A/N: I know it's been a long time, and to be quite honest I've been in two minds about continuing this. When I started, I had a clear view about where I wanted to take this, and while I still know my original intentions for this story, I found myself stopping playing fates. This was a mixture of ridiculously long shifts, progress in personal writing and falling out of passion for the game. While I only got into Fire Emblem with Awakening, I soon felt disappointed with the way that many of the characters were used within Fates (a feeling I have with a lot of media recently). So I really haven't felt much inspiration for writing this.
After my partner revisited his SakuraxCorrin fic however, the sheer volume of remarks he received about continuing it surprised me, and one particular pm he got had me thinking about this fic for days. My shifts are still hectic as I work in the care sector, but if you're all willing to be patient with me in regards to uploads, then I'll try my best to see this through to the end. If anyone has any none royal ships for me to consider incorporating then please just say, and i'll consider if I can fit them in.
Her breath caught in her throat as Ryoma quickly pulled away, she could see his mouth moving but the sound did not reach her ears, her eyes widening as she realised what she had done. Camilla froze, she could not work out what in gods name had possessed her to do such a thing; he was still mourning the death of his lover, and she was hardly in the right place to make such a bold move. Her face bright red, she watched as Ryoma hastily made his way down the hallway, his head ducked down as he could not seem to get away quick enough.
She was a fool, not only did she kiss a man who was clearly not ready to interact with her in a sexual way, but she had done so in front of her ex; who simply stood looking at her silently, a reproachful look in his eye. She knew she had done herself no favours; in fact she had most likely pushed both men away from her irrevocably.
Without a word, Niles turned on his heel, quickly striding back the way he had came. A sob catching in her throat, Camilla quickly raced back inside her room, slamming the door and bolting it shut. Her whole body shuddering, her back collided with the door as she slid to the floor, sobs coming out loud and clear. No matter what she did things seemed to keep going from bad to worse; at first all she had to worry about was getting to know with Ryoma, but now she had angry Hoshidans, unsure siblings and now a troublesome ex she could not get off her mind. It was not as though she had Selena to talk about these matters, Beruka would be useless at it, and the only person who knew she and Niles were an item was the tsundere redhead.
She could not do that again, there was no way she and Ryoma could get along if she kept making passes at him every time she was upset; while many men might jump at the chance to take advantage of her weak emotional state, she knew the Hoshidan king was a better man than that, without meaning to he would instead take pity on her.
Closing her eyes, Camilla began to wonder when things would look up for her once more.
The sun shone in, lighting Camilla's porcelain skin up beautifully, highlighting every scar and every beauty spot. Shifting slightly, her eyes quickly opened as she felt something pressed against her naked flesh; warm and inviting to the touch. Turning over, she was instantly drawn to smooth caramel skin that seemed to go on for miles, just as naked as she was. Reaching forwards, she gently touched the young man's chest, running her fingers up and down slowly.
All of a sudden his hand wrapped around hers, pulling her body closer to his as he looked down at her with a smirk firmly planted on his lips. "That tickles, cut it out Cam." Kissing her passionately, his hands began to roam all over her body as she moaned lightly.
" N-Niles!" She cried out as his hands dropped to below her waist; teasing as they slowly ran along her thighs. "I- I love you Niles, don't tease me darling."
"Tease? If you think this is teasing then you clearly don't know what the word means." Moving to kiss her neck, the one eyed man's hands continued to roam, caressing every inch of flesh. Groaning, Camilla's back arched, allowing his hands to reach new places as the pair lay entwined on the bed, their bodies writhing almost in sync.
As their bodies gave one final shudder, the pay lay in silence for a moment, each panting as they tried to regain their breath. After a few minutes, Niles sat up, turning to his side to look at the lilac beauty. "Listen Cam, this isn't personal but this, me and you... it just aint working."
"What?" A frown on her face, she quickly grasped for the cover, wrapping it around herself as she looked at him in horror. "Wh-What are you on about Niles, how can you say this isn't working, after what we just did!"
