"Lissa dear, is that a new dress?"

Lissa nodded as she took a sip of tea. Lemon, her favorite. "Yeah Maribelle. My old one was feeling a little tight, so I decided to put on a more casual one."

"And your hair?"

Lissa giggled. She had allowed her hair to flow freely. "Well, since I wasn't wearing my usual dress I didn't see much point in doing all that work to get them into pigtails. I kind of like it myself."

Maribelle sipped her tea. "Well, if you like it I have no complaint. But have you been faring well Lissa? This period is normally trying for any woman after all."

Lissa rubbed her stomach. "Well, I've put on some weight recently. But that's pretty normal after three months."

Maribelle nodded. "True. But that is not what I meant."

Lissa furrowed her brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well, your husband is currently fighting in a war in another country, and you have been left here to sit and wait. And while with child no less. I fear stress and anxiety will negatively affect both you and your child."

Lissa rubbed her cup absentmindedly. "I don't know how to answer that one. I know why he is over there and I know why he's fighting. I agree with liberating all those poor people and ending that tyrant Walhart's rule. But..."

Maribelle raised an eyebrow. "But?"

"But all I can think about is how I want Sekai here with me. I mean, how selfish is that? My husband is out there saving a continent, and I would rather he be here."

Maribelle smiled. "That's not selfish dearie. That's being a wife." Lissa gave her a confused look. "You think I don't want Donnel here with me? If I had my way he would have never stepped foot on that boat and would be sipping tea with us right now. But I know Donnel, and he would never stand by while others needed help if he could help it."

Lissa nodded. Sekai, though he wouldn't readily admit it, was very much the same. It was one of the things she loved so much about him.

"So, how do you do it Maribelle? How do you not pull your hair out worrying?"

"Aside from how undignified such an action would be? It helps knowing your husband is watching my own." Lissa's eyebrows raised in surprise causing Maribelle to nod. "Sekai has proven to be a very able tactician. I know he will do all in his power to keep Donnel safe. And I also know he will do the same with everyone under his command."

Lissa scowled. "At the cost of himself."

Maribelle gave a glum nod. "True. I swear, why your husband likes to endanger himself at every opportunity I will never know. At least the others know this and will keep an eye on him."

Lissa nodded. "Yeah. Though I still wish he was here and not there. I'd be happy to at least have him here for Saint's Day."

Maribelle placed her tea down. "I understand some ships returned today from Valm. Who knows, maybe Sekai was on one of them."

Lissa sighed. "I doubt it. Once Sekai gets to work basically nothing can get him to stop. They would have to force him onto that boat, and I doubt anyone would go that far."

Maribelle scowled. "Not the best mindsets to have as a husband."

Lissa shrugged. "One of the things I love. He doesn't want war anymore than anyone else, but once it rears it's head he puts everything he has into ending it quickly."

"Well I still say-" A large commotion outside one of the windows interrupted her. "Gah, what are these ruffians doing? They know to be quiet during our regular tea time."

Lissa craned her neck to look out the window. "It's not their fault. A bunch of carriages are sitting outside."

Maribelle scoffed. "That is no excuse for being so loud."

Lissa continued to stare. The guards were bringing out several chests, probably the belongings of the carriage occupants. She didn't see anyone but the guards though. Perhaps they'd already entered?

Before she could voice this observation though, there was a knock at the door. One of the guards opened the door.

"Excuse me ladies, but you have some people here to see you."

"What?" Maribelle said. "I don't recall any appointments scheduled today. Who is it?"

The guard shrugged. "I don't know, I was told to come get you two."

Maribelle narrowed her eyes. "Fine. I shall be down soon to greet our guests."

The guard shrugged again and left. Maribelle stood up and straightened her outfit and hair. Lissa gave a small pout at her friend.

"Hey, what do you mean YOU are the one going down to greet them?"

"Dear, you are not dressed to entertain right now. Besides, I am merely seeing what these people want, then I am sending them away. Please stay here, I shall return momentarily."

Maribelle then turned and left the room. Lissa began to move so she could follow, despite objections that would be sure to follow, but a sudden wave of nausea forced her to sit back down. Perhaps Maribelle had a point. One downside to pregnancy was the sudden sickness, which could really put a damper on a conversation.

