To Sleep, To Dream
Chapter 6
“Your Majesty.”
Dimitri groaned at the sound of the deep voice and curled more tightly around Flayn, who snuggled into him with a sigh.
“My apologies, Your Majesty, but you are late for your audience.”
Dimitri cracked his eye open. Sure enough, Dedue stood at the door to his bedchamber. Sunlight streamed in through the open windows. Judging by the angle of the light, it was nearly midmorning.
He bit back a curse and made to get out of bed before he remembered he was naked. Well, it wasn’t as if Dedue hadn’t see him nude before. He threw on his dressing gown and went to shave.
Dedue hurried to his side and began to lay out his clothes. He glanced at Flayn’s still form in the bed and raised his eyebrows.
“I fear I ravished her last night,” Dimitri whispered to Dedue.
“I believe I did the ravishing,” Flayn said from the bed.
Dedue’s eyebrows rose further.
Dimitri cleared his throat. “Yes. Well. I believe we need to announce our impending nuptials. I am to have a queen.”
“If you are finally asking me to marry you, then I accept,” Flayn said as she sat up and stretched.
Dimitri smiled at her over his shoulder. “Then we are agreed.”
Flayn returned his smile, blankets held up to her petite form, and the rest of the world fell away. An ache seized him. He would have given anything to be able to crawl back into the warm bed and feel her in his arms again.
“Your Majesty.”
Dedue’s tone held a note of warning. Dimitri shook off his reverie and hurried to dress.
“I can recall Mercie from the work on the school if Lady Flayn would like a female companion during the wedding planning process,” Dedue said.
“I have heard of your plans to help the people of Duscur,” Flayn said. “I would like to assist, if she will have me.”
“Thank you. I will discuss it with her.”
Dimitri finished dressing and began to dash out the door when he stopped, turned, and rushed to Flayn’s side. He kissed her gently on the lips. “I will see you later. Enjoy your day.”
Flayn smiled and waved him away. “Be off with you before Dedue drags you out.”
Dimitri saluted her and hurried out of the room, Dedue at his heels.
“My apologies for waking you,” Dedue said.
“It is my own fault. I had no idea I had overslept.”
The air between them thickened.
“Say it, Dedue,” Dimitri said with a sigh.
“You seem happy. Are you in love?”
“I was never under any illusions I would be able to marry for love. But I am happy. Flayn is a most excellent and beguiling companion.”
Dedue smiled, expression soft. “I am glad you are happy. It is the least you deserve.”
“I’m not certain I agree with you, but thank you, my friend.”