Chapter Text
There comes a point when it's too much.
When the soothing sound of the orchestra is no longer able to drown out the cacophony of voices, raising in volume at every spoken word. Laughing meant to please, becomes too loud, discordant, clashing with its intent. The white and gold of the hall becomes harsh on the eyes, too bright, clean. Too perfect.
Dresses and suits, the same colors as the pristine hall mixed in with the occasional blue and yellow, were dancing around her. People walking arm in arm, some demanding attention with large movements, others just doing their best to stand in the way. Their bright clothes just as loud as their voices.
Byleth stood out like a sore thumb. Her dress was black. A v-neck cut, hugging her figure. The long soft georgette material of her skirt swayed satisfyingly with each step and turn she took, a gradient pale green ending at her feet. The sleeves were off black lace, just enough to cover but not enough to hide the muscles in her arms. As she moved, her wild blue hair softly caressed what skin could be seen on her shoulders. She used it to ground her, used the clicks her heels made on the floor to focus.
Wherever she walked, eyes were on her. She was, after all, a member of the prestigious Seiros family. A family that had held power over Fódlan for as long as could be remembered. And she was the only member of age yet unmarried. She may only be adopted and therefore not of the Seiros blood, but she still represented a way into the wealth and power her family held - Seteth refused to marry again, and Flayn was still too young. Byleth had pushed far too many would-be suitors aside tonight than she’d care to count.
The walls were lined with paintings depicting the great battles of their ancestors. Byleth had studied them at every opportunity she got, sometimes sneaking out at night just to compare what would be written in one of the many books from the library to the depictions in the paintings.
There was one painting in particular that stole her attention every time she walked past. It had been painted with such passion. Such anger and sorrow and devotion. Every brushstroke telling a different tale. The colors used were just this side of different from the other paintings on the walls. Darker, more muddled, yet somehow clearer than the perfectionist marks of the other artists. Yet this painting stood without a name and Byleth would have to accept never knowing just who could paint such a masterpiece.
She pushed another man trying to woo her aside. Where did all these bachelors come from? When would they learn she wasn’t interested? They didn’t care about her, they cared only for what she could give them. Yet, there was nothing to be done. One day she would have to accept one of the many proposals. An expectation of nobility she had yet to come to terms with.
The clamor grew louder as she walked through the grand open doors leading to the main hall of this event. Giant crystal chandeliers graced the ceiling, almost dizzying in height. Tables lined with small appetizers and welcome drinks stood at every corner and wall. A waiter was trying in vain to rein in a couple of kids, dressed in their sunday best, trying to steal from the dessert table.
Rhea, her adoptive mother, stood at the centre near the front of the great hall. Her dress was an immaculate white, complete with gold accents, and she was talking to someone, a woman. Her stance was off. The conversation must not be going well.
As Byleth approached, she could begin to make out some of what the mystery woman was saying.
“Oh, Rhea, you are a saint. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to stay. I wouldn’t wish to cause a scene, after all.” The woman’s voice was deeper than she would have expected. Strong, full of conviction. It suited her.
Rhea spotted Byleth's approach, waving her to them, appearing grateful for the chance to change the subject. “I don’t believe the two of you have met. This is Byleth, the newest addition to the family. What has it been, five years now?”
Byleth nodded. Now that she was closer, she could get a better look at this woman. She was a couple centimeters shorter than herself though appeared to be just around the same age. Her long red dress was just millimeters from dragging on the floor, a long slit running up the skirt, showing a pale leg crisscrossed with fainted scars. Unusual for a noble. More scars ran up the length of her arms, continuing behind the edges of her dress. They didn’t take away her beauty.
Her silver hair was done up in an elegant bun, leaving some of it to frame her face and soften the look. But it was her eyes - a sharp piercing lilac, evaluating, sizing her up - that made Byleth hold her breath.
“And this is-“ Rhea began.
“Edelgard von Hresvelg. A name you’ve no doubt heard about,” the woman interjected.
That was an understatement. The Hresvelg name had stood out in all texts that could be found in the library of her new family’s history. The two families had been working close together far in the past, until a rift in their relationship made way for a grand scale war that threw the continent into chaos. It had ended in Seiros’ victory, though Byleth suspected that might not entirely have been the case. The respective families had been on opposite sides of all things since. A day had not gone by these past years where she hadn’t heard the name ‘Hresvelg’ spoken like a curse.
