Chapter Text
From the start, the circumstances that surrounded the marriage were bizarre.
There must have been some accident of fate, or some trick in time. Takumi himself still didn't understand how it was possible that, out of all conceivable outcomes, this was the route the universe decided to take.
The news flooded Castle Shirasagi like the unstoppable tide. King Garon of Nohr was dead.
Nobody knew who killed him, or if he was assassinated at all. Some speculated it was a member of the Nohrian court, hungry for power. Others suggested that activities by an internal vigilante group or an attack by the peasantry was more likely, given Garon’s increasingly tyrannical reign. Saizo the Fifth, who managed the Hoshidian spy network, reported that the Nohrians appeared just as flustered by the sudden news. When asked for his opinion, he commented that it was most likely either a dormant illness which overcame the late king, or an experiment with magic gone wrong.
For a while nobody in the castle seemed to know what to think, what to feel. Garon had been detested of course, but given Nohr-Hoshido relations, who knew if his successor wouldn’t be far worse? If anything, the oppressive uncertainty of what was to come pushed the mood towards that of a vague wariness instead of outright celebration.
The world held its breath as King Xander rose to the throne.
Then Cheve rebelled. And all of a sudden, Takumi found himself frantically organizing patrols on Hoshidan borders as Ryoma and Mikoto monitored the diplomatic situation overseas.
Yet the skirmish was brought to a close as swiftly as it began, their scouts arriving with news that the rebellion had been settled. Not put down, settled.
Instead of sending a military force to quell the rebellion, the newly appointed Nohrian king had ordered a diplomatic party lead by Prince Corrin, of all people. After a brief confrontation, the former Hoshidan Prince had been able to convince the rebels to reconcile their differences with words rather than steel.
Information was scarce after that, their scouts only able to provide the most basic outline of the agreements. Cheve would remain a territory of Nohr, but King Xander had agreed to overhaul some of King Garon’s more oppressive policies in compromise. The new king had apparently announced that he wished to maintain peace within his reign, in sharp contrast to his father’s renowned conquests. His main objectives as ruler would be to improve the living conditions of the peasantry and to establish more amicable relationships among governing parties.
And not just within Nohr. A few weeks into his reign, the new King sent a courier expressing his wish to extend friendships to Hoshido as well.
This was met with about as much enthusiasm as could be found at a funeral, and with no less skepticism than could be expected of a nation seeing bait within the jaws of a trap. However, despite Takumi’s (and most everyone else’s) best efforts to convince her otherwise, Mikoto tentatively agreed to hear King Xander out.
The talks began slowly, though royal messengers instead of in person. As months passed, small changes began to take place as well: adjustments to trade tariffs, the increased export of certain Hoshidan goods. The entire castle was on edge as Hoshido took the first steps out of isolationism in almost a century, though the tension was blunted by their scouts’ continued reports that the King of Nohr’s efforts seemed genuine.
Yet, as negotiations progressed in complexity, so did Hoshido’s need to contact their neighbors outside of long winded diplomatic letters. And while everyone was learning to adapt to lessened enmity to Nohr, nothing could stop the explosion of horror when Queen Mikoto declared that she would like to meet this new king in person, the palace still reeling from what had happened to King Sumeragi just years prior.
In the end there was a compromise, wherein both Ryoma and Hinoka were part of the party that escorted Mikoto to the meeting spot, somewhere on the borders of Nohr (but notably, not Cheve). Takumi too, demanded that he be allowed to accompany them, only to be refused and relegated to house sitting instead.
So for almost a week, Takumi alternated between feeling left behind and wrapping his mind around the crushing responsibility that if something were to happen to the group, he would be the next King of Hoshido.
When everyone returned unscathed, the palace heaved a collective sigh of relief, and Takumi more or less forgot how upset he was in their absence, so glad he was to have them back.
Perhaps it was that palpable relief that made Takumi oblivious to the tension in the air as he was ushered into a meeting immediately upon the group’s return. But as Yukimura started the briefing, even Takumi started to notice something was afoot.
Only their immediate family and retainers had been invited to this gathering. And it could be no coincidence that Ryoma and Hinoka hadn’t once met his eyes since they’d reunited, and his mother, unreadable in her silence.
He pondered what this meant, what had happened in Nohr?, and for most of the meeting only kept Yukimura’s monologue in his peripheral awareness until-
“... to seal the deal .. we have arranged Prince Takumi’s marriage to King Xander’s sister, Princess Camilla of Nohr.”
And suddenly Takumi felt his heart stop, as a chill descended into his veins and set frost to his blood. He heard the words but didn’t register them, because what did that mean, and how did this happen, until all at once the ice is replaced by fire with the realization that his family had been feeling guilty this whole time and Takumi saw the world spin as he stood up.
He was shouting something intelligible, about how could they and trusting these Nohrian scum...
Hinoka was finally looking at him now, something like shame and concern on her face that did nothing but add fuel to his fire. Ryoma remained stoic and expressionless but his lips were pressed into a firm line, and if that indicated disapproval then well, Ryoma was a fool was expecting any other reaction, for the impeccable judgement of the sun blessed commander had never been his brother’s boon to share.
It was only turning to look at his mother - her eyes downcast, head bowed - that suddenly jolted Takumi out of his rage and back to the present, to the small, tranquil conference room amongst his most cherished friends and family. Where he stood alone breathlessly yelling obscenities, in a place where his anger was so inappropriate and utterly childish.
He stumbled back to his knees, contrite and overwhelmed, and stuttered out something that resembled an apology, heat flooding his face in embarrassment.
But Mikoto shook her head. She held his gaze, making the sadness in her eyes all the more prominent, “Please, do not apologize. You have every right to be upset, my son.”
