Author's note : My new chapter, freshly written ! It has been a ride recently, I unfortunately failed my exams, so I'm on to another year of studying. Sigh. But France won against Belgium ! Which mean I won't sleep with everyone celebrating. Well, enough ramble, you are not here for that after all !
Blaise Welchman : Yes, a little error I corrected thanks to you. The kinshis are another thing I would have like the game to talk more about, they look like chinese mythological birds. If they are harder to tame than pegasus, or are revered in some ways, it would make sense for their rider to be an elite.
Slaggedfire : Well, you like it rough don't you ? Joke aside, if you are talking about the hoshidians, imagine what it is from their perspective. Like one wise king said, enemy and ally are separate thing from good and evil.
Artyom-Dreizehn : Yes ! It might surprise you, but there is a line in the game that indicate that such event took place in the game itself. When Corrin go on her mission to inspect the fort in chapter 3 of the prologue with Hans and Gunter, one hoshidian warn her not to go further, or they would be violating their border treaty. The game don't talk more about it, for shame, but it indicate there has been some negotiation at some point. I decided to develop upon that.
pt1of : Thank you as always for the time and efforts you put into beta-reading ! There will be definitively more focus on Lora and her surrounding later on.
Goldspark1 : Well, most if not all of Lora's trauma regarding Lothric is about her killing him and Lorian, not about his rule that she did not even saw that much, having gone to burn at that moment. But as you can see in previous chapters, her time as regent was hardly easy. And I loved that CiV reference, yes, queen Mikoto is acting like no one else. Not going to war ? Proposing a deal ? What sorcery is this ?
Shad7000 : Yes ! Politics are the worst ! It make people awful ! And what surprise me the most is that I did not even predicted that I would write so much about it !
NightmareKnight1 : Glad to see you like it so much ! This chapter here is the longest I've written so far, I hope it will satiate you.
With everything said and done, enjoy the story !
The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 10
One more day in the Nohrian citadel, Reina thought as lord Zenma, Idaten and herself left the council room. Like an agonizing man whose guts have been spilt, the negotiations were dragging on and on. The king contested the pettiest details and asked the most unreasonable things while he should be grateful of queen Mikoto's desire for peace! And worst of all, she had not made any progress in her own mission. She had seen three of the king's children and heard of a fourth, but it was only a baby. Where was the daughter of queen Mikoto? She could not imagine coming back without learning something. If tomorrow brought nothing as well, she would ask lord Zenma to bring this matter to the table. Their walk through the corridors, silent and tensed, did nothing to beat her already bad mood.
The dark atmosphere was constantly reminding her of the clear, sunny sky she left in Hoshido. It was almost absurd: how did those barbarians lived in such darkness? Even at noon there was less sunlight going through the seemingly constant stormy clouds than in the somber days of the hoshidian winter! Truth to be told, other than that, their stay was not half as bad as Reina first feared it would. The food was edible and she had to admit, tasted good. No one has yet tried to assassinate lord Zenma, Idaten or herself. The days were repetitive. They would be brought light breakfast, then wait until noon to dine with the king, lord Zenma exchanging civilities with some nobles or the king himself. Thereafter the actual negotiation would start all over again. They would be sent off afterward, leaving them the rest of the day free to go, always escorted by a handful of guards. Of course, neither of them was stupid enough to go anywhere without lord Zenma. Who know when an ''accident'' could happen.
The royal retainer noticed lord Zenma wasn't heading toward their room. She was never lost anywhere: all kinshi knights had an excellent sense of orientation, a necessary skill to fight in the sky. And they never were where he was leading them now. Lower than their apartments or the throne room, they took a spiraling stair of rock. It was only once they took a specific corridor that she started to hear it. Sound of steel upon steel. The training ground, most probably. Her intuition was proved correct once they reached the vast circular room of hundreds feet, a statue of the Dusk Dragon towering up to the roof as elaborate pillar. Inside it were dozens of soldiers in heavy armor training to march in formation, their shield risen on the top, side and front. She saw that on the battlefield multiple time. Yukimura, the royal strategist, called this formation of their "Testudo formation": like a turtle shell made of shield, those bastards would advance slowly, but it was almost impossible to stop them on flat ground, arrows and most spells incapable of penetrating it while charges would meet a deadly wall of spears.
