Interlude – Blaze

The wedding went surprisingly well. Supposedly, there had been some mishaps, but I honestly didn't notice. Granted, I'd been far more focused on keeping calm through the ceremony and the reception. I learned from Maribelle that she had no idea where the earrings had come from, and there was a quick check over them to make sure there was no slow poison on them. But no, they were just simple earrings, and quickly proved to be a favorite thanks to how simple, yet elegant, they were.

Chrom and I had a blissful little honeymoon before returning to work. That's when it actually clicked. I was married. I was Chrom's wife. I was Queen of Ylisse. Gods, this is so damn weird.

"Queen Kestrel, welcome, welcome!" The general air of cheerfulness followed Cordelia and me as we made our way through the market. It was so strange to see and so odd to hear. No stranger had ever greeted me so happily before, and… well, I never expected to be much of anything, much less a queen. "Here, sample some of the fruit!"

"Cordelia, help?" I squeaked, even as I smiled and thanked people as they greeted us. I wanted my sword, but I'd been forbidden to have one. Which was probably a good thing, since I was twitchy. Crowds rarely meant good things. "Please?"

"Do you need more space?" Cordelia asked instantly. She was my only guard, my 'personal bodyguard', and she carried a dagger and a lance. "Do you need to head back?"

"I don't want to head back, quite yet." It was sorely tempting, but I did want to keep going. The whole thing was planned because I remembered Emmeryn used to do this to reassure people. I thought they could use it now. Even through their smiles, I could see how their clothes were a little looser, and how many wore mourning black. "But I could use air soon."

"We're almost out of the market, Kestrel." She gave me a warm smile. "Just a bit more."

"Okay." Biting back a sigh, I looked over the crowd with smiles and polite greetings. Specific movement in the crowd, though, caught my eye, and I watched closely when I noticed it was children. Children carefully moving through the crowd, and I knew those movements. I knew those 'oh-so-conveniently-timed' bumping into people.

I nudged Cordelia and nodded to them. She nodded back and subtly began helping me maneuver through the crowd to head off the kids. When we got to the edge, we followed them for a bit longer before ducking into the alleyway. Cordelia took the rear and I casually climbed up and around, dropping in front of the two pickpockets just as they were happily comparing their conquests.

"Hello there," I greeted lightly. I studied them quickly, noticing there was a noticeable age difference between them, though still likely small given their youth. The older one's dress was patched and near threadbare in some places. The younger one's shirt was baggy, and their pants were only staying on due to the ripe tied around their waist. "Did you have fun?"

"We're not sure what you're talking about, your majesty," the older one instantly replied. They tucked the stolen moneypouch behind their back and glanced over their shoulder. Cordelia smiled and waved, proving they were very trapped. "Um…"

"Relax, relax. I remember the game well. Wait for a distraction, take advantage of how no one looks up or down, widen your eyes innocently when accused." I smiled slightly as the two exchanged confused looks. "I used to do it too, when I was very young. Though, I wasn't very good. My brother was better, quieter, though he hated it. One reason why we went into the mercenary business, actually."

"You and your brother did?" the younger one asked. They stepped a little closer to me, tentative, but a little hopeful. "Really? The Duke Tactician and our Queen?"

"It's no exaggeration that I am lowborn, and 'common mercenaries' are often former street children," I chided. I made sure to soften my smile. "Now, what was it that you wanted to buy with that money? Medicine? Food? Clothes? A little trinket to remind yourself that the world can still be pretty?"

"Food, mainly, your majesty." They gestured at their compatriot, who looked down. "Sara's sister… she just had a baby. And my little brother was sick."

"Medical costs always take up savings. Babies as well. I saw it often." My smile faltered as I remembered one particularly kind mother Robin and I had bought food from, back in Ferox. Winter stole both her and her child. I hoped… I could do something to minimize such things. "Well, how about you two come with me, and I will pay for the food you need for today?"

"Really?" the older one, Sara, asked. She looked up, eyes hopeful yet distrusting. "How do we pay it back? Papa always says you have to pay things back. So does Mia's mama."

"And I remember the pride that came with being a crafty child in the streets," I half-teased. Both of them smiled at that. Cordelia, behind them, winked. She knew it too. "Alright, here's what we'll do instead, then. I am out here to shop. If you two will accompany me, and help me find the best bargains, I will pay you." I held out my hands to them. "How does that sound?"

"…Thank you!" They seized my hands eagerly, and I happily let them lead Cordelia and me about the market, where they not only showed me the best places to shop, but also introduced me to quite a few people.

I made a mental note to see about hiring more children for simple jobs like this. I remembered how hard it could be, to scrounge up coin for everything.

The laughter of children, kids from the city hired to do odd jobs about the palace, playing in the courtyard and gardens followed Robin and I as we walked down the hall. It harmonized rather nicely with my own laughter, because my brother admitted, finally, that he'd fallen for the shy dancer.

"It took you three talks with Frederick? Really?" I teased, unable to help it. It was just so amusing to me, I was happy about it, and Robin was adorable when pouting. "Three?"

"Give me a break! I don't have memories!" he snapped, face mottled red with a mortified blush. "No emotional context!"

"You're so very clever with everything else."

"Says the woman who is so very graceful at everything but dancing!"

"I'm not that bad! I did quite nicely at my wedding. I didn't step on your toes."

"Barely." He huffed, while I continued to giggle. "Well, if you tease, I must get you back. Perhaps bring up what the councilors keep 'subtly' mentioning around you?"

"I swear by all that's holy, if they ask about how 'making an heir' is going, I'm going to give them an in-depth description of my sex life, mortified or not." I scowled, remembering how I'd dealt with that just this morning. "I'm the queen, not a broodmare, and technically, Chrom has an heir already. Lissa."

"True, true." Robin laughed and I relaxed again. "So…" He trailed off, frowning. "Do you hear a bell?"

"A bell?" I stilled and tilted my head, catching the sound on the wind. "Yes, it seems to be… from the city…" A horrified thought flashed through my head because I could only think of one reason why bells would be going off. "Oh, gods, is there a fire?"

