#fluffmay

“You’re going to throw a party.”

It wasn’t a question and she got confirmation as she saw her best friend looking at her in surprise before looking away.

“Come on, Vanessa. How did you find out?”

“Oh, I don’t know. You all just weren’t as subtle as you wanted to be. Especially Yami, he didn’t even try and I just played dumb.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Finral sighed, as he was turning the wedding band on his finger.

“You can’t, he’s your boss. Not to mention that it would be a crime, my dear.”

“I know.”

Finral looked over at his boss, the owner of the Black Bulls Motorcycles, who was sitting at the bar, drinking his third or fourth beer and complaining that he couldn’t smoke because the smoking area of the beach restaurant was still under renovation.

“Kaiser seems so unfaced. I know many people who would have lost after just five minutes of Yami complaining,” Vanessa giggled, as she saw the owner of the Purple Orca just listening to Yami while cleaning some glasses.

“He just has the patience of a saint. Well, it was needed to transform this place from a crime’s nest into a little paradise,” Finral just said, taking a sip from his pineapple juice.

Vanessa couldn’t agree more. She liked Kaiser. He was one of the chilliest persons she ever met and since he took over this restaurant, the Purple Orca transformed from a shady bar with hidden criminal activities and the reputation that went with it to a nice place, favourite spot of Raque for inhabitants and tourists, surfers and swimmers. A place where you can having a party or enjoy your evening after a day of work. Or both.

“So, um, Vanessa…”

“Yes?”

“Could you please do as if you don’t know? We booked the entire place, Kaiser and his wife helped to prepare everything, Morgen finally managed to catch Nacht so he can be here for the evening, Dorothy has prepared something as well and there will be a lot of people, for a big and nice party, just so as you like them. And Noelle especially seems very excited, so…”

Vanessa hide her smirk. She knew exactly why Noelle was excited.

“Don’t stress, Fin, I will play the surprised birthday girl like it’s expected on me. I’m happy that Nacht will come too and I’m curious what surprise my boss will do.”

Dorothy came from the same place as her. Witchtown looked like a lovely town in the middle of the Forest, but it wasn’t that nice once you knew the background and Vanessa had been at a good place to know that, as daughter of the mayor.

But she chased those memories away. She was already visiting therapy for her past trauma and her birthday wasn’t the day to remember something unhappy.

At that moment, she saw Noelle enter the restaurant, her surfboard under her arm. Vanessa made a sign and the young princess just waved back, before sitting alone at some table near the terrasse. Rebecca, a friend and a teenage girl who worked at the Purple Orca during some of her free time, immediately went to take her command and probably for some girl talk.

“What’s up with Noelle?”

“Oh, she went surfing and hoped to see Asta, but he went to the train station. Yuno is back from Spade, apparently and you know Asta, he won’t miss an occasion to spend time with his adoptive brother.”

“Ah, I understand. Poor sweetie. She still won’t admit her feelings and Asta is so oblivious.”

“Not to mention that she’s royalty. Dating someone out of your circle is difficult when you’re royalty, even in those modern times.”

Oh, Vanessa knew that. Probably better than Finral knew. But that was still her secret.

“Noelle even learned to surf to impress Asta, even though she would never admit it,” Finral continued. “I still wonder who taught her though. She never accepted help from anyone, of course. But someone had to teach her how to surf.”

Vanessa giggled. Oh, she knew exactly who taught Noelle how to surf.

“Don’t worry about Noelle, I’m sure she will gain her good mood again this evening for the party. Speaking of royalty, do you think the prince will come?”

“Yes, he will. Lumière finally found some free time. But you know, he will mostly spend his precious moments with Secre.”

“Ah, young love. They’re so cute together.”

“Yes, but the king won’t accept their relationship so easily. He might be an idiot, but you know that king Augustus is very peculiar on this topic. For anyone in the three royal families.”

“Won’t stop his son to date Secre.”

“No, it won’t. You’re right about that.”

Vanessa finished her drink and let her pay on the table. There was a place she wanted to go and someone she wanted to see.

“I see you this evening, Fin. Greet Finesse for me.”

“Will do. Where are you going, anyway? How many bars you want to drunk run before coming back?”

“None. There’s someone I want to see.”

“Ah, that secret boyfriend of yours…”

Usually Finral wasn’t that cheeky. Only when the topic was about the mysterious man who she was dating for months now. But unlike most of her friends, Finral actually believed that it was real and not some fantasy.

“Yes, that secret boyfriend of mine. I will eventually bring him to the party this evening.”

“Oh, we finally going to met him? Well, that means I won my bet.”

“You did have bets about my significant other?”

“Yep. But mostly if that person was real or not. Only Noelle and I did bet that he was real. Yami and those who made bets were sure it was just a fantasy of yours.”

“Going to prove them wrong, then. It’s not because that I didn’t have the best experience with dating that I’m desperate to invent someone.”

“I know that. Whoever that guy is, he makes you happy and that’s the most important. I’m really curious to finally meet him.”

“You’ll meet him this evening. See you later, Fin. And greet Finesse for me.”

Vanessa waved and practically run out of the restaurant. She was impatient to see Nozel.

♣♣♣

Raque was a vacation paradise for bathing and surfers. Even most members of the three royal families preferred to live here rather than in the capital. Well, the Kiras, Vermillions and Silvas had each their own estates in Raque, while they shared one big palace back in the capital of Clover.

Vanessa was happy to live in Raque. But even though she loved the beaches and the noise and everything that could happened on the beaches, often she preferred the hidden, secret creeks and beaches, when she wanted time for herself.

Or spend time with her boyfriend. It was on a secret beach she properly met him after all.

It was their place. Hidden between trees and some flat, round rocks was a little, beautiful white shore, with often the perfect waves for a surfer. Today, on the late afternoon, this little paradise seemed to shine in a pale golden glow. The sun was sometimes hidden by a few passing clouds, but Vanessa didn’t care. A pure blue sky could get boring over time and clouds at least were always changing their shape, telling a new story with each new form.

And there he was. Her silver surfer.

Full of glee, Vanessa dropped her beach bag on the sand just next to his, took her burgundy towel out and sat on it, admiring the talent of her boyfriend.

Nozel was an amazing surfer. It was fascinating to see how each way, each art of riding waves had no secret for him. And almost no one knew about his talent. It was one of his secrets and Vanessa only found out about it when she searched a new secret beach to have some time for herself. By coincidence – or was it Fate? – she chose exactly the hidden shore Nozel used for his surf training.

Like her, Nozel didn’t have an easy past. An absent father who were always harsh once he came home and the terrible accident of his beloved mother, who had been in comatose for years and who was today too weak to take care again, left him basically alone in charge of his three younger siblings. He had his aunt from the Vermillions to help him, of course, but the pression that was always present for royalty even today and other things had make things overly difficult for him, to a point that it gave him a cold mask despite himself. It was only recently that he began to allow to give himself more freedom.

What had been helping him all those years were his secret hobbies. Nozel called them his sanctuaries. Reading books and poetry, history and of course surfing. Vanessa had been ready to keep his secret, if she was allowed to share hislittle beach.

They bonded over time, get to know each other and opened up to their hidden wounds. From friendship something more deep grew between them. Something that over time unmasked itself as love.

It was almost a year since they were secretly dating, with only a few people being aware on this new royal relationship. Secre found out first and soon prince Lumiere too, who was gladly helping his distant cousin with his own romance. Noelle found out by accident and after some shock, she became basically their number 1 fan. Dorothy knew it too and Vanessa suspected Fuegoleon Vermillion, Nozels rival in… a lot of things, to have some suspicion.

It was nice to have a secret like that and Vanessa enjoyed the sweet calm it gave them. Because she knew that once a royal relationship was out in the open, there will be a storm coming from them. She remembered well how the whole country reacted to Lumière and Secre. Paparazzies would find their way to get the best scoop with no respect for privacy, the social media would comment and assume the craziest things and a good bunch of royalty would make faces at a match rather unfit for royalty. Which was a stupid argument, they weren’t living in medieval times.

But Vanessa was ready. She wanted to grow old with Nozel, to share his happiness and burden. They couldn’t hide forever. And most importantly, what was between them was worth those hardships. She saw how it made Lumière and Secre stronger with their bond. Vanessa was certain that it will be the same for Nozel and herself.

The coming out at the party would be the start of it. It was something Nozel and Vanessa decided a while ago.

Also, it was her birthday and unhappy thoughts were forbidden today.

She waited for Nozel to finish his rides and come out of the water. How long before he’ll realize that he wasn’t alone anymore?

Not long for once, he saw her the moment he went out of the water, his surfboard under his arm. And still Nozel took his sweet time to come at her. To prolong the joy, maybe? Or was it because he was in awe seeing her like this, in her new burgundy bikini? For some reason, he was always seemed in a loss or words when he saw her in a new outfit, even if it was just her in some unappealing comfy clothes.

When he was finally at her spot and put his board down, Vanessa couldn’t wait anymore. She jumped up and right into his arms.

“Hello there, handsome. Missed me?”

“Happy Birthday, Vanessa.”

He didn’t answer for her question, nor did he wait for her thanks. Nozel went straight to her lips, giving her a soft kiss, but still passionately.

Nozel didn’t let her go as they parted. Vanessa even had the feeling was holding her tighter. She couldn’t help but smirk a bit.

“Do not worry, stud. We still have hours before the party and after that, we have the entire night. Alone together,” she whispered in his ear and couldn’t help to feel triumphant as her boyfriend blushed slightly.

“Your place or mine?” he still asked, with a glimmer in his eyes that made her heart beating faster.

“Mine, it’s my birthday after all. Don’t worry, I tidied… a bit.”

“Hm.”

“And you can be at ease, I haven’t touched the clothes you left in my appartement last time, you’ll be fine.”

“Speaking of, you let your pink hairbrush in my room three days ago.”

“Oh, it was there? That’s why I couldn’t find it, despite knowing my mess by heart.”

Vanessa giggled and Nozel allowed himself to smile.

As they sat down on their towels, Nozel began to search for something in his bag.

“I’ve got something for you.”

“Oh, is it you?”

Nozel stopped searching to look at her, puzzled. “Why would you think that?”

“Well, you’re my boyfriend and the greatest gift I had in years. A gift that I’m going to fully enjoy tonight.”

She winked and laughed as Nozel looked away, blushing again. “Well, thank you… but it’s… something else.”

“You could give it to me at surprise party, like everyone else.”

“I could, but… I prefer to offer you my gift now, while we’re alone. It’s… well… Let’s just say I don’t want Yami to tease me. More than he would, after we’ll announce our relationship.”

Vanessa could understand that. She was sure that Yami wouldn’t let an occasion slip to tease Nozel. He’ll already tease her boyfriend endlessly when they’ll come out of secrecy and to be honest, she didn’t want to give Yami anymore reason to tease Nozel today. Not on her birthday.

Nozel finally gave her gift. It was wrapped nicely in some silver paper, with an elegant marine ribbon. It was almost a waste to destroy it, but Vanessas curiosity won over her admiration.

Still, she carefully pull the ribbon away and gently teared the paper away, only to reveal a simple black box. She looked at her boyfriend, but he simply nodded his head, a small smile on his lips.

As Vanessa opened the box, a strange and beautiful necklace appeared. It was a round silver pendant, decorated with arabesques and holes in form of stars. It looked old and not at the same time.

Vanessa took the pendant in her hands to observe it better, only to realize that she could actually opened it, so she did.

Inside was a compass. Old-looking and elegant, like the ones maybe corsairs used centuries ago. Vanessa was actually in awe, because it was really nice handwork. She never thought much about compasses before, but this one was very much for her liking.

“Nozel… it’s beautiful. Thank you.”

She wished she could say more, but she couldn’t find any fitting words to express her gratitude. Nozel only smiled as he tugged one of her locks behind her ear.

“You’re welcome. I’m happy you love it.”

“I still do wonder… why a compass? Does it have some deeper meaning?”

“It does.”

His eyes went towards the sea, where the waves crashed beautifully on the sand. He looked like he was lost in some past memories. Vanessa wondered which ones. Recent ones, like the hours he spent here with Noelle to teach her how to surf? Or older ones, when it was his mother who helped him learning the art of riding waves.

He took his time to answer, but Vanessa didn’t pushed. The moment they shared right now seemed too precious to be distraught.

“When I was little, I had a huge fight with my father. Well, it wasn’t really a fight, but we had some heavy disagreement. I don’t remember what it was about, just that in the end, I was sad and angry. Both at my father, because he was never proud of me, and at myself, because I still longed for his attention, despite knowing better.”

Nozel sighed deeply before continuing, “My mother came to comfort me. That day, she gifted me a compass, similar to the one I gave you. She told me that it was okay to be lost from time to time. All I needed to do was to find north again. My own north, as she said. I just… well… I wanted to give you something similar.”

He looked away, clearly embarrassed. It was so adorable.

Vanessa smiled as she looked back at the compass. It was a beautiful story, like every one which include his mother. She wished that she could one day finally meet Acier Silva, once she would feel a bit better.

“Your mother was right, it’s okay to feel lost, you can always find north again,” Vanessa whispered, putting the necklace around her neck. “Although, I don’t think that I risk to feel lost anymore. You’re my north, after all.”

Nozel looked at her, puzzled but smiling. Vanessa didn’t let him say something though, as she went straight to his lips to pull him into a soft, passionate kiss. Which he returned immediately.

As she lied in his arms, enjoying his company, Vanessa felt that it was a perfect birthday indeed. She would spent the rest of the afternoon with Nozel, cuddling, kissing, maybe they might even go to swim or he would surf with her. Once they got a call from Noelle, they would leave their beach and quickly make a stop at her appartement to make themselves fresh, before finally going to her surprise (not so anymore) surprise party at the Purple Orca. And after that, they would have the entire night for them.

The sound of the rain sounded like a calm, soothing lullaby.

Vanessa closed her eyes, not to try to fall asleep, but enjoy this lullaby better, as much as she could. The fact that she was in Nozels arms right now, that she could feel his chest slightly moving by his breathing behind her back, make it pretty easy.

She was in his room at the Silva palace. Of course she was. They were together since almost two weeks. Vanessa never slept alone since their first time and never again in her bedroom back at the Black Bulls hideout. Sometimes, she wondered if she was even able to sleep back there again, alone and on the too soft mattress. But she didn’t want to try even.

To think about that all of this started in Spade, when they talked for the first time. When she finally stopped clinging on that delusion on Yami after she didn’t felt any jealousy when Charlotte confessed to him. And the first person she told a bit about it was Nozel. Fate or coincidence? Vanessa couldn’t tell, but it definitely had a strange sense of humour, if it was humour.

She had decided to take her love life on a new way. But Vanessa never would have thought that she would fell in love and even more so, getting loved in return. And getting together! Not that she complained, Nozel was definitely one of the best things that happened in her life, alongside the Black Bulls and getting out of the cage.

Vanessa couldn’t tell when exactly she fell in love with Nozel. Maybe it came slowly, step by step. Maybe it happened so fast that she didn’t realized it immediately. Maybe it happened in Spade already and she needed time to know him better before she realized it.

Did it even matter? It happened and here she was now, in his arms, loving him, being loved by him.

Being with him was enough. Loving each other was enough.

Vanessa sighed. If only it could have been the case. It was enough for Nozel, she knew that, he was showing this in each of his gestures, in the way he looked at her, in the way he loved her. Each small gesture was a proof that he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. A simple wish.

But they weren’t just Nozel and Vanessa. They were also a Silver Eagle and a Black Bull. But this would have been enough too. No, more important was the fact that they were from totally different circles. Circles that usually didn’t mixed, especially not out of love, at least from the perspective of nobility.

A prince and a witch.

Vanessa chuckled softly. That sounded like a dark fairy tale or a dark romance novel. She liked that, honestly.

Others won’t, especially nobles. She didn’t cared about their stupid opinions and she knew that Nozel didn’t either. But they both couldn’t ignore it either. Nobles had power and Nozel was one of the most eligible royals in the kingdom. Not to mention that his jerk of a father had something to say about it.

Vanessa hated Lac Silva. She only met him once and couldn’t know much about him. What she knew already was enough for her to hate him. She still couldn’t believe that this horrible man was the father of Nozel and Noelle. Even Nebra and Solid deserved better.

She still hoped sometimes that this man had a brother or a cousin with a better heart and that Acier Silva had a secret romance with said brother or cousin, getting her children from her lover instead of her husband.

But with what Nozel told about his mother, it was impossible that Acier Silva had a secret lover who would have loved her truly.

Vanessa hated that Lac Silva had so much power and even worse, such a good reputation. While he cheated on his wife with women he only used to secure his ambitions, he considered his children only as chess pieces, especially Nozel for some reason.

Vanessa closed her eyes, concentrating on the lullaby in the rain, on Nozel, his breath and his arms around her, his whole presence.

This was what she wanted. Not only in the presence, but also in the future. A future with him, whatever this might be.

She never wished for much before, when she got out of the cage. Maybe that Yami would see her as a potential lover, but Vanessa knew now that this never had been a serious wish. As for the rest, she had the Black Bulls, people to care for, a family. Most of her wishes were for her squadmates, not for herself.

But then, Nozel came along. He became one of her people, someone to care about, to protect, to wish him happiness, Rouge worked on him as well. He became practically the love of her life. Her lost duckling crush on Yami was nothing compared to what she felt for Nozel. How strange. Not even one year ago, she wouldn’t thought more about him than Noelles cold older brother and the captain of the Silver Eagles, with a rather original hair style. And look where she was with him one year later.

Vanessa smiled. All things considered, she loved that turn of events.

And because she loved him and what they had so much, she was now afraid to lose it. Really afraid. Vanessa was certain that she couldn’t take it to lose Nozel, in any way possible. She couldn’t take to lose any of the people she cared about and he was not different on that matter. Even more so, he was the man she loved. With that, he had a unique place in her heart.

“You’re not sleeping?”

His voice was deep and muffled. Nozel was still tired, his face must be in her hair or in the crook of her neck. She could feel his warm breath against her skin. He blow a soft kiss on her neck.

“I was thinking.”

She felt him nodding softly. Of course he didn’t ask, because he knew what was on her mind right now.

The ball.

That stupid ball that would be use as a trap to force other people to get betrothed against their will. Masked as a victory ball against Spade. So, the Magic Knights who weren’t nobles and royals were invited as well. Probably forced to see their noble friends and loved ones being engaged to complete strangers or jerks against their will.

It was a dark way to paint the things and Vanessa even suspected that not everyone would be aware. But this was probably what Lac Silva imagined when he signed this offer. Forcing her to watch Nozel being engaged to a noble bitch.

Lac Silva might consider love as a complete bullshit, but he still might give it enough importance to hurt both Nozel and herself. While assuring a very beneficial marital alliance, two birds with one stone.

She had no proof, of course. But honestly, with what she knew already about Lac Silva, it wouldn’t surprise her at all.

“I hate your father.”

“No surprise here. You’re even absolutely right with that sentiment.”

Vanessa chuckled. It was funny and comforting also that Nozel didn’t hold his father in his own heart as well. But then, she let out a deep sigh.

“Nozel… What will we do now?”

She heard him sigh. Nozel didn’t answered immediately, that wasn’t his style. Vanessa let him think. It was already so very soothing how tightly he hold her, as if he was afraid she would disappear if he wouldn’t hold enough.

“Honestly… I don’t know. I regret that I don’t know more about noble etiquette and all those unwritten golden rules. Nebra and aunt Océane are far better experts than I am. But… I love you more than life itself, Vanessa… Whatever happens, I have chosen you already.”

Oh gosh, how she loved that. How Nozel was able to say things like that as if it was the most natural thing in the world, without sounding so pompous, cringey or ridiculous.

She kissed him as thanks, long and full of passion. They were out of breath as they broke the kiss.

“Oh gosh, look at us! Honey, I love when you kiss me senseless, but that still doesn’t answer what will do.”

“I know. But I really have no idea.”

He hugged her tightly, his face in the crook of her neck. Vanessa snuggled to him as close as she could. She knew how much Nozel hated to be unsure, to not know what to do next. That was how he felt when his mother had been cursed and he was still not quite over it. Nozel needed so much comfort when he was uncertain.

At least, he clearly more than certain about his love for her and this was more than enough reassuring for Vanessa.

“Will your father leave you in peace, somehow?”

“I fear not. He leaves me alone for now, but this is one of his strategies to get what he wants. My… Lac leaves his victim alone with a subject for a while, before attacking back with force, when his victims expect him the least. I observed him a lot since I was eleven or twelve. At least, when I had the occasion, after all, he wasn’t often at home. For now, he’s leaving me and my siblings alone. But he certainly hasn’t given up to find a match for me. Not for my happiness, but for his own schemes.”

Vanessa noticed that he stopped himself to say my father, using the name instead. Goodness, Nozel must have lost all respect for his father. But to be fair, he didn’t had much already in the beginning, if he already saw his true colours since he was a child.

How much can parents do that their child loses every bits of respect for them?

“Why does he put most of his hope in you, though? When I met him for the first time, I had the impression that your father… excuse me, that Lac hated you the most from all of your siblings. So why does he want you to get married so badly?”

“I… have no idea.”

The hesitation in his voice showed that he never realized this before. Vanessa hugged him more tightly.

“You were supposed to be an only child, am I right?”

“Yes. If I had a magic with water affinity, Nebra, Solid and Noelle would never have been born. Lac never enjoyed fatherhood, but having heirs is always one of the most important tasks within royalty and nobility. So, he planned to only have one child, with a water based magic. His duty would have been done. But when I my affinity was known, he had to change his plans and making more heirs, from which he hoped they would inherit his water affinity. One time mist and two times water, at least he was satisfied concerning this.”

“Does he have a distaste against metal based magics or what? Why was it so important for him that his child has his water magic?”

“This root goes deep down. You know that house Kira mostly has light based magic, while fire magic is the most common affinity for house Vermillion. And for a time, water magic was the most common for the Silvas. Until my great-grandmother married into the family and since her, metal based magic was as common as water based magic, if not more. But in those old times, any metal affinity was considered unworthy of royalty and nobility. The fact that my great-grandmother was from a noble house didn’t change that.”

Then why even marrying a woman who had a magic affinity that was disliked by most in the first place? 

Vanessa almost asked this question out loud, but held back. The reasons was surely some noble contradictory bullshit and she was certain that Nozel didn’t understand it either. But at least, his explanation gave her more intel on why Lac Silva seemed to give that much importance on water magic.

“My grandfather tried to make water based magics the most common for the Silvas again. One of his reason why he married my grandmother and why my mother married my… married Lac. Knowing him, he probably promised my grandfather that water magic would overthrow the metal affinities.”

“But you had mercury magic, which wasn’t planned by him,” Vanessa said thoughtfully. As if anyone could decide what magic affinity the children would have, but nobles like Lac Silva never seemed to take the most natural things into account.

“This is one of the things he hates about me.”

“But still, why does he put so much of his hope on you and not on your siblings who have water based magics?”

“Probably because I’m the oldest one? A head of house, a captain… But I have no idea. All I know is that the betrothed he wants for me would serve his own scheme rather than house Silva. She would be his willing or unaware accomplice.”

“He’s an asshole.”

“He is, really.”

Of course they agreed on that. Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle. Nozel never used cursing words and always blushed when she said some. For him to agree so casually was another proof how much he had no respect anymore for Lac Silva.

“You know honey, normally I would have been happy about the idea of a victory ball. For the Black Bulls to be invited too, maybe to wear a new dress for the occasion, to taste all the fancy wine… and to dance again with you.”

