fic: Seduction

[bonnefois]

Title: Seduction
Series: FE4/5
Character/pairing: Reinhardt/Ishtar
Rating: NSFW
Summary: Years after the war, after everything, Ishtar gets tired of waiting and decides to seduce her knight.
Word count: 7205
Author's note:

Reinhardt and Ishtar survived, but all other canonical deaths are kept. Some minor other canon details added (like her breaking up with Julius along with betraying him.)




She removed her circlet at the end of the day, and let out a sigh. Her duties were done--unless some historic emergency came during the night. And she hoped it would be a peaceful time, for she might not have the nerve to try this again.

Reinhardt was near her, as always. After the war he had returned to Friege, and she had survived a battle she had been prepared to die in.

Why she had been spared, she could not say. Only that fate had turned this way, and she lived on, despite the pain she had endured.

And years had passed. Years of rebuilding, endless work, and atoning for all the terrible sins Friege had committed during those times. It was often difficult work balancing the enemies made by her family during that time, and dealing with her grief.

She had thought that she would never love again, that all her trust and affection would be buried with Julius himself. But, Reinhardt was constant, steady, and loyal to a degree that he kept Friege--and her world--in place. Even when other Houses scorned her.

He'd never said a word, but Julius had suspected he loved her. Julius had threatened to pluck out his eyes for looking at her. And she had in that moment, abandoned her closest knight and protector. To save him, yes, but in the end it was no excuse for her many horrible choices.

A thought which still made her sad, to remember what had become of Julius in the end. How monstrous, and corrupted Loptous had left the man she had once loved. But, she could not close herself up in mourning forever.

Their love had been once pure, then tainted by Loptous. She had lived, while Julius had not. And she went on. Ruling, striving, trying, even as she was one of the few left of House Friege.

And Reinhardt was with her, even in her darkest moments. When she doubted herself, when it felt like grief would overwhelm her. He was her protector, even from herself.

It took years for her to thaw, to heal enough to realize something had grown in her. That beyond the sorrow, a gentle joy had risen inside her every time she was with her knight.

That did not mean things went smoothly, however. At first, she had made small hints. Reinhardt had not acted on them.

Which meant more drastic measures would be required. Because, she couldn't simply live like this. With the sorrowful love for Julius replaced with the unspoken love for Reinhardt.

And today was the day. For something drastic, something more.

She brushed her long, lavender hair and looked in the mirror. Though mourning and loss had left its mark upon her, with more despondence in her eyes, and far less charm and joy that she once had, she was still considered beautiful. Her smile more pained, more sorrowful. Was she truly strong enough, bold enough to go through with this?

She'd never before, or even considered such a thing. But as each day passed with Reinhardt so close and yet not hers. Now, it would take drastic measures.

She blushed at the brazen thought which had come to her mind. Of his mouth on hers, his body on hers, and all that would happen after. Tonight, tonight, she would have her answer. One way or another.

His voice stirred her from her thoughts. "You seem exhausted, my liege. Shall I have a bath drawn for you?"

"Yes, I think that shall be a good idea. Thank you for suggesting it. Come back when you're done, all right?"

"Of course, my lady," Reinhardt said.

She undressed, and pulled on a filmy robe about her curvy body. Her hands lingered at the draw string, still considering if she had enough courage to do this.

She'd faced armies, and went through horrible battles. But, to so brazenly seduce her knight? Her closest ally and best friend? What if she lost everything?

But, that gamble was necessary. Whatever pain may come in rejection was better than living a half-life, wondering. Even if he rejected her, she at least would have closure. And she trusted him enough to know that this would not be an end. Reinhardt had proven that nothing could get between his loyalty. Not even her rejection of him and sending him away.

Perhaps she'd deserve such a rejection from him, she thought. An equal exchange, but then, as if Reinhardt himself were there, she corrected herself. Reinhardt would never hold such a grudge against her. He forgave her, even when she did the unforgivable.

She touched her fingers to her lips, and imagined them meeting his. As beautiful and bittersweet that image was, it wasn't enough to comfort her.

She needed the real thing.

A few moments later, Reinhardt returned. He tensed slightly at the sight of her in such a state, but he made no comment or other reaction. He was a consummate professional--perhaps even a little too much.

Honestly, what did she expect? That he would see her in this form-fitting robe and take steps closer and undo the ties? That he would kiss down her stomach, kneel before her and beg to kiss her more? That he would immediately declare his love for her and beg her to marry him this moment? That he would carry her off to the bed and take her until dawn?

If only it were that easy. If Reinhardt had not reacted to her other suggestions, this wouldn't be enough either.

