Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem Awakening, all rights to the owners.
Arranged Marriage, as requested by Guest.
This was a toss up between Emmeryn and Lissa, this probably have been easier if I chose Lissa, and even easier if Robin was female because Chrom is a character I'm comfortable working with. Instead I went with Robin and Emmeryn because I had an idea, but I'm not sure how well it turned out here.
"You called Milady?" Robin asks, bowing politely. His retainers, two dark mages, mimic the gesture behind him.
Three months they've been married, and he still won't use her name. "Yes Robin. I wish to ask your expertise."
"On what?" The man asks. His expression is carefully neutral as always. His green eyes stare almost blankly up at Emmeryn. One eye is partially hidden by light brown hair.
"I wish to consult you on matters of economics." The Exalt says, bemoaning the formality of her speech. Emmeryn finds it distasteful that she needs to be so stiff with her own husband, but Robin tends to grow even more defensive than normal if she speaks casually. "We've a new trade agreement with Ferox, and I would discuss it with you. I understand you've already taken it upon yourself to read it over?"
"Yes, I have."
"Are you presently available to discuss it? The matter could take a few hours." Emmeryn knows the response to this question before she asks it. Robin has nothing to do right now, the Exalt asked Henry about the Tactician's schedule not even an hour ago, but Emmeryn knows Robin will insist on meeting later rather than discussing the matter now.
Even stranger, he always refuses a time she suggests. He'll only accept a time he himself chooses. Emmeryn is fairly sure he isn't a vain man, but for whatever reason Robin absolutely insists on changing the time of any meeting just between the two of them. Meetings involving even one other person he won't argue with, but if it's just the two of them he always reschedules.
"Well." Robin murmurs. "May we push this back to tonight? After dinner?"
Emmeryn mentally runs through her own schedule, checking her own plans. "Yes, that is acceptable. I shall see you tonight then."
The man bows stiffly, turns swiftly about, and strides out of the room. Henry and Tharja follow, with the white-haired boy throwing Emmeryn a wave and a grin as he leaves, and the large crow on his shoulder caws loudly.
The Exalt lets out a quiet sigh when the group leaves. In some ways her arranged marriage turned out much better than expected, and in other ways it has turned out far worse. Their mother arranged a marriage that was grossly in the Plegian's favour as is never specified who was to be her husband. Emmeryn counts herself fortunate that Robin was chosen and not some old man or stubborn Grimleal fanatic… but at the same time she could at least understand how a fanatic thinks and could work around an old man. Robin is a problem because Emmeryn wants to have a good relationship with him. They're stuck together for the rest of their lives, and he seems like a perfectly acceptable person, so she doesn't want to just ignore him as much as possible.
The problem is that he doesn't even try to act like they're married. She can count on her fingers the number of times they've actually come into physical contact (and that's counting minor things like a handshake), and on one hand their honest and forthright conversations.
"Milady?" Phila calls, stepping in the room. "Are you available? I just saw the King leave."
"Yes Phila." Emmeryn says, drawing herself upright once more. "What is it?"
###
"Henry, I need you to deliver this for me." Robin says, handing the dark mage a small pile of papers without looking away. "Give these to the Exalt. Tell her it's all I can remember about the Grimleal."
"Can do Rob!" The white-haired boy laughs. "What'cha doing now then huh? Writing up curses?"
"Revising the draft of the treaty." The tacitican says curtly. "Now get going, I have other things for you to deliver after that."
"Aww, why can't you get Tharja to do it?" Henry pouts.
"She's collecting some references I need." Robin grunts. "The Exalt needs those papers Henry, so move."
"Fine." Henry chuckles, sliding out the door. "Come on Fog, let's go!"
A particularly large crow perching on a chandelier in the hallway flutters down to rest on the mage's shoulder. It gives a light caw and nips affectionately at Henry's white hair, grooming him.
"I was only in there a minute." The mage murmurs. He balances the papers in one hand to rub the feathers on Fog's back. "Love you too girl."
"Raaaw!"
"Yeah, he does work too much."
"Rawrk."
"Nyahaha! So true! But you know he has trust issues."
"Caw! Caw!"
"Okay, maybe he goes a bit overboard with the paranoia." Henry chuckles. "But you would too if you had a father like his!"