This was one of her wishes Vanessa had since she and Nozel became lovers. Next to spend the rest of her life with him, she really wanted to dance with him again. She never forgot their dance at Finrals and Finesses wedding and since the start of their relationship, Vanessa had thought about it again. Starting to dream of dancing with Nozel again, a waltz maybe or even a slow dance, if it wasn’t too much to ask from the nobles.

But this particular ball wasn’t an appealing one. And with what she learned about Nozel and his world, so different from hers, Vanessa felt herself wary about it.

Her relationship with Nozel made her so happy, she didn’t want to lose it. She would fight to keep it if she needed to. She was a Black Bull, proud and daring, she wasn’t one to give a damn about what nobles thought about her.

Before Nozel, she never cared to learn about how this world of nobility worked, despite Noelles and Finrals explanations and attempts to avoid too much disasters. But now, Vanessa cared. Because her boyfriend was from this world and to not lose him, she needed to care at least a bit more and to learn about royalty.

Finral told her once that knowing each detail of a problem would be really helpful to solve said problem entirely. He had been right, of course he was. All the Black Bulls should listen more to him, from time to time.

The sound of the rain was soothing. Vanessa was surprised that she loved it now when it was raining. Before, she only liked the rain because it was for the plants and Charmys vegetable garden. Other than that, she only liked the sunny weather, while the rain was gloomy, an excuse to be a sad drunk.

How wrong she was. The rain was just as wonderful as the sun. It washes the world from the filth, it was calming, it was helping to enjoy the most soft moment. And in a way, it sounded like music, mostly a lullaby.

In a way, rain was also romantic.

Nozel was caressing her back, soft and slow. Vanessa knew immediately that he was deep in thoughts. Something very typical of Nozel Silva.

She wondered if he liked the rain or not. If it was just awakening the sad memories he carried with him. Or if on the other hand, it helped him remember them with less guilt and more nostalgy.

Suddenly, Nozel broke from the hug and stood up from the bed. Vanessa looked at him with surprise. She also pouted a bit. Nozels hugs were just the best, she always hated when she had to let go of him.

Nozel chuckled at her pouting face, before he took her hand with a smile.

“May I have this dance?”

Those words. Exactly like at Finrals and Finesses wedding. Only softer this time, because of the feelings between each other now.

Had she been already in love with him back then, without realizing it? Or had that dance just started the whole process? She didn’t know. Maybe it wasn’t important to know when exactly they fell in love with each other.

“Right here, right now?”

“Yes.”

“That would be lovely.”

The exact same words she had said back then. If she remember correctly, her voice acted on its own. She was grateful that it did.

Vanessa smiled as she took his hand and letting him lead her in the middle of his room.

“I’m sorry that there’s no music,” Nozel whispered softly, while holding her hand and putting his other one on her waist.

“But there is. The rain is the perfect music for this,” Vanessa whispered back with a smile.

They started to sway around the bedroom. Nozel hold her close to him, closer than it was needed for a waltz or any similar dance. Her head was resting on his shoulder, she could feel his chin on the top of her hair.

They turned around like that, slowly, enjoying the moment.

Vanessa closed her eyes. Could this be their thing? Dancing when it was raining? Their couple thing? Finral and Finesse had something like that. They were always so happy to do puzzles together. Vanessa didn’t know what was so exciting about puzzles anyway, but those two sweethearts obviously loved this occupation and never missed an opportunity to do it. Finesse said her lately that it was their couple thing. Something they loved to do with each other, something that meant a lot for them, something that was perfectly fitting into their relationship. Vanessa didn’t know yet why puzzles of all things, but the description appealed to her.

She wanted something like that with Nozel. Dancing to the sound of the rain sounded wonderful.

“I will dance with you,” Nozel suddenly said after a while, softly, during blissful minutes of dancing.

“My sweet eagle, you’re dancing with me right now, in this very moment.”

“No, I mean at the ball. I will dance with you. I want to dance with you only. And I will, I promise.”

He sounded so determined despite his soft voice. Vanessa felt her heart racing at the sound. She was used to his romantic words at this point, but it still making her feel like a love-struck girl every time all over again.

“Despite your father, despite the nobles, despite all the risks?”

“You’re worth all of this.”

“You too…”

She meant that, just as much as he meant his words. It was a scary and also wonderful feeling to know how much worth she was for him. Scary because Nozel would be able to face the world for her, for anyone he cared about, despite not showing it most of the time. Wonderful because it was another proof that she meant so much for him.

And Vanessa wanted to show him that she felt all the same for him.

They were still dancing, but Vanessa now put both her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. If Nozel was surprised by her sudden action, he didn’t show it. He just kissed her back almost immediately.

It was a promise, not only for that ball.

They slowly stopped their dance eventually, going back into bed. Nozel hold her tightly as always, to a point that Vanessa could’ve swear she melted.

“We really should do this more,” she whispered, as slumber finally started to take over her.

“What do you mean?” Nozel asked, his voice deep from his feelings and from sleep.

“Just dancing together. It doesn’t need to be at a ball. Just to be our thing.”

“Our thing?”

Somehow, it didn’t sounded like a question.

“I’ll explain this when we’re both awake, honey.”

Nozel just hummed, his hand slowly caressing her back up and down.

The last thing Vanessa heard before she fell asleep was Nozels heartbeat and the lullaby of the rain. The last thing she felt were his lips on her head and his warm body against her.

There was no better way to fall asleep than this.

♣♣♣

It was raining,

Charlotte always loved the sound of rain incredibly soothing, but Yami didn’t seem like he felt the same about it. When it started raining, he mumbled something about “stupid rain, stupid Finral who left me alone to go home soaked wet, stupid everything.” And something about dumps and Charmys mushroom soup.

She just chuckled at his comments, which made him both pout and take her in his large arms to take comfort.

Yami could be so much like a little child sometimes. Strangely enough, Charlotte liked this side of him. It didn’t upset her as much as before. It still did sometimes, but compared to how it was before, she definitely was more patient with him. But patience was always needed with Yami.

It was so relaxing right now. The sound of the rain, being in Yamis arms, in her canopy bed back at the Blue Rose base, under the most warm and fluffiest blanket she possessed. It was just perfectly to rest and calm down.

Heaven’s knew how she needed this right now. To calm and to relax. After the news about the Three Leaves Glory ball fell during the captains meeting. Not to mention that her not so dear aunt Rosamund had something to do with this.

Charlotte sighed. She never had been fond of balls before, but at least the few balls she had known were mostly there for a party, for having fun. Not to trap naïve people into betrothal and matrimony.

It was a good thing that the past goal of that ball was now forbidden, but well, the roots of the problem were still there. As long as the roots were there, the problem would stay, even if it was another version of it.

She was glad that her mother warned her about this ball, so it didn’t took her too much by surprise. Since their talk when her mother told Charlotte her story and since she met the Black Bulls, Orchidea became very supportive and in a way, also protective. Not overprotective, Orchidea wasn’t like that, but she never hid the hurdles that were on her way.

Like this ball…

Charlotte let out another sigh. This perspective of an arranged marriage would never leave her in peace at this point. Right at the time when she find her brother, when she finally became closer with her mother.

Right at the time when she was finally together with Yami.

The time seemed so perfectly chosen that Charlotte wondered if she hadn’t somehow upset Fate or any divinity to deserve that.

Most members of house Roselei were eager to marry her off, of course for personal reasons, whatever those were. But no one was more motivated than her aunt Rosamund. Seriously, why was she so determined to marry her into house Évantail, one way or another? And why Reginald Évantail of all people? The more Charlotte thought about it, the more fishy all of it seemed to be. Was there something more than the usual alliance wishes that happened with a marital alliance? More than more power, than reputation?

Maybe she was overthinking this. But still, it bothered her a lot.

As if she didn’t had enough to deal with right now. Captain duties, the marriage plans of her house, helping her mother to come to terms with what happened to her, Luck becoming more and more a member of her family. Or herself becoming more and more one of his family. Or both?

And of course, her relationship with Yami. She still had sometimes difficulties to believe that it really happened. But every day was another proof that it was reality, not one of her dreams and fantasies becoming too real.

But of course, it wasn’t like a silly, normal romance novel where the couple got everything they wanted after they got together, the End. Reality was different. There were still problems lingering after the lovers finally get together. Especially in a world like the Clover kingdom, especially since she was a noble and Yami a foreigner. There were so many details and Charlotte doubted that she would have enough nerves to deal with any of them.

She didn’t ask for much for herself, really. She just wanted to be with Yami, to spend the rest of her life with him. Charlotte already waited for over a decade to love him fully, she refused to let go of the happiness she just found.

But for nobility, this was too much to ask for, while marrying out of duty was considered pretty normal, no one was allowed to complain about that.

It didn’t make any sense, but that wasn’t surprising for Charlotte. She knew all that, she knew that for years, she knew that even more since the return from Spade.

“Ya know, just sayin’ screw you all might be a solution.”

“What do you mean?”

Charlotte didn’t even asked how Yami knew what she was thinking about. Of course he knew what was bothering her.

“Yer suitors. You can do that. It’s not like they can take the better of ya.”

“I know that, Yami. I’m already known kinda as a cold queen when it comes to suitors, you called me that as well from time to time, remember?”

“But you are. Well, you were, yer not that cold anymore with me.”

“With you, yes. But I still have suitors and I can’t act like they interest me. It’s better to make it clear from the start that they’re not for me.”

“Ya could still be nicer to them.”

“Weren’t you just the one who told me to screw them?”

“Was I? I’m getting old.”

“You’re one year older than me.”

Yami laughed at that, which really relieved Charlotte. At least, he wasn’t pouting like a child anymore because of the rain.

But the laugh didn’t last long and she knew that this conversation would get more serious. Yami let go of her – she Charlotte felt like she would pout – and sat up on the mattress, pensive.

It was the ball that worried him. Of course it did. But even in his book, he worried a lot. Charlotte knew first-hand how easy going Yami could be on serious matters. Too easy going sometimes, if you asked her.

But right now, maybe she would have preferred his usual behaviour. Maybe.

“I really don’t like this, ya know.”

“No one does.”

“You have such a bitch aunt. There’s something fishy about how stubborn she is to make you Reggies wife number six or number seven. Or was it eight? Lost count somehow about how many times this geezer went at the altar.”

“Glad to know that I’m not the only one to find Rosamunds schemes suspicious.”

“Yeah, whatever she has in mind, I really don’t like it.”

His voice was so unusually soft, somehow it broke Charlottes heart to hear him like that. So, she sat up as well and hugged from behind. He was so buff, she barely could put her arms fully around him. But it was more than enough, as he put a hand on her arm.

“I have the feeling that you’re almost more upset about this whole charade than I am.”

“Well… You’re my girlfriend and I really don’t like how people, like your own bitch auntie, are treating like yer a price or a tool or anything not living. That’s not what yer deserve. At least, your mom is having yer back. But I just want to beat those assholes blue and green.”

“As much as I’m not against that perspective, you do realize that beating them up won’t solve everything on the long road? A lot of nobles are very talented to use their beat up to their own advantage. Some might even use it a shortcut for their goal.”

She thought about Lac Silva and how he took advantage on her mother when she was drunk and down. He really seemed like the type of person to do this. It was so hard to believe that all four Silva siblings were his offspring.

“Yami, we should all work together to stop all the schemes that might have been planned for this Three Leaves Glory ball. Be happy that Gueldre isn’t a captain anymore, he would have been one to either approve or to sign the offer. He had a history on doing shaming deals on balls as well.”

“Yeah, that boneless ham would be excited about that ballish crap.”

“But he’s not a captain anymore since a long time and the rest of us are more level-headed to recognize some backhanded scheme when see one, even you and Rill and Jack.”

“What do you mean, even me and Glowing Hair and Beanpole?”

Charlotte just laughed at his words, even though he sounded like pouting child again. She kissed his neck softly to settle him down and he calmed down immediately.

“I don’t know what lies in front of us with this ball. All I know is that it will be difficult. We’re from two different circles out of our Magic Knights and squad captains positions. I’m a noble, you’re a… well…”

“I’m a foreigner, I know. Don’t be afraid to call a cat a cat. I don’t blame ya. You don’t mean to be insulting, ya just stating facts.”

“Still… I don’t like calling you that.”

“As long as it’s the fact and not the insult, I’m good. Besides, one of us needed to put the situation with those shitty circles in words and we both know that it’s not me. I don’t care too much about that.”

“I don’t care either. Or at least, not in a way nobles want me to care. But if… if we want a future together, we can’t ignore any of this, we need to face it instead.”

“Future together? Ya already plan that?”

“Well… I mean… It’s the normal course of action to… to think about our future if we want to stay together. And it’s not if because we WANT to be together! At least, I want and you want as well, right? I mean, we don’t need to be classic or full out rebels, we need to find out what we out, but we need to plan for that. Gosh, I know we’re together for not long yet, but… Come on, I’m not that patient anymore since I’ve been hopelessly in… in love with you for ten years and… For Heaven’s sake, why is this so complicated?”

Now she was blushing and stuttering like crazy. This hadn’t happened since a while in Yamis presence. At least the stutter, she still blushed a lot about him, even if it wasn’t as crazy as before. But still!

Yami burst out of laughter at her confused speech. Now it was Charlottes turn to pout. She still didn’t like it too much when he made fun of her, even though she was well aware that it wasn’t to insult her.

“No need to pout, Prickly Queen, ya know how much I love that side of you.”

“At least one of us likes my stuttering and blushing side, to bad it’s not me.”

Yami laughed again, before turning in her hug and making them both fall back on the mattress. Charlotte yelped as she find herself very close to his chest, one of his strong arms around her, holding her so tightly that if it had been one inch more, she wouldn’t have been capable to breath anymore.

“I’m not against to have my whole ass life spend with you, Prickly Queen. Seems even very appealing to me. But as ya said, we’re not hooking up for long, so let’s not quicken too much the inevitable, alright?”

“Okay…”

“Ya know, yer lucky that your mom warned you about that. She’s a good woman.”

“Thank you. I haven’t realized it before, but I can’t wish for a better mother.”

“Yer lucky she’s still alive…”

His voice soften so much, it took Charlotte aback. It sounded sad, somehow, so unlike Yami. And at the same time, that tone was still like Yami.

He never talked about his home country before, about his family from there, about his time before he stranded in Clover. Charlotte was curious about this secret past, even more so since they were in a relationship. But she kept her curiosity for herself, because she clearly felt that it was a heavy subject for him. Did he definitely moved on from his past since he started his life in Clover or did he still hoped to see the famous Land of the Sun again?

The rain still fell heavily against the window. Somehow, Charlotte had the feeling it was telling her something. To ask Yami about his past? No, that was too bold. But still, she felt that she needed to say something.

“I’m sorry about your mother…”

That felt like the right thing to say in this very moment. She could hear Yami chuckle, more softly than it was usual for him.

“Thanks, Prickly Queen. One day, I’ll tell ya more about my time in my homeland.”

“You don’t need to if you don’t want or if you’re not want.”

“But I trust ya and I want to tell ya one day. Just not yet… I don’t think I’m ready.”

“And that’s okay. You can be vulnerable with me. You always say that to me, it’s only normal that it also works the other way around in a relationship.”

“Yeah… But don’t tell anyone about that side of me, especially not my brats or our captain colleagues! I’ll never the end of it if Nacht or Nozel especially hear about that!”

That sounded more like usual Yami. But Charlotte know that there were different side to him. And she loved every side of him, even those he didn’t want to show to others.

So she promised, because it was such a nice feeling to know that he trusted her enough to feel vulnerable in her presence.

“Ya know, it’s weird, but suddenly I like the sound of that shitty rain.”

“It’s not weird, it’s just normal to suddenly appreciate little things. And it is soothing.”

“And it turns me on…”

“Yami!”

“Just kiddin’. Okay, not that much, but we can wait a bit before another round. Just to forget all the crap for a while again.”

“Alright, give me five minutes first.”

“Thirsty, Prickly Queen?”

“Up to you to find out.”

♣♣♣

It was early in the morning at the base of the Crimson Lions. There was no sun shining through the windows, since it was still raining, but Fuegoleon didn’t mind. Rain was always calming and with all his love for passion, he also knew that calm was needed from time to time. Passion and calm were nothing without each other.

Fuegoleon was looking at the rain, pensive. Soon, he would get ready and prepare himself for the day. As a captain of the Crimson Lions, there was always a lot to do and Fuegoleon knew better than to push his duties away until it was too late.

He also knew better than to do everything all by himself. As responsible as he felt, he also knew his limits. It was needed if you wanted to be stronger, but one of the first things Theresa Rapual teached him when he was still a child, was to accept that it was okay to delegate and to rely on others. Teamwork was important, all the battles the Magic Knights from all nine squads had to fight during all those years were proves of it.

Even today, with those thievery affairs in the Common Realm. Or that Three Leaves Glory ball demanded by many nobles.

It was worrying and Fuegoleon knew that it wasn’t just on a Magic Knight level.

“Dear? What is bothering you again?”

Fuegoleon turned around and smile came across his lips as he saw the beautiful woman sitting on his bed, her eyes still half-closed from the sleep.

Lital Lys, his girlfriend for like ten years and for him the most wonderful woman in the kingdom. Well, he loved her, so his opinion was certainly biased, but Fuegoleon had no reason to believe anything else.

“Is it about the ball?”

“You know me too well, my beloved.”

“We’re a couple for ten years, I better do.”

Both chuckled, then Lital stood up and came over him at the window. She was shamelessly wearing one of his shirts and Fuegoleon couldn’t help but appreciate the sight.

She hadn’t made her little braids yet, so the curls of her thick dark purple hair fell over her eyes, which made her push them back as much as she could, only for her hair to fall over her face again. Lital often complained that she was practically blind she didn’t braid her bangs and curls out of her face. But Fuegoleon loved her hair, be it slightly braided or not. It was like a lion’s mane, how could he not love it?

Lital hugged him, her head against his shoulder. Fuegoleon hugged her back as tightly as he could, one hand running through her wonderful hair.

“Fue, I know how this ball is concerning. My mother already sent me three letters and called me twice just to tell me to be careful with it. You know her… But I don’t think we should be to worried about ourselves. I was bastard and I came from the slums originally, there’s no denying that people will always hold this against me. But I was legitimized, no one can deny that I belong to house Lys and we’re together for so long. Heck, we practically made it definitely official at the royal wedding three months ago. Not to mention that Mereo would probably kill anyone who dared to object. Nobles can’t really do anything to keep us apart.”

“I know all that, Lital. It’s not what worries the most about this ball, trust me.”

“What is it then, my love?” Lital asked. Fuegoleon let go a bit of her, enough so that he could push her bangs out of her face and look into her eyes. Those beautiful nacreous eyes.

“I’m worried about Yami and Charlotte. I’m worried about Nozel and his secret sweetheart. They’re not quite in the same situation as us, like being in a relationship for a decade or being lucky to not care about the different status too much.”

“I understand that you are worried for captain Yami and captain Charlotte. But if they’re already together like you suspect, they’re might be less to worry about, since both are stubborn enough to face those kind of hurdles together.”

“I do hope so.”

“And why are you worried about captain Nozel and his secret beloved? Can this ball be dangerous for them as well.”

“If Nozel is in a secret relationship with someone out of royal circles, then yes, there is danger for them. And I’m very certain that his beloved is neither a noble nor a royal.”

“How can you be so sure about that?”

Fuegoleon laughed at the surprise in her nacreous eyes.

“You don’t know Nozel like I do, dearest. His appearance of a perfect royal is a mask, he is perfectly capable to not only fell in love with someone out of his circles, but also to act upon it. Whoever this person might be, they certainly are together for some time now. Why do you think Nozel started to finally spend less time at work?”

“Wait… Nozel Silva, the ever-so-busy captain of the Silver Eagles and the only actual royal Head of House to actually doing his job choose to work less?”

“I was surprised as well, I’ll admit. His mother’s legacy had always been so important to him, he worked so much to keep it safe. But love can make people jump into the Unknown. We both know that very well.”

Lital chuckled. “You really do know him very well.”

“He’s my rival and my childhood friend, of course I do.”

“But you still don’t know him fully, so be cautious with her assumptions, my dear.”

“Touché.”

The both laughed, but the seriousness of the situation came back to their minds immediately.

“So, what do you want to do for them?”

“I sadly don’t know yet, Lital. Yami, Charlotte and Nozel went through a lot and even though I don’t know exactly everything they went through, it’s pretty much obvious to me that they deserve to have finally good things happening to them. Same for Nozels beloved, whoever that person might be.”

“You do know that all three would probably tell you to mind your own business?”

“They would and in a way, they would be right,” Fuegoleon laughed. “But I would be a bad friend and colleague to still not try to help them. Not to mention it would be unworthy of a Magic Knight and even more a squad captain.”

Those arranged marriages were one the things going wrong in this kingdom and Fuegoleon wasn’t blind. He couldn’t look away. There were so many things that weren’t right and no matter how long it would take, a better world and a better system will one day see the day. He wanted to achieve that, for the people of the Clover kingdom, for the people he cared about, for his own future with Lital, for his friends, which included Nozel, Yami and Charlotte.

Lital chuckled again.

“What is it?”

“Nothing, my great lion. I just love how caring you sound for the world when you act this pompous.”

“Pompous, me?”

“Exactly and-“

He didn’t let her finish, pulling her immediately into a deep kiss. How amazing was it that those long years could still deepen his love for this woman?

Their kiss was short-lived though, as an upset hiss was heard.

“You know that you don’t need to watch us kiss, Salamander,” Fuegoleon gently scolded his spirit, who was right now in his tiny form, resting on one of his pillows.

Lital laughed, breaking from the hug and going to the bed to caress the little yet powerful fire spirit.

“At least there is one who isn’t worried,” she laughed. Somehow, it sounded like Salamander was purring.

“I’ll admit that sometimes I envy him for that,” Fuegoleon replied, joining them and hugging his beloved again.

They went silent for a moment, enjoying the calm morning and the sound of the morning rain falling against the windows. Somehow, it sounded like a song.

“If helping them to get the same happiness we have is this important to you, you’ll have my support,” Lital said after a while, sounding determined. “Besides, if we want to get married soon, it’s better to make sure that our marriage shall be the norm one day and not an exception within royals and nobles.”

“Thank you.”

“I think I need more of that.”

“Shut up, Yami.”

The captain of the Black Bulls just let out a loud laugh at the tired protest of the beautiful woman lying beside him. Honestly, he was tired too, so there was no way he had enough reason to make fun of her. At least, not too much.

No wonder actually that they were both still tired, the sun only started to rise and they didn’t had a lot of sleep last night.

Well, Yami took Charlotte three times last night, which was the reason why they were still tired when they woke up. To be fair, if his body and more importantly her body, wouldn’t have been exhausted after three times, he would have taken her at least one more time.

Yami couldn’t help but smile as the memories of last night started to dance in his mind. Okay, it hadn’t been the plan to actually sleep with his Prickly Queen, but he would rather stop to drink booze before he would regret it. Damn, that was the best night in his life.

If he had known how wonderful it would feel to have Charlotte in his arms, to love and make love to her, he would have given up on his pride a long time ago.

Gosh, he really had been stupid and dense all this time. Kaiser had been right, Charlotte actually loved him back. This woman had proven him enough last night.

Yami turned his head to look at the woman he loved. Charlotte lied on her belly, eyes closed, head lying on one arm, the hair undone except the cute little braid, naked and the blanket only covering down her knees. Which was good, so he could look at her sexy butt.

He put a hand on that specific body part and laughed as he heard Charlotte groan. It sounded frustrated and flustered at the same time. What a woman.

“Must you always be so vulgar even in your gestures?”

