Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/3501734.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Fire_Emblem:_Kakusei_|_Fire_Emblem:_Awakening
  Relationship:
      Chrom/Female_My_Unit_|_Female_Avatar/Chrom, Chrom/My_Unit_|_Avatar/Chrom
  Character:
      Female_My_Unit_|_Avatar, Chrom_(Fire_Emblem), My_Unit_|_Avatar, Lucina_
      (Fire_Emblem)
  Additional Tags:
      Love, Marriage, Explicit_Sexual_Content, Sex, Sexual_Content, Making
      Love, Semi-Public_Sex
  Series:
      Part 4 of Fire_Emblem:_Awakening,_Chrom_and_Saphire's_Tales
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-03-08 Updated: 2015-10-12 Chapters: 5/? Words: 13960
****** Saphire and Chrom - The Birth of Lucina ******
by Arixphes
Summary
     The wedding long over, Saphire and Chrom begin to rebuild the ruins
     of war. Seeking audience with a queen from the Northern Realm, the
     have travelled for several weeks to reach this town. During their
     ride Saphire begins to feel restless and uncomfortable, leading to
     some rather unusual behaviours in the carriage with Chrom. After
     arriving at the castle, Saphire meet Queen Salima who seems to have
     the goal of Chrom in mind and not peace. This leads to Saphire's
     jealousy rearing its head and her eventual departure from the castle.
     She runs into Lon'qu who tries to stop he but it's all in vain when
     Chrom follows and she angrily tells him to back away. This leads to
     the queen falling off a bridge and falling in the ocean. Without a
     thought her husband goes to save her but the damage is done. Saphire
     passes out from fever and Queen Salima takes opportunity to try and
     be intimate with Chrom. Not impressed with her behaviour Chrom forces
     the group to leave Liliara, leaving the two Pegasus riders to carry
     them to Ragna Ferox for the queen's treatment. Sumia transports the
     unconscious Saphire and the queen discovers how much hatred Sumia has
     harboured for her since Chrom has fallen in love with the tactician.
Notes
     To the reader. So I decided to make pregnancy really hard on my
     Protagonist. I have given birth before and it was a girl and so I've
     been able to bring some personal experience in to this story. For
     anyone thinking I'm making it dramatic or over done please know I'm
     giving a sense of realism to a woman's bodily changes during
     pregnancy as part of the story telling. Hopefully everyone
     appreciates and enjoys it.
***** Building *****
Chapter Summary
     In this first chapter, Saphire and Chrom are approaching Liliara, the
     northern city ruled by a Queen. Ylisse and this country have been
     estranged for centuries and at Saphire's Behest, they are here to try
     and rebuild those relations. Saphire has been feeling uneasy the last
     few days and her behaviour a bit eratic. This leads to a sudden
     outburst in the carriage and some other odd behaviours toward her
     husband Chrom.
I had been weeks since the wedding and the newly crowned Queen of Ylisse was
adjusting to life outside the world of war. Bringing her senses away from the
brimstone and decay of oncoming horrors was difficult for the tactician. She
had found palace life too calm and was happy that it was time to continue
rebuilding the bonds between the countries which was a suggestion that she had
made to her husband shortly after their wedding. Chrom had agreed that the
faster the world was in a better state, the sooner they could share the life
they wanted. Saphire with her raven locks long and straight past her rear sat
in the coach with her husband, heading to the lands of the North, in an attempt
to bring about a treaty and trade between the estranged countries.
"Saphire?" Chrom's voice pulled her from her thoughts, "Any ideas about how we
can forge this alliance?" His face was always so full of hope and as she
watched him run his calloused hand through his indigo locks she smiled. His
hair had gotten longer and it needed trimming. None the less the prince
appeared nothing short of princely.
"Chrom, I don't know these people, these lands. I couldn't come up with a plan
without this knowledge." she replied, feeling a slight twinge in her stomach,
"I think I'm nervous." she admitted, "This is just another first for me and..."
"Stop my queen..." his fingers covered her pink lips as her fire light eyes met
his bright sapphires, "This was your idea, your vision. You've negotiated with
me before as my tactician, what makes you think this is any different?"
"The fact that I hold the title of Queen of Ylisse might hold some weight?"
Chrom laughed and took his wife into his arms. She groaned sadly, "I'm not
joking."
"Calm down dear lady. We're approaching." He pointed to show the vast mountains
of the North and the kingdom that hailed there. "We'll be staying here in the
local inn. I think a quiet get away is needed after all these weeks of travel,
don't you think?"
Saphire shifted in her seat. She felt restless and uncomfortable in her own
skin. Her clothes felt like they didn't fit and her stomach was upset. "I guess
so Chrom." She suddenly regretted her idea to travel and found herself brooding
on the thoughts of going home and being away from everyone.
"Saphire?" his voice soft as he stroked her hair, "What's the matter? You seem
perturbed."
"I'm fine. I just want to get settled and get this done. I..." tears suddenly
filled her eyes are she broke down and began to bawl, "I don't know..."
"Saphire..." he didn't hesitate to take her into his arms and caress her hair,
offering comfort and support a lover should, "It's okay. Please don't cry."
She felt his hard body against her and the scent of his musk filled her nose.
He smelled so good it lit a spark in her soul. Without another word, tears
still dripping her lips went to his neck and she began to nibble gently upon
his flesh, sucking and licking up and down before going to his ear and biting
down slowly.
"Oh by the Gods..." Chrom moaned surprised, "My..." his voice trembled as she
continued, her fingers reaching into his hair while the other ran down his
back, "My queen... if you were... aroused, we will make love as soon as we
reach the inn."
Pink lips curled into a smirk as she pulled away from her husband and looked
him in the eye. Their hearts beating fast as he watched her confused at her
actions. He'd never experienced this kind of aggression from her and he could
feel the heat fill his face as the blood rushed to his cheeks. "I want to make
love to you here..." the warmth of her breath as she softly spoke her desire in
his ear made him quiver.
"Saphire..." he grabbed her shoulders and brought them eye to eye, "We're in a
carriage going to town, people will see and hear and..." she pressed her lips
to his and grabbed him by the hair bearing down on him so they were close. When
she pulled her face away she could feel him ready and willing against her,
"I...we..."
Chrom being a man couldn't help but physically respond to her touch. And being
the man who loved her so much couldn't deny her wishes. His face turned red
because the idea of a making love so publically suddenly intrigued him, "Hm...
" she kissed him softly before undoing his belt buckle and pulling down his
slacks, her fingers skillfully reaching what she'd be seeking. It quivered in
her hand and he gulped, sweat beginning to form at his brow. "Don't worry my
love. We'll keep quiet." Saphire assured in a whisper. She lifted her light
blue sweetheart gown along with its layers of skirts beneath and sat atop him.
Pulling her white panties aside she dripped upon him, making him shutter as her
scent filled his very soul. She moved, holding the seat of the carriage to
brace herself as she lowered her body to his, prying her lips apart and taking
him between. He had looked away, his face red as a rose, unable to face that
she was making love to him in a carriage, in public and worse that he had been
fascinated by it. But she felt so good, tight and soft and moist, her body
shuttering against him as she dropped her dress and grabbed him chin so she
looked him in the eye. Her cheeks were rosy but her eyes were smoldering heat.
Chrom couldn't understand what aroused him more, her innocence or her desire
and ardor. Confused, he kissed her softly to show he didn't want this to stop.
She shifted, straddling him fully and pressing him deep inside her walls.
"Oh... by the Gods..." he cried out above a. whisper, "You... tease me
woman..." his hands instinctively went to her waist, holding her tight and
pressing her into his body. He guided her as she shifted her hips forward and
then slowly moved back that he had to pull his hand to his mouth and bite down
to keep from screaming. "That feels good..." Chrom said innocently, his mind
reeling from what was going on. "Saphire, I don't know if I can..." she bucked
her hips against him hard, using the back of the seat to leverage herself.
"Agh!" the exalt screamed holding back the release that would have exploded
inside her. "Saphire, please.. please stop. I can't take this..."
"Chrom," she smirked her caramel cheeks kissed with a rosy glow. "I don't want
to stop…" she ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him to her so she
could embrace him once more, while she continued to press her hips into him.
Her insides tightening and pulling him deeper. "I... please let's do this
together?" she pleaded and kissed him once more. His hands on her back he
guided her so she rose on his lap, sweat streaming down their faces as they
both looked into each other. Her eyes were wide but she couldn't open her mouth
lest she scream from pleasure. She nodded and he obliged holding her waist and
pressing her back and forth on him. Chrom's fingers kneading into the flesh of
her hips over her dress. "I…." her face flushed and she held him tight, her
arms around his neck and her lips meeting his to kiss him. Her tongue sliding
through to play with his as her body contracted and he held her there,
releasing inside her, her insides tightening on him causing him to twitch and
tremble. Their lips locked, tears streaming down their face as they held back
their cries of bliss.
