Robin groaned as his eyes opened, an intense burning across his chest. For a moment he wondered where he was, only for the memory to hit him like a ton of bricks. It had been a Valmese ambush, and some soldiers found themselves surrounded without any hope for survival. Robin had moved in to save them, clearing the way with his magic allowing the soldiers to retreat. He had turned to follow them, only to be hit in the back with something-

"It was a javelin." A voice said next to him coldly.

Robin blinked, turning to see his wife Maribelle glaring at him. "A...javelin?" he asked.

Maribelle nodded, lifting the covers to show Robin's abdomen completely covered in gauze and bandages. "It pierced you right in the back. You're lucky Cordelia was able to get to you in time. Any longer, and you wouldn't have been able to be saved."

Robin breathed deeply before looking at Maribelle. "A-And the soldiers?" He asked.

Maribelle's lips pursed so tightly Robin wondered for a brief moment if they'd ever be able to be loosened. "They are fine. All of them."

Robin gave a pleased sigh. "Good." He said, laying back down on his pillow.

"Is that it?" Maribelle asked.

Robin blinked in confusion, looking at his wife to see her trembling. "Maribelle?" He asked.

"You haphazardly risk your life, you one of the key leaders of this entire campaign, nearly get yourself killed, and all you have to say is "good"!?" She exclaimed, staring down at him like a viper.

Robin's eyes widened in alarm and slight fear. "Maribelle, I-"

"Quiet." She commanded. "Do you appreciate how vital you are? Hmm? What, do you think you are so easily replaced that you can just throw your life away so easily!?"

"Maribelle, just-" Robin tried.

"Do you understand how I feel, seeing your brought in white and cold as snow, your blood dripping all over the ground!?" Maribelle exclaimed, tears beginning to form. "Have you forgotten so easily the lovely future you promised to me when we got married!? Have you-"

Maribelle was interrupted when Robin put his hand on hers. In truth he wanted to immediately bolt up and hold her, comfort her and whisper how everything would be all right. His condition being what it was however, he had to make due with what he could. The moment his hand touched hers, whatever walls Maribelle had built up toppled over, and she began crying uncontrollably as she squeezed his hand.

"Maribelle, I'm so sorry." He said.

"I...I thought I had lost you." She said through her tears.

"I promise Maribelle..." Robin said. "I'm not planning on leaving you any time soon. But I couldn't just leave those soldiers either. Like me, those soldiers are also husbands. Fathers. How could I face any of their spouses or children when this war is over, knowing I could have done something to save them but chose not to?"

Maribelle sniffed, composing herself. He wouldn't be able to, and if he could he wouldn't be the man she had fallen in love with. She knew that, and coming into this dreadful war she knew he would pull stunts such as this one. It was who he was, a man who would risk his life for that of a perfect stranger. He had risked it the day he led the Shepherds to rescue her from the Plegians, drawing the attention of wyvern riders so that Ricken could get her to safety. That single, selfless act had begun the smolders that would begin to inflame her love for the white haired man in front of her.

She just wished he would act a little more selfish sometimes.

"I know." She said. "Gods bless it I know, but..."

Robin nodded. "I know love, I know. And I am sorry. You know I'd never want to do anything to cause you pain."

Maribelle nodded. "I know, just...just be more careful in the future, please. You're not only vital to this campaign, but more importantly you are vital to me."

Robin smiled, rubbing Maribelle's hand with his own. "Of course my love. I wouldn't dream of ever leaving you without permission."

Maribelle gave an unladylike scoff as she couldn't help but smile. "That's right. I intend to collect on that promise after all."

Robin nodded. "I know. I love you Maribelle."

"And I you." Maribelle said, leaning down to kiss her beloved tactician.