Just something I had floating around in my head buuuuut...
Selkie Kaeya, fisherman Childe. Childe-centric, he is given a cabin along the shore of this island by his deceased grandfather. The cabin is in very rough shape. What money Childe makes from fishing goes back into fixing up the cabin. He finds his way into a bar one day and meets Kaeya, a really hot guy who is looking very lonely at this bar. Childe decides to make friends and goes to join Kaeya.
They hit it off! Great friends. Childe comes to the bar once every few days to join Kaeya for a drink. One day, Kaeya invites him to breakfast at this small restaurant by the sea. Childe agrees and they set up a date. When Childe shows up, though, Kaeya is there with another man. Childe decides not to engage considering Kaeya is taken. So, he leaves.
The next few days he focuses on fishing and getting enough money for repairs. He goes back to the bar after a rough day of fishing for a drink and sees Kaeya again. Kaeya has a poorly covered black eye. Childe notes it and despite not wanting to get involved with Kaeya because of the man, he tells Kaeya if he ever needs someone safe to stay, to come to the cabin. He leaves.
Over the next few weeks, he doesn't see Kaeya again. He's been busy and finally able to buy the supplies to begin the repairs. One night, he is having some shitty food when he hears a knock. It's Kaeya. He gives Childe a vintage Louis Vuitton coat with this soft buttery fur. Its in amazing condition, but before Childe can ask any questions, Kaeya is already running off. "Keep it safe! Don't tell anyone I was here."
So Childe puts it in a dustbag because what do you even do with a vintage LV coat?? Its the most expensive thing Childe has ever held? He goes back to his repairs and cleaning the next day. During his repairs on the roof, Kaeya's fiance shows up. He asks about the coat but Childe lies and says he doesn't have it nor has he seen Kaeya in days.
When cleaning later that night, Childe finds a folklore book on Selkies. He reads a bit, brushes it off, and continues to clean. The next day, he actually reads it as he is waiting for the nets to fill. He thinks nothing of it.
A few more nights pass and Kaeya appears on Childe's doorstep again. This time, he is injured. He's bruised, bleeding lip, and very much a DV case. Childe is angry, but he stops himself from going after Kaeya's finace and instead helps Kaeya's wounds. He asks when Kaeya is going to finally leave the guy. Kaeya says soon, but as long as his coat is safe, thats all that matters. Childe realizes that the coat must be Kaeya's fund to leaving. Vintage LV could catch a lot of money.
They end up kissing a bit, Kaeya rides Childe's knee. The end up falling into bed where Childe fingers Kaeya and eats him out, but they go no further. They fall asleep cuddled together. Childe, though, stays awake for most of the night. He doesn't want Kaeya's fiance to find Kaeya there. Kaeya, thinking Childe is asleep, whispers his confession of being a selkie to Childe's 'sleeping' form. He says he's afraid, not because he thinks Childe will capture him once more, but because he's afraid of his fiance. Childe decides that despite everything, he knows Kaeya trusts him. He trusts himself, so, he keeps his mouth shut.
They fool around in the morning too after breakfast with Kaeya giving Childe a handjob. He then leaves like the night at dawn. Every few nights, Kaeya would show up again and they would have dinner and fool around. It never goes far enough.
Finally, Kaeya breaks off his engagement. Kaeya's fiance claims that Childe stole his 'coat' but Kaeya produces receipts and documents to say that the coat was passed down to him as inheritance. Childe realizes this is the reason Kaeya had to wait so long. Kaeya then goes with Childe back to his place. Childe gives Kaeya's coat back, knowing it's significance, but Kaeya just puts it back on the hanger. Not necessarily claiming it, but also not giving it back. They fuck.
