Interlude – Betrothed

Gangrel is dead. We linger in Plegia to make sure of it, and to assist in initial repairs. Then we briefly returned to Regna Ferox to recuperate before marching to Ylisstol, to deal with the stranglers of the Plegia army. Most of them surrendered on sight, and the people greet Chrom with cheers and laughter. However, that cheer is tempered by the sorrow of losing Emmeryn, and the uncertainty for what's to come. Fortunately, they cheered back up pretty quickly. Unfortunately, they did so because some maids caught Chrom and me kissing, and rapidly spread the word that Chrom had a fiancé. Me.

Oh, I feel like all my trouble is just staring…

"Why is there so much… everything?" I groaned, wanting to just flop to the floor and lie there. Only the fact that Maribelle was here stopped me. "So much…"

"What is there too much of, darling?" Maribelle asked. She was frowning over some papers at a table. "If it's the room, this is just yours until you marry Chrom. Then you'll share."

"I've actually managed to get used to large rooms thanks to you crazy lot." I eyed the large pile of clothes on the bed warily. I was in the middle of trying to 'properly' hang them in the closet. The far too large closet. "Everything else? Not so much."

"Hmm? Oh, those are just some things for the next few months. You'll get properly measured and the like for proper clothes later." She gestured to the other chair at the table. "Sit, darling. The maids will be by later to hang them up."

"Why are there so many?" I whimpered as I sat down, doing my best to not think of how much it all cost. "And how do I pay for it?"

"You're marrying the Exalt of Ylisse. Chrom pays."

"We're recovering from a war!" And I was more or less certain some of those dresses could've bought food for a family of six for a month. Plus, Chrom was in the middle of dealing with the nobles who'd betrayed Emmeryn during the assault on Ylisstol. I'd rather be helping him with that, not dealing with… clothes… "Ah… I don't get any of this…"

"…" Maribelle looked up and smiled softly at me. "That's okay, Kestrel. You'll get used to it."

"I'm not so sure." Moving into the castle, as Chrom's fiancé, had been as disorienting as a bucket of ice water to the face in the middle of winter. There were people always trying to talk to me, or trying to ask my opinion on something, or trying to serve me something. "Damn it. I knew the two of us should've moved into the room, but the hallway had been empty…"

"The people are wonderfully happy that Chrom has a fiancé." She went back to her papers, frowning at them. "It gives them an excuse to celebrate, especially since Emmeryn's funeral had been…"

"Yeah…" Flavia had arranged for Emmeryn's body to be returned to Ylisstol, and we had a proper funeral for her. Three days later, Chrom and I'd kissed in the hallway after I'd cheered him up, and now, I was stuck in all this mess far earlier than Chrom and I had planned. "What are you even working on?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm going over potential names for your ladies in waiting."

"Oh." I vaguely remembered reading about 'ladies in waiting' during all the lessons she and Virion had given me. But only vaguely. "How many would I need?"

"You'd need at least two, darling. Preferably more, considering all the tasks." She hummed a bit, penciling things down. "There's many, many duties, so-"

"Can't I just have you and Sumia?" My voice was smaller than I wanted, and I felt stupid as she stared. "Or… um… I just… I actually know you two. And I know… you don't hate me…"

"…Darling, I would never let anyone who hated you so close." And she smiled sweetly at me. "But I'd be honored, truthfully, and I can handle interviews in your name."

"That would be nice."

"In exchange, you have to ask Sumia yourself." Her smile warmed. "I'll be able to hear her squeal of delight from anywhere, so don't fret."

"Okay." I relaxed, finally smiling back. "Thanks, Maribelle. I'm completely lost."

"I know. But that's why I'm here to help. Same to Lissa, when she's not busy with her own duties." She winked, and laughed. "And… well, actually, should I let a few in who think they can seduce Chrom?"

"Huh?" Instantly, panic flooded me. "W-what?"

"It's not uncommon for kings to have mistresses, and some want the title of Lady in Waiting to get that." She said the words lightly, but my panic must've showed on my face because she instantly stiffened. "Oh, darling! I'm sorry! I only suggested it because I thought it would be funny to see them fail!"