“Don’t act like you dislike my vulgarity, woman. You more than appreciated last night, each time I took ya. Besides, there is honestly nothing I haven’t seen already during our night together.”

“Yami!”

She was protesting, but he could hear the smile in her voice.

Honestly, who would have thought that Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Roses and the woman with the coldest behaviour he knew, would actually take the initiative and gave herself to him, body and soul?

Yami thought he had known her well for years and yet, Prickly Queen always managed to still surprise him. Her Ki was still so unique and practically impossible for him to read, but Yami didn’t care anymore. He was in love with her and this was probably the reason why her Ki wasn’t easy for him to understand.

“Yami…”

“Hm?”

“I… I love you.”

“I know.”

“Seriously, that’s all you have to say to me after everything?”

Yami laughed at her reaction. “I know you love me and you said it yesterday, I’m more a man of action and I think I show you more than enough what you are to me. This is enough for yours truly. Although, I wouldn’t mind to give you another proof.”

“You… You brute,” Charlotte laughed, trying to look falsely offended.

“Your brute, please use the right word, my Prickly Queen.”

Charlotte blushed, making her cheeks look like rubies. At least, Yami assumed that the colour was the shade of those kind of gems, as he never seen rubies in his life.

“Well, I don’t know what I expected from you, Yami. But you haven’t changed your personality and that is actually a relief, so don’t get me wrong,” Charlotte said as she sat up on her side of the bed. But as soon as she tried to stand, she fell back on the mattress, groaning.

“You seem a bit wabbly on your feet, Prickly Queen. Quite the unusual sight, actually, don’t tell me I was too harsh last night,” Yami laughed. Dang it, he haven’t been in such a pure good mood for way too long.

“Not that much, even though we did it three times,” Charlotte mumbled. “It’s more that… well… it was my first time…”

Yami stopped laughing abruptly.

Wait… that was her first time?

Shit…

Yami immediately took the blankets, eying them carefully before throwing them away to inspect the mattress.

If he had knew that, he would have at least tried to hold back, to be soft as much as he could manage. And maybe he wouldn’t have taken her from behind on their second turn. Charlotte was a strong woman, but this doesn’t mean that he would hurt her, even unintentionally. She meant too much for him for that.

Thankfully, he found no trace of blood on the blankets or on the mattress. Either he actually did hold back on instinct… or Charlotte was also the strong woman he knew on this particular domain.

Okay, could he stop loving her more and more for a moment? He started to felt overwhelmed by all this new open emotions.

“I wouldn’t have thought that it was your first time, Prickly Queen.”

“And how so?”

“You were taking initiative. You didn’t blush in offense like a prude old girl and well… I honestly don’t know how to explain it, ya were just that amazing.”

“Would you stop teasing me?”

“Hey, that wasn’t teasing this time, ya truly were amazing!”

Charlotte blushed again, turning her head away. And still, Yami had time to see  the little happy smile on her lips. Yep, she really wasn’t prude, that was just the normal old Charlotte he knew and love.

It was somehow weird. He discovered many sides of her only lately, especially during their common investigation and even more during their night. But all those sides of Prickly Queen seemed so familiar, as if he already knew them.

How could he knew already things he just discovered.

Charlotte turned back to him, giving up on standing on her feet for now, bringing her legs back to her and putting her arms around them, while her head lied on her knees and she looked at him in the softest smile he ever saw.

That wasn’t a sexy position, more like a cute one and it was enough for him to get all thirsty for her again.

Did she even realize what effect she had on him?

“Will you cuddle? Or is this not badass enough for you, captain I-Surpass-My-Limits?”

Yami laughed loudly. She wasn’t the best teaser as she was a newbie on that domain, but her attempts were actually pretty good. At least, he loved them.

“You know that I have a reputation to hold. But who gives a fuck, you’re the only one I wanna show my softer side.”

“You have a softer side?”

“Just come here and enjoy your privilege, woman.”

Charlotte chuckled – why the hell did he never realized how lovely that sound was – and practically half lied down on his chest, while Yami put an arm around her, the other one behind his head.

It was peaceful. Really peaceful…

Yami used to make fun at those kind of fluffy things, to make fun at corny shit like that. Maybe it will still don’t change, knowing him. But he didn’t find it ridiculous anymore right now. He also never would have thought that Charlotte would be so hopelessly and deeply in love with him and he was still having a hard time to believe it. But still, there she was, in his arms and despite her still complicated Ki, Yami could tell how happy she was.

He slowly started to understand Finral, when he was almost singing a hymn about how beautiful the quiet, peaceful moments were he shared with his wife. There was no way Yami would ever admit it, but having Charlotte in his arms and just enjoying the moment together, it was indeed precious. Maybe Finral became smarter in romance shit now that he was married to the love of his life.

It was like being a bubble, as if it was just the two of them. As if nothing else was important, as if the world outside was far away.

Yami sighed deeply. He kinda wished that it would be like that forever or at least for very long.

And he hoped that he wouldn’t have the urge to take a dump soon. For the first time, this perspective would clearly piss him off.

“Yami…” Charlotte whispered after a while.

“Hm?”

“What will come next?”

That was a good question, actually. A damn good question and clearly something they needed to discuss one time or another. Yami might not care that much about nobles and all their shitty complication in their status, but it wasn’t like he didn’t catch up on a thing or two. Especially during all those time he spend with his Prickly Queen.

And Charlotte was actually the reason why he started to care more about the world of nobility. He wasn’t that dumb, he knew that she was one of the best matches by noble standards and she had mentioned here and there that her family were planning to marry her off to a douche.

That thought of course didn’t sit well with him. In fact, it was pissing him off just as much like when Asta had been set on trial as a scapegoat – another proof about how important his Prickly Queen was for him. He just couldn’t handle the simple thought of Charlotte being chained into a loveless marriage to an asshole who would just see her as a trophy or as a tool for his own goal. Heck, HIS Prickly Queen deserved far better than that! Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Rose squad was the most amazing woman she knew and even though he still had no idea how nobility worked behind the scenes or what would happen in the future, Yami was already decided to not give her up without a fight.

But he didn’t want to think about all those details and hurdles right now. In this very moment, everything was so far away and peaceful, he didn’t want to spoil this new sweetness. And he didn’t want Charlotte to lose her mind about it right now. Yami knew very well how she was when she was stressed and stress was undoubtedly the last thing she needed right, after what she had to deal with after Spade.

“Prickly Queen, let’s just say that for now, those will be future Yami and future Charlotte’s problems.”

“Haha, very funny. You do realize that sooner later future Yami will be present Yami and the same applies to future Charlotte. It’s not something we can just continue to ignore until it’s too late.”

“You worry too much.”

“You relax too much.”

“Yeah, true. But trust me, Prickly Queen, it’s not like I don’t give a fuck what all those noble bootlickers would think about us. Okay, I don’t really care about their opinions. But I know that it won’t be easy and this I care about. Because you’re worth it to me.”

“Yami, I…”

She was clearly flustered, having no idea what to say and Yami would lie if he would say that it didn’t meant the world to him. He put his other arm around her, holding her closer.

“We’ll deal with it, I promise you that. But I just wanna enjoy the moment right now, it’s the best way to spend my time.”

“Okay. But still… Would you agree to keep our, well… to keep a secret what’s between us? Even from our squads? Just to have some more time in peace. I know my girls and I know the members of your squad, it won’t be calm once they find out about us. Especially Luck.”

“Oh yeah, that’s the best idea. I don’t want to deal with ups and downs right now. Now, can I have a kiss or something more?”

“Kiss is enough for now, I’m still exhausted from the three times you took me.”

Yami laughed deeply before Charlotte shifted a bit and to put her lips on his. Yami gave in to the kiss, enjoying her unique and rosy taste. Despite being softer than what he was used to give and get, the kiss still felt full of passion and burnt in his body just as much as the wild kisses from last night.

They continue to make out for a while. Minutes or an hour, maybe more? Yami couldn’t tell and honestly, he didn’t care about it. Nothing seemed more important to him right now than the beautiful woman in his arms.

Both lost all notion of time, almost as if time itself decided to stop for a while, just to give them more moments together.

That is, until there was a knock on the door, pushing them back into the normal timeline.

“Captain Charlotte,” Pulis voice came from behind the door, sounding slightly mischievous. “Most of us will have breakfast soon and we decided to make a common breakfast all together in your little brothers honour, since he’s our guest. Would you like to join us? We can ask captain Yami what he wants, since he’s here as well.”

The last sentence made the lovers jump apart in shock.

Wait, how…

Charlotte jumped from the bed with a squeak, her legs suddenly not all wobbly anymore and she somehow gathered a bathrobe while jumping around and yelling “Wait, Puli!” or something like that.

Yami just groaned as he himself got up and tried to gather some of his clothes from around the bedroom. No, they weren’t in the same place, he had to grab each one from another corner of the bedroom and to wabble to each piece of clothing like a dumb dude with a hangover who somehow got drunk again.

Did he throw his clothes at different corners or was it Prickly Queen? Yami couldn’t recall and both were highly possible, given how thirsty Charlotte was, especially for her first time.

And why the heck didn’t focus on that except on the fact that it was more than probable that the Blue Rose knights already known that he and Prickly Queen slept together?

Oh. Oh! OH!

“Fuck.”

Now Yami didn’t wabble, he run across the room, trying to at least put his pants on while finding himself in a rare situation of panic.

This was bad, this was really bad.

How much did Prickly Queens girlies know? And more importantly how much did they hear?  Yami didn’t gave a fuck last night that the Blue Roses might or might not came to hear him fucking their captain and now this was coming back to bite him in the ass.

Damn it, he and Charlotte did just talk that they wanted to wait before telling their respective squads about their still very young relationship. Just to have some peace, was that too much to ask?

Not to mention that those fricking Blue Roses were always high on gossiping and even worse, Luck was present…

Oh fuck!

Luck was present. Luck was present! One of his own brats! And even worse, Luck happens to be the brat who is also Prickly Queens long lost found little brother! Not to mention that Luck was already very overprotective over his big sis and for some reason, especially when Yami himself was involved.

Wait… Does this mean than Luck already knew about Prickly Queens feeling for him? How did he even found out about it before his own captain? Yami couldn’t believe that he had been so dense about Charlotte that even one of his dumber brats knew about this obvious secret. Who else of the Black Bulls knew about this as well, then?

While Yami just stood there, thinking about problems that should have been future Yami’s problems, Charlotte actually managed to get her royal blue bathrobe on and opened the door. He felt her Ki tense for a second, before she actually sighed deeply, frustrated and relieved at the same time.

“Puli, this is NOT funny!”

“I apologize captain Charlotte, especially for having plopped your happy bubble. But you know, Luck, Églantine and I really had done our most to keep this spicy little secret safe from the others, especially Sol and we agreed that we should better warn you.”

Wait! Does this mean that the whole Blue Rose squad didn’t know after all?

But before Yami could join Charlotte at the bedroom door, some kind of blonde lightning bold made him fall right back on the bed.

“Can we fight, captain? Can we fight? Since you’re here, can we fight?”

“For fuck’s sake, Luck, we are NOT fighting in your big sis’ bedroom, have some decency!”

“But you had a beddance with her, captain Yami and as her brother, I can’t let that pass, you know. Gauche told me that.”

Damnit Gauche, why did gave Luck some lessons about being a good brother? And where did he learned such a word like beddance? Did that word even exist? If Vanessa started again to invent some words, he would put her on Astas cleaning duty for the next ten years!

“Luck, please, I did consent and actually, it was in fact me who took the initiative,” Charlotte immediately protested. She was blushing a lot – to be fair, which older sibling would want to admit their sex stories to their younger brothers and sisters – but her voice was still firm. Damn, not losing her authority while embarrassed? No wonder she became such a strong woman.

“But big sis, he hadn’t realized you’re head over heels for him for ten years, I still have some beat up to do with him, please!”

“Luck!”

Woah, that long, huh?

Wait, THAT LONG! Ten fucking years? Prickly Queen had feelings for him for ten damn years and he hadn’t realized it all this time?

Yami groaned, closing his eyes. He would never hear the end of it.

Could he please get back into the nice bubble from before with Charlotte? Gosh, how mushy did he became to actually wish for something as corny as that?

“Don’t worry, captain Charlotte, you and captain Yami don’t need to came down for breakfast with the whole squad. As you see, Puli, Luck and I brought you something you can eat here.”

Eat? Now that sounded like a good idea. Not as much as going back to the corny bubble, but still a good one.

Yami opened his eyes to see to whom that third voice belonged. A Blue Rose, of course, not older than twenty at most he’d say, with big turquoise coloured eyes and azure blue corkscrew curls. Typical noble hairstyle, he’d say, although he couldn’t tell if those curls were styled or actually natural.

Corkscrew put a silver tray with lots of food and some things to drink as well on a table, before turning towards him. Yami immediately frowned, trying to determine if this Blue Rose was hostile or not.

But Corkscrew just smiled at him and put a hand in front of him. “I’ve already heard about you, of course. But still, I’m happy to finally make your acquaintance properly, captain Yami. I’m Églantine Évantail and as you could guess, I’m a Blue Rose.”

“Um, nice to meet you,” Yami just mumbled, shaking her hand. Églantine Évantail, huh? Such a typical noble name, why were those always so elegantly complicated and difficult to learn by heart? He would call her Corkscrew still, it worked with her hair.

Évantail did she say? Wasn’t this also the family name of that old noble fart that tried to court Charlotte in this restaurant weeks ago? When she told him about her long lost sibling? Well, Corkscrew had the same eye colour as that Reggie guy or whatever his name was. Who could forgot people with turquoise shade in their eyeballs?

But unlike Reggie, Corkscrew’s eye colour wasn’t dull and from her Ki, she seemed like a genuinely nice girl.

“Ah, here’s the man of the hour,” Puli laughed, one of the rare Blue Roses Yami already knew. Actually, maybe he needed to learn about the whole squad than just that nice fatty and that earthy amazon that was fangirling over Prickly Queen. The Blue Roses meant so much to Charlotte, he was only fair that he should get to learn her girls.

But this was something for future Yami.

“It’s really a good thing that you finally got a grip on herself, captain Charlotte waited very long for you,” Puli continued, Yami couldn’t define if she was subtly warning him or she was just very happy. “You should be happy that it was just us three who woke up that night and heard you busy being busy. If it would have been Sol, Wainsley or Galgaria, goodness, the whole kingdom and even the three others would know about you right now. Maybe the far away land of the Sun as well.”

Puli, Luck and Corkscrew laughed as if it was some kind of joke, but Yami and Charlotte were more embarrassed. The thought that not only Clover but also Heart, Diamond and Spade would know about them… That was actually kinda scary.

After a while, Charlotte coughed a bit. “I’m grateful to the three of you for keeping the secret. You might understand very well that Yami and I would… like to be in secrecy for a while. You know… The nobles, everything… So, can we count on you three to guard our secret until we’re ready to make our relationship open.”

“Of course, captain Charlotte, you can’t count on us.”

“Hey, I know first-hand how my house has their eyes on you, so don’t worry, you have my support.”

“That’s mean I know something Magna doesn’t? That is actually cool, I have your back, big sis! Just a question, will I be soon an uncle?”

Puli and Corkscrew laughed, while Charlotte blushed heavily. As well as Yami.

“Geez, you brat, do you wanna die so badly? Just because we’re fucking doesn’t mean we intend to make babies already!”

“That’s right, we’re… we’re not even married!”

“Well, not being married doesn’t stop from making babies, you know,” Corkscrew replied, before actually bursting into laughter again.

“Églantine is right, but yes, it is way too soon to talk about babies,” Puli chuckled, before actually passing through the door. “We’ll leave you alone for now, sorry for having bursting in. Captain Charlotte, captain Yami, we see you later. Do you come, little Lucky? You can have breakfast with Églantine and me, if you want.”

“Hell yeah!”

Luck gave Yami one last punch and hugged Charlotte before jumping after Puli and Corkscrew, leaving his sister and his captain alone again.

Once the door was closed again, both lovers sighed deeply in relief.

“Well, that went better than expected,” Charlotte muttered as she came back to him on the bed, literally falling on the mattress.

“You really think so, Prickly Queen? Our secret is out in the open.”

“But it’s not our two whole squad who are aware. Just my brother and two of my knights. And we can trust them to keep the secret until the time is ready. Puli knows better than anyone how I feel about the whole situation, Églantine will always help me against my unwanted suitors, especially coming from her family and Luck is just happy about us, of course he’ll keep the secret.”

“He still tried to beat me up every time, especially when I’m close to you.”

“He’s just protective of me, that’s all. I think that’s what brothers do usually.”

“What a pain in the ass. I actually have question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Is Corkscrew-“

“Cork- Yami, please, her name is Églantine!”

“- related to Reggie or something? The one who bothered us at that restaurant weeks ago.”

“Actually, yes. I think it’s her great-uncle or something like that. House Évantail have one of the most complicated family tree in the whole kingdom. But don’t worry, Églantine is one of the rare nice Évantails out there.”

“Is she also the one with the bastard sister she wishes to know better?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“Okay, then. Well, she’s a nice gurl in that case.”

They went silent again. Not awkwardly, it was like the comfortable silence of their bubble was coming back.

Yami was honestly relieved about that. But if he could fill the silence with moans and groans and cries of pleasure again, it would be even better.

“Shall he have breakfast?”

“Later, Prickly Queen. For now, I’m hungry for something else…”

He didn’t wait for her answer as he rolled over her, already getting rid of his pants and her bathrobe.

Charlotte wasn’t even surprised by his actions, on the contrary, she seemed quite appealed. Damn, how much could he love this woman?

Yami pulled her in a very deep and passionate kiss, barely noticing how he entered her again, making love for her already for the fourth time.

♣♣♣

“Are you sure he’s not dying or something? Or at least sick?” one of his junior knights, Aurelius Or, asked quietly, sounding almost like panicking.

“Trust me, kiddo, he it was that, he won’t be there working in the first place,” Julia Ambrosia, the oldest Silver Eagle in his squad, replied, sounding really amused by the whole situation.

“He’s not working right now, Granny. Captain Nozel seems more like… dreamy, somehow,” Alysanne Dragonstone replied.

“Yes, but that’s Nozel Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles and Head of house Silva we’re talking about, he was never dreamy before, so why now.” This panicking voice belonged to Nils Ragus.

“Well, there can be a start for everything, even for captain Nozel,” Curtis Warren said, although he sounded quite unsure about his own statement.

“So, there is something wrong with him?” Aurelius asked again, almost panicking even more.

“I wouldn’t say something is wrong with him, but something is definitely happening to him lately,” Simon Vivaldi said.

“Not even lately, I think something changed within him since he came back from Spade.”

“Alysanne is right,” Rob Vitesse replied, sounding as if he just joined the group. “There was a change with him since the return from Spade, but it was only more obvious since two months and especially since a few days.”

“Good observation, young man.”

“I’m not that young anymore, Granny.”

Julia had a cackling laugh. “Compared to my old age, you’re all young. But let this old and weak lady knight tell you this still.”

“Old and weak?” six voices asked quietly, knowing better than to argue with Julia Ambrosia.

“Well, you hatchlings, I can’t be entirely sure. But from my long experience as a knight and in gossip as well as in observation, I firmly believe that captain Nozel is in love.”

Silence.

“In love?”

“No need to look so shocked, you hatchlings, it happens even to the best of us. And if captain Nozel comes even halfway after his late mother on that matter, he is even deeply in love. Come on, you can trust the frail old lady I am.”

“Well, it would definitely explain his attitude lately,” Alysanne said thoughtfully. “It’s just… You have to admit that it’s difficult to imagine captain Nozel of all people being in love.”

“Especially since he’s so stuck on his duty, more than anyone else I know,” Nils added.

“You know, silver hatchlings, even the most disciplinary people like captain Nozel can be fed up at some point. And trust me, given how most nobles and royals treat him behind closed doors, even some of our good for nothing squadmates, he has every excuse to finally screw them.”

The other six only nodded at Julia’s little speech. Aurelius, Alysanne, Nils, Simon, Rob, Curtis and Julia were all nobles, but each of them belonged into the rare category of Being A Knight Before A Noble and who also didn’t appreciated the common attitude of nobility in general.

“But who would captain Nozel be in love with?” Aurelius asked naively. “Do you think it could be captain Dorothy Unsworth? She is always so familiar with him.”

Alysanne immediately shook her head. “The captain of the Coral Peacocks is always familiar with practically everyone. And according to my friend Gisela who is a Coral Peacock, captain Dorothy might be interested in the love stories of others, but not into having a love life herself.”

“Oh, then what about captain Fuegoleon Vermillion?”

This made Simon laugh. “Goodness, Aurelius, you’re really green still. Don’t you know that captain Fuegoleon is courting and maybe even properly dating a member from his own squad, Lital Lys? It’s practically an open secret at this point.”

“Not to mention that captain Nozel knows this two colleagues very well for long years already,” Julia added. “If he was in love with one of them, he would have that kind of dreamy attitude LONG before the raid in Spade. No, it’s most certainly someone he met afterwards or at least getting to know better.”

“But who could captain Nozel be in love with?” Nils asked quietly.

“That is a good question, he is not of the most easy people to read,” Curtis said with a shrug.

“Not to mention that he’s like vice-captain Agatha when it comes to his private life,” Alysanne added. “A closed book with three locks and four other locks for each one of them, just to be safe. We should think twice or even trice before considering investigating about his secret lover.”

“Ah, but doesn’t stop us for at least speculating, silver hatchling,” Julia cackled.

Nozel could hear them very well while he was more or less discussing some reports with his vice-captain. In fact, she did most of the talking and while he was well aware on every word that came out of her mouth, Nozel couldn’t help but let his thoughts wander away.

Those last two days – or was it three, he couldn’t tell – he spent with Vanessa had been the sweetest and happiest he ever knew since the death of his mother. In fact, he had been in such a dreamy state that real life felt at best like a harsh slap in the face.

First, the investigations about the thievery acts in the Common Realm all ended to be dead ends and he knew that even the Wizard King was starting to be fed up with this affair. But honestly, Nozel could live with that.

Then his most wannabe knights, also known as those who never got the job done, leaving their squadmates to overwork themselves, were making a fuss. Lucinda Sandler already asked six times in the row of two days for a maternal leave, despite not being pregnant. Nebra made her a visit last week and confirmed what every Silver Eagle already suspected. Linus Gem had the audacity to demand a raise of his salary, despite never coming to the Headquarters when it wasn’t pay day. Samuel Évantail became more and more a pain to the whole squad by refusing orders at best and attacking his squadmates in rage over stars he never got and deserved at worst.

And that was just three knights, but Lucinda, Linus and Samuel were pretty good examples of every Silver Eagle who were just knights by title and not by work.

But this was also something Nozel could deal with.

No, the most difficult task he got today sadly had nothing to do with the Silver Eagles. It has to do with his so-called duty of an arranged marriage.

As if the urge of nobles to marry off into royalty and to marry off in general wasn’t already such a pain since the war with Spade was over. But these last few days, many nobles houses, be it from high, medium or low nobility, seemed to have the very specific goal to marry some of their members into house Silva. And for some reason, he became their principal target.

Nozel wasn’t stupid. It was more than probable that his father was behind this. To make him yield or to make his life miserable or maybe even to just mock him, he didn’t know. It didn’t matter anyway. Lac Silva always got what he wanted in the past and he always knew exactly what to do and who to use, to manipulate to obtain what he wanted. Nozel didn’t know what his father said to the nobles to make them believe he was the most eligible candidate to marry right now. His ways were diverse and Nozel didn’t believe he wanted to know them.

