m_jelly

The morning sun reflected brilliantly off the heavy winter snow outside, casting a bright, crisp light through the grand windows of the master suite. You let out a soft yawn, stretching your full, curvy frame as you stepped out of bed to get ready for the day.

Every single one of your movements was being watched by a pair of intense, hyper-focused silver-blue eyes. Levi was sitting propped up against the pillows, unbothered by the morning chill, his gaze tracking you like a hawk.

The moment you slid your nightdress off your shoulders so Luna could help you into your soft bloomers and a supportive, comfortably loose corset, Levi scrambled out of bed. In a fraction of a second, he was on his knees right in front of you.

"Levi!" you gasped with a soft giggle as his large, warm hands instantly cupped your belly.

He didn't care that Luna was standing right there holding your undershirts. Levi pressed his face against your bare stomach, peppering the soft skin with deeply loving kisses. "I can't wait for your belly to start stretching and showing, bunny," he mumbled against your skin, his voice thick and raspy with sleep. "You’re going to look so incredibly beautiful carrying my heir."

Suddenly, his nostrils flared. He buried his nose right into your navel, taking a deep, heavy breath, his eyes blowing wide and dark. "God... your pregnancy scent. It's changing. It smells so sweet... completely intoxicating."

"Oh, you absolute weirdo," you laughed, reaching down to gently pinch his handsome, pale cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart, but I really need to get changed. I have a lot to do today."

Levi groaned softly, looking up at you from the floor with a pout that contradicted his terrifying Warlord reputation. "Do you have to leave the bed? Stay here. Let me map out that heartbeat again."

"I have to go out, Levi," you explained, running your fingers through his messy morning hair. "I need to check on how the village printers are handling my winter food guides and decrees. Plus... we need to buy some comfortable maternity clothes for me, and maybe a few early baby things."

Levi’s face fell. "Let me come with you."

"You can't," you said softly, booping his nose. "You have three back-to-back meetings today with Erwin, Mike, and the financial ministers to finalise the rebellion strike against the council. It’s a mountain of paperwork, and you know it."

Levi let out a frustrated hiss, hating that his duties were tearing him away from his pregnant wife. "Fine," he growled possessively, standing up to his full height and wrapping his arms tightly around your waist, pulling your soft front against him. "But you are not going alone. You take my mother and Luna with you for safety. If a single council spy or a Dupré lackey looks at you, Kuchel will tear them apart."

"Deal," you smiled.

As Luna helped you step into your outfit, Levi refused to leave your side. He paced around the room, loudly complimenting every layer of clothing Luna picked out. You were dressed in a beautiful, thick winter gown made of deep emerald wool, cosy, heavy, and perfectly tailored to keep your body warm without putting any pressure on your stomach.

When it came time for your hair, Levi proudly stepped in. With gentleness, his large hands helped Luna pin your hair up into a sophisticated, elegant style, leaving a few soft curls to frame your cheeks.

He walked with you all the way down to the grand front doors, his hand glued to the small of your back. The servants opened the heavy doors to reveal the waiting carriage, and Levi immediately took a heavy winter cloak lined with the thickest, softest white fur, draping it over your shoulders and buttoning it tightly up to your chin.

"And this," Levi murmured, handing you a beautiful, matching fur muff. "Keep your hands inside it. Don't let the frost touch your skin, star bunny. Promise me you'll be safe."

"I promise, Levi," you beamed, putting your hands into the wonderfully warm fur.

"Oh, look at my darling girl! You look absolutely edible!"

Kuchel’s voice echoed through the foyer as she glided down the hallway. Because vampires were immune to the winter freeze, she wore a normal, stunningly elegant dress, completely unbothered by the cold air blowing through the open doors. She rushed over, her eyes glittering with pure delight as she cupped your face. "Wrapped up like a perfect little winter treat. I could just eat you up, sweet bunny!"

She turned to her scowling son, patting his cheek firmly. "Stop looking like someone kicked your favourite puppy, Levi. I promise you I am going to take care of our Countess and spoil her rotten today. Now, let us go!"

With a wave of her hand, Kuchel guided you and Luna out the door toward the grand carriage.

You climbed inside into the luxurious warmth of the heated carriage, turning around to wave out the window. Standing on the marble steps of the manor, the terrifying, legendary Warlord Count Levi Ackerman was watching you leave with the most comically tragic, miserable, and sad-puppy expression plastered on his face, looking lost the moment his owner walked away.

The carriage ride through the snow-capped capital was blissfully smooth, filled with the light hum of the wheels and Kuchel’s animated chatter about the grand nursery she was already planning to design. When the carriage finally pulled into the heart of the central city that Levi oversaw, Luna and Kuchel immediately stepped out first, offering their hands to guide you onto the cleared cobblestone streets.

You felt a nervous flutter in your stomach, your hands tightening inside your fur muff. The council’s cruel words about you having no impact still echoed faintly in the back of your mind.

But the moment your boots touched the ground, your jaw dropped.

The city was overflowing with life and vibrant joy. Despite the heavy winter snow, the streets were bustling with smiling townsfolk. Children ran past giggling, and the air smelled heavenly, thick with the savoury, delicious aroma of the traditional spiced meat buns you had specifically designed for the communal kitchens. Everywhere you looked, people were happily munching on them, holding them in matching thermal reusable cups that you and Levi had worked tirelessly to distribute to combat the freeze.

You had done this. Your ideas, your guides, your care. You had made a massive, beautiful impact on the territory, and the evidence was right in front of your eyes.

"See, sweetness?" Kuchel purred, looping her arm proudly through yours. "My son's people are thriving because of their Countess. Now, let us begin the spoiling!"

Kuchel guided you into the first stop, a high-end, elegant dress boutique. The shopkeeper practically bowed to the floor the moment you walked in. Kuchel took charge, pulling dozens of stunning, loose-fitting empire-waist gowns, soft velvet robes, and adjustable silk corsets that were perfectly maternity-friendly.

As you stood before the mirror, blushing as Luna helped you try on a gorgeous, flowing lavender gown that comfortably draped over your curves, Kuchel leaned against the velvet chaise with a soft, thoughtful smile.

"Tell me, darling," Kuchel murmured, her eyes glittering with curiosity. "Do you think you’ll want more children with my son after this little blessing arrives?"

Your cheeks burned, your hand instinctively dropping to rest over your stomach. "Actually... yes. I’ve always wanted a few kids. A nice, full family... because that's how I grew up. I want our home to be full of life."

Kuchel gasped, clapping her hands together as she practically bounced in her seat. "Oh, a whole pack of little Ackermans! My heart can barely take it! I am going to have so many grandbabies to spoil, to dress in silks, and to teach how to properly terrorise their father!"

After finalising the orders and arranging for the tailored maternity dresses to be delivered straight to the manor, the three of you headed down the bustling street to a luxury baby boutique. Kuchel immediately lost her mind over tiny rattles and miniature tailored cloaks, but as you browsed the aisles, your heart sank just a little. Everything was so rigidly aristocratic, so cold.

Then, your eyes landed on a basket of soft, hand-knitted blankets, and a warm, beautiful wave of inspiration hit you. You didn't want a generic, store-bought blanket. You wanted something deeply personal.

"Kuchel, Luna," you called out, a bright, excited smile breaking across your face. "What if, instead of buying a blanket, we go to the fabric artisan shop? I want to buy the softest organic cotton and embroider a blanket myself. I want to stitch a beautiful black cat and a little bunny, sitting together in front of a giant, glittering star."

Kuchel’s eyes widened, her expression melting into pure, emotional adoration. "Oh, star bunny... that is the sweetest, most beautiful idea I have ever heard. A cat for Levi, a bunny for you, and a star for your little miracle. Let's go right now! I'm helping you pick the finest threads!"

The trip to the fabric shop was pure joy. You, Kuchel, and Luna hovered over heaps of cloud-soft cream fabric, selecting shimmering gold, deep midnight black, and pure white silk threads. You were practically vibrating with excitement, already visualising your baby sleeping soundly under the blanket you would make with your own two hands.

With your bags of fabric safely packed away, the three of you stepped back out onto the snowy main street, your stomach letting out a soft, hungry rumble that made Luna instantly alert.

"Let's find a cosy cafe for some warm tea and cakes," you smiled, looking around the lively square.

But before you could take a single step toward the nearest bakery, the lively chatter of the street suddenly seemed to die down, a chilling, unnatural silence sweeping over the cobblestones.

Stepping out from a luxury carriage parked just across the square were three figures you hoped to never see again.

Lady Prescilla walked in the front, her chin held high with arrogant, high-court disdain. Right beside her was Elara, looking as bitter and venomous as ever. But it was the third woman standing just a step behind them that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. She wore a heavy, dark veil, but even from a distance, you could feel it, the faint, suffocating, and deeply mysterious magical aura radiating off her, the very same dark charm that held an unnatural, hypnotic grip over anyone who dared look into her eyes.

"Well, well," Lady Prescilla spoke, her sharp voice cutting through the winter air like a shard of ice as she locked her eyes onto you. "Look what the blizzard dragged into the city marketplace. The little human Countess playing pretend in the snow."

Lady Prescilla’s voice droned on, a sharp, repetitive grating against the winter air as she tried to diminish your presence, while Elara sneered beside her, desperately grasping at her defunct title of Levi's ex-fiancée to make you feel lesser. Kuchel and Luna stepped forward like a wall of iron, their verbal retaliation so swift, cutting, and regal that the two noblewomen were instantly sent into a sputtering rage.

But you weren't listening to them. Your eyes were locked on the third woman.

You knew exactly who she was, or rather, what she was meant to be. The council's curated weapon, trained and moulded to challenge you at Levi's side. Beneath the heavy fabric of your winter clothes, something inside you stirred. A dark, poisonous resonance rolled off her, thick and suffocating, but instead of backing away, a courage overtook you.

Ignoring the shouting match, you stepped right out from behind Kuchel and Luna, walking directly toward the veiled stranger.

Through the dark mesh of her veil, you saw her head snap up. She flinched, her posture fracturing for a split second; she had clearly expected the human Countess to cower behind the Ackerman name. Recovering quickly, she shifted her weight, a heavy, deeply sensual, and hypnotic aura suddenly rolling off her body like waves of heated perfume. She tilted her head, trying to project a bewitching magic designed to break your resolve and make you submit to her presence.

But you felt absolutely nothing. You were immune.

Seeing her charm fail to even make you blink, the woman's lips thinned behind the lace. She bit back with venomous words, her voice a low, practised purr. "Levi had to learn to love a fragile creature like you out of pity," she whispered, loud enough only for you. "But with me? It is something primal. Magical. The moment he looks into my eyes, it will click together. He belongs to the dark, Countess. Not to a little bunny playing in a castle."

