No more easy chapters, let's get into the climax. I hope you're ready … cuz I'm not.

The Princess's Dragon Bride

Chapter 44: Objection

Marth steadied his breathing, tucking the small vial under his cravat. He returned his gaze to Shulk as the Seer reentered his room, a silver sword tucked neatly in its sheath, clutched tightly to his chest. "Everything is ready. This should serve you better than the standard ceremonial blade."

Marth smiled as he was handed the weapon. The ceremonial sword was made to resemble the original Falchion, the one used by the Hero King. or at least it was meant to, but as the years had gone on Kings of other ages started to use far more extravagant swords. The ceremonial sword he was meant to use was a silver sword in hilt alone, as it was meant to be more for decoration than practicality.

"With any luck, this will be enough to offset my vision." Marth felt thankful for this tradition as he left the fake sword on his desk. Feeling the weight of the silver blade, it would be exhausting to carry this for the entire ceremony for sure. But it was worth it.

Shulk adjusted the lapels of his suit, "We better arrive soon before they start asking questions."

Marth nodded and took in Shulk's appearance as they walked. He hadn't seen that suit before. It looked nice, very nice.

They stood outside the church door, and for a moment Marth placed a hand over his brand, praying quietly to Naga that everything would turn out okay. He took in a deep breath and put on his perfectly practiced royal mask.

Lucina stared ahead from atop her wyvern as the group came to a momentary stop. Akira and Robin had started talking about the best way to invade the church. She took this second to notice the huge flying ships were now settled inside Ylissetol's walls.

She flew back over to the team, "Bad news. My Dad seems to have made it back."

Robin called back to her, "Go on ahead, we'll catch up."

"You sure?" She landed Summer, making sure to keep her distance from the horses.

She heard him laugh. "I know Ylissetol like the back of my hand, we might even beat you there."

She smiled then, "Well if you're sure."

Akira raised an eyebrow, "I mean I'm for keeping your spirits up but how can you trust a statement like that?"

"I mean, he was a Shepherd," She felt sheepish then, "as in the war heroes…" Akira probably didn't know what that meant. "And I mean my Father called him a Genius Tactician, so I guess I just trust him to read a map well."

Akira turned his attention to Robin then, "Since when were you a tactician?"

Robin pinched the bridge of his nose, "Akira, I swear to Naga, I am going to kill you."

She chuckled to herself as she and Summer leaped back into the air. Robin and the others would catch up, that much she could trust.

The church was a sight to see, the decorations were extravagant, and yet, the wedding felt hollow. Like a fine wax sculpture of fine food. It looked so entirely amazing and enticing but there was no flavor, no soul.

Marth looked at peace and at the same time not fully there. Chrom recognized that look. It was similar to the one he wore in his wedding portraits. Marth wore it better though, it was a deep, hopeless acceptance,

Corrin looked empty behind the eyes, her veil hid her distant hopeless stare. Chrom had caught a glimpse of it as she passed him. The Archbishop stood between them and droned on about Naga's blessing.

Chrom wondered faintly as he too started to tone out the priest's babbling. Who would they have chosen had they been allowed to follow their hearts?

Marth and Corrin took each other's hands, something about exchanging rings or something to that extent. Then a boom sounded not too far off from the church.

The silence within the chapel was overwhelming as guests started to panic, Pyra and Shulk were up in an instant, quickly rushing toward the door. They had attempted to ease the panicked crowd as they rushed to see what was happening.

Chrom reached for his side, he hadn't forgotten to bring Falchion and now he was thankful he did. Faintly, he couldn't tell if he was annoyed or relieved.

He wondered belatedly who were the idiots keen on attacking the castle today.

Corrin's attention was demanded by the growing chaos. Marth had grabbed her wrist, taking a protective stance as the church began to erupt into panicked shouting. Even now she couldn't help but think of his sister. How if Lucina were here, she would pull her close, protective.

He began to usher her out, guiding her back down the aisle and out of the church. Her father took the vanguard, as another boom sounded off, this one a lot closer.

She noticed Marth took up the rearguard, a hand drifting to the sword at his side. She didn't understand what he was doing at first.

But she understood when the grand window above the altar shattered as the sound of thunder roared. Something in her cringed, more bandits?

