Wow, it's been a long time since I updated. Tbh, I don't even have the excuse of being busy; I've just been down and it hurt my inspiration and creativity.
Regardless, I hope y'all enjoy!
Leo was currently working on a proposal in regards to Hoshido. Xander expressed his concerns regarding Queen Hinoka, but wasn't sure how to address the situation. Having Corrin over there didn't seem to help at all, and even though it had been two years since the end of the war, Hinoka was still bitter toward Nohr. Xander didn't blame her, but he felt, personally, that it was time to move on. He did acknowledge, though, that it was reasonable for her to still bear resentment. After all, her entire family had been killed. It was a prickly situation, and even though Xander had been trained to be a king and diplomatic, he felt it was difficult in regards to the Hoshidan queen.
Leo was writing notes and thoughts down, trying to be impersonal and reasonable, but felt that it was difficult. Every now and then a biased phrase would be written, and he'd scratch it out since he knew it was improper of him as advisor to the throne. His idea was to retract some of the Nohrian soldiers from Hoshido; the theory was the less occupation there was, the more at ease the queen would feel. But he wasn't entirely sure this would work. Would Hinoka decide it would be easier that way to attack Nohr once Hoshido fully recovered? He didn't think so, but Corrin had mention offhandedly that Hinoka wasn't always entirely reasonable. She was the more temperamental of the siblings she had come to find out in her time there two years ago when she was abducted, and after the time she spent there not too long ago. The only sibling that had been the most temperamental was Takumi. However, Leo felt that even Hinoka would appreciate the retracting of the troops and would propose it to Xander later.
He paused for a moment, thinking of Sakura. He saw her briefly that day, but Elise seemed to have monopolized her time. He knew they were working on a project together, and didn't want to interrupt them, but he missed her. He still wasn't sure if he was courting her correctly, but she seemed pleased with the activities they did and he felt relieved at that.
He still had not kissed her though, and though it had been some time since he had fallen for her, he felt it was still improper to initiate that just yet. Perhaps it was decorum on his part, but he also felt shy about it. He also wasn't sure if she would want him to anyway, since she was still very shy as well and had trouble admitting her feelings. She was getting better, but he knew that she still needed time to adjust. It seemed it wasn't common for her to have a man have feelings for her.
There was a knock upon his door and he turned around to say that the person could enter. It was Camilla. She had a smirk on her face and Leo knew instantly she was there to tease him.
"How fares my baby brother?" Camilla cooed, sitting on his bed and crossing her legs primly. She placed her hands on her knees and adjusted her posture. She tried to show the image of innocence, which Leo took to meaning she wanted something out of him. Camilla wasn't too hard a book to read.
"I take it you're here because you want something?" Leo deadpanned. He didn't like playing games much and wasn't really in the mood to deal with her. He loved his sister, but she was a handful.
"Oh Leo, always suspecting something. You're so smart." She smiled coquettishly at him. Yes, she wanted something.
"What is it, Camilla? I'm in the middle of something." He turned to her to give her his full attention regardless.
"It's about your dear Kazahana. I overheard a troubling statement about her."
Leo was concerned instantly. Had the staff already begun rumors regarding his beloved? She didn't really do much that he could tell that was incriminating, but perhaps they knew something of her identity? He couldn't be sure unless Camilla told him.
"What is it?" he asked, a little defensively. He didn't want to show how perturbed he was, but his siblings could always see through his mask.
"It seems this adorable musician has been holding a secret in regards to her identity. I wanted to confirm with you. Apparently her real name is Sakura? How cute, but that is quite concerning." She pursed her lips. "Is she perhaps a spy?"
Leo's mouth went dry. He didn't want to lie to Camilla. As it were, too many people, in his opinion, knew. He knew Niles would keep the secret until his death, and though Elise proved that she could hold her fair share of secrets too, he knew that if she let her guard down, she could blab.
His main concern was that if he confirmed it for her, she'd take it to Xander, even if he insisted that Sakura had no intention of harming them. Or, she'd go to Sakura and threaten the poor girl. He wanted neither.
"Before I tell you, Sister, you must promise me that you won't tell anyone else. This is important." Leo warned.
"Cross my heart. I would hate to upset my dear brother when it comes to his love." Camilla made a crossing motion over her chest as she said this.