She once again took her cup of tea in hand, though she also began to nibble on some ginger that had been served with the tea. She spent some time just staring out the window. The skies were clear, a rarity in Ferox, and she could hear the guards outside as they worked. Apparently a new carriage was coming, and from the sounds of it the carriage was carrying animals. There was something about that roar though, something...familiar...

The sound of the door opening behind her snapped her back to reality. It was probably Maribelle.

"Back already? I hope you weren't to mean Maribelle..."

"Just the normal "I don't deserve to be married to you". She was actually quite pleasant."

Lissa nearly spit out her tea. It couldn't be...

She turned her head, not believing what...no, WHO she heard. Sure enough, there stood Sekai wearing his Grandmaster cloak.

"Hey Lissa, it's been to-"

Sekai was cut off when his wife suddenly tackled him in joy.

...

"Chrom said THAT!? HAHAHAHA!" Lissa laughed.

Sekai nodded. "Still can't believe he outsmarted me."

They were all sitting at the table, dining on the best cuisine Ferox had to offer. Which consisted primarily of meat. Sekai was busy recounting the tale of how Chrom "convinced" Sekai to travel back to Ylisse. He kept out the part about Chrom blackmailing him though, no need for Lissa to know that.

"But so we're running the Festival this year huh?" Lissa asked going starry eyed.

Sekai gave a curt nod. Morgan looked over at her mother who currently was still staring off into space.

"Father, is Mother okay?"

Sekai nodded. "Your mother absolutely loves Saint's Day. She's begged Chrom every year that I know of to let her run it. Tradition dictates however that the ruler of the country hosts the festival so she was always denied her request."

"But now Mother has can run the festival?"

"Exactly. Since Uncle Chrom must remain in Valm, it falls to the next royal in line, which happens to be your mother."

Morgan furrowed her brow. "What about you Father? Aren't you Ylissean royalty?"

Sekai nodded. "Technically yes. But your mother is far more suited to this task than myself. She is more...diplomatic."

Maribelle nodded. "Playing nice has never been a strong suit of yours has it?"

Lissa snapped herself out of her trance. "Hey, Sekai can be plenty nice. It's just he...well, ummm..."

Sekai ate a piece of steak. "Lacking in patience."

Lissa chuckled nervously. "Yeah...that...heh heh."

Gaius, who was currently eating a sweetbun, spoke up. "I personally can't wait to see you in action Bubbles. Should be quite the treat."

Stahl chuckled. "It will be fun to watch."

Sekai groaned. "Thank Naga my friends are here to support me." He muttered sarcastically.

Owain smiled. "Don't worry father, all will be well."

Morgan nodded. "Yeah, what's the worst that can happen?"

Sekai drank some water. "Knowing my luck, the worst will be the least of my problems."

Lissa smiled. "I'm sure everything will be fine. But we need to discuss plans for the Festival, it's only two weeks away."

Sekai nodded. "It would be best to get to Ylisstol quickly. Lissa, Maribelle, how soon can you two be packed and ready for travel?"

"We can be packed and ready by tonight." Lissa said.

Maribelle nodded. "We packed for a battlefield, so packing up for us is a pretty quick affair."

Sekai nodded again as he stood up. "Then please do. I'll go and arrange for transport to Ylisstol. Let's plan to leave by noon tomorrow."

With that he left the dining room."

...

"It will be done Milord."

Sekai nodded as he watched the runner leave to carry his message. Despite his business being concluded, Sekai remained outside as he stared out at the setting sun. The manor Lissa had been lent gave a nice view over the small town, and watching the sun set over the ocean was a wonderful sight.

He must have been standing there for some time because Lissa soon came looking for him. She found her husband standing in the cold Feroxian air. Seeing him spaced out, she couldn't help but decide to mess with him. Taking a quick look around, she was happy to discover a small snail slithering about. Fighting the urge to shudder as she picked up the slimy thing, she crept over to Sekai.

And promptly dropped the creature down his back.

He slapped the back of his neck and let out a yelp of surprise, causing Lissa to burst out into laughter.

"HAHAHAHA!"

"Wha-bu-LISSA! Gods bless it I was thinking."

Lissa flashed an innocent smile. "Can you blame me Sekai? It's been a whole MONTH since I last saw your rubbery face. How could I not drop this snail down your back?"

Sekai narrowed his eyes. "I'm pretty sure you didn't."

Lissa remained unperturbed. "Did to. By the way, where is that snail?" She looked around the ground, being careful not to accidentally step on the poor creature.

