Multiple apologies for the delay in this chapter's update. So many of you left a review informing me that there was an error and when I went to check on my phone, I saw that ffnet bugged out on me. Again. I'm actually incredibly tired of how archaic this site has become and I've decided that The Koto Player will be the last fic I post on ffnet. I'm going to permanently move to ao3, so if you like my writing, please follow me there. :) This account won't be deleted, but no new stories will be posted. It's very frustrating for me because I have an intermittent internet connection so I can't always be online, and I'm sure there are ways for me to update through my phone, but I've tried and it's a hassle. Ao3 is so much more user friendly, imho.
Anyway, it's been a while! This story is still going, but I've been having trouble writing for it. I wanted to have it done by the end of the year, but a 2019 finale is probably more likely at this point. I also wanted to try and do NaNoWriMo this year so that may be more of a priority. Please enjoy Chapter 17 of The Koto Player!
There would be hell to pay.
Hinoka thought those words in bitter enmity. She slouched in her throne, arms on either rest, knuckles white as she gripped the ends in anger. Her bangs crossed her vision but she didn't shake them out. She didn't move.
For two weeks, there had been talks of a revolution in the slums of Hoshido. How the poor managed to organize one, or would, Hinoka had no idea. But it seemed the black market was running strong, no matter what the Nohrian occupation did, and the citizens of the slums had supporters in the more prosperous parts of Hoshido. It seemed that, no matter their background, Hoshido would unite once more for war.
What was irksome, troublesome really, was that the revolution was to be against her. Yes, the people of Hoshido had made an outcry, denying Hinoka as their leader. They wanted Mikoto back. They wanted Ryoma back. Apparently, to them, she was simply a figurehead on the throne; Nohr was in control. There were awful things said about her, things she would not repeat in her mind, things that she would not accept as truth.
She most certainly did not enjoy this occupation. She most certainly wanted the Nohrians gone. But no matter what she had told Corrin, all that she was told was it was necessary for Hoshido's propriety. Without the stronger nation supporting it, Hoshido would have collapsed.
Would it have really? Hinoka thought bitterly, thinking a dead Hoshido would have been better than this, but that would have meant she'd have to flee her own country for survival, or build it anew, and even so, isn't that exactly what happened? Red and white the colors may fly, but close your eyes and listen, and it's a Nohrian drumline you hear.
She growled in defiance. No. Nohr did not have Hoshido. They never would. But even with that stubborn thought, Hinoka admitted that the constant colors of black, violet, and gold the military wore dogged her in her sleep. Everywhere she turned, there was a soldier or some sort of diplomat. Even Corrin had worn ebony armor. It all felt so wrong. Even if the reconstruction of the cities, villas, and parts of the royal court had been Hoshidan in nature, they were supervised by Nohrians. The very heart of Hoshido, the capitol, was bleeding black. On some days, it felt like there were more foreign soldiers than indigenous peoples.
And with this talk of revolution, Hinoka, for the first time in two years, was scared. She didn't want to fear her own people, but she also didn't want to die by their hands. She wanted Hoshido's greatness as much as they did! They didn't understand that she was nearly powerless. Queen she may be, but she only knew a warrior's mantra, not a ruler's diplomacy. But being a warrior was useless here, thus she cowed to Nohr.
Cowed. So close to cowardice, and a coward she felt like. For two years, she realized, she had done as told. She let Nohr in and have their way with the nation. Roads were rebuilt, trade was implemented, and the economy was restored. Hoshido wasn't doing badly, and people reopened their shops. Things were nearly the same, but there was still the presence of that black, violet, and gold armor on every corner, down every alley, and Hinoka heard the stories. The Nohrians hurt just as much as they helped.
She told Corrin this when she was here, and Corrin talked to the soldiers. She was naïve though, thinking a talking-to would change things. As soon as Corrin left, things had turned for the worse.
There were more fights, people claiming Nohrian soldiers wanting a cut of the profits from small businesses, threatening the livelihood of those businesses if they were denied. Nohrian soldiers discovered the next day with shuriken in their eyes, blades penetrating beyond the sockets, dried blood staining their cheeks like tears. Their answer from those Hoshidans: YOU WILL NOT CONQUER US AGAIN.
There were mentions of the occasional Nohrian harasser, a man terrorizing the local village women. Sometimes, one of the women disappeared, only to be found dead in a nearby river. Other times, the man was found bludgeoned to death via a club, or his throat slit with a dagger. But, more often than not, there were tales of these women being taken in the night, only to return to their homes the next morning, beaten, bruised, and bloodied. Retaliation would happen. A father, brother, sometimes an uncle, challenging the Nohrian man in question to single-combat. Corrin once intervened one of these duels, saving the inexperienced Hoshidan man's life from the years-trained Nohrian soldier. The Hoshidan was furious for not wreaking his revenge on the man that sullied his daughter, but the Nohrian man was sent back home, Corrin deeming him not fit to guard the village he was assigned. Corrin had offered gold to the family that suffered from this man, and the matriarch of the family spit in her face. Corrin had nodded and turned, walking away with a blank look in her eyes. Hinoka nodded in approval at the village woman, but she simply glared at the queen. Both young women, Corrin and Hinoka, had done so little, even if their intent was there.