"Let's go look." He paused and then look up, gasping. "That's…"

Both of us started running as we realized thick, black smoke was coiling into the sky. We were joined by others, and we quickly jumped into the panicking crowd, helping with evacuations. At some point, Frederick snagged me by the arm and dragged me from where I'd been helping with the flames. I nearly snapped at him, but he pointed out that I was the Queen, and to lose a royal so quickly would hurt the people. We compromised with me helping people over to where Libra, Lissa, and Maribelle had set up an infirmary with other healers. I calmed down the panicking, and held the hands of the injured and dying. When the fires calmed, I comforted the grieving, and reassured the lost. The fires had destroyed a quarter of the residential area, and damaged even more. Fifty died, including pets. Some were children and young.

Cordelia found me in the middle of it all, soot covered and glowering, and silently led me through the crowd to a conspicuously open place. Vaike and Stahl held two people on their knees while Chrom looked at them with stony eyes. I recognized one fairly quickly, though I'd only met him once; he still wore indigo. With him here, I had a sinking feeling I knew just why they were here, and why Cordelia had brought me over.

"I'd say you stand accused, but my Shepherds caught you red-handed," Chrom whispered into the falling silence. I stood on the edges of the crowd, resting a hand on a trembling child next to me. "You deliberately set fire to the residential area. That is arson. People died from those flames. That is murder. I'm sure there are other crimes you can be charged with." He glared as one opened their mouth. "You were caught. You were caught setting fire to the area. This is no accident. There is no lie you can say to make anyone believe you."

"Especially considering your previous crimes," Frederick added. He moved out of the crowd, carrying a silver sword. "My king, Robin has determined with the help of Miriel and Ricken that some of the fire was magically induced, explaining why it spread so quickly."

"Which matches the witness testimony of seeing these men casting fire spells at the buildings." Chrom gave them a withering look, eyes icy. "You're traitors, you remember? When Plegia came, you let them pass, holing up in your estates while your people burned. When our enemies came to Ylisstol, you welcomed them with open arms, and laughed as they slaughtered. You cheered when Emmeryn, your Exalt, was captured. Normally, those crimes would mean death, but I gave you mercy. I gave you a chance at redemption, because that is what my sister would've wanted. Yet, you used that mercy to kill and burn people who had nothing to do with that decision."

"My king." Frederick held out the silver word, and the gathered crowd held its breath, realizing just what was about to happen. No few looked very gleeful at the sight. "Or would you like me to?"

"No, I will." Chrom took the blade and walked forward. The two struggled, whimpering and wide-eyed, but Vaike and Stahl continued to hold them still with stoic expressions. "Despite what you did, you thought your punishment did not fit your crimes. So, I will give you what you wish. I will give you the punishment the law dictates fits your crime."

Two flashes, and the heads rolled. Blood splattered and pooled underneath the bodies. Vaike and Stahl let the corpses fall and no one moved when they walked away, leaving the bodies. Chrom casually handed the sword back to Frederick and closed his eyes, still tense. So, I walked over to him then, and rested a hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to look at me, and I smiled tiredly, using my sleeve to wipe the blood off his face. Then I took his hand and led him to the injured and grieving, so that we could both tend to our people.

Later, when night had fallen and we were safely back in our room, Chrom broke down in tears. I held him as he cried, whispering reassurances. It was all either of us could do, in this situation.

There were a lot of places that needed reconstruction thanks to the war, and the fire's destruction only added to it. Chrom and I had to work extensively with the nobles and knights to get needed materials to distant villages. Even then, some nobles dragged their heels, not seeing the point with such haste. I put my foot down and told them the grisliest stories I had about winter to make them move, relying on shock to override their knowledge of how winters were only 'moderate at worst' here in Ylisse. So much of our time was spent with that. We barely had any time or manpower to look into the remaining 'traitor nobles' to see if they had plans for revenge.

"I brought sweets!" I called, weaving my way through the crowd to reach where the Shepherds were helping the builders. They'd thrown themselves into the work, even the ones who didn't handle physical labor well, like Miriel and Ricken. "Made them myself."

"You are a treasure, dear lady!" Virion laughed. He finished with whatever he was doing on the roof and climbed down, rolling his shoulders. "Goodness, I have never done so much manual labor in my life."

"We're not forcing you. There are other ways to help."

"Perhaps, but it gives me a better perspective for when I must rebuild Rosanne." He smiled kindly at me. "You look tired. Did your dear husband keep you up late, my dear?"

"Now, now, a lady does not kiss and tell, just like a gentleman." I laughed, though, and I knew that was the only reason he said that. I'd been complaining to him last night about how much these nobles dragged their feet on everything. "How go things here?"

"We're ahead of schedule, thanks to Nowi and Panne." He gestured to where Nowi, in dragon form, and Panne, in rabbit form, were using their larger size and strength to carry far more than humans could. "We might actually have most of the houses rebuilt, and some of the damages mended by winter."

"That's good to hear." It had been a worry. We were in the later months of autumn, and news from the farmers wasn't good. Too many fields had been trampled, so we'd likely have a lean year. "Particularly because of this morning."

"What happened?"

"I had nobles yelling at me for advising Chrom to take less in reparations." I still stood by it, though. "It took a lot of my morning, which is why I begged the cooks to let me bake as a stress relief."

"Which are cooling and drying out while we chat." Virion smiled warmly and I smiled back. "If you would like, I can pass them out while you check in on things."

"Children get priority." I winked as I passed him my baskets. "And you may inform Ricken that he does not count as a child for this."

"I shall~" He laughed, walking off with the baskets, and I wandered through, checking that injuries were being tended to, that everything was safe, that everyone had enough water. Chrom and I tried to make sure we had time to swing by once per day, especially since most of these people were volunteers.

"Kestrel?" Lon'qu's quiet voice barely caught my attention, and I turned, surprised to see him among the group. Normally, he was patrolling the perimeter. "Might I have a word?" he asked. Though his expression was stoic, he seemed uneasy. "Please?"

"Certainly," I replied, walking to the side of the current work area. I made sure to smile. "What is it?"

