Chapter Text
Robin couldn't focus, the heavy leatherbound tome on her desk might as well have begun to collect dust. Her thoughts were restless, a whirl wind of too many notions that was powerful enough to freeze her in a state of unease. It wasn’t often she found herself like this, the looming risk of wasted time spurred her forward with a continuous momentum that seldom could be broken. Yet her quill weighed heavy in her hand, its refusal to move to the neglected ink pot made Robin want to scream out in frustration. She couldn't be seen to falter. She couldn't be seen to hesitate, she couldn't be seen to fail.
Straightening up in her seat she ignored the ache of her limbs as her eyes drifted to the window looking down into one of the many courtyards the Plegian Palace housed. Usually the courtyards were bustling with high ranking officials and Grimleal mages, weaving their paths through the gardens to attend whatever duties called to them. But today the courtyard below her was oddly empty, nothing but small desert birds populated the pathways. A gurgling fountain hypnotically cycled water through its many spouts, the soft hum had always helped lull her into a focused mindset. But now it felt as if it was mocking her. A jolt of frustration surged through her causing her to slam the tome closed, ignoring the few papers that rustled to the floor in her swift motion. She needed to step away whilst she had the chance to regroup her thoughts, lest she be seen to falter. To some it might seem like a small reprieve from the copious amounts of work she put herself through, but it made her feel
‘Weak’
The hissed whisper of the word at the back of her mind made her skin crawl. She could feel her father’s eyes searing into her, the calm look of disapproval masked the venomous words he would deliver to her on a silver platter. Even when she wasn't in his presence, he wriggled his way into her mind much to her dismay. Such was the condition of her existence. Obedience was her tactic of survival, her own desires for life held no meaning which was a lesson she learned early on in her youth. Even when bone tiring training or ritual ceremonies weren't looming over her to drain every sense of self that might remain in her stubborn mind, the brand pressed into the back of her hand would never let her escape from the fate she was shackled to. She would always be confined to the gilded birdcage of her home until she had fulfilled her duty and for any other princess or high ranking noble that was being used for political gain or favor it would seem quite normal, Robin almost wished it was that simple. However it seemed simplicity was a luxury she could never afford.
A shuffle of talons alerted her to the window sill once more as a scratchy squawk was gracefully thrown her way by the corvid now framed in the window, its inky feathers shone in the afternoon sunlight. The beady black eyes stared at her unblinkingly as if it was expecting something from the princess.
“What is it Azra? A visit but no note from your friend?” Robin mused to the bird, her eyes scanning the crow quickly to only realize it had come empty handed. Not that she was expecting anything in particular but it was unlike her retainer to send his friend empty handed. “I could have used a note about how he found a new curse to make one bleed from their ears on command or something along those gruesome lines.”
Robin wasn't a fan of the experiments Henry inflicted upon himself, it was certainly unsettling but who was she to stop him from the craft he loved. She didn't get to speak with many people besides the few people appointed to her, and so even if the contents of whatever note the crows carried to her, she appreciated it nonetheless. However the lack of any adornment on the bird certainly caused a pit to form in her gut, she had already been feeling restless all day and maybe it was her subconsciousness trying to tell her that something felt off. The more she thought about it, the more an uneasy feeling twisted beneath her skin causing her to rub her arm though the heavy sleeve of her robes in an attempt to soothe whatever was bubbling beneath the surface.
She had been alone all day.
Of course, Robin was used to isolation, all she knew of her own country was what she could see from her bedroom window, she had never seen the cities, the villages, or her own people who had been ravaged by war for decades. She wasn't even sure if they knew Plegia had a princess. Her father kept her hidden away in the shadows, he limited her movement around the castle, he decided who she was and wasn't allowed to speak to, she wouldn't be surprised if he controlled what she ate too. She almost never left his watchful eye, and where he may have faltered Aversa was always there to make sure Robin could never truly get any sort of privacy. But she had yet to hear Aversa’s cooing voice mock her from the other side of the door, or Henry’s malevolent giggling as Tharja tested another curse on him, or her fathers commanding questions.
