Consort: Thank you, I feel like Mikoto herself is deserving of so much more. After reading the fanfiction The Invisible Princess, I have a better idea of her struggle and want to build her tragedy. Even outside of speculation, her tale is a very good one.

IsThisWorking: To be honest, I decided on using Male Corrin for the reason that he does not get enough attention (or possibly since M!Corrin is one of my strongest units in Heroes). Also, I agree exactly on your sentiments toward the reunion. For a prince after so many years to return, it is deserving of so much drama. Felicia too deserves more, and I wish to build on her future prowess as a martial prodigy. Good observation on my emphasis on his height! I don't want to say too much, but his draconic blood is going to play a bigger role in this.

Temporal King: You're too much! Thank you for all the suggestions and feedback, I enjoyed reading through all of it. As it stands, the pairing will be in the air for a while as the pacing of this fanfic will be slow. Exception of Azura, the royals and retainers are all possible. I just think for the most part Corrin will be distracted with the events to come, and will come to understand his romantic feelings when given the chance to reflect. Reason why it will take some time for him to develop feelings goes along with your next point. I'm not going to make either Mikoto's death or the choice easy for him, if anything it may very well be a worse situation than Corrin's in the games. I already have ideas of how it will deviate, just can't write them yet since I want to build on his time in Hoshido first. Lastly, I will keep your suggestion as per why he would not want Hoshido to be destroyed in mind. I appreciate the offer to message you, and will consider it if I wish for any advice.

"Letting go, it sounds so difficult," I mused, considering over her statement. A somber expression showed on my face, a bitter taste once again formed on my tongue. "I'm sorry, Hinoka, but it's not that simple for me."

"The sooner you forgive yourself, the sooner you can move on and improve yourself," she was quick to respond. Her hazel eyes blissfully stared out at the pegasi, "To be honest, I understand greatly your conundrum. As embarrassing as it is to say, I constantly blamed myself for your capture, even if there was no way I could have done anything to change events. Sure, I'm not perfect and continue to strive to better myself as a way of coping, but it was mother who told me those words and made me reevaluate myself."

I nodded to her words, showing my attention. She always knew what to say. "I will keep that in mind," I meant no disrespect in my being dismissive. Rather, it was a hard to swallow. "Oh right, will you be joining us for lunch?"

Hinoka affirmed my question with a nod, "I had caught wind that there was going to be big news, likely about your homecoming. While my curiosity is sated, I do plan to stay around. You deserve to spend time with your big sister," to some extent she sounded much like Camilla in the visibly soft side she expressed to me. Hinoka sounded like she took the role as my elder sibling in stride, as could be seen with her unwavering grin. Yet behind the happy aura, I could still see that her eyes remained puffy and pink.

"I would certainly enjoy it. I had already met with Ryoma and Takumi, though my meeting with them wasn't as pleasant as this…" I trailed off, not wishing to tell on the brothers. Seeing as how they had ample reason to doubt me, I could understand their wariness. Despite Takumi's rude behavior, Nohr killed his father and left his mother a widow. I cannot deny that he is justifiable in his animosity, especially since I was an enemy of Hoshido for a time.

The princess merely shook her head to my awkwardness, "Don't let those two fool you. Once they understand you, I'm sure you'll enjoy Hoshidan hospitality to its fullest. Come, no time to dawdle," she took hold of my hand, my exposed feet skidded against the wooden floors. It was hard to say if it was her strength or small stature that made her task seem so easy.

Upon our arrival, a new scene seemed to be playing out between the family. My eyes quickly darted to a rather flustered Felicia, who seemed to be the target of mother's conversation. The queen's expression was of lightheartedness. Ryoma was not completely entertained, looking to be chiding the older woman. At the very least, his awkwardness from earlier was gone now. While there were no signs of Takumi, two new people were at the table now. First, there was a taller woman, by my standards at least. Although much of her aesthetic came from the intricate design of her dress or her long sky blue hair, my attention remained locked on her piercing gold eyes. She acknowledged my stare with a nod of her head. Considering all the odd details of her and place at the table, it was not difficult to deduce her to be the Nohrian princess, Azura. As for the other girl, she carried her own set of charms.