The woman - Edelgard - reached out her hand completing her introduction with a handshake. It was firm. “A pleasure,” Byleth said. The woman’s eyes briefly flicked to a spot behind her, “Ah, I see Hubert wants to speak with me. If you will excuse me, archbishop.”
Archbishop?
As Edelgard went away, so did Rhea’s smile. Her adoptive mother never allowed herself to frown, but this was as close to one as Byleth had seen. “To think she would dare show her face here…” Rhea muttered.
Byleth watched as Edelgard disappeared into the crowd with a tall gloomy man at her side. It occurred to her then, that the silver-haired woman was only one here wearing red.
“Be careful, Byleth. We have an uninvited guest on our hands.”
“Do you want me to-“
“No. I want you to stay clear of her. Do you understand?”
A nod.
“Good. I must speak with Seteth.” Rhea turned to Byleth, a gentle smile back on her face, “Now, put this out of your mind, and try to have fun, my dear.” She turned on her heel, her white dress twirling with the action.
Byleth had tried to put her out of her mind. She really had. But there was something about this woman in red. She had been looking at Byleth with such intensity. It had been unnerving. It had been exhilarating. But there had been something else in her eyes. Like a hidden sadness.
It wasn't long before Byleth began looking for this mystery woman, wanting to see those eyes again. To see who she associated with, what she was doing here. She wanted to know more about her.
You would think such a stark red would stand out easily amidst all the pristine white. Yet, no matter where she looked, red was a color nowhere to be found. A bell rang out, signaling that dinner would begin as soon as everyone was seated. When Byleth turned to return to the grand hall, she thought she caught a flash of lavender out of the corner of her eye. But just as quick as it had appeared, it was gone.
Flayn was waving at her from a table at the forefront of the room. It had become something like a custom for them to sit together at parties. Not that Byleth minded. She could think of worse company to spend an evening.
“Byleth! Were have you been? I’ve been looking for you all evening,” Flayn exclaimed when she was within earshot.
Byleth shot her an apologetic look, sitting down next to her, “Sorry. Wasn’t Seteth with you?”
“He was, but it’s much more fun with you here!”
Seteth, who was sitting at the other side of Flayn, looked a little hurt at her proclamation.
The starter meal arrived, carried on large trays and put in front of them by the many waiters navigating the hall. “What were you doing all by yourself?” Flayn asked, before her eyes suddenly widened in excitement, “Have you finally found a suitor? Oh, how romantic! Who are they? Are they handsome?”
Byleth laughed shortly, “Nothing like that, no. I was busy staying away from such.”
“Oh, how dull. But at least your lack of romance means you will have more time to spend with me!”
Byleth took a sip of her wine. A few tables down, she had spotted the woman with the silver hair, the same man who had been with her before, at her left. “Perhaps.”
Their backs were turned, giving Byleth a clear view of the long red scar that ran down the woman’s back, starting at the top of her spine and continuing behind the low back of the woman’s dress. “Seteth, why is it we hate house Hresvelg?” she asked.
Seteth nearly choked on his drink, sputtering a moment before his eyes quickly flicked to Flayn then back to Byleth. “It is not something we speak of.”
Hmm. Finally Byleth allowed her eyes to turn from the woman, attention now directed to her food. The starters passed with little incident. Flayn had taken it upon herself to keep the conversation going, Byleth answering in short replies. Another usual for them.
There was a break before the main course would be served where Flayn and Seteth had gone to stretch their legs. Byleth had opted to stay, not wanting to walk through the mass of people again, or worse, have to turn down yet another suitor. Besides…
She looked to the Hresvelg woman still sitting in the same spot as before. The man who had been beside her was gone, leaving an empty seat. Byleth couldn’t help herself.
. . .
“Is this seat taken?”
Sharp lilac peered sharply at her and she tried her hardest not to gulp. The woman seemed to contemplate wether she should say yes and send Byleth away, but then her features softened into a polite smile, “Be my guest.”
As Byleth sat down, she took quick note of the others around the table. Most of them were minor nobles. They seemed more concerned with their partners and looking around the grand hall than at their visitor. It was likely they didn’t know who she was. Or maybe they were trying to avoid the scrutinizing gaze of the woman beside her. A gaze which was now directed at her. “Tell me - Byleth. You’ve been looking rather intently at the crowd this whole evening. Looking for someone?”
