She steps out from behind the pillar, nervously wringing her hands. It's cute, endearing. Corrin finds she's not angry anymore; she just wants things to go back to normal between them.

Thankfully, Azura does too. She apologizes for what she said, and Corrin apologizes for not listening to her request.

She promises she'll speak to Xander, and Azura's face lights up with hope.

That smile is beautiful, and she realizes that she's never seen Azura this happy.

But seeing it makes something writhe in the depths of her heart. It's like there's a small dragon perched there, angry and anxious at something Corrin can't quite pin down. She's never felt like this before, and it unnerves her.

As they make their way into the castle and Azura chatters away about Kaze and her time in Hoshido, it dawns on her that she feels left out. This is a past that should belong to her, but Corrin doesn't know it. She can only listen to Azura describe how wonderful Corrin's mother was, how much she loved her siblings, and all the kind things Kaze did for her while in her service. Corrin feels like she's talking about another world entirely. She wants Azura to talk about something else, anything else.

The small dragon digs its claws into her heart, and Corrin realizes there's a word to describe how she's feeling.

It isn't a comforting thought.

"My sister has pleaded on your behalf," Prince Xander said, his face stern. "She's convinced me that you pose no harm to our cause, and your behavior so far has done nothing to contradict that. Corrin believes that any tensions still lingering among the troops about your presence can only be resolved by having you openly join us."

Kaze frowned.

"Prince Xander, I've only been imprisoned for about two weeks. It's hardly long enough to say that I'm trustworthy-"

The prince's face softened, and his eyes glinted with something that Kaze suspected was amusement.

"That's true, but we've accepted countless strangers into this army without bothering to test their loyalty. Besides, my sister... no, my sisters believe that you deserve the chance to prove yourself. They may be soft-hearted," he said sharply, cutting off Kaze's objections before he could even voice them. "But Corrin has never been wrong in trusting someone yet, and Azura isn't the type of girl to blindly trust in others unless she has a reason. I suppose you served her in Hoshido?"

"Yes, milord. I served the royal family; I was originally intended to be Lady Corrin's retainer, but after her loss I mostly served the Crown Prince and the Princess Azura."

Xanded nodded. "I see. In that case, would you like to be restored to my sister's service?" Kaze's heart leapt up into his throat. Serve Princess Azura again? Nothing would make me happier.

"If it please you, milord, and if you truly trust me to protect her."

"I can't say I fully do, but all of my sisters are capable of taking care of themselves and I certainly trust them. If you are up to the task, she has already agreed to the arrangement."

She has?

"I-I am honored, Lord Xander. I swear I will not betray your expectations."

"Oh, and one last thing," the prince said as he held the cell door open for Kaze. "Watch her temper; she's as kind and forgiving as they come, but so is the sea until it is struck by a storm."

"Her... temper?"

"Indeed. May the gods have mercy on your soul if you antagonize her when she's in a bad mood."

L-lady Azura?!

"I wasn't aware she was so... volatile," Kaze said, confused.

"Of course. After all, the blood of a dragon courses through her veins. For your own sake, I hope you never give her a reason to regret her trust in you."

Oh... Of course. No one in their right mind would assign me to a princess who grew up in Hoshido. I've been given to Lady Corrin.

He tried not to let the disappointment show on his face.

"Sis, you sure are happy lately," Elise mentioned one afternoon, about a month later. The younger girl had come to play in Azura's room, and she was stretched out on the bed with a book. She kicked her feet in the air to the rhythm of Azura's humming as she sharpened her spear on the floor.

"You think so?" Azura asked, not taking her eyes from her whetstone.

"Yep, even your songs aren't as gloomy as usual." Azura looked up.

"Gl-gloomy?"

"Uh huh," Elise replied, her chin resting on her crossed arms. "Your songs are always pretty, but they kind of make you feel sad inside. Lately they've been more... upbeat."

"Is that... so? I hadn't realized." She frowned at herself. I didn't know Elise thought me gloomy...

"Oh, but don't feel bad! I like all your songs."

"Uhm, thank you, I suppose..." Azura halfheartedly struck the spear blade.

"My, good afternoon, darlings. I hope I'm not interrupting your party." A soft knock came against the open door and Azura and Elise looked up to find Princess Camilla standing in the doorway.

"Camilla!" Elise cried, immediately jumping up from the bed and throwing herself at her eldest sister.

"Good afternoon, Camilla," Azura said pleasantly.

"Darling, you're suffocating me," she said as Elise hung from her neck. "Ah, there. Much better. Mind if I join you, Azura?"

