A/N:
As promised, the next chapter...I have three more planned, but not sure when they will be posted. Hope you enjoy!
I do not own or have the rights to Fire Emblem Awakening or any of the characters.
Age 25
…Heavy… It wasn't hard to breathe, but the feeling on her chest was definitely uncomfortable. What was it? Frederick? No. If it were him, the pressure would be over her whole body, not just her chest; anyway, they hadn't been "intimate" for the past five months.
Was she ill? She had heard from heart attack survivors that they felt a tightness in the their chest before the event, but this wasn't tightness, it was a weight; a physical not in her chest, weight.
The platinum could hear her breathing quicken, and she had to force herself to calm down. Taking a few deep breaths, she started testing the other parts of her body. She could move her head, both her legs, as well as her arms, which she used to feel Frederick's part of the bed; which was currently cold and empty, no doubt it's occupant being gone for a while.
…So, the problem was her chest. There was a little weight on her upper stomach, but not as pressing as her chest, and everything below the waist moved perfectly well; although, whatever was on her chest kept her from rising.
She took a breath. If she were to ever find out the problem, it would have to be through seeing it. Keeping her eyes closed wouldn't help at all, and neither would screaming, which had been one of her first thoughts; of course, if need be, she could do so after seeing the problem, but for now… Taking a deep she opened her eyes. The morning light was a bit shocking to her senses, but when her vision finally focused, it revealed two pairs of eyes staring straight at her. With a sigh, she slowly moved her hands to touch the chocolate tufts slowly growing on their little heads; her hands delicately caressing the fragile strands of hair.
"Good morning, Marc, Iris." Neither child knew their name, but hearing their mother speak made both coo. "My, how much stress you've given Mother already! And neither of you can crawl, yet how-?" The tactician looked briefly at the crib before sighing. "Father is it? Father helped you plan your escape?" With her voice sweet and endearing, the babes giggled, not understanding a word she said. "What would have happened to the two of you if I rolled over, huh? Wasn't your Father thinking straight?" Of course, that wouldn't happen, being she hardly moved in her sleep, but still, if she did, her darlings could both possibly be dead! …That overly cautious, wary of everything man! Of course, he probably only meant to surprise her, but still…
And speaking of surprises, what a shock it had been to find out she was having twins! Not that she and Frederick weren't enamored by their two darlings, but to find out on the day of their birth!
xxx
She hated the fact that she became so huge! Not that she wasn't blissfully happy that she was carrying Frederick's child, but, being that most of the Shepherds already had their children, she knew of no others that had their girth increase as much as her! Lissa, who had yet to have Owain, being only recently married to Ricken, and who was the only healer free to keep watch over her (Maribelle, as Queen of Ylisse, had more urgent problems, Libra was founding his orphanage, and Brady was on tour holding concerts around the world), told her that it was normal, being that some mother's just pick up more weight than others. It could also be due to the fact that the child was just bigger than most babies, thanks to the father. Either way, the Princess told her not to worry.
As with most Shepherd parents, their child's gender was the same as the child that came from the future. Some decided to keep the same name, being that they adored it to begin with, they couldn't think of an equally fine name, or neither parent could agree on another name. However, many chose something different, to distinguish both their child from the future, and that of the present. As such, Robin and Frederick were of the same thought. Being that they were ninety-nine percent sure that they would have a son, they first went through boy names. There were many that each liked, but the only name that both were happy with was Marc. So, after about a month of thinking and debating, they stuck with it. Still, for that one percent chance of having a daughter, they also thought up names for girls. Both liked the name Reflet, but when Frederick suggested Iris, a name that had no sentimental value to either of them, but stuck with him for some reason, they changed their decision and decided go with Iris, if their first child was a girl.
As always, Frederick was just as doting as ever, although some would call it smothering. He would pamper her with whatever she wanted, be it a food craving (The most time consuming was riding several miles to catch get some fresh-caught salmon in Regna Ferox, in the dead of winter; while the strangest had been the overly spicy, burn the taste buds off the tongue, peanut-curry quail, served over a spring salad, topped with fresh spring berries and apple compote, with a side of pickled rhubarb and caper juice covered goat cheese. Of course, the most difficult to find was the fresh picked peaches in the dead of winter; don't remind ANYONE of that hardship!) or if she needed something (being that she couldn't move very well). He waited on her hand-and-foot, sometimes even disregarding his duties (which many recruits didn't mind, being that they were of the strenuous, over-the-top type of demands) or his own health (Robin and Chrom had to beg him to sleep, or at the very least decrease his demanding schedule, being that he believed he had to keep watch of his wife and child 24/7. Who knows what the bakery "assassin" would have done with that hot sheet pan of bread, or what type of poisoning could occur if he didn't taste-test every single thing she ate? Better yet, he needed to make every meal she ate, knowing that the food HE presented would cause no harm to Robin or his unborn child. Or Naga forbid, what one little misstep could do to his currently clumsy wife if she tripped down the stairs to get a cup of water? The man, as a knight and husband, would never be able to forgive himself if one such folly occurred!).
