FE Frog: I'll be honest, I'm still a little tentative about this chapter. But I also really didn't want to rewrite it. I don't have nearly as much time this summer as I thought I would for writing (working full time, taking an online course, just built a fancy-ass new computer to play...). So I went over it for the 5th or 6th time to edit and have decided to post. Still working on chapter 6. Crossing my fingers to have it done next week.

The next chapter should be around this length. The last one probably a bit shorter.

Without further ado, I give you Black and White...

Chapter 5: Black Heart

King Sumeragi was at his wit's end with the problems in his country. For centuries, Hoshido had been a peaceful, prosperous nation that was well loved by most. Of course, the problems with Nohr had been on and off since the dawn of time, but Sumeragi had truly thought that Garon could keep the peace.

To make matters worse, a year after their youngest daughter was born, Queen Ikona died suddenly and mysteriously. Many pointed fingers at assassins of Nohr, but Sumeragi tried to quell such rumours. Accusations like that could lead to all out war.

Instead, he decided to send emissaries to Windmire to speak with the King and attempt one more chance at peace before the Hoshidan demands for revenge became too loud.

"I volunteer to lead this group." Ryoma said, standing up as soon as it was mentioned in the Council.

Sumeragi sighed, running a hand through his fast-greying hairs. "Ryoma, I can't send you. It's too unstable a situation to risk sending the Crown Prince. What if they were to hold you as hostage?"

Ryoma would not take no for an answer. "Father, my position is my protection. Holding me hostage or killing me is a guaranteed war for Nohr. They are too weak right now, with the famine still ravishing the people. They wouldn't dare touch me. You saw what I can do to negotiate peace—"

"Absolutely not!" The King shouted, his voice louder and harsher than any in the room had heard in a long time. "Might I remind you that the deal you negotiated was ripped to shreds as soon as it got to Nohr? I am not risking my son's life! I will not lose anyone else!"

There it was. The true reason behind the King's apprehension. Ryoma sat down and took a deep breath. His Mother's death affected the whole country. Everyone loved her, especially Sumeragi—despite his involvement with Lady Mikoto. Ryoma still had trouble sleeping, and when he could, his sleep was riddled with nightmares of all the things that could have possibly befallen his Mother.

"Father," Ryoma said calmly, "You will not lose me, I promise you. Let me do this."

"I said no, and that is final!" Sumeragi commanded, the dark bags under his eyes more apparent than ever. "Do not bring it up again."

The Council decided on sending two of the strongest Samurai in the Hoshidan army, two ninjas to possibly investigate around the palace if they had a chance, and one of the court officials. It wasn't a big group as they did not want to put the Nohrians on high alert. They were to be subtle and appear harmless, lest the Nohrians feel threatened and start a war they couldn't sustain. The plan was carefully discussed in the Council, and several different drafts of an agreement were made for the emissaries to go off of in their talks with Garon.

No matter what Sumeragi said about banning Ryoma's involvement, the Prince had already made up his mind. He would pack tonight and follow the emissaries out, keeping enough distance until they were close enough to Windmire that it didn't matter anymore. At that point, it would be more dangerous to send him back than to bring him along for the talks.

He knew his Father would be beyond angry when he found out, but so long as Ryoma was successful…

His plan went perfectly. He followed half a day behind the emissaries. The whole trip was much faster on horseback than he remembered it being by carriage. Still, he had never travelled so fast, so hard or so scarcely before in his life. It made him all the more grateful for the experience. He was far too spoiled at home.

When he estimated that he was about a day's ride from Windmire, he made an effort to catch up to the emissaries. With more people, they travelled slightly slower, and he caught up just as they were approaching the gates of the city.

"Ho! Who are you?" One of the Samurai called out from a distance. The Samurai rode up to him, his eyes widening when he saw who their pursuer was. "M-My Lord! What are you doing here?"

Ryoma pushed back his hood, "I came to help the negotiations."

