Chapter Text
Adrestian Empire’s Imperial Palace
The 17th of the Great Tree Moon, 1190
Springtime in the Empire usually meant heavy rains and that day was no exception. As rain poured outside Hubert’s window, he laid peacefully in bed with Ferdinand nestled against him. Their clothes had long been discarded on the floor, together with the golden trays that once carried their dinner. It had become a tradition of sorts for them to celebrate Hubert’s birthday with an intimate dinner with just the two of them. At first, he had resisted the idea, not being too fond of celebrating his birthday, but upon seeing Ferdinand’s pleading face, he caved.
Ferdinand ran his fingers through his chest absent mindedly, occasionally letting out a sigh. Hubert leaned down and pressed a kiss to the crown of his hair, which caused Ferdinand to chuckle.
-What would people say if they knew the Minister of Imperial Affairs was such a sweetheart, I wonder.
-Nothing seen as they would never find out.
-What if I spread rumors?
-No one would believe you, that I am certain.
-Perhaps.
Ferdinand chuckled again before propping up on his elbows, looking at Hubert fondly. He kissed Hubert on his lips softly, a smile escaping from his own. Their kiss deepened as Hubert wrapped his fingers in Ferdinand’s hair and the latter laid on top of him again. A quiet moan escaped von Aegir’s lips. Before they could progress any further, Hubert pulled away, leaving kisses at the corner of his mouth and cheek.
-We should rest, my dear.
-It’s your birthday, darling. -Ferdinand said in a pleading tone.
-Exactly, and tomorrow morning we have a meeting with her majesty, so we should sleep now.
Ferdinand sighed dramatically.
-Fine… I suppose we are not to leave Edelgard wondering why both her ministers have gone absent.
Hubert smiled, pulling in Ferdinand closer. Truth be told he doubted he could sleep. He hadn’t been able to for weeks ever since he decided it was time to ask the question. Their courtship had begun during the war through the exchange of letters and hidden affections, in fear the following day would be their last. They decided to come public about their relationship only one year after the war ended, knowing there was much work to be done and felt like it was not the time. Now, five years since they left the battlefields behind, Hubert knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life by Ferdinand’s side. And so did Lady Edelgard, who aided in choosing the ring he was currently hiding inside the skull above his fireplace.
He had great plans for the proposal. Since Ferdinand was one for the theatrics, it would be a public proposal, during Ferdinand’s birthday party. Something Hubert was not looking forward to, but he knew having all his loved ones around for such a special moment was what Ferdinand would want.
Hubert was tasked with organizing the event and made sure to tailor it to his beloved’s every whim. Despite having given up his noble title after Edelgard’s reform, he still had the tastes of a noble so von Vestra knew it had to be one flamboyant event. He had made arrangements for the Mittlefrank Opera Company to perform, marking Manuela’s comeback from retirement. The grand ballroom would be decorated with the most beautiful of flowers and most delicate of silks. All the guests were instructed to wear their finest outfits and masks. And the feast would have all of Ferdinand’s favorite dishes cooked by the Empire’s best chefs and pastry makers.
Everything was ready for the big day, but Hubert still felt uneasy. What if he was making a mistake that could cost Ferdinand’s happiness? Could a man like him ever be truly deserving of Ferdinand’s love? After all the lives he took in his lady’s name; his hand would be forever stained with their blood. He wasn’t like Ferdinand, he didn’t feel remorse as his magic pierced through his lady’s enemies chests. He made widows, orphans. Yet, there he was, thinking of building a life of his own.
His dwelling, however, was ceased by Ferdinand turning in his sleep, pulling Hubert alongside with him to cuddle him from behind. His heart was full, but he felt undeserving.
Before he knew it, sleep caught up to him.
= = =
Wondrous Suits, store at Enbarr
The 19th of the Great Tree Moon, 1190
Ferdinand waltzed around the store alongside the vendor, picking many options as he went. Hubert simply watched, sitting at one of the chairs made for the tired spouses that weren’t too fond of shopping, a cup of warm coffee in hand. He took a sip as his beloved pulled a deep burgundy vest from the clothes rack.
-My dear, what do you think? -Ferdinand put the vest over his body and looked over at Hubert, awaiting his approval.
-Do you need another red vest?
-It’s not red, it’s burgundy. With a golden rim. I feel it would pair nicely with my white button-up. The one with the frills.
Hubert waved his hand absent mindedly. He was never one to care too much for his own looks but his soon to be fiancé was simply obsessed. He found it endearing. During the war, Ferdinand had forgotten how to take proper care of himself, but as soon as they had things underway and the future looked bright, he regained his spark.
-We have this new model that just came in from Faerghus, prime minister. Do you want to have a look? -The vendor offered.
-I’d love to!
Hubert took another sip. His gaze wandered outside, to the busy streets of Enbarr. It was a sunny day but some clouds were threatening to pour rain upon them. They had a few other stops, it would be terrible to be caught in the storm. Hubert’s memory was triggered to a particular day back at the monastery in which they were caught by surprise by rain and both seeked shelter underneath a tree. Back then they hated each other. Funny how things change.
-My love, look. -Ferdinand called him.
The minister looked over to his lover, who was now wearing a delightfully fitted deep red vest over a white shirt, a long brighter red coat that dragged to his ankles and navy pants, around his neck he sported a jabot. He looked delectable.
-I think I found the outfit for my birthday.
-I agree.
-We’ll take it.