Then, with the patience of both a queen and mother, Mikoto explained that the Nohrians were starving. She had seen their poisoned lands with her own eyes, and knew it would be wrong to keep Hoshido’s bountiful harvest to themselves while their neighbors had to choose between famine and war. In return for Hoshido’s agricultural bounty and cooperation, King Xander had promised to atone for the transgressions that occurred under his father’s reign. Namely, they would return Prince Corrin in exchange for Princess Azura, and cease all war related sorcery, such as that involved in the production of Faceless.
The marriage had been suggested as something familiar to Nohrians and Hoshidans alike, a ritual that could unite their royal families and cement their promise as partners walking into a new era. A time where they would build ports instead of fortresses, train mounts for transportation instead of battle, and produce crops instead of swords. Their people could rest safe, knowing they were free of the conflict that had cost both kingdoms far too many innocent lives.
However the negotiations were ruthless and their choices limited. The Hosidians were unwilling to give away one of their daughters to what was perceived to be a longstanding enemy, and were even less likely to accept a Nohrian queen and a half Nohrian successor. Their royal family being what it was, there was only ever one choice.
“I regret that I must ask this of you.” Mikoto looked up then, and gave Takumi one last pleading glance, “But please Takumi, for Hoshido’s sake, give the offer some consideration?”
Phrased that way, it almost sounded as if refusal was an option. As if he could simply say 'no’ and not face the disgrace of abandoning his duty to queen and country.
But as quickly as that thought came, Takumi squashed it down as something unworthy of being presented before Mikoto.
For his mother had always been such a gentle person, someone filled with so much compassion and kindness that she could even find it within in her heart to love failures like Takumi. And looking into her sad eyes, he knew that he couldn’t betray the expectations of the one person who had always believed in him.
“Takumi, wait!”
Hinoka grabbed his wrist as he left the room. Pulling him aside, she offered him words of apology and encouragement. But if anything, they only made him feel worse. He didn’t need her pity, and whatever nonsense she told him about honor and duty, he could take no pride in his sacrifice. He brushed her aside, coldly telling her that he was getting too old to be babied.
He encountered Sakura soon after, and as if sensing his bad mood she mentioned nothing of the arrangement. Instead, she asked if he’d like to accompany her to check out a newly opened sweets shop.
“Go with Hana. I’m busy.”
He hadn’t meant to sound spiteful, but he did a poor job of concealing his impatience, and regretted it almost immediately when he watched Sakura flinch in response.
But she stood her ground, and lingered silently as if unwilling to leave him alone. Only then did he realize that Sakura hadn’t been interested in getting sweets at all.
If he was less upset, perhaps he would have welcomed the excuse to get away from the castle. But as it was, he was in no mood to be consoled, even in Sakura’s gentle, indirect fashion.
He moved to leave, only to be stopped by Sakura’s hand on his sleeve.
There was a hesitant pause. Then, as if steeling her resolve, she reached out to wrap her arms around him, and squeezed with a strength he didn’t know her to possess.
“I-I hope you’ll be able to f-find happiness, brother. It c-could turn out better than you think!”
The thought made Takumi’s throat tighten with unshed tears, even as he wanted to lash out, to say something hurtful in the face of her blind optimism. But she was his baby sister. He could never bring himself to hurt Sakura.
“I-I guess so.”
It wasn’t just his siblings. Oboro and Hinata, while reliably cheerful, seemed even more attentive to his moods than usual. Reina invited him for tea and told him some story about an apron that he didn’t understand. Kaze said no words, but gave him a solemn, acknowledging nod when their eyes met. His mother made them miso soup at dinnertime for three days straight . Orochi followed him in the halls and regaled him with all sorts of cryptic fortunes, from speculations on the longevity of his marriage to predictions on his future wife’s bosom size. Azama found him in the library, and gave him a seedy novel on fertility rituals.
That turned out to be the straw that broke the water buffalo’s back, and Takumi felt his face flush scarlet as he realized what the book contained. He promptly discarded it in a wastebin far far far away from his living quarters.
He rushed back to his room, trying to go somewhere he could just find some peace, only to pass by Ryoma in the halls, only to realize that his brother was giving him the look.
Ryoma nodded at him in acknowledgement, and as if to confirm his fears he said, “Takumi, I have to attend a meeting now, but I would like to speak with you later.”
Takumi immediately made plans to spend the rest of his week in the hunting grounds.
Yet this turned into a futile effort when he found his regular route through the forest barren of game and all his traps empty of prey. With a unsurprised sigh, he found Setsuna at the end of his trek, hopelessly tangled in a net beside a river.
With much trepidation, he untied her and escorted her back to the castle, lest risk the chance that his sister lose her airheaded retainer forever.
Not two minutes after he’d returned to his room, Ryoma opened his door, greeting him with, “I am proud of you, brother.”
Takumi pinched the bridge of his nose and was in the mind to turn his brother away right then and there, propriety be damned.
As if sensing this, Ryoma changed tact quite quickly, “I will keep this brief. I approach you with a word of warning.”
The seriousness in his voice gave Takumi pause, and he put down the book he had just started reading to turn to Ryoma, who settled into a cushion beside him.
“You must think that everybody approves of this arrangement.”
Takumi gave him a blank stare, because of course they did. His personal opinion excluded of course.
Ryoma shook his head, “It is not quite that simple, brother. There are many lords who oppose mother’s decision to make peace with Nohr.”
“But that’s exactly the reason I’m getting married off, isn’t it?” Takumi interjected, “So that I can set an example for them by living alongside the Nohrian princess?”
“Correct. But that situation lends itself to another problem.” Ryoma explained, “Those that celebrate peace greatly underestimate our former enemies. In that regard, I believe it a stroke of luck that you were the one selected for this role.”
“Really.”
Takumi’s voice came out sarcastic and cutting, but Ryoma was undeterred in his response.
“Yes.”
“Our mother is a loving, compassionate individual and a charismatic queen. However, her blind trust in others causes her to overlook numerous dangers.” Ryoma’s face darkened at that statement, “Her willingness to leave Hoshido’s barrier is testament to that fact. It is her fortune that lightning did not strike the same tree twice.”