"But your Father—"

"Is too scared for his own good." He rode with the Samurai to the rest of the group, "However, we have nothing to fear. If anything, you're safer now with me than you would have been otherwise."

The others were equally shocked by his appearance, but soon agreed that perhaps it was for the best.

Together, they rode into the capital. Immediately, they were met with Nohrian soldiers and escorted through the city, amidst the booing civilians. If they had the food, perhaps they would have thrown it at them. However, such a luxury was not known to the people of Nohr.

Upon reaching the palace, the guards asked them to give up their weapons. Ryoma kept a hand on his Raijinto. He could not give the sacred blade up so easily. No matter how he explained the importance of the blade, the soldiers would not hear it. Reluctantly, he unfastened it and handed it over, feeling like a part of his soul was being ripped away. Ever since he had turned 14 and received the sacred blade from his father, it had been at his side.

As soon as the blade passed from his hand to the Nohrian soldier, a voice called for them to halt.

Ryoma looked up, gasping at who he saw. It was Xander, riding atop an ebony steed, his black armour shining under the light of the many candles and chandeliers strewn across the gates of the castle. He stopped in front of the emissary group and held out his hand, "Give me that sword."

The soldier bowed and gave him the sword without a question. Xander looked it up and down, then his gaze flicked up to the group. He met Ryoma's eyes, but his face remained unchanged, as if he was expecting the Prince to be there. After a moment, he broke their locked gaze and waved to the soldier. "Stand down. I will personally escort them inside."

The soldiers scurried back to their posts and left the group alone with their Prince. Xander motioned for them to follow, and his horse fell into step alongside Ryoma.

"Prince Xander." Ryoma said politely, bowing his head.

Xander kept his eyes focused on the path ahead. "Please tell me you didn't tell anyone who you are."

"My people here know, but no one has made any comment if they had any idea." Ryoma answered. What was the problem? He was here because he was the Crown Prince of Hoshido. "Why does it matter?"

Xander finally turned to meet his gaze, "No one can know who you are. Keep your hood up and this," He held out Raijinto, "hidden."

The emissaries behind them began to whisper that it was ridiculous for the Prince to keep his identity hidden.

"Listen," Xander urged his horse forward and stopped the group. "I won't lie to you. It was not safe for you to come to Nohr. Especially not your Prince. If you care to deliver your message and leave with your lives, follow whatever I say."

Ryoma shot him a questioning glance. Something was wrong. He was answered with a look that told him he would hear about it later. Sure, the relationship between Nohr and Hoshido had long turned from tense to hostile, but no one in the Hoshidan Council could have imagined it was this bad.

The silence was enough of a promise to do as Xander said, and they were lead into the palace. More soldiers came to meet them, this time with the King's right-hand man leading them.

"Well, well. Aren't you quick to greet our guests, my Prince." The man at the front said. He wore a gold mask to cover half his face, and his greasy black locks fell all around him. Something about him sent a shiver down Ryoma's spine.

Xander climbed down from his horse, "Of course. I try to be a hospitable host, Iago."

Iago's one good eye scanned the group, hovering on Ryoma for longer than he felt comfortable. "Yes, yes. What a thoughtful Prince you are. Now I believe they should come to the throne room and meet the King."

Xander nodded, "Of course."

Ryoma carefully dismounted from his horse, letting one of the soldiers take the beast away as he readjusted his robe. This man—Iago, was it?—seemed to be able to see right through him. However, he had never seen the man in his life. At most, they may have met when Ryoma was in Nohr last. That was a long time ago, and he had changed much since then.

The group followed Iago and Xander through the palace to the great throne room where Garon would be awaiting them.

The air was heavy and thick, but Ryoma couldn't quite place why. He didn't remember the castle being so glum, or the residents to seem so unhappy. He remembered running through the halls with Xander, being doted on by the Queen. He remembered Garon's smile, and the excitement around the festivities. But now… There was none of that. It was far too silent to have so many people living in it.

Ryoma leaned towards Xander and opened his mouth to speak, but a quick glance from the Nohrian Prince quieted him. Now was not the time. What was going on?

