Tales of Fecundia(Canon) - 'a flower blooms in Serille'
Summary: Seeking a safe and loving environment away from the cutthroat politics of Castle Partus, former royal seamstress(and now Queen) Leila and King Cedric travel to her hometown of Serille to await the birth of their child. Surrounded by the warmth and preparations of the Veridan family, Leila goes into labor. Guided by her experienced mother and sisters and supported by the King, she endures the grueling trial of childbirth to deliver their newborn daughter - Flora.
Warnings: MDNI. 18+ only. Contains highly explicit and graphic fictional depictions of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Includes detailed anatomical descriptions, cervical checks, waters breaking, the "ring of fire," and a graphic vaginal delivery assisted by family members. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
"May Mellidone protect us in our travels, and guide us safely to our destination..."
Leila bowed her head in prayer as the carriage began its journey to Serille, her hometown. Green eyes looked out of the small windows, making out the shape of Castle Partus still cloaked in the dark night sky. It was the very early hours of the day, and just according to schedule, they were setting out while the rest of the palace and the city was still sound asleep.
She had arrived at the gardens right on time, with her belongings carried by one of the servants assigned to her. There, she'd met with the king who hadn't delayed a second. Once the carriage was ready, and all last arrangements sorted, the two were ready to go.
The pregnant woman shifted slightly in her seat, leaning against the padded back, and let out a sigh of relief. So far, everything has gone according to plan. She could only hope that the messenger had reached Serille on time; but that was beyond her control.
"Thank you so much, my king. This means the world to me, and to my family," the black-haired woman said as she turned to king Cedric who was accompanying her. She gave him a wide, bright smile that hid all the signs of fatigue from her face. "We are so grateful for your kindness. They will be so happy, you'll see."
"May Mellidone will it...."
The carriage wheels rumbled and grinded against the dusty dirt road, leaving the cobblestones behind as Castle Partus drifted off from a distance. But rather than joining along with Leila's sightseeing from her carriage window, the king opted to lean back and relax - the rarest leisure. His groggy eyes beckoned the temptation of sleep, and for a few seconds, Cedric entertained such a notion. Only one thought would tell him now was not the time, one person in mind.
Even in the dawn-covered darkness, Cedric did his best to smile back at the royal seamstress' word of thanks. But knowing it would not be enough, the king reaches out to firmly caress and grasp Leila's right hand, interlinking his fingers around hers. Surely, how can he match the genuine gratitude in her soft voice? Cedric sighed relaxingly, feeling the weariness of his bones slowly leave him.
"You are most welcome, Leila. However, I must also be the one to thank you, for having the courage to welcome me into your humble home," answers Cedric, moving in closer to Leila's side so she may either lean against his shoulder or feel their warmth. The early morning air was still fairly cool. "I cannot put a thumb on it, but it seems this visit surprisingly puts me at ease." The king laughs softly, feeling the top of Leila's hand with his thumb.
Leila gave the king's hand a light squeeze, a gesture that was slowly becoming her own unique way of acknowledging his Majesty's affection. The carriage passed by the houses in the capital as it began its journey through the forest, with the village of Serille, at the side of the river that crossed the woods, as its final destination.
"It does? Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. Our house might be modest, but it's welcoming, homely," the pregnant woman replied, eyes twinkling. She was indeed as tired as him, since her aching lower back didn't let her get much sleep, but the excitement erased the fatigue from her body. "I hope only that you may be comfortable in our home, even though it's small. Well, it's spacious - there were eight of us living there after all - but it's small compared to the palace, or to any other royal Estate.
"I can promise you, though, on my parents' behalf, that you will have every comfort we can provide. My parents have always given back to the community in any way they can. Now that you are blessing them with this gift, they are sure to return the favor to the best of their ability. So, expect to be chased around with food by my mother," Leila jokes, tightening her shawl around her shoulders. At the subtle invitation, she brought her head to rest on his shoulder, smiling at their closeness.
"It is a small house, but the love overflows. What better place for our child to enter the world?"
The seamstress' words echoed its truth upon the silver-haired king's mind like a divine revelation. As if awakened from a hazy dream one could not recall or remember. Cedric treasured this in his heart, his lips curving into a smile.
"Indeed, you speak the truth, Leila," remarks Cedric, rubbing the back of his head as he processed her statement. "While I have not yet met your family in person, there is something about your character that feels...comforting. Reassuring even. It tells me your kin are no different, and possess the same heart as yours. Noble in heart." The king takes a moment to ponder, watching a few birds fly outside the carriage.
Feeling Leila's head upon his shoulder, Cedric lowers his head to kiss her in kind. His hand reached for hers before planting it back to her clothed swell.
"Truly, what better place for our child to enter the world...than into the company of being loved...and wanted. A warmth that rivals even the very fire of Castle Partus itself. To be loved without scrutiny."
Leila's smile grew wider upon hearing Cedric's words. Her family was modest, honest working class people, but she was so proud of them, for all they had achieved, and all that they had taught and provided for their children. Their love was always unconditional, flowing generously from every gesture. That was the kind of parent she wanted to become, too: loving, caring, tender.
And with the king by her side, she knew she could do it. "Love... Our child will never have to go without it."
The mother-to-be closed her eyes, picturing it all in her mind: a safe birth, a healthy baby squirming in her arms, soothed by the sound of her heartbeat and the gentle caresses of its father. All three sheltered in a warm home, surrounded by the love of family... Oh Mellidone, grant your faithful servant this gift, and I shall be forever grateful...
Serenaded by the steady course of the carriage and the ambient noises of twilight, Leila found herself dozing off, the fatigue from the late stages of pregnancy finally catching up to her. She succumbed to sleep, her hands still cradling her belly, a smile still on her lips. Just a little more, and that vision would become reality.
Just a little more, and she would see her family again, and her heart would be even fuller.
The king would remain silent as he smiled at Leila's final words before slumber claimed her. Love...truly is necessary to a child's, no, any family. Without it, the very roots of a family house would dry up and wither. Cedric knew this all too well.
But thank Mellidone this shall never be for Leila's line. He will help nurture this branch, together.
When Leila was sound asleep, Cedric reached out with one hand, gently stroking one side of the royal seamstress' fully blossomed swell. His eyes soften as he starts to glide his fingertips across. His mind, in deep thought.
What will you become someday, little one? I wonder...truly.
The carriage came to a soft stop, and a gruff voice from outside indicated they were nearly there. For they had approached the village gate.
"Who enters?" calls out the village guard. Another one approached the carriage for inspection.
Cedric's eyes widened, and in a quick shuffle, put on his hood to cover his face. The second guard approaches, prompting the king to gently nudge Leila awake.
He had completely forgotten to wake up Leila before they reached the gate.
Leila awoke with a groan, straightening herself up and rubbing her eyes. She had no idea how long she had been asleep for, but when she set eyes outside, she knew exactly where they were. In the distance, even under the dim light of the early dawn, she could make the roof of the village's temple.
She turned to Cedric only to find his face hidden under the hood of his cloak, immediately realizing the reason behind it. "Oh, right, right..." she mumbled, and turned to the guard who was approaching the carriage, popping her head out of the window.
"Greetings! I'm the daughter of Ferrer Veridan. I'm coming from the capital to visit my parents," she told the guard with the friendliest smile the just-awoken seamstress could manage. "Oh, and, this is my chaperone," she added quickly, gesturing at Cedric. "He's asleep, shhh."
The guard squinted his eyes at the woman, not recognizing her, and then tried to lean in to get a better look at the man who was accompanying her, but before he could do that, another voice broke the awkward silence.
"Leila! Our Leila is back!" The voice belonged to a tall, broad-shouldered young man, with the same black curls and green eyes as the seamstress. No doubt, her brother. Marco jogged over to the carriage, placing a hand on the guard's shoulder. "Conrad, that's my older sister. Don't you remember her? She went off to work in the capital, and now she's back to see us."
The guard, Conrad, narrowed his eyes at the woman again, and then his face seemed to change. "Aaah, right! Well, look at you! Last time I saw you, you were a wee lass! Pardon, miss, memory ain't what it once used to be. This old head o' mine..." he grumbled, shaking his head. With a motion of his hand, the other guard went back to open the gates.
Marco and Leila exchanged a knowing glance as the carriage started again, entering the still-sleeping village. "Thank you, sir. Have a good day," she waved the guard off. In response, he gave her a small bow.
Quickly, Marco jumped onto the carriage, hanging from the side. He was dressed in a guard's attire, and Leila's letter peeked out from the pouch in his belt. "Welcome home, sister. Hope you had an easy trip?" he asked as he leaned in closer, looking through the window.
Immediately his eyes fell on her pregnant swell, which she had managed to hide from the other guards. "Oh boy, Mom and Dad are going to be elated..." he commented, and then turned to the other man inside the carriage. "And you must be our very special guest..."
"Marco, manners!" the older sister chastised with a loud whisper.
Marco chuckled, and bowed his head. "Of course, of course. An honor and a privilege, your Majesty. Marco Veridan. Leila's younger brother. Welcome to our humble Serille. We will be home in no time. Our parents have everything ready for your arrival."
Upon hearing voices approaching the carriage after Leila left, Cedric leans back and pulls down the hood over his head. His body stiffened and his arms limp as he pretended to have fallen asleep. He could certainly feel the guard's presence very close to his side, feeling the country breeze suddenly stop to his right. Even as his heart pounds, Cedric slows down his breaths.
A flurry of voices can be heard as the king tuned in to the voices Cedric assumed were either Leila's local friends or direct family. His lips curved ever so slightly to smile before Cedric subconsciously straightens his facial expression.
This is the Veridan family then...They're quite a lively bunch. No wonder she is too.
When he felt the carriage starting to move and the guards were passed, Cedric makes his introduction with a fabricated yawn and a flutter of his eyes.
"Why, hello there. You must be Leila's family."
"Indeed, your Majesty. I'm Marco, her brother," the black-haired man introduced himself. "Our father sent me to escort you to our house. It should have been me waiting at those gates, but unfortunately, I was assigned to a different post. It took me forever to find someone to take over for me quickly enough. But, my parents and siblings must have finished all of their preparations by now. I hope you had an easy trip?"