"I can hear you!" Robin calls from the other side of the door. "Hurry up Henry! I have other deliveries I need you to make!"
"Sorry Robbie! I'll get on it!" The dark mage laughs. He skips down the hall, cape flapping behind him. The servants still aren't used to seeing him around, and often yelp when he comes around a corner. They scramble out of his way, nervously eyeing the bird on his shoulder.
The castle is large, but Emmeryn's office isn't far from Robin's. It's only a few hallways off, and Henry gets there in less than five minutes.
"Fog, announce me." The boy requests. The bird blinks once, and then caws loudly. It waits for a few seconds, listening, and repeats.
"Henry, is that you?" Emmeryn's voice calls from the office.
"Yep! My arms are full, would appreciate you opening the door before they fall off!" Henry chirps.
It's fairly telling that the dark mage doesn't care that he's asking the ruler of an entire country to open a door for him. Status means little to Henry.
The wooden door open soundlessly, the well-oiled hinges a testament to the care put in keeping the room clean. Emmeryn pauses on noticing the pages in Henry's arms. "Are those…?"
"It's what Robin remembers about the Grimleal." The dark mage smiles, and hands her the bundle.
"My thanks Henry." The lady nods her head respectfully. She hesitates, and then adds "If you don't mind, I have a question."
"About Robin again?" Henry asks, grinning. "Sure, shoot me!"
Emmeryn is unphased by his choice of words. "I am concerned that I am… at fault somehow. Do-"
"Stopping you right there." The dark mage says, holding up a hand. His voice has dropped from cheery to calm, which is very unusual and a sign he's being serious for once. "Robin has issues, a lot of them; not as much as me, but still a lot. If you can't think of anything, I'd say there's a ninety-nine percent chance you specifically are fine."
"Me specifically?"
"Lady, you're the most patient and nice person I've seen my entire life." Henry says bluntly. "This has nothing to do with anything you've done. Robin has issues, and the problem is that those issues were helpful in Plegia so they aren't going away easily."
"I-I see…" Emmeryn winces. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Avoid giving him orders if you can, or anything that sounds like it could be interpreted as one." The dark mage says cryptically. The Exalt looks like she wants to ask more, but Henry is already leaving. His expression is back to his customary wide smile. "Can't say more, I've got errands to run! Bye Lady!"
The blonde woman watches the boy retreat down the hallway, talking amicably to the bird on his shoulder which caws back at him. For all she knows they might be having an actual conversation.
###
Robin respects the Exalt, he really does. She's a woman of peace, and the tactician has always wanted exactly that. He tries his best to lend help in the areas he's skilled in, namely paperwork and military matters. Since military encounters aren't common thanks to their marriage, this mostly means the boy spends his time reading treaties, laws, propositions, and reports, and writing down everything he can think of that might be of use for reference.
His knowledge of Plegia is called on frequently by his new liege. Economics was never his area of expertise, but he seems to know enough to satisfy the Exalt. She asks frequently about things related to trade and work, especially concerning what is feasible to help lower prices for the lower classes or improve their standard of living in other ways.
While Robin does respect the Exalt and the work she does, he is also very wary of her. While she's been nothing but polite and kind to him, the tactician is not so foolish as to think they are equals. Perhaps they are by official status, but if he and the Exalt were to have an argument for whatever reason, the tactician knows he would be assumed to be wrong simply on virtue of being Plegian, or being the new one, or not being the people's beloved Exalt.
Robin knows the Exalt has power over him, and no number of smiles or polite words is going to make him forget that. Just like working under his father in Plegia he is careful to avoid angering her, but tries to exert his own power over a situation whenever possible. It's often simple things like rescheduling meetings when he doesn't actually need to, but it reassures the man to at least have a small bit of power. It makes him feel safe to know he can do something against her if needed.
Just being near the woman is nerve-wracking though. While Robin is more than willing to help her efforts to make and keep peace, he'd prefer to do it from the safety of his office. Recently though the Exalt seems to be making an attempt to talk to him more often which causes Robin no end of stress.
