Alright, finally Chapter 3. So you wouldn't know this unless I told you but this story has been reworked multiple times before chapter three and I finally get to work on a new chapter. Also, this seems to be a repeating thing for me. Chapter 3 always seems to be an indicator of whether I'll finish a fic or not. There are exceptions but whatever, you're here for this fic, hope you enjoy the chapter.

Edit, Welcome back RariSweti, it's good to see you plan on being a regular here too, i'm thankful to your comments they make my day.

The Prince's Future

Chapter 3: Just Friends

He hadn't expected the sight of the city walls to fill him with such a powerful sense of nostalgic melancholy. Seeing them still standing tall, unmarred by war and free of the clutches of mother nature, it all brought him back to a far better time.

"Thank you so much," the young woman's voice snapped him out of his daze. "Ah, I didn't catch your name."

He froze, he hadn't thought this far. Sure he could give her his real name but what if she by some chance ran into his younger self? Sure the timelines didn't align but he still shouldn't tempt fate. "I don't seem to have yours either." He knew that wasn't an answer but he needed more time to think.

"Zelda," she smiled and then motioned to her chaotic companion that had made the track here very difficult. The other blond was prone to walking off, picking random objects, and occasionally climbing things. "And this is Link"

He swallowed down the semi-panic, and smiled, "You may call me Oracle." It wasn't anything close to his name, and it was even on the nose as he used to be the Royal Seer. but all he could think about was that young spunky thief handing out codenames to everyone at the last bastion, her smile had managed to keep the despair away.

Zelda only nodded, "Thank you for your help, Mr. Oracle," she flashed him a bright smile. "Here," she shoved a bag of crystals into his hand. "It's the least we can do, and if we are to meet again please don't be afraid to ask for anything. We do still owe you."

"I can't take this." but before he could hand it back to her she dragged Link off and he lost them in the crowd. He shifted the bag in his hands. It had been as he figured. Those two were the Duchess and her Royal Guard. That had given him a rough outline of where he could be.

It was too late to change his own fate but perhaps there were still a few things he could do. He walked through the busy streets and tried to keep the heavy weight in his chest in check.

Then after he had weaved his way through the crowd he stopped before a large two-story residence. Or at least it used to be, as the design didn't appear like that of a stereotypical inn. But the sign that hung above the door with a purple butterfly and in the most elegantly readable script read the words The Velvet Rest.

He pushed in the door and stepped into the makeshift reception hall and approached the front desk. Behind it, he saw a tall blue-green-haired man staring off into the distance. He only faintly knew the names of the illustrious Phantom Thieves but he knew this had been one of them.

"One room," he placed the bag Zelda had given him and the receptionist's face didn't move but there was a shift in his posture as if he had been startled awake.

"For the whole day?" The man opened the bag and counted the multi-colored crystals.

"Yes, and all meals if I can afford it." He sighed and watched the other man begin to push a few crystals in his direction. "Actually." he wanted to keep his voice low "Would you know a …" he struggled to remember the codename, "Soldier?"

Those eyes snapped up, but nothing else moved. Their expression was unreadable, but there was something dangerous in those eyes. "Why?"

"I have a few questions for him," he lightly pushed a few of the crystals back in the other's direction. "And maybe get a favor done." When those eyes squinted just the faintest bit he added, "For pay obviously."

"He normally serves dinner but he's off today." They pulled the pay toward Oracle.

"I can wait." He pushed the rest in the Thief's direction and that seemed to satisfy them.

"Two days, and two nights." with that they handed Oracle the key and he walked toward the room in question. If he was being honest he needed the rest. After everything he had pulled himself through, a clean and proper bed was the least he needed.

Zelda had met with Marth shortly after the Exalt had departed for Plegia, so there was nothing more he could do for his younger self. What mattered was the life of the Exalted bloodline. He knew Chrom would be safe. After all, he had a seer accompanying him, but Marth and Lucina would be staying at the castle leaving them prime targets for attack.

The second his head hit the pillow he was dragged into the deepest sleep he had ever had. It was nice not being on guard for once. Perhaps if he was lucky he wouldn't be plagued by nightmarish memories or maybe his good memories would resurface in his dreams.

Marth sat opposite his sister and eased his nerves. He tried not to dig his knife too deeply into his breakfast, he couldn't give away his anxieties, and he mustn't let anyone know he knew.

As he expected his father cleared his throat and all eyes were on him. "There is something I need to tell you three."

"What's this about Father?" Lucina lightly sipped her drink as Corrin continued eating.

"Yesterday we received a letter from Plegia." That had stilled all movement at the table. And Marth tried to keep his composure. "They speak of possible peace talks."

Robin finally spoke up from his father's right. "I've sent out a response magically, meaning it should have arrived by now."

