#sairin

Saizo rose slowly, quietly, checking to see what was going on. You weren’t talking to anybody else in the room…that you noticed.

“Please...I just want to sleep.”

“Corrin? Who are you talking to?” He spoke quietly so as not to frighten you. He was deeply slightly concerned.

“It’s the baby.” You replied hopelessly, tilting your head to acknowledge your awake husband. “I-I’m sorry, did I accidentally wake you up with my complaining? At least one of us should get a good night’s sleep.”

“If you do not sleep, I do not, either.” He stated simply, sitting up fully. “Is there anything I can do?”

“I don’t know…I’ve never had a living creature inside of me that won’t stop moving around. Should we summon a cleric? Sakura might be more knowledgeable, but I’d hate to wake her.”

“Hmm. Let me check the medical journals before we summon anyone. It should not be so difficult to resolve…unless you are feeling pain or discomfort.”

“No, just…can’t sleep.” You sighed, flopping back into your pillow with a groan as said baby kicked again for good measure. “It’s unnerving, feeling him move about so much.”

“Saizo. Be still.” His voice was gruff, but lacked the usual bite when pointed at others. He rose from the bed and found the journals, re-settling himself at your side with the candles lit to provide some visibility.

“Let us see…the second trimester…” He thummed through it, muttering to himself as he searched voraciously for a solution to his wife’s struggle. There were few things he hated more than being incapable of helping you, after all.

You smiled softly to yourself, watching as he was all but glaring at each word on the pages, hoping the next would hold the answer he sought. 

“Here we are.” He leaned back, gently pressing his hand to your baby bump as his reading came to a pause. “It states here that, if the patient restless or is incapable of sleep due to excessive movement…they should lie on their side.”

“All right,” You agreed, carefully shifting so that you were no longer on your back. His hand lingered, as if testing for more movement.

He clicked his tongue when he received a defiant kick. You just sighed looking up at him from the pillow. “What else does it say?”

“Hmph. It’s mostly preventative behaviors you are supposed to do before sleep; lie down an hour beforehand…drink warm tea…light stretching…”

“I already do most of that. And I did before tonight, too.” You frowned. “I suppose I’m out of options.”

Saizo looked displeased; was there truly nothing else he could do? Turning the page, there only seemed to be a few other solutions. “Perhaps it is time to take up the offer from Hayato, to sew a pregnancy pillow. This says holding one of those when sleeping helps reduce movement.”

“But you’re my pregnancy pillow.” You protested. He coughed to disguise a laugh; were you always so ridiculous?

“Don’t speak nonsense. I’ll ask him about it come morning. But I suppose for now, the only other immediate option would be to talk to him. It’s not as effective, but talking to the child apparently helps in soothing them.”

“You know…that does sound plausible. He doesn’t seem to react very much while you’re talking.”

“I doubt that's the case. He still kicks when I speak." Saizo reminded you, as if you didn’t have the little one inside yourself and couldn’t feel every single move. You shook your head, patting his hand.

"But it's only after you stop talking. We ought to test this theory...could it be that he’s just lonely?” You wondered aloud, resting your hand over Saizo’s. “Is that why you’re so restless, my dear? It’s been too quiet?”

“Preposterous.” He scoffed, but fell silent all the same. You both looked at each other, waiting to see what would happen. Hardly half a second passed after he spoke, and immediately there was a kick.

“See? Keep talking!” You ushered him to continue, smiling bright. Saizo rolled his eyes, but complied all the same.

“If you’re going to keep your mother awake just because you cannot hear me speak, we will have many problems in the future, little one.” He spoke with great warning, and he paused to test the theory once more.

A few moments passed, and sure enough, another little kick.

It was getting more difficult for Saizo to mask the joy that was filling him every time the baby reacted to his voice. To think he was not even in the world yet but he knew who his parents were.

He was a miracle. A wonder.

He just…wouldn’t stop kicking his mother.

Saizo sighed when a tiny fist pushed into his fingertips. He shifted in the bed so that his head was in your lap, a delightful change for you. Instinctively your fingers ran through his hair, stroking it softly as he tended to his son.

“You are the sixth in a prestigious, honorable legacy of royal ninja. It is unbecoming behavior, treating your mother like this. A proper ninja would never be so disrespectful of her needing rest.”

You could’ve sworn you heard him stifle a chuckle when another hand bumped his cheek. His hand gently ran over your belly, attempting to soothe him once again.

“It is all right if you do not hear our voices, sometimes. Just because you cannot hear us does not mean we aren’t here. Besides, when I am away on missions, I will not be able to tell you stories. I’m afraid you’ll have to be able to live without me every now and then.”

“But it’s never forever.” You quickly added, always nervous when he spoke in such a way. Even saying something like “living without him” in the context of a few weeks…it did bother you terribly.

Saizo glanced up at you, taking your hand in his with a soft squeeze.

“Right. I would be a fool to abandon either of you. I have no plans of leaving you behind. I promise.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to your fingertips. 

As if you weren’t already deeply in love.

“So rest, dear one. It is long past time for all of us to be asleep. But we will talk again come morning.” His promise led to one last pause, waiting to see if he would continue his protest.

You waited…and waited…and then…

“He’s asleep.” You breathed a sigh of relief, both of you relaxing. At last, you were rewarded with a restful sleep.

He ran his hand across your baby bump one last time, before carefully slipping away and coming back up to his side of the bed. You leaned into him, welcoming his arm coming around your shoulder and gently taking you into his side.

“At last.”

“Thank you, Saizo...you're a miracle worker.”

“Do not thank me for doing my duty as your husband, and as his father. I will always be glad to ease your burdens.”

“That is why I’m grateful.” Your hand settled on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heart. “And it is also why I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now hush. We may rouse him again if he hears we are still talking.” He kissed your forehead quickly, and you could feel the heat of his face against your skin. He was such fun to tease.

