Beneath the Threads

XV.

The months passed. Chrom and Robin got married quietly, which further angered the nobles. It was a great feeling to finally be able to call each other husband and wife after so many setbacks and criticisms. They continued to work toward bringing Ylisse prosperity. The only punishment that was formally given to Plegia was reparations for Ylisse and Ferox, though Chrom and Robin were aware that truly wouldn't be the end of the troubles. Flavia and Basilio agreed, and were waiting along with them for the moment the quiet would end. The peaceful quiet for Chrom and Robin in the castle ended with the birth of their daughter on April 20th, the same date they were told to expect her.

Robin exhaled and leaned her head back on her pillow as her newly born child screamed in one of the nurse's arms. She felt weak as her eyes fluttered, exhaustion bearing down on her body. The birth had been long and grueling, long enough to garner a comment or two from the nurses about its length. She wanted to hold Lucina in her arms, but she was too tired to hold her arms up. Chrom had helped hold the child to her chest the moment after she was born to give the mother and baby the contact the nurses said they should have upon birth. Robin cried out of relief, awe, and shock when she laid eyes on baby Lucina, whispering, It's okay over and over, though she couldn't be sure if she was saying it for herself, Chrom, or their child.

Now the nurses were washing Lucina as Maribelle stood at the side of the bed, her staff fixed on Robin's body, Chrom sitting on the sheets beside his wife.

"You did great, darling," Maribelle said with a smile. "Not one scream out of you! I'm impressed."

"Thank you." Robin licked her dry lips. "I don't think I could of did it alone. Thank you for the support and...thank you for letting Chrom stay with me the whole time."

"It was my pleasure, Robin. And, letting your husband stay with you was your decision, not mine. No need to thank me."

"Yes, but...I know everyone's going to fuss. It's uncommon for the father to be present. The nobles probably think we're insane and without class."

Maribelle shrugged. "To hell with them, love." She smirked. "I'm glad milord was brave enough to stay. Not only that, but he encouraged you the entire time. I was sure he would faint."

Chrom's face flushed. "I...I just did my job as a husband! I'm glad I got to be here for it."

One of the nurses handed Lucina to Maribelle. She cooed the baby in her arms, then looked to Robin and Chrom.

"Robin, would you like to hold her?" she asked.

"Oh...I wish. I feel too weak to hold her properly. Hand her to Chrom."

Maribelle obliged, and Lucina was passed to him. He gazed down at her with loving eyes.

"She's beautiful," he whispered.

"She looks just like her father," Robin commented, watching them both. After a moment she closed her eyes, her exhaustion taking over, despite her will to stay awake.

"You can rest, Robin." Chrom sighed. "I can tell you're trying to fight it."

"I want to spend time with you and our newly born."

"There's plenty of time for that. We'll be here when you wake."

Robin groaned. "Okay...But why am I so tired? Maribelle, you said I would have enough energy to spend time with my baby."

Maribelle shook her head. "I'm sorry, darling. That's what happens with a lot of mothers. But, you're birth was abnormally grueling. There's no wonder you're exhausted after going through that."

"Gods...I'm so sore everywhere. Sorry, Chrom."

"Then rest." Chrom insisted. "It's okay. I'm just thankful you and Lucina are alright."

"But my baby!" Robin narrowed her sunken eyes. She wasn't sure why she kept reiterating that the baby in Chrom's arms was hers, but she felt the urge to hold her despite the weakness.

"You're stubborn." Chrom sighed. He pushed himself further up the bed, leaning his back on the headboard. "How about I lay her on your chest?"

"Please."

Robin exhaled when she felt her baby on her chest. She managed to lift her hand to run her fingers through the small tuft of her hair on her head. Chrom supported the small child's weight with one of his hands, causing Robin to realize just how small newly born babies really were. She smiled weakly, then fell asleep.