Chrom glared at his reflection for the tenth time today, and probably more at the bunny ears that insisted on drooping down to his face. He had requested to have them fixed but Lissa claimed that the ears reflected his emotions. Of course, he dismissed it as a complete nonsense, but the ears were determined to prove him wrong. The longest he could make them stay upright was little of a few minutes, which was ridiculous of all things. He wished Robin was here to help devise a solution but the prospect of her seeing him in such garb was beyond mortifying. He doubt he could stay in her presence for at least a few minutes without embarrassing himself. He done that so many times that he lost count.
"Milord," A knock and then, Frederick's voice echoed past the door. "The festival will soon begin. Your presence is required immediately."
Chrom sighed. Wallowing would not change anything. With a final attempt to straighten his left bunny ear, he reconcile himself to his fate and be done with it. At least Robin would not get to see him in such humiliating state.
Given a pair of choices, Robin decided to resign her fate to the less embarrassing option. Neither set of clothes were suited for her preferences but she had to make a compromise. She owed it to the Exalt for all the troubles she burden her with during these stupid days. Her reflection seemed to mock and flatter her at the same time, which was not surprising as it was one of the days she could actually see herself stare back from a mirror. Her usually loose hair was braided with purple ribbons and pinned with tiny white and gold flowers. Her battle coat was draped over the backrest of a chair and instead, a purple off-shoulder dress showed more of her skin than she would like to. The gold glitters were a good touch but the amount of ruffles were a bit ridiculous for her – both at the shoulder line and on the skirt. She made sure that gold laces on the back were tight enough, lest the top will slide off due to the lack of proper sleeves. The knee-high brown boots were a relief, though the purple choker was not. Good thing she did not need to fight for less makeup, the royal hairdresser did it for her. All she needed was a bit of smoky eye shadow, a golden eyeliner, and a light shade of pink on the lips. Oh, don't forget a bit of glitter that practically turns her into sun reflector.
Robin fought the urge to throw herself to the bed and hide under the blankets forever. Fancy things were practically not her thing. That area is best left to people who can actually pull it off, like Lissa and Maribelle. Sumia too, can pull fancy easily. Even Cordelia. Her? Not so much. But considering how awful her other choice was, she better stick with fancy for a few hours. She glared at the suit lying on her bed as if it offended her. Gods, how could Lissa think of such abominable thing? The tail was too fuzzy than the real thing and I actually hunted a few rabbits once for the camp. She sighed and frowned at her reflection. What would the others think once they see me like this? What would Chrom think? Not that they know that it is me. For all she knows, they still think she was still locked in her room down in the castle's basement like some anti-social, moody vampire who dabbles with dark magic. Not that she is anti-social, but moody? Yep. She definitely got it in the bag. She did not mean to shut them down suddenly yesterday morning but she has gotten desperate to keep things in order. She hates everything in disarray, just as how she hates Chrom suggesting bad tactics in the effort of trying to lighten her up at a wrong time. The last time that happened, he ended up with a nasty bruise on the head from an Arcthunder tome. Robin did slightly feel sorry about that but if it weren't for that, Vaike might be road kill for Sully's horse a week ago. Robin shivered at the thought. That ferocious horse is not fond of her either. For all she knows, the horse have her in its Totally-Dead-Hit-List and has planned to murder her in her sleep one of these days.
Robin wiped her sweaty palms on a towel and straightened up. Her reflection stared at her in an unRobin-like visage. Act natural. She told herself as she shifted up a bit. A smooth object hidden beneath the folds of her skirt brushed on her thigh. Her shoulders relaxed at the familiar object. Once a warrior, always a warrior, I suppose. She mused. With preparations done, she headed toward the courtyard of the castle where her liege awaits.
The moment Chrom stepped out to the royal courtyard, he felt eyes turned to him. His hand reached out for Falchion for familiar comfort but fell limp at the realization that sacred blade was left to his retainer for the day. He is a prince, yes, and he is used to people's attention on him, but the current situation he is in is not something he is used to. He felt like a laughingstock; his pride as a dignified prince shattered by a mere suit that resembled a small creature. He increased his walking pace, determined to blur his embarrassed face from the onlookers.