“Hinoka, while a warrior in her own right, also shares that disposition. She will stubbornly fight any enemy who opposes her but does not think to doubt any who come under her wing. And Sakura, while wise beyond her years, is still young when it comes to the evils in this world.”
Ryoma looked Takumi square in the eye. “You do not share their naivete.”
Takumi furrowed his brows. Ryoma was decidedly speaking around the subject. What did this have anything to do with--
And then it came to him. Ryoma was telling him that their family was too trusting, be it toward strangers, foreigners, or …. potential spouses.
“You think this a plot for the Nohrians to send an assassin into our midst.” He stated, breathless with realization. Of course. How had that not occurred to him before?
Ryoma nodded, looking impressed at how quickly Takumi caught his drift, “It could be. We will make sure to heighten security around the castle, but I also trust you to exercise your best judgement when it comes to your wife.”
Takumi opened his mouth, and then closed it.
Because the way Ryoma was speaking… It didn’t sound as if he considered Takumi the most dispensable one in their family
When Ryoma first said that it was a stroke of luck that Takumi was chosen, he had thought that his older brother meant … better him than Hinoka or Sakura or you know, someone who actually mattered. Or maybe his brother thought of this as an advantageous way to paw him off. Takumi’s love life for an international alliance.
Or perhaps, he simply foresaw that Takumi would never be able to find someone that would love him on his own merits.
After all, Takumi had never been like his other siblings, with all their strength and kindness and wisdom. He’d never known where he stood in their household, where he stood in their world.
He was just the hot tempered younger brother: unlikeable in the court, useless on the battlefield, and otherwise irredeemably flawed in all the ways that mattered.
But now … ‘I also trust you to exercise your best judgement..’
And .. ‘You do not share their naivete.’
Was Ryoma really saying what Takumi thought he was saying?
That, against all odds, his prickly personality and persistent guardedness could make him suited to do something? Despite himself, Takumi felt Ryoma’s words fill him with the first inklings of warmth he’d felt in days.
“You can count on me, brother.”
Takumi continued to bounce Ryoma’s words in his head throughout the week. They dissipated the growling anger in his chest until he’s left with a sort of contemplative melancholy.
As if buoyed by the emotion, he found himself wandering toward the palace gardens. And before he knew it, be realized he was no longer alone.
“You are the oceans grey waves…”
Takumi blinked. He shouldn’t be surprised that she would be here, and yet he was.
She was like a mirage, disappearing when he thought to look for her and yet appearing when he least expected it.
He walked down the stone paths of the gardens until he saw where Azura rested, alone amongst the well groomed grasses beside the lake. She shifted as he approached, as if able to sense his presence despite his soundless footsteps.
It seemed like an invitation, so he joined her.
They sat together in a sort of peaceful companionship, and he watched the water rise and fall along the shore as he listened to her song.
Beautiful was too weak an adjective to describe her singing. It was as if the wind itself had crafted her voice, the way it reminded Takumi of the ornamental chimes that decorated storefronts, tangling and jingling to welcome visitors.
Yet her tune was no passing stranger, but a tapestry of notes, carefully woven to whisper of ancient kingdoms and forgiving seas. The words caressed his thoughts in long notes and thrilling vibratos that echoed throughout the gardens, in a manner that suited opera houses and theater sets, far too grand for the small lake for which she sang.
And yet it felt like Takumi was intruding, as if her words were never meant to be heard by an audience of mortal men.
Then with one final crescendo, the song came to a close.
It left just the two of them, their silence only accompanied by the whistle of the reeds and the soft exhale of waves crashing upon stone.
There was something to be said there. Questions to be asked, compliments to be paid. But such small talk seemed cheap after listening to such a heartfelt display.
So he said nothing of the sort, and stayed silent until the words seemed to piece themselves together of their own accord.
“This worked well for you.” He said, and for once, there was no bitterness. It was as if he were too tired to feel anger anymore, “You can finally go home now.”
“I suppose that is true.” Azura answered.
He realized that the thought filled him with sadness. They never truly developed a strong bond, with him too irritable and her too aloof, yet for a while she had been his sister. A cherished part of the family Mikoto had created. He would still miss her when she left.
Azura gave a sad sigh, “But… After all these years, it feels as though Hoshido has become my home. It will be difficult, leaving it all.”
Oh.
It was only then that Takumi remembered. It was one of the few conversations they did have, years and years ago when they were still small. She had told him that Nohr was a cruel place, and even as princess, she wasn’t spared much kindness. She was probably no happier than him that these events had come to pass.
Look at the two of them. Mourning the past, lamenting the future. Bargaining chips in a world indifferent to their pitiful feelings.
But at the same time, it was humbling to know that Azura would be alone in Nohr while he would remain here with Ryoma, Sakura, and Hinoka. His friends. His retainers. His mother.
His cherished family, who all came together to comfort him even when he hadn’t the patience to listen.
And that too was nice, how they were suddenly paying more attention to him. It reminded him absurdly of the daydreams he had when he was younger, where he would get kidnapped and they would have to fight to get him back. The idea that it would take something disastrous for them to show that they cared.
And with a bit of shameful glee, he accepted it. He couldn't remember the last time they all fretted over him as one. Where they were so openly affectionate and loving. Lavishing their attentions on him and him alone.
He still wasn’t completely happy about it.
But… He supposed that as long as he had his beloved family at his side, he could learn to grow into his role as a leader and a prince.
As if in agreement, Azura started to sing once more.
It was the same song as before, but this time it carried with it a lilting undertone that spoke of both delicate hope and tender care, a thrilling tune that complimented the song in a fresh and unexpected way. And there was some peace to be found there, as he let the melody wash over him.
“Sing with me a song of courage and trust…”
Something went wrong. As it always, inevitably did.