Leo sighed. "It's true. Her real name is Sakura."
"Wasn't that the name of the Hoshidan princess that went missing? Corrin mentioned that." Camilla asked, curiosity in her voice.
Leo nodded. "Yes, she is the princess. I know there isn't quite proof to indicate that, but her story adds up to that situation."
"Interesting. Why is it that she's still keeping it secret? Has she no interest in going home?"
"She's told me that she isn't interested in a Nohrian-occupied Hoshido. Plus, she fears Hinoka may hold a grudge over us for taking her in, claiming kidnapping. She feels that it's time to move on, but she does miss Hoshido."
Camilla nodded. "I didn't quite expect your honesty on this, Leo, but I'm glad you told me." She didn't hide the devious smile on her face. "I may have to address it with her though. She should know her place."
Leo didn't like that threat. "She's innocent in all this, Camilla. She just wants to live her life here."
"And marry you. She doesn't really seem the type to attempt to usurp the throne, but it could be an act…" Camilla suggested.
"It isn't," Leo insisted firmly. "She's not like that. I've known her long enough to know that."
"A couple of months is hardly a long time," she dismissed. "I'm not blaming you for falling in love, but you need to be careful, Leo. This is your first time after all."
"I know in my heart the truth, Sister. Sakura is innocent. She has a good heart. You can't ignore that."
Camilla shrugged. "If you say so. I'd still like a talk with her. I'll be…gentle." She smirked. "But that aside, dearest Little Brother, have you been courting her? I feel like I don't see you much anymore."
Leo rolled his eyes. "I've spent time with her, yes, but I still keep to my duties. I was in the middle of writing a proposal to Xander before you came along."
"Oh goodie. Always working so hard. I don't have much of a head for politics, as you know, but I am so proud of you." She got up and strutted to Leo, patting his head when she got to him. "You're precious."
Leo blushed. "I'm not a child, Camilla."
She retracted her hand. "I know, but you are my baby brother, and I love you so much."
There was a pause as Leo wasn't sure what to say next. "Is that the extent of your visit?" he finally managed to say.
"I suppose so." She flicked a piece of hair off her shoulder. "I'll see myself out. I'll go find your Sakura and talk to her. She needs to know that I won't tolerate any misbehavior."
"She won't engage in such, but I know I can't talk you out of this. Just…be gentle."
"I already said so. Good day, Leo. I'll see you at dinner?"
"Of course."
"Good. Ta ta." She gave him a small wave and left.
Leo took in a breath and let it out, trying to calm his heart rate. This was bad.
Sakura was exhausted. Elise took up so much of her energy that sometimes it was difficult to keep up. As it were, Sakura was entirely an introvert and needed to recharge after such tumultuous socialization. It wasn't easy, but Sakura felt like she had kept up enough. It was nearing evening, almost dinnertime, and Sakura wondered if Xander wanted her to perform for them. She really hoped not. She wanted to retire early, even if it meant she wouldn't see Leo.
A part of her wished he would visit her in the dead of night. Not for any nefarious purpose, but to just talk to her by starlight and enjoy her company. He worked so hard… Surely he missed her?
Sakura often pondered her feelings for Leo. They were real, that much she was sure. Was she in love? She couldn't be entirely sure. This was so new to her. She never felt this way before, but it had lasted for so long she was sure it was more than some sort of shallow crush. It was more than an aesthetic attraction as well, for she had learned so much of Leo that she seemed to fall in deeper.
Fall… Maybe it was love after all.
She felt…some physical attraction to him. Again, it was new, and her priestess training made her shy about such impulses. But she did want him to kiss her, just to know the feeling and if it would ever evolve to more. Of course, she'd wait until marriage, that was just how she was, and she was sure Leo shared the sentiment. It would be the proper, royal thing to do, but she knew not all royals were innocent in that regard. She wondered if her siblings had ever known someone in that way, but she shook the thought away. That wasn't her business.
Before she could further explore those thoughts, there was an abrupt knock on her door. She wasn't expecting anyone. A part of her hoped that maybe it was Leo with an impromptu visit, but she had come to know that Leo didn't do that sort of thing. She was absolutely clueless as to who was knocking.
