Corrin did not require a wake up call that morning. In fact, she had barely slept. She had been waiting for this moment as long as she could remember. She knew what King Garon looked like, but little more than that. He had only been to the fortress once to observe her progress, but he left barely saying a word.

That meant that Corrin was determined to make a good impression. What that entailed, she was not entirely certain, but she was determined to do it anyway. She was already properly dressed before the maids even came to help. She thanked them for their service anyway and sent them on their way as she continued to pace in what she was told was her bedroom.

Her nervousness was not exactly hard to see as her butler came to serve her tea.

"Milady, if you don't calm down, you'll wear out the carpet."

"Huh?" Corrin stopped and looked at the plush carpet she had been treading over, "Oh, sorry."

"Nervous about meeting the king, I take it."

"That obvious, huh?" Corrin sheepishly sat down to sip the warm beverage.

"As the noonday sun."

"Sorry. It's just…I've been thinking about this nearly all my life."

"I'm sure, and I won't sugarcoat it, his reputation precedes him. Just keep your cool and try not to be overly friendly. I doubt he'll appreciate it."

"I'll…try to keep that in mind."

"Good," Jakob nodded, "Now, it's time you go meet your siblings. I'm sure they'll have much better insight than I."

"Thanks, Jakob," Corrin smiled kindly, "Just having you here is a great help. You'll be there, right?"

"Toward the back, yes. It seems my presence was requested along with Gunter's."

"Really?" Corrin tilted her head.

"Yes, but don't worry yourself with that. Just focus on what you need to do."

"Alright," Corrin took a breath, "I'll try."

All the while as they approached Windmire, Robin was analyzing the defensive abilities of the city. It was just something he did on reflex by this point. The city itself had plenty of defensive positions, but the old mine was not the most naturally defensible position. It was helped out by being relatively narrow on the sides of the chasm compared to most large cities. The sprawl over the edge was pretty standard for a city of its size though.

The castle, however, was arguably more bizarre than the capital itself. Erected on a large central spire, it was accessible only through a few bridges, one clearly a main entrance with a few tertiary access points. All of which could no doubt be easily sealed. At a glance, it looked incredibly well defended.

Despite being partially situated within an ancient mine, the city itself was not too dissimilar from what he was used to in Ylisse on the surface, but everything felt a bit darker and not just because of the overcast skies. The mood was just a bit less friendly, and a bit less jovial. Though, when he had first entered Ylisstol, the people had a leader that eased their fears and encouraged a sense of community. Still, the people of Ylisse proved overall kind during his time there. Perhaps these people were too, but he could not shake that it felt less inviting.

"There is a tavern a few streets down called the Cotton Tail. Wait there for us. I'll need to round up the gang. Fortunately we should all be in town unless there was a last minute mission. We can confer then."

"Very well," Lucina nodded, "We shall await your arrival."

Once left alone, Robin took Lucina's hand in his as they walked in search of the tavern, "Not exactly a romantic getaway."

"No," Lucina mused, "But honestly, it might be more up my alley anyway."

Robin frowned, "Perhaps, but you deserve the best."

Lucina gave his hand a light squeeze and smiled, "So long as we're together, that's more than enough for me."

All the same, Robin's smile back was half hearted at best.

"I believe that will be enough council for the day," Mikoto forced a smile, "Let's talk of more pleasant matters. How are preparations for the festival going?"

"E-everything is going well," Sakura looked directly at her mother, wishing she did not have to speak, but her family had thought she was ready to take on some responsibility with the preparations. She was the most invested of the siblings after all. "We're looking to have a big turnout."

"Excellent. I hope that this will provide all of us a chance to unwind from the stress both the people and our family has been enduring."

Kamui looked a bit concerned, sharing a glance with Reflet who was silently observing from the corner of the room. She did meet his gaze with a slight nod, but she otherwise did little throughout the meeting.

Fortunately, the festival was on track to be a grand affair. A break they could all use. Even Ryoma was seemingly more relaxed even if just marginally. It allowed the queen to breathe a bit easier knowing there was some silver lining to the meeting as she watched them eagerly discuss the plans.

After a while she dismissed the meeting. Hinoka and Sakura left to continue discussing the festival, Ryoma went to hear Saizo and Kagero's latest report, while Takumi and Kamui left talking about something with a smile on their lips.

Put more at ease, Mikoto left to take a walk herself. The castle was so beautiful this time of year, but it was not home. She did still find herself home sick from time to time. The royals and the late king Sumeragi had been exceptionally kind and accepting of her, but home was home.

It was on her walk that she heard a melody that brought the feelings of homesickness back in full force. Following the tune, she found herself in the gardens as the songstress sang of fate, birthrights, and conquest, the meaning of her words likely lost on her. Mikoto knew something of their meaning, but it was likely their secrets died with Arete if she had not passed them down.