His body shuddered as he came down slowly from his high, sweet sapphires
squeezed tight as firelight eyes watched him intently. Saphire pressed deeper
into him kissing him more, turning her head and adjusting his face to hers.
When she pulled away and they were gasping for air looking at one another her
chest pressing into his as they breathed heavily. The shock and confusion still
apparent in the red flush of his cheeks. Her copper eyes gleamed as she looked
at her husband lovingly, her delicate hand reaching for his cheek wiping away
the sweat and tears. "Open your eyes lover…"
With a flutter the daylight caught his pupils as he adjusted to the light in
the carriage. She looked as she always did after they'd made love, like a
goddess. Something about the glow that came about her when she had climaxed and
reached ecstasy was so sensual and tantalizing that he could only beam a smile
back at her. They were still united her arms around his neck and his holding
her hips, his hair disheveled, their eyes bright. She could feel his breath on
her face and him the heat from her body. "Saphire… I…" he struggled to speak
and gasped for air. "I love you…"
"I love you Chrom…" she looked away and started pulling up her gown so she
could pull away and adjust herself. She could feel the wetness of their juices
and the warmth. She blushed with embarrassment, "I… I'm sorry…I don't know what
came over me. I just… had such a strong urge to be with you and I didn't want
to wait. I…" the caramel skinned queen started to lift herself but his strong
hands held her there. She gasped falling back atop him as he held her there
tightly, "Chrom?" she questioned and he smirked keeping her gaze with his.
"Who said we were done?" he replied, bringing his mouth to her neck and
nibbling softly. She moaned in surprise, "Quiet Saphire…." his hand went to her
mouth and covered it to silence her. When she'd calmed down he reached into the
bodice of her gown pulling her breast out. They were harder than normal, the
dark brown nipple erect and stiff. "Oh Gods…." Chrom brought his mouth to the
left on and licked it before encircling his mouth around it and sucking in
gently.
"Chrom!" she screamed but the carriage suddenly stopped throwing her back and
off him but his hands caught her so that her back was in his arms. He had
leaned forward and held her, her breast out and her skirt up. "Chrom I…"
His eyes were on her. He lifted her up and adjusted her breast back into her
bodice before pulling her skirt down. She fixed her panties but could feel the
mess of sticky juices on her thighs. The carriage door opened and the queen was
sitting on the kings lap, trying to adjust his slacks which were hidden by the
skirt of her gown. Frederick looked at them as they appeared arm in arm, eyes
locked and smiling.
"Your Majesty?" he asked, "I heard a scream, I had the carriage stopped… I
thought something happened." His face flushed as he saw them. "My apologies…"
"I'm fine Frederick," Saphire smiled having finally managed to fix Chrom's
pants, "I was moving and fell. I'm okay…" She rose and sat beside her husband,
"Have we reached?" Chrom brought his hand to his mouth inconspicuously to keep
the chuckle from escaping his lips
"No.. not yet. We'll be there in 10 minutes if you're ready to go?"
"When do we meet the Queen?" Saphire asked.
"At noon." Chrom answered. "We don’t' have much time." he winked and she
pouted. "Frederick, let's keep going. I'd like to get these talks over with so
I can spend some time with my wife."
The carriage door closed and she looked at him with an innocent smile. "It
makes me happy when you want to spend time with me."
"My queen you are the only person I want to be with or be around all the time…"
he held her tight, "When we have a moment alone. I'm going to get you back for
this…"
"I'll be looking forward to it…" she kissed him sweetly. "I need a bath now. I
think we both do."
"We do, I'll be sure to wash your back for you." he kissed her hair. "Let's
hope the Queen isn't stubborn and willing to work with Ylisse to bring peace."
"No one will be able to resist you my king. You are a charmer and an excellent
negotiator. You will be able to reconcile whatever differences there are and we
can hopefully begin trades."
"I trust you're right Saphire." he pulled her to his chest and caressed her
hair as they pulled up to the inn.
***** The Meeting *****
Chapter Summary
     After settling in at the Inn, Saphire and Chrom are awaiting their
     audience with Queen Salima. The Queen turns out to be different than
     expected and her advances leave Saphire brooding and upset. In her
     attempt to leave the castle, she finds herself facing peril again but
     with a husband who adores her so much, she will survive but not
     without consequence.
In the drafty old castle the king and queen awaited their meeting with the
Queen of the lands to the North. They were both still rather hot and heavy due
to their encounter and neither had not yet had time to take a bath before they
were due for their appointment. Saphire bit her cheek out of nervousness until
she felt the gentle squeeze of her beloved's hand on hers.
"You would think after all we did in the carriage, you'd be a little less wound
up." he said with a smirk, bringing his lips to hers, "Please my queen, don't
be so stressed about this." his fingers laced into her long locks, raven
strands hugging them, "Once I get you alone… you'll be at my mercy…" Her face
flushed and she looked down to the stone floor. Chrom wouldn't give her a
chance to protest, bringing her face back to meet his in another warm embrace.
A slight cough made him turn away from her eager lips. "Her Majesty will see
you now." The older, balding man with the white hair and glasses announced.
They looked at him, his hands still caressing her glowing cheeks and
"Moment of truth." he whispered and grabbed her waist, leading Saphire to the
throne room. Their names announced the king bowed while the queen curtsied, all
in all retaining what dignity they had. The platinum blond haired queen sat
with her back up against the red velvet throne, her crimson dress was bedecked
in gold patterns and jewels that matched that of her jewelry and crown. Her
hair was set partly back in spiral curls that sat over her shoulders.
"Lord Chrom..." her sultry voice went through the room, "Pleasure to finally
meet your acquaintance. I've heard so much about you and your family and your
companions. So very exciting." she quipped, "And this must be your Chief
tactician Saphire. A true genius I've been told. I can't wait to hear your
stories, I'm sure you have many."
Saphire's face blanched as blood left her and went to the ground. Chrom
squeezed her hand and she looked up at him innocently as her heart beat in her
ears. He asked her to keep quiet with his smile until they knew their adversary
and they would meet it together no matter what. They approached and he bowed.
She followed suit and curtsied in her dress feeling a her face heat up
suddenly. Her body was surely against her today, she couldn't explain it.
"Your highness," Chrom smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I'm glad
we can take this time to get to know one another and rebuild the relations
between our nations." he smiled at her to convey that this was a friendly
visit.
"I have lunch ready in the dining hall. Won't you please join me?"
"Of course," Chrom replied and stood up straight.
The queen rose and lead the pair out where lunch was being served. The couple
followed reluctantly mostly because Saphire was unsure about them discussing
outside of the throne room. Her husband had silently assured her to follow
along and they would play things by ear. Chrom took his place to the left of
Queen Salima and Saphire to her right. She looked at Chrom in the eyes from
across the room, with a bit of a disturbed look on her face.
"So Prince Chrom..."
"Exalt Chrom, mistress..." came from the background. the old man was correcting
her.
"It's alright," Chrom blushed and Saphire tried to pretend she didn't see as
she grabbed a dinner roll and broke it rather violently, "What were you going
to ask Queen Salima."
"Oh..." she grabbed his hand and squeezed and Saphire could tell she was trying
to find a way to be closer to Chrom, "The tales never told me how handsome you
were Lord Chrom. Such lovely eyes and that smile, cheek bones..."
"Well," Chrom took her hand and removed it gently as he pretended he was
grabbing a roll himself and replied with a chuckle, "My wife always appreciates
my good looks or so she tells me." Deep sapphires glanced over at Saphire whose
cheeks were flushed with anger. "I would love to talk about the plans for the
treaty and opening trade between our countries. I feel there could be a benefit
to both Ylisse and this country if we work together."
"So boring Chrom..." Queen Salima groaned, having already dropped formalities.
This queen was abnormal and Saphire couldn't grasp why, "How about I show you
the courtyard? We can eat I can listen to you continue to talk about this
treaty." She snapped a red gloved finger and they were clearing things to take
outside.
"Moving again?" Saphire thought, "What is wrong with this woman?" The situation
had become out of hand.
Salima's bouncy blond curls flew about her as she rose with Chrom's aid.
Saphire couldn't watch, her face was on the table as the other woman flirted
and giggled with her husband. She was so preoccupied she didn't see Chrom
asking for help out of this situation. She ignored his requests for he to
follow, not fully listening to what he was saying.
"Saphire... help?" he called before being pulled further away out of earshot.
She rose from the table and went out into the hall. Her mind reeling and
frustrations taking over. "Why would Chrom go and want to spend alone time with
this woman." she brooded, her feet hitting the stone floor as she paced, "He
makes me so mad. I just, should leave him to his other queen." Her black hair
behind her she picked up the skirt of her dress and headed to the gates. The
guards bowed as she passed on foot finally making it out to the bridge.