Before she could bid them entrance, the person in question had let themselves in. It seemed the knocking was just a nicety. As it turned out, it was Camilla, Leo's older sister, and a woman that still intimidated Sakura. They didn't interact often, but the icy look in the woman's eye, paired with the loveless smile, told Sakura all she needed to know what this visit was about.
She had somehow upset Camilla.
"Oh! G-good evening, Princess C-Camilla!" Sakura stuttered out, abruptly standing from her place and bowing deeply. "T-to what d-do I owe the pleasure?"
"Hmm, there will be no pleasure here, Princess Sakura," Camilla hissed. "I've come to warn you."
Sakura's blood ran cold. She felt the entire room freeze from Camilla's address.
How did she know?
"I-I'm afraid I-I don't know wh-what you mean…?" Sakura tried playing demure, but someone as insecure and kind as her didn't really have what it took to dissuade Camilla's ire. But Camilla saw how the girl seemed to have shrunk and eased on the threatening big sister bit.
She was Leo's beloved. Camilla could afford some compassion.
"My apologies. I've just come across troubling news about you." She closed the door but stayed where she was, standing, telling Sakura her business would be short.
"I am s-sorry for tr-troubling you then…" Sakura breathed out, willing her pulse to slow down. Camilla terrified her already.
"Hmm, so you are the lost princess Sakura that dear Corrin has mentioned?" Sakura nodded timidly. "How unfortunate. It seems your reappearance, then, is only going to cause more trouble, once my brother, the king, finds out."
Sakura shook her head. "P-please don't t-tell him!" She didn't know what else to say, how to argue her case. She was scared and only wanted peace. It seemed, even now, years after her 'death,' that she would still cause some sort of issue.
Camilla stared at her as if she was stupid. How…selfish this girl was, to further hide, to further cause problems! It didn't matter if all of Hoshido believed her dead; word would get out, just like it did today, and then the queen would be swooping in on a pegasus, ready to take back her lost sister. Leo made it seem like this girl only cared for others. If she were so caring, she would have turned herself in once the war ended. But she didn't, and that concerned Camilla.
"If word got out that Nohr was harboring you this whole time… If it got out that you and my brother were courting… You do realize your dear sister, the queen of Hoshido, would not take too kindly to that? I know very little of Hinoka, but if she is anything like Corrin has described, then I wouldn't doubt she'd be here in an instant to take you back, wreaking havoc or causing some sort of mayhem." Camilla sighed dramatically. "All Corrin wanted was peace, and it seems it won't be had."
For the first time in some time, Sakura felt anger rise up in her. "It will! Hinoka won't be an issue! If…" She paused, unsure if what she was about to say was the right thing to say. "If it gets out…"
"It will," Camilla deadpanned.
"I…will tell her myself. That everything has been my choice. I ch-chose to stay in Nohr after all. Hinoka… Hinoka will understand!" Sakura sniffed, her anger turning into sadness. She didn't want to ever have this conversation. She wanted to live in peace with Leo in Nohr. Before Leo, she just wanted to forget it all. It seemed, though, that the past was rising from the grave. It was time she did too.
"I will tell Hinoka," Sakura said quietly, calmly. "If I am to be accepted into this family, into this kingdom, it would be only fair that she knows."
Camilla smiled. "Ah, but first, I think you should tell my brother the king, and our dear sister Corrin. Corrin should know she hasn't lost her little sister after all, and Xander should know since he has to decide what to do with you!"
"B-but I thought…?" Sakura sputtered.
"Dearest Sakura," and Sakura knew that Camilla didn't mean anything nice by 'dearest,' "Xander would have to deal with your sister should she find out through hearsay. No matter what you tell her, she will still harbor her unkindness towards us and blame it on my older brother. And since he's king, he'd have to decide how to deal with her. And if all goes well? He can still ultimately decide if you'd be more trouble than you're worth and deny you my younger brother, your dear Leo. So you see…" and Camilla had a wicked smile on her face, "I'm not quite sure if Castle Krakenburg is where you belong. I'm sure your big sister misses you terribly and would very much like you by her side."
"B-but…!" Tears arose in Sakura's eyes, and she fought them, but they still dripped past her lids and down her cheeks. She sniffed and furiously wiped them away. "Th-that's not fair! I… I have a life here!"
