(Author's Note) Alright, the fluffy Corrin and Xander chapter! I truly hope you enjoy :3 I gave this chapter extra special attention ;3

A special thank you to each of my reviewers! Your reviews spark the little flame that is my writing! Anonymous, Pikachulover25, Makona-chi, AngelSayori, Shimmerleaf, puffinitypuffinity, InvaderSunshine, StarAF938, Jampaqd, CandyNinja908, Guest 1 & 2, MahiruNoYume, and The Shipping Songstress. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts!

As per usual, I have responded to Anonymous, CandyNinja908, MahiruNoYume, and Guest 1 & 2 in the end notes. Thank you again for your feedback!

Chapter 8 Conquest of the heart

This would simply not do…

Jacob had surely worn through the rug with his pacing outside of Corrin's bedroom door. The butler was accustomed to the Princess's outburst of locking herself in her room when she was in her rebellious teens. But, it was now noon of the second day following Garon's fall, and Corrin remained locked up in her room. She was responsive at least, requesting updates on the Songstress's health through the wooden door.

Azura was still in a deep sleep. From Sakura's recent assessment, the young woman would not wake until her body fully recovered from whatever spell or power the she had used.

Meanwhile, the Hoshidan clan had been given the entire guest wing of the castle and freedom to wander. After tending to their wounded, a grand tour was organized by Xander. Though Corrin's absence was noted, then again at dinner, at today's breakfast, and now lunch.

"My lady I insist you remove your makeshift barricade! Your afternoon tea is cooling off!" Jakob renewed his attempt to persuade his temperamental mistress to move whatever confounded object barred the door. The butler was now tempted to request the service of a sky knight to break through one of Corrin's windows with a teapot and biscuits in hand.

But, his attempts were in vain for the brew was now cold. Muttering to himself, Jakob hurried off to the kitchen to brew a fresh pot of tea for his mistress.

Inside, Corrin's sensitive ears could hear the butler's footsteps fade away. She had hidden herself away under a pile of blankets where she just laid feeling apathetic towards everything and anything. Nothing appealed to her senses nor tempted her to get out of bed. Corrin just wanted the emptiness within her just swallow her whole. Or so she thought until a new sound made her pointed ears twitch with curiosity.

'Clang...smack...whoosh'

The sound of a poor straw dummy meeting its doom made Corrin peek out of her bay window down at the training grounds below.

From her viewpoint, she could see Xander was practicing with Siegfried. He wasn't wearing his full regalia. Instead the Prince wore fitted slacks that tucked into knee high hunting boots that gave him a certain flexibility during his practice that Corrin had not seen before.

Xander wore a white long sleeved tunic that hung loosely on his well built frame, and had a generous dip at the neck. His blond hair seem more tousled than usual, and the young woman realized that he must have recently showered. Silently, Corrin watched the young man move gracefully through the gravel, wielding the large broadsword with ease, but with a far greater force than was needed upon a straw dummy. He must be restless, or angry to vent his frustration on an inanimate object.

It made her recall nights in the Northern Fortress. When Xander would visit, he would spend time with Corrin, mainly training with the blade. Afterwards she would be ushered to bed by the ever watchful Gunter. But that wouldn't stop her from watching the young Prince continue his training through the bay window of her room until sleep claimed her.

Now as the young woman peered out the window, her fingers begin to itch for action. This time Corrin could join Xander and not be scolded.

Xander had made quick work of the straw dummy as he eased his sword arm. His mind had been battling back and forth with the desire to check on Corrin, and the wisdom to know she needed time to come to terms with all that has happened. Suddenly, the sound of gravel being shifted from behind made Xander twirl around in anticipated defense.

But utter surprise dawned his face when he realized who he pointed Siegfried at. "Corrin?" Xander remarked as he quickly lowered his blade and smiled at the young woman. "I am pleased to see that you've finally left your chamber."

She looked sheepish as she remarked, "I apologize for not being sociable as I selfishly brooded in my room."

Xander gazed at her then shook his head slightly as he reflected, "No need for apologies. You needed time to yourself. Something I am sure you had little of during your campaign."

Silently she nodded, Corrin turned her attention to the poor straw dummy. "I used to watch you train late into the night at the Northern Fortress," She confessed as a slight breeze trailed through her loose hair.

"I know," Xander replied with a chuckle as he noticed the young woman's cheek turn pink at his words. He remembered spotting the flickering candlelight in Corrin's room and realizing she had been watching him practice even after being marched to bed.

