Chapter 3:
A/N: Thanks again for the interest guys, every review, favourite and follow makes me extremely happy! Positive receptions are a great source of inspiration, especially those reviews. So don't forget to review, and let me know your favourite ships in fates- even if you can't get supports between them (like Ryoma and Scarlet) I'd love to hear!
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The walk to the banqueting hall was one filled with silence. Every now and then Camilla would glance over at the tall brunette, trying to work out what she could possibly say to him. Whilst they were both royals and were due to wed, Camilla was struggling to think of anything the pair would have in common; other than Corrin of course. As they walked it was clear to the lilac haired woman that he out his depth just like she was. "The...the clothing you wear here is very beautiful is it not?" She spoke up, wanting to be rid of the awkward silence already.
"It is? I'm not one for the passing fashions I am afraid." Looking away, Ryoma pretended he was intently interested in a painting on the wall. As the silence began once more, the king frowned, realising it would not be seemly to ignore the Nohrian princess, the bond between the two kingdoms still precarious. "In this hall we keep paintings of all the previous rulers of the kingdom; one day the time will come that you and I will be added to the centuries of Hoshidan rulers."
Turning to look at the pictures, Camilla could not help but notice a striking resemblance between the man to her left and a man in the painting closest to her. "I see you take after your father's side then, you've even kept the strangely wild hair of the kings before you." Laughing slightly, she looked between the painting and Ryoma.
"...Strangely wild hair? Do you have a problem with my hairstyle? It is a symbol of great power within our kingdom; paired with a royal headpiece it is a symbol that has come to represent strength and wise leadership within Hoshido." The royal frowned deeply, an irritated look on his face as he looked at the eldest princess.
"Well some family traditions should be broken if that's the case, surely all your subjects see is that their king refuses to keep up with the times and get a haircut, at least your brother keeps his hair controlled." Rolling her eyes, she walked forwards slightly, looking at a picture of a woman with long flaming red hair. "Is there some kind of tradition that the queen needs to cover nearly all their skin and tie their hair up as well?" She asked, exasperation clear in her voice.
"Traditions are there for a reason, they should be respected not spoken about with such disregard." The harshness in his voice was clear as he slowly turned to look at her. "That is my mother, she was a fine and beautiful woman, her attire was perfectly queenly, she understood that as a queen it is important to dress modestly and present a refined air to her subjects." Looking away, Ryoma sighed slightly. "But no, there is not a strict dress code; the only piece all queens have worn for as long as Hoshido has possessed a monarchy is the golden hair piece you can see in the paintings, you may have seen Queen Mikoto wear it before your father had her killed."
"Oh so we're finally onto this now? I had no control over my father's actions and my brother has expressed his deepest condolences at her passing. Not everyone can have shining examples of parents darling, so excuse me if I struggle to understand the concept you have going on here." Shaking her head, Camilla strode forward quickly, her head ducked down slightly as she avoided looking at the pictures. Her chest ached as she tried to choke down her feelings of jealousy; Ryoma spoke of his mother with such compassion, as did he about the late queen. He was lucky to have had two women to mother him when she did not even have one.
Looking after the feisty young woman, the new king frowned slightly, partially irritated at her blasé attitude, partially confused at her failure to understand why the paintings were so dear to him. "We should hurry or we will be late for dinner." He muttered, striding forward quickly so that he was walking alongside her once more.
An awkward silence fell between the pair once more as they walked on, both avoiding the others gaze intently. Moments later they arrived outside of a set of grand wooden doors and with one mighty push from Ryoma they opened, revealing a beautifully laid out table. Several people were already seated, chatting to one another as they waited for the last of their party to arrive. Instantly Camilla spotted a familiar face, sighing in relief, she watched as Corrin spoke animatedly to the young prince of Hoshido; Takumi. Across from the pair sat the eldest princess of the kingdom, Hinoka, who was laughing away at something Azura had said to her. Lastly, Camilla's eyes were drawn to the young princess who was smiling up at a man she had never seen before. As she giggled slightly the peach haired woman brushed a strand of his brown hair aside, looking up at the man lovingly. Well isn't that interesting, no one informed Xander of this little development.
"There you are! We've been waiting for ages, what took you two so long?" Standing up, Hinoka brushed her scarlet hair out of her eyes. She quickly strode towards the two, throwing her hand out quickly towards Camilla. "I guess we're going to be siblings, welcome to Hoshido."
"Thanks, I...well I apologise for my behaviour towards you in the past, dealing with the fact Corrin no longer needs me so much as he has you was hard to swallow." Smiling slightly, she shook Hinoka's hand. "Looks like you're stuck with me anyway though."
"Let's just start over shall we?" Without waiting for an answer, Hinoka smiled slightly before leading the way over to the table. "Come on, sit down already you two, I'm starving!"
As the pair made their way over to the table Camilla cautiously sat down, waiting for everyone else's reactions. "I was not aware the youngest princess was in a relationship, is it a recent development?"