She paused, waiting for you to stumble or cry, a smug, mocking tilt to her chin as she looked down at your curvy frame. "You have nothing to say? Of course. Look at me. I am everything a Warlord desires, boundless, beautiful, and delicious."

When you still didn't respond, merely staring her down with an unreadable, steady gaze, her smugness faltered. Her brow furrowed into a sharp, irritated frown behind the veil.

In that fraction of a second, something deep within your soul, and within your womb, surged. Moved by a lightning-fast instinct you didn't even know you possessed, your arm cut through the air.

With a brutal, shocking speed, your fingers snared the edge of her dark veil and ripped it off her face, tossing the expensive fabric into the slushy snow. Before she could even gasp, your other hand shot forward, slamming your palm firmly against the centre of her chest.

"What are you doing?!" she shrieked, stumbling back a half-step, staring down at your hand in utter confusion.

The entire square went dead silent. Prescilla, Elara, Kuchel, and Luna all froze, their eyes widening at the sudden confrontation.

Beneath your emerald wool dress, the hidden, intricate patterns of your blooming vessel vibrated against your skin. A sudden, burning heat ran down your arm, glowing with a faint, ethereal stardust energy that surged directly from your palm and into the woman's chest.

The stranger's eyes blew wide with sheer terror. She let out a piercing, agonised scream as the Ackerman vessel energy collided with her dark, artificial magic. A strange, oily shimmer began to ripple violently across her beautiful features. She pulled back in a frantic panic, clutching her face as the spell she had cast over herself shattered like cheap glass. The illusion dissolved, revealing her true, altered skin and twisted expression; the hypnotic, perfect visage she had used to enthral the court was broken.

In a blind, panicked moment of survival and pure malice, the unmasked woman thrust her hands forward. A concentrated bolt of dark, concussive magic erupted from her fingers, striking you squarely in the gut, just above your womb.

The breath was stolen from your lungs. The force of the magical blow ruptured inside you; you let out a ragged, agonising cough, a splatter of rich crimson blood spilling from your lips onto the white snow. Your legs buckled instantly, and you dropped to the frozen cobblestones like a sack of potatoes, your hands instinctively curling over your stomach as a blinding pain flared through your lower body.

"COUNTESS!" Luna shrieked, her composure shattering as she threw herself onto the snow beside you, her hands already glowing with frantic, stabilising healing magic.

Across the square, Kuchel Ackerman's eyes went entirely red with a primal, apocalyptic vampire rage. The air temperature plummeted to a deadly freeze, the wind howling around her as her fangs dropped to their full, lethal length.

"You dare touch my grandchild and daughter-in-law," Kuchel roared, a sound so terrifying it made the surrounding glass storefronts shatter into dust. "I will tear your soul from your skin!"

A thunderous, deafening boom rattled the entire city square as the air itself seemed to rip apart. In a savage gust of freezing wind and dark magic, Levi materialised on the cobblestones, closely followed by Erwin, Mike, and Sebastian. The Warlord's silver-blue eyes swept the chaotic scene, locking onto your crumpled, pale form.

"Guards! Protect us!" Lady Prescilla shrieked in terror, frantically waving her hands as her private security force scrambled forward with drawn swords.

"Levi! Help her! Now!" Luna yelled, her hands desperately trying to channel healing magic into your stomach.

Levi didn't even acknowledge the guards. In a blinding, frantic flash of speed, he dived to the snow-covered floor, gathering your body up against his chest, his strong arms trembling. "Star? Star bunny, look at me!" he gasped, his voice cracking with a terrifying panic.

"She was hit in the womb by a dark magical strike!" Luna explained rapidly, her fingers already working to unbutton the thick emerald wool of your dress. "I need to check the damage to her and the child; help me open her clothes!"

While Sebastian, Kuchel, Erwin, and Mike launched themselves into a brutal, unforgiving clash against Prescilla’s guards and the unmasked woman, Levi and Luna worked in a frantic, singular focus. Levi’s pale hands tore at the front of your dress, exposing your soft skin to the winter air.

With a ragged breath, Levi placed his large, warm palm flat against your pelvis. He closed his eyes, his vampire senses diving deep into your body. To his surprise, he could feel that the baby’s aura was incredibly radiant and strong; the tiny, miracle heartbeat was pulsing fiercely. But you were dangerously weak. The incredibly powerful baby was actively being loving, desperately trying to channel its own budding Ackerman magic inward to heal its mother, but they were simply too tiny right now to fix a ruptured magical wound. It was tearing your energy away.

Panic, cold and suffocating, seized Levi's heart. It was the nightmare of the High Court trial all over again. He was going to lose his world.

"No, no, no..." Levi rasped. Without a second thought, he sliced his own tongue with his sharp fangs, drawing a rush of thick, potent blood. He leaned down, capturing your pale, blood-stained lips in a forced, desperate kiss, driving his healing blood deep into your mouth to force your body to accept the regeneration.

But your long eyelashes didn't even flutter. No matter how much he begged, no matter how many times he groaned your name against your lips, you just lay completely still in his arms, your beautiful face a ghostly, terrifying shade of white.

"Well, look at her. A fragile, pathetic little human," a voice hissed.

Levi snapped his head up, a feral, demonic growl ripping from his throat. The woman who had struck you was stumbling forward through the snow, her true, unmasked face twisted in rage. She took a deep breath, trying to project her heavy, hypnotic, and sensual aura to ensnare Levi’s mind, but nothing happened. The air stayed cold. You had completely broken her artificial abilities when your blooming vessel patterns shattered her spell.

Realising her power was gone, she screamed in a hysterical, maddened frenzy. "Look at me, Levi! Love me! You are a creature of the dark; you were meant to be mine! Love me!"

"Never," Levi spat, his voice a low, lethal promise. "You are nothing but grease under my boots. My wife is my whole world. She is my soulmate."

"Then I'll kill her!" the woman shrieked, raising her hands to manifest another dark strike. "I'll kill her and ensure your lineage dies!"

"If you succeeded, I would die right alongside her," Levi growled, tightening his iron grip around your curvy frame. "There is not a single soul in this life or the next who could ever change my heart. I will kill you first."

Before the woman could even release her magic, Kuchel Ackerman charged from the shadows like a black meteor, brutally tackling the unmasked woman away into the cobblestones. Kuchel began beating her with an effortless, terrifying savagery, her voice booming over the square. "Get her out of here, Levi! Get our Countess home! I will dismantle this trash!"

Levi didn't need to be told twice. He gathered your limp body tightly against his chest, shielding you from the wind, and launched into a blinding, desperate sprint back to the manor.

The moment he burst through the bedroom doors, he didn't waste a single second. He carefully stripped you of your wet, blood-stained emerald dress and damp bloomers, gently wiping your pale skin dry before dressing you in a soft, clean white nightgown. He wrapped you in a mountain of thick, heavy furs and soft blankets, carrying you over to the grand marble hearth.

He slid down onto the carpet directly in front of the roaring fire, a spot where the two of you had made passionate, breathless love so many times before. But now, it was a place of suffocating worry.

Levi sat on the floor, pulling your bundled body into his lap, rocking you gently back and forth as the fire crackled. "Wake up, little star... please, bunny, wake up for me," he whispered frantically, his lips pressing against your cold forehead.

He slid his hand beneath the blankets, pressing his palm firmly against your lower stomach. He could feel it perfectly. Your heartbeat was steady. The baby was perfectly intact, pulsing with a vibrant, fiercely strong Ackerman light. Everything biologically was working; your body was healed by his blood... but he couldn't understand why your mind wouldn't wake up. You just lay there, a beautiful, sleeping princess in his arms, unresponsive to his touch.

Levi began pressing desperate kisses over your lips, your cheeks, and your eyelids, hoping in some small, sweet corner of his heart that true love’s kiss might break whatever spell held you under. But nothing seemed to work. You remained still.

Eventually, the master suite door opened softly. Sebastian, Kuchel, Erwin, Mike, and a weary-looking Luna filed in, their faces tight with anxiety. Each of them quietly asked the same heavy question, but Levi could only shake his head, keeping you shielded in his arms. Hours bled into days. Levi refused to leave the carpet by the hearth, constantly feeding you small drops of his blood since you couldn't eat or drink on your own, his hand permanently resting over your stomach to monitor the baby's strong, steady heartbeat.

Four agonising days passed in that quiet room. Exhaustion finally won, and Levi’s heavy eyelids slipped shut, his head drooping as he drifted into a fitful sleep, still holding you tightly against his chest.

As the fire crackled softly, you finally stirred. Your long eyelashes fluttered open, and the warm glow of the room slowly came into focus. You looked up, a tender smile touching your lips as you saw how sweet, yet exhausted, your husband looked in his sleep.

Weakly, you lifted your hand out of the furs, reaching up to gently caress his pale cheek. The moment your fingertips brushed his skin, Levi’s eyes snapped open.

He just stared at you for what felt like an eternity, completely frozen, as if terrified that blinking would make you vanish. Slowly, normal tears filled his eyes, welled over his lashes, and began to track down his face. But as they rolled down his cheeks, the tears suddenly turned a deep, rich crimson, staining his skin with blood, driven by an emotion so profoundly overwhelming it transcended his physical limits.

"Levi..." you whispered, your voice small but clear. "I love you. I love you so much."

A ragged, choked sound tore from his throat. The terrifying Warlord Count completely broke, weeping louder and harder than you had ever seen or heard in your entire life.

"Shh, it's okay, sweetheart," you murmured weakly, trying to hush him as you stroked his hair.

"My star... bunny..." Levi sobbed, burying his face into the crook of your neck, his powerful shoulders shaking. "Please... don't ever leave me. Never leave me ever again. I can't... I couldn't survive it."

"I'm so sorry I got hurt," you mumbled weakly, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder.

"It's not your fault. Never your fault," he rasped, pulling back just enough to look at you, his face stained with crimson tears. "I love you. I will do absolutely anything for you, little star. Just stay with me."

You smiled up at him, your eyes shining. "Can I have a kiss?"

Levi carefully lifted you a bit higher in his lap, leaning down to capture your lips in a deeply sweet, fiercely passionate kiss. It was filled with four days of unspent desperation and absolute relief, tasting faintly of salt and iron, but carrying the full weight of his devotion.

When he finally broke the kiss to let you catch your breath, you gently reached up to wipe a stray crimson tear from his cheek. "Levi... why did you cry blood?"

