"Is that everything, or are we done?" Chrom asks, setting his papers in a neat pile on the table in front of him. He casts a furtive look around the room, but before he gets the whole way around, there's a sharp intake of breath from the opposite end of the table. Everyone turns to look, and Olivia is glaring at Lon'qu, who is giving as good as he's getting. She sighs after only a few seconds under his gaze, and turns to face Chrom.

"We… we're moving back to Ferox. I'm going to be the next West Kahn."

"What?" Vaike asks loudly, with no concern for the poor girl's feelings. "But… you're a girl!"

"As is Flavia," Robin points out. "But… well, as badly worded as Vaike's comment may have been, I have to agree. You're not really what we think of in terms of a Kahn, Olivia."

"Traditionally, Kahns are always warriors. But Basilio can nominate a successor before he leaves, and he nominated me. He wants a new approach to the rule of Regna Ferox. More democratic, like the other nations around it. And… well, I thought that the least I can do is try. He's done so much for me over the years. He and Flavia will help me, and Lon'qu has volunteered to be my Champion for the first while at least, until I can find someone who doesn't fit the 'family' category."

"Congratulations," Chrom offers. "I'm sure you'll be a wonderful leader."

"Th-thank you."

"We're leaving on Monday, so this is our last day of council," Lon'qu fills in, and Chrom nods in understanding.

"Your contributions to Ylisse will not go unrewarded. You both have served on the council for the past two years, and your war efforts… well, we probably wouldn't have made it through if you weren't here."

"We don't need anything from you. Your service to Ferox has been great, and you've already paid off any debt as far as Basilio and Flavia are concerned."

"Well. I'll see about…"

"Chrom, drop it," Robin says, sending a glare his way. "That's us for the day then. Our thanks are extended to Lon'qu and Olivia for their extensive help."

She gets up, quickly gathering her things and leaving. Slowly, the other members of the council realise they can leave and follow her out the door. Maribelle catches Miriel's eye, and raises an eyebrow pointedly in her direction. The mage stifles a laugh with her hand, before briskly walking past Chrom and Lissa, who are still mildly confused about Robin's earlier outburst.

"Maribelle, what's wrong with Robin? She's seems pretty… angry," Lissa asks, stating the obvious.

"I don't think I should discuss that with you, Lissa. I don't have her permission to tell anyone anything, so until she says something herself, my lips are sealed. However, there's nothing… wrong, per se," Maribelle answers sincerely, making an effort to get out the door. Chrom steps in front of her, arm blocking the door, and her only way out. She's not the only person left in the room, though, and she makes eye contact with Panne, Vaike and Libra before glaring at Chrom.

"Really, you blundering fool, you think one arm is going to stop two axe wielders, a tome user and a taguel from getting through this door? In all the years I have known you, this must be one of your most seriously stupid moves. If you want to know what's going on so badly, how about you talk to your wife?!" She says finally, pushing him to one side and moving on through the door. The others following her, Panne rolling her eyes on her way past.

"She's got a point," Vaike says, laughing at Chrom's expense.

"Why aren't you going to ask her?" Lissa says quietly, once the others have left.

"I'm afraid I'll make her more angry," he replies honestly, staring at the tiles under her feet.

"You won't."

"I will, though."

"If you keep believing that you're going to end up avoiding her for a week. Remember when you threw that stone at Emm's head when you were ten by accident, and then you ran away and didn't come out of your room-"

"That's not the same."

"-for a week? It is the same, Chrom. You run away from your problems a lot, because you think you're going to make them worse! And honestly, as the leader of a country, that's pretty bad. So you better talk to Robin, or… I'll get frogs again and put them in your bed!"

With that, the princess stormed out, annoyed with her older brother's stubborn attitude. He had always been like this, and honestly she shouldn't have been surprised. But because he was so stubborn, he wasn't going to change any time soon. Scooping up Owain, she stomped upstairs, getting some strange looks from both her son and the servants busying themselves on the stairs.

"Sumia. Are you busy?" Chrom asks as the Pegasus knight passes the dining room where he had been wallowing in his sorrows for the past few hours.

"Not particularly. I have to be at the stables in an hour or so, but… do you need something?"

