#silmarwentelrunya

Sakura and Takumi weren't exactly sure when it had happened, or how, but at some point, Camilla had stopped being that one terrifying Nohrian princess and became something else to them entirely. What that something was, they weren't really willing to admit.

It started with the random acts of kindness. Belongings neatly packed and organized, clothes cleaned, mended, and folded, and, eventually, Camilla stopping by the archery range and medical bay to bring them lunch. Sakura accepted it, though hesitantly, but Takumi, on the other hand…

“That’s poisoned, isn’t it,” he said flatly. No way that demon princess would do something nice without an ulterior motive.

“Whatever do you mean?” she responded, innocent, sweet. “I would never harm a hair on your adorable little head.”

Even if she had been genuine, it still somehow came off as threatening.

“I’m not hungry,” he said, turning back to focus on his target.

“You’ve been here all morning, and I know you didn’t eat breakfast,” she said. “It’s not healthy to go so long without food.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Thanks.” Takumi aimed, and was about to release his arrow when his bow was yanked out of his hands. “Hey, give that back!”

“No weapons at the table,” Camilla teased. She held the lunchbox out to him again. “Now eat.”

Any other time, he would’ve risked making a fool of himself to grab his bow back, but the woman was absurdly tall, and he guessed he was actually kind of hungry… No! That’s what she wanted him to think!

“Oh, you’re giving it such a strong look...” she mused. “Do you need help? I do miss the days of babying my younger siblings...”

“Eating!” He practically tore it open and shoveled the food into his mouth. Not risking it.

...Though, he supposed, it was rather tasty.

“Do you like it? I experimented with some Hoshidan recipes,” she said.

“...It’s okay. Needs more salt.” Bitterly, he handed back the empty lunchbox in exchange for his bow.

“Have fun with your practice, sweetie,” she said, patting his head before turning to leave.

“H-hey! What-” he stuttered, but she was already gone, leaving Takumi with the uncomfortable thought that he hadn’t been poisoned, and the princess might actually somehow… care for him?

No, he didn’t want to think about that at all.

Camilla seemed to be aggressively implementing herself in their lives, appearing where they were more frequently and becoming more and more friendly. Sakura initially found herself a little unsettled, unsure how to react to her constant doting (“Have you gotten enough sleep? Have you eaten yet?”), but eventually found herself somehow enjoying the attention. Takumi did too, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Though, Camilla could sometimes be a bit… much.

“These Hoshidan clothes are so complicated...” she mused, “Are you sure you don’t need any help, Sakura dear?”

“I’m fine. I mean, I’ve been doing it all my life, so...” Sakura said, then noted the somewhat disappointed look on her face. “But t-thanks for offering!”

“Oh, Sakura, you are far too sweet… You know, I have a younger sister about your age,” she said. “You two would get along wonderfully, I think!”

“You think so?” Sakura didn’t flinch when Camilla reached over and adjusted her crooked headband. “What’s she like?”

“Adorable!” she described simply.

Adorable indeed, Sakura would agree. But a bit jealous, as they realized when Elise walked in on Camilla letting them rest in her lap. There was a brief flash of surprise, then irritation, followed by her cutest smile as she approached.

“Big sister Camilla!” she greeted cheerfully. “What’re you doing?”

“Oh, we’re all just enjoying ourselves here,” Camilla said, running her fingers through Takumi’s hair as he read, pretending not to notice or care.

“But big sister!” Elise whined. “You were supposed to be playing with me!” She chuckled in response.

“Relax, dear,” she said. “There’s enough room on my lap for everyone.”

Well, technically speaking, there was, but most would agree it was not the most comfortable arrangement. All except Camilla, who seemed to be having the time of her life.

“Ah, I’ve always wanted such a big family,” she mused. Frankly, eight members wasn’t bad at all, but she wondered if that number couldn’t be higher. She smiled fondly, gently caressing the siblings in her lap. It would be much harder to convince the older Hoshidan siblings, but she was sure it could be done.

Somewhere outside the tent, Hinoka and her retainers were watching intently.

“...She didn’t kidnap them, did she?” Hinoka asked. Azama chuckled.

“Yes, safe to say, the young prince and princess have been stolen!” he said.

“Not again,” she sighed.

“I wanna join,” Setsuna said.

“No.” But it was too late, Setsuna was already gone.