Archive of Our Own

"Another day, another failed mission," Dimitri said to himself as he turned the dagger in his hands. "I suppose I could give it to her after the ball. Perhaps I could say it's a gift to celebrate Garreg Mach's Establishment Day."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Dimitri chuckled. "What a foolish idea," he said, mirth in his tone. "It's not as if it is customary to give presents on such a day. Even if the recipient was raised in the monastery itself."

Dimitri slid the dagger into its belt loop with more force than he meant to use. After ensuring that it was hidden by the blue house leader's cap that hung over his shoulder, he loosened his shoulders and began walking away from the training hall he'd just seen Byleth enter.

Dimitri sighed as he walked across Garreg Mach. Priests strolled past him, soldiers patrolled, and servants bustled around, holding last-minute decorations for the upcoming ball. Dimitri walked past them all, his mind on one thing and one thing only.

Byleth. His classmate and friend, and the person he'd gotten a dagger for.

The day Dimitri met Byleth was like a strike of lightning. Quick and mighty, causing a hard impact that would forever mark the ground. She and her father had come back from a mission with the knights of Seiros, and they had saved Dimitri and the other house leaders from being attacked by bandits. The day Dimitri found out that she was to be a student at Garreg Mach—since her journey with Captain Jeralt was a trip to celebrate her beginning at the Officer's Academy—and that Byleth was to be in the Blue Lions house, was the day Dimitri was certain his heart would never beat normally again.

Dimitri was overjoyed at the prospect of having Byleth in his class. He had seen her in battle, had watched her move with grace and precision, and felt himself immediately wish to keep her at his side. To speak with her, train with her, and potentially form a friendship with her. And as the moons passed and the year at the Officer's Academy went on, Dimitri found himself growing closer and closer to his classmate.

So close, in fact, that when they were approaching Byleth's birthday, Dimitri had gotten her a dagger.

He had purchased it with simple intentions. To tell Byleth that he hoped she could carve a path forward in her life, and to see her smile again. But then Dimitri had told Felix about the dagger, and Felix told Sylvain, and then Sylvain laughed and said that he was surprised that Dimitri would try to make a move on Byleth so soon.

That was the day Dimitri realized that his simple gift was not so simple after all. Because even if he didn't intend to give the dagger as a symbol of his affection toward Byleth, it did not negate the fact that Dimitri had affection for her.

It did not negate the fact that Dimitri had, what Sylvain called, 'an undeniable, hopeless, humongous crush' on Byleth.

So instead of giving Byleth the dagger on her birthday, he'd gotten her a pink headband he'd frantically bought at the market. And there he was, several weeks later, still hiding a dagger beneath his cape. Every single day, waiting for the one time he was brave enough to give it to her.

It'd been several weeks since his classmate's birthday, and once again, Dimitri had failed to give her the gift. It shouldn't have even been that difficult! But no matter how many times Dimitri approached her, nerves would hold him back, and he'd move on to stammering about how brilliantly she'd fought in the previous battle or compliment her talent for fishing.

Yes. Around Byleth, Dimitri got so nervous that he would talk about how she fished. But to be fair, that conversation was still leagues better than the time he commented on how much food she ate every day at the dining hall. That one had earned him a smack on the arm from Ingrid, an eye-roll from Felix, and at least two weeks' worth of Sylvain teasing him.

But Byleth didn't do any of that. Instead, all she did was shrug, say that she was surprised he'd noticed her large appetite, and then dig into her pile of skewers. And if she'd seen how Dimitri's face turned bright red, she didn't mention it.

Dimitri pushed away the scowl that almost came onto his face. No matter his feelings, he was still the crown prince of Faerghus, and the leader of the Blue Lion House. He had to look the part, and that meant no frowning as he walked down the reception hall.

Dimitri was almost at the exit when he suddenly came face-to-face with a tall man, dressed in thick armor that belonged to the esteemed knights of Seiros.

"Mind sparing me a moment, Your Highness?" he asked.

"Ah, Captain Jeralt!" Dimitri said, giving the man a nod of respect. "Of course. Is everything alright?"

