It was morning and I had just finished getting ready in my tent when I heard it open and someone walked in.

"Is everything alright milord?" It was Laslow, what was he doing here? Was I perhaps late getting up?

"Everything is fine Laslow," I turned to him giving a nod and a small smile. He turned to leave but I wanted ask him something that I knew he had expertise in. "Wait Laslow," he turned back to me. "Have you ever been in love?" He was slightly taken aback by my question but he smiled and answered me nonetheless.

"Of course milord. Many women have caught my eyes and captured my heart, although they will never admit it. But yes, once a long time ago I did find myself in love with a woman," a long time ago... is his hair color deceiving me? Is Laslow really an old man is disguise? That's off topic.

"How did you know you loved her?" Laslow must really think I'm strange this morning, never do I tend to talk personally to him and Peri, it's always Royal business.

"Well milord, I found myself wanting to be around her constantly. Even if I was taking a stroll around my feet would carry me to her. In battle I kept an eye out for her and wanted to be by her to protect her, although she carried herself in battle quite well swinging her weapon around like it was nothing. When we eventually got together my favourite times were when I would get off duty and head to her room-"

"That's enough Laslow."

"Are you sure milord I was getting to the best part!" I shook my head.

"I heard enough. But thank you Laslow, you can go back to your duties," he bowed and when he reached the entrance of my tent he said.

"Good luck with Victoria milord," and swiftly left leaving me slightly flabbergasted and I felt the heat rising to my face.

But one things for sure. While I did tell myself that I wanted to marry Victoria, I thought at first it was because I don't want her marrying father, but now I know it's because I love her.

Walking out of my tent I noticed Corrin heading towards me. "Good morning Corrin," I called as she got closer. Her features were scrunched up in deep thought.

"Morning Xander. I wanted your advice on something."

"Of course little princess. How can I help you?"

"Well there's a kingdom north of here called Izumo that Leo showed me on a map. I think we should head there and properly rest and regroup before heading into Hoshido," I doubt very many of us slept well last night. I kept anticipating an attack from more forces from Mokushu and we had plenty of soldiers on watch and surveying the perimeter keeping an eye out.

"That seems like a good plan, you've clearly thought this through. But remember Corrin, your the leader of all of us you make the decisions around here," although I'm still the crown prince of Nohr, father has Corrin in charge of us all, all the decisions are hers to make.

"I know Xander. It's difficult sometimes trying to think of the best course of action for all of us. Now I know what it's like to be in your shoes," her shoulders slumped and she let out a yawn. No doubt she didn't sleep much either last night.  I placed my hand on her shoulder and she looked up at me.

"It can be difficult to be a leader little sister, but you are doing very well. I'm quite proud of you Corrin. Now let's start gathering up the troops. I believe it to be best if we left immediately," she nodded and then left to start telling people to pack up. I too starting going in the opposite direction that Corrin went spreading the message. Then I found myself near Victoria's tent where she had just emerged fully dressed in a lovely gown that was tight at the waist where I'm sure she had a corset on and then flared out at her hips.

"Did you sleep well Victoria?" She did look well rested but then again she is good at hiding things.

"In fact I did."

"You weren't worried about a surprise attack from the Mokushu?"

"No, Nefertari and Alexandros watched over while I slept."

"They didn't sleep last night?"

"It's there job to protect me. If I was to be killed on their watched they'd be publicly executed and be branded as traitors."

"Don't you care about your retainers?"

"Of course I do! That's why I trust them to protect me when I sleep. Don't you trust your retainers to protect you?" I thought about Laslow and Peri. While they are strong and do there job quite well I don't think I'd be able to sleep soundly while they watched over me.

"I do, yes, to an extent. Anyway we are heading to the kingdom of Izumo just north of here. I suggest you and your retainers start packing," she nodded turning to go inside her tent and I took my leave finishing notifying everyone that we were leaving.

Everyone was packed and ready to go when I noticed Nefertari arguing with Victoria.

"Your highness physical labor is not part of your job that duty is mine and Alexandros."

"You two were sleeping. I knew you both stayed awake last night and you need to get some rest."

"You should've woke us up to pack all your things. Sleep doesn't matter to Alexandros and I, the only things that matters is you and your safety." Victoria packed up all her things and her tent all by herself while her retainers slept? I guess she really does care about them.

"So what are you gonna do put the tent back up and then take it down yourself?" Victoria huffed crossing her arms.

"Stand down Nefertari. It's no use to argue about it now, everyone else must be waiting on us to go to another kingdom and get ambushed again." I had heard that Alexandros tends to be a bit negative but really, that might be a bit too much.

We had arrived in Izumo and walking through the streets the atmosphere is very calm and peaceful and despite being so close to Hoshido and residents didn't mind us being there one bit. Corrin and Azura believe that we might find some useful information for getting into the Hoshidan capital at the castle like building. So that's where we're heading.

The man that we were introduced to, Izana is actually the archduke of Izumo... He is an interesting person to say the least. Although I find it very odd how someone that, strange could be a leader. And he happened to know mine and my siblings names. I know we're royals but it struck me as strange.

"Now your all invited to my banquet. That's happening, right now!"

"We appreciate your offer Izana but we should be going," Corrin said.

"Nonsense, you will stay. Besides I have some special guests!" Are we not considered special guests?

"Who else is here?" Corrin asked.

"Why the Hoshidan royal family of course!" And as he spoke the four siblings walked in. My hand grasped the hilt of Siegfried.

"Now now prince Xander there is to be no violence in my peaceful kingdom. Everyone will put their weapons away and we will all have a wonderful meal together!" I eyed the eldest Hoshidan prince.

"As much as I don't want to, I will obey your laws Izana," I said.

"I will as well," said Ryoma.

At the banquet we were sat at a large square table. To my left was Victoria and then Izana and on my right was Camilla. During the meal the tension was so high you could cut it with a butter knife. I'm sure if Izana wasn't here we'd all be at each other's throats.

"May I ask you your name princess?" Izana said to Victoria.

"No," she replied and then I heard i noise to my right and I turned and saw Corrin patting Leo's back because he choked on what he was eating. I turned back to Victoria I nudged her arm softly as way of telling her to be nice. She sighed. "If you must know I am princess Victoria of Vimore."

"Where is Vimore?" Ryoma asked.

"None of your damn business," she replied. I nudged her again, I know that she probably wants nothing more than to launch spells in the Hoshidans direction, unless she's trying to provoke them into attacking?

"Vimore is the continent south of this one if you must know. Is there a need for you all to be so nosey! What if I started asking questions. How's your mother today?" The Hoshidans tensed up. I doubt Victoria knows what happens to Queen Mikoto but still, out of all the questions to ask you say that...

"Now now, lets all play nice!" The rest of the meal was quiet. Afterwards we all got up from the table and I went to look for Corrin.