"Yes, our journey has been smooth and uneventful so far," Leila responded, nodding her head at her brother. Then, she turned back to the king. "My most sincere apologies for putting you in an awkward spot... I couldn't think of anything else to say."
"Ah, but it worked out in the end, no? Besides, Conrad and Tob would have let you pass either way. They just like to play tough, those two," Marco said with a soft laugh, and then swung over to the front of the carriage to give the driver some directions.
Now that it was just the two of them again, Leila let out a heavy breath she didn't know she was holding, and leaned back on the seat again. "Finally home. Ah, this place hasn't changed much..." she sighed, looking out of the window."
The king turns to Leila, smiling softly before nodding in acknowledgement. Then to her brother Marco with a kind word to the seamstress' brother. "I would like to personally thank you and your family for allowing me to be part of your sister's life. She has served me well in Castle Partus and to our people - such dedication to her craft must be rewarded."
Cedric's eyes carefully observed the two siblings as they talked, noticing how casual they both sounded, a far cry to how he would talk with his own brother Cody back at home. A sudden cool breeze enters the inside of the carriage, pushing Cedric's hood back.
The voices of children playing with each other from a distance can be heard, followed by a barking of a dog and farm animals. Cedric gazes from where he sat, reflecting on Leila's remark as he listened.
"It's a blessing that things here remain as they are. Tenfold when they are peaceful times," muses Cedric, reaching out to gently grasp Leila's hand and kissing it.
"I look forward to seeing your family and in time, accompanied by our unborn child."
Leila smiled at the king's gesture, a bright grin that erased all signs of fatigue from her face. "A blessing, indeed. Serille knows such peaceful times thanks to your efforts, my king."
The carriage took a turn to the left, passing over a stone bridge, the river crossing underneath. They continued upstream until they reached a stone house next to a mill. It followed the same architecture as the other homes in the village, and a large green ivy scaled its walls, covering the left side. The door was open, and a young brunette awaited at the garden. As soon as she saw the carriage come to a halt, she rushed inside, and not a second later, the entire Veridan family came outside.
Leila's face lit up when she saw them, eyes welling up with tears of joy. "We're here! There they are!" she exclaimed.
Marco came to the carriage door and opened it, helping the gravid expectant mother to step off. Right behind him, her mother approached with open arms.
"Leila! Oh, my Leila! Oh my sweet, sweet child!" she laughed, equally teary-eyed, and carefully took her daughter into her arms. The two women hugged tightly, and were quickly joined by the rest of the siblings.
A few steps away, her father awaited his turn to greet his eldest daughter.
The king was the last to leave the carriage, having chosen to stay inside for a few seconds to let the family share a moment with their long-absent family member. A smile crossed his face as he watched the group share a tender moment, thinking just how blessed the seamstress was to have a family that close.
His eyes briefly fell upon each and every one of Leila's relatives and siblings, quietly cherishing the sweet reunion from afar.
Perhaps Leila's children should stay here when the time comes...for I see they have something far more precious and valuable to the little one's growth that even I cannot offer them.
The king then steps out, keeping his hood on regardless. He thanks Marco as he gets out, walking slowly towards the group.
He must be Leila's father-
-That must be the king himself, King Cedric Robus.
All it took was a single matching gaze as the two men briefly caught each other's looks from afar. Only, Ferrer's eyes were quick to move away to avoid offending the king. Cedric walks through, just as Ferrer takes up his stick to meet his liege.
The two stop a few feet from each other, with those around them suddenly growing a bit quieter than usual.
Cedric's cordial smile appears across his face, to which Ferrer bows his head in respect.
"Your Majesty, Ferrer Veridan. At your behest." greets Ferrer.
"King Cedric Robus. A pleasure to finally meet you after hearing from your daughter, Leila." answers Cedric, extending his hand for the old man to shake.
"We missed you! Oh, Leila! Are you well? Oh, the baby! How's the baby? How was the trip? You're not tired, are you? How's the palace? Tell us about the palace! How far along? Oh, must be any day now! Oh, we missed you so much! Tell us everything!"
The choir of her family's voices filled the morning air. They weren't loud enough to cause a commotion, but it was enough for Leila to feel the intensity of their love for the first time in so long.
"I'm well; so is the baby. Oh, I missed you all so much!" the seamstress exclaimed, hugging her siblings back. Clara, Beatrix, Javier and Julia and their mother were all huddled around Leila, while Marco helped the carriage driver unload their luggage.
Their excitement simmered down to whispers when they noticed Cedric approach the father of the household, who did his best to be as polite and respectful as possible. Urged by her mother, she and Leila approached the two men, while the siblings followed behind, murmuring to each other.
"Marta Verida, at your behest, your Majesty," the woman greeted as she walked over to stand by her husband. "Thank you for bringing our daughter to us."
As Leila came to the king's side, Marta gestured at the house. "Please, you must be tired. We have everything ready to welcome you, your Majesty. Please, come inside. We will take care of everything else," she added with a kind, warm smile.
The long turns to glance at Leila with a soft expression before turning to look at both Marta and Ferrer. "'Tis of Lady Leila's earnest request to stay here until the baby arrives. As I am both a father and husband to her, I felt it best for her own health and that of the unborn child's to remain here until she is ready to return."
Ferrer's eyes studied the king while he spoke, his eyes studying Cedric's lips that moved with each word. His wrinkles on his forehead doing well to hide his subtle skepticism.
Show us what kind of ruler you really are, oh king.
"Thank you for the kind hospitality, Marta Verida, Ferrer Veridan." thanked Cedric, "On behalf of the house of Robus, I am honored to be here."
The king soon found himself seated inside the Veridan's respectable dining hall. A long elegant wooden table with smooth benches serving as seats on each side.
Naturally, Ferrer was in the middle, as he was the patriarch. Cedric was seated on the opposite end. Then on each side, Leila's siblings and relatives.
"My daughter, so how fares business within Castle Partus' walls?" asks Ferrer, briefly turning to look at where Leila was seated.
Though Ferrer might be able to hide his suspicion from the king, he'd be unable to do so from Leila. The young woman knew that expression very well; it was the same one he had when she expressed the desire to go to the capital, and the same one that she imagined he had when he was reading her letter.
But all those feelings of apprehension were cast aside when the two finally hugged in greeting, and Leila truly felt at home.
The Veridan house had been suitably decorated for the king's surprise arrivals. Marta and Ferrer had brought out their most beautiful artworks, making the modest home appear more elegant. Clara, Beatrix and Julia had been in the kitchen all morning while Javier had managed to purchase the best delicacies one could afford at Serille. The family was joined by little Diego and Lucia, her uncle's kids, who stayed with the Veridans while their parents traveled for work.
The menu included a hearty, aromatic beef stew with buttery-smooth mashed potatoes, cheesy croquettes, a selection of charcuterie and dried fruit, little meat pies, roasted vegetables, and a still-steaming cherry pie for dessert, waiting in the kitchen.
The family chatted lively as they all ate together, Marta making sure that everyone's (and especially Cedric's) plates were full. Leila was sat next to Cedric, with Beatrix on her other side. Ferrer's question brought the chattering to a brief halt.
"Business has been very successful so far, Father," Leila replied, smiling at him. "The atelier's clientele is ever-increasing. And I predict that it'll only get better. There was an important event recently, a banquet to celebrate the king, the queen and their first-born. Several dresses worn by the women of the royal court were my creations; this will help the business more than anything."
"All those fancy dresses! When are you going to make one for me?" Julia asked, her eyes sparkling. Next to her, Clara stifled a laugh.
It became soon apparent to the king that the Veridan family was more than they seemed. From the well-decorated painting-filled walls to the scent of richly fresh food served hot upon the long table, Cedric's eyes widened in wonder. He had only known a bit of Leila's family background during her stay at Castle Partus, and yet, it was only now that the reputation of the Veridans was in full display. This was no ordinary village family, no, the Veridans were-
Suddenly, it made sense as to why Leila's etiquette felt so polished when they first met nearly a year ago. How she adjusted to the pressures of noble court demand with surprising ease. A peasant with a lower educational background would have folded from the glory and splendor of Fecundia's nobility, and yet, she remained tall.
Cedric looks down, and starts eating as everyone follows suit.
Ferrer listens to Leila with a firm nod, reaching for his utensils as he too, partakes. Satisfied with his daughter's answer.
"And what of your own business, Ferrer? Though I have been perhaps too cordial in asking about her family, I had heard nothing but good things about her kin." remarks Cedric, taking a piece of his food.
Ferrer finishes chewing, taking a savory swallow before he speaks to the king's question.
"Mellidone has blessed me with youthful vigor in my younger years. Years I have dedicated myself to the art of farming and animal husbandry. Now, I am simply reaping the harvest, together with my wife and family."
Ferrer glances to Leila's side, gesturing with his spoon. "Now what of the king's unborn child, my daughter? You have been so busy doing the work back in the castle, I have neither a message or word of my soon-to-be grandchildren!" Ferrer lets out an amused chuckle. "Show us, Leila. Show us how much the king has blessed thee."
The family listened intently to the conversation, and all eyes were glued on the king, his mannerisms, and his expression. The youngest were trying their best to remember their manners (as drilled into their heads that morning) and mimic the king's graceful motions. Marco, the twins and Javi were mostly invested in the way the king talked, praising their family. Marta's primary concern was making sure everyone had enough to eat.
The middle-aged woman smiled as she heard her husband's response, adding another spoonful of vegetables to her eldest daughter's plate. "We are slowly stepping down, but the business will continue. Thanks to our children, who carry the same passion and hardworking spirit as us," Marta smiled politely.
And then, the topic switched to what everyone wanted to talk about: the baby! Ferrer's mention of the little one in Leila's womb brought excitement to the table. Julia and the younger kids exclaimed happily as Beatrix rubbed her sister's belly, egging her on to answer. Marco shushed them all with a meaningful look.