You were blessed with the next few nights of peace and quiet. Especially now that you had a secret weapon.

Saizo made sure to be with you come bedtime, so that he might tell the baby about his day and soothe him with his voice. 

You knew your husband took great pride and joy in the fact that he could do this for you, and that his son loved the sound of his voice.

So even on nights where he had to assist Ryoma with something late into the night, or had missions that would take him away, he made certain that he was there to help you both get a good night’s sleep.

The only thing that could have possibly made it sweeter, was when the little Saizo was born. He recognized his father’s voice and calmed without hesitation. 

Your husband already adored his newborn son…but you were certain they’d be inseparable, bonded by the love of father and son (and said father’s delightful voice).

“This is a waste of time and you know it, Corrin. Why did you volunteer?”

“Because someone has to, and I knew you’d tag along.” You said, earning a flick to the forehead.

“You abuse my devotion. Wasting our time and resources like this is too much. Maybe I should let you go by yourself while I make myself useful at camp.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’d really leave your defenseless, beautiful wife to the whims of strangers in enemy territory?”

“Stop acting foolish.” He flicked your forehead again, “Otherwise I really will abandon you.”

“All right, all right. I’m sorry,” You laughed, before you linked arms and rested your head on his bicep. “Why don’t you be my date tonight? If you’re with me it’ll keep trouble away.”

“Feh. It’ll be a waste of time no matter how we go in, but I’d rather keep an eye on you from a distance. I need to be able to identify as many threats as possible.”

It wasn’t your first foray into the world of greasy food and overflowing mead, but this place was on a whole other level. The place was stuffed with rowdy people clamoring for food and drink, shouting slurred profanities at each other.

It was loud, but at least it was jovial. Nobody would be fazed by a woman with pricked ears in Valla, so your sense for potential danger was low.

“Do you wish for me to stay close?” Saizo murmured in your ear, close enough to hear despite the pub’s intensity. 

“No, I’ll be fine. Go see what you can find- I’ll stay at the bar and do some recon.”

“Be safe.” He squeezed your hand, and faded into the crowd. Reassured that your red shadow wouldn’t be far, you took your place at the counter, placed your order, and got to work.

Within thirty minutes, you were sure it was a failure. After having your shoulders bumped and being startled by boisterous laughter right next to you, it was about time to call it. But as you readied to leave, a large figure entered your peripheral.

“You’re not leaving already, are you?”

Your ears twitched at the unfamiliar voice, finding a man who was definitely too drunk  teetering in front of you. His smile was broad, but his eyes gleamed with mal intent.

“I’m afraid I have some urgent business to attend to, sir.”

“It can’t be that serious if you’re here, of all places- but if you insist, why not leave this shithole and have some fun with me somewhere else?”

“I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that! Maybe you just need some more time to loosen up.” The man grinned, gesturing for the bartender. “Bring this pretty little lady another round!”

“Er…well, I suppose, if you insist.” You twisted a lock of hair behind your ear, inviting more intrigue from the heavily inebriated man. He plunked down onto the seat next to you, emboldened by your accepting his invitation.

“Of course! You’ve only just got here, and it’s always exciting to meet new people! Especially a fella as manly as me, buying a drink for a beautiful stranger like yourself.”

“You’re too kind.” You took a swig of the drink, “You’re a local, aren’t you?”

“As local as they come! Want me to show you around?”

“Actually, I don’t suppose you’d know anything about a small town called ‘Lumme’, would you? I was hoping to visit with some family who moved there, but Valla is difficult to navigate.”

“They moved all the way out there? I wouldn’t bother even trying to reach it.” He said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Curiosity piqued, you pressed.

“Oh? And why is that?”

“I heard the royal army’s setting up near there. If they haven’t cleared out the village, they’ve certainly blocked it off. You’re better off staying here rather than going that way.”

“But surely if it’s a Vallite citizen, they can make an exception, right? I mean, it is for family, and I haven’t been able to see them in so-”

“And who is this pretty little thing?” A new voice interrupted, this time a rather elegant woman. “You’re way out of this bastard’s league. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink, instead?”

“Shut up, you crusty old witch.” The man laughed, throwing a heavy arm around your shoulders. You fought the urge to toss him. “You’re just jealous you didn’t spot her first!”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t steal her away…besides, I’m not the only one interested.” 

It wouldn’t take long for it to become a group of three, then four, then five. The man wouldn’t release you from his hold. The noise and the heat was overwhelming.

While some information you pulled from the conversations was worthwhile, it wasn’t enough. You moved to get out from under the brute’s arm, pushing the pint away.

“Thank you for your hospitality, everyone, but I must be going. It’s past-”

“C’mon now!! We’re just starting to have fun!!” The arm you managed to slip from reached out again, this time grabbing your wrist. You took a deep breath, readying your fist to crack the drunkard’s nose. But before you could even turn around, a shadow cut in front of you.

“Let her go.” Saizo’s growl commanded attention, forcing his body between you and the man, and pulling you to his side in a single movement.

“What the hell is this, huh? We were just having a good time with my new lady friend!”

“She isn’t interested. Leave her alone.” He snapped, “I will not repeat myself.”

Saizo did not speak another word to anyone in that tavern. To be fair, he didn’t need to- when they tried to protest, a fierce glare was enough to silence them.

Your husband strode from the town, silently brooding until you were halfway home.

“Saizo, dear- you’re holding me too tight. Can you ease up a bit?”

“Why did you stay so long? It was obvious you weren’t going to get any new information an hour into the night. It was a waste of time, just like I said!”