"It shall be ready shortly. Was there something else you needed before I take my leave?"

She lifted her hand, and stopped him.

"Reinhardt, stay with me."

He gave her a questioning look. "My liege? Is something the matter? Is there some danger I have not been informed of?"

"My other attendants are busy. I cannot exactly bring Mjölnir into the bath with me. Please be my guard to ensure my safety. If an assassin slipped in, I would be fairly defenseless. I cannot even call a magic tome in such a state."

He remained silent. But, she caught the sharpness of his breath.

"...All right. I'll guard the door from the outside. Take your bath and relax; none shall bother you."

"That's not enough. There's a window in there, and that's if there isn't warp magic isn't used."

His brow furrowed. "You worry of assassination attempts? I have not heard of any rumors of insurrections..."

She inclined her head. "It is always at the back of my mind. I have not...been too popular outside of Friege after the war. Many would be glad to be rid of me. No matter how much I have tried to atone, I am still seen as 'the lover of the Scion of Darkness.'"

She glanced aside. Some knew of her betrayal of Julius, but many still did not. Lord Seliph was kind enough to voice his support to her, even when it was unpopular. Many would follow after his lead, and the land of Jugdral knew peace because of his gentleness.

Still, there were rumors, and whispering about her at every gathering. In the end, what could she expect? Not being sent to the gallows for her crimes immediately was certainly more than enough mercy.

The mention of Julius made something in his expression grow cold, even after all this time.

"All right. I'll...ahem....face the door. Call me if you need me."

In truth, assassination was a problem, but keeping him near was in her first thought, and always.

She removed the robe. Reinhardt stared at the door. Stubbornly, firmly. He didn't look her way once. Of course he didn't. She could've come into his bed wearing little but a filmy robe, and begged him to keep her warm and he probably would've wrapped her up in a blanket and brewed her some tea.
Not that she'd tried that method yet.

This would be more difficult than she thought. She'd never seduced a man that was not her lover yet. Let alone one so close to her, with so many risks should the offer be rejected.

Before the war, she was considered quite marriageable. After the war, no marriage offers came. As if her love for Julius had tainted her. And she had preferred it that way. To be left alone in her grief, and to rebuild Friege.

But, she hadn't been alone. Reinhardt had returned to her even when she had hurt him so grievously with her actions. And after so many years of his loyal service, she found herself wishing for him to never leave her side. Not merely as a knight, but as a lover.

The bathroom was usually quite cold, with its stone floors and walls. The bathtub was clear white marble, carved from a single slab with steps inside. Reinhardt had some sort of shutter brought in for privacy. He was professional to the end.

She bit her lip and glanced back. After a few more seconds, she removed the robe. Reinhardt stared at the door from beyond the shutter. Stubbornly, firmly. He didn't give her a single glance.

This would be more difficult than she thought. She'd never seduced a man like this before. Let alone one so close to her.

Before the war, she was considered quite marriageable. After everything, no marriage offers came. As if her love for Julius had tainted her. And she had preferred it that way. To be left alone in her grief.

But, she hadn't been alone. Reinhardt had returned to her. And after so many years of his loyal service, she found herself wishing for him to never leave her side. Not merely as a knight, but as a lover.

The water had been heated with magic, and still held the faint energy of a summoned spell in the water.

She recognized Reinhardt's magic. He'd not told her that he'd taken to a maid's task and gently, lovingly warmed the water with his own power. The warmth of magic was like a touch, like his hands upon her.

She was used to magic. She basked in it, took up the afterglow and sank in with a final relaxation.

He'd even gone the extra mile, and added in some sort of scented herbs and flowers and minerals mix, to leave her sweet smelling and even more relaxed. She smiled. Reinhardt always took care of her, even in little ways.

Honestly, he made this so much more difficult than it had to be. After the war, she had been despondent. Reinhardt had not allowed her to fall too deeply into despair. He'd been there, and more than once kept her alive. But, time had passed and she had slowly come out from her overwhelming grief. And Reinhardt was still beside her.

Ishtar still felt moments of intense sorrow, but she also knew moments of happiness and light. And she had Reinhardt to thank for that most of all.

And slowly she had started to reach out to Reinhardt. Perhaps she was just unskilled, for not a single attempt at flirtation had worked. Not at all.

Maybe this was a bit drastic, as far as plans went. But, despite the rumors of him having had quite a few love affairs among the nobility, her guard was surprisingly difficult to entice.

Ishtar took a breath through her nose. She was still tense, not merely from the day, but just the extent of what she planned to do.

In the past years, she had gone through hell and beyond. She'd experienced loss like none other.

