A/N: I'm honestly surprised by the positive reception to this fic already! Thank you everyone who clicked favourite, followed and reviewed- as well as all you mysterious people who took the time to read my little fic! I hope you all continue to read and enjoy- but please, if there's something you'd like to see just review or even pm me and let me know!

After this chapter i'll be writing this in alternation with my other multichap fire emblem fic; A New Path (check it out!). All being well I will alternate between them each week, and i'll write chapter three for whichever is more popular first.

Now! In response to reviews:

Guest: Thank you for reading, and taking the time to write such a detailed review. I agree, using can't instead of cannot is far more natural and I myself use it all the time. However! Royalty would have been brought up to speak in a more proper way; hence the full words. I took inspiration from Sakura and Hana's C support which addresses the topic of speech. I also did this with Saizo in chapter one because many people speak in a far more formal way when addressing royalty, and I couldn't see such an honour bound man speaking so colloquially with the king, even if he is Ryoma's retainer. So basically, it was a conscious choice to represent the manner of their upbringing- with Elise I did drop to a more colloquial manner, as she's younger and it's easier to get out of habits at younger ages.

In response to your other remark, unfortunately in my degree it was drilled into me to explain every little thing as though the reader knows nothing of the situation, to make it more accessible. I do take these instances out as best as I can in proofreading, but I skipped proofreading as it was really late and I honestly didn't think it'd be read much! I don't intend to skip proofreading in future though.

Patattack: Thank you so much, I hope you continue to enjoy!

Stepping into her new room, Camilla found herself stunned to silence. She had grown used to dark, foreboding rooms from all her years growing up in Nohr, and as such the bright and welcoming rooms seemed strange and out of place to the eldest princess. It would take some getting used to of course, but Camilla felt confident that she could adjust with ease.

It was a lie of course, for while Camilla held her head high as she looked at the cream walls with ornate floral patterns, she felt uneasy inside. Until the moment that Ryoma announced it would be he that would marry, Camilla had felt calm, presuming that it would be Xander who would wed. Ever serious in everything he did, she had no doubt in her mind that he would have sacrificed everything for the good of the kingdom.

Camilla looked around, her expression hard to read as she walked over to the vanity, running her fingers along the top of it. She had to admit the room was more than large enough for her needs; a beautiful golden folding screen stood towards the far end of the room and from what she could see the wardrobe was a room of its own, more than large enough for her possessions to be properly hung within it. Now that the war was over she would need far more clothes suited to public appearances of course, but Camilla felt determined to not give up her training, she had worked too hard to retire from fighting and be a meek little wife.

Whatever Ryoma was expecting from her, Camilla was sure that he would end up disappointed. Though Elise would have made a far more loveable queen, her cheerful attitude having won people over, Camilla knew that she could never let that happen. The lilac haired woman was well aware that people thought she was only protective over her younger brother Corrin, this was simply not the case, if there was anything she could do to protect little Elise she would do it in a heartbeat.

"I hope the room is suitable for you, I know it must be different to what you are used to, but King Ryoma has instructed that we make any changes you may require." A formal voice spoke up, drawing Camilla away from her thoughts. As she turned she came face to face with a ninja with long black hair, tied back into a ponytail. Smiling slightly, she realised exactly who the woman was.

"Oh there's no need to speak so formally with me dearest, I feel like I know you intimately already Kagero." A small smirk graced her lips as she walked over to the cream chaise lounge. "After all, Orochi speaks about you all the time, and as I will be staying here it seems a bit odd to speak so prim and proper does it not?"

"Orochi speaks of me?" A light blush spread across the young woman's cheeks as she stepped towards Camilla. "Is she well?"

"Absolutely, my brother is determined to give her anything she desires...though it's obvious to see that she misses you dearly." Patting the seat next to her, Camilla gestured for Kagero to join her. "I can always ask Xander to send her back you know, after the wedding our kingdoms will be bound irrevocably, I'm sure he can make do with correspondence via pigeons."

Cautiously sitting on the edge of the seat, Kagero shook her head slightly. "She is there by King Ryoma's wishes, we must respect that milady."

