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For as long as she could remember, Edelgard couldn't even begin to think back to a time where life had ever been this good.
The soft sounds of piano music in the distance carried across the breeze from the open ballroom doors; along with the warm laughter and pure jubilation of her most loved individuals. A smile had been worn on her face for so long today that her cheeks felt like they were aching, and that was a sensation that had been criminally underrated all of her life. Happiness, hope; things that were seemingly so fleeting and dangerous to keep ahold of were now proving to be things Edelgard loved most of all.
Well, maybe not of all - because that title belonged to the person standing right in front of her, and she was the sole reason for the broad, bright smile on Edelgard von Hresvelg's face in the first place.
Things had been tough to get to this point. Edelgard was relieved that the worst of life was already all over with. If she'd had to go through all of that - all of the seemingly unending pain and the horrible greys of loneliness - to be this happy in the end, then hell, she wore it with a badge of honour.
She had overcome it all to be stood here as not just the new Emperor of Adrestia, or even as an accomplished warrior; but instead, as a woman who was in love, and looking upon the object of her affections on the marble floor of the palace ballroom.
Why was this significant? Well...
The difference to any other day where Edelgard might do this was that now, she could afford to think...
Wow...
Byleth Eisner really is my wife.
What did I ever do to get this lucky?
“El? You're zoning out again.”
Lost in the depths of her emotions, a warm, loving voice reached her ears; composed of the sounds that Edelgard loved the most in a person.
“Ah...!” she exclaimed; brought back to her current reality with a comfortable bump, and found that the light on her face also reached her eyes with ease. “Sorry...I was miles away there.”
“Well, don't go doing that at our wedding!” Byleth chuckled, and took Edelgard by the hand. “I especially need you here today, but I think our guests would be a little alarmed if you disappeared altogether, too.”
Edelgard laughed softly, and squeezed Byleth's hand with a loving touch. The feeling of the golden band on Byleth's finger meeting with her own was a newly satisfying experience.
“Nothing could pry me away from you today, my love.”
Today, Edelgard von Hresvelg had gotten married, and today, a new chapter of life with her one and only love was now beginning.
The ballroom of the Adrestian Palace would make even the gods kneel before its beauty. Gorgeous, vivid red carnations lined the hall in grand decorations and bouquets; crisp golds, whites and reds adorned the walls with rich tapestries and colour, breathing life into what had been a long unused room inside the Adrestian Palace. Where this had once been a lonely shell of a place, it was now full of life and laughter. Edelgard had never felt more at home.
The ceremony itself had been a beautiful occasion, and Edelgard thought fondly back on the recently created memories with a renewed smile on her lips. The sight of Byleth Eisner standing at the altar in a gorgeous, white dress almost as beautiful as she was had been wonderful; and further still, getting to see the sharply-dressed Black Eagles eagerly grinning and cheering in the front rows had also been heartwarming, too. And of course, there was the matter of their kiss after the vows, and the somewhat premature throwing of the bouquet...which Dorothea had promptly captured in her hands shortly after the ceremony itself.
This day is perfect, Edelgard thought. I never know how life can possibly get any better, lately...but I'm so glad that it always seems to.
Taking Edelgard by the hand, Byleth led her out onto the ballroom floor. Many of the Garreg Mach alumni were in attendance, too; either in couples, individuals or groups. They had all survived much together, and as such, Edelgard had no problem with allowing them to see into the window of her life.
As Byleth placed her hands at either side of Edelgard's hips with the reply of Edelgard's arms around her neck, both of them couldn't help but smile.
The piano music was romantic in nature as it was, but the melodies that hummed off of the keys were all the more beautiful for it. The cake had been cut with much fanfare; it was a delicious, tall cake that seemed to appease virtually everyone in the room, save for Caspar, who had already made a beeline for the banquet; and alongside that, everybody else was in prime condition for the dance - which was what Edelgard had been looking forward to the very most.
“You looked beautiful today,” Edelgard said with a smile. “The dress really suited you.”
“You think so?” Byleth replied through a flattered laugh. “Maybe I should never take it off, in that case.”
“Hee hee...you look beautiful in anything you wear, though.”
“...As do you, El.”
That nickname. Edelgard smiled even wider, and rest her head against Byleth's shoulder as they rocked slowly to the melodies of the piano.
“I love you...”
Edelgard had always been afraid of that phrase. I love you. Such a terrifying, three-word phrase that bared one's soul to another.
“And I love you,” Byleth replied with a gentle tone, resting her chin just as softly against Edelgard's head as they danced. “I love you with all that I am, El. Always...I'm so glad that we decided to do this.”
“Byleth...”
