Aromatic Love

Chapter 1 - Inflame

Louis had always been fond of Céline even before the divine dragon awoke and dark stirrings began to shake the foundations of the world, but something about this war had made her even more tragically beautiful to him, like a lone alpine flower blooming on cold, arid mountainside. She worked tirelessly to defend her homeland, her people and her loved ones, all the whole worried if it will be enough to save them. He would dare to say he had fallen in love with her, a sentiment that some would argue was unbefitting of his station as a retainer. Louis, of course, would disagree with that point of view. As he fell for her, he found himself even more motivated to train and protect her on the battlefield. He was driven by more than just dutiful loyalty now.

In their countless moments together drinking tea, Céline had come to confide in him, sending her hopes and her worries with him. Louis could no longer see her as just the object of his protection. She meant more than that to him. Sadly, royalty scarcely had the luxury of being in relationships with common people like himself, so Louis had resigned himself to the fate of unrequited love. That is, until this very day.

Today was a peaceful day with no battle to attend to. On any such day, Louis and Céline could be found drinking tea together. The conversation had followed it's usual eb and flow, but after a brief moment of silence Céline asked a question Louis never thought he would hear.

"What do you think of me Louis? Am I just someone you protect? A friend perhaps? Or am I something more to you?" Céline asked, an almost bashful look in her face.

"I-I'm not sure what you mean Céline," Louis said, startled by this turn of events.

"I've noticed that you've been trying harder than ever for me lately, and you seem more eager to spend time with me. You keep putting your life on the line for me in battle, no matter how reckless you have to be. Do you love me, Louis?" she asked, her face slowly becoming

Louis' eyes widened for a moment. She'd noticed everything he was doing for her? He hadn't said a thing to her about it but he knew he had been going above and beyond the call of duty for her as of late. But he never imagined she'd call him out for it. Of course she had though. She was compassionate and empathetic, well attuned to the needs of her allies, no matter how well they hid them. Louis sighed and took a long sip of his tea. Much too long to be natural, but he needed even just a few seconds more to think. His next words would be a choice. Would he chose to be professional and continue his duty? Or would he risk that for honesty and integrity? The choice was tearing him apart inside but he was running out of tea. He had to speak.

"Yes Céline, I have fallen for you. I love you," he said, with a sort of tranquil resignation in his voice.

His choice should've been obvious from the start. Céline would've seen right through him if he tried to lie. Besides, she didn't deserve to be deceived at all. She was too good of a person for that. He didn't know what her response would be but he didn't care. Having this off his chest at long last felt more freeing than words could describe.

"I see," Céline replied seemingly deep in thought, "Then if that's true, meet me in my tent tonight. We can... discuss the matter further."

Céline set her teacup down on the table and promptly left. As if her initial question hadn't been shocking enough, this response left Louis even more stunned. What was going on? It was unusual for Céline to be so discreet like this. He had been expecting a straightforward refusal of his feelings, perhaps coupled with admonishment about being unprofessional in his duties. He never could have predicted this. His day had turned into a whirlwind of emotion and confusion now. It would probably be best to partake in some people watching and clear his head. He had to figure something out before tonight.