But faintly a spark of hope began to burn. As she heard the guards screaming about men in masks. And then the window erupted into shards of shattered glass when a Dark Flyer flew in through the shattered window.

She recognized that wyvern roar, and yet that had to be impossible. Summer didn't like anyone but Corrin riding her.

Corrin tried to rush away from the crowd. There was only one person aside from Corrin that Summer let ride her. The rider dismounted and she recognized that butterfly mask immediately.

However, Marth had called out to her. A warning it seemed, she couldn't get any closer as her father had picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

"Wait!" she tried to struggle "Dad, Let Go."

Marth cast a glance over his shoulder, Corrin needs to get out of here. He unsheathed the silver sword at his side and prepared himself. Guess I'll draw the attackers away.

He was quick to intersect the Dark Flyer as they rushed after Bowser. Marth was keen to stall as long as possible.

The stranger made an irritated noise and drew their own blade.

The Stranger charged forward and Marth was quick to counter, sending them a few paces backward. Had he gotten stronger?

The rest of the guests had all but abandoned the church, leaving Marth alone with this stranger, "Who are you?"

The Phantom Thief adjusted their mask, "Monarch."

Marth took that as his cue and rushed the masked thief. Monarch countered and Marth gave them a little space.

Monarch rushed Marth then leaping upwards before bringing their blade down with force.

Marth caught the stranger's blade on its downward strike, Swiftly he batted it aside, taking his opening to rush forward and landing a kick to their side.

They groaned as the blow knocked them backward, however, they managed to turn it into a roll. And righted themselves quickly, retaking their fighting stance.

They rushed at Marth with a quick flurry of strikes that seemed to move far too slowly, he countered effortlessly.

For every strike he had a counter for every messy attack, they would receive punishment. But when they did hit him he couldn't deny their strength.

He was flung backward by a particularly powerful kick, but he regained his footing. He studied them carefully. Something seemed familiar about this short-haired masked stranger.

The fight seemed to have started to take its toll, more so for Monarch. Marth had gotten used to the grueling hours of training, perhaps there was still some energy lingering inside him from his trip to Mount Prism. Or maybe he had just become a glutton for battle like his father and sister. Regardless he didn't waver.

Monarch was panting now, something in their stance had loosened. It was clear they were at their limit or perhaps they were still recovering from an injury. The small cuts on their clothes had him suspecting the latter.

Monarch rushed at him, despite the swaying and heavy breathing, there was an urgency to get past him. Marth blocked their attack and managed to hold his ground.

"Lay down your blade," Marth urged. "You're injured."

"I can't back down." They began to assault him with swipes and jabs. But he dodged effortlessly. "And I won't!"

There was a surge in their strength and Marth was thankful his blade was strong enough to take this kind of abuse, Shulk's vision had saved the day once again.

As the dance continued he was reminded all too well of sparing in better days. He raised his blade in time to meet her next attack, shifting their balance off.

Now he understood. This fighting style, and a blue-haired swordfighter demanding to get past him. This was no petty thief.

Marth could see Monarch's next move miles away. And prepared a counter. It has to be her, no one else moves like that.

"You idiot!" She continued rushing forward into this set trap. In one fluid move he twisted their blades disarming her, and sending their blades hurtling into the pews. But before she could react he had her trapped in an embrace. "You had us all worried!"

She returned the embrace, as he squeezed her a little tighter, "Damn it, Lucina," he let her go then and rubbed the tears from his eyes. "Corrin's a mess right now."

Lucina smiled as she reached down to get her blade. "I know, that's why I'm here."

"Go, she needs you." He stepped aside, motioning towards the door.

"You're not …" she tilted her head and Marth only shook his head.

"I'm not blind Lucina, you two were practically cuddling in the library." he smiled, "She thinks you're dead so you should probably get that sorted out first."

Absentmindedly he handed Lucina his silver sword as she turned to leave, "That steel one won't last against Falchion, take this just in case."

"Thanks, Marth." She gave him a half hug before rushing to the doors.

AN/ This chapter also gave me trouble but I found a shortcut. While the two scenes don't line up perfectly the fight scene with Lucina and Marth was based on an earlier chapter, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember it was a long time ago … Chapter 5 if my memory suffice. See you later.

~ (2/7/2024