Ch. 25 A Cold Welcoming Home.

After their retreat during the last battle, Nohr's army had no choice but to return home unsuccessfully and recover their losses. Once arriving to the capital, Corrin walked through the halls of Nohr's castle along with his siblings and their retainers. There they marched towards the throne room to report the outcomes of the recent battles.

"Remember, I am to do the talking." Xander informed. "As your leader, our failure to conquer Hoshido will fall on me."

"Father can't be that upset with us, can he?" Corrin tried to reassure. "There was no way we could have prepared for the monsters' attack, right Leo."

"That may be true, but our father isn't always the most understanding individual." The young boy reminded.

As the group approached the set of large doors that lead to Garon's throne, Xander turned to speak with the royal retainers. Severa was naturally the first to speak up.

"Do you wish for any of us to keep watch, my lord?" The red head asked, looking for an excuse to listen to the conversation. "I noticed the throne room doors are left unguarded. It would be a disaster if an intruder were to attack and have you all in one place."

"Are you volunteering?" Xander raised an eyebrow in slight irritation.

"Well of course." Severa smirked. "I bet I can even get Laslow and Odin to assist."

"Very well, do as you wish." Xander agreed. "Wait here if you desire, otherwise we'll summon you when you're services are needed again."

The group then dispersed as Xander knocked on his father's door.

"You may enter." Garon's voice spoke from within his chamber.

The large doors opened as Xander and his group entered the throne room to be greeted by their father.

"So, you have come to report the outcome of your campaign?" King Garon questioned.

The children of the royal family all bowed briefly before their King before Xander knelt down to speak.

"Father, I regret to inform you that the conquering of Hoshido did not go as planned. While our armies fared well against their soldiers, we found ourselves ambushed by vicious monsters at every corner. I apologize for our recent failures."

"It appears our crowned prince's actions do not speak as loudly as his words." A shadowy figure taunted.

Everyone's attention was turned to the figure that stood behind throne. Just looking at the man would give spectators a slimy feel. He wore well-made black robes with gold embroidery and jewelry around his neck and wrists. His long, oily, black hair ran down to his shoulders. A mask covered the right half of his face with a large golden horn attached to it.

Xander immediately sneered towards the conceited individual, "This does not concern you, Iago."

"Here you boasted on how you would conquer Hoshido in one foul swoop, and yet you returned in failure." Iago continued.

"Sorry if I don't take your words to heart, but I don't listen to cowards who are unwilling to fight on the front lines. " Xander insulted.

"You may find yourself standing tall amongst others, young prince, but keep in mind that it is I who is your father's faithful advisor and brilliant tactician. Even now I am working on a new strategy to make up for your blunder."

"I would rather face death than be forced to follow through with one of your conniving schemes." Xander once again scorned the royal advisor.

"That's enough Xander, and from you too Iago." Garon ordered. "The two of you should be working together, not senselessly bickering. While it is true that our crusade resulted in unforeseen delays, your success at vanquishing our enemies and weakening the Hoshidan forces is still noteworthy. With Hoshido in a weakened state now, they shall be ripe for the taking."

"Very well, father." Xander responded. "I am pleased you see some good was able to come out of this dark situation. I am also happy to announce I have some positive news that I'd like to present you with. As you can see, Corrin has safely returned with us."

"Indeed, I see he has." Garon retorted, his eyes now gazing upon the young prince.

"Yes...hello father." Corrin greeted nervously, still not forgetting the wrongs the king had committed against him.

"Tell me boy, why have you returned?" Garon questioned in an accusing tone.

"Father?" Corrin questioned, now concerned with the tone the king had taken.

"My spies are everywhere." Garon continued to speak. "I know you've been at Hoshido castle this whole time. No doubt their so-called empress has filled your head with all manner of secrets about your birth; about how her son was abducted without cause by the evil forces of Nohr. You know we are your homeland's sworn enemies, yet you have returned to us all the same. I can't help but wonder why."

Iago right away began to feed the King's suspicions.

"I whole heartedly agree, surely this reeks of treachery. No doubt Corrin has returned here to plot against you, sire. We must be on our toes. Do you recall how only a year after Corrin's arrival your life was nearly taken by Hoshido assassins? As your advisor, I must advise precaution."

"What? No!" Corrin objected. "How could you say that? I would never do such a thing. His highness is the one that raised me, he's been like a father to me."

