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Claude sighed deeply and cracked his neck. The trip from Derdriu down to the estate of Viscount Hyrm was not one he had fun with, and one he wished he didn't have to take, but his grandfather was insistent he attend this stuffy ball when they received the invitation shortly after they announced him as his heir. Goddess, this was boring, Dimitri was dancing with some Duke's daughter he didn't know the name of, Edelgard was talking with her vassal Hubert and as much as he wanted to go bother them for fun some more he was fairly certain the princess of the Adrestian Empire was on the verge of strangling him. Though that would add some fun to the night he figured he might need to pace himself, after all his grandfather told him he had to attend for the full ball less he be forced to go to every single one without fail. And he was assured there were going to be many.

Claude supposed he saw why he had to attend this ball, as unfortunate and boring as it was. The Hyrm territory was on the border of Alliance territory, so taking the time to attend his ball to keep relations good was, admittedly, a small sacrifice.

Though as he watched the Viscount throughout the ball's snail paced time, Claude found himself getting more and more confused as to why they even wanted to associate with him. The old man was disgusting, making very obvious eyes at the young noble girls he invited to his estate's ball to find suitors, but he was beginning to suspect he threw this to be his very own ogling party. His eyes narrowed as the Viscount even touched one of the poor, uncomfortable girl's face, brushing her cheek in what he was sure the Viscount thought would be seen as charming and sweet and not creepy as it was.

As Claude leaned against the wall, drink in hand, watching the Viscount with vitriol, he noticed a pale hand pour a clear liquid into the Viscount's drink. Suddenly very intrigued, he followed the arm, which quickly retreated back into the shadows. His mind swam with questions. Who was that? What did they slip into the Viscount's drink? Was it poison? Was it bad he hoped it was poison? What kind of poison was it? Why would they poison him? Actually he might have some theories about that last one-

From the shadows of a pillar, opposite of where the Viscount stood, a girl emerged. She caught Claude's eye immediately for her striking ginger hair, braided in an intricate way as to make it seem like her hair was a rose, her blue eyes that seemed to be focused on one thing, and her pitch black ballgown. It was floor length, but the skirt was not big and puffed out as many of the dresses worn by other noble girls where, allowing her to move through the crowd without being noticed despite her obvious, at least to him, beauty. The bodice was made of black flowers, which traveled up to make the sleeves on her shoulders, but leaving her arms bare. As she grew closer, he saw the queen anne neckline of the dress extenuates her collarbone, which he started to see was dotted with little freckles. He felt himself smile a bit, raising his drink to his lips as she gracefully slid past Ferdinand Von Aegir and opened the door to the gardens, slipping quietly out.

"Finally, something interesting." He sighed, giving a waiter his empty goblet and headed to the garden doors. Quietly slipping out into the cool night air, Claude silently closed the door behind him. The girl leaned over the railing looking over the gardens into the night. She sighed, pulling her braid over her shoulder. Claude slowly approached her. "Beautiful night."

The ginger jumped, whipping around to look at him, her sapphire eyes narrowing at him in clear suspicion. He smiled at her. "I apologize for startling you miss." her careful gaze watched his every move, Claude took a few steps closer, now on her left side at the railing but a few respectful inches away.

"...I didn't hear you come outside." she said.

"I'm very quiet when I want to be. Getting some fresh air? I don't blame you, it's way too stuffy in there." the girl raises her eyebrows with an expression that read her agreement, before she gave a small nod.

"Agreed...Perhaps they should open more windows in there." the last part was quiet. If Claude hadn't been listening for her every word he might have missed it. The comment pulled a laugh from him.

"They should. It would at least make the event bearable." he saw the ghost of a smile start to grace her lips, oddly unpainted with any lipstick he noticed unlike the other ladies attending, before it left quickly.

"Why are you out here?" she asked. Claude looked out to the night.

"Well. Besides the much needed fresh air, I wanted to see what you were doing." he looked back at her as he spoke the last part of his confession. The pair of sapphires narrowed at him again.

"Well as you can see, it isn't much. Far more boring than what's happening inside, perhaps you should return before they start to miss you too much." Claude smirked.

"Oh they won't miss me. And I'd have to disagree with you. You're by far the most interesting thing at this ball." she rolled her eyes.

"Really?" he nodded.

"Really."

"How so?" his smirk returned, and Claude closed the gap between them and dropped his voice to a whisper.

"What is it you slipped into the Viscount's drink?" her eyes bore into him, but she didn't say a word for a moment. He waited for her patiently.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." her tone was measured, precise, like an arrow flying through the air to hit it's target. And if he were anyone else, Claude would've believed her.

"Sure. But, I've studied my fair share of poisons in my time and, I know a poisoning when I see one. And a mysterious, clear, most likely tasteless and odorless liquid being poured into his drink? Now that reeks of a poisoning. Now, if you don't tell me what it is, I'm sure I can find out. But I'm much more interested in you." she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, as if she couldn't fathom anyone taking any form of interest in her.

"...Why?"

“Well, seeing someone slip poison into a Viscount’s drink is interesting in it of itself I would say. Seeing the culprit be a well dressed, unsuspecting lady adds another layer. It means you were sent in, or straight invited here.” She pulled her gaze away from him.

”Has anyone told you that you look into things too much?” He chuckled.

“Many, thank you for being another.” He smiled as she huffed a bit. “…what’s your name?” She rolled her eyes, the ghost of a smile returning.

“You don’t get to know that information.” He hummed.

”That’s fine I suppose. I could always alert the guards-“ her gaze became hard and sharp as a dagger as it whipped to him quickly. She examined him as if trying to best figure out how to take care of the situation she found herself in. Claude simply raised an eyebrow at her. They stood there, locked in a stalemate for what felt like hours but could only be minutes in reality, possibly only seconds.

“Here, I’ll make you a deal. You tell me your name, and give me one dance, and I’ll tell you mine and I won’t report you to the guards about your little poisoning. How’s that sound?” She eyed him.

“…you want a dance?” He nodded, a chuckle caught in his throat.

”Your name and a dance, that’s all.” She examined him a moment.

“…Ira.” He raised an eyebrow.

”No last name?”

”You seem clever enough to figure it out on your own if you really tried.” She replied, crossing her arms. He smirked.

“You flatter me Miss Ira. But I get the feeling that’s a nickname.”

”It is, but it’s what you’ll hear anyone here call me, so you’re not getting anything more.” He nodded.

“Fair enough.” He held out his hand to her, and hesitantly, as if remembering a lesson she was forced to take, Ira took it. Claude gently raised her hand in his and kissed the back of her hand. “Claude.” Ira raised an eyebrow.

”I see you don’t give your last name either.” He smirked.

“I’ll give as much as you give. You give me only a first name, that’s what you’ll get from me as well.”

Ira nodded softly. “Fair, I suppose.”

He lowered her hand and allowed her to pull it back as he smiled. “I think so too. Now, about that second part of our deal.” Claude held out his arm for her to take. “Shall we?”

Ira seemed to hesitate a moment, looking at him and his arm, then slowly taking it. He smiled, leading her to the garden doors, opening them for her and leading her inside.

“I have to warn you I don’t really dance at these balls.” Ira whispered. He smiled.

“That’s okay, we’ll get through it together, just follow my lead.” He whispered back as he lead her to the floor, shooting a wink to Dimitri who was now off the to side with his stepsister Edelgard. Dimitri looked slightly puzzled that Claude was taking the floor, but Edelgard’s expression of confusion is what caught him because it wasn’t directed towards him. It was directed towards Ira, who was not making eye contact with the princess.

”Much easier said than done…” he caught an edge to her voice that hinted at anxiety. As their feet hit the designated dance floor, the Viscount’s son appeared at the top of the stairs.

“May I have your attention please? I’m very sorry but my father seems to have taken a bit ill during the festivities, we’ll have to cut tonight’s ball short.” He apologized. Claude’s emerald eyes drifted to the sharp sapphires in front of him as a small smirk formed on his lips.

“Clever.” He whispered.

”…Thank you.” She whispered back.

”I will have hold you to our deal when I see you at the next ball we attend, however.” He said, sounding apologetic as he bowed. Ira curtsied.

”I expected you too. Until we meet again, Claude.” He smiled.

“Until we meet again, Ira.” And with that she drifted into the crowd, perfectly blending into it, and yet he could pick her out easily in it.

                                                                                                                ~~~~~~

Ira quickly made her way to the carriage, wanting nothing more than the night to be over. Her mind felt…fuzzy, like it was underwater and she was drugged and couldn’t move her limbs to swim. She passed her adoptive brother, Hubert, and the Princess Edelgard on her way to the carriage that would take her and her brother back to the Von Vestra estate. She prayed silently to the goddess that Edelgard wouldn’t asked her any questions.

“Ira!” Shit. She turned and gave her a quiet but questioning look. “What was that?”

”…What do you mean?” Ira asked. It was weak, really weak. Edelgard was smarter than to have that simply throw her off but Ira felt like she couldn’t think properly. She never talked to men at these events, let alone had anyone ask her to dance. And to have one guide her back inside by the arm, to kiss the back of her hand? It threw her off. She wasn’t sure how to feel.

“You were going to dance.” Edelgard said, taking steps closer to her. Ira bit the inside of her lip, and shrugged, ignoring Hubert blinking in shock at her.

“So? That’s what people do at these events?” Edelgard fixed her with a look.

“You never dance at these events.” Ira sighed.

“You’re right. I don’t. And I didn’t, it ended before I did. So it’s not that big of a deal. I’m tired, can we go now? Please?” Edelgard blinks at her.

”Not that big of a deal- you know who that was, right Ira?” Ira shrugs.

”He said his name was Claude.” Edelgard sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Of course that’s all he said- that was Claude Von Riegan. Duke Von Riegan’s grandson and heir of the sovereign dukedom of the Leister Alliance. That was who you were about to dance with.”

Ira swallowed. That slippery snake. Of course she never said what family she was adopted into either but that’s because he saw her slip poison into the Viscount’s drink. And if there’s one thing she was trained to do, it was kill and not leave loose ends. Ira caught him getting into a carriage out of the corner of her eye. His emerald eyes made all the more striking against his slightly darker skin. Their eyes met and he winked at her before ducking into the carriage. Ira’s mind had the sudden feeling of being underwater again, with the inability to move her limbs to swim.

“You didn’t promise him anything, did you?” Hubert finally spoke, nearly startling both women. They looked to him, but his gaze was fixed solely on his adopted younger sister. Ira remained silent for a long moment. “…Iradessa tell me you didn’t promise him anything.”

”…Would you rather me lie to you or tell you the truth?” She replied softly. Hubert took in a sharp, angry breath. “It’s one dance. It could be worse.”

“You don’t promise men anything, I thought we talked about this-!” Hubert started, before Edelgard put a hand on his shoulder.

“Alright, I know you’re upset, but this is not the time or place. And while I hate the idea that Ira is indebted to Claude in any way, she is right, one dance isn’t as bad as it could be. We should all head home and cool off.”

Hubert sighed, but nodded. “You’re right Lady Edelgard.”

He escorted her to her carriage and helped her inside, bidding her a good night. Ira headed off to their carriage alone as he did so, eager to sit alone for at least a bit before the awkward silence would fall over them in the ride back to the Von Vestra estate.

Ira was looking out the window when the door of the carriage clicked closed and Hubert sat across from her. She didn’t bother looking over at him, she knew he was avoiding looking at her as well. The carriage jolted forward as the horses began to pull it out of the Hrym estate, which in the morning would be changing hands to the son who had earlier announced the early end of his disgusting father’s ball. How he could sit there and stand it Ira wasn’t sure, it would’ve felt like an insult to her mother if it were her. Granted the Von Vestra’s were not her birth parents, and Ira only cared for her birth mother at that. They sat in a long silence before Hubert spoke.

”I see you met your objective.” It was then Ira glanced at him and saw he was now looking at her.

”Of course I did.”

”Poison this time?”

”He kept himself surrounded by too many people, but they were easily distracted, besides I would rather have not been alone with that man if I could help it, and I could. He’ll be dead by the morning, It’ll look like he had a heart attack.”

Hubert nodded. ”Good. Always hated him anyways.” Silence fell over them again.

“You never dance.”

Ira sighed.

”You’re still hung up on this?”

”I assumed you’d sooner stab a man than dance with him.”

”I was only meant to kill one man tonight, if I stabbed another for asking me to dance it would be too suspicious. Are you really that upset for me maintaining my cover?”

”No. I just don’t understand why you didn’t say no.”

Ira stiffened. She’d hoped he wouldn’t ask that.

“…He’s the heir to the Dukedom, we have to keep up appearances-“

”That would’ve worked if you’d known that before you talked to Edelgard. You’re off your game tonight, you’re usually such a better liar.” Ira cursed herself in her mind. She usually was a better liar.

“What happened?”

”I have it handled.”

“I’m your older brother, this goes into territory I have to know about Iradessa.” Ira huffed.

“…he…he might have seen me slip the poison into the Viscount’s drink.” Her voice was barely a whisper, and she didn’t want to see Hubert’s expression.

“…How?” He demanded. Ira looked to the roof of the carriage.

“I don’t know, Hubert. He must have been watching the Viscount when I slipped it into his drink.”

“How didn’t you see him?”

”I was hidden behind a pillar, I guess he was just out of my sight.” Hubert sighed.

“…What did he say to you? Exactly?”

”…He followed me outside and asked me what poison I used. Then when I said I had no idea what he was talking about, he said he was sure he could figure out which one I used but he was more interested in me. I asked him why and he said that seeing the Viscount poisoned is interesting in it of itself but- seeing me be the one to do it adds another layer is intrigue to it because it means I was sent in or invited.” Hubert grits his teeth.

“To which both are true…”

“Then he asked my name, I told him he didn’t get to know that information-“

”So he didn’t know you off the bat, we have that going for us.”

”Then he said he could get the guards and we just…stared at each other for a while before he offered to make me a deal. I tell him my name and dance with him, and he tells me his and he wouldn’t tell the guards.”

”…and you said?” Hubert prompted.

”I’m not an idiot Hubert, I told him my name was Ira. I didn’t give him a last name, I didn’t give him my full first name and if he’s as clever as he thinks he is he can figure it out himself. In return he gave me just his first name. He said he’d ‘give as much as I give’ and then we headed inside to dance.” Hubert sighed.

“Anything else?” Ira hesitated.

“…Ira.”

”He kissed the back of my hand after our introductions.” Hubert glared

“You weren’t going to tell me that.”

“I felt like you were going to get angry at it and I was right.” Hubert sighed and leaned back in the seat.

“…He promised not to say anything as long as you danced with him?”

Ira nodded. “He said he would keep me to our deal at the next ball we see each other at.

”Hubert took in a breath through his nose.

“If that’s the cost of his silence…” Ira waited. “Fine. Just be careful, I don’t trust him.”

”I’m always careful.”

With the death of Viscount Hrym and the succession by his only son, Ira had hoped that the period of mourning would mean that the balls wouldn't be taking place for a while. Her hopes where dashed when they received an invitation from Count Rowe of the Kingdom of Faerghus. The only silver lining was she was sure to see one of her very few friends here and be able to interact with him, as it would be his home. Ira and Yuri had met shortly after she had been adopted by the Von Vestra family at a ball similar to what would be thrown at his home.

                                                                                               ~~~~~~~~

Ira had carefully hung to the sidelines as Yuri was being his charismatic self, but she saw through it. While he made nice with the majority of the guests Ira could tell he hated the lot of them. Sure, he was fine with his adopted father, but the other nobles? He didn't want to be near them. She could share the sentiment. Before being officially adopted into the Von Vestra family after the discovery of her crest, they couldn't care less about her. She was a ward of their family, but they had plenty of those. Had trained plenty of those. Had sent plenty of those to their deaths for their own political gain.

No those nobles didn't care, so why should they? When Yuri eventually made his way over to introduce himself he already knew who she was, and she him.

"Another adopted noble child I see. We have that in common." he smiled. Ira simply nodded. "This is your first ball is it not?"

"...yes, it is." he smiled.

"Well then I'll show you the ropes, seeing as your brother Hubert is currently busy with her highness." he gestured for Ira to follow him around the estate. He commented on couples dancing, the different types and how well others were doing, they chatted over food and drink and eventually went to see the gardens.

"So. Why did the Von Vestra family take you in Ira?" he asked finally. Ira saw it coming from a mile away, but it wasn't like the reason was a secret.

"I was a ward of their house before they discovered I had a crest." she responded.

"Ah. It always leads back to crests doesn't it?" Ira can't help but huff out a laugh.

"It does...unfortunately." Yuri nodded in agreement.

"...So what happened to your birth parents? If you don't mind me asking." Ira saw this coming too, it was a natural line of questioning after all.

"...My mother died of an illness when I was four." She saw Yuri's expression soften out of the corner of her eye.

"...I'm so sorry." Ira gained a sad smile on her face and shakes her head.

"It was a very long time ago, and I don't have many memories of her." he nodded.

"What about your father?" Ira's expression grew cold and she looked ahead into the gardens.

"...Dead to me." Yuri hums in understanding next to her.

"Understood...and how do you feel about your new family?"

"...The Von Vestras are my family on paper. The closest one to any actual family is Hubert. Other than that..." she looks at Yuri, his lavender hair shining in the moonlight and amethyst eyes watching her carefully as she spoke. "Marquis Von Vestra and his wife are not my family, I barely conciser them guardians."

As Ira entered the Rowe estate she immediately met the lavender eyes of Yuri and felt a small smile form. He smiled back at her.

"Ira! So good to see you! You look wonderful!" Yuri hugged her when she and Hubert approached. Hubert stepped to the side, awaiting Edelgard's carriage while Yuri and Ira did their greeting, knowing his sister and Yuri were good friends while the two men were not close.

"Thank you, I thought it might be fun to take inspiration from your signature color." she smirked a bit and Yuri chuckled.

"Still with your signature darkness however my friend. Constance will rave over you when she see you." Ira raised an eyebrow.

"Is she already here?" Yuri nodded.

"She and Hapi are already inside, I'm sure you'll find Hapi by the refreshments table. I'll join you once I greet the remaining guests we're awaiting on." Ira nodded, heading inside as Hubert opted to wait for the princess outside. She scanned the crowd quickly before finding the flaming red hair in seconds. Right next to the refreshments table like Yuri said. Ira weaved her way through the mass of people to her green gowned friend, the sweetheart neckline of her dress's bodice looked wrapped, and fell perfectly across her torso. The skirt fell close to her legs and held a slit a few inches above her knee. Hapi currently munched on a pastry as Ira approached.

Next to Hapi was a blonde haired woman, whose ringlets reveled the underside of her hair being a royal purple color. She wore a deep, pink colored dress with thin straps holding up the bodice and a flowing skirt that Constance loved to pick up and twirl to show off. She gasped as she saw Ira approach and waved her over.

"Ira! You're here! So wonderful to see you! And your dress! I love it, the purple is really wonderful on you!" she gasps again. "And I adore the corset tie in the front! Unique!" Hapi nods, swallowing the rest of her pastry.

"Still have your black too with the lace. And a really cool neckline, I like how it separates from the chest and the neck but stays with the sleeves. Nice one." Ira chuckles.

"Thanks guys. Is Balthus coming to this one? I know Yuri tends to make sure the Gloucesters aren't able to attend the balls Count Rowe throws for him to attend." As if on cue a large hand claps on Ira's shoulder. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Hey Balthus." she turned to greet him.

Balthus was tall, very tall. He must have been out of the room when she entered or she would have seen him before him making himself known. His hair was black and long, and he wore most of it back with one piece falling in front of his face. Ira smirked.

"Yuri force you to wear a shirt this time?" Balthus pouted.

"Yeah...but he let me keep the top buttons undone cause he knows how much I hate that." Ira patted his hand in understanding comfort. "You're different though! You usually never wear any other color than black to these things." Hapi nods in agreement.

"Yeah, almost like you're in mourning or something." Ira looked at Hapi and smirked.

"Aren't I?" Hapi and Balthus laughed, while Constance huffed.

"Finding you a high ranking partner is not something to mourn Ira, it's something to celebrate!" she argued.

"Oh come on Constance, when you rebuild your house you can just take her into it like you're gonna take Hapi and Balthus and everything will be fine." Yuri interjects.

"Hmph. Well, I suppose you're right. But I also want her to be happy!" Yuri raises his hands in mock surrender.

"Fair enough."

They chatted for a while, Yuri and Constance broke off to dance, and as Ira and Hapi talked food, Ira felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head to see the emerald eyes of Claude Von Riegan looking back at her, a mischievous smile planted on his face.

