September: The Journey

Corrin bit into her breakfast biscuit with relish. "These are delicious, Jakob. Thank you so much."

Jakob bowed. "My pleasure. Are you excited for the peace summit in Izumo?"

She nodded. "Yes. I can't wait to see everyone again. I'm really excited to see what kind of ruler Takumi is." Since the archduke of Izumo, Izana, died without an heir, it was decided that the next Hoshidan in line for the throne would become the new archduke of Izumo and establish a new dynasty. Because Hinoka passed her spot in the line of succession to Takumi, he was the one chosen.

Kana lazily strolled in. "Morning Mama! Hello Jakob! Are we going to see Uncle Takumi, Auntie Oboro, and Kiragi today?"

Corrin kissed her son on the head. "Yes, but we're meeting everyone. We're all going to Izumo."

Kana's eyes widened with wonder. "Aah! That's so fun!" He zoomed off to his sister's bedroom to wake her up. "Sophie! Sophie! Guess what?! Guess what?! Everyone's going to visit Uncle Takumi, not just us!"

Sophie groaned. "That's really nice, Kana. I'm just going to go back to sleep now . . ."

Corrin came in and shepherded Kana out. "Sorry dear. I'll wake you up in a few hours."

Hours later, Sophie wandered into the stables to ride Avel. "I'm going to go away for a bit, Avel. I have to go to the meeting. Don't worry; I'll come back for you soon." She slung herself onto the saddle and had him trot. Avel's head slumped toward the grass. Sophie rubbed his neck. "What's wrong, buddy? Are you going to miss me?" She slid off him so she could look him in the eye. "I'll miss you too. But I have to do this."

Dwyer noticed the two and walked over to them. "Lady Sophie, I can't help but notice that your ride ended very short. Is there a problem that requires my assistance?"

Sophie shook her head. "No, I'm just comforting Avel before it's time to go. He doesn't want me to leave. By the way, ever since Mother was crowned Queen of Valla, you keep calling me 'Lady Sophie'. Please don't. It's weird."

Dwyer shrugged. "If Father found out I didn't say Queen Corrin's daughter's full title when addressing her, he'd kill me."

Sophie uncomfortably shifted her feet. "I suppose I'll just have to live with it. How much time left do I have with Avel before it's time to go?"

Dwyer calculated, "About ten minutes."

Sophie screamed, "NO! I NEED MORE TIME! AVEL! IT'S TIME TO SQUEEZE ALL OUR BONDING IN TEN MINUTES!" Dwyer silently left, not wanting to witness more of that disaster.

After what felt like an eternity, the party arrived in Izumo. A butler opened the door for Sophie. "Greetings, Princess Sophie. Archduke Takumi is eagerly awaiting for your arrival."

Sophie smiled. "Thank you!" She scurried inside to see part of her family that she missed so much, with Kana on her heels.

Oboro's eyes sparkled when she noticed her niece and nephew-in-law hurry towards her. "Hey guys! Want a snack after the long road? I can ask the cook to make something yummy for you."

Kana squealed, "Yay! Cookies! Thank you Auntie Oboro! I love you so much!"

Takumi laughed. "If you want, you can help them make some in the kitchen." As Kana ran to bake, Takumi reached behind his throne to reveal a wrapped present. "Now that your little brother had his gift, it's time for yours. I hope you like it."

Sophie ripped the paper off to reveal a volume about horses. "Wow, it's so neat! I can learn more about Avel, and maybe I can finally figure out how to make him listen to me! It's perfect!"

Silas arrived and shook hands with his in-laws. "Hello Archduke and Archduchess. Fine weather, isn't it?"

Sophie swatted him. "Daddy! It's family! You don't need to act all stuffy and formal!"

Silas frowned. "I just . . . I'm not so good at small talk."

Takumi brushed it off. "At first I didn't trust you because you're Nohrian, but you've proved me wrong. You were a loyal soldier who fought until Anankos died. You helped Valla develop and flourish. I consider you a true friend."

Silas reddened. "That's kind of you to say. So . . . uh . . . are we the first to arrive?"

Oboro affirmed, "Yep, but everyone from Hoshido should arrive soon. I'm really excited for the royal ball to kick off the celebrations!"

Sophie sighed. "Caeldori would've loved it. She'd babble on and on about how she'd meet her soulmate and swoon at the first boy who asked her to dance. I miss her so much."

Oboro put a hand on Sophie's shoulder. "I know you do. It was very painful when some of our comrades disappeared after the war. But we're always going to be friends with them. That'll never change, even when we're apart."

Sophie excused herself and went into the spa to relax. Seeing no one else around, she allowed herself to cry. The hot tears streamed down her face as she remembered her old friends who vanished after Anankos died. While they warned her of their imminent departure, it still crushed her soul whenever she thought of them. Once Sophie composed herself, she crawled to the baths and sank in the water. She closed her eyes and relaxed until a dark figure loomed over her. Sophie screamed, only to find Rhajat.

Rhajat sat across from her. "I'm sorry for startling you. Oboro said you were in here." Sophie unconsciously crossed her arms, uncomfortable by the formidable girl's presence. Rhajat noticed. "I know my attitude frightens you, so I usually keep my distance. After all, Corrin saved my life. It wouldn't do if I repaid her by scaring her daughter. However, today I simply wanted to observe you in your free time."

Sophie asked, "You're not going to use me as a test subject for a curse, are you?"

Rhajat shook her head. "No, no. I just want to watch you. I want to soak in Corrin's offspring."

"But you can just watch Mother directly."

"I want to absorb all aspects of her being, which includes her family."

Sophie simpered, wishing that she could've stayed home far, far away from Rhajat.