Please read the A/N at the end. Thanks!


Chapter 8: The Royal Wedding

The sun rose and fell a dozen times, each day bringing the mild fall closer to an end and the chilling winter ever nearer. Nearly a fortnight after the company of Hoshidans arrived in Cyrkensia, the snowfall finally began.

It was a cold night, just enough so for it to start snowing. The moon was full and bright in the sky as it peeked intermittently from behind the clouds. The snow began to fall when those dark clouds covered the sky once again.

Corrin was used to the chilly weather thanks to his previous life spent at the Northern Fortress, but as he stared outside the window a chill crept up his spine. His attention quickly turned away from the snow, hoping to warm himself up by returning to the celebration. In front of the prince, Hoshidans and members of the Cyrkensian government were celebrating the newly wedded Ryoma and Azura with gusto. He wasn't paying attention to the celebration, however; he was instead reminiscing about the recent wedding.

The royal wedding had been rather elegant, just as Azura and Sakura planned it to be. However, it had lacked most of the usual Hoshidan décor and tradition. With help from wedding planners, the pair had been able to craft a simple-yet-spectacular Cyrkensian wedding. Everyone who joined Ryoma and Azura on the trek to Cyrkensia, plus some Cyrkensians, had been packed into the church where the ceremony took place. Ryoma, in a tux very similar to Corrin's, had stood proudly by the altar; there he waited for his bride-to-be along with the priest and his entourage of Takumi, Corrin, and Saizo. The former two had smiled encouragingly, the latter – mask still hiding the lower half of his face – had examined the surroundings for any hint of danger. The high prince had glanced towards Azura's entourage, as if to further reassure himself that the wedding was still happening; Hinoka, Sakura, and Kagero had smiled back the same as Ryoma's brothers.

On cue, to signal the entrance of the bride, the hired pianist began playing a traditional wedding tune. Corrin had immediately turned his attention to the church's giant oak doors. He had held his breath, patiently waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle. Then, he had let out a small gasp of awe, as the bride appeared. In walked Azura, wearing a simple white gown, her face partially covered by a matching white veil. Seeing her in that dress had caused Corrin's heart to skip a beat.

The prince let loose a deep sigh at the recent memory, still feeling a small pang of pain upon seeing his brother and Azura wed. He took a swig of his wine, finishing it off and setting it down on a nearby table.

Corrin saw how happy the pair was and how happy they made those around them. Everyone was mingling, dancing – or trying to dance – and enjoying the food, drink, and company the wedding offered.

Corrin smiled, realizing he couldn't help but be happy as well. Though, as he looked on at the throngs of people in the reception area, he couldn't find one person in particular.

Scarlet was nowhere to be seen.

This confused the prince: enough for him to search the reception area for the blonde wyvern rider.

As he made his way around the dance floor to the catering area to begin his search, he noticed the many familiar faces from the Hoshidan army.

On the dance floor, Corrin's friends were dancing with a partner of their choosing. Hana and Subaki were, of course, perfectly in step with the beat of the music. Corrin expected nothing less from the perfectionistic couple, and rolled his eyes as the sky knight dipped his wife.

Also dancing together was Hayato and Mozu, Azama and Setsuna – with the archer tripping up every other step – and… Hinoka and Silas? Corrin took a double-take as he noticed his childhood friend dancing with his sister. Not for a moment did he think those two were together, though he had suspected something was going on. He watched for a short moment, mouth open in disbelief, until he heard his name being called.

"Corrin, over here!"

The prince turned his attention to the voice, to notice that Hinata waving him over. Corrin flashed him a smile and walked to the samurai's table. He sat down, offhandedly noticing that he was the only single individual at the table. Hinata was accompanied by his wife, Oboro, while Sakura and Kaze sat together opposite the married couple.

"Lord Corrin, are you enjoying the wedding?" Kaze asked.

"Well, I'd say I'm enjoying the food more than anything, actually," the prince admitted, rubbing the back of his head bashfully. "Everyone else here has a date. Even Silas is dancing with Hinoka."

"Seriously!?" Sakura and Hinata exclaimed at the same time.

The stuffed food in the samurai's cheek made him look like a chipmunk. Oboro, annoyed at her husband for speaking with his mouth full, smacked him on the back of his head. The samurai got the hint immediately and swallowed his food before he continued. "Right, sorry Oboro! Anyway, seriously!?"

