(AU) Arranged

[noboars]

[Felix had been against this from the start, but no amount of arguing or fighting would change Rodrigue's mind. He had been at his marriageable age for years now, every candidate leaving the Fraldarius estate in tears whenever his father had offered him up for his Crest and family name. And for years he had narrowly avoided such a suffocating prison.

Felix never wanted to marry a woman, and if he had it his way? He never wanted to marry at all. He didn't have a paternal instinct, nor did he want to saddle any offspring of his with a mountain of responsibilities and a fate that they cannot escape. It was no way to live, and he had plenty of experience to be steady and stalwart against his father's wishes. Their relationship had always been strained since Glenn died, it grew strained still when Felix refused to do his noble duty.

Apparently marriage was a duty.

It had been arranged without his consent, and it was Rodrigue's last attempt to do something for the Fraldarius name. So his son could leave some kind of legacy.

Bah.

Legacies were for people who cared enough.

...

Now here he was, agitated and being ushered towards one of the sitting rooms of the estate. One of the house servants frowning and trying to fix his hair, whispering to him that he should have wore something nice to meet his betrothed. Felix didn't plan to linger after forcing a greeting to this stranger in his home. No, he planned to go hunting right after, so he was in his leathers and tunic.

He had to shoo well-meaning hands away, buttoning the sleeves to his shirt on his own. He was a man grown and hated all the fuss.

He was going to be meeting a man. Instead of shunning him for his preferences, his father grew creative. Felix supposed he could be thankful for that, but he held too much anger in him to be happy about the decision. He didn't even remember the name of the man he was supposed to meet. An Almyran.]

Would you stop touching me!

[He hissed at prying hands, tucking his tunic into his trousers and smoothing down any wrinkles. Felix still cut a fine and intimidating figure. He may not have grown tall and sturdy like Dimitri, nor tall and stalwart like Sylvain. Instead Felix was made for speed, with an impressive core strength and a trim build. 'Handsome' could be a word to describe him, yet beautiful fit him far better - though he would hate to hear anyone say so.

Frowning at the door, he could hear the muffled sounds of his father entertaining their guest. Felix was told, in no uncertain terms, that he was not to toss this one aside. So he rebelled how he could, in his white tunic and leather trousers. His belt hung loose across slim hips, with his sword sheathed and nestled against his side. It was passable, but definitely not the outfit Rodrigue had laid out for him.

With his palm on the door, he let out a slow breath.

Stoic, shoulders squared back and looking strong, he opens the door and took long strides inside the room.

It was a lovely room, with a stone fireplace and a roaring fire casting a warm and comfortable glow. The furniture was classic in design, creams and golds. He could smell the tea that had been brewed, with a platter of sweets and a plate of sandwiches. It all really was quite lovely, but nothing felt better than the sigh he heard, heaved from his long suffering father. If he wasn't so intent on keeping the passive scowl, he would have smirked.

Felix also made a point not to look at the man he was supposed to meet. Whether it was nerves or the fact he didn't know how to approach this situation, but he instead crossed his arms over his chest, leaning a hip against the nearest window. His sharp stare focusing on the impressive gardens that were so meticulously maintained by their staff.]

I'm here.

[Felix's tone was flat, whereas Rodrigue's was apologetic. He could hear the man getting to his feet, introducing his son to the other, whilst also approaching him.

"I will leave you two to get to know one another," came the friendly tone, yet Felix could hear the terseness in the man's tone. The grip Rodrigue put on his shoulder wasn't painful, but firm as he leaned in to whisper a word of warning to his son.

"Please. Behave." Was all Felix received, before Rodrigue left the room and shut the door behind him.

The absence of the man caused Felix's shoulders to relax, but not by much. Instead he scowled in a sour way, glaring at a poor rose bush, fully in bloom. Probably the last bloom of the season, as the weather was starting to grow cold. Their warmer seasons never seemed to last long, before the chill and the snow settled.

He was being rude, he knew he was.

So... finally he turned to look at his betrothed, fingers subtly curling into his sleeves as he does.