"Th-they would?"

"Of course. Chrom's only got eyes for you, darling silly." Maribelle stood up to kneel beside me, and took my hands gently. "And he's so oblivious. I sincerely thought it would just be funny."

"I just…" I sighed, looking away. "It all feels too much like a dream, really. And…"

"It's no dream, I assure you." She reached up and pinched my cheek, just hard enough for a flicker of pain. "But I'll keep them far, far away until you're more secure, darling." She smiled sweetly. "Now, then. Why don't you go ask Sumia while I work a little more on names?"

"…Okay." I smiled again, relieved. "Thanks, Maribelle."

"Of course, darling." She sat down again, and picked up a piece of paper. "Go on, go on."

When I did eventually find Sumia, tending to her pegasus, her squeal of delight was exactly as loud as Maribelle predicted, and her immediate acceptance was more than enough to reassure me. I could only hope whoever else they picked was as easy to get along with.

"Soooo…~" Chrom grinned and turned towards me, posing dramatically. "How do I look?" he asked, laughing. "Well?"

"You're absolutely ridiculous," I teased, laughing too. I couldn't believe… when he'd invited me over to his room, I'd been expecting him in his normal clothes, not… "What are you even wearing?"

"It's traditional to dress up!" Chrom pitched his voice to be dignified, gallant. The effect was ruined by the rabbit ears he wore on his head, complete with a flower, and the little bushy tail only mostly hiding behind the white cape. Which also had flowers, on the hem and where it was tied at his shoulder. He even had a flower wrapped around the ankle of one of his boots. "Does this waistcoat look alright?"

"You look ridiculous as I said." But, I suppose you do look very nice, when you factor that into it." The light blue and gold did suit him. "You're just…"

"Ah, hang on. I've a costume for you too!" He ducked back into the closet and pulled out a dress of similar light blues and golds, though with more whites. Flowers were, of course, on the hems and bodice. "Frederick made this for you."

"He made it?!" I gawked at it, noticing how the sleeves were poofy. All of it was poofy. "That's…"

"You change, and I'll get the accessories he picked out. And your own bunny ears." He grinned and I gave him a look. "Yes, bunny ears are required, my love."

"You're lucky I love you."

"Oh, I'm well aware of that." He leaned down to kiss me sweetly. "I'll be right back." And he darted out the room with a skip in his step. Or, I supposed, a 'spring' in his step.

I scowled at his back anyway, and held up the dress again, frowning now. I definitely had to wear it if Frederick had made it for me, but I wasn't used to this whole 'here, have new clothes for every single freaking day of the year' thing that everyone was pushing on me. I wished the money, and time, were directed elsewhere, but I had no idea how to actually tell people that. Especially when I seemed to be the only one feeling awkward.

I shook my head roughly, and worked on changing, trying to not get lost in the lace and cloth of the dress. It was surprisingly light, perfect for the warming weather, even if I did feel like I was a little kid playing pretend, like I'd seen in the streets sometimes.

"Safe to come back?" Chrom called. He knocked on the door, but stayed outside. "I've your shoes and jewelry and the like."

"Yeah, I'm dressed," I replied. I felt embarrassed as he walked in and stared, absently setting most of whatever he held on a nearby table. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful. As always." He kissed my cheek and the tip of my nose before sliding a bunny-ear-headband on me. "And now the outfit is complete, my queen of spring."

"You're ridiculous." I smiled, but it faltered as he looked at me worriedly. "What is it?"

"Your smiles have been strained recently." He rested his hand on my cheek, fingers lingering by my eye. "And your eyes are a little puffy, like you haven't been sleeping. I thought I was just being a worrywart, but Robin pointed it out too."

"Robin's the bigger worrywart of you two." I ducked my head, eyes darting to the side. "It's nothing important, Chrom."

"I beg to differ." He tried to nudge my face back up to look at him, but didn't press when I refused. "Whatever is bothering you is quite important to me."

"I'm just… overwhelmed, that's all."

"…I'm sorry."