Captain Jeralt sighed and looked down at the floor. "For now."

Dimitri blinked. "Is there anything you need assistance with?"

"Guess that's one way of looking at it." The captain sighed. "So, you know this whole dance that's coming up?"

"Of course." Sensing the worry in the captain's tone, Dimitri frowned. "Are you worried about someone attacking the dance? Are my classmates in any danger?"

"What? No—" Jeralt took in a steadying breath, looking like he was a half-second away from walking away in exasperation. But after a moment, he straightened his back, lifted his chin, and met Dimitri's eyes with a hard stare that sent shivers down the prince's spine.

"Alright, let's cut to the chase," Jeralt said, casually placing his hand on the hilt of a dagger that hung from his belt. "What're you planning to do with my daughter?"

Dimitri blinked. And blinked again.

Over the years, Dimitri had trained for situations like these. Situations where someone would give him a question he wasn't prepared to answer. Years of classes in the art of diplomacy had come in handy for long meetings with reigning lords, discussions with commanders of battalions, and even during meetings with the Blue Lions over who had pranked Seteth by turning his office into a chicken coop overnight. Dimitri had experience with these sorts of things.

But at that moment, with Captain Jeralt staring him down like he was a bandit about to raid Garreg Mach itself, Dimitri could only say one thing.

"Wha—Pardon me, but—I mean, w-what?"

Jeralt raised an eyebrow. "I think you know what I mean."

"I-I assure you, I do not," Dimitri stuttered, genuinely confused at this point. "I wouldn't—Why would I be planning to do anything to your daughter?"

"Really?" Jeralt asked. An inquisitive look entered his eyes, though he never once stopped glaring at Dimitri. "You weren't thinking of… asking her out or anything?"

"Oh!" Dimitri said. "I mean, I had considered it, theoretically, but I wasn't certain if it'd be appropriate. Or if Byleth would want to go."

How would Dimitri even begin to ask Byleth to accompany to the dance? He couldn't even give her the dagger—much less an invitation to the biggest event of the year! And besides, if he did want to ask her to the ball, it would only be proper to then invite her to the Goddess Tower. And Dimitri was certain he wasn't prepared for that.

It is said that the goddess grants wishes to those who make them in her tower. Dimitri didn't believe that the goddess had the power to do such things, but perhaps Byleth did. He could already imagine her there, with her blue eyes, blue hair, and the pink headband that she still wore every day. He could imagine her giving him one of her rare smiles, and he could imagine his frantic heartbeat at the sight of it all.

Jeralt raised his eyebrow even higher. "So you were thinking of asking her out?"

"Oh, I wasn't!" Dimitri said quickly, though he immediately felt his cheeks flush red. "I mean, I have no intention to ask her out to the dance, but that's not to say that I wouldn't like to! Byleth is an extraordinary woman, and I'm certain that anyone she chooses to go with would be fortunate to have her as a partner. Not that I mean I wouldn't be fortunate—"

"Oh, dear goddess," Jeralt groaned. He huffed out a puff of air and bit the inside of his cheek. "Ok, kid. Listen up. I know you're a prince and I'm the captain of the knights of Seiros, but let's just forget about all that for a minute. Because right now, you're a young man who's clearly interested in my daughter, and I'm an old man who doesn't want to see his little girl getting hurt."

The image of Byleth slashing her way through a score of bandits flickered in Dimitri's mind, and he found himself giving Jeralt a sheepish smile. "I don't think there's anyone capable of hurting your daughter, sir."

Jeralt huffed. "Maybe. Maybe not," he said, and Dimitri could've sworn he saw the captain tighten his grip on the knife hanging from his belt. "But I don't wanna take any chances."

Dimitri gulped. The weight of the dagger beneath his cape felt heavy.

"So I don't care who you are," Jeralt said. "You could be a prince, a king, an emperor, or even a random guy from a random town halfway across the continent. Because even if Lady Rhea thinks you'd be a good pick for Byleth, if you dare hurt my daughter in any way imaginable, I will make it my life's mission to hunt you down, skin you alive, and tear you limb from limb."