"Annoying son of a…" she murmured, "I'll show him who is simply a tactician."
She kicked a stone she'd seen on the ground and ended up slipping landing on
her rear, "Damnit," she groaned rising, feeling blood coming to the surface of
her skin. "I'll find my own way home." she rose and started limping towards the
town.
"Saphire!" Lon'qu's dark mess of short curls appeared in her view, "What are
you doing here?" He watched her grab a pillar and hold herself up, "You don’t'
look well…"
"I'm not okay!" she snapped at him her voice rising high in anger, "Chrom is in
there with that 'Queen' if you could call that half breed puppy a dog."
"I… I think you need to relax," he said quietly his skin turning pink, "We all
know Chrom loves you so there's no way he would be doing anything with any
other woman."
She wasn't convinced and she tried to stand, holding herself upon the pillar,
"I'll just head back to Ylisse and pack my bags. I lived just fine without him
and I can do so now." She groaned suddenly, "I think I sprained my ankle..."
She looked at Lon'qu and he appeared concerned, " Uh, you need to back away…
its dangerous there."
"I don't really care. Chrom doesn't, so why should I?"
"Saphire!" Chrom cried hurrying towards her, "Where are you going?"
"Stay away from me Prince Chrom," her voice mocked that of the other queen
before returning to her serious voice, "I don't want anything to do with you so
please just…. Lon'qu, please help me get back to the inn and you can escort me
back to Ylisse." she ordered but the brunette did not budge.
"Saphire you're going to fall…" Chrom cried and he approached causing her to
take another step back, leaving her a mere inches from falling into the river
below
"Please step this way. I'll bring you to Ylisse. I am part of your guard so I
can't disobey but please Queen Saphire, relax." he looked hopeful at the Exalt
that they could get her back to safety but they stepped again and she tried to
back away. Her footing lost she fell backwards.
"SAPHIRE!" Both males screamed their arms extending towards her to possibly
catch her hand or clothing or something else she had on her person. Her arms
flailed as she felt everything give way and the world turn into sky. Helpless
the males watched her fall to the water below with a splash.
Tears filled Chrom's eyes, as the silence enveloped them. "No...." he shook his
head and started pulling off his cape and falchion, making sure to drop
anything heavy. "I'm... going in after her..." he looked at Lon'qu and stripped
off his boots.
"Are you crazy?" he grabbed the blue haired male's shoulders, "You could die. I
wont allow it."
"I'm the king, she is my wife. I love her dammit! What kind of husband would I
be if I didn't try to save her." his blue eyes wide he yanked himself away from
the brunette.
"At least go from the side so you don't jump from so high!" Lon'qu pleaded.
Their heads turned as they both heard splashing from below.
Saphire had felt the water surround her as her small frame hit the surface. She
felt like her entire self shattered in that moment. She struggled but the force
pulled her down trying to suck her deep down.
"Maybe it's better this way." she thought, "Chrom can rebuild his world... he
can do what he wants."
She tried to kick regardless, instincts telling her to survive. With her air
supply diminishing she moved her arms to push through the water. The chill of
the mid day air below this bluff hit her face as oxygen filled her lungs. She
sputtered and coughed and felt the adrenaline fade as her body became weak and
tired.
"Saphire!" Chrom was running to the end of the bridge, making his way over the
cliff closer to the water. He scaled down, ignoring the rips on his clothing or
the scrapes on his flesh. The side crumbled in places and Lon'qu watched the
scene after having called for assistance. Guards were gathering to watch,
others were down below opening gates so boats could go to them. Queen Salima
had appeared in the crowd, watching the scene with intent.
Fed up of waiting, Chrom finally jumped into the cold water from about half way
down the cliffside. "I'm coming Saphire, hold on..." he thought, "Please, my
love just stay afloat for me." he felt the cool rush of the water on his skin
and he pressed on until he saw where she had risen. She was struggling to keep
afloat instiling further panic within him.
"HURRY CHROM!" Lon'qu cried from the cliff side. He ran into the castle to join
the boats, wanting to be there to help as soon as the boats were close to the
king and queen.
Chrom, using all his might to swim, was close to her, just a few more feet and
he'd have her in his arms again. She'd be safe.
Saphire felt the chill of the water begin to affect her body. Her legs began to
stiffen and her heart was starting to slow down, leaving her dizzy and
listless. The sensation of dead weight making her start to crumble but before
she could sink she felt a hand pull her, then the strong hard body that she'd
grown accustomed to having pressed against her. He was holding her to him
keeping them above the water.
"Saphire..." his voice filled her senses. "You're alright. Gods I love you so
much." he held her close. She looked at him weakly, her eyes dull as the lids
began to close. "Stay with me, come on my love. The boats are coming, we'll be
safe."
"Chrom… I…"
"Don't talk, keep your strength. I'm sorry. I should never have let her come
between us, I, was trying to make things better and I hurt you. Please forgive
me…"
"No…." she gasped. "I …" She started to see spots and suddenly, Chrom vanished
from her vision and everything went dark.
"Saphire?" alarm caused his heart to race as he held her limp frame in his
arms. "No..." he refused to give up. Holding her under his arm he began to swim
towards the on coming boats. Chrom lifted her so the guards could pull her into
the boat before they grabbed his arms and tugged him out of the water.
"SAPHIRE!" he cried hurrying to her and pressing his head to her heart. Relief
washed over him as he realized she was alive.
"Your Majesty, we will get her to a guest room." a guard with green eyes said,
his other features not visible due to his armor. Chrom wiped some of the water
from her face that had lost its rich caramel hue.
"You'll take care of her?" he looked up sweet sapphires full of concern, "If
anything else happens I wont be able to forgive myself."
The guards all nodded as the boat made its way back to the castle. Lon'qu had
found his way down to the pier and was waiting for them. Chrom didn't hesitate
to lift her from the boat and bring her to shore. Lon' qu took her from him.
"You need to dry off or you'll be sick." he warned sternly.
"I want to be with her!" he cried as she was carted away.
"Your Majesty, if you fall ill, how will you be able to care for her?" the
green eyed soldier warned. "Please dry off and change and you can go see her.
The Queen has ordered Queen Saphire's care to be taken seriously and that her
well being handled delicately. You have nothing to fear I assure you."
Defeated, Chrom allowed the guard to show him to the guest chambers where he
could change. He sat on the bed and sighed, his head in his hand water dropping
everywhere. "Saphire… Gods please protect her…" irritated at his helplessness
he started stripping and throwing his clothes every which way.
"Lord Chrom…" came a sultry voice, "My my… you look, amazing without a shirt
on…" Turning around Queen Salima was in his room her brown eyes piercing the
Exalt with longing. His eyes wide he attempted to cover himself before
addressing her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, "I don't have time I need to tend to my …"
"Saphire will be fine. I'm making sure she gets the best care. Her unfortunate
accident just means I'll have more alone time with you." her voice was sweet as
she smiled approaching and placing her hand on his wet flesh. Chrom flinched
and immediately pulled away from her.
"Don't touch me… Please." he said angrily, "The only one who can touch me like
this is my wife."
The blond smirked, "We'll see about that... after all, her life is in my
hands..." A soft giggle escaped her lips as she watched the shirtless Chrom
attempt to cover himself in vain.
***** Taking Chances *****
Chapter Summary
     Queen Saphire has fallen ill and Chrom is enraged at the way that
     they've been treated. Sumia and Cordelia depart with the King and
     Queen to Ragna Ferox where Chrom will decide what to do next.
Lon'qu had sent word to their companions about Saphire's sudden illness.
Cordelia was in this area with Sumia and so the two Pegasus knights arrived
together. Guided to the room where the Queen of Ylisse lay listlessly. Her
clothing had been removed, her hair and skin dried and warm clothing swaddled
her as the blankets attempted to warm her small frame. Her lips were pale and
her skin lacked luster.
"What happened?" Cordelia asked running to Saphire's side and taking her hand,
"My dear friend... Your face looks so troubled."
"She fell into the ocean." Lon'qu replied, "She was down there a while before
Chrom jumped in after her..."
Sumia felt the smile coming to her face, "Chrom left her in the water and
didn't jump in right away?" she asked.
"I wouldn't let him... he could have hurt himself."
"A wise decision. Chrom wouldn't have been in his right mind seeing the queen
in peril. And he would have been no use to her if he too was injured." She
looked at Sumia. "Where is Chrom anyway?"
"He's changing. He should be here soon."
"You're so handsome Lord Chrom..." Queen Salima kept her icey stare upon the
exalt, "I'm glad Saphire is out of commission for a while so I can get you..."
she inhaled to take in his scent, "All to myself."
