A/N: It seems I can't stay away even if I try. I hope you enjoy this one. Once again, props to The Erudite for his excellent beta work.

Respect

Chrom hefted his sparring sword, finding it heavier than he remembered. He supposed that two years of peace and what most would consider easy living had played a part in it. He snorted as he thought of all the nearly sleepless nights and wondered how anyone could think of a king's life as easy. Still, the memory of the sword remained with him, and he considered it fortunate. If the messenger from Ferox was indeed a herald of another conflict, the king thought it easier to retrain his body than his mind

"Are we going to train, Chrom?" Sumia asked from across the training circle. Clothed as she was in a simple tunic, Chrom could spot the many changes brought to her body, and the thought of two years without her lance in hand and then carrying their child brought a rueful cringe to his face. Could she fight? Could she ride her winged mount? He began to wish he had never consented to her company. He set his sword down and crossed the room. Likewise, his wife set her lance on the floor.

"Sumia, I don't suppose there's any way I can get you to change your mind." To the king's dismay, she only shook her head.

"We've been through this. I've found a wet-nurse for Lucina. I'm having my armor reforged, and I'm going out later to find a new pair of boots. I'm going with you tomorrow."

"But, Sumia, you haven't even healed from the birthing yet," her husband objected. "We could be on the brink of war with Valm." Chrom looked her in the eye and took her hand. "Please, stay here where it's safe."

"Chrom," she pleaded, "please don't doubt me."

"You know I never have. This isn't about doubt; it's about the woman I love going flying into battle when she's not ready." He gripped Sumia's shoulders. "Stay here, recover, watch over our daughter." His wife's eyes squeezed into angry slits, and she swatted his hands away.

"You expect me to sit here with my feet up while you're sleeping on the ground? You expect me to spend my days surrounded by servants while you're surrounded by the Valmese army? I can't do that, Chrom."

"Well, I can't let you risk your life, Sumia."

"How would my staying here be any better?" she protested. "I can't watch you march out of here, and spend every day wondering if you'll come back alive. I can't quiet Lucina when she cries when I'll feel like crying too. I can't lie awake at night thinking you might be dead out there." A weighty sigh left her mouth.

"Chrom, tell me you love me." Tenderly, he cupped her cheeks.

"You know know I do," he replied, caressing her smooth skin with his thumb.

"Then respect me enough to let me come with you. Chrom. If it comes to war, I want to face it by your side. I promise you, if the worst should happen, I'll fly back here so Lucina won't lose us both. She will have her mother, but I want to do what I can to make sure she has her father. For that matter, it's not just her. Ylisse needs her king, and I need my husband."

It made no sense to Chrom, but the way she spoke made his heart swell with pride in the knowledge that he had married such a remarkable woman. He knew now he could not persuade her, and at this moment, he found he no longer wished to try. Instead, he pressed his lips to Sumia's, catching her entirely by surprise.

"I love you, Sumia," he said. "So, pick up your lance, and let's get to sparring. I'm going to make sure both of us make it home alive."