Of Nightmares and Marks
Take this out of my hands, or I'll keep adding.
This piece takes place during the two year time skip.
Edited by only me. As always, I don't own any of these characters or settings.
I hope you guys enjoy!
Chrom woke up, breathing harshly.
The cold air pricked his senses, bringing him back to the present. For the past year, nightmares have rudely woken him up since he returned to the castle. At times, he clung to the bed sheets, trying to shake off the effects of his dreams, or wrapped his arms around Robin when she was near enough to calm his fear.
Wait.
Chrom frowned as he patted his cold, empty side. The Prince of Ylisse sat up, furiously blinking until a candle flickered in the corner of his vision.
When he turned to the right, Chrom saw a white-haired figure curled over a blue book in the lounge next to her desk. He sighed in relief, his heart rate slowing from his agitation.
Robin flipped past a page, oblivious to his act. Winter had set in on Ylisstol, and she wore her coat over her nightgown to shield herself from the draft of cold that still crept inside the enclosed space.
"I shouldn't be surprised at this point." Chrom yawned as she was startled, smacking the volume shut. "It's late."
"Just catching up on some reading," The queen consort and grandmaster of Ylisse insisted, setting her book on the desk, and looking at him sheepishly. "I was preoccupied this morning, and I still need to review the Feroxi and Ylissean trade history for the next diplomatic summit."
"The healers warned you of no more long nights."
As Robin grumbled incoherently, Chrom snickered at her irritated expression. He arose from his bed, welcoming the sharp cold, knowing that his wife would most likely refuse to come to bed if he even asked. It's not like the prince couldn't go back to sleep either.
The grandmaster scooted to the side, and he dropped next to her, gathering her in his arms. Robin rested her back against his warm chest, forgetting her annoyance.
"That council meeting went well. When we returned, you basically collapsed like a rock." Robin quipped, looking at him with a raised brow. "What are your thoughts?"
He groaned. "Gods, don't remind me."
"I'm surprised at how well they received the announcement. Not a single spoken complaint. I dare say some even looked pleased, especially the western representatives. It's…odd to say the least."
The high-born nobles he had known since birth congratulated them, content with the Halidom's prospects because of their shared revelation. One of the younger counts even grinned wolfishly at the royal couple, staring at Robin for a little longer than necessary. If Chrom hadn't been working on his temperament in court, the nobleman would have gotten a tongue lashing or the flat of Falchion's blade for being a blatantly crude dastard.
"That's an image I'll rather forget." He clasped their hands together and pressed them against the bump on her abdomen, causing her to shiver. "Who knows what craven thoughts they had about us?"
For Naga's sake, never had he felt such embarrassment at the outcome of their shared intimacy being lauded by the noble families. At least he was used to such follies. Chrom could only imagine the grandmaster's own discomfort at being the center of attention.
"Well," Robin flushed, stroking his hands with her thumbs. "Children aren't conceived out of thin air."
He couldn't help but smile as he remembered his wife's reveal.
Exhausted and complaining of body aches, Robin sought out the royal healers at his insistence in the morning, then vanished for the rest of the day. When the prince returned to the chamber after his duties, she sat on the edge of their bed with a faraway look and rosy cheeks. He was about to ask what was wrong when she whispered that she was with child.
It took him a while to process the words, while Robin fidgeted before snapping: "Say something!"
Chrom scooped her up from the bed and spun her around while she squeaked. His wife laughed at the barrage of 'thank you's' and 'I love you' that came from each breath. Then, the prince remembered her newfound state and set her down gently to kiss her, overjoyed. They're finally starting their own family.
"We still need to plan the public speech for tomorrow," Robin interjected, pinching his cheek.
"I believe it's already the next day."
"Is it?" She noticed the candle reaching the stub. "Blast. I haven't even drafted the damn thing."
He placed his chin on her shoulder. "The rumors are already abundant, so we don't have to announce it just yet. Let it simmer a bit more. Most of the servants already know, so you wander around just normally. "
"Chrom, the public needs to know about the next heir to Ylisse. Rumors can only take us so far; our people need confirmation."
"A week more wouldn't hurt. You can delegate the declaration to the palace scribes and rest from your duties."
"We have already delayed the announcement to the council for the last month. Do you want me to hide from the public until I give birth in the spring?"
"Not a terrible idea. We could-"
"Chrom."
The prince stopped and buried his nose in her hair, which cascaded down her back without her usual hair ties. "I know. It's only…"
While Robin waited for Chrom's response, he remained silent. The prince did his best to forget the falling figure in the desert sun from his nightmare, along with the old painful memories. Ever since the end of the war, he's been plagued by visions of lethal scenarios in which Lissa or Robin are in danger. With Robin's pregnancy, another member has been added to the list. Now, the possibility of an assassin sneaking inside and harming his wife and child terrified him in his dreams.
Chrom was so close to saving them each time, but he couldn't move a single muscle and watch as each horrifying vision played out.