She'd left Julius before his final fall, something she still felt guilt for at times. His jealousies turned wild and sharp, and his conduct was unforgivable. She couldn't simply turn her head aside as he did such horrible crimes.

Mother would've been so displeased in her, if she were still alive here. Especially as Ishtar had come to realize that in this, Julius was right.

Not abut the harvests, or his many war crimes. In all of those aspects, he'd been completely wrong. But, it he did manage to get one thing right. There was something between her and Reinhardt. At least, there would be if she had anything to say about it.

At times, when her attempts to woo her knight were fruitless, she wondered if Julius had simply been completely paranoid. If Reinhardt had never loved her at all, and she'd been forced to part with him merely because Julius's corruption had been so complete that he wildly lashed out at anyone.

But, sometimes there would be soft moments between them which gave her hope. If kind words and paying him undue favor and affection wouldn't work, she'd take a more drastic step.

Rose petals in the bath to ensure she smelled sweet. She lathered the soap, made from goat's milk and mixes of flower petals dried within.

The warm water began to soothe her sore muscles. The bathtub was large and marbled white and gray, carved out of one large slab of marble. It could grow slippery to leave if she wasn't careful, but it was beautiful.

She wet her hair and washed it. Reinhardt hadn't said a single word, in all this. She knew, alas, that he hadn't stolen a single glance, either. Even though she'd all but tied a bow about herself and given herself to him.

She'd know if his gaze was upon her. His dark eyes were intense, and his gaze just as intense, with an edge of magic even at a distance. Reinhardt exuded so much magical ability, even in small moments. To brush up against him was to feel like a storm was nearby.

Ishtar had longed for his touch for so long. But, Reinhardt was even more restrained after the war.

It was what she deserved, after everything she did. This still stung, that she'd broken such a close bond of trust for Julius. And for what? The hopes that Julius would come back to her? That if she gave up Reinhardt, and whoever else, whatever else Julius demanded and served and obeyed him, she might eventually get a glimpse of kindness among it all?

Ishtar remembered the words her mother had told her, all for Julius. The poise, the smile. Mother counseled her often, to try and help her 'catch Julius's eye.'

For power, she knew now, not because Queen Hilda had cared about her, or that she had liked Julius himself for anything but the title he had.

Somehow, all those lessons were now forgotten. She could only forge on.

She spoke up through the silence.

"Reinhardt? Is that you?"

"Yes? Did you need something," came his deep voice.

"Mmhmm. Come here, please."

He finally turned around, and let his gaze linger on her. It was as heated and strong as the touch of Mjölnir itself.

"Is something the matter, Princess Ishtar?"

He took a deep breath when he saw her. She made no effort to cover herself. The bathwater only covered her legs, and her chest was entirely bare. Her firm breasts were covered in suds, but still largely visible above the water.

She had never done anything so brazen before, not even in the past.

His dark eyes lingered on her body for a second too long before he looked to the wall. His breath caught. So he wasn't immune to her after all.

"Could you bring me the towel and help me dry off when I am finished?"

"I..." he broke off, and said no more.

"If...you wish," he said. His voice was very low.

"How much more blatant must I be in my attentions? How much more shamelessly must I flirt with you? If I were to tie a ribbon about my waist and present myself to you, would you finally understand my intentions? Or are you uninterested in me? I want you in my room, in with me, in--" She leaned in to say words only could hear. "--in my body. I want to give myself to you and let you do whatever you please to me."

His breath came noticeably heavier now. "You...You feel this way? Truly?"

"Yes...I do," she said. "I want you, Reinhardt."

"I feel more for you than mere lust. Queen Ishtar, if I come to you, I won't be satisfied with just a night. I'll want to woo you every day and night, until you're my bride. If this isn't what you wish...then I should step away now, and never speak of this again. Let us pretend it was a strange dream and go on as we have."

"You love me? I'm so glad. For I have fallen entirely in love with you, and that is what I have been trying to tell you all this time. As you did not respond, I was forced to take more...drastic means."

"I was unsure, and I second guessed. You had never returned my feelings before. I doubted that time would change anything," Reinhardt said.

"Perhaps I am unskilled in flirting," Ishtar said.

"No, never. There are very few things you are not skilled at," Reinhardt said.

He'd always defend her, in anything. Even against critical things she said about herself.

"I should like to see you like this. Passionate, untethered in a way you never have been before. Show me what you can do, Reinhardt. The water's still warm yet. You could join me."

"You want me to wash your back?"

"I want you here with me. What you decide to do is your choice. I shall leave it up to you. I trust you. I know you would never hurt me."