"Chrom, it's not your fault." I reached up to take his hand, though I still looked away. "It's just… very different than what I'm used to. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But…"

"What do you need changed?"

"Chrom…"

"What do you need changed?" He ducked down to catch my eye, and smiled softly. "What needs to change, so that you're more comfortable?"

"…Well, less clothes would be nice." The words came out slowly. I felt whiny. "There's too many. I get like twenty everyday."

"I'll let the tailors know." He leaned in, brushing his nose against mine. "Anything else?"

"I think… the rest is just things I need to get used to." I smiled at him, and I kissed him when he looked saddened. "You have to run a country. You can't do that and shield me from everything. Especially since I do want to help you." In fact, most of my issues was that I felt I was doing far too little for what I was getting.

"But…" He sighed, nodding. "No, you're right. You and I are equals. And you'll be annoyed at being shielded before long."

"I've had to fight for everything." I rested my hand and his chest, feeling his heart beating under my palms. "So, this is just… another fight for what I want. You."

"You have me. All of me." He rested his hand on mine, squeezing gently. "Ah, but we'd better head outside. The others are waiting." He shifted so that he was holding my hand, fingers intertwined with mine, and he started to lead me out before remembering something. "Your shoes."

"Yes, I do kind of need those." I grinned teasingly as he flushed. "Let me get those on, at least."

I got the shoes and a couple bits of jewelry on, absently checking that the engagement ring he'd given me, a beautiful diamond one, was on my hand before I let him lead me outside. I flinched at how loud everything was, but managed to keep up my smile as we dove headfirst into the crowd. I glanced around absently while Chrom greeted people with a smile, noticing with amusement that almost everyone was dressed up, with the Shepherds going full out for it. Even Lon'qu had bunny ears, and he looked exasperated by the whole thing, though he softened when Maribelle smiled at him.

"Chrom, Kestrel, there you are!" Robin called suddenly. I burst into laughter when I saw he was dressed similarly to Chrom, except with purples instead of blues. "About time! Olivia and I were about to come in and bother you!"

"W-we were not!" Olivia yelped. She was dressed in a simple dress, with lots of flower jewelry and, of course, bunny ears. I noticed she was leaning a little into Robin. "We were going to the egg rolling contest."

"Come on. I have to tease." Robin grinned, waving. "Catch you guys later!" He and Olivia disappeared, and some part of me was curious by how much time he spent with her. But, I mostly smiled because…

"It's so strange, being at a festival," I murmured. Chrom bent down to better hear me. "We never did anything like this before. We were always on the move. Actually participating in festivals was…"

"Well, now you can do this every year," he whispered. He smiled softly, and brought up our clasped hands to kiss mine. "Come on. Let's decorate some eggs first."

"Okay!"

I couldn't do this. I couldn't do this, I couldn't do this, I couldn't do this, I couldn't do this, I couldn't do this. I just couldn't!

"Lady Kestrel, please, focus on your breathing." Frederick knelt beside me, resting a reassuring hand on my shoulder. He'd led me out of the ballroom during the chaos, and into a side room where no one would bother me. "Deep breaths," he instructed. I struggled to listen, but panic was overwhelming me. It seemed ridiculous. I could dance across a battlefield, kill without thinking. But a social situation, a ball, left me a wreck. "Keep it slow."

"I'm sorry," I blurted, the words shaking. I tried to find my calm, but it had fled. Instead, I was tempted, sorely tempted, to run, but I did keep myself sitting in the chair Frederick had pulled up. "I don't even know what I did!" My voice cracked and tears slipped down my face. I wasn't good enough. I wasn't good enough for this. "I…"

"You did nothing. He is someone who is simply insulted because Chrom didn't choose his sister for his bride." Frederick produced a handkerchief from nowhere and used it to dry my face. "You did absolutely nothing wrong, Lady Kestrel. I promise."

"But…"

"You did nothing. You were perfect."

"But…" But I had to have done something. It had been my first 'official' ball as Chrom's fiancé, my second official appearance, and I'd somehow managed to get a nobleman to demand a duel for… something. "I…"

"Should I get Lord Chrom?"

