Author's note: I really love this chapter. I decided to push my author-abilities and tackle the question of why Niles did what he did for Corrin in this story. I think the answer I came up with is very much in character for this Nohrian thief; I hope you guys agree.

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

Chapter thirty-two: Loose Ends

Later that evening, when the moon was high and the royal family was low, sleeping, Niles haunted the castle halls. Each quiet step in the dark brought a stab of pain to Niles' bandaged side. Worse than that pain, however, was the humiliation and guilt eating at his chest. He had been unable to serve his liege that evening. He had been the very first casualty of the night, and had been incapacitated throughout the ensuing battle. Worse still, Corrin had been injured, and he felt responsible.

Frustration gave him the strength to go on. He hobbled through the labyrinth-like palace, dodging guards and searching for Iago. Hours passed in senseless and, he suspected, feverish wandering, until Niles finally rounded a corner and found himself a witness to Iago leaving his chambers. Niles pulled back and hid in the fading shadows of the night, waiting for Iago to step out before him. It happened all too soon, and in his haste to latch onto the advisor, Niles ripped the stitches in his side.

Both men tumbled to the floor. Iago opened his mouth; Niles slapped him silent. "I have a knife in my belt," Niles drawled softly, smirking. "As much as I would love to use it, I'll first give you the chance to explain yourself."

Niles moved his hand from Iago's mouth. Iago spat angrily, then grinned. "I must admit, I didn't expect to see you so soon after your failure this evening," he retorted. "You have even more gall than I thought."

"I know it. You're not telling me anything I don't know… It's making me a little impatient." Niles sat atop Iago's back, one hand poised on his neck. With his free hand, Niles reached into his belt and pulled out the medical knife he had swiped from Jakob's supplies in the dining room. He pressed its point against Iago's skin, and laughed lowly.

"You can't kill me," Iago exclaimed, though Niles heard a buried layer of panic in the voice. "You wouldn't dare! I am King Garon's most trusted servant. Not even Lord Xander has the power to remove me."

"I suppose you still think me too selfish for a suicide mission, hm?" Niles asked, leaning closer to Iago's ear. "But I've got pride, snake. You made me look like a fool. My life might just be worth the trade of seeing the utter desperation in your eyes as I slit your throat." Niles licked his lips. "Yes, just the idea makes me excited!"

Iago growled. "What do you want?"

"Oh ho, a compromise? Enticing, I'll admit. First, I want information: How much did King Garon know of last night's plans?"

"It was my doing entirely. King Garon gave me leave to use you as a weapon against Corrin, provided I dispose of you properly when I was finished. That was the extent of his involvement — the assassination attempts on your life, Corrin's life, and Elise's life were my own embellishments."

"Gotta say, I'm not a fan of your work." Niles frowned. "I figured out what you have against Princess Elise, but why Corrin?"

Iago laughed loudly. "As if I would tell you that! I am worth something to King Garon, yes, but even I am not deluded enough to think my life worth his secrets."

"… Fine. Next question: How will you explain the assassins to his majesty?"

"Assassins in a royal court do not need an explanation. Their existence shall be waved away as nothing more than dissatisfied noblemen. Had anyone important died, be they even Crown Prince Xander or precious Lady Corrin, their ends would have been accepted without pause in such a situation."

Niles grimaced. "You really are a sick dastard."

"You're just jealous." Iago sounded smug. "I suppose the next question is what am I willing to give in order to keep my plot twists from being leaked to King Garon. My answer is that I shall return the favor — King Garon need never know of your own involvement."

"My coerced involvement?"

"I never did like wordplay. Yes, your involvement."

"And my only insurance on this is the fact that our skeletons share a closet. This must be the weakest instance of blackmail these halls have ever seen."

"As you say, we're in the same boat," Iago retorted impatiently. "If either one of us rocks it and tells the king, then we'll both drown. What better insurance could you ask for?" He growled lowly. "If you would but get off of me, we could even shake hands on this deal."

"And I could also die from a mysterious shock of magic," Niles said with a scoff. "Tell you what, you keep your handshake and I'll keep my life. I'll still let you go, but I want another promise from you: You won't interfere in my marriage to Corrin."

"Is that still on?" Iago murmured, and Niles grimaced to hear a sudden ring of amusement in the tone. "I know I did announce your engagement before King Garon's guests, but was there really enough of them left after that massacre to spread your happy news?"

Niles grinned. "Oh yes, there are plenty of flies left to fulfill my purposes. But it makes me think of one more question…" He paused, considering his words. "Why did King Garon agree to the marriage?"

"He didn't," Iago answered, sneering. "You seem to forget what you are, Sir Niles — a gutter rat, and no more. I convinced King Garon to permit me to announce the engagement, but only with the promise that I hide your dirt history as well as that I never let the marriage go through. Considering I had every intention of having you murdered that same night, I felt safe in giving such a vow."