"Hello again." He said simply. Ira blinked before turning to him fully, feeling Hapi's confused and curious gaze on her. She faintly heard Balthus returning to their party after making some bet somewhere.

"Hello."

"I believe you owe me a dance." Ira heard Balthus snort, then a thud and a grunt as Hapi elbowed him. Claude spared the two a glance before returning his gaze to Ira and offering her his hand. "Shall we?" Ira swallowed, took a breath, and took his hand.

She made every effort to ignore the wide-eyed expression of her friends by the refreshment table as she's lead to the dance floor. Then the shocked expression Yuri gives her when he sees her. She hopes she isn't shaking.

"Just focus on me. It'll make this whole thing a lot easier." Claude whispered in her ear as he turned, hand still in hers but bringing it upwards into position and bringing his other to her waist. She nodded, bringing her free hand up to his shoulder. As the music began, Claude lead their steps. Ira's anxiety about dancing washed away as she slowly let him lead her around the floor.

Once she finally relaxed in his grip Claude smiled softly. "You look beautiful by the way. I never got to say that at the other ball because we got interrupted." Ira felt her face rush with blood and fought it down best she could.

"...Thank you. Normally it's only my friends and my brother who like the dresses I choose." he raised an eyebrow.

"It was one of the reasons I noticed you in the first place. Not many ladies wearing pure black to a ball, though I see you've decided to add another color to the mix with this one." Ira nodded.

"It's my friend Yuri's favorite color, the purple."

"Do you wear all your friend's favorite colors?"

"I'm not sure Constance could convince me to wear pink even if she had dirt on me." the comment made Claude laugh.

"That would be interesting to see on you. My friend Hilda almost exclusively wears pink, maybe they should team up." Ira glared, but it was halfhearted.

"I would sooner stab you." Claude smirked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"I thought I felt a hidden dagger..." Ira shrugged.

"You never know when you might need one." he nodded.

"I couldn't agree more."

"Well when you're the newly announced heir the the Alliance dukedom I assumed you'd appreciate when someone watches their own back." he chuckled.

"I see I've been found out."

"You were found out minutes after the first ball was over Mr. Von Riegan."

"I would prefer if you would call me Claude still."

"Alright, Claude, I will." he smiled.

"Thank you." Ira nodded. "So, care to enlighten me on why your brother, your friends, and the princess are all staring at us like we're not real?" Ira stiffened, looking embarrassed.

"I told you I don't normally dance at these things..."

"Oh come on, you're a natural, we're far better than most of these couples." he assured.

"Thank you for that, but when I say that I mean I've never danced with anyone before at one of these events. Ever. So it's strange for everyone." Claude smirked.

"Well I'm honored your first dance is me." Ira shook her head and chuckled, but she didn't relax. Claude examined her a moment, before speaking softly to her again. "What do you like to do?" Ira blinked.

"What?"

"In your free time, what do you like to do?"

"...I like to read, though I don't get much free time." Claude smiled

"What books do you like?"

"Legends, myths, history. Anything I can learn from really. I..." he quirked his head.

"What?"

"I'm not sure why I'm telling you this but I never got to read or hear many fairy tales growing up. I know of them but I haven't ever read them myself." Claude hummed, nodding. The song came to an end.

"It looks like our deal is fulfilled." He bows, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. Ira felt the blush rising again "It's been a privilege to dance with you...Iradessa Von Vestra." he smirked, dropping her hand and turning to walk away, leaving Ira in shock.

It took a second for her to move off the dance floor and to her friends, who still stared with their mouths hung open slightly.

"...You danced." Hapi said. Ira nodded.

"You never dance." Balthus said. Ira nodded again, reaching for a goblet and taking a long drink. Yuri emerges.

"You danced with Claude Von Riegan????" Balthus whipped around.

"That was Claude Von Riegan?!?" Constance nearly made Ira fall over when she ran and hugged her.

"You danced with Claude Von Riegan!!!! Oh Ira I'm so happy for you! This is wonderful! How was it? What did you talk about? Tell me everything!" Ira coughed a bit, trying to clear her throat.

"Is it really that big of a deal?"

"Yes!" the four said at the same time. Ira held up her hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright its a big deal, I get it..."

Claude picked Ira out of the crowd immediately. She wore her hair differently this time, only half of it braided in a crown around her head, the rest of it fell softly down her back in gentle curls. And while more people at this ball were wearing black, added to the outfits most likely out of respect for the mourning Hrym family as he was at the request of his grandfather, what struck him was the addition of color to her own dress. A dark purple, he noted. It looked wonderful on her, the new neckline creating a near diamond shape on her upper chest.

He wondered where she got the dress, and how she evaded color so well, surely she would be asked at a seamstress's shop if she wished to have her dresses made of pastels, or colorful fabrics that would compliment the color of her hair. He imagined her curtly saying no, and requesting them all in black. It made him wonder more now, what would she look like out of her signature dark colors. Imagining her in the exact opposite, in light blues, soft greens, perhaps a some golden colored fabrics to match him, and a pure white.

Claude shook himself out of his imaginary world where Ira was giggling in the starlight while her sunset colored hair fell down against the white dress, watching the host's adoptive son glide over to her and the three others that Ira surrounded herself with. He watched her give them her small smile, the one he continued to see whenever she crossed his mind. The gentle curve her lips took, the small twinkle of laughter in her sapphire eyes, laughter she never let escape to anyone but the four around her.

She trusted them, he concluded. Those where her friends. Where were they at the previous ball he wondered? One of them was insanely tall and bulky, far too hard to miss when in the same crowded room as him. No, the black haired man that laughed loudly at the red haired woman's comment he was too far away to hear, had definitely not been at the last ball. As well as the red haired woman in green and the blonde in the deep pink had not attended the last ball where his new fascination had carried out her assassination.

Yuri, the host's son, had already gave an explanation as to why he hadn't attended the Hrym ball when he asked at the door. He recalled his coy smile, almost surprised Claude had noticed his absence at all.

"I, unfortunately had some...personal business to attend to. I'm sure you understand." Claude smirked.

"Of course. Well it's a pleasure to meet you." Yuri nodded.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Von Riegan."

Hilda shook him from his memory this time. Her pink hair and dress coming into his view, the a-line neck covered in a slightly darker shade of pink flowers that seemed to grow all around the dress. "What are you staring at Claude? You aren't scheming again are you?" she teased, following his gaze to Ira's group. He shook his head with an amused smile.

"No, no. Not this time Hilda. I've just...spotted a friend I made at the last ball." Hilda raided a brow.

"Who? Can't be Baltie, he wasn't at the last ball." Claude looked to his pink covered friend.

"Baltie?"

"Balthus Von Albrecht, he's a good friend of my older brother Holst, I've known him since I was a child." Hilda explained. Claude nodded.

"I thought he wasn't. He'd have been too hard to miss." Hilda giggled, nodding in agreement.

"He would be, too tall not to see when you enter the room." Claude smirked.

"Just my thoughts Hilda. No, the I was talking about the ginger woman in the black and purple dress." Hilda blinked, looking at him with wide eyes, making him laugh. "What?"

"You mean Iradessa Von Vestra?? You made friends with her??" Hilda questioned, clearly shocked. Claude had to hold back his triumphant smirk, he hoped Hilda would tell him his mysterious assassin's full name. He nodded.

"Yeah? Why are you so shocked, I think she's a wonderful conversationalist." Hilda looked at him even more shocked, though he wasn't sure how that was possible.

"Ira doesn't really talk to anyone Claude, let alone a stranger! She keeps to her friends, her brother, the Adrestian Princess, or herself!" He looked back to Ira who hung around the bright red haired woman.

"Well I found our conversation very interesting." He turned his gaze back to Hilda with a smirk. "She promised me a dance." Hilda scoffed.

"Ira does not dance at these things. I'm fairly certain she's forced to come to all of these by Marquis Von Vestra, but he can't make her dance with anyone." Claude's smirk only grew as she spoke.

"You don't believe me? You wound me Hilda." She shook her head, fixing him with a heavy stare.

"Iradessa Von Vestra does not dance at balls. Ever."

"Wanna bet?" with that Claude broke off from Hilda, making his way to where Ira stood. He felt Hilda's gaze following him the entire time.

Ira's back was turned to him when he approached, and over the sound of the music and chatter she didn't hear him behind her. Claude gently tapped her shoulder, causing her to turn her attention to him. Her eyes widened slightly as the sapphire's met his emerald ones over her shoulder. He smiled at her.

"Hello again." He greeted, clearly happy with himself. She blinked at him, then turned to him fully.

"Hello." she greeted him back. Claude could feel the stare of Hilda across the floor, and the stare from Ira's green gowned friend, and now Balthus as he came back to his friends.

"I believe you owe me a dance." It wasn't a question, they both knew what their deal made at the Hrym estate entailed. He heard Balthus snort, and glanced his way just in time to see the red head, who looked at the two of them with narrowed, questioning eyes, elbow him in the side hard making the taller man grunt. It was amusing, but they weren't his focus, quickly turning his attention to the woman in front of him.

Ira took a breath, and took his outstretched hand. Claude smiled at her, turning his back to her friends, her pale freckled hand in his own, and lead her to the dance floor as her arm slipped into his to allow him to escort her properly. He smiled cheekily at Hilda, who's face clearly expressed her shock as they made their way to the dance floor.

Then he noticed the very anxious expression Ira had as she avoided eye contact with her friends. He caught Yuri's stare out of the corner of his eye as they took to the floor. Claude decided an anxious dance partner was something he didn't want, he wanted Ira to feel comfortable. So, he leaned down a bit and whispered in her ear.

"Just focus on me. It'll make this whole thing a lot easier."He gently guided her into the starting position as the music was about to start. Ira nodded, placing her hand lightly on his shoulder after he places his on her waist. As he did he felt an odd shape in the bodice of her dress. He expected boning to the dress, or to feel maybe the ties of a corset, but this was different, distinct in shape and size.

Small enough to easily hide in a hidden pocket of the dress, but large enough to make the wielder dangerous. He was certain there was a dagger hidden in Ira's dress. He nearly broke out into a laugh, barely able to stop his smile. Goddess she was getting more intriguing by the second, taking up space in his mind that he's sure she wished she would vacate. Assassins weren't meant to take up space in people's minds, especially not a noble who finds her interesting because she successfully executed a hit.

Slowly as he leads her around the floor, her stiff posture relaxes. He smiled as she did, a stressed person doesn't make for great conversation.

"You look beautiful by the way. I never got to say that at the other ball because we got interrupted." he saw a blush creeping onto her cheeks, just under her dusting of freckles. Claude wanted to stay in this moment forever. Just him and Ira, with her sapphires for eyes staring up at him and a light blush on her cheeks. She was beautiful. He watched her glance down, avoiding eye contact.

"...Thank you. Normally it's only my friends and my brother who like the dresses I choose." he raised a brow. Interesting, it made more sense now that she was surprised by how he took interest in her. She was used to blending into the shadows, unnoticed by all.

"It was one of the reasons I noticed you in the first place. Not many ladies wearing pure black to a ball, though I see you've decided to add another color to the mix with this one." Claude got the image he conjured of her in a white dress again, but he quickly shook it away, albeit reluctantly. Ira nodded, taking an interest in the gold thread decorating the collar of his suit.

"It's my friend Yuri's favorite color, the purple." a sudden spring of hope sparked in his heart, imagining the golden dress on her this time.

"Do you wear all your friend's favorite colors?" Ira gained a small, amused smile.

"I'm not sure Constance could convince me to wear pink even if she had dirt on me." Claude couldn't help his laughter at the comment, unable to resist the urge to tease her.

"That would be interesting to see on you. My friend Hilda almost exclusively wears pink, maybe they should team up." Ira brought her gaze up to his now to give him a halfhearted glare. He enjoyed the sight, it was playful, and he got the sense he's the first to see this side of her fully.

"I would sooner stab you." as the words left her mouth and reached his ears Claude felt himself smirk, dropping his voice to a whisper so this was really just them.

"I thought I felt a hidden dagger..." she shrugged, nonchalant as he confessed he knew about her secret weapon.

"You never know when you might need one." Claude's smirk grew. He was liking her more by the second, she had to know this was just making him more enraptured.

"I couldn't agree more." Ira gained her own, small smirk. He might have missed it if he wasn't so much more interested in her face than anything else he could be looking at in that moment.

"Well when you're the newly announced heir the the Alliance dukedom I assumed you'd appreciate when someone watches their own back." He chuckled, pulling his eyes away from her intense gaze to glance around the room, seeing in it her friends, brother, and Edelgard watching the two of them on the floor like they were an illusion or hallucination.

"I see I've been found out."

"You were found out minutes after the first ball was over Mr. Von Riegan." That pulled him back to her, a small pout threatening to form on his lips.

"I would prefer if you would call me Claude still." Ira hummed softly, in mock thought.

"Alright, Claude, I will." he smiled. Glad that his status didn't seem to bother her, or make anything change.

"Thank you." She nodded. "So, care to enlighten me on why your brother, your friends, and the princess are all staring at us like we're not real?" He took another quick glance at the aforementioned before his gaze came back to Ira, who looked down embarrassed.

"I told you I don't normally dance at these things..." his eyebrows furrowed together.

"Oh come on, you're a natural, we're far better than most of these couples." She had gone stiff in his arms again and Claude didn't quite like it. Ira sighed softy.

"Thank you for that, but when I say that I mean I've never danced with anyone before at one of these events. Ever. So it's strange for everyone." Claude couldn't help his prideful smirk.

"Well I'm honored your first dance is me." she chuckled, but remained stiff in his grasp. Claude racked his brain, attempting to think of how to relax her again.

"What do you like to do?" his voice was soft as he asked her, but even then it seemed to startle her a bit, he realized it was because no one had asked her that before.

"What?"

"In your free time, what do you like to do?" she paused, almost hesitating.

"...I like to read, though I don't get much free time." she began to relax, making Claude smile.

"What books do you like?"

"Legends, myths, history. Anything I can learn from really. I..." he quirked his head softly to one side, wondering what she was hesitating to tell him.

"What?" Ira looked up at him, a soft look of confusion in her eyes.

"I'm not sure why I'm telling you this but I never got to read or hear many fairy tales growing up. I know of them but I haven't ever read them myself." Claude hummed softly as the music ended all too soon.

"It looks like our deal is fulfilled." he dropped his hold on her and bowed, hoping he'd get another chance to dance with her again in the future as he gently took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. He met her eyes again, seeing the blush return to her cheeks. He smirked.

"It's been a privilege to dance with you...Iradessa Von Vestra." with that he dropped her hand, making his way back to Hilda, who stood there gawking.

"....You danced with Iradessa Von Vestra." he chuckled, taking a goblet from a tray passing by and taking a long sip.

"I did."

"She never dances." his smirk grew.

"Guess I'm special."

The sound of footsteps coming to her room barely registered in Ira’s mind as she gazed out the window. It was beginning to rain, earlier she had watch the dark clouds roll in and now start to release the trapped water within.

Ira felt trapped. Trapped in this estate, trapped in the ways she was taught to be by the Von Vestra’s. Now trapped by her stupid crest that decided to make itself known and somehow make her a point of interest. And trapped in her own mind as the memory of dancing with Claude Von Riegan resurfaced for the hundredth time that day.

His emerald eyes, staring at her with mischief, and something she couldn’t quite place but it was soft, that much she knew. The gentle curve of his lips when he smirked at her, the way they parted when he laughed, his laugh itself. She could practically still feel where he had his hand on her waist and the other in her own. What was wrong with her? What did Claude do to her head?

The knock on her door finally shook Ira out of her trance, at least for now. She let her feet hit the floor, smoothing the wrinkles out of her long black skirt.

“Come in.” The knob turned, allowing for the door to open. In the doorway stood a very annoyed looking Hubert, and a fondly exasperated Ferdinand Von Aegir holding a wooden box with a letter attached to it. Ferdinand smiled at her.

”Ira! This just came for you by courier!” Ira’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“…I never get mail.” Hubert closes the door behind them, then crosses his arms as he approaches with Ferdinand.

”I know. It’s strange, I don’t like it.” Ferdinand rolls his eyes, handing the box and letter to Ira.

”Come now Hubert it was bound to happen eventually! This is exciting! Be happy for your sister!” Hubert glared.

”Would you be so happy for Arya?”

”If he was a gentleman and of a similar age to her, like this is with your sister, yes. I would be.” Ira rolled her eyes as the two bickered, then cast her glance to the letter.

In black ink was her full name, Iradessa Von Vestra, swirled in fancy lettering. Turning the envelope in her hand she found a golden wax seal bearing the crest of house Von Riegan. Ira furiously fought her blush and kept her expression neutral. Claude sent this.

She placed the heavy wooden box on the window seat next to her and quietly broke the seal. Carefully unfolding the parchment to find the same black ink and what she now knows to be Claude’s handwriting upon the page.

Dear Ira,

I hope this finds you in good health and happy spirit. I confess I’ve been overwhelmed with the honor of being your first ever dance, knowing that you’ve attended many other balls before having met me.

I know that flowers are usually customary, however they felt a tad too cliche to send to you. You said you liked things you could learn from, and following that I decided what lies in the box would be much better. You seem a practical person, which I admire, so I wanted to gift you something you would actually use.

You and your brother may find this a bit…puzzling, however I’m confident you will be able to figure it out in no time.

I wish you the best, and hope to hear from you soon.

Your Friend,

Claude Von Riegan

Ira blinked at the note, specifically the odd emphasis on the word puzzling. She set the letter down and opened the wooden box. Inside was another small note on top of a pile of books.

P.S. You said you had never gotten the chance to read fairy tales, I included some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them.

Carefully, as if they would disappear within her grasp, Ira started pulling books out of the box. Ferdinand raised a brow.

”Books? Odd first gift, it’s normally flowers….”

“The wooden box didn’t tip you off that it wasn’t?” Hubert asked as he crossed the floor, snatching the letter Ira set down on her lap and beginning to read it over. Ira shot him a glare that her brother ignored as he continued to read. Ferdinand shrugged.

”I thought it was an odd Alliance custom.”

”At least I can use the box and actually do something with the books. Flowers just sit there and die.” Ferdinand chuckled.

”Looks like your suitor understands you well already.” Hubert shot Ferdinand an intense glare as Ira blinked and attempted to fight off her blush, opting to focus on the books and their titles rather than the young noble’s comment. “Oh come now Hubert-“

”Not another word.” Hubert spat angrily, now looking at the note that laid with the books. Ferdinand sighed.

“I apologize for upsetting you Hubert. It’s just that Ira’s been going to these balls for a while now and going completely unnoticed, I’m happy for her.” Hubert sighed.

“…He knew you would read the letter.” Ira pointed out. Hubert looked to his sister, then back to the letter and gained an almost angry expression.

“…I don’t like him.”

Ira shrugged. ”I figured you wouldn’t.”

”I don’t quite see what the problem is,” Ferdinand placed his hands on his hips as he spoke, gaining the sibling’s attention. “He’s of proper status as the heir of the Alliance Dukedom, he’s sent her a courting gift that Ira actually likes. What is the issue?” Ira blushed at the mention of courting, quickly turning her attention to the rain hitting her window. Hubert’s face twisted in a mix of anger and disgust.

“Don’t mention the idea of Von Riegan courting my sister.”

”Hubert, we both know this was going to happen eventually, whether you liked it or not.” Ferdinand scolded, arms crossing over his red vest. Hubert’s jaw clenches.

”…He writes odd.” He commented as he set the letter and note back down, heading for the door. Ferdinand sighed, shaking his head a bit before turning his attention to Ira.

“Well I’m happy for you. And if you need advice that Hubert won’t give I’m here.” Ira nodded a bit, to which Ferdinand smiled, and headed to follow Hubert out of her room.

Ira set the books out of the box and began examining it after her bedroom door clicked closed. Turning it in her hands she heard soft movement from within, despite it seemingly being empty. Ira couldn’t help her smirk. A hidden compartment, she knew it. The outside held no compartment, which she figured it wouldn’t be on the outside of the box. If the compartment fell open by accident whatever else was inside would fall out and be found by Goddess knows who.

The inside gave her better luck. As she traced her fingers along the patterns she found they moved. A puzzle, of course. He mentioned it in the letter, albeit cryptically because he knew Hubert would read it despite being hers. And this was to be their secret.

Ira leaned back against the wall, bringing her legs to cross on the seat before her as she got to work, sliding the pieces along the box’s sides diligently.

It was a good twenty minutes of her working on the puzzle before she heard the click and the bottom of the box popped open. Ira couldn’t help her excited grin as she lifted the lid to the hidden compartment.