"I would look up at your window and find you asleep with your cheek pressed against the glass." A playful smile was upon his lips, one that Corrin had not seen in years.

"Spar with me?" Xander asked. He noticed that her eyes searched the spot of his wound as she looked apprehensive at the idea.

"Come now, Sakura said it's almost fully healed, and here," Xander replaced his sword with a wooden one as he tossed Corrin another.

The young woman caught the training weapon with deft ease. "Wooden swords? Now this does bring back memories!" Corrin chuckled as she held out the chiseled wooden sword. "En garde Prince of Nohr!" The young woman shouted as she slid her feet into a defensive stance.

"Prêts!" Xander replied to indicate he was ready as he swung about the wooden sword.

"Allez!" Corrin added, then nodded for the Prince to go. Xander drew back the sword and leapt at the young woman, but Corrin was quick to parry.

Once their bodies were in close proximity, Xander realized that there was a danger he hadn't considered. Corrin had incorporated quite a few martial art maneuvers in her dueling that took the Prince by surprise. Her leg would duck between his trying to trip him up and she would even bounce her hip at him! If Corrin hadn't been so innocent, Xander would have sworn she was playing with him as his composure began to slip.

Finally, Xander was caught completely off guard by Corrin's playful wink, that he had exposed himself to a swift jab from her pommel in just the wrong place. The fair haired Prince inhaled sharply at sudden pain.

"Xander!" Corrin gasped as she realized what she had done. "Oh, I am so sorry, I was just caught up in the sparring," The young woman worried her lip with her teeth, not noticing a fleeting look transpire over Xander's face as he watched her.

"No, no," The Prince sighed as he shook his blonde head, trying to look elsewhere. "I should have turned, instead I was distracted so it was my mistake." Xander sighed as he comb his hand through his tousled hair.

Corrin couldn't understand why Xander's face suddenly flushed a pink hue. Possibly the pain was far worse than he let on? She noticed a bloom of crimson grow upon his shirt.

"Xander, you're bleeding!" Corrin cried out as she pointed as his shirt.

"Ah, a part of the wound must have reopened," Xander noted without much concern though Corrin was wrought with guilt.

"This is all my fault, I just can't seem not to hurt people!" the young woman groaned. "Please let me at least treat it. Or Sakura will have my head for sure!" The young woman slapped her hands together raising them up as she pleaded.

Xander doubted the sweet little healer could ever be angry at Corrin, but he followed the young woman into the nearby armory nonetheless.

The armory was a modest building by Nohr's opulent standards. It was more functional than decorative with racks of weapons, tables with different equipment laid out upon it, and storage. Corrin recalled where medical kits were stowed in the various cabinets.

She then turned only to find Xander had taken off his shirt and was inspecting his wound with mild interest. The Prince had broad shoulders and a sculpted chest from years of being a soldier. He even had a scar, a thin slash slanted upon outside of his arm.

Corrin gulped, but her throat was suddenly quite dry. Somehow in this enclosed space, it felt more intimate between the pair. At first the young woman thought it was just a silly feeling. She had known Xander for years. Yet, when Corrin had invited members of her campaign up to her treehouse to socialize she never had such a feeling.

"Corrin?" Xander inquired gently, though he frowned slightly as he realized she was staring at him with wide eyes as she clutched the medical bag. "Is something wrong?"

"Nope, nothing, just assessing your body...wound, assessing your body's wound!" The young woman proclaimed in a higher voice than usual as she scurried to his side. Quickly, she rummaged through a medium sack stuffed with medical supplies.

Xander couldn't help but smile knowing his affect on her. But he also had to tread lightly. A part of him worried that his advance might put Corrin on edge.

By keeping her focus on the freshly torn wound, Corrin was able to quickly peel off the old bandage. She proceeded to clean the blood without causing anymore harm to Xander and started to gain more confidence in her ability.

Xander on the other hand was having a more difficult time. As Corrin's hands ghosted upon his skin, the Prince had to fight off a shiver. While the young woman prepared an ointment Xander asked, "When did you pick up healing?" It definitely wasn't something she studied in the Northern Fortress.

"From Azama," Corrin added without looking up. "He rightly told me that I was causing far too many wounds in practice than he could heal, so he made me assist him." The young woman chuckled as she shook her head slightly before adding, "Turns out I have a knack for treating the injuries I cause so I've taken to learning how to use a healing stave."