Robin knows they're technically married, but he thought she would appreciate him trying to stay out of her way. Instead she still insist they sleep in the same bed, and she always tries to eat dinner with him. The Exalt has an interest in him, and Robin know from experience how dangerous that is. When someone has an interest in you they tend to poke their nose into your business, learning about you, and when that person is more powerful than you it means they now have information with which they can manipulate you. If the Exalt wasn't more powerful than Robin he could fight back or keep her in check, but as it stands the Tactician tries to keep everything as close to his chest as he can for his own safety.
What's annoying is that Henry and Tharja seem to think he's being ridiculous when they never had an issue with his behaviour before coming to Ylisse.
"Come on, she's a nice lady." Henry prods, lying across the couch with Fog perched on the back.
"No." Robin says firmly.
"For once I agree with Henry." Tharja drawls. She's sitting at the dining table with several books spread around her. She seems to be transcribing new curses into her grimoire. "You're ruining your own chance at freedom Robin. You wanted to get out of Plegia."
"No, I wanted to be out from under my father's thumb." The Tacitican says firmly. "This is just trading an awful superior for one that's less so. It's an improvement for sure, but not freedom."
"But the Exalt's great" Henry chirps. "You were never gonna get married before but somehow you ended up with someone nice, patient, who shares similar goals, and is willing to put up with your paranoia."
"I am not paranoid."
"Robin, you just finished explaining why you don't trust the single nicest person we've ever met." Tharja says bluntly.
"And that's coming from Tharja, you know she doesn't like people!" Henry laughs.
"You trust us, right?" Tharja asks.
"Well yes…"
"Why? Henry is more powerful than you, and I know plenty of your secrets." The dark mage says calmly. "Isn't that dangerous?"
"Yes." Robin says. "But Henry values companionship, and we're some of the few that actually give it to him, and I know just as much about you as you do me. It evens out, and besides, neither of you are my superiors."
Tharja sighs. "Robin, you know she's not dangerous. You know she's not secretly manipulating you. You're refusing to trust your own judgement because you're convinced that people are always out to get you."
"I haven't been wrong yet!" The man insists, gripping his quill tightly.
"We're not out to get you." Henry offers.
"Well…" Robin says slowly.
"Come on Robbie, does this look like the face of someone out to get you?" The cheery dark mage puts on a big smile.
The Tactician doesn't respond and goes back to his work. Fog caws indignantly at the man's back.
###
"Milord." Robin says, knocking on the Prince's door. "You wanted to see me."
"Robin! Come in." Chrom calls.
The Tactician tentatively steps through the door, immediately scanning for any sort of danger. He notes the collection of swords on the wall and Falchion at the boy's hip. Subconsciously one of the Tactician's hands slips into it's sleeve to grip the dagger concealed there. "What is it Milord?"
"Just Chrom. We're family remember?" The man chuckles. He gestures to one of two chairs set around a small table. "Sit, please."
Robin sits nervously. He's very aware of the open door behind him leading to the Prince's bedchambers. There's probably no one there, but the Tactician is still wary of an attack towards his back. Chrom sits in the other seat, and takes a moment to adjust his pauldron. Robin thinks the man looks a bit on edge.
"Now, I hate to actually ask this of you." Chrom admits. "But I've had no success myself."
"What?" Robin asks curtly, feeling tense. A request is suspicious, it requires something of him for nothing in return. Why is Chrom asking for a favour? Does he have blackmail material? Does he think Robin is a pushover?
"Emmeryn looks stressed lately." The Prince says. "More so than usual anyways. I've had no success getting anything out of her, and I'm hoping you know the cause."
"Maybe." Robin says cautiously, trying to measure the Prince's intent. It doesn't seem like he has anything to bargain with, why does he assume Robin will tell him anything even if he did know? "Why…?"
The blue-haired boy raises an eyebrow, as if the answer should be obvious. "Because I want to help of course. I understand the reasons might be personal, so even if you can just tell me how to help I don't need to know the cause."
That sounds altruistic, which is a red flag to Robin. Altruism is often a disguise to try and gain favour. "I'll admit not to know myself." The Tactician says truthfully, hoping this will be the end of the conversation.
"So she's even hiding it from you?" The Prince sighs, rubbing his brow. "That's worrisome."
Robin is confused. What does the Prince mean 'even from you'? That presumes he has the Exalt's trust, which is not the case.
The Prince stands up and claps the Tactician on the shoulder. "Whatever the case, if you figure something out please tell me. If I can help, I will."
