A/N: And so the mini-arc ends here. I hope you like it. This was a hard one to finish.

Obligatory warning for some PG-13 rated activities.

Petals

Dozens upon dozens of rose petals stared back at Chrom as he stared at his bed, petals bearing the hands of Robin and Lissa. Oh, beyond a doubt, this was their scheme; the note slipped to him during dinner was all the proof he needed. How could they do this? How could they interfere in this manner? Regarding his marriage bed, he neither wanted nor welcomed aid of any kind, and if he had them in the room at this minute, he would have told them so.

Among the disbelief, frustration, and indignation, one thought stuck out in his mind, just as a single petal, pink and pale, caught his eye among the many reds.

Why didn't he think of any of this himself? Why hadn't he suggested an evening walk or whispered amorous words in Sumia's ear, offering a night of wedded pleasures? He should have; such things came naturally to other men just as the color red to a rosebush. At first, he believed himself inexperienced or overwhelmed by the drudgery of his crown. Was that so, or was a mind as clever as Robin's required to surprise his wife?

"Sumia," he called over his shoulder, his thoughts scattering like loose petals in a gust of wind. Whatever the reason, it mattered little now, and he supposed only one thing could be done. He would tell her everything.

"Just a minute. I'm almost ready for bed," came a soft, sultry purr that sent tingles through each spot on his face her lips had earlier touched. A smile, wry but pained, curled upon his lips. Did he truly need to tell her? Did it do any harm to allow Sumia one romantic fantasy, to allow her to believe this night was of his making entirely?

No, she deserved to know the truth

"Chrom," that same voice caressed his ears again, setting them both aflame, "turn around."

He did, and his mouth dropped open.

Rose-red silk fell loosely over Sumia's body, the color contrasting well to her pale skin of which he could see much. Wispy straps struggled to hold up a plunging neckline that left little to imagine. Though her gown brushed the floor, long, lacy slits offered an unimpeded view of her legs. Ruffles gave the appearance of petals clothing her rather than fabric, and thoughts blossomed within his mind, feeding the flame growing deep within his belly - a flame that thrilled him and caused his earlier resolve to wilt.

Quickly, he crossed the floor to Sumia. Each breath rose in volume, and each step sounded like a thunderclap in his ear. He would tell her. If she would still have him even then, all the better, but he had to tell her another man had made the bed they would lie in.

"What haven't you gotten undressed?" Sumia asked as he stood in front of her. By whatever strength he had, somehow Chrom managed to keep his eyes level with hers, tempting as it was to let his gaze fall to her chest.

"Sumia," he swallowed. "There's something I need to tell you. I -" A single finger pressed to his mouth silenced him.

"Chrom, tell me you love me," her voice straining, "tell me you love me in every way you can." Her words lit a spark within his mind, and in his mind's eye, he saw the pink petal, now more brilliant than the reds. And he realized while he'd not had Robin's thoughts, he had no need for them. Oh, he would tell her but not tonight. Tonight, he would love her as only he could; he would be that single pink petal among all the others.

And any lingering thoughts withered and died.

He kissed her finger, her palm, and her wrist before withdrawing her hand, and his hungry lips met hers. His hands ran up and down her arms before tangling in her hair. Urged by her moan, he deepened the kiss. Breaking away, he brought his mouth to her neck, her throat, and she shuddered.

Two fingers slipped beneath one strap, and as his eyes found hers again, an idea sprang to mind.

"May I?" A rosy tint filled Sumia's cheeks, and she nodded. With a quick nod of his own, he slowly slid the strap down, his lips following its trail. Her arm slipped through the loop, and Chrom did the same with the other strap. Sliding her gown to the floor, he again followed behind with his lips.

Content with the sight of red silk pooling around her feet, Chrom stood and returned to her mouth. Slender, eager fingers relieved him of his clothes between kisses. He pulled Sumia close, moans joining as every curve and contour of her body pressed against his skin. His hands roamed freely - across her hips, her back, and wherever they wished. She did the same, embers following her fingertips. The flame within his stomach burned white-hot, and gods, it traveled lower.

Breaking free of her lips, he scooped Sumia into his arms, carrying her to the bed. He paused for a moment, eyes drinking in the sight of his wife, lying among the rose petals, aglow with love and longing. Her arms opened wide to welcome him, and climbing into bed, his hand found hers. Their fingers entwined, and he brought his mouth to her ear.

"I love you, Sumia," he whispered.

And as they slipped beneath the sheets, dozens upon dozens of rose petals fluttered to the floor, their purpose accomplished.

A/N: And send in the stork. And thank you to all the readers and to The Erudite for his assistance in getting my ideas sorted.