He hated it, he hated so much. It reminded him of all those years he denied himself any kind of happiness, just thinking about following his duty so that his siblings would be free. Now looking back at those time, Nozel find himself so pathetic. Being with Vanessa gave him a sweet happiness he was now clinging on.

Being away from her, like in this moment, wasn’t doing him so much good. When Vanessa was with him, in his arms, it was so easy for Nozel to forget their rather complicated situation, their different status and worse, how most people of this society of prejudice would view their relationship. Love wasn’t important in their eyes, it has nothing to do with marriage, it was an inconvenience when potential alliances between noble or royal families were considered.

And Lac Silva was practically the embodiment of this mantra.

Nozel knew more than anyone how his world was. He was swimming or more like trying to not drown in this sea since his mother died and all he saw for years were horizons with nowhere to land.

Until Vanessa…

When she wasn’t with him, Nozel wondered sometimes if there was a future for both of them, for their relationship. He knew how royalty was like a golden cage and he refused to put her in any cage. There was something about her, about how free she was, that just make it not right to put her in a cage, literally or not. Nozel couldn’t do that to Vanessa, he loved her so deeply.

When she wasn’t with him, Nozel wondered if Vanessa would be better off and happier without him…

But he refused to give in to those doubts. He always done that for years and where did it brought him? It might be selfish, but he refused to give up on her, at least not without a fight. Giving up on Vanessa… and Nozel was certain it would kill him one way or another.

He wanted to be with her so much right now. Everything seemed so simpler in her presence, it was so easier to forget their situation, to not overthink and to not worry. He couldn’t stop doing this alone yet, he still needed her.

Nozel sighed silently. Was this what Fuegoleon felt when he was with Lital Lys? Was it what his poor mother to have with his father?

He was tired. It had been a while since he overworked himself like that, even forgetting to have dinner. For a long time, this had been always how he followed his duty, as a captain and as a royal Head of House. But then Vanessa came into his life and now, Nozel found this kind working day really despicable.

If only nobles would be more cooperative, knights or no knights.

“I think this is all for today, captain Nozel,” Agatha said, getting him out of his thoughts.

Nozel just looked at her, her eyes in the colour of old parchment and her ink blue hair as always hold together in two low braids. Agatha Austen had become a Silver Eagle around the same time as himself and was now his vice-captain for as long as he was captain himself. There weren’t many people he could really trust but thankfully, Agatha was one of them.

Nozel sometimes wondered if he should tell Agatha about Vanessa. His vice-captain was someone quiet and very understanding. But at the same time, she was also as private as him and his relationship with Vanessa was still very young, so Nozel didn’t know if he should tell Agatha already.

But if he wanted a future with Vanessa, no matter how still blurry and unsure it was right now, he would need allies. And this was a subject that was still unknown land for him. Having people willing to help him of all people. Was that even possible?

“Um, captain?”

Agatha was looking at him, frowning. Oh. Of course. She was still waiting for an answer from him.

“Thank you, Agatha. This will be enough for today. Will send this reports to the Wizard King first thing the next morning. You can go home now, it’s rather late.”

“Good night, captain.”

Very late indeed. He was exhausted. Nozel had decided to sleep at the Headquarters for this night. That hadn’t happened since very long. Would he still be able to properly spend time with Vanessa tonight? He had written her, to tell her he was drowning in work and that he might won’t be able to come back to the palace.

But all Vanessa did was calling him – thank goodness at a time when he was alone in his office – ask him were his usual room was at the Silver Eagles base and telling him she would be waiting for him.

It was a bit of a risk, meeting at the Silver Eagle’s base, given that some of his knights were either on night shift or had their chambers here.

But Nozel didn’t care. The perspective of seeing Vanessa was the first wonderful thing to look forward to this day.

Agatha left, but Nozel stood where he was, looking out of the window. But he didn’t see the already dark sky, the last lingering small lights of the sun, the first stars, the whole landscape.

All he saw was Vanessa…

He closed his eyes, smiling at all those memories with her. How she talked with him about everything that could came to their mind. Her naked body under him or on top of him. Her gorgeous smile, her hugs, all those kisses they shared…

A soft, happy smile escaped his lips.

“Oh, shoot!”

Nozel turned around, realizing he wasn’t alone, as the seven Eagles were still there. Aurelius, Alysanne, Rob, Curtis, Simon and Nils all froze when he lied his eyes on them. Julia wasn’t frozen, she was way too old to be intimidated by him, but she still looked at him as if he cut his braid or something.

Did his cold mask work so little lately? Probably, otherwise they wouldn’t be gossiping about him and his so secret love life.

And for the first time in life, not only did Nozel Silva not care at all about his own knights gossiping about him, he was even rather amused by it.

Vanessa must have bewitched him by how wonderful she was, he saw no other reason for that.

What would mother say if she saw him like that?

“Does anyone of you have to take night shift today?”

The words fell of his mouth before he could even think about them. A question any normal Magic Knight captain would ask almost automatically.

And still, his voice seemed so much softer than usual when he asked this question.

“No, captain.”

“Good. You can go home now or back to your chambers in this base. Good night.”

His voice was still soft. And the eyes of his knights were still frozen and shocked.

Nozel passed them by and couldn’t help but put a hand on Aurelius’ head. He heard the gasps and still, he smiled. Now it was already enough to think just of Vanessa to be at ease again, not worrying anymore.

She made a better person out of him. Did she even realized that?

He went away, walking through the halls he had known for years since he became a Silver Eagle. He reached the night quarters pretty soon.

But Nozels own room was a bit apart from the rest of the chambers. Of course it was. He had free choices of rooms when he joined the squad and the grieving, chained boy he was back then had to choose a chamber that was not only away from the rest, making him even more lonely, but also the same chamber his mother had when she was a knight and later captain of the Silver Eagles.

Different from his room back in the Silva palace, smaller but more cosy, green tapestries with simple gold yellow embroidery, an atmosphere as like his mother never really died…

This was his room when he slept at the Silver Eagles base. He never shared it with anyone. Not even his siblings, it was just too painful. But today, he wasn’t alone in this room that keep his guilt and loss alive, despite all the cosiness.

He wasn’t alone.

“Hey there, handsome eagle. You took your time, I was so lonely while waiting,” Vanessa greeted him as he entered the bedroom.

She smiled brightly while she put something on the table. Nozels eyes widened as he recognized the smell of roasted duck.

“You…”

“Yep, I brought you something to eat. Knowing you, you certainly haven’t eaten yet. Come on, jumping a meal because of too much work is never a good idea. I asked Charmy to prepare your favourite meal, I think you deserve it.”

“I… thank you.”

“You’re welcome, stud. Now, come eat.”

He knew that tone. When Vanessa used it, there was no option to decline, he learned that pretty quickly. According to her, some of her squadmates still haven’t got the lesson and that made him laugh.

So, Nozel sat down and started eating his roasted duck, while Vanessa stood behind him, making sure that he was eating and hugging him at the same time.

It was strange, somehow. Everything right now seemed so domestic, so calm and serene. Was this normal for a relationship, especially still a young one?

Nozel never asked himself how domestic life would feel like. Such a bliss was not required when nobles and royals married, only the alliances mattered. He remembered how his mother tried to have some domestic bliss with his father, only to have that hope shattered every time until she gave up.

If this was how domestic bliss should felt like, then he definitely wouldn’t mind having it.

Nozel was finishing the dessert Vanessa brought as well, a slice of orange cheesecake, while she took a proper look at the chambers.

“This is a very cosy room. And a very unusual style for you, I have to say.”

“It was already like this when I took it. It belonged to my mother.”

“Oh, I see.”

Her voice was always so soft, so full of compassion when they talked about Acier Silva. Sometimes, Vanessa asked questions about his mother out of curiosity and the more he told stories, the more his pain seemed to soothe.

Maybe he needed that from the start.

Nozel remembered that Vanessa mentioned she never had a nice bond with her own mother and still, she was never envious when they talked about his memories of Acier. Was it possible to be this kindhearted?

Vanessa took a framed picture in her hands and Nozel blushed as he realized which one it was.

“Oh my gosh, Nozel, is that you? Aw, you were such a cute little boy, look at those chubby cheeks. And you already had such a serious look, so adorable.”

Since when where serious glances adorable?

Nozel finished his cheesecake and walked up to her, hugging her from behind. A hint of sad nostalgia pierced his heart as he looked at the small painting. His mother smiled, not much older than twenty, while a two or three year Nozel was in her arms.

“Your mother was really a beautiful woman.”

“She was. Noelle got really lucky to get most of her looks from her.”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, you’re one of the most handsome people in the kingdom. And you got a few looks from your mother as well.”

“Oh, really?”

“First off, you got her eye colour, I love that metallic shade of purple, it’s so unique. And the smile. Noelle has a very different smile than this, but when you’re happy, you smile just like this as well.”

Nozel scoffed, but her words touched him very much. He couldn’t recall that anyone ever pointed out the similarities he had with his mother. Being the only one of his siblings who was perfect mix of his parents, he never got that.

But Vanessa was doing it. Because she seemed to see all the smaller details most people would ignore.

He hugged her more tightly, diving his face in her rosewood curls. The scent of rosewater filled his nose.

Was it too much to ask to have this in his life, in his still blurry future? Was it bad to wish to do the most simple things with her, like…

“Can I brush your hair?”

“Oh my, handsome eagle, I know no one else who has such simple wishes. Well, except maybe Gordon and Finral in a way.”

They both sat down on the canopy bed, Nozel took his brush and started to entangle her beautiful curls. It was such a soothing task to do. He vaguely remembered doing this to Nebra once when she was four or five years old and his sister had seemed to hate it, preferring to have mother brush her hair.

But Vanessa seemed to love what he was doing.

When he was finished, Vanessa turned around, smiling so softly at him that Nozel forgot everything around him for a second.

“Alright, now it’s my turn, captain eagle.”

She started to undo his braid. A habit she took just yesterday, but she seemed to love to undo his braid and then later, braiding his bangs again. Nozel let her do it and even came to enjoy each time she touched his hair, no matter if it was to play with it or to try something.

Vanessa took her time to brush his hair, she clearly enjoyed gliding her fingers through it, along the brush. But when she finished, she dived both her hands fully in his thick hair and started to give him a scalp massage.

Nozel didn’t except this gesture and at first, he had no idea how to feel about it. But it was so relaxing he stopped caring about it very soon.

“Just enjoy it, honey. I know you had a hard day today and you deserve to finally relax for this evening.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

By the heavens above, he loved this woman even more each day. Was this even possible? Well, for him it certainly was and he just wished he could find a way to properly show it to her, as she deserved it.

“I want this for the rest of my life.”

He hadn’t meant to tell those words aloud, but his mouth rebelled, like always when Vanessa was with him, actually.

“Me too, Nozel. Me too.”

They both stared at each other, full of emotion but also full of understanding. Vanessa wasn’t stupid, she was also pretty much aware of the situation they were in and even though she had a carefree attitude, she understood more than most people would probably gave her credit for. And yet, they loved each other.

Nozel sighed as he pulled her into a deep kiss. He didn’t want to keep his relationship with Vanessa secret. When he was with her, he wanted to show her to the world, to show everyone what a wonderful woman she was and how lucky he felt to love her so deeply.

For now, it wasn’t possible. But despite all his worries when she wasn’t with him and the burden he still carried with him, Nozel found herself more and more determined to fight for her. The future was blurry and he didn’t know yet what Vanessa wanted for later in her life. But she always told him to stop worrying from time to time and enjoy the presence more often and right now, it seemed like the best thing to do.

Their kiss deepened, became hotter and both of them knew what would come.

It didn’t took too long until they got rid of their clothes. Like every time, they lost every sense of time and place, only knowing each other, only loving each other.

As their bodies were completely intertwined in their lovemaking and Nozel kissed Vanessa again with all the passion he could manage, one certitude became clear to his mind.

He was too far gone already, as he knew he would not hesitate to give up his royal status to be with Vanessa.

The afternoon sun was tickling on her nose through the leaves of the willow. Vanessa put her book aside and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth.

No wonder Acier Silva loved this place. Well, willows were favourite trees and water lilies her favourite, but it was such a calm spot, away from troubles and burdens royalty gave you when you were a responsible Head of House. A bit like a bubble of calm happiness and joy.

It became one of Vanessas favourite places as well. Along with the Black Bulls hideout, the café and Nozels bedroom in the Silva palace.

Thinking about this bedroom made her think about the owner. And thinking of Nozel filled Vanessa with immense joy. She closed her eyes as she remembered their first time… perfect in every way for her. He was such a wonderful lover, caring so much for her pleasure that he maybe would have neglected his own if she hadn’t make sure he would be satisfied as well.

Their first night together had felt like souls coming together. Vanessa never knew that before. Even more, each of her past few flings and partners paled and disappeared in comparison to each second spent in Nozels arms. Especially since it wasn’t a one-time moment. Their embrace the very next morning and their second night in each other’s arms had been just as wonderful as the first time.

Who would have thought that their very first interaction in Spade would lead to them becoming lovers?

Vanessa certainly hadn’t expected that and neither did Nozel, certainly. Their talk in Spade had been six months ago. It seemed to have happened longer ago and at the same time, it was like it just happened yesterday, as Vanessa remembered it so well.

Even better, all their talks from the last months didn’t suddenly became awkward just because they were now sleeping together. On the contrary, if anything, their talks and their time spend together when not having sex seems to have deepened, to have become more precious. Only the strange tension they shared for the last two months changed, not really disappeared, but they had found the most wonderful way to calm it down.

Yesterday morning especially was one of the memories with Nozel Vanessa cherished the most. Waking up next to him and spending the whole morning with him… She wanted that again for the rest of her life. Just cuddling, kissing, talking about any kind of subject, like their favourite animals or the story behind Nozels braid, making love again… Everything had felt like a dream that became reality.

Vanessa sighed at the memory. Nozel had kept his word and did order breakfast for them, which had been brought to his room. The servants didn’t came in and left the tray just before the door. Apparently it was normal for Nozel and Vanessa suspected that it was not really to keep the secret, but more because for him, it had been like this every time he took meals in his room, another proof of how lonely he had been for years.

Honestly, Vanessa wasn’t upset that the servants didn’t see her. Their relationship was after still young and still a secret. Vanessa would love to be in the open with Nozel and she felt that Nozel would love that too. But they were both concious of the situation outside of their romantic bubble.

To be honest, Vanessa would like to prefer their young relationship to still be a secret for now. She knew that neither Nozel or herself would know peace if nobility would learn abruptly about them. And even more when if their respective family would learn. The Black Bulls might be in shock for very long when they learn who her secret lover was and Vanessa had no idea how to feel especially about Yamis reaction, given how he and Nozel respectfully kinda disliked each other. As for Nozels family, Mimosa Vermillion might be happy and supportive, but she didn’t know the rest of his Vermillion relatives well to have an idea of their reaction. As for his siblings… Solid certainly won’t be happy and even though Nebra was nicer now and might have developed a crush on Zora, who knows if she would be open enough for her older brother being with a witch.

As for Noelle…

Vanessa hold back a burst of laughter. Oh, sweet Noelle. She was close to both Nozel, as her brother, and Vanessa, as her squadmate, so the shock might be double for her and probably long lasting. And given that Vanessa told her squadmates yesterday that her lover is a god in bed, how would Noelle react when she learned that said god is her own brother?

Yes, for now, it was probably better to keep it a secret. The Bulls already know that she has a lover, they don’t need to know his identity yet. Besides, Vanessa enjoyed what she had with Nozel right now and for the moment, it was more than enough for her. She was happy and she would onto it.

Closing her eyes again, Vanessa focused back on the memory of yesterday morning. A happy smile formed on her lips. Since they ended up making love again, they had breakfast rather late, almost at lunch time. So, that meal ended up being a brunch. Funnily enough, Nozel didn’t know the term and Vanessa had a lot of fun of explaining it to him. Her poor eagle sweetheart had been more than confused about mixing breakfast and lunch into one. But in the end, he wasn’t against it.

Their brunch had been delicious. Nozel even asked what she would like and especially ordered the food she wanted, even though Vanessa had to push him a bit so that he would order something for himself as well. But she had to admit, the Silva cooks were amazing, their food was very good contender to Charmys cooking.

Vanessa smiled. As proud as she was on her cooking skills, Charmy had the absolute respect for the work of other chefs and could get angry if their cooking was denied by the Bulls. Magna had to take that lesson at heart once, as he said he refused to eat in a restaurant on a mission, because Charmys food would obviously be better. Charmy had asked if he tried the food and when Magna denied, he was unable to escape Charmys wrath. The Black Bull chef said many things, some didn’t make any sense, but others did. Charmy even said that it was also disrespecting her own cooking by disrespecting other food and end of the story, the Bulls had to try other food before they say if it was just as good as Charmys or not.

Vanessa told that story to Nozel and even got a chuckle out of him. She always loved telling him stories about the Black Bulls and he was a good listener. Especially that he would even listen to her when she was ranting for hours and catch on every word. Vanessa was always surprised about how much he remembered.

And she loved him even more for that.

But well, she couldn’t tell him everything. Like the party to celebrate Lucks and captain Charlottes newfound sibling bond, as she wasn’t there.

Usually, Vanessa would have been beyond pissed to have missed a party. But not this time. The night with Nozel had just been worth it, she would never regret it just for a missed party. Besides, it didn’t stop her for being happy for Luck and Charlotte. They deserved that and she was certain that the Blue Roses would adore Luck. The Blue Rose party was this evening and if she hadn’t decided to spent another night with Nozel already, Vanessa might have sneaked in just for the wine and for seeing Charlotte as a big sister to Luck.

The captain of the Blue Roses was surely an amazing sister. The Black Bulls came to love her a lot when she came to visit, practically accepting her as one of their own. Vanessa thought that she was indeed, alone by being Lucks older sister. They would also accept her as Yamis girlfriend, once those two will finally get together.

Will the Black Bulls also accept Nozel as her boyfriend, once they would be out of secrecy? It might be more difficult than with Charlotte, but Vanessa still hoped that her squadmate would end up being open to it. And it wasn’t like she would give them a choice even. Vanessa loved Nozel deeply and she refused to let anyone try to talk her out of this relationship, not even the Black Bulls.

Vanessa opened her eyes again, continuing to read her book. Well actually it was Nozels book and she just borrowed it. Last morning, she noticed the two pile of books on his night table and ask him about it. So, she learned that Nozel had a secret weakness for romance novels, which made him blush while admitting. But Vanessa found it really adorable. The only other man she knew to like romance novels was Finral, but given how much the other Black Bull boys and especially Yami made fun of those kind of stories, poor Finral never dared to talk about them. Maybe Nozel and Finral could bond upon their literature preferences one day and the fact that most men had such little opinion about romance novels? Vanessa would honestly love for her best friend and her lover to get along.

She asked Nozel which ones were his favourites and if she could borrow them. He accepted, obviously happy to share something he loved with her. The three books Vanessa ended up borrowing were all from the same author and she was more eager to read them once she learned that it was Acier Silvas favourite author.

Vanessa was always curious to learn more about Acier Silva and even though Nozel always had that sad and nostalgic glimmer in his eyes when the discussion was about his mother, it was so obvious that it did him more than good to talk about her. So, Vanessa always asked and always hugged him when she felt that he was close to cry.

One thing to say, Nozel must got his love for romance novels from his mother and Vanessa had to say, Acier Silva had an excellent taste in this genre of literature. She still need to read Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion yet, but Pride and Prejudice alone was a true romantic gem. Magic wasn’t the focus at all in this story, more like the emotions and the bonds between the characters.

Vanessa especially liked the male protagonist, his aloofness reminded her of Nozel. Cold at first sight, but kind-hearted and very caring once you get to know him more. And his deep affection for his sister, of course.

“Which one are you reading?”

“Honey, you’re here! Not much of work today for the busy captain of the Silver Eagles?”

Nozel blushed, of course. He always blushed when she teased him, tried to flirt and even when she gave him a compliment.

But he still smiled and honestly, his smile was the most soft, gorgeous smile she ever saw. What a shame that it had been such a rare sight before. Nozel only started to smile more often when they started to spend time together and since they slept together, his always smiled so brightly every time he saw her.

Did she really had such an effect on this man?

Nozel knelt next to her on the grass and gave her soft kiss on the lips.

“There was, but… not anything I had to deal urgently with. Besides… there is something… Well, I’d rather-“

“Spending time with me than dealing with stupid knights who don’t even do their job at all?”

“I… yes…”

“No need to be embarrassed. You deserve some breaks from work and you clearly need to relax more often. Like the hero of this story, actually.”

Nozel took a look at the book and Vanessa felt her heart filled up with glee as she saw the excitement in his eyes.

“Pride and Prejudice? It’s an excellent story.”

“I know right? I understand why it’s one of your favourites. Seriously, I understand even less that people make fun of romance novels or call them stupid when gems like that exist! Okay, I know some really bad romance novels, but there are bad books within every genre, so why make such a fuss about it.”

“Where exactly are you within your reading?”

“At the part when Lizzie is visiting Pemberley with her uncle and her aunt, and she stumbles upon Darcy.”

“I see. It’s a key point for both of them.”

“I suspected that. Her opinion about him his shifting already and he tries so much to show here that he’s a good man. Which he is, honestly.”

“You’re right.”

“You must know this story by heart today. Um, actually, I want to ask you something. I just wondered while reading.”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it normal for royals and nobles that their residences have names?”

“Only for nobles. Royals never named their residences, be it main or secondary. But I have no idea what kind of etiquette the nobles have to follow to name their residences.”

“Secondary residences? You mean, you royals have other castles than the three in the capital?”

Vanessa burst into laughter and thankfully, Nozel didn’t seem very offended as he chuckled.

“It is rather ridiculous, I know. Especially that our secondary residences are only occupied for some vacations and are empty most of the time. Those are not quite palaces like in the capital, more like manors or very big villas. You can call them smaller castles still.”

“Due the Silvas have some too?”

“Of course. But not as much as the other two royal families. I honestly have no idea what to do with most of them. I don’t think I ever visited each of them? Except one and since it was my mother’s favourite, I want to keep it.”

“Hm, I bet it’s a beautiful small castle then.”

“It is, yes. It’s also the only one that also has a flower garden, like the Silva palace. It’s in the countryside, a beautiful place, as far as I can remember. My mother went there after she gave birth to Noelle, to rest. I was with her. That was the last time I was at this estate.”

“Oh, why did you never go back there?”

“It’s… too many horrible memories. It… happened at this place…”

Oh. Vanessa understood immediately what he meant. Vanica. Megicula. The whole thing with the curses. His mother’s curse. His own curse.

Vanessa put her book aside and hugged Nozel as tightly as she could. He hugged her back, practically clinging on her. For someone who seemed so cold and stern to many people, he was craving a lot for affection.

“I couldn’t go back there after what happened. But my mother loved that estate, so I always make sure it would be taken care of still. But… I never went back to it.”

“Do you want to go back one day? To give this place new memories, happier ones?”

“I would love to, one day. But… I don’t think I’m ready. I’m not there yet.”

“And that’s okay, Nozel. That’s okay.”

It really was. Given that he only recently started to move on from his trauma, it was totally understandable that there were still things he would need time to get ready for.

Like going back to the place where his life was destroyed by devils and he started to lose his mother to a curse.

Vanessa still hoped that one day, he would go back to this small castle. Despite everything that happened there, it was so obvious that Nozel still loved his mother’s favourite estate, in the way he talked about it.

“I want to show it to you one day.”

“When you’re ready Nozel, I would love to.”

She really wanted. She wanted to see many of the places he loved, she wanted to know more about his world. Not only the parts of royal duties and dealing with nobility. She wanted know him even more.