Still, there were some limits. Robin had to beg Frederick to let her continue working, especially since by her fourth month, she looked as if she were at her seventh, and she could barely walk without some type of support. Riding a horse was out of the question in her condition, and carriage rides made her sick, so, for the sake of keeping busy, she endured the embarrassment of being carried by Frederick wherever she went. Her husband didn't mind, never complaining about her added weight, but the sweet murmurings along the streets of Ylisse, or shouting at the top of his lungs for some young scallywags to move out of his and his pregnant wife's way, usually caused her to hide her face in his chest. By her actual seventh month, they had become an attraction, to and from the castle, every morning and evening. However, for the sake of not going crazy in the house, alone with Frederick and his antics, she persevered through this bit of hardship.
And sex, forget about it! It wasn't impossible, but many of her preferred positions were not comfortable, nor feasible, in her current state. Of course, somehow, Frederick had completely abolished his libido, instead preferring a night time of cuddling, and cooing sweet nothings to their unborn child.
Still, even with all the craziness, the couple were happy.
ooo
Life was normal, besides her stomach's increased girth, her decreased mobility, and her increased hunger. However, something slight did bother her. She was certain she became pregnant in September, being that her cycle started early in the month, and October's never came. However, that conflicted with Morgan's birthday of May fifth. Would their child be born one month early? She was told by Lissa that early and late births, although not common, did occur, and most times the baby came out perfectly normal. Still, it worried Robin. Would their child be healthy? Would they have all their body parts? Was it truly safe for a child to be born prematurely? She wasn't certain, and so, she read. Although she could rationalize that many children born early by a month had a perfectly normal life, there was still the few percent who died, or had major defects, which gave the tactician more nerves.
Still, another possibility, as Frederick pointed out, could have been that due to the change in the flow of time, the child's arrival, and such, their birthday, changed, so instead of a May baby, they would have a June one. If that were true, she could handle that, but as May fifth approached, her anxieties rose.
ooo
The morning of May fifth was normal. She and Frederick left their perfectly baby ready house at six. Besides baby clothes, which Frederick was still knitting or sewing, they had everything prepared. A bookshelf stocked with bed time stories; a crib, cradle, changing stand, and a rocking chair, all built by Frederick; a perfectly decorated light blue and white themed room (even if it was a girl, Frederick was forcing his personal preferences onto their child); and any other baby necessity either parent could think up. She, no they, were prepared! (Or beyond prepared as some Shepherds, including Chrom, stated.)
At seven, they ate breakfast in her study, all of which was made by Frederick, of course. Frederick left at seven-thirty, for training with the soldiers. Later, around ten, to escape the monotony of the courts, and to get Robin to "sign" some papers, Chrom came to visit, spending well over an hour chatting and teasing her, even though she finished all the paperwork within the first few minutes of the visit. When noon came around, Frederick came with lunch. Of course, before starting, the knight kindly escorted Chrom back to his duties. At one, Lissa came for a brief checkup, leading Frederick to leave for the time being. Luckily, or maybe unluckily for Robin, that's when things deviated from the norm.
ooo
"Everything seems to be in order!" Lissa chirped, peppy, being she awoke but two hours earlier.
"That's wonderful."
"…You don't sound overly excited." Concern dominated the healer's face. "Are you not feeling well?"
"N-no…I'm feeling perfect, today. It's only…Well, it's the fifth…"
"Ah! Morgan's birthday, right? Are you and Frederick doing anything with your son?"
"Yes. We're leaving a little earlier than usual, and Morgan and Noire are coming over for dinner."
"Is Noire a bad daughter-in-law?"
"N-no, no! She's truly a lovely girl. It's…well…" The platinum's hand instinctively goes to her stomach.
"Ooooh! You're worried about this 'Morgan!'" The blonde lightly rubbed Robin's swelled belly.
"Marc, Lissa."
"Right! Sorry, Marc! Well, he's only eight months along. He'll probably be born next month, won't you little Marky!" The healer cooed. "Stop overthinking things, Robin! I'm sure everything will be fine!"
A slight giggle escaped, as did a smile. "Yes, I'm sure you're right."
"Well…I wish I could stay longer, but I promised to help Ricky with an experiment… Ugh! They are soooo boring!" Lissa stood, stretching.
"Let me escort you out."
"No, no, no, no, no! You should stay seated! You're not in shape to be walking much!"
"Well, if I don't walk every now and then, I think my legs will forget how to move!"
The blonde chuckled a little, before forcing her face to return a stern look. "Can you even return to your chair without help?"
"…uh…I think so?"
"If I walk you to the door, and you can't walk back, won't that just be wasted effort for me, being I would need to return you to your seat?"
"I'll take that chance, thank you very much!"
The two stare grimly at each other until Lissa breaks, letting out a snort, followed by raucous laughter. "Fine, fine! You win!" She came over, linking her arms with the tactician, helping the platinum up.
"Oh…"
"Are you okay?" Lissa's head flicks to the tactician, eyes full of worry. "You didn't hurt yourself, or something, right?"
"I didn't, no."
"That's wonderful!"
