Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Erinys never expected it to last, if she were to be honest with herself. 

He was her prince, she a knight, and even after two children and a battle which he apparently survived, she could feel him drifting away. 

"I'm sorry," He whispers on that snowy, ice cold night, and even then she's not even sure if it's her Lewyn speaking or the new one. 

"Don't be," She smiles, and squeezes his hand. That's the most she can do. 

As he walks away, she watches until she can't see him anymore, just a green dot in the black night. 

"I knew it," She whispers to nobody at all. 

Chapter Text

One had to admire Erinys' conviction and loyalty. Naoise certainly did; he also had to respect the way in which she shot down Alec's attempts at flirting with her. Even Princess Lachesis had a hard time driving him off, but Erinys? One sentence and he was gone. 

She was so patient with Prince Lewyn, too. Even though he failed to take his duties seriously and at times made even Naoise's blood boil, she never failed to bring him back on his course. How in the world did some people not like her? 

They were so similar, right down to their ideals and dedication to their lieges. Alec had even teased Naoise about it at one point, though one word about Princess Lachesis and he shut up. Maybe he did find Erinys to be attractive, but so what? 

...If only he could muster up the courage to actually talk to her. 

Chapter Text

In the ever growing mess of blood, death, and gore that was the conflict Erinys had found herself in, Arden was a comforting presence. Sure, he was very slow and at times got in her way in the battlefield, but he was kind and understanding. She could actually talk to him, since everyone else seemed a bit too busy to. Or they just didn't like her. Both seemed probable, at this point. 

"Why would people not like ya? I think you're pretty great!" Arden said happily one day, as both of them were stationed to watch and make sure no one came and attacked camp. Erinys was flattered, and laughed softly. 

"I can sometimes...say the wrong thing, is all. The other day, Silvia - you know, the dancer who's always with Lewyn? - I said something that upset her, and now..." Erinys sighed deeply, turning her lance around in her hands. "I'm not quite sure how to fix it." 

"You think that I've got some sort of wisdom to offer ya?" Arden laughed, and Erinys could feel her face turn red. 

"W-Well, I just thought-" 

"I'd be happy to help!" Arden loudly cut in, and Erinys nearly jumped. "I think that you should just be honest with her and say sorry! That always works, right?" 

Erinys nearly said that was much too optimistic, but...he looked so earnest. Like he really believed that was true. 

"I think you're right. Thank you, Arden," Erinys let her lance down beside her. Her hands had begun to ache from holding it so tightly. "You're pretty wise, you know." 

Arden smiled proudly. "I've been told! It means a lot coming from you though, Miss Erinys!" 

Erinys was quite sure her face was a deep red at the moment. She would be ashamed if she wasn't so happy. 

Chapter Text

"You're hurt." Erinys averted her gaze from Claud's eyes, and he really wished she'd look at him. They had a son together, and yet she couldn't trust him to heal her wounds? That worried him. 

"I'll manage, Claud. Besides, you and the others have other people to take care of. The cut's really not that deep-" 

Claud touched her arm as lightly as he could, and even then she winced in pain. He raised his eyebrows ever so slightly, and Erinys sighed in defeat. 

"Fine, maybe I do need that healed. You win." 

"I knew I would." 

"Oh, shush..." 

Chapter Text

"Alec, when you asked to spar with me, I was hoping that you'd cease your flirtation and take this seriously." Erinys was honestly hoping he'd stop with the flowery compliments once she asked him to stop, but he didn't. Yes, he'd stopped with the flirting, but this really was borderline...

Alec looked almost surprised (why would he be?) but resumed his usual smile shortly after. Did the man ever not smile? Erinys was genuinely curious. 

"Erinys, I'm not flirting with you! I was simply complimenting you on your excellent form. Is that so bad?" ...Well, no, but why would he? Nobody really had before, except maybe Annand, so why wouldn't she be suspicious of an ulterior motive? 

"Well, if that is actually the case, thank you." Erinys nodded quickly, before getting back to her lance training. Alec sighed. 

It was getting difficult trying to make her get a hint without being as forefront as he usually was. But Alec was a patient man. He'd wait.