"I… um…" A pale pink blush started to bloom on his face. "I… would like your permission… to court Maribelle."

"You need my permission?"

"Lissa said that if I wanted to do it properly, which I do, then yes. She is your lady in waiting, and thus, by law, she needs your permission." He looked down, and I spared a brief bit of sympathy for Lissa. I knew she still had feelings for Lon'qu. "So…"

"Well, if she's fine with it, then I certainly give permission." I laughed, feeling a little giddy when he looked up again with a slight smile. "Though, knowing her, I'm sure she sent you on a quest to court her properly."

"She thought it might also help me with my trauma."

"How is that going?"

"Better. Though, my nightmares…" He trailed off, blush and smile fading. "You… likely figured it out. It is no 'phobia'. That's why you said 'trauma' and 'scars'."

"I had a guess, based on how Basilio explained it." I shrugged, still smiling. "Though, phobias can also be born from traumas. I worked with a man once who couldn't climb anything because he watched his brother fall from a high height."

"True." He fell silent. "I've told her. But when I was younger, my best friend, a girl, died protecting me. I still…"

"It never goes away, sadly." I knew my own smile faded with pain and he nodded. He'd known I'd understand. "Still, you deserve happiness. If I deserve it, as I have so often been told, then certainly you do as well."

"…Thank you." He smiled back again. "I'm… I can almost believe that."

"So, about the same where I am." I laughed and he actually chuckled a bit. "Regardless…"

A series of yells made both of us stiffen, and we both ran before we quite realized the source of the yells. A section of a damaged wall suddenly fell, but Lon'qu and I quickly caught the worst of it before it crashed down. We were quickly joined by Sully and a couple of others I didn't recognize, and all of us held it up as still others snagged the top and pulled it back to its proper place.

"Damn, that was close," Sully laughed. She didn't wear her normal armor, and I frowned when I noticed something on her neck. "What is it, your majesty? If it's the wall…"

"Well, I am a bit worried, but I'm sure it was just something unexpected," I replied. I tapped the side of my neck. "But you… either you have bruises or hickeys right here."

"I do?" She covered it instantly, glowering. "Excuse me. I need to kill Vaike."

It took me a full second to piece together why that was, and I laughed and laughed when I did. By the time I calmed down, some of the other women invited me to help them roast sweet potatoes on the fire, and I gladly joined in, my spirits higher than ever.

Things like this reminded me that everything would be worth it. Things could heal.

I woke up slowly, perfectly warm and comfortable. In fact, I might have just gone straight back to sleep, except something was tugging and messing with my hair and I was curious. So, slowly, mumbling a bit, I opened my eyes, and smiled when I saw Chrom was awake. From there, it was easy to figure out everything. He'd woken up first, and instead of waking me up, he chose to just run his hand through my hair.

"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered when he noticed I was awake. He leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose, making me squeak. "Did I wake you?"

"We'll call it 'half'," I answered smile widening. It fell, though, when I noticed just how much light was drifting in through the windows. "Oh, we overslept!" I scrambled to get out of bed, but Chrom snagged me by the waist and dragged me back under the covers. "Hey!"

"Did you forget, Kes? We have the morning off." He pulled me closer and nuzzled my neck, peppering it with kisses. I flushed, both from embarrassment at forgetting and from the memory of last night. "Morning just for us."

"First time since our honeymoon." I was sorely tempted just to remain abed, especially as he switched to kiss my collarbone, but then I pushed him back. "However, we're awake, and I'd rather not have sex when someone can come bursting in on accident."

"Who would do that?"

"I can think of a hundred and one. Particularly since it snowed yesterday, and I'm sure some Shepherds will want to have a snowball fight again." I wrapped my arms around him and kissed the top of his head. "Come on. Up and dressed."

"Fine." He shifted up to kiss me soundly before rolling off of me and out of bed. "Something comfortable for the morning, at least."

"Sounds good." I pushed myself up slowly and stretched my arms behind my head. I glanced over to see Chrom watching me. "Clothes?"

"You have to forgive me for being distracted." He smiled teasingly, his expression full of affection. "You're incredibly beautiful."

"And you're quite handsome, love." I smiled back, fighting the urge to laugh. I had been married to him for so many months, yet I still was so giddy that I got to wake up and see him by my side. "Come on. Or we really won't get up."

"Is that so bad?"

"We only have the morning off."

"Eh, true." He disappeared into the closet while I headed to the bathroom to freshen up and take a morning bath. Then it was changing into my clothes and brushing and drying my hair at my dresser. Normally by now, Maribelle or Sumia would be here to help me get ready for the day, but mornings off for me meant they could spent their mornings elsewhere. It was strange to not have them, yet at the same time, there was something comfortable at being alone.

I paused in the middle of brushing my hair and laughed, unable to help it. It felt so strange. I was 'almost' used to everything, but I couldn't quite. It was like when I first got here, met these strange people. Happiness and delight tempered slightly by fear. I was scared of losing all of this. I was scared I didn't deserve it and the gods would punish them for letting me be so happy.

"What's so amusing?" Chrom asked. He snuck up behind me and caught me in a hug, kissing my temple. The distant sound of a fire crackling hinted he'd made one to warm the room a little more. "Share the joke?"

"It's no 'joke', really," I answered, setting my brush down. I leaned back into him and gripped his arm. "I was just… thinking."

"Something amusing?"

"No, not really." I wasn't sure how to explain that I felt like all of this was going to disappear. Even though it had been over a year since we met, nearly six months since we married, I hadn't been able to tell him about being a Vessel of Grima. I had tried a couple of times. I tried now. But the words stuck in my throat just as always. I trusted him. I loved him. But I couldn't admit that part of myself. "I'm really not a good wife."

"I disagree, vehemently." He turned my chair so that I was facing him and he leaned down to kiss me fervently, hands ghosting up my side to make me gasp. "If it's your past making you say that, then I will reassure you as many times as it takes." He kissed me again and I sighed into the kiss, relaxing slightly. "I love you. You and only you."