“Not completely! The village we’re heading to is overrun with Vallites, and there was mention of an alternate route we might be able to take from that suave woman who was talking me up. She didn’t get far into explaining it, but-”

“‘Suave’.” He clicked his tongue, his pace quickening. “Those people were vultures, nothing more. Especially that bastard who wouldn’t keep his hands off you.”

“I mean, we got a lead out of it! And I’m sure you got good surveillance intel, right?”

“I didn’t bother,” He huffed, his gaze forward. “I was watching the crowd for potential threats. It was too dangerous for you to go at all, and to let those varlots close by was-”

“Time out, Saizo.” You tugged your wrist from his grasp, forcing him to stop. “I can handle myself. It’s not like you to intervene.”

“Because you were about to start a fight. I wasn’t going to let you get hurt by acting foolish.”

“Please, I would never lose a fight like that. But now I know why you’re upset.” You hummed, “I can hear your heartbeat is faster, and your body language is more rigid than usual. Your temper flares every time I mention my new friends-”

“-Obnoxious bastards-”

“-Who I was sitting with. You were jealous, weren’t you?”

“Jealous? Of them?!” He was aghast at the thought. “Why would I be jealous of a bunch of drunkards? They simply should not touch a Hoshidan princess with their filthy hands!”

“You didn’t want their filthy hands to touch your wife.” You corrected him, teasing.

“You’re ridiculous.” He grumbled, earning a laugh from his far less serious wife.

“Saizo, c’mon!! I was just kidding!” You hurried after him, closing the distance easily and catching his hand. You threaded your fingers together. “I was teasing, my love, honestly! I know you were looking out for me, like always. You wanted to keep me safe.”

“Of course I do.” He rolled his eyes, trying (and failing) to conceal his reddening cheeks. “I care about you too much to let something bad happen to you. Seeing those insufferable morons get so close was right at my limit.”

“I understand. Thank you for looking out for me. I’m so lucky to have you by my side.” 

You stood on your tippy toes, kissing him over the mask. With a growl, his arms wrapped around your waist, the mask disappeared and you were caught in a searing kiss from your dearest one.

You gasped into the kiss, your hands flush against his chest, feeling his heart thunder beneath your fingertips. He all but lifted you off the ground to hold you as close as he possibly could. 

It was dizzying when he finally released you, both of you trying to catch your breath. His hand fell to your waist, steadying you from his aggressive display. You laughed softly, leaning into his chest.

“So you’re definitely not jealous, huh?”

“I cannot be sure until we’ve returned home.”

“That’s fair. You need to be thorough in making sure they didn’t do anything untowards.”

“You will not be leaving our room for at least 12 hours. I hope you’re aware of that.” He said before he turned, resuming his march to camp with much more vigor.

Of course you happily trailed along, giddy at the thought that you had a very jealous husband to assuage. Saizo was always the cutest when he was jealous. It was rare to see him so riled up, but knowing it was because he was enamored with you made it adorable.

“It’s the only way for us to get in there and get some real work done, and you know that. Besides, you’ll be coming as my loyal bodyguard.”

“I would rather be going as your husband. This ruse is dangerous- and it will not go as planned.” 

“How can you possibly know that? You’re a ninja, you’re trained for situations where you have to be seductive to pull information. Isn’t that true?”

Saizo averted his eyes, feeling a sudden flare up of bashfulness.

“That’s not the same! Besides, you weren’t trained in the art of seduction, and certainly not for reconnaissance like this. It could go any number of ways wrong, and I refuse to allow it!”

“Unfortunately, that is not your decision to make, my love.” You pat his shoulder, but he is not amused nor placated.

Saizo’s mouth opens to protest, however he is stopped by Ryoma’s hand raising, ending the debate on all angles.

“I am afraid that we are not able to go with any other plan. The Vallite noble doesn’t know about where Corrin’s loyalties lie yet, and they have a wealth of knowledge about Anankos. If anyone can tap into it…she will need to be.”

“Forgive my insolence, milord, but it is extremely unsafe. What if they realize that she is against Anankos? What if they realize that she has ulterior motives, or she’s harmed because there is not anyone there to protect her when things go south?”

“Things won’t go south.” You held up your dragon stone, “I can get out if things start to get bad.”

“You overestimate your solitary skills. It will not be as easy as you think to escape, especially if you are deep into enemy territory, alone!”

“You do raise a good point in that she should not go in alone. Perhaps if we send in a personal guard of some sort…somebody who can accomany Corrin if it starts to get ugly.”

“Is it really going to be that bad?” She asked him, “You doubt my ability to get in and out that badly?”

“I would be more comforted had you been raised with the skills of a ninja. However, you do not…or at least, you do not know enough yet. I haven’t had enough time to train you to the level I would be comfortable with.”

“What if we assigned you as her personal detail and retainer for this task, Saizo?” Ryoma posed the question, drawing the attention of both husband and wife.

“What?”

“Wait, no. Absolutely not-” You cut in, trying to stop the idea before Saizo went all in. But your husband straightened up and bowed his head.

“That is an excellent idea, milord. I would be honored to accept this assignment-”

“No! You can’t go. If we’re going to send anyone in, it should be Kagero, or Kaze, or really just anyone who isn’t my husband that iwll have to watch me seduce another man!”

“It’s just a job, Corrin. I won’t be bothered by it.”

“Really?” You quirked an eyebrow, unconvinced. “You get jealous whenever one of my brothers pats my head.”

Saizo’s ears went red, but he otherwise maintained his stance. “That’s not true. Regardless, I can separate emotions from mission work. I would rather be by your side rather than sit here and wonder if you are safe or not.”

“It’s true, Corrin. This is a dangerous mission, but it’s also not something that Saizo hasn’t seen before. If anyone can ensure your safety, it should be our best ninja in the army. I trust he won’t allow his emotions to put you in danger.”

