Hello, everyone! Here is my newest fanfic- and more importantly, my first multi-chapter fanfic in the Fire Emblem: Fates fandom! I'm super excited to start a new story, and I hope you all enjoy it just as much as I do.

I do need to explain something important regarding this fanfic. It is set in an AU where the Nohr/Hoshido war does NOT happen. In fact, Hoshido is hardly ever mentioned in this fanfic. I will be focusing heavily on Nohr & their royal family. I will be using f!Corrin, and she is with her adopted family of Nohr. The AU is set sometime in the 1500s, just as an idea of what time period to keep up with. I'll try to keep everyone in character, but please be prepared for some characters to be OOC. If you have any questions, please let me know, and I'll try to answer them as best as I can!

This fanfic will be updated every Wednesday. If I cannot update, I'll post something on Tumblr & Twitter saying so.

In case anyone's curious, the cover art was designed by me. The title of this fanfic is from the song KING by Niykee Heaton.

I own absolutely nothing.

Please read & enjoy!

"Lord Xander, they're here."

The man in question looked away from his throne to give his advisor an uneasy look. He knew this day was bound to come, but it didn't make it any better. He had dreaded this day for a few years now.

It was the day he would have to select a wife and queen of Nohr.

"Milord?"

"I heard you, Iago. I'll be there in a moment."

"Understood."

Iago left Xander to his thoughts. The King pondered the ridiculousness of the situation: a grown man—a King, no less—had his council search for the most beautiful women in all of Nohr in order to find him a wife. He wished he could just marry whoever, like his siblings. But he had to go through this whether he wanted to or not.

There's no time to sulk or hide, he thought. It's time to see if I can find a wife.

Xander left the Throne Room for the Grand Hall. He spotted his retainers, Peri and Laslow, talking amongst themselves not far from where he came from. Seeing their liege so suddenly caught their attention.

"There you are, Lord Xander!" Peri exclaimed.

"I saw some of the ladies waiting, milord," Laslow said. "They were quite lovely, if I do say so myself."

"Oh, shut up, Laslow. They weren't anything special!"

"And who are you to judge? Hmm?"

Most anyone else would find this exchange annoying as hell. But Xander couldn't help but snicker at the little sideshow. It almost helped him forget the hell he was about to endure.

"That's enough, you two. I have enough to deal with right now."

"I suppose that's true," Laslow mused. "My apologies, milord."

"Sorry, Lord Xander," Peri echoed.

Xander nodded. "It's alright. I know you two always mean well."

He finally arrived to the Grand Hall with a forced smile. His retainers chose to stay behind, since they weren't exactly needed right now. Although it was tempting to keep them close; all the women that had been brought to the castle were too loud, too obnoxious, and too phoney. None of them stood out to Xander. He began talking to them, which wasn't an easy task. They were quick to talk over each other in louder volumes.

"It's so nice to meet you, Lord Xander!" one woman exclaimed.

"Gods, you're so handsome!" another gushed.

"Marry me!" one more chimed in.

Xander readjusted his smile and nodded. "You're all lovely—there' no denying that. But please remain calm and allow me to talk to you one by one. Perhaps it'll help things to run smoother."

He half expected the women to not listen to him, just because of how they were behaving. But amazingly, they all quickly got in a messy line in front of him. Xander stood back and waited for the first woman to approach him.

"You're quite handsome," she gushed. "I happen to be a noble, too."

"How nice," Xander replied absently. "Are you from Nohr or Hoshido?"

"Nohr, milord."

Xander nodded. "May I meet the next woman?"

The first woman was quickly escorted away, dejected. The second woman wore a frilly ball gown, high heels, and hade her hair and makeup done far too fancy for the occasion. Then again, she probably really wanted to become his wife. That was the only conclusion Xander could draw just from her appearance.

"Gods, I can't believe I'm here," she gasped with fake shock. "It's an honour to even be in your presence, milord."

"I appreciate your kind words," Xander said. "From where do you hail?"

"Hoshido. Is that a problem?"

"No, not at all. I hold no ill will towards your home country. Though I wish to know why you would want to marry I, the King of Nohr."

"Uh…well…because I think you'd be a fine husband?"

Xander grimaced briefly at her flimsy reason. "May I meet the next woman?"

The woman almost bolted for the castle's exit. It took a lot for Xander to keep his composure, even as the other women in line giggled.

The third woman stepped forward, changing the mood of the awaiting women. They all suddenly had on disapproving glares and scowls. In their defense, the woman in question was far from nobility. She wore extremely skimpy blue-and-grey armour, with ample cleavage and her stomach exposed. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, and was adorned with a white bow. Unlike the remaining women, she seemed nervous, even scared of Xander.

"Interesting…attire," Xander remarked. "I take it you are not a noble?"

"Yes, milord," the woman replied. "I'm a pauper."

"And what is it you do?"

"I am a border guard for Nohr. I've served with the royal guard for a few years now."

"She's disgusting!" one woman in line shouted.

"Kick her out!" another cried.

"Silence!" Xander commanded.