The next morning, Kaeya finally tells Childe. Childe says he's known since the first night they laid together. He wants Kaeya to be his own person and deserves to have his pelt. Kaeya kisses him again, and they go for round two. low and behold, Kaeya is pregnant a few weeks later! The End
headcannon that the Zapolyarny palace has portraits of the previous as well as current harbingers and Childe's one is the most noticeable cause he is the youngest... And also how pretty he is in general
Surely, Diluc felt some kind of pressure from all the titles he held. He is born into a noble bloodline, the eldest son of Crepus, the cavalry captain of the KoF, and the supposed holder of his father's dreams. So, do you think he would try to go beyond his capabilities? Would he try to allot his time just to train rigorously; skipping bonding time, meals, and rest? How much of a perfectionist was he that he'd frustrate over his mistakes and shortcomings? [He's everything many people wish to be, so how was he allowed to fail.]
I wonder how long it would take for someone so young, yet resilient, to reach a breaking point.
Like as a child he was carefree and expressive. That carried over into his teens, though, as he neared adulthood, those responsibilities hit harder. When he became the Calvary Captain, it was a brotherly competition. Who could get it? When Diluc does, the he must display himself as a Ragnvindr. He is a child no longer. I think Crepus dying was on top of the grief the responsibility. Diluc had been raised as a heir, taking roles and a heir, but now he had to fill that role. When Kaeya approached him, he was at his wits end. Diluc still holds onto those feelings too I believe.
Then he fucks off the Snezhnaya. Diluc’s age is ambiguous in the canon (though typically around his 20s). I believe he’s more towards his later 20s (27-29) because you don’t win a war with a few battles. Diluc decimates Snezhnaya enough to become a target for the Harbingers to deal with personally. And in that time, Kaeya gets the position that he and Diluc once competed for.
Then Diluc gets deported and is back home?? I need to write a fic of ragbros where Kaeya attempts to help Diluc once he returns. There’s no way Diluc just returns to normality after 4-6 years in Snezhnaya.
Lovers, separated by nation and border. Hidden behind locked doors and letters sealed as confidential correspondence.....
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Potential spoilers for the seeds of war we sow series!
I’ve recently got a comment (on ao3) about how I portrayed Baizhu in the recent chapter of Seeds. I will say, it hurt for me to make him snappy and almost rude. But, believe me, there is some good to come out of it. Baizhu has his reasons for being unaccepting of Diluc. Ya know, the whole war criminal, enemy of their nation, sleeping three doors down with no guards? What would he do??? Secondly, perhaps Diluc isn’t getting the best translation possible. Xiao Yu is just a nervous beta who’s never had to truly do this position before. It also doesn’t help that this story is told in the perspective of Diluc, where the world is out to get him—or so he thinks.
This is definitely an unreliable narrator. Diluc is on edge here, trying to get information, trying to understand. There’s also the B plot I haven’t even touched with the series yet. I probably won’t touch it till the fourth chapter. However, Diluc’s capture wasn’t on the battlefield. Diluc willingly gave himself up, accepted defeat and put Kaeya on the throne instead. But why would Zhongli want Diluc?
Diluc giving himself up for capture was because Diluc has other plans. The war was not going to be won on the battlefield. Mondstadt could not compete with the larger and more advanced Liyuen Army. Mondstadt while big nation is small with their population. Many people are farmers. Too many had died for Diluc to feel comfortable continuing the war. As a settlement, Diluc allowed himself to be captured, issuing an order that Kaeya was the Crowned Prince and that he was abdicating his throne. There weren’t very many peace talks. Diluc had been forced to sign a contract that included his marriage to Zhongli. Land, resources, all of it was included as a bride’s dowery.
A bride could get that back in a divorce.
But, Diluc’s main mission here is assassinate Zhongli. Gather intelligence and take down the man who had killed so many of his people.
So, of course in this telling, Diluc’s very much on edge, and yes, some characters will be mischaracterized because of Diluc’s own incompetence. There will be another perspective with Baizhu soon.
this fic is recommended to mature audiences. this fic has omegaverse, bitching, and nsfw themes. please consume only if 18+ and if you like some dead doves.
Diluc confronts the Jewels of the Harem, a trio of three omegas who lead the Harem from the top as the Emperor's prized Consorts. Diluc beings learning some potentially important information from his less than appeased servant Xiao Yu before being called back into the Emperor, Morax's, clawed hands.