Edelgard felt a little sappy even admitting that her eyes were stinging with the sheer happiness of it all, but on a day like today, it seemed more appropriate than ever to feel such overwhelming joy.
“Attention! Attention, everyone!”
“Eh...?” Byleth exclaimed, as the two women in the middle of the ballroom floor turned their attention to the source of the noise; which was Hubert, Dorothea, and Ferdinand, with Ferdinand boisterously tapping a glass to the point that it cracked and echoed off of the walls. “Ah, yes. Of course.”
“M-My apologies...!” Ferdinand bashfully offered, though that didn't prevent a sharp scowl being sent his way from Hubert.
Dorothea giggled, as despite Hubert's disapproval and Ferdinand's embarrassment, the incident had very successfully captured the room's full attention...
And cleared her throat as she stood before them.
“We of the Black Eagles would like to make a toast to our blushing brides.”
Byleth and Edelgard both felt the same hot prickle of anticipation rush up their backs, though this was quickly mitigated with the warmth and love they felt from the sight of their friends genuine joy at their romance hitting a new milestone.
The sunset outside poured in its warm light across the ballroom floor through large, clear arched windows; illuminating the beautiful sights of all of the guests jewelry, dresses, and other adornments that made for this day to be such a royal affair. The scent of carnations carried across the air strongly, and even with so many different sights and scents intermingled, that floral smell always remained one of Edelgard's favourite things.
“So!” Dorothea began with a chipper tone, and looked directly at Edelgard with a warm gaze in her eyes. “We just wanted to say...how happy we are for the two of you.”
Byleth and Edelgard both smiled; touched. Dorothea continued with Ferdinand and Hubert at either side.
“This marriage has been a long time coming...” Dorothea said, with a tone that suggested everyone knew this was going to happen long before they did. “And I think I speak for not just the Black Eagles, but everyone in this hall when I say...we're all so glad that we could be here today to see it happen.”
“Dorothea...” Edelgard said in a whisper, as she watched the sight of Hubert stepping up whilst Byleth squeezed her side against her.
“We are overjoyed that the Adrestian Empire now has not one, but two competent, well-experienced, and driven leaders...” Hubert continued; his scowl from Ferdinand's earlier blunder now evaporating into the atmosphere. “The nation will flourish unlike it ever has before. Of that, I am certain. Why, you may ask...? Well, the answer is simple.”
Edelgard waited with baited breath, and Hubert chuckled darkly as he stood a little more upright.
“Because a leader that experiences love will give nothing but love back,” he said; a fraction quieter in embarrassment than before. “And with Byleth Eisner at her side, it is clear to see that Emperor Von Hresvelg is more clear-headed and confident than ever.”
Byleth beamed. Edelgard couldn't bring herself to look at her for fear that she might burst into tears at such touching observations from those closest to her.
Ferdinand; as eager and loud as ever; walked into the position where Hubert was stood, and cleared his throat for his booming voice to fill the hall.
“Long live Emperor von Hresvelg!” He declared; raising a new, unbroken glass in his gloved hand with a tenacity that suggested all of his belief was now placed in the newlywed couple. “Long live Byleth Eisner! Long live Adrestia!”
And with those words now firmly from Ferdinand von Aegir's lips, the room cheered with glasses raised; and at that moment, Edelgard felt the tears spill out over her cheeks and onto the smile that was still completely irremovable from her face.
Byleth had always been the one. Edelgard had known that from the very moment they had met; an intrinsic, undeniable link that bound them together had made itself known quickly to her, whether Byleth herself had known it or not. Edelgard knew exactly how she felt. Byleth Eisner was a necessity to her; natural and essential to her wellbeing; and that was something she deeply mourned the loss of for those lonely five years without her at her side.
But when she returned, Edelgard knew that she couldn't possibly waste even a single second. In the pursuit of an ideal world, there was very little room for error; let alone romance. But her hand guided itself to that canvas to paint the one she loved the most; her mind, unyielding in its thoughts.
And now, so many kisses and moments of intimate bliss later, here they stood; together; bound by exactly what she had always wanted - a lifetime with Byleth Eisner, right at her side.
The cheering began to die down as three of Edelgard's closest friends came away from the table, and hurriedly rushed over to where Byleth and herself were standing. The piano music resumed; this time, louder and prettier; and Edelgard felt her heart flutter at the sight of Byleth's beaming pride.
“Why do you look so happy?” Edelgard asked. Byleth laughed.
“You don't need to actually ask me that question, do you? I'm happy because I'm with you.”
“Byleth...”
“Oh, you two!”
A third voice entered the fray as Ferdinand, Dorothea and Hubert quickly approached; and as Dorothea threw her arms around Byleth, Hubert placed a hand on Edelgard's shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.
