Chapter 1: warning/author's notes
Notes:
so this chapter is the author's note please read BEFORE continuing to the content
sorry for the wall ^^; I don't usually dabble in dark or non-con. I want to make sure that those reading this actually want to and don't go diving in headfirst because it's hey Lunafox has another Dimileth....*starts reading* D:
Chapter Text
There were a few people on the kinkmeme that asked if I was going to take a darker turn at the prompt I took for tempest seduction, and I said I would think about it. With what I’ve been doing with Tempest Seduction you can bet your ass that my mind has traveled to dark places while working on that fic of stuff I wanted to avoid for the more general audience of my fics. Welp I’ve also been browsing the yandere tag and eating them up like popcorn so here we are.
I don’t condone the non con in real life one bit. A true dom/sub relationship shouldn't be this one-sided or have this much manipulation. This is a work of fiction. I read it so no judgement here of those kind enough to share your thoughts with me. I'm just filling the prompt I took with the darker tones that my mind will not allow me to let go of.
Mind the tags and if these types of fics are your guilty pleasure I hope I did it right. It was faster to edit what I currently had written for Seduction then go for a whole different scenario. If any of you are familiar with that you’ll notice the change almost immediately. (It wasn't Dimitri that killed the two to keep them silent for one) This version sees an opportunity to explore while she's asleep. He’s waited five years to know her and claim her as his. There would be no telling how long she’d be asleep, and this version of Dimitri is not as patient and isn't insistent that he needs her consent. Seduction would definitely have the more in character version of him, this one yeah... more for sake of porn and plot
So Warnings: there’s plenty of non con here, mainly when she’s asleep. Biting, marking via bites/sucking on skin. For when she's awake restraints, aphrodisiac, cockwarming, repeat of above.
More specific content warnings - (I do not want to leave anyone in a bad place so please, please proceed with caution here.)
Ch 1(not counting this page as a chapter): CW- murder and he is taking her in her sleep and she wakes up during it so yeah, it will play a big part in her mentality and be something that causes a bit of heartbreak later
Ch 2: CW-goes into her POV on ch 1 and her thought process during the time and trying to cope with that- more sex on the dubious side since it's drugged (she took it without him pressing so why I think dubious over non con)
Ch 3: Mirror sex as a making her watch to see her reactions to what he does to her, some emotional manipulation while she's on the aphrodisiacs. Gaslighting among the praise.
I don't want to spoil much else there are additional warnings if they are needed at the top of each chapter, but the first three are the most triggering. Unlike Seduction Byleth can't pulse back for better opputunities. The obsessive possessive nature comes from losing Byleth once already, the fact that she's left before, the loss of his own family, dealing with the war, and living with an obsessed Rhea for 5 years. Dimitri still cares for her and doesn't want to harm her so unless something changes the only injury to her should be mental besides bruises and bites.
Byleth is into it but she is having trouble accepting the fact that he's done this to her. There is a previous relationship within the academy years and you'll see what I've done to continue with that delusion later. The reason why forced pregnancy is not a tag is by the time she will get pregnant she will have already decided she wants to bear his child and stay with him.
Please be nice. If it’s not your thing do not click for the next chapter. I have plenty of fluff for you to read instead. And if you like dark content, I hope you enjoy
If you like it then even if you log out and comment as a guest or leave a guest kudos it’s appreciated.
For those of you who want to continue, Please take care of yourselves - you’ve been warned. Click next chapter.
If you wish to turn back but were curious for the story might I suggest Tempest Seduction https://archiveofourown.org/works/24132142/chapters/58102186 You get a somewhat Yandere Dimitri who is possessive, wants her, but is willing to wait till she wakes up because it’s pointless without her reactions. Byleth wants him back and she's got plans to manipulate the situation how she wants to. That being said completely different stories, so while seduction is going towards happy ending with equal footing, this one will not... well it's twisted, but while it won't be the utterly fluffy ending planned for seduction it should still be happy.
Chapter 2: Sleeping beauty
Chapter Text
“Your majesty, there is something our scouts near the monastery found that might interest you.”
Dimitri turned around. There wasn’t much in this world that would merit bothering him directly. The scout motioned to the ones near the door that had a large tied up blanket.
“We haven’t let anyone else see her, but based on past descriptions she is the one you spent all that time looking for. You had told us if we had any information on her to bring her straight to you,” the captain reported.
Her? Dimitri’s breathing caught in his chest. After five years of not even finding a single trace, five years of Edelgard sending out her troops only focused on finding her, could it be that she had fallen into his grasp instead? They untied the knot and the fabric fell from the form inside. He grinned at the sight. It was Byleth.
“You’ve done well. Has anyone else seen her?” Dimitri asked.
The captain shook his head. “No, we fished her out of the river and covered her up immediately. The three of us here in this room are the only ones.”
Dimitri knelt to get a closer look. He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand as a twisted smile crossed his face.
He rose to his feet as he faced the men. “I apologize. You’ve done so well, but I can’t let anyone else know that I have her.”
The captain’s face paled as the other two men turned to run. Dimitri caught them easily, crushing their throats before they had the chance to scream.
The captain fell to one knee before him. “I understand Your Majesty. If you feel it necessary, then I am glad that I could fulfill your greatest wish.”
Dimitri’s gaze flickered over the captain of his battalion. Such loyalty shouldn’t be wasted. This was not the first unsavory task that he had given Ivan to carry out. There were too many rats around. Those loyal to him were beginning to thin. “Dispose of them. Know that if you so much as whisper about her then you will meet the same fate as them.”
The relief was tangible on Ivan’s face as he bowed his head. “Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty. Enjoy the reward of your devotion to finding her.”
Dimitri picked Byleth up and cradled her in his arms. It was true, he had been searching and hoping to see her again for quite some time. He took the sword of the creator in his hand and turned towards his chambers, leaving the grisly scene behind.
Byleth seemed so small and fragile in comparison to his memory. She had been one of the few that had worried him when they had to fight against in the battle of the Eagle and Lion. The soldiers said they had fished her out of the river. He could believe it with how she was caked in drying mud. The cloth had kept him from getting smeared with dirt, but even if she were sullying his clothing, he wouldn't mind it because that meant that he wasn't dreaming.
Dimitri was still euphoric at the prospect that he had stolen her away from Edelgard. Byleth had been missing for five years. Where had she gone if she wasn’t by Edelgard’s side? She didn’t look as if she had aged a day. Her breathing was soft, her chest barely moving. He could mistake her for dead if it weren't for the faint movement.
As he caressed back her hair away from her face he thought about all the times during the academy that he had wanted to do this small gesture. She didn't even flinch from his touch.
“She’s an enemy boy! Send Edelgard back her pet back to her in pieces, or have you lost your resolve?” Lambert hissed in his ear.
Dimitri ignored his father’s ghost. He had no intention of killing his greatest treasure.
“Spineless coward! You’ve always fancied her! The moment she wakes up she can sway you with pretty words, maybe the promise to let you fuck her, to get what she wants. Perhaps she would do that woman’s job and kill you when you sleep,” Glenn snapped.
Dimitri scoffed at that. “Enough, she could be of use to us. Would you really have me destroy the chance to keep that woman's most valuable asset? I will get you what you are owed, but Byleth stays at my side.”
The ghosts huffed but left him alone for now. When he got to his room he put her sword down on the dresser and took her dagger out for good measure. She hadn’t moved or protested, not a single sound. He took her dagger and drew a short line in her arm and watched as the cut healed itself almost instantly. There was still no change in her.
Byleth had always been alert from what he had seen of her. As Dimitri looked at her now, it was as if he was looking at her corpse. He lifted one of her arms and it only flopped back down as soon as he let go. The sight made his hand shake before he pulled off his glove to put it over her mouth. Byleth was breathing, and he wasn't mistaking the movement that he saw.
Dimitri put the dagger down and brought her to the bathroom to wash the dirt off. He also needed to wash the touch of Edelgard from her. The thought of another person’s hands on her made his skin crawl. No one else would be allowed to taint her again. She was his now and no one would harm her.
He brought her lips to his and sighed at the feeling. How long had he wanted to do this, how many times had he imagined the possibility of them being intimate during the academy? Dimitri paused at the scent of her hair. She had always smelled like jasmine, chamomile, or sometimes mint. It wasn’t there at the moment and that broke him out of his thoughts. He would need to remedy that.
He looked around until his eyes found the small basket of small bottles at the tubside. He never cared for the scented soaps that they were determined to place there, but in this moment, he was grateful for them. He smirked at the realization that he wasn’t destined to be alone. The soaps were never meant for him, but rather for the one that he’d be enjoying the bath with.
Glenn had been right. Even when he was supposed to be focused on his revenge in the academy, she had intruded on his thoughts. He had been drawn to her even back then. When she had invited him to tea with a gift on his birthday she had truly stolen any resistance he had to her. The conversation was engaging, her praise sending him over the moon, and her gifts showed how much she paid attention. What had caught him the most off guard was her answer when he asked why she didn’t choose the Blue Lions.
“I felt I shouldn’t choose to be the professor of someone that I was attracted…” Byleth had slammed her hand over her mouth and stared at him with wide eyes. “Forgive me… forget I said anything… I need to go.”
Byleth had tried to leave but he had caught her hand. His mouth was dry as he tried to formulate a response. She had pried his hand off with an apology and left. After that, she avoided him whenever she could. She was generally surrounded by the other black eagle students. The few times he had caught her alone he noticed the blush that would cover her face behind that stoic expression.
The shy look on her face was burned into his memory. There were so many times that he wanted to catch her alone and see how close she would let him get to her. The urge to kiss her was maddening, but he couldn’t get his chance. It always seemed like she knew the perfect way to avoid him.
Then she disappeared, following that damned woman's heels. Rhea wouldn’t let Byleth get close enough for capture. Instead, Rhea had blasted her off the cliff. They retreated to Fhirdaid, and while the ghosts told him that it had to be done, he lamented at the loss of the one woman he desired to be his queen.
If Byleth still had any of those feelings he might not have to hurt her to convince Byleth that her place was here with him. The water was warm under his hand. He gave her one last chance to rouse and would leave her here to clean herself.
He tried shaking her awake, a yell close enough to her ear, and even a pinch to her flesh. There was still no change. He pressed his fingers to her neck and found a steady pulse. What was wrong with her? He had never seen anything like it. Even when someone was given a drug to sleep they never slept this soundly.
He started to strip her down, discarding the dirty clothing and armor aside. He’d have to worry about replacements for her later, but for the moment all he could do was stare at the sight before him. Even covered with dirt she was still beautiful. He took off his shirt so it wouldn’t get wet and threw it aside. He picked her up again and this time her breasts fell against his chest. It took him a moment to learn to breathe again.
He had to focus. He couldn’t leave her covered in muck and this was the only way. Something cold hit him and he looked down. He had missed something, there was a small chain that had been hidden under the cloth choker. He moved her hair aside and saw a ring that was getting caught in her hair. It must be the one Jeralt gave her. He remembered Dorothea telling Ingrid about it over lunch and describing that it looked like a flower. He took the chain in his hand and yanked, he would only break the clasp if he tried taking it off properly anyway.
Holding the ring in his hand he had an idea. If she woke up as his wife, she might not fight him or her destiny at his side. Perhaps he could even turn her against Edelgard. If she were bound to him like he was to the dead then she wouldn’t leave again and he would finally have his revenge.
Edelgard had desecrated the tomb and the dead required blood for being disturbed. Those that she worked with, the Argathans, Rhea called them were the ones behind Duscur. Edelgard had thrown her lot in with them. He would have to see why Byleth chose the path she did, if she would be able to remember.
He placed her in the water and again no change. It was miraculous in a way. He could do anything he wanted to her and there would be nothing to stop him. He started scrubbing away the dirt that covered her. He leaded her head against his arm as he started to run the cloth over parts he already cleaned. He abandoned the cloth to just be able to glide his fingers over her skin. He became bolder as he cupped her breast and fondled it in his hands. There was still no reaction from her other than an increase in her breathing. When the pad of his finger traced around her nipple she finally made a sound. It was almost like a mix between a whimper and a moan. Finally, he got a reaction from her almost lifeless body.
He moved so her head was resting on his chest as he used both hands to explore her. He rubbed both nipples as her mouth opened and she emitted another sound. She was so beautiful. He leaned down to kiss her hair. Her scent made him wrinkle his nose.
He had gotten distracted from his original task. He reached out to grab a bottle as he submerged her head under the water. He covered her mouth for good measure so she wouldn't swallow or breath in any of the bath water. Soft coughs shook her when he removed his hand before she went still again. He went back to the task of cleaning her.
The more he touched the greater the desire tore through him. He would keep her for himself, one way or the other. He drained the bath and ran more water to rinse any excess off. There were small patches of red where he had scrubbed too hard, but he was at least glad his strength hadn’t done worse to her.
He scooped her back up and into a towel to dry her off before laying her on his bed. He pet back a strand of hair and kissed her.
He ran his fingers along her jaw. “You are mine Byleth. If this has proved one thing to me, it’s that I can’t let anyone else have you.”
He went back to fetch his shirt and placed all of her clothing into the blanket. He’d have Dedue clean them later. He grabbed the ring off the counter where he left it. It was a woman’s ring, barely big enough to fit his pinky finger. There were some jewelers that he could use. He brought the blanket to the door and like clockwork Dedue knocked on his door to let him know his evening meal was ready. Dimitri grabbed his cloak and covered Byleth from the neck down. The sight of her with his colors struck another surge of possessiveness.
Dimitri opened the door and Dedue bowed to him.
Dimitri held up his hand before Dedue could speak. “You keep telling me how loyal you are to me. Are you ready to prove that?”
Dedue blinked a few times. “You know you only need to give the order, Your Majesty.”
Dimitri stepped back and let Dedue into the room. He came in but then he caught sight of her and stopped in his tracks. Dimitri shut the door behind him.
“They brought her to me today. I got her clean, but we’ll need replacement clothes for her. Her dirty ones are there by the door. Even her boots were waterlogged. I don’t want anyone else to know that she’s here, especially Rhea. She’s mentioned how many times she wanted to tear Byleth apart and I can’t have that,” Dimitri explained.
Dedue nodded. “Will she pose a threat when she wakes?”
“I would rather find more persuasive options and keep her at my side. I want to start with this. Get it tailored to my size and find me a band that will fit her hand.” Dimitri handed her ring to Dedue.
Dedue nodded in understanding. “Would you like me to watch her or bring your meal for you?”
That was a difficult question. “I can’t have Rhea suspecting anything, but I don’t want to leave her.”
“May I make a suggestion? Let me get things prepared in here for you. When you return you’ll be able to enjoy her to your heart’s content and I will make sure there are no interruptions.”
Dimitri was hesitant, but he knew the reward would be greater in the end. “I know I can trust you with her. If she wakes, tell her that I will be back to talk to her. Do not treat her as a prisoner of war.”
Dedue bowed. “I understand, Your Majesty. I know you will not want me touching her. Will you rearrange her arms so they are above her head? One of my plans is a pair of cuffs for mages. She will not be able to cast spells and it will make it harder for her to escape.”
Dimitri had forgotten how adept a mage she was as his mind circled around his other thoughts. She would normally use her sword, but she was the one that took out Dedue with a spell during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Dimitri made sure that most of her remained covered by his cloak as he pulled her arms over her head so her wrists met. She had no reaction to his touch. It made him wonder if she was aware of what was happening to her body.
Dedue nodded and Dimitri left. He would need to think up an excuse for later nights. Dimitri knew Dedue wouldn’t do anything to her, but he was surprised as to how agitated he felt just leaving the room. He hadn’t realized how relaxed he had been around her. He needed to do some reconnaissance and make sure that no one suspected what was brought to him today. He would make sure to have Dedue keep an ear out for rumors.
Rhea, Seteth, and Flayn were already waiting for him at the table that was set for four. The meal was almost ready to be brought out and he had to put up his walls that had kept them at arm's length. He may have been required to keep them here, but that didn’t mean that he fully trusted them. Rhea’s purpose for him was to be a weapon and while he didn’t mind the role, he wondered what was the reason behind that rage. She had taken Byleth’s betrayal personally and she was the largest threat to his plan right now.
“I heard that a scouting party came back from the monastery today. The captain said it was a part of a demonic beast that he hadn’t seen before. I’m surprised they bothered you with it to you.”
Of course, Rhea would start with that.
“I had Dedue take care of it. It was no concern of mine,” he replied.
Rhea took a sip of her wine. “I see, should they be punished for wasting your time?”
Dimitri shook his head. “I already have.”
Rhea mused a moment on that. “The Millenium Festival is coming up. I’d like to hold a ceremony here in Fhirdiad.”
“I wish I could give you the monastery to do it in instead,” Dimitri said offhandedly as the food was delivered.
“What would be better is Byleth’s head on this table. She was nothing but a failed project,” Rhea hissed.
“Rhea, we talked about this. Do you want to do that to your own kin? There is still hope for her,” Seteth said.
Rhea slammed her fist onto the table. “She chose that sinner. When we find her if she does not atone I will be tearing her heart out myself and trying again.”
Flayn cut into her food. “Edelgard was her student. When I was in the class with them I didn’t suspect a thing either. She was probably just confused and wanted to find out why everything was happening. You didn’t give her much choice…”
“There is always a choice!” Rhea roared. “When she came back she could have run from Edelgard and joined us then, but she didn’t!”
“If she is found and wants to join our side, what then? She’s been gone for five years. That’s a long time to hide,” Dimitri asked.
Rhea sat back in her seat. “If she joins that sinner again her life is forfeit. If by some miracle she would choose her family… I’m sorry for bringing up such a distasteful subject. Let us eat and give praise to the goddess that Fhirdiad stays strong.”
Dimitri nodded and finished the food in front of him before excusing himself. Rhea was the biggest threat to Byleth within this castle. Rhea would need to be dealt with or brought to the realization that Byleth was no longer a threat or an enemy. Once Byleth accepted her role at his side he would take care of those that would stand in his way.
When he got back to his room Dedue was sitting on the floor near the bathroom. He had one of her boots in his hand and a scrub brush in the other. “I am almost done cleaning up her things. I’ll be out of your way shortly.”
Dimitri’s gaze went to the cuffs on the bedside. They gleamed next to a bowl of water and a towel. “I thought you intended to put them on her.”
Dedue looked up. “Yes, I put them near her hands and she flinched and gasped like she was in pain. If I had to take a guess she’s still healing and her sleep is magical in nature. I would not put the cuffs on her until she wakes on her own.”
Dimitri went forward to caress her cheek before he leaned down to lay his lips against her skin. The floral scent from the soap he used clung to her and he grinned. Much better than her previous state.
“Make sure you talk to the captain that brought her today. Rhea mentioned that his story was that it was part of a demonic beast that was his delivery today. I told her that you were the one to take care of it, but we need to make sure that is what the captain is saying,” Dimitri said.
Dedue nodded. “I can confirm that. I almost sent him away earlier when he gave me the story. He was adamant that he needed to see you and what was brought could only be seen by you. Seteth was coming near so I decided to let them through and deter Seteth from getting any closer. I knew that you'd be able to handle the matter if they were only wasting your time.”
Dimitri turned his attention to her sword and dagger, looking for a hiding place until he could determine if his plan would work or not. When they were securely hidden away he took off his boots.
Dedue stood and told Dimitri that he’d be back with clothes for her shortly before he left. Dimitri noticed that her clothes were hanging where the towels were usually kept and the room cleaned. Dimitri went back to Byleth and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. It wasn’t going to be that hard to fall into his role as an adoring husband. He hoped that she would cooperate and fulfill hers without much of a fuss.
At first, he sat there beside her as he continued to caress and talk to her about his plans. When Dedue came back he carried some garments for her. Dimitri had Dedue place it in his training room that branched off of this one.
Dedue kneeled to him when he returned. “The ring should be ready by tomorrow and I can pick up the one for her. Do you have a preference?”
Dimitri ran some strands of her hair through his fingers. “Emerald would suit her eyes well.”
Dedue nodded. “There is a pitcher of water and some fruit on the table if you are in need of nourishment. I will make sure that you are not disturbed. Do you have any other needs before I go?”
Dimitri’s reply of no, was distracted. Dedue rose and left the room without another word. Dimitri smiled, finally alone, he would be undisturbed as he explored his prize. She had reacted so well when he had touched her earlier, that lifeless state broken by those sweet sounds she made for him. He wanted to see and hear more of her.
He took off his own clothing, and had to stroke his throbbing cock. The maddening desire to have some relief coursed through him, but he didn’t want to be distracted by his needs just yet. He pulled his cape away from her. The firelight behind him illuminated her beautifully.
He came onto the bed beside her as he licked his lips. This was better than his greatest fantasies. As he knelt down to kiss her he moaned as his cock brushed up against her soft skin. That sent his hands trailing over her, trying to memorize every detail of his new bride.
He had learned enough about prepping the woman’s body and making her feel good through some of Sylvain’s talks. While she might not be aware of what’s happening to her, he didn’t want her to wake up in pain. There also wasn’t a healer other than Mercedes that he could trust if he hurt her. As much as he wanted to just ram himself inside and stay the night inside her cunt he needed to keep her well-being in mind.
He had all night with her at the very least. The Millennium Festival wouldn’t be for another three days. He would be able to avoid needing to interact with the others that dwelled in his castle to stay with her.
The soft flesh of her breasts brought Dimiti’s attention away from where his tongue was exploring her mouth. He had dreamed of nestling his head against them many times, and sometimes his thoughts would become more lewd as time went on. He licked the peak tentatively before he latched his mouth around it and moaned at how her breast would squish and stretch in his grip. His other hand traveled further down to her core.
He let go of her breast as he pulled his mouth off with a small popping sound, marveling at how taunt and perky the nipple had become versus the one he hadn’t given any attention to. Small sounds escaped her lips. He would love to hear her cry out his name, but that would need to wait. This worked in his favor, to be able to explore her without hurting her.
He nudged her legs apart as he turned his exploration to where he could truly claim her as his. He brushed his thumb against her folds. He was surprised to find it glistening for him. His cock was throbbing painfully, but there should be more moisture so it wouldn’t be uncomfortable for him to have her. She at least wouldn’t be struggling. That would make things easier. His cock was starting to drip his precum onto the sheets and he used it to coat his cock as he stroked it lazily.
He leaned his head down and licked a broad stripe across her folds. He used his fingers that were lubed up by the precum to enter her. She was so warm, but there was too much resistance. He combined his tongue with his fingers, helping to coat her as he enjoyed the musky scent of her. Dimitri wished he could taste her, but he had lost that sense long ago. He could feel her getting wetter and those soft whimpers were driving him over the edge. It was so much easier to imagine that this was playing out how he wanted it to be. Her body's reactions were proof that she was alive under his fingers.
He leaned back as he had an idea. If she wasn’t ready to take him yet, then he would just need to continue to help her. He lifted her ass up so his cock could slide over her folds. He couldn’t help but shiver at the feeling. He was starting to get dangerously close to climax. He looked down at her and marveled that this was real. Byleth was here naked and in his bed.
Moving back and using his fingers again he could tell that she was tight, but the resistance didn’t seem as apparent as the last time. He took his throbbing cock in his hands as he brought himself to climax. Right before he was about to burst he slid just the head of his cock into her. The heat was so inviting as he shot thick white ropes into her. It helped lubricate her enough that he could start pushing himself deeper. His head fell back as his vision whited out at the bliss of being inside of her.
He would normally curse the fact that he stayed hard after he climaxed. The beast inside of him was never satisfied with just one, and it required him to rub himself off until he was almost raw. Right now it was a blessing. He didn’t want to leave this paradise her body provided. The heat that radiated from her, how her walls clamped around him, and the small sounds she made were all wonderful. Her breathing had increased to pants. Her expression was still serene. He hadn't hurt her, and he hoped that she enjoyed it as well.
He reached out to grab her swaying breasts and toyed with the nipples between his fingers. “You are so beautiful. When you wake... I look forward to the expressions you’ll make for me… finally mine.”
He saw her fingers flex before her walls tightened around him. He felt a flood of moisture as her cunt pulsed around him before she relaxed once more. Her body accepted him without hesitation, taking her pleasure from his actions. He grinned wide as he leaned down over her.
He caressed her face with the back of his hand. “I’m glad the thought of being mine is enough to push you over the edge. I’ll make sure you are satisfied, my sweet Professor, no my lovely wife.”
He kissed her then, pretending that was why she didn’t moan or scream out her pleasure as his pace increased. The lewd slap of skin on skin only drove his senses further as he realized that she was truly his. As long as she stayed like this she couldn’t betray him. Her body was honest and he would find every point that intensified her pleasure.
He came again inside of her as his hands came to caress her stomach. As his queen, she would be the one to produce his heir. Almost all of his family had been taken from him. He had never entertained the thought of a family with the reality that he may never survive long enough to enjoy it, but with her, he had a chance. Just imagining her belly swollen with their child, made him bury himself deeper into her heat, giving her every drop he could.
She had always been caring to them all at the academy. She always made time to listen to any student or teacher that wanted to bend her ear. No fear was too trivial to talk to her about. She would make an excellent mother. Once this war saw its end he could have the family he had always desired.
He spent the rest of the night exploring her and buried himself inside her many more times. He found the oil that Dedue left next to the bowl of water. Part of him wished he found it earlier but it was extremely satisfying knowing that he was able to do it with their combined efforts alone. His fingers teased every inch of her flesh. The marks that bloomed on her skin from his mouth and teeth were proof that he had claimed her.
When he was finally worn out from all the play he nestled her on top of him as he buried himself inside her one more time. He didn’t want to leave her warmth. Her weight felt wonderful on top of him and he could feel her breath against his skin.
The next two days were much the same as he filled her cunt over and over. He bathed them both at one point just to relax and lean her against him. He went out only briefly and when he knew Dedue was guarding the door. The rings were placed, and he kept his under a pair of gloves when he went out.
She still wouldn't wake and his frustration rose. The only time she even seemed alive was when he touched her. It was one thing to have her body, but he wanted more.
Then came the day of the Millennium festival, and his prayers were answered. He had just finished a round and climaxed inside her. Byleth grunted in disorientation as her eyes blinked open as she climaxed. Her expression was confused, but that moan drove him over the edge again.
He grinned wide as he caressed her hair out of her face. “There you are. I was wondering how long you’d stay asleep my beloved.”
“What... “
He kissed her deeply, and he could feel her shrinking away from him. He remembered Dedue’s warning about her magic and reached for the cuffs. He had them on her wrists before he retreated his kiss. She was still confused and seemed disoriented.
She licked her lips nervously. “Where am I?”
Dimitri rocked his hips slowly as he kissed her neck. “In our bedroom. You’re in Fhirdiad, love.”
He felt her shiver as he ran his hands along her sides. “Fhirdi… Dimitri… is that you? What happened? How… how long have I been asleep?”
Dimitri palmed her breasts. “What’s the last thing you remember?”
Her shivering increased as he toyed with her nipple. Her breathing was coming in pants as he continued his languid thrusting. “The battle at the monastery, Rhea… dragon.”
Her back arched as she brought her hands up against his arms and her nails dug into his skin. He felt her cunt pulse around his cock again. She grunted out his name and Goddess he wanted to hear it more often.
He pulled himself down to kiss her again. “That was five years ago Byleth.”
Her eyes widened before he captured her lips with his. She started to push against his chest. He pulled back up when she tried to squirm away. He grabbed her hips and pushed his cock all the hilt inside of her. He was not going to be pushed out of his paradise. She wrapped her legs around him in an attempt to try to kick his side or flip him, but he wasn’t about to let that happen either. He moved his arms so he had her legs pinned as he used the leverage to thrust deeper and faster inside of her.
“Why?” Byleth managed to stutter out.
He brought the hand that had the ring into her view. “My men found you and brought you to me. I’m sorry I started the fun without you, but it was too tempting a thought to claim you as my wife to be able to stop myself. You are finally mine, and where you belong.”
She brought her own hand into view and her face paled. She was blinking rapidly. He tilted the angle of his thrusts and she gasped.
He grinned before he hit that same spot again, tearing a moan from her lips. “Don’t fight it. Your body has been nothing but honest while you’ve been asleep. I’ve lost count how many times you’ve cum for me.”
Her eyes turned misty, as she grit her teeth. He felt her walls clench around him. She was almost there. He curled his arm around her leg so he could brush his thumb against her clit. She jerked before he felt her shudder again. It was stronger than the ones when she was asleep. Dimitri kissed her forehead as she panted.
He rolled over so she was on top of him as he stayed buried inside of her. She was shivering again. He grabbed the blanket and pulled it over them both. She looked around with wide eyes. The shaking only increased.
He grabbed her chin and brought her gaze to his. “It’s alright my love. I will keep you safe. I’m sorry for the rude awakening.”
He caressed her back with his other hand. When she tried to pull herself off of him he pushed her back down with a firm hand on her ass.
Her brows knit together in confusion. "Dimitri… I don't understand. Why are you doing this? The war, where is Ede-"
He gave her a particularly hard thrust to cut off her words. "Do not speak her name in my presence."
Byleth flinched at his tone. "I'm just confused. You're saying I've been asleep for five years. How long have you been doing this to me?"
"All I've done is give you pleasure and hope that you would wake up so we could truly be together.' Dimitri buried his hand into her hair as he kept her gaze from moving away. 'As for your previous question, the war is at a stalemate. She still sends her troops to destroy what she can. Her flames are destroying Fodlan piece by piece."
"I don't believe you." There was a slight quivering to her voice that he never heard before. She was always so steadfast and headstrong.
"Just take in your situation. Why haven't you been rescued by now? Do you think any of them care where you are? They might even think you died all those years ago. She is too wrapped up in her war to care." His tone was as harsh as his words.
All she did was stare with her mouth hanging open.
He moved in to kiss her neck and whisper in her ear. "I found you, I have been the one taking care of you. I won’t let anyone take you away from me or harm you."
She was stunned into silence for a moment before she bit her lip. "Yes, I liked you, I was attracted to you, and maybe fantasized a little about joining your bed, but... not like this."
Her admission made him grin before he rose up to capture her lips with his own as he forced her mouth open so he could explore. She gave a muffled cry before he felt her fists on his chest relax.
When she kissed him back, she was tentative at first, but he couldn’t help but moan at the feeling. He had been the one kissing her, to have it returned was euphoric. He couldn’t stop his hips from moving as he rocked his cock inside of her. He kept his pace gentle as he buried his hand in her hair and stroked small lines into her back.
He broke the kiss, only to start nibbling and kissing her neck. "It was a dream come true to have you delivered to me."
He nuzzled his face into her hair. "As long as you behave I won't need to make any unnecessary demands of you. The last thing I want is to be forced to hurt or restrain you. I have ways of making you compliant if you refuse, but I'd rather you choose me."
Her face twisted into anger. "So what, you plan on keeping me like your personal cock warmer in exchange for this so called safety?"
Dimitri mused a moment. "Pretty apt description actually. I've found I enjoy having the constant reminder that you're with me. As my wife, you'll be expected to produce my heir. If you haven't taken to my seed yet then we'll just have to keep trying then, won't we?"
She raised her hands as she glared at the cuffs. "Great show of faith with these."
He stroked his fingers around the cuffs. They didn't seem like they were too tight on her. "Just a necessary precaution, love. They'll come off in time."
She made a motion with her hands and then hissed as the cuffs lit up.
Dimitri tsked. “Would you really attack me with your magic? We can be civil about this can’t we?”
Byleth’s eyes widened as real fear hid within her gaze. Her hands shook. “No pulse…”
Dimitri smoothed back her hair behind her ear. “Yes I noticed the other night when I had my head nestled against your breast that you didn’t have a heartbeat, but I can feel your pulse just fine. Has it always been that way? If not for your breathing, you could have been mistaken for a corpse.”
Her brows knotted together as she processed his sentence. “The other night... Dimitri, how long have you had me like this at your disposal?”
Her body was shaking, her eyes wide, and her tone was getting higher. She was truly starting to panic and he had to find a way to soothe her. He knew that if she tried to fight him he could end up hurting her by accident. "Do you know how long I've waited to have you in my arms, Byleth? I was like the others. I thought you died that day, but I hoped and I send out my men to search. We finally found you, and they brought you straight to me. I will take care of you. I will make sure that you are satisfied here with me. All that I ask in return is that you become my queen."
Vivid green eyes met his blue ones. "And if I refuse?"
A dark smile crossed Dimitri's face as he reached up to cup her cheek. "Then that means I'll just have to try harder to convince you that this is where you truly belong."
Because there was no way that he'd let her go.
Notes:
https://twitter.com/kikuriehime/status/1437654952600539136?t=iFoDSBEY1Wv9UwZOxhyDSg&s=19 we have awesome fan art by kikurie for this chapter that is amazing and beautiful. It's for when she's still asleep so you have your warning.
Chapter 3: Rude Awakening
Summary:
Byleth’s pov
Notes:
So starts off with her pov so yeah triggers are going to be fear and confusion but you also already know what he's doing.
Also I repeat i don't condone the actions I know its probably way more horrifying than this, but I won't write what would (not really sure what to put here- freak out, scare, just the fact that it's not the vibe i'm going for), also gotta go where plot works best.
Please take care of yourselves.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Byleth was still trying to shake the groggy feeling that made her body want to go back to sleep. It was hard to function. The sensations she felt made no sense to her. She didn’t have time to dwell on them long before pleasure ripped through her body. There was no mistaking the orgasm that had her inner walls pulsing around a cock.
Despite the confusion, she couldn’t help the moan that came from her lips. She must be having some sort of wet dream or else she was in a nightmare. It always took her so long to climax when she rubbed herself off, even longer when she was with a partner, but this felt easy to give into.
“There you are. I was wondering how long you would stay asleep beloved.” There was a large hand caressing her face. The voice sounded familiar but her head was still so hazy.
The word 'what' barely left her lips before whoever this was kissed her. Ok, not dreaming. She tried to squirm away. Who was this?
The last thing she remembered was the ground crumbling beneath her feet as Edelgard and Hubert called out for her. Her body wasn’t in pain. Some places were a little sore, but those sensations were more pinpoint. If she fell she’d expect broken bones, or, at the very least, a large bruised impact point.
Then something cold attached to her wrists as a resounding click echoed in her ears. What in the world?
When the man on top of her pulled away she almost didn’t want to believe what she was seeing. Whoever this was reminded her so much of Dimitri.
The color of his hair and eyes were almost a dead ringer for the prince, but he was older than the Dimitri she knew. It could possibly be his uncle Rufus with the resemblance, but that thought made her skin crawl. The last thing she wanted was to look into his eyes and wish it was Dimitri instead. She didn't want to taint her memory of him that way.
She licked her lips, trying to get the courage to ask him who he was, but she didn’t want those suspicions confirmed. “Where am I?”
He rocked his hips as he leaned down to kiss her neck. “In our bedroom. You’re in Fhirdiad, love.”
That voice… it couldn't be. The kiss he left lathered her skin with his tongue and teeth. It felt so nice... our? She wished her head would stop splitting and let her think.
Dimitri wouldn't do something like this, but it was the only thing that made any sort of sense. She knew about the amount of lust Dimitri had for her even back then. They had shared one kiss during the academy years. It was as if she released all of his pent-up desires with that kiss and it made her burn with the intensity they shared with it. Dimitri’s voice had the same husky quality when he asked her to come back with him to Fhirdiad all that time ago.
Her mind went back to the memory of that day. His eyes had been half-closed after the first kiss that sent her reeling, wondering where all the feelings were coming from. She had been kissed before, even had sex before, but never had her mind or body reacted in such a way. She had been called a cold fish more times than she could count, but the heat she felt in the moment he kissed her made her cheeks burn.
He cradled her head between his hands as he put her forehead to hers. "Professor, may I kiss you again? I don't know where I find the courage, but I'd like to ask. Once I graduate, would you come back to Fhirdiad with me?"
His face hovered over hers and she closed the distance, tangling her fingers into his shirt. The world fell away as they became a tangle of breath and limbs.
Dimitri would not remember that version of his birthday. She pulsed back after Hubert stormed into the gazebo space with Seteth close behind, breaking the two of them apart and belittling her for her behavior as a teacher.
It was when Dimitri threw a punch at them for insulting her that she knew she had to take it back. She had never seen such a dark look on Dimitri’s face. She wasn’t worth the prince getting into trouble for.
It was as they said, she was only a mercenary. Someone like her had no place next to nobility; she never should have let him kiss her in the first place. Nor should she have returned it.
If this was the same Dimitri she knew, for him to change so much physically...
A shiver came unbidden as he ran his hands along her sides. It didn't help that her body was welcoming him as if she were made for him. Every stroke he made had his cock stretching her. There was a wet sound with every move he made as well as the slap of skin on skin.
Something stirred in her memory of another touch. A different kiss she knew that she had no recollection of before this. “I’m glad the thought of being mine is enough to push you over the edge. I’ll make sure you are satisfied, my sweet Professor, no my lovely wife.”
Was that real? It was the same voice using Professor and something she recognized. Could it really be Dimitri? What did he mean by wife?
“Fhirdi… Dimitri… is that you?" The way his eyes lit up and he smiled down at her when his name left her lips was all the confirmation she needed.
Her mind started to race. This was her prince, but why did he look so different? When had he allowed the darkness to swallow him whole like this? "What happened? How… how long have I been asleep?”
Dimitri palmed her breasts; were his hands always this large? “What’s the last thing you remember?”
Her shivering increased as he toyed with her nipple. Her breathing was coming in pants as he continued his languid thrusting. She wished he would stop, it was hard enough to focus through the haze in her mind without the pleasure building. Should she even be enjoying this?
“The battle at the monastery, Rhea… dragon.”
Her back arched as she brought her hands up against his arms and her nails dug into his skin as she climaxed again. She grunted out his name as she tried to swallow past the lump in her throat at the sight of metal on her wrists. Her entire body was shaking as she felt herself pulse around him.
Did climaxing always make her feel this weak? She couldn’t remember feeling like this before.
He seemed pleased with himself, his eyes closed as he savored the feel of her. She could feel his cock twitch inside her in response to her pulsing.
Dimitri pulled himself down to kiss her again. “That was five years ago Byleth.”
Her eyes widened before he captured her lips with his. Five years? That couldn't be right. How long had he had her? Where were her Eagles? Her mind was buzzing and starting to get alert from the panic and confusion that set in.
She started to push against his chest. He pulled back up when she tried to squirm away. He grabbed her hips and pushed his cock all the hilt inside of her. The stretch was uncomfortable and she felt his fingers dig into already sore flesh. She was starting to register where her aches were. It was like she had been knocked around with a practice sword in the same spot over and over.
Her hips had the worst of it, but she remembered how many lances he snapped without thinking about it. She was stiff, but that could be from non use. What she wondered the most, was how long had she been his ragdoll? Phantom touches lingered in her mind, but nothing substantial would tell her what he did or how long he had her.
With him pulled back she was finally able to study what she could see of him. The last time she saw him he had been eighteen. His hair and demeanor sometimes reminded her of a puppy who would follow at her heels, eager for any praise that left her lips.
Now his hair reminded her more of a shaggy lion's mane. She was curious about how much larger he got over the years. She couldn't tell while he was bent over her like this. Dimitri was already taller than her in the academy. Hubert had been tall too, but not this muscular. The width of Dimitri’s chest allowed him to wrap his arms around her easily.
Dimitri had always been handsome to her, but now… why did he have to do this to her? The fact he had taken advantage of her was despicable, but even now he wasn't trying to hurt her. She wasn't sure if being nice was enough for him to earn her forgiveness.
She wrapped her legs around him in an attempt to try to kick his side or flip him, but he only took advantage of her movements. He moved his arms so he had her legs pinned as he used the leverage to thrust deeper and faster inside of her.
“Why?” Byleth managed to stutter out. She wanted to ask why me, but then again, she knew already.
She heard the want in his voice back then and it tangled with the voice he used now. What was only a month or so a memory for her would have years of pent up desire for him. A burning to have her; to make her his. It had consumed him.
Dimitri moved his hand and she caught sight of her parent's ring. “My men found you and brought you to me. I’m sorry I started the fun without you, but it was too tempting a thought to claim you as my wife to be able to stop myself. You are finally mine, and where you belong.”
She brought her own hand into view. A slender silver ring with emeralds was on her hand. She knew the hidden question in his request back then.
He still wanted her to be his Queen. It seems now that he decided that he would not take no for an answer since he was given this opportunity. Her mind was still trying to process if there was a way out of this when he hit a spot that made her gasp.
He grinned before he hit that same spot again, tearing a moan from her lips. “Don’t fight it. Your body has been nothing but honest while you’ve been asleep. I’ve lost count how many times you’ve cum for me.”
That statement went over her like ice water. Other phrases he used came unbidden into her mind. Phantom touches and the feeling of her body shuttering and releasing over and over while he whispered encouragements in her ear echoed in her memory.
The partners in the past had always blamed her for the lack of pleasure. There was no denying that she felt the buildup now. Felt it then when she was still unconscious. The thought scared her. Was it just because it was him, or was she always keeping herself from enjoying any of her interactions in the past? What did that even mean for her?
Her eyes turned misty; why couldn't he have been patient? If he had courted her properly… but when had there been time? She had been considering taking the chance with him, but Edelgard made her move and Byleth knew there wouldn't be any forgiveness for her actions.
She grit her teeth as she was reminded of that fact. Dimitri was an enemy that Edelgard had said they would need to fight in order for the plan to succeed. Byleth never voiced her naive thinking that perhaps he could be talked out of it. Dimitri was the most resolute person she knew.
Once Dimitri made up his mind he didn't go back on his word.
He could have killed her. She betrayed him by joining Edelgard’s side, but instead he decided that she should be his. What was worse?
Dimitri didn't ask for much. He could forgive her and let her live, but it would mean betraying her Eagles.
She had joined them because Edelgard was the one that almost died that day. Both Claude and Dimitri fought well enough on their own. Over the time Byleth considered the Eagles her new mercenary family. Brothers and sisters in arms.
None of them looked for her. They abandoned her. Five years had passed and Dimitri was the only one who cared enough to look for her. To want her enough to make her his. Not as a weapon, but to be at his side.
Dimitri's voice was thick with desire, but she didn't sense any malice behind it. Nothing in her memory was harsh or cruel, be it his words or his actions. He hadn’t stopped moving, not since she regained consciousness. This would be what, her third orgasm? It was barely something that happened once and yet he managed this?
To be able to give her more pleasure then she deserved for her sins. For him to be able to love a heartless demon like herself, what would rejecting him mean for her?
A smile stretched across his face. He curled his arm around her leg so he could brush his thumb against her clit. The sensation made her jerk. His touch was more gentle than she thought his brute strength left him capable of. He seemed to know exactly how to set her off.
It wasn’t long before the tidal wave his actions summoned had even her legs shaking in his arms as she panted.
Dimitri leaned over her to kiss her forehead. His face was serene with a pleased smile on his face when he pulled back. His hands were rubbing over her gently. This nightmare scenario wasn't playing out how she thought it should be.
He was treating her like a lover should. That thought still frazzled the edges of her mind. This couldn’t be normal, but when has anything in her life ever been normal?
Would submitting to him really be that bad when he could give her this?
She could still feel herself clamp down and pulse around his cock. There was still the occasional twitch, but her body was finally starting to calm down. She had never orgasmed that hard before. It left her dizzy and spent.
He rolled over so she was on top of him as he stayed buried inside of her. Fear started to grip her. She had heard from some of the other mercenaries of men who didn't give a damn about the woman's pleasure and just used them however they wanted for the night they had them.
Dimitri seemed to care about her pleasure too, but how long would that last now that she was awake? Would he change his mind?
He was studying her face, stroking her cheek before her shivering got worse. Dimitri grabbed a blanket to put over the top of them. She felt weak, barely able to push herself off of his chest.
She looked around. This was her new reality. The room was well furnished, there was even a table in the corner. The bed they were in was a four poster with large curtains attached to, but what did she expect from a king's suite? The windows looked like they were boarded over from the inside with large shutters. Large silver bolts kept them shut.
The sight of those and the cuffs on her wrists brought her thoughts to she was for all intents and purposes his prisoner here.
He grabbed her chin and brought her gaze to his. “It’s alright my love. I will keep you safe. I’m sorry for the rude awakening.”
Again there was no malice in those blue depths. He believed every word he spoke. Rude awakening was putting it lightly. It made her wonder how he actually intended for their first conversation to pan out. He was stroking her back in a soothing manner.
The only intrusion to the almost intimate moment was his cock still hard and twitching inside of her. Weren’t men supposed to go soft when they weren't actively fucking someone? The angle had him pressed up against that spot that made her moan earlier.
She squirmed on top of him, trying to find a comfortable spot that wasn't going to drive her horny in his grasp. She could feel the liquid dripping out of her onto her thighs in thick globs. How many times had he climaxed inside of her? That thought made her pale again. She wasn't ready to be a mother.
She tried pulling herself off, but Dimitri grabbed her ass and kept her down.
Her brows knit together in confusion. "Dimitri… I don't understand. Why are you doing this? The war, where is Ede-"
He gave her a particularly hard thrust to cut off her words as the warmth in his eyes froze over. It was the first time since she woke up that she had seen any hint of anger from him. The thrust had also knocked some air out of her lungs as she bounced on top of him.
"Do not speak her name in my presence." Byleth flinched at his tone. It was harsh and commanding. His grip tightened on her too.
She needed to defuse him, quickly. "I'm just confused. You're saying I've been asleep for five years. How long have you been doing this to me?"
"All I've done is give you pleasure and hope that you would wake up so we could truly be together.' Dimitri buried his hand into her hair as he kept her gaze from moving away. 'As for your previous question, the war is at a stalemate. She still sends her troops to destroy what she can. Her flames are destroying Fodlan piece by piece."
"I don't believe you." Why would Edelgard be playing the slow game? She could end this war in only a few months with the numbers she had at her disposal.
"Just take in your situation. Why haven't you been rescued by now? Do you think any of them care where you are? They might even think you died all those years ago. She is too wrapped up in her war to care." His tone was as harsh as his words.
Byleth gaped as she tried to come up with some retort. Everything he said made sense, and her eyes stung at the truth of them.
He moved in to kiss her neck and whisper in her ear. "I found you; I have been the one taking care of you. I won’t let anyone take you away from me or harm you."
His touch on her was gentle. He punctuated every statement with another kiss. She wasn't sure what the right thing to say was. She had thought about him often. If the war hadn't started she might have even taken him up on his offer. There was a part of her still bothered by his actions now.
He leaned back to watch her again. She bit her lip. "Yes, I liked you, I was attracted to you, and maybe fantasized a little about joining your bed, but... not like this."
She had thought about taking him somewhere more private after she pulsed away their kiss. To find out what his passion would feel like uninterrupted by the others, but Seteth's lecture ran through her head. She was only a mercenary. She had no place next to a king; so she let those curiosities go.
Even now Dimitri could have any woman that would throw themselves at him. Why would he want a demon like her? It was useless to fantasize about something she would never have. Never had her thoughts gone to waking up in his bed without knowing what was going on. That had scared her, and it wasn't often that she was frightened.
Her admission made him grin before he rose up to capture her lips with his own. It was heated like before and she felt his tongue probe her lips. Before she could open up for him he forced her mouth open with his thumb so he could explore.
She gave a muffled cry as she felt his tongue invade her mouth. It surprised her, but she let her curiosity play out. She didn't like feeling afraid, and it was best to find out what he truly wanted. She could always pulse it back. So she relaxed and leaned into his embrace, letting her own tongue play with his after a moment.
His moan reverberated through her. His body started to move underneath her as he rocked at a steady, gentle pace. After the fierceness that had been his thrusts earlier, this was a pleasant change. When he buried his hand into her hair he deepened the kiss as his other hand stroked small lines into her back.
This she had never done before. Most partners didn't treat her like she mattered. The way he held her felt sweet and unhurried, like all he was doing was savoring her.
He broke the kiss, only to start nibbling and kissing her neck. "It was a dream come true to have you delivered to me."
He tightened his hold on her and what he was doing with his lips felt good. The desire in his voice made her shiver. She could definitely believe that would be his sentiment.
He nuzzled his face into her hair. "As long as you behave I won't need to make any unnecessary demands of you."
There was that commanding tone again. Behave how? Why did he have to ruin her calm and force anger to rise again?
"The last thing I want is to be forced to hurt or restrain you. I have ways of making you compliant if you refuse, but I'd rather you choose me."
If the first statement hadn't made her angry that did it. He had already restrained her and it looked as if she was locked in. And how had he planned to make her do anything she didn't want to? As a matter of fact, she wanted him out. He had overstayed his welcome, not that she had welcomed him to begin with.
Her face twisted into anger when he kept his hold on her to keep him inside. "So what, you plan on keeping me like your personal cock warmer in exchange for this so-called safety?"
Dimitri mused a moment. "Pretty apt description actually. I've found I enjoy having the constant reminder that you're with me."
Her glare narrowed at that cocky smile. His expression changed as his hands moved to stroke her sides and stomach.
"As my wife, you'll be expected to produce my heir. If you haven't taken to my seed yet then we'll just have to keep trying then, won't we?"
She tried to swallow down her panic. There was still no malice, he sounded… hopeful might be right. She needed a different subject or she would end up showing him her fear. She didn't want him to know that he had that effect on her. Fear would give him an opportunity.
She raised her hands as she glared at the cuffs. "Great show of faith with these."
He stroked his fingers around the cuffs, tracing along the edges and underneath. He was probably double checking how tight they were on her. "Just a necessary precaution, love. They'll come off in time."
Like hell, they would. She had to put a stop to this now. It hadn't been that long since she woke up. If she could just pulse back and wake herself up she might be able to fight her way out of this.
She gathered her magic and moved her hands to turn the wheel back to pulse. She hissed as the cuffs burned her, a tingling feeling spread up her arms that sent sparks flaring through her. What in the world? Why couldn't she use her magic?
Dimitri tsked. “Would you really attack me with your magic? We can be civil about this can’t we?”
She felt the panic spill over her calm. Her hands shook at the realization that she was stuck with her decisions. She couldn't turn back time to turn things in her favor somehow. “No pulse…”
Dimitri smoothed back her hair behind her ear. “Yes I noticed the other night when I had my head nestled against your breast that you didn’t have a heartbeat, but I can feel your pulse just fine. Has it always been that way? If not for your breathing, you could have been mistaken for a corpse.”
Her brows knotted together as she processed his sentence. He knew that she didn’t have a heartbeat and he still wanted her? Most people freaked out at finding out about it. Then the other wording he used caught her frightened mind.
“The other night... Dimitri, how long have you had me like this at your disposal?”
His eyes softened as he stroked his fingers through her hair. "Do you know how long I've waited to have you in my arms, Byleth?"
There was that tone again, that hopeful dreamy quality. The way he was looking at her too, no one had given her such an adoring gaze.
"I was like the others. I thought you died that day, but I hoped, and I sent out my men to search. We finally found you, and they brought you straight to me. I will take care of you. I will make sure that you are satisfied here with me. All that I ask in return is that you become my queen."
She barely registered his fingers stroking her cheek. Everything about this day was sending her reeling and not knowing what direction her mind should go. Fear, confusion, even a bit of outrage at his actions were being clawed away from her as helplessness left her numb.
What was she even supposed to do? Even if she could fight him off she had no clothes, no weapon, no armor. Where would she even go if she managed to escape? Her father had avoided Fhirdiad during their travels so she had no idea which direction to even go. This was his castle and he surely had vassals and servants who would sooner return her to him than help her.
If she did manage to get outside, winters were harsh. There was no telling what season it even was outside, or even what time of day. Dimitri would chase after her too if she chose to flee. During war, she would be a prime target if anyone recognized her. There was also the fact that Rhea would want Byleth to stay dead.
Byleth wouldn't get far and it would only anger him. He was being nice and gentle now, almost loving in his actions, but how quickly would that change if she fought to leave him?
She needed to know the answer, and she met his gaze, knowing if he lied he wouldn't be able to meet her eyes. "And if I refuse?"
A dark smile crossed Dimitri's face as he reached up to cup her cheek with his other hand, this time making sure she couldn't retreat her gaze. "Then that means I'll just have to try harder to convince you that this is where you truly belong."
There was something in his voice that paired with that darker smile made her shiver. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what he would do if that were the case.
For now, it would be best to lay low and figure out a plan. She didn't have her pulse so the first thing she'd have to do is get out of the cuffs. She had to get the shaking and her breathing under control before that.
There was the fact that she couldn't get comfortable too. "May I lay beside you? I'm not sure why you haven't let me off, but I'm not used to this."
His smile fell into a grim line. "I am surprised to hear that which as much as I stayed inside while you were out. I am glad that you are awake, so I will oblige you this time."
This time? She had used the term when she was still a bit pissed off, but she hadn't expected that he would be serious about wanting her to stay even when they weren't actively being intimate.
He grabbed her waist as he pulled himself out of her. She hadn’t been prepared for the amount that would leak out of her or the empty feeling his retreat left behind. He laid her down, but what she didn’t understand was why he was bending lower over her.
"Apologizes for the mess.” His lips grazed her stomach before he moved his attention to the swollen flesh at her core.
She wasn’t sure what he intended until she felt his tongue swipe over her folds. Her breath caught in her throat. She moved her hands to his hair with the intention of pushing him away, but every lick felt soothing against her overused entrance.
He brought his gaze up to meet hers before he growled and pressed in further. The hands that were going to push him away ended up clenching in his hair as she felt that now familiar build-up. What was it about him that could turn her usual solid exterior molten?
He moaned against her as her grip got tighter. He seemed to know just what to do to get her panting for him. His fingers kneaded into her ass as his shoulders spread her legs wide for him. There was something about having him here cleaning and servicing her with his mouth that had her mind reeling.
"Dimitri," his name was barely an exhaled breath, but he paused long enough to look up at her.
She wasn't sure what he saw in her, but it made him lick his lips before going back down on her with renewed vigor. He had her shaking after alternating his attention between her clit and her folds.
This time when she said his name it came out as a moan as her hips bucked up towards his mouth.
He lapped up the last bit of her orgasm before he rested his head against her thigh. His grin was smug as he stroked her sides with the back of his hand. "Did you enjoy that love?"
She didn't want to admit it, but it had felt good; she wouldn't have climaxed off it otherwise.
"I… yes," telling him had felt like she was losing more control over the situation, but she was never one for lies.
The smile that spread across his face was breathtaking. “Are you hungry or thirsty?"
Her throat was dry. "I am, water especially sounds nice."
He nodded before he moved to grab a towel at the bedside to wipe his face with. "Just stay put and I'll bring it here to you."
That wasn't going to be hard to do. Her body felt like jelly. If she tried to stand, her legs would probably quake under her. Her gaze went to his cock, wondering how he had fit the entirety of it inside of her earlier.
He caught her staring and she watched as his cock bobbed at the attention. “You may touch me if you like.”
His words snapped her out of her trance. She was hesitant, not even sure if she wanted to.
He leaned down to take her hand. “Just as you are mine, I am yours. Explore me to your heart’s content.”
He laid her hand on his stomach, right above the blonde stripe of hair that trailed down to his cock. She stroked through the hair with her thumb and Dimitri shivered. She took her other hand and laid it on him as she explored. His ab muscles under her palm were well defined. His narrow waist filled out to those wider shoulders. There were several scars marring his skin. Even on his knees like this, he was still towering over her.
He kept his hands to his sides for the moment, giving her a chance to do what she wanted. What did she even want? She trailed her nails down until she had her hand on his cock.
Dimitri’s breathing increased. The restraint holding him back was starting to fray based on the trembling of his hands. "Please," the word was breathless; spoken like a prayer.
Memories of previous partners flashed through her mind. They had been demanding jerks who wanted her to make up for her lack of enthusiasm. Lack of being able to feel guilt usually made her want to leave. She didn't go looking for many interactions after.
When her father found out he was understanding to her, but furious at the ones who treated her that way. He told her that when she found someone who loved her it would be different. So she stopped with the random hookups. She had only been curious because the other female mercs wouldn't shut up about it.
This was different. Dimitri had found her; had searched for her because he wanted to be with her.
It wasn’t like she was going anywhere anytime soon. She could get angry all she wanted, but it wouldn't improve the situation. The more trust he felt she had in him the looser her leash would be until the time was right to make her move.
So curiosity got the better of her. Fear would not help her right now. The pleasure earlier was something she had never felt before. If she could return the favor by something as simple as touching him back, then what was the harm?
She decided to do the same thing he had done by cleaning her. The moment she brought her lips to his cock she looked up. Desire was etched on his face. It wasn’t long before he was at her mercy. His pants and moans drove her tongue faster as her fingers stroked him.
He was tentative to put his hands on her head, but she felt them tangle in her hair the moment she took more of his cock into her mouth. His cock was large, and it took her a few passes to get it right. He seemed to like it when she curled her tongue to cradle the underside of him.
He was chanting her name like a prayer. Halfway was about as far as she could go without sputtering. She winced when he squeezed her head a little too hard. She froze when she realized why he was so tentative. It wouldn't take much for him to crush her skull.
The next touch she felt was from the back of his hand against her cheek. "You were doing so well."
She started to move again when she looked up. That adoring gaze was back. With every bob of her head she took him further in. It was hard to look away from his face once he caught her with that look.
He pet her with his other hand as he rolled his hips. "You've gotten me so close, beloved."
The movement was pushing him further than what she was capable of handling. Tears pricked her eyes as she felt drool escape her lips.
The tears were wiped away as he pulled back for more shallow strokes. "One day you'll be able to handle all of me without any trouble."
That dark grin was back as he punctuated the sentence with a small thrust. She tried not to gag as it hit the back of her throat. He pulled back just as quickly, and together they found a rhythm and a depth she could handle. Dimitri's chest rose and fell as his breathing became harsher.
He groaned when he came. It was thick on her tongue, bitter and a little salty. Only when he pumped out the last of his orgasm did he finally soften slightly in her mouth. She swallowed what she could, the rest dribbling onto her chin before she swirled her tongue around him to lick him clean.
She pulled back and he swiped the excess cum back into her mouth. "You exceed my expectations, love."
Byleth swallowed thickly. Water definitely sounded wonderful right now.
He gave her another kiss on her hair before getting up. If the situation itself wasn't so wrong she would probably call the action sweet.
She examined the cuffs on her wrist as soon as his weight was off the bed. There didn't seem to be a spot for a key for her to lockpick. The center section had a space to attach links to, but right now they just looked like giant bracelets.
Byleth turned her attention to Dimitri and she had been right; he would completely tower over her now with his height. Dimitri knocked on the door and it cracked open.
"She's finally awake," Dimitri's voice was full of enthusiasm.
"I will find something to bring you both. Keep in mind that Rhea will expect you beside her when the festivities start. You only have a few hours before you must depart. All the borders and gates have been sealed off as you asked. No one will be allowed in or out of the city gates."
Byleth perked up on the mention of Rhea. She was here? What festivities were they talking about? The voice sounded like it could possibly be Dedue. Even if she had fought Dimitri off if Dedue was the one guarding the door she wouldn't be able to slip past his observant nature. Fighting that brick wall without her magic would be useless too.
"Good, I don't want any of her dogs anywhere near the inner city.” The way Dimitri spat the word her made Byleth wonder who he was talking about, but she could take a guess.
The door shut and Dimitri turned away to go to the table. His back was turned to her now as he filled two goblets up from a metal pitcher.
She gathered up the blanket to cover herself with. She was feeling cold and exposed. Looking down she tried not to blanch at all of the marks on her skin. Hickeys and bitemarks bloomed all over her.
Some were starting to fade, but there were also some fresh ones. It was like his hands were imprinted on her hips with the red handprints. She was shaking again, not even noticing when he came back over to the bed and slipped back into it with her.
He pulled the blanket over her to help cover her and pressed against her. He was warm, and it was a shocking contrast to the goblet he put near her lips. The moment that she felt the water on her parched lips she took it from him and began to swallow it down.
He reached over where he put his goblet down on the bedside as he chuckled at her. “No need to rush. There’s plenty more if you need it. Would you like mine as well?”
Byleth blushed over the rim of the goblet. “Please.”
He swapped her empty one for his and she drank it slower this time. His hands were back on her arms and shoulder as he pressed against her. She got about halfway through the goblet before he began to kiss at her neck. They were soft on her skin and she could barely hear him murmuring things like beautiful and mine.
His arm coiled around her waist as his kisses stopped being featherlight touches to her skin. The feel of his teeth against her neck made her shudder. The goblet was taken from her hands as he moved to kiss her lips.
Uncertainty plagued her mind again. What was the right reaction here? The moment she heard the clink of the goblet being placed on the bedside table he moved all of his attention to her as his kisses deepened. Both hands came to caress her and she shivered at the cold on his fingertips that lingered from the goblet.
“You don’t know how enthralled I am to finally have you awake.’ He licked a stripe down the pulse point in her neck. ‘These past few days have been wonderful, but I would rather have you be able to touch me back. Those sounds and expressions you made for me earlier... it’s better than I could have imagined.”
“Few days?” she echoed as his teeth sunk into her neck.
He breathed her in as he licked the bitemark he left. “Yes, it’s as I said; she didn’t care enough to look. I had to go through the trouble of getting past her troops and sending my men into her territory to find you. That doesn’t matter now. No one will lay their hands on you except for me. I will keep you safe, beloved.”
Tears misted in her eyes as her fury rose. “Do you really think I can just… damn it, stop!”
She tried to shove him away, but he grabbed her arms and crossed them over herself as he pulled her against his chest in an embrace. “I know why you're angry. I should have waited, but I wasn't sure when or if you would even wake up. I didn’t want to hurt you. It was a good opportunity to learn so I wouldn’t fail you when the time came. I want to be a good husband to you. I want you to enjoy it too. I know you did. Your body doesn’t lie.”
Byleth grit her teeth. “I never agreed to be your wife Dimitri.”
He buried his face into her hair and she felt his sigh against her skin. "I can not lose you again. I will not lose you again."
Byleth tensed as the sorrow and conviction in his voice. Dimitri lifted his head and then rubbed where her skin was already red from his grip. "You know how easily I can break your limbs. I do not want that possibility, so please, refrain from struggling. The last thing I want to do is cause you pain.”
He was stating it as a matter of fact and not a threat. There was also a pleading tone behind his words. He released her arms, but coiled his arms around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. He wrapped himself around her as he leaned his head against her shoulder. The silence was deafening, his hold like iron against her skin.
A knock on the door made them both look towards it. Dedue’s voice filtered on the other side, muffled, but it was definitely his deep timbre. Dimitri covered them both up with the blanket and gave the command to enter. Byleth found herself backing into Dimitri’s chest. She didn’t like the thought of another person in the room while she was undressed. Dimitri’s hold tightened as his fingers ran along her sides softly as if to soothe her. Dedue brought in a small cart of covered dishes and left it near the door.
Dedue had always been tall, but had he always been that broad? A wall was certainly an apt description of him now. He had a variety of scars that made Byleth wonder where he had gotten them all.
Dedue lifted the lids off of the trays before he moved back to the door. “Will there be anything else Your Majesties?”
Dimitri “No, thank you Dedue.”
Dedue nodded. “It is good to finally see you awake My Queen. I know you might be frightened, but just know that His Majesty has always cared for you. If you need anything I am usually right outside this door.”
There was something else in words. A silent threat that she wouldn’t be able to escape if she tried.
Dedue shut the door behind him, leaving them both in the silence again. Dimitri kissed her shoulder before shifting her off of his lap. He grabbed the goblets and downed the rest of the contents of his. He poured more water into both before bringing the cart over to the bed. The plates held some fruit and slices of bread. It also looked like there were cubed grilled potatoes with slices of pork.
Dimitri brought his hand to her chin so she could turn and face him. “Would you rather eat here or move to the table?”
Frankly, she didn’t want to eat at all, her stomach was still in knots. The smell that came from the food hit her and she knew she couldn’t deny the hunger that took over instead.
Her stomach growled and his hold turned into a caress. “I will take care of you, beloved. Eat your fill.”
He sat down behind her and gave her a plate. She was confused when he didn’t touch the second plate. “What about you?”
He just chuckled and moved her hair aside so he could kiss her shoulder. “I can go out to get more for myself. I want to make sure you are taken care of. If you end up eating both plates it’s no concern of mine, just don’t make yourself sick. I always marveled at how much you managed to put away for that small frame of yours.”
His chest pressed against her back and she had to admit that the warmth felt nice. She tried to ignore him as she ate, but his touch sent sparks wherever his fingers trailed.
It continued like that as he handed her the goblet when she reached for it. Her mind still rebelled, telling her she shouldn't be this calm, but why waste what was given to her? She was going to need her strength. He hadn’t stopped idly stroking her skin and laying kisses softly along her.
She did manage to eat almost everything before she felt too full. The last of it she held the fork out to him to ask if he wanted it. She didn't expect the blush that burned her cheeks when he ate it off the fork. After the empty plates and goblets were set back down onto the cart she wondered what was going to happen next.
He had left his touches to her arms and sides while she was eating, but when he reached down to cup her breasts she flinched. He kissed her neck as he whispered soothing things against her.
His cock was hardening against her ass. How was he able to recuperate so fast?
She tried to calm her breathing down. "Um, where's the bathroom?"
He pointed to a large opening to the right of the bed. "Through that door."
She nodded and made a move to get away from him.
He pulled her back against him. "I can sense your fear. There's no need for that. All of your enemies are outside of this room. I am the only one you need."
Fear still made her gulp.
He moved to pull a small vile from the bedside table. "If you want, I do have this prepared. No fear, no pesky thoughts ruining the mood. It will only enhance your pleasure. All you need to do is relax and trust me. I will take care of all your needs, beloved."
The offer was tempting, especially with how rampant her mind was running now. Part of her wanted to stay on full alert, but the other part of her wasn't looking forward to what was going to happen over the next few hours. She took the vile and downed it. It tasted sweet on her tongue. He leaned back against the pillows with a smug smile on his face.
She nodded before moving off the bed and making her way to the bathroom to relieve herself. She tried attacking the cuffs while he was out of sight to no avail.
Byleth jumped when she opened the door and saw him right outside. He had the bowl of water that was on the bedside and was rinsing it out in the bathroom sink.
When he noticed her he placed the bowl down. "Come here."
She wasn’t sure why she obeyed, but she came over to him. He moved behind her and she looked at their reflections in the mirror. It was like watching another person when he cradled her breasts in his hands and her face twisted as she moaned.
The hunger in his gaze caught her off guard as he trailed his hands everywhere, giving her compliment after compliment. She hadn't realized how wet she was until his fingers separated her folds.
Their gazes locked in the mirror as he lifted her up. He teased her with his fingers while she writhed and watched him in the mirror. When he pulled his cock out in front of her it rubbed against her core she couldn't help but move her gaze to where their bodies met.
"Do you want me inside you again?" His voice was a purr in her ear.
He made a slow stroke across her and her toes curled at both the sight and feel. Right or wrong it's what her body wanted. She nodded and that earned a dark chuckle in her ear.
"Use your words. I want to hear you beg."
She had never begged for anything. She wasn’t about to start now.
When she stayed silent she could see the teasing expression leave his face. "You will learn to take orders from your king."
Why was the room getting so warm all of the sudden? It was like her body was on fire. Friction, that was what she needed. She ground herself against his cock, trying to get just the right angle.
That dark smile crept along his face at the sight of her squirming in his hands. "The apothecary said it would work within a few minutes, but it would take a little longer for the full effect. I'll ask you again; do you want me inside you, beloved?"
She nodded, not able to be satisfied with just rubbing herself on him. "Yes."
He nibbled on her ear. "Yes, what?"
What more did he want? Her mind was getting hazy again, but this time it didn't bring along a pounding headache. "I want you inside of me."
"Your response should be my king, or my husband. If you give me a different pet name of your choosing then that is fine. My name will suffice as well since you are one of the few who will use it."
She didn't care about that right now. "Dimitri, please. I need friction. Too warm."
The amount of slick leaking out of her was enough to lubricate him as she rubbed.
He moved his hand so he could angle himself to push inside. "Good enough for the moment. You'll learn. I'll make sure to reward you well when you follow my instructions."
She hadn't been aware before when he entered her before. The stretch was something different than his retreat. When he had pulled out she felt empty, but this felt good. It was nice to be full. He didn't have much resistance to contend with. Just the sight of his cock disappearing into her hole was mesmerizing to watch within itself.
When he was fully seated inside her he kept her held in the air. She was aware of all the moments through the mirror, including his eyes that devoured her as her breasts bounced in time to his strokes. As their faces twisted with pleasure and they both moaned she finally started to see what all of the talk was about. If it was supposed to feel like this she could understand why it was sought after.
She was getting warmer, less able to think as whatever it was seemed to melt her thoughts away. Soon all she could concentrate on was the feelings of pleasure as she felt the buildup. She didn't even recognize the moaning mess she had become. Then she shattered after her entire body trembled.
Byleth leaned against him as she panted. She looked wrecked, she felt it too. Her strength felt sapped. Dimitri looked pleased as he met her gaze in the mirror. Something else caught his attention and she followed his eyes to where a little bit of them was leaking out of her.
He brought his hand down to scoop it up and used it to rub against her clit. He moved his head right against hers so she could watch both of their expressions. It wasn't long before she was trembling in his arms again.
He nuzzled his face against her hair. "My Queen, how beautiful you look stuffed with my cock and with such a sweet expression on your face. I don't think I'll ever tire of it."
She was too buzzed with pleasure to register what that meant.
Her head was telling her it was only going to be a long couple of hours, but she had given him what he wanted. He intended to keep her for far longer.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed. Ty everyone for the kudos and comments.
Still deciding where to go from here. If ya'll have any suggestions or desires I'm all ears.
Chapter Text
Byleth was just as the apothecary promised, almost desperate in her desires and wanting them to be taken care of. Every time Dimitri’s name left her lips it sent a thrill through him. This was nothing like when he took her during her sleep.
Dimitri no longer had to use his imagination to fill in the blanks. The usual silence was now filled with her panting and she would moan when he found the right spots. Her facial expressions didn't change much but it wasn't long before even that shell broke under his touch. Even if it was subtle, she was so beautiful, and all his to witness.
Her open mouthed pants made him want to stick his fingers or his tongue down into it, but their position wouldn’t allow much for that. It did make him think about what she did earlier.
The fact Byleth started to take his cock in her mouth on her own surprised him. Her tongue and mouth felt divine. The fact he didn’t have to prompt her to do it only made him more elated at her actions.
Even now the weight of her in his arms was better with her hands clutching him for some semblance of balance. Her gaze stayed on the mirror, watching them both. Dimitri enjoyed seeing his cock slide in and out of her as well. He met her gaze in the mirror as he marked her shoulder with his teeth. Her intake of breath made him grin before he trailed his lips up towards her neck.
When his mouth reached her ear, he nibbled the outside shell. “I want to hear you say that you’re mine, Byleth.”
Byleth moved her mouth but only a stuttering of his name came out.
He knew that she was more lucid than that. “Come now Byleth. You came around my cock when I said you were finally mine. I only wish to hear you say it back while I’m inside of you.”
Byleth was trembling again, but it was different than when she was about to climax. Her grip tightened on his arms. Why was she resisting?
Perhaps a gentler approach was needed before he demanded it from her. She hadn’t fought or screamed like he feared she would. Byleth was hesitant, but curious about him. If Dimitri could take advantage of those feelings then this might be able to go smoother than he thought. It would become her choice at how easily this scenario transpired.
Dimitri would make his dreams into a reality. They belonged together, he only needed to show her that. “Please, beloved; I have been waiting so long to hear you say those words to me.”
Byleth swallowed hard as she closed her eyes.
Dimitri’s patience was wearing thin, but he knew that delicate matters like this took time. She needed to be convinced that she belonged to him. Force might have the opposite effect than the one he wanted. Gaining Byleth’s fear was not his goal; he wanted her to depend on him.
Dimitri needed her unquestionable loyalty. There were too many enemies that would want Byleth dead or to keep her to themselves instead. She had to belong to him and him alone.
Dimitri experienced Byleth’s warmth firsthand, the paradise her body provided, and now those sweet sounds he could never get tired of hearing. He wouldn’t be able to let go of that now that he had a taste of heaven.
Dimitri wouldn’t let Rhea have her way. Byleth’s heart would stay inside Byleth’s chest where it belonged. He would not allow Edelgard to steal Byleth back away from him. Byleth was his to protect and love now.
He kissed Byleth’s neck as he rubbed his thumbs back and forth across her thighs. The moment her eyes opened again he smiled and nuzzled against her skin as he pleaded with his eyes. “You could be sent to the execution block for your crimes, but I want you to be with me instead, Byleth. Look at yourself and feel the pleasure I can give you. Is it such a horrible thought to be my wife?”
“It’s all... so fast.” Byleth's words slurred together. Her head swayed as the drug went into its next stage. It would take all resistance from her as it made every touch she received magnified.
For her perhaps, but he had waited so long to finally have her. “It must be a lot to take in, but you will get used to it in time. I do not wish to punish you; I want to give you mercy and forgiveness. Just a few simple words can bring me such happiness. Would you really keep them to yourself after all the harm you’ve caused with your actions?”
Byleth’s face twisted into a grimace. “Not… not my fault…”
Dimitri chuckled darkly against her neck. “Oh, Professor, the moment you chose her house you hurt us all."
Dimitri stopped thrusting, letting her focus on his words. Byleth tried to squirm against him to get some sort of friction, but he held her tightly. Dimitri would not reward her until she said the words. They were simple enough for her to say, even through the haze taking over her mind. It would be her first step towards proving to him that she could atone for everything. "Then you went to her side even after she committed all of those atrocious crimes. She sided with your father’s killers, attacked a monastery full of students and innocents. Did the rest of your students mean so little that you felt you could just abandon us?"
Dimitri's anger built, but he took a deep breath as he hid his grimace in her hair as he calmed down. Now was not the time to dwell on past sins, her atonement barely started. The past could be forgiven if Byleth gave him her future.
Dimitri kissed and nuzzled her hair. "You gave me so much hope with all your kind gestures, and you took all of that away with a single choice. You could have been at my side all this time. If you had kneeled and begged for my forgiveness I would have taken you back."
As if to prove his point that she was still lucid enough, Byleth whimpered Dimitri's name. Her hands started wandering down over herself. He put an end to that by pinning her against the counter, bringing her arms behind her back.
Byleth’s breath fogged up the mirror in front of her. He lifted her torso up enough so her breasts weren't trapped beneath her. His other arm snaked around her waist to keep her against him.
He started to kiss her neck again, slowly teasingly, making sure to nuzzle against her skin between each kiss. "You know what I want, beloved."
Byleth was watching him through the mirror, her breathing becoming more labored as time ticked by. She licked her lips a few times before she finally gave him what he wanted. “I’m yours, Dimitri.”
A grin crossed his face. Her words were breathless, but he could understand her well enough. “There now, was that so hard? You will find obedience will get you more rewards than your resistance."
Letting go of her arms, he pulled out long enough to change their positioning so she was facing him. Dimitri wanted to see her, to hold her. He bent down to kiss her before he braced her back with one of his arms and lifted her legs to wrap around his waist.
Byleth reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck after the first thrust. Her touch was hesitant at first, but after a few thrusts her fingers tangled in his hair as she buried her head beneath his chin. The tickle of her breath against his skin made him burn as he enjoyed her warm heat.
Dimitri smoothed her hair away from sweat rolling off her skin. There was another batch of the aphrodisiac that would affect those that touched the one that drank it through contact with their sweat. He couldn't risk having any after effects today, but later he was looking forward to using that one on himself so she would come to him willingly.
Dimitri could tell when the drug took its full effect when she relaxed in his arms and the sound of her breathing changed. “Yes, that’s it. I’ll reward you well. You feel so good, Byleth.”
Her soft whimpers were turning into moans as he continued to thrust inside of her. Her head was tilted to the side so she could still glance at them in the mirror.
He couldn’t help but smile when he caught her watching them again. "Do you like what you see? I know I do."
Byleth seemed to shrink further into him at his words, ducking her head underneath his chin again.
"No need to be shy. You are so beautiful." Dimitri's tone was reverent as he kissed the top of her head.
Perhaps the fact that she was curious and stealing glances would work to his advantage. A mirror for the bedroom might be a benefit to show her just how much she enjoyed his touch. It would be for his own benefit too, he loved seeing his hands on her, his cock inside of her. Byleth was starting to tremble.
He took advantage of the thrust that made her bounce to coax her head back with a gentle tug of her hair. He could see her face when she came for him. "You've been so good for me haven’t you, love?"
Dimitri kissed her then, forcing his tongue between her lips, swallowing up the moan she gave him. Another muffled cry as he pounded harder was stolen by him as he moaned in returned with how tight her cunt was gripping his cock. He pulled his head back to watch her pant as her body trembled around him.
“Almost there, beloved... show me what I do to you... let me hear you.” He punctuated the phrases with another thrust.
“Dimitri..:” Oh, he would never tire of that soft whimpering of his name. Her nails were digging into his shoulders, but it was a delicious sort of pain, one he never would have gotten while she was asleep.
His pace was stuttering as he got closer to his own climax, but he wanted to make sure she got there first. Now that she was awake and aware he would need to make sure she knew the benefits of being with him. She needed to desire the feeling, desire him for his plans to work.
Once she understood what it felt like then he could use it as a reward. Soon she would be begging for him and at his mercy. Until the time where she knew it was at his side she belonged.
All it took was a small change of the angle for her to cry out as he felt the wetness from her soak his cock and her walls pulse around him. One more thrust had him joining her for his climax in thick spurts.
While Byleth's body milked his cock, she shook and panted in his arms. The look of bewilderment in her eyes made him smile as he cradled her head and held her close. Her legs loosened around his waist a little as her body went limp in his arms.
Dimitri nuzzled her face towards the mirror as he gave her a kiss to her temple. He met her gaze as she caught her breath. Her eyes were hooded, her lips swollen from his kisses. He rested his head against hers wondering what she was thinking about as his own breath settled.
He would fill her however many times as was needed until his seed took root inside of her. When he pulled out of her he made sure she had a good angle in the mirror to see how she leaked from the mixture of them.
The sight was arousing for him as well. He nipped her shoulder and nibbled his way up her neck and jawline. "You are mine, beloved. I'll mark you both inside and out."
He bit and sucked along her neck and shoulders. "Let's return you to the bed shall we? I want to mark every part of you and see just what noises and expressions you’ll make for me."
Notes:
Hope u enjoyed
This is all I have for the moment. If yall have desires/ would love to have for this I'm all ears ( keep in mind I may or may not use it, the cuffs to the bed and edging are planned so ty for that suggestion). Anxiety has gone down overall, but still not sure how dark I do want to tread.
Thank you for the support for what was here.... Forgive any errors I did not have this chapter beta'd
Chapter 5
Notes:
there are a few people I need to thank and you know who you are. Your support has been wonderful, thank you for the beta and for the ideas. Thank you to everyone who reads this.
I hope you don't mind me quoting you but "I mean, the joy of smutty fan fiction is that it's pretty much pure indulgence. Heck, that's fan fiction in general. Sometimes people forget that"
^This has taken away so much anxiety in itself and I really do hope yall enjoy it too cause I get way too horny when writing all this xD so yeah indulgence is the name of the game.I'll quit babbling- hope you enjoy
---------------
Chapter Text
When Dimitri laid Byleth onto the bed he wrapped himself around her and just enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. They were facing each other and all Byleth would need to do is reach her arms to embrace him. Right now her wrists had her arms drawn across her chest.
Dimitri kissed her temple as he idly stroked her back and arms. He would need to leave in a few hours and shouldn’t tire himself out too badly. Peaceful sleep was always hard for him to accomplish. One thing he had found was that the physical exertion that came from sex would calm down both his body and mind enough that he could find sleep. Nightmares still plagued him, they would probably never leave him, but her presence did wonders for his mind when he was awoken by them.
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you remember that night you came out to sit with me during the academy?”
Byleth looked up at him and her brows scrunched together before she rested her head against his chest. Her fingers moved to brush against his chest. “Which one? I came to find you a few times.”
Dimitri’s shouting had woken up almost everyone in the academy on those nights. It was part of why he would avoid sleeping in the first place. The night he referred to was sometime after Jeralt’s death. Dimitri finally had a face to the enemies he sought that caused Duscur. The Flame Emperor and the mage that stood beside her were the ones he sought to kill, to avenge the dead that he had made an oath to. Dimitri, embarrassed and guilty that he had disturbed other people's rest, had left for the greenhouse. The lavender planted there reminded him of Byleth. He had found it soothing to retreat there where the weight of his burdens became too much to bear.
“The night I carried you back to your bed.”
Byleth nodded and hummed an affirmative against his skin. “You kissed me, the mattress dipped from your weight, but…. I remember being interrupted.”
There were so many places that he would have loved to run his hands over her that night. He had just wanted to know what her lips felt like. Dimitri had been unsure of when his hand had gone from skimming over the soft fabric of her robe, to tracing his fingers along her exposed skin. He had reveled in how soft she was under his fingers.
Dimitri shouldn’t have kissed her to begin with, not with her sleeping and trusting him while she was so vulnerable. “Byleth, may I distract you from the pain? You called for your father when I was carrying you here. You’re still hurting and I wish… you’ve been there for me so many times. May I do the same?”
Her eyes fluttered open, the green almost glowing in the moonlight. His hand rested on her hip, his thumb tracing over the exposed skin. He should have been embarrassed, should have left her room before he touched her more. There wasn’t any hatred in her gaze as he thought he might see for his breach of conduct.
“Distract me how?” Byleth’s voice was soft, unsure.
“Let me gift you with something other than pain.” Dimitri kissed her again, this time his hands moving up to cradle one of her breasts in his hands.
She arched into his touch, opened her mouth wider as she gasped and it allowed him to slip his tongue inside. She was so warm, so inviting, and it surprised him when she pushed him away from her.
“Dimitri, we shouldn’t. I’m a teacher and Seteth will have my head for this. On top of that I’m just a mercenary. Why would a future king waste his time with someone like me?”
Dimitri didn’t get a chance to tell her what she meant to him before Hubert warped in and tried to attack Dimitri with his fists. Hubert wouldn't have been able to use his spells without destroying the room, and the fact that he had found a way inside through the spell infused walls had caught Dimitri off guard.
Byleth was quicker to act than he was. One moment Dimitri was dodging a blow to his cheek, the next Byleth was off the bed and had Hubert knelt down in front of her with his arms pinned behind his back. Byleth’s strength never ceased to astound Dimitri, and he wondered what it would be like if she used it on him.
“Hubert, what have I told you about warping into my room?” Byleth’s tone was cool and collected.
“How am I the one at fault here? He was taking advantage of you as you slept.” Hubert hissed.
Byleth rolled her eyes. “I was awake the moment he stepped through that door. I am able to take care of myself with uninvited guests as you are well aware.”
Dimitri closed his eyes as he tried not to concentrate on the rest of the memory. Byleth had thrown him out of her room and made him promise not to speak of it or she might lose her job. Dimitri was still pissed at the interruption, but complied with what she asked of him. Whatever the moment was between them shattered. He had gone to Dedue’s room next door and waited for Hubert to leave. Time ticked by as he waited for the door to open. If Hubert could warp in, could he warp out?
