"Well," Robin closed his book, "I think that's enough for today."

"All of this is a bit overwhelming. There is so much about being Exalt I never knew," Lucina eyed the volumes before her.

"Perhaps," Robin admitted, "But you're doing quite well. Your dedication is quite admirable."

"As is your teaching," Lucina smiled and Robin averted his gaze to avoid getting pulled into her eyes. Lucina frowned at the reaction. It had been that way since they had started. It was not like she could blame him though. Anytime her feelings broke through she internally berated herself. Still, it bothered her to see him recoil from getting too close, and it made her long for the times when their lives were simpler.

"Your flattery is kind, but unwarranted. I'm just doing what I can."

"You do a lot," Lucina replied somberly, "I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me and the halidom."

"Thank you…milady."

"You do not have to call me that. We had stopped using titles. That should not change now."

"R-right," Robin seemed off balance, "If that is all?"

"It is," Lucina nodded and watched as he awkwardly left. Once he was gone, she sighed and rested her head in her hands. Being around him was torture. She now knew of her obligations meaning that her fantasies were supposed to remain just that, but…she enjoyed his company all the same.

She could do without the distance though. He seemed to be making every effort to maintain professionality to a degree which was unlike the tactician, and it was annoying her even if her mind told her that she should be doing the same thing given her situation. However, her heart had another opinion, and after years of being ignored, it seemed her heart had gained quite the voice.

"Is everything going according to schedule?" Lucina watched as the workers got the dais ready for her coronation.

"Yes, a little ahead of schedule actually," Robin paused to give some orders.

"You've been working yourself to the bone on this," Lucina noted with concern, "Are you certain you're okay?"

"I'll be fine," Robin waved off her concerns, "How about you?"

"I am managing," Lucina absently watched the stage taking shape, "I have busied myself with my lessons as well as memorizing my role for tomorrow. I must admit that I am somewhat nervous about tomorrow."

"You'll do fine," Robin reassured, "I'll be silently cheering you on from the audience."

"So…you will not be on stage?"

Robin seemed a bit surprised, "No, I imagine I'll be with the military brass again. They're mostly fine, but I'm not exactly close with most of them."

Right. Lucina should have expected as much, but she had hoped, "I think you deserve to up on the dais."

"Uh, well," Robin rubbed his neck in embarrassment, "I'm flattered, but I'm afraid that's typically reserved for council members and other statesmen."

"'Typically.' Is it a rule?"

"Well, no," Robin admitted, "It's more of a custom."

"Then I want you to join me. You've done so much to help me prepare for this as well as organizing it. It's only fair."

"Lucina, I'm not sure it's appropriate."

"Nonsense. In fact," Lucina paused for a moment, but that increasingly loud voice kept going and she rationalized it away, "I was hoping to make you, if you want, to be my…personal assistant."

"What?"

"I'm sorry if the title does not sound very glamorous, but I could not think of a better title. The political situation is fairly stable, so you are not needed for military purposes as much, and I know my father depended on your advice a great deal and it only seems fair that you have a fitting position. In truth," Lucina's voice softened a little, "With how much you have helped me so far, I fear I may not be able to do this without your help. Of course, you are free to oversee the other advisors as you see fit. You are free to refuse, of course. I understand that it would be a significant burden to put on yourself."

"Uh, no, no, I'm honored. Don't you think it's a little sudden though?"

"Why?" Lucina seemed genuinely confused, "You more or less held that position already."

It was true that Chrom had depended on his advice, but Robin was aware that there were those who resented Robin's fast climb through the ranks and that boosting him further might make life more difficult for him. That, and Robin did not want that kind of responsibility after all he had been through during his stint as grandmaster. Though, that was not the main reason Robin was hesitant to take the job this time.

However, looking her in the eyes, he could not tell her no to such a sincere request, "It would be an honor."

"Wonderful," Lucina smiled in relief not sure if he would have accepted given his recent behavior, "I will make the preparations. In the meantime, I will tell the servants to prepare you a spot on the stage."

"Er, okay."

"See you tomorrow then," Lucina smiled and walked off toward the dais leaving Robin to stare dumbfounded. He was unused to being so utterly incapable of fending someone else off. It was almost like a much less sinister and invasive version of what Validar could do to him.

"What just happened?"

A nearby servant simply grinned.

Robin slowly made his way to the dais for the ceremony. Lucina had made sure that he would have accommodations, but the thought of being up there was making him nervous. When he finally did arrive, his seat was pointed out, and much to his horror, it was near the center, right next to Lucina.

"Hello, Robin," Robin pulled his eyes away from that dreaded chair and turned them to the Exalt to be. He was stunned by what he saw. She was fully dressed up in a sleeveless white gown with gold accents. She carried a formal fur cape and wore a custom ornate headpiece made just for the occasion.

"Wow," Robin took a moment to figuratively pick his jaw off the floor, "You look…amazing."

"Really?" Lucina looked down at her dress, "You don't think it's too much?"

"No, I think you look wonderful. They'd be proud of you."

Lucina smiled fondly at the sentiment, but before anything else could be said, it was time for the ceremony to start. Both of them found their ways to their seats, and Robin felt like he was getting a lot of attention. He was the odd one out up there, and he could almost feel the stares boring into him as he tried to pay attention to the ceremony.

Several rites later, Lucina was officially named Exalt of Ylisse. Once they all pledged their loyalty to the new ruler, it was time for Lucina to leave looking regal all the while, but there was a slight smile when their eyes met that quickly faded back into professional stoicism.

What mess had he gotten himself into?

A/N: Oh, and I'll probably be siding with Morgan in the gauntlet. Probably also send out Lucina cause mom.