“Of course. The mission is paramount, but so is your safety.”

“And who better to trust with your safety than your husband?”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, trying to fight the urge to protest more. They weren’t wrong; if anyone could hold their own in an excessively risky intelligence mission, it was your Saizo. The only problem was that you knew him extremely well.

And knowing him well meant you knew it would be a ticking time bomb before his emotions really did get the better of him, and he would lash out seeing you getting all touchy-feely with a strange man.

“I think this may be something you’ll have to compromise on, Corrin.” Ryoma looked at you with just a hint of apology in his eyes, nodding to your husband. “There are not many I would entrust with your safety when it comes to such a delicate mission…but more so than that, I do not believe he would allow me to assign anyone else.”

“That is correct, milord.” Saizo said, clearly enjoying the newfound influence he had with his lord-turned-brother. There were certain perks he could enjoy now as a prince-elect, though you weren’t sure you personally enjoyed the new power he had.

Much less how he was now going to use it to keep tabs on you.

“This is for the best, Corrin. I will not allow my emotions to get in the way of the mission. And more importantly, there should be no single person you trust more with your safety than me. Will you allow me to do this for you?”

You looked at him for a long moment, your lips drawn in a thin line. He wasn’t wrong…this was likely something you would probably conquer better together. You didn’t have the best feeling about it, but…what was the harm, really?

“...Very well, then. You’ll be accompanying me on this mission. I hope you’re up for it, Saizo.”

“I am well-prepared.” Saizo stood a bit taller, looking quite pleased with the outcome of the discussion. You couldn’t help the sinking feeling in your chest…something was surely going to go wrong, wasn’t it?

-------------------------

It would take a couple of weeks for the mission to officially go into effect. Contact was made with the Vallite noble, and the “arrangement” to go through with the marriage began.

The courtship was due to begin; Saizo escorted you to the noble’s home, a manor inlaid within a surreal landscape that was common of Valla. 

What was most interesting was the man who stood at the entrance to his home, looking quite pleased as you were brought forward, dressed in all the formal trappings as expected of a princess.

Saizo dutifully remained at your side, taking notes on the potential escape routes and areas primed for the undercover investigation he’d be conducting in the brief moments he wasn’t glued to your side. 

His primary focus, however, was on the noble who stood before you both. He looked a few too many years old for you, and his physique left much to be desired. Worse yet, the expression on his face was far too slimey for comfort.

“We finally meet, Princess Corrin. What an honor it is to be graced with your presence.” He spoke brightly, sounding far more charming than necessary. Saizo resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 

This man was the exact opposite of what you would ever be attracted to. How foolish to even think such a cretin would have a chance with his Corrin.

“My lord…I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.” You bowed your head, delicate and poised. Saizo knew he was a fool for you, considering how his heart skipped a beat whenever you were dressed so beautifully, and acting so noble. 

Though to be fair, his heart skipped a beat whenever you did…well, anything. How you managed to be so breathtaking whether in a dress or in armor was a mystery he would not mind leaving unsolved.

“I was expecting you to come with a band of your siblings. I know that they were less than enthused at the prospect of marrying their dear sister off to a Vallite.”

“Well…considering how things have been going, it would be best if we tried to find a way to resolve our issues peacefully. I am very interested in pursuing our courtship.”

“And when all goes well between us, the opportunity for us to deepen our relationship as well, your majesty.” He took up your hand, kissing the back of it with quite a smirk on his lips.

Saizo was impressed with the blush that dusted your cheeks; it was just enough to be quite convincing. Even the tips of your ears were rosy. Perhaps you were going to be better at this than he first thought.

Perhaps he was watching too closely, as the noble’s expression soured when he looked up at the ninja. 

“Who is this man, Princess Corrin? If your siblings were not to escort you, then why is this man here?”

“He is my personal guard. I did not wish to overwhelm you, and so I thought it might be best to only bring him with me, rather than several others.”

“Hmph…I see no reason for it, seeing as you will have plenty of protection with the guards I have here.”

“I mean no disrespect, however I place immense trust in my guard. He is highly skilled, and someone I trust greatly with my personal safety. I hope you will allow him to accompany me during our visit.”

He stares at Saizo for a moment longer, but relents with another sleezy smile. “Of course- who am I to say no to such a beautiful woman? If he means so much to you, I have no qualms about his joining us…at least, whenever it is permissable.”

The stage was set, then.

You were shown to your own private quarters, with arrangements made for Saizo among the servants. Saizo would work hard to show restraint, as he would much rather be spending his time beside you, in the privacy of your room, rather than leaving you to your own devices in a strange place.

And so began the courtship process.

-------------------------

He would never have admitted it, but you were a little more right about the jealousy being an issue than he was willing to admit. 

You were doing an excellent job of winning the noble’s favor, and you seemed to be getting lots of good information, judging by the notes you would slip into his room each night, gathering the necewssary intel.

But he wasn’t enjoying watching you flirt and be flirted with…especially with a creature as vile as that man. 

He had his hands all over you, as far as you would allow. If his arm wasn’t draped over your shoulder, he had his fingers threaded with yours, and at times, he would have his hands wrapped around your waist.

Saizo had been unfortunate enough to witness a kiss or two on your cheek, and once on your forehead. 

It was a little more upsetting than he first thought.

You were stiff at times, but you were ultimately allowing it and playing into his attraction to you. If he was honest with himself…you were doing it far too well.

“I’m surprised by it, honestly.”

Saizo was currently perched in the trees outside of the kitchens, listening in on the staff as they prepared dinner for the “couple”.

He leaned in, focusing on the conversation while keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.

“He didn’t strike me as her type at all, but she seems incredibly receptive to his advances. Even when he’s being daring! I would have pushed him away a few times, myself. They’ve only known each other for a few days, after all.”

