Chapter Six

Azura is the first to stop running, leaving Corrin and Felicia to jog back to her position.

"… Whew." Azura pants, leaning on her spear for support.

Corrin sees Felicia eyeing her wearily, but doesn't take his eyes off the forest they were sprinting through. While he spent his childhood running laps around the castle as per his training, he has to remember Azura's stamina is abysmal at the beginning of every route.

"We managed to escape," Azura says quietly when she catches her breath, "but I'm sure they're still on our trail." Corrin looks over at her when she straightens. "We can't leave things as they are now – we'll be branded traitors by both kingdoms." Corrin stares silently at her. "Listen to me. You'll lose everything if you don't choose a side. It's either Hoshido or Nohr."

Felicia moves to stand stiffly behind Corrin. He knows she does this because she doesn't trust Azura, and there is still an army or two chasing them. Not for the first time, he is glad that she understands. He is glad she knows what to do (to make him feel less troubled).

"No," Corrin argues with Azura. "There's a third option. I can choose not to support either side."

He sounds so certain. Azura's mask hardens to the point her unnoticeable glare is made of ice.

"But… how?" Azura demands.

"I have family in Hoshido," Corrin explains simply. As if it is really that simple. "I also have family in Nohr. Even if I were to lose everything…" Like when he sided with Hoshido. "Even if all of them despise me…" Like when he sided with Nohr. "I can't choose to side with one against the other." Not again. Not ever again. "I don't care if I lose everything. This is what I've decided."

"I see…" Azura says slowly. Her glacial mask doesn't change, but her voice holds contemplation. "You have to be willing to risk a lot to accomplish something major… I suppose you're right." Azura sighs. "… My own mother lost her life protecting Nohr." Corrin doesn't respond, so Azura turns away and looks into the forest. "But I don't think she regretted her choice. She died to protect the ones she loved."

Corrin doesn't react when she smiles a brittle smile at him.

"I've made up my mind as well," Azura calmly says. "I will follow you down the path you've chosen."

Corrin nods, letting out a soft sigh. "Thank you."

Azura nods back, smile still on her face. She starts to walk away, not sparing a glance towards Felicia.

The pink maid hides her flinch at being brushed aside. Corrin lays a hand on her arm in reassurance. Felicia smiles gratefully, and then turns to walk after Azura. Corrin catches someone familiar peeking out from behind a tree.

"Hold on, please, Felicia," Corrin says, smiling wider. He beckons the person from behind the tree out, and Felicia stares with wide eyes. "Lilith and I have something to show you."

;;;

()

"Did you have another nightmare, Corrin?" Felicia lowers her voice when she says his name.

Corrin nods, unable to say anything. He has a death grip around the mug of tea Jakob poured him. Felicia, as per routine, takes a seat on the couch beside him and grabs the steaming mug, brewed for her, from the table. She nods her thanks to Jakob, and the butler nods back. The maid and butler stare in worry at their friend. When he doesn't greet them with a pained smile, they know it was a bad one.

"Who was it?" Felicia asks softly.

"Leo, he-" Corrin cuts off and shudders.

Felicia places a comforting hand on his shoulder. Jakob speaks up, his voice low and soothing. "Lord Leo is safe at the castle. Lady Camilla and Lord Xander would never let anything happen to him."

Corrin shudders again. "I know. It just seemed so real. I'm sorry to have woken you up."

Felicia and Jakob share a look. Jakob - the person to find Corrin alone in the common room – looks around the area to find they are truly alone. Still, Jakob keeps his voice down; making sure no one can hear him being unformal to the distraught royal. "Never be sorry, Corrin. We are here to help you, always. I am honored you ask us to provide company in time of need."

Corrin's head seems to sink further. Felicia glares at Jakob, and jerks her head towards their friend. Jakob stiffens, realizing his mistake. Before he can try to explain that no, he doesn't do this out of duty but because yes, they really are friends, Corrin nudges Felicia's hand off him with a dry chuckle.

"I can feel you scowling at him, Felicia," Corrin says, finally lifting his head. He looks to both his friends and gives them a pained smile.

Felicia gives an exaggerated sniff and places her tea down sharply on the table. "I do not scowl."

Corrin's lips twitch upwards. Jakob relaxes and places his own tea down. Three in the morning really is too early for the drink. "Corrin, would you like to send a letter to Lord Leo, inquiring on his health?"

Corrin relaxes and sips his drink little by little. Jakob can see his nervousness. "You don't think he would mind the letter, would he?"

Felicia shakes her head while Jakob talks. "I believe he would be delighted to receive word from you. Do make sure to also send a letter along to Lady Camilla. You do not want to spend her next visit making up for not sending her word of your health or inquiring on how she fairs."

Corrin nods, thoughtful as he takes another drink. "Maybe I should also write to Xander as well. And I may have sent Elise a present for her fifth birthday last week, but I would like to hear how she enjoyed Camilla's girl's day."

"I'll get the parchment!" Felicia says, springing up in excitement. She makes it two steps before tripping on the rug under the table. "Oof!"

"Are you alright, Felicia?" Corrin says worriedly. He helps her up while Jakob sighs and stands to mop up the tea on the table.

"I'm alright." Felicia gratefully takes his hand and stands. She doesn't let go, just stares softly at him. "How are you?"

Corrin smiles slightly, looking older than ten years old. He glances over to Jakob, the butler discretely looking back as he searches for towels. "I will be alright. Thank you."

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Thank you, Guest, for your reviews! There are a few more chapters before the story starts diverging, and I hope you enjoy it in the meantime. Again, thank you so much for your reviews, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!