"Queen Salima, this is highly inappropriate and I did not come here to to
anything but talk peace. I love my wife and I would never do anything to hurt
her let alone have any type of affair." Chrom moved away. "Please leave this
room"
"This is my castle. I could easily kick you out on your rears."
"Saphire is unwell, she fell from your bridge and you'd put her out?" Chrom
frowned, "This does not bode in your favour Queen Salima. I thought you wished
for peace."
"Oh I do Chrom, my dear, but I want you more. You are one handsome specimen of
a man that I want at my side...." She licked her lips tossing her hair back.
"I am already married and I have already told you I have no intentions of doing
anything of that nature with you."
"Oh, but Chrom..." she rushed over and pouted innocently as she put her arms
around him.
"BUT NOTHING!" he bellowed, enraged this woman had the nerve to approach him
after such a threat, "Do not touch me. If this is how you are going to behave,
Saphire and I will leave now and you can resume whatever it is you consider to
be ruling a kingdom under your corruption." His anger knew no bounds as he
grabbed his wet shirt and pulled it over him. "I do hope you are happy with
your decision." he put on his cape and held his Falchion before leaving to find
Saphire's room.
"Chrom! Wait!" she cried but he paid her no heed.
"Chr.." Saphire murmured, "Uh..uh... I..."
"Relax please," Cordelia pat her head with a cold cloth, "She's burning with
fever..." her crimson eyes widened in fear. "Dear gods..."
"WE ARE LEAVING NOW!" Chrom's voice echoed from the hall.
Everyone turned and watched the king storm in, soaked from head to foot. He
pulled the covers off Saphire and lifted her into his arms.
"Chrom what are you doing?" Cordelia grabbed his arms, "She's got a fever and
needs to be kept warm and rested."
"I'm not staying here another moment and neither is my wife." his eyes angrily
bulging from his head he headed to the door. "I will explain later, right now
please make sure Frederick is ready with the carriage to return to Ylisse."
Dumbfounded Cordelia, Sumia and Lon'qu hurried to follow Chrom out of the
castle. The ladies went to their pegasi and continued to follow Chrom. Lon'Qu
found Frederick and explained what had happened.
"Is Saphire in any shape to travel?" Frederick inquired, "She could die if we
take her on the road with no medical aid."
"Try explaining that to Chrom."
"I guess I don't have much choice." the two headed out to meet Chrom.
"She hasn't woken up yet." Lon'qu continued, "I fear what is to come."
"C...Ch...ro..m..." Saphire's voice weakly spoke as she felt the world move
around her. "I..."
Chrom stopped, his gaze down to her with gentle watery hues, dousing his flame
of anger. His wife spoke, and he brought his lips to her forehead and kissed
her, "Everything will be fine. We'll get you home. Get you the care you need to
get and I promise to..."
"Stop Chrom..." her voice still weak she pleaded, "We are far from Ylisse..."
"She's right." Cordelia said. "We'd do better to travel south. Our friends in
Ragna Ferox. The Khan's will assist us."
"I'm not leaving her side. She was behaving strangely today. I want to be there
for her no matter what it takes." he helds his wife close as her laboured
breathing made her shake.
"And if that puts her life in Peril?" Lon'qu offered, "The time it takes to get
to Ragna Ferox by horse is slower than Pegasus. Sumia is our most skilled
flyer. She can take Saphire to Ragna Ferox and you can follow with Cordelia."
he looked at Cordelia and smiled, "They'll take care of her."
"I.." Chrom was reluctant to let her go.
"She won't get better unless she gets proper care. If anything, she could
become more unwell." Cordelia replied.
"Do youu want her condition to worsen?" Lon'qu replied.
"No..."
"Then let Sumia take her."
"Fine..." his voice cracked, "Cordelia, you'll be right behind them?"
"I swear my lord."
Arrangements were made quickly and Saphire was strapped to Sumia on her
pegasus. Chrom looked longingly at Saphire who was asleep but still burning up.
He kissed her, tears coming to his eyes, wanting nothing more than to be her
saviour. The only way he could is by letting her go to a place she'd be safe.
Sumia wasn't happy having to transport the Queen to Ragna Ferox. She could only
recall where she had rescued Chrom so long ago, a moment in time she thought
she had him. How they had not gone past that always alluded her. The tactician
had come shortly before and Chrom had been so taken aback by her that he had
forgotten she loved him too.
Before Sumia knew it she was in the air feeling the gentle movement of the
queen against her body. There was resentment towards Saphire for taking her
place. That nagging sensation that made her want to toss the black haired woman
off the Pegasus.
"Ch..Chro..om..." Saphire stired, "I... I... You... should have... let me
dr..drown..."
Sumia blinked, wondering if Chrom and Cordelia were behind her. Saphire's eyes
opened and felt the wind on her face. "Where am i?" she clutched onto Sumia's
back.
"You're on Pegasus back with me your Highness." She replied, "I am to take you
to Ragna Ferox."
"Where is Chrom?"
"He's hopefully following behind."
"Sumia, I... we should land..."
"Why?"
"Because I feel like I am going to be sick..."
Sumia steered her pegasus off course to a small clearing. Saphire threw off the
blankets and ran to the near by tree. She held her belly and threw up what
little was in her stomach.
Sumia watched, annoyed at stopping and yet content to watch Saphire suffer a
bit. Saphire held her head dizzy, not knowing what to do. Chrom was no where,
Cordelia and Frederick were also gone, she was stuck with Sumia who obviously
hated her. Alone, the queen had no clue where she was or how to find a way out
of this situation.
"Come on Saphire. You've gotten out of worse traps than this..." she thought.
Standing as straight as she could and looking at her surroundings. They were
completely encased by mountains, no real straight way out.
"Ugh." she groaned, reaching to the tree for support but she felt hands holding
her up. Looking up she saw Sumia helping her, "Why..."
"I don't know..." she replied.
"You hate me..."
"Saphire. It is my duty to bring you as I was ordered," she sighed, "Regardless
I won't allow harm to come to you."
"No.. wait... You never wanted Chrom to marry me."
"Neither did a lot of people."
"Like who..."
"Doesn't matter now does it?" Sumia guided Saphire towards the pegasus. "You
two are married and he thinks of nothing else but you."
"What are you trying to say?" Saphire pulled away, "You make no sense. You say
you have a duty but take no qualm in talking down to me. Sumia I understand you
wanted Chrom for yourself but he doesn't love you."
"HE DID BEFORE YOU CAME ALONG AND MESSED UP EVERYTHING!" Sumia screamed causing
Saphire to pull away angrily.
"If i'm such a bother to you Sumia, then why not leave me here..." the queen
looked about for an escape.
"Because he will hate me for it and so will everyone else. I have no desire to
be punished for you." Sumia grabbed Saphire and led her to the pegasus, "I'd
like to get you to Ragna Ferox and we can continue our lives."
"Let me go.." she commanded, "It's sad that someone as gentle as you can be so
bitter. I thought love brought out the best in a person but it's done nothing
but change you into something full of hate."
"I don't need lectures from you."
"I AM YOUR QUEEN!" Saphire cried out with a burst of energy that ended up
draining her that she collapsed to the ground.
Chrom's mind was elsewhere as he held Cordelia and flew through the air.
"She'll be fine," the red haired knight assured, "Saphire has been through a
lot in the last year. You know she's resilient. She has to be to be your wife."
she laughed.
Chrom thought about this and it brought a smile to his face. They passed
through the clearing in time to see Saphire collapse. "Cordelia!" he called and
pointed. With a a nod she sent the pegasus down to them. Chrom jumped down as
soon as they were close enough, not allowing the creature to land. He found
himself by her body, lifting it to her tears coming, "Saphire... please wake
up."
Cordelia looked at Sumia and furrowed her brow leaving Sumia shaking her head.
"I didn't do anything. She felt sick and asked me to land."
"Let's get her back on the pegasus and to safety." Cordelia went to Chrom and
touched hiss shoulder, "It does no good to cry here my king." she assured,
"Once she is in Ragna Ferox the Khan's will be sure her treatment is taken care
of."
Chrom nodded and helped her back onto the winged horse's back. Sumia came in
front and she looked down at her two companions, "We shall meet you at the
gates."
"No, get help right away, don't wait. I can't have her in the cold of Ragna
Ferox with the fever she has." Chrom caressed Saphire's face his mind praying
to Naga that she be alright. "Go, Hurry Sumia."
Without further word Sumia had taken off and Chrom held his head in pain.
"Do you trust her Lord Chrom?" Cordelia's hand was on his shoulder.
He didn't look at her, "She has been a knight for a long time, her loyalty to
the kingdom is unquestionable."
"But what about her loyalty to the Queen?" Her crimson eyes gazed worried into
the deep blue ocean of her friend's. The look on his face showed he wasn't sure
that Saphire was in the best care with Sumia but she was still the fastest
flyer in the realm so there was little choice. With glances between them, the
King and the Pegasus knight mounted the steed and were off to follow Sumia to
Ragna Ferox.