"N-no!" I shook my head roughly, and then swiped at my eyes. The diamond on my ring scratched my cheek. "No, he needs to keep things calm. If anything, I should…"

"You're doing fine. Focus on your breathing."

"I'm sorry." This was just pathetic…

"So, let's try door number thirty…" The door opened with a creek, and Cordelia suddenly peeked into the room, and smiled warmly. "Found you!" she said, slipping inside. She made sure to shut the door behind her and leaned against it. "So, Frederick, what's this about a duel? Shepherds are up in arms wanting to defend Kestrel."

"Of course they are," Frederick laughed. He stood and rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I just focused on my breathing so that I stopped hyperventilating. "Basically, a noble is being a sore loser."

"Of course." She frowned and crossed her arms. "So, how does an 'official' duel go? Does she fight herself?"

"No, as she's the Exalt's fiancé, she'll need a champion."

"And are you that champion?"

"Sadly, by law, since I am Lord Chrom's right hand and the current highest rank military officer, I am unable." He grimaced. "I'm regretting that now. I would've liked to put him in his place."

"Soooo, can I?" Cordelia smiled hopefully, eyes sparkling. "Can pegasus knights?"

"Yes, of course. It simply has to be a knight." He looked down at me, and smiled. I was pleased that I'd finally got my breathing back under control, though I was still weepy. "Is that acceptable?"

"I… well, if I'm unable to fight, and she wants to…?" I replied. I felt so lost, but I smiled, touched. "I see no problem."

"Perfect!" Cordelia cheered. She came over to hug me tightly before grinning. "I'm going to make sure my pegasus and weapons are in perfect condition. I'll see you later!" She left without another word, making a point to make sure the door was shut behind her.

"You know; as queen, you'll need an official bodyguard," Frederick began absently. He patted my back soothingly, smile warming. "We might make Cordelia that, after this. If you don't mind."

"The concept of having a bodyguard is strange to me, but I suppose I have to adapt to it," I replied. My voice was a little shaky still. "I'm perfectly okay with it being Cordelia, though, if she doesn't mind."

"I doubt she'd mind at all."

"There you are!" Lissa burst in then and gave me a hug. The door smacked agains thte wall, but she clearly didn't care. "Oh, man, I could strangle that horrible… ooooo…!" she growled, popping back to look at me. She used her sleeves to wipe off the rest of my tears. I just looked at her with incomprehension. "Also, I asked Maribelle, and she was positively certain you did nothing wrong, certainly nothing that would mean a duel." She smiled and kissed my forehead before hugging me again. "And if Maribelle is saying that, then you definitely know it's true."

"Did Cordelia tell you where she was?" Frederick asked. He laughed when she nodded. "Very well. I should make sure preparations are made correctly for the duel. If you do not mind missing the rest of the ball…"

"Oh, please, I'm sticking with my sister in law." Lissa huffed, scowling. "And I'm going to put so many frogs in that noble's bed!"

"Don't do that," I scolded instantly. "The maids will have to clean that up."

"That's… true," Lissa sighed. She got a sparkle in her eyes, though, and Frederick left us quietly as she sat down on the floor beside me. "Maybe some hot peppers in his soup!"

"Are you seriously going to prank him?"

"Of course!" She gave me a serious look. "He waited to pull that until he had the most public audience, just to try and make you look bad. And I'm going to show him that that's not tolerated! So are Maribelle and Sumia." She grinned wickedly. "And Sully. It's going to be glorious. He's going to regret doing this!"

"So much trouble…"

"Bah, he's lucky Olivia and Lon'qu stopped Robin. He was ready to strike him down, right then and there!" Lissa giggled at the thought, but I had to squirm, well aware that Robin could do just that. "Oh, wait, can I ask Gaius to steal stuff from him?"

"I… let him decide?"

"Goodie~!" Lissa laughed, and leaned against my leg. "But seriously, you were doing great. I was talking to Virion when it all happened, and he'd been saying you were the picture of elegance."

"Like him?"