Helped by Beatrix, Leila - flustered and blushing - stood up, and cupped her belly, placing her hands underneath it. She showed off its round, full shape under the fabric of her dress, earning exclamations of joy and admiration from her family. "The king has truly granted me a most precious gift, blessed by Mellidone herself," she said, turning to Cedric with a smile. "The baby is doing well. The doctors at Castle Partus all agreed that it is healthy and growing stronger. The pregnancy has gone smoothly; may the delivery be the same, by Mellidone's grace."
"Oh yes, we will be praying for that, my child. Oh Leila, look at you!" Marta exclaimed as she clasped her hands together, eyes welling up with tears of pride. "You're glowing, my sweet! Isn't she, Ferrer?"
It would be Ferrer's turn to show admiration and pride for their maternally radiant daughter. Even at his old age, there laid upon his face the look of pride as his cheeks flushed. One might even think the old farmer was drunk!
"Why of course, she takes after me, after all! Bahahah!!" His voice, however, trailed off upon realizing the subtle frown on his wife's face, to which Ferrer adds, "...with many maternal qualities from her mother, no doubt."
The king himself was in gazing awe as Leila's siblings flocked to her. The way the pregnant seamstress tenderly cupped her swell so happily caused even Cedric's chest to swell happily for her. Their eyes meet, and Cedric nods to her with a smile. Acknowledging their parent bonds as father and mother to their unborn child.
"The child shall be born here. Birthed into the warmth and love of the Veridan family, where the little one shall be nurtured until ready to face the world outside. " declares Cedric, walking up to Leila's side, taking her hand and gently pressing it against her clothed swell.
"It's....what any mother would want for their child entering this world."
Marco and Javier rolled their eyes almost simultaneously at their father's joke, the older brother shaking his head disapprovingly. Even though the two brothers weren't as giddy with excitement as the rest of the table as Leila showed her belly off, they still smiled with pride when she turned to them.
Marta clapped enthusiastically at the king's announcement, wiping a tear with the back of her hand. "Wonderful news! Just wonderful! You have brought such joy to our family, your Majesty! Oh thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed, bowing her head.
"Aw, mom, don't cry, please," Leila said softly, reaching out to rub her mother's arm with her free hand.
"I'm not, I'm not! I've just got something in my eye... Ah, excuse me... Let me go to the kitchen, fetch you some more meat pies..." the older woman scurried off to the other room, sniffling.
"Our mother has always been very emotional," Marco piped up, offering to fill the king's glass with more wine. "And now that she'll become a grandmother, even more so!"
Cedric graciously extends his cup as his brother Marco poured a cool one for him. His eyes closely looked upon Leila's two brothers. Fairly young, Cedric asked the two, "Now what of you two? Are you both serving under your father's business? Or perhaps, following your own paths outside?"
Perhaps I can find trustworthy men to serve in Castle Partus and if proven to be of loyal quality...may even set them up to some wealthy Bearers.
The older brother chuckled softly, brushing his dark hair back. "The artist's bug skipped me, unfortunately," Marco jokes, filling up his father's cup as well. "As you've seen, I've joined the town guards. It's my way of giving to the community - even if our mother doesn't like it."
"I just want you to be safe!" Marta's voice came from the kitchen, followed by another sniffle.
"That's not true, your Majesty," Clara chimed in, with Beatrix nodding. The twin sisters were absolutely identical; only by their hairstyles could one tell them apart. "Marco plays music; lyre and lute. And he's very good at it," she added, as Marco waved his hand dismissively.
Then, Javier spoke up. "I work in our shop, your Majesty. I want to help continue our business."
"Javi and I plan to take over," Beatrix said, smiling at her brother, and then at her father. "We are still learning, of course, but I'd say we're doing very well so far."
The king listens intently to the two brothers, giving them his audience as the two explained their current employment backgrounds.
That explains some of Marco's confidence when I saw him enter the carriage.
"Even with the patrols, one must never be complacent with the town's current safety," Ferrer adds, taking a sip. "And I'm glad my son Marco answered the call to that need."
But then the twins interjected, revealing Marco still had his creativity potential, only it's kept at bay.
"Is that so?" remarks Cedric, smiling favorably towards Cedric. "The royal courts could always use some musicians, plus being able to wield a sword is a good skill to have. But...Ferrer is right. It seems you are more needed here."
His eyes glanced next to Javier, and from second glance he could tell the young man's demeanor felt suited for the avenue of the Veridan family business. Beatrix as well.
"Then the Veridan family business is preserved," remarks Cedric, his expression impressed. He looks back to Ferrer with a smile, adding, "Mellidoke has blessed you with a well-greased household. Stability that even royal families would dream of."
At this remark, Ferrer laughs, nodding with pride. He extends his wine-filled cup to Cedric, gesturing that they toast.
"May the union of our families bear fruit for all of Fecundia."
Their cups tapped as they gave a toast.
The voices of the Veridan family joined together in a choir as they toasted their glasses, wishing health and prosperity to the kingdom. Wishes for the well-being of Leila and the king soon followed, and then Marta returned to the dining table with the cherry pie, declaring, "Time for dessert!"
"Pie!" Diego and Lucia shouted happily, as the table broke out in a merry laugh.
After the family finished their meal, the siblings began tidying up the table at their mother's request, while the former approached the king and Leila. "The bedroom upstairs is ready for you, my dears. I imagine you must be tired," she said, rubbing her daughter's back.
"I'm alright, mother. Please, let me help you as well, you've already done-"
"Oh no no no, no way! You go rest, alright? You needn't do anything, leave it all to us! You need to rest and relax." With a smile, Marta turned to the king. "You too, your Majesty. Your comfort is our priority."
"Thank you, Mrs. Veridan. May the goddess repay you tenfold for the kindness you have shown me." thanked Cedric, who then turned to Leila. His forearm extended for her to wrap around.
"Now where may I spend the nights ahead?"
The footsteps sounded against the wooden floor as the king followed the seamstress into the rooms. Ferrer was already resting upon his wooden rocking chair. His mouth closed until he waited for the door from afar to sound, indicating the two had already gotten inside one of the rooms.
"Diego, go tell the woodsmith to craft a birth stool and baby crib for my daughter Leila! And go with your brother, Javier! We will pay upfront."
"Understood, father. Come on, Diego. We have to get ready for the baby," Javier said softly as he took his cousin's hand, and a few minutes later, the two were out of the door.
Her parents had kindly given their bedroom for Leila and Cedric, and the modest yet spacious room was ready for its new occupants. A bed big enough for both of them, two armchairs next to a small table in the corner, a large closet, and a round mirror over a vanity were the commodities of the room. The large window had a view of the garden and the river. The walls were decorated with intricate tapestries and elegant embroideries, the work of Marta over the years.
And there, in the corner with the armchairs, the wall was full of pictures: portraits, done by Ferrer's talented hands. His wife -in her youth, and more recently- and then each one of his children. Sketches of them as infants, then cleaner paintings of them as they grew. Each one made lovingly, framed carefully.
Leila smiled as she walked towards the bed, and lowered herself to sit at the edge of it. This room always brought her comfort, a feeling of safety. "I know it is much smaller than your quarters, my king. But I hope your stay is comfortable nonetheless," she said kindly, smoothing down the fleece duvet that covered the bed.
"Your parents lent us such a beautiful bedroom."
The moment the king stepped into the cozy and simple bedroom, it only took him to notice the lovely tapestries and wall full of family portraits and infer they were given the bedroom of Leila's parents. Cedric smiles, gliding his hand across the beautiful painted portraits of each family member of Veridan. His fingers brushed against the frame's woodwork before they flew on top of the high quality tapestries.
Their combined strengths made this...
"True, this room is indeed smaller than my own. Yet, the hearts of those who helped build this outweighed even the kingdom's best architects. My chambers were built on the basis of paid service. This room was built purely on the basis of love."
Cedric paces to the bed, leaning backwards as he sits next to Leila. One arm gently wrapped around her shoulder. "I had abruptly awakened you from your sleep on the way here. Please take this time to regain it." His other hand reaches for Leila's, squeezing it briefly.
"This is what you and the baby needs."
Leila smiled at the king, placing her free hand on her belly and rubbing it gently. As much as she wanted to spend time with her family and help them, or talk more with the king, she did feel tired. And she knew that she needed to conserve as much energy and strength as possible for the imminent birth.
After such a hearty meal, a nap didn't sound too bad. "You're right. We are supposed to rest well, after all," she said with a playful tone, as though speaking to her baby inside her womb.
In response, the baby kicked where her hand was resting, eliciting a soft laugh from its mother. "We agree, then," she giggled, rubbing soothing circles on her swollen midsection.
"But you need to rest too, my king. I doubt either of us got enough sleep last night," she added, shifting her hand he was holding to rub her thumb on his fingers.
Cedric chuckles. "Then we are both in accord then. I suppose we both deserved it." The king lets out a retired sigh, pulling his hand back before imparting a playful pat across Leila's pregnant belly. With a heaved breath, and a creak of the wooden bed under their weight, the king was the first to lean back. Another sigh escaped him as he felt the mattress' soft cushion. A gentle breeze even blew through the window, causing the drapes to flow along with the cool wind.
But then Cedric sprang right back as he sat up, remembering Leila as he supportively puts a hand against her back. His other hand held one of her forearms, beckoning her to lie back.
"Lying back, or on your side?" asked Cedric, smiling warmly. "I nearly forgot, it's already a challenge to even lay down in your state. Let me help."
The seamstress let out a soft chuckle as she undid the band in her hair, letting her dark curls fall on her shoulders. Indeed, she wasn't nearly as limber as before, and the growing baby restricted her options of comfortable positions.
"On my side, please... If I lie on my back at this stage, all this weight falls on top of my organs, and they're not very happy about that," she joked as she accepted Cedric's help, positioning her body on the other side of the bed, and slowly bringing herself to lie on her side, facing him.
Her fecund dome lay on the mattress, protruding from her midsection. "Thank you, my king. This is much better," she said with a smile, tucking her hair behind her ears. "What do you think so far? Of our little town, of my family... I hope they haven't been too overwhelming..."
