The Queen and The Princess of the Empire

The Englishman gave a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he gave his wife an apologetic look, “If I could talk the baby into eating anything else but bacon I would love.” He sighed, reaching over to grasp his wife’s hand, “I’d go as far as being the pregnant one.” He grinned, his joking tone holding sincerity. 

Brandon looked up from the food-filled plate he’d been slowly eating bits of to stare at his parents’ exchange of words. He found it amusing and rather endearing, it reminded him a bit of how he and Isabella had once been when discussing having kids. A deep ache echoed in his chest and he had to clear his throat to speak up, “Hey mom, can I see your wrist real quick?” he asked casually, aware this was the first time he’d ever acknowledged Clary as his mother. 

Not waiting for her reply he stood up and gently picked up her hand from across the table and delicately begun to trace an invisible mark on her wrist, “It might feel warm at first, but it won’t sting like the Shadowhunter runes tend to” The angel mused as the mark came up a scarlet color at first and slowly turned gold before dulling over into a black rune that didn’t look like that of a Shadowhunter, but more like those that an angel would have fleeting under their skin at all times for protection. It was a completely different language and even form of application. “It’s a maternity satiation rune.” Brandon informed, “It’s not permanent, but it will allow you to eat what you’d like and allow the baby to feel satisfied with what it’s given.” He continued, sitting back down, “the rune will slowly move towards your heart and eventually fade as its power dies out.” 

“It’s not much, but it might help you feel a little less sick when it comes to food.” He beamed over at Clary as Klysm stared at him with a hint of awe and what seemed like fear for a split moment. 

“As usual, you have a keen eye for detail, love.” He affirmed as he pulled out her chair for her to sit in, “It would be rude of me to never wear the clothes you get me.” He mused, “Besides, it makes the color of my eyes stand out, can’t you tell.” Klysm joked with a roll of his eyes as he recalled Natanaele being at their anniversary party with the rest of their family and having made the comment about the color of the sweater suiting him. 

The Italian wasn’t wrong, it complimented him very well, however, the Englishman rarely had the opportunity to don such attire at work, he practically lived in his suits and they had created an aura about him that garnered him respect and fear. After all, a man that never seems to relax for a moment is a man worth reckoning. 

“Have Kalissa and Natanaele arrived yet?” He looked towards Brandon who he could count on to always know where anyone and everyone was. 

Without missing a beat Brandon shook his head as he found his seat from across where his mother was sitting down, “They’re just now getting ready to leave the house.” He said in a rather omnipotent manner as if seeing them in that very moment. “I’ll tell Natanaele we’re waiting for him.” he smiled brightly as he dug into his waffle, aware of how much he’d missed the taste of them while staying at Elysium. 

Clary took her seat and began picking at bits and pieces of what had been assembled. Settling on about nine strips of bacon, turned out that this child had a taste for bacon. Considering it was all she seemed to eat anymore, especially when left to her own devices.  Her attention turned to Klysm, a soft sigh leaving her lips, “This child is going to drive me nuts before they’re born.”She groaned, “I don’t remember the last time I’ve eaten something that wasn’t bacon of my own free will.”

With a low chuckle, the black haired male made his way to the bathroom and took a moment to look at the toothbrush and toothpaste. He still recalled the times when he needed to have a morning and night routine for the sake of hygiene, now the mere thought of them seemed trivial. However, he reached for the objects and began the process of brushing his teeth, used to the familiar feel of the brush bristles against his teeth, and somehow feeling weird about his actions. 

He’d promised to appear as human as possible to Kal and others. Brandon had promised to do the same, but they both had found it difficult to manage. After all, human months were only days if not seconds compared to their timekeeping. 

Through a mouthful of toothpaste, he shouted, “Yerf mof anf dad er waifin for fus! Sof’s is Bramfon.” he tried saying, aware that his words were muffled and slightly incoherent. However, Kal’s mother and father were waiting for them and he could feel Brandon’s essence entering their space, watching them. 

It’s rude to use the Sight to peer into my private life Sion… The pale male called out in his mind, knowing his brother was around, There are rules for this. He continued, not really upset, but neither content about his invasion of privacy. Especially with his girlfriend. Without much thought, he placed a conjured a veil around the house to prevent Brandon from peering in without warning. 

