Italics = Thought

I do not own Fire Emblem.

Cross published on A03

"That's completely insane Pretty-Boy." The hooded woman mused. "It's almost insane enough to work."

"Our other allies are confirming the last of our information." The young Knight said calmly. "Lord Corrin and Lady Azura are putting the last touches to Nohr and Hoshido. In one months' time, both them and our allies will be converging on Notre Sagesse. It's an island south of here. The Sagaseen Pikemen may offer us some challenge, but with the bandits, Ronin and Exiled Knights we have found and formed into an army, they will not defeat us."

"Hm…"

"Something wrong?"

"Do you still need forces? Mages, soldiers...that sorta lot?"

"Oh? Do you know about a potential ally?"

"Indeedie-Do!"

"Where about's are they?"

"A little place in the Outrealms called Plegia….."

"Can they be trusted?" Silas hadn't meant his tone to be so biting, but Corrin was trusting him to gather allies. If he couldn't trust them, he couldn't risk bringing them into the plan/

"The two Plegian leaders, I knew their father. I owe it to him to keep them safe. They can be trusted." Anna's tone changed completely. What was once cheery and happy, was now solemn and almost forlorn.

"Alright then. You've got permission to try. Good or bad, it's on you. Same as always."

"Alright. Thank you."

The Royal Palace of Nohr was packed. As was the tradition, the Monarchs funeral was held on the same day as their successor's coronation. It had its roots in the rebellion that earned them their freedom, when, after the death of a commander, their successor was promoted immediately so they could keep fighting without the ridiculous politicking.

The funeral had been a less sombre affair than usual.

Selena in particular was having difficulty staying awake. Last night's session with Camilla and Beruka had been particularly….long.

You can say that again.

And now she was suffering through Not-Her-Father's commentary.

Oh come on. You knew I was going to comment on it. What would your mother say, if she knew you were taking part in regular threesomes?

Selena couldn't react. The Head Priest of the Dusk Dragon was speaking as Garon's pyre was lit.

"…may the Dusk Dragon guide you onto the next world, your majesty! May your heir prove worthy of your legacy!" The Head Priest declared, as he removed the steaming crown from the pyre. He forced it into the bowl of holy water held by a younger priest.

And then, still dripping water, he strode up to Xander.

"Kneel, My Prince." And Xander did.

"Prince Xander is no more. When you stand, you stand as our King. You will be our strength, our shield, and our ruler."

The Head Priest lowered the crown onto Xander's head. "Rise now."

Xander stood up, and gathered himself. "Long live Nohr!"

The Head Priest nodded and turned to the crowds. "Long live the King!"

"Long live the King!" The crowd roared in response.

Long live the King. Long may he reign. Not-Her-Father murmured in Selena's head. She tried to shake her head to shut him up. It seemed to work.

Takumi had been the one who had the unenviable job of waking Corrin up the following morning. Corrin had been placed in the guest room tailored to Nohrian visitors.

Takumi hammered on the door. "It is time to wake up brother."

There was no response.

He knocked again.

Still there was nothing.

Takumi scowled, and unlocked the door himself. He pushed it open. Corrin was sat up in bed, awake.

"Brother. You are nee—WHAT THE HELL?!"

Corrin was in bed. As he expected to see.

What he didn't expect to see…was Azura, curled up next to him. Both of them lacked clothing, and an obvious smell hung in the air.

"Morning." Corrin offered a sly wave.

"I-I'll come back later.." Takumi stammered, and back out of the room, slamming the door shut.

Azura woke up at the sound. "Hrmm? Wha'…."

"Just our wake up call, Love." Corrin explained. "The cat is, sadly, out of the bag. Takumi saw you here."

"Damn…"

"Eh, it doesn't matter all that much. Mikoto may bitch and moan, but if this is not the worst thing she'll go through today."

"You did make sure that Jakob knew the right dose, right?" Azura asked, genuine concern in her voice.

"Of course. You know what I'm going to go through later too, right?"

"I know. I hate it, but I know….if Jakob gets it wrong…I'll flay him."

"He'll get it right, don't worry."

Later that day, Mikoto called him over, and lead him into the main plaza of the capital.

"Conduct yourself accordingly, Corrin." Mikoto pleaded. "I will explain everything to them. Just…don't antagonise them….for me?"

Corrin sighed. "I get it, mother. Don't worry."

They reached the plaza, a crowd was already there.

"Citizens of Hoshido! I bring good and honest news! Suzukaze of Saizo and Rinkah of the Flame Tribe have returned to us, safe and unharmed!"

This earned her some applause from the crowd, and someone yelled "Looks like they brought back a trophy!"

People laughed, only to stop abruptly as Mikoto glared.

"That trophy is our lost Prince, Kamui. He may call himself Corrin now, but he still upholds our ideals. He brought back Suzukaze and Rinkah, he survived in Nohr after we failed to rescue him…and he has forgiven us."

"He shouldn't need to forgive us." The smug voice of Lord Koboyashi filled the plaza. "If he is, as you imply, still Hoshidian, he should know that we do not risk soldiers for bastard princes."

Shocked whispering rippled through the crowd.

"Furthermore, why is he here? We treated him poorly, whilst Nohr taught him well. It is clear, he is a sp-"

"FOR THE GLORY OF NOHR!"

A voice boomed across the main plaza.

From a roof, dressed in what was blatantly a Nohrian robe, a tall, hooded figure aimed a bow at Mikoto. He pulled the bowstring back, a wicked looking arrow already notched into place. Without another word, the figure fled the arrow fly.

The arrow sailed through the air. Corrin reacted swiftly, and pushed Mikoto aside…

Only for the arrow to embed itself into his chest.

His one red eye widened...as he felt burning pain speed through him.

When he hit the ground, he was already unmoving, the screams and gasps of the crowd silent in his ears.

"N-No….CORRRIIIIIN!"