"It's true, Father. That is simply not possible." Xander attempted to defend his young adopted sibling. "Just look at the blade Corrin carries across his waist. It's none other than the legendary Yato. The blade would not have chosen him if he was planning to use its power for some wicked deed. He fought bravely at our side during the last battle, and he made the decision to return to Nohr. Everyone here will be willing to vouch for him."

"Very well, I shall take your words into consideration my son. Corrin, I do see you now carry the sacred Yato, but what happened to the sword I gifted you with before you left."

"That sword," Corrin began. He wasn't sure what to say. To tell the truth would be to incriminate Garon in front of everyone. Given his situation, creating hostility would only spell greater danger for himself. However, if the king really did know what happened, than he would know that Corrin was lying. Plus, he still had trouble accepting the man who had supposedly saved his life as a child and raised him would only attempt to end his life now.

"It broke while I was in Hoshido and exploded before my eyes." The young prince explained. "If My mother...I mean, the Hoshidan Empress hadn't sacrificed herself to save me, I would have died."

"I see, how very touching. Perhaps that woman had a greater backbone than I gave her credit." Garon commented.

"Father...I must ask you something though." Corrin continued, raising the courage to ask these words. Even though he knew it wasn't the smartest thing to do, he had to know the truth no matter the risk. "Did you give me that sword, knowing this would happen? Was this a plan of yours"

"Corrin, quiet. You're already walking on thin ice." Xander attempted to hush his brother.

"I'm sorry, but I must know for myself and for the people who have already died in this war. Father, please, tell the truth. Did you plan that explosion? Was I just a pawn in a scheme to weaken the Hoshidan kingdom, or was I the target?"

"I know nothing of what you speak." Garon denied. "While that sword held great power in it, it should have in no way harmed you."

"But father, than why did it..." Corrin tried to press the issue.

"I gave you my answer boy, and I will not repeat myself." Garon warned with a hiss.

"You still doubt his highness?" Iago cut in. "It's just as I suspected. Your stay in Hoshido has influenced your thoughts."

"Sadly, I must agree." Garon commented as he closed his eyes. "Now that the war between Hoshido and Nohr has escalated, we can't allow a problem as this to go unresolved."

The King then opened his eyes as a look of furry overtook his face.

"Xander, Kill Corrin, that's an order!" The Nohrian King shouted.

"What!?" Xander gasped.

Inigo, Severa, Owain, and Morgan stood out the door, trying to listen. While they couldn't hear much, the King's order boomed through the halls. The three swordsmen immediately went for their weapons as they prepared to barge into the throne room and rescue the young prince. However, before they could, Morgan quickly stopped them.

"Wait." Morgan whispered. "Don't do anything reckless."

"Umm, Anthony, maybe you didn't hear, but the king just ordered for Corrin's execution. You know, the person we came to save in the first place." Severa pointed out.

"I know, but we can't blow our cover just yet. Wait to see how it plays out. If push comes to shove, I'll intervene myself." Morgan instructed.

"That's a risky move, Anthony." Owain warned.

"Don't worry. I doubt Corrin's siblings will let anything happen to him." Anthony assured.

"Father, stop this madness, I beg of you." Camilla spoke up.

"No, please don't hurt Oni-chan!" Elise cried out, running over and putting her arms around Corrin's waist.

"That's enough princesses. It's not your place to question the King's decision." Iago lectured.

"Xander, you have your orders, please do not stall." Garon instructed.

Xander merely stood in place, silent as his trembling hand grasped his sheathed weapon.

"Aww, what's the matter young prince, don't you have the courage to fulfill your father's wishes?" Iago lectured.

However, Xander didn't' respond. Finally Azura walked in front of the group, facing her father and Iago.

"Greeting father." Azura finally spoke, interrupting the aggression that was filling the room. "It has been many years since you last saw me. Tell me, do you recognize me?"

The King turned his attention to blue haired princess, staring at her silently as he seemed to just now noticing her presence.

"I do." The king responded as if not interested.

"Then you should know that it was because of Corrin that I've finally managed to return." Azura claimed. "Corrin stayed in Hoshido only for my benefit, wishing only to find the opportunity to rescue me from captivity and bring me home."

"That's quite the hefty claim." Iago once again argued. Nearly every eye but Garon's seemed to glare at the royal advisor with hate. No one knew what the man had against Corrin, but it was clear he had it out for the young prince. "How do we know that you also haven't been turned? After all, you look in good shape for a captive. You and the prince could be in it together."