“What could possibly be happening for peace and quiet to finally find me” She sighed heavily, shifting her shoulders to let the heavy Grimleal robes slip from where they sat, pooling at her boots as a small hum of relief sounded in her throat. She might not be able to shed her skin, but the coat would have to suffice to simulate that feeling instead. “ You know it's rude to stare, I have no idea where Henry has gone off to but im not feeding you anything, I still havent eaten myself”
The crow tilted its head at the princess as Robin picked her robes off the floor, placing it carefully on the back of the wood chair she had been confined to all day. Turning back to her retainers companion she couldn't help but let a smile twitch at her lips, if no one was coming to visit her then Azra’s company would just have to do “Oh you wouldn't believe the day I’ve had to day, you would think with all my alone time I might have been twice as productive huh. But you wont tell anyone about the unfinished script will you though” she cooed softly, reaching her unmarked hand out to press two fingers along the bird's head.
“Unfinished scripts?”
The honeyed voice that wafted over Robin’s shoulder made her blood freeze, her limbs suddenly felt heavier than iron. Foolish of her to say such things aloud, but maybe even more so to think that she was alone. Aversa’s voice never failed to send a shiver down her spine despite hearing it on the daily, it seemed so silly to feel intimidated by such a thing. But Robin knew it wasn't the voice itself that she feared, but the carrier who always seemed to find a way to make her life a little more miserable.
“Not even a Hello or Good Evening ? My, my I thought we had taught you better than that my dear” The confirmation of the dark mage’s presence made Robin drop her hand from the window, pivoting to face her mage sister.
“Good Evening Aversa” Robin bit back any snark that might have leaked into her tone “you…”
Her voice faltered as she looked over the woman standing before her. Aversa’s typical clothes had been shed for something much more lavish, long dark robes that hugged her form with impressive efficiency before splaying out to train behind her leaving little to the imagination, gauze interwoven with gold decorated the deep plunging neckline that reached her naval leaving her tattoos on display for all who let their eyes linger too long. Layers of jewelry adorned her wrists and neck, a display of wealth that was reserved for few occasions. Not even religious ritual would bring out such clothing. Robin felt her palms go sweaty as she slowly began to put the pieces together, the absence of people in the courtyards, the silence from her retainers, and now Aversa pruned for display.
“ Pick your jaw up from the floor, it's unbecoming of you to gawk” Aversa purrs, which only made Robin’s eyes snap up to glower at the mage before her.
“Forgive me for noticing your sudden change in fashion, I was unaware we were expecting diplomats, I thought the foreign envoy’s round table was a fortnight prior” Robin did her best to keep her voice steady.
“ You would be correct, oh dear did no one bother to mention the summit to you? Oh what a shame indeed” Aversa’s tone feigned pity in a way that made Robin’s cheeks burn with humiliation. “And to think you are the princess after all”
If Robin didn't know any better, she might have assumed Aversa was jealous. They weren't sisters by blood, but by this point they might as well have been. Her watchful eye over Robin and utter obedience to Validar would make it seem as such. Her magical prowess and commanding presence was enough to give her the same authority as the princess anyways, after all, one was confined to a life in the shadows and the other got to play political schemes for Plegia’s glory.
“ This one being so important as well, considering you are likely to be at the center of the discussion. Alas Master Validar wishes to keep his little bird locked away” She waved a manicured hand as her eyes drifted to the tome on the desk,a lingering stare that made Robin clench her jaw as she desperately tried to think what in the gods name could be happening. “Now what was this about not finishing your scripts?”
“ Aversa-” Robin wasn't ready to grovel for her to keep her mouth shut “My magic was still weak from the rite, you know how taxing they are. We both know if I exhausted my power without recovery it could have dire consequences”
Half truth. Half lie.
The rites were exhausting, and had previously put Robin in bedrest for days at a time. The continuous push to test her magical limits weren't in vain, the fell dragon needed a strong vessel to grasp onto both in mind and body. But her power had not been exhausted, not in the slightest, her mind had simply refused to work. If it was the work of Grima or not, she was unsure.
Aversa looked her over, as if she was weighing on if she should press Robin for the truth. Much to the princess’s relief the dark mage turned her head away from the tome, instead landing on the crow still perched at the window sill.
“ Remember what you are Reflet” The use of her common name made Robin flinch. “You are the voice of the great fell dragon, you are our most precious pawn, remember what long term purpose you serve”
Aversa’s words had an edge to them, it almost sounded like a warning but Robin couldn't possibly imagine what reason she would have for doing so. It left the uneasy feeling in her gut feeling only deeper as she watched her mage sister sweep out of the room in a billow of rich gauze and gold only leaving behind a heavy trail of jasmine perfume that made her scrunch her nose. It mixed poorly with the incense already burning in the chamber, leaving the air hazy and suffocating.