It would be the king's turn to settle down onto the waiting warmth of the bed. His body bent backward as he eased himself into bed. His hooded cloak hung by the side of a wooden clothes dryer. Boots slipped out of his foot, next to the bed frame legs.
Then finally, rest. Cedric's face softened and the weariness starts to fade off his skin. Forehead marks straightened. The king lets out a sigh, rolling to his side as he laid next to Leila. His eyes softened as he looked upon her. Chest heaving again but with the sigh of utter content.
He inches himself closer until he could feel her protruding middle poking against his stomach. One hand reaching out to caress her rosy cheeks.
"They never had been." reassures Cedric, lips curved into a slight smile. "The town of Serille...its people, and your family....I've never felt this way before. It's like I've felt the peace being among them, with you."
Cedric slides his hand towards Leila's side, his gentle palm resting atop the seamstress' life-filled dome. It rested there, outstretching his fingertips.
"Let's protect this land of kindness and warmth, Leila. You and I."
Leila's smile grew wider and wider as the king spoke, in appreciation of his kind words about her hometown. It seemed that, in its modesty, it had captivated Cedric, and offered him a refreshing respite from the anxieties of royal life. And the presence of her family, their kindness and generosity... It had touched him already.
"I want nothing more, my king. For our child, and all the children in Serille," she said softly, moving her hand to slowly cup his face, her thumb caressing his cheek. Then she moved it away, bringing it back down to her belly.
The seamstress' eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, she was dozing off. The warm presence of Cedric by her side, the calm of the town and the content feeling of being with her family again eased her to sleep. Her green eyes closed and her breathing slowed down as she fell asleep, curled next to him, a faint smile carved on her face.
What joy! She was finally home, with her king by her side! And soon, their baby would be born, greeted into the world with their love. Soon she was dreaming about their little family, a tiny bundle of joy in her arms, cooing, giggling, laughing...
And so, the king stayed for a time in the Veridan's humble abode for a few weeks. During this time, he would dispatch messengers back to Castle Partus whenever very important matters were concerned, and the Cord would handle the rest. Life in the simple town of Serille, felt peaceful beyond Cedric's assumptions. And he even was beginning to yearn for this way of life's path.
Even though Cedric knew all too well, his life was forever bound to the crown until death from the moment he was conceived and birthed into existence. Still, it was good to dream of a life Cedric will never fully experience and yet, he felt grateful to the expectant seamstress for letting him taste it nonetheless.
It would be one night after supper where Cedric lounged idly in the gardens with Leila. The beautiful night sky was illuminated by the moon's shimmering glow, and a favorable wind that blew from the east. A dog can be heard barking, followed by the laughter of the town's resident drunkards. Cedric leans back upon the cool bench, feasting upon the tranquil overlook that is Serille.
He sighs with a gratified expression. Never had he felt such stillness in a place. At least from his last visits. Cedric leans backward, before glancing to where Leila stood with a soft beckon of his hand.
"Please, join me, Leila. The weather tonight is lovely." invited Cedric. "You really need to move less, especially if your time of delivery comes." He chuckles.
Their time in Serille did Leila good, too. The expectant mother was able to relax and focus on the last stage of her pregnancy, preparing for the imminent birth and the newborn phase that would follow it. Thanks to the help of her parents and siblings, everything was ready to welcome the newest member of the family, from things for the delivery to an ever-growing collection of baby clothes.
She also took this opportunity to introduce Cedric to the quiet, modest way of life in Serille. Her parents would not let him lift a finger, and protested every time their eldest daughter attempted to do anything closely resembling manual labor, but Leila still tried to do things together with Cedric, things an ordinary family would do.
It was blissful. She knew it wouldn't last forever, so she did everything in her power to enjoy it as much as possible.
The night was slightly chilly, but it was nothing a nice, wooly shawl and blanket couldn't protect them from. At his invitation, Leila smiled and approached him to sit down at the bench.
It was true, her birth could be any moment now. Her belly had dropped three days ago, and faint cramps were seizing her midsection since. As the time drew nearer, the family became even more attentive to her.
"I know, I know..." she chuckled softly as she was helped down. With a faint groan, she leaned back and got comfortable on the bench. "Aaah... It's such a nice evening today. Everything is so peaceful..."
"Has it always been this peaceful?" asked Cedric, inching off one side just in case Leila needed the extra room. "I understand Serille's place on the map means it's isolated from the daily hubbub of the capital but what of external threats like thieves, monsters, and raiders? This town...feels like it hasn't seen conflict in years." The king spoke this out of confusion and perplexity, for he was astounded by Serille's stability as a settlement.
His attention on the town however, lasted for only a moment. For a cool breeze flew through, causing Cedric to remember wrapping the blanket around Leila. He firmly wraps the blanket around her, chuckling as she shakes his head.
"Forgive me, it is not good to have you think of such trivial things. Not when there are important concerns to gloss over." Cedric wraps an arm around Leila, pulling her to his side gently.
Leila let out a soft hum as she thought about Cedric's question, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders and over her belly. "When I was little, very little, bandits raided the village. They had established a camp deep into the woods, and would attack at night. They stole things from my parents' shop, too. Luckily, our house was spared. But I remember my father staying up all night, pitchfork in hand, ready to defend us."
Her green eyes panned over to the houses in the distance, their lit windows standing out in the dark like lantern lights. "But soldiers came from the capital, and drove them away, eliminating the threat. Things have been peaceful since. Maybe a bar fight every now and then," she laughed softly, huddling closer to the king.
But indeed, there were other topics, sweeter ones, that they could focus on. "It should be any day now," she said, bringing the attention to her belly, snugly covered by the blanket. There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, but mostly happiness. "My mother says the baby is in the right position."
The king sighs in relief when he hears the good news about the fetal position of the baby. His subtle reaction hinted by how he gave a half-hug in the form of a pressed squeeze of his wrapped arm. "I am relieved. I was worried I'd have to send a priestess here to ensure the delivery goes smoothly. But it seems my worries were misplaced."
Cedric had a valid reason to stress over Leila's pregnancy - the fateful night of the banquet where Ampregsia was illegally smuggled. It had afflicted many of the Bearers there, including Leila herself. However, it seemed the expectant seamstress had managed to adjust well to her advanced state, with the only looming uncertainty being the birth itself.
"I only wished we had more time to enjoy the months of your fecundity," muses Cedric, resting his free arm on Leila's lap, just below her burgeoning middle. "To witness those beautiful changes grow and blossom but alas, it would not come this time around."
The seamstress' expression softened when she saw the worries slowly fade from Cedric's face, and she turned her attention back to her belly, rubbing it gently. The baby reacted from within her womb with tiny kicks, chasing her hand.
Of course, she had been worried too. That strange potion had changed her pregnancy completely, and it had stripped her of the natural progress of things. But the palace's healers had reassured her of her fetus' good health. And she herself felt healthy too; she had an appetite, decent amounts of energy, and was in a good mood.
And she trusted her mother's judgment. Marta had given birth five times - the last two unassisted - and had helped other women in the village as a doula. She knew she could help her too, but even if, and may Mellidone forbid it, something went wrong, the local Church could always provide its services.
Leila had long let go of those bitter feelings of having this experience stolen from her. She had all she could ask for now, so why complain? "It's a pity, I know. But next time, we will have nine whole months to enjoy all those changes, from start to finish... Right?" she looked up at the king with a meaningful look, her eyes twinkling with hope.
If she could hope for one more thing, besides a safe delivery, it would be for the chance to give her king more children, to be blessed by him again.
How could he say no to those eyes of hers? Cedric only had to listen to her voice of petition and gaze into those soft eyes for him to nod with a soft chuckle. "Of course, as long as I'm able." answers Cedric, squeezing her hand. Oh how simple her yearning was. For neither did the seamstress sought power, influence, or even wealth from the king when it was within her grasp to do so. Instead, her joy was simple, and yet, it felt beautiful and profound to the king's heart nonetheless.
She desired only a family with the king, and Cedric felt determined to fulfill her request in due timing and patience.
"Thank you, Leila. For showing me that life can be celebrated and cherished in simple living even. It is my sincere hope that even our future generation shall never forget the blessing of contentment you have poured so abundantly to me. I-"
Cedric's voice trailed off, appearing overwhelmed with emotion. It's as if the burden of his duties as king faded for a fleeting moment whenever he was in Leila's presence. He could feel that in her.
She cannot stay in Castle Partus forever.
"-I cannot withhold you to stay in Castle Partus forever. For if our family is to grow, I want them to grow healthily in their mother's roots. Not in the cutthroat world of noble court politics, where the little ones will be robbed of their innocence. They must be protected...I see it now."
Cedric turns to face her, reaching out to cup her hand as he leans forward. His eyes closed as he imparted a tender kiss upon her lush lips. The moonlight illuminates their shadow as he pulls back.
"But only when the time is ripe and proper. But until then, please stay with me."
Several thoughts crossed Leila's mind as she listened to the king speak, and nearly all of them were visible in her expression. From the sweetness of her eyes as he expressed his joy, then to the questioning furrow of her eyebrows, the confused darting of her eyes as she spoke of his concerns for the environment their children would grow up with. Then, her features softened again, welcoming the kiss with warm, parted lips and eyes closed, before they opened again, wide with surprise, love, and...a hint of doubt.
Was he turning her away? No, impossible. Perhaps he meant... No, no, she must have misunderstood. But he said... No, no, no, he didn't mean now. It wouldn't be now. He was asking her to stay with him.
"Of course I will stay with you, my king," she answered sweetly to his request, bringing her hand up to cup the side of his face, her fingertips brushing his silver hair back. "I promise to be by your side, always."
She meant every word, and she wanted him to believe her. Something in the depths of her mind had been shaken, it had lost its reassurance, and now it was trying to find it. The uncertainty was eating away at it, making it a bit more worried than what's appropriate for a young mother days -if not hours- away from birth.
"We are a family now." With that addition, she brought his hand that was holding hers to rest atop her belly, and feel the baby moving within.