Takumi remembered more of the harried brown strands of hair that slipped out of the shinobi’s hood than the words he uttered, when they found out that Princess Camilla of Nohr seemed to have her own plans for life, and that marrying into Hoshidan royalty wasn’t one of them.
And it wasn’t just that she ran away, but that she ran away with Corrin.
They had left a note apparently, that they were in love and wouldn’t let anything get between them.
And Takumi was speechless, suddenly overcome with the despair that he’s only just come to peace with his fate, only to have the world change its mind and drag it out from under him. Ryoma’s assurances haunted him now. He had just lost an opportunity for him to prove himself.
Was he truly so detestable that a foreign Princess would forfeit her claim to the throne just to avoid marriage with him?
But his thoughts were barely audible over the clamor that wracked the throne hall. The lords and ladies are in a state of barely restrained panic, as if echoing his internal strife.
What were they going to do now? What was he going to do now?
“I can’t believe this!” Hinoka is the first to speak above the chaos, her hair framing her face, alight like fire. Her indignation seemed to rally the room. For a moment Takumi’s filled with a feeling akin to pride, knowing that Hinoka would fight so adamantly on his behalf.
Then she continued with, “What do we do about Corrin?”
Wait. What?
And it was as if a dam broke, as everyone’s questions started pouring in all at once.
“Where is he now?”
“Are we positive that he is missing?”
“What did they do to him?”
“How can we be sure he left willingly?”
And then with one swift motion, Ryoma called for quiet, and started to organize the room for a response. He mobilized a group to draft a the response to send to Nohr, then instructed Saizo and Kagero start handing out scouting missions, and Takumi vaguely noticed that Kaze was being tasked with tracking down Corrin herself.
“Wait.. what .. about the marriage?” He stuttered out, confused and numb.
“Takumi, they’ve taken your brother.” Ryoma turned to him in between shouting orders to his retainers, “And you concern yourself over a marriage you didn’t even want?”
Takumi’s mouth went dry.
His brother was completely right, and yet it felt like a betrayal.
And there was no time for the hurt to wear off, because some noble had also overheard their exchange and blurted out, “You don’t think, because Lord Corrin is technically the true second prince of Hoshido, that the Nohrians have decided to fulfill their promise this way, do you?”
Takumi heard his sharp intake of breath.
And by the Dawn Dragon itself, something about the way the statement was phrased made Takumi realize he was getting replaced by a brother he had never even met and all he sees is red, as he’s rising to his feet, yelling about foolish it was to consider Nohr an ally, when they had just proven they would betray them so easily.
He vaguely registered that someone’s calling out to him, telling him to calm down. But he ignored it and walked away, slamming the door as he left. He stormed through the halls, simmering with anger.
He cursed the Nohrians,
He cursed Corrin.
And cursed his siblings, just a little.
And yet, he knew that he wasn’t angry at the Nohrians, at Corrin, or at his siblings at all. After all, they had done nothing wrong.
It was just him.
Gods. He had always been so unlovable and utterly selfish. How had he managed to let himself be convinced otherwise?
Not a week later, a Nohrian messenger arrived. With him, a letter that expressed King Xander’s most sincere apologies for the behavior of their runaway royalty, and his assurance that their actions did not reflect on Nohrian values.
He acknowledged the Hoshidans’ fears regarding Prince Corrin, he promised Nohr’s aid in Hoshido’s mission to locate him, if for nothing than in order to ensure the Prince’s safety.
However, he hoped that this setback would not deter the two countries from seeking peace. If Hoshido was willing, Nohr wished to proceed with the arranged marriage, only now offering their first prince in Princess Camilla’s stead.
And it was as if the room bursted with incredulity and shock, at the sheer nerve of the Nohrians to suggest that a mere replacement was adequate to atone for the mistake they had made. There were accusations of foul play and threats to alter trade agreements, until the assembled feudal lords were quieted by Mikoto’s call for order.
“Please do not get distracted. We must first address the task at hand.”
Ryoma nodded, “What I most fear is that they orchestrated this accident, as a ploy to strongarm us into giving them one of our daughters.”
“Indeed.”
It was a serious question to trust or not to trust them at this point, and only then did Takumi realize how heavily the Nohr-Hoshido peace treaty had been banking on the trade for Corrin. Takumi’s role had been an afterthought all along.
And he was going to be replaced now. He turned to look at Hinoka sitting silently to one side, her face grim but determined. And it was unsurprising, really. She had always been more than willing to bear her family’s burdens.
“Muko-iri then.” She suggested.
It was a sensible, if unconventional solution, Muko-iri being the exception, not the norm for almost a century now.
But the feudal lords didn’t agree. They started to argue amongst themselves. How they would lose face, seeing their leaders bowing their heads so easily to Nohrian demands.
And of course they’re worried about their lack of personal gain and not how they could be sending Hinoka to Nohr to die.
And then they started shouting out suggestions, ways to circumvent the Nohrian terms, each one more absurd than the next until someone commented that looking at the royal family objectively, Sakura would be the most disposable and would be the prime candidate to hand over to Nohr.
That comment sent the room to the brink of chaos, and Hinoka in particular seemed seconds away from drawing her naginata. Even the ever composed Ryoma seemed to be gritting his teeth, even as Queen Mikoto signaled for silence once again, bringing a temporary end to the infighting.
The room fell into a disgruntled quiet, the kind that invited confrontation. The calm before the storm - as if one outburst could start the whole argument anew
So it was surprising when Yukimura spoke up, a calm voice over the din. “If I may be so bold… I have another suggestion.”
“Lords and Ladies,” Yukimura turned to the assembly, “If Muko-iri is unacceptable in your eyes, I see only one solution. As we would be breaching tradition already, why not extend our limits, to strike a deal that benefits us?
“What do you mean to say?” Ryoma demanded.
There’s a calculated gleam in the light reflected off the advisor’s round spectacles, “Nohr removed their proffered bride, and wish to replace her. Nohr expects us to adjust our end of the bargain, but I say we surprise them, by remaining steadfast in our decision.”