"Yeah," Corrin replied, chuckling and pointing his finger to the pair in question.

Both Sakura and Hinata turned their heads in the same direction, catching sight of the silver-haired knight and red headed Pegasus rider. For a moment, everyone at the table stared at the dancing duet, amazed that out of everyone in the Hoshidan army, those two were together.

"Wow, H-Hinoka didn't even tell me about her and Silas," Sakura admitted, while everyone turned back to each other. "And they look like they're dancing perfectly together. I wish I could be as g-graceful as Hinoka…"

The priestess laid her chin on her arms, appearing forlorn while tears prickled the edges of her eyes. Kaze placed a comforting hand on her back, receiving her attention.

"I wouldn't say that, milady. After all, we haven't tried dancing yet. In fact, I think this tune would be perfect to dance to, wouldn't you agree?" Kaze stood from his seat, extending his hand to Sakura. "Would you care to dance, milady?"

The priestess' cheeks immediately turned red, but she nodded as she took her date's hand. Kaze led her onto the dance floor.

Corrin, having watched the exchange, turned away from them as he heard a yelp of pain coming from Hinata.

"Ow! Hey! What're you doing with my hair!?"

Oboro was dragging her husband out of his seat by the hair. "We're going to dance, of course! Now come on, let's go!"

"You know I don't do that!" the samurai exclaimed in response.

"Yes, but I do and I'm your wife. So I say we're dancing!"

"Alright, alright, fine! Just stop yanking on my hair, Oboro!"

She let go, allowing Hinata to join his wife with dignity instead of being dragged. With a forlorn sigh, and one last glance to Corrin pleading for help – and receiving none – the samurai stepped onto the dance floor with his wife.

Corrin was left at the table alone, chuckling. Eventually, after watching the dancing pairs for a moment longer, he stood up from his seat and resumed his search for Scarlet.

As he examined the reception, he noticed several more of his companions and friends dancing, or enjoying the feast.

Repositioning himself, Corrin saw Hayato and Mozu dancing again. Well, more like Hayato was trying to avoid stepping on the farm girl's feet while she attempted to lead him in some semblance of a dance. The young diviner appeared completely embarrassed by his dancing skills – or lack thereof – while his date simply giggled, smiled, and continued in her attempts to lead Hayato through a simple dance.

For a split second Corrin imagined himself in Hayato's position, while picturing a certain wyvern rider as his partner.

The prince shook his head trying to get rid of those thoughts quickly. Corrin, she's just a friend… You're just thinking like that because of the dress incident.

Once his head was cleared, Corrin continued searching for someone who might know where to find Scarlet.

It was then that he spotted Jakob and Felicia close by. They were accompanied by an older, heftier gentleman who appeared to be having his suit tailored by Jakob.

As Corrin walked closer to his oldest friends, he saw that the butler was indeed mending the older gentleman's coat. Felicia stood beside them with an uneasy smile as she held open a sewing kit for Jakob.

"I am so sorry for my companion's blatant disregard for her surroundings," the prince heard the butler apologize.

"Yes, I am so sorry, sir. It was my mistake!" Felicia bowed apologetically as she spoke.

"Stand still, Felicia! Lest you do anymore harm."

The young maid immediately stiffened at the butler's order, not moving a muscle.

"It is quite okay, but my! The handiwork you put into your tailoring, it is almost beyond compare!" The older gentleman examined Jakob's work with a curious squint. "Would you consider joining my staff as my personal tailor? It'd come with a considerable raise in pay."

"Thank you, sir, but I am pledged to milord, and no amount of money could change that," Jakob answered. As he put away his needle and thread, he noticed Corrin. "And there he is now!"

"Hello there, Jakob. Felicia." The young prince nodded to both of them. "What happened here?"

"Oh, just a little incident, Lord Corrin," Felicia answered with an uneasy chuckle. "Just an incident…"

"Incident? You nearly tore this poor man's arm off!" Jakob berated Felicia. "Be careful with your cutlery from now on, Felicia."

"Yes, Jakob!" she squeaked in response as the butler took the sewing kit from her.

"My apologies, sir," Corrin turned to the gentleman. "Felicia can be a bit clumsy at times, but she's a good person at heart."