Sometimes children disappeared. It sickened Hinoka, knowing that trafficking was happening before her very eyes, yet she couldn't do anything about it. Whenever any of her own soldiers went to investigate, the kidnappers had moved locations. They were slippery like eels and twice as clever. There were tales of crying cargo boxes at the ports. Sometimes, rescue attempts were made. They were never successful. It seemed the Nohrian occupation had a hand in that too. When asked, they claimed they didn't know what was going on. A decent soldier would admit his superiors were shipping children to foreign lands, lavishing in the profits. But none of the Nohrians were decent, or at least, not in Hinoka's eyes. They were all traitorous scum, wagging their tongues at 'Lady' Corrin, praising her when she was around, but would see to their insidious deeds as soon as she left. No matter what Hinoka did or said, Corrin would just smile innocently at her older sister (hah!) and say she would handle it, that smile patronizing, as if Hinoka didn't know how to handle a rotten bastard.
If Hinoka were there, she would have killed the lying scum just for breathing. But that was why Corrin stopped having Hinoka with her whenever she went to attend to the people's needs: Hinoka would snap. It was insulting to the warrior queen, but she allowed it.
Her sister… Hah. Corrin was no more a blood relation than Mikoto was. Of course, in the short amount of time that Hinoka had spent with Corrin, she had never mentioned it. When Mikoto had died, she had left four letters, one each addressed to the four Hoshidan royal siblings. They were told to open the letters when the time was right. It was somewhat ominous and eerie, but to Hinoka's knowledge, her brothers and sister never read their respective letters. Too much was going on to worry about "feelings for Corrin," whatever that meant.
While Corrin was staying in Castle Shirasagi, Hinoka had opened all four letters, mostly out of rage. The bond she had once wanted to forge with her lost sister was never seen to, and all Hinoka felt was anger at this traitor. As it turned out, the letters were all the same. So much for originality, Mikoto. The letters detailed Mikoto's origin, but only to an extent. No land was named, just "a silent kingdom." Mikoto had left with an infant Corrin in tow, and Sumeragi loved the woman and her child as if this was meant to be. Hinoka didn't care for the romantic side of it, but knowing that Corrin was not her blood sister was almost satisfying. She didn't feel guilty for hating her anymore.
But hating Corrin would not bring back the family she lost to Corrin's inane return and eventual leaving. Hinoka would be bitter to her dying breath.
However, now was not the time to mope in the throne room and wait for subjects to seek a petition from Hinoka. Now was the time for action. Hinoka had done enough mourning. It was up to her, the queen, to right Corrin's wrongs in the land of Hoshido.
She would not get the chance to do that alone, though. As soon as Hinoka had decided she would take on the Nohrian occupation herself, a squire had come running in, breathless, to the queen.
Hinoka did not know this boy's name. Corrin had appointed him. He appeared to be only half-Hoshidan, if his blond hair was any indication of his half-breed status.
"Queen Hinoka! You must leave at once!" he panted. "A militia has come to attack the castle! They're… They're chanting that they want your head!"
Hinoka's blood ran cold. "What?!"
"My queen! Please! We must get you to the stables so you may flee! They're proving too strong for just the castle guards. We may have to enlist the help of-"
"We are not asking for the Nohrians to help!" Hinoka growled. "I'll fight them myself!"
Suddenly, there was a loud boom.
"Ex…explosives?!" Hinoka gasped. "They have access to that sort of weaponry?"
"My queen, now is not the time to worry about how they got bombs. Please! Let's get you to the stables!"
The rest seemed to fly by in a blur. The squire was leading a despondent Hinoka to the stables. They had almost made it, the building in sight, when an explosion hit too close to them. The smoke and flying debris blinded and deafened them temporarily, but whoever set the explosive off seemed to know just where they were. Before Hinoka could even process what happened, a spear came whistling through the air and stabbed through the squire's chest. The boy went down instantly, barely choking out Hinoka's title. This seemed to snap Hinoka back to her senses, and she ran as fast as she could to access the stables. She managed to evade any more rebels, and mounted her own personal pegasus. Without looking back at the castle, she fled, her steed taking off in record time.
But where could a queen go? Anyone in her nation would be able to recognize her. She could not seek out help if this insurrection was to be believed.
The only place Hinoka could go to was Nohr. She could try to seek asylum in Izumo, but it was very close to Hoshido, and despite its neutral status, the Hoshidan influence was enough. Perhaps she could find Izana and ask for his help. Despite his very bubbly nature, he was a prophet and wise. Surely he would be able to assist the queen without a country.
So Hinoka whipped her reins and guided her pegasus in the direction of Izumo, hoping that none of her treasonous citizens would be able to spot her.
She could only hope.
Izumo was quiet, serene as any neutral nation would be. Hinoka was battle-weary, covered in nicks and scratches from hiding in bushes, her pegasus long gone from an errant arrow. She had been nearly captured twice, but she managed to disarm a spearfighter and take on the small, badly trained militia and escaped. All she could do was evade battle and elude capture. She was a seasoned warrior, but even she knew taking on so many people alone would do her in. She had to think about her survival.
Is this what happened to Sakura? She had thought during one lonely, cloudy night. The moon and stars were covered by clouds, though it had yet to rain. She knew Sakura had escaped with Subaki, and wondered how long the girl had managed to survive before…
No. She wouldn't think of her little sister's death. That was asking for defeat.
It was early morning in Izumo. There were no people to be seen, still too early for shops to open or for citizens to run errands. The morning sunlight was weak, but it illuminated Archduke Izana's abode, though it wasn't hard to miss. It was the largest building in the small nation of Izumo. Hinoka made her way to it, keeping to the shadows so no one would notice her whenever they left their own homes.