''Yes, wait a moment here please.'' Reina heard a butler say to lord Zenma before sprinting, and her eyes followed the trail...
The nohrian queen was here. Not watching from the side, but fighting a very young man with blond hairs that Reina identified immediately as the elder prince of Nohr. None other could wield the purple two-handed sword he carried, which just like the holy katana Raijinto, have been created by the dragons long ago. The prince left the queen and the butler came back, bowing to lord Zenma.
''You may come to the queen.''
Idaten tensed, but a single stare of Reina made him stiff. They haven't seen her at the negotiation today. In fact, they rarely saw her at all. The only moment when they met her without failing was at the king's dinner. Sometimes she participated in the negotiation, staying silent most of the time and talking only to make it even more difficult. The woman then approached, still wearing the same black and golden armor, her cape held by a valet. What seemed to be a long naginata entirely made of steel rested on her shoulder, a thing that should be too heavy for anyone to use. Anyone except a monster.
''Your majesty, I apologize for disturbing you in your duties.'' Said lord Zenma, bowing deeply.
''Rise, monk. Why have you come to me?'' Asked the queen as her weapon suddenly disappeared in a brief spray of flames.
That almost made Idaten draw his weapon, leading to some of the guards holding back a laugh. The samurai's face started to redden until a severe gaze from the queen silenced the snickers.
''Since I came to this country, I heard numerous tales about your majesty, but to sort the wheat from the chaff is simply too difficult, for so many are unbelievable. I humbly hoped her majesty could once more enlighten an old man.''
The shining eyes of the queen gazed at lord Zenma once more, as if trying to swallow him whole. Was that monster seeing through the sycophancy? It was impossible to decipher any expression from this stone faced thing. But the negotiation with the king were in a deadlock because of her interventions. Lord Zenma intended surely to sway the queen into easier discussions...
''Very well. If either of your warriors meet my expectations in combat, I will answer you.''
Silence dropped in the training ground at this statement. Whispering all over the place, too soft to be properly heard, but without any doubt about what have just been said. Lord Zenma seemed to hesitate on the way to follow, before Idaten suddenly spoke.
''I accept this challenge!'' Proudly declared the samurai, making a step forward as Reina almost choked before his impudence.
The queen simply weighed him up for an instant before making a gesture. The guards immediately fell back, forcing lord Zenma and Reina to follow them as they left a wide circle open for the duel to begin. She was worried. Idaten was far from weak, he fully deserved the title of swordmaster. But she worried his opponent was something that no man could fight.
''Chose your weapon and rules, hoshidian.'' Imperiously said the queen.
''There will be no magic, no supernatural weapons, no poison or healing. Only swords.'' Idaten immediately answered with determination, drawing his two blades. ''We shall stop when one of us yield.''
The gaze of the monster seemed to somehow flash for a second as a small smirk appeared on her face, sending shivers into Reina's spine. Idaten just put himself into a corner. His pride would never allow him to yield against...
''Your majesty, may you accept a first blood instead? I would prefer, for the sake of the peace we are making, to avoid unnecessary accidents.'' Pleaded lord Zenma.
''Your conditions are acceptable. We shall fight until first blood or your surrender.'' Said the queen without breaking eye contact with the samurai, partly easing the worries of Reina. ''Prepare yourself.''
A burst of flames, and two weapons materialized in her palms. A katana and a wakizashi, the long and short blades mirroring those of Idaten as she entered a stance identical to his own, katana held high and wakizashi forward, both weapons pointed to toward the opponent.
Idaten scowled, then charged forward and feinted to the side. His assault was blocked with ease and he had to precipitately block a counter that would have decapitated him. The clash of steel was the only sound that would be heard as the exercises around all stopped to watch the duel.
The queen was relentless, always striking down, side and high without a single break. She was not using her blades like clubs or straight swords like Reina hoped her to do, no, she was fighting like a true master, always deflecting and sidestepping as her own attacks barely missed their target. Each of her blow was pushing the swordmaster back, forcing Idaten in the defensive and not even letting him room to breath.
When the Nohrian Queen suddenly launched a heavy strike from above Idaten parried with a cross guard of his blades, stopping it on it's track... But before he could counter-attack a vicious kick under his guard pushed him back with an audible crack. Lord Zenma's eyes opened wide at the absurd speed of that last action, and Reina herself was incredulous.