"Hoshidan spies, eh?" Garon grumbled from his throne as the emissaries were presented to him. Ryoma was shocked at how grey Garon had become. He remembered the King as having a fair complexion and thick, blonde hair, with streaks of white. Now even his skin looked ashen.

The Councilman stepped forward, "King Garon, we are not spies. We are messengers sent by the King of Hoshido himself. We are here to try negotiating peace with Nohr once again. We have much food to offer your people and much—"

Garon waved his hand, shutting the Councilman up. "I understand why you are here. So long as you respect my home, I will grant you audience with the Nohrian Council to discuss these matters. For now, you will be taken to your rooms, where you are to stay until further notice."

The Councilman bowed low, "Y-Yes, my Lord. Thank you for your generosity."

The Nohrian King rolled his eyes and returned to staring at the ceiling, bored. "Go. I wish to be alone now."

Iago bowed the entire way out of the throne room, then commanded his men to show the emissaries to their rooms before leaving as well.

As the group was lead off, Xander grabbed Ryoma's arm, holding him back. He then led him down another way.

"Xander, what's—" Ryoma was cut off as he was pulled into a room. Xander slammed the door shut and locked it, then leaned against it and sighed. Ryoma raised a brow as he pushed his hood back. "What happened in there? What's wrong with the King? I've never seen him like that."

The Nohrian Prince pushed away from the door and began taking off his armour. He did it slowly and methodically, piece by piece, like a ritual. Ryoma couldn't help but watch quietly. There was something soothing about watching him go through the routine.

Then something in the corner of the room caught his eyes. It was a colourful string of cranes. He walked over, touching the paper birds. "I thought you would have thrown it out along the way." He said quietly, then looked down. A fish was swimming in the bowl his father had given the him. "George is still going strong, I see."

Xander put the last piece of armour down on the chest and took off the black riding coat he had on underneath. He turned to face the Hoshidan. "Yes, he is." He reached out and touched one of the cranes, "You really thought I would throw away something you gave me?"

Ryoma felt heat build in his cheeks. "No, I just…" He met Xander's crimson eyes and swallowed. Then he smiled and pointed at the crease in the middle of his brow. "I told you, if you kept doing that, it would be permanent."

Xander's grim-yet-stoic expression didn't change. Instead, he went to his desk and sat down, clasping his hands together. "How much do you know of what's been happening in Nohr?"

Not much had come through to Hoshido about the going's on of their neighbour. Nohr had always been a very quiet country when it came to civil matters. "Only that your people are still starving and attacking our borders." He didn't mean to let the accusatory tone slip into his words, but it did. Xander shot him a careful look for it.

"Well," Xander crossed his arms on the desk as he leaned forward and motioned to the other chair. Ryoma sat, draping his cloak over the back. "My Mother died last year."

Ryoma reached out and touched his arm. "I'm sorry to hear that... My Mother recently passed away as well."

Xander looked down, "I heard." They sat in silence for a moment. Xander lifted a hand and placed it gently over Ryoma's, much like when they were children. He took a deep breath. "My Father… He locked himself in his room for three weeks when she passed. Then his mistresses…"

Ryoma felt his stomach clench at the sound of his friend's breaking voice.

"There were eighteen of us. Eighteen Princes and Princesses. And that doesn't even include the ones who died early." He pressed his lips together, in some semblance of self-control. "Now… There are four."

"Xander, I'm so sorry—"

The Nohrian Prince pulled his hands away and sat up straight, his face returning to the stoic expression he wore like a mask. "When my Mother died, they became greedy. With my Father in mourning, they killed his children. Each other's children. If it wasn't for my retainers being so diligent, even I would have been assassinated."

The way he hid his emotions made Ryoma angry. Why did he need to hide here? It was just the two of them. It wasn't like he'd never seen Xander cry before… Oh. He hadn't. Not once. But Xander had seen him in tears, when they fought so many years ago.