The Queen watched from afar as she continued her song. Arete had deserved so much better. When they had split up after the attack, Mikoto had thought she had found a modicum of happiness in Nohr. Perhaps she did for a time, but it was not to last.

There was a reason that Mikoto had redirected their efforts to Azura all those years ago. If they could not reclaim her daughter, she would safeguard Arete's. Still, some, or rather, most of her children bore a fairly deep seated hatred of Nohr for one reason or another. She could not say she cared for them, and with Garon leading them, they were certainly a threat, but she decided that it was high time they knew. Time they knew the real reason she was willing to allow their increased military size.

But not quite yet. She would wait until after the festival. She would give them one more happy time before revealing the dark truth of their world.

The large double doors leading to the throne room still made even the crown prince somewhat uneasy. He had always held his father in high regard since he had seen him in action back in his youth, but it was hard to deny that the King had become more…intimidating as time went on.

"Brother!"

Xander turned and smiled as Corrin ran up to him, the rest of his siblings watching on. The ones still with them at least. Not letting himself get bogged down, Xander returned the smile as best he could. Only Camilla seemed to see through it.

"I see you managed the morning well, LIttle Princess. Are you ready for your meeting with His Highness?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Corrin forced herself to breathe, "I'm a bit nervous though."

"You'll do fine," Camilla reassured, and Xander was grateful. Rallying troops was one thing, but personal reassurance was not something he excelled at, "Just be your usual charming self."

"Though, do remember to be respectful," Leo added, "Father does not take kindly to insubordination. Even from his children. Understood?"

"Yeah," Corrin nodded, "Let's do this."

The throne room of Nohr was a nearly cavernous room. Arguably bigger than it had any right to be. However, it did bear Nohr's trademark sparse furnishings. Almost more so than the rest of the castle, it was the pinnacle of harsh practicality for the most part. The major exception being the large carving in the ceiling. Something the King had installed a few years back.

"My daughter," King Garon's sunken eyes observed the young woman kneeling before him, "I hear you have finally defeated Xander in combat."

"Yes, my King," Xander bowed, "Her cunning has grown with her strength. She is a capable warrior with room for much growth."

"Good. I'm happy to hear it. You may rise." Corrin stood and swallowed as the King's gaze bore into her, "However, I have a test of my own before we continue. A test of your leadership and loyalty as well as your strength."

"I'm ready," The princess spoke with certainly.

"Excellent. Guards! Bring in the prisoners."

The royals watched as several Hoshidans were brought into the throne room.

"These Hoshidans were caught trying to sabotage one of our military outposts. A capital offense. Corrin, you will lead Gunter and your retainer in combat with them. I expect a resounding victory."

Corrin swallowed, her eyes slightly wide with horror as the Hoshidans were set loose against her. Gunter brought her out of her stupor however.

"Lady Corrin, distasteful as it may seem, you have a duty. More to the point, their weapons are quite real."

"R-right. Follow me, Gunter, Jakob. Try to spare them if you can."

"Understood, milady," Jakob responded without hesitation. Gunter took a moment longer, but he was behind her all the same. Corrin just wished she was half as confident in herself as they were in her.

Having rented out a private room in the tavern, Robin and Lucina awaited the arrival of the others playing a simple board game to pass the time. Like with all matters of strategy, Robin won every game, but Lucina was improving.

The hours rolled on as the two awaited their allies. The sun was already setting by the time they received a knock on their door. In walked Laslow and a familiar blonde man.

"So it is true!" The man smiled as Lucina tried to come to terms with what he was wearing, "It must be fate to have two legendary heroes join us on our quest. Forgive us for not including you before, but we had hoped to spare you any further turmoil. Alas, it must be time for you to pick up your blades yet again."

"Calm yourself, Odin," Gerome grunted after joining them.

"Gerome," Lucina gasped, "Your mask!"

"Yes, I don't need it anymore. Though, it's Geoffrey here."

"Right, pseudonyms," Lucina nodded, glancing over at her cousin, "So you chose Odin?"

"Quite right, my illustrious cousin."

Another knock heralded the arrival of Noire, "Noire, good to see you're well. What name are you going by here?"

"Nicole," She responded without a stutter earning a proud smile from Lucina, "I work with Odin as a retainer for one of the royals."

"Royal retainers, eh?" Robin rubbed his chin in thought.

"Yes, I'm actually a retainer to Crown Prince Xander," Laslow informed, "I won the position in a tournament."

"How'd that go?" Robin inquired.

"Fairly well. I'll admit, I held back a bit. Few have as much experience as we do."

"How surprisingly forward thinking of you not to show all your cards."

"Well, I didn't want to start out by killing some poor sap."

"What about you?" Robin asked the wyvern lord, "Where are you stationed?"

"I work with the wyvern knights. They have a considerable force, so it was not that hard to get a position."

"He's actually been put up for promotion by the eldest princess," Laslow added.

