-”
Joshua pulled her face to his and kissed her, every ounce of hope and love and devotion his heart could make, all given in that moment to her.
They did not part for several minutes, and even then they could not stop smiling at each other, Joshua keeping her hand in his own.
“Joshua,” Estelle said, suddenly struck by a thought, “I don’t know anything about weddings.”
Joshua laughed. “I’m sure there will be a line of people who cannot wait to help you with that. Cassius first.”
“Right! Dad!” Estelle said, panicking slightly. “We’ll have to tell dad… who knows what he’ll say…”
“Hopefully he will be happy?” Joshua said, unable to tear his eyes from her.
“He’ll be a wreck. Probably cry from happiness,” Estelle said. “We should probably tell him first.”
Joshua nodded, reveling in how happy he was, something far beyond what he would have ever imagined.
“Then Schera, and Kloe- although we shouldn’t bother her while she’s busy with all of the coronation stuff- and Olivier is going to flip, he’s going to be so embarrassing about it all.”
“We can make a plan for telling everyone in the morning,” Joshua said, pulling her towards the party. “But until then, maybe we can just have this for us for the moment.”
“Alright,” Estelle said, content. “But where are we going?”
Joshua grinned. “I’m stealing one dance with my fiance before we both have to get back to work.”
Estelle frowned and pulled back towards the doors. “But I don’t know how to dance.”
“You trust me?” Joshua said, his amber eyes intensely focused on her.
“Yes,” she said, caught off-guard.
“Then you can dance with me,” Joshua said, pulling her into his arms, turning onto the well-lit ballroom, leading her slowly around the edges of the crowds until the two of them danced smoothly, moving in perfect harmony.