"Father went into a rage when he found out that nearly all of his children had been so brutally slaughtered. He had every one of his mistresses rounded up and guillotined, regardless of her guilt." He looked down at his lap. "Then some new woman came to the palace with a little girl. She claimed the child was Father's, and he married her on the spot. No one understands why. We aren't to see the child, either. I've only ever seen glimpses of her." He met Ryoma's eyes once more, the crease more prominent now. "I want my Father back, Ryoma."

Ryoma could feel his heart breaking in two as tears welled up in Xander's eyes. The stoic façade had failed. Here, in the privacy of his bedroom, with only his closest friend as witness, he let himself go. He crossed his arms over the table and cried into them, his shoulders trembling. Ryoma didn't know what to do. He had never comforted a man like this before. He was used to soothing his young sister and brother when they got into a fight or scraped a knee, not a grown man mourning the loss of so much life. Then he thought, regardless of the cause, perhaps the solution was the same.

"Come here." He said gently, offering his hand to the other Prince. Xander looked up, his face as red as his eyes at this point. Ryoma leaned over and took his hand, pulling him up. "Remember when we were children?" He asked as he went to the bed. "After a day of playing?"

Xander sniffed and wiped his eye with his stupid puffy sleeve. "Yes. We would find a tree and…"

Ryoma flopped onto the bed and patted the spot beside him.

"Ryoma, we can't. We're too old—"

"Hush. Come here."

Xander sat down on the bed, then curled up like he had wanted to for months now, his face buried in the cloth of Ryoma's hitatare. He smelled like the road—like horses and sweat and campfire smoke. It was somehow comforting. 10 years ago they would only do this because they were tired from the day's adventures.

Ryoma rolled onto his side and draped an arm over the Nohrian Prince, his chin resting in his blonde curls. 10 years ago he did this because he was the taller one. The stronger one. He protected the little Prince. Now Xander had grown big and tall, but Ryoma still felt protective over him. He pulled the Prince closer as he felt tears of his own prick his eyes. They used to be the best of friends, their fathers watching on with loving eyes. Then this stupid war happened, hardening them both to the point of locking away any sense of emotion.

And yet here they were.

There was a gentle mew and both Princes looked over to the corner of the room where George's fish bowl sat.

"Miel, no!" Xander leapt from the bed, his tears forgotten, as he scooped the cat up. She was just about to reach into the bowl when he stopped her. He cradled her in his arms, then flipped her over and rubbed her soft belly.

Ryoma sat up in the bed, wiping his eyes. "So this is the cat you told me about?"

Xander sighed and sat on the corner of the bed, still absently rubbing the cat's stomach as she purred. "Yes. Camilla grew fond of her, so I let her have Miel. I don't know how she got in here. Usually Camilla doesn't let her out of her sight." He brought the cat closer and buried his nose in her fur. "I missed you, little one."

Miel mewed again, wriggling free from Xander's arms. She padded quietly to Ryoma, sniffing him a few times before laying herself in the folds of his hakama. He reached down and stroked her long ears. She purred in response and flicked her tail. He looked up and met Xander's eyes again. What he saw there made his chest tighten, his stomach knot. Once upon a time, the Nohrian Prince had been a frail boy. But he worked hard to become strong—maybe even stronger than Ryoma. Despite that and the hard façade he put on, that wasn't him. Inside, under the layers of walls he had built around himself, was still a small, fragile boy who had lost his parents—not just one, but both of them. And it was only now that Ryoma could glimpse him, as the crease on his brow had melted away, making him seem so gentle and soft. It had been a long time since Ryoma saw Xander like that. Almost at peace.

With a sigh, Xander stood up and took Miel in his arms. The crease returned, as did the walls. "I need to get her back to Camilla before she makes dinner out of George." He looked to Ryoma and felt a pang in his chest. "You can, uh, stay here if you want. Or I can take you to your quarters."

Ryoma stood and gathered his cloak from the chair, fastening it around his neck. "Perhaps it is best if I return. We aren't supposed to leave our quarters, after all."