“ You are our most precious pawn “
Robin repeated the words over and over in her mind, trying to ignore the bitter taste it left in her mouth. She wondered how a God would feel about knowing his vessel was being used as a pawn. Perhaps it was all part of the plan, but it was rather dehumanizing, it was like no one could decide if she should be treated as a God amongst humans or as a puppet that was easily manipulated. It wasn't a new concept, she knew her life had never been her own but just because she accepted it didn't mean she had to like it.
Turning back to Azra, Robin reached out to resume her mindless petting only for the crow to squawk in protest, hopping from side to side.
“ What? Lost your appetite for attention already?” She cocked her head to the side, her silvery hair catching in the heavy blood orange glow of sunset that settled across the room, signaling the closing of the day. She let her eyes drift to the horizon beyond the palace walls, the vast desert that lay between her and the rest of the world, the haze of the heat still played tricks on her vision even after 21 years of never leaving. She let her mind toy with what she was seeing in the distance, allowing herself to imagine just what might be out there. Resting her forearms against the sill, leaning out into the evening air she focused her mind, feeling the dry desert wind rustle her hair with a promise of night time chill. She could hear her father chide her for reading too many tales instead of focusing on grimoires, but she swept those thoughts aside momentarily to indulge in her vision.
A procession. Horses and their riders trekking 2 by 2 through the sands, decorated breast collars and armored boots adorned the beasts in a show of synched perfection, the riders atop them rode with pride, their chins held high as they traversed the inhospitable climate. Yet despite the heat their armor hadn't been shed as mages and clerics walked between them, eyes scouting the horizon in wary curiosity. Near the middle would be 3 white horses, their breast collars a little more decorated than the others to signify the importance of their riders, surrounding them would be the green and gold banners decorated with the crest of Ylisse, the brand of the divine dragon naga woven into the design flawlessly. Then followed up by
Robin blinked. The narrative in her mind ceased the moment she processed what her eyes had told her. She shook her head quickly, rubbing her eyes to let them reset. She didn't think it would have been possible to hallucinate a procession of Ylissean knights and their royal family. Her mind must have been fried from concentration and lack of food through the day, gods forbid her mind ever conjured up such an image again.
As her eyes found the horizon once again a rush of nausea flushed through her body as she stepped back from the window, her eyes widening as her body tried to decide what to do with the adrenaline now pumping through it. Was it a spell? Perhaps some sick joke one of the palace mages had decided to play? Or perhaps a test from Aversa for lying through her teeth earlier? Panic seized Robin’s throat as she scrambled back further into her room to grab her coat. Plegia was still technically at war with Ylisse, peace negotiations had not been solidified yet from what she knew unless…
Aversa had been dressed for an important diplomatic summit. That Robin had not been granted access to.
Realization settled into her skin as she let out the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in. Hopefully this was the peace negotiation she had been praying for, to free her people from Ylisse’s ravaging tactics of conquest. Taking in a shaky breath she hurriedly threw her coat on, the heavy wool fabric grounding her in place, calming her mind momentarily. Though she had heard rumors that the new Exalt preached for peace, it could not undo the horrors of her predecessor nor the caution she would exhibit with snakes being let into her home. A twinge of curiosity sparked in the back of her mind, despite her distrust of them she couldn't help but wonder if they felt the same. Hoping to end a war that achieved nothing, it was no secret the late Exalt had bled his lands dry to continue the campaign, just as innocent Plegain citizens were slaughtered, so were Ylisseans, all of them nothing more than bodies to attempt to achieve a pointless crusade. For the common folk she felt pity, however it was more than clear that these were not the common folk.
Robin inched closer to the window, knowing it would be unwise for her to be seen, but the gnawing curiosity was an itch she knew could be scratched. When would she get a chance like this ever again?
The knights moved swiftly, in just her short time buried back in her chambers they had gained enough ground to be at the palace gates, the snort of horses and low murmur of conversation filled the air as the gates receded, opening the sacred ground to the blood of Naga. Robin’s fingers gripped the window sill as a jolt of pain seared through her head, an angry whisper hissing in disapproval at the sight she was witnessing.
