Chapter Text
A soft breeze passed through the decorated halls of Garreg Mach, bringing about the season’s icy chill. Students had begun wearing their winter uniforms a few weeks ago, but it was all the same to Lambert, who was accustomed to winter’s cool weather. What he wasn’t accustomed to however were the influx of invitations and requests he had received to this year’s ball. Sure, he was no stranger to people asking him out on dates, but ever since his coronation was announced it seemed like everyone wanted a piece of him. It had been several months since his father had announced his early retirement due to illness, and every day it seemed like there was some new responsibility that needed his attention. While he didn’t blame his father for wanting him to ascend the throne as quickly as possible, he only wished he had waited until he had finished graduating before doing so. He could not keep track of the amount of marriage proposals and date invitations he had gotten since the coronation was announced, all of which he had to politely turn down due to the fact he was sure his father would arrange a marriage with some noble woman from the Kingdom.
Lambert dreaded being in an arranged marriage. He had seen how his parents treated each other and didn’t want his children to go through the same thing. But he supposed that as the future King of Faerghus he had no choice. That’s just how it was. Sometimes he wished his brother had been the one born with the major Crest, the one born with all the titles and responsibilities of being a King. Alas, that’s not what happened. Regardless, there was one benefit of being the future king, and that was the fact he could spend as much time as he wanted with his best friend Rodrigue. Even though it had been decided practically since their births that Rodrigue would be his retainer, he was ever so grateful to the Goddess for that blessing. His best friend was a strong and compassionate man, and he was the only one there for him when his mother passed away. Whenever he felt sad or upset he would think of all their good times together and he would smile. Because Rodrigue was just that kind of man. The kind that could cheer you up when you’re down and boast a smile in the most difficult situations.
“Good morning your Highness”
A familiar voice pulled him out of his musings, and he suddenly realized he was face to face with the heir to the title of Margrave Gautier, Matthias Raoul Gautier.
“Good morning Matthias!” He cheerfully replied. “Ah, but, there’s no need to call me your Highness, I’m not even the king yet.”
“You’ll be the king soon enough, better get used to it now rather than later” Matthias responded as he turned in the other direction. “I’ll see you in class soon.”
Ever so formal that one, he was a decent man to Lambert’s knowledge but he was hopelessly serious and almost impossible to get close to. Lambert wanted to get closer to his classmates, he really did, but he found that most people weren’t interested in the same things he was. His only true friend was Rodrigue, and while for him that was enough, he was sure if his mother was around she would encourage him to open himself up to more people. He certainly tried, but it was hard making real connections when most people were only interested in you because you were the future king. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the church bells ring and he realized if he didn’t hurry he would be late for class.
After leaving his last morning class he was once again pulled into a corner by someone wanting to ask him to the dance. This time it was by a young lady from the Golden Deers called Thalia, an outgoing and bubbly young woman only one year his junior. He found it strange that she hadn’t managed to get a date for the dance yet since she was conventionally attractive and from a minor noble house. Wait, had she been waiting for him? It did make him feel guilty, that others had declined dates just so they could have a chance with him. But no matter, his response would be the same as always-
“Lambert! There you are, I was worried when I didn’t see you come out of the classroom.”
And there it was. His favorite voice, coming from his favorite person in the world. And he smiled.
“Rodrigue! I’m okay, was just having a chat with Thalia” Lambert hoped his best friend could pick up on the pleading look in his eyes.
“No worries! Thalia, do you mind if I steal Lambert away? It’s urgent Kingdom business.” Rodrigue replied, instantly picking up on his best friend’s cues. Thank the Goddess.
“Oh, I hope everything’s alright! Your highness, feel free to think about my offer~” Thalia said, while she grabbed her books and walked away to give them privacy.
“Urgent Kingdom business huh?” Lambert teased Rodrigue, knowing full well there was no such thing.
“Come now, don’t give me that look, you were basically begging for an excuse to get out of… whatever that was”
“Yeah… sorry about that. It was another offer to the dance”
Rodrigue huffed. “How come you haven’t accepted anyone yet? Even if you don’t have a date, a lot of people are going to want to ask you to dance.”
“I don’t know, I guess it just makes me uncomfortable because I know the only reason they’re asking is because they want to be seen with the future king of Faerghus”
Rodrigue frowned at that. “I’m sure that’s not the case for everyone, besides, it could be a good opportunity to get to know someone and make some friends.”
Friends, huh? Lambert thought. If he could ask one of his friends, someone he knew he could trust, then it would make the matter so much easier. But his only true friend, the only one he could wholeheartedly trust was…
Wait a second.
An idea popped into his head, one that just might work and resolve this issue once and for all.
“If I’m going with a friend, I’d rather it be you.” Lambert responded half-jokingly.
Rodrigue’s eyes widened and his face became flushed with a light shade of scarlet.
“Lambert- are you asking me out to the ball?”
“Of course, it’s perfect isn’t it? I don’t have a date, and you don’t have a date. What better way to spend our time together at the ball than with each other?”
Rodrigue seemed to ponder it for a while, but at least his friend hadn’t outright rejected the idea. Then suddenly, his friend looked up to him with that handsome smile of his and a hopeful gleam in his eye.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea! That way nobody will pester you anymore and we can enjoy our time together as much as we want.”
“Great! Then it’s a date?”
“It’s a date.”
And Lambert smiled.