Xander nodded, "I wouldn't put it past Father to check up on you, but not until after dinner." He unlocked the door and stepped aside, allowing the Hoshidan to exit first.

"Where to first?" Ryoma asked, pulling his hood over his head. He looked down at the cat, "I suppose the better question is: How patient is Miel?"

"Not very." Xander lead them down several corridors until he reached the door he was looking for. He knocked. With Camilla's mother now dead, a nanny answered.

"My Lord! How unexpected!" She spotted the bundle of fur in his arms and smiled, "I see. Lady Camilla was worried sick about the cat."

"Brother?" A young girl with long, lavender curls appeared behind the nanny and gasped. "Miel! You silly kitty!" She took the cat into her arms and beamed, "Thank you, Xander! I looked everywhere for her!"

Xander crouched and looked her in the eye. "You can't let her get away like that, Camilla. She nearly ate George."

Camilla gasped again and covered her mouth, "Oh no! Not George! I'm so sorry, Xander. I'll take better care of her from now on."

"Good girl." He patted her head. "I'll see you at dinner." He stood up and took his leave, Ryoma following closely after him.

"You said you aren't very close with your siblings." Ryoma remarked quietly as they walked.

"I wasn't." Xander sighed, "But after the slaughter, I made an effort to seek them out. I envied the closeness you had with your siblings."

Ryoma swallowed. "Really?"

Xander glanced over, a small smile on his lips. "Yes. The way you dote over them… I admire it. You love them so much." He looked away. "I barely knew mine. So when I was left with only three, I decided to make an effort."

"Better late than never, I suppose." Ryoma said with a small shrug.

The rest of the walk was quiet, eventually coming to a complete stop outside of one particular room.

"I believe this is where you're supposed to be lodged. If you need anything, let one of the guards know. You may be called for dinner, or it will be brought to your room." Xander said, putting on a more formal tone while in front of the guard. "I hope your stay is good."

"Thank you… My Lord." Ryoma said, nearly stumbling over the words. He had never referred to anyone like that before. He bowed and Xander left him to be locked up in the room. It was drab, much like the rest of the castle, but it would suffice.

A few hours later, there was a knock at the door, and he was brought to the dining hall with the rest of the emissaries. They were seated across from the Royal family at the head table. There were many soldiers stationed around the room, mostly clustered around every possibly exit point. It unnerved Ryoma. Something wasn't right.

The fool with the golden mask stood up and cleared his throat. "On behalf of my King, I welcome the Hoshidan delegates to our home."

Ryoma found it odd that, despite the King being present and at the head of the table, this Iago felt the need to speak for him.

Iago sat down and looked to Xander. "My Prince, I hear that you were giving one of our guests a tour of the castle?"

Xander stiffened. "Why, yes. He was curious about the architecture."

Iago narrowed his one eye, "I see. And why, might I ask," He turned to Ryoma, a smug grin on his face, "are you interested in our fine architecture?"

Ryoma glanced quickly at Xander, then back at Iago. "I… I'm an architect working on the reconstruction of parts of our great Fort Jinya." He cleared his throat and smiled, happy with his story. "Castle Krakenburg is known for being impenetrable. I was hoping to incorporate some of its features into our own fortresses."

Iago's smirk was faltering. He clearly hadn't expected such a tale. "And why would you base your design off anything Nohrian? We know the best ways to get through our own defenses. We would have no problem seizing your precious fort."

Ryoma frowned, "I hope it never comes to that. If our negotiations go well, then it won't."

Iago simply cackled at that, then pointed, "Sir, I hope you know it is disrespectful to cover your head like that in front of the King."

Ryoma's breath caught. He met Xander's eyes quickly and saw the panic there as well. Gunter appeared at Xander's side and whispered something in the Prince's ear, and some of the panic seemed to dissipate. Taking a deep breath, Ryoma pushed back his hood. Garon shifted in his seat. He could feel the King's eyes on him now.

Garon grumbled and sat forward. "Boy, you look familiar." He squinted as he examined him further. "What is your name?"