The captain tilted his chin downward, making sure Dimitri caught the full intensity of his glare. "Have I made myself clear?"

Dimitri's heart was beating so harshly he could hardly breathe. "Lady Rhea… thinks I'd be a good match for Byleth?"

Jeralt let out a sound that was between a laugh and a gasp. "I give you this whole speech, and that's your takeaway?"

"No, sir!" Dimitri said quickly. "I understand your meaning completely."

Jeralt sighed and shook his head. "Guess I'll take it." The captain dropped his hand away from the hilt of his weapon. "Enjoy the ball, Your Highness," he said. "And do us all a favor and just give Byleth that dagger."

Dimitri stuttered again. "H-How did you know about…"

"I have eyes and ears throughout this entire monastery, Your Highness. And it's pretty easy for my men to overhear your childhood friends discuss your 'ridiculous gift' in the dining hall."

Dimitri groaned. "I should've known that I couldn't hide it forever."

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure Byleth doesn't know about it yet," Jeralt said. "But remember, you hurt my daughter, and I swear to the goddess that you will not see the light of day for as long as you live."

Dimitri nodded, because from what he'd seen and heard of Jeralt, he was certain that the man would go through with his word. Even if that word included locking Dimitri in a cold cell for all eternity. "Understood, sir."

With that, Jeralt nodded and walked away. Dimitri slumped in relief, and his hand felt the hilt of the dagger hidden behind his blue cape.

"I suppose this is as close as I'll get to receiving his blessing," Dimitri said to the air. "Perhaps… Perhaps that will give me the strength to talk to her."

Strolling away from the stifling heat of the dance hall—and despite the nagging voice of the goddess in her head—Byleth hummed in relief as she took in the cool air of the night.

Why are you out here instead of in there? Sothis drawled. Do you want to waste what little youth you have?

Byleth shrugged and continued walking down the path away from the large building, her heeled boots making light clicking sounds against the monastery's stone paths. It's too crowded for my tastes, Byleth said to her companion. And if I enjoy the night better this way, then am I really wasting my youth?

Sothis hummed in consideration. Byleth counted it as a win.

A brush of wind blew a strand of hair in front of her face, and Byleth tucked it into the pink headband Dimitri had given her for her birthday. It was a simple band, with two silver adornments at the edge that worked with the silver accents of her school uniform, and Byleth wore it every day. Even to the grand ball.

It wasn't a gift she expected to receive from Dimitri, but she appreciated it all the same. Sometimes, Byleth found herself smiling when she pulled the headband into place in the mornings, though she wasn't quite sure why.

Byleth slowed her walk as she made her way toward one of the monastery's many courtyards. The ball was beautiful, as it always had been during Byleth's years living at Garreg Mach, but this was the first dance she'd participated in as a student. And if Byleth was being honest, this was the first time she had actually enjoyed it.

For a long while, Byleth took in the jaunty music of the ball, the flickering candles, and the many, many dances she'd had with her classmates. People she had grown to forge proper friendships with. She had danced with nearly everyone in the Blue Lions House, half of the Golden Deer House, and even with some of the students from the Black Eagles. Byleth never thought she could have fun dancing with others, but this night had proven to be the exception.

Except, she thought, there is one person I didn't get a chance to dance with.

Oh, thinking of your prince again? Sothis asked.

Byleth didn't even react to the comment. You say that as if I think of him all the time.

Of course you do! Sothis said. Dimitri this, Dimitri that. My word, I was this close to ordering you to walk onto the dancefloor and steal him for yourself.

Flayn says it's rude to interrupt another's dance.

And because of that, we lost sight of him! Sothis huffed in indignation. I do wonder where he went off to. I am unsure if we will find him again tonight.

Byleth said nothing to that.

It was true that she had wanted to dance with Dimitri. In the days leading up to the ball, she found herself wondering if she'd get the chance to do so. To glide with him across the ballroom. But being the prince of Faerghus and leader of the Blue Lions came with duties, and Dimitri had spent most of the night dancing with every student who went to ask him for a dance.