"Never," he said softly. "I live to protect you. Each breath is for you. To guard you, to love you more."

She watched as he undressed, and his toned, muscular and scarred body was revealed to her. It was quite a sight. Frankly, Reinhardt was very pleasing to the eye, and she should like to see him without his uniform more. Perhaps daily, if time allowed.

Multiple times a day, even.

The water shifted slightly as he stepped in.

"Are you sure there's enough room?" he said wryly.

"I'll make room."

He smiled, and carefully climbed into the tub. The water sloshed about them as she shifted to straddle his thighs. His hand rested at her back gently, even possessively. Desire rose inside her at the feel of his warm skin against her.

He leaned in to kiss her shoulders. Ishtar let out a soft sigh. She ground against him, but the water had been soothing, and a little too effective at cleaning her. The kiss was soft, even exploratory as she would break apart only to kiss him more. He pulled her closer, until they were chest to chest. She ran her hand appreciatively down his muscled and scarred chest.

And to think, what a treasure she'd had for so long, and never realized.

"Did you think of me, Reinhardt? Did you want me? I had begun to think you would never return my feelings..."

"I desired you so much. But, to think of you as such...I could hardly betray my duty as a knight. But, to ache for you, to wish you to be my bride...always. Always, my liege."

"Good, for you have filled my mind for some time."

"I hope I continue to fill your mind."

"After this? I'll scarcely think of anything else."|

"Tell me what you want me to do to you," Reinhardt said.

"Many things, but I want to start out. Something that I've been wanting to do for so long. Perhaps I shall...give you something else to remember?"

"Please do."

She took his cock at the base. He was already half hard. He let out a delicious groan at the back of his throat at the touch. She moved her grip up his shaft, and took great pleasure at how his breath hitched so.

Slowly she would move up and down. She finally settled to grip the tip of his cock, and stroke it with her thumb. While he'd been the perfect gentleman, and hadn't even moved, but as she quickened the pace, he thrust into her grip and stirred the water and pushed his warm body against her. He had a very nice girth. More than she'd ever suspected.

She bit her lip. Just getting him off like this was getting her hot. Oh, she might have to rush things to get him inside her. Because, having him thrust into her hand, while pleasurable, just wasn't enough.

Once he'd gotten truly hard, she released her grip.

"I want to be closer," she said.

She ground her folds against his hardness. So close, but not enough to come inside her. His hands gripped her waist. He kissed up her neck as she moved and ground her body down his cock.

His breath began to came harder as she clung to him and rubbed her body against him. The water was warm, not but nearly as warm as his skin. The firmness of his cock brushed up hard with perfect pressure against her clit, and her sensitive folds. It was enough to make her let out a soft cry as she brought their bodies closer. As much as could possibly allow in this bath which was not made for two people.

He cupped her face and kissed her even as his hips moved.

"Oh, my beloved. How I've wanted you. I wanted you so much. Oh, you cannot fathom how much."

"I think I can, for I wanted you too," she said.

Not as close as she wanted, but enough that their chests were pressed together. He cupped her face and kissed her even as his hips moved. Her lips parted. To feel his body, so strong and warm against her.

He leaned into her slightly. His arms tightened about her and brought her even closer. As closer as they could, without his body inside her.

His hands moved up to gently stroke her breasts, and take them in his palms.

"You are beautiful, my liege. Unimaginably so."

"I need more," he said softly.

He moved her just slightly to shift her. Then, his hand moved between her thighs to stroke her clit, with perfect precision. In seconds, he had her moaning at the heat of his touch. She whimpered as he kissed her neck and delayed his own pleasure to give Ishtar hers.

She was left gasping, as he finally pushed her to a most perfect climax. Pleasure filled her, and warmth of his bodyheat seeping into hers. She clung tighter to him as her clit rhythmically was filled with the most beautiful and intense feeling she'd know.

"Ah...R-Reinhardt..."

He spoke against her neck as he kissed her there. "I could never imagine anything as beautiful as this. Your flushed face as you cry my name in pleasure...ah, my liege. You spoil me."

She was still barely able to speak.

"Ah, but you're still."

"You are my liege and you come first. I don't mind waiting."

"I don't want you waiting. I want to see you like that too," she said, a bit abashed.

"Then it is a gift I shall gladly give you. But, I want to help you."

He smiled, even a bit mischievously. She took his cock in her hand, which was still quite hard. He enclosed his hands just over hers. It was like they were holding hands as she worked his shaft. His breath came softly.

She leaned in to even—cuddle as she gave him pleasure. The water was still warm, their bodies more so. She began to feel his cock twitch, and she knew he wouldn't last long. His release was low, restrained, to no surprise. He was a stoic, after all.