He leaned into your touch, his eyes soft. "When a vampire cries blood, bunny... it only happens for two reasons. Because they have experienced the deepest, most crushing sorrow... or the highest, most absolute joy. Seeing you open your beautiful eyes and hearing you call my name... it's the most happiness and joy I have ever experienced in my entire existence."

Levi wrapped his arms securely around you, pulling you flush against his chest and rocking you gently by the fire.

The door clicked open, and Luna stepped in to perform her regular check. The moment her green eyes landed on you sitting up and smiling, she froze. Levi looked up, his voice clear and proud. "She's awake, Luna. She's okay."

A gasp escaped the stoic head maid’s lips, and for the first time, tears of pure happiness spilt down her face. She offered a deep, emotional bow.

"Luna, go tell everyone that the Countess is awake and well," Levi instructed, a faint smirk returning to his face. "And have the kitchens prepare a massive meal. Bring us everything filling, lots of rich meat, fresh bread, and anything she wants. She needs to rebuild her strength."

"Right away, Count," Luna beamed, wiping her eyes before hurrying out to break the news. Within seconds, the entire manor erupted into absolute chaos. Downstairs, the staff was running frantically to prepare a grand feast, while in the drawing room, Kuchel and Sebastian immediately began aggressively drafting plans for extravagant victory gifts to celebrate your awakening.

Back in the bedroom, Levi carefully helped you out of your nightgown and changed you into an incredibly soft, loose-fitting, and cosy indoor dress. Refusing to let your feet even touch the floor, he scooped you up into his arms, carrying you playfully around the room just to feel you in his arms before settling down at the writing table, keeping you resting comfortably on his lap.

A massive tray filled with roasted meats, rich gravies, and fresh winter vegetables was brought in by a beaming servant. Levi immediately took the utensils, cutting up the food and gently feeding you bite by bite.

When a bit of gravy accidentally caught the corner of your lip, Levi smiled warmly, taking a soft linen cloth to gently wipe your face clean. He pressed a sweet, lingering kiss to your temple, watching you chew with adoration.

"God, you are so cute when you eat, little star," Levi purred happily, his hand gently resting over your belly where the baby's pulse beat strong. "Just like an adorable, greedy little bunny."

Levi hovered over you like a man possessed by pure adoration. For Levi, the entire world outside this bedroom had ceased to exist. The rebellion, the council, the politics, none of it mattered. The only thing that held any weight in his universe was the steady, rhythmic beat of your heart and the healthy flush returning to your cheeks.

"More meat, star," he murmured softly, bringing another perfectly cut piece of seasoned steak to your lips. "Eat as much as you can. Every bite makes you stronger."

"Levi, I'm getting completely stuffed," you giggled, though you happily accepted the bite, your body sinking deeper into his secure, warm lap.

The moment you swallowed, Levi set the fork down. His large hand slid beneath the collar of your cosy dress, his sensitive palm pressing flat against the centre of your chest, right over your heart. He closed his eyes, tilting his head as his vampire hearing tracked the thump-thump of your pulse. He let out a long, shuddering breath of pure relief.

"Perfect," he whispered, pressing a deeply reverent kiss to your shoulder. "Your heart is beating so strongly, bunny. Keep it that way. You have no idea what it did to me seeing you so still."

You leaned back against his solid chest, your hands drifting down to rub your lower stomach. A soft, protective warmth filled your chest. "Levi... is the baby really okay? The magic... it didn't hurt them?"

Levi’s expression melted into a look of paternal pride. He covered your hands with his own, pressing his palm flat against your pelvis. "They are more than okay, little star. They are incredibly strong. When you were hurt, this little miracle was already trying to channel their own budding Ackerman magic to heal you from the inside. They love you just as much as I do."

Tears of sweetness pricked your eyes. You gently patted your belly, whispering, "Thank you, my little miracle. Thank you for taking care of Mummy."

Levi purred deeply, the sound vibrating right against your back as he held you close. Comforted by his reassurance, your mind drifted back to the wonderful plans you had made before the attack.

"Levi, is all our shopping okay? The things we bought... the fabrics?" you asked eagerly, turning your head to look at him. "I really want to start working on our baby's blanket."

"Everything was brought back perfectly intact," Levi reassured you, nuzzling your cheek. "Luna put the basket by the fireplace. But what exactly are you planning to make, bunny? You looked so excited about it when you left."

A bright, happy smile lit up your face. "I bought the softest cream fabric and shimmering silk threads. I want to hand-embroider a blanket for the cradle. I’m going to stitch a big, protective black cat, and a cute little bunny sitting right in front of him, behind them a glittering gold star."

Levi froze for a fraction of a second, his eyes blowing wide. The sheer, overwhelming sweetness of the imagery hit his heart like a physical blow. A beautiful, incredibly tender smirk spread across his lips, his fangs playfully nipping your earlobe. "A fierce black cat and a sweet little bunny under a star... God, you are trying to kill me with how adorable you are, aren't you?"

But then, a sudden, comical look of sharp panic flashed across his handsome face. He gripped your hips a little tighter. "Wait. Embroidery... that means you’ll be holding a sharp needle."

You burst out laughing at his protective overreaction. "Levi! It's just a tiny sewing needle! I'll be perfectly fine, I promise."

"Needles slip, star bunny," Levi argued seriously, his brow furrowing as he mentally calculated the danger of a sewing kit. "What if you prick your beautiful fingers?"

You turned around in his lap, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck and looking into his eyes with a mischievous, loving grin. "Well, if I do prick my finger, I have a very handsome, very attentive vampire husband right here who will happily kiss it better and heal it instantly. Right?"

Levi’s possessive scowl dissolved into a dark, deeply smitten chuckle. He pulled your cute frame against him, his lips capturing yours in a sweet, lingering kiss. "Fine," he murmured against your mouth, his hand rubbing your belly. "But I am sitting right next to you the entire time you do it."

The massive, glass-domed greenhouse attached to the Ackerman mansion was a pocket of absolute, humid paradise in the middle of the freezing winter. Tropical flowers bloomed in vibrant pinks and deep purples, their sweet fragrances hanging heavily in the warm air while thick, white snow drifted lazily outside the glass panes.

You were nestled deeply into an oversized, plush armchair, a thick fleece blanket draped over your shoulders and your baby's cream-colored fabric spread across your lap. The rhythmic swish-pull of your silk thread was the only sound in the peaceful sanctuary, save for the soft snip of shears coming from the chair across from you.

Luna sat nearby, her green eyes focused as she carefully altered one of your new, flowing maternity dresses. It was a beautiful, rare moment of pure tranquillity between two close friends.

You paused, your hands lowering as you took a slow, deep breath, staring out at the falling snow.

Luna’s sharp eyes snapped to you instantly. She laid her sewing down on her lap, her expression softening into a look of gentle, hovering concern. "Are you alright, Countess? Do you feel faint? Is there anything I can fetch for you?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Luna," you smiled warmly, resting your hand over your stomach. "I just needed a moment to rest my eyes. Actually... I think I’d like a little something to eat."

"Of course," Luna replied, a satisfied look crossing her face. She stood up smoothly, moving to the small wrought-iron table nearby. She carefully arranged a plate with small, savoury meat pies, fresh winter berries, and poured you a cup of warm, steaming herbal tea. She passed the tray to you, standing close and watching you intently as you took your first few bites, making sure your stomach was completely settled.

Once your strength was renewed, you happily got back to work. With meticulous, loving care, you pulled the final gold silk threads through the fabric, completing the hand-embroidered masterpiece. There they were, a fierce, protective black cat and a soft, sweet little bunny, sitting side-by-side beneath a giant, glittering gold star. Your heart swelled with pure joy.

Without missing a beat, you carefully set the completed blanket aside and pulled out a few smaller pieces of soft linen, wanting to start sewing some early little shirts for the baby.

But as the minutes ticked by, a heavy tiredness began to wash over you. Ever since the traumatic trial with the council, and now the dark magical attack from that venomous woman, your body hadn't been entirely the same. The doctors had assured Levi that you would heal completely over the years and return to your full, radiant strength, but for now, carrying a powerful vampire hybrid baby while recovering from a magical wound meant you grew weak and exhausted much faster than normal.

Luna was chatting softly, offering sweet ideas for the nursery decorations, when she suddenly noticed the room had gone quiet. "And I was thinking we could line the bassinet with—"

She paused, looking over at you. A deeply affectionate, gentle smile broke across the head maid's face.

You had stopped responding. Your head had lulled back against the plush cushions of the chair, your long eyelashes resting softly against your cheeks. You looked adorable, completely dead to the world.

Luna quietly stepped over. With practised, phantom-like gentleness, she slipped the sewing needle and linen from your limp fingers, setting them safely on the table. She reached down, pulling your heavy fleece blanket all the way up to your chin to keep you completely bundled, before slipping out of the greenhouse without making a single sound.

Luna moved quickly through the grand, winding corridors of the mansion until she reached the heavy oak doors of the master study. She knocked twice before stepping inside, finding Levi leaning over a massive map of the capital, deep in discussion with a serious-looking Erwin Smith.

"Forgive the interruption, Duke," Luna spoke smoothly, bowing her head. "But I need the Count."

Levi’s head snapped up, his eyes flashing with a sharp, defensive edge. "Is it my wife? Is she hurt?"

"She is perfectly safe," Luna reassured him, a faint, amused glint in her eyes. "But she has fallen fast asleep in the greenhouse chair. Her body is tired, and she needs to be moved to a proper bed."

Hearing the news, Levi’s intense posture melted, a soft, sweet smirk gracing his lips. He offered a brief nod to Erwin, who simply smiled in understanding, before dismissing Luna and heading straight for the greenhouse.

When Levi stepped into the warm, tropical air of the dome, his eyes immediately found your bundled, curvy frame. But before he even reached you, his gaze landed on the table. He picked up the completed blanket, his thumb gently brushing over the stitched black cat and bunny beneath the gold star. His heart completely melted, a profound wave of love hitting his chest. Next to it were the tiny, half-finished baby clothes.

"My beautiful, industrious little star," he murmured under his breath.

Levi crouched down on the floor right in front of your chair, simply watching you sleep for a few quiet moments, completely captivated by your peaceful face. Slowly, he reached into the blankets, carefully sliding his strong arms under your knees and behind your back to lift your weight.

The moment he hoisted you into the air, you let out a soft, pathetic little whine, your brow furrowing in your sleep.

Levi stopped moving, holding his breath as he cradled you close to his chest. He waited a few seconds for you to settle, but the moment he took his first step, you whined again, a stray, sleepy tear squeezing out from beneath your closed eyelids as you protested being disturbed from your comfortable nest.

