Merry belated Christmas and happy Thursday to all! A new chapter before the year turns! I really loved writing this chapter. I think this one might be my favorite. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, liked, and subscribed! :)
Leo had deliberated all night on how to break this news to Xander. Xander seemed none the wiser at Kazahana's true identity and neither did Camilla, so that was good. Leo would do his best to keep her as nondescript as possible. What Leo was deliberating on was how to tell Xander that war may be inevitable between the nations again. No one wanted that, least of all Xander. He did not want to be his father. He did not want to go the same route Nohr had always gone down. No, this was supposed to be an era of peace.
But what happened at the inn… What had happened to those Hoshidan merchants… What happened at Nestra… Leo knew Sakura was right. War was imminent.
It kept him up and when he saw the morning sun (or what Nohr could call the sun, since it was always so dark), he groaned loudly. He heard Niles snicker from outside the door. Leo told him he could come in.
Leo was still in his casual clothes that he had changed into once he had reached his room the day before, a loose fitting tunic and simple breeches and boots. Niles didn't see Leo so underdressed often, and could tell from his informal state that the young prince was stressed. Niles wasn't good at assuaging those sorts of things. The only thing he could do was lend an ear.
"Milord, your state of undress tells me there is much on your mind," Niles said.
Leo nodded. "There is much on my mind, but I don't want to burden you with my problems, Niles. These are things that only matter to royalty, particularly Xander."
"They must mean a lot to you if you staying up all night is any indication," Niles quipped shrewdly.
"How did you…?" Leo was flabbergasted.
"Your light was burning all night. You were possibly reading, but I heard no pages turning and I heard the occasional groan. Either you were doing something unprincely and impure, or you were worried about something." Niles cackled at his innuendo.
"Okay, your second notion is disgusting, but I'll leave it be." Leo sighed. "You're right, of course. How you're right I don't know, but I'm worried about what Sa-, I mean what Kazahana said."
"Something about how war was imminent, correct?" Again, Niles was shrewd. It was unnerving.
"Yes. That." Leo leaned against his desk by his window. He shook his bangs out of his face, oily still. He had yet to bathe because he was so stressed.
"Milord, there is only so much King Xander can do about that. You must tell him immediately so it may be addressed."
"I know that, Niles. I just don't want to be that bearer. And I won't make Kazahana do it. It may lead to Xander discovering her identity. 'Why on earth would a simple musician have politics on her mind?' he would wonder. No, it's up to me to bring about this idea, though I'm sure Xander has already come to the conclusion."
"Whatever you say, milord. Perhaps you should go to him now. He's taking his morning tea."
Leo grunted in response. "That's fine. I'll dress and meet with him shortly. Thank you, Niles. I do feel a bit better."
"Always a pleasure, milord." Niles disappeared outside Leo's door, probably to cause mayhem with Odin. Leo shrugged it off.
Oh, what a situation this was.
Elise and Corrin had stayed at the underground market for quite some time the previous night and both were so exhausted they had collapsed onto Elise's bed. Not surprisingly, Elise was the first up, as Corrin was always a late riser.
Elise still did not know Leo was home. She and her sister had gotten home to the castle far too late for her other siblings to relay the news. Even Camilla, who had wanted to track them down, found their late arrival too much and had went to bed before they got home. Elise sat idly at her bay window, sitting on the large sill, nonchalantly fiddling with her hair. The sky was dark in Nohr, but when had that ever changed? Elise was so used to the doom and gloom, but she thought of her time in Hoshido all those years ago and how beautiful the nation was. She wasn't used to such beauty. No one in Nohr was. It was what made them loathe Hoshido so much, always basking in their own glory, or so it was perceived. Elise did not know that Hoshidans could actually be humble and were appreciative of their own bounty. Why they never shared their resources, no one knew. Perhaps Hoshido simply didn't know the plight of Nohr's people, and that was an oversight on their part.
But Elise had no head for politics, only wanting good and peace in the world. The time after the war was tumultuous as she had borne witness to such rebellious acts and violence. She couldn't fathom why people had such a penchant for things of that sort, but she knew the only thing to do was do her best to promote peace. She enjoyed selling flowers in the underground market, but it was becoming increasingly more difficult to conceal her royal status there because Corrin hung around her. Corrin had gained fame as the leader of the Nohrian army and the glorious conquest of Hoshido, though it was something she was not happy about. Destroying what could have been called home… It hurt Corrin deeply.
People in the underground always hailed Corrin, bearing her gifts of free food (or what little there was) and ale even. She did not partake in any of it, as she felt that would be selfish. She preferred to simply talk to the common folk and learn of their woes. She wanted to better Nohr, not lavish in gluttony and greed.
Corrin had stirred and Elise turned around to see her sister sit up, utterly bewildered at her surroundings. She looked to her left to see her baby sister in the faint morning light, silhouette and all. Elise looked like a perfect little cherub.
"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Elise chirped. "It's about time you got up!"
"Elise, good morning to you too… Ahhh, I'm so tired still." Corrin collapsed again, hoping to go back to sleep.
"Come on, Corrin! We have to get up and have breakfast. Maybe Xander has news of Leo." Elise was the most expressive of her worry for Leo. Xander had not told her of the peril Leo had faced in his letter, but Elise knew something had gone horribly wrong. She just didn't know what.
"Fine. Give me a second." Corrin ran her fingers through her silver hair, untangling it. She affixed her headband and smoothed out her clothing. "I suppose I should change… I don't want to be slovenly."
"Oh, who cares? It's just breakfast. We have the whole day to look regal!" Elise jumped down from her window and had skipped towards the door. "Come on! I don't want to miss it!"
Corrin sighed, but got up regardless, following Elise down the hall towards the stairs that descended down to the main corridors of the castle. The trek seemed to take forever, but they reached the doors of the dining hall, and with a giggle, Elise pushed them open.
The sight before them was one they weren't expecting. There was, of course, Xander taking his morning tea with toast, Camilla drinking a fine Nohrian coffee with bacon and eggs, but the next person was one Elise hadn't seen in what felt like years.
Leo.
Elise was beyond elated. Without any decorum, she ran towards her older brother and launched herself onto him, hugging him fiercely. She started to sniffle, but she wouldn't let Leo get a word in edgewise.
"Oh my goodness, Leo! Where have you been? I missed you so much. I thought you would never come back to us!" She grasped him tighter, and she heard Leo groan in discomfort, but it did nothing to loosen her grip.
"As you can see, Elise, I am fine. Please let me go. I was in the middle of telling Xander something important."
"Oh?" Elise had let go of Leo and Corrin had come forward. "What is it, Brother?"
"Yes. What is it?" Corrin echoed.
Xander sighed, hanging his head down. This was news he wasn't willing to share, but his siblings would have to know eventually. Corrin may soon have to bear the title of general once more. "Leo has informed me that there is a chance of war coming upon us."
Elise gasped, horrified. Not again.
Corrin paled and gripped her fists tightly. "What makes you say that, Leo?"
"I would prefer not to say this in front of Elise, but as I know she won't leave regardless of my imploring, I will bear the news." He took a breath. "There have been rebellions and an attempt on my life. From what I have gathered, the people are not pleased with the outcome of the war, despite our conquering of Hoshido."
"What's there to be upset about? Peace has been attained. I thought relations were good…" But Corrin didn't believe her own words. She remembered how Hinoka treated her indifferently, almost bitterly. Actually, Hinoka was bitter. Corrin didn't blame her, but she didn't realize it had spread to the people. They had all seemed so friendly.
But maybe the smiles plastered on their faces were practiced and false, only given out of Hoshidan politeness. Maybe peace wasn't as attainable as she had initially thought.
"Corrin. You're the foreign affairs ambassador. I've heard tale of how bitter Hinoka is, and surely her people share her sentiments," Leo observed.
Leo was always the sharp one. Maybe he should have been in charge of this.
"Yes, that is true… But surely things couldn't be so disagreeable? Wouldn't Nohr be happy with the bounty it is receiving from Hoshido?" Corrin asked, hope futilely blooming in her chest.
"Though the bounty is greater than we could have imagined, this isn't the case. The people do not appreciate our Hoshidan sympathizing, or what appears as such." Leo said. "I think we are hardly sympathizers, but simply agreeable to a stronger alliance with our neighbor."
"Oh, Leo, I'm sure sympathizing runs deeper than you think," Camilla insinuated. "You've shown your fair share." She winked at him with her single visible eye.
Corrin was confused, but that was because she did not join them on that fateful trip to the Nestrian opera house where Leo had fallen for the koto player. True, they had joked about someone finally capturing his heart, but Corrin didn't realize they were referring to the same girl. "I'm sorry. I don't quite understand."
"Our little Leo here is in love!" Camilla gushed. Corrin saw how Leo's face had flushed something fierce and Xander looked away, embarrassed for his younger brother. Camilla was a bit much at times.
Elise whooped. "Oh my gosh Leo! Who is she?" Elise seemed to have all but forgotten about Leo's little crush on the musician.
Xander coughed uncomfortably. "While this news is surely positive under these grim circumstances, perhaps we should discuss the more dire situation privately and more seriously."
"But I wanna know," Elise stated. "Is it that musician?" Now she remembered.
Everyone was silent, though for all different reasons. Camilla was gleeful, hoping someone would break the news. Xander felt this was entirely inappropriate and was frustrated that his youngest sister was being so frivolous. Corrin had no idea what was going on. Leo was, understandably, utterly horrified and sickened.
Corrin could not find out.
"I really don't understand what's going on," Corrin finally broke the silence. "What happened while I was away in Hoshido? While you were gone?" Then it dawned on her. "Wait, a musician? I thought that was a joke."
Leo didn't want to answer. He wanted to run away. He wanted the very earth to envelop him and sink him deep into the fathoms below. He did not want Corrin to learn of Kazahana's true identity. He did not want Corrin to meet her.
"I think it's better left unsaid," he finally stated. "There really are more pressing issues here."
"But Leo, Corrin should meet our newest addition!" Camilla piped up. "She would surely love to hear from a Hoshidan commoner!"
Commoner. If only Camilla knew. Kazahana was no mere commoner, in more ways than one.
"Wait, newest addition? What happened here?" The look on Corrin's face made Leo laugh bitterly.
"I suppose it's no use. Camilla seems too eager to embarrass me. I have brought back the koto player from the Nestrian opera house to be our new court musician. A bit odd for Nohrian royalty perhaps, but her talent was too good to pass up." Leo looked away. Please drop it, Corrin. Please drop it, Corrin…
But of course, she didn't.
"Wait, you brought the Hoshidan musician here?" The look of excitement on her face nearly broke Leo's heart. If only Corrin knew what lie before her in seeing her true younger sister.
But that couldn't happen. It simply couldn't. But it was going to. Leo saw that much happening.
But an idea came to his mind. Corrin had managed to keep the secret of Garon's true form during the duration of the war, and that was no easy secret to bear. Perhaps if Leo introduced her alone…
Yes. Even though the news would shock Corrin beyond all measure, she would keep the secret. She would have to. No one could find out Kazahana's true identity.
And there was always the off-chance that Corrin simply wouldn't recognize her. It had been quite some time after all. But Leo knew in his heart that Corrin would know. Kazahana, Sakura, whoever she was… Her traits were hard to miss. Corrin would know.
"I suppose I could introduce you two, but let me relay the news to her first. She is still…adapting to it all." He smoothly said. Corrin nodded.
"Of course! Just let me know. I'd love to talk to her about her experiences as a Hoshidan in Nohrian territory." She beamed at him. "Oh, Leo, I'm so excited!"
"I'm sure you are," he said cryptically. "Now, Xander and I must discuss what is going on. Afterward, I will find our new musician, and introduce you two."
Elise pouted. "I want to meet her too!"
"One at a time, Elise." Corrin said to the pouting girl. "I'm sure she's still shaken from the events that occurred."
"Fiiiiiine," Elise relented. "But I want to meet her immediately after! Maybe we can play our instruments together!" Elise was gifted at the violin and loved it dearly.
"Yes, of course, Elise," Leo said mechanically. "Now go. Practice your violin for her." Anything to get her out of here for now.
"Okay!" And with that, Elise was off. Corrin chuckled.
"She certainly is excited, but that's Elise for you." She shrugged. "I'll head to my chambers and change for the day. I don't want to make a wrong impression on our new friend." She turned to go.
Friend. The idea was ironic to Leo.
Once Xander had discussed a possible plan to quell the ire of their nation, Leo had dashed off to Kazahana's quarters. It made him seem desperate, and it was hardly princely of him, but he didn't care. He gave a brisk hello to the butlers and maids he passed, something he didn't always do, and made it to her door. He panted for a moment, the sudden burst of energy taking over his body, but when he had calmed, he straightened his clothing and hair, and knocked. He then realized he had not bathed still. Oh how he had poor decorum today…
Kazahana answered, looking pensive. "Pr-prince Leo! What a s-surprise!" She gripped the door tightly and looked to her right and left. Ah, so she was paranoid. Reasonable.
"Allow me to enter your chambers please. I have much to discuss with you," he said stiffly. He saw how her eyes widened in wonder, but she let him in. Quietly, she closed the door and he made himself at home, sitting on the bay window sill and she joined him. Their knees brushed and they both blushed and pulled away.
He noted how she was still…underdressed. She must have just gotten up. The robe she was wearing was closed tightly to her figure, but Leo saw the neckline of a lacey and silky nightgown. It seemed the maids had already outfitted her with Nohrian clothing. But he ignored those thoughts. He should have given her time to dress, but perhaps their relationship had gone deeper than that. They had seen each other in battle, had managed to bond over the course of their trip. Being in one's sleeping clothes mattered very little to either of them.
"You had something t-to say?" she asked. He took a start, but nodded.
"Yes, Kazahana, we have seemed to reach a small problem."
"Oh?"
"You see, it's my sister…our sister, Corrin."
Kazahana gulped. "She knows, d-doesn't she?"
Leo raised his hands, shaking them in front of him. "Oh no! Not yet anyway! But she wants to meet you, and I am concerned."
"Me? Why?" Kazahana looked confused, as she should be.
"My sister Camilla may have overstated how in love I am with you and it caught Corrin's attention, not to mention that Camilla stated you were Hoshidan." He then realized what he had said. Kazahana did too.
"…in l-love?" She blushed. "I… I mean…"
"Ah, those were Camilla's words, not mine." He saw her face fall. "Not to say I couldn't fall in love with you! It's just…" Oh boy he was messing this up. "Ah, it's too soon to be saying 'I-love-yous' don't you think?"
She nodded. "Yes, that's true."
"Anyway, that minor slip-up aside, Corrin wants to meet you, and I know that there is very little chance that she won't recognize you. So I've come up with a plan of sorts."
"Yes?" Kazahana looked hopeful.
"We have no choice but to tell her."
Her face fell again. "Pr-prince Leo! We can't!"
He sighed. "I know it seems silly, but Corrin is better at keeping secrets than you'd think. You see, there was this issue with our father…" He told her the story of how Garon was actually a shell of his former self, decomposing into some disgusting slime monster, having given himself utterly to Anankos. Corrin had known this from the start but had never told anyone the entire duration of the war. It wasn't until the very moment Garon revealed himself on the Hoshidan throne of truth that she told them all.
Would have they initially believed her should she have told them? No. They would not have. But, had they, it would have changed everything.
"I…I see…" Kazahana whispered. "If that's the case… Let's tell her."
"Good. I'm glad you see it my way." He stood up awkwardly and looked at her. "I'll be taking my leave now. I'll introduce Corrin to you shortly."
Kazahana nodded. "Okay."
"Okay then." With a nod, he turned away and saw himself out.
He shut the door and Kazahana took a shuddering breath. This could not be happening.
Corrin had finished dressing, a simple grey dress with black embellishments, and was combing through her luscious silver hair when a knock was upon her door. She bade them entrance and her brother Leo had entered.
"I was going to ask if you were ready to meet Kazahana," he stated simply.
"Oh, is that her name? The musician?" she asked as she turned to him. He nodded. "Pretty name."
"Yes, I would agree," he accidentally blurted. He blushed and Corrin chuckled.
"So I guess what Camilla said is true? You like her?"
"I…do, but it isn't something I should pursue. She's a commoner," he hated saying that but he had to save face, "and most importantly she is Hoshidan. I fear the public would riot."
"Leo, the laws of love surprisingly have few rules," she returned. "There is nothing wrong with courting her." Corrin made it sound so simple. She was also very aware of these things. It sent Leo on edge and piqued his curiosity.
"You sound like you know what you're talking about. Something you want to confess, Sister?" he asked slyly. This time Corrin blushed.
"The more time you spend with someone, the more likely you'll fall for them," was all she said, and Leo decided to drop it. This wasn't his business and he knew the feeling of someone prying where they shouldn't.
"Don't worry, Sister. I'll leave it be." He cleared his throat, preparing to change the subject. "I do think you'll like her. She's very kind and her talent is wondrous."
"She sounds lovely already." She finished combing her hair. "Okay, I think I'm ready." She stood up, straightening her dress a bit and took one final look in the looking glass. She turned to Leo. "Lead the way."
He nodded and turned, gulping quietly. He felt his hands sweating and his pulse increase.
He couldn't believe he was doing this to Kazahana. No. She would soon be Sakura. Princess Sakura, regardless of her refuting the title. Leo could only see her as such.
The walk to her quarters seemed to drag yet when they arrived, Leo felt it was too soon. He wanted to backtrack, say Sakura was sick or something, but he knew that he couldn't. It was too late, and even if he wasn't the one to introduce them, he knew someone would. Corrin was too curious and too gregarious to not want to meet the newest addition to the castle. She also had a knack for making people like her, and she was aware of this, though not through arrogance. The only few that didn't seem to like her much was Queen Hinoka and maybe the Hoshidans she had interacted with during her stay.
He took a breath, hoping Corrin didn't notice how nervous he was, and knocked on the door. He heard Sakura give a tiny "Come in" and he opened the door, sealing both their fates.
When they had entered, he noticed she had changed into a violet dress that had a layered, tiered skirt. It was short in the front, just barely over her knees, and it tapered to floor-length in the back, made of tulle and silk. The skirt itself was white while the bodice was violet with black details. She had on thigh-high leggings with ankle-high boots, both black with violet and white embellishments. She had kept her hair in her face for the most part, but a black headband similar to Corrin's kept some of it behind her ears. He saw a tiny white rose on the right side of it. In this clothing, she seemed almost regal, the picture perfect princess.
Corrin took a step forward and introduced herself. He saw how Sakura kept her gaze down. Corrin seemed perplexed.
"It's okay. I know you must be tired, but I am so excited to meet you. I was hoping we could talk and maybe even become friends." Corrin took another step forward. Sakura hadn't said a word yet.
"Ummm…" Corrin hummed. "Have I offended you? There's no need to be shy. I'm not judging you."
Finally, Sakura raised her gaze and said simply. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
There was silence. Leo looked from Corrin to Sakura and back to Corrin. He saw the confusion on Corrin's face.
"You…look so familiar," she said. She bent down to be on Sakura's eye level. She stared into Sakura's eyes and she gasped.
"You look like my little sister. Not Elise, I mean. Have you met her?"
Sakura shook her head. "I h-have not."
"Your voice even sounds like hers… She was from Hoshido. I was there for a short time two years ago, before the war. Her name was Sakura."
If Corrin really didn't recognize that this was in fact her sister, Leo would drop dead.
"Yeah, you really do look like her. And your shyness is similar to hers too… I think she may have mentioned she also played the koto?" Corrin straightened. "Wow, this is so weird."
"You really think she looks like Sakura?" Leo asked, hoping to divert some attention. There was no way Corrin was this dense.
"Yeah… Honestly, she could be her twin. Kazahana, was it?"
"Yes." Leo and Sakura said at the same time.
"Hah, that was cute. But yeah, you really look like her. Your hair is just longer." Suddenly, she took on a melancholy expression. "It's such a shame what happened to her."
"W-what happened?" Sakura asked, playing the part well. Leo hoped her stutter didn't give her away though.
"During a battle at Fort Jinya, she escaped with her retainer. We found his body eventually, but not hers. I believe she's still out there, but no one else does. I hope wherever she is, she's doing alright."
Sakura smiled. "I-I do, too."
"You're even kind like her. She'd have said the same thing."
There was a short pause when Leo cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should allow Kazahana to rest more. We should prepare her for meeting Elise."
"You're right. I'll leave for now. Hopefully Elise won't tire you out too much," Corrin joked. She winked at Sakura. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
"Y-you as w-well," Sakura returned. Leo and Corrin then left.
When the door had closed, Corrin had said, "Gods, if I didn't know better, I'd have sworn that was Sakura."
"Haha, wouldn't that be funny?" Leo forced himself to chuckle. Corrin noticed though.
"Something wrong, Brother?"
He shook his head. "No."
"You're hiding something."
"I am not."
"I know you like her. Is there more to it?" Corrin's face then erupted into a blush. "You didn't..!"
"What…? NO. Oh gods, Corrin, you know me better than that." Leo was horrified that Corrin's mind would think that. He would never.
"Oh gods, that's good. I know you wouldn't, but you both took a long time to get here. And I take it she likes you too."
"What makes you say that?" He asked as they descended down the stairs.
"Well, I don't know. It just makes sense I guess. Surely a trip like that would make two people fall for each other."
"Well… You're right. We do in fact like each other," he admitted. Why bother hiding? Corrin would only pry further, but at least she wasn't as bad as Camilla.
"Then why aren't you courting each other?"
"I told you, Corrin. It wouldn't end well. Imagine if we married. The entire country would not take it well. It would only cause more problems. It's best we stay as we are, her a musician, I a prince and advisor, and bury our feelings away." He hated saying it. Gods, how he wanted to court her.
"I think denying your heart is worse. I don't want you to end up in a loveless marriage. You deserve more." Corrin said when she saw Leo's face fall.
"Who said I would marry at all?" He said without emotion. "A prince with my cold reputation? No lady in her right mind would want me courting her."
"But you're brilliant and you're handsome. Even I can say that much. I'm sure the others would agree. Anyone would be lucky to have you," Corrin insisted.
"Well, thank you for the compliment, but I have no intention of marrying. A single life pining for the woman I love is a better option for me than marrying simply for politics. Besides, I don't want to distract myself from my job."
"So you love her," Corrin noted. "This runs deeper than I thought."
Leo froze at her words. "I…misspoke."
"It's okay, Leo. People fall in love. There is nothing wrong with that."
"I'm not in love," he denied. "That's silly."
"Well, if you say so," Corrin said, her words falling quietly. "I still can't get over how much she looks like Sakura."
"I think you should drop that. Sakura is gone, Corrin." Leo said coldly.
She shook her head. "No. She lives. I can feel it." She sighed. "She'll never leave my mind. I failed her as a sister."
"You were our leader against her country. You were only doing your duty."
"I still hate that it ended the way it did. My siblings deserved better."
He felt a touch jealous that she was still so possessive of people she had barely known. He felt it was odd and wrong. She only knew them for maybe a week? But perhaps blood runs thicker in relationships than he would think. He knew the phrase 'the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb' but maybe here that phrase held no bearing. Corrin clearly felt for those siblings.
"I know it makes you sad, but there's nothing we can do now. What's done is done." He said after a pause. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"I'll never get over it," she said sadly. He heard the tears in her voice. "Ryoma died, believing in me. Takumi… I killed him."
"He jumped off the wall. You only killed his possessed corpse. There was no trace of Takumi there," Leo deadpanned.
"It was still wrong. I barely saved Hinoka. I couldn't save Sakura. She fled and I don't know where she went. I wish she was here with me."
"She belongs with her grieving sister." Leo stated bluntly. "Corrin, don't waste tears over them. The time for mourning is over. The queen of Hoshido needs to acknowledge that too."
"Maybe you really are the cold prince of Nohr," she said bitterly. "I can't believe you'd say that. What if it were Elise? Xander? Camilla?" Her voice was getting shrill.
He stayed silent.
"I thought so." Corrin turned to leave.
The only thing Leo was grateful for was that this talk, no matter how dark it was, took Sakura's similarity to herself off Corrin's mind. Let Corrin stew in sadness and anger at Leo. As long as her thoughts were far away from Sakura, everyone would be that much safer.
Kazahana was shocked. She didn't think her sister Corrin would be so unobservant. Yes, Kazahana looked like Sakura, because that's who she was, but she didn't think Corrin would actually not be able to put the pieces together. It was so obvious.
But Kazahana thanked her lucky stars. She was glad Leo didn't slip up either. They both, she felt, did well in concealing her identity.
Now that it was established she merely looked like Sakura, Kazahana could breathe easier. She'd have to still be on her toes around Corrin, but she felt that this interaction only blessed her. If Corrin couldn't recognize her, then neither would the others. She wasn't worried about Elise. Maybe she'd recognize her from that dinner in Izumo all those years ago, that uncomfortable dining experience, but she wasn't worried. Elise didn't sound like the type of girl who would jump to such conclusions.
Suddenly, a rapid knock was on her door. Kazahana wasn't expecting more company. Leo had mentioned preparing herself for Elise, but she didn't think it would be this soon.
But when she opened the door, there the tiny blonde girl was. She was slightly shorter than Kazahana, but her personality bubbled through her posture. Kazahana remembered how possessive she was over Corrin, but this time she seemed like the sweetest thing.
"Yes, I guessed right! I figured you'd be in this area. But I didn't think I'd get the right door the first time!" Elise let herself in and twirled around. "I'm Elise." She curtsied grandly.
"H-hello, Elise. I'm Kazahana."
"Pretty name. You play the…well, you play an instrument, right? Well, I mean, of course you do, I saw you, but I forgot what it was called."
"It's called a koto," Kazahana said.
"Ah, okay! Have you ever done a duet with a Nohrian instrument before?"
"N-no…"
"Oh! Maybe we can sometime! I play violin. We can look for sheet music together and try to find one that complements our instruments. It'll be fun!"
Kazahana was a little unnerved by this girl's peppy personality, but she seemed harmless so Kazahana let her guard down. "Y-yes, th-that would be nice."
"Hmmm, you seem familiar…" Elise said. "I think we've met?"
"N-no, w-we haven't…" Kazahana looked away.
"Why so shy? Hmmm, I think we have." Elise stuck her tongue out as she thought deeply. "Oh I know! You look like that girl I met in Izumo! Corrin's other sister! Umm… Sakura I think?" She mispronounced it, putting too much emphasis on the 'ku' but Kazahana didn't bother correcting her. Doing so would prove to Elise that she was Sakura.
"Well… M-maybe it's j-just a co-coincidence." Kazahana started fiddling with her thumbs, looking away. She was beyond nervous.
Elise stared at her, taking in the nervous disposition her new friend displayed. "You know, I remember Corrin saying that Sakura," she still said it wrong, "had disappeared. She didn't die in that one battle. She flew away on a pegasus. I didn't really care much. I mean, it was sad, but I didn't want another little sister taking away my sister." Yes, Elise was possessive. "But I know how much she must have meant to Corrin, so I changed my mind." Elise narrowed her eyes, taking in Kazahana. "That Sakura didn't die… And you look just like her. It was a long time ago, but I remember!" She gasped. "You are totally Sakura!"
Kazahana's heart fell. Her stomach dropped. Her throat dried and her vision swam.
No. This couldn't be happening.
"I… I am most certainly not!" Her voice went up an octave.
"Oh, c'mon, look how nervous you are! I'm not as sharp as Leo, but I'm not blind! Just say it!"
Kazahana started to cry. "Fine. I…I…" She sniffled. "I am Sakura." She made sure to pronounce her own name right.
"I knew it!" Elise jumped for joy. "Does Corrin know? She must be so happy!"
Kazahana, now Sakura, shook her head vigorously. "N-no she does not. And she can't!"
"Why?" Elise pursed her lips. "It would make her so happy to have another sibling here. Even if you stole the attention away…"
"If… If it were known who I w-was, I-I would be s-sent back to Ho-Hoshido…" Sakura said between hiccups.
"Why? Ohhhh, because of the queen," Elise realized. "Well, let's not tell her!"
"If she found out that y-you were h-harboring m-me, she'd probably start another w-war, or at least th-threaten to do so. I kn-know my sister."
"Oh… So we're damned if we do and damned if we don't." Elise said crudely. "Don't tell my brothers I swore. They'd be mad."
"I w-won't, as long as y-you don't re-reveal my identity," Sakura said.
"I promise." Elise put out her pinky. Sakura accepted it with her own.
"Th-thank you." They let go of each other.
"So I can only call you Kazahana?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes."
"Okay! That's easy enough! Well, I'd better get going. Are you performing tonight? I'd love to see you."
"Perhaps, if Prince Leo wants me to."
"Pfft, you don't need his permission. I'll tell Xander! He'll be so excited!" And so Elise hugged Sakura fiercely and left.
Sakura stood there, numb. Of all the people to recognize her, she didn't think it would be the youngest Nohrian princess.