—
“Second Attendant, wait!” the little beta called after him with a rush not exactly seen around the consort village. Diluc had no care though. After waking in a cold bed, the redhead’s temper simmered. He needed a break, something to let off energy. He hadn’t been able to expel this energy before, or not in the way he wished. For the past few months of being transported to the Emperor’s palace, he had been either tied or some way captive. Before that, he had been a general with a war to win. Such energy was easy to expel with simple drills. Now, with this newfound freedom, Diluc would test it to the limits.
Unfortunately for Diluc, the Village’s gardens were quite too clean for his liking. After much searching, he found what he was looking for. A sturdy tree branch lying unseen between bushes from under a tree. He picked it up and held it in his hands for a moment. The rough bark is possibly a hazard, but that was for another day. It was still too light for his liking, nothing like a sword or his preferred claymore. But, with many weeks of captivity, he was better to start light. He rolled it through his hand, letting the branch succumb to gravity before it rolled over the back of his hand in a clever sleight of hand trick. At this point, his little servant had caught up to him.
“Second Attendant Diluc…!” he panted, hands clasped over his knees as the little beta attempted to catch his breath. “You can’t…the gardens are for viewing!”
“My energy is restless,” Diluc stated as a matter of finality. Perhaps, he could tie a leather strap around the branch to at least protect his hand from the rough bark. However, once many years ago, he had trained on wooden swords. He fell into old stances, beginning his warming.
“Then, let us take a walk around the Village!” the beta watched, too afraid to actually get in front of the warrior. The three servants that had been gifted to Diluc by the three gems of the harem obviously had been warned that Diluc was a dangerous man.
It was odd waking up to the three servants in the wedding chamber. One, a tall beta woman, had spoken up first claiming to be his head maid of the household. She had been sent from the Noble Consort. Her name was familiar, but most of the Liyuen names had blended together at one point. Li Feng, though she had preferred to call her Meimei. It was a bit too intimate for such a standoffish and strict woman. She introduced the other two with her, claiming each had been sent from another of the consorts, the Pure Consort and the Virtuous Consort. Xiao Yu had been from the Pure Consort and Cheng Yi had been from the Virtuous Consort. Each of them had been quick to wash and dress him for the day. It was when Li Feng instructed Xiao Yu to give a tour of the Village to Diluc while she finished the rest of the preparations for his own quarters.
Unfortunately for all of them, Diluc was in no mood for a quick tour. He couldn’t quite place the feeling, but the Emperor being so distant was confusing for Diluc. He wasn’t exactly put off by the idea. In fact, it made his life easier. Perhaps it was the blatant lie told to his face that put him so off.
Diluc continued through the sword forms, his boots kicking up grass as he ran through the motions. Xiao Yu had given up trying to change his mind on running through such acts in a place of tranquility. If the Emperor wanted him to be subdued, he would have to enforce it with chains. Occasionally, servants walked past, staring and whispering to each other as they passed. Diluc paid no mind to them as he did to his own servant. The little beta only twiddled his thumbs and watched the servants walk by with anxious eyes.
It was only when Li Feng approached herself to collect Diluc did he end the swordplay. His muscles ached wonderfully. Exhaustion was welcomed considering it was a normal exhaustion. He gave the makeshift weapon to Xiao Yu with explicit instructions to keep it safe. He’d rather have something to work off this excess energy. The beta jumped as it was placed in his hands, terrified even though it was not a real weapon.
“But, Concubine–” the timid beta attempted to argue but was cut off.
Li Feng was more stern with her order, “Xiao Yu, please place the limb in Concubine Diluc’s quarters. I will take him to freshen up and get him ready to meet the three gems.”
“Yes ma’am,” the beta was quick to scurry off, and into the hedges as Diluc was led in another direction.
“Cheng Yi will meet us at the bathhouse with appropriate clothing. We will finish prepping there as we don’t have time to do so at your own quarters,” the slight smoke from the beta’s muted scent gave Diluc all the clues to know she was not pleased with his side tracking. “We cannot be late. It is already breaching typical norms by not bringing a gift for the host, though there is not anything for you to gift given your…means of arrival.”
