Gah. This one took longer because I find *spoiler* a fascinating character if you take away *spoiler.* Her backstory has so much potential to be a really big subplot!
As a little bonus, I threw in what passes as a "Support Convo." in my opinion. Enjoy!
Next chapter published will be for "Ties that Bind." Assuming work doesn't swamp me for weeks (again). Gack.
Corrin quickly cleaned up, donning more formal attire for the meeting. Felicia was waiting outside of his when he was finished.
"Ahh! Wait!"
She ran back into his room, rummaged for a bit, and returned with the knife she presented to Corrin earlier.
"Don't forget this."
"Yeah. You're right. Better to be safe than sorry." he acquiesced.
Upon reaching the ground floor, a servant bowed, and gestured Corrin to follow him. The duo passed Queen Mikoto who stopped the two with a nod and a smile.
"I've finished speaking to your visitor. She's actually a close acquaintance of mine, and will be staying here for a few days. Tensions are high considering our standing with Nohr, but help the others consider this as an opportunity to open pathways to mending relations." Corrin nodded in response.
"Yes, Queen Mikoto."
She pulled Corrin in for a short embrace and went about her way. They quickly reached a gathering hall with a finely drawn pair of lilies on the door; the servant moved to open it. The soothing shades of purples, reds, and greens on the door didn't do much to steel the prince for his entrance as he was suddenly filled with strange unease. Who was waiting? Would he be seen as a traitor? He had been missing from Nohr for about three weeks. Several more of these questions flew through his head, only to be cleared away in a split second.
"Ahh, Corrin! There you are. You look well! How have you been, dear? It's been weeks since I last saw you."
Opposite him at the table was Camilla. Flanking behind her were three people. All four of the entourage were wearing formal Hoshidan garb. One was unfamiliar, a tattered headband looped itself around her tealish hair, fixed up in a more formal manner. The other two Corrin recognized as Jakob and Flora. The three wore much more reserved dark colors in a style that mimicked their usual attire while Camilla sported a more ornate kimono of a gentle shade of purple to match her hair. She still sported her usual circlet. The three retainers bowed as Corrin entered. Behind him, at the door he entered, were two guards who each bowed, both armed with a blade and a naginata.
"Camilla! What are you doing here, sister? It's good to see you!" Corrin responded automatically. He let an excited nod towards Jakob and Flora as well.
"Hah. Three weeks without bothering you has left me quite bored. That and I haven't had much opportunity to chat with Mikoto in a long time. War and all that." She stood up and moved to embrace Corrin and he returned it.
"My mother I can understand, seems like you're quite close if you're addressing her so informally and she came to visit you." Corrin laughed. "But you've had to deal with me not being around before. How's this that different?" She released her hug and turned her back to him.
"It's hardly the same since you were allowed to stay with us… But now, we are split in twain once again. On top of that, you've now left Nohr for Hoshido… as its royalty… boldly proclaimed no less..."
Her last words hung as she walked a few steps away. The two nearby guards twitched for their weapons. Flora and Jakob responded in kind. Corrin stood there, tense, as his position began to weigh on him again.
"Calm down, calm down." She let out a small chuckle, turning around and raising her hands up to placate the room.
"I originally came with the intention to bring you back with me. However, I am simply Dame Camilla for my stay, not a Nohrian emissary or operative. You have my word on that. And what kind of friend would I be if I would even consider threatening Mikoto's son?" With that turn of the phrase, the guards quickly lowered their stances with nervous expressions across their faces. The unfamiliar retainer chuckled softly.
"Please, wait outside." Corrin directed the two guards, who promptly left. The door slid closed without a sound.
"So, you're not here to take me back or convince me to return?"
"Hardly. You're a person I called 'brother,' yet I found out that your blood belongs to my dear friend. I'm not going to strongarm you back."
"But that means execution by Nohrian law!"
"To the Nine Hells with that!"
Camilla pulled back the hair on the right side of her head, revealing heavily scarred skin underneath. She tapped her temple twice with two fingers, and a glass eye fell right out of her head. Corrin winced. After a few moments gazing at it with her one good eye, she held it up at Corrin.
"Somehow, it's worth it." Camilla affixed the eye back in her head, re-aligning it with a few blinks.
"Besides, if I return saying that I tried and failed, then that's another matter. Nohr doesn't have eyes here because we have none as trained that can fool the Hoshidan ninja. Assassins wouldn't work either for the same reasons; it'd be a waste of time to try. Even if they did make a claim for mind magic or something of the like as a pretense, neither side has the resources for any conflict right now."
"... Right. We are coming off the tail end of another war." Corrin continued. "There are more people who cannot stomach more bloodshed on both sides. On top of that, King Sumeragi, a powerful warrior in his own right... fell in combat, and King Garon was struck by old age. Queen Mikoto has heavy sway, but wants to hold onto this ceasefire. There is no momentum anymore."
"Still quick to catch on. Good. But the presence of nobility isn't for show. You must remember that all of us are capable warriors… well, Elise has started her training already at least."
"... You're right. Should Garon desire, in his stead, he can have Xander, you, or Leo lead any task of his choosing. Even a war; it's not really finished."
"Correct, but if he did, he would be bleeding Nohr dry. He's realized this, no doubt. No ruler in his right mind would do that unless he wanted to drive his people into the dirt or spark a widespread rebellion. What better opportunity is there than now for communication to be opened?"
Camilla stretched her arms over her head, dropping them to her side once she finished.
"I believe we both know that you've already made your choice in the matter, whether you've said anything or not. Be prepared though, Corrin. You may not have been announced in Nohr, but you now bear both Hoshidan and Nohrian peerage. Either name is leverage against the other. Regardless, the situation is at a stand still until proven otherwise. No use being too concerned about it."
She stood up.