"Like him!" She grinned again, and this time, I had to laugh. "So, anyway, I figured we hide a bit longer, and then sneak over to the barracks for a proper party. Virion was heading over when I left to get things set up."

"Okay…" I smiled down at her, and ruffled her hair. "Thanks."

"Always!"

There was a lot of back and forth on when the duel would be, eventually deciding on three days after the ball, at midday. Unfortunately, Chrom had a meeting with Flavia's representative, one he couldn't defer, so he couldn't be here with me. I'd put on a brave face for him, reassuring him that I'd be fine. I'd still been relieved when Robin arrived, looking like he'd just popped out of a bath, and gave me a huge hug.

"I managed to postpone all my stupid meetings over supplies and whatnot, so don't fret about me skipping out on work," he reassured. He fussed a bit over my hair and jewelry, smiling. "I knew you'd be nervous."

"Yes, well, I'm not exactly…" I began. I had no idea how to continue the sentence though, so I shrugged. "Anyway, what's with you and Olivia? You hang out a lot."

"I… that…" He paused, glancing up as he thought before shrugging. "Who knows? I sure don't. No memories to fall back on to determine a logical conclusion."

"Do we need to…?" I started to offer to listen, but then realized how bad of an idea that would be in a hurry. "Why not talk to Frederick?"

"Is that our default with emotional issues? Talk to Frederick?"

"Well, I suppose Libra is now an option. You'd want someone who at least appears emotionally stable." I felt myself relax, giggling. "Ah, thank you."

"Good, you're smiling. It'll be fine." He hugged me again, patting my back. "Now, come on. We have to head out."

"Must we?" My stomach turned at the thought. We'd have to make our way to the 'trial grounds', set up specifically for things like this. It would be my third 'official' appearance as Chrom's fiancé, and the first one without him. And without Lissa, because Lissa was busy meeting with Plegian diplomats for Chrom. "No, you're right."

"Of course I am!" He grinned and I scowled before smiling back, and he cheerfully walked with me to the Trial Grounds, babbling out all sorts of gossip from the Shepherds, including how he'd caught Panne and Stahl kissing just yesterday. That one startled me, since I wouldn't have thought Panne would kiss anyone and made me curious about what other couples had blossomed. But that was thoughts for another day.

I hesitated again when we arrived at the grounds, but I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before entering with my head held high, just like Virion and Maribelle taught me. To my surprise, I was greeted with cheers, and it took a couple of seconds to realize that the stands of the trial grounds, so similar to Ferox's sacred arena, were filled with people. The nobleman who'd declared the duel was already in the battleground, and he looked rather pale in light of the cheering.

"Why so loud?" I asked Robin as the two of us made our escorted way to the viewing stand. There was only one chair there, but Robin had no problems simply standing beside me, grinning. "I mean…"

"In case you forgot, dearest sister, you fought for their freedom," Robin gently reminded. He smiled warmly, looking very pleased with himself. "And, well, we Shepherds had a few days. The others were eager to help out…"

"Oh, gods, what did you do?"

"Simply told people how amazing my sister is. And the Shepherds happily told people about how you fought alongside us, saved Lissa when we first met, saved Emmeryn when assassins struck, kept Chrom and me from insulting Flavia, fought to earn Ferox's troops alongside us, saved Maribelle when Gangrel used her as a hostage…"

"Enough, enough!" My face was bright red, and I scowled at him. "You make it sound better than it is."

"I'm simply stating facts!" Robin huffed, but smiled sheepishly. "And, well, they kind of got me back. They spread stories about me too."

"Have you been having trouble?"

"Not nearly as much as you. I, after all, was very visible in being the tactician. I'll probably be in more trouble when Chrom gives me that title he threatened." He nudged my side and I did bend enough to smile. "I knew having people cheering you would lighten your spirits. You've been very gloomy since that ball."

"Sorry…"

"I'm your big brother. You never have to apologize to me."

"You're my elder twin. You're not that much older."

"It's enough!" He laughed, and I laughed too, relaxing fully. "Oh, there's Cordelia!"

