Change of Pace

(A/N: Wow this story has really taken off and it's been awhile huh? I wanted to say sorry for taking so long to update I had a lot going on (overused excuse that you're all sick of I know) but hopefully this chapter will make it up)

Robin soon found himself back at his temporary quarters where Chrom and Frederick were waiting.

"Where have you been?" Chrom asked his friend.

"Ah, just getting some air today has been rather draining." Robin said.

"Agreed let's try and get some sleep and tomorrow we'll try to salvage this mess." Chrom said.

"Uh Chrom I need to tell you something first." Robin said nervously.

"Yes?" Chrom asked.

Robin wanted to tell him then and there that he went behind his back and gave himself up to Queen Tharja to save himself from a future headache but….

"Actually I'll let you know in the morning." Robin said.

"Better to tell everyone at once." Robin rationalized but deep down he was calling himself a coward.

"Well okay then goodnight Robin." Chrom said before lying down on his pre-prepared bed for the night. Robin did the same the only difference being it took much longer for Robin to fall asleep.

What seemed like only seconds Robin was awoken by the sound of someone knocking on the room's door. Robin sat up seeing that Chrom and Frederick were also awake due to the knocking. Robin decided to be the one to answer after putting on his trademark purple coat. Opening the door Robin was greeted to one of the palaces servants.

"Your grace her majesty has summoned you and the Ylissean royals to join her for breakfast in the dining hall." The servant said.

"We'll be there shortly." Robin replied still half asleep.

"Yes your majesty." The servant said before departing.

Robin closed the door and walked back into the room and informed Chrom and Frederick of the planned feast. As the trio of Shepherds were preparing themselves Robin stopped dead in his tracks as he realized just what the servant said to him. Not the part about breakfast but what he used to refer to Robin 'Your grace' 'Your majesty' how he specified YLISSEAN royals. It dawned on Robin.

"He's already referring to me as his king!" Robin internally screamed.

A million questions were running through Robin's head. How did he know about his agreement to Tharja so quickly? Who else knew? Did Tharja make an official proclamation while he slept? Was is too late to back out?

No.

Robin pushed that last thought out of his head. He needed to do this. Not just for Chrom and Lissa but for the greater good of Ylisse. However that didn't stop him from feeling any more nervous about the whole ordeal.

"Are you feeling alright Robin?" Chrom asked his friend with a concerned look.

"Yes Chrom just a little nervous is all." Robin replied technically not lying.

"I understand what you men don't worry we won't let Tharja take you from us I promise." Chrom said with conviction full in his voice.

"Well actually Chrom you see, the thing is I-"Before Robin finished Frederick interrupted the two saying that they shouldn't keep the Queen waiting.

The trio soon made their way to the castle's dining hall where Lissa and Emmeryn were already sitting at the large table in the center of the room.

The group was joined by a servant in a cook's uniform.

"Excuse me your Excellency the chef wishes to know if there's any special dish you'd like him to prepare." The cook asked while bowing.

"That won't be necessary thank you." Emmeryn said with a soft smile.

"Beg your pardon exalt but I was referring to King Robin." The cook said still bowing.

All eyes turned to Robin who was visibly nervous.

"I'll just have the same as everyone else thank you." Robin said.

"You are ever so humble my lord." The cook said with a final bow before departing leaving four of the rooms' inhabitants in befuddlement.

"Why did he just call you king?" Lissa asked Robin.

"Well last night I-"Before Robin could explain he was once again interrupted. Robin would have laughed if it wasn't making his situation worse. However instead of Frederick interrupting Robin this time it was his future wife coming through guards in tow the doors dressed in the same garments as yesterday's negotiations however Robin couldn't get the image of her from last night's 'negotiations' out of his head.

"Good day Ylissean council I apologize but my own council will be unable to join us today." Tharja said notably and surprisingly in a chipper mood. And her mood only increased when her eyes landed on Robin.

"And an especially good morning to you my beloved." Tharja said as she sat down and almost instantaneously trays of food carried by servants entered the room and placed in front of each of the Ylissean council and the queen. The food varied from Plegian exclusive fruits to meat seasoned with Plegian spices. To Robin the food tasted oddly familiar. Before he could continue his strange nostalgic feeling Tharja spoke up.

"Exalt Emmeryn now that our dealing has been completed we can begin proper proceedings I have every intention of keeping my end of the deal, my captain of law enforcement is ready to take descriptions of those who've attacked your settlements to put out the bounties at your convenience." Tharja said. The royal family frowned at this.

"Queen Tharja I'm sorry to disappoint but I'm afraid that you're assuming that we decided to accept the deal offered, however we've decided to decline. While Robin's heritage is Plegian he is still considered one of my citizens and I can't and won't trade him away." Emmeryn said causing Tharja to frown.

"I find that very contradictory your eminence." Tharja said.

"What do you mean?" Chrom asked.

"My beloved Sir Robin came to me last night and personally accepted my offer." Tharja said causing everybody at the table besides herself and Robin to look at the tactician wide eyed and mouths agape.

"Robin what did you do?" Chrom asked in disbelief and horror.

"Tharja could you please give us a minute in private?" Robin asked.

Tharja looked conflicted but ultimately gave Robin a nod before exiting with her guards following in tow. The room was then filled with silence.

"So." Robin began.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" Lissa yelled.

"I was thinking I'd help you all." Robin said.

"Robin you don't have to do this we'll find another way to get that deal we can-" Chrom was about to say more until Robin cut him off.

"Chrom please, you have given me so much a home, friends, a purpose. If I can help Ylissie find peace I will help you. You're my best friend." Robin said.

"Robin I-I don't know what to say." Chrom said.

Robin gave a soft simile and put a hand on the royals shoulder.

"You don't need to say anything Chrom." Robin said.

"Robin this is a great service you are doing for Ylissie, words cannot express my gratitude." Emmeryn said

"Think nothing of it your grace it's the least I can do." Robin said as his eyes landed on Lissa whom had tears forming in her eyes.

"*sniff* B-but I had so many more pranks I wanted to pull on you." The princess said pleading to her friend as the tears fell.

Emmeryn pulled the weeping royal into a hug.

"Well I suppose we should let the rest know about this, we were scheduled to leave today, they'll probably wonder why their tactician isn't joining them." Chrom said.

(A/N: Sorry for the short chapter but I wanted to get this part out as soon as I could and now I'm on Summer break hopefully I can get the next chapter out sooner sorry again for the wait see you all next time)