Maybe one day, she would be ready to tell her about her past and the cage. But like him with going back to his mother’s estate, she wasn’t there yet. Not that she didn’t trust him yet, on the contrary, she trusted him like she trusted any Black Bull today. But the memory still hurt and after she ignored it for so long, no wonder she wasn’t ready yet.

But Vanessa promised herself that one day, she will tell him. Nozel was clearly interested about her roots, as he listened to her closely when she talked about the Witches Forest and when he asked her a few things from time to time.

Vanessa knew that his interest into the culture of witches was mostly due to her and his feelings for her, but she didn’t care. It was another proof that he was interested in her, in who she was. That was so much more that Vanessa ever dared to ask for in a partner.

She gave a small peck on his cheek to settle him, but it seems not enough for Nozel. He moved his head to put his lips on hers, pulling Vanessa into a deep and slow kiss.

She hummed happily against his lips. Vanessa adored when Nozel kissed her or when she was kissing him. Be it slow or full of passion, his kisses always left a fire in her. Not to mention that spending time with him gave her so much happiness, no matter what they were doing.

Gosh, she really was somehow addicted to Nozel, now. Vanessa didn’t spent the last two nights in her own bedroom back at the hideout. Instead, she was in his arms, in his bed, in his bedroom.

Well, what she said to her squadmates was true. He was a god in bed, but not only that. She loved even the most simple things with him, like just talking about everything or lying in each other’s arms in a comfortable silence.

They continued to make out, slowly lying down on the grass. Vanessa wished she could stop time altogether, just for this moment to be longer than it should be. It was perfect in her books, even more than perfect.

Nozels tongue brushed her lips, then her own tongue, teasingly and longingly.  Why did she ever thought that he was cold? Why did anyone ever think that he was cold? He was so warm right now, his breath, his touches… he was anything but cold.

Slowly, his hands wandered down her legs, while she let her fingers dancing on his back, descending them gently towards a very specific part on his body.

But just before her fingers could reach their goal, both of them suddenly remembered where they were in this very moment. Surely, the leaves of the willow covered them mostly and this area of the parc in the royal capital never got many visitors. But still, this was a public place and even if they couldn’t be saw, they could always be heard still, especially if their sounds of pleasure ended up being loud.

Nozel and Vanessa quickly let go of each other, both beet red and still feeling the lingering passion. Then, Vanessa burst into laughter.

“Holy witch hat, we’re both hopelessly addicted to each other.”

Nozel didn’t answered, just looking with high focus at the pond with the water lilies, blushing down to his shoulders. He still didn’t get as red as Noelle when she was embarrassed about something, but damn, blushing fast must be a Silva trait. Nebra and Solid probably had it as well.

Vanessa get close to him again and hugged him from behind. “No need to be that ashamed of, just a bit embarrassed. Even if it’s not the place, I feel very flattered that you find me this irresistible. Right back at you, by the way.”

“It’s… not proper.”

“You’re a royal and I’m a witch, this is already not proper from the start.”

“No, that’s not what I meant!” Nozel protested, blushing even more. Gosh, he was so cute when he was embarrassed. “I mean, it’s not proper… to… to take you in a public space, like a… fling with no consequences. You… deserve better.”

That was what he was worried about? That he didn’t treat her respectfully? Vanessa blushed, but joy filled her heart. Why were gentlemen so rare these days and why were they considered boring?

“Honey, I’m a witch and a Black Bull. I’m used to not get treated properly by most people.”

“Well, you shouldn’t. I care a lot about you and I refuse to… to treat you unproperly. I… You deserve better than that. You deserve to be treated like a true lady.”

Nozel still blushed, but his firm voice was enough proof about how convinced he was about his words.

How could she not love this man?

Vanessa hugged him tighter, blowing a soft kiss behind his neck to settle him. “It’s okay, honey. You’re a true gentleman and even if it’s not considered proper, I know that you would never treat me badly. Never on purpose and if it would happen by accident, you would most certainly already apologize before I would have time to even get mad. I know how very kind-hearted you are, Nozel.”

Nozel huffed. He probably still didn’t believed that himself, with all of his issues. But he was already opening up a bit more and one day, he might finally love himself. Vanessa would make sure of that.

“By the way, since we’re so addicted to each other, seems that I have no other choice than to come over at your place again for the night.”

“As much as I love having you with me, wouldn’t you miss your own bedroom after a while? And what would the Black Bulls say?”

“Meh, I’m already more often at the Hideout than vice-captain Nacht and it wouldn’t be new that I’m not there overnight. Only that this time I’m spending time with my lover instead of getting overly drunk in a bar, which would cause Noelle and Finral honestly less headache. Besides, I only use my bedroom at the Hideout to sleep and since I sleep with you, I realized that my mattress is a bit too soft. No wonder I not always slept good in that bed. And most importantly, I don’t wanna sleep alone now that I have you.”

Even though Vanessa said all this in a teasing tone, she meant every word of it. Even more so as she hugged Nozel tighter during the last sentence.

Nozel must have realized it, as he chuckled – seriously, what a lovely sound – and put his hands on her arms.

How peaceful it was. This place, the willow, the leaves in the soft breeze, the pond with the water lilies and him…

Vanessa wondered if the future could have moments like that. Her future or his… Their future.

How ironic. For someone who didn’t like change that much, who always lived in the present and practically never thought much about the future, she started to have fleeting thoughts about it.

Maybe it was still too soon to talk about it, to plan it even. But it gave such nice daydreams in the meantime.

Was this like when you were in a relationship? Vanessa couldn’t remember that it had been like this with her past experience. But to be fair, those never felt really serious back then.

However, this was serious.

She honestly loved this kind of silence. But Vanessa wouldn’t be the Black Bull witch if she just stood quiet forever.

“Actually, did I ever told you that Luck is a noble’s bastard?”

“No, you haven’t. Would explain his immense magic power for a commoner. Uh, I didn’t meant that in offense.”

“None taken, darling, so don’t start to panic. Well, it is actually a very recent discovery.”

“What does recent mean in your vocabulary?”

“Was that teasing? How cute! Well, anyways, it means we Black Bulls only learned it two days ago. That means, the other Black Bulls, I only learned it yesterday. Since I was a bit… preoccupied that night and the next morning. Which made me missed the whole party for the occasion, by the way.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t need to be, it was more than worth it. Besides, I couldn’t leave you alone. And to be fair, I didn’t lost anything.”

She swiftly run her hand on his butt and laughed when Nozel flinched heavily. He was probably blushing right now. Maybe she needed to distract him before he started to overthink again.

“Oh, and we also learned that Luck has an older half-sister through his father. A sister that actually accepted Luck as her brother without any judgement and all.”

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad for him. Too many nobles would have tried to ignore their illegitimate siblings in the best case or would try to get rid of them or to humiliate them at any occasion.”

Nozel probably thought about Grenadine while saying this. The noble bastard daughter he chose as a Silver Eagle. From the few things he told her, Vanessa assumed that Grenadine hasn’t been as lucky as Luck on the sibling matter. Poor girl.

“Wanna take a guess who the sister is?”

“I can sense that you’re dying to tell me, so why taking a detour?”

“Oh, come on, it’s just for the fun of teasing. Take a guess, please?”

“Well then, can you at least give me a hint?”

“Let’s see. Concerning their features, they have the same shade of blue for their eyes and the same shade of blonde for their hair. When you see them side by side you can tell their siblings and you feel awkward for never have seen it before when you know both of them at least a bit.”

Nozel didn’t answered immediately, probably thinking about any possibility. It didn’t take long before she sensed him flinch and break out of the hug to face her, his metallic purple eyes wide with surprise.

“Charlotte Roselei?”

“You got it right! I don’t know the whole story on how and why and when and all those details, but from what I gathered, captain Charlottes father had once an affair with Lucks mother before he chased her away with her baby boy. Luck thinks that she got a hatred for nobles because of that.”

“I can’t blame that poor woman, she must have been in a very difficult and somehow humiliating position, being the only loser in this whole affair. How does she feel about this new knowledge?”

“We can’t ask her, she died years ago, sadly.”

“Oh.”

The sad glimmer again in his eyes. Each time they talked about Acier Silva…

“Don’t feel so terrible, honey. Luck and Charlotte are actually delighted to be siblings. Charlotte quickly embraced her role as big sister and Luck is already so overprotective of her.”

“Who does know about their blood relation?”

“Except you, only the Black Bulls and the Blue Roses. The Blue Rose is actually throwing a party for Luck this evening, to welcome him or to celebrate the new found little brother of their captain, something like that. Actually, we won’t scream this news in the worlds for now. Not that it matter to us, but Charlotte, Finral and also Noelle remembered us that such a thing could involve a big scandal and we don’t to spoil the sibling’s happiness with offences from nobles. Maybe one day, but it’s not urgent anyways.”

“And still, you just told me.”

“Of course, because I trust you.”

There was no teasing in her voice. Why even would she tease him? It was the truth, she trusted him. She didn’t know when she started, though, if it was because she loved him now or if it started even before she lost her heart to him, whenever that happened.

But Vanessa trusted Nozel and that was all she needed to know.

He looked at her, surprised, touched, grateful, she couldn’t tell, but her last sentence definitely moved something in him. He leaned forward and put his lips on hers, pulling her into a soft kiss.

It tasted like paradise.

When they broke from the kiss, Vanessa took Nozels face between her hands and gently, lead him so that he lied down, his head on her lap. Now, this was perfect.

“Would you read to me?” she asked him, handing him Pride and Prejudice with happy smile.

“Weren’t you reading it already?” Nozel asked while raising a brow. But he still took the book.

“Well, yeah, but no one ever read stories to me and I would love to have that once. The Witch Queen never did, of course, and the Bulls, as much as I love them, don’t understand why it would be fun. Besides, I love the sound of your voice.”

She felt Nozel shifting a bit on her lap, looking at her. While he looked stunned, there was also some nostalgia in his eyes.

“Mother would read to us in the evening, when she had time. She hadn’t much of it, as captain of the Silver Eagles and Head of house Silva. But when she could, mother came to read us good-night stories. I think she already did this to me before she became head of house, but I was a toddler back then, so I can’t quite remember.”

Vanessa smiled. She always loved it when Nozel was telling her some anecdotes and memories about his beloved mother. What tragedy that she was dead. Acier Silva obviously loved her children and Vanessa would have loved to meet her.

Sadly, it wasn’t possible anymore.

“So, can I take this as a yes?”

Nozel just smiled, before taking the book and starting to read out loud, with such a soft voice it made her heart race. It was obvious that he loved this story, Vanessa even suspected he might knew the whole novel by heart.

His soft voice, the willow and it’s leaves slowly dancing in the breeze, the late afternoon sun, the pond and the water lilies, and the two of them… Vanessa closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

She didn’t know what the future awaited for them, but one thing was certain now. Whatever would happen, Vanessa wanted to spend the rest of her life with Nozel, at his side. And she might be even ready to fight for it.

♣♣♣

“Oh, he’s so cute, so adorable,” Wainsley squeaked, rubbing Lucks hair, who looked maybe a bit lost, but completely happy.

“Now that I see him, it’s so obvious he’s your little brother, captain Charlotte,” Galgaria said with awe, totally fussing over Luck. “That’s the same eye colour as yours and that shade of blonde is more than similar, it’s practically the same!”

“Not to mention he’s strong, just like our captain,” Selena added. “It would be even more difficult to win against captain Charlotte if she teams up with her little brother. But imagine what such a training would do to make us stronger!”

“Training? Stronger?” Luck asked with excitement, suddenly jumping up and down. “Does that mean that I can fight you too? Please, please, please?”

“Well, of course, captain’s brother.”

“Well, not yet, Selena,” Aimée laughed nervously, trying to calm down the excitement. “We’re here to party, not to fight.”

“But soon, then, we can fight? Can we? Can we? Can we?”

“Of course we will,” Églantine laughed, obviously having fun. “Aw, you’re really cute. It’s the first time I realize that going berserk could also be cute.”

“Well, he is called the Cheery Berserker for a reason,” Puli exclaimed, putting a huge plate in front of their honour guest. “Here, little Luck, have some of  Love Angel Puli’s special grilled cheese sandwiches, enjoy~”

“They’re so good! Need to get the recipe for Charmy!” Luck exclaimed, already eating his third grilled cheese sandwich, before he got a closer look at Puli. “Hey, I know you! We were a team with the four-eyes from the Golden Dawn during the Royal Knight fights!”

“Exactly, glad you recognize me, little fella. Gosh, I had no idea I was on a team with my captain’s own little brother! What a small world.”

“Can we fight together again?”

“Well, of course! Ah, if captain Charlotte would allow us to have common training with the Black Bulls, we can even have proper matches.”

Charlotte chuckled. “I’ll talk with Yami about it, but I’m sure it could be done. Would be happy about it, Luck?”

“Yep! Even better if I could also team up with you, big sister, or with one of the Blue Roses! That would be cool, I never beat up Magna with someone from another squad!”

“Well… I guess I can survive to team up with a man to fight the dumb glasses punk, if that man is my sister’s little brother.”

“Sol, call me captain.”

“Yes, sister.”

Charlotte sighed. Some things might really never change. But at least, it looked like even Sol took Luck in her heart, which was honestly very nice to see. Him being her captain’s younger brother probably helped with this predicament.

All in all, this party to present her little brother to her own squad has been a big success. Each one of the Blue Roses loved him immediately, even Sol who still tried to let it show too much. Seeing Luck getting along with her girls and talking with them as if they were already old friends truly warmed her heart. Even better, the Blue Roses could benefit from the training with someone as strong as Luck and now, she had another excuse for a common training with the Black Bulls than Yami.

Thinking of him made Charlotte sighed quietly, unheard from the rest of the party. Yami… Her hopeless love for him was still a problem for her. The both of them got closer during their investigation to find her sibling, yes. But there was still a tension between them, stronger than ever before. Not a hatred tension, but more like… awaiting, anxious and it was driving her nuts.

If anything, her love for Yami only deepened and got stronger during their time together for the investigation. Which actually didn’t made things easier between them. In fact, maybe it made the whole situation even more difficult. Because each minute she spend apart from Yami became almost unbearable and the longing grew so strong that she lost sleep during the nights due to some fantasies no noble woman and no Magic Knight captain should have. But could it really be this bad to dream about Yami naked and doing blush worthy things to her? Well, it wasn’t like she never had that kind of fantasies before, of course. Puli told her once that it was pretty normal when you were deeply in love.

But those fantasies today weren’t fleeting anymore. They were constant and she couldn’t get rid of them.

Charlotte ignored the fact that she wasn’t really trying to get rid of those fantasies in the first place.

At least, Luck knew about her love for his captain and apparently even got overprotective over her because of that. Even though Charlotte told him that it wasn’t necessary, she was still touched about how he wanted help her. Even though his help consisted mostly of trying to attack Yami and fight him in order to either make him realize Charlottes feelings for him or to punish him for having been so dense for over a decade.

The Blue Roses learned about it as well and it just made them adore Luck even more. How many of her girls came to her with congratulations to have such a protective and caring little brother?

With him now in the secret, many of the Blue Roses were certain that they were one step closer to finally get Charlotte together with Yami. Finral and Gordon thought as well that having now Luck on board, her own brother, would be some good help.

Charlotte hoped that they were right and she could only trust them, as her own thoughts weren’t appeasing to her at all.

And still…

Charlotte put a hand in her pocket, holding the small piece of paper as if it was the only thing holding her alive. She got that message today in the afternoon and immediately recognized Yamis terrible handwriting.

Prickly Queen, meet me this evening alone in your yard, I have something to finish and I can’t do that without you.

What was he referring to? Why did he still need to be this ominous? Charlotte was ready to bet that Yami genuinely thought he was pretty straightforward with his words, but well, he wasn’t to her.

Charlotte forced herself to not have too much hope. This was Yami, after all, pretty dense to feelings despite his Ki reading ability. But at the same time, he could also be smart, seeing potential in people no one else would see and was loyal to both the Clover kingdom and his own beliefs and morals, without ever feeling torn apart between the two. Which was a huge success in her eyes, not many would have been able to do that.

And still, she had no idea how to feel about it.

His Ki reading didn’t seem to work with her specifically and she was the only one he ever told to not surpass her limits and to rely more on others.

Now that she thought about it, Yami always treated her differently than anyone else, even the Black Bulls. Of course, he teased her too, because why would Yami Sukehiro not tease and make fun of anyone? Even the Wizard King wasn’t exempted from it.

But it was the little things that made the biggest differences. Charlotte couldn’t really pin point them out, but she knew they were here and that was more than enough for her.

The Blue Roses were all now focusing on Luck, who laughed and ask for fights and occasionally, showed them some tricks with his magic.

Charlotte left the party discreetly. She felt a bit bad to not say anything, but every one of them seemed to have so much fun right now, even Sol, and she didn’t want to take it away from them. Besides, whatever Yami needed to finish with her, Charlotte preferred to be alone with him, with no witnesses, even if it was her little brother and her own knights.

When she entered the garden of the Blue Roses Headquarters, Yami was already there. Of course, he had a cigarette in his mouth, but he also look very tense and maybe a bit nervous. This was so unlike him, given how nonchalant he could be most of the time.

Charlotte was even more worried about the love of her life. What was bothering him this much?

“Sounds like they’re havin’ fun in there,” Yami commented, lazily pointing at the manor that was the Headquarters. Indeed, laughter was heard even here where it was calmer.

Almost too calm maybe.

“Yes. Each one of my knights immediately took Luck into their hearts. They all find him adorable.”

“Adorable? Geez, the Bulls would be shocked to know that a whole squad finds their berserker adorable. Only Gordon and Vanessa would agree.”

“They adore him and honestly, it’s enough for me.”

“Enough for yet as well?”

“Yes. Honestly, for now it’s better to not tell more people about it. I will need to face my family on that matter and most of them won’t be happy that I took my half-brother under my wing.”

Especially not her father, but Charlotte didn’t thought that after what he’d done, he had any right to be offended. As for her mother… Well, they still haven’t talked since Charlotte stood up to her and honestly, the sad and guilty eyes lady Orchidea had for those past few weeks started to make her suspicious.

Especially she saw her mother caress an old and dirty shirt lately, a shirt that would more belong to a peasant than a noble lady… Orchidea didn’t saw her, probably thought she was alone, heck why she took the shirt out of his hidden place. But Charlotte saw her cry silently over this piece of clothing and she wondered what kind of tragic secrets her mother was maybe burdened with.

“Well, at least you stand up for your lil’ bro and that’s probably more than any noble half-sibling would do for bastards bros and sis’.”

“You’re not wrong. I know that my decision is a rare occurrence, but I don’t regret it. Maybe others might find their voice and stand up for their illegitimate siblings. I know that at least Églantine would be more than happy to do it.”

“One of your girlies? She has a bastard half-sibling too?”

“Églantine Évantail, yes. Her father had a bastard daughter with someone from the Forsaken Realm and house Évantail refuse to have anything to do with her. We already met this girl not so long ago after Spade. Do you remember that fan magic user from the Special Selection Exam?”

“That one? She’s related to one of your thorny girls? Geez, what a small world… Course I remember her. She would have been an excellent fit for the Black Bulls, but Bird Braid got his eagle claws on her instead.”

“You were there, many squads raised their hands for her. Which mean that she had to choose and she decided to become a knight of the Silver Eagles. Besides, from what I gathered, she blossomed within the Silver Eagles. You have to admit that Nozel was right to give her a chance and we both know he certainly doesn’t regret it.”

Yami just shrugged with a pouting face, which meant that he agreed, even though he didn’t want to admit it.

Silence settled between them and even though it wasn’t awkward or even tense, Charlotte didn’t like it. As if she needed something first before she could enjoy comfortable silence with Yami.

“Yami please, just let it out.”

“Letting what out?”

“Whatever was so urgent to tell me today. I don’t what it is, but it certainly seems to weigh on you. And it weighs on me, by some strange coincidence. So, please, let it out, I don’t think I can handle this any longer.”

What was this actually? Nothing. Everything. Anything even, because there was so much between them. More than he knew and probably even more than she knew herself.

Yami looked at her, stunned. But then, the look in his dark eyes changed, shining with a determination she never seen before within him.

“Well, I was thinking about the two us and what is somehow between us. Your Ki had always been special, yer the only one I can’t really understand despite the Ki.”

What was he talking about? Something within Charlotte yelled at her that she actually already knew, she just didn’t want to realize it yet. How could she even, after ten years of longing and loving in silence, she was just unable to imagine that-

Wait…

Was he actually trying to confess to her?

Would that mean… that he loved her back?

Charlotte felt her heart racing faster than Lucks lightning and she was grateful that it was already dark, the night hiding more or less how much she was blushing right now. She was even unable to even think calmly.

She shouldn’t get her hopes that high, but Charlotte couldn’t help it, couldn’t fight it. It was so overwhelming, she had no other choice than to go through all this strong emotions.

Maybe she should just stop overthinking and panicking like she used to around Yami and for once, letting it come to her.

“You’re obviously special to me, I just never… Well, let’s just say that I was stupid and dense when it comes to you.”

Did he just called himself stupid and dense? What was going on? Who was this man and what did he do to Yami Sukehiro?

“Well, what I want to say is… Argh fuck it, why is it so damn difficult to put in fricking words!”

Yami turned around, walked up and down in front of her, throwing his hands above him in frustration. Charlotte would have laughed at the sight if she hadn’t been a nervous and emotionally unstable wreck right now.

This was just too much. If she wouldn’t say something quickly, she might run away again in panic and she would regret it for the rest of her life.

“Yami!”

“Yes!”

“If it’s too difficult to put it in words, then just… just show me, okay? Show me what you want to say, but please, don’t torture me with waiting any longer!”

She didn’t wanted to yell at him, but this sudden overwhelming tension was killing her to a point she just wanted it to be over already. It was like all the tension she had around Yami for over a decade started to burden her all at once.

By the three leaves of the Clover, why did she waited for so long with Yami? Now it was coming back at her, practically killing her and stealing away every inch of sense she still had left.

Yami looked at her, completely dumbfounded, before the fierce determination came back into his dark grey eyes. But just as he was about to make a step towards her, he stopped again.

Charlotte almost groaned in frustration. What was now holding him back? She really couldn’t take it anymore!

“Prickly Queen, before I show you anything… Just promise me that you won’t punch me or run away or something like that.”

“I won’t, I promise! Now, what-“

Charlotte couldn’t finish her sentence, as Yami let his mouth crash against hers.

She didn’t had the time to be surprised, to be shocked, to be… anything, really. Her mind didn’t react anymore as she just followed her instinct and gave in to the deep and wild kiss.

Everything felt so fast, she was overwhelmed. But at the same time, it felt like it didn’t matter still. Charlotte had been in love with Yami for ten long years already. Why would she care if it was now going forward in a fast way?

They broke the kiss after a while, because they still needed to breathe, only to give in for another one.

And another one.

And another one.

Charlotte felt that she wouldn’t be able to stop. Why would she even stop? Stopping to kiss the love of her life should be considered a crime.

Yamis lips were rough, she hadn’t expected it otherwise, but there was a subtle softness still behind all that roughness. He tasted like cigarettes, of course, but Charlotte would let him pass for it this time. There was also booze, but this wasn’t what made her feel like she was drunk. His kisses were enough for that.

Gosh, she had dreamed of her first kiss with Yami so many nights. But all of her fantasies disappeared with this reality. It was real this time and so much better than what she ever dreamed of.

If this was love, why did she never gave in before? Why hadn’t she be brave enough to confess way earlier to Yami? And why was it considered as sill and stupid within nobility? Those arranged marriages made even less sense now for Charlotte.

