I'm going to be very frank with you, this chapter is super short, but it is five in the morning, and I haven't slept, so … enjoy.

The Princess's Dragon Bride

Chapter 23: A Slight Oversight

Lucina leaped over the small dividing wall between the driver and the rest of the wagon. She and Corrin huddled close as the invisibility charm faded away. Thankfully they were out of sight and a few paces away from the blockade.

"Should we keep moving?" Corrin whispered

"I don't know," Lucina leaned against her friend and quietly tried to peek over the makeshift wall of boxes the boys had set up. "I wouldn't want to attract any attention."

When she turned to meet Corrin's worried gaze, she couldn't help but sigh, "If we get spotted, then whip the horses into a full gallop, and the boys will catch up in their own wagon."

"Alright," Corrin smiled and leaned against Lucina.

However, the moment was cut short as a twig snapped not too far from their location. Lucina peeked between the crates and saw a large purple shape lumbering outside.

Corrin took a peek, and the frown was evident in her voice. "That doesn't look like any of the guys."

Lucina cursed under her breath, "I could fight them off, but I can't let them see my face."

Corrin's cheeks pinkened as she started quietly rifling through the pouch at her back. "Would a mask work?"

Lucina nodded as she started tying her hair back. Perhaps they wouldn't recognize her if she combed her hair over her eye.

"That would be ideal, but we don't-" she turned to look at Corrin, who held a strangely shaped mask.

It was a lovely blue color in the shape of a butterfly, with stunning gold running along its sides. Much like Cloud's mask, the eyes for it were a collection of thin strips, conveniently covering her eye's brand.

"I wanted to get you a present to match the one you gave me," she motioned to the butterfly hairpin.

Lucina grinned as she gave Corrin a tight hug, catching the other princess by surprise, "It's wonderful."

When she let go of Corrin, she adjusted her hair again, trying to keep as much of it contained as possible. Then she delicately put the mask on, casting Corrin an appreciative smile when she was done.

She didn't have time to appreciate Corrin's flushed face. The stranger outside had heard something and was only seconds from climbing into the wagon.

Lucina wasted no time. In one fluid motion, she leaped over the stack of crates and drew her blade. She landed suddenly, managing to catch the thief off guard.

Robin hadn't said anything to Chrom since he was bold enough to get in Robin's personal space, but the ex-tactician had caught him peeking at him every now and then. And every time he did, Robin would give him an impish smile and a little wave.

When he wasn't teasing the Exalt, Robin watched the rest of the team with their dance routine. He had to admit, they could have made good money if they chose this line of work. But nooo, they were thieves.

He wasn't sure how long Bowser intended to keep this up, but if the look on Akira's face was anything to go by, they could do this all day.

Then a giant purple rabbit flew over their heads and slammed into the cart, grabbing everyone's attention. The kings turned to follow the rabbit's trajectory and stared in the direction of the other wagon.

There was something ominous about Lucina, holding an unsheathed sword and a mask covering her face. She really did inherit a lot from her father.

"A Thief!" The look that crossed Bowser's face was almost as foreboding.

Of course, he knew it was Lucina. With her eye covered, though, there was no way to know for sure whether her father would recognize her. And as far as Chrom knew, his daughter was being held captive.

But one thing was for sure. Their cover was blown.

He let out a deep sigh.

Fuck!

AN/ yeah, I wasn't kidding when I said it would be brief. Anyways I hope you've enjoyed and look forward to the next chapter. It's going to be another big one. Also, another art piece will be posted on my Tumblr in honor of another big battle.

~ (7/28/2022)