Now, what manner of man was he to marry.]

Comments

[cunningschemer]

[Fraldarius territory was about as different from Khalid's home in Almyra as he could realistically imagine. Everything, ranging from the climate to the vegetation and the people themselves, was new to him. Of all the places his older brother could have sent him, he had chosen one that would leave him as uncertain and off-balance as possible.

Khalid had tried to escape this fate multiple times on the journey there alone. Unfortunately, the newly crowned king was determined to see him safely tucked away in the frigid northwest, all the while claiming as many political points for himself as he could manage. That explained the elite guard accompanying him every step of the way, up until they handed him off to Duke Fraldarius himself.

Now that he arrived, the consequences of escaping would be much more serious. Before, Fodlan had potential- he could have sought out his grandfather in the Leicester Alliance, tried to pull some strings there and worked on building up his reputation and gaining power with which he could challenge his brother. Now? The nobility would know of him... and for all the wrong reasons. They would likely see him as nothing more than a curiosity, but absolutely not someone worthy of much interest, and certainly not someone to trust.

And what did he know about Faerghus? Close to nothing. Just that it was a cold land with cold, serious people.

As Khalid stared at his betrothed who could barely bring himself to glance in his direction, that reputation seemed like it was warranted.

Felix was very clearly his father's son, if in appearance alone. Whereas Rodrigue had been pleasant and welcoming enough, Felix looked like he would rather be anywhere else but here. He was surprisingly beautiful, if in a cold and distant way. Wholly unapproachable. He seemed more like a marble statue than a person he was supposed to marry in the coming days.

Taking in his betrothed's attire, Khalid wondered if he was overdressed for their meeting. He would have preferred to wear something more comfortable, but he knew he couldn't get away with that. His clothes were brightly colored with sleeves and trousers that fit him loosely in a typical Almyran style, and a vibrant sash was wrapped around his waist, bringing attention to the slim figure otherwise hidden under baggy clothing. The sash wrapped around his head was just as colorful, and, as he very quickly realized, just as out of place in Faerghus.

For the first time in his life, Khalid felt truly lost. He didn't have anymore crafty plans up his sleeve. There were no backups or friends he could call on for help. He was well and truly alone, with no choice but to work with nothing to try and build... what?

Felix eventually turned toward him, but he didn't say anything. Khalid looked back at him questioningly. Well. It looked like he would have to speak up first.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Felix. You can call me Claude.

[He wasn't Claude, and Rodrigue hadn't introduced him as such, but that was who he would be if it made his life in Fodlan easier.]

[noboars]

[Claude.

That did not ring familiar.

So he takes the moment to calmly observe his betrothed. From his garb to his posture, the way his words sounded rich and pleasant in his ears, to the look of uncertainty in the greenest eyes Felix had ever seen. He's quiet for what felt like the longest time, trying to to put his defiant nature on hold, if only for a moment.

Theirs was a strange arrangement, one of the likes Felix has never seen. Between two men, and one an Almyran? There were political benefits to be gained for both, and it gave Rodrigue the satisfaction of marrying off his last son. But he couldn't imagine an offer from so far away. The man, Claude, didn't seem to have any retainers, other than the escort that brought him here.

Utterly alone in a strange new country.

...

Perhaps, if he still had the temperament and disdain for his father, like he did when he was a teenager - he would have left it at the hello. But despite his appearance, he took his responsibilities seriously. Rodrigue wished to retire soon, he knew that. He wanted Felix to take his title of Duke and his place by the King. Felix had been shirking this particular duty for too long, and at least Rodrigue met him halfway, if he had to marry at all.

So perhaps he could offer the bare minimum; he was here to greet and meet his betrothed properly.

There were two people in this arrangement, and he doubted Claude was very happy about it all either. Maybe he didn't even like men? There was only one way to find out, he supposed. Talking wouldn't hurt.

So with a sigh he's pushing himself off the wall, the picture of grace, no matter his frigid aura. His strides were long and elegant, his legs slender with his trousers fitting him like a second skin. Impeccably tailored, even in his hunting clothes. He was far too casual for this meeting, yet he still wore it so well.