I apologize brother, but my father wanted to know how you guys were doing. The children are getting ready to open presents, It feels wrong to do it without you two here, so we’ll wait. 

Were the last words he heard from his brother and he shook his head with a soft smile, the Hale family was truly something. “Babe, I’m pretty sure the gremlins won’t open their presents without us around, we can’t be late.” He replied to Kal’s still sleep filled voice. 

The beauty of being who he was now is the fact that he required very little sleep every few human years.

Natanaele gave a snicker, “I rather not upset anyone during the holidays.” Although he’d come to learn Christmas held very little significance to Luminary or his son, he knew the human realm didn’t know or believe the birth of Christ was actually in the spring and not winter. 

Nonetheless, he wanted Kal to be around her family and friends, “Come on, your dad already hates me and your brother could pop in any second or send a hellhound to our home.” He was only slightly joking about that last bit, but still, even though Brandon was dubbed as The Healer he could be terrifying when angry or annoyed. And that’s saying a lot considering his own track record. 

“Let’s get dressed, we can stop by your favorite coffee store and get something to wake us up.” He mused, placing a soft kiss on her forehead as he pulled her into a brief hug before getting up to get dressed for the day.

Brandon had long ago ceased to believe his step-family were the bane of his existence. He hadn’t felt that way since the Trials had taken place, and with a nod of his head he took his bow back, looking at Jaci with a soft smile “Mae presiata” My dear, he spoke with a tone in his voice that showed his age had long ago ceased to be one of human capability, “I don’t mind you borrowing my other bows, but this one.” He held it out before him, its body made of gold but light as a feather, inscribed with moving symbols in a tongue few immortals understood, “This one is forbidden. Not because I want it to be, but because it’s a gift from Luminary, my father and creator.” He whispered, the bow suddenly turning into a small ring that he placed on his middle finger, “Without it, I couldn’t protect you or command my soldiers in Elysium.” He informed, knowing a lot of what he was saying probably would not make sense to her. 

“I’ll make it up to you. Just wait until dad lets you open your presents.” He’d gotten a little something for all his siblings, but he knew Jaci would love her present the most considering this. 

Clapping his hands together as if nothing had happened he looked around, “Alright! Time for breakfast you little gremlins!” 

Klysm was impressed by his sons mellow and composed resolution to the problem. He was aware that his son was now, technically, older than him but it truly showed just how much he’d matured in scenarios like this. He had so many questions but knew there was only so much he could explain that would make sense to him. 

With a look to his wife that showed relief, he sent her a smile and got up to greet her with a good morning kiss, completely aware that the kids were present. It was hard to not smother her with love when she looked beautiful even when she’d just woken up. 

“Alright, everyone, dig in and enjoy!” he said as his kids sat around him, the table full of breakfast goods. “Christmas presents can wait for later.” He chuckled, hearing one or two groans from his kids as they served themselves what they liked from the selection of food splayed out for them. 

“You look beautiful this morning.” He murmured into his wife’s ear as he pulled away slightly from their embrace, “But then again, you always do.” He grinned, a light chuckle leaving his lips.

The girl turned her eyes up to pout at her eldest brother, “But it’s so cool.” Honestly the weapon didn’t make any sense to her, but she could honestly say that she wanted one like it. It was so beautiful and elegant, and just, ugh. She wanted to be worthy of something that great.  Her brother often told her stories of the armies meant to protect her, to protect them all. But she figured they were just that. After all, they might have been rich, but they didn’t own any armies. 

@itsamatteroffamily

A lot had gone down in the time span of only a couple of months and Natanaele was still trying to adjust between his role as a Lucifer Angel and doting boyfriend. He knew that his girlfriend had a lot on her mind to deal with and she’d shared bits of it with him and although he could easily move mountains for her, there were regulations put into place and it was driving him absolutely mad with frustration. 

He’d been on the verge of denouncing his half angel and half demon essence but was reminded that he would cease to exist entirely if he did. So he selfishly refused to leave Kalissa by herself in fear of another period of depression and hurt to come over her. 

With a sigh, he pulled his sight away from the ceiling he’d been staring at for over three hours to look over at the sight of his girlfriend asleep on top of his arm, face almost completely buried by the thick blankets enveloping their bodies. 