Idaten was now constantly retreating as the queen again accelerated the tempo. How could anyone be so fast? Idaten made a misstep. Both blades flailed wildly toward his opponent's side in a dual strike that was instantly parried with the wakizashi, throwing him off balance as the katana slashed his left side in a trail of blood. It was over. Reina rushed to the side of Idaten struggling to stand up, his heavy breathing covered by the cheers of nohrian soldiers.
''Idaten, wait a moment.'' Reina said, holding him down while lord Zenma approached, healing staff ready.
Touching his ribcage, Reina felt him tense abruptly. One, maybe two ribs broken. A soothing light came from the staff and in a few seconds, the samurai's respiration became regular, the blood dripping from his wound stopped before the wound closed, leaving a scar that only time would truly heal.
''Monster... What monster...'' Muttered the samurai, shaken up as he stood on his feet with visible pain.
''Not good enough.''
Those words of the queen did it. Angered, Reina stood up and grabbed her naginata before pointing it toward the queen.
''I'll fight as well!'' Ferociously declared the kinshi knight.
''Wait...'' Tried to intervene lord Zenma before being cut by the monster in human skin.
''As you wish. Are the previous rules satisfactory?'' The Queen asked.
''Yes.''
Once more space was made for the duelist. Holding tightly her naginata, Reina noted the opponent kept the two blades instead of switching to another weapon. In other circumstances she would be sure to have the advantage of reach, but the frightening speed of the thing in front of her would negate it. Deep inside her, she was thrilled to fight such a strong foe. How much she would love to see her blood on the tip of her naginata, the open throat soaked in red... But she needed only one cut. She saw of the monster played with Idaten like a cat with a mouse despite her speed and strength being enough to end it anytime. Just a single wound to prove the monster wasn't invincible. A single quick hit.
The queen started to walk. Slowly, quietly, swords parallel to the ground, face indecipherable. Her armor protected everywhere from toes to neck, the discreet shine of mail at the joints preventing any blow to pierce in the otherwise weak points. Only the face was arrogantly vulnerable, those cold eyes flickering at their prey. But the opponent knew it too. She couldn't be faster or stronger than the queen, she had to do something else...
Reina charged, twirling her spear before suddenly sticking the tip into the ground and jump, using it as support to start an overhead smash. Instantly the queen reacted and dodged to the side with her blades ready but instead of striking Reina bend her body and missed on purpose. The naginata then rose up to strike again, an upward thrust to as the blades of the queen were already going to hit her. A smile grew on her lips. Even if she was cut, if she could hit!
The queen smirked. The blades didn't descend on her. Instead they formed a cross-guard catching her weapon just under the steel, pushed it aside and... A sharp pain as blood came into Reina's eyes and she stumbled back, blinded as cheers erupted from the nohrian soldiers. Keeping her balance, she tried to sweep away the blood until the pain worsened when she touched the open wound on her face, blood flowing through her finger. Like a cool water stream, she felt the healing power of lord Zenma, a furious itching where the wound was closing itself. When it was over she wiped the hot liquid, her blurred vision clarifying enough to see her opponent make the two blades disappear, appraising her.
''Parry bait.'' she heard the queen say so softly Reina was likely the only one to hear it. ''Soldiers, return to your training. Now.''
Instantly the room fell silent, the nohrians bashfully going back to their activities under the severe gaze of their queen. Reina once again felt the spot just between her eyes, a cross shaped pain coursing across where she have been slashed. She failed to even make a wound, her feint foiled with such contemptuous ease. It was frustrating, Reina thought contemplating the crimson fluid on her hands, she really wanted to see the monster bleed.
''I had enough. Follow me, hoshidians.''
''Your majesty?'' Said lord Zenma, surprised.
''You wished answers.''
''Yes, indeed. Thank you, majesty.''
The squire holding the cape of the queen attached it to her back while a dozen guards surrounded the hoshidians. A moment later they left the training grounds, as if they just finished a civil conversation. Idaten's murderous gaze alternated between the nohrians and the queen, and Reina herself still felt the rush of battle inside herself. It was only once they arrived in a plain looking room, with two tables and multiple chairs that the rush ended. Likely a patrol post, judging by the five soldiers playing with dices on one table with goblets and a bottle of wine. They instantly stood in attention, one of them smoothly sweeping the dices.
''At ease. Guard the entrances, I have to discuss. No one enter or leave without my permission.''
