Beneath the Threads

XVII.

Chrom watched Lucina train from the far side of the courtyard. She didn't seem to notice him, as she was engrossed in her movements. Sometimes, he believed she could easily best him in a fight, but she never agreed with him when he told her so. She turned around and noticed him watching her.

"Father! Is there something you need?" She asked, shoving the tip of her sword into the ground.

Chrom swallowed. He was always scolded by Frederick when he shoved his sword into the soil. He said it would ruin the gardening that had been done in the courtyard. If she had grown up watching him, then she'd learned it from him. She mimicked him in so many ways it was sometimes surreal.

"No, I don't need anything. I just came to see you." he said. He walked over to one of the stone benches and sat. Lucina followed and sat beside him.

"Oh. How's Mother?"

"She's…." Chrom sighed. "...angry with me."

"Why? Is something wrong?" Lucina asked. "I apologize...I didn't mean to intrude on your personal matters."

"Don't apologize. If I didn't want you to know, I wouldn't've mentioned it."

"Would you like to speak about it?"

"I have a question for you." He paused. "Well, a few."

Lucina nodded. "Alright."

"You mimic me in so many ways. It's a bit...surreal. What did you inherit from your mother?"

"You would always say I got my wit from Mother. You were proud of my skills as a leader, saying I got the perfect mix of both of my parents' styles of leadership. Father, I think I know what you're thinking. Just know I learned from both of you equally. You and Mother loved my brother and I and did everything you could for us."

Chrom put his hand behind his neck. "About that...how far are you and your brother apart?"

"Father, I don't think I should tell you that. I think the flow of events here unrelated to the chaos in my time should happen naturally."

"Maybe you're right."

"I vaguely remember her being with child. I don't recall spending much time with her outside your chambers. She was always in bed resting. If I wanted to see her, I had to go to her. You both never really spoke of her health during that time, or if you did, I just don't know it."

Chrom blushed. "Gods...I don't want to put her through that again."

"What? I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Lucina, your mother's not doing very well. She's weak. Having a child took everything out of her. She almost didn't make it through. I didn't realize how serious it was until she told me today...I guess my head was off in some other realm yesterday. Robin is incredibly talented at hiding how she's feeling. But today, she's really not happy with me."

"What? She didn't seem...I mean she looked tired but…" Lucina furrowed her brows.

"I'm really a ditzy man. I'm sure how I didn't see it." Chrom rubbed his palm over his face. "You know, she couldn't even hold the baby on her own last night. I had to help her. She can today, but only if someone settles the child in her arms for her. She can't do anything on her own! And yet, I told her I would march to Ferox tomorrow. No wonder she's upset."

"Are you...securing ports?" Lucina asked.

"Yes. How do you know?"

"I know of that from my time."

"Was I there?"

"Yes. But, perhaps, things would be better if you weren't."

Chrom swallowed. "Why?"

"After securing the port, you went to Carrion Island to meet with the leaders of Plegia. Your camp was overpowered by Risen, and you were gravely injured." Lucina shook her head. "Father, please stay away from there! The Halidom can't afford for you to get hurt, especially now that Mother's weak and unable to lead in your absence."

Chrom stared at her. What makes you think something dire won't happen again? All it takes is you not listening to anyone! Robin said in his head. She was right. Perhaps he was more stubborn than he ought to be.

"Gods...Robin was right to tell me not to go. She doesn't know why yet, but she must have some gut feeling about it."

"Mother did always have an sense of instinct that you lacked. You relied on her for it, and we asked her why she had it, she just said it came from being a mother."

"I don't doubt it." Chrom sighed. "I really should apologize to her. I didn't mean to make it out like her feelings and state of being don't matter. I didn't mean to make it seem like her having a baby didn't phase me either. It impacted me more than I can put into words. I'm a changed man...and I'm not sure what that means for me yet."

"I'm not sure, Father, but I know you'll figure it out."

Chrom smiled. He leaned over and gave her a hug. "Thank you. I love you, Lucina."

"I love you too, Father."

-0-

Robin stirred in bed. She opened her eyes and stretched her back. She was still sore and uncomfortable no matter what she was doing, and figured it wouldn't go away anytime soon. The light fragrance of flowers reached her nose and she turned. A bouquet of roses was at her bedside. She furrowed her brows. Under the vase of flowers were a square box and a book. Robin wanted to reach over and pick them up, but decided against it. When she turned her head again, she saw Chrom sitting in a chair, cuddling their newborn in his arms. She smiled weakly.

"I guess our little Lucina finally got some Father-Daughter time," she said.

Chrom looked up. "Oh! Robin...how are you feeling?"

"The same as earlier. Pretty terrible."

"I'm sorry, my love."

Robin blushed. He used endearments sparingly. The last time she remembered him calling her my love was when they had a private marriage ceremony. If he had called her anything sweet the night before, her mind was too fuzzy to remember it.

"Where are these roses from?" she asked.

"Me…"

"And the box and book?"

"Me. It's chocolate."

"I'm not supposed to eat chocolate." Robin chuckled. "It's not something that will help me heal."

Chrom shrugged shyly. "Um...just don't tell anybody?"

Robin noticed a large toy on the floor beside the bassinet. She scrunched her brows. "Gods...Chrom, that plush bear is bigger than she is! She's just newly born!"

"I-I know!" He stammered. "I didn't know what to get her…"

"Perhaps try something fit for her size?"

"Too late now. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow." Chrom sighed and stood, placing the baby in the bassinet. He walked over to the and sat beside Robin on the bed. "I want to apologize to you."

"It's okay." Robin placed his hand over his. "I understand if you have to go. Just...make it quick. I suppose I can manage."

"No. You were right. It's better that I not go."

"What? Are you sure?"

"Yes. I need to stay and support you. I didn't realize how hard the birth was on you...I guess everything that's been happening is a bit too surreal to process. You are a strong woman, Robin, maybe you're stronger than me in some ways. I love you, and I'm thankful I have such a wonderful mother for my children."

Robin's face flushed. "Thank you, Chrom. But...we only have one child. Well, perhaps two...well, they're the same, but different...Oh, Gods! It's so confusing."

Chrom blushed. "U-Uh...yeah, sure."

"What? What's that face for?" She paused. "Oh...oh no! You don't...we don't...what?"

"I didn't say anything!"

"What did Lucina tell you?" Robin asked. "She told you something, didn't she? Why else would you say my children? How many children do we have?! How many times are you going to put me through this?!"

Sometimes you're too smart for your own good, Robin, he thought. He turned his head, unable to meet her eyes. "Maybe...one more time?"

Robin sighed, her heart pounding. She felt nauseous at the thought of giving birth again. "I'm not ready for that just yet."

"I know you're not, and frankly, I'm not either." He paused. "But...are you ready to forgive me?"

"Yes. I'm not angry...well, not anymore. I understand you want what's best for everyone. With everything that has gone on, it's no wonder you haven't yet found your footing as a leader in your own right. You're going to make mistakes along the way, and that's okay."

"Thank you, Robin, but I shouldn't have treated you that way. I'm truly sorry. You deserve my unwavering support and understanding, especially after giving me a child."

Robin shrugged. "Perhaps I should thank you as well. You gave me such a beautiful family. I was a nobody, now look at me. I have some purpose in life."

"I guess we're even." He brushed some of her hair from her face and gave her a kiss. "I'll be here, just tell me what you need, okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."