Author's note: In this chapter, we see an adjustment that needs to be made between Niles and one of Corrin's siblings. I haven't touched on this relationship yet, but only because they themselves were eager - and rather, still are eager - to avoid confronting the coming changes. I hope you enjoy this chapter which, along with chapter 24, is a side-chapter of sorts; next chapter will bring us back to the main and final plot of this story.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Fire Emblem.

Chapter twenty-five: Consequences

Niles woke with a start. He couldn't remember where he was or what was happening — had he dreamt meeting King Garon or had he actually survived the experience? Slowly, as he became more aware of himself, he felt a pressure on his chest. He looked down and found Corrin sleeping on him.

Niles smirked. I must be dreaming.

He remembered King Garon's strange behavior; he remembered being suffocated in the hall outside the audience chamber. He didn't remember much after that, but he thought he could recall teasing Xander and Leo as they carried Niles to Leo's room. Niles had stayed there for a few hours, trapped by Corrin's fear of Iago; then the message had come that Niles would meet with King Garon in the morning — this morning. And Niles had thus snuck into Corrin's room to spend what could be his last night with her.

Niles sighed as his doubts surfaced once more. If you're so afraid of dying, he thought, why are you doing this? Cowardly idiot — Corrin thinks I'm too brave, but really, I'm just too stupid in love.

Niles would never tell Corrin, but he often thought about running away. He had always considered himself a man too wise to risk his life for anyone. Lately, however, he had realized that this wasn't quite true — he would sacrifice himself for Leo's sake, and obviously for Corrin. So, although "meeting the father" wasn't quite as thrilling an end as dying on a battlefield, he would go through with the interview all the same.

Damn fool, he thought, smirking.

He stared at Corrin, noticing how peacefully she slept. She had been restless all night, tossing and turning constantly; he had pretended to sleep through it, but he had not been able to ignore her murmured cries. He had wondered whether it was fear for him or of him that had kept her awake. Now, in the morning, so close to his interview, her fears sobered him.

He turned his attention outside and grimaced at the high sun. I need to go, he thought, thinking of Leo's reaction to Niles' empty cot in the next room. Niles put his hand on Corrin's head, trying to gently push her away. She wouldn't budge.

"Corrin," he muttered, pushing harder. She moved slightly, but then lifted her head back onto his chest. He sighed. "Corrin, I appreciate the sentiment, but I need to go."

He hesitated for a moment, then pulled a few strands of her hair. Corrin raised her head, using her elbow to prop herself up; her elbow dug into Niles' chest, and he gasped in pain. Corrin yelped, quickly moving away. "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

"… No," Niles panted, gripping his chest. "That's the second time, in twenty-four hours, my lungs have been crushed."

Corrin's eyes widened. "Does it really hurt that badly?"

"I'll be fine." Niles waved away her concern and forced his attention off his aching chest. He smirked. "This has been fun… but I should sneak back to my room before Lord Leo wakes up."

Corrin looked horrified. Her eyes flashed between the window and Niles, as she whispered hoarsely, "Oh gods, look what time it is! You have to go — quick! now!"

"Geez, I am!" Niles said as Corrin pushed him out of the bed. He laughed, enjoying her anxiety as opposed to his own. "Are you going to dress me, too?"

Corrin smacked him with a pillow. Her face was flushed, and he thought she was trying not to smile. "Would you please hurry? You can't keep Father waiting."

Niles buttoned his shirt as quickly as he could. Yet, he kept his voice calm as he drawled, "You go so fast — I'm more worried about your siblings bursting in to say good morning at any moment. They do have a bad tract record."

"I didn't think of that," Corrin murmured. She clutched the pillow tightly. "Are you ready?"

"Sure, now that you've had your way with me, you just want me to go."

"Niles!" Corrin exclaimed. Niles cackled.

"You're so easily flustered. It's too tempting not to tease you." Niles hooked his cloak around his neck, completing the outfit. He threw his arms out and exclaimed, "Ta da! All done. Do I look like I was ever out of them?"