''Yes, your majesty!'' Shouted the guards before leaving with the other soldiers.
An instant later, they were alone. Lord Zenma, Idaten, and herself with the queen, in this little room lightened by four torches. With a gesture she invited them to sit, thing only lord Zenma did. Idaten and Reina remained on their feet, watching the two doors. There was nothing for them to say as the priest and the queen shared the wine. Silence reigned for a couple of minutes again as the wine was drunk.
''As I said, there are many things said about you that are nothing short of unbelievable. I saw you conjure weapons out of thin air, but...''
The queen put her goblet on the table with enough strength to make it shake, shutting the monk.
''Enough useless chatter. Tell your honest intention, or leave.''
Her voice surprised Reina. It was no longer cold and monotone: there was an edge, an irritation barely concealed.
''As you wish, majesty.'' Answered the priest, infallibly polite. ''What would make you agree on better conditions for the treaty?''
''Tell me what happened to princess Azura.'' Imperiously asked the queen.
This... Was not what Reina thought she would ask. But it was unhoped for. If the queen truly was interested in the blue-haired princess, then...
''You may be happy to learn the princess is safe and sound in castle Shirasagi, treated with all the respect due to her rank.''
''Prove your words.'' Shot back the queen.
''Majesty, no hoshidian would dare step so low as to mistreat a poor child, no matter the blood flowing in its vein.'' Asserted lord Zenma with a slight moralizing tone. ''As long as hostilities does not arise, there is no reason to fear for her safety.''
Tension was rising. Reina felt that she had to act now, even if it meant overstepping.
''Your majesty, I have a proof of lord Zenma's words.'' The royal retainer said, approaching to the surprise of everyone.
Reaching the hidden pocket in her clothes, Reina took out what the queen left her before the departure, presenting it to everyone's eyes. A warm little golden ring, made of two separated bands linked to each other by gold interlacing. As soon as she took it out the queen stood still, eyes locked toward the piece of jewelry.
''How did you get this ring?''
''Queen Mikoto gave it to me. She said the princess handed out it so you could know she was safe.''
For an instant Reina thought her words were not reaching the Queen of Nohr. Then the ring disappeared in flash of flames that made Reina recoil in reflex, realizing only an instant later that it had not burnt.
''I believe you.'' Said the queen, rising to face the samurai eyes to eyes. ''You are retainer of queen Mikoto, correct?''
''Yes, your majesty.'' Acquiesced Reina. ''May I ask a question to you?''
She felt sick, talking politely with that monster that just scarred her, her pride and the wound still hurting. But her mission was more important than anything, her own life included, she thought as the queen nodded.
''I wish to know the whereabouts of princess Corrin, on behalf of queen Mikoto.''
The heavy stare lord Zenma gave her confirmed that the queen didn't told him about this singular request.
''The princess is safe within one of our fortress. Although I cannot allow you to see her, know that she is cared for like the king's own daughters.''
The answer was... reassuring. Despite coming from the being in front of her, there was something of a... Honesty? Openness? In the way that was spoke since she mentioned the princess Azura. Reina bowed before retreating to the door she was supposed to watch, leaving the conversation into the hand of lord Zenma as the queen turned to him, tone perfectly controlled once more.
''I am willing to reconsider my participation to the treaty, monk. Is there something else you wished to speak about?''
''Actually yes, your majesty.'' Replied lord Zenma, apologetic. ''While I apology for using them as an excuse to engage this conversation, I truly am curious about you. Would you forgive my poorly chosen words?''
''… I allow you only one question for the time being. My duties have been delayed long enough.''
Lord Zenma seemed to ponder for an instant, fingers running across the delicate inscriptions upon his healing staff.
''Are you a descendant of the Fire Dragon?'' He finally inquired.
''No. My lineage is only one of humans, and my power is not one of dragons. We shall continue this conversation later.'' Answered the queen, turning away. ''I enjoyed our spar, samurais. I would not mind another duel.''
With those words she left, the guards coming to escort them to their apartments. Only once they were in lord Zenma sat heavily in one chair, visibly exhausted. Intense negotiations and delicate conversations were taking a toll on the old man, even though he did his best to hide it in front of the nohrians.
''Lady Reina, did the queen asked you not to share your mission to me?''
There was no accusation in the tone of the priest, but Reina could not help but to feel it, especially as Idaten looked at her.