Levi let out a low, deeply amused chuckle, his heart bursting at how precious you were. "Shh... you really are a needy little bunny when you're tired, aren't you, star?"

Instead of walking all the way back to the grand bedroom, Levi carried you over to the luxurious, oversized daybed built into the corner of the greenhouse, surrounded by lush green ferns. He carefully knelt on the soft bedding, transitioned into a comfortable sitting position, and pulled your body against his solid chest, keeping you wrapped in your warm blankets.

You instinctively buried your face into his neck, your soft whines finally dying down as you melted into his familiar, intoxicating scent.

Levi wrapped his arms around you, rocking you gently back and forth in the warm, sunlit dome. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your temple, a quiet laugh vibrating in his throat. "We'd better get used to this, bunny. Consider this practice for when our little miracle is born and keeping us up all night."

Holding you close against his heart, Levi closed his eyes and began to hum, his deep, rich voice smoothly transitioning into a soft, melodic lullaby, an ancient, beautiful vampiric song of protection and eternal devotion, singing his brave Countess and his unborn child into a deep sleep.

You stayed nestled in Levi’s powerful arms for a long, peaceful while, the humid warmth of the greenhouse and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling you into a remarkably deep rest. When your long lashes finally fluttered open again, the heavy, exhausting fog had completely lifted from your mind, replaced by a sharp, demanding vacuum in the very pit of your stomach. You were ravenous.

Looking up, you were met with Levi’s brilliant eyes. He was already looking down at you with a soft, breathtakingly handsome smile, completely content to act as your personal mattress for as long as you needed.

"Welcome back to the living, little star," he purred. "That was a spectacular nap. You didn't even try to fight me after the first few whines."

You let out a soft, sleepy chuckle, weakly lifting a hand from the heavy furs to playfully poke his cute, slightly puffy cheek. "Thank you for taking care of me, you big softie."

Before he could even respond, a loud rumble erupted from your stomach, echoing clearly in the quiet greenhouse. Your cheeks instantly burned.

Levi’s smile widened, a wicked, playful spark igniting in his eyes. As you went to hide your face, he caught your hand, bringing your fingers to his lips and playfully nipping the tip of your finger with his sharp fangs. "Hear that? Sounds like my heir is demanding a tribute. Are you hungry, star bunny?"

"I am starving," you admitted, holding your rumbling stomach with a look of genuine shock. "Levi, is it normal to feel this empty so suddenly? I feel like I haven't eaten in a week."

"It is normal, bunny," Levi reassured you, his hand warmly cupping over yours to rub your pelvis. "You are a human blooming vessel carrying a pure bloodline vampire baby. Our kind are incredibly strong, even in the womb, and they demand a massive amount of energy and sustenance from their mothers to fuel that magic. You’re going to be eating for two beasts now. All you need to do is eat more, sleep when you're tired, and let me worry about the rest."

With tenderness, Levi carefully eased your frame backwards onto the daybed, meticulously arranging a plush nest of velvet cushions and heavy fleece blankets around you so you were perfectly propped up and cosy. "Don't move an inch. I'll be back."

Levi kissed your forehead deeply before turning and heading straight for the manor kitchens. The second he burst through the double doors, the culinary staff jumped to attention. Levi completely bypassed the normal menu planning, taking total charge. He wanted a massive, meat-fuelled feast for his Countess, something packed with rich, savoury winter flavours, heavy proteins, and intense, warming spices to replenish your blood and energy.

He didn't just command the chefs, either. Levi rolled up his fine sleeves and actively stood over the roaring hearth, personalising a few of the dishes himself, searing the finest cuts of thick, iron-rich steak and simmering a rich bone broth with aromatic herbs, ensuring it was made precisely to your tastes.

A short while later, Levi returned to the greenhouse, effortlessly carrying a massive, heavily loaded tray that smelled absolutely heavenly. He slid a low coffee table right up to the edge of the daybed, setting out the grand feast before climbing right back into the nest of blankets with you.

He pulled you against his chest, wrapping one arm securely around your waist while using his free hand to assemble the perfect bites for you.

"Open up, little star," he murmured, blowing softly on a piece of the perfectly tender, seasoned meat before hovering it at your lips.

You happily accepted it, a soft moan of pure delight escaping you as the rich, savoury flavours hit your tongue. You ate with a fierce, ravenous appetite you didn't even know you possessed, and Levi watched you with an expression of absolute, besotted worship. Every time a bit of rich gravy or juice caught the corner of your lips, Levi was already there, using a warm linen cloth to gently wipe your face clean with the utmost care.

He leaned down, pressing a sweet, lingering kiss to your temple as you eagerly reached for a piece of warm, freshly baked bread.

"God, you are an absolute treasure, bunny," Levi chuckled darkly, his thumb tracing the soft curve of your jaw as he held you close. "Eat everything you want. My greedy little bunny needs to stay plump and healthy."

After the final bites of the rich, meat-fuelled feast were completely gone, you leaned back against Levi’s solid chest, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. The warmth of the greenhouse, the heavy food, and your husband's protective arms made you feel safer than you had in days.

As Levi shifted to clear the tray away, his eyes landed on the table where your completed blanket lay. He reached out, his long fingers gently trailing over the hand-stitched black cat and the little bunny sitting beneath the glittering gold star. A look of quiet, deeply emotional longing washed over his handsome face.

"Something wrong, sweetheart?" you asked, tilting your head to look up at him.

Levi let out a low, slightly disgruntled huff, his arms tightening around your waist as he pulled you back against his chest. "I'm just envious, star bunny," he admitted, his voice dropping into a soft, slightly pouty murmur. "You and my mother have already picked out fabrics, bought clothes, and you made this beautiful blanket with your own two hands. I feel left out. I want to make something for our little miracle, too."

You blinked, charmed by how sweet he was being. A bright, excited idea instantly flashed in your mind. "Well... why don't you? I can teach you how to embroider right now!"

Levi froze, looking from you to the basket of sewing supplies like you had just suggested he wrestle a dragon. "Me? Bunny, my hands are meant for heavy steel swords and breaking bones, not delicate silk threads. I'll ruin the fabric."

"You will not," you giggled, shifting in his lap so you were facing him. You reached into the basket, pulling out a beautiful square of soft, moss-green fabric and a spool of rich, shimmering gold thread. You pressed a tiny sewing needle into his palm. "You have perfect vampire reflexes and steady hands. You'll be amazing. Come on, Count, let's see what you've got."

Seeing the challenge in your eyes, Levi’s pride flared in the most endearing way possible. He sat up straight on the daybed, his expression turning deathly serious. He looked at that tiny piece of metal as if it were a high-stakes military campaign blueprint.

You guided his large hands, showing him how to properly thread the needle. Levi was focusing so hard his brow furrowed deeply, his dark hair falling over his face, and his sharp fangs peeked out slightly over his bottom lip from concentration.

"Alright, now push the needle up through the back of the cloth," you instructed softly, wrapping your hands over his to guide the first stitch.

It was a precious sight. The terrifying, legendary Warlord who ruled the territory with an iron fist was holding a tiny square of green cloth, moving slowly so he wouldn't tear the delicate fibres. He was doing surprisingly well, his lines straight and precise, until he got a bit too confident on a curved stitch.

Prick.

"Tch," Levi grunted softly, instantly pulling his hand back. A tiny, perfect bead of rich vampire blood formed on the tip of his thumb. He didn't care about the tiny sting at all, but he looked down at his thumb, then up at you, with a comically tragic, pouty expression.

You burst into a flurry of soft giggles. "Oh no! The fierce Count was bested by a sewing needle!"

"You're mocking me, star," he murmured, his eyes narrowing playfully.

"I am not," you beamed, leaning forward. You took his large hand in yours, lifting his thumb to your lips, and gently kissed the tiny prick better, your tongue lightly wiping away the drop of blood.

Levi’s breath hitched. His eyes blew wide and dark with a fierce, consuming devotion, his throat letting out a deep, rumbling purr at your sweet touch. "You're dangerous, bunny," he rasped, leaning down to press a deep, lingering kiss to your lips before looking back at his work.

"So, what are you trying to stitch anyway?" you asked, leaning over his arm to admire the gold lines on the green cloth. "You wouldn't tell me your design."

Levi’s pale cheeks flared with a faint blush. He proudly, yet slightly shyly, held up the fabric to show you the shape he had been carefully forming. It was rough around the edges, but the silhouette was undeniable. He had stitched a beautifully detailed, sharp shield with a small, delicate crescent moon nestled right in the centre of it.

"It's a crest of protection," Levi whispered fiercely, his hand dropping down to lie flat over your pelvis, his eyes shining with a deep intensity. "A shield to show the world that I will guard them with my life, and a moon because they are a part of my little star. I'm going to finish it, bunny. It's going to hang right above their cradle."

Your eyes melted at the sight of the little gold shield and crescent moon. A heavy, beautiful wave of emotion hit your chest, and you looked up at your fierce, adoring husband with love.

"Levi... oh, sweetheart, it is perfect," you cooed, your voice thick with sweetness as you cupped his pale jaw in both of your hands. "Look at those stitches. For someone who claims his hands are only meant for swords, you are a natural. Our baby is going to have the most beautiful, protective crest in the entire world."

Levi’s shoulders relaxed slightly, a proud, deeply smitten grin tugging at the corners of his lips as his fangs peeked out. "You really like it, bunny? I didn't make the lines too thick?"

"I don't just like it, I love it. And you deserve a reward for being such a good student," you beamed.

Before he could even respond, you leaned forward in his lap, pressing a soft, lingering kiss right against his forehead, right where his brow had been furrowed in deep concentration. Levi let out a low, surprised hum, his eyes closing as he melted into your touch.

"That's for working so hard," you whispered, shifting down to press another warm, sweet kiss against his puffy, pale cheek. "That's for making me laugh."

You pulled back just a fraction, your eyes locked onto his beautiful silver-blue gaze, which had already grown incredibly dark and heavy with affection. You leaned in close, your lips brushing against his as you murmured, "And this... is because I am so incredibly proud to be having a baby with the most loving, wonderful father in the world."

You captured his lips in a deep, slow, and intoxicatingly passionate kiss.

Levi let out a deep, primal groan from the very pit of his chest, the sound vibrating beautifully against your front. He didn't care about the fabric, the needle, or the thread anymore; he tossed the embroidery supply onto the side table and wrapped both of his arms around you, lifting you slightly so he could bury his face completely into the crook of your neck, peppering your soft skin with worshipful, breathless kisses.

"God, star... bunny... you are going to spoil me completely," Levi rasped, as he held you flush against his heart, rocking you gently on the daybed. "If this is the reward I get for sewing a few lines, I'm going to embroider the entire nursery."