Niles didn't need to hide his surprise or anger, for Iago's vision was still restricted to the walls and floor. In a vague voice, Niles asked, "But I'm alive. What are you going to do now?"

"I'll ask King Garon's permission to proclaim you 'dead' as a result of the attack," Iago said without pause. "Everyone will accept it — most saw your collapse. There's really nothing you can do but accept such an end, Sir Niles; if you press the matter any further with King Garon, you could really wind up dead."

Niles stared at the blade in his hands. What would happen if I ran him through right now? he wondered. I know — I'll die. … Sorry, Corrin, I really am too selfish for a suicide mission.

Niles returned the medical knife to his belt. He stood up, and Iago immediately scrambled to his feet, rubbing his neck and cursing. "That's it?" Niles muttered. "As long as I give up Corrin, I'm safe?"

"Yes, that's it. Did you really ever believe marriage was possible?" Iago asked, sounding curious. Then he scoffed. "I suppose a pauper turned prince is a fine subject for a fairytale, but it's not reality. If you want riches, rob an estate — that's the closest someone like you can ever come to 'happily ever after'."

Niles said nothing. He watched Iago slink off and disappear down the black corridor. When the last of his footsteps faded, Niles fell back against the wall, clutching his bleeding side and breathing heavily. He was in pain, and knew he had been for some time; but he hadn't noticed in his anxiety to hear Iago's plans.

That's it, Niles repeated, a weak scoff escaping his lips. I'm done! I tried — I did try to be honorable and marry that damn woman. Why the hell did I even try? I'm a thief, a street urchin. What do I know about honor?

Niles moved to stand up, but his body shook in protest. He fell back against the wall, while black spots dotted the orange sunlight growing over the stone floor. I tried because I wasn't happy being just another one of her allies, Niles decided. I knew I wouldn't be happy until everyone knew she was mine. And I wanted her to be happy, so I tried to charm her family. That's where I went wrong. I have no charm, no honor — it was impossible, a doomed attempt. I was an idiot for trying.

Niles' fingers pressed more tightly to his wound. His side and tembles throbbed, yet he couldn't stop laughing. Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! he cackled, his laughter growing steadily weaker. What now? I guess, honor-wise, I should let her find a man whom she can marry. Hm, I think I'd rather kill her.

His chin drooped against his chest. His laughter left his throat dry and burning. Just once, he thought, his vision fading, I wish I had said what I was thinking this whole time. I don't freaking care that she's rich; I don't care whether she's got a dowry or a kingdom or a glowing sword. I just… I just… loved her.

Morning came, and Xander found himself standing before the door of his father's audience chamber. Well? he asked himself, grimacing at his still hand placed against the wood. Knock! You can't accomplish anything on this side of the door.

While his hand remained dormant, Xander's mind raced with memories. So much has happened since I last visited Father. It was less than a fortnight ago, yet I have changed so much. Last time I stood here, I needed the support of all my siblings to bring me across this threshold; now I stand here alone, for their sakes'. I came here with the purpose of inciting Father to interfere in Corrin and Niles' relationship; but, now, I'm here to help them.

Xander sighed and closed his eyes. "Just let it be the right decision," he prayed. He raised his fist and knocked soundly on the door.

There was a brief pause, which Xander almost hoped would not end. Then a gruff voice shouted through the wood, "Enter!" Xander immediately tensed, snapping his back straight and his chin high. The doors to the audience chamber were pulled open by two guards, revealing King Garon and Iago inside. Garon was seated on his throne, and glared at his son as Xander entered; Iago had been whispering hastily to his master, but fell silent when he noticed the prince.

Xander kept his gaze on his father. He strolled to the foot of the throne and bowed low. "Father," he spoke, "I have come to inquire as to your health. I pray you were not hurt during last night's tragedy."

"Stand up, boy," Garon rumbled lowly. "By the grace of Anankos, I am uninjured. However," here, Garon growled, "I want to know how assassins could have infiltrated my court while all my children and their toy soldiers are home?"

Xander stood tall, wearing confidence he did not feel. This is a challenge, Xander thought, glancing at Iago, who smirked. That snake — he's trying to wiggle his way out of responsibility by pinning us for negligence.

"I'm sorry, Father," Xander said aloud, repentance in his voice, "I can't understand what happened. When I spoke to Iago about security, he promised me that he would personally check every guest himself."

Iago's eyes widened. He opened his mouth as though to protest, but a scoff from King Garon killed the attempt. Xander had to resist the urge to smirk. That's right, snake. I will see you drink your poison.

"Iago," Garon muttered, grimacing, "you just informed me that it was Prince Leo's responsibility to check security."

