Here it is. The beginning of the sequel to "A Night with Corrin". This route right here is going to take a few darker twists when compared to the previous story. Think of it like the Conquest path, while the prior tale was Birthright. It goes without saying - you should read the first story (A Night with Corrin) before you start this one. Otherwise you won't have a clue what's going on.

I've also posted a new poll on both my Fanfiction and Deviantart profiles. Which Nohrian lady would you like to have romantic focus in this story? Cast your votes and let me know! And one last thing. I heard your opinions on Kana loud and clear. Sounds like all of you prefer the female version! I'll keep that in mind.

Now then - I'm sure you've been waiting. Let's get started shall we?

Shadow of Nohr

War rages unhindered. Hundreds more men and women have died on both sides. Barely any ground has been gained. You're beginning to wonder if the losses and suffering will ever end. Not that you've been given any chances to test your worth. Camilla hardly allows you to leave her side. And her word is sacred in the kingdom of the Dark Dragon. Royal decree and an iron fist keep order in Nohr. The poorer underclasses do as they're told. And your lot in life feels much the same. There is only one difference - the holder of your leash is deadlier than most.

Which is why you made it your mission to slip away from Camilla once your duties were done.

Charlotte requested you patrol the city with her. A request you happily abided. Her method of patrol involves little in the way of patrolling.

The grimy slums are abuzz with peddlers and rogues. All manner of lowlife ply their trades when honest folk head to bed. It's usually a toss of a coin as to whether you'll get into a fight or end up robbed around these parts. A wonderful prospect. Though one you're sadly becoming accustomed to. Fortunately, booze and a hardy brawl work wonders for making friends here. You drink with the best of them - while Charlotte fights like a woman possessed.

Your teamwork is fast becoming the talk of this district - as much as the Busty Maid has fast become your tavern of choice to unwind in. A few mugful's of ale help with disregarding the rampant stink of sweat soaked into the furniture. The shouting of drunken patrons fills your ears: the smoke from old men's pipes fogs the air. Sake dens in Hoshido are far quieter - more refined. Serving girls don appealing patterned kimono finished with graceful ribbon work. A far cry from their Nohrian counterparts; buxom young women with fair; freckled skin and sparkly blue eyes: crammed into grubby corsets a size too small.

"Always a treat," you smirk. Your kinsman would view places like these as dens of filth - homes for cutthroats and ruffians. You've come to enjoy the energy of Nohr's pubs in the months you've been here. They're rough and tumble, yes. But that doesn't make them any less of a fine place to unwind. You are assured a good time so long as you can handle yourself. And handle yourself you can. Especially with Charlotte at your back.

Nobody crosses a lady fighter in the employ of royalty.

The grizzled old barman roares at the top of his lungs. "Alright yer lousy bastards. We're closin' fer the night," He gives the golden bell kept atop the counter a sharp ring. "Finish up 'n get yer arses out. We'll be open same time tomorrow."

With that, Charlotte breaks from arm wrestling some poor fool into the floor and bounds over. She snakes her arm around yours with a smile. "C'mon Keiji! You heard 'em. Let's get going. I've gotta head to the barracks."

"Fine by me," you answer. It's been a long night - long but relaxing. "Always a romantic courting spot," you jest, tying Charlotte's fingers with yours. Together, the two of you depart the dingy watering hole and stagger into the streets. "Though I hoped you had somewhere nicer in mind."

"Ohhh but I do. Somewhere I know Camilla's lackeys won't trail us." The buxom blonde sniggers. "Turn right down here. Don't look back." She leads you on a detour from the cramped market streets. It's fascinating how she knows almost every twist and turn by heart. A narrow backstreet greets you when she comes to a stop. It's grubby; dimly lit by a single torch - and unnervingly quiet. Even the usual ruffians aren't loitering nearby.

"How did you know we were being followed?" You checked over your shoulder a good handful of times before leaving the castle. Nobody clung to your shadow so far as you could make out. You checked twice over. "I didn't see a soul."