"B-but…" Lissa hummed patiently. "I think my water broke…"
"I see, nothing to…" The blonde looked down, seeing the puddle around the tactician's feet. As her brain restarted, the princess exclaiming several words that no woman should ever even know.
ooo
Acting like a headless chicken for a few seconds, Lissa finally calmed enough. Lowering Robin back into her chair, the spritely girl ran outside, luckily running into Stahl, who just only finished a late lunch. Although gaining quite a few pounds thanks to his lovely wife's cooking, he, at the very least, could still lift a bit of weight. With that in mind, Stahl carried the tactician most of the ways to her room (Chrom still kept their chambers open for her and Frederick's use, if ever the need arose), and the remainder that he couldn't, with Lissa's help in supporting the mother-to-be, they got the tactician into the room. From there, the frantic countdown to the infant's birth started!
ooo
"My, my, your growth exceeded what I have been hearing." Maribelle looked down at her, strangely wearing her Troubadour outfit. Usually, she was seen in a regal gown, so wearing her "outdated" riding clothes was a bit odd. Of course, since the start of the New Year, due to both their hectic schedules, they hadn't seen each other often.
"Thanks…I guess." Robin lay propped in her bed (even though it was rarely in use, the sheets were clean, and there was nary a speck of dust), currently dressed down in a nightgown-ish robe. Lissa was currently out-and-about, organizing the staff. Last checked, the actual birthing was still hours away. "Not to be rude, but may I ask what you're doing here."
The blonde chuckled. "Darling, you're giving birth. I might be Queen now, but I'm still a fine healer. Obviously, for a friend, I will give up a couple hours of my day to help you see this through." She patted Robin's hand.
"I'm sure Lissa can handle this on her own."
"Pish posh. Lissa is a fine, extremely capable healer, yes, but when you can have the best, one shouldn't argue. Anyway, with difficult births, the more people on hand, the better." A slight pout appeared on her lips. It's not as if Robin disliked Maribelle, they were on friendly terms, but the noble could sometimes be overbearing, making situations…uncomfortable, to say the least. She once went into town with Maribelle, and due to a few misspoken words with the locals, she had to defend the Troubadour, wasting most of a recently bought Arcwind to do so.
In the end, the platinum sighed. "Fine, have it your way. It's not like I can kick you out of your own palace."
A smile played on the Queen's lips. "Thank you, Darling." She took the tactician's hand in hers, sitting on the chair next to the bed. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll need all the help you can get, being your pregnant with twins and all."
"You're right, I sup- …Wait wha-?!" Stopping midsentence, she whimpered, another contraction wracking her body. Gripping the blonde's hand, Maribelle whispered soft encouragements until the pain subsided.
"My, my, you do have quite the grip, Darling. I hope you don't break one, or both, our hands tonight." The healer took back her hand, rubbing the slight bruised appendage.
"M-maribelle…"
"Yes, Dear?"
"D-did you say twins?"
"Isn't it quite obvious, Darling?"
"Y-you're joking, right?" A nervous smile crossed the platinum's face.
"I will jest once in a blue moon, yes, but never on something serious! Your increased size, an early delivery date, and the obvious signs of two babies sharing space in you; you are obviously having twins!" Maribelle looked at Robin. "Do not tell me you honestly did not know!" The platinum remained silent, turning away, biting her lip. "Wait…truly... But didn't Lissa…?"
"Lissa said the baby was probably only large thanks to Frederick, or that I took on extra weight…"
"No, no, Darling. You and Frederick are definitely having twins." Robin stared blankly at Maribelle for a few seconds before the waterworks started. "Now, now, Robin dear. There is nothing to cry about. Is this not a wondrous occasion?"
"B-but…we're…not…prepared!" Not being able to speak properly, her sentences unfolded after every other sniffle. "We only…have things for…one…baby! …And names! …Don't get me…started! …What if we have…two boys! …We couldn't agree…on any name…except…Marc! …Frederick!"
"Now, now, Darling. Compose yourself." The blonde sat on the edge of the bed, passing a kerchief and rubbing the platinum's back.
"Frederick! …Where are…you?" A scared whimper soon became a growl, as another contraction hit. "Where are you…you son of a griffon! How dare you…do this…to me…you bastard!"
"Yes, Robin. Get it all out." Maribelle calmly soothed, holding the tactician's hand once more. Her eyes wandered momentarily as the door open, revealing her husband, Lissa, and a few maids.
"I wanna kill him…Maribelle! …I want to!"
"I know." The blonde nodded, beckoning the bystanders in. Lissa and the maids entered, continuing the setup of the room, but Chrom stood blankly at the door as Robin continued to ramble, finally fleeing when her curses became worse than Sully's.
As this bout calmed, the tactician whimpered one last time. "Frederick…"
ooo
"Hey! Earth to Frederick! Anyone in there?" Sully waved her hand in front of the brunet, his eyes fixed on the castle. Being she didn't live in Ylisstol any more (she lived in Donnel's village with their daughter, Degel), she decided to come for a visit. Who happened to be the first person she found; why Frederick, of course. Yet, uncharacteristically, the Great Knight was staring blankly at the castle. After calling out to him, and trying to get his attention in a non-physical way, she finally punched him in the arm, definitely snapping him out of his trance.