It was a short trek, but Hinoka made it, and noticed there weren't any guards at the gates. She thought that was odd, but then she thought Izana had always been odd, and perhaps he simply never felt threatened enough to need guards. She thought that was arrogant really. Even a neutral nation could have insurrections. But then again, Hoshido had never been neutral, so maybe Izana's lack of a guard was actually normal. Why would one need protection in a land that exuded peace? Hinoka wasn't too sure.
She didn't have much time to ponder it further because the large doors in front of her opened and Izana himself greeted her.
"I knew you would come, Queen Hinoka," Izana said mysteriously. Then he giggled. "Oh, I'll drop that. You know I'm a prophet." He gestured for her to come in. "Please, my house is your house. I'm just about to have breakfast!"
Izana seemed a bit more subdued than usual, but Hinoka nodded and walked in. She followed him to the dining hall, where servants were setting the table.
"Be sure to set for two! I have a royal guest! We must show her Izumo's finest!" Izana clapped and the servants scurried to grab more placemats and diningware. Izana took a seat at the head of the table, kneeling gracefully on the plush mat. Hinoka knelt on the opposite end as etiquette dictated.
"Queen Hinoka! Now, the gods can only tell me so much, so I knew you would come, but I've no idea what brings you here! So please, do tell what brings Hoshido's last royal to Izumo! I'm sure it's an exciting tale." Izana rested his elbows on the table and stared at Hinoka intently. It was a bit unnerving.
The servants began serving food. When they had gone, Hinoka finally spoke. "There's been a rebellion, Archduke Izana. I've…essentially been dethroned."
"Oh no! That's horrible!" Izana cried. "What brought that on?"
"The Nohrian occupation. From what I can gather, the citizens have been nothing but displeased with Hoshido's direction and think me a weak ruler. So they invaded the castle. I barely escaped with my life."
Izana nodded. "Did you travel entirely on foot? That's quite a feat."
"No. I was on pegasusback before she was shot down by a sniper," Hinoka grumbled. "It's disheartening. That was my first pegasus."
"How unfortunate. I'm glad to see you managed to make it here, but please know that because we are a neutral nation, I can only give you asylum for so long. However! I can perhaps speak with the gods and see what they can advise you to do!"
Hinoka knew it would come to that. It did two years ago. She nodded.
"One moment then." Izana closed his eyes and scrunched his face up. He made no sound as he communed with the gods.
Hinoka sat for what felt like several minutes, eating her rice and tamagoyaki. Then, Izana's eyes popped open.
"Hinoka! You must go to Nohr and ask the royal family for assistance!"
Hinoka spluttered. "They caused this mess though!"
"Well, that's what the gods want you to do. If you go to Nohr, you will find something you've longed for dearly. That's what the gods have told me." Izana nodded and went back to eating.
Hinoka sighed. "There is absolutely nothing the royal family has that I long for…" But she thought of how their family was still (minus their father) intact, and Hinoka realized then that was the only thing she really envied. "Well, maybe one thing." They even had Corrin, though the traitor wasn't blood related. A part of Hinoka still longed for a sisterly relationship that would never be.
"You'll be okay, Hinoka. I can grant you passage to the port and have you sail to Dia in Nohr. From there, you'll have to travel on your own. I'm sure you can find a nice pegasus or wyvern to rent so you can get there faster."
Hinoka grimaced. She hated wyverns. "No wyverns. I'd rather go by foot."
"Okay, a pegasus then. The gods are certain you'll make it regardless. I may even have one around here somewhere."
Hinoka said nothing, feeling like the gods had forsaken her long ago, so she just ate in silence.
After breakfast, Izana said she could freshen up and that he would give her new clothes so she could present herself properly to the Nohrian royal family, but she refused them. If she wanted to be taken seriously, she needed to look the part. Besides, those clothes would probably be mucked up too by the time she made it to the castle so she felt it was no use. She would rather be in her Hoshidan royal garb and armor, not borrowed Izumite clothing.
By nightfall, Hinoka was ready, but Izana did beg her to at least stay the night so she could have a fresh start in the morning. Hinoka refused his hospitality again. She just wanted to be on the road.
"The port isn't even open at night, silly!" Izana countered. Hinoka groaned and agreed to stay one night. Izana was delighted.
"Oh, it's been so long since I've had a sleepover! We can share hair care tips! It looks like you need it!" The biting remark reminded her of Azama, who once laughed at her when she said she styled her hair that way on purpose.
"I'd rather go to sleep, Archduke. I'm going to have a long journey ahead of me."
"Oh phooie, if that's how you feel." Izana looked disappointed. "Well, then, good night, Queen Hinoka! May the gods protect you on your quest!" Izana then left her.
Hinoka was alone again, but somehow it felt worse than before. She ignored it and went to her borrowed chambers to sleep it off.
Xander had called for a meeting in a private chamber. Some time had passed and he decided it would be necessary to hold Nestra accountable for the attempted assassination of his younger brother. This had been on his mind for a while now, but matters affecting Nohr directly had to be dealt with. Leo himself didn't seem too keen on reliving the moment in Nestra, but Xander had decided enough time had passed.