Sumia landed outside the gates of Ragna Ferox. The Khan's were both there,
having seen Sumia from afar. Flavia and Basilio approached, worried looks upon
their faces.
"Take her down," Flavia ordered Basilio and he frowned at her.
"I'm not doing it because you're telling me. I'm doing it because she's my
friend." he grumbled and unstrapped Saphire from the pegasus. She slid down
into his arms limply, her limbs hanging. "She's roasting with fever!" Basilio
cried, "She needs treatment."
"I'll call the healers." Flavia turned and ran inside.
"What happened to her?" he pulled her close.
"I wasn't there," Sumia replied, "Lord Chrom will explain, he's right behind
me. He asked she get treatment right away and not to wait on him."
Basilio hurriedly took her to the medical wing of Ragna Ferox. Saphire was
placed in a bed in a secluded room and the clerics came to tend to her. Basilio
joined Flavia and Sumia outside the room, leaving her in their hands.
"Saphire and Chrom were supposed to be in Lilira." Flavia said. "I hope they
managed to get things patched up..."
"That place..."Basilio grumbled, "Trust me they were better off not bothering."
"Flavia, Basilio!" Chrom's voice could be heard from down the hall. He huffed
as he ran towards them. "Where is she? Where is my wife?"
"The clerics are treating her in the room. Give them space." Flavia explained.
"No this is my fault and I can't leave her side." he retorted.
"At least tell us what happened in Lilira."
"It was... illogical! Queen Salima only wanted to meet me to fulfill selfish
desires. I should never have pushed those boundaries to try and mend those
bonds..."
"What did you do?" Basilio grabbed Chrom by the collar and held him, "Did you
cheat on your wife?"
"Hey!" Chrom cried.
"Now Basilio. Calm down..." Flavia pet his arm so he lowered the King to the
ground. As his feet his the floor she had pushed him up against the stone wall
and held a blade to his neck. "Answer the question Chrom. Did you cheat on
Saphire?!"
"Flavia, Basilio..." he looked over at Sumia whose eyes were on the ground. "I
love Saphire. I wouldn't do such a horrible thing as touch another woman. She's
the only woman I care for."
Pulling away Flavia moved back to a place beside Basilio. Chrom found himself
on his feet again. He looked at the Khan's. "She's in there. If you plan on
apologizing for something that is."
Chrom pulled away and went into the room. She was still unconscious in bed.
Closing the door he came to her bedside and sat down. "Saphire. I'm so sorry. I
promise you that after today I'll send you home to Ylisse and I'll set
everything right." With a kiss to her lips to her lips he left to make
arrangements for her return home.
***** Discovery *****
Chapter Summary
     Its been 2 weeks since the incident in Liliara. Saphire has been in
     Ylisse without her husband and has been going through quite a bit of
     trauma since she fell from the heights of the bridge. This morning
     she wakes up unwell and believes its the stress from the last few
     months but the truth turns out to be a bit more than she can handle.
     Chrom, returns home to find her missing and goes on a hunt to find
     his wife who he knows is suffering from anxieties hat she can't quite
     explain.
He'd been gone two weeks now. The continual travel and rebuilding of the
country had been trying on the Queen and King Chrom had decided for her own
safety and health to send her back to the castle after an incident almost cost
her life. She still had scraping on her soft flesh from where she had fallen
after she'd tripped. Her fingers ran over her thigh, covered by the silken
night gown. She missed him so much. She had been used to being at his side
every day as his chief tactician. Having to not be with him one night since
they'd been wed let alone two weeks made her heart ache. Before she could find
herself out of bed and awake she was running to the bathroom and throwing up
her empty stomach. After she found herself on the stone floor trying to calm
the dizziness that was settling in her eyes.
"Gods I've felt sick for over two weeks. What's wrong with me? Chrom is going
to come home and fret over me being ill." she sobbed, her black hair fanning on
the ground behind her. It was then that she heard the door open and the servant
who had come to bring her breakfast noticed the Queen was not in her bed.
"Your majesty?" she came to the washroom and found her, "Are you alright my
Queen?"
"Yes..." she whispered, "I just, have some sort of stomach bug..." she said
mostly for her own benefit than the servant girl's.
"I...." the blond woman helped the queen up and back to bed, ".. Um.... My
Lady...."
"Yes?" She lay back and closed her eyes trying to ease the spinning.
"I... Never mind please. Disregard what I say."
"No please... I... I've felt uneasy for weeks and if you know anything that
might help, I will gladly take your aid. I don't want Chrom... I... I mean The
King to come back and find me unwell. He has enough to deal with ."
"Well..." she was reluctant, "My Queen, your symptoms, your difference in
taste, dizziness, vomiting, and all around malaise. Also, your sudden gain in
weight."
"I..." Saphire's face flushed and she sat up, only to fall back as heat hit her
making her want to faint, "I thought I was just getting fat from palace life
and eating all this fine food all the time. I am not used to any of this. I
just... figured it was my body adjusting..."
"My Queen... Forgive me. I should not have said such a thing."
"No.... I'm sorry. What do you think it is?"
"My Queen I believe you are with child..." Saphire's eyes snapped open.
"No...." she said softly, fear washing through her, "I.... It can't be. I can't
be having his... not now..." Her hand grabbed the servant girls, "Please do not
tell anyone. If this is true, then Chrom must be the first to know before
anyone else."
"Of course my Lady. If... you allow me to touch your mid section, I can be more
certain." Her green eyes were wide. Saphire obliged and pulled up her night
gown. The girls warm hands touched her belly feeling about for something. "Yes
my Queen. The tenderness in your abdomen is different, you are indeed carrying
the King's child." she smiled offering some comfort.
"I... I don't know what to do, how to tell him. I'm not ready to be a mother...
I..." sweat formed at her brow as she began to fret and worry.
"My Queen please remain calm, all will fall into place. You need to eat and
bathe, so that you can be ready for the King when he arrives. Word is that he
has traveled all night to return home to be with you. I trust he has missed you
as much as you have missed him and this news will make him happy." The tray was
placed upon her lap and Saphire adjusted herself to eat. "Once you have
something in your stomach you will find the nausea much better. I believe the
King will arrive by noon."
Everything was happening so fast. The girl assisted her in eating because
Saphire's dizzy spells were becoming overwhelming. She quietly helped Saphire
bathe and dress before leading her back to the sitting area of the bedroom. She
made the bed and cleared the dishes before going to the Queen. "Will you be
alright while I'm gone?" she asked and Saphire nodded.
"Oh by the Gods, I'm pregnant..." she gasped. The feeling she'd had when she
was about to marry Chrom returned. She wanted to run away, she wanted to hide.
"I don't know what I'll do..."
She stood, looking out at the gardens. She needed to get some air. Before she
knew it she was walking down the halls to the throne room and out the secret
entrance. The garden Chrom had had created for her as a wedding gift. She found
solace there and was able to use it when she was afraid. And since Chrom was
the only one who knew, it made it easy to disappear safely. Finding the golden
chair to sit upon she closed her eyes and allowed herself to think.
"How can I tell him without upsetting him?" she wondered, "We never discussed
children. We wanted a peaceful world before we could understand what it would
take to raise a family. Is he ready to be a father? Am I ready to be a mother?
I don't know... Gods why.... Please give me some sort of answer."
The young girl had returned to find the Queen gone. Set in a panic she went to
the head of the guard Frederick, explaining that the Queen had been unwell and
had vanished upon her return.
"I was simply cleaning the breakfast dishes and she promised she would wait. I
didn't think she would run off. I'm so sorry."
"Alright... We'll find her." The girl went back to her duties but could not
focus due to her concern for the queen. The information she held haunting her,
information she had promised not to share.
Chrom's horse had entered the gate. He jumped off quickly running up the castle
steps, not caring about formal introductions. He wanted to see his wife and
nothing else. His heart was jumping in his chest knowing that the moment he got
her alone he'd not waste any time stripping her and making love to her. He
bypassed everyone, and made his way straight to their room which he found
empty. Heading back down he found Frederick.
"Where's my wife?" he threw his cape back and brushed his fingers through his
indigo locks. "She's not in our room so where is she?"
"She's missing..." Frederick admitted, "Everyone is searching for her."
"How can she go missing in the castle? It's our castle...." Chrom walked about
trying to think where she could have gone, "Has anything happened lately that
could have caused her stress?"
"She... she has been unwell this morning. I found her on the ground..." she
servant replied softly. "I told her she should rest. I don't know where she
could have gone."
"Damnit." he replied ignoring everyone else. He made his way to their study and
searched there to see if she was reading. No sign. He passed through the halls
and to the varying rooms. He looked outside, to the gardens she loved so much.