"Ah!" I leaned forward as I noticed he was right. Cordelia, armor shining and hair actually tied back for once, walked into the center to cheers. She looked rather startled by it, but smiled and actually waved to a few. She then looked up to where Robin and I were and waved again, this time winking. I smiled back, but it fell when she looked away.

"What's wrong?" Robin whispered. He rested a hand on my back soothingly. "You should smile for her."

"I know that, but…" I began. I tried to think of how to voice my feelings. The relief she was here. The worry. The guilt. "Well…"

"It's her choice." Robin rubbed my back. "And don't fret so much. She'll have this done in… two hits? Maybe three."

"Well, she's certainly skilled but…" I frowned and looked up at him. "You did something."

"I might have ferreted out his known weak points and gave them to Cordelia." He smiled angelically in return. "If he's going to try and humiliate my sister, I'm going to return the favor a thousand fold."

"…Oh, dear." I felt bad now. Robin had used the stories both to boost my reputation and to make sure there was a very large audience for a humiliating defeat. "Ah, is it starting?"

"Yep!"

I didn't know the person who announced the duel's start. I barely paid attention as I leaned forward to watch. But I should've saved my worry because Robin was right. Cordelia had him flat on his ass in two strikes, surprisingly brutal strikes given how I'd seen her fight before. It could be simply because she wasn't on her pegasus, but there was a surety in her strikes. A fierceness to them.

"I… I…" the nobleman began. His face was ashen as he stared, too terrified for the mortification to kick in yet. "You… you're…"

"I give my best for my lady," Cordelia declared softly. The words still echoed through the air, and tears pricked my eyes as I smiled. "Kestrel is my queen, and so, I give her my best. That's all there is to it." The entire crowd burst into applause, and I struggled to not cry. I gave Cordelia the brightest smile I could when she looked up, and she smiled back with a bright one of her own.

Robin rested a hand on my shoulder and gave me a 'see, I told you' look. I half-heartedly whacked his shoulder, but smiled at him. He shifted to give me a one-armed hug and let me rest against him as I worked on calming down. It was what I needed, and he freely gave it.

"Your hair is so soft, Kestrel," Sumia cooed as she brushed my hair. She went through it slowly, brushing until a section basically shone before going to the next. "I'm jealous."

"I remember your hair also being soft," I pointed out. I sat very still in front of the vanity, studying the cloth that covered the mirror. "You have nothing to be jealous about."

"Come on; it's your wedding day. Just accept the compliments." Sumia giggled, still brushing my hair. "I'm glad it's finally quiet, though. Maribelle was brilliant in getting them out."

"Seriously." I breathed a sigh of relief. There had just been so many people, all insisting that they had to do something for me. Maribelle had noticed how overwhelmed I was getting and thrown them out with various tasks, before going to help Lissa with… whatever bridesmaids needed to do. Leaving me with my 'maid of honor', Sumia, to take in the quiet before the chaos. "This is a whirlwind of… stuff."

"That's one way to put it." Sumia hummed a bit, giggling. "The dress looks nice on you."

"I'd hope so, considering how much time was spent getting it tailored." I shuddered remembering that. But I had to admit the dress was still very pretty. White with a transparent blue over-skirt thing decorated with small flowers, and blue ribbons cinching the back. It was a bit lower cut than I'd normally wear, but considering the jewelry I wore, the lower cut made it less likely to get caught on something. "Four hours…"

"That's pretty small, considering."

"Ugh…" I made a face and she laughed, still brushing my hair. "…We're still trying to rebuild, though. Is it not too soon…?"

"It's been a few months."

"I know." It was summer now. The war had ended with the start of spring. "But still, will the people think…"

"Oh, Kestrel…" She laughed again and set the brush down. "You worry too much." She went over to the nearby window and opened it. A gentle breeze wafted in, carrying laughter and music. "They're already celebrating, you know." She turned back to smile at me. "Besides, you and Chrom were watching the budget closely, and you insisted on things like a public feast for the people, so that they didn't have to worry about dinner for a night."

"Well, yeah… it's pretty sucky starving while everyone else is…" I struggled to explain, but then shrugged. It was just an old memory now. "Never mind."