Chrom continued, "We will be heading to Plegia as soon as possible, meaning that we will be leaving soon."

Marth swallowed down the lump in his throat, "What did the council say?"

"They don't get a say in this." Chrom huffed. "They will dance around the subject and then it'll be tied fifty-fifty and we'll call for another meeting tomorrow and we'll continue in circles."

Marth tried to hide his chuckle. "I suppose it wouldn't be a terrible idea, there were rumors that spread that Plegia were the ones who tried to kidnap Lucina." He shook his head "Even after the Phantom Thieves admitted to it some people are convinced it's one big conspiracy."

"Yes," Robin interjected. "This is why we can't afford to prolong this decision."

"That being said," Chrom gave his son a bright smile "I'm leaving you in charge, Marth, you ran the kingdom amazingly last time."

Marth gave his best smile, but he couldn't deny the embarrassment that overwhelmed him thinking about those days. He hoped that his flushed cheeks could be read as flattered. He had left the kingdom under Bowser Jr's care, thankfully no one noticed. He can't decide if that speaks to his skills as a ruler or Bowser Jr's skill at imitation.

"Ah, if we are going to discuss rumors and gossip." Corrin finally spoke up. "I think you should keep in mind that there has been a lot of unrest from the council." she cast a sympathetic glance at Marth, "It's about your bachelor status."

Marth let out a sigh unconsciously, he should have figured it was something like that. He had noticed the whispers at his back ever since his sister's wedding. She continued, "They are even starting to get pushy, and some of the things I've heard genuinely make me angry."

That made him smile, "Thank you, Corrin." he was a second away from calling her sister. "I feel it's a bit too early for me to start thinking about that."

"You sure?" Lucina gave him a teasing smile "You haven't even considered it?"

Of course, he's considered it. But when he thinks about sharing his life with someone, his heart squeezes so tightly it stops him from thinking. But he can't tell any of them that, let alone that charming smile that lurks in the corners of his mind and daydreams. No, no, those thoughts stay locked away at the far edges of his daydreams reserved for his sweetest of sweet dreams. Ones that leap at him in the dead of night, leaving him startled awake and feeling far too hot to sleep in his bed. "I mean ..."

"Anyone in particular?" That damned smirk Sister wore was taunting, it was as if she knew exactly whose face came to the forefront of his mind.

Thankfully a guard interrupted breakfast, almost kicking the door, he attempted to right himself. "Sorry to interrupt your Majesty but there is a disturbance at the front gate."

Thank Naga, Marth stood up suddenly. "Don't worry Father, I can deal with that." and rushed out the door before anyone could stop him.

He followed the guard to the front gates where there was an exasperated argument. Marth adjusted his coat and made his way to deal with the situation. "What's the problem here?"

"Ah, Your Highness." the guard straightened and motioned to two strangers standing on the other side of the guard's spear, "These two claim to be high-ranking nobles but they have no paperwork to confirm their identities."

"Marth!" That had caught his attention and he turned to get a good look at the two guests. A young woman with a short blond bob cut, with a braid holding most of the hair out of her face. She had a traveler's hood draped over her shoulders, and her clothes looked well-suited for adventuring rather than for the average noble.

But those deep blue eyes, and long pointed ears told him exactly who this was. He stepped in front of the guard closing the distance between them, even raising the guard's spear so he could study her closer. And sure enough, those were the same colorful and intricate embroidered designs typical of Hyrulian clothing.

She gave him the same radiant smile she always did, one of the few parts of her that never changed. "It's been a while hasn't it?" He recognized that accent. He knew it far too well from his childhood. And in a rush of emotion, he hugged her tightly. She laughed and squeezed him back.

"Zelda!" he held her at arm's length to get a better look at her. "You cut your hair."

That made her blush. "And you haven't changed at all."

That made him finally let her go, and motioned to the guard, "This is Dutchess Zelda of Hyrule." he motioned to the Hylian, "The Royal brand should be enough to prove her legitimacy." Zelda then raised her hand removing her gloves to show off the mark on the back of her hand. The Three sacred triangles were a touch darker than her skin tone, a birthmark. A brand much like his own, blessed by a powerful being.

The guard grumbled an agreement and let her pass. The man who came with her shifted awkwardly and Zelda turned to face him. She let out a sigh and motioned to him with a wave and like that, his face brightened and he ran off, back into the castletown.

Marth raised an eyebrow, "Isn't he with you?"

Zelda laughed, "he is but Link likes to do his own thing." There was a fond smile on her face as she added, "He can't sit still for the life of him."

Marth led her through the castle halls, "You know when you said you would see me soon I expected at least a week in travel time."

Zelda chuckled, "Honestly it would have taken us another week if a traveler hadn't walked us to the city gates." She shook her head. "Link is a talented traveler but he gets distracted easily."