The younger of two left her seat by the time I fixated on her, "I heard from m-mother…" she spoke meekly, "You're my older brother, r-right?" I nodded my head paying no mind to her stutter.

"Y-yes," I too expressed some nervousness. I knew not how the girl would react. Seeing the spectrum of responses thus far, it was hard to truly say. "I take it you are Princess Sakura then," the younger girl did greatly resemble her older sister. Rather than the smell of sweat and, what I would venture to guess, pegasus, a fragrant aroma surrounded Sakura. My nose caught the smell of fresh flora, much like a literal air of refinement. Not to belittle either Elise or Camilla, but Sakura had the visage of what all the stories Gunter told me of a true princess being. From her shoulder length pink hair to her perfect posture, I could not help but feel somewhat awed.

The petite girl nodded hesitantly, affirming my guess. Her hazel eyes swayed downward away from mine, "I never really got the chance to know you, most of what I discern was told to me by big brother Ryoma and mother."

"Well, I don't exactly have any memories of my time in Hoshido," I sheepishly responded. Even with her shy demeanor, I felt myself daunted by the prospect of her disgust. Not to say the familial connection clicked, instead it had to do with her dollish manner. "We… can start over, get to know each other better now," I offered my hand to her. Reluctance flashed in my mind as I chided myself on such a forward motion. In contrast to the queen and Hinoka, the youngest princess had yet to show her hand. Much like Ryoma, she too did not keep her emotions on her sleeve.

Before I could retract, she awkwardly accepted the gesture. "I would… like that," Sakura muttered, a pink tint colored her porcelain cheeks. I could hear a couple giggles to my side, likely from the queen's joy to see such a wholesome display. To my shock, it was all parties barring the staff, even Felicia found amusement in my actions. "I heard from mother that you w-wish to be called Corrin now," I awkwardly stared at her. To mother moments prior, the utterance of my Nohrian name seemed like it was sandpaper on the tongue and grating on the ears. "If that is what you wish to go by as… I'm fine with it."

"Thank you, Sakura. That actually means a lot to me. I hope to get to know you and all the others better," there was a pang of guilt to be felt in these sentiments. Wherein I came to enjoy these times, I put my Nohrian siblings into grief. For Elise and Leo, my certainty is that they knew not this truth. I could not say the same for the other siblings, hiding all this from me. I am sure Xander has his reasons. I shouldn't doubt him.

"I'm glad then," she flashed me a wiry smile, "hearing that you were locked away in Nohr for so long, you must have had a difficult life. While you are here, I will do a-anything I can to make life easier… for you."

"It was not all bad," I mused aloud, "but I never was free. Trapped in some dingy fortress, I wanted to see the world. Even here—" I stopped myself as I realized my place. It would be impolite to spout such words here and now. It was always an issue of mine to speak too openly. "Sakura, I appreciate your kindness but I just need some time to, uh, adjust."

Her head shifted downward, likely misconstruing my words. A sense of urgency filled me to clear this confusion. "I u-understand, big brother," I could not deny that it felt odd to be called that. As a privilege to only Leo and Elise, I was unaccustomed to the words.

Before I had the chance to interject, I was beaten to stressing the point. "Now, Sakura, he is going through quite the change. It is something I know all too much." Her tone was cool, not distant or shallow, rather just unnaturally calm. The new speaker's attention was on our interaction.

"Oh, Azura, right… I had forgotten that these circumstances, they are much like your own." So, this was the Nohrian princess then. She looked absolutely unlike the other siblings, nothing like Camilla or Elise. Granted, my resemblance to the Hoshidans was questionable as well.

Deep down, I had many of questions for her. "So, you're from Nohr then?" I blurted, wanting to start this dialogue.

"Indeed, but it has been a long time since I lived there. In fact, I've come to appreciate Hoshido greatly. Here in Shirasagi… it is home for me. I do hope," she paused, "you were treated nicely while you were there." From her tone, her opinions of Nohr was not too high. Her forlorn expression said as much that her own experiences were less than stellar. Even as the dishes were set, the former Nohrian princess continued to look lost in thought over the subject.