Cedric sighed with a relaxed expression this time, soothed by the pulses of movement felt within Leila's belly. She was right, they were a family. Why shouldn't they be? The king followed the spots where the baby flowed within, finding himself tracing the movement with his fingertips.
"You're right, Leila, " admits Cedric, his smile returning, feeling encouraged by the seamstress' words. "I am sorry if I had scared you with my remarks, that you should not remain in Castle Partus. Gods, I shouldn't be even telling you this when the baby is so close."
I can't let my enemies hurt you or this family. Not when you've shown me this wondrous moment together with you.
Cedric turns to look upon Leila's face, his chest pumping wildly with longing. Then his eyes looked towards the horizon overlooking the peaceful town.
"I never told what the risks of being the king's Bearer were, nor the burden that comes with it. But...if you are in accord with me, I will do everything in my power to protect you, our family, and yours." promised Cedric, turning again to Leila. He puts both hands and cups Leila's belly, tenderly rubbing her swell.
"May Mellidone guide us all to our promised dreams."
Leila could tell that there was a concern eating away at the king, same as her. Though they were probably different, they were both, at their core, about the wellbeing of their family. And as anxious as she felt about a potential separation, the fact remained that there was deep love and care laced on the king's words.
"Amen," she said softly, offering him a smile. She was reassured now, but that tiny, tiny doubt still lingered.
The seamstress didn't want to think about it. The more thought she put into it, the more the little doubt would grow, and right now she had other things that needed her attention.
Like this little one in her womb, who wriggled around despite it running out of space to do so. "It seems our baby got a little excited with all this talk..." Leila said with a little laugh, deciding to turn the attention elsewhere. "It's getting cramped in there, right, my little love? Don't worry, you'll have more space to move around soon..."
Cedric smiles tenderly, moving in closer and rubbing Leila's side. One hand concerningly massaging her ribs and the other holding her hand thoughtfully. "Maybe the little one wants to stroll around, perhaps? Does the little one always get this excited when hearing matters like this? Why, maybe he or she might join the royal courts in that case!"
The king chuckles, fingertips rubbing her pregnant belly in circles. Even beneath the cloth, Cedric knew he only had little time left to savor the expectant seamstress this way. One thought led to another, and as Cedric was in good spirits, his mind spoke for himself.
"If it isn't too much trouble...let me take a look at your motherly beauty once more. I know making love unto you is out of the question...but if I were to gaze upon you longingly from the glow of the moon...my hunger for you will be satisfied." requests the king.
Leila giggled along with the king's words as the baby responded to his touches with a few more kicks, as though reacting to his suggestions. She watched his face, soft and sweet, as he spoke of what their child could become when they grew. It filled her with joy and hope; so many possibilities for her baby.
At his request, she gave him an apologetic smile. It was true that, at this stage, everything felt so sensitive that she feared such an intimate contact could break her waters prematurely. She couldn't satisfy his carnal desires, but her body could give his eyes a wonderful sight to feast on.
She let the blanket and shawl slip off her shoulders and stood up with a soft heave. She wore a cream chemise and a floral-patterned skirt; not a lot of clothes fit her anymore. She placed one hand at the top and the other at the bottom of her belly, accentuating its round shape. Though it had happened suddenly, her body had fully adapted to the pregnancy; her hips had filled out, her chest had swollen with milk for the child, her curves had rounded, padded with the extra weight that came with the baby. Her face had softened too, rosy cheeks telling of good health in spite of the fatigue in her eyes. Motherhood suited the seamstress; she was radiant, even under the moonlight.
"Back in the palace," she began softly, swaying her hips gently from side to side as she cradled her belly, "they told me the shape meant I would have a boy. One of the nurses was sure of it... But now my mother says my belly is too round, that it's going to be a girl... What did you think, my king?"
Cedric's eyes widened with awestruck wonder as he sat before Leila. His body stricken from movement and stunned from her maternal beauty as she stood there before him. Wildfire rushed through his veins and Cedric looked on. The king soaked in every inch of her by his eyes, and yet, surely he could do more?
Even the seamstress' question felt intentional at its core - as if inviting Cedric on to respond in kind. Another breeze blew past, and he could see Leila's hair flowing along. Cedric takes a deep breath, chest pounding like the distant hooves of thoroughbred racehorses.
The king stands up, taking a step towards her. The floor creaking underneath.
"I'd say....I'll have to see for myself."
Like a beholder admiring a beautiful sculpture or painting, Cedric circles around Leila. He keeps her guessing his next move as he paces around her like a young lion. His presence felt from the nearness of him. Cedric lets out a soft chuckle.
"Hard to say who's telling the truth - the nurse or your mother...?"
Cedric stops. He stood behind Leila. His two hands landed softly upon her shoulder. He keeps her guessing, pretending to massage them.
"...Such detail...would require physical touch however." softly speaks Cedric. He suddenly moves his hands down, palms gliding from her shoulders-
-down to her pregnant belly. Fingers reaching for the end of her chemise. Eagerly, he pulled them up all the way until they rolled up below her chest.
Fingers outstretched as far as his hands could spread, like a sudden embrace as they explored the life-filled globe.
"-I think...you're carrying both." teased Cedric, lips forming a coy smile.
Leila relished every single second of his undivided attention that she could receive, smiling and chuckling softly as she let him take it all in and admire her maternal form. Private, intimate moments like this were hard to come by, and she intended to take advantage of this one. Especially since it'd be one of the last times when it'd be just the two of them for a while; before their child joins them, that is.
She felt like a work of art, following his hands with her green eyes as he circled her, examining her body as though she was presenting it to him for purchase. She lifted her arms to help him with her chemise, feeling his fingers brush against her skin.
Then, his warm palms on her belly, which felt tight yet soft to the touch. The baby in her womb had quieted down now, letting its parents enjoy this moment together before its arrival. She let him explore, and feel around, take in her body and map out its fertile curves.
A snicker escaped her lips as she leaned back into his chest, lifting a hand to caress his jaw as he came close. "My king!" she exclaimed, adding more drama to her voice, but jokingly. "Are implying that I've grown too round?" she teased him back.
Her free hand met his on her midsection, joining it as it explored. Her other hand continued to gently stroke his face, as she tilted her head to meet his lips, green eyes staring at them.
She leaned in for a quick taste, resuming the gentle sway of her hips, like a slow dance. "It seems then...we'll have to wait and see~" she sighed as she pulled away.
Cedric lets out a soft laugh, sensing the change of feigned tone in her voice. Exaggeration on her part, and yet precisely why the king laughed. He shakes his head, answering, "Nay, I've simply implied and acknowledged the truth - that you have grown maternally beautiful, Leila." He says as he slid his hands slowly across her fecund curve, savoring the soft gesture of emphasis.
Their hands touched and Cedric links his fingers to hers. The other hand playfully swaying from one side of the radius to the other. He felt her head brush his lips, and Cedric imparts a tender kiss.
Just as he was greeted with an actual one, as they briefly locked eyes.
"Indeed." agrees Cedric, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as they separated. "I will not question the little one's timetable...but I do hope 'tis soon."
"Me too. We are ready for you, my darling. We're ready to welcome you into our home, into our arms. Your family can't wait to meet you," Leila said softly, each soft-spoken word followed by a gentle caress on her midsection.
It was bound to be soon. Those light contractions had been tightening her belly for two days now; the real thing would soon follow. A part of her was nervous. By coming here, she no longer had the luxuries provided in the palace in terms of care. But here, she was surrounded by people she loved, people who loved her. And that gave her all the confidence she needed.
"We can't wait to meet you. To find out whether you are a sweet daughter or a lovely son. Or both, as your father suggests," she added with a light chuckle, looking up at him.
"Have you thought of any names, my king?"
It only dawned on the king that Leila's firstborn had yet to be named. The king's mouth opens as if to speak but closes after. He paces around, taking ample time to ponder and decide on the names. Surely this was no challenge compared to conducting a council meeting amongst advisors?
So why couldn't I think of names?
Cedric chuckles to himself, in disbelief that naming their child took longer than he thought. "Traditionally, it is not uncommon for children to be named after their father or mother, and appending how many times the name has been reused(Cedric the Second, Leila the First, etc). But I cannot bring myself to use such ordinary naming conventions...If we are to name our children, their names shall have purpose. Meanings that will span their entire lifetimes."
The silver-haired king found himself sitting back on the bench, looking off to the horizon as if to find inspiration somewhere. His eyes seek answers, squinting before he closes his eyes. "Mellidone, I could use an opinion...or two."
Cedric looks up to Leila, smiling softly. "Alan for 'harmony' or 'peace'. It is my sincere hope our potential son shall be blessed with peacetime upon which he may grow."
He stands up and walks toward Leila. His arms reach out to caress her clothed fecund frame.
"If you carry a daughter...we shall name her Ava. Which means 'desired' or 'life'. It shall be our joy she will grow up to be the woman you now have become, Leila. To be desired by her family, friends, and someday, husband. And when the time comes-"
The king pats her fecund swell for emphasis.
"-she will carry the joy and pride of life within her. What do you think?"
Leila tried to fight back a snicker as she watched the king pace around, deep in thought, eyebrows furrowed. She'd seen him solve every problem she had presented him, she'd seen how eloquent and quick on his feet he had been before...
And yet now, the king was being defeated by the task of selecting a name for their unborn child.
But she could understand him. It wasn't an easy thing to do; so many options to consider, so many things to take into account. She herself had been undecided so far, and her family's suggestions hadn't been helpful in making the decision easier for her.
"Alan or Ava... They're wonderful names, my king..." she replied, smiling warmly at their closeness. "My ideas were..."
She looked down at her belly, caressing it gently. "Flora for a girl. Because of the season in which she will be born. Like this garden, everything is in bloom."
Indeed, the jasmine scaling the wall and the rose bushes were heavy with flowers, along with the wildflowers doting the fields beyond.
"And for a boy... Frederic. It was my grandfather's name. He built this house, actually. The good reputation of the Veridan name began with him. I thought I could honor him that way."
The king repeats the names as if to recall them later. His eyes look to the seamstress for validation as he smiles at her with an acknowledged nod. Indeed, the names by themselves had meaning just as much as Cedric's own. Even moreso as it came from their mother, but that left a dilemma...