"Of course." Robin says, keeping his face neutral. He leaves quickly, giving a polite goodbye to the Prince. On the way back his mind is racing, trying to process the encounter. The Prince is trying to gain favour with his sister, he thinks Robin is close to her, the Exalt seems stressed, and the Prince has no bargaining chip but is trying to get information anyways.
What does the Tactician do with this information? The Exalt being stressed is a bad thing, she's the key to peace. From a logical standpoint it would aid Robin's goal of peace to help remove that stress. They are working on a new treaty concerning Ferox, Plegia, and Ylisse, and there are to be major talks in a month. Perhaps the Exalt is inundated with revisions and planning for the inevitable arguments.
Robin is no stranger to those, and while his workload is already large he could probably take on some extra work for a month or so. Just enough to give the Exalt some free time and take the edge off her stress.
Yes, Robin can do that. First though he needs to be sure the treaty is actually the cause…
###
Emmeryn doesn't know what to think. Robin has always kept her at arm's length, but now he's suddenly showing concern for her health. It reassures her that her efforts to put the man at ease haven't gone to waste, but at the same time she is concerned that her own stress is showing. Emmeryn tries her best to hide her pains from others so as to not make them worry, she must have slipped.
She also doesn't want to admit that the very man asking after her health is a major cause of her stress in the first place. That would be a rude thing to say to him after he finally starts showing concern.
"I am fine Robin." The Exalt responds calmly. "Our current workload is a bit overbearing, but it is nothing I am not used to."
"Of course." The man responds, bowing his head respectfully. "However it would seem your brother has taken notice. He came to me asking after your problems and offering assistance."
"That does sound like Chrom." Emmeryn hums fondly. "What did you tell him?"
"As little as possible." Robin says bluntly. He wears the same mask of blank neutrality that he always does, and it's a bit disconcerting . "I was unaware myself until he mentioned it."
It makes sense that the man would say little, but he didn't say "I said nothing because I know nothing" he said "I said as little as possible". That is very concerning.
"Chrom is my brother, while I appreciate your attempt to keep my privacy it is not necessary to totally shut him out." Emmeryn explains softly.
"I see." Robin says. "He is of little concern then?"
The Exalt blinks in shock. "Pardon?"
"He isn't a concern, you aren't worried about him knowing your condition." The Tactician clarifies.
"Of course not, he is my brother." Emmeryn says worriedly. Robin's expression changes minorly, a brief flash of confusion. Emmeryn suddenly realizes they're not on the same page whatsoever. "Robin, if you don't mind me asking, why are you concerned if Chrom is asking about my health?"
"It's suspicious." Robin says. "He might be looking for blackmail or weakness. A chance to gain power over you, to manipulate you."
At this point Emmeryn starts to understand that conversation she had with Henry a week ago. Robin has issues, as in his understanding of the world is fundamentally different due to his upbringing in Plegia. The Exalt hesitates to call his views wrong, they were probably helpful at a point, but she is very concerned about how it's affecting him now. She wants him to trust her, to feel comfortable, but his mindset is one that takes innocuous or even well-meaning gestures as threats or attempts to control a person.
Henry's advice to avoid giving commands makes total sense now. A command, regardless of the reason for giving it, will be seen as dangerous because she's exerting power over him.
How does she convince him that in Ylisse, or at least among her family, Robin doesn't have to worry about such things?
"Robin…" Emmeryn hesitates. "You do understand my family does not work that way, right?"
The boy blinks. "How not?"
"We don't try to manipulate each other." She says, deciding to take the direct approach. "We are a team, not competitors."
"Right…" Robin says slowly. "So there is a system in place that stops your siblings from taking your position?"
"No, they simply do not wish to dethrone me." Emmeryn says patiently. "Just like your retainers do not wish harm upon you."
Robin is silent, and Emmeryn knows he is unconvinced. She goes for a different approach.
"It is the same as my attitude towards you Robin." The Exalt explains softly. "I do not worry about you trying to manipulate me. I trust you."
That seems to take him back for a moment. His eyes show uncertainty. "Why? How?"
"You are my husband, you respect my desire for peace, and I have seen that you are kind." Emmeryn says simply. "You seem a good man Robin, and as such I see little reason not to trust you."
