#fe 14

“Milady, shall I fetch a cleric for you?” Jakob’s voice sounded muffled. He was clearly worried, but you quickly dismissed him.

“I-I’ll be fine. I’ve just come down with a cold, or something.” You assured him in a voice far more hoarse than normal.

“Then I would like you to at least stay and rest in your bed, today. I’ll inform your sisters you will be unavailable for the council meeting to-”

“No!” You suddenly sat up, not doing your swirling head any favors, “I-I mean, I’m just going to sleep in a bit. I'm sure it's just because I didn't sleep until late, last night.”

“That would be wise, Lady Corrin-”

“Please, Jakob. I-I don’t want to worry anyone. Just let me sleep a while and I’ll feel better. …I promise.”

Jakob remained unconvinced despite your efforts. But he reluctantly conceded, offering little more than a frown and a curt nod.

The moment something went wrong, though, he was going to get you help.

Xander was hard at work in his office, reviewing potential strategies for the upcoming campaign. It had only been a few hours after having left you that morning.

He knew something was off, from the way you didn’t follow him out the door that morning, or even kiss him when you woke up (which you always did).

He didn't say anything when you forced the smile on your lips, trusting that you would eventually tell him what was wrong.

But when you failed to show up in his office like usual as well, he became a bit more concerned. Even if it had only been a few hours, and he’d been quite productive without your (welcome) distractions, he did miss you.

‘Perhaps I should go find her. It may be better to ask her directly rather than wait to find out if something’s bothering her.’ He thought, setting his quill down to rest his chin in his hand. ‘Although, she may push me away if I try to pry into her issues before she’s ready to talk. Maybe I could check on her and not claim a particular reason.’

He’d barely even considered the thought before the door suddenly flung open, Felicia bursting into his office. 

“Lady Corrin’s collapsed!” 

"What?!"

The quill didn't even hit the floor before he was sprinting out of the room.

“S-she just made it into the council and she was looking all flushed and feverish- she fainted right before the meeting started!!”

Xander poured on the speed. Forget looking undignified; he would leap across the castle grounds to get to his wife.

Strange looks were ignored when he practically flung himself at the ladder, skipping rungs up to the bedroom.

When he finally stormed his way in, he found the bed surrounded by healers and servants. But none of their concern could possibly match Xander’s.

“Corrin?” His call was more of a demand than a question, striding up to the bed as the crowd parted for him.

Your eyes were unfocused and hazy, and it took you a second before you could even recognize your husband.

“X-Xander?” You tilted your head, “Why are you here?”

He frowned deeply, arms crossed. “I heard that you had collapsed in the council meeting- why didn’t you tell me you were unwell?”

“I-I’m not. I’m just a little tired! Really...really, a-all of you are worrying so much over nothing.” You protested with a weak smile, trying to laugh it off.

Xander looked to Azama, who shook his head. No, it most certainly wasn’t exhaustion. You were very ill.

"How did this happen?"

"I suspect she has been sick for a while, milord. But these sorts of illnesses thrive when they're not treated quickly. She will be confined to bed for the next few days at minimum."

Xander sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. “…Is she stable enough right now? Or does she require more care?”

"She should be fine for a little while, until she falls asleep. If you're asking because we ought to make ourselves scarce, we can give you some time."

You shrank back into the pillows. Xander's grim expression only darkened.

"If it is possible."

The small crowd was quick to disperse. You could barely look at him, seeing how rigid and angry he’d become.

He did his best to control his breathing, determined not to make more of a scene than he already had. It wasn’t until everyone, Jakob included, left the two of you alone that he finally said something.

“What were you thinking?” 

You flinched at his scolding tone, knowing full well you were about to get the full Anxious-Angry Xander experience. He sat on the side of the bed, his glare filled with disappointment and disbelief.

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“You are this sick and tried to play it off like it was nothing! Corrin, you collapsed! Felicia ran to my office crying that you were unconscious. How could you do something so foolish?”