"My liege," he said, in a way both low, raspy and adoring.

"Not bad for a first try?"

"My dreams did you no justice," he said.

She chuckled softly. While she'd love to cuddle with him in this tub until their hands looked like prunes, the water had grown uncomfortably chilly.

"The water's getting cold. I daresay I must get out. Dry me?"

"Gladly, my lady," Reinhardt said.

She stood up and let the rivulet of water pour down her body. He gazed at her with such longing and adoration, even as she stood before him. Like she was giving herself to him all over again.

"You seduce me all over again...then again, you do that every day without even trying."

"You're telling me that all this time I could've had you all along?"

"I was always yours. I shall always be."

"Good, for you are what I want."

She wrung her long hair out in the bath. It'd be damp for many hours more, as her hair was so long and thick that it took several hours to fully dry.

She climbed out first, and he followed. He was, as ever, quite thorough, loving and utterly devoted as he dried off every bit of her body. Reinhardt was gentle as he ensured she wasn't left dripping wet.

She could feel his hands upon her as he brought the towel over her, and it only made her desire be stoked anew. At how much he cherished her, loved her even without saying the words. How he could make the simple act of drying the water off of her a slow adoration. As he started from her feet, upwards, and how she could feel his hand close behind the towel to touch and feel her.

"So beautiful," Reinhardt murmured.

"To the bed?" Reinhardt said softly. His voice was low, even silky. How his voice left her aroused, and wanting more.

"Yes. Please take me there. Would you carry me?" she said.

"It shall be my pleasure," he said.

Ishtar was not helpless, not even a little. But she'd take any excuse to be lifted up in his strong arms. Her head was spinning, slightly dizzy as he took her to the bed.

After years of dreaming and planning, this was finally happening. Reinhardt would be hers.

He laid her gently upon the bed and climbed up to join her.

Her leg quivered as he kissed her inner thigh. He stared up at her, his dark eyes filled with such desire.

"May I?"

"Please do. If you keep me waiting, I shall beg."

"And I daresay, I shall like it," he said.

His lips were gentle and warm against her folds and clit. Her back arched at the sudden jolt of pleasure as he lazily drew his hot tongue across her clit. Her lips parted in a moan at his touch, his perfect touch and his tongue.

Sharp breaths through her nose as he pressed his lips about her clit, and took her into his mouth. First, he teased her, until her clit was positively swollen with wanting and need. Then, he sucked so hard on her that she nearly screamed at the sudden jolt of pleasure.

"R-Reinhardt!"

He lifted his head up, only to leave her in a faint moan at the lack of his touch.

"Remember, you wished for me to have whatever I want. And what I want is your pleasure more than anything. I won't come inside you until I'm sure you're satisfied. Not even if you beg. But...I wouldn't mind if you do. The sound of your sweet voice begging for me would be very...pleasurable to me."

"Please, Reinhardt. Please."

"Please, what? Tell me what you want, my liege, and I shall do it."

"Your mouth upon me. Please, let me come. I b-beg of you. It felt so good, and you stopped at the peak--"

"Then I shall. For you beg so sweetly."

He gripped her hips tight as he leaned in. She could feel his breath between her legs, deeper. Her breath came out trembling, even shaky.

"Reinhardt, my love..."

Again, he kissed between her legs to tease her. His tongue was so hot and soft against her. The caresses were soft at first, then more demanding as he pushed her on more, more. She clutched at the sheets, unable to do little more than whimper as he made circles upon her throbbing clit.

He took her in his mouth again, and pushed her to the very limit of pleasure.

She laid back, still breathing heavily as the excitement and ecstasy washed over her. It was certainly some form of magic Reinhardt did with his tongue. And then, his fingers deep inside her. Thrusting slowly and just right. One orgasm had barely washed over her when he brought her to another with his skillful fingers. It was deeper inside her, but no less intense.

He wiped his mouth, and surveyed her state with a faint smirk.

"Have I satisfied you, my liege?"

"Y-Yes. Very much so."

"Good."

He pulled the covers up over both of them, and laid beside her.

"Are you sure you wish to continue? Any more could be dangerous," Reinhardt said.

"No. I want you, Reinhardt. All of you. The consequences mean nothing to me. Besides...this was supposed to be you doing what you will to me," she said playfully.

"What I want is for you to enjoy this and wish to do every part of this. Besides, I have certainly enjoyed myself more than I ever imagined I would this day," Reinhardt said.

"I was mere minutes ago all but begging for you to come inside me. The sentiment hasn't changed, I merely...couldn't speak for a few moments."