"And if it has to deal with Grima?"

"Half tempted to thank Grima, truthfully." He smiled as I gave him a disbelieving look. "Oh, relax. I'm simply grateful that his line led to you and Robin. I'm grateful you were born, and that you're both in my life."

"…You are ridiculous." I reached up to cup his face, smiling slightly. "Grima destroyed a lot of things, if you'll remember."

"Yes, yes, he's evil and bad. But, at the same time, if he hadn't existed, neither you nor Robin would be here, and I wouldn't be nearly as happy." His own smile widened. "It's quite a selfish line of thought, of course. Do you think me lesser for it?"

"I think you're insane, really. But, then again, I thought that a while ago." I leaned up to kiss him. "It also makes me think of changing my mind, and we simply lock the door so that you can prove your words. What do you think?"

His answer was to kiss me again, and we ended up having to change clothes again before attending to our duties. I was somewhere between smug and sheepish when I had to help him button up his collar; hickeys really weren't 'proper' when you were talking with nobles.

"So, Plegia has a new king," I whispered, looking through the report. Fauder, a member of the Grimleal, was elected the new king since Gangrel had no heirs. It worried me, though. The Grimleal had a policy of not directly interfering with politics. They were the true power, but they ruled from the shadows. That they would step out of those shadows… "I see."

"Do you know him, my lady?" Cordelia asked me. She rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You have been pale ever since the news reached us."

"No, I don't know the name. I simply do not know why they would change their tactics. It has always been that the Grimleal advise the king, not take up the crown themselves." It worried me. Especially since I knew, better than anyone, what their true goal really was. Robin and I were safe in Ylisse, but… "Is there a way we can set up more guards on the border subtly?"

"I'll ask Frederick to consider it." She squeezed my shoulder, smiling. "It'll be alright."

"I hope so." But it was hard. I just had a horrible feeling. "Maybe I'm just overreacting." I made myself smile back. "Can you deliver a note to Robin for me?"

"Certainly."

"Thank you." I jotted a very quick message to Robin, basically urging him to 'conveniently avoid' going to Plegia ever, and handed it to her. "It's not secret, and if he asks, just say his twin is being paranoid."

"I will." She winked and walked out of my study. I sighed and leaned back in my chair, shivering a bit and pulling my coat further around me. It was late winter now, and it had proven to be a rather chilly winter. I refused to keep a fire in my study, though. I preferred leaving the wood for others. I wondered if I should make one, though, to see if it would make me feel better.

Pounding footsteps made me pause, though, and I looked up just in time to see Sumia crash into my study, looking winded. "I need to hide!" she told me seriously. I just continued staring at her, a little startled by how she looked. Her hair, for instance, was all over the place. "Please?"

"Certainly," I replied, frowning now. She looked disheveled and wanted to hide. My mind connected the two to a very serious thing. "Do I need to kill someone?"

"What?" She looked confused and closed the door behind her. "No, no, no one needs to be killed. Well, maybe me."

"What happened, then?"

"Frederick and I were out on a ride, and he said something really nice, and I teased him a little, but then I accidentally mentioned I love him?" Her face went redder and redder, and I relaxed at the reassurance that she hadn't been assaulted. "So, yeah, um… hide?"

"Why?"

"B-because!"

"…Okay?" I almost asked more, but she looked so frantic, so I decided instead to simply poke fun at her a bit, in a different way. "Say, isn't this whole one of the couples got together in Ribald Tales of the Faith War?"

"I… oh, huh, maybe." She became thoughtful for a split-second before going back to frantic. "So, please, can I…?"

"I need these organized." I handed her a stack of papers and pointed to the small room connected to my study. I'd been told that the room would serve as a nursery, whenever I had children. For now, though, it was empty. "Please and thank you."

"Okay!" She gave me a thankful smile before dashing into the room. Only to return two seconds later to actually take the papers. "Aha…"

"Maybe work on calming down too." I grinned and she sulked, but she headed into the room, and I decided to return to my work, a bit too amused to feel uneasy now.

It felt like only a moment had passed before someone knocked on my door. I looked up as it opened to reveal a concerned, mildly frantic, Frederick. "My queen, I apologize for bother you," he murmured, bowing to me. "But have you seen Sumia?"

"You're looking for Sumia?" I asked, giving him my best 'politely stoic' expression. "Why?"

"We… were having a discussion and she ran."

"Did you say something to upset her?"

"I hope not."

"Did she say something that upset you?"

"No, she didn't." He hesitated before bowing his head. "If you do know where she is, or if you see her, can you tell her…?"

"What was this conversation anyway?" I frowned slightly, but it was mostly to keep from bursting into laughter. I also felt guilty. "Sumia is my best friend, after all. I would yield to her wishes over yours."

"Which makes sense." He still refused to look up. "We talked about how I'd tended to her armor. Then she mentioned how she felt pretty, and I said she was always beautiful, that I could not take my eyes off of her…"

"Really?" I let myself smile. "Frederick, it sounds to me like you've fallen in love with her."

"…I have." His voice was very soft, so soft that I had to bite back my giddy laughter to make sure I could still hear him. "I am captivated. So, I truly wish… to speak with her as soon as possible."

"Is that so?" Now, I just had to giggle. "Frederick, please raise your head." I stood up as he did and pointed to the side room. It took him a full second to realize what that meant, and his jaw dropped. "I love you dearly, by the way. You're both adorable."

"That… is a mean trick, my queen." Still, he was smiling. "A very mean trick."

"Let me have my fun." I laughed and headed out the door. "You two have proper confessions, and the like, okay? I'm going to find Cordelia and let her know I'm on break."

I closed the door behind me, before he could reply, and I made it only two steps before I had to stop and lean on the wall, giggling far too much to stand up. I was just… so happy for both of them. I really was.

"Kestrel?" Maribelle's worried face appeared in my vision. "Is everything alright?" she asked, frowning. "I saw Sumia running, then Frederick, and now you're out here…"

"They're sorting relationship things," I explained, still laughing. She instantly relaxed. "So, I'm on break and need to find Cordelia." I hooked my arm around hers and started down the hall. "Afterwards, we should have tea with Lissa."