Leo was in the throne room with Xander. He was going to relay what happened to him again to his brother and hoped something would come out of this meeting despite his initial misgivings. Survivor's guilt perhaps. He felt that lately things had slowed to a standstill and that the kingdom wasn't being productive enough. He felt almost guilty for being distracted by Sakura, but he could only do so much. Everything still felt so new.
"So, Archduke Charles had ordered this assassination…" Xander began, trying to get to the mettle of the matter.
"Oh, that was his name? I must admit, it slipped my mind." Leo said simply, already bored.
Xander tutted. "Leo, you're better than that."
Leo shrugged. "Nestra never gave us many issues before, so I suppose in even such a dire circumstance, my mind still found it wasn't that important."
Xander sighed at his brother's arrogance. "That sort of thinking could have gotten you killed. You know better than anyone that-"
"Xander, let's just continue," Leo interjected.
"Yes, let's." Xander cleared his throat, running his gauntleted fingers over the parchment. His notes, to be sure. "So the archduke ordered this insurrection? Over what again?"
"He claims that we royals murdered the songstresses and performers that one night long ago. Remember?"
"I don't think I was present that night, but I do remember Father reporting that he ordered for a massacre of entertainers when he returned."
"Yes, well, I didn't actually kill anyone. It was a displacement spell I cast you see," Leo said matter-of-factly.
"Ah, yes, I know the one well. I'm glad to know there was no bloodshed on our part that night."
Leo shrugged. "That's a bit of an understatement. There was still a small battle against the Hoshidan army, but we all escaped. Casualties were at a minimum on both sides, if there were any at all."
"Ah, I see. Well then, Archduke Charles was most grievous in his judgement against you. He has no case. I'm afraid it may come to an execution…"
Leo grimaced. "I thought we were against that now."
"I admit I do not like having to go down that route, but he attempted to assassinate a Nohrian prince. As our treaties dictate, Nohr may not directly control Nestra or any of our surrounding territories, but we still have the ultimate say, being a bigger and more powerful nation. And what he did was commit treason, and the punishment for that is death."
Leo knew Sakura would not like knowing that. They may have loved each other, but she hated unneeded bloodshed. "Perhaps you could reconsider."
"Oh? Leo, I've never known you to be so soft-hearted. You always show no mercy."
"That's a lie and you know it. I do what I have to in order to keep my soul intact. I don't murder unless it's necessary."
Xander pondered on that. "A bad choice of words on my part. You can be quite merciful, if your past indicates anything. You freed Kaze and that Fire Tribe woman when Father wanted Corrin to execute them personally. The performers too saw your mercy. And I suppose even our dear, um, Kazahana, has also become familiar with it." He winked at that.
"Please don't imply anything. She and I are still…"
"You're figuring things out. That's fine. It takes time, and this is new for you." Xander decided he'd go back to the matter at hand. "In any case, if not execution, what should we do? What is your counsel?"
"I briefly considered banishment, but it could give him the opportunity to ignite rebellion in another nation, perhaps one even stronger than Nestra. Imprisonment could work though."
"True, our dungeons haven't seen a prisoner in quite some time. It could be an opportunity to show that Nohr is changing for the better."
Leo heard the hint in his brother's tone. "Are you suggesting we brainwash him?"
"You're trained in the magic arts. I'm sure you know something about hypnosis…" Xander suggested.
"That's a bit…much, even for you, Brother." Leo wasn't sure if he was okay with brainwashing someone. It felt like murder but in a different, metaphysical sense.
"Perhaps. But what Corrin has said in the past I think has finally gotten through to me. I'd like to limit bloodshed as well."
"But you suggested execution not even a few moments ago."
"True, but as they say, old habits die hard."
Leo nodded. Xander was the first in line, so he experienced firsthand the terrors Garon wanted to commit and had committed. It was hard to keep your hands clean when they were already so bloody.
"I'll see what I can do then about the hypnosis… Perhaps I needn't even go that far. A few psychological suggestions could certainly impart the result we want."
Xander smiled, almost boyishly. "I knew you'd come through for me, Leo."
Leo harrumphed. "Of course. I'm your advisor for a reason."
"Yes, indeed. Now, perhaps we can move on to the next matter…"
So for the rest of the day, they planned on various ordinances and even public works projects they wanted to initiate. Before long, Xander decided it was time to summon the rest of his siblings into the throne room to discuss the matters at hand before supper. A quick onceover was all that was needed so they would know their roles.
The three sisters entered the room, Elise looking chipper as ever, happy to be included. Corrin looked somewhat determined, ready to help. Camilla looked bored. She hated politics, but as the oldest princess, she was needed regardless. She had plans to move on from her position though. She just needed to find the right opportunity to let Xander know she was planning on leaving. Her dream to start an orphanage and adopt all the orphaned or otherwise unwanted children would absolutely come true. Perhaps today would be that day.
Alas, it was not meant to be. A guard had burst into the throne room, and all siblings turned in confusion.
"What brings you here?" asked Xander.
The guard, out of breath, barely managed to get out his message.
"The queen of Hoshido is here! She demands an audience."
Leo's face paled, but he turned away to hide his shock. This couldn't be… This was bad news.
Hinoka could not know of Sakura. Somehow, though, he knew this would happen.
"Allow her in. I will speak with her." Xander acquiesced. The guard left immediately, without question.
"Xander, this is rather concerning…" Camilla stated. "What on earth would bring her here?"
"I don't know, Camilla. Surely, this is a bad omen." Xander cleared his throat. "However, I must hear her out. She wouldn't have rushed here on a whim."