"Oh, really?" you teased, your eyes sparkling with mischief as you leaned back in his lap, poking his chest with a playful finger. "The whole nursery? I'd love to see you attempt to hand-stitch a giant tapestry with those big warrior hands, Mr Ackerman. You'd lose your mind by the second day, and I'd have to find you covered in tangled gold thread."

Levi’s eyes narrowed into a playfully dangerous glare, a handsome, wicked smirk pulling at his lips. "Are you doubting your husband, little star? After I just executed a flawless crescent moon?"

"It was a very cute crescent moon," you giggled, squirming a little as his arms tightened like iron bands around your waist. "But the whole room? You're getting ahead of yourself, Count."

"Tch. That sounds like a challenge," Levi purred darkly, his eyes flashing with a sudden, playful spark.

Before you could even gasp, he shifted his weight, effortlessly pulling you down onto the pile of cushions on the daybed. He pinned you beneath him, but his movements were gentle; he took care to keep his heavy weight off your stomach, supporting himself on his forearms as he trapped you in his embrace.

"Hey!" you laughed, your hands coming up to push against his broad shoulders as you tried to wiggle out from under him. "Let me up, you bully!"

"No," Levi chuckled. He leaned down, using his short, dark hair to tickle your neck and chin, knowing exactly how to make you lose all your strength.

"Levi, stop! It tickles!" you squealed, writhing beneath him, your legs kicking up a storm against the heavy blankets. You tried to trap his face with your hands, but he was too quick, dodging your playful slaps with ease, his fangs gently nipping at the air just an inch from your nose.

"Say I can sew the whole nursery, bunny," he demanded softly, a deeply amused pout on his face as he captured both of your wrists in one of his large hands, pinning them gently above your head. "Say it, or the tickle torture continues."

"Never!" you panted, a massive, breathless smile breaking across your face as you looked up into his radiant, happy eyes. You managed to free one of your legs from the blanket, playfully hooking it around his hip to try and roll him over.

Levi let out a low growl, effortlessly blocking your leverage, but he was smiling so wide his eyes were crinkling at the corners. He let go of your wrists and buried his face right into the crook of your neck, blowing a loud raspberry against your soft skin that made you shriek with laughter.

"Alright, alright! I yield! You can sew the whole castle if you want!" you cried out, tears of laughter pricking your eyes as you wrapped your arms tightly around his neck, hugging him close.

Levi immediately stopped his playful assault, melting completely against you. He rested his forehead against yours, both of you panting softly in the warm, quiet greenhouse. His large hand slid down between your bodies, his warm palm gently stroking the soft curve of your belly, checking on the baby’s steady pulse.

Late autumn had officially settled over the Ackerman territory, painting the sprawling forests in deep shades of frost-kissed silver and copper. Weeks had bled into one another in a blur of peaceful, slow recovery. Safe within the grand walls of the manor, you had spent the passing time healing both mentally and physically.

While you rested in the cosy warmth of the master suite, the atmosphere down in Levi's war room was tense, thick with the scent of map parchment, melting wax, and heavy black tea.

Levi sat at the head of the long oak table, his sharp eyes scanning a massive, detailed map of the territory. Seated around him were Erwin Smith, Mike Zacharias, and his father, Sebastian Ackerman, whose imposing, aristocratic presence perfectly mirrored his son’s cold authority.

"The eastern mountain passes will be completely blocked by heavy snowfall within the next fortnight," Sebastian spoke. "The food supplies for the lower villages have already been secured in the subterranean vaults, but we must verify the distribution lines."

"Everything is moving exactly according to schedule, Sebastian," Mike reported, leaning over the table to point at several marked sectors. "We’ve stockpiled enough seasoned wood and dense fire magic cores to keep the central heating grids running through the deepest freeze. Emergency shelter sites have been established across four sectors in case the mountain blizzards worsen. Furthermore, Levi has already cleared the eastern wing of this mansion to house the regional students if the village schools are forced to close due to the snow."

Erwin nodded smoothly, flipping through a ledger of trade agreements. "The frozen lakes and docks along the northern sea will present the usual maritime challenge, but our ice-breaking galleons are reinforced and stationed. Trading routes to the southern ports will remain open. On a domestic front, the territory is perfectly prepared, just like every year."

The logistical planning was flawless, a testament to the tactical brilliance of the Ackerman men and their inner circle. Yet, as the paperwork was stacked neatly to the side, the heavy silence in the room shifted from the weather to a much darker, far more volatile threat.

"The land is secure, but the capital is a different matter," Sebastian sighed, his jaw clenching as he leaned back in his leather chair. "The High Council is growing desperate. They are trying everything within their legal power to worm their way back into Levi’s personal life, demanding audits, household inspections, and pushing for political marriages. Kuchel is holding the line beautifully in the capital, using her influence to block their decrees, but even she can only hold them back for so long. They are a multi-headed hydra, Levi."

Levi’s expression turned lethal. His fingers idly traced the moonstone star bracelet on his wrist, a dark, protective possessiveness radiating off him at the mere mention of the council trying to threaten his private sanctuary with you.

"Let them push," Levi rasped, his voice cutting through the room like dry ice. "If a single one of their inspectors sets foot on my land to look at my wife, they won't live to see the capital again."

"A temporary solution to a permanent problem," Erwin intervened quietly, his brilliant blue eyes locking onto Levi with calculated intensity. "The council will not stop until they have dismantled your authority or forced a mistress into your bed to dilute the Ackerman bloodline. If we want to live freely, if you want to protect your wife and the future of your household permanently, we need a permanent solution."

Levi narrowed his eyes. "What are you suggesting, Erwin?"

"A rebellion," Erwin declared calmly, the word hanging heavily in the quiet room. "A strategic, systemic overthrow of the current High Council. But to do that, we must first cut off their main source of leverage. We must stop Magenta Dupré and her family entirely. They are deeply, intricately woven into the council's financial and political network."

"Magenta has been looking for an excuse to strike down my family for decades," Sebastian noted, his eyes flashing with ancient vampire dominance. "And her son, Cedric, is currently playing the part of a reformed hero."

"Exactly. We cannot trust the Duprés, and we cannot dismantle the council alone," Erwin continued, leaning forward. "We need royal backing. I suggest we approach Prince Alcide and Princess Aleea subtly. The royal siblings have grown increasingly frustrated with the council's overreaching greed. If we can bring the crown to our side, we can legally strip the council of their power, crush the Dupré influence, and secure your family’s freedom once and for all."

A gentle, hesitant knock rattled the heavy oak door, momentarily pausing the tense strategy session.

"Enter," Levi commanded, his tone rough and sharp from the heavy war room discussion.

But the second the door swung open and his eyes landed on your sexy and beautiful body, the harshness vanished from his face, replaced by an instantly sweet, deeply protective warmth. You stood there looking adorable, clutching a thick stack of papers tightly against your chest, your hair cascading over your shoulders.

"I'm so sorry for interrupting you all," you murmured softly, offering a polite bow to Sebastian, Erwin, and Mike.

Levi’s chair scraped against the floor as he half-stood. "You never have to apologise to me, little star. What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine, Levi," you assured him, stepping fully into the room. You took a deep breath, tightening your hold on the bundle of papers. "I've been doing my Countess duties, but... I want to do more for our people. During the trial, the council said that I haven't done anything or made a real impact on the territory... and it stuck with me. I want to change that."

Instantly, the men at the table softened.

"Countess, the council's words were venomous drivel meant to shake your confidence," Erwin said gently, a warm smile touching his lips.

"Indeed," Sebastian agreed, his voice laced with deep, fatherly pride. "You have been a profound blessing to this household, my child."

"Don't listen to those bastards, Countess," Mike grunted supportively.

You raised a hand, offering them a grateful but determined smile to cut off their sweet reassurance. "Thank you all, really. But it's okay. I actually slightly agree with them. I haven't done enough yet. So, I have an idea to help with the coming winter."

Walking over to the large table, you carefully placed the papers right over the top of the military maps. The men leaned in curiously. The sheets were filled with neat handwriting, colourful diagrams, and incredibly detailed guides.

"These are ideas for food management for the common people," you explained, your voice growing stronger with passion. "I’ve put together recipe guides for cheap, nutrient-dense winter foods, a list of hearty crops that grow much better in the cold weather, and specific baked treats that can be preserved and last for a very long time without spoiling. Just... complete guides about food storage and ideas to help the villages combat the freeze."

You turned your eyes to your husband, your expression dead serious. "Levi, you have to be completely honest with me. You can't just be nice because we're married. I need to know if this is actually useful."

Levi stared at the papers, a profound, consuming wave of adoration and respect hitting his undead heart. His little bunny wasn't just soft and sweet; she had the heart of a true queen. He looked up, his eyes softening. "I promise I'll be honest with you, bunny."

He waved Erwin over, and the two of them immediately began flipping through your guides, their sharp, brilliant minds dissecting the work. For a few minutes, they spoke in quiet murmurs, marking a few spots with a pencil and taking meticulous notes.

"There are a few logistical things that need changing regarding the crop distribution, and some of the measurements will need to scale for the larger communal kitchens," Erwin evaluated, looking up at you with immense respect. "But for a first draft? This is an exceptionally good, highly practical piece of work, Countess. It will genuinely save lives this winter."

"Erwin's right," Levi agreed, his hand settling over yours, squeezing it with immense pride. "But honestly, sweetheart, the mistakes are minor. We can just take what you made right now, pass it to the printers, and go with it. You've done more than enough."

"No," you insisted, a determined glint entering your eyes as you gently pulled your hand back to gather the papers up against your chest. "I want to work on it again. I want it to be perfect. I want to be the absolute best Countess I can possibly be for our people."

Before Levi could even argue or try to coddle you, you offered the room one last beaming, grateful smile. "Thank you so much for the feedback!"

With that, you spun on your heel and hurried out of the war room, your hair swishing behind you as you rushed back to your desk to perfect your project.

Left in your wake, the room was dead silent for a moment. Sebastian let out a booming chuckle of pure delight, while Mike smiled widely. Levi just stared at the closed door, his chest swelling with so much fierce, possessive love it borderline ached.

"God, I am a lucky bastard," Levi muttered, rubbing his face as a proud smirk took over his lips.

"You chose well, son," Sebastian smiled, leaning back. "Now, let us return to the rebellion. We have a council to crush for daring to doubt our Countess."

You were in the zone; you leaned over the small writing desk. Your hair was tied up loosely to keep it out of your face, though a few rebellious strands fell over your cheeks as you fiercely scribbled down corrections. You adjusted the crop rotation notes Erwin had pointed out, scaling the communal kitchen recipes so that a single village batch of your traditional winter stew could easily feed a hundred hungry mouths.