A noise against the wall from her adjoining room made him alert and he wanted to check up on her. Dedue had clasped his shoulder and shook his head when he tried to leave. Whatever was going on was not for Dimitri’s eyes. Without context it could easily be misinterpreted. Heart heavy, Dimitri stayed where he was and tried not to imagine the noises were Byleth and Hubert finishing what Dimitri started with her.
When Byleth’s door finally opened, the voices filtered in from where Dimitri sat next to the sliver of the opening in Dedue’s door. “Please, professor, let me stay. I’m sure he hasn’t left the vicinity yet. That behavior will only grow worse.”
“I told you, I can take care of myself, Hubert. I let him… I still wonder why, but… you are right in that I shouldn’t encourage it. I can’t help the tangle that my thoughts become around him.”
Dimitri used a mirror to watch Hubert as he pleaded with Byleth. “You are valuable to us. Please, keep your mingling with the other houses to a minimum. You didn’t heed my warning when the semester first started so you are dealing with those consequences now. Stay away from the prince, or do you intend to betray the Empire that you’ve pledged allegiance to?”
The mirror cracked in Dimitri’s hand.
Byleth crossed her arms as she glared up at Hubert. Dimitri tried not to concentrate on the view Hubert would have as he looked down on her. “All of you are my students, Hubert. What I do behind closed doors is my business.”
Hubert stepped away from her, with something in his gaze Dimitri didn’t trust. “It is cold tonight, Professor. Get inside before you catch a chill.”
Byleth only hummed. “This robe you got me for my birthday keeps me warm enough. Thank you for the gift.”
The thought that the robe she was wearing, the one she looked so beautiful in, was a gift from another man sent the mirror shattering, the pieces embedding into Dimitri’s hand. He didn’t even feel the pain.
Hubert looked away from her. “If you are going to insist on wearing what Manuela gave you to bed, you need something to... no that is not my place to say. I am pleased to hear that you like it. Know you can call on me if Dimitri continues to bother you, Professor.”
“I’m sure that you and I have different definitions of bother. I’d better not get any more late-night visits from you either, or I will get someone in here to repair the spell that allows you through.”
The next time the Black Eagles were out for a mission, Dimitri would pay to fix that problem himself. They were doing something inside a place called the Holy Tomb at the end of the month. Perhaps he could do it then. Byleth was also known for using her free days to take out her students to train in combat practice. Maybe doing it sooner would be better than later.
Byleth’s touch to Dimitri’s face broke him away completely from the memory. It was a good thing too, if his mind wandered to the day that Byleth betrayed them and ran away with Edelgard he might not be able to be gentle with her right now. He had been furious, but also heartbroken that Byleth had abandoned their side.
The night after he was told Byleth fled with Edelgard, Dimitri had slipped into Byleth’s room. He had taken what belongings of hers he could, but not before he had lain in her bed and cried and cursed the night away as he took in the last of her lingering scent. There was a part of him that wanted to shatter most of her things, his fury trying to get the better of him. There was a part of him still hopeful that she might still come back, and he didn't want to touch or taint anything more than he had.
It had hurt so much when Rhea tore apart Byleth's room because it brought home that she wasn't coming back. Dimitri had fallen to his knees at the sight of the claw marks littering the walls and furniture. All that remained of Byleth's presence was some clothing shredded on the floor. As he picked up the shreds, Dimitri was happy he had rescued what he could.
Fuck, get these thoughts out of his head. He didn’t want to dwell on them. Her tights were still locked up in his clothing chest. He couldn’t count the amount of nights he had used them when he masterbated, wishing that they were on her and she was actually against him. They had lost her scent long ago, holes and runs eating the delicate fabric away. The stains were cleaned, but the memories remained.
Dimitri ran his hands over her naked leg that was pressed up against him. One of these nights he would put her into a pair of tights and play out his fantasy. Feel the texture mixed with her warmth.
“I remember,” Byleth’s words were soft as she caressed his jaw. “I also asked you why a king would bother with a mercenary like me.”
Dimitri chuckled as he pressed a kiss to her palm. “You are so much more than just a mercenary, Byleth. You had me captivated when I first met you. There are few who can rival me for brute strength. You were also the only one who didn’t care about titles or crests. You were the one who didn’t care that I was a prince and that is part of what drove me towards you.”
He caressed her shoulders. Her arms were above her head as she reached for him. He couldn’t help but smirk as he had another idea. He could attach the chains to the cuffs and keep her from using her hands while he made her teeter on the edge of pleasure. It wouldn’t be until she asked him for it, begged for him to let her climax or to have his cock that he would let her have her release.
He leaned in to nibble at her throat as his hand cupped her ass to pull her close. “I hope you will permit me to try something. You’ve been doing so wonderfully. I look forward to our future when you have accepted your atonement. Oh, the things I hope you’ll do in return, my love.”
The kiss Dimitri gave her was searing as his hands groped against her. He relished the feel of her hands in his hair. Her tongue sought entrance into his mouth and it made his heart soar. Whether it be of her own volition or the drug’s effects he found that he didn’t care one way or the other at the moment. Every sound she made only made him harder for her, and his senses were enthralled by the feel of her as she moved her leg to curve across his hip and press him closer.
Saints above, it felt wonderful to have her responding back.
It was like being caught up in a dream, one he had been running in his head for years. Nothing compared to the reality of it all. There was finally a context to her warmth, the softness of her skin, and even the feel of her muscles built up from her years of training and fighting. It was hard to breathe as they kissed and he finally had to break away from her as he panted and met her gaze. He was sure his own eyes were blown wide by the lust mirrored in hers.
It took him a few tries to swallow before he finally felt like he could speak. “You are everything I could ever want, beloved.”
She closed her eyes for a moment before she nuzzled her cheek against his. “I don’t deserve to be the consort of a king.” He hated how broken and soft her voice sounded when she slurred out those words; the sad look on her face as her brows knit together and the corners of her mouth tilted downward.
If anything he was undeserving to have her. His debt had yet to be paid to the dead. “I don’t know who has put these thoughts in your head, but I would tear them apart for you if you asked. I have chosen you and I do not regret that choice. You are my queen, my beloved. I want no one else, need no one else.”
Byleth turned her head so she looked up at him with wide eyes. The flush across her face made him wonder if it was from the drug or if she was blushing, but it was her kiss that truly took him by surprise. She was pushing at him and Dimitri found himself on his back as she crawled on top of him. He was breathless at her actions, even more so when she locked her lips with his. The soft moans that exchanged between them only made him warmer as he slid his hands against her back. Byleth rocked her hips against him and he felt where she leaked out onto his stomach.
His fingers searched until he reached between them to find her clit. The soft whimper against his lips only encouraged him further as he found a rhythm with her. She broke from the kiss as she scooted away from his hand until his cock pressed against the curve of her ass. Long light scratches dug into his chest from her fingernails as she leaned against him and moved to arc his cock against her folds. It didn’t take her long before she was sheathing him inside of her on her own.
Dimitri kept his grip on her ass tight as she rode him. There would probably be crescent shaped marks left behind, but he couldn't find it in himself to care as he watched Byleth find her pleasure using him. Her heavy pants only added to the heave of her chest and the way her breasts moved. He had imagined the sight many times, but he never realized what having her hands on his chest would make him feel. The bite of her nails accompanied by a loud moan as her pace increased made his blood run hot.
“What do you want, Byleth? I can let you continue as we are, or would you like me to do the work?” He hoped that she would say she wanted him in return, he didn’t care what position she chose.
“Need more…”
And he would give her whatever she needed of him. It didn’t take much to flip them so she was on her back, her legs pulled back to give him a better angle to give her the faster pace she seemed to want. Every time the head of his cock brushed against her entrance he pushed himself back inside to the hilt. Saints, the moans she made for him and the cries of his name that left her lips had him pounding faster and faster as her hands clawed around his wrists for some stability. It left him panting more than the exertion of the act itself.
She was beautiful with her face so flushed, even with the drool dripping out of the corner of her mouth. She was taking him so well, every stroke into her warm wet heat made his eyes want to close from bliss, but he kept them open to keep his eyes on her. Her legs started shaking under his hands and then it seemed like her whole body trembled before she met his eyes with hers with a wordless pant on her lips.
He was babbling her name and giving voice to the pleasure building up within himself as well. “You are all mine... I will be all that you will ever need. I want you to milk my cock of every last drop of my offering to you. I want you to fall apart because of me. Let me feel you pulse around me... let me hear what I do to you, my love.”
Dimitri stayed sheathed within her, pumping deep and fast with shallow strokes. He let her legs fall to his sides as he bent forward to hold her as he rutted relentlessly into her. Their lips and tongues mingling in heated deep kisses as she moaned louder for him. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she clutched him. The feel of her breasts pressed between them only served to arouse him more.
He wanted to believe that it was more than just the drug that made her do this. He had to believe that if he wanted to keep a hold on the bliss this moment gave him. He pulled back his face far enough to be able to see her expression when her body finally fell apart underneath him. He moved his hands to her face to stroke her cheeks as her eyes rolled back. With a groan he joined her. His mouth hung open as his breathing hitched, intent more on her then the blinding pleasure that had him closing his eyes for just a moment. He could feel her walls tighten and pulse around him before he leaned down to lock their lips together in light kisses as his own body shook.
He refused to leave her as he moved them both to their sides so he wasn’t putting his weight on her. It took her a few tries to speak. “Do you really want me at your side that badly?”
The absurdity of that question made his chest rumble with laughter. “Do you think I would do all of this if I didn’t, Byleth? I already made my devotion clear to you, there is no one else I want or need. I haven’t hurt you have I?” His voice was a purr against her throat as he kissed her neck.
“No, I’m sore, but it’s a different feeling than I’m used to. I don’t know how to explain it.” Her wording was mostly incoherent, she’d repeat a few words a few times before continuing and lick her lips in between the pauses. Her comfort was more important than keeping himself satisfied within her. When he pulled his cock out she gave him something that sounded like a mix of a whimper and a gasp.
He kissed her forehead before he sat up to grab the goblet of water for her from the bedside. He had refilled it after she left the bed the first time, thinking she might need it. He cradled her head as he lifted her up against his lap. He brought the cup to her lips. “Drink, I don’t want you passing out on me.”
She didn’t seem to understand him at first, but the moment the water touched her lips he could hear the rapid gulps. He pulled it away long enough to get her to slow down. When he returned it she took it slower as he pet through her hair with his other hand. “Thank you,” her voice was soft as she leaned her head against his hand. Then she went to drink again, her hand grazing his against the cup as she moved to tip it back.
How he wished that he didn’t need the drugs or to keep her here. It was a necessary evil in order to keep her safe and eventually she would come to love him back. There was only so long that she could deny what was true. Her body accepted him, and she wasn’t crying or trying to fight him like his nightmares had told him would happen. He would take his place as her protector, her husband, and do what he could to make sure that she wouldn’t want for anything when, not if, she accepted him.
When the cup was empty he pulled it away from her and sat it back down on the bedside table. She was still resting against his lap, her eyes settled on where his cock lay heavy against his thigh, still wet from her. He pet her hair back. “What are you thinking about?”
He could feel her swallow against his leg. “Still wondering… am I dreaming, and if it is… is it a nightmare?”
Dimitri took a deep breath and resisted the urge to let his hand tighten in her hair. “I know for me my nightmare started five years ago, when you disappeared. Trust me when I say this, I don’t do what I have out of malice. You are mine. No other man will touch you again. The sooner you accept that fact, the easier this will be for the both of us.”
Byleth didn’t answer him.
“I am yours as well. No other woman has haunted my thoughts as you have. If I haven’t made my devotion apparent to you then I need to remedy that.”
Over the next hour he took his time using his mouth and hands to worship her body, telling her what he liked about the part he kissed and massaged. He wanted to let her down from the drugs softly as the extra heat faded away from her. She would still be sensitive to his touch and he hoped that she might ask him for more attention if she got too riled up. Even if she didn’t he could still worship her for both their sakes. He wanted her to know what he admired about her.
There could be no doubt in her mind of how he felt, he would make certain of that, even if it meant being on his knees while he worshipped her cunt with his mouth and fingers while she shook above him. Once he had her unraveled he was free to ravage her as he pleased, after all.
Her sword arm was strong, and he always delighted in the way she fought. Her hands were small and seemed so delicate, but he knew how much power they held, the ability she had to reach out to anyone and offer her support. The way his hand dwarfed hers as he interlocked them made him admire her strength all the more. “Your hands might be soaked in blood like mine, but they are always kind enough to reach out to those you care for. I’ve enjoyed your hands and nails clutching at me today Byleth, and I hope they will continue to do so.”
He left soft kisses and caresses on her lips and face. There was a part of him that lamented her change in hair and eye color, but it didn’t change who she was. When he gave a kiss to her temple, he told her how much he loved her quick wit and her ability to think of different battle strategies. The way her lips slotted against his own and the noises she made for him turned him on so much. “You are so beautiful, Byleth. You’ve always been able to see what matters. I don’t think I could tire of just being able to kiss you.”
He spent so long just at her breasts palming, kneading, and mouthing at them as he told her how much he enjoyed being able to finally touch them to his heart’s content. He enjoyed how her nipples drew taunt under his touch and mouth. Promises of massages because of the weight of them straining her back came from his lips as he thought about how he looked forward to suckling on them when they were filled with milk. “These were always distracting to me. I wondered how it would feel to rest my head on them, but my thoughts turned more lewd as the years went on.”
That brought him to her stomach. The night that he kissed her it was there that his fingers finally touched her bare skin with his own. He kissed and told her his dreams that one day her belly would be swollen with their child. Then he moved to massage her feet and caressed her legs, telling her how she drove him mad during the academy in those boots and tights. “I cannot wait to feel the texture of these wrap around me when you have a pair of tights on. You don’t know how long I’ve dreamed and hoped for it.”
He saved her core for last. By the time he reached it he was hard and throbbing again, with precum dripping from the tip of his cock. When he ran his fingers along her folds he was delighted in how wet she was. He knew part of it was because it was a mixture of the two of them. Byleth moaned out his name and his entire body shivered at the sound.
“And this,” He inserted a finger inside as he lazily rubbed her clit with his thumb. “I love how well it takes my cock. I love how warm and welcoming it is. I love cumming inside it and feeling it milk my cock for every last drop like the greedy thing it is.”
Byleth whined and arched at his touch. It only made him smile as he leaned down to lick, suck and, worship her with his mouth. “And I love it when I can make you cum.”
When he latched onto her he curled his fingers up as his tongue danced around her clit.
One day he would hope that she would do something similar to this, worship him in their bed. He longed for the day that she would say she loved him back, but for now, every time her body shattered and shuddered for him was a silent love declaration for his actions.
And her cry when she climaxed made him love her all the more.
He continued to lap at her folds, drinking her in. He removed his fingers so he could keep a steady pace with his tongue and curve his arms under her legs to be able to hold her. When she was close for the second time he decided to play a little longer with her as he pulled his face away. Byleth’s whimper almost made him feel guilty as he moved onto his knees to line his cock up with her wet folds. He stroked a line across the entrance as he leaned down to kiss her.
He could feel her rub her clit against the base of his cock and he pinned her hips down with his hands. He kept his strokes slow and teasing. His precum was only adding to the moisture already leaking from her.
Dimitri leaned in to whisper in Byleth’s ear. “If you want this to stop I’ll leave you here, chained up and panting until I return, but if you want me, if you want to climax again, you need only to ask for my cock to be inside of you.”
He pulled back to tease her nipples with his lips, tugging them between his teeth and suckling on them while she made up her mind. If she didn’t ask it was going to sting his ego, but she would need to learn to not resist his gifts.
If she said she wanted him to leave then he would chain both her wrists and ankles to the bed as he stroked himself to her. Then he would paint her body white with his seed, or perhaps he would do what he did the first time he had her and put in just enough of his cock into her to climax inside of her. Then he’d leave her plugged with his cum as she waited for him to come back.
That second idea made him rock against her, the thought was maddening. The drug would have worn off for the moment but he could always give her another dose and continue to tease her until she finally gave in. Byleth still hadn’t answered him, and he gave it a little longer as his own desire was making his breath ragged. “Last chance love. I know you can speak and understand me. You were doing so wonderfully.”
Byleth still didn’t answer him. She had even pulled herself away from him. His heart felt like maybe she had pierced it with her claws. Everything was going so well, her responses positive to him up till now. What changed? The drugs were still in her system, perhaps not making her brimming with need, but they should still be keeping her mind occupied and in a happy state. Even the bliss had drained from her face, leaving her stoic like before.
Dimitri tried not to let the hurt show on his face. He had expected this, she was a prisoner of war and he, her captor. He should be grateful that things had gone as smoothly as they had. The song of her pleasure is something he would keep in his memory and look forward to. There would come a day that he wouldn’t need the drugs, until then he would need to be patient.
Dimitri sighed against her chest before he left a kiss between the valley of her breasts. “Very well. Just know that your torment is your own. You could have stopped this. I could have left you sated and resting comfortably without the chains.”
He took her wrists and brought them up to the corresponding chain attached to the headboard. The original links were built to resist even the Blaiddyd strength, so he wouldn’t have to worry about her trying to break free. When he had first noticed them, his thoughts had been who would he trust that much to be able to allow himself to be chained down like that?
It was explained to him that with his strength he could easily hurt his partner, and certain precautions were in place. Dimitri had not expected something like that to be the answer. They were meant for the king and one of Dimitri’s height and size. He had yet to try them out, but he hoped that perhaps one day Byleth would return the favor and chain him down one day to toy with him. It was his hope anyway.
The attaching links were to add a bit more length so she could be comfortable. Her cuffs weren’t the same ones that normally went with these chains, those were tucked away in the bedside table. Her wrists were smaller and Dedue noted that she needed to have cuffs weaved with silence to prevent her from casting spells.
The fear returned to her gaze as she heard the click of the chains attach to the cuff. He knew that his feelings might not be returned instantly. Everything was already going better than he thought it would. Whatever was done to her to make Byleth follow Edelgard still had to be undone. The fear Byleth was showing now was only a misunderstanding of his intentions. She would learn in time, the last thing he wanted in this world was to see her harmed.
In the five years since she disappeared, Byleth had been asleep. Dimitri was glad it was him that she woke up to. Most wouldn’t think twice about ending her life. He would keep her safe from those that wished her harm. What he asked in return was simple. “Just relax, the chains are to stop you from taking action. You will only get what I give you until you learn to properly ask for more.”
He ran his hands along her sides as she tried to squirm away from his touch, tugging on the chains and cuffs. The cuffs would cut into Byleth’s wrists at that rate. She should also be more compliant, not frightened. He didn’t want her frightened.
Dimitri knew that some men would use brute force to make a woman comply. He couldn’t stand to see that happen, much less participate in it himself. A simple slap from him would do more than sting, but he didn’t want to think about the damage he could do. His anger should never be turned on her.
Dimitri hummed against her lips as he reached out to keep her hands from moving. “Please, don’t strain or you will hurt yourself. I told you what would happen.”
Dimitri gave her another kiss before he leaned up and grabbed the toy from the bedside drawer and sat it on the top of the table. It was shaped similar to a wine glass and made of polished stone. Confusion lit in her gaze when she looked at the plug. Her gaze focused back on him when Dimitri grabbed her ass and settled his cock against her folds to stroke against. He used her body as she tilted her head back against the pillows, mouth open and her pants sending her breasts heaving. He was giving her enough to be aroused, but not enough for her to climax on.
His strokes were getting faster as he reached out with one hand to fondle her breasts and stroked his cock with the other. Just as he was about to burst he slid in just enough to release himself in long spurts inside of her, moving only enough to sate himself. When he was done he pulled out and reached out to grab the plug. Sliding it inside was an easy task with all the moisture coating her. Her walls were trying to pull it in like they had with his cock.
He toyed with the plug a moment to make sure that it would stay put and make sure none of what he just gave her would leak back out. “I’ll leave you with a reminder of who you belong to now. You neither asked me to stop, nor did you ask me to continue. Which means you were at the mercy of my will. This is what I chose. When you do not answer, that is the power you give to me.”
He leaned up to cup her chin in his hand. “Do you understand me, Byleth?”
Byleth averted her eyes and nodded.
Dimitri huffed, she hadn’t learned her lesson it seemed. It was such a simple one to obey. “Byleth…”
She met his gaze at his warning growl. “I understand… Dimitri.”
“Good, as I told you before your obedience will earn you more rewards. I’d rather not punish you, but you will need to learn. I cannot let you outside this room until I know I can trust you to listen to me.”
That had her blinking rapidly at him. “You mean you’d actually... let me loose?”
Dimitri chuckled darkly. “Poor choice of words my love. As for your current state I will let you loose once I get back so I know you have had time to regret your choice. As far as what I said, you will need to earn those privileges.”
He gave her one more searing kiss before he got up off the bed. It would only be a matter of time before Dedue went knocking on his door to let him know he needed to leave. He heard the small rattle of the chains as if she was testing them. He was going to see how she fared before he decided whether he needed to chain up her lower half. He didn’t want to leave her here like this, but he had given her a few minutes to respond. He needed to follow through on his promises or they would get nowhere.
He grabbed his usual set that went underneath his armor. He had other clothes, but he wouldn’t put it past a spy to try to assassinate him. There were soft places in between the armor, places for blades to slip through, but it was better than cloth at protecting him. He wasn’t about to restrict his own movements. There was also no telling how long Rhea would be expecting him to stay at the celebration. He reached out to pet her cheek with the back of his hand. He really didn’t want to leave her like this.
Byleth looked up and leaned into his touch. “Don’t know what to feel.”
Dimitri got on the bed to hold her and press his forehead against hers. He wasn’t sure what to say to convince her. His mind came up with scenarios just as easily as he threw them out. She only needed to adjust, and it was asking for a lot, but in the end he knew they could be happy together. Maybe even this punishment was too much, but one did not learn when there were no consequences to their actions.
Dimitri rested his head into the crook of her neck. “I love you, Byleth. In the future don’t torment us both like this.”
“Then don’t do it.”
A small huff of laughter escaped him. “If it were only that simple. I don’t see another path to take where I get to keep you and you are safe from those that wish you harm. I will do what I must so that our future together is secured.”
He went to dress as she stayed silent. He could feel his heart hardening at what felt like her rejection of him. Once he was dressed he went back over to her again. “I’m not sure when I will be back. I’d rather not leave you like this, Byleth.”
“What would you want in return?” Her voice was clearer, the drugs no longer affecting her speech. It was still low in tone, not her usual assuredness.
It didn’t take him long to form a reply as he bent over to put his face close to hers. “Just a kiss goodbye from you.”
Her brows knitted together as she turned her head towards him. “That’s all?”
Dimitri caressed her jaw. “Beloved, you’ll find I’m a man of simple pleasures. It is your touch I crave no matter how small or insignificant it seems.”
The indecision was apparent on her face as her eyes darted back to his face and then away again. Then she finally released a shaky breath before she tilted her head and leaned up as much as she could to meet him. He made it easier on her as he pressed down further, opening his mouth slightly to see if she might sneak her tongue inside. She was timid with her kiss, not like the fierce one she gave him while she was still under the drug’s effects. He still enjoyed it and made no move to frighten her away. The name of the game was her giving in after all.
When she pulled back her lips hovered over his and he could feel her breath as it fanned over his face.
“I am a man of my word, Byleth.” He kissed her forehead before he grabbed for the links that would set her free.
The cuffs stayed on and he could see her glaring at them. She tried to move and looked down as she squirmed. He wasn’t sure how she could have forgotten about the plug. Her hand moved towards it and he snatched it before she could make contact with it. “You may rest without the chains, but this stays in as punishment for not answering me earlier. It is not to be removed until I return.”
Byleth shivered underneath him. He hadn’t meant to be that snappy with her, but it was a habit from dealing with troublesome nobles who refused to listen to him. He let go of her hand to caress her face again. “You did so well for me today. I look forward to more of our time together. Can I get you anything else before I let you rest?”
She pulled the hand he grabbed back to her chest as soon as he let go of it. “Just some more water… please.”
It worked well with his plan so he would oblige her. There was a sleeping draft he could give her. He wouldn’t risk her trying to escape on her own while he was gone. He brought the pitcher over to the bedside as he kept his back to her, his cloak blocking her view if she decided to look. He took a sip of the water himself before he dumped the odorless powder into it and offered it to her. She took it and drank it down in a few gulps.
He took the goblet from her before he kissed the top of her head. “Rest well, Beloved.”
The last thing he did before he left the room was cover her with blankets as her eyes drooped from the fight with sleep she was losing. She had to be exhausted even without the drug’s effects. He had let his lust get the better of him, later he would need to keep in mind what she could and couldn’t handle.
He wished he could be back in the room with her, even if it was just to curl up around her sleeping form. The festival wasn’t able to keep his attention. After all, Rhea used it as another excuse to prattle on about the goddess’s benevolence and mercy. The dark look Rhea gave him as he stood next to her on the balcony to receive the goddess’s blessing and bring Faerghus back to its former glory made him wary.
When the blessing was given Dimitri moved to stand but her hand on his shoulder made him stop.
“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t slit your throat in front of everyone who came to see their king. You broke your oath to me Dimitri and I want to know why.”
To the crowd below them, Rhea would only seem to be blessing him further, calling forth the goddess to keep his aim true for battle.
“I’m not sure what you mean Rhea.”
Rhea knelt down to hiss into his ear. “Do not lie to me, my king. I can smell the scent of sex on you, and further still, you reak of her .”
Dimitri bit back a curse and tried to keep from reacting at all. He hadn’t realized Rhea’s dragon form might give her other abilities other than her strength. Lying to her wasn’t a good option. He didn’t want to make an enemy of her or the Knights of Seiros. “Because I love her Rhea. I always have.”
Rhea let him go with a huff as she turned to the people below her. “Rejoice in the blessings the goddess gives us this day. For they are many and soon we shall smite the insolent wretch that dared turn their blade against the church.”
The roar of the crowd would not be able to drown out his voice from Rhea completely. “I will not let you hurt her or take her away from me Rhea. She is going to be my wife with or without your blessing.”
Rhea paused and gave Dimitri a side glance. “Do you have the sword she wielded?”
Dimitri nodded and Rhea’s feral grin returned. “Bring me the blade and you may keep your new pet.”
It couldn’t be that easy. With all of the ranting and raving about Byleth’s heart, Rhea’s obsession mirrored his own for Edelgard’s head. It would not be so easily appeased. “What game are you playing Rhea?”
Rhea came forward to caress his cheek. “No game, my king. What I want is my mother back and the bitch punished for betraying us. She must earn her right to live and it sounds like you have already thought of the perfect solution. I look forward to seeing the child she bears.”
Rhea released Dimitri’s chin as she sauntered past him. Then she grinned again. Yes, she looked forward to seeing what child they would produce. She needed a new vessel for Sothis’s soul after all.
Chapter 6
Summary:
Byleth is about to do some manipulating/ retaliation of her own, but she doesn’t realize all she’s doing is playing further into his hands.
Notes:
So working on Lion’s Dance, and I keep hearing a “come here, beloved” whisper in the back of my head, and it’s like, “can’t you wait your turn? I’m busy with holiday fluff?” The short answer is no.
Also CW, I know pre-time skip does bug some people, the way that I’m planning on implementing a bit of the mind break on her end is her facing the rising feelings that she had for Dimitri back then vs. him now. It’s going to play a big part in this, and especially in the next chapter, when he uses her professor title when he realizes the influence it has. Not exactly sure if that needs the student/teacher relationship tag or not since everything happens post and it's all in her head...
Ty to my beta and my DM companions who help me untangle pieces when I'm stuck. You know who you are and you are appreciated.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
--------------
Byleth was still asleep when Dimitri came back and took off his armor. He thought of just curling up in the bed with her, but Byleth would probably enjoy a bath after all the sweat the fever from the drug created. He also needed to get the sword to Rhea.
Rhea, the thought of her still sent his anger rising. What was she up to? Why was the sword so important? It was a relic that belonged to the church, one of the more sacred treasures, but surely it could not appease the rage that fueled her tirades. It had surprised them all when it was entrusted to Byleth. Felix had pestered her for hours to get her to demonstrate the blade in action for them. Claude had taken an even greater interest in Byleth after that, trying to sneak more time in with her.
Later, when Dimitri had seen more of the relics, he noticed the similarities between the textures of them. It was as if the relics were alive and had a thirst of their own. Claude had shared a theory with him once as to why Byleth could use the sword when no one else could. Manuela taught the Golden Deer, and during one of Claude's check-ups, Manuela had commented on her stethoscope not working on Byleth, but it worked just fine for Claude, which Manuela thought was strange.
Claude had noted that, of all the relics, the Sword of the Creator was the only one missing a crest stone. Rhea wanted Byleth’s heart… one that didn’t beat. Dimitri blinked a few times at the realization. He had felt Areadbhar pulse under his hand almost in time to his own heartbeat. He had never put the pieces together before. The reason for his fixation on Edelgard’s head was a just punishment for how his father died. He assumed that Rhea’s obsession for Byleth’s heart would be from Byleth’s betrayal, but if it was… there would be no way to test that theory.
Dimitri had seen the golems that Rhea created with crest stones, inanimate objects, brought to life from their power. He had seen the monsters that the Agarthans created with crest stones. How far fetched would it be to bring someone back to life using one? Rhea had talked about the Holy Tomb and Edelgard’s raid party to steal the crest stones from their graves. All Rhea spoke about was how she wanted her mother back. Her family had been taken away again from her that day. There must have been a reason the crest stones were in tombs.
Dimitri placed the sword in Byleth’s hand and watched as it resonated with her. He had felt a similar feeling when Areadbhar was given to him. That was due to the lance’s crest stone recognizing his bloodline, but for Byleth… the only conclusion was that the stone resonated with the sword itself. That would explain how a crest that hadn’t been seen in centuries emerged again.
Dimitri didn’t know why Byleth might have it, it made him wonder if Byleth was even fully human, but that part did not matter to him. What did matter was that Rhea would not stop with the sword if his suspicions were correct. If Byleth successfully gave him an heir, Rhea may feel that Byleth’s duty was done and there was no need for Byleth anymore. Another thought had him gripping the sword hilt tightly. It could be that Rhea was being patient and would collect the crest stone from Byleth’s body upon her death. No one would defile Byleth in that way. He’d make sure of that.
Rhea had also made a note to mention what child Byleth might produce. It could be curiosity, or it could be a different plan Rhea had in mind. Either way, he did not have a good feeling about it. He couldn’t outright kill Rhea, not with her forces in Fhirdiad and the backing the church had among his people. When the decision had been made all those years ago to take in the church, he had not thought of the implications, only the duty that he was honor-bound to fulfill.
Dimitri took Byleth’s hand and kissed it while he rubbed her stomach with his thumb. He should have been more patient and held back his lust. All of his well-laid plans were in danger of being destroyed by his greed. Now he had to protect his family from a snake within his own home.
“It’s your own fault for breaking your word with Rhea. Was this mercenary worth the trouble that it might cause the people? Rhea and the church are needed allies against the rats that woman keeps at her side,” Lambert spat.
Glenn and his father had left him alone while he had been with her, but now Dimitri could almost feel Glenn’s glare on his back. “I never even got to hold Ingrid. What makes you think you deserve to have the woman you want? After what you’ve done, what makes you think she even wants you?”
Dimitri swallowed thickly as the truth of that statement washed over him. The bruises that marred Byleth’s skin were from him. When she woke up, she might dread what she would find. He didn’t want her to dread seeing him.
“You should have killed her or at the very least turned her over to Rhea and formed a plan together,” Lambert mused.
Dimitri snorted at the ludicrousy of that thought. “Knowing what Rhea might be after, I doubt there would have been a way to keep her.”
“I never taught you to be selfish, boy,” Lambert growled.
Selfish, he may be, but he made his choice. He had no right to Byleth. She was the one thing outside his duty he desired, and he would not lose one more person he cared for. Happiness, even just contentment, was fleeting in his world. Having her at his side finally gave him hope that everything was worth it. Another stain on the ledger of his sins would not matter in the end. He would wipe everything clean with that woman’s blood and those that followed her.
Dimitri reached to pick Byleth up off the bed. The sheets were damp underneath her. He cursed at his oversight. She could end up sick from the mixture of moisture and cold. He had left the blanket over her but that was no excuse.
Dimitri ignored the condensation and whispers from the ghosts as he left her on the bed for a moment as he left to go speak with Dedue for possible solutions. If they had a topper that he could easily discard once they were finished for example that would leave the bed available for them to sleep in without discomfort. Dedue agreed and said to keep the bathroom door closed. Dedue would take care of the bedroom while Dimitri had her inside, and there would be no risk of Dedue seeing her unclothed.
Dimitri nodded, telling Dedue to give him a few moments before he began. Dimitri turned the warmer for the tub water before he went to go grab Byleth. Mages from below used fire magic to keep pipes from freezing and adding temperature changes throughout the castle. There should be enough time to get the water warm for her. Dimitri grabbed a nightgown and some slippers for Byleth to change into after the bath, laying them on the counter for her before taking Byleth off the bed and cradling her to his chest.
He felt when she woke up by how she tensed in his arms. “I thought you might like the idea of a warm bath.”
Byleth hummed and nodded before a large yawn escaped her. “Bathroom first…” She rubbed her legs together before she jerked. It took him a moment to realize he hadn’t taken the plug out from her yet.
He didn’t want her tampering with it while she was out of his sight. He sat her on the counter and she gasped. Placing his hand beside her he could feel why. It was cold underneath his touch. She would be able to warm up soon enough. When he pulled at the plug her walls didn’t want to let go of it at first but it easily slipped free of her after a moment of toying with it. Her face was red again, but what caught his attention more was the amount of moisture that started to leak from her.
He leaked from her.
Dimitri leaned down to give her a soft kiss before placing the plug at her side. He pulled her close before setting her down on the floor and turned away from her to check on the water. He would let her choose if she wanted any salts or oils. He never really bothered with the frivolous additions, but she might be able to appreciate them. When he turned back to her she was still where he left her. Byleth’s hand was on her inner thigh where she watched as the combined slick of them both dribbled down.
The sight almost made him want to put her back up on the counter and give her more, but he had taken enough already today. When she woke up from the comatose state he had hoped to be next to her, to convince her that she had a constant lack of memory, but he would help her through it as a good husband should. He had wanted their first time to be with the aphrodisiac used on himself that would spread to her and convince her that she wanted him on her own accord. Instead, his own lust had thrown all those plans out the window.
He knew that she might resent him at first, but it wouldn’t last forever once he showed her what he could give her, that being together was what was best for them both. He turned back to her and lifted her face up so she was looking at him. “Talk to me, please.”
Byleth looked away as she slipped past him to the room to relieve herself. “I’m not sure what to say. You were the one good with words, not me.”
Dimitri sat down on the tub’s edge as he wondered what the best way to handle this was. She was closing herself off. The water was warm under his hand as he waited for her. She still didn’t speak when she came out of the room. Her gaze went to the tub, her movements were small and unsure.
“She knows you bite,” Glenn snickered from the corner.
Dimitri had to keep the irritation off his face as Byleth came over to him. He gestured to the baskets. “There are oils and salts if you wish to use them.”
-------------
Byleth still felt like she was still within a dream. Typically, the tired feeling didn’t last this long after she woke up. She was always alert within a few moments, but all she wanted to do was yawn and curl back up into the bed. Her mind still felt hazy as she thought about what transpired the last time she was awake.
Blue eyes smoldering for her in the mirror while her mouth hung open and his cock was buried deep inside of her. That was the image that wouldn’t leave her alone as she approached him. The things she said, had she meant them? At the time she just didn’t want the feeling to stop. It was overwhelming. Between the cloud of pleasure and the heat crawling through her veins, she couldn’t find in herself to care for much else other than the scent and feel of him. His voice coaxed her, praised her, but she couldn’t forget the reprimand or the order either.
When he brought her back to the bed he was so tender and sweet with her. Did he mean all the things he said when his hands and lips worshipped her as if she was everything to him? The experience was not like the nightmares she had been told about. He did seem to care for her, which only sent another dagger to her heart.
The expressions he wore had varied so widely, from gentle and loving gazes she remembered to those new dark smiles that sent a shiver down her spine as his voice rumbled around her. Every time her eyes met his in the mirror she felt like it was looking at someone else completely. She barely recognized herself, much less who Dimitri had become. Her mind still saw the teenager she knew; saw that face when she thought of his name.
It was like being held by a stranger until she heard his voice again. That pet name he kept using was beginning to echo in her mind. Foreign to her, just like the methods he used that she would never see her prince using on her. Her Dimitri wouldn't have done this, but how well had she known him? Most of her time was spent with her own class. She had even noted to Sothis about the lurking darkness in his eyes when they first met at Remire. It was darkness brought about by those who have seen death firsthand. He had been kind during her adjustment to the monastery, always offering a helping hand.
Byleth shook her head again to try to clear away the groggy feeling. That sudden drowsiness, had he drugged her again, or was she just that tired? Dimitri hadn’t moved to touch her again. She wasn’t sure what he expected of her either. His actions made no sense to her. Of all the things he could have done to her or requested all he had wanted was a kiss.
He offered salts and oils. She knew of them, but they were always too expensive a commodity to indulge in. Dimitri was still dressed in a long sleeve turtleneck and pants. What game is he playing now? Her gaze went to the door when she heard rustling outside.
He followed her gaze. “The sheets are being changed. No one is to enter here in the meantime, Dedue will make sure of that.”
So, for the moment, they were stuck in here and Byleth imagined that Dedue would be guarding that door while whatever servants dealt with the changes did their job. “Are you planning on joining me?”
“I would like to,” Dimitri’s reply was hesitant, almost shy. Had something happened while she was asleep? He was tense, his hands clenched into fists on his lap.
Byleth had taken several deep settling breaths while the door had been between them. She had the inclination to do it again, but turned her attention to the basket he indicated. There were several bottles that she popped open that had a scent inside. Most of them were floral, herb, or smelled like spices. The salts seemed like they were steeped in some remedy as well. She chose to stir in a few of the salts and chose the bottle that smelled like mint. It had a sharp smell and something she was familiar with. It also helped clear her head.
Dimitri watched her but still hadn’t said a word. She wasn’t sure what to say either. Had he been a stranger she would have already been looking for a knife to gut him with for what he had done to her. Nothing was stopping her from shattering a bottle to a sharpened point and stabbing him with it. She found though that those options twisted her stomach at the mere thought. So if hurting him wasn’t a valid option, what should she contemplate doing instead?
All she could do is let this play out and take what information she could from it. “You may.”
The change in him was almost immediate after a moment of brief surprise. The smile he gave her reminded her of ones from the academy. He discarded the shirt aside and Byleth could see where she had marked him as well with her nails and teeth. The sight made her feel smug, which made her pause. Why would she delight in her marks? She didn’t have much time to contemplate that as Dimitri stood up and picked her up into a bridal carry.
He turned to face the tub and let her step inside. The water was warm as she tipped her toe into it and he kept a hold of her until she didn’t need to lean against him any longer. She settled deeper into the water as she heard him get out of his pants. She wasn’t sure what to expect to be frank, nor what she even hoped for. This was not a situation she thought anyone had any sort of training for.
So she focused on how the water felt on her limbs instead. The tub was rather large, larger than one she had used before. The salts and oils had left the water slightly cloudy. When Dimitri settled in behind her she focused on the sound. He made no move to grab her, but he did need to rest his legs on either side of her for some room. The tub was large enough for the both of them, but Dimitri was tall.
Byleth glanced at him through the curtain of her hair. He was laid back against the rim, his eyes on her but his arms resting on the tub’s sides. There was a small pail on the side that she grabbed to scoop up the water and pour over herself. She decided it might be best to ignore him. The only change she felt was his leg moving and then resting against hers. A point of contact with her, but nothing more.
After she put more soaps into her hair and rinsed them away she took note of him once more. His gaze was on something else in the room and his face twisted into a scowl. Something was wrong, and it had nothing to do with her. Byleth finished washing herself, noting that his attention turned back to her as she scrubbed herself. His eyes danced over her as he swallowed thickly. Cataloging the bruises in his mind most likely by where his eyes lingered.
“Are you hurting?” That small question confirmed her suspicions. His tone was also different than the one he held before. Where was all that smug bravado?
Byleth smoothed her hand over the leg he had pressed against hers as she thought about that question, not really sure why she felt she needed to soothe his worry. “Not any more than I would be after a long training session.”
He nodded and Byleth turned around in the tub to face him. Something seemed… off, about the way he was acting. She reached out her hand to his cheek. He responded well to her touch, so she might as well use it. “What’s wrong?”
Dimitri closed his eyes from the contact and she could feel the tension leave his body before he kissed her palm. “I am still waiting for your hatred.”
Byleth still wasn’t sure what to think. It still seemed like some strange reality to her. A knock sounded on the door interrupted any thoughts for an answer. The door was cracked open for a moment. “Everything has been prepared. Do you require anything else?”
“No, that bundle on the table is for Rhea. If she comes, tell her our pact is met, and if I catch her or any of those serving her near my room again I will protect what’s mine.” Byleth could hear the growl in Dimitri’s voice as his jaw tensed under her fingers.
“Noted, your majesty, enjoy your time with her.” Dedue shut the door back behind him.
Something must have happened with Rhea while she was asleep. Byleth didn’t doubt that it was her that Dimitri was saying he’d protect with that veiled threat, so did Rhea already know she was here? Byleth would need that protection. The last encounter she had with Rhea had ended up in a five year nap. Byleth could fight well, but she was no match for Rhea alone, especially without a weapon. Dimitri had made it clear that he had no intention of hurting her so right now he was her best bet for survival.
“Rhea’s not happy that I’m alive is she?”
Dimitri turned his gaze to her before he cupped her hand with his. “I won’t let her touch you.”
Byleth only smiled as she saw more of the Dimitri she knew in his gaze and voice. Resolute and unyielding had always been his more redeeming qualities, at least in better circumstances it was. He nuzzled his nose against her wrist before he kissed her palm again.
When he released her hand she could see the hunger in his gaze again. She didn’t understand why her breath caught in her throat at just a simple look. Byleth shook it off quickly as heat started to rise in her face the longer she stared into those blue depths.
Task, she needed something to do with her hands. She almost dove for the cloth as she broke eye contact, her movements not as panicked as her mind felt. What was it Petra always said around Bernie? Don’t be a rabbit among hounds or something? Fear feeds a predator and makes the prey do stupid things. She refused to be prey. Byleth tried to keep her face blank as she went for the soaps.
She went for the bottle that smelled like pine before turning back to Dimitri, her face hopefully not showing any of the thoughts her mind was running rampant with. She held them up in front of him. “May I?”
The surprised look was back on his face again. “Yes, I…” Dimitri just shut his mouth and nodded, leaning forward to give her access and to be able to pour water on him if need be. So he was expecting her to rebel against him it seemed. That might be the normal thing to do, but Byleth had never been like other people. It was also a bad idea tactically.
She needed to gather information, both about her surroundings and about him. Five years was a long time for things to change. Would her Eagles even still be loyal to her after all this time? Would they even accept her if she returned to them? Were they even still alive? So many questions still ran through her head.
Byleth found that the task in itself was relaxing as she scrubbed him down. It helped her mind settle as she took steadying breaths of mint. The amount of scarring over his body showed just how battle-worn he was. She hadn’t expected him to relax so much from her touch either. She could easily knock him out with an elbow drop if she wanted to. Why was he so quick to accept the fact that she was angry with him and yet not brace himself for possible retaliation?
Combing her fingers through his hair had him making soft sounds as he snaked his arms around her waist. He stayed still other than that, letting her continue. If he wanted to he could lean forward and nuzzle into her breasts. It was such a change from his earlier mood. Using her nails, she gently scratched through his scalp. His reaction almost sounded like a moan and she found herself shaking her head at the fact that he was enjoying this so much.
She had noticed that at the academy too as how he would linger towards any touch or praise she gave him. Head pats for a good job weren’t unknown to her, it was what her father did when she was younger after all. She had thought it was just something that people normally did. The blush on Dimitri’s face when she did it the first time and the way he looked up at her had made her think she broke social norms once again, but he assured her that he didn’t mind.
He reminded her so much of a puppy in that phase. If she tried to do it to him now she’d have to have him bend down at the very least. He was already taller than her in the academy but it was an easy stretch. Byleth continued her scratching and kneading down to his neck and shoulders. He kept his eyes closed because she hadn’t rinsed off the soap, but he leaned his head back all the same. His mouth parted as his breathing hitched.
The fact that such small things could turn him into putty in her hands made her mind churn with doubt again. She had always heard of couples who would appreciate just being around the other. A simple touch was enough to make them feel loved and wanted. Byleth had thought them to be fanciful stories, but not something meant for someone like her; a demon only her father could love. Byleth swallowed away the lump in her throat as old memories threatened to take away the peace she somehow found.
Byleth concentrated back on her task. She was gentle with the water, making multiple passes as she combed through his hair again to make sure all the soap was taken care of. When he finally opened his eyes that adoration was back in his gaze. One of his hands moved up to cup her face as he kissed her with more tenderness than she thought he was capable of. She found her own eyes closing as she responded in kind. It was... pleasant to kiss him like this.
Then she felt his erection against her leg and she broke away from him. He whimpered, confusion written all over his face as he reached out for her. Kneeled down in front of him like this, she didn’t have far she could go.
She would not excuse his previous behavior, but perhaps there was a way to work through her feelings. “You should have waited for me, Dimitri.”
She could feel the hand that he had on her waist shake. So many expressions warred in his gaze as he tried to form words, before he finally laid his head at her chest and released a deep breath. “I let my greed get the better of me. It’s not often that I get something that I alone want that I am not obligated to desire.”
What of her desires? “I think turnabout is fair play, don’t you? You talk of punishments, but isn’t a good king supposed to lead by example? Why don’t you show me what I’m supposed to do? You say that I need to beg you for what I want…” Byleth wrapped her hand around the shaft of his cock as she used her other hand to tilt his head to meet his gaze. “What do I need to do to be able to have my way with you?”
It was as if he had forgotten how to breathe at her touch. He swallowed a few times. “Aren’t you tired from earlier? I don’t want to overtax you.”
Byleth raised a brow, wondering if he was just avoiding the subject. The longer she gave him to plan a counterstrike the harder it would be for her to bring this up again. “I had time to rest, besides you owe this to me for what you’ve done. I am glad it wasn’t someone else…”
Byleth took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she realized that truth. It didn’t make it right, but he had given her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. He wanted to make her his despite the controversy it would create. He had every right to kill her, to hand her over to Rhea and face the 'divine punishment' that waited for her. Byleth abandoned her place as a teacher to stand by the side of an emperor who declared war on the continent. No matter the reason, Byleth had betrayed all the ones she left behind.
When she opened her eyes he was studying her with an intensity that almost made her shiver. His gaze softened as he brought a hand to the side of her face, his thumb rubbing against her cheek. It was movements like this that made her pause in the anger that rose against him. The Dimitri she used to know would be sweet like this.
There was a part that screamed at her he would respect her boundaries then, but she remembered his touch and kiss all those years ago. It was still hard to think in terms of years. What had even happened that she was gone that long?
She remembered that night in vivid clarity. She had even wanted him to continue. It was like her skin was on fire from his touch and it made her wonder how chivalrous he would remain. When she felt his lips against hers and his hand against her hips she remembered the excitement that coursed through her. She wondered how far he would go.
It was only guilt at the remembrance of Seteth’s words that such a scandal would ruin Dimitri that she pushed him away. No matter her personal desire, she wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause him.
There was no Sothis in her head to tease her then or now. That was the first time she felt something so powerful other than her sadness and anger after her father died. After Byleth lost Sothis, and almost her students, from her anger and quest for revenge she pushed her emotions back down. She needed to stay rational to protect those she was sworn to.
It was as Hubert said, sentimentality could be your undoing. What about desire? She had slept with others before, but there was no connection; no reason to continue chasing after the supposed pleasure that was to come with it. Hubert had warned her again that night with something similar to her father’s lecture. She took out her confusion and frustration on Hubert when he tried to talk her into reporting Dimitri to Seteth.
Edelgard had asked her to go to Enbarr shortly after the incident and Byleth still hadn’t sorted out her feelings about Dimitri as she watched Edelgard take her crown. The journey had been a long one, taking almost the entire month. Hubert had kept his word and not mentioned what happened between them again, but it had filled the air with more tension than usual. It was a quiet trip. Idle chatter wasn’t something that any of them participated much in.
When she came back Dimitri seemed more agitated than usual when his gaze met Edelgard. There wasn’t much time to talk to him. The one time he asked to speak to her was clipped and distant in his demeanor. He suspected Edelgard of something, but he didn’t trust Byleth enough to voice it.
That had cut her, but it was obvious that he was wound up about something. She offered him some tea to help calm his nerves, but even that he said he shouldn’t partake in. Something was wrong, but he wouldn’t let her in. She wouldn’t pry, but she did want to help somehow. So she had wrapped her arms around him in a hug, knowing she could take it back if it was the wrong move. He was frozen at first but he wrapped his arms around her and laid his head on her shoulder.
She had combed her fingers through his hair then too. “Whatever is wrong it will be ok.”
Being held by him was a foreign feeling, but it was over too soon. He had let go of her and practically pushed her in an attempt to get away from her. “I came to the monastery for one thing Professor, and I will not be distracted from it.”
His voice had been filled with so much conviction. Just as it had been on the day they met once more on the battlefield. She had taken away that fight with the pulse, but the anger in that cold gaze still burned in her memory. When Byleth fell she had thought she died, it was dark, no thoughts nor dreams, it was as if time had stopped completely around her.
Then Dimitri woke her up to a feeling crashing through her that she never expected before. He proceeded to give that pleasure to her over and over again. He made her feel valued. She had always been a battle asset. The moment she took the Sword of the Creator in her hands both Edelgard and Claude saw her as a way to excel their own agendas. Only Dimitri remained unchanged. He was curious, as most of them were, but he didn’t treat her any differently than he had before.
She needed to know, not to assume his reasons. “Why me, Dimitri? Why do you want me?”
He lifted up his head. “How could I not want someone as wonderful as you?”
That sent her blinking rapidly as she felt the heat rising on her face again.
His hands trailed along her arm that she held him with. His cock twitched under her hand. “I thought I made everything clear to you. I will worship you as much as I need to until you know your worth to me.”
His voice was turning husky as he brought his lips to her neck. “I also told you that I belong to you as well. Just tell me what you want and I will do my best to make it so.”
Byleth swallowed as he caressed and kissed her. His legs were drawn up behind her, pinning her in place. What did she want? He was warm and throbbing in her hand, the skin almost velvety in its texture. A small stroke of her hand had him sinking his teeth and moaning gently into her shoulder.
She remembered that simple, yet breathless plea he gave her earlier before she took him in her mouth as she held him tighter and pumped a little faster. His lips continued to run over her in between his moans. His hand stroked up and down her back, skimming across her skin. His breathing came in deep pants as he nuzzled against her breasts. He pulled back long enough so she could see his face and the deep blush that went all the way to the tips of his ears.
She wasn’t even sure if she should be getting this aroused at the sight of him. She couldn’t deny that the way he was looking at her made her burn. At this point, the past could not be undone. What mattered was how they moved forward.
He brought one of his hands up to cup her face as he swallowed to find his voice. “Am I allowed to find release by your hand, beloved?”
She could let anger fuel her, she could pretend she didn't like his touch, or she could use his desire to her advantage until she had his trust. The more he cared for her the more likely he would be to let her have a voice in what happened, more liberties she could earn.
She had said to lead by example. There was a spiteful part of her that wanted to tell him no, but how many times today had he brought her to release before he had taken care of himself? She wanted to see him wrecked by her; to take back a piece of what he took from her.
Spite won out in the end. She would let him eventually, but not before she had her fill. He said that he belonged to her as well, and she found that she liked how powerful just the thought of denying him was. “Not yet, but I will let you before we leave this tub.”
If Rhea was coming then there was a chance that she was here to finish what she started. If that scenario happened she wanted to make sure that Rhea would be satisfied with the arrangement or at the very least, know that Dimitri would not be willing to part with her. This ploy had a chance to backfire on her, but if it worked she could get some frustrations out. Based on the flushed look Dimitri was giving her now it would be easy enough to pull off. She needed Dimitri invested in continuing to protect her.
“Then may I worship you?”
So that’s what he was considering this as? “It’s my turn, don’t you think?”
Byleth felt a strong twitch go through his cock at her words. He really was enjoying this far too much. She might have been a little too forceful with her push, but she found she didn’t care. He was the one that was putting her mind in such disarray and she would take her frustration out on him. The water sloshed around them, lapping towards the edges.
The smirk on his lips only managed to irritate her more. “Are you alright? If you’re tired I can take over for you. You’d like that wouldn’t you?”
She moved her attention away from his face as she explored the rest of him with her eyes and fingertips. When her fingers brushed against his nipple he shivered. She went in to lick and nibble at it while his breathing increased above her. She saw his hands move beside her.
She had said to lead by example. “Did I give you permission to touch me?”
His hands still found their way to her. “And why do I need it?”
A growl rose in her throat as she pinned his wrists against the edge of the tub. It had risen her higher on him and she could feel his erection pressed between them. She tried to ignore it. “Wasn’t it you that said obedience gains rewards?”
“It seems that you don’t understand the rules. If I reached down to relieve myself then you would have every right to reprimand me because I’m taking more than I am allowed. You told me to wait and inferred that it would be you that determines when I can. You asked to be able to have your way with me, which I am giving. Remember what I told you, you need to make your requests clear.” The smug bastard had a point, but that didn’t mean she had to like it.
If that was how he wanted to play this game then so be it. She took his cock again in her hand before she sheathed him inside of her. Then she put her hand around his neck. “Don’t you dare cum before I tell you to. I don’t want your hands on me, and I will be taking my pleasure without your help.”
She hated the way his eyes lit up as he withdrew his hands and let them dangle over the edge. He moved enough to adjust himself so she was straddled comfortably against him. Why had she thought this was a good move again? When she stayed frozen on top of him he tilted his head to the side. “I’m all yours, do whatever pleases you. I’m just going to be enjoying the show.”
She found her hand tightening before she let his throat go. Just ignore his barbs. This would be a good test for her too. It always took her so long to cum on her own. One of the female mercenaries had given her a phallus when Byleth had told her about being called a cold fish. The hope had been that Byleth would use it instead of relying on a man who didn’t care about her. It had felt good, but not good enough to continue using. There were nights she missed it during the academy, but she was too afraid to get another one because of how it would look. It was bad enough that Sothis teased her for having those thoughts, but what had frightened Byleth more was that her thoughts kept going towards a certain prince.
Dimitri was definitely longer and thicker than that toy. True to his word, Dimitri didn’t do anything but watch as she found a rhythm for her hips to roll against him. When she had used the phallus she was usually on her back so this was already new for her. The water slapped against the edges as she moved and when she looked at Dimitri’s hands they were clenching and unclenching in the air.
His mouth hung open as his breathing came out in pants, his body shaking as she continued on. She explored him with her hands, learning the grooves and valleys of him with her nails. He was handsome and well built. His smaller waist allowed her to wrap her legs around him comfortably. The broader shoulders suited him well, and she knew that it allowed him to envelop her when he had his arms around her. He hadn’t taken his eyes off of her since she started.
“You are so beautiful.” A shiver ran through her at his breathless words, one that had her clenching around him as she ground her clit against him and came around his cock. It wasn’t as strong as the ones he gave her, but it was pleasurable all the same. Was it because he complimented her or his voice in itself? Either way that had set her off and she had her answer. She was feeling that buildup faster than she had despite the turmoil in her head. She looked up to see that Dimitri was biting his lip and his hands were clenched tightly into fists.
She had expected to see that smug smile again, but he seemed distracted by keeping his own orgasm at bay. “I had said without your help,” she muttered.
“Beloved… please, you didn’t say I needed to keep silent. The fact that I have that effect...” the longing in his voice made her pause as his panting broke his sentence.
She would certainly keep these loopholes in mind later. “You’re right. You’ve been good for me, haven’t you?” She debated on the wording she wanted to use. She wanted to see what he’d do now that she had him on the brink. “Take what you need from me and find your release.”
What she expected was for him to crush her to him and start being forceful with her, so the gentle touch to her cheek surprised her. “All I need is you. Touch me, please, kiss me if I can be so bold as to ask.”
Byleth blinked a few times as her brows furrowed. It was such a simple request, but the way he said it softened her towards him. His words about simple pleasures ran through her mind. He wouldn’t have been able to have her kiss or touch him back while she was asleep, so perhaps that’s why he fixated on it. To have someone want her so badly, to almost need her wasn’t something she was used to.
And she could see the longing in his gaze. It was almost as if time had stood still, but the cuffs were still on her wrists. She knew she couldn’t pulse. A small stroke of his thumb against her cheek broke her out of her reverie. It had been pleasant to kiss him before. Her movements were hesitant, but he didn’t make another move. When her lips met his, she closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure where to keep her hands at first, but she soon found them creeping up to coil within his hair. Dimitri moaned underneath her, deepening the kiss and running his fingers through her hair as his other hand wrapped around her waist.
Then he started to roll his hips, and she gasped at the feel. She felt his tongue in her mouth only a moment later, trying to coax hers to move with it. It was strange, but not unpleasant. She flicked her tongue experimentally against his, and he only kissed her deeper as his thrusts got faster.
Then he suddenly broke away, his pants fanning her face as he stared into her eyes. “Give me the order. I want to hear you say it.”
His thrusts were sharp, hitting that spot inside her that sent her panting too. She was getting closer to another climax, her nails digging into his shoulders. That dark smile of his was back again. Then she felt his fingers pressing between them to find her clit. It was all too much.
“Dimitri….” then his fingers found their mark, and she lost the words as she climaxed around him.
“Yes,” he breathed. His lips found her neck again, making a small nip into the skin that made her shiver.
She could give him what he wanted, but she was still feeling spiteful. “Make me... give it to me again.”
His fingers traced around the edge of her entrance to feel where he was inside of her. “And what do I get in return? You already said that you’d give me my release before we left this tub. Are you backing out on what you promised me?”
She shivered at the feel of his fingers and closed her eyes. Where had all her plans disappeared to? She needed his trust for her plan to work. She couldn’t help but squirm as his thumb brushed over her clit again. When he purred her name she couldn’t help but think of that night again. Why hadn’t she turned back time and found a way for them to have that time together untainted? “No, you can do anything you want, your highness.”
She didn’t see his eyes darken as she used the old title. He was still for a moment as she felt his hands tighten on her. “That is your majesty. I am your king Byleth, do not forget that.”
She opened her eyes at the warning growl and was reminded again that this wasn’t the prince she knew. It was jarring how she kept going back into the past, only to return and be greeted by this reality.
“I warned you about your wording, didn't I? Anything I want hmm, and what if I want to fill you to the brim?”
He started thrusting again, hard enough for the water to spill over the sides from his movements. All she could do is hold onto his shoulders for balance as his arms coiled around her. His teeth sunk into her shoulder as she felt his movements stutter just as she was starting to shake. Byleth came first as she slumped against his chest. Then she felt his liquid warmth spill inside of her and her mouth went dry at the realization of what she permitted him to do. The spite drained out of her as she wondered how she played right into his hands.
He would surely leave a mark from his bite with as deep as he bit. His thrusts were slow as he went as deep as he could go. The third orgasm left her spent and dizzy. Dimitri leaned against the rim and let her settle against him as he stroked her back. Byleth caught a sound she wasn’t familiar with and realized that it would be his heartbeat. It was fast at first, but it was slowing down. It gave her something to concentrate on as she tried to collect herself.
The water was getting cold and there was her plan to consider. Rhea could have already been here and gone by now. Byleth shivered at the thought of seeing those green dragonic eyes again.
“I have kept us in here too long haven’t I? Come, let us get you where it’s warmer.” Byleth clenched her fists as she remembered him saying something similar. It was during one of the nights that she had come to check to make sure that he and Edelgard were sleeping without nightmares. His voice sounded similar, the cadence of it remained, but her memory told her that something was different.
Dimitri took them both out of the tub. She barely registered him handing her a towel as her memory tormented her. She missed her prince, this man that stole his voice she could not forgive. She jumped when she felt his hand on her shoulder.
"I don't want you catching a cold. Dry off. I have clothing over there for you." It wasn't an order, his voice was soft and it made her clench her hands into the fabric.
Byleth shrugged off his touch as she went to snatch the nightgown from the counter. "Since when did you care about being called by your title? I remember a time when you hated it."
It was just another change from the Dimitri she knew. She needed to let whatever this rising feeling in her chest was go. With the gown in hand she ignored the slippers as she walked out into the bedroom. She didn’t care if she was still dripping water onto the floor.
A glance showed a wrapped object still sitting on the table. A familiar power called out to her and she realized what he was giving to Rhea. She couldn’t help but to be drawn to the sword. She didn’t get far before he pulled the towel over her and back towards him. “It was the sword for your life. Choose your next move wisely.”
He was a solid wall behind her in contrast to the soft texture of the towel. So Rhea had bargained with him and that was her price. “Do you trust her word in that she’ll let me live?”
“I’m not sure yet.” He started to dry her off as she stood there to listen. “I expect she’s up to something, but I’ll need more time to determine what that may be. Let her have it if it placates her rage. You won’t be doing any fighting so that is no longer of any use to you.”
Claude or Edelgard would have had her take the sword in hand and decimate their enemies. “Do you think I’m not capable?”
His laughter echoed in her ear as he bent down to press his lips to her hair. “I am well aware of the power you possess, but you are more than a tool to me.”
That made her lips curl into a sneer before she turned around to face him. “And yet you’d have me as your broodmare.”
He pressed her closer as he hugged her. “No, you are my wife. You will be my Queen in time. I do hope for a child, not for an heir, but because it is something I’ve created with you. I know this situation is not ideal, but you shall see in time that you belong here with me.”
Damn him… her hands were shaking. He had held her like this once before. She could imagine him saying something like this then too. “You were the one who pushed me away that day, Dimitri.”
She felt his fingers card through her hair. “Something I still regret. If I hadn’t let you go would you have stayed with me instead of running off with her?”
Byleth swallowed, wondering if it would have changed anything. “I guess we’ll never know.”
His grip tightened on her. “I won’t make the same mistake again. You will not be leaving this time, and I won’t allow anyone to take you away from me. You belong at my side.”
A place to belong sounded nice. No fighting, a place to rest her head every night, how often did she dream of such a life? “And why should I want to stay?”
“I will take care of all your desires, beloved. Ask for something and I can try to make it yours.” They were nothing but honeyed words.
The plans she had made crumbled as something inside her broke. “Then give him back to me. Give me back the Dimitri that I knew. He wouldn’t have done this. He…”
She heard the rumble in his chest before she felt him tangle his hand in her hair. “That fool is dead because he is the one that let you go. None of him remains. His carelessness will never hurt you again.”
Byleth tilted her head back so she could glare at Dimitri. “Don’t blame him for something that wasn’t yours to control.”
“The beast has always had control over us. The difference between that coward and myself is that I’ve embraced the beast instead of hiding from it. It wanted you then too. You fed it your attention then and now you’ve fed it your affection. It craves your touch even now. You are better off without him. I will take care of you better than he ever could.”
“Stop talking that way!” Her fists pounded against his chest as she tried to shove him away but he held her tight.
His face twisted into a scowl. “You said anything I wanted. I want you to kneel before your king.”
Rage ran hot through her. “I have never bowed to anyone before and I’m not about to start now.”
There was something in her gaze that made him both aroused and irritated. Everything had been going so well. If he wasn’t careful she would attack him. He needed to get this back under control.
Byleth wanted to curse. If Rhea walked in on them now she would only see that they were at odds. Why was she losing her temper like this? Normally she could keep her emotions in check.
She was surprised to feel Dimitri move so he kneeled before her. He leaned his head against her thigh. “I would get on my knees to worship you with my tongue just to feel your hands in my hair. Would you not do the same for me? You had taken me so well earlier today, or is it you’d rather be under someone else’s leash? You say you don’t bow to anyone, does that mean you wouldn’t be chained up as that woman’s attack dog or serving in Claude’s schemes? Both of them would have you do all the work for them. They would put you in danger just to serve themselves.”
Byleth couldn’t help but swallow as his breath tickled against her. He stroked against her folds with his fingers as he kissed her clit. “I want to protect you and give you everything you deserve. I don’t ask for much in return.”
As he continued his attentions on her she found that the adoration in those blue depths made her pulse race. He was taking his time and she felt the warmth coiling up in her stomach. As good as it felt, she couldn’t let it continue. Rhea wouldn’t understand Dimitri being on his knees for her. She barely understood it herself.
So she buried her hands in his hair and had to stop herself from shivering as the moan he gave reverberated through her. “Take me to the bed. I’ll kneel for you there.”
He grinned before he gave her clit one final kiss and rose up. When he kissed her she was able to taste herself on his tongue. The next moment she was swept off of her feet and in his arms. He carried her so easily, but it was the gentleness that he put her down with that surprised her. Byleth turned to face the door, putting him at her back. She felt the bed dip at his weight, bringing her closer to him.
He didn’t enter her right away. Dimitri was murmuring praises for her again, kissing the skin on her back and running his hands over her. Without being able to see him she could almost envision her prince as the one behind her. She didn’t know she’d be able to get wetter from just that thought, but as his voice wrapped around her, she felt lost in the moment.
She was still wet from his tongue. When he ran his cock along the folds, she curled her hands into the sheets. Sensitivity had her shivering. He was slow when he sheathed himself inside of her. Whispers of how good she was, how she felt around him, and of how she took him so well. His fingers continued to caress all over until he took her hips into his hands. Then, when he asked her if she were comfortable, all she could do was breathe out an affirmation.
Dimitri practically purred her name in her ear before the sound of his hips smacking against her ass filled the room. The coil for an orgasm felt like it took longer in this position, but he could get so deep. Byleth lost track of the time as her mind gave her different images to go with the sensations. She didn’t register the fact that there were voices outside until she heard the creak of the door opening.
“It sounds like his majesty is preoccupied. Come at a later time.” Dedue’s voice filtered inside the room.
“I am not about to let him run away with what is mine.” Rhea snarled.
Byleth wanted to curse the timing. It was feeling good, and she was getting close. All it would probably take is another thrust or two and his sack to hit against her clit just right. It surprised her how disappointed she was when he stopped thrusting. Dimitri used his body to shield her, pressing Byleth lower onto the bed as he crouched himself over her. His cock was still buried inside of her, and all she could do was pant as she faced the door.
Rhea must have pushed Dedue because he came tumbling into the room as the door flew open. She stormed in and stopped short at seeing the two of them. The growl Dimitri released barely sounded human. “Get out Rhea. You were not invited to enter.”
Rhea only stared at the two of them, her eyes wide in surprise. Dedue pushed himself off of the floor before he brushed past her and grabbed the sword off of the table. Averting his eyes as best he could, Dedue found the rope to pull one set of the curtains on the bed frame shut. “With this, your pact is met. The king is busy, and you are intruding. I will ask you to leave or face the consequences.”
Rhea shook her head as Dedue shoved the sword towards her. “You will not…”
Dimitri thrust and surprised Byleth, wrenching out a moan from her lips. “Yes love, just like that. I’d rather hear you instead of her any day.”
Byleth found balance against his arms as he went faster, and her voice got louder. They could still see the outline of Rhea and Dedue through the more sheer fabric, but not much else. Byleth watched as Rhea left, and her hand found and intertwined with Dimitri’s. She felt him squeeze her hand and kiss into her neck as he whispered more praise in her ear. Small gestures like that allowed her to focus on that her prince was still there. She was grateful for it.
Dedue apologized for the intrusion before he pulled another rope and Byleth’s world went completely dark as the thicker curtains closed.
When the door clicked shut, she could feel Dimitri getting back to his previous pace. “I will never let her hurt you again. You are mine to protect.”
In that moment, with nothing to see, she could feel herself give over to the pleasure, not just to the climax, but to the fact that she was safe in the arms of her prince.
-----------------------
Notes:
Ok, he’s preoccupied, let's see if I can escape long enough to finish the lion’s dance chapter I wanted out a while ago. I should have shield and lion's dance updated shortly, we are all in need of fluff I think. Ty for taking the time to read and hope you enjoyed it. Not the fic I wanted to update first for the year, but when he demands my attention I will answer.
Also something else- it’s known as a primal kink (don’t know if it has another term), it’s rough, raw, marking and claiming the other with teeth and nails, staying connected to each other as long as you can, and surrendering yourself to your partner and to your instincts. I see Dimitri more as what’s known as a “service dom” and I will be implementing more of both concepts as we move forward.
Twitter is Lunafox90 - Kudos and comments are always appreciated. I had this ready a few days, but I wanted to wait until I was closer to finishing my fluff chapters. Stay safe everyone.
Chapter 7: Darkness Surrounds
Summary:
in the dark surrounding them, Dimitri learns a few things about Byleth that he didn't expect
Notes:
cw: gaslighting- she's also under the impression that she's dreaming so whatever that falls under
various stages and mentions of grief, including denial- and ooof the heartbreak I apologize in advancealso the cab has really become my playlist for this fic. between lock me up- animal- temporary bliss- moon there's plenty of nummy lyrics to feed this fic
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rhea stormed down the halls of the castle still coiled in rage. She thought that Dimitri was taking so long because he was trying to make off with Byleth and the sword. She wasn't about to allow that to happen.
Once she was outside of Dimitri’s room the scent of sex permeated her senses. She couldn’t tell if it was new or old, but it made her curl her lips in distaste. For him to have the audacity to keep her waiting because he decided to play with his new pet some more sent her fury over the edge. Dimitri’s loyal lapdog was outside the door as he always was.
Dedue nodded towards her in acknowledgment. “Lady Rhea, His Majesty mentioned you might arrive. He said there was something for you, let me retrieve it and you can be on your way. His Majesty has made it clear that he doesn’t want you or yours near this room.”
Rhea scoffed. Of course, the king would want to protect his new pet. With as often and as vehemently Dimitri had declined suitors she had wondered if he could even get it up for a woman. She had even offered herself to him to appease her boredom, but Dimitri had even declined her. That thought made her dig her nails into her skin. Instead, he had taken the fallen one under his care the moment she was back in their lives. Byleth had betrayed them, she had stolen her mother away, and now Byleth was distracting the king away from the oaths he made both to her and himself.
When Dedue opened the door to slip inside he stopped abruptly. His words about the king being busy wouldn’t stop her. Dimitri knew better than to keep her waiting. For all she knew, it was a ploy to cover their tracks while they escaped. It didn’t take much of her strength to shove Dedue back against the door and open it enough for her to storm in.
The scent hit her first before the sight and sounds registered in her mind. It made her stop as she found it odd that there was no fear mixed into the scent. Desire, thick in the air, coiled around her as she watched Dimitri thrust a few more times into Byleth before he realized what was going on. Rhea rarely saw him without his armor. She hadn’t realized how much Dimitri had grown.
Byleth’s scent was familiar, but it was missing the part of her mother’s scent Rhea recognized after Byleth’s enlightenment. That part shocked her more than the scene before her. Dimitri’s large hands were on her breasts and the look on Byleth’s face wasn’t one of fear or pain. Byleth’s scent spiked with apprehension only when she caught sight of Rhea. Dimitri stopped moving when Byleth tensed underneath him. He kept them connected but his gaze went to Rhea as his lips twisted into a snarl. The glare he gave Rhea would have frozen a human in their tracks.
Another scent invaded her senses as Dimitri crouched over Byleth. It was something primal she hadn’t scented in a long time. She had to be mistaken, her memory muddling with her thoughts.
Grim was fierce and strong, with a temperament to match their name. Rhea would sometimes feel their presence when Dimitri used Areadbhar, but that shouldn’t have… Dimitri’s scent and aura distracted her thoughts again as it sent a small shiver down her spine. Dimitri’s protective nature came off of him in waves, as well as his fury at her intrusion. Even the dragon in her trembled at the clear warning to stay away. She composed herself quickly, but she wasn’t going to be able to forget the feeling anytime soon.
Dedue shoved something into her hands and helped her out of her stupor. The curtain only took care of the sight but not the scents. The fact that they would dare threaten her and think they could force her to leave was lunacy. She was about to tell them how well trying to kick her out by force was going to go, but then Dimitri had done something behind the curtain to make Byleth moan.
It had angered her even further that Dimitri would ignore her. That protective scent still coiled around the room. Affection and desire bled from Byleth. It was no wonder Dimitri had taken her back so willingly. Rhea would have thought she'd find Byleth wanting her help, to be freed from him and Rhea would have a plan available for the lost soul, but what she found did not meet her expectations.
That plan wouldn't work. Byleth’s scent was only getting calmer as her moans got louder, desire twisting at the edges of the scent. Rhea inhaled deep through her nose. She tried not to let her lip quiver in front of the watchful retainer as she realized what she feared. Her mother’s scent was gone. It wasn’t some illusion. Sothis’ magic had turned Byleth’s scent like Sothis’s after the battle in the Sealed Forest. Now there was no trace of Sothis’s magic.
The Holy Tomb should have woken up her mother and brought Sothis back. So many things had gone wrong. It was all Byleth’s fault, that wretch ruined everything. Rhea left the room with the bundle in hand. She could feel the form beneath and knew that it was what she sought. She would wait until she got to her room to make sure it was the real sword. With one last glare at the forms distorted by the curtains, she left Dimitri’s room with Byleth’s voice following behind her like a mockery.
When Rhea reached her room she unwrapped the sword tenderly as a smile curved her features. She ran her hand over the sword. "Welcome back, mother. I will make you whole once again. Just be patient a little longer."
If their sessions would remain as vigorous it would only be a matter of time before Byleth would produce a child. There was finally hope for getting her mother returned to this world. Whatever had happened for Byleth to lose the scent might not affect the results, but that would be an investigation for later. She would need Dimitri’s trust to get close to Byleth to examine her further, but something told her that Dimitri was not going to be very compliant with that option.
That wasn’t Dimitri’s normal scent. The dragon in her was responding to it as if sensing another of her kind, but why; how? That scent reminded her of the day in Zanado. Mothers exuded that aura in the protection of their children, mates protecting their loved ones, and those protecting their territory from an enemy. All those times during the blessings that she had given Dimitri small amounts of her blood, had it changed him somehow? Was the Nabatean heart within the lance doing something to him?
He was a good king that took care of his people, but it was the beast beneath that she usually relished seeing. Dimitri insisted on fighting in the front lines instead of hiding like a coward. He swept through the enemies as a man possessed and she had wanted to know what he would be like on the offensive instead of just defending his territory. Now she got a glimpse of what that protectiveness was like, and it was not from a sense of duty that he held on that tightly to Byleth.
Dimitri had only extended his hand to the church because of duty and a need for allies. It was similar to the enemy of my enemy is my friend mentality. A few years later when Rhea had entrusted the knowledge of her people’s past it seemed like the two had a kinship over both of them being the sole survivors. She understood the rage he was going through. She could have helped him, but she needed his rage, his strength to defeat their enemies. So she had taught him to channel it and use it for himself. It seemed that perhaps a more dependant approach would have served to deal with him better.
The moment Dimitri had Byleth in his hands he should have gone to her. Instead, he only kept Byleth for himself. He would have hidden it from her too if he had his way. After all of the blessings Rhea bestowed, Dimitri would still betray her for the fallen one. Her grip on the sword hilt tightened.
His scent had left her drenched and wanting, to think that Dimitri had been hiding this too somehow made her fury at herself rise again. Why hadn’t she noticed it sooner? There was no doubt that he had claimed Byleth as his mate and there would be no swaying his decision. She could have used that to tie him to her had she known. Use those instincts and her own scent to make him crave her instead.
It was too late to change things now. He probably wasn’t even aware of what was happening. She would need to keep an eye on him to see what else was changing besides his scent and mindset. Byleth was an oddity to this equation as well. How was she even still alive without her mother’s protection? Hatred overrode the desire now that she wasn’t in the presence of his scent as her nails cut into her palms as they lengthened into claws.
Rhea brought the sword to the bed and began to tell the sword about her plan to hope that the child Byleth had would possess the Goddess's soul and powers. If that didn’t work, all she could do was watch for the right opportunity to take back her mother’s heart when the time came. Dimitri would leave to fight sooner or later. No one would be able to protect his new pet from her. Byleth would pay for her thieving crimes.
“Soon, mother, just wait a little longer.”
‐--------------
It had been a long time since Dimitri had felt any sense of peace like he did right now. As far as Dimitri could tell, Byleth was sleeping peacefully in his arms. His fingers grazed over her shoulder and her hair as he savored the feeling of her.
It was dark within the thick curtains and he was tempted to open them just to let at least a little firelight in. He wanted to see her in this peaceful state, but he didn’t want to wake her. His mind was still swirling on the events that led to this moment. He hadn’t expected her touch to be so gentle to him in the bath; for her to want anything to do with him at all was a miracle in itself.
Glenn had continued his beratement of him after they entered the tub and he wanted not to listen, but he couldn’t help but stare at her when Glenn mentioned the marks on her skin. There was a part of him that hated himself for getting carried away. Byleth tried to soothe his worry, she actually touched him without fear or hesitation. It did calm him, more than he would like to admit.
Even the thought of Rhea brought all that rage back up to the surface, but Byleth’s voice and her touch shattered the anger. Instead, it was replaced with more protective instincts. He hadn’t expected that she would ask to bathe him. He wasn’t worthy of it, but he wasn’t about to tell her no. There were so many things she could try to do to hurt him, but he wanted to believe that he could trust her. She was already acting so far out of the realm he had imagined her to respond.
He had kept telling himself that the end result would be worth it for any unsavory acts he might need to commit to winning her compliance, but it seemed that she was already giving it willingly. Part of him didn’t understand, but he wasn’t going to complain; especially when her hands felt so wonderful on him. He hoped that it meant she would be easier to win over without him having to force her into submission. The more she struggled, the bigger the risk that he could hurt her accidentally. That was the last thing he wanted.
He didn’t like seeing that scared panicked look on her face after she responded so well to the kiss, and he wasn’t sure what caused it either. When she had reprimanded him, his heart plummeted. He deserved it, but he hoped that it wouldn’t be enough to turn her against him. He had to duck his head to avoid her gaze, worried that he would see the hatred from her that he feared.
Then she had asked to have her way with him and thrown his mind into complete disarray. He hadn’t expected that kind of response from her at all. She had forced him to meet her gaze just as her hand found his cock and it had taken all his breath away. The grip wasn’t harsh. He had almost expected it to be an attack or retaliation, but the soft touch and her words made him flush. It had been a long time since anyone could fluster him enough to lose his composure like that.
Her admission that she was glad it wasn’t someone else ran through his head again as he stroked her arm. The fact that she had that sentiment only made him feel more guilty. If she cared for him that much that she might be able to forgive him, then what would their relationship be like if he hadn’t explored her while she slept?
There was a voice inside his mind that told him to take what was his and he had listened to it. He told himself it was for her benefit. To get her body used to him while he figured out what worked and how much strength to apply without hurting her.
When she woke he planned on being gentle with her to coax her into wanting him. He was still a little disappointed that he couldn't play that game any longer, at least not in the way he intended. So he decided to play her game and see what the results would be, and she hadn’t disappointed him.
It was easy to forget the circumstances that led them here. Her touch was enough to make him dizzy as she touched him on her own. He was already getting close to releasing just from her strokes. He couldn’t help but tease her after she pushed him back. The strength she had surprised him, but he found he delighted in her ability.
Her fingers and mouth had felt so wonderful on his skin. Then she pinned his arms to the tub and all he could feel was an excited thrill as he wondered who would end up on top if they did brawl. Usually, no one was a match for him, but with her crest, Byleth might be able to make it interesting.
Even irritated, she was so beautiful. Her move had pulled her flush against him and the things he wanted to do to her at that moment made him throb with need. He wanted to take over and kiss that defiant look off her face until she moaned beneath him, but curiosity won out in the end.
It seemed she really didn’t understand the rules and he was happy to inform her. Her irritation only seemed to grow as she narrowed her eyes at him. Then she sheathed herself over him and it took every fiber of restraint he had not to climax then and there. Then her hand went around his neck as she made her demands, and he would gladly let her do what she wanted just to keep her where she was.
She hesitated like she hadn’t thought everything through. Even her grip loosened and it made him wonder what exactly was going through her head. He teased her again, eager to feel her take her pleasure like she said she was going to.
When she started rocking her hips it felt like heaven. Her breasts bounced with her movements and the look of concentration on her face was cute. He had the urge to touch her so badly, but he would abide by her request if it meant she would continue.
When her hands were on him again to explore and he saw the curiosity in her eyes. He was delighted by it. Holding back was taking a toll, but she had been correct that he had taken enough of his own pleasure the past few days. He would prove to her that he would listen to her requests if she made one, but it was difficult to abide by it when he was turned on by her actions.
It took everything not to join her as her walls clamped around his cock when she climaxed. He hadn’t thought his words would affect her that badly, but the knowledge that it did only made the moment more euphoric. He would certainly be using his voice and words to his advantage.
When she kissed him and they tangled in what felt like a lover’s embrace he couldn’t help himself as he thrust up into her instead of waiting on her.
That, that had been absolutely wonderful. Even now just the memory made him hard as he nuzzled against her. She had been so greedy for him and he adored it. There were so many things he wanted her to crave, everything from his touch to just having his cock inside of her.
His embrace tightened on her as he thought of her slip. Why had she used his old title? She never referred to him as anything other than his name from the beginning so why would that come to mind to use? Her eyes had snapped open like she wasn’t aware of what she even said until he pointed it out. What had been running through her head?
It had irritated him and he still had yet to figure out why it had affected him so badly. He gave her what she asked for by making sure to give her another climax before he reached his own.
He was still irritated even after he pulled her against him. It was when he felt her shiver that he realized the water was starting to get colder. He needed to get her out of here before she did get sick.
Something had changed. Byleth was irritated too, the experience went sour in her mind as well. He knew the moment her eyes locked on the bundle holding the sword that something changed. It was almost as if it was calling to her as her dazed movements caught his attention.
She was still dripping wet as the towel almost dropped from her grip. He came to dry her off and explain the situation. She made no move to stop him, and he tried to be as gentle as he could.
She brought up that moment that he still regretted to this day. He should have let her in on his suspicions. He never should have pushed her away, never should have let her go.
Then she asked for the fool he used to be and something inside him snapped as anger rose to the forefront. He had defused them both the only way he could think of. He told her the truth and combined it with more pleasure to keep her from thinking about too much.
He had wanted her to cum again with just his mouth and touch, but he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to have her willing beneath him. The fact that it was her suggestion appeased the beast within as he kissed, praised, and touched every part of her before he took her again.
There was still a part of his mind that wondered why she was being so compliant, but he found he didn’t care as the pleasure and her soft moans coiled around him. He hadn’t been able to take her like this before and it was wonderful.
His favorite part was when she breathed out his name with a small moan attached to it. He continued to run his hands over her and kiss every inch of skin he could reach that didn’t risk pulling him out of her. The way her hands tangled in the sheets caught his attention as her moans got more frequent. She was getting close to another climax.