He’d made up his mind. He’d make every ounce of pain she’d endured all those years transform into centuries worth of happiness and love. He would make it up to her in every way possible, starting off with giving her the best Christmas she’d ever had. 

“Wake up, love, we have to get ready to meet up with your family.” If there was one thing that made this bearable it was knowing he’d make her smile and laugh enough to slowly heal the wounds he’d caused. 

He knew he wasn’t the only one feeling like this, Brandon had his own problems to deal with when it came to his sister, but they’d both promised each other to try their best at making their girlfriends happy once more.

“Let them get angry.” She groaned, turning her body in closer to his. Of course, maybe she should’ve made half an attempt to pull herself away from the warmth his body provided, but she really didn’t want to. 

@itsamatteroffamily

The snow was falling in clumps, piling on top what was already two feet of snow. Puffs of air could be seen as swirls of white, evaporating into the crisp morning air. All was quiet and just as it should be. 

But things rarely stayed quiet in the Hale household for long. 

“Alright, who took my bow from the training room!” The raven-haired male could hear his oldest son’s voice shouting from the entrance to the dining room, walking into view seconds later with a crowd of what was his overly energetic children. 

The perks of youth, Klysm thought as he flickered himself back into the dining room, where he’d been earlier. Brushing off a layer of snow he looked across the long table to give a sigh, gaining all of his children’s attention at once, “Whoever took Brandon’s bow had better give it back before I take away Christmas from this household.” He was kidding, of course, but he had always made a point of teaching his kids to respect each other’s property. Having come to learn from previous mistakes what invasion of predilected possessions could cause.

“And keep your voices low, your mother is still sleeping.” He continued, as he sat down adjusting his cashmere sweatshirt, a more casual take on his normally all business attire. He’d been told once or twice by an annoying Italian his daughter had chosen to favor, that always wearing a suit was too bland, regardless of the price tag and design attached to it. 

So, as much as he hated to concede to being wrong, he did and dressed according to the weather and times. After all, he was off from work for a full week for the first time in what was definitely forever. He’d promised his wife to dedicate this time to their family and friends. 

Clary roused from her sleep at the sound of her children, and her husband. Of course she did. It was mother’s intuition. She always knew when there was discourse in her house. She could practically hear Jaci pouting because she’d borrowed Brandon’s bow again, without his permission. And she knew that her youngest was going to get in trouble again.

itsamatteroffamily:

Okay, so in her defense, she’d figured that Brandon would at least attempt to be nice and wake her up when she wasn’t awake for breakfast. Clearly, she was wrong. Then again, she’d have probably attempted to beat him half to death for ruining her good dream, so maybe it was better that it’d been her mother, who’d inevitably come up to her room and practically drug her out of bed.  And if it wasn’t a damn miracle what a person could do in ten minutes to be ready to fly out the door and to their car. She’d somehow managed to make herself presentable enough to call herself Nate’s girlfriend in such a short time frame. Damn. She was proud.  There were a few changes in her particular style today. Normally she’d drive her particularly ‘in-your-face’ purple Lamborghini to school, a statement of the differences between herself and the others of their clique of ‘popular rich kids’ but today she’d elected for a more calm approach. Still standing out from the others, she pulled into the parking lot in her sleek silver Benz Roadster. She slid the car into the open spot a few spaces down from the others.  When she slipped out of the car, she still had that air about her that she had every other day. The typical jealousy and the soft gasps of general desire from the others. You know how it goes. They didn’t know if they wanted to be her, or be with her. And nobody bothered to try either way, she made it clear from the moment her status changed from single to taken. 

“Hey babe, sorry I’m late, I missed my alarm.”There was the softest of eye rolls, as if she wasn’t even worried about the few minutes she’d missed. She still looked great, and presented herself in a manner that would look good if the tabloids happened to harass her at any point of the day. “You aren’t upset with me are you?”

Closing the gap between them, Natanaele barely waited for Kal to finish speaking before he was kissing her softly on the lips, a smile beginning to flutter onto his features as he pulled away, “You gave me a heart attack, love.” He mused, arms wrapped around her waist, “I thought something had happened to you on your way here.” He continued, well aware he was worrying far too much, but not at all able to help it when it came to her. 