"You had a life in Hoshido, that you so carelessly 'lost'," Camilla stated. "It's only fair you return to that life. Maybe then your sister will find peace."
"You…you don't like me very much, do you, Princess Camilla?" Sakura asked guiltily.
"It's not that I don't like you. We'd have bonded in time. You're so cute, but I want what's best for my family, and I don't want any more conflict. I'm not afraid to fight, to die, for my family, but I'd rather avoid it altogether." Camilla shrugged. "Hmm, it's getting close to dinnertime. Perhaps you should think about this conversation we've had?" She didn't give Sakura a chance to answer, as she left without so much as a goodbye, leaving poor Sakura to her thoughts.
Leave. That's what Camilla said. But Sakura didn't want to leave. She left Hoshido. She left Nestra. Now she had to leave Leo? No! It was time to fight!
But the way Camilla said everything so coldly, as if ice ran through her veins… Sakura wouldn't stand a chance against her. Perhaps it really was time to come forth with the truth. Royals sometimes paid visits right? And if Sakura and Leo were to marry, surely Hinoka would be invited to a royal wedding, even if Sakura posed as just a commoner? Hinoka would recognize her instantly.
Yes. Camilla was right. It was time to go to Xander, to Corrin, reveal her true identity, and be done with this koto player façade.
That night at dinner, Xander's mind was racing with what to do about the Hoshidan animosity. He understood their plight. In truth, he had never wanted war, but their father enforced it. After all, they, the royal siblings, would have lost their lives due to his anger at disobedience. It wasn't fair, it wasn't right, but he had no choice. He was the crown prince and he was dedicated to his country. What good would it do if he were to perish? He didn't want to leave his siblings to clean up his mess. Then again, war could have killed him, but Xander survived, and it was his father who perished. It was…better that way. Their father was gone.
A few minutes passed when his siblings came into the dining hall. He cleared his thoughts and greeted them. There was quiet conversation until Camilla mentioned something that worried him.
"Brother, what do you think of…Kazahana?" she asked conversationally. He knew Camilla was up to something.
"I quite like her music," he started with. "She's shy, but I expect that of someone in a foreign land."
"She's been here for quite some time, or so I understand," Camilla countered. "Perhaps she is hiding something…"
"Camilla, what are you getting at?"
"Hmm, I think she should tell you." Camilla shrugged it off. "I think there is more to her than meets the eye."
Xander lifted an eyebrow. "Have you spoken to her? Is there a rumor going about?"
Camilla just smiled. "I overheard something, but again, it's up to her to tell you."
Xander's curiosity was piqued. He then wondered what Kazahana could possibly be hiding. He wondered if Leo knew. He probably did. "Leo," he began, "what is Camilla talking about?"
Leo stayed quiet. He didn't want to give anything away.
"I agree with Camilla. It's up to Kazahana."
"It's not anything bad is it?" Xander asked.
"No, not really. I think…everything will resolve itself should it get out," Leo admitted.
Dinner was served just then. The siblings helped themselves and ate, trying to avoid the subject. Elise was worried too, but she had said nothing. It was typical that Xander didn't ask her. She was always seen as mindless, or at least, it felt that way.
Suddenly, the door to the dining hall opened, and there was Kazahana, carting her koto. Xander had not requested her to play, so he was perplexed. Perhaps this was the moment when all would be made clear.
"I know my appearance is sudden, but… I thought it would be alright if I played," Kazahana said quietly. Xander nodded.
"Go ahead," he acquiesced.
Kazahana began playing, at first Xander felt…strange. He had heard this song somewhere. It was all too familiar.
Then, he remembered Azura, who had sung this song whenever trouble was afoot. Something about the song saved them. It had a mysterious power.
Xander suddenly remembered the lyrics.
You are the ocean's grey waves
Destined to seek life beyond the shore, just out of reach
Yet the waters ever change
Flowing like time, the path is yours to climb
"Kazahana, where did you learn that song?" Xander asked, all too calmly. It made Kazahana nervous. This was bad.
"I know it from someone I once considered a sister," she responded.
He knew Azura had lived with the Hoshidans. She was kidnapped, but it seemed they made a sister of theirs.
"Was her name Azura?" Xander finally asked.
"Yes."
Xander then put the pieces together. "You were lived in Castle Shirasagi then."