The grip was black, the rest of the hilt silver. Similarly the sheath it was in was pitch black as well, but the tip and opening of said sheath was decorated with silver. Ira lifted the dagger from its place in the box gently, pulling at it slightly to see the blade, which had a small design in the center of it. She sheathed it again and glanced back at the now open compartment, where one last note sat within.

Like I said. You seem practical. And you never know when you’ll need a dagger. Hope it suits your taste.

Until we meet again.

Claude.

The ride from the imperial capitol to Goneril territory in the Alliance was long. Ira and Hubert had been traveling practically all day for this ball that would, no doubt, be covered in pink. Pink was Hilda Goneril’s signature color. Not only was it the color of her and her brother, Holst, hair, it was the color she wore all the time. Bright and vibrant, Ira never knew how Hilda could stand wearing such a color, one that made her stand out and scream Look at me! I’m here!

No Ira’s place was the sidelines, the shadows. That much was made clear to her at a young age. Drilled into her brain, she was molded, made for the shadows. Walk like a shadow; present enough to be in the thick of it but blend in just the right amount to be just another face in a sea of them. Make your noises like a shadow; which meant none at all, silent, stealthy, if no one heard you it meant you were never there at all. Adapt like a shadow; mold yourself to the situation you find yourself in, shadows never truly stay one shape, they are forever changing and thus she must be too.

This ball was going to be hard to be a shadow in. Hilda always wanted brightness and color. Not that she had a job at this ball either, which she guessed wasn’t too surprising. After her assassinations the requests tend to slow, no one wants to have their assassination connected to another if it’s ever found out, not that her’s ever were. She’s just surrounded by scoundrels and power hungry men willing to do anything for a grab at more land or money.

“Sit up, we’re arriving.” Hubert’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Half way through the ride she had laid herself in a far more comfortable position in the carriage so she could put her legs up and rest her head while still looking out the window. She must have spaced out. Ira pushes herself off the red velveted wall of the carriage and carefully places her feet back down onto the carriage floor. She messes with her hair a bit to insure that it didn’t look as though she was laying against the wall of the carriage.

As they rolled to a stop in front of the entrance, Hubert exited the carriage first, then waiting for her with a hand offered to help Ira out of the carriage. Holst Goneril, though normally guarding the passage known as Fodlan’s Throat that lay in his family’s territory, was awaiting outside to greet the incoming guests along with his sister, Hilda.

To absolutely no one’s surprise she wore a pink off the shoulder gown, bright and beautiful with a gold leaf design on the bodice accenting the sweetheart neckline and trailing down the skirt. Ira was amused to think they sported the same sleeve type in their dresses, yet such starkly different colors. She had gone back to her signature all black, the bodice made of black vine details stopping at the apex of the skirt. The two women looked like yin and yang, as their dresses mirrored each other with the vine detailing and the off the shoulder sleeves.

Hilda grinned as she saw Ira exit the carriage, moving to meet the Von Vestra Siblings. Odd, Hilda never did this. They weren’t close.

“Hi there you two! Welcome! How was the trip up?” She asked cheerily. Ira could tell she was breaching conversation to both of them to get to talk to her. Again, odd. They’ve never talked before. Ira kept up the appearance of a wall flower for her purposes, Hilda was the exact opposite. The life of the party, dancing the night away, mingling with everyone who was willing.

Ira and Hubert spared a glance at each other, both clearly wondering what she's up to. "It was long, but not terrible." Hubert responds. Hilda smiles.

"Well I hope you're still up for a party! We have such a wonderful night planned!" Hilda slinks an arm into Ira's and begins to lead her inside. Ira blinks in surprise, casting a look back at her brother over her shoulder, who shared her surprised look. He stayed where he was though, he had to be there once Edelgaurd arrived.

As Ira turned her head back to the path in front of them Hilda started speaking to her. “I’m so glad I got to you before Claude, I wanted to get to talk to you after the last ball. You really shocked everyone you know.” Ira glanced at her.

”…I did?” She knew she did. But it’s best to play the shy, blunt wallflower for her cover. Hilda nods.

”oh yes. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m honestly shocked that no one has even tried to ask you to dance before, I mean look at you! Your hair color alone is just gorgeous, but most are kinda scared of you for some reason, or at least Lorenz is….” Ira fights back a smirk. It’s better that way.

”Really?”

”Yes! Now, I haven’t known Claude long, but he is clearly different than Lorenz and those other boys like Sylvain. He’s clearly very interested, but that’s because he finds you yourself interesting. He doesn’t just go for pretty. You have to…intrigue him. And clearly you’ve done something that’s caught his eye!”

”I’m sorry Hilda but, we’ve never talked before this conversation so you’ll have to forgive me for wondering where this conversation is going.” She was getting irritated, almost bored. She just wanted to see if Constance was here, or Balthus, and secretly maybe Claude and get the night over with. Hilda nodded a bit.

”I’m just trying to figure out exactly what you did. I’ve been speculating but he won’t tell me! It’s a bit frustrating, he’s so secretive for a friend ya know?” Ira only took a second to wonder where to go from here. She technically knew what actually peaked Claude’s interest in her, but Hilda couldn’t know it. So Ira simply took another moment to look thoughtful, before shrugging.

”Unfortunately he’s just as mysterious with me as he is with you. I’m sorry, I wish I could help more.” This was an easy lie. The best ones were routed in truth, and she truly didn’t know why he found her being an assassin so interesting. Hilda huffed, shaking her head.

”Boys, am I right? Sometimes they’re just the worst to understand. Either way, I’m glad you’ve finally been noticed, it’s about time.” Hilda smiles “now it’s about time we get you in brighter colors than that black you always wear.” Ira raises a brow.

”I hope he hasn’t put you and Constance up to anything involving pink, because I’m not sure how well that will work out for the two of you.” Hilda giggles.

”Baby steps, I get it. I was thinking more purples, blues, and greens. We should go dress shopping together! It’ll be fun!”

”Maybe…I am rather attached to my black however.” A chuckles pulls the women from their conversation. Ira turns to see the emerald eyes that haunt her dreams smiling back at her.

”I see Hilda’s gotten to you before I could.” Claude says with a laugh in his voice. Hilda smirks.

”Nice of you to join us Claude, we were just talking dresses! I was thinking of what other colors would look nice on Ira, do you have any suggestions?” Claude hums in thought.

”Gold would accent the black well.” Ira didn’t miss the smirk playing on his face as Hilda gasped.

”Ooooooh! It would! We could all match then! Oh! What if we did white? It would make your hair pop so well! Claude normally does gold and white, it would be fun to have something matching him!” Ira felt her blush boiling up her neck as Hilda raved on, attempting to fight it down. She simply shrugged in response.

”As fun as that does sound Hilda, I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.” He glanced to the door quickly before speaking again. “Oh look, Marianne’s arrived!” Hilda whipped her head around to see the light blue haired girl enter in her dusty blue dress and grinned.

“Oh! Excuse me! Marianne! It’s so wonderful to see you!” Hilda’s voice trailed off as she rushed over to meet Marianne, who blushed as the pink haired woman paid her a compliment. Ira sighed in relief.

“Thank you…I think that’s the first real conversation I’ve had with Hilda and it was…”

”A lot?” Claude had a soft chuckle in his voice. Ira nodded. “She was asking you about me wasn’t she?” She gives him a look that said of course she was.

”Yes, she was. Asking too much if you ask me. She wanted to know why you took such an interest in me. I couldn’t tell her, of course.” Claude had begun to lead her outside so they could talk a bit more privately as she started to speak in a hushed tone. He hummed, in understanding but clearly amused.

”And what did you tell her?”

“Well the best lies are routed in truth. I told her I didn’t quite know why you’d taken such an interest.” Claude raised a questioning brow at her. “Because I don’t. I don’t understand why you’re so intrigued by me and what I do. Hilda said it to me herself, most people are scared of me.”

“Ah, that makes much more sense. Lorenz looked at me like I was mad when he heard I danced with you.” Ira couldn’t help her snort and following laugh.

“Sorry, he tried to flirt with me once and I guess I scared him so bad he’s terrified of me now.” When she looks up Ira sees Claude smiling down at her as she laughs, his eyes soft as he does. She quirked her head to the side a bit, questioning. “What is it?”

”…your laugh. It’s pretty.” Ira felt the blush returning up her neck with a vengeance. Her laugh hadn’t been dignified, or proper, or anything like the other ladies around. It was unabashed, coming from her diaphragm, she’d snorted for goddess’s sake. And he called her laugh pretty. Pretty.

What was she meant to say to that? How was she meant to react? She wasn’t trained for this, wasn’t prepared. She thought she was ready for anything. Ready to defend should an attack come, ready to kill if necessary but this? This was uncharted territory. She was lost at sea here, no map, and thrown in a storm that was Claude and his confusing ways.

“I-…I uhm…” she looked down and away trying to collect herself and her thoughts. “Th-thank you?” It was more a question. She wasn’t sure how to respond. Maybe she should ask Ferdinand for advice later…without Hubert there, she’d rather not have him know that Claude called her laugh pretty and have him get protective. Ferdie’s reaction would be enough embarrassment on top of this.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to catch you so off guard with that.”

”I-it’s fine I just…no one’s ever said anything like that before, I’m not sure how to react.” Ira caught Claude’s eyebrow’s furrow together.

”Really? Not evened Lorenz or Sylvain? Famous flirts and womanizer?” Ira gives him a look.

”Most people are scared of me remember? I scared Lorenz when he tried and as for Sylvain…I don’t think he tried after seeing how I reacted to Lorenz. That or he didn’t want to deal with Hubert.” Claude chuckled.

”Your brother is a handful. Between the walls you have and him it is a challenge.”

”And yet here you are.” He smirks.

”And yet here I am.” A playful melody floated outside from the open garden doors. Claude held out his hand with a slight bow. “May I have this dance?” Ira looked at his hand, then back to his emerald eyes as she took his hand in her own.

Claude swept her into the steps with a grin, the two dancing outside alone mirroring the couples on the dance floor. Ira couldn’t help but let his smile, enthusiasm, and the music lift her into a mood she’d never been before. She relaxed, let herself smile, even laugh again as she followed his lead in the lively dance.

They danced the length of the patio they stood on, hand in hand, smiling and laughing as Claude twirled her. He wrapped a strong arm around her waist and picked her up to spin them around, causing a gleeful yelp the leave Ira’s lips. Claude laughed as well, setting her down gently and taking her hand again to lead her back down the patio in the steps the other direction.

They went on until they ended close together, just an inch between their faces as the music dies down, the band changing their music. The two stayed there, catching their breaths and staring into each others eyes for what felt like hours but could only have been a minute in reality.

It felt like there was a magnet between them, like some unseen force was there. Pulling the two together until they would stick. Their noses just barely touched before there was a loud, almost angry sounding, throat clearing that caused the two to pull apart.

Standing in the garden door was a glaring Hubert, his arms crossed in front of his chest. Ira felt like her face and neck was on fire with the blush that rose up like a flame.

”Ah, Hubert-“ Claude started.

”Don’t even try Von Riegan.” Hubert turned his attention to his sister. “Come Ira, we have to get going. It’s a long trip back to Enbarr.” Before she could say anything Hubert turned and headed for the exit. She sighed.

“Great…”

”I think that went well.” Ira shot him a look. “I’m kidding! Besides, it’s not like we did anything wrong. We just danced. It’s what you’re meant to do at these events.” He teased. Ira rolled her eyes.

“You don’t have to share a long carriage ride with him…”

”Fair…” he looked at her. “I’ll write you, if you’d like.” Ira blinked.

”…I would.” Claude smiled, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Thank you for the dance. I had a wonderful time.” Ira smiled back.

”I had a wonderful time as well. Until we meet again.”

“Until we meet again.” With that Ira left the garden patio, heading for the exit and to her and Hubert’s waiting carriage for what promised to be a very awkward ride home.

                                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”…yes Hubert? You’re glaring at me.” Ira stating, watching Alliance territory out the window.

”What the hell was that?” He demanded. Ira turned to look at him.

”What do you mean?” Hubert scoffed.

”Don’t play dumb with me, you know what I’m talking about.” Ira sighed softly.

”I danced with Claude. I don’t see what’s wrong.”

”You only promised him one dance. One. That was meant to be the end of it Ira!”

”…so?”

”So? So?! So this could jeopardize you! What do you think this could do when you eventually get an assignment?! Have you actually thought about this Iradessa?!” Ira looked out the window again, eyes narrowed.

How unfairly complicated this was. Here she was, a monster, a weapon, something to be used. But Claude didn’t see her like that. He saw something different. A person, someone worth knowing, perhaps worth loving. That wasn’t something Ira thought she’d ever have in her life.

”…What about what I want?” Her voice was so quiet it could’ve been missed but her words cut like her daggers. Hubert blinked.

”…What?” Ira looked back to her brother, eyes pleading with him to understand her.

”What about what I want, Hubert? Why do our ‘parents’ send me to these even when I don’t have an assignment? They don’t have to send me to every single one to keep up the facade and keep people off my trail, they send me for another reason and we both know it. They want me to find a husband because I have a crest. The crest is the reason they kept me, the reason they adopted me, the reason they send me to these balls with all the other nobles. They want me to get married.” Hubert looks out the window angrily. “I know you don’t like it, but that’s the reality. They’ve been sending me for years now it’s only a matter of time before they get impatient and take matters into their own hands-“

”Don’t say that.” He said. His voice gentler now. Hubert was many things. He was hard to read at times, but one thing was true. He was loyal. Loyal to Edelgaurd and loyal as a brother. Once he decided that Ira was his sister, blood or not, there was nothing he wanted more than to protect her from the horrible things that came with nobility. Like the arranged marriages that would come to young ladies that didn’t get prospects in suitable time for their parents liking.

“We both don’t want to think about it, but it’s true. Claude will stave them off, at least for a while. And while you don’t like him…” she trailed off. Hubert looked up at her, eyes searching hers intensely. He sighed.

”…Give me time. Please, that’s all I ask.” Ira smiled softly.

“I can do that.”

Bad. This was very bad, and Ira had known it was coming but stupidly let herself get complacent. How could she have done this?! Maybe Hubert was right, her relationship with Claude was putting things at risk, not just how she worked or but himself. Goddess had Claude even considered what getting himself involved with an assassin could do to him?! It could get him killed, quite obviously.

”You’re shaking the carriage Ira.” Hubert commented, as calmly as he could, which made it come out deadpan. Ira realized she was bouncing her leg up and down and stopped.

“…Sorry.” She mumbled, looking out the window. Hubert examined his sister carefully.

“….You’re anxious, that’s new.” Ira swallowed.

”I’m fine Hubert.” When she glanced at him he gave her a look that said I’m your brother and you never act like this before a hit.

”And you’re normally a better liar.” Ira huffed and fussed with her skirt a bit, making Hubert raise an eyebrow. “It’s about Von Reigan isn’t it?”

”I’ll be fine, just leave it alone.” There was a pause, the air thick and heavy with doubt and anxiety.

”….I can do it if you need me to-“ he began to offer.

”No.” Ira cut him off quickly. “You’ll be too busy. Besides you’re never not by Edelgaurd or Ferdinand’s sides, it’ll look suspicious if you slip away.” She looked to her brother, eyes intense and flashing iridescent with the passing lights.

“I’ll be fine.”

                                                                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~

Claude’s eyes were sharp as an eagle’s as they scanned the hall of the house of Baron Martyn, who was currently hosting this ball. He looked for a black dress in the sea of pastels, sunset hair flowing like colors that painted the sky, blue eyes that shone like sapphires.

Ever since the Gonreil ball Claude and Ira had been exchanging letters with each other. Sure they took weeks to get there, but they wrote pages upon pages to each other, talking about anything and everything. He learned about her friends, Yuri, Balthus, Constance, and the red headed woman he now knew was called Hapi. How she’d met them through Yuri himself besides Constance, who was a former Adrestian noble fiercely campaigning to rebuild her house practically by herself.

She would tell him how much she loved the stories he had sent her, how she was still reading them since she had little free time but any and all free time that wasn’t spent writing to him was reading one of the many books he’d sent her. She was on his favorite fairytale, The Boy and The Wyvren. Slipping in an Almyran classic fairytale, albeit translated, was a risk he’ll admit. But he had to gauge her reaction somehow, and what better opportunity than this?

From her last letter he knew she had started it, but he wanted to ask how she liked it so far in person. Writing was fine and all, but he would be able to garner more information face to face.

“Looking for someone Claude?” A slight tease to Lorenz’s voice gained his attention. Claude turned to look at the purple haired noble, gaining a tiny smirk as he did.

“Yes, actually. And you Lorenz? Anyone in particular you’re looking for?” Lorenz huffed a bit.

“Not quite yet, but the ball hasn’t quite started yet has it? Who are you looking for anyway?” Claude chuckled lowly.

“I’m afraid if I told you it would send you running my friend.” Lorenz raised a brow.

“Who could you possibly be looking for that would send me running?” He asked, bewildered. Claude caught a flash of midnight out of the corner of his eye.

“Oh look, there she is now.” He turned his attention fully to Ira, who glided into the hall effortlessly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lorenz’s eyes widen and jaw drop slightly before he stammered.

”I-Iradessa Von Vestra?! That’s who you were looking for?!” Claude raised a brow and looked to Lorenz.

“Something wrong?”

”I-…!She-….!”

”Scared you off when you tried to flirt with her, I know. I found that a bit amusing actually.” He grinned as his conversation partner turned as red as the rose he wore on his lapel.

“W-well she does that to everyone!” He insisted.

”Well tries to at least. Maybe you just don’t know how to hold a conversation with every woman like you claim to.” Lorenz scoffed in offense.

”Well what would you know?!” Claude smirked.

”Well from the way you’re talking, a good bit more than you on the matter. If you’ll excuse me.” Before Lorenz could say anything else on the matter, though Claude could hear him trying to, he walked away to find Ira.

Turning to where Ira had been he found Ira had already slipped away. He sighed a bit, following where Ira would have to go to reach further into the estate.

                                                                                      ~~~~~~~~~

Ira swallowed the night air as she stepped outside. She just had to wait for a moment to get the Baron alone, kill him, and it would be over. Just like all the ones before. Nothing bad would happen, everything would go according to plan.

She could feel the weight of the dagger hidden inside her corset, feel its shape against her skin. She had no idea why but out of all the ones she owned, she’d chosen Claude’s dagger to bring tonight.

It was an impulse, a decision made too quickly to take back. Hubert had knocked on her door asking her how much longer she would be because they needed to leave soon as she looked over the daggers laid out carefully on her bed. She remembers herself looking up at the door quickly and reaching for Claude’s dagger at the same time, saying she would be ready soon. Then slipping it into the secret pocket and hurrying to put the rest away and finish getting ready.

Ira shook her head, rubbing her hands together in a nervous tick she couldn’t get rid of. She had to do this, or there would be consequences. Not just for her, if they were just for her she thinks she could deal with them. But now….

”Something on your mind? You look nervous.” Ira nearly jumped at the sound of Claude’s voice, but it washed over her like a warm breeze.

“Claude…” she didn’t know whether to be relived or not. He smiled at her, his eyes deep as the forests. She wanted to run to him, to get lost in his eyes and be in his arms and be there for him…but she held herself in her spot. He stepped up next to her and quirked his head to the side questioningly.

”What’s wrong?” She looked away, eyes storming with a million thoughts as she fought with herself internally. The less he knew the better, but she wanted the tell him everything. Finally she took a breath, looking up at the stars above them.

“…It’ll be fine.” A hope, maybe a lie. Who knew really. You never truly did when you were made to walk the dagger’s edge like she did. She might as well swallow poison and hope for the best too. Hell she had, poison resistance was part of her training as a child. Claude sighed.

”That wasn’t what I asked but, alright…” she closed her eyes before looking at him, finding his eyes searching hers.

”…I…don’t think I can dance with you tonight Claude. I’m sorry…” Claude’s eyebrows knit together in confusion, but he didn’t look angry. Thank the goddess he wasn’t angry-.

”Why not?” He asked softly. Ira looked away, down at the banister of the balcony.

“It’s not that I don’t want to…it’s just…I…” she sighed deeply, realizing the hole she’s dug herself into and can’t get out of. Damn it Ira why don’t you think? “…I…have a…job tonight.” Claude hummed next to her.

“I see. Too many eyes on you if you dance with me again?” Ira nods.

”Exactly. I can’t draw too much attention to myself.” He nodded.

“How about a compromise then?” Ira looked at him quizzically.

“A compromise?”

”I have a few questions for you that I’d like you to answer for me. Spend some time with me answering them, and I’ll leave you be for your job the rest of the night. Unless after it you want to come back, of course.” Her offered a cheeky grin with his tease at the end. Ira sat there in thought. Just talking with him wouldn’t draw too much attention. She was known to talk to those who talked to her if seen.