He wanted to bring her there, but he wasn’t going to rub her off. He wanted her to cum on his cock alone. Instead, his hands wandered to her breasts where they were swinging from the thrusts to grab and roll her nipples between his fingers.
When the door burst open, he saw red. He had been too entangled in Byleth to realize that Rhea had even arrived. For Rhea to have the audacity to burst into his room uninvited as she did, the archbishop knew better than that. He hid Byleth underneath him as best as he could, he could hear her pants and whimpers and how she tensed at the sight of Rhea. Byleth starting to shake underneath him in fear pissed him off more than Rhea’s sudden appearance.
He promised Byleth that he wouldn’t let Rhea hurt her again and he was going to keep it. That included the worry over Rhea’s presence. He didn’t want to listen to anything Rhea had to say.
Dimitri was thankful to Dedue as he managed to get the thinner curtains shut. It would keep the sight of Rhea dulled to Byleth’s senses. So to distract Byleth and to ignore Rhea he gave Byleth a sharp thrust and he was pleased to hear her moan louder than she had before this.
Byleth had reached for his hand to intertwine and the shock of it almost made him stop. Recovering quickly, he took it in his own and kissed her neck before he purred more praise into her ear. He was pleased with the development. Byleth was relaxing under him and she seemed to be giving herself wholly to the pleasure he was providing.
Dedue effectively got Rhea out of there and even pulled down the thicker curtains to give them all of the privacy they needed. Dimitri would need to thank him for the good service and loyalty later.
Dedue was quickly forgotten as the darkness enveloped them and her moans filled the room. Dimitri whispered more praise in Byleth’s ear as he continued, and reiterated that he wouldn’t let Rhea hurt her. Everything from how beautiful she was, to how wonderful her body felt, and how her reactions were pleasing to him.
Something seemed to change in her behavior as she tightened her grip on his hand. When she climaxed she actually cried out his name and that had sent him over the edge as well.
He had taken a moment to catch his breath as he nuzzled against her. He wished he could see her face, but perhaps this was better. He had thought that the mirror and the aphrodisiacs were a good method, but she hadn’t been this responsive and needy to his touch. The drug had made her easier to maneuver and with less resistance, but it hadn’t made her clutch at him like this.
He was about to hold her in place as she moved from him but when she pulled herself off he felt her twist her body around. Her hands glided over him until she found his face to kiss him and pulled him down to her.
Then she moaned and kissed him as her tongue danced with his. Her hands moved to tangle in his hair again. What changed? Was it the fact that she couldn’t see him? “Byleth…”
“Dimitri… my sweet prince…” his eyes widened as she seemed to press herself more against him as her grip tightened on him.
Something shattered in him as he realized that she was caught in some delusion. At first, anger boiled to the surface, but then her hungry kiss started to travel across his face and down his neck as her hands groped at his chest. She was eager for him, even if it was a different version of him.
“Professor…” His voice made her stop completely before she pushed him back onto the bed. That was a shock within itself. Then she crawled over him before her lips found his again, kissing him deeply as she laid herself against him.
Her affections were still for him, he had to remind himself of that. He would let her dwell within this at least this once to see the depths of her affection before he awoke her from this delusion. It at least wasn’t another person she imagined. She had yet to get used to him, so of course, she would cling to the person she knew.
That didn’t help the sting that came with her rejection of his current self.
It was her coping mechanism and as long as it didn’t lead to her hating who he was now he could allow it. Especially when she was this eager for him.
Her lips searched, her fingers stroked as her nails left him shivering, and her body writhed against him as if she could merge the two of them into one. It almost ruined the desire to use the aphrodisiacs on her again as he responded as well as he could in the dark to her desperation.
The amount of passion in her kiss, the way her hands groped and grabbed at him, and even the way she ground her slit against his cock made him burn. “What would you like me to do, Professor?”
She groaned against his neck. “Not in bed... I was never your Professor, just my name, please.”
She may not have taught his classes, but she was still the one that took her time to train with him and guide him when he asked for advice. “You were always my beloved professor. I have always loved and admired you. You didn’t have to spend your time with me, so every moment that you did only made me happier that you chose to.”
Her thumb stroked his cheek before her lips came back down for another kiss. It was tender and filled with affection. He responded in kind, cradling her head as the kisses turned from sweet to hungry as time moved forward. His hand stroked across her back before it came to grab and knead at her ass. She let out a low moan before she broke away and panted his name.
It was so strange. She was responsive and acting as if she were his willing lover, something he didn’t think he’d see from her for a few months at the earliest. To think she had been harboring these feelings for so long... no she didn’t have any memory of the five years she was comatose. These were still her feelings from back at the academy.
She still had yet to cope with the fact that five years had passed, that could be why she stayed in denial. It was all too much for her, and he certainly hadn’t helped matters.
He would do what he could to transition her, but for now, he was going to enjoy this gift he had been given. “Byleth, what would you like me to do to you? I am yours to wield as you see fit, remember? That promise wasn’t just for combat.”
She breathed his name before her lips came crashing onto his again. “From behind again, I feel safer when you hold me.”
That explained why she had relaxed so much when he was wrapped around her. It let her keep the delusion in her head because she couldn’t see him, but she could feel him and imagine whatever situation she had conjured. Had she really wanted him this badly all those years ago?
What would have happened if he had gone with his urges and held her until either one of them suggested to take it somewhere private instead of pushing her away as he had? Would she still have left with Edelgard if he had told her his suspicions? There were too many questions without answers.
All he could do is take care of her right now and make sure she had no reason to want to leave. “I have a better idea then. Lay on your side, I can do the work for the both of us if being held is what you want.”
She rolled off of him and he could feel her beside him, her hand still on his chest for a moment before she turned away from him. He moved in behind her. His hand ran down her arms and then her sides as his lips and teeth found and teased the skin at her neck.
He snaked his arm underneath her to be able to hold her close as he used that hand to knead her breast. The other hand lifted up her leg over the one he slid in between hers.
It took a few moments to line himself up with her in the darkness around them. He loved how loud she was for him as his cock stroked against her folds. He licked his lips before nuzzling and nipping the shell of her ear when he knew it would only take one thrust to be inside of her. “Do you want me, Professor?”
“Of course I do. Dima, please,” the last time he heard Byleth call him that nickname was back during the academy.
He was glad she couldn’t see the curl of his lip as the anger rose again. The thrust was harsh when he had meant to stay affectionate and teasing. He let out his frustration as he used his arms to keep her against his chest, her breasts bouncing against his arm.
Why? Why did she have to do this? It was one thing to hate and curse him, but to tease him with feelings that were for a ghost of his former self was worse. How did he even wake her up from this delusion she created?
He pressed a kiss to her shoulder. There was a part of him that would rather bite and make his claim. When she looked in the mirror next she would see that this was real. Would that have the effect he wanted?
Byleth interrupted his thoughts as she intertwined their hands together against her chest and he felt the spite drain away. The sense of trust that action gave surprised him. He could easily crush her hand with his strength.
He decided that while she was still in this state he would do a bit more convincing. He wasn’t sure if she thought this was real or a dream, but he didn’t want to lose this intimacy as soon as the curtains opened. “I still love you as I did then. I apologize that I was impatient.”
Her hand tightened around his in acknowledgment but she stayed silent. He would like some kind of an answer but he wouldn’t force one out of her, especially not when she was being so wonderful for him. He used his other hand to put pressure on her clit as she got closer to her climax.
His other hand wandered to where her chest was unmoving. There was usually the thrum of a heartbeat and the pounding of blood when he held his hand to his chest, but the absence of even that made him wonder.
He pressed his ear against her back and he could hear the breath filling and leaving her lungs, but the lack of heartbeat only reminded him that he had lost her once already. Maybe this was his punishment; she was returned to him, but he could not claim a heart that didn’t beat.
His grip tightened as he was reminded of the other thing that fueled him. It was a miracle that she was even here with him, to have her awake and breathing. He would do everything in his power to make sure that he never lost her again.
When she started to tremble in his arms her grip tightened on his arm. The sound of her blood thrumming through her veins and breathing was getting faster. He wondered what his own heart was doing right now. Was his pulse as erratic as hers? The lewd, wet sound every time he thrust inside of her echoed almost as loud as their breathing. He could feel his balls tighten as he got closer. His breath fanned on her back from the exertion.
Without the sense of sight, it seemed that everything else was heightened. She was so warm against him, her toes curling against his leg as she locked her leg around his. He couldn’t wait to feel this with those leggings of hers on. She had moved to interlock her hand with the one he had resting over where her heart was. She seemed to enjoy that sensation and he had to admit that he did too.
It was such a simple act to hold another’s hand, but even a handshake was dangerous for him to participate in. She was trusting him not to hurt her by reaching out like this and it made him tighten his hold just a fraction. She felt so small and fragile in his arms. He moved his head up to nestle against her shoulder and breathed deep. The mint she used for the bath was sharp but wonderful. He would make sure that he provided her with a supply of those oils.
“You know I used to go to the greenhouse to be near the plants that reminded me of you. The lavender was always my favorite because it also reminded me of your eyes, but the mint does suit you, especially now. I still remember the shock I felt when I realized it was you. I still do not understand how they could call you a demon. You were always kind, understanding, and radiant: my guiding light, my goddess.”
His fingers moved further down so her clit was against his palm as his fingers sought out where they were joined there too. Byleth gasped, her grip tightening once again.
“You think too highly of me. I’m no angel, much less a goddess. You have no idea of the things I’ve done.”
He chuckled darkly, “and neither do you, both of our hands are stained red. We make quite the pair, you and I.”
She moaned as her head tilted back. He concentrated on his own pace as he nuzzled against her. Her scent and just the feel of her made him salivate. Her body was tensing as the shaking increased. He couldn’t help but sink his teeth in her shoulder as she cried out for him. He hilted himself as deep as he could to feel every pulse and twitch her body gave him as he came inside of her.
They were both breathing hard but he enjoyed how relaxed she became in his arms. It wasn't like when she was asleep, her hands were wrapped around his arm. It was… intimate with how her thumb stroked over him.
He replicated the motion and a pleasant hum left her lips. "Can you just hold me for a while Dima?"
"As you wish my beloved." That was how she came to be asleep like this, pressed up tightly against him and his arms coiled around her.
Her soft snores were a welcome difference to her comatose state. He was still unable to completely wrap his mind around the experience. There was a part of him delighted by the intimacy, but the other part of him hated that she was giving her affection to him only because she was only seeing the teenager he used to be. What did he need to do to get her to give him this affection as he was now?
The silence was interrupted by a whimper. She was still asleep as far as he could tell. It had to be a nightmare. The thought made him swallow as he knew how many nights he had been lost in the throes of one. The last thing he wanted to be was the monster that haunted hers. Then her father’s name left her lips as she jerked in his arms and he understood what was happening all too well.
It was another reminder of the time that was stolen from her. He ran his hands through her hair as he kissed her temple, hoping to wake her gently. He could tell the moment she woke up by how she started to snuggle into him and froze in her movements. He wanted to see how well she’d respond if she still thought she was dreaming. It was the best way to get more information and he didn’t want her guards back up just yet. “Is everything alright, Professor?”
He felt the tenseness leave her body almost immediately and he had to hold back a growl. He needed to stay calm. He expected this kind of reaction. If he had used beloved instead he imagined she would be pulling away from him.
She said his name and nuzzled her way closer so her head rested under his chin. He forced himself to relax as he stroked her back. Tears fell against his skin as she cried over the loss of her father again. It was still him she thought was holding her, he had to remind himself of that, repeated it over in his head again and again.
“You never gave it to me,” her voice was thick with tears and sleep.
There were many things that could mean. “Gave you what?”
“You said you wanted to gift me with something other than pain. It’s only been a few months, but it won’t go away. Why does it hurt so much? I couldn’t protect him. I tried over and over and it didn’t matter how many times I turned the clock back I still couldn’t do anything.”
He would have very much liked to have continued that night, to give her the comfort she needed and deserved. How many times had he re-lived his own hell in dreams to the point where he avoided sleeping at all?
“Then there’s you, why do I keep having these nightmares? Why can’t I have the you I remember? Why does losing you hurt so much?”
Her tears were coming harder now as she clung to his neck. His hands were shaking as he kept his own heartbreak and rage at bay. “You never lost me, Professor, my heart has always belonged to you and you alone.”
“Then why didn’t you believe me when I tried to talk to you the day she invaded? I wanted to run away with you. I told you the truth... that I only protected her because she was my student. I needed to find out why she would do something like that. You didn't believe me, worse you attacked me.” She was shaking like a leaf in his arms as her nails dug into his shoulders.
“Then Hubert came and he knocked your lance out of your hand before you could make the final blow. I knew that there would be no negotiations with you after seeing the anger in your gaze. His spell… you died in my arms, Dimitri. I had to take it back. I had to try to end this war to save you. I took it all back, I know I took it back.”
What in the world was she talking about? They must have done something to her, filled her head with lies to get Byleth to follow them. They gave her no one else to turn to, even told her that he would attack her if she tried. They used him against her to control her. Those snakes would pay. “Byleth, it’s alright. I’m here.”
Her breath hitched before she nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck. “If Hubert hadn’t interrupted us that night, how far would you have gone?”
He knew exactly which night she spoke of. Another regret that he had harbored in the fact that he had left her. “As far as you would have let me. The beast in me wanted you then as well.”
Her fingers stroked his jaw. “Would… if I was still asleep would you have taken advantage of me like he did?”
He had to word this carefully. It sounded like she believed she was talking to his younger self and thus the ‘he’ would be his current self. “You seem to have it in your mind that I’m innocent. You don’t realize how badly you affected me or how much I wanted you. Just to feel your skin under my hand had brought so many desires to the forefront. I’d like to think I wouldn’t fall into the temptation, but I know my hands would wander until you told me to stop. If you had stayed asleep I am not sure how far I would have gone, but I know that night I was ready to give myself wholly to you if you would have allowed it.”
He didn't want to do anything that would make her cry or leave her in torment. Every time he imagined her crying underneath him it had turned his stomach. Even if the end result justified the means he wanted to try to find a way to make it easier on her. When she woke up she had been confused, and rightfully so.
He felt her nod against him. “I've often thought about that night, the things I wish had happened instead. At least, until now, there were never nightmares attached to them.”
“Byleth, even now the last thing I would want to do is cause you pain. I know I should have waited, but they say it hurts the first time and with my strength, there’s even more risk to you."
"I wasn’t a virgin. I told you I’m no angel. It’s part of why I don’t understand how I can react with you as I do. They called me a cold fish and didn’t even finish what they started. It takes so long for me to cum and yet your voice alone makes my blood run hot and my head dizzy.”
The thought that someone else had touched her had his teeth gritting before he processed the sentence in his mind. Even with the knowledge that he had that effect, it didn’t dim down the anger that coiled up in his chest. She was his. He should have known something was odd that first day when there wasn’t any blood or resistance. He didn’t have enough knowledge to know the difference. Byleth was his first and he had been too caught up in the pleasure to care. He finally had her in his arms, and nothing else mattered.
He needed to calm down before his anger shattered everything.
“I’m not fit to be a queen. If anyone found out that he took a deflowered commoner into his bed it would ruin him. That’s why I pushed you away. I’m sorry, I wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause.” Her tone was so dejected as her hands clenched into fists against him.
“I have chosen you Byleth, damn what anyone else says. I don’t care about their idle chatter. Yes, I would have preferred to be the only one to touch you, but that does not make you unworthy of anything. You are mine now and that’s what matters to me.”
He stroked her back as he rested his chin on top of her head. "I know the circumstances are not ideal, but I hope you can learn to accept your place here with me. It was better than the alternative of losing you again. As my wife you are under my shield, no matter your decisions in the past that made you an enemy to Faerghus, you will be safe in my care."
He could feel her fingers tracing shapes into his chest as she thought about what he said. "I don't know how I should feel with him. Part of my mind says that I should fight, but I’ve already lost you twice. Each time it hurt so much. Then he does these small gestures and I see a flicker of you… it gives me hope, but then some of the other things he does… I don’t know, nor do I understand how he can get the reactions he does out of me."
He caressed her jaw as he mulled over that information. "Professor, what should I do? I want to meet your expectations and earn your love. I do not want you disappointed in any iteration of me.”
Byleth’s hand searched until it lay against his cheek. "My sweet lion. You are not to blame."
At first, his heart skipped a beat at the endearment. The soft kiss she lay against his lips didn’t have any malice or fear behind it. He could feel his hands tighten on her skin as the action that should have brought his heart happiness only left a bitter feeling. "I can't stand the thought that you think of someone else when you’re with me. Please Professor, what can I do?"
Her fingers carded through his hair and this time the silence only made his temper rise. “Is he truly unworthy of your affection? You give it so freely to me.”
All she did was twist a piece of hair around her finger from the feel of it. Her thumb was rubbing over his jaw. “You were always a bright light, everything a prince should be. You were burdened by dark wounds you shouldn’t have had to endure. You often said that you would stop the cycle of the strong trampling on the weak. Some people may think that holding an ideal like that is naive or childish, but I cherish you for it. In that world, someone like me would be allowed to thrive.”
That didn’t answer his question. Furthermore, why would Byleth consider herself weak? "Byleth, you are the strongest person I know. There is no version of me that would ever think of you as weak. I only want to take care of you and keep you safe because of those who I’ve lost. You know how it feels to have one you care for cut down before your eyes. I don’t want to risk that happening to you. You’ve come back to me after all this time and I want to make sure that you are happy with me. I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust."
She was crying again. "You had it. I always felt safe with you. I'm sorry I didn't choose the Blue Lions. I've loved you for a long time now Dimitri, I just had no way to show you, and now it’s too late. I failed you all. Even with all the powers Sothis gave me, I'm still weak. The moment I wake up I'm nothing but his prisoner. I'm not ready to leave this dream just yet.”
"Byleth...." His fingers found her face and used his lips to gently kiss away her tears. He caressed her back in an attempt to soothe her. "You are the one who holds our heart prisoner."
She was starting to shake, but it wasn't from fear, he could hear the hiss from the breath passing through her clenched teeth. "How can you call that love? I’m nothing but a prisoner of war with a fancy title. A trophy to carry his child in....”
“No, you are not!” She flinched away from his savage growl as his grip became iron around her, but he would not stop there.
Delusion or no delusion, he would not let her keep that sentiment about herself. “You are my beloved, my wife, and the only woman I want in this world. I want to share my life with you, to have a family with you, and create something that is ours and ours alone. I want to be your husband, to take care of you and protect you from this forsaken world.”
The caress to his cheek was soft. “And what of the shade that’s replaced you? You can’t protect me from him.”
Dimitri felt like all of his breath was punched from him at that statement. His former self wasn’t the innocent she seemed to believe him to be. If she had let him, he would have bedded her in a heartbeat during the academy. It was the only thing that filled his mind besides his training and searching for clues to find out more about who he needed to target for Duscur.
The only thing stopping him was that he didn't deserve her. He wouldn't risk a child that would inherit his responsibilities. He didn't want to taint her with the thoughts that resided in his mind. Perhaps she needed to know the depths of his depravity. He needed to shatter this persona she built about him.
"The beast lived inside of me too, I was just better at hiding it. Byleth, you don’t know how many times I took my cock in my hand and thought about all the things I wished to do to you. The beast has always wanted you, the only difference between me and him is that the beast had you exactly where it wanted you and it had been starving for so long. I was afraid you wouldn’t wake up, that I was cursed to love someone that couldn’t love me back." He hated how his voice was cracking at the end, but it was true.
Those nights he held her in his arms and prayed for her to wake, to feel something, anything for him still haunted his mind. He knew that it would more than likely be hatred, but even that he could twist into something akin to love for him. With enough time she could learn to love him, or at least obey him until the lines blurred and he could believe she did care for him.
“I do love you Byleth. I hope in time you can love me too. I will always protect you. I will not use my strength against you to cause you harm. I don’t want your fear, nor your hatred.”
He felt her arms slide around his neck. “What I want is to not think about the future. I just want you, let us live in the moment. I don't want to be numb anymore. Give me what you promised.”
She wouldn’t be able to see the smile curving his lips. “You are naive Byleth. Your future is in my arms. You will never be numb as long as you let me take care of you and your needs.”
The thrust against her slit he gave her tore a moan from her throat. “Then show me…”
Dimitri paused his movements as her lips crashed back to his. They were both panting when she pulled her mouth away. “Show me this beast.”
Dimitri raised a brow that she wouldn’t be able to see in the dark. He wished he could see her face right now, but he might be able to heighten their experience through feel.
He traced his hand along her back before he palmed her ass, she seemed to like that before. The small pleased sound she made only made him squeeze harder. He licked a stripe up her neck. “And why should I? He didn't hide his beast and it seems that you hate him."
"I don't… I..."
Dimitri grunted at her inability to voice what he already knew. "You won't relax with him like this. Why would I take this away from myself when you can't handle the truth that we are the same beast?"
"Dima, that's not..."
His lick turned into a nip at her throat. "No Byleth, you have made it clear that in your mind we are two different people. The only difference between us is that he has had five years to rule and to be obeyed when an order is given. We have lost your guiding light once already. That is why he will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, make you happy, and at our side where you belong."
He could hear her breath catch, and her body tense. "What do you want from me Dimitri? For you, I would twist reality and time to be by your side again and stay beside you to keep you from turning into this twisted shade of yourself."
He growled against her throat. There she went again with her rejection of who he was now. “And therein lies my point! You weren’t there Byleth. I have had five years to lament your absence; five years of needing to cement my authority and make sure my people were taken care of, and protected from the war you helped begin. You have been the only woman I wanted, I have forsaken the thought of having anyone else.”
He was starting to hate these long silences of hers.
“Please Byleth, accept your place as my wife and you will never want for anything."
"Except my freedom."
He nuzzled into her neck as he began to leave kisses where his lips touched. "In time you might earn the privilege, but how many enemies want your head? You must stay safe above all else. My heart would shatter if I lost you again."
He would not go through that pain another time, he would not lose her.
"And what even waits if you get this so-called freedom? Your class has abandoned you. Even if you get a mercenary band together, do you take pleasure in having to fight tooth and nail for any meager possessions or food to satisfy you?"
He was in a position to offer her everything, and he would give it all to her if she asked for it. She would not need to put herself in harm's way or go another night without food or shelter. She possibly may like to travel, but everything they needed was right here.
"The moment you try to leave Rhea will do whatever she can to kill you. Stay with me and teach me how to make you happy. Ask whatever you want of me and I shall see it done."
Rhea would not take her from him, not now, not ever again. The only thing he would not do is let her go.
"For many years now I have yearned to have you beside me. I saw the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands because I saw a brighter future for both of us. Even though the beast can be insatiable, the man beneath will not allow you to be harmed. I do not wish to be your jailer or your tormentor. Let me take care of you, please."
He felt both her hands on either side of his face. "And what happens when I wake up?"
His hands went around the cuffs at her wrist. "It is still me Byleth. You already have my whole heart and devotion, all that remains is to be shown how you desire to be worshiped. Even if you need to earn them I will not deny you the privilege. These cuffs will not be on you forever, and they are only meant to keep you from attacking me. I need your trust, and you need to earn mine.”
Byleth tensed and he cursed in his head for bringing the cuffs into play. She had already shown that she felt that she was only his prisoner and as much as he denied it, as long as these were around her wrists it would remain that way. His hand took her chin so he could kiss her thoroughly.
“In return, I want to be obeyed and I would love it if the worship was mutual. I want to give you pleasure and receive it as well. You are the one thing I know I don’t want to live without again.”
He mouthed at her neck and was delighted in the tilt of her head and intake of breath. “How are you able to make me feel this way? Sometimes I feel like I’m about to go mad from just your touch alone.”
Now, this was an interesting conversation. He licked his lips as he put both her wrists into one of his hands and used his other to palm at her breast. “Desire goes both ways. I know just being able to touch you makes me burn for you in a way that I’ve never experienced before.”
“Promise me something before I let that flame consume me too.”
He rubbed his cock against her slit and loved how she shivered with a small moan underneath him. “That depends on what you want. Roaring flames don’t care what they consume in their path. I want to be the fire that keeps you warm. You are the hearth that keeps me from going out of control that the beast is content to lay down in front of.”
“Don’t try to kill that part of yourself like he’s trying to do to me. Give me a chance to learn about the man and to tame this beast of yours.”
He froze. “Kill a part of you, Byleth, what are you talking about?”
“I already have no heart. If he turns me into his obedient doll I will just be a different demon. Instead of a killing machine, I’ll only be a shell for him to use as he sees fit.”
He could feel his grip tightening and he had to let go of her wrists before his anger made him do something stupid. “You misunderstand my intentions if that is your interpretation. How many times will it require me to tell you that what I want is your love?”
Byleth leaned up and her hands searched until they cupped his face. “It doesn’t matter. I failed you. I’m the reason you turned out that twisted. I should have done more. I will make it right, I promise to be by your side from the beginning. This time… this time will be better, my heart. I have to try.”
She retreated from him then and he found himself reaching out to bring her back to him. Suddenly a bright light made him roar as it blinded him. The sound of metal rattling made him squint as he tried to process what was going on. There was a large golden magic circle hovering above Byleth. The cuffs were glowing, trying to absorb whatever it was she was using, and then the cuffs shattered into dust.
“Don’t just stare. Stop her!”
“That is big enough to be a warp spell, do not let her leave.”
“Poor child, you can’t even keep someone who claims to love you here.”
The ghosts wailed in his mind as a foreign scent filled his head. Byleth’s eyes were wide as she stared at him, her head shaking from side to side as she trembled. The circle stopped spinning and he took his chance to dive for her.
He held her to his chest as he wrapped her in an embrace. “Please don’t leave me Byleth. I don’t know what your intentions are. Whatever it is you can atone with me here and now. Just stay with me.”
The circle started to fade, but there was still the danger that it would complete whatever she intended. He took her wrist in hand as he moved to capture her lips with his. He moved his hand so it interlocked with hers as he angled them both to thrust inside of her once more.
“You belong here with me. I will not let you go, not now not ever. You will never be numb with me, I will give you all the warmth you need.”
As the light faded his strokes got faster as he held her tighter. Then the magic shattered completely and Byleth’s eyes lost their glow as they closed and she slumped against him. Her body became completely lifeless in his arms.
No… no no no. He pulled away from her and tore aside the curtain to let the firelight in. His hands were everywhere at once trying to take in her pulse and her temperature. She was the same as when she was first brought to him. A magic sleep that turned her body into an almost lifeless state.
His hands shook in rage. Just what in the world had she tried to use? What was she talking about right before she even used it? He would need something more powerful than the cuffs. It must be the goddess powers that Rhea mentioned. That fact alone would make Rhea covet Byleth even more. Byleth had slept for years the last time she had been like this. How long would she stay asleep this time?
The feel of her lips and hands lingered on his skin. Everything had been going wonderfully. She had admitted to loving him at some point and there would be the possibility that she could again. Wrapping himself around her he pulled her tight against him. He would figure out a way to wake her. She would not be escaping him that easily.
And when she did wake they would be having a talk over those thoughts of hers.
Notes:
Twitter is Lunafox90 - comments and kudos are always appreciated. ty as always for reading
so I was told by one of my betas that it made her cry so yeah ^^; I sorries I will make up for it, but the next scene I've had in my head for a bit and I need her to be trapped and fighting within her own mind so it needed to be done. Those of you in my discord server already know what waits for you so hope you're looking forward to having both versions of Dimitri in her head with her to have some fun.
Link for the server -> https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc <- if anyone is interested I know a few of you have already reached out since you're not on twitter but wanted a way to interact. I keep stuff for bliss in my corner under the dungeon tab. If you decide to come in mind the rules and be nice.I don't own anything fire emblem, the characters just live in my head and this is how they pay their rent
Chapter 8
Summary:
Byleth's spell has sent the castle into a frenzy that Dimitri now has to deal with.
Notes:
It was on my mind and all the lovely comments give me fuel both here and on twitter <3 all of yall are awesome and I am glad yall are enjoying this self indulgence.
CW- murder, noncon touching as well as undress, bathing, and redress and noncon kissing because she is asleep-
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dimitri’s mind was still in turmoil as Byleth lay against him. Even the steady thrum of blood he listened to before could barely be heard now as her pulse barely stuttered under his fingers at her wrist or his lips at her neck. How had she even done this to herself?
His mind danced between rage and despair. It tried to cling to every word she said and commit it to his memory to use for later. Every caress, every kiss still burned against his skin from the memory. Her enthusiasm had been wonderful; if only it hadn’t been because of her delusion.
He grit his teeth at how cursed the whole situation was. Maybe he pushed too much too soon, but she had responded well. If he hadn’t placated her, if he hadn’t pretended and played along with her whims, then she would be awake with him now. Was the information he gained worth this setback?
Rhea hadn’t been here long enough to do anything to her, so it had to be the power that overwhelmed the cuffs. He would need to do something about that too. They say that magic follows the will of the caster. For her spell to be that strong there must have been a lot of will behind it, but her wording made no sense.
He leaned down to kiss her thoroughly. Taking his thumb he forced her lips wider to allow him to put his tongue inside. He caressed her cheek as he glared at her unmoving body, retreating enough that his breath would fan her face. His thumb returned to rub against her lips, when she woke again he would be putting them to good use. It would be better than letting them spill out more excuses, more lies. What could he have said differently, where did it go wrong? The thoughts were rampant as the ghosts only laughed in contempt saying it was what he deserved.
His hands were shaking as he retreated from her. He took more brawling training from Rhea while Byleth was still unconscious in case she decided to fight against him. He thought the aphrodisiac would be needed to get her to understand desire. He hoped that he wouldn’t need to keep her locked up for long, but this… this he hadn’t prepared for. He got off the bed as he glared and the voices whispered in his ear. Patricia was especially venomous today.
The chair at the table was his first victim as rage swept over him, both from Byleth’s actions and the ghosts taunting. It shattered against the wall as he roared. He stood there panting, wild eyed and furious.
A knock made him freeze. “Is everything alright Your Majesty, do you need assistance?”
Dimitri rubbed his face. No everything was not alright. She had done this to herself somehow. That blasted spell… he grit his teeth again. Rhea could have sensed the power and on her way to them already. He needed to be prepared for that option, and if Rhea could feel it the other mages might as well. It would send the entire castle into chaos as they searched for the unknown spike of magic. Especially in wartime, everyone would be vigilant and think it was an attack.
He moved to the door to open it. “Set up the defenses around this wing. We will have uninvited guests.”
“That was her then?” Dedue’s response only made him more paranoid that he was correct.
“Yes, she did something and I imagine Rhea will be on her way. Then there will be the mages who will want to investigate what the magic was and where it came from. I can’t let her be discovered by anyone else.”
Dedue nodded. “Understood. What is Her Majesty’s condition?”
“I do not know yet, but she cannot defend herself.” Until he knew more he would keep it to himself.
For now, he had to prepare for Rhea’s arrival and the upheaval of his ranks this would cause. The rats would take advantage of the chaos. He closed the door and turned his attention back to the bed where Byleth lay. His rage had simmered down to irritation, but this was her doing. He would need to clean up her mess. She would be unaware of the debt she owed him, but she would pay it all the same.
He nuzzled against her neck once more as he breathed her in. “You may not like what I have planned in response to the heartache you have given me, but I cannot let you get away with this.”
He pulled her hair to the side, leaving a few open-mouthed kisses that turned into marking bites. He rose from the bed and grabbed a nightgown for Byleth. He would not want anyone else seeing her like this. Her body was only his to enjoy now, and he would keep it that way.
There wasn’t any more time to waste. He needed to get ready to defend her. He gave her one final kiss before rising to get his clothes and armor on. Let Rhea come, he could use an outlet for the anger brewing beneath the surface.
Dimitri had been right as he waited in the room that separated his wing from the main section of the castle. Rhea burst through the door, her hair undone and wearing only a simple nightgown. Even her feet were bare as she finally stopped and stood. “Let me see her. I know I felt her power.”
Dimitri was not in any mood for games or chatter. A simple no was his only reply. Rhea hesitated for a moment, before her eyes narrowed.
Rhea tried to dodge past him but he snatched her back as she bared her fangs at him. And then they were fighting and snarling like a pair of beasts as she tried to get past him. She was the one that taught him to fight this way, to use his rage as fuel. She was warned once already that she was not welcome here and that there would be consequences if she came around again. He would try not to break too many bones, but then again the archbishop didn’t break as easily as most.
He finally had his hands around her neck as he held her against him when Seteth and Gilbert burst into the room. Damn their timing. He threw Rhea towards Seteth’s feet as the advisor tried to intervene. Rhea coughed as she rubbed at her neck. Seteth examined her and began a heal spell.
“What is the meaning of this, Your Majesty?” Gilbert asked in disbelief.
Another person burst into the room and took in the scene with confusion. “Sire, Sir Ubert has apprehended one of Cornelia’s apprentice mages that wasn’t following the formations. He had some strange device and was lurking near this wing. Sir Ubert said that you would know if he was one of the snakes you were looking for and is detaining him for now.”
Another problem. Dimitri had to be cursed at this point. He had been looking for evidence of Cornelia’s misdeeds for years and it finally decided to show up now. The soldier was looking perplexed as he looked between the ones in the room.
Then Rhea grabbed Seteth’s shirt and started babbling. Dimitri debated on what should be done. On one hand, Rhea may know how to fix Byleth, on the other he didn’t want Rhea anywhere near her. However, he couldn’t let the circle of those that knew about Byleth to grow, not yet, and her babbling about Byleth would surely alert Gilbert and soldiers talked when they weren’t on duty.
“Tell Ashe that I will be there when I can. Gilbert, I know the source, which can explain why Rhea is so distraught. I have dealt with the problem already, but Rhea is still affected by it. Please go calm down the brigades and bring the castle back to order.”
As soon as the soldier and Gilbert departed, Dimitri glared at Seteth and Rhea. Seteth acted more like a father figure to Dimitri since he entered Fhirdiad Castle and with Rhea babbling like a broken child as she clutched his shirt he certainly looked the part. The advisor was ruthless when it came to threats against his family and Dimitri had many debts to Seteth for the thorough search for traitors that Dimitri had dealt with.
Seteth would not approve of what Dimitri had done, nor planned on doing. It was a good thing he didn’t need permission. “You know why Rhea is in such a state, do you not Seteth?”
“Yes, I felt her too. I stepped out when I heard a large crashing noise. Rhea burst her door open off its hinges and knocked out the guards that got in her way. I only had to follow the trail of passed-out soldiers to realize which direction she was heading.”
Dimitri’s fist clenched. He should have squeezed harder when he had Rhea ensnared. Even if it would not have gone well if they found her blood on his hands, he still would relish being rid of her.
Rhea turned her attention to Dimitri. She tried to claw at his legs as she pleaded with him. He backed away, snatching the cloak from where she tried to grasp that too. It was sickening to see her so broken.
Seteth tried to gather Rhea in his arms. “Rhea, please calm down. He is the king and we are only guests in this castle."
She only fought his hold as she lunged for Dimitri. “Wretched beast! Let me see her!”
Seteth stayed calm and held her firmly. “I imagine that she’s gone into a deep slumber. A spell that strong would have taken a lot of energy from her, especially if she was already in a weakened state. Is that why you’re being so protective of her?”
That made Rhea stop squirming before she looked up at Seteth. “A death sleep?”
Seteth nodded and turned his gaze to Dimitri. “May we please take this to your chambers? I think we can be of assistance, but it’s not safe to speak any of it here.”
Dimitri could agree with that. He needed to make this place a safe home for her and their child, when it came. He would love to be able to take Byleth out at some point and show her their home.
Seteth guessed correctly as to what had happened. If they knew how to wake her then Dimitri could tolerate them for the moment, but he didn't trust them enough. "She is mine to protect Seteth."
"I will keep Rhea in line. You only make me worry more with your refusal."
And that would make Seteth interfere more than he was trying to now. Dimitri nodded grimly before turning around and stalking down the hallway.
He could hear Seteth’s footsteps behind him as he followed at an even pace. He heard the swallow and the sigh that came from Seteth opening up his mouth to say something before deciding to keep it shut. Rhea kept wanting to run ahead and every time she tried Dimitri turned on her with a snarl. It was only Seteth pulling her back that would keep any contact from happening. Seteth finally huffed and lifted Rhea in his arms. When Rhea tried to push him to get him to put her down Seteth gave her a snarl that sounded inhuman. Only then did Rhea finally calm down in Seteth’s arms.
Dedue raised his lance at the sight of Seteth and Rhea behind them. Dimitri held up his hand for him to stand down. “I need you ready. Byleth is our priority. If Rhea tries anything it is her heart that will be torn from her chest.”
Dedue nodded as he opened the door and stood at attention next to the bed, a wall between Rhea and Byleth if it came to it. Dimitri moved into the room as he grabbed his own lance. If Rhea so much as raised her hand against Byleth he would run her through; damn the consequences, or the civil war that it may begin between the church forces and his own.
Rhea was shaking in Seteth’s arms as she looked towards the bed. "What happened?"
Dimitri crossed his arms, wondering how much he should say, but in the end, they might be able to give him the answers he wanted if he was truthful. "She was spouting some nonsense about being with me from the beginning and she unleashed some spell that backfired on her."
Rhea seemed to understand. "So she does have Mother’s gift. If she's still here then she must be out of energy. She only needs to recharge and she will be fine. Permit me to give her some of my magic. If she has chosen you as her champion, then there is nothing I can do except follow her decision. I thought perhaps she had chosen that wretched girl instead, but it seems I was mistaken."
"What would the spell do if it completed?" He didn't trust Rhea's new reverence in her voice.
Seteth released her and it was like Rhea was being lured by a siren's song as she moved to the bed. Rhea's touch to move Byleth’s bangs aside was tender. Rhea wouldn't answer him, her focus completely on Byleth.
Seteth watched the scene before him with narrowed eyes. “The progenitor god has the power to direct the flow of fate, and more importantly, the flow of time. I imagine that the Professor was trying to turn time backward until she could be with you during the academy based on your wording."
That made Dimitri freeze. Byleth had that sort of power? Anger and confusion rose as he remembered fragmented memories that felt like dreams: like the mock battle or the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, ones where he stood as the victor until it was taken away. Byleth always had an eerie way of knowing just what tactic they would use. Even Claude was unable to outmaneuver her.
Was that the spell she tried to use when she first woke up? He had thought maybe it was an attack, but if that had been her first move it would make sense as to why she was so shocked when it didn’t work. Did she usually turn back time when things didn’t go her way?
If it was, why did the cuffs work then but not when she did that larger spell earlier? Seteth mentioned using too much magic might make her comatose. Perhaps it was the length of time required for more magic and a larger spell. If Byleth had only meant to turn back the moments it was enough for the cuffs to absorb, but to turn back years… yes, that had to be the case.
He would need to find a way to keep that ability at bay. His mind swirled with possibilities. He would be doomed on the battlefield if Byleth was at Edelgard’s side. He couldn’t dwell on that, not right now. She was here with him, what-ifs didn’t matter. Her desire to run away from him to go back to the academy days was the bigger problem at the moment. His fists clenched at his sides. He had indulged her fantasy and that clearly seemed to be the wrong move. She even admitted that he had her love and trust at one point.
He would gain it again. "Is there any way to stop her from using it?"
Seteth rubbed his chin. “I am not sure. It depends on how much control she has over it. That shockwave would be felt throughout the vicinity. It would not surprise me if the enemy has detected her because of it. They will set their sights here.”
Rhea maneuvered Byleth so she was laying on Rhea’s lap. White light shimmered around them as Rhea pet Byleth’s hair and hummed a tune.
It was strange, he had never seen Rhea look so peaceful in all the years he had known her. Even the magic that swelled in the room was like a tangible suffocation. It prickled along his skin. The scent in the air was almost enough to make him gag. A territorial instinct almost made him growl as his temper rose. This was his room, how dare she claim it with this foul scent? Even Seteth coughed slightly at the sickly sweet aroma.
Dimitri moved to the side of the bed, keeping an eye on Rhea as he studied Byleth. The glow was concentrating around her heart and already Byleth’s breathing was getting steadier. For Byleth’s benefit, he could tolerate Rhea for the moment. It made him wonder if it needed to be Nabatean magic to restore Byleth if something like this happened again. That made him retreat his hand away from them. He wouldn’t allow Byleth to get herself in this kind of situation again.
The only thing that stopped Dimitri from voicing his objection was the sight of Byleth breathing normally. A deep sleep, but no longer comatose. Rhea looked up, her pupils slit and her eyes glowing green rather than her normal visage. “She’ll be fine in a few days. I’ve given her what I can. The rest is up to her.”
Seteth took a deep breath. “What are your intentions with her, Your Majesty?”
Dimitri put his hand out to her cheek and Byleth moved her head to rub against it. She breathed out his name with a soft sound and an exhale as she turned closer to him and away from Rhea.
His heart swelled at the knowledge that she was dreaming of him and knew he was there. “As my wife, I intend to make Byleth my queen.”
He saw the stiffness in Seteth’s posture out of the corner of his eye. His gaze was still on Rhea. She was still sitting there in shock and disbelief as her hands shook. There was a glint of anger in her eyes that was there and gone for just a moment. “She chose him as her champion. There is nothing we can do. Those foul bastards only want her heart to taint it with their experiments. Dimitri is the best chance we have to keep her here with us.”
Seteth’s jaw clenched as he glanced between the two of them. “Byleth is very strong-willed. You do realize the methods you may need to use in order to keep her under control if she tries to leave, do you not?”
Yes, he was well aware of both counts. “She’s already admitted her love for me, Seteth.”
“Then you will do your best not to include harming her in your methods. I can not stomach the thought of torture, and I can not leave her here in good faith if that is what you intend.”
As if Seteth would have a choice. Dimitri could easily take the advisor, but it was good to know that he would do whatever was best for Byleth. “I doubt you want to hear about the methods I plan to use Seteth, but no, I don’t plan on leaving a wound on her. She’ll be screaming for entirely different reasons.”
He expected to see the rage in Rhea’s expression from that comment, not the flushed look on her face. Seteth's glare held disappointment and the rage hidden behind the stoic expression almost came to the surface. “Well then, may we ask to be able to have meals with her from time to time? I would like to give her a sense that she is welcome here.”
Dimitri snorted. “Check up on her you mean.” It might not be as bad as he perceived in his mind now, but he wouldn’t be allowing that kind of contact until he knew Byleth would follow his orders. “I will see how she fares, and it will be her decision of whether she wants you around. She’s already scared of Rhea. I’m not sure about her feelings about you, but I imagine they are similar.”
Seteth nodded before he came over to the bed. “Come Rhea, we have things we need to discuss. We at least know where she is now.”
Rhea pulled away and tried to grab onto Byleth. “But what if she’s more Mother instead of Byleth when she wakes? I can smell her Seteth. It is mother’s scent mixed with hers.”
Dimitri had Byleth in his arms before Rhea could lay another finger on her. He raised his lance at Rhea’s throat. “The moment the cuffs shattered the floral scent you refer to started then. It’s her magic, not Byleth herself.”
Rhea deflated as her lip trembled. Seteth moved to carry her in his arms. “I do not approve of this, but I understand it’s a necessity to keep her away from those that would harm her. If you need assistance with healing or her health please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”
“I love her too Seteth. I have for a long time. It will depend on how much she fights, but based on what she told me I already have a way to sway her.”
Seteth closed his eyes as he tilted his head against Rhea. Rhea snuggled deeper into his hold. She whispered something in Seteth’s ear that had him breathing a sigh of relief. “If that is the case we have no right to interfere. Please Your Majesty, keep us updated on her progress. We’ll take our leave now.”
Dimitri’s eyes narrowed, wondering what was spoken between them, but letting it go for now. They were leaving willingly and that was more important to him than stirring up more trouble by demanding they tell him. As soon as Dedue escorted them out the door, Dimitri nuzzled against Byleth’s hair, and his nose wrinkled. That sickly sweet smell from Rhea clung to Byleth. The scent made him release the growl that he had been holding.
Dedue returned to his side. “They are outside the wing perimeter. Gilbert was waiting outside and said that the alert has been called off. Ashe is still detaining the mage.”
Yes, he would deal with the snake shortly, after he tended to his wife. “Thank you, my friend. You’ve always been someone I can trust to keep calm within the chaos of the storm.”
“May I examine her?” Dedue’s question broke him out of his territorial thoughts.
It would be best to make sure that Rhea hadn’t done anything to her. Dimitri sat her down and more of Rhea wafted into his nose making him grimace. Dedue kept his touches light, and only on her wrist and forehead. He was checking her pulse and temperature. The instinct to stay beside her while another man was near was almost like a tangible itch. He tried to calm down, but his agitation only seemed to rise.
“From what I can tell it is about the same effect as sleeping herbs. She may be lucid enough to understand what is said around her. Her breathing and temperature seem normal.”
For the first time since she put herself in this state, he felt like he could breathe easier. “Prepare a bath and use the lavender oil. Once we are inside I want this scent gone and the chair replaced.”
Dedue nodded as he bowed and went to his task. Dimitri picked her up again into his arms, not content until he felt her weight as her lips pressed against his cheek when he nuzzled into her again. He would erase this wretched smell from her.
When Dedue stepped back out he nodded to indicate the task was finished. "I have something that might be of use to you. If you will please wait to undress her, I think you will appreciate what I have in mind."
Dimitri was sure it would be something he would value. Dedue always looked out for him and thought of things he wouldn't think of for himself. Dimitri carried Byleth inside and set her down on the counter to rest against the wall. Then he went to work unclipping his chest armor from him. It didn't seem that the smell clung to his cloak, which he was grateful for. He placed his attire on the counter opposite of her.
When Dedue returned he carried Byleth's old clothing in his hands. "When the seamstress finished taking the measurements we needed I cleaned and restored them. The clothing you ordered for her should be ready soon, but for now, perhaps she would be more comfortable in something familiar to her."
There was some truth to that. She woke up in a strange room with someone she only barely recognized. If she was pining for familiarity then her old clothing might be a good place to start. The tights also caught his attention and he already knew that he was on board with that plan. He would just need to be careful that he didn't rip them when he tried to put them on her.
"One other thing, Your Majesty, if you need to wash her hair and you are worried about your grip, a comb might help you. You will be able to use it to keep the tangles out but if your grip gets damaging it will be on the object and not on her."
Dimitri did appreciate the advice. The thought hadn't crossed his mind yet. It irritated him that it needed to be said, but he had been learning how to handle her more gently recently. "Thank you."
Dedue placed the clothing onto the counter. "The Professor was always good to us. I wish nothing but happiness for you both. I will take my leave and get the sheets changed to get that smell out of the room. As before, please keep the door shut, Your Majesty."
How many times was he going to have to remind Dedue to use his name when they were alone? He turned to Byleth, reminded of what she said about him caring about his title. She did have a point, but he also knew how her using his old nickname sent a bolt of annoyance through him that was on a different level.
He ran his hands through her hair as he heard the door shut behind him. For her it was different. When he was younger, hearing her say his name always sent warmth running through him. When she called him Dima for the first time he could almost feel his heart burst from his chest.
He chastised himself, now was not a time for reminiscing, he needed to get this done and take care of the other threat within his castle. Even this should be held off for later, but he didn't want her waking up to that foul scent. Rhea had said it may take a few days, but there was no telling when exactly that would be. For all he knew, the shock of the water would be enough to wake her.
He removed his shirt first before he maneuvered her out of the gown and placed her into the tub. The heat and the scent of lavender did wonders for his agitation. He wanted to join her, but now was not the time.
Byleth hummed in her sleep and shifted in his arms as he took the oils and combed them through her hair before sinking her head back into the water. Once that task was done, he took the cloth to run it over her.
His touch was reverent as he wiped her down. "My king…" Dimitri stopped moving at her words. Like before when she nuzzled into his hand she seemed to either know it was him or was dreaming of him.
"Yes, my beloved?" He held his breath, wondering if she'd answer. She squirmed in his grip as she let out a breathy moan.
He pulled her back along his chest as he nuzzled into her neck. "Just what are you thinking about right now?"
She was silent other than a hitch in her breath. A knock on the door indicated that they were done and he could almost growl in irritation, but it did remind him that he had a job to do. If those snakes were with Cornelia, Byleth was in danger until they were dealt with.
He wouldn't give them that chance. He laid her back in the water where it was warm. The small hum she gave tempting him again to touch her more than casually. He went to grab the towel and put her clothing beside him before taking her out fully and wrapping her up to dry her off.
He put on her old attire piece by piece. The top and shorts only took a bit of maneuvering her around. The tights were the most difficult to deal with but the reward of feeling them under his hand with her in them was more than worth it. When he laid her back on the bed he gave her a kiss to her temple.
“I am waiting for you, beloved. Come back to me.” He caressed her one final time before giving a searing kiss to her lips that he was surprised to feel returned, even if it was slight. Once he dealt with the mages he would be back to continue what he started.
He was not in any mood to show mercy to those slithering in his home, and for bringing him away from her there would be hell to pay.
------------------------
Ashe saluted him as soon as he entered and Dimitri knew the mage in question. It was one of the rats he and Seteth suspected of being a traitor. Ashe stayed next to the door as a silent guard.
The mage looked terrified as he shook. “Ah, Your Majesty, I am sorry there seems to be some misunderstanding. You see I was...”
“Silence,” the mage winced at his tone. “Do you know why you have been kept alive?”
The mage wouldn’t speak at first as their trembling increased. “I’m not sure what you mean by that, Your Majesty.”
Dimitri turned to the device that the mage was carrying when he was captured. When he saw the symbol for the Crest of Flames his first instinct was to crush the vile thing, but he needed to know what it did. He needed to know what their intentions for Byleth were. “I am curious about this. You know exactly what happened whereas I do not. There was a bright light, but I don’t know what type of magic was released or where it came from. I think you might know. I was attacked by Rhea soon after. I need to keep her under control.”
Understanding lit in the mage’s eyes. “All I know is that it was magic similar to Lady Rhea’s. My mentor built this device to detect that type of magic in hopes to stop Lady Rhea from betraying us.”
Nabatean magic in other words. Dimitri nodded. “Why do you think I wish to discuss what you might be able to do to assist me with that problem?”
The poor fool didn’t even know to show fear as he cradled the device that was now in his hands. “Yes, we would be happy to help, Your Majesty. We were never sure of the relationship between you and Lady Rhea. We wanted to say something sooner than this, but we weren’t sure how deep her claws were into you. It was better to stay in the shadows to be able to do our work.”
Ashe followed behind them like the silent sniper he had been trained to be. Dimitri barely noticed the footsteps behind him, but then again it had been a few years that Ashe’s presence was one of the few that he trusted. As one of the Lion Guard, Ashe was one of his personal soldiers. It was easier to let Ashe follow than it would be to argue with him about Ashe’s duty to protect him. As if Dimitri needed the protection. Let the rats try to take him down.
Lambert praised the fact that Dimitri was finally focusing on more important matters. Glenn was impatient and wanted to see the mage’s blood spilled here in the hallway, if only to shut up his false chatter about loyalty to the crown. Patricia was still taunting him about Byleth.
The mage paused as they reached a fork in the path towards the mage’s quarters. “Your Majesty, I fear that the place I wish to take you should be for your eyes alone.”
He gave a silent nod to Ashe, who gave him a wide-eyed look. Dimitri knew that he wanted to protest, but it was better if he went alone. The fools were always more trusting that way.
It was hard to focus on the mage’s prattle until they reached a secret door inside the court mage’s study. They went down a long stairway that had him wary as a foul smell permeated his senses the farther down they went. It smelled rotten.
The mage that was pouring over the books at the desk barely noticed their arrival. “Did you confirm if it was the Fell Star? The device should have shown…”
The mage looked up to see Dimitri and froze, mouth agape as his hands shook. “Your Majesty, well this is certainly a surprise.”
Dimitri didn’t want them to try warping out just yet. “Yes, your fellow mage here suggested that you may have a way to contain a Nabatean’s power. I am interested in such a device to prepare for the probability of Rhea betraying us.”
He could see the mage relaxing and had to keep the smirk off of his face. The two mages then began to show him different collars and shackles that should keep a Nabatean from transforming or using magic. Cornelia had commissioned them to be made and that was the only evidence against her that he needed. They even showed him a few books that contained their research on Nabateans in hopes to give him some insight into Rhea’s weaknesses. He asked what questions he needed to know about what the devices would do, using Rhea as his example. It seemed that his interest was finally making the mages relax. He asked a few more before he let his interest fall to the restraints.
They had their backs to him and were close together as they went whispering something again about a fell star. It was the first thing out of the mage’s mouth concerning the device. Fell Star could possibly be referring to Byleth. If it was, then he had confirmed that these two were after Byleth for some reason.
“I couldn’t get close enough. The mark is there, but I couldn’t determine the source.”
“Will His Majesty let us search? It’s imperative that she’s found.”
The fool should have had the mind to ask that he leave his lance with Ashe, not that it would have saved them. His hands worked well enough for death and destruction. He reached up to grab a few of the restraints. “I think I will be taking these. Thank you both. This was very enlightening.”
The mages turned to look at him as they nodded their approval. Dimitri couldn’t help but smile as one swoop of his lance left blood splattered on the vile research. The lantern knocked over as the crashing noise echoed through the room and flames caught on the loose papers. He had all the information that he needed. He took the book and the restraints with him as he left the foul place to burn behind him. He left just enough room for him to stand at the base of the stairs so he could swing his lance to let the shockwaves of air keep the fire at bay as well as destroy the contents of the room.
The fire glittered in his eyes as the twisted grin curled upon his lips. The conversations with Hapi had pointed towards Cornelia as her captor and he finally had the evidence he needed to tie Cornelia to those crimes. This room had probably seen its fair share of horrors. It didn’t belong as part of his home, and he wouldn’t allow it to stay with the threat it posed to Byleth.
One of the collars was thin and unassuming, only about as wide as his finger, and felt like a thick cloth instead of metal. That one he would save for Byleth. It shouldn’t cut into her, nor bring up the thought of being a prisoner like the cuffs did. His fists clenched as his jaw locked at the thought of what she tried to do. The first thing he needed to do was keep her from trying to use that magic, after that he needed to acclimate her to him as he was now.
When he was satisfied that everything was unusable any longer he smashed the device that the mage used to detect Byleth’s magic. There was no telling if the flames would be sufficient to destroy it. He stomped out what flames he could find still burning as he used his lance to filter through the debris, making sure that nothing tangible remained. His task now finished, he took his new prizes up the stairs.
He still had to deal with Ashe. The last thing he wanted right now was another person finding out about his wife. The relief was tangible on Ashe's face as he lowered his bow. "Please don't leave me behind like that again Your Majesty.”
“Down the hall to the left. The area needs to be purified.”
Dimitri tried to move past him, but Ashe stayed put. “What do you plan to do with those?”
Of all the inquiries to make, it had to be the restraints that Ashe focused on. “They are the evidence I need against Cornelia.” It wasn’t a lie, but he was going to use it for different purposes. The destroyed contents of the room would be all the evidence he needed.
The rigid posture Ashe was maintaining deflated almost immediately. “Would you like me to handle that?”
Dimitri shook his head. “No, I need you to make sure that nothing remains of that vile research. Get Seteth and explain the situation.”
“You still need an escort. Ingrid is still on patrol and Sylvain and Felix aren’t back yet.”
There were times that he adored Ashe with his diligence and loyalty, but this was not one of them. “I will be meeting with Dedue. I havve already determined the source of the magic and it's not a threat. Now, I need to lock these up. I gave you orders Ashe and I expect them to be followed.”
Dimitri moved past Ashe as he bowed and agreed. Ashe wasn’t happy about it but he would still obey his king. Dimitri thumbed the collar as he hoped that Byleth would be just as loyal to him one day. He had some planning to do, but for now, he hoped that she was still having some pleasant dreams that would make her curl up against him again. If she was lucid enough then maybe his words could sway her before her eyes opened again.
He went over the day’s events in his mind, of all the things he learned and the rewards he received. A smile curved his lips as his pace increased, eager to be beside her again. Perhaps the situation wasn’t as cursed as he thought it was, but instead was actually a blessing in disguise.
There were no more intrusions to his day as he made his way back to the room. There was more information about the collars in the books he took and he planned to burn them once he got any additional information he needed.
He wouldn't put it on Byleth until he read up on if the collar would have side effects. The mages had said without a valid test subject they could not guarantee that Rhea would not be harmed by it. He lay beside her as he opened the book and began to read. His fingers caressed her as he pressed her close next to him.
The last thing he wanted was a repeat of the first time she woke up. He believed that when she woke up to this reality she would see him as an enemy. He thought something as simple as holding her would be a challenge of wills so he wanted to enjoy what he could before he received her venom.
He was pleased by her confession and how wrong he was. He could be patient. Taking her in her sleep had been her main fixation and he would not give her that excuse this time. There would come a time when she would accept his touch no matter the occasion, but for now, he wanted her calm when she woke this time.
When his hand grazed her cheek she made a soft noise before curling up tighter against him. Nestled against him like this he could almost imagine that she had fallen simply asleep after a nap. A simple thing, but it was a vision of peace that he wanted to protect.
Here the war could not touch her. Let Edelgard try to take her, he would be waiting with his lance in hand. She was his to protect and if Rhea decided to try to bully her way into their lives he had a collar fitting for her as well.
The book only mentioned that the collars would keep them from using their magic, but it shouldn't stop the flow entirely. He put the books on the bedside table. He would burn those later. He placed it around her arm first, knowing that if there were any bad effects it wouldn’t be as harmful to her there. Byleth flinched but there was no hiss of pain. He left it there for a few minutes and when she still seemed normal he moved to latch it around her throat.
It was as he thought, thin and unassuming. It wasn't too tight either. She should be able to breathe comfortably. It seemed that there was something missing, and he grinned as he leaned down to mouth and kiss at her neck.
He wouldn't want to startle her for when she first woke up but as he thumbed the hollow of her throat he could imagine something of his crest dangling there and marking her as his. He ran his other hand over her exposed stomach. When she conceived his mark would be manifest on her flesh throughout the pregnancy if their child carried his crest. He looked forward to seeing that as well.
Even without the marks, she was still his. He was content to hold and nuzzle against her knowing that as he let his hands and lips wander. He smiled at the thought of what he’d do when she did wake up. His fingers stroked against the collar again as he laid a kiss on her jaw. There would be plenty of time for fun with her when she was aware of the situation. It wasn't long until the soft rhythm of her breathing had him falling asleep as well as he enveloped her in his arms.
Notes:
hope you enjoyed. Comments and kudos are always appreciated. Twitter is Lunafox90
So next chapter we will be visiting Byleth's dreams. I was gonna flip them and have all that as #8, but pacing went better having this first, all the dream smut scenarios after, and then her waking up so yeah :3 So more smut to happen- also since I have most of those scenarios taken care of I'll give yall the advanced cw - i know at least one threesome scene, the "beast and demon" scene will have manifestations of more Nabatean features, throne cockwarming.... yeah I'm basically using that chapter as a ok what can I play with that sounds hot, and shes dreaming so its sky's the limit kinda thing ^^;
Link for my discord server -> https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc<-- If you decide to come in, mind the rules and be nice.
I don't own anything fire emblem, the characters just live in my head and this is how they pay their rent
Chapter 9
Summary:
Byleth thinks she has a chance to change her fate, but not everything is as it seems
Notes:
So had to break this up a bit because it was getting way too long. we aren't at the threesome or throne cockwarming just yet, so bear with me and enjoy the ride, there's plenty of steamy fun ahead.
cw: possessive behavior, lack of self-esteem, I think a bit of gaslighting
academy phase dimileth
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Byleth hadn't meant to slip so far into her thoughts. Seeing the king in the light of the spell instead of the prince she thought she laid beside shattered her concentration. The look of desperation and horror cut through to her soul as he scrambled to hold her.
Byleth swallowed as she realized everything she told him. From the moment she let her mind slip into her delusion to now it had been the king beside her. He could still be sweet, kind, and rational. He had treated her so tenderly, especially when he held her in his arms and comforted her. Those were still his thoughts, and he pleaded with her not to leave him. More importantly, he had listened to her and apologized.
That plea still tore through her heart and she promised herself that, if this worked, she wouldn’t leave the prince behind again. She would stay at her prince's side from this moment on and keep him away from the darkness that had swallowed the king whole.
The only time he had gotten angry with her was when she told him the truth about what she was. It seemed that they were both wound up in the strings of delusion so tight that it would become their noose. He called her his guiding light, but everyone that followed her ended up getting swallowed by pain or suffering. Perhaps she was the demon people claimed her to be.
“My heart would shatter if I lost you again.” His voice echoed in her head as that desperate sad tone bled through every word.
That pain Byleth understood. The pain that scorched her from her father's death still had yet to retreat from her mind. Even though Dimitri was angry that day she held him in her arms as the anger turned to disbelief then desperation as the light faded from his eyes and he reached out to touch her cheek. He could only breathe out a weak question as to why she didn’t stay. It had left her in tears, similar to the ones she shed for her father and it felt like her heart was being ripped from her chest.
She didn't understand love herself, but she knew of it through the eyes of others. The Black Eagles didn’t do much to help on that front. Rhea talked about Sothis’ love, but Byleth was never sure if Sothis showed her that more gentler side of herself. Even her own father wasn’t the doting type, but she did learn of the love her father had for her mother through his journal.
Jeralt had felt the loss of her mother so hard that he never talked about her. Sitri was all her father wrote about for a time, and Byleth was the last thing he had of Sitri. It made sense to Byleth when her father would wake up in a cold sweat and reach out to make sure that Byleth was still there. She made sure to stay close when they were on missions so she wouldn’t worry him. Dimitri’s reactions seemed along the same vein, but much more suffocating in his actions. It came from a good place from the sound of it, but it was tainted by desperation and loss.
Dimitri had lost so many people close to him already. He stayed with the Blue Lions throughout most of his academy days when he wasn’t alone training or studying. The only exception had been her now that she thought about it. He was the one that showed her around the monastery that first day and he had been so wonderful and charming, enough so that the girls in the background were swooning and giving her dirty looks. He didn’t pay any attention to them. Instead they talked the day away until he apologized for taking too much of her time.
Byleth thought briefly that perhaps joining the Blue Lions might be the path for her, but when the decision was called for she couldn’t speak his name. Instead her mind went back to the stoic girl that was similar enough to her own cold demeanor and that had to be rescued from death. She was afraid now, she realized, afraid that the friendliness was him only being polite and that she misread the situation as she normally did in social gatherings.
He had been so cold the next day, excusing himself promptly when she tried to talk to him. It was like that for almost a month, and Byleth took up her mantle as a teacher as well as she could. She could teach battle tactics that her father had passed down. The rest she was practically useless in. She knew how to make them soldiers, but she didn’t know how to prepare them for the world, she barely knew that herself.
It was when Dimitri asked if he could help her with anything, when her class had left her there to put everything away, that things took a turn. Ferdinand would usually be the one to stay behind and help, but he had a meeting with another noble that he had to attend so it left her to pick up the books and clean up.
Of course the first thing Dimitri had to notice was the misspelled word on her chalk board. She could see the tilt of his head as his face scrunched up. She expected the same teasing or exasperated response her own students made. Instead, Dimitri ignored it as he tried to ask her something else. She only hung her head at his attempts to change the subject.
“You deserved a better teacher than me. I doubt Hanneman would let something like this slip through.”
“Is that why you didn’t choose the Blue Lions?”
Byleth shrugged. She thought about the choice often, especially after being paired up with Ashe on cooking duty, or Dedue in the gardens. All of the Lions were capable and easy to get along with. Most people would argue that Felix wouldn’t fit that category, but she spoke his language. Words weren’t necessary when you could learn most of what you needed by how a person fought.
Petra understood that as well and it was why she was Byleth’s favorite of the Eagles. She was by all means a prisoner of the Empire, but she used that opportunity to learn. Her strength gained Byleth’s respect. Dorothea rose up from the streets to have what everyone wanted, fame, beauty, and yet she wanted someone to see her for who she was, not the persona she created.
“My apologies, I should not pry into your personal matters.” Dimitri’s voice broke her out of her thoughts that day.
Byleth shook her head. He was always so polite. “A little, you were all so close. I felt like I would only be trespassing.”
Dimitri changed the word on the board for her with a piece of chalk she had already broken. Then he turned to her and bowed. “We would welcome your company. If you would like to join us in the dining hall or for training, please do so. Also I would be happy to help you with your notes to avoid problems like this, if you wish.”
In that moment, Byleth regretted not choosing him. Even Sothis was taunting her by trying to find out if she could exchange with Hanneman. She found Dimitri by her side more often as the months went by. As she taught her Eagles, she found that she was bonding with them as well. She no longer regretted the choice because they had needed her, but she often wondered about what it would be like to start over.
She didn’t have the determination then, but she would change the past and detangle these strings of fate that threatened to choke her.
When Byleth opened her eyes she had a pounding in her head that made her groan. Looking around, she saw her old academy room surrounding her. A smile ghosted on her lips, had her spell worked? She hoped to go all the way back to Remire and chose Dimitri and the Blue Lions, but this might not be too late to choose Dimitri and stop Edelgard’s plans. Dark strands of hair caught her attention out of the corner of her eye and her mouth parted as another thought went through her mind. Perhaps she was early enough to save her father.
Byleth got off the bed and shook her head at the sudden dizziness that almost sent her back on her ass. What day was this? All she would need to do is look at her planner to know. A box wrapped in blue paper was sitting on the desk. Her mouth went dry. Was it Dimitri’s birthday? She grit her teeth as she made herself upright and went to the calendar.
Her fingers glided over the calendar and she confirmed her suspicions. This was the day she got to taste his passion for her firsthand as they kissed in the gardens. It was also the day she was caught by Seteth and Hubert. She could change it, and tell Dimitri how she felt. Sothis had said fate couldn’t be changed, but perhaps this wasn’t a fate set in stone. The goddess was silent inside her head. That was odd, but perhaps the spell had drained her somehow and Sothis would need to rest. There was a knocking at her door and Byleth went to open it.
Edelgard stood there and a blush covered her face when she saw Byleth. “My teacher, I apologize, I was not aware I would be waking you up. It is past time for the lecture. Did you want us to do something else today?”
Byleth shook her head, trying to remember. That’s right, she had taught classes until the afternoon and then met with Dimitri in the gardens later in the day. This was odd, she had woken up early that day to get Dimitri’s gift ready. She had taken a nap, but she was still on time for the lecture. Perhaps the spell had brought her back during the nap and the drain had kept her asleep? That was the only thing that made sense.
“I apologize Edelgard, I don’t feel well today. You may all have a free day to do as you wish.”
Edelgard gave her a skeptical side glance. “It isn’t like you to shirk off your duties, my teacher. Normally you soldier on without complaint.”
Was that why she was so valuable to Edelgard? That she wouldn’t question or complain when the circumstances got rough? Byleth clutched her head as another wave of dizziness almost made her hurl. What was that smell? It was sickly sweet, like decaying flowers. Her chest burned as she tried to stay stable. What was this?
Edelgard’s eyes widened as she took in Byleth’s condition. “Should I fetch Maneula?”
Byleth only shook her head as she put the heel of her hand against her temple. “No, I have medicine here. I just need to rest some more.”
Edelgard nodded. “If you are sure, my teacher. I will let the others know of your condition and the status of the lecture.”
Edelgard turned and Byleth’s eyes widened as red hair caught the edge of her vision. Her blood boiled at the sight of Monica prancing up to Edelgard. She even took Edelgard’s hand like they were close friends as they chattered away. Byleth’s fist clenched and her eyes narrowed at the sight of the two of them. Edelgard she could forgive, she understood. Byleth knew of the nightmares Edelgard had to face.
But Kronya… that vile little bitch was the one that threatened her father’s life.
She hadn’t even been aware that she moved from the door when she felt a hand wrap around her arm. “I recognize that look, Professor. I can see the murder in your eyes, but now is not the time.”
Dimitri’s voice in her ear washed over the dizziness like a wave crashing through her. Suddenly her head was clear, but her body gave out on her as she trembled. Dimitri was always fast on his feet. He scooped her up and into his arms before she could even blink or hit the ground. Her door was still open and it didn’t take much for him to shoulder his way in before hooking the door with his foot to shut it behind them.
He sat down on the bed with her and she couldn’t help but snuggle deeper into the embrace he had her in.
A small huff of laughter escaped his lips as she felt her bangs being pushed aside. “Jealousy does not suit you, Professor. I am aware that Monica has been spending more time with Edelgard, but I did not think that would be enough to earn such deep hatred from you.”
Byleth closed her eyes as Dimitri stroked soft lines through her hair. He only stopped to take the gauntlets off before he resumed his soothing touch. She melted into him and hummed at the feeling of his fingers. “That is not her crime. I feel that she is an imposter, but I have no proof. Even Hubert is wary of her with how much of Edelgard’s time Monica demands.”
“In other words, you are not sure if you can trust Edelgard right now, is that right?”
Byleth swallowed as she thought of what she should say. She had no idea why the attack happened or if Edelgard even knew about it. Byleth knew that Edelgard said she had nothing to do with Jeralt’s death, but could Byleth be certain without a doubt of Edelgard's innocence?
Based on what Kronya said, it was out of spite and not planned at all. The fact remained that Edelgard kept the truth about turning on the church until the very end, and her identity of being the flame emperor a secret. War would come to Fodlan, and Edelgard would be the one to fan the flames of destruction. “No, I don’t think I can, not in this matter.”
Dimitri’s hand caressed the edge of the lace trim on her shorts. Byleth realized then that she was in only the robe Hubert gifted her, and the lace night set that Manuela gave her. It was her usual sleep attire. As Dimitri’s fingers played against her thigh she was made well aware of how easily he could remove the attire from her.
“Interesting, then what do you plan to do? A teacher turning on a student would not go well for you, even if you were correct.”
Byleth shivered at the contact as she looked up into Dimitri’s gaze. The expression on his face was familiar now, one of hunger and desire. How did she miss it before? His other hand went to brush her cheek with the backs of his fingers. She turned her head and enjoyed the feeling of his warmth. The headache and the dizziness were already subsiding with his touch.
"Dimitri…" she bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Without thinking about any of the consequences she reached up and kissed him. It was hesitant, tentative at first as he sat like a statue beneath her. Then the growl that came from his chest surprised her.
He returned the kiss with such ferocity that it took her breath away. Her hands clenched into his uniform as she attempted to pull herself closer to him. When he pulled back the disbelief was tangible on his face as his eyes searched hers.
He gripped her chin before studying her. "I think you may have a fever. You must not be thinking clearly."
Byleth admonished herself for her actions as she swallowed thickly. Her reasons for avoiding him last time was so she wouldn't cause him trouble or rumors. She shouldn’t feed the fixation until after he graduated. A flush covered her face as she attempted to turn her gaze away.
Dimitri tilted his head as the grip on her chin turned into a stroke to her cheek. "Do not worry, Professor. I will not hold it against you or let it change the way that I view you. Fevers can make us say or do odd things that we may not do normally. The kiss can be our secret."
How should she even answer him? "I…it’s not because of a fever..." she leaned her head against his chest to avoid looking at him. She felt his fingers in her hair as he rested his head on top of hers. It felt nice as he tightened his hold on her.
Why did she suddenly feel tired again? "Birthday… I have a gift for you."
The hum he made resonated through his chest as she felt his chin tilt towards the desk. "I will open it later. Thank you for all the things you do for me."
It was warm in his embrace and she was comfortable. That sickly sweet smell was gone for now. Instead, the scent of pine filled her nose as he cradled her to his chest. The soap she used for him in the bath smelled like this.
"I was looking forward to hearing your lecture today. It is not often that you allow other students outside of your house to attend. Such a shame, but it cannot be helped. I know that it is relatively warm here, compared to Fhirdiad around this moon, but I do hope you have not caught a cold."
His fingers were stroking her softly through her hair while his thumb continued to rub over the edge of the lace. Her head was spinning again as darkness took over her vision.
--------
"It's just an overuse of magic. The Professor only needs to rest. Some food and tea will help as well. I have some herbs here to give her. Thank you for coming to get me, Your Highness."
That was Manuela’s voice. Blinding pain shot through Byleth’s head when she tried to open her eyes.
“I am pleased to hear the news. When she fainted in my arms, I was worried for her. I’m glad Dedue could fetch you so quickly.” Dimitri’s voice, so he must not have left her side from earlier.
“Will you continue to watch over her and keep me updated then? There shouldn’t be any danger, but I’m not sure what type of spells she was practicing. Some darker spells can have ill side effects on the body.”
“I will be sure to fetch you if the Professor’s condition changes.” Byleth could almost see the small bow of his head Dimitri often gave.
“Thank you and happy birthday, your highness. Although if I may be frank with you for a moment, I’m surprised that it’s you here at her side and not any of the Black Eagles. Did something happen?” There was a hint of something in Manuela’s tone, although Byleth couldn’t be sure if it was disbelief or distrust without seeing the older woman’s face.
“The Professor sent Edelgard away, and I was leaving the training area when she collapsed the first time. It did not feel right to leave her when she was this vulnerable.”
“I see. Well then, I will continue to leave her in your care. Don’t have too much fun today.”
The disgruntled huff Dimitri gave as soon as the door closed echoed in the room. Dimitri muttered something under his breath, but Byleth couldn’t catch what that was. Footsteps brought him back to the bed and she felt fingers stroking on her cheek.
Dimitri’s name left her lips, but she still couldn’t get her eyes open. What in the world was wrong? Then she felt Dimitri’s lips on hers. She did what she could to return the kiss, but as she felt the bed sink from his hand by her shoulder she froze. There was a panic rising in her chest as she still couldn’t move or open her eyes.
She wasn’t sure how long he kissed her as his hand moved to caress her shoulder. His bangs tickled against her forehead right before she felt him place his lips there. “Do not tempt me with dreams I cannot have Professor. Once this fever of yours breaks, so too will the delusions that come with it.”
His hands retreated from her completely as she heard his footsteps go to her desk. There was the rip of paper and it registered in her mind that he was opening her gift. She heard the intake of breath before Zoltan’s name left his lips in disbelief. His reaction to the gifts still made her unsure which of the two items in the box he appreciated the most. Zoltan’s dagger had brought more questions on how she had gotten her hands on it than appreciation for the gift itself.
As for the other gift, the last time he had mistaken the metal and wooden quill for a paperweight. When she told him what it was and why she thought of it for him, something in his gaze changed that day. It was then she realized the value of making something instead of buying it off of a shelf. Even though the dagger was rare it was still a gift that many people would use to curry favor with nobility. The writing instrument she had built and painted with him in mind. It wasn’t only the time spent, but the thought behind it that had him at a loss for words. The one she made for herself lay on the desk with the metal tip exposed so he may be able to figure it out for himself.
As she heard him pick up hers off the table and then the pop of the protective cover she realized that he did connect the dots himself. She remembered how that smile spread on his face as his eyes widened while he examined it in his hands that day.
He had told her that no one had ever put so much thought into giving him anything like she had. She heard the rustle of the items being put back into the box before his footsteps went back to the bed. She felt his weight dip the mattress beside her and his arm sneak underneath her to hold her to him.
“Perhaps I am mistaken.” She felt his thumb stroke her bottom lip. “It seems you’ve been preparing a confession for a while now. That writing instrument appears to be handmade. Just how long did that take you?”
It was warm against his chest. His greaves must have been removed too because she didn’t feel any metal against her skin. “Could you really want something like me? I know thoughts of you invade my mind daily. It has been quite distracting.”
He seemed content to just hold her and soon as she felt the faint ruffle against her hair from his even breaths she realized that he must have fallen asleep as well. It felt like she was finally let go from the prison her mind had kept her body in. She opened her eyes to confirm her suspicions.
His face was close to hers and he looked peaceful napping like this. His hand rested against her waist while the other arm went under her head and curled up against her back. Byleth snuggled further into his hold and sighed contentedly before she saw that his eyes were now open and focused on her.
The hand on her waist slid underneath the robe to hold her closer. “How are you feeling now that you have gotten some rest?”
She did feel better, both in body and in mind. Sleeping next to her she could handle, and she hadn’t felt his hands wander. He just wanted her company. “Better with you here. I heard you open your gift. Do you like them?”
“They are wonderful. I hope you don’t mind that I made myself comfortable. It was so pleasant to have you in my arms earlier, and I wanted to indulge myself a little longer. I cannot remember when I was able to rest so peacefully.” His hesitancy was cute as he had a bashful flush over his face. His voice was wistful, and not as confident as she’d heard him before.
“It does feel nice. I’m glad the gifts are to your liking and that you were able to rest, even if only for a little while.”
“May I stay here with you a while longer?”
There were surely those that wanted to offer him birthday wishes. Why would he want to spend it all with her? “Yes, although I’m sorry that I may have to miss our tea out in the gardens today.”
A soft smile crossed his lips before he pressed his lips to her forehead again. “Do not worry yourself. I was looking forward to it, but this is a better treat. I was hoping perhaps that you would permit me to do something more intimate.”
Dimitri’s lips came back to hers in a soft kiss. Byleth’s fingers dug into his shirt as the kiss deepened. When they parted their breathing came in heavy pants. Again and again, they came back together as their lips crashed and tongues danced. His hands started to slide over her, but it wasn’t until his thumb brushed over her nipple through the fabric that a deep moan rose out of her throat.
Dimitri pulled back, his breath ragged as he gripped her chin and made her meet his gaze. “You have no idea what you do to me, Professor, or the things I want to do with you.”
She had a very good idea of what those things were, and she found herself willing to comply with those desires. “Close the curtains and lock the door.”
His mouth curled into the dark smile she had seen on his future self and it sent a shiver through her. “I want to unwrap you myself. Be good and wait on the bed for me.”
Her breath caught in her throat from his tone as he stood up. She maneuvered to get out of the robe and the dissatisfied look he gave her made her swallow. “It’ll be easier without it. I also don’t want another man’s gift on me when you take me.”
The flash of hate in his eyes shouldn’t have surprised her as he curled a fist into the fabric and leaned in to kiss her. “Then I’ll just have to get you something more beautiful for me to enjoy while you wear it, won’t I?”
The thought made her shiver as his voice turned into a deep husky growl. She wondered for a moment if the other Dimitri had plans like that for her, but she pushed them back out of her mind. She tried to wipe the memories of the other Dimitri’s touch, unwilling to let this moment be ruined by her thoughts of the king.
The prince left a tender kiss on her neck before he turned and went about the tasks she gave him. The robe slipped out of his hand and onto the floor.
When she heard the lock click her pulse kicked up as she realized the reality she was making for herself. Dimitri glared at something outside the window before the curtains obscured his view. His expression warmed as he turned his sights on her. Byleth willed herself to stay calm. She did want this, wanted him. It would be years before this Dimitri would take the form of the one she saw, and by then, she would be able to see that Dimitri was only a nightmare.
But was it? Fate had dealt them that hand. Their actions paved the way for that reality. It was obvious now that, even at this age, the prince had desired her and wanted to be with her. She had run from him and denied him the opportunity to show her how much he cared. He had told her his reasoning, but would it have been enough to give him her forgiveness?
Dimitri sat back down onto the bed with her. “Tell me, have you been intimate with anyone before?”
Byleth swallowed, knowing that he had been forgiving, but she didn’t want to admit the truth out loud. The king had not been the first to have her in bed. The memory of her time in the tavern had her wincing more than the memory of her time in Fhirdiad. Dimitri had made her feel wanted and desired. She didn’t want to remember the other man’s face, much less his name.
Dimitri’s eyes darkened as he saw the regret in her eyes. “What happened? I will not make you say it, but I promise you that I will make sure you are never left unsatisfied with me. I will do everything within my power to please you.”
Byleth placed her hand on his cheek. Her emotions warring inside her as she saw reflections of the king within her prince’s words. “And if the bastard hurt you I can only pray that your father gave him the punishment he deserves. If he were still alive, the punishment I would give him would make him wish he died a clean and painless death.”
The corners of her lips didn’t know whether to curl up into a smile or tremble from the weight of the sadness of the memory. “The other mercenaries talked about it so highly. When I got propositioned, I figured why not, it’s not like I was saving myself for someone special. I was a demon that only my father would love.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened. She could tell he wasn’t happy with what she just said, but he stayed silent and let her speak as he moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her. She snuggled into his chest and traced the lines that decorated the front of his uniform.
“I didn’t feel anything, no lust, no passion. I merely went through the motions. He didn’t care at first, his hands were everywhere, and I just wondered why they talked about it so much. I figured that I wasn’t doing something right. It did hurt, but nothing worse than I’ve gone through. He got angry with me about halfway through." Byleth swallowed and she felt Dimitri tighten his embrace around her.
"He called me a cold fish, stopped, and left me there saying that I should at least act as if I enjoyed it. When he slammed the door he said he was going to find someone else to warm his bed.”
Dimitri’s hands were shaking behind her back, his teeth grinding above her head. “Does your father know?”
Byleth nodded. “I told him. He gave me something to drink down and asked for me to refrain from that type of activity again. He asked where it happened and what the guy looked like, but I put it out of my mind after. It’s nothing like what I feel right now with you. I want this, I want you.”
“Byleth…” It was the first time this Dimitri had said her name and it sent an odd thrill through her. He seemed at odds with what to say. She felt his lips against her temple as his breath tickled her hair.
Byleth reached up and stroked his cheek. “Can you show me what it’s supposed to be like?” She had an idea of the pleasure, of the intimacy, through her encounters with the king, but something seemed warped.
Dimitri took her hand and kissed it as he closed his eyes for a moment. “I would never treat you that way. To hear that only makes my blood boil.”
When he opened his eyes, she could still see the dark anger there before he reached out to stroke her cheek. His eyes softened, but his face stayed solemn.
“Do you truly want me, or are you only out to sate your own curiosity?” There was no smug bravado in his tone. It almost sounded bitter or sad.
Dimitri moved his hand to cup her cheek and let his fingertips brush against her hair. “I do not make relationships like this casually. If you allow this to continue, I will be the only one allowed to have you. You will be expected to join my side in Fhirdiad as my queen.”
Her breath caught for a moment as his thumb rubbed over her lips. Her tongue darted out to lick the pad of his thumb and he pushed it inside of her mouth as he rested it on top of her tongue. She found herself moving her tongue along it, enjoying the texture. When she began to suck, he let out a small huff and she could feel his cock stirring to life against her hip.
“There is the possibility of a child to consider as well. It’s not an easy task to carry a Blaiddyd heir to term from what I’ve heard. I believe that, with your crest, you will have an easier time than most, but I will not let you go into this blind. That life will be much different than what you know, but I will do my best to shield you from the hardships.”
Byleth made her choice and turned back time to be with him. She would save him from the darkness and protect her father. As far as Edelgard… her loyalty was already proven in the fact they hadn’t cared enough to search for her. It was as Dimitri pointed out, she couldn’t trust her. Byleth was only a means to an end to Edelgard. To Dimitri, Byleth was everything, and she wanted the place to belong he promised her.
“I should have chosen you in the beginning. I’m no queen, but I do know that I want to do this with you.”