"Y-yes, my lord," Iago agreed, bobbing his head enthusiastically. "I… I suppose it was a mere mix-up, sire, a case of unclear division of duties." Iago sneered at Xander. "A lucky thing your soldiers happened to be armed as well, hm, Lord Xander?"

Xander couldn't afford to hesitate. "Yes," he agreed, "but that was not luck. When Corrin invited many of our allies as guests last night, I saw an opportunity to increase security. I had them armed accordingly, with easily concealed weapons that would not frighten the other guests. I suppose my anxiety was, as you say, 'lucky' in this case."

Iago glared at Xander, but their verbal spar was cut short. King Garon barked, "Tell me, son, how many died in last night's skirmish?"

"Two guests, sire, as well as the three assassins," Xander reported. "Corrin's medics worked quickly and efficiently, and many stayed awake all night to nurse the wounded. Most of the injured guests will be able to return home today." Xander risked a proud smile. "Though so few in number, these soldiers saved countless lives last night; their dedication and skill bring great credit to Nohr."

"So we only lost a handful of aristocrats?" Garon murmured, as though he had not heard the last of Xander's remarks. "None of your siblings were injured?"

Xander shook his head. "I'm afraid that is not so, Father. Camilla and Leo were battered considerably while escorting the panicked guests to their carriages. Though Camilla was only in need of a warm bath and some sleep, she said that Leo was pushed down and his ankle trod on. He tried to hide his injury last night, but that only made it worse this morning. He's been made to rest all day in hopes that the swelling will go down without the cost of a mend staff."

"I would not call that an injury," Garon growled. "It sounds as though your brother was merely careless."

Xander grimaced. He had seen Leo's face that morning, twisted in pain and embarrassment over his bloodless injury. To think our own father would be the one to revile Leo for what happened… Xander clenched his fists, pushing the thought away. No, Father doesn't mean to be cold. He's tired, and still shaken up by what happened last night.

Despite his excuses, Xander felt angry. Without formality or pause, he declared rather loudly, "Corrin was stabbed."

Garon's face was overcome with shock. Iago looked so startled, he stumbled; his arms, covered in their rich robes, flew out to either side of him as he attempted to balance himself. "W-w-what!" Iago exclaimed, his voice shrill. "Lady Corrin was stabbed?"

Xander nodded hesitantly. He was taken aback by this reaction, and his mind was dulled with his own surprise.

"So," Garon murmured lowly, "this is the will of Anankos. Your sister was meant to fall here, at the celebration of her marriage to a street beggar." Garon grinned. "It seems as though her disgrace has reaped divine punishment."

Xander found his composure now, and spoke cooly. "Forgive me, Father, for my vague words. Corrin is not dead, only wounded."

Again, his father startled. "She is alive?" Garon growled. "Why did you not say so, fool! Do you think it amusing to toy with your king?"

Xander bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Father. I… I meant to say that Corrin, though injured, is not dead due to Niles' selfless protection." Xander paused for breath. All right, I managed to bring Niles into the conversation. Now, to follow Elise's advice and keep "talking him up", as she put it.

"He put his own life on the line to keep Corrin safe. I wished — we all thought you should know, Father, so that you would see that Niles is surely even more deserving of our sister's hand than before."

Garon was stone-faced. Iago still looked anxious, but there was a slight curl to his lips, as though he suspected things would turn in his favor soon. Xander clenched and unclenched his fists; he feared Iago might be right.

"Corrin's suitor is a gutter rat not fit to be seen," Garon declared, delivering his verdict slowly and deliberately. "Saving your sister's life was his duty as a Nohrian subject, and not worth a lifetime of wealth and comfort at the expensive of my coffers. He will give up all claims to Corrin's hand, or he will be executed." Garon slammed his palm against the throne. "And that will be the final word of this topic!"

Xander wanted to protest, but his mouth was dry and his mind slow. He shook his head, trying to ignore Iago's victorious grin that invaded the corner of Xander's vision. "But, Father," Xander finally cried, "you had their engagement publicly announced just last night! How could you change your mind so suddenly, especially in light of all Niles has done for this family since then?"

"What has he done?" Garon rumbled. "I didn't see any heroics last night. All I have is your word, and your testimony, son, seems biased." He smirked. "Iago admittedly misunderstood my consent and announced this ridiculous engagement, but he has already cleaned up the mess: Corrin's beggar will be declared dead, a casualty of last night's tragedy, as you put it. As long as he agrees to be publicly dead, then privately, he may live as long as he likes."

"Father —!"

"Push me any further and I shall have him killed!"

Xander closed his mouth, his eyes, and bowed his head. That's it, he thought, I've failed. I'm sorry, Corrin. I… I did try.

