Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem. Fire Emblem belongs to Intelligent Systems and Nintendo.


Ylisstol shone bright and beautiful before them. In the distance, castle gleamed with sunlight, glimmering like a fallen star against the sky.

When they had first crossed back over into Ylisse, everyone had been fairly silent and solemn. All of them determined that this would be the last time they would have to return home.

The last time Ylisse would wage war.

The last time they would ever have to bury their fallen comrades in foreign soil.

The last time Ylisse's lifeblood would be spent on such ventures.

Gradually, people peeled away from the main force as they passed through villages and towns. People-shaped petals plucked from the bud, falling away into a fragrant trail marking the way they had come. The further they marched, every step they took, caused Chrom's heart and step to grow a little lighter.

They were finally, almost, nearly home.

The weight that had been crushing him eased up the closer they got. War was no longer the present or future, but the past. He thought back to the silent mounds they had left behind, and knew that the weight would never truly go away completely.

But he could breathe again.

Feel more than creeping dread and dark despair.

They had gone through hell and made it safely out on the other side.

. . .

Most of them . . .

. . .

In that moment, Chrom's thoughts turned to his sister.

She wouldn't be waiting for them at the gates, nor making sure the kitchens were ready to throw a welcome home feast. There would be no quiet smiles. No soft laughs. No gentle understanding.

No, rather than him seeking the castle—home—for Emm, he would be bringing her with him instead.

Her memory. Carefully cradled in his heart.

His eyes swept over the Shepherds and heirs he had led back home.

As would they all.

His gaze fell upon pearly white locks that glowed with the same light as the castle. It was so very strange how grief and joy walked hand in hand. His sister, the rock, his earliest foundation, was gone. Never to be replaced. And yet, for all the aching in his heart, the love he felt for Robin was a cool balm that wove peace into the pain. She was the earth to his sky. His very own North Star. With her by his side, he was complete in a way he had never understood was possible before.

It was as though they were two sides of the same soul. Never to be separated or divided.

Come what may.

She looked up at him then, her lips tight and her face pale. She had been able to tolerate the horses only after they'd fashioned a sort of mishmash of a wagon and a carriage that was neither one nor the other. Something that put distance between her and the horses.

And even then . . .

But despite her fears, her face softened as she gazed up at him.

Happy to be home? Robin asked, right before Chrom stole a kiss.

Color flooded her cheeks as she ducked her head and elbowed him in the side. The others. They're probably watching. We should be setting the example.

He grinned at her, not sorry at all.

I am setting the example.

Robin's brow furrowed, and she shoved a ribbon that had been woven into her hair aside impatiently. She glared up at him.

You know what I mean.

He tapped her lightly on the nose. It isn't a crime for the king to love his queen. They'll have to get used to it anyway, because I intend to spend the rest of my life loving you.

King? Robin managed through flustered fingers. Then you've decided?

He nodded, his brows drawing together against the phantom pain coursing through his heart. I'm not fit to be the Exalt. Not so soon. And perhaps . . . not ever.

Robin pressed her palm against his heart as though she could smooth away its rough and jagged edges.

I'm sorry. I didn't think.

Chrom smiled and squeezed her hand. There's nothing to think about. I meant what I said. You will never have to walk carefully when it comes to me.

Robin frowned, but nodded. She pressed her lips together and looked up at him, not quite able to return his smile.

For the rest of your life, huh?

And beyond. So long as any part of me remains, my love for you will never fade.

She absently flicked the edge of his cravat with her fingers, looking everywhere but at him.

You—you won't regret?

Chrom ignored the look Frederick and a few of the Houses were likely giving him from where they rode a few yards behind. He pulled Robin into his arms and held her tight against the insecurity of her fears.

"Of course I'll have some regrets. That's part of living. But if you're referring to the choice of my bride and companion through life, then I can honestly say that, no, I will never regret choosing you."

Robin puffed her cheeks out at him, but she looked a little more like herself as color rushed into the rest of her face. I don't regret choosing you either, you know.

He nodded. "I know."

She took a deep breath, and before he could work out what she'd braced herself for, she returned his embrace. Hard enough that he felt it through the ornamental armor and layers of silk and velvet he'd been cocooned in. Then she squirmed out of his arms and brushed the tiny wrinkles out of his suit.