“I...I really didn’t want you to worry, Xander, that's all. Honest.” You repeated. He remained unconvinced. “Y-you’re always so busy, and stressed…the last thing you should worry about on top of all that is your wife. I-I’m capable, and I’m strong. I can handle being sick. …At least, I thought I could.” 

Xander's jaw clenched, mulling your words. He could understand where you were coming from; it was a mindset he tended to carry more often than not.

But that was also why he knew it was a poor decision.

“Corrin…you are my wife. There is never a time when I’m not worrying about you.”

“B-but you shouldn’t-!”

“We will always worry about each other, Corrin. It would be more concerning if we didn't. So if you are feeling stressed, or unhappy, or ill, I need to know.”

“I-I understand, but...I honestly didn't think I was sick enough t-that this would be the result. I didn't want to bother you with something I could just sleep off.”

"According to Azama, you couldn't." He managed a small smile, “Please tell me if you ever feel unwell or abnormal in any way in the future. If there is anything upsetting you, please share it with me. I would do the same for you in a heartbeat; and honestly, I know I should confide in you more often. Perhaps that's part of the reason why you felt you shouldn't say anything.”

“It just feels...like-” You coughed suddenly, covering your face with your sleeve. Xander quickly came to your side with his handkerchief. "...Thank you. I-it just feels like you have so many more important things to be concerned about. Why should you have to be bothered with my silly issues?"

"That is where you are wrong, my love." He tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "It is a privilege to worry about you. To have my thoughts filled with you, whether it is what you are eating today or if you were injured training...I am glad to worry. Because it is something only I can do as your husband."

Your feverish blush mercifully hid the happy rosiness caused by his sweet confession.

"Well...when you put it like that... I suppose it makes sense. I feel the same, you know. Worrying about you as my husband is just as much a privilege to me."

“It brings me great joy to hear you say that.” He replied with a quirked smile, taking up your hands. "Perhaps we should try to find a better way to keep an eye on each other. You know. To prevent unnecessary fretting."

“H-how would we do that?” You looked at the bed around you, knowing full well you wouldn’t be allowed to move from the spot for the rest of the day.

“Simple; I’ll bring my duties here. I can easily get my work done in our room while you rest. You can keep your eye on me, and vice versa. Does that sound amenable to you?”

“…I suppose.” You wheezed out, with a more than happy smile.

Xander beamed at you, giving your hand one last squeeze before he returned to his office to retrieve his belongings. Between the healers and siblings that visited you, you were sure to keep a watchful eye on Xander while he worked only a few feet away.

I mean, really, this could only end badly for him.

The noble stood with his head held high as the doors slowly opened, granting him entrance to the magnificent space. With practiced grace he strode into the great room, where nine thrones currently sat; only eight were occupied.

The ninth remained vacant, due to its occupant standing thirty feet in front of him, waiting for his arrival to discuss the scariest subject either of you had ever thought about.

Convincing your siblings to let you marry Izana.

“Greetings, Lord Izana. We are grateful you could attend.” Xander spoke cordially, but the iciness in his tone betrayed the otherwise polite acknowledgment. 

“Prince Xander, it is good to see you as always. And to you, Prince Ryoma…and Prince Takumi, and Prince Leo, and-“

“We’ll be here for a while if you try to greet everyone individually, darling.” You murmured, leaning over to him. Izana’s nerves eased just slightly when he took in your sweet scent, at least until he saw Camilla visibly ruffle at your words. She had the ears of a bat, that one…

“Did she just call him ‘darling’?” She hissed to Hinoka, whose eyes narrowed into an accusatory glare. “She doesn’t speak to us for months about this cretin, and all of a sudden is getting engaged and calling him pet names?”

“Camila, please.” Xander sighed, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. He straightened up some, looking over at you quietly. “Lord Izana, we have summoned you here to discuss your intentions with Princess Corrin. I believe I speak for all of us when I say she is very dear to us.”

“So if the rumors are true, thence believe it to be imperative that you give us a detailed explanation as to what your exact intentions are with the princess.” Ryoma chimed in, looking a bit more menacing than Xander did. It even made a shiver run down your spine; what with being on the opposite end of the exchange.

Izana nodded, looking directly up at your oldest brothers. 

