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The kingdom of Fontaine flourished under its queen’s rule: bountiful harvests, a joyful people, advances in science, and, above all, wealth.
Despite this, Furina was not entirely satisfied.
One might think that the queen of Fontaine could be happy with very little: watching dazzling spectacles and eating pastries every day. And, although that was true, she couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied about a matter that didn’t even concern her.
Her royal advisor, Neuvillette.
She realized that someone who offered her support and advice day in and day out wasn’t completely happy. Even though she did everything she could to cheer him up by giving him cakes and trying not to complain so much, she still didn’t see genuine happiness on his face.
Until, during one of her visits to a show based on a romance novel, she finally realized what Neuvillette was missing.
True love.
Of course, she didn’t consult Neuvillette about her plan: she needed to find him a wife. So she sent out invitations throughout the kingdom, inviting everyone to attend a gala where they would have the opportunity to marry the advisor.
-
When the day arrived, Neuvillette and Furina stood side by side, waiting for the guests to show up.
The advisor was nervous, his gaze fixed on the floor as he was lost in thought. Even though he didn’t agree with the gala, he knew that Furina wanted what was best for him. Still, he couldn’t help but feel his heart racing at the thought of having to find someone to marry.
Most of all because his mind and heart were already elsewhere.
He looked up toward one side of the closed doors through which the guests would enter, his eyes fixed on the only person who had managed to win his heart: Wriothesley, the chief of the royal guard.
The two had started working in their positions at practically the same time, which gave them something in common during briefing sessions. Little by little, trust began to grow between them, and they went from having work meetings in Neuvillette’s office to having tea in the gardens and talking about their day.
Of course, the advisor couldn’t help but fall in love; Wriothesley was a handsome man, but above all, he was a gentleman and intelligent. After a hard day, Neuvillette found it pleasant to spend time with him and listen to the stories he had to tell.
Despite all the time they spent together, Neuvillette wasn’t sure if his feelings were reciprocated. He knew that Wriothesley considered him a close friend, but he never gave any indication that he loved him romantically.
Even so, Neuvillette believed they had reached a point where they would tell each other if something was bothering them. But as soon as the gala was announced to help Neuvillette find a wife, Wriothesley stopped attending their tea parties.
He was confused.
At first, he thought Wriothesley couldn’t come because he had a heavy workload, but when he asked him the next day during a meeting, Wriothesley simply said everything was fine and walked away without giving him a second glance.
And he continued to skip their tea gatherings.
He wasn’t sure why Wriothesley had started acting that way; he couldn’t even vent about how much the thought of the upcoming gala was overwhelming him. So he made a decision: he stopped complaining to Furina and told her he was going to try to meet someone.
“Let the guests in!” Furina ordered with an excited smile.
Despite the serious expression on Wriothesley’s face, Neuvillette could see a hint of apprehension in his eyes before he obeyed the queen’s orders and opened the doors.
The guests gradually filled the hall. Neuvillette knew that socializing with so many people wasn’t his thing, so every time Furina introduced him to another woman, he had to take a deep breath to keep himself from turning on his heel and walking away.
He was a little surprised by the number of people who wanted to meet him and win his favor, although in every conversation he had, he realized that their interest in him wasn’t genuine and it was really more about his position and status. When he realized this, he would say a cordial goodbye and step away for a moment before having to speak with yet another person.
Of course, that’s what he told himself; it was true that he tried to show interest in them and pay attention to their conversations, but he found it impossible knowing that Wriothesley was somewhere in the room.
Finally, he had a conversation with another woman, before realizing that her questions were leaning more toward what it was like to live in a palace. That’s when he decided he needed a break; he bowed politely to say goodbye and walked over to Furina, who was standing near the dessert table.
“I need a minute to step outside and get some fresh air,” he said quietly, trying to make sure none of the guests could hear him. He could feel a headache coming on from being surrounded by so many people and a slight ache in his heart at the thought of marrying someone else.
“Already? Neuvillette, you promised me you’d try, so far you haven’t lasted more than five minutes talking to anyone,” Furina complained, reaching out to grab another pastry.
“I’m trying,” he sighed, glancing around the room before turning his gaze back to the queen. “I haven’t really felt a connection.”
Furina paused before taking a bite of the dessert in her hand and made a thoughtful face. “All right, but don’t take too long, there are still plenty of people to talk to.”
Neuvillette nodded and began walking toward one of the farthest balconies, trying to avoid those who wanted to strike up a conversation with him.
He stepped outside, closing the door behind him to block out the hubbub, and approached the stone railing, where he rested his hands and took a deep breath to calm himself.
-
Wriothesley usually enjoyed these kinds of events.
He always had to attend to make sure everyone present was safe; he would stand in a corner without drawing attention to himself, and every now and then, Neuvillette would come over to chat with him for a while.
This time, however, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.
He knew it was his fault that, on this occasion, the counselor wouldn’t even look in his direction, the guard had been avoiding him ever since he found out there would be a gala to find him a wife; his heart had broken when he was told to handle security for the event.
Ever since they’d met, Wriothesley had liked Neuvillette; he was a serious man, yet at the same time sensitive and honest. He tried to keep their relationship strictly professional until he realized just how much they had in common.
Their tea gatherings were just the beginning; after that, they began having lunch together whenever their schedules allowed, and Neuvillette would often visit the barracks when Wriothesley was training the new recruits.
The counselor’s constant attention and interest only made him fall more and more in love with him; however, he had no way of knowing if Neuvillette felt the same way, so even though it might take time, he decided to wait for some sign.