In a way, the Santino and Hale male’s of the family were always worriers, but the sort of fierce and absolutely over the top king that could get very scary very fast. Klysm, Brandon, Luca - Natanaele’s father- as well as Natanaele were all very keen on keeping their families safe at all costs. Maybe that’s why the two families got along so well.

“Get a room!” came two voices in unison, and it was his turn to give a roll of his eyes. 

It was a common occurrence that both the couples would make remarks about how overly affectionate they were, and at this point, it was just an on going joke between them. Sometimes they even made it a competition to see who did the most PDA in a day, just because. However, the raven haired male had lost track of who was in the lead. 

“M'not mad,” he replied to the later part of Kal’s words, “Just missed you.” He grinned giving a light shrug before turning his attention to his sister and best friend, his arm still lay around Kalissa’s waist in a slight possessive show of affection. If there was one thing he would show off proudly, it was the fact that Kal was his girlfriend and that he had the honor of calling her his. 

“Let’s go inside before we all get detention for being late on the first day of class.” The Italian mused well aware he had no backpack or writing utensils. “Do you really think they’d give the high school’s Business Club President and Student Government vice president  detention?” Brandon spoke up, as he mimicked his friends actions and wrapped an arm around Isabella’s waist, whilst he pointed at the both of them, “Not only that but you’re forgetting I’m also the star quarter back and your sister is president of the National Honor Society for our campus chapter, we’re like the poster children for untouchable students dude!" 

Natanaele could sense a tinge of in your face attitude and he couldn’t help but snicker, "Oh shit! I’m so sorry!” he feigned an apology, walking slowly towards the school’s entrance, “I didn’t realize you guys ran this school? Last I remembered I’m president of the student government and coordinator of student activities at our high school – And I should also mention my girlfriend is literally president of most, if not all the art and theater clubs on campus - including cheer captain So next time you hear the cheering crowd and go to homecoming just remember that all that is due to us, my dear friend.” Natanaele shot back, with a childish smirk. 

“Are you two always going to be having a competition to see who’s better?” Isabella chimed in, annoyed. 

“It’s not competition when you know you’ve already won.” Natanaele retorted with a laugh as he smiled with amusement, “Right babe?” He looked over at Kal as they continued to walk, reaching the bigger crowd at the front of the school.

It was well known that the four of them were very much the poster children for academic and financial success. They worked themselves to the bone to be where they were, completely earning their success without the help of outside sources like most people would expect of privileged individuals. 

Kalissa listened intently to the sounds of her boyfriend and her brother in yet another of their my horse is bigger than your horse competitions. She leaned into the feeling of Nate’s presence, and let out a laugh when he called on her to agree with him. She couldn’t deny it. 

“You know, B. He’s got a point, we are absolutely better than both of you when it comes to running shit around here.” She beamed with a laugh. Of course it was only half way a joke. It was true, they picked up and ran with the whole organizing and planning ninety-nine percent of the schools functions. Including their Prom last year, which was for the first time in their schools history planned and executed by a couple of Juniors.  Together she and Nate had completely dominated that field.  She was still getting messages over 90% of her social media from graduated Seniors about how amazing that Prom was, and even better, she’d received a couple offers for her and Nate to plan a wedding... And a baby shower. It was kinda amusing to say the least. 

Kal started the hike up the school’s front steps with a grin. “So whose ready to go embrace the first day of SENIOR YEAR!” She shifted so that she could provide well executed spirit fingers with a laugh. The school’s doors were inviting and she was honestly happy to be back, despite the fact that she’d be whining miserably before the day was over, likely because Mr. Ackerman was going to be a major dick like usual. She honestly couldn’t stand that guy. His son was also a major creep. Jake was just weird, and honestly she didn’t say that about many people. 

@stcrdustmade

If there was one thing Natanaele was not looking forward to it was his senior year. Most people would be glad to be leaving high school and entering a new stage in their life, but for the young entrepreneur, high school was his escape from the real world. 

He’d been fifteen when he started his fashion line and seventeen when he released his first album. Now at 18, he had very little time for anything like having an actual life. His schedule was kept neatly in place. The worst part was he even had to put time for his girlfriend in his schedule, it irked him to have to do that. Nonetheless, she too had her busy life and so did her brother Brandon, when he wasn’t fawning over Isabella, his younger sister. It was a miracle those two hadn’t gotten married yet and lived on their own with how much time they spent each other. Deep down he envied them. He didn’t know how Brandon managed to work alongside his father at their company and make time for Isabella. 

