~Takes place a few days after The Exalt and the King + a few minor skirmishes~

The skirmish that had taken place earlier had been draining, moreover it had forced Chrom's hand. Sumia was sure that her Captain would be stewing in misplaced guilt somewhere. Thankfully it didn't take her long to find the prince.

"Oh! There you are!" Sumia said relieved upon spotting the blue haired male sitting at the edge of camp.

"Hello, Sumia," Chrom greeted the pegasus knight, "Did you need something?"

"Um, no," Sumia replied, "Robin is just looking for you."

Chrom's brows furrowed in thought before realization entered his eyes, "Oh, right. The strategy meeting. Poor Robin does love to..." Chrom let out a cry of surprise as he stumbled.

Sumia steadied him as best she could, "Chrom! Are you all right?"

Once he was completely steady the prince responded somewhat embarrassed, "Y-yes, I'm fine. I just tripped on a pebble. Gods, how embarrassing."

Sumia gave Chrom a once over. The prince looked tired, more-so than usual. There were dark circles forming under his eyes. In fact Sumia had seen Chrom constantly going from one meeting to another day after day; stressing about the possibilities of the coming war.

"It's because you're so exhausted," Sumia couldn't help but let her concern out, "You've been working too hard lately."

Chrom was quick to attempt to reassure the young woman, "I'm fine, Sumia. And besides, we're all tired. Such endless fighting wears on everyone," his words weren't a lie as several small skirmishes had occurred along the border after the incident with Maribelle. Not to mention they'd had to deal with a few Risen attacks as well.

"Chrom," Sumia spoke, clearly still worried for the prince, "you've no need to don a brave face for my sake. You carry twice the burden of everyone. It's only natural you're exhausted."

"Heh," a small smile made an appearance on Chrom's face, "You're kind to say so. But in truth everyone looks to their commander for inspiration and strength. An army is only as stalwart as its leader. The instant I show weakness, we're through."

Even as her respect and admiration for Chrom grew Sumia couldn't help but feel that the man in question still bore too much for one person, "It must be hard for you..."

Chrom sent Sumia a reassuring smile as he spoke, "I'll... be fine. And please don't speak of this conversation to anyone. All right?" Chrom couldn't help but as the young woman to remain silent. If any of what he said came to light Chrom feared the repercussions; he was certain he'd lose the faith of many of the soldiers he commanded. Of course, he knew that, logically, the Shepherds wouldn't think any less of him but it was something he couldn't help but be concerned by regardless.

Sumia flailed as she stuttered out a response, "N-no! Of course not! I would never-"

A laugh escaped Chrom, "At ease, Sumia. And stop worrying so much! It'll take more than a few battles to bring this soldier to his knees."

"I know," Sumia said quickly, voice filled with conviction, "You're the greatest warrior that I've ever..." the pegasus knight trailed off as a thought struck her, "Huh. I just realized something."

"What is it?" Chrom asked, puzzled by the change in topic.

"You trusted me with a secret!" Sumia smiled, cheeks lightly flushed as she continued, "It's our first secret together."

Bewildered by Sumia's happiness over something as simple as that Chrom was only able to respond with, "Um... yes, I suppose it is."

Sumia smiled, "Don't worry. My lips are sealed tighter than a bear trap," an idea suddenly sprouted in the young woman's mind, "...So long as you promise to take a nap before the strategy meeting!" Sumia said knowing that a compromise was all she could get Chrom to agree to; missing the strategy meeting completely was out of the question for the prince.

"...What?" Chrom asked utterly confused.

"I'll just tell Robin that you've been delayed," Sumia replied, offering no further explanation.

"And if I don't agree to your terms?" Chrom questioned the pegasus knight.

Sumia allowed a mischievous smile to make it's way onto her face, "Then I'll tell everyone the mighty Chrom was bested by a mere pebble!"

Chrom spared a brief moment to stare at Sumia in disbelief, "That sounds like blackmail..." his shock at Sumia's play evident in his voice, "Still, I suppose a short nap couldn't hurt."

"Ooh, it's so thrilling to be able to help like this!" Sumia said with a smile, "Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Sweet dreams!" after saying such Sumia hurried off to inform Robin of the current development; leaving out the full truth as she'd promised Chrom.

"That girl has a strange knack for getting her way..." Chrom mused to himself fondly before heading towards his room. After all talking with Sumia had made him realize how tired he really was.