It seems to be well known of Diluc origins and the way he was brought here. Blood has remained under his nails up to the point he was presented to the dragon. He had been thoroughly and roughly bathed in some bathhouse outside the city limits. Afterall, even a beast needed to look presentable to an Emperor. Diluc didn’t want to remember the day Mondstadt’s offensive line fell, so he focused on the buildings ahead of them.
“As I am sure you are aware, this is his Majesty’s harem. There are over a thousand beauties rumored to be in these Village walls. It’s thankfully not my logistical nightmare to manage. Not everyone is graced with the Emperor’s approval. Many have not even met the man,” she pauses in her step to look at him, “not even on their marriage night.”
She continues forward not waiting to see if he is following along, “This puts you in a more precious situation. Not only are you a prisoner in a rose garden, you spent a night with the Emperor. Many will be jealous, some may act on such jealousies, but you should not worry. Being a war prisoner has already ruined your reputation here. There is no reason to curry favor.”
They arrive at the bathhouse soon after. Diluc is left with a lot to think about as he is pushed into a private bathroom. Li Feng follows, stripping him quickly with nimble fingers that prod at sensitive scars. There’s a comment made about them, something Diluc ignores. Though, he guesses, his body is not his own anymore. His body is scrubbed clean of any sweat, hair and scalp scrubbed in a much deeper cleanse than he had gotten that morning. Conditioner and hair oils were rubbed into his hair, making his curls form with simple treatments. Body oils were spread onto his skin and after his body once more dried roughly and dressed.
He was dressed in much more plain robes with more layers than he appreciated. Li Feng cinched his waist tighter than a corset with Cheng Yi covering his scent glands with a makeup puddy. It was almost immediately itchy. As it dried, Cheng Yi quickly brushed it off and into a small paper in their hand. With his hair in a simple half up-do, he was escorted out with an urgency.
And, once again, Li Feng was off to her rants, “The Gems are three omegas of the highest rank. Each of them have given birth to potential heirs. Noble Consort Guizhong is the highest ranking Consort of the Village. She has the highest potential to be the Empress. Next is Pure Consort Baizhu and following him is the Virtuous Consort. The position of Imperial Consort is still open due to the previous Consort Havria having passed away during childbirth. The ranks following these are all concubines. You are the lowest of the rankings due to you being a prisoner.
“Greet each of them in that order. Do you know Liyuen?” Diluc knew a bit, enough to get him around a base of operations or enough to hack into a Liyuen file to steal. But conversational? Diluc knew a simple hello, and that was all. “Greet them in Mond then. Lady Guizhong knows the language well. I will translate for Consort Baizhu.”
“Is there a specific reason for this?” Diluc felt too restricted in the tight ties and heavy layers.
“You’re greeting the head wives of His Majesty. If you want an easier time here and to be treated as more than the prisoner you are, you best attempt to play nice with these omegas,” her eyes snapped to his, a glare that felt more like a reprimand than her words did. “Walk a thin line. You are an unwanted alpha in their nest. I’m sure you have heard horror stories of this such scenario.”
Perhaps not exactly this scenario, but many knew how territorial omegas were. An omega’s nest was a sacred part of their individuality. To be invited into an omega’s nest was a sign of respect and loyalty. Inviting yourself into their nest was an insult. Diluc could not imagine how they felt considering they nor he invited himself into their domains.
He didn’t get much time to dwell. Soon, they were upon the Noble Consort’s palace. A blue flower was planted throughout the courtyard yet none of them had bloomed yet. Their petals remained tightly pressed together. Little ponds laid scattered about in a tasteful manner with occasional floral accompaniments. There were very few trees, but all were wonderfully taken well care of. Everything felt tranquil, a place of peaceful silence. Diluc looked to the lilies, unfortunately feeling quite akin to them.