"I'm sure, milord… Corrin, was it?"

The prince nodded.

"Ah, well, milord Corrin, it was still an entertaining experience, and I'm sure my suit looks much better now," the gentleman continued with a broad smile. "Thank you, to you both. Now I must bid you all farewell."

With that, the gentleman bowed politely and left to join the conglomeration of dancing Hoshidans and Cyrkensians.

"Well, now that that is dealt with: are you enjoying the festivities, Lord Corrin?" Jakob intoned.

"Of course, Jakob, or the food at least," the prince answered.

"Only the food?" Felicia's eyes widened in alarm. "You haven't danced with anyone yet!?"

"Um, well… You see…"

"Milord, that simply will not do." Jakob, it seemed, was about to lecture his lord. "After all, you are an eligible bachelor in his prime. Even if Lady Azura is no longer available for courting, there are plenty of other suitable women out there."

"Yes, but Jakob-"

Felicia cut Corrin off. "Yeah, Corrin! Like… how about Reina?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Felicia! Lady Reina is far too old for our lord to court."

"Oh, right… Well, how about Rinkah? She seems like Lord Corrin's type!"

"Only if Lord Corrin's type are women that could more easily snap his back than dance with him."

As Felicia and Jakob kept arguing over Corrin's possible suitors, the prince started to sneak away. Not like he could get a word in anyway.

Once he was in the clear, he let loose a breath he didn't know he had been holding in. He also realized that he still had no idea where to find Scarlet.

He continued searching the room for the wyvern rider, but wound up only walking around the dance floor in clueless circles.

The night dragged on, and the prince entertained thoughts about going to congratulate the newly-wed couple, but he was on a mission.

While he continued his search for Scarlet, a blur of red and white rushed passed him. Turning his focus to the blur, Corrin noticed it was Rinkah – who appeared to have overly indulged in the open bar. Slung over her shoulder was Kaden holding a bottle of wine.

Upon noticing Corrin, the kitsune waved at him and yelled, "Hey, Corrin! You humans throw a great party! Weeeee!"

That was the last Corrin saw of both Rinkah and Kaden as they disappeared out of the entrance of the building. The prince rolled his eyes and chuckled at his companions' antics.

Before resuming his search, he noticed a bit of blonde hair against the night sky overlooking the entrance balcony. It caused him to stop in his tracks. He stared at the figure, wondering if it was who he had been searching for all night long. The crowd of guests mingled around the prince, obscuring his vision of the lone woman on the balcony. Once he could see through the throng guests, Corrin finally noticed the dress she was wearing.

It was then he realized it was Scarlet.

The moonlight painted the outline of her figure, highlighting her against the background of the night sky. Her dress, the one she had tried on at the tailor, helped her blend in, but also stand out when one was looking her way. It was a dress of contradictions, just as Corrin had thought. Yet, as he watched her standing like a picturesque statue, one word floated through the prince's head that could describe what he was seeing.

Stunning.

Before Corrin knew it, his feet were carrying him towards her. He gulped, as small beads of sweat fell down the back of his neck. Even as he stepped out into the cold, early winter air, the prince still felt hot in his suit. He strode up next to Scarlet, leaning over the balcony.

She turned her head, her face visibly brightening upon seeing the prince. "Hey, Corrin!"

He remained silent, still staring at Scarlet and not too discreetly. Corrin's words were stuck in his throat. Eventually, he broke out of his reverie and simply settled on, "H-hey."

"Enjoying the wedding, princeling?" Scarlet asked with a smirk.

"Yes, well, mostly just the food," Corrin admitted.

The wyvern rider let out a short laugh. "Yeah, I can see that. Leave the dancing to the couples, right?"

"R-right."

Idiot, just talk to her like you normally do! Corrin yelled internally.

Again, another silence fell between the two. This time neither could find the words to say to each other. A few more moments passed before Corrin spoke up.

"So… why are you out here?"

"What?" Scarlet asked, being taken away from her thoughts.

"Why are you out here?" the prince repeated.

"Oh. Well, just needed some fresh air. That's all…"

"I see…"

Scarlet remained silent for a moment, biting her lip, thinking on her next words. "Corrin, we're friends, right?"

