Chapter Text
“Easy, don’t do it too fast,” the cleric warned. “You’re still healing, remember? You could tear something again or make it worse. It might never heal if you do that.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Silas nodded rotating his right arm slowly.
It still hurt and it had been nearly half a year since the end of the war. The healing process, he remembered being told, was always going to be slow. The cut was so deep a couple clerics didn’t know if he was actually going to be able to keep his arm on. Silas wasn’t going to go without that arm though and pushed through a month and a half of being bedridden and another two months of doing absolutely nothing with his right arm as it sat in a sling. His shoulder was still extremely tender and everyone around him was always extremely cautious about being on his right side in fear of bumping it. The sling had been removed a few weeks ago, but Silas still wasn’t allowed to do much of anything with it. He had been undergoing therapy for the arm a month after having it being put in the sling but that was a delicate process because he couldn’t too much of anything before the pain made him nauseous.
Now, he was feeling much better, but he still had to take it easy.
He would never admit that the reason this was taking so long was because he had been sneaking in some practice with the lance on his own time back at his humble abode that no one knew the location of. If someone found out, particularly a prince that was about to become king soon, Silas would have been in so much trouble.
“Tell me if this hurts,” she pressed gently against his shoulder and Silas winced. “Hurt?” He nodded. “Pain from one to ten.”
“Seven,” Silas confessed.
She frowned, “The pain went up from last time? Are you using it more than you’re supposed to be allowed to?”
“No,” Silas shook his head with the practiced lie on his tongue. “I try not to sleep on it, but sometimes when I wake up, I’m almost certain I rolled onto it in my sleep.”
She clicked her tongue, “We need to get you a pillow so you don’t roll onto this shoulder, young man.”
Silas hummed.
"I'm serious," her expression darkened. "Your shoulder should not be hurting that much. It's dangerous to sleep on it when it's still so fragile. Only exercise it twice a day with the instructions I give you, okay? The bone is still tender and so are all the muscles." She pulled up his loose-fitting shirt hiding the red that was still present. "This was extremely close to cutting into your collarbone, you need to be careful Sir Silas. I implore you."
“Just Silas is fine,” he replied instead of commenting on anything else she said.
"You're free to go," the cleric ignored him. Just as she said that a knock at the door came. "Yes?"
A messenger appeared, “Is Sir Silas done, ma’am?”
“Yes, he’s free,” she went to wash her hands.
“Sir Silas!” the messenger saluted him. Silas hated that everyone was calling him that now. “Lord Xander has summoned you as soon as you’re available and feeling up to it.”
“Ah, thank you,” Silas delicately rubbed his shoulder. “I will be there soon.”
The messenger bowed, “Do you need any assistance getting there?”
Silas stood slowly and pressed his shirt down, “No, I should be fine, thank you.”
The messenger bowed again and left. The knight sighed and checked the mirror at his collarbone. It definitely looked inflamed and he would need to ice it later in the day. He would definitely have to try hard to fight the urge to train. He just didn’t want to get rusty. The cleric, Aida, was a pleasant old lady but definitely stern which was something Silas needed. He was stubborn and more often than not, a bad influence for himself.
Bidding her farewell, Silas slowly made his way to Xander's quarters. Luckily, it wasn't too far from the medical room that Silas was in for his shoulder therapy, but it was still distance enough the Silas felt weary after walking there with the injury. It was a shoulder injury, yet to Silas, it felt like his whole body had been crushed and broken.
Knocking on the door, Silas didn’t have to wait long for the door to be opened. Xander had taken to making sure Silas didn’t do much of anything. The knight knew for sure that if Xander knew where he was currently residing, he would walk to him instead of the other way around.
“Silas,” Xander smiled placing his hand on his lower back and ushering him into the room as if he needed the assistance. Which he did, because he felt slightly unstable. Having nearly lost his arm messed with his balance a great deal. “How is your shoulder today?”
“A seven,” Silas answered taking a seat across from Xander.
The prince hummed, “A seven? Isn’t that worse than two days ago?”
Everyone seemed to remember all these arbitrary numbers.
“Yeah,” Silas admitted. Xander’s hands hovered over Silas’s shoulder.
“May I look?” he asked softly.
Silas nodded, “Of course.”
Xander was ever careful and removed the shirt from his shoulder, “It’s inflamed.” Silas nodded. Xander scrutinized him, “What have you been doing, Silas?”