"Cuz I caught sight of Selena a small ways back - not far from the tavern," answers Charlotte with a wink. "'N I know Camilla likes ya where she can see ya. She ain't gettin' her way tonight... especially since I leave for the Northern Fortress tomorrow."

You've tried for the best of a week not to dwell on Charlotte's looming departure.

You give a disheartened sigh and hold her tighter.

Some grungy Windmire backstreet isn't exactly the best place to swap farewells - but Beggars can't be choosers. You're free from attentive ears and prying eyes. Even Camilla would struggle with sending one of her many servants so far into the maze of slums without protection. Getting lost would be the smallest of their concerns. A smart play on Charlotte's part.

"C'mon, Keiji...Don't get all gloomy on me."

"Who said anything about being gloomy?" You wrap your arms around Charlotte's middle and draw closer. "I'm perfectly fine." The scents of rum and cologne invigorate your senses. You peck her lips sweetly in hopes of more. Charlotte obliges, planting her lips against yours in a deeper embrace. You shiver blissfully as her tongue invades your mouth. Growling invitingly, she thumps your back against a shanty house wall and digs her nails into the fabric of your undershirt. Such ferocity makes you quake with heat - with longing.

You match her intensity, sliding one of your hands lower, giving her firm behind a pinch. The blonde shudders under your touch. A pinch becomes a lustful squeeze. Charlotte pins you: ravages you. Empowered by desires, you lift the girl up. She snakes her legs around your hips with a hungry snarl. Her tongue ties with yours. A tussle ensues - one you're all too happy to lose so long as you can bask blissfully.

You force a raspy breath to collect yourself when Charlotte finally breaks away. She eases down, burying her face into your shoulder. "T-That was nice..." She inhales and exhales gleefully, untangling herself. "Be back before ya know it. I'll be fine escorting Lady Elise. All I've gotta do is take her to Miss Effie. A week or two's the longest I'll be gone."

You regain your composure and collect Charlotte's favorite Hoshidan storybook from your pack. Her calmness doesn't bring peace to your troubled thoughts; you fight to keep a stern face. "Pages twelve and thirteen," you reply in deflection. Making the best of a disheartening situation has become something of a forte of yours. You squeeze Charlotte to your chest for selfish comfort. "Be careful... Scouts wait along the roads to the Northern Fortress."

Charlotte wriggles free and snags her book impolitely. You are gifted another kiss for your trouble: this one tender - less intense. Something to treasure. Sadly, it doesn't last anywhere near as long as you'd like. Charlotte edges away and licks her lips. "Quit your worryin' Keiji. Keep on being nice and I'll start thinking you give a shit."

"You're one of the more decent Nohrians I've come to know these recent months," you reply. "It would be a shame to lose you."

"Like any weakling Hoshidan's enough to stop me," Charlotte snorts. She pounds her fists together. "I've yet to meet my match."

You turn your back on the girl - if only to cut the farewell short. Each step feels heavier than the last. Too many times have you been ripped away from those you hold dear. That is exactly what I fear, Miss Charlotte. "There are Samurai far more skilled than I," you warn. "Be thankful you haven't seen them."

Charlotte scoffs at your concerns. "And when I meet 'em? I'll be ready! Till then? You have a good time with Lady Camilla. Don't go having too much fun without me. Ya hear?"

"I make no promises." Especially with the assortment of wines they have here in Nohr. "Stay safe."

"You too, Samurai. You too."

You begin on your way, determined to keep your composure.

"Keiji," Charlotte's voice echoes as you walk, "When I get back... you wanna visit my house?"

Your chest becomes tight. There's hopefulness in the Nohrian lassies' voice. Your feet are heavier than stone. All you want is to turn back and hug her. But your fears won't allow it. The best you manage is a stiff nod of the head. "It would be a pleasure. See you soon..."

