"I'm sorry?" Corrin asked still processing the situation.
"You heard me Lord Corrin. I want you to teach me how to feel emotion," Beruka said.
Corrin sighed to himself and pinched the brigde of his nose.
"Emotion isn't really a thing you can teach like horse or wyvern riding Beruka," Corrin sighed once again.
Standing up and pacing the room Corrin began mumbling to himself.
"I need to see Ryoma and Mother. Felicia could you look after Beruka please?" Corrin said
"Of course love," Felicia said standing up and giving Corrin a quick kiss.
Corrin opened the door revaling Ryoma. His arms crossed looking beyond furious.
"Ryoma I was just about to look for you and Mother," Corrin said.
"Well we saved you a journey," Ryoma replied.
Corrin stepped to the side noting Ryoma was in his full armour with Raijinto at his side. Mikoto soon walked in with a calm look on her face. Corrin stood between Ryoma and Beruka ready to defend her.
"I mean her no harm Corrin," Ryoma stated.
"Yes of course that's exactly why your in full armour with Raijinto at your side," Corrin said glaring.
"What's your name Miss?" Mikoto asked.
"Beruka," The assassin responded.
"Are you hurt?" Mikoto showing a healing staff.
"I'll live," Beruka responded still unsure of Mikoto's true nature
"Beruka allow mother to heal you," Corrin commanded.
"As you wish," Beruka said approaching Mikoto.
Ryoma moved to stand in Beruka's way.
"Remove all of your weapons first," Ryoma demanded.
"Bold of you to assume I have more weapons," Beruka responded looking Ryoma in the eyes unflinching.
"Ryoma I don't want a fight in my bedroom," Corrin interupted.
"Ryoma I doubt our visitor would have demanded to see Corrin if she were to assassinate me," Mikoto said in an attempt to defuse the tension.
"It would be a waste to kill her in private," Beruka stated restoring any tension that was removed.
"Explain yourself," Ryoma demanded.
"Nohr is looking to declare open war on Hoshido," Beruka explained "After the event at the Bottomless Canyon it is as good as declared,"
"You've yet to explain yourself Nohrian," Ryoma said scowling at her.
"I'm yet to finish."Beruka continued to explain. "In all honesty it would make more sense for Nohr to attempt a public assassination. If successful it would not only damage moral of the soldiers but it would cause a chain reaction of destabilising as a whole,"
"Leaving Hoshido in ruins and open for an easy invasion," Mikoto finished.
"Exactly," Beruka confirmed.
Ryoma stood to the side his hand resting on Raijinto to show he was ready to kill if she posed a threat.
Mikoto took a staff off of the wall and held it over her for a few seconds. Beruka let out a grunt of discomfort. Once healed Beruka remained by Mikoto's side not wanting to cause trouble.
After what was seemingly an Era of silence Ryoma spoke up.
"Corrin, who is she?"
"This is Beruka. She is or ,I guess, was my sister Camilla's retainer," Corrin Explained "She came here for a better life,"
"What do you mean?" Mikoto asked
"In Nohr Beruka hahas been trained since birth to an emotionless assassin," Corrin said "And she has come to me for a better life,"
"Ah so she seeks to defect," Ryoma said
"In the simplest terms yes. I wish to become Prince Corrin's bodyguard specifically," Beruka affirmed
"What make you think we'll take you in so easily?" Ryoma asked
"Why did you take in Felicia so easily?" Beruka asked in return
"You know I'm actually quite curious about that," Felicia said
"That actually is to do with me," Mikoto said.
A confused face swept over the room before Mikoto began to speak.
"It's to do with your sister Flora and your farther Kilma," Mikoto sighed and began to speak "Before Garon conquered the Ice Tribe they has close relations to Hoshido after you were stolen from me Corrin I did everything I could to recover you. After five agonizing years I gave up hope and began to read up on the more Queenly duties and responsibilities. When I came across our relationship with the Ice Tribe." Mikoto said
"I remember father speaking of letters from Hoshido," Felica said
"Eventually he told me of his daughters being taken forced to work as maids for a prince. Upon confirmation it was Corrin I asked him to have his daughters watch over Corrin for me." Mikoto sighed
"Flora did begin to father more regularly about a year after working for you," Felicia said to Corrin connecting the pieces.