Of course Hinoka would not. She was rash, sure, but she wasn't stupid. Something must have happened for her to come to the castle so urgently. It could not have possibly been the correspondence Xander had sent regarding Sakura. Messages, regardless how urgent, didn't reach such a far destination so quickly. That wasn't even a week ago.
"How on earth did she make it here so quickly?" Corrin mused. "She must be desperate for help of some sort."
Corrin's heart was in the right place, but the rest of the siblings knew, save for Elise, that wasn't the case. They had the impression Hinoka didn't like asking for help. Back during the war, she was hesitant to listen to Corrin's plea to flee for her life. She did it, but barely escaped with that life.
Before long, the doors had opened, and the guard led the queen of Hoshido to the throne. He bowed respectfully and left after Xander dismissed him.
Hinoka did not look well. She was in red armor, similar to what Ryoma once wore, but was made more for flight than swordplay. It was dingy and covered in mud. The white cloth of her tunic had blood on it. Her red boots were scuffed. Her face was flushed red from what the Nohrians only assumed was wind chill. Her hair was disheveled. However, in her eyes roared a fire that no one could match.
"Queen Hinoka, what a pleasant surprise," Xander greeted politely, trying not to stare at the dirt, grime, and carnage on the woman. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"None of your pleasantries, King Xander," she cut in rudely. "You know why I'm here."
"Be careful with your words," Camilla warned, "lest I wrest your soul from your body."
"Heh, just like a Nohrian. Threats of violence against people who can't help themselves." Hinoka fired back.
"Hinoka, you're quite an accomplished warrior. You're hardly helpless," Corrin said. Hinoka glared at her and Corrin shrank back.
"Don't speak to me, traitor," Hinoka seethed. Corrin said nothing, looking away in shame.
Xander did not want to cause further conflict, so he let that slide. "You still did not answer my question. What brings you here?"
Hinoka saw the genuine concern on Xander's face and calmed a little. "My apologies. I am just on edge after what your people have caused."
"And that is?" Xander prodded.
"There's been an insurrection. Your people occupying my country have done nothing but taunted my desolate people, desperate for freedom from this occupation. So, a rebellion has occurred, and it's gotten bloody." Hinoka looked away. "They've seized the castle. My own people have turned on me."
This reminded all of the Nohrian siblings of the revolution that had happened in Cheve. Even the Ice Tribe up north had ill feelings towards the royalty. Xander instantly sympathized with Hinoka.
"What shall you have us do, Queen Hinoka?" he asked gently.
"I need your help in taking back the throne. I do not wish death upon my people, but I'm afraid it must come down to war. Again," she said resentfully. "This is all you Nohrians' fault, by the way. If it wasn't for your conquering of Hoshido, this would never have happened."
There was silence in the room. Xander knew she was right. War begets war. Corrin could claim she fought for peace all she wanted, but Xander acknowledged that she should have fought their father, Garon, rather than the land of her birth. Hoshido had suffered greatly, and it seemed that the suffering would only continue.
"Queen Hinoka, I do want you to understand that this was never my intention. I never wished this upon your people. I wish we could have found another way to, er, solve our problems." Xander apologized.
Hinoka didn't buy it, so she ignored it. "So do I have your help?"
Xander nodded. "Absolutely."
Camilla sighed, not liking this one bit. She would do anything to protect her siblings though, but she wasn't in the mood for another war. Elise was disheartened, as well as Corrin. Corrin did not want to lead another war against what was once her homeland. Leo? He just hoped Sakura would not be involved. Her safety was a priority to him.
Hinoka bowed. "Thank you, as much as I don't want to."
Xander ignored her rude manners. He understood she was upset. "When shall we march?"
"I'd like to leave tomorrow, but I suppose you might not be ready in time," Hinoka answered.
"I shall see to the preparations." Xander then had an idea. "I know you must be tired from your journey. Come, sup with us this evening, and I shall also provide entertainment."
Hinoka was wary of this. "What sort of entertainment?" For all she knew, Nohrians probably laughed at the beheadings of their own people. Of course, that wasn't the case, just the bias of one who hated her neighbor.
"Leo, my brother here, has brought with him a… What was the name of her instrument again?" He turned to Leo.
"It's called a koto," Leo answered, biting back his worry. Xander knew what an uproar this would cause.
"Ah, yes. She is most gifted, Queen Hinoka, and I'm sure you would appreciate music from your homeland."
Hinoka stared at him. "Why would Nohrian royalty employ a koto player? You can't possibly understand the music or appreciate it."
"Music is not really my forte, but know that we treat this young girl with the utmost respect. She's very kindhearted as well. She is a welcome member of our royal retinue." Xander chose not to say that this young musician was also being courted by his own brother and that she was Hinoka's lost sister. He knew that would set Hinoka off.
"Fine. Show me to my chambers." Hinoka was indeed curious about this musician, but she dare not show it. She didn't want to show any positivity to these Nohrians.
"Yes, of course." He called for a servant and it was Felicia who showed up. He told her to direct the Hoshidan queen to a set of chambers he knew would best accommodate the irate royal and Felicia bowed, fell over, apologized, and left swiftly. Hinoka rolled her eyes, but said nothing.
When the doors finally slammed shut, Camilla spoke. "What a rude woman."
"Shush, Sister. It is clear much is on her mind," Xander reprimanded.
