Chapter Text
“The Pleasure Palace” was what some of the Hoshidan troops had taken to calling the Nohrian castle they had conquered, despite it actually being called Macarath. Hallway after hallway lined with bedrooms that would make the King of Hoshido green with envy. Kitchens stocked with so much food Reina had a difficult time believing that Nohr was suffering from a famine.
She was looking forward to sleeping on something that wasn’t the ground or a cot. Reina would never admit it out loud to anyone, but her days of sleeping on the ground and fighting nonstop with no issue were behind her. She could almost hear Orochi taunting her about how “her old bones needed rest.”
The sun was beginning to set over the keep as she watched Ryoma and Corrin train in one of the castle’s many gardens. Watching the brothers banter made her wonder about family. She was an only child, a fact her parents had reminded her of constantly in her younger days. Their biggest regret was not having a son; or another child.
She’d have liked to start a family. Hoshido was not kind to women who passed their twenties without getting married, and even less so to women who chose to serve and fight for their nation. There was one man who was oblivious to all that, or just simply didn’t care; Corrin.
He already had a soft spot in her heart just for the fact of being Mikoto’s son. He was stolen away by Nohr and came back a young man. Traveling together had shown her a whole different side to him. He was a relentless flirt, and he showered her with gifts and praise. Fancy weapons, new armor, whatever she wanted or needed to kill their enemy he got her it. And she found herself seeking him out and spending more and more of her time with Corrin, discussing everything from fighting to technique to any of the hundreds of questions he had about Hoshido.
“You’re staring at him like he’s a piece of meat, Reina.” Orochi said, yanking Reina out of her thoughts. “Just what sort of lewd thoughts could a lecherous old woman like you be having about that sweet young prince?”
“Be careful who you call old, Orochi.” Reina snapped, her wit sharp from years of dealing with the diviner. “I’m only a few years older than you. And I must say,” she turned from the column she was leaning against and looked back to the woman, “my hair is significantly less gray than yours.”
“You…! Oh, I hate you so much, Reina!” Orochi hissed, stomping her foot on the ground. “It’s light purple. Light! Purple! I’m going to… I don’t know, tell Corrin you snore!”
“He knows.” Reina said smugly. “We’ve been setting up our tents up next to each other. Since Cheve, actually.”
Orochi stared at her in bewilderment. “Seriously? So, he knows you snore. He’s not terrified by your love of death. And he thinks you’re oh so beautiful, despite those hideous scars on your face?”
“And he thinks I’m a fantastic chef.” Reina declared proudly. It made her feel good, being so openly appreciated and adored by a man for once. If the scars didn’t scar suitors off, the way she made killing a show certainly did.
“I say you buck tradition and propose to the boy. Right now. You’ll never find another man who thinks you cook well.” Orochi hummed as they both turned back to watching Corrin and Ryoma spar. “He’s unique and wonderful, just like his mother. Seriously, Reina, you’ll never find another one like him.”
“I enjoy his company. He is a fantastic friend and trusted ally on the battlefield, but…” she gestured to Orochi to follow her and led her away from Ryoma and Corrin, bringing them to a stop at the far end of the courtyard opposite the Hoshidan princes. “There’s something I must… admit. I am telling you this in total secrecy, Orochi. Not another soul is to find out I told you this.”
“I don’t know why you think I’m so loud blabbermouth. You know your secrets are safe with me! I haven’t told anyone about you and Corrin’s sexcapades when I caught you two, didn’t I?”
Reina silently glared at Orochi, and she was positive she could see the diviner being to sweat under her gaze. “Look. I know that’s not what happened, but it makes it so much more exciting spinning it that way. The point is; no one knows. Not even Kagero. And you know I tell her everything.”
“...I believe you.” Reina admitted after a few moments of silence. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her face beginning to heat up. She opened her eyes to an Orochi trembling with excitement. “I… might... be developing feelings for Lord Corrin.”
“You… I’m sorry, what?” Orochi choked out in shock. “Can you say that again? My hearing must be going bad, been listening to a lot of people letting out their dying screams recently… I don’t think I heard you correctly.”
