Chapter Text
Growing up, Navia had learned from her father that one should always make sacrifices for their people. Anything that could ensure their well being or those of the Kingdom should be prioritized above all, no matter what it took. When he passed away, she swore she would always follow his principles and beliefs, because being Princess meant she had to put her desires aside and look out for everyone’s best interests. So, when she received a letter from his Majesty Neuvillette, inviting her over to his castle, she didn’t even doubt once.
“Princess Navia, I beg that you reconsider this,” Melus adviced her, concerned.
The rumors surrounding Neuvillette were far too many, but always shared one same string: he was heartless. Feared by men and despised by women for his attitude, he reigned for years all by himself. His Kingdom, though, was prosperous: advanced technology, abundant food, fertile lands, good infrastructure. Despite everything, his people said he was a fair King —just one that should not be taken anything less than serious.
“I appreciate your preocuppation, Melus. Believe me, I do not take this lightly,” Navia explained while getting her hair done. “But look at us. We are falling apart with each passing day. Our people are starving, and we do not have the financial resources to exploit this land. I need to meet King Neuvillette, otherwise everything could be lost.”
He stared at her for a few seconds, unable to get rid of the anxiety creeping through his body.
“Princess Navia, when your father passed away… he made me promise that I would keep you safe. If King Neuvillette requested your presence, it’s most likely he’s looking for marriage… and I can not in good faith let you pursue such a tragic path.”
“You do not need to worry about me, Melus. I also promised my father that I would look after our Kingdom. Every day we are at danger of getting attacked. This is our only hope. I do not care how ruthless King Neuvillette is, so long as our people can have a better future.”
Melus knew better than to argue with her. When Navia made a decision, there was no turning back. She was just like her father in that sense.
“I do not wish to change your mind, Princess. I’m only here to advice you, that’s all.”
She smiled. “I have handled tougher men in my life than King Neuvillete. Have faith in me.”
Navia would lie if she said she wasn’t nervous.
She knew she’d get married at some point in her life, but always pictured a warmer scene: meeting someone, having a connection, seeing each other secretly, a cute first kiss… Never in her wildest dreams she would have thought she’d be on her way to possibly marry one of the most feared Kings around Teyvat. She wasn’t nervous because she feared him, though: it was mostly the idea of becoming Queen overnight. She was used to ruling and being in charge of her people, but this exceeded her capacities by far. Or so she thought, at least.
There was no turning back once she reached the gates of the castle. Melusines awaited her with bright smiles, making Navia smile too. The creatures had long ago vowed their loyalty to Neuvillette and served him without questioning. She had never seen one up close, and found them to be extremely cute.
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Epiclese, Princess Navia,” one of them greeted while bowing. “I hope your journey was pleasant enough.”
“Thank you, it was,” she answered politely.
“It is not my desire to hurry you, Princess Navia, but King Neuvillette is waiting for you in his office. I can show you the way if you’re ready.”
Could anyone actually feel prepared to face his Majesty? She found the answer to be no. Still, what other choice did she have? To turn around and leave her people starving? To let her Kingdom fall in the hands of enemies, probably causing a slaughter? No, there was no better option. If she had to marry King Neuvillette to guarantee her people a prosperous life, she would do so without second thought.
“I am. Please guide me to his Majesty.”
The castle was so big Navia feared she’d get lost even with the help of the Melusines. They were kind enough to give her a quick tour before the inevitable meeting, and even showed her there was an Opera in which Neuvillette himself precided trials and acted as Judge. It was no wonder then that people genuinely both feared and respected him, seeing as he was not only a King but also Chief Justice.
That information didn’t help Navia at all. If anything, it made her shiver.
At least the Melusines were good company. She wouldn’t mind having them around often, and maybe when trust had been built she could even ask to touch their cute ears… they looked so fluffy.
“Past this door you will find King Neuvillette,” one of them explained. “Make sure to knock first, he doesn’t like getting interrupted, no matter who it is.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. The white door was enormous, reaching all the way up to the ceiling and decorated with blue and golden waves. Even it exhumed power, authority, control…
It seemed she hadn’t handled tougher men than him, but she couldn’t possibly tell Melus that.
Gathering all her strenght, she knocked.
And he immediately answered.
“Come in.”
His voice sent a shiver running down her spine.
When she opened, he was standing by the window looking out at his Kingdom. He was definitely much taller than her, with long white and blue hair that reached all the way past his lower back.
She felt extremely anxious, but still managed to speak.
“King Neuvillette,” she said, bowing.
He turned around almost instantly, a litte bit of shock behind his eyes.
“Princess Navia,” he greeted, walking up to her in a sort of hurry. “I sincerely apologise for my poor manners. I did not think you would arrive so early.”
Navia was… confused, to say the least. The King everyone feared was apologising to her? On their first ever encounter?
She wondered if she was losing her mind.
“There is no need for it. I do not feel offended. Quite the contrary, I thank you for your invitation.”
His eyes never left her face for a second, and Navia couldn’t help but feel her cheeks light up. His stare was so intense, so deep. No one had ever looked at her like that before.
“Please, do have a seat. I am assuming there are matters you also wish to discuss with me.”
She nodded, taking up the chair on the other side of the desk, watching him sit down so graciously she wondered he was even human to begin with.
When she didn’t speak for a whole minute, Neuvillette took the lead.
“I am sure you must have questions for me, Princess Navia. Do not hold back, I am listening.”
If she was confused before, she definitely was startled now.
He was letting her take the lead? He was actually going to her hear out first?
She didn’t even know what to think anymore.
“Thank you, King Neuvillette. There is, in fact, one matter I wish to get clarified. I hope I do not offend you, yet I do not understand the purpose of your invitation.”
