Author's note: This chapter, along with chapter twenty-three - Scheming Behind Closed Doors - were very interesting to write; Iago is a mysterious villain, for we're not explicitly told why he does what he does in-game. In chapter twenty-three and in this chapter, I have tried to explore and record his motives for not only his actions in this story, but also to a lesser extent his in-game actions. I hope I have done a good job, so that his role in these final chapters of Our Brother, Niles makes sense.

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

Chapter twenty-six: Vengeance

Iago was waiting in the king's audience chamber, alone. King Garon would not be attending this interview, for he was tired of Corrin and her drama. He had left the entire affair in Iago's hands, just as he had left her life to him. Iago wasn't sure whether to feel honored or bothered by the responsibility.

Concerning Corrin, King Garon had made certain rules for Iago to follow: Do not kill Corrin, and do not be so obvious that Corrin turns against Nohr. For Niles, King Garon had also made some conditions, though less abiding, Iago thought: Do not kill Niles without making use of him against Corrin, and do not let his presence bring disgrace to Nohr. Iago silently huffed and hawed against all these taboos; how much simpler his life would be if King Garon were sane!

A knock sounded on the great double doors and echoed across the stone chamber. Iago scurried forward, greeting the large party as the doors opened to admit them. "Welcome, royal children!" he exclaimed, making a very short bow. "And Sir Niles, as well." He smirked. "You're looking quite pink today, sir."

Niles scoffed. "Yes, well, grey isn't really my color."

Iago studied the man with a critical gaze, noticing with some humor that his tattered rags and armor of yesterday had been replaced with clean leather trousers, an expensive white shirt, and a deep blue vest. Obviously, the princesses had fun playing dress-up with Cinderella, he thought. But you can't hide that scar on his face — dress him up as you like, he is still nothing more than a street thug.

Xander was glaring past Iago, peering about the room. "Where is our father?" he demanded. "Didn't he summon us for this time?"

Iago sighed loudly, pleased to have the opportunity to let Xander know that he had not forgotten the prince's cross of him. "His Majesty," Iago said with an indignant sniff, "will arrive when it pleases him, and no sooner. However, he did entrust me with a message for you." His smirk widened. "King Garon requires that he meet with Sir Niles alone. All others must clear the room."

Iago enjoyed seeing the shock overcome Prince Xander's face and the anxiety that claimed the others. Princess Elise exclaimed, "But that's not fair!" Camilla quickly shushed her, and all eyes turned to Xander for further instruction.

Xander stared hard at Iago, as though trying to peer into his mind and soul. What are you hoping to see, princeling? Iago thought, staring unabashedly back. Heed this warning, if you can hear me: Vengeance will be mine.

Finally, Xander spoke. "Is this really what the king ordered?"

Iago scoffed. "Of course! Who would dare tell tales where the king is concerned?"

Iago would, and would continue to do so every day of his damned life as royal advisor. Yet this false sentiment seemed to convince Xander. He turned around, glanced briefly at Niles, then focused on Corrin. "Let's go," he said gently. "The sooner we leave, the sooner this interview can be over."

Corrin's eyes widened. "But —!" she began.

Xander shook his head, silence his sister. Camilla linked her arm through Corrin's and led her dumbly out of the room. Leo and Elise followed sullenly behind. Azura waited for Xander, who paused to shoot one last glare at Iago before leaving with his family. Niles watched as they filed out of the room; the doors were closed and locked behind them.

They were finally alone, and Iago cackled. "How scared you look, Sir Niles!" he taunted. "I suppose you didn't expect to be abandoned."

Niles turned his attention on Iago. "Actually, I fully expected to be abandoned," he retorted. "My 'fright', as you see it, is surprise — I'm shocked the king had to order my lords to leave me. It makes me feel almost happy."

Iago sighed. "Enough with the games," he said, exasperated. "I know what you really are."

"Do you?" Niles asked, grinning. "Please, enlighten me!"

Iago smirked as well. Here it was, stage one of his plan: He would need to reveal Niles' intentions by playing a dangerous game of fact and fiction, exchanging one for the other as quickly and naturally as possible. He took a deep breath before advancing.

"You don't have a loyal bone in your body," Iago accused. "You're a man of the world, whose only thoughts are for himself. That's why you proposed to Corrin, isn't it so? You chose the outcast princess — surely even someone of your rank must have heard rumors of the king's disfavor with Corrin? — hoping no one would interfere with your little game to win the princess' power and wealth. You don't have to lie to me. We're cut from the same cloth, you and I."

Niles laughed. "Why should I admit to any of that? I don't even have to deal with you. My business is with the king."

Denial — Iago had expected that. It was never easy to unearth a mole. "Aha! That is where you're wrong." Iago snickered. "The king will not be attending this interview. He has placed the situation — and your life — in my hands."

Niles' smug expression faded. He looked suddenly grave, but not frightened. Iago was disappointed; he had hoped his sudden authority to deal more damage to Niles' confidence.