The cuisine on my plate was more than peculiar. The ingredient, miso, tasted strangely fishy. As Ryoma already brought up, chopsticks were the biggest hassle of all. The food seemingly crumbled in their grip. To be honest, it was quite frustrating. Had I not been in company, I would have lost my composure. My eyes glanced down the table, as to distract myself from the reality. Aside from Hinoka and Azura, everyone in attendance had their attentions split between their own portions and myself. Ryoma and Mikoto consistently gave worrying glances, likely trying to read my own judgement. For Felicia, it was simple to deduce. She too was struggling with the new utensil. It was Sakura who stumped me. I could not find a reason for her nervous glances, "Sakura?"

My call caused for her to shake, practically buckling to her chair due to my awareness. "Y-yes, C-Corrin?" She was off guard by my suddenness, her hazel eyes barely met my gaze. Her lip quivered as her head faced downward, "I did not mean to… stare. I was just noticing you were having difficulty eating." So, even Sakura noticed too. To that sentiment, Hinoka chuckled at us.

"Cut him some slack, you used to fumble with yours when you were little," the crimson-haired princess teased.

The younger sister paid no mind to her elder's comment, facetiously in fact. I could sense a sort of tension in the room, "Yes, I… I think I still prefer forks and knives. Ryoma tried to teach me earlier, but I sort of forgot…" This response brought some laughter from the queen, much to the embarrassment of the high prince.

Sakura stood from her spot, slowly walking in my direction. Her petite hands took hold of my own, guiding mine to grasp the utensil right and then loosening my hold. Yet, both of us were shaking. Initially, I thought it just myself. But upon a better look, she showed her fair share of indecision. I let out a hearty laugh to the fact I was not alone in my awkwardness, albeit Mikoto and Ryoma showed hesitance in their own right. Sakura's façade was in many ways reminiscent of myself, "Thank you, Sakura. I really appreciate this."

"It's…" she beamed, "no problem. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

Her mannerisms while a bit awkward, seemed pleasant for the most part. Her atmosphere allowed me for to both strive to impress and feel like a genuine guest, as opposed to a prisoner. With her instructions and guidance in mind, it did not take long for me to get into the rhythm of the meal. Once satisfied, I set aside the chopsticks. Seconds later, the attendant relieved me of the plate. The table was for the most part empty, barring the décor. All faces at the table looked at ease, even Felicia was not daunted. "Co… Corrin," the dainty voice of mother came across the table, my gaze fell on her dark eyes, "you may look around the castle if you would like. Regretfully, I will not be able around to chaperone… err, assist."

"You need not worry—" Ryoma tried to intervene, but he was quieted by the quick motion of Azura. Uncharacteristically, the reserved woman was emboldened to stand.

"May I be the one to be with him?"

Mikoto did not mind the Nohrian princess's brash appeal, in fact she looked almost delighted by the prospect. "Yes, you may. If you could, please remember to bring him back for dinner. I am not planning anything extravagant, a simple meal."

"Thank you, Queen Mikoto," the blunette's smile was hesitant, but even I noticed her show of positivity. "Corrin, you may lead. I will only be answering any questions you may have or to help in case you get lost."

"If you say so," I was tempted to just pick a random hall and wander from there. For the queen to be so inviting, it warmed my heart. I felt… like I made the right choice in putting faith in her words. Even with Azura to watch over me, her presence was far from foreboding or intimidating. Lost in my thoughts, I did not notice I was already walking. The walls all carried that same bright pattern and wooden appearance, yet nothing looked too familiar. There was a window to my side, a view of a small pond. My attention was caught by the serene landscape, a single tree stood above and reflected down into the small body of water.

My companion merely hummed, her gaze fell to the same destination, "Corrin, there's a reason for why I was adamant about being with you. You see…" reluctance colored her expression, the woman's hand held her opposite elbow, "I was wondering a few matters."

My ears perked to her directness, surely she was curious of her siblings or of Nohr's wellbeing, or something to a similar extent. "G-go ahead," I muttered, not minding the idea all too much.

"What did King Garon tell you before you departed?"