The satisfied hum that left his lips made her shiver. His arms tightened around her as he pulled her closer. “You don’t know of the nights that I’ve taken my cock in hand and thought of you. How I’ve wished to sink my teeth into your flesh while I spill my seed inside of you. I’ve wanted nothing more than to steal you away to Fhirdiad and have you to myself.”
She knew now of what that situation entailed, so why did her body burn, her mind yearn to make his words into reality? If the king would have asked, tried to talk to her, tried to do something else, anything else while she was asleep she could forgive him. Even now while this prince’s hands wandered under the hem of her shirt he did not go far.
Then the prince gave a heavy sigh. “You are still not feeling well. I do not wish to make your condition worse.”
Even though he wanted her he could refrain for her sake. The thought almost brought her to tears as she snuggled her face deeper into his shirt. “Give me a day or two at the very least. If you still want me, I think I have a plan in place that will allow us to be together without the risk of others noticing or interrupting us. I may have locked the door, but I know there’s a certain someone who does frequent your room through other means.”
He must be talking about Hubert and his training attempts. The goal was usually to slip inside and take something of hers without alerting Byleth of his presence. Hubert’s attempts were mostly at night where he hoped that Byleth’s sleep would give him an advantage. Unfortunately for Hubert, Sothis would sense the magic and that was enough to alert Byleth to his presence.
The thought barely crossed her mind before she heard the sound of a warp spell. Dimitri pulled away from her and turned to face Hubert. It had to be him, there were no others that even knew they had the ability to get past the usual spell warding walls.
It would also explain the glare Dimitri gave to whatever he saw out of the window. Dimitri was expecting Hubert to interrupt. Hubert had done the same the first night that he caught Dimitri in her room. Byleth wasn’t sure now if Dimitri’s hesitation to go further came for her sake or if it was because he didn’t want to be interrupted. She found her heart sinking if it was only for the latter.
The two of them had almost come to blows when they met like this last time. She didn’t have the desire to see a repeat. Byleth tried to call on Sothis to rewind time and found that she couldn’t reach the goddess. Turning back the years must have drained her more than she thought.
When Dimitri stood, he took a relaxed posture in front of her. “I see that the rumors are true. You have been entering the professor’s room uninvited.”
Even though Dimitri’s posture was relaxed his voice was still full of authority and disdain. Seeing them across from each other made Byleth realize that Dimitri was shorter than Hubert back then. If she had to take a guess, Dimitri would rival his height now if Hubert hadn’t gotten any taller.
Hubert narrowed his eyes on Dimitri before turning his gaze to Byleth. “I apologize for the intrusion, but when I heard about your condition I felt I needed to come to see you myself. We agreed that your magic practice was to be kept when we were training together. It seems that you have broken that promise or I was not astute enough to notice during our last session. Either way, it is my responsibility. Why is the crown prince here? You have no obligation to her, and she belongs to the Empire.”
Dimitri’s hands clenched slightly, the only indication that Hubert’s words bothered him at all. Byleth moved to grab his hand. “I may teach you, but I do not belong to the Empire. Dimitri caught me earlier and I invited him to stay. He’s been keeping me company. I asked him to close the curtains because the light was only bothering my headache.”
The displeasure was tangible on Hubert’s face. “Should I grab Linhardt instead for you? He would be more suitable for making sure that you are well.”
Byleth smiled as a small giggle rose in her throat. Oh, how she missed some of her Eagles. “Knowing Lin, he’d be more than likely to use it as an excuse to nap in my bed instead of keeping me company or watching over me.”
Dimitri went rigid beside her and Byleth realized that was the wrong thing to say. Lin had fallen asleep next to her on monastery grounds before. Dimitri hadn’t looked happy about it and asked her to refrain from letting it happen again. Before, she just thought it was because of some sort of noble conduct, but it seems he just didn’t like the thought of her sleeping next to someone else.
Hubert’s jaw ticked. “Regardless, you are a teacher here and you pledged your loyalty to the Black Eagles. It should be one of us watching over you. Fraternizing with the other houses will only gain the scrutiny of the church. Another piece of advice I will give, your highness, is that as a prince, being in a closed-off room with a commoner like her will only feed more rumors. If you do not wish to tarnish either of your images, then I suggest you stay away from her.”
It was gentler than when Hubert and Seteth caught them kissing in the gardens, but his words stung all the same. Byleth tried to retreat her hand away from Dimitri’s but she felt it tighten around hers. “I will consider your advice, but the Professor is not feeling well. Monica is with Edelgard. I would have thought with the mistrust placed upon that girl by you and the professor, that you would be keeping a better eye on her rather than concerning yourself with someone who is already being cared for.”
Byleth heard the grunt Hubert made before he crossed his arms and placed a finger to his lips as he thought. The glare he gave Dimitri was cold, and Byleth could see him gnash his teeth before exhaling deeply. “Professor, are you sure this is the path you wish to take? If you wish me to leave I shall, but only by your word.”
Byleth looked up at Dimitri a moment before she turned to Hubert. That wording was familiar, similar to when he questioned her loyalty to Edelgard. In the end, Hubert would always prioritize Edelgard's well-being over anyone or anything else.
“I trust him, Hubert. Dimitri is correct, I am worried for Edelgard’s well-being. I don’t trust Monica. It would put my mind at ease if she were under your watchful eye.”
Hubert nodded before he turned. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Professor.”
When Hubert warped out Byleth breathed a sigh of relief. Through the hand she still had joined with Dimitri, she could feel him shaking as the rage built up. She squeezed his hand and he looked down at where their hands were joined together. Dimitri turned then as he kneeled in front of her, kissing her hand that was still encased in his. “Pay him no mind. Let them chatter until their tongues fall out. It does not change my feelings for you.”
Byleth smiled and reached out to let her fingers run through his hair at the softness of his gesture. “Do you really want someone like me?”
The snorting chuckle against her hand surprised her as he looked up at her with a wide smile on his face. “Such a silly question. I want you in many different ways. On the night of the ball while everyone is distracted by the festivities, may I steal you away to show you the extent of that desire?”
Byleth thought for a moment. "Just not the goddess tower. I know the rumors about that place, but everyone might be trying to get inside that night because of it."
The grin he gave her reminded her too much of the smug bravado the king exuded. "Leave the details to me. The place I have planned will be much more intimate of a setting. We shall have the entire night to ourselves. Is there any type of food or drink you would prefer?"
Byleth thought for a moment. “The dance is after dinner so not really. Something from the sweets shop would be lovely, but not required. Water would be enough as far as the drink.”
“And for right now? Manuela did say that you should eat and rest. Is there anything I can provide you with?” His voice was sultry as his lips hovered over her hand.
Simple pleasures, that was something the king had said he enjoyed. “A kiss before you leave would be... nice.”
Dimitri’s eyes widened as he blinked a few times. She had caught him off guard based on that reaction. “It seems you plan to bestow many gifts upon me today.”
The kiss was every bit as claiming as the king’s had been. As she lay there panting for breath, she could see the outline of his erection in his pants. The look he gave her was one full of lust as he leaned down to kiss her one more time.
“Be careful how much affection you feed the beast. I can only stave off the temptation for so long. You don’t know how much I desire to have you wet and willing beneath me. Would you grant me one more gift?”
Byleth nodded as she swallowed, wondering what he wanted. His hand went past her waistband then as his fingers rested right above her clit. “I want to bring you pleasure and be able to watch your face as you succumb to it. Nothing is needed in return, not now at least.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Please, Dima.”
It would be a good experiment. She had fingered herself before and while she could get herself off it always took so long. The king had been able to get her off multiple times, but the prince was still learning. His breath fanned her face and he was watching her with the same fascination and adoration the king had displayed. She thought perhaps that this side of him was twisted and warped over the years, but it seemed that this was always a part of him.
His fingers slid over her folds. She could feel the moisture coat the calloused pads as he teased her slit. His other hand readjusted his cock in his pants to allow him to be more comfortable. He had said nothing was needed in return, but there was still a part of her that wanted to grip his cock in her hand and stroke him while his fingers played with her.
Desire was something she was starting to understand. There was no way of being a cold fish with him as her face flushed and her entire body felt like a flame was igniting through her veins. Based on the dark stain forming on his trousers, she could tell Dimitri wanted her too.
When he inserted a finger inside of her she arched up as she bit her lip to hold back the whine. His pace was slow and exploring at first, taking in her reactions with an attentive gaze. Tension was coiling in the pit of her stomach as he continued. Dimitri added a second finger with the first. His palm rubbed against her clit, making her writhe as it sent shockwaves through her.
"My imagination has done you no justice. You are absolutely beautiful."
His voice and praise only made her warmer as she could feel the coil tighten. She was getting close. It was almost as if he could sense it too as his movements were more pinpoint. Every stroke had him touching a spot that made her gasp as her hands twined into the sheets.
"I do not do things in half-measures. If you truly want to be at my side you will need to obey my orders. We cannot have the other suspecting anything until it is too late for them to protest. I want to see you undone by my hand; see what expressions you will make for me, and only me."
Byleth’s breath caught as she heard the same sultry tone that the king used. Even the wording seemed similar. The desires may have been twisted over the years, but the core of his thoughts and actions remained the same. She couldn’t resist the temptation any longer as she moved her hand to stroke his cock through his pants. The next thrust of his hand was forceful as he jerked at her touch.
He grabbed her wrist as a pant came from his mouth. “Byleth, I can seriously hurt you if I am not concentrating probably. I welcome the gesture, but it’s not a good idea to startle me like that.”
He let go of her wrist to lean down and nuzzle against her cheek. “Be good for me and you will be rewarded in return. I need to learn my limits and your reactions before I can move further. You are normally so patient. If not for your condition and the risk of someone interrupting us, I would already have you naked beneath me to explore you with my mouth and hands.”
She felt his fingers resume their previous pace as his other hand snaked under the hem of her top. When he started to slide the hem up her body his look was pleading.
Byleth placed her hand back on the outline of his cock again. “You may, but I get to touch you as well in return.”
The kiss he gave her was thorough and demanding as he pulled her top over her breasts. Dimitri’s moan resonated through her as her hand stroked him through the fabric. His fingers found that spot inside her again and she arched up towards him as she made a moan of her own as well. It wasn’t that hard to get him out for her to touch, his cock springing free into her hand as soon as she had the fastenings undone. He pinched her nipple as she wrapped her hand around him and it sent a surge of heat through her.
She tried to match the pacing of his fingers with her hand as she felt herself start to unravel on the bed. What surprised her was when he leaned down to nuzzle against her ear. “Look at you Professor, how desperate you are for my cock and touch, so shameless with all those beautiful moans. Do you think that the Church would still want such a depraved instructor if they found out? The Empire? No, you belong in the Kingdom with me, beloved.”
His whisper in her ear made her shudder as his fingers pinched her nipple at the same time he thrust with his other hand. Her body seized as the stimulation crashed through her like a tidal wave. She lay there panting as Dimitri gazed at her with that smug, adoring smile. Mutterings of how beautiful she was were followed by small kisses all over her face and neck as she felt the precum beading at the tip of his cock. He shuddered when she rubbed into the slit to coat her fingers so they would slide easier over his erect length.
When he retreated his hand from inside her he took a tentative lick before placing his fingers close to her own mouth. She latched her lips around them and used her tongue to clean them off, swirling it around as if she was cleaning his cock instead. Dimitri groaned as she squeezed his cock harder and slid her hand faster along him. The look in his eyes and the praise from his lips only made her bolder as he started to rock himself into her hand.
This too, was similar to some of the waking moments she had with the king. When Dimitri got more comfortable with her and his own strength, how many of those requests and tendencies would show themselves? The thought made her shiver as his other hand came to caress her cheek. She pushed out his fingers with her tongue before she turned to lick the tip of his cock. His hand preoccupied itself with her breast as she wrapped her lips around his cock. The bobs of her head stayed shallow, letting her hand continue to do most of the work for her.
It was when Dimitri rocked his hips that she heard the groan she came to associate with his pleasure. He had tried to stay still for her, much like the king had when she did this for him. The more she did with the prince the more she realized that what she was accusing the king of was unfounded. Even with the twisted nature of the situation, the king had not hurt her, and neither would the prince. It was when she looked up and locked gazes with him that she could see the reflection the most. His mouth hanging open as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The main difference was that his hands were hovering as if he was almost afraid to touch her.
Byleth retained that eye contact as she took more of him in her mouth. She relaxed like the king had told her to, breathing through her nose and keeping her tongue curled under him so it would caress along the vein as she moved. She felt too weak for the bobbing motion, but she found that she didn’t need to as he came when she was halfway through taking him.
He looked embarrassed as his panting made his chest rise and fall rapidly under the uniform. She swallowed down what he gave her as she swirled her tongue around him to clean him. He softened slightly, but he was still erect even when her lips let go of him with an audible pop. So it seemed that was something that was natural for him.
When she leaned forward to give his cock one last stroke and kissed his length, she felt his hand on top of her head in a petting motion. It was tentative at first, but after about the third stroke it seemed he was comfortable enough with it. She found herself preening under the touch. “When you are feeling better I hope you will be ready to face the consuming desire you’ve lit within me. For now, this will be more than enough.”
Byleth could only nod and nuzzle against his hand as she felt the darkness creeping back upon her as the post haze bliss started to fade. She retreated her hand as she laid herself onto the bed in a more comfortable position.
Dimitri tucked himself away as he moved her bangs to kiss her forehead. His lips lingered there a moment before he dove in for a proper kiss. “Rest, I’ll bring you something to eat and it will be waiting for you when you wake.”
She remembered humming into his kiss before the darkness took over again.
-------
When Byleth woke back up, the first thing she noticed was the plate of food on her desk with a white rose laid out beside it. She remembered being told that those roses were meant as gifts for potential lovers back on the Day of Devotion. The room smelled like mint, likely from the tea that would need to be warmed up.
Byleth swallowed and rolled her tongue on the roof of her mouth. There was a strange texture… her mind registered what had happened between her and Dimitri. She covered her mouth as panic rose at what she initiated. Yes, she turned back time to be here with him, but she hadn’t meant for them to move that far that fast. What was worse was if Dimitri had asked to continue she would have willingly and eagerly complied.
Her thighs were still tacky from her arousal. Perhaps he was right and she did have a fever, because his touch brought a warm haze to her brain that only concentrated on more pleasure. She was getting wet just thinking about his voice and his touch. He had promised her more, and she was ashamed to admit that she looked forward to it.
When she stood up this time there was no dizziness at all. She stretched as she went over to the food and lifted the lid. There were so many options and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to try first. The mint was all she could smell as she leaned in to sample a bite from the plates. She would need to reheat the tea since she wasn’t sure how long ago it had been made.
Byleth looked around as silence surrounded her. Something was wrong. Sothis hadn’t answered her request to turn back time earlier today, and the goddess was still missing. Byleth swallowed as she realized that if Solen tried to trap her into the void this time she would stay locked away. Her gaze went to the dagger hanging on her belt.
Kronya had to die, for more reasons than revenge on her father. The question was, how? She already gave Dimitri more information than she should. She sat down to nibble on the food as she thought about possible tactics. The tea kettle whistled as it got to temperature and she turned her attention to it as she examined the rose again.
Another noise made her jump as she dropped the rose, hissing as a thorn snagged her fingers. Her door burst open and a wind colder than what was normal for Garreg Mach swirled in, the wind’s whistling mingling with the tea kettle as her head throbbed from the noise.
What she didn’t notice was the frost now resting on the petals of the rose as she moved to close the door. Footsteps caught her attention as Dedue came into view and looked around. “Is everything alright, Professor?”
Byleth nodded as she retreated from him. Dedue made no move to enter her room, only bowing his head as he turned away. “His Highness told me that if you needed anything that I was available to get it for you. He was called away by his classmates for a birthday surprise. He expresses his regret and hopes that you enjoy the food.”
“Thank you Dedue, and no. That burst of wind just surprised me was all.”
Dedue tilted his head. “Wind? I did not detect anything of the sort. His Highness said you were struck down by a fever. Those herbs Manuela gave you are within the tea. Have you already drank your medicine?”
Byleth shivered as a chill ran down her spine. “I will do that now. Have a good day Dedue.”
Dedue bowed his head. “You as well, Professor.”
As soon as the door was shut Byleth wrapped her arms around herself and looked around for the robe only to find it gone. How was it suddenly this cold? She poured out her tea into a mug and wrapped her hands around it, trying to gather what warmth she could.
Byleth picked up the rose off the floor. It was cold to the touch as she placed it against her lips. There was an old superstition that dealt with demons granting dark desires. She snorted at her childishness as she sat back down to her food. There was planning to do and she was the only demon that would be fulfilling her wish.
Notes:
So have you figured it out yet >;3 Byleth is still safe and tucked away in Fhirdiad so her mind gets a workout as it plays with hidden desires and inner turmoil. Had to split this chapter up, so a little more academy delusion before more smutty fun begins with the king
Hope you enjoyed, comments and kudos are always appreciated
Twitter is Lunafox 90
My discord if you wish to join https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc
I don't own anything fire emblem, they just live in my head and this is how they pay their rent.
Chapter 10
Summary:
Byleth still thinks she's found herself in the past, but Dimitri is starting to realize how much power he can weild in this dream of hers.
Notes:
I had to split it again because of length I am sorry but there were too many juicy back and forth and emotions to explore. The fun smut should be next chapter.
Dima / Prince- academy Dimitri
Dimitri /King - tempest
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Byleth debated on how to use the free day tomorrow granted by the monastery. In the previous timeline, she took her students onto a fighting mission. She wasn't sure if battle was the right move, especially with Sothis still not responding.
Byleth was no closer to coming up with a plan when she decided a bath would do her some good. It was still hard to get the scent of pine from her nose. It wasn't unpleasant by any means, but she needed to save the distraction the prince provided for after her father was safe. Four days, that was how much time she had before her father got back from his mission. The same day he arrived was the same day he died. Jeralt had wanted to talk to her about something and Byleth was still curious to know what it was.
She noticed Dedue's watchful eye on her as she ascended the stairs to the sauna. It was different from when she caught Hubert’s stare. Hubert would put her on edge, like should be ready for a dagger to be aimed at her. She didn't get any malicious feelings from Dedue, but she could understand the complaints about his mother henning. Escaping would not have been a valid option in Fhirdiad, not with Dedue at the door.
The water felt nice but it didn't do anything to help with her nerves. The urge to vomit and the dizziness faded at least. The food tasted wonderful and she hoped there was nothing else in that tea except for the medicine. She thought briefly if she should train or go on patrol but it was best not to push herself, so she stayed in her room to gather what information she could.
When she returned to her room that night she found a box on her bed with another rose. Inside she found a new robe and a matching nightset. There was only one person who would have gotten her this, but when did he have the time? She tried it on and was pleased by the feel of the plush fabric. It was even warmer than her usual set. She couldn't help but snuggle into the collar of the robe.
She eyed the new rose before she turned her attention to the other rose he left earlier. A vase was needed for these. It still amazed her that the temperature around Garrag Mach allowed for growing things all year long.
That burst of cold air still confused her from earlier. If it wasn’t someone’s spell then where had it come from? She couldn’t have imagined it, something had burst open her door after all. A chill ran up her spine just thinking about how cold it turned in just mere moments.
Byleth sat onto the bed with the rose in her hand. She had no idea why she was still so tired. It was still so cold, even with the plush fabric covering her now. She wasn’t even sure why when she closed her eyes she saw the King in her bedroom. He was wearing the clothing that went under his armor, but her mind was racing as to how he was here. She had to be sleeping, that was the only explanation. He caressed the clothing with a curve on his lips. “It looks beautiful on you.”
She could only lay there as a blush covered her cheeks. It wasn’t unexpected, but she wasn’t sure why it sent such a warm feeling through her.
A scowl crossed his lips, darkness like storm clouds brewing in his eyes. “Tell me, have you gotten what you wanted? Is he everything you dreamed of?”
Byleth had no idea how to answer that question as his hand came to cup her cheek.
“And yet, we’re here because you tried to leave me behind again.” Byleth wasn’t sure where the change came from as his hands went from a gentle caress to his hand at her throat.
“You enjoyed being filled, loved taking my cock, and I saw how you lit up at being seen as the beautiful goddess that you are. I felt every shiver, heard the soft moans when I caressed you...and then you left.” His voice was a steady growl, but she saw the pain in his features. He was hiding it with anger, but it wouldn’t be long until that mask broke too.
“You didn’t ask…”
“And how could I have?” His roar thundered above her. “Even if you had been awake I would have convinced you with whatever means I had available to me. It was better to ask forgiveness than permission in your case, to take what I knew was already mine.”
“Then why didn’t you…”
The pressure at her throat from his hand cut off her breath. “Wait? How many times are we going to go in circles? I was expecting an enemy, someone who would be fighting tooth and nail against me that I would have to break. Forgive me for indulging in my fantasies that I had a lover in my bed and not someone who would try to rip my throat out the moment I loosened my hold.”
Byleth lay frozen as she blinked up at him. Her mind finally acknowledged the reason he did what he did. She had made herself an enemy in his eyes. Even now, how could he trust her when all she did was run away from who he was? His hand came off her throat and she sputtered as she tried to get her airflow back.
The expression on his face softened before he hid it from her to speak directly in her ear. “I will offer you some advice. Do you remember when I said that if you got on your knees to beg forgiveness you might stave off my wrath? Swallow your pride and give yourself to me. Learn to follow my commands and you will be rewarded.”
A kiss to her temple had her closing her eyes. When she opened her eyes again the King was gone and she jerked up in the bed. Her clothes looked as if they hadn’t been touched. Her lips trembled as the weight of her actions sunk in. A knock at the door caught her attention. She stumbled up out of the bed to open the door. She shouldn’t be surprised at the sight of the Prince at her door with a tray with plates of food. Why did he have to show up now when her mind was in such a tangle?
His eyes widened as he looked her up and down. “It suits you better than I thought it would. We didn’t see you at the dining hall today so I brought you more food in case you were hungry. Are you feeling any better?”
Byleth nodded as she leaned against the door. Her throat didn’t even feel bruised, did she really imagine or dream it all? “Yes, although I do remember a certain someone implying he would be subtle. This certainly isn’t.”
Dima chuckled at that as he gestured towards the inside. It couldn’t hurt, and it’s not like she had any other plans tonight. Even if she could sneak to Monica’s dorm, Byleth had no idea where the mage that stopped her was and how close an eye he had on Monica. If Byleth failed to end it in one strike she would be tossed out, if not punished by the church first.
Byleth moved to close the door behind him, but not before a shiver went down her spine. She looked around for the ominous aura as Dima moved and placed the plates on her desk. She was still shaken by her dream and could use the comfort.
The moment the plates were out of his hands he turned towards her and she felt his arms wrap around her waist. “Is it so wrong to want to be near you and worry for your well being?” She felt him press his forehead against her head as he breathed a contented sigh. Her back was flush against his chest. “I am pleased to hear that you are feeling better.”
Byleth could only nod before she shut the door, still unsure of what that feeling was. The air had gotten colder again, but Dima’s warmth behind her chased the chill away. The moment the door was closed she twisted to run her hands against his cheeks. His response was to pull her into a kiss, one that was slow and exploratory. It made her cling to him. A hum left her lips as his fingers dipped underneath the nightset to rove over her skin on her back.
He broke the kiss as he put his forehead against hers and the smile on his face had her shivering for different reasons. “Why don’t I let you eat? It wouldn’t do for it to get cold.”
He kept his hand on the small of her back as he led her over to her desk. The food there didn’t look like the normal dining hall fare. The cake slice alone looked like a professional had made it. “Where did this come from?”
“It’s the leftovers from the birthday celebration the class decided to give me. Mercedes made the cake and Ashe and Dedue were the ones who made the rest. Annette helped with the cooking, while Felix, Ingrid and Sylvain decorated up the classroom. While I appreciate the effort, they didn’t need to go through so much trouble for me. When I heard you hadn’t eaten, I didn’t want their effort to go wasted so I brought it here, knowing that you would appreciate it at the very least.”
The gesture made her smile as she sat down and dug in. Every time that Ashe or Dedue were the ones on kitchen duty she always took her students to the dining hall that day to feast on multiple courses.
Everything she tasted was delicious, just as she expected from them. It might be because it was cooked in a small batch and careful attention paid to it, but it exceeded what she tried from them before. She couldn’t help but gobble it down before she remembered Dima’s presence beside her. She looked up sheepishly and he chuckled.
“Do not stop enjoying it on my account. I love those little smiles and sounds you make. I like seeing you happy, so enjoy to your heart’s content. There is still a bit more left in the classroom and I’m sure that Ashe or Dedue would be pleased as well if you’d like more. It is the greatest compliment you can give a chef after all.”
Byleth could feel the flush settling over her face. Then she realized that Dima was still standing and she didn’t have any other chairs. She scrambled up and apologized, almost banging her knee in the process.
Dima caught her before she could. “I’m not sure what I did to make you so nervous, but I apologize.”
If her face wasn’t red already it certainly was now with his hand on her thigh. “It’s not that, I just… I’m not… I shouldn’t be making you stand and fetch things for me either.”
The dark chuckle from him made her shiver as his lips pressed against her neck. “If you’d like me to sit with you, you only needed to ask.”
In one fluid movement Dima had sat and pulled her into his lap. Byleth went still at the familiar position, the King had done this when the food had been brought to them as well. They had been on the bed with his legs on either side of her as she was pulled back against his chest, but it was similar enough to make her remember those kisses and caresses the King left on her skin. As if to remind her further the Prince began to leave those same kisses on the nape of her neck.
She couldn’t help but shiver as he pulled her hair away from her shoulder. “Are you comfortable?”
She could only breathe out a yes when his lips touched her neck again in small, adoring kisses. His hands stayed wrapped around her waist, but unlike the King’s they didn’t roam. He didn’t seem to be in any hurry to go any further. She needed to stay calm. What surprised her the most was how much she wanted him to touch her.
His hands moved only to grab the fork for the cake and brought it to her lips. “You still have yet to try this.”
Byleth opened her mouth to let him feed it to her, noting how his head was resting on her shoulder to watch her. It was still a little jarring to see the familiar motions and tendencies, all that he would need to do to mirror the King would be caressing his hand down her side.
The taste of the cake was sweet and delectable. It almost melted in her mouth with the soft and fluffy texture. She couldn’t help but hum at the taste as she licked her lips. Dima chuckled before reaching for more. She let him feed her without complaint, unaware of how his gaze was lingering on her lips. “Mercedes would be happy to make more for you. She likes any excuse to make her sweets.”
Then she felt it, the caress on her side that was featherlight until he put his palm down against her to slide his entire hand along her. A heavy sigh left his lips before he turned his gaze towards the mostly empty plates. "I’m distracting you.”
Dima still leaned against her with his arms around her waist but he seemed distant. Byleth licked her lips before she decided to speak. "Is something wrong?"
There was a light huff against her ear. Dima was silent otherwise, but she felt his grip tighten. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with," he finally said.
Byleth put the fork down and leaned back against him. "You know you can talk to me."
That did get a full laugh rumbling from his chest. "Tell me then, how long have you suspected Monica? Why do you think you cannot trust Edelgard even after all those times you fought side by side? Part of me thinks that this is only a ploy to get closer to me, to get kingdom secrets for her. Then there are the things you confessed to me earlier about your feelings when we aren't a couple or that close with one another. You were so eager to have me when you accepted my request. How far will you go just to fulfill your orders?"
His hand had come up to wrap around her throat. The pressure was light, only caging her but not pressing in. The rumble of his voice in her ear was low, a deadly purr that made her shiver. Memories of her dream threatened to paralyze her.
Tears pricked at her eyes that wanted to flow free. More baseless accusations, why should she expect anything different? "Why should it matter? It sounds like you won't believe me either way."
"I know you've seen the beast within, and yet you still seem to hold no fear of me. You know what I am capable of, and yet here you are. I could end your life here with a single squeeze and yet…
He kissed her neck as he tightened his hand, laving at the spot with his tongue and teeth. "That shiver is not from fear."
"She has nothing to do with my choice. If you think this is a ploy, then I am sorry that you have to live your life thinking that everyone is an enemy of some sort. As for the other, yes, I desire you. I thought I made that clear enough already. I have no other motive behind the gesture."
"Why should I believe you? You still have yet to answer my questions, either."
"I don't want to fight, Dima. You wouldn’t understand even if I told you. I don't even understand it all myself."
His snort of disbelief betrayed the movement of him letting her throat go. She found that she missed the pressure, and had been aroused by it. Just being in his lap like this brought heat coiling through her. “I am not your enemy Dima, don’t make me into one in your mind. The placement of Monica is too convenient, the reports on her personality do not fit. With what happened in Remire, it’s not hard to assume that Monica was planted there for us to find.”
“And Edelgard, why have you suddenly turned on her to come to accept me?”
That made Byleth growl and twist so she was straddling his lap instead. “Is that what this is? Do you think my loyalty means so little? She…" she is the one that didn’t search for me, the words wouldn't leave Byleth’s lips.
His eyes searched her face as his fingers caressed her skin. "She what? What have they done to you, what do you know that you're hiding? Why are you still protecting them if you've chosen me?"
Her hands shook as she twisted them into his uniform. "It's not that easy Dima. There are things I still need to learn before I share it with anyone. It's better if you didn't know. My suspicions of Monica are already too much of a slip."
The stony look on his face was enough to make her stomach drop. "And why do you get to make that decision for me? If I do not have your trust then there is no hope for us. You said you would follow my orders, but you cannot do that when someone else is holding your leash."
You are the one that holds my heart prisoner , the King's voice whispered through her head. Dimitri had already taken a risk by agreeing to be with her. It would make sense for fear to seep through once he had a chance to think about it. Hubert saw them in the bed together, even if it was only to comfort her, that rumor alone could ruin him. He had much more to lose than she did.
Her mind went to the anger he showed that day she came back after the holy tomb and tried to talk to him. He hadn't listened, worse he attacked her. She knew that his rage was one thing she could count on when it came to Edelgard. What would happen if she told him? He blamed Edelgard for so much, and she knew that he would make the choice to save all the lives her war took. So why didn’t she feel the same? All it would take to stop this war would be to take one life...
The shaking came unbidden and the next thing she knew Dima’s arms were wrapped around her. She nuzzled into his embrace. "I want to tell you, I do, but…"
"What's stopping you? If she has done something horrible, then she should face the consequences. Why are you protecting her?"
"I never wanted to be a teacher, but it was thrown upon me. No one asked what I wanted, they just assumed what's best for me. I imagine it’s the same for her. She never asked for this. I know her resolve once she makes a decision, and she has her reasons. I need to speak with her. It’s not my secret to give." Byleth was babbling, she knew that but she couldn’t stop as it fell out of her mouth.
Memories of when they created the Black Eagle Strike Force were creeping in her mind. Edelgard promised answers once they took Garreg Mach. Maybe Byleth could get them now. It was at least worth a try and she wouldn't be able to get them with Dima around. "I'll handle it."
She could feel his grip tighten around her as his muscles strained. "Do you really expect me to see such a pained expression on your face and do nothing about it?" His voice was low and dangerous, the anger edging along the surface.
When Byleth didn't answer him she saw his jaw clench like he was gnashing his teeth. "It seems you’ve made your decision. Keep your secrets. If you'd like more food you can get it yourself in the Blue Lion's classroom."
At first all Byleth could do is gape at him as he turned his head away. Hubert’s words about trust and sentimentality burned through her head as she found that the dagger dug deepest when she did care. Was it even worth it? "Why do I even bother when all I do is eventually screw things up? You are the one who I agreed to follow the orders of. No one else holds my leash, as you put it. She is my responsibility not yours. It's none of your concern."
If his eyes were stormy before they burned with rage now as his head snapped back to her. Byleth glared right back. His arms hadn't loosened. It would be hard to go grab something on her own with his arms around her like this. It wouldn't be too hard to break free, if she wanted to.
Dimitri closed his eyes and let out a calming breath. She could hear the aggravated growl behind it. "I am trying to hold back my temper. You are correct in that you agreed to my terms. It means that you need to trust me to take care of you, without trust we cannot move forward."
He leaned his head against her breast as she felt his arms tighten around her. “You are my concern now. My responsibility includes keeping you out of harm’s way. If she or this secret of yours is putting you at risk I can’t stand on the sidelines. I’ve lost enough people already and I will not add you to that list.”
Byleth bit her lip. She wasn’t sure what to say to that. Her anger deflated as quickly as it rose. She found herself running her fingers through his hair. “I won’t be able to follow that go get food yourself with you holding me like this.”
His chuckle tickled against her skin. “I don’t have the strength to let you go. I quite like the feeling of having you in my arms.”
Byleth coughed out a laugh at the absurdity of him not having enough strength. He looked up at her then as his hand trailed to cradle her head as he pulled it back to leave kisses along her neck. “Physically yes, I could let you go, but I don’t want to, nor do I have to. I also haven’t felt you struggle at all, so it seems that you are quite comfortable as well.”
The kiss that came after made her hum as he pulled her closer. The thought that he was getting quite good at this flitted across her mind as their tongues twisted around one another. When they broke for air she caressed his cheek. “I have a question, it’s about the obedience part of the terms.”
“Alright,” his voice didn’t betray any emotion behind it.
“Where is the line between you and my own person? Words can be just a binding as chains. What does it even mean to be queen other than the royal babymaker?”
Confusion was written all over his face with his rapid blinking and how his eyebrows scrunched together. “I’m not sure where you got these notions, but they are completely askew to the truth. For one, the queen is the heart of her kingdom, and it is the king’s responsibility to make sure that she is happy and protected. Carrying the heir is a big part of her role, but it is not all that she is. First and foremost, she is the king’s pillar from the constant stress that comes from day to day tasks, like the neverending amount of paperwork. That feeling you give me when you run your fingers through my hair, just being able to hold you like this, your kiss...”
His fingers ran through her hair as he watched her. She had to admit it did feel nice. The kisses she could understand as well. The King had added pleasure to the mix, but now that she thought about it, he seemed more interested in getting her off then himself. It was as if he took pride and pleasure from being able to do that. Maybe if she had a chance to talk to the King everything would have been alright.
She could feel Dima getting hard underneath her and she had to admit that the thought was arousing within itself. The child was secondary. The act of bonding with your partner, letting the world fall away as the pleasure surged, that was the appeal that the King must have clung to for his obsession with her.
“As for the orders…” Byleth squeaked as he stood up and took her with him. It was like she didn’t weigh anything as he carried her over to the bed. He laid her down and the next thing she knew was his mouth was at her neck as he crouched over her.
“They are to keep you safe from me, and to enhance your pleasure.”
Byleth couldn’t help but moan as his teeth teased her skin. "What do you mean?"
His fingers came to caress her cheek, featherlight and barely touching. "I don't think you understand how much I need to restrain myself. Even what we were doing earlier, do you remember how I jerked when you surprised me? That is usually when I end up breaking something, and I do not wish to hurt you."
"Which is why you couldn’t have me struggling, or doing much while you're trying to learn."
Dima tilted his head at that. "You would be correct, for our first time I will be requesting that you lie as still as you can until I deem it safe enough to continue. I will tie you up if you prove to be too unruly, but I would hope that nothing I do would result in a struggle."
Byleth almost cursed at her slip. She hadn't even struggled much when she woke up to the sensation to the King inside of her. It left her more confused than anything. When she realized it was Dimitri there was a part of her heart that broke, but there was the relief that followed after that it was someone that she knew and cared for.
It was the shock of five years gone that scared her more than his actions. Replaying it in her head she could see the gleam in his eyes when he realized that she was close to climaxing. He had been wrapped up in finally being able to see her reactions, hear her voice, too caught up in the fantasy made real to know the mistake he made. Even if he had pulled away, would it have mattered?
“Now what has you making that expression? Do I need to let you up?”
Byleth shook her head, if anything she wanted to feel his weight on top of her or against her. He was kneeling over her now. “You may want to remove the armor.”
That sheepish grin was back before it slipped into a more confident smirk. “Does that mean that I am allowed to stay the night?”
Byleth worried her lip with her teeth before she pulled him down to kiss him. It didn’t take much to sweep his knees out from under him so his weight was settled over her. It felt good until a piece of his armor snagged a part of her barred skin. She hissed and he retreated immediately.
The cut wasn’t that deep, but her leg was bleeding. “Top middle drawer. There should be a cloth there. Grab it for me.”
He didn’t hesitate to follow her orders. For once, she was happy for Ferdinand’s insistence to keep a few of those handkerchiefs around. Dima was gentle with the pressure as he wiped it away, What surprised her more was the faith magic he used to close it shut.
Dima caught her confused look. “It was your insistence that everyone know at least a basic heal spell to be able to help their comrades in a time of need. It was one of your first seminars. I also like hearing you sing, so it was a good excuse to learn.”
Byleth couldn’t help but smile at his blush. It seemed that the tension from earlier had been forgotten. She knew that she would need to tell him eventually about Edelgard being the Flame Emperor, but Byleth hoped that Dima would at least give her a chance to talk to Edelgard before he brought up the argument again. She did have a better understanding now of his mind and why he had fixated on her.
You misunderstand my intentions if that is what you believe . The King was right. She had made her own assumptions. He didn’t want a prisoner, he just wanted her to love him.
Dima was already taking off his armor and placing it onto the floor next to the bed. He took off the outer layer of his uniform, leaving only the undershirt and smallclothes beneath. Just from this, she could tell that the King had more scars. The five years of fighting took its toll. When Dima kissed her leg where his armor had hurt her he lingered there, nuzzling against her leg. Then he stretched himself beside her to hold her. The feeling was familiar, as the King had held her like this too.
Dima nuzzled into her and the content sigh near her ear also reminded her of the King’s actions. “I could hold you forever if you’d allow it.”
There was something intoxicating about knowing that they only wanted her. She wiggled until she was facing him, moving one of her arms so it rested underneath his head as the other slipped under his arm to curl around him.
The wonder in his eyes before he moved to be flush against her was also familiar. “Do you have any more questions for me?”
Byleth nodded, there were several that had been buzzing within her head, she only needed to figure out how to word them.
------------
Byleth fell asleep after he tried to answer most of her questions. Dima didn’t understand where some of them came from, but he could tell by the quiet growl that his new ghost would. He still had no idea why a fragment of his future self would be here and become attached to him, nor did he know how it came to be. Right after he left Byleth in her room the first time to fetch her some food, Dima was ambushed. He didn’t know who it was, only the bitter cold grasp that was held against his throat with enough force to smash him against the wall.
And that feat took strength far beyond the ordinary. Dima recognized his father’s armor immediately. At first he thought that Lambert had found a way to manifest, to do more than scream inside his head. The moment that the phantom touched him, he was taken over by memories that weren’t his. Even with green hair and eyes Dima was able to recognize Byleth immediately, and what he saw only made his blood boil.
They fought and slung insults, and it surprised him that no one had come to see what all the commotion was. The older one snarled out the protective laws for the heir bearer when Dima pinned him down. The woman who was carrying a royal heir was given immunity for all transgressions. If the baby bore the royal crest then she was completely untouchable. To harm her would be a death sentence within itself.
Why would Byleth require that high a protection? Furthermore, it almost made him sick to know that this was no phantom, it was a view into his future. While he was preoccupied the older one turned it around so Dima was pinned under him instead.
Dima had to do something quickly, because if that fist connected with his face he wouldn’t live to see his future. “If she came back, she did so for a reason. You need me. Don’t you wish to find out what you did wrong and make it right?”
That had made the older one lower his fist. His eyes were still blazing with hatred and contempt, but he nodded. “Fine. I shall be your shadow, but be warned, Byleth is hiding information from you. If you are not careful you will lose her to the Empire.”
The stir of cold air behind Dima made him feel a bit homesick. He missed his homeland and the cold he grew up with. Byleth shivered in his arms and Dima grabbed the blankets to bundle her up further. Her admittance to wanting him to stay and be there when she woke up still made him smile fondly. She had grabbed his hand and intertwined them at some point during their talk and he had to admit he liked the feeling.
“I should have killed you and took your place. She will end up leaving you, too. Your leniency will only allow our enemies to slip from our grasp.”
Dima snorted at the King’s words. “It seems the cold air you exude is more than just a parlor trick. You will only freeze her until the bite cannot be undone. I do not see why I should heed your advice any more than I have. You obviously don’t know anything about Byleth.”
“And I suppose you do? Just because she is comfortable now does not mean you’ve won her over.”
Dima growled as he hugged her tighter. “You have forgotten what she likes and appreciates. She needs more than just a physical bond.”
“You are being naive, which is how you lost her to Edelgard in the first place. You will lose her again if you are not careful.”
Dima huffed indignantly. “I will lose her?”
The King reached out to touch her. “Byleth will be, if she continues down this path, wanted dead by everyone she’s come across because she sided with the enemy. How will you protect her then?”
Dima smacked his hand away. “Your solution was to take the decision out of her hands and bind her to you. How does that solve anything? She is not an enemy.”
“Think of five years without her touch, without her voice and tell me you wouldn’t do the same. It is the only way I have to protect her and what I thought was the only way to keep her.”
Dima took a settling breath. “I am guilty of wanting to make sure that no harm comes to her. I am guilty of the desire of wanting to hear her scream and moan my name until she’s hoarse, to bring her to the pinnacle of pleasure until she can take no more. I want to watch her stomach swell with our child. There is one difference between you and I. I want a mutual bond with her, not this twisted thing you’ve created. Your search for an enemy has led to cracks that cannot be healed over. Your poison will only harm her more.”
The King’s laughter filled the room. The fact that Byleth did not wake only made Dima think that it was all inside his head. “And what of your poison, the urge to kill that continues to haunt us? I did not hide what I became from her. What happens when your mask falls away and she sees a glimpse of the beast beneath? How welcoming will she be then?”
“I know you’re wrong, because she is here by my side, not yours. I don’t know what will happen on the night of the ball, but I will give her a chance to choose me.”
The King’s eyes were like a storm, the air grew frigid as frost covered the surfaces in the room. Byleth shook beside him. “Then I will be watching and waiting for the moment you realize how foolish you’ve been. If I hadn’t warned you beforehand, you would be blissfully unaware of the storm brewing at your door, powerless to stop it until the damage is done, just as useless as you always are.”
“Perhaps, but it's you that she ran from. If she can still love us, despite what you’ve done, then she deserves more than what you’ve given her. If you are going to be watching, then I will just have to show you what she needs.”
What Dima expected was for the entire room to frost over, or a snowstorm inside to start with the furious look in the King’s eyes. Instead, the room went deadly silent, the King disappearing in a shimmer of frost.
Byleth opened her eyes and grunted. “Cold…”
Dima took her hands in his and rubbed them as he held her as close as he could. She snuggled further under the blankets and laid herself flush against him to try to snatch some of his body heat. When she finally settled down again, Dima nuzzled into her and kept her held close. “Don’t worry, beloved. I will keep you warm.”
---------------------
Dimitri woke up with a growl as he smacked away the hand on his shoulder. The hand retreated before he could make contact.
“Your Majesty, I apologize for the intrusion, but that did not seem like a normal sleep. I was worried so I was only trying to check your vitals.” Dedue’s voice almost succeeded in cutting through the haze in his mind.
Damn his younger self. Of course he would know the way to get under his own skin. Byleth was still sleeping soundly in his arms. He was here in Fhirdiad, but the dream had seemed so real. When he found the Prince, the smile on his face was enough to tell him that something had happened between him and Byleth. There was a jump in his step that betrayed his mood.
The moment his hand touched the Prince for an attack he saw what Byleth did with him. She was so eager, despite the condition she was in. All the rage boiled to the surface, and Byleth’s love for that part of him sent him attacking his younger self. Somehow the Prince was able to see into his memories as well based on the words and accusations that were exchanged.
He should have ended this farce when he had the chance. Why he relented to see how things would play out instead, he still didn’t know. Morbid curiosity perhaps? The questions Byleth asked only proved that she didn’t understand her role in the slightest. The last words the Prince spoke to him also echoed in his head.
“Dedue, I need the strongest sleeping draft you have. No one is to disturb us until we are both awake. Do you understand?”
Dedue nodded. “Right away, but may I inquire as to what your plan is for contingency sake?”
“I was inside her dream somehow. She thinks she’s gone into the past. I need to coax her back into the present.”
Dedue nodded. “Easier said than done.”
Dimitri nodded as Dedue left to grab the sleeping draft. Indeed it was easier said than done. He could force Byleth to wake, surely the mages or the healers might have some inkling as to how it could be done, but if he did that she would only try to escape into her mind again.
What he needed was to figure out a way to get her to want to return on her own, but first he needed to make his way back inside her mind. All it had taken was them sleeping side by side. Perhaps Rhea had done something, but he could only hope that he could get back. He would contemplate how it happened later.
It seemed like hours but when Dimitri found himself back inside her dreams it was already the night of the ball. He gathered from the Prince’s memories that Byleth stayed on campus and did a seminar. That alone changed from their past. She had taken her class on training missions for the weekend. The Prince hadn’t even noticed his presence, and Dimitri stayed silent so as to not gain his attention while he gathered more memories of himself in this dream world.
It made him wonder if somehow the Prince was a fragment of himself, that when Dimitri reached for Byleth in the middle of the spell it bound a piece of himself to her.
Hubert had tried to coax her away from Dimitri and warn her similarly as to how he had before, but Byleth would not listen. That seemed to be the only warning that Hubert tried to give her and he left the moment the Prince walked through the door. When the rest of the class was out of the room, the Prince rewarded her show of loyalty by bending her over the desk and fingering her until she came.
It was a fantasy Dimitri wished he could have played out himself. He wouldn't have stopped with his fingers, he would have stretched her open on his cock and told her the lewd scenarios to remember for the next time she was standing in front of her class. He would want her flushed and embarrassed as her desire pooled between her thighs, and she would wish that he was there to offer her relief.
The Prince was waiting on Byleth to arrive as the others chatted away about how excited they were about the dance. They had no idea of how everything was going to change tomorrow. Mercedes and Dorothea were working together to spruce Byleth up, as they called it. Byleth had worn her usual attire the last time, so the King had to admit that he was curious about the changes for her dream.
The Prince was bouncing on his heels, trying to stay calm as he thought about the gift he purchased Byleth. If what was underneath the dress matched what the girls chose for the outerwear, they were truly in for a treat. There was no doubt in his mind that Byleth would wear it as he requested.
Byleth and the Prince hadn’t done anything more than some heavy petting and laying in bed together. Dimitri was still a little jealous towards the Prince. He thought about his words when he was trying to go back to sleep, and perhaps the Prince was right. His main reasoning for taking her before she woke was he was expecting an enemy in his bed. He wanted to enjoy her while he could, too lost in the thought that she was finally his.
When she woke and took the aphrodisiac on her own accord he only saw more of his fantasies coming to life. He should have been more patient. The difference was night and day between how she acted with the drugs and when she was wrapped in her delusion that he was her prince. Byleth did have passion and desire, and her touch had been wonderful when she was the one taking control. If he could coax her to act like that with him, then that would be when he had her snared.
Byleth may not be an enemy, but she had yet to fully accept her role at his side. Once that happened, it would be a mutual bond as the Prince called it. It would not be as innocent as the Prince would prefer, but that suited the King just fine. He could do the sweet actions and the honeyed words, but in the end she was his wife, and what he wanted to be doing to her was anything but innocent.
Especially with her dressed like that. When Byleth sauntered in, his mouth went dry for a moment. He knew about the stockings and garter belt hidden underneath the dress, the lace cupping her breasts that peeked ever so slightly from the hem. The dress was solid black with silver accents. It went down past her knees and had a large slit up the side. Her boots had been cleaned to a shimmer. The girls had put up her hair by braiding the sides and pulling it into the back to cage the rest of her hair. All of the unruliness had been brushed out.
"You look mesmerizing." The King couldn't agree more with the Prince's words.
Byleth had no idea what that slow walk did to them. “I’m sorry that I’m late. The class asked to meet beforehand.”
The Prince didn’t even ask her for more information. He only offered his hand and Byleth took it. The King snorted at his inaction, but perhaps it was what was best to not ruin the mood. Patience, it was something he needed to implement more often. Finding the right moment to pounce, rather than snarl the moment things didn’t go his way. He had to be calm and patient in order to catch the rats in the act, so it shouldn’t be that hard to put on that mask to get the results he wanted out of Byleth. After all, fear was not the outcome he wanted from her.
When the Prince pulled Byleth out onto the dancefloor her hesitation was written all over her face. She had been like this when Claude brought her out. The dance the two of them did was untraditional, and the small smile she gave made him extremely jealous of the other lord. Dimitri stood at attention as he remembered the other dance she had. Felix, despite his ‘this was a waste of time’ repetition, had come and sought out Byleth for a dance before he left immediately after.
Felix wasn't there now. Claude and most of the class were eyeing the Prince and Byleth as they made their way to the center hand in hand. Edelgard was already dancing with someone else. Dimitri hadn't realized how close they had been that night.
The last time Dimitri hadn’t had a chance to dance with Byleth. He had hoped to catch her out in the courtyard when Byleth slipped away. When she met with Hubert in the Goddess Tower he remembered his fist clenching to a point of pain. He couldn’t tell what the expression on Byleth’s face was that night when she left the tower.
He followed her until it brought them crossing paths with Rhea. The look of longing and confusion at the song caught him off guard. She walked right past him without realizing that he was there. It was unlike her and he had made sure she made it to her room safely, but did nothing more.
"I have no idea what I'm doing." Byleth’s whispered admittance to the Prince caught Dimiti’s attention and brought him from his thoughts about the past back to the two of them.
"I won't let you falter. Just follow my lead, it's simpler than you think."
The trust in her eyes as she took position made Dimitri grimace. That adoration should be his. Byleth swallowed but they took up their positions as the prince put his hand on her waist and she followed suit and laid her hand on his shoulder.
It would probably look comical for them to do this now. Byleth was already shorter than him at this stage, but now… he noticed how he had to lift her up or bend down to kiss her. He didn't mind doing either one, but he had to admit the way they used to fit together could affect her feelings now. That was something he would be unable to change.
Edelgard was trying not to stare at the two of them together and failing miserably. Byleth was getting increasingly uncomfortable with the attention placed upon her.
"Pay them no mind, they're only jealous. You look beautiful. It's natural for them to stare. Just focus on me and the music. Let the rest fall away."
If it were the King dancing with her now he’d pull her closer. Let the rest of them see as she put her cheek against his chest and tucked herself into his hold, their dance becoming more a sway of bodies. The more he thought about it the more he thought that, once they were both awake and in Fhirdiad, he would want to replicate this with her. The music went to the next set and they bowed and parted like they were supposed to. The Prince could not claim more of her time without it being obvious to the others. Claude was there to swoop in shortly after another girl asked to dance with the Prince.
They both danced with multiple partners that night, but it seemed that it was only pleasantries and duty exchanged. Ferdinand was trying to teach her further and she did her best to follow his lead, but she ended up tripping over his feet. Hubert had given her a scowl and said something about not wanting to participate in such frivolity. The hurt on Byleth’s face was clear until Claude swept her away back onto the dance floor. It was when Felix entered the room that Dimitri took notice. Something had passed between them when they danced in the past. He had always been curious as to what it was.
Dimitri had his chance now. No one even knew he was here. It seemed that as long as he didn’t want to be seen it would remain that way. He knew that Felix had found a tutor for the White Heron Cup, but Dimitri hadn’t expected Byleth and Dorothea to be the ones who taught Felix.
“Those moves you showed me improved my footwork when using my sword, for that I am grateful. I can’t help but notice you’ve been spending more time with the boar these past few days. You didn’t even come to our sparring session yesterday morning. If there was one thing I thought I could count on it was you.”
Byleth seemed confused, tilting her head as her brows furrowed slightly. The conversation must be going differently than what she remembered. Felix huffed and looked away from her, his movements were stiffer than Dimitri remembered as well. “What do you plan to do when the school year is over? You’re a warrior, I doubt the thought of being stuck in one place like this has settled well with you.”
“Wanting to join my mercenary band, Felix?” Byleth’s tone was light and teasing, something Dimitri hadn’t heard before.
Felix’s face turned crimson. “Am I really that obvious?”
There was a glimmer in Byleth’s eyes as she smiled that made Dimitri want to grab Felix by the scruff and drag the two of them apart. “Actually, I’ve been doing some thinking lately, and I think instead of following in my father’s footsteps, I will be heading to the Kingdom when the school year is over. If you are going to promise your blade to me, why don’t you do it closer to home?”
Felix sputtered, and rightfully so. Why would Byleth choose that wording? “I haven’t even said it yet, how did you guess…. Nevermind, I take it the boar is your reason for this change of heart? What did he promise you?”
Byleth pouted, “I really wish you would stop calling him that.”
Dimitri was still focusing on the previous wording. He had gotten used to Felix calling him boar and beast for a while now. Dimitri had stopped hiding a while ago, using his strength to slaughter any that entered his territory uninvited, becoming the bloodthirsty beast Felix claimed him to be. To promise one’s blade was either an oath of servitude or a proposal to protect the one you loved. Dimitri knew that Byleth was close to Felix, but he never knew that the swordsman had gone that far.
“I wish you had better judgement.” Felix backed away from her, his words hissing through clenched teeth.
He left her standing there dumbfounded for a moment as he moved out of the hall. Byleth took off after him and called Felix’s name. When they were back outside he turned on her with a snarl. “Why him?”
Byleth let go of her skirts and smoothed it out. Felix was staring at the stockings and garter belt underneath. “I don’t owe you that answer, and even if I did, I doubt you’d understand.”
“If you already guessed that I was going to make that oath, then why… doesn’t seem to matter now.”
Byleth tilted her head. “I don’t understand. Does it have a deeper meaning then just wanting to travel with me and fight?”
Felix blinked at her. “To promise one’s blade to someone else, to protect them no matter the cost…”
“Is usually included as a Faerghus engagement proposal or knighthood.” The Prince’s voice came from behind them, tight and commanding.
Felix narrowed his eyes on the Prince as he came up behind Byleth. Byleth was lost in thought as she glanced at Dima. It wouldn’t have happened on this timeline yet, but she must be thinking of his promise after Jeralt was murdered. Dimitri had promised her to be by her side until the bitter end. While he didn’t elaborate to her the significance behind it, he knew that he wouldn’t want to be giving the oath to anyone else. His lance was hers to get her the vengeance she needed.
Dimitri had repeated those words in bed to her as well, so they probably stood out to her. He was there for whatever she needed, and it wasn’t reserved for the battlefield. Byleth made a motion with her hands and the confusion on her face went unnoticed by the two teens as they glared each other down. Her hands started to shake and she tucked them away behind her back. Byleth swallowed thickly. It seems that she couldn’t turn back time in this dream world either.
“I’m sorry Felix. I didn’t know. You are an excellent sparring partner, but I don’t feel for you in that way. I apologize if I indicated otherwise.”
Felix grit his teeth before turning away. The tsking sound he made was the only response Felix gave before he left.
Dima put his hand around Byleth’s waist. She was still lost in thought. “So when someone makes an oath to be with them until the bitter end, would that be similar if they were promising to fight for them as well?”
Dima’s attention was brought back to her. “Who gave you that oath?”
The anger was on the edge of his voice, jealousy bleeding through the words. Dimitri grinned, she was thinking about his oath. It hadn’t happened on this timeline yet. Byleth turned to him and pressed herself against him. “Please just answer the question. I want to hear it from you. If you said those words to me, what would they mean?”
Dima’s brows knitted in confusion. Dimitri could tell by the way the scowl was starting to rise on his face that the jealousy was taking over. He needed to act quickly. The prince had been right, Dimitri did need him if he was going to convince Byleth that she belonged with him.
The moment Dimitri reached out and touched the prince’s shoulder he could feel Dima tense beneath the touch. “We were the ones that made the oath to her. She was broken by bastards that took her father from her. I promised to give her the vengeance she needed and stay by her side. Tell her exactly what that means, what our word means when given to her.”
Dima’s eyes widened at the news, but he understood as he coiled his arm around her waist and caressed her cheek. “If I gave you that oath it would mean that I am yours to wield as you see fit. It means that I intend to use my strength to protect you and keep you safe. Your enemies would be mine, and their death’s guaranteed under our combined force. I would fight for you, no matter the cost to myself, just to be at your side.”
Byleth’s eyes widened. Then she closed her eyes as the regret took hold. Her fingers dug into the fabric at his chest. She leaned into his hand as her lip trembled.
Dimitri leaned in to whisper into the prince’s ear again. “Give her a moment. She’s realizing the mistake she made. Now would be a good opportunity to go wherever you wanted tonight. I’ll make sure no one follows her.”
The prince took her into an embrace. “My horse is already saddled and ready at the stables. Meet me outside the monastery. There’s a stump right past the treeline. I’ll be there as soon as I’m able to get away. I’ll go back in to make sure that no one will be looking for you.”
Byleth nodded. “If you mention that I’ve gone to the Goddess Tower, I guarantee you that Hubert will go to see who I’m meeting. He would be the one to worry about following us.”
So that’s why Hubert was there that night. Dimitri wasn’t surprised to hear it. That snake always had a tight coil around Byleth. Dimitri never could tell if it was from developing feelings for her or if it was harbored from a mistrust of Byleth. Dima nodded and kissed her temple before he let her go. Byleth turned and headed the opposite direction. Dimitri curled his hand and found with much delight that the fog he was trying to summon came through to obscure the view of where Byleth was going. It was quite entertaining to know that he had this much power over her dream.
Dima turned to go back inside. Hubert was starting to walk out and it looked like he was scanning the area for a place to hide away. Dima ignored him as he stepped past where he had slipped into the shadows. “Goddess Tower, less than one hour from now, you can count on me being there, Professor. I hope I don’t make you wait too long.”
Dimitri grinned as Hubert’s head snapped towards the prince and his eyes narrowed. Then the snake slithered away towards the Goddess Tower. One problem down. Dimitri turned to follow Byleth, the fog trailing behind his cloak as frost covered the grass. He wondered if Felix might try to talk to her again. It also made him wonder what was going to happen the moment that Felix found out that Dimitri had Byleth now.
If Felix promised his blade to her, then he might have a traitor in his midst. If Byleth woke up and made her way back to Edelgard, it wouldn’t surprise Dimitri in the least if Felix would choose to side with Byleth against him. It was something he would need to deal with in the waking world later.
Dimitri went ahead to the stables and draped his cloak onto the horse. If Byleth was going to be out for a while waiting on the prince, he didn’t want her getting cold. It also made him curious as to what she’d do with such a stark reminder of him. Byleth hadn’t taken any detours. She was right behind him, sneaking her way around from being seen. She had tried her hand at the assassin class in her training since she mastered so many others, so her lithe movements only made him more wary of her. He couldn’t let her get too far from the room or she might manage to sneak her way out of the castle.
The horse stomped as she approached and opened the door. Dimitri placed a settling hand on its neck. Byleth wiped her eyes. It looked like she had been trying to stifle tears. The moment her eyes found the cloak she stopped, before the trickle of tears began. She came up and twisted her hands into the fur. “I’m so sorry my king.”
So she did regret coming here to an extent. “Do you really think your sins can be erased so easily with apologies?”
Byleth’s eyes widened as Dimitri let himself speak, but not be seen. “How are you here?”
He could answer that in many ways, but it was better to let her decide that for herself. “Only you know the answer to that question. Are you perhaps feeling guilty Professor?”
Byleth looked away from him and wrapped her arms around herself. “There’s no way to take it back. All I can do is move forward and live with the decision that I’ve made.”
So she did believe that this was real. “And what if there was a way to come back; to return to me?”
Byleth wiped at the tears on her cheeks. “I can already imagine your anger. I don’t want to imagine what you’ll do to me for this transgression.”
Dimitri moved so he could be in front of her and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I may be more beast than man at times, but I would never harm you on purpose, so please don’t let your mind wander down those dark paths. Part of this is my fault as well. I should have stuck with my original plan, but you were being so compliant and I just couldn’t help but indulge further.”
She placed her hand over his and Dimitri started feeling more solid and unable to hide himself. It was her dream, if she wanted to see him then she would more than likely override his desires. “I didn’t know. I am so sorry Dimitri. I didn’t know you felt like this back then, and you’ve been harboring it for years. How can you still care for me after all that time?”
He couldn’t help but lean down to claim her lips with his. His eyes went wide at the taste of her, that he could taste her at all. It made the sweet kiss turn ravenous and hungry. This part of the dream world he hadn’t expected. He would make sure before she left this space that he was able to commit her taste to his memory.
His arms wrapped around her and she hummed into the kiss. She let him delve his tongue inside her mouth before he pulled away, barely an inch between their faces. He was ready to dive in again. “That part should have been made clear to you by now. I gave you my oath Byleth and I still want you at my side. I can forgive you, even for this, if you give your life and loyalty to me.”
In the end, it might be a fantasy, but at least she wasn’t in any hurry to run to Edelgard. It was him that she loved, and he would only need to show her that he and the prince were one in the same, and he was the better one for her. He kissed her again and was pleased at how she leaned into him. She returned it with so much passion and it made him hard for her. If he had learned one thing from all of this was that he needed more patience when it came to her. He couldn’t let his lust override his rational thought.
Dimitri retreated from her. “You shouldn’t keep us waiting, beloved.”
That dazed look on her face was so adorable, to know that just his kiss had affected her that much made him want to grin. She nodded as she brought her fingers to her lips. The dress made it hard for her to get on the horse, she had to hike up the skirt of it, and even then the horse was meant for the prince. Byleth was barely able to haul herself up and over. Just the sight of those stockings encasing her leg made him salivate. A wicked grin spread across his face. She believed that he was some sort of delusion or phantom, why not take advantage of that?
After the second hop to get into the saddle he settled in behind her. She huffed in annoyance. “I can do it myself. I’m not helpless.”
He hummed as he palmed her ass. “I know that fact well enough, but you are too tempting to ignore wearing something like this with your ass hanging in the air.”
He moved to grab his cloak and saddle the horse himself. Byleth was standing there with her hands on her hips as he reached down his hand. “Try again.”
This time she wrapped the tight skirt around her waist and he could see the lace of her smallclothes peeking out. She put her foot in the stirrup and did the same motion as before, but this time it brought her across his lap. He bit his lip as he put his hand against her ass to help her up. She sat flush against him and it only took one grind against his hard cock for a soft moan to slip from the both of them.
Dimitri wrapped the cloak around her front to hide her body from any passerby. Then his hands trailed down her body and past where the skirt was bundled at her waist to feel how wet she was for him. He was pleased to feel she had soaked through the fabric. The horse was getting antsy at having riders but not ordered to move yet.
Dimitri needed to be quick so he used his other hand to pull out his cock while the other hand pulled her underwear to the side. The gasp she made and the arch into his touch made him hum as he felt her warmth wrap around him. Once he was settled in deep and she was firmly in his lap, he took the reins and summoned forth the fog again.
Dimitri made sure to bring the horse into a canter. Every bounce sent him deeper inside of her. Her nails were curling into his leg. He kept one hand on the reins and the other wrapped around her waist to keep her from jostling out of place.
He made sure to talk to her the entire way, and let her know exactly what she meant to him. It was as the prince had told her, she was his solace in the chaos of the world. He would have no one else, wanted no one else.
She would be his, one way or another.
Notes:
My beta said since I was using King and prince as title they should get capitalized still need to change a few but will ctrl find later, about to go into work and wanted to make sure this got posted for you guys. :3
I hope you enjoyed. Good news about split is the next chapter needs two more scenes and then it can get posted :3
Twitter Lunafox90
Link for my discord server -> https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc<-- If you decide to come in, mind the rules and be nice.
Chapter 11: Moonlit Tune
Summary:
The prince is stealing her heart little by little, the king continues to whisper in her ear, and Byleth doesn't realize how deep she's falling.
Notes:
:3 thank you guys for joining me on this ride, lets see where did I stop.... so yeah
cw for this is Byleth is thinking that the king is just a dream and he can influence her a bit. Alot of back and forth about Byleth's emotions between the king and what's she's seeing as parallels, but also thriving with on what the prince does differently.
As always I hope you all enjoy
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dimitri hadn't thought that this plan of his would work out so nicely. He didn't have to do anything to make this pleasurable. The movements of the horse were doing all the work for them. He held her lightly as he peppered kisses all over her neck.
"So shameless of you to be conjuring all this up. Do you miss me so much already beloved?"
He could feel her thick swallow under his lips but she stayed silent. Now that wouldn't do. He moved his arm so he wasn't holding her so tightly to let her bounce on his cock and the moan that passed her lips made him smile.
"Careful, you don't want to attract attention now do you? You'd have to answer questions as to why you're on the crowned prince's horse panting and soaked. Would you let someone else know these lewd thoughts in your head?"
The shiver that went down her spine only made her walls clench around his cock. "Oh, do you like the thought of someone else knowing how shameless you are?"
"Just shut up," Byleth hissed.
He expected to see other people around as they maneuvered through the town, but it was desolate. Come to think of it, the dance had been lacking as many people as when it happened all those years ago. Not even the gatekeeper greeted them. If she noticed she did not say so. He turned his attention back to her as she squirmed on his cock.
He chuckled deep right next to her ear. "It's you who decided for me to be here, my love. The weight of your guilt must be such a heavy burden. He won’t be able to please you like I did. I spent every waking moment of those few days finding out how your body responds to me. I did it so I could please you once you woke. I wanted to be able to make you happy. And you tried to throw it all away.”
Byleth twisted her head to look up at him. “I’m trying to save us both.”
Dimitri snorted at the notion. “I never took you for one who would be so foolish. Your atonement will not be paid this way. How will your prince react when he finds out you left him, not once, but twice?”
He could see the sadness in her eyes before she hung her head. “I had no choice. Rhea wanted me to kill my own student. What monster asks for such a thing?”
Dimitri would like to get more information about that day and what she said. “And yet you didn’t come back.”
“Just not that you remembered. I pulsed it back to save your life. Hubert killed you protecting me. I didn’t want that outcome, and for you to be angry enough to attack already tore at me."
So pulse, that's what she called this spell. That did mean that she tried to turn back time when she first woke up. He thought that she only meant something about her pulse and lack of heartbeat at the time.
The question was did he really attack her or was it a lie implanted by her delusions? "Why did you come back in the first place? Did you realize her wrongdoing?"
"No. I hoped to get you to join us against the church."
That would explain it. He was honor-bound and the church was not the one that took his family away from him, Edelgard’s snakes did that. If Byleth refused to see reason he would have tried to convince her in his own way. More than likely his plan would have been to knock her out and bring her to Fhirdiad then.
If he wasn't caught up in his rage he would have realized that pretending forgiveness would have gained her trust more. Once he had her in his embrace it would be a simple matter to knock her out and bring her to a safe place.
She mentioned Hubert was there. Dimitri would have taken the opportunity to kill him while he could, and if Byleth protected him… his world would run red from that sight alone.
He sighed and rested his head against her shoulder as he concentrated on the small movements that brought so much pleasure. He had expected Byleth to struggle when he put her in his lap. If she believed him to be a phantom then struggling would be useless, so why try? He guessed that was the reason for it, if he wasn’t really here then she could just ignore him until he went away. She would find out quick enough that there was no such peace. "We never got the chance to really talk did we?"
Another jolt as the horse avoided some roots had them both catching their breath from the stimulation. They both groaned as she fell back onto him.
"You seemed more interested in other activities." She was trying to swallow through her panting, trying to keep her voice and breathing even, but she was failing miserably.
Dimitri leaned down to nibble and suck on her earlobe before descending to her neck, delighted with how she clenched around him and shivered.
He wondered what else she would let him get away with."I was excited that you were finally awake. There would be plenty of time for conversation later, and as you can see, we can still hold one even with the distraction."
Byleth huffed at that. "Still wondering how my head is conjuring all the conversation up. I've never been one for daydreaming about something like this."
"Only you can answer that, love. Why don't we just enjoy the ride? I would have loved taking you out like this, let you see Fhirdiad for yourself."
"It can still happen."
His huff rustled her hair. "Here the past will only repeat itself for as long as she and her snakes still breathe. If you were still at my side you would need to make it up to me and earn my trust before I would let you step foot out of that room, much less a trip outside."
"Nothing but your prison…"
This time it was Dimitri's buck that had his cock slamming in and out of her as he brought his hand to cage her neck. "Beloved," he growled against her hair. "We’ve been over this. It was only until I knew you would behave. What would happen if you escaped and ran into Rhea without me there? She would make a spectacle with your execution and I wouldn't be able to do a damn thing to stop it without causing a rebellion or retaliation."
"Why do you keep doing that? The Prince did it too."
Another growl came from his throat at the mention of his counterpart here in this world and it made her tense. "We are the same person, so yes we would have the same tendencies. Be more specific as to what you're asking about."
She brought her hand against his. "Your hand around my neck like this."
Dimitri ran his thumb over her jaw. "Your pulse beats under my fingers, proof that you are alive and here with me. As I hold your life in my hand it reminds me that, even though I could easily end it myself, you are the last person I want to hurt."
Byleth shifted as she snuggled her back further against his chest, readjusting his angle inside of her as well. "I wouldn't have come up with that answer myself."
He had found himself checking her pulse often when she was still comatose. He was so afraid of waking and finding that she had stopped breathing while he wasn’t watching. The relief that came from it usually had him pressing himself closer to hold her and pray for more. He wanted her eyes to open, for her to smile like she used to. Then when he kissed her, the thought of what it would feel like if the kiss was returned would fill his mind.
The morning of the Millennium Festival he had been caught by those wishes. It was supposed to be a day for miracles, and he was not looking forward to another of Rhea’s rants. He knew he couldn’t stay by Byleth’s side that day with the duties assigned to him.
The church would start snooping into his affairs if he didn’t show up for the festival and he couldn’t let that happen. His hands had roamed over Byleth as he whispered promises against her skin.
It didn’t help that the voice to take what was his still echoed within his mind. The most alive she was to him was when he was inside of her. Her breath quickening, the warmth of her, and those small sounds she made in her sleep made it to where he could almost pretend she was at least aware and wanting him.
When she did open her eyes he wondered if he was dreaming. He should have stopped, cuddled up, and talked with her. If he woke her up slowly after that and comforted her perhaps they wouldn’t be in this situation now.
"When you activated that spell, I dove for you. I hoped to stop you and keep you with me. Perhaps doing so allowed a part of me to follow you somehow. Or perhaps you never even left. You could still be safe in my arms in our bedroom."
Her grip tightened on the reins. "If I was still there I doubt I'd be safe from your rage."
Dimitri nuzzled into her hair. Yes, he was angry, but the punishments he had in mind would mainly include bringing her to the brink and denying her that pleasure. "I think you and I need to talk about our expectations. I thought I made my devotion clear to you, but it seems that there are still doubts in your mind that I will need to purge."
"I still don't know what to feel. I don't know where I belong. I don't even know if coming back here will change anything." Byleth’s hands clenched at the reins again.
"I took you the night you were first brought me, so I can't even claim that I had the patience to wait. I wanted you, and the fact that you weren't awake allowed me to explore without harming you. I know waking up to that was a shock, and I apologize. I had hoped to introduce you to the concept of us as lovers gently, but… it's not the way things turned out. I still want you at my side as my Queen. I want to make you happy both in bed and with the life I wish to gift you."
Dimitri wrapped his arms around her tightly, as if that confession alone would make her flee or fight. Byleth was silent after that, but it didn't escape his notice how her hand curled over top of his as her thumb stroked it lightly. They would be at the meeting place soon. The place the Prince chose was just outside the monastery walls past the forest tree line.
It would keep them hidden well enough for the meantime. There was a part of the King that wanted to take her straight to the cabin and enjoy her himself, but he knew that he shouldn’t. She needed to see that the Prince wasn’t able to satisfy her as well as he did.
When he stopped the horse he could feel her grind herself on his cock. She had been panting the entire way, and he reached to cup her breasts. “So needy, and so sensitive. Do you crave me that badly, beloved?”
She didn’t hold back her moan as his fingers found her nipples. The layers of fabric kept him from plucking them like he wanted, but those noises she made were beautiful. His teeth sunk into her neck as he left blooming marks on her skin. He ran his hand down her leg to enjoy how it felt encased in the stockings.
Byleth was getting close to climax by the feel of it. He held her close and rolled his hips to thrust into her a few times. Then he pulled himself out right before she climaxed.
Byleth whined in protest. “Dima…”
He curled up against her back as he hissed in her ear. “That is precisely why you will not get what you want. You know what to call me if you want your pleasure.”
He dismounted then, leaving her there and enjoying the sight of the panting, leaking mess she was still in the saddle. He stood and waited as she looked down at him. “My king, please don’t leave me like this.”
That was the wrong wording to use, she had left him first. His teeth grit as he pulled her off the horse. “I asked you not to leave me and yet look at where we are. You could be safe and tucked away in my arms, satisfied and wanting for nothing, and yet here you are pining for what’s gone. You did it then, wanting what I used to be. Now I’m only here because there is a part of you that enjoyed it and wants me as I am.”
She was shaking in his arms, but he would not let her hide from the truth he spoke. She fell to her knees in front of him when he let her go. When he moved to tuck himself back into his pants she raised her hands up to stop him.
“You’re right.” There was no argument in her tone.
Her movements were hesitant as she took his cock in her hand. When her tongue touched his cock he couldn’t help but shiver. She didn’t say anything more, just continued to lap at his cock before she let her hands wrap around him as well. When she slid her tongue from tip to base and took him in her mouth he placed his hand on her head.
She did well, paying attention to his reactions as she varied her depth and speed. There was a part of him that wanted to take over and release his frustrations on her, but this had been what he asked for. As much as he would love to make a glorious mess out of her, this was something she was doing without prompting. When he pet her head, he could feel her shiver underneath his hand.
The brief flutter of her lashes before she doubled her efforts made him continue with the pets. If what she needed was a gentler touch at first, then so be it. He'd rather her be a willing counterpart, and ruling her with fear was not something he desired. Those shallow bonds always snapped when applied with any kind of force.
What they had was fragile right now, but he hoped that her desire would help forge stronger loyalties to him. As much as a biting remark wanted to leave his lips, he decided for a friendlier approach. So he complimented her as she found a steady rhythm, taking all of him without any further prompting, and goddess did it feel glorious.
"I expect you to swallow it all if you wish to receive your pleasure. You've been doing so well love, may I use you just a little?"
Byleth hesitated for a moment, her fingers curling into the fabric before she let go to brace her hands against the back of his legs. He pet her one more time before he thrust. The sounds and the sight only added to the feel as her fingers clutched at him. His own fingers curled in her hair and against the back of her head. He was careful not to put too much pressure, his only intent to hold her in place as he took his pleasure from her.
He might have been a little too rough with her, but this was part of her atonement. That thought only pushed his pace faster. It wasn't long before he was spilling down her throat. He was still hard and he could continue going if he desired, but there was much more he’d rather do before he left her alone for the moment. There were strings to pull in this little realm of hers, but there was one thing left that he would not leave without.
Byleth looked up at him with tears prickling at the edges of her eyes as her throat convulsed around him. He could feel her trying to swallow around his cock. There was no pain nor revulsion in her gaze, she looked hopeful, if he had to name it. He let go of the fist he made in her hair as he smoothed it back down and pulled his cock out of her mouth.
As she was regaining her breathing he grabbed his cloak from the horse and laid it behind her. Getting down onto his knees, he wiped the tears away and peppered small kisses along her cheeks. Byleth was nuzzling into the kisses and her hands found their way to his shoulders. The small humming moan she gave made his cock twitch. The salty taste from the tears made him grin. It had been so long.
He couldn’t wait to have more. "So good love, you did so well. Now for your reward."
It would be more his reward than hers, to be able to taste her and enjoy her since he couldn't do it in the waking world. She was dressed so beautifully tonight, the moonlight catching on the silver accents. Her make-up was smeared, but he found that he liked how undone she looked.
His fingers found the seam in the back as he pulled the dress down so he could see her breasts encased in the lacy brassiere. He had to stamp down the irritation as to who gave it to her and why she was wearing it tonight. At least he would get to enjoy her first.
His mouth found her lips as his tongue delved into her mouth to taste her. Her soft moans as his hand cupped her breasts and his thumbs brushed over her nipples only made him kiss her deeper. She was pressing herself closer against him.
Leaning her back against his cloak, he began trailing his tongue down her neck. He pulled one of her breasts out of the cup to fondle and pinch her nipple as he rutted against her leg. The texture from the stockings was just as amazing as he imagined it would be.
The only thing that could shatter this moment was her calling him by that childish nickname she reserved for her thoughts of what he used to be. He needed her to play along with his whims.
Normally this type of relationship was built on mutual trust. There were rules in place that both parties agreed to before any of it began. He had been too eager to finally have her, too wary of her lying until she could find a way to escape his room, and he loved the way she writhed and the sounds of pleasure too much to even think of letting her go.
She needed to know what the rules were in order to know what should and should not be done. Small steps could allow for more requests later on.
He moved his gaze to connect with hers. "If you call me Dima even once, I stop and you do not get your finish. Am I understood?"
She was silent for too long, he moved to retreat. He wanted her to answer, to respond and embrace her role. Just when he was about to growl out a warning, her hands came up to wrap around his shoulders. "Yes, my king.”
He had to cover up his agitation before the warning left his mouth. “Good girl,” his lips grazed over her temple before he dove down for another kiss. He didn’t miss the way those two words made her breath catch as she shivered.
Was he too impatient? Or was that because he willed it? He wasn't sure how this world inside her mind worked. As he shoved her small clothes aside and plunged his fingers inside of her, the moan she released buzzed against his lips. He realized he didn't care about the answer as long as she clung to him like this. Her fists curled up in his shirt as his tongue and fingers continued to delve inside of her. Her kisses started out as passionate as his, but as her walls tightened around his fingers she was panting more and more against his lips. Her hips were canting towards his hand as her fingers gripped his arms.
It was almost time. Byleth whimpered when he removed his fingers from her soaked entrance.
Dimitri wouldn't let her climax, not just yet. "Be good. First, I want to taste you, after that I will fill you. Once you have taken all of me, then we'll see if you can behave long enough to get your final reward."
Her eyes were half lidded, her lips swollen from his kisses, but she nodded as she took the information in. "What is good behavior?"
He brought his fingers to his mouth and had to bite back the moan. Her scent had driven him wild the first time he bent down to partake of her that way, but to be able to taste her was something else entirely.
He moved so he was over top of her and she lay herself onto the cloak. Sliding his hands down her arms, he pinned her wrists down above her head. "Don't hide your voice from me, do not try to take more than I give you, and follow my requests."
Dimitri kissed her forehead before he started to retreat further down her body, leaving kisses and small bites along the way. When he was settled at her thighs he kissed the inside before he left another mark.
"What about bad, and the punishments?" Her voice was soft, like she was afraid.
She had nothing to fear from him. "Then you simply don't get what you want. We'll discuss those at a later time. Right now I have a feast that I intend to devour until you are writhing and begging for my cock."
And with that he dove right in, licking a stripe up her folds first. He had to close his eyes in bliss at the taste combined with the smell and sensation. The only description he had was heavenly. Previously he enjoyed the texture, the small moans and pleasure it brought her, but this, oh how he wished he could keep his sense of taste just to drink from her.
There was no rhythm as he lost himself to devouring every bit of her he could. He needed to remedy that, to be able to tell when she was on the brink. When he pulled back his breathing was ragged, but so was hers. He went down again, more deliberate in the strokes of his tongue this time. His hands curled underneath her to squeeze her ass and get a better angle as he alternated attention between her clit and delving his tongue inside of her.
It wasn't long before she was shaking in his hands. He slowed down to a crawl, savoring her and pulling her back from the edge. She released a strangled please. The wording made him pause as he rose above her and licked what remained of her from his lips.
He let his hands skim over her skin before they found their way to her breast to palm and roll her nipples in his fingers. "Please, what?"
Her hands came to cradle his face as her eyes searched his expression. She was opening and closing her mouth with a cute blush on her face. He closed the distance and fused their lips together, making sure to let his tongue delve so she could taste herself. His cock brushed against her stocking and the sensation made him shudder.
When he pulled back he stayed just above her face, their breath still mingling. "Tell me what you want, that's all it takes."
Byleth licked her lips as she buried her hand into his hair. "I'm not sure anymore... I know right now I want you, but once this delusion is over..."
Dimitri didn’t like where her trail of thought was going. Her fingers tightened in his hair as he moved her smallclothes aside and slid his cock inside her, cutting off the rest of her sentence. He couldn’t let her return with doubts. When all this was over the only truth that would remain was that she was his.
He kissed her to keep her from trying to speak further as he pulled her legs up over his hips. The stockings slid under his hands, and he groaned as she locked her legs around him. Her hands curling in his hair only fed the frenzy as he started to rock himself in and out of her.
He broke the kiss to be able to watch her as he continued his movements. The moonlight was framing her wonderfully, and he had to admit that being able to take her with this hair color fulfilled many of his early fantasies. Her makeup was a mess and her hair was coming undone, but he couldn’t think of a better sight.
"Absolutely beautiful," the words left his lips in awe of her.
She blinked rapidly, as if she didn't believe him. Her face was flushed and he gave her thrust hard to make her moan out. She looked away from him, embarrassed perhaps.
He cradled her jaw in his hand to get her to look back at him. “I love watching you, beloved. Don't hide from me.”
Her blush deepened. "I don't understand how you can be like this. I expect anger or punishment. Why is my mind conjuring this?"
He had to think about her statement for a moment. Leaning down, he kissed her again to silence her questions. His pace stayed slow as he caressed and savored the feel of her.
He had chosen the wrong wording at the beginning. The subject of obeying and punishments was brought up too soon and not with enough context. It would have been better if he brought it up in a situation where following his requests was pleasurable for her.
When he raised himself back up he nuzzled into her neck. "You do owe me for the trouble and heartache you caused, but you are not beyond redemption. If you will give me your future, I can forgive the past."
Rising back up, he pulled himself out of her only to slide back inside to the hilt. He held her firm as she moaned from his movements.
"Yes, beloved, I want to hear those beautiful moans; watch your face as you fall apart in bliss from my actions."
He picked up the pace of his thrusts and he loved how she clung to him. Byleth whined his name before she bit her lip.
"Tell me that you want it and I will grant you your release." He wanted to hear her ask, hear her beg for more.
"If you do not, then I will only start this cycle anew. That is how the punishments work. The more you fight, the more you prolong your own pleasure. I would rather spoil and worship you like the queen that you are."
His hand tightened in her hair. She was starting to arch and writhe underneath him. It wouldn't be long now. Pinning her down onto the cape, he couldn't help the smirk crossing over his lips as she growled in frustration from the lack of friction.
"Please, Dimitri, it's maddening." Her plea was music to his ears.
The smirk turned into a wide grin. "I am a man of my word beloved."
He grabbed her legs to place them over his shoulders as he plowed back into her. Her entire body bounced from his thrusts. He didn't stop until he felt her shaking. When she came he swallowed her cry with another delving kiss. His own moans joined hers as his pace stuttered before he filled her.
His breathing was a bit ragged when he released her from the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. "There is so much more I want us to share. We've barely begun, my love, and I am willing to listen to your desires on the rules and what you want as well."
