Beneath the Threads

XVI.

When Robin woke, it was early morning. Her body ached when she tried to adjust her back. She glanced down at the sheets that covered her, then glanced around the room. It was empty, and she was alone. She panicked and tore the sheets off and threw her legs over the side of the bed. She winced and leaned over, sharp pain piercing her abdomen. Her breath faltered, and she realized she couldn't stand on her own.

"Chrom?" she said, her voice hoarse. Tears sprung in her eyes. "Chrom?!"

Lissa appeared from the bathroom door on the far side of the chambers. She rushed to Robin's side, Lucina in her arms. She placed the child in the bassinet and put her arm on Robin's shoulder.

"Robin? What's wrong?" she asked.

"Where's Chrom?" she asked. "Where's my baby?"

"Lucina is in the bassinet. I was changing her into a new set of clothes. Chrom is attending council. He should be back soon." Lissa gently pushed on Robin's arm. "Lean back in bed. You need rest. I'll get you whatever you want, just ask."

Robin leaned back and pulled the sheets back over her. "He didn't say anything about that yesterday."

"It just came up today." Lissa said as she poured Robin a glass of water. "I'm not sure what it's about, though. He wouldn't have mentioned it yesterday, anyway. You were having a baby, remember?" she chuckled.

"Interesting..." Robin took the glass from her and sipped it. "I wonder what it's about. Maybe I could-"

"No way, no how!" Lissa exclaimed. "You may be a super strong lady, but even strong ladies need their rest. Your body can't handle you roaming about the castle. You just gave birth last night!"

"You're right…"

"Of course." She smiled. "But, if you're up to it, you can take a few visitors that have requested to see you when you're well enough."

"Who?"

"Sumia and Cordelia asked about you. Well, all of the Shepherds have, but I told them they could see you first. And Lucina…, er, the other Lucina."

Robin furrowed her brows. "You know about that?"

Lissa nodded. "Chrom told me. Her mysteriousness makes a lot more sense now. Don't worry, no one outside the three of us knows."

"Can you see if she'll visit me now?"

"Sure. I'll be right back."

After about ten minutes, Lissa returned with Lucina. She was in her usual outfit, her Falchion at her side. Robin smiled and patted the empty spot on the bed beside her. Lucina walked over, but didn't sit down. Lissa walked over by the window and sat beside the bassinet.

"Hi, dear," Robin said. "Happy belated birthday. Did you get the gift your father and I sent to your chambers?"

"Yes, Mother. The coat and dress are both lovely." Lucina nodded. "Thank you for your kindness."

"Of course I'm going to be kind to you! You're my baby girl! Well, the bigger one." She chuckled.

Lucina swallowed. "I came to see how you were doing."

"I'm tired, but I'll be fine. Your father is attending council. Have you spoken with him? He wanted to talk to you."

"No, Mother. I haven't spoken with him."

"You can stay with us until he returns, then."

"Of course!" Lissa smiled. "I was just about to serve breakfast. Join us!"

"I'm afraid I can't." Lucina stared down at the floor. "I'll be taking my leave today."

Robin furrowed her brows. "What? Where are you going?"

"I'm not sure yet. But, I can't stay here any longer, especially now that your baby is born. People will question why I linger by you and Father's side, especially if they see I have the brand in my eye. I can't cause controversy. I don't fit in here. I'll return when I see the time is right."

"Lucina…" Robin swallowed. "You can't just up and leave."

"I'm sorry, Mother. But I think this is what must be done. You have a life here with a new baby, and I can't intrude."

"Enough!" Robin raised her voice, though it was weak and hoarse. "I won't have my daughter calling herself an intruder. You belong with your parents and that's that."

Lucina stammered. A tear slipped down her cheek. "Mother…"

"I know how to fool everyone. I've already thought this over. It'll take some adjusting on your part, but not much."

"How?"