"Who in Naga's name-! …Oh, Sully! What a surprise. What are you doing here?"
"Thought I'd come visit the old stomping grounds, since I had some free time and all. Donny and Degel are home on the farm."
"I see, and why did you punch me?"
"Still not one for idle chit chat, eh? Well, blame yourself for being all spacey. Couldn't get your attention by calling you, so in the end," She punched her right fist into her left palm. "Had to get physical."
"You know, most people would tap a person's shoulder, not punch them in the arm."
"Could have been your gut?" The redhead shrugged.
"Point taken."
"So, what's gotten you of sorts?"
"My Robin senses are tingling."
She nodded. "Your Robin sens- …What in Naga's name is that?"
"I've attuned myself to sense whenever Robin is feeling off. Being that she's currently pregnant, it has been quite useful."
"So, ya think something's amiss?"
"Yes."
"And you're still standing here?"
"Yes."
"If something's wrong with Robin, shouldn't you be going to her or something?"
"…Well, once in a while, it has been false alarms. As well, other times, I've woken her up in mid-nap, and that never ends pleasantly."
"So, you've been standing out here debating?" The knight nodded. "For how long?"
"Maybe ten minutes." Frederick turned his head back to the castle.
"Does the…tingling…usually last that long?"
"No, it usually lasts for a few seconds at most."
"Doesn't that mean something?" He looked blankly at her, trying to figure out what that "something" was. Taking a step forward, she suddenly barked. "LIKE MAYBE IT MEANS TO GO TO HER, YOU STUPID BASTARD!" The sudden shout and the look on her face got the pieces to finally click, leading the man to run to his wife. Even as he raced over, Frederick could still hear Sully spit, "Men…"
ooo
Frederick would never condone running in the halls. There are rules in place, needing to be followed, yet, here he was, running, through the very halls, committing an offense that would send any of his soldiers for ten laps around the castle's perimeter. Still, running on less than twenty hours of sleep for the whole week and worrying continuously about his wife and the pregnancy, he knew that he wasn't as sharp as he preferred to be. Maybe he would ask for a day off tomorrow from Chrom, and sleep the day away, as his wife and lord told him to do months prior. But first, first his wife!
In recent years, the knight rarely traveled these particular halls. Since they lived on his family's property, Frederick, and Robin for that matter, never went to their previous living quarters, although Chrom, and his staff, kept the rooms vacant and clean, if the need ever arose. True, he went to her study, and various other places in the palace, but these were all on the opposite side of the castle. From where he was though, this was the fastest path.
Strangely, the area was bustling for this time of day. There were maids run-…no, speed-walking, carrying sheets and towels. Most, if they talked, did so in frantic, excited murmurs. A few looked at him as he passed, but he paid them no heed, even as they tried to catch him; although, usually, another maid would stop the first.
Passing another corner, something, a feeling, made him pause for a second. This lead him to seeing a patch of blue hair. He would have thought it were young Lucina, playing through the castle halls, if the figure weren't standing feet higher than what the child's height was. Being that future Lucina was now living in Valm, the only other figure it could be was Chrom. The brunet blinked a few times, sleep having been clouding his vision the past couple of days. As he thought, it was his lord. Once again, skipping out on his duties! Twice in one day! The man would be hearing an earful from him! And he thought Chrom was past that age.
"Milord!" The knight, now briskly walking, not running, made his way over to his Exalt, and a maid, who excused herself quickly. "What in Naga's name are you doing here? If I remember correctly, you have a financial meeting in less than twenty minutes, and I know I've seen stacks of unsigned documents on your table."
"Frederick!" His face was surprised, but there was definitely a flicker of worry.
"Heavens forbid you were not trying to seduce a maid! What would Queen Maribelle say?"
"O-of course not! We were merely talking." The cobalt took a breath, trying to calm himself. "Wh-what are you doing here? Don't you have practice with the soldiers?" Even with that, his voice came out in a stutter.
"That finished twenty minutes ago, milord."
"Oh? Well, maybe we should go for a walk, this way." The lord took his knight's shoulder, trying to lead him off.
"Is something the matter, milord?"
"The matter? Of course not!" Laughter leaked from his lips; of the forced variety. "Nothing is wrong, Frederick!" The knight had known Chrom for over fifteen years. From the first day they met, Chrom had never been the type who could lie. Or, if he did so, anyone could tell in a heartbeat.
"Mil-" A scream echoed from behind him, and the knight was certain he could hear his name. "What was that?" The brunet stopped, turning, making his way back to the noise.
"Nothing, Frederick! Absolutely nothing!" The cobalt's frantic voice made Frederick pause.
"Milord, what are you hid-…?" Without finishing his thought, the knight blinked.
Where was he? ...The halls where people, usually friends or guests, stayed.
Who used to live here? ...Robin.
What day was today? ...Morgan's birthday.
…Oh Gods! But it was too early, wasn't it? Unless Robin made a mistake in her calculations. And even then, he double, no, triple checked her estimates! The earliest arrival date was early June! No…He must be mistaking things. He's tired, having had very little sleep these past few days. He must be hea-…
Another scream echoed the halls.
