A Night With Corrin

Chapter IX (Aspirations)

The Astral Plane is really quite something - a magical realm within an alternate dimension. True, you've heard about it before. Most in Hoshido have, but to be trusted to come here is something of an honor. Most of Hoshido's best and brightest lodge here often. Also distinguished soldiers and their servants.

The air is different here. It's thicker, brimming with much ethereal essence. Your lungs feel fresher with every breath.

Then there's the setting sun. Its pale orange light soothes you to the core.

"Alright, Keiji," you whisper, keeping as calm and collected as you can. "This is going to go well."

You stand in awe of Corrin's personal quarters. Even from the outside, her treehouse home is huge.

You take a deep breath to calm your anxiously beating heart. "Okay. Here we go."

You're looking you're best - adorned in your finest white shirt and hand-finished black trousers.

Even your engagement to a highborn lassie doesn't come close to this: an invite to dinner with the princess of a Kingdom. An unsupervised dinner, most of all. If your mother were here right now she'd be fixing the creases in your outfit and spiking your hair rigid with a magical setting spell.

You're sure of something else above all, too.

"I've done well to be allowed here," you utter privately, a sad smile gracing your lips. "Father would be proud of me." A tear leaks from one of your empowered brown eyes. It's been too long since you had a positive thought about the man who sired you. "I better not stand idle any longer," you resolve, collecting yourself and beginning on your way. "The princess awaits."

Here you are - waiting outside the door to Corrin's abode. You ponder for a while about how to announce your arrival. In the end, a simple rap against the door proves quite enough. "Milady," you clear your throat and compose yourself. "It's Keiji. I'm here to accompany you to dinner, as per your letter."

"O-Oh! Keiji!" Corrin laughs nervously from beyond the door. "It's that time already? I'm ever so sorry. Can you wait just a few minutes? I need to fix my hair."

There follow loud bumps and thumps from inside the room. Draws and dressers bang and there are a couple of frantic yelps too.

When the door finally opens, a very sleepy Corrin greets you.

"Thank you for waiting," she says graciously, a touch flustered. Her eyes, usually so powerful, are droopy. "I've been busy drilling the men with Takumi and Ryoma all day," she explains. "I was so tired when I got back," she yawns. "I dozed off as soon as my head hit the pillow. Pray tell... what time is it?"

You recall the sight of the clock in the Astral Plane's central square. "It's just passed seven, milady."

Corrin's eyes shoot wide. "Seven?! You're absolutely sure?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure," you confirm with a nod.

"I'm ever so sorry I kept you waiting!" The princess leans close and cuddles you shortly. You bask her warmth for a moment, holding her close to your chest. Her lavender perfume is really quite delightful. "My siblings oftentimes tease me for my timekeeping," she admits shyly, her face reddening.

"It's not a problem at all, milady."

The princess leans in and places her finger against your lips. "Corrin," she insists with an innocent wink. "We're alone tonight. No soldiers. No bodyguards. Nothing. So it's quite alright for you to call me by my name."

"Corrin," you answer her request with the name she's looking for. It brings a bright smile to her face.

"Thank you," the girl chuckles, pecking her lips against your cheek. "Now then... shall we be off?"