Before I start chapter 2, I just wanna say thanks to all who have read so far, and a special thank you to phatmon515 for being my first reviewer for this story! A relatively short chapter, but they'll get longer fairly quickly.

Alright then, shall we?

Chapter 2: Her Highness, The Lover

"Lucina? Are you okay?" Cynthia knocked on her sister's bedroom door twice before quietly slipping into the room.

"Go back downstairs. I'm fine." Lucina mumbled and rolled onto her side. Cynthia frowned and sat down next to her on her bed.

"Hey, what's wrong? You can tell your little sister!"

"I'm fine!"

Cynthia pouted and moved away from her. She looked at her hands for a brief second before smirking and aggressively tickling her sides. "Cheeeer up!"

Lucina stifled a laugh before erupting into a fit of giggles, squirming and desperately trying to find any means of escape. "St-Stop it..!"

"Not 'til you spill it!"

"F-Fine! I give up! I-I can't breathe…!"

"Great!" Cynthia beamed and pat the spot next to her. "Now, what's gotcha down?" Lucina sat up straight.

"Were you not listening? I have to become the exalt! The exalt!"

"So?"

"So?! Cynthia, there's so much I have to do!"

"But that doesn't mean it can't be fun, right?" Cynthia tilted her head. "I mean, yeah, you'll have to go to those war council meetings, but you'll be the boss!"

"The...boss?"

"Who will get to have fancy dinner parties? Who will get to start all kind of construction projects? Who will get to host masquerade balls and rendezvous with mysterious mask strangers on the rooftop at midnight?" Cynthia stood up, a bit too excited.

"Me…?"

"Exactly! Your entire life will be an adventure! Think of it as an alterego! By day, you're Lucina, the kind and fair exalt. But by night, you're Lucina, the heir to Falchion, seeker of justice!" Cynthia struck a confident pose. Lucina chuckled a bit at her sister and stood up as well.

"And with you by my side, I shall not falter!"

"For we are the Wings of Justice!"

"...The Wings of Justice?"

"What? It sounds catchy! Owain helped me come up with it!"

A few knocks on the door followed by Sumia peeking inside paused their playful banter. "Lucina? Are you alright?"

"Mother, I'm fine. Please go back downstairs and finish breakfast."

"I can always eat later." Sumia slowly walked inside, closing the door behind her. "I'm so sorry we just dumped that on you...I honestly didn't think you'd react that way. Your father and I feel terrible for just announcing it so casually."

"The only thing Dad feels is butter from those dumb rolls!" Cynthia growled.

"No, it was childish of me and it's not like I have a choice to object to it or not." Lucina took a deep breath. Sumia put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"You have 3 months. But I can try to see if we can extend it if you need more time to prepare."

"I'll let you know if I need extra time. But I think...I'll be fine. As long as I can have some assistance."

"Of course! Anything you need to get ready!"

"Thank you, Mother." Lucina hugged her mother, then hugged Cynthia. "And thank you, Cynthia. You were a big help too."

"Hey, Mom?" Cynthia grabbed her sister's hand and pulled her to the door. "Did Owain and Dad eat everything?"

Sumia paused for a moment. "Um...I don't...think so. I wouldn't be surprise if they-"

"Great! C'mon Luci, I'm still starving!" She swung open the door and made a mad dash for the dining area, Lucina stumbling. A brief, "STOP RUNNING!" made them slow down a bit, but it didn't stop Cynthia from tearing through the halls and back down the stairs. But to her disbelief and disappointment, only a few assorted fruits remain.

Lucina could have sworn she felt a tear run down Cynthia's face.