Sekai walked up close to Lissa, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh, it's around." Before Lissa could respond Sekai grabbed her lower back in a mock hug and pulled her in close, causing her to yelp in surprise.

"S-Sekai!?"

Sekai smiled. "My beloved princess, don't you know better than to enter battle with a tactician?" He suddenly pulled the snail from out of his sleeve and held it over her head, causing her to suddenly squirm.

"H-Hey! Wait a minute Sekai..."

"Oh, why? Surely you're not scared of a little snail, especially since you had no problem dropping it down MY back."

Lissa kept struggling futilely. "Ah, no please don't Sekai. You know how much I hate slimy things in my hair." She whined.

Sekai wouldn't stop. "Oh but this snail seems SO excited to meet you. I'd hate to disappoint."

"Please Sekai, I'll do anything."

"Anything huh?" Lissa nodded, keeping her eyes closed. "Well, okay. I guess I'll settle by doing...THIS!"

Before Lissa could ask what, or even open her eyes fully, she felt Sekai kissing her full force. He tossed the snail back into the bushes as he held her close. Getting swept up into the moment, Lissa hugged Sekai's neck as she began to kiss him back.

Before things could get any more heated however, they both heard a coughing sound coming from next to them, causing them both to jump in shock.

"GAHHH!" Lissa squealed.

"AAH...Kellam?" Sekai asked.

The elusive knight in question nodded. "Sorry to interrupt, but that was getting...uncomfortable."

Lissa, annoyed at being interrupted, scoffed. "Well maybe you shouldn't be so nosy then, huh?"

Kellam, still blushing in embarrassment, stuttered out. "But...but I...I've been standing here for-"

"Lissa," Sekai interrupted. "Go start packing. We can...continue catching up later. I should bring Kellam up to speed on everything."

Lissa scowled in annoyance but acquiesced. Giving him one last kiss on the cheek, Lissa reentered the manor, leaving the two men to stand in an awkward silence.

"So...have you been well Kellam?"

Kellam nodded. "As well as I can be. Miriel and Laurent are doing fine?"

Sekai smiled. "Yes. Laurent in particular. Kid could make a decent tactician someday if he wanted to. They also apologize for forgetting you by the way."

Kellam grimaced. "Being left behind during a war is a new one, but I guess it's not to surprising. Since I was here anyways, I've taken to guarding Ladies Lissa and Maribelle. Congratulations on the kid by the way."

Sekai nodded. "Thank you, for both the congratulations and guarding these two. Knowing you have been standing guard makes me feel at ease. Any problems I should know about?"

Kellam shook his head. "If you're wondering about any attempted attacks none have happened yet. But the knowledge of Lissa's pregnancy isn't widely known."

Sekai nodded. "Which is soon to change."

"Don't worry Sekai, we'll keep her safe."

"Of course we will. But enough with that business, there is much I have to tell you about this war my friend."

Kellam smiled. "I'd like that. Is it to much I'll be able to hear a bit of your next plan."

Sekai returned the smile. "Believe me Kellam, you will be one of the star pieces in this plan. Come, let's talk of it inside."

...

Lissa ran about and tumbled in the field. She was wearing a long, white dress and her hair ran free. The sky was blue, with puffy white clouds hanging overhead. Lissa laughed as she rolled about.

"Having fun?" A voice chuckled behind her.

Lissa turned around and smiled as she saw Sekai watching over her. He was sitting on a blanket, food laying on the blanket. A little boy sat near him, dark hair crowning his head and a tiny wooden sword in his grip.

"Come on Lissa, Owain's getting hungry."

Lissa smiled as she picked herself up and moved over to the blanket. She picked up Owain and turned him over, putting him on her lap facing her. She immediately saw Sekai in his face, the same sharp eyes and defined face. She nuzzled her nose with little Owain's, a great love for the child filling up within her.

Owain placed his tiny hands on her stomach. "Momma, is Morgan coming soon?"

"Mor-" Lissa looked down and found she was pregnant. With Morgan. "Sekai!" She called out, joy coursing through her. She looked around, curious as to where he suddenly disappeared. She then noticed him standing far off near a single tree.

Why was he so far away?

Before she could ask anything though, a boom of thunder resounded from the sky. The beautiful field became desolate, the blue skies suddenly gray.

Owain stood in front of her, full grown and a steel sword in his grip.

"STAY BACK MOTHER!" He called out.