"First, to cover your brand, there are two options: you can either grow your bangs out to cover your eye, or you can wear and eyepatch. Of course, I think growing out your bangs would be easier, so when you're not around others, you can just clip it back from your face. Your hair's thick, no one will see through it. Second, I will appoint you as our baby's retainer. No one will question you being around us all the time when your role is to serve us. It's all for show, we won't force you to take care of yourself...that's a bit strange."

"Are you sure this will work? Does Father know about this?"

"He does. That's what he wanted to talk with you about." Robin nodded. "You're grown...so we can't technically force you to do anything. You're old enough to make your own decisions. But, I hope you'll respect our efforts and give it a try. We love you, Lucina."

"Of course. I'll try, Mother. I would give anything to be able to stay by you and Father's side."

"Well, you don't have to give much." Robin chuckled. "It's our job to give to you."

Someone knocked on the door. Robin pointed, and Lucina walked over an opened it. Chrom came in the room. He smiled at Lucina.

"Happy birthday!" he exclaimed. "Did you get your gift?"

"Yes, Father. It was lovely. Thank you." Lucina smiled back.

"How was the cake?"

"What cake?"

"I ordered the servants to deliver cake with your gift."

"I'm afraid I didn't get any. I just got the gift."

Chrom sighed and shook his head. "Damn it!"

"It's alright, Father." Lucina shrugged. "I don't mind."

"That's not the point! I wanted my little girl to have cake on her birthday!"

"I suppose a stern talking to is in place for the servants." Robin chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess I'll have to do that later." Chrom walked over to the bed and sat down. "How are you feeling, Robin?"

"I'm doing fine. Just tired, that's all."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke. I had to attend council."

"What was it about?"

"I've received word from Flavia and Basilio that an army from the continent of Valm is threatening their ports. Normally, we would attend summit in Ferox, but they were aware you were close to giving birth, so they offered to meet us here in Ylisstol. They should be here in a day or two. The council was informing me on the continent itself, so I understand more of what they're referring to when they get here."

"How are you going to have a summit without your chief tactician?" Robin asked.

Chrom shook his head. "No way, Robin. You need to stay in bed. We'll make do."

Another knock came to the door. Chrom stood, and opened it. There stood a soldier on the other side of the doorframe.

"Sire," he said. "Khans Flavia and Basilio are here and request a summit with you and Lady Robin immediately."

"See?" Robin said from across the room. "I told you!"

Chrom sighed. "Let them know I'll be there as soon as I can."

The soldier nodded and left. Lucina walked towards the door and opened it.

"I'll be training if you need me. Perhaps we can discuss the summit later, Father?" she said.

"Of course. I'll make sure you get your cake." Chrom responded as he walked over to the window.

Lucina chuckled. "Thank you."

She left as Chrom leaned into the bassinet. He picked up the small baby and cradled her in his arms, kissing her on the forehead.

"Your father's so busy already…" He sighed. "I wish I could spend more time with you."

Robin frowned. "There's always later."

"I suppose you're right."

"I'll take her, Chrom." Robin put out her arms. "I should feed her."

Chrom settled the baby is her arms and headed towards the door. "I'll be back later. Thank you for looking after her, Lissa."

Lissa smiled. "It's my pleasure!"

-0-

Chrom left. Robin fed Lucina, and her and Lissa ate breakfast together. They admired the light, spring breeze coming through the window when more knocks came to the door. Lissa rose and opened it. Robin held Lucina in her arms, watching as Chrom appeared on the other side of the door frame again.

"Is Robin awake?" he asked.

"Yes. We just finished breakfast. You haven't been gone but a half hour."

"Is she up for visitors?"

Lissa looked to Robin and she responded with a shrug.

"Sure?" Lissa said. "Who is it?"

"Flavia and Basilio really want Robin's inputs, so they offered to come see her here. I also get the feeling they just really want to see my baby."

"Send them in, Chrom," Robin said.

Chrom left and quickly returned, the Khans with him. Flavia pushed him aside and walked to Robin's side.