“Those are glaze lilies. A personal favorite,” a woman’s voice spoke, causing Diluc to snap to attention. Her voice was gentle, but not soft. Strength remained behind her words, somehow loud yet gentle enough to not scare Diluc too much. He still jumped, causing the woman to raise a sleeved hand to her face to snicker. She was dressed with the same lilies embroidered on the silken sleeves she wore, though these were fully in bloom.
“Noble Consort Guizhong, I assume?” Diluc gave a small bow, purely out of respect for the omega. Diluc’s anger was not towards her nor any other omega within the confines of the palace.
“Correct,” each syllable was pronounced with a perfect annunciation. “Please come join us in the pavilion.”
Diluc nodded, following along after her as Li Feng came into step behind him. He could tell from his servant’s face that she was displeased with the breach of standards, yet, there was a familiarness to her exasperation. A common occurrence than. Diluc easily clocked the vibe that Guizhong was much more than frilly rules and politics. She led them across a small bridge over a pond to a smaller pavilion. There were two other’s seated, one dressed in more of a green and purple, though the details were too far away to see. The other was a woman dressed in gold and whites with a small pipe in between her fingers.
“...have told you time…Lady Ningguang,” the green one spoke with a clipped voice and fast Liyuen. Diluc could barely pick up on the words. “Smoking…will…lead to health…”
Lady Ningguang which means the one dressed in green and purples–or was it more of a blue? the color was so rich–must be the Pure Consort, Baizhu. Rumors suggested he was a high ranking physician before he was indoctrinated into the Village. He was much more of a wild card to Diluc considering he was given unrestricted access to the imperial physician’s stock. Poisons were a specialty of his. Lady Ningguang, the Virtuous Consort, was still a risky woman. She looked at him with a pair of red eyes. They seemed to look deep within him, causing Diluc to break eye contact with her quickly.
“This is him?” Li Feng translated quietly into his ear as both of them bowed to the other Consorts. Again, Diluc bowed only enough to give them the respect they deserved, but no further. “Hm, perhaps he could work.”
“This one is…Concubine Diluc,” the word was gritted out between his lips. His status being reduced to a mere bed warmer after a defeat had his pride hurt. Being announced or having to introduce himself as such made him admit his own defeat. But, Mondstadt lives on with his own sacrifice. “Greetings to the Noble Consort, the Pure Consort, and the Virtuous Consort.”
Li Feng was quick with her translations, speaking loudly for the other two consorts before speaking lowly only for Diluc to hear. Lady Guizhong directed him to a seat, sitting him on the other side of herself, though his back was open to the doors. Distasteful. Li Feng poured his tea, using a silver needle to test it for tonics, though that only caused Baizhu to laugh.
“Testing a tea blend I made? Almost insulting Ragnvindr,” as if they all didn’t have their own tea pots. Diluc accepted the cup from Li Feng, thanking her with extra care with an eye on Lady Baizhu.
“Quiet,” the word was said with a finality from Guizhong that had Baizhu only hiding his smile behind the cup of tea. “Thank you for joining us, Concubine Diluc. We are aware of your status and would like to extend a welcome even if the previous ones have been less than desired.”
Ningguang, in a surprising manner, spoke with a thick Liyuen accent, but her Mond was still impeccable, “We are aware of most things within the Garden. As such, we have noticed Dianxia has shown great interest in you. Ending a war for yourself? I advised him differently, but alas, he only took half of my ideas.”
“Speak in Liyuen,” Baizhu placed his tea on the table to be repoured. “Are we not in the land of our Lord? He must adapt to his new kennel.”
“We are being kind. Perhaps it would aid you well to do the same, Consort Baizhu,” a small bicker between Ningguang and Baizhu began, the two talking fast Liyuen that Li Feng could not keep up. Therefore, Diluc was lost to the words being spat across the table. However, Lady Guizhong was quick to place her tea down and cut the argument with her own words.
Her Liyuen was just as graceful as her Mond if not a bit more clipped and sharp with her annoyed tone, “Are we not a united front here? Take your bickering for the bath houses. I wished to show our guest a certain sense of hospitality. Baizhu, if you do not behave yourself, you may excuse yourself to your Palace for the evening and return at dawn for your apologies.”