I was not necessarily expecting to have her touch on the mission orders. The memories of my misdeeds still echoed in the back of my mind. "Corrin, I will excuse your disobedience for the earlier incident due to your inexperience with killing. Rest assured, I will not be lenient. As… my child, I will give you another chance. You are to… test your might against the Hoshidan border guards. If you succeed in seizing the small outpost, you will have a place at my side and be allowed to leave the fortress for good. Be grateful, it was… advised to me that you still have much potential. It would be a shame if you did not make use of it." Those words rattled in my head. Garon's tone was ominous, even while I was still unwavering for Nohr. He spoke with little conviction, much different than the display he showed in front of the prisoners. If I had to guess, could it have been the conversation he was having? Prior to my arrival with Elise, I heard him speaking in the throne room. There was not anyone in the room at the time, but I could have sworn I felt some sort of presence.

"Corrin?"

"Oh uh!" My only response was a yelp, completely taken unaware of the princess at the time, "I'm sorry, I got caught up in a memory. So, uh… He just told me to try my skills against a small border outpost, nothing more."

"Truly?" Her eyes narrowed.

For a moment, I thought through his speech once more. "He did also mention my potential, but that's really it! I swear," her piercing gaze made me more wish to be upfront in my recollection. Her aura was so intoxicating, as if impossible to disobey.

The woman took a breath, "I did not mean to upset you in any way. It was… morbid curiosity. It has been many years since I last saw the king. When we last spoke, he carried himself in both a moral and rationale manner. When first hearing of his ambush against…" her eyes glanced around for a moment, "the late king, Sumeragi, his behavior did not match my impression. That thought, it has been eating at me for a long time. Is there any observations you made of him?"

I rubbed my chin, unsure what she was looking for. "I rarely ever meet the king, seeing as how he had me living in a fortress far off from the palace. Our interactions together have been nothing but brief, most of the time Xander acted as his mouth piece. Though, he did express… some concern over Garon's attitude. While he and the others lived at Windmire, the king's presence is rarely felt outside of passing edicts."

"How perplexing, I appreciate your willingness to testify." She respectfully responded, her bright amber eyes locked on my own.

"May I ask… do you still feel any connections to him?" As I saw at lunch before, she did look to admonish Nohr.

"I… No. Again, it was just of my passing interest," it felt as if she was leaving some detail out. My eyes glanced over her face, trying to decipher what that might be. Strings of azure hairs obscured her eyes as her head tilted forward. "He was a strange man. I wonder… why mother loved him so…? Oh, sorry." Her attention snapped back on me, noticing my concentration on her.

It was my turn to pose a question again. "Were you close with Xander or Camilla?"

The lady merely paused, "Not really," Azura bit down on her lip. "To tell you about my time in Nohr, I was a child of the second queen, Arete. As such, Xander viewed my mother as a replacement for his own and by extension largely ignored me. As for Camilla, her mother dissuaded her from speaking with me for political reasons. With his second marriage, the king distanced himself from the concubines." I knew of Queen Katerina's fate from Xander in one of our exchanges, but not much of the harem politics. Whenever mentioned, my elder sister and younger brother dodged the question, even Elise was reluctant to speak on the matter.

"I didn't know. At the Northern Fortress, I was kept in the dark for much of my life. The only news I heard was from either Xander's generosity and Gunter's mumblings. I did not hear much of Queen Arete in my time…"

"It is to be expected. My mother died a few months or so before you were brought to Nohr. Her death… I believe it caused the king to change." Her guess sounded plausible. Xander spoke highly of his father's kindness and principle. Azura's explanation made sense of how he always acted distant and uncaring toward me. Or, was it the fact I was not related? Such reasons made it easier to digest my childhood. Gods, I still have so many questions for him. If I do return, I must ask him directly. If. Should I even return? I may very well be killed for my failure, either that or locked away. It's just a choice between an old bird cage or a gilded one? I could not suppress the sour expression on my face.

Jerked from my thoughts, I felt a tug on my sleeve. I glanced up to see Azura's pale hand take hold of my wrist. It was always an odd sort of feeling when one stretched my clothing. It was both casual and armor, a special gift from father himself. Even if it was out of his own big-heartedness, the face he had that day was nothing but disgust. The mail bended with ease and did well to counter any sort of shallow blows, so I grew to ignore the odd behavior. For it to fit my size, I knew it was custom made for only me. How easy it is for me to get lost in thought?

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that!" Upon rethinking my pause, I had yet to give my condolences.