Fear washed over him, remembering how she'd lost her senses and tried to run
away before. His confidence in her had built that he knew she would never do
that. She was hiding, wanting escape but not as a permanent solution. "Where
would she go?" he sat down on the stair well and thought. He remembered her,
vulnerable in his arms the moment they had been alone in the throne room. Her
confession and ultimate submission to their love and commitment. "She wouldn't
run because she would never want to hurt me. She's here she..."
The glint of a jewel was on the stairwell. A sparkling sapphire that could only
come from the exalt crown made for Saphire. She'd come down this way, which
meant she went to the throne room. He grabbed the stone and pushed the doors
open. No one was inside looking here. No one expected her to come here. But at
the back of the room, there was a secret door. He smiled, he was so certain
that he hadn't cared she had searched for solace. The look on her face the
moment he'd shown her his wedding gift to her made him understand what
overwhelming feelings could lurk in her fragile heart.
"Saphire..." he called out after entering the sanctuary hidden on the castle
grounds. "My beloved Queen, are you here?"
She'd heard the voice but was so stuck in her own worries that she thought it
was her mind playing tricks upon her, "Chrom," her delicate features turned
downwards into a frown causing tears to finally fall, "I... I wish you were
here my love."
Chrom was looking about the path for her. "Saphire!" he yelled and she looked
up.
"No..." she dried her eyes. She was certain she had heard him. Standing upon
her delicate silk slippers she walked towards where she had heard his voice.
The sun caught the shine of his indigo coloured hair, his war torn features,
exceeded tire and worry was visible on his face. "It's... It's you...." she
lifted up her skirt and ran to him.
"Saphire!" he called, smiling, feeling every problem fall from his mind. He
hurried to meet her not wanting to waste a moment with her before he would have
to leave again.
They approached and stopped a mere two feet from one another. She was out of
breath and in tears. She held her mouth to choke back her sobbing and looked up
at him with a watery gaze that made her eyes turn to molten gold. His breathing
matched hers but he was full of giddiness and glee. His hand went to touch her
long hair that lay straight down her back. No words could describe the emotions
between the two lovers in this frozen moment in time. She looked down and he
immediately moved his fingers to her chin, pulling her back up. He invited her
closer, knowing that if he took a wrong move they could lose this moment. She
felt the same and reluctantly stepped, but when she did she slipped causing her
to fall. Her King, her knight in shining armor could do what he did best, be
the perfect prince he was. His body was immediately in the right position to
capture her into his arms. As he bent down, holding her to him, caressing her
against his chest so she could hear and feel the quick beating of his heart,
the excitement of them finally being together. Neither knew what to say, or
maybe they felt words would ruin such a thing.
She looked up at him, her eyes red from tears but he didn't care. He was drawn
to the lava that was inside her, the burning sensations that arose when he was
with her. The gap between them enclosed, being filled with heat of love and
passion, their lips finally met in a sweet kiss that revealed every emotion and
passion they felt. Her hand went up and caressed his face, lovingly, feeling
the slight shadow of hair upon his face. Pulling away she looked up at her
husband with concern. She realized he had traveled all night to see her. She
opened her mouth to say something but he pressed his lips to hers again,
silently telling her to be quiet before reprimanding him for running himself
ragged to be able to be with her. He stood, keeping her up in his arms their
eyes locked and a smile upon his face. She flushed she could no longer remain
sad. Chrom was home and nothing else could go wrong from here.
Pulling her from the sanctuary of the garden they entered the throne room. He
placed her gently upon his throne rather than her own because in his mind he'd
be nothing without her nor would any of this matter. Even though he'd made her
wait to marry so he could rebuild Ylisse, he would have given up all of it for
the sake of her love. He was on his knees before her, holding her hand and
consoling her, "I love you Saphire. I've missed you..." were the first words he
wanted her to hear, and it was done so.
"Chrom..." she cried capturing him into her embrace, "Oh Chrom, I missed you so
much."
"You look so beautiful. I dreamt of you, worried about you for nights upon end.
I know you wrote me all the time but I couldn't live without this face, your
smile, your eyes, your voice, without having you at my side." She blushed more
at his words, "I'm not leaving again for a long time. I won't leave you until
you're better."
She gasped and put her hand back to keep from falling into the throne, "I...."
"Dear Gods... Saphire you've become white as a sheet." he noticed the colour
draining from her face, "What's the matter? Did I do something?"
"No... Chrom... I..." she stood bringing him up with her. She was slightly
shorter than him but he always tried to keep them close, as to never try to be
bigger or better than her. "I have to tell you something important and... it
can't wait."
He furrowed his brow, "What is it ? Did something happen?"
"Yes..."
"Oh Gods, did someone do something to you? Are you hurt? Are you sick? Do you
hate it here at the palace?" Chrom panicked and continued listing potential
problems she could have, "I... I should never have left you alone..." he
started pacing.
"Chrom..." she kept trying to interrupt, "Chrom please listen to me..." her
voice gentle and her body trying to keep her up although she wanted nothing
more than to collapse. "CHROM!" she finally screamed at the top of his lungs,
causing him to turn to her as she collapsed on the floor.
"Saphire..." he hurried to her and took her head into his lap. Weakly she
looked up at him with a slight smile, sweat streaming down her face. She took
his left hand and brought it to her belly. He hadn't noticed the weight gain,
or anything but he could feel the tiny bit of bulge where she had grown ever so
slightly.
"I... I'm having your baby...our... baby..." she finally said before breaking
into tears and turning into his thighs.
His mouth open yet no sound escaped. He looked down at her, fragile and broken
and scared. They'd been married a few months and they hadn't discussed children
yet. He was going to be a father. Saphire had given him the gift of a child and
he didn't know how to think or act or what could possibly be the right thing in
such a precious moment, "Saphire... Gods, you and I..."
"Yes..." she replied not looking at him, "You and I..." a smile crept onto his
face and stayed there. She was still bawling into his arms.
"There's... a lot we need to talk about." he explained. "Let's get you back to
bed and we'll talk over lunch after I've cleaned up." he kissed her forehead,
"I'm so happy to see you and I... don't think there was a better event to
return home to than this."
Taking her their room, he lay her down and allowed her to rest. Removing her
crown from her head before pressing her into the pillow. He kissed her once
more.
"Please just rest and I'll be back, then we can talk." he promised before going
to take a bath.
Closing her eyes she allowed herself to rest happy he was finally with her,
there would be no more waiting.
***** The Announcement *****
Chapter Summary
     Saphire awoke from her rest to her husband barely dressed in front of
     her. Her raging hormones push her to try and get him to bed but he
     holds her off, explaining that it would be best if they made their
     announcement prior to being alone. Frustrated Chrom confides in Gaius
     about his feelings and changes in his wife and he expresses his
     desire to rebuild their friendship on top of the bonds he'd been
     trying to forge outside Ylisse.
Chrom walked out of the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist, while
using another one to dry his indigo locks. Saphire was asleep in the bed, her
gentle snore escaping her lips. He went to the mirror and begun combing his
hair. The concept of becoming a father hadn't quite set in yet. He was coming
to grips with the last two weeks that he had spent without her, the time that
she had been ill. The disaster of Liliara and the mess he'd had to clean up in
his wake was still looming in his mind. He'd returned with Cordelia to
apologize for his outburst and hope they wouldn't declare war against Ylisse.
He had been exhausted and frustrated anticipating their return and was worried
about the state she would be in with him gone. She had still been very unwell
when he had left but he had had no choice but to leave her. He was relieved
that this was all behind him now. He was home for good. Saphire was within his
reach and he wouldn't let her go, not for anything.
Her eyes fluttered open, a groan escaped her pink lips as her finger went to
rub the sleep from her brown eyes. Blinking, her vision blurry, she saw the
flesh of a man's chest and arms, sopping wet, with dark blue hair, matching
towel around his waist. He stood at the end of the bed with his back to her.
Her head tilted as she could clearly see the body of her husband as he dried
himself off with another towel. She gulped as heat filled her face and
excitement rushed through her being. Chrom turned and when he faced her his
face turned bright pink.
"Saphire," he smiled, "I came to check on you but you were sleeping so I didn't
wake you." he moved so he was close to her. Sitting on the bed he felt her
hands on his flesh. It had felt like eternity since her skin had touched his.
The softness, the sweet silk of her caress made his head spin and unleashed the
fiery passions he felt only for her. "How are you feeling?"
"Chrom..." she spoke with a slight groan. Before his mind could catch up with
his body she had pulled him down so he leaned over her. Her copper eyes had
fluttered open and she gazed up into his bright blue depths with a smile
pulling the left corner of her mouth. "You're naked..."
He chuckled, "I just came from the bath. But I have a towel on, see?" he looked
down at the dark blue cloth that surrounded his waist.