"Sounds absolutely delightful, darling." Maribelle laughed as well, nodding. "I found this lovely tea that I believe you and dear Lissa will adore…"

As soon as winter faded for spring, people began preparations for a festival and not just the typical Spring Festival. Instead, the people began to celebrate the anniversary of the war's end, which of course meant that Chrom and I had to make an appearance. All the Shepherds had to, actually. To them, we were the 'heroes of the war', after all.

"Goodness, there's a lot going on," I murmured, subtly trying to shake the flower petals out of my hair. People were throwing them everywhere, and they were getting stuck in my circlet and bun. "I'm glad I decided against that elaborate headdress chain thing Maribelle originally pointed out." Surprised that there was no response, I turned to see Cordelia looking at something to the side. "Cordelia?"

"Y-yes?!" she squeaked. She looked back at me, and smiled. "Sorry, I thought I saw something."

"I see." I still frowned, noticing she was flushing. "Why do I have a… oh, hang on." I smiled politely as another person came up to greet Chrom and me. We were seated on a dais or whatever it was called, looking over everything benevolently.

Really, Chrom and I just wanted to walk through the streets, but unfortunately, we had to put on a show. Robin and Lissa, the lucky ones, got out of it.

"Now, then…" I murmured as the person left. A quick look showed that we had some time before the next 'event' for us, some sort of play being put on. "To continue. Based on how longingly you were looking-"

"I was not looking at him longingly," Cordelia instantly hissed. She scowled. "I was not."

"…I didn't say 'him'." I smiled slowly and she squirmed. "But now, I am most, most curious." I leaned to the side, wondering if I could catch sight of whoever caught Cordelia's eye. It took a moment before I noticed Libra was in the crowd, off to the side tending to someone. But every so often, he'd glance up at the dais, specifically to Cordelia. "Oh, Libra?"

"Mmm…" Her face reddened. "I'm sorry. I'm on duty, yet…"

"Oh, Cordelia." I laughed softly and turned my attention to Frederick, standing dutifully behind Chrom. "Frederick, you feel comfortable guarding both Chrom and me, right?"

"I would hesitate to agree outright, my queen, but we do have numerous guards, and both you and King Chrom are armed…" he replied slowly. Both he and Chrom frowned, though. "Why?"

"Cordelia's been overworking, as per usual, and I'd like to give her a bit of time off," I happily half-lied. I smiled brightly, even as Cordelia squeaked behind me, and while Frederick continued to frown, Chrom smiled back. "Please?"

"I… suppose that is acceptable." Frederick's eyes narrowed. "When you have to leave the dais, she should return."

"Of course." I nodded and turned back to Cordelia, who gave me the most exasperated-mortified look. "Go on. I think I see Libra in the crowd. You should get checked."

"I will get you back for this, my lady," she muttered. Still, she did smile slightly and nod. "But, I think… I will. I'll be back before long."

"Have fun," I whispered, waving and winking. She rolled her eyes and left the dais, and I shifted my chair a little closer to Chrom's, snagging his hand. "You don't mind, right?"

"I wish I could have so convenient an excuse to get out of this," Chrom instantly retorted. He leaned over to kiss my cheek, but both of us blushed at the squeals and cheers in the crowd. "I hate being on display. I really do."

"Just bear it a while longer, my king," Frederick murmured. He was back to being stoic, carefully glancing at everything around us. "After the plays, we'll have the parade."

"That's hardly better, you know."

"And after that, we're hiding you in the Barracks so that you can celebrate with the Shepherds."

"Now that I do like." Chrom grinned and I giggled. "Thank you."

"I'm well used to having to come up with a reward to get you to cooperate, my king." Frederick smiled ever-so-slightly. "You have always been like that."

"Hey!"

"Speaking of rewards and cooperation…" I began, smiling slowly. Frederick's smile immediately dropped at the sight. "Well, perhaps that's not the best lead in, but how are things with you and Sumia, Frederick?"

Thus began Chrom and I relentlessly teasing the living hell out of Frederick before settling down for the long series of plays of various degrees of competence. But they certainly got points for enthusiasm, at least.

During the later weeks of spring, Miriel and Kellam surprised everyone by eloping. I found it hilarious, and I found it even more hilarious at how many Shepherds were sulking over it.

"I can't believe they did that!" Lissa whined, pouting. She and I actually managed to have a break at the same time, so we were enjoying the sunshine on a balcony. "Seriously? The second marriage among our group, and they freaking eloped!"

"Miriel doesn't seem like a person who likes fuss, finding it inefficient," I quietly reminded. I still found it all far, far too amusing. "Kellam seems the same, I suppose."

"You're taking this way too calmly."

"I am not close to either of them, Lissa. In case you forgot, I've barely known you all for a year and a half now."

"…Oh, right." Lissa hummed a bit in thought, frowning slightly. "I guess I forgot. You're just so much a part of our lives now, you and Robin." Her frown deepened. "Wait, have you and Robin talked at all recently?"

"We manage here and there, but between my work and his…" I shrugged, trying not to feel too sad about it. He was the tactician of the army, and the ruler of a nearby duchy, so his days were filled with helping the army and learning how to rule a duchy. I was queen, with my days filled with organizing policies and charities, keeping the budget, ensuring that the castle ran smoothly, and arguing with nobles to get policies through. "We write daily."

"That still sucks." She sighed, kicking her feet back and forth. "I get now why Chrom thought Emm hated him for a time. I never knew Emm before she became Exalt. She already was the Exalt before I was born. It was all I knew." She looked down briefly before looking up at the clouds. "I'm still used to being able to just burst into Chrom's office and drag him out for fun. Pull pranks on him. See him whenever I want. Now, though, I basically have to make an appointment."

"If you're lonely, you should tell him."

"I am lonely, but I don't think there's anything that he can do. He barely takes breaks as is." She smiled at me. "The only time he gets a break is when he's with you, and I don't want to interfere with that." She made a face. "What if I walk in while you two are working on giving me a niece or nephew?"