"Oh?" Robin raised his brow suggestively.

"It's just business. She has an eye for talent, and even without trying my best, I'm better than any of their riders with only the princess herself close to my level."

"Ever humble," Robin muttered, but he knew it was likely true. He knew what they were capable of better than most. Assuming Nohr was similar to Ylisse in terms of average competence, he was leaps and bounds better than the average soldier.

"So, is that every-" The door opened suddenly as a redhead joined them in the room.

"What was so important that you had to call me here on my off day?" She folded her arms, glaring at Laslow and notably avoiding looking at Odin.

Laslow merely cleared his throat and tilted his head at their guests. This made her drop her folded arms, "Oh…what are you two doing here?"

"Happy accident," Robin replied nonchalantly, "Figured we might as well help out. So, what do you do?"

She raised her brow, but she answered regardless, "I'm a retainer for Princess Camilla."

"Well, you've certainly done a good job at embedding yourselves into their ranks, yet you haven't managed to see this princess?"

"No," Geoffery scowled, "They are quite protective of her and thus very picky about who gets to go to the fortress that she lives at."

"Not surprising considering how she ended up in their care," Robin thought aloud, "And no one in Nohr knows she was kidnapped?"

"Very few," Laslow nodded, "And even fewer would admit it. I imagine the older royals know, or at the very least suspect it. Though Princess Elise would have been far too young to remember. She was born just a few weeks prior. The main reason we even know is because of our mutual friends."

"Wonderful," Robin sighed, "So, you're close to the royals. Tell me everything you know. Spare no details."

"I'm not sure this one is really…me," The crown prince muttered as his sister held up a flashy kimono.

"Hey, I'm trying here," Hinoka put the garment back as they continued browsing, "I don't know why you'd ask me to help pick you out something anyways. You could just see if Oboro has time for an order."

"I think her time, and thoughts, are occupied. I'd rather not break them up."

"Huh?" Hinoka looked at him strangely.

"Nevermind. I actually asked you to come so that we could talk."

"Oh?" The princess looked up from the rack, "What about?"

Ryoma looked around to see if anyone was listening before continuing. Despite attempts to keep a low profile, Ryoma was still, quite frankly, a mountain of a man making it hard for him to go unnoticed, "It is about the Kanpaku."

"What about her?"

"I don't…I am uncertain about her recent…suggestions."

"Who would have thought you'd be the one soft on Nohr?" There was a hint of accusation in her voice whether she intended it or not.

"You know I'm willing to do whatever it takes to bring justice to our family," Ryoma scowled, "But I have issues with how she seems to be actively undermining the Queen."

"Everything she's said has made sense and proven to be correct so far. Just because Mother needs a bit more convincing doesn't mean she's undermining her authority. You yourself have thought she was a bit soft on Nohr."

"Yes, but that's not the point. Despite my disagreements, I still respect the Queen. Doing it this way feels…wrong."

"Look," Hinoka was losing patience, "She's making sure we can finally bring justice to those Nohrians. If Mother needs a little nudge to do that, I don't mind. Or have you forgotten they took our sister?"

The crown prince's posture grew rigid and Hinoka was suddenly very aware at just how much he towered over her, "Not a day goes by where I don't think about that. Few would want to see that whole nation brought to justice more than me, but I still have my honor. If we're giving that up, we may very well turn into them if we aren't careful."

"We'll never be like them," Hinoka's anger was thinly veiled, "Nohr is full of tyrants and bullies, and the world would be better off without them." She threw a garment at Ryoma who caught it without looking, "Wear this. I've had enough of this nonsense."

As she left, Ryoma looked aimlessly at the garment, "Father, what would you have done? As if I don't already know. Our cause is just. I must remember that."

Corrin was huffing as she finally dealt with the last of the Hoshidans. They were tough, and Gunter was right, they had fought to kill. Not that Corrin could really blame them given the circumstances, but they had at least avoided any casualties.

"Passable," Garon spoke from his throne, seemingly not at all concerned about Corrin's safety, "Now, kill them."

"What?" Corrin was aghast at the command, "But, Father, they are defeated. Surely there is no reason to kill them."

"They committed crimes against Nohr. Their fate is sealed," Garon narrowed his eyes, "Now, kill them. Prove to me you are indeed a child of Nohr."

Corrin looked at the two closest Hoshidans, the strongest for certain. The ninja looked at her with conflicted emotions, but shame seemed the most prominent. Meanwhile the warrior woman glared with prideful defiance. Was there really nothing she could do?

"Ugh, fine," The younger prince stepped forward with an exasperated sigh, "It's our fault, really. We should have prepared you better."

"L-Leo?" Corrin looked at her brother, not sure what to make of anything at that point.

"I'll handle this rabble," With a sadistic smirk, Leo systematically cast spell after spell. When he was done, the Hoshidans were gone without a trace, and Corrin was utterly distraught.