Dislaimer: All I own is the plot!

A/N: I know the supports in game make it feel like a forced ship, but I've really been drawn to the idea of a political marriage. While I'll be doing it in my other fic, this idea sprung to mind on the coach today and I just couldn't brush it off! Marriage isn't always sunshine and roses- as Ryoma and Camilla will find out!

The sound of birds cawing filled the air as a strip of light shone into the grand looking room. The walls a rich red colour, the room felt warm and welcoming, decorated beautifully with gold accents and ornaments. To the far right of the room stood a masculine mannequin, clad in scarlet coloured armour; each piece perfectly maintained with a bright sheen to it.

For a few moments there was no movement in the room aside from the gentle rustling of the floor length burgundy curtains as the wind blew through the room. The peace was soon interrupted however by a loud knock on the door.

Groaning slightly, a head of messy brown hair rose out from underneath silken covers. "I do not want any visitors, begone!" A masculine voice called out before the covers were once again pulled over his head.

The voice was met with silence for a moment, before the door creaked open and a lithe figure appeared. Dressed in black and burgundy, his one eye looked over at the bed as he folded his arms. Though his mouth was covered, it was clear that the young man was in a serious mood. "King Ryoma, the delegate from Nohr is awaiting your presence in the royal hall." Pausing, the ninja looked away, turning his gaze to the window. "I understand that you have lost the person you love the most, but you have a duty to this kingdom. You are king now, do not forget your responsibilities."

For a moment the red haired ninja received no response; King Ryoma's body lay unmoving beneath the covers as the man processed his retainers words. "You are right, Scarlet worked hard to end this war, it is my duty to see her wishes through in her place." He muttered as he sat up, his hair wilder than ever. "Did Silas say what it was he needs to discuss with me?"

"The union of Nohr and Hoshido my king, it is the day you are required to discuss with King Xander what will happen." Looking at his king for a moment, Saizo frowned slightly. "I trust you will make the right decision."

"Is there really any right decision friend, regardless two people will marry out of duty instead of love. I understand that it is essential to strengthen the bond between the two kingdoms, but it fills me with unease regardless." Standing up, Ryoma began to dress as he thought about the best way to deal with such a situation.

"It is a difficult choice, but everyone will trust in the decision you make." Without further ado the ninja turned on the spot, disappearing in a poof of smoke.

Sighing, Ryoma began to attach his armour to his body. After many years of getting ready, the young king had learnt to put it on without the aid of any maids; disliking the thought of needing help from anyone. For a while, Scarlet had assisted in putting his armour on after sharing his bed the night before, but never again would the courageous woman share his bed again. A bitterness filled his mouth as he thought about his love; though he admired her strength to the very end he could not help the rage inside him at the fact she had died too soon.

They had once talked about a life together; he would have done anything just to be by her side for the rest of his days. Once the war was over they were going to wed, she would be queen and together they were going to lead the kingdom to a more prosperous and peaceful place. Though she had died a hero; protecting his brother Corrin, Ryoma wished there could have been another way for the both to live.

Shaking his head as he began the laborious task of taming his mane of hair, Ryoma turned his thoughts to the impending meeting with Silas. He had to admit he had not given the situation much thought since he and Xander had discussed it the day after they ascended their thrones.

Looking in the mirror, he knew in his heart that he could not ask any more of his siblings, all of which had suffered enough hardship during the war. He knew he could not ask any of them to give up their choice to marry for love; he loved his siblings far too much to take one of the most rewarding, blissful things in the world from any one of them. Putting his headpiece on, Ryoma resolved that there was only one course of action that he could take.

Determined to see things through to the end, Ryoma quickly made his way towards the royal hall, taking quick strides as the frown grew on his face. With an almighty push, the doors flew open; revealing not only Silas, but the Nohrian royals as well. As he stepped inside he tried to hide his surprise, clearly caught off guard by the royal visit. "King Xander, what an unexpected surprise, you needn't have come all this way."

"Oh on the contrary, it is vital this matter is decided today; we have had reports that many Nohrian civilians are concerned that our ties with Hoshido are weak and that in consequence rebels may attempt to stir up war amongst this discontent." Pausing, the built blonde adjusted his hair slightly. "I hope this is no inconvenience to you of course."

Looking at the four members of royalty Ryoma nodded his head slightly. Looking at the group, he wondered which of the princesses would soon become his bride. Though he still mourned for his lover he knew that no matter what his bride would be comfortable. It was not conventional in some senses, but marriage for political reasons had occurred for centuries, this would be no different. "I will spare you any wait, I have decided that the royal who shall marry a royal of Nohr will be me. I greatly apologize if this is not to your liking, however I cannot put my siblings through such a trying situation."

"Trying situation?" Camilla spoke up, stepping forwards slightly. "What is so trying about marrying the eldest princess of Nohr... King Ryoma?"

"Sister! What are you doing?" Elise cried out, looking over at Camilla. "We haven't even discussed it, I'm a possibility too you know!"

"Oh hush darling, it is my duty as the second eldest to fulfill my duty as princess and bind our kingdoms, if this displeases King Ryoma then we will have to reassess a political marriage, but you will not be embroiled in politics like this honey." Walking forward, Camilla stopped directly in front of the brunette. "What do you say?"

"If this is the wishes of your ladyship I will be honoured to have you as my Queen." Offering his hand to the buxom woman, Ryoma could not help but think of how different she was to his beloved Scarlet. He knew it could not be helped, but looking at Camilla he tried to choke down the feeling that he would never be able to love her.

"Then it's settled." Taking his hand, the lilac haired woman smiled slightly. "If I am to be your wife it is only right that I stay here and assist in preparations for the wedding; could you get a room made up for me darling, it simply wouldn't do for us to sleep in a room together before we are wed afterall."

"Certainly, I will ask for one of our best rooms to be made up for you. My retainer Kagero will be at your disposal for as long as you shall need; I am to presume that your personal retainers will be joining us eventually?"

As the two spoke in brisk, formal tones Elise turned to look at her brothers. "Is this really the right thing to do?" She asked, a concerned look in her eyes as she looked up at the pair.

"Not really, but she's made her mind up now." Pausing, Leo looked at Elise, a small smile on his face for the young woman. "Don't worry, Camilla can take care of herself."

Nodding a fraction, Elise looked back at her big sister. "I hope so..."