Standing up, the tanned man shrugged, quickly pulling his undergarments on as he set to covering his naked body. "It just doesn't feel right, and I mean, there's this other girl, absolute stunner and wild as all hell under the sheets..."
"Another woman?" Scrambling to a seated position, she struggled to get a grasp on the situation. "Who is it?" She all but yelled, pushing herself to her feet.
Almost as if by magic, in that moment the door opened, her beloved retainer Selena walking through the doors, her flaming red hair in it's usual two ponytails as she strode into the room. Her eyes widening, Camilla looked astounded as she quickly sat up, pulling the blanket over her as she tried to process what was going on. "S-Selena, what are you doing here? Beruka said-"
"That I'd left you? She got that right for sure, though let me guess, she tried to spare your feelings and fed you a load of lies." Rolling her eyes the serious young woman glared at the person she had sworn to protect. "Oh get over yourself you idiot, as if anyone could stand even ten seconds being near you, you make me sick with your constant craving for attention!" A smirk on her face, she walked towards Niles, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him passionately. "Why would anyone ever want you, you're nothing more than a cheap whore, spreading your legs for anyone who'll have you."
"Selena... Why are you doing this?" Jerking to her feet, Camilla quickly stood up, her hair spilling over her shoulders as she looked on in horror as the two people she loved dearly turned their backs on her, walking out the door in silence, their hands roaming all over one another. As the two reached the doorway a tear fell from Camilla's eye, and Selena's voice filled the air. "You're always going to be alone you selfish cow."
Tears began to fall at a rapid pace as she quickly shut her eyes tightly, trying not to fall to her knees. Almost instantly after closing her eyes however, Camilla felt her upper body being sucked in, almost as if a boa constrictor was wrapped around her.
Opening her eyes, she looked around wildly, completely stunned as she found herself surrounded by maids. Looking down, she noticed copious amounts of beautiful white silk, pooling around her waist as a glittering bodice strained against her torso. Her eyes widening, she looked around quickly, recognising Felicia only a few steps away. "Felicia what's happening?"
"We're trying to get you into your wedding dress Milady, it won't be long now!" The peach haired woman quickly spoke up, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she looks nervously. "Th-Theres just a slight problem."
"I'd hardly call it slight Felicia, this is all your fault Milady, why couldn't you have waited until after the wedding! It is not decent, Lord Corrin would never let such a thing happen to him." A stern face slid into view as Flora stepped into Camilla's line of sight, her maid outfit gone, instead a beautiful midnight blue gown hugged her curves, the familiar sapphire pendant secure around her neck. "After all, it is hardly conducive to a royal wedding for the bride to be pregnant before she even becomes their queen!"
Her eyes widening, Camilla's gaze instantly dropped, horror filling her to the very bones as she took note of how heavily pregnant she looked. Stepping backwards slightly, Camilla's mind raced as she tried to process what was going on. "Flora that is hardly approp-"
"Don't try to fool us Lady Camilla, this is just the same as what happened with your mother, she used you as a stepping stone, just like you are using King Ryoma's poor child, if it is even his." Scoffing slightly, Flora crossed her arms across her chest as her sister looked horrified.
Her voice catching in her throat, the usually strong woman turned on her heel, unable to look at the disapproving look in Flora's eyes. As she turned however, she came face to face with the last person she expected to see. She was clad in the most beautiful wedding gown Camilla had ever seen, embellished with deep red patterns that spread across her petite frame. Her brown eyes were filled with hatred as Scarlet glared at Camilla, her hands behind her back. "It should be me you know?" Laughing slightly, the blonde stepped towards Camilla, her body tense. "I'm the one he wanted, the one he was going to marry. What right do you have to marry him, to carry his child?"