The man did not show his displeasure openly, but with the way he raises his sleeve to cover himself drinking his tea, it was evident he was upset with being called out. Diluc paid no mind even as Li Feng whispered the words into his ear. Diluc merely sipped his own tea as he watched the politics play out before him. It was no surprise that Guizhong had easily commanded the harem. She was quick witted with her words and snappy when needed. On the other hand, she was soft and motherly. She was everything Diluc was not. His reason for being locked in a garden of thorns had yet to be revealed.
“Concubine Diluc, we apologize for the display here. This is not at all how we are typically. As the Consorts of the harem, it is our duty to keep order between all concubines. We all share a husband, thus, time with Dianxia is quite valuable. I am sure your maids have explained, when Dianxia flips our tablet, we are to respond. If Dianxia comes to our palace, we serve him. You have been graciously given the previous Empress Dowager’s palace. I apologize in advance for its state. While I have ordered its restoration, many have objected to your arrival. It is not in the best state for a concubine, but I have high hopes you will be able to restore it to its former glory.”
Diluc only nodded. Evidently, from her words–though she seems to be impartial considering her previous actions–Diluc was very much unwelcomed. Diluc could only say a quick thank you.
“There is more to this conversation,” she spoke again, not giving him his dismissal yet. “Your designation has you as an alpha. As such, you are not allowed to be alone with any omega of the harem. The last we need is scandals to occur. Your presence is one to begin with, one his Majesty is quite adamant on keeping. Your servants will help you when needed. You are still a prisoner here as well. You will not be allowed to leave the Village. Eunuch’s will escort you to any public event. You are to obey the words of the Emperor. This is your punishment. Do you understand?”
Diluc stays silent for a moment, the piercing eyes of the consorts on his being, “I clearly understand my situation here, Consort Guizhong. I would be a fool to believe this was anything less than a humiliating punishment. However, I am a respectful man. I will not speak poorly of your husband in front of you.”
“His punishment should be harsher,” Baizhu spoke, placing his teacup back onto the table harshly. A servant was quick to refill it.
“We are aware that torture would be a more…normalized punishment here. However, it is not what Dianxia has willed, is it?” Ningguang spoke with a clipped tone. The conversation seemed to want to turn back into another argument. The arguments–or more like disagreements it seems–were more of spiteful words than yells. Diluc had never experienced anything of the sort considering he and his brother tended to fight like cats when a disagreement came up. Diluc tended to ignore those who disliked or disagreed with his thoughts.
“Hmph,” Baizhu turned his head away, yellow eyes now meeting Diluc’s. The red haired man only stared back, meeting his gaze and not looking away. “For your own benefit, I hope the Emperor loses interest quickly.”
--
The conversation died quickly. Diluc had been informed of the same rules he had been told earlier that day. Dismissal had come quickly. Diluc was barely allowed to have a few sips of his tea, though not that he had wanted to. He had merely wet his lips in lew of being courteous. However, he did not consume any of the tea. His cup was left cold and full as he was directed out of the palace.
Now, Diluc was swept away to the quarters that were meant to be his. The previous Empress was apparently a very stern woman. Her personality was very familiar to her son’s. Akin to stone with words harsher than her hands. She was well known for commanding the harem with a fierceness many consorts wished they had. It was the reason the previous Emperor had wedded her. It was uncouth for him to marry someone of his choosing as law had dictated that the omega who gave the Dynasty an alpha first would become the Empress. It was a competition between omegas attempting to woo the husband they were meant to please. Petty tricks were played, many wanting to rise by kicking dust behind themselves. However, one could not climb a ladder with a cut out rung.
Diluc observed this behavior as he approached the previous Empress's Palace. Once, it would have been grand. Now, red paint flaked off the sides, weeds overgrown throughout the once beautiful gardens. Dust covered many shelves and furniture. Evidently, Consort Guizhong had not lied when she mentioned that no one had attempted to clean up.