"My, my, she's a beauty!" she exclaimed. "Looks just like her father."

"How does it feel to be a dad?" Basilio laughed at Chrom. "Don't get too soft on me now."

"I'm proud of Chrom for taking my advice and surrounding himself with strong women and not delicate flowers! Robin may be recovering in body, but she's as strong as ever in spirit."

"Robin's strong alright." Lissa nodded. "Chrom said she didn't even scream once!"

Basilio and Flavia chuckled. Chrom's face flushed.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"We're surprised you stayed for the birth," Flavia said.

"Yeah, you're a lot braver than we thought, boy!" Basilio laughed. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you. But, I think we should get to the task at hand," Chrom said with a red face.

"Of course, now that we're done teasing you." Flavia turned to Robin. "We'd like your input on the situation, if you're up to giving it."

Robin nodded. "Of course. Explain to me what's going on."

They explained the entire situation to her. After a moment of thinking, Robin sighed and looked to the baby in her arms. She knew what she needed to say, but she didn't want to say it. She wanted to be selfish for once, but she couldn't deny the neighboring realm and their citizens the protection that would come with her plan, which Basilio and Flavia would undoubtedly accept. Tears sprung in her eyes, but she quickly swallowed them down.

"The ports need to be secured," Robin said. "Preferably with a small team of your best. Playing offense for the time being would be the safest bet. Stop them in their tracks and it'll give them the message that this continent will not submit to their leaders."

"I agree," Flavia said with a nod. "We just need to figure out when exactly they'll be here and who to send."

"Ylisse will send our Shepherds, which are the best of our soldiers." Chrom nodded.

Robin stared down at Lucina, trying to fade away. The dozing baby opened her eyes and stared back at her mother curiously. Robin bit her lip.

"Along with a small team of our best, that should be enough to secure the ports," Basilio added.

"Robin, you're the best of the best when it comes to tacticians, but we're aware it may be too soon for you to go. If you could draw up some mock scenarios for us, we'll be able to follow your thought process the best we can," Flavia said.

"Wait...too soon?" Basilio asked. "It'll be a couple of weeks before we move to secure the ports. That's not enough time?"

"Well…" Chrom's face flushed. "She just gave birth last night, Basilio."

"Last night?!" Flavia exclaimed. "Chrom, why didn't you tell us the baby wasn't yet a day old?"

"We-"

"This is important enough to put that aside," Robin said, cutting Chrom off. "We don't have time to wait when our realms are at risk. I'm well enough to think, which is what we need most. I'll draw up the scenarios and have them ready by the time you march."

Flavia sighed. "Thank you, Robin," she said. "But would it kill you two to be selfish for once?"

Robin and Chrom glanced at each other. They shrugged.

"I have to fill my sister's shoes…" Chrom said. "I'll lead the team to secure the ports. I'll gather the Shepherds and we'll leave by tomorrow night."

Robin bit her cheek and tucked her head down. Her hair fell in front of her eyes, which she hoped would conceal the upset brimming in her eyes. Swallow it, she thought. You can't act this way right in front of the Khans! Put your personal matters aside!

"No, Chrom." Flavia shook her head. "Stay here. Send your best Shepherds and help Robin draw up the scenarios. We'll take care of the rest."

"Flavia…" Chrom argued. "You need the best. I'll-"

"Look at your wife, Chrom! She's exhausted. So are you. If you would've told us the baby was born last night we would've given you a day before holding a meeting. You're both pushing yourselves too hard. We can't have you two running yourselves into the ground." Flavia turned to Robin. "Why didn't you tell us? We thought it had been at least a couple of days, if not a week or more."

"It-It doesn't matter what I feel…" Robin stammered. "We have duties and our people to serve."

Flavia sighed. She glanced at Chrom and Basilio. "You two leave."

"Are you mad, woman?" Basilio said. "Why?"

"Don't question me, oaf! We need to have a talk, woman to woman."