To my flustered response, she merely giggled it. Her feet tapped on the wooden floor, I could not help but follow after. Soon enough, we were in the outside area. A small stone path guided the way to the pond, where the water rippled to the touch of the falling leaves. She smiled at the sight, "It was a long time ago. As much as I still miss her, it is over ten years now. I do not feel the same way as I had, yet I still find myself with so many inquiries. She was the one who I aspired to be, even now after her death."

The eerie feeling of being around her was ever present, "Inquiries? Is there anything bothering? I don't know much, but I can provide any information." It was impossible for me to know what was going through her head at the time.

"You're too kind, but at this point," she frowned, "I would be the one giving too much information. Corrin, there is more to these questions than either of us really understand. Mikoto, Ryoma, Hinoka, and Sakura, none of them truly understand the storm that is brewing. I barely understand it myself. However, the tides are changing. I know this to be true…"

"What do you mean?" I gave a quizzical look, unsure of her true meaning in such words.

Her eyes still trained on the ripples, "Again, I'm not certain. For much of my life, I have had a better sense of events happening around me. Coincidences should not be mistaken for such or even as pure miracles. My mother taught me that. I advise you heed those words., lest you lose yourself to silence and lies."

"Am I not going to get a straight answer?" I responded impatiently, not one for her convolutedness.

With a sigh, Azura pinched the bridge of her nose. After a moment, her expression relaxed and her body began to move to an imaginary rhythm, "You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek life beyond the shore just out of reach, yet the waters ever change, flowing like time, the path is yours to climb." As she begun to sing the words, the water around them seemed to oscillate and amend to her will, "I showed you that to believe in my mother. It was her song, and with it came such properties."

"That's… incredible! Is it a variant of magic?"

The blunette looked stunned by the return, simply letting out a light chuckle at my reaction. "You aren't ready yet," I simply stared, her words sounded so grim and unrelenting. "Trust me, I may sound nonsensical but this is difficult to describe." Her tone was dead serious now, to which I could not help but somber to the shift.

I tried to think over her words once more. Coincidences and miracles? Tides are changing? Storm brewing? Adding them all together, a single thought came into my mind. "Is this… about war between Nohr and Hoshido?" I did not have much clue with her last advice, but the other two hints definitely appeared to hint at tragedy.

"It's more than that. There have been many of wars between the two nations: Conquest of Chevoise, the United Tribes alliance with Hoshido, Kitsune Massacre, Nestra conflicts, Mokushu-Nohrian alliance, and all of the Dawn Dusk feuds. Despite all of that, I have reason to believe a worst possible outcome is in order."

"You're telling me this since you think… I can do something?"

She nodded her head in confirmation, "Yes. When the day comes to pick a side, can you so easily raise a blade to one or decline to fight another? With the sky already starting to cloud, people like yourself will be ones to lead. It is not even about aptitude… it's truly being one unshackled by petty hatred and blinded by shortsighted grudges. This continent does not need a hero or paragon; it needs a voice of reason."

Her choice of words confounded me, "A voice of reason?" My confusion was left unanswered, as she began to walk closer to the water.

"A burdened heart sinks into the ground, a veil falls away without a sound. Not day nor night, wrong nor right, for truth and peace you fight. Sing with me a song… of silence and blood. The rain falls, but can't wash away the mud," I was completely mesmerized by her melody, so much so that I did not notice her already turning back to face me. "I wish to stay here a bit longer; you may go on ahead. I apologize for this request, but I have to collect my thoughts."

"I u-understand," her request took me off guard, albeit their talk rose similar emotions. She was difficult to read. The mask she wore was both prominent and concealing. Rather than continue to stare at her, I respected her wish and returned into the castle. Down the same hall adjacent to the pond, the next sight was another open area. Instead of a garden or aesthetic field, it was an archery range. To my surprise, Takumi was present there. Could this be what Azura meant with coincidences? I chuckled to the thought, thinking of how likely that idea was. Whether it was purposeful or not, I would not squander the opportunity, "Takumi?"

His head turned, causing for the arrow in his bow to stray off the target into the ground. I blanched at the fauxpas, to which was acknowledged by a glare, "What do you want?"

"I… I wanted to say that I was sorry for what had happened in the dining hall. I think you're not wrong in some aspects, but I do not have any ill intentions in being here." My pleas seemed to at least reach his ears, as he let out a grunt.