"Perfect," you whispered to yourself, a proud smile breaking across your lips as you laid down the quill. "That will make the grain supplies last three weeks longer."

Suddenly, the heavy oak door of the bedroom clicked open.

You expected it to be Levi, coming to dote on you or try to drag you away for an afternoon cuddle, but instead, the heavy, calculated footsteps that entered the room were wrong. You froze, turning around in your chair, your hand instinctively dropping over your stomach.

Standing in the doorway was Cedric Dupré.

He didn't wear his usual slimy court attire; instead, he wore a fine, dark winter cloak, his sharp features in an expression of polite, quiet gravity. He had a letter sealed with his family’s crest in his hand.

"My apologies, Countess," Cedric spoke smoothly, his voice low and soothing as he offered a flawless, courtly bow. "The guards at the front gates let me through to deliver an urgent missive from my mother to Lord Sebastian. I saw your door open, and I simply couldn't resist checking on the hero of the High Court."

You felt a slight shiver run down your spine. "Lord Cedric," you said, keeping your tone even and elegant, channelling the inner queen you wanted to be. "The war room is on the lower floor. Levi and his father are currently in a closed meeting."

"Ah, I see," Cedric murmured, stepping just a fraction into the room, his eyes scanning the thick stack of papers on your desk. A strange, unreadable glint flashed in his gaze as he took in your detailed food management charts. "And here I thought you were merely resting. It seems the council was gravely mistaken about you. You're analysing territorial logistics."

"I am doing my duty for the Ackerman people," you replied firmly, straightening your posture.

"Impressive," Cedric smiled, though the warmth didn't quite reach his eyes. He set his mother’s letter down on the edge of a nearby table. "My mother, Magenta, always says that a true ruler knows how to manage the throat of the people, their food supply. It is a pity the Ackermans don't appreciate your brilliant mind the way a Dupré would."

Before you could reply, the temperature in the room plummeted to a suffocating sub-zero freeze.

"Get your hands off that table, Dupré, before I sever them at the wrists."

Levi stood in the doorway. His silver-blue eyes were completely black with a feral, terrifying yandere rage, his fangs visibly dropping as his nostrils flared, catching the scent of another man in your private sanctuary. The moonstone bracelet on his wrist hummed with a dangerous, ambient magical energy.

Cedric slowly raised his hands, his smile turning perfectly pleasant as he turned to face the Count. "Ah, Count Levi. I was merely delivering a letter from my mother to your father."

Levi didn't waste a single breath on pleasantries. In a blur of blinding vampire speed, he crossed the room, his hand instantly wrapping around Cedric’s throat and slamming him hard against the pillar near the terrace doors, the wood cracking under the sheer force of his grip.

"I told you once during the trial," Levi rasped, his voice a low, animalistic growl that made the glass windows vibrate. "If you so much as breathe in my bunny’s direction again, I will tear your throat out and feed it to the crows. You have exactly three seconds to get off my land before I make good on that promise."

Cedric choked out a strained, gasp-like laugh, his heels dangling a few inches off the floor as Levi’s grip tightened like an iron vice. The raw, suffocating aura of the Ackerman Warlord filled every corner of the room, making the curtains sway.

"Levi! Stop, please!" you cried out, rushing out from behind your writing desk. Your legs moved fast as you hurried over, throwing your arms around Levi’s solid, trembling shoulder. "Let him go! He... he did help us at the trial, remember? We can’t just murder him in our bedroom!"

Levi’s jaw clenched so hard it looked like stone, his silver-blue eyes still jet-black with a possessive, territorial fury. Hearing your voice, however, worked. He let out a sharp, frustrated hiss, his fangs slowly retracting before he practically threw Cedric away from him.

Cedric stumbled, catching himself against the terrace glass. He rubbed his bruised neck, coughing softly, but to your amazement, he didn't look angry. Instead, he smoothed down his fine winter cloak and offered you a strained but incredibly polite bow.

"My deepest thanks... Countess," Cedric wheezed, adjusting his collar. "Your compassion is as legendary as your beauty."

"Get out," Levi snarled, stepping directly between you and Cedric, his broad shoulders completely blocking your voluptuous frame from the other man's view. "Now."

"Of course. The letter is on the table," Cedric murmured smoothly, casting one last, deeply calculated look at the sealed parchment before slipping out of the master suite like a shadow, his footsteps rapidly disappearing down the grand corridor.

The moment the door clicked shut, Levi spun around, his hands instantly flying to your waist to pull your full, curvy frame hard against his chest. He buried his face in your neck, inhaling your sweet, familiar scent deeply. "If he touches you... if any of them touch you..." he muttered, his voice thick with a dark, terrifying possessiveness.

"He didn't touch me, Levi," you whispered softly, rubbing his back and running your fingers through his hair to calm him down. "He was just being slimy, like always. But look... what is that letter anyway?"

You gently pulled back, guiding a still-scowling Levi over to the small side table where Cedric had left the parchment. Levi snatched it up with a deep, irritated grunt, his eyes scanning the elegant, wax seal stamped with the Dupré family crest.

"It's addressed to my father," Levi muttered, his brow furrowing in deep confusion. "Why the hell would Magenta Dupré be writing an 'urgent missive' directly to Sebastian?"

Curiosity getting the better of both of you, Levi didn't hesitate to break the wax. He unrolled the heavy parchment, his eyes scanning the neat, overly dramatic calligraphy. As he read the first few lines, his scowl suddenly froze, transforming into a look of disgust.

You leaned over his arm, your hair brushing against his shoulder as you read the words over his sleeve:

'My Darling Sebastian, the winter cold always reminds me of the warmth we once shared before that vicious Kuchel tore you from my grasp. The High Council means nothing to me, my love. If you would only leave her and return to my arms, the Dupré fortune and all my political leverage would be yours...'

You burst out into a sudden, loud giggle, clapping your hands over your mouth as the sheer absurdity of it hit you.

Levi looked like he had just swallowed a lemon. "Are you kidding me?" he gasped, his voice cracking with pure disbelief. "It's a damn love letter. Magenta Dupré is still throwing herself at my father after centuries? She lost him to my mother fair and square, and she's still writing this trash?"

"Oh my gosh, Levi, this is kind of hilarious," you laughed, leaning your full weight against his side as you giggled. "The terrifying, venomous Magenta Dupré is just a heartbroken, bitter rival who is still totally obsessed with your dad!"

Levi stared at the paper in his hand, a sudden, brilliant, and wicked smirk slowly replacing his disgust. His yandere eyes lit up with a tactical, dangerous amusement.

"Erwin wanted a way to break the Dupré family's leverage with the council," Levi murmured, his voice dropping into a dark, purring chuckle as he tightly rolled the letter back up. He looked down at you, pulling your curvy frame back into his arms and kissing your forehead deeply. "My bunny just handed us the perfect weapon. If my mother gets a hold of this... Kuchel will dismantle Magenta’s entire political empire by sunset out of sheer petty rage. Come on, star. Let's go show my parents your brilliant food guides... and this little masterpiece."

Levi kept his arm wrapped securely around your waist as he led you down the grand, twisting staircases of the manor, refusing to let you walk more than an inch away from him after the incident with Cedric. But the dark, protective tension that usually radiated from him had completely morphed into an eager, proud excitement. In his left hand, he held your perfected winter food guides, and in his right, the catastrophic love letter from Magenta Dupré.

"You're going to amaze them, little star," Levi murmured, his eyes glancing down at you with a gaze so thick with adoration it made your heart skip a beat. "The work you did on those crop rotations is brilliant. My father is going to be incredibly impressed."

You blushed beautifully, leaning your body against his side as you reached the double doors of the private family parlour. Levi didn’t bother knocking this time; he pushed the doors open, revealing a picture of aristocratic elegance.

Sebastian Ackerman was seated by the massive marble fireplace, nursing a glass of dark crimson wine. Sitting gracefully across from him, looking every bit the fierce, breathtaking queen she was, was Kuchel Ackerman. She had just returned from the capital, her dark travel cloak draped over the back of her chair.

"Levi, darling, and my beautiful sweet bunny!" Kuchel beamed, her sharp eyes instantly lighting up the moment she saw you. She stood up gracefully, her silk skirts rustling as she hurried over to pull your body into a warm, deeply loving embrace. "Oh, look at you, you look so healthy and radiant! Has my son been taking proper care of you?"

"He's been amazing, Kuchel," you giggled, hugging her back tightly.

"She's the one taking care of the territory," Levi interjected smoothly, a brilliant, cocky smirk playing on his lips as he stepped forward. He proudly laid your stack of papers down on the low table right in front of his parents. "Look at this. My wife spent her weeks of recovery designing an entire, comprehensive winter food management guide for the common villages. Spiced tarts that last for months, cold-resistant crop mapping, and scaled communal recipes. Erwin and I already vetted it. It’s practically flawless."

Sebastian reached out with a ringed hand, picking up the pages and scanning your neat handwriting. A slow, deeply impressed smile spread across the old Warlord’s face.

"Incredible," Sebastian murmured, looking up at you with immense paternal pride. "The council dared to claim you make no impact, yet you have solved a distribution crisis our logistics ministers have been arguing over for three terms. You have the true heart of an Ackerman Countess, my child."

"I told you she was perfect," Levi purred, his hand sliding down to squeeze your hip. You beamed, your chest swelling with absolute happiness at their praise.

"Oh, I am absolutely framing a copy of this and shoving it down the High Chancellor's throat the next time I see him," Kuchel declared proudly, clapping her hands together. Then, her sharp eyes darted to the second, tightly rolled parchment in Levi’s hand. "What’s that other piece of paper, Levi? It looks... familiar."

The playful, wicked spark returned to Levi’s eyes. He cleared his throat, his inner yandere absolutely thriving as he unrolled the letter.

"Well, Mother," Levi said, his voice dripping with smooth, theatrical amusement. "Cedric Dupré just dared to wander into our private quarters under the guise of delivering an 'urgent missive' from his mother to Father. I nearly tore his throat out, but my wise bunny stopped me. And thank goodness she did, because we decided to read it."

Sebastian frowned, looking confused. "Magenta sent a letter directly to me?"

"Oh, she certainly did," Levi smirked. He looked down at the paper, mimicking a dramatic, breathy court tone. "'My Darling Sebastian... the winter cold always reminds me of the warmth we once shared before that vicious Kuchel tore you from my grasp...''

Thud.

Sebastian nearly dropped his wine glass, his pale face turning a comical shade of ghostly white.