Morgan suddenly appeared next to him, a tome open before her and glowing.

"We'll handle this!"

Lissa looked at her children in alarm. What was going on? Who was attacking them?

Where was Sekai?

Her answer came when she looked over her children. She saw Sekai standing where he was, only this time he was facing them with his hood up. What was he doing? Why were Owain and Morgan pointing their weapons at him?

"S-Sekai?" She whimpered

A purple glow emanated from his eyes when he looked at her. He raised a hand forward, pointing a finger straight at them. Then she heard a roar and saw a shadow descending upon them.

...

Lissa jolted forward, the ghost of a scream lodged in her throat.

A cool air breezed past her from the open window, moonlight the only light enveloping the room she slept in.

A movement beneath the covers alerted her back to reality.

"Lissa? Is everything okay?" Sekai muttered drowsily.

Lissa gulped. "I'm fine Sekai...just a bad dream."

Sekai groaned a response before he lifted an arm. Lissa snuggled herself into the embrace, basking in the slow movements of his chest as he resumed sleeping. Lissa felt her beating heart slow down as she cuddled up to Sekai.

Before she could fall back asleep though, her gaze fell upon a large scar on Sekai's shoulder. Her hand then subconsciously rubbed where a scar was located on his abdomen. Lissa then looked over at where Sekai's right hand rested, specifically the dark tattoo now visible as the bare hand laid on his stomach.

The nightmare fresh in her mind, Lissa tenderly enveloped her hand in his. Knowing what Sekai had been born to become didn't make her love her husband any less. On the contrary, it only made her love his compassionate, caring side even more. But she now held the fear she would lose that side, that the Sekai she loved would be lost to her forever...

Lissa shook her head. That situation would never happen, she refused to even let it be a possibility. But that didn't alleviate the fears she had as she snuggled closer to her sleeping husband.

...

Sekai woke up the next morning just as the sun began to rise. Since he was normally awake a few hours before this time, his mind felt a little groggy from oversleeping. Sekai tried to rise out of bed, but a strange weight prevented him from doing so.

Blinking so as to clear his vision, Sekai found himself looking at his wife dozing happily, body curled up laying atop him. He shouldn't have been to surprised, Lissa would always be a little clingy after time spent apart. That, and bouts of intimacy, but that was another matter.

Still, despite enjoying waking up with his wife next to him for the first time in over three months, Sekai had some things to handle before they left for Ylisstol.

"Lissa, get off honey. I have things to do."

Lissa wiggled her body into Sekai but otherwise didn't move.

Sekai lightly shook her. "Come on Lissa, let me get up."

Lissa yawned cutely and then snuggled back into Sekai, nuzzling his neck with the top of her head.

"..."

Well, he WAS on vacation...

It wasn't for another three hours before he finally got out of bed.

...

The conversation was dragging on and on, but Sekai found himself pleasurably enduring it by daydreaming about wrapping his hand's around the fat man's neck and squeezing.

Gods did he hate nobles. Except for Maribelle and her family. They were tolerable...mostly. At least they didn't blather on and on and oh gods was he STILL talking?

Maybe Lon'Qu was right and he should just challenge the man. Naga knew it would make him happy to beat on the man.

It had been roughly a week since they had arrived back at Ylisstol, and almost immediately Sekai ran into opposition with some of the noble houses. It wasn't outright rebellion of course, but there was a bunch of debate and questioning. And leading the charge was none other than Sekai's biggest fan, Lord Byron.

"Prince Sekai, you cannot HONESTLY be suggesting we allow foreigners to guard our city!"

"And what more would you have me do Lord Byron? Khan Lon'Qu is an honored guest, and the Feroxians are being cautious considering the current security force we have is barely enough to cover Ylisstol as it is. Must I remind you that they just lost Khan Basilio?"

Byron sneered. "If they are so worried they shouldn't bother coming. Besides, if you are so worried about security, just enlist from the citysfolk."

Sekai rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "We have already instituted a draft for Valm Lord Byron, and that is where the majority of our people are. If I attempt to draft those who are left into the guards forces, there is a liable chance of opposition."

"Then might I suggest-"

"No Byron you may not. Your "suggestions" are as helpful as a bucket full of holes. Now I have made a decision, and if you or anyone else have a problem with it you are invited to stay home and not attend the Festival. Now unless you have any LEGITIMATE concerns or suggestions, then you are dismissed."