Navia could see the passing confussion in his expression for a second.
“Ah, my apologies again, Princess Navia. I thought my intentions had been clear,” he said. “The Spina di Rosula Kingdom has the potential to become one of the most powerful among Teyvat. Nevertheless, it is to my understanding that you do not have the financial means to support its growth nor your people.”
She nodded. “That is correct, King Neuvillette.”
“I propose that we join forces. Become my Queen, rule by my side, and I will make sure your people never know what hunger is. The Kingdom of Epiclese will provide you of any resources you might need.”
Ah, so it was a marriage proposal after all…
“Thank you for clarifying your intentions, King Neuvillette. I did not know what to truly expect when I read your letter.”
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And why is that, Princess Navia?”
“It was vague, to say the least. I could not for my life understand your feelings through such plain writing.”
When the words had already left her mouth without so much as a second thought, she realized how brutally honest she had been.
To no other than him.
She felt her whole face burn.
“I- I apologise, King Neuvillette! I did not mean to sound so harsh. I-“
He cut her before she could keep talking.
“Do not feel sorry, Princess Navia. I appreciate your sincerety, for it is nothing but the truth. I find expressing myself correctly to be one of my biggest flaws.”
To no one’s surprise, she was confused once more.
She thought she’d get kicked out on the spot or lose her head, but instead he aknowledged he had a hard time putting his thoughts into words.
She didn’t know how to feel.
Neuvillette resumed their conversation while she was lost in her own world.
“My proposal still stands, Miss Navia, yet you have no obligation to accept. If you do not feel convinced, I will make sure a Melusine escorts you out and that you have a safe travel back home.”
She was perplexed.
In the span of ten minutes he had already apologised, told her she was right and was now letting her have a choice over whether she wants to marry him or not? She didn’t know if she should pinch herself or double check she was in the right Kingdom after all. How could all those rumours be about the same man she had right in front of her?
All things aside, she knew what she had to do, what she was supposed to do.
“A part of me knew you would be proposing marriage, King Neuvillette, and I would not have come otherwise. It is true my people need your help, and as Princess I am bound to do what is best for their needs. I only need to know their safety will always be a priority to you.”
He nodded. “Of course. Trust when I say I will vow for their rights as I do for my people already.”
She felt her chest lighten.
They would be safe.
“Then I have one final request to make.”
He waited for her to talk.
Navia didn’t know what had suddenly gotten into her, but…
“I wish to be courted.”
Neuvillette looked startled for a few seconds, and she had to bit her tongue to avoid giggling.
He didn’t look as bad as people say he was. Maybe she could have a little fun too.
“We will set a date for the wedding and let both Kingdoms know, of course, yet a fine Princess like myself can’t simply marry a man who has put no effort first, no matter how many arrangements have been previously made. Wouldn’t you agree, King Neuvillette?”
He stayed silent for a few seconds, and she could see he was thinking her proposition through.
“I believe you are most correct, Princess Navia. I wouldn’t want my future Queen to feel disrespected in any way. Tell me, is there anything you were hoping for?”
“If I told you what I want or expect then it wouldn’t really be courting, King Neuvillette.”
“Ah- I suppose you are right once again,” he stated.
Navia took pride in the way he was already trying so hard to guess what the best option was.
Maybe she ought to help him out. Just a little.
“It would be good to get to know each other first. I have only heard rumors about your Majesty, and I’m assuming it’s the same for you.”
He nodded, looking as if he was mentally taking notes of everything she was saying to not forget later.
“I have only heard good things about you, Princess Navia. Your people talk very fondly about their ruler. They say you are intelligent, determined, fierce and beautiful. Aside from the outstanding possibilities joining our two Kingdoms could ensure, I reached out to you based solely on these descriptions. I must admit they all seem to be true.”
She didn’t need to look in a mirror to know her face was slowly turning redder.
She wasn’t expecting him to be so straigthforward about it.
“I- there is no need for you to start courting me now, King Neuvillette, though I feel most delighted to know you’re taking my proposition seriously.”
He looked at her confused. “I was not courting you, Princess Navia. I do not see how stating objective facts would be considered so.”
She blushed even harder. This man…
“It’s because you’re accepting all those good qualities are true, including me being beautiful.”
His brows furrowed. “Even a blind man could realize you are beautiful, Princess Navia. I do not think it counts as courting to simply say the truth.”
Oh, he was going to be the death of her.
“It… it doesn’t matter, King Neuvillette. Would you better like to propose a date for the wedding?”
He stayed silent for a few seconds, considering all available options.
“I think three months from now would be most acceptable. Your Kingdom will be in a better position by the time, meaning you will get to invite all those you care for without needing to worry.”
“But how will your Kingdom feel about you taking so long to prepare a ceremony? I would not wish to cause you problems.”
He looked at her with such depth she felt she could melt right there.
“Taking proper care of your feelings would never be a bother to me, Princess Navia. I only desire what is best for you. My people will have no problem in waiting, and you are a far more important priority in this very moment than their selfish needs for drama are.”
If it wasn’t proven you could pass away just from blushing, then Navia would be the first to do so, because she was sure her skin would burst into flames soon.
For someone who didn’t understand feelings well, he sure was making a mess of her own.
“I will send a group of people to look for your belongings in the morning. I believe your room must be ready as well. This castle is now your home too, Princess Navia. Feel free to roam as much as you would like.”
Her new home…
She wasn’t sure why she felt butterflies from just thinking about it.
“Thank you, my King.”
“You do not need to thank me, Princess Navia. I am merely doing my job as your future husband. If you are ever in need of anything, come to me first, no matter how busy I am.”
It would be a surprise if she managed to survive three whole months with such a man by her side.