He wasn’t sure if he was imagining the adoration in her eyes. Her legs slumped against his shoulders when he released his hold. She was panting and he loved the look on her face. Her head lulled back as her half lidded eyes stayed focused on him with a look he couldn't place.
He kissed her forehead, pushing her bangs aside. "Rest for now, beloved."
He kept his voice commanding as he willed her to follow his request. Her eyes dropped as the rest of her body went limp in his arms. She actually fell asleep while he was holding her. So he did have the ability to influence her mind. With that in mind, he went about the task of righting himself and her clothing.
After that, Dimitri waved his hand over her face and was astonished that he even had the power to readjust her make-up as if it was never disturbed. When he was finished she looked pristine, like he never touched her.
The only proof of him that remained was his seed buried deep inside of her. Dimitri would watch over her until the Prince came to show her what the location he chose for the evening. Whatever it was the Prince decided, Dimitri could at least smirk knowing that he was the first to have her tonight.
As much as he disliked the notion of letting his younger self have her at all, if she needed this to finally gap the bridge between the past and present, he may need to let it happen for her sake.
---------
"I didn't think I kept you waiting that long, my apologies Professor."
Byleth groaned as she felt fingertips brush against her bangs. "You really shouldn't be napping out here, there's no telling who might be lurking around."
"Dima…"
His chuckle filled her ears as she felt his arms wrap around her to lift her off the ground. "It's me. I had to make sure I wasn't followed and it took longer than expected. What is this you're wrapped up in?"
The fur from the cloak made her want to bury her face further into it as she hummed. "It was on your horse."
There was an odd frown on his face as he ran his hand over the emblem. "Are you well enough for tonight? If you need to rest longer you may once we arrive."
The remnants of her dream still flitted on the edge of her mind. It was so vivid, almost as if it wasn't a dream. She blushed at the memory, just the movements from the horse had rocked the King in and out of her. His voice had been right in her ear the entire time. The feeling of his hands pressed and holding her, his lips trailing up and down her body made her shiver.
Even the wording he chose seemed like things she wouldn't have even thought of. Then there were her actions, instead of being snappish or defying him she gave him exactly as he asked for. The results had been more pleasing than she thought. She still didn’t understand why her mind had betrayed her like that.
It was almost as if she knew what he wanted of her, and she had wanted to make those whims into a reality. He took what he wanted of her too it seemed, at least in some of his actions. The way he devoured her had been wonderful as his moans vibrated through her. In Fhirdiad he had enjoyed it, but that had been something else entirely.
"Now what thought has you blushing so adorably?" Dima's voice broke her out of her thoughts as she looked up at the Prince with wide eyes. What did she even tell him?
The King was right in that she had found she did like some of the aspects of his treatment of her. They had only spent the day together and didn't have much conversation. Part of that was her fault, she had been confused for most of the time, lost in her own conflicting thoughts.
The things she liked about the Prince was that he was kind and sweet, but that darkness, she was going to find out how alike the two of them were.
She had expected the King to be cruel or angry in her dream, but she should have known better. The denial had been maddening, but when he finally let her cum it had washed over her like a tidal wave. Despite the bruises and bites, he had been gentle with her. The hour or so he spent caressing and talking with her in the waking world should have been enough of an indication that he wouldn't harm her. Worshiping her, he had called it.
“ I would rather spoil and worship you like the queen that you are. ” The echo of the King’s voice made her dizzy and warm.
If that was his form of devotion, then why was she so averse to the idea?
The Prince was still waiting for an answer. “I was thinking about us. I’ll be fine for tonight. All that dancing must have taken more out of me than I thought, but I’ll be fine once the grogginess fades.”
She didn’t remember getting here other than her delusion that included the King. Had she really been so distracted by the King that she hadn’t realized that she had gottent here? Was it all just a dream that started when she decided to rest here?
Dima let out a sigh. “That is good to hear. The place I have for us isn’t that far. Would you like to walk or ride?”
Byleth gulped as heat flooded down to her core at the mere thought of Dima doing what the King did during the horse ride. “Ride,” she said before she could change her mind. She wanted to know what Dima would do. How far would he go?
Byleth moved to stand and Dima stretched his hand out towards her. She grasped his hand and used it to pull herself up. He tugged as she tried to regain her balance and it sent her crashing into his chest. It was almost like the day during the mock battle when she had helped him up and he almost ended up face planting into her breasts. Strong arms wrapped around her as he lowered his head to capture her lips.
The kiss was gentle and tender at first, but as soon as she wrapped her arms around his neck she felt the change in him. The kisses became deeper and delving as their breathing became harsher. His hand buried in her hair before they finally had to take a breath for air. His thumb stroked against her as he gazed down with an expression she wasn’t sure if she had seen on the King before. It was soft and welcoming.
The press of his lips against her again took her breath away, but not because it claimed her mouth like the King often did. It was… she didn’t have anything to describe it with other than it filled her entire body with warmth.
“You look beautiful tonight.” His voice rumbled around her as she found her face flushing.
The Prince kissed her forehead when he released his hold. He let his lips linger there a moment before grabbing the cloak. Byleth hiked her dress up in preparation to mount on top of the horse. She imagined Dima would do something similar to what the King did in her dream and lift her up from the saddle. The Prince laid the cloak over the neck of the horse before he turned back to her. He paused as he saw the stockings uncovered.
“I imagine that you needed to use the stepping stools at the stables. I apologize that it hadn’t occurred to me that our height difference might make it difficult to get into the saddle without help, especially with that dress. I hope you didn’t have to get into a compromising position for my lack of planning this through.” Dima stooped down and cupped his hands together so he could boost her up into the saddle.
Byleth smiled as she stepped forward and braced one hand against his shoulder, the other reaching for the saddle. “No need to worry about that. Thank you for the help now. I also had the cloak to hide myself.”
She could swear Dima was nuzzling against her leg for a brief moment as she got herself situated. It was when he got onto the saddle behind her that she found herself getting excited. The Prince grabbed the cloak and pulled it over her body, making sure it kept her legs covered as well. His hands trailed on her longer than necessary as he nuzzled into her neck and breathed in deep.
His arms pulled her flush with him as his arm coiled around her waist. “Are you comfortable?”
The fact that he was hard already wasn't easy to miss. The touch against her cheek was featherlight as his breath tickled against her neck. Byleth didn’t trust her voice so she hummed in response. His arm stayed coiled around her as his other hand took the reins and they started moving.
It was a smoother ride, as if he was making sure there was as little movement as possible. The small kisses he peppered along her neck made her smile. His thumb was almost constant in rubbing against the material of her dress.
It was when he let his teeth sink in ever so slightly that her breath caught and a small sound passed her lips. Dima's grip tightened on her waist and she felt his cock twitch in interest behind her.
Dima's tongue lapped against the bite before his lips pressed against her skin. "You have no idea what you do to me."
His voice sent shivers through her. She expected his hands to wander but he only held her tighter. Her ass rubbed against him as the ride swayed them from side to side. The groan against her ear made a heat pool at her core. She reached behind her to coil her fingers into his hair.
"We're almost there. Be patient a while longer."
Byleth couldn't help but pout as he moved to take her arms away and place them back in front of her. His arms caged around her to limit her movement. Dima kicked up the horse for a faster pace and Byleth started to recognize where he was taking her.
"Isn't this the edge of the mock battlefield?"
Dima hummed an affirmative as he nuzzled into her neck. "Yes, there is a small cabin up here. During the mock battle, it is used for anyone blacked out from combat. I took the liberty of cleaning it in preparation for us."
Questions flitted across her mind. When did he have time? How did he get in? Then she remembered that it did show up on the lists of volunteer chores for the students. All he would need to do is get the key once to copy it.
Usually, the groundskeeper would take care of the cabin since their supplies were in the shed nearby. To get permission for the key was only by Professor recommendation. Someone like Sylvain wouldn't be allowed to even touch the key for the exact reason Dimitri was bringing her here for.
No one would disturb them out here. This field was used for training during the day and no one was scheduled to use it for another couple of weeks.
When Dima stopped the horse to get off and tie it up, Byleth looked around. It was quiet, only a slight chirp from a bird every now and again. She wasn't sure what she was expecting to see. Looking up at the array of stars she had to admire them for a while. She felt free, like this was all her choosing.
A touch to her leg made her look back down where Dima was staring up at her. "There's no turning back once you enter that door. Are you sure that you want me?"
The lack of confidence in his voice when he asked his question made her pause. Even now he seemed prepared for rejection. His hand was sliding against the fabric her leg was encased in. Despite the uncertainty, she did recognize the desire in his eyes.
Byleth twisted and threw her leg over so she could slide off and into his arms. He caught her like she counted on as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The searing kiss was returned as she felt him wrap her legs around his waist. He was holding her up as he kneaded his hands into her ass.
The feeling made Byleth moan as her hands coiled into his hair. Byleth jerked his head back when she had enough. The moonlight was catching on his eyes. His pupils were blown almost to where there wasn’t any blue left. He was panting as he coiled his arms tighter around her, one of them sliding up her spine to bury itself in her hair. Byleth shivered from his touch.
“Do you want to be mine Byleth? Answer the question.” There was the commanding edge she had come to recognize.
“Yes, Dima, I do want you.” She leaned in to kiss him further but his hand tightened in her hair.
“I do not want you calling me that childish nickname in bed.” His words extinguished her desire like a bucket of ice water.
Her face fell before she started to push him away. Dima looked confused at first. He tried to hold her tighter, but when he caught sight of the tears forming at the corner of her eyes he put her down. “Beloved, what’s wrong?”
Byleth grit her teeth as she pushed him away. “No! Why do you get to call me that but I can’t call you by the nickname I gave you?”
Byleth hugged herself, feeling agitated as she wondered why she was overreacting this badly. It was unlike her to have an outburst like this. She rarely raised her voice when she wasn’t on the battlefield. Her hands were starting to shake and she clenched them shut. Dima was looking at her in disbelief and the hurt in his eyes made her turn away as she paced.
Byleth stopped as she thought she saw the King near one of the trees. When she did a double-take, the King was gone. Byleth shook her head. She had to be going mad, there was no other explanation.
“You say you don’t like it because it’s childish. When I was growing up it was kid, or Ashen. I don’t think either of those would be appropriate to use, because you are not my father and I don’t want to be a demon in your eyes. I learned quickly that most nobles are strict about how others address them. When I learned you preferred your name instead of Your Highness, it… it felt natural.”
Why was she even telling him all of this? It felt like once her words started they didn’t want to stop spilling from her lips.”The first time I called you Dima, the smile you had on your face when the shock wore off, that’s why I started using it more often. I thought it made you happy. Using Dimitri seemed proper in the presence of others, but when it was just the two of us…”
Dima stepped closer and held his hand out to her. “It became a spoken form to the bond forging between us.”
Byleth nodded as she slipped her hand into his. “Yes, it always made me feel warm. I never had someone that I called by a nickname. Dorothea tried to get me to do it, but even to my own students I was hesitant to at first.”
His grip tightened just a fraction. “I’ve heard you call Edelgard El.”
Byleth snorted. “Because it’s much shorter to use. I ended up having to use the nicknames for necessity’s sake for most of my eagles. In the heat of battle, orders have to be given quickly. El slipped out of my mouth during battle when I was pissed off and I noticed someone at her flank trying to ambush her. After the battle, she asked me why El and I lied and told her that it suited her better than Edie. She didn’t seem to hate it so I adopted it because it was easier that way.”
Dima’s other hand came up to wipe where the tears had budded but never fell. “By saying that I do not want you calling me Dima… it makes you feel as if I’m rejecting your feelings for me, doesn’t it?”
It also hurt for him to reject himself, but yes that made her understand why it hurt so much. It only took a nod before she felt his arms wrap around her into an embrace.
“I apologize. That was never my intention. My father would sometimes use it and I do not wish to think about those who have died when I am with you. That is the first reason. The second…” Dima took a deep breath.
“You saw what was happening in the Kingdom when your class went to retrieve the Lance of Ruin. There were whispers and looks of pity and disdain that it was the Empire to take care of what should be Kingdom business. I usually don’t care about idle chatter, but it’s been like that since Duscur. I am to take the throne once I graduate, but even then, they will still probably call me the child king behind my back, as if I’m too incompetent to make my own choices.”
Byleth blinked up at him as her hand coiled around his. She reached up to push his bangs back away from his face. “Do you know what I see Dimitri?”
His eyes searched her expression as she continued to stroke his face. “I see a soul who has been burdened with grief and responsibilities. You give everything you have to achieve your goals. You are smart, kind, and considerate. On the battlefield, you are a storm, ruthless to protect those you care for. You worry for your country and would do anything for your people. I do not see a child when I call you by that nickname, but if you do not like it, may I call you my lion?”
She had no heartbeats to count the silence by. His eyes were wide as he stared at her. Had she said something wrong?
Hubert had used a lion during his warning, that the Prince was circling her like a predator would prey. Byleth did see the lion as well. Dimitri was strong and powerful, commanding in his own right. Even during some of his training, the force of his swings would create gusts of winds.
There was something intoxicating about knowing he had all that power but he kept it at bay for her sake. He could easily use force to make her submit, but he hadn't. She remembered how the King would nuzzle into her, those licks and bites he left on her skin as he savored being with her.
Byleth had seen the cats in the monastery, how affectionate they were to those they trusted. She would often find one curled up with her when she napped. It was different waking up to something more wild and powerful like him at her side. Her Eagles were dear to her, but Dimitri would be her only lion.
Dima finally closed his eyes before he took one of her hands to kiss her palm. "I would be honored, and I apologize; I had not meant to hurt you or reject the bond you offered me. You are one of the few who call me by my name, much less an endearment."
When he opened his eyes he still had her hand pressed to his lips. "Do you mind me calling you beloved?"
Byleth shook her head. "No, I was curious as to why that one, but I don't mind it."
Dima chuckled as he pulled her closer. "It's used in ceremonies to describe the people with whom you wish to share the fleeting moments of happiness we find in this world. Many of my happier and relaxing moments I've found with you are at the center of them. I hope that continues as we spend time together."
Byleth's lips curled into a smile. Her fingers intertwined with his fingers of the hand that still held hers. She knew there was a significance to the word for him to use it, but she hadn't expected something so sweet.
"I appreciate you listening. I'm sorry for the outburst."
The Prince positioned them into a dancing position with her hand in his. His other hand on her waist as he held her closer than what was proper at the Monastery. "No, I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner. Can you forgive me?"
Byleth nuzzled against his chest as they swayed beneath the starlight. "Of course I can."
The Prince placed his chin up on her head and she enjoyed the feel of being completely enveloped by his embrace. She wasn't sure how long she swayed before his grip became tighter and he spun her around fast enough that her feet came off the ground. A yelp of surprise left her lips as laughter rumbled out of his chest.
When he sat her down he kissed her underneath her eye."Please no more tears of sadness tonight. If there is anything I do that upsets you, have me stop immediately."
Byleth leaned her head against his as a bubbly feeling rose in her chest. "I'll be sure to let you know."
"Wait here. There are a few things I need to prepare, it will only take a moment." The Prince left a quick kiss to her lips before he stepped away from her.
Byleth caught his hand. "It might seem odd, but can you also have the windows open? I want to let the moonlight in."
She didn't want to feel like a prisoner as those large bolted shutters in their room in Fhirdiad came into her mind.
"Of course, anything you desire."
Byleth smiled as she watched the Prince enter the cabin. The giddy feeling faded as she sensed she was still being watched. Byleth turned to where she glimpsed the King out of the corner of her eye. Sure enough, he was coming from the shadows of the treeline out into the moonlight with her.
The King lifted his hand to stroke her face. "I had not realized it either. I thought that it was an implication that you wanted the old me, that you couldn't stand me as I was. That is why I didn't like hearing it."
"You have so much resentment towards what you were, and yet you can't deny that it was a part of you." Byleth reached her arms out on each side of him.
The King seemed to understand what she wanted when he lifted her up so they were face to face. Byleth caressed his cheeks before she pushed aside his bangs. "There are differences but also similarities. I like your hair like this. It makes you look more like a lion and it suits you."
The King huffed before he set her back down. "Why did you summon me?"
Byleth frowned, she wasn't thinking about him until the feeling of being watched. Or at least she didn't think she did. "I'm not sure."
"Is it because you know he cannot please you like I did?" His voice was like a whisper in her mind.
"It's not always about the physical pleasure." Byleth took the King’s hands into her own to put him in the same dancing position she was in with the Prince a few moments before.
The King's eyes widened in surprise before he led them to dance under the stars. The gaze he had on her was different from what the Prince's was, but it was starting to get warmer towards her.
"I wasn't sure if you'd even want something more with me. I thought the pleasure would be the easiest and the one thing you couldn't deny. No matter what lies left your lips your body would still welcome me. The things I imagined while you were asleep did entail a grander view beyond the bedroom; places I wanted to take you, things for us to enjoy together. When you woke you were already acting well beyond my expectations."
Byleth was starting to fully understand the scope of things. She knew the Prince wanted her, but he didn't have to wait long to have her. He knew her feelings for him on this matter. The King only knew that she turned her back on him once before. All those years of pent up desire for someone he feared he'd never get the chance to hold again reared its ugly head as he listened to those whims.
"Now that you know how I feel, would you act differently if you could do it again?"
The King embraced her tighter. His expression softened as he leaned down to press his lips to hers. "I haven't touched you since you fell asleep again other than to hold you at my side. I don't like seeing you upset, so yes I would change things if I could."
Such odd wording, unless he was talking about not doing anything during her nap waiting for the Prince. Then the King swept her up similar to the Prince had done and Byleth had to suppress a squeak before it turned to laughter.
"You make me jealous when you make such beautiful expressions; laugh and smile for him, but not for me." There was something dark behind those eyes as he studied her. Her feet were off the ground as his arms coiled tight around her.
He must be talking about the laughter and the smile when the Prince caught her by surprise. She had already been feeling giddy and relaxed before the Prince swept her up so she couldn't help it. Now she wasn't sure what to expect from her king.
The King setting her down and kneeling in front of her was not among the things she expected. "I want to be able to make you happy Byleth."
His lips on her hand were featherlight as his grip tightened. "I want to see your smile, beloved."
"You could have. You had asked about if I was still there with you if my spell hadn't worked. I would find a way, but I'm not sure how well I would be able to get that betrayed feeling to go away. You still took what I did not give you, forcing me into a dance of your choosing. One I still don't know the steps for."
Byleth heard the Prince call her name and she moved away from the King. "I'd like to see what it's like to dance to a different tune of yours."
Dimitri sneered as he grabbed her wrist to keep her from heading towards Dima. "You were dancing to my tune well enough. As partners we need to learn to dance together. Instead it seems you keep leaving me without a partner."
Her glare was cold as she snatched her wrist back. "Then choose a tune I know. Teach me the steps so I don't feel like I'm falling or being pulled around. Let me be your partner and learn what we both want. I want to be with you, that's why I'm here, but it's on both our terms, not just yours."
Byleth could feel the air getting frigid around her, but she refused to look back. When she made her way to the Prince’s side she felt his lips in her hair as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Who were you talking to?”
“Just to myself,” she mused. Byleth looked up. Based on the glare Dima was directing at the now empty space where the King had been, she wondered if somehow Dima could see his future self as well. All that was left where the King had been kneeling was frost, but Byleth shrugged. It must just be a trick of the light.
Turning, she ignored the notion that Dima could have seen him. Byleth stopped in her tracks. Candles, a fire blazing within the hearth, and moonlight lit the room. On the bedside table was a small vase with white roses and petals scattered along the floor and bed. There was also a large pitcher of water and a box of her favorite chocolates on the table.
“Dimitri…” she was at a loss for words as she looked around. There was a large fur blanket on the bed. "How did you manage… why here of all places anyway?"
Her mind was whirling. Noone had ever done something this elaborate for her. A cold gust of air scattered the petals as it slammed the door shut. Byleth shivered from the sudden change in temperature.
The Prince gestured to bring her to the fireplace. "The last time we were on this field we stood on opposite sides."
Dimitri took off his gloves as he came behind her, rubbing her arms as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. "And tonight we join together for the first time."
Byleth was reeling from his voice in her ear. It had been like this all week with teasing touches and silky words. How had they come so far so fast? Especially after her dream with the King, she wanted to see what her prince would do. Byleth was more than willing to go through with this, to see what he was really like without the five years of longing turning his desire into something twisted.
Byleth moved to unzip the back of her dress but his hands stopped her. "Not quite yet. I have no desire to rush this. I also have something for you."
When he left her and came back with a vial of green liquid. Byleth almost balked as she remembered the aphrodisiac the King had given her to drink. She had taken it without a fuss, but she didn't want that experience this time.
The experience hadn't been horrible. It had been quite pleasant actually, more so than she expected. That didn't mean she wanted a repeat anytime soon. She wanted to know how much of the desire was actually hers.
The Prince caught her look. "You deserve better than a child out of wedlock. It's just a necessary precaution."
Byleth blinked up at him. As eager as the King was for her to bear his child, she hadn't expected that preventing one would be the first thing the Prince would bring up. Byleth was still lost in her thoughts when he uncorked the vial. The next thing she knew he was kissing her, but something was off.
The taste of his mouth was sweet. She hadn't expected him to give the contents of the vial to her like this. Byleth swallowed down the liquid as she buried her hands into the cloth at his shoulders.
The kisses didn't stop until long after the taste was gone from her mouth. When he pulled his head back, he lingered close as the back of his hand caressed her cheek. "There, now I know for certain you took it. As much as I would love to see you carrying my child, it is not something we should risk right now. When we are married and I have you safe in Fhirdiad, we can talk about this further."
Byleth placed her hand on his as a small smile formed on her lips. The fact that it would be brought up as a discussion made her feel more at ease about the subject. Her lips returned to his as another feeling swelled in her chest. She had no idea what it was, but it was pleasant.
His hands went behind her to undo the dress and let it fall to the ground between them. He held her close as he ran his hand along the stockings and pulled her leg up to his waist. After getting the one boot off he put her leg down to do the same to the other. In a matter of moments she was left only in the attire he bought for her. When the other boot was removed, his hand wandered along her leg. His kiss became deeper before he released her.
They were both panting slightly as his fingers trailed along the edges of the lace. "You don't know how long I've wanted to hold you in my arms; to even see you in something like this. I will make sure you do not leave this cabin unsatisfied. I'll wipe that terrible experience from your memory until there's nothing left but me."
Byleth wanted to let him try.
Let her forget the bastard that called her a cold fish that she told him about. Let him help her forget the heartbreak that she couldn't seem to ignore.
Gazing into those blue eyes, she wondered how easy it would be.
Notes:
Comments and kudos are always appreciated. Thank you everyone, and still debating how much smut/tone to take for the next segment, because I'm imagining a lot of teasing and a gentler approach since the prince does have the king's memory from that first touch and he's going to make sure not to botch it up like a certain someone did. We will also learn a bit more about this dreamscape.
Twitter is Lunafox90
My Fire Emblem/ Genshin Impact discord (aka my fanart/fanfic hoard) https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc --- please be aware that there are sometimes many different notifications back to back especially if it's screenshots or twitter links. I've already overwhelmed some new peeps so I would suggest muting the server, lurking seeing what you like, and unmuting the channels you don't want to miss if it suits you. Usually, the only pings I give are WIP and fic announcements.
I do not own these characters, they just live in my head and this is how they pay their rent
Chapter 12: Chocolate
Summary:
The prince has a night planned for Byleth- chocolates and other romantic scenarios in mind and the king isn't going to like it one bit.
Notes:
so cw possesive behavior- jealousy- mentions of past non consented actions
As per usual I do not condone the actions, I tried to keep most triggers out, but please proceed with caution and take care of yourselves.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
As the warmth of the Prince and the heat from the flames seeped into her, Byleth wondered if this was the correct choice.
Byleth could not forget the king, but perhaps her prince could mend the part of her that the king wounded with his actions and his words. There had been some intimacy with the king, but she wanted something more. Was she only repeating the same cycle? What happens if she can't change anything? Would it only make Dimitri worse?
There wasn't any going back now. Whatever decisions she made, she would need to face the consequences. She chose to come back and to be with him from the start. There would be no way to turn back time if things went wrong, but she didn't think there was much to fear from him.
When she went for the prince’s clothes to remove them as he had hers, she blinked as she hadn't realized he had already taken off the more complicated parts of his attire. Even his shoes were already taken care of. All that remained were the top and bottoms of his uniform, and whatever small clothes lay beneath.
Byleth started with his collar first as she undressed him. No matter the form, Dimitri had always been appealing to her. He rarely removed any of his clothing, even on the hot days when he was training. The way the undershirt clung to his damp skin had sent many of the girls ogling him. Felix had gotten irritated at the noise, while Sylvain started to flirt with every girl in sight.
Byleth was training with Ferdinand that day, but she finally had him and Dimitri go at it while she went for some water and some rest. Byleth watched them with the intent to evaluate them both, but she found her gaze wavering. When Sothis joined her to tease Byleth and ogle the boys herself, Byleth decided that was enough rest. It was also a reminder that she wasn't normal. A relationship with anyone would be difficult with the voyeur inside her head.
Byleth's mind wandered back to the similarities when she noticed that her Prince had a few of the same scars she saw on the King. Knowing what the Prince would grow into only made her happier with her decision. She had never been one to really put stock into looks, but Byleth had to agree with Dorothea that some men did not age well.
Dimitri was not one of those. Byleth did mean what she said to the king about his hair. The King had been attractive to a sinful degree. Her fingers trailed across the skin she revealed, remembering how many more scars he would obtain. That was a future she would do her best to protect him from.
His fingers did the same as they traced the outside of the white and silver lingerie. They were light touches that sent sparks over her skin. She managed to get the outer shirt undone before he was taking her hands and pulling her towards the table.
When he sat he looked her up and down. "It looks wonderful on you, more so than I imagined it would."
She still wondered how he managed to get her size. Normally it was always a pain to get things to fit her, especially around the bust, but this was comfortable. Byleth looked around, unsure of what he wanted her to do. Then she chastised herself, why was she waiting for his lead?
She still had yet to peel off the outer layer so she straddled him for another kiss as her hands pushed his outer shirt off. His hands came around her to wander across the skin of her back, while the other clutched her ass and pulled her closer to him.
The low moan that escaped her lips only seemed to fuel his own desire as the kisses continued. When she started untucking his undershirt and peeling away that layer, the Prince pulled away from the kisses. The way he was staring at her with that tease of skin only made her want to start nibbling her way down and reveal some more of his chest.
Byleth could feel that he was hard beneath her too. His smirk grew when her fingers went to the task of setting his cock free. "Someone seems eager for the fun to start. We have all night, beloved."
It seemed out of place. She knew he was hungry for her too, so why did he seem to be stalling? His kisses were just as passionate as hers. Then there was the sound of shuffling before he presented a piece of chocolate to her. It must have been him opening the box she heard.
Byleth tilted her head so she could take the chocolate from his fingers. As soon as it hit her tongue, it started to melt in her mouth and she couldn't help but hum at the flavored center. Whatever these are, it's not her usual fare, but she should expect that he would buy her the higher-end desserts by now.
"That look on your face is something I've been looking forward to. They each have a different center, and I'm curious to find out which one is your favorite."
This one was mint, something she had experienced before, but it was a little strong to suit her tastes. There were seven more chocolates in the box. "Wouldn't you like to share them with me?"
The Prince shook his head. "I got them for you to enjoy. I love that expression you make when you savor something you've eaten."
That wasn't good enough for Byleth. For one, these must have cost a lot. Second, she wasn't used to being pampered like this.
He placed his finger to her lips when she was about to protest. "I don't wish to ruin the mood, but I can't taste it. Watching the pleased expression on your face is enjoyable enough. So please, the chocolates are all yours. They would be wasted on me."
Byleth blinked in surprise. She hadn't been expecting something like that. Based on the sheepish way he wouldn't meet her eyes it was something he rarely told anyone. When she opened her mouth to ask, he placed another piece of chocolate inside her mouth. Both the gesture and his look told her it was a subject for later.
His thumb lingered on her bottom lip. "It's part of why I enjoyed seeing you in the dining hall. You are always so animated around food. Those small expressions always had me wondering what else you would get excited over. What about you, Byleth? Was there ever something I did that had you thinking of me after the fact?"
Now that she thought about it, Dimitri was always somewhere in her line of sight whenever it was time to eat. He would sometimes even help her carry her tray so he could get a good spot. The thought was embarrassing, but the idea that he sought her out on an almost daily basis in such a manner was amusing. The last thing she wanted to do was make this easy for him.
"Nothing in particular, besides it would be difficult to enjoy myself in private since the rooms weren’t exactly soundproof. Sylvain taught me that easily enough."
The Prince went still underneath her and she couldn't help but grin. "If I were the Blue Lion's professor, I imagine that I would need to be knocking on his door to ensure he wasn't hiding someone on a daily basis. Although, Felix usually did a good enough job yelling at him to let everyone get some damn sleep. I always wondered who decided on the sleeping arrangements. You think that him having to sneak a girl past so many rooms would be harder to do."
The Prince silently fed her another chocolate. This one has some type of spice in with the chocolate. It reminded her of the smell of some of the teas she's served, cinnamon perhaps.
"Distractions won't help hide the fact that you're lying to me, Professor." The tone he whispered in her ear made a shiver go down her spine.
"I've seen your eyes on me during training sessions. There were times you should have been watching your own students, but instead, your eyes were only on me."
He pondered on it some more, his hands wandered lower in his silence. "Since it's difficult to enjoy yourself in your own room, I wonder where you go to relieve yourself after training? Hmm?"
It was hard to do with the goddess in her head as well, but she couldn’t tell him that. Byleth had two options when she wanted time to please herself, either wait for Sothis to go to sleep, or go to the sauna...like she had that day. Sothis got bored easily and there was no fun watching Byleth sit in one place when she didn't want to talk. Byleth was relieved when Sothis finally left her alone.
"There is a much better way to work up a sweat that is much more fun, but no, you never do anything fun, or let me have any. Wake me up when you're done sitting there." With Sothis' parting remark, Byleth’s head felt like her own again.
Byleth asked the sauna keeper to have a few moments to herself. Dimitri was right of course, she had used him in her fantasy as she took the moment for reprieve.
"No one would question your flushed face and skin with how long you were there. Isn't that right, Professor?" His lips were right next to her ear as he rubbed along her jaw and neck.
Byleth could feel her face flush now. Just pointing out her title and implying he knows she slightly abused her authority to get some time alone was embarrassing enough. The fact that he seemed to know what she was doing only made her feel more awkward.
"It's because I had the same thought after having your eyes on me for so long. No one would question it. And when we crossed paths, I knew that blush was more than the sauna heat."
Byleth gulped as she remembered crossing paths at the door with him. She apologized for taking up so much time in the sauna. He pushed himself in training today so he should have been able to get to use the sauna as well when he wanted to.
It was easy to remember his bright eyes and sharp smile, but she never thought much of it through her post-orgasm haze. She was already in a hurry to return to her room before Sothis woke up and discovered her like this.
Byleth couldn't help but stare as he took off his training shirt. Dimitri chuckled at her.
"I wouldn't want you to overheat." The Prince repeated the same words he said that day to her as he continued his caresses.
The interaction ended when she left the sauna and now with hindsight, Byleth realized how close they were to discovering each other. Had he shown up earlier, and if she chose to stay any longer...
"There's that beautiful flush. You were dazed and there was a content look on your face until you saw me, then the way you bit your lip... I knew something happened."
Byleth clamped her mouth shut, she knew she'd only get into more trouble if she answered.
"I wonder what sort of techniques you used on yourself. Was it perhaps, something like this?" Despite his tone sounding like they were discussing something mundane, his fingers gently rubbing against her underwear reminded her that he was fishing for answers about what she did when her thoughts were on him.
Byleth almost groaned, but she managed to hold it in. "If you already know, then why are you torturing me like this?"
The Prince continued to play with her. "No, I've only ever fantasized about it. I want to know exactly what went through your mind."
Byleth couldn't hold back her moan as his fingers rolled around her clit from the outside of the fabric. Another of his fingers was rubbing up and down her slit and the stimulation felt wonderful. How is he this skilled already? He was touching her just the way she liked. It felt almost like he was cheating somehow. The moisture pooling between her legs would soak through the fabric at this rate.
His teasing had her panting and clutching at him. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Tell me, beloved. Who did you think of as you pleasured yourself in this manner?"
When he dug his fingers into her slightly she couldn't help but gasp. "I was thinking of you. I've tried thinking of others and it doesn't work as well. All I wanted to do that day was peel off that shirt and explore you. To let you use that strength on me and pin me down."
As soon as the confession left her lips his fingers stopped pleasing her. Byleth whined as she squirmed in his lap to get some friction. She was so close to climax.
"I haven't forgotten your attempt at lying to me earlier. You also said you've thought of others." There was a hint of anger in his voice.
Anger she felt she needed to appease. "The scenarios never fit right. It didn't make me wet or warm, not until I thought of you, and once you were in my head it was even harder to use anyone else."
The Prince reached for another chocolate and she bit it from his fingers, making sure her lips and tongue lingered. His other hand still hadn't made a move to continue pleasing her.
She couldn't read his expression so she concentrated on the flavor in her mouth. This one reminded her of the bergamot tea with the citrus notes. It's pleasant, and she closes her eyes as she savors the flavor.
"You will need to make up for lying to me."
Her eyes opened and she suddenly felt nervous. There was no telling what he wanted.
"I would like you to come to me with your desires from now onwards, and not take matters into your own hands. I will do the same. There is no reason for us both to imagine anymore when we can have the real thing. Do not be shy about what you want. I will do my best to fulfill those desires for you."
The King had said something similar to her. To serve her, to worship her as he called it. Those moments were generally when the King was the sweetest to her. Byleth imagined that it would be an easy thing to do. It wasn't often she tried rubbing herself off anyway.
Based on his smirk, he found it amusing how fast she agreed. "Then why don't you ask me about what you want me to do? Can you be patient enough to wait and not please yourself?"
Byleth snorted. "Out of the two of us, you seem the most impatient."
Byleth jerked as he pulled aside her smallclothes and his fingers entered inside of her. "That does not answer my question."
She didn't answer him right away. The feeling of both his fingers made it hard to concentrate. When his fingers stopped pumping in and out, it felt like he might retreat his hand. Byleth feels a sliver of panic rise, she doesn't want it to stop. So she kissed him and held his wrist to keep his hand there. "Keep going, please."
The slow curl of his lips is matched by the curl of his fingers. The Prince leans forward to suck and nibble on her neck while his fingers resume their pace. There were still a few more chocolates in the box, perhaps when the box was empty he'd let them move to the bed.
When she reached for them, his other hand caught her wrist. "Do not take more than what I give you."
Byleth froze, knowing where she's heard that growl before. That was one of the things the King mentioned for good behavior.
The Prince nuzzles against her neck, kissing the mark he made. "Such a greedy thing. I told you, love, ask and you shall receive."
When she doesn't answer he nibbles his way up to her ear, before teasing the lobe with a bite. "Do you know what I want? I want to feel you clench around my fingers. I want to see your face as the pleasure hits. I want to hear your voice as you moan out for me. I would love for you to call out my name when you fall apart from my actions."
Byleth coiled her hand in his hair as his fingers moved faster. He added his thumb against her clit before pulling back so he could watch her. His eyes seem dark from how blown out from desire his pupils are as he licks his lips, but the moonlight catching on them gives the blue almost a glowing effect. Byleth can't seem to stop the small rolls of her hips as he continues. She's getting close again and this time, she wants to fall over the edge.
"I want the same, Dimitri, please don't stop."
The prince takes her wrist to his lips and kisses it below her palm. "As you wish."
She's not sure when he let her wrist go, or when her hands bury into his shoulders as her moans get louder. There's suddenly something heavy and warm along her thigh that catches her attention. When she looked down she could see he released his cock from the confines of his pants. She wonders if it's too late to amend her request and ask for it instead.
His fingers are good enough for now. She knows that she'll receive his cock eventually. His gaze is fixed on her face. He mirrors the bite on his bottom lip that she's doing to hers and she brings her eyes back up to meet with his.
His cock is twitching with interest against her leg. When she reaches down to stroke him he doesn't protest. There's precum starting to dribble from the slit. She's sure that she's coating his fingers by now as that coil in her stomach gets tighter. She takes her thumb and rubs his leaking moisture over his cock as her other hand anchors in his hair.
The eager look in his eyes is really what sets her off as she hears him whisper under his breath. It could be her name, it could be a yes, it could be so many things, but she doesn't care as she moans out his name and goes limp in his arms.
She barely registered that she's shaking as he pulled his hand away. His fingers are covered by her and she's still too enraptured to notice how he coated his cock with her moisture as he pumps it with his hand. He pulled her body to him so her slit is lined up with his cock, but instead of placing his cock inside her, he seems content with just having her heat over him.
They stayed like that while he rubs circles into her back. It's not until she finds herself grinding on him with small rolls of her hips that she realizes that she wants more. She wasn't content with climaxing off his fingers.
"I would like to feed you some more chocolate. Is that alright?"
Byleth barely registered the question as she nodded and nuzzled into his neck. The blissful haze was still there as she relaxed in his arms. She felt warm. There's no pressure for more than she wants to give.
She wonders if by establishing the boundaries that it works both ways, in that she isn't required to give more than she wants. After what happened, that sort of guarantee makes her feel even safer with her Prince.
Looking up behind her Prince she could almost imagine the King looking at them both from the corner of the room. She wondered if that look on his face was one of curiosity or anger. As her eyes hovered closed she pulled herself back to take the new piece of chocolate from the Prince's fingers.
This one made her eyes go wide as it rolled in her mouth. There's Noa fruit and something else that makes her hum with satisfaction. As she licks her lips, the Prince bites down on the junction between her neck and shoulder. Once he nibbles his way up to meet her lips, she wishes that he could taste the chocolate melting in her mouth. She could tell that there's a smile on her face when the Prince retreats to look at her.
Her confusion came as a muffled moan against his lips as the Prince lifted her up. Her smallclothes are pulled to the side as he slides his cock inside of her. The thrust comes as a surprise because of how calm he acted before, but it's certainly not unwelcomed. His pace starts out slow, like he's savoring her like she was the chocolate. She's still boneless from her climax earlier so all she can do is let him bounce her up and down on his lap when he starts to go faster.
The King has a sneer on his face now, but she can't find it in her to care. Byleth can't help but enjoy how insatiable her prince is acting. Her nails dig into his shoulders as she begs him for more. Her Prince is happy to oblige as he puts her onto the table and rolls his hips faster.
His hands are cupping her ass and holding her in place so she doesn't jostle too much, at least at first. They move from her ass, to her hips, and then to planting themselves on the table to keep it from moving beneath them.
Byleth bites her lip as he only gets more and more undone. She knows he's getting close. "You gave me that potion for a reason. Finish off inside of me."
Something in his eyes changes then, a look she knows she's seen on her King. She's already locked her legs around his waist and her hands on his shoulders. His pace isn't as hard or fast as the King's but for all his talk of breaking her, he's doing a good job of holding back. Her walls flutter at the thought of wanting him not to hold back, to see him fully unleash the beast they've told her about.
When the Prince finally climaxes inside of her, his groan only makes her want to swallow up the sound with a kiss. All the smug bravado was gone. He was panting and looking at her with an expression she isn't sure she's seen on him before. He looked shy if she had to name it.
That smile forming on his lips only served to make her smile in return. "I've been wanting to do that for a while now."
Byleth couldn't help but chuckle as she ran her hands through his bangs. His hair was more haphazard than usual at this point. Byleth's pulse was pounding, going down as the high from her own climax retreated.
Byleth felt the urge to tease him "Am I really that attractive when I eat? I've already been told multiple times that my table manners are… crude."
The snort that comes from him isn't very princely either, but it's cute. Then his face falls and there's a strange noise to her right. The last two of the chocolates are crushed under his palm. He must have put his hand down in the wrong spot when he was pounding into her earlier.
The Prince cursed and Byleth could hear him berating himself under his breath for being careless. He looked disappointed in himself, like he's ruined everything. Byleth didn't like seeing such a sad look, especially when her legs are still locked around his waist and she can still feel him throbbing and warm inside of her.
Byleth reached for his hand. The cream on the inside is all over his palms and fingers but that didn't make it inedible. She gets a glob of it on her fingers and then swipes it over his cheek, startling him. It's better than the sad look he held a moment ago. He looks cute and it's almost enough to make her giggle.
Instead, she bites her lip before going for another swipe on his other cheek. On the third time she planned on rubbing it on his lips and kissing it off. She's not sure why she's feeling so bold, but what matters is how he's looking at her.
The Prince caught her wrist before she could make it to his lips. "One shouldn't taunt the prince of Faerghus without expecting retaliation."
The growl in his voice made her body clench around him. She wants to be intimidated, but there are still the swipes she did on his cheeks. It's too adorable a sight to give her any fear of him.
"And what would the lion do to me?" she asked as she took the chocolate on his cheek off with teasing kisses and licks of her tongue.
She can feel his cock throb inside her as his clean hand curls into her hair. Then she feels him do the same thing with her cheek before he puts the rest of the smushed chocolate in her mouth. This one has the same honey fruits used in the teas.
All the while she can feel him kissing and nibbling the spot he dirtied on her cheek. He's pulled out of her at some point to be able to reach everywhere he wants to with his kisses. It feels intimate, and she twists so she can kiss him fully. He's still hard and it makes them both shiver as it brushes against her leg.
He placed the last chocolate in her mouth and this one has some sweetened cream in the middle. The way he's looking at her only makes her shiver with want. His eyes are filled with wonder and with desire. Even after having her, he seems to only want more of her.
"I'm going to devour you if you aren't careful."
Byleth bites her lip before she grabs the hand still smudged with chocolate. "And what would stop me from devouring you instead?"
She starts with her mouth suckling on just the pads of his fingers. He's watching her with his mouth hung open. She can feel how he's deliberately rubbing his cock against the stockings and she can feel his cum start to leak out of her. When she starts to run her tongue up and down his fingers and sinks her teeth into his palm, he responds by putting his mouth on her breast and suckling in time with her through the fabric. It's odd, but certainly not unwelcome.
All too soon his hand is cleaned, but he is still nuzzling at her breasts. When he pulled the brassiere down so he could take the hardened nipple in his mouth she couldn't help but arch into him.
When he stopped suckling and nibbling on her breasts he studied her face. "I seem to have missed a spot."
He kissed the corner of her mouth, and then kissed her full on the lips. Byleth was panting and clutching him tighter to her. She expected this Dimitri to be more unsure of himself, but she found that she liked that she's wrong. It's different from the smugness the King exuded, and it suited him.
The King had mentioned that five years as a ruler changed him. She's seen it before when her father had a different air to him when someone needed the leader of their mercenary band. It could also be a combination of not knowing what her thoughts and feelings for him were.
Byleth started the whole tease to distract the Prince from his mishap and she's pleased to find that resentment and sadness gone from his gaze. The thought that she could do that only makes her want to hold him closer. As the kisses get deeper she silently promises that she'll do her best to help him in small ways in the future too.
"The Noa fruit, that one was my favorite, but right now, there's something else I'd rather get a taste of that I think I'll enjoy even more."
Byleth is not sure where her own boldness is coming from as she starts off kissing at his neck. Her fingers are doing their best to fully undo his undershirt before he stops her like last time. Since he seemed to like it, she made sure to drag her leg against his cock to rub the texture along him. That groan above her head makes her bolder as she uncovers his nipple and takes it between her teeth.
She's sitting up now and she can feel his hand on her head. She's already found that she enjoyed the headpats for a good job and this isn't much different. It's also something she realized with the King, that even though he had enough power in that grip to hurt her, he chose not to. They both seemed to love being touched and touching her. It was a connection she was starting to enjoy as well. It was as she told the King, it wasn’t just about sexual pleasure.
Byleth lay her ear against his chest to hear the racing of the Prince’s heartbeat and she reveled in the fact that it was pounding because of her. While she listened, her fingers played with his chest before dipping down the grooves of the muscles on his abdomen. She could explore those muscles for hours just like how her King explored her with his kisses and his praise.
The effect on him was obvious with those groans and the hands that were trying not to grip her tightly. “I never thought that I could have someone as wonderful as you at my side, beloved. Every moment I have you in my presence only makes me more grateful that you chose to be here with me.”
His words made her smile before their lips locked again. The more that she thought about her time with the King she wondered how much of her perspective was colored by the initial shock. It was obvious that he loved her. It was something that both her Prince and her King had in common. They just had different ways of showing it to her. Her Prince didn’t hold the resentment that seemed to fuel her King, and she was determined not to leave his side this time and let it fester without her.
Byleth’s lips followed her hands as she pushed him back so she could get off the table. She let her tongue follow the grooves of his muscles until she met with the base of his cock. Fondling his balls, she let her tongue and lips do the rest of the work as she cleaned his cock. His fingers coiling into her hair and the groan that leaves his lips has her smiling as she lets her lips linger on the tip of his cock.
Byleth made up her mind, she'd give herself fully over to him. “I want to know how to please you. I want you to feel as good as you've made me feel tonight."
Byleth preened as she felt his hand pet her hair. "You are already doing so well."
"I love you, Dima." She had only said those words a handful of times in her life. Love was not something she understood all that well, but with the happy moments she's felt tonight, she knows that she likes whatever this feeling is. The look he has is pure adoration, and it only fuels her to start working on taking his cock into her mouth again.
She wanted to taste him and please him as well as he’s done for her. She tried to keep her eyes open on him for as long as she can, but soon she needed to concentrate more on making sure she’s doing it right. It almost seems like the moment she breaks eye contact that the room gets colder, but she tried to ignore the shiver that goes down her spine as best she can.
Suddenly the Prince pulled back and it forced her mouth away. It left her confused and wondering if she's done something wrong. The look on his face isn't right, like he's horrified by what he sees in front of him. His eyes are distant, like he's not focused on her as his breathing kicks up. She's seen enough panic attacks in her life to know that his mind is somewhere else.
So she grabs his hand. "Dimitri, is everything alright?"
It seems to bring him out of his daze. "No, you are not the one at fault. It's all my doing."
Byleth is confused again, why did his mood dip again? She thought she was able to help him. What went wrong? Was it because she broke the rules? She called him Dima without even thinking about it, on top of that, for all the times she might have said it, there were probably fewer times he’d heard it.
"Was I not doing it right?"
His face softened a fraction before he scooped her up from the floor. He gives her a reassuring kiss on the forehead. "I want to return the favor, Byleth. Will you let me?"
"But I haven't finished yet..."
“It’s alright, you can do it later. Right now I’d rather be intimate in a different manner. It’s not often you hear those words, and I’d rather you not be kneeling at my feet when you say them.”
Byleth blinked a few times. She doesn’t understand why there’s warmth blossoming in her chest or the smile that’s forming on her lips as she nuzzles into him.
There’s still something wrong. His movements are stiff and there is an agitated aura around him, like something is still bothering him. Byleth buried her hand in the remainder of his shirt. She got it all unbuttoned, but she didn’t manage to get it off. Come to think of it, his pants are still on too. They’ve already fucked once but he’s still mostly dressed. With the mood he’s in right now, it almost feels like he’s going to leave and that’s the last thing she wants.
Dima sat her on the bed with a gentleness that almost brought her to tears. With all his strength he could be gentle and tender, hadn’t he proved that to her already?
He loomed over her, she could see his eyes moving to take in every detail. She moved her hand to cup him and the groan that rose from his throat only made her wet for him as well. As she runs her hands along his length, she can see his eyes darken with lust as his mouth hangs open.
Byleth reached up to run her hands through his hair. Dima's composure shattered as he leaned down to take her into a fevered kiss. Byleth returned it as best as she could as she pulled her arm out from between them and put both of her hands around him as he ground his cock against her covered slit. Between his moisture and hers she could feel the lace of her underclothes getting soaked from them both.
He leaned himself back up, his hair disheveled from her hands. She could feel his hand underneath the fabric so he could touch her bare skin. “You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamt of this, Professor, to have you wet and willing beneath me.”
There seems to be a war in his eyes before he starts leaving a hot trail down her chest, stomach, and thighs with his kisses. It’s the things he says though that made her wonder if something is wrong. He’s promising that he won’t let anyone take her or his newfound happiness away from him. The way he's saying her name too also seems sad.
Byleth reaches out for him, hoping that her touch might be able to soothe whatever the problem is. He grabs it with his own before interlacing their fingers together and kissing the top of her hand. “I will never let go of your hand now that I’ve felt your embrace and kindness. You are more than a beast like me deserves.”
His other hand is on her waist and he leaves one more kiss on her stomach before he pulls his hand away to pull her smallclothes down to be able to lick a stripe up her folds. The anger seems to fade as he continues to lap at her. He's being thorough in his cleaning and it's almost as if he already knows the spots that send her reeling. Either that or Byleth is getting too lost in pleasure to notice the difference. His hand is still intertwined and clinging to hers.
Byleth curled her other hand in his hair as he hit a particularly nice spot inside of her. "You are more than a beast to me, my prince."
That makes him stop for a moment and she wonders if again she's said something wrong, but his hand tightens on hers before he wrings an orgasm to her. He gives a kiss to her clit before leaning himself back up.
"Is that so?" The tone still makes her wonder if something is still bothering him. It's when he makes a playful growl and a nip into her thigh that she can't help but smile at him. Dimitri leans back up to kiss her fully and she soon gets dizzy from the claim within the kiss. He starts to pull at her hair and lean her head to the side so he can leave kisses on her neck.
"I love you too, Byleth." He nuzzles at her skin before his lips find hers again.
Byleth feels like her chest is bursting. There's a warmth there she can't describe as she kisses him back with as much vigor as she can manage.
Byleth pulls her head back only far enough to be able to speak. "No one will take me away from you willingly. I've found my place at your side and I want to stay there."
His hold gets tighter as he reignites the kisses. Each kiss on her skin, no matter where it is, feels like a claim. There's no more words other than each other's names as she starts to feel empty inside. She wants more than just his touch.
Then his lips find their way down to her folds again and when he adds his fingers it almost feels like enough. She's getting to the point of writhing but he's got her pinned down so she can't and it only makes it all the more maddening. It only gets more intense as he suckles on her clit until she cums all over his fingers.
Everything leaves her feeling dizzy but wonderful. It's still not enough. She's hoping that he'll surprise her like how he took her on his lap earlier. He gives her a different surprise but not one she expected. She can still feel him hard against her as he lays himself alongside her.
He's leaving soothing lines on her with his fingers but it's almost as if there's a guilty look on his face "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to let my anger get the better of me."
The King had been angry with her too at some points. Even the day the Prince attacked her all those years ago had been out of anger. Perhaps the beast wasn't only his desire. His apology helps highlight that to her.
Byleth feels as if the beast had appeared and was taking her this whole time. "My lion, don't be afraid to show me those fangs every now and then. However, there's still the fact that you've pushed me over the edge how many times and you still haven't undressed, nor have you let me please you."
Dimitri's blush only makes her more impatient. Byleth feels like it's time to take back the reins for a bit, so she straddles him again. "This time, I want all of our clothes off."
Dima seemed to have returned to normal. He doesn't look haunted like before. Byleth won’t let either of them dwell in those bad memories. All that matters is the two of them at this moment right now. She takes her time exploring his chest and muscles with her hands as she nips and sucks on his neck. Her hands wander lower as she tucks her fingers underneath his waistband and starts to pull his pants down.
His cock springs up between them as soon as it's pulled away from the confines of his smallclothes and Byleth moves so she can get her mouth on it. It's when his cock is in the space between her breasts that the wheels begin to turn in her mind. "Would you like that?"
She kneels down and squeezes his cock between her beasts. Dima is staring at her with his mouth hung open and she can tell by the lust in his eyes that he does. Byleth kisses the tip before she lets her breasts go. He's left a trail of precum on her chest, but she doesn't mind.
There is only one mission in her mind right now and that is bearing all of him to her. So she continues tugging down his pants and hooks her fingers into his socks when she gets there. As soon as that's done, she reaches behind herself to unlatch her bra. That just leaves the panties still dangling on the one leg and the stockings for her.
The Prince's tugs at one of the stockings. "May we keep these for a little while longer? Please."
Byleth gives him a tilt of her head.
Dimitri blushes while he caresses his hand over them, "You drive me wild with the ones you usually wear. I've imagined the texture when I think about you wrapping your legs around my waist, and I want to find out what it feels like."
Byleth smiles as another tease comes to her mind. "It seems you were lying to Sylvain and the others about not caring about women's fashions with how much you secretly admire my stockings.”
Dimitri shakes his head. "No, it isn't the stockings themselves that I enjoy. It's you, and the way you look in them that fills me with greed."
He grabs her waist. "And now, I have you right where I've always wanted you."
It's like a repeat of what he did to her earlier as she ate the chocolate, only this time there were no pesky smallclothes to push away. He just lifts her and sets her back down onto his cock. The stretch makes her moan as he fits himself back inside her.
"I don't trust my strength when it comes to you yet. To avoid any harm, may you take the lead?"
It's the smile that crosses her face as she intertwines her hand with his that seems to have him breathless. "You did fine earlier, but I'm alright with setting the pace this time. We'll learn together."
His hands are wandering as she starts moving his gaze on her, setting her to want to go faster. She locks her ankles around his legs so the stockings rub against him. He's right in how the texture feels different but wonderful.
Byleth revels in how this feels, how the intimacy is like they are lovers, how it should feel. She digs her nails into his chest and leans down to kiss him. Since her prince is shorter it's not as much a reach for her. It's short lived as he presses his knees up towards her ass and pushes her forward. It changes the angle and it has her moaning when he gives an experimental thrust.
Byleth hums in approval. “Yes like that, my prince, go harder if you wish.”
She's not sure when she was no longer in control but she no longer cares as he fucks her from below. All that talk about not knowing what he was doing was bullshit, he's doing wonderfully.
“I never thought that this would be possible. I never thought you would choose me.” His words seem strained as he pulls her in for another kiss.
Byleth reaches down to lock her lips with his. This was the desperation that sent the King to take her while she was still asleep. Why was it so hard for him to imagine that someone could love him back? He mentioned it earlier tonight as well. She doesn't want to ruin the mood right now, but later she wants to discuss exactly why it seemed unfathomable to him. He was a prince and she was just a commoner after all, if anyone had a right to disbelief it was her. It wasn't like her doubts in that she wondered some days if she was even human.
The stray thoughts also helped her refocus because she was getting way too close to climax again. She wanted him to get some pleasure out of this too. The whole purpose of her argument was to let him cum and she doesn't want to do it again until he does. So she finishes the kiss and encourages him to come inside her.
There is a light in his eyes as he notices that she's holding back. It seems to only turn him on more. "So good for me, do you want to hit the peak together?"
Byleth can only hum her affirmation as he gives her a particularly deep thrust. Murmurs of so beautiful, so good are whispered against her skin before he takes her hips in hand and increases the pace.
It's hard to hold back with how good it feels. He's got his hand curled in her hair again and the way he's watching her face reminds her of how the King would watch her too. The lines blur in her mind. It's Dimitri that takes pleasure in being able to see what he does to her. It's not a form of control or admission. He genuinely gets turned on by her expression.
As she watches his face she can understand why. There are minute details, like the way his brow is furrowing, the curve of his lips, and the way his eyes seem to shine, that tell her a story of how lost in the pleasure he is. She wonders briefly what he can see in her face, but that thought is cut short as his thrusts get more uneven. It’s even harder to hold back as he tightens his grip once more and those groans come out of his mouth.
She’s not sure if being silent or coaxing him is the right move, but she’s barely hanging on by a thread. It’s hard to even keep her eyes open. The thing is she knows that he can take her harder than this. Suddenly his lips crash into hers as he buries himself inside of her. Byleth doesn’t hold back anymore as she lets the pleasure finally rip through her as his warmth fills her. He’s angling himself against a very nice spot and she wonders if she should be worried about how deep her nails are cutting into his skin.
His pace had been faster during their previous session. He had also lost himself a little more in it. Byleth has a small grin on her face as a plan starts to form in her mind. She already knows that Dimitri can go for multiple rounds in quick succession and she wants to take advantage of that. There’s also a fantasy of her own that he reminded her of.
Right now she lets her Prince keep her on his chest as he stays inside of her. She would like a small reprieve between rounds and she likes the smile that he had on his face. There’s also the small caresses he’s tracing into her back and the small kisses he’s leaving on her face and hair. It’s relaxing and she’s enjoying it.
After a few moments though she’s at risk for being comfortable enough to fall asleep and there is still so much she wants to do tonight. So she wiggles herself off of him despite his whimpers of protest.
“Where are you going?”
Byleth only presses her finger to his lips. “You’ll just have to see won’t you?”
There’s a suspicious glint in his eyes, and she can’t blame him. What she has in mind will definitely rile him up. They might end up breaking the bed if she’s successful, so it’s best to move to the bench that can be replaced. It should be about the right height.
The king was next to the table where she had the chocolates, but he looked faded out, not as clear as he had earlier tonight. Byleth wondered if it’s because her mind has mostly been on the prince.
The King looked angry, but more than that he looked a little broken, like the anger was coming from his sadness. He probably wasn’t happy with seeing her with the prince, given how his jealousy for her laughter had driven him into action earlier. Byleth reached out to pet his hair as she walked by. That anger seemed to shatter and only leave the sadness behind, but he made no move to even lift his hands.
The king closed his eyes and seemed to melt in her hand when she cupped his jaw. Byleth can almost feel the Prince’s gaze on her back as she lets her hand slide away. The look the king gave her reminded her of a puppy that doesn’t want the one petting it to leave.
“Is everything alright? You seem distracted.” The Prince’s voice breaks her concentration and she moves her eyes back to him.
Byleth went to get a goblet of water from where it sat on the dresser. It doesn’t take long to gulp it down.
The prince gets off the bed and places his hands on her shoulders as he kisses the top of her head. "I would have gotten it for you if you had asked."
Byleth knew this already. As her gaze wandered over to the king's faded form, she's reminded of the sweeter tendencies. He had summoned a meal for her and even given her his portion. He was willing to give her anything she asked just to have the chance to keep her.
So she continued with her plan, wanting to get her mind off of what she left behind. She could build a better relationship here and this Dimitri wouldn’t have to go through the five years of torment her king had to. “I’m well aware. Drink up yourself.”
Byleth slinked away from his grip and sauntered over to the bench that she was eying for her plan. When she picked it up and set it beside the fire she looked back up at the Prince. He was eyeing her over the rim of the goblet. Byleth passed by the king once more and she gave him a lingering touch to his shoulder as she went around him. His head was bent down this time, so she couldn’t see his face.
Byleth sat down on the bench before she decided that kneeling before it might entice him more. Her back was to him so she wasn’t able to see his face as she started to finger herself. The sharp clink of the goblet and his footsteps should have caught her attention, but she thought of being back in the sauna and the feelings that she had that day.
Her hand gets snatched and pulled to her side as the Prince kneels down behind her. “Are you forgetting our agreement already, beloved?”
The way he growled out the words made her shiver as he pulled her back against his chest. His cock is a solid weight against her ass and it almost makes her hum with the tight grip he has on her waist.
She can’t help but twist her head around as a grin curls on her face. “No, I’m just answering your question earlier. You asked how I would please myself in the sauna, and what I would think about when I was doing so.”
The grip on her wrist retreats. That chuckle sounds deep and dangerous against her ear. “We agreed that you would come to me with those desires, not play them out by yourself.”
Byleth takes his hands and places one at her breast and pulls the other onto her hip. “And how else am I supposed to make my lion pounce?”
He gives her breast a small squeeze. “Is that why you left the bed?”
Byleth gave him a small chuckle as she reached her hands back to play with his hair and kiss his jaw. “There weren’t any beds in the sauna now were there? Something like this is what I imagined. You would have me over the bench or on the floor while you took me from behind. It would need to be fast and rough. We would have no idea how long we'd have.”
The prince swiped out to toss the bench aside and she was thrown forward by the movement onto her hands and knees. “Is that what you desire love?”
Byleth barely breathed out a yes before she felt his cock slide inside of her. He’s made her arch into him with the hand he placed on her back. She’s been in this position with the king before, when she lost herself to the delusion that it was her prince the first time. It felt similar, and the Prince was finally pounding into her at the depth and speed she wanted to see if he was capable of.
How twisted was she now? The King was right. When he had her all she wanted to think about was the time she had with her Prince. Now that she finally had the Prince, she was pining for what she had with the King. It seemed that, no matter what, he would be haunting her thoughts in one way or another.
As she loses herself to the pleasure she notices that the King has made his way to kneel in front of her. One of his hands makes its way to cup her jaw similar as she did to him. Byleth reached out to place her hand above his as she leaned her cheek against his palm.
"What's the matter? Is it not how you imagined it, Professor? Would you prefer he put you over a desk instead?”
Byleth’s fingers tightened on the King’s hand. It was difficult to form any coherent thoughts with what the Prince was doing behind her. The only word that would come out of her mouth was his name and soon even that turned into a mangle of moans.
The King placed down his other hand and she immediately grabbed at it for another anchor. She can finally get some leverage to push back against the prince and the pleasure is enough to make her delirious. “Is this what you were imagining when I was on the bed behind you? I want you to reveal to me your innermost desires, so I can use them as inspiration to paint our future. Let me grant you the reality you seek.”
He would, wouldn’t he? All she can get out is a yes before another thrust jolts through her.
Her Prince’s grip tightened on her waist at her shout. “You would have gotten us caught with all those beautiful sounds. I love hearing what I do to you.”
The grin that curls over the King’s face is that smug demeanor she’s come to know him for. “Yes, such beautiful sounds, indeed. "
“Tell me beloved, is this what you wanted? Does it exceed those little fantasies of yours?” The Prince was not the one she expected to say that to her. He waits for a few more thrusts before he slows down for her. “Are you unable to handle it? Do you need me to stop? Can you not even take what you asked for?”
The King only chuckled softly as his thumbs rubbed over her hands. “Oh, she can’t take much more than that, can’t you love?”
The Prince seemed to pound into her harder and faster after that. His breathing was ragged, but there’s no indication that he’d be stopping anytime soon. Byleth doesn’t want him to stop either. The pleasure threatened to overwhelm her and she can't come up with a response or focus on anything else.
The King is quiet in front of her with that smug grin and she knows he’s thinking of how much louder she screamed for him in their bedroom. Byleth was getting close to climax again.
"We can stop," the Prince says dismissively. His thrust came to a sudden halt. "If you can't handle this much, then that's that."
Byleth squirmed in his hands, to be denied so close to climax was not something she expected her Prince to do. “Please, Dimitri... don't stop"
The Prince lifted her up against his chest. Her hands are snatched from where they lay on the King’s hands. The King glares as the Prince presses against her back as he moves to whisper in her ear. "Hmm, but you were so speechless just a moment ago. Answer me beloved if you want this to continue."
Byleth begged him one more time and barely caught the wicked grin crossing his face before he began thrusting anew. She had to clutch his arms as he bounced her on his lap. Her breasts bounced against his arm and every time he thrust it sent a jolt through her body. Byleth tried to keep her eyes open and on the King, but it was difficult to do as the Prince wrung more moans from her lips.
“That’s right, love. Let yourself fall off the edge and I’ll be right behind you.” The Prince left a kiss on her neck before he sunk his teeth into her skin. His hand came to envelop her breast and the volume of her cry increased.
She couldn’t help the orgasm that ripped through her as his other hand came to rub circles around her clit. Her body seized before the orgasm burst through her and left her shaking and panting in his arms.
She felt dazed when she felt the prince envelop her in an embrace and cum inside of her. When she tried to focus her gaze on the King, he was shaking, like he was trying to beat some great weight that held him down. It seemed odd, with as strong as he was, why would he struggle and what was he struggling against? The kisses on her shoulder brought her attention back to the Prince as she hummed.
The Prince lifted her off of him and placed her into a bridal carry. “Let’s get back to bed, my love. I’ll be the one keeping you safe and warm tonight.”
Byleth reached out to brush against the King’s hair before she was taken out of reach. It was hard to stay awake, so she took the reprieve to lay her head against the Prince’s chest. She felt her body hit the bed and get covered by the sheets.
It wasn’t until she felt the warmth of the Prince coming in beside her that she started to relax. She was afraid that if the Prince and King were left alone they would tear each other apart without her to mediate. Which was an odd thought within itself. It wasn't like the King was actually here with them.
With that thought in mind, she tightened her hold on her Prince as her mind drifted back to her King and how he would go for a few hours. “I doubt you’re fully satisfied.”
The Prince’s snort rustled her hair. “I can continue, but it seems you need some rest. We are far from done, especially when you take such great lengths to get me to ‘pounce’ as you named it.”
He’s silent for a moment before she can feel his arms wrap around her and pull her to him. The kiss is slow and deep and she can’t help but hum contently into his mouth. When they part he brushes her hair back behind her ear.
“May I stay inside you while you rest, Professor? I promise I’ll let you get some sleep... I just want to feel your warmth.” His face is covered by a cute blush and he stuttered a bit from nervousness.
Byleth hesitated a moment as she remembered how she woke up to the feel of the king inside of her. It was one of the things the King had said too was about the warmth of her. She wondered if it had a bigger meaning than she was realizing, especially for Dima to ask for it as well.
It was something she was going to have to get used to if this was any indication. “Only if I get to listen to your heartbeat in return.”
The way his face lit up before he kissed her temple only made her think that she was missing something vital. She crawled up onto his lap and settled herself down onto him. She contemplated how to deal with her breasts for a moment before he twisted them both to their sides and held her close. He embraced her fully and tucked her head underneath his jaw. His leg slipped in between her leg to bury his cock deeper and keep her comfortable as her leg laid over his.
Byleth nuzzled into his chest after she adjusted herself to a comfortable position. As she focused on the feeling she started to realize possibly why the King had valued this so much. It was intimate and vulnerable in the fact that she could feel his pulse and breathing all around her.
Dimitri wouldn’t have had a heartbeat to content himself with. It did not excuse what he did, but this was his fantasy. He wanted to have his lover nestled with him like this. With no idea how she'd react once she woke he probably wanted to know what it was like once and when he got a taste it was hard to stop.
Byleth tapped on his chest in time to his heartbeat, just as she had done with the King. "Dimitri…"
Dima hummed above her.
"Don't keep us awake too long. My father gets back in the morning. I want to be able to talk to him as soon as I can. We'll have plenty of nights in the future ahead of us."
"Is tomorrow important?"
Byleth bit her lip. How much can she tell him? "It's not often I get to tell my father that I have a marriage proposal that I plan to take. He also promised to tell me something when he got back. I'm eager to find out what it is… and you never know when those you care about will be taken from you. He might not be back like he promised for all I know."
Dima's embrace got tighter around her. "I'll do what I can to make sure you get to see him. Rest for now. You have nothing to fear while I'm here with you."
Dimitri's laughter was cold behind them. "Foolish… you will not be the one to take care of her enemies. You'll fail just like last time and leave her crying in the rain as Edelgard whispers false condolences. I'll do what you cannot. Keep her warm, I'll be the one to keep her safe."
Byleth let her eyes close then. Dimitri kept his word when he gave it. That, she knew she could trust.
‐------------------------
Once again, Byleth had chosen to leave Dimitri behind of her own free will. She'd spurned his hand, dashing what little hope he had left against the ground, and for what? All to continue this foolish charade within the dreamworld she created just to escape him. He believed they were finally coming to an understanding. They were having meaningful conversations and he learned of the true significance of the nickname she called him by. He thought she had learned of his sincere desire to protect her, that she understood how much he craved her.
But he was wrong. The betrayal cut him down to his core. It was as if she had stabbed his heart, leaving his chest bleeding and raw as she turned her back on him without another word. The glare the prince gave him only fueled his need to wrench his counterpart's neck from his shoulders.
Dimitri made himself unable to be seen as he stormed into the room, his boots kicked up rose petals in their wake. The overly romantic atmosphere inside the cabin was sickening, and he despised how starry eyed Byleth became upon seeing it for herself. He would have done something like this for her if she had asked, but even then she would only be suspicious of the motive.
How was the Prince able to get away with his words and actions? Why was she acting as if he was so innocent? They were both beasts, and the Prince was only toying with her heart before he devoured her whole. Could she not see it? Had he deceived her so completely? Then again he shouldn’t be surprised. Hadn’t she proven already that she will get herself hurt by siding with the enemy? And in the King’s eyes his younger self was an enemy.
The voice whispering in his ear, urging him to kill his younger self and forcefully wake up Byleth did not belong to his father or Glenn, it was his own. He had to calm down. He would only become a villain in Byleth's eyes if he interfered at this point.
During their impromptu dance beneath the stars, she had given him false hope. That seemed to be a recurring pattern for her now. How many times would she reject him for her idealized version that didn’t exist? Byleth wouldn't have been able to leave him in the first place had it not been for the sudden pressure that threatened his ability to stand. It was all his younger self's fault, he was certain of it. And Dimitri wouldn't tolerate this any more than he had to.
He sat on a chair in the corner of the room, confident that Byleth would think of him as well. There was a pull when Byleth thought of him, it made his power stronger here in this world of hers. As the night went on more of his power was slipping away. She let his younger self tie those knots around her so completely. Even when she looked at him there was barely a flicker of power given back.
He could barely get out of the chair as weighed down as he felt. All he could do was watch as his younger self pleasured her and she coiled herself around him. Dimitri was starting to regret where he sat because he could watch her from here while the Prince's back was turned. At least Dimitri wouldn't have to look at his expression, but the sight of her would come to haunt him later.
Byleth was beautiful tonight, both in the attire and in her own expressions. There was a part of him that wanted to imagine that it was his lap she sat on, that every beautiful sound was all for him. She looked happy and that was part of what stung the most. He wanted to be the one to make her smile. Little by little he could feel that weight lifting as she explored his younger counterpart. Just what was she thinking?
Dimitri got up to get closer to see more of the expressions that were being hidden from his view. The adoration was apparent, and it made him burn with jealousy. Then she got on her knees and said those three words. He couldn't help himself as his anger made him lash out and grab the Prince's neck.
Those words should be for him alone and Dimitri's retaliation was to show the Prince exactly what happened before he showed up at the meeting place. Dimitri let the memory flow as he concentrated on her words, the way she looked and felt, and the way she submitted willingly to him.
It almost felt like the Prince was able to backlash that power back at him. It left Dimitri panting by the table as he could only watch the Prince take Byleth to the bed.
And then the Prince had her full attention.
It felt like a part of him was breaking. There was no resistance or hesitation on Byleth's part. His plan was failing and he was losing his grip on her.
When she got out of the bed her touch did little to soothe his heart. He tried to hold onto the anger, but he felt tired at that moment, clinging to the power her touch and thoughts gave him. He couldn’t speak, his heart too torn from the sight of her writhing on the bed from someone else’s touch. Didn’t she know that he would do anything for her. He would kill anyone to keep her safe, bring her whatever she desired, and worship her until she was limp from the bliss. Why did she torment him like this?
Her touch did not last long enough. It seemed that she wanted to toy with the Prince’s heart as well. Another promise broken in the guise of a tease. All she had to do was ask, no games were needed. What surprised him more is that he felt himself getting stronger. There was something that was making her think of him, even while the Prince was the one inside of her. A smile curved his lips. This had been the moment he had been hoping for.
So he made his way over towards the fireplace and knelt in front of her. The thought that she would look so beautiful with her mouth on his cock was almost overwhelming. Could she handle taking them both? She was probably greedy enough to desire that possibility. She did not deserve to get something she wanted right now. .
She was beautiful in the firelight. Dimitri knew the Prince could see and hear him and he jabbed the Prince with every comment he could. What he loved was when Byleth would look his way and answer him. With every thrust the Prince gave her she kept eye contact with him. Dimitri felt stronger with every moment Byleth clung to his hands, until the Prince had pulled her away. It felt like another force other than Byleth was keeping him pinned down.
He could swear that the Prince’s eyes glowed a frosty blue. Somehow the Prince was able to wield powers that he wouldn’t normally be able to have here as well, Dimitri was sure of it.
Byleth reached out for him in those last moments, and that connection gave him the last surge of strength he needed. He was tempted to lunge at them both until he heard the Prince’s wording. Safe? Don’t make him laugh. There were enemies plotting her demise at this very moment.
There were still things he needed to do, things he got distracted from. He would prove to her that he was able to keep her safe. If he could implicate the truth he knew about Edelgard and her snakes all the better.
Something else broke inside of him when Byleth agreed to let the Prince inside of her while she rested. Even the surge of strength that came from her thoughts as the Prince slipped inside of her didn’t ease the hurt she caused with her permission. The sight of them together almost drove him to tearing the Prince off the bed. His hands were shaking as the voice grew louder inside his head.
Then Byleth reminded him of what he still needed to do. He left his parting remark before Dimitri called upon the same power he used to put Byleth’s makeup back in place as his form shifted to that of the Prince. Perhaps later, he could taste Byleth’s passions for himself in this form. It was a mask he knew well, and he would decide the Prince’s fate once his plan succeeded.
A blast of cold whirled in the room as he warped himself from the cabin back to the Monastery. A cruel smile formed on his face when he noticed Hubert’s shadow in the Goddess Tower. It was time to set his plan in motion. He would get Byleth to see past the delusions she had made for herself.
-------------------------
The Prince wasn’t sure if his counterpart would truly leave without a fight, but as cold air swept through the room Dima could not feel the King’s presence any longer. It took Dima several moments to relax and believe that he was gone. After that little stunt with showing off the memories of their tryst in the woods, he had expected the King to do something else.
Dima shouldn’t have let his anger get the better of him after he saw what they did together, but something in him came close to breaking when he saw the way she was being treated. It wasn’t just that, Dima could hear the thoughts inside his head and how depraved he could have been had made his stomach turn. He couldn’t stand the idea of another man thinking of Byleth in that way… even if that phantom was somehow his future self.
He wasn’t mad at Byleth. It seemed like she wasn’t fully aware of what was real and what wasn’t here. Not that he blamed her. There were still so many questions he had as well. Like why wasn’t he dead, why had he been brought back in time, and how was his future self even here?
The last thing he remembered was the day that Byleth came back to the Monastery as Edelgard’s general. He would not be sated until he had Edelgard’s head severed from her shoulders, and if Byleth protected her then she was an enemy that would need to be dealt with. There could be no hesitation, he couldn’t let his feelings for Byleth interfere with what had to be done. The Prince might have even killed her had Hubert not hit him with a spell first. Everything went dark after that, Dima was sure he died in her arms, regretting that he attacked her in the first place.
Then he found himself outside the training grounds with no recollection of why he was there and none of the wounds he had sustained. He knew something was off the moment he saw Monica out of the corner of his eye, still pretending to be a student. Why hadn’t anyone raised an alarm or tried to capture her? That traitor was the reason that Jeralt died. There were plenty who wanted revenge on her, Byleth had gotten her revenge. It made no sense. He thought he might be in some sort of dream himself.
Then he saw Byleth talking with Edelgard. Something was different with how they were talking as well. Byleth looked ill, but more than that she seemed to have reverted back to the stoic personality that she arrived at the Monastery with. Byleth was keeping her distance and her guard up around Edelgard and that had intrigued him. He found himself coming closer.
When Byleth noticed Monica, the rage he saw in Byleth’s eyes was one he recognized. Byleth knew the truth about them it seemed. Perhaps she had gone back in time as well somehow. He wasn’t sure what had happened to change her mind and listen to reason, but there hadn’t been time to question it as Byleth collapsed in front of him.
It had been a whim to take her inside. He wanted to talk with her and find out what was going on. That was not the only odd memory. When Byleth mentioned tea out in the gardens for his birthday he remembered a kiss that he knew hadn't occurred to his knowledge. He still didn't know what was going on, but he knew that she was the reason he was here.
It was best to keep up appearances. He needed to find out what Byleth knew first, and what happened in that room was not what he expected. His lust for her got the better of him that day, but it gave him hope that they could change things for the better. He would have her on his side, and together they could uncover the wicked crimes that Edelgard and her snakes were guilty of.
The weight of his burdens felt lighter than it ever had before. On top of that, he couldn’t get the sight and sound of Byleth out of his head. The smell of her was still clinging to him as well. He was looking forward to experiencing everything that she had to offer him.
It was going perfectly until that damned phantom jumped him. The sight of what he did to Byleth, hearing her say his name while that bastard had her drugged… it didn’t matter that Byleth had taken it on her own accord, he wanted nothing more to tear him apart for what he did to her. But the creature who wore his face was stronger than him, and he had to come up with a plan to keep himself and Byleth safe from this so-called Tempest King.
The memory he had of the day the monastery was attacked also made no sense. Dima scoured the King’s memory and the day Byleth came back she hadn’t met or crossed blades with him. At no point had his older self felt the sting of betrayal and allowed it to wield his blade for him.
The King had said to imagine five years without her voice or touch. At least the King didn’t have to deal with the guilt that he almost killed someone who would cry over him and refuse to let him die alone. Dima wondered which fate was worse.
He stayed in his thoughts for a while as he caressed faint lines into her skin. “Never again will I raise my hand to you in anger. I am so sorry, Byleth. I hope you can forgive my behavior one day. I have no excuse, I do not deserve you, but...”
What more could he say? Do not take more than what you are given, the King had broken his own rules when it came to Byleth. It wasn’t just the King that failed her. Dima never should have had this chance to hold her. Whatever this realm of existence was, he would live it for Byleth. If that meant protecting her from himself, so be it.
Byleth was sleeping soundly for now and he wished to keep it that way. He had to agree that the warmth of her and being able to hold her in his embrace was a feeling he would never tire of. That said, if she had not agreed he never would have done it to begin with. Dima clutched her tight as Byleth came awake. He could already tell that she was tensing up, her breathing picking up against his skin.
“It’s just me, Professor.” He kissed her forehead as he rubbed her arms in an attempt to soothe her.
The result was almost immediate and in that moment he wanted nothing more than to punch some sense into his older self. Byleth’s hands curled around to hold him in return. He snuggled deeper into her to hold her. The last thing he wanted was her to be afraid of him.
“Dima…” Byleth immediately bit her lip and cringed like she had done something wrong.
He nuzzled into her, this was the first mistake he needed to correct. “I will not reject the bond you give me.”
“Earlier I had… it gave you a bad memory. I don’t want to do that to you.”
Dima kissed her as he tucked a piece of hair back behind her ear. “Then let us both make better memories.”
Byleth’s hands came to frame his face. “We both have memories we wish we could forget. What matters is how we move forward. I chose to be here at your side, and will remain there for as long as you’ll have me.”
The Prince gave a huff of laughter before flipping Byleth over onto her back. “Beloved, there will never come a time that I will tire of your company.”
Byleth nodded and relaxed back into the pillows. Despite being in a similar position to when his counterpart woke her up there was no fear in her eyes. Dima would try to replace those memories with something better and be mindful of her reactions as he went through those memories to recreate better scenarios for her.
She may not have acted frightened or cried at the time, but it had to leave a scar on her mind, one he hoped to heal. Based on the way she moaned and cried out his name for most of the night, he wanted to believe that he succeeded.
Notes:
comments and kudos are always appreciated hope yall enjoyed.
twitter is Lunafox90
Link for my discord server -> https://discord.gg/rFHMzYraNc<-- If you decide to come in, mind the rules and be nice.
I don't own anything fire emblem, the characters just live in my head and this is how they pay their rent
Chapter 13: Beast and Demon
Summary:
The King plays a little in this world of hers and upon his return both versions of Dimitri are in for a surprise that neither of them will like.
Notes:
Ok content warnings on this one are a bit of a doozy- murder, character death (not byleth nor either dimitri) The nabatean features tag starts to play a part here but I don't think it counts as full on monsterfucking the scales are a representation for desire + climaxes, the fangs and claws are part of my kinks so yeah ^^; um.... definitely possessive behavior, and very dark thoughts at one point on the king's side, definitely stress and anxiety on her part, oh past trauma too
the last thing I want to do is upset anyone with my work so please please take care of yourselves.
As it has been Dimitri/The King - is Tempest king from CF
Dima/ The Prince- the academy phase (when she pulsed to turn back time and save his life right before ts is the moment this one was pulled from)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The monastery seemed eerie as Dimitri went up the steps to the Goddess Tower. It's too quiet, and it's odd to not see anyone else around. He planned to call out for Byleth and throw false bites to make sure that Hubert will be there with the other snakes at the cathedral in the morning.
A twisted smile curved Dimitri’s lips as he thought of a plan for tomorrow's festivities. It didn't matter if this Edelgard was only a figment of this dream. If his own incarnation was any indication these phantoms acted and thought the same way their real world counterparts did. Let him see how well Edelgard dealt with her snakes biting back. He knew her resolve was not so easily shattered, but it would be glorious to see the disbelief on her face just once.
Dimitri manifested a lance in his hand and a cloak around him just in case someone was around to see him. Part of him wanted to make sure he was seen and implicate the Prince if anything went wrong, but he already knew Byleth would do something to interfere on his behalf. That he could not have. He would keep the lance out of sight for now, but he had a feeling that he'd need it.
It felt like a trap, and if Byleth’s words were to be believed, Hubert had killed him once before. When Dimitri reached the top he called out for the Professor. He knew she wasn't here. Despite that, he needed to keep up appearances and pinpoint where Hubert was. That magic of his was a problem. There was also no telling if there were any other surprises waiting for him like the Prince's or his own abilities.
"She isn't here."
Dimitri turned as Hubert's yellow eyes caught the moonlight, making him look even more like a snake than usual.
Magic was gathering at Hubert's fingertips. "I believe I gave you a warning, and yet you failed to heed my words."
Dimitri scoffed. "I believe she told you herself that she does not belong to the Empire. She has already agreed to become my wife and join me in Faerghus as my Queen. I will not let you get in the way of our union, nor get away with the schemes you've conjured."
"There's also the threat you pose to Lady Edelgard. I do not know how we came back to this time, but it is obvious that you do intend on getting in our way again. That, I cannot allow."
Again? Now, what did he mean by that?
Dimitri wanted more information, but Hubert threw a spell towards him that he had to dodge.
"Do I kill you with the same spell as before or do I make it more painful for defiling her?"
Something wasn't right. How would Hubert know about what Byleth told him if it was erased by her power? Was it because she used the pulse spell in range of Hubert when she turned back his counterpart’s death? It would have to be thought about later, but things were starting to click into place. If Edelgard had her memories as well she would believe that Byleth would follow at her heels just like before. Dimitri’s grip tightened on the lance. Dimitri would not allow that to happen again.
Dimitri had seen the scythe that the Death Knight wielded. The dagger Monica used might be better for Byleth's mind, but he knew his strength would betray him if he tried to use it. The other advantage that a lance gave him was range. If he had to get close enough for a dagger there would be a good chance of getting hit by Hubert's spells before he even got within range for an attack.
Dimitri let the magic keeping his form looking like his younger self fall away as he turned his black armor into the Death Knight's attire. The disbelief and flicker of fear in Hubert's eyes was worth the charade.
Dimitri waited until the blade of the scythe cut through skin before he spoke. He needed to make sure that he could deal the final blow before the snake warped away from his grasp. His boot slammed down on Hubert’s hand before he ground the blade deeper.
