"You're perfect."

She barely bats an eyelash at Monica's gushing praise anymore, even when it's unwarranted. The battle's been over for hours, they've just arrived at a local inn, and they're both sweaty. Edelgard's hair is coming loose from its ponytail, her face is dirty, and her boots are caked with mud.

But she wouldn't be Monica if she didn't call her perfect even when she was a mess. By now, Edelgard has basically pieced together the start of and the reason for Monica's intense devotion; part of it is just who she's always been, another part is a response to trauma.

"You were perfect out there, and you still look radiant now," Monica says. Edelgard laughs a little as she takes off her armor and her gloves.

"You were no slouch, either. Your magic saved a lot of lives, and so did your memory of every spot on the map." Monica reddens, hands clutching the fabric of her dusty skirt.

"Your Majesty, please, I hardly deserve such credit. All I did was for you, after all." Edelgard frowns. That's a problem she still has with the constant praise, Monica doles it out like crazy but when Edelgard compliments her, she acts surprised. Or worse, like she doesn't deserve it.

Monica's always been a modest sort, but Edelgard wonders if this issue of hers is another lingering effect of her captivity. She's not like Ignatz or Bernadetta, who shy away from all compliments, but Edelgard means every word she says and wishes Monica realized that.

They put their shoes, armor, and weapons in their proper place and head for the baths. One downside of camp is that depending on the location, washing can be difficult, and Edelgard's not above admitting she misses a nice, luxurious bath now and then. The inn's baths are nothing fancy, but the water is just right and Monica brought some of the fragrant soap Mercedes picked up at the local shops.

The first thing Edelgard does is lather up a cloth and start washing Monica's back. The other woman lets out a surprised squeak, shoulders jumping a bit.

"Your Majesty! I should be the one-"

"Not this time. You worked hard today," Edelgard says, moving her hands in gentle circles. "You always work so hard for my sake, and I don't show my appreciation nearly enough." Monica's back tenses beneath her hands, and she can see the blush spreading to her ears. "So please, allow me."

"A...all right. If that's what Her Majesty wishes."

Edelgard takes her time, gently scrubbing every inch of the other's skin. One nice thing about being short is that she can easily reach all of Monica's back, including the dip and curve just above her rear. When she brushes it, she hears Monica gasp.

They've been lovers for a little over a moon now, and Monica still reacts like that with every touch. Edelgard brings her hands back up the other's sides, towards her breasts, and the next gasp is followed by a low whimper.

"Lady Edelgard..."

"Edelgard." She kisses Monica's shoulder. "Call me by my name." She drops the cloth, cupping Monica's breasts and squeezing. "You're beautiful. I don't think I tell you that enough." Monica arches forward into her touch, and Edelgard runs a hand over her torso, to the juncture of her thighs. They part instantly, and she presses her fingertips against the velvety folds.

"Edelgard...!"

"Yes, just like that. I love the sound of your voice." She grasps a nipple between her thumb and forefinger, squeezing, rubbing, sliding two fingers into Monica's heated core and thrusting gently. "So soft..." Monica writhes against her, gasping, murmuring her name.

It's not the first time she's had Monica at her mercy like this, but even then Monica is so polite and tries to be submissive. Right now she's bucking her hips, mutely begging for more, her hand clasping Edelgard's to her breast.

"Please...I'm close...!"

"Good." She curls her fingers a little, going as deep as she can, her thumb rubbing slow, tight circles around Monica's clit. "Come for me." With a sharp cry and a final jerk of her hips, Monica does just that, panting heavily as her thighs clamp around Edelgard's hand.

When she draws it back, her fingers are slick, dripping with Monica's wetness. Edelgard smiles.

"Let's finish here," she murmurs, "and then go back to our room. I'm not done with you."

They're done in record time, and the moment they're safely back in their room Edelgard kisses Monica firmly, pushing her onto the mattress.

"Edelgard," Monica pants, "wait, I haven't...what about you?" Edelgard shakes her head, her smile now a smirk. She's almost glad Monica didn't absorb the point from earlier, this gives Edelgard another chance to prove it.

"Tonight is all for you. And I haven't kissed you nearly enough."

She drags her lips and tongue slowly down the other's body, along her collarbone and her neck, lingering at a mostly-faded scar she knows was not from their battles. Emotion tugs at her for just a moment, she lifts her gaze lovingly to Monica.

Monica smiles, relaxing into the sheets.

"Then I'm in your hands."

Edelgard lowers her head to one breast, lapping at her nipple, drawing it into her mouth and sucking firmly, gently rolling the other between her fingertips. Monica's gasps and sighs fill the air, Edelgard can sense her rubbing her thighs together already. She's tempted to go there right away, but she wants to take her time.

When she finally does begin to kiss lower, Monica parts her legs. She's wet, glistening, and not just from the baths or their earlier fun.

"You're so beautiful," Edelgard whispers, "even here. No...especially here." And she buries her face between Monica's thighs, weaving her tongue up and down the parted folds. She hears Monica gasp, cry out a little, feels slender fingers tangling in her hair. Please, be as loud as you need to, let me hear you. She traces patterns on the outer lips, kisses the inner ones, teasingly laps at her entrance, savoring the taste and feel of Monica's sex quivering against her mouth.

And all throughout, Monica twists in the sheets and pulls at her hair, crying out for more. She's never been this unhinged in bed, and Edelgard can't get enough. Her tongue sides rapidly back and forth against Monica's clit until the other screams, Edelgard not giving a damn who hears it.

When she slowly lifts her head, she's greeted with the sight of a sweaty body sprawled in the sheets, cheeks as red as her hair, her face glowing with perfect satisfaction.

"You look so good right now," Edelgard says. "Radiant, even."

"Mm..." Monica looks about to argue once again that Edelgard hasn't gotten her due yet, but all she does is move over so Edelgard can lie down with her. When she does, Monica hugs her from behind, nuzzling her shoulder. "That was..."

"Thank you," Edelgard murmurs. "For letting me take care of you. I hope you'll allow it more in the future." Monica laughs softly, tiredly.

"I could give it another try."

They'll have to wake up early tomorrow morning to bathe again, but it's a small price to pay.