A/N: This week it's Leo's time for the polls! Don't worry, the Nohr royals will be coming in soon enough, of course they won't be in to the degree of Hoshido royals, but they'll be back soon! topic/192867/153537187/1/Leo-ships
Thank you everyone for being so understanding about the delay in uploading, sorry its a tad late! My granddads out of hospital now and is doing well, so thank you to anyone who asked. However, I can't guarantee weekly uploading anymore because of my new job, but I'll do the best I can.
"That would be me Lady Camilla." A familiar voice called out as a young man with caramel skin called out, his white hair as wild as ever as he looked at the princess with his lone eye.
As she slowly turned to face him, a familiar flutter returned to Camilla's chest, one she had tried so hard to forget about. "Niles..."
In that very moment Camilla froze, her eyes widening as she looked at her former lover. He looked as handsome as ever, his caramel skin glistened in the setting sunlight as he looked at her intently. His blue eye looked straight at her, as though staring into her very soul. She had to resist closing her eyes as she thought back to warmer times, their bodies entwined as they reached sweet bliss together, she could almost feel it coursing through her as they stood mere metres apart.
"You're looking well Cam... the countryside suits you better than expected it would seem." Looking at her, Niles smirked slightly. "Don't worry, Marzia's just fine, she behaved a treat."
"Y-You rode Marzia?! Don't be so preposterous, Marzia wouldn't let a man ride her!" Her mouth agape, Camilla looked between Beruka and Niles as she tried to process what had happened. "Beruka, is this true darling?"
Nodding slightly, the blue haired assassin looked between the two, clearly having no comprehension of what was going on in front of her. After a moment or two she stepped backwards, a slight frown on her face. "I need to go feed them now." She muttered, and without further ado she briskly walked off into the makeshift stables.
"That doesn't explain anything, even if you could ride her, why did you? There are plenty of people who would have been suitable to send, I know Brother would never have chosen you, so why did you offer Niles?" Growing more irritated by the second, Camilla's body shook slightly as she tried to keep her emotions from exploding.
"It's nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about Cam." A smirk firmly planted on his lips, Niles brushed his hair away from his lone eye. "Aren't you happy to see me?"
"I...I...I have better things to do than stand here talking to such a buffoon as you!" Turning on her heel, Camilla quickly raced from the scene, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried her best not to think of Niles, an endeavour which was far more difficult than she initially thought. The corridors were a blur as she all but raced back to her room, not even stopping for a second until her bedroom door was closed firmly behind her, locking herself away from the world.
She could still feel his hands over her body, running teasingly slow as she looked into his bright blue eye. She knew many people seemed intimidated by his lack of an eye, but it did not bother Camilla in the least, never had she flinched when he took his eyepatch off, instead treating him just the same as always.
It never could have lasted, she knew that well, but Niles turning up so suddenly had thrown everything out of place; she saw first-hand how painful it was not to marry the person you loved, yet here she was doing the exact same thing. As much as she tried to deny it, she loved the thief; he was not perfect, but Camilla had seen his flaws and loved him for it even more. It was striking, the differences between Ryoma and Niles, to go from a man who was rough around the edges but let her see his flaws, his insecurities and his issues, to a man who closed everything he could off from the world was jarring to say the least.
Slowly, Camilla sat down on the side of the bed, her head quickly dropping to her hands as she wondered desperately what to do; as much as she could deny it she still loved Niles, even his name sent shivers through her. He just had to come and complicate matters, it was always Niles' way to throw a spanner into the works, just when things began to settle. A frown quickly appeared across her features as she realised the implications of his arrival; Leo would be one retainer down. It made no sense really, though the war was over rebels still thrived within the kingdoms, and distrust was rife, her younger brother could easily get hurt without both retainers to protect him.
A determined look in her eye, she knew she must force him to return to Leo at once. Deep down, Camilla knew that she was just looking for an excuse to get him away, the pain of seeing his face was too much to bear. Sniffing, tears began to well up in her eyes as she looked at the floor, it was unfair to be too harsh on Niles, whatever his reasons for coming were shouldn't matter, her focus should be on Selena. Closing her eyes, Camilla hoped that she was okay wherever she was, that she had found people who would truly appreciate her. Underneath her facade of disinterest she knew that Selena was a fragile soul, and though Camilla could not even begin to comprehend why her beloved retainer had to leave, she desperately hoped that she would return one day.
As she sat with tears flowing down her cheeks, Camilla jumped slightly as a sharp knocking sound filled the air. Hastily wiping her tears away, the Nohrian princess made her way over to her bedroom door, wondering who on earth it could be.
Opening the door, Camilla stepped backwards as a familiar face slipped past her without so much as a word, his blue eye staring intently at her. "Niles what do you think you're doing? You can't just barge in on a lady."
"I'll bear that in mind for when I find one." Smirking slightly, Niles looked around. "Well isn't this place posh, at least you get to live in the lap of luxury while you live a lie huh?"