"Why do you want to know?" His glare piercing, Takumi looked at Camilla warily, his cup half way to his mouth. "I fail to see how it is a concern of yours."
"Sheesh, give her a break Lord Takumi, she's going to be related soon, and you get to marry for love now!" Smiling, Hinata turned to look at Camilla. "I'm Hinata, it's a pleasure to meet you Lady Camilla! I'm Sakura's husband, we've been married since about... a week after the war ended."
"A week after..." Looking over at the other royals a small smirk appeared on her face. "Am I to presume this was your doing Lord Takumi, after all... I seem to remember one of your retainers was called Hinata."
"So what if it is? They love each other and I wasn't about to let Sakura be some pawn in a stupid political game and get married off to one of your brothers." Crossing his arms, he looked deadly serious. "If you Nohrian's have a problem with it then tough."
"Oh on the contrary, I find it highly admirable darling. If my dearest Elise had someone like Sakura does then I'd have got them married off in a flash too. I mean no disrespect to you nor King Ryoma, but I couldn't bear to watch her marry for any reason except love."
"Hmph, well... that is fine then." Looking away quickly, Takumi began to gulp down his drink.
"It's lovely to see you again Camilla, I'm glad it's under more pleasant circumstances." Smiling warmly, Azura lent over the table, pouring the tome wielder a drink. "You look well, and you look beautiful in that kimono."
"Thank you sister, you look well yourself." Taking a sip of the drink, Camilla smiled appreciatively. "As do you brother, it is good to see you again."
"It's great to see you too Camilla, how is Elise?" Turning to look at his older sister, Corrin looked at her, trying to read her expression.
"Oh she was a little worried about me leaving, but she'll be fine, she has Effie and Arthur to care for her after all. Xander and Leo are both well too dearest." Leaning forward, Camilla instantly appeared more at ease as she looked at her brother in all but blood. "How have you been, you haven't met a girl and not told your big sister have you?"
"I...Uhhh... I wouldn't do that Camilla, I have a lot of pressing matters to do with the truce to deal with before I even think of love." Blushing, Corrin looked away slightly, suddenly finding his glass of wine to be extremely interesting.
"I know that look little brother, don't forget I grew up with you dearest, I know all your little tells." Shaking her head, Camilla lent on her hands, looking at Corrin with extreme interest. "I'll let you keep your little secret... for now, but don't forget to introduce me to the lucky lady so I can see if she's good enough for my little brother." Pausing, she smirked. "Of course, if she's not she'll have to deal with me but we can deal with that another day."
As the group continued to talk servants began to slowly make their way over to the table; a plate laden with food in each hand. Without a word to the royals they made quick work of filling the table with a variety of foods. As the last plate was laid down the royals began to carefully help themselves; Ryoma rising to carve the meat.
The Nohrian princess frowned slightly as she looked at the king as he began to slice the meat. It was beyond her comprehension why a king would undertake such a menial task rather than letting the servants do it. For as long as Camilla had been allowed to attend the Nohrian court she had watched as servants completed every menial task; including providing 'light' entertainment for the king and the court. Though admittedly, King Garon's form of entertainment in his later days was watching innocent Hoshidans be cut down while he ripped meat straight from the bone, it was not always so harsh.
Noticing her frown, the youngest member of the table smiled shyly at Camilla. "It's a family tradition that the head cuts the meat, it reminds us to remain humble and think of our subjects who may not even have meat tonight, let alone cut it themselves." Pausing, Sakura looked rather determined, her peach hair dropping into her eyes slightly as she leant forward. "Though we're doing our best to get the kingdom to a place where any of our subjects can eat meat every night should they wish to!"
"Do not bother wasting your breath Sakura, Lady Camilla cares not for tradition, she thinks it all to be outdated and in need of disposal." Slicing another piece of meat, the young king looked clearly irritated as he looked at his bride to be, instantly presuming that she would despise the concept.
"Nonsense my king, I am not sceptical of all traditions, it is a very noble concept, to remember ones subjects when dining. Is there anything that I can do to assist?" Rising slightly, Camilla stared Ryoma down, refusing to back down from the subtle challenge he had made in his biting words.
"There is nothing to be done now, though your offer is duly noted." After slicing the last piece of meat Ryoma sat down once more, looking at the other members of the table. "Before King Xander left he informed me that your retainers will arrive in a week Lady Camilla, we are all to make both of them feel welcome, I am to presume they will be staying on a permanent basis." Pausing, he looked directly at Camilla as he spoke once more. "Though we will discuss the inclusion of a Hoshidan retainer at a later date."
"My retainers are perfectly capable of protecting me regardless of my status thank you very much!" An irritated look appeared on her face as she glared over at Ryoma. "Are you implying Nohrian soldiers are somehow subpar to your Hoshidan ones?"
"Not at all, however the people will see it as a slight against our kingdom if you were to refuse to take even one Hoshidan as a retainer." Serious as ever, Ryoma began to load his plate with food.
