Chapter Text
War time meant that finding an undisturbed town between the two nations of Hoshido and Nohr was a miracle. However, Xander managed to come out of the astral portal to a bustling town right on the border of the two nations. The scene was filled with nondescript townspeople and local merchants exchanging words and products like any other day.
For the Crown Prince of Nohr, this wasn’t just any other day. Today he picked up an item that would change his future permanently, and for once in his life he wasn’t the confident authoritative figure most knew him to be around the kingdom.
He was a man in love. And that scared the living hell out of him as much as it excited him.
The light from the astral plane burned bright in his eyes as another figure joined him in the town.
“Milord, we should probably make our way to the shop if we’re going to get back to camp in a decent amount of time,” Laslow smiled encouragingly at his liege who seemed frozen in the spot he stood.
“Of course…” Xander murmured. He still didn’t appear to be making an attempt to move his feet.
It took a small shove from Laslow before Xander’s strides brought him to the jewelry shop he had entrusted to use the best resources he could provide for an engagement ring.
“Prince Xander!” The shopkeeper greeted him jovially. He fumbled through the cases behind the counters, “This has been my best work so far, if I do say so myself milord.”
Laslow snickered to himself when he noticed the normally composed High Prince’s hands shaking as the shopkeeper presented him with the tiny velvet box. It reminded him that deep down every man fears rejection from the women they pursue.
Especially since his liege was going for a woman many coveted and sought after, Lady Corrin. Laslow knew something his lord didn’t about the dragoness and her feelings after having tea with his commander in town one afternoon. Something that worked in Xander’s favour fortunately, though the retainer would never ruin a surprise.
“Well Laslow, what do you think?” Xander held the ring up in the light in front of both of them. The thin silver band was gleaming in the light as rows of small diamonds paved the top half completely. A brilliant ruby sat in the middle, matching the eyes of Xander’s beloved perfectly.
“Milord, if I may, I think what the ring symbolizes will mean much more to your intended than the ring itself,” Laslow reassured him.
“I certainly hope you are right my friend,” Xander’s brow furrowed.
“Laslow!” A melodic voice wafted to the mercenary’s ears.
“Lady Corrin, to what do I owe the pleasure of your beautiful company?” Laslow grinned cheekily at the women in question.
“I was hoping you had time for tea with me today?” Corrin tugged at his sleeve. His voice caught at the thought of a women inviting him for tea instead of the other way around.
“Milady are...are you sure?” Laslow coughed out over his shock. Corrin nodded, pulling him towards the familiar treehouse in the middle of the castle.
As they settled into Corrin’s quarters after Jakob procured some tea for his liege, Corrin stared down the man before her intently. Laslow gulped, partially because of the sip of tea he took and partly because of his nerves.
He hated being stared at, much like his sweet shy mother from another realm. “If gazes could kill princess, I’m pretty sure I’d be dead,” a deep pink crossed his cheeks in contrast to his light gray hair.
“Laslow, what’s Xander hiding from me?” Corrin’s voice dripped with malicious intent if her question wasn’t answered to her satisfaction.
It dawned on Laslow that he had noticed a slender feminine figure keeping tabs on his lord as of late. While he knew that Xander had his former sister’s trust when it came to his loyalty to the army, it tickled him to know she was concerned that their relationship was changing in a bad way.
As if that could be further from the truth.
“Are you suggesting that the Crown Prince of Nohr is up to no good? Why Princess Corrin, the scandal!” Laslow feigned dramatics to throw the young woman off his liege’s trail. He saw her crack a genuine smile, assured that for now he had convinced her she was mistaken to think Xander was doing anything disingenuous.
“I’m suggesting that after being labeled a traitor, Xander may not trust…” Corrin trailed off. The thought that the prince still not did not forgive her was hard to swallow, and the dragon princess was known for being hard on herself to begin with.
“Rest assured milady, my liege is simply exploring the new found freedom of not being in charge of an entire army for once. Although he’s quite boring about it, if I do say so myself,” the royal retainer chuckled.
“I suppose I’m just overthinking things again,” Corrin sighed and reached for a scone Jakob had made special for his mistress, “Although it makes me happy to hear Xander is finding time for himself. And anyone would be boring compared to you or Niles.”
Laslow held a hand to his heart in pretend hurt, “Why my dear, words can wound as much as they can woo you know?” The two laughed giddily, enjoying the remaining tea and scones that sat on the table before them.
After Laslow had bid her farewell from their tea party while the sun faded into the oncoming night sky, Corrin mentally ran through the past conversations she had with her adopted brother since his return to her side.
What could he possibly want to talk about that’s so urgent?
“Milord, you called for me? Am I here for congratulations or consolations then?” the normal somber and sullen tone of his liege’s quarters seemed almost…brighter...when Laslow entered to answer his master’s summons. Xander’s face held an uncharacteristically wide smile at the sight of his retainer.
A squeal emerged from behind the crown prince, “Laslow, you knew the whole time?!” Corrin’s bright affect sparkled almost as brilliantly as the engagement ring that graced her left hand. The princess stood with her hip cocked out and hands gracing her curves in astonishment that her friend had been keeping his knowledge of this proposal secret from her.
“Ah, a retainer’s duty to his liege is to keep his secrets and follow his orders. I was simply doing as I was ordered my dear,” Laslow shrugged. Corrin hugged him tightly in silent thanks for keeping her from careening off the deep end with her darker thoughts about her relationship with Xander.
He shared a nod with his lord, and listened intently as Corrin rattled off the story of their proposal with enthusiasm befitting her normal sunny disposition.
Laslow much preferred to see the two people before him in high spirits than worried about their futures with each other. He had seen enough heartache in his life, and was thankful that there were still moments like these he could share with others.
Even if he was the technical third wheel in this whole affair.