A/N: Thank you so much everyone! I was stunned to see so many reviews in such a short space of time, it really inspired me to write this chapter earlier. This week I've put up a M-Corrin poll, so be sure to vote- and if you haven't, vote on Takumi's one too! I'll be bearing all the polls in mind when I come to starting to show other ships. Link - topic/192867/152146701/1/Corrin-Ships

Now, a few responses for you wonderful reviewers! Rather than replying to everyone individually this chapter, i'm going to address specific remarks i've had a few times.

Firstly, in regards to Takumi x Elise or any other Hoshido royal with a Nohr royal, from a story standpoint this is not practical and would nullify the entire plot. This fic revolves around the concept of a political marriage to bind the kingdoms, if Elise and Takumi (for example) were to get together, it would void the entire reason for Ryoma and Camilla marrying- as the two wedding would both bind the kingdoms and be for love, thus Ryoma and Camilla would not need to marry. It's also a bit odd in my opinion for you to marry your sister in law, which is what Takumi would be doing. I will however do a TakumixElise story in the future, so look out for that, it most likely won't be until i've done the second chapter of my odinxcorrin fic. If you're looking for a good Elise fic, go check out mystotakun's elise and odin fic (and while your there, his other fef fics).

In regards to which path this is based on, it's based on revelation actually.

And don't worry guys, Ryoma won't be getting over Scarlet unreasonably soon, I want to make as this realistic as possible, it takes time to get over a loss.

Guests, I'd really appreciate it if you could put a name I can reply to you as. It's far more personal and I'll be able to see who's who easier! Even though you don't have an account I'd still like to acknowledge everyone by a proper name and it's lovely to see how many different guests are reviewing then too!

Quickly striding from the banquet hall, the young king looked dead ahead as he made his way through the hallways. He could vaguely hear the clicking of Camilla's heels on the ground as she kept pace with him much to his surprise. It was not that he was trying to be unkind to the eldest Nohrian princess, he was just unsure as to how to deal with the matter. Of course, he had willingly agreed to marry to unite the kingdoms, but faced with a woman who was so far removed from all that he had wished for in life was more difficult than he could have ever imagined.

For a start there was the physical differences; Camilla could not possibly be any different to Scarlet if she tried; while Scarlet was toned and slim, Camilla was voluptuous, her hair long and curled, a dramatic contrast to the choppy short hair that Scarlet had kept hers in for the majority of the time he had known her. Of course, he could not deny that they both fought in battle with similar instruments, though their manner of doing so was completely different. While Scarlet ordained her armour with glittering gems, Camilla kept hers dark and dramatic looking. Though he would never wish to replace the love of his life he knew that Camilla was not the type of woman he would normally look at twice.

Sighing slightly he realised they had arrived at his study. Pushing the door open, he turned to look at the lilac haired young woman. "After you." A stoic expression on his face, his heart sank as he watched the princess walk in. He had always presumed one day Scarlet would walk through that very door one day, a smile on her face as she came to help him get his work done so that the pair could spend time with one another. That would never happen now, never again would he see her mischievous smile or her eyes shining with joy. He was sure a part of him had died the moment he saw the life fade from her eyes, as though she had taken his heart with him when she left this world.

"This is a pretty fancy place you have here, you like your light colours here don't you? Father's study was always so dark and lifeless." Camilla spoke up, interrupting his train of thought. She stood at the window, looking out at the courtyard. "It's a wonder you get anything done with this view."

"I'm not easily distracted Lady Camilla." Walking over to his desk, the young king sat down and picked up the first of many letters of correspondence. "Sakura loves spending time down there however, so it allows me to keep an eye on her when I am taking a break."

"She reminds me of Elise, of course she's far more timid than my Elise, but she's a delicate flower, I can see why Corrin feels the need to protect her so badly." Smiling slightly, Camilla looked to the left, quickly finding herself entranced by the beautiful garden. "I'll take it the garden was her work as well?"

"That was Mother's. Despite being a queen she still insisted upon going out there and tending to it personally. You could often see her bright red hair amongst the flowers, though since her passing Hinoka has taken it upon herself to maintain its upkeep." Quickly tearing the envelope open, Ryoma began to read the letter. "To your left there is a drawer filled with legislations that have been introduced to the kingdom. It would do you good to look over them, you may presume it to be boring or dull, however it will teach you about how this kingdom works in a sufficient manner."

"Legislation, oh how wonderful!" Rolling her eyes, Camilla walked over to the drawer, pulling out a large folder full of papers. Placing it on the windowsill, she quickly tugged a chair towards the window. "Are you always so serious, surely you let loose every now and then?"

"Being a king comes with a great deal of responsibility, it is my duty to the kingdom to ensure everything is done promptly and for the good of the kingdom." Pulling a blank piece of paper towards him, Ryoma set to work writing a reply to the first letter. "You will understand in time."