“...I hope that wasn't too much,” he offered in an apologetic tone. Edelgard shook her head, and placed her hand atop his own.
“Not at all. I was quite touched by your words...thank you.”
“Heh...” Hubert chuckled as he stood beside Ferdinand, who looked at Edelgard with a bright smile in his eye in turn. “Well, I -”
“Well, Edelgard! You may have had your perfect day on this day, but I, Ferdinand von Aegir, shall have the greatest wedding!”
Edelgard rolled her eyes with a playful grin, and Ferdinand laughed with just as much vitality as before. Hubert sighed.
“We are not getting married anytime soon, so you may scrub that ambition from your mind.”
“Hmph! You'll change your mind,” Ferdinand boasted, and kissed Hubert on the cheek before wandering off. “You'll see!”
“He's so obnoxious...” Hubert grumbled; before a wry smile of affection crept across his pale features. “I suppose I can't help but love him.”
Edelgard chuckled as Hubert smiled wryly, and Dorothea turned her attention directly to her.
“Edie! You looked so magnificent today!” she exclaimed; a glint in her eye of pure joy that made Edelgard smile even brighter. “Oh, the two of you...you're just picture perfect, aren't you? I'm so happy for you.”
“Thank you...” Edelgard replied, and placed her hand back in Byleth's own with a firm squeeze. “It still doesn't really feel like it's real.”
“I'll bet. You're a kept woman now, hm?” Dorothea said with a wink. “We're all getting older now, aren't we?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, besides that we just are...I don't know. I suppose seeing two of your closest friends getting married just makes you realize life isn't forever, you know?” Dorothea continued; much to Edelgard and Byleth's surprise at her candidness. “I think you're both remarkably lucky to have found something so all-encompassing, so...make sure you make the most of each other. Okay?”
“Dorothea...” Edelgard said with a tinge of surprise. Byleth squeezed Edelgard's hand in response, and Dorothea smiled.
“Don't worry. I'll take care of her.”
Edelgard blushed.
“B-Byleth!”
“Hee hee...I know,” Dorothea said with a warm, slightly melancholy smile. “I do wonder when I'll meet the one I'll marry, too. I suppose you're not available any longer, Edie!”
“Oh, stop that...!”
As the three of them chuckled together, the piano's dulcet tones began to shift to a song that Edelgard loved dearly; a song that in her darkest hours had always comforted her. A soft, emotional melody that sung of deep romance without words; an expression of emotion that could only be conveyed through song.
Dorothea, immediately reading the mood of both Edelgard and the music that now hovered in the sunlit air, closed her eyes and nodded with a smile.
“Well, then...I'll just go and see if anyone wants to dance with yours truly.”
“Thank you for everything, Dorothea. I mean it.”
Dorothea smiled brightly at Edelgard's warm words; and squeezed both her and Byleth on the shoulders before wordlessly leaving to find a dance partner somewhere in the large ballroom.
Turning back to Byleth, Edelgard was always more than happy to see the handsome smile on her lover's face.
She was always prettiest when she smiled; though Edelgard loved Byleth in every one of her moods.
“Care to dance?” Byleth offered; and Edelgard wrapped her arms around her neck in response.
“...Of course.”
“Then, don't mind if I do.”
The sunlight outside was beginning to fade into a violet hue of oncoming dusk, and Edelgard had never felt more at peace.
The melodies were beautiful. Edelgard rest her head against Byleth's warm, upper chest, and wrapped her arms tightly around her neck as she closed her eyes. Their bodies swayed slowly, close together and intimate; feeling every note of the song reverberate through every part of their skin and soul.
For a woman who had been so consumed with ideals and revenge for her entire life...Edelgard thought how she would never get to experience anything like this.
Byleth's hands were gentle and familiar against her body. They held her hips tightly in their grip, but not too tight to ever be uncomfortable; and when they weren't, they were slipping beneath the backing trail of Edelgard's long, white veil, and stroking the exposed small of her back through the dress. Edelgard never tired of feeling her heart race.
“...This is heaven,” she confessed in a quiet whisper, and Byleth smiled against her forehead before she kissed it, both wordlessly and gently.
The moment was perfect.
A blanket of silence had befallen the ballroom, save for the sheer delight of the piano music. Various couples were wrapped up in the moment, intertwined with one another either out of hope or love. Hope of a budding romance; love, unrequited and requited. The human heart was a fickle thing, but once tamed, it was just as precious and more valuable than any jewel out there could ever be.
“El...” Byleth began softly; and in doing so, did not violate the perfect silence that loomed across the hall. “Where do you want to go after this?”
“Hm?” Edelgard replied, looking up into Byleth's eyes. “You mean on our honeymoon?”
“Mhm. I suppose we never talked much about that, did we?”
