Judas and the Gentle Enemy

Chapter 1: Emilia

The sun rose over the Nohrian state, providing what little light in the Kingdom of Night got. It marked the top of the trees with shades of gold sunlight as it made its way from behind Castle Krakenburg. This marked morning for the capital, Windmire, along with its citizens. Though, there were those who rose before the sun, working by candlelight in the pitch black of Nohr's night. Among them was the daughter of a particular tavern owner by the name of Aemilia.

It had been about 3 months since Xander had stayed with his siblings at their tavern, but she had seen him many times in those months. All the way up until he'd left for his current mission. As a result, it had been some time since his last visit, and she missed him. Even so, she kept her mind busy in the early hours of the morning, cleaning up the tavern, feeding the animals they owned, and in general preparing for that day's customers. She didn't let her worry live in her mind as she did worry about Xander when he was out on missions like today.

She stretched a bit as she made breakfast, her soft red hair falling into her soft grey eyes as she leaned over the stove. She could hear the shuffling of her father on the upper floors as he rose with the sun. It had always been this way, ever since she was young. Her mother had passed not too long after her birth leaving many of the chores and household duties to her as her father was getting older, and it was getting difficult for him to get things done around the tavern. She did her very best to keep everything organized and orderly when her father was too tired or sore. She loved when Xander would stop by, he cared for her and her father. Often, he would help out with chores or the animals, whatever she needed help with. It wasn't an unusual site to see the Crown Prince helping in the barn.

Her father shuffled down the stairs, leaning heavily on his cane. His once red hair now faded to a stark gray. His eyes kind brown eyes were a complement to Aemilia's stormy gray color marked with bits of blue and green. He was still a strong-looking man, but he had put on weight since his days as a blacksmith. Unlike her, he was very tall and had a rounder face shape than she. Lovely in her own way, she looked much more like her mother than she did him.

"Good morning." She smiled.

"Good morning, Aemilia." He said in a thick-accented voice and kissed her forehead.

He had come from someplace further than Nohr or Hoshido. He never talked much about it, and she never really asked as she figured it was hard for him as he had lost his wife in an attempt to flee. He only had Aemilia who was not old enough to remember their escape as she was only a child at the time. She had no memories from her home before this or of her mother. She had great respect for her father and now that she was older, she didn't press as hard as she did when she was young when it came to these memories. She handed him a plate of food, pausing to say something before deciding against it, and turned away to take care of the dishes.

"What's wrong?" He asked her.

"Nothing, I was just thinking." She spoke.

"Of that prince?" He teased, making her laugh.

"Hardly, I have no time for such a childish thing as fantasies." She blushed.

He took a breath, "I wouldn't let him go if I were you, not many women earn the favor of the Crown Prince."

She shook her head, "It's not like that father."

"Aemilia you're not getting any younger. Before you know it, you'll be a childless spinster." He teased.

She laughed a bit shaking her head, what her father had said held some truth. She did love Xander dearly and Xander shared that feeling. They had known each other since they were both only 18, she was 28 now. So, they'd known each other for 10 years almost exactly but had only been courting for 6. Out of fear of endangering her, they had agreed not to tell anyone. The only people who were exceptions were his siblings and the rumors. So, her father knew nothing of the nature of their relationship.