Yami suddenly brushed her lips with his tongue, trying to get in between. Charlotte couldn’t help but let out a sound at his gesture. Was it a moan or a yelp? She couldn’t tell at all.

But whatever it was, it made Yami break the kiss, much to her disappointment. Thankfully, he didn’t fully let go of her. Otherwise, she might would have punched him for that.

Heavens’ what was she even thinking?

“Well, yeah…” Yami said while rubbing his neck, looking away. Why was he so flustered all of a sudden. “That is what I wanted to put in words. Didn’t know that showing it to ya was easier than sayin’ it.”

Goodness, was it new to him as well? Charlotte wasn’t sure why, but it didn’t surprise her. She couldn’t help but put a hand on his chest. She blushed when she felt his heart racing under her palm.

“Yami…”

“Well, you might punch me for that…”

“For kissing me? No, why would I? Have you any idea how many times I dreamed of-“

“You dreamed many times that I kiss you?”

Yami looked directly at her and his confusion was clearly showing. Charlotte blushed as she realized what she just blurted out. Well, to be fair, it wasn’t like she would have keep it as a secret anyway, but she didn’t want to have said it like that!

Does it really matter?

Yami slowly lift up his hand to caress her cheek. His hand was big and rough, but the gesture so soft. She leaned into the touch. Who would have thought that Yami Sukehiro could be this soft in his touches? Well, Charlotte Roselei definitely believed it now.

“So, the Purple Moustache Grandpa was right…”

“What was Kaiser right about? What has he to do with this?”

“Well, I ask for advice… for well, this. And honestly, he gave me the best advices I could get on this matter.”

Yami Sukehiro, asking for advice? For romantic advice? And he asked a fellow captain for them? If Charlotte hadn’t been involved, maybe she would have chuckled at least.

But she was involved, so she couldn’t laugh about it. And despite her surprise of this revelation, she couldn’t help but to be touched as well.

Charlotte knew Yami, she knew his pride. Of course it must have took a lot from him to let go of it eventually and to even ask advice. He didn’t even ask for some advice to some of his closest friend, like William, Jack or lord Julius. But Kaiser was indeed not a bad choice. Maybe one of the best Yami could get advice from.

Kaiser was the most calm and probably normal within the nine Magic Knight captains, he was very open-minded for a noble and unusual for nobility, he married out of love and was openly happy with his wife, lady Isabelle. On that topic, he was probably the best to guide Yami and to advise him.

“I’m proud of you.”

“What for, Prickly Queen?”

“That you push past your limits and forgot your pride to ask someone for advice. I know that it must have been very difficult for you. But I always known that you were strong and not only in battles.”

Charlotte blushed. It felt so natural as the words came over her lips, but she still couldn’t stop the blood rushing towards her face. She wanted to look down, overwhelmed by her emotion, but Yami stopped her from doing that by delicately holding her chin.

Never had she seen such a softness in his eyes, but it didn’t felt wrong. On the contrary, it was actually another side of Yami Sukehiro, captain of the Black Bulls. A side he didn’t show that easily and only rarely. And it was for her…

Yami kissed her again, so much softer than all the previous kisses they just had shared. This kiss was delicately perfect.

As a soft and yet still passionate kiss, it lasted for a long time. To be fair, Charlotte lost all notion of time and she could somehow felt it was the same for Yami. How she could tell, that she had no idea. Maybe it was just because she could feel his heart beating at the same fast tempo as her own.

Vaguely, Charlotte noticed that they somehow moved, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t even able to focus on it, her mind was just so full of Yami, his lips on hers, his muscular body against hers, his hands on her, her own hands in his hair, on his cheeks, on his shoulders, she couldn’t tell and didn’t want anyway. That would be a waste of time.

The kiss and the ones after were soft, but slowly, their lips were dancing faster and with more passion against each other. Charlotte could now even feel Yamis lips not only on her own, but also on her jawline, her pulse, her neck… Everywhere he touched her, it was like a fire burning on her skin, more powerful than the magic of Mereoleona Vermillion.

Slowly, her own hand descended along his back and she felt his fingers almost playing with her own clothes.

A loud sudden laughter took them out of their bubble and they break apart in a jump.

Only then Charlotte realized where they were and what their position was…

Oh, by the three leaves of the Clover! She was lying on her squads lawn, Yami over her in a very specific position and if someone would have left the party as well, they would have been seen making out like there’s no tomorrow.

What would have happen if that loud laugh wouldn’t have broken their bubble? Would they have continue to make out, to kiss as if it was their last day? Would it have been just kisses or would they more probably having gone farther in their passion?

Like… having sex on the lawn?

Charlotte hid her blushing face behind her hands, unable now to even look at Yami now that she had that thought. Goodness, she never made love with anyone before and she didn’t even thought twice about it, her mind full Yami and his lips and her overwhelming feelings for him.

And… she didn’t even regretted it! Even now, with the realization and the embarrassment, she didn’t have one ounce of regret about what almost happened. Between all her blurry thoughts, this one at least was clear.

“Well… that wasn’t planned,” Yami muttered, sitting up. Charlotte was surprisingly very disappointed that he wasn’t over her anymore.

“Did you plan all that? Since when are you of all people sticking to a plan?”

“No need to be so harsh, Prickly Queen, you break my delicate little heart of glass, here. I was actually pretty spontaneous, but all I had in mind was to tell you… show you… you know the deal. But taking you directly in your own lawn, that I haven’t thought about it, sorry.”

“I… I don’t mind it.”

“What, to fuck on the lawn?”

“No, that’s not what I meant! I mean… you taking me… I don’t mind.”

That was very bold of her and Charlotte knew that. Years ago, even months ago, she wouldn’t have even consideredthat idea. But people could change their minds and that was what she did.

She was honestly done with her noble status, her image as noble lady, as perfect party on the marital market. She was also done to hesitate with Yami, to let her cold pride hold her back and to get all embarrassed at the whole idea of being right next to him.

It was bold, yes. But she wanted to jump into the Unknown. Who knows when her usual embarrassment around Yami would come back. She wanted to act before getting all flustered again and run away from him, only to regret her reaction one more time.

Yami looked at her, clearly surprised by her new boldness.

But there was another glimmer in his dark grey eyes. A glimmer that only made her lose more reason and let her getting bolder.

“You sure, Prickly Queen? It might be fast in your books. I don’t want…”

“It’s okay, Yami. I’m certain of it.”

“Are you drunk or something? I’ve never seen you this bold.”

“Yami, for Heaven’s sake, would you please stop holding back? If you want it too, then I can’t take it anymore!”

She was getting bolder by the minute! Even though it was possible she would get all flustered about it in a few hours, Charlotte had to admit that she liked this new side of her.

Yami as well it seemed, as he helped her up while giving her a wild grin. Charlotte couldn’t but smile back, even though she was still very nervous.

It would be her… first time and…

Gosh, it was still so difficult to think about it so clearly. If she would, Charlotte knew she will be all flustered and starting to hesitate and overthink like she always did.

But she didn’t want to hesitate and if for that she has to not think clearly, then so be it.

Taking the lead, which seemed to be appealing for Yami, she took his hand and went straight back to the Blue Roses headquarters.

Back in there, the party was still going on. Charlotte took a quick look in the room. A lot of Blue Roses were dancing or jumping around, imitating Luck who had such a good time and even cheering the jumpers on. While asking for a fight, of course.

“Geez, Luck seems to have become an honorary Blue Rose, good for him.”

Charlotte only hummed, agreeing with Yami. Then she pulled him behind her again, practically running up the stairs and all the way to her room.

She slept most of the time at her squad’s basement, even though it would have been more usual to go back to her bedroom at the Roselei Estate. But Charlotte preferred to sleep in her captains chamber. The Blue Roses were loving her and accepting her for who she was, which she wouldn’t get back at her family’s manor, where she was just another chess piece for some selfish games, especially for arranged marriages.

Once they reached her bedroom and closed the door, Yami went for her lips again, putting all the passion in it he was capable of. And knowing captain Yami Sukehiro of the Black Bulls, he had a lot of passion to put in a kiss.

Charlotte kissed him back, finally letting her mind rest, finally giving in fully. She barely noticed how they fell on the canopy bed, how they get rid of their clothes, almost ripping them off in their impatience, how Yamis face disappeared between her legs for a moment, how they tried to kiss every inch of each other.

There was never something special for his birthday since his mother died and Nozel had no intention to change that. It was his way to punish himself. Besides, except Fuegoleon, no one actually remembered his birthday, not even Nebra and Solid. Only for them to get in a panic during the last day of the year afterwards and getting him last minutes presents on the first day of the new year. Plus those presents he got each year since a decade, only put on his bed without any message.

There was no reason why his birthday this year would be any different. But when Nozel entered his bedroom after a long day of work, he heard a strange noise coming from his balcony, as if someone had a rough landing.

Opening his balcony door quickly, what he discovered surprised him greatly.

“Noelle?”

“Hello, brother… Ah, sorry I landed so unfitting for a royal, I actually got better with flying a broom, but not really, but I couldn’t take my Valkyrie Armour this time, in case I lose control, plus I had to transport things that are easier to transport with a broom than an armour spell, although I still don’t understand why, but Vanessa said that and I know I should have taken my own opinion about it, but-“

“Calm down and come in first.”

Nozel hold his sister the door open while Noelle gathered all her stuff. It was strange to see her, but he refused to complain. Their bond had gotten better after Spade and Nozel refused to let slip any occasion he could spent with his baby sister. He did so many mistakes before. Not anymore.

It meant the world to him. And to his biggest surprise, it also meant the world to Noelle. During her last visit, she bluntly told him that she loved spending time with him and Nozel had seen in her eyes that she didn’t lied just to make him feel better. She meant it. He still believed that he didn’t deserved her kindness, but making his beloved little sister happy was now more important than punishing himself.

Noelle put a cake box on his office table, a big present and a strange, almost creepy tissue doll that looked exactly like her. Nozel frowned. What was that supposed to mean? Should he be offended that someone dared to sew such a thing with the image of his little sister or would he offend Noelle if he would point it out?

Noelle turned towards him and took a deep breath, as if to give herself some courage. “Happy birthday, brother. I know you don’t celebrate your birthday, but I actually find it sad since I got birthday parties with the Black Bulls and I really wanted to give you my birthday gift personally this year.”

“Wait… during all those years, those secret presents… They were from you?”

“Yes! I really hope that you’ll liked those. Besides, you also gave me birthday gifts in secret during all those years, it’s only fair I show you the same kindness. And I really wanted to give you something on your birthday, since only captain Fuegoleon seemed to remember that the 30th December is your birthday.”

“You knew it was me?”

“I saw you once sneaking into the palace in secret, when I was seven years old, with a huge bunny plushie. And I got that very same plushie for my birthday the day after. So, yes… I knew from quite some time. Does it bother you?”

“No, not at all.”

Nozel just didn’t know what he should say. For so many years, Noelle actually knew that he was the one giving her birthday gifts in secret during all those years, even after she joined the Black Bulls.

“The Black Bulls were always surprise when I got secret birthday gifts, they are even taking bets. All of them already lost those, but they don’t know. I only told Vanessa, because she noticed that I never was surprised about those gifts and she tickled me, until I spilled the beans. She was surprised when I told her it was you, but she promised me to keep the secret. Vanessa actually finds it cute, so-“

Noelle suddenly interrupted, because Nozel pulled her into a hug. It might be awkward, but Nozel didn’t know what else he could do to thank her. And his mother always hugged him when she wanted to thank him for something, so there was that.

He felt his little sister freeze in his arm for a second, but she immediately gave in the hug. Nozel could tell that Noelle was happy. He made her happy with this hug. This was more than he ever dared to wish before.

The hug lasted a while, before they sadly had to break it. But Noelle absolutely wanted to give him this year’s birthday gift.

“Sorry for the doll, but when Gordon somehow found out that I was going to make you a birthday gift, he insisted that I give you this creepy doll. It’s not a spell or anything, it just looks creepy and Gordon always means well.”

What Noelle didn’t told her brother yet was that Gordon also made her a Nozel doll and that she was sleeping with said doll in her bed. Along with an Asta doll.

“Well, mother always said that the gesture means a lot, so it would be rude of me to refuse that doll.”

And having some kind of Noelle plushie didn’t seem so bad in Nozels books, even though it looked kinda creepy. But if it was made with love, the doll also seemed a bit comforting, thank goodness.

Nozel sat down on his bed to open the gift, Noelle right next to him. She seemed pretty excited and also nervous. It was clear that she certainly put a lot of thoughts in this gift.

Three books appeared soon after. Three books from the same writer. And not just any writer. It was from Aciers favourite novelist. Romance novels, but certainly some of the best ones.

Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion and Sense & Sensibility.

Did Noelle knew that the writer of those novels was their mother’s favourite?

“I really hope it’s okay for you. I saw you once read a novel from this author so I thought it was fine? Except Finral and Gordon, no one of the Black Bulls men appreciates romance novels and make even fun out of it. And I wanted to get you the other three from this writer, but sadly I couldn’t find them at the bookstore. Okay, I could have searched in other bookshops, but I’m sure I couldn’t find prettier covers like those and I wasn’t really patient, and-“

“Noelle, it’s okay. I love this writer. Actually… it was the favourite novelist of our mother. And Persuasion was her favourite novel.”

“Really?”

The happy on his sister’s face was one of the most beautiful things Nozel ever saw. He couldn’t help but hug her. She gifted him so much more than three wonderful novels.

“Nozel, are you ready for the cake? Charmy made it and it’s one of her latest creations. Lavender cheesecake. Trust me, it is delicious.”

“I would love to try.”

Noelle was right, that lavender cheesecake was one of the best cakes Nozel ever tasted. Sweet and soft and even refreshing.

It was a nice birthday, just staying with his little sister in his bedroom, chatting a bit more openly and eating a delicious cake. Nozel wasn’t sure still if he deserved it, but Noelle was so happy and he couldn’t help but feel happy and at ease too. It wasn’t bad at all.

Maybe one day, Nebra and Solid could join them. Maybe one day, they could heal enough to have proper birthday parties.

“Are you serious?”

“I wish I wasn’t, but sadly, I’m not in a goofy mood right now.”

Most of the time when the Wizard King said that, he was actually acting goofy, either to everyone’s amusement or everyone’s annoyance, especially Marx the mushroom.

But as if the serious look in his eyes wasn’t enough, Yami could tell from his Ki that old man Julius was serious. Gosh he would have preferred if it was a bad joke. Heck, even Mushroom Head looked like he would have preferred a stupid prank for once. That was just how fucking upsetting those news were.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Fuegoleon said, again speaking for all the captains. “The war with Spade was just six months ago, there are still some lingering aftermath and not only from this raid, but also from the whole ordeal with the elves and the Eye of the Midnight Sun and even a bit from this affair with the Devil Believers. Not to mention that we still have to deal with those thievery acts in the Common Realm and that most nobles still don’t trust the Magic Knights. So, why do they want to celebrate the victory with a ball already?”

“I agree with Fuegoleon,” Kaiser added calmly. “Most nobles these days don’t trust the Magic Knights and it’s not anything new. We could give the benefice of doubt, of course, and hoping they came to accept that we do anything to protect this kingdom. But we all know that this isn’t the case, houses from high nobility especially have lately taken many offenses from the decisions we made as Magic Knights. And isn’t this ball suggestion coming a bit out of the blue?”

“Yeah, what that moustache grandpa just said,” Yami sighed. Since Kaiser helped him to realize his love for Prickly Queen, Yami was rather unusually willing to support his purple colleague when he made a good point.

“If ya all ask me, this noble ball victory bullshit sounds fishy.”

“It does, as it wasn’t offered like a peace offering or anything like this,” Marx said with a deep frown. “More like a threat, maybe? No, this is a too harsh word. I can’t really call it a warning either.”

Goldie Guts had taken a look at the so-called offer, looking down at the parchment with a frown, as if he was trying to get the words right. Weird, William was usually one of those who could get behind a true message between the lines quite easily. Yami had to admit that this wasn’t his forte. Besides, written words didn’t had any Ki, so he could never tell if they were genuinely true or a blatant lie.

“Hm… At first sight, it looks like a banal and even overly polite offer or suggestion ask to Magic Knights. But those are mostly about trouble in some areas, about new dungeons appearing or any difficulties people wish to have be better. A ball of victory isn’t really something you turn towards Magic Knights.”

“You are right, William,” old man Julius answered, pensive. “And in this case, it’s not like a ask for help or a suggestion for a mission, like we usually get. I wouldn’t have talked about it if this so-called offer didn’t sound like a decision already made, giving us no other choice than to accept it. It might be just nothing to worry about, but the way it was handled to us, the choice of words and with all that happened even in the last two years, it concerns me. Besides, could anyone of you tell me what Three Leaves Glory mean?”

Yami shrugged, he clearly had no idea what this shit meant. The Beanpole and Miss Sleepy Hat also looked like they had no fricking clue what was about this fuss.

But the captains who were either nobles or royals, they seem to know.

And that bothered Yami. He, Jack and Dorothy were the captains that didn’t come from noble and royal circles. As a foreigner, a commoner and a witch, they mostly have no idea how all the things of nobility worked.

But the other six captain, they seemed to knew… And given their looks, it wasn’t some good shit, it seemed. Rill looked he still tried to remember what this stupid term, though. But the rest? Nozel looked like stiffer than usual, Fuegoleon let his left hand glide down his face, William just sighed, Kaiser just shrugged, and Charlotte…

Yami almost flinched when he took a look at her. She was stiff, her mouth was thin line, her fist were trembling and resting on her lap.

She knew what that three leaves whatever shit meant and she didn’t like it at all. Okay, when she was reacting like that, then Yami just couldn’t shrug it off and move on to new cigarette. Her reaction actually worried him more than he would have before being with her.

Discreetly, he laid his hand on her leg. It seemed to calm her down a bit and Charlotte even put her own hand on his. Yami almost smiled that she was taking his comfort immediately now. She never would have before.

But at the same time, they were a couple now. A secret one, there was no denying that, but still a couple.

In the end, it was Fuegoleon who finally explained what this three leaves whatever shit actually meant, translated from noble language.

“The Three Leaves Glory is basically a term for a ball where nobles and royals are deciding betrothals between any kind of house and any kind of people. Long ago, the Three Leaves Glory was a ball of three days, in honour of the three leaves of the Clover.”

Yami grinned when Fuegoleon put this much emphasis on the word honour. Hard Nose might explaining the topic as factual as possible like he always did, but even someone like him couldn’t entirely hide what he truly thought about this whole shitty mess.

“During the first day, the future spouses met each other for the first time. The second, they were betrothed. And at the last day, the marriages were celebrated at this ball. It was basically multiple weddings at once. That tradition was annulled over fifty years ago, due to various and complex reasons.”

“But the term of Three Leaves Glory Ball still remained, am I right?” Marx asked cautiously.

Fuegoleon only sighed, which practically an answer already.

“Yes. It’s more or less like a standard ball, now multiple weddings at once anymore. But… it’s still an important event on the marital market. Not official, but still very important. And decisive and final. It’s often decided between the future spouses back or at least one of them, only for them to learn it way later.”

“That sucks,” Beanpole groaned, sitting impossibly on his chair. “What was the use of forbid the original idea if it’s still practically some forced contracts?”

“Because noble house preferred to be in the centre of the attention at a wedding and multiple weddings at once takes the spotlight away from them.”

The cold disgust in Nozels voice was pronounced that each person present turned towards him in surprise. Yami as well.

Okay, he was more than used that Braids was strict royal with a stick up his ass who adores discipline, something a lot of nobles seemed to lack. But never did Yami heard that kind of disgust in his voice before. Either Bird Braid started to change his mind about nobles after the elves or after Spade. Or he hold his disgust for years and now he was so done to care and hold it back anymore.

Damn, if it was the latter, Nozel must have been using a lot of inner strengths for years dealing with hated nobles. Maybe he had not such a big stick up his ass after all. Yami would have thought that Braids would defend the intention of the nobles. But from all the people present at this table, Nozel seemed like the most offended about this perspective.

Along with Charlotte.

“So this is what my mother warned me about,” she whispered, so that only Yami was able to hear her.

Crap. He actually forgot about that. Auntie Dea, like most of the Black Bulls called Charlotte’s mother now, did warned Prickly Queen about some ball like that.

Was this what Dea meant with that warning? Knowing her, that poor Blue Rose Mom certainly had nothing to do with it, but she must have heard bits here and there, at least enough to warn her daughter about it.

Yami remembered how angry he got when his girlfriend told him that for the first time. Well, the mere thought that some people would want to marry off his Prickly Queen for their own schemes, as if she was an empty cup of a trophy, made him raging, wanting to destroy a wall over their heads or something.

Charlotte was the most wonderful woman in the kingdom on many levels. And she was his. No one had the right to decide over her future like that!

Charlotte must have felt the angry tension within him, so she put a hand on his leg, in an attempt to calm him down. And it worked. Who would have thought that a simple hand on a leg could be enough to calm someone?

The anger was still here, but thanks to her, it was now calm.

For fuck’s sakes, he really needed her on so many levels.

Charlotte seemed to have calmed down a bit herself, as she said, “But that kind of nonsense hadn’t been organized since five or six years. Why starting again with this and why using the victory against the devils in Spade as an excuse?”

“Because nobles are desperate, maybe,” Nozel said again in a cold, disgusted tone. Damn, what was wrong with him? Yami tried to read his Ki, but it was a mix of so many things he couldn’t recognize. Did nobles killed his favourite eagle or something?

“Who signed this so-called offer, by the way?” Kaiser asked and Yami admitted that he really wanted to know that too, for once. Just to put some nobles on his disgust list and making them potential candidates for a dimension slash.

Marx took the parchment again and said, “Well, we have of course a good bunch of Évantails on this list, the house head Bianca Évantail of course and Reginald Évantail as well.”

“Which Reginald Évantail?” Charlotte asked, a slight smirk on her lips. “Last time I checked, this house has two Reginalds. At least, for all I know, maybe there are some more cousins with that name.”

Yami couldn’t help but grin. This comment was definitely his influence on her and it made him proud of his Prickly Queen.

“It’s the father and the son,” Marx replied. “There is also a Prudence Évantail and… oh, Nozel, one of your knights has signed as well.”

“Samuel?”

“Exactly.”

Bird Braid let out a groan that was definitely not proper for a royal. Yami would have laughed if Nozels Ki wouldn’t have let out so much disappointment. Gosh, did he always had problem with this particular knight?

“Wizard King, I think my vice-captain and myself already made you aware of the annoyance Samuel gives, as well as the Silver Eagles squad. I can talk to him about this and scold him, but at this point there’s only as much Agatha and I can do with him. If he’s going too fast…”

“Then I will take the necessary measures. If Samuel Évantail continue to be this bold with his unknightly behaviour, we ‘ll have no other choice than to definitely kick him out of the Magic Knights, the arrangement between the Silver Eagles and house Évantail won’t change that. But are you sure about this potential measure, Nozel? Won’t this affect the Silver Eagles in some way or another?”

“Trust me, given Samuels deeds since he became a knight of my squad, him being not a Magic Knight anymore won’t change anything for the Silver Eagles.”

Crap, really? Yami felt kinda bad for Nozel, if he had to deal with that kind of knight, to a point that he would be happy to have him kicked out of his squad.

Were all the damn Évantails such assholes nobles, when even someone like Nozel Silva of all people was fed up with them?

“House Évantail has a lot of members and some are knights as far as I know,” Julius said thoughtfully. “What about the Évantails who are members of your squads, if you have some? We better make sure that they won’t do us any problem one way or another.”