Retracing your steps proves something of a challenge. Without Charlotte by your side the air feels unsafe. For safety's take you pull your knife from your belt; it's steel shimmers against the murk. "I've come to rely upon her far too much," you lament. "Far too much."

Three days have proven far too many. Let alone two weeks.

It's nearly impossible to stay upbeat by yourself. You'd rather squabble with Charlotte over trivialities than bare the maelstrom of your mind any longer. Alone? The bitter truth is hard to swallow. You are as much a prisoner as you are a retainer.

Your bedchamber is your sanctuary. The only guaranteed place you're not being stalked.

A bottle of wine each night buries your worries deeper. Tankard after tankard of ale scrubs away the sights and sensations for which you yearn.

Corrin's loving smile. Felicia's precious cuddles. The softness of Flora's voice. Charlotte's snarky demeanour. Hells, any woman's touch would work wonders tonight. Something. Anything. So long as you don't feel damned useless. Battle is your calling; wars aren't won by idleness.

They're won by actions. They're won by parlay.

Why won't Camilla send me to the frontlines?

Your vision splits into wayward prisms against the yellowy light of the lantern. You squint at its flame. The room spins wildly.

You made a pledge to Nohr - to Camilla. It's your damned duty to stick with it come what may. No matter how much it stings when you dwell upon things which you cannot have. "I-I did it for you, Flora... so you could live and be safe..."

Another fruity mouthful of drink stems the regret. It burns your throat, purges you inside and out.

You throw your head back and stare at the canopy of your bed: desperate to quell your racing thoughts.

War still rages. And I've not been able to do anything about it.

"Damn it all." Your scrunch your eyes shut. Breathing deeply, you pray for sleep to come. "What's the point if I'm not fighting? I can't sit here any longer..." You've never been a tradesman. Nor an innkeeper. There has been a sword in your possession as far back as you remember. Without it... you're useless. To yourself. To everyone. All you know is war. All you are is a bringer of bloodshed.

The Nohrians should let you do what you do best. A few losses now will mean peace in future.

It doesn't matter whether Hoshido or Nohr are victorious. So long as there is a victor.

Daybreak brings much-needed calm to your hellish thoughts. You nurse your head with a grumble, hoping beyond all hope for a shred of peace and quiet. Hours drag painfully. Such a long-winded and bleak day couldn't end faster. Then again, you're going back to an empty room tonight. How you wish Charlotte was here. A shame too. You've found both great enjoyment and intrigue in her teaching you how to read Nohrian writing. Even if the lettering makes no darn sense.

You should thank your lucky stars for having something to smile about. Unfortunately, one thing in particular works wonders in testing your patience.

A certain young lass with a ruby hair and venomous attitude. You scowl at the sight of her. "Selena."

Once again the two of you are stuck together on guard duty in the pouring rain. Orders are orders. Even if it feels like your head is about to burst.

Your companion keeps on ranting ceaselessly, intent on making her displeasure known. And loudly so. "It's pissing down out here," Selena snaps, flicking her waterlogged pigtails. She fidgets with irritation, jogging on the spot. "Nohr is wetter than my homeland..."

"Would you be quiet?" You snap, rolling your eyes. A valuable lesson you've learned in Nohr is curtness. These angry grey clouds aren't set to move anytime soon. You accepted them as soon as you awoke from your drunken slumber. "You'd think the weather would bother you less considering you've spent far more time here than I."

"Hold your tongue, Hoshidan," retorts Selena. Her favorite pet insult makes you boil with annoyance. "If I'd wanted the opinion of a turncoat then I would've asked for it. Don't talk to me... we clear?"

You're not entirely sure of the reason why, but something about the girl's mannerisms irks you. When she's quiet she's fine. But the second she starts talking her voice skitters beneath your skin. If she weren't a woman you would've shouted her down several times today.

"Fine," you answer. "All I ask is you cease your whining. Lady Camila will be done soon."

"Quit telling me how to do my job... turncoat."