“My intention is to marry Princess Corrin.’ Simply put; straight to the point. It should be a perfect answer for the older-

“That’s it? Just marriage?" Takumi’s question was laced with indignance, “What about love? Is this just a political marriage, to raise your social standing?”

“No, not at-“

“-And Corrin, you would agree to such a thing?!” 

“No, Takumi, I just-“

“Peace, brother. This is to be a civil, respectful conversation between houses.” Ryoma spoke firmly, silencing the young archer. He was truly a hopeless romantic at heart, after all.

You shared a glance with Izana; he seemed to be holding it together all right; the nerves hadn’t gotten to him quite yet.

“Actually, Ryoma…I agree with Takumi.” Elise interjected, holding her hand up politely with a furrowed brow.

“You worry they are not seeking marriage for the right reasons?” 

“W-well, if they’re not, we ought to know! Corrin should be happy with her partner, forever and ever. Just like proper marriage!”

“Well, then, Lord Izana; what is it you intend to achieve through a marriage with Princess Corrin?”

“I intend only to love her to the absolute fullest.” Izana confirmed, standing defiant in the face of your more annoying younger brothers.

“So you do love her, then?”

Leo’s question hung in the air, and despite your best efforts not to look like you were anticipating the answer, you couldn’t help but sneak a look over at your beau.

Izana’s chest puffed up proudly, and he grinned. “Yes, very much. With my whole heart! I would gladly lay my life down for her a thousand times over just to prove it.”

Hinoka’s hand twitched for her lance. “Is that a promise?”

“N-not right this second!” You quickly stopped her, putting your arm out as if you could possibly shield him from your bloodthirsty sister. “We’re here to discuss Izana’s proposal, not challenge him to a duel!”

“In some cultures, the duel is the proposal.”

Ryoma shook his head. “Forgive me, Corrin. But you must understand why we are wary. You didn’t give us much notice before it was sprung on us. And while I am sure Lord Izana is an…honorable man-“

“-You hesitated.”

“-We are not familiar enough with him or his land to fully trust his intentions are pure. This is all rather sudden.”

“If I may,” You stepped forward, Izana watching your beautifully flowing hair as it billowed behind you.

He looked away when Camilla’s murderous glare lasered in on him again. 

“Please, Corrin.” Xander gestured for you to continue. 

“I understand that this feels sudden, but it truly isn’t. Izana and I have been fond of one another since we first met. And when he joined our ranks, and after we fought together for months on end, it just…made sense. We both care for each other very much. We have not pursued this relationship lightly.”

Sakura’s eyebrows rose, sparkles twinkling in her eyes. “You really love him, d-don’t you?”

You smiled bashfully, but nodded all the same. “Yes, Sakura. I really do.”

“Then if you truly believe this to be a love match…I am less hesitant about this union. But there are still many unanswered questions.”

“And we would be glad to answer them all!”

“Excellent- we can begin with something simple— how much time do you plan to spend with Corrin?”

“Takum-“

“Every waking second I am able to. And non-waking!”

“Izana, you don’t have to-“

“How do you plan to care for all of her needs??”

“By waiting on her hand and foot- I plan to challenge Jakob and Kaze to a duel so that I might usurp their place as her righthand men.”

“Wait, what?”

Leo’s eyes flashed. “To the death?”

“To the death!”

“Now wait just a minut-“

“H-h-how many times have you held hands!!” Sakura’s face went beet red, but her face was only filled with determination. Watching your siblings’ faces shift into varying shades of red made it worth the embarrassment.

“I stopped counting after 247-“

“You counted that high?!”

“You’ve held my Corrin’s hand 247 times?!” Camilla’s bellow all but launched everyone to their feet, seeing her go for the axe.

“All right, enough!! Everyone, calm down!!” Xander and Ryoma said in near unison, commanding order back into the room that was spiraling out of control.

Your own ears were tipped bright red, and you couldn’t help but wonder what the guards standing outside were thinking, listening to such foolishness. Gods…all the retainers were nearby. This was mortifying.