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Sir, I… okay," she sighs, entering the room and taking a seat beside him. There are tea cups set out in front of all the seats, but he fills Sumia's and refills his own, tossing sugar cubes into both cups. Sumia reaches for the milk jug, and fills the rest of her cup.

"Is there something on your mind?" She asks.

"Robin."

"Of course," she smiles. The young monarch was rightfully enamoured with his wife, and she tended to be the only thing he talked about.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asks defensively.

"Nothing! I just think it's wonderful how well you two get on together. I don't think I've ever met a pair with as much chemistry and love for each other."

"Well, she stormed out of the council meeting this morning, although you missed that. There's something wrong with her, and I have no idea what it is. She's been acting kinda funny for a few weeks now."

"Hasn't Lucina left for… wherever she is? Maybe that's what she's stressed about. Gods, Chrom, there are a million things that could be on her mind!" Sumia exclaims, setting down her teacup with a rattle. "Have you tried talking to her?"

"No," Chrom admits, folding his arms and glaring at his own untouched cup of tea. "Maribelle seems to know something, though, so I'll pester her more. Enough about me, however. How is everything going with you?"

"Wonderful! The stables have produced many pegasi and horses within the last few months, what with it being summer, and they're all doing spectacularly! It's really an honour to be able to work with them, so I must thank you again-"

"No thanks needed. I honestly couldn't think of anyone better suited for the job. It's just your sort of thing- you've always liked animals ever since I can remember."

"Well, I don't have much experience as a Pegasus Knight, really. My whole time in the army was me just winging it, to be honest. I'd never ridden a Pegasus before that day in Ferox, so… well, I was tutored by the best. Cordelia and Phila were some of the best teachers I could ever have wished for, may they rest in peace."

"Well, I think you do an excellent job, and I think having you around was a good decision on our behalf."

"You flatter me," she smiles, lifting her teacup to hide her blush.

The wooden doors to the dining room creak open slowly, and Robin stumbles in, her eyes locked on the teapot situated between Chrom and Sumia. Grabbing the nearest teacup, she pours herself a cup, almost oblivious to the other two sitting at the table. The scene is amusing- the two members of court who were born there, raised into nobility, and Robin, who although was also royalty, didn't care anywhere near as much. She never bothers with formal clothes, choosing comfort over looks, and leans against the table as if it was a bar. Sumia raises her eyebrows at Chrom, encouraging him to ask Robin. He glances at the table, before over at his wife.

"Are you alright?" He asks nervously. She lowers her teacup, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt you?"

"No, that's what I'm asking. Are you okay?"

"Hm? I'm fine," she smiles softly, downing the last of her lukewarm tea. The teapot hadn't down a great job of keeping it warm, and Chrom had been in here for almost an hour before Sumia joined him. "See you later," she says vaguely, kissing his hair, and leaving the room.

"She's not angry at least," Sumia laughs, tapping her nails against the table.

"What is wrong with her?" Chrom mumbles, and Sumia places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You need to ask her properly. Sit her down, make her tell you. I think I know, but… it's her decision to tell you."

"Not you too, Sumia! I thought I could trust you!"

"You can, captain," she smiles, getting up from her seat and pushing it back into the table. "You need to trust Robin more, though. I'd best be off, so… I'll see you later."

The Pegasus Knight escapes from the dining room, leaving the exalt on his own with the small remainder of tea. Although she could use the stables as an excuse, she has no intentions of leaving for there just yet. Instead, she heads to the back of the palace, into the gardens. Strictly speaking, she isn't allowed to wander around, but since she is a close friend of the royal family, the guards grant her access to many parts of the palace usually closed off to servants and other members of the shepherds. Today, she was outside to seek out Lissa, who spends the majority of her time out here instead of doing her proper duties. Sumia finds her by the herb garden, a product of Lissa's procrastination.

"Good afternoon, Lissa," Sumia smiles, causing the blonde girl to almost jump out of her skin.

"Sumia! You scared me!" Lissa greets, hoisting Owain onto her lap, who had been about to make an escape. The older girl sits down on the grass, her armour clanking as she makes herself comfortable.

"I just had tea with your brother," she sighs, rolling her eyes. "He seems to think his marriage is about to fall apart."

"Really," Lissa scoffs. "And why does that not surprise me? So he's still not talking to Robin? Or is she not talking to him?"