Whose names shall they take after? The father's or that of their mother's?
The king stands by the porch railings of the garden, admiring the beauty of the town of Serille from this viewpoint. Another breeze greets them, sending gentle ripples of cold to the king. It's welcoming cold air flowing through the open gaps of his robes. Cedric puts his hands behind his back, stifling a soft chuckle.
"Then the solution is simple - we'll split the names," proposed Cedric, turning to face her. "Our son will be named Alan, and our daughter, Flora. Now, if Mellidone blesses us with both, then we both get to have our children named after our preferences. I think it's a fair arrangement, wouldn't you agree?"
The king approaches Leila again, letting his right hand rest upon the top curve of the seamstress' belly.
"But if it were up to me....I'd let you name them all. 'Tis only the laws that say the king must at least have one child named by them."
Leila nodded in agreement, sealing the deal by placing her hand on the king's as it rested atop her belly. It elicited a little kick from the baby within, as though it too agreed with the arrangement. It was up to this baby now to determine whether the father or the mother would have the honor of naming it.
"I understand, my king. And I don't wish to go against those laws, so... How about we combine them? Alan Frederic and Flora Ava?" she suggested with a smile, using her other hand to cup her underbelly.
The silence that followed was soon broken by shuffling sounds from the kitchen. Then, a minute later, Leila's mother peeked her head out of the door to the garden. "Would you like some vegetable pie? It's freshly made!"
Marta stepped out into the garden, producing a plate full of slices of warm pie. Her daughter protested lightly, but the mother quickly continued, "What? Leila darling, you need to build strength! And the baby needs to eat well! And you too, your Majesty, I fear that we might be starving you here..."
"Alan Frederic....and Flora Ava..."
The king repeats the names, letting their names sink onto his heart and mind. Of course, why shouldn't they not combine the two together? All this time, he had grown accustomed to doing things on his own, planning, organizing, and managing the kingdom. Only to realize now, that might not the case anymore.
He had Leila by his side. The king was not alone.
Just then, Marta enters, interrupting their moment.
The king smiles, nodding to Marta's offer. "Vegetable pies sounds lovely. Who knows? It may even rival the best cooks in Castle Partus. The ingredients here are fresh after all." The king walks toward Leila's mother, eager to sample one of the Veridan's staple pastries. He takes one slice for himself, smiling back in gratitude before taking one for Leila. Walking over to her side, he passes her a piece.
"Rivaling the cooks in the castle? Little old me? Oh, your Majesty, you're flattering me..." Marta replied shyly, bringing the tray forward so that he could pick the piece he wanted.
"Oh, my apologies, did I interrupt something? Silly me, I didn't think to ask first..." the older woman continued, catching a glimpse of her daughter's face. Leila was neither disapproving nor angry at her mother, but it was clear she wasn't so excited about having their little moment interrupted.
But before the pregnant woman could explain, her mother resumed her little rambling. "But anyway, it is getting late, my dears. And the night is getting colder, too. Leila, my darling, you need to come inside where it's warm; the last thing we need is you catching a cold. You too, my king! I cannot let you fall ill - what kind of hostess would I be?"
Leila let out an amused laugh, gratefully taking the piece of pie from Cedric. "It's fine, mother. We were just talking. We'll head back inside soon, don't worry."
"You need to rest well, Leila! It's very important, especially now! Don't you agree, my king? I'm being a worry-wart, I know, but this is for our grandchild!" Marta continued, with an ample dose of exaggeration in her voice.
Leila simply shook her head, fighting back a laugh.
The king chuckles, visibly amused at Martha's bubbly kindness. He gestured with a thoughtful wave, saying, "I assure you, nothing too important to worry over, Mother Veridan. We will head to our bedroom soon so your worries are eased. But yes, I do agree we must retreat to our bed."
After finishing his piece, the king shakes off his hands by rubbing his palms together and shaking them off. Letting himself swallow before speaking up. "Thank you nonetheless, the vegetable pieces are tasty."
He lends Leila his elbow and forearm, offering to have her link her own before walking back inside.
"Oh, I'm so happy to hear that, your Majesty! Leila, did you like it? You did? Excellent! There will be more for breakfast. Now come, come back inside. It's warmer, come. And you need to rest well, my child! The baby needs it. Come, come on now."
Letting out a sigh at her mother's urging instructions, Leila accepted the king's arm and stepped back inside the house with him, supporting her balance on him as the two climbed up the stairs. Once back in their room, and after reassuring her mother for the twentieth time that they were fine, no they didn't need help, yes they were comfortable, yes they're going to sleep, the pregnant woman flopped onto the bed.
It was nice taking that weight off her back, especially as another faint cramp seized her midsection. The pain was noticeable now, but not enough to upset her. She placed her hands on her belly, feeling it tighten as her body prepared for the difficult task ahead.
We're getting closer now... You're ready, aren't you, my little love?
She slowly began to take off her clothes to change into her nightgown. "Before my mother interrupted us... You were going to say something, my king?" she asked, turning to him.
The seamstress' question reminded the king of his unanswered statement, the source of his future worries. Cedric was sitting on the opposite end of the bed, now wearing just his tucked silken robes of fuchsia. His hesitation hangs upon the swiftness of his closed lips. One question hanging low.
Should he tie Leila's fate with him, knowing Leila's status as a commonfolk and the general scrutiny and injustice that comes with it? Or will he have to eventually send her away in hidden love to protect her and the children she will bear? Such choices hurt Cedric, but even moreso having to choose which of the two.
Only...did he have to choose? Why doesn't he just tell her?
Cedric clears his throat, looking upon Leila as she changes her clothes. "A simple question, my love...If you were to choose between two scenarios, what would it be? To love from afar with little to no pain, or to love in close proximity, but going through the searing pain of it all?" asked Cedric, heart racing gradually. "It's a thought-provoking question I've read in my studies, specifically philosophy," the king lies. "I wanted to ask your thoughts on this rather trivial dilemma."
Leila looked at the king; she seemed a little surprised at first, but then her expression turned into a meaningful glance. There was no way this was trivial. Leila didn't have a higher education, but this much was visible, even to her.
She pursed her lips slightly, thinking. This wasn't trivial. Her words mattered. She had to give a good answer. "I think...it's the pain that makes the love all the more worthwhile. The challenges, the struggles... All the tests that life puts you through. Whether one is close to their loved ones, or far apart... All those problems would happen regardless. Nobody can truly, really avoid pain entirely. One way or another, it will find them. Isn't it better, then, to be close to the ones you love?"
The seamstress lowered her nightgown over her chest, covering her belly. Deep down, she knew that this tied to what he was talking about earlier. This...separation, for the sake of her and their child. "I... Me personally, your Majesty, I'm not afraid of the pain. I'm not afraid of the struggle. I know it well; it's a core part of life."
Six children, in a small village, and a family at the mercy of the weather's temperaments, and fragile trade agreements between towns... The Veridan family did much better now, but a decade ago...Hungry bellies, cold nights, patching clothes again and again, hiding one's face as they seek the Church's help. And yet, love mended everything, somehow. Not once can she recall her parents fighting.
"And I...would much rather love in proximity, nonetheless. To have my beloved close to me, for them to ease my pain, and for me to do the same. I don't... I don't want to grow complacent. I want to learn through life's lessons, through its challenges. Even if it hurts."
She paused for a moment, looking down at her belly. "I welcome the pain, the turbulence... As long as it means that those I love and hold dear will be close to me."
What Leila answered stunned the king, enough for him to let his lower lip open just a little. But enough for the seamstress to notice he was taken back by her words. Like an answered prayer, or a song hoping to be heard - Cedric's heart leaped strongly. He slowly puts a hand to his chest, and quickly slides it across his body. The hem of his robes parted little, revealing the king's bare chest.
He walks up to her with arms outstretched, forearms gently wrapped around her shoulders as he welcomes the seamstress with the comfort of his bodily warmth. The king plants a kiss on her forehead, before pulling her in and letting her chin rest on his shoulder.
"You have shown to me you are not just ready to bear and shoulder the pain and struggle of motherhood, but as well as the shared responsibility of parenthood and beyond - to bear the burden of what it means to be a King's Bearer....thank you..I see it now. You can handle this burden. Together, we will shoulder it."
Never had Cedric felt the emotional weight fell off his shoulders than what Leila has so strongly proven to the king. He pulls away just enough to look at her straight in the eyes, and if she were to gaze back - find Cedric's eyes watery.
"You will stay with me in Castle Partus. You and our children," declares Cedric, smilingly softly before looking down to Leila's covered swell. His hands gingerly reach for the hem, and ride it up once more. Palms protectively cupping the sides of her heavily taut globe. "and...you may visit your family at your leisure at any given time or moment. You only need to leave a word of your departure." He says with a short-ended chuckle, eyes looking back up to Leila. With a longing gaze, the king leans forward.
Leila noticed the king's reaction to her words, and at first she didn't know what to make of it. Had she said the right thing? Her answer came straight from her heart. What would he think? Did she say something wrong? Did she-
Before she could question herself any more, she found her body wrapped around the king's arms, her head nestled snugly at his shoulder. As though moving on their own, her own arms reached up to hug around his waist and back. And then came his response; like music to her ears.
She could stay! He wanted her to stay! They wouldn't need to drift apart, he wasn't sending her away! The tiny creature full of doubt that was messing with her brain earlier, now found itself defeated by the king's reassuring words and loving gestures. They would stay together! No burden would ever be too heavy for the two of them! And no amount of pain could ever make a dent to the love she felt for him, for their child stirring in her womb...
Their lips met lovingly, bringing the two parents together in a slow kiss. What bliss, what relief! If she weren't so heavy, the seamstress would be jumping up and down like a child from excitement.
"Oh Cedric!" Leila exclaimed, forgetting the honorifics for just a second- such was her joy! "I'm so, so happy to hear that. I'm the happiest woman in Serille, nay, the entire kingdom!" she said as she squeezed him in her embrace. "Oh, my king- thank you, thank you! I shall bear it all! The pain, the challenges...the love, the happiness! All with you!"