Felix grunts softly as he takes a seat on the couch, next to the other man. Wordlessly he leaned over to the table, where tea and finger food awaited. The pot was steaming, so he poured himself some of the water, over the tea he picked out from the little selection on the tray.

He's quiet still, as he prepares his drink.

Until finally he's glancing over his shoulder, a bit hunched over as he plucks one of the more savory sandwiches from the platter.]

This will go a lot smoother if we don't lie to one another.

[He states this simply, in his curt way.]

My father told me another name. So, which is it?

[With his saucer plucked from the table, tea steaming and his sandwich perched atop the plate, he leans back into the couch. One leg crossed over the other, both eyes on the Almyran.]

[cunningschemer]

[He hardly looked away while Felix stepped over to the couch, the way he moved smooth and effortlessly graceful, akin to a large cat stalking its prey. For awhile, Khalid wondered if Felix was going to continue ignoring him, even as he sat nearby and started preparing himself tea and selecting a bite to eat.

Only himself. Taken together, every bit of blatant rudeness made him feel both uncomfortable and insulted, though very little sign of either would show through his expression. The tea Rodrigue had offered him earlier was halfway drained and cold by now, but Khalid felt no urge to reach for anything else from the table. Nothing about his arrival at the estate gave him much of an appetite.

When Felix finally said something, Khalid looked back at him with a carefully blank expression. While he wouldn't force a false smile, having little energy for it, he wasn't going to reveal anything more than necessary, either.

Easier to ignore the comment about lies and skip straight to the question about names.]

My name is Khalid, but I've noticed Fodlanders have trouble pronouncing it. Claude is probably easier, right?

[His own proficiency in the common language of Fodlan was extremely unusual for Almyrans- just another reason to send him over here, he supposed. So far and unsurprisingly, he had yet to meet a Fodlander who knew a single word of Almyran.]

[noboars]

Khalid.

[He repeats it, and while it wasn't a perfect pronunciation it wasn't awful. A clear indication of trying.]

You are to be my husband, [he states, bringing the teacup to his lips, so he can offer a cooling breath to blow the steam away.] So it is less a courtesy and more of duty. I will not abide any disrespect towards you, and if there is anything said when I am not in the vicinity, I wish for you to tell me.

[He asks this calmly, taking a sip of his tea. Two creams, no sugar. He set the saucer on his lap, glancing back to Khalid before continuing.]

Our King, one of his most trusted and loyal friends is a man from Duscar. Dedue. He has faced much scrutiny, yet Dimitri is always swift to put people in their places. I will aspire to do the same.

[Felix was a cold and distant man, yet he had his morals. While he never quite liked Dedue, it had nothing to do with the color of his skin or the fact he was from Duscar. It was how blindly he would follow and practically worship Dimitri. That never sat right with him, but who was he to judge their relationship?]

I will never ask anything of you, so if you were worried that I would try to make a move on you, be at ease. There is no heir on the line.

[cunningschemer]

[Khalid watched Felix quietly, momentarily at a loss for words. He was cold and rude, but insisted on using his name and wouldn't tolerate him being disrespected by others.

What a confusing set of qualities, and they only just met.

Then Felix turned the conversation in a direction he wasn't expecting. Of all his many concerns, intimacy hadn't been one of them. Maybe it should have been, but that had just been a given, something that simply came with marriage. Trying to avoid it would have been laughably pointless.

Judging by looks alone, he would have happily fooled around with Felix if he met him under different circumstances. Now, he wouldn't be as happy about it, but that had nothing to do with his betrothed. As far as he was concerned, they both deserved better than being forced into an unwanted marriage.

Still, he came here with the understanding that Felix preferred men. If not, surely he would have been married to a woman. So, was this something personal? Maybe he wasn't pleased with what he saw.]

Ah...

[Folding his hands in his lap, he leaned forward a little, looking at his teacup as though it was immensely fascinating.]

I'm not worried about that. [This meeting was so far from his expectations that he felt even more off-balance than ever. It was a distinctly uncomfortable feeling.]