Now behave. If Frederick decides it prudent to give us another lecture, I'm not certain I could stay awake long enough to see it through.

Robin smiled up at him, and his eyes narrowed as Chrom realized the dark circles under her eyes had darkened and deepened. He had been certain that returning to Ylisse, and putting distance between them and the mountain of heartbreak she heaped upon her shoulders, that Robin would at least sleep a little more.

Feel a little better.

Yet now that he was really looking, he could almost see the events of Plegia engraved upon her brow.

Frederick's Fanatical Fitness Hour almost killed me the first time. I don't ever intend to give it another chance to finish me off. She smiled at him and canted her head to the side, watching him closely.

For one helpless moment, he wondered what Emm would have done. What she would have said that would have helped Robin to let go of all her self-recriminations. That would have helped her move past her perceived failures.

That would allow her to see the good she had done in an impossible situation.

Chrom shook his head. There was no use in trying to find the answer in what-might-have-beens. Still, he gave Robin a considering look, just because the answer wasn't there, all hope was far from lost.

He bent down to give her a chaste kiss on her forehead. If it took reminding her a hundred thousand times, then he was equal to the task. "Every House of Ylisse remains intact."

The pink in Robin's cheeks deepened. She raised a brow in silent question.

"It isn't an inconsiderable thing, keeping so many of them alive," he answered.

Her lips thinned as she pressed them together, an argument already falling from her fingertips. He caught her hand in his as Frederick cleared his throat from behind.

"We are just about to cross into the city proper, Milord."

Chrom swallowed his retort. They had crossed this path a hundred times or more over the last few years. He knew well enough where they were.

"Thank you, Frederick. I—"

Robin tugged his cravat a little to the left with her free hand, all the while giving him a look that told him to behave. He tucked her arm into his and gave her a look of his own.

"Do you remember when we first arrived?"

Robin raised her other brow, but nodded.

"They're going to expect something like that," he said, hoping the line of people waiting to receive them wasn't too long. Breakfast had been a long while ago, and they hadn't wanted to stop for the midday meal.

But more than anything else, he just wanted a quiet place.

A quiet place. Robin. And something to eat.

Preferably all three.

Her brow furrowed, and she cast an apprehensive look toward the horses.

Like Emm?

He nodded, the words caught in his throat.

"Hmmm."

Robin studied him for a long moment before a rare grin stole across her lips. And just like that, his breath was caught along with all of the words stopping up the back of his throat. Her eyes were a bewitching shade of violet he never tired of falling into.

She gathered her skirts into her fists and nodded at him to do the same with his robes. When she caught him gaping at her, Robin winked and tugged him in her direction.

"Robin, what are you—" Then he noticed her staring at the ground blurring alongside their convoy. They weren't traveling terribly fast, but quick enough that their official garb would likely prove a hindrance. It would not be impossible, however, if they—

"Milord. Milady." Frederick cantered up beside them. The look he was giving them told them in no uncertain terms that he was aware of what they planned to do, and he most definitely did not approve. "If you stand in the center, there is less a chance of your carriage becoming unbalanced."

Robin pulled away from Chrom long enough to sign, Frederick, do I ever tell you what to do?

Frederick's gaze narrowed when Chrom failed to completely suppress his laugh. "All the time, Milady."

Off the field, she snapped. Then elbowed Chrom when he tried to disguise his laugh as a cough.

"At present, Milady has not yet had the opportunity."

"Everything all right?" Lord Harris of Ashford asked as he joined them.

Chrom nodded, and then—when it became apparent that Robin and Frederick were exerting a silent show of will through a staring contest—he felt compelled to add, "Just setting things straight before we enter the city."

"Things?"

Chrom reluctantly turned away from Robin to face the heir of Ashford. "Nothing serious. Just a small negotiation."

Lord Harris's brows beetled together. "Negotiation? Did something happen?"

Chrom sighed. Where to start?

His gaze strayed back to Robin in time to catch her signing, I'm not asking for me. To Chrom's surprise, Frederick flicked a glance in his direction before pressing his lips together and nodding.

"There is no need, however, to jump from a moving platform." Frederick rode forward and raised a hand to signal for a brief halt.