“I—”
“Don’t tell me you slept on it wrong last night. I was with you and I made sure you didn’t sleep on it. There was a reason I slept behind you,” Xander scolded.
“How’d you know I was going to say that?”
“Aida told me a few times that was your excuse and implored me to find a pillow to keep you from doing so,” Xander sighed. “That’s why I invited you to my quarters last night so I could make sure you were okay. You barely move in your sleep anyway.”
Silas blushed, “How long were you watching me?”
“I couldn’t sleep last night, truth be told,” Xander confessed. “The Coronation is on my mind.”
Softening his gaze, Silas whispered, “Xander… You’ll be great. It’ll go perfectly.”
“Hmm,” Xander gently began massaging Silas’s shoulder and the knight groaned. There were several knots in his shoulder that Aida, despite Silas’s complaints, refused to touch. She didn’t want to make it worse, but Silas trusted Xander with his life and it was always easier to let him do it because he knew where it hurt the most and where it didn’t. “I hope so. Will you be there?”
“For you? Of course,” Silas murmured annoyed that Xander doubted it.
“I just wanted to be sure,” Xander nodded. “You’re on our special guest list and the seating arrangements were set but I never confirmed with you—”
“Where am I sitting?” Silas asked.
Xander chuckled softly, “Not next to me if you’re concerned about being in the limelight.”
Silas sighed in relief.
“You’ll be seated next to Laslow,” Xander told him. “I figured you’d be comfortable with sitting next to him.”
Silas’s eyes widened, “He’s… he’s coming back?!”
Xander nodded with a twinkle in his eyes.
Shortly after the war and Corrin’s coronation, Laslow, Odin, and Selena left. Or rather, Inigo, Owain, and Severa… That came as a shock to Silas when Laslow— Er, Inigo revealed his origins to him and Xander. It was still a secret to everyone else. Only Leo, Camilla, and Elise were told about their true names and history. When Silas found out, it suddenly made a lot more sense about the wisdom and age that was in the eyes of the trio. It made sense when Laslow said he had experience when it came to wars.
Three wars in one lifetime? That must’ve been overwhelming for them.
“I thought he couldn’t come back?” Silas asked wincing a little at a slight pain shooting up his shoulder.
“Apologies,” Xander retracted his hands carefully. Silas waved him off and urged him to continue. Hesitantly, he did so, “I don’t know the details of it. I don’t even quite know how I got the letter from him, but I did and he’s apparently returning with Odin and Selena.
“That’s nice,” Silas sighed as the tension slowly fled his shoulder. “Thank you.”
Xander ran his hand tenderly over his shoulder before resting it on the small of Silas’s back and kissing him.
“Of course,” Xander pulled away. “I’m just glad it’s healing, even if it’s a slow process. When I saw you fall off your horse after the battle and you were bleeding so bad… gods, I thought you were a goner. You were losing so much blood.” He caressed Silas’s cheek and a shadow passed over his face.
"Takes a little more than broken bones and blood loss to kill me," Silas smiled before pressing a soft kiss to the prince's cheek. Slowly, he pulled away, "I love you."
Xander smirked and rubbed a thumb over one of his scars, “I love you too. So much.”
Silas sighed, “I’m sorry… for scaring you.” Silas paused, “I’m also sorry that I’m not here much anymore.”
Xander deflated a little, his shoulders sagging and Silas felt his heart twist, “No, I get it. I understand. I told you already. You’re free to make your own decisions about what you want to do with your life now that war is over.” He ran a hair through his golden locks and only then did Silas realize that he wasn’t wearing his crown. “Don’t let my desires hinder want you want in life Silas.”
“I’ll come back,” Silas whispered the promise. “I just…”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Silas” Xander reiterated. “You really don’t.”
Silas bit his lip, “I do love you, Xander.”
“I know,” Xander nodded. “Regardless of the distance that we may have some times. I do know.”
Their fingers intertwined slowly and Silas laid his head in the crook of Xander’s neck. He sighed deeply enjoying the warmth he got from his lover and future king. Tomorrow, the coronation would take place and they were almost done with finalizing all the details. Corrin would arrive later tonight along with Azura and Laslow, Odin, and Selena would arrive at some point as well. Xander wrapped his arms around Silas mindful of his shoulder and rubbed his back.
