#fe 13

Said father had unfortunately far too many duties to ignore. While he did his best to be with you as often as he could for the first week, the second week of Lucina’s life couldn’t hold off the demands of work any longer.

But it wouldn’t stop him from hurrying back to the chambers eary, though.

Which is precisely what happened that evening. 

The doors to your shared bedroom quietly pushed open, and a very dashing young Exalt peered inside.

“Robin? Are you awake?” His voice was so gentle, which always warmed your heart. 

You caught his eye from across the room, motioning for him to join you and the swaddled baby blue bird in your arms.

“I haven’t slept since you checked on us this afternoon.” You patted the spot on the bed beside you, “And don’t worry about staying quiet; Lucina’s awake, too.”

“Neither of you should be, but Lucina being awake is the most surprising.” Chrom remarked as he unclasped his cape and pulled off his boots before coming to the bed. The mattress creaked under his knee, while he leaned down to kiss your forehead.

“How do you feel?” 

“I am well.” You assured him, “Lissa and Maribelle gave us a clean bill of health for her 14-day check. Lucina’s gaining weight as she should, and all this bed rest has my healing on schedule.”

He smiled, “I’m glad to hear you’re both doing so well. I only wish I could’ve attended, too.” 

“It was only a routine appointment; I doubt it would’ve been all that interesting for you.”

“Are you kidding? I think about what you two are doing all day!”

“You miss us that much, huh?” You joked, but it was quite true. Chrom bowed his head with a sigh, all but sinking down beside you.

“You have no idea…Frederick’s done his best to take care of what he could, but there’s still a mountain of work I have to handle. Even if I wanted to stay here with you two, I'd likely be dragged away.”

“I’m sorry you have to work so hard. I wish you could take some time off with us…or that I could at least pick up some slack. Surely there are some approvals that the queen’s seal is good enough for.”

Chrom smiled some, leaning his head against yours. “It’s the thought that counts. If I could have my way I wouldn’t leave this room for a month!”

“I think you might get a bit stir crazy.” You joked, but Chrom wouldn’t have it.

“Hmm...maybe if we were stuck in here, specifically. So instead, I'll just whisk the two of you away up into the mountains, somewhere. Royal duties be damned.” Gentle fingers brushed along Lucina’s pink cheek, making the newborn squeak and squirm. “Although I fear Frederick would track us down in less than a day.”

“Best not to test our luck.” You chuckled. Chrom wrapped his arm around you, drawing his girls close.

“I’ll just have to make do with the time I’ve got now…and maybe see if I can’t guilt the other nobles into letting me sneak away earlier.  I hate to leave you alone for so long.”

“It’s not so bad. Lucina is a very peaceful baby. But if you're offering to change her nappies, I won’t fight you.”

“If that is what you need me to do, of course I will!” 

You watched her little face twist in displeasure, threatening you with a cry that would surely take a long time to soothe. She hadn't been the center of attention for nearly 10 minutes, by now!

But Chrom was quick- he slipped his arm from your shoulders to take up the little bundle, rising back to his feet so he might soothe her with a gentle bounce and walk about the room.

“Really? The Exalt of Ylisse would change a baby’s blowout?

“Er…well, I…may need a little bit of educating, but if you insist…”

The blush on his face was simply adorable. You fell back into the pillows with a giggle. “To think I married such a chivalrous and capable man. There are few who would be willing to take on such a dangerous task, let alone the ruler of the kingdom!”

“To be fair, I don’t think there’s a single Shepherd that wouldn’t change their baby; Frederick and Phila both wouldn’t have allowed passive fathers into the army to begin with.” Chrom mused, cuddling the still-squirming newborn close. “Isn’t that right, Luci? He would string me up by my toes if I made Mama do everything…er, if we didn’t have nursemaids to help.”

“Honestly I think he would be more mortified that the royal parents are even considering doing anything like that. It feels a little unfair…” 

Chrom quieted the little girl without effort; in moments she was snoozing happily against her father’s strong heartbeat, snuggled safe and sound. 

Carefully he returned to your side, settling into his side of the bed. Your head fell to his shoulder, the two of you gazing at the sweet princess.

“You know…if you really wanted to raise her in a more hands-on way, we could discuss it. Emmeryn practically raised Lissa and I, between how our parents were and the state of the kingdom during that war...well, you know."

“I won’t lie, it would be wonderful to raise her like a semi-normal family. But we don’t have to worry about that right now.”

“No?”

“Maribelle won’t let me lift a finger until Lucina’s at least a month old. Do you really want to take her on?” 

A shiver ran down his spine. “Ah…no, I don’t believe so. Best to stay put than face her fury.” 

Another chuckle. “Good answer.”

The two of you settled in for the evening, fawning over your beautiful girl, wondering what kind of person she might grow up to be.

And Maribelle would be quite pleased to find you continuing to rest…but lamented Chrom having come in to harass the queen and princess (honestly, couldn’t he see he was keeping you up?! How inconsiderate!)-- ah, well. At least you all looked happy cuddled into bed, together.