“…Alright.” Claude smiled.

“Wonderful.” He offered his arm. “Shall we take a walk in the gardens as we talk? It’s too nice out to waste it.” Ira gave a small smile in return and took his arm, letting him lead her down the steps and into the garden.

“What did you want to ask me?”

”Well, last you wrote, you said you were starting The Boy and The Wyvren. That happens to be my favorite of the fairytales I sent you, so I’m just dying to know what you think of it.” Ira couldn’t help her giggle as he spoke. Of course The Boy and The Wyvren was his favorite. The entire time she read the story of the young boy finding a wounded, rare albino wyvren in the wilderness she imagined a young Claude in place of the protagonist. He reminded her of him. His free spirit, his cunning, his snark.

“I knew that one would be your favorite! Something about it just screamed you.” She shakes her head a bit and Claude smiles as he watches her. “It’s wonderful. The relationship between the main character and the wyvren is incredibly sweet and their adventures are so exciting.” She looks over at Claude and he looks into her eyes and this soft, loving smile with something else mixed in washes over his face…relief? Ira quirks her head.

“What is it?” Claude swallows a bit but never breaks eye contact with her as he speaks.

”Nothing…I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Ira blinks at him a moment, and his gaze shifts briefly to her lips, before he breaks it. They continue walking for a bit before he asks another question. “How do you feel about your adopted family?”

Ira nearly froze in her place. She cleared her throat, stiffening a bit.

“Besides Hubert I don’t view them as my family. I doubt my adoptive ‘parents’ view me as their daughter.” Claude raises a brow at her quizzically.

”Really?” Ira nods.

”If anything they view me more as a weapon. A tool they can use as they see fit.” She looked at him pointedly. “But I’m not their daughter.”

Claude looked…mournful, almost. Something with a mixture of sadness and anger but it looked like her grieved the loss of something, Ira wasn’t sure what.

”How did you get to be adopted by them anyway?” He asked, his voice barely a whisper. She looked away to the garden at a wilting rose.

.“….We were poor. Barley had anything, and what little we did have my father drank and gambled away. My mother did what she could, at least from what I can remember. But then…” she trailed off, taking in a breath as Claude gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. As if to let her know he was still there, with her, a steady presence. “Then she got sick. Very sick. And since we didn’t have anything could pay for any kind of treatment she died…the one person in the world that I knew loved me left the world when I was just four…I barley have memories of her, I can only just remember her face….”

”….I’m so sorry.”

”It’s not your fault. If anything I blame my father. If not for him and his addictions we could’ve at least tried to save her. But he never cared about anyone but himself. He made that even more clear when he sold me to the Von Vestras.” Claude blinked at her in surprise.

”…What?”

”The Von Vestras run a…they like to call it a ‘business’ on the side. Only a few people know about it, the right people they like to say. The poorest among the empire will hear about it when they’re at their lowest. That’s how my father heard about it. For a large sum of money that the Von Vestras will pay you when you meet them at a secret location with your child, or children. You sign a document handing over the rights to your child, and agreeing to never try and see them again, to forget they ever existed and never even mention them again. And then, once it’s signed, the former parent takes the money and the Von Vestra’s take the child. They call them ‘wards’ but that’s only really for paper trails.”

Claude looks disgusted, almost feels sick. “Your father did this to you?” Ira nodded, her face almost scarily emotionless.

“I think he wanted to do it a long time ago, the only thing in his way was my mother. He didn’t want me around anymore, I was a mouth that needed to be fed that took money away from his drinking and gambling.” She looks to Claude. “The Von Vestra’s market it to the families as a ‘better life’ for their children, or in special cases like my father’s, a quick way to get cash.” There's a long pause, the air heavy with the information Ira just gave Claude. Ira watches as he closes his eyes and swallows hard.

"...No wonder you hate them..."

"Well I hated my father first. Hard to love the man that sold you because he loved money and liqueur more than he ever could love you. And they only ever took notice of me for two things, the one you know which is why they adopted me." Claude nodded a bit.

"Your crest...I'm assuming it came from your mother's side?" Ira hummed.

"I do too, if there was a crestline from my father he would've tried to use that for money a long time ago."

"You mentioned there was another thing that made them take notice of you, besides the crest." Ira sighed, coming to a stop in front of a small fountain and looking at her rippling reflection in the water. Claude looked too, and where he saw Ira, in his eyes a beautiful and intriguing woman, Ira saw nothing but a monster.

"...It's what they take the children for. Assassins can come from anywhere when times are tough for people, the Von Vestra's decided that they wanted ones loyal to the imperial family." She looked to Claude then. "They've always been loyal to the Von Herving family, always willing to do the dirty work, the shadowy things behind the scenes. But even they can't be everywhere at once. So, they buy the children, and they train them. Mold them into their perfect, loyal assassins, into weapons to be used as they see fit. Some go on to other noble families as gifts for their loyalty, others are out working in the empire, some are even sold to noble families in the Kingdom or Alliance if they're willing to pay and keep quiet about it."

"They run a child trafficking ring..."

"An assassin child trafficking ring. No matter where they end up, they've had loyalty to the empire and the Von Vestra's carved into their brains." Claude was doing his best to hold back his rage, but the anger still leaked through his voice as he spoke.

"...How?"

"Fear." Ira responded. "Plain and simple fear. It's the easiest way to control people. If you don't do as they say, they'll kill you. If that isn't enough they'll kill the people you love. We're taught there that we're nothing. Not humans, not people, but weapons for the empire. And that even if we tried to escape, to tell someone..." Ira closed her eyes, the tip of her nose starting to tingle signaling to her of oncoming tear but she fought them back, looking back to the water in the fountain.

"That they would hate us. We're monsters anyway, and who could ever love a monster?"

Ira had been training in the weeks following her injury. Once it had fully healed, of course. And on top of her extra training, she had her noble classes.

She had a few tutors for this, trusted scholars of Marquis Von Vestra that trained her on the things she hadn’t been trained on. A deeper dive into noble history, especially in the Adrestian Empire, etiquette, dance lessons, how to run a noble household.

Some, Ira understood, such as the deeper history dive, etiquette, and running a noble household, as the goal seemed to be marrying her off to a nobleman. But the very strict lessons she’s been getting, and the one she was in now, on how to properly serve tea didn’t quite make as much sense to her.

“Now, a proper noble house will have at least a few tea sets, as it is proper tea etiquette to match the set you use to your guests. Not every house will have the amount of sets that we have to work with here in your household, but it gives a good variety to practice with.” Her tutor droned on. She was an older woman, widowed as thus had nothing better to do with her time than drone on about tea etiquette.

She was tall, her grayed hair was pulled up into a tight orderly bun, and her dark eyes drifted back and forth from Ira to the tea sets as she spoke. Mrs. Von Irving was all Ira had ever addressed her as, she refused her former title be used as her son that inherited her late husband’s title had married.

“As we covered in our last lessons, matching the tea blend to your guests tastes is of the utmost importance. With this knowledge, we shall do a practical exercise to gauge how well you have taken what I’ve impressed upon you.” Mrs. Von Irving pulls out labeled boxes of tea and set them on the table with the many tea sets.

”Now. Mr. Von Aeiger is paying a visit to your house. Which tea set and tea would you use?” An easy example first, Ferdinand would visit with Hubert often. She knew his favorite tea already. Ira stood from her seat and crossed over to the table, picking up the box of Southern Fruit Blend tea, then she carefully examined the sets.

Her eyes fell on a set painted with red roses, the vines of which curled around the pot handle. It was accented with gold on the edges as well.

Ira set the tea in front of the set, then turned to her tutor, who watched her with a raised brow. Mrs. Von Irving nodded in approval.

“Very good. Now what about Mr. Von Bergliez?” Ira had met Caspar a few times, but they weren’t very close. He was energetic and loved to fight, which Ira could appreciate at least a bit. She settled on Ginger tea for him, and a very simply painted set with small blue flowers. Another nod.

”Now, the Adrestian Princess herself.” Ira immediately grabbed the Herving blend Bergamot tea box, setting it in front of the tea set painted with dark red carnations on it. It was their most detailed set, and while not as flashy as Ferdinand’s, Edelgaurd liked this set better. “Very good.”

Before they could go on there was a knock on the door. Ira’s eyebrows furrowed together.

“Yes, come in.” Mrs. Von Irving called. The door opened to one of the female servants, Ivy, comes in.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but Miss Von Vestra has a caller.” Mrs. Von Irving raised a brow.

“Well then…I suppose the lesson can be cut here, you’ve been doing well anyway. It seems you’ll get to use the knowledge we were just practicing.” Ira glances at her tutor, nodding a bit and giving her a respectful bow.

”Thank you.” Mrs. Von Irving nodded.

”Yes, yes, now go. Mustn’t keep your caller waiting.” With that Ira headed out of the room and to the hallway of the second floor.

Drifting up from the first floor was the murmur of voices. As Ira reached the landing to get to the staircase she felt her heart skip a beat. There in the foyer stood Claude, here. In the estate, with no ball or event going on. He was in a more casual outfit than she was used to seeing him in, granted it was this moment she realized she hadn't seen him in anything but a suit.

The pants he wore were black, nice but they were clearly worn for his everyday. A white poet's styled shirt was secured under a golden colored vest with black buttons, again clearly worn in his everyday. He chuckled deep in his chest as Hubert said...something that amused him, Ira hadn't heard what. She doubted that her brother had actually made a joke.

Ira took a breath, anxiously smoothing the black fabric of her dress skirt before heading down the steps quietly. As her feet hit the first floor she heard Hubert speak.

"Ah, there she is." She looked up, finding Claude smiling at her. She crossed the floor over to the two men, giving a curtsy as she gets to them.

"Claude, what brings you all the way to Enbarr?" she asked, quirking her head a bit to the side.

"Well a few things. How are you?"

"Well, thank you, and you?" his smile grew.

"Better by the minute." Ira could feel Hubert's glare fixing on Claude. She cleared her throat at him.

"Hubert, isn't Ferdinand due to be here soon?" Hubert's gaze flicked to her, and she caught Claude's tiny smirk as he caught on to what she was doing quickly.

"...Yes."

"Well then we wouldn't want to bother the two of you, I'm sure you have something important to discuss. Claude and I will have tea in the garden." Hubert took a moment, then nodded.

"...Very well." Ira gave a tiny smile.

"Claude would you mind waiting a bit while I get the tea ready?" He shook his head.

"Not at all."

"I'll be right back then." With that she headed to the kitchen. The servants, quick as ever, had already brought the tea sets and tea back from the room she had been taking her lesson in. Ira picked up the teapot painted with an array of different yellow flowers, some she was sure didn't grow in Fodlan, along with two cups from said set and set them on a silver tray. As she picked up the sugar bowl and milk jug she thought of which tea Claude would like. Her eyes fixed on their stock of Almyran Pine Needle tea and grabbed it, putting it to brew.

She heard hurried footsteps and someone, Ferdinand she guessed as she heard him arguing a bit with her brother before entering, slip into the kitchen.

"Hello Ferdinand." she addressed him as she gathered some cookies for the tea. He hurried up next to her.

"Hello Ira, this is certainly a surprise, did you know he was coming to Enbarr?" she shook her head.

"No, I did not. You're better at tea than I am, which snacks would you put with Almyran Pine Needle?" Ferdinand hums.

"These shortbread cookies, some of the jam ones as well. Oh, and the chocolate ones if you still have them." Ira nodded, gathering them all and placing them carefully on the tray. When she turned she saw Ferdinand checking on her tea for her. Mrs. Von Irving hadn't quite gone over practical brewing with her yet. "Almyran Pine Needle huh?"

"I felt like he'd like it." Ferdinand nodded.

"Well it's a gamble but I think it should pay off." he poured the brewed tea into the pot she chose for her.

"Thank you Ferdie." he smiled softly at her.

"Anytime. Enjoy your time with Claude." With that he left the room. Ira turned to Ivy, who was standing in the corner, waiting for her to finish.

"We're going to have tea in the Library if you could take that up there for us Ivy." The woman smiled and nodded.

"Absolutely. I'll set it up near your favorite window." Ira gave her a tiny smile.

"Thank you." With that she left the kitchen, watching as Hubert and Ferdinand disappeared into the estate's large gardens. Ira smirked and headed back to meet with Claude, who sat patiently waiting for her in the foyer.

"We aren't going to the gardens, are we?" He asked, a smirk playing at his lips.

"No, we aren't. We're going to the Library." Claude chuckled as he stood, stepping forward and into Ira's space as he looked into her sapphire eyes.

"I knew I liked you for a reason." There was a long pause as they stood there, staring into each other's eyes until Claude cleared his throat. "Well...lead the way."

They climbed the stairs, carved from some dark wood that Ira wasn't quite familiar with yet, and up to the only place other than her room that Ira liked. When she opened the door it revealed a red carpeted room filled to the brim with shelves and shelves of books. Ira smiled when she caught a glimpse of a slight glimmer in Claude's eye.

"This way." Ira motioned him inside, closing the doors behind them, and leading Claude to the back of the library. In the back corner, next to a window, was a table with their tea set up. Claude strode forward and pulled out a chair, gesturing for Ira to sit. "You know, I thought I was supposed to be the host." she spoke as she sat.

"And let go of my manners? Never." he teased, taking his own seat as Ira poured the two of them tea. She caught a glimpse of Claude’s eyes widening slightly as he caught the scent of Almyrn Pine Needle, but they shifted back to a normal size immediately.

Claude picked up his cup and took a sip of his tea, chuckling a bit. “Okay, did you secretly find out what my favorite tea was from Hilda, or was this a lucky guess? Because even if you do say it was, I might have a hard time believing it.” Ira smiled a tiny bit, lifting her cup to her own lips.

”Ironically the lesson I was in when you arrived was about tea. And no, I didn’t ask Hilda, or secretly gather information from your family estate or anything like that. I actually used what Mrs. Von Irving taught me in the lessons and what I know about you to attempt and figure it out.” She couldn’t deny the swell of pride bubbling inside her that she got it first try. Even Hubert had to do recon to figure out Ferdinand’s favorite tea.

”Well color me impressed.” Ira hummed and sipped her tea. Her eyes widened as the flavor hit her tongue for the first time. It was warm, not in the way of its temperature more of a spice warm, and it had a deep flavor that gave it an earthy tone with just a hint of sweetness underneath. Ira heard Claude chuckle. “First time having it?” Ira swallowed her mouthful and nodded, placing her cup down.

”I normally have black tea, or the Hrevelg Blend.” She confessed.

”Ah. Edelgaurd and your brother’s favorite tea. I’ve tried it, it’s alright. I much prefer this one however.” Ira couldn’t help her giggle.

”I can see why” Claude smiled.

”I’ll take that as you enjoy it?”

”Very much, perhaps more than the Hrevelg Blend, but don’t tell my brother. He might say you corrupted me or something.” Claude smirked.

”Well it’s an honor to have corrupted you.” There’s a long pause, allowing a blush to boil up Ira’s neck, before Claude breaks the quiet with his voice softe.voice softer this time. “Your taste, I mean.” Ira swallowed thickly, nodding a bit as she brought her cup up to sip at again.

Pull yourself together, you never let anyone get to you, he shouldn’t be any different. She scolded herself. Out the window she could see Hubert pulling Ferdinand through the gardens trying to find where they were set up for tea. Soon he’d realize they weren’t there at all, then it was Ferdie’s job to keep him in the garden for as long as possible.

“So.” He broke the silence again, this time pulling her attention back to the man in front of her. “ have you ever left the empire? Besides for the balls, I mean.”

”No.” Ira responded plainly. There weren’t any worthwhile jobs the Von Vestras wanted her to do, they always chose others once they learned Ira possessed a crest. They liked keeping her on a short leash.

“That’s a shame, but it will be more fun for me.” Claude commented, sipping his tea. Ira raised a brow.

“How so?” He smirked.

”…What would you say to…coming to Derdriu?”

Ira stared at him in shock. Like he’d asked her to jump from a wyvren into the clouds. “You’d have to come for at least a week to make the trip worthwhile, my grandfather’s been not so secretly dying to meet you. Not to mention it’s gorgeous there-“

”What?” She interrupted. Claude stopped his little rant then, just noticing the shock and confusion on Ira’s face.

“…You don’t like the idea?” Ira could tell he was trying not to sound or look hurt but, for once, his eyes betrayed him.

“I-it’s not that I-!”

”Then what’s the matter?” He asked.

”They’ll never allow it!” She exclaimed. Claude hummed, in a way that told Ira he’d already thought this through.

“If I told you, I could handle that, would you consider it?” Ira paused, taken aback at the mere thought that anyone would do that for her. “You wouldn’t have to worry about your brother looking over your shoulder either, it would just be you.”

Ira scoffed “It’s pure fantasy if you think you can get Hubert away for that long.” Claude smirked, and raised a brow at the challenge.

”I’m a man of many talents. But you still haven’t answered my question. Would you consider it? Or, rather, would you want to?”

Ira paused. It was true her trips from the Empire were purely for the stuffy balls she hated. She’d never considered going for other reasons, rather because she never considered she’d ever be able to. To her knowledge the Von Vestra’s plan was to marry her to a loyal Empire noble so they could continue to use her for their own gain.

She can’t say she wasn’t curious what it was like out there, in the Kingdom or the Alliance, what little she did see when she was there for short time periods struck her brain just enough to make this offer that much more enticing.

Claude sat there patiently as Ira carefully thought it over. Sipping his tea as if he expected it to take this long. Finally, after long enough to make him get antsy, Ira looked up at him.

”…Yes. I would.” Claude smiled, setting his now empty up down.

“Well then, leave the difficult part to me.”

Ira was coming out of a state of shock as the carriage finally left the Von Vestra estate, with her and Claude the only two inside. Shaking herself out of it she stares at him with one question for the brown haired man.

”How?” Claude looks to her, slightly amused.

”How what?”

”How in the goddess’s name did you manage to pull this off?” Claude smirked.

”Now where’s the fun in giving away my secrets?”

                    ~~~~~~~~~

”Marquis Von Vestra, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Claude greeted with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Marquis Von Vestra looked like Hubert, just very clearly older. The dark hair, the pale, almost sunken skin with frown lines and wrinkles in his forehead from where he pinched his eyebrows together practically permanently.

“Mr. Von Riegan, what brings you to Enbarr?” Straight to business, just as Claude expected.

“Well many things but one I have to discuss with you sir. I trust you’re aware of the correspondence I’ve been having with your daughter?” The Marquis sighs a bit as he takes a seat in his study chair.

“Yes, I am, what have you come to ask?”

”I wish to court your daughter. Formerly. And with your permission, and if she desires it, I also wish to marry her.” The Marquis looks at him then, a thin brow raised. “I don’t plan to ask now, I haven’t begun to formerly court her yet and I know how that would look to the rest of society, and you obviously wouldn’t want that.”

”Obviously…” the Marquis parroted, eyeing Claude suspiciously. Claude remained unfazed.

”Yes, Marquis Von Vestra? Is something troubling you?”

”…You haven’t begun to formerly court Iradessa and yet…you already want to have her hand in marriage?” Claude looks the Marquis dead on.

”I’ve been in correspondence with her for long enough that I know what I want. And while I’m not from an Imperal noble house…the Von Riegan’s standing in the Alliance is nothing to scoff at.” The Marquis hummed in agreement.

”Yes the Von Riegan’s are technically the ruling family…I can’t help but think you could do better for yourself than Iradessa.” Claude held back his urge to glare.

”I’d have to disagree with you on that, Marquis Von Vestra.” They sat there, each staring the other down. The Marquis trying to break down what Claude’s exact goal was. And Claude trying to silently break the Marquis down.

”…Alright. You have my blessing to court her.” Claude smiled, this time there was a bit of it in his eyes.

”Thank you. I have another proposition if you don’t mind.”

“And what would that be?”

                    ~~~~~~~~~

The carriage ride from Enbarr to Derdriu was long. But besides the, honestly awkward, start due to Ira’s state of pure shock that had lasted practically the entire morning as she packed for the three week long trip she would be on. How Claude had swung that long of a trip she’ll maybe never know, but here she was, crossing into Alliance territory in the carriage with Claude smiling at her looking at the scenery change.

She faintly recalled Marquis and Marquess Von Vestra entered her room early that morning and told her she would be going to Derdriu with Claude.

“I’m…what?” She gaped.

”Mr. Von Riegan wishes to court you, he already has your father’s blessing. It was his idea to have you go spend time at the Von Riegan estate to get to know it better so you wouldn’t be fumbling when you marry-“

”I’m sorry for the interruption but marry?”