The squawking women shut their mouths, but continued to stare at their competition.

"I know I'm not a noble, milord," the blonde woman said. "But I think you're a wonderful person. I'm a border guard for Nohr because I care for you, your siblings, and the rest of Nohr. If you wish to send me away because of my station, I understand. But I refuse to stop serving you and all of Nohr."

A couple women scoffed at her words, but no one said a word.

But Xander didn't scoff. In fact, he smiled for the first time since this ordeal had begun.

"Iago, please escort the remaining women out."

"Yes, milord."

Many protested Xander's decision, but Iago and the accompanying guards didn't let up. Xander waited until they all disappeared from his sight before speaking to the woman again.

"What is your name?"

"Charlotte."

"Charlotte, is it? That's a rather lovely name."

"Thank you, milord."

"I wish to get to know you more," Xander admitted. "Your commitment to Nohr, and your beauty are both quite captivating. That being said, I only wish to court you if you feel the same."

"Are you sure?" Charlotte asked. "I apologize for questioning you, milord, but…I'm merely a pauper. Won't your siblings and peers disapprove of you marrying below your station? I don't wish to bring dishonour to you and your name…"

Fearful that she had crossed some sort of boundary, she hung her head. Her eyes darted to the ground.

"Charlotte, look at me."

She slowly looked back at Xander, expecting anger or hurt. What she hadn't expected was a kind, almost pitiful look etched onto his features. His pity didn't seem belittling, but rather caring. It was far from what Charlotte expected from the King of Nohr.

"Milord?"

"I did believe that marrying a noble would be best. But after meeting you, I realize that you are far and away a more wonderful person than most nobles I've met in my lifetime. My siblings only wish for my happiness; if you make me happy, then there'll be no objections. As for my people…they will grow to love you, Charlotte. I wish to court you, no matter what."

"Well…I guess I can't say no…especially to the King of Nohr. Very well, then. I wish to do this, milord."

Xander smiled again. "Good. There is a room waiting for you, already furnished and prepared. I'll have my sister take you there, as I must attend a meeting shortly. I apologize for that…I'm already passing you off to someone else."

"You're a king—I understand you have important duties," Charlotte said.

"Thank you, Charlotte. Now…Corrin?"

A white-haired woman in white-and-grey armour ran into the Grand Hall. "Yes, Brother?"

"Could you please escort Charlotte to the room the maids have prepared?"

"Yes, of course."

Charlotte and Xander exchanged goodbyes before the former caught up with Corrin.

"So, you're Lord Xander's sister?" Charlotte asked.

"Adopted sister," Corrin corrected. "My birth parents died when I was young."

"Oh…I'm so sorry."

"It's alright, you didn't know. What about you? If I may ask, do you have family?"

Charlotte nodded nervously. "I do, milady, but…we're peasants. We grew up with very little. My job as a border guard allows me to send them money once a week to help out. My one wish is to help them as much as I could."

"That's so sweet! I bet they're proud of you."

"I hope so. I also hope they're proud of me for marrying the King."

"Why wouldn't they? You'll be able to send them more money now!"

Charlotte mused this. "That's true…I hadn't thought of that."

The ladies arrived to Charlotte's room. It was simple, with just a bed, dresser, night stand, and a floor-length mirror. But it was still more than what Charlotte was used to. She looked around in awe.

"It's so nice," she remarked. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Corrin replied. "It was so nice to meet you, by the way. I hope we can get to know each other."

"As do I."

Corrin left a few moments later so Charlotte could adjust to everything that had just happened. After walking around the castle for a few minutes, she found Xander in the Throne Room, staring into space.

"Big brother?"

Xander whipped his head behind him, but calmed down when he realized who had spoken. He chuckled a little at his reaction.

"Hello, little princess. I didn't expect to see you here."

"I'm sorry to have scared you, but I wanted you to know that Charlotte's in her room."

"Thank you," Xander said. "I would normally ask Peri or Laslow to do such a thing, but I wanted to get your opinion on her."

"Well, I like her a lot. She seems kind and good-hearted. She told me that she sends her parents money once a week in order to help them out. That says a lot to me."

"She didn't mention that. Though she did tell me she grew up poor."

"She said the same to me." Corrin paused to think. "Do you care about her?"

"I do. She's certainly intriguing."

"Do you think you'll end up marrying her?"

Xander grinned ever so slightly. He gave his sister a look she hadn't seen from him before. It seemed like a mixture of adoration and hope.

"It could happen. Only time will tell, I suppose."

Two years later…

"Please welcome, King Xander and Queen Charlotte of Nohr!

The crowd cheered as the freshly married couple entered the fancy reception hall. Xander's siblings, retainers, and friends—as well as a few of Charlotte's loved ones—were among the loudest to show their happiness for them. Once the cheering died down, an orchestra started playing a soft melody. A blue-haired woman began to sang a beautiful love song while husband and wife danced under the gaze of friends, family, and many others.

"They look so happy," Camilla remarked.

"Good," Leo said. "They deserve it."