"Your whispers will no longer cloud her mind with lies. Byleth belongs to me. As for that woman you serve, you will be able to reunite with her in the Eternal Flames."
If only he could do this with the real Hubert. This would have to do for now. Dimitri used the claws on the gauntlet to make sure the job was finished. His original plan was to leave more crumbs about tomorrow morning. If Edelgard and Hubert were there before Byleth even showed up he could spin it to imply that they knew about the disaster that was about to befall the students.
They could profess their innocence all they wanted, Dimitri knew that it was a lie to keep Byleth in check. There was no way that Byleth would chose to stand at the side of those responsible for her father’s murder. With that in mind he warped himself and the body to the abandoned cathedral. It didn’t look like Monica or the others were here yet, meaning they had waited until the morning to enact their plan. It was all the better for him.
No one should discover the body until Byleth and the Prince returned. However he should make sure that it is the Death Knight pinned for the murder. He needed both Edelgard and Byleth to be at odds. Byleth couldn't go to her for comfort or let Edelgard delude Byleth that she needed her. If Edelgard told Byleth that it had to be a trick of some sort he was sure that Byleth would snap back because of what she knew now.
Byleth cared too much about others, but in the end she would do what had to be done. That was why she went with Edelgard the first time from the sound of it. Byleth took her role as a teacher seriously, and all those that fell under the protection of those wings of hers she fought for with claws sharper than her blade.
Rhea bared her fangs and demanded Byleth kill her student, and it was an act that, at that moment, Byleth found unacceptable, and she did the only other alternative her mind came up with. Byleth still followed through, even at the cost of herself.
For that alone Byleth would be a good mother. She wouldn't scorn or abandon her own child. Byleth's protective nature would ensure that a child of their making would be safe if he could not shield them both himself. That was something he wouldn’t allow to happen, but it was good to have in mind.
Byleth seemed to have changed her mind about taking Edelgard on as her fledgling, but she will still need more convincing to see that her place was beside him, not Edelgard's. It would not be easy to snap those threads she's tied herself to, but if she didn't she would strangle herself. So he would need to help her cut them away.
Dimitri's grip against his lance tightened as he regretted how things turned out for the umptenth time. What burned him more was the memory of her smile and the teasing laughter. Even if he had been able to talk to her and convince her slowly like he planned he wasn't sure if she would be like that with him. There was something he was missing, an element he didn't understand.
Dimitri manifested a horse and rode through the Monastery to implicate the Death Knight's presence for when the morning came. He didn't want Byleth asking too many of the wrong questions. If he was going to play with her himself later, he wanted her not to become apprehensive when he would come to her as the Prince. He would taste the passion in her he saw tonight for himself.
There were faces in the windows to the rooms and there was one that Dimitri focused on. Edelgard had a look of disbelief on her face before it twisted into a scowl. The window curtain shut with a fast swipe of her hand. Dimitri grinned beneath the mask. He had no doubt in his mind that she'd be trying to summon Hubert to warp and plan out another nefarious plot.
He could possibly appear before Edelgard like this and see what information he could gain, but Dimitri hadn't interacted with the Death Knight himself. Byleth brought back his lance from one of their fights, and Dimitri knew what he looked like, but Dimitri didn't know his speech patterns or tone. He could find Byleth’s memories, but it wasn't worth the information gained.
The King wanted to go and play with the other pieces on the board. Felix was one he was curious about, and toying with Edelgard would be an effort in futility to not end her as well. It was too early and it also wouldn't matter since this Edelgard was only a memory. He needed to show Byleth how flawed Edelgard was.
Over the years he had tried negotiating with Edelgard, but her terms made it clear that the only thing she'd be happy with was destroying everything and remodeling it to her desires. What she suggested would destroy homes and livelihoods. Every part of Fodlan would be crushed under the Empire's boot, and anyone associated with the church and its teachings would see the end of a blade. There were no longer any negotiations.
When Dimitri heard shouting behind him he knew that he had accomplished his goal. He reared up the horse and warped himself back to the clearing he and Byleth stopped at earlier. He didn't want Byleth to see him like this.
The imprint was still there where he pleasured Byleth. He let the death knight armor fall away and leave him in the black shirt and pants underneath. He manifested his cloak as his memory went over her reactions of her laying there on top of it. Her hands seemed to like playing with the fur and she seemed to like it when he would wrap her up inside of it.
Whatever he could do to make Byleth more comfortable, he was willing to do it. He wondered if he might be able to snatch Byleth away for the night, or have a little bit of revenge and make the Prince watch him while he had his chance with her.
Either way, he was not going to let his younger self keep her all night.
----------------------------
Dimitri warped into the cabin and he could feel his fury rise as he stepped near the bed and remembered how he left them. It wasn't fair, nor did it make sense that she would agree with the Prince staying inside of her and not him. All he wanted was to enjoy her warmth and keep her close.
As he loomed over the bed panic overrode the fury. He snatched the blanket away to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him. Then he snatched the Prince by the throat before he retaliated for the scare.
"Where is she?" The King snarled.
The Prince's eyes went wide before the confusion set in and drew his brows together. Dima tried to twist his head to where Byleth had been laying before the king left, but the King's hand made that movement difficult.
How could this have happened? Part of the reason that the King had slept like that with her was to be alerted if she woke up. He was a light sleeper. When he did manage to rest it would only take a creak of a floorboard for him to shoot awake. Had Byleth gotten up to slip away from the Prince it should have woken him up, just as Byleth would have woken the King up if she woke up in the middle of the night.
Dimitri growled before he let go of his younger self. "So much for even keeping her warm. I leave to take care of something you should be doing to keep her safe, only to come back to find that you've let her run away from you too!"
Dima rubbed at his throat as he glared up at the King. Then he looked around the room. "She was in bed with me. I never felt her move."
Dimitri scowled. "And I suppose you didn't notice that it somehow got colder either? Her warmth is unmistakable."
The Prince opened his mouth before he closed it again. He already knew there was no excuse. "Where did she go and how?"
Dimitri crossed his arms and tapped as he thought. He still didn't know how this realm worked. Could Byleth have warped herself somewhere in her sleep somehow? The anti-magic collar was still on her neck in the real world, but did it affect her here?
An odd light on his left caught his attention. That door led to the washroom, and the amount of golden light would come from a large hearth fire. It was out of place and it made him suspicious. The Prince followed his gaze and moved to grab his clothes.
"Just imagine them on you. If you haven't realized by now, you are within her dream. Normal laws of how things work don't exist here." Dimitri snarled before he turned away.
The Prince glanced over to Dimitri before his uniform materialized over his skin. "So you're here to mess with her mind some more? Haven't you done enough? You broke your own rules to not take more than you were given with what you did to her."
Since he was here he should take advantage of what he could. "I intend to make it up to her. I will give her everything she deserves, she only needs to atone for her past mistakes."
Dimitri stepped towards the door, but the Prince stood in his way. "It is not her fault, she has nothing to atone for! You know just as well as I do that she was deceived by Edelgard and her snakes."
Was that the problem perhaps? Byleth had only done what she thought was right, and she had realized the errors she made, else she wouldn't be trying to change things. Was he being- there was no time for this. He shoved the Prince aside and opened the door behind him.
It was as he suspected. It was another place entirely. There was a large hearth fire in what looked like a tavern setting.
"Do you boys need a room?" The tavern keeper was odd. His features seemed to shift from one thing to another. Not even his hair color stayed the same.
Dimitri stepped forward with the Prince following at his heels. "We're looking for a woman."
The tavern keeper barked a laugh. "Sorry, we aren't that type of place. If you wanted to pick up someone from the patrons that's on you, but the one gal that was sitting in the corner already went upstairs. I would have warned her if I had a chance. The man she left with is known around here for being a skirt chaser. Many of the ladies have complained that he's selfish in bed and doesn't care about their pleasure."
"That may be who we're looking for, she has violet eyes, and dark hair."
"Then that's your gal. If you're here to interfere, don't be afraid to tell him not to come back." The tavern keeper leaned in. "Don't mention that I said it of course, but I don’t like the girls that come in here feeling unsafe because of him."
Dimitri nodded, noticing that the Prince was already moving for the stairs. Why had Byleth's mind gone here of all places? Was there a way to keep her out? This was a memory, it had nothing to do with her power, or else she would have erased it and made it never happen.
Was that the case then? Did she want to erase this moment and let him be her first? Or was she trapped in the nightmare because that was her sentiment? It was obvious by the way she talked about this moment that it was a sore subject.
"You cold fish! If you're going to agree to sleep with someone you should act as if you enjoy it."
The door above him slammed open and a man was pushed out of the room. "Now listen here you bitch, no one kicks me out! If you think I can't find someone better tonight then you're mistaken! No one will bed you with that attitude!"
Clothes were thrown in the bastard's face next before the door was shut. It sounded like he was going to spout off more curses to the door, but the Prince threw out his arm and slammed the bastard back against the wall. The beast was rising, and it wouldn't be long before it snapped its leash.
The situation was curious. Was this what happened back then or was Byleth changing things? He knew what he had assumed, but it made sense that Byleth wouldn't tolerate the treatment. She was strong enough that if anyone tried to make her a victim, she could and would make them regret it if she chose to.
"Sorry, if you were hoping to have her first. She was such an easy catch too, but trust me, you don't want anything to do with that cold fish."
The bastard would find that taunting them was the wrong move when the Prince's hand came around his throat. Dimitri would have found the sight of the Prince finally showing off the beast amusing if it hadn't been something he wished to do himself.
Dimitri ignored them to open the door. A dagger embedded into the wall in front of Dimitri. That was not what he expected. The Prince's face was also confused as his attention went briefly to the dagger.
"I told you already to go find someone else to screw with. If you're here to insult me again I want no part of it." The empty, almost angry gaze Byleth held as she gathered her clothing was not what he pictured. Dimitri had expected to find Byleth upset and hurting.
Dimitri pulled the dagger from the wall. "I was under the impression that you might need to be rescued from this nightmare, but I seem to be mistaken."
Byleth came to snatch the dagger from his hand. "I'm not some fragile maiden who can't defend herself."
When she placed the knife at his throat he waited to see what she would do. Byleth had her other hand on his chest and she was still undressed from the earlier activities. The sight of blood that trickled down her leg made him wish that he was the one squeezing the bastard's throat right now.
Byleth's hand moved to explore his chest as she placed the dagger on a table beside them. "Then there's you. Why did I let you continue when I stopped him all those years ago?"
Her gaze was quizzical and the way she ran her hands over him didn't indicate disgust or hate. So that's where her mind was going. If she desired a better experience, he would be happy to give it to her.
Dimitri ducked to pick her up and cradle her to him. He used his cloak to cover her before the Prince came in. His plan was to take her down to the baths and enact what she told them was her fantasy earlier, if she was willing to do it with him.
If she wasn't, then they would need to talk about how freely she gave herself over to his younger self.
The moment he stopped outside the door with her, the Prince's grip loosened. Dimitri almost scoffed. It was only because he didn't want Byleth to see him that way, not out of pity for the man himself. The beast hid in plain sight, and the Prince needed to stop acting like a puppy in front of her.
"If either of you want the cold bitch take her…" the bastard didn't get to finish his sentence before Dimitri kicked out against his leg to silence him.
The Prince's grip had tightened to cut off the resulting scream and airflow as well. "You have no right to insult her."
Dimitri nuzzled into Byleth’s neck. "He's only being petty. Do not listen to him. He just didn't know how to treat you. We both know how much passion and warmth you possess."
To prove his words he began nuzzling and kissing against her neck as his hands moved so he could still hold her and let his fingers play with her nipple as the other hand caressed her thigh. He loved how she shivered and flushed in his embrace. "I would say let's show him, but he doesn't deserve to see you. He had his chance and he failed."
Dimitri didn't miss how the Prince's grip tightened. Byleth didn't deserve to see that side of him completely either. If the Prince wasn't careful he was going to get blood all over the hallway.
Dimitri turned towards the stairs. "Lock the door behind you. I don't want her reliving this experience ever again."
That seemed to get his attention well enough. The Prince turned his focus back to his quarry. Dimitri had shattered his kneecap so there wouldn't be any way for the bastard to run away. There was no doubt in his mind that the Prince would finish the job, especially if he insulted Byleth again.
With that taken care of, Dimitri returned his attention back to Byleth. She was trying to watch over his shoulder as the bastard was thrown back into the room. Dimitri let her until he heard the door slam behind them and the first scream rang out.
The scream was silenced quickly, but Dimitri knew that didn't mean that the bastard's death would be quick. "Do you still think I'm naive and innocent?"
Byleth didn't say anything as she snuggled into his cape and laid her head against his chest. Dimitri breathed a heavy sigh at how sad she was acting.
"I just can't seem to prevent myself from disappointing you. I wouldn't be surprised if you were tired of me by now." Dimitri tilted his hold so he could kiss her. "Even so, I still beg for your hand in salvation. That's how truly depraved I am."
He let his lips hover over hers after the first contact. When she didn't protest he let the kisses continue. There was no hesitation and she even returned them back after a few moments. The look on her face when he pulled back with the way her eyes were hooded made him want to stare longer.
Her fingers come to curl into his hair. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how many mistakes I’ve made, or even how to fix them, but I won’t give up trying to make amends for what I’ve done.”
Dimitri leaned his forehead against hers as he thought on the Prince’s words. Was he putting too much of the blame on her? How much of this situation was truly her fault? Byleth only did what she thought was right. That conviction was one of the things he loved about her.
He was still curious as to her behavior. "Why here of all your memories?"
Byleth played with the fur on his cape. "I'm not sure. I remember falling asleep in his arms and marveling at the sensations. I was comparing the two of you and wondering why it was so important to be able to sleep with me like that. I guess I still don't understand how it is that you can love and want something like me."
Dimitri snorted before he pinned her up against the wall. "Yet you seem to be able to care for and love a beast like me, don't you? It is not that complicated. You shouldn’t listen to that bastard, or give him any more power over your thoughts. The only time I’m cold is when I can’t have you near me. As for yourself, I can feel how your pulse races under my fingers. I’ve heard your moans, and seen how your body reacts.”
Dimitri leaned in to kiss her as he pulled her legs around his waist. When she started to moan and twine her fingers in the fur he pulled away. “That beautiful flush is enough to warm my blood and want to fill you up until you’re begging for more. What do you say, beloved? There should be a sauna in here. Would you like me to warm us both up and prove him wrong?”
Byleth stroked his hair a moment as she pondered over the choice. “I think I have a different idea. If you were the one that offered to show me a good time tonight, what would you do, how would things be different?”
Dimitri’s confusion created a puzzled look on his face. “Are you referring to if I was the one who was your first, to make what you experienced different, or are you wanting to know if we would do a different act entirely?”
Byleth opened and closed her mouth before she finally spoke. “I originally thought of what you would do differently since our first experience wasn’t… I don’t want to think about that, to be frank. You do have my curiosity as to what you’d do if sex was not on the table. I know full well that you can please me, but it seems that’s the only focus you have.”
The thought was enough to pique his curiosity too. Didn't she ask to dance to a different tune that wasn't about physical pleasure? Those were her words, and the prince had proven that it was possible enough, to his distaste.
That room had been a grand stage to show his devotion and attention to her needs and wants. The banter had been more than to gain information about her, it was to form a connection with her. The chocolate was also an excellent plan to get her to open up and distract her while still giving her something to enjoy.
He thought for a moment as he wondered what he could do. “Am I restricted to what’s here or may I take us somewhere else? I’d like to be able to treat you to more than a moonlit walk.”
Byleth debated on his question and she bit her lip as she thought. It’s completely adorable and he wants to start kissing and sucking on her lip instead.
“It needs to be here. We cannot leave the tavern and just taking me to a room and bedding me is not an option either. So what I want is for you to show me what you'd do if you either brought me or found me here, that is your assignment.” The serious and deadpan expression she had showed that she wasn’t saying it for banter.
At first, Dimitri wanted to curse. It was so boring here. There was nothing but empty tables and the hearth fire. Even the tavern keeper seemed to have vanished. Then a smile curved his lips as he thought about her wording.
He needed to stay within the tavern, but that does not mean that he can’t change what was within it. Byleth mentioned that she didn't want to think about what happened on the day of the festival when she woke up. It was not as if he intended that to be their first encounter, so what could he win her over with instead?
Perhaps he could give her a different scenario of the Millennium Festival to latch onto. While he couldn't do the one he planned to win her over in Fhirdiad, he might be able to spin a tale she would enjoy.
Then there’s the fact that she can act so seriously while she’s unclothed and at his mercy. The heat of her is taunting him to bury his lips against her neck. He wants to find a bed or other surface so he can be inside her, even the wall would do. As much as he wants her to be moaning out his name, Dimitri decides that he will play her game.
It’s obvious that what he has been doing isn’t working how he imagines it should be, so a different tune it is. Hopefully, it will be the start to getting the banter and laughter he was truly hoping for. He wanted her both sated and happy staying with him. He needed to figure out how to accomplish that before she woke back up.
Dimitri sets Byleth down and the moment her feet are on the ground he twirls her around in a dancer’s spin. He watches as a black dress manifests on her. He makes sure that the leggings she adores are on her, as well as some heels. The dress is longer in the back than in the front, and he hopes it is to her tastes. He loves the thought that it would be easy to lift her up and bury himself inside her, but no one else will be able to get a view of her.
The top is fitted like a corset and he gives her some lace gloves to match that cuts about her forearms and tapers at her wrists. The makeup and her hair he places in a similar fashion that she already wore tonight. Byleth is an absolute vision to his eyes. When he adds on the collar around her neck he lets lace connect the gap so she won't question why it's there.
As Byleth looked down in disbelief he wrapped his cloak around himself. The look he chose is similar to the Prince's Academy uniform. The blue cape is replaced with the fur that adorns his usual cloaks. Black and silver embroidery was etched along the back of the cloak with his family’s crest. His crest adorned his cufflinks and the buttons on his boots. The slender silver crown he wore was adorned with sapphires. It would be what he'd imagine he would wear for a reunion at the academy.
“On the night of the Millennium Festival, the entire continent was supposed to be celebrating the event. The reunion would be held at Garreg Mach. It would be an event to pledge everlasting peace with the other rulers and the church. With the war, it never happened, but this is a dream, so let us spin our own reality.”
Dimitri takes her hand and kisses it before they go down the rest of the stairs and onto the main floor. “As a Professor, you would have been invited to attend. Dressed like that, I wouldn’t have been able to tear my eyes away from you for a moment. Five years ago I pushed you away and I’ve been regretting that decision ever since. So I would ask if you’d like to step away from the main festivities, mainly to see if I could apologize and capture the moment again."
He gestured to the area around them "I would reserve the tavern ahead of time in hopes that I could bring you here away from all of the crowds and distractions. We would be able to relax and have the place to ourselves. The first thing that I would do is have the kitchen staff prepare some of your favorite treats as a way to try to curry favor with you.”
As if on command the room started to fill up with the scent of fresh-baked bread and other meats. Dimitri smiled as her eyes lit up. This he can work with. Dimitri bowed low as he offered his hand. “Would you do the honor of dancing with me? I never got the chance to back then.”
When she placed her hand willingly in his palm he felt like his heart was about to leap out of his chest. The tavern floor has already arranged itself so the tables are along the walls and left the center empty. He imagined that there would be people and music celebrating outside and those sounds filter in. Byleth looked around, startled at first, but then relaxed and let him hold her in a dancer’s embrace.
The melody is slow as he starts with a waltz. He wants to be able to hold her and the steps should be familiar to her. With their difference in height, he finds himself lifting her up and into an embrace when they spin around. Every time her feet come off the ground he is astounded by how light she is. Dimitri grinned as her smile spread wider. When he takes her up one more time as he did outside the cabin and spins her around, he is finally gifted with her laughter. He can’t help but kiss her as soon as her feet touch the floor again. When he pulls back he nuzzles against her cheek.
“Every time I have my arms around you I can pretend that it’s an embrace and not just a dance. It’s selfish, but I love the feel of you.” At his words, Byleth looks away shyly, but it’s the glance back and the quirk of her lips that makes him smile back at her.
The smell of food is getting stronger as he begins to tell her of the places he wants to take her to.
“There is a pond that I think you would love to fish in. I could be content to hold you in my lap and enjoy the warmth of you. The moment you got a fish on the end of your line I would help you reel it in.” Dimitri chuckles as another image comes to mind.
“The force from pulling the fish out would put both of us on our backs as laughter rings through us both. You could cook the fish and I would hunt whatever you asked for that night’s dinner to go with it. I am willing to eat whatever you cook, just so I could share a meal with you.”
He loves how she blushes at his words. He has her snared and he wants to keep all her attention on him. “I would advise against letting me cook anything. In Fhirdiad there are plenty of capable chefs who would serve you whatever they had the ingredients for, and whatever they didn’t have I would do my best to obtain for you. As my Queen, you are the ones the chefs would want to please the most.”
“Then there is the Royal Library, shelf upon shelf of books on a broad subject of topics. I can imagine you losing yourself among the pages sitting by the window. There are even some of the cats that roam the castle that you might be able to coax into your lap to enjoy the peace and quiet with you.”
Dimitri recounted some of the books he grew up with and the reading he still enjoyed today. His grin turns wicked as he leans down to whisper into her ear. “I’d be happy to recommend some of the more sultry novels if you’d like to gather some ideas for us to try.”
For that suggestion, he receives a disbelieving look and the glimmer of a smile from her when he straightens himself. This is proving to be entertaining and productive so he continues to talk to her as they dance.
“I imagine you would want to keep up with your training. For sparring, we could use the personal room connected to the bedroom or the main training yard." He told her how much he loved watching her move, the determination in her eyes when she had victory in sight. He hoped that they could have some exercise outside of the bedroom, even if he wasn't planning on letting her use those skills in battle again.
Dimitri can feel her moving closer, her head resting on his chest as they sway to the music. He makes sure they continue to play a slower tune as he lets his arms wrap around her.
There was a sweetshop as well as multiple boutiques within the city that he told her about that he felt she would like to browse. He would buy her whatever she required, although he knew that she wasn’t greedy or extravagant. He liked that she was practical, but he hoped that she would allow him to spoil her every once in a while.
"I want to be able to provide for you. No longer would you have to fight just to feed yourself. I want to see you wear more things like this and not have to worry about the cost. Let me dote on you as a husband should."
He wanted her to feel like the queen she was, and to be allowed to dress the part. He would take care of all her needs and desires or find a way to accomplish them.
When he leaned down to kiss her she accepted it readily. "I will make sure you are satisfied both in and out of our bed."
Byleth had a faint blush as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. He gave her one more searing kiss before pulling away. He was delighted by the fact that she tried to keep him against her.
He couldn't seem too eager. There was something about the way she was looking at him now that mirrored her gaze when she looked at the prince. All he had to do was bide his time and Byleth would be begging for him. He snapped his fingers and the food appeared on the tables without anyone delivering it.
It distracted her well enough and the light in her eyes was something he enjoyed seeing. He bowed to her and indicated the tables with a gesture of his hand. The moment her hand leaves his he finds himself wanting to have it back, but he will have it soon enough. He pulls out the chair for her to sit and pushes it back in once it’s placed.
“A meal like this would be part of my plan to make you comfortable. There is plenty of food since I wouldn’t know your favorites at the time, but there would be time for that as we learned about each other. Now that I do know that you are particular to noa fruit, I think you’ll find the dessert most appetizing.”
Byleth looks around at the food and her gaze lingers on the cake with noa fruits and cream decorating the top. It was similar to saghert and cream, which he enjoyed because he knew the memory of it. It would be nice to taste this within the dream and gain a new memory.
He doesn’t sit down himself until he's served her with a heaping plate. Byleth watches him as he arranges it in front of her. “Is it true that you can’t taste?”
That’s right, his younger counterpart had evaded the question. He wonders if he should pull a similar tactic, but he doesn’t mind if she knows about that. “I’m not exactly sure how it happened. That sense was one of many things Duscur took away from me.”
Her mouth forms a small oh before her hand comes over his.”I see why you wouldn’t want to have mentioned why. That certainly isn’t a subject for a pleasant evening.”
Her hand tightens around his. “However if you do need to talk about what happened I am here to listen. You didn’t have to share what you did in my father’s office, but your words that day did make me feel much lighter than hers had.”
A smile crosses over his face at the comparison. Dimitri leans in to kiss her hair as he cherishes how wonderful she is. “I appreciate it, and I may take you up on that offer one day, but as you stated, it’s not the best for pleasant conversation.”
There’s a soft smile on her face as her fingers twine with his. “I have been enjoying this by the way. Those places you mentioned, I would like to see them with you, would have… I really don’t know what to think anymore. I don’t really know why I’m dreaming of you in the first place. I kept trying to wrap my head around my feelings for you and it leaves me confused to say the least.”
So she confirmed that this was currently a dream to her. A dream within a dream, this world of hers was odd. “I certainly didn’t help matters. Please, eat, and see how it tastes. I always love seeing you enjoy yourself.”
Byleth chuckled as she placed a piece of food in her mouth and seemed to nibble on the silverware afterwards. “I do have another awkward question.”
Dimitri couldn’t help but chuckle at her wording. “I will do my best to answer it.”
“Why the cockwarming? It’s not that I mind it, but it seems to be important to you. I’d like to know why.”
Dimitri grabbed his goblet from the table. Byleth pulled no punches and her bluntness had always intrigued him. He swirled the liquid for a moment as she started to eat more food.
Lying wouldn't help either of them. "It served multiple purposes other than the pleasure of your comfort. I was not exaggerating when I said you could be mistaken for a corpse. Your chest barely moved when you breathed. The only time you made any type of noise was when I was touching you. There were some nights I was afraid I'd roll on top of you or lash out and hurt you in my sleep when waking from a nightmare if you were only laying beside me. Being inside of you let me know exactly where you were at night and if you woke up I would know immediately. The way I had you resting on my chest had your breath against my neck. Your warmth, the way your walls would clench around me, and your shallow breaths, all of them let me know that you were alive and still with me."
Byleth nodded as she paused to chew on both her food and that information. “I don’t know if I can forgive you for what you did while I was still comatose, but I think I understand more about why. When I woke up though you were still asking for it, and even indicated that you wanted me to stay in your lap when doing paperwork.”
He hid his grimace with the cup. “Can I not enjoy your company and how it feels to be connected in that way? If you were still on the bed that would distract me far too much.”
He purposefully ignored her first statement. It made him swallow hard. He told himself that he did not need her forgiveness, what he needed was her loyalty and love. Part of what he desired was for her to love being filled by him. There was also the fact that once he put his seed inside of her he wanted it to stay there so it would take. That and there was the simple fact that he loved the warmth of her. It had become a comfort to be able to stay inside of her.
One he didn't want taken from him. “May I ask a question as well?”
Byleth nodded as she dug into the meat on her plate and hummed. That one was fowl baked with honey and herbs. He would keep that one in mind for her for later.
“If you were still with me in Fhirdiad, do you think that eventually you could be happy with me?”
"And what if I said no?"
Dimitri sat there stunned. The joyous feeling he’s had since he put her into that dress soured in his chest. He hoped that his own honesty would be rewarded with the same from her, but it seemed that she was still wanting nothing more than to toy with him. How could he have been so foolish to trust her not to lie?
Pain lacerated his heart as he realized that nothing would change. The goblet shatters in his hands as pain and anger rises to the forefront. How had he lost control so easily and let his guard down like his old naive self? He had always been foolish when it came to her. No matter what promises she made, she always found a way to break them. Hadn't he known better by now?
Why did he continue to be drawn into her ploys? Better yet, why did he keep trying to take her hand when she's made it clear so many times she would abandon him? He'd watched her enchant his naive counterpart in this dreamworld of hers the same way.
Dimitri looked at the broken shards embedded in his hand. The drink he had been enjoying until now was chamomile tea. He didn't even realize it until now, but somehow he had ended up with the same drink Byleth served him whenever they had tea together in the past. The small flower she decorates it with at the top is sitting in his palm. The white petals were being stained red from the blood from his wounds.
Byleth is already there trying to pick away the pieces out of his hand. Her healing touch soothes those wounds, and her fingers are much warmer than her cold words. As he watches the wounds close shut he realizes that no matter what crimes she committed, or how many times she trampled upon his hopes, he would continue to love and cherish her as long as he breathed. Just her touch would be able to soothe whatever wounds she inflicted. That alone still made her precious to him. The mission to protect and devote himself to her had been burned into his soul, by a flame that wouldn't ever be quenched.
She looks so innocent as she stares up wide-eyed. “Dimitri, I didn’t mean…”
He doesn’t want to hear more of her lies, and with what happened to the goblet he doesn’t trust himself not to hurt her if she tries to embrace him right now. What would be worse would be if he tried to embrace her. He’s not sure what he’d do if she tried to push him away. He ignores the fact that some of the slices on his hand are still bleeding as he gets up out of his chair and heads outside, slamming the door of the tavern shut behind him.
----------------------------
Byleth blinks as she watches Dimitri storm out of the room. The heartbreak on his face when she answered with her own question was almost enough to make her choke on her food. She hadn’t meant to hurt him.
Her second question was going to be if she said yes, just to see what his replies would be. Byleth only wanted to have a semblance of having a choice in the matter. If he was going to be respectful with his answer and not one of a depraved madman she would consider saying yes. This she wasn’t sure how to deal with. She knew perfectly well he had the strength to force her into submission, he could let his anger control him instead of leaving.
How could he love her when all she did was cause him pain? Thunder crashed outside and Byleth realized the music that was playing in the background is silent now. When she looks to the windows, sleet is attacking the glass with loud slaps. She wouldn’t be surprised if it started to hail. Was this her doing? Why would her dream turn to this? Although that seems like a stupid question to ask; she was the one that tried to escape that reality after all.
Another noise, a creak of the stairs catches her attention and snaps her out of her thoughts. Dima is coming down the stairs with blood on his hands that’s splattered onto his face and clothes. He looks as stricken as the King did. Dima clenches his fists as he continues down the stairs.
“How much did you hear?”
He doesn’t answer her, not verbally at least. The way he’s shaking worries her, like his entire body is vibrating with anger. She’s seen that look once before, right before Dima struck her with his lance the day she returned with Edelgard to the Monastery. When he stands before her, Byleth can see his locked jaw, how he was gnashing his teeth, and that his gauntlets were bending from his grip. What hurts her more is the tears gathering in his eyes. There may be anger behind his actions, but it was the heartbreak that she focused on now.
Byleth reached out to stroke the blood off his face as she voices the thought running rampant in her mind. “How can either of you love a demon like me? All I do is hurt the ones that cross my path. I didn’t mean to hurt either of you by asking that question. I would have asked the opposite if I liked your answer.”
Dima surprised her by reaching out and embracing her tightly. "To protect what you hold dear sometimes you need to become something unsavory. If you are a demon then so am I."
There was silence for a moment before she felt him tighten his grip. "Professor why, why did you come here in the first place? You were safe with me in the cabin, and I can make you happy. Haven’t I proven that already?"
Byleth sighed as she returned the embrace, curling her fingers into his hair with a petting motion. His tears trickled down onto her skin and she held him tighter. “I really don’t know why I’m here, Dima. One moment I was sleeping in your arms, the next I opened my eyes and I was here. I couldn’t even change the events, just relive them, not until the door opened. The dagger had been meant for him. The first time when I threw him out he tried to come back in after I told him to get lost.”
“He won’t be bothering your mind ever again. You weren’t the only one he hurt. I’ve dealt out the punishment he deserved.”
That explained the blood she was dreaming he was covered with. Hadn’t he told her that he would kill her enemies for her? She hoped the real version of him wouldn’t take it that literally, but in the dream, she was glad to finally have peace knowing that the phantom in her memory wouldn’t bother her, at least not for this dream. “Thank you, Dima.”
She felt him kiss her hair and the vice grip he had on her loosened. “Anything for you beloved.”
He’s no longer shaking, and based on the feel, he’s rubbing his cheek against her like a cat. She can’t understand most of the murmuring he’s doing under his breath, but it feels comfortable in his arms.
“Dima,” she pulls away enough that she can get both her hands on each of his cheeks. The kiss she initiates is soft, she’s in no hurry and she hopes that she can convey the feelings she has through it. She doesn’t understand what all of these feelings are, but she hopes that they are conveyed well enough through the kiss to be able to understand. His hold on her becomes an embrace that she further melts into. It’s a different sort of intimacy, but at least he doesn’t feel as tense as when he first embraced her.
When she breaks away from his lips she kisses where his tears fell. “I do want to be with you, but I want to feel like I have a choice, that was why I asked instead of telling him what I wanted.”
“You’ve always had a choice, beloved.”
Byleth clutches at his shirt. It certainly didn’t feel that way sometimes.
Dima leans in for another soft kiss as his hands come up to cradle her face. "I have always adored you for your determination to see your choices through to the end. When you chose to enter that cabin with me I knew in my heart that you were serious about becoming my wife. That's why, please believe me when I say I value your opinions. I hang onto your every word, and it pains me each time you bring up parting ways. I’ve already lost so many people that were dear to me."
Another kiss, this one more desperate than the last as it claws at her heart for doing this to him. “My devotion to you is absolute. So please, there is no reason to continue to test my resolve; no matter your choices I will always choose to be by your side if given the chance.”
Byleth has no words for the warmth in her chest at his words. Hadn’t she chosen to do the same? “I’m sorry.”
There’s more mumbling and kisses as he nuzzles his face into her, but there's one thing she caught clearly. “I can forgive you.”
Her own tears started to bud when she thought about what she said before the king crushed the goblet. It was true that she was still angry over his actions, but to voice that she couldn't forgive him was already one more dagger thrown at his heart. Just hearing that it might be possible to earn forgiveness overwhelmed her and only made her cherish him more, so what had her words caused other than more torment?
She needed something else to think about. “Dima, I heard his answer, but why did you request to stay inside of me tonight while we were asleep?”
"I enjoy being connected with you." The way his voice is right in her ear almost makes her shiver. "I've found it difficult to fall asleep. To have you trusting me so completely lets me relax and the comfort of having you in my arms allows me to have some peace even if sleep doesn't find me."
His hands are skimming up and down her arms as he continues to cover her with small kisses as he speaks. "I told you before, and I will repeat it however many times I need to, I love you. I will do anything to make you happy with me."
Thunder crashed from outside. The King was out there right now, and the storm was getting more violent. She had to calm him down.
"Professor, where are you going? Did I say something wrong?" Byleth wasn't even aware she was walking away until she felt his hand pull on her wrist.
Dima frowns. "Don't go."
"I need to tell him. What he thought I said is not what I meant."
"I know. I experienced the same rage he's feeling. I've made that vow to never raise my blade to you again, but he…I don't know what he'll do to you if you go to him right now."
It didn't make any sense to her. "Then shouldn't I make things right?"
His hand still grips her wrist. "I don't want to disappoint you again."
Byleth lays her hand over his and moves to kiss his cheek, "I refuse to leave you behind again to face that darkness alone."
His grip doesn't falter. "Even if you don't want me, I can't allow you to go and willingly place yourself in harm's way."
"You silly thing." Byleth pulls him towards her for another kiss, this time pressing their bodies together. "Stay my shadow if you must, but he's more likely to hurt you than me. I need to go because I do want you. I'll return inside as soon as he calms down and then I will tell you both what I imagine our future to be."
His grip still doesn't falter, his arm coiled around her waist as his face buried into her neck. "How do I know that you won't abandon me again."
Byleth closes her eyes as she wraps her arms around him. "Trust goes both ways. You say I always have a choice. This is my fault, and I choose to fix it."
Dima hesitates as he lets his hands fall to his sides. "You say you want to fix this, and it terrifies me," he whispers. "I can't stop myself from thinking of the worst possible outcome. You say you never meant to hurt him, to hurt me, but the truth is you did. You said those words on purpose to test me. And once you've tortured me to your heart's content, you will take it all back and pretend it never happened." His voice was rising as he continued.
Byleth opens her mouth to deny it.
Dima lifts his head and gazes into her eyes. "There's nothing to fear, Professor. I've already accepted that part of you. You can continue to do so without fear of retaliation, because I swore an oath to never harm you." He presses a gentle and chaste kiss to her lips before murmuring, "Just promise me that you will always stay by my side. That is all I ever wanted from you. That's why I cannot let you go outside. That creature can't be trusted."
"Why not?"
"Because I already lost you, so many times. I can't – won't – lose you again. I wouldn't be able to bear it."
Byleth shakes her head, this conversation is going nowhere.
"I can't use that power. I've already tried. Despite having that power I failed when it mattered the most, and I've hurt us both."
Byleth stares at the window, hearing the rain grow heavier. "There are no resets this time. This is my only chance. I should have reached out instead of pulling myself away. I was scared. I've never felt that strongly about someone before. I won't run. I still don't fully understand how it happened, but I've somehow caused you to lose your trust in me, and in yourself."
Byleth kisses his cheek one final time. "That's why I need to do this. I need to start acting like your lover and your partner. The only way to do that is to take responsibility for what I've done and be there for you."
Her words seem to stun him and keep him from trying to reach out to stop her. One moment she’s against him and the next she’s at the door. Being in a dream had its perks. Byleth opens the door and looks back at Dima.
“Can you get the fire ready in the noble’s suite? With all this rain we’re going to need to dry off and get warm.”
Dima blinks as if coming from a trance. He doesn’t seem to be sure when she got away from him. Byleth slips out and tries to ignore the stricken expression. She will make it up to the both of them.
----------------------------
The Prince can feel his heart shattering as her form slips out the door. He’s still not sure how she got over there until she's already heading outside. The thunder cracks again as the wind howls. She isn’t even dressed for the weather and they have yet to determine what happens to her outside of the dream. If the King hurt her here would those wounds reflect on her body or scar her mind? Would the King hurt her as he feared that he would right now?
It still astounded Dima that the older one left in the first place. Just hearing her words at a distance had left him angry and heartbroken. He warps himself to make sure that the skill works as he finds the room that Byleth mentioned. It only takes a few of his thoughts to kindle the fire to start roaring in the hearth and towels ready on the table to help dry them off. The Prince still wondered what it meant for him that this was a dream. He felt real enough, and he could recount all of his memories and experiences.
Byleth’s form outside the window catches his attention as it moves through the rain. He completed the task she set for him. When she comes back he’ll have a place for her to be warm, but by the sound of it, she intends to bring his other self with her. Worry and paranoia settle in, making it impossible to resist the urge to follow her. He cannot barge in and ruin whatever she’s planning, but he can warp in at a second's notice if things go wrong.
Her words are still running through his mind. It feels like a tipping point, and he refuses to let the creature that wears his face ruin it. As much as his instinct is to keep her out of danger, he knows that if anyone could soothe him, it’s Byleth.
That power of hers usually took away the happiness she gave him, but if she can’t use it, she cannot use it to deceive him. Perhaps that truth will be enough to help her break through to his older counterpart.
Byleth is making a great deal of distance despite her footwear. He recognizes the area as the town area of Garrag Mach. The large building is illuminated in the distance by another thunder crack. Then there’s a sound he knows well, stone cracking under the stress of enormous strength. The king has destroyed something in the distance, and Byleth heard it too. She’s changing direction, heading straight for the sound.
She only stops to pick up the mangled crown on the ground. She’s shivering as she looks around. The wind is cold and biting as frost creeps along the city’s windows. The downpour must feel like needles on her skin. He has to fight down the urge to snatch her up and get her someplace dry and warm. It's not like Byleth would listen to reason if he tried.
The source of the sound is in the shopping district of town. Byleth would often tease him when she found him shopping for supplies. Hanneman would usually leave the task to him to make sure that everyone was equipped well for battle. Byleth was the one that took care of that duty, as well as spending on gifts.
The particular bench that was mangled and the destroyed wall behind it was where he and Byleth had sat and talked some days when she chose to keep the class at the monastery. Byleth had even gifted him a flower for helping her carry things. On days they couldn’t meet he would still sometimes find one of those flowers on that bench.
Byleth is staring at the now empty space before she lets her head hang down. She takes a deep breath before she enters the battlefield that the Monastery became. The wall that Rhea destroyed in her attack on Byleth is in that state now here in the dream. There’s a bridge built over the ravine that seemed out of place, and the King is standing on it in the rain and staring down at the ravine below.
Dima already knows where his thoughts are going. This was where they lost her once before. The bridge worries him, there’s gaps in the stone guard, wide enough for a person to slip through. The stone is already destroyed in a few places by gripping too tightly. It sends alarm bells in Dimitri’s mind, and based on Byleth’s hesitance, she is unnerved as well.
The King hasn’t moved a muscle since they arrived. There are very few places for him to hide unnoticed. Then he realizes how the King became part of the wind and frost to keep himself hidden. Perhaps he could do something similar. She did say to become her shadow after all.
As he felt his form fade into utter blackness to blend with her shadow it was almost as if he could feel how fast her pulse was racing. Byleth was right to be afraid of him. There was no telling how dark his mood was turning.
----------------------------
Byleth isn’t sure if she should come closer. Her chest hurts with every breath. The air is frigid here and ice is creeping out from under his cloak. He hasn’t looked up at her, or even acknowledged her presence.
"I never expected you to come." The king’s voice is punctuated by another crack of thunder. The air feels ominous. She’s felt it before when she was being targeted by a large monster, rearing up before it decides to strike. She knows that he’s angry right now, and she hopes that she can appease it, even if only slightly.
"Did you come to see my misery, Professor? Or did you come to torment me some more with your cruel lies?" The wind follows his words this time as it swirls around her and freezing her to the bone.
Byleth does her best to not react as the dress and her hair whip around. "I was worried. Dima and I talked before I came out to find you. If you're in the same state he is, then I need to make things right."
The dark laughter that came from Dimitri's lips sent a shiver down her spine. "I really was a fool back then, hanging onto your every word."
The wording has her wishing that she was in the Prince’s arms again. It was safe and warm back in the tavern. She’s wondering if it might be a lost cause. As the wind whips back his cloak, she notices the black armor that adorns him. He’s ready for a fight, and the only time she saw him with that armor was when he left their room. The fact that he’s wearing it now makes her feel as if he’s put up another layer of resistance to her.
Dimitri finally moves, turning around and faces Byleth head on. "But I'm not the same fool I was back then, beloved. No matter the cost, I will protect our future together with all of my power."
He takes a step towards her. There is a smile on his face, one that seems unsettling with how he was acting before. "It's time for us both to wake up from these delusions."
The way he says that makes her gulp. Every instinct is telling her to run, but that is not what she came to do. He seems to hesitate as he looks her up and down. It might be because he can't help but notice how soaked and disheveled she looks from the running and the rain.
She has to take her chance now that he’s distracted. "I... have something to say to you." The King sneers, but Byleth pushes on. "It's up to you whether or not to listen."
"I want nothing more than to take you at your word, but I can't," Dimitri whispers as he looks back over the edge again.
Byleth can understand that sentiment. Maybe her words are how he lost his faith in her so easily. “Then focus on my actions. Why do you think I’m here Dimitri?”
The cloak looks like a twisting monster behind him as the wind whips it around. “How should I know?”
Byleth takes a step forward despite the tension coiling in his body. “I need to apologize. You might not believe it right now, but I... I love you, Dimitri. I just… I don't know how to move forward. You were so consumed by what you thought you didn't have that you didn't see what was in front of you. You took what I would have freely given you. I’m sorry for what I said, and I did not mean it like you..."
Byleth didn’t notice that the ice on the ground had spread. As she makes her way towards Dimitri she can feel her feet slip out from under her. The section she’s in also has rubble from where his grip destroyed the stone. There’s nothing to catch herself on. Panic fills her chest as she remembers falling in this same place once before.
At first Dimitri seems immobile, his face grim until fear overtakes it as he moves to reach out for her.
Dimitri manages to grab her arm as she dangles over the darkness below. Byleth grabs up around his gauntlet, grateful for the traction of the gloves. Had it just been metal his grip could easily falter with all this rain. He looks so distraught, like he’s at war with himself again.
"I don’t care that this is a dream. I want to tell you the words I didn't get the chance to say back there." Byleth gazes at him as his other hand comes out to take her other arm and support her. "I would love to be your wife."
He shakes his head and she can’t tell if it’s the rain or if there are tears in his eyes. “I've been such a fool. So many lies pass your lips, and in the end you will abandon me again. Even so, I'm unable to stop loving you. I'm sure that even if you held the Sword of the Creator at my throat, I would still love you. It's pathetic of a King to be this way, but I am a man before I am a ruler.”
With Dima’s forgiveness and that confession she knows in her heart that she would never want to raise her weapon towards him. "And if I said yes? If I said that I can live with you, love you, maybe even forgive you one day what would you do?"
He lifts her easily as he holds her to him. The cold metal is biting into her skin, but she doesn’t care. "Then I promise to take care of you to the best of my ability. Your smile, your laughter, that is what I crave. I want you to be happy with me and stay by my side of your own volition. I want to be your husband and to be able to satisfy you as only your partner should. Without you I am left cold and empty, and I would ask that you don’t take away your warm hands now that I know what your love and kindness feels like."
She can’t help but snuggle into his neck as she moves to embrace him. She felt like tears were budding in her eyes, but this wasn’t a sad feeling. She heard of people crying when they’re happy, but she didn’t know that she’d be capable of such a thing.
"So tell me, Professor, since you seem to have all the answers. Tell me... how do I convince you to stay by my side? Tell me what to say, so you won't leave me and endanger yourself again. Teach me, Professor, how to court you properly so you will say yes."
Byleth reaches up to pull him down for a soft kiss. She can feel the wind stop whipping around them as the sleet becomes rain. The downpour softens and it already feels warmer on her skin. His arms pull her closer and it's the desperation in his kiss that has her responding in kind. When she feels her feet pulled off the ground she breaks the kiss. She didn’t even realize that he stood from where they were kneeling.
He’s holding her to his chest, but at seeing her distress he puts her feet back down onto the ground and takes her mouth in another desperate kiss. The ice below that she slipped on doesn’t seem to be beneath them anymore. When he breaks the kiss she can feel his forehead pressed up against hers. “I’m still a fool who cannot let go of you.”
Byleth chuckles at the wording. She’s happy that he didn’t drop her. "How did you plan to end our evening?"
Dimitri looks dazed and doesn't seem to understand as his mouth turns into a grim line and his brows pinch together.
It seems some elaboration is in order so Byleth reminds him. "In the fantasy you came up with, where you and I reunite at the Millenium Festival and spend time in the tavern you rented out for private use. How was it supposed to end?"
He looks away from her. "Does that even matter now?"
Byleth reached up to turn his face back to her. "Of course it does. Just as you want to make my wishes come true, I want to do the same for you."
Dimitri is grimacing, and she wonders if it’s her wording. Perhaps he’s thinking that she’s promising too much again. So she runs her fingers through his hair. He’s gotten so tall. “Alright then. I would have come back because my class asked for me to promise, and I don’t go back on promises I make.”
Byleth takes his hand and leads him off the bridge and back to the tavern as she talks. He’s following her, but he still seems a little broken. She intertwines her fingers with his. “I would have been excited to see what they decided to do with their lives. I would have hoped to see you there as well. Seeing how handsome you’ve become would have definitely caught my eye. Dorothea would have pushed for me to dress to catch, as she called it.”
Byleth wishes he was back in the outfit he wore before he stormed out, but for what she has in store, he won’t need to be in that. She’s also going to relish being able to take that armor off piece by piece. “I have never been one for seeking others out so it would be good that you came to me. I would have probably lamented for being a coward and listening to their reprimands. I should have asked you what you wanted instead of being frightened and chosen for us. That was my first mistake.”
She feels his cloak above her to keep the rain from getting on her. Those long arms and the fact that he’s taller than her allows him to do it while she keeps a hold of his other hand. She hadn’t noticed that he had slowed his walking pace to keep up with her. It was easy for him to outstride her.
The tavern is in front of them before she realizes that they already crossed the town. “I would have asked you how running the kingdom was going. We would probably talk about everything but ourselves at first. I would have happily taken your invitation to get away from that place.”
She leads him out of the rain and up the stairs to the larger suit. The fire is already on and she thanks Dima inside her mind for listening to her. Byleth takes his cloak and hangs it over by the hook near the fireplace. There are towels set out on the table too. She’s not sure where Dima is, but right now she wants to focus on what she’s feeling right now with the king.
She starts taking off that armor piece by piece. His hair is dripping and it's in front of his eyes, but she can feel his stare on her all the same. She kisses what she uncovers, including his hands as soon as the gloves are off. She asks him to sit and his movements are still heavy, like his burdens are still weighing him down.
Byleth starts combing through his hair with her fingers before taking the towel and drying him off as gently as she can. All of that rage and anger seems to have left him hollow and she hopes that she can heal that wound that her carelessness caused.
At first she stands in between his legs as he sits and she can feel her breasts under his chin. She can feel him nuzzle just a bit as his hands finally come up to wrap around her waist. With the height difference in her favor he has to look up at her when she lifts his head up. She rubs her hands through his hair comfortingly before leaning down to take his lips with hers.
She likes coaxing him like this and how he's behaving right now. She gives him another massaging motion with her fingers "Isn't this better? You don't need to take what I'm already willing to give."
Dimitri closes his eyes and hums as he buries his head against her. His arms wrap tighter around her waist. "I've been wishing for your smile as much as I've wanted your eyes to open. I didn't think it would be something you would gift so readily, given the situation."
The rest of what he says is murmured into her chest but she does catch a 'mine' and she's about to protest until she hears him also say 'yours' as he starts to leave soft kisses on the lace.
His hands start undoing the buttons in the back. "We need to get you out of these wet clothes."
Suddenly two pairs of hands are on her at once and she's surprised to find Dima behind her as his hair drips more water onto her shoulder. "He's right. Those heels especially."
There's a fierce expression on the King's face as he glares past her towards the Prince. Byleth brings his attention back to her. "Will you finish what you started with the dress?"
She turns around in his arms and sweeps the dress up as she sits in his lap. She's now between the two of them. She already saw what the King could do with a single kick, and she doesn't want them fighting over her.
The Prince kneels at her feet as he takes the heels off of her. He rubs at the places where her feet were starting to blister from the running and she can feel the sting receding as if he's using a heal spell.
The King seems to be concentrating on how much skin can touch as he continues taking off the dress. Her hands start to comb through the Prince's hair and she's rewarded with a kiss against her leg.
"Please don't do something so reckless again. I was ready to rescue if action needed to be taken, but I'd rather you listen to me instead of putting yourself in danger."
"I won't promise that. What I did was necessary and I think you both needed it, as well as this."
She continued her pets as she felt the lace slip from her neck. The black leather was left on her neck and the King's hands wrapped around her waist under the fabric.
"You both need to get out of your wet clothes as well."
The king nestled his head in between her shoulder and her neck. "We aren't quite done with you yet."
Byleth shivered at the husky tone he used. The Prince's hand started to slide up her leg. "May we undress you, beloved?"
She hoped that they could at least get along enough to give her the comfort that she wanted. If she was being honest, she was curious of what it would feel like with both their attentions. Perhaps that was why her dream summoned the Prince as well.
"You may, but it's only fair that you both follow suit as well."
The Prince didn't even rise from his kneeling stance before he tucked a finger into his collar and began unfastening his shirt. The way he licked his lips doing it sent heat straight to her core. The metal and ornaments seemed to fade away on their own, but she enjoyed watching his muscles flex when he took off his shirt.
The King removed his hands from her waist and it wasn't long before she felt his bare chest pressed up against her back. The King's fingers slipped into the edge of her gloves and his fingers trailed along her arms as his lips peppered kisses along her neck.
The Prince seemed to have a different idea as she felt her leggings recede into stockings and the fabric dry under his hands as he ran them all along her. He smirks as he presses his lips to her knee again before rubbing his cheek against her. That smirk fades into a contented smile.
The moment she feels the King's cock against the swell of her ass she knows she needs to get them back on track. She moves to stand and it doesn't take much wiggling for the wet fabric to drop off of her and onto the floor.
They both are already reaching for her but she dances out of the way to move next to the fire. "Either dry them or get them off."
She reaches for the heavy cloak and does the same thing Dima did, thinking about the cloak drying under her fingers as she makes it wide enough to envelope the three of them. Sex was not what she had in mind just yet.
Then the King's voice snaps her attention back to the two of them behind her. "Hasn't the beast already had his fill?"
The King comes in behind her and brings his hand down to stroke her arm. "I already had to watch her with you. I should be able to repay that favor."
Dima snatches his hand off of her. "We both know that you are more of a beast than the both of us. Will you tell her where your thoughts were on that bridge or should I?"
The King’s fury rises the longer that the Prince’s hand is on him. “You are just as much a beast as I am. I never hid from her, but you keep acting like you’re nothing but a damn dog following her heels!”
Byleth doesn’t understand why it hurts so much. It’s all just a dream so why should it matter? She’s getting frustrated with herself for getting distraught. So what if they are at each other’s throats and ignoring her? She wipes her eyes as she knows that truth already, it’s because what she really wants is something else.
They're both lost in their arguments and she only clenches the cloak tighter.
"Shut up, both of you!"
She's not sure where the anger or the outburst comes from. All she knows is that she wants to be held and comforted.
The Prince visibly flinched at her words while the King stood there with a shocked look on his face.
"I do have more than one hole for you to use. I'd be happy to take both your cocks if you'd just stop fighting with each other."
She’s being held and snuggled in the real world, and yet her mind is still in turmoil. Why did it have to be confusing? Why couldn’t Dimitri have just behaved himself? She was reliving the nightmares of Jeralt dying before she came here to this memory, and then she is having to deal with both of them. It’s frustrating to say the least.
Tomorrow she might lose her father again and not be able to do a damn thing about it.
It’s the Prince’s hand on her face that finally makes her burst into tears and she doesn’t know exactly why it’s happening. She’s never been prone to any kind of emotional outbursts before. Then she feels the King’s hands with a towel in her hair as the Prince wraps her up into an embrace. They’re both massaging warmth back into her skin as they nuzzle against her on each side. There’s no more bickering and she’s doing her best to calm down.
Dima takes the cloak out of her hands and leads her back over to the couch. When she sits he takes the cloak and puts it over her and wraps her in it as he kisses her shoulder. Instead of sitting with her like she expected he knelt in front of her and rested his head against her leg.
The king looked at them both with a snarl before stalking around. It looked like he was about to leave but he stopped and she felt the pressure as he leaned against the back of the couch. Byleth clutched the cloak tighter to her chest.
This was not what she wanted either. "I was having a nightmare about my father before I got dragged into this memory instead. I don't even know that I can succeed tomorrow. Tonight, I don't want to think about that. I just want to enjoy being with you, both of you."
Byleth exhales as she runs her hand through Dima's hair. "I've missed him, the headpats for a good job, the praise and the support, and just the way he listens to me. I'm so afraid that I won't get the chance to find out what he wanted to tell me again. I don't want to fight or be fought over, I just want…."
How can she voice it even when she doesn’t know? There is a part of her that wants to surrender herself to him completely and the other that yearns for the intimacy she’s felt but not fully experienced. She wants to leave the fear and doubt behind and hope that things will go right tomorrow.
The Prince takes her hand. "There's nothing to worry about, because you're already changing our fates. You reached out to me and I promised to protect you, Professor."
Dimitri turns around and she feels a touch to her hair. "I will make sure nothing happens to your father tomorrow."
"I had a way to change my own decisions, but the correct paths to take are never obvious at a glance. I don’t even have that option. I haven’t been able to turn back time since I woke up that morning. I was drained more than I expected to be.”
They are both silent as they listen to her. She’s enjoying the King’s fingers stroking through her hair. “It’s part of why I haven’t taken any of the Eagles out on training missions and taking the free days at the Monastery so I can spend them trying to find a way to stop all of this. I know the consequences of my choices all too well.”
Byleth reaches up to take the hand on her shoulder and the one Dima has in her lap. “This may be just a dream, but I'm happy that I have your support. I feel like I can definitely save us both, this time around."
Dimitri leans in behind her and she can feel his breath rustling the fur at the nape of her neck. There’s a gruff sigh and then he lets all of those burdens go as he wraps her in an embrace.
Despite the resentment he seems to still have, he can still hold her as if she mattered. "I think I can understand it, somewhat. In your eyes I've done something unforgivable. And you've done the same to me. But if I succeed tomorrow, such tragedies will never come to pass between us."
Byleth grips their hands. "We'll be able to love each other and be a family without pain or regrets. It will be as if those events were nothing more than horrible nightmares."
"And what about you?" The prince inquires from his position on the floor. His head is bowed, and his hair covers his eyes. "Will you still think I am capable of those nightmarish acts? Can you truly forget?"
The question shocks her a little bit and she’s unsure of the answer. When the Prince reached the age that the King was now, looked and spoke the same… how would he react if she flinched from him because that memory resurfaced? When she moved her hand to tip his chin so she could see his expression she noticed both sadness and determination. He would have already felt scolded by her outburst.
“The spell is unable to erase my own memories. When you told me earlier that you could forgive me, despite all that I’ve done… It made me wonder what my words had done to you. I hope you can find that you can give me more time to be able to do the same.”
"I still think you're incredibly foolish for doing this, beloved." The King nuzzles her. "But truth to be told, I've already found myself in the process of forgiving you when you told me that you still loved me."
That made Byleth look up towards him. “Foolish why?”
She heard the King huff in annoyance next to her ear. “Because you spread yourself too thin, thinking that you have to do everything yourself instead of relying on me.”
Byleth reached back to stroke his hair. “Don't deny it. Many of these tragedies you speak of could have been avoided if you'd simply relied on me more. As a future king you had so much more to lose than I did. Just being seen with me and the rumors it would cause… to even be named queen will put the other nobles in a tizzy and cause you more trouble than it's worth. I may not deserve to be with you, but I don't want to be alone.”
Dima’s head snapped up as his grip on her hand tightened. “Didn’t I tell you not to listen to their idle chatter?”
Byleth nodded as her other hand came up to stroke the King’s hair idly. “You’re right, listening to them is part of what brought us to this point in the first place. Because of my decision it took away any knowledge of what we felt and that in turn allowed it to twist into that darkened desire. How can I be happy, knowing that I'm partly to blame for what happened, what might still happen? All I’ve done is hurt you both.”
The King gives a kiss to her neck. “You are not entirely to blame. It was my actions that caused this first. I pushed you away instead of embracing you like I wanted.”
The Prince rises and comes into the cloak with her, nestling into her side as he lays his head on her shoulder. “Edelgard betrayed all of us first. What happens tomorrow is the result of those she works for.”
She can hear the King growl in her ear before he lets her go and comes around to the other side of the couch to sit on the opposite side of her. “She only desired you as a weapon and to keep the others in line. Even then the rest of the class followed because of you did they not?”
Byleth nodded as she leaned into the King and watched the fire flicker. “Something I still regret. Most of them didn’t even like fighting, and yet they still continued on because it was a cause I helped them believe in.”
Dimitri took her hand and kissed her palm, "You regret your actions, don't you?"
Byleth nodded to his question.
The Prince leaned in, his voice was right in her ear. “Which were those? Who would still follow you?”
She didn’t catch the King growling in protest as the Prince raised a finger for him to wait.
“Dorothea, Bernadetta, Linhardt, and possibly Petra. The first three don’t like war, and I became close with all three since they required more training and convincing. Petra fights for her home, to disobey the Empire puts her family in danger. The others don’t like to fight. Ashe would be better at convincing Caspar more than I would. Ferdinand… I’m not sure. He’s loyal to the Empire, but his ideals are closer to yours than Edelgard’s. There’s no convincing Hubert, he will die before betraying her and send the one who tried to the grave with him.”
The King’s chuckle made her turn to him. There was something in his gaze, a satisfaction that led truth to her words. “Yes, Ingrid and Dorothea were close if I remember correctly as well. Ashe and Caspar would take care of that cat together.”
Byleth hummed in agreement. “Yes, on both accounts.”
The Prince nestled his head into her neck as his hand pulled the cloak tighter around them. “We might be able to capture them for you. If this war needs to happen, their blood would not need to be spilled.”
Byleth nodded as she took the Prince’s hand and pressed her lips into his hair. “If it needs to happen at all.”
Dima nudged into her shoulder, and she couldn’t see the grin he gave to the King as a signal to continue.
The King’s fingers started combing through her hair. “Yes, there is only one person to blame here. Stop her and you stop the war.”
His kisses into her neck aren't enough to scatter her mind completely. “Those she works with hate Rhea and her kind. The way Edelgard reacted when I merged with the Goddess only showed that she shares those same views. Edelgard is their pawn. They'll just find something or someone else to suit their needs.”
"Do you know who they are?" Dima rubbed his thumb against the top of her hand as he asked the question.
That part still stings, but perhaps Edelgard knew that if any of them claimed to have anything to do with Jeralt’s death she would try to cut them down. "No, I wasn't privileged with that information."
Dimitri took her other hand. "She didn't trust you enough, you mean?"
The dejected look must have shown on her face because he came to nibble on her ear. "That paperwork I mentioned will have everything from war strategies to supply distribution. Having you in my lap would show you how much I trust you. I would love to have your input and have you involved. As Queen you are second in command, and it's not just an empty title."
Dima leaned down to kiss her shoulder on the opposite side Dimitri occupied. "It requires a lot of trust just to allow someone near me without my armor. I haven't opened up to anyone else about Duscur like I had to you that day."
The King continued to nibble and kiss along her neck. “Actions speak louder than words do. I could repeat what has already been said, or I can let you experience it for yourself. Tell me what you want us to do, how you want to feel, and we will make sure to satisfy those desires."
Byleth closed her eyes as both of them started to kiss her shoulders and her neck. She was enjoying being cuddled by them. She knew that this could turn into them doing their best to please her, but her mind was still in too much turmoil. It wouldn’t matter if she confessed her fears in these dreams.
“I’m not used to physical affection if I’m being perfectly honest. If love is determined by the heart, how can I love with a heart that doesn’t beat? How can you even love a monster like me? All I do is hurt the ones I care about. I bring them ruin. No matter how hard I try to protect them, they only wind up dead at my feet.”
Dimitri caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I've seen many monsters in my lifetime, and you, my beloved, are not one of them.”
Dima nuzzled his cheek against hers. “There's no way you can be heartless, but if you need it, then let ours beat for you.”
Byleth let her head lean back before kissing the tops of both their heads. "Is that an offer from both of you?"
Dima huffed a chuckle. "You know I am here for whatever you need."
Byleth knew she heard a growl from Dima before the inhale of breath. “My strength belongs to you, and you already hold my heart in your hands.”
Her hands tightened on theirs as she leaned her head against them. "Thank you.”
Dima smiles as he runs his lips along her jaw. "Do you like this?"
The Prince leaned back so he could make eye contact with the King. “Would you like to show her what a demon is to us?”
The King glares back. “I doubt that I will want any part of what you have planned.”
Dima rises from the couch. “Suit yourself then, but don’t get in my way.”
The Prince reaches out his hand to Byleth. “Do you trust me?”
Byleth looked between the two of them as she took his hand. “Yes, but what does that have to do with…”
Dima snapped his fingers and Byleth’s breath caught as darkness wrapped around them. The King was nowhere in sight, nor was the room, just the fireplace and its glow on her. The Prince pulled her into his arms and nuzzled into her cheek. “You wanted to forget about tomorrow, so let me help you with that. It pains me every time you call yourself a demon or a monster, and I want to show you that it’s not a bad thing.”
Byleth looked around. She was hoping for a cuddle session with the two of them, something sweet and slow that could turn into the more depraved variety as time went on. Whatever this was, it made her nervous. Byleth took a calming breath. This was the younger counterpart, so she decided to see what he had planned. When she relaxed in his hold she was rewarded with several long kisses to her neck.
She felt something wrap around her wrists and pull them out above her. At first panic spread as she trashed. Strong hands came to hold her hips to keep her still. “Shhh, it’s alright. You said you trusted me, didn’t you?”
Byleth swallowed heavily, wondering what she had gotten herself into. This seemed more like something the King would do. “Why the restraints?”
She can feel his lips against her neck as they wander down to her breasts. The first lap has her thighs clenching as it brings heat straight to her core.“All I want to do is be completely and utterly yours for your pleasure, and I do not want you to return the favor, for this round at least. There are times when I’m ashamed of the thoughts that wander through my mind.”
She can feel him come around her, his hands trailing along her as he goes. Then when he’s behind her she can feel the breath on the back of her neck. “...Except, some of that is a lie.”
He grinds himself against her as his hands come around to hold her hips. “Because I am nothing more than a beast that secretly desires to see you fully at my mercy.”
Then something pulled at her ankles and the next thing she knew she was spread eagle in the air. She can feel the heat of the prince’s breath on her back as he kisses along her spine. His fingers trail up her body as he goes. She can’t help but shiver from the sensation. “You can stop this whenever you like if it gets to be too much.”
Byleth appreciates the gesture and oddly enough it relaxes her against him even further. She wants to be able to reach around and hold him, to feel her fingers through his hair. The Prince’s fingers play with the small piece of leather at her neck.
“I’d like to keep this if it’s alright.” She can feel him pause behind her.
Then his fingers come around to the front and a piece of metal and tassel can be felt along her skin. The metal is cool and the tassel tickles a little bit. When his fingers trail along the metal she can see a flare of blue light before he kisses the back of her neck and takes the leather between his teeth for a moment. “Do you like being ours then?”
The sensation makes her shiver and then suddenly he’s not there at all. Then she felt him again and something cold that almost made her jump. The feral chuckle only sent shivers up her spine as she caught sight of clawed gauntlets that he ran over her body. He didn’t dig deep enough to puncture, but she felt the trail he left on her skin. The metal was cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of his breath.
His hand snaked up her chest as he brought his gauntlet to her throat. The other hand wrapped around her waist. Those claws dug into her skin as he kissed her neck. “I can do anything I like to you, so tell me beloved, why would I waste my time being cruel to you? I only want to see you sated by my actions, to share in the bliss that makes you mine. You have no need to fear me.”
Fangs, those were fangs she felt when he mouthed against her neck. Her dreams have never gone this far towards being this depraved. She knew that he called himself a beast but this, this… she hummed as he nibbled at her skin and the claws traced patterns along her skin. Something that should make her afraid only made her warmer because the one wielding them wouldn’t use them to hurt her.
When he leaned forward to nuzzle her cheek with his there was a rough texture that wasn’t there before. He called her beautiful, ran those claws over her as he stepped around to her front. His eyes were slit and almost seemed to glow on their own. Black scales covered his jawline all the way to his ears.
He was both frightening and glorious to look at. It was already easy to get lost in those blue depths, but like this, she felt like she couldn’t turn away from them.
His hand came to cup her cheek. “You are no demon to me Byleth, just as I am more than a beast. I want to set that part of you free. I want to break the stoic exterior and taste the passion that I know you are capable of."
He palmed her breasts and the cool metal made her shiver. The grin showed those fangs before he leaned in to kiss her. His tongue pressed against her lips, wanting inside, and when he pinched her nipples to make her gasp, he got what he wanted. She wasn’t sure how long he kissed her as his hands wandered over her intimately, those claws leaving goosebumps in their wake.
She lost herself to the feel as they both moaned deep in their throats. He took his time and the kisses were fierce and claiming. There was a raw passion to it as he pulled her against him and cupped her ass. When he finally released her lips from his, they were swollen from his kisses. He started kissing her jawline before trailing down her neck. The scrape of those fangs made her shiver.
Then he nibbled his way down to her breasts before he latched his mouth over her pert nipple. His claws dug into her ass as she watched him close his eyes and enjoy her. It was as if his touch branded her with desire. She could feel the moisture leaking down her thighs. How did he get this effect from her? No matter the incarnation, he aroused her in a way that no one ever did.
Then he knelt before her as he licked his fangs. “You always smell so wonderful, so tempting.”
He lapped up the excess slick from her thigh as she watched him. It was still odd to see him on his knees before her. It made her shiver as his warm breath teased her flesh, but it only made her think of what Dimitri had mentioned of the beast. He wanted to claim her, make her his, but how could she let him do that without losing herself in the process.
Dima rested his head against her thigh, his hand caressing her leg on the other side. Those blue eyes were smoldering as he looked up at her. His other hand reached up, his fingers grazed against her folds where she was leaking for him. “You are already so wet, how can you say that you don’t want me?”
When had she said that? The Prince had always had her affections. His tongue licked a stripe up her folds and she gasped, her thoughts scattering. Her fingers coiled around the magic that had her wrists bound.
The growl he released reverberated through her as he devoured her. His tongue delved and swirled as she hissed in pleasure. He didn’t stop until he wrung out an orgasm from her and even then, he still lapped with an adoring look in his eyes until she came with a ragged gasp again.
When he pulled himself away, he left a kiss on her stomach. His claws traced along her legs where ashen grey scales now covered her like stockings. Nuzzling against her leg the grey scales turned black like his. She looked at the dark scales, not surprised to see them appear on her. “I told you that I was a demon.”
His claws made her shiver as they ran over the newly formed scales. “You say that like it is a bad thing. You are powerful and beautiful; the perfect mate for a beast like me.”
Byleth’s eyes widened at the adoration and admiration in his gaze and tone. She watched as he pulled off the cloak and let it billow onto the floor. He revealed more of his skin as he removed his armor piece by piece. Black scales covered him on his arms all the way up to his elbow and his legs were wrapped similar to hers.
“I will make up for his selfishness by giving you more pleasure than he took. When we’re done here you will be covered just as much as I am.”
Byleth flinched away from his touch before a soft caress came to cup her cheeks. When she looked up his face was only inches from hers. “What are you so worried about?”
It was only a dream, normally she would stay tight lipped, but she was curious as to what this beast who had his face would say. “Just like her, you want to erase me only to replace me with the image that you seek.”
He rested his forehead against hers as his fingers carded through her hair. “Beloved, you are the only one I want, no one can replace you.”
The hunger in his gaze made her mouth go dry as he pressed his erection against her slit and she shuddered at the contact. “I want to hear what I do to you so do not hold back.”
He kissed her deeply as he took her ass in his hands and rubbed himself against her. She felt his tongue at the seam of her lips and opened her mouth to let him in. The pleased hum he gave made her chest tighten as she felt his tongue slip inside her mouth. The tip of his cock was bumping into her clit and the rest of him sliding along her folds. She could feel her moisture coating him, but he didn’t seem to be in any hurry.
He nibbled on her bottom lip, his fangs teasing, but not breaking the skin. “May I claim you? I want your heart as well as your body, for you to be mine as I am already yours. The only screams I want from you are those of pleasure.”
The friction increased as his hand made their way to her breasts and he rolled her nipples between his fingers. He nuzzled into her as he licked the shell of her ear. “Do not lie to me nor yourself. I can feel your desire like a brand on my skin. Your scent alone is tearing at my resolve. All it takes is a simple reply. Relax, and enjoy what I can give you. I promise that you won’t regret it.”
His voice was right in her ear, and with all the other stimulation she couldn’t help but shiver again. She felt hot all over, especially where he touched. She had asked to know what the beast was like, and now she could get that wish. She still wondered what the King would do if he had her in his hands right now.
The Prince’s eyes narrowed on her, as if he knew where her thoughts were going. “He will not be polite enough to ask. That beast only takes, he will only relish in having you. You are with me, leave the nightmares behind.”
She wanted to ask more questions but as if to punctuate his distaste he pulled harder at her nipples and nipped into her neck. She needed to see what the future held, even if she were to turn into more of a demon to see it. “Then show me what you have to give.”
He licked a stripe up her neck as he hummed against her skin. “There’s my good girl.”
She was wet enough for him to enter in one clean stroke and it made her throw her head back as it tore a moan from her throat. She wasn't sure if she would ever get used to the stretch. His strokes were slow and teasing before he brought her head back, his claws tangled in her hair as he met her gaze. Something had changed in his eyes and it seemed like the fangs elongated even larger than before.
When his lips met with hers a growl rose in his chest before she felt his hand on her ass and his claws dig in slightly before he increased his pace. Every thrust sent a shockwave through her as his kisses threatened to swallow her whole. Even with the ferocity of them he still held her head with a tenderness that seemed out of place. When she felt the buildup again he pulled his kisses away to watch her face. The fist in her hair pulled tighter as she got closer and his strokes got faster.
His breath fanned her face as she watched him watch her. The reverence in his gaze made her tingle as her hands closed over the magic again. She had the urge to wrap her legs around his waist but the bindings kept her from it. She was completely at his mercy and she found that it didn’t bother her as much as it should.
When she came it felt like her body was going to burst. He held himself still to let her enjoy the feeling of being filled. His fangs had drawn blood on his bottom lip as he enjoyed the feel of her body clenching around his. She was trembling and panting and then she felt an itch go down her arms. His hands moved to caress the new scales there as the adoration came back into his gaze.
“I still have more to make up for, but let’s make you more comfortable shall we?” He snapped his fingers and the magic holding her was gone. Her legs were released first and she wrapped her legs around his waist like she had wanted to earlier and moaned at the change in angle as his cock pressed further into her. When his hand braced against her back her wrists were released and she slumped forward into him.
He nuzzled against her neck as a thrust made her cry out and clutch at him tighter. It was as if she weighed nothing as he lifted her up and down on his cock. It was the way he held her, though, that she found more pleasurable than the act itself. Even with the claws risking digging into the flesh he still held her like she mattered. Every glance into those eyes only made her feel warm with the possessive hunger mixed with adoration held within them.
When he came she came with him as she found her own teeth sinking into his neck to keep the cry at bay. She panted before looking up and seeing that something else had changed in him. His breathing was harsher but the adoration was replaced with only the raw hunger. He was still hard inside of her and she could feel some of their combined slick dribble out onto her thigh.
A growl rose in his throat as he nuzzled underneath her chin and inhaled the skin at her neck. When he pulled out she felt the moisture only leaked further from her. The next thing she knew he was laying her down in front of the fire as he stroked her back. New scales had formed there too.
He leaned over her. “On your hands and knees for me.”
His voice sent a shiver through her. She didn’t hesitate to get into position for him as he practically purred against her skin as he rubbed his cheek against her back. Then the snarl surprised her as he took her hips in his hands and settled in between her legs to thrust back inside of her. She cried out as he set a relentless pace. Every thrust sent her reeling as he buried himself to the hilt.
It was then she found another pair of feet in front of her. The King was with them now and the soft touch to her face made her look up to his kneeling figure. “So this was your plan?” His mocking tone made her shiver.
Dimitri looked back at Byleth before he stroked at some of the scales on her shoulder. Scales of his own now covered his face in a similar pattern. His change was even faster than hers and far more covered the King. He didn’t even seem to notice. “Every time she climaxes more will appear?”
The Prince pulled out of her and pulled her up onto her knees, keeping her arms behind her back as he presented her to the King. She must look like a mess with how much she was panting and sweating. There was also the fact that she could feel the moisture dripping down her thighs.
When Dimitri kissed her neck and suckled a few marks she was almost sad not to feel the fangs tease her flesh like the Prince’s had. He chuckled against her neck as if he could read her thoughts. "Yes, but that would make this hurt, wouldn't it?"
He bit down and she arched up towards him. Then she felt his fingers at her clit. "Claws don't really suit this activity either."
She thought that he wouldn't be able to arouse her again after the bliss from all of the other orgasms. Two of his fingers pushed inside of her. She didn't think she could climax again, but as his thumb rubbed at her still sensitive clit he proved her wrong. His kiss was searing as she shook in his arms.
The scales inched further up her legs as she panted. When he pulled his fingers out he brought them to her mouth. She knew what he wanted as she licked and sucked at his fingers. She understood now what he meant about the scent.
When the King pulled back his cleaned fingers she nipped his fingertips.“Insatiable aren’t you?”
The Prince gave her a bemused smirk as his fingers brushed her cheek. “Professor, I had no idea you were so greedy for me, to the point that you wanted more than one of me… here I thought I had left you satisfied in the cabin, but it looks like I held back too much. Which of us is the insatiable one?”
The Prince let go of her arms and pushed her back down onto her hands. With the Prince behind her and the King in front of her, she wondered what would happen next. The King’s hand came up to stroke her cheek again. She leaned into the touch as she put her hand over his. His other hand took hers to interlace them together.
It was nice, this feeling, similar to her other dream where she had both versions of her lion. She felt wanted, loved, and warm. His touch now was meant to soothe and give rather than take. The intimacy of his actions she found she craved more than the climax itself.
The Prince seemed like he didn’t want to be outdone as he kissed from the nape of her neck and down her spine as his hands ran along her body. Byleth hummed at the sensation as they both gave her a small break. The King’s kisses were sweet and slow while the Prince would sometimes claim her with those longer canines. It took her a moment to realize that he had taken off the gauntlets and that his hands were still clawed.
The king brushed his hand against her scales on her arms. “I have something for her as well if you’ve had your fill. I think she could use a bit of rest.”
“You said you wanted nothing to…” the Prince goes silent before he kissed her shoulder. “You did ask for no arguments, so I will hold my tongue for your sake.”
The King wraps his arms around her to pull her against his chest. “You never did get to try that cake because I stormed off. I imagine that you’d like to rest and recuperate for a bit.”
He lifted her up to carry her as the darkness disappeared and brought them back to the room again. The difference this time was the large cake with noa fruit was on the side table as well as more tea. "You wanted this earlier, didn't you? We've been... distracted, but I didn't forget."
Byleth can only nod as the King sits himself beside the table and keeps her in his lap as he reaches out for a slice for her to take. She’s not sure what surprises her more, the fact that he’s behaving, or how much she’s enjoying being in his arms like this. He’s able to envelope her and his chest is warm on her back. The cake and tea are delicious too, and she can feel both the King’s lips and his fingers rubbing along the scales as she nibbles it down.
The King takes a moment to look at his own features before he huffs. “Nothing but a beast inside and out now. It makes me more thankful that you can love us.”
The Prince joined them on the couch at some point, but if she had to name it, it looked like he was sulking. Byleth reaches over for another plate and holds it out to the Prince. “I know you can’t taste it, but I think you’ll like the texture. I’m sure with how much work that was you could use the boost.”
It seems to take him by surprise as he turns to her. “You aren’t upset with me?”
That only makes Byleth chuckle and leave the plate between them. “Is there a reason I should be? You gave me the choice to participate, and because of your usual sweet demeanor it was pleasant for you to not hold back for a little while.”
Byleth looked up before she ran her hands along the King’s jaw and then into his hair. “And then there's you.”
She kisses the King’s jaw. “I appreciate the restraint. It would have been so easy for you to take out your cock and join in, but instead you listened. It’s been wonderful just sharing your warmth for a bit.”
Byleth feeds the King the last bite of her cake and she can’t help but smile when a little bit of cream finds its way onto the corner of his lip. She puts the plate aside as she twists on his lap to be able to kiss it off of him. It’s then that he notices the tassel hanging from her neck and she can feel him rubbing his thumb over the metal.
“He gave me the adornments when I asked him if I could keep it.”
There’s a gleam of hunger in the King’s eyes the longer his fingers are on the necklace. His hands run along the scales on her arms before she seats herself on his lap so she’s facing him completely.
He sweeps a bit of her hair away from her eyes, letting the backs of his fingers run along the scales that formed on her face. “Even like this, you are so beautiful.”
Byleth can’t help but lean forward to kiss him further. She can feel how hard he is under the pants he wears and his hands are wandering all over her. It’s when she feels Dima move over to them that she breaks the kiss and leans her head on the King’s shoulder to look over at the Prince. The silly thing somehow got cream on his face too. She reaches out to swipe it off with her thumb.
She can feel the King’s lips against her neck. “Has the demon had her fill of sweets? I think this beast would appreciate making a good meal out of her.”
Byleth can’t help but smile at the small buck of his hips and his little bit of wordplay. She bites her lip as she thinks on the Prince’s wording earlier. She turns her head back so she can whisper in the King’s ear. “Tell me, you’ve already had me at your mercy. How do you like the idea of being at mine for a bit?”
The King chuckles. “You did say that I couldn’t be the one to bring you to bed, but you never did say that you couldn’t bring me if you wished.”
Byleth smiles as she puts her fingers underneath Dima’s chin. “Seems that I have some beast taming to do now don’t I?”
As the Prince comes in for a soft kiss and the King continues to hold her she finally feels as if this dream is back on track.
Now she just needed to decide how exactly she’d like to tame her two beasts.
Notes:
Twitter is Lunafox90
Comments and Kudos are always appreciated
I hope you enjoyedfull dp and threesome next chapter we were already running reaaaallly long on this one so I felt this was a good spot to end it plus I can open with the king's thoughts. he might be playing docile but his mindset is more let me be the one that she wants more, its the prince who wasn't listening etc. Throne cockwarming is going to be a different dream, because I want the full winter effect and the king isn't going to be sharing for that one.
Chapter 14
Summary:
Byleth's beast taming does not go as planned
Notes:
cw: emotional manipulation- double as well as triple penetration. Anal is included, if inserting front after the back is a squick don't worry I don't have it here. TY to my betas, and to my DM buddies who bring so much love and enthusiasm to my day. I couldn't do this without you, and I am very grateful to you all.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The moment that his younger counterpart snapped his fingers, Dimitri was aware of the little game that the Prince wanted to play. Based on Byleth’s wording this would not be what she wanted.
It seemed that the Prince would be taking his role tonight, and he was slightly curious as to how she was going to react. Dimitri circled them both like a predator along the edges of the small pocket realm the prince created. Dimitri wanted nothing more than to join in and tease her, but there was a better way to gain her appreciation.
Byleth asked to continue the little fantasy he started. She told him that he couldn’t bring her to bed, but she said nothing to the contrary. With that in mind, he watched them a little longer. He would certainly be trying this back in their bedroom when she woke back up. For now, he needed to gain more of her favor. Byleth expressed that she wanted comfort tonight and the Prince gave him the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Once Dimitri had everything gathered, he entered the area his younger counterpart had her in. He hoped that he could be the one to release her from the bonds, but she had already been freed. Dimitri leaned down to cup her cheek and feel the scales there. The way she melted into his touch and that beautiful sigh told him that he made the right move. She needed the reprieve that he planned for her.
Then his counterpart had to show off. The fangs and claws were an interesting touch, it reminded him of when he saw Rhea with her Nabatean features showing. Byleth looked tired but he couldn’t help but tease her a little bit, especially when she looked at him with such a blissed-out expression. He loved how she clenched around his fingers. That nip she gave his fingertips as if she didn’t want his fingers to leave her mouth made his cock twitch and his hunger rise.
Not yet, he told himself, he would have her soon enough. The King brushed his hand against the scales on her arms. “I have something for her as well if you’ve had your fill. I think she could use a bit of rest.”
“You said you wanted nothing to…” the Prince went silent before he kissed her shoulder. “Byleth did ask for no arguments, so I will hold my tongue for her sake.”
Dimitri understood the sentiment. He didn’t like seeing her so upset either. He wrapped his arms around her to pull her against his chest. “You never did get to try that cake because I stormed off. I imagine that you’d like to rest and recuperate for a bit.”