"If you're ever uncomfortable or need to stop, speak up and let me know. I will pull away immediately," Reinhardt said.

No way she was stopping. Not after she'd experienced the best pleasure of her life, and he hadn't even gotten anything but his fingers inside her yet.

He adjusted the pillows. Enough to support them both.

"Come up on top of me. I want to be able to touch you as much as possible. And I wouldn't want to hurt you."

He laid back. She climbed up to straddle his lap and let her hands down his chest. So firm, so scarred, and so perfect. Reinhardt was already quite hard. She rubbed her slick folds against his cock, enough to make him let out a low groan.

She dropped her hips and took all of him.

And then, she was finally, completely filled by his girth. Oh, and what a girth it was. It felt better than she could've imagined. Her lips were parted in a wordless gasp as he moved inside her. He was so thick, so full. She held back a whimper at the feeling of him inside the corded muscles within her.

"Ah...Rein....hardt..."

She held tight to his shoulders for leverage. Reinhardt started slow enough that he could still lean in to kiss her.

"Touch yourself. My hands are busy."

There was something very daring and suggestive in his voice.

"Ah?"

"Please," he said. "Touch yourself."

Even with the please, it was very much a command. And one she was glad to obey.

"Y-Yes..."

Her face flushed as she rubbed her fingers as he ordered. Pleasure so intense it almost hurt started to come to her, as she pushed herself closer to another orgasm so soon after the last two.

She felt heated with the desire his request had caused her. Her hand was close enough to brush against him. She rubbed her fingers against her incredibly sensitive clit, with increasingly more confidence caresses of her thumb. She could see the arousal in his dark eyes at her pleasure.

"Good job, my liege," he said.

The compliment caused her a surprise jolt of pleasure. Or was it his voice? She couldn't tell anymore, except that Reinhardt was very adept at making her aroused.

He kept a steady pace, and thrust deeper and deeper into her. It was difficult to keep her fingers steady, given how slick she was now.

She could barely think. There was nothing but the heat of his body against her and the heat of the pleasure inside her emanating outwards.

His voice was so low and sexy as he spoke. "I... love you, my liege."

"Ah, Reinhardt!"

Her pleasure was so much, it was nearly overflowing. She felt almost a kind of awe at the sheer extent of it as the climax filled her completely. Her breath caught. It held such power, like his skill over tomes.

"I....can't hold on much longer. Do....Do you want me to finish outside your body?" He breathed heavily, and paused between words.

"No...I want you inside me. Stay here. Inside me. Come inside me. It..It doesn't matter. I'd love to bear your child one day. To marry you."

She held him tight as the thrusts became more intense and more desperate.

He fell still for a moment, but only a moment. She was filled with warmth and calm as he held her tight. Her body still felt the aftershocks of yet another intense orgasm. She rested her head upon his strong, broad chest, and soon after, she was held close in his arms warm against his chest.

For some time, they said nothing, but simply snuggled close in the afterglow. After a short while, he ran his hands over her face and kissed her in a lingering, lovely kiss.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, not at all. It was..."

She could hardly put it into words.

"Like no pleasure I've ever felt before."

"Good. Good."

He stroked her face, and gently leaned in to kiss her.

But, before the post-coital glow had even settled, he suddenly sat up.

"I should go."

"What? Is something wrong?"

"If anyone were to see us in such a state..." He trailed off. "I would not want your reputation to suffer."

"No, stay with me, Reinhardt."

"As much as I'd love to stay all night and wake up with you in the morning, I cannot stay too long. Tongues would wag. I could not stand such horrible things said about you."

"My reputation shan't be sullied, not when I intend to make you my consort as soon as time allows. If you are my lover, then you belong here with me. Waking up every morning in my embrace, and sleeping every night in my arms. Remember, I said I'd gladly be your wife one day."

He turned to her. "So we have the same plans, for I would make you my wife given even the faintest of chances."

"Come back to my bed, Reinhardt. It's where you belong."

He laid back down to curl up with her. His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke.

"Is that what you want? Me in your bed every night and waking up by my side every morning?"

"Yes, most of all," she said.

"Then I shall grant this wish, and any other you have. For you are my beloved and shall be forevermore."

He took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth. He kissed the back, in the most courtly fashion. And he curled up with her, the covers about them. Sleep came easily, and no nightmares haunted her.

*


She didn't wake up alone. She'd hoped to have his body spooned close to hers, and his arm slung about her and slowly wake up to his warmth and scent. His skin had an earthy scent, the soap he preferred, like pine and herbs, and the afterglow of magic.