''Yes, lord Zenma. I was told not to interfere with the negotiations as much as possible. But in the end, I never had any opportunity until now.''
''If this was the queen's order, I have nothing to say against it.'' Sighed the monk. ''I can only pray we can arrange an exchange. I know the queen miss her daughter dearly.''
That was true. To say queen Mikoto was devastated by the simultaneous death of king Sumeragi and the kidnapping of her daughter was an understatement. For days she wept in her chamber, with only Reina and her diviner Orochi to comfort her... It had been heartbreaking. But as sincere as lord Zenma was, Reina knew why queen Mikoto decided not to inform him, as well as why he was chosen for the mission. Before becoming a devoted priest of the god, lord Zenma was the daymio of fort Jinya, one of Hoshido's strongest fortress and whose lands birthed some of its best warriors. While priests were theoretically outside of politics, everyone knew they had a very strong influence on it.
''By the way, Idaten. How is your wound?''
''Fine, lord Zenma, thanks to you.'' Bitterly answered the samurai. ''But it will leave no visible trace, unlike...''
His gaze drifted alongside her face, and Reina resisted the sudden impulse to touch it. The pain subsided, but there was no doubt a trace. Noting the mirror on the wall to the side, she looked into her reflection. The cut was visible, no, conspicuous. A clear scar shaped in an almost perfect cross, each diagonal line going from the cheek to the forehead, passing by the cheekbone, crossing path just above the nose and finishing above her eyebrows.
''I could heal the wound, but the scar will likely remain forever.'' Apologized the priest.
''Do not worry, lord Zenma. It is not as bad as it could have been.'' Reassured Reina, touching the scar.
Despite it's impressive size, it was almost... elegant. The cut have been clean, the sharp blades slashing without any resistance. Had it been in bad shape, or worse, serrated, she would been hideously disfigured. Excitation came as she reminisced the last moment before the blow. She had been bested, could have been killed in an instant. Never before she fought someone so skilled. It was usually the other way around as Reina sometimes got carried away in training, hurting her partners... Maybe she should take on the queen's offer...
The throne room was crowed, yet everything was orderly despite the general excitement. The day was finally there. After two full weeks of talks and only a week from the full moon, the treaty have been accepted by the king and queen. The doors opened, letting the hoshidians through, walking up to the middle of the alley formed by guards. Just like the first time, the samurais stopped at good distances while the monk traveled all the way to the throne, kneeling twenty feet of the throne.
''May all listen. In this day and place, for the first time in three hundred years, our glorious kingdom ratified a treaty with the realm of Hoshido.'' Claimed the herald, bringing silence to the immense room.
Looking down at the court in it's entirety with a stern gaze, Garon raised his hand, allowing the herald to speak again. With a profound inhalation, the man unfolded the scroll and began his reading.
''In this day and place, under the watch of the Dusk Dragon and for as long as those words will exist, we sovereigns of Nohr Garon and Lora approved this treaty that have been ratified by our own seal and authority, in accordance to the ancient rules. From this day onward, every words following shall be respected by all that live in the kingdom of Nohr as well as the kingdom of Hoshido.''
A pause. Every nobleman and noblewoman were hanging onto the words of the herald, who proceeded to the heart of the accord.
''The kingdom of Nohr solemnly accept to hold a truce with the kingdom of Hoshido as of this day. The kingdom of Nohr graciously concede the eastern and central side of the Bottomless Canyon to Hoshido, alongside the forts of Needlerock, Fallgrim and Blackmaw. All norhian soldiers shall evacuate those forts before the new moon. No nohrian soldiers will set foot closer than two hundred feet of the new frontiers and of those forts from the new moon onward unless they carry the flag of truce.''
Another pause, as thoughts raced into minds of the court. The territory given were barren of resources or crops, but could and have served as major strategic points for any offensive from Nohr, especially the three forts. Despite them being only three of the seven Nohrian forts of the Bottomless Canyon, they were nonetheless important parts of the line of fortresses watching the frontier. It would not allow an easy entrance into the kingdom by any mean as the other fortresses could still quell any hoshidian incursion from them, but it was meaningful nonetheless.
