A/N: Cutting it a bit close, but here's the next chapter. A big thanks to Erudite. I couldn't do it with out him.

Stars

"Come watch the stars with me."

It was such a simple request and at the same time such a difficult one. In a life so long ago, Chrom would have enjoyed nothing more than to lie beside Sumia, staring up at the night sky. But tonight, he could not manage this one thing; this one easy thing. His wife spoke, but her words sounded distant. The occasional salty breeze felt as still air to Chrom. His mind lingered below with Robin, pouring over battle plans, discussing all manner of possible outcomes once they reached Valm. Even as the tactician bade him to follow her, all his thoughts remained on maps and strategies.

"Chrom," he heard Sumia say, nearer this time, but her voice was lost among the many questions still tumbling in his thoughts. Should they lie in wait aboard ship and lure the Valmese into a trap? Should they catch them by surprise with a sudden assault? Were their weapons in good condition? Did they have enough weapons? Would their provisions hold them? Chrom suddenly found himself being jostled, and he found himself staring up at his wife, her arms folded over her chest and a mix of concern and disapproval on her face.

Chrom only shook his head. "I'm sorry, Sumia," he said, standing to his feet. "I'm just not very good company tonight. I think I'll go back and discuss things with Robin."

"Chrom, you'll do no such thing."

"We're less than a day from Valm," objected her husband. "We need to be ready for battle the moment we land. After the last battle, I need to plan for everything."

Sumia sighed. "That battle is over. Stop thinking about it."

"I can't help it," said Chrom. "We're all lucky to be alive after that plan Robin devised."

"Robin's plan saved us all, and we didn't lose anyone."

"It was still too risky, and I agreed to it! Yes, it worked, ramming the Valmese ships after setting half our fleet on fire, but any of us could have been caught in that blaze. Besides, this was just a taste of what awaits us. I have to think about the battles to come, Sumia!" Chrom stepped back and sighed. "I'm sorry. That sounded harsher than I meant. Don't let this trouble you, Sumia."

"Oh, Chrom," she answered, kissing his cheek, "you're my husband. I'm supposed to let it trouble me." She walked behind him, rubbing her hands up and down his arms. Chrom had to admit he never tired of her touch. "I know you're worried, but it'll do you good not to think about battles for one night. Let's just enjoy the peace while we have it." She stood before him now and took him by the hand. Chrom tried to get his mind off her thumb gently rubbing over his knuckles. "Tell me you love me," she said at last.

"Sumia, of course I love you, and that's why I have to worry."

"Then," she began, her voice as gentle as her caress but still firm. It reminded Chrom of the times she'd tell him to rest. "Love me enough to stay with me. Love me enough to forget what could have been and not worry yourself over what might be. Love me enough to just watch the stars for a moment."

"Was that something out of your books?"

"No, Chrom, but it's something that will do you good. Don't carry your burden so much. Sometimes, it helps to forget about life for a while. Sometimes, it helps to just watch the stars. So, please, do this for me." She laid down once again and pulled on his arm. "Stay with me in this moment, and enjoy it. Don't think about battles or strategies. Just look up at the stars."

Chrom found himself unable to resist and at the moment, unwilling to try. Without another word, they looked up at the night sky and the stars flickering against the blackness. He had to admit the experience was rather soothing. A wry smile crept over his face, realizing Sumia was still the kind of woman who somehow managed to get her way when it came to him. He had few objections. She rested her head against his shoulder, and his arm wrapped around her, idly stroking her arm. The moments passed by without a single thought of sword or spear, and Chrom found himself quite content to stay there. The sky soon began to grow darker and darker.

Chrom found himself staring up at the faces of Robin, Frederick, and a giggling Lissa.

"Were you both up here all night, Your Majesties?" the dutiful knight asked. Chrom was at an entire loss for words.

A/N: I wanted to make it a bit lighter this time. Hope you enjoyed it, and thank you all for your support thus far.

Until the next time.