"Niles if this is about the wedding, I won't change my mind, a Nohrian, Hoshidan wedding needs to occur to bind our two kingdoms, so if you're here to win me ov-"
"Don't flatter yourself Cam, what we had was great but it's over. That's why I'm here, we didn't exactly leave things in a good way, we both deserve some closure don't you think?" Sitting himself down without being asked, Niles began to play with a trinket box from the table nearest him. "See, I've fallen for someone, but I figured we should get this all out the way once and for all, get your approval and stuff before I make a move. The last thing I want to do is upset you because you're not over me."
"Who said I'm not over you? Get over yourself Niles!" Snapping, Camilla looked infuriated as she glared at the young man, trying to work out what angle he was spinning. "Who is it then? Do I know them?"
"It doesn't really matter who does it, all that matters is that I've moved on and I'm asking for you to give your blessing." Putting the trinket box down, he looked at the lilac haired young woman. "Surely that's not hard to do is it?"
"Surely it's not hard to tell me who it is then is it?" Glaring, Camilla looked intently at Niles, trying to work out who it was he had fallen for. "You're meant to be with my brother anyway, now he's only being watched over by one retainer, how is that acceptable Niles?"
At that Niles looked away, a guilty look on his face as he avoided contact with Camilla's angry glare, lowering his voice. "He's not got any retainer with him actually..."
"What?! What do you mean no-one's with him? Where the hell is Odin, and how could you have left him without a retainer?" Quickly stepping towards him, Camilla looked furious as she glared down at the outlaw, her body shaking with rage.
"Odin left when Selena did, Laslow too... we think they must have gone together, but no-one has a clue why, they never really talked to each other." Sighing, he shook his head slightly. "Lord Leo insisted I came when he realised I desired to go."
"It could have waited Niles, your duty should be to Leo over whatever romance you've got going in your head! Are they worth so much as to be more important than the man you swore to protect?"
"I'm going, there's no sense in speaking with you when you're like this." Shaking his head, Niles quickly walked towards the door. "I'll come back later and we can finish this discussion alright?" Not giving her a chance to respond, Niles quickly made his way to the door, slipping out of it without a word.
Groaning, Camilla flung her arm out, knocking over a vase filled with flowers. As the glass shattered, the Nohrian princess looked down, watching as the water spilled out over the floor. Leaning down, she began to carefully pick up the pieces, tears slowly fell down her cheeks as she tried to keep herself together. Things were just falling apart more and more with every passing second, and she was not sure how much longer she could hold herself together. Something just had to start going right; the most pressing issue in her future her impending marriage to Ryoma. She knew she could never replace Scarlet in his heart, but she could not bear the thought of never experiencing love ever again.
Cursing, she quickly pulled her hand away, watching as blood begun to drip down her finger. Tears fell quickly as she stood up, holding her finger close to her as she looked around for something to sweep the glass up with. Wrapping a piece of cloth around her finger, she realised there was nothing suitable, instead throwing a cloth over the top of the shards.
Quickly removing her clothing, the young woman strode over to the closet, flicking through the dresses as she thought about what she needed. It had to be a dress to impress; one that showed off her curves, but at the same time respected her future husband's heritage. Looking through, she flicked past several dresses that weren't quite right, until she came across a beautiful material, a slippery silken fabric in the palest silver. Pulling it out, she could not help but notice it was far different to the other dresses; instead a mixture of both cultures she would become entwined between. Fingering the sheer, floaty sleeves, she wondered if Ryoma would like it, but at the back of her mind it was another face she thought of.
Slipping the number on, Camilla looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, wondering whether it would be good enough. Before she could decide however, she was interrupted by a sharp rapping on the door.
As she walked towards the door she quickly adjusted her dress, pulling it down hesitantly as she took a deep breath. Pulling the door open quickly, Camilla's face returned once more to its usual state, any signs of her being upset had vanished with the opening of the door.
On the other side stood two individuals; the ever serious Ryoma, and a young woman clad in a maids outfit, her sky blue hair tied up neatly out of her way who held a tray laden with food. Quickly making her way into the room, Flora carefully placed the tray on the table, before turning to look at the cloth strewn on the floor. With a frown on her face, she reached down, lifting the cloth and revealing the broken glass. As she leant down, Camilla could not help but notice a glimmer of blue as a necklace slipped between the buttons of her dress; far more intricate than any that a servant could afford. As she looked at the necklace, she couldn't help but feel that she had seen it somewhere before, but could not quite put her finger on where. "Sorry about that Flora, it slipped off the table earlier and I couldn't find anything to clean it up with."
"I will clean it now and then leave you to your food Lady Camilla, King Ryoma." Bowing her head once more, she quickly leant down, freezing the glass into a block of ice before picking it up and quickly making her way out of the room, her head ducked downwards slightly. With her free hand, the maid closed the door behind her, leaving the two alone.
"You...ah...you look well." Ryoma muttered, a light blush spreading across his cheeks as he looked at Camilla. "Takumi informed me of what happened, I apologise on behalf of my subjects, times are tense right now, they will warm in time."
Walking over to him, Camilla rested her hand on his left arm, a smile on her face. If she was to marry him, she would certainly make sure her needs were met. "Thanks darling, you look delectable yourself, don't worry about earlier, I'm a big girl, I can handle myself."