"I am Corrin's godfather, in a way," Iago continued condescendingly. "I have been charged by His Highness with the honor of deciding what is best for Princess Corrin. But as I said," here he forced another smirk, "my only thoughts are for myself."

Slowly, Niles nodded. "I see what you're getting at," he murmured. "You're not above bribing, then? … Fine, I'll come clean. I am with Corrin for her position. You're right in supposing I chose her over her sisters because she is the odd-one-out in her family — she is actually a princess of Hoshido, is she not?"

Now it was Iago's turn to be shocked. He hadn't expected the unfortunate truth of Corrin's lineage to be common knowledge among her troops. (Her flagrant honesty was truly sickening to Iago.) He couldn't recover himself fast enough to hide his surprise from Niles, who seemed thrilled to have tripped Iago up.

"I knew the truth about Corrin before I began courting her," he explained in a similarly patronizing voice. "I knew it was possible that Corrin's crown might now be worthless in Nohr, but thinking long-term, she has a fifty-fifty chance of becoming a very valuable commodity after the war."

Iago grimaced, momentarily forgetting his script. "So even the great kingdom of Nohr does not intimidate your selfishness?" he asked. "You would actually risk your neck coming here, to the king's very doorstep, when your plans are that base?"

Iago was shocked — then delighted. Niles was worse than he had even anticipated. Iago cackled, his planned words flowing easily from his mouth now. "My my, King Garon has surely found himself a worthy son-in-law!"

Niles paused, then grimaced. "You're joking," he spat.

Iago shook his head. "Not at all. Your honesty and your black soul have convinced me that you are just the sort of husband an outcast such as Corrin needs." He grinned. "Congratulations, 'Prince Niles'."

Niles continued to hesitate. "No, there's something else," he muttered. "You're holding back."

Iago almost giggled with anticipation. His game was going well; Niles had turned out more knowledgable about Corrin's affairs than Iago had expected, but that had surprisingly worked in Iago's favor, making his game of half-truths and dares all the more exciting. Iago had needed to play his trump card — promising Corrin's hand, a solution the king had forbidden him from employing — but Iago was confident that Niles would never have the opportunity to call in his debt. This worthless suitor would be used up and dead long before the wedding could be planned.

"I am quite earnest," Iago said, his voice disgustingly pleasant. "Your reckless behavior and love of gold are valuable in the proper hands. Obviously, Corrin is incapable of appreciating your talents. She probably even holds you back, correct?" Niles nodded. Iago laughed. "I thought so! But I see your potential, and would be happy to pass on my recommendation to the king. On my word, he would undoubtably accept you — and then you may marry Corrin."

Niles grinned. "For what price?" he asked. "My black heart can't possibly weigh enough to pay for all the gold and opportunities you're promising. Say it slowly," Niles leaned forward, hungrily, "what would you have me do?"

"A simple task, and you can climb the ladders of society straight to King Garon's personal guard," Iago replied. He would take his time with this, a personal boon in his great plan. He would be able to remove Niles and please the king; more importantly, he would be able to wreck some vengeance on Prince Xander. Iago was tired of his plans being stomped on by the royal children, the high prince more so than anyone else. A few more lies would repay Iago for all the humiliation he ever suffered at their hands, and go far in his way to making Corrin's life miserable as well.

Iago took a deep breath, and Niles leaned even closer. Softly, slowly, Iago breathed, "Your task is this: You must murder Princess Elise."

Immediately, all of Niles' coolness melted. "What?" he exclaimed. "You would have me murder the princess? Does the king know of this plan?"

Iago frowned, disappointed. "I would have thought your selfishness too rich to care for reasons. Of course His Majesty is aware of this plan, fool," he lied easily, silently wishing he needn't have stepped out so far to convince this blackguard. "Do you think I would dare arrange the assassination of a princess without his permission?"

Niles still seemed wary. "But why? What has she done?"

"That is none of your concern!" Iago snapped, panicking slightly. If he had overestimated Niles' selfishness, Iago was in a dangerous position. "Accept the mission or die! If you succeed, Princess Corrin is yours to marry and you will be promoted from her ragtag band of tin soldiers . If you fail, you will be killed. If you refuse, you will be killed." He forced a smirk, struggling to regain his composure. "See how the risk grows to match the higher stakes?"

Niles hesitated for a moment more; soon, he grinned. "Those are my favorite sort of game," he admitted. "I accept your mission."

Ending note: I edited this chapter over and over again so as to make quite clear my interpretation of Iago. What I meant to convey was that Iago is loyal to King Garon for selfish reasons. (Shocker.) Iago is aware of Anankos, but he believes he is nothing more than fiction in Garon's head. Iago hates the royal children, particularly Xander, for their questionable authority over him; now, he believes he has found an appropriate vengeance on them - Elise's death. Did I succeed in making my interpretation clear? I hope so. Now, let us stop focusing on Iago's psychological issues and see how Niles will finally win (or lose) Corrin's hand by agreeing to play Iago's game of Risk.