Italics = Thought

I do not own Fire Emblem.

Cross published on A03

FOUR YEARS LATER…

It was still dark out when Corrin awoke. Not that it ever got that bright in Nohr during the day, but it was dark enough that Corrin knew it was still night.

He washed himself in near silence, taking care to be careful around his empty right eye socket. He took a long look at himself in the mirror, his jet black hair hung messily down his face, and his now sole red eye glared at his reflection. He scowled, and dried his hair off. After he finished, he looked in the mirror again, and scowled.

"Fucking dastard."

He headed back into his room and put on his personal armour, a black leather chestguard with steel plating over the arms and most of the chest. He attached the cloak that Camilla had made for him to its clips, and rolled his shoulders. Lastly, he slipped on his eyepatch, made of black leather with the ornate symbol of Nohr etched in gold in its centre. He headed to his balcony, and lent against the railing.

It was time for one of the few pleasures of his day.

The sunrise.

Jakob found him in the training yard, and it was clear to him that his master had been there for some time already due in part to the amount of training dummies that now littered the ground. He shook his head with a twinge of amusement. He placed the tray he was carrying down on a table, and turned to watch.

"Master Corrin?" He called out. "I know you wish to train, but you really should eat some breakfast.."

A genuine smile crossed the Prince's face, and, after jamming his blade into the ground, strode over to where his friend stood. He took a seat, and gestured for Jakob to join him. "Good morning Jakob. Please, join me."

"Thank you for the offer, Master Corrin, but I must decline. I am, after all, your butler."

He plays his role well. Corrin thought with a wry grin, picking up the mug of tea and brought it to his lips. "As you will then, Jakob. How are you this fine day?"

"I am well, Master Corrin." Jakob replied, has hands clasped behind his back.

"And Flora and Felicia?"

"They are also well. Felicia broke another plate, I'm afraid."

Corrin sighed, and took a sip of tea. "Plates can be replaced, Jakob. Is she okay?"

"Flora is tending to her." Jakob said in quiet reply.

"Flora is a good sister."

Corrin resisted the urge to smirk as genuine admiration creeped into Jakob's voice.

"Yes…she certainly is."

It was noon when he received the word. It was Lilith that had informed him that his siblings were on the way to the North Fortress. He trusted the young stable girl implicitly, just as he did Jakob, Flora and Felicia, so much so that he had brought them into his grand plan.

Flora had protested, but Corrin had won her over.

"Thank you, Lilith. How far out are they?"

"They'll be here mid-afternoon, My Lord."

"I see…I will likely be leaving with them, you know?"

"I….guessed that much." Lilith conceded sadly.

"Lilith, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. Father likely merely wishes to parade me about again. For old times' sake." Corrin said jokingly.

"I know…but he's…"

"I know what he is, Lilith. I also know what he isn't."

Lilith choked by a snarl. "….You'd better come back, Corrin. It'd be an awfully empty castle without you."

The young prince let out a laugh, before patting the shorter girl on the shoulder. "I'll consider that an order."

Lilith nodded, and watched him walk away.

Why can't I call you brother? Why is that the price I must pay?

Nothing, not the trees, or grass, or sky, or the voice of her father offered any answer.

It ends when he returns then…I will tell him then…th-then I get a brother..

A few hours later, Corrin and all of the staff assembled in the main courtyard of the North Fortress.

All they could hear was the sound of clattering wheels and hooves growing ever closer.

"Master Corrin, I believe that is them." Jakob stated helpfully.

"I do hope so, Jakob."

To Anya then…to the Capital.

And to father.

Corrin couldn't help but smirk. Things were falling into place.

Good.