“You heard me.” she hissed, suddenly regretting confiding in her friend. “I won’t repeat it.”
“Yeah, yeah. Ok, sorry… this is a lot to take in. I need a moment.” Orochi murmured staggering back from Reina. “You! I’m still shocked you can experience feelings other than “murder!” And for Mikoto’s boy no less?! Oh, this is scandalous! What brought this around? When you saw him shirtless?”
“No.” Reina hissed, her blush giving away the lie. “Although he is in… fine physical condition. I’m not saying anything will come of these feelings, but… it’s feels so good being appreciated by such a fine young man.”
“Mhmm… fine indeed. I saw the goods.” Orochi purred, licking her lips. “Oh, Mikoto, forgive us for talking of your son in such a manner. The poor woman is probably rolling over in her grave, but it’s not our fault that her son grew into such a strapping young lad!”
“And you called me a lecherous old lady.”
“I’m not the one lusting after Mikoto’s son!” Orochi howled. “So, tell me more! What about him has you feeling this way? I’ve got so many questions! I never thought I’d be having this kind of conversation with you!”
Reina let out an annoyed huff. “Why are you acting like we’re two teenagers? And you’re freaking out like this is my first crush?”
Orochi shrugged. “...because it’s you! The last time you had any interest in a man who wasn’t totally terrified of you, Princess Sakura was still in diapers! Now you have a prince who adores you and that you like back. I’m so happy for you!”
“Stop celebrating. This is not a good thing.” Reina stated as she straightened her uniform out. “I need your help putting some distance between me and him.”
“Huh?” Orochi let out dumbly. “Why?”
“For plenty of very obvious reasons.”
Orochi shook her head in disapproval. “I’m not seeing your “obvious reasons.” What’s your issue with this? You’ve got a good thing here!”
Reina leaned back against the stone wall of the castle and let out an aggravated huff as Orochi stood in front of her. “The first issue being he’s half my age. He should be marrying some beautiful young noblewoman when we return to Hoshido, not some old scarred soldier like me.”
“Oh, Reina, why can’t you just allow yourself to be happy?” Orochi sighed. “Ugh, you know you’re in a bad way when I’m the voice of reason. Who cares if he’s half your age? He’s an adult now, he can make his own decisions. And apparently, he chose you!”
“You’re... not wrong, I suppose” Reina ran a hand through her hair anxiously, “I doubt he understands what being in a relationship with a woman of my age would mean for his standing back in the capital. You know how those ridiculous nobles can be.”
“Some old fart wants to wed a teenage girl? Their families are happy and she’s lucky to get married!” Orochi huffed, making no attempt to hide her frustrations. “When a young man takes interest in an older woman, however, she’s a disgusting leech praying on his naïve youth and trying to trap him with children! It’s not like you would care about any of that though. You’re the only woman I’ve ever met who gave up the cushy life of being a noble to become a knight.”
“Would Corrin care, though?”
“You’re just going to have to ask him. I’m a fortune teller, not a mind reader.” Orochi laughed. “You need to tackle your problems head on, Reina! And with Corrin.”
...and he’s Mikoto’s son! I feel so guilty, Orochi. Our Queen would be ashamed of me for… longing for her son in such a manner. I feel as if I’m betraying the trust she placed in me.”
“I guess I can see why you’d feel that way. Consider this, my annoyingly stubborn friend; if she was still with us, she would totally bless you two coming together.”
“You think?”
“I know. The fact that you come from a noble house aside, she’d never be able to say no to someone who makes him smile so much! Although... she would be concerned about how much you love killing people.”
“I do not-”
“Shhh. Quiet. Orochi will teach you how to get the prince. You and Corrin are so cute together!.” she said as she placed a finger on Reina’s lips to silence her. She then moved it up Reina’s face and poked her hard enough in the middle of her scars to push her head back. “The first step is; do not be yourself. You’re whole “bloodlust” thing will scare him off. Remember when we fought the wolf tribe? Remember when Corrin beheaded their leader? I saw this look in your eye like you were about to mount him right then because of that.”