That's true... Edelgard thought. I was so caught up in the excitement of getting married, I didn't even stop to think about the afterwards...
But in a way, that day-to-day nature was what made everything about Byleth so exciting. She was unpredictable, but not in any ways that Edelgard felt would ever harm her; and she was so easy to love in so many different ways, both in and out of intimacy.
“Well...” Edelgard began; before a thought popped into her head with a smile across her face once more. “May I make a suggestion in its stead?”
“Oh? And what might that be?”
There was a brief pause between the two of them; before Edelgard allowed a slight blush to rise onto her cheeks that Byleth knew well.
“Instead of thinking about anything that follows after today...I just want you to kiss me.”
Byleth smiled as Edelgard curled a lip inwards out of sheer embarrassment, and indignantly protested.
“W-Well? Will you?”
“No, sorry. I changed my mind.”
“Oh, you're such a -!”
...Byleth's lips quickly captured Edelgard's protesting ones with her own; and just like that, Edelgard felt her heart melt all over again.
Byleth's lips were soft, and there was a taste of something sweet on there today, too. After kissing so many times over the years, Edelgard had grown quite accustomed to the taste of her loved one's kiss; and it was a luxury that always made her feel giddy inside. This time, it tasted somehow even better than usual.
Edelgard wrapped her arms around Byleth's neck a little tighter as they paused their sway to the melody of song.
Byleth's arms wrapped themselves around Edelgard's back tightly; and, holding her close, Edelgard felt as though she never wanted to be let go. Thoughts of adoration swirled her mind and her body; thoughts of eternity nestled firmly inside her heart. With each heartbeat, it felt as though their kiss deepened. The music somehow faded into the background of such a sensation.
Edelgard felt as though her body was on fire in the best way, even here in the ballroom. Her lips brushed against Byleth's just as slowly as she kissed; matching her tempo with an unrestrained, undeniable amount of words coming through in each press. I love you. You're mine. Thank you for loving me in the ways that you do.
Both women knew that they were able to read the other without any further prompting; and, as the long, loving kiss finally began to break away, they rest their foreheads against one another with a quiet intake of air slipping into their lungs.
“...You're always such a good kisser, you know.”
Byleth smirked at Edelgard's admission under such a state of mind, and let out a slight chuckle in response.
“I could say the same to you, Mrs. Eisner.”
“Ah!”
“Heh! That's what you wanted to be called, right? You wanted my last name.”
Edelgard's once pink blush had now turned crimson as they stood upright, and Byleth couldn't stifle her laughter.
“Really! You never stop teasing me, do you?”
“Who's teasing?” Byleth quickly replied. “Though, I'm more than happy to be Byleth von Hresvelg, you know.”
“Oogh...”
Byleth chuckled as Edelgard buried her burning face into the crook of her neck, and kissed her cheek as she did.
“You're so cute. Have you always been this cute?”
“No!” Edelgard protested; though both women could tell that it was not without an air of laughter in her voice.
After a few moments, and as the romantic melodies of the piano began to sink into the atmosphere to interchange with one that livened up the room once again...
Edelgard leant back in Byleth's arms, and placed her hands on either side of her face as she stroked her cheeks.
“Byleth von Hresvelg, or Edelgard Eisner...” she said, with an intermingled air of disbelief and happiness. “I suppose that's something else we should decide, isn't it?”
“I think we've got some talking to do, regarding the honeymoon and the name situation...” Byleth replied with a bemused, affectionate expression. “Though, if you ask me...”
“Hm?”
Stroking a strand of blonde hair behind Edelgard's ear, Byleth grinned brightly; and looked into her eyes with a certain, unwavering light behind them.
“Why don't we just bask in the glory of today first?” she eventually spoke. “We've a lifetime to decide on the other things, but...I feel just as you said a few moments ago, you know.”
Edelgard arched an eyebrow with a bemused smile on her face.
“Oh? Which is...?”
Byleth smiled in such a way that instantly made Edelgard easily remember what she'd said.
She remembered what she had said, and the way she had said it with such affection laced all throughout her words. It was something that really, she felt foolish that she had even forgotten about, because it was exactly how she'd felt every single day since meeting Byleth Eisner.
They had their whole lives ahead of them, now. They had people that loved them, all littered around this room...and they had goals and desires that they knew, together, they would always be able to achieve.
Life had finally begun in the way it was meant to; and, with a bright, adoring smile on her wife's face, Edelgard watched and listened as Byleth said exactly the words that she had been longing to hear.
“Heaven is wherever you are.”
And with that final, romantic line ushered from her lips...
Edelgard brought her own against Byleth's into one more long, loving kiss that she knew only further proved what she had always known - that Byleth Eisner was nothing less than an eternal necessity.