“I am of course speaking then, that Lord Takumi take the second prince of Nohr as a prince consort.”
The proclamation was met with mortified gasps and indignant cries from those assembled, and it was like they had stolen all the air from the room as Takumi found himself unable to breathe.
Was that even possible?
Yukimura seemed to read his thoughts, “There have been exceptions made in the past, where two nations did not have heirs of opposite genders that such a union has been made for the sake of peace.” After a pause, and a reluctant glance toward the royal family, he added, “Strictly speaking, to form an alliance, this would be actually be a preferable outcome.”
“Not only do Nohr learn that we unyielding in the face of their machinations, we simultaneously foil any plot they could be hatching.”
“Furthermore, since there would be no expectation of children, it would allow milord to later choose a concubine of his choice. The issue of half Nohrian heirs could be avoided.”
The rich feudal lords quiet at that. Takumi presumed it was because they saw it as a chance for their daughters to marry into royalty.
Looking to his side, he found that his siblings too, seemed to be convinced. Unsurprising, given that Ryoma had already expressed how he preferred Takumi for the role, and Hinoka seemed to be placated by the idea that he could later choose his real bride.
His eyes wander the room, at the lords and ladies looking at him expectedly, and stop when the land on his mother. Mikoto was returning his gaze, face unreadable and waiting for his decision.
He was supposed to accept, wasn’t he? It was a brilliant idea. They solved the original problem, and now his siblings could rest safe knowing that Takumi could someday find and marry the person he loved without consequence. His family was happy, they no longer needed to feel guilty for his sake, or comfort him anymore.
Hollowly, he motioned to the court his acceptance of the offer.
He couldn’t sleep that night.
He thought of their messenger, delivering Hoshido’s terms to the Nohrian court. Would they react with surprise? Disgust? What would they think of Hoshido’s demands, of Hoshidan politics? Would they accept the offer? Reject it?
Did Takumi want them to do?
His emotions washed through him like a turbulent tide, a puzzle, intricate and unyielding. Takumi found that he couldn’t give word to the discontent bubbling within him.
He wished it were simple.
It would be easier, if he was upset about something proper , like, what would people think of him, once they realized he had a man as a consort. Or maybe he should be offended that the Nohrian princess ran away to elope with his older brother. Or maybe, upset that he’d never been given a choice before signing his life away, to spend the rest of his days as a political puppet.
But that wasn’t true was it?
Both times, he had been given a choice. Nobody had forced him to do anything.
And that made it all the worse.
It was stupid to feel upset now. After all he had found peace with his fate before. It was not as though the mission Ryoma gave him had changed, And really, they were all Nohrians, enemies and strangers, what was the difference if one was substituted for another?
But last time his siblings had rushed to his aid, and Takumi selfishly basked in their attentions.
And now? The only thing he’s received recently was an odd jar of hand lotion from Azama. Knowing the fatuous priest, it was probably some sort of sick joke that Takumi didn’t understand.
And here he was, stuck in a discontent of his own making, with the phantom loss of being unimportant once again. He had thought he outgrew his attention seeking behaviors but here they were, rearing their ugly heads.
He just wanted their approval. To be for once good enough in their eyes.
And now he was. He had risen to the occasion with duty called, and knowing that, he should have no reason to be upset.
When morning came, they received word that the Nohrians accepted their proposal. A Prince for a Prince. A marriage of equals to unite their two countries.
Takumi moved through the motions of his daily routine robotically, and not even Hinata’s offers to spar, or Oboro’s unsavory epithets about the nature of Nohrians were able to cheer him up.
The nuptials were conducted on a sunny day in early spring, a week after the small Nohrian envoy had reached the capital.
Takumi learned the name of the man he was about to marry - Leo. A fierce name, taken from a feline indigenous to the long grasses of the Earth Tribe plains. Nohr considered it the king of all beasts.
Of Prince Leo, he knew little else, avoiding the guest areas of the castle with a dogged determination of someone in denial of the inevitable.
So it is only as the King of Nohr lead him up the path to the shrine that he first lays eyes upon Prince Leo. He’s blond, with a sharp jawline and a small mouth, and with eyes assessing Takumi the same way Takumi was assessing him. He's clad in a layered, Nohrian affair - black on black on black, that apparently passed for a wedding garb across the chasm. Its tight fit emphasized the man’s slim waist and long legs as he walked.
Takumi’s shifted in his hakama, haori loose on his shoulders with the Hoshidan crest bared proudly.
He had never thought of marriage much, but in the recesses of his mind, he had always imagined that his bride would be dignified and elegant, dressed modestly in a pure white Shiromuku. She would be sweet and wonderful and they would be happy for the rest of their days.
Instead Takumi was here, analyzing how Prince Leo’s neatly cropped hair made him look nothing like royalty. As he settled in across from Takumi, the archer narrowed his eyes in disdain as he realized the other man was taller than he was.
It was a petty thing to get upset about, and really, Takumi knew logically that he wasn’t upset about any one specific thing. But it was … disappointing, the difference between what he was supposed to want and what he actually wanted, what he expected and what he received in life.
Takumi took a deep breath, and straightened himself up a little bit more as the ritual purification began. Even then, he realized with mild consternation that the top of his head only reached just below the blonde’s chin.
Both princes said their vows.
They passed the cups of sakazuki around.
They each offered a tree branch to the shrine of the Dawn Dragon.
Then, as a nod to Nohrian tradition, there was an exchange of wedding rings. A symbol of exclusivity and everlasting love and faith.
Though, how typical of Nohrians to think love could be symbolized as something as inanimate and restrictive as metal band. And yet, for this marriage, there was something fitting about it. Traditional Hoshidan cloth woven in patterns of white feathers and ruby crests, the dance and flight of mating cranes, envoked a sense of happiness. Meanwhile, this was a visible shackle in a loveless union.