Byleth held herself back during the night. She was still happy, waltzing with Dedue and spinning around with Annette, but she couldn't help but glance over at Dimitri every time she could. But the night went on, and by the time Byleth started finding herself exhausted from the stifling crowds, Dimitri had vanished from the dancefloor.

What surprised Byleth was that she was disappointed by the whole ordeal. And Byleth never got disappointed. It was already rare for her to feel any kind of emotion, but for some reason, the thought of ending the night without a dance with Dimitri made Byleth feel something she'd never truly experienced before.

And Sothis noticed.

I wonder when you will realize what you want from the prince, Sothis said in her mind.

What I want?

Yes, Sothis said. If you truly are so dense as to need a hint, I will give it to you. It is a certain type of affection.

Byleth frowned but said nothing. Sothis oftentimes said cryptic things, and Byleth was left to puzzle it out by herself.

Even though Sothis had been in Byleth's head for many moons, she still hadn't told Lady Rhea that Sothis was speaking to her. Even though Byleth did love and appreciate Rhea for helping to raise her when she was a child, she wasn't sure how she'd react to knowing that Byleth held a long-dead goddess in her mind.

Byleth wandered down the monastery's large pathway, and she found herself drawn to the common area in front of the academy's classrooms. She stood in front of the Blue Lion classroom and savored the peaceful night, with only the muffled sounds of the ball cutting through the cool air.

Oh, Sothis said suddenly. It looks like we have company.

Byleth heard the sound of footsteps approaching her from behind. She spun to face them, and she suddenly found herself in front of the one person she wished to see tonight.

"Ah, Byleth!" Dimitri said as he came down the opposite path that led to the monastery's classrooms, a bright smile on his face. "It is a pleasant surprise to see you here."

And without warning, Byleth found herself smiling, too. "Likewise, Dimitri."

Dimitri's smile grew, and a light blush spread across his cheeks.

"I see you have also tired of the festivities," he said, straightening out the blue house leader cape that always hung over his shoulder. "While I understand that there is cause for celebration, I often find it quite tiring. I know it's unusual for a crown prince to be drained by social gatherings, but I've never found it easy to be surrounded by so many people for so long."

"I agree," Byleth said honestly. "I don't think I've ever gotten used to crowds. I've traveled with my father for missions, but I spent most of my life at the monastery. It is… lonelier than you would think."

Dimitri looked down. "I see."

"But then my father finally convinced Lady Rhea to let me enroll in the academy." Dimitri raised his head, and Byleth met his bright blue eyes. "It's been a lot less lonely since then."

"Has it?" Dimitri huffed out a light laugh. "I… I am glad."

Deep in Byleth's mind, Sothis hummed happily.

"It's been a true pleasure to have you in our house, Byleth," Dimitri said. "As a matter of fact, sometimes I've even wondered if you should be instructing us instead of learning alongside us! The way you move with a blade… I've never seen anything like it."

Byleth felt a warm feeling spread through her chest—something that always seemed to happen whenever Dimitri complimented her. "Perhaps next year you could recommend me as a professor," she said. "If you can get Seteth to hear you out."

Dimitri laughed. "Ah, a bold challenge. Seteth is nearly as protective of you as he is of Flayn. But… if you ask me to attempt it, then attempt it I shall."

Byleth smiled again.

Growing up, her father was always concerned about why she never smiled. If Byleth was being honest, she just didn't understand it. Smiling was supposed to come easily to people, but that—just like it was with many other kinds of emotional expression—had always been difficult for her. It made Jeralt and Seteth worry, and even Lady Rhea, who always seemed to understand Byleth better than most, would occasionally question her about it. Byleth never had an answer.

But with Dimitri, smiling was easy. Byleth didn't even know why. Being with Dimitri just made her happy, and it's something her family noticed immediately.

Jeralt and Seteth, though they were happy for Byleth, now kept scowling whenever Dimitri was brought up. But Flayn and Lady Rhea would always grin at Byleth and ask for more details, like what Dimitri's exact words to her were.

And Byleth remembered them. Every single time.