"I'm happy that Xander's happy!" Elise exclaimed in an excited whisper. She hugged Camilla and giggled.

"Me too," Corrin added. "He deserves it. And Charlotte is a beautiful bride."

Though it seemed that everyone was happy about the marriage, there was one person unsure about the bride. So much so that once the dance was over for a while, he pulled Xander aside to let him in on his worries.

"Milord, I want you to know that while I'm happy for you, I harbour some bad feelings."

"Do you, Iago? Please, speak your mind. You're welcome to be frank with me."

"Well, the thing is…it's about your new wife."

"Do you not like her?" Xander asked.

"No, no," Iago insisted. "I just have…a fear, if you will…of her becoming Queen. I mean, she'll have no idea what to do! How will she know what to do? I hate to be so negative—given the occasion, no less—but I just couldn't keep this to myself any longer. I'm only looking out for you, milord."

Xander frowned. On one hand, he was rather annoyed that Iago would pick this moment to air his concerns—though it was technically Xander's fault because he had allowed it. But on the other hand, Iago was right—Charlotte had no experience in being royalty. His concerns were quite sound.

"I've already discussed the matter with my sisters," Xander replied. "They've consented to help Charlotte in any way possible. I will also help out, as I know best on the pressures of leading a country. I understand your worries, Iago, but I believe you needn't think of them more. I will make sure that Charlotte is groomed into being a wonderful queen."

"Very well, milord. I apologize for putting a damper on the evening. Please, enjoy the rest of tonight. And once again, congratulations."

"Thank you, Iago. And please, don't feel bad. I understand why you told me your concerns. Remember, you're welcome to tell me what ails you anytime."

Xander then bid his advisor goodbye before leaving for his wife. Iago watched him find Charlotte, who looked concerned. Xander said something—most likely a brief explanation of his absence—before they shared a small kiss. They disappeared into the crowd to dance, leaving Iago unable to see them. He didn't care, though—he decided to push his worries aside so he could try to enjoy the reception while the night was still young.

But maybe Charlotte won't be a good Queen, he suddenly thought. No, no, Iago…don't think that. King Xander said that he and his sisters will help shape her into a fine Queen.

With a small, fake grin, he returned to the reception. He made one short announcement before dancing again.

"Once again, let's congratulate the new couple—King Xander and Queen Charlotte of Nohr!"

One year later…

Xander was not his normal self this day. Instead of being calm and collected, he kept pacing back and forth in a lonely hallway. All he could hear was the sound of his footsteps on the castle floor, and a scream or cry of pain that pierced the air every so often. Each cry from his beloved wife had him more and more on edge. He wanted to aid her as she was giving birth to their child, but he knew he would be thrown out immediately. So he focused on trying to remain as calm as possible. But that task was easier said than done.

Three of his four siblings sat nearby, almost as anxious as he. Elise was the exception; Xander had begged her to be with the midwife, only because if she was with Charlotte, he could be a little calmer. It didn't help much, but it was something.

"Xander, Charlotte will be fine," Camilla insisted.

Another scream escaped the room they all were waiting outside of. Xander couldn't help but smirk.

"So you were saying."

"Lots of women give birth, Brother," Corrin chimed in.

"Corrin's right," Leo added. "I'd also like to point out that Elise is in there with one of Nohr's best mid-wives. I can't imagine something going wrong."

"I suppose you're all right," Xander replied. He paused to try and rub some exhaustion off his face. "Gods, I just wish this would be over."

An hour later, one final scream was heard, followed shortly by a small voice crying. There was no mistaking the source of the latter—it belonged to a baby.

Xander burst into the room, not caring if someone tried to kick him out at the moment. Charlotte was red-faced and exhausted, but seemingly okay. The mid-wife was livid, but Elise was more than happy to share him the news.

"It's a boy, Xander! And he's a handsome one, too," she gushed.

"He needs to leave," the mid-wife snapped.

"No…he can stay," Charlotte muttered weakly.

Xander hardly heard any of the women. He was too busy studying the small human Elise had in her arms. She cleaned him up and examined him carefully. All the while, he squirmed and cried, though not as loudly as before.

Once Elise finished looking after her nephew, she gave her brother a calm smile.

"He's healthy, I promise," she said.

She swaddled the now sleeping newborn in a light blue blanket. Elise handed him off to Xander. He carefully held his son—his own flesh and blood—and walked over to sit by Charlotte. She'd recovered a little bit at that point, but was still fairly tired.

"He's perfect, Charlotte," he whispered. "He's perfect."

Charlotte studied her and Xander's child. He continued to sleep well, allowing the new parents to truly enjoy this moment with their son.

"He really is," Charlotte replied.

"He will be named Siegbert," Xander declared in a soft voice.

"I like that name. It suits him well."

Charlotte took Siegbert in her arms and kissed his forehead.

"Welcome to the world, sweet boy," she cooed. Your father and I love you so much already. We'll be here for you for as long as we live."

Xander nodded. "I vow the same."

There you go! I hope you all enjoyed the prologue. (:

Please review, and stay tuned for chapter one!

- Elizabeth