The men shuffled out, Chrom's face flushed. Flavia sat beside Robin on the bed. Robin looked away, unable to meet her eyes while she tried to hide the upset on her face.

"Robin…" Flavia said softly. "The castle whispers about you. I heard it today while in the women's washroom."

"They-They always do that. The nobles aren't fond of me." Robin bit her lip and snuggled Lucina closer to her chest.

"It wasn't negative. It was from your nurses. They spoke of how grueling your birth was. Is this true?"

Robin nodded. "The labor went on for days...and the birth itself...Gods, it just wouldn't end. I thought I might not make it through. I don't know what I would've done if Chrom wasn't with me."

"And yet you still agreed to meet with us this morning." Flavia sighed again. "There's a difference between being strong and flat-out reckless. Trust me, as a Khan, I've had to learn that the hard way."

"I'm not doing anything taxing, Flavia. I was already awake anyway."

"It doesn't matter. You need to rest. It's not like your pregnancy was easy, either."

Robin exhaled. She hadn't admitted it to anyone, but her capture by Gangrel still haunted her everyday. Sometimes she would dream the events of battle; wearing the white dress, being pushed around, watching Lucina get hurt. She always woke in a sweat afterwards. One night her heart was beating so fast she snuck out of her chambers and made her way to Lucina's, because her mind wouldn't calm itself unless she saw her daughter safely sleeping. She still hadn't had time to process the conversation they had had before Chrom came in the door. She couldn't fathom anyone in her family leaving. Now that they were together, that's the way she wanted it stay.

"I'm...I'm fine," Robin lied.

"That's a lie if I've ever heard one." Flavia put her hand on Robin's shoulder. "You know, we didn't understand the true extent of the situation at the time. Chrom hadn't said anything to us. It wasn't until the words fell out of Gangrel's mouth that we realized it. We understand why you two were so secretive, but we wish we could've known."

"Him and I...we're controversial. We knew that then. We still are now. Having everyone staring at me...wondering just what the hell was going on...was mortifying. Then Gangrel starting taunting Chrom, and I saw the strangest look on Frederick's face. I remember someone gasping, which I now know was Lissa. She was shocked, not even she knew about our relationship. To have our secrets flaunted like that was humiliating for the both of us."

"To hell with the controversy! You all have been through enough. Especially you and your little girl."

"I think the stress of that situation weighing on me made my birth harder than it should've been. Somehow it comes to mind every night. Last night was the first night my mind was too preoccupied to give it a lot of thought."

"Chrom may think he's marching with us, but he's not. I won't allow it. He needs to stay here with you and the baby."

Robin furrowed her brows. "Flavia-"

"My stubborn, Feroxi mind is made up!" Flavia insisted. "You both need rest. And you need his support. I could tell you didn't want him to say he was going to leave. The upset on your face was clear when he said he was leaving tomorrow."

"I…" Robin let a few tears fall down her cheeks. "I'm terrified of him leaving me alone. We haven't been apart since I was freed from capture. I have these nightmares of him leaving the baby and I alone...and something happening to us. The day I was captured, he left in the morning and I was taken while he was away. I know he fears the same things I do, but he thinks because he's leader now we have to push all of it aside. And...I agreed with him until I held our baby in my arms. Now I put more importance on him being my husband and a father more than him being a leader. I want us to come first. I know that's what he wants, too, but he doesn't think he can show any favoritism towards us."

"Of course. That doesn't seem like an abnormal thing to want. Hopefully during a time of rest you can find a way to settle your mind and move past those experiences. You'll need support if you're going to move on from it. One day, you'll likely return to being a tactician on the battlefield. I would hate to see you struggle then, just as I hate to see you struggle now."

"Thank you, Flavia." Robin sniffled. "I can't repay you for this."

"Consider this me repaying you." Flavia smiled. "You've done more than enough for me, both as a Khan and an individual."