"Say, Byleth." Dimitri's grin softened. "Would you mind coming with me? There's… something I'd like to see with you."

Byleth nodded. "Lead the way."

Dimitri took a deep breath and cut a path across the courtyard, Byleth following close behind. Dimitri walked with his back straight and his shoulders pulled back, like a soldier on a mission that he could not and would not fail.

My, oh my. I see that this evening has taken quite a turn. Sothis let out a long yawn in Byleth's head. I think I shall take a nap now.

Now? Byleth wondered. I thought you'd stay awake so you could see where Dimitri is taking me?

But her thought was useless. By the time she'd finished thinking it, she could already feel Sothis fall into a deep slumber, leaving Byleth to follow Dimitri alone.

"I'm sure I do not need to tell you the history of this tower," Dimitri said, his voice echoing across the stone walls. "Did you come here often during your childhood?"

"Sometimes," Byleth said. Music from the ball filtered in through the tower's windows, and her blue hair shined beneath the rays of moonlight. "I find myself coming here now more than I did before."

For a moment, Dimitri said nothing, too entranced by the sight of Byleth walking toward him. She wore the same academy uniform she always did, decorated with silver trim, and the exact pink headband he'd given her for her birthday. If Dimitri was being honest, he was surprised that Byleth had continued to wear it. He'd bought the extra gift in a rush, but Byleth had worn it every day since. It kept her loose hair out of her eyes, and it made it easier for Dimitri to see her smile.

The weight of Byleth's real present—the ever-present dagger hooked onto Dimitri's belt and hidden by his blue cape—felt heavy again. It was as if his mind wanted to remind him of his failure to give Byleth her gift, and Dimitri had to force himself to say something before Byleth asked why he'd gone silent.

Dimitri cleared his throat. "I am sure you know of the legends surrounding the tower."

"I do," Byleth said, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair beneath her pink headband. "Many say that promises made under the gaze of the goddess are to be kept forever."

"Promises?" Dimitri wondered. "I must admit, I heard something entirely different. Though I suppose that it's a difference in interpretation. The tower has many legends—who knows which is the correct one?"

Something flickered in Byleth's eyes, and she tilted her head slightly to the side. It was a small movement, but one that told Dimitri she was curious about something. That she was analyzing the situation. "Would you like to promise something, Dimitri?"

Dimitri felt his heart constrict at the mention of his name. Dimitri. Despite his insistence that his classmates use his given name instead of his title, most of the Blue Lions, particularly Dedue, continued to call him 'Your Highness'. While he understood their reluctance, he still wanted them to use his name. To see him as their classmate and friend first, and their prince second.

But Byleth didn't even hesitate. The moment he asked her to call him by his given name, she nodded and said, "Of course, Dimitri," and hadn't stopped using his name since.

Every time she said his name, Dimitri's heart beat as if he were charging into battle. And this moment was no exception.

I would like to promise something, he thought. I'd like to promise that we'll be together forever. "I—"

The memory of Captain Jeralt staring him down flashed in his mind, and it was enough for Dimitri to abruptly cut himself off.

"You hurt my daughter, and I swear to the goddess that you will not see the light of day for as long as you live."

Dimitri gulped. As much as he wished he could make such a promise to Byleth, the threat from the Captain of the Knight of Seiros made him reconsider. He was a prince. He couldn't just go and say things without properly thinking them through! Especially not when they concerned Jeralt's daughter.

"No," he said. "I believe it would be unwise to make a promise I'm not sure I could keep."

Byleth nodded. "I've also heard the other legends of the tower," she said. "Some say that the goddess doesn't watch over promises, but wishes."

"Ah! That was the legend I myself heard."

"I like that one, too." Byleth let her gaze run across the weathered stone, and a look Dimitri could only classify as wistful crossed her face. "I think wishes are a lot easier to make than promises."

In the distance, a new song began to play. Dimitri could hear the beginning notes of a waltz, and though they were far from the monastery's makeshift ballroom, the music echoed in the chamber of the goddess tower. It made the young prince wish to take Byleth's hand, pull her close to him, and spin her in time to the song.

