Snow-Kissed Swords | Fire Emblem Awakening (Holiday Shepherds Book 3)

Chapter 4: Day of the Divine Fair

Robin: 22nd-23rd December

It was the middle of the afternoon by the time we left the house. The whole family came outside and stood at the top of the hill to wave as we descended. When we reached the bottom, we turned around and waved back. Then we walked to The Dragon's Flask, our arms around each other.

"I can't believe how well that went," I said. "I don't think I've ever interacted with children for so long. And for some reason, they really seemed to like me."

"It was because you were so good with them," Chrom said softly. "And you clearly enjoyed it. You haven't stopped smiling for hours."

I blushed and looked down, suddenly aware that I was still smiling. "You were good with them, too."

"Hmm."

I looked up. "What? What is it?"

The light in his eyes had gone. "You still have paint on your nose."

"Whoops!" I brushed my fingers along my golden skin. "But that wasn't what you were thinking about, was it? That was a very ominous hum."

He tightened his grip on me. "It was just something the children made me think about. It doesn't matter."

"Chrom!"

"I don't want you to worry about this right now. We're not doing anything until you're better, anyway."

I stopped and turned to face him. "Doing what, Chrom?"

He took my hands, his expression harrowed. "Please don't be angry with me for not telling you about this sooner. It's just that people are already starting to talk about...when we're going to have an heir. I've been trying to shelter you from it, but I think it will be impossible soon after we return. A few nobles mentioned it in passing. Then it turned into direct questioning. I fear that soon they, and the public, will start demanding that we have a child. If something happens to me and Lissa --"

"Nothing will happen to you and Lissa!"

"-- then no one of our bloodline will be left. The people will be filled with uncertainty. The throne will be available for any of those who wish to take it, and Robin, you know our fellow noble houses are greedy. They will all wish to take it, and then there will be civil war. Worst of all, there will be no one left who is able to use Falchion or Awaken Naga with the Fire Emblem. If another man like the Mad King tries to take hold of the Emblem again and succeeds...that could be the end of everything." His hands were so tight around mine that I was certain my skin was bruising.

I squeezed them gently. "None of that is going to happen. You're not going anywhere -- I won't let you. But even if...even if something happened, it would be all right. Because we will have children. I don't need persuading, Chrom. I knew this time would come when I married you. And even if we didn't need to produce an heir, I would want one anyway. I want to start a family with you."

He smiled and pulled me against his chest. "Thank you. I don't want to worry about what will happen if our family dies out." He loosened his grip slightly. "And I would also like to start a family with you regardless of expectations. Just not yet. Soon, but not yet. I need to know that you're well enough."

I nodded against his chest. In truth, I would have tried for a baby that night if it was what he'd wanted, but the thought of being pregnant when I was already exhausted didn't exactly thrill me.

He pulled away and took my hand again. "We should carry on back. I think it's getting colder."

"What will we do for the rest of the afternoon?" I asked. "It's strange, knowing that we could do anything we wanted to."