Ceremony concluded, he walked alongside his partner out of the shrine and towards Shirasagi center.
It was springtime, and Shirasagi’s renowned sakura trees were in full bloom. They made for a beautiful sight: flowers decorating elegant branches, petals dancing in the wind, and a soft pink down coating the street, all whispering of delicate hope and new love.
Takumi took in the sight, and didn’t know what to make of the fact he already disliked the man he was bound to spend the rest of his life with.
The hiroen was relatively small: consisting of Takumi and Prince Leo’s immediate family, their retainers, and a selection of the more influential Hoshidian nobles, all gathered around a single long table to share a meal. Conversation is kept light throughout the evening even though complicated discussions regarding the future of Hoshido and Nohr were likely to take place in the coming days.
And Prince Leo seemed to be taking everything well - a little bit too well actually. Unlike his other two siblings, who sat in a crude cross-legged position at the low table, Prince Leo has positioned himself into a disciplined seiza with ease. His expression was carefully neutral, a mask of porcelain. No. Perhaps Nohrian marble.
Takumi sat down beside him, and the ceremony continued, speeches were made, first by his mother, then the Nohrian king, blessing their union, and the hope of peace between the two countries to come.
Everybody's attentions were on the speakers, so Takumi allowed his mind to wander. How was he to approach this stranger sitting next to him? Prince Leo was unreadable in his silence, and Takumi couldn’t quite come up with an answer.
The speeches eventually came to a close, and there was a scuffle of servants and seafood as the feast began.
It was traditional banquet fair, but Takumi hesitated as he looked at the dishes of poached fish and sauteed tofu, his own porcelain plate framed by a set of ivory chopsticks.
Nohrian marble, he thought once more, and it struck him that this wasn’t a universal arrangement. Nohrians probably wouldn’t know much of Hoshidan etiquette - the correct way to eat or dip certain foods, or even how to use chopsticks. At least, he was fairly sure that Nohrians used pointed metal utensils to spear their foods. They had managed to weaponize even the art of fine dining.
But this was an opportunity now. If their nations were to seek peace, then of course there must be a cultural understanding. Takumi turned to his spouse, and gestured discreetly at the chopsticks next to Prince Leo’s plate.
In a low whisper, he asked, “Hey, do you need help with those? I could show you.”
Prince Leo stared at him. Then, raising one perfectly manicured eyebrow, he picked up the ivory chopsticks next to his plate and scooped up a small portion of rice, handling the twin sticks with a grace as if he were born and raised in Hoshido.
Takumi’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and he withdrew back into to himself, gritting his teeth.
Turning to the rest of the table, he realized with no small amount of relief that nobody seemed to notice the exchange.
But the relief quickly faded, as he realized that they weren’t paying attention to him at all.
There’s an awkward air hangs over everyone as they eat. Seemingly uncomfortable with Azura’s presence, of all things.
Upstaged at his own wedding. How wonderful.
The younger Nohrian girl with pigtails seemed to be unable to read the mood, or perhaps actively ignoring it, “You’re Azura right?” She asked, tugging at Azura’s kimono, “Wow! You’re so pretty!”
Azura’s eyes wrinkle in a small melancholic smile, “And you are Second Princess Elise. I am so glad to finally be able to meet you.”
“First Princess actually,” Takumi corrected acerbically, unable to contain his resentment anymore.
He felt something hit him under the table, but when he looked up, Prince Leo was sipping his tea with an air of affected nonchalance. Takumi disregarded whatever that was supposed to mean.
Princess Elise was unaffected by his tone, “But I’m not,” She said, matter of factly, “Azura is the First Princess.”
Azura can’t hide the surprise from gracing her face, before the sadness returned, “I’m afraid Takumi is correct, Princess Elise. As I will not be going back, I am a Princess of Hoshido now.”
“Well of course,” Takumi can’t keep himself from saying, “She hated Nohr.”
Takumi watched the words sink in, the little blonde girl’s face crumple with sadness and disbelief. Only then did he notice that the room’s tension was multiplied hundredfold as everyone heard his words. Ryoma’s mouth is in a tight line of disapproval and even Mikoto has paused her light conversation with the King of Nohr to look at him.
The Nohrian prince at his side glared at him, before giving his sleeve a single, pointed tug.
“Prince Takumi. May I have a word?”
The words were perfectly polite if a bit cold. Yet, Takumi felt a wave of apprehension hit him, as if he had been slapped.
Takumi reluctantly nodded, and they left the dining room. A corridor and a couple of turns through the east wing, they enter a vacant room and Takumi has barely been able to form a coherent thought when the sliding door clicked shut behind them and he’s faced with Prince Leo, eyes narrowed with barely repressed rage.
“You realize.” He drawled, “We are supposed to be setting an example for our kingdoms’ peace treaty.”
And of course, Prince Leo has the nerve to be condescending, and Takumi found himself starting to get angry, “Well of course.”
“Then why,” Leo continued, enunciating every word slowly, “are you trying to start a war over dinner?”
Why? “Do to expect me to be happy, signing my life away to a Nohrian?”
Prince Leo snorted. “That is beside the point. Whatever you think of this arrangement, you agreed to it. You only shame Hoshido by acting out now.”
Takumi was livid. Who was this foreigner to lecture him on shame and honor and duty?
“Don’t lie and tell me you wanted to be married into Hoshidan royalty.”
Prince Leo’s eyes narrowed, the only sign that he was seething under his cold exterior “I thought an arranged marriage a practical, if archaic, practice. In fact, I had pushed for it, as it is one of the most reliable methods to ensure a lasting alliance between our countries.”
What. Takumi regarded him with disbelief, “You arranged this?”
Prince Leo didn’t answer. And that was an answer all in it of itself.
“I wish you would not allow you emotions to cloud your judgement of the matter.” Leo deflected.
“Me? Why am I being blamed for being emotional, when you’re trying your best to bait me!”