"Well. I shall leave you for now; we will speak later." She patted Corrin on his cheek. "I desire a venture about. It's been a long while since I had an opportunity to enjoy the capitol. Beruka, come. Jakob, Flora, you are free to go about as you like. Return to me by the evening."
"I'll see you around then, Camilla." She waved in response.
...
Jakob approached Corrin and Felicia as Camilla walked away.
"Sire, you are well, I presume? They haven't mistreated or harmed you at all? Given you rank food or drink? Tasteless decor?!"
"Nonsense. I've been treated quite well."
"Very well then. I'll take your word for it. But I will be having a word to the staff about the quality of fruits they served earlier."
The butler turned to address Felicia.
"I am glad to see you unharmed as well. I trust you've been caring for Prince Corrin well?"
"Yep! Even had the chance to help around the castle some." She bubbled in response.
"Excellent."
"Such a hound for this stuff, Jakob." Flora approached the group.
"Of course. Where's your pride in a job well done?"
"It's certainly present, but honestly… can't you at least show a modicum of care more than a passing comment for someone other than Prince Corrin? My own sister no less?"
"A retainer befitting her position should be able to care for herself and her liege."
"Now, now, Flora. At least he cared enough to actually address the matter." Felicia responded.
"Don't encourage his behavior!"
...
A day had come and gone since Camilla's arrival. To the surprise of many, she fit comfortably into Hoshidan lifestyle. Of course, given the tensions between the two kingdoms, there were mixed receptions. She found herself resting briefly on a small balcony overlooking the town below. The overcast sky not doing much to dampen the freshness of the scene to her.
"Is the Dame, Camilla, enjoying her stay so far?" A voice called out behind her.
"Hmm? I am, indeed. The wind feels especially good from here." She turned around to greet her visitor. "You are Prince Ryoma, yes? Crown Prince of Hoshido."
"Indeed. Do you have a moment?" His long mane of hair was tied up neatly.
"I do; what brings you to me this afternoon?"
"To see to it that you are comfortable. May I join you?"
"Hmmhmm. Yes, I would appreciate the company." Camilla returned her gaze below. Ryoma stepped up to the edge of the balcony to examine the scene for himself.
"..."
"..."
"...Certainly you came here for more than to see that the view is to my liking?"
"Ahh… forgive me; matters quickly came to mind. I've rarely a moment to simply enjoy the lands."
"Time and mind more devoted for war and politics, Young Lion of Hoshido?"
"Indeed. I've heard whispers of your skills as well."
"Oh? I have a reputation among you?"
"Of sorts. 'The Black Rose' is such a moniker."
"Grimly theatrical, don't you think? Quite charming in a way though. Elegant, beautiful, and strong. Bears a connotation of tragedy." She fixed her hair as it was tossed around by the stray winds.
"One that's not incorrect, from my observations and understanding. But by that token, my name as well. I would agree though that dramatic titles do have a flair that is alluring."
"A shame that our renown is won and lost through battle, bureaucracy, and blood."
"...Indeed." A twinge of bitterness hid in his voice.
"Despite all that's happened, I imagine that we both strive for something different. Something better than what both of our countries have wrought."
"It is good to hear that, and I pray that those are your true feelings, good dame."
"Of course. After all, I'm here, enjoying Hoshidan life and visiting a lifelong friend of mine and her son. On top of that, I get to chat with a rather handsome fellow."
"Haha. You flatter me."
"Perhaps. But I prefer to not." She smiled in response.
"Hah. Well, I've taken enough of your time. It seems you are quite content with your stay so far."
"Thank you for your company, sire. I will remain here for a while longer should anyone require anything."
...
The next few days afterwards were punctuated with rather ordinary days, despite their foreign visitor drawing intrigue from the various lords and ladies in the region. Felicia was once again at work as Corrin, accompanied by Jakob, was buried under several layers of paper in the archives. Flora, tasked by Camilla to lend a hand around the castle at her leisure, joined her. The twin maids were tasked with laundry for the day.
"Phew!" Felicia dropped a large pile of linen on the ground with an audible thump. "This is the last of it for now."
"Good. I'm just about finished with this round. Hand over that sheet next."
"Here."
"Thanks; looks like we'll be done in time for dinner. Seems like you've gotten much better since I last saw you." She set to scrubbing with a deadly efficiency, peering at it occasionally to check if any mark lingered.
"Mm! Yep! I'm at least not ripping everything to shreds." Felicia sat down and started herself.
"Good advice or practice?"
"Bit of both between here and Castle Krakenburg."
"I see. Good for you." Flora flashed a smile and quickly hung up the sheet she was working on to dry.
"Though, I admit, I've been relying on a bit of a role model for inspiration more recently."
"Ooh. Pray tell?" Flora started on another sheet.
"Nope!"
"Oh come now! Not even a hint then?"
"It should be pretty obvious."
"Well, it's not. Come on, it's just us on duty now. Tell me?" Flora stopped working, putting on a pouting face.
"It's you, you dolt." She punctuated the statement with a light push and smile. "Who else does their work that well and doesn't irritate me to the high heavens some days?"
"Me? Oh, I don't think-" She waved dismissively.
"Of course I do. You do things really well. And you've been on my mind a bit lately."
"Felicia…"
"It's the first time we've actually been apart. You know?"
"Yeah… Hey?" Flora put her right hand on Felicia's shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"I missed you, sis. I'm glad you're safe; sorry for not saying anything earlier." She raised her left hand, her ring and pinky finger extended out towards the peach-haired servant.
"Heehee. I missed out too, Flora." Felicia grabbed the extended fingers with two of her same digits. Both of them smiled at this small exchange.
"Now. Shall we continue?" Flora raised the second sheet she was in the middle of washing; Felicia nodded happily in response.
...