Marth couldn't help the stiffness starting to nip at the corners of his mind. "So," he tried to make it sound casual. "How have you been?"

She let out a deep sigh and he almost regretted asking, "I've been through… a lot."

He panicked. "If you don't want to talk about it then-"

She shook her head. "It's fine, I'm just tired from the travel is all." She flashed him another brilliant smile and he could tell there was still some sadness lingering there, "Link had us running in circles so I'm exhausted."

He gave her his best smile but he knew just like him, she could see through it. "Ah, then let me show you to your room, so you can get some quality rest."

"That sounds wonderful." she let her exhaustion show for the first time since he had seen her. And he hurried his pace so she could get to bed sooner.

He'll tell his father of her arrival later, perhaps after the big council meeting. She needed to get her strength back, and he knew the second Luci found out she was here that poor girl wouldn't get a second of peace.

There, amongst the dying trees and burnt remains of what could have been a fort or outpost, a small group of teens skulked along the dead foliage.

"We really shouldn't be out here," said the only boy of the group. He adjusted his goggles and watched behind them, hoping to catch anything, if anything was watching them. Best not to be caught off guard.

"Chin up." One of the girls adjusted the black feathered mask that rested on her nose, covering the top part of her face. "My gut is telling me there is something around here."

"I just feel like…" he launched himself into the nearby tree, climbing it to get a better view of the area. "…we were told to stay away from this place for a reason." He gazed out at the expanse of the field and adjusted the lens of his goggles to get a better look.

"Forge, listen. One day you will learn that you can't always trust the Man." The girl in the feather mask started studying the ground, searching for something, anything really.

"Hey …" he tried to remember her codename as she was very particular about that. "Valkyrie?" He adjusted the lens control a little more. "There are still traces of ether here, there must have been a fight here. A big one if the ether is still lingering."

Valkyrie jumped in excitement. "What did I tell you," she pumped her fist into the air, eager and excited to be finally right. "There is no way Driver just ditched Oracle or that Oracle would leave Forge behind without reason."

"Val?" one of the other two girls following along spoke up, she knelt and pressed her palm into the dirt. "Someone's coming, and fast."

Forge turned behind them "Valkyrie, it's Driver, he's headed straight for us."

Valkyrie looked around and pointed to the line of dead trees. "This way!" and all four of the young teens ran off in that direction as the adult headed their way.

A young man gazed out at the lovely vistas through the carriage window. His palm to his cheek, he thought and waited for this ride to be over.

"You okay?" His squire tapped him on the shoulder, snapping him out of his daze.

He sighed, "Yeah, just nervous." He hadn't been back in years, would everything be the same or would it all be so vastly different it would no longer be a comfort?

"M'Lord" the driver called into the carriage, "we'll be arriving in Ylisstol shortly."

Right, they were almost there. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst. Even though his heart prayed nothing had changed.

Shulk followed his prince into the meeting room. He wasn't used to accompanying Marth to his meetings, let alone ones as important as this one, but Marth's anxiety hadn't escaped his notice. Unfortunately for the young lord, they had arrived before his father and the moment they stepped into that room the gossiping whispers had intensified, they hadn't even tried to be subtle.

Shulk cast a glance at his prince and had to fight the urge to show his concern, Marth's mask wasn't as convincing as it used to be. His hands were shaking and his expression seemed a little too practiced. He leaned in closely, "M'Lord?" He asked in all but a whisper.

That had startled Marth out of his state, but he didn't move, only glancing back and in that moment it was as if his mask was gone, snapped back into a serene expression, but this too was a mask, a far more believable mask but a mask nonetheless.

Shulk straightened as Marth began to ready his quill and parchment for the meeting as if he expected there to actually be a back and forth. It was then that the Exalt and his adviser arrived.

The moment the Exalt had walked into the room became terrifyingly quiet. Chrom took his seat and gazed out at the table, he then motioned to Robin who produced a simple letter, with a purple wax seal. "I've been summoned to a meeting."

One of the many council members thought themselves bold enough to speak out of turn. "With who, your grace?"

Chrom exchanged glances with Robin and sighed "Plegia."

The room had shifted from deafening silence to a chaotic cacophony. And not a single one had anything good to say. Some had even begun to argue with each other, resulting in some even standing. Shulk cast a glance back at Marth in concern, yet his mask stayed firm.

Chrom cleared his throat and the room fell silent again. "A response was already sent."

"A refusal clearly." another council member spoke up, "right your Majesty?"

When Chrom spoke his voice carried authority without getting louder, it was a low warning to anyone who dared challenge it. "I accepted and will be leaving tomorrow."

"But the Spring Festival," another council member protested.

"We'll be back by then," Robin spoke up then. "We made that very clear in our response."