"Stop! Neither Azura, nor any of my siblings are traitors!" Corrin finally burst. "Father, if I am truly the cause of all this, than all will be well if I just disappear, correct? Please don't bring Azura, Xander, or anyone else into this. Give me permission to draw my blade and I will end my life myself if it will prove my loyalty."

Several gasps filled the room from the young prince's claim.

"Corrin, what are you saying?" Camilla was quick to object to the young prince's words.

"So, you're willing to give up your own life, simply to prove yourself?" The Nohrian King leaned back in his chair, contemplating as he stroke his beard. "Those are strong words. A proper spy would be willing to say anything to remain undiscovered, but not risk his own life. However, you should understand the position that I am in..."

The King then paused a moment as he continued to determine his decision. No one dared interrupt him now, for what he said next would literally determine life or death.

"I have decided I shall go to the cathedral and pray to the great Grima for guidance."

Morgan and his companions' eyes suddenly widened in shock. Did the king just mention the name of the Dark Dragon King!?

Xander was the only one in the room who once again found the courage to speak. "Father, I don't understand..."

"Quiet children. I will seek council with the great Black Dragon that guides this country. Corrin, you shall return to the Northern Fortress under escort. In the afternoon I will send to you after prayer. It will be then that your fate is decided. You're all dismissed."

"And what of me, father. Will you not also desire to test my loyalty?" Azura asked.

"Do as you please. If I had need of you, I would have said something." Garon responded in a cold and uncaring voice towards his long lost daughter.

The royal siblings all exited the throne room, not saying another word to their father. Corrin had been lucky so far, and none of them dared to push the issue considering how the king was currently behaving.

"Well, well, aren't you being the generous one."

Vaati rose up from one of the shadows in the King's hall, greeting Garon.

"Vaati." Garon greeted in a cold tone.

"I'm surprised to see you here." Iago commented. "Are you here to try to whisk away another helpless damsel?"

"In a way." Vaati confirmed. "There's only one I have my eyes on though."

"I heard you were trying to make deals with Hoshido. Consulting with the enemy, Vaati?" Iago accused.

"Referring to them as the enemy implies that I am on Nohr's side. Keep in mind, I'm technically a neutral character; an ambassador in sorts." Despite Vaati's claim, no one listening to his tone would believe it. "Besides, I wouldn't have resorted to such means if you had provided us with what was needed."

"Tell me Vaati, were you the one who arranged for Empress Mikoto's death?" Garon questioned, ignoring Iago and Vaati's bickering.

"Please, I would never resort to killing a beautiful woman." The demon Lord scowled. "I had assumed it was you. After all, her death has certainly provided the opportunity to instigate an all out war."

"It was merely a fortunate coincidence that my armies decided to attack shortly after her death." Garon informed.

"Interesting. I was not informed she was to die." Vaati admitted. "Do we have another player in our midst perhaps?"

Outside the throne room, Morgan and his three friends stood and bowed before the royal family, doing their best to act as if they were unphased by what they heard.

"You're dismissed." Xander informed the four heroes as he walked by them. "You'll be summoned when needed again."

Corrin turned to Azura to speak with her of the recent events.

"Wow, that wasn't exactly the warm welcome I expected." Corrin commented to the blue haired girl. "I at least thought he'd be happy to see you after so many years."

"Think nothing of it, Corrin. I'm only the King's stepdaughter, so this is how things always have been. He's never shown me much love."

"Ahoy there fair maiden, how is thee?" Owain suddenly approached Azura, waiting for best opportunity to introduce himself. "We have yet to find a moment of destiny to exchange one's names. I am Odin of Jet Black. I am sure your inner energies dwindle from our travels. Allow me to provide you passage of this grand castle so you may hearten yourself in its surroundings"

"I apologize, but I didn't understand half of what you said. I think I'll decline your offer, but thank you." Azura responded frankly.

Owain grimaced as if he was in pain, taken aback by Azura's blunt rejection. The Chon'sin swordsman now had the feeling of what it was like to be living in Inigo's shoes.

"Corrin, if you don't mind, may I join you in the Northern Fortress?" Azura asked, turning to the young prince.

"Of course, but are you sure that's O.K.?" Corrin asked.

"Father said I could do as I please. If he didn't want me to join you, then he should have said so. Besides, I currently don't have anywhere else to stay."

"I wish I could accompany you, but Leon and I have preparations to make for the next council." Xander spoke. "Corrin, do not fear. I'm sure whatever god Father is praying to will speak favorable on your behalf."

"Yea...sure." Corrin responded unsure.

Azura walked with Corrin to the palace gates where Felicia and Lilith were already waiting.