“Aww, but I didn’t even get to ask how many times they’ve kissed.” Elise pouted, nearly sending Camilla into a blazing fury once again. Ryoma ordered everyone to regain their composure, and eventually, finally, they did.

You looked over at poor Izana, who thought he was just answering questions to the best of his ability. Now he looked like a deer in front of a wyvern (that had an axe). It wasn’t the most pleasant feeling, you were sure.

“Perhaps this should have stayed between the elder siblings. But I suppose it’s done, now.” Ryoma sighed, “Forgive us, Corrin, and Lord Izana. I didn’t intend for things to become so chaotic.”

“It’s perfectly fine; such is family, no?” Izana gestured to them all, earning at least a little goodwill at such a thought. “You are all quite close, and I appreciate it greatly. Seeing how much you love each other and look out for each other makes me glad that Corrin can rely on you.”

“That she can,” Xander agreed, visibly proud. You shook your head, stepping closer to Izana so that you might touch his hand.

“As you can see, brothers and sisters, Izana does care about me, deeply. We want to pursue a life together. So if you haven’t any other questions…”

“It’s not that we don’t have questions, I just feel it may be irrelevant now.” Ryoma huffed “Things did get out of control, but it showed us one thing; Lord Izana clearly seeks marriage with noble intentions. And I can see that you wish for the same.”

“We do.” You nodded, squeezing his hand.

“Very well, then. If no one has any legitimate,” HXander glanced at the seething Camilla, “Reasons as to why we should not give our blessing for this union…now is the time to speak up.”

“You mean aside from the fact that he’s been secretly courting her this entire time?”

‘That’s only because we were all so busy with th war effort; I didn’t want to distract from what really mattered.” You explain quickly, “Had this been peacetime, I don’t think I could’ve held it back longer than a week, at most. But I guess fighting for our lives every day can take some of that urgency away.”

“...I guess that makes sense.” Hinoka begrudgingly conceded, looking over to Takum and Sakura.

“W-we don’t have any objections, Big Brother.” Sakura declared.

Elise chimed in, “Neither do I! Though I’d still like the kiss count later, Corrin.”

“Ah-- we’ll..uh…we’ll see.” 

Ryoma and Xander concluded the counsel of royals thereafter.

“Then, Corrin and Izana, you have our full support and blessing to pursue this union. …Congratulations on your engagement.” Ryoma smiled warmly, watching you all but leap into Izana’s arms.

The younger siblings cheered and clapped, Elise and Sakura the first to bolt down and throw their arms around you in the biggest possible hugs they could.

The rest came to you politely, congratulating you separately and issuing veiled threats to your now fiancee. Not that it mattered; Izana wasn’t going anywhere, now thet he finally had the chance to be with you.

The chaotic afternoon eased into an exhausted evening, the two of you slinking back to the treehouse with every intention to fall asleep.

At least, until Izana tucked you into bed, rather than joining you in it (odd, given how you’d spent the last few months).

Klosing the battle against sleep. 

Beamed at you, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“I fear if we try to be openly affectionate now, I’ll draw far more attention from your siblings than either of us want. For now, I ought to return to my own quarters.:’’”But they know we’re adults, and that we’ve done plenty!”

“Do you want to be the one to explain why I didn’t leave your room tonight? You believe that’ll go over well with Camilla or Takumi?”

"…Fair point.” 

Izana chuckled, throwing his hair over his shoulder.

“Precisely! So I’ll return to my quarters until our arrangements are finally settled….and then the two of us will be able to spend all the time in the world together.”

“What little we’ll have.” You yawned. Izana lowered himself to kiss your lips, gently and filled with warmth and tender love.

“I will be back before you know it. Sleep well, my love…I will see you first thing in the morning.”

You watched Izana leave with a twinge of regret in your heart; maybe you should’ve pushed the meeting back further if it meant getting your hands on him faster. But alas, what was done was done.

Now you ha eight siblings watching over your every move, scrutinizing each lane and gesture from your soon-to-be husband to ensure you were making the right choice.

The castle was adorned in white and gold decor a few weeks later, flowers  abounding as you made your sacred vows to protect and love one another.