“The Empress would be upset that her home was left in such a disarray,” Xiao Yu said with an almost sadness to his voice.
“Why was it left like this?” Diluc ran a finger over the mantel over the fireplace. Ash.
“Ahh…it’s purely speculation really…” he’s reluctant, continuing to sweep the floors. Diluc was busy with a wet rag wiping down the shelves and mantels. The four of them had split up the rest of the work. It seems that at least his servants were willing to assist in bringing the home back to life.
Diluc wrings out the rag, moving to another piece of the mantel. He would see how much his apparent funding would allow him to buy a few stains for the wood, “The silence is loud, Xiao Yu. A story would be nice.”
He’s silent for a few moments before Xiao Yu speaks, “People say Dianxia disliked the Empress Dowager…”
“His own mother?”
“No. The Empress Dowager was not his birth mother,” Xiao Yu speaks small as he sweeps his smaller pile to the larger one by the door. He doesn’t want his words to be blown to the Emperor’s ears. He walks away from the door and begins sweeping again before he speaks, “His mother was another of the Harem.”
This was all too confusing for Diluc. He pauses in his cleaning to turn to Xiao Yu, “What do you mean?”
It’s then that the third of Diluc’s servants makes an appearance. Cheng Yi steps into the room, “Xiao Yu, we must make dinner.”
She then turns, speaking no other words besides the few to Xiao Yu. Diluc is left abandoned as Xiao Yu scurries off after her. Her clipped tone and her prompt arrival seemed deliberate. Xiao Yu was a good source of intel. Cheng Yi realizes that. Diluc would have to question him alone, then. The man returns to his cleaning with only the ghostly silence to accompany him.
--
Dinner is served late as the sun begins to set. The air is still warm, though a breeze chills the air. Not quite the end of summer yet. Diluc is served in the now clean dining area. It was one of the prioritized rooms of the palace. The kitchens, his quarters, and the servant’s quarters had also been completed. All other rooms would take a bit more TLC before they could be considered saved. Diluc sits alone with his small meal alone at a table seemingly meant to host a household.
With the day having slipped through his fingers–and perhaps a purposeful distraction–Diluc feels the homesickness begin to settle in. A small ache presses in his chest right under his sternum. For a moment, he begins to turn to his left to speak to Kaeya. Yet, the blue haired man is nowhere to be found. His servants eat elsewhere. Diluc is left alone in the quiet room. It reminds him of the first few nights without his father. He had been placed at the head of their family table. The head of their clan, the King-to-be. Diluc only took three days of the treatment before he declared he would not step into the King’s position. Abdication was his first thought, but Kaeya had fiercely declined. At a loss, Diluc merely pushed his coronation back.
“There will be no celebrations until we celebrate the end of this war,” he had declared nearly three years ago. “No state held functions or galas. No coronations, nothing till we celebrate the end of this war.”
Diluc hadn’t realized at the time that he would never be there for any future celebrations. However, his order had been accepted under the pretense that all funds should go to wartime efforts. Secretly, Diluc began his own ploy.
His dish was barely touched when Li Feng came to gather him, “A messenger has arrived to deliver a decree from Dianxia. You must be present to accept. Come quick.”
A decree? Diluc rises from his seat to enter the receiving room. The messenger was a higher ranking eunuch who seemed very displeased to be in Diluc’s presence. Or, perhaps it was the dilapidated palace they were in. Diluc was sure it was a mix of both. He is forced to kneel as he hears the eunuch’s message from the Emperor. Humiliating, but his attendants all kneel with him. Obligatory or not.
“Second Attendant Diluc, one delivers this message from His Highness: Tonight, Second Attendant Diluc’s tablet has been flipped. This Second Attendant must fulfill his marital duties. His Highness expects your prompt visit this evening. Does this Second Attendant accept and hear this message?”
Xiao Yu whispers the translation in his ear, though Diluc had already known what this entailed. His face is sure to show his displeasure and by the reactions to the guards beside the eunuch, it was not a pretty one. However, he grits out the acceptance between clenched teeth, “This one accepts.”