"You weren't," Corrin muttered, unable to hold back her smile any longer. "Now please go. I have to get dressed, too." Niles opened his mouth, but Corrin spoke over him. "Please don't answer that! Just go!"

Niles grinned. "Fine, fine. See you later."

He turned the knob to open the door, but didn't waltz out into the hallway. He listened first, and when he heard nothing, he opened the door a crack. He saw no one.

He turned around to find Corrin huddling breathlessly behind him. She whispered, "Is it safe?"

"No," he said, making his expression serious, "I'm right now staring into Lord Xander's ear."

Corrin's eyes widened, then narrowed. "I'm going to smack you," she threatened, "without the pillow this time."

"Could we postpone that? I'd better go while the hall is empty." He laughed. "Now, can I get a kiss or did I tease you too much?"

"I'll let you have one," she said softly, "but only a short one."

Niles closed the door. He let go of the knob and held Corrin's face, and kissed her; true to her word, Corrin quickly pulled away. "Now please go," she said, "before I get you into even more trouble."

Niles felt startled. He could see the gravity in her eyes.

"You didn't push me into this, Corrin," he said. "I put myself in this situation. Okay?"

Corrin lowered her head. "I'm not so sure," she murmured.

"I am," he insisted. "So don't feel guilty."

"Guilty?" she repeated, raising her head. "I won't have to feel guilty, because everything will be fine. Right?"

"Yeah," he answered, perhaps too quickly. Whining so as not to sound any more eager, he said, "Now I really have to go."

"Yes, you do." Corrin smiled weakly. "Good bye."

"See you later," he corrected, smirking for her benefit. He opened the door, checked the hallway one more time, and slipped out of Corrin's room.

He closed the door softly behind him. Almost immediately, the door on his right — Leo's door — opened. Niles spun around and stared into Leo's grimacing face.

"Lord Leo," Niles whispered. Leo glared at him, and Niles ached under the suspicion and pain in his friend's face. Niles had to look away. "I'm sorry," he murmured, clenching his fists, "but it's not what you think."

"My brother saved your life," Leo replied bitterly, "for what? So you could sleep with our sister? You betrayed us, you betrayed me!"

Niles cringed. "I know," he admitted. "I did betray you. I did sneak away last night, not with the intention of betraying you, but knowing that that was one of the consequences. For some reason… I didn't care."

Leo shook his head. "I was on your side, Niles. I was silent at first, I won't deny that — but I never fought against you. I thought you appreciated that. Hell, I thought you deserved that faith!" He slammed his fist against the wall, making a dull thud. "You did so much for Corrin! Why did you have to ruin it now, when I was the one guarding you? Can't you see that you dragged me into your mistake!"

"I…" Niles' nails bit into his palm. "I see it now. I'm sorry, my lord. I… I'm sorry."

Another door opened in the hall. Niles sighed and raised his head; Xander was coming down the hall towards them. He looked as grave as ever, but not angry. Niles could see no indication that Xander was also aware of Niles' treachery.

"What's going on?" Xander asked, casting a wary look at Niles before focusing on Leo. "You look very serious this morning, brother."

Niles turned to look at Leo as well. He expected Leo to tell his brother everything — how he had watched as Niles left their sister's bedroom. Niles wouldn't feel hurt or betrayed himself; he understood, and he would accept death with more dignity than that.

How ironic, he thought, almost smirking, that my fear of death is what caused me to die.

"Of course I'm serious, brother," Leo retorted, "Niles is going to see Father this morning."

Niles flinched. He stared, wide-eyed, at Leo; but his lord remained focused on Xander.

Xander nodded and turned to Niles. "I know I haven't been especially supportive of your endeavors, Niles," he said, "and while I still do not completely trust you, I hope you know that I have no desire to see you die."

Niles was usually quick witted. Common surprises would not slow him, and it was very hard to shock him for a full minute. Yet as he turned from Xander's attempt at a kind expression to Leo's grave and silent forgiveness, Niles couldn't speak. He suddenly recalled what it was like to not feel worthy of Corrin and her family's allegiance; for the first time since he had proposed, he did not even feel worthy of Corrin's love. Disgust with himself overshadowed his confidence, and caused him to mock his own fear of death.