The scent that actually awoke her was the scent of fresh flowers and food. Reinhardt had been up for some time, and sat fully dressed upon the side of the bed. He smiled as she woke.

"Good morning, my liege."

She stretched and let out a long yawn. "Mmm? Yes, a good morning to you. Let me wash up and I'll join you right away," she said.

"Do you need my help?" Reinhardt said. His voice held an almost wry edge of suggestiveness.

He could make such innocent words sound so utterly suggestive.

She looked up at him through her lashes. "I'm pretty famished. If you help me, it'll take twice as long. After breakfast, though, I would definitely need your help. Not in the bath. The bedroom."

"Ah, then I will be helping you make the beds?" Reinhardt said wryly.

"Tangle them up more like it."

After perhaps the quickest bath known to man, Ishtar returned. Her stomach clenched, ready for a meal. Now she got a chance to see just what Reinhardt had brought her.

A bouquet of new flowers was at the table in her room. Her favorites, of course. Reinhardt would know that. And such a feast.

"It's not that I'm not grateful, but Friege is struggling. Are you sure we can afford such luxuries?"

Though it wasn't as if she could return them.

"There is nothing to worry about. I paid for them with my own gold. For many years I did little with the salary I received as a knight of Friege. My needs were already taken care of within the castle as your guard. I've been using much of that to fund the rebuilding, but there is plenty to spare to spoil you to my heart's content."

He wrapped one arm about her and pulled her close. Reinhardt took her hand and kissed it.

"My love...."

He broke off.

"I am still uncertain if I have any right to call you that, though I've longed to for some time."

"Yes, you do. Please do. I would be honored to be your love."

"I've wanted to spoil you for so long," he said. "Every day wanted to lavish you with such love, but I couldn't. Not until now."

His hand tightened about hers. "And now, I shall make up for lost time."

"I mean not to make you feel any guilt. The path we took to reach this place was twisted, winding and full of pain. But we did reach this point and it is all that matters to me. I would never wish to ever cause you pain," she said.

"I know. That's one of the many reasons why I love you," he said.

Ah, these pastries were cooked to perfected. The crust was tender, yet flaky and with a distinct flavor of butter. Inside was fruit. There was a plate of her favorite cheeses, sweet juice freshly squeezed and freshly baked bread to go with it.

It came to mind that Reinhardt didn't just know her due to these years spent together as lady and knight. Now he knew how to make her come. Last night was their first time together. And even without the knowledge, he'd managed to make her come so many times she was left breathless.

Now he knew. And their intimate moments together would only grow more intense. It would only grow better with time as he knew her body entirely.

She leaned in and kissed his jaw, and nuzzled close.

"Yes, very much. Though....You always wake so early. I wanted to wake up with you," she said.

"My father and mother were both once a part of the Friegean military, and a renowned knight and war mage in their own rights. I was raised from an early age to be a knight, and to keep the time of a soldier always ready for war. Going to the academy required early rising, and to be your knight even more. Getting up before dawn was how I was raised."

All so she could sleep in, wrapped in luxury and innocence. How she remembered those years of nothing but play and parties, where wars were simply something of the history books.

"But, if you wish it, I'll sleep in a little."

"By my side?" She said hopefully.

He seemed to weigh that. The propriety of such an action of it versus his own desires.

"I'm a little surprised, given your reputation," she said.

"My reputation precedes me?" Reinhardt said. "You'll have to be more clear upon that."

For Reinhardt was nearly legendary a knight, the kind of man who only appeared once in a generation. This was a different kind of reputation, however.

"Some say you are very popular with women. Others call you a seducer."

He gave her a look. "Ishtar, my love, last night, I was not the one doing the seducing."

"Yes, perhaps that one was a mere rumor."

"You have my heart. You always have," Reinhardt said.

Which wasn't an answer in the end. Reinhardt was good at non-answers which revealed nothing.

Back then, when the rumors first came up, she'd vehemently denied them. Reinhardt was far too noble, far too devoted a knight to ever tarry with such dalliances. The more they persisted, the more displeased the mere thought made her. Enough to leave her upset enough to leave dinner parties to catch her breath, to make her feel full of sudden grief at the loss of him, the thought any other could take him from her.

It'd take her years to figure out just why the mere hint that Reinhardt might've taken a lover among the nobility would leave her so utterly terrified and heartbroken.

"However, protecting you is my job. If I cause you harm, then I have failed in my mission. I must be careful," Reinhardt said.

"You could protect me even better if you stayed by my side all night and woke up with me."