"And your experience and past can be used to help others. As queen, you're allowed to introduce policies as well." She giggled and came back over to continue brushing my hair. "But that's for after your wedding and your break."

"Yeah, our 'break'." I laughed at the thought. Chrom and I were just going to some estate a few days away, the former home of a noble who'd betrayed Emmeryn. While he'd opted to not execute anyone, but had stripped them of their titles, making us worry about future trouble. But, for now, there was a vacant house where Chrom and I were… probably going to work.

"I'm going to have to make sure you two don't take work along, aren't I?" Sumia poked my cheek, pouting. "You should simply enjoy your time together."

"We have our whole lives for that." I paused and groaned. "Oh, gods, that sounded like a line from one of the Ribald tales we like."

"I bet it is one!" She laughed and set the brush down again. This time, though, it was to set a small headpiece in my hair, and pinning the veil to it. "Oh, what's this?" As she picked up the veil, though, we found a small box underneath that neither of us recognized.

"That's strange." Frowning, I took it carefully, checking for anything that looked or smelled odd. Finding nothing, I opened it to find a beautiful set of diamond earrings. "Oh…"

"Wow, that goes so well with the rest of your jewelry…" Sumia leaned over my shoulder to study them better. "Actually, isn't it a perfect match for your wedding ring?"

"It is." I picked one up to hold it in the light, marveling at how it sparkled. "I wonder if Maribelle wanted to do a switch?"

"Maybe. It would make sense, and then she probably got distracted." Sumia finished with the veil and then helped me change out my earrings to these new ones. "Wow… are you sure you don't want to see your reflection?"

"Absolutely." I was feeling nervous and jittery. I didn't need any reminder of my father today. "I'll take everyone's word."

"Well, in that case, you look amazing." Sumia giggled and hugged me. Just then, though, someone knocked on the door. "Come in?"

"Hey there!" Robin walked in, looking rather nice in his suit. "Here comes the bride~ here comes the bride~" he sang, teasing. I blushed furiously, and glowered. "Come on, sister. It's your wedding. Smile!"

"I'd better go get to my place," Sumia laughed, giving me another hug. "Let's talk at the after party, Kestrel!"

"Okay!" I replied, watching her leave. Two seconds later, I heard her squeak and almost fall. "Oh dear."

"Frederick wasn't far behind me, so he'll make sure she gets there safely," Robin reassured me. He held his hands out to me, smiling brightly. "Come on, Kestrel. It's time for your wedding."

"I suppose so." It felt so strange, and I almost felt like crying. I'd never thought I'd… I hadn't even entertained the thought. I read the stories, of course, but… "This is so different than where I'd thought we'd be a year ago."

"Maybe me getting amnesia was the best thing for us." He smiled and rested his forehead against mine, giving me a hug. "I do not know what secrets you still hide, Kestrel. I know there's still some. But that's okay. I hate that you burden yourself with them, but don't force yourself to speak. We deserve to be happy, though, and I want you to be the happiest that you can."

"…Okay." I smiled back, and had to fight back tears. "You know; if you make my makeup run before the ceremony, Maribelle is going to whack you."

"That'll be bad." He leaned back with a laugh and helped me stand up. "Let's go."

"Right!"

Notes on Donnel

Class – Villager; Reclass – Mercenary, Fighter

A young man we accidentally recruited while helping him deal with bandits. Because his original home is on the outer regions of Ylisse, he speaks with a notable accent.

The only Shepherd without formal training, and it's obvious that he needs to play catch up. Luckily, we have quite a bit of free time.

High aptitude and eager to learn. If he trains, it's possible he'd become one of our strongest, due to his incredibly keen memory.

Author's notes: So the Spring Festival mentioned here is based off of an event from FE heroes, with Chrom's outfit based off the outfit from there. I apologize for leaving out the wedding proper, but as the title implies, I wanted to focus just more on the whirlwind of events that happen between the end of the war and the wedding (i.e. when Kestrel is Chrom's betrothed).

Next Chapter – Interlude, Blaze