You bite your tongue - for now.

"Where did you go the other night?" continues Selena rudely. "I saw you leave the castle..."

So you were following me. Charlotte was right.

"My business is none of your concern, Miss Selena."

"We'll see. Just wait until I tell-"

The armoury doors swing wide and Lady Camilla strides boldly into view. The ear-to-ear grin she sports is haunting. You give a respectful nod while trying to avoid eye contact. Kindness and sadism are two sides of the same coin for this woman.

"Alright you two," declares the princess with fizz and vigor. "I think we're done for-" Camilla pauses at the sight of yours and Severa's mutual scowls. She Puffs out her ample chest and points a disappointed finger at the pair of you. "Still not getting along, are we? Well I'll have to fix that... won't I?" Her eyes narrow into a harsh, cool stare. "Come along, both of you. We're going for a walk..."

You and Selena share a mutual glance of fear.

Kindness and sadism do indeed go hand-in-hand.

For hours and hours Camilla has dragged you on an excursion across the length of Krakenburg Castle's sizable rooms and passageways. Nervousness bubbles in the pit of your stomach. Calm yourself, you breathe stiffly. Don't let her get to you.

You focus instead on Selena. The more Nohrians you see, you can't help but notice how truly different she looks.

"Dearie me," Camilla comments. "Whyever are you leering at Selena?"

You hold your tongue and freeze to the spot.

Selena spares an irritated huff. "Eyes away, idiot," she barks. "Just because we serve together doesn't mean we have to be friends..."

Camilla tuts disappointedly at you both, "Now now. I'll have no more bickering from the pair of you."

You're brought to an abrupt halt in the midst of Krakenburg's Royal Wing. The fine decor; marble statues; plush carpets and fanciful stained windows are dead giveaways. The serving girls and handmaidens dress in fine robes and pretty navy-blue skirts. Everything appears much tidier and well-maintained. Even the air hangs heavy with the scent of flowers; a light pleasantness when compared to some of the ungodly smells you came across while patrolling the streets of Windmire late at night.

Camilla marches you both to the rose-crested double doorway of her bedchamber. Nudging her way inside, she orders you to follow. Awkward silence descends. The air is stifling. Selena props herself beside the doorway, her hands knotted.

You make every attempt in your power to ignore her. You avert your eyes. The silence is deafening.

"Enough," Camilla speaks in a low, frightful tone, "Both of you. I'll not have my darlings fighting.."

"But Lady Camilla," Selena counters. "He's Hoshidan at heart. You can't trust him. What if he makes an attempt on your life?"

As annoyed as you are, you have no intention of making a scene. What's important here is you serve, regardless of desire to do so or not. You have a goal; a purpose. No pigtailed girl with a foul temper is going to get in the way. "Milady," you speak softly, exhaling your feelings. "I've no problems serving loyally. Please disregard my personal sentiments."

"Silence, Keiji. This simply won't do," Camilla answers with venom. She focuses on Selena. "I understand your concern, but how will you work together if you cannot stand one-another? Do tell me, dear."

"I'll manage," Selena mutters, biting her lip. "Count on it. You should forget I said anything, my lady."

"I'm sorry, Selena, but that is simply unacceptable. You too, Keiji. My retainers are as much family as they are protectors. I can't let this matter rest. There may come a time where you need rely upon one-another without my instruction. There has to be a way I can help the two of you forge a bond, however fragile. Hmmm. Now let me think."

You dare not challenge Camilla when talk of family arises. If nothing else, Selena appears just as uncomfortable - a unifying factor. You turn the hourglass atop the fine mahogany dinner table with great nervousness. Grains of sand fritter away with horrible slowness.

Camilla snaps her fingers, making you feel even more on edge. "I have the perfect idea," she hums sinisterly. "Come here, my lovelies." The two of you are ushered uncomfortably close by your mistress. She stands between you; a horrifying motherly mediator. "I want you to kiss," she reveals. "Kiss and let bygones be bygones."