”I thought he was just courting her.” Hubert cut in, attempting to not sound angry.

“He intends to marry her. It is a good idea, you don’t want the lady of the house bumbling about it, and Alliance territories are different than the Empire, it will be good for her.” Marquis Von Vestra said. There was a finality to his voice, as if the decision was already made, as if she were already betrothed.

”I don’t see why we would want her so far away is all.” Hubert said, attempting to not grit his teeth and failing.

“We have barely any agents out in Alliance territory Hubert, let alone any in it’s capitol. Ira is our best, and our best shot at getting anything from there. We place her there, we have an in.” His mother explained coldly.

“Having an agent in the Alliance ruling family will further our reach and any goals including them the empire may have in the future will go over much smoother.”

Sure it will. Ira thought. As if Claude couldn’t see right through them, as if he didn’t have his own game he was playing. Ira had a feeling he was three steps ahead of them, and they had played right into his hands. Another carefully laid plan executed like the shot of his arrows. Perfectly.

“…I’ll start packing.” Ira had said, practically in a daze.

“I will as well.” Hubert started off to his room.”

”You won’t be going Hubert.” The siblings blinked, and now Ira was certain that Claude had either hypnotized her adoptive father or had used some very good dirt on him.

“She can’t go without a chaperone father-“

“She’ll be going with one of the servants, you cannot go with her, you are needed here. Did you forget the meetings at the Imperial Palace?” Hubert sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose.

”Forgive me, it slipped my mind for a moment with what was just announced.”

“She’ll be fine Hubert, really, you needn’t worry” his mother said, watching as Ivy helped Ira gather clothes into trunks. Hubert ignored his mother’s remark, looking at Ira. Ira looked up at him and smiled softly.

”I’ll be alright Hubert. I promise to write you.” He sighed.

”…Fine…”

”Good. Mr. Von Riegan will be arriving soon, you should hurry.” With that her adoptive parents left her room.

”Well we don’t have much time at all do we?” Ivy said, breaking the silence between the three “Asked me to go with you earlier this morning.”

”You go ahead and pack Ivy, I have this handled.” Ira said, her voice soft.

“Really my lady it’s-“ Ira shook her head.

”I wouldn’t want you to find yourself underprepared, and I told you, just Ira is fine.” Ivy smiled.

“Sorry, I forgot the Marquis and Marquess were gone.”

”It’s alright Ivy.” Hubert moved to the wardrobe, beginning to grab boots and other shoes.

”I’ll help her Ivy, you go ahead.” Ivy gave them a thankful look and took off through the passageways the servants use to get around quicker as the sibling packed.

                     ~~~~~~~~

Ira wasn’t sure when she fell asleep, or even how she did. She normally wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to do so with anyone in the carriage but maybe Hubert, and even then she tried not too. When she woke up there was the warm weight of a coat on her, and the smell of Almyran pine needles, parchment, and ink wrapping around her. Claude.

She looked up at him and saw that he had indeed shed his coat, leaving him in his waistcoat. He was looking out the window, but at the sight of movement out the corner of his eye he turned his attention to her. And smiled.

“Morning. Or should I say Evening?” Ira sat up, the coat slipping down her figure a bit.

”I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep…” Claude chucked.

“I don’t blame you. It’s normally pretty boring.” He glanced out the window again. “You woke up just in time though, look.” He nodded to the window and Ira looked out, her eyes widening.

The first thing that catches Ira’s eye is a waterfall. Large, and gorgeous, it flowed down from a lush green cliff. The water itself was an eye catching, crystalline blue as it ran and fell down into a large lake, the color deepening as you ran over it.

Light grey aqueducts ran across to goddess knows where, bringing water to people and places for whatever they needed, that was the second thing she noticed.

The third was the estate itself. For the ruling family of a country, most would expect a palace, like the ones in the Empire or the Kingdom, but the Alliance has seemed to decide against it. Or at least the Von Riegan’s did.

Ira had to give them credit, it was by far the largest mansion she had ever laid eyes on, and she’s been the Ferdinand’s estate before. But that’s what it was. A mansion, not a palace, just like the Von Vestra estate but…larger. She saw two very large stables on the way in, one much larger than the other, the mansion itself splayed out in both directions for a good bit before cutting off and expanding itself to make the dimensions for rooms.

Thick vines of ivy and flowers grew up to the roof, giving it a much different feel than the Von Vestra estate. Despite its impending size it felt…warm. Homey.

Ira didn’t even realize they had stopped until Claude opened the door to the carriage, gotten out, and turned with his hand held out to help her out of it.

“Iradessa Von Vestra,” he said as she took his hand and stepped out of the carriage. “Allow me to formerly welcome you to Derdriu.”

Duke Oswald Von Riegan was an old man. His hair, which used to be a brown color just a bit lighter than Claude's, was all greyed now, he had crows feet around his eyes and the thing Ira noticed first, smile lines. Deep and prominent they made themselves known the second she saw the old Duke known the second she saw the old Duke as he stepped out of the entrance of the estate slowly to greet them.

"As you've probably already guessed, my grandfather. Duke Oswald Von Riegan. I hope you'll forgive the need to meet him half way, his legs aren't what they used to be." Claude whispered in her ear. Ira gave a soft smile.

"Of course." Claude smiled back, the two striding forward to meet Claude's grandfather. Oswald smiled as they met.

"You must be the young lady that's been taking all my grandson's attention." Ira fought her blush and curtsied.

"Iradessa Von Vestra. It's a pleasure to meet you Duke Von Riegan." Oswald waved a hand as she spoke his title.

"No need for the formalities my dear, Oswald is just fine...for now." he added with a smirk. Claude groaned.

"Granddad..." Oswald laughed, a sound that came deep from his belly. A laugh that Ira would've never heard in the Von Vestra estate, one that made her want to laugh too.

"Come in, you've had a long journey, we should get you settled!" Claude sighed, shaking his head as his grandfather walked back into the mansion. Ira smiled softly at him.

"Well he's certainly sweet." Ira said. Claude huffed out a laugh.

"Oh he's more devious than you know, just wait, you'll see." he dipped a bit into a short bow as he gestured to the door. "After you, milady." Ira couldn't help her giggle as she saw the twinkle of laughter in his eyes as Claude spoke.

"Thank you Claude."

Each of Fodlan's countries had an animal symbol. The Empire's is an Eagle, Ira knows its moniker well, its dignified visage was practically every where in Enbarr. The Kingdom’s was a lion, proud and regal it stood, Ira had only seen it a few times when at different balls. She distinctly remembers it on a flag above a fireplace in the Fraldarius estate.

The Leister Alliance’s was a deer. Ira saw its majestic figure in paintings, carved into the detailing of the fireplace, into the molding. Ira had always wondered why the Alliance had chosen a deer as their animal, while the other two countries had chosen predators, a deer was traditionally a prey animal. Seen by others as small and meek. But Ira knew better than to look at appearances and stereotypes.

Deer were fast, highly alert, and mature bucks were actually very strategic in nature. While doe and deer tend to bed in areas with food, leaving them exposed, bucks will bed away from food with cover, watch their backs trail for predators, and bedding with their backs covered. And while not predatory in nature their horns can be used to their advantage against predators.

”Admiring the artwork?” Claude’s voice shook Ira out of her thoughts. She looked up at him, with a small smirk plastered on his face.

“The castle in Enbarr does something similar but with eagles…it’s never as bright though…” Claude hummed.

”Lots of gothic painting in the imperial castle?” Ira nodded.

“I’m afraid the Regent’s taste is quite…grim, to say the least. And as you saw at the Von Vestra estate, the Marquis’s is quite dark as well.”

“Well,” Claude turned to her, his eyes soft with something she wouldn’t quite place. “I’m glad to give you a change of scenery.” Ira smiles a bit at him, and he smiles back. They stand there, in front of a gorgeous painting of a deer and stag laying together in a yellow forest, leaves falling around them and flowers in full bloom as their heads touch gently.

The sound of shuffling feet and one of the estate servants showing Ivy around the estate shakes them out of their trance.

“Right, well, I should show you to your room before dinner is ready so you can get settled in. We’ve had a long day of travel.” Ira nodded.

”Right, we have.” Claude smirked at her.

”And after dinner, if you’re up for it, I can give you the interesting tour.” Ira raised a brow then. ”The interesting tour?”

“You know how much I love learning secrets, I’d be willing to share some I found while here…if you’re not too scared of getting caught~” Ira huffed out a laugh.

“Me? Get caught? If anyone should be scared of getting caught it’s you.” Claude grinned, leaning down and closer to her while lowering his voice.

”Oh I can be very quiet when I want to be.”

”Oh really?”

”Mmhmm. But ya know, I’m kinda curious what you would do if you ever got caught doing something bad.” Ira rolled her eyes.

”It would never happen.” Claude got a mischievous glint in his eye that normally Ira would find cute, at the moment she wasn’t sure she liked it.

“Now that sounds like a good challenge.” Ira blinked at him, trying to process what he said and figure out exactly what he was implying. And why it made her feel like her body was on fire. “But we should get you settled in, let go.”

She wanted to shake her head at the mood flipping like a switch but held back. Ira simply followed Claude up the light brown wooded staircase and down a long hallway to where she would be staying for this trip.

When Claude opened the door her eyes widened. It was…so much brighter than back in Enbarr. The windows were open the cool spring breeze that wafted in with the scent of flower that grew in the garden below her room, the same flower scented breeze blowing the soft white curtains gently. The large four poster bed had thinner white curtains tied to the posts with golden rope. The posts themselves were carved with leaves and vines, like they were growing up the bed.

The sheets were gold, and the blanket a parchment color with golden leaves embroidered into it. There was a fireplace with a seating area in front of it. The changing partition was painted with a forest scene. The only thing out of place was her dark red trunks that held her belonging.

”Claude I hope you’ll be comfortable, if not just say the word, we have plenty of rooms to choose from trust me.” Ira shook her head.

“No it’s…beautiful, thank you.” Claude shrugged.

”Oh it’s nothing. Honestly I wasn’t sure which room to put you in and when I told Hilda I planned to have you stay she insisted I put you in this room.” Ira hummed.

”Closest thing to a pink room you have?” Claude laughed.

”No, actually, she said based it on your dresses you wear to the balls. She told me there always seems to be a vines and leaves motif somewhere in them.” Ira blinked.

”I didn’t realize she paid so much attention to me.”

”When it comes to fashion, Hilda pays attention. Especially ball gowns.” Ira couldn’t help a small giggle.

”I suppose you’re right.”

”Anyway, I’m just two doors down if you need anything.” Ira nodded.

”Thank you Claude.”

“Of course, I’ll leave you to get settled and come get you when dinner’s ready.” He smiled, bowed a bit and walked down the hall two doors and entered his own room.

Ira closed to door behind her, slowly walking the room and getting a feel for it. As she passed the bed she reached out a bit, her fingers running through the soft white curtains of the bed, then over the plush blanket. As she crossed to the windows she looked out to see the garden of flowers growing below her windows. The rush of water from the waterfall filled her ears as she peaked her head out of the window, barley hearing Ivy enter.

”…it’s beautiful here…” Ira said, pulling herself back into the room. Ivy grinned.

”I know! It’s so…bright! I’m so happy I’m with you, this is exciting!” Ira huffed out a laugh.

”You seem more excited for my prospect of marriage than I am Ivy.” Ivy pouted at her as Ira crossed the room and sat on the bed.

”Well you had me fooled, what with how much attention you’ve been giving to Mr. Von Riegan. You usually don’t give any suitors attention! Or you intentionally scare them off.” Ira felt herself going red.

”…well…he’s…a special case.” Ivy grinned.

”I can tell! I know you haven’t been too happy about the whole marriage thing, what with how Marquis Von Vestra treats it as it’s not your choice but his, but I’m happy you’ve finally found someone you like. For a bit I thought that Yuri would be it-“ Ira couldn’t help but laugh.

”I love Yuri like a brother Ivy, plus he would never be interested that way. He has someone already.” Ivy huffs.

“Well he was the first man you ever talked to like he actually existed! What were we supposed to think?” Ira rolled her eyes again. “Anyway, we should get you ready for dinner, I think we should do the one with the lace sleeves-“

“You’re very into this aren’t you?”

“I only wish you had a color other than black as a base. Really are you in mourning?” Ira smirked mysteriously.

”Maybe I am.” Ivy huffed.

"Well maybe Claude will rub off on you somehow and persuade you into brighter colors." Ira rolled her eyes, rising from the bed and heading behind the gorgeously painted partition to shed her travel clothing. She was never too excited to get into a corset, if it wasn't Ivy helping her they always did it so tight that she felt she couldn't breath or move. Ivy always found a way to let her move and breath without sacrificing the look, even if Ira suggested they just go without it.

"You think they're notice here if I didn't wear a corset?" Ira felt a smirk grow as Ivy gasped.

"Yes! I would! This is the capital of the Alliance Ira, I know the Von Riegan family chose to forgo the monarchy but they're still the ruling family of the country, Claude is practically a prince in all but title! I thought you of anyone would know that I wouldn't let you get away with that here! That would be like letting you run around with Princess Edelgaurd without a corset!" Ira looked over her shoulder at Ivy as she began to tighten the goddess forsaken garment.

"I've been around Edelgaurd without a corset before."

"What?!"

"I had to be at the palace for a few days that one month remember? We would have light night tea in our nightgowns, it was nice." Ivy paused her tightening with a thoughtful look.

"...Alright, bad example then. It would be like allowing you to go to the Kingdom's palace and be escorted around by Crown Prince Dimitri without a corset, it's improper conduct." Ira sighed deeply.

"Alright fine, I get it, the cursed garment stays...at least it's you with me, no one else can tighten it so I'm still comfortable." Ivy chuckles

"One of my many talents, just don't tell your mother."

"And risk losing you? Never." Ira sat on the white and gold cushioned footstool behind the partition to slip on her dinner shoes as Ivy unlaced the back of the dark dress, a very stark contrast to the rest of the room. It had never bothered Ira before, contrasting in such a way, for how would anyone know the light without knowing the dark but now...something made her pause at it. She wasn't sure what, or exactly why, but for the first time the dawning of her entire wardrobe being black and dark made her...sad?

Not that she would get rid of the color entirely, she personally found it ridiculous that men could wear it all the time but when women did so out of mourning they were considered strange and dour. But...maybe she could just...add to her wardrobe in a new way.

Ira shook herself out of her thoughts, rising from the stool and stepping into the dress, slipping the lace sleeves over her shoulders where they fell like the waterfall outside. Ivy wasted no time in lacing up the dress and fluffing out the skirt.

"Alright, hair. What are we thinking?" Ira shrugged.

"Something with braids? You always seem to know how to style it, I trust you with it." Ivy grinned and rushed over to the vanity to grab the brush and hair pins. Ira crossed over and sat in the chair, allowing Ivy to brush through it and begin braiding pieces, two small ones on each side that she'll twist together and pin in the back, making them run in a sort of crown along her head.

It had taken her a long time, years in fact, to become comfortable with Ivy doing her hair. She still hated anyone else doing it, and was just as tense as when Marquess Von Vestra's personal maid had done it the first time she had dinner as their 'daughter'. Mary was her name, and it seemed the Marquess's cold demeanor ha rubbed off on her, or she had simply always been that way. Ira was tense and stiff as a board, unconsciously shying away which Mary scolded her for the entire time.

Ivy, when she had come to work at the estate and been assigned to Ira, was... chatty. When she saw how Ira was she just...talked. Saying she understood that getting her hair done by someone new must be strange, nerve racking even. That she would do her best and that Ira would let her know if she hurts her by accident. Ivy's hands were softer, like someone running their hands through water, unlike Mary who was rough like she was trying to untangle weeds she needed to pull up.

And Ivy had better taste anyway, never doing too much but just enough. She always said she let Ira's hair do all the work to look pretty.

"Annnnd...there." Ivy said, placing an aging gold hairpin crafted to look like a vine with tiny flowers in the back where the braids met. Ira smiled.

"Thank you again Ivy, you always to a wonderful job." Ivy chuckles, grabbing a sheer black shawl for Ira to take with her.

"I tell you all the time, I let your hair do all the work!" Suddenly there was a knock at the door, Ivy smiled giddily rushing to the door and opening it a crack t peak her head out. "Mr. Von Riegan, you look quite dashing. I assume you're here for Ira?" Ira heard Claude's distinct chuckle float through the open door.

"I am, if she's ready that is, if not I'm happy to wait." Ira placed a hand on Ivy's shoulder, having now crossed the room to the door. Ivy smiled over her shoulder at her, stepping aside to allow Claude to view her. His eyes widen a bit at the sight of her, a smile beginning to grace his lips. Claude wore a suit with a golden colored vest over a black shirt, paired with black pants and jacket. His windswept hair was pushed back to be out of his face, with his signature single braid hanging down where it usually sat. Ira was sure her eyes widened at seeing him too, in this odd in between of fancy and casual where he managed to remain just as frustratingly breathtaking as ever.

"I'm ready." Ira said. Claude turned a bit, offering her his arm.

"Shall we then?" Ira takes his arm and smiles softly.

"Lead the way."

Ira was reminded of the Von Riegan's being the Alliance ruling family again when she entered the dining room with Claude. It was the same size as the Imperial castle's dining room, she was sure of it. Though she was reminded of the differences when she saw how close together the place setting were. There were five total, all grouped at the head of the table, two on the left side, where Claude was leading them too at the moment, one at the head, for Duke Von Riegan of course, but it was the fourth that piqued Ira's interest.

Oswald's wife, the late Duchess Von Riegan, had died many years ago, and it was a few year ago that Godfrey Von Riegan, his son and former heir apparent, had also passed. So who was the setting for?

Ira forced herself out of her thoughts as Claude pulled her chair out for her. She sat, and he gently pushed the chair back in with ease. He then sat in the chair beside her, directly across from the mystery setting as Oswald himself entered and sat at the head before Ira could ask Claude about who else would be joining them.

"And how are you settling in Miss Von Vestra?" Oswald asked her, lifting his water glass to his lips and taking a sip. It dawned on Ira then that she would have to talk at this dinner, as most questions would be directed at her and she had no buffer in the form of her brother.

"Well, it's gorgeous here, and please, Ira is fine." Oswald grinned at her and nodded in recognition.

"Wonderful to hear, Ira." Ira gave a small smile back, if a bit tight. Claude noticed her stiffness and turned to his grandfather.

"So, you didn't tell me we'd have another joining us for dinner tonight, who is it?" before his question could be answered, the dining room door opened, and a tall woman strode in. Oswald chuckled.

"Right on cue as always Judith." the woman, Judith, smirked. Her long, dark brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and she wore a nice shirt and pants, as if she had just disembarked from a horse or Pegasus, Ira was immediately jealous and a bit in awe. Judith was clearly comfortable, in her element, hence Ira's jealousy, but the awe... that came from...

"Ira, this is-" Claude started as he cleared his throat a bit.

"Judith von Daphnel," Ira finished, her eyes on Judith who's eyebrows raised a bit in pleasant surprise. "Otherwise known as The Hero of Daphnel if I'm not mistaken."

"You're not...I'm sorry I can't say I know who you are but a very clever girl." Ira smiled a bit.

"Iradessa Von Vestra, pleasure to meet you." Judith let out a small 'ah' and sat down.

"I see, makes sense, though I haven't had the best relationship with Marquis Von Vestra he can be clever when he needs to be."

"He ...a bit hard to get along with, I can't say I'm at all surprised." there was a pause, long enough to make Ira worry that she said something wrong, then the room erupted in laughter. Ira stiffen unconsciously at the sound, relaxing a second later as she heard Claude's laugh among them, because he wouldn't laugh at her.

"Even his daughter gets it! He's such a pain, thinks he's the person in the room! So glad I don't have to dance around that." Ira found herself letting out a soft chuckle as well, still not fully relaxed yet. She had always been told dinners like this, ones with company, were like a game of chess, the others at the table who were not your kin your opponent. You had to get more information out of them than they got out of you, and more valuable hings at that, things you could use against them.

But this didn't feel this way. It felt...different, welcoming. Before she knew it courses were being served, Ira made sure to quietly thank whoever brought her anything. She had always been scolded for it back home, for speaking out of turn, but here they either didn't notice or didn't care. It was only when Oswald was getting his wine poured for him during the main course that Ira noticed they had all been doing the same.

"So, how long will you be staying in Derdriu Ira?" Judith asked, Ira had asked her to call her Ira as well much earlier in the meal.

"Three weeks." Judith raised a brow and looked at Claude.

"Really?" she asked.

"I wanted her to have enough time to see everything and relax." Claude said, almost defensively. Judith smirked, lifting her wine to her lips.