“Oh, yes. That was such a fantastic kill.” Reina practically moaned at the memory. “Goodness, the way-“
“See? That! You need to stop that!” Orochi commanded, stomping the ground. “His family will probably be ok with him being with someone of… your age. They won’t be ok with him being with an old lady that’s also a sadistic, murderous lunatic!”
“Orochi-“
“And we need to get you some make up for these scars.” Orochi stated as she ran her hand across Reina’s X shaped scar. “And your hair! Once we get off the battlefield, you need to come straight to me. When was the last time you did your hair into something other than this mom ponytail? Orochi will help you!”
“Will you quit running your mouth already? Do you know Kagero is so quiet? It’s because she’s resigned herself to never getting in a word with you!” Reina spat. She almost regretted her harsh words when she saw how hurt Orochi looked. “I can’t deal with you anymore. I just need some time to myself to think.”
“Fine! Go and think! When you’ve cooled down and decide to apologize find me!” Orochi shouted as she walked away.
Reina let out a heavy sigh and sat down on the ground, back to the wall. Going to Orochi was a mistake she repeated far too frequently. Her favorite windbag did bring up a surprising amount of good points, but that didn’t change the fact that the whole situation still made her feel dirty.
She wasn’t sure how much time she wasted sitting there and thinking. When she got up and strode back out into the garden Ryoma and Corrin were still training, down to their undershirts and drenched in sweat with Hinoka watching and cheering Corrin on.
“Hey! Reina! Wait!” Corrin shouted as she walked past. She turned to see him bounding over to her, coming to a stop in front of her. “Do you have a moment?”
“Always for you, Lord Corrin.” There was something about the way that he lit up talking to her that make her heart leap in her chest. “What do you need of me?”
“Need? Nothing.” He huffed out, trying to catch his breath from his training. “Just wanted to make sure you were alright. Orochi flew past us murmuring about how you’re… well, she didn’t have very nice things to say.
Reina chuckled. “Oh, I’m fine. Don’t worry about us, that’s just the way we are. There’s nothing normal about my friendship with Orochi.”
“Is there anything normal about her?” Corrin asked, a thoughtful look on his face. “I suppose not, right? That’s why everyone loves her. Anyway, since I have you here… I figured since we’re in a Nohrian palace, filled with Norhian foods and ingredients, me and Felicia would handle dinner duties. I thought it’d be fun to serve up some of the dishes up I grew up with for everyone!”
She watched Corrin visibly get more and more anxious, a lovely red blush spreading across his cheeks. “I can’t say I’ve ever had Nohrian cuisine. I’m very excited to see what you prepare, my lord.”
“Uh, yeah.” She watched him nervously rub the back of his neck. “I was thinking… would you like to join me for dinner tonight? Maybe in my quarters? Well… the bedroom I declared as mine. I could prepare you some special dishes that were my favorites growing up... assuming I can find the ingredients… and manage to cook it all.”
Reina smiled as Corrin blushed profusely. “That sounds lovely. Yet, what would everyone else think hearing that we’re having dinner together in your quarters?”
“That… I’m having dinner with a beautiful and interesting woman?” Corrin laughed nervously. “So was that a no?” Because I didn’t hear a no. I’m not saying you have to say yes! This isn’t an princely order or anything, but can you uhh… just answer the question already? Goodness, I’m still talking… sorry, when I get nervous I just keep talking and-”
Reina allowed a large grin to spread across her face. “Calm down, Corrin. It wasn’t a no. I’ll join you tonight. I’m... quite looking forwards to it, in fact.”
“Oh. Oh. Fantastic! I’ll have Kaze find you when I’m done cooking then!” Corrin exclaimed. “I’ll see you then!” and on that, he bounced back to his siblings.
A/N: You ever think about Hoshido’s culture? This bit of world building brought to from Reina’s supports and Hinoka’s with Ryoma.