With every word of pure joy, thankfulness, and love spoken by the seamstress only flared up Cedric's own heart to intensify with passion and longing for her. There was no denial in those bright tender eyes of hers, that the seamstress truly loved the king. Powerfully loved so much so the cards were all laid before Cedric, as Leila came undone with her gushing emotions.
Cedric felt the same. His will made clear- he will protect this family.
"Then...May Mellidone grants us strength until death calls. May our bonds be as strong as the will you have shown me...and may the line of Veridan live on forever." swears Cedric, his hands cupping Leila's cheek as they share another kiss. In his mind, actions spoke louder than words to convey that he too, loved Leila dearly. He was going to show that on their return to Fecundia.
But for now, rest is needed.
Cedric leads Leila onto the bed, softly swaying to the side as if they were dancing together. He walks up behind the seamstress and hugs her from there. Arms wrapped around her in close intimacy. Cedric hums a soft tune to himself, clearly in high spirits.
His fingers playfully tug at the straps of Leila's nightgown, a soft chuckle escaping him.
"It is rather hot tonight, wouldn't you agree?" teased Cedric. When they reach the bed's edge, he pulls himself away. His hands reached for his own robes. A soft rustle, and the robes fall under him.
"There's a warm blanket....let's share that together."
Leila closed her eyes as she joined him in prayer, hoping their wish would reach Mellidone's ears. Surely she could see all this love she had for him, all this desire to make him happy, to bring him joy, and surely she would respond to that sincerity and devotion in kind.
After such a tender moment, it was a little surprising to see the king's playfulness come out again. She could tell by the tune he hummed, and by the way his hands went around her body, cheekily asking to feel more of her skin.
A slight brush came over her cheeks when her eyes fell upon the king's naked form. It had been a while since she last saw the king like that... But he was right; it was rather hot. And was it just her, or was it getting a little hotter?
"Indeed," she said softly with an alluring look, and untied the string holding her nightgown together at the front, letting it slip down her shoulders and fall to the floor. Her skin appeared glowing under the dim moonlight, her black curls cascading down her shoulders.
Pulling the blanket with her, she climbed onto the bed (as gracefully as a full-term pregnant woman could) and gave him an inviting motion with her hand. "We should rest - or my mother will be annoyed," she said teasingly, huddling under the blanket.
The king smiles, letting out a tired yet satisfied sigh as he joins Leila upon the bed. Guiltily child-like, Cedric saw a glimpse of his own mother in Leila, as she invited him in with her hand. He leans to one side, rustling fabric as Cedric moves close next to the equally bare seamstress. Feeling his body gather heat the moment they laid under the same sheet.
If only the nights in Castle Partus were as peaceful as this.
As Cedric looked up to the ceiling lying next to Leila, the king began to muse deeply in his thoughts. "There... was this one time I fell sick one night and my mother, the queen, laid beside me to keep me warm when I was a child." reminisced Cedric, chuckling to himself. "Somehow, I feel that comfort in you, Leila. But 'tis only recently have I felt that warmth from your presence..."
Cedric turns to Leila's side, eyes gazing intently upon her. An owl hoots from outside the cottage, and the crickets continue to chirp. He reaches out with one hand, brushing her swell underneath the covers before finding her hand to hold and squeeze.
"I thank you, dearest Leila. From the bottom of my heart..."
Leila listened closely as the king shared with her a childhood memory. The fact that her presence brought him the same comfort filled the seamstress with a happiness that warmed her whole body and melted all the aches and soreness away.
"To be able to bring such comfort and serenity to you, my king... It's a privilege," she spoke softly, and huddled closer to him. The blanket shielded their bodies from the cold of the night, but it was their proximity that kept both of them warm and content.
She gave him a small smile, and closed her eyes as sleep as she began to doze off. "May it stay this way for all our years..." With her lips still in a happy curve, her breathing slowed down, and sleep took over.
What a precious evening it had been for the young couple, talking, laughing, bonding... What strides they had made in growing closer, nurturing their love, speaking from the heart... The king and his seamstress were more connected than ever before now. Only one thing remained that could bound them together even more, that could amplify the love they had for one another... And it decided that it was time it entered their world.
Slight pinches and faint aches had turned into noticeable cramps by the time morning came. At some point in the night, Leila had turned over the other way to find a more comfortable position to deal with the ever-growing pains. They came and went, and were faint still, letting the soon-to-be mother get some much-needed rest.
But as more of the sun's rays entered the bedroom, the cramping became difficult to ignore. With a groan, Leila pushed herself to sit up on the mattress, leaning her back against the pillow. It was happening again; starting from her back, then to the front of her belly, making it feel tighter. As her mind cleared from the drowsiness, she became aware of an indisputable fact that made her both nervous and excited: her labor had begun.
"Mmf... Couldn't wait more, hm?" she said softly as she rubbed her belly.
The king was a light sleeper this time around, feeling the sudden rush of coolness as Leila lifted one side of the warm covers. His eyes squinted to the newfound morning light, seeing Leila already sitting up from her side. He smiles to himself - as the angle of the morning rays shining to Leila's blossomed figure was a beautiful sight to behold.
Cedric slowly sits up with a shift of his torso upwards, his back leaned behind the bed frame as he took a deep breath of fresh air.
"Morning..." greets Cedric, "You are up earlier than usual, my dear. The little one woke you up this time?" The king leans forward behind her, leaving a kiss across on the side of her cheek. His hands wrapped around her bare swell in a tender embrace.
Leila returned the greeting with a bright smile, moving her hand to carefully tuck a lock of Cedric's silver hair away from his face. "Good morning, my king," she said, and then looked down at her belly.
"Yes, our baby is quite excited this morning," she said with a slight laugh as the cramping faded. "I think it's because it's decided it's time to join us here..." she added with a sigh.
"I had some aching throughout the night, and now, since dawn, they have become more intense. I think the day has finally arrived, my king," she smiled, resting her hand atop his. "The day we become a family!"
The king's eyes widened upon the sudden news, his sense fully awake as the inevitable finally was about to happen - his beloved Leila, entering labor. With a wide smile and another kiss to the seamstress' lips, Cedric got out of bed with a start, reaching for his robes as he put them back on.
"Gods, we must not waste a moment's haste! Call the court physician! Summon the birth attendants! I want to make sure you are under every care and com-"
The king's voice trailed off, and Cedric forgot - they were in Leila's family home, with the intention of a family-close setting. His face reddened from embarrassment, thinking probably Leila took his giddiness with a chuckle or grin.
"-or simply let the child make its arrival gradually, without all the fanfare," added Cedric, laughing to himself. He walks up to Leila's side, putting one hand on her back and holding her hand on the other. "Let us inform your family then. I take it there is already a plan predefined for this time?"
Leila was a little startled by his initial reaction, confusion painted all over her face as she wondered who exactly was supposed to answer from beyond their bedroom door. Then, as the king realized his little mistake, she could barely hold back her laughter, momentarily forgetting about the pain in her abdomen.
"No fanfare for this one..." Leila chuckled as she combed her hair with her fingers, swinging her legs over to the edge of the bed but still taking a moment to gather herself before attempting to stand up. "Indeed, there is a plan. My mother and the twins will help me through it all. We'll make this room and the bathroom into a space for the birth. They've got everything ready, they'd said," she replied, as she finally took his hand and pushed herself to her feet.
She took a moment to find her balance before motioning for her robe that she had let stay in a chair for the night. "They'll be so excited... They've made so many preparations for this baby..."
With slow and careful movements, Leila put on her nightgown and shawl and slipped into her sandals to go downstairs, where the rest of the Veridan family (except Marco who was on watch at the walls) was having breakfast. Hearing them come down the stairs, Javier rushed to the bottom to help his sister, followed by their mother shuffling to her aid a second later.
"Good morning, my dears! Come, come, I have just brewed tea and there is freshly-baked bread! How are you feeling, my darling? Your Majesty, how did you sleep? Good, I hope?" Marta asked with a bright smile.
The king greeted the rest of Leila's family coolly, starting with a genuine smile to Javier and his mother. His eyes briefly upon Leila in case she needed someone to help her pace her steps. "We slept well last night, thank you. Bread and tea is just what's needed, Lady Marta. Wouldn't you agree, Leila?"
This time, he waited on Leila to find a seat to sit upon, and upon her chosen spot, Cedric makes the courtesy of properly seating the seamstress before himself. A hand gently pats one of her shoulders, giving it a quick massage before sitting beside her.
I'll let Leila break the news. If she wishes to reveal it now or much later, it shall be her call.
"And marmalade too?" Leila asked somewhat shyly; she's had a sweet tooth since coming back.
"Of course! Three different kinds, my dear! Come now, come on..."
Not a minute later, the entire family was seated around the table enjoying their breakfast. Leila thanked Cedric for his kindness and smiled at him knowingly. She wasn't going to keep her labor a secret for too long, but at the same time, she wanted to enjoy this peaceful moment with her family before the excited chaos ensued. Clara served both of them hot tea, while Javier provided his sister and her husband with several slices of warm bread, three jars of fruity jam, and a plate of fresh fruit.
"Oh, and the butter..." Beatrix said as she pushed the other plate towards the king.
"Lovely, just lovely, isn't it Ferrer?" Marta smiled widely as she seated herself again. "And it's such nice weather today, too! You should step out, Leila, get some fresh air, it will do you good! Let the sun warm you up! Good thing this summer is a lot milder than last year! Trust me, my darlings, pregnancy and a heatwave do not go together! Back when I was pregnant with the twins, it was so terribly hot! You couldn't take two steps without sweating! Nine months pregnant in the middle of a heatwave!" Marta exclaimed dramatically.
"Well, it's not like we chose to be born in July!" Clara replied as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"And it's not our fault there was a heatwave!" Beatrix followed up, spreading jam on her bread. "But it's cute that there's going to be another summer baby in the family..." she added with a smile, turning to Leila and Cedric.