"You've certainly gone soft on us, Xander," Camilla stated. "But I suppose it's a welcome change from Father's more, ah, direct approach."
Xander gritted his teeth. "I hope I never end up like Father." It was the most he ever said on the subject.
Camilla shrugged, tired of all this talk. "I suppose I should clean up. I want to show this queen how a true Nohrian lady acts." So Camilla left.
Elise said nothing, wanting to cry more than anything. She left, deciding she'd spend her time alone as she gathered her thoughts.
Corrin sighed. "I hope Hinoka is okay…" She then left too.
It was just Xander and Leo now. Xander turned to his brother.
"Do tell, ah, Kazahana about our guest. I'm sure she'll be delighted in hearing she'll have someone who will appreciate her music in a way we probably can't."
Delighted. How absurd. Leo fought back the urge to make a displeased face and simply agreed.
There was nothing he could do in this moment. All would be revealed to the Hoshidan queen soon.
Leo walked with dignity out of the throne room, not wanting to pique his older brother's curiosity as to why he was in a hurry. But as soon as the doors shut, he sprinted to Sakura's quarters. He thought that, should this day come, he would be calm in revealing her identity, assured in his siblings' faith in him. But now? With the Hoshidan queen in their home? He felt sickened, and wanted to reach Sakura as quickly as possible in a frenzied thought of the queen accidentally discovering her.
He made it and pounded his gauntleted fist on the door. A small, quiet voice, sounding shocked, allowed him entrance.
He saw Sakura kneeling before her koto. She seemed to be praying over it, but he felt that was silly. Sakura had never seemed the religious sort, but then he remembered she was once a priestess.
Did he really know her so little? Was his influence the reason why she seemed to lose her faith? Had her living in Nohr done this? He wasn't too sure.
"Leo, wh-what brings you here?" she asked, standing up gracefully and turning to him. Gods, he loved her so.
"Sakura, I have terrible news," he said, out of breath. He had bent over, grasping his knees in hopes to regain his breath. Running shouldn't have tired him so quickly, but he hadn't run so fast since the war.
"Oh?" He looked up and saw the concern in her face. "Wh-what is it?"
"The queen of Hoshido…your sister…is here…" he said in between breaths. "I am so sorry to bring this news to you."
He saw how her face paled. "Hinoka?"
"That's what I meant by your sister, Sakura," he deadpanned. Any attempt at humor would have been inappropriate in this trying time.
"Oh…oh gods, no! She couldn't have known so soon…!" She swayed a little and Leo stood up to right her. He grasped her shoulders gently and she was standing straight, but her eyes had a far off look to them, almost as if in a trance.
"I am so sorry, Sakura," he stated, truly apologetic. "But, there is more to this…"
"What is it?" He saw tears in her eyes.
"Xander has requested you play tonight to ease the queen's nerves."
Sakura was agape. "Then… She doesn't already know? I…I can't do that! She would know instantly!" She hiccupped. "Why is she even here, if not for me?"
Leo looked away, ashamed. "There's been an insurrection in Hoshido… Hinoka fled for her life from rebels."
"WHAT?!" It was the loudest Leo had ever heard Sakura. "What do you mean?" she asked in a calmer manner.
"It means that the Hoshidans are displeased with how things have been running, and so they took it upon themselves to correct things themselves. I suppose the rightful queen ruling over them wasn't good enough…or Nohr's influence. Or both! I can only gather so much." Leo said in a rush.
Sakura took a deep breath. "What should I do?"
Leo pursed his lips. "I could always say you are unwell, but I feel that wouldn't fly with Xander."
"It wouldn't make sense anyway. Elise and I were together earlier in the day. For me to suddenly be sick… It just wouldn't work."
"Then we have no choice. It…is time for your identity to be revealed to your sister."
Sakura hung her head in shame. "I didn't want it to be like this. I wanted to tell them once we were ready to. But…would they have accepted me anyway? I don't know…" She said that last part more to herself, but Leo understood.
"Sakura, I…" He clenched his hand. "I want to make you my wife."
"I know." And truly she did. It all felt so inevitable. But with Hinoka here, and everyone in the Nohrian family knowing her secret, their marriage just didn't seem likely anymore.
"I wanted to formally court you. I wanted a formal proposal. I wanted so much for us…"
"I… I know, L-Leo…" she whimpered. They embraced. He held her as tightly as he could, not wanting to ever let her go. He felt her tremble and his heart broke.
But after a few minutes of silent embracing, he knew they had to leave.
"Shall we head to the dining hall then? Dinner will be served soon." The words felt heavy on his tongue.
Sakura nodded. "Yes. We have no choice." She pulled away and turned to her koto, ready to cart it. Leo strode next to her, taking it from her.
"I'll help, Sakura. As your future husband, it's only fair I do so."
She thanked him and together they walked to the dining hall, ready for all hell to break loose.
When Leo and Sakura arrived, Hinoka was already there, her back to them. For a moment, Leo considered a tactical retreat. He and Sakura could elope, have an unofficial marriage, live a nomadic life as they fled from both Nohrian and Hoshidan forces. It would be a pincer maneuver, but Leo's tactical mind could evade both forces. Perhaps they could have a child or two. It would be a hard life, but the month they spent together roaming through Nohr in hopes to make it back to the castle alive proved to him they could do it. Niles and Odin would accompany them eventually. They'd be well protected.