"Hmmm. You make a good point, Queen Ishtar. I'm a light sleeper. I would wake first if an assassin ever came in your bedroom. I'll move my things to your chambers immediately."

She smiled and stretched next to him.

"What is upon the itinerary today, Reinhardt?"

"Checking upon the rebuilding project, speaking with Olwen and Fred with the orphanage that is being built for the war orphans. No treaties scheduled today."

She'd get to spend the entire day with, and supported by her very closest knight. No, more than that. A friend, lover, companion and one day, if he had his way, husband.

She snuck one last kiss before finishing her breakfast and rising to breakfast.

*

Three months later.


She woke up slowly, and shifted with a soft sigh. Ishtar's head lay upon his firm and strong chest. She stretched and finally rested her palm there on his chest. She got used to this. Reinhardt by her side day and night. She relied upon him more than ever.

Reinhardt was up, quietly reading as he waited for her to wake. He would've been up since dawn. On her request, he stayed in bed with her and had all but moved into her chambers in everything but name only. But, years of being raised as a knight meant that he couldn't sleep in if he tried.

"Did I sleep here all night?"

"No, you just turned over a little bit again. Did you get cold?"

"Maybe? I cannot tell," she said.

He smiled gently.

It'd been months now since she seduced her knight. Reinhardt never missed an opportunity to lavish her with grand romance whenever time allowed in the day, and nights of utmost passion.

(And on occasion, mornings and afternoons of passion as well.)

He supported her at every moment, and most of all, she never quite tired of him. Even when he was with her most of the day, she could gladly spend the night and beyond with him and never tire of his presence.

His devotion was constant and quiet when they were with others. But, when they were alone, he never failed to completely lavish her with affection of all kinds.

Love had always been painful for her. Love was enduring, persisting, waiting, hoping. It was betraying the one she loved to try and save him. It was being quiet and knowing that a wrong word could bring out inhuman rages. It was wishing for past times and never knowing happiness, only the sinking feeling of a love which felt like a sentence.

True, it was the first blush of love. But, Ishtar found it a little surprising that love could be so easy. She woke up wrapped in his arms, she ruled Friege and he supported her at every turn, and he stayed with her.

He gently brought her close and kissed the top of her head.

She sighed happily. Love could be gentle and happy and easy. At least, with Reinhardt it could be.

"You have wooed me, quite."

"Only quite? Then I need to woo you harder."

"Should you woo me any harder I would be required to take a nap daily for the lack of sleep. And you'd probably have to spend much of the day carrying me, for I would be rather sore."

"That actually sounds like a splendid plan."

She laughed softly and nuzzled against his chest.

"I should like to wake up with you for the rest of my life," she said.

He smiled wryly. "Are you proposing, my lady?"

"You already made your intention clear that you'd propose to me. I already made my intention that I would make you my consort as soon as possible. Neither of us are one to go back on your promises. Truly, I think it was only the rebuilding which has prevented this," Ishtar said.

"The ring's still being resized and refitted. It'll take a bit longer, I'm afraid," Reinhardt said.

She looked up at him. Reinhardt was not one for careless jest.

"You've already picked out a ring?"

"It's been in the family for a long time. Imbued with much magic from many past Schutaeze mages. I've wanted to give it to you for a long time. The minute I went from your bed that day, I sent a letter to have it ready and repaired for me as soon as possible."

"My, you work fast," she said.

"It was always meant to be yours. I knew that from when we were both young. That I was always meant to be yours."

And she had taken far longer to realize this. Still, she would not linger in regrets. However long it had taken for her to return to Reinhardt, it had finally led to this. A future still being rebuild, still filled with scars, yet filled with at times breathtaking happiness.

She'd never been loved like this. Lavished. Spoiled, even. At times, she still had to convince herself that she deserved this after how bloodstained her hands were, yet Reinhardt would quell and comfort any fears and doubts she ever had.

"When you get on your knees, and ask the question, I already know what I shall say in return," she said. "And it is an answer I think you will like very much."

He leaned in to kiss her. "Perhaps I can send a letter requesting them to speed up things?"

She cupped his chin and kissed him more. "Hmm, I can wait. You are entirely mine and will stay that way."

"What is on the itinerary today?"

He listed off important duties. He took a bit of her lavender hair and kissed it, even as he looked to her.

"And then?"

"Lunch, perhaps."

"A long lunch?"

"Very long," he said. "And very delicious one. It might take multiple course...and take hours to finish."

His voice was low, suggestive. It made her toes curl to know she'd be back in this bed in a couple of hours. And that was if they didn't end up on a futon, or chaise in one of the rooms. Or a table, or wall...

"I may need a nap today after all," she said.