"So, I see we will be escorting you to the Northern Fortress then, my prince."

Corrin spun around in fear as he recognized the voice that had just spoken. Standing before Corrin and his friends was Hans and group of soldiers.

"You!" Corrin snarled with the utmost hate, recognizing Gunter's murderer.

"I supposed that would be the response I would get after I was forced to follow through with the King's test." The berserker responded.

"Test, what do you mean by that?" Corrin hissed with utter hate.

"Why your highnesses, test of your skills and loyalty." Hans claimed.

Corrin didn't respond. While the young prince may have been a trusting individual, Hans was one person whose words he'd never believed. Not after what he did. Corrin could still feel the rage building inside himself upon seeing this man once again. There was no telling what he was scheming. However, knowing that Felicia, Azura, and Lilith were besides him served as a condolence. Hans wouldn't even get close to him with them present.

"You see." Hans leaned in as he whispered to the young prince. "This is all just an elaborate ruse set up by his highness. I know I shouldn't be telling you this, but he's just testing you my lord. As for what happened to General Gunter, you have my dearest of apologies. He was never meant to be hurt. There won't be a day that goes by without his death weighing deeply in my heart."

Corrin had to bite his tongue. He didn't know what game Hans was playing, but there was no choice but to go along with it.

"Gunter was a good man." Corrin spoke, trying his best not to glare at the Berserker. "He'd want me to forgive his perpetrator, even if he didn't deserve it."

"Now why don't we return you home, your highness." Hans recommended.

Hans and the soldiers safely escorted Corrin and the three women to the Northern Fortress as ordered. No one said a word during the travels. Felicia seemed especially confused. She was not aware of how Gunter had died. The story told was that he had perished protecting Corrin. Lilith knew though, and while Azura was unaware of who Hans was, she could tell instantly by Corrin's behavior he was not to be trusted.

When the travelers reached the fortress, Hans spoke up once again.

"I'll be off now." The Berserker informed. "I wish you the best of luck during your test tomorrow. I'm certain you'll pass any challenge with flying colors my lord."

The four companions entered the fortress alone. Corrin and Felicia looked around, expecting to be greeted by the other servant. It looked like the Jakob hadn't returned from his trip, and Fiora was gone as well for some reason.

"Home sweet home." Corrin commented with a sigh. "I guess it's just the four of us."

"Corrin, is this where you've lived your entire life?" Azura asked a little surprised. "So you really weren't ever allowed to live amongst the royals in the palace?"

"Well, I wouldn't say ever." Corrin explained. "For about the first year I remember living in the castle with Xander and the others, but after King Garon was almost assassinated, it was determined it was unsafe for me to stay there, so I lived here instead."

It was almost funny. Just few weeks ago, Corrin completely believed these words. Now he wasn't sure if staying here was for his benefit, or the king's.

"Felicia and I will prepare some dinner." Lilith offered. "We've got plenty of spare blankets, so I'm sure Azura will feel right at home."

"Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality." Azura thanked the dragon girl.

Lilith and Felicia both worked diligently to prepare the meal. Felicia was quite proud that she hadn't burned the food for once, but the edibleness of her cooking was still questionable. Granted without Jacob to lecture her, it was a more tolerable experience for her. Corrin rarely said anything negative to her, and Azura was uncertain if the food tasted bad because of Felicia or the fact that Nohr relied so much on salted meat.

After dinner, Felicia busied herself cleaning dishes and putting them away. The young maid currently stood on top of a ladder, holding a pot with both hands while placing it on the top shelf.

"You can do this, Felicia." The young maid encouraged herself. "Just put the pot back in the cabinet. Gently, gently; I'm not the same old Felicia I've always been! I've barely made any mistakes since our trip to Hoshido. I'm transforming into an elegant maid and can do this."

However, as the maid was standing on her tippy toes, she felt her foot slip. The young maid began to wave her arms in the air wildly, trying to catch her balance."

"No! Argh! I'm g-gonna slip!" The pink haired maid cried out as she fell backwards.

However, as the girl looked upward to the ceiling, she didn't feel any pain flowing through her body from the fall. Come to think of it, she was higher off the floor than she should be.

"Strange, why does nothing hurt? I could have sworn I slipped..." The girl commented.

"Um...Felicia..." A muffled voice interrupted.

Felicia turned her head and finally noticed that Corrin was holding her bridal style in his arms. The pot she had just dropped had landed perfectly upside down on the young prince's head and covered his face.