How did she now? Byleth had searched every inch and had not even caught a single glimpse of this woman. “Sounds like you’ve been keeping a close eye on me.”
Edelgard gave her a quick once-over, a low chuckle rumbled pleasantly in her ear, “Perhaps I have,” she said. “That dress looks good on you. Though you must know that black is an unwelcome color at the Seiros’ gala.”
Unwelcome?
Edelgard raised an eyebrow, studying her curiously, Byleth’s confusion must have been visible. “You didn’t know? Red and black are the official colors of house Hresvelg, and my family is… less than welcome to these events.”
Why had no one told her she was wearing the color of her family’s enemy. Perhaps her adoptive mother had simply been too kind to tell her to change it. Though it did explain the look she received when she first showed up in black to one of these events. “Looks like I’m not the only one who doesn’t match the dress code,” she said.
A smile. “I am well aware.”
“You look stunning in it.” It was the truth. Still, Byleth could not believe she had actually said it. Must have been the wine she had earlier.
Another chuckle, “I am aware,” the woman repeated. Doesn’t lack for confidence then. Her gaze flickered to a spot behind Byleth, features hardening for just a second. When Byleth turned to look, there was no one there but the waiters putting the main course on the table.
“I must admit I was surprised to see another wearing my family color,” Edelgard said, “And on a daughter of the archbishop, no less.”
“Why do you call her archbishop?” To her knowledge, no one else ever called Rhea such.
“A fond nickname that’s been in my family for generations. Nothing more.” Though Edelgard’s tone suggested it was something more.
Attention turned to their food, the clattering of cutlery mixing with the faint din of conversation. Byleth's eyes wandered to the woman at her side of their own volition, to the little white scars that ran along her hands. Every movement she made was with intent, every action practiced, perfected. Byleth had never seen someone eat so elegantly.
And, she had seen them just before when she spoke to her mother, but from this distance she could really see the muscles working in the shorter woman’s arms. She looked strong.
“Do you always stare at others so intensely?”
Byleth jumped. Damn, and here she thought she’d been subtle about it too.
“You’re beautiful,” her own reply caught her off guard, feeling her cheeks heat up. What was she saying? No matter how true, this was still someone she should be wary off. She reached for her wine, hoping it would calm her down. Or at least give her cheeks a different reason for flushing.
Edelgard regarded her, and was that a smirk? “You're not so unfortunate yourself."
Great, now her ears were getting warmer too. Byleth nearly downed all her wine.
Silence fell over the table. Or had it been silent to begin with and Byleth was just too caught up in the woman at her side to notice? Probably both. She had never been drawn to another like this before, but she shook her head. If she want to stay in her family's good graces, she probably shouldn't become too friendly with the enemy. If anything she should use this opportunity to gather information.
"If your family isn't welcome then why are you here?"
A loud clink sounded as Edelgard stabbed a piece of her food, "I thought it was time to make my presence known again. I wouldn't want Rhea to forget about me."
The underlying threat in those words did not escape Byleth. There's definitely something more to it. "Is that the only reason you're here?"
“Of course. I had even thought about leaving early. It's clear certain parties do not want me here,” she said unbothered as she scanned the table. The other noblemen and women could not duck their head fast enough. "Though I'll admit, I might stay for the present company." At this she looked to Byleth.
Byleth felt a sudden heat in her stomach. Was she flirting with her? She was flirting with her. This is flirting, right? fuck. No, she couldn't be. This was just a scheme to make her drop her guard.
Only one way to find out. "I've never thought much of these events. But meeting you here is certainly a highlight." Holy Cichol, that was terrible. She downed the rest of her wine in embarrassment.
Edelgard was looking away, seeming almost - shy? Had that really worked?
Before she could get a chance to test that theory, the waiters came again and removed their plates. The main course was over, and there was to be another small break until dessert. Byleth didn't see a reason for getting up though, there was plenty of excitement right here. More so now that Edelgard reached for a glass of water and managed to spill half of on Byleth.
"Oh goddess, I'm so sorry!" Edelgard hurriedly grabbed a handful of napkins to help her dry off but Byleth just laughed, "It's fine, it's just water," she said, patting the water from her dress. "It was rather refreshing really, I was feeling kinda hot sitting next to you."
If the wine wasn't deceiving her eyes, Edelgard was blushing. Quite heavily. Huh, cute.