"Scarlet I...But you're dead..." Camilla muttered, her body frozen as she looked at the Wyvern rider. It was definitely Scarlet, she looked just like she had the last time she had seen the woman, even down to the position of the delicate freckles that spread across the Hoshidan's cheeks. "I am not trying to replace you, it is just for-"
"For the kingdoms? Do you really think you can fool me with those lies?" Shaking her head slightly, Scarlet's arms moved quickly, holding a grand looking axe in her right hand. "Look familiar? I thought it was only fitting I cut my baby out of you with your own axe, it's kind of poetic when you think about it. The amount of blood you've spilled, it's time you learnt you are no better than the foes you fight."
As Scarlets heel connected with her stomach, Camilla went flying backwards, crashing into the wall a few feet away. Her breath catching in her throat, Scarlet moved forwards with incredible speed, and as she swung the axe downwards, a scream filled the air.
A deafening scream filled the air as Camilla shot upwards, sweat pouring down her body as she gasped desperately. Looking down wildly, she yanked the covers away, touching her toned stomach unsurely. Breathing a sigh of relief, she slowly eased herself out of bed, just as her bedroom door flew open, an axe held firmly in Beruka's hand, ready to attack at a moments notice. "Lady Camilla! Where is the attacker, I will make them regret daring to attack you."
Slowly stepping towards her retainer, Camilla simply wrapped her arms around the younger woman, deftly avoiding the blade of her axe. "Pay me no mind my dear sweet Beruka, I am afraid it was merely night tremors, I cannot apologise enough for waking you."
After a moment or two the axe fell to the floor with a loud clang as Beruka's arms wrapped around the usually together woman. "L-Camilla... these nightmares are only getting worse..." Her grey eyes sparkling with worry. "I beg of you, please see someone about them, perhaps they may have a sleeping draught here in Hoshido, or methods we do not in Nohr for ridding a person of things that plague them, I cannot... I cannot bear to see you like this night after night."
"I didn't know you cared so much my dear. Do not worry so much, I have more strength in me than you give me credit for, mere nightmares cannot beat me." Smiling warmly, Camilla gently stroked her dusky blue hair, her breathing steadying itself as she looked down at her retainer. She was so used to Beruka avoiding her emotions, ever resolute as she carried out anything Camilla asked of her. To see her so weak shocked Camilla to the core, and as she looked at the woman in her arms she knew that Beruka needed her far more than she would ever let on. "Now, let us talk of happier matters. Has anyone captured your heart since we last saw one another? You know I only wish for you and Selena to be happy."
"Lady Camilla! Now is hardly a time for such affairs, we have too much going on in your life to concentrate on, my duty is to serve you, how could I do so if I were to be afflicted by an emotion such as love." Slipping out of Camilla's arms, Beruka quickly picked up her axe, placing it on the side before turning back to the princess. "The announcement of your engagement will be done later today, we must ready ourselves for the response Hoshidan's may have to this news. King Xander has expressed concern for your wellbeing in the aftermath of this... He has offered to send Peri or Benny to assist you."
"Xander can stop being such a worrywart, I do not need his retainer, nor do I need Benny to neglect his duties just to come and guard me as though I am some weak and in distress damsel. You and I shall do just splendidly for the time being, you know better than most that I will only replace Selena if I find another who I can truly trust." Turning towards the bed, she strode over to it, pulling the covers from it quickly. "Now, be a darling and check what time it is, I cannot sleep any longer."
While Camilla deftly stripped the bed, Beruka made her way to the window, a glimmer of light filling the room as she pushed the curtains back just enough to look outside. "I believe it is almost ti-"
Before Beruka could finish her sentence however, a loud rapping began on the door, surprising the two women. In mere moments the wyvern rider had strode across the room, grasping the door handle and tugging it open. "What do you want with my Lady?" She questioned, an unimpressed look on her face. After a moment or two she moved aside, allowing the other woman inside.
Oboro appeared unusually cheerful as she walked inside, a dress of the most beautiful fabrics carefully balanced across her arms. "Good morning Lady Camilla! Lady Hinoka has asked me to bring you the dress you will be wearing this morning, it's important that it fits perfectly, afterall, you will be meeting your future subjects!"