Guess I'm not your type?

[He tried to add a hint of a joke to the question, but it immediately fell flat.]

[noboars]

[Felix very nearly spilled his tea at the question, as he wasn't expecting it at all. His teacup rattling against the saucer as he found himself staring, blinking in surprise.

His... type?

He wasn't sure if he had a type, really. He held a long-standing crush on a childhood friend, who was fully unobtainable. But other than that he never found himself really looking, so sure that he would never get his chance at love. His nobility and status cared not for such frivolous things. Perhaps he was old-fashioned, or maybe that soft heart of his still rang strong in his chest, beneath all the ice and his thorny exterior... but he didn't want to hurt anyone. Felix had watched Sylvain break the hearts of countless women over the years, and he never wanted to do that to someone, just for a moment or two of pleasure.

It was now that Felix realized he was staring and taking too long to answer. So he shakes his head, clearing his throat as heat reddened his neck in a crawling fluster.]

No. ...No. That's not... that's not it at all.

[He averted his gaze as the heat rose up his neck, looking away with a soft huff.]

You're... attractive. Very, very attractive. [He added a 'very' too many, stumbling on his words a little. Clearly out of his element.] I just thought, because this must be an uncomfortable experience for you... that I could put you a bit at ease.

[cunningschemer]

[And there it was.

Everyone could be pushed or prodded until their guard fell, and while he couldn't have known what would leave Felix off-balance, it seemed he had at least one answer.

The man didn't seem so cold when he stumbled over his words. And with such pale skin, even that small hint of a blush was evident. Khalid was also, admittedly, taken aback by Felix's response. His betrothed hadn't given any indication he found him attractive or in the least interesting up until now- it seemed that he was good at hiding his thoughts and feelings unless directly confronted about them.

And maybe he really did care about Khalid's feelings. Hearing that put him more at ease than any reassurances about intimacy.]

Oh. Well, I appreciate that. [He smiled a little, and finally went to add more hot water to his tea. This real sight of who Felix actually was comforting enough that he no longer felt too guarded to dig into the food laid out for them.]

I feel the same way about you. Whatever else happens, I hope we can try to be civil.

[Khalid couldn't quite bring himself to offer more than that just yet, not when he was still struggling to accept his circumstances. He was tired from the day's travel, and it probably wouldn't fully sink in that he was completely alone in the frigid north until he had a proper night's sleep. The walls he so carefully built around himself were unsteady, and he needed time to reinforce them. Then, when he was better prepared, he could decide how he wanted to present himself to his new family moving forward.]

[noboars]

[Felix was known for his icy disposition and the permanent scowl that seemed to reside on his fair features. Cold and unapproachable was a look he perfected five years ago, when he was a rebellious teen. He did not grow out of it, merely grew into the cold to embrace it. Why be anything else when his freedoms were never really free, nor his? A set path. He was forced on a set path and just had to comply until he died.

He took joys when they came, of course, and he cherished the few things he did enjoy; The various stray cats his father wouldn't let him keep, now milled about outside windows and doors to catch some fish or attention from the grumpy swordsman. He could spend hours bottle-feeding newborn kittens that his strays would lead him to, content and quiet. Felix also enjoyed hunting, and any excursion away from home he could get--

That thought lingered in his mind as he took the time to look Khalid over.]

Common ground.

[He blurts this out without meaning to. As it was just something he was pondering about, whilst reminiscing about favored activities to calm his nerves, yet he was a bit out of sorts.

He didn't expect his betrothed to look this good, to have a voice like warmed over honey.

So he clears his throat, taking another sip of his own tea.]

Perhaps common ground, [he may as well approach with this, since he so carelessly said the words.]

Do you have hobbies? Are you skilled with any weaponry? It's not like you're going to be stuck in here. I can show you around, introduce you to the very few people I tolerate. You... lost your home; I won't be arrogant enough to claim I can replace that.

[There is a hint of hesitation as he adds a:] Not yet, anyway. [But he hurries his thought, so as not to linger on his awkward attempt at... being what, charming? A disaster.]

