Chapter Text
The Ylisse Harvest Ball, a grand banquet with complete orchestra, ballroom dancing, and grand feasts celebrating the bountiful harvest and recent years of peace. The Shepherds took solace and enjoyment in the festivities Emmeryn had brought to the palace.
However, evil could be lurking behind every corner and one ever-wary knight was never off duty. While Frederick had shedded his armor for a finer regalia befitting the ball, his keen brown eyes continually scanned the dance hall taking in dignitaries and Shepherds. Ever watchful for someone with malicious intent.
A mop of blue hair caught Frederick’s eye. Chrom had been dancing with Sumia, or at least attempting to, as Sumia seemed to step on his feet every few steps. Congenial as ever, Chrom took it in stride for his lord had such a good heart.
As if the Prince overheard Fredrick’s thoughts, Chrom was suddenly striding towards the knight. His Lord's blue eyes were alighted with an agenda. “Come Frederick, I must have you dance!'” The Prince declared once he halted in front of the knight with a bright smile. “Everyone is and I hate seeing standing there in that stupid manner.”
“I certainly shall not, my lord. I must continue monitoring the situation to keep you and your sister safe. It would be insupportable to shirk from my duties,” Frederick proclaimed as he tucked his hands behind his back.
“By Naga’s grace, you are fastidious enough for the entirety of Ylisse,” Chrom sighed, half annoyed yet understanding.
“But, upon my honor, for one night, just enjoy the festivities. I highly doubt Plegian Assassins plan to crash a party with the entire crew of the Shepherds present,” Chrom teased. “Hey, how about you accompany Robin!” Chrom suggested as he looked about for their new tactician, though she seemed nowhere in sight. “This will be all new to her. Maybe you could ask her to dance?”
Part of his lord's statement was true, since they had found Robin sprawled in the field, Frederick has kept within close distance to her, but it was to ensure his Lord’s and Lady’s safety, lest Robin reveal herself an enemy, feigning amnesia in order to situate herself in the inner circle of the Shepherds. As such Frederick had paired himself with the Tactician for most battles, which now appeared to give off an air of partnership...and while Robin had not made any attempts upon Chrom’s and Lissa’s lives, if anything actually extended it from a couple of close calls. However, Robin was still unknown, probably not dangerous, but what else could explain her prowess for uncannily astute observation and tactics?
“Uh, Frederick ?” Chrom questioned with a slightly concerned expression for the Knight seemed deep in thought before the Prince’s voice snapped the man out of his speculations.
“She is tolerable to a degree; but not handsome enough to tempt me to dance,” Frederick remarked, not realizing that he was being overheard. “Chrom, I am in no humor to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to Sumia and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
Chrom smiled, a bit sadly, as he shook his blue haired head and returned to the dance floor where Sumia eagerly rejoined him.
Suddenly, a figure strode by the Knight and Frederick had to blink twice...taken aback to discover that it was Robin. The tactician, who always wore an oversized cloak and her snow white hair drawn up in a ponytail, looked completely transformed. Her pale hair seemed to shimmer as it cascaded down her shoulders. The long flowing gown she wore was of soft opalescent pink, purple, and grey, with a v-line cut. The tactician’s head was held high as she made her way to Cordelia, who greeted her with joy.
Frederick tore his gaze away from the young woman, reminding himself to continue to check the perimeter for suspicious individuals. Chrom’s and Lissa’s safety was his utmost priority. Yet the Knight continued to catch himself staring at Robin, not realizing how he took in her smile as if it were fine wine.
From across the room Frederick watched Robin dance with Virion then Stahl. And afterwards seemed to enjoy Gaius's company, of all people. Her expression changed from patient grace, gentle chuckles, to a sweet smile that burst into laughter at whatever Gaius had remarked.
It was at that moment Frederick realized a sensation of loneliness amongst a ballroom full of people. He couldn't dare to ask her to dance now after his statement to Chrom. And so the Knight was sentenced to watch the Tactician enjoy the festivities from afar.
...All the while trying to make sense of this new sensation stirring in his chest...