But Leo knew that wasn't meant to be. His eyes met Xander's and the older brother nodded. Leo cleared his throat.
Before he could make a formal introduction, Hinoka had turned, her eyes zoning in on the petite girl next to him. Her gaze lingered and suddenly she looked confused. But Leo saw the moment realization hit and snapped to attention, instantly on her feet, the chair clattering behind her. She dashed to the girl, her gloved hands seizing the smaller girl's shoulders.
Hinoka stared into the maroon eyes of her once-dead sister. Her hair was longer, much longer, her body more womanly, but this was indeed Sakura.
"Sakura!" Hinoka whispered hoarsely, tears coming to her eyes. Her grip tightened.
Sakura grimaced at how tightly she was being held, but she gulped down her misery and nodded. "S-sister…"
Despite her initial misgivings, despite the fact she really didn't want to see Hinoka in this exact moment, she embraced her. They clung to each other, both sobbing. Hinoka breathed in the clean scent of Sakura's hair, roses and peonies, when she knew that Sakura should have smelled like the cherry blossoms she was named for. No matter. All would be resolved soon.
Sakura sobbed into Hinoka's shoulder, trying to avoid resting her face in the armored breast plate of her older sister. Her sister smelled like dirt and grime, and Sakura instantly regretted not wanting to see her. Hinoka had suffered just to make it here. She was glad that she was alive.
The Nohrian royals watched quietly, not wanting to interrupt the surely tender moment these sisters were having. Leo felt awkward just standing there and quietly walked to his place at the table. He had no right to be so close. His feelings for her… What were they in comparison to Hinoka's? Sakura…belonged in Hoshido.
In that moment, Leo realized he had to let her go. He sat down in resignation.
Finally, Hinoka let go of Sakura, looking her up and down. She looked well at least, but she felt instant resentment to the Nohrians.
She turned from Sakura, her eyes staring into Xander's. "How long has she been here?"
Xander nodded to Sakura. "She can tell you the full story. Princess Sakura has been in the castle for two weeks. I've only recently discovered her true identity and sent you correspondence immediately. I suppose that is around the same time you left?"
"I received no message regarding my sister's well-being, so you are right in that regard." She turned to Sakura. "Why are you here in Nohr?"
"I… I escaped after that battle two years ago with Subaki, as you know…" Sakura began shaking. "I… I don't want to relive it, Sister, please…"
"You can tell me later. It's…all so sudden, I'm sure." Hinoka agreed, though she wanted to wring the answers from Sakura. But Sakura had always been gentle, almost frail, so she knew that wouldn't be wise. "I…suppose we should eat."
Sakura nodded. Xander made a motion and servants set her place at the table…next to Hinoka.
This wasn't the first time Sakura had eaten with the royals, but it was the first time she had a formal place at the table. She had eaten lunch with Elise, sure, and sometimes she and Leo would picnic in the garden. To be sitting at dinner, next to her sister, with the people who employed her… Even if employing a lost princess was somewhat odd… It felt unreal. This whole situation was just bizarre.
Sakura realized she wasn't very hungry. Dinner was served, beef tenderloin with root vegetables, and plum wine was poured into a goblet for her, despite that she didn't take to drinking. The Nohrians too seemed to merely pick at their meals, but Hinoka, even if she was eating with people she considered enemies, ate ferociously, as if she hadn't in days.
"My, I didn't realize Hoshidans were raised to be such savages," Camilla insinuated bitingly. There was a cold smirk on her lips and her lone visible eye stared icily.
"Say what you want about me, but don't you ever imply Sakura is a savage. She's too good for you people," Hinoka snapped.
"She lied about her identity, for what purpose even I can't fathom. She's so cute, but there's something…sinister there," Camilla retorted.
"Don't you speak of her as if you know her! Sakura would never hurt anyone." Hinoka growled.
"Queen Hinoka, it's been two years since you've seen your sister. I'm sure she's changed," Camilla suggested. She took a delicate sip of her wine.
"What are you implying, witch?" Hinoka uttered dangerously.
"Well, I'm sure our dear Sakura has learned the wiles of being a woman, if she's managed to seduce my brother so fully…"
"I… I have done no such thing!" Sakura cut in. "I w-was trained as a shrine m-maiden, and then a pr-priestess! I know nothing of that sort of thing!"
"So you didn't sleep around like a common bitch in order to find your next meal? You really expect me to believe you lived in Nestra as a simple musician for two years until you met my brother and all hell proceeded to break loose? Sakura, I am not naïve. I have been in your very same shoes, fighting for survival and using whatever it took to win. Every woman knows what she must do in order to make it." Camilla shrugged. "You can say you have priestess training, but you gave that up as soon as you fled Hoshido."
"Camilla, that's enough!" Leo interjected. "Don't assume everyone is like you. Sakura has done nothing of the sort that you have resorted to. Would you say the same of Elise?"
"Of course I wouldn't. Elise is Nohr's most treasured blossom." Camilla patted Elise's head. Elise just stared at her sister.
"Big Sis…" Elise said. "Sakura doesn't do things like that. You're pretty ruthless, which works for you, but she got by honestly."
"Yes, Camilla, I believe your accusations are out of order." Xander agreed. "Please apologize to both the princess and the queen."
Camilla stared at her brother dubiously. "Xander, what are you up to?"
"Hoshido is our ally now. I bear no ill will towards them. You shouldn't either."