"No, not at all, please do."

The curvaceous woman smiled and sat down at the edge of the bed, her lovely curls framing her face endearingly. Even when she's just moving from one spot to another, she's incredibly sensual, Azura noted. It was no wonder that half the men (and women) in the army were head over heels for the First Princess of Nohr.

"I was wondering if my cute little sisters wouldn't mind coming along on a little hunting party we're having this evening."

"A hunting party?" Azura frowned, but Elise immediately began to bounce on the balls of her feet.

"Ohhh! It's been ages since we've had one of those! What are we hunting?! Who's coming?!"

"Patience, dear Elise," Camilla chuckled. "You look like you have something to say, Azura, love."

"Oh... I was just wondering if it's such a good idea to do something so... frivolous..."

"My, why shouldn't we? There's no impending battle for the moment, and we're not setting out again for a few days. We can't be serious all the time," Camilla said, turning a strand of hair round her finger. "Come, don't be so depressing, dear. Have a little fun; we're all going, even Xander."

"Brother is coming too?!" Elise cried, clapping her hands. "Wow, he almost never joins us on stuff like this!"

"Indeed, he says he's looking forward to letting out a bit of stress. It will be great fun, and we'll be taking the retainers, just in case."

Azura started at that piece of information. "A-all the retainers?" She tried to seem less interested than she really was, but Camilla gave her a knowing look and a sly smile.

"Why, of course. Even that dashing young man currently trailing round after dear Corrin," she said suggestively. "He has been looking rather tired, I'm sure my sweet little sister has been keeping him very busy in the name of the army; a good, relaxing day of sport and riveting... conversation would do him good, don't you think, love?"

Azura was aware that a red blush was creeping up her neck. Is-is it that obvious?!

Elise looked from one sister to the other, pouting. "What are you talking about?! What does Jakob have to do with it?"

Camilla burst out laughing. "J-Jakob?! Dear, you really should take a closer look at those around you." She winked. "But if my sweet Azura isn't interested in sharing, I won't be the one to spill her adorable secret." She stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "Well then, will you be coming along, love?"

"Well... I suppose so," Azura muttered. Camilla smiled triumphantly.

"Wonderful. We'll be meeting at the castle gates after dinner. Come, Elise, I had some lovely new ribbons I wanted to share with you..."

She closed the door behind them, leaving Azura sitting on the floor alone, clutching her spear and whetstone a bit too tightly.

"Milady, this is foolish-"

"Kaze, please. Milady is always working herself to the bone. She deserves a little time for leisure," Jakob said haughtily, holding up a curtain to Corrin's window.

"Hmm, I like the red ones better, I think..." a young maid stood tapping her cheek thoughtfully in the middle of the room. "What do you think, milady?"

"Oh, well, whichever you like, Felicia. I don't have any preferences," Corrin said, sorting through some of her clothes.

"Try the blue ones again, Jakob," Felicia said, chewing her lip.

"Again? Gods be damned, Felicia, make up your mind already!" he said, annoyed. Still, he did as she asked and held up a swath of blue fabric.

"I understand that milady could use some rest, but having the entire royal family gallivanting outside the astral plane? That's lunacy!" Kaze argued, crossing his arms. "Also, the white ones were better than those," he added.

"That's why I'm bringing you three along," Corrin said cheerfully as she held up a blouse. "When did I ever wear this?"

"Oh, Lady Camilla has been supplementing your wardrobe from time to time," Jakob explained. "And I apologize, milady, but at least one of us should stay behind to hold down the fort. Without the royal family here, things could get out of hand quickly."

"Don't exaggerate," she sighed. "This is an army, we're a disciplined, well-trained force. Besides, no one can reach us here in the astral plane-"

"I agree with Jakob, milady," Kaze cut in. "It's bad policy to leave no one in charge, just in case."

"Definitely the red ones," Felicia said, shaking her head. "They compliment the room better. I can stay behind, Lady Corrin," she volunteered. Corrin and Jakob exchanged alarmed glances.

"Uhm, no no, it's fine, Felicia," he hurriedly said. "I'll do it, you go on ahead and keep Lady Corrin company." Kaze privately thought that they were right to stop her; in just the last week, Felicia had managed to set the kitchen on fire, accidentally stab another servant with a bread knife, and spilled hot tea on Lord Leo. Leaving her without supervision was essentially like leaving the fort to be destroyed in their absence.

Felicia frowned. "If this is because of that incident..." Corrin stiffened for a second, and Kaze knew she was trying to figure out which incident Felicia was referring to.