He arrived at the side of the podium a few minutes before his sisters. Lissa, his ever-cheerful sister, bounced as she approached him. Her bunny ears stood upright, with slight fold at the tip at the right. Her dress was the color of sunlight and sewn with a sea of white ruffles. A round, fluffy tail was stitched at the rear and Lissa even made sure to request for gloves and boots that resembled the feet of a rabbit. She appraised him, bunny ears and all, before grinning broadly.
"Told you it's going to fit like a glove!" She giggled. Her eyes twinkled in apparent mischief. "All that's left is for Robin to see you." She singsong teasingly.
Chrom was about to retort when Emmeryn arrived with Phila and a few court ladies at tow. At normal circumstances, his attention would be all on his older sister as court etiquette trained him to. But for some witching reason, his eyes found their way to a single person: the same snow-haired woman he gazed upon yesterday. She was standing the closest, with three steps behind his older sister as such one royal rule strictly enforces. Chrom's eyes wandered down from her petite form clothed in royal purple and gold, up to the silkiness of her exposed collarbone and shoulders, until they finally made their way to her lovely face. His breath hitched when their eyes met. Her bewitching eyes polished in the color of onyx surveyed him briefly before a seemingly amused smile graced her lips. He suddenly felt self-conscious, remembering with a start what horrifying clothing he is in. Fortunately, she dismissed it and tilted her head in a semblance of a bow which he returned with a stiff nod.
The sound of trumpets hauled him from his stupor and the Exalt stepped up in the podium in robes prepared for such grandiose occasion. Under the warm sunlight, her golden headpiece gleamed like a halo. She addressed the assembled crowd below her and lifted her hands in thanks for the Divine Dragon King.
"Rejoice Ylisse! Today we celebrate in the honor of our beloved god, the Divine Dragon King, Naga. Remember all her deeds and the blessings she has bestowed upon us, her children, for generations that had come and will come. From the Great Hero-King, Marth, and his descendants after him. Smile, laugh, and be merry. Today is the day we dance as we glorify her mighty name. Come, my sisters and brothers! Long live the Divine Dragon King!"
The crowd hailed. "Long live Naga!"
Emmeryn clasped her hands in a final prayer before descending down the podium. Lissa ran to her direction with Chrom in tow. Frederick followed not far behind in his armor. His superior made it a point that they should be able to protect their liege at all times. The youngest princess protested against this but failed to persuade neither guard superior nor the ever-stoic Great Knight.
Lissa jumped up and down excitedly. "Emm! Emm! Let's go! There's lot to do and we don't have all day!" She pointed at the stalls where people began to flock to check the wares and games that each offers. "I want to try all!"
The Exalt could not help but share her enthusiasm. "Of course." She turned to the ladies waiting attentively at the side. "You are all dismissed for today." She smiled. "Please enjoy the festival."
The women curtsied before dispersing. Their demeanor changing instantly from well-trained noble ladies to a giggling group eager for their hand in the games. The Exalt could only chuckle as their excited chattering faded at a distance.
She turned back to her companions and addressed the dutiful retainers. "Phila, you too. And Frederick."
"Milady-"
She raised her hand in a polite interruption. "I know you meant well and your duty calls you for it." She smiled encouragingly. "But I wished for us all to truly enjoy this sacred festival, and that includes both of you."
"But Milady, what if-"
"I believe we should worry not." Phila spoke, seemingly placid with the topic at the hand. "The palace is well-guarded and all dangers are accounted for, with the approval of our head lady tactician. If anything were to happen, we will know immediately."
The way she explained her point clearly seemed to ease the wary retainer a bit. He too, was there to examine every preparation except in enlisting Robin's opinions. Chrom has placed a strict order not to disturb her for a few days' time, but the command does not cover the Exalt or the retainer. This initially concerned Chrom but later, grudgingly decided it would be better to at least have a few people who can communicate freely with their tactician. Frederick has begun to trust the amnesiac tactician but if he has his way, he would have interrogated her yesterday for answers.
The Great Knight's shoulder sagged slightly. "If Her Majesty wishes to, so be it."
"Thank you, Frederick. Phila." The Exalt nodded gratefully.
Lissa grabbed Emmeryn's hand. "Come on, Emm! The candied apples won't wait."
Emmeryn chuckled, letting her get dragged by her eager sister. "I'm coming. I'm coming."
Chrom placed a hand on Frederick' shoulder to assure him before following his sisters to a stall selling a variation of apple delicacies.