"Just because you're king doesn't mean you can't relax and enjoy yourself from time to time." Sighing, Camilla began to read through the top sheet. "Your policies on the criminal justice system are surprising, It's refreshing to see one that doesn't involve killing every guilty party, I'm sure if you showed this to Xander he would find it equally refreshing, perhaps with a gentle nudge you would be able to create a unified system that would exist throughout both kingdoms."

Pausing, Ryoma looked over at Camilla. "Corrin played a large part in the creation of the newest policy, though of course we are having some difficulties with finding suitable locations for a prison for such criminals who pose a danger to society."

With a small smile, Camilla turned to look at the young king. "I think I may know just the place that would facilitate both countries; there is a spot just along the border to the south of the Bottomless Canyon, if Hoshido and Nohr were to pool their resources a joint prison could be created; taking staff from both kingdoms it would show a unified front on the subject of crime and the punishment of such actions." Pausing, Camilla looked back to the papers. "Though of course, it is down to you how you deal with such matters."

"If you believe your brother will be willing to discuss combining our efforts to create a system that will work for both kingdoms on this matter then I shall trust your judgement, you know King Xander far more than I. I shall request Silas arranges a meeting between the two of us post-haste." Going back to his writing, Ryoma once again began to focus on his letters. "Though of course present matters require my attentions first."

"Of course, is there anything I can help you with?" Standing up, Camilla placed the paperwork on the chair before walking over to the desk. Her heels clicked on the wooden flooring as she walked behind the young king, looking at a letter over his shoulder. "It would seem that sending a unit of soldiers would be wise, they'd be able to help rebuild things after a fire of such magnitude, and it would improve morale to see their soldiers getting involved and helping out." She smiled slightly. "I could go for you if it would help darling, Marzia would be able to pick up some of the heavy beams with no trouble at all, and I am rather handy with an axe."

As Camilla's words sank in, Ryoma found himself thinking about the love of his life once more, the Nohrian princess' breath on the back of his neck. Taking a shaky breath, the brunette closed his eyes, thinking back to a similar situation.

*_*_*_*Flashback *_*_*_*

The sky was dark, the camp quiet. While many of the army were asleep, a stream of light was visible from the opening of one camp in particular. The tent was perhaps the largest in the camp, situated in the centre of the settlement of tents. Inside a young man with wild brown hair sat at a desk, a pensive look on his face as he read through a letter. Though he appeared to be the picture of seriousness, the young man was clothed simply in a pair of boxers, the rest of his clothes nowhere to be seen.

As he sat immersed in the letter, a young woman with blonde pixie length hair walked up behind him, gripping a white sheet around her body as she leant towards his ear. "Honestly Ryoma, why don't you just send me? You know I can quell that attack in no time at all, a few Nohrian dogs are a piece of cake!" I'll take on everything they throw at us and give it back tenfold!" A feminine voice remarked, her breath sending shivers down his spine as her arms slid under his, wrapping around his body in a loving embrace.

"I can't Scarlet, you know that." Without a moment's hesitation the young man turned his body towards the petite blonde, pulling her onto his lap and into his arms. "If you were to get hurt it would kill me, to not see your face every day." Bringing his hand up, he rested his palm on her cheek, looking at her lovingly. "You're the best Wyvern rider in the world my love, but I simply cannot take the risk of losing you. I will send Saizo and Kagero instead, they have my absolute trust and will look out for one another."

As the brunette leant towards her, a wide grin appeared on her face. "Closing in for a kiss, huh? Don't mind if I do." Bringing her lips towards his, she met his warm embrace as she kissed him with passion, uncaring of the face the sheet around her body had begun to slip. "I love you Ryoma."

"And I love you Scarlet, forever and always." Wrapping his arms around her, Ryoma picked his lover up bridal style, pulling the tent open a fraction so the pair could look up at the night sky. "We should go back to bed, it is late and the war will wait for none of us my love."

Giggling slightly, Scarlet gently eased his head towards hers, running her hands through his wild hair. "Well then, take me to bed my king and you can show me just how much you love me." With a smirk on her face, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he quickly strode further inside the tent, dropping her gently on the makeshift bed.

"Well..." Ryoma spoke up as he looked at the wyvern rider. "Let us be as one." With one swift motion, the last article of his clothing dropped from his body.

*_*_*_*End Flashback*_*_*_*

Ryoma shot up in a flash, his desk toppling over and crashing to the ground with an almighty thud. His whole body shook as he looked straight ahead, refusing to even look at his future wife. As ink began to spread over the floor, tinging the floor blue, the young king managed to grind out a few words. "G-Get out!" He snapped, trying his hardest to hold back the tears that threatened to flow from his brown eyes; fearing that if he began to cry he would never be able to stop.

"Excuse me?" Clearly confused, Camilla stepped backwards. "Well if my help is so horrifying a prospect then who am I to deny you what you want?" Clearly angry, Camilla looked at him for a moment before quickly turning on her heel and storming out of the study. As the door slammed shut behind her, Ryoma dropped to his knees, a shuddering sob creeping from his mouth as he broke down, no longer holding the tears back.