If there's anything you'd like to pursue, I will try my best to accommodate. I feel like that's the least I can do.

[cunningschemer]

[Khalid couldn't help but grin as Felix's cold facade continued to falter. For someone who seemed determined to give off a horrible first impression, he was exceptionally kind and considerate of his betrothed's comfort and concerns.

That led him to guess that his initial rudeness was targeted more at his father than Khalid himself, in an indirect way. Given his own feelings on being forced into an arranged marriage, that was completely understandable.]

Thank you, Felix.

[There was more warmth than humor in his smile, though he was amused. If it was this easy to fluster Felix was he wasn't trying, what could he manage if he put in some effort? His pretty face looked good with some extra color.]

Some common ground... [He hummed, placing his teacup back down on its saucer.]

I'm a fairly talented archer and flier. I like puzzles and studying battle tactics. Oh! And riding- horses and wyverns.

[Khalid very much liked the thought of meeting Felix's friends. If he was going to do something here, the more people he knew, the better. Undoubtedly he would need to learn everything he could about Faerghus, including who was who among the nobles.]

I hope you will introduce me. Maybe we could have a feast for the wedding?

[If they had to go through with this, they might as well enjoy themselves as much as possible. And there was little Khalid liked more than feasting with good company.]

[noboars]

[The future Duke was, unfortunately, a prickly sort of man. Prickly and incredibly repressed - living a life he thought he wasn't allowed to enjoy. But there was a sort of kinship here, as they were both forced into this arrangement without their collected consent. To be burdened with duty... it still gnawed at him. But Khalid was making it easier, and the least Felix could do was make this place as hospitable as possible.

He waves off the thanks wordlessly, pouring himself more tea. At least his father made sure there were savory finger-foods available, to which he took a bite from.

Felix hums softly, listening to the man as he spoke of some possible common ground.]

I'm not much of a rider, as I'm not keen on horses.[A childish fear of, more-like. But no one needed to know that, not even his future husband. It was a silly thing and it caused him great embarrassment.]

But an archer... I would like to see your skill sometime. I spend a few hours of my day training, you're free to join me when I do. As the boa-- [Whoops, calling KING Dimitri a pig in front of someone who didn't know their dynamic yet probably wasn't a good political move. He couldn't help it, the nickname stuck. He hurriedly clears his throat;] As the King's right hand I am expected to be at the top of my game. Peace never lasts forever.

[Many thought Felix was a pessimist, but he liked to think he was pragmatic and realistic. There was nothing wrong with keeping his sword arm strong, and his mind sharp with Reason.]

I don't think I have the patience for puzzles, but I enjoy discussing tactics and strategies. I am no military advisor, but you can say it's a passion.

[Delicately he crossed one slender leg over the other, bringing the teacup to his lips, where he huffed a cooling breath.]

A feast would be nice. Though... I feel as if I should warn you of my friends beforehand, however.

[cunningschemer]

[While he took note of the way Felix corrected himself, he simply filed the incident away for the future. Nobody wanted an outsider to ask too many questions straight away, and while Khalid's curiosity motivated him in nearly all things, he also knew how to keep quiet and observe when it was more advantageous.

Of course, he wanted to ask a million questions about King Dimitri. On his way to Fraldarius, he had inquired among the locals about this and that when he had the opportunity, and that included general sentiment about Faerghus' leaders.

From what little he gleaned, the young King and house Fraldarius were rather well-regarded among the people. Khalid found it odd that the king's right hand was always meant to come from the same family. Faerghus had plenty of traditions that he found unusual, though he was eager enough to learn more. It really was a relief that Felix appeared to be a decent man, and he could only hope the monarch he served was as decent as rumors suggested.]

I would be happy to join you. [He wasn't one to train nearly that often, though that was back in Almyra. If he wanted to better himself and hope to accomplish anything, he would have to put in the extra effort. And... well. Removed from the Almyran court, he would have far more free time, and it would be best to keep himself sharp.]

No one so close to power should rely on peace. Or the decency of others, for that matter. [He chuckled, rather bitterly, before taking another long sip of his tea.]