-0-0-0-
“You look great Silas!” Elise exclaimed walking in circles around him taking in his outfit. “Wow! Xander knows you well~”
Silas looked down as his garment, “He picked this out?”
“Well, he gave a lot of ideas to the seamstress, yes,” Elise bounced in happiness.
Silas laughed missing her energy, “Princess, please, you’re making me dizzy.”
She smiled brightly, “I’m just happy to see you, Silas! It’s been a long time. Big brother talks about you, but I never get to see you anymore.”
He felt a little guilty about that. When he did visit, he almost exclusively remained in the presence of the prince and it was more often than not for his shoulder check-ups.
“Wouldn’t it be more convenient if you stayed here for your shoulder?” Elise asked cocking her head to the side.
“I mean, yes,” Silas admitted. “But since when did I make things easy?”
“Fair,” but she pouted and kicked up imaginary dirt. He chuckled.
“I missed you too princess. I’m sorry I’m not around much anymore,” Silas apologized.
She folded her arms, “Well, if you’re sorry you should stick around more often!”
"Now, now, Elise," Camilla in an elegant purple and black dress fit to her form walked up to the duo. Her hair was done up in a beautiful flower bun. Behind her was Leo in dashing Nohrian garments adorned with gold and a deep red. "Let's not make him feel any more guilty than he already does." Silas flushed slightly and laughed because he did feel guilty and he had said as much a couple times. "Looking wonderful Silas. Xander would be pleased." She winked.
"I would hope so knowing that he picked it out for me," Silas looked down at himself. "Though I will admit, I feel quite odd wearing this."
Camilla hummed, “And why is that?”
"Because it feels too regal," Leo probably meant to state it as a question but it came out as a statement. He knew it was true. Silas was a nobleman who lost his place and then regained it under interesting circumstances leading to him becoming a knight. Suddenly, he was being thrusted into clothing that he never really dreamed of wearing.
“You’re not wrong,” Silas let out a startled laugh.
Camilla giggled, “Well, if you’re going to be part of the family you should get used to it.”
“Oooh, marriage proposal the same day as the coronation?!” Elise bounced up and down. Silas’s face, he was certain, was a glaring shade of red.
“No!” he stuttered. “That is not the plan. That is not happening.”
Elise hummed playfully, “Ooooh, what if big brother proposed tonight sister?!”
“Elise settle down,” Leo warned with a fond smile. “You’ll start rumors.”
“Oh, but the good kind!” Elise laughed. “What kind of bad news is that?!”
Silas cleared his throat, “It’s not bad news so much as no one really knows . About us, I mean.”
Elise finally stopped bouncing and looked at Silas in shock. Apparently, she hadn't realized that Silas and Xander weren't exactly… public. Not to the people at least. The only people who knew were the ones close to them during the war. It wasn't like they went around parading their relationship and Silas certainly wouldn't have wanted that kind of publicity.
“Wait, really?” Elise gasped.
Camilla clicked her tongue, “ Really . Xander and Silas have been quite tight-lipped about their relationship. So no, no proposal within the coming days."
Or months, or years probably.
“Especially not when we can’t even convince him to live in the castle,” Leo raised an eyebrow at him. “Which, by the way, is an interesting thing to pass up. Most would die to live in here.”
“I spent some time in here before,” Silas shrugged remembering all the festivities and private parties he came to when he was younger. “And if it’s the same as before, I can say I don’t think I’m missing out on too much.” Silas gestured vaguely around the room, “Eyes and ears everywhere. I’m surprised our private lives have been kept as private as they have been.”
Camilla folded her arms and shifted the weight to one side, “Yes, you’re not wrong. But that is something we will change.” She smiled, “We’re not forcing you to change your mind anytime soon. We know you haven’t exactly had many great experiences here when you were younger.”
Elise looked confused, “What? What? What? What happened?!”
“Nothing,” Leo said dismissively. Elise groaned in annoyance and muttered something about no one ever telling her anything. “Nothing important anymore. It’s in the past. We’re starting a new era.” He returned his focus, “One I’m certain Xander would love to have you at his side for. So, we ask that you, even if you plan on staying here, you at least take good care of yourself. Xander would be beside himself if something happened to you, I hope you know that.”
Camilla hummed in agreement. Elise nodded as well -- very fast and very hard.
“Yeah, yes, will do, Prince Leo,” Silas bowed mockingly.
Leo smirked, “Comfortable are we?”