"It's not just us anymore," The prince began, hiding the small tremble in his voice. "Our enemies can and will use this knowledge against us. They'll be a target through no fault of their own. This isn't a trained soldier or a skilled diplomat; it's OUR child. How can they defend themselves? I know we must serve the people first and provide them with hope, but this is personal. For once, I can't help but BE selfish."
"I won't lie to you; I'm deeply concerned as well. I know what being married to a member of the royal family entails, and we made our share of enemies during the campaign. Yet, we can't keep hiding. What kind of leaders would we be if we hid when a blessing came our way?"
"It's irrational. Gods, I know it is, but it won't stop."
She bumped her head against his own. "But we are not alone. They'll have an extended family full of good people who will lay down their lives for the sake of others and the Halidom's love to support them."
"I can't just help the thought that they'll always be in danger. We can't be by their side all the time. The uncertainty disturbs me."
"That's what life is; we never know. But if anyone harms them…" Robin warned, a dangerous spark in her eyes. "They'll not only face our wrath, but that of the Shepherds and Ylisse. I'll make sure of it."
They lapsed into a small silence, as he reveled in their embrace, calming down. Chrom couldn't help but feel the same protective instincts as his wife, who glowered at the mere thought of danger on their young one. Yet, the prince's burdens lightened at the talk, and she provided a calm rationale to soothe his worries. If only she could extend that kindness to herself.
The candle flickered once more. Chrom glanced at the desk and noticed the blue book she was reading. He saw the Brand of the Exalt embossed on the cover and instantly recognized the volume. It was a genealogy book of the Royal House of Ylisse from his history lessons. "That's an old sight. Been years since I've seen this behemoth."
Instead of the expected rebuttal, Robin glanced at their joined hands, her strange purple mark visible under his fingers. A rare sight. She removed her gloves in the privacy of the chamber or baths, yet never in public, fearful of strangers remarking on them without the leather cover.
He frowned. "Something troubling you?"
"Er, no." she replied.
"That was a terrible lie. Do you want to give it another shot?"
"Lie? I'm not lying if I haven't said anything-"
Chrom gave her a blank stare as Robin fumbled, looking away. The prince had a feeling what it was about, but he waited for her to tell him.
"I… speaking of families," The grandmaster pronounced slowly, closing her eyes. "My own is still shrouded in mystery..."
There it was. "We can try again in Southtown. Surely, some merchants or a keen-eyed villager would have noticed something."
Chrom wasn't a fool to know that Robin was most likely a stranger in the village with her clothing and her features. There was still much they didn't know before her amnesia, and there was nary a lead to follow. He even ordered a small expedition to stake out the southern lands for any clues, but to no avail.
"We already did. No one knows. If I had other loved ones in the past, wouldn't they search for my whereabouts? It's already been years." Her words ended in melancholy, and she paused for a moment to regain her bearings before continuing. "I'm starting my own family with you. That's what matters to me, but..."
Robin removed her hand, the six lines and circles shape glowing under the candlelight.
"What about this mark?" she uttered. "I haven't seen it anywhere else. But what worries me is what if it is passed on to the baby?"
The grandmaster briefly glanced at her husband's shoulder.
"Like my own?" he inquired, and she nodded. "Robin, I assure you, mine is an exception. The Exalt's brand is passed down through the bloodline blessed by an all-powerful divine being. It's most likely that the baby will inherit it. Even so, it's a rarity even among royals. If no one knows of yours, it was most likely inflicted prior to your amnesia rather than birth. Maybe it was an artist's craft or a mercenary's brand. It can be anything really."
"And that doesn't worry you?"
"Should it?"
Robin gripped her hand. "When criminals are convicted, they are tattooed in black ink to identify them. Then, during the campaign, I heard the Grimleal superiors had brown marks to distinguish them in the sect. However, a purple mark? Nowhere. There's nothing on record or even a whisper. Either way, nothing good seems to come from having one inked onto your skin."
"I would've loved it if you regained your memories, but…" Chrom drew her right hand closer to his face and kissed her marked skin as she blushed. "Only if it is for your own sake. It makes no difference to me whether you were a criminal or a religious follower in the past. I care about the Robin that you are now. The woman in front of me is a grandmaster by merit, as well as someone whom I married and fully trust to lead Ylisse alongside me."
"But-"
"WHO seems to disregard her own worth when she's more than capable and strong-
"That's enough-"
"WHILE carrying our child and the next generation of Exalt lineage-"
"Alright! I GET IT! You don't need to continue!" Robin reprimanded him before glancing at the door and muttering, "You have quite a silver tongue tonight."
"That's a rare compliment from you, Mother Bear."
"We're not doing that," she scolded, regaining her old self. Although some wariness remained in the grandmaster's eyes. "I don't even know HOW to be a mother. I've only seen babes from a distance, much less cared for one."
"Do you think I know?"
"Oh, I can tell you'll be good. You have the characteristics of a doting father. Didn't you already procure a list of names the day after we found out?"