"Oh well you'll have plenty of time then." Claude shot her a look that Ira...wasn't sure she understood, but she thought she saw a tinge of red crawling up his cheeks.

"Well we should be off now, there's a few things I want to show Ira before she turns in for the night." with that Claude stood, pulling Ira's chair out for her as she stood.

"Thank you, it was a wonderful meal." Oswald nodded.

"It's wonderful to have you here, my dear." Judith smiled.

"Great to meet you kid, get some rest you two." With that the two left the dining room, but as the doors were closing behind the, Ira heard Judith's voice faintly. "Is that the girl you were telling me he was obsessed about?" Claude sighed as they walked from the dining room to the entrance hall.

"I'm sorry about that, I had no idea Judith would be joining us."

"Then it isn't your fault now, is it?" Claude blinked at her. "So there's nothing to apologize for. We were both unprepared." he huffed out a laugh.

"I did notice you get a bit stiff at the beginning, not used to this?" Ira shook her head.

"If I'm being honest, no. Whenever we're dinner guests I usually have Hubert with me who gets asked all the questions. My job is to sit quietly and listen." Claude hummed.

"You forgot look pretty in your job description." Ira scoffed and laughed.

"Oh please, if anyone's job was to sit and look pretty it would be any of the other women in the room, I wouldn't be cut out for that."

"While I agree you have so many more talents that would be absolutely wasted if you were expected to just sit and look pretty, it sounds like you're trying to say you can't because you aren't pretty and that's just incorrect. And, frankly, I'm insulted on your behalf." Ira rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her as they land in front of the painting of the doe and stag.

"How can you be insulted on my behalf when I'm the one who said it?" Claude crossed his arms as well.

"Like I said, it's incorrect. That's how." He turned to the wall and painting. "Now, your wrong opinion aside, are you ready for the interesting tour?" Ira shook her head.

"I'm gonna ignore that comment because I am curious." Claude smirked, finding a small carving of a deer in the molding of the wall, it's head facing forward. Ira watched as he turned it so it looked behind itself, to the forest were predators lurk. There was a soft click, and the wall popped open.

Ira's eyes widened as Claude opened the secret door into a dark tunnel. He grabbed a torch off the wall and stuck the end in the fireplace to light it before stepping inside the passageway.

"Right this way, my lady."

There was something so interesting about a secret tunnel system in a mansion that seemingly had nothing to do with the ones the servants used to get around the house faster. It had an old, musty smell hanging in the air, along with the faint smell of old burnt out torches and oil.

“I discovered this about a week after I first got here. Everything else was nice of course, but this…“ Claude trailed off as he lead her down the passageway, his face flickering in the torchlight. Ira nodded in agreement.

”I see why this is the interesting tour…” Claude grinned back at her and turned to the wall, where there was clearly from their side another door. He pushed it open with one hand then stepped aside to let her peak out as a warm breeze blew in.

When Ira looked she saw out into the gardens below her room, peaking out at the door showed that it was covered in vines, anyone who looked closely at the top would notice the odd snaps of them from the passage not being used for years. Until now. But Ira knew that it would be like the wall they went into, the seem would be perfect enough that anyone looking would pass it off as some strange birds looking for nesting materials.

”This door, as you can see, leads to the gardens, we have a secret door in practically every room and hall. Clever sort my ancestors.” Claude said as he closed the door, leading her back up. “But this room…”

There was a cloud of dust, Ira imagined it was much bigger when Claude had first discovered it that second week he was here. Ira couldn’t help her cough, and sneeze, as she fanned the dust away from her face with her hand. Claude put the torch on an empty holder in the wall and stepped inside, ushering her in.

Practically everything was covered in a thick layer of dust, the only things that weren’t had clearly been wiped off a few weeks ago by Claude himself. It was an office, a large, old yellow map of Fodlan rested on a table with markings that Ira didn’t understand since there was no legend written in for them.

It was clear to Ira, and Claude, that this was a secret office for the first Duke Riegan that he used during wartime. Books of tactics laid on shelves and open next to the map, little carved pieces the represented army ranks where upright and toppled over on top of it.

”A secret war office…” Ira practically whispered in awe. This really was the interesting tour. Who knew what secrets lie in here. None that could be used against Claude or Oswald, but fascinating nonetheless.

”I’d hoped you’d see what I saw here.” Claude chuckled. “Who knows what history and secrets are here?” Ira carefully picked up one of the open tactical books to read its title as he spoke.

”Or what kind of fungus is growing here…” she joked, not even realizing she was. Claude laughed.

“Wonder if they can be turned into poisons...if we find any.” He added. Ira blushed as Claude stepped into her space to look at the book as well. Ira cleared her throat and set the book down.

”We should get back before they wonder where we went off to.” Claude nodded a bit.

“Right of course, the door to our hall isn’t far.” He picked up the torch again. “This way.”

Ira closed the door to the secret office behind her and followed Claude a little ways down to another, where he put the torch up again and the door open, right into the hall where their rooms where like he said. They both stepped out, Claude closing the door as Ira hearing a small click. She looked back to see the same deer in the molding that he turned before, its head moving right back into place.

“Oh, you uh-“ Claude started, drawing Ira’s attention back to him.

“Huh?” Claude stepped closer to her.

“I guess we found one downside to black, you can see any and all dust that gets on your dress very well.” Ira blinks and looks at her dress, where sure enough the bottom caught the dust on the floor, a bit on her sleeves, and some on her chest where she held the book.

“Damn it…” she muttered to herself, attempting to brush it off to no avail.

”I hope I didn’t ruin your dress.” Ira shook her head.

“It’s fine, really, I should’ve been paying more attention.”

”But I was technically the one distracting you.” Ira rolls her eyes.

”It’s alright, it’s not like it was my favorite or anything. Besides I’m sure it’ll wash out.”

”You’re sure? You’ll let me know if it doesn’t, I’ll have the dress remade.” Ira looked up at him,opening her mouth to protest.

”I insist. If it doesn’t wash out, I’ll have it remade for you exactly. They’ll probably need your measurements though...Which reminds me, Hilda’s coming soon for our upcoming spring festival, and I have to warn you, she’ll probably try and take you shopping. Especially for color.” Ira giggles softly, for once not rolling her eyes at the idea of not wearing black. Claude raised a brow curiously. “Do my eyes deceive me? Or did Iradessa Von Vestra not roll her eyes at the idea of not wearing black to something???”

Ira rolled her eyes then “So what if I didn’t? Is it so outlandish that I could change my mind about something?” Claude grinned.

”Well it’s so signature to you I thought you’d never part with it!”

”And who says I am?” Claude shrugged.

”Fair enough, though I will warn you, if you go to the spring festival in all black you’ll stick out like a dead flower in a blooming field.” Ira raised a brow.

”And we wouldn’t want me to stick out?” Claude smirked, leaning closer.

“Well maybe I just want you to myself, is that so wrong?” Ira’s mind short circuited at his words, just staring into his emerald eyes and feeling the blush rush like the waterfall outside to her cheeks. “Well I should let you get to bed, it’s been a long day. Good night, Ira.” It took her a seconds to force her mouth to form words.

"Good night, Claude..." with a hard swallow Ira enter her room, closing the door behind her as her traitor of a heart beat out of control. Just what in the goddess's name was happening to her?

A few days later Hilda arrived, having insisted her and her father arrive early for the Alliance Round Table meeting, which was what Ira discovered Judith was at the estate for. Though House Daphnel no longer held a seat, Judith's opinion was highly respected by Oswald, not to mention many members of the Table.

When Hilda arrived with her father a day early it only surprised Ira. Claude had explained that the upcoming festival would be preceded by a Round Table meeting just a day before the festivities were to kick off. The members would arrive at different times the day of, stay at the estate with them, and be there for the week long festival. Ira had never been to a festival before, let alone one celebrating spring, and couldn't help but feel her wardrobe lacking.

Thus a little scheme of Claude and Hilda's hatched without her knowledge. Since they resided in Alliance territory, correspondence went far quicker between the two. Hilda had the idea first that she would come early with a gift for Ira, something she could wear to the festival, and if she would let her with the extra time they had, take her shopping for more color. They both agreed it best to ease her into color, as to not shock and cause her discomfort. Claude informed his grandfather and everything was prepared within the sparse days it took to conjure the scheme.

"I thought they wouldn't arrive til tomorrow." Ira whispered to Claude as Hilda waved at the two of them.

"Oh did I forget to tell you? Hilda was so excited you were going to be here she couldn't wait. My sincerest apologies." Ira narrowed her eyes at the smirking man, he didn't sound sorry at all.

"Ira! Oh I'm so glad you're here! You're going to love the festival!" Hilda said as she rushed over, giving Ira a quick hug that she red headed woman wasn't expecting. She gave one to Claude as well, who seemed more than used to it, before Hilda took one of each of their hands in hers. "You seem surprised I'm here, I would be upset but it does work out a little, I have a gift for you." she directed at Ira, before rushing back over to the carriage and pulling out a large, pink wrapped box with a golden bow.

"Hilda, you really didn't have to-" Ira started, finally catching up to Hilda in the conversation. Hilda waved a hand as she dumped the box into Claude's arms for him to carry. He gave her a playful look but didn't complain.

"Oh shush, at least open it first! Let's go to your room, I hope Claude put you in the room I told him too, I'll give him an earful if he didn't."

"I did! Thank you very much!" Claude cut in for his defense. Hilda smirked.

"Good, at least you know how to listen. Let's go!" before Claude could make a quip back, Hilda linked her arm with Ira's and began guiding them inside. Ira looked over her shoulder at Claude shaking his head fondly as he followed them, a small smile on his face.

They were at her room before Ira knew it, Hilda throwing open the door and heading to the plush bench at the end of the bed as Claude and Ira entered. Claude set the pink box on the table and then leaned against the nearby chair.

"Okay, open it!" Hilda exclaimed giddily. Ira swallowed anxiously, the bright pink box not getting her hopes up for it's contents. Claude gave her a small, encouraging smile.

"It isn't going to bite you, ya know." He teased, making Ira shoot him a glare that made him smile. She finally decided to rip the bandage off and puled at the golden ribbon, before lifting the pink top off.

Ira wasn't sure if she was surprised or revealed to see black fabric, goddess she nearly sighed in relief at it. She placed the lid down and gently pulled the fabric out. The outfit was in three pieces, a shirt, a skirt, and a sash to tie around the waist.

The shirt was white, with short sleeves for the warm weather, and white ties in the front where the bodice crisscrossed, a clear inspiration from her gown at the Rowe ball, the first time Claude saw her add color. The sash was a golden yellow, embroidered with vines and soft purple and yellow flowers. The skirt was her signature black, what your eye draws too, but the hem, that reached to just above mid calf from the looks of it, had the same embroidered purple and yellow flowers as the sash did.

Ira blinked at it, in awe, unsure of how Hilda got her clothing with color she liked, no, loved. The fabric was soft and light for the weather and the embroidery was a work of art. Hilda grinned at her.

"Well? What do you think? Oh! Try it on, I've been dying to see!" Claude chuckled.

"Well give her a second to answer your first question, Hilda!" Hilda huffed and pouted at him.

"I-..." Ira started, bringing the two friend's attention to her. "How did you...?" Hilda smiled softly.

"I'm a woman of many talents. I knew I should keep your black, and white is a normal color to pair at home for tops. As for the actual colors.." Hilda paused gathering her thoughts. "Well I figured you'd be open to purple since you've already worn it, and I thought the gold and yellow would look just wonderful with the black so." Ira looked at Hilda and gave her a small smile.

"Thank you, Hilda, it's gorgeous." Hilda smiled back.

"I'm always happy to help open a fashion gateway. Now try it on! I can't wait any longer!" Ira found herself giggling at Hilda's excitement.

"Okay, okay..." she trailed off, bringing the outfit behind the changing partition. As she shed her current outfit she swallowed, realizing she was changing with Claude still in the room. Her face felt like it was on fire as she pulled the shirt on and adjusted the ties, the perks of it being in front is she didn't need any help with it.

She tried to just focus on dressing herself and not the idea of Claude's hands helping her with the ties, his emerald eyes casting up from her clothing to her own as she swallowed hard. She tried not to imagine the heat his hands would give off through the fabric, them pushing up under the fabric-

Ira swallowed thickly, staring at the embroidery of the skirt as she tried to get her mind under control damn it. She pulled the buttons that secured the skirt into their place and pulled the sash of the partition and contemplated how to tie it. The idea of a bow didn't really entice her, so she decided on a simple knot, wrapping the sash around her waist and stepping out from behind the partition.

Hilda's delighted gasp distracted Ira as she attempted to tie the sash. "You look wonderful! Oh it fits perfectly, I'm so happy that worked out, thank you Ferdinand!" Ira tilted her head a bit a slightly amused expression.

"I was wondering how you got my measurements." Ira huffed a bit at the end, tying the sash in the back was proving harder than she thought it would be. Soft footsteps sounded in her ears before she felt a pair of hands gently brush hers, taking the ends of the sash from her before pulling it slightly and tying it in a knot for her. How Claude knew she wasn't going to tie it in a bow she wasn't sure.

"There..." Claude's voice was soft has he retracted his hands. Ira fought her blush as she looked back at him and smiled softly.

"Thank you." He smiled softly back, giving her a nod.

"Well I think you should wear that for the first day of the festival, but it is up to you.." Hilda teased playfully. Ira sighed a bit with a small smile.

"Perhaps I will."

"I think the gold and yellow look great." Claude commented. Hilda sighed longingly.

"Oh to see you in full color...will I ever get to see the day?" Ira rolled her eyes, arms crossing in front of her.

"Well I'm more open to it...very convenient that you got me this when I've been stewing over the idea of color." Ira shot Claude a suspicious look, who looked up at the molding, attempting to look innocent. Hilda grinned.

"Well I would be honored to take you shopping, you've already seen my work with this, I believe it speaks for itself. Oh! We could go today!" Ira thought for a moment.

"I wouldn't want to interrupt your settling in from your journey-" Hilda waved a hand.

"Oh please, I suggested it! Besides, what better way to stretch my legs than shopping?" Ira thought for a moment, the room silent as a tomb as she did, as if the two waited with baited breath to hear her response.

What could be the harm really? If she doesn't like the color she doesn't have to get anything really. And if she decides she'd rather stick with this style of splashes of color, she could. Finally, Ira nodded.

"Alright, if you'd like to go shopping with me-" Ira couldn't even finish her sentence before Hilda was letting out an excited squeal and jumping from her seat.

"Yay! You get changed, I'll tell the carriage we're heading out!" She's already skipping to the door. Ira sighed as Hilda closed the door behind her, pulling a chuckle from Claude.

"Give her an inch huh?" he asked. Ira nodded.

"You said it..." she was suddenly hyper aware of just how alone they were. They had been alone before, when he took her on the 'fun tour' into the secret passages in the estate but this....

This felt different. Maybe it was because of how her imagination had run wild on it's own, and help with the sash certainly hadn't helped at all. It was almost like he had read her mind as the image had conjured itself and decided to tease her.

Ira realized suddenly that they were just standing there, looking at each other. In her room, alone, with no one to interrupt but Hilda and she would be waiting for her to change. She fought the rising blush as she cleared her throat.

"I should get changed, I don't want to keep Hilda waiting." As Ira turned, Claude spoke, vice barley above a whisper but in the quiet of the room it was almost too loud somehow.

"She can be patient when she wants to be." his voice was somehow lower than just a moment before and it sent a shiver down Ira's spine that she didn't know how to feel about. She looked over her shoulder at him, studying his expression for a moment and found she couldn't read it, frustrating her further.

He was always frustrating it seemed, but somehow he kept pulling and pulling her in. And all she wanted to be was near him, if not close enough to breath the same precious air, or to be able to touch him, or be in his arms-

She forced herself out of the image in her mind by tugging the sash out of it's knot and slipping it off her waist, tossing the garment on the partition as she stepped behind it.

And if she had let herself spare him another glace, she might have seen how thickly he swallowed as the sash fell from her waist like water.

Hilda was intense when I came to fashion. Especially since Ira said she would experiment with color. Claude was right, give her an inch, she’ll take a mile. That’s how she ended up in the shop in a pastel blue gown, shaking her head firmly at the pink one Hilda held up.

”The pink is a no.” Ira said firmly. Hilda pouted.

”You won’t even try it? I know it’s Constance’s favorite color.”

”And it can stay that way.” Claude chuckled from his seat. Hilda huffed at him.

”Well of course it’s funny to you Claude. She’s not dismissing your favorite color!”

”Mines a bit more muted than yours is Hilda.” He comments.

“It’s just…the pink screams look at me and I don’t….” Ira trailed off. Hilda looks at the bright pink of the dress and nodded.

“Okay, okay, I see your point. Put on the next one, I’ll be right back.” Ira holds back a sigh of relief and headed to the changing area. Pulling the blue dress off and on a dusty purple dress. She liked this one much better. As she stepped out, Hilda returned with a dusty, pale pink gown.

“Oooooh I like that color on you! We should get that one for sure!” Ira smiled a tiny bit.

“Yuri’s onto something with the purple.” Claude conceded. Ira couldn’t help her giggle.

“Okay, what about trying on this one? I know it’s pink but it’s not as bright.” Ira looked it over, biting her lip. It wasn’t bad, not anywhere near as bright as the pinks Hilda or Constance wears.

Trying it on couldn’t hurt, right?

“….Fine, I’ll try it.” Claude’s eyes widen.

“Are you sure you’re Iradessa Von Vestra? I thought you wouldn’t be caught dead in pink.” Ira rolls her eyes at him as she heads to change into the gown. Hilda squealed in delight, clapping her hands together. Claude looked at her. “What spell did you use on her?”

”Maybe I’m just more convincing than you.” Ira shook her head as she changed. Carefully putting the purple one on the chair for later. Once she’s in the dress she hesitates at the mirror. The shade of pink isn’t bad, she’ll give it that, but it might be too far from her comfort zone for now. She feels like shrinking in on herself, suddenly aware of the fabric.

A sudden flash of her mind has her seeing it splattered with blood and almost sends her stumbling back.

This is a bad idea. Her mind says, screams even. You’re being stupid, selfish. How could you? You’ll put them in danger you know. You can’t have this, you can’t have normal, can’t be normal.

“Ira? Everything okay?” Hilda calls, pulling Ira out of her racing mind. Ira swallowed thickly. Stepping out stiffly so Hilda would be satisfied with her trying on the dress. She won’t be getting it.

”Oh it’s so pretty!” Hilda starts, but then Claude clears his throat and gives her a look. One that says pay attention to her expression and then her tune changes. “But I understand if it’s too much at once. We won’t get anything that makes you uncomfortable, I promise.”

Ira just nods, heading to change again. She chooses a dark red dress, one that will feel right at home in the Empire’s fashion. The darkness of the fabric lets her come back from her stiffness, but when she steps out in it, she notices Claude’s eyes narrow. Like he’s thinking the same thing, that it belongs in the empire, and the thought isn’t one he enjoys.

”Oh wow…well we know you pull off dark colors well.” Hilda comments. Ira looks at Claude again, who forces a smile.

“It’s nice.” He says. He’s lying.

“I think there’s one more.” Ira says, heading back behind her curtain.

She doesn’t remember Hilda bringing this dress in. Ira briefly wonders if Claude snuck it in himself. But why would he? He likes yellows, golds, greens, black. Why would he sneak a pure white dress into the mix?

The fabric is light, airy, flowy. Like it’s meant to be worn in the sun. Where Ira was told she was never meant to dwell. Ira swallows, and puts it on and it…feels nice. It still feels odd but it feels nice too, not at all the visceral reaction she got from the pink one. Maybe it’s because she’s worn white before…

Or maybe it’s the idea that Claude picked it. That this was the one he wanted to see her in the most. That he picked it out with his own two hands and slipped it into the dressing room when no one was looking.

She could almost feel his hands on her waist, feeling the fabric, toying with it a bit, before wrapping his arms around her and letting them travel. How he’d spin her around in his arms to keep her on her toes, and to make her look at him, his hand trailing along her jawline and neck, down to her collarbone and-.

”Ira? Everything alright?” Hilda calls again. Ira clears her throat and shakes her head to try and rid herself of the fantasy.

“Fine! Just had a bit of trouble with one of the buttons, I got it now.” She attempts to force her blush down as she steps out into the area. Hilda gasps, Claude’s lips part slightly and he straightens in his spot.

“Oh wow. The white really brings out your hair, and the cut of the dress is just so flattering- I don’t remember picking this out tho…oh well, little miracles!” Hilda giggles.

Claude clears his throat. “Y-yeah, it looks amazing.” He crosses his legs as he speaks, trying not to stare.