He thought the councilor’s serious nature prevented him from being open about his feelings, but after learning that the councilor was actually looking for a wife, all his hopes vanished.
So there he was, in a corner, trusting his guards to handle security, because his gaze was fixed on Neuvillette’s every move.
Every time a woman approached him to talk, his heart would race with anxiety until they said goodbye and he could breathe normally again.
It was a cycle that repeated itself many times.
Until he saw Neuvillette heading toward the balcony. From where he stood, he could sense a slight tension in his shoulders, and when he saw him step out, he took a deep breath as he closed his eyes.
Without realizing it, his steps carried him toward where Neuvillette had gone, and without thinking, he went inside and closed the door behind him.
There he was, peacefully gazing at the stars, without turning to see who had come in. “It hasn’t been that long, Furina. Give me a few more minutes.”
Walking forward, he reached the railing and stood beside Neuvillette, adopting the same stance to look up at the sky. “I didn’t imagine it would be such a grand gala.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Neuvillette turn in surprise at the sound of his voice, so he returned his gaze and gave him a shy smile, knowing it had been a long time since they’d last spoken so casually.
Because of him, of course.
“Ah, yes, me neither.” Neuvillette looked down, and he could see him running his fingers along the railing, just as he did when he was nervous. “It’s a little overwhelming.”
Wriothesley let out a dry laugh, watching the counselor’s fingers and stopping himself just before reaching out to hold them to calm him down. “It is.” He paused before saying what was on his mind. “I didn’t think you’d go for something like this to find a wife.”
“I didn’t.”
Wriothesley blinked in surprise. “What? But… they sent the invitation in your name.”
With a sad smile, Neuvillette shook his head. “It was Furina. You know how she is… she said it was for my own good.”
“So… you didn’t want this?” Wriothesley tilted his head, his heart beating faster.
“Not at all.” Neuvillette’s gaze returned to the sky, the moon shining on his face. “It’s not something I wanted.”
“Oh. I didn’t know you didn’t want a relationship.” As Wriothesley also looked up at the sky, Neuvillette turned to look at him in confusion.
“I didn’t say that.”
The guard quickly turned his gaze back to the advisor, making eye contact.
“Huh?”
“I didn’t say that,” he repeated firmly. “I’ve wanted one for a long time, just not with them.”
Wriothesley fell silent for a moment, mulling over Neuvillette’s words. If he wanted a relationship, then he had a chance, although a small one, but… what did he mean by “not with them”? Did he have someone in mind?
Wriothesley gripped the railing tightly and took a deep breath to calm his anxiety. “So, with whom?”
“With whom?” Neuvillette grew nervous; he hadn’t realized how his words might be interpreted. “Ah… Don’t worry about it—it’s not likely to happen.”
Wriothesley lowered his gaze, feeling a tightness in his chest. Even though they spent a lot of time together every day, Neuvillette had never mentioned liking anyone; if he’d known, maybe it would hurt less. “I thought we told each other everything.”
“Me too,” Neuvillette said, his voice sad. “But I never knew why you started avoiding me. Did I do something to upset you?”
Wriothesley let out a soft sigh; he knew the question would come up again eventually, but he didn’t want to avoid it anymore.
“No. Well, now that I know it wasn’t your idea, I feel better, but…” He stopped himself before saying anything else about the person Neuvillette was in love with. “I thought putting some distance between us would make this easier.”
Neuvillette tilted his head, not understanding his words. “Why would it be easier? I missed your company.”
Wriothesley raised his hands to rub his face in frustration. “And I missed yours, but…” He let out a weary sigh and, once again, looked up at the moon, as if seeking strength. “You can’t say things like that, Neuvillette, that’s why I wanted to distance myself.”
“I don’t understand. I thought we were okay.” A hint of sadness showed on the counselor’s face.
“And we are, I think.” Their eyes met once more, and, gathering the courage he needed, he said softly, “I just need time to calm my feelings for you.”
Neuvillette blinked in disbelief, still not understanding his words. “Feelings?”
Wriothesley smiled at him, raising a hand to scratch his head nervously. “I don’t think I ever planned to say this, but I’m in love with you, Neuvillette. And the idea that you might want to find a wife hurt me. Sure, now I know you didn’t, but then you told me you already liked someone else, so… I don’t think I can be by your side knowing that.”
A silence fell over them, and as time passed, Wriothesley grew increasingly uncomfortable. He was about to turn away when he felt a hand on his own. Surprised, he turned to see Neuvillette smiling at him; a smile that, though small, conveyed all the happiness the advisor felt.
“I’m in love with you, too, Wriothesley.”
The guard was surprised and filled with doubts, but above all, he felt happy at the thought that his love was finally reciprocated.
After so many years, they could be together. No more excuses for seeing each other during the day, they could go on romantic dates after work, and most importantly, they wouldn’t have to hide their love.
They both smiled at the thought of a future together, but before either of them could say anything else, soft music drifted through the doors, causing Neuvillette to turn and see what was happening; the orchestra had begun to play, and people were gathering in pairs inside the palace, making their way toward the dance floor.
When Neuvillette turned his gaze back to Wriothesley, the man had a hand extended toward him and was smiling with greater confidence after his confession. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
Reaching out, he took Wriothesley’s hand and, with a loving smile, nodded. “I’d be delighted.”
And so, with the moon as their only witness, they clasped hands and began to dance to the rhythm of the music, oblivious to everything around them as they gazed into each other’s eyes with gentle smiles that conveyed the unspoken words.
Tomorrow they could talk about everything with greater confidence, now that they both knew how they felt. But tonight, their love had been reciprocated, and they could finally be free together as they danced in the moonlight.