"Yes. I…am the lost princess, Sakura," she said with tears in her eyes. "I faked my death to flee from the Nohrians."
Everyone was stunned. She had said it so easily.
Leo closed his eyes, preparing for the worst. Elise squirmed uneasily. Camilla just flicked a hair off her shoulder. Corrin, who had been curious the whole time and had said nothing, immediately got up and hugged her lost sister.
"Sakura," she breathed. "I can't believe this."
Sakura just stood there, stiff as a board. She felt so ashamed that she had lied for so long. She had missed Corrin, even if she didn't know her that well, but she gently hugged her sister back.
"It's true. I'm…sorry."
"Don't be. You did what you had to, to survive," Corrin whispered, her voice shaking. "I'm just so glad you're safe."
Xander cleared his throat. He had to ask the question they all had to be thinking.
"Does Queen Hinoka know?"
Sakura pulled away from Corrin. "No. I…could never tell her."
That was a problem. "Princess Sakura, she's your sister. She must surely miss you terribly. And besides, if she were to find out you've been here all this time, she would be enraged that we had kept this secret."
"I know," was all she could say.
Xander sighed. "I'm afraid I must tell her."
"Please don't!" she cried out. "I…can't go back to Hoshido. I just can't!"
"It's the right thing to do," Xander argued back. "I can't be harboring you. It's almost treason against Hoshido."
"But… What about Leo and I? I…" she shuddered at what she was about to say. "I love him."
There was a dead silence in the room. Everyone was shocked. This was the first time she had ever said those words. Leo always thought it would be in a more romantic setting, never like this.
"Princess Sakura, as touching as your feelings are for my brother, there are protocols to follow for a royal marriage between two countries. I'm afraid it would be some time before we could allow you to be together."
"No…" Sakura whispered, distressed. "Hinoka would never agree!"
"Then it is what it is," Xander said glumly. "I can't control her decisions, and I doubt she'd listen to any argument, even yours. Something tells me she would be disgusted you fell for a Nohrian, as painful as it is to admit." He sighed. "Leo is a good man, but the queen would never admit to that."
Sakura started to weep. Leo went to her immediately. They embraced.
"I'm so sorry, my love," he whispered to her. "I…am so powerless."
Sakura stayed quiet. What else could she say?
"I think you should go to your quarters and think about this. It will take some time to accept, but I think you will come to understand."
Sakura pulled away from Leo. "As you wish." She turned around, giving Leo a sad look, and left, taking her koto with her.
Leo turned around once he was sure she was gone, and stared at his brother, furious.
"How could you do this to me?" He hiccupped. No, he would not cry. Not now. He was stronger than that.
"I'm sorry, Brother. It's for the best. For this family. For this country."
Leo scoffed. "You say that, but I think much would benefit from our marriage."
"You've given that thought? It hasn't been very long since you met her. I know it isn't very typical for royals to marry for love, but if you do love her, I wouldn't want you to make a mistake. Marriage is a serious matter."
"I have. Even though I'm not sure how to propose quite yet, I know I want to make her my wife eventually." Leo said in a low tone. "Our love is strong."
Xander sighed. "Even so, I must send correspondence to the queen. She must know."
Leo knew there was no hope arguing. He shook his head. "I'm very disappointed in you, Brother."
"I know, but you will understand in time. I understand why you're upset."
Leo wanted to say that Xander could never relate, as he never had kept any of his romantic interests, but he knew that was petty.
He left, not saying a word. It felt immature, but he had no choice. He knew he would throw a fit like an infant.
Everyone stayed silent. Camilla felt for her brother, but she knew this was only right. She had to protect everyone from whatever conflict Hinoka could cause. Corrin wanted to go to her siblings to comfort them, but she knew they needed time. Elise wanted to cry. She didn't want her new friend to leave.
Xander stared in a daze. He hated this. He hated hurting his brother, but he was king, and being king meant making hard decisions. It was his duty after all.
Leo would understand eventually. So would the princess. Xander then looked down at his food in guilt, and pushed it away. Just like his little brother, he left in silence.
Not too sure about the middle part with Camilla's approach to Sakura, but I wanted to explore the meaner, intimidating side of Camilla, as she's so protective. It was definitely difficult to write.
Feel free to leave a review!