Goddess above, Dimitri thought. I doubt you are truly able to grant wishes, but I do believe you watch over us. So if you're watching me now… Wish me luck.

"If that is the case," Dimitri said, taking a step toward Byleth. "I think I shall wish for a dance."

Byleth's mouth fell open. "A dance?"

And before his courage failed him, Dimitri held out his hand to her.

"Byleth Eisner, would you share this dance with me?"

Byleth raised her eyebrows. She looked down at Dimitri's hand, and slowly, very slowly, took it in her own.

"I shall."

Simple, pure joy filled Dimitri as his fingers closed around Byleth's hand. He placed his other hand on her back and pulled her close to him, and right as the waltz entered a new melody, Dimitri led them into a dance.

The song was beautiful, filled with humming violins and backed by a strong brass section. But as Dimitri stepped in time to the three-meter beat, he wondered if the waltz only sounded beautiful because of the woman in front of him.

Byleth moved perfectly in sync with him, following his steps and turns with precise footing. She listened to the subtle cues Dimitri gave her, such as when he gently put pressure on her back, or when he tugged her fingers in a new direction. No movement of his escaped her attention, and it almost felt like Byleth could read his mind every time he pulled her into a new box turn or spin. It was mesmerizing.

It was bliss.

Dimitri's heart soared as the two of them continued the waltz. Just a few days ago, Dimitri had panicked at the mere idea of inviting Byleth to the dance. But here he was now, gliding across the goddess tower with the most incredible woman in all of Garreg Mach.

"You dance wonderfully," Dimitri said as he twirled Byleth.

"Lady Rhea taught me," she said, her perpetually messy hair flying around her like a blue halo. "She's always said that a representative of the church should be able to dance with those who come to visit." Dimitri stopped the twirls, and Byleth pulled herself back toward him. "You're not a bad dancer yourself."

"An old friend taught me." Dimitri guided them into a step pattern, one which led them around the perimeter of the room. "It isn't a skill I get to use often, but… I'm glad I get to use it now."

The corners of Byleth's mouth quirked upwards.

Dimitri's heart soared. "You're smiling again."

"Am I?" Byleth asked.

"You are," Dimitri said, only vaguely aware of the small, awed grin on his face. "You look radiant when you smile."

"I think it's because I have a proper partner to dance with." Byleth let out a small breath, and it was the closest thing to a sigh anyone had heard from her. "Before Lady Rhea let me enroll in the academy, there were few people my age I could dance with."

Dimitri chuckled. "I suppose that Flayn didn't count. There seems to be a sizable age difference between the two of you."

"You could say that," Byleth said, and Dimitri wasn't entirely sure, but her tone sounded almost mischievous.

"It sounds like Lady Rhea cares for you a great deal," Dimitri said, angling them so that they walk toward the center of the room.

"She does," Byleth said. "Even though my father is the leader of the knights, she often feared letting me leave the monastery with him when he had to journey across the continent. She was even hesitant to let me take swordsmanship lessons."

"And yet you are one of the most brilliant students in our year." Dimitri, sensing a shift in the melody of the music, angled his arm around Byleth's back to better grab hold of her. "We are lucky that Jeralt hails from Faerghus, else I fear you would have been placed in a different House."

And without saying what she was doing out loud, Byleth bent her knees and jumped into the air. Right on time with the three-meter beat. Dimitri caught her with the arm wrapped around her back, turning the jump into a lift. He held her aloft for a moment, in awe of the trust she had in him to properly read her movements. But the dance continued, and Dimitri set her back down on the floor.

"I'm glad I was placed with the Lions," Byleth said.

The waltz's melody swelled, and Dimitri tightened his grip on her hand. "As am I."

Dimitri and Byleth danced faster, their feet twisting and turning as they glided through the tower. They moved faster than ever before, matching the enhanced speed of their dance, and trusting each other to follow through with the movements.