A good woman worked in that house, Saizo decided.

“Maybe she has strange taste,” Another giggled, “But also, there seems to be a lot riding on this. I mean, it is an arranged courtship, that’ll undoubtedly lead to marriage. Whose to say she isn’t just going along with it in order to expedite the process and get what she wants?”

“I have a sense of these things- it would feel much more stiff if she wasn’t actually interested, don’t you think? She wouldn’t be nearly as open to his romancing ‘techniques’ if she were only there purely for business. Princess Corrin strikes me as a rather cold beauty, but when she’s with him she seems to be considerably warm and open.”

“When do you think they’ll officially announce the engagement?”

“You think it’ll come sooner rather than later, right?”

“I should hope so! I have ten gold pieces on it.”

“They’re getting along fantastically well. I’m sure there’ll be an official announcement in no time!”

Saizo was quite proud of his wife. You were doing phenomenally well, despite the circumstances. He was working hard, and you were keeping pace with your own intelligence gathering. Depending on how the next couple of days went, you could very well be slipped out of that manor and back to safety with all th einformation you could possibly need. He shifted to slip away, considering his work complete here.

“I suppose it could be like that…but also, I think it might be faster than you think. I heard that he went into the bath house…while she was there!”

Immediately, he was back in place.

“What? Really?! That’s so scandalous! They’re not even engaged yet, but they’re already-”

“I don’t know for sure, but…I did sense a bit of an awkward air between them, during lunch. I think something happened.”

Saizo slipped from the branches, taking a different route than he would to return to his room. Deftly he moved to the roof, making his way across and finding his way to a certain wing of the house, tapping against a specific window.

He found himself looking into the slightly startled gaze of his wife, who moved from the edge of her bed over to the window pane and carefully cracked it open.

“Saizo? What are you doing here? Has something happened?”

“I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Why?” You tilted your head, stepping back so that he could slip into the room. Saizo entered and shuttered the window without a sound. Your lamp was dim in the night, but it did illuminate you so beautifully.

Remembering the reason he was here, and seeing you like this, it did make something painful twist in his heart.

“I heard some staff talking about that man walking in on you in the bath house. Is this true?”

“Yes.” You answered without hesitation, watching him carefully. His body language did not change, but you could tell there was something behind his eye that he was working very hard to keep hidden. 

“What happened?”

“He said it was a mistake. He did not know that I was in the bath house when he went in to wash up. He was quick to leave, though.”

“How quick?” He asked you, clipped. You sat back down on the bed, prompting Saizo to walk closer to you, until he was standing before you with arms crossed over his chest.

“He was there for only a few moments. When he realized I was in there he did not stay.”

“His gaze- was he looking at your body?”

“I’m not sure. There was a lot of steam. There’s a low chance he was able to see much of anything. Why are you asking all these questions?”

“Because there are certain lines that are not to be crossed during this mission. He is not to make any advances on you that could lead to him attempting sexual intercourse.”

“You’ve ‘attempted sexual intercourse’ during missions before, haven’t you? Kaze told me.”

“That was a long time ago. I would never do something like that for the sake of a mission now- especially because I am married to you. There is no excuse for infidelity- even for a mission. But even so, your brothers and sisters laid that stipulation out quite strictly. It is one thing for a ninja to do something like that. But you are a princess, first and foremost. They would never ask you to do such a thing; and I absolutely wouldn’t allow it regardless.”

“Well, I certainly wasn’t going to try anything like that. I don’t quite enjoy his attempts at affection.” You said with a grimace, flexing your hands. “It makes me feel grimey, whenever he touches me. Is that normal?”

Saizo relaxes some, lowering his mask and crouching in front of you. His hands wrapped around yours, squeezing them gently. 

“He is not a pleasant man. I would sooner call him scum than anything else. I will not allow him to do anything to you beyond his overfamiliar touches. If he tries to do more, tell me right away.”

“Are you going to rescue me?” You quirk an eyebrow, and he scoffs.

“You are not the type of woman who needs saving. Just know that you are not dealing with that cretin alone. If he goes too far, I will be there to put a stop to it. You have my word.”

You cup his cheek, all but beaming at your sweet husband.

“Thank you, my love. I’m glad you’re the one watching my back.” He leans into your touch, lingering for only a moment longer before he rose, gently capturing your lips in a tender kiss.

“And you thought it was a bad idea.”

“Mm…I can admit when I’m wrong.” You giggled, smiling against his lips as he returned for another kiss, and another. 

He had to work terribly hard to keep from going any further, despite the prime opportunity you had presented him with. 

You gazed up at him, enraptured by the warmth of his smile.

“How much longer do you think we’ll be here?” You asked him quietly, slipping your arms around his back. His brow furrowed, mulling it over.

“I can’t imagine it’ll be much longer. We’ve gathered a lot of information…I doubt that man is privvy to all of the goings on in Valla.”

“Good. I miss having you in my bedroom.” 

“‘Your’ bedroom?” He echoed, “You mean ‘our’ bedroom.”

“Well, we’re in separate rooms again, and as far as I’m concerned, this is my bedroom. I miss having you in my bedroom.”

“I would stay if it weren’t so risky. But it’s best to keep up appearances. As soon as we’re home, we’ll go straight to bed, in ‘our’ room.”

“And what will we do once we’re in bed?” You ask him, running your fingers through his hair. Saizo shivered, but ultimately drew away, knowing better than to let himself be tempted in the middle of such an important mission.

“We will do whatever you wish. Now get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said gruffly, but left one last kiss to your fingertips. You earned one last smile before he hid it behind his mask.

It would be a long night for both of you. But at least, you had the comfort and anticipation of knowing you would be back in each other’s arms soon. The mission was coming to a close, and hopefully, without another hitch.