NO! That was definitely Robin!
Before his king can stop him, Frederick blazes through the halls; running to his wife's room.
"FREDERICK!" He can hear his name behind him, but he can't, no, he won't stop. His wife's safety has become priority. His lord was obviously safe, and very much not pregnant with his child. Unless, within this very second, the Exalt fell face-forward, dead, or dying, by some mysterious hex, anything of Chrom's could wait!
He can hear another order from Chrom, and although Frederick couldn't make it out, he was certain that it was something about stopping him, for the maids were doing their best to bar his way. Of course, several maids against a crazed Great Knight and father-to-be, obviously, there was no chance. However, adding in Chrom and Stahl; Frederick had no idea where Stahl came from; the "fighters" definitely had better odds. But, when Robin's door opened, everything stopped.
"What in the world is going on out here?" Although Maribelle stood before the mess of people, all Frederick could hear was his wife's more pronounced whimpers. Hearing them, the pain in her voice, it moved him, both emotionally and physically. Before he could step through the barrier, he was stopped by the tip of an umbrella. "And where do you think you're going?" His head nodded behind the queen, and the only audible answer was a growl. "I think not, Frederick. Men, especially the fathers-to-be, are not allowed in the birthing room." Another growl. He felt a whack against his shoulder. "Manners, Frederick." The blonde's face strict, ready to hit him again, if need arose. "I know you care for Robin, dear, as we all do, but this is protocol. Any who, it would be best if you were as far from here as possible."
"What makes you-?"
"Frederick?" The small whimper from his wife, caught his attention, stopping him from continuing.
"Robin?"
"Frederick…" Her voice tired, but enticing, calling him. "Darling, come in here…" Once again, he tried to make his way forward, but by now, Stahl and Chrom had a good grip on the knight, and Maribelle, with her umbrella, still stood in his way. "Where are you…?" Her voice was sing-song, and oh so tempting! Even with the resistance of his colleagues, Frederick still steadily moved forward. "Darling, come in here, you bastard…" That one word made him pause. "Let my strangle you for doing this to me…" Although her voice was still alluring, the words weren't quite matching her feelings. "I know it won't make be better, but please… Just this once… Frederick? I know you're out there, you bastard! Come in here right now! You son-of-a-griffon! How dare you do thi-!" Maribelle closed the door, making the screams incomprehensible.
"There you have it. As I said, you probably did not want to hear that. Now, good day until the babies are born." The blonde opened the door momentarily, but closed it before they could understand any of the garble.
"Frederick, are you alright?" There was no answer. "Frederick?" Nothing. Chrom looked at Stahl, the olive haired knight gave a nod, bracing himself incase his mentor struggled forward without both of their strength to hold the brunet back. Letting go, Chrom stepped before his knight, looking him eye-to-eye. The man didn't struggle against Stahl, and his expression was a vacant glaze. "I think we should move him."
"His room was close by wasn't it?" With that, chatting slightly, the two men dragged the "Risen" Frederick away.
ooo
Although most could say that Morgan was carefree, when it came to his parents, his father in particular, he was adherent with keeping to schedule. Whether it was to make up for forgetting his past with his father, for wanting his parent's praise, for actually being a stick-in-the-mud, but hiding his true nature from everyone, or something else entirely, Morgan always came a bit early, or more usually, exactly on time. So, when the tactician and knight's brunet haired son arrived at his parent's house at five, it quickly fathomed on him that something was amiss. He knew, that they knew, that he was coming for dinner; however, with their house empty, he and Noire rushed to the castle where both his parents worked, finding his father "comatose" and his mother in labor. As with the others who were there, or arriving, the worried son joined the Shepherds in waiting.
ooo
Hearing his wife say such hate-filled things to him, that was incomprehensible. Even when facing her father, Validar, or even her other "self," Grima, she had never used such vile language. When he heard those words, directed at him, obviously he would pause. As each phrase compounded, his mind blanked. By the end, he was certain that he was a husk.
…His wife despised him…
When he opened his eyes, it was dark. After that spew from his wife, he must have fainted, which then turned to sleep. Or at least, that was what he could surmise. Blinking, he slowly pushed himself up, seeing a fairly familiar, yet not, setting. He was in his castle room. Although he would venture here once in a while for an odd object, or maybe a clean shirt, which he left a few here so he always could be pristine at work, he hadn't slept in the room for a long while. Maybe that would be the norm now, with the way Robin was feeling.
The knight took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves and steady his thoughts, before trying to find out what was occurring outside. His wife may hate him, but he still loved her and Marc. He needed to know if they were both safe and sound. However, before he could get up, there was a creak at the door.
"Is he up?"
"No, not-" Stopping himself, the person at the door stared wide eyed at him before starting again. "Father! You're awake!"
"Frederick?" Another person entered the shaft of light. "Gods, it's dark in here." With that, the two figures, Chrom and Morgan, opened the door wide, letting the candlelit light come into the darkened room. Morgan went to his writing desk, lighting a few more candles, while Chrom's attention was on him. "How are you feeling? You've been out for quite a while."