Silas shrugged, “I’ve been told that I’m too formal with you three despite everything.”
“The best way to not be is by dropping titles,” Camilla winked. “Though, I’ve heard from Xander that you still do that to him from time to time. I can’t imagine you changing anything anytime soon.”
“I apologize—”
Camilla waved him off and looped an arm around his, "None of that now. The coronation will begin soon and we're expected to be there at the front for support. Then, dinner where you'll be sitting next to the lovely Laslow and Odin and my dear sweet Selena. So glad they decided to grace us with their presence again."
“Yes, I as well,” Silas said following her lead because there was no protesting Camilla.
When she took the lead, you followed and never protested. The room was already quite packed with noble people there to see the crowning of the new king and hear his speech. Silas took his seat next to Camilla but immediately noticed some familiar faces. The Hoshidan Royal Family sat in their own special seating. They caught Silas’s gaze and smiled at him. Camilla waved at them and they waved back. Corrin had arrived sitting in the middle and he positively beamed at seeing Silas. The knight hadn’t been able to assist in the recovering in Valla because of his shoulder which bummed him a great deal, but regardless he sent letters of support to Corrin in messy print because his arm was still injured. More often than not, Xander wrote it for him because he didn’t want Silas to push himself.
The crowd hushed at the sight of Xander and Silas quite frankly had his breath taken away at how positively radiant Xander looked as he took his position in front of them.
“Don’t gawk too hard,” Camilla teased. “You’ll distract him too.”
Silas only swallowed and nodded and proceeded to listen to Xander in silence. The now King commanded the absolute attention of the room and everyone listened in awe. Silas couldn’t have been more proud of Xander and how far they came. The man he loved was doing so well and Silas didn’t think anyone else would be as capable as him when it came to leading the country.
-0-0-0-
"What did you think?" Silas spun around in the banquet hall startled by the voice. "Hello, friend."
“Laslow!” Silas raised his arms to give the former retainer a hug, regretting it instantly when he felt the pull in his shoulder.
“Still hurts, huh?” Laslow gave him a sympathetic look and embraced him mindful of his injury.
Silas sighed, “Unfortunately. Not that I’ve made it easy to heal.”
“Why am I not surprised?” he winked pulling back.
Silas looked him up and down, “Gods, I really didn’t think we’d see you again.”
"Magic is an interesting thing," Laslow laughed. "With Azura and Corrin, we managed to make a portal to Valla. That's where we originally landed before coming to Nohr anyway. From there, it's easy to get here."
“Wow,” Silas was grinning from ear to ear. “It’s really good to see the three of you again.”
“Yeah, Selena and Odin are talking to their former lords. I thought I’d find you with Xander, but I was wrong,” Laslow seemed amused at the thought that Silas wasn’t with him. He suddenly grabbed Silas’s hands. “No ring yet?”
Silas rolled his eyes.
“Why is everyone expecting us to be at that stage already?”
Laslow snorted, "I only tease my friend. But really, show me where the King is. I wish to speak to him."
Silas nodded, leading him toward Xander. Really only Silas and the other royal siblings knew that Xander wasn’t actually at this part of the ceremony. He gave his speech, ate the dinner and then decided he was tired and would return a little later to finish up the festivities. He wasn’t particularly needed there, but Silas would have been lying if he wasn’t hoping to get a dance out of him. He had improved since childhood and he had been practicing in his spare time for this moment. Then again, perhaps that would be too much in the public eye that Silas didn’t necessarily want.
Lo and behold, Xander was out on the balcony having a lively conversation with Prince Ryoma. The prince’s eyes widened at the sight of Laslow.
“My gods, you’ve returned have you?” he exclaimed. “Welcome back Laslow!”
"Thank you, Prince Ryoma," Laslow bowed. "King Xander, it's good to see you again."
Xander's eyes were glowing brightly in the night. They twinkled with a newfound excitement for the future.
“It’s good to see you too friend,” Xander smiled warmly. “I’m happy to see that you are well. How are things in your homeland?”
Laslow nodded, “Just as well. No more wars to fight, so I’m trying to get used to the quiet life with Odin. It’s difficult though.”
Xander nodded sympathetically, “I can imagine.”
“Though, we were considering just staying here,” Laslow confessed absently.
Xander nearly spilled his wine and at the same time as Silas said, “Here?”
