#351 - [5] - Fire Emblem - Edelgard/Constance - Tension

[mayemerald]

Title: N/A
Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Pairing: Edelgard/Constance
Rating: G
Prompt: 351 - tension
Word Count: 580
Summary: Edelgard stumbles across Constance in the middle of casting a curious spell, and Constance convinces her to be her next test subject.

“Constance? Are you there?”

It was quite rare for her to receive visitors here in the Abyss, let alone one as illustrious as this.

“Lady Edelgard! Welcome to my humble abode. Do come in!”

Her room was small and perhaps by some definitions cramped, but it was a lively place, full of niche decor and notes and plans and supplies and whatnot for her next magical endeavor. Lady Edelgard took it all in with a scrunched brow. Constance watched her eagerly.

“So, what brings you here?” Constance turned to tidy up what she had been working on so she could lean casually against the surface.

“What were you doing?”

Constance realized belatedly that she had, in fact, been in the middle of something when Edelgard interrupted. Her hair was an absolute mess, the back untouched and only one of her curls in place, perfectly coiled and taught. The other was floating straight up, defying the standard norms of gravity, completely free of any tension holding it in its usual shape. There was also a tiny rune, drawn on in makeup, that was flaking off of her cheek.

“Why, did you think these curls were natural? It’s a delicate bit of spellwork, but I find the effect to be quite stellar.”

Edelgard remained unimpressed. “These are the kinds of innovations you find it worthwhile to pursue?”

“You should know quite well that first impressions and appearances play a larger role in politics than anyone wants to admit. This ensures I maintain a certain level of poise without undue effort. The spell lasts multiple days, so I don’t have to fuss over my hair for as long every single morning.”

The heir to the empire raised a single eyebrow. “... I must admit, that does sound useful. As you say, it is an obnoxious practice to have to upkeep one's appearance. Basic hygiene is one thing, but keeping with specific fashion standards day after day is another…”

“Well, Lady Edelgard, I would be more than happy to apply this same spell to your hair as well!”

“Ah, I had come to collect you to send you off on an errand for the Professor, but we do still have time before they’re expecting you.”

“I developed the spell in my days at the School of Sorcery, and have used it at least once a week ever since. I’m quite well-practiced at it.” The blonde’s words were honey-sweet and rather forward. Edelgard often rejected her attempts to show-off her innovations, but this was a perfect chance!

“...Alright. I admit, this could be rather useful for me if it works out.”

“Wonderful!” Constance picked up her makeup pencil and twirled it around her fingers with a flourish. “Now, close your eyes and lean in. This will take only a second…”

Edelgard obeyed, cheeks flushing a little red when Constance leaned in, her breath hot against her face.

Two hours later, a scowling Edelgard stood, arms crossed, beside a Hubert who was doing his best to keep a straight face.

“Your Majesty, I sense that something has gone… amiss since I saw you last.”

Edelgard’s white hair was curled upwards, swirling up in a conical shape reminiscent of a beehive. Seen from above, the middle of the hair-cone was hollow, held aloft solely by magic. Magic that refused to be undone.

“Remind me to never be swayed by any other of Constance’s ideas in the future, no matter how much she insists.”

“As you wish, your majesty.”