-0-

Flavia rose and left the room. After a few minutes, Chrom came back in and shut the door behind him. He walked over to the open window and crossed his arms, looking out over Ylisstol. He sighed.

"Flavia is mad if she thinks I'm not marching with them," he said.

"Chrom, please respect her wishes," Robin said. She beckoned Lissa from her spot by the bassinet. She walked over and took the sleeping baby out of her arms and laid her down.

"I don't know what she's thinking, but she's not thinking clearly. Robin, you know what's best as a tactician. I need to be there, right?"

"I don't think you need to be there. I think it'll be fine without you."

"Really?" Chrom glanced at her with a wary look.

"Yes." Robin nodded. She swallowed.

"Wait…" He paused. "You're not just saying that because you want me to stay, are you?"

"So what if I am?" Robin shot back, her tongue sharp. "Would that make you go against my advice?"

"Yes, because that's coming from a place where there's a conflict of interest. You have to think with your head and not your heart."

"I am thinking with my head, thank you very much! I'm not the one who convinced Flavia to make her decision. She made it on her own. I do think you're better suited to stay here."

"She's wrong." Chrom insisted. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"No!" Robin shouted, louder and fiercer than she meant to. "Why-Why would you do this to me, Chrom? Why would you leave me like this? I'm the weakest I've ever been, in body and spirit. Birthing your child was the worst agony I've ever experienced! I really thought it would kill me. You were there and saw me like that. That was less than a day ago! Yet, you'll pack up and leave me here without blinking twice. Why can't you just think like a husband for once?!"

Chrom sighed and shook his head. "Robin, I don't expect you to understand the sacrifices of being a leader."

"I understand perfectly clear. I've been with you throughout it all, don't you forget that. What happened when Emmeryn didn't listen to us when we told her not to return to Ylisstol? She got captured. What makes you think something dire won't happen again? All it takes is you not listening to anyone!"

"Don't bring Emm into this!" Chrom narrowed his eyes.

"Fine, Chrom. What about me? I was captured by Gangrel. I was ridiculed by him. He threatened our baby, and I just had to do whatever he said! I bet you don't realize that's haunted me every damn day since! You want to waltz out of here like none of that ever happened."

"We have to move on! I have. Why can't you?"

Robin bit her lip as hot tears ran down her face. Lissa stood from her spot beside the bassinet. She walked in between them. She shook her head.

"Enough. Both of you," she said. "Chrom...Robin's right. I wonder what life we might have if Emm had listened. Maybe the same things would've happened, maybe she'd still be with us. But, if I learned anything from Emm...it's that you need to cherish your family. You need to take time out for them. Don't walk out of here as if your wife didn't just give birth to your child."

"I'm not, Lissa. I'm well aware she gave birth. I was there." Chrom shrugged.

"Then it should've had some impact on you! Have you heard the whispers in the castle? Flavia heard them, that's why she doesn't want you marching."

"What are you talking about?"

"Everyone knows how agonizing the birth was. It's been the gossip since last night. For once, no one's criticizing her or you. They actually approve of you being there with her. What is everyone going to think if you leave her today? Your "sacrifices" will backfire, because you're not making the right decisions. You need to show the Halidom you support your wife. If they see you support her, they won't question whether or not you support them."

Chrom's face flushed. He turned his head to look out the window. "I-I just want to lead like Emm did."

"I know you do." Lissa sighed. "But Emm always supported the peace that comes from family bonds. She showed the Halidom that prosperity by showing them her love for us first. Then, she extended that love to her people. Emm would want you to rejoice in the peace and joy a newborn brings to the world, not jump into the first bloody fray that arises."

"You're right, Lissa...I-I…." Chrom bit his lip and walked towards the door. "I'm sorry, Robin. I hope you'll forgive me."

He left Robin and Lissa alone. Robin wiped her eyes with her hand and sniffled. Lissa sat on the side of the bed and wrapped her arm around her shoulder.

"He'll come around," she whispered. "Just give him time to reflect on things."