"Your thought process is correct Felicia. Flora had written the letters addressed to Kilma so he could relay them to me. Rather than send me a letter on your well being he'd just sent the letter Flora had written," Mikoto finished.
Corrin was stunned Flora was the more observant of the twins he reasoned it was simply doing a good job for her tribe's safety. Truth was she was looking after him for her mothers sake. Corrin let out a short and gasping laugh.
"Corrin are you alright?" Felicia asked
"Yeah... I... I need to just get some air," Corrin ran out of his room before anybody could speak to him. Corrin kept on running until he reached a small enclosure of trees with in the palace. Corrin slowed down as he began to wonder the wood before sitting down and leaning against a tree.
"Are well milord?" Corrin jumped and looked to see a green haired ninja
"Kaze, You scared me," Corrin said before slouching and closing his eyes
"I heard what Queen Mikoto said," Kaze said. Corrin sighed before gesturing for the ninja to sit next to him. Kaze did sit next to the man who saved his life.
"Kaze can I tell you something?" Corrin asked
"But of course Lord Corrin," Kaze responded
"Promise you wont tell anybody about this," Corrin said
"I'll take it to my grave if I have to," Kaze responded
"You know I love Felicia right," Kaze nodded in response.
"Well with the amount of time Flora spent looking after me. I kind of... Well there's no kind of to it," Corrin began to mumble before Kaze interupted him.
"Your in love with Flora also," Kaze stated
"Yes," Corrin sighed
"If I may offer council?" Kaze asked.
Corrin simply nodded.
"You should talk to Felicia about this," Kaze said
"No! I couldn't Kaze she'd think I'm some sort of monster," Corrin quickly responded.
"Milord calm yourself," Kaze demanded "It's for the best that you tell Felicia about this rather than let it consume you, I'm sure she'd be understanding about the situation,"
Corrin mulled over the situation in silent comtemplation. Corrin wasn't sure how much time had passed before making the decision but Kaze remained next to him throughout the silence.
"Your... Right Kaze I'll go talk to her." Corrin said standing up
"Would you like me to go with you?" Kaze asked.
"... Yes I would like that," Corrin responded.
The two progressed in silence slowly but surely making their way back to Corrin's bedroom.
"Deep breaths milord," Kaze said in an attempt to calm him
"Maybe I should talk to mother first," Corrin said.
"Please let us go find Felicia and explain then we can go to your mother," Kaze said.
"Your right I shouldn't avoid it," Corrin said.
Taking repeated deep breaths Corrin and Kaze made their to Corrin's bedroom.
"Would you like me to wait outside milord?" Kaze asked
"It would be for the best," Corrin said taking a deep breath and walking into his room. Only to see Felicia sat in front of the fire reading over a stack of letters.
"Umm... What are you reading Felicia?" Corrin asked
"Just the letter Flora had written to Lady Mikoto," Felicia said absentmindedly.
After a couple seconds Felicia realized that Corrin was behind her, she ran up to Corrin disregarding the letters and embracing him.
"Corrin you've been gone an hour and a half," Felicia said refusing to let him go.
"Sorry Feli. I got a little overwhelmed," Corrin said returning the embrace.
"You know this is why you need both of us in your life," Felicia stated
"I'm sorry?," Corrin asked
"Me and Flora. She's really good at calming you down. I still remember the night we had that really bad thunderstorm," Felicia said
"Yeah Flora stayed with me the whole night because of how loud the thunder was," Corrin let out a sigh and smiled
"You know reading over some of these letters a have proven quite interesting you know," Felicia's said separating from Corrin gathering the letters and sitting down. Corrin sat behind Felicia wrapping hus arms around her waist and resting his head on her left shoulder.
"Really how so?" Corrin asked pulling Felicia closer
"Well I believe this is the most recent one," Felicia said picking up a letter. There it was Flora elegant and familiar handwriting. Corrin began to read over the letter.
Dear Farther,
Corrin's 21st birthday past on monday despite my efforts I believe Felicia and I have both fallen for the kind prince. This makes me rather nervous about the future and my position within the castle as a result I have chosen to hide my true feelings from my sister and the man I love. Recently he's been in talk with the Crown Prince, what about I'm not sure because everything has been behind closed doors and spoken softly. It is more than likely about possible suitors or him leaving the fortress both of which I dislike.