‘Filth… upon… my remains’
Robin scrunched her face as the pain subsided, her eyes refocusing on all the different people riding through the gates. Some kept their gaze forward and focused, clearly tense with caution and ready to guard their precious Exalt at any given moment. Others let their eyes wander in curiosity, taking in the grandeur of the palace and people before them as their horses slowed to a walk. The Exalt, held her head high, a cascade of pale blonde curls tumbling over her shoulders that framed her pale face perfectly. The soft green of her robes stood out amongst the others around her yet it gave her a gentle look, she didn't have a commanding presence that Robin would expect from an Exalt, instead she was regal, defined, almost soft. A beacon of gentle hope for her people to look for instead of an iron fist of command. On her right was a significantly younger girl, no older than 18 if Robin was being generous, but perhaps it was the pigtails and pastel yellow dress that gave her a childish look. Her wide eyes were focused on the opposite courtyard that was just out of sight for the Plegian princess, but she could only imagine what the other girl was staring at. Wyvern riders perhaps? Or maybe she was simply enthralled by the palace gardens, the flora was likely much different to what she was used to in Ylisse. The clerics staff sheathed on her back was enough for Robin to deduct the medicinal gardens would certainly have a very blonde visitor within the next few days. To the Exalt's left was a man who she could only assume was around her age, he held his head high with a pride that his sister did not carry. His rich blue tunic broke the trend of soft pastels from his sister’s, chromatic silver detailing seemed more militaristic than royal and along with the deep cobalt color of his hair Robin could have been convinced he wasn't even related to the Exalt.
If it wasn't for the brand of the divine dragon pressed into his right shoulder.
Just looking at it made her own brand burn in protest, as if the very idea of being exposed to the bloodline of Naga upset the slumbering god that resided somewhere within her soul. Robin was quick to advert her gaze away from the symbol, instead falling to something that likely wasn't much better.
Falchion.
A fearsome blade that could only be wielded by the bloodline of Naga, the sword that had first put the fell dragon to sleep nearly 1,000 years ago. Robin had read about the blade more times than she would like to think back on, being struck down by the blade that never dulls was a fear that always lived somewhere in the back of her mind. It visited her dreams frequently, buried within her heart by an unseen shadow pleading for her forgiveness. The pain in that voice haunted her more than she would have liked to admit. Even with the sword burning through her skin she would try to reach out, the pull she felt towards the sobs of despair in the black void was unexplainable yet some instinct drove her forward to a resolution she would never reach.
Despite it hanging sheathed at the prince’s side, she felt unsettled by its presence. A likely reason why he brought it, a quiet threat that it would claim more Plegian blood if they took one step in the wrong direction. Rather disrespectful if you asked her, but this wasn't her summit, nor her peace meeting. If her father allowed it, he wasn't threatened by it and neither should she for that matter, her thoron tome would make quick work of the prince before he would even have a chance to draw the blade against her.
Drawing her gaze away from the blade Robin leaned forward ever so slightly, trying to get a better look at all their faces only to be met with a pair of deep blue eyes staring back at her. His gaze bore into her with a look of half determination, half curiosity, the light of sunset almost made it look like she was staring into a gold encrusted lapis jewel being presented to her as an offering.
Oh Gods.
He saw her.
Robin quickly ducked back into her chambers, her heart beating heavily against her breast as she stumbled further away from the window. No one was supposed to see her, especially not someone like him. She had taken a gamble and most certainly lost, all she could hope was that he was stupid enough to simply assume she was a palace mage, her robes certainly gave that impression. Placing her hand to her collarbone she took in a deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs slowly to try and calm her racing heart.
“It's okay, they don't know you exist” Her own words did little to comfort her, a feeble attempt to excuse her own foolish behavior. Even if there were rumors of a Plegian princess, surely they would believe Aversa’s overbearing presence fit that role, not someone peeking through a third story window.
She flexed her hand, closing her eyes for a moment only to curse as the blue eyes flashed before her vision.
“This better not become a habit” Robin muttered to herself, the adrenaline spikes of the past ten minutes were restless in her body, leaving her with the uncomfortable feeling of energy coursing swiftly through her veins. Her eyes found the tome upon her desk, untouched since the morning.
Another try wouldn't hurt.