"Thank you, my lord," he finally replied, without energy. "I don't deserve that trust, anyway."

Xander looked as though he wanted to question Niles, but just then, Corrin's door opened. Niles turned and noticed that she had not dressed in her usual outfit and armor; instead, she wore a flowing crimson dress and dark cape. In her hair, she wore the strange black tiara of a Nohrian princess.

Corrin's eyes widened as she saw her brothers and Niles. She drew back into the doorframe, smiling nervously, and whispered, "Good morning, Leo, Xander," she paused shortly, "Niles."

"Good morning, Corrin," Xander said. Leo grumbled a reply, and Niles said nothing. He couldn't greet her, pretending it was the first time that day, when his lord knew the truth.

"What is everyone doing standing in the hall?" Corrin asked, her eyes glancing here and there, unable to sit still. "Is something wrong?"

"You know what's wrong," Leo said coldly. Niles saw Corrin's eyes widen. "Niles is to meet with Father this morning," Leo continued gruffly. "We're concerned."

Corrin dumbly nodded. Niles wondered if she understood Leo's hidden message — "You know what's wrong." If she did understand, Niles knew she would be horrified and find a way to blame herself; for the sake of his own guilt, he hoped she didn't know.

Another door opened in the hall, followed by another, and another. Soon, Elise and Azura and Camilla stood with them, all dressed, like Corrin, in elegant gowns and tiaras.

Elise bounced right up to Corrin, ignoring everyone else. "Wow, Corrin, you look so pretty!" she exclaimed, giggling. "Do I have an eye for color or what?"

"You put this in my room, Elise?" Corrin asked, glancing at herself and her sisters. "We almost match."

"It was Camilla's idea!" Elise explained excitedly. "She said the other day, 'If we're going to face Father as a united front, we have to look like a united front.' So we popped into town on our way here and bought these dresses and suits. Of course, we didn't have time to change before seeing Father yesterday; I guess this second meeting is actually kind of lucky, since now these outfits won't go to waste, heheh!"

"What suits?" Xander asked.

Elise seemed to finally see her brother. Immediately, she began to pout. "Xander, Leo, Niles, where are your new outfits? We spent so much time picking them out for you! And I chose the colors so carefully, too!"

"You bought us matching outfits?" Xander asked, grimacing. "I appreciate the thought, but I don't think that's quite appropriate for grown men."

"Oh, nonsense, darling!" Camilla laughed. "Elise and I took more liberty when styling the suits — I know how men can't stand to look identical, however adorable sisters appear in their matching dresses. Just turn around and check your rooms, in the wardrobes. I'm sure you'll notice your new outfits, now that you know to look for them."

Niles stared over his shoulder at the door to Leo's room. He couldn't imagine what the royal sisters had bought for him to wear to his interview. Probably a cap and some sack cloth, he thought, some of his humor returning for a moment.

"You went into my room?" Xander exclaimed.

"Well of course, darling. How else was I supposed to surprise you?"

"I told you how many times to stay out of my room!"

"Did you? I don't recall that."

"We used to have this same argument all the time! Can't you remember all the signs I made: 'Keep out!' 'No princesses allowed!' 'Boys only!'"

"I remember you being a very rude little boy, yes." Camilla nodded and smiled. "But don't worry, sweetie, I forgive you!"

Xander sighed heavily. He turned to Leo, who asked, "We're not actually going to wear their clothes, are we?"

Xander frowned deeply. "Does it seem as though we have a choice?"

Niles glanced at the sisters. Elise was still pouting and tapping her foot impatiently. Camilla was still smiling, but it had descended into her threatening expression of displeasure. Niles was startled to see Azura and Corrin covering their mouths, trying not to laugh.

Leo groaned loudly. "Fine!" he shouted. "Fine. So much for backbone."

Xander returned to his room; Leo returned to his. Niles hesitated, but had to eventually follow Leo. He wondered what would happen once they were alone again, without lies or distractions to cover up Niles' treachery. Niles was anxious to find out, for he preferred seeing his lord angry with him than be stuck wondering how Leo felt.

