"After Grima's defeat, Chrom was officially welcomed as Ylisse's new exalt. Queen Olivia gave him a much-needed shoulder to lean on as she traveled the land, dancing and mending the scars of war…"
In the palace of Ylisstol, everything was quiet. If one were to step outside into the bustling city, the pleasant ambiance of citizens at the market would soothe the ears. But, on this particular day, the great palace itself remained empty.
This was strange occurrence – almost anyone could approach the front gates seeking audience and would likely be granted such. Often though, the exalt himself was not there. He and his queen would visit the towns and villages of Ylisse, where some were rebuilding land razed by the Risen and renewing their lives. Despite the advice of his advisors, they often travelled alone, choosing to walk freely among citizens rather than surrounded by an armed escort. There had been a few incidents, as brigands and bandits still roamed Ylisse, but the exalt insisted on making each of these visits himself. However, even as the people needed their exalt's presence, they also needed his leadership, and thus he returned to the capitol when it was required of him.
Chrom stepped into the palace's entrance hall. The thud of the towering doors broke the silence, and, for a second, he gazed past the regal maroon carpet towards the end of the hall, where the simple, unadorned throne sat on a pedestal. Ever uneasy, Olivia peeked out from behind the doorway, only joining Chrom as soon as she was sure there was no one else present. Hand in hand, they walked down the hall slowly.
"It's strange to be back here," said Olivia softly. Her voice barely touched the silence of the palace.
"I know," replied Chrom. "After all those places we visited…it feels…confining to return." He sighed. "But it is our duty to Ylisse. I just wish someone else could handle these tedious diplomatic ventures."
"I hope I can still help…" said Olivia. "My dancing cheered the townspeople, but I've never understood politics…"
Chrom could tell that she was using every ounce of her willpower to keep from speaking further about her lack of experience. Then he smiled fondly and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You are helping, Olivia," he said reassuringly. "There's no way I could do this without you. You always find a way to make me happy."
Olivia blushed, but looked up at Chrom for several long seconds. Then she smiled. "I'm so glad to be here with you," she said finally.
Chrom chuckled. "Even if we are managing these matters of state."
Thus, Chrom sat in the exalt's throne, and Olivia stood behind him in support. The hours dragged by. One particularly volatile argument arose between two angry village leaders. These two villages had been quite close geographically during the war, and as their people rebuilt, a plot of land remained in dispute, which both villages claimed.
"My grandfather distinctly remembers living on that land!" shouted the first leader, a short but loud man. "It is rightfully ours!"
"Not so fast," countered the other leader, a woman with a surprisingly cool demeanor. "The burned building in the middle of that field used to house our crops before the war."
"Come now," said Chrom evenly. "Your two villages used to be very friendly with each other."
As the bickering carried on, a resolution seemed far from achievable. "My lord exalt," whispered one of Chrom's counselors, "it appears that neither side can show proof to reinforce their claims…"
Tempers rose, and soon the quiet of the hall was shattered by competing voices. Then, a small voice somehow rose above the cacophony.
"E-excuse me, if I may suggest something…"
To everyone's surprise and her own, it was Olivia that had spoken. The villagers' argument had become so heated that their faces were almost close to touching, but they looked away from each other and towards Olivia, caught off guard.
"Perhaps your villages could work together to restore the land as a place for both villages… Then your ancestral homes and stores could be protected."
Everyone looked thoughtful, considering the idea for a moment.
The first leader sighed heavily. "We must have become so caught up in our rights that we didn't consider that possibility," he said. "Would you agree to this?" he asked the other leader.
She nodded. "We will," she replied. Turning to Olivia, she gave a short bow. "Thank you, my lady, for helping us see past our squabbling."
While no other such matters required as much delicacy for the remainder of the day, Chrom granted audience to a great number of others and their concerns. By evening, Chrom was wearied. When everyone save Olivia had left, he remained seated. Exhausted, he leaned forward to let his forehead fall into his hands.
"It looks like negotiation still isn't my strong suit," he said.
With effort, he stood up. "I've never really liked this chair," he said, looking at the throne. "It always seemed more fit for Emmeryn than it did for me."
This time it was Olivia's turn to offer a comforting hand to the shoulder. "What are you thinking about?" she asked softly.
Chrom raised his head from his hands to look back down the long palace hall, taking in its tranquility.
"We are all grateful for this era of peace, and the fate we averted for the future" he said finally. "But I can't help but think of everything we lost along the way. Rogue would tell me to keep going, no matter what." He smiled. "Rogue would be right, of course. Even though we've challenged destiny and won, it still falls to us to ensure that what we fought for still stands."
Chrom sighed.
"I know," Olivia replied. "I miss him, too."
"Our bonds are strong, and we have Rogue to thank." Chrom's eyebrows narrowed in determination. "And that's why I know he'll find his way back to us."
"Say, Olivia," he spoke suddenly. "I think I've we've spent enough time back here. Why don't we see how our comrades are doing?"