-------------------------

Saizo was not sure when things changed, or how.

But all of a sudden, that morning, the noble had other plans beyond simply trying to woo you. He had become more aggressive, and his words more impatient and more lustful. 

Perhaps he had seen more of you than either of you first thought. 

Saizo kept a closer watch on him, being careful to have his presence more known  and being directly at your side if the “dates” were out in the open.

He knew the glint in that man’s eye; it belonged to a man who wanted something from you- that you had absolutely no interest in giving to a lech like him.

It was about two evenings later, when Saizo heard a commotion. The sound of a vase toppling over, and the sound of a struggle.

The sound of your voice, strained, as you were pulling against the growls of that man.

Saizo was in the rafters, trailing the sounds. 

It didn’t take long before he found what he was looking for. The noble, towering over you, and pushing you into the wall with your hands restrained.

“How much longer are you going to play games? You know how badly I desire you, princess- surely you would not deprive me of your touch any longer!”

“M-milord, please, we cannot. We must be engaged before-”

“You can’t keep hiding behind that excuse! You really think your siblings would’ve sent you here alone without thinking something would happen? They wanted this! They know the quickest way to seal our union is through consummation- through a physical bond! And after the constant teasing, the torture you’ve put upon me- it is long past time for it to happen!”

“I can assure you, that’s not the reason they sent me here alone. They would never send me into a jackal’s den on my own, let alone with such a lecherous reason.”

The man’s laugh was sickening. And the boiling in Saizo’s blood was reaching fever pitch. 

“Enough of this playing hard to get, Corrin. Submit to me- embrace me! It is what we both want, isn’t it?”

“It isn’t.” You glared at him, trying to rip your hands away. But the man was stronger than he looked. Saizo moved closer, the glint of the metal piece on his mask catching your eye. You glanced up, finding him almost directly above the noble, ready to drop down and crush his bones in an instant.

You shook your head, subtly nodding your head south. Towards his room.

Saizo’s brow furrowed- were you planning to make a move? Was it time to go? 

All the intel that had been meticulously gathered was in the satchel with his field notes. He would need to grab that before you could leave. But if he left you alone with that man-

“Come to me, Corrin.” The man leaned in closer, snapping your attention back to him. “You want this, too.”

“Listen to me fool, I- mmmph!”

Saizo’s vision went red.

The kiss lasted all of two seconds, before Saizo dropped down with full force on top of the man’s body. You gasped, stumbling back when your husband all but left a crater in the floor. He grabbed the noble up by his collar and threw his body into the nearest room, breaking the handles and sealing the doors in a single movement.

“Corrin- Corrin, are you all right?”

“I- what are you doing? You needed to go get your things! My things! It’s only a matter of time before someone stumbles on him-!”

“Go to your room and get your things. I’ll meet you at the back door, and we’ll get out of here. Don’t waste a single second!”

“But-”

You were being pushed in the opposite direction, and Saizo bolted down the corridor, making a beeline for his room. The staff were bustling about as usual, undoubtedly someone hearing the commotion that had happened. 

It was hard to miss, particularly when the loud crunch and thud of a body hitting the floor at high velocity all but echoed across the manor.

Saizo burst into his room and snatched up his supplies, clearing the room out in mere seconds. 

He turned the corner and rushed to meet you.

It was the shriek that had him change directions. 

“MILORD!! HE’S DEAD!”

They broke the doors down already. Saizo spat a curse and sprinted to your room. If they were already onto them, there was a good chance you hadn’t gotten everything together.

“Corrin! We have to go, now!” Saizo came into your room, just as you were heading to the door. He grabbed your hand and ran for the window. He flung it open, and took your bags. You climbed onto his back, arms around his back before he leapt into the trees.

The third escape route he mapped out was the exit. The two of you rushed through the trees, branches snapping under his feet as he leapt from them at full force.

Saizo was already a monster, but being able to carry heavy bags of supplies and his wife at full weight was seemingly easy as can be.

“Hang on tight, Corrin- we’ll be up here at this speed for a while. If you’re having trouble, let me know. We’ll find somewhere safe to rest.”

“You’re the one carrying me-” You said through clenched teeth, hearing the alarms raised in the distance as Saizo rushed you both further from the manor. “They’ll be trailing us for a while, I think. Can you put enough distance between us?”

“I should be able to- at least long enough to get the portal set so we can return home. Keep an ear up for the enemy in the meantime.”

“Sir, yes sir.” 

Saizo focused solely on getting to safety after that, the pair of you practically rocketing through the tredes for several minutes. Eventually he had to stop- pushing his body for so long under such conditions was exhausting. But thankfully, it  was enough distance that you could prepare the circle and contact your siblings to get you the hells out of there.

The Outrealm welcomed you with open arms, ushering the two of you back in. 

Clerics and royal siblings both were crowded around you, checking for some sign that you were all right and you didnt’ need immediate nmedical attention.

Saizo was all but  dragged to the medical wing, seeing as he had strained just about every muscle to get you.

At least, that’s what you thought. 

After the briefing was completed, and Saizo was checked over and given healing salve to apply to his most sore areas, you both made a beeline for the bedroom.the bed, applying the necessary salve to  his arms and legs.

His exposed skin was a most welcome sight, but it was made much better when he smiled tiredly at you, gesturing for you to hurry up and c

Of course he still beat you there since he didn’t use the ladder. In fact, he was already sitting on ome in.

“Looks like we survived.” You sighed, “The meeting went well, and they were quite pleased with all the information we were able to glean from that courting partner of mine.”

“Feh- I should hope so. That mission was more trouble than it was worth.” Saizo sighed, his shoulders dropping as he slowly allowed himself to decompress from the stress of what you’d both gone through.

You slid in close, gently running your fingers over his tense muscles, touching your lips to his cheek.