Robin gathered her skirts and mouthed, 'Like Emm,' before tugging him off the abbreviated carriage and onto the rich, firm ground.

"But Your Grace," Lord Harris objected.

Chrom looked over his shoulder while Robin fretted over his suit. "It isn't a bad thing to walk as we have always done."

Emm hadn't been fond of the pomp and ceremony that had often accompanied her as she attended to her duties either. Yet somehow she'd made it work.

"And I am still the person I was when I crossed this path in the other direction. Just Chrom will do."

Lord Harris leaned forward in his saddle as though he could pull them back onto the carriage through the force of his will alone.

"It isn't—I mean," he spread his hands to encompass the carriage and the horses, "this isn't because of that. Your title, of course, will remain with you until the proper duties and ceremonies have been observed."

Chrom raised a brow. "Then why does it matter how I enter the city?" He gently squeezed the hand Robin had slipped into his.

For some reason, Lord Harris turned red and dropped his gaze. And, if Chrom wasn't mistaken, Frederick had chuckled under his breath. The sort of chuckle that heralded things like his Fanatical Fitness Hour, carrots, and other atrocities.

"Am I missing something?"

"The Houses of Ylisse thought it would do well for morale and support if the symbol of our victory and our future were abundantly visible," Lord Harris explained, not quite meeting anyone's eyes.

"Abundantly visible?" Chrom frowned. "The Houses have never had issue with my . . . visibility before . . ." He trailed off as his gaze landed on Robin.

Or, more accurately, the top of Robin's head.

Ah, so that's what this was about . . .

Lord Harris, perhaps noting the direction of Chrom's thoughts, nodded.

Frederick chuckled again.

"You know," Chrom rubbed his thumb over the back of Robin's hand, "it might not be a bad thing to accede to the wishes of the Court." He cut a brief glance in Lord Harris's direction. "Occasionally."

Robin stared up at him. Her gaze sharp and diamond bright. The way she studied the maps as she worked out her strategies or how she stared down the opposing forces right before they went into battle.

You're plenty visible. She folded her arms, watching his every movement.

Chrom nodded. "So I am."

Her eyes narrowed as though she'd caught a whiff of the words he hadn't said. To his surprise, she turned to Frederick.

Is someone fretting that our hems might get dusty if we walk? We can use Miriel's Wind spell if that's the case.

Frederick cleared his throat and shook his head. "The problem is one of spatial limitations rather than one of presentation."

But we've already established that Chrom will be properly visible. Robin's eyes narrowed a little more. Unless you're proposing that we modify Miriel's spell so we can tie a rope to Chrom's ankle and fly him up like a kite.

It was not often that Frederick was rendered speechless, so Chrom treasured the moment while it lasted.

"If I may, Lady Robin," Lord Harris said, executing a credible bow in the saddle, "the Court wishes you to be acknowledged alongside Prince Chrom."

Robin blinked at him as though he'd sprouted a second head. A demand for an explanation had already fallen from her fingers before she recollected herself.

Lord Harris held up a hand as she started dictating her apology to Chrom. "There's no need for that. I am not yet as fluent as the Shepherds, but if I understand you correctly, there appears to be a misunderstanding of our intentions."

Chrom gave her a reassuring smile as another small weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had not been certain how the Court would receive Robin once they'd arrived, but it appeared his worry had been unfounded. Whatever their personal opinions might be of how Robin had come to be by his side, now that she was there, they were prepared to honor her position.

"The two of you are inextricably connected to our victory over Plegia and for a future that promises prosperity and peace. In that vein . . ." Lord Harris trailed off as if it had suddenly occurred to him that there were precious few ways to comment politely on another's height—and they'd already gone through all of the ways Chrom could think of.

Perhaps dealing with the Court would not be the onerous task he'd believed it to be. A sudden warmth filled his heart, and he deeply regretted that they were far from alone. Aside from Frederick and Lord Harris, the Shepherds might look like they were maintaining a respectable distance, but they were all keen of hearing.

And the heirs of the Houses were most likely as well.

Lord Harris looked to them for support, but Chrom had learned a thing or two, and was determined not to stick his foot in his mouth this time.