"Lady Camilla," Selena protests loudly, clamping her hands to her bosom. She retreats, appealing to her royal charge with quivering eyes. "Y-You can't be serious?! Milady... I've always been loyal but- You ask a lot of me..."

Bowing your head, "Please reconsider," you petition respectfully. "I've no desire either."

"I insist," Camilla responds, uninterested, "The love of another brings light to even the darkest heart."

Selena takes the first step - as though she's dragging her feet through a mire of quicksand. "A-Alright," she concedes, closing the gap out of necessity. She latches onto your shoulders, leaning in. You tense under her touch, awash with an apprehensiveness you've not felt in such a long time.

The redhead tightens her grip - she forces a rough; abrasive peck against your unwilling lips. "Done," she whispers, withdrawing in a hurry.

"Again, Selena," chuckles Camilla. "I'm unsatisfied."

"I-I'm sorry," sighs Selena. "I-I'll do it again." She bites down on her trembling lip, "If it will make you happy."

This is cruel, you lament. Selena closes for a second attempt. You set your finger against her lips, stopping her before she becomes any more emotional. Instead, you place a tender kiss upon the young lady's forehead, disarming her; surprising her. Breaking off (before the situation turns any bleaker) you look to Camilla for approval. "Will this suffice?"

"Yes Keiji. But let this be a lesson. The two of you are to be civil in future. And you will serve side-by-side until Beruka returns from special duties, Understood?"

You drop onto hand and knee in address, "As you wish."

"Of course, my lady," Selena follows.

On her way out, Camilla looks over her shoulder one last time. "You're to stay here until I return, Keiji. Selena? You may enjoy yourself... until I have need of your services in the coming days."

The Nohrian royal departs without another word.

You're left alone with Selena. The redhead sits upon the edge of her mistresses' bed and whispers timidly. You don't catch what she's saying.

Regardless, you lower your head in apology. "Forgive me, Miss Selena."

"Not your fault," she answers weakly, sighing. "...Least you were a gent about it."

You try to be a decent man, for what it's worth. Though you seldom succeed. A fleeting smile is the best you manage in light of the sour mood. "I'd rather we kept tonight between ourselves. There's no sense in ruffling Charlotte's feathers when she returns from the fort."

"Agreed," scoffs Selena. "Last thing I want is a two-faced bitch like her on my back."

Such a tasteless insult irks you. Charlotte has been good to you during your time in the Nohrian capital. Time and again she's come to your aid when your Hoshidan feelings clouded your judgement. The way of things in this country is brutal, but she's guided you every step of the way. "Steady there, Selena." You pull out a chair from Camilla's dresser and perch yourself. "Charlotte comes across as brash; but she's nice enough when you get to know her."

"And I suppose you know her oh so well..." The redhead scoffs and shoots you a violent stare. She practically shudders with rage. "You're stupid. Typical. I'll bet you get a real good look at the kind of person she is from between her legs, don't you?"

"There is far more to her than you envision," you protest with surety. "Miss Charlotte's a good woman beneath the surface."

"Beneath her clothes you mean. She's using you, moron." Selena storms over and hones her stare. "She uses everyone. What makes you any different?"

"I know it in my heart," you reply - devoid of unrest. "All she needs - all she wants... is to care for her family. You sound awfully bitter for someone younger than I. Not that I care for your plight... though I would advise against hate. Even if it makes me a hypocrite."

"Shut it! You don't know a damned thing..."Selena lunges, swinging a fist toward your face. You're quick enough to catch her misguided swipe, snagging her by the wrist. She wriggles and snarls with viciousness, at the mercy of your hold. When you let go she gives you a sharp shove. A second. She wrestles wildly with you! "Don't preach at me! I'm not a damn child!"

Instinct kicks in where logic fails. Your main concern is getting Selena off of you before she hurts herself. You're well-toned with muscle and a clear foot taller. You'll be damned if you're going to answer to Camilla for any accidental injuries (or unsightly bruises) sustained by the furious little powerhouse.