"Nonsense! Surely your king can see how dearly you love her." Smiling, Camilla brushed her hair aside. "You're his retainer, he should care about your feelings more than his own!" Pausing, she put her hand atop of Kagero's. "Please, none of this milady nonsense, it'll drive me to despair if I have to hear that every waking minute, it would be nice to have someone other than my darling Corrin who treats me like a regular human."

"L-Love her? I fear you have got the wrong idea mil-Camilla, Orochi is my dearest friend that is all." The blush only grew upon Kagero's cheeks as she looked at the lilac haired woman in shock. "If you wish for me to treat you like any other I will." Taking a deep breath, she looked sternly at the princess. "Why did you agree to marry King Ryoma, what are your intentions?"

"Oh, you want to know if I'm just trying to steal the crown from your lord?" Laughing slightly, she stood up. "Don't worry, I agreed out of duty, my brother thinks it is of the upmost importance our two kingdoms are bonded and as lovely as Elise is, I want her to marry for love not out of duty." Walking over to the wardrobe, she sighed as she noticed it was empty. "Though if I had of known your King was going to volunteer himself I would have brought some of my possessions."

"I hardly think that Nohrian attire will be received well at this time, though the war is over there are still tensions within the kingdom." Standing up herself, Kagero looked Camilla up and down for a moment. "The king has not announced it, but I'm sure he'll shortly be ordered by Lady Hinoka to call for you to attend dinner with the other royals. As suitable as that armour may be for a fight it seems of little comfort, I would offer you something of mine but they would hardly be appropriate."

"Oh, you don't think I'd suit being a ninja? Darling I'm hurt." A playful smile on her face, she looked over at the ninja. "Well neither Hinoka or Sakura will be my size so they'll just have to accept the armour, it can't be helped."

"Actually, one of Takumi's retainers works wonders with clothes, I'm sure she'd be able to sort something out for you, I'll go fetch her for you shall I?" Briskly walking towards the door, Kagero grasped the handle. Before pulling the door open however, she turned to face Camilla once more. "I just want to say... I really respect the sacrifice you're making, King Ryoma is a good man, he'll treat you fairly." Pausing, she looked away for a moment before looking back to her. "If you need anyone to talk to at any time, I am happy to be of assistance." With one last nod towards Camilla, Kagero made her way out of the room.

Smiling slightly, Camilla sat down at her vanity, looking in the mirror. With a sigh she began the laborious art of removing her armour, starting with her left arm. There would definitely be a lot of adjusting to do; a whole new culture and way of life to learn. It was best that she at least try to make an effort with their customs, even if she found some to be ridiculous and uncomfortable. It could be worse she supposed, at least Ryoma was attractive, even if a little wild looking.

Carefully extracting her crown from her head, Camilla looked down at the ashen representation of her rank. That was another thing that would be different she supposed, she was so used to wearing possessions that showed her place within society, but looking at the Hoshidan siblings it was clear that they placed less emphasis on the importance of such material objects. She did wonder, as she looked at her reflection, if she would have to change herself entirely just to fit into this strange new world, but before she could ponder too much on the matter she jolted slightly as a sharp rapping sound was heard. "Come in!" She called out, looking over to the door.

Moments later the door opened and a young woman poked her head around the door, her navy hair tied in a long ponytail. She smiled slightly, before pushing the door open fully, revealing several beautiful fabrics draped over her left arm. "Pardon the intrusion milady, but Kagero said you needed help with clothing! Don't worry, I'm a tailor's daughter so you're in good hands."

"Thank you, it would seem Kagero neglected to tell me your name however." Smiling, she stood up, looking at the woman for a moment before she set to work undoing her torso armour.

"The names Oboro, it's lovely to meet you, Kagero mentioned that you'll be a permanent part of the household, I hope we'll get to know one another." Walking over to the undressing woman, she placed the clothing on the side before looking at the princess. "Though if your intentions are not honourable I will not hesitate to take action."