"That is," he went on, visibly flustered, "the Court wishes for you to be seen as well, Lady Robin."

Robin's brow furrowed. I'm not invisible, am I?

"No, no! Of course not."

Then I don't see what the problem is.

Frederick, likely annoyed by the delay, opted to be the messenger. "You're too short." His lips twitched at the corners when she skewered him with her gaze. "Milady."

Lord Harris winced, but Chrom managed to keep his expression neutral. What Robin might have lacked in height, she was not lacking in presence.

At that particular moment, she was exerting a lot of presence.

Will you be all right? she asked Chrom, waving a hand at their improvised carriage.

"Me? Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Robin frowned at him. You've never come home like this before. Her movements were fluid as usual, but he sensed a bit of hesitancy in her words.

Chrom held out his arms and grimaced at his suit. "I'll grant you that, but in this case, the carriage might be preferable to tripping over all of this." There was a reason he'd avoided as many of the formal occasions as he could. The royal costuming had always been a touch too excessive for his tastes.

Robin stared at him for a long moment before sighing. After sending an impressive glower in Frederick's direction, she shook her head. You should have said so from the beginning.

Frederick didn't say anything, and simply nodded.

She bunched her skirts into her fists as she prepared climb back into the carriage.

Before she made it more than a single step, Chrom neatly caught her in his arms and swept them both up into the carriage. He grinned at her wide eyes as she caught hold of his tunic reflexively.

"The sooner we make it home, the sooner we can enjoy the peace we have won."

She pursed her lips, her look assuring him that his motives were more transparent than glass. However, be that as it may, she wouldn't hold it against him and . . . she loved him too.

The tips of Chrom's ears burned, but the warmth suffusing his being settled comfortably about his heart.

He let go of Robin reluctantly as she found her footing, wishing for even the smallest scrap of a reason to hold on to her, but finding none that would suffice. Here, in this moment, they were king and queen consort-to-be. Robin hadn't been wrong to remind him that they had an example to set and an image to uphold.

Of course, he hadn't been wrong either. Law and tradition were two very different things. As was standing among the Shepherds and standing before the Court.

He only needed one hand to wave his acknowledgment, after all.

Chrom caught hold of Robin's hand and held it lightly once she'd smoothed out her skirts. She raised a brow at him, but didn't pull away.

"I meant what I said," he murmured, just loud enough for her to hear as the carriage jerked forward. "I will not love you in secret."

As it was, the only thing that kept him from jumping down from the carriage, with Robin in his arms, and running away to live a simpler life in the forest was the knowledge that beneath all the fripperies and decorations that the court could impose upon them, they were themselves.

Robin and Chrom.

Chrom and Robin.

Forever and always.

I'm too partial to indoor plumbing and effortless hot water. Robin gave him a knowing look after his gaze had strayed toward the distant tree line once too often.

Chrom nodded, his expression serious despite the heat creeping into his cheeks. "I suspect a roof made of stars and leafy boughs would be less than ideal for more important matters." He slipped Robin's arm into his, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Like keeping parchment dry and protected from the elements."

There was also, of course, the matter of the trees. But he wasn't going to mention them if she didn't.

Her smile blossomed into her eyes, and everything else melted away.

The noise.

The people.

The quiet heartache.

The mountain of duties and responsibilities.

Until all that was left was him.

And her.

And the road stretching before them that led to home.

But then again, he was already there.


A/N: And . . . I live! ( ´ ∀ ` )ノ How have you all been? I hope you've been well. :D

Apologies for the unexpected hiatus. (シ. .)シ My health kinda cratered. And I moved 1000+ miles from one end of the country to the other. So many boxes . . . yet to . . . unpack . . . (╥_╥)

The brain fog finally cleared up just enough for me to slip away to Ylisse. (Apologies if there are more typos than normal. I'm down to about one and a half functioning brain cell at the moment.) It felt so nice to come back! Frederick is, well, Frederick.

And Chrobin! ٩(^ᴗ^)۶

*system crash* (๑ᵕ⌓ᵕ̤)

Hugs to all of you. Thank you for stopping by! Apologies for not yet responding to comments. I haven't forgotten, and they are the first thing on my list of things to do once I acquire three functioning brain cells. *crossing fingers this happens soon*

Have a great week!