Final preparations for the royal tour were almost ready which filled Robin with a mix of excitement and anxiety. It was not like they were even going alone. There would be a whole contingent of staff with them, but it was still a trip with Lucina with greater chances to sneak away from prying eyes.

Even at the castle, Lucina had seemed to almost make a game of trying to see how much she could get away with. A held hand here, a sweet word there; it really made Robin flustered, but not in a bad way. Of course, he was not as bold as to play the same game, but he was happy enough to go along with it. At least when he did not think of how their relationship may have been doomed.

But she would have none of that anytime he so much as hinted at it. Despite once being so reluctant to so much as stay in Ylisstol, she had applied her determination to her new life and was dedicated to making sure that she once again challenged her fate and won.

Her determination actually made him believe that there was a chance despite the rules being fairly clean cut.

However, that was of little immediate concern as the carriages were being loaded. They would soon be on their way to their first stop of Themis. Robin noted Lucina's trepidation at boarding the carriage which reminding him of the other reason she probably invited him along.

She was a bit uneasy traveling by carriage after what had happened to her family, but Robin had done everything in his power to allay her fears. They would not be taking any dangerous roads and were taking a sufficient amount of supplies as well as soldiers. Despite all that though, she was still a bit uncomfortable.

So, Robin did his best to distract her on the way down.

"I hear Themis has been doing well since the war," Robin made somewhat idle chatter.

"Yes, though there is some concern about inheritance after Maribelle and Ricken married."

"They're up north at Ricken's estate, right?"

"Yes, they are working on restoring his family's honor. No doubt Ricken's distinguished military service will help on that front."

"And being the region's top magic minister," Chrom honored the young mage with being the northern province's top minister in that regard, and he was well on his way to assuming the top position in the ministry.

"They have both worked hard to restore his family's name. I hope they succeed."

After that, the fell into idle chatter which became increasingly slow as the work Robin had put into the route started to take its toll along with the rhythmic motions of the carriage. Before long, he was fast asleep.

Lucina smiled at his sleeping form. It was nice seeing him so relaxed after recent events. She would be willing to put up with the silence if it meant him getting some much needed rest.

Instead, she occupied her mind with thoughts of their potential future. As it stood, they would be forbidden from actually marrying if they decided that they really wanted to go that far. However, Lucina was determined to find a way around that. She could not bear the thought of being with anyone other than Robin.

With those thoughts in her mind, it was not long before she too succumbed to the motion of the carriage.

"Milady," Lucina groggily turned over not wanting to get up quite yet.

"I'll take care of it," Another, much more appealing voice as far as the sleeping Exalt was concerned, spoke which was followed by the sound of a door closing.

"Lucina, you need to wake up," But the soothing masculine voice did little to make her want to move. "Lucina, we're here. Time to go," She just snuggled up further into the corner of the carriage.

"Fine," The voice sighed, "Guess I'll just have to spend the day alone with all those young maids at the manor."

Lucina's eyes immediately shot open and Robin could have sworn that there was a hint of green in her normally cerulean eyes. Robin tried and failed to hold back his laughter causing Lucina to pout at his stunt.

"That was not funny," Lucina crossed her arms.

"It was kind of funny," Robin grinned, "But don't you worry. I only have eyes for you."

"Good. I would not want to have to find a replacement for you." With that, Lucina departed the carriage leaving behind a grinning Robin.

Themis had been hit hard in the Mad King's War, as it had been dubbed, but it was rebounding nicely. The market was flourishing, people busily went to and fro, and children laughed and played merrily in the streets. Lucina's eyes seemed to linger a bit on the children as a soft smile adorned her face which in turn made Robin smile.

The duke himself greeted Lucina at the estate. He was a big man, clearly a veteran fighter, who carried the shine of wisdom in his eyes. He was clearly getting on in years which explained his absence in their recent campaigns, but he had backed Emmeryn and Chrom loyally which did not look like it would change with Lucina.

After their pleasantries, Lucina was free to look around the city as she pleased. She opted not to take a large guard citing that she and Robin could handle most threats on their own.

While true, it was also a ruse so that they could have some time to themselves. With some unassuming clothes, they were free to go about their business while watching the inhabitants in a more natural environment.

It did make Lucina ponder a simple life. She had planned to disappear and live an unassuming life once, however, she had stayed on the behest of her family and Robin. She occasionally wondered about a simple life with Robin, but such idle fantasies seemed irrelevant now. However, she was more courageous in her love life than ever before, and she was determined to make their new life a happy one.

A/N: Please excuse the time it took to get this out. I've been having to deal with getting my classes in order.