"With that being said." the Exalt leaned back, he motioned to his left, indicating the Prince, "I'm leaving Marth in charge." his voice lowered again as he added, "This is also not up for compromise."

"I'm honored, Father." Marth gave that shining practiced smile and Shulk could feel the tension in the room begin to build. "As this meeting is the last one we'll have with you present for at least a week or so."

When the prince held out his hand, Shulk took his cue and handed the prince a collection of papers, he had to make himself useful after all. "Now, let's settle the tax issue, shall we?"

There was a collected groan, one that even the Exalt contributed to. Shulk noticed it then, a very subtle curve to the corner of Marth's mouth. He did enjoy the collected reaction, or perhaps he found his father's reaction funny. Shulk couldn't help but find it endearing.

Marth had been staring at the same document for the past twenty minutes, and still, he was left with no words. He hadn't held the title of acting Exalt for an hour and the stupid requests had already started. The audacity of some lords to start skimping on their taxes and still have the gall to insist that they should be moved from viscount to duke so that their territory boundaries could be increased.

He wished he had the strength his father did for just shooting all this down with a simple sheet of parchment consisting of a single phrase. But Robin would usually add more to it so it didn't look so direct. Marth didn't have his father's nerve, and he couldn't just pawn it off to his adviser, as Shulk would be speaking to his father about leaving with them.

He returned the quill to the inkwell as his mind returned to his retainer.

If this was truly about to be a week-long trip this would make the longest time the two had been away from each other. He was certain that everything would be alright on his end but he couldn't quite shake the fear that something would go terribly wrong on Shulk's end.

He closed his eyes to try and concentrate his thoughts. Logically he knew Shulk's presence alone would change the flow of time. After all, how many times had he saved Marth? Too many, especially with that healing magic of his.

So certainly Shulk would be able to save his father from getting injured. And yet that lump in his stomach didn't lighten.

Shulk had seen the Phantom Thief attack, and it had unintentionally led to the specific situation that would call for the Phantom Thieves to invade the castle and stage a kidnapping. Sure it had been arraigned by his sister but it felt as if there were certain visions that Shulk was unable to affect.

Another thing that bothered Marth was that Shulk would ensure his father's safety, but would that apply to Shulk himself? Shulk had enchanted Marth willingly letting a powerful blast incapacitate the blonde in the fight at Mount Prism. Would he put himself in danger, even sacrifice his own safety for the sake of the royal family?

He shook his head, he couldn't think that way. Shulk was a talented seer, a gifted fighter, a lot stronger than he looked, and above all exceptionally smart. He had to believe in Shulk, he did believe in Shulk. How could he not, after all they have been through? He opened his eyes and cast his gaze on the magic lamp that sat patiently on his desk.

He smiled at the memory of the day he had gotten it. Shulk had lived at the castle for a while but had not said a word that wasn't to his caretaker Dunban. Marth was still getting his bearings and wasn't accustomed to leaving his room let alone the walls of the castle's main building.

But one night the quiet blonde boy had shyly approached Lucina who was helping her brother sneak out to see the stars. He had handed the lantern to Marth directly then pointed at Lucina and then to the one he held. He walked alongside them silently until they reached the stairs.

Marth's leg had slipped and Lucina wasn't strong enough to catch him, but Shulk had grabbed him on the other side and the two together managed to help him down. That night they stayed out there for hours, Shulk had even lent him his cloak. That was the first night they had ever properly interacted following their meeting.

It was when he was deep in his nostalgic reminiscing that a knock yanked him out of his head and back to reality. He had almost jumped out of his chair, "Come in!"

When the door did open, a delicate hand pushed the door open. Revealing a familiar face, "Aren't you going to invite me to tea with your sister?" Zelda's smile had eased all his nerves.

He really did miss having her around. "Of course." he stood from his desk, abandoning whatever stupid nonsense the council wanted to test his patience with today. His work could wait.

AN/ Alright I'll confess, I've had brain rot for a different ship and that's what's been keeping me from working on this fic. Thankfully the pull of that ship is in a cool down period so I should be able to get back to this fic. It also doesn't help that my beta reader is also in the throws of brain rot-induced motivation and is working on his own fic at present. So forgive us if the chapters take a while. Anyway, I've started to pick up speed again and have managed to iron out the fic enough that things should flow from here. Let's hope that my new muse can give me the energy to push this fic out on a regular basis.

Edit: i'm going to do something different this time around when it comes to responding to comments and shoutouts, i'll be adding it in the form of these edits. Having said that, RariSweti in regards to Lucorrin, I don't know the proper ship name either but I personally refer to it as Dragonfly, due to Lucina's connection to butterflies and Corrin being a dragon. I like creative ship names but I don't have anything against combination names like Chrobin. Some ships don't roll off the tongue in the same way.

~ (6/29/2024)