Ricken kept true on his promise to keep Robin happy, as well as he could.
Leading a secret life behind the back of the Exalt was no easy task though, although Robin came up with ways to make it easier. She asked Chrom if she could continue her training as a mage under Ricken. Since he was the strongest mage that didn't rely on dark magic, he gladly said she could do it. Ricken's younger appearance helped in some aspects, Chrom didn't see him as a threat to Robin's heart.
Ricken felt no guilt about going behind Chrom's back. At one point he considered Chrom a brother to him, but after what he did to Robin he couldn't see him that way again. Forcing a girl into marriage wasn't the Chrom he knew and respected.
Robin on the other hand was not so lucky to escape the guilt, but strangely she didn't feel it when she was with Ricken. When she was with him, whether it be training, talking, being intimate, she felt completely safe. It was the life she truly wanted. When she was with Chrom is when she felt wrong. Yes, he is her husband, but every time he would kiss her she felt as though she was betraying Ricken. Every time he took her to bed she felt even worse.
Ricken hated seeing her go through what she had to endure. Every time she opened up about it he would ensure her that he didn't blame her at all, and told her that it was her duty to the army. It made him sick to say it though. He never believed that she should give her body, her life to the army in that way. But it was a way to make her feel better, so he would say it anyway. The words were little comfort, but she would take them none the less.
Leading the double life was stressful, but also marked a change in Robin. She was happier, much more than before. She laughed again, smiled, acted as she had before the marriage had taken place. No one questioned it, all just assumed she really was stressed at first and now she was unburdened. Not even Gaius was sure of the truth exactly, Robin and Ricken were very careful.
Robin takes a step back from Ricken and smiles at him. Another season has passed since Ricken had returned, and they kept their secret romance going that entire time. Now they're in the weapons tent together, being in there for some time now. "Your blush is back," she teases with a small smirk, kissing him quickly. She had a small secret of her own, but she knew how to hide it. Besides, it was one of the few times she could be alone with Ricken. Secret or not, she was going to enjoy the time.
"I can't help it," he says, "When I'm with you I can't stop myself from blushing." He takes her hands and presses his lips to her soft skin, looking up at her. "Run away with me Robin."
She sighs, not wanting to pull her hands back from his. "Ricken you know I can't…"
"I know, but it was worth a try at least." He smiles lightly but she can see through it.
"What's wrong my love?" She asks quietly.
"I… Want a real life with you Robin," he says and swallows. "I want to be able to marry you, have a family with you. Not have to run behind some other mans back just to be with you."
"I know," she sighs, "We will find a way eventually Ricken. But now is not the time."
Not wanting to risk hurting her, Ricken simply nods. "Alright. I will see you again tomorrow," he says with a soft smile. She kisses him deeply but quickly jumps away when they hear footsteps just outside.
Just in time too as Cordellia walks in. She smiles. "Hey," she says casually, unaware of what had been taking place just seconds before.
"Hello," Ricken says and keeps his head down as he leaves. Cordellia raises an eyebrow and looks at Robin.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing," she says and looks at her. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Anything, my grace," she says politely and Robin sighs.
"Please don't call me that. I'm a soldier, just as you are," she says. "This question though… You must not tell anyone I asked it. Please."
Cordellia pauses and turns to Robin, nodding. "Alright. Is there something wrong?"
She sighs. "How… Does a lady tell whether or not she is pregnant?"
It was a question she had been wondering for the past week. She knew some of the signs, and she knew she was showing those signs. However, she had to be sure. She had been worrying all week, refusing to let it show though. If Ricken found out, he would urge her even more to leave with him. If Chrom found out, then she would be even more tied to him than before. He would become protective, probably put her in a castle during her pregnancy.
If she was going to make her life ten times more difficult, she wanted to be sure.
Cordellia pauses and then nods. "Right. Prehaps talk to Lissa? Sometimes some herbs can be used to determine… If you are pregnant or not," she says and looks at the other woman who bites her lip and nods. "Are you alright, Robin?" She asks again.
Robin's mind snaps back to reality and she nods. "Yes, just… Nervous I suppose. I will go to Lissa right away. Thank you Cordellia."
She hurries out of the tent and towards Lissa's. It's not just finding out about the pregnancy that will cause problems, it's the baby. If it's Chrom's then again, her bind to Chrom grows even tighter. They will have a family. It's no longer duty to the army, it's duty to her family. If the baby is Ricken's…
She doesn't even want to think about the possibility of it being his.
Robin enters her and Chrom's shared tent later that evening. He looks up and smiles at her sweetly. "Hello my queen," he says softly as she sits beside him. Every emotion is stirring inside of her, but most of all she feels fear. Hiding the truth won't help though, that's all she knows.
"Chrom." She takes his hand and prays he doesn't notice the fear in her voice. Prays he doesn't notice the sadness. "I'm pregnant."
Hope you guys are enjoying the story. Again guys, reviews are amazing, so if you want to leave a review then please do, it would make writing this enjoyable knowing that other people are liking it (I already enjoy it but still) so just…. Yeah, if you guys want to then that would be good. Thanks for reading!
