Chapter Text
===Claire’s POV===
“Is it all right for the Queen to casually be in town?” I asked a little warily as Sister pulled up a chair for me, ever the gentleman. We are in one of the more luxurious cafés here in Sousse, but for their Queen to easily come in here is a little unconventional. And just for me, no less…
Sister smirked as she sat in the chair in front of me, “Don’t worry about it, Claire.” She barely even glanced at the menu before she flagged down a waitress who almost tripped running to our table.
Well, it’s the only occupied table as Sister’s security detail has scared off the regular customers.
I didn’t even need to look at the menu as Sister ordered the tea and pastry I would have for myself.
“Quite impressive of Rae to be representing Bauer, huh?” Sister said, her awe was not lost on me.
I smiled involuntarily.
My wife is still averse regarding politics, often leaving these discussions to me and our father. But as the one person who understands AIs and the loop system better than anyone else in the world, there are moments when she cannot ignore the invitation and gets invited as a spokesperson to educate the rest of the world’s leaders about the intricacies of the system.
And as her wife, I joined the trip to proudly support her. We left our lovely daughters, May and Aleah, to my father. A huge relief for both Rae and I was that our daughters aren’t afraid of being orphaned anymore which means that they fully trust us now.
“So, how have things been at Bauer?”
“Things aren’t as exciting as they were when we were fighting demons, but it’s peaceful.”
It’s been a few years since we fought Rei Oohashi (and consequently, TAIM), 5 years, in fact. I’ve been living a very happy and satisfying life with Rae, Aleah, and May since then.
“And what of your marriage?”
I paused, waiting for Sister to elaborate.
“What about my marriage?” I asked confusedly.
Sister waggled her eyebrows suggestively, leaning closer towards me, “You know,” she leaned a little closer, “in your bed…”
I pulled away in embarrassment, “What-” I felt my cheeks heating up, “What are you asking, Sister?!”
Sister pouted as she leaned back in her chair, “Boo…”
So childish…
I know she deserves the crown but, she can be so childish.
“Years of marriage and still a prude…”
“It’s a private matter!”
“I’d share those details of my life with you, Claire.”
I’m pretty sure I look appalled, “I am quite sure Eve would not approve of that. And I don’t think I want to know what you’re up to in the bedroom, Sister.”
“Don’t be like that, Claire,” Sister laughed. Her eyes lit up; I assume at the mention of Eve.
Then a playful glint flashed on her face.
I gulped, suddenly uncomfortable.
“Are you not worried that not spicing things up in the bedroom would cause Rae to be bored?”
I am now uncomfortable for a completely different reason. Rae had never given me reason to doubt her loyalty but what if Sister was right? We will be married for 6 years this year.
Additionally, Rae had experience before she was transported to this world.
What if she soon finds me boring?
Doubts began to seep into my mind.
“Hehe. Still very serious, Claire.”
I crossed my arms and glared at her, “That’s an upsetting thought, Sister.”
“Forgive me. I know Rae is as loyal as anyone comes.”
I agree wholeheartedly.
“Her respect for you is unrivaled as well. You’re so lucky, Claire.”
Sister was in love with Rae once upon a time. Sometimes I wonder if she could still be in love with her at times.
This was one of those times.
“In fact, I actually have a present for you.” She grinned widely as she motioned to one of her attendants who stepped near us and handed me a plain box.
I moved to open it.
“Open it once you’re back in Bauer. I suggest you not tell Rae about this little gift until you decide to use it.”
I pursed my lips as I looked at the box thoughtfully, “You expect me to keep a secret from my wife?”
“For the sake of refreshing your marriage, yes!” She answered excitedly.
I was torn.
This is intriguing.
Rae had experience before she came into this world.
Maybe this would even things up a bit between us.
“Will you tell me what this does first?” I finally ask, needing to sate the curiosity before deciding what I would do.
Sister grinned widely again.
===Rae’s POV===
It was nearing dinnertime when I was finally out of my meeting. I immediately unbuttoned the blazer I was wearing as soon as I was sure I was out of immediate sight of the place I came from, needing to loosen up after a busy day.
Ralaire was beside me, acting as my companion for the short walk to the café Queen Manaria told me they would be in until I was ready to take Claire back.
I admit I’m still learning a lot about politics despite being a part of the now historical Bauer Revolution and the equally if not more historical fight with the Demon Queen and TAIM. I don’t have Claire’s natural inclination to it, and I would definitely leave all this up to her, but there comes a need for me to step up at moments like this.
I was outside of the café a few minutes later, and greeted some of Queen Manaria’s attendants that I recognized before going inside. My gaze immediately zoned in on my wife and I skipped the rest of the way, “Claaaaire.”
It took a while to get used to, but my wife finally got me to stop calling her Miss Claire months after we got back to Bauer.
“Rae!” Claire greeted me happily, immediately pulling me down to sit on the chair beside her and intertwining our hands together.
“Queen Manaria,” I greeted my wife’s companion with a lot less enthusiasm than I did her.
“Rae,” Queen Manaria grinned impishly, “Are you taking a mistress?”
I’m quite confident her infatuation with me was all gone. She’s just very flirty.
I simply raised an eyebrow while Claire shook her head, unamused at the blatant disrespect of our marriage.
“As I told you multiple times, Queen Manaria, I am completely loyal to my wife.”
“You can’t blame me for trying,” She winked, “Won’t you two join me for dinner? I believe you two would be journeying back to Bauer early tomorrow.”
I turned to my wife, feeling the tiredness of the day evaporate as I locked eyes with her, “Would you like to join Queen Manaria for dinner, Claire?”
“I wouldn’t mind. You two need to get reacquainted. You two are so busy, you barely saw each other the past days.”
“Then we’d like to kindly take you up on the offer, Queen Manaria.” I said and we were on our way back to Sousse palace a few minutes later.