Jealousy
Friendship isn't the only invisible tie that binds them together. Robin, Cordellia, Severia, Morgan, and even Chrom are connected by less noble ties as well.
I do not own Fire Emblem.
It wouldn't be surprising to learn if Robin had a hidden sliver of jealousy for Chrom's lingering hold on Cordellia's affections. It would be surprising to learn of Cordelia's jealousy over over Robin's attentions.
Cordelia may softly sigh when Chrom passes by, but she is a faithful spouse. She never has, and never will, betray the husband she has come to love, and when Robin is near her focus never wavers.
Robin, however, is nowhere near so faithful.
When Chrom calls his tactician comes running, and in that response there is an undivided focus that she is painfully aware she is not a part of, is never part of. When Robin is not at her side he is at Chrom's, but some days it feels as if he is only at her side when he is not at Chrom's.
It's not that it's improper, or unfaithful. It is his role, after all: Robin is Chrom's right hand, and right hands must be close to the body. Just as she takes to the skies, his position is by Chrom's side, thinking and advising and looking out for the well being of the young lord. It is duty, and if there is one thing Cordellia can understanding coming before love and family, it is duty.
Duty may be proper. Duty may be necessary. Duty is quite frequently admirable. But a little part of her wishes Robin was a little more regretful or loath to leave her, that he didn't enjoy this duty quite so much.
Because he does enjoy it, he does enjoy the time he spends with Chrom, and Chrom reciprocates. The friendship between the two, from start to finish, is exceptional. They would die for each other, but they would also live for each other. The feed off each other, thrive in each other's presence, and in all honesty Cordelia loves that of Robin. It was the first glimpse she had into the character of her husband. If Robin had been born a woman, Cordelia knows who Chrom's bride would have been.
But Robin was not born a woman: Robin was born a man, and he is her husband. It might be unreasonable to want to be the only priority in his life, but it shouldn't be unreasonable to want to be the most important. To be held and cherished and kept above all else, to have the one you love put off all else as if time did not exist, just to stay with you longer.
But when duty calls, when Chrom calls, he answers. So would she, she knows. But Robin responds with a smile, and Chrom is pleased with his presence, enough so that she knows that Chrom sometimes calls when Robin is not truly necessary, just to have him around. To have Robin by his side, rather than hers.
Watching from a distance, as her husband looks so at ease with his closest friend, his attention undivided and with not a thought of her as his mind calculates…
…it is the first time she feels a sentiment of resentment against her otherwise-beloved liege lord.
Author Note: First of five jealousy-themed character pieces, centered around the members of a Main Character-Cordellia family.
Intend to release one character a day, bar surprises IRL.