"No no, I just don't have much of a taste for hunting," Jakob sniffed. "Nasty, bloody business." It was almost convincing.

"Jakob... I've seen you take down a bear with your bare hands," Felicia said, her face falling.

"You misunderstand, that was for Lady Corrin's protection!" Jakob said hastily. Corrin had forbidden him from openly taunting Felicia's clumsiness; it only made her more prone to accidents when she was distraught. "Come, Felicia, such a feat would be easy for you as well, should milady fall into trouble."

"Yes, I'd really feel safe having you with me out there," Corrin said. "And it'd be lots of fun! Jakob wouldn't be suited to it; he's such a stick in the mud, after all." Jakob shot her a glare but merely huffed. He pulled down the curtain rod and fitted the white material on to them.

"Hey, I said the red ones!" Felicia cried, distracted.

"I know. But Kaze clearly has a better eye than you," he said moodily. "White is simple and clean, it suits milady."

"Oh... thank you," Kaze said, a bit embarrassed. "But I still must protest about this whole arrangement-"

"Oh put a sock in it, will you, Kaze?" Corrin sighed, folding a skirt. "We're going, and you and Felicia will be coming with me. Leave the nagging to Jakob, he does it enough for all of us."

Kaze thought that Jakob looked rather proud of himself as he folded away the other curtains.

"Hey, Laslow, are you ready to go kill some stuff?!"

Laslow looked up from his meal to see Peri grinning down at him. He winced slightly.

"Peri, must you always phrase things so... dementedly?"

She cocked her head, confused. "What are you talking about? This is how I always am."

"Exactly," he muttered under his breath. He spooned up his soup.

"Whatever, just hurry up, Lord Xander is leaving soon!"

"Lord Xander is also having his meal, you know."

"Yeah but we should be ready first! I can't wait to get blood all over my clothes," she said dreamily. Laslow tried not to picture it.

"Please, not while I'm eating."

"Why not?"

"Because, it's disgusting."

"Hmph, you're a jerk," she said, and stalked away. Why did I have to get paired with a psychopath? Selena and Odin got lucky compared to me. Beruka and Niles are strange, but not insane.

"Good evening, dearest comrade of darkness! Pray, may we join you in your quest for sustenance?"

Speak of the devil, Laslow thought, sighing.

"Do as you please," he motioned, and Odin took a seat across from him, Selena just behind.

"Hey," she said mildly. Childhood friends they might be, but Selena wasn't exactly the friendliest person Laslow had ever known.

"Hey yourself, you're looking quite lovely as usual," he said.

"Spare me the empty flirting," she said, rolling her eyes. She tucked a strand of loose red hair behind her ear and picked up a knife. "I suppose you're coming on the hunt tonight."

"Of course. And you?"

"Duh. I can't leave Lady Camilla unprotected," she frowned, pointing her fork at him accusingly.

Odin grinned from ear to ear.

"Ha ha! It seems we'll all be going together on this hunt, friends! Just like old times," he said cheerily. Growing older hadn't done much for Odin's personality; if anything, he'd only gotten more eccentric and delusional, but it was far from Laslow's intention to tease him... most of the time. "If only the others and Luci-"

"Shut up," Selena hissed under her breath. "Do you want everyone in the mess hall to hear us?!"

All three of them unconsciously turned to check their surroundings for eavesdroppers.

"Sorry," Odin said, his tone far less pompous. "I forgot."

"Hmph, I'm surprised you haven't given us away already," she scolded furiously, still muttering. "Gods, am I the only one around here with any sense?!" Odin shifted guiltily in his seat.

"By the way," Laslow said, eager to change the subject. "Where exactly are we heading?"

"I think Beruka said there's a wood near our entry point this time. She went to scout it earlier, along with Lady Corrin's new retainer."

"Oh, right, about that guy..." Odin said, looking rather discomfited. "What are we gonna do about him?"

"What do you mean, what are we gonna do?" Selena asked.

"I mean... you know..." he lowered his voice again, "What with the mission and all. What if that guy is someone we should be, you know, looking out for?"

Selena and Laslow shared an uneasy glance.

"Well, there's really nothing much we can do about it," Laslow said. "It's been a month, and Lord Xander and Lady Corrin have already decided that he's trustworthy-"

"Yeah but how do we know he's not eventually gonna stab her in the back? He's a Hoshidan, and a ninja to boot-"

"That's exactly why we shouldn't worry," Selena said, though her expression projected less confidence than her tone. "Lady Corrin was originally Hoshidan-"

"Okay but, listen, she's officially a traitor in Hoshido. They're out for her blood. How do we know this isn't what we're supposed to be protecting her from?"