The archer scratched the back of his head, his bow fortunately at his side still. "I will admit I acted rashly and immaturely, but I still mean all those words." An arrow fired from the practice bow, hitting the dummy's heart. "However, I should not have insulted my mother," his emphasis on "my" was painfully obvious to me; it was out of his intention to show his mistrust. "Look, you can understand why I don't want you near my family. You have already killed Hoshidans, who's to say you will not do it again?!" He snapped, not willing to hold back on me.

I held my head low to the memory, "And it haunts me every moment."

Fortunately, he continued to lend at least ear for my mutterings. Visibly, he shifted his body to face my own, "I can try to believe that. Yet, you must understand how convenient this whole situation seems. Out of anyone to be caught at our border, it was you. You, you… are Hoshido's greatest liability. Mother, she reminisces endlessly, unable to let go. She dwells too much in the past, forgetting the present at times, forgetting us. She thinks she's so strong… We all know the truth. For you to come… whether you truly are my brother or not, you spell trouble." His accusation was not baseless, all things considered I saw the woman crumbled a number of times in my short stay here.

"You're not wrong, Takumi. I think… your words were genuine. While not very nice," a glare was shot my way for that, "I appreciated the forwardness. And, I want you to know that I still have no impure ideas. To be clear, I don't even know how to feel right now. Mikoto… I know she's my mother, and to have all you as siblings is a blessing. It is just very overwhelming to be here. Can I… at least open up to you?"

The younger prince did not look to budge to my piece, yet he placed down his training bow and quiver, "I still don't trust you, but I will listen."

A wiry smile manifested on my face to his response, "I don't know what is real anymore. Everything I knew to be true until now was a lie. The world around me looks hazy. Even with mother's kindness, I just can't stop shaking. I'm scared of what I'm capable of. Being convinced to turn my blade on my… own countrymen, it is a vile thought to think that could happen again."

"You think of yourself as a weapon? That is not reassuring."

"Well until now, I was for lack of a better word King Garon's tool. Now that I'm back, I can't decide how to feel. I spent all my life fantasizing over the outside world, now I almost wish I stayed in that fortress. The outside world is cruel and complicated. After leaving for a couple days, I already find myself in a crisis of identity. Life was so much more simple being the 'hedonistic' prince."

Takumi looked discontented by my sentiments, "Now, you are acting cowardly. One cannot let their circumstances hold them down and force them to bend, I know that much personally. Your behavior really suits your childish demeanor."

"I'm older than you!" I snapped back, offense taken at his snide remark. "I've been training all my life to be able to fight! And I only recently realized I can't will myself to end another life easily, or even to deal with these sort of revelations!" My fist shook at my side, my nails pushed against the soft flesh on my hand.

The archer did not look to be surprised by my show of emotion, "Why are you getting so mad? I did listen to you after all. Do you want me to shower you in pleasantries or act like all this good between us? I cannot rule out the possibility of you being an actor."

His comeback did well to sober me, my breathing began to calm after realizing how riled I was moments prior. "I want you to understand…"

"Understanding does not come that easy," There was only dismissal in his words.

Before losing myself to my frustrations, I took in a deep breath. "Then, what can I do to prove it to you?" I would like to think I presented my resolve. Takumi bated an eye at first, until his frown further creased.

"If you are going to be so persistent, I will at least act civil, as to make mother happy. Do not mistake my compromise as an understanding or inkling of, you will only build understanding in time. Time has yet to heal the wounds Hoshido suffered with my dad's death. Whether or not it was in control, Nohr and any its countrymen have allegiance to the murderer." The little amount of progress was enough for me to concede. Rather than worsen my case or speak in circles, I departed the archery range.

"Big brother!"

My head turned to face the small form of Sakura, running right towards me. Her pink hair bobbed to her frantic steps, "Yes?" I could not help but take in the sight of the younger girl's eagerness. The contrast between her youthful nature and royal demeanor was a dichotomy that I still had yet to fully grasp.

"Mother would like to see you," she chirped, not too winded by her jog. "She wanted to discuss with you some plans for tomorrow." Her eyes glanced around the setting, "W-where's Azura?"

Mother.