"…Well, I suppose."
"You don't sound 'well,' Father." Morgan sat on the edge of Frederick's bed.
"It's nothing, Morgan. …Happy Birthday."
"Thanks, Father." His son smiled softly. "But, what's the matter?"
"Nothing, everything is fine." The knight shook his head, putting on a smile. If Robin truly felt that way about him, for the time at least, he would have to fake happiness. "How long have I been out?"
Chrom arched his eyebrow, looking at him for a bit before replying, "It's about seven now; you've been out for about five hours."
"How is she…Robin, I mean?"
"It's getting a bit more hectic, so they think she might give birth soon."
"Hot water was being rushed to Mother's room. It sounds like a madhouse with all the people there." Frederick looked at his son, hoping for him to explain a little more clearly. "Well, as soon as news spread, Cordelia and Tharja came down; Lissa and Maribelle are still in there with Mother; and maids have been coming in and out of the room frantically."
"I see, how…wonderful."
"Okay, Frederick. Stop this. What's going on in that head of yours?" Chrom was looking down on him, currently taking on the persona of a worried friend, mixed with authoritative parent/leader.
"Nothing, milord."
"That can't be true, Father. If you were well, as soon as you were up, I'm certain you would have rushed to Mother's side."
"It's nothing, I said."
"Is fatherhood troubling you? I think you've had that role down-packed for a while."
"Of course not. Ro-…We're ready to handle parenthood, or as ready a couple can be."
"Is it something to do about Mother?"
"O-of course not…" The knight shook his head.
"It's Robin, isn't it, Frederick? You're worried with what Robin said to you earlier." The knight shook his head, keeping a straight, professional face, but gave no audible reply. "Don't worry about such things, Frederick."
"What did Mother say?" Momentarily, Frederick glared at Chrom, but quickly turned away, realizing that he was GLARING at Chrom, his lord.
"Nothing…"
"Oh, no, no, no. Robin called him a bastard, one or two other unsavory names, and threatened him."
"Mother would never!"
"I'm fairly certain she did; more than a few of us were there to hear the expletives."
"…B-but…"
"However," The cobalt turned to Frederick. "That is why I say you shouldn't worry."
Frederick could only stare blankly at Chrom in response, leading his son to ask, "How does that clear anything up, Chrom?"
"It just happens in childbirth." The cobalt shrugged.
"It just…happens?" Frederick deadpanned to Chrom. "How can you say, 'It just happens?'" The knight stood, staring threateningly at the Exalt.
"F-father!" Morgan stopped him, keeping the man at bay, but Morgan returned his attention to Chrom momentarily asking, "What do you mean?"
"Maribelle did the very same to me, inadvertently, mind you. When Albert was being born, I had no idea at the time, but I happened to pass by her chambers, and she was spouting several phrases about myself, ones that I don't wish to repeat. After a few days passed, I mentioned to her what I overheard, and she told me it was fairly common for women, in the middle of birthing, to become 'boisterous,' saying similar things about their husbands. I'm certain that's all it is with Robin."
Although his face remained composed, there was a faint tremble in his voice, "How can you be cer-" A rap was heard at the still open door, causing the men to look.
"Hey, Sir Bubbles, Blue, Bubbles Jr. What'cha talking 'bout."
"It has nothing to do with you, Gaius." The figure stepped in, a smile on his face and a newly unwrapped lollipop being placed into his mouth.
"Really, sounds like someone's sour about being sworn at. At least your wife wasn't hexing you through childbirth."
"Hexing?"
"Yah," The ginger's right wrist swirled as he talked, as if the subject was a daily occurrence that should be swept under the rug. Or maybe more just to have a flashy pose. "When Asta was born, Thar was literally cursing me. Most didn't take effect, being she didn't have her tools or ingredients, but the simple cureses that didn't require much, like a tripping or a dropping spell, caused me to stumble and fumble all day. Only later, when talking to Noire, did I connect what happened today with the birth of Asta. So, Sir Bubbles, you should be happy that you weren't tripping over your own two feet, or dropping candies on the ground wherever you went."
"I suppose, yes." The elder brunet's manner calmed.
"But, Gaius," The group turned to the younger of the brunets. "Why are you here in Father's room?"
"Ah! Well, got side-tracked there. While you three were chit-chatting here, we heard some baby wails, and a maid came to fetch the mass of us who were waiting in the lounge."
"How is Robin?" Briskly, Frederick had closed the space between himself and Gaius, his face serious, not in the mood for idle chatter.
"Can't say." The stick in the thief's mouth flicked to the opposing side.
"You. Can't. Say?" Each syllable came out in a growl, his eyes piercing the ginger, who took the whole thing in stride.
"Yep. Although we were escorted to Bubbles' room, Princess wouldn't let us in. She said something to the effect that Bubbles wanted Sir Bubbles to come in first, so here I am coming to…" A tap on the shoulder caused the thief to pause.
"Yah, Bubbles Jr.?"
"I don't think Father heard that last part." Gaius looked at the empty space where the knight once stood, then down the hall where Morgan was pointing.