The relief and love in her eyes when he took her up in his arms surprised him. He lifted her up to carry her as the darkness disappeared and brought them back to the room again. The difference this time was the large cake with Noa Fruit on the side table next to more tea. There was a surge of pride swelling in his chest when Byleth nuzzled into his neck. Her behavior was his reward for his restraint and patience. His counterpart sulked and followed behind them. Dimitri couldn’t help but grin. He had made the right choice.
Byleth perked up at the sight of the cake. He kissed the side of her face. "You wanted this earlier, didn't you? We've been... distracted, but I didn't forget."
Byleth could only nod as Dimitri sat beside the table and kept her on his lap whilst he reached out for a slice for her to take. His lips and his fingers rubbed along the scales as she nibbled the cake down. He not only gave her the promised treats, but wrapped her up in his cloak. Those scales still interested him. He didn’t want her to feel self-conscious, and it was a nice representation of their pleasure. All it took was a directed thought before he could feel an itch as scales covered him and his nails lengthened into claws.
Dimitri took a moment to look at his own features before he huffed. “Nothing but a beast inside and out now. It makes me more thankful that you can love us.”
The Prince joined them on the couch at some point, sulking about something. Byleth reached over for another plate and held it out to the Prince. “I know you can’t taste it, but I think you’ll like the texture. I’m sure with how much work that was, you could use the boost.”
The Prince’s eyes widened. “You aren’t upset with me?”
Dimitri was curious about her mentality towards what happened as well. Byleth chuckled and left the plate on the couch between them. “Is there a reason I should be? You gave me the choice to participate, and because of your usual sweet demeanor it was pleasant for you to not hold back for a little while.”
Byleth looked up before she ran her hands along Dimitri’s jaw and then into his hair. “And then there's you.”
She didn’t sound distressed. In fact, her voice was sultry. Even the way her hands caressed him had a loving and breathless quality to it.
Her lips against his skin almost made him hum. “I appreciate the restraint. It would have been so easy for you to take out your cock and join in, but instead, you listened. It’s been wonderful just sharing your warmth for a bit.”
He couldn’t help but wonder if she would be this compliant if she didn’t think she was dreaming, but the warmth in his chest at her words made him tighten his hold onto her. He had to agree, holding her had been wonderful. There was a scraping sound that caught his attention. When he looked down, Byleth was gathering up the last bit of cake on her fork. Byleth smiled after she fed it to him. The sweetness caught him by surprise, but it was her face that had more of his attention. She did the same thing by sharing the last bite of her breakfast with him when she first woke up.
Byleth placed the plate aside as she twisted on his lap to be able to kiss the corner of his mouth. He felt her tongue lapping at his skin, licking up the cream he felt there. When she pulled back she licked her own lips. Goddess, he wasn’t sure how much more restraint he could manage. It’s then that he noticed the tassel hanging from her neck. The sight of his crest has him rubbing his thumb over the metal. It was similar to what he imagined for her in the waking world.
“He gave me the adornment when I asked him if I could keep the necklace.”
So this was of her own choosing. That thought made him salivate as he committed the adornments to his memory. He would make sure to recreate it exactly as she imagined it to be. His hands ran along the scales on her arms before she seated herself on his lap so she faced him completely. As much as he wanted to just pull out his cock and have her bouncing on his lap, he was enjoying how she was acting. Rushing things was what ruined everything, so he needed to learn a little bit of patience. She would be begging soon enough.
He swept a bit of her hair away from her eyes, letting the back of his fingers run along the scales that formed on her face. “Even like this, you are so beautiful.”
Byleth leaned forward to kiss him further. She was grinding against him and he couldn’t help but let his hands wander all over her. It’s when the Prince moved over to them that she broke the kiss and leaned her head on Dimitri’s shoulder to look over at the Prince. How Dimitri had forgotten about the Prince’s presence, he wasn’t sure. Byleth reached out to swipe off some cream on the Prince’s face with her thumb.
Dimitri wasn’t happy with her concentration being on the Prince, not when it’s his lap she’s on. His lips brushed against her neck. “Has the demon had her fill of sweets? I think this beast would appreciate making a good meal out of her.”
Byleth turned her head back so she could whisper in Dimitri’s ear. “Tell me, you’ve already had me at your mercy. How do you like the idea of being at mine for a bit?”
The breathless way her voice asked the question tore at his resolve. How did she not realize that he was already hers?
Dimitri chuckled as he realized that she was playing right into his hands. “You did say that I couldn’t be the one to bring you to bed, but you never did say that you couldn’t bring me if you wished.”
Byleth smiled as she placed her fingers underneath the Prince’s chin. “Seems that I have some beast taming to do now, don’t I?”
That made Dimitri raise his brow as the Prince came to kiss her gently. She could try, but she would only have the power because he gave it to her. The Prince took her hand and kissed it before he nuzzled against it. As much as Dimitri thought his counterpart was an annoyance, it was pleasant to watch her reactions. The way her lips parted, that beautiful flush, and even how her breathing pattern changed gave him so many details to commit to memory and determine how much she liked any future ideas.
There were so many things he still needed to learn about her. Dimitri reached out to stroke her hair. Her attention went back to him and the way she bit her lip made him wonder just what exactly was going through her head.
Dimitri’s gaze was on Byleth, but it didn’t escape his notice that the Prince moved off the couch. It didn’t surprise Dimitri when his counterpart came in behind Byleth. The Prince wouldn’t be too thrilled that Dimitri had her attention and affections for the moment. Dimitri did his best to relax and pay attention to her. No matter what the Prince did, Dimitri was the one that will get to see her face and expressions. That allowed him to keep some of his territorial instincts at bay. In the end, it was still him that she desired, it didn’t matter the form. He needed to believe that delusion.
The shiver Byleth made from the Prince’s fangs grazing over her back sent a thrill through Dimitri as well. When the Prince kissed along her spine, it made her eyelids flutter and her lips part. The small dig of her nails into his skin made Dimitri want to reach out and touch her.
Byleth bucked her hips as the Prince started to rut against her and Dimitri moaned as she rubbed over his cock with the motion. The Prince glared at him before moving to her other shoulder so they weren’t making eye contact. Byleth rocked against both of them which made them both groan in unison before the Prince nuzzled into her shoulder.
Byleth gasped when the Prince rutted against her again. It almost pushed her directly over Dimitri's cock and he couldn’t help but hum at the sensation.
“How are you not tired yet?” Her voice was warm and teasing.
Dimitri could almost hear the giggle as her lips quirked up and she leaned back against his younger counterpart. The motion thrust her breasts forward and he was salivating for a taste. Byleth should already know better. He lasted for far longer than any of the times that the Prince had her for.
"Professor, I can't help it," the Prince whispered back. "I can't help how much I love you."
The King wasn’t going to be outdone. Dimitri placed his hand on her cheek and was pleased with how she focused on him. Suddenly, the Prince slid his hand down to strum her clit with his thumb while she rocked her hips. The added stimulation made her moan even louder and throw her head back before Dimitri could say anything.
The Prince let his fangs skim over her shoulder. "At least allow me to assist. I'm always happy to help you, Professor…"
Dimitri smirked before he leaned in to kiss her. The moan into his mouth was delightful as his hands wandered to cup and play with her nipples.
When Byleth pulled back from the kiss, she looked down to where both their hands were on her. “I believe that I said at my mercy, didn't I?"
She didn’t realize that she used the same tone she used during drills all those years ago. It was the same tone that had Dimitri standing at attention whenever he was in the vicinity, both literally and figuratively. His cock twitched at the sound, and he could visibly see the Prince shiver behind her. Dimitri removed his hands and placed them on the back of the couch.
The Prince removed his hands from her clit, but he didn’t remove them from her completely. The Prince rested his head along her back, but he laid his hands palm up against her thighs. That way they were within her sight, but he could keep contact with her.
Both men swallowed, wanting to know what her next move would be.
Byleth looked where both of them had removed their hands from her. "Did I give you permission to stop?"
The Prince pressed himself even closer. "Forgive me, Professor."
Byleth huffed. "Don't be sorry. Be better."
Dimitri's cock twitched as he attempted not to smile. So adorable, but she had forgotten the rules he told her. He was turned on, but he needed more from her. If she was going to take the command, then she needed to own it and wield him as efficiently as she did her weapons. To use him for her pleasure. He would listen, if it was a benefit to them both.
Dimitri’s hands stayed where they were as he raised a brow at her. “You never gave us permission to touch you either. Be clear on what you desire us to do. Tell us exactly what you want and we shall make it so.”
Byleth leaned over as her hands glided along his pants following the outline of his cock. "Show me what you've learned."
Dimitri wanted to nibble on her lip that she put so close to his mouth. Her hands felt wonderful squeezing his cock. She still wasn’t very good at this, that request was vague, but he will just need to teach her as they went along.
She had emphasized that she didn’t want him to take what she would give freely. After her outburst earlier, he shouldn’t push too hard against the thin mask she had put on. It was obvious that she wanted him, so he would let it pass this time. He didn’t want to see her upset again.
Dimitri placed both his hands on her cheeks as he let his lips hover over hers. “May I kiss you?”
The way her face lit up with a smile before she joined their lips together was the best reward he could ask for. Her hands squeezed his cock over the fabric tighter. Byleth moaned into his kiss as the Prince started stroking her clit again. The way her ass was pressed back against the Prince allowed for him to rut against her ass, causing her breasts to rub against the King’s chest. When Byleth pulled away Dimitri let his fingers run down her jaw, her throat, all the way to her breasts where he tugged at her nipples.
Dimitri nuzzled into the side of her face to kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear: “What do you want my love? If you’d like me tied up on that bed to let you play with my body you need only ask, but I’d rather worship you tonight. If you’d like me to be gentle I can be. If you’d rather have the beast devour you whole, I can do that as well. Just tell us what you desire, and we will make it so.”
Byleth looked uncertain. The Prince kissed her shoulder and then the other side of her neck. “Only yours love, there’s no reason to tame or test us.”
Dimitri stroked her cheek. “What can we do to make you feel better?”
Byleth hesitated before she leaned in to embrace him. "I wanted to snuggle earlier, to just be held and enjoy your warmth, from both of you. It’s my dream and I have both of you in it, so..."
Byleth was quiet for a moment and Dimitri wrapped his arms tighter around her. She had been through too much, and will go through so much more.
Dimitri nudged the Prince’s feet to move him out of the way. The Prince glared for a moment, but stepped back all the same. Dimitri stood up before he carried her over to the rugs and manifested some blankets by the fire. Dimitri laid her down and curled up against her.
She seemed tense and apprehensive at first, but as he relaxed his hold she began to relax as well. The Prince took her opposite side, bringing the cloak with him in case she might want it.
"All you need to do is ask when you want something. There are some requests I may not grant, but if you need a break I will not push you."
The way she turned to nuzzle into his neck made him hope that he said the correct thing. His fingers caressed her side. He needed to learn more about what she enjoyed. Then, he could use those fantasies to ensnare her in a binding that she would desire to be in. They laid there in silence for a little while with the crackling fire in the background. Neither of their hands had stopped stroking and caressing her.
The Prince was the more impatient one, initiating kisses to her skin and letting his hands get rougher. Byleth was facing the King when her hands came to unfasten his pants. She was the one that kissed him as her hand found and wrapped around his cock. Dimitri deepened the kiss as he groaned from the feeling of her fingers.
Byleth closed her eyes before she leaned her head against the Prince. He kissed her cheek before he pulled her knees further apart to push her forward so she was trapped between them both. Her slit brushed up against Dimitri’s cock. Dimitri rolled her nipples between his fingers and brought his lips to hers for another kiss. Soon, he felt Byleth rock her hips. His cock was getting coated from the fluid leaking from her slit.
The Prince nibbled on her neck and shoulder again as his fingers rolled over her clit. Byleth gripped at the King’s shoulders before she leaned up against his chest. “I wanted to cuddle with both of you earlier and I still do, but right now, I want you inside of me.”
Dimitri was more than happy to oblige her. Dimitri took his cock in hand as he slipped it inside of her slick entrance. There was hardly any resistance, probably from her earlier session with the Prince. Byleth moaned as her nails dug into his shoulders. He pulled her close and guided one of her legs over his hip. Dimitri ignored the glare from his counterpart as he brushed Byleth’s hair aside to kiss her forehead.
Byleth hummed before she maneuvered her head to kiss him. Dimitri returned the kisses, slowly rocking himself inside of her. He was rewarded with a moan and her shivering under his fingers. There was an annoyed tsk sound on the other side of her and Dimitri couldn’t help but smirk at the Prince’s impatience. The Prince had his fun more than once in front of him, so Dimitri was looking forward to making him suffer for a little bit.
Dimitri caressed her cheek when he pulled back from the kiss. “How can you doubt my love for you when this is the power you have over me? Feels good, doesn’t it love?”
Byleth hummed in agreement and nuzzled under his chin. “Gentle’s good too.”
“Then gentle I will be, until you ask otherwise.” Just being able to touch her was enough for now. He was the one inside her, after all. He’d have her begging for more before the night was through. He would show her just how much she craved his touch.
A smirk formed on his lips as his counterpart stared at them. Perhaps there was a better way to do this. The Prince reached out the moment he saw the dark grin to pull her away, just as Dimitri hoped he would. Byleth yelped, being torn from the comfort she found with him would be a shock for her.
She turned on the Prince with a confused expression and he let her go as soon as he saw it. He realized his mistake too late. Dimitri snapped his fingers just like the Prince had done to Byleth and bindings appeared. This time, they wrapped around the Prince instead.
The Prince snarled as the bindings wrapped around his wrists. He struggled as they bound him to the floor. One of his flails almost hit Byleth before Dimitri pulled her back. The Prince went still the moment he realized how close he came to hurting her. Byleth looked startled between the two of them.
The Prince's glare went to him instead. “What is the meaning of this?”
Dimitri kissed Byleth’s cheek before holding her closer to his chest. He had the Prince’s ankles bound next. “You were misbehaving again.”
Byleth leaned forward and Dimitri let her go to where the Prince was jerking against the bindings. She laid a hand on his chest and he stopped his squirming.
“What you told her was one of your desires, wasn’t it? You wished to be a vessel for her pleasure.”
Byleth looked up at him then back down at the Prince again. “Is this necessary?”
Dimitri moved forward to place his hands on her shoulders and whispered against her ear. “You enjoyed being at his mercy didn’t you? All you needed to do was lay back and let him do the work for you.”
This time, Dimitri looked at the Prince and spoke louder so the Prince could hear him as well. “You mentioned wanting us to be at your mercy, but do you know what you really want from us? I decided to chain him up for you, since he was the one who had you tied up earlier. Go on. Show us what it is you imagine when you say those words.”
Byleth hesitated, and that doesn’t surprise him. She was still inexperienced and hadn’t figured out what her desires truly were. He had years of fantasizing to know exactly what would send him climaxing in his hand with her name on his lips. The Prince was still squirming and he looked angry, but Dimitri had him exactly where he wanted him for now.
Her fingers explored the Prince’s chest and then she straddled him as her fingers continued to play and squeeze his tits. She doesn’t even tease him all that much before she seated herself onto the Prince’s cock.
Dimitri watched her for a few moments as she slid herself against the Prince before he huffed. “Now tell me, why is this more appealing to you than letting him thrust into you from below? You don’t have anyone touching you either.”
Byleth gave him an irritated glare. “And why do you think I’m not enjoying myself?”
Dimitri leaned in beside them. “You might be having fun, but you aren’t going to have your fill doing only that.”
He reached out to touch one of her nipples. “This for instance you aren’t utilizing. There are so many methods from a flick, to a caress, and even a pinch or pull. You could take it in your mouth and toy with your tongue or teeth.”
She stopped moving as he touched her and the Prince got that irritating glare again. He tried to buck into her from below, or get some kind of friction to remind her who she should be concentrating on. Dimitri only tightened the binding so the Prince couldn’t even do that. Then, he came behind Byleth and cupped her breasts to play with them some more.
Dimitri let his claws trace lines down her spine and sides as he kissed her shoulder. “When I have you at my mercy it is for your benefit. I may control the strings, but you are the one that plays the melody. If you’re after pleasure then there is more than my hands or cock that can please you. If you want me to stop the teasing then shut me up. Let my tongue and lips bring you to the brink while I get nothing until you give it to me.”
Byleth’s breath hitched as the Prince groaned and squirmed below her. Dimitri chuckled as he leaned in to kiss and nibble at her neck. The Prince’s hands clenched as Dimitri’s fingers came to play with her clit. She must have been tightening around him from the pleasure. Dimitri’s own cock was weeping against the swell of her ass. He wanted to be inside her too, but that wasn’t the point of this exercise.
“Tell me what you want. Use his cock at the pace you desire, but what can I do for you? I am at your command.” His fingers were featherlight on her skin, his claws leaving goosebumps in thier wake as he teased her.
“You did say you had more than one hole to share. Would you prefer to have my cock in your mouth so you can enjoy both of us at once? It’s your dream, you’re allowed to be as greedy as you want.”
That part of her outburst hadn’t escaped his notice. He knew that it was said in frustration towards both of them arguing with each other, but it still made him wonder. One of Dimitri’s hands traveled down to squeeze her ass. Later he wanted to take her there, but she needed to be more pliant and relaxed than she was right now. His other hand came to fondle her breast as he nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck.
Byleth’s breath caught in her throat as she rocked her hips. “I like that idea, just let me suck and kiss it for a while. I love how you look at me when your cock is in my mouth.”
Dimitri kissed her neck as he smiled at her admittance. He wondered how many secrets he could receive from her. “As you wish. Do you want his cock inside you like this or would you like his mouth doing the work for you?”
Honestly, he just didn’t want the Prince to take her out of the bliss she would find herself in. If she chose to stay impaled on the Prince, Dimitri was inclined to gag him and keep the bindings. Byleth seemed to follow his line of thought as she slipped off the Prince’s cock. She twisted to kiss him until the Prince’s whimper caught her attention.
Byleth’s eyes were half-lidded and dazed when she pulled away from him. “He is right, you haven’t been very cooperative, have you? Even now you want all of my attention.”
Her gaze went to the Prince’s face before she went back to continue kissing him. Dimitri’s heart soared. This was perfect payback for those times he had to watch her with the Prince, but this kiss had been deliberate on her part, and that made it even sweeter.
“Beloved…” Goddess that whine was irritating, but it only made Byleth press herself further against him. Then she felt her tongue slip inside his mouth and Dimitri couldn’t help but moan.
Byleth broke off suddenly to turn back to the Prince. “Don’t pout like that, your Highness.” She took the Prince’s cock into her hand and ran circles over the top with her thumb.
She rocked her hips to grind against the Prince before turning her attention back to Dimitri. “His Majesty did promise a cock in my mouth if I remember correctly.”
The way she said it, sultry and teasing sent a shiver down his spine. Dimitri kissed her shoulder. “You just tell me where to stand and you will have what you want. It’s how you want him that matters. Will you stay and toy with his cock or will you sit on his face and shut up that incessant whining?”
Byleth mused for a moment as she looked down at the Prince as her hand came to coil around in his hair and gave him another deep kiss. When she maneuvered back over to the Prince, she gave him a long deep kiss that he pulled at his bindings to get to her.
Byleth pulled back and traced a claw down the Prince’s jaw. “I did not squirm this much for you. I know it’s maddening to want to touch, but you have been trying to fight and keep me away from him. I was comfortable earlier, you could have snuggled and made it better instead of pulling me away as suddenly as you did.”
"I apologize for that, but how am I supposed to trust him when I know just how badly we both want you?"
Dimitri snorted as he moved to stand. "You were the one who lost control earlier, not me."
Byleth gave him a warning glare. “Is it your mouth I need to occupy then?”
If only.
The Prince looked between the two of them, realizing that his opportunity was about to be taken from him. “No, I want to be the one to support you.”
Byleth turned to him as she gave him a slight smile. “Are these bindings really necessary then, Dima?”
“No, I will do as you asked.”
Byleth kissed the Prince again and Dimitri felt her pull at the bindings he created to set the Prince free. Whatever happened next would be from her desire to hold the reins.
--------------------------------------------
Byleth could feel most of the tension leave Dima’s body as he came to hold her. She was curious as to this method they referred to. Both of them had proven multiple times to her that they enjoyed using their mouths on her. Dima used his newfound freedom to cup her face and give her a long deep kiss.
Dimitri was already standing up beside them, his expression neutral as he looked down on them. That wasn’t going to do. She liked how much he enjoyed having her mouth on him. While she was distracted, Dima pulled her forward from where she had been straddling him. Her knees would be on either side of his head if he pulled her any farther.
“I doubt I’ll need it, but I’ll tap your leg twice if I need you to get up.” Dima tapped her with two fingers in quick succession on her thigh as if to demonstrate.
After that, he pulled her forward and both of her knees wound on each side of his head. She let him adjust her and then she felt his warm breath on her slit. “Are you comfortable?”
“Yes, I am.” Byleth reached down to comb her fingers through his hair.
“Keep your weight on your knees, and if it becomes too much push me away.” Then, his mouth enveloped her as his tongue licked along her slit.
Byleth couldn't help but gasp and shiver as his hands came around to hold her to whatever angle he was looking for. At first, her fingers were in Dima's hair, but then Dimitri took his place in front of her. Her hands were then preoccupied with his cock as she brought it to her mouth to lick and suck on.
She left kisses on it until he brought his hand to the back of her head. There was the gaze she had come to know. A burning desire for her. When her mouth enclosed around his cock and she swirled her tongue around the tip he exhaled as his fingers caressed her hair, almost like a pet. Dima’s tongue was also working on her from below at a slower pace and she felt herself clench around nothing. Perhaps it might have been better to stay mounted on Dima’s cock while they did this. It was certainly something she would look forward to having later.
It wasn’t long before she got impatient and started taking more of Dimitri’s cock into her mouth. Her legs quivered the closer Dima’s tongue got her to climax. Soon she had no choice but to cling to Dimitri’s hips while Dima held her steady.
Dimitri’s thumb stroked her cheek. “You’re doing so well, but I want you to enjoy yourself. Would you like me to take over for you?”
Byleth nodded, knowing full well that she wanted him to finish inside her mouth. He was slow at first, gentle like he promised her, but she found she liked it when he used her for his pleasure.
“Something wrong, beloved?” Dimitri pulled himself away and she scrambled to get him back to her.
She actually whimpered when he pulled away. “Like the other dreams, please.”
Dimitri chuckled before he bent down to play with her breasts. “And here I thought you wanted me to be gentle.”
A well-timed lick to her clit from Dima and a pinch to her nipples from Dimitri had her keening and grinding her hips. “I…”
Dimitri smirked as he tugged a little harder. “What do you want and why do you want it? Tell me and you will have what you desire.”
Even Dima had gone to a slow teasing pace as Dimitri’s fingers rolled over her breasts with just enough attention to feel good. Why couldn’t she just have a normal dream where they followed her desires without needing to think about it? Why did he have to tease her? She had been disappointed when Dima had made her stop and went to focus on her instead inside the cabin. That drove her decision now, she supposed.
Right now she could have the best of both worlds, she could please one while the other pleased her. It was the duality of him that she liked. He didn’t always take, and he was very generous when he wanted to give.
Right now, she wanted to enjoy herself and make sure both of them did too. “I want you to use me for your pleasure. You can be a little rough. I like the sensation of you spilling down my throat.”
Dimitri chuckled as his hands came to cup her face. “I think you enjoy it a little more than just liking it.”
Byleth moved to take his thumb into her mouth and swirl her tongue around it like she had his cock. Enough talking already. Dimitri smirked and stuck his thumb in further.
“As you command then, love.” He withdrew his hands from her face and leaned back up. She opened up her mouth without a second thought as he returned his hand to the back of her head again.
His first thrust made her moan as she returned her hands to their place on his hips. There was that look she wanted. He purred out compliments about how good she was for him and she knew that she would be dripping into Dima’s mouth with how those words made the heat build in her core. Dima had renewed the strokes of his tongue and it wasn’t long before she was shaking from her own pleasure.
She came once before Dimitri did, and it was obvious that her moans vibrating around his cock turned him on because he started going faster before her quivering stopped. Dima’s hands were holding onto her as his claws sank into her skin and she could feel him grin before attaching his lips around her clit for a hard suck. It was all too much as another orgasm washed right over the first. Tears pricked at her eyes as Dimitri thrust in deep and came spilling down her throat.
The bliss was enough to white out her vision for a moment. More scales itched along her skin and Dimitri traced them with a featherlight touch. All she could do was moan around his cock. He started those wonderful mutterings of praise again as he pulled his cock out of her mouth. Byleth leaned her head against his hip as she looked up at him. She could drown in those praises if he’d let her. The adoration in that gaze was something no one else had given her.
Dima tapped twice on her leg and her attention was brought to him. She didn’t really feel like getting off, but she moved to sit against Dimitri’s leg.
Her hand came to pet and twine in Dima’s hair. She leaned down to kiss Dima as her hand reached for his cock. “You did so well too. Can I finish what I started? I wanted your praise earlier when I had gotten on my knees for you. Taking me to the bed and doting on me was nice, but I want to have the chance to make you feel good too.”
Dima huffed until her fingers came to grip his cock and gave him a hard pump. It had been leaking on his stomach while he had been pleasuring her. Byleth shuffled to where she could lap it up and then ran her tongue to clean up his cock from his mess. She felt Dimitri behind her as his hands came to run along her sides.
When Dimitri started to leave kisses along her spine she couldn't help but gasp as she felt his cock against her ass. She hummed as she pushed herself back up to tease him.
Dima surprised her by pushing her back and getting to his knees in front of her. His hand came to her jaw to bring her gaze up. "I was trying to be more respectful towards you, but it seems that you like that sort of treatment. If you want my praise then you'd better take me just as well as you did him."
Byleth licked her lips before nuzzling up against his cock and leaving a kiss along its length. "I can do that."
Dima brought her up for a kiss, one that was rough and hungry. She could taste herself on his tongue and it made her moan and squirm in anticipation.
Dimitri kissed Byleth’s back and let his claws trace patterns on her skin. He ran his hands down her arms before he firmly clasped her wrists. "We haven’t shown you everything we've learned yet. Wouldn't you like us to work together?"
Byleth panted as he brought both of her wrists behind her back and took them both in one hand as he pulled her away from Dima. "What do you mean?"
Dimitri grinned as his other hand came down so a finger could trace along her slit. “Would you like to be completely filled in all three holes, love?”
Dima traced her lips with his fingers. “Let us help you forget for a little while. I’ll work with him if it means you get to enjoy yourself from the pleasure we both can bring you.”
Dimitri kneaded her ass as she moaned into Dima's kiss. Dimitri retracted his claws so he could bury his fingers into her folds. He didn’t stay in for long. She felt him scoop out some of her wetness to lube up her other hole. Dima maneuvered his hands around her so he could hold her ass open wide while Dimitri poked at the ring of muscle with his slickened fingers to work her open.
The moan she gave was loud and it left her panting as her mind scrambled to make sense of it all. She hadn't been taken this way before. Dima ran his claws up her back and through her hair and she shivered as she looked up at him. “Relax, it will pass, and then we both can fill you up."
Dimitri kneaded the cheek he held in his hand. “It’s only a dream, enjoy yourself. You already know that we will not harm you.”
Dima pet her head when she relaxed. “There’s our good girl. There’s nothing to worry about, beloved. We'll take care of you together.”
Byleth decided to preoccupy herself by playing with Dima's chest. Her fingers squeezed his flesh easier than she thought it would, but her favorite moment was when she buried her face into him. She decided to try what Dimitri had mentioned before by taking one of his nipples in her teeth. A moan made her release it when Dimitri worked one of his fingers into her tight hole. Byleth was panting by the time Dimitri stuck a phallus he conjured into her folds to lube it up so he could use it to work her ass open even farther.
Dima caressed her jaw and cheek as she let her mouth hang open after the lewd moan that escaped her lips. "I cannot wait to see you fully wrecked and blissed out from our actions."
Byleth leaned into his touch as she willed herself to relax and let them do what they wished. She was tired of thinking and worrying. Let them give her the reprieve they promised her.
Dima gripped her ass again to spread her as Dimitri used the phallus for a few strokes inside of her as he moved his fingers inside her rear. Byleth cried out when he swapped his fingers with the phallus. It was a very odd sensation, but not necessarily an unpleasant one. Then Dimitri lined his cock up with her folds and pushed while the phallus was still inside of her ass.
Byleth couldn't help but shiver. Dimitri grinned too as he pushed his cock in further and kept a thumb on the phallus to keep it deep within her. Dima reached to where her breasts were to play with her nipples. The sensations were all too much and not enough.
Dima chuckled. “Then there are all of those beautiful noises. You cannot deny what your body is feeling.”
Byleth looked up at him with curiosity before she took him in hand and started to put him into her mouth. What she took was shallow, but she didn’t want to push herself, not yet. Dimitri started a game of push and pull behind her as he used the phallus on her rear and continued to thrust his cock into her heat. The force made her take a little more of Dima into her mouth, but it’s the moan she made that vibrated around his cock that made her Prince tighten his grip.
She had never felt so full. With her Prince's cock in her mouth, whatever toy Dimitri had conjured for her rear, and his cock inside of her as well, she had all three holes filled. It was something she hadn't really thought possible.
Byleth’s hand moved to grip Dima’s cock to steady it as Dimitri set a slow pace behind her. Drool dribbled from her lips as another lewd moan escaped. Dimitri held her to him as he kissed her back while his cock stretched her in a slow rhythm. Byleth’s scales spread over her body even without the climax. Dima took his claws and traced over the new scales. She shivered at the sensation.
Dimitri scraped his fangs along her back as he nuzzled against her. His grip on her hips was like iron, a solid contrast to the otherwise loving gestures he gave her. “Goddess, you’re taking us so well. Are you ready for a little more?”
Her walls clenched tight around his cock at the mere thought. Her eyes were half-lidded at this point from all of the sensations running through her. Dima hadn’t stopped running his fingers in her hair except to reach down and torment her nipple some more. When she looked up at Dima it’s almost as if he wanted to just devour her whole.
And then they took what they want as soon as she muffled out an affirmation and nodded. Dima’s pets became a fist in her hair as he started to pump his cock into her mouth.
It almost felt like a tug of war between the two of them. Every time Dima gave her a chance to breathe, Dimitri was thrusting his cock further into her. She could swear that the toy was getting wider and longer as they continued. Every time Dimitri thrusted forward his abs shoved whatever distance the toy made out of her hole back in.
“Just relax and let us take care of you.”
“Look at how well you take us, beloved.”
“So perfect, how could we want anyone else?”
At that point, Byleth couldn’t really tell who was saying what. She was drooling all over her chin, but She was getting close to climax. She did her best to keep her tongue working along his shaft when Dima was inside of her mouth. She wanted that praise he promised.
Dimitri loomed over her. “I can feel how tight you’re getting, beloved. I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself."
Dimitri was only rocking himself enough to give her some friction now. She whimpered as her body calmed down somewhat. Even Dima seemed to slow down his pace.
"Ready for more then?"
Byleth gulped down some air as Dima pulled away from her. "Please, yes, please."
She was babbling but it was so frustrating to be so close and kept from it. Then there was no time to think as Dimitri thrusted hard and fast into her and didn't stop. Dima thrusted back into her mouth and held her still as he did the same.
Byleth could barely hear their muttering over the slap of skin on skin and was she really being that loud with her moans? There was no mistaking that the size of the phallus expanded inside of her. The stretch was almost too much, but she didn’t want it to stop. They both fucked her with rapid and deep strokes until she came with a scream from the force of the orgasm. She wasn’t allowed to make much noise as it turned into a whimpering moan as Dima came down her throat.
They maneuvered her between them, and she was limp as they rearranged her. Just as Dimitri left her front she could feel Dima lift her leg and plunge himself back inside of her slick entrance. Then she felt the phallus pull out of her and she almost wept at the loss, but Dimitri didn’t let her miss it for long as he gripped her hair and shoved his cock inside of her where the phallus had opened her up for him. Her eyes widened at the stretch, and where the phallus was cold and unmoving she can feel his heat and how he twitched inside of her as he let her adjust.
"How does it feel to have us both?"
"Is it everything you imagined it to be?"
“Feels... warmth good," is all she can manage.
Dima nuzzled against her hair. "Yes, your warmth feels wonderful."
"Mhm, without it, we are cold and empty."
“So we'll give you our warmth as well, and fill you to the brim with our devotion.”
Dima’s kiss was deep as he cupped her jaw and thrust to test the waters. Dimitri too seemed to be figuring out the pacing and the timing, but they didn’t waste much time before they found a rhythm that suited them both. It was almost as if she was a ragdoll between the two of them as they pounded into her. It was not long before all she could feel was the pleasure. The only coherent thing she could do was pant out their name.
They paused to talk to her and ask her what she wanted. She begged them to go harder and to fill her as they promised, it was a garbled moaning mess but she heard them say that permission had been granted but they would go easy. There was a kiss to her head and to her shoulder before someone said to go gently for her sake. Byleth heard the conversation but didn’t really absorb what was happening, all she cared about was this state of heightened pleasure she was in.
And then they were pistoning inside of her and she lost whatever sense she had. She lost track of the number of times they climax inside of her or the amount of times she climaxed from their actions. Her mind registered the sensations of someone groping her boobs. There were kisses and bites on her skin, sometimes claws digging in, too.
By the time they were finally done, almost her entire body was covered in scales. She had lost count of how many times she had climaxed or how many bite or claw marks she bore now. She had left plenty of marks of her own when her claws and fangs grew in.
She was sated and spent and the King finally calmed down enough to where he was flaccid behind her. The Prince was pressed up against her front as he nuzzled his cheek against hers again. She could barely move as the warmth and tiredness made her sleepy. How odd, for one already in a dream. Someone’s arm was under her head as a pillow as he curled it back to stroke into her hair and cheek while the other arm draped over her and traced circles on her side with claws.
The King was snuggled up to her back, and he had one of her hands intertwined. His contented sigh against her ear as he held her closer only made her hum back. She didn’t know that her body could feel this way. Her mind felt dazed, but not confused. It was odd, but she felt like she belonged there.
Claimed was the word they used. She could still feel the aftershocks that make her shiver. He had certainly claimed her body, but it was the other feelings inside her mind that made her wonder if he hadn’t claimed other things.
The Prince nuzzled his nose against her shoulder. “Rest, my heart. Let your mind relax as well. I won’t let anything happen to you. I will protect you until I breathe my last.”
Byleth snorted as she remembered how adamant he was about keeping the King away from her. "What about protecting me from yourself?"
The Prince gave a snort that ruffled her hair. "We only wish to see you safe, his methods might be questionable but we have our reasons."
The King kissed her temple. "Quit making excuses in your mind. There is no shame in the fact that you enjoyed yourself as well. I am your husband after all."
She watched their scales fade away like ashes in the wind. Even her own scales started to fleck off and retreat away. The King kissed her jaw. “In the end, I am just a man in love with the woman who stole my heart. You may keep it and let mine beat for you.”
The Prince nuzzled his face against hers. “It is the same for me.”
It was warm between the two of them. The only thing on her skin was the feel of their bodies intertwined with hers. Byleth let sleep take her, feeling safer than she had for a while. “Love you…”
-----------------------------
Dimitri let the scene shift back to the cabin as he combed his fingers through Byleth’s hair. The last words on her lips still echoed in his mind. Maybe they had overdone it, but those beautiful sounds she made for them had only made him crave more. She had been completely limp and delirious from the pleasure they gave her and it had filled him with a strange sense of pride for every reaction they pulled from her.
The Prince was watching her sleep with a small smile on his face as he traced her cheek with the back of his knuckles.
Dimitri sighs. “I took care of Hubert, he was waiting for us in the Goddess Tower. The things he said didn’t make sense. It sounded like he had some of the memories that Byleth mentioned erasing.”
The Prince looked over at him and Dimitri could tell by that tick in his jaw that he was debating about telling him the information, but he wasn’t happy about the notion. “The last thing I remember is Byleth leaning over me after Hubert’s spell. I thought I died, but I found myself here. All of the Eagles are here and they seem like the ones we remember, but I noticed that there are many people missing that should be here. There’s also you. I think that spell of hers is the culprit. When she used it, she captured something of us, and it plays out here because this world seems to be of her making.”
Perhaps. Dimitri had already thought that the reason he was able to connect with her was that she had used that spell beside him. Sleeping beside her allowed him to dream and find his way to her somehow.
The Prince gnashed his teeth. “There’s something else. When Byleth collapsed that day in my arms there was a horrible stench in the air, it’s hard to describe, but decay or rot comes to mind.”
Dimitri narrowed his eyes. Rhea might have something to do with this as well. Byleth had been afraid of her, and it seemed for good reason. It might have been a mistake to let Rhea touch her after Byleth had knocked herself out.
“We need to keep our promise to her tomorrow. Edelgard is still a threat to her. The ones that she works with orchestrated Duscur and they want Byleth. What they tried to do in the Sealed Forest changed her, but we can at least change that outcome here. It’s cruel, giving her a chance to be with her father when she’ll wake without him.”
“Does she need to wake?”
Dimitri glared back at the Prince. “Her body will waste away as she dreams, is that what you want for her?”
The Prince sighed as he snuggled against her. “No, but I don’t want to lose her again, not when I know her feelings on the matter.”
Dimitri nodded. He knew that feeling all too well. “All we can do is keep her safe for now. Beware of Rhea. I will deal with the snakes in the shadows.”
The Prince nodded before he closed his eyes and exhaled. “I don’t agree with some of your methods, and I will make myself clear on this, if you hurt her again...”
Dimitri cut him off with a bark of laughter. “What would you do, hmm? I will be the one to wake up beside her. You are nothing but a memory.”
The room frosted over as he teleported himself back to the Monastery to wait for Monica and her snakes.
Byleth shivered before Dima pulled the blanket over her and rubbed his warmth onto her skin. There had to be a way to stay with her, because there would be no way he could let her go. Even if he could only be a phantom in her dreams, he would not part with her. As he looked over the bruises on her skin, he let the tingle of his heal spells erase the evidence of what they did with her.
------------------------------------
Byleth woke up blissfully sore but it was a comfortable feeling. She could still remember some of her dreams last night in vivid detail. Dima was resting beside her, his breath heavy against her chest where his head was nuzzled. His arm was slung over her waist and held her possessively even in his sleep. She was almost disappointed to feel his erection against her leg instead of inside her. Just the thought of her dream was enough to make her blush, but it also had her biting her lip and wanting to rub off to the memory of it.
Dima stirred and the next thing she knew he was raising his head up to stare at her. She brushed aside the fringe of his bangs so she could see his eyes in the dawn light. He moved to give her a kiss and she melted right into it. Her hand found his cock as she brought her other hand into his hair.
Dima leaned down to nibble into her neck. “Didn’t you get enough last night?”
Byleth squeezed him tightly. “I could never get enough of you.”
He batted her hand away and the next thing she knew he was stretching her open with his cock. It made her hiss and wrap her legs around him. She wasn’t sure if the change of pace was because he might not be fully woken up, or if it was what she said, but he wasn’t gentle. His kisses were rough and claiming and had her gasping for air when he let them part. Her hands couldn’t decide whether they wanted to be buried in his hair or gripping onto him for a handle. The bed was creaking from the movements and she was half afraid it was going to break underneath them.
His hands groped her breasts when they weren’t grabbing her ass to lift her up against him. It got to the point where all she could do was chant his name as she got closer to climax. The smoldering desire in those blue eyes when he commanded her to cum was enough to make her entire body shiver as she did as ordered. She laid there panting after. He withdrew and started to play with her breasts with his tongue and teeth.
He hadn’t climaxed, and with as flushed and red the tip of his cock was he had gotten close. “Why did you stop?”
“That potion I gave you last night, I’m not sure if it’s still in effect.”
Oh, the pregnancy prevention, she had kind of forgotten about that part. “I can get more from Manuela when we get back to the monastery. If you’re still not comfortable with that I’d be happy to let you finish off in my mouth.”
He kissed her forehead before he pulled back to smile at her. “I appreciate the offer, but as you’ve noticed it takes more than one round and nature calls. Are you at least sated now?”
Byleth hummed as she stretched lazily back into the sheets. “I think so.”
“You think so, hmm?” Dima chuckled before he took her wrists in his hands and pinned her to the bed. He leaned his head down to give her another deep kiss. “Such a greedy thing. I am always happy to oblige in giving you more, but I think for the moment it would be best if we return to the monastery.”
Byleth nodded as he got up and went to the washroom. When she sat up and moved she was a little embarrassed over how much leakage there was on the bed. She wondered which of them it was from, but she let it flee from her mind as she heard Dima’s voice from the other room. “What had you blushing so beautifully this morning?”
Byleth could feel her heat flame. "Nothing in particular."
She could hear the water from the wash basin. "I never took you for a liar, Professor."
Byleth bit her lip. "Waking up next to you was nice."
There was a smirk on his face when he brought over a cloth and a bowl of water. "Sleeping and waking next to you was wonderful."
He took the cloth and started to stroke her with it. Her entire body was subject to his washing and he would sometimes leave kisses after the parts he wiped clean. He saved her folds and inner thighs for last. The last thing he did was lift her up and cup her ass with the cloth as he held her to him with her legs wrapped around his waist.
As he kissed her she couldn't help but think that she could easily get used to such sweet aftercare. The King had done something similar now that she thought about it. It just must be part of his caring nature.
Dima deposited her down onto the chair next to her discarded clothes. She felt a little sore sitting down but she wasn't able to concentrate on that for long. Dima pinned her to the chair as he left her breathless from his kisses. His touch lingered even after he was done, as if he didn't want the kiss to end.
When he finally tore himself away from her he brought her garments to the table for her. He was going to spoil her at this rate. She started putting them on and it was fun to see how he would watch her out of the corner of his eye to watch her slide on her stockings and corral her breasts back into her brassiere.
As he put on more of his layers she found herself almost more drawn to him because she had never seen him in this attire. That black undershirt looked sculpted onto him.
When they were both settled and redressed they went back outside. That cloak was still on the horse and it was a good thing too, it was rather nippy outside. Dima helped her onto the horse and wrapped the cloak around them both. Then she settled against his chest as he held her to him. The kisses, nuzzles and light touches were pleasant as they rode.
"I plan on asking your father for his blessing when we get back. I do want to marry you, and I'd like to have his approval."
Byleth turned to look at him as a smile curled her lips. "Do you plan to tell him to his face that you fucked his daughter last night?"
That blush that went all the way to his ears was always so cute to see. "No, I plan to tell him that he has a wonderful, strong, and passionate daughter whose hand I'd like to ask for in marriage. Do you really think I want to antagonize the Blade Breaker?"
Byleth hummed as she moved to nip his jaw. "You seem to have no problem tangling with the Ashen Demon. I'd leave out the passionate part."
Dima's huff turned into a groan as she licked along his jawline. "Byleth, that is not wise. It's already a struggle to behave with you this close and rubbing against me."
That made her raise her brow. "And what would His Highness do if I kept teasing?"
"Unless you want to be riding my cock as well and not be permitted to climax until you learn to behave, I would suggest you rethink your strategy."
The thought made her shiver against him. "Now it's you being the tease."
Dima leaned his head down to nip at her earlobe as his breath teased her neck. "We'll have to try it out one day, but I'd rather be presentable when I see your father."
Byleth sobered as Garrag Mach came into view. Her father’s fate laid in her hands today and she would not fail. "There's something I need to tell you, and it might sound odd, but please hear me out."
Dima sat at attention as he held her close. "I'm all ears. You can always talk to me."
She told him of Monica's plans but she fabricated overhearing something being planned today. That she feared for her father and the other knights. She told him everything, even her suspicion about Edelgard and her connection with the Flame Emperor. His hands tightened on the reins but he didn't interrupt her.
She swallowed when she was finished and the silence stretched between them for some time. "Thank you, for trusting me with this information."
Byleth relaxed into him as she felt a burden lift from her shoulders.
"I love you, and it's clear to me that no matter what the outcome is, you had no part in any of their foul deeds. If you are correct then she needs to be stopped, and I hope that I can count on you to do what needs to be done when the time is right."
Byleth closed her eyes. It was something she had been steeling herself for ever since she came back. She didn't answer him until she felt him wrap around her and kiss the crown of her head.
"I'll try, but she is still my student and the injustices done to her need to not be repeated onto someone else."
"That we can agree upon. I'd like to know more of what she says happened, and why she is against the church."
Byleth nodded, but she didn't want to get into that with the walls of Garrag Mach so close. He covered her up with his cloak as she snuggled into him. They discussed that they didn’t want to deal with rumors just yet so it would be best to hide her for now. The moment they got towards the inner gate to put his horse back into the stables the sound of armored soldiers on the move echoed all around them.
"Dimitri Alexander Blaiddyd, you need to come with us. You have been called forth as a suspect for kidnapping and murder. The Archbishop would like to speak with you."
Byleth went still under his cloak. The horse shifted underneath them. Byleth tried to poke her head out of the cloak but he kept it shut above her.
"And who am I charged with doing these crimes to?"
"The charge for kidnapping is of Byleth Eisner. The murder we are not able to release any information for. Please come with us to face your accuser before the Archbishop."
Byleth’s eyes went wide at the news. Dimitri obviously hadn't kidnapped her, but what was this about a murder?
Then another voice roared above the soldiers. "Where is my daughter? I swear if you've harmed a hair on her head I will gut you!"
That was her father's voice. Her father didn't get angry often, but the cold rage in his voice told her he was set to kill. It wouldn't matter that Dimitri was the Prince, her father would tear him apart if Jeralt thought he'd hurt her.
Byleth wiggled her way to shove her head above his cloak. "Really papa, the one time I sneak out to have dinner with the guy I like you set your squadron to apprehend him the moment I get back? I thought you said I was old enough to make my own decisions."
The shock was obvious on most of the soldiers around them as well as Jeralt. Jeralt crossed his arms. "Where were you two?"
What was she, a child? "Outside the monastery is all you need to know. Dimitri treated me last night and we're just getting back just now."
Jeralt didn't look convinced. "And why were you hiding in his cloak?"
Byleth sighed. "I didn't want people starting up rumors or getting the wrong idea."
Jeralt's jaw ticked. "You're ok then?"
Byleth nodded and she felt Dimitri wrap his cloak around her completely before he picked her up to set her down onto the ground.
As much as she wanted to throw herself into Jeralt's arms and embrace him he would see it as completely out of character for her. "Yeah, even better with you here. It's really good to see you again, Papa."
Dimitri dismounted behind her. "As you can see, I am innocent of one of the charges. I snuck out of the monastery grounds shortly after the dance concluded. Byleth was already waiting outside."
Jeralt's gaze narrowed on Dimitri. "Rhea will still want to have a word with you. Byleth, I need you to come with me. There’s something you need to see.”
Byleth glanced at Dimitri as he nodded towards Jeralt. “Do you want an escort after what we discussed?”
She knew he was giving her an opening to stay and protect them both.
Jeralt looked between them. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”
The next words out of her mouth would decide more than her father’s fate.
Notes:
I know I said holy tomb, however the amount between here and there is a bit to play with and I want to give it some breathing room.
Hope you enjoyed
comments and kudos are always appreciated.
Twitter is Lunafox90
Chapter 15
Summary:
The king keeps his promise to keep Byleth's enemies away from her and The Prince steals her away to Fhirdiad when Rhea makes her move
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
"Is there something that you're not telling us, kid?"
Byleth swallowed tightly. "There's… I wanted to discuss something I overheard… I think there might be an attack on the students today."
Jeralt's jaw ticked. "I think you're right and it's already started. Let's go talk somewhere else."
When he put his hand on her head to ruffle up her hair, Byleth almost felt as if she was about to cry. She couldn't help but lean against him. The next thing she knew her arms were wrapping around him as she buried her face into his shirt. Jeralt partly returned the embrace with a half hug. Byleth relaxed and melted into it. It was something she had been dreaming of for a long time.
Byleth had missed him so much. "I didn't mean to worry you."
Byleth felt another pat on her head before he pulled back. Jeralt turned towards the soldiers. "I'm taking my daughter. Get his Highness' horse stabled and let Rhea know what's going on."
Jeralt glared at Dima. "You will answer all of my questions, if you know what's good for you. Rhea is not the one you need to be worried about right now."
Byleth wondered how worried she should be about her father's tone. Jeralt didn't even know Dima bedded her last night yet.
Byleth reached out her hand to Dima and he took it. When Byleth gave him a smile of reassurance she didn't notice Jeralt shake his head before letting her go.
"Rhea wants to see him. She's in a foul mood, but it's up to you whether he stays or goes."
Byleth clutched Dima’s hand tighter. "I want him to stay with me."
“Alright then, we’re heading to the abandoned cathedral. What’s with the cloak?”
Byleth opened it to show her father the dress she wore the night before.
Jeralt sighed, “Alright first we’re stopping by your room to get into something a little more battle-ready. I need to have a chat here with the Prince anyway.”
As long as her father was with them instead of crossing paths with Monica, she’d go with any plan he came up with. Dima walked beside her as his grip on her hand stayed strong. They went the route that passed the pond and greenhouse.
As she stepped inside her room, Jeralt followed her inside. He signaled Dima to come inside as well, and Dimitri took the seat next to her desk. “Kid, you know how you kept talking about strange dreams, ones that must have happened a long time ago?”
Byleth nodded and Jeralt rubbed the back of his head. “I think that it’s starting to rub off. I’ve been having the strangest dream on my way back from that last mission. That red haired girl you brought back from the Death Knight’s place… she…”
Byleth reached out and grabbed Jeralt's hand as her eyes searched his face. “You’ve seen it, what’s going to happen…”
Jeralt turned at her sudden movement and his eyes softened at her panicked expression. He took her up in an embrace that was even tighter than the one he gave her outside. “To think that you’d cry over me… I thought it was all just a bad dream.”
“I may not have a heart that beats, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t care!” Byleth’s hands were shaking as they clutched at her father’s shirt.
Jeralt pat her back as she started to tear up against his chest. “I know, kid, you’re just like your mother. Both of you care so deeply, even if you don’t know how to show it.”
There were so many things that Byleth wanted to say at that moment. Did she admit that she broke down for almost a month? Did she pour out everything that came to mind as to why she did care? She was never good with words. “I killed her and Solen, but I never got my hands on Thales.”
Jeralt huffed as what sounded like a chuckle came from his mouth. “You always did handle most matters with a fight. I appreciate the thought kid, but I wouldn’t want you to catch your death chasing after my shadow. Even after I died, my only desire for you was to live a long and happy life. I didn’t want you joining me or your mother anytime soon.”
Byleth nodded. “It didn’t help, it didn’t take the emptiness away.”
Jeralt only hugged her tighter. "I know. When I lost your mother… you gotta find your own purpose kid. Mine became protecting you, but it seems I never prepared you for what happens… I…’ Jeralt closed his eyes and sighed heavily. ‘I always thought that we'd have more time."
Dima looked away only to see the King in the corner with a bloodied lance. He kept his mouth shut. Byleth wasn't paying any attention to either of them.
Jeralt gave her one more squeeze before letting go. "Get changed, and we'll talk some more. I also have something to give you in a moment."
Then he turned to Dima. "As for you, we're going outside."
Byleth clutched the back of Jeralt’s shirt. "Jeralt, you know what you told me about finding someone I love… well, please be nice to him."
Jeralt gave her a confused look before his face twisted into a scowl. Jeralt turned back to Dimitri as he ran his hands through his hair. "Why the princeling of all people?"
Byleth ignored her father's grumbling as Jeralt led the prince out. The way Jeralt gripped Dima's shoulder almost made her giggle as Dima’s face paled a little bit. Byleth clutched the cloak around her. As soon as the door was shut, she noticed the King out from the corner of her eye.
The king stepped forward, the room getting colder before he wrapped himself around her and she found herself suddenly too warm. "I have a gift waiting for you in the old cathedral. Your father will be safe from their schemes. I've dealt with them all."
He held out his hand and when she took it images flashed before her eyes as she watched Dimitri kill Solon in the library, leaving his twisted altered form there for the knights to find. Kronya, he ambushed just as she was about to give a student a crest stone. Thales came out to protect Kronya and Dimitri ran him through as well.
He nuzzled his face against her. "I wasn't sure if that would work, but it seems that it did. There is one other thing, but I don't want to subject you to that sight. Edelgard and Hubert were there and I had to take action against them as well."
Byleth would have fallen to her knees if he hadn't been holding onto her. That must be what has everyone up in arms. Byleth knew at some point it would have to be done, but she had hoped there would be time to get Edelgard on a different path. Since she had been spending all her time with Dimitri there wouldn't be much time for that, and it had been hard to even talk to Edelgard without all the built-up resentment trying to push its way out.
"That woman is still alive for now. I wanted to give you the chance to deal the final blow if you wanted it. That, and I want you to hear her crimes from her own lips, however I doubt she'll speak the truth."
Dimitri pulled out Kroyna's dagger as he knelt at her feet. He presented it to her. Something about the gesture reminded her of a cat bringing home a prize from its hunt. While she appreciated the sentiment behind the action, she didn't want to touch the thing that brought her or her father so much pain.
Byleth let the cloak fall to her feet. "Destroy it. With your strength it should be easy, just don't let yourself get cut, the wounds can't be healed with faith magic."
As she moved and sat on the bed to remove her shoes and stockings, she watched as the dagger was overtaken with frost, making it brittle and start to splinter. The cracking sound that filled the room reminded her of lightning.
The king gave her one last glance. "Are you sure that you don't want the honor?"
Byleth shook her head as she reached to undo the lacing on the dress. "My father cannot be killed by something that no longer exists. Fulfill your promise to me and you might get a reward for all you've done this morning."
With a flash of Dimitri’s crest the dagger was fractured into dust. Byleth let the dress drop to her feet. She stepped out of it to go next to the king and twine her fingers into his hair.
The blood on his face couldn't take away from the adoring look he gave her. "I would kill whomever I needed to in order to keep you safe. Your enemies are my own."
Byleth combed her fingers through his hair as he moved to kiss her thigh. She wanted to ask about Rhea, but perhaps now wasn't the right time. It was Edelgard’s mission to dismantle the church and Byleth would need to phrase it in a way that wouldn't set him off. Rhea would need to make a move specifically against her and not one because Byelth was guilty by association for her to play that card.
His hand slid up her calf. "I know I can't keep you in here for long, and I'm certain that you will want to see them dead with your own eyes. I've always wondered what you'd look like in the student’s uniform. May that be my reward?"
Byleth was given one, but she had yet to ever try it on. It was a simple thing, and the other students did often fight in their school attire. She didn't see why not.
"Alright," she let her hand brush his scalp one more time before she moved to fetch the outfit from her drawers.
One of the first things she noticed was that her outfit was silver and black instead of the gold that everyone else wore. Every student had a golden color, all except for one. The smile on his face only widened and she could only think that his mind was thinking the same as hers. Dimitri was the only student who wore silver on his student uniform, possibly because of the Faerghus silver and blue. They would be wearing matching outfits if she put this on.
The skirt would take some getting used to. Dimitri held out the stocking for her to step into after he watched her roll up the one to place on herself. She used his shoulder to hold herself upright as she stepped into the stocking and he trailed it up her leg.
"Goddess, you are so tempting. All you would have to do is bend over and I would need to do is unbuckle my pants."
The thought made her shiver as he kissed the edge where the stocking left the rest of her leg bare. When she slipped on the shirt, his hungry gaze stayed on her breasts. The shirt did well enough to keep her breasts from moving out of place, but she hoped she didn't have to worry about popping a button.
"So beautiful…" Dimitri’s hands roved upwards as he kissed her stomach.
There was the option of wearing a hat as Dorothea did or a headband that came with the outfit. She decided to go with the headband. Dimitri’s smile was dazzling as he stood up and took both of her hands in his.
"I'll be waiting inside the abandoned cathedral." The king kissed her before he pulled away to look her up and down. Her body was already reacting to the desire in his gaze. The king gave her one final kiss on her knuckles as he held her hands within his, before he disappeared into a cloud of frost.
Byleth still wondered if she was hallucinating. The frost was gone almost instantly.
Byleth gathered up the cloak at her feet before she opened the door in time to hear Dima ask her father for her hand in marriage. Jeralt had his arms crossed as he stared at the prince with his mouth in a grim line.
"I don't know how well Byleth will do as royalty. I don't want you to marry her and then take a consort. If you marry my daughter she is not to be a side piece or a prize for you to have at your side. If you intend to take care of her and love her then you have my blessing, but if it's politics or any other of that bullshit, find someone else."
Byleth smiled fondly at her father's words. Dima bowed towards him and then noticed Byleth coming through the door. He was starstruck for a moment when he saw what she was wearing. Then he reached out for her as a smile widened across his face.
When Byleth took his hand he brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles just as the king had done moments ago. "I promise you, Jeralt, that there are no outside influences on my decision. Byleth is beautiful and strong. She stole my heart that night in Remire before I even got to know the kind person that she is. Now that I know her better, I can say that I do not want anyone else in this world. I ask for her hand, not as the Prince, but as a man who has fallen hopelessly in love with your daughter."
Byleth could feel a blush crawl on her face.
Jeralt didn’t seem convinced. "And what exactly is it you love about her then?"
"I love how just her smile can brighten up the room. She is so kind and giving to her allies. Even how she enjoys the simple things, like a good meal enough to inhale it down, it allows a person to enjoy it secondhand." Dima looked up so he was staring straight into her eyes when he spoke.
Jeralt looked between the two of them. Byleth’s lips were starting to curl up in the corners and that adoring look the prince wore was one she was starting to get very familiar with. Jeralt’s gaze kept shifting between the two of them before he moved to step down the steps. “Then I’m relying on you to take care of her. Now come on, we’re heading for the old cathedral.”
Dima kissed her hand again. “You look beautiful. What prompted you to wear it?”
“I just thought that you might like it, and it was easy to slip into.”
His eyes were hungry as he looked her up and down. It wouldn’t surprise her if he was mirroring the king’s thoughts. Dima gave a glance to Jeralt to see that he still had his back turned before he dove in for a real kiss. “I cannot wait till we are alone again. Oh, the things I could do to you in this.”
Dima’s whisper sent shivers down her spine as she bit her lip. She handed him the cloak only for him to wrap her back in it. “I wouldn’t want you to get cold, so please keep it for the moment.”
Byleth leaned up against him before she followed behind her father. More than likely he wanted to keep the sight for himself or keep himself from lusting after her with her father around. Dima might not be able to notice, but she knew her father’s perception well enough to know that he was at least listening to the conversation, if not finding a way to glance at the two of them.
They made their way silently the rest of the way until they reached a perimeter created by several Knights of Serios. There were other students whispering as they approached.
Byleth felt Caspar grab her arm. “What’s going on Professor? They won’t let us through.”
Byleth shook off his grip. “Everyone back to the classroom. We’ll handle this from here.”
Caspar glared at Dimitri. “Why does he get to go then? We heard he kidnapped you!”
Dorothea put a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s do as she says. There’s obviously been a huge misunderstanding.”
Jeralt turned back around. “Do as she says. Kid get over here, I need your help.”
Byleth pulled at Dima’s arm as she left her students behind them. Petra had joined beside Caspar. Ferdinand’s voice was talking about the Death Knight, but she couldn’t hear all of the conversations. Byleth took a deep breath and turned away from them. This was how it had to be. When her father lifted up a black cloth off the ground Byleth had to take a calming breath when she saw Hubert beneath it.
“We found him this morning. The wound matches the Death Knight’s scythe. They saw him here in the Monastery last night. Something changed from before. I know I did not come back to reports like that, and there aren’t any crest beasts here that I’ve been able to find, nor missing students. Also if you and the Prince were out of the monastery all night then I can only hope that will keep you two off the hook for this. There are other bodies, and I have to let you know that Edelgard has been taken to the infirmary.”
Byleth took a deep breath and nodded before pulling off the other sheet. Kryona stared back at her. “This was the red-haired student. She was an imposter, just like Tomas.”
Jeralt nodded. “Yes, we found Tomas in the library. Something is happening around here, but I’m not sure exactly what’s going on.”
Byleth stood up before she turned towards the old cathedral.
Jeralt’s head jerked up as he saw where she was going. “Kid, it’s not safe to go in there.”
Byleth felt Dimitri’s hand around her wrist lock into a vice grip. Then a cold blast of cold air made him hesitate before he let her wrist go. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with her and we’ll keep an eye out for if the structure might decide to crumble.”
Byleth moved forward and the moment that she crossed the threshold of the cathedral she noticed the trail of blood. Thales was slumped against an alter, and it was his blood that coated the stairs he sat upon.
Frost climbed up to the altar before the king manifested himself. His leg hung over the edge of the alter and the dark smile upon his lips didn’t make her hesitate as she approached him. For all of the pain this bastard caused… Byleth found her hand gripping the handle of her sword before she drew it.
The bottom of the cloak was dragging along behind her since she wasn’t holding onto the fabric to wrap it around herself. It didn’t matter to her that Thales was already dead. Rage still coiled through her, bitter and vengeful as she thrust her blade into what would have been the blackened heart of her prey. She was not surprised to find it resistant to her blade, as if she was cutting through something harder than flesh.
The King could reach her from where he sat, and she could feel his hand upon her head. “He can’t hurt anyone anymore, but if you wish to continue until your rage is spent, then I shall help you tear him limb from limb if I need to.”
Some of the rage abated as she pushed her head into his touch. Behind her, she heard Dima say something about Duscur before he took his lance and thrust forward with it as he stood beside her. Byleth watched in satisfaction as Dima buried his lance into Thales. It wasn’t just her that Thales hurt. These bastards caused so much pain.
Byleth withdrew her blade before she stepped up to the King. “Thank you for this.”
She reached up to kiss him. Strong arms wrapped around her as he pulled her up to him and into his lap. The kisses continued as she felt his hand slip under her skirt to knead his fingers into her ass. He was right in the fact that this outfit had its perks.
“Your father was already worried about you. It’s best not to linger here or else he will come to investigate himself.” The Prince spoke the truth, but Byleth could only think that the edge in his voice must be jealousy.
Could the king really be here and their embrace was making the prince jealous? Perhaps the prince somehow knew where her mind was going. Byleth let the kiss linger a little longer before she finally pulled back.
She leaned into the king’s ear. “Come to me tonight, and I will shower you with my gratitude. I’ll be yours to use as you see fit.”
The King shivered below her and at first she didn’t think that he would let her go, but after one more heated kiss, he sat her back down and nodded.
The Prince was clenching his jaw, and when Byleth came up and laid her hand upon his chest she didn't expect the passion he responded with as he pulled her into his embrace. When Dima led her away, she took one look back at the king and the smirk on his lips and the hunger in his gaze sent a shiver coursing through her that even the bloodied cloak couldn’t hide. Then she felt the Prince’s lips on her neck and his hand on her waist.
His sound of his breath in her ear only seemed to make her own breathing speed up. Her father’s voice echoed from outside and it seemed like he was talking with another knight. Dima’s hand slipped off of her waist and he took her hand instead. She caught Jeralt’s raised brow as they exited the cathedral and his gaze went back to their clasped hands.
“There was one more enemy inside. His name was Thales, and based on the information we gathered, he was the leader of the group that was trying to infiltrate the Monastery. I just ran my blade through him to make sure the deed was finished.”
Jeralt nodded. “Rhea is calling us all to the infirmary. The message said do not make her wait, so I suggest we head up there now and don’t take any detours. Since you already know about what I was going to say at your mother’s grave, I’ll give this to you now. There’s one other thing that I failed to tell you, but if you found my journal, then you already know half the story. You need to beware of Rhea kid. I’m not sure what she did in that birthing room, but I don’t trust her. I never wanted you to cross paths with her again, and now I’m not sure what’s going to happen.”
The Prince narrowed his eyes as his hand tightened on hers. “What are you referring to?”
“The reason that my heart doesn’t beat… we think it’s because of something that Rhea did to me as a baby. My mother died in that room, and I’m not sure if I was supposed to survive either.”
Byleth could feel the cold that had she started to associate with the king’s presence. “Rhea was obsessed with your heart. I think that the sword of the creator’s missing creststone resides inside of you. She must have used it somehow in hopes to revive the goddess. That explains the powers and crest that you wield.”
The Prince looked deep in thought. “Claude did mention a similar theory. He overheard something one day and was fishing for any information that I might know about.”
Jeralt sighed. “There’s no running this time kid. I only got away with you the first time because they thought that you were dead.”
Every step seemed like her legs were made of lead. The blood that creeped along the edge of the cloak made the fabric feel heavier on her shoulders. “Whatever happens, please don’t leave me alone with her.” Her voice sounded so meek, even to her ears. The thought of facing Rhea again only brought fear. It was the King’s hand on her shoulder that made her the most calm as he nodded. Even if the Prince and her father had to leave the room, she at least had him at her side.
The infirmary was silent, now that she thought about it, it was odd how many people weren’t here. She hadn’t seen Hannaman at all, nor the gatekeeper. Everyone that she encountered were all people that she had divine pulsed around. As soon as those alarm bells rang in her head she doubled over. That sickly sweet smell invaded her senses again. The Prince moved to hold her and rub her back. What was she thinking of just now?
Jeralt turned back towards her. “You were like this right before Remire. If you are about to faint again, then let us know.”
Byleth shook her head. “I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I should be just fine.”
Jeralt looked skeptical, but turned to continue moving. When they entered the room Edelgard’s shallow breathing filled the space. Rhea was standing above her with a look of pure hatred on her face. Edelgard was manacled to the infirmary bed. The long slash across her chest looked like it would be fatal if it dug in any deeper.
“My teacher…” Edelgard’s voice was raspy as she opened her eyes at the noise of their entry.
Byleth hated the feeling that rose in her chest at seeing Edelgard helpless and hurt like this. It was the main reason that she decided to go with the Black Eagles. Neither Claude nor Dimitri had almost died that night. At the time, she didn’t think that they needed her guidance either. When Rhea had demanded Edelgard’s death, Byleth wanted answers, and she found herself unwilling to do turn against the student she had spent so long protecting.
“Her sins brought her here. Do you know what she’s been planning? Do you know what she has done? As her Professor, you were the one that was to guide her onto the correct path.” Rhea didn’t look up yet. All her rage was directed at Edelgard, and yet the venom in her voice made Byleth want to grab her sword so she’d have something between her and Rhea.
Then Rhea’s gaze met hers as those eyes glowed just like they had in the Holy Tomb before she transformed. The same ones Byleth had seen in the mirror after she merged with Sothis.
Byleth was never one to hesitate for a fight, but she could feel the small sliver of fear trickle down her spine. She refused to show it. The King’s hand hadn’t left her shoulder and it was comforting. She squeezed the Prince’s hand that still held hers.
Then the scenery changed around them, tricking around them like sand through an hourglass until they were back in a very familiar scenery of the Holy Tomb. It was when Jeralt disappeared that Byleth tried to let go of Dima’s hand and tried to grasp at her father’s form. Byleth’s entire body shook before another strangled sound caught her attention. Edelgard’s body was disappearing as well, but not before Rhea’s claws had torn into the wound.
Rhea glanced at the Prince at her side. “He should have already disappeared as well, but it won’t matter. Sothis is buried away in your mind, you ungrateful child, and it is time for you to release her and fade away, just like the rest. None of these souls were worthy enough to be rescued by my mother’s power. You’ve twisted her magic to suit yourself long enough.”
Byleth couldn't even think as despair ran through her. Losing her father again almost brought her to her knees. What was this place, didn’t she go back in time? Her skull felt like it was splitting open.
Rhea's laughter twisted as she transformed into the Immaculate One. Then the next thing she knew, Rhea's tail smacked into her chest. Dima tried to protect her and it sent him flying through the air with her. Her head smacked onto the stone of the throne while Dima's weight on top of her tore the breath from her lungs. The throne seemed to glow as they stayed upon it, but soon the golden light turned to blue as the King came closer to check up on her.
Everything seemed to blur as dizziness took over. Rhea's angry roar shook the Tomb. "What have you done? She should have taken over your body the moment you sat on the throne. Bring her back! Give me back my mother!"
The Prince turned and his hand shook as he felt the blood on the back of her head. Byleth wasn't surprised. She smacked into the throne pretty hard.
The Prince wrapped himself around her, his clothing and body blending into her shadow as he started to disappear as well. This had to be some sort of dream or nightmare, there wasn't any other explanation. When he kissed it she felt weak as his form solidified once more.
The King summoned a lance into his hand. He had stood ready to defend her with a weapon that could only be a hero’s relic. That red glow was the only light, and the aura that surrounded it should have put her on edge. It reminded her of the aura he held when both Dimitri’s had been covered by the scales in the one dream. It would be a clear warning to anyone that he would defend what he considered his.
"How is it that you are here as well?"
His grip tightened on the lance before he took a defensive stance in front of Byleth. "I won't let you hurt her."
"Foolish Prince, you were the one who sought her death. She betrayed you, and yet you will fight until you are nothing but a shade within her memory."
“Get her out of here!” Dimitri shouted before one of Rhea’s claws swiped the Prince across the face.
Byleth's limbs locked up at the sound of his pain. The Prince grabbed at his face and Byleth could see the blood trickle from where she sat.
"And you, you betrayed the oath you made. I promised you vengeance and she was the only price I asked for. She could have come back and fought against that wicked girl, but instead she chose to stay on their side. They are responsible for so much despair, and she is not different. Let me have her. I will reforge her anew and if you truly like the form so much I will make a doll that is the pliant doting wife you seek."
The King dove to slice at Rhea's legs. "You cannot replace her, and if you think for one moment that all that I want is an empty shell you are mistaken, Rhea."
Rhea's roar echoed around her as the red glow of the weapon was the last thing she saw as the room was enveloped in darkness. When the Prince picked her up she kicked and screamed. They should help him and defeat Rhea together. This wasn’t right. She had promised him that she wouldn't abandon him again.
The Prince ignored her protests as he carried her away from the Holy Tomb.
Byleth’s mind was numb, her throat sore from the screaming and the crying. She promised not to leave him again, promised that she’d fix things, but what had she done except make things worse? What was even real?
All of this was nothing more than a never-ending nightmare. As soon as she felt safe and warm something came to ruin it all. That had been Rhea’s sickening scent in the Holy Tomb. Rage coiled as she buried her nails in Dima’s cloak. That bitch was the source of so much of her pain.
The Prince had stopped moving as soon as the darkness coiled around them. The academy was gone, leaving a void behind. Tears came, unbidden as she felt overwhelmed. She snuggled deeper into the Dima''s chest.
He seemed to relax when no enemy came from the shadows that surrounded them. Then something in the air shifted and little bits of white started to rain down upon them. It wasn’t long before it was pouring down in droves, and when one hit her nose she shook her head from the cold.
“Have you ever seen snow before Professor?”
That tone, Byleth jerked her head up and then her hands followed. All she could do is freeze in disbelief as she felt the King’s haircut on the Prince. Then her fingers went to his damaged eye.
“I told you, we are one and the same. You cannot leave me behind when I am still at your side.”
Her tears fell as swiftly as the snow around them. Light pricked at her eyelids and when she opened them she was struck by a beautiful landscape. A large city with a castle in its center was below them. It looked like a picture out of one of the fairytale books she’s seen Ashe and the others with.
“This is Fhirdiad. Will you leave the past behind and allow me to show you what our future entails together?”
Byleth couldn’t help herself from wrapping her arms around his neck as she said yes. The tears just wouldn’t stop. Her head was feeling fuzzy again.
Dima held her to him as he buried his head into the crook of her neck. She felt him wrap his cloak around them and surround her with warmth. When she finally stopped crying they stayed there in the snow together. This was her Prince, she had nothing to worry about. He would keep her safe, and the King could hold his own. At least now she knew that he would attack Rhea for her sake.
Byleth tilted her head so she could kiss his cheek as her hand came to curl under his jaw. Dima tilted his head to meet her lips and soon it was more than just the cloak giving her warmth. When he finally set her down on her feet he looked her up and down before he spun her around like they were dancing.
The movement took her by surprise, but she instantly felt warmer after he stopped. “There, now that should keep you protected from the cold.”
When she looked down at herself she was dressed in something she had never seen before. The pants were black with fur trim and the dark blue shirt had silver accents to match what Dima wore. The cloak was the only familiar thing on him, the other attire reminded her of Rodrigue’s clothing but in royal blues and white fur.
“Shall we?” Dima offered his arm to her and she slipped her hands through the crook of his elbow.
It was wonderful, just walking in the silence of the forest as the snow came down around them. Every step she took made her feel lighter. Just what had she been crying over? The scent of pine was all around her and it was invigorating.
Despite how far away the city looked the journey didn’t take them long. The city was large, and it seemed that everyone was getting ready for some sort of festival. Streamers and wreaths were being attached to every street post.
“What are they celebrating?”
Dima smiled down at her. “It’s not every day that the royal family brings home a new queen to be. They are celebrating what will be our wedding. I do apologize, they do go a little overboard with ceremonies in my county, but it’s been too long for the people to have something to celebrate.”
Byleth looked around as she felt a sudden shyness creep up. “Dima, are you sure you want me when you can have another noble?”
That had made him stop in his tracks and it pulled her to a stop. “If you asked it of me I would yell out my devotion for you here among all of these people.”
Byleth clutched his arm. “That’s not necessary.”
“Apparently it is. You are the one I want, and I don’t care if you are a noble or not. I am their king and I want you to rule at my side. That is all there is to it.”
He may not have shouted his devotion, but taking her and kissing her in the city square was enough to confirm any rumors of the two of them. Byleth melted into the kiss as he did what he could to steal her breath away. When they parted she blushed as she heard some whispering and whistling in the background.
Byleth let the nightmares fade as he showed her around his city and got her treats along the way. The King was strong, and like every fairy tale he would use every last bit of his strength to protect the fair maiden that the dragon wanted to make her sacrifice. She had no doubt he would prevail, so she concentrated on the strong hand that held hers and the excited tone the Prince spoke of his home.
He truly loved this place and his people. The academy had been her dream, and it felt as if she had somehow stepped into his dream instead. She had never seen the city firsthand, and it was breathtaking.
-------------------------------------------
To have Byleth finally here in his home swelled the Prince’s chest with pride and happiness. It was as if the scenes in his mind were being painted right before his eyes. It was much better than the nightmare that the situation had turned into.
The events that had transpired with Rhea left him confused and angry. Rhea would pay the moment they awoke again. The look of devastation on Byleth’s face when Jeralt disappeared had his own heart crying out for her. Then his older phantom decided to defend them against Rhea so he could take Byleth to safety. Her tears were for both of them. As he tried brushing into her mind, he found a shattering darkness that he was familiar with. It was one that cut until it bled you out, and left the person raw from it.
He kissed her forehead and wrapped her up, letting her cling to him until her despair could subside. It felt like hours, and in the back of his mind he could see the fight that still raged in the Holy Tomb. The King's brute strength kept Rhea from trying to advance to where they left, and she roared and jabbed at him with both her claws and her words. He was here because it was part of Rhea’s trap to keep her calm so the King wouldn’t find out what she was doing as Byleth slept.
The King was furious, and for good reason, He let all of that latent rage free as he fought against Rhea. She had taught him to use his anger as fuel and he did just that, reminding the Prince of enemies he had cut down when he realized that he had seen previously them in Duscur. It was the beast that lived within him, that wanted to rip, tear, and crush anything that got in his way. It was the same beast that almost made him attack Byleth when she returned to Garrag Mach with Hubert and Edelgard.
Rhea had hoped to trap Byleth here within her dreams, find the Goddess lurking within her consciousness, and then set the Goddess free to wake within Byleth’s body. If that plan failed, she at least wanted to make sure that Byleth wouldn’t betray them again. Rhea had planned to use him to do it and the scenarios she spoke up made Dima pull away from the King’s thoughts altogether. The very thought made him sick to his stomach.
Dima reached out to Byleth. This was her dream. He whispered things in her ear, tried to get her to focus on giving both him and the King strength. Byleth babbled about that she should protect him, that she was only abandoning him again. Byleth was still crying against his chest as he spoke. He wasn’t sure if his words would even reach her. The fact that Byleth was so distraught over the thought of leaving his side pleased the darker part of him, but he did his best to sweep that feeling aside. His counterpart had been wrong about her, she didn't need to be punished for things she couldn't control. If anything he had much to make up to her to make himself worthy of her loyalty. He would do it in the King’s stead, he could heal the scars that the King left and he planned to do just that.
“Yes, you can protect us by keeping us in your thoughts. If you wish to see Rhea defeated and out of your mind then fuel him so he can have the strength to defend you. You are here with me, so do not let me disappear either. I will keep you safe and let you see what it will be like, what it should have been like if I had let you embrace me all those years ago.”
It seemed like he was able to keep her calm enough after a while. Dima couldn't feel the battle anymore so he must have run far enough. He could feel himself get stronger and he hoped that his counterpart could hold his own as well. They needed to get somewhere safe. As he saw his home in his mind, white snow began to fall.
For now he would distract Byleth, and show her the scenario that had plagued his dreams the moment she had shown him her affections. He has decided long ago that it was nothing more than a frivolous fantasy, but perhaps a fantasy that could become reality was just what she needed.
Dima ushered her forward and waited to see how much she would like his gift. Dorothea and Bernadetta were waiting at the gates of Fhidiad Castle with Ingrid and Mercedes.
It was worth seeing the way Byleth’s eyes lit up as she embraced Dorothea. Out of all the Eagles, Dorothea was the one that Byleth seemed to have bonded with the most and she had also it was nice seeing how happy Ingrid seemed to be as well. Dorothea even clasped Ingrid's hand and the girls went giggling over something. He could not bring Glenn back, but perhaps, if it would make Ingrid smile that wide again, he might have to add bringing Dorothea back alive to Fhirdiad to his list. He wasn’t sure why Bernadetta was here, so that must be something that Byleth wanted as well.
Dorothea put her hand on Bernadetta’s back. “I hope that you don’t mind that I brought Bernie with me. If we are going to make a dress fit for a queen, then I can think of no one better for the embroidery.”
Bernadetta flinched away and grabbed Byleth’s arm. “There won’t be any fighting will there? I just want to be in a nice safe room, and what if people like my embroidery enough that they’ll come to pester me, or worse… what if I screw it up so badly that they’ll wanna assassinate me for it.”
Dima had never understood Bernadette's over the top reactions, but Byleth placed her hand over top of Bernadetta’s head and brushed her hair back. “No one will make you fight if you don’t want to. You’ll be safe here and you’ll never have to go back if you don’t want to. That said, I’d be honored if you’d work on the dress. None of us have to make a peep about who did it, so you’ll be safe from anyone’s scrutiny, for good or ill.”
The way the girl calmed down under Byleth’s touch gave him a glimpse as to how much Byleth cared and how safe Byleth had made her feel. Perhaps it was interactions like these that made Byleth feel so vital to the Black Eagles.
“I’m afraid the Faerghan cuisine is lacking compared to what you found in Garrag Mach, but I’m sure that the kitchens will be happy to whip something up for us. I’d love to show you around the castle. Your friends can make themselves at home in one of the empty rooms.”
They made the long trek up the stairs into the main gates and Byleth’s eyes went wide as she stepped into the castle with the others in tow. Dedue greeted them at the door and Dima was actually curious what Byleth’s reaction to Felix would be so he willed them to show up before he gave Byleth the reins to her mind. It was odd, this connection, but he was starting to understand how it worked now that he had been here a while. It had also been made clear by Rhea that he was here as a conjuring of her mind, so it made some sense that he would be able to connect back to the power that she used to give him form.
Byleth seemed apprehensive, and Felix took one look at their clasped hands before he mumbled an insult and left.
Sylvain watched him go before he came up to Byleth. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll get used to it soon enough, especially if you still let him spar with you. It’s good to finally have you here, Professor.”
Byleth bowed her head towards him before she looked up to take in more of the scenery. Dima showed her around the castle, especially the places that he thought she’d be interested in visiting. They met Ashe in the library and Ashe gave her a book that he said he’d been meaning to let her borrow for a while.
Dima stood back as he watched Byleth and Ashe interact with each other and he found it all very informative. He’d be sure to put those books in his room for her to read at her leisure. They talked about a manner of things between cooking, books, and old war techniques.
“I won’t take any more of your time, but if you ever have a moment to spare I’d love to learn from you again. I’m afraid all I can really offer in return are some of the snacks I used to make. I’ve improved a lot and I’d be really interested in seeing how much you like the flavors now.”
Byleth waved to Ashe as he left and Dima came over to her to see what they had picked out together. After that, he had shown her some of his own recommendations that he thought she might like to gauge what would catch her interest. Once those were in his room he brought her back out to go see what meal had been prepared. Mercedes had made sweets to go along with the tea as Annette chattered away about their time at the academy.
Dima showed her the throne room and she seemed in awe at how large the space truly was. He still needed to figure out a way to stay with her once she woke, but there should be time to figure that out later. As long as he kept her thoughts, he shouldn’t fade within her mind, and perhaps if the bond was strong enough he could join her side somehow in the waking world as well. The King lay sleeping next to her now, perhaps he could find a way to take over his consciousness instead, but that would be a later thought. Right now he had to focus on her.
“Something on your mind?” Byleth’s voice took him out of his thoughts.
He couldn’t tell her the truth of his thoughts, not yet anyway. “I’m just going through the extremely long list of things that have to be done. The paperwork always seems never ending.”
“Is there anything I might be able to help you with? If anything I can help you organize and prioritize.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her offer. “No, this week I am taking a reprieve from the paperwork and delegating it to make sure that you feel at home here. I do hope that I’m not moving too fast with all of this. I mean it when I say that I would like you to be my wife."
"Gotta hand it to you, Your Majesty, most nobles are obsessed with pedigree. There are going to be a few people who are unhappy with such a choice."
It was talk like that which made her apprehensive in the first place. It was still odd to be called Your Majesty and not Your Highness. In his mind he still hadn’t ascended the throne yet, but it was something he would need to get used to. "I wish for a world where people can be at peace with the ones they care about, and the best way to start is to show the people that even their king follows through to marry someone that he loves instead of someone that was chosen for him for political reasons. I know about her background, and I know there will be whispers, but I frankly don’t care.”
Dima leaned in to kiss the hand he had taken a hold of. As much as he wanted to kiss her on the lips, he wasn’t going to embarrass her in front of everyone. This world was real enough to her. His words would cause enough whispers in both her mind and the ones that resided in this realm. Byleth’s blush would never fail to surprise him and he adored her for it.
The next few hours passed in a blur as he showed her every corner of the castle he thought she might be interested in among the preparations. He didn't leave her much time to contemplate or dwell on things. He was curious at to what she’d do so that night he gave her a room that conjoined to his. He pointed to his room and told her that he had trouble sleeping so don’t worry about waking him if she chose to come into his chambers, and that it was an open invitation if she would like to rest in his room. It seemed to be fear that drove her actions, because she clung to his cloak as he tried to leave and she chose to sleep in his bed while he looked over paperwork and compiled the information he had gathered while he was in the academy with her.
When he laid in the bed with her, he couldn't help but pet her cheek with the back of his fingers. He had no further intentions to go any farther until he knew her state of mind. His counterpart was such a desperate fool, nothing more than a beast claiming what he believed to be his. He couldn’t say that he was much different. Even now he craved her, wanted her awake to give her his affection and this time he could receive it in return.