Walking through the castle, Camilla looked around as she tried to make sense of where she was, having only visited the castle once or twice before. Looking around, she spotted a glass door to her left, leading out onto a small seating area. Frowning slightly, she pushed the door open, revealing a simple yet elegant balcony, with not a soul in sight.

Sighing in relief, the princess sat down, looking out at the view. It was a wonderful view, but her heart ached as she thought about what had just happened. She didn't mean to snap at Ryoma, but she just couldn't understand why he had suddenly snapped at her, she had thought that they were making progress when he agreed to discuss crime and punishment with Xander, but obviously she had been mistaken.

Camilla knew it was hard for the new king, not only did he have to deal with all the pressures of ruling a kingdom, but she knew he was still mourning. That did not mean he had to take it out on the people around him, after all he was not the only one suffering with the decision of entering a marriage for duty. It was not like she had never been in love, she had experienced love that burned with the sheer passion; but in the end duty had won out, it was not only unseemly for her to be romantically entangled with her younger brothers retainer, but it was impractical and would do nothing to improve the view of the Nohrian royalty were she to have married a thief.

Of course she had been crushed when she had to choose between the man she had fallen for and her duty to the kingdom but she knew she had done what was right for the country; now the two kingdoms would be bonded in the more intimate way possible. Niles would find love once again, she knew that for sure, he would marry a nice girl and live his life out without having to worry about what kind of impression he gave the kingdom. But still, she could not help but wish that she could see him one last time, to run her fingers through his long white hair one last time, to kiss each and every scar over his body.

She knew it was impossible though, not only would it be unfair on her future husband, but he was in a completely different country serving her younger brother. The best Camilla could hope for was that he wouldn't choose to date her retainers, or good heavens, her sister. Sighing slightly, the voluptuous woman put her head in her hands as she watched the setting sun.

"L-Lady Camilla?" A voice called out shyly, drawing her out of her thoughts. "A-Are you okay? I thought you were helping big brother with his work?"

"Oh! Sakura darling, I didn't expect for anyone to find me out here." Forcing a smile, she patted the seat next to her. "Why don't you sit down? Your brother decided he no longer desired my help and so he insisted I leave, I'm afraid I don't quite know my way around, so it wasn't possible for me to go back to my chambers."

"He did? I'm so sorry, he's not usually like this, but ever since Scarlet died he's been beyond despair." Sitting down beside the older woman, Sakura looked notably worried. "He doesn't mean what he says, big brother's just hurting so badly and he doesn't know how to deal with it." Looking down, Sakura sniffed slightly. "I... I don't know how to help him, but I really want to."

"Sometimes it just takes time to heal. I may not have had the man I love die, but I still know what it feels like to have suffered loss. In court, I grew to love many siblings other than the ones you know, but due to cruel games they were ripped away from me too soon. At one time my mother had a young child after seducing my father into bed once more, but another of his consorts felt this would give her too strong a hold over my father and as such they had him killed, they claimed it was cot death but it clearly was not." Frowning, Camilla sighed slightly as she looked at the young woman. "Life in the Nohr courts was a far cry from the cherished life you led here, I do envy the way your brother spoke of your mother." Realising she was going off topic, she smiled, placing her hand on Sakura's arm. "I apologise, the point is, over time we learn to deal with our losses and live with them, though they will always remain with us in our hearts."

"I...I'm sorry, I didn't realise that Nohr was so...so harsh. I've heard stories from Corrin about it being difficult, but he never mentioned how bad it truly was there under King Garon's rule." The young girl looked embarrassed as she looked at the lilac haired woman. "Thank you Lady Camilla, I know it can't have been easy for you to share that with me."

"Don't worry about it dearest, you remind me of my little Elise, I just can't bear to see her sad." Looking out at the view once more, a true smile appeared on her face. "Please Sakura, you don't need to call me lady, after all we'll be sisters one day soon. I'd like it if you could feel comfortable enough to come to me if you have a problem and you cannot talk to your siblings, or about girl things, I know your sister isn't the most girly of women."

"I...I'd really like that C-Camilla!" Smiling in excitement, Sakura perked up noticeably. "I'd like it if you could talk to me about things too, I know it won't be easy, marrying my brother, but I want you to feel welcome here."

"Oh aren't you just the cutest little sweetheart I've ever seen, you rival my Elise with that adorable blush darling!" Smiling, she leant towards the younger woman. "It's settled then! Of course, when I wed your brother you'll be a bridesmaid with Elise for me won't you?"

Blushing profusely, Sakura nodded slightly. "Oh of course I will if you want me to!" Pausing, Sakura bit her lip as she looked at Camilla. "Would you like to go cake tasting with me? Brother's always busy and I know the best place for cakes, we used them for my wedding cake and everyone loved it."

"I'd love to darling, if you would be so kind as to book an appointment for the two of us then we can make a day of it." Smiling, she kissed Sakura on the cheek, a bright smile on her face. "Thank you Sakura, now... would you be able to show me around some? I'd hate to get lost in this expansive castle."