"You expect me to bring both retainers here only to let one go?" The princess huffed, taking a sip of her drink. "Neither Beruka nor Selena will cease to be my retainer, the matter is final!"
A silence grew over the table as no one spoke, stunned to silence by the heated glares Camilla and Ryoma gave one another. Looking between the two, Sakura spoke up, albeit nervously. "H-have the two of you spoken about when you are having the wedding?"
"I hardly think it is time for choosing a date, we have only just agreed to be wed after all." With a small frown on his face, Ryoma began to concentrate on his food, blocking the rest of the table out.
"What about you Camilla, have you thought about where you want it held?" Smiling slightly, Azura looked over at the buxom princess.
"I think a-" Before Camilla could even finish her sentence she was quickly cut off.
"It'll be held in the castle of course Sakura, there is no doubt about that, it is tradition for the king and queen to wed inside its walls." Pausing, his brown eyes turned on Camilla, taking in her affronted expression. "Lady Camilla may decide every other detail however, a wedding is the woman's day is it not, and I have no time to plan such a spectacle."
"Brother! Think about your words, this is your wedding too, you should plan it together!" With a disapproving look at her brother, Hinoka shook her head slightly.
"Hinoka is right big brother, it is not right for you to leave it all up to Camilla, a wedding is a union between two souls, it bodes ill for your marriage if you do not unite to plan the big day together." Putting his hand on Hinoka's lower arm, Corrin shook his head slightly as though warning her from starting an argument. "Think on it brother."
"L-Lady Camilla?" A nervous voice spoke up as Sakura turned to her left, looking at the beautiful Nohrian princess. "We had the cutest ceremony, it was quite simple but perfect none the less... if...if you would like I could tell you about it? It may help you think about what you would like..."
As Camilla looked at the timid young girl she could not help but feel reminded of her young sister. While the two were polar opposites in personality, there was something about the delicate young flower in front of her that tugged at the maternal side of her. A smile began to grow as she quickly filled her plate. "I would be honoured to hear about your wedding Lady Sakura, I only wish I could have seen you in your gown with my own eyes."
"I-I'm sorry! It was all so much of a rush that you couldn't possibly have got here in time." Blushing profusely, the young princess had the decency to look embarrassed. "I still have the dress, if you would like to see it...?"
"Oh it simply isn't the same as seeing a blushing bride on her wedding day, I will swallow my disappointment with grace, however I cannot hold you at fault for others actions." Glancing over at Takumi, Camilla smirked slightly. "Though dear, Leo could have transported us almost instantly so you needn't have worried about us not making it on time."
The blush growing on her face with each passing second, Sakura took a bite of her food. "We had the wedding in the castle in view of the courtyard. It was decorated with the most beautiful flowers, and sakura blossom petals were scattered along the aisle. Takumi got the prettiest little lights strung up everywhere too!"
Grinning, Hinata lent towards the two women. "The cake was amazing too, Sakura knows this awesome place that does the best cake. It was a beast, six tiers high and everything!"
"Oh my, that does sound rather extravagant doesn't it?" A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she looked at the newlyweds. "How was the honeymoon? I'm sure you had a fantastic time judging from how loved up the two of you are."
As Sakura's blush grew even more pronounced the three were interrupted by a loud scraping sound. Quickly looking in the direction of the noise, they watched as Ryoma stepped away from the table. "I have work to do now, so I shall take my leave."
"Let me assist you darling, after all, it's important we get to know one another and it would be beneficial for me to learn more about your kingdom, your work will surely help me do so." Taking another bite of her food, Camilla stood up slightly, picking her plate up as well.
"No. Takumi and Corrin are already well versed in assisting me, there is no need for you to involve yourself in such affairs." Turning to look at his brothers, Ryoma waited for them to stand.
"Nope, sorry brother but I have other matters to attend to." Picking up some more food with his fork, Takumi seemed uninterested with his brother's silent pleas.
"I've got to help Takumi with his important matters, so I'm out too. If I were you I'd take Camilla up on her offer big brother, you'll find she's more helpful than you think." Looking at Ryoma, Corrin smiled slightly, hope clear in his eyes as he waited to see what the king would do next.
Silence filled the air for the umpteenth time that evening as Ryoma wondered what to do. He worked diligently to address all matters as they arose. While he did need the assistance to manage them in a timely matter, he could not be sure of Camilla's competence in matters of the state, and her lack of knowledge on how the kingdom ran would obviously cause some delays for the pair. As he looked around at his siblings however, he could almost read their minds; their eyes pleading with him to take his bride to be with him. "I... I suppose you can assist, though I expect you to make an effort to learn how this kingdom is run, I am sure it will be extremely different from Nohr's methods."
"Don't worry darling, I'm a quick learner." With a wink in his direction she walked over towards him, her plate in hand as she wondered if they would fare any better in a private capacity rather than in a room full of his family. "You'll have to tell me more about your wedding another time Sakura dear, I look forward to it." Looking back to Ryoma, she forced herself not to sigh at his unamused expression. I guess only time will tell.