“You’re misinterpreting me. I wish nothing more than for us to get along.”
Like hell. “How am I supposed to get along with you, when you’re a pompous asshole?!?”
“Keep your voice down.” Leo gritted out, and only then did Takumi notice that he was almost shouting, and that words had a tendency to carry through the thin wooden walls of Shirasagi.
“You could accept my help you know.” Takumi hissed, his voice lower in volume but not in venom,
Leo scoffed, “I don’t need your help. As you can see, I’ve been doing just fine on my own.”
“Well then, don’t expect my help ever again.”
And with that, he walked past the blonde, and navigated his way back to the dining hall.
The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly as he made his way around the table, and his family’s smiles only break when he moved to sit down.
Then Takumi realized that everyone’s eyes were on him. More importantly, on the fact that he had returned alone.
A chill washed over him.
What was he doing?
Everyone was expecting him to get along with Prince Leo. An example for their kingdoms’ peace treaty, as Leo had so put it. And it had been a mistake, to turn his heel and stomp out of their argument alone.
Or not so alone, as suddenly, a hand clasped his shoulder, and he almost jumped as Leo appeared behind him, a smile painted on his face as if nothing had happened between them.
“Sorry for the delay.”
And Leo’s already realized this, of course he has. He’s embraced the expectations of him and has been nothing but cordial and polite in public. Meanwhile, Takumi has spent him time caught up in various stages of a temper tantrum.
And Takumi was filled with a bitter sort of jealousy, knowing that Leo was better younger brother, a better prince, that he would ever be.
They remain civil for the remainder of the dinner and while receiving envelopes of gifts from attendees. The mood is buoyed, surprisingly, by the youngest princesses Sakura and Elise, who seemed to be on their way to becoming fast friends.
Late into the evening, as attendees started to depart one by one, there’s finally a lull in conversation and Takumi seized it like a dying man in search of oxygen. He hurriedly excused himself from the table with a half apology and a thanks to both their families, and Leo had frowned, but seemed to humor his request.
They are excused, and soon it was just him and the Nohrian Prince, as they walked to their new shared room.
They’ve just exited the east wing when Takumi became aware of the footsteps tailing them.
“Ah… If I may borrow a moment?”
It was his mother. It seemed she had left the banquet to spare them a few last words.
Takumi stood at attention while Prince Leo bowed. “Your Majesty.”
She shook her head fondly, “No, no, please, there is no need for that. We are family now.”
The Nohrian Prince straightened, and after a pause, his mother reached forward, to take one of his hands and place them delicately between her own.
She looked thoughtful, as she examined his hands, his face.
“I had feared the worst, when I had agreed to give my son away to a stranger of a different land.” She said, “I wondered if, blinded as my duty as queen to my kingdom and my people, that I had asked him for too large a sacrifice.”
“But I see so much in you, Prince Leo. Intelligence, of course. But also courage, and an incredible capacity for kindness. You who lead with a strong mind but a tender heart.”
She smiled then, “You are so much like my dear Takumi. I am proud to welcome you as a son.”
Her words seemed to stun Prince Leo to stillness. His calm demeanor that had weathered Takumi’s anger and Hoshidan distrust, somehow unsettled in the face of her kindness.
Gaze far away. Closed them peacefully, before giving a loving smile. “I leave him in your care.”
Prince Leo nodded solemnly. Takumi looked away, frowning at the phrasing.
Then she took Takumi’s hand and brought them together, until Leo and Takumi were linked.
Holding their clasped hands between her own, she then addressed them both.
“You two are a wonderful match, young men who are both young and proud and with so much potential. You will grow into such wonderful people, such wonderful leaders. With you two at our helm, I envision a bright future, for both Hoshido and Nohr.”
“I am so proud of you Takumi. Leo. And know that whatever may come, that will never change.”
He felt the barest of a tremor from Leo where their fingers were interlocked.
Takumi bit his lip, and thought of how unfair it was, that his mother was so adept at filling others with her love and affection. How utterly trusting of her to view Leo as another son.
Because wasn’t he enough? Was the gap left by Corrin truly so large that Takumi could not hope to fill it? Why would she even need more sons when she had him, loyal and true and utterly willing to do anything for her?
He would even do this. Tolerate a Nohrian in his life and in his bed, and suffer quietly as everyone else in their two nations celebrated their union.
It didn’t make sense. He should be happy if this was all he had to do to earn her approval, her love. That was all he had wanted after all.
And yet as she left, Takumi felt even more alone than ever.
Their hands remain linked as they walk to the new shared room prepared for them.
As the door slid shut, Takumi expected to feel relieved. He had always hated social events, and the second he could escape it were as though a burden fell from his shoulders. But instead, as they stood together in a foreign room, it’s space too small and bed too large, Takumi felt as if he had entered a battlefield of another sort.
In contrast to the warm glow of the paper lanterns along the walls, the air was alive with tension and awkwardness. The the servants had already laid out a pair of bedclothes, the intention clear.
They were going to be sleeping together.
He felt dread curl low in his stomach, and felt like he may be sick.
But he forced himself to take deep breaths, and busied himself with changing into the more comfortable nightclothes. It wouldn’t be that bad. He was going to have to get over his night terrors some time or the other. It was just going to have to be sooner than later.
With visible hesitance, Prince Leo followed suit, and for a while it was just the rustling of fabric as they each kept to themselves, only amplifying the strained silence between them.
When he turned around, he saw that Prince Leo had settled down on one side of the mattress, where he rubbed at his knees. Takumi was struck with the thought that it was the most human thing he's seen from the blond today.
And it’s not just his posture that’s different. Leo, after having taking off the rigid and formal Nohrian wedding garment, was lithe and slender in his dark form fitting nightclothes in a way Takumi could never hope to be. Takumi was transfixed by the sight, only to be jolted out of his reverie when Prince Leo took a deep breath and spoke.