Hilda claps her hands together. “Alright well! We’ve tried things on, now pick out your favorites and we’ll bring them to the front and head out!” Ira nods, heading back into the changing room and picking out some of them. The pale blue dress, the dusty purple, a light green, the white dress.

”…I have to say Miss Gonriel has wonderful taste but I am surprised…” Ivy commented as she hung the dresses. Ira turned to look at her from her place at the vanity, night had fallen and Ira was drained.

”Surprised about what?” Ivy smiles softly and holds up the purple dress.

”All the color she was able to convince you of. Honestly, I’m excited to see it.” Ira rolled her eyes and pushed down her rising blush.

”It was a change of mind, I can’t have that?” Ivy chuckles.

”Of course, of course. I’m just…happy for you. You seem…brighter here.” Ira looked at her again with a questioning look.

“…Brighter?”

”Happier, more…relaxed.” Ivy explained. Ira turned back to the mirror, letting the thought stew in her mind. “It’s good thing, it’s good to see you this way.”

She…was happier, she was less on guard which was…odd. She would’ve thought she’d be far more on her guard, being in a place she didn’t know the territory of. But she was relaxing, and she didn’t even notice it. Claude had managed to make her relax without her realizing it. And now she realized he almost always had, sure it had taken work getting there but…his presence put her at ease and it was because he tried without making her realize he was.

Ira shook herself out of her thoughts and rose to her feet.

“I’m going head to bed, everyone else is arriving tomorrow for the Round Table meeting before the festival, and that means meeting more people.” Ivy nods.

“Goodnight Ira.”

“Goodnight Ivy.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Ira stared at her wardrobe with color now woven into the seams like an odd gradient rainbow. She stood there for a good three minutes just looking at the black and the rainbow with her eyebrows knit together.

She knew she was saving the outfit Hilda brought with her, the black flower embroidered skirt with the sash, for the first day of the festival, which was tomorrow. But with the new options in her closet…she wasn’t sure what to do now. Her eyes landed on the white dress.

It wouldn’t be…too bad to wear it. It’s not like she hadn’t worn white before just…not without her signature color. But what she really ready to take that step before the rest of the future of the Alliance arrived? This is what she would be seeing them in, greeting them in. If any of them have been told to expect her, they’ll be expecting black. Maybe she should catch them off guard the next day.

But the white dress sits there, tempting her, calling her by her name. She won’t be with them for long today, their schedule is taken by the meeting and the heirs are to be attending it, she already planned to be outside with one of the books Claude gifted her.

The question was really, was she to give into her comfort and expectation, or give into temptation?

All at once she blindly reached out and pulled on fabric, then hurried to change. Everyone would be arriving soon, and she wasn’t going to be late.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Claude stood just outside the entrance of the manor idly watching as carriage after carriage pulled into the estate. Today was meeting day, which meant greeting everyone, having a bit of time to chat with Ira before having the rest of the day listening to people argue politics like he and the others weren’t even there.

He’d admit, he was slightly irritated. He understood having him know how the meetings worked and seeing how they went, but when he and the others are completely ignored it makes his and his fellow heir’s presence seem pointless.

Ira, who wasn’t apart of the Alliance and had no ties yet to the families of the Round Table, wouldn’t be permitted to attend the meeting. When he’d told her about that decision she’d been completely understanding, saying she didn’t expect to be attending and would find something to do on the large estate. She did however say she would greet the others when they arrived, he wondered where she was.

Footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts and he looked over his shoulder. And there was Ira, dressed in her signature black.

He smiled softly, figuring the day was a lot for her and not expecting her to push herself, not wanting her too anyway. This was all about making her comfortable with herself, and there was really nothing wrong with her in black.

“Good morning Claude.” She said as she arrived at his side.

“Good morning, you’re just in time, everyone’s starting to arrive.” He looks back at the carriages and see’s Lysethia exiting her carriage and stretching a bit. “You ready to greet everyone?” He teases. Ira smirks a bit at him.

”Absolutely.”

When Lysethia turns to them she pauses and blinks at Ira, clearly confused, before shaking it off quickly and straightening as she strode over to the two.

“Hi Lysethia, how was the trip?” Claude asks with a grin. Lysethia huffs at his tone a bit.

”It was fine, thank you. I wasn’t expecting you to have a guest from the Enpire.” She comments, nodding to Ira.

”Right, I don’t think you’ve officially meet. This is-“ Claude starts.

”Iradessa Von Vestra.” Lysethia finishes for him. “I know. I’ve heard about you, I can’t say it’s much but…”

”People talk, I’m aware. And many find me…let’s say odd.” Ira finishes for her when the girl pauses and struggles with how to continue her sentence without offending the older girl. Lysethia blinks.

”I see, I didn’t realize you would be aware of how people talk about you.” Ira smirks a bit.

”I know a lot of things people wouldn’t expect. It’s one of the reasons they find me off putting.” Claude makes a face.

”I don’t find you off putting.” Ira rolls her eyes.

”And I wasn’t referring to you.” Ira suddenly feels an arm slide into hers and she looks over to see Hilda.

”Well those are the people who don’t spend time with you because I agree with Claude, you aren’t off putting at all!” Lysethia folds her arms across her chest.

”I didn’t see your carriage Hilda, when did you arrive?” Hilda smiles.

”Oh I came yesterday, I got wind that Ira was visiting over the festival and I simply had to come early! You brought your festival wear right Lysethia? I wanna make flower crowns to match our outfits with you, Ira, and Marianne!” Lysethia huffs.

”Yes, I did, I’m not a child!” Ira resisted to urge to quirk her head at the reaction as Hilda held her hands up in mock surrender.

“Okay, okay, I’m going to check with Marianne too and I’ve already checked Ira’s so it isn’t just you ya know!”

”…Alright, fine. Marianne’s carriage was in front of mine but you know she likes to check on the horses before they go to the stables.” Lysethia said. Hilda grinned, slipping at arm out from Ira’s.

”I’ll go get her to introduce you two then!” She said to the red head excitedly, already skipping off to the blue haired girl who was smiling softly at the horses attached to the carriages.

“You see where Lorenz’s carriage was?” Claude asked the white haired girl.

“His was behind mine, but you know he takes forever to get out of a carriage.” Claude chuckled.

”Yeah, if it isn’t a ball he takes his sweet time.” Ira hums a bit.

”You didn’t tell him a thing did you?” Claude smiled.

”I like surprises, they make life fun.” Ira raises a brow at him. There was a crunching of gravel and Hilda’s light giggle that alerts them to the approach of the two women. Ira looks over and sees them arm and arm, Marianne almost shying away anxiously.

The first time she met her Marianne had acted similarly, mumbling out a short greeting and introduction before hurrying off as quickly as possible and trying to hide herself somewhere in a corner. Ira had spotted her though, eyes trained to be too sharp for that.

”Ira, this is Marianne Von Edmund, have you two met before?” Hilda asks. Ira smiles at her and nods, to which Marianne blinks at her like she’s shocked she remembers her.

”We have, briefly, a few years ago now at my first ball. It’s good to see you again Marianne.” She looks a bit like a doe caught off guard, before she shakes herself out of it.

”I-it’s good to see you again too, I-Iradessa” I smile softly at her.

“Just Ira is fine, you don’t have to use Iradessa.” She gives a tiny smile and nods, and Ira can feel Claude’s smile at their interactions.

”Ah! Hilda! Marianne! How wonderful to see you both, I trust you both had comfortable trips?” Lorenz asks as he strides over confidently, and Ira realize he hasn’t seen her yet as Marianne and Hilda block her from his view. Claude smirks, clearly noticing as well and taking a step closer to Ira.

“I had a good trip yesterday, thank you Lorenz, how was your trip?” Hilda asks as she turns to face him. Lorenz raises a brow.

“Yesterday? You came early?” Hilda giggles.

“Yup! I did!”

”Whatever for?”

”Well,” Claude interjects, bringing Lorenz’s attention to Claude. “She heard I have a guest and, Hilda being Hilda, decided to come early to make sure she was properly prepared for the festival tomorrow.” Lorenz blinked.

”Guest? Who?” At that exact moment Marianne moves a bit with Hilda and allows Ira into Lorenz’s view. She smiles as his eyes widen in shock and horror.

”Hello Lorenz.”

There was little more Ira found entertaining at boring balls and events than watching Lorenz Hellman Glouster’s confidence and stature crumble into pure, visceral fear and horror when he realizes how close in proximity he is to her. It’s the same feeling of watching men who feel they’re so superior being brought down the several pegs needed to crash down and land face first into the earth. She doesn’t even have to do anything special, just her presence is enough to make him look like he’s about to run for the hills.

Ira could hear Claude attempting to keep in his laughter, the sound of his stifled chuckle forcing a tiny, amused smile on her face. Lysethia looked shocked at Lorenz’s expression, clearly having never seen him acting like this before, let alone in front of a woman, of which he claims to be able to converse and even woo with ease. The white haired girl’s expression shifts from shock to amusement quickly, she’s clearly been annoyed by his antics before Ira met her.

Hilda is entirely unhelpful for the violet haired man, far more focused on Marianne, who looks throughly confused at the interaction.

“I- W-what brings you to the Alliance?” He stutters out. It takes nearly everything within Ira to hold back her smirk.

”Claude invited me. It’s been a very nice trip so far, Derdriu is beautiful.” Ira looks to Claude when she speaks for a moment and he smiles at her, then Lorenz. Ira looked back to Lorenz and smiled as well, which she watched as his eyes filled with more horror as she did. She realized it was probably the first time she ever smiled around him and it was most likely unnerving. He quickly cleared his throat.

”I-I see, well I’m glad you’re enjoying your time here…” he trails off a bit, before seemingly gaining the courage to ask. “Will you be staying for the festival?” Ira nods.

”I will be. Claude ensured my trip would include it, and Hilda’s quite excited.” Lorenz stiffens.

”Ah, w-well…does that mean you’ll be…joining us for the round table meeting?” Ira shakes her head.

“Oh no, as an empire native I have no place at your meeting.” Lorenz nearly deflates and just holds back a sigh of relief. Ira feels a tinge of mischievousness hit her heart. “But I’ll be around.”

Lorenz stiffens again at the implication of Ira, who has been compared to the shadows in the night, lurking around the estate during the meeting and having no clue where exactly she would be. She found watching that realization hit him extremely amusing.

“Well I’ll leave you all to get settled.” Ira said, swiftly turning on her heel and disappearing into the manor. As she walked down the hall, holding in her laughter, a few moments passed before rushed footsteps came up behind her. The laughter that came with them alerted her to who it was.

”That was incredible! I’ve seen his reaction just talking about you but him in direct proximity-!” He puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen a bit, but they’re clearly still amused. Ira shrugged, a smile gracing her lips.

”I didn’t do much of anything really.” Claude stepped to be in her path, leaning down as he spoke.

”And that was the best part! You were just there. And that was all it took! And that last little comment? ‘I’ll be around’? Absolutely terrified him. Incredible performance, no notes.” He finishes his speech with a bit of clapping, causing the blood to rush to Ira’s cheeks like a rush of water.

“Oh please, it was nothing really.” Claude shakes his head at her.

“Oh no no no, it was vastly entertaining. I would watch it a thousand times if I could.” Ira can’t help her giggle.

“Alright, alright, I get it.”

”Good, your talents shouldn’t be dismissed.” He said. The two stand there, and Ira feels a sense of deja vu as she recalls this situation has happened similarly before. They’ll talk, they’ll laugh, they’ll look at each other, and then there’s the draw.

A magnetic draw that pulls them together, against what she believes, realistically, she can resist. But each time it happens she feels like her resistance is weakening. Unraveling overtime, becoming worn and threadbare like a fabric past its time.

She can feel his body heat now, and it sets her body abuzz, a tingling sensation under her skin that makes her alert to him and only him. His eyes, the shining emeralds that pull her in every time, gaze at her like she’s the only important thing in the world right now.

Claude’s hand carefully finds hers, threading his fingers with her own and making her skin feel like it’s on fire. Ira’s breath catches in her throat, she swallows thickly as he leans closer, and closer, and-

Footsteps pulls them out of the trance and Claude looks up. Eyes closing for a second in…annoyance? Before he sighs. Their hands are still entwined and it takes everything for Ira to pull her hand from his grip, which pulls his gaze back to her.

“You should get ready for your meeting.” She says, her voice barely a whisper. Claude swallows, nodding a bit. Ira smiles at him. “Good luck.”

With that the two part ways, Ira up the stairs to head to her room, and Claude back to where the meeting will be held. As Ira reached the second floor landing she turned to look back at Claude, and found him turning to look back at her as well.

He smiles, amused, and waved at her. She waves back, before heading to her room to locate her book at try and stop her mind racing at him holding her hand. As she opens the door she can still feel the weight of his hand in hers like a phantom, the feeling of his fingers weaving into hers so effortlessly.

His hand fit in hers like it was meant to be there, and Ira caught sight of herself in the vanity mirror and saw how red her face had become from just him holding her hand for a moment. Was she that starved for touch? That merely his hand in hers was something so powerful that it made her flush like the roses in the garden below.

She could almost hear Ferdinand’s laugh in her mind. Not cruel, just…amused. He’d be happy for her, probably tell her it was natural or even if it wasn’t that it’s alright because Hubert was similar and he found it enduring. What was she to do? How could she quell this? What was wrong with her? Who could she even ask? Not Hubert, he would probably march down into Alliance territory and drag her back and she wasn’t ready to do that yet. Ferdinand…maybe but that runs the risk of Hubert finding out what’s happening and the same problem happening just more people involved.

Edelgaurd? No. She had little to no known interest in these things, at least that Ira had been able to observe, and she would most likely inform Hubert which rises the same problem with Ferdinand.

Constance would absolutely not shut up about it if informed, and probably would have advice but…would it be good advice? Balthus definitely wouldn’t have good advice for her, he wouldn’t understand why she hasn’t acted on her feelings yet. Hapi too, though she would be far more blunt about it and less making a joke about it. That just leaves…

Yuri. The man who was like a second brother. Who had done a dance of seducing nobles with no actual interest in them until he found Balthus and that took some realizing. He was the one who could understand, the one who knew the most about her history, besides Hubert and Edelgaurd who her bother tells everything.

Ira sat at the vanity and grabbed the parchment and quill within one of the drawers, beginning to write.

Ira honestly marvels at her luck, she caught the courier just before he was leaving to give him the letter for Yuri. When she told him its destination in the Kingdom she urged him it was really no rush and tipped him generously anyway. He chuckled as she does.

”You say no rush but the tip would suggest otherwise.” Ira gave a tiny smile.

“You’re headed far and for many days, I thinks it’s only what you deserve.” He tipped his hat.

”Thank you Miss.”

”No trouble. Safe travels.” With that they left, Ira back into the estate and the courier off to deliver. Ira slipped into the gardens, making another effort to be seen by anyone as she slipped out. She doubted many did unless they looked up and saw a faint trail of black fabric.

Once outside she walked with a purpose to her destination. The window just below her room. When she got there. She waited a bit. Sat in the grass, read her book. But the moment she knew everyone in the garden was far enough, or out of the garden entirely, she turned to the wall.

She scanned it quickly, and found what she was looking for just as fast. The carving of a deer. She smirked, turning its head and clicking the secret door open before slipping into the passage way.

As the door closes behind her she dug in the secret pocket of her dress, pulling out a box of matches. Dropping her book on the floor, she pulled a match out and struck it to light, then held it up to the fuel soaked torch on the wall, which caught quickly. She blew the match out, rolling it in the dirt for good measure, before slipping the match back into the box to dispose of later.

Ira then takes the torch off the wall swiftly and headed down the secret hall. Quickly she began to hear voices, and she followed.

There was another torch hold in the wall where the voices were loudest, she could hear Count Gloucester spouting on about some nonsense, it sounded just as ear splitting from behind the muffle of the wall. Ira shakes her head at it, and as she does, something catches her eye.

One of the bricks on the wall is distinctly…outward. Like it’s not set in quite right. She places the torch in the hold on the wall and turns her attention to the brick. It’s just above eye level, but nearby is an old box.

Ira tests it to see how sturdy it is, and finds it able to support her weight. She slips it into place and stands on it, the brick now perfectly at eye level. Delicately she slips it out of its place on the wall, and the light from the room on the other side floods in through two, perfectly carved holes in the wall. Like eyes.

Peering through Ira can see the entire meeting room she had been shown on the tour of the estate. It had a large portrait of the original Riegan above what she was told was the Duke’s seat.

From the view point she can look down and see Oswald sitting in his chair, just the top of his head, to

his right is Claude in a chair brought in like the rest of the heir’s. Next to Claude is Judith, then Hilda and her father, then Lysethia and her’s, then Marianne and her adoptive father Margrave Edmund, then Lorenz and Count Glouster. There’s a few filler in there that don’t catch Ira’s eye as she comes to the realization that she’s looking into the meeting from the eyes of the portrait.

“Now you’re just raving madness Gloucester!” Judith says, falling back in her chair dramatically, clearly tired.

”Well if you would once listen to reason-“ the Count started back.

“Enough.” Oswald commanded, immediately making the two fall silent, glaring at each other. Lorenz, for his part, looked embarrassed at his father’s behavior. Which Ira felt more than fair, at least he had the sense to be embarrassed and not blindly follow his lead, a score for Lorenz that she never thought he would gain in her favor, but thus trip had been proving many things she never thought possible before.

Lysethia looked annoyed, Hilda bored, Marianne…worried, and Claude…well she had to strain to see but it was a mixture of annoyance and boredom. All at once it culminated in him shifting in his chair, and his eyes wondering and landing on the portrait, directly into her own eyes.

Ira’s breath hitched, time froze at the feeling of being caught and she dared not let her breath out for fear he could hear it. His expression changed to curiosity as he stared longer, and she knew he could tell she was watching.

”Something interesting about the painting Claude?” Hilda asked, almost hopeful to find something to occupy her mind with. Claude too what felt like forever but could’ve only been a few seconds to pry his eyes from hers.

”Just something about it I never seemed to notice before…that’s all. Can’t quite explain it, ignore me.” Ira took the opportunity to slip the brick back in its place silently. She waits a moment for the talking to return to normal before stepping off the box and taking the torch again, heading back towards the gardens where she’ll spend the rest of the round table meeting time actually reading her book and where she’ll let Claude find her.

She’ll go deeper in the garden though, for good measure, just say she wanted a small change in scenery or needed better lighting to read. It’ll be a lie, a maybe he’ll see right through it. But how does she explain that she was spying, not for the purpose of gaining political information, but just because she was curious. That she wanted to hear Claude’s voice. Sure the first option, the one that she wanted him to believe despite herself, would get her in trouble. Would most likely break their trust but the second.

The second one, the true one, sets her skin ablaze and her heart to beat a million miles a minute. And the option of broken trust hurts her just as much as the idea that she’s…whatever she is with Claude. Friends? For now, at least that’s the word she’ll use.

Before she knows it, Ira’s back out in the gardens and the secret door is closed behind her. She plants herself in a well lit area under a tree and cracks open her book, one Claude gave her, and tries to focus on reading it.

But her mind wonders. Wonders the Claude and his piercing, knowing gaze. If he hadn’t been so bored in the first place he never would’ve noticed her at all, she’s sure of that. But he looked…almost amused at finding her there. Surprised to be sure, but amused. Most would be angry to find someone, especially someone they were close to, let alone courting, spying on an important political meeting.

Ira didn’t even know why she did it, the intensity of the voices drew her in and before she knew it, her instinct and training was taking over. She didn’t know what she would do if Claude hated her after this, she’d understand, of course, but…

At this point her feelings are too strong for her to deny and even if she can’t put a finger on what to call them…she knows she doesn’t want to lose him.

It’s there, in the garden of the Von Riegan estate that Iradessa Von Vestra begins to realize.

She undeniably , unchangeably, irreversibly loves Claude Von Riegan. Even if she isn’t sure what to call it yet.

Goddess this trip was going to be the death of her.

When Claude is finally released from the hell of the round table meeting he immediately sets out to find Ira. Upon asking some of the staff he gathers that she’s been reading out in the gardens for quite some time, and he heads out the doors and into the darkening rows of flowers and shrubs.

He finds her sitting under a willow tree, flowers surrounding her and the sun setting behind her head, making her look ethereal, like something sent from the heavens even in the pitch black fabric she was clothed in. He feels himself smile, taking a moment to just…take her in like this. Serene and peaceful, nose in her book.

When he strides forward she hears the grass and leaves crunch under his feet and Ira looked up. He grinned.

”Good book?” He asked, drawing closer. Ira huffs out a light, airy laugh.

