Apology

Chrom sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at Sumia. His wife kept her back to him as she slept. Though only a few inches kept them apart, it felt as a gaping chasm. Five days, he counted. Five days since they last said more than a few words to each other, and what words they had exchanged, Chrom wished he could forget. While he had learned that such drastic changes in mood were common among pregnant women, the king found this most recent shift worst of all. The fault was entirely upon him.

Again, that day echoed within his mind, when Sumia seemed particularly distressed and the day drew far longer than any other he could bring to mind.

"I'm lonely, Chrom."

"What do you mean you're lonely?"

"I mean you're never around for me. Chrom, I just...I just want you to be here with me."

"Well, I can't be here with you. Can't you get Lissa or Cordelia to keep you company?"

"I don't want either of them; I want my husband, especially now. Chrom, I'm in my seventh month. I just need you to be with me."

"Look, Sumia, I would like to be here with you, but you don't understand. I have to rule a kingdom. I have important matters to tend to. Just today, someone came to court pleading for his brother's life. Do you know what that means, Sumia? I have to decide whether a man lives or dies! I can't ignore my duties just because you want me here."

"You don't think our relationship is important? Chrom, I'm not asking you to ignore your duties. I'm just asking for you to be there for me, even if it's just a little while."

"Well, what do you expect me to do?"

"I don't know. Chrom, I just want you to be here. Do you know how scared I am, being a queen and a mother? I just want to talk to me, hold my hand, do something to let me know you're there for me. Ask me how I'm feeling then listen to me. I'd even be happy if you rubbed my back when it hurts, and it hurts, Chrom. Everything hurts. I just want you to be my husband."

"Gods, Sumia, when are you going to realize that our marriage is not like those books you read?"

Those last words and the hurt in his wife's eyes continued to haunt him. He wished he could retract not just what he said but how he had said it. Sumia had not even shared his bed that night, and Chrom had lingered awake until his eyes could no longer bear to remain open. He knew, even then he knew, that he should not have spoken so harshly to a woman whose only offense was confessing her need. The sound of whimpering met his ear just then. Flying out of bed, he lit a lamp and ran to her side. Indeed, tears streamed down her face.

"Oh, Chrom," she said, choking back a sob. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"No, Sumia," replied Chrom, pressing his hand to her quivering lips, "I'm the one who should be sorry."

"But-"

"No, listen to me," he began, brushing a tear away, "I know I haven't been much of a husband to you. You deserve much better than what I've given you."

"You're a king first, Chrom. I should've understood that." Chrom shook his head.

"I should have considered you more. You've made me the happiest man alive, and knowing you're carrying my child has made me even happier. If I could trade my crown for a life as the husband you deserve, I would do it." At first, the only sound was silence, and Chrom frowned when he saw Sumia's eyes fill with tears again.

"Chrom, tell me you love me." Chrom even felt a few tears himself at her words; in her watery eyes, he could see forgiveness shining through. Again, he gently wiped away her tears before kissing their tracks.

"I do love you, Sumia, and I can do better than that." Rising, he threw aside the bedcovers and helped her sit up. "What hurts right now?"

"What?"

"You told me everything hurts, and it's time I start being your husband. So, what hurts the most right now?"

"My feet, I guess," Sumia answered with a shrug, as if she still could not believe the question. Chrom smiled and sat down. Placing her swollen feet in his lap, he gently began to rub. Though his hands were rough and hardened, one glace at Sumia's face told him she was thoroughly enjoying his ministrations. He was glad to hear her contented sighs. Most of all, he considered himself fortunate to have married a woman as good as Sumia. Truly, Chrom thought he never deserved her.

After a time, he moved on to her legs, determined to ensure she would sleep without any aches or pains this night. More than anything, he was glad neither he nor she felt the pain of a wounded heart. He hoped they would not feel it again.

A/N: I hope that doesn't seem too harsh for Chrom, but even royal couples fight. He's not the most levelheaded character either. Props to The Erudite for his insight on this piece. I also hope this chapter is good. I'm not too happy with it, personally.