"Ugh, fine." She inclined her head to Hinoka and Sakura. "I'm sorry you're not as refined as you should be."
"Camilla!" Xander and Leo bellowed in unison.
"It's all you're getting from me. If Sakura wants to be with Leo so badly, she needs to prove her worth." She went back to eating. Mere weeks ago she was teasing Leo about finally having a love interest, but things change when said love interest actually lied about her identity. Camilla could only forgive so much.
"Wait, what?" Hinoka sputtered. "What do you mean by that? That's not the first time you've mentioned that this night."
"Oh, whoopsie." Camilla giggled without any humor. "That was a slip of the tongue, I suppose."
"Sakura…" Hinoka looked at her sister. "Are you…being courted by this Nohrian?!" She pointed to Leo.
Sakura's face flushed bright red. It was all the answer Hinoka needed.
"You haven't…?"
"I don't know why anyone keeps implying I've done that but it's not true! We just. Fell in love!" Sakura buried her face in her hands. "Please, can everyone just stop?" Her words were muffled, but were clear enough.
There was silence save for Camilla's deadly calm use of her silverware, eating as if this was the most natural conversation to happen over dinner. The kindling was placed. She lit the flame. Now she waited for it to burn.
"Sakura… You're not…engaged to this man, are you?" Hinoka questioned. Her appetite had disappeared.
"…not yet…" Sakura squeaked.
"Were you planning on having my blessing at all? Telling me you were alive? Inviting me to this damned wedding? Was I ever involved in your plans?"
Sakura started to cry. "Please, believe me, Sister, I wanted you to know. It hurt to keep my existence a secret for so long. But I've become Kazahana. I no longer wish to be Sakura. I don't lay claim to the throne. I want nothing to do with a Nohrian-occupied Hoshido."
"But you live in Nohr! I… Sakura, I'm absolutely baffled." Hinoka just stared into her reflection in the wine. She looked dirty and shocked. "You're my baby sister…" she whispered.
"Well, m-maybe I have changed…" was all Sakura could say to that.
Everyone stayed silent. No one was eating save for Camilla who seemed to be enjoying the drama unfolding. Xander himself wasn't quite sure how to deescalate the situation.
Before anyone else could say anything, Sakura excused herself. She left in a flurry of ruffles and tulle, her heeled boots muffled on the carpet in the dining hall.
Hinoka and Leo got up at the same time, both glaring at the other. Hinoka felt entitled to Sakura because that was her blood. Sakura needed her big sister's guidance to make the right decision: return to Hoshido.
Leo felt differently. Sakura needed the guidance of the one she fell in love with to make the better decision: continue to live in Nohr and live a safe life beside her beloved.
The two stood there and glared daggers at each other until Corrin of all people cleared her throat.
"May I say something?" she asked.
"What do you want, traitor?" Hinoka responded venomously.
"Leo, let Hinoka go to Sakura. They haven't seen each other in years," Corrin suggested.
"You want me to do what?" Leo was flabbergasted. "I… Corrin, Sakura is-"
"Not your property. You two may be in love, but Hinoka hasn't seen her in literal years. They need time together. Only then can Sakura make her decision."
"Corrin, what you're suggesting is-"
"Sakura is hurting." Corrin cut him off. "She is confused. I'm not saying you're forbidden from seeing her, but let her spend some time with her sister for the night. Maybe she'll go to you too. It's her choice."
Leo bit his lip, but sat back down. "Fine."
Hinoka nodded to Corrin, who smiled sadly in return. The queen left, after Xander told a servant, Jakob, to lead her to Sakura's quarters. They left, and only when the door clicked shut did Leo say something.
"You want her to leave."
Corrin shook her head. "I do not-"
"Can I have nothing in this gods damned family? I finally found someone who cares about me, who feels the same way I do, and now she's going to be taken from me!"
"Leo. You don't know what it's like to be separated from your family for so long. Hinoka at least deserves to hear of what Sakura plans to do. This might actually play out in your favor." Corrin insisted.
"And if it doesn't?" Leo seethed.
"Then it wasn't meant to be. Sakura is capable of making her own choices. So are you. So are all of us. But she is Hoshidan royalty, even if she wants to renounce her title, and it's ultimately up to Hinoka to decide her fate. She is the queen after all."
Leo cursed. He cursed loudly, in front of Elise, which is something he never did, and Xander scolded him immediately. Camilla covered the girl's ears but it was too late. Elise was just shocked at how upset her brother was.
It was a testament of how much Leo had been holding back. The cold brother he was known to be, but one could only bottle up their feelings for so long.
"Camilla, why'd you have to open your mouth?" Leo accused.
"She was going to find out eventually. No one else seemed too keen on the idea, so I took it upon myself." She sipped the last of her wine. "I'll do anything to protect my beloved siblings."
"Why does no one want me to be happy?!" He yelled. "Sakura and I were just fine…!"
"Leo, you know damn well it was coming to this. Let the sisters have their moment. Corrin is right." Xander insisted, in hope of calming his younger brother down.
Leo knew he was acting like a petulant child, but love indeed was new to him and so he reacted as anyone would when something wonderful was being taken away: like a child.
"This isn't over…" He muttered, and he stormed out of the dining hall, off to his chambers. He needed to consult Odin and Niles about what he was planning to do. Even in such a highly emotionally volatile state, his tactical mind was beginning to formulate a plan.
Eloping didn't sound so absurd after all.
As always, thank you for your continued support!