''In return, the kingdom of Hoshido solemnly accept to hold a truce with the kingdom of Nohr as of this day. The kingdom of Hoshido, from the new moon onward, will allow merchants from Nohr to cross its frontier and trade freely, with the condition of possessing a royal permit whose delivery is left to the appreciation of the sovereigns of Nohr. The kingdom of Hoshido will furthermore entirely withdraw from the affairs of the dukedom of Cheve and the dukedom of Nestra in the same period.''
Whisper erupted from all sides as the herald refolded the scroll. This was what have been promised. The opening of the richest country of the continent to trade was the dream of many merchants, from lords to craftsmen. War was profitable, extremely so, but peace in those conditions, for many, was satisfactory. However, some did not focus on that point. The second compensation was a lot more important than it looked like at first glance. Refolding the scroll, the herald went to the priest and gave it. Sealed with the king's emblem, there was now only one thing missing. For the treaty to be brought to Hoshido.
''Majesties, I am deeply grateful for your hospitality and wisdom. I pray the gods peace will last between our nations.'' Praised the monk as he received the scroll.
''You shall be accompanied by an honor guard
Standing up, the priest bowed one last time to the king before leaving under the watchful gaze of the court. Just before leaving, the blue haired samurais with a cross-shaped scar on her face send a look toward the throne, a look Lora alone received. Nothing was said. There was nothing to say. Despite the unbelievable accomplishment that the accord was, there was still something left aside as a price.
''The attribution of royal permit shall start at the beginning of the next moon. Requests will be handled during the royal public audiences. That is all.'' Concluded the herald.
With the hoshidians departure, the court quickly fell into the organized chaos that was its default state when the king did not actively enforce his authority, every noble gathering in small groups to discuss while servants traversed the immense place to satiate their master's need. It was in those time people would actually approach the sovereigns, requesting favors or providing advices, that were in truth more favors asked. Yet, none approached Garon and Lora for once. Maybe the court was still processing the entire consequence of the treaty.
''My queen, how much time would it take to ready our army again?''
Briefly Lora wondered why her king would ask such a question here aloud, before understanding the point. Garon wished for their words to be heard.
''From two to three weeks, my king, should we wait for the eastern forces to join us.'' Assumed Lora after a quick thinking.
''In time for the treaty to have been applied in its entirety?''
''Yes, should the hoshidians honor their words.''
''Good.'' Concluded Garon.
Slowly, but unmistakably, Lora saw it. A ripple in the courtiers, a change in their positioning as the words the closest to the throne overheard were widespread. Were they drawing the conclusions Garon wished? In any case, the following days would reveal how much soldiers would be at their disposal for the subjugation of Cheve.
''My king, should we retire? I believe some affairs require our attention.''
''Indeed.'' Approved Garon, rising from his throne.
They left under the gaze of the court, but once more they were a lot less heavy than usually. But she couldn't appreciate it as she would have usually. The bitter taste of loss was still there as they traveled the corridors, the royal guard forming a large space for them to talk undisturbed.
''Did you take a liking to that blue-haired hoshidian? You sparred with her quite a bit.''
''Fighting her was entertaining.''
''Does it mean our best soldiers and myself are failing to match her? I am wounded, my queen.''
''No, absolutely not, she is nowhere near your skill or that of the royal guard, it is just that...'' Lora stopped in her track, the embarrassed answer eliciting a slightly bigger smile from the king.
''You should learn to humor yourself from time to time. Tell me, what made the difference?''
He was just teasing her, of course. And again, she took him too seriously. She had trouble not to react seriously to everything. It was just how she was, and he kept poking at it. But she knew he needed it: so rare where the occasions the king could leave his stoic attitude.
''She did not fight to win. Almost like a Mound-Maker she did not care for the wounds I would inflict: her sole goal was to either kill or maim. It made it... Interesting.''
''Mound-Maker... The feral ghouls of the battlefield you met in your travels.'' Reminisced Garon.
Lora nodded. They have been... Unpredictable, with their only link being the urge to kill something. She never crossed path with two of the same kind: one would slaughter everything his eyes saw, another would restrain itself to murder certain people or beasts, and one even assisted her with the gallantry of a worshiper of the sun, butchering the dark specters on her way to Farron Keep. However, there was one thing that made the samurai stand apart.
''Some people are likely to fight like this if they are cornered, especially samurais. But training one to fight against such opponent is no easy task. I do not see prince Xander winning those unscathed as of now, he needs to experience more battles.'' Observed Lora.