Corrin stared dumbfounded at the wyvern rider. "Well that's a stupid question. Of course we are."

"Hey, I'm trying to be serious here," Scarlet laughed, playfully shoving Corrin.

The young prince chuckled lightly. "Then don't start it off with a question like that. Makes it hard to take you seriously."

"Watch it, I can still shove you off this balcony," the wyvern rider threatened playfully.

"Okay, okay," Corrin conceded. "Yes, we are friends. Why do you ask?"

Again, another pause in the conversation. Before long, Scarlet sighed heavily and started speaking.

"Have you ever felt hurt seeing someone with someone else?" Scarlet waited for Corrin to respond before she kept going. Once he nodded, she continued. "Well, that's how I feel right now. Seeing Azura married to Ryoma. It… hurts, a bit. I don't know if you know this, but I had a small crush on him before he became engaged."

This revelation hit Corrin like a ton of bricks. He hadn't had the faintest idea. He was surprised to say the least, and a bit jealous after hearing that not only did Ryoma have Azura's love, he also had Scarlet's.

Yet, he also felt a connection with the wyvern rider.

Corrin had no idea what to say. Instead, he put his hand on Scarlet's shoulder. The comforting gesture caught the wyvern rider by surprise.

She turned her head to Corrin, who was smiling. It seemed sad in a way, but there was also meaning behind it.

"I know how you feel, Scarlet. It wasn't much of a secret, apparently, but I had feelings for Azura." Corrin shrugged. "We were close to each other, and I misread that for something more than it was. So, I understand. It's a horrible feeling to be broken-hearted, even if it is only by a crush. But I think, over time, we can eventually be happy for them. Not just wear a fake smile around them, but actually be happy."

The prince paused for a minute before finishing with a brighter smile, "The best part is, we're not alone in this."

Though Scarlet had known about Corrin's feelings about Azura, the last part of the prince's speech caught her off-guard. They could rely on one another. The wyvern rider smiled in turn, a few tears welling in the corner of her eyes.

"Ugh, so sappy there, Corrin." Scarlet rubbed her eyes with the heel of her wrist. She shoved the prince with her elbow. "Didn't know you could speak so eloquently."

Corrin laughed in response, nudging her back. "I have my moments. Didn't know you were so emotional."

"Well, let's keep that a secret between us, huh? Can't have everyone thinking I'm a crybaby."

"Right, gotta keep up that tough exterior?"

"Of course, otherwise people might actually talk to me!"

Both Corrin and Scarlet laughed, tears of mirth threatening to fall from their eyes. Once they settled down, the wyvern rider nestled her head on Corrin's shoulder, a smile still plastered on her face. The movement took the prince by surprise, causing his body to become rigid.

"Thanks, Corrin. I really needed that," Scarlet said.

"Y-yeah, of course," the prince stuttered in response. He was happy Scarlet couldn't see his face at that moment. If she could, she would admonish at how bright red it was.

For a few moments they stood silently in the light snow, watching it lazily fall to the ground. The cool air felt refreshing against their skin.

Slowly, the clouds began to part from the night sky, revealing a full moon. It shone luminously on the pair, lighting the balcony up as brightly as the flickering lights around them. As time dragged on, the atmosphere caused them to relax into each other.

"Corrin, there you are!"

The approaching voice caused Corrin and Scarlet to break away from each other. They turned to the newcomer, recognizing it as Ryoma almost immediately.

"Hello, Ryoma. What are you doing out here?" Corrin asked as his brother approached them.

"Azura wanted me to find you." Ryoma turned his attention to Scarlet for a brief moment. "Scarlet. How are you finding the reception?"

"It's a good time, Lord Ryoma. Just needed to step outside for a few moments," Scarlet said.

"Indeed. Cyrkensian clothing is well made, but equally stuffy." The prince tugged at the collar of his tuxedo.

"That it is, brother," Corrin replied with a smirk. "Why did Azura want you to find me?"

Ryoma's face became serious. "Come with me, Corrin. I think we need to talk. You don't mind if I borrow him for a moment, do you Scarlet?"

"N-no, Lord Ryoma," the wyvern rider replied to the unexpected question.

"Thank you, we won't be long." Ryoma returned to Corrin, nodding his head back to the reception building.

The younger prince followed his brother. They stopped at the door before either spoke.