"Hmmm," Xander murmured thoughtfully. Corrin had learned so much during her time spent with the Hoshidans than she would have ever gotten to experience had she stayed in Nohr. Not only had she developed into a leader, but she continued to learn healing to take care of those around her.

"This might bite a little," the young woman warned as she began to apply the ointment. It was cool at first, but quickly grew warm, then prickled like a hot spice. Xander had to double check that Corrin had not rubbed chili peppers all over his wound!

"It does not hurt," Xander shrugged, though his grumpy face indicated otherwise.

Corrin chuckled as the fair Prince's grimace grew. "Come now Xander, you need not put a brave face in my presence," the young woman chided before adding in a more wistful tone, "I do wish you would open up to me more. I mean, we are equals are we not? Leaders now in war and purpose?" She knew a part of Xander had been always been distant.

Her remark made Xander gaze intently down at her without reply as he considered her words. "Yes, you are absolutely right," the Prince commented as his grimace faded into a thoughtful nod.

"I have my moments," Corrin remarked with a grin as she applied a clean bandage upon his wound. "There, I have patched you up!" She cheered happily.

Xander studied her handiwork and was quite impressed. Then, he weighed his next question carefully, before letting it leave his mouth

"Is there anyone in Hoshido who has your heart?" Xander asked innocently though his thoughts were instantly on Ryoma. Their closeness was understandable, but it didn't mean the Prince had to like it.

"My heart? You mean love, right?" Corrin asked.

The fair haired Prince nodded, not daring to speak as his mouth had gone dry.

"Of course there is Xander," Corrin replied sending an invisible arrow into the Prince's gut.

"I love all my Hoshidan siblings, and each retainer has become a dear friend to me. Even though I am not bound to them by blood, we are bound by love," Corrin said warmly.

"I see," Xander remarked, exhaling deeply in relief. The young woman was now busy with packing away the medical supplies into the pack. He had not realized she was avoiding looking at his shirtless form.

"So, you are not engaged?" Xander asked cautiously.

Thump Thud Thump...the contents of the medical bag had fallen onto the floor in Corrin's surprise as she tipped over the sack.

"Engaged? No!" She blurted out so quickly and loudly that even Xander was taken aback.

The young woman blushed deeply as she dropped to her knees to pick up the supplies. "I mean, not yet. Well, no one has asked me, or seemed interested. And I have been so busy, too focused on the mission. Besides, you know I can be handful," Corrin stammered before deflating slightly as she mulled over her words. The very fact that she was a woman who could turn into a raging rampaging dragon might have dissuaded anyone previously interested.

Suddenly a warm hand rested on her shoulder. Xander had knelt next to her as he helped pick up the scattered supplies. "I do know what a handful you can be Corrin. And I must confess, I missed you, dearly. Life was not the same without my vivacious little Princess."

"I missed you too Xander," Corrin said in almost a whisper as she smiled back at the Prince, before clearing her throat feeling a bit embarrassed at his closeness to her. The Prince had lifted his hand off her shoulder, leaving a warmth to linger as he lifted a strand of her silky hair.

"I would not be able to bear it if you left Nohr again. And, while I would prefer not to beg, I will if it will ensure that you stay here," he whispered in a low voice that sent a shiver down her spine.

Corrin felt her cheeks heat to a point that Jakob could fry eggs on. "Xander, I sincerely plan to stay in Nohr. There is no need for begging," the young woman trilled. Though her imagination ran wild with the very idea. Just having Xander close to her like this, she could feel the warmth radiate off his very skin.

"That is music to my ears," Xander sighed as he lifted the soft tendril of her hair and met it with his lips. He let her hair slip from his fingers with a soft smile, before returning to pick up the other items.

Corrin on the other hand could feel her heart thumping maddeningly against her ribcage. She cursed the silence of the armory lest Xander heard her beating heart.

"And then, you can consider someone in Nohr who will be a suitable match for you," Xander remarked without looking at her.

'What?!' Corrin's mind cried foul. First he said such sweet things, then to make such a remark? The young woman was utter baffled as she went back to stuffing the bag a little more vigorously as she frowned. "Oh, yes. I suppose you are right," there was disappointment in her voice that made Xander's brows lift questioningly. Had she hoped he would make an offer?

Xander continued in a lighter tone. "Of course, he would have to be someone who knows you well. Knew that thunderstorms frighten you, that your sweet tooth craves eclairs, and that you drool sometimes when falling asleep at the window."