They reached the center of the goddess tower as the song crescendoed, and they spun around in a series of twisting turns. Byleth's hair flew in all directions, Dimitri's cape fanned out in a sea of royal blue, and the music—

Was suddenly forgotten, as the sound of something metallic clanked against the floor.

Dimitri jolted to an abrupt stop as he realized what just happened.

The dagger he wished to give to Byleth, the one he'd kept hidden on his person for weeks, had fallen from his belt loop.

And Byleth noticed.

"Is this yours?" Byleth asked as she picked up the dagger that had clattered to the floor.

The blade in her hands was small but hefty. The handle itself was black, with golden accents on the pommel, midway down the grip, and on the cross-guard, which had sweeping swirls that almost looked like golden wings. It carried a good weight to it, and though it was in a thick blue sheath, Byleth guessed from the quality of the hilt that it must've been made from either steel or silver.

Byleth removed the sheath and appraised the blade. The metal had a glittering shine to it, which told Byleth that it was silver, not steel. It also had long, angled edges that gave the blade a more triangular shape, and a sharp tip that gleamed beneath the filtered moonlight. She placed the dagger flat on her hand to test its balance, humming in approval when she didn't feel it lean to the sides.

It was a good dagger. A very good dagger. The quality of the craftsmanship was exceptional, and it reminded Byleth of the esteemed weapons that the monastery's blacksmiths produced for its knights. She knew that if she had a dagger this stunning, she'd carry it everywhere she went. Even if it meant being armed at a dinner with Lady Rhea herself.

"I can't believe I've never seen this before," Byleth said as she, somewhat reluctantly, resheathed the dagger. "I didn't know that you collected blades of this kind."

Byleth held the weapon out to Dimitri, hilt first, but he didn't reach out to take it. Instead, all he did was stare at her. His eyes were wide, his cheeks were flushed, and his hands were clenched at his sides.

"Dimitri?"

"Ah, forgive me!" Dimitri shook his head roughly and slowly uncurled his fingers. "It is—I mean, it's not mine." Dimitri let out a long sigh and ducked his head, a motion which made strands of blond hair cover his face. "In fact… it is yours."

Byleth blinked. "I don't own a dagger like this one."

"Which is why I decided to get one for you." Dimitri shyly raised his head. "For your birthday."

"But you already got me a present." Byleth gestured to the pink headband she wore.

"Yes," Dimitri said. "But… I also got you this. And, I'm ashamed to admit this, but I have been… too nervous to give it to you." He laughed, mirth in his voice. "I could not even give it to you now. The only reason you hold it in your hands is because it fell out of my belt loop."

Byleth felt her eyes widen. Over the many moons she had spent with the Blue Lions, she had grown fond of Dimitri. She even grew to not only enjoy his company, but to seek it out. She enjoyed sparring with him, talking with him, and even just walking the monastery grounds with him. Every now and then, Byleth wondered if Dimitri enjoyed her company as much as he did hers.

But the realization that Dimitri had gotten her a weapon this well-crafted, this divine, was overwhelming. She'd had it in her hands for mere moments, and already she could see how strong and valuable the dagger was. It was a gift that Byleth would never think to ask for, yet was just right for her.

"Why would you be nervous about giving this to me?" Byleth said, allowing herself to run her fingers over the dagger's blue sheath. "This is perfect."

"I-It is?" Dimitri asked incredulously. "I… I am glad. It is yours, if… if you will have it."

"I accept it," Byleth said immediately. "Thank you."

Dimitri breathed a sigh of relief, as if the ever-present weight of his duties were lifted for a moment, and his face broke out into a delighted grin. "You are very welcome, Byleth."

In the distance, the ball's musicians began a new song. Byleth, still thinking about how wonderful it felt to waltz with Dimitri, nearly asked him to dance again. But there was another question that felt more important.

"Why a dagger?" Byleth asked, the sheathed blade still in her hand.

"Ah, it is an old custom from Faerghus. I'm not sure if Captain Jeralt's told you about it or not."

Byleth shook her head. "My father rarely speaks of Faerghus."