Kuchel froze. The warm, doting motherly aura vanished in a fraction of a second. Slowly, she turned her head toward the letter, her crimson eyes flashing with an ancient, terrifyingly lethal vampire aura that practically shook the foundations of the room.

"What," Kuchel whispered, her voice dangerously calm, "did that venomous, dried-up hag just call me?"

"She said you tore Father from her grasp," Levi supplied helpfully, thoroughly enjoying the chaos as he passed the letter over to his mother. "And she offered him her entire fortune and the High Council's backing if he leaves you and runs into her arms."

You pressed your hands over your mouth, your shoulders shaking with uncontrollable, silent laughter as you watched the grand, elegant Kuchel Ackerman completely lose her mind.

"Runs into her arms?!" Kuchel roared, snatching the paper and ripping it open to read it herself. "That delusional, desperate, bottom-feeding viper! Sebastian belonged to me before she even learned how to paint her face! How dare she insult my marriage and try to bribe my husband in a winter missive!"

"Kuchel, my love, I swear on my life I haven't spoken to the woman in three centuries—" Sebastian began, raising his hands in a rare panic, completely terrified of his wife's wrath.

"Oh, I know it's not your fault, Sebastian, you're irresistible," Kuchel snapped, though she pointed a fiercely warning finger at him. "But Magenta Dupré has officially crossed the line! Erwin wanted a rebellion to strip the council's leverage? Perfect! I am going to dismantle her entire political empire, freeze her family assets, and leave her begging in the capital streets by tomorrow evening!"

Levi wrapped his arms around you from behind, pulling your giggling, curvy frame secure against his chest as you both watched Kuchel pace the room, furiously plotting the absolute downfall of the Dupré family.

"See, bunny?" Levi whispered in your ear, his fangs playfully nipping your earlobe as he chuckled darkly. "I told you that you handed us the perfect weapon. The rebellion has officially begun, and it’s all thanks to my brilliant little star."

A thick, silent blanket of pure white snow covered the capital, transforming the royal palace grounds into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Flakes drifted lazily from the heavy grey sky, dusting the velvet hood of your heavy winter cloak as you climbed the grand, marble steps of the royal palace.

For the first time, Levi wasn't by your side, acting as a shield against the biting chill. You had insisted on doing this by yourself, to prove to the world, to the council, and to your husband that you were a brave, capable Countess who could fight for her people.

But you weren't alone. Walking with an incredibly sharp, focused air right behind you was Luna.

The head maid’s green eyes were practically glued to you. Luna was on an absolute, undeniable mission. She knew the truth, even if you were completely in denial about it. You had missed your monthly cycle. Twice. Two whole months had passed with no blood, and while you kept telling yourself it was just the stress of the trial and the changing weather, Luna wasn't fooled for a single second. Her sharp, highly trained gaze constantly tracked the way you walked, how you carried your weight, and how your hand occasionally drifted to your stomach. She was a woman possessed, determined to protect the tiny, potential secret growing inside you while you focused on being a ruler.

The heavy, gilded palace doors swung open, instantly welcoming you into the roaring warmth of the royal foyer.

"Countess!"

A cheerful, melodic voice echoed through the high-ceilinged hall. Hurrying down the corridor were your beloved family friends, Prince Alcide and Princess Aleea. The lovely royal brother-and-sister duo looked absolutely radiant, their faces lighting up with matching, excited smiles the moment they saw you.

"Oh, look at you!" Princess Aleea cheered, rushing forward to gently take your hands, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "We were so thrilled when we received your request for a private visit. Come, come inside out of the cold!"

Prince Alcide offered a polite, brotherly bow, his handsome face softening into a warm smile. "It is wonderful to see you looking so well, Countess. We have a private parlour completely prepared for us."

You were escorted into a stunning, sun-drenched room where a massive hearth crackled with sweet-smelling pine wood. In the centre of the room sat a grand table laden with an overwhelming feast of royal refreshments, rich, heavy cheeses, cured winter meats, roasted pheasants, and delicate pastries.

The second the heavy scent of the rich, greasy roasted meat and sharp cheeses hit your nose, a sudden wave of nausea flipped your stomach. You froze, your face paling slightly as you instinctively took a half-step back, your hand flying to your mouth to suppress a soft gasp.

Behind you, Luna’s eyes snapped wide with a look of triumphant validation. She quickly stepped forward, her hands already reaching into her apron pocket where she kept her herbal remedies.

Princess Aleea, however, didn't miss a single beat. Her gaze darted from your pale face down to your hands, and a look of realisation washed over her royal features. A massive, knowing grin broke across her lips, but she cleverly kept her mouth shut, practically vibrating with excitement as she subtly guided you away from the meat platters.

"Let’s get some fresh lemon water and some plain bread for our guest immediately," Aleea commanded the palace servants, her voice laced with a deeply excited tenderness.

Once you had settled onto a plush velvet sofa, sipping the cool lemon water that instantly settled your stomach, the atmosphere in the room gradually shifted from cosy catch-ups to the true, heavy weight of your visit.

"We love having you here for a feast," Prince Alcide spoke softly, leaning forward in his chair, his expression turning serious and regal. "But we know you wouldn't travel through a blizzard without Levi merely for tea. What is happening? Is it the council again?"

You took a deep breath, setting your glass down. It was time to handle the difficult stuff. You looked at the royal siblings, your voice steady and full of conviction, channelling every bit of bravery you had.

"We need your help," you stated clearly, looking between Alcide and Aleea. "The High Council has accumulated far too much power, and they are suffocating our territory. They are weaponising their influence to threaten my home, my marriage, and the freedom of the people. We are organising a strategic rebellion to strip them of their power permanently... and we need the backing of the crown."

Alcide and Aleea both went quiet, the sheer gravity of the word rebellion hanging heavily in the warm air.

"It’s not just the council," you continued, your voice growing stronger. "It’s the families feeding them. Magenta Dupré is using her financial leverage to control high-court decrees, and Lady Prescilla’s family is actively backing their legal overreaches. If we strike, we must crush their entire network."

Prince Alcide tapped his chin, his brilliant eyes scanning the crackling fire as he mentally weighed the pros and cons of such a massive political upheaval.

"The cons are obvious," Alcide evaluated carefully. "If the rebellion fails, the council will accuse the Ackerman lineage of high treason, and it could plunge the entire kingdom into a civil war during the harshest months of winter. The Dupré and Prescilla families have deep roots. Uprooting them will cause a massive financial shockwave in the capital markets."

"But the pros..." Princess Aleea interrupted, her eyes flashing with a fierce, royal dominance that perfectly matched her brother's. She looked at you with immense respect. "The pros are undeniable. The council has been a leech on the monarchy for a century, constantly trying to dictate royal marriages and taxing the common people to fill their own vaults. If we back you, we can legally dissolve the council, reclaim the crown's authority, and permanently secure the safety of your household."

Alcide looked back at you, a decisive, powerful smile breaking across his face as he marvelled at how brave you were being. "Aleea is right. The positives far outweigh the risks. The council has grown too arrogant, and targeting your family was their final mistake. You have the support of the royal family, Countess. Tell us, what is the first step of the strategy?"

You leaned over the low table, carefully laying out the strategic outline Levi and Erwin had drafted. "The first phase relies on a coordinated economic freeze," you explained, your voice steady and confident. "Kuchel is already handling Magenta Dupré’s personal leverage, but we need royal decrees to freeze the offshore trading docks connected to Lady Prescilla’s family. If we cut off their supply lines while the snow blocks the mountain passes..."

Right as you were nearing the very end of the explanation, a sudden, violent wave of dizziness hit you like a physical blow. The room spun on its axis. A sickness rushed from the very pit of your stomach straight to your throat.

Your sentence cut off mid-word. You dropped your quill, your face instantly draining of all colour as you leaned heavily against the arm of the sofa, a soft, pathetic wheeze escaping your lips.

"Oh, goodness! Countess!" Princess Aleea gasped, nearly spilling her tea as she surged forward.

Luna, who had been hovering in the corner like a hawk, was at your side in a fraction of a second. She didn't look panicked at all; she looked smug and validated. She smoothly pulled a fresh chalice of cool mint water from her apron pocket and pressed it gently against your trembling lips.

"Drink, Countess. Slowly," Luna instructed, her voice calm but her green eyes practically sparkling with triumph. "I told you the carriage ride through the snow would upset your... delicate disposition today."

You took a few small sips of the mint water, the cool liquid putting out the fire in your stomach. "I-I am so sorry," you breathed, wiping a stray tear from your eye from the sheer force of the nausea. "I don't know what's wrong with me lately. The weather must really be throwing off my stomach."

Princess Aleea sat back on her heels, staring at your flushed face and your beautifully glowing skin. She looked over at Luna, who gave a sharp, knowing nod. Aleea’s jaw dropped in absolute delight.

"Countess... sweetheart," Aleea began, her voice vibrating with an excited, high-pitched squeal. "I don't think it's the weather. Maybe... just maybe, we should have the palace apothecary bring up a pregnancy test?"

Prince Alcide, who had been listening intently to the rebellion strategy, blinked in utter bewilderment. He looked at his sister, thoroughly lost. "A pregnancy test? Aleea, what on earth are you on about? She just said she has a stomach bug from the carriage ride."

Aleea rolled her eyes dramatically at her brother. "Oh, think about it, Alcide! Use your royal brain! She was completely repulsed by the roasted meats; she’s suddenly sensitive to every rich food smell in the room, her skin is literally glowing like a winter star, and Luna has been hovering over her like a bodyguard all afternoon! And let's not forget how fiercely devoted Levi is!"

Prince Alcide frowned, his brow furrowing as he tried to process the information. "So? She's just... glowing because she's happy..."

Suddenly, the legal and biological dots connected in the prince's mind. His eyes went completely wide. He looked from his sister, to the smugly nodding Luna, and finally to your full, curvy frame huddling on the sofa.

The realisation hit him like a lightning bolt.

The Countess of the Ackerman territory, the wife of the most terrifying, lethal Vampire Warlord in existence, was likely carrying an heir.

Alcide shot up to his feet so fast his heavy royal chair flew backwards, crashing loudly against the stone floor. His regal, composed demeanour completely shattered into pure panic. He gripped his own hair, his face turning a hilarious shade of bright pink.

"A-An heir?!" Alcide shouted, his voice cracking as he began pacing the room like a madman. "Levi is going to murder me! He let her travel to my palace through a blizzard, and she's carrying a baby?! If she faints in my parlour, he will raze the capital to the ground!"

Before you or Aleea could even laugh at his ridiculous meltdown, Alcide sprinted toward the parlour doors, threw them open, and screamed at the top of his lungs into the grand hallway.