"Eek, my lord!" The clumsy maid cried out.

Corrin removed the pot from his head as his strong arms still kept a hold of the young maid.

"I'm so sorry!" Felicia apologized.

"Don't worry, no damage was done. I'm just glad I was here to catch you." Corrin commented. "No wonder you get distracted all the time, talking to yourself like that. Try to be more careful on the ladder from now on. I might not be here next time."

Felicia turned her face away from her lord as redness spread across it. Although it wasn't her screw up that was causing her to blush. It was because the young prince was holding her almost like a lover.

"V-very well. I shall do a you instruct." The young maid tried to keep her cool. "Umm...my lord...can I please be put down."

This time is was Corrin's turn to become embarrassed as he set the young maid down. He then picked up the pot and put it away himself.

"I'm sorry." The clumsy maid once again apologized. "I try to be helpful to you my lord, but all I do is be a burden."

"What? Don't say that Felicia, you're plenty helpful." Corrin tried to encourage.

"Sorry, but I don't believe that at all."

"Well, what about when you fight? For example, there was that one time you started yelling about not wanting to fight, and then you defeated a dozen enemies all on your own. That was quite the act."

Upon Corrin's remarks, Felicia looked down in embarrassment.

"I'm afraid that wasn't an act." The timid maid admitted. "I really hate being in battle, and it terrifies me."

"Really? With your skills, you could have fooled me," the young prince commented.

"I never wanted to be a soldier." Felicia informed. "There are plenty of people who can fight in this world. What I want is to be a good maid for you my lord. I want to be able to mend clothes, make food, and wash dishes."

"Well you know, you don't have to participate in battle if you don't want to." Corrin offered.

"But, then I'd be completely worthless." Felicia almost cried.

"No, that's not true." Corrin tried to claim. "You could...um..."

Even Corrin was a little lost for words now, as he honestly couldn't think of anything Felicia was good at besides fighting.

"Besides, with the war starting now, you need me more than ever to be able to protect you." The maid informed.

"True. Knowing you can fight so well is a relief." Corrin admitted.

"Really?"

"Yea. But, if being a maid is really what you want, than that is what you should focus on. I'm going to be getting to bed soon. You have a good night, Felicia."

"Thank you. You too, my lord."

Corrin left the kitchen and went back to the living room where Azura was still sitting next to the fire.

"Are you sure you'll be O.K. staying here for the night, Azura?" Corrin questioned. "It can get pretty cold."

"Don't worry, Lilith has already prepared a room for me." The blue haired princess spoke.

"That's good to know. Say Azura, do you remember our conversations back in Hoshido?"

"Oh, you mean about your time here in Nohr?" Azura recalled.

"Yea. Do you mind if we continue to talk about that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I believe you and I are in unique positions regarding this war. I'm a prince of Hoshido who was raised in Nohr, and you're a princess of Nohr who was raised in Hoshido."

"I see what you mean. We are quite unique."

"Because of this background, I think we may have interesting views on the countries. I wanted to talk with you and compare what we each believe."

"That's a great idea." The blue haired princess agreed.

"We already spoke a little about Nohr; maybe we should continue with Hoshido . From my perspective, it seemed so warm and bright. The land is fertile, and it seems like everyone has whatever they could possibly wish for."

"A valid observation. This bountifulness makes everyone amiable and respectful at first. However, despite their friendliness up front, Hoshido is not perfect. They still practice classism. If you were just a normal foreigner, and not the Empress's son, you would have received a much colder welcome. Also, while everyone seems happy and respectful upfront, if you live there long enough, you begin to hear their whispers."

"I suppose no country is perfect." Corrin admitted. "I'm surprised they weren't even more on edge considering they've always had the threat of a Nohr invasion."

"It's seems like Nohr is always the aggressor, and without reason." Azura seemed to side with Hoshido regarding the war. "I know Hoshido is not perfect, but Nohr has no right to attack them."

"That does seem to be the case." Corrin agreed fully. "However, before taking a side, I think it's important to play devil's-advocate. Try looking at it from Nohr's point of view. Can you imagine how people of Nohr view Hoshido? Hoshido is like a paradise to the people of Nohr, where they've received everything they could ever desire with little effort. Meanwhile the people of Nohr are forced to fight for scraps and work tireless in unfertile fields."

"You do have a point. Hoshido has always been apathetic towards outside nations. They don't view problems of other's as their own, and having such flourishing lands has allowed them to become aloof. They're kind of self-centered if you look at it from the outside."