"Cease this stupidity, Selena. It was not my intention to come across judge-" You bring one of Selena's arms behind her back to stop her from hitting you. She wraps one of her legs around your ankle and topples you against Camilla's bed "- to come across judgemental."

The girl paws at the front of your coat with savage desperation. You grab her by the shoulders. With a single heave you bring Selena down against the Kitsune rug and hold her to the floor. She thrashes beneath you - unwilling to give. "You're like my mother!" She bellows. "Telling me how I should feel. Get your dirty paws off me..."

The bedroom door swings wide; its hinges groan. You become still - silent. Selena too.

"Ohhh my," chuckles Camilla. Your heart pounds harder with every clack of her heels. "When I told the two of you to make friends I wasn't quite expecting something so... intense. Keiji," she laughs, "You're such a cad aren't you?"

You retreat with haste. The last thing you want is to explain away the situation. If Selena were flushed any redder she'd probably faint.

Camilla brings out a ring of keys from the pocket of her striking lacy-black gown. Held through the loop by the finger, she jangles them enthusiastically. "If I had known the two of you planned to get so... touchy then I would have locked the door. Beautiful things happen when nature runs its course..."

"I-It's not how you think, milady," Selena shoots upright. She raises her hands in surrender, panicked. "We-We were arguing again... It wasn't anything improper... I-I'd never... not with him." The lass looks to you for desperate support. "Tell her ladyship, Keiji."

You could score petty vengeance, "'Tis true, Lady Camilla," but you decide against it. Lowering upon hand and knee, you drop your head in apology to the royal. "I was the one who started the quarrel. If you intend to punish somebody... punish me."

"How precious," giggles Camilla with a waggle of the finger. "Your Hoshidan colors shine through, Keiji." Ordered to raise your head, you find she winks at you lovingly. "You'll forgive me, but I am not entirely convinced. You make a habit of protecting others. And my gorgeous Selena has always been... How to put it? Rather feisty."

Camilla's lips rise into an evil smirk.

"The two of you will sleep side by side tonight... in Keiji's room." Her gaze hardens into a withering bittersweet glare. "It should not be an issue I imagine. Charlotte is away on business. This way I can be sure my soft sheets aren't soiled by the heat of passion..."

You don't dare refuse. If Camilla's leer could kill you'd be dead ten times over by now.

Moments slither onward in suffocating stillness. Selena falls in beside you. She grips you by the wrist and leads you toward the doorway. "O-Of course, Lady Camilla... If such is your desire. W-We'll go there right now."

"See that you do," replies Camilla. "Enjoy yourselves..."

You're pulled from the bedroom and down the hall. Selena's light footfalls become hefty stomps. Her fingers dig painfully against your skin. "You're a bastard," she whispers. "Defending me like a noble hero. There's no point acting all goodie goodie with me... I won't fall head over heels. I-I'm no doughy-eyed peasant girl. M-My Uncle's a prince..."

A surprise admission - the last thing you were expecting. You keep quiet. It's probably bluster, you surmise. If Miss Selena's uncle is of noble blood then your mother was handmaiden to dearly departed Queen Mikoto. Squabbling has gotten you in hot enough water already. It's better to clamp your mouth; ignore her; spare yourself the hassle.

Whatever you say won't change the facts. Tonight? Selena is sharing your bed.

Though crude and discomforting, Camilla's "lesson," holds value. Nohr's princess wields her power in whatever ways she deems fit. I'll be careful not to disobey her, you resign yourself. Your comfort (or lack thereof) while in Nohr depends entirely on the whims of another.

And your Nohrian mistress is far less merciful than Corrin.

To be continued...

How did you like the first chapter? Did you enjoy it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to share your thoughts and let me know. I've been somewhat nervous about getting it just right. The first story went so well and all.

As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again!