“Prince Takumi. I wish to apologize for earlier. This marriage would be good for both our countries, and I do wish to get along with you.”
And it was unreasonable, the anger that rose within him.
He was supposed to agree with the Nohrian Prince. He did agree with the Nohrian prince.
But in the din of the room, alone with this stranger, there was nothing to distract Takumi from the overwhelming unfairness of it all. The gap between what he should and want and can’t do. Of what little control he had left of his life, of which he owned nothing but petty rebellion.
In a world where he was an inconsequential stranger, how enticing it was, to harbor a bitterness, an anger inside him, if it was the only thing he could call his own.
Who was Prince Leo, to try to take that away from him?
“Well, I don’t want to get along with you!” He gritted out.
It wasn’t even about distrust, the familiar friend born of his own insecurities and embarrassment, that he greeted at the doorstep to any new relationship. He just outright disliked Leo, all his propriety and arrogance, perfection and fakeness.
For a moment, Prince Leo’s face twisted into an outright scowl at his words, and Takumi reveled in it. It made the Nohrian’s sharp nose and perfect lips contort, until his face was marred with his distaste. It was a mark on a perfect facade of cold intellectuality and calculated compliance, a confirmation that perhaps, Leo too, had hidden resentments about their relationship.
But the moment passes quickly, and the mask was back on, formal and polite, even as Prince Leo couldn’t seem to hide the glare in his eyes. “I hope you would reconsider.”
And the room fell into silence as a cold tension filled the air.
When minutes passed and Takumi didn’t respond, Leo took a deep, controlled breath, “Listen,” He tried again, "I'm trying to be the perfect husband for you. I’ll even comply with your desires, this night-”
His desires - ?
And that made something inside Takumi snap, as he realized the insinuation. To think that was what Leo had expected. Physical intimacy. When they had just met each other. Takumi felt disgusted, violated at the idea that the Nohrian had even thought of him in such a way.
“Like I would want- want- ” Takumi couldn’t even bring himself to say it, “With Nohrian scum like you?”
Leo visibly recoiled.
“Why are you so damn uncooperative?” He was starting to look agitated now, All traces of the composed and regal prince at dinner ebbing away.
“Well maybe I’d be more cooperative if my spouse didn’t look down at me, treating me like a child!”
“That’s because you are acting like a child! The world doesn’t revolve around you, you know!” Leo hissed. Seemingly finally losing his composure. “Maybe you would do well to just get over yourself, and do your portion of our agreement for the sake of everyone involved!“
And that hit far too close to home, when Takumi had obsessed over his fate even when Nohr had misplaced Corrin, when Takumi had obsessed over how unfair the arrangement were for him when god knows what Azura was going to do now with her life. And he can’t control the anger that rose within him anymore, until -
“You think this is what I wanted??” Takumi shouted at him, “I-”
The sliding door to their rooms opened then, and they both jump a little with shock. And unfamiliar Nohrian man with white hair and one eye appeared at the doorway, expression laced with an unamused nonchalance.
“Pardon the intrusion.” He nodded at Leo, before turning to Takumi, “While it’s unlike me to criticize someone for being loud in bed, but at this rate the whole castle will be able to hear your lovemaking.” He paused to give a mocking bow, “Milord.”
Takumi flushed, what the hell was that supposed to mean, and who the hell was this man to think he could talk to royalty in such a way-
But Leo simply sighed and dismissed the man with a wave, and silence befell the room once more.
After a beat. “You think this is what I wanted??” Prince Leo asked sadly.
“You said you arranged this.” Takumi challenged, “How could you not want this?”
“I didn’t - When Camilla left-!” Prince Leo’s face twisted into a grimace, showing hurt and shock, “You didn’t even know her!”
His breath seemed to quicken, before it was visibly restrained.
“Perhaps you misinterpreted what I said earlier. It is true that I volunteered for my role, but only because I could not stand the thought of Elise doing the same."
And all of the sudden the vulnerability is gone, hidden again under the Nohrian Prince’s cold exterior, “I imagine It would have made more sense, that the second princess of Nohr take Camilla’s place when she left. But Elise is just a child. I could not stand by and allow her to give her life away in such a way.”
The words silenced Takumi. Takumi had honestly forgotten about the second (first?) princess.
Yet, there was that malicious voice in his ear, whispering, Gods. Was getting married to him truly such a burden? A choice that nobody in the Nohrian family wanted. The onslaught of emotions wet his eyes, so he turned away, refusing to allow Leo to see him upset.
“I don’t expect you to understand, and maybe I don’t know what to make of our relationship.” Leo continued, “But.. I do hope we can make the most of this situation.”
And there’s a vulnerability in his voice that Takumi’s not heard before. Something soft and genuine, and it struck a chord with Takumi. Somewhere deep down below his wounded pride and anger, he found that he sympathized with the other man. He wanted to tell him, gods, I didn’t know, and that’s exactly how it is for me too!, and I’m sorry.
“Don’t touch me.” He said instead, as he shifted into the bed, turning his body away and burying his face into the pillow, as far as physically possible on one side of the bed.
With a long suffering sigh, and a shift in the blankets he noted that Prince Leo starting to do the same.
But for a moment, he felt like maybe he did understand.
Objectively, Leo’s motives had made sense. And really, had it been the opposite way around, Takumi knew he wouldn’t blink twice at the idea of doing the same for Sakura. So obsessed he had been over Leo being a Nohrian and a Prince that he’d never really considered the idea that Leo had a family too. That he was human just like anyone else.
And in that vein, he was everything Takumi was. The overlooked younger brother. Whereas King Xander got all the praise for sealing an alliance with a longstanding enemy, Prince Leo had the thankless task of being the bargaining chip. A willing martyr to prevent his little sister from doing the same
Young, proud, and with so much potential.
Mother was right. Leo was very similar to Takumi.
It came to no surprise then, that Takumi absolutely hated Leo. After all, he’d never particularly liked himself.