"Don't I at least get a 'thank you' or something?"
ooo
He felt slightly better, hearing from Chrom and Gaius that it was "normal" to be shouting such things during the birthing, but still, it made him worry. Was he really welcomed in his wife's room? Was it all a ploy? Was she showing her true colors? He couldn't believe such things, knowing his wife so well, but still, the worry had taken root, and now he was running to that room, her room, on auto-pilot.
He had walked these particular halls so often, he was certain he could reach her room with a blindfold on, assuming there were no human obstacles. She had been given that room the day she arrived, and whether Robin knew it or not, he had been making rounds to her room, and outside of it, making sure she was there at lights out, or at the very least, somewhere inside the castle. Usually she was in the library, studying or planning, even though Chrom had already excused himself for the night, or had fallen asleep in a chair next to her.
Later, it became a habit, not out of suspicion, but of romance. Again and again, he would escort her back to her room. When they started dating, it had been once a week, then twice. Before he knew it, it was almost every day. Some nights, she would invite him in to chat and drink tea. Being with her, it felt normal to stand by her side. Rarely did they have such things as "dates," being that they both worked longer than the average eight to five, but sometimes he would escort her to the night markets, although it was usually only spending time in the library, reading side-by-side, or walking the grounds. Only when Maribelle and Lissa teased Robin and himself one evening did he finally realize how much time he had been spending in her company. Momentarily, they tried to limit their interactions, but within the week, they were once again back to old habits.
Sometimes he wondered if she were trying to seduce him, especially when they were alone in her room, being she was known to be calculative, as she was the Shepherd's tactician. However, unless she was one hell of an actress, when it came to romance, and anything of that sort, she was a complete novice. Their first time, she was the epitome of the blushing bride, and for that particular dance, he took the lead the whole night, and for at least a week or two after.
So, this hall and he, they were quite intimate friends.
Reaching the corridor she was currently in, he saw the hall quite full. As he pushed pass some Shepherds and other of Robin's newly made friends, Frederick could hear the well wishes, but he only replied in a grunt, if at all. As he got to the front of all the smiling faces, Lissa stood there, grinning ear-to-ear.
"Daddy's finally come, huh?" The blonde giggled, opening the door so she and Frederick could enter. Although he paid no notice, Sully had also been beckoned in.
The room showed no signs of what it just went through. In truth, it was cleaner than he had ever seen it before. Although his eyes glazed momentarily at all the faces in the room, maids and a handful of female Shepherds, he soon found his target; as such, he hesitantly walked toward her. Robin looked tired, her hair, face, and body drenched in sweat. Yet, even beneath the weariness, bits of her true self shown through; the radiance that attracted every person in their army to rely on her. Still, there was something that was just a little bit different. It took him awhile, but as he walked through the crowd in the room, watching her as she stared down adoringly at the swaddle in her arms, he understood; the "difference" was the glow of motherhood. When he finally reached the bedside, she looked up, a warm, loving smile set on her face; the prior incident, hours before, completely forgotten by the knight.
"Frederick."
"My love," His voice trembled as he sat on her bed, cupping her face, ignoring, or maybe forgetting, the fact that quite a few others were still in their presence. "A-are you well? Do you hurt?"
She chuckled, leaning into his hand. "I am well. Although I hurt, it is nothing more than the slight discomfort that comes from such affairs."
"Th-then Marc, is he…?" He pulled her close, looking at the newborn before them.
Shifting the child to her other arm, she smiled, "The baby is fine, but this one is not a 'he.'"
He stared blankly for a moment, lost at what she said. "A-a she?" Robin nodded. "I-iris?"
"Yes."
"A daughter?"
"Yes."
"My daughter?"
"Yes, you silly thing." He could only gape at the little bundle before him, the darling little treasure, his precious daughter! How he would adorn her with all the frivolities that she deserved. Dressing her in silks, tying her hair in adoring fashions, teaching her everything a woman, and a knight, must know! And spearing any boy that even thought of speaking to her! Oh, he would have to start sharpening some of his spe-… "Darling?" He looked at Robin again. "Are you alright? You've been staring at Iris…strangely, for the past minute."
"Yes, I was only thinking about what precautions I will need to make for the future. Embarrassingly, I'm starting to understand Chrom's overprotectiveness when it comes to Lucina and Lucy."
Robin gave a hum and a nod, snuggling closer to her husband. After a few seconds pass, a drift in their own little world, Robin finally asks, "Do you want to hold her?"
"I-I can?" The knight jumped back a little, causing a giggle to come from his wife and the other women in the room.
"Of course," She passed the child…their child, positioning his arms as needed. He stared blankly at the baby before him, admiring every little feature. Iris was so small, so delicate. If he wished, he could hold his daughter in one hand; of course, he wouldn't dare do so yet, feeling so uncertain about even touching her. Being so absorbed, he barely noticed when Robin called Cordelia, who delivered another bundle into her arms. After a few moments, a slight curiosity came over him, leading him to peek at what was in his wife's hold. Being she angled it in a certain way, he couldn't tell.
"Robin, what are you holding?"
