Beneath the Threads

XXV.

Maribelle confirmed their suspicions. The resting period was nearly over, as Tiki woke from slumber and joined them. A few more weeks had passed, and there was no question anymore. Robin and Chrom could tell she was expecting, though it was hidden by her clothing. Maribelle had warned her it may become more apparent sooner since it was her second time, but it still took her by surprise, even though it was a small rounded area hardly noticeable to most.

Chrom promised to escort Robin back to Ylisstol to get their small daughter, and take them to the secondary castle. He couldn't abandon the campaign against the Grimleal, they both knew. However, they agreed that he should return to her a few weeks prior to the birth of their son. Robin was convinced it was the strength of their bond together that helped her through her struggles. Without him, she wasn't sure how she would handle things, and neither of them wanted to chance it. Maribelle offered to come off the battlefield and care for Robin as a personal healer, which she agreed to. It would help having constant care, and Robin wanted a friend to keep her company throughout the months.

After a few weeks, they arrived at the secondary castle. It was a tiring journey, and Chrom decided to rest a few days while he made sure his family was settled in. He was secretly happy he was able to spend more time with his small daughter, who was toddling on her own. He walked her around the halls before putting her to bed and joining Robin in the master chambers.

"How are you feeling?" Chrom asked as they climbed into bed.

Robin sighed. "I forgot how taxing carrying a child can be, and I'm not that far along yet."

"It'll be alright. There's no duties for you to attend to, remember. You can place all your focus on rest."

"You're quite excited, aren't you?"

"Of course. I love Morgan, and I'm looking forward to seeing him born."

Robin frowned. "I'm going to miss our grown children."

"Hopefully I can end the campaign and we can reunite before you give birth."

"I hope for that too. Take care of them for me."

"I will, my love." Chrom wrapped his arms around her. "Let's get some rest."

Robin dozed. She felt the familiar pressure in her back and decided to stretch her legs and wash up. It was late at night, and Chrom was lightly snoring. She had nausea, but hadn't yet vomited during the early days of her pregnancy. Maribelle congratulated her on her luck, she had managed to avoid that symptom for now. There was nothing saying it wouldn't crop up at some point, and she braced herself for it.

Her back ached, and she decided to check on her daughter, which had a room connected to theirs, separated by a door at the far end of the chambers. She opened it and saw her daughter sleeping in a small bed made for her. Robin sniffled. It seemed like yesterday she was a newly born in her arms, now she was toddling and beginning to speak. Her hair had grown and thickened to be shoulder length. She reminded her more of Chrom every day. Robin walked over to the rocking chair and sat down. She cupped the small bump at her midsection and sighed.

Pain hit her head. Her palm went to her forehead. She exhaled as it got more intense. Her free hand gripped the handle of the chair as she tried to breathe through it. It didn't feel like a normal headache, which put her on edge. She opened her eyes and saw the vague silhouette of Validar in front of her.

"Finally, I got you away from that royal fiend," he spat. "He's always keeping me from you."

Robin clenched her jaw. "W-What?" she strained. "Get out of my head!"

"We're more connected than you can imagine, Daughter," he laughed.

"What? N-no!"

"Oh yes. You are my daughter and we share the blood of Grima. You are the perfect vessel for our Lord. You need to return home where you belong and take on your role as a God."

"Stop!" Robin shouted. "Stop!"

"I must say, you are of little use while pregnant. However, I welcome another grandchild. I just wish you would have chosen a worthy Grimleal." He chuckled. "But, I suppose it's alright. Your baby carries the perfect mix of blood. The blood of the first exalt and the blood of Grima. The power in that mix is incredible. Let your father care for you and the children, Robin. Your pregnancy will be swift and painless. Grima will make it so."

"Damn you!" Robin shouted through her tears. "I'll destroy you!"

"That's just the shock. You'll come around, my dear."

Chrom threw open the door. Validar frowned.

"Damn it!" he shouted. "This isn't over," he said as his presence disappeared.

Robin sobbed as Chrom fell to his knees in front of her. Lucina sobbed behind him, but he couldn't tend to her yet. He stared at Robin with tense eyes.

"What the hell is going on?" he said.

"C-Chrom…" she stammered. "Validar...spoke to me."

"What? How?"

"In my head." Robin's breath hitched. "He told me he's my father...How else would he be able to do that? It has to be true!"

"Take a deep breath," Chrom said. "Give yourself a minute to calm down."

Robin nodded, and he tended to their screaming toddler. He snuggled her and reassured her until she was drowsy again. Robin watched as he covered her up and kissed her forehead. She bit back tears. The blood of Grima, she thought. My children have the blood of Grima.

Chrom helped Robin back into their bed. He held her as she leaned her head on his chest. He rubbed her back and sighed.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Validar can communicate with me in my mind," Robin said. "He claims we share the blood of Grima."

"What?!" Chrom exclaimed.

"He says I'm the perfect human vessel for the Fell Dragon. I would doubt him, but there's no magic, dark or otherwise, powerful enough to communicate like he did with me. It must be from a higher power. He's trying to manipulate me, Chrom! He wants me to run to him. Validar is after me and our unborn child. Me as a vessel, and our baby as a mix of Fell Dragon and exalted blood."

"Gods…"

"He curses you, because he can't easily open a communication line when you're around. It seems our bonds are strong enough to shut him out. He must've been able to sneak in because being with child makes my mind more vulnerable than usual."

"I have no choice to but to stay with you. If Validar gets a hold of you or Lucina...it could be dire. This goes beyond our family. I can't leave you to be manipulated against your will into giving in to the Grimleal."

"This is not how I wanted my wish to be granted." Robin squeezed her eyes shut. "Damn it."

"He must not know the children from the future are related to us." Chrom sighed. "But he knows about our little ones. We stay here and fortify the grounds. I'll do everything in my power, Robin-"

"I know, love." Robin sighed with him. "I know."