"Hinata, my Lord." He said quickly, saying the first name that came to mind. Apparently, it was that of one of Takumi's playmates.

"I see." Garon stroked his beard in contemplation. "You remind me of Sumeragi."

Ryoma felt his heart nearly stop. He had expected someone to mention their resemblance. Of all his Father's children, he resembled him the most by far. "That's because he is my Father, my Lord."

Murmurs erupted around the room. Iago was grinning even wider than before. Xander, on the other hand, looked like he had just seen a ghost.

"Is he, now? I don't recall him having a son named Hinata." Garon huffed, his hand stilling on his beard.

"I understand," Ryoma said, bowing his head slightly, "I am his bastard son. My mother lives in the capital city. She worked at a tavern."

At that, Garon began to laugh. "Whore's child, eh? I never knew Sumeragi to visit the taverns."

Ryoma forced an amused smile. "It was in his youth, at the beginning of his marriage. The Queen was already pregnant. I suppose his fellow Samurai coerced him into joining them in the taverns. It was only one night, but it left my mother with child. He gave her money every month, which she used to pay for my education." He was proud of his story. Never before had he been very good at improvisation. Perhaps the danger brought it out of him.

Garon laughed, sounding somewhat like he used to before all the death and war. "Ah, I knew the old man was a trouble-maker. It's a good thing age has tamed him."

After his story, the dinner went fairly smoothly. They made small talk, and occasionally Garon would ask questions about the well-being of the Royal family and the city. Ryoma had to let the others answer most, and bite his tongue when they got parts wrong. He couldn't risk blowing his cover.

After the dinner, they were lead back to their rooms. The sight he was met with upon returning made him sick.

"What on earth…" He gasped upon seeing the mess. Someone had come in and practically overturned the entire room. His mind went straight to whether someone had found Raijinto. If that happened, they may all be as good as dead.

"Is there a problem, Hinata?" Iago cackled behind him.

No. Now was not the time to panic. Ryoma turned and fixed him with as level a look as he could manage. "I am only surprised. And disappointed. Disappointed in myself for not having earned your trust as of yet."

Iago grimaced. "So long as you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." He turned and left down the corridor. The door was closed by the guards, and there was a click as it was locked.

Right away, Ryoma lifted the mattress. Nothing. That's where he had hidden Raijinto, but it wasn't there. If they had found it, no doubt someone would recognize it as the sacred blade of Hoshido. They would know he was here, and he didn't want to imagine what would happen then.

That evening, he was restless. He paced back and forth, waiting for the Nohrians to come banging on the door for his head. Soon enough, there was a knock, and Ryoma's heart nearly stopped for the second time that night. Before he had a chance to go to the door, a guard opened it and announced Prince Xander's visit.

"My Lord…" Ryoma bowed, still unable to get comfortable referring to his friend that way.

Xander didn't close the door, "I was wondering if you would like to see some more of Krakenburg. For your research."

Ryoma nodded, "It would be an honour."

One of the guards stepped into the doorway as soon as they made to leave. "I'm afraid Iago has commanded that all the Hoshidans stay in their rooms."

"I am your Prince. My word overrules that of Iago. I will have him back in due time."

"But—"

Xander held up a hand to shut him up. "I will deal with Iago if need be. Worry not, he will be returned."

The guard reluctantly stepped aside, letting the two Princes go.

When they were finally out of earshot, Xander looked around warily before saying in a low voice. "You're in danger. All of you are."

Ryoma felt his heart pick up speed. "I know. They found Raijinto."

"No," Xander said flatly, "Gunter found it. I had him search your room before Iago's men, as I knew they would. Your blade is safe with me." He looked over, his eyes and the crease on his brow the only display of concern. "I heard father speaking with someone, probably Iago. There are no plans to hear your offers for peace."

