Traveling further south, the pair of emissaries eventually found themselves in Themis territory, though they were not exactly in a hurry. Robin had relaxed their schedule and mostly just followed wherever Lucina felt like going so long as they ended up in the right locations. That was how they learned she knew how to make flower crowns of all things.
"I think the white blends in with your hair too much," Lucina spoke thoughtfully as they rode along. Robin, for his part, just tried not to think about the crown. He did it for her, and her smile made it worth it, but his pride would take a hit if they went to town like this.
"That may be, but they look lovely in your hair," Robin smiled back. Genuinely. He was loving this time with her. It made him not as concerned about what pace their relationship was moving, just that it was. They were comfortable together.
Their next destination was duke Themis' manor. While he tended to stay out of public life, the duke was governor of the border regions. Not the most wealthy region, but fiercely loyal to the exalts and a source of many troops. That said, this was generally more of a formality as they all knew Maribelle would stand for nothing less than following Chrom's decrees to the letter.
The manor was a bit less overstated than the Mer estate had been. It still reeked of wealth, but they were not quite so intent on displaying it. They had power, and they knew it. They saw no need to flaunt it. Robin could appreciate the confidence if nothing else.
As they made their approach, they were not greeted by servants, but rather Maribelle herself. While this surprised Robin, Lucina was busy chatting like they were old friends. Or rather, Maribelle was talking and she listened with a smile.
"I do apologize that I was unable to find anything out about your potential upbringing," Maribelle sighed as they received their tea, "Unfortunately, no one matching your description seems to have been at any noble houses I could think of."
"Oh, it's fine," Lucina sipped her tea, "I…I'm not sure if I want to know at this point. I'm happy with the life I'm forging here. Surely, if I had loved ones, they would have been looking for me."
"Perhaps," Maribelle eyed the couple over the edge of her cup, "I am glad the two of you have managed to carve out a life for yourselves. Something to be said for the determination of the unwashed masses."
And there it was.
"Ah, yes, but you are not here to see me," The blonde smiled, "My father was busy with an appointment, but he is likely free now. If you'll follow me."
Robin was impressed. He had never seen books so pristinely kept. He dared to say no one could possibly accuse the family of anything untoward after a look at their pristine record keeping. So much so that he actively took notes on how to improve it back home.
Home. He wondered when he started to consider Ylisstol home. Much like Lucina, he was not even sure if he cared about his past anymore. Especially given how creepy cultists seemed interested in him and that odd mark of his. He really would rather just look forward at this point.
Scratching the back of his hand, he furrowed his brow. She deserved to know at least. If he was going to get serious with her, he should put all his cards on the table. It was only fair. Would she react poorly? She already did not like his coat. What would she do if she saw that?
Swallowing, Robin knew it was a chance he had to take. To lay it all on the table. If she did not flee in fear or disgust, maybe he would be able to do a bit more about his feelings for her.
"Ah, there you are, Robin," Lucina smiled as she joined the tactician on a porch of the Themis residence. Maribelle had insisted they stay the night, and the accommodations had been rather nice to say the least. "You wanted to see me."
"Yes," Robin smiled uneasily, "I, uh, have something I need to tell you."
"What is it? You can tell me anything."
"I, well, as you know, I don't remember my past, but…I've been hiding something. I…I don't know what it means, but…" Robin slowly removed his gloves and presented his right hand. Lucina's face tightened when she saw the brand, "I don't know if it's a tattoo or what, but…it gives me sinister vibes. It seems pretty obviously Grimleal."
Robin sighed as he slowly pulled his hand back, "I don't know if I'm a turncoat or what, but…I worry what people might think."
"And…you're afraid of what I may think," Lucina looked up at him. It was not a question.
"...Yes. I know how you reacted to my coat."
"If you were so worried, then why tell me at all?"
"Because I wanted to put it all on the table. I wanted you to know everything before…"
"Before what?" Lucina felt her chest tighten as she waited for his response.
"I…" Robin clutched his arm. Lucina had never seen him so uncertain, "Before I told you I was in love with you."
"W-what?" Lucina could feel her face heating up as Robin continued on before he got cold feet.
"Yes, how could I not? You're beautiful, kind, strong, and you never fail to brighten up my day. You fight so hard for everyone and never ask for anything in return. I'm afraid I've been smitten for a while now. I wasn't quite sure how to say it, but as our friends kept marrying off, I…I knew I needed to do something."
"Oh, Robin," Lucina smiled tenderly as stared into his eyes, "Thank you for telling me this. All of it. I…feel much the same. I would want nothing more than to spend my days with you."
Robin chuckled as he dared to let himself smile, "You mean that?"
"I do."
"And what about my brand?"
"It doesn't define you. Not that I'm one to throw stones."
"What do you mean?"
Lucina took a step back bashfully. Slowly, she reached up and removed her eyepatch to reveal a fully healed eye. She then looked up with determination and stared Robin in the eyes, "Look carefully."
"What…oh…oh. What…does that mean?"
"I don't know. I've known since the night that you awoke from your injuries. I've been so afraid of what it could mean. Would Chrom kick me out? Would I be a pariah?"
"Lucina, Chrom would not kick you out," Robin smiled lightly, "And if he did, I'd go with you. So, there, he'd be crippling his logistics department since I pretty much am like half of his logistics department."
Lucina could not stop her smile or the girlish giggle, "Thank you. I may not know what our brands mean, but…I know we can face the future together."
The tactician beamed, "Together then."
"Speak, tactician."
Walhart made for an imposing figure standing before his throne. He rarely sat on it, but it was his seat of power all the same.
"Yes, master," The toad of a man grinned, "We've been able to gather quite a bit of information. It seems that Ylisse may not have rolled over and died. Their prince and this tactician have been organizing a reconstruction effort, and that includes the military. He is not a pacifist like his sister."
"Hmph, perhaps he may be worth something after all. I could use new generals to govern my new lands. I will take that into consideration. Have you planned for the initial invasion?"
"Oh yes, I've even hand picked the commander to send as our vanguard. He's eager to let them know what we're about."
"These Feroxi, they claim to value strength. Could they join us upon a significant display?"
"I suppose it would not be entirely out of the question. Perhaps if you killed their leaders as a show of strength it could help."
Walhart's grip tightened on Wolf Berg, "Then let us see what their warrior rulers can do. One more thing, Excellus, what of Plegia?"
"Still recovering from the war. I would not expect much from them."
The Conqueror narrowed his eyes, "You are dismissed."
Once the impish man left, Walhart glared. He was not telling him everything. He thought he was so clever with those "secret" letters from that Aversa woman. Well, he was still useful for now. Once he stopped being useful, Walhart was certain that he could find many willing to put an end to the loathsome man.
Though Walhart thought he may savor that honor personally.
A/N: Short, but also kinda pivotal.
Also, there's a reason Maribelle's dad started keeping such pristine records. It's not really important, but a little nod.
Seems Noire won unanimous support, so, huzzah. She can join. Despite not having parents in the story, she might still be blonde.