I can teach you a few games I know. They mix puzzles and tactics in a way that might interest you.

[A warning about his friends? Khalid tilted his head slightly, curious.]

Should I be afraid?

[noboars]

[Felix would have been happy to talk of Dimitri, despite the rocky part in the middle of their long friendship, they had gone through enough together for Felix to deeply admire the man. Loved him, even. But he certainly wouldn't pull any punches, perhaps it would be better for Khalid to judge the King when it came to the feast. Felix was growing more amiable to the idea, it would calm his nerves to dine with his close friends before... the wedding.]

I would appreciate the company. I usually train alone, which doesn't bother me. I do most things alone. But it has been a long time since I've seen a skilled archer.

[Felix had no patience for bows, he'd rather the quick and sharp cuts of his blade.]

I am proficient with both blade and reason. [He explains after another sip of his tea.]

...I would like that. [At the offer, a brief smile lingering on his lips as he glanced back over to the other man.

...

He wasn't so bad, really.]

Afraid? No. They just embarrass me. Our.. dynamic is unique. [His tone dry, so he takes another bite of his sandwich.]

[cunningschemer]

You know magic?

[Khalid leaned in a bit closer without realizing it. He didn't know even a basic spell, and magic was a rarity in Almyra. How amazing would it be if he could learn some while he was in Fodlan? Even if only the smallest amount.]

You have to show me when we train together. Back home, almost nobody casts spells.

[And, speaking of friends and home.

What would Felix and the others think when there was nobody from Khalid's family present at any festivities, or the wedding itself? That felt like an oversight on his brother's part.

Until a horrible thought struck, leaving him feeling suddenly ill. Khalid placed his teacup on the table and glanced a bit to the side. A muscle in his jaw twitched when he clenched his teeth together tightly.

What if his brother was planning to attend the wedding? If he did, many people would naturally accompany the king for the journey, including some of his other brothers, and plenty of extended family. Most would be thrilled to have that much family attend their wedding. Khalid felt dread tighten around his chest like a vice.

Felix spoke fondly of his friends and his king- even his father, with whom he had difficulties, clearly cared about him. Khalid's living family despised him, had always made their feelings plain, and seemed to take turns tormenting him. And since the king had a vested interest in the wedding between him and Felix, he would have a great excuse to play politics and have one last chance to gloat and humiliate his hated younger brother.

To make matters worse, he would almost certainly lose face among the nobles of Faerghus before he even had a chance to know any of them.]

...Sorry. Felt a little dizzy all of a sudden. It was a long journey.

[Funny, how only when he was beginning to relax, he started to truly realize just how alone he was. His father was gone, and Nader wouldn't be around to offer a friendly pep talk if he started floundering. He should have asked Nader to stay for at least the night, but he hadn't been thinking ahead.]

Do you think you could show me where I'll be sleeping?

[noboars]

I dabble.

[Which was a far cry from the truth of it, but it wasn't a lie either. Ever since his aptitude for reason showed itself, his father and professor had urged him to alter his training. now, after all those years, he was quite the accomplished mortal savant. his spell list was low, but what he had could be devastating.]

I'm stronger with my sword, but the versatility is handy when it comes to ranged fighters. But I can show you.

[He didn't think he would enjoy this meeting as much as he had. Even finishing his little plate of finger food, his tea since drained.

Though he doesn't show it outwardly much, his expression ever aloof, there is concern in the way his hand reaches out to brush a touch to Khalid's shoulder. It was only for a moment, and he draws back quickly enough. Setting down his saucer and cup, he gets to his feet.]

Your room is next to mine, for the time being. A larger bed is being delivered for... after the wedding.

[So they weren't forced to share a room just yet. He figured the man must be tired from his trip, yet those sharp eyes of his hardly missed much. But it wasn't his place to ask any more questions. They had the rest of their lives to get into grit of everything, but he was making a mental note to pay particular attention to his betrothed.

Quietly he offers a hand.]

If you need anything I'll be in the other room.

[He could go hunting another day.]