Just because the war is over doesn't mean their work is done, and that goes double for Lady Edelgard. Assigning an new archbishop after Count Varley retired in a fit of panic and pathetic tears, gathering the funds needed to fix the monastery after Thales and Lady Rhea crashed through the bridge, helping Ferdinand rebuild Aegir's good name after the damage his father did, making sure Hubert sleeps and Linhardt works, helping Petra build better relations between Brigid and Adrestia.
And that's just Adrestia itself. It took months to hammer out a pact with Faerghus, and they've spent the last week there in talks with King Dimitri and Duke Felix. It's been surprisingly less tense than Monica expected, all things considered. But every night Lady Edelgard leaves the conference table tired, and Monica wishes she could alleviate that burden.
"You are, though," Lady Edelgard says during their second-to-last night as she carefully takes off her armor and boots. Tomorrow they'll finalize the pact, and the day after they'll finally go back to Enbarr. "Having you with me makes all of this easier, and not just because of your amazing memory when it comes to the details."
Even now, Monica is surprised Lady Edelgard relies on her as much as she does. She could have picked anyone else to go with her: one of her Twin Jewels, Ashe or Mercedes due to their old ties with King Dimitri and his friends, Constance for her negotiation skills and charisma. But she chose the girl who follows her around like a puppy and gets them odd looks from people passing by.
There isn't anything Monica wouldn't do for Lady Edelgard, but every now and then she wonders if Lady Edelgard would be happier without such intense declarations. Hearing her say that having Monica with her makes this easier is reassuring, but also surprising.
"I'm glad I can be useful to you then, L-" She pauses. "Edelgard."
That's another thing Monica can't get used to, that Edelgard chose her of all people to be her lover and consort. It's been a month since she proposed to her, at a banquet no less, and sometimes Monica still thinks she's dreaming. Many times, Edelgard has had to remind her to call her only by her name, especially when they're alone.
"You're more than just useful," Edelgard says, locking the door behing them and taking her hands. "Your presence puts my mind at ease."
Even the most basic praise from her makes Monica's heart beat faster, makes her eyes prickle a little. She places a gloved hand on Edelgard's cheek, and is kissed in return. Deep and slow, with a flicker of desire. They've been so busy all week, too exhausted to properly spend any time together, Monica can tell what Edelgard needs and she needs it too.
The kiss broken, they undress quickly, letting their clothing fall in a messy heap beside the bed. Edelgard undoes her ponytail and shakes her hair loose, and Monica gives herself a little distance to just look at her.
She's more scarred even than the average frontline fighter who's seen her share of battles, due to the faint, neat webs on her upper abdomen and her arms. While Edelgard has never been one to cover herself or feel shame easily, it took her a while to allow Monica to look at them or touch them without tensing up.
"They're part of you," Monica says, "I won't try to convince you they're beautiful, but I've never found them ugly. You're perfect just the way you are." Edelgard smiles, stroking one of Monica's wrists.
"Now that the man who did this is dead, I can accept that."
"Good." Monica initiates the kiss this time, cupping Edelgard's perfect breasts and gently squeezing, brushing her fingertips over the nipples. Edelgard relaxes immediately, her low moan reverberating through Monica as she deepens the kiss, sliding her tongue into her mouth.
You've worked hard all week, there's no one I love and admire more than you, and I'm going to take such good care of you tonight.
Her mouth soon leaves her lover's, trailing kisses along her jawline and neck and towards her breast. She drags her tongue slowly over the nipple, tugs it gently between her lips, Edelgard's fingers catching in her hair. Her legs part and Monica slides her hand between them, tracing her open folds before thrusting two fingers into her. Edelgard is soft, hot and wet all around her, core gently squeezing and pulsing around her fingertips, her pleasing scent filling Monica's nostrils.
When she senses her lover is close, she kisses her way down her scarred torso, easing her back onto the bed and burying her face between those strong thighs. Her lips meet the softly pulsing folds, tongue sliding along every inch of her and across her clit until the hand in her hair tightens and she's overcome with Edelgard's wetness.
She'll never get enough of Edelgard's taste, as long as she lives. She raises her head and shifts to lie beside her, Edelgard looking to her with a smile and satiated, half-lidded eyes.
"You always know just what I need." She lies on her side, pulling Monica to her, sliding a hand down her abdomen. "And I know what you need." Edelgard's fingers slide lower, fingers pressing against her heated folds and slipping inside, flicking, rubbing.
"Ah-" Monica squirms against her, tilting her head to the side so Edelgard can kiss her neck, the heat that had been simmering in her since that first kiss of the night bubbling, thickening, and as Edelgard's fingers dance over her clit she spasms, her vision filling with stars.
They're exhausted all over again, but this time it's much more pleasant. Edelgard tugs the covers up over them, nestling against her. They don't need words, Edelgard's kisses to her shoulder and loose embrace say everything Monica needs to know.
Edelgard chose her, wants her, loves her. It may be a while before she wonders why, but Monica will never doubt that her feelings are absolute. Back