Chrom coughed, heat rising in his face. "So, it's fine when you conjure your list, but when I do it, I'm made fun of?"
"No, it's very sweet actually. It's just that you have some interesting options to choose from that we should discuss. I think I still have it on my desk."
He shook his head as she climbed over him to reach for the paper. "I believe there was even a relic named in- What are- NO-HAHAHA-"
Chrom's fingers slipped under Robin's coat and tickled her sides to stop her, careful of her condition. His wife curled into his lap and laughed against his chest, muffling her sounds. He flipped her to the other side of the lounge, preventing her from reaching the blasted list.
Was pulling this stunt childish? Yes. But anything that kept her mind off her worries was a boon to him.
That, and preserving what little dignity Chrom had in front of his wife.
"You- HA" Robin sputtered while he chuckled, enjoying the display immensely. "This is a dirty-PFFT".
Amid her giggling fit, she moved in closer and kissed the underside of his jaw, making him shiver with her hot breath against his skin. The prince slowed his assault while she laughed, continuing down to his throat. As she approached the hollow of Chrom's neck, he placed his hands on his wife's waist.
Robin came to a halt, straightening up and wrapping herself in her coat to protect herself from another attack.
"Got you," The grandmaster grinned, regaining her breath.
"Huh?" He snapped from his lull, realizing she had played him for a fool while the chamber became stifling hot. "You! You-vixen!"
"You thought you could best me? It would be foolish for a tactician not to use every advantage at her disposal."
"Well, not like THAT."
Robin still didn't wipe her smirk away as he gazed up at the ceiling and grumbled. Robin can be a tease when she wants to be, reserving her tricks for when they are alone. If the married couple weren't preoccupied with rebuilding the Halidom, they surely would have had a child in their arms already.
Lost in his frustration, his wife's grin faded as her brows furrowed, steadying herself on his lap.
"Robin?"
The grandmaster remained silent, returning her palm to her abdomen with a concentrated expression.
Her brown eyes went wide. "Oh."
"What's wrong?" Chrom tightened his grip on her waist, ready to pick her up. If the situation became dire, he could dash over to Lissa's chambers, which were only a hall away.
"I don't think the baby liked that," she admitted in a surprised voice.
"Wait- what?" He stopped, thinking it over. What did she mean by that? He hadn't been around expecting mothers, and he was too young to recall his mother with Lissa. Did 'like' equate to discomfort or something more life-threatening? Chrom should double-check the texts recommended by the healers the next time.
Noticing his growing anxiousness, Robin grabbed one of his hands and placed it on her swollen middle.
"Just feel it," she assured.
"Gods, don't scare me like-"
The prince gasped loudly as she beamed brightly. A light flutter brushed against his palm through the thin cloth of her nightgown.
As the child's movements slowed and stopped, the expecting parents could only stare down in amazement. It was brief, but profound. They exchanged glances of wonder, and he leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on her lips.
"That's…" Chrom couldn't even express himself. There are no words to describe it.
"According to the maternity books, it is still a little early for child movements, so this was unexpected. Unless…" Robin groaned, slumping her head on his chest. "Gods forbid she inherited your strength. If I feel her kicks now, we'll have to baby proof the entire castle to prevent further damages."
He slyly smiled, ignoring the implication of his tendencies in the statement. "She, eh?"
"Oh, shut up. It was a slip of the tongue!"
"I'm glad I was finally able to persuade you."
"Persuade? It could still be a boy! Don't think you've won this game. Whether they'll be, I'll love them wholeheartedly."
"I agree as well. Even so, we can try again after-" The prince bragged when Robin lightly punched his chest. "It's a jest!"
"You bett- better" Robin yawned, and Chrom mimicked as well, growing fatigued. "Or this is the last one you'll get for a long time."
Based on her slumped posture and his sluggishness, the two of them should go back to bed. It was only a few hours before the stewards knocked on the door for their planned schedules. As their station required, the prince and grandmaster would have a busy day with not a moment of privacy.
As such, both bask in their shared mirth away from their troubles, grateful for this peaceful time. Chrom's dream had been long forgotten for the moment, while Robin's marked hand remained in plain sight, simply unacknowledged.
"I'm glad I'm sharing this with you, my love," he whispered softly into her ear.
Chrom's closest confidante and his other half softly smiled at him, staring with half-lidded eyes filled with contentment. Warmth spread through his chest.
"Me too."
Author's notes: I had a good time debating if this was still rated T or not, like an idiot.
Honestly, I consider this work to be a bit stiff since it didn't have a set direction and it's just a jumble of ideas that I merged into one work. For this one, I wanted to focus on some fluff and point out Robin's mark with a dash of Chrom's insecurities. That's really all it is. Also, it's funny that I keep tagging this pair, but they haven't been the main focus in most of my two previous posts. Moreover, it's to practice interactions and write a shorter piece while I continue working on my longer works.