"So, what is it Azura wanted you to tell me?" Corrin questioned.

"Well, I'm not quite sure how to put this, so I will say it bluntly," Ryoma began. "Corrin, Azura just informed me that you had feelings for her. Is this true?"

Corrin's eyes widened in surprise. "She told you that?"

Ryoma nodded his head.

"Why?"

The high prince of Hoshido sighed. "I'm not entirely sure myself, but I believe she thought I should talk to you about it. And I just want to say that I'm…" Before he finished his sentence, Ryoma did something that took Corrin by surprise. The high prince bowed to his younger brother. "I'm sorry."

It took Corrin a moment, but once the initial shock wore off, he quickly brought his brother out of his bow. "Sorry? Brother, what do you have to be sorry about? If anyone should be sorry, it should be me."

"No, I let my baser urges and emotions take premise over family," Ryoma admitted shamefully. "If I had known that you felt that way about her, I would have stepped aside without hesitation. And for that, I am sorry."

For a moment, Corrin thought on what his brother had just told him. He wondered if what he said was true. If Corrin had told Ryoma about his feelings, then could Azura be with him? Could the army have been celebrating the younger prince's and the songstress' wedding instead?

With a shake of his head, the young prince dashed those thoughts away.

"Brother, it is you Azura loves," Corrin started, releasing a deep breath. "Even if I had told you, and you did as you say, she would still love you. There is no changing that. Ours would be a one-sided love that would be sweet for a moment, but would eventually sour. So please, don't ever apologize for wedding Azura."

"But, Corrin…" Ryoma began.

"No buts, Ryoma. She deserves a man like you. Thank you for coming to talk to me about this, but I will be alright. I wish nothing but happiness for you both."

"I… understand. Thank you," Ryoma relented. "Are you sure you will be alright?"

As Corrin thought on question, he turned his gaze towards Scarlet. The wyvern rider's attention was away from the brothers, focusing instead on the Cyrkensian scenery. Corrin's face softened, and an unbidden smile crept on to it.

"Yeah, I think I'll be just fine."

Ryoma followed his brother's gaze. Once he realized what the young prince was staring at, the older prince smiled too. "I see now," he spoke cryptically.

"See what?" Corrin asked.

"Scarlet!" Ryoma called, ignoring his brother's question. The high prince approached the wyvern rider, the younger prince in tow.

"Ryoma, what are you doing?" Corrin questioned.

After the brothers reached Scarlet, Ryoma continued. "Have you been on the dance floor tonight as of yet?"

"Uh… n-no, Lord Ryoma," Scarlet answered, flustered.

"Well then, it would be remiss of me to not suggest that you do so. After all everyone here has danced at least once… save Corrin, I assume."

It was then that Corrin saw what Ryoma was doing. "Brother, I-"

"I thought as much. If you have no qualms, then I am sure Corrin would be happy to offer you a dance. Right, Corrin?"

"Um… no, he doesn't have to," Scarlet said, immediately searching for an escape from the situation. "Besides I'm not really that good of a dancer..."

"On his behalf, I insist!" Ryoma kept talking, as if Corrin wasn't there. The high prince grabbed both of their wrists and forced them to follow behind him as he rushed them back to the reception. "Besides, if I can dance, I'm sure you two can as well."

Before either Corrin or Scarlet could free themselves from Ryoma's iron-like grip, or voice their objection, they were thrust onto the dance floor.

Corrin wheeled around at Ryoma, who had retreated into the crowd of guests. "Ryoma!" The young prince only received a thumbs-up in response from his older brother.

At that moment both Corrin and Scarlet noticed they were the only ones on the dance floor. Everyone else had retired in between songs to eat, drink, or converse. Now, however, the crowd's attention was focused on the two newcomers. Any would-be dancing couples paused to watch as well. The band readied themselves, waiting for the pair to come together.

It was then that the pair realized they were stuck.

Corrin, turning towards Scarlet, took a deep breath. Then, he extended his hand towards the wyvern rider.

Scarlet noticed the hand immediately before catching his eyes with hers. Something stirred inside of Corrin's eyes, and Scarlet had no idea what it could have been. Whatever it was, it tugged at the wyvern rider, calming her deeply reddened cheeks and prompting her to slowly reach out her hand to meet Corrin's.