Byleth’s eyes fluttered open before she moved her hand to run it thought his hair. Byleth studied him for a moment before her fingers traced over his scar. “Still dreaming then…do you think he’s… you’re, ‘she breathed a heavy sigh. ‘I’m starting to not know anymore, but do you think that Rhea’s been vanquished?”
Dima continued his caress down her jaw. “As long as you believed and willed that I could, then it would be give me all the strength that I would need to fell her and keep you safe.”
The next thing he knew, she’s gotten up enough to caress his face and kiss him. As he closed his eyes he promised himself that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
Notes:
twitter is Lunafox90
comments and kudos are always appreciated
this chapter was getting to over 17k and I know some of you have been eagerly waiting for an update so figured that I'd find a nice spot where the chapter could end so I could give yall a nice meal. It shouldn't be too long before I can get the next part up, thank you for your patience and as always I hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 16
Summary:
Byleth finds herself exploring the castle, and in the gardens she finds herself wishing to the stars above that she can keep what she's found
Notes:
Thank you so much to my beta for both going over it and suggesting where the best breakpoint was. I've got one more small gap then there will be more chapters for this fic ready to post. To my DM buddy ty for letting me sit in your DMs and talk to you about these scenes. Your enthusiasm helps me so much to conquer the roadblocks.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
His body responded immediately as his arms wrapped around her to pull her closer. It still amazed him how her touch could flare his body to life.
“Rest for now. You’ve been through quite the ordeal. I’ll be right here to keep you safe.”
Byleth let herself relax against him, but there was still something wrong. She was still apprehensive, ready to pull away at a moment’s notice. Byleth traced the scar with her fingers, it had stopped bleeding while they were running from the Holy Tomb. No matter how much healing magic they put on it, not even Byleth could get it to knit closed completely. He had finally told her not to worry and distracted her with the things within the castle.
It was just one more scar to join the multitude of ones he already had. It also helped differentiate him from the King, so that was at least something he could use to his advantage.
He brought his fingers up towards it. “It seems that the damage that Rhea causes is irreversible. I’m just happy that she didn’t get her claws on you.”
Byleth pulled her hand away. “How do I know that you aren’t still working for her?”
Dima could only look at her in horror. “Byleth, Rhea said it herself that I should have disappeared too. All this time, I’ve been confused as to what’s been going on around us. I didn’t catch on until fairly recently that he was not another ghost to add to my torment. He said that Rhea has trapped you inside your mind somehow. I do not know what lies he has filled your head with, but you know me.”
“You still…” Byleth pushed against his chest. She was getting upset, and that was the last thing he wanted.
“Byleth, listen to me. One moment I was dying in your arms, with Hubert’s poison finishing what his spell started. I wished to the depths of my soul that I could change things, that I could push aside my bitter anger and listen to you like I should have to begin with.” He kissed her hands that he clasped.
“Then I opened my eyes and I found myself in the academy. I thought it was some kind of miracle. I didn’t want it to be anything else but another chance to make things right. I thought that the older phantom of me was perhaps a reminder of what I could become if Hubert hadn’t killed me. If you could see him too, then maybe he was something more than a manifestation of my guilt. I thought that night in the tavern I was dreaming.”
Byleth shifted uncomfortably. "So then you knew and yet you still went along with it?"
Dima froze as he realized the trap she had just laid for him. He was trying to be honest, but the King had warned him that going with this farce would have consequences. “I had my suspicions, but I did not want to ruin your hopes of wanting to make things right. I wanted the same thing you did, to let go of the bitter history we did not wish to hold onto.”
Her anger only seemed to rise as she twisted around and rose up above him. “Why didn't you say anything? Then there's what happened in the tavern… and you had the gall to pretend it didn't even happen after I woke up that morning!”
He had to take back control of the situation, and quickly. “You were the one who wouldn’t tell me why you were blushing, so do not go playing that game with me when you were the one who wouldn’t answer first. If I remember correctly, even after having us both within that dream, you still wanted more. I can barely stand being in the same room with him, but for your sake, I held my tongue and cooperated.”
Byleth's glare should have made him pull back, but instead, it drew him in. He ran his fingers against her skin and willed those black scales to reappear on her. "Tell me, did you dislike it?"
Byleth stared at the scales as her breathing caught in her throat. “No, I didn’t… but…”
Dima let the claw run against her cheek. “We were both caught in the thrall of what we thought was a dream. You seemed happy enough, and that is what mattered to me. I didn't want to bring him up unless you did."
Byleth averted her gaze for a moment. "Then I wasn't imagining things. He was there in the room with us in the cabin the entire time wasn't he?"
He gently caressed her cheek, letting his thumb rub against her lip. "Yes, I wasn't going to let him disturb us. So I did my best to ignore him and focus on you."
Byleth blushed profusely. "That makes a little more sense for some of your reactions. Although a little bit of that makes me wonder if you weren't just showing off."
“Yes, I was jealous, and a little angry. He got to you first and he nearly ruined my plans to make you happy that night. Then you chose to surrender yourself to me, and all he could do was watch as I had you on my lap, on the table, on the bed. I was able to ignore him because you let me bring you to those heights of pleasure." He couldn’t help but bring his lips to her neck and kiss her just as he had when she was in his lap. Her body shuddered as her breathing hitched.
“You both have only been playing with me.”
Dima’s lips quirked up into a grin as he nipped at her throat one more time. “No, my Beloved Professor, I’ve only wanted to distract you and make you happy. Even now I would love nothing more than to pretend that there is nothing except this world and what we want. We can think of something else if you don’t want a grand wedding ceremony. The possibilities are limitless. The only thing I ask is that I get to stay by your side. This is no game to me.”
Byleth still looked as if she wanted to protest with something. Dimitri ran his hands over her skin until the scales spread everywhere his fingers touched. “It’s only a dream. You’ve had quite the ordeal my love. Rest, things will be better in the morning."
He willed her to close her eyes and sleep. The scales overtook her body as her limbs relaxed at his touch. When they reached her face he kissed her forehead. She didn't open her eyes again as her breathing steadied and she drifted off to sleep.
The Prince pulled away from her with a grimace. He wouldn't want to use tactics like that on her often. The king had warned him that there would be a price to playing along, and he was starting to pay for it now. Byleth was agitated, and too much of her distrust was on him right now.
He wanted to figure out what he could do to keep her calm. They would only run circles around each other at this rate. A shift in the air announced his counterpart was here. Maybe it was good that she was asleep now.
When he found the king he was in the throne room. His armor was battered, but otherwise he seemed unharmed. It seemed that the King was trying to hide his heavy breathing. He must have been locked in combat with Rhea all this time.
"Rhea will not be bothering Byleth again. It was an interesting move bringing her here. Where is Byleth?"
The Prince stepped forward and the King narrowed his gaze at how the Prince had transformed himself to look like him.
"Byleth is asleep."
Dimitri raised his brow at that remark. "Even after all that's happened, she's been calm? I would have expected her mind to rebel, or at the very least some kind of emotional response. Her little fantasy has been shattered, not to mention losing her father again. I could hear her screaming for a while."
Dima hesitated. How did he have such a gauge on her mindset and yet still do what he did?
"I have the situation under control."
The King's laughter echoed in the throne room. "Naive fool. You had to do the same thing I did to keep her from escaping didn’t you?”
He must have been talking about the sleeping draft that the King had used on her without her knowledge. "I'm not like you."
The King stepped down from the dais with the relic in hand. "If you are so confident that you have the situation under control then bring me to her. She is aware that we are both here. Or did you have to do something underhanded to get her to sleep?”
All it took was one guilty glance from the Prince before the King's mad laughter rang in his ears again. "It might not be alchemy, but you did something. Willed her to sleep, if I’d have to take a guess, using your own power to bend her to your wishes. You say we are different, but the only difference between the two of us is that you have yet to suffer being without her."
The Prince tensed. "Then what do you suggest we do?"
What the Prince wanted to do was find a way to try to take over the King's body in the waking world and stay with her. He might be unable to do that if the King died or was taken from Byleth’s side. Although perhaps it was just what was needed.
"That is simple, she needs to wake up. Until then, we only need to show her what will benefit her. Show her the kingdom, give her hope that once Rhea is dealt with in the waking world, she can and will have plenty to live for as long as she stands beside us."
The prince's jaw ticked. "She's accusing us already that we are treating her as nothing more than a plaything. That is probably because of what you've been doing."
The King’s smile was unsettling as he titled his head. "I'll remind you that it was your idea to string her up with the demon ploy. As far as the accusation, she has misunderstood our intentions left and right. There is no harm in being honest with her, after all, she is a smart capable woman, do you really want to be a victim of her wrath?"
The Prince really had no idea what to say. He would love for her just to play along and tell him if there were anything amiss so he could fix things as they went along.
The King was getting closer and it put him on edge. He wasn’t about to let him get to Byleth, not without a fight.
------------------------------
Dimitri could tell his counterpart was getting into a defensive stance. He could hide it all he liked, but Dimitri knew the signs. It was like looking into a mirror. The only exception was where Rhea had wracked him with her claws. He copied it over to himself so they were like a true mirror. He wouldn't have an impediment to his sight, just look the part.
The King smirked as he stepped forward towards the Prince. “While I thank you for helping with Byleth, I can’t let you get in my way before it’s time.”
They crossed blades for a time, dodging and weaving to try to get the upper hand on the other. Then he finally got a hand onto the Prince and took in the memories that had happened while he was fighting Rhea. His laughter filled the throne room. The conversation that he had with Byleth before he willed her to sleep was very interesting.
"You say we are nothing alike, and yet look at what you've done. You've created quite the mess, how are you planning on getting out of this?"
The Prince shoved him off. The fighting ceased for a moment. The Prince looked shyly away. "I was thinking of locking myself with the cuffs on the bed and letting her choose what she wanted to do with the situation."
The King shook his head. "That won't work. She's feeling betrayed. Locking yourself up will not abate the fears she has. In a world that isn't real you need to remind her what is."
And his mind was already turning on how to do just that.
He gathered his magic and summoned a blizzard in his hand. His eye glowed like the frost around him as he shoved the Prince onto the throne behind him. “Byleth will be the only one who will be able to free you. We’ll see how long it takes for her to remember you exist.”
Those black scales that Dimitri had summoned during their time at the tavern crawled back over his arm. The fury in the Prince’s eyes froze over as the ice overtook him. When the King lowered his hand, the Prince looked like an ice sculpture on the throne. The King couldn’t help but grin. He should just destroy the Prince here and now, however there was no telling if Byleth could just revive him. At least this way he knew exactly where the Prince would be.
His cruel laughter echoed as he leaned down into his face. "We'll see if she can even tell the difference."
The Prince could watch as he took Byleth’s hand in marriage. He would bring Byleth into this room and let the Prince watch him take her while he could do nothing about it. Byleth needed stability right now, even if the methods were questionable.
He waved his hand to hide the Prince and the throne he sat in. Two more thrones were conjured so it wouldn’t raise any suspicions or release the Prince from the spell that’s been cast.
Just to be safe the King used one more blizzard to make sure the Prince couldn’t break his newfound prison. Then the scales shimmered to become hidden again as he illusioned the room to be as it was before. The King conjured the outfit the Prince had been wearing, and he then shook his head. He summoned one of the capes he liked to wear. His plan required the two of them going outside and he needed to have a way to keep her warm. Byleth had seemed to like curling up with his cape in times before.
He willed Byleth to wake up. The last place he wanted to encounter her was in the bedroom with the situation his counterpart had created. Dimitri was curious as to what Byleth would do, and he needed some time to process what he learned from the conversations that the Prince had with her.
------------------------------
Byleth woke up with a gasp, like she woke up from a nightmare. As she sat and caught her breath she noticed that she was in Dimitri’s bedroom, except he was nowhere to be seen. The last thing she remembered was him telling her to sleep, and then her eyes shut and her awareness faded. She clutched at the sheets as rage coiled in her veins. The moment that something didn’t go his way he was shifting things to suit him.
He would find that she wasn’t going to make things that easy for him. She found the door that led into the other room, eager to learn the secrets that would let her escape the moment she woke up. Byleth wasn’t sure if escaping was truly what she wanted at the moment, but a backup plan would be nice to have.
The room that he gave her was furnished very ornately, but now that she got to looking at it there was plenty of dust. How much of this area was real? It seemed to be from his mind, but could he really conjure all of this that well, down to what was in the drawers?
It turned out that it wasn’t just him that this place was drawing power from. What she imagined was what she found inside. Alright, fine… She stood in front of the large chest and willed her usual attire to be inside. When she opened the chest, her boots, corset armor, everything that her father bought her was inside. Byleth breathed a sigh of relief as she changed into the attire that her father had given to her. It was a familiar shell.
There was another door at the end of the hallway. He didn't seem to feel the need to have Dedue standing guard. After Byleth slipped through the doorway at the other end of the hall she felt she could breathe a little easier. This room was a sitting room. There was an empty fireplace and two large couches with a table in between.
This was probably the closest that anyone got to Dimitri’s personal rooms. It would also be a safe space that he would allow anyone to visit her in. The thought made her stomach turn. Even if he lengthened her leash, it was still a small space he would want to confine her in.
Byleth really had no idea which direction she was going. When she heard laughter bubbling from the hallway she found herself drawn to it.
“Shh, there are others sleeping.” That was Ingrid’s voice.
The sounds of laughter afterwards were all female. Byleth pushed open the door to find Mercedes, Ingrid, Dorothea, Bernadetta, and Annette all inside a large room working on a dress hanging on a mannequin. They turned towards her when she opened the door.
Annette came over to her and pulled her into the room. “Oh, Professor, come in! Mercedes made some snacks and we’re having a wonderful time!”
Byleth let herself be dragged inside as the chatter rose around her. Dorothea had pulled Ingrid’s hair into a twisted style like her own and Ingrid was wearing the prayer ring that Dorothea gave her. The plate of sweets that Annette took Byleth to had plenty still on the plate, but it was obvious that it had been full at some point.
“It’s good that you’re here Professor, I was wanting to make sure all the measurements were correct.” Mercedes said as they started to take the dress off the mannequin.
Byleth wasn’t sure what was happening as multiple hands helped her out of her jacket and into the large dress. It all seemed too real for a dream, and yet, Byleth knew that she couldn’t trust what was around her now.
Dorothea lifted her chin up. “Professor, why do you look so sad?”
Byleth swallowed. “I’m not even sure I want to go through with this marriage. It all feels like a big sham. Even this doesn’t feel like me or something I should wear.”
Dorothea took her hands in hers. “I know it’s a lot to take in. It’s hard to comprehend being a part of a noble family, much less the Queen of an entire country. As far as the dress, here let me try something.”
Dorothea spun her around and the dress transformed into a shimmering white and blue gown. It was slimmer than what it was before, and not near as many frills.The girls seemed to not even notice how everything just magically appeared when they thought about it.
Dorothea squeezed her shoulders as she looked in the full length mirror with her. “I still can’t believe you have such a catch. You look beautiful, Professor.”
Mercedes knelt down. “I’m going to add some fur trim to the edges here, just so you can match with the King’s attire.”
The white fur trim only seemed to only add to the beauty of everything. Bernadetta was even adding some embroidery around the waist and bottom. It wasn’t the finery that she had seen on some of the other nobles, but it suited her.
Bernadetta admired her handiwork. “I am a little envious of you too, Professor. I mean you’re going to be all snug and safe in this castle. You’ll have your own room that you can have everything brought to you. It sounds like such a dream come true. If my husband was the only person that I’d have to see ever then I’d say that you’re lucky that it’s someone like Dimitri. He’s always been a kind and caring person. You just have to be careful that he doesn’t try to execute you… oh no, what if you do something horrible. He just might have you executed. You’d better hope he doesn’t come too often.”
Ingrid shook her head as she watched them work. “His Majesty isn’t like that. It would take a very big offense for him to issue an execution command, and besides, he wouldn’t use it on his Queen. He’s always adored the Professor, and I doubt that will ever change.”
Dorothea played with Byleth’s hair until it curled at the ends. “Oh, but she’d better hope that he does visit her often. It would be quite boring if he didn’t desire her at all. I bet the two of you will make beautiful children. You’d better let me babysit from time to time.”
Mercedes chuckled as she added some kind of makeup to Byleth’s face. “Well Dimitri has already said he won’t be taking a consort on top of a Queen, so Byleth will be the only woman in his life. For nobility, that is already a sweet gesture of loyalty.”
Annette giggled. “What has it been like Professor? It feels like all of this is straight out of a fairytale. I heard he kissed you right in front of the entire town.”
Byleth could feel her cheeks burn. “He’s been very attentive.”
Ingrid grabbed a snack off of the plate. “Dimitri has always been a kind and caring person. He’s lost so many people in his life. Some of those people died right before his eyes and it might make him a little overprotective."
Byleth closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Bernadetta gave her a white rose embroidered pin for her hair while Dorothea scooped her hair together to braid it away from her face. It looked like Dorothea was wrapping it around her head like a crown.
When Mercedes brought over a slender silver crown it sat on the braids like it was meant to be there. The girls did her makeup and added more adornments to her hair and to her dress. When Byleth looked in the mirror she almost didn’t recognize herself.
It almost made her mind rebel again until the girls peered into the mirror as well and started giggling and talking over each other about how beautiful she looked.
"It's going to be your wedding day, of course you should look amazing for it."
"I am so jealous Professor, you look so beautiful."
Bernadetta grinned. "She does. Maybe they won't want to execute any of us."
"I'm not one for makeup, but what they used really brings out your eyes." Ingrid commented from the side.
Dorothea grinned wide. "I'm sure Dimitri will love it, and those stuffy nobles won't be able to say a damn thing."
Byleth looked into the mirror. Would she even be able to do something like this when she woke up? She and Dimitri would need to get married, but first they would have to deal with Rhea. When she woke up Bernadetta and Dorothea would be in Enbarr behind enemy lines. Her mind crumbled underneath the weight of those thoughts.
This wasn’t her. No matter how pretty they made her look, this wasn’t her. “Get it off, please.”
Mercedes pulled the lacing in the back to get it to loosen. “Yes, it’s best to not let it get ruined now that we know how well it fits.”
Byleth wanted to wipe off the blue eyeshadow and the other makeup, but Dorothea grabbed her hands. “Professor, you deserve to look pretty every once in a while.”
A knock on the door let it open wider. The girls hadn’t closed it behind her. “I was looking for Byleth, have any of you…”
Dimitri stopped as he gaped at her. Annette was the first one to shriek and push on the door to keep him out. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride in the wedding dress?”
Dorothea had been between her and Dimitri’s view, but it still surprised her that the girls would keep him out if they were a fabrication of his mind. Maybe it was something similar to what Dimitri had told her before in that they were still who they were originally somehow. Mercedes untied and pulled down the dress and Byleth moved back into her usual clothing. Dorothea slipped outside while she changed and when she told Dimitri that they had to talk those thoughts that these were the friends she knew was cemented even further.
“Byleth, I would like it if you might join me out in the garden for a little bit. I think you might like the fresh air and I’d like to show you something.” Dimitri’s voice filtered in through the door.
“We’ll make sure she’s properly dressed for the cold and send her right out.” Ingrid replied.
Byleth would have appreciated it if Ingrid would have at least asked her if that was what she wanted, but Byleth had to admit that she was curious.
Mercedes pulled out a fur-lined dress out from her closet dresser and handed it to Byleth as they talked amongst themselves about the wedding dress as Byleth changed behind the screen. It was beautiful and a pale pink that was the same pink as the tassel she usually wore. It even had a fur trim hood as well.
Dorothea gave her a wink as she passed her. “Now don’t stay out too late with your husband to be, professor.”
------------------------------
Byleth wasn’t sure what to feel when she stepped out into the garden. The sky above her almost took her breath away. It was littered with stars for as far as she could see. Her breath came out like a fog from her mouth. She put her hood up and tucked her hands into her sleeves. The dress was beautiful and warm. She couldn’t have come up with it, so she wondered if Dimitri had, or if somehow Mercedes was here and it was her addition to it all.
The flowers around her were short bush-like plants. Even with the air as cold as it was, the snow around her was what she found even more beautiful. It glistened in the moonlight and made it look like the ground was covered by stars as well. If he would let her wander here freely then perhaps they could make a compromise.
Byleth didn’t know where Dimitri was. There was no sign of him, but there was a box on top of the gazebo seat. A familiar white rose sat atop of the box, and that she did recognize. She wondered now if it was the king or the prince that left her the rose and robe inside her room.
His presence came to her like a bite of winter wind as she opened the box to find a beautiful pair of gloves that would go up her forearm. “Do you like them? If you are going to stay here, then you need a way to protect yourself from the cold.”
Byleth had planned to give him a piece of her mind, but something about him made her pause. "Yes I do, thank you."
He approached her, stooping low to avoid the decorative wreath wrapped around the gazebo. He stayed low, almost seemed to shrink before her, until he looked like his academy self. Byleth blinked at the gesture, not wanting to trust her eyes. “You seem to prefer me in this form, so I’d like to do what I can to make you comfortable. I am sorry, Byleth. The last thing I want to do is upset you.”
Byleth crossed her arms. “You should have thought of that before you forced me to go to sleep.”
Dimtri nodded in understanding before he moved around her to lean against the pillar behind her and looked up at the stars. He made a dazzling picture in the moonlight, and she watched his deep sigh billow into the air as it mingled with the cold. “And what would continuing on that path do other than make us both upset at the other. We needed some space and time to think.”
“More like devise another plan to wrap me around your finger,” Byleth growled.
He genuinely looked hurt at her comment as he slumped against the pillar. “I am sorry, Byleth. When you wake, I won’t…”
He won’t be here with her after she awakes, her mind suggested to her. It made her throat tighten. Something else came to her mind as well as she went over everything her prince had said. Maybe he was right, to live this existence knowing that it was just a dream and enjoy themselves might be the correct path. She let her hands run against his chest as she pressed him between her and the pillar. She let her mind summon the wreaths around the gazebo for decoration to wrap around him.
Dimitri’s eyes went wide as he jerked away, but Byleth rested her hands on his cheeks and leaned up to kiss him. “You did say that you wanted to be a vessel for my pleasure, correct? Let me have the reins for a little while.”
His entire body went slack under her kiss as the wreaths came to wrap around his wrists and ankles. With a wave of her hand the spiky plant material became green ribbons to hold him steady.
"I am yours to do with as you wish, Byleth."
Byleth knew that he meant it. She started exploring his face with her fingers and the kiss seemed different, like he was trusting her and only taking what she was giving him. His face nuzzled her cheek when she didn't pull away. There was a sadness in his eye that drew her in. She wanted to let her anger against him lead her actions, but as he surrendered to her she found that her anger dissipated as soon as it bubbled forth.
It’s when she felt his cock twitch against her that Byleth decided that perhaps giving him a taste of his own medicine was in order. The air out here was cold, but she didn’t leave his cock exposed for long before she knelt and took him into her mouth. Dimitri groaned out loud as his muscles flexed against the bindings she had around him. Every time he got close she pulled back and rested her chin on his stomach. She had to wrap more bindings to keep him from bucking into her mouth.
Byleth had been enjoying the feel of him, and the way he was groaning above her had only made her wet. She debated on how long to keep edging him, there was a part of her that thought he didn't deserve the pleasure. Byleth could easily ask him a few questions while she was down on her knees like this and have him at her mercy. Dimitri had almost bitten his lip bad enough to bleed, and the way he was looking at her was intoxicating. So she kept on, and he tensed under her fingers as she tested out just how deep she could take him. Dimitri was squirming and breathing out her name like a prayer, chanting it as she made him climb higher and higher. Every time she'd bring him to the brink she heard the tension in the bindings as he struggled to get himself back under control.
She almost expected him to make a cocky comment, but he stayed good for her. The tension would slack off as his chest heaved from the effort of holding back. Byleth found that she liked that look he gave her. There was something empowering about being in control of when he would be allowed to climax. The cold air would make him shudder when she didn't have her mouth around him. The forest when she was on her knees for the King had been similar to this in a different way. She had given herself completely to him. Now it seemed that he was willing to submit himself to her. He hadn't complained once about this, other than those whines of protest that made her squeeze her thighs together.
"Would you like me to let you finish?"
It took him a couple of swallows before he could actually speak. "I will take whatever you decide, beloved."
Byleth raised her brow as she ran her finger over his cock. The tip was flushed red and she could feel how much he was shaking. He was being so good for her for a change. Perhaps it was another ploy, but it could also be something they could explore. She loosened the bindings on his hips. "Then once I have you all the way in my mouth, and only when you can feel my nose brush up against your skin, you can finish and spill down my throat."
Then inch by slow agonizing inch she took him into her mouth as he stayed still. Dimitri was shaking under her fingers as she curled them around his legs. She would need the anchor once he started to move. There was a part of her that wanted to see if he could wait, so she hovered midway through and looked up at him. The hunger in his eye fueled her until she couldn't take any more either and she took him all the way to the hilt.
They both moaned in unison as he started to buck his hips. It didn't take him long with as pent up as he was and Byleth hummed around him as she tried to make sure she swallowed every last bit of what he gave her.
Byleth almost didn't want to remove her mouth, the taste was wonderful on her tongue and while he may have softened a little, he could very easily be up for a second round in a few moments. Dimitri shivered when she pulled back, and he threw his head back as she took his cock in hand and rubbed the overstimulated skin.
The way he said her name she could easily get used to. She found herself lost in thought as she left a kiss to his cock.
"What is on your mind beloved? You look sad."
Did she? "Do you think that I could truly patch things up with the King when I wake?"
Her voice sounded so soft and unsure and she hated it.
Dimitri paused as he considered her question. "Are you afraid of him?"
Byleth had to think on that a moment. "No, I know that he won't hurt me, that you won't hurt me either, but there is a fear of reaching a point where we might as well be enemies. I'm not sure if he can forgive me for all of my transgressions."
Not to mention all of the pain and confusion that happened since she woke up. Sex was simple, desire was easy, it was the rest of this storm of emotions that she wasn't sure she could deal with. Byleth was not used to feeling so much at once, and just like how she was overstimulating him right now, he had overwhelmed her on many occasions.
"I'd like to hold you."
Byleth’s thoughts were turned back to the Dimitri in front of her. She was still on her knees and his cock pressed up against her cheek. It was a simple request, but it churned so many emotions inside of her. It was at that moment, Byleth realized how and why she had fallen for Dimitri in the first place.
He had allowed her to learn and experience new things at her own pace, during their time together at the Academy. His kindness and how considerate he was, even though she wasn't his teacher he still made time to spend it with her. It was part of what drew her to him. He had no obligation to check up on her or include her, and yet he had.
Which was a major reason why she had such a difficult time connecting his past self and the King in her mind.
The King pushed her to feel new sensations, and perhaps there truly was a part of her that hated it. Because in some way he had become similar to everyone else in her life who simply pushed their ideals or thoughts onto her without considering her feelings. He made the decision for her, and taken what she would have freely given him.
In the end, didn't he become this way because she didn't consider his own thoughts and feelings on their relationship? He had been kinder to her than he should. She had hurt him so many times and in different ways with both her words and actions. Despite that, he still wanted her.
Byleth let him go free and started to rub into the places where he was bound. She wasn’t sure if this hurt him or not. Dimitri unclasped his cape and wrapped it around her before bringing her up against him. His thumb then traced around her lips. They were swollen and she knew there was a combination of drool and probably some of his seed on her chin.
The kiss that came after as he pulled her further against the warmth of him took what little breath she had away. The combination of the cloak and his body heat had her warmed up in seconds. His warm breath fanned her face to warm up her reddened nose and cheeks.
There was a slight chill as he bent down and swept off the snow from the gazebo seat before he manifested a second cloak to sit on. It was big enough that he wrapped her already covered form in it as he pulled up her dress and stroked his fingers against her wet folds for a moment.
The next thing she knew was that when he sat down he pulled her to sit on top of him and pushed himself inside of her. The small kisses he gave her as he settled her in his lap almost succeeded in distracting her. The stretch and suddenness of it completely took her breath away and Dimitri stayed still once he was gone down to the hilt inside of her.
Dimitri's fingers danced in small caresses as she relaxed on top of him. Small whispers of praise accompanied his touches. She didn't really mind, happy to be keeping that part of him warm after he let her expose it to the cold for so long. She snuggled into the fur to keep her face warm as he embraced her.
As Byleth tilted her head back she was able to see the stars when she looked up. The way that her breath is billowing into the air only made the moment feel more real to her.
"I wonder if there is a way to keep you with me." Byleth mused.
Dimitri's hold tightened on her. She couldn’t see the expression on his face with it buried into her shoulder like that, but she could already imagine the pained look he must have had. She could understand his desire now to let it all be like a dream. Byleth didn't want to think about this only being a dream either. It all felt so real, she could feel pain and pleasure.
Even this position was nice. It was as if he was her throne. It was actually more comfortable to lean back against his chest to get a little bit of breathing room. It felt like every one of her nerves was on fire with the way that he stretched her wide. The head of his cock was pressing against her, wanting to get to the deepest crevices even though he was already buried to the hilt within her. Byleth could swear that she could feel the outline of him just underneath her skin when he laid his hand on her stomach. Dimitri's other hand came to cage around her neck as his lips pressed against her jaw.
"To answer your question, I believe that you can. You are precious to... us. What was done was not born from malice, and if you can bring yourself to forgive those digressions, I can promise you that he will do his best to fulfill every desire that you have. Having you like this while doing paperwork, or even perhaps on the throne itself would be an option if you asked for it."
As if to entice her more he rolled his hips as he whispered in her ear.
"The only thing that he will not be receptive to is letting you go, but things like this, if you want to see the stars or enjoy the castle, all you need to do is ask, beloved. If he says not yet, that does not mean that he will keep you locked up forever, only that he needs to make sure that no one can ambush you on your way there. To keep you safe from his enemies and those who would use you and harm you."
Byleth reached up to wrap her arm around his neck as she thought about what he was truly saying. The pleasure was building as his hips rolled underneath her in a slow yet steady pace as his hands kept her caged close to him so she wouldn't squirm.
"Every time you let me have you, it only makes me crave you more. I love how your body reacts to me, as if it were made for me." Byleth could feel the strings at the back of her dress untying themselves and baring her breasts to him. The fur trim along the edges brushed up against her nipples and it almost made her moan. Then his fingers moved so he could palm her breasts as his fingers came around to pinch her nipples and give them teasing pulls. She couldn’t help but moan as his other hand came down to circle around her clit. His lips were on her neck making their own blooming mark and it was all too much and yet not enough. It was like a flicker of a flame that wanted to roar to life, but there wasn’t enough to fully stoke the flame. She wanted more.
"The way you looked at me with your mouth stuffed with my cock is something I'd love to repeat. Even now you're squeezing me so tightly. I want to learn everything about your body so I can take you to the highest peaks of pleasure. I want to give you everything I am, and you will…’ He punctuated the will with a hard thrust that had her moaning out loud, ‘take it.”
"Things will only grow more beautiful between us as we learn what pleases the other. I will let you dote on me however you wish, as long as I get to repay the favor."
Dimitri nipped her ear after his tongue slid along her throat. Byleth let her head roll back when he bit into her shoulder. The stars looked so beautiful as she rolled back her head and looked up.
"I need you, I want you to stay with me."
Byleth wasn't sure if it was childish or silly, but she made a wish upon those stars to let his plea ring true. "Is it common to make wishes on stars when they are this bright, or do you need to wait for a falling one?"
Her prince chuckled under her as she felt him lean back to look at the stars himself, and one by one the stars started to shoot across the sky. "We can do whatever we want here, make this world into whatever it is you want it to be. My only wish is to make you happy and to keep you at my side."
Byleth nuzzled her nose against his jaw. There were times when he would make her chest tight with happiness.
Then she heard Dorothea and Mercedes giggling as they came close by. "I just want to see how they're doing. The Professor looked so sad earlier.”
"I hope we won't be interrupting anything though. It's such a beautiful night."
Dimitri chuckled as he whispered in her ear. "You seem like you're getting tighter around me, do you like the thought of someone else catching us like this? If you want an audience, I'd be happy to let you sit on my lap upon the throne."
He didn’t stop the subtle rock of his hips even as the girls came around to wave and smile. They giggled to each other as they passed and kept moving. "See there's nothing to worry about at all. It must be really warm underneath that cloak of his."
When they had almost left the vicinity Dimitri grasped her underneath the cloak and started going harder and faster. "Unless you want them to hear what I do to you, you'll need to stay quiet, beloved."
It was hard to not make a sound, especially when he ran his fingers over her nipples and clit again. Byleth could feel the fluttering pulse of her walls as she climaxed around him. It was a subtle orgasm, she had been holding herself back, but it only made her more boneless against him.
Dimitri snuggled with her for a moment, letting their breath mingle for a little bit.
Byleth tapped his arm so he might let her up. He was reluctant to do so, and it required her to slip his hard cock out of her. She groaned at that loss before he turned around. Byleth brushed off the snow from his shoulders before she moved to straddle him. He was still hard and it didn’t take much for him to position her so he could slip himself back inside of her as he gave her another kiss that took her breath away while she wrapped her arms around him.
It felt good to have him back inside of her, to get rid of the hollow loss that getting off had left. Her orgasm had left her sensitive and every inch of him she took lit up her nerves with pleasure. She gave him gentle kisses as her fingers roamed over his chest and arms. Dimitri's mouth opened up for her readily and for a few moments they were nothing more than a tangle of limbs trying to steal the breath from one another. His hands were so large and warm as they roamed over her skin.
When they finally broke apart Dimitri had shifted back to his older self. At first she was apprehensive, she had been enjoying having him as her Prince, but his touch was soft and soothing against her back. He continued that pace with his lips as he let her stay on his lap. He felt thicker inside of her, and perhaps he was. Dimitri would have grown in the five year gap. When she brought her fingers to coil up into his hair she found that she didn't mind the length. If he noticed her apprehension he didn't react to it as she explored the new curves on his chest. Fit and trim, as always with a body most would be jealous of.
"Would you like to return to our room to continue?" Byleth asked as she reached up to stroke along his jaw.
A smile curled his lips. Perhaps he was smiling because she said our room.
"I would like that very much. Perhaps if you'd want to continue what you started earlier, there are chains for me within the headboard. If you choose to use them, then all I ask is you make sure to have your fill of me before you release me, because if your teasing is any indication I will be hungry for even more of you. Before that, I want to stay under the stars for just a little longer. Let me show you how to get to our room from here."
Byleth blinked at him, her attention taken from the stars above her to his face. "Do you think it wise to show me your castle's secrets?"
He chuckled at her, deep and dark as he pressed his lips against her neck once more. "It is your castle as much as mine, your home should you accept my offerings."
"You don't fear me trying to escape?"
His grip tightened before his teeth sunk into her neck to make blooming marks on her skin. "Beloved, we have talked about you testing me. It is not required. You are not my prisoner, but I don't want you roaming out without an escort, for both my sanity and your safety."
Byleth clenched her jaw as a little bit of anger flared from that statement. She wasn't some helpless maiden who couldn't take care of herself.
His embrace tightened on her as he wrapped her up further within his cape. "I understand that it's not ideal. It takes some getting used to, and you feel like you can't even have a moment to yourself."
Dimitri took a deep breath before he nuzzled against the fur from the cape around her neck. "You never know when an assassin is near, what trap they may use. No amount of strength in the world can protect you from someone when your guard is down. My uncle taught me that with his network of spies. I never had a moment of peace then either."
He pulled away and his fingers caressed her face. "The most danger I am in is because of you. You hold both my heart and my trust. If you wanted to, you could end my life before anyone would even know I've taken my last breath. I don't want us to be enemies, which is why I believe that when you do wake up, any grievance can be forgiven."
Byleth wasn't so sure about that, but she did appreciate the effort that he was making. There was also the fact that she was comfortable like this. Part of her wanted to hope and believe that she could be forgiven. When she pulled away from him this time she took the extra cloak in her hands to wrap around her. Dimitri gave her a raised brow as he leaned back against the gazebo rails. "Now do you intend to stay on top of me like this? We can go another round here if you'd like, or would you like to do as you requested and enjoy more of this while we are someplace warm?"
Cocky bastard. He reminded her of the King just now, but she had found that the lines between the two of them were blurry from time to time. Right now she needed a distraction from just how badly she wanted to stay here with him. He wasn't touching her and yet she wanted him to be. She could feel the moisture dribble from her and down his shaft from her arousal. She could still taste him on her tongue, and remember how he felt inside of her.
"You even sound like him..." He tilted his head as Byleth huffed in aggravation. Dimitri smiled knowingly before he rolled his hips and the motion made her breath catch.
"What do you want, beloved? I could carry you if you'd like, or we can just shift the scenery until we are back into our room. Or we could just stay here until you are limp and sated and I have no other option but to carry your body to the bed."
The offer was so tempting, and then she realized that she would very much like to stay here with him. If it was only the cold that was bothersome... She turned and lit the brazier that appeared behind them and lit it with a fire spell. If this was a dream why should it matter who could see them? Why not be a little adventurous with him while she could? She brushed off the snow from his shoulders before she rose up on his shaft only to go back down again. Every time made her shudder as he sat and watched her use his cock for her pleasure.
The desire was evident in his eyes as he watched her. Then he started to speak of how he couldn’t possibly live without her softness, her warmth, without sleeping beside her, inside her, now that he knew what it's like. Byleth had to agree as his fingers gripped the rail from the restraint of keeping himself from touching her. Her mind wandered to how warm she was from just the thought of him touching her, of how much she wanted him to. Before she wasn't sure how much of the desire was hers or if it was how much he affected her, but in this moment she knew the truth.
She wanted him just as badly.
"Touch me," her voice was breathless, but the moment her words were out of her mouth both his hands and lips descended upon her before they both chased away the winter's cold with each other's embrace.
The stars streaking across the sky were beautiful as stars of her own danced in front of her vision as his talented fingers and tongue helped her reach the orgasm that she wanted so badly. She didn’t remember much past that as Dimitri stood up and trapped her between himself and a gazebo pillar and proceeded to fuck her until her voice went hoarse from her screams. He kept her wrapped up in the cloaks and before she passed out he felt him swaddle her up deeper in one of them before carrying her away from the gazebo. The rocking motion from being in his arms finished what the exhaustion started.
Notes:
comments and kudos are always appreciated
Twitter is Lunafox90
Chapter 17
Summary:
The dreams are starting to blur together- it's getting harder to tell what is real and what's not. How many times has she woken up, only to wake up to another reality entirely?
Notes:
For those of you who have stuck with me all this time you don't know how much I appreciate the enthusiasm- tysm
so cw for this one is a lot of manipulation on his end- that mindbreak tag comes into play because of the cycle of him playing as if she's woken back up multiple times + a little bit of aphrodisiac given to her at the end without her knowing about it
same as before Dimitri (The King) Tempest--- Dima (The Prince) Academy pulled from divine pulse from previous timeline
sorry that it took me so long to get the gap taken care of, I just needed a small break, but I know how I'm wanting to end this fic so here's to hoping that the next two to three chapters want to flow instead of fight me. Hope you enjoy.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
When Byleth woke up she did with a start. Dimitri was clothed behind her with his hand caged around her throat. His cloak was keeping her covered from the cold. It sounded like he was crying and babbling behind her. When she opened her eyes she saw the bolts on the windows and she immediately knew something was wrong. Those weren't in the dream castle that her Prince had conjured.
Byleth froze as she woke up. He noticed right away. She felt the pressure as he squeezed two fingers against her pulse. His movements were rushed as his entire body coiled around her. Byleth tried to pretend to sleep, expected him to take her the moment he realized that she was awake. She expected his fury, instead there was a soft kiss to her brow, a sigh of disappointment, and tears on her shoulder when he rubbed his face against her. "Please Beloved, please come back to me. I'm sorry, I... I was selfish..."
His words broke her heart and she realized that she was somehow glimpsing the waking world. This was her king begging for her. He tucked them both into the cloak as he pulled her closer to him. He wasn’t even erect against her ass, so that fear seemed unwarranted.
When she opened her eyes to see what treatment she would receive the King pulled her onto her back as she reached up for his face. He took her hand as she felt his tears fall first hand. "Please forgive me, whatever it was that you objected to, know that you only need to tell me and I will make sure it doesn't happen again."
The king's kiss was soft but desperate. Part of her wanted to stay there with him, but she could feel herself slipping back to sleep. "No... Byleth, please don't leave me again. I'll do whatever you ask, please!" The king grabbed at her, tried to shake her to keep her awake in his desperation, but it was no use.
Byleth jolted awake in the bed when she was able to regain consciousness. There was an arm around her waist. It kept her from getting too far as she rose up in a panic, her breathing heavy as if she had just finished running a marathon.
There was a deep inhale beside her. "Beloved, what's wrong?" Her prince's voice was gruff from sleep as his arm tightened around her and he started to leave kisses up her spine.
Byleth found herself shaking. "It's nothing. I'm sorry for waking you."
Dimitri wouldn't stop with those tender kisses she didn't deserve. What had she done? She shook him off and dragged the cloak with her. Her prince sat up in the bed. "It doesn't seem like nothing. You know that I am here if you need to talk Beloved."
Byleth tightened the cloak around her. "I think..." What did she even tell him?
His fingers danced on her sides as he pulled himself over to her and kissed her shoulder.
His touch was so gentle on her skin. His nose trailed up her spine as he continued those soft kisses. "You were the one angry at me for keeping secrets, but if you'd rather I leave the subject alone I will do as you ask."
Byleth could feel a sharp pain in her chest as she remembered the king's desperate plea that he would do the same. She hugged herself tighter as she curled her body up into herself. It only seemed to invite her prince further in as he pulled her into an embrace against his chest. Byleth's breath quickened as he asked her politely to tell him what was wrong, to go back to sleep and he would hold her and chase away her nightmares. It was far too much, it had to be guilt, there was no other thing that could swallow her whole like this.
"I think I was back in the waking world for a moment."
Her prince froze behind her. "And what... what happened?"
It seemed that it was hard for him to form words. She didn't sense any anger from him. "I wasn't sure at first. He hugged me, begged me to forgive him and not leave him, but something pulled me back. The pain in his eyes, I don't want to be the cause of it. He will surely hate me when I do not wake."
"That I doubt Beloved. It's a strong spell Rhea has cast. You will not be the one he blames."
"How can you be so certain?"
Dimitri leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Because we think alike. As long as you did not give me any indication of your hatred or your scorn, there is no way that I would hate you."
Byleth couldn’t help but close her eyes as tears wanted to fall. What sort of hell had she submitted them to?
Her prince brushed her shoulder with his lips as he held her close. “Would you like me to exhaust you once more, or will you be able to sleep on your own?”
Byleth turned her head towards him as she contemplated. “Help me forget.”
He twisted her in his arms and gave her a kiss as his hand found hers and intertwined them. It did what she wanted, she wasn’t able to think about anything else as he pulled her against him and pistoned himself inside of her.
It would have worked, had it not occurred three more times that night. Her prince was sleeping with his cock still buried inside of her and they were naked in the bed when she drifted off, so the moment she woke up clothed she knew that something in wrong. Every time the King was remorseful and sweet, and so desperate to keep her with him. Each time she was dragged back to sleep, and the Prince consoled her and fucked her until she drifts off again. It’s not until she begged the King to fuck her too that she was finally able to find the dark abyss of a dreamless sleep.
It’s when she woke up to the prince kissing her cheek and telling her how wonderful it is to wake up at her side that broke the small peace she found within herself. Was it just a dream or was it something more? It was hard to tell now. Dimitri let her devise what she imagined the wedding to be, and gave her the chance to enact those small details so she wouldn’t feel as if he was taking over too much. When they are in the throne room she can see a mischievous grin cross his face before everyone vanishes from the room.
He sits on the throne as he holds her wrist and asks her again if she wants to experience what it’s like to be worshipped here like the queen she is. Looking around at the lavish room and biting her lip, she can only tell him yes.
-------------------------------------------
Dimitri pulled Byleth on top of his lap and couldn’t help but smirk at the Prince behind her back. His plan had worked out beautifully. The ability to mold this world to what he wanted had given him the perfect opportunity to see how she’d react to him in the waking world. From what he could tell Byleth didn’t suspect that it was his doing.
The purpose of having her here wasn’t just to gloat. He would love to take her out in the waking world and do this with her there. If it weren’t for the possible interruptions and the fact that if anyone did see her like that he would probably have to kill them.
Dimitri relished when Byleth would join him on the throne over the next few days. This dream was wonderful in so many ways. He adored just how much she surrendered to his touch and how even she would initiate the intimacy sometimes. He let her dictate what she wanted. Some days she would curl up in his lap, or sit still while she took his entire length and they made it a little game to see how long she could last before she demanded that he pay attention to her. At night he would sometimes put her into another deep sleep and change the room again to give her more moments where she thought that she was waking up to the real him.
Dimitri wasn’t sure if he would remember any of this, nor if she would remember either. His hope was that it would erase that apprehension she had around him. When she would wake up without freezing at his touch, when she would actually reach out to kiss him or take his hand, it was those moments that he relished.
The wedding was everything that he could hope for. Byleth looked absolutely beautiful in the attire he had chosen for her. She chose Dorothea as her maid of honor, and Byleth also made sure that some of the other black eagle students were there, as well as a glimpse of her father. When Dimitri noticed that he allowed a phantom of Lambert to be next to Jeralt. It seems they both had the same thought of allowing the fathers to talk and get along.
If only that could be real as well.
The Prince was still trapped on the throne and unable to do anything to stop the festivities.
Dimitri had done his best to recreate the atmosphere that the prince had created in the cabin for her on their wedding night. He wanted to play the part of doting on her tonight, to make sure that she did not regret becoming his wife. He adored how she reacted to his touch and he prayed that he would be able to remember these moments as well as make so many more in the future with her.
-------------------------------------------
One night Byleth fell asleep in her husband’s arms as she always did, but something still felt amiss. Byleth slipped away from the bed to go investigate. It was as if something was calling out to her. The further she got from their room the stranger the scenery around her became. It was as if the castle itself was made of ice. When Byleth walked into the large open space, she shivered. Even the halls looked as if they were covered in ice, but she kept her eyes forward. It was when the sconces lit up, that she realized that her dreams had taken her to the throne room.
It was so cold here, but it was as if the ice and frost came alive on her skin to dress her into the outfit that Dimitri had created for her during the times that he brought her into this room. The ribbons moved with every step. There was nothing to cover her arms, but she could feel the necklace and metal at her neck. Her shoes clicked on the floor, and as she ran her hands over her stomach she could move the ribbons aside to see where his crest marked her to show her pregnancy.
Dimitri had asked her not to enter this room without him, but something was calling out to her, almost like a whisper in the back of her mind. As she decided to step inside the temperature only seemed to drop even further. Then her eyes found the throne where she had sat in Dimitri’s lap more than once. Sitting up on the throne was Dimitri, frozen solid as if he were made of ice. Byleth picked up speed as she went to investigate. The cold made her breath visible, and by the time she reached the throne she was panting from the exertion.
She leaned on him to investigate what in the world had happened. The ice covering him hissed away from her hand, as if the warmth of it was enough to rapidly melt the shell that had encased him. The rest of her body seemed to have that effect as well and she climbed up onto his lap so she could kiss and get as much warmth onto his chest as possible.
So many questions ran through her mind. How was he even here to begin with? When the ice melted from his face she noticed that he didn’t have the scar over his eye. This was the King, not her Prince. Did he lose against Rhea and this was her doing? Could he not find his way back to her? So many questions piled into her mind, but she decided that it didn’t matter. He was still cold under her fingertips and he wasn’t breathing. Her hands were starting to shake. How did she fix this?
The cold only seemed to be getting worse, trying to reclaim him away from her. She refused to let it happen. She wrapped his arms around her to make sure they stayed in contact with her. Finally after a few minutes of desperately rubbing and kissing his fingers started to flex before they moved to grab onto her. He started to return her kisses as his hands snuck their way in between the ribbons to get to her skin.
“It’s so cold without your warmth. Please Byleth, don’t leave me again.”
His voice was so weak. Byleth reached down between them to undo his pants and bring that part of him to life as well. It was the best way that she knew to keep them together and give him what warmth she could. His gaze went down to pull the ribbons of the dress aside to see his crest on her stomach. The way his eyes widened before he gave her a tender kiss made her heart melt for him. When she straddled over him to bring his cock into her heat she embraced him, nuzzling her face against the crook of his neck.
It was as if that was the breath of life that he needed as the rest of the ice around him shattered. Suddenly his hands were everywhere and the kisses became stronger as his hips moved until she was bouncing on his lap. She clung to him as she rose higher and higher in ecstasy. It wasn’t long before she orgasmed. Her cry was muffled against his lips. She could feel his tongue invade her mouth before he thrust up as deep as he could and flooded her with warmth.
“You came for me.” He brushed her hair back as he cradled her face. She figured that he meant more than the orgasm, but it was hard to think from the pleasure.
They went another round like that where her chest was pressed up against his, but at some point he had flipped her over so she could relax her body against him and he could cradle her so she wouldn’t have to support herself. He kept whispering scenarios in her ear. Would she stay on his cock like this to alleviate the boredom from meetings. Would she be interested in letting him fuck her here, even if there was an audience. The floor was far enough away from the stairs that if she wore the right attire no one would be the wiser if she was quiet.
He even told her that he’d be happy for her to take the seat and he would get down on his knees and service her with his mouth. As his Queen she deserved every pleasure that he could give her, and he was willing to do whatever she asked.
When his fingers came to run circles around her clit she found herself orgasming again as her walls clamped around his cock.
Byleth looked up as her head lolled to the side so her head was touching the King’s jaw. She couldn’t see what expression the Dimitri behind her had, but the expression from the one in front of her told her that he wasn’t pleased with the scenario. The marks she left on him earlier bloomed on his skin. The one standing in front of them was the one that she had spent these past few weeks with.
They looked identical, and that confused her. Byleth had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. As her fingers brushed over the eye of the one she was currently being embraced by she could feel the knot of skin that still didn't want to heal over.
It was the King she had been with all this time. Her Prince had been here instead. When did they swap? How long had he been here? All those sweet promises she gave to the wrong version of him, but as she tried to remember she could feel her Prince's fingers caress her side.
Dima breathed a sigh as his fingers came to brush her cheek. “It’s almost time for you to wake my love. I will give you one last dream. Let me show you the future as I’ve seen it. His words that you’ve listened to as you slept.”
Byleth closed her eyes and swallowed. She had been ignoring those whispers, those phantom touches while she was asleep with him the first time. Dimitri glared as the Prince kissed her neck and held onto her. Her vision faded to black. It was simpler to let the void take her and settle into the embrace than let her mind spiral. Warmth radiated through her as Dima clasped her hand.
When she opened her eyes she was still in the Fhirdiad bedroom. This time she was on the bed and dressed in a blue gown with white fur trim. It was beautiful, but what caught her attention was the baby suckling at her breast. Golden curls adorned their head.
The door opened and Dima walked in. There was no armor to be seen. He was dressed in a similar blue as her dress. A different cloak billowed behind him as he stepped forward. The small silver crown bore his crest as his hair fell in pieces over top of it. His hair was tied back and she couldn’t help but gawk over the handsome picture he made.
When he got to the edge of the bed, he took the crown off and sat it on the bedside table. Then he came onto the bed beside them and kissed her temple as he wrapped his arm around her. His gaze went to the baby and she could see the adoration in his eyes. He maneuvered so he could kiss and suckle on her neck, his hands running over what she realized now was her distended belly. She was pregnant again with another child.
“You’ve done so well for us beloved, I’m sorry I couldn’t come to you sooner. The aftermath of the war still brings many problems that need to be taken care of.”
With the war won, peace reigned. She didn’t know all the details, as he didn’t either as he told her of this fantasy. She did know that all of the Lions were safe. Dima would let them have tea times together to chat when she wanted a reward, but most days she preferred the treat of him buried within her as he worked on the more mundane of the paperwork.
It was a mutual benefit to them both and she liked being snuggled up next to him while he worked. After all, he always fucked her on the desk once the work was done. The way they both acted with her seemed natural now. There wasn't any more fear or apprehension.
In this dream, Byleth was now the queen of a unified Fodlan. What happened to Rhea she didn’t know, nor did she care. She was safe here in this room and she knew that her husband would never be disloyal to her. There wasn’t a night that he wasn’t there to warm her bed. For the times he couldn’t stay long she would offer her mouth just so she could keep the taste of him on her tongue while he was gone.
The babe had stopped suckling, falling asleep there on her breast. She couldn’t help but caress those golden curls. Something created by the both of them as he had pointed out. Why was she so afraid of something so small? Something moved inside her belly and Dimtiri tightened his grip only a fraction. She felt his smile as he kissed her neck again, this time laving his tongue over her skin and it made her wet just thinking about the bite that normally came after.
When his face came back into view she saw the lust in his eyes. She laid the baby into the cradle next to the bed. It had been his insistence to have them where they were in their reach and vision at all times, like Dima was afraid they were going to disappear. She didn’t even have time to readjust herself as Dima pulled her back into his chest when the baby was out of her hands. Then he sunk his teeth down into the crook of her neck and she couldn’t help but moan at the contact.
She felt his hands behind her pulling at the belt and setting his cock free as he released her. “Bare yourself to me.”
She did so immediately as the movements felt as natural to her as breathing. She wasn’t wearing anything underneath the dress. The brassiere got in the way of feeding the baby and he preferred her without anything blocking his path with the exception of tights. Dimitri loved it when she wore those after all, and it was such a pity for the old ones to be ruined after just one night. They ordered some to be made with the hole already cut into them. She was looking forward to driving him mad teasing him with those.
Byleth laid down beside him as she reached up to caress his cheek. He nipped at her fingers as he continued disrobing. After his chest was bared to her exploration he took her breasts into his hands and massaged them. The breast that the baby suckled was now almost completely empty and no longer weighing her down. The other was still full in his hand, the milk starting to dribble onto his fingers.
He latched his mouth down and began to suckle as he continued to massage her. He would only take enough so it would no longer be a burden to her. He always seemed to enjoy this as much as he enjoyed lapping at her folds. He was on his side beside her and his hard cock lay against her distended belly. She could feel it leaking against her and she reached to touch him.
All it took was him opening his eyes and giving her a look that told her not to. She lowered her hand and put her trust in him. He never disappointed her, and he wouldn’t start now. He closed his eyes again as he went back to his task. His hips bucked slightly as she felt him leave a trail of pre-cum on her.
His hand released her breast as it went to caress the his crest that appeared below her navel when she conceived his child. After the birth it had faded to an outline, but now that she was pregnant again it was back to the darkened blue. She knew he loved seeing it on her even more than she did.
He pulled away from her breast as he licked his lips and gave her a look that turned her blood molten from the mix of love and desire she saw in them. She enjoyed being desired, to be loved so wholly that he would do anything for her. She finally found a place in this world to belong to, and it was at his side. It wasn’t his will warping her into a demon as she feared. She had made a promise to be only his, and he had kept his promise to be only hers in return. It was a bond she could understand. She understood loyalty to the one you cared for, to do anything for them.
He laid himself on his back, his erection bobbing in the air and she licked her lips at the sight. All he had to do was nod and pat his hip for her to know which position he chose for them. She was hurried in her movements, eager to feel him inside of her. He liked this position best when she was pregnant, where there was less of a risk of him going too rough and hurting the baby. His hands roamed over her stomach as he told her how beautiful she was like this.
Byleth lapped up the praise as she ground herself on him. There were some mornings when he was erect that she would try to not wake him up and have some fun, but he always caught her before she came. She should have learned her lesson the first time when he grabbed her wrists and took over, teasing her for an hour for being insatiable before he finally let her cum. Those mornings always left her in lazy bliss as he dressed and got himself ready for the day.
His thrusts were deep as he rocked his hips below her. The echo of his words only brought her higher as he talked of filling her, of how much he enjoyed her company. He had talked to her often, giving her plenty of scenarios that he thought of and hoped that she would do.
He talked of letting loose the beast and fucking her hard until all she could do is lie limp in his arms, satisfied and sated. He looked forward to the nights where he could be her tender lover, enjoying the intimacy that came from being husband and wife. There were so many hopes he had for her.
“I am waiting for you, beloved. Come back to me.” This one didn’t sound like an echo. There was a touch on her face, her mouth being kissed while she was still there in her dream.
Dimitri was waiting for her, still wanted her beside him, despite what she had tried to do. She would earn his forgiveness, and then she would try to make their relationship better than it was. She wasn’t an enemy that he needed to bring to heel and she would prove that to him. Her gaze went to the baby sleeping in the cradle and then back to Dimitri. Would she really keep him from earning this reality?
His gaze followed hers before he smiled and laid his hands on her stomach. “You have made so many of my dreams come to fruition, my love. I hope that, at some point, they became yours as well.”
Byleth took his hand and brought it to her lips. "Yes, they have."
That was the simple truth. Her dreams used to include being useful, and now she desired to be with her family. She found a place to belong, and people that needed her to be something other than a killing machine.
His hand found her clit to toy with as she held the other against her cheek. "I love you Byleth, now keep going, climb higher. I'll be right here when you fall off the edge."
He was rocking his hips in time with hers. She loved feeling him deep inside of her like this. His words only increased her pleasure as she felt that warm buildup. His fingers rolled against her clit as he chanted more praises and cupped her face.
Byleth threw her head back and came hard enough that her toes curled. The world shattered around her. His name spilled from her lips as the Dimitri beneath her brought her over the edge. She knew what her decision was, the one her heart wanted to make. No matter the incarnation, it was still Dimitri, and she belonged at his side.
-------------------------------------------
When his counterpart disappeared with Byleth, The King wasn’t sure what he should do. The Prince's words rang through his head. He had told her it was almost time to wake up. Had he given up?
Dimitri wasn’t sure how long he searched, and he could feel his strength leave him much like it had in the cabin when all of her attention was on his younger counterpart. Then he got a glimpse of Byleth as she sat on the Prince’s lap while he attended to a false meeting. The Prince’s fingers had played with her stomach and Dimitri could see the Blaiddyd crest Dima traced with his fingers. Byleth was pregnant within the dream. It was all too similar to what he had done except Byleth was comfortable with him, leaving small kisses on his jaw and taking his hand in hers in a much softer adoration.
The Prince gave him a knowing smile before a wave of the Prince’s hand forced him to an area where he didn't fully recognize the scenery. Then he spotted the lake and mountain range and he knew where he was from there to get himself back to the castle. Rage coiled through him as he stormed towards Fhirdiad, and he found the two of them later sleeping together in thier bed. Byleth was in a simple nightgown that was sheer enough to show every curve. The king spent too long staring at her. The next thing he knew the Prince had lunged at him from the bed and they ended up in the throne room. They fought and it was obvious that the Prince had more strength out of the two of them because of Byleth. When the Prince grabbed ahold of Areadbhar his scarred eye opened to reveal the Blaiddyd crest within the pupil. It was then that Dimitri felt the entire room freeze.
The Prince pushed him and the wind was knocked out of him as he tripped and stumbled back into the throne that suddenly appeared behind him, or maybe he warped to it, he wasn’t sure. That crested eye was the last thing he saw before his world went black.
Dimitri was used to cold, but this storm seemed to seep into his very soul. It was as if something had their claws around his heart. He couldn’t move nor breathe, and he had no strength left. It was a nightmare, one he would never want to repeat.
His heart called out for Byleth. Right now she was safe within his counterpart’s arms, the same one that had trapped him into this state in the first place. He remembered what Byleth had looked like in the dancer’s attire, and he modified it in his mind’s eye so he could see the mark on her stomach, and even further, be able to take her here upon the throne.
When she appeared before him he wasn’t sure when the torment would end. The ribbons moved around her as gracefully as he hoped that they would. It sparkled like she was covered by snow atop the blue fabric. If she were to dance for him in this he would love to catch the glimpses of her body he would surely see in the gaps.
Why Byleth was thinking of him again he had no clue, but it seemed that all of those nights where he had thought that she was waking up to him was enough to implant the thought into her mind to come looking for him.
Dimitri would run his counterpart through when he got the chance. He should have done it some time ago.
Byleth had given him enough strength with her thoughts and now her body was cradling him as her warmth breath stoked the fire within his heart. Her body had given him the warmth he needed to combat whatever it was that his counterpart had used. He might have overdone it again with how rough he ended up with her, but he couldn’t help wanting to give her pleasure for coming back to him. Even now, the scent of her clung to him as he searched for her when she disappeared from his arms again.
It shouldn’t surprise him that he found them in the bedroom, but something was off. Byleth was in a completely different outfit than the one he had imagined for her, but it was the baby in her arms that had him gaping.
Dimitri watched the scene unfold with both awe and jealousy. Byleth’s demeanor matched the ones he hoped for in his fantasies. To have her eager and wanting him. The sight of her holding their child made his heart quicken as a genuine smile curled on his face.
This was the reality he wanted as well, where she was only his and safe from any who wished her harm. He wanted to be the one lying in bed with her now, to taste her and fill her up. Her moans were beautiful, with no hesitation or apprehension. It seemed that he could still touch things but they were ignoring him like he couldn't be seen.
He made his way to the cradle and reached a single finger to brush against the child laying there, sleeping soundly. As much as he wished to hold the baby, he knew that even in a dream, something this fragile was not meant for his hands.
He turned his attention to Byleth. Stroked her cheek and whispered his prayer. When Byleth cried out his name and slumped against the Prince's chest Dimitri wasn't sure what this feeling was. Why would she wake up when she had everything she wanted here?
He pulled his hand back from her as she leaned down for a tired kiss. Dima smiled and stroked her cheek before carefully placing her at his side. It was as if a weight was lifted off Dimitri as soon as she closed her eyes.
Dima glared up at him. "You won't be able to keep this if you break her trust again. She can forgive you, because you didn't know of her feelings, but it will take time."
Dimitri nodded in understanding as he reached out to caress Byleth’s swollen stomach. His thumb traced the outline of his crest on her skin. What he hadn’t noticed earlier was the tattoo upon Dima’s chest. The prince got the crest of flames placed over his heart at some point.
Dima moved to see where Dimitri’s gaze was. He held his hand over the mark. “We did tell her that she was ours as well.”
Dima pet her hair and caressed her cheek. “I knew that she would summon you here sooner or later. I wanted to try to bridge the gap for her so it wouldn’t be so harsh a transition. I have done this for her sake, and I do not want you ruining everything with your selfishness. When she wakes back in the world with you she will retain the memories, but you will need to bond with her if this is what you desire.”
Even in her sleeping state Byleth still nuzzled and hummed against Dima’s hand. This bond certainly was something that Dimitri wanted. Dima moved to get off the bed and Dimitri’s eyes narrowed. It was quite foolish to turn his back on him.
Dimitri moved to pick up the lance near the bed he kept for intruders. The fact that it was safe to have that around Byleth spoke volumes for her temperament. His hand tightened around it as Dima turned back around. When the lance pierced through Dima’s flesh the Prince didn’t even look angry or shocked.
There was a grim determination in the Prince’s gaze. “Your methods in the castle were inexcusable. There should never be a time where we are the source of her pain. Her smile is precious. If you hurt her again, I will come to haunt you. No matter how many times you try to be rid of me, there are parts of yourself that you cannot escape.”
Dima’s voice echoed even as his body melted into darkness and merged with Byleth’s shadow, filtering through Dimitri’s fingers like sand in an hourglass when he reached out to put his hand around Dima’s throat. After a moment not even that was left, it was as if the other version of himself hadn’t existed.
There wasn't even blood on the lance.
It was all rather unsettling. His gaze went to Byleth. She looked peaceful and content, just the way she deserved to be. Dimitri curled up beside her, a mirror to how they were asleep now in his room.
"When you wake, I hope it is at my side, Byleth."
His fingers caressed her swollen stomach as he felt the child move under his palm. To have this in reality would be such a blessing. He wouldn't leave her just yet.
He wanted to know what she tasted like one last time before he woke back to a world where he would be without that sense. So, he brought his mouth down to her breast and he moaned at the sweet taste of her milk. After he had his fill he ran his hands over her, worshipping her pregnant form with his lips and fingers.
He understood why she wouldn't want to leave, he did not wish to either, but it needed to be done. When he closed his eyes beside her, he felt as if he was being jerked away.
When he opened his eyes Byleth was asleep beside him, just how he had left her. The headache that assaulted him felt like it would split his skull in two.
Dedue was hovering nearby. "Did it work? Do you need aid?"
Dimitri shook his head to try to clear it. "There's much to do before she wakes."
Byleth would wake and join him, even if he had to drag her out of her dreams for her to do so.
He ran his fingers against her cheek. Now that he knew that she wasn't an enemy, he could be patient. Her breathing was at a normal rate, not the almost lifeless corpse she had been when she was first brought to him.
All he had to do now was make her feel welcomed in his home, no schemes were needed. It was the despair of the unknown that had him so desperate to sate his desires and know her. He had all of the answers he required now.
-------------------------------------------
Byleth woke up with her head pounding. Something felt different than the times she had risen before. Her body was heavy, and she felt weak, like she barely had the strength to lift up her arms. When her vision cleared she glanced around. It was Dimitri’s bedroom, but it wasn’t how she remembered it. There were no locks or bolts on the shutters, they were open to let the light from outside. There was a vase with white roses on the bedside, along with a pitcher of water. The goblets were different than what she remembered as well.
Looking down she realized that she was in her old clothing. What in the world? Was she dreaming still? Everything blurred together in her head, was any of it real? The fact that there wasn’t a crib at the bedside almost made her panic. There was no ring on her hand. Where was her husband anyway?
That thought made her pause. How much of it did she dream up? Those years as his wife had been wonderful, but how much of it was just a lie her mind created? Byleth tried to swallow again, but her throat was painfully dry. Her gaze went back to the goblet and pitcher of water and she attempted to move and get it herself. The next moment she found herself crashing on the floor, her legs unable to hold up her weight.
The door swung open and large hands were on her in an instant. “My apologies, but I need to pick you up. Are you unharmed?”
Dedue’s voice sounded muffled in her head, she was getting dizzy. Dedue was gentle with her, scooping her up and placing her back onto the bed. He even tucked her in before he checked her temperature.
“What were you trying to do?”
Byleth could barely focus on the words as she pointed at the pitcher of water. Dedue turned to fill one of the goblets and held it to her lips. She drank it greedily, thankful to have the reprieve.
“You’ve been out for several days. His Majesty has been worried for you. Rhea did something to trap you inside your mind, but he has been at your side every night to try to get you to return to us.”
Rhea’s fault, Byleth should have known. “Where is Dimitri?”
“His Majesty is currently busy, but I will fetch him and some food for you both. He wanted me to let him know when you woke back up. Are you sure you did not hit your head during your fall?”
Byleth tried to shake her head no, but she ended up lying back in the bed. “I’m not sure. I feel dizzy and lightheaded.”
Dedue bowed to her. “Then I shall let you rest Professor, please do not try getting up from the bed again until His Majesty arrives.”
That wasn’t going to be hard to do. Byleth rubbed her face as she wondered which version of him would walk through that door. She heard Dedue’s footsteps retreat and then the sound of a bell. That sound was new, not once had it appeared in her dreams. Dedue had called her Professor, not Her Majesty, just what was going on?
Dimitri had left one of his cloaks on the bed. Byleth pulled it closer to her, as the scent of pine wafted her way, she felt the headache dulling. That scent meant that she was safe. There were too many nights in her memory where she had been surrounded by it, surrounded by him as he held her.
Byleth buried her face into the cloak and hugged it to her. She hoped that when her husband arrived he would be gentle with her. The atmosphere already seemed to change in the room. There were no cuffs around her wrists, no bolts, no threats of being watched. It didn’t feel as if she were a prisoner this time.
Byleth ran her fingers along the headboard, finding the compartment that held the chains. They were his size, the smaller links no longer attached; had the ones for her even been there at all? She remembered when Dimitri had allowed her to lead their pleasure and toy with him for a change. Would that be all a dream or did he let her do that to him?
All those nights she begged to be filled went through her head as she hugged the cloak tighter. The only time she had ever felt it was a nightmare was when she had wandered into her memories, but Dimitri rescued her from it. How much of it was real? Was even the Millennium Festival a farce? She couldn’t even pinpoint when her dream began.
She didn’t want to think of that first interaction as she buried her nose into the fur of the cloak. When would Dimitri get back? Real or not, she knew how safe she felt when he held her. How her breathing would calm and she could feel content in his arms. He was so much taller than her, making it easy to wrap himself around her.
Something was itching at the back of her mind that she should be more on guard, but as the scent of pine invaded her senses, the only thing her mind told her was she couldn’t wait to feel his arms around her for real. Under the shadows of the cloak, she could almost feel the warm embrace her Prince had held her in so many nights before.
-------------------------------------------
When Dimitri entered the room with the cart of food he was apprehensive. Just how much would she remember? When Byleth turned her attention towards him she looked like she was having dizzy spells. She couldn't even push herself up to stay sitting.
So many first lines had gone through his head, an angry growl for her trying to leave, reminding her that no matter where her mind decided to hide he would find her, or to remind her that she was his. None of those had seemed right, not until he knew exactly what was going through her mind. "You had me worried."
The smile that crossed her face when she saw him was beaming and he was glad he kept his harsh words to himself for now. That look was too bright to be holding any fear of him. "There you are."
He chuckled as he caressed her cheek. Light touches to see how she reacted. "That should be my line, but I am glad to see that you finally opened your eyes. If it weren’t for your breathing or your pulse I would have feared you were a corpse when they brought you to me."
Byleth leaned into him and nuzzled against his hand. "The wedding... where's my ring?"
That made him pause. He had taken it off of her in case that was part of what sent her into her spiral earlier. "Rhea said that she wanted to punish you. What did she show you? She only said that she trapped you within your mind. I brought you here to my quarters because it was the safest place."
"Was any of it real? What day is it?" Her words were strung together like a feverish muttering.
Dimitri sat down on the bed and held her close, choosing his words carefully would be wise. "I've lost track. I've been staying with and talking to you while you've been asleep. I grabbed you some of the food prepared for the festival. You must be hungry. You don't have to tell any of it to me unless you wish for me to know. I apologize for prying."
He uncovered the plates and started feeding her some of the meat piece by piece as he held onto her. She didn’t struggle to get out of his grip, instead, she only seemed to melt against him in trust. It was a completely different behavior than before. It sounded perhaps that she was thinking that she dreamed up everything, even his mistakes in the beginning.
She did want to be with him, so all he needed to do was bide his time. He could have what he wanted with a little bit of patience, and with how readily she accepted his touch, it might be a little sooner rather than later. "You mentioned a wedding and a ring?"
"It wasn't all a nightmare… I um… well you and I." Byleth bit her lip and reached for more food.
Dimitri kept it out of reach. "Was Rhea's torment making you my wife? I would hope that wouldn't be something akin to torture."
"No, that isn't what I meant." Her blush deepened and then she wouldn’t look at him.
Dimitri put his thumb under her chin as he brushed her lips with his fingers. “Then what did you mean? I find the idea of having you for my wife as quite a pleasant idea if I may be so bold as to say it.”
Byleth swallowed thickly. "There were things you… I don't even know where to begin."
Dimitri caressed her cheek. "It's alright, it sounds like you went through quite the ordeal. Know that I am here for whatever you need."
Byleth closed her eyes and leaned into his touch again. It was so wonderful having her like this. “Yes, you were attentive.”
Perhaps he could indulge just a little. His fingers brought her face up towards him. “I’ve come to realize after all of these nights worrying for you, that you are dear to me.”
He had at least learned a few lessons from their trysts inside her mind. “May I kiss you? I’ve been dreaming of it for so long now. I never should have pushed you away all of those years ago.”
Goddess, if only he could capture the way she smiled and that adoring expression before it was her that leaned up to kiss him. Dimitri coiled around her as he let himself get swept away by her kiss. He wouldn’t make the same mistakes. Part of his madness had been from despair that she would never wake, and now that she was he was determined not to let his impatience get the better of him.
She responded beautifully, even bringing up her arms to bring him closer to her. So much of him wanted to lay her back down on the bed and begin showing her exactly what she had to look forward to in the waking world, but he needed to be patient. There was a part of him that seethed, that told him that she should be punished and teased for the heartache she left him with, both when she decided to use that spell and all those times she left him to be with his younger counterpart. That sting was almost enough to let him pull away from her. That dreamlike quality in her eyes as she looked up at him with her lips parted made him reconsider.
“Better than I dreamed of.” He stroked her cheek as he rubbed her lips with his thumb.
He hoped that she wouldn’t notice the dose of aphrodisiac on his fingertips, every time he had gone back to dip his fingers back towards the food he had made sure to coat them so she’d ingest it. His first mistake earlier was giving her the whole bottle to drink all at once.
As hot as his passion burned for her, it needed to be a slow rising heat that consumed her. The sweat and effects left her in a state that was unsafe to leave her alone in. She was already a little delirious so these effects should go unnoticed. He hadn’t given her enough of the aphrodisiac to make her lose herself to the desire, but she should lower her defenses and warm up to him with it.
He reached over for some more of the food. “You need to eat. Dedue also mentioned that you fell out of the bed trying to reach for the water. I can give you that as well.”
Byleth nodded as she ate another piece from his fingers. He’d leave the rest of the aphrodisiac alone for the moment. He should let her feel safe and come to him. Perhaps that small amount of dosage would be enough to keep her pliant until she chose what she wanted, and then he would give her more to heighten the pleasure he was already capable of.
When the plate was cleaned he reached for the goblet and pitcher to let her drink some of the water available for her. When she handed it back to him and he put it down he couldn’t help himself, letting his hand go back to caress her face. She closed her eyes and the content expression on her face made a smile curve on his lips. This was what he wanted from the beginning, for her to respond to his touches.
He pressed his lips against her forehead as he lifted her up and put her back down on the bed. “You probably need to rest some more. I could draw a bath for you later, if you’d like. Until those dizzy spells go away, I don’t want you trying to move out of this bed by yourself. For now, I have some more work to do, but I will be back.”
“Can’t you stay with me a little longer?”
He had already adjourned the meeting and told no one to disturb him. To hear her ask this early made his heart soar as he settled in beside her and pet her hair back away from her face. He grabbed a book off his nightstand and was amazed at the feel of her pressing up against him as she dozed back off as he pretended to be more interested in the book than her. When her breathing was deep and even he let his fingers wander to caress her shoulders and jaw some more.
Her eyes fluttered open and she gave him a small smile. “That feels nice.”
Then her hand and head came to lay upon his chest as she snuggled deeper against him. He swallowed thickly as he laid the book down and embraced her, loving every hum that would escape her lips. Every stroke against her skin would elicit another reaction from her.
His pants were getting uncomfortably tight, but that would wait. This was a new experience she was allowing him. The amount of trust that it required to rest next to another, the feeling of her breath and the small movements already made her seem more alive than her previous corpse-like state.
Like this, it was almost as if she was using him as a pillow, which was a role he would happily fulfill for her. She did wake up briefly again, adjusting herself, but didn’t try to slip away. Her ear lay over his heart when she settled back down once again.
Like this, it was easy to forget the rest of the world as he held her and marveled at just the feel of her against him. Things were already going much better than expected from the first time, but now everything seemed perfect.
-------------------------------------------
Byleth woke up to a familiar sound, the heartbeat under her was strong, as were the arms wrapped around her as Dimitri reclined on the bed watching her. That hazy grogginess still made her head spin, but she could feel the desire running just underneath the surface. His kiss had been every bit as claiming as the ones in her dreams. They were both still dressed, which spoke volumes as to their current situation. While most of the horrors had been inside her mind, this bond was what she craved. She bit her lip as some of the more pleasant memories from the previous dreams surfaced.
Her hand rubbed against his chest, squeezing lightly before her finger came to flick against his nipple over the fabric of his shirt. She was wet and aroused, which was normal for the dreams but it made her wonder why that desire still lingered out of them. He had told her that he liked the idea of her being his wife, but how much of the dream could be mirrored in reality? Would he still be as devoted to her as the one in her dreams had been?
Was he as big as her dreams had made him out to be? Her curiosity had her hand trailing down over the muscles on his stomach and onto the bulge that told her he was exactly as she imagined. When she looked up his blue eyes were opened and focused on her. She rested her head on her arm as she watched his reactions as she stroked him through his pants. Her other fingers traced small lines on his chest as she bit her lip and squeezed her thighs together.
She wondered how she had gotten that predatory look duplicated so well in her dreams. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
His hand came to stroke a line down her spine before it settled under the hem of her shorts. It made her shiver. “You always did seize whatever it is you set your sights on. I always had pity for the one that stood in your way of something that you wanted. Am I correct in what you want, Professor? I would be more than happy to oblige you.”
Something made her wonder if she might still be dreaming, but he called her Professor, not Beloved. The Dimitri in her dreams had repeatedly told her that all she had to do was ask and he would give her what she wanted, as long as it wasn’t to let her go. She wondered what exactly he spoke of while she was asleep that they would conjure such images inside her mind. Her hand hadn’t stopped idly stroking him, and she could feel him getting larger and more erect. It was obvious that he wanted her too.
No tests were needed in the dreams, but it made her wonder what was required here. “My head still feels a little dizzy. I’m not sure what came over me. I didn’t mean to tease, but I think that it would only make things worse.”
Something dark and disapproving crossed his face for only a moment. At first, she wondered if she had imagined it.
His hand retreated from her shorts. “Perhaps a bath will help.”
The next thing she knew he had rolled out from underneath her to stand. When he scooped her up she felt weightless in his arms, but that dizziness struck again from the sudden movement. She clung to him to keep herself steady. She could feel the weight of his stare, but his steps didn’t falter. He sat her down on the counter and she found bliss in the cold stone to rest her forehead against.
She recognized this place, it had shown up in her dreams too. Dimitri leaned down to get the bath ready for her. There were a few small clinks. “Mint is supposed to help with headaches. Would you mind if that got added in, or would that only make it worse?”
“Please, that sounds wonderful.” Mint was one of the things he had purchased the most for her to use in the dream as well.
As he got the bottle open and the scent filled the room she could feel the throb lessen for a moment. The dream Dimitri had told her that he liked the scent on her and it always calmed his nerves, so she had gotten quite used to bathing in it. That was something that made her wonder how long she had been trapped within those dreams. What was real, what wasn’t? She clutched her head as pain wracked her skull.
She heard her name before she felt hands on her face. Dimitri was bowed below her, that concern on his face spoke volumes for what she must look like now. “Tell me what’s wrong. Can I help?”
Byleth closed her eyes. “It feels like my skull is going to split in two when I try to remember what’s happened. It’s like something is banging against my skull and trying to blot out the memory before I can reach it. The farther back I go the more it hurts. I don’t know what’s real and what wasn’t a dream.”
She felt his fingers cradle her face. “Don't allow yourself to be swallowed by whatever illusions Rhea used to prey on your mind. Focus on the here and now, and know that I am here should you need me."
Byleth took a deep breath before she opened her eyes. Some scenes were still crystal clear. The night he fed her the chocolate, and they coupled for the first time, their wedding day, and the birth of their child and the subsequent wonderful days after. There were dark spots in her memory, things that she felt she should remember but could not. Those were lies, not reality. The other images that haunted her were ones that she found were slipping further away. How could she even voice that to his face? Even then, the one that haunted her the most, what was that exactly? She remembered being shocked awake, but…
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I am worried that if you faint you could drown or slip and fall if you are here by yourself.”
“You can stay, I’d actually like it if you’d join me.” Did that really come out of her mouth? Why not just mount him right here? Could she be more obvious?
His eyes widened in surprise. “I’d be delighted, but are you sure that is what you want?”
She couldn’t help the blush that crossed over her face.
Dimitri retreated his hands before he stood up and covered his face. It seemed that he was blushing himself. “I do apologize if I seem too eager. My mind has been playing fantasies of its own while you’ve been here with me. I keep running that day in the academy through my mind. I should have held my hand out towards you and returned your embrace. Pushing you away has been one of my deepest regrets, and when you found your way back into my arms again, I could not help but hope that perhaps you could give me another chance… that perhaps we could..”
When Byleth tried to hop off of the counter to get to him her legs betrayed her again and she stumbled into him. His arms caught her and that embrace was so familiar to her now. “I should have told you how much I had fallen for you then. I’m sorry, I just… I’m… I didn’t want to bring shame…”
His lips on hers cut off her words and stole her breath as he held her close. “Listen to me now when I say I would never be ashamed to have someone as strong and beautiful as you at my side. I love you Byleth, I have loved you for so long. The only thing you need to say is that you will stay here and we can figure out the rest.”
Byleth could hear the desperate ache in his words as he pressed his forehead against hers.
When she returned the kiss and wrapped her arms around him she knew what her decision was. Even if what they could create was only a fraction of the relationship she had glimpsed within the dreams, she wanted it, wanted him desperately enough to try. In the corners of her mind she could feel a soothing cold wind blowing away her other worries.
And a whisper, promising her that they would take care of her.
Notes:
twitter and tumblr is Lunafox90
Comments and kudos are always appreciated, please be kind to the writer and fellow readers. I hope that you enjoyed. We're almost at the end of this long and winding road, and boy has it been an experience.
Pages Navigation
daisy_is_flowers on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 01:04AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
wayfareangel on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 01:29AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
lNaoki on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 01:50AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
Guest (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 02:01AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
Ann13angel on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 03:48AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
capulette on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 10:07AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 10:38AM UTC
Comment Actions
capulette on Chapter 2 Sun 11 Oct 2020 06:12PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:55PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rubyhaven (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 02:27PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 02:44PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rubyhaven (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 03:40PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 04:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:55PM UTC
Comment Actions
marigold_gardens on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 05:22PM UTC
Last Edited Sat 10 Oct 2020 06:25PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sat 10 Oct 2020 06:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 2 Sun 18 Oct 2020 11:55PM UTC
Comment Actions
Too_much_thyme_wombat4 on Chapter 2 Mon 15 Feb 2021 08:09AM UTC
Comment Actions
Himedere (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 16 Apr 2022 03:25PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rubyhaven (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 01:21AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 08:27AM UTC
Comment Actions
Ann13angel on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 03:12AM UTC
Comment Actions
Dolsky on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 09:10AM UTC
Comment Actions
Rubyhaven (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 08:08PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 08:38PM UTC
Last Edited Mon 19 Oct 2020 10:29PM UTC
Comment Actions
wayfareangel on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 10:17PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 10:28PM UTC
Comment Actions
wayfareangel on Chapter 3 Mon 19 Oct 2020 10:30PM UTC
Comment Actions
HersheyBby (Guest) on Chapter 3 Sat 24 Oct 2020 09:44AM UTC
Comment Actions
lNaoki on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 02:03AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Fri 04 Dec 2020 11:36PM UTC
Comment Actions
Dimitri x Byleth (Guest) on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 03:18AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 11:39AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Fri 04 Dec 2020 11:36PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rubyhaven (Guest) on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 05:35AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 11:41AM UTC
Comment Actions
Bleeding_moon1310 on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 08:21AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Nov 2020 05:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lunafox90 on Chapter 4 Fri 04 Dec 2020 11:34PM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation