Finally, an update, a month later! Thank y'all for sticking through this! Also, I want to mention that apparently ffnet is implementing a banning system for those that violate the M-rating regarding smut and the like. If you've read past works of mine, then you know that I have some stories that fall in that category. I don't want to be banned, so I will be backing up my stories and deleting those that violate. BUT! If I am banned, I want y'all to know you can find this story on archive of our own! I'm under the username LaceKyoko1138, so if you want to switch to that, feel free to do so! Thanks for reading! Much love! -Lace

Despite his liege's attraction to a lost princess, Niles did not trust this 'Kazahana' one bit. Kazahana by day, Sakura by night, Niles found her story to be all too romantic and unrealistic. He had a fatalist look at life, and no matter what Leo felt, his affection for this Sakura would only hurt him.

Of course, he couldn't tell Leo that. Leo was entranced by the spell she cast. She played demure and kind, shy and quiet, but Niles couldn't shake the feeling that something bad would occur due to her secrecy. Leo had mentioned war. Would Hoshido truly start a war over this runt? Niles wasn't too sure. Politics were above his station. He took orders. That was it.

He pondered over his concern for Leo. In the past, he cared for no one, not even his criminal group's leader. He only cared about the job at hand and getting paid. He supposed that perhaps he had a change of heart thanks to Leo's kindness in sparing him. Niles was surprised he was capable of such compassion. But he knew Leo was a good man at heart, and Niles would be damned if anything happened to his liege.

So perhaps his "fatalist" look at life wasn't as prominent as he would believe, at least in regards to his loyalty to Leo. But he still had bad feelings about the whole situation, and only investigating would fix that.

Niles, normally full of schemes to cause some amount of mayhem, wasn't entirely sure how to go about this. He didn't want Leo to know of what he was planning. It would only anger his liege. As it were, this 'Kazahana' spent most of her time with Leo, or practicing her koto, and Niles wasn't allowed to interrupt that due to orders from Leo, so he wasn't able to question her formally. It was a most frustrating situation.

The only thing he could do was trust Leo's judgement, which wasn't always bad. Leo rarely made mistakes, except in dressing himself. Many had a good laugh at pointing out his collar was inside out, or that something was backwards. Niles wasn't sure what caused that endearing trait of the prince. It was simply hilarious.

Niles had been up in a tree near the training grounds, observing soldiers practicing. He always enjoyed a good spying. Though, nothing ever really occurred. Occasionally he'd catch them gossiping about Camilla and how beautiful she was (they used cruder language), and sometimes Niles let Leo know. He wasn't particularly fond of said sister, but Niles knew Leo wouldn't want the soldiers to think his sister was easy. Camilla was beyond such things, or at least in the royal siblings' minds. They were a particularly close bunch.

Niles shrugged and leapt down from the tree. He needed to come up with a strategy to figure Kazahana out. It wouldn't be easy, but Niles loved a good challenge. He accepted said challenge willingly.

Odin was in his chambers. He was sitting on his bed, contemplating many things. In his hand was a crystal that Anankos had given him. It was a pretty thing, and, should he use it, it would take him back to his original timeline, his home in Ylisse, where he was known as Owain. However, he wasn't sure which timeline it would take him to. Anankos had said original, but did that mean the timeline where Grima had won, or the one where Robin had fought her look alike and consequently disappeared? He often wondered if, somehow, Robin came back. Robin was a hero. Heroes always live.

He tossed it idly in his hand, wondering if he should go back. He missed his home dearly, but it had been so long. He wondered if his friends and family had aged greatly, and that they would wonder why he was still so young. Could he tell the truth, that he was a retainer to a powerful prince and had chosen the ways of dark magic? That would be a surprise.

He missed his mother, from both timelines. Lissa had died in his original one, slaughtered as she protected him. She was alive and youthful in the other one, and it was a breath of fresh air to see her like that.

But it had been so long. He had been in Nohr for what seemed like eons, but had only been a few years. He thought of it as a second home, but he still kept so many things secret. He was still surprised Leo trusted him so much. He never was suspicious of Odin, only thinking him as eccentric, but a good man, and a powerful ally.

He lay down on his bed, feet dangling off the side. For now, he would stay. He'd figure something out.

Niles had an idea as he munched on an apple in the kitchen. While Kazahana was wary of him, she seemed fond of Odin. Maybe, just maybe, if he could convince Odin and manipulate him, he could get his odd partner to reveal Kazahana's secrets. It wasn't a bad plan, and it was the only one he could think of.

Niles did know that Kazahana was the lost princess, Sakura. But he wasn't sure of much else. Was she a malevolent force? He was protective of his prince and he wouldn't let anything stop him from protecting Leo, even if the only threat was someone that his lord loved.

Yes. Love. It was a foreign concept to Niles. The closest thing he had to love was Leo, but it wasn't romantic. Platonic at best.

He shrugged those thoughts away. He would find Odin and talk him into questioning the lone koto player. It was his only option.

There was a knock upon Odin's door. He bade them entrance.

Niles strode in, as cocky as ever. Odin had known him long enough to know Niles was scheming something, if the smarmy look on his face was any indication.

"How doth thy fair, oh scandalous one?" Odin asked.

"Oh, Odin, you never disappoint," Niles chuckled. "You always give me a good laugh."

Now Odin knew something was definitely up. Niles rarely complimented his partner retainer.

"State your piece, dear Niles, or Odin Dark shall place a curse upon thee so devastating-"

"Cut the crap, Odin. I am in need of your assistance." Niles rolled his eyes at Odin's grandiose speech.

Odin sighed. "Who has your ill intent now?"

"It's that koto player. Kazahana. I suspect something dreadful of her," Niles deadpanned.

Odin was aghast. "My dear, sweet Kazahana?! That lovely young woman would nary do a thing to a soul!"

"So you say," Niles uttered seriously, "but neither you nor I know much of her. How interesting that a lone Hoshidan has stayed in Cyrkensia so long. How strange that she would so willingly go to Nohr with our lord. Think what you want of her, Odin Dark, but that girl is nothing but trouble."

Odin pursed his lips. "You raise good points, Niles, but Kazahana has done nothing to warrant your assumptions!"

"So you say, Odin, but that could all be a part of her plan. Act all innocent, and when we least expect it, pounce upon our prince…"

Now Odin rolled his eyes. "You have a very colorful imagination, Niles."

"Says the man who talks as if he is in a theatrical production. Such a performer you are, Odin. Perhaps you have rubbed off on me."

Odin shrugged. "It's likely."

"We're digressing. Do me this favor Odin: visit Kazahana, when you have the chance. Probe her mind for any…misconduct."

Odin stared at Niles, unsure. "You really want me to do that?"

"It's for our lord, Odin. You swore you'd do anything to protect him when you were anointed as his retainer."

"Very true. I shall see what I can do then, in the name of our lord Leo."

Niles nodded, the most deference he'd ever shown to Odin. "Thank you, Odin." He saw himself out.

Odin threw himself back onto his bed, the mattress making a small "poof" sound.

What a day he was having.

Odin was quite unsure of questioning Kazahana. He really liked the girl, and he felt like he was a good judge of character. Surely this sweet young musician had no ill intent towards his lord or to anyone else in the royal family. Yes, she was Hoshidan, but Odin knew she had lived in Cyrkensia for two years. A woman like her wouldn't have made some elaborate plan in that time frame to hurt Lord Leo. It was preposterous.

But Odin respected Niles and knew the man had a way of just knowing things, so Odin decided he would respect his fellow retainer's request. It wasn't the worst thing to do. Though, he wasn't sure how he could do it without being suspicious.

He made it to Kazahana's quarters, hoping she was not there. It would be near impossible to find the girl in the giant corridors of the castle, and he didn't know her usual haunts anyway. Was she the scholarly type, studying in the library? Did she enjoy the outdoors, despite Nohr's gloomy atmosphere? Odin was, again, unsure.

He heard giggling as he was about to knock upon Kazahana's door. He turned to see just the woman he was looking for strolling along with Elise, both carrying instruments. He had heard some hearsay that both young women were planning to write music together, and he thought that perhaps he could use that to his advantage. Ask her about it, then when her guard was down, ask a few more personal questions. Yes, this would be the most solid plan. He was simply hoping to get to know the girl after all! He felt he already knew so little.

Before the girls would see him, he strutted towards them, ready to put on his usual performance.

"Ah, my dear ladies! What art thou doing on this fine day?"

Elise snorted. "It's been kind of humid all day, Odin. It's hardly fine," she laughed. She enjoyed Odin's antics sometimes.

"Any day is fine when a man can gaze upon two beautiful women," he smoothly recovered.

Elise rolled her eyes. Sakura blushed, looking away. She was always embarrassed to receive such compliments, even from Leo.

"Well Odin, your flattery aside, if you must know, we were in the library trying to compose a song!" She held the violin in its case before her. "Kazahana had some great ideas! I think we're on our way to a lovely song!" She beamed at Odin, her guard completely down. Then again, Elise never had much of a guard anyway. It was really a part of her charm.

"Y-yes, I do think we've come a long way," Kazahana whispered shyly. "Perhaps we can perform it soon."

"Oh really? Fantastic to hear, ladies!" Odin smiled handsomely. "Perhaps… I could hear a portion of it? If you don't mind!"

Elise shrugged, looking at Kazahana. "You think we should?"

Kazahana shrunk away, but didn't want to disappoint anyone. "I don't see why not. The melody isn't too far off from being done."

"Okay! Odin you're so gonna love it!" Elise said excitedly. "I haven't had so much fun in a long time."

Odin was pleased. He was, however, wary to ask Kazahana any personal questions in front of Elise. Elise would probably defend her new friend, saying Odin should mind his business. Odin hoped that maybe she'd leave before him.

"Thank you, dear ladies. Allow me." He opened the door, a little surprised it wasn't locked, but paid it no heed. Who would want to break into Kazahana's quarters?

He was surprised, however, that neither woman asked him just why he was there. Why would Lord Leo's retainer hang around Kazahana's quarters? It really was suspicious. But he knew Elise could be oblivious sometimes, so he shrugged it off.

Elise followed Kazahana into the room, but then rounded on Odin. "Hey, just a question. Just what were you doing here?"

Of course, his thought of her being oblivious proved to be false. He quickly came up with a lie. "I was merely strolling, stretching my legs you see. For Odin Dark has been working studiously on a new spell! As such, I needed to take a break!"

Elise shrugged. "Alright… Seems kinda weird you'd make it down here, but I guess it isn't too unrealistic." She turned around and plopped onto the bed. "Your bed is so comfy, Kazahana!"

"Th-thank you," Kazahana said. "It really is better than where I used to live."

Odin had been told she lived near the opera house she used to perform for. He figured she had lived in squalor, but she seemed so refined for one who was once so poor.

Elise then sat up, opening the violin case to pull the instrument out, placing it expertly on her shoulder, checking her posture. She stood up, holding the bow and pointing it to Kazahana. "Ready?"

Kazahana took her koto off its cart and arranged herself before it in a comfortable position. "Y-yes."

"From the beginning then!" Elise cheered. She started, a striking note filling the air. Kazahana soon swooped in with some tinny notes from the koto. There was a pause and then Kazahana filled the room with some chords and Elise played her violin gently. Kazahana played an accompaniment while Elise was playing the melody but then the song changed to focus more on the koto and Kazahana proceeded to play a string of complicated notes, Elise joining in, both instruments complementing each other. The two girls played in perfect harmony. The song proceeded to become more and more complicated as the two began to play more vigorously, but then it slowed and seemed to have come back to the beginning, playing the soft notes from before. Before long, the song had ended. Elise beamed at Kazahana, who smiled gently in return.

The song, with both parts, showcased these two girls' personalities perfectly. Spunky Elise, refined Kazahana. Odin loved it. It was a short song, but he knew the two girls would work hard to master it.

He applauded them. "That was most excellent, dear Elise and Kazahana. I, Odin Dark, am most impressed!"

Elise bowed graciously, showing off a devilish smirk, and Kazahana stood up from her position to bow formally. Both girls righted themselves and shared a look. Their song was a success!

Maybe, if two instruments from opposite countries could complement each other, then surely the people from those countries could too.

Elise sighed. "I'm pretty beat. I think I'll see myself out. Will you be at dinner, Kazahana?" Elise asked.

"W-well… I'll probably be performing…"

"Pffft, nonsense!" Elise waved that thought aside. "You're being courted by my brother. Xander will make sure you have dinner with us. You're gonna be a part of our family soon after all!"

"Elise! I-I haven't really thought about it that far ahead yet!" Kazahana stumbled over her words, trying to properly say how she felt about that. "I mean, Leo and I… Yes, we're courting, but don't you think it's a bit soon to…?"

"Not at all! I know you two will get married! Hah! Leo is gonna be the first in our family. And we all thought it would be Xander or Camilla!" Elise laughed heartily. "Okay, I'll leave now. Coming Odin?" She turned to her brother's retainer, not really a clue in her head as to why he was still here.

"Momentarily, Princess Elise! There was something I wanted to ask Kazahana, in regards to Lord Leo. I perish the thought of his little sister finding out what his retainer is up to!"

"Uh, okay?" Elise felt she should be suspicious, but she chalked it up to Odin being just plain weird. "Well, I'll see you two later." She packed up her things and left.

Kazahana sighed. "Elise is so full of energy. She wears me down sometimes."

Odin realized that maybe now wasn't the best time to ask Kazahana. She must have been exhausted from playing with Elise all day. But… Then again… This would weaken her guard and he could throw caution to the wind and ask her about her history.

Now, just how exactly would he go about this?

"Shall we sit by the bay window, milady? Yes, the weather is dreary, but doesn't that somehow make it all the more beautiful?"

Kazahana thought that was an odd notion, but she let it slide and went to sit by the bay window. Odin followed her.

There was a quiet pause that seemed to stretch for a long time. Finally, Kazahana spoke up.

"What was it you needed to ask Odin?"

Odin was for once at a loss for words. He didn't think she would be quite so forward.

"Well, you see, milady, Lord Leo would like to know more about his bride-to-be!"

Kazahana flushed. "Um, we're not quite at that stage yet. Leo hasn't proposed… There's still so much he doesn't know."

"Oh? And what might that be?" Odin asked cordially. Maybe this would be easier than he thought.

Kazahana felt she couldn't answer right away. "I'm…not sure it's appropriate to share yet."

"Alas, my dear lady, it is always a fair time to share when it comes to the course of love! I'm sure Lord Leo would be absolutely fine with whatever it is you have to say."

Kazahana knew that Leo knew about her heritage, and she knew Niles did too, or at least suspected it. Odin? She wasn't sure she could trust him yet. He seemed the type to blab, but didn't Leo say that he knew very little of Odin's past? Could Odin be harboring some secret too?

She then had an idea. "I will share my story, if you share yours."

Odin thought it was shrewd of her. So Leo must have told her that he in fact did not know much of Odin's history.

Odin didn't want to refuse her request, but he also found that he wasn't ready to share that story just yet. He felt it could lead to disastrous consequences.

"My sweet Kazahana, my tale is one of woe and great bloodshed. I am not sure it is wise to tell it to your frail ears."

She didn't really like that he used such an arbitrary reason to deny her request. She had to be strong. "You seem to for-forget that I was in a war too."

Oh, he liked this bold Kazahana indeed! Perhaps Lord Leo was rubbing off on her. It wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to her. She could use a bit more backbone.

"Well, if it pleases you, I could share some of it."

"All of it. My secrets are in dire need to be hidden. It is only fair we share our secrets equally." Lord Leo really had rubbed off on her. So shrewd, so wise.

Odin sighed. "I suppose it is only fair. You are right. I can't deny you that."

So Odin began his tale.

"You see, Kazahana," he started, losing his normal gregarious persona, "I come from a different timeline than your Nohr and Hoshido."

Kazahana was a bit perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"I am a time traveler of sorts. My real name is Owain. You see, the very god that had possessed Garon knew he would soon lose all sense of humanity. So he entrusted myself and, ah, two other companions to travel to his time to protect the Nohrian children from calamity. I am sure you know of what happened to Garon?"

"Yes, Leo told me."

"I am glad we could succeed in stopping Garon, and ultimately Anankos." Odin looked away. "He seemed a kind soul, and it is unfortunate he met such an end."

"But… Leo said he never saw such a god. Could…he really be gone for good? Or will he possess another poor soul?" Kazahana asked worriedly.

"Alas, I am not sure. Perhaps so. Perhaps not. We must stay vigilant, but it is a fair point."

Kazahana sighed. "Is there any more you can tell me?"

"Well, you see, I have a crystal that Anankos gifted me and my companions. Someday, should we wish it, we can choose to return to our original time."

"And where is that?"

"Well, it is a land called Ylisse. I am a prince of such a kingdom, son to the youngest princess, Lissa. My uncle is the Exalt."

"An Exalt is like a king?" she asked.

"Indeed, and a fine king my uncle Chrom is. Was? I am not sure. Time may have passed differently there."

"So you're not even sure your friends and family are still alive?"

"That is correct. It's partly why I am not sure I want to return after all, but I know my mother must be heartbroken. I left without saying goodbye. I don't think she'd understand."

"I am sorry to hear such a thing." She reached out to him and stroked his arm. He appreciated the kind gesture.

"Yes, even though I mention that timeline, I actually come from a time where an evil fell dragon named Grima had successfully destroyed our kingdom and possibly the world. So, you see, I have travelled time twice. The time I have come from is where we succeeded in stopping Grima, thanks to a sacrifice from one of our own. It…was sad. Robin was a good woman."

"So, at first, your true, original timeline was where your world was destroyed, yet you travelled time to change those circumstances, to a time before Grima succeeded?"

Kazahana was sharp. Odin was thankful he didn't have to relive it entirely. "That is correct."

She nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

He smiled genuinely at her. "I feel lighter, I think. I've kept this burden for so long."

"I understand that. I have a burden I must bear too."

"And yours is?"

Kazahana held her breath. She wasn't sure she could tell Odin. This would change so much. The more people that knew, the more likely she would be found out.

But didn't she want that eventually? Holding secrets from her soon-to-be-in-laws seemed a grievous insult.

She let out the breath she was holding. She could do this. It was important.

"I…am not a simple musician, as you have come to know. You see…it is true I come from Hoshido, but there is so much more than that. I…am a princess, youngest princess of Hoshido. My true name is Sakura. Unfortunately, I fled for my life with my lone retainer, who sacrificed himself for me when we were taken by surprise by a rogue group of Nohrians. I managed to make it to Nestra, and through a string of fortune, landed a position as a musician at the opera house in Cyrkensia. It was a difficult time, but I lived there for two years regardless. Then, I met Leo, and I suppose the rest is history."

Odin was astounded. To hold such a burden took much strength. In that moment, he realized, he and Kazahana were one in the same, both holding on to such deep secrets that could never be revealed.

"I take it Leo must know this?"

"Yes. As does Elise and Niles. Elise figured it out. I'm sure Niles just knew automatically. He's a bit scary."

"That he is." Odin looked at her seriously. "I vow, as Lord Leo's retainer, that I will never let this secret be revealed."

"Thank you, Odin. I will keep yours as well."

He got off her bed and bowed to her. "If you'll allow me, I shall leave you to your thoughts."

"Y-yes. Thank you, Odin. You are a good man."

"My lady honors me." Odin then saw himself out, but not before he gave her a handsome smile. Kazahana blushed, but smiled back.

For some reason, she felt that it wasn't a bad thing she told Odin. They were almost like co-conspirators and it made her happy that someone just understood without being told twice. She felt that she could have a good friendship with him.

As Odin shut the door, he felt a sense of both relief and trepidation. Kazahana trusted him with such a secret. No, she said she was Sakura, and so she would be, at least behind closed doors where no one could spy.

But he felt anxious. Niles expected him to report back. But it was clear she had no ill intent, which was what Niles was after. Odin could say as much, couldn't he? And of course, if Niles already knew she was a former princess, then he wouldn't have to break Sakura's trust.

So Odin did just that. He found Niles outside Leo's quarters and told all he knew. Niles nodded in response, both mollified with the news, but also annoyed. So either Kazahana, no, Sakura, fooled Odin into believing such a tale, or she was telling the truth.

Her story added up, and Niles had to admit that there was no way this princess of sorts would dare harm Leo. He accepted it and decided he too would protect the girl.

"We shall protect Sakura with our lives," Niles finally said after a pause. "Thank you for your work, Odin." He then left, Odin following him.

Not too far off, Camilla had stopped upon hearing the men's voices. She was surprised they didn't hear the click clack of her heels, but perhaps the carpet along the stone floors muffled them.

Sakura? Wasn't that the name of the lost princess of Hoshido? Camilla vaguely recalled news from Corrin that stated Sakura was possibly dead, after fleeing for her life.

Camilla, curious, decided she'd ask Leo about it later. She was going to visit him because she was his big sister after all, and Corrin had told her she was busy. Pouting, she decided she'd bother her little brother, because he deserved all her love. She knew he sometimes felt left out, and Camilla couldn't have that.

She wondered if he knew after all. Again, she would ask him, but perhaps not now. She needed to find more intel in regards to this situation.

"Sakura. A pretty name for a pretty girl," Camilla muttered to herself. "What a delicious secret I've stumbled upon."