A heavy silence fell among them.

"Look," Laslow said, pressing his mouth into a grim line. "I get your concerns, but Princess Corrin trusts him. Perhaps we should give him the benefit of a doubt."

"Ideally, sure, but..." Selena said quietly. "What if he's just biding his time? It's not like any of us haven't considered it before..."

"I know where you're coming from, but..." Laslow said, looking from one of his companions to the other. Suddenly, he had an idea. "There are other ways to go about this. We don't have to antagonize him or make him think we suspect him. You know what they say about keeping your friends close..."

Corrin felt all of fourteen years old. It had been ages since she'd done something purely for fun, and walking alongside Elise's horse on a nice clear evening with her toes sinking into the grass made her feel giddy with excitement.

"What are we after today?" she asked Xander, who was riding just ahead.

"We'll see if we can't catch ourselves a stag or two. We'll have a nice feast of it, I think," he said, smiling at his sister's eager tone.

"Personally, I feel more like boar meat," Leo said, reining in his horse. "Been a while since we had any of that."

"Oh, that does sound good, milady," Felicia clapped. "Shall I catch one for you?"

"Hey, back off you walking disaster, Lord Leo said he wanted boar first," called Niles, holding his strung bow over his shoulder casually. The second of Leo's retainers, he was a course and rather unsavory man. Still, his dedication to Leo made him a worthy retainer, whatever else his behavior implied.

"That doesn't mean Lady Corrin can't have any!" she cried defensively, obviously hurt by his remark.

"Niles, watch your tongue," Leo barked. "No one said we'd catch boar anyway."

"Forgive me, O Divine Prince," Niles said, sweeping into a ridiculous low bow. "I merely wished to slake your mighty hunger-"

Corrin and Elise burst into giggles at Leo's expression.

"All right, all right, that's enough, darlings," Camilla scolded as she rode abreast. "We're here to hunt, not scare away all our prey with silly bickering. Come, Selena, Beruka, let's see if we can't find something before these children stop squabbling."

"Oh oh!" Elise shouted, raising her arm high into the air. "I know, I know! Let's have a contest!"

"A contest?" Azura said, startling Corrin. She'd been so quiet since they left that Corrin hadn't realized she was right behind her.

"Yeah! Let's see which team can catch the most kills before we go home! The winner can... oh I don't know, what should the winner get, Camilla?"

"Hmm, well how about if the winning team gets to eat the best cut of the spoils?"

"Sounds good! Can we Xander?!" Elise pleaded. "Please?"

"Oh very well. Why not? A contest would be a nice distraction," he said, clearly indulging her. "How will we pair up then?"

"I think it would be best for each of us to take their retainers; we know each other and can work together well," Leo said thoughtfully. "But that does leave us with the problem of Azura," he said. Azura had no retainers yet.

"Oh, I don't mind just tagging along with anyone. I won't participate," she said.

"Nonsense," Camilla frowned. "Let's see..."

Kaze leapt down from the tree he'd been watching from.

"If it would be alright with you, milady," he bowed toward Corrin, "I don't mind accompanying the Princess Azura."

Corrin's heart tightened slightly.

"Y-you, Kaze?"

"Yes, milady; I knew Lady Azura in Hoshido and am confident we will work well together."

Corrin looked up at Xander for help, but the prince was lost in thought.

"Well..." he looked rather uneasy but said nothing more.

"I'll be at a disadvantage with only one retainer-" Corrin began. She realized she sounded terribly petty.

"Not even close, sister," Leo said, one eyebrow raised. "Have you forgotten? You're a dragon; in fact, I think we ought to handicap you further." He exchanged a meaningful glance with his brother and Xander seemed to catch the drift.

"Ah, indeed..." He gave Corrin a pitying half-smile and Corrin suddenly understood; even after a month, he only trusted Kaze with Azura if someone else was there to ensure her safety. That meant that Corrin would have to give up Felicia too.

Laslow suddenly cut in.

"Milord, if I might put forward a suggestion; perhaps milady feels it is unfair because she is aware how much trust lies between a master and his retainers. In which case, it may ease her mind if we changed things up a little. Why don't we switch retainers around a bit? I would be glad to accompany Lady Azura in Felicia's stead, which gives both you and milady one familiar retainer and one unfamiliar one. If Lady Camilla, Lord Leo, and Lady Elise make a similar switch, then all the teams will be more balanced and Lady Corrin will be less at a disadvantage for hunting by herself."