"Oh Chrom," her caramel fingers ran over his clean shaven jaw, "Gods.." her
lips pouted as her toned frame moved forward, pushing him down to the bed. He
sunk into the plush mattress and looked up at his wife wide eyed. "You look
positively sexy...." her words shocked him. "I..." the caramel flesh on her
face filled with heat, her arousal apparent in her wide firelight eyes. "I..."
she gulped and pressed her lips to his, her head tilted and he held his breath
as she kissed him forcefully. Her lower body pressed into his, which was barely
covered by the towel.
"Saphire," he broke the kiss but she pulled him back in, trying to consume him
with her lust.
"Saphire..... This is just like in the carriage..."
"No! I haven't seen you in weeks!" she exclaimed, "I want you so much more."
she kept kissing him, "I want to make you mine." caramel fingers ran over
slightly tanned bare chest, making him shiver from desire. "Lose the towel."
Tactlessly Saphire's hands skillfully reached for the knot at his hip and she
began to pull it away.
"Saphire! Saphire!" he grabbed her wrists and held them away from his waist,
"You're usually much more conservative than this. Has pregnancy changed you so
much?"
Saphire looked down, a tad embarrassed, "So? I figured you'd like that I was a
bit more open and approachable." she mischievously struggled as he held her.
"Usually you're the one trying to get me to be more receptive to your advances,
aren't you?" her eyes widened as she gazed at him sadly, "I want to make love
to my husband after not holding him for weeks. Is that so bad?"
Chrom's cheeks turned bright red. Ever since the incident in the carriage she
had been a bit more accepting and excitable. He had to admit that having her in
this way was quite satisfying and fun most of the time but it was now at a
point where it had become somewhat tiring and a bit too much for the over
worked Royal. He was exhausted from traveling and just wanted to hold her and
caress her. There were so many thoughts going through his head as his gleaming
sapphires blinked slowly. Her eyes burned into him like fire making him gulp
back his breath before beginning to gasp for air. "No..." he replied suddenly,
releasing her hands and bending upward to capture her lips in a soft kiss. "I
don't mind it at all." he replied as he pulled away and watched her straight,
"But... things are different. You don't seem like yourself when you're like
this." He pressed to her again, leaving another warm, sweet kiss on her pouted
pink lips, "I want nothing more than to make love to you right now..."
"Then lose the towel!" she grabbed it and tried to yank it away but he grabbed
the ends and tried to keep it shut.
"Saphire! Saphire stop!" he struggled, "You're not thinking straight, please!"
she still gripped the cloth, leaving them at a stale mate. "Ugh." he groaned,
"Marriage is rifle with such mad decisions."
The bright fire light was doused with his frustrated words as tears glossed
over her eyes. "Chrom..." she released the towel and turned her raven haired
head away. He could feel her body shudder with the impending tears as she moved
away from his body and sat at the edge of the bed.
"Oh Saphire, you..." his features softened as he grabbed her pulling her into
his chest in one swift movement. "Don't cry..." he suddenly felt guilty for
denying her the passions they both wanted.
"I'm sorry..." she sobbed into his bare chest, "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too my queen." he kissed her hair. "Here, let's compromise." he
adjusted her so she looked at him. "We should announce to everyone that the new
heir to Ylisse will be born soon. Don't you think it would be best if they hear
it from us?"
She bit her lower lip unsure if this was the best course of action. "I...I
guess you're right Chrom. But... We should tell Lissa alone and..." she paused
thinking of her two closest friends, "Cordelia and Gaius..."
Chrom nodded, "You're right. I'll dress and go talk to Frederick and Lissa.
I'll send Gaius and Cordelia up to meet you." He shifted to lay her back down
but found her fingers clutched to his flesh, "Owie! Saphire, relax the grip!"
he cried.
"Chrom... we're... We're going to be parents!"
It was that moment that the reality set in, a reality that he couldn't show to
her. She was already in a state, unlike her usual self. He had to be strong for
her, he needed to keep it together to be her rock. "Its the very least I could
do for her." he thought caressing her back until she released him. "And we're
going to do our best." he replied with a soft peck to her lips.
He went to put on his clothing and returned to her side, looking as regal as a
king always looked. "I won't be gone long. I promise." Saphire had sat up in
bed, her gaze on the wall as she pondered what she would say and how they would
react. Before she could say anything a flash of red hair was in her sights.
Gaius was at her door with a bouquet of white roses for her.
"Good morning my Queen," he bowed. "Frederick told me you weren't feeling well
and I decided to get you these to cheer you up."
Her face flushed. Though the kiss they had shared had been so long ago, she
never forgot it. If anything it had made the bond between them stronger and
Gaius treated her no different than before, with the respect of a woman he
cared for deeply as his dearest friend. "I'm fine, please come in I need to
talk to you."
Gaius sat beside her on the bed and took her hand, "What's going on Bubbles."
his emerald eyes gazed into her sadly, "Has Chrom done something?"
"No... I just. Wanted to tell you on your own. I don't want things to change
between us."
"Of course not." he assured, "You're my closest friend and that will never
change."
"Gaius... I'm pregnant." Saphire watched him, hopeful her words hadn't stung
him too much. A smile spread across his lips as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Congratulations Saphire..." he replied, "You're going to be a mother and
that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you." he held back his tears as he comforted
her.
"You're not upset?" she asked pulling away and looking at him. He'd managed to
keep the front up for her.
"No. You and Chrom deserve a real life and family. How did he take it? Knowing
he'll be a dad soon?"
"Well... too well," she admitted, "I don't think he understands it yet. It's
going to take time to truly accept he's going to be a father or maybe he's
being strong for me."
"You're probably right." he held her shoulders."What about you? How do you feel
knowing you're going to be a mother?"
"I honestly don't know. I feel sick. My head is pounding and I feel
uncomfortable in my own body. I have another life inside me!" Her brown eyes
wide she gripped Gaius' waist. "Gods I have Chrom's baby inside me... The heir
to the throne. What am I going to do? I don't know how I'm supposed to act or
be or anything!" the queen unleashed her worries onto her friend.
"Hey Bubbles relax.... It's still early, we have lots of time." he pulled her
to his chest and pet her black hair, "There's plenty of time to panic when you
have your child." he giggled and she returned the favor by grabbing a pillow
and hitting him in the face with it.
"I thought you'd be a lot nicer to me over this!" she yelled.
"I could say that same for you!" he squealed shielding himself, "Not the face!
Saphire come on I still need to find a wife..." She stopped, eyes wide and
confused. Looking into the deep emerald hues she found herself on the brink of
tears, "Oh God's. Saphire, your moods shift like crazy these days. I hope
you're not having twins."
"Twins..." Saphire bawled, her face falling into his lap.
"Calm down. Relax, you're getting my pants all wet! Stop it will you!"
"Well, this is quite the scene," a mature woman's voice was heard from behind.
Gaius lifted Saphire and held her as she cried before turning towards the
crimson haired Cordelia. "Chrom said you needed to speak to me, is everything
alright?"
Saphire looked up, with eyes red as she motioned the female to come closer.
"Cordelia, my dear friend. I'm glad you've returned and brought my husband
safely home to me."
"Of course Your highness. I would spare nothing for the Exalt's return to his
new wife."
"Oh stop," Saphire beamed, "Come I have news to share with you."
"Oh?" Cordelia pulled a chair closer to the bed as Gaius still held her, "And
what news is this?"
"Well, ..." she bit her lower lip, "I'm pregnant. I'm having Chrom's child."
The red haired woman only smiled and placed her hand upon her friends shoulder,
"Oh Saphire. I knew that. I knew from the moment I saw you that day in
Liliara."
"You knew?" her voice was small as she furrowed her brow, confused.
"Saphire you're my dearest and best friend. I noticed the changes about you
when I came to Liliara and when you threw up on the way to Ragna Ferox it arose
my suspicions. Then based on the stories you've told me of what happened
between you and Chrom, there was no doubt in my mind.
"Why didn't you say anything? Everyone thought I had pneumonia."
"I couldn't tell you, you needed to figure it out on your own. After all,
you're going to be a mother." she laughed, "Chasing after your son and knowing
what he's doing will be a priority."
"What if she has a daughter," Gaius grabbed the queen's chin and looked her
straight in the eyes. "A pretty girl to grow up into a beautiful woman, just
like her." Saphire's face flushed at the sudden affections as she gazed into
the emerald hues that were filled with love and devotion. She got lost in what
she saw. It brought such a sadness to see him love her this way and be unable
to return anything but friendship.
"We'll just have to wait and see," Cordelia replied dragging them both from the
intimate moment. Saphire pulled away and lay back on the bed. "Are you alright
my lady?"
"Fine. Just very tired suddenly. I missed Chrom so much, I just wanted to spend
time with him and now this is going to stop him from doing so. He'll be caught
up in telling everyone..."