Once they were hand in hand, Corrin gently pulled Scarlet towards him, all the while maintaining eye contact.

"Just follow my lead," Corrin said.

"But… I'm not sure I know how to dance…" Scarlet responded.

"Don't worry. Follow me, and we'll make it."

The words, for whatever reason, allowed Scarlet to put her trust in Corrin. She nodded her head in response.

Corrin, taking this as her being ready, nodded towards the band's conductor.

The conductor bowed, turned to his band, and raised his baton. The rest of the band members readied their instruments in response. Within the next second, three things happened: the conductor's hand swiftly dropped, denoting the first beat of the song; the band's instruments came alive, playing the first note of the song; and the dancing pair's feet moved, taking the first step of the song.

It was a clumsy first step that they took, but they were kept on their feet by Corrin. For his part, the prince was able to make what could have been a disaster into an off-beat dance. However, he quickly found the beat again and managed to lead his dance partner into it. He silently thanked Jakob, who had profusely beat numerous courtly dances into the young prince's head.

Corrin and Scarlet's dance continued on. After a few misplaced steps on Corrin's foot – and some pained grunts from the young prince – Scarlet was able to follow him without further incident.

They circled the dance floor without much of a change in their moves, simply stepping to the beat. However, Corrin's ears twitched as he noticed a crescendo in the piece. It appeared they wouldn't be simply circling the floor any longer.

"Alright, I'm gonna need you to trust me," he whispered to Scarlet. "Be ready to jump."

"Wait, wha-" Scarlet began, but as she did the moment Corrin was waiting for arrived.

"Now!"

The young prince lifted the wyvern rider into the air with his hands, holding her there for only a second. As he did so, he spun in a half circle, then set her back down and quickly led her back into their previous dance.

The action was so quick that the surprised wyvern rider could barely register the move. What she could register was the small applause they received. It was at that moment that the on-looking couples grabbed their partners, joining Corrin and Scarlet.

Once the chaos of the rushing dancers settled, the pair found themselves nestled in the middle of the dance floor.

"Next time a warning would be nice!" Scarlet chastised Corrin when they could hear each other.

The prince chuckled in response. "I gave you a little warning, didn't I?"

"I guess…" Scarlet mumbled, a smirk on her face. "But I can't really blame you for this, can I?"

"Nope, have to blame my brother. We'll get him back."

"Do you think that's smart? Trying to get back at the high prince of Hoshido?"

"Well, when the high prince of Hoshido is your brother, you get certain privileges."

The pair laughed as they continued dancing.

"Using your powers for evil now? You might really be Nohrian," Scarlet remarked playfully.

"They did rub off on me a little bit," Corrin replied just as playfully.

The music started slowing down, showing the song was ending. Corrin picked up on this quickly.

"The song's almost over," he commented as the pair slowed down to a gentle sway and moved closer to each other.

"Yeah," Scarlet replied.

"We can make a break for it now… if you want."

The wyvern rider thought on this for a second, before quietly saying, "W-we don't have to. I'm getting used to this dancing thing, I think I could go for one more."

Corrin, taken by surprise for a moment, smiled. "I think I can do that."

The prince shifted his view down to his dance partner, who met his gaze. They saw something in each other's eyes then, a sort of glow. Neither could say why they saw this light, but right now they had something else to focus on.

At this moment, the song ended, earning a small applause from the crowd of dancers. Some couples left the dance floor, while others stayed on for one more dance. The band transitioned into their next piece quickly.

The wyvern rider smiled as well. She grabbed Corrin's hand and said, "You lead, I'll follow."


A/N:

Well here it is! The wedding, we finally made… I think I made y'all wait enough for it, but after some work and time, we've finally watched the first big milestone of this fic. Time to celebrate, right?

But from here on in, the relationship between Corrin and Scarlet starts to develop further. However, there will be other parts of this story I will be focusing on, not gonna just ditch every other character's story!

Thanks for sticking with me so far guys! Can't wait to see what comes next!

As always, thanks to my beta TheRepeat for helping me write and edit this first big chapter.

I hope y'all liked this chapter, please let me know with a review or critique. Always looking for what my readers think of this fic. Don't forget to follow and/or favorite, either!

Peace,

nickdaman6