Outnumbered Marth X Reader Part 2

       Not yet ready to take on the large mass of people in the royal dining room, you stealthily poked your head in the doorway and gawked at what you saw. In your amazement, you didn't realize  you'd begun voicing your thoughts aloud. “Is it normal for so many people to show up for a simple dinner party? I don't think I've ever seen so many important people all stuffed together in one place before.”

Marth appeared behind you and placed his hand on your shoulder, startling you slightly as he did so. “No, you're quite right. This is a bit more over the top than usual.” He stepped out from behind you and readied to greet his guests. “Today is however, a very special day as you'll soon find out.” After smiling an almost mischievous smile at you, he walked into dining room and quickly began to socialize with the group.

Your entire body became stiff and unwilling to move at his words. Though you were desperate to know what he was talking about, you couldn't just waltz back up to him and ask. All you could do was quietly take your seat and hope the secret he held wasn't directed towards you. As you did so, you sighed and began thinking aloud once again. “Please don't be a surprise, I hate surprises.” So entranced in your own thoughts, you didn't even notice when the other guests took their seats. It wasn't until a large plate filled with a large array of steaming food was placed in front of you did you regain an awareness of what was happening around you.

“It looks like everyone's here.” Marth who was sitting at the end of the table, only about three people away from you stood. “Thank you all so very much for coming today, your presence is greatly appreciated. As most of you already know, I will be making a very important announcement today.” Though it may have been nothing more than your imagination, you swore he was looking straight at you. “Today I will be naming my new military captain.” A refined, yet very excited smile spread across his face. “There is one, who has stood beside me in battle even when not called upon. A person who has guided me through to victory, time and time again.” Marth was standing behind your chair now, his hands on your shoulders. “I'm sure you've figured it out by now.” He gave your shoulders a slight squeeze. “Do you accept my offer?”

Always one that preferred being behind the scenes, the complete and total attention you were receiving  from so many made it hard for you to speak. Your voice came out as little more than a strained whisper. “Of course I do my Lord. It would be an honor.”

“Don't let her quiet demeanor fool you, she's a completely different person on the battlefield.” Sensing your embarrassment Marth sent you a gentle smile and offered up a toast in your name. After which he quickly turned everyone attention to someone else, taking you out of the spotlight.

You were extremely thankful when the party finally came to an end and the congratulations on your success finally stopped. Though a few of the guests still remained, you excused yourself, retreating to the garden for a bit of air. Sitting down, you let out a very relieved sigh. “I really have to get over my social anxiety.”

“That would be a good goal to set for yourself.” Once again, Marth appeared out of nowhere, sitting next to you on the small, stone garden bench. “Had I known it would cause you such stress, I would have asked you to be my captain in private.” He sighed. “I only chose to make a public display of the event due to the circulating rumors. I apologize for my vanity. ”

“Rumors?” You winced. “What is it this time?” In the past few months, rumor after rumor had been popping up. Most of which were just plain ridiculous. Still, many people believed them, making them a very real problem.

“In all honesty, I'd rather not repeat them. Only know that this one in particular puts both of our reputations on the line.” Marth looked at you with a worried look on his face. “I do hope that fact doesn't make you change your mind. You are more than qualified for the job, and I would trust my troops to none other.”

“Of course it doesn't. If I were to suddenly stop working for you, it would no doubt make those rumors, whatever they may be, seem true.” Gently placing your hand on his, you gave him a reassuring smile. “Besides, no amount of gossip or falsehoods could make me leave your side. I have told you this before you know. You're stuck with me, like it or not.”

“That is quite honestly wonderful to hear you say.” He gave your hand a pat and prepared to stand. “Now, I had best see the last of my guests off, less more stories come to light.” He somewhat reluctantly left your side and disappeared inside the castle walls.

Though you sat alone in the garden for quite a long time, your nerves had yet to calm down completely. You would have loved to stay longer, but the impending darkness made you think it best for you to return inside. Not even a half dozen steps inside the building, and you heard the snickering and laughter of the departing guests. Hoping to discover the cause of this, you stayed hidden behind the corner. It didn't take long at all for you to get the information you wanted. It seemed that the latest gossip was that you and Marth were lovers. Though that rumor  had undoubtedly been told before, you couldn't remember it ever reaching the ears of other nobles. “This, is much worse than I'd imagined it was.” You quickly snuck away from your hiding place in search of Marth, something had to be done about this.

“There you are, I've been looking all over for you.” Marth grabbed your hand, pulling you into the darkness. “Things have already gotten out of control, and it did so in less than one evening.” You'd never seen Marth so flustered and worried before. “We have to do something about this, before it gets anymore out of hand than it already is.”

“Lord Marth please,  just calm down. Your actions are making things look even more suspicious. This will pass if we don't give it the attention it demands.” You tried to shake your hand free of his only to have him pull you in closer.  

“We can't just ignore this. We need to be proactive. What if this were to spread to the villagers?” His eyes had grown large and round, his grip tightening with every word he spoke.

“Why is this upsetting you so much? There will be plenty of times in your rein where you need to worry. This however, is not one of those times. If you focus on every little problem that pops up, you'll stress yourself to no end and completely miss what's important.” Giving him a stern look, you managed to free yourself of his grip. “Honestly Marth, after everything you've encountered, I'm amazed that something so insignificant could make you worry so  much.”

A look of shock appeared on his face, followed by obvious embarrassment. “You're right. I don't know what came over me.”

“Exactly.” You gave him a wide, happy smile. “Now, stop your fretting. I am after all your captain, and if you can't trust me, who can you trust?” Nudging his side gently with your elbow you gave him a teasing wink.

“Again, you are very, very right.” He furrowed his brows together and sighed. “I have this niggling feeling that you'll be guiding more than just my army in the future. You've been an invaluable companion in the years past, and I trust I will only grow to lean on you more in the years to come.” Marth grinned weakly. “Now, let's get out of this corner, people are beginning to stare.”