"Lady Hinoka? I was under the impression that you were in fact Takumi's retainer. How is the young prince this morning, I trust you have suitably ensured his outfit will be up to standard?" Smirking slightly, Camilla silently gestured for Beruka to go back to her own activities. "Now darling, would you mind helping me into that, I have yet to grow used to your attire here, and I fear that should Beruka and I try to work it out we will do dreadfully."
"Of course." Striding over, she carefully placed the dress on the side. "From what I hear Lady Hinoka has pulled out all the stops for this party, we simply cannot have any wardrobe malfunctions, I do not trust I would be able to get to you quick enough to assist."
Smirking once more, Camilla began to undress. "Will all of the Hoshidan retainers be in attendance, or has dear Takumi finally plucked up the courage to make you his lover?"
Almost instantly a blush spread across the spear masters cheeks, her eyes widening as she began to fumble with the first items of clothing. "Y-Yes all retainers will be there, b-but Lord Takumi has...he has requested to escort me to the party, as he wants me to enjoy the experience rather than working."
"So he has! Oh darling I can hear the wedding bells already, you will make such beautiful children don't you think?" Smirking as Oboro's face only grew scarlet in colour, Camilla moved her body accordingly, slipping into the clothes. "I suppose that will make us sisters one day, how wonderful! I wonder, will you or Sakura be the first to produce a royal baby."
"Stop it! It's not like that at all, Takumi is just feeling a lot of pressure to find a partner, which is only going to grow when your engagement is announced, he is just looking to divert some of that attention for a while until he finds a woman he wants by his side." Quickly trying to dress the princess, Oboro avoided the woman's gaze. "It is a temporary arrangement, that's all."
"Temporary arrangement?" Laughing loudly, Camilla turned to look at the dedicated retainer. "Darling even a blind man could see that he has already chosen the woman he wants by his side for his life; the way he looks at you, the way he talks, Takumi is no fool, you just need to show him that you want the same as he does." Turning back around, Camilla took a breath in as Oboro slid the rest of her clothes on. "Grasp happiness with both hands while you can, King Ryoma has sacrificed a great deal to Takumi can marry the woman he loves, so do not let stubbornness blind you darling."
Before either woman could say anything more, a loud crashing noise filled the room as Camilla's bedroom doors flew open and a petite blonde raced into the room, throwing her arms around Camilla. "Sis! This castle is gigantic, I thought I was never going to find you, I had to ask Lady Sakura, and boy did she look bad, is she ill or something?"
Laughing slightly, she wrapped her arms around Elise, her heart filling with warmth as she looked at her younger sister. She had always been the light in her life, having her in her arms now made Camilla far more at ease than she thought possible. "Oh Elise, I have missed you so dearly! I do hope Sakura is not coming down with a fever, she has helped so much." Smiling warmly as Oboro quickly left the room, Camilla ushered her younger sister to the bed, letting go of the woman as she took a good look at her. "My my, I do believe you have grown again, soon I will have to fight the men away who seek to steal you from me."
Laughing, Elise smiled warmly at her older sister. "Well you can't do that from here, I suppose you'll just have to stop this nonsense and come back home then!" Crossing her arms, a determined look filled her eyes. "Seriously though, please don't do this Camilla...I don't want you to be unhappy just to make our countries get on, you shouldn't have to sacrifice true love!"
"You speak as though you have felt true love dearest sister." Stroking her sisters hair, Camilla smiled slightly. "What I am doing is for the good of our people, it is worth any sacrifice I can give to right the wrongs of our father. It is my duty, and unlike you, I am bound by it." Stepping away from the young woman, she carefully adjusted her hair in the mirror. "Now, we will be late if we dally any longer here, let us move."
Though Elise appeared put out, she nodded slightly, and the two women slowly made their way out of the room and down the winding corridors. To Elise's surprise Camilla had grown far more accustomed to the winding paths of Hoshido castle, and in no time at all the two were coming to a halt infront of a pair of beautifully detailed doors. "Are you sure you're ready for this sis?"