Ryoma stopped and glared at the Prince. "What? Why would he host us if he doesn't—" He felt his stomach churn as he realized what was going to happen. "He plans on killing us." Immediately, he turned to go back down the hall, "We have to warn the others. I have to get them out of here." A hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"You can't. They're already suspicious enough. Our priority is to get you out of here before—"

Ryoma spun around, anger flaring in his chest. "No! I can't run away and let them die!" He shrugged Xander's hand off and turned again, but was stopped once more. "Stop it! I have to warn them!"

He quickly found just how strong Xander had grown in the last few years. Ryoma tried to go back, but Xander managed to hold him in place despite his best efforts to escape. Then he grabbed Ryoma's arm and pulled him down the hallways. Ryoma wanted to protest, but as they passed servants, he knew he had to hold his tongue until they were alone once more.

Finally, they reached Xander's quarters and the Nohrian locked the door.

"Why are you doing this? Are you really going to let them die?"

Something snapped in Xander, and his crimson eyes turned fiery as he turned on the Hoshidan, grabbing his collar and shoving him up against the wall. "You have to escape! They don't matter anymore!"

Ryoma grabbed his wrists, trying to pry his hands away, but to no avail. "They're my people!" He shouted angrily, giving up on freeing himself.

"They're as good as dead!" Xander spat back, "I'm trying to help you survive and get back to the people that you can still help!" He slammed Ryoma against the wall again. "Don't you understand?"

Ryoma pressed his lips together as he stared into Xander's eyes. The fire was still there, but so was something else. Concern, worry… Regret? What did he have to regret? His father's supposed plans to murder the Hoshidan emissary? Ryoma let his body relax as the situation settled in his mind. There really was nothing to be done, no matter how much it hurt him.

At that, Xander finally released him and turned away. He went to his closet and pulled out something wrapped in cloth. He handed it to Ryoma, who unwrapped it and sighed in relief at the sight of Raijinto.

"Gunter is making preparations for you to leave as soon as possible." Xander said flatly, sitting at his desk, "But I don't know yet when that will be. At this point we can only pray that Iago doesn't catch on before it's too late."

Ryoma sat on the edge of the bed, facing the Nohrian, and laid Raijinto out beside him. "So there really is nothing we can do about the others." He rested his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

"I'm afraid not." Xander replied quietly, meeting his eyes. "But they will know that their Prince is safe, and that their deaths weren't in vain. They will be proud to die if it means your survival."

Ryoma shook his head slowly, letting out an exasperated sigh. "I hate that most of all." He looked down at the stone floor, "Why does my life have to mean more than theirs? I am but one person… Five don't have to die for me."

Xander sighed as well, leaning back in his chair. "Far more than five will die for you to live. Far more already have. You're a Prince. The blood of the dragons runs through your veins. Whole cities will fall for your survival if they must."

Silently, Ryoma laid himself down in the bed as Xander turned to his desk and began writing something. Soon, the men he travelled here with would die. The two samurai had helped train him over the years. The Councilman, while he had disagreed with Ryoma many times, still held his respect and was a close advisor to his father. The ninja, the assassins that they were, deserved death the most out of the five, but even they had done nothing wrong here in Nohr. No life should be more important than his. No one should have to die just so he survived…

It took all of his strength not to run out of that room and free his countrymen. He didn't care if he had to cut down the whole Nohrian army, he wanted to see those men walk away from this trip with their lives. But he couldn't, because in the end, his life did matter more. It made him angry, it made him sad, confused, guilty… The emotions spun around in his chest, and he felt himself wanting to cry out.

"It's not fair." It came out feeble and shaky.

The scritch-scratch from Xander's quill halted, and he heard him turn in his chair.

Ryoma clutched a pillow to his chest and closed his eyes. Slowly, he found himself falling asleep.

He didn't know how long it was he slept, but when he awoke again, it was dark and quiet. Quiet, save for his own breath coming softly, in and out. There was someone else as well. Ryoma turned his head to see Xander lying beside him, eyes closed and chest rising and falling gently. Even in his sleep, the Nohrian Prince's brow was creased in the middle. Unable to think through the residual haze of sleep, he reached out with a hand and smoothed the soft skin of Xander's brow with his thumb.