Byron grew red in the face. "Now see here you Plegian-"

"Stahl, if you please."

Stahl stepped forward. "Of course Sekai. If you please sir." Stahl grabbed the man and began to leading the man towards the exit.

"Unhand me you lowborn knight, or I will see to it-" The rest if his threat was inaudible as Stahl closed the door on the sputtering noble.

Sekai slumped in the throne as Stahl walked up to him.

"Gods, why do those people think I WANT this throne again?"

Stahl smiled. "It could be worse. It could be permanent."

Sekai groaned with his face in his hands. "Remind me later to sign the proper legislature to prevent Chrom from ever leaving this castle again."

"Heh, I'll make sure. So, you ready for the next visitor?"

Sekai sighed. "Send them in." He muttered.

The next couple of hours was spent meeting with nobles who wanted to either complain about something or other, or the rare few who wanted to volunteer their services. There was also the occasional merchant dispute or problem requiring a resolution of some sorts.

By the end of it all Sekai was feeling incredibly exhausted. Stahl finished letting the last person out before he closed the door for good. Smiling to attempt to raise Sekai's spirits, the green haired knight walked up to Sekai.

"Now that wasn't so bad was it?"

Sekai looked up and stared straight into Stahl's eyes. "I'll die before I do something like this again. Gods, how does Chrom actually do this. I'm just handling the Festival, I'd hate to actually run the country."

"You're not to bad though. Chrom would have thrown half those people out."

Sekai sighed. "I suppose Chrom has to be good at something besides swinging around a sword."

"Well, that was the last of the visitors for today. Tomorrow Lon'Qu and his group will arrive, and then the day after that the festival will begin."

Sekai nodded. "We'll have to work out shifts for everyone then. No sense in letting anyone miss out on the Festival after all."

Stahl nodded. "I'm sure everyone will appreciate that. Will you be requiring anything else tonight Sekai?"

Sekai shook his head. "No thank you Stahl. Why don't you stay and join my family for dinner though, the cooks always seem to make more than we can eat."

Stahl smiled. "I would enjoy that."

Elsewhere in Ylisstol...

"That blasted Plegian. How dare he speak to ME like that. This will not stand, I will NOT allow it."

Byron was currently in the back of his carriage, still fuming over the earlier meeting with the second "Prince" of Ylisse. Ever since that dastard had arrived and manipulated his way into the influence of the royal family, all of Byron's well crafted plans to expand his own influence had failed. The Plegian had seduced the princess away from his son, allowed commoners and heathens have run of the palace, and was now going to put the safety and security of Ylisstol in the hands of BARBARIANS.

There were rumors also that he was even the current king of Plegia's son! And with the recent announcement of the princess's pregnancy, it was obvious there had to be some secret plot going on. Yes, Byron could see it now. Exalt Chrom would "unfortunately" fall in the current war in Valm, leaving a distraught Queen Olivia who would be unable to rule, leaving Princess Lissa and the Plegian dog to step in. From then on the new Exalt would make concession after concession to the Feroxian barbarians to the north, or to his heathen people to the south, until eventually Plegia would overrun them. The only crux in the plan would be the current fate of the young princess Lucina. By all rights she would inherit the throne once she came of age, so it's obvious she would be an obstacle that would have to be removed.

Well not if Byron could help it.

Byron's family had been a noble family of Ylisse for generations, and he would not stand by while some heathen destroyed his country. Chances are it was to late to save the Exalt, but he could protect the princess. Of course the princess would then need an adviser to steer her the right way...

Byron began stroking his chin. From what he remembered, there was an apothecary shop in the outer parts of town that also sold poison to get rid of pests and vermin. Byron gave a resolute nod.

He would protect his country.

You know, I almost feel bad for Byron. I created him long ago to just be the "face" of the noble Sekai would hate, and now he is just a pawn for me to use to do something in this story. Well, I tried to make him unlikeable so it's not like to many people will miss him when I'm done with him...maybe. People love people to hate.

Anyways, hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season so far. This small, Christmas chapter I originally set out to do has now kind of evolved into it's own story. Where am I going with this? My secret. But my laptop is fixed so I'll be able to work faster now. (The past five chapters or so were "typed" on my tablet. You ever try typing on a tablet? It is a monotonous process I can assure you.)

Point being I should be able to type these out faster now. All right, I have a party to prepare for, so everyone have a good day.

Fave, follow, and review.