Ryoma laughed at their synchronization. Xander shot him a quick glare, but the Prince didn’t care. He rarely took Xander’s sternness seriously and hardly cared when it was directed towards him.
“Well, yes,” Laslow said slowly. “I know I have family there, but living there when I know that a younger me will flourish… is odd? Especially for him to grow up and if there’s some way that he finds out that oh yes, someone looks exactly like me, seems weird. It’s actually something a lot of my comrades struggle with as well. Finding a place in a world that already has a younger and hopefully better version of themselves.” He shrugged the statement off, “So maybe we’ll settle here instead.”
“Well, I welcome you all the same,” Xander collected himself. “Let me know what you decide. I would like to keep in touch with you.”
“If you get tired of Nohr, you could stay in Hoshido,” Ryoma winked.
Xander sighed fondly, “Ryoma, I swear—”
“Relax, Xander,” Ryoma laughed. “Enjoy your Coronation a little. You’re not even in the main event.”
“The main event was getting crowned and giving that speech—”
“Where Silas gawked at you the whole time—”
“Hey, I’m allowed to,” Silas protested.
“Yes, indeed,” Laslow hummed. “I’m not seeing a ring though—”
“Alright Laslow, go away,” Silas shooed him away. Laslow laughed. Eyes twinkled in the night and Silas would actually love if Laslow stayed. He was great company and had become quite a dear friend over time. Seeing him alive and well was always a great relief and he often offered great counsel as well.
Ryoma smiled, “I will go back inside, if only because I think I should be there for a part of the festivities. Try dancing, Xander.”
Xander looked at Silas and shook his head, “I’ll join you in a few.”
Ryoma smirked, “Ah. Well, Laslow, join me will you? Returning alone is quite boring.”
Laslow nodded, “Of course. I don’t know too much about Hoshido, so if I was to live there, do tell me more.”
Ryoma’s laugh could be heard as they walked away and disappeared.
Xander sighed, “Now that it’s just us two…”
“Were you trying to get me alone?” Silas smirked.
"Yes," Xander confessed in an amused breath. "It's hard to get these moments alone during events like this so I had hoped you would find me out here eventually." The music changed and it was slow and romantic. Xander held his hand out, "If you would dare dance with me again after all those years, I would be quite honored."
Silas laughed, taking his hand, "I was actually looking forward to dancing with you. I have actually been practicing."
“With your shoulder?” Xander frowned, wrapping one arm around Silas’s waist and the other interlaced their fingers together.
“Yes, Xander,” Silas answered as they quickly fell into step. “How else would I practice?”
“No wonder you’re healing so slowly,” Xander paused. “Please don’t tell me you practice with the lance too.” Silas hesitated. “ Silas, for the love of all that is good—”
“I can’t get rusty when I rejoin the knights—”
“You may never rejoin if you don’t let it heal!” Xander scolded. Silas rolled his eyes. “Oh don’t roll your eyes at me. You know I’m right.”
“Yes, yes, King,” Silas teased. “I know. You’re always right.”
Xander shook his head, "You be lucky I love you a great deal, my fair knight."
Silas laughed, “Yes, I am quite lucky.”
Xander sighed, “I am lucky as well. That you continue to stick with me when I know you want nothing to do with Nohrian politics.”
“A small price to pay when it means I can have you,” Silas knew that sounded extremely sappy. He was in his feelings and terribly smitten with how gorgeous Xander looked. “You’re beautiful tonight.”
Xander’s gaze softened, “You as well. I had a hard time not staring at you doing my speech.”
“I was staring at you,” Silas confessed without shame.
Xander’s cheeks tinted a slight pink and Silas melted a little at the sight. Rarely did he manage to make the king blush, but when he did, he felt incredibly proud and warm . Yes, he was smitten and had no shame.
“Congratulations, my king,” Silas muttered as Xander leaned down to place their foreheads together.
“Thank you, my love,” Xander hummed.
They continued their slow dance, letting time pass without worries of looming war or if they would make it to see the next day. Content settled into Silas's heart. It would take some time to recover fully from everything the war did to him — to all of them, but he was on the road to it. With Xander at his side, it might have been a little easier. The King pulled him flush against his body and locked their lips together in a slow, passionate kiss that made Silas's mind and body feel light. A warm shocked through his body making him melt further into the king's arms. So much so that Silas was certain Xander was the only thing keeping him upright.
Perhaps, he wouldn’t be so lost now that he had Xander to help guide him.