“Thank you for keeping me safe. I wouldn’t have been able to get out nearly as quickly as you did. You really saved us, back there.”

“I told you I would,” Saizo reminded you softly, bumping his forehead against yours. “Besides, it was my fault things went south so quickly. If I’d been more careful, I wouldn’t have caused all that chaos by killing the man prematurely.”

“You were going to kill him anyway?” You paused your ministrations, finding a steely, absolutely dead serious expression on his face.

“That vile creature wouldn’t take his hands off you, and then had the audacity to restrain and kiss you against your will. If I hadn’t stepped in sooner, I shudder to think what he would’ve tried to do next…and I will not stand for my wife being dishonored by such filth.”

“You’re as terrifying as you are romantic.” You laugh nervously, but you smile all the same, holding his face in your hands. “Thank you, my love. I’m glad that I had your jealous rage watching over me.”

“Shut up.” He clicked his tongue, taking you into his arms. “Now, we need to do something about his actions. Wherever he touched you…whatever he tried to do…we’re getting rid of all that right this instant.”

“Sir, yes sir.”  He had you buried in a cascade of kisses and tender touches from a very grabby pair of hands. This time, though, it was far more welcome.

You of course would tease him for his jealous ticks during that mission, but…right now, all you wanted was to be snuggled tight in your sweet ninja’s arms once again.

They were quite certain it was a girl, not a  boy.

He didn’t believe them, of course. The Saizo line had never produced a daughter. Surely he wouldn’t be the first to do so! 

But then Orochi started foreseeing a lot of dainty, delicate clothes in the future; and him and his boys glaring at all sorts of potential suitors for this new child.

It only meant one thing, really; there must be a girl on the way.

Saizo had been stressing about it for weeks leading up to the birth. It was only in that moment you could know for sure. Because if he found out it was a girl…well, he had no idea what to do.

The day of labor came, and you were pushing, fighting to bring that baby into the world for all you were worth. It was a difficult birth, which convinced Saizo that three was more than enough.

The labor was finished off and the baby was finally delivered. He heard the sharp cry through the doors, which silenced all other mumbling and murmuring nearby.

The third-born of Saizo and Corrin officially arrived.

“Oh my gods, everyone!! You'll never believe it- Corrin has a new baby girl!!” Elise exclaimed, bursting out of the delivery room with sparkling eyes.

Everyone cheered, save for Kaze and Saizo.

The green-haired ninja eyed his brother warily, knowing that he had been squeamish at the thought of a daughter.

Now it had become his reality.

“Saizo…are you all right?”

He could not form words, speechless behind his mask. Kaze put a tentative hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“It will be all right, Saizo. My Midori is a wonderful little girl. I’m sure your daughter will be, too.”

“My…daughter.” He echoed, the words bringing him back to his senses. “My child- my wife, are they…?”

“They're both just fine, Saizo!” Elise informed him, “Corrin is awake, and in good spirits! Would you like to see them before we take the baby for her assessment? Corrin really wants you to come in!”

“Yes…of course.” He quickly followed her into the delivery room, the doors shutting behind him. And with it, silence followed. Now that he was there, time slowed to a stop; just mere steps away was his child. A girl. He wasn't sure if he was brave enough to face it.

“Saizo,” Your voice was weak, and strained hoarse. It was no wonder, from all the fighting you had to do just moments earlier. 

The quiet call broke his spell, drawing him back into reality so he could swiftly go to your side.

Saizo bent over, touching your hair and brushing it away from your face. You leaned into his touch, but you did not bring your hands up to meet his. They were preoccupied.

“Are you all right?” He asked you worriedly, looking you over to ensure you were not in any immediate danger. You nodded with a deep breath, tilting your face towards the child on your chest.

“We’re both okay. We…we have a daughter, Saizo.” You whispered to him, “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“I…” He trailed off, swallowing in a feeble attempt to steel himself. 

Nestled in a bundle of blankets was a very tiny, new ittle girl. She had a shock of crimson hair, just like him. There was a deep warmth that bloomed in his chest, gazing at his third-born child.

But with that warmth came a very real, very concerning spike of worry.

“Saizo?”

“Ah…yes. Yes, she is very beautiful.” He confirmed with a pinched frown, “But I worry.”

“You worry?” You reached up to cup his cheek, in tandem shifting the little girl so he might better see his perfectly healthy daughter.

“Of course I do- she’s the first daughter to ever be produced by the Saizo line.”

“That is a great honor.” You pointed out with a soft smile, quite proud to have been the first to make history in his family.

Well, aside from being a princess and a dragon. That also raised the stakes a little bit. But Saizo was far more concerned with other things.

“It is unprecedented; quite literally. How…how am I supposed to- how do we raise a girl?”

“It’s pretty straightforward, dear. Like the boys, but a little different.”

“There are no guides on how to train a Saizo in the secret family arts- not for one that is a girl!! All of our techniques, the flaming ninjutsu- they were created and perfected strictly for men!”

“Then we will find a way to teach her differently. She will adapt- she’s your daughter.”

“But she will be smaller than Asugi and Kana. Which means she may be more fragile, and have less stamina, and strength, and-”

“If you went toe to toe with me, do you think you’d be able to overpower me without a dragonstone?”

“...Perhaps. It tends to be an even match when we duel.” Saizo hummed, brow furrowed as he considered it. You gestured to your snoozing newborn.

“She will be no different to me. Besides; Kagero, Orochi and Rinkah are all exemplary warriors. No matter which path she chooses, I know she’ll be an excellent warrior with your tutelage. Though I doubt you’d let her go far from the ninja way.”

“I would prefer she grew up like Kagero in terms of skills, it’s true.” He admitted, but the worry lingered. You frowned some, seeing he had yet to be comforted.