“Yes. You should know, you sent it to me after all.” She says, marking her place and closing the book. He lowers himself to sit with her.

“Good to know you’re still enjoying my first gift to you.” He says, looking her over.

Ira’s tense, drawn tight like a bow string drawn back and ready to fire. Deadly and taught. She knows he knows. Knows he caught her looking in through the cut out eyes of the portrait. And she’s…scared.

Afraid of his reaction, it’s an odd emotion to see on her, one he doesn’t enjoy seeing. It bubbles and boils behind her eyes like a retched, viscus poison. Slowly bringing her down.

“I-…yes, I enjoy it greatly.” She swallows thickly. He waits a moment, before sighing a bit.

”So, we gonna talk about the elephant in the garden or are we going to dance around it? Because it’ll be hard to without music.” Ira clears her throat, taking a breath before building the courage to look him in the eye.

”…I was exploring the secret hallways when I heard voices. I…was curious, we hadn’t been down that way before, and…I guess my training kicked in even if I didn’t want it too. I wasn’t intending to spy on the meeting, I didn’t hear anything but, quite frankly, petty arguing. But…” she takes another breath. “But nonetheless I am deeply sorry for spying. I understand if your trust in me has been broken-“

“Hey.” He cuts her off, taking her hand gently. “I get it. And to be honest, if it had been me in your position, I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. Actually it was nice seeing you, if only for a tiny bit…and even if it was only your eyes.” He chuckles a bit, making Ira chuckle too.

“You’re not mad?” Ira asked, the last traces of the poisonous fear lingering in her voice. Claude shakes his head.

“No. I’m not.” She sighs out in relief, relaxing. Good, better, the bow string is back to its resting position. They take a moment, sitting there in the garden against the setting sun, her hand in his.

How he wishes to stay here forever, with the sweet perfume of the flowers, the soft breeze. To sit here, with her, and pull her into him and kiss her until they can’t breathe anymore.

Sometimes he imagines what it would feel like, his lips on hers. Her lightly calloused hands running through his hair, down his jaw, his neck, his chest…

He forces himself out of the fantasy as he imagines Ira’s hands wondering lower, reminding himself that dinner practically now, and he cannot attend dinner with the Round Table nobles with a hard on.

“Well, dinner is soon, we should get going.” Ira blinks, looking up and just realizing how low the sun had set.

“Right I have to get changed for dinner-“ Claude chuckled, pulling Ira from her urgency.

“You look perfect now.” He said, and watched the blush bloom on her cheeks like the roses around them. He smiled as it did, and she quickly looked away.

“While I thank you for the compliment, I do have to change, and while I’m sure you or Judith or even your grandfather wouldn’t mind, Count Gloucester holds society rules in such high regard. And according to those, I have to change for dinner.” Claude sighs dramatically.

“You’re right…” then he grins mischievously. “Shall we take the secret passage? It’ll be faster.” Ira chews her lip, thinking it over.

“…I mean it will be faster…” With that Claude stands, pulling Ira to her feet with him.

“Come on, let’s get you to your room.” He says, leading her to the garden’s secret door, hand still clasped in hers. His heart flutters at the fact that she doesn’t pull away, even as they pull out of her secluded willow tree and to the main entrance of the garden, then to the side and the wall of the mansion where the deer carving was.

Claude opens the door with his free hand, turning the deer head to click the wall open and the two enter quickly, shutting it behind them as well.

Ira’s hair dances in the firelight, the orange hue of the strands waving with the torch’s flame, making it seem as if her own hair was fire itself. The sight was mesmerizing. Intoxicating, even, but Claude found he could just look at her for hours so maybe the intoxicating thing was just Ira herself.

Claude takes a moment to take the torch off the wall before leading them down the way that would get them to the second floor and to their rooms. When they reach the second floor, instead of the door to the hallway, he stops at one just short of it, around a corner.

“Where are we going?” Ira asked.

“Well if my memory is correct, and hopefully it is because of we come in on someone else that would be a rude awakening, this…” he trailed off, putting the torch on the wall, turning the deer head and opening the secret door…right into her room. “Should be your room. I haven’t used this door before, except for the first time I explored and opened every single door I found, but I swear I haven’t used it since. Pretty sure you would’ve heard me if I had, something tells me you’re a light sleeper.”

Ira blinked at him, a little dumbfounded, a little shocked, in her eyes he could tell he hit the nail on the head that she was a light sleeper, but there was still a bit of anxiety that she wouldn’t believe him. He really hadn’t used this secret door from the first time until now. He was extremely lucky she hadn’t discovered it herself, goddess know what he would’ve done then.

He thinks this is only fair, the anxious waiting as she processes the information. It must have been how she felt waiting for the meeting to be over after he saw her eyes in the portrait. Goddess he really hopes she believes him-

“Okay.” She says finally. Her voice was barely a whisper, Claude nearly missed it.

“What?”

”I believe you. You’re right, I am a light sleeper, I would’ve heard you.” She agreed. He sighed in relief. And Ira laughed. “Looks like you were as anxious about this as I was earlier.” Claude chucked, running a hand through his hair.

”I guess that means we’re even now.” Ira smiled.

“I’d say so.” They stay there, on the threshold of her room, looking at each other, and goddess how Claude wants to kiss her, he feels himself being pulled closer to her like gravity is forcing him back to the ground, and she’s pulling closer to him and if they just get a bit closer and he leans down…

There’s a knock at her door suddenly and a voice calling from the other side.

“Ira? Are you in there?” It’s Ivy, the servant the Von Vestras sent with Ira, and Ira’s friend. Ira pulls back, stepping into her room.

“I should get ready, I’ll see you at dinner.” She whispers, putting her hands on the secret door, ready to close it. And everything in Claude screams to kiss her quickly before she does but he stops himself, stepping back into secret hall and nodding.

”See you at dinner.”

Dinner was…much louder than it had been in previous nights. And while Ira couldn’t say she enjoyed that change, she could whether it. With the addition of so many more people, it meant many weren’t focusing the topic of conversation on her, and that was a small grace she would take.

She sat in her, now, usual seat, next to Claude near the head of the table where Oswald sat. Judith, at her normal place across from Claude. The normally empty seat across from her was occupied by Lysethia, who sat next to her father. Hilda flanked Ira to her right now, Marianne sitting next to Hilda, having been encouraged to by the pink haired woman.

Lorenz though, on the opposite side of the table and nearly as far away as he could be without seeming rude, looked like he was too close to Ira for his comfort. As much as she found it slightly amusing, the irritating noise that his father called “conversation” was overpowering that emotion.

She was beginning to think that Count Gloucester just liked to hear himself talk, and not hold any actual meaningful conversation. In one regard she could compare him to her adoptive father, and that was the fact that they both like listening to their own voices.

Hilda and Claude were her saving graces, casually carrying on their own conversation and subsequently drowning out most of the Count’s drawling.

“I can’t wait for the festival tomorrow, it’s going to be amazing. I would’ve been worried about the dances with Ira, but seeing her at the ball with you, Claude, I have no doubt she’ll do splendidly.” Ira blinked, realizing their conversation had pulled her into the mix now. Claude shrugged.

“Some people wait for the right partner to come along before they dance, nothing wrong with being strategic Hilda.” Claude said, raising his glass to his lips. Ira sensed a subtle implication there, one that made her stomach flutter and heart beat faster. Hilda giggles softly.

“Oh I suppose not. Ira is known for being strategic, it only makes sense.”

“You’re talking about her as if she isn’t between the two of you right now.” Lysethia commented from across the table. A grin brakes out on Claude face as Hilda tried to reign in her giggles. Ira rolled her eyes.

“They’re trying to tease me Lysethia.” Ira explained, keeping her voice measured and even to make her seem completely unbothered. Like the idea of Claude being ‘The right partner’ didn’t just send her mind racing. “They know full well what they’re doing.”

Lysethia huffs at the two of them, mumbling about it still being rude under her breath, but Ira doesn’t focus on that. Can’t focus on it, she can feel Claude smirking next to her and it’s like her skin is on fire where his eyes trail. She swallows softly before turning her head to meet his gaze.

“Are you excited?” He asks. Ira raised a brow in question at him. He rolls his eyes a bit. “For the festival tomorrow. The beginning of it anyway.” He clarifies. Ira takes a moment, pondering the question because she wants to answer him truthfully.

”…I am. I’m interested to see how a festival like this is done in the Alliance.” She responds. Claude grins.

”Well we’ll be sure not to disappointed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ira awoke the next morning to the sun streaming in through her windows, the birds chirping pleasantly outside, the perfect day for a festival.

She rose before Ivy knocked on her door, already looking at the outfit they had prepared the night before. The one Hilda had gifted her. She would debut in color, still with her black, but enough to strike the nobles who know her for her dowerness.

When Ivy came she took half of Ira’s hair and braided it, pulling it together in the back as another knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” Ira asked.

“It’s Hilda! I have a question!” A sing song voice. Ira chuckles softly, rising from her seat. When she opens the door Hilda is standing there, a few flowers in hand “okay, so, we’re making flower crowns, Marianne and I are gathering some from the gardens, which would you prefer?”

Hilda holds out an array of colors, and Ira sees in the basket pink roses, forget me nots, and irises. In her hands there are crocuses, marigolds, black violas, and magnolias.

Ira’s eyes shift between the crocuses and the violas, attempting to decide between the two. Hilda watches her for a moment as she does.

”….If you can’t decide between two flower crowns are lovely with two flowers. Mine and Marianne’s are going to be the pink roses and forget me nots.” Ira smiled softly at that.

“The crocuses and the violas then.” Hilda grinned.

“Got it! Hurry and get changed! I can’t wait to see everyone’s face when they see you!” Ira chucked, shaking her head as Hilda pulls Marianne off. She closes the door and heads to change, pulling off her black nightgown and into the outfit piece by piece, trying to shake the faint memory of Claude’s hand tying the sash at her back and the heat of his hands through the fabric.

Ivy grinned at her as she tied the sash in a knot in the back for her.

“You look wonderful Ira.” She said. Ira gave a tiny smile.

“Thank you, Ivy….” She trailed off.

“Well…I’m sure Hilda is eager to see you, not to mention Claude.” She teased. Ira shot her a look, which Ivy laughed at. “You should get going.”

”Agreed. Thank you Ivy.”

“Thank me by enjoying yourself.” She shot back.

”….I’ll do my best.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

When Ira descended the staircase Hilda and Marianne has finished gathering flowers in the garden. They were gathered with Lysethia, Lorenz, and Claude in the foyer as her feet silently hit the first floor.

Hilda is the first to look up, she grins at the red haired girl and rushes over, basket still on her arm.

”You look wonderful Ira! Perfect for the festival!” Hilda said. Ira gave her a look as Hilda complimented her own gift. She scans everyone else’s outfits. Hilda wore a pink sundress, flowy fabric shifting with every movement. Similarly Marianne’s was a light blue, complimenting Hilda’s perfectly.

Lysethia, like Ira, wore a shirt and skirt combination, the skirt being a light purple. Lorenz’s trousers and shirt were well tailored, the pants a slightly darker shade of purple than Lysethia’s dress, and a bright red rose pinned in his shirt.

Claude was staring at Ira, causing blood to rush to her cheeks. He wore a similar white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a pair of golden trousers with vines embroidered on the pockets and ankles of the pant leg.

“Now us girls will take a carriage together so we can have our flower crowns made before we get to the festival.” Hilda stated, already pulling Ira to the doors. That snapped Claude out of whatever trance he was in, gaze snapping to the pink haired girl and going to protest. “There’s already four of us in the carriage, so you two will have to take another. Have fun!” Hilda’s said, practically pushing Ira out the door and into the waiting carriage.

With no other choice but to get into the carriage Ira takes a seat on the left bench, next to Lysethia who’s already sat across from Marianne. Hilda follows after her and sits next to Marianne. Through the window of the carriage door, as it closes by Hilda’s hand, Ira sees and exasperated Claude. Clearly wanting to have shared a carriage with her instead of Lorenz.

She watches his chest heave in a sigh, and Ira gains a small, sympathetic smile without her knowledge. Her head tilts to the side as they lock eyes and she waves a tiny bit, the horses lurching the carriage forward. Claude smiles back, waving too, before heading into the carriage behind them.

“Okay! Ira, have you ever made a flower crowns before?” Hilda asked, having already pulled flowers out of the baskets and handed them to the other two girls in the carriage.

“I’m sure she has Hilda.” Lysethia said, already starting to weave the steams together. Ira takes the violas and crocuses from Hilda’s hands.

“I haven’t actually.” Ira says, already quietly studying the girl’s weaving and hand movements. Lysethia blinks, clearly shocked.

”Really?” Ira smiles a bit, shaking her head.

”Not once.”

“Well not to worry, you have a master to teach you. Me!” Hilda said, a giggle in her voice. Hilda takes the first few moments of their ride teaching Ira how to weave the flowers together to form a chain.

“You catch on very quickly.” Marianne says quietly from her seat. Ira smiles softly.

”Thank you, I’ve been told I’m a fast learner.” Ira says, alternating her flowers as she weaves. Ira sees Hilda smirk at her from her peripheral vision.

”Soooooo…?” Ira raises a brow.

”I can’t say I know what you’re referring to when all you say is ‘so’ Hilda. You’ll have to be more specific.” Hilda huffs a bit at Ira’s playful jab.

“You and Claude???”

”Again, please be more specific.” Lysethia suppresses a snort next to Ira, causing the red head to smirk.

”Well he’s clearly courting you.” Hilda says. Ira hums.

“And you want to know…?”

”Well??? Do you like him?! I’m dying to know! Half the nobility is!” Ira pauses her weaving. A dark, bubbling, storming feeling starts in her, beginning in her stomach and rising into her chest. Something about ‘the nobility’ being so…obsessed with her social life, let alone love life now…she hated it. What have they done for her? Besides ruin her life, turn her into a monster. There are few she finds tolerable, few she likes.

“To be frank I don’t quite care what the nobility wants to know about my personal affair's.” Her tone was darker than she would like it to be, emotion taking over her as she starts weaving again almost angrily.

The air in the carriage gets heavy, she feels all three girls eyes linger on her for long moments that start to make Ira uncomfortable but she squashes to urge to squirm.

”…I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was a…soft spot.” Ira shakes her head a bit, mainly at the thought that she even has soft spots. She shouldn’t have those as a monster.

“It’s fine.” She says, gentler, the air lighting almost immediately. “I just…don’t like certain people prying is all. I…haven’t fully figured out my feelings they’re…” she trails off, trying to figure out how to convey what she means.

”…complicated?” Hilda asks. Ira nods. Hilda’s hand reaches out, finding Ira’s and pulling her gaze up to the pink eyed girl. Hilda smiles at her softly, genuinely. “They can be. They are. Take your time, don’t rush yourself. It’ll be worth it in the end.”

Ira looks at her. Seeing Hilda’s genuine want to help. Ira nodded, and Hilda smiled.

”Okay, now that the chain is long enough you just secure the two ends and it’s a crown!” Ira smiles softly, taking the two ends and creating a circle of black and purple flowers.

Claude hated this. Just him and Lorenz in a carriage, by themselves, neither of them had spoken yet, both were looking out different windows awkwardly. Claude wished Ira was here, hell he wished any of the others were here. He’d take Lysethia scolding him for something over this.

Claude sighs softly, watching the scenery go by and waiting what felt like ages for them to reach the festival grounds. He resists the urge to bounce his leg as Lorenz moves out of the corner out of his eye. And then he feels the other man’s eyes on him. Watching, assessing, observing him. Claude lets it go on for a bit before speaking up.

”Something on your mind?” Claude asks, turning his attention from the window to the purple haired man. Lorenz’s expression is a collage of emotions. Curiosity, confusion, surprise and shock are mixed in there too.

“…Iradessa Von Vestra?” He asks. Like the question speaks for itself. Really it does but Claude refuses to allow it to speak for itself. Ira’s a person like anyone else, she should be treated and talked about like anyone else, not some mirage or phantom. She’s not a ghost story she’s a woman damn it.

“What about my guest?” Claude shoots back, arms crossing over his chest almost protectively. Lorenz sighs, clearly not wanting to have to say what he meant but knowing that Claude wouldn’t answer his questions without that. He watches Lorenz weigh his options a moment, most likely figuring out of answers or image matter more to him, before speaking again.

”You’re…courting her, yes?” He asks finally. Claude nods in response.

“I’ve been trying to make that pretty clear but I appreciate the check in.” Lorenz huffs.

”I don’t mean it like that, I would never attempt to court her myself, you needn’t worry on that front.” Claude isn’t sure if he should be relieved or insulted in Ira’s behalf. He settles on both, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Where is this going? Besides a direction that’s insulting my guest?” Lorenz clears his throat.

”What I wanted to ask is…why?” Claude blinks.

“Why…? Why am I courting her?” Claude clarifies. Lorenz huffs and nods.

“Yes!” Claude stares at him like he’s a particularly confusing but fascinating poison. “…Don’t look at me like that, you know her reputation.”

”I don’t really like basing my knowledge of people off reputation, I find that inaccurate. Why wouldn’t I want to court her?” Claude shoots back. Lorenz scoffs. And the anger at the insult to Ira is starting to take over the relief he previously felt.

“Please. Yes, she’s pretty, beautiful in fact, I won’t lie to you there but-“

”I would choose your words really carefully.” Claude warned. Lorenz paused, looking at him in shock and wonder.

”…You’re…” he trails off, expression softening in a way Claude isn’t sure he likes. One that makes him feel like Lorenz sees a vulnerable part of him, an Achilles Heel. “…You’re truly in love with her, aren’t you?”

“Why do you care?” Lorenz took in a breath, looking away for a moment.

“You already know she…”

”Terrifies you, yeah, get to the point?” Lorenz huffs at him.

”Have you ever considered why?” Claude looks at him, and Lorenz looks back, imploring.

“You said it yourself, she has a reputation. Everyone thinks she’s scary.” Lorenz shakes his head.

”Everyone thinks she’s offputting. Too aloof. I-…” he sighs, and Lorenz has a look in his eyes like he doesn’t want to say what he’s about to but for the sake of something greater is going to share it with Claude, someone he doesn’t quite like, anyway. “When I first met her there was this…look in her eyes.”

Claude’s eyebrows knit together questioningly.

“What look?”

”Like…like she knows everything dark and horrible in the world, in you. Even things that you don’t know. Like she’s hiding something. I’m scared of her for the same reason I don’t trust you. Both of you are hiding something but she-…” he shakes his head. “…She’s hiding something dangerous.”

Silence falls over the carriage. The two sitting there with the thought. Claude knew, of course, what Ira was hiding. And the thing was, Lorenz wasn’t wrong.

“…I say this because…as the future leader of the Alliance, you have to consider this, Claude. If she’s a danger to the future, our future…then no matter how much you love her she can’t be your Duchess.” Claude looks up at him, tearing his gaze from the floor of the carriage. Lornez’s eyes are pleading, vulnerable, genuine.

“I may not fully trust you…but it’s the Alliance’s future at stake, Fodlan’s future. For that, I would do anything.” He continues. Claude nods, taking a second to take a deep breath and collect his thoughts.

“…I understand your concern.” He starts. And Lorenz looks at him, clearly wary but there’s a tinge of hope in his eyes that Claude catches. He hooks onto that. “I do.” He assures.

“…I feel like there’s a but in this sentence.” Lorenz says. Claude chuckles.

”Sort of. If Ira is dangerous, have you considered why?” Lorenz blinks. Clearly confused.

”I-…what?”

”I’ll take that as a no.” Lorenz stutters over his words for a bit.

“I- what do you mean by that?”

”Have you considered that she’s had to be dangerous? To survive.” Lorenz scoffs and before he can comment Claude continues. “I mean, it’s well known information that she was a ward of the Von Vestras for years before they officially adopted her, and that was after the discovery of her crest. She doesn’t talk about the time before that, her birth family. So…is it so out of the realm of possibility that she’s learned to be that way because she needed it?”

Lorenz is quiet now, clearly contemplating. When he does speak he has an almost guilty expression on his face.

”…I supposed not.” Claude nods, happy he was getting somewhere.

“So…that being said…would you be so opposed to her if you knew she was on our side?” Lorenz sighs.

”I can’t imagine her not siding with the empire if the time came.”

”I think she would surprise you.” Claude countered. Lorenz looked at him, cautious but that clear spark of hope growing in his eyes. Claude smiled softly. “You just gotta give her a chance.”

Lorenz sighed, then nodded.

”Alright…” he said. Claude smiled at him a bit wider. “…I still think you have a death wish. She’s scary enough, but her brother is another story. He is terrifying whenever anyone comes near her or Edelgaurd.” Claude laughed.

”I noticed.”