Day 4! Day 4! I can't believe I've lasted this long..
Day 4: Loyalty/Secrets
Queen Arete Isauros was seated on the Lotus Throne of Valla, her courtiers and Nobles stood in the galleries around her, murmuring amongst themselves. The bluenette's golden eyes flickered around the throne room, a faint smile on her face. She had always been fond of drama. Her heir, Crown Princess Azura, was seated on a smaller throne on her right, resting her head against a hand.
The doors to the throne room opened, and a single figure marched in, his silvery armour clanking softly as we approached. He was barefoot, of course. In Valla, boots were for wartime. Bare feet were for peace, and a show of honourable intent. Arete spared Azura a glance, and saw her daughter's eyes light up with interest. In the gallery, she spied concern cross her sister's face. Needlessly, of course. Arete was fond of the young man.
Not as fond as Azura is, though. She thought to herself. They had not been…subtle in their affections.
"Nephew." Arete greeted with an inclination of her head, fighting off a smirk. "Thank you for join us here. I trust you understand why you are here?"
"Yes, My Queen." Corrin said with a respectful bow, and when Arete stood up, he knelt down.
"Do you swear to uphold your oaths?" The Queen intoned, her steady voice carrying across the crowded throne room, whilst her golden eyes stayed on the figure knelt before her throne. "Do you swear to be the Honor Guard of the Crown Princess, Azura Isauros?"
"I do"
"Do you swear to protect her from all those that seek to do her harm, even if it means your own death?"
"I do."
"…And do you acknowledge your betrothal into the female line of the Isauros family, to the Crown Princess, Azura Isauros?"
There was a ghost of a smile on the man's face, one mirrored by Arete's daughter beside her. "I do.."
Murmurs flitted around the gathered nobles. The mystery of who the future Consort of the Crown Princess had plagued the Court for the last year, and now, completely out of the blue, their Queen had put an end to the theories.
None had imagined she'd chose her own nephew to marry her daughter, however. Though few had anything ill to say about the son of Princess Mikoto (save possibly his illegitimacy). He was a youthful Knight, almost unrivalled in his skill within Valla's border.
"Then stand, Corrin, Knight of Valla."
When he did so, the room burst into good natured applause, and with a gesture, the Queen dismissed her court.
"Walk with me." Arete commanded. "We must have words."
Corrin soon fell into step behind her.
"Does she know? About my Father?" Corrin asked softly. "Anankos?"
"No." Arete replied. "Nor will she. As far as Valla and the world are concerned…as far as Azura is concerned, all you are is my sister's illegitimate child. You'll be Prince-Consort, not King-Consort."
"Acceptable, and understandable."
"..Which is exactly why I made the right choice allowing your marriage. You love her. Others would not. Others would see her as a path to power. But breathe a word about Anankos…."
The unspoken implication was left hanging in the air as they reached the Queen's chambers. After bidding him goodnight, Corrin made to leave.
"Oh, and Nephew?" She called after him.
"..Yes, Aunt Arete?"
"…I do not expect to be a Grandmother before you are married, understand?" She grinned. "I swear to your Father, I will cut your balls off if you get my Azura with child before wedding her, understand?"
"Understood, My Queen." Corrin said with a smile.
"So?" Azura asked, falling into step at Corrin's side as he made his way back to his own chambers.
"..Well, good news, we're getting married, and we didn't even need to use blackmail."
"And the bad news?"
"…No sex until we're married."
"Ah." A coy grin slowly formed on his betrotheds face. "What a…pity."
"But.." He grinned. "..I suppose what her Majesty doesn't know won't hurt her..~"
Azura let out a laugh, and slipped an arm into Corrin's. "Lead on then, Love."