"I'd say you hit the nail on the head with how poorer countries view Hoshido." Corrin agreed.

"Still, that doesn't excuse Nohr's aggression towards them." Azura remained firm.

"You're right it doesn't." Corrin agreed.

"Nohr has invaded other regions many times over the years, but talking about it now, its biggest motivation doesn't seem like petty jealousy, but the desire to survive." Azura spoke.

"It doesn't excuse Nohr's actions, but it does help understand them." Corrin reiterated.

"Yes. Perhaps through trying to understand the views of both countries, we can strive for a peaceful coexistence instead of this constant war."

"I believe you took the words right out of my mouth." Corrin beamed. "Hey, Azura, I know it seems kind of strange, but I'm happy I met you. Even though we haven't known each other for very long, I feel like there's a strong bond between us."

"I too feel the same way." Azura confirmed. "I've never felt that I can trust anyone so quickly before. Together we'll find the evil presence that has crept into Nohr and vanquish it."

"Agreed."

As the two adopted siblings spoke, Felicia stood outside the room, over-hearing the conversation. She hadn't met to eavesdrop, but her ears couldn't help but pick up the words. The young maid didn't resent Azura; it wasn't in her nature to feel ill will towards the young woman. However, a part of her did wish she was the one Corrin was willing to confide in instead of Azura.

Within the walls of Nohr's castle, Inigo and Severa stood in secret to discuss their recent discoveries.

"So, where are the others?" Inigo questioned.

"Odin is goofing off somewhere, but Anthony's working on an exit strategy just in case things go south."

"Ah I see. I guess this means you and I get to spend some time alone then." Inigo grinned. "You know, there's still time for the two of us to get a nice cup of tea..."

"Wipe that smile off your face, Laslow." Severa instructed, as she crossed her arms. "We need to speak about something important."

"Ah, and what is that?" The blue haired flirt questioned.

"The Exalted is here." Severa informed.

"What!" Inigo suddenly gasped, his lighthearted attitude suddenly reversing itself. "Where?"

"In Hoshido." Severa explained.

"Are you sure? How's that even possible?"

"I know our queen when I see her Laslow." Severa informed. "I haven't told Odin yet. Considering he's nearly blown our cover more than once, I'm not exactly looking forward to him knowing."

"I'll tell him." Inigo offered. "Although, this certainly makes things a little more complicated." Inigo gave a nervous laugh.

"Anthony already knows. Knowing him, I'm sure he'll find a good way to work this into one of his hair-brained schemes."

Morgan sat in his chamber, looking over a series of maps: consisting of Nohr's capitol and the various lands of the continent. While sense of direction wasn't his strong suite, knowing the terrain was essential. Currently he was memorizing various roads and paths that could be taken, determining the best course of action if things didn't work out for Corrin. The young tactician already had various modifications to his plans depending on how many decided to join him. He had a distinct feeling they'd have to escort Azura outside of the capital if Corrin left. It was clear she was going to support the prince no matter the outcome. Chances are Felicia would come as well. Morgan's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. The young tactician quickly rolled up his maps and hid them under his bed.

"Hey there Anthony." Elise greeted as she walked into the boy's room.

"Oh, hi there Princess, what are you doing up at this hour?" Morgan asked.

"I heard there was going to be a war council tomorrow, soooo..." The young princess seemed to hint.

"So...?" Morgan asked a little confused.

"So you promised me we'd study together." Elise reminded.

"Oh, that." Morgan suddenly remembered.

"You forgot, didn't you..." Elise hung her head low. "Meanie..."

"I'm really sorry." Morgan apologized. "Hey, how about this? During the council why don't you take notes?"

"Take notes? About what?"

"About stuff you don't understand. One of the best ways to learn is to write down what you don't understand. That way you can look up the meaning of the words later. I'll even try to find some time to go through the words with you."

"O.K. No backing out this time though, got it?"

"You've got it." The friendly tactician agreed. "It's getting late though, so I think I'm going to go to bed. You have a good night princess."

"You too Morgan." The young princes responded, leaving the boy's chambers.

Morgan let out a sigh of relief. He felt guilty not being able to be honest with the young princess, but even he wasn't naive enough to tell anyone besides his three friends his plans yet. The young boy tried to remain optimistic as possible. Corrin had been living here for so many years. Surely they would have killed him by now if their enemies wanted Corrin dead badly enough. Nonetheless, Morgan knew he had to be prepared. There were too many variables, and it was his job to have a plan for each of them.