Corrin paused as she gazed back at Xander who now watched her intently with those dark amethyst eyes.

"Maybe a Prince, the one who came to the northern fortress to flee the darkness of the castle and chaos of the battlefield. Who found solace in the warm welcome of his little Princess; whose smile reminded him that there are things in our world worth fighting for." Xander continued as he held the young woman's attention.

Corrin's heart skipped a beat as she completely forgot about the supplies.

"Maybe, maybe you could consider that Prince. I know he may be strong headed, and loyal to a fault." Xander chuckled lightly, "But, his heart has never wavered, not even in death."

"Xander?" Corrin whispered, enrapt by the spell he had woven around her with the warmth of his low rumbling voice.

"Are you, do you mean that I should consider...you?" Corrin repeated, then looked like a goldfish as she opened and closed her mouth as her head spun with what he had said. How his heart has never wavered!

"Yes," Xander whispered with a smile. "Just for you to consider it, and then let me know what your heart says." The Prince added as he placed the last item into the bag before rising to his feet.

Corrin just stared at him, frozen in the moment as if she were afraid it was all just a dream. Silently she watched the Prince slip on his shirt and bow before leaving.

Xander retrieved Siegfried and made his way to his bedroom. There he sat upon the edge of his bed, holding a little frame in his hands. "So, I have made the first move. Do you think I have a chance, mother?" Xander asked the painting.

The blonde woman smiled warmly back up at him and in the silence he could her one of her favorite proverbs, "Those who want a chance, must take the first step, for it may slip away if you wait too long."

Indeed, Xander had waited too long to open up his heart...

(More rambling from the Author)

And so begins Xander's conquest of the heart! I hope you enjoyed this fluffy chapter. I didn't want to rush into full romance, but there is more to come as Corrin sorts out her feelings with the help of her big sister.

Whew! It took me a long while to figure out the dynamic between them. Hence the long wait for this chapter, plus busy life and other projects, but particularly bouts of being stuck on how to write all this out. I hope I portrayed their characters well.

Also, I decided on a slightly different take on their support conversation. I kind of imagine Xander spotting the flickering candlelight in Corrin's room and realized she has been watching him practice into the night. Maybe even moving Corrin back to her bed.

I used three french words from fencing for their spar. En garde = for on guard, Prêts = for ready, and Allez = for go.

To Anonymous: No worries about the extra comment, I had a feeling it was you :3

I am happy to hear that it was a clever tactic. It has been fun devising other tactics and ideas for this story. Challenging at times to be sure, but fun nonetheless.

Yep, I look forward to bring the two royals families together in holy matrimony, whether they like it or not! And Camilla will be entering the story next chapter.

As for Male Corrin, I am not sure I will be able to do it as I am juggling this fanfic, my Hobbit fanfic, and have been working more on my novel. Currently that is about all I can handle without burning myself out :x

Thank you for writing me a review as I always look forward to them! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! :D

To CandyNinja908: Hello hello! I am so happy that I could brighten up your day! 8D

You know what, I have to agree with you about how Azura's death/disappearance at the end is meaningful, because you never get the whole truth. It is lost along with Azura. But you get the opportunity in Revelations to really understand what is going on. So I wanted to keep Azura around for to explore that side of the story.

I am happy to hear that you like Garon's last laugh. That would have been amazing had it happened in game for it would be just like the thing with Azura. You get a taste that there is something more going on, but never the whole truth :o

Aww, you are too kind *blush* I do hope you enjoyed this fluffy chapter :D And thank you for taking the time to write to me :)

To Guest #1: Aww thank you! :D I hope this chapter was just as good and thank you again for your review! :D

To Guest #2: Oh ho HO! There may or may not be *intense eyebrow wiggling* I did enjoy Ryoma's and Camilla's support conversation so we will see how it works out in this story.

To MahiruNoYume: Indeed Revelations would not be the same without Azura! And I do hope to bring in the mysterious trio backstory with more POVs by Laslow, Selena, and Odin in Revelations.

Correct, I believe if you achieve any S-support with the Hoshidan royals you discover you are not blood related...which really helps with that whole awkwardness. (Takumi was my Hoshido hubby)

Thank you for reading and writing to me MahiruNoYume! I hope you liked this chapter!

(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of Fire Emblem's, Intelligent Systems's, and Nintendo's work. I am just an inspired writer adding my own madness into the mix!