''He will. Soon I will send him patrol in the countryside of the kingdom to enforce the law and fight banditry. What of my daughter?''
''Princess Camilla is growing faster and stronger, she may be able to join her brother soon. Her dispositions to the axe is outstanding, she certainly inherited it of you. For her magic, I cannot tell for sure: Iago is the one in charge of that.''
Her disapproval was quite clear in that regard. That snake was not fit in teaching anything except how to grovel. But since her king trusted him, she had to accept seeing the elder princess and the younger prince Leo learn from that coward. As she thought that, the king and her crossed the doors of the royal antechamber, leaving the guards behind. Maids removed their heavy capes and brought them wine as they sat in opposite sofa, before leaving silently.
''I have something to ask of you.'' Gravely announced Garon. ''Do you still feel remorse about the treaty?''
A brief silence. Lora finished her cup.
''Yes. I hoped the treaty would have given an occasion to bring Azura back. That there could be way. To think I hoped they would accept without us giving their own princess back...'' Muttered Lora, fist clenched white.
On Garon's advice, she pressured the hoshidians with impossible conditions, enough for them to come to her. She had been surprised that taking their princess back was not of their priorities, and only the blue-haired retainer of the hoshidian queen seemed concerned by it, bringing her the golden ring she offered to Azura to prove her intention and the well-being of the child. But in the end, reaching an agreement on the matter proved impossible. Without the princess prisoner of nohr, nothing would allow Nohr to assure Hoshido would engage in any form of negociation again, or even to fully honor their word. Her hopes have been for naught once more. Lightly the king sat beside Lora, taking her hands into his own.
''What is done is done. Rest reassured: she will be part of our family again.''
''Your family.'' Softly denied Lora.
''Our family, my love.'' Strongly reiterated Garon. ''Once day you will see it.''
Leaning on the shoulder of her husband, Lora silently accepted his words, taking comfort in his presence and warmth. Maybe one day she would see Garon words become true. Her thoughts drifted toward the day before, the last time the hoshidian royal retainer came to spar. She remembered herself denying her request, and the disappointment carved in her scarred face. But when she offered lady Reina the Sun Princess Ring, it had been replaced by surprise as she told her request.
''Swear to me, hoshidian. Swear on the name of your queen and on your honor, that you will return this ring to princess Azura.''
To her own surprise, the purple eyes of the hoshidian shifted from disappointed to solemn as she actually swore in those terms. Deep inside, Lora's instinct told her she could trust that oath. And that Azura, despite the distance separating them, would know that she won't forget her.
The horse stamped on the solid ground before the firm handling of his rider reminded him of his place. Fast and hardy, the gelding was used to journey far longer than the current one, but his constant hunger was sometimes tiring to bear, especially when the goal was near. More than one time he had to be disciplined to prevent a quick fall, during which the mount would rush to the stable for his meal. Despite that irritating trait it was one of the best horse of the royal stable, and Lora did not mind. It was but a distraction to the tedium journey. Despite her initial fear of height born of multiple unsightly deaths, she finally learned to appreciate riding a wyvern over a horse. Riding a wyvern was a constant struggle to achieve dominance over the mount, as she described once to princess Camilla. A challenge she always took and won, and a perfect way for time to flow faster. The small gates opened, and she dismounted inside the court of the Northern Fortress, welcomed by several knights.
''Your majesty, it is an honor to see you again.'' Greeted the captain.
''At ease.'' Replied Lora, dismounting with her soldiers. ''Anything new?''
''Nothing important, majesty. The last grain shipment was delayed due to a bandit attack, but fortunately no one died.''
''Good.''
The mounts were taken to the stables as Lora studied the place. Everything seemed fine. The sentinels were at their post, the courtyard clean and arranged. Peoples of the little town around the Northern Fortress were enough in good shape too as she traversed it just before. Despite the fort knowing no attack for perhaps centuries, and consequently considered one of the safest place to be in duty, no soldiers would ever dare to slack off in it. The punishment was being send into the current front-lines, no excuses or justifications asked. Now more than ever, noted Lora as she risen up the stairs of the main dungeon, with the presence of the precious guest inside of the castle... A familiar face attracted her gaze, occupied in berating a young child cleaning the floor of what seemed spilled water.
''Still not enough. You should know by now that I will not tolerate any slacking off... Your majesty. Forgive my manners, I had not seen you.'' Apologized the man, kneeling in an impeccable fashion when he caught sight of her.