"Hey..." Chrom's voice was at the door, "I wouldn't do that." he had appeared
with Lissa and Frederick.
"Your highness," Frederick bowed.
"Sis! Oh! I'm so excited! I'm going to be an aunt!" The excited blond bounced
up and down with glee, her high set pigtails bouncing up and down as she made
her way to her sister in law's bedside. "Wait... Are you sure? You don't look
very different." she leaned over and looked Saphire up and down, "Your belly is
still tiny how can a baby be in there?" Lissa sat on the bed and tried to
understand.
"Lissa," Chrom's hand went to his face in embarrassment and Cordelia took the
moment to explain.
"Lissa the baby is still small, it has to grow before it will look like a baby.
You'll see she'll be wearing her pregnant belly with pride in no time," the
pegasus knight put her hand on the blond's shoulder. They sat at Saphire's bed
side to speak to her and Gaius stood to move away. He felt the firm hand of the
King upon him and he turned.
"My friend," Chrom spoke. "A word?"
"Sure thing Blue. I mean, Your Highness." There was a reluctance and a twang in
his stomach as he responded, nervous at how this would go. The last time they
had been alone had not ended well. He could only hope that Chrom hadn't seen
how much Gaius had touched the queen to satisfy the need to hold her. Burying
his thoughts the red head followed blue haired king out of the room. With the
door closed Chrom turned to Gaius, "What did you want to talk about."
"How are you doing?" he asked with concern in his deep sapphire eyes.
"What do you mean? I'm fine!" he chuckled nervously.
"Don't pretend Gaius. Your feelings for Saphire haven't gone away. I know that
and I can't hold that against you."
"You... can't?" he replied confused, "Before you wanted to kill me for it, why
the sudden change of heart."
"Saphire is a good woman." Chrom smiled, "She has taken the time to make me
realize you did what you did for our love and happiness. It's because of you I
realized my feelings for her and had the courage to tell her. And you did the
same to her. She told me everything."
"Of course she would," the red head returned the grin, "She trusts you more
than anyone. I could never replace you in her heart."
"The same goes for me my friend," Chrom brought his right hand to his mouth and
coughed, "With Saphire being pregnant though, has it affected anything. Do you
need to talk about anything?"
Gaius' face turned bright pink, "Blue! There's nothing to talk about. I'm happy
for both of you. You deserve this finally. There's nothing to discuss. Saphire
is my best and dearest friend and there's nothing more to that."
"Yes," he cleared his throat, "She's become quite different since she's gotten
pregnant."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's been." Chrom looked around, the subject matter to uncomfortable
to discuss this with anyone, "She's so. Aroused and full of desire, it's like
she can't get enough of my affections. I don't know what to do. She exhausts me
every day."
"Chrom! You shouldn't be telling me these things!" Gaius' face held the same
look of embarrassment as he looked at Chrom. "The privacy of your bedroom
is..."
"Gaius who can I tell? I don't have parents to guide me. I sure can't talk to
Frederick. Could you imagine how he'd respond to this? I couldn't ask another
woman even though Em was the..." he stopped himself, thinking of his older
sister. "Em would have been able to help." tears welled up in his eyes, "Lissa
wouldn't understand and would probably broadcast it to the entire kingdom
before I finished speaking. And ...Saphire has so much to deal with I can't
inconvenience her with something so trivial. I just need another man to just
talk about my wife."
"Chrom, I don't think this is appropriate," with a nervous shake in his voice
the green eyed male put up his hands as if trying to stop his friend from
speaking, "Saphire is my friend too and hearing about her that way makes me
uncomfortable."
"Oh come on!" Indigo hair flew about as he flailed, "Please don't leave me
alone with this. I used to tell you everything too before all this."
"Yeah," Gaius turned tail to walk away, "But you found out my feelings for your
fiancé and things happened. We don't have that relationship anymore. We haven't
had it since you got married."
"And I'm sorry for that. I should have known that you wouldn't pursue my wife
like that. You care about her more than your own life and you sacrificed your
chance at happiness for hers. You could have easily taken advantage of her
vulnerability multiple times while she was coming to understand her emotions."
he wouldn't let Gaius leave, "That night where she tried to confess and I
rejected her, the entire time that passed before I proposed. That moment she
ran away in fear of our marriage. There are so many moments where you could
have taken her for yourself and shown her the love she deserved without a
second thought. She would have learned to love you because you always treated
her like a queen..."
"But that didn't happen Chrom. She loves you and will only love you. She is
YOUR Queen, not mine."
"That's my point. I should have trusted you. I should have known that you would
never do anything that would cause her unhappiness and you would sacrifice
anything and everything for her. Most of all I should have trusted her...
trusted. In my love." a puff of air escaped his lips as looked down. "I just
want you and I to be friends again." that was all he could say. They went to
return back to the bedroom with its enormous French doors. As he pushed them
open he saw Lissa was still touching Saphire's belly, confounded at the thought
that there was a child in there. She poked and prodded while Saphire took deep
breaths not to show she was becoming slightly agitated.
"The preparations for the announcement are almost complete. We should make our
way outside." Frederick mentioned.
"How are you feeling my queen?" Chrom made his way beside his wife and placed a
soft kiss on her cheek.
"I'm fine Chrom." She smiled, "Let's make the announcement and I will be able
to get you to myself." with those words he turned bright pink, knowing full
well what she meant.
"Big brother what are you blushing for hunh?" Lissa came over and started
pinching his cheeks and Chrom grabbed her wrists.
"Let me go! I don't like that!" he whined which was followed by a cough from
Frederick. Everyone looked up at him.
"Shall we?" he replied leading the procession. Everyone left leaving the King
and Queen alone in their bedchamber.
"Chrom," she smiled at him a blush adorning her cheek, "I love you. Thank you
for being so supportive and understanding. I'll never be able to repay you..."
"Oh Quiet my queen. Saphire I would do anything to keep that smile on your
face. I won't allow you to be unhappy because we want a happy child with a
bright future with its parents. Let's give our child the life we didn't have."
His hand ran over her stomach and she put hers atop his. "A life with us
together fighting strong as a family."
Saphire grunted in agreement, "Our baby won't want for anything. And we will
keep this world beautiful and flourishing for our children as long as we live."
With that Chrom scooped Saphire up and carried her to the balcony where they
had crowned her. Everyone was waiting, gathering to see what had happened to
Queen Saphire. The word of her illness had spread like a virus and the people
were concerned, worried for her health and for her safety. There were also the
rumours of Liliara and the events that had transpired there. No one knew that
the king had finally smoothed things over with the Queen of that nation and
they would work on a peace treaty later on when things had calmed down.
Saphire looked down at the faces of her people. Her breath hitched. These were
the ones she served. they deserve to know the truth... Everything from her, not
from Chrom. They cheered as they saw the King and Queen, the revered Exalts who
had saved them from the impending doom of Gangrel.
"Chrom..." she spoke quietly and his soft gaze dropped to her, "Put me down
please?" she asked and he did, her delicate ballet slippers hitting the stone
tile with a click. "Please allow me to speak today your majesty?" she requested
of her husband with a slight curtsy. It took him completely by surprise.
"Saphire please, stand up, of course you can make the address..." He brought
his hands to her arms and pulled her up gently, "Please just be careful of
yourself." She nodded and took a deep breath before turning. Chrom's concerned
face was embossed on her mind and it drove her to speak.
"My dear people of Ylisse," she spoke and the murmurs from the crowd silenced.
"Thank you all so much for gathering here today. I trust you will take what I
say with an open mind and heart as it takes much to admit things to the people
that depend on you so much. " she gulped, "In the last few weeks, The Exalt and
I had been travelling rebuilding our bonds with other nations, trying to keep
the free trade and flow between all the countries. During that travel I fell
ill and I was unable to attend to you regarding this. I apologize deep down for
making you worry my people. And I come to announce that the cause of my illness
is now understood." people began to speak amongst themselves, trying to figure
out what kind of plague would take their queen, "Please do not panic. I do not
suffer an illness. I am carrying Lord Chrom's First born child. The Heir of
Ylisse will arrive in several months time." She squeaked and all was silent. No
one knew how to react. Saphire felt panicked and she began to tremble. She felt
a hand on each of her shoulders as both Gaius and Chrom reacted simultaneously.
She looked back at each of them and they were smiling ready to give her
strength. "I... hope you'll help us celebrate this news and offer your love and
support to our child who will grow up to be your ruler."
With her final words she turned away and the crowd cheered. She looked at Chrom
before her eyes closed and she fell back into Gaius' arms. He lifted her and
hurried to take her back to the communal bedchambers. Her hands found his
collar and clung to him as her raven curls bounced upon his chest. "Relax
Saphire... it will be okay now." Chrom was behind him and the red head lay her
upon the bed and they cleared the room to give her some space to breathe.
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