He tried not focusing on how much he lacked in the good boyfriend department and instead focused on picking an outfit before heading down to eat breakfast with his family.

Breakfast had been put at a standstill the moment he got a call from the record company about his tour and dates needing to be finalized for the sake of booking venues. He could feel his stomach rumble as he drove to school, his sister behind him in her all black Koenigsegg Regera. She kept trying to pass him, but his Aston Martin Valkyrie was built for speed, and he easily blocked her from making the advance, chuckling every time he did. \

The fun only lasted briefly before the high school could be seen getting closer to them. He lowered his speed and turned into the schools parking lot, parking ways away from everyone else, right next to where a familiar sleek black Lykan Hypersport sat idle, a short haired brunette sat on the hood smiling as they parked their vehicles. 

The Italian couldn’t help but roll his window down, “I can’t believe you’re sitting on the hood of that car, that’s so cruel.” He grimaced, in slight pain for the misuse of the car. “He’s right, you’ll ruin the paint job y'know.” came his sister’s voice and he arched a brow. 

He couldn’t believe he and his sister were agreeing on something, “Are you feeling alright? Since when do we agree on anything?” He asked, placing on his ray-bans before exiting the car and waiting for his girlfriend to arrive, “Why isn’t Kalissa here?” he asked before he even let his sister remark to his previous statement, “Is she okay?” He was a natural worrier when it came to her.“ 

"Yeah, she’s fine, calm your chakras dude. I think she just slept in or something, I don’t keep tabs on her y'know.” Brandon’s reply was not one Natanaele enjoyed. “Dude, seriously, chill, she’s pulling up now.” the brunet motioned towards the entrance to the parking lot and the blond male could feel his heart rate slow down once again. 

“Dio mio…” He breathed out, relieved. 

“You worry about my sister that can kick anyone’s ass, even my own, and not the fact that the entire school is literally looking our way and will probably try to mug us?” Brandon grinned, “How sweet!” He teased as the Italian rolled his eyes at him. 

Natanaele watched as Brandon and Isabella got up and made their way out the doors, followed by Kalissa, not wanting to seem like he was ready to go, Natanaele wiped his mouth with his napkin and pushed back on his seat to stand up, “Thank you for the wonderful meal.” He complimented, bowing his head slightly. 

“Thank you for staying with us.” Came Klysm’s voice, unlike his charming business voice the former model had come to know as fake, this one was different. “Please come back some time. Maybe, the Hale family can help your endeavors in the future.” 

The dark haired male smiled slightly. “I’m sure Sion would love that as much as I do.” He finished, as he reached the door and gave everyone one last look of appreciation, “Thank you for your help” 

The moment he closed the doors he exhaled in mild relief. 

But he was met with another feat. 

As he walked with Kalissa, his gaze was kept on the floor and he knew he had to at least try to keep things in a positive mood. “You bought it?” He arched a brow, remembering it’s prize and shaking his head, “You should’ve spent your money on something more worthwhile.” He chuckled, before pausing abruptly at the sight of the key. 

He took it with a small smile and nod, “See you there.” And he could feel himself become weary once more. 

He was stepping beyond the line. This hadn’t been what he had in mind. They couldn’t just go back to normal. 

Thanking Kalissa for the phone he called on the only person who he could think of giving him advice. 

Kalissa walked with steady steps for a moment, until she was alone. Then her legs felt like jello and her heart felt heavy. It took her a moment before she could stand up straight without the wall bracing her. And honestly it all made sense. It’d been a long time. And her memories had died. And now she had them all back. 

She had him back.

Things weren’t going to be the same. They’d never be the same. He wasn’t the same Nate anymore. He was someone else entirely. None the less, she flashed into her room. Taking a moment to gather a few things that she wanted before flashing out to her car. 

Her parents would call if they worried, or if they needed her. For now, she’d start her trip towards the Penthouse, and take a little bit to think about shit. Because there was a lot to think about. 

--------

Two hours had passed and she was sitting on the couch sipping on a bottle of Malibu Rum. Waiting on Nate to come to her. Waiting for the moment that they could catch up. The one chance to tell him everything. 

Everything.