You raised your hand, gently lowering the mask to reveal a deep frown on his lips. 

“What else are you worried about? It’s better to get it all out now than later, don’t you think?” You joked some, tilting your head towards the baby.

Saizo frowned softly, “I worry that she will be vulnerable…and her face…her hair! She will look just like me!”

“Is that bad?”

“Yes!! Think of all the suitors she will have-- the boys and girls!! Can you imagine the kind of trouble that we’ll have to protect her from?!”

“Ohh…” Your smile broadened, “You want to protect your little girl already?”

“I just…it will be difficult for her as she gets older. Especially as the first and only daughter of a Saizo. I worry about many things…some I cannot even begin to think about- I do not know how to raise a daughter, o-or what she will need from me, or the best way to train her, or…there are too many unknowns, Corrin!” He cleared his throat, looking away. 

You shook your head, carefully shifting the baby up for him. “Why don’t you hold her? I know it will make all your worries fade away.”

“N-no, I…I don’t think I should…” He trailed off, just as you passed the little bundle right into his arms. 

The instant she landed in his arms, it was like his whole world shifted.

His little girl was hardly the length of his forearm, but just the sight of her filled his chest. He held her close and snug, right to his heart. 

She was perfect.

And it made all of his fears fade away in an instant.

“See?”

Your voice was almost faded in the background. He was utterly enraptured by his daughter. The first daughter of the Saizo line.

And she was so beautiful.

You were beaming, a single tear slipping from the corner of your eye as you watched your husband fall even deeper in love with his daughter than he ever thought possible.

“I…I can’t even remember what I was so worried about.” His voice was shaky. Just like he was when he held his baby Asugi and baby Kana.

You held out your hand, which Saizo was very quick to take. 

He squeezed your hand, carefully shifting so that he was sitting right on the edge of the bed, bringing his daughter to rest between her mother and father.

“You were right.” He murmured softly, and leaned down, kissing your forehead. “I’m so proud of you…you’ve done well.”

“Heehee…” You tilted your chin up, prompting a proper kiss. “I hope you won’t mind handling the boys while I recover. I think we’ll have our hands full for a while.”

“Do not fret. I will take care of everything. I will make sure that my wife, my sons and my daughter are all well tended. You have my word.”

“As a Saizo?” You grinned at him, and he chuckled softly, hugging you and your little girl to his chest.

“Saizo, dear?” 

Your sweet call never failed to make your husband blush. Your smile was hidden behind your tea cup, which he also used to strategically mask his reddened cheeks.

“Yes?”

“I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Well, now’s your opportunity.” He replied, leaning back in his chair. “My break won’t last much longer, though.”

“It won’t take long.” You promised as your cup returned to its saucer. “I wanted to discuss why you’re so jealous of other men.”

Had he been a lesser man, the cup would’ve shattered to the floor. Instead his shoulders twitched, and nothing more came of his reaction.

Which meant you had rattled him.

“Jealous? Hmph. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Then why do you spend so much of your spare time with me?”

“Should a man not spend time with his wife?”

“Even when he’s shirking his duties to do so?”

“I would never do such a thing!” He countered, glaring sharply at you. “How could you even suggest that, knowing how deeply my loyalties lie with Lord Ryoma?”

“What about watching me while I’m spending time with other men in the army?”

“I am only observing you.” He corrected you, returning the cup to his lips, “When my job requires it.”

“So you’re really not jealous about my spending time with other men?”

“No.”

“Even if I’m one on one with them, alone in an office?”

He paused, eye narrowing.

“...No.”

“Okay, good. I have a meeting with Xander that’ll be going late into the night. So now that I know you’re fine with it, that settles everything.”

“Why are you meeting with him, again? You had one two days ago.”

“War is always changing, dear. I’m afraid I’ll have to keep having meetings one on one with him and other princes until this matter is resolved. Does that…bother you?”

“I already told you it doesn’t.”

“Great! Because the last thing I’d want to do is upset my husband in any way, or jeopardize his trust.”

You rose from your seat with a stretch, the tea long gone. Saizo watched the deft movements from table to bed, where you promptly sat down and swung your legs back and forth. 

Playful. Teasing.

“It is not you who my trust is shaken by.” He found his words, following after you.

He stood directly in front of you, observing quietly as you took your hands in his, gently swinging them to and fro.

“Who is it you doubt?”

“Those jackals that vie for your attention every second of the day.” He grumbled, though his gaze softened when you met it. “I do not wish for them to get the wrong idea.”

“They know I am married.”

“Pah. Too many men find that as a challenge more than anything else.”

“Would you have felt that way if I married someone else?”

“Of course not.” He squeezed your hands, drawing them to his chest. “I would never have given another man the opportunity.”

“My, my.” You grinned at him, earning yourself a very tender kiss.

“You were not a woman I was willing to risk losing to any other person. I certainly won’t change my mind about it, now.”

“So you are jealous.”

“Feh. That is not the word I would use.”

“What, then?”

“Protective. Wary, even.”

“Most would say those are just romantic synonyms for jealousy, my dear.”

“Most are wrong.” He kissed you again, much more firmly. That was certainly a challenge. 

When you parted, you pulled him onto the bed, letting him take his place above you while you let yourself fall back.

“I love you, Corrin. I’d be a fool to let anyone have a chance to take you away.”

“Even if they did, I wouldn’t give it to them. Not when I have such a handsome, angry ninja waiting for me at home.”

“You’d do well to remember that. My wrath is not one you should incur.”

“No?”

He kissed you again, fighting a smile.

“No.”

It would be proven fairly swiftly afterthat conversatiaon that a jealous Saizo was not a creature to be messed with.

Though an annoyed Corrin trying to find creative ways to hide all the visible love bites he left behind was also a formidable foe, too.