''Rise up, Gunter. You served under me enough to not need such excuse.'' Commanded Lora.
The aged knight obeyed, hand still on his chest. Despite gray hairs and wrinkles, the great knight still carried himself with the seriousness and severity that made him one of the most respected knight in the whole kingdom, a shining example of knighthood that was still held as the pinnacle of work ethic, charm and honor. And it was because of those virtues that Lora recommended him for a very important task: to be the instructor of the captured hoshidian princess residing in the Northern Fortress.
''But I must still apologize for my lack of clairvoyance. Had I known you would come today, I would have told the princess.''
''Is she waiting for me?''
''It would be more accurate to tell she always look forward to your visits.'' Precised Gunter, accompanying Lora to the chamber at the top of the dungeon. ''Princess Corrin is still very shy, and I sometimes have difficulty to make her listen.''
Arriving in front of the door of the princess chamber, Gunter knocked firmly once, the sound echoing all over the corridor, before opening. The room was simple: a small window left the pallid sun's light enter, too small for anyone to enter or leave by it, illuminating a small shelf filled with books of various subjects, a desk with some scroll, ink and quill, and finally a large bed made for a grown adult. On the bed was sitting a little girl in a white dress and light gray hairs, pointed ears showing up through. As soon as they came in, her deep red eyes opened wide and she instantly brightened.
''Mother! You came!'' Chirped the child, running to Lora happily.
Mother. To hear that word, to hear what should have been said to another. Lora knelt after a second, awkwardly accepting the girl's embrace and hoping her hesitation still wasn't perceived.
''I have come, little princess.'' Lora confirmed, closely examining the girl as she ended the hug. ''How are you? Do you exercise as I told you to?''
''Yes mother! Look, I am stronger now!'' Said the princess, trying to show off still her very undeveloped arm muscles until Gunter cleared his throat.
''What milady Corrin is forgetting to tell that she skipped her last lesson in favor of running around the castle corridors.''
The gaze of Lora turned severe as the girl fidgeted, guilt written all over her soft face.
''But it's too hard, there is too much dates and names, I can't remember them all.'' Mumbled Corrin, vexed. ''And it's useless too.''
''No, you simply do not see their utility yet.'' Admonished Lora. ''Should I forbid you to go outside until you learned everything?''
''No please, please mother I don't want to!'' Cried the girl, seeing one of her rare distractions about to be taken away. ''Please, it's too hard, I can't do it...''
Corrin had a strange likeness to Azura. Not only their age, but their facial structure was quite similar. And it made the sight of her distress all the harder to look at.
''Gunter, leave the princess to me for now.''
''As you wish, majesty.'' Said the knight before leaving, closing the door behind.
The princess was trying to hold back her tears with her sleeves before Lora caught her hands, forcing the girl to meet her gaze, humid crimson into glowing ember.
''Whether you like it or not, it is important for you to learn, be it fighting, manners or history. Those are the weapons you will rely upon as princess. The only defeat there is, is to give up. As long as you continue, no matter how hard it looks, you will eventually succeed. Do you understand?''
The little girl nodded hesitantly, hanging into her hands with all her frail strength. Softening, Lora continued.
''We will look into this together, alright? If your progresses are satisfactory, I will show you a surprise.''
''Really?'' Asked Corrin in a tiny hopeful voice.
''Yes. But only if you do it right, little princess.''
Lora rose up to take one of the book on the shelf before sitting cross-legged in front of the princess, who sat on her knees.
''Now, listen. Those are the kings that unified Nohr after the Great Famine...''
As Corrin listened with expectant, innocent eyes, Lora thoughts drifted. Not only her eyes, but her soul was drawing the queen. So young but with a depth, an ancient part that was still dormant, lying down under her humanity. And upon it was but a subtle trace, something she could pick up due to its recent making. The dark magic that was used to erase the memories of Corrin's life in Hoshido.
When Lora learned of it she was furious, almost threatening to have Iago executed unless he reversed the spell. But in the end, she could only accept the reasoning of her king: that way, the princess would build stronger, happier ties to her new family. As a result, from the bottom of her young heart, the child believed she was the daughter of Garon. Her daughter. And despite her own revolt before that trickery she was part of, Lora could not help but to grow attached to the little princess that called her what she thought she would never be called...