Corrin's blade work has seen an improvement, infuriatingly his sleeping habits have not. Though somthing still seems to distract the prince. It seems like at almost every possible opportunity he's looking at himself. I severely doubt this is vanity at work here. When guests visit I often overhear them ofter refer to him as a 'freak' fortunately for them I am able to restrain myself. I believe that Corrin isn't happy with his appearance because of his sensitive hearing he likely heard the nobles talking. My suspicions of Lilith have not subsided because I still believe she knows more of Corrin's origin than she lets on.
I hope this letter reaches you undamaged.
Your sincerely,
Flora
Felicia put the letter down and turned to face Corrin.
"I didn't know Flora loved you. Feel kind of guilty taking you from her," Felicia said.
"Umm... Yeah about that Felicia," Corrin said nervously.
"Is everything alright?" Felicia asked
"Well...um...you see I'm also in love with Flora," Corrin said stuttering.
Felicia smiled and embraced him.
"Of course you are, You've got a big enough heart for the both of us," Felicia said
"So your not mad at me?" Corrin asked
"No dear I love you nothing will change that," Felicia answered.
Corrin hugged Felicia tighter. Corrin began to sob quietly.
"I love you so much," Corrin repeatrepeated between sobs and Felicia responded by gently stroking the prince's back.
Night had swept over before Corrin stopped sobbing. A light knock was heard at the door.
"Yes?" Felicia answered quietly.
Kaze stuck his head through the door.
"Milady Queen Mikoto is here to see Corrin," Kaze said.
Felicia look down at the prince. He was fast asleep.
"I'm afraid he's not going to be talking for a bit," Felicia said.
Kaze noticed Corrin asleep in Felicia clutched.
"Would you like me to help him into bed?" Kaze asked.
"Yes please but be gentle," Felicia Said lifting Corrin.
Eventually Corrin was placed on his bed and under the covers. The pair soon left the room. Mikoto waited patiently.
"Where's Corrin?" Mikoto asked
"Fast asleep. I think with everything that's going on he's been overwhelmed and just broke down," Felicia said.
"Ah. Perhaps I was a bit too overbearing on him," Mikoto thought out loud.
"Don't worry a full night of sleep and he'll be back to himself," Felicia said.
"That's good he used to have the most curious personality," Mikoto chuckled to herself
"He still does Milady," Felicia said
"Please don't call me that Felicia,"
"What would rather I call you?" Felicia Asked
"Just Mikoto will do fine. Oh and I took it upon myself to send a letter to Flora should be receiving the request soon and if all goes well she'll be escorted back by a squad our Kinshi Knights," Mikoto said.
"That's good I need to talk to her about something very important," Felicia said.
"She'll come back safe Reina will be leading the squad," Mikoto said.
"Is she good?" Felicia asked.
"I'd like to think so she's one of my retainers," Mikoto responded with a chuckle.
"How are you going to be safe?" Kaze asked.
"Orichi will be there and I'm giving Beruka a trial run as my protector," Mikoto responded.
Felicia smiled hoping Beruka would have a better life under the care of Mikoto.
"Oh that reminds me Felicia you simply need to turn around to get to your room," Mikoto said.
"Are you sure? I mean I'm just a maid," Felicia asked.
"And my daughter in law to-be. I'm sure dear," Mikoto responded.
"Alright well I'll turn in for the night," Felicia said waving at Mikoto.
"Well, sleep well Felicia. I guess you're dismissed for the night kaze," Mikoto said to the green Ninja.
Felicia turned around and opened the door to reveal her partner asleep. As Felicia approached the sleeping prince she had noticed something had changed. Felicia got closer to Corrin to look better; silver scales ran along the back and sides of Corrin's neck ending with crescent shape running along his lower jaw to his cheek bone. The scales looked like they started around the back. Corrin turned revealing a tail not too dissimilar in colouration from his face the under side of the tail was a dark grey. Felicia wasn't sure if this had happened previously because she'd normally handle waking Corrin up in the morning, whereas Flora would make sure Corrin slept soundly.
Felicia was much to tired to wake up Corrin and berate him with questions. Instead the maid simply pulled on a white nightgown and climbed in to bed. Felicia let out a light squeak as Corrin grabbed the maid and pulled her close to him. Corrin nuzzeled into her and settled down to sleep again. Felicia gave a small smile and lightly kissed the princes forehead.
"Sleep Well love" Felicia said before settling down to fall asleep.