"I've been wondering something," Byleth blurted. It was too late to stop now. Her rationality dulled by the alcohol and the heat in her chest. "How strong are you?"
"What-"
"You could show me in an armwrestling match."
Edelgard let out a laugh, clearly caught of guard by the sudden proposal, "Byleth, this is a formal event. I doubt the host will approve."
It had been worth a try, "Who cares what the host thinks," she said turning her attention to her empty wine glass.
The bell rang, signalling it was time for dessert, the best part of these dinner parties. Byleth had had a say in the menu and was very much looking forward to it. What she failed to notice, was a pair of lilac eyes, looking at her in silent wonder.
Hubert was seething.
Not only had this random blue-haired woman stolen his seat, she had also somehow managed to completely entrance lady Edelgard. He had been watching them for some time, having a pretty good view from where he was sitting now. When he had come back from preparing for the reason they were at this godforsaken party in the first place - that woman had been in his spot, which meant the only seat left was next to Flayn and Seteth of all people.
He had been sitting through the entire meal, trying his best to ignore the inane amount of questions pouring from that little girl's mouth. It had been near endless, but he would persevere. It would not do to cause a scene after all. No, that task fell to Edelgard. An easy task too. Her mere presence demanded attention, effectively keeping it off of him despite how he himself stood out.
He could admit this turn of events was not to their disadvantage. Rhea had not once turned her attention from the two women. And he took comfort in Seteth's clear displeasure at having his beloved daughter so close to a servant of house Hresvelg.
Dessert was almost over and Hubert rose from his seat. It was time to move on to the next part of their plan.
Too soon it was over. They had finished dessert, and now it was time to mingle again.
Byleth stood from her seat, sad to part with Edelgard’s company. They had conversed quite happily throughout the rest of dessert. Byleth had even managed to make Edelgard genuinely smile a couple of times. A wonderful, beautiful smile. But all good things must come to an end, and if Rhea saw her fraternizing with the enemy…
But just as she was about to excuse herself, Edelgard grabbed her hand. “Sorry,” she said. “I guess I’m not ready for - whatever this is - to be over.”
“Have I caught your attention?” Byleth took Edelgard’s other hand in her free one. She couldn’t believe just how good it felt to hold this woman’s hands.
“Heh, you’ve done more than that,” Edelgard replied and started slowly pulling Byleth with her towards the middle of the floor.
She didn’t notice how every eye in the room was on them. Her vision was filled with lilac and red and that wonderful smile. A smile that slowly turned into a subtle smirk. This woman was planning something, and Byleth found herself excited to find out what. "Are you taking me somewhere?"
"Goddess, how I wish I could.” Edelgard said, slowing them to a stop, "Of everything I expected from this night, you were a welcome unknown." She took a step closer to Byleth, searching, gauging.
Byleth was lost in those eyes, only vaguely registering when Edelgard let go and snuck a hand behind her neck, the other landing on her shoulder, feet rising to stand on her tip-toes, eyes still gauging. She smelled of citrus and roses.
Edelgard's eyes flitted away for just a moment, but when they returned Byleth knew there was nowhere she would rather be than in this woman’s arms. "It's a shame I can't make you mine,” Edelgard breathed, and then her lips were on her own.
There was a lot of ways Byleth had imagined Edelgard might kiss her that night. This did not compare. She kissed her so carefully, so softly, yet with a passion that could burn, leaving her wanting more. She was just about to deepen the kiss when Edelgard pulled back, just a fraction, smiling against her lips. "Goodbye, Byleth." And then she was gone. Out the door before Byleth could realize what had happened.
A pair of green eyes had been watching the display from the front of the room. The guests had never seen such a fearful expression on Rhea's face before. And there was Flayn, giggling at her side, absolutely elated at what she had just witnessed.
Outside the Seiros mansion, two figures could be seen leaving the party. A woman in red and a man in black. "Did you have fun?" Hubert drawled.
Edelgard ignored him, walking with hurried steps to where their car was parked. Of course Hubert kept up with her, an uncanny ability of his. That he had seen her leave in itself was a miracle. "I was able to secure the passage, but there was nothing I could do about the defenses. Not without more time,” he said.
"It's fine, Hubert," Edelgard replied. She remembered the look she had seen on Rhea’s face right before she kissed Byleth. Could still feel the heat of the taller woman's lips on her own. She smiled, ”I found something much better."