"We lock the door." I grinned wickedly as she went bright red. "Sorry, I had to tease just a little."

"I'm sure." She grumbled something else, but laughter wafted up then. "Oh, that sounds like Maribelle." She popped out of her chair and leaned over the railing, frowning slightly. "Looks like she's walking with Lon'qu."

"Is she?" I walked over to the railing as well, and smiled when I saw she was right. I smiled more when I saw Lon'qu, shakily and bright red, kiss Maribelle's hand. Maribelle's resulting smile was brighter than the sun. "Looks like they're doing well."

"They are." Lissa's expression was half-smiles, half-tears. "Ah… I'm so stupid…"

"No, you're not." I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug. "You fell in love with a good man. You stayed back when you saw he loved someone else. That's very mature, Lissa, though I'm sure it hurts." I almost wished I could sympathize, but I couldn't. Chrom was the only one I'd ever fallen in love with, and by some miracle, he returned those feelings. "And you'll fall in love again. Sumia and Cordelia did."

"Oh, right, Cordelia and Libra are dating now." Lissa laughed. It wobbled from unshed tears, but it was also very bright and cheerful. "I'm glad. Libra smiles so much now. Cordelia seems just as happy."

"She is." Cordelia's default was a smile nowadays. I was happy for her. "It'll be fine. This pain will pass."

"…Yeah." She nodded and leaned against me. "Though, I'm still peeved about Miriel and Kellam eloping."

"You should tell them, next time you see them."

"I will."

Early summer should've been a happy time. Chrom and I were married during the early summer. We should've been celebrating. But both of us, looking at finances and the like, decided against having our own celebration for it, instead planning on combining it with the next known festival, the harvest festival in the autumn. Most around us frowned, but we insisted. It didn't feel right, and in the middle of making such decisions, we got a message from Flavia. Ferox was dealing with a rebellion, and they urged us to watch our borders.

"So, they specifically requested us to not get involved?" I asked, frowning slightly. Ferox was known for its pride in warfare, but this seemed… "There's more to this request than simply 'culture', isn't there?"

"There is," Olivia confirmed. She had returned to Ferox briefly for a couple of shows, and had returned with her messages, as well as a personal request from Basilio: let Olivia stay here. "The rebels are gathering people because they dislike that so many died for a 'foreign war'."

"Even though death in battle is regarded so highly." I leaned back in my chair, still frowning. I had been in my study, with Cordelia standing guard behind me, when Olivia had come in with her news. "Is it because it's been so long since Ferox went to a 'proper' war?"

"Basilio thinks so, yes." Olivia fidgeted a bit, and I felt bad. It did very much look like I was interrogating her, but I had no other chairs to offer. I should've just stood, but I had expected this to be a simple greeting, and now, it felt awkward to stand. "Most of the rebels are young. The older ones are rolling their eyes."

"I see." I nodded, resisting the urge to sigh. I hated that Ferox was suffering for helping us. "You also mentioned signs of Risen picking up again?"

"Yes, in the more isolated sections." Olivia clasped her hands in front of her. "It could be simply some from the original batches that weren't found. I would've thought the cold…"

"The cold should've frozen them. They're corpses." At the same time, though, perhaps the dark magic involved made them immune to that. "It's still troubling. That's the first sign of Risen since…" There had been no reports of Risen since Emmeryn's death. To suddenly have them again didn't bode well. "I fear we'll all be dragged to war again before long, if this is a new bunch." And if they were new, then Grimleal were involved. I knew how manipulative they were. Was this sudden rebellion their fault? Or was I just jumping at shadows?

"I'm sorry to bring you such news." Olivia smiled tentatively. "You should be celebrating."

"Chrom and I are waiting. It's fine." I made myself smile at her and pushed aside the troubling thoughts. My father was dead. Regardless of everything else, the Grimleal would have to be weakened because of that. I hoped. "Now, then, who is your next destination? Robin?"

"P-pardon?" Her face immediately went pink at Robin's name. "I… um…"

"That is quite the blush." I couldn't help but laugh and she looked away, blush deepening. "So, I suspected, but you're interested in my twin, aren't you?"

"I… um… er…"

"I'll warn you that he is horribly oblivious. It makes sense, but you might need to make the first move." I laughed again when her blush darkened further. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing for now. I do look forward to talking more with you though, Olivia." I turned to Cordelia, who barely hid her own snickers. "Can you escort her?"

"Certainly," Cordelia agreed. Olivia gave both of us a confused look, even as Cordelia led her out. "I'll be back momentarily."

"Tell Robin that I'm free tomorrow for lunch," I called after them. Cordelia waved to show she'd heard, and I settled back in my chair, giggling. Perhaps that had been quite mean, especially since Olivia and I really weren't close. Honestly, all I really knew about her was that she was shy, a talented dancer, a brilliant singer, a skilled cook, and Basilio's all-but-adopted daughter. And my brother's crush. For that reason alone, I really should get to know her better.

Still giggling, I returned to my work, balancing the budget among other things. As I worked, though, I noticed some movement by the door and looked up, curious. I frowned when I noticed it was two armed people, their clothing and weapons implying quite a bit of money. The poor grips they held the weapons, though, implied they weren't mercenaries.

"Well, well, do we have more traitor nobles?" I asked softly, watching them closely. Both simply glared in response. "Mmm, yes, now I think I remember your faces. You're among the ones that betrayed Emmeryn, and now you're… what? Here to kill me? Do you think I am the reason for your fall? I assure you; I had nothing to do with your sentencing."

They didn't answer. They simply advanced, doing their best to appear menacing. I gave them my drollest look in response and carefully reached into my drawer. Neither held themselves properly for a fight, and they didn't move as one unit. They walked stiffly, clearly not even trying to work together. In fact, one moved ahead.

"It really does surprise me the extent to which you people will try to deny your own fault," I continued anyway, still keeping perfectly calm. I felt for the cool hilt hiding in the drawer and waited for the first to come just a bit closer. "Killing me won't get your titles back, you know. This is a really poor plan."