Slowly, Xander's eyelids lifted, the crimson orbs underneath blearily looking out. He met Ryoma's eyes and blinked thrice before sighing and letting his eyelids fall again. "Wha… What are you doing?" His voice came out a tired croak.

Ryoma pulled back his hand. He watched Xander's brow furrow, then smooth out again, as if he was conflicted. Then his eyes opened again, this time warily gazing out. He sat up and shook his head.

"Gunter should be coming to get you any minute now." Xander said blankly, turning to get up.

Ryoma sat up as well, watching as Xander straightened out his shirt, tucking in any bits that had come out of his waistband and smoothing any wrinkles. He was being the meticulous Prince Garon had raised him to be—and that his sheltered childhood had forced him to be.

As if on cue, there was a quiet knock on the door and Xander opened it only a sliver, peeking out first before opening it and ushering Gunter inside.

"The guards will be switching in a few minutes. Now is our time." Gunter said with a slight bow. "We have to be quick and quiet. Iago has everyone on high alert ever since they realized he's gone missing."

Ryoma felt his chest tighten. "The others… Have they—"

Xander closed his eyes, a pained expression taking over his features. Gunter simply frowned. "They have already been executed, my Lord."

Ryoma looked down and tried to swallow, but his throat tightened just as his chest did. He felt sick. Maybe he would throw up. Those five men had come to Nohr in hopes of securing peace between the two countries. He had even told them that his presence would keep them safe. But instead, it probably expedited their deaths.

"Ryoma…" Xander squeezed his shoulder. "Now is not the time to mourn. If you hesitate now, their deaths will be in vain. Let's go."

With a nod, Ryoma steeled himself and pulled on his cloak. He tucked Raijinto into his obi and followed the Nohrians out through the castle. So late at night, the halls were silent. With the guard about to change, they ran into very little resistance. Soon, they reached the stables where Gunter had already saddled a horse and loaded it with a meager travel-pack. It was black, like all the other Nohrian steeds.

Xander quickly mounted his own steed. He was to lead Ryoma out of Windmire, but only to the gates. Then he would be on his own.

They galloped along in silence, hearing nothing but the clip-clop of their horses' hooves against the cobble-stone. The whole time, Ryoma's heart raced in fear of being discovered. For now, thoughts of his countrymen had been pushed to the back of his mind. Escape was his priority.

Finally, they reached a little-used gate into the city and they slowed their steeds.

"I can't go with you any further, lest someone get suspicious." Xander said quickly, looking back the way they came, "I suggest you ride as hard and fast as you can, and don't stop until you're out of Nohr. When Father—"

Ryoma didn't hear the rest of what he said as his eyes fell on what sat at the top of the gates. Two heads on spikes, faces pointed into the city, to warn anyone who wished to leave. His stomach churned as he recognised the faces. One was that of a samurai, the other one of the ninjas.

It didn't matter his priorities now, Ryoma leapt off his steed and stumbled to the side before kneeling and throwing up. It felt like everything was crumbling around him. He had failed his people, run away and hidden like the coward he was. And now they were dead, heads being used to warn him that he was next.

"Hey…" Xander crouched down beside him, rubbing his back. "I'm sorry. I didn't think father would… Not here."

Ryoma retched again, but there was little left in his stomach. Only now did he realize that he hadn't eaten all day. Still, he had no appetite now.

"It's… It's my fault." He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as his hands balled up in the dirt. "It's my fault!"

"No it's not." Xander said softly, "It's not your fault. It's the war. That's what war does. It takes lives. And it's not any one person's fault." He helped Ryoma to his feet, patting him on the back. "But it will be your fault that they catch you if you don't leave now. You still have a few hours of darkness to get as far away from here as you can. Hoshido needs you now more than ever."

Ryoma nodded, wiping his mouth with his cloak. To lose himself now… It would be selfish. He had to toughen up and go back, to help his father and his country. Taking a deep breath, he got back on his horse. With a nod good-bye to Xander, he began his trek back home.