Chrom
3 Months Later...

"I can't believe you're 13!" Sully scoffed. "It feels like just yesterday, we were little kids running around without a care in the world!"

I rolled my eyes. "You're no older than me, Sully."

Sumia giggled. "Still, the flow of time is indeed a strange one." Her ability to talk to us and weave a flower crown at the same time amazed me.

"Yeah, we're all almost teenagers!" Cordelia added, tucking her hair behind her ear. She did that a lot, I noticed. Especially when I was around.

We were all given the day off from training for my birthday. The celebration was not until tomorrow, but our trainers decided that we needed a few days of rest.

"Hey, Cordelia, don't you play the harp?" Sully asked. Ever since she cut her hair, she kept it short. She even opted to cut it herself. The short bob stayed out of her eyes for the most part, but it occasionally had to be held back with a headband.

The Pegasus Knight trainee flushed slightly. "A-a little, yes."

"You should play at Chrom's party! I'm sure it'll be awesome!"

Before anyone could say anything encouraging, she stopped them immediately. "N-NO!" She cleared her throat, regaining composure. "I mean, I'm not that good at it. I only just started learning..."

Sumia plopped a flower crown on her friend's head. "I think you're great!"

I smiled at her. "There's no pressure, Cordelia. If you're not ready, you're not ready," I said. "But I would love to hear your playing. Maybe some other time?"

She turned a deep shade of crimson. "O-of course, my prince! Whatever you'd like!" She fidgeted with her crown. "B-besides, isn't there going to be someone else performing?"

I nodded. "Yeah, someone from Fleuria. In fact, it was his family that asked us for the invitation," I shrugged. "We don't know much, but apparently he's from some dukedom called Rosanne. They wouldn't explain much more in their letter."

"Oh! My father told me of him!" Sumia exclaimed. "He's apparently an amazing concert pianist."

Sully snickered. "I know who you're talking about." The smirk on her face told us that she knew quite a lot. "I'll let you get to know him yourself, he's quite the character. My house has been friends with his for many generations."

Cordelia cocked her head to the side. "Really? That's interesting."

"Yeah, they wanted us to marry."

"WHAT?!" We all screamed.

Sully looked at us as nonchalantly as ever. "It never went through, obviously, but it was debated for quite a while," she said. "He's a good kid. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like him, but there's no way in hell I'm ever going to be forced into a marriage with him."

"Why I've never heard of this until now, I'll never know," I sighed. "I'm really curious to meet him, now."

Sumia nodded. "Me, too."

"I as well," Cordelia agreed.

Sully rolled her eyes. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow, then."

...

"Everyone, please welcome Lord Virion de Fantaisie III of House Virion to the stage."

Polite applause filled the ballroom. I looked down and met eyes with Sully. She gave me a knowing nod.

Sighing, I leaned further back into my chair. I hate these events. And my suit is itchy! The only thing I had to look forward to was meeting this Virion kid!

Emmeryn tapped my back. "Sit up straight, Chrom," she whispered.

I let out a soft groan and did as she said. I am sitting straight! Just further in the chair, that's all!

A young man, no older than 15 or 16, waltzed onto the stage. He had long, light blue hair and a long face. His suit was almost the same shade of blue as his hair and was covered in ruffles. As he stepped up the piano, he gave a bow, winking to the audience.

Then, he began.

A dark melody filled the entire room. Other than the song of the piano, no noise could be heard. It soon picked up into something more cheery, but still had that dark undertone. Everyone was mesmerized. Time seemed to drag on forever. The only thing in existence was Virion and the piano.

The daze ended when he stopped playing.

It took a few moments for everyone to come back into the world of the living. Not before long, more applause erupted in the quiet space.

"Wow... That was really cool!" Lissa gushed, swinging her legs back and forth.

I nodded. "Yeah...it was."

...

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Sully grabbed my arm and dragged me through the crowd of people. 

"Um, yeah, I've been dealing with party guests!" I complained, allowing myself to be pulled along. Secretly, I was glad to be away from all of the stuffy nobles.

She finally stopped when we reached Virion. "Chrom, I'd like to introduce you to Virion. Virion, this is Prince Chrom."

The blue-haired pianist bowed. "Bonjour. Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer."

"Moi aussi. Merci d'avoir joule du piano."

Virion chuckled. "Ah, so you speak Fleurien?"

I nodded. "Yes. I've been speaking it for eight years."

"Well, you're very welcome," he winked. "It was a pleasure to come to your kingdom. It truly is marvelous."

"Thank you. I would love to see Fluria for myself, someday."

"Ah, I look forward to that day, Sir Chrom. My country and land is quite the sight."

Sully patted me on the shoulder. "I'll leave you two to get acquainted. I'm going to find Sumia." With that, she went to find our friend.

Virion hummed. "Sully is quite the interesting creature," His eyes followed her.

I looked with him. "She sure is," I replied, crossing my arms. "You looking to marry her someday?"

His head didn't move. "...Perhaps. But to our own decision. My head will be on a plater if such an affair is forced," he sighed. "But, we are still young and there are plenty of lovely people in this world. Romance can bud anywhere and with anyone."

"...I see what she meant," I chuckled to myself. "You're quite the poetic, I see."

"Only in matters of love, young prince," he smiled. "You'll understand, someday."

I shuddered. "I doubt it."

All of this talk of marriage makes me despise it even more. I have no interest in romance or getting married. The only worries I have are keeping my kingdom and sisters safe. Nothing else.

*****

Here's Virion and romance will hit you in the face like a brick, Chrom. I'm not a very happy potato right now. It's not even 6 AM and yet I have to wake up. I don't like school. Wish me luck on my first day. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!

Once again, thanks to xInSainex for being my French translator. Love you. ❤