The first one came within range. They tried to swing at me. But I had the dagger out before they did, batted their arm to the side, and slammed the dagger into their wrist, hard enough to actually pin it to the desk. Blood spilled out from around the injury, pooling under their arm.

"What the…?!" the second one yelped, taking a step back. Their companion was already sobbing, breath already thin and hissy from pain. "You… you have a…"

"Cordelia gave me the most lovely dagger for my anniversary," I informed them lightly. Indeed, she'd given it to me specifically because I had a habit of sending her off with messages and daggers were easier to keep near than a sword. "I love it so much I make sure to keep it on hand at all times." I leaned forward slightly, watching them. "So, what are you going to do?"

"P-pardon?"

"You may continue to advance with that sword, but in close quarters, a sword isn't going to be as useful as a dagger." I tapped the hilt of mine pointedly before shifting my grip to make it easier to rip it out. "So, I am afraid that if you strike, I will have to use this one. But there are a lot of veins and arteries in the wrist. Important ones. Your comrade will bleed out very quickly as soon as I pull this out." I smiled slowly at them, perfectly poised. "I can also guarantee you that I have more fighting experience than you, and with that sword and the holes in your guard, I will kill you. So, your choice. Do you both live, or do you both die?"

"You…" Their voice shook. "Who do you think you are?"

"I am the Queen of Ylisse, and I suffer no one, least of all treacherous fools who think they can kill me so easily." My smile widened. "So, what's your choice?"

They dropped their blade and fell to their knees. I retrieve the sword and kept it by my side while I worked, only stopping with Cordelia walked in and helped me deal with them. When I told Chrom about it later, he laughed and laughed, calling me his 'Warrior Queen'. I blamed him when the people started calling me the same just a few days later.

A month or so after the rather pathetic assassination attempt, Chrom decided to visit Southtown, the town where Robin and I first met him, in response to hearing about some flooding damage. I went with him, as did Robin and all of the Shepherds. It was more than a relief, traveling about as we did. We even camped, like we used to.

When we prepared to leave Southtown, though, Anna insisted that we head further south. Confused, we did so, expecting trouble. Instead, though, we found ourselves quickly whisked onto a boat and sailing to a nearby island. It was only when we landed that we learned just what Anna had done: arranged us a day trip to the beach.

"I'm still so very confused by all of this," I muttered, walking the beach with Robin. It seemed Anna had an identical sister, also named Anna, who was setting up a resort on the island here, and we were the 'test subjects' for it. "I hope nothing happens while we're away."

"Same here," Robin sighed. Sounds of laughter from the nearby Shepherds, however, made us both smile. "They're having fun."

"That they are." I waved as I noticed a couple look our way. "Do you want to splash about the waves?"

"I'm pretty content with what we're doing, truthfully." He smiled brightly and playfully kicked some of the water by our feet. "Besides, I am in no hurry to wear those bathing suit things."

"Same, truthfully." I laughed, unable to help it. I didn't see the point of having clothes specifically for swimming. "I much prefer this sundress I'm wearing."

"It suits you." He grinned and I grinned back. He was dressed just as casually as I was. "Ah, I love wearing simple clothes again. Can I give the duchy title back?"

"You'll need to designate an heir. Otherwise, Chrom is right back to where he was."

"True." Robin groaned, shaking his head. "I just dislike it. We're both so busy nowadays."

"The stories never talk about the work peace brings." Still, I smiled. "You know; we've been with them for over a year."

"We have."

"This is the longest you and I have ever stayed in one place since Mom died." I skipped to the side a bit so that I could walk through the water more. It was cold around me. "I must admit; I'm afraid for them."

"Sister…" Robin smiled, and snagged me in a hug, resting his cheek against my head. "Relax. Even if someone comes to try and take this happiness from us, we'll simply fight to keep it. As I told you, we deserve happiness. You deserve happiness."

"I suppose." I stopped and turned around, watching the Shepherds from a distance. It felt both 'right' and 'wrong' to be so far away. "They're the first people to protect us and not die, Robin."

"We're strong together, Kestrel." He grinned. "Have a bit of faith."

"Maybe." I smiled teasingly. "But seriously, you say the cheesiest things with such a straight face. Olivia's here. Go say cheesy things to her."

"H-hey!" His face immediately went pink, and it went pinker when I nudged him to where she was sitting under a beach umbrella. "Whoa, hang on! I get to talk to you for the first time in forever!"

"You and I have been hanging out all day." I pointed to the horizon for emphasis. The sun was setting. "Honestly, Robin, I'm planning on heading to bed. I was up early talking with people and being the visible queen."

"True." He still sulked, though. "I love you, sister."

"Love you too. So…" This time, I just shoved him towards Olivia. "Go woo your pink princess."

"That's… that doesn't even…!" His face went redder and redder, and I laughed and laughed. "Ugh, you're horrible."

"I remember you attempting to tease me about Chrom."

"Ugh…!" He scowled, and I kept on laughing. "Fine, fine. Sweet dreams."

"You too." Still laughing, I skipped down the beach, heading back towards the 'resort' part of the place. As I did, I glanced around, mostly just checking that everyone was smiling. I paused when I noticed a particularly odd pairing, Gaius and Tharja, who sat very close to one another. Tharja was even blushing, which surprised me. I then shrugged and continued on my way, deciding it was only my business if someone made it my business. It wasn't like the rest of us were all pairing off or anything.

"Oh, where are you going?" Anna suddenly snagged me by the arm and started tugging me. "This way, this way!" she insisted. I frowned as we passed by the rooms and onto another path entirely. "And over here, and a turn here, and… ta-da~!" We took a sudden sharp turn, and she gestured grandly at a little house, away from the others. "This is where you're staying, Queen Kestrel."

"I am?" I asked, confused. I'd assumed I'd be with the others. "Why?"

"You may think of it as, well, an anniversary present. Since you and Chrom haven't really celebrated yet." She winked and pushed me inside. "I already cleared this with Frederick and Cordelia. You two will have the place to yourself!"

"…Suddenly, this trip makes so much sense." I laughed, unable to help it. "Conspirators."