"I see. Well, this dagger, I suppose it's rather symbolic. My father always told me that it's so one can cut their own path forward and claim their destiny." A new blush entered Dimitri's cheeks. "Saying it out loud, I can see that it sounds a little far-fetched. I can still hear Sylvain chiding me when he heard I had purchased this for you."

"That sounds like Sylvain."

"It does, doesn't it?" Dimitri laughed. "I only hope you like it. And who knows, perhaps you may get some use out of it."

The same warm sensation flooded Byleth's chest, and she found herself momentarily speechless. The gift was wonderful, of course, but Byleth felt like… she wanted something else, as well.

Because over the many moons, Byleth found herself pulled more and more toward Dimitri. Toward his genuine compassion, his honest demeanor, and his kind heart. Though they had only known each other for less than a year, Byleth could feel that he was a good man. And even though he had just given her a present beyond her wildest dreams, Byleth found herself yearning for something else. Something more.

I wonder when you will realize what you want from the prince, Sothis had said. At this time, Byleth did not know, but now, as she held the dagger in her hand, the answer came to her in perfect clarity.

Dimitri was right there. He was there, and Byleth didn't want to look away from him. She wanted him to pull her toward him again. To spin her around the goddess tower. To hold her close.

To do something she had never done before... but wanted to do now.

"This dagger… it's for me to cut my own path forward?" she asked, tightening her grip around the weapon's small hilt. "To seize what I want?"

"Yes," Dimitri said. "It is."

What you want from the prince, Sothis had said. It is a certain type of affection.

Byleth stepped forward, crossing the distance between herself and Dimitri. "What if… what I want…"

Byleth raised her hand and placed it on Dimitri's chest, right above his beating heart. "Is right here?"

Dimitri took in a shuddering breath, and Byleth felt how his heart sped up beneath her fingertips. "Byleth…"

"What if I want you to kiss me?"

Dimitri's lips parted.

The air in the goddess tower stilled. The faraway music, which at one point seemed to surround them, faded away completely as Byleth stared up at Dimitri. The hand in which she clutched her dagger tightened its grip, as if the silver weapon could will Byleth's desire into reality. But Byleth had no need for her weapon.

Because Dimitri brought his hand to Byleth's face, cupping her cheek in his palm.

"If that is what you want," Dimitri said, his voice just above a whisper. "I don't believe you'll need a dagger for it."

Dimitri surged forward, and he met Byleth with a kiss.

Byleth closed her eyes as Dimitri's lips pressed themselves to hers'. He was stiff, and even as he relaxed as Byleth kissed him back, his mouth stayed still. But Byleth didn't care. Because Dimitri was there. Kissing her. An indescribable sensation tickled her spine, encouraging her to lean into him. She grabbed onto the front of Dimitri's uniform and used her grip to tug him toward her, and she smiled when Dimitri did not pull away.

His lips were warm, and when Byleth parted her mouth for air, Dimitri did, too. Instincts seemed to take over as Dimitri then wrapped his free hand around Byleth's waist, pulling her closer to his chest. He began kissing her with new vigor, parting and closing his lips in slow motions, as the two of them took in the moment.

Byleth didn't know how much time had passed when they parted. But when they did, Dimitri gasped.

"Ah, forgive me," he said.

"For what?" Byleth asked, still clutching her dagger in her left hand.

"I… do not have much experience kissing people." Dimitri's eyes flickered over Byleth's face, taking her in as if this were the first time he had ever seen her. "Especially none as breath-taking as you."

Byleth's chest tightened, and if she had a heart that could beat, she was more than certain that it would be thumping in her ears.

"Do you mean that?" she asked.

And without hesitation, Dimitri said, "I do."

They kissed each other again, leaning into each other's bodies more and more with each kiss. Soon after, Dimitri wound both his arms around her and swept her into the air, while Byleth wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned down and pressed her mouth to his, Dimitri reciprocating each and every kiss.

All the while, Byleth kept a tight grip on her dagger. A dagger given to her by someone who was her classmate, her friend, and the first person to ever kiss her.

And if this dagger was meant for Byleth to carve out a path of her own, then she would use it to cut a path to Dimitri. Again, and again, and again.