"That's an excellent idea, Laslow," Xander said, and Corrin realized that Laslow, as Xander's retainer, would be ideally placed to directly keep an eye on Kaze. "Let's do that."

"But-!" she protested.

"Don't be so selfish, little princess," Xander scolded, but his face softened a second later. "Come, we're a family; it's only a game, and I'm certain you can show us all up with your fantastic ability, all on your own."

Corrin knew when she was beaten.

"No, please don't argue for my sake," Azura said, laying a gentle hand on Corrin's arm. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, not unpleasantly. "I really prefer not to take part," Azura said, shaking her head.

"Oh please, sister!" Elise begged, jumping down from her horse and tugging at Azura's other arm. "Corrin doesn't mind, we want you to play with us, right sis?"

Those eager brown eyes cut right through Corrin's soul.

"R-right," she said, unable to let Elise down. "I was just a little shocked; I kind of forgot that it's unfair to compete if I can turn into a dragon," she lied, forcing a smile. "So you can take Laslow and Kaze, and then everyone can switch around a bit. It'll be fun."

"A-are you sure?" Azura asked, her expression troubled. "I don't want to upset you..." Her eyes were so earnest that a shiver worked its way down Corrin's spine from where Azura was touching her skin.

"Of course I'm not upset!" she said hastily, feeling a blush creep over her cheeks. "We're sisters, it's no problem at all to lend you my retainer for a game."

"If you're certain..." Corrin saw her eyes flicker toward Kaze for a second, and the unpleasant sensation in her chest intensified.

"Come, we're wasting time, darlings," Camilla called.

"Indeed. Now that that's settled, let's begin, shall we?" Xander smiled rather mischievously. "Know that I won't take mercy on any of you, family or no. We'll meet just outside the woods in three hours. Felicia, Peri, let's be off," he commanded.

"Yes, milord," the two retainers replied.

Felicia glanced back at Corrin sadly.

"I'll find you a great big boar, milady! I promise!" She hurried after Xander.

"Hooray!" Elise said, scrambling back onto her horse. "This is going to be so much fun! Come on, Effie! Arthur, you don't mind trading places with someone for now, do you?"

"Not at all," the large man said, laughing boisterously. "Selena, will you switch with me?"

"Uh, I think I have to switch with someone from Lord Leo's team..." she said, and Leo nodded.

"If it's fine with my sisters, I'll take Selena and give Odin to Elise. Camilla, will Arthur suffice?"

"Not a problem, dear," she said, smiling her indulgent smile. "Let's go, before Xander gets a head start," she said, and she and Leo's groups dispersed in opposite directions.

"Come, milady! The darkness of the forest calls to my tainted soul!" Odin said grandly, marching forward. Effie and Elise followed, the princess yelling something equally silly in response.

Only Azura, Laslow, Kaze, and Corrin were now left standing in the clearing.

"I suppose we should go, then," Azura said, her voice a bit nervous.

"Indeed, permit me to lead the way, milady," Laslow bowed.

He strode forward, followed by Azura and Kaze. Not once had the latter taken his eyes off Azura, and Corrin noticed that her sister seemed somehow... relaxed, at his side. Like she belonged there.

No... I'm imagining things. He's just familiar to her, that's all.

But she wasn't sure she was imagining the rosy color on Azura's cheeks or the shy, furtive way she caught Kaze's eye and looked away a moment later.

Corrin watched as the group disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone with nothing but a pain in her heart and a bad taste in her mouth.

She isn't sure when it began, but since that night, she's been sure of it.

At some point, her need to be friends with Kaze turned into something else entirely, though Azura isn't sure that she hasn't always felt this way. From the moment he was released, she's been looking forward to meeting him with increasing impatience. Even just chance, polite encounters in the castle have left her feeling breathless and rather bewildered. It wasn't supposed to be like this, but Azura finds that she's not entirely sure what she wanted in from him in the first place. Not anymore.

It isn't until that night that she's finally able to put a name to the feeling. During the walk home through the forest, a couple of deer slung over Laslow's horse, she comments on how surprised she is that they managed to catch anything at all, considering that she accidentally fell down a slope while trying to creep up on their quarry. She pulls at her torn, stained dress slightly and grins.

Kaze smiles at her. There's nothing particularly special about it; not really. She feels that now familiar sense of breathlessness, but something else as well. Everything just seems to fall into place. Her heart seems to swell in her breast and in one fell swoop she realizes there's a word to describe what's happening to her.

It's far from a comforting thought.