Hello!

This is the first of- probably- a few fluff-ish chapters centred around the two-year break. Hope you enjoy them. In other news, special thanks to Letplayer for following this story. Finally, for all you fans of A Pair of Queens, I will update it shortly.

Onwards!

Chapter 19

The news spread like wildfire. Soon, every village, hamlet and town in all of Ylisse was abuzz with the news. Excited chatter about Gangrel's death and the end of the war with Plegia flew through every street in the kingdom. Darker rumours, however, nestled in street corners. The rumours of Emmeryn's death were widely ignored; people hoped and prayed that their wonderful monarch would return to help rebuild their ravaged homeland.

As they drew closer to Ylisstol, the Shepherds were greeted with more and more attention. The sight of Prince Chrom, resplendent in shining armour and marching through the streets, inspired villagers to come out en masse to cheer and congratulate the Shepherds.

Kit drew some stares as well. As the villagers cheered on the triumphant Shepherds, they couldn't help but notice the cyan-haired man who seemed to be very familiar with Princess Lissa. Although, Lissa thought, he would draw stares wherever he went, with his hair, the fact he carries a sword and a tome, and that long tactician's coat- a garment practically unheard of in Ylisse.

Ylisstol, when the Shepherds arrived, was bathed in celebration. Clouds of confetti drifted lazily through the air, staining the sky with specks of bright colour amidst the bright blue. The streets were flooded with a sea of people, and their excited chatter saturated the air.

The cheers only grew louder as the Shepherds moved through the crowds towards the centre of the city. Kit could still hear the revelry through the walls of the palace when the Shepherds entered.

Chrom looked despondent.

"So much celebration..." He lamented. "How can I tell them that Emmeryn is dead?"

"I don't know, Chrom." Kit sighed.

"Maybe... We could give them something else to celebrate?" Lissa suggested. "Maybe... The next Exalt?"

Kit smiled as he saw what Lissa was getting at. Their eyes met, and they knew they were thinking the same thing.

"But... Who?" Chrom asked.

"You, of course!" Kit laughed.

"What? But- I don't- I've never-" Chrom spluttered. "I don't know if I can be as good as Emmeryn... If I'll ever be even close to how much of a leader she was." Kit laid a hand on the prince's shoulder, reassuring him.

"You're a natural leader. Who else could bring a group like the Shepherds together?" Kit assured. "Besides, the Shepherds are still going to be there- you could even make me the Royal Tactician."

Chrom smiled. "I don't think that position exists."

Kit waved dismissively. "Well, whatever the official name is. In any case, you've got time to think it over. Although... I'm sure people will be expecting something by the end of today."

It was noon when Chrom stepped out onto the palace balcony, the Shepherds forming a line behind him, resplendent in their formal wear. The cheering spread throughout the city at the sight of Emmeryn's brother.

"People of Ylisse!" He announced, his authority hushing the cheers. "As you know, the war with Plegia is over!" This drew a cheer from the massed crowd. When the cheers stopped, he continued. "However, it is not all good news." Everything was suddenly surrounded in cold silence. "You may have heard the rumours. I- I can, with great regret, say that- that Emmeryn..." Chrom took a deep, shaking breath to steady himself. "Emmeryn is dead."

The shocked silence seemed endless. No-one could think of what to say.

"But!" Chrom shouted, defying the silence. "We will rebuild our nation! I shall lead the land of Ylisse as exalt!"

This finally broke the silence. The news of a new Exalt meant a new beginning, for the entire kingdom.

"Unfortunately, I cannot undertake such a task alone." Chrom continued. Many people seemed confused, unsure where their new Exalt was going. "And so..." He turned to face Sumia and dropped to one knee. The pegasus knight blushed a bright crimson. A small box sat nestled in Chrom's palm, the tiny star of a ring in the centre.

"Sumia..." Chrom began. "Will you-"

Chrom didn't even finish before Sumia yelled "Yes!", and tackled him in a bear hug, blushing furiously.