“I don’t think we have to fear Marguerite on that matter,” Goldie Guts said. “She is not an easy person, but that is because she follows the rules strictly and point to point. She is unyielding about it, but she is loyal to the Golden Dawn and the Magic Knights In fact, Marguerite is the type of woman who would finish to write the rapports during a hurricane or a terrorist attack.”

“I have no complaints about Othello,” Fuegoleon said with a shrug. “He is old, but is still in his best shape and just enjoys of being a knight.”

Jack just laughed like crazy. “Nothing to worry about noble arrogance from Hannibal. He’s a perfect Mantis, just enjoying slicing things with this wind magic.”

Yami didn’t find that very reassuring, but okay.

“I have nothing to worry about Grenadine, she is one of the best knights I could wish for the Silver Eagles. And since she’s a bastard, there is no chance she would play a part in such schemes.”

“Hm, I have no complaints about Daphne,” Dorothy said with a peace sign. “She has her pride, that’s for sure, but her principal hobbies are romance novels and dresses from the modiste Soie Velours, not conspiracy. Besides, Daphne is not on good terms with most of her family since she became a knight of squad with a captain as witch, so no probs.”

Sleepy Hat wasn’t even upset about the prejudice that asshole noble house had against her. Damn, she had a lot of inner strength and good mood in order to do that.

“Belinda is not a problem either, she is way too kind for this. Besides, I think she is on a vacation right now.”

“Not exactly, Rill. Belinda is on maternity leave right now.”

“Oh yes, that’s it! Thanks, Marx!”

“I have no Évantail in the Black Bulls, so don’t ask me.”

“Églantine is not a problem either on that matter. In fact, she is one of the best Blue Roses I ever had and she keeps contact to her house to the strict minimum. I think that if she could, she would cut ties with them entirely, if it weren’t for her youngest brother and a great-aunt she’s very fond of.”

Kaiser stroked his moustache while saying, “Galahad is a shy, nice boy and a very loyal Purple Orca. But he is also rather afraid of his family. I will talk to him later and make sure he knows it’s okay to not follow his house in conspiracy.”

Yami looked at each captain, stunned. Fuck, were the Black Bulls the only squad with no Évantail? It probably wasn’t such a bad thing, given that most of Évantail nobles were asses. But still, Yami felt left out a bit. Maybe he should search for an Évantail as a new recruit. Would be nice to have newbies since Asta and Noelle.

But nice Évantails were apparently a rarity. Would he be able to find one, if there would be one not taken by a squad? He almost got one at the last selection exam, but Nozel decided to not be an arrogant jerk and give Grenadine a chance as a Silver Eagle.

“Good. In this case, we shall mostly pay attention to members of house Évantail who aren’t Magic Knights. Who else signed, Marx?”

“House Taliss, of course, as well as some members of house Lys. And house Vitrail, especially lady Athénaïs.”

Fuegoleon and Nozel made a face at that name, which made Yami grin. Gosh, that lady Athénaïs must be an awful noble to make those two made a disgusted face like that. He almost wanted to meet her.

“Are there also some relatives from the captain, Marx?” Julius asked.

“Let’s see… Ah, yes, there is a certain lady Rosamund Roselei.”

Oh no! Not Prickly Queens bitch aunt who wants to marry her to an old guy like Reggie! Why was that wench always on their way again and again?

He felt Charlottes hand again on his leg, as she said, “I have a very distant relationship with my aunt and I have no intention to change it, despite her trying it. Rosamund signing this kind of conspiracy offer is very like her.”

“And there is also… Oh. Lord Lac Silva.”

“Wait, he’s back in the country?” Julius asked, but he was the only one to comment. Everyone else slightly turned towards Nozel again. His face had now movement, except for the twitching eyebrow, proof that he was upset.

But his eyes. Damn, never before had Yami seen such a raging storm in those cold purple orbs. This wasn’t Nozels usual style of being upset, like when he was mocked by Yami and Jack. Now, this right now was deeper, harsher, probably lingering for years. He clearly had no good bonds with his old man.

“I have nothing to say to him.”

The tone was calm and cold, but you had to be a completely clueless idiot to not hear that Nozel didn’t have any affection for his father. Damn, Yami already knew that most noble and royal daddies weren’t really fathers to their kiddos. Prickly Queen and her old man was a good example of it. But Bird Braids case seemed to be a special one.

Geez, what did that man do to be such a bad father? Yami wondered if this Lac Silva dude was just as worse as his own old man or maybe even worse.

“Understandable,” Julius just said.

Yami frowned. Julius sounded like he excepted this answer from Bird Braid. Did he know this Lac dude? Well, it wouldn’t be surprising, Julius had been captain at the same time as Braids own mother. What was her name again? Something like Alice or Alicia, a sound like that. He certainly knew something about the Silva family drama.

Next to Yami, Glowing Hair looked like he was thinking really hard. But then he squealed for some reason, making every other person flinched or jumped up. Except for Dorothy, who just giggled.

“Oh my, Rill. Do you have something important to tell us?”

“Yes, Wizard King! Although it’s more like a spontaneous thought and it’s maybe too far-fetched. But… is it possible that the thievery organisation in the Common Realm have something to do with this Three Leaves Glory ball offer?”

There was silence. A long silence, which made the captain of the Aqua Deer visibly nervous.

“What? Is this really a stupid idea?”

“No, actually not. Given how little clues we have about this affair, we should consider each possibility,” Fuegoleon immediately said to calm down Rill.

“Not to mention that it is really a strange coincidence. Even if it’s nothing in the end, we should keep this possibility in mind until we have more proof about those thievery acts. That would be all for today’s meeting, you can now go, captains. As for me, I will-“

“Work on the belated paperwork instead of wandering of again, exactly.”

“Ugh, really?”

“You’re behind for like three months, no excuse.”

The nine captains actually chuckled at this little conversation, while Marx took Julius by the wrist to drag him out of the reunion room.

Maybe Mushroom Head deserved a raise, Yami decided. He was very loyal and worked his butt off to keep this country in shape. Maybe he was too harsh on him with the teasing?

Well, that was future Yamis problem. For now, he walked silently besides Prickly Queen, slowly so that their colleagues would be off soon. That captains meeting was as always hours long and he needed his Prickly Queen Comfort Time.

Nozel left immediately. Geez, the mention of his father must have upset that Bird Braid a lot. William was looking out of the windows, pensive. Kaiser and Fuegoleon were discussing something, either the whole affairs or it was about their beloved. Jack, Rill and Dorothy were in a heavy discussion about something like axes, porcelain cups and canvas.

Did he really even wanted to know what those three weirdos were talking about?

It didn’t take long for the other captains to follow Bird Braids lead and leave the hallway. There was no one else right now. Perfect.

Yami grabbed Charlotte wrist and lead her through the first door he could find. Just a small room with a couch, a small table and two paintings with winter landscapes on the wall, with only one window and lacy curtains. Probably a little break room. Good, no one would disturb them.

“Yami, really?”

“Come on, Prickly Queen. Hours sitting next to you while holding back, with only occasional touches? I was agonizing!”

Charlotte surprisingly didn’t complained too much, kissing him immediately. Gosh, she must have been on edge too during this meeting.

But maybe it was mostly because about this whole ball bullshit and that her aunt is one of those organizing this crap.

“You’re okay?” Yami asked they break from the kiss. “With that… ball bullshit? With your aunt?”

Charlotte smiled. “Thank you for worrying about me, Yami. Well, I’m strong, I won’t let her and the others decide about my future and my life. But… I would lie if I say that I don’t care about it. It really… gives me stress.”

“In that case, what about some stress relieving sex?”

Prickly Queen blushed, but she didn’t protested. She must be really needing this right now. And to be fair, he needed it too.

Charlotte nodded and the hunger in her eyes was enough proof how eager she was. Damn, how much did he love this miracle of a woman!

Yami promised himself to invite her to take a bite afterwards. He just hoped to have enough money on him this time.

They made out passionately as they lied down on the couch. Charlotte was on top of him, slowly getting rid of her robe and her upper clothes while kissing him deeply. Damn, she really became a master at this kind of multitasking.

Yami grinned against her lips. Nobles didn’t deserved someone like his Prickly Queen, as she was way above them with everything. But she was his and he would rather stop taking dumps than giving up on her.

♣♣♣

It was evening, but the sun still let it last rays shine on the Silva flower garden, bathing it in a soft golden light with sparkles of red. The Silva flower garden was always beautiful, even in November, but today it was especially stunning.

Nozel looked over at his aunt, who was walking beside him. Given the look in her blue eyes, she was delighted as well by the sight.

“Ah, it had been while since I was here, but this garden is still gorgeous as ever,” Océane Vermillion smiled, focusing on each flower she could see, on each tree they passed by.

Nozel was glad to get a grip on himself and for the first time in years, personally invited his aunt over at the Silva palace. Having her here, so casually, as if she just left the castle for the Vermillions yesterday, was a proof what a fool he was.

Océane would have helped him dealing with all the house affairs from the start. She would have let him grieve while dealing with it herself, then step by step teached him to do all of this. No one would have teached him all of those matters than his aunt.

Océane Vermillion was a master at gossip and politics, even though she wasn’t in the parliament and didn’t had such a position like Lac Silva. But this was exactly her strength. The power Océane had was subtle, masked behind smiles, love for pastries and a simple life. She was able to make a stubborn and corrupt noble change his mind with just compliments and facts she made sound like spicy rumours, even the most boring ones.

Yes, his Vermillion would have helped him the best he could. If only he hadn’t been so stubborn, convinced that he had to do everything alone. Not to mention that Océane was one of the last persons that had a direct and very close connection to his mother. It was also the case with the Wizard King or his knight, Julia Ambrosia. But Acier and Océane had been sisters, which made her connection the closest and most precious.

Nozel took a closer look at his aunt. She was almost closer fifty than forty, but she didn’t look like it. There was still a youth in her traits. He wondered if it would have been the same for his mother, if she would have lived to that age.

Océane and Acier were sisters, so they were also very similar physically. The same nose, the same soft face and the same frown when they were very focused on something. But Océane had curlier hair, her eyes were blue and not purple, the smile was also completely different. How strange, Noelle got most from their mother’s looks, but she got her smile from their aunt. Same for Nebra. She had started to smile more often and more genuinely after Spade and it was only then that Nozel had realized that his sisters had the same smile.

Nozel sighed. He certainly had a lot to say, but no word seemed appropriate. Still, there was one thing he needed to finally say.

“I’m… I’m sorry I never let you help me back then, when mother passed away. I should have let you help me.”

“Do you really think I blamed you, dear nephew? You were a grieving teenager, too young for all of this duties. You weren’t ready for all of this and no one let you properly grieve. I’m sorry I haven’t tried more to reach out. True, Achilles, that oaf, hold me back. But I should have tried more and don’t let the Vermillions hold me back. As well as my own grief and loss.”

“But you lost your sister.”

“And you lost your mother.”

There was a silence, filled with some memories of Acier Silva. How much she loved walking through the Silva flower garden, especially at the rose belvedere or the water lily pond, with the swing chair hidden by flowers and little birches.

“I’ve made many mistakes… I should have acted differently.”

“But you were still a child, you were fifteen when you took over the house, Nozel. You weren’t ready, you never were ready. Anyone would have made mistakes in such a situation, especially alone. And you were terribly alone. Long story short, you did the best you could and believed you could in those circumstances. And don’t forget that your parents’ marriage wasn’t stable back then, never really was. You know that as much as I do.”

He knew, of course he did. He knew it for long and before that, he already had a feeling. Even when he was a little boy, he knew without knowing that the marriage of his parents wasn’t a happy one.

“You had some burden already, as the oldest child and then everything that happened to Acier… You became an adult too quickly. A lot of people should have prevented it. Me, of course, but also your father…”

“You at least wanted to help me. Father… Lac never would have.”

“Oh yes, we agree on that. Helping his grieving son to carry a too heavy burden? No, that doesn’t help him with his own ambitions, why would he?”

Océane always had a very specific way to talk about Lac and it always made Nozel smile a bit.

“It doesn’t change the fact that it was a too heavy burden for you and that you had no one to help you. You might have not asked for help, that’s true. But you were just following the example of your mother. She also did everything alone.”

“Mother made it look so easy. For years, I thought I was doing wrong. It’s only lately that finally realized that… she might have struggled as well.”

“She made it look so easy, right?”

“Yes.”

“You also made it look so easy, my dear nephew. To be honest, Nozel, I was worried about you for years. You practically sacrifice yourself for house Silva, for the Silver Eagles, even more for your siblings. You never asked for anything in return. No normal Head of House, noble or royal, would have dealt with everything that way. I don’t say that you were wrong by putting your own interests behind for others. It shows how good of a heart you have and other house heads should take some examples on you. But… you did the very same mistake as your mother. You forgot to care for yourself, you forgot to have your own life. Not to mention your guilt issues. I was really scared you would sacrificed yourself to a point that it would be too late to save you from your pain.”

Suddenly, Océane smiled brightly. “But then, you came back from Spade. You had a spark in your eyes that I haven’t seen since your mother died. You spend more time with Noelle and your sisters were closer. But I think that this wasn’t what saved you from your cold. There is something that filled your heart and your soul. I saw it grow over the past few months and I see it in your eyes in this very instant. Something saved you and freed your kind heart from the golden cages.”

Nozel looked at her wide-eyed. Something in her tone made him suspect that his aunt might know. Maybe not about Vanessa directly, but that he had someone. But how? Well, his aunt was very observant, but there was no way she could-

No, not true. It wasn’t like Nozel and Vanessa took all the necessary precautions to hid their relationship. Not at the café, not at the willow in the parc, not when they were walking arm in arm in town. But this had been things they done together long before they were a couple.

Still, there were some moments when they have been careless. Vanessa and himself were actually lucky that no one witnessed them yet so far. At least, as far as he knew.

“So, what’s the name?”

Nozel managed to practically choke on air. It was unexpected.

“Don’t be so secretive with me, my dear nephew. Please tell me, what is the name of this amazing person that made this happy.”

Nozel hesitated, but not much, if he was honest. He knew he could trust his aunt. It was just… no one knew about him and Vanessa yet, so he wanted to protect their bond. Especially since his father was still out there and their whole situation.

But at the same time… Nozel was tired of secrets. He had secrets since the age of fourteen, he went through so much to keep it safe and look where it had brought him. Being with Vanessa made him happier than ever before in his life and he didn’t want to hide it. Vanessa was a witch, sure. But he wasn’t ashamed of loving her with all his heart. He wanted to show her at his side through the world, he finally wanted to share his happiness.

So, maybe telling his aunt wouldn’t be such a bad idea. It was just… difficult to put in words.

“Her… her name is Vanessa Enoteca.”

“Vanessa Eno… Oh, the Black Bull witch? One of Noelles squadmates?”

“You… you know her?”

“Silly nephew, I don’t know know her. It’s just that there was some talks about the Black Bulls during those last two years. I’ve seen her for the first time at the wedding of lady Finesse and lord Finral. If I remember correctly, you even danced with her that day. I must say, Nozel dear, you got quite the catch. She is a beauty.”

Nozel had no other choice than to agree. In fact, Vanessa was for him the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.

“She’s not just her beauty.”

“Oh, that soft tone in your voice… You’re hopelessly smitten, it’s so clear as crystal.”

“Hopelessly describes is it well. I… We talked for the first time in Spade, when the battle had been over, but when everyone was still resting and recovering. Vanessa needed some time alone and it was a coincidence that I ended up at the same spot she was. Or was it Fate? I don’t really know. Then we talked… we opened up, in a way. I was too tired to give her the illusion that I was cold and she seemed fed up with a delusion she had for a while.”

“A delusion?”

“I won’t tell you more about it, I don’t believe I have the right to spill her secrets to anyone. I apologize, aunt Océane.”

“Of course not. You were always a gentleman deep down. What happened after?”

“After Spade, at the beginning, we mostly talked over the communication device and occasionally at the Silver Eagles base, when she had to bring a rapport from the Black Bulls. Actually… it was more that she talked to me and called me on the device. I… I never tried to reach out at first, mostly because… I was convinced I never deserved that kindness she was so casually giving me.”

Océane only nodded, looking at him with compassion. Of course she knew about his guilt issues. Was there something in the kingdom Océane Vermillion didn’t know or at least didn’t suspected?

“But it changed after the royal wedding. We started to spend more time together. We talked, we enjoyed to be in each other’s company. It took some time, but I realized that I fell in love with her. It just took me some time to act upon it. For weeks, it was just Vanessa and me spending time a bit like friends, but with a tension between us. A comfortable tension, yes, but a tension still. But then… Lac reappeared.”

“Oh, that asshole! What did he say?”

“Aunt Océane! Didn’t you always told us to always watch our language?”

“In most cases, yes. But my sickening brother-in-law is just the exception that confirms the rule. So, what did that wannabe cockroach wanted from you?”

“First off, he wanted me to stop seeing Vanessa. Of course he couldn’t believe that I just enjoyed being in her company. For some reason, he thought she was my… my… that I used her as…”

Gosh, why was it so difficult to say? But of course, his Vermillion aunt understood him immediately.

“So typical of that elephant shit. Even lust shouldn’t be just a time to spend, but a tool to use in his schemes. I lost count about how many times this shitty rat moustache cheated on your mother for the sole reason to reach more power and influence.”

“Vanessa left soon after. At least, I thought so… and Lac, well, he wanted to talk about marrying me off. I… can’t…”

“You don’t need to put his speech into words, I can perfectly imagine what he told you. That conservative anarchist is sadly very clever to use the truth in his manipulation and not lies. Oh, my poor Nozel, he hopefully didn’t force you to a marital deal by threatening you! I’m gonna kill this butt face!”

“He tried, honestly. He also suggested that I can choose my own spouse, but only if I would accept help from him considering the thievery affair in the Common Realm.”

“What a backhanded deal. He would have been the winner in any case.”

“I know. After that, I… I actually fled like a coward.”

“You’re not a coward, Nozel dear. In this case, fleeing was probably the best option to get out of his grasp.”

“What I didn’t know was that… Vanessa didn’t really left. She stayed nearby and so, she heard the whole talk I had with my… with Lac. And when I fled, she followed me. I was so surprised to see her on my balcony all of a sudden. I thought she would have find me pathetic, for how I handled that talk with my… with Lac. But she didn’t find me pathetic, She was just so terribly worried about me. And…”

“You weren’t used for people worrying about you. Am I right?”

“Yes. Vanessa practically allowed me to be vulnerable in front of her. I was surprised about how… liberating it felt.”

“Ah, yes, I get that. Showing vulnerability is still wrongly considered as a weakness, but the truth is different, as it is a strength, since it takes a lot of courage. You’re lucky to have found someone like her, my dear nephew.”

“I know… That night, we talked. And we kissed. Actually… we spent the night together.”

Nozel blushed. The memory of their first night together was still so clear in his mind and filled his heart with a blissful joy. But telling anyone about it, especially a member of his family, this was difficult. He couldn’t say more than that he and Vanessa spend the night together.

And of course, his aunt immediately understood what this implied, as she started to laugh.

“Oh my, you both didn’t lose any time. That must have been a heavy tension you had for weeks. But at least, you’re happy with your beloved witch, am I right?”

“Yes. It’s like, she not only let me vulnerable in front of her, allowing me to trust her. She trusts me as well, she… Vanessa is always so full of joy and optimism. But she also had her own past pain. Different than mine, but somehow still similar? At least, she told me about it, she trusted me with it. It’s like… we’re healing together, as if we needed what we have now to start to come to terms with our past and moving on together.”

“Seems like a very healthy and loving relationship, if you ask me.”

“Honestly, I don’t think words can be enough to describe our relationship. Or maybe it doesn’t need words. I am happy with Vanessa, there is no doubt about that. Every worries I have seems either not important anymore or not impossible to come over when I’m with her. I feared that I didn’t deserved that kind of kindness, but it didn’t felt that way. It feels more like something so precious that I can’t give it away, that I need to protect to keep it save, but still letting it free because it deserves to be free. Aunt Océane, I’m… I’m even ready to give up on my royal status if I need to, if it means I can be with Vanessa.”

Océane just smiled at his speech, putting some strands of his hair behind his ears. Just like when he was a little boy. Nozel let her. His childhood had been taken too early from him and he was tired of always acting like a heartless adult. Vanessa often acted a bit childlike and she always encouraged him allow himself a bit of childhood.

Another miracle Vanessa has done to him…

“You’re just as romantic as your mother, my dear nephew. But unlike my poor sister, you’re not completely blind in love. And you are loved in return. That’s one of the greatest gift someone can get.”

“I never believed it before. But now I do. It’s just… our situation isn’t ideal.”

“A prince and a witch… Oh yes, the different circles. Status sadly still plays a role in our society when it comes to relationships. And you’re with a witch, that would be considered worse than a commoner or a peasant.”

Océane went silent, looking like she was thinking.

“You’ll have my support, Nozel. I would be a really bad auntie if I don’t help you and your lady love. It’s good that you realize that the situation isn’t ideal, it will help you to face the hurdles better. Over the years, I saw a bunch of nobles who fell in love with someone out of their circles and who didn’t pay attention to the hurdles and the consequences… which lead to tragic ends. But you’re not like this, thankfully. So I don’t need to pop your fluffy bubble to make you understand the situation.”

“But what can you do? It’s not like Vanessa and I are together for long at this point.”

“First lesson to learn, my dear nephew. Consequences and influences can last very long, especially when they’re subtle. And that is one of my specialties. You know I have my entries in practically every noble circles in the kingdom. If subtly and gradually start to talk about witches, the Black Bulls and royals being in love slowly in a more positive way, it can work miracles. Nobles are stubborn, but they also have double standards. It’s always good to use if you want people to change their minds. It’s a slow process, I’ll admit, but if you don’t want more hurdles to deal with than necessary, it’s one of the safest road. Besides, with that Three Leaves Glory ball on the way, it’s better to start early.”

“You already know about that ball?”

Why did he even asked? Of course Océane Vermillion knows about it already.

“Oh my, they already send the suggestion or offering or order, whatever it is? Nobles are really bold these days. Or desperate. No wonder, what happened those last two years in the kingdom show them how fragile their power can become. It’s sad that instead of questioning themselves, they cling more on their beliefs.”

“My father was one of those who signed it.”

“Oh. That fricking asshole of a wannabe mosquito!”

Nozel couldn’t help but chuckle. His aunt definitely had a very unique way to describe and insult Lac Silva.

“It’s clearly a trap to force into an arranged engagement. I will never understand how much hopes he has on your potential marriage, even though he hates you in particular and even though you’re the only one who didn’t got his magic affinity.”

Oh yes. Nozel just couldn’t forget that if he would have a magic based on water, he most possibly would have stay an only child. After all, Lac Silva was ambitious but never was appealed on fatherhood.

“Listen Nozel. I will tell you something you might don’t know yet. There is a dance that is always put on the program during this Three Leaves Glory balls. It’s very originally called the Three Leaves Waltz. Long before, it was the waltz that made each new betrothed official. It is way more subtle today, of course. But this dance is subtly put in place to make each dancing couple practically officially engaged. For those who haven’t any idea or who aren’t given any other choice, it’s a trap. I wouldn’t be surprised if your father is indeed intending to trap by forcing you to dance with the noble lady of his choosing and by that, trapping you into a betrothal.”

Nozel clinched his fists. This sounded like something his father… no, Lac Silva would do. He probably counted on the fact that Nozel isn’t well aware of all the complex and subtle details hidden in noble etiquette, making him easy to trap. Nozel was even certain that he would have trapped into this trap.