"W-Well...I mean... We should eat before it goes cold." Quickly moving away from the princess, Ryoma pulled out a seat, gesturing for her to sit down. His face appeared flushed, a frown on his face as he looked away from the buxom princess.
"Thanks, you're a real gentleman." Sitting down with a wink, Camilla watched as the young king took a seat opposite her, his face still flushed. "Beruka won't be coming here until late by the way, so we've got plenty of time to talk."
"I see..." Removing the lids from the dishes, Ryoma carefully began to spoon food onto a plate. "Hinoka has informed me that our engagement party and the announcement will be made next week."
"Is that so?" Smiling slightly, she leant towards him. "Then I insist we start arranging this marriage; a swift one will do our kingdoms far better than a drawn out one, wouldn't you agree?"
Silent for a moment, Ryoma looked at the food for a moment before nodding slightly. "That would be the wisest decision, though I am afraid I am unfamiliar in wedding planning, what would you have us organise first?"
"Hmm..." Pouring herself a drink, Camilla thought for a moment. The location would automatically be the castle; leaving one key decision out of the equation, so she instead thought to the next. "The wedding party. I am unsure if you have groomsmen or bridesmaids within your weddings, but in Nohr we have them, and as such I want it to be incorporated within our wedding."
"I am familiar with the concept, so you are suggesting we choose them first?" Nodding slightly, Ryoma looked a little unsure as he handed her a plate. "Who would be your maid of honour?"
"Elise of course, she's my dearest sister, and though I am close to Beruka I doubt she would feel prepared to take on such a role, whereas Elise would relish in it." Pausing, she smiled warmly. "Though this would mean that she would have to stay here for a while, would that be acceptable?"
"She is your sister, she is welcome here at any time, you need only say when and a room will be arranged for her and any retainers she chooses to bring." Taking a sip of his drink, Ryoma's eyes shone as he thought hard about who he would chose. "I do not think the decision is so simple for me...Both Takumi and Corrin are my family, but Saizo has stood by my side for many years, it would feel wrong for him not to continue doing so."
"Where is Saizo anyway, I saw him the day I got here, but since then I've not seen hide nor hair of him. I know he's a ninja, but surely he's not that good at hiding away!" Camilla remarked before taking a bite of her food.
"Saizo has been on a job, he'll be back soon however so I am sure you'll see more of him. I have been managing with Kagero doing minimal retainer jobs in his absence." Looking around the room, Ryoma took a deep breath as he prepared himself. "Speaking of retainers, word has it that you have lost one of yours, a redheaded young woman by the name of Selena?"
"Your sources are correct, what of it?" With a frown on her face, Camilla dreaded what she knew would come. It was unseemly for the future Queen to only have one retainer, and the brunette had already broached the subject of her taking a Hoshidan one once before, she did not doubt he was going to do so again.
"We have a fine selection of suitable war veterans who would pledge their allegiance to you. Reina and Orochi both served Lady Mikoto before, Rinkah has more than proved herself as a powerful warrior, though Hayato is young he too has proven himself, and a kitsune such as Kaden could be a valuable asset as a retainer."
"Be that as it may, do you not think you should focus on the fact Azura has no retainers? If I am to take a second, I insist she is assigned two, and then there is the matter of Hinata, is a prince allowed to be another prince's retainer? I assume that is what he is now, I have heard no news of Sakura stepping down from her position of princess after all." Frowning, Camilla dropped her utensils as she looked Ryoma dead in the eyes, almost daring him to challenge her.
"I agree, Azura should have retainers, I will arrange for her to choose two at the earliest opportunity, it was remiss of me to let her go so long without any." Sighing, the man in red placed his hands on the table. "In regards to Hinata, it is his choice, I would assume that he is still insistent upon continuing to be my brother's retainer." Smiling slightly, he looked at the lilac haired woman. "Now, will you at least consider my proposal that you take a new retainer?"
Closing her eyes, the Nohrian princess sighed loudly. "I suppose, I will let you know as soon as I decide who, I would prefer to talk to them before I express any interest in them being my retainer, and it is far too soon since my darling Selena left me, but I will try, for you."
The dinner continued peacefully, the two royals making small talk with one another; Camilla pronouncing that she would like Beruka and both of Ryoma's sisters to be bridesmaids, and Ryoma expressed his desire for Camilla to wear something that belonged to his mother, though he did not quite know what it would be at the time.
Finally parting, Camilla stood, following the king to the door, a small smile on her face. For a moment she had almost forgotten about the events of the day, instead focused wholly on trying to feel something for the man she would soon wed. Standing on the other side of the doorframe, Camilla blinked slightly as she realised that the brunette was looking at her.
"Goodnight Lady Camilla, thank you for your company this evening." He spoke quietly, a small smile on his face. "I am glad that we can be amenable with one another."
"It was my pleasure, goodnight my king." Before she knew what she was doing, Camilla leant forward, quickly pressing her lips to his; gently though not chastely, her hands reaching forward to rest on his chest. As her lips pressed against the brunettes, Camilla could not help but catch a flash of white out of the corner of her eye as Niles stood frozen at the end of the hall.