"No, they are, I think. She came in and downed a cup of tea and left. He asked if she was okay, and she said yes. She looked kinda… kinda weird, though. Like she wasn't all there."

"She has been acting kinda funny since she got back from wherever, but I think she'll be okay. But… well, Maribelle said Robin made her go out and buy loads of tea the other day, and…" Lissa raises her eyebrows suggestively, and Sumia nods sincerely.

"I remember what she was like when she was expecting Lucina. She drank more tea in nine months than I could've in five years!"

"I thought this morning that something might be up with her. Since she stormed out of the meeting, and she was pretty snappy with Chrom… her hormones are probably all over the place. I wouldn't be surprised if she cries into her dinner," Lissa said blandly, absentmindedly winding her fingers in Owain's hair. "I'm just glad that someone agrees with me! I can't tell Chrom though, at least not until I get proof."

"Where are you going to get proof from?"

"Miriel," Lissa states. "Miriel knows everything, and she and Robin seem to get on pretty well."

"That's a good plan! I have to get to the stables now, but keep me informed! I'll be around all evening!"

"Alright! Come to the dining room after dinner and I'll fill you in!"

"You've got yourself a deal!"

The blonde princess sneaks through the corridors, walking slowly so that her shoes don't click against the stone floor. Miriel is usually in her office late afternoon, although recently she can also be found in the police station in town, helping with the autopsy of the remaining assassin. However, Lissa saw her only a few hours earlier, and knew that she'd be here today. The mage often reads or practices her magic, however she's often prone to getting bored and sneaking around the palace to find someone to talk to.

Lissa knocks cleanly on the door, and when she hears the invitation in, she pushes the heavy wooden door open. Miriel flicks open her fire tome book that sits by her desk and lights all the candles in the room, flooding the otherwise dark room with warm orange light. Lissa stands in front of her desk, hovering nervously until Miriel begins the conversation.

"Lissa. Is there a problem? Are you sick?"

"No, no! I wanted to ask you a question."

"Then take a seat and ask away." Lissa draws up the seat from behind her and sits in front of Miriel's desk, crossing and uncrossing her legs until she's comfortable.

"It's about Robin."

"Ah."

"Is she… is she pregnant? I know she wouldn't appreciate me asking you this, because you're pretty much her doctor, and her best friend, but I'm worried, and Chrom's practically having an aneurysm over this!"

"Well, we can't have the Exalt's life in danger because of stress, now can we?" Miriel asks rhetorically, a smirk passing over her lips. "Simply put, she is. And I don't think she particularly wants to be. So she's been having a bit of a panic about it. She'll be fine, though. Everything will be okay once she gets her head around it."

"And she hasn't told Chrom yet?"

"No, no. I've been working with Maribelle, who, as her retainer, knows as well. Of course, that should be expected, as Robin's safety and well-being should be one of the top priorities of Maribelle. And in my opinion she's doing a commendable job."

"Well, that explains a lot," Lissa sighed. "I had kinda guessed, to be honest. Her behaviour has been all over the place recently, and she's drank so much tea recently."

"Don't go telling Chrom, now. She and I have been working up to it, and I think she'll be able to do it soon."

"Alright," the blonde smiles as Miriel pushes her glasses up. "Thanks for telling me though. Now I can tell brother to be more sensitive, or something."

Dinner isn't as dramatic as Lissa had originally imagined it to be. Both Robin and Chrom are relatively silent throughout, with Lucina passing worried glances between them. Most of the conversation comes from Lissa and Maribelle, with loud interjections from Gaius and Owain, the latter of who starts crying for no reason. Lissa scolds him, causing him to cry louder, and earning him a glare from Maribelle. Chrom, on the other hand is more sympathetic, and gets up to comfort his nephew. Lissa picks up on the look on Robin's face- affectionate and soft, a change from her dramatic exit at the meeting this morning.

Chrom and Robin leave with Lucina after the meal is down, heading into the garden to soak up the early evening sunshine. The sun is only threatening to set, casting the first hints of pink and orange across the sky. A knock comes to the dining room door, and the remaining heads turns as the person comes into the room.

"Is this a bad time?" Sumia asks, wringing her hands. She's taken her armour off, presumably left it at home, and now wears a pale lilac dress suitable for the environment where she is.