Never had he been so grateful that his aunt knows the world of nobility and royalty like the back of her hand.

“Then… what should I do until then? And when it’s the time for this trap waltz during the ball, how shall I react?

“Nozel, we don’t know every detail yet, there is no point to plan fifty step ahead, especially since some details can change at any moment. But I can tell you what you can do when it’s the time for this dance. It’s a good thing that Magic Knights will be invited as well. So, you will go directly to Vanessa and invite her for this dance. It would be even better if you only dance with her for all the other dances. A bit like Fuegoleon did with Lital back at the royal wedding. It will give everyone a clear message.”

“But… How can I know when it’s the time for this Three Leaves Waltz?”

“You’re smart, Nozel dear. I’m sure you’re going to recognize the signs easily.”

Well, that didn’t help him a lot. It was nice that his aunt trusted him so openly, but Nozel still would have preferred some more details.

“Nozel, I will help you so that you won’t be trapped into an arranged marriage. Heaven knows how much I’m aware how awful this could be. I might not have the worst husband, more or less and thankfully I had my children, a sister-in-law and most of my nephew and nieces to help me to make the best out of it. But not everyone is as lucky as me and I owe it to Acier that you won’t know this hell. Even more so, you’re in love, you have the best reason to fight for your happiness.”

Nozel looked at his aunt, stunned. He would argue that she owed it to his mother, but given how close Acier and Océane were, maybe his aunt had promised something like this to her sister before she died.

And why would he deny Océanes help, no matter the reasons? She was his aunt and she cared about him and his siblings, this was enough a reason for her to help.

“You seem tense, my dear nephew.”

“Well… the news about this ball and with my father involved, it’s not a good news for me. Especially in my romantic situation.”

“Of course. Will Vanessa be with you tonight.”

“Well… we spend practically every night together at this point.”

He wasn’t ashamed of his nights with Vanessa. But it was still embarassing to admit to his aunt that his beloved was with him basically every night.

“Thought that much. At least, this means that you’re certainly going to relax afterwards. And we both know how much you need that in general.”

This was true, but Nozel wasn’t ready to admit that yet. At least, not to people who weren’t Vanessa. And even with her, she needed to push and tease him a bit before he forgot his pride and admitted he needed to relax and to rest.

“Well, I better go now, otherwise my dearest father-in-law is going to try and to put me on time-out. Don’t worry too much, Nozel dear, we’ll find a solution. And it’s not only me, you might have more allies than you realize.”

Nozel just looked at his aunt with surprise.

“We might discuss some things, if you want. But make sure that I can properly your beloved Vanessa soon. I’m rather curious to meet the woman who the spark of your childhood back in your eyes. Until next time!”

Nozel just watched his aunt leaving the flower garden and disappearing back in the palace. Sometimes he couldn’t fully understand Océane and her motives, as she never liked to talk too much about her own past, how she was in away sold to the Vermillions and watched all of her siblings die, being the only one to probably grow old.

Océane certainly never had an easy life. That much Nozel knew, even though he wasn’t aware about all details. But his aunt cared and she helped, probably more than anyone could realize.

He certainly regretted to not have let her help during all those years. But today, she was at his side and despite his worries about the situation, it was at least a relief to know that he had at least one ally. And according to Océane, he might have more of them than he realized.

The sun was now completely down, only some red and orange lights were lingering over the horizon, the rest of the sky already in a dark blue, some stars appearing already. It was time to go back to his room.

Nozel knew that Vanessa would be there. A few days ago, he had let made a double of his balcony key, for her. So that she could enter at any time she wanted instead of waiting for him to open.

And indeed, when he opened the door, a flash of rosewood moved like a lightning before he felt her embracing him only one second after.

“I missed you, my handsome eagle.”

“The last time we saw each other was this morning,” he replied, quickly closing the door.

“Too long if you asked me,” Vanessa laughed, leading him to the bed and sitting casually on his lap. “So, how did the meeting with your auntie go?”

“Much more relieving than I imagined.”

“Told you so!”

“But you need to know that… she knows about us. To be fair, Océane has observed me and came to the conclusion that I… that I’m in love. There’s no use to deny anything with her and… I didn’t want to keep it a secret. So I told her. She’s giving us her full support.”

“That’s good news. We certainly need support, but it’s not like we won’t have people to help us. Also, speaking of, Yami mentioned something about a shitty ball when he came back to the hideout… Something happened at the captains meeting?”

Nozel couldn’t help but sigh. “Sadly yes. Something occurred and it’s a turn of events I really don’t appreciate. Especially since my father… no, Lac Silva has something to do with it.”

“Tell me everything, honey. But first… try to relax a bit. I know how worked up you can be when you’re tensed and burdened. I’ll help you.”

She really knew him better than anyone would realize. Nozel couldn’t help but smile.

He had no time to answer though, as Vanessa crossed her arms behind his neck and put her lips on his, pulling them both into a deep kiss. Nozel put his arms firmly around her waist, holding her closer.

Dearest Mother

I know that it most probably seems foolish, to write a letter to someone who passed away. You left us almost 18 years ago and I’m very much aware that logically, you will never read this letter. But I can’t help myself but believe that somehow, those words will still reach you, that you will know what I’m going to tell you. I want to tell you those news so much and it seems like the best way to do so, despite how foolish it might be perceived.

Mother… I fell in love. Deeply and unconditionally. With the most wonderful woman in the world. It’s a shame that I can’t put into words, as much as I want, how incredible this blessing is.

I never thought it would ever happen to me. Even less that I would actually deserve it. Mother, I’ve made so many mistakes since you’ve been taken away from us and I’m so ashamed of it. You told me to be strong and I trained and worked so much for that. But you also told me to not forget to live my own life and that, I failed to do. I’m so sorry. I put myself under so much pressure and guilt, I genuinely thought that sacrificing myself for Nebra, Solid and Noelle, for the house of Silva, for the legacy you left behind, was the only way I could be able to follow. But I was wrong, even though everything was so complex and heavy back then, that I still don’t know how I could have find a right, a better way to move forward.

For years, it was like I was trapped in an endless winter. Everything in me was cold and masked, I was unable to hear my own screams for help. Regrets and guilt were like a cage, the pressure I was stupid enough to endure became like chains. I thought that protecting my siblings and everything so that I’m the only one to suffer was my duty and my fate. I started to be dangerously overwhelmed, but I was too stubborn to stop all by myself. But then, Vanessa came into my life…

She was like a rose that bloomed in my everlasting winter. A light piercing through the mist. She melted the cold in my soul and saved me from it. For the first time in my life, I wished something for myself. I don’t know exactly when I fell in love with Vanessa, but when I realized it, I was like overwhelmed with feelings and colours I forgot even existed.

It was still difficult, because of our different circles and our pasts. Vanessa is a witch and a member of the Black Bulls, a knight squad with a worse reputation than it should have. And she has a heavy past too. The Witch Queen foresaw that Vanessa would gain a spell that would allow her to have some control over Fate itself and put her in a cage in order to use that spell for herself. It is horrible, I couldn’t believe my ears when she told me her story for the first time. Without realizing, I promised myself that I would do anything so that she would never be in a cage again.

Vanessa is wonderful. She’s the opposite of me, with how she often laughs, with how carefree she is. Despite her past, she is one of the most joyful people I know, she cares deeply for others. Noelle is part of her squad and Vanessa took her in like an older sister, probably a better older sibling than I ever was. She also became good friends with Nebra and Solid came to accept her. She has a way with people I never saw before and is able to hug my deepest worries out.

Mother, you have no idea how grateful I am to have Vanessa. With her, I feel like a better man, strong enough to move mountains with ease. If I could, I wouldn’t hesitate to give her the world. I know that our different classes will make our path difficult, you know how rumours and gossip works within royalty and nobility. And you also know how father is, what influence he has, what he is able to do to get what he wants. He would never accept that his son marries a witch, a marriage that would go against his ambitions. We both know that he won’t hesitate to hurt me and he would hurt Vanessa as well, but I can’t have that. I’m so afraid to put her in a cage again with my status and everything that goes with it, but at the same time, I refuse to give up on her. Vanessa is the woman I want to grow old with and I will fight for her. She will as well, she already proved it more than once. Vanessa is so brave and that is just one of the many things I love about her.

She loves to sing and would start humming at any occasion. I love listening to her. To be fair, I love everything about her. Her sleepy head and voice in the morning, how she makes fun of royal laws and rules, the way she braids my hair, the way she closes her eyes in happiness when she eats her favourite meals. Even her teasing – she calls me Little Eagle –, even her scolding and harsh words sometimes, every part of her is like the sun.

I could write more, so much more about how wonderful Vanessa is, but I fear won’t be enough to describe her to you. Mother, I almost don’t recognize myself when I’m with her. First, I thought I became a completely different person, but in the end, it wasn’t the case. Vanessa brought sides of me that were hidden for so long, so long that I ignore I had them in me. She helped me to open up, to accept that I can rely on others, to smile and laugh at the smallest, silliest things.

You once told me that I have a good heart. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to believe you, mother. But Vanessa told me this as well and thanks to her, I learned to finally believe it. To be fair, she didn’t let me choose. It is impossible to say no to a witch and live to tell the tale. At least, it’s what she always says to me and from my experience and what I witnessed, I have no reason to doubt her about that.

Oh mother, I wish you could be still here. I wish you could met Vanessa. I’m certain you would love her and I’m certain Vanessa would love you as well. She always ask me about you. Mother, I still miss you so much. For a long time, that feeling had been so unbearable. Now, it isn’t heavy and I can move forward, better than before. But I still wish you’ll be here, so I can partake this happiness with you. If you were, would you give Vanessa and me your blessing? Allow me to be certain about it, but I still feel like I had to ask.

We all miss you. My memories of you are all so precious, but are filled with sadness. It’s only recently joy joined that sadness when I remember you. I know that I was already fourteen when you passed away, almost old enough to have my own grimoire. But in reality, it was way too soon, I wasn’t ready to become head. I was still a child. Often, when I’m facing a difficult hardship, I still feel that fourteen year old boy inside of me who just lost his mother.

We had a terrible time after you were taken from us and some wounds will always leave a scar behind. But now, all four of us are better and stronger to move forward. You’ll be proud of Noelle, how far and powerful she became. Of Nebra, how she took father’s lesson to make things better and to help me dealing with the nobles. Of Solid, how he tries to become a better person and the efforts he puts it. I’m proud of all of them, of the Silver Eagles, of house Silva becoming more open and less a golden cage. and finally, I start to be a bit proud of myself as well.

Many of those things, Vanessa gave me the courage to do it and I hope I give her the same. I love her so much, mother. Our path is by far not over and there is still a stony way in front of us, but I know that we can win this fight and face the hardships together. I have no idea where this certainty comes from. But I think you would encourage me, like you always did. I’m sorry I took your words at heart so late, but thank you for everything you ever taught me.

I love you, mother.

Your oldest son Nozel Silva

♣♣♣

“Honey, you finished writing already?”

Nozel looked up, smiling at Vanessa who was lying lazily on his bed, wearing only his bathrobe. It was incredible how it looked better on her than on him. But he couldn’t really judge, he never wore his bathrobe more than two or three times in his life.

Her pose was almost seductive and Nozel couldn’t help but blush. He always blushed so easily around her. Nozel would have tried to fight it, but his blush always made Vanessa incredibly happy, so he didn’t have any reason to fight it back.

Nozel looked down at his letter. He still felt like he could tell more, how happy and grateful he was to love Vanessa, how he finally get a grip of himself… But at the same time, what he wrote seemed more than enough so that his mother would understand what he wanted to tell her.

In the end, writing this letter wasn’t as foolish as it seemed. It was incredibly soothing, indeed like a healing process. Maybe he would continue to write letters to his mother once in a while.

Nozel put his quill aside and stood up to join Vanessa on his bed.

“What were you writing? Squad stuff?” Vanessa asked as she cuddled against him, her head on his shoulder.

“No, it was more personal… A letter to my mother. I know that she’s long gone and won’t read it, but… I still like to think that it will reach her, somehow. It was soothing.”

“Then it is clearly something you needed, honey. What did you tell her?”

“That I fell in love with the most wonderful woman in the world and that I feel blessed to have her in my heart.”

“My, little Eagle, I love how poetic you become when you talk about me.”

Nozel just chuckled, placing a soft kiss on the crown of her head. Vanessa hummed, nuzzling more against his shoulder. Yes, he was truly blessed to have her in his life and he truly believed that in a way or another, his mother will learn about it.

Vanessa looked around, stunned by how big this room was. Room seemed even too little a word for this place.

Pillars out of marble almost formed a circle around the room. Behind those, a hallway with paintings of balls and gorgeous landscapes, a lot of sofas, armchairs and little tables, some doors that probably lead to other rooms of the Silva palace and a bunch of very elegant spiral staircases, who brought you to balconies over the pillars. Vanessa couldn’t tell if it was just another corridor behind those balconies or if it was cut in different rooms. But it looked impressive! Elegant and sophisticated and honestly, pretty, sure. But so impressive.

The only wall that wasn’t occupied by pillars, doors, paintings, staircases and balconies didn’t even really deserved to be called a wall, because the biggest windows Vanessa ever saw. Really, they were enormous! If the sun would fully shine through them, that room would shine everyone blind with all that marble and silver.

Vanessa turned towards her boyfriend with a teasing grin. “Honey, you call that tiny? Three squads of fifty people each could fit in this giant room.”

“My grandfather tried that out, once. Trust me, it isn’t as spacious as it seems with so many people,” Nozel just replied, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clearly embarrassed and that was so adorable.

“I know that tiny is an understatement, given the proportion of our ballroom. But it is small compared to the ballroom of House Kira, trust me. In fact, we have the smallest one out of the three royal Houses.”

“This is the smallest? My gosh, how big are the other two ballrooms?”

“Too big, if you ask me.”

“Well, honey, this one can already be considered too big.”

Vanessa laughed and that gorgeous sound echoed against the walls. She continued giggling while turning, almost dancing on the enormous dancefloor, sometimes calling random words to test the echo.

Nozel watched her and he felt his heart overflow again with his love for this wonderful woman.

It was strange, how they found each other. Even more how they fell in love. More like a fairy tale or a dark romance novel than reality.

But it was real. She was here, with him. And he, after so long years of cold and loneliness since his mother died, he finally had the luck to know how it is, to love and be loved in return.

When had it even started? Nozel couldn’t tell. All he knew was that it probably began after Spade, after he and Noelle finally talked and started to have a proper sibling relationship.

It wasn’t rare that Nozel came to the Black Bull’s base to visit his sister and always, it had been Vanessa to welcome him.

First it had just been her teasing and flirting with him, making him blush. First, it was only attracted to her – which wasn’t a surprise, Vanessa was beautiful – but it came more than that with time.

Nozel had wanted to know more about Vanessa, her past, her fears, her joy and sadness, what her hobbies were, what she hated… everything that made Vanessa they she was, who she was today, he wanted to know.

It hadn’t been clear at first, but that mysterious feeling grow in secret as time passed. Not only for him, but also for her. It took some time to realize it, to even accept it, but here they were. Inviting her on a date one day had been one of the best decision Nozel ever made in his life.

Vanessa turned a few times again before actually lying down on the marble floor, looking up at the ceiling.

Nozel couldn’t blame her. The ceiling of the Silva ballroom was indeed one of a kind. The paining of clouds felt so realistic, especially the light glowing behind them. A lots of angels were to seen, some playing harps, violins or trumpets, others just chilling on the clouds.

Nozel went to his girlfriend and lied next to her. The floor was hard and cold, as expected from marble. It wasn’t comfortable. But with Vanessa at his side, he couldn’t care less about that fact. Actually, he even enjoyed it.

What kind of effect did Vanessa had on him? Well, if it was some kind of spell, Nozel wouldn’t mind to have it for all eternity. He never liked himself, for long he even hated who he was, what he represented. But with her at his side, he began to learn to finally appreciate himself.

“Those little chubby angels are so cute,” Vanessa laughed, pointing at the ceiling.

Nozel smiled.

“I guess so.”

“Come on, handsome, I’m sure you find those adorable too.”

“Honestly, I was never sure about it. Those chubby little angels have been very in fashion one or two centuries ago. Today not so much. But I remember that my mother adored them. She called me and my siblings her little angels.”

“That’s adorable. So, you were a chubby baby boy?”

Vanessa loved asking questions about his childhood, so Nozel always obliged, even though it was often embarassing. But Vanessa loved seeing him flustered and it was giving him the occasion to talk more about his beloved mother.

“I guess so? I can’t remember.”

“Oh, I’m sure you were. A chubby and adorable baby boy,” Vanessa laughed as she poked his cheek teasingly.

“Well, I can’t know for sure. But the angels up there never really fascinated me. I was always more mazed by the clouds and the light on this ceiling.”

“You’re right, they’re looking great. As if the sun shined just from behind them, like at dawn. You have to admit that those painters back then knew their art.”

“They did.”

Nozel and Vanessa went silent, looking at the painted ceiling. It was night, it was raining outside, but still somehow there was enough light to completely admire and recognize every detail of the ballroom.

His mother told him once that it was because of all the silver and the bright marble. The five year old boy he was back then didn’t really understood her explanation and if Nozel was honest, he still didn’t to this day.

His hand moved, taking Vanessa’s, softly caressing the back of her hand with his thumb. She hummed, interlacing their fingers, holding him tighter than necessary.

Nozel knew about her tragic past, he knew how deep Vanessa could care for someone, how strong and true her affection could be. It was recognizable when she told stories about the Black Bulls. He also know how scared she had been to fall in love, after her first big heartbreak – how did Yami never realized? – and after some disastrous dates.

When they got together, Nozel had made a promise. He knew that Vanessa was a strong and capable Magic Knight, but she was also a soft heart who had known pain and rejection. He wanted to protect that fragile side of her. He wanted to show her that she deserved to be loved for who she was, that she deserved to be treated like a queen.

She showed him that he still could love, that he deserved some happiness and he wanted to give the same to her.

“It’s sad that this ballroom wasn’t use for years,” Vanessa said suddenly. Despite how soft her voice was, it echoed through the room.

“I’m sorry about it. But I never felt the need to throw a ball since my mother died. Some nobles would wanted me too, for celebrating an engagement between me or one of siblings with some potential betrothed. I know that my father would have loved it, to marry us off and gain more power… and throwing a party to celebrate his victory.”

“Well, he can’t do anymore to you and your siblings, you know that. You showed him who the real Head of house Silva is, three months ago.”

Nozel hummed, but didn’t answered. He didn’t like to think about what happened three months ago. Not only had his father tried to go at him to marry him off and threatened Nebra, Solid and Noelle, but he also found out about Vanessa and threatened her as well.

His father’s threats weren’t to take lightly, Nozel had learned that over the years. But he finally had the chance to love and be loved, to have a future with the most amazing woman in the kingdom, he was finally gaining some better bonds with Noelle, their family was finally healing from their mother’s death, Nebra and Solid were accepting Noelle, they started to be finally siblings… So many good things happened when his father showed up and Nozel found himself unwilling to give up any of this.

So he fought back and even get so much more help than he thought. He was still surprised about how many people cared for him.

He had won against his father, who lost all of his power and who would never came back to try to manipulate any of them. But that victory still had a bitter taste for Nozel. He almost lost Vanessa and this wasn’t easy to come over for him.

Nozel felt Vanessa giving him a small peck on the cheek. Reassuring, giving him some of her optimism. And they both knew how much he needed that.

“When was the last Silva ball?”

“Very long ago. I was four or five, I think. Nebra wasn’t born yet. I don’t remember what the occasion was for the celebration and I just remember that I was overwhelmed by so many people.”

“You were part of it? But wouldn’t you be too young?”

“Exactly. I still don’t understand. It was probably my father’s idea, to show me off, to already use me for his schemes. I remember my mother was against it. It was probably the first fight between my parents. Even though my mother still took long years before she realized… that…”

Nozel didn’t finished. He didn’t need to. Vanessa understood.

“I feel so sorry for your mother. All the love she gave him and it was wasted. She didn’t deserved that. What happened at that ball?”

“I don’t remember the details. I was so young and shy. My mother forbid me to leave her side, that I can remember. I spent the ball probably hidden behind her dress. It wasn’t late, but despite her fight my father, at one point she decided that it was enough. So, my mother took and brought me to bed, waiting for me to fall asleep before return to the ball. That’s honestly the only good memory I have on that day.”

“You know, maybe you can still throw a ball one day. Be it to celebrate Noelle or Nebra or Solid getting married to the people they love. Or even you…”

That was maybe an idea. Nozel already knew that he would never wed his siblings off. Never.

Especially not Noelle. Thanks to Vanessa, Nozel already knew that his sister was in love with Asta. But according to his girlfriend, they weren’t together yet and Asta probably haven’t realized Noelles feeling yet. That idiot.

As for Nebra, well, she hid it well, but it seemed to him that she was secretly dating someone since a few weeks. Someone who wasn’t a royal or a noble. Nozel knew the signs, given his own situation. He still wondered who that person could be. Nebra seemed very often done with her lover, but somehow appreciated it? What kind of relationship did she have?

And Solid… well, let’s just say that Solid was Solid.

It won’t be soon before he could throw a ball in honour of one of his siblings wedding.

As for him…

Nozel turned to look at Vanessa. In her gorgeous lavender eyes that always captivated him, full of love and care and courage.

They haven’t really talked about it yet, it was more like an unspoken promise for now. After  all, their relationship was still young and the problem with their different circles was still there.

But it was clear for Nozel that Vanessa was the woman he wanted to grow old with. It didn’t matter that much how difficult their fight would be and already was, Nozel refused to give up on her.

“There’s only one person I want to grow old with and to dance with in this ballroom.”

“Same here, Nozel. Same here…”

Dancing…

Nozel sat up and hold a hand towards Vanessa. “Would you dance with me?”

“Right here, right now?”

“Yes.”

“My, that would be lovely.”

He smiled at her as he stood up, helping her up and putting a hand on her waist, holding the other firm in his own.

Vanessa giggled.

“What is it?”

“You know, I always have the feeling that whenever something beautiful and important happens to us, it is always raining. Like, do you remember our first kiss?”

He would never forget that moment, a memory he would treasure until his last days.

But she was right. It was raining that day. Like the day of their first date. Or during the night they became intimate for the first time. Or the day they found out that Rouge was working on him as well.

Indeed, it was raining during all those treasured moments and it was raining now as well, as they started to waltz. Would it rain as well at their wedding, whenever that day would happen?

It was too far-fetched, but Nozel surprised himself that he wouldn’t mind it. Not at all.

“I love the rain,” he whispered as they swayed through the ballroom.

“I love it too,” she whispered back.

He was holding her closer than it was needed, her head leaned against his shoulder. He felt her warm breath when she talked.

“There is no music,” Vanessa remarked, but it didn’t sound like she minded. Nozel didn’t mind either. They didn’t need any music other than their rain. That was the only music lovers needed in this empty ballroom.

Vanessa began to hum a bit. Nozel didn’t recognized the melody. Somehow the tact was similar to the rain dropping against the windows. He joined her, savouring her presence, her heartbeat, all of her.

That ballroom never knew any celebration for years. To many haunting memories of past Silvas, of his mother were in it. But maybe it needed other memories, new and happy ones.

Maybe one day, he could finally throw a ball. But only with Vanessa at his side.

They continued to turn, to dance with the rain. Slowly, but Nozel surprised Vanessa as he suddenly pulled her up to turn her. She laughed when he put her back on her feet, her beautiful hair falling down her back like a rosewood waterfall.

He loved this woman so much.