"It works out because I didn't tell a single lie." She grinned, skipping off. "You go settle in. I'll bring your husband to you before long."

I waved her goodbye, and then actually looked about the little house. It had only one bedroom, as well as a kitchen and a bathroom, but it was decorated with brightly colored curtains, soft colored flowers, and beautifully polished shells. The bed itself was soft and simple, the only decoration a beautiful woven blanket. It was beautiful, really. The whole room was. It was nice and simple, yet gorgeous. It reminded me of a 'more put together' version of the house Mom, Robin, and I had lived in at Ferox.

"You think we can convince Anna to sell us some of the things in here?" Chrom's voice was soft in my ear and I glanced back to see him leaning against me, smiling softly. "Maybe the blanket, at least," he murmured, hugging me. He was still wet from the sea, and a little chilled. "Your eyes lit up at it."

"Reminds me of my mom," I whispered. I smiled sadly at him. "I'm still quite the simple girl at heart."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I love you. You give me all the happiness in the world." I sighed as he still looked sadly. "Oh, for goodness sake…" I twisted and pinned him under me, grinning. "I suppose I can show you."

"…Yeah, sure?" He laughed. "I'm afraid that you've already made my brain stop."

"Good." I leaned down to kiss him. "I love you."

"I love you too, Kes."

In the first weeks of autumn, Flavia got word to us that she and Basilio won the 'rebellion', but that stragglers might've made it to the border. A few days later, we heard of raids on said border, and we immediately marched for villages. Just in time, as they set one of the villages on fire.

"This way, this way!" I yelled, helping some children through the flames. Flavia and Basilio were fighting off the rebels, so we Shepherds were dealing with evacuating people and trying to deal with the fire. "And out we go!" I helped some children jump out of a broken window before following them quickly. A good thing, considering that the building began collapsing on itself shortly after. "Who, that was…" I coughed and stumbled a bit, feeling lightheaded. "Ah…"

"There you are!" Sumia caught me, helping me over to the side. "Oh, I knew I should've kept a better eye on you," she scolded, passing me some water. I tried to take it, but found myself strangely tired. "You've some burns… I should get you to a healer."

"Sorry, the plan hadn't been for that to be so close," I murmured, shaking my head. Unfortunately, it only made me more lightheaded. "A child ran up the stairs, and then I found more."

"You okay?" She peered at me worriedly. "Come on. You've been running about a lot."

"I must be out of shape if this is bothering me." I rubbed my temple. "Ugh…"

"Come on." Sumia wrapped an arm around me and helped me wobble over to where everyone was gathering. "I think we're almost good."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She waved to someone, but I stumbled again, feeling even more lightheaded. "Kestrel? Kestrel!"

I felt myself falling. I saw nothing but blackness for… well, it felt like a split-second to me. Based on how I opened my eyes to a ceiling and lying on a bed, though, I figured it was much longer.

"I fainted?" I groaned, pushing myself up. My vision blurred and I leaned forward. "Seriously? I fainted?"

"Ah, you're awake." A cool hand rested against my cheek and turned my face up. "How do you feel?" Libra asked, smiling gently. "Dizzy still?"

"A bit." I sighed, straightening. "I also feel pathetic. Really pathetic. Please at least tell me that I fainted while things were quiet?"

"You did. You mostly missed Flavia and Basilio tell us that they've won." Libra laughed softly and sat in a chair next to me. "You also missed the utter panic of everyone."

"Ugh…" I glowered at the blankets before closing my eyes again. "I'm nauseous. Did I breath too much smoke?"

"No, thankfully. That might've been bad for the baby."

"Yeah, I suppose… huh?" I froze and I gave him a weird look. Libra just smiled serenely. "Bad for the… what?"

"You should also be fair to your body. Lightheadedness and fatigue are common during the first months of pregnancy." He still continued to smile. "Your body is changing to accommodate the baby, after all."

"I… that…" I continued staring. It didn't quite connect. "I'm…"

"Congratulations, Queen Kestrel." His smile warmed. "You're with child. My best guess is that you're a month or two in."

"Oh." I was… I was what? Pregnant? Child? The sentence made sense, yet… "That's… um…" Tears suddenly filled my eyes, but I found myself smiling. "Ah."

"You're likely going to be very emotional as well." He patted my shoulder reassuringly and stood up. "Would you like me to inform King Chrom of the good news, or yourself?"

"You'd better." I coughed a bit and rubbed roughly at my eyes. "I'm… ah… still…"

"Need to rest. Healer's orders." He gave me another smile before leaving the room, closing the door behind him quietly.

Within a couple of minutes, though, the door burst open, Chrom stumbling inside. He stared at me for a moment before closing the distance between us, kissing me soundly and wrapping me up in a hug. "I love you," he whispered, kissing me all over my face. I couldn't help but laugh at the ticklish feeling. "I love you."

"I love you too, Chrom," I replied, placing my hands on his face so that I could kiss him back. "I love you too."

Notes on Anna:

Class – Trickster; Reclass – Archer, Mage

A quickminded merchant with a very large family of identical sisters who all share the same name. There must be some sort of conspiracy.

Fights more for self-defense than anything, her true skills is being able to get a bargain. Though she is quite quick.

Apparently well traveled, talking of different continents and a lover named 'Jake'.

Author's note: So, each scene represents different parts of a season, with the first one being late summer (a couple months after Kestrel's marriage) and ending with early autumn. Lucina's birthday is April 20th, so counting backwards, that implies she was conceived somewhere around late summer, early autumn. The second late-summer scene is vaguely based off the Summer Scramble DLC. Also have some pairings?

There is no Feroxi revolt in game, but there is dummy data mentioning 'Feroxi rebels', suggesting that at some point in development, there were plans for the Shepherds to get involved in a Feroxi Civil War. I'm pushing it off-screen, mostly to add to Flavia's eventual request for aid against Walhart.

'Fauder' is Validar's Japanese name. Since Kestrel would recognize her father's name, I switched it up.

Next Chapter – Interlude, Mother (last interlude of the two year time skip)