"GUARDS! APOTHECARY! FETCH THE PALACE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! RUN!"

Princess Aleea collapsed back onto the sofa, clutching her stomach as she laughed so hard no sound came out, thoroughly amused by her brother's absolute, undignified meltdown.

"Alcide, sit down before you faint!" Aleea wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye.

Your cheeks burned. You felt flustered, holding the mint water tightly to your chest. "Please, everyone, stop! I am not pregnant! I insist, it's just a stomach bug!"

"Countess," Luna interjected, her tone smooth, unbothered, and immovable as she stepped forward. "You have missed two full cycles. Two. I have kept the ledgers myself."

"That's just because of the trial!" you argued back frantically, your voice rising in pitch as your heart began to hammer against your ribs. "I went through something incredibly stressful, okay? It's completely normal for a woman's body to skip a cycle after facing the High Court! It's just stress!"

Before you could defend your denial any further, the grand parlour doors burst open. Prince Alcide practically dragged the elderly palace doctor into the room, followed by two breathless apothecaries carrying a velvet-lined case of magical diagnostic tools. The poor doctor’s spectacles were crooked, and he looked just as terrified as the prince.

"Right here! Diagnose her immediately!" Alcide commanded, hovering over the sofa like a nervous spectre. "If she so much as groans, I want an antidote prepared!"

"Your Highness, please, it is all completely fine," you pleaded, feeling more embarrassed by the second as the doctor knelt before you.

"Forgive me, Countess," the doctor murmured gently. He carefully took your hand and drew a tiny silver pricking needle from his kit. "A single drop of blood is all we need. We will test it against the royal diagnostic stone."

You winced slightly as the needle pricked the tip of your finger. A single, rich crimson drop of your blood was placed onto a smooth, clear crystal stone sitting on the table. The apothecaries immediately began channelling a soft, golden stream of diagnostic magic into the gem.

You watched, holding your breath, fully expecting the crystal to stay clear and prove your stress theory right.

Instead, the moment the magic touched your blood, a blinding reaction exploded from the stone. The crystal didn't just glow; it flared into a roaring, brilliant aura of deep crimson and shimmering gold light, pulsing with a heavy, rhythmic heartbeat that sent a physical wave of warm magic radiating across the entire room. It was an incredibly powerful, undeniable reaction.

The doctor gasped, dropping his tools, his eyes wide. "By the heavens... It is a positive. And the child’s aura... it is already incredibly strong. Countess, you are indeed with child."

Your jaw dropped. The room seemed to fall completely silent as the truth finally crashed through your denial. You stared at the pulsing golden light. A baby. Levi's baby. Inside you.

Before you could even fully process the staggering news, the heavy glass terrace windows violently shattered inward.

A freezing gust of wind and snow erupted into the parlour as a dark silhouette materialised in a blinding, terrifying blur of vampire speed. Levi had felt the sudden, sharp spike of your blood magic from miles away, and he had broken through the palace wards to get to you.

"Who made my wife bleed?!" Levi roared.

His silver-blue eyes were completely pitch-black, his lethal fangs fully extended, and a suffocating, murderous yandere aura exploded from his frame, cracking the marble floor beneath his boots. His gaze instantly locked onto Prince Alcide, who happened to be standing mere inches from you. Levi knew perfectly well that Alcide had once harboured deep, unspoken feelings for you before you were married.

Levi’s expression turned demonic as he stepped toward the prince. "Alcide. Give me one reason why I shouldn't rip your heart out right now."

"Levi, wait!" you cried out.

Your voice caught in your throat, and as you looked up at your terrifying, fiercely protective husband, hot tears finally spilt over your cheeks, blurring your vision.

Seeing the tears in your eyes, Levi's murderous rage morphed into a breathless panic. He ignored the royals, dropping to his knees right in front of your sofa. His large, trembling hands flew to your face, his thumbs gently wiping away your tears as his eyes searched yours with desperation.

"Star... star, look at me. Don't cry, bunny, please," Levi begged, his voice cracking with a raw, consuming fear he couldn't hide. He pulled you against his chest, his eyes darting around the room like a hunted animal. "Tell me what hurts. Tell me who did this to you. Tell me who I need to kill, little star, and I'll end them right now."

You let out an overwhelmed sob, but a massive, breathless smile broke across your face. You reached up, burying your hands in his hair, and pressed your forehead against his.

"No one, Levi," you sobbed happily, your voice trembling with pure joy. "You don't need to kill anyone... We're pregnant. I'm having your baby."

Levi froze. The terrifying, suffocating aura that had been threatening to tear the royal parlour apart vanished in a single, breathless second. He stared at you, his eyes slowly fading back into a brilliant, wide silver-blue.

"What?" he breathed, his voice barely a whisper as if he were terrified that moving or speaking too loudly would break the most beautiful illusion he had ever seen. "Bunny... what did you just say?"

"We're having a baby, Levi," you cried happily, a joyous laugh breaking through your tears as you took his large, trembling hand and pressed it flat against your stomach. "The doctor just tested my blood. It's real. I'm pregnant."

For a man who had lived through centuries of war and political schemes, Levi Ackerman completely lost all of his composure.

His eyes darted from your face down to his own hand resting over your womb. Right beneath his palm, his hyper-sensitive vampire senses picked up a tiny, incredibly vibrant, and fiercely powerful second heartbeat, pulsing in perfect harmony with yours. The golden, magical light from the diagnostic stone was still washing over both of you, illuminating the pure, undeniable proof.

A sudden, overwhelming wave of pure ecstasy crashed over him.

"A baby..." Levi choked out, a sound that was half-laugh and half-sob, tearing from his chest.

Before you could even blink, Levi surged forward. He wrapped his powerful arms around your waist, hoisting you right off the sofa and pulling you securely into his lap as he sat back on his heels on the floor. He buried his face in your neck, his body trembling with a profound, consuming level of devotion.

"My star... my beautiful, perfect little star," he murmured against your skin, peppering your neck, your jaw, and your cheeks with deep, breathless, and passionate kisses. "A baby. Our baby. I'm going to be a father."

"You are," you giggled through your tears, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck.

Levi pulled back just enough to look at you, his face flushed with a radiant, breathtaking happiness you had never seen on him before. The terrifying Warlord Count was completely gone, replaced by a man deeply, madly in love. He smiled, a wide, brilliant, and incredibly handsome grin that showed his fangs in the most endearing way possible.

He cupped your face in both hands, his thumbs caressing your rosy cheeks as he looked into your eyes with a fierce, burning protectiveness.

"I love you so much," he vowed, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned in to capture your lips in a deep, sweet, passionate kiss. It tasted of salt from your tears, but it was filled with a lifetime of promises. He kissed you until you were completely breathless, his hands sliding down to your full hips, squeezing you against him as if he could keep you and the baby safe from the entire world right there in his arms.

Behind you, Princess Aleea let out another loud squeal of pure joy, clapping her hands together, while Prince Alcide let out a massive, visible sigh of relief, slumping against a pillar, glad he wasn't going to be executed today. Luna stood by the door, a proud, deeply satisfied smirk on her face as she crossed her arms.

Levi didn't care about any of them. He finally broke the kiss, resting his forehead against yours, his hand returning to your stomach to gently rub the soft fabric of your dress.

"We are going to build the most beautiful world for them, bunny," Levi whispered, his silver-blue eyes glittering with an ancient, unstoppable determination. "No council, no Duprés, no one will ever touch our family. I swear it to you."

"Thank you, Levi," you whispered, your heart feeling so full it could burst as you held his face in your hands, completely melting into his warmth.

Princess Aleea stood up, her joyful squeals softening into a gentle, commanding royal tone. "Alright, as much as I want to keep celebrating, you need to go straight home and rest, Countess. Now is an incredibly important time. You need warmth, the best food the estate can cook, and zero stress. The rebellion planning can wait a few days."

"Aleea is right," Levi agreed, his protective instincts kicking right back into overdrive. He stood up, cradling your soft body securely in his arms. He looked over at Luna, his eyes sharp. "Luna, prepare the carriage. Make sure the warming stones are fresh, and the thickest furs are laid out."

"Already on it, Count," Luna replied with a crisp, satisfied nod, hurrying out ahead of you.

The journey back through the heavy snow was a blur of pure comfort. Levi refused to let you sit on the carriage bench by yourself; he kept you firmly on his lap, wrapping his heavy winter cloak completely around you like a cocoon, his lips constantly pressing sweet kisses into your hair.

When the carriage finally pulled up to the Ackerman manor, the sudden bustle caught his parents' attention. Sebastian and Kuchel were standing near the grand foyer, watching with raised eyebrows and deep curiosity as Levi rushed through the front doors, carrying his wife past them in a swift, single-minded blur without saying a single word.

"Levi? Is everything alright?" Kuchel called out, taking a step forward.

Levi didn't even look back as he headed straight for the grand staircase. "Luna will explain! I need to settle my wife!"

He brought you into the sanctuary of your master suite, gently laying you onto the soft bed. The hearth was already roaring, throwing a golden, crackling warmth over the room. Within minutes, Levi was a whirlwind of motion; he shed his heavy coat and brought you a tray of light, warm broth, fresh lemon water, and the gentle prenatal tonic Luna had quickly prepared.

Once you had eaten a little and the sickness was completely gone, Levi climbed onto the bed behind you. His large, powerful hands slid under your clothes, gently kneading the tight muscles of your lower back and massaging your hips with a tender pressure that made you let out a soft hum of pure relief.

"Levi, sweetheart, you need to slow down a little," you giggled softly, turning your head to look at his intense, hyper-focused face. "You're pacing and worrying so much. I'm okay."

"I can't slow down, bunny," Levi murmured, his eyes dark with a fierce, consuming devotion as his hands moved down to massage your thick, shapely thighs gently. "You're a human carrying a vampire hybrid baby. The child's aura is already incredibly strong. It’s going to take a heavy physical toll on your beautiful body, and I am going to make sure you don't feel a single ounce of pain or discomfort for the next seven months."

He leaned down, pressing a deeply loving kiss right against the soft curve of your stomach. When he looked back up at you, his eyes held a profound, ancient gravity that made your breath hitch.

"And the moment our child is safely born, and your body has healed..." Levi rasped, his voice dropping into a low, incredibly intimate purr as his fangs faintly grazed your skin. "I am going to turn you, my little star. You are going to cross over and become a vampire, to rule by my side for eternity."

You blinked, a soft blush creeping up your neck. "What if the baby turns me during the birth?"

Levi let out a low, deeply possessive chuckle, his hands sliding back up to anchor firmly on your hips as he pulled you against his chest.