"No!" Lissa says, offering the seat opposite her. "Once I get Owain cleaned up, I'll be right with you."

"You must tell me where you got your dress, Sumia," Maribelle requests, finishing off her usual after dinner cup of tea.

"Oh, I made it myself!" She explains proudly. "I've wanted something to keep myself occupied in the evenings, so I thought I may as well learn something new! I made some cushions first, and then this…"

"It looks lovely! You'll have to make me one some time," Maribelle jokes, but Sumia's eyes light up.

"Of course! If you get me your measurements, I can do that! I have lovely pink material left over from the cushions that I can use!"

"I'll make sure to do that."

"Alright! Sumia, do you want to go somewhere else? There shouldn't be anyone else in the ballroom," Lissa pipes up, ruffling Owain's hair.

"Sounds good to me!"

"I'll only be a few minutes," Lissa tells Owain, smiles at Ricken, and then bounces out of the room, followed by Sumia.

The corridors of the palace are relatively empty for the time of day, and Sumia and Lissa make it to the ballroom with relative ease. Lissa leans against the stage, beckoning for Sumia to join her. The golden room is basked in the dull evening light, making it look almost ethereal. Sumia is fidgeting- clearly desperate for the gossip.

"So, did you find anything?" She asks, unable to contain herself any longer.

"Well, I asked Miriel, and… well, we were right!"

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful!" Sumia exclaims.

"I know! Imagine, another Chrom running around. I hope it's a boy this time- that would make for a lovely family," Lissa gushes. "And imagine, I'll be an aunt again!"

Sumia wanders into the garden, following the trail of crumbs inevitably left behind by Lucina, who seemed to constantly be eating this weather. Chrom and Robin sat on a bench, watching Lucina fondly, who was picking a bunch of daisies from the grass in her tiny hand. Her presence goes unnoticed for almost a minute, until she clears her throat, and both parties look up.

"Sumia, is there a problem?"

"No! Can I have a word?"

"Sure," Chrom says, getting up from the bench and smiling at his wife before following Sumia back towards the palace.

"I know I said earlier that you had to ask Robin yourself what was wrong, but I found out for sure what's on her mind. And I thought if I tell you, then you'll know how to approach her better."

"Alright," the royal says, crossing his arms.

"She's expecting another baby," Sumia blurts out, casting her eyes to the ground.

"Really?"

"Really."

"I'm going to be a father again?"

"Yes."

"That's… that's amazing news! Why she didn't tell me already?"

"I don't know. But be careful when telling her. Lissa asked Miriel, and she told me, so… I hope that was okay to do."

"Thank you Sumia. I know I can count on you." He turns back to look at his family, a soft smile growing on his face at the thought of another baby.

Chrom pretends to be asleep when Robin comes to bed that night. He can't tell how she's feeling, but knows that she's nowhere near angry. Robin likes to let her emotions be known, and since he can't hear much, apart from the odd hummed note, he thinks that this might be a good time to bring up what he's been avoiding all day.

"I know you're awake," she says, slipping under the covers beside him. He rolls over to face her, expression serious.

"We need to talk." He sits up straight, half a glare on his face.

"Is this about this morning?" She sighs. "I'm sorry. I've had a lot on my mind."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what?" She asks, narrowing her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me that you're pregnant?" He accuses, and she's silent. She sighs loudly, leaning her head back against the headboard with a bang.

"Who told you?"

"That doesn't matter-"

"Who told you?" She repeats, louder this time.

"Sumia. I asked her what was wrong with you, and she asked Lissa, who asked Miriel, who must've known."

"I told her since she's a doctor, and I told Maribelle, since she's also a healer, and my retainer. I hadn't told you because I was scared."

"Scared of what? That I might, I don't know, kick you out?"

"I don't know!" She yells, her eyes filled with tears.

"Robin, it's my child too, and I promise to take care of you and it the best I can."

"I know you will. I just… I don't think it's a great time for a baby. I'm only just back from wherever I was, and I'm still getting used to everything, and…"

"Robin," Chrom says forcefully, grabbing her shoulders. "I love you. And I love Lucina. And I love the new baby, too. We'll get through this, okay? Together."

"I love you too," Robin mumbles, and he wraps his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest. "I'll try. I'll do my best. For you."

.