Niles entered the room and shut the door behind him. Immediately, he said, "Lord Leo, I need to say —"

"I don't want to hear it," Leo interrupted. He wouldn't look at Niles, but continued to tear through his wardrobes, searching for the clothing. "I can already guess what your excuses will be," he continued, "and I don't care — I won't feel sorry for you."

"I'd never ask you to," Niles replied. "I despise pity."

"Good, because I'm not offering it." Leo slammed the closet door. "Damn it! Where did they hide them?"

Niles waited a few moments, hesitating, considering his words carefully; finally, he tried again. "My lord, you can hate and curse me all you want. I know I deserve it. But don't blame Corrin. She had nothing to do with my decision."

Leo spun around on him, making a strange face. "I sure hope she had some say in your decision!" he exclaimed.

Niles had to laugh. "I meant my decision to go to her room in the first place." He paused, then murmured, "I was willing, and I'm sorry. But you must know that she was not."

Leo's eyes widened. He quickly turned to focus again on his chore in the closet.

"She wouldn't betray you," Niles continued. "So, forgive the cliché, but I can honestly say that nothing happened."

Leo stopped rummaging so fiercely. A few seconds passed in strained silence, before he said, "I'm glad. I can forgive myself, then, for not tattling on you to Xander."

Niles sighed. "I was surprised you didn't. I'm thankful for your silence, my lord." He shook his head, smirking. "I know I don't deserve it."

"You don't," Leo agreed. "Ah, finally!" He reached far into the closet, reemerging a moment later with a suit hanging from each hand. He glanced at them briefly before throwing them haphazardly onto the bed. He picked at one of the white shirts that belonged to both outfits. "Seriously, what were they thinking?" he muttered.

He sighed now, slowly turning back to Niles. Niles could see sudden embarrassment on his lord's face. "Niles," Leo began, "what's going to happen if you do marry Corrin? How can we go on being master and servant when, by law, we'll be brothers?"

Once more, Niles hesitated. "Do you wish to release me, my lord?" he asked, trying and failing to hide his disappointment.

Leo managed to smile slightly. "No, never. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself," he said, flicking his wrist, as though dismissing his own doubts. "After all, we could hardly find the outfit you're supposed to wear to the interview. We have time to worry about our relationship after you meet with Father to establish your and Corrin's."

Niles immediately felt relieved. He wondered if he was running away again from something unpleasant — then he realized that he had at least had the strength to confront Leo's misunderstanding about last night. He wasn't a coward; if anything, he was growing stronger. He thought, if he survived another face-to-face with King Garon, he would certainly have the courage to speak with Lord Leo as an equal.

"In the meantime," Leo said, gesturing Niles over to look at the suits, "whether I am your employer or friend or even your brother, I need to be able to trust you. Can I?"

"Always, my lord." Niles answered. "From now on, always."

Leo smirked. "From now on, yes. Sigh, I suppose that's what brothers are for — to forgive and forget, and to cover up each other's mistakes."

Niles paused. It was odd, unusual, new; but he felt happy at being called Leo's brother. He began to grin. "Speaking of mistakes," he drawled, "if, hypothetically, something were to happen to these clothes, I promise to testify that it was an accident."

Leo shook his head, frowning. "No way. This seems like a proper punishment for an idiot lover like you. Now get dressed," he shoved one of the suits into Niles' arms, "we can't keep Father waiting."

Niles grimaced as he took the outfit. He glared at it as Leo had done. Sack cloth might have been better, he thought, picking at the sleeves of his new shirt. Are these frills?

Leo was staring at his feet. He coughed loudly and asked, "So, what happened between you and Corrin, then? You didn't come back after she said no… Did you sleep on the floor?"

Niles' expression of disgust with his clothing never altered. He kept his gaze on the outfit and answered evenly, "Of course, Lord Leo."

He glanced up in time to see Leo nod and begin to undress. Niles turned around to focus on his own re-dressing. What he doesn't know won't kill him, Niles decided. And he smirked.

Ending note: It took twenty-four chapters, but I finally succeeded in writing a Niles-point-of-view chapter. Yay.