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Leaves blew in the gentle breeze as the setting sun’s rays shimmered against them. The tall grass brushed ever so softly along Lucina’s boots, causing the princess to lose her focus for the smallest moment before her grip on Falchion tightened. Tears sprung in her eyes, but her stance was steady as she glared at the person in front of her.
“Lucina, wait.”
Ignoring the silent plea for reason hidden within those words, Lucina stiffened her lip as she felt herself beginning to tremble, “If my father is right, then we can change our fates. If this dark future is to be averted, sacrifices must be made.” The princess then scrunched her eyes tight as she took one step forward.
“I am sorry, Robin!” Lucina cried, but refused to let her tears fall, “I know this is murder, I… I know that…”
Seeing the other struggling to keep her resolve, Robin gently held up his hands, “Lucina, you don’t have to—.”
Shaking her head, the princess placed both her hands around Falchion’s hilt, trying to ground herself, “Don’t make it harder! Don’t resist, and your death will be swift and painless. If you hold any love for Chrom, then let this be done…”
Hazel eyes were filled with anguish as Robin stared at Lucina. His heart ached at seeing the pain in her eyes. The pain that has been sitting within them ever since they first met. The pain over losing her father, her homeland, her allies… And, through their love for one another, he had noticed that pain beginning to dwindle.
But, at the newfound realization of Robin being at Validar’s mercy, the pain had suddenly returned to those beautiful blue eyes. More so than before. He saw Lucina’s trust in him beginning to crumble the longer she looked at him. And, Robin couldn’t stand it. He loved Lucina with everything he had, and he wanted, more than anything, to take that pain away. To see her smile. A real smile. Not one that was forced, nor hiding any underlying grief. A true smile that shined with happiness and was brighter than the sun.
Taking in a deep breath, Robin knew what he had to do.
Quietly, he took his own step forward as he allowed the tip of Falchion to press into his chest.
“Very well. My life is yours… It always has been,” he spoke softly as he gave the younger woman a gentle smile, one filled with all the love he held for her.
Lucina whimpered at such a look, feeling herself beginning to break, “D-Don’t look at me like that! I love you! …Do you have any idea how hard this is for me?”
Robin only continued smiling at her, his own eyes beginning to water, “I would give my life for Chrom. …And for you.”
Gulping thickly, the princess was silent as a lone tear slid down her cheek.
“Just…promise me you’ll find someone else who cares for you. Promise you won’t be alone…,” Robin continued, sincerity in his eyes, “I want you to be happy, Lucina. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
At that, Lucina’s grip on her sword began to loosen, her hands shaking, “N-No… Ah gods, no…”
Eyes soft and full of never-ending love for the woman in front of him, Robin pressed himself more into her sword, not even wincing as he felt the blade grazing his skin.
“…I’m ready now. Do what you must.”
Frightened blue eyes continued staring into his own, tears spilling from them as Lucina glanced in between her sword and the man she loved. The man that gave her more than mere glimpses of happiness. His entirety as a person, ally, friend, and lover was a comfort the princess never thought she’d feel. Something she yearned for. He was a hope in the dark future she had left behind.
And, yet…her mission was clear.
A sudden cry rang out as Falchion was driven into Robin’s chest.
Immediately, Lucina released the sword as a broken sob ripped from her own chest. She watched as the other’s limp body fell to the ground. And, regret hit her instantly. Guilt bore into her very core, causing Lucina to fall onto her knees. Her blue eyes never looked away from Robin’s still face as his smile continued to linger, even after death.
“ROBIN!”
…
Gasping loudly, Lucina shot up in bed. The pounding of her heart rang in her ears as the visual of Robin laying on the ground in front of her still remained within her mind. Chest heaving with the force of her adrenaline, Lucina quickly reached for the space beside her.
Her breath hitched when her hands felt nothing but empty sheets.
She was alone.
“N-No… I… I didn’t… Oh, Gods…,” Lucina whimpered out in horror as she glanced around the dark room. She truly was alone. No one else was in here. However, upon noticing the familiar gold glint of Falchion resting against the wall, the princess lurched from her bed as she ran over to her father’s sword. A possession that brought her comfort throughout her childhood, and even now. She grasped it tightly, tears falling freely from her eyes as she slowly fell to the floor, heartbroken.
“Oh, Robin… I… Wh-Wherever you are…please… I-I hope you can forgive me…,” Lucina whispered ever so softly as she held Falchion against her chest.
“…Forgive you for what?”
Stilling, Lucina blinked rapidly before slowly turning her head, her watery blue eyes glistening in the dim candlelight that was shining from the bedroom doorway. Which was accompanied by a mess of white hair and tired hazel eyes.
“R-Robin…?” The princess choked out. Then, with the extra light, Lucina glanced around the room again. What she couldn’t make out before in the dark, she could clearly see now. Not too far from the bed she had been laying in, there was a desk completely covered in books and paperwork. And, resting atop the chair was none other than Robin’s signature coat.
Concerned, the tactician quietly entered the room before gently setting his candle onto their nightstand. He then slowly approached Lucina, his eyes now worried as he took in her state, “Love… Are you alright? You had been asleep not five minutes ago…”
Sniffling softly, Lucina still clutched Falchion as she felt Robin take a seat behind her as his arms came over her chest, his legs on either side of her.
“A-Asleep…?” Came a hushed voice.
The silver-haired strategist nodded as he gently pulled back some hair from Lucina’s eyes, “Yes… I had decided to continue my reading in the living room since you had fallen asleep, and I didn’t wish to disturb you. But…you must have had a nightmare while I was gone…”
Lucina was silent as her watery gaze shifted to the arms wrapped over her chest. Hesitantly, she raised a hand to glide it over Robin’s own. Her trembling fingers brushed along the bare skin that once held the mark of Grima before the princess finally met her husband’s concerned gaze.
“I-It… It was just a…a dream…? I… I didn’t… Y-You’re alive…”
Frowning, Robin tenderly held a hand to her cheek as he brushed his thumb across it, “Yes, my love… I’m right here, Lucina. Everything’s alright...”
With a soft hiccup, the princess shifted her hand to bring it over the one holding her face. Her grip on Falchion didn’t loosen, and neither did her hold on Robin. His arms tightened around her as he guided Lucina’s fingers to intertwine with his own. He then pressed a soothing kiss into her hair, feeling his wife’s trembling slowly beginning to settle as she allowed herself to lean into his chest.
Lucina breathed in deeply as she felt Robin’s heartbeat against her back. He was alive. Falchion had not been impaled into his chest as she had feared. She spared his life. Her nightmare was simply that. Just a nightmare. One of the many countless ones she’s had throughout her lifetime.
But, she was grateful for it to be one of the few that wasn’t a memory.