"That is foolhardy." Robin says bluntly. "I could be a danger to you, despite my attempts to appear less so."
"How so?"
"Staying out of your way, not making requests, not prying into your personal business, being respectful and polite, not touching you." The Tacitican lists. "I worry that you are not cautious enough Milady. You are important to the future peace of this continent, and it would not do for you to be injured or killed because of your trusting nature."
"I appreciate your caution, but do know this trust does not extend to everyone." The lady murmurs. "I trust you because I have seen enough of your character to make a decision, I am more cautious of others."
"If you say so Milady." Robin murmurs.
"Emmeryn." The Exalt says suddenly. "We are married, there is no need for such formality."
The Tacitican purses his lips. "I am trying to respect your space Milady. I know you had little choice in this marriage, and I wish to give you the choice pursue your happiness without me getting in the way."
"I am not so petty as to disregard my own husband." Emmeryn says firmly. "I am prepared to try and make this relationship work, regardless of the circumstances around it's foundation."
Robin seems very tense. "I… I see. However I am not sure I can return your trust."
"Then I will try to earn it." The Exalt says. "However, I do not want my efforts to be in vain. You must try to make this work as well."
"A deal…" Robin says cautiously.
"A deal of mutual support, yes." Emmeryn nods. "Though I would not phase it that way myself." She pauses, considering something, and takes a small chance. "Robin, may I request something small of you?"
"What?" The man sounds instantly on edge. At the very least he isn't hiding his reactions anymore.
"Call me Emmeryn." She insists. "And please stop rescheduling when it isn't needed. It is quite difficult to plan around."
"My apologies Mil- Emmeryn." Robin mutters. He fidgets for a moment, clearly uncomfortable.
"You can speak your mind." The lady prompts gently.
"I am supposed to ask for nothing in return, correct?" The Tactician asks cautiously. "That is how this works?"
"It is a request Robin, not a demand." Emmeryn says. "You may request something in return if you wish."
"But that is not how this sort of relationship usually functions, correct?"
"Correct, but if it makes you feel comfortable to ask for something in return then do so."
"Then I want proof."
"Of what?"
"You said you trust me, right? How can I be sure?"
Emmeryn doesn't even need to think about that question. "Every night we sleep in the same bed. I am aware you keep a dagger under your pillow, but I do not protest. I have no such weapon on my person during those times. Is that evidence enough?"
"That is sufficient." Robin agrees reluctantly.
Emmeryn smiles widely for the first time in a while. Just like their marriage this relationship is not ideal, but it can improve and eventually reach a state no different than a willing marriage or well-founded relationship. It will just take a bit more time and work. Emmeryn is patient, and she looks forward to the day they truly begin to act as husband and wife.
I think I got Robin's mindset across pretty well this time. Paranoid, thinks people are inherently power-hungry, needs some manner of control to make him feel safe (even if that control is over something small)... you get it.
The last scene was the hardest. Describing relationships that you can't just sum up with the word "friends" or "rivals" is difficult.
Darklight of the 0 arcana: I presume you're talking about Robin, who would be female this chapter. It switches every other time. Even is female, odd is male.
IsThisWorking: Yes.
Guest: Holy night who happens(ed?) to be Grimleal? Huh, I'll have to chew on that one for a while.
ARSLOTHES: I think you'll find that doesn't add nearly as much to a story as you'd expect. I'll probably have to throw that in with something else.
Darkness is complete: Deaf Robin? Sure. I'll add Elemental Robin to the list as well, but you're right in saying it's a difficult idea.
Emryth: I suppose I could, but changing a character's class doesn't affect them as much as you'd think especially when it's so similar to their normal class. Like… if I made Sully a mage her combat role would change, but otherwise she's still Sully, nothing outside would change too much aside from a few aesthetics like training with a tome rather than a lance.
So I can, but it'll be as a result of something else. Dark Flier isn't a significant change in itself.
V-oppa: I have nothing against SI stories, in fact I quite like them when they're well done, but this idea doesn't quite seem in keeping with the rest of this collection. It doesn't really feel like Robin at that point. A sucked-into-game plot assumes we're not dealing with the real Robin but someone replacing them, and that runs contrary to the collection.
Not a bad idea on it's own though. I'll file it away for that collection of random stories I might/will probably make in the future.