All the pain of the past few weeks came back to Xander at that moment. Was it all for nothing? he wondered. This whole journey, this testing of our relationships — was it really pointless? No, at the very least, I learned to trust Corrin's judgement above my own; and Azura taught me to listen before I preach. Leo showed me that he was shockingly a more patient judge of character, and Camilla proved her own confidence in me. And Elise… She's been through a lot as well, just trying to survive the storm of her big brothers and sisters' tempers. She pulled through with all her cheer and love, the strongest of us all. She wouldn't let it end this way…

"Xander," Garon grumbled, "you may leave, now."

"Father, please," Xander exclaimed, "you must reconsider!"

"Do not question me, boy!" Garon roared. "Or I'll have that rat's head now!"

"Corrin must marry Niles!" Xander said, his voice loud and calm. "They must marry, for then no one would question the child!"

Silence filled the chamber. Within Xander, anxiety seared his lungs and churred his stomach, while his mind screamed in protest at the hasty words that had flown from his mouth. Elise, what has your wild imagination wrought now? Xander thought in despair.

Garon growled lowly. Iago jumped, looking in wide-eyed terror from Xander to his lord. "What is it, my king?" Iago asked in his most groveling voice.

"What child?" Garon spat.

Xander took a deep breath. "Corrin's child, Father — and Niles' child. I'm sorry, I failed my sister. I should have been able to prevent this."

This lie, though fabricated by Xander himself, struck too closely to his own heart and fears. Oh gods, let this be a lie. I'd rather suffer Hell fires for lying to my father than learn that Niles did betray me.

Garon slammed his fist once more against the throne. It shook, but Iago quivered more violently. "The punishment for such a crime is death!" Garon shouted.

"You can kill him, sire," Xander agreed, the words flowing easily despite his anxious mind, "but that will not save Corrin and Nohr from her disgrace. You can hang Niles tomorrow, but the gallows will not be seen as justice by our subjects and our enemies; rather, his corpse will become a rotting stigma that will forever haunt the proud glory of Nohr and its royal family. I'm not arguing that he does not deserve punishment, Father. I'm only asking you to consider another way, that will allow my sister and your country to escape this sordid secret without stain."

"Your way," Garon muttered, "what is it?"

"Let them marry immediately, Father," Xander said. "No gossip can sprout from that union, however many children it produces. As punishment, let Niles and Corrin be banished from Castle Krakenburg until Hoshido falls. After this… You can decide their fate."

Xander gasped for breath. I feel dizzy, he thought, wishing he could bring a hand up to support his aching head without appearing weak before his scowling father. Lying seems to have the same effect on a person's body as alcohol.

Suddenly, Garon broke the spell. "In two weeks, have them married before the priest in Izumo. I do not want to see Corrin again until Hoshido or her lover are dead!"

Xander nodded. "…Yes, Father," he replied, his voice calmer than he felt.

"Leave, now!"

"Yes, Father."

Xander glanced briefly at Iago, who cowered slightly behind the throne of his master. Iago seemed terrified and desperate to disappear, but his trembling lips said that he had more excuses and apologies to offer the king. You got away, snake, Xander thought, but only for now.

Xander turned and strode out of the room. As the doors were closed behind him, he heard his father begin to address Iago; King Garon gave angry cries and curses to the simpering advisor, but the doors closed before Xander could hear what was said.

Alone in the hall, all his strength left him, and Xander slid against the cold wood to the floor. He rested his forehead against his knees and sighed. For the first time in my life, he thought, I outright lied to my father. All these years, whether I agreed with him or not, I at least played the role he wished of me. But not this time — this time, I openly defied him, just as Corrin did the day she refused to kill Kaze. And I, too, wasn't killed.

Is Father not always right then?

"Xander!"

He raised his head, startled out of his thoughts. Elise came bounding up the hall, her face white and her breath quick. "Xander," she exclaimed again, "are you okay?"

"Yes…" he answered slowly, then smiled for his little sister. "I was just lost in thoughts. It's a lonely place, so I'm glad to see you."

"You're thinking?" Elise's concern was replaced by a pout. "You're sitting here thinking while we're all going out of our minds with worrying and search parties!"

"Search parties? Who's missing?"

"Niles!"

Xander felt his heart lurch. "Niles!" he repeated. "But… I just spoke with Father and Iago…"

Elise shook her head. "No no, nothing's happened to him — I think. I mean, we found him! He's alive, just sort of unconscious."

"What are you talking about? What happened?"

"We don't know, 'cause he's still unconscious!" Elise shook her head quickly. "He's been missing since at least this morning, but it might have been even longer! His stitches reopened and he lost a lot of blood. Jakob's taking care of him in the infirmary right now. Come on!"

Xander stood up and followed Elise's anxious trot through the halls. "He just disappeared last night?" Xander asked, and Elise nodded. "Where did you find him then?"

"That's what's so weird," Elise murmured, still hurrying ahead of Xander, "he had collapsed right outside the door… of Iago's room!"