Fire Emblem Oneshots

Xander x Reader || I'm Fine, It's Fine, Nohr's Fine

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It was another day at the royal family's capital in Nohr, and another day where stares followed me when I did as much as walked down the castle hall. I understood the mix of emotions in their faces better than I did the back of my hand.

Seeing as ever since I was appointed as one of the top tacticians to serve directly under the royal family, many had heard of my renown and skill. Alas, that didn't take away how utterly unapproachable most saw me as. My talent unfortunately couldn't overshadow my reserved tendencies and the blaring fact that I kept mostly to myself.

They appreciated my support and loyalty, but we were consistently unnerved by my lack of expression, which I internally found amusing, not that I'd ever say as much.

Of course, there were a few that insisted on sticking to me like glue. That being, the royal family I served in particular. Specifically, Xander and Elise. Elise nearly goes without saying, as her outgoing personality and easy smile never failed to gain the heart of another who laid eyes on her bobbing blond pigtails and bright amethyst eyes.

On the other hand, Xander had no real excuse, other than him fervently insisting that he merely admired my work. But that's what they all said, for the better or worse.

With the current war we're waging against Hoshido, my work was pivotal, sure, but maybe they don't realize that in peacetime, my job has no such value that they are so eager to put on a pedestal. Anyone with the right organization and coordination could command a quadrant of soldiers, with no problem. I was the planner, sure, but it was the warriors of this powerful country that always saved the day in the end.

Regardless of that, Xander's frequent visits were not unwanted, and over time as we fought side-by-side in battles countless times, I began to enjoy his company more than I had expected. Even when I caught a glimpse of his face from across a strategy meeting, my stoic demeanor could only do so much to stop the heat from creeping up my cheeks in a blossoming blush.

Just like today. While I was most certainly supposed to be focusing on the lecture about possible battle formations we could incorporate into our upcoming clash with Hoshidan forces, I was instead trying my hardest to tear my eyes away from the eldest of the princes of Nohr.

Instead, my gaze frantically darted to the flags hung overhead that sported a deep raven black with impressive patterns and designs flaunting our trademark navy and violet. When I caught my eyes flickering back to his pale face, I realized that he actually was quite handsome...

Wait, stop. While I wasn't a retainer like Peri was to Xander, I still worked under him. So, I reluctantly redirected myself for a dozenth time during this session, this time letting my gaze rest on the window across the space, and took notice of the darkening sky. Nohr always was a gloomy place, and even Castle Krakenburg wasn't able to escape the dreary scapes and constant bombardment of thundering clouds.

"...(Y/N)? Did you hear that?"

Camilla's voice snaps me out of my fleeting reverie, and I offer her a slight shake of my head. "No. My apologies. May you restate the question?" I asked quietly, trying my hardest not to let my humiliation show on my expression.

"Well, we were discussing the issue to the east, and we believe your input on the situation would be beneficial. Do you have anything you'd like to add to the battle plan we will be launching later this week?" The oldest of the royals tossed a wave of lavender ringlets over her shoulder and gave me one of her smothering, adoring smiles that she reserved for her favorite people.

"Ah, no, I think we can proceed with... that." Shoot, I spaced out. What was the topic of today anyway, besides the brief she just said? I... I had no idea.