"Aren't you feisty, you'll get on splendidly with my retainers, Selena is just the cutest little tsundere I've ever seen, and Beruka may seem rather unusual at first but she's extremely loyal to those she trusts." With a slight sigh, she looked over at Oboro. "Would you be able to assist me in dressing, I'm afraid I won't have a clue how to put on any of the clothing native to Hoshido."

"Yeah alright, if you've never worn one of these before we should probably use a shorter one, you don't look like you wear long clothing a lot and I doubt the king will appreciate it if his bride to be falls over into the food." Laughing slightly, she pulled out a purple floral patterned kimono from the pile. "When you're ready."

Taking off her last pieces of armour, Camilla looked at the naginata wielder. "Do you have a problem with me being here Oboro, or are you just naturally tense around people?"

"I just don't see why there needs to be a political marriage, Lord Takumi has been worrying ever since your brother brought up the matter, he could just of easily been forced to marry you." Shaking her head, she stepped towards Camilla slightly. "I don't understand how anyone could marry for any reason but love."

"Oh I see, you like the little lord and you were panicking he'd have to be married off and you'd lose all chance of being with him." Placing the last armour piece on the side, Camilla stood in her undergarments, an amused expression on her face. "You understand duty as a retainer correct? It is similar to that, except as the eldest female it is my responsibility to act for the good of the whole kingdom rather than just one person; as you would do anything for Takumi, I would do anything to maintain the peace my dearest Corrin fought so hard for. It's not a choice I make lightly Oboro, and I don't expect you to understand, but I do hope that you will not look down on me too much for giving up on love."

Silently the blue haired woman stepped forwards, sliding the kimono up Camilla's arms one by one. "I'm sorry you're going to be in a loveless marriage, no one deserves that."

As she looked at the woman in front of her, Camilla smiled slightly. "And why will I be in a loveless marriage darling?"

"Because King Ryoma still loves Scarlet, Lord Takumi is sure that he'll never love again, King Ryoma doesn't give his heart away easily, and he was always so dedicated to her." Pulling the Kimono into its proper place, Oboro pulled the very same face that scared little children. "So I'm sorry, I know how it feels to never have a chance with someone."

"I see..." As Oboro slipped an obi belt around Camilla's waist the buxom woman nodded slightly. "Don't worry about it, I'll make the best with what I have." Taking a breath in, she looked down at her outfit. "I didn't realise clothes here were so...liberating, they're nothing like the clothing in Nohr, it's all so tight there."

"Well get used to it, I'm sure the King will arrange for a lot more clothes like this for you, Hinoka or Sakura will nudge him about it, he has a lot on his mind after all." Stepping away, Oboro admired her work. "You keeping your hair down?"

All of a sudden the door knocked once more much to the surprise of the two women. Unsure of who it could be, Camilla walked towards the door, opening it to reveal the last person she had expected to see; Ryoma. "What a pleasant surprise, can I help you with anything honey?" She asked, leaning against the door slightly.

"Good evening Lady Camilla, I see that Kagero has arranged you some clothing." Looking away slightly, he appeared to be embarrassed. "I hope your room is to your liking. If there is anything that can be done to make you feel more at home you need only ask."

"My room is just lovely my liege, thank you for arranging it so swiftly." Looking him up and down, Camilla smiled slightly. "You are looking well, I was concerned that you might be under the weather when I saw you this morn."

"Ill? No, not at all." The tall man only seemed to grow more embarrassed with every pressing second. "Would you care to join me for dinner? My siblings will be there as well, but it would be remiss of me to allow you to eat alone."

"I'd love to, perhaps afterwards we could have a drink together and get to know one another." Stepping towards him slightly, Camilla put her hand on Ryoma's arm as she smiled.

"I...I am sorry but that is simply not plausible, I have a lot of duties to attend to after dinner." Upon seeing the disappointment on her face, Ryoma hesitated. "Perhaps some other time."

"Oh...Of course, another time." Taking a deep breath and forcing a smile, she stepped out of her room and into the corridor with him. "Shall we get going then?"

"Indeed." Without further ado he led the way down the corridor and towards the banquet hall. Sighing slightly, Camilla followed him without another word, her thoughts racing as she wondered if she could really make a marriage with the man in front of her work, his intent to distance himself clear as day.