Looking up, a sweet smile on her face, she slowly angled the swaddle so he could see another round little face. "This is Marc."
The knight stared blankly before finding his voice. "O-our son?" She nodded. The brunet's eyes flickered back and forth, looking between both bundles excitedly. This continued for about a minute before something started troubling the man. "R-robin?" His lovely platinum angel looked up with a smile, realizing she had his attention again. "D-did you have both Marc and Iris today?"
"No, Frederick, I've been hiding Marc from you all this time. …Of course I gave birth to both of them today, you silly head." Her face was completely serious, even as she slipped in a joke.
"S-so we have a son and daughter?" The realization slowly sinking into his eyes.
"Yes."
"This is not a jape, is it?"
"Of course not, Frederick."
"T-twins?" She hummed a reply, keeping her smiling eyes on him. The knight's eyes flickered back and forth between the two babies until finally, he fainted, having another brain overload. As he fell back, he could hear a slight giggling come from around him.
Luckily, before the knight could fall backwards onto the cold stone floor, Sully and Cordelia caught him. Maribelle quickly took little Iris out of her father's weakened hold, thus allowing the two knights to lay Frederick on the ground. As this was going on, most of the faces in the room were slightly smiling, if not all out laughing. Even the new mother was giggling.
"I told you, Lissa." The blonde in question was holding her side in a fit of giggles. "Frederick fainted. You owe me a nice pie later."
ooo
The new parents of Marc and Iris thought they were ready, but that was far from the truth. Having two infants, not one, messed up their whole plan. For the time, the two babes could share a crib, but many of the other necessities had to be made a new; a second pair of almost everything. Luckily, for the parents, many of the Shepherds chipped in for some of the easier items, such as clothing, diapers and other simple necessities. As well, fortunately, Chrom and Maribelle were able to help them find a nursemaid, being that Robin wouldn't be able to feed both children.
Still, even with all these hardships, this new family of four made their situation work.
xxx
With a yawn, Robin opened her eyes again, no doubt drifting asleep thanks to her daydreaming, and it seemed as if she weren't the only one, being that Iris returned to slumber. Marc on the other hand had his wide eyes still focused on her. Maybe he had also drifted a little, but she couldn't be quite sure; at least, currently, he seemed wide awake.
As she murmured sweet nothings to her baby boy, a creak made her crane her neck, seeing her husband in the doorway carrying a wooden tray one-handed, while Sable followed obediently behind. Although Sable was her dog, Frederick trained him well. Completely subservient to the family, he seemed to pick up Frederick's over-protective nature. Even with the babies, Sable protected them as if they were his own. Although her heart swelled with pride, it did prove troublesome when new guests came to visit. Like his Daddy, he would growl at the person, or people, for several minutes, and if, and when, he finally calmed, he would glare at them until they left. Of course, if the guest made a positive impression early on, such as with Henry and Lissa, he would become putty in their hands; but with some, like Chrom and Stahl, who Sable had seen on multiple occasions, the dog always remained vigilant, distancing them, and other unwelcome friends, from her or Frederick, with his body. Even now, the pup paced the room, as if on patrol, finally curling up at the end of the bed, staring vigilantly at the door.
On the breakfast tray table there were pancakes and syrup, fruits, meats, and platters and silverware. When he noticed her eyes on him, his composed face turned soft, a gentle smile on his lips. Placing the food on the night stand, he smoothly took the babes into his arms, allowing Robin to finally sit up and stretch.
"Good morning," The brunet smiled at his wife. In his arms, Iris caused no problems, but her elder brother struggled in his Father's grip, obviously wishing to return to his Mother; no doubt the early signs of showing who the boy favored.
"Morning," The platinum pecked her husband on the cheek, taking Marc back into her hold. "I assume you were the mastermind of placing our children on my chest this morning."
"Me?" The knight responded with practiced shock. "I would never! No doubt the little ones climbed out of the crib."
"I came close to rolling over on them." A slight pout came over her face as she ruffled the boy's hair.
"YOU DID WHAT!" Although he kept his voice a whisper, anger, then worry, flashed across the knight's face as he stared at Iris, making sure the babe was asleep and not dead.
"…I jest, Frederick, but it could have happened."
He glared at her disgruntled face. "That is not something to joke about!"
"Well, I think you should have known better than to chance the occurrence." She spoke pointedly at him.
"I suppose…I only thought it would be a pleasant shock for you."
"…One of my first thoughts was to scream, you know." The pout still evident.
A pained look appeared on Frederick's face, realizing the errors of what he thought was a cute idea. "My sincerest apologies, Robin. I had no intentions of angering or scaring you today, nor putting our children in harm's way."
"…I know." Chancing the action, the knight leaned in, placing a kiss on Robin's forehead. With no negative recourse, he stood, sitting next to her on their bed, allowing her to lean in. In the momentary, quiet peace, both of them calmed, relaxing in each others presence; even little Marc dozed in his Mother's hold.
"I love you." The knight whispered, staring at his perfect little family.
"I know." His tactician wife snuggled into his broad chest, a soft smile across her face.
"Thank you for everything, Darling, and Happy Birthday."