"A summer baby, for sure..." the pregnant woman smiled back, and then turned to the head of the family. "Father, Javi mentioned you commissioned a few things for the baby at the carpenter... Any idea when they will be ready?"
"I sure did! I had the village carpenter build the birthing stool and baby bed, and he said it should be ready as early as two days from now!" spoke Ferrer proudly, taking a slice of bread.
The king clears his throat, trying his best to hide his apparent disappointment. "Two days...is fairly a modest timetable. Surely given how close your daughter is to delivery, we could pay an extra fee to shave off one day off, perhaps?"
The Veridan head looks at the king, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Normally that's doable, Your Highness. But you see here....his son left for the capital unfortunately, Will be staying there for a good week. His father...is the one working on the wood project."
Cedric nods, before Ferrer speaks up once again. "However...I do have an alternative ready. I understand how important this unborn child is to you, Your Highness. Leila is my daughter, after all."
The head of the family stood up, his eyes turned towards Leila. "Leila, let me know when you and the king are finished. Then come see me in the nursery room." He gives a bow to Cedric, before walking towards one section of the house.
The way her lips pouted, it was easy to tell that Leila too appeared to be a little disappointed, and her mother didn't fail to notice. But Marta remained silent for now, letting the conversation between her husband and king Cedric continue while she made sure everybody had enough food on their plates and enough tea in their cups.
"The nursery?" the siblings all said, almost in unison, turning their heads at their father curiously, before then turning to their mother, who just gave them a cheeky smile.
"Well, let's just say that your father is very excited about his first grandbaby and has become a big part of the preparations!" Marta replied, her tone almost teasing. "We may not be able to provide the luxury and comfort to match your chambers in the castle, your Majesty, but we have gone above and beyond to make sure that our dear Leila is as comfortable as possible and has everything she needs to deliver our little one," the older woman said with a smile as she walked over to her oldest daughter and placed a hand over her belly.
"Mom, I-- Thank you... Now, what has he done, exactly? I hope he hasn't broken his back trying to make anything extravagant!" Leila exclaimed as she slowly pushed herself to stand, groaning softly.
"I guess you'll just have to take a look!" Marta giggled, helping her daughter up.
Joined by Cedric and the rest of her siblings, Leila waddled over to the "nursery room" curious to see what her father had been up to. The tightness and cramping was slowly returning, but she breathed through it, holding off from letting it be known before she found out what her parents had done.
"Father...? What did you want to show us?"
With Ferrer leading the front, the family head took his time as he walked towards the doorway, eventually stopping before turning around to face the curious group.
"It was all a joint effort between your mother and I. We had to make do on such short notice but ah....here we are!"
With a gentle turn of the lock, Ferrer opens the door. He enters first, gesturing the rest inside. Cedric hurried after, his eyes taking in the interior of the newfound 'nursery' room.
"This is..." comments Cedric, mouth opened as he felt impressed. "...quite an interior marvel, Ferrer Veridan!"
The walls had been painted with a background of white, but instead of elegant tapestries decorating the walls were hand-painted representations of the tapestries. The rich coat of artistic colors plastered elegantly to top it off. Whatever gaps the paintings left were filled with trinkets reminding of home - smaller portraits of each family member, all hand-painted. Although they were 'copied' off the original painting, the feat itself was nothing short of astounding.
"By the gods..." remarks Cedric, smiling to himself. Eyes fixated on one corner of the room - the bed.
The single bed was placed against one side of a wall, meaning one side was closed off. But what Ferrer did was extend the four corners to have columnars, the makings of a canopy bed. The drapes were thin, but thick enough so that only silhouettes can be seen against the fabric. Essentially, a 'half-canopy' bed was made.
Cedric looks back to Ferrer, both smiling at each other. He redirects the king to look above, and Cedric's interest continues.
"A thick hanging rope dangling from the ceiling.." observes Cedric, walking towards the center and having a feel of its cord.
"The same material used by the village church's bells, Your Highness." adds Ferrer, appearing pleased. "Leila will find no trouble putting all her onto this, and neither will the ceiling give! Haha!"
Cedric looks at Leila, smiling. "Well?"
Leila stepped inside the room after Cedric, and immediately her face lit up. She was at a loss for words as her father, soon joined by her mother, showed her around the special little area that they had created for her over the past few days. She knew her parents were looking forward to the birth of their first grandchild, and she remembered very well at what great lengths they'd go to make special occasions even more memorable when the children were little, but all this...
Her gaze panned from the canopy bed, to the rope hanging by the ceiling, and then to the walls, elaborately painted by her father's masterful hand... The room itself was small, but with the paintings on the wall, it was as though the entire family would be there with her, supporting her, lending her their strength and bringing her comfort.
Three small pieces of furniture - repurposed nightstands and cupboards - had been carefully refurbished, and now served the role of storage, filled with everything a woman and her team would need for a successful birth. Towels with hand-stitched designs, a large bowl and a pitcher for water, cloths, little vials of oil, fluffy rolled blankets, changes of clothes, extra pillows to join those that were already on the bed. And there, in its own special corner, a basket filled with little blankets and baby clothes - the ones Leila had made herself, but also older ones, the ones Marta and Ferrer had dressed their little ones in when they were born.
It was the perfect little nest: every piece of furniture handled with care, every brushstroke painted with a smile, every small onesie folded with love. Could the finest birthing suite in any palace compare to this? Could it ever match the serenity, the comfort, the love this room was filled with?
"Oh, Daddy!" Leila exclaimed, clasping her hands in front of her chest, tears welling up her eyes. "You did all this? It's amazing! Thank you, thank you! Oh mom, dad, thank you so much!!"
Ferrer smiles with the firm confidence of a hard worker engrossed in his craft, before looking towards his wife with an acknowledged nod. "This is a big moment in your life, little Leila...a big moment for all of us really. We can't wait to see the king's son, my grandson be born here."
The king himself was at a loss for words, knowing even eloquence to his choice of words were but an understatement to the effort the Veridan family had made to make this room possible. Cedric looks back at Leila, smiling to her with the subtle look of awe. This was the Veridan's show of prowess - their unbroken unity towards achievement. He gestures her to walk to his side, offering to extend his open arms for her joy of tears.
"From the bottom of our hearts, Master Ferrer...Fecun- no, I thank you."
Ferrer nods with his chin lowered to a bow. He looks around those gathered, saying, "Now it's just a matter of bidin' time. Not sure when the little 'un will arrive, but now my daughter would not have to worry about positions anymore."
Behind her, Leila's siblings looked around the room with the same admiration she did, not having realized that their parents had spent all that time making this room for their sister. But it wasn't just for Leila; Beatrix and Clara knew that when their time came, they would have this space of safety and comfort to bring their own children into the world.
Leila tried her best to hold back her tears, moved by just how much effort her parents had put in such a short time. In spite of their age and their limited means... This was the best gift they could have given her.
At the mention of the time left before the room would be put into use, Leila gave the king a knowing look as she rubbed her belly soothingly. "Well... About that..." the seamstress said with a soft chuckle, glancing down at her swollen midsection.
Marta picked up on what her daughter was trying to say, as though her own experience and maternal instincts kicked in. "Leila, you mean..." her mother said, walking over to approach her, carefully extending a hand to her daughter's tightening belly.
"I felt some pains early at dawn... They aren't bad yet, but they've been happening consistently..." Leila replied shyly, letting her mother feel around.
"Oh then it's labor! Oh my darling Leila, it's happening today!" Marta exclaimed, beaming at the couple and then back at her husband.
"We better get everything started then!" exclaims Ferrer.
The next few hours had Ferrer relaying instructions to his sons and daughters on their new roles in the joyous event of Leila's delivery. The enthusiasm apparent in his quick thinking.
The proud Veridan head dispatched Javier on hot water duties and item runs, bringing to Leila and Marta whatever they would require. Beatrix and Clara served as attendants to their older sister, helping her stand or walk, and even providing massages around her lower back.
It would be the king and Leila's father who waited outside the room by themselves, hearing the women shuffle and talk excitingly among themselves. For as is custom, Cedric may only enter the birthing room until Leila calls for him.
"So this is how Lady Marta delivers when she has her children? Unassisted until requesting your presence?" asked Cedric, expression curious.
"Marta was a strong and confident lass back then," reminisced Ferrer, smiling to himself as he leaned back against the sunlit afternoon window. "She wanted to show me she was capable of going through the ordeal all by herself for a time...but you know how it is with childbirth, Your Highness. It is still a scary ordeal - when the pains rack up, it is a husband's role to support their wives in such times...We are simply encouraging that mindset into a family tradition."
Cedric nods, looking at the birthing room door. "Then I do hope Leila is supported well..."
In the company of her mother and twin sisters, Leila handled each pain that seized her belly with calmness and deep breaths, just as the experienced Marta instructed. She felt safe in their presence: Marta had done this five times before, and had helped in numerous more births in the village over the years. The twins too had been trained to assist and of course, there was a midwife in the Church that would happily help them if needed.
And so for the first few hours, things went smoothly in the little birthing suite. Clara calculated Leila's contractions at one every thirty minutes. The pain was still manageable, and the seamstress was pleasantly distracted by her mother's and sisters' conversations, fawning over the baby clothes, and placing bets on who would cry more upon seeing the baby, the king or Ferrer.
She spent most of that time pacing around the room, stopping to lean against the furniture for support when a contraction came. Following her mother's advice, she would sway her hips and do lunging steps, helping her baby move down. When she'd sit down to take a break, Clara would braid her sister's hair to keep it out of the way, or offer her a drink of herbal tea, or knead the pressure away from Leila's lower back. Beatrix kept Leila's mind away from the pain and any anxieties by asking her about life at Castle Partus, looking for some light-hearted gossip... And Marta stayed right by her daughter's side the whole time, caressing her hair and planting little kisses on her forehead.
Time dragged on, and noon approached. Javier and Julia were put on kitchen duty, heating the water and cutting fruit for Leila to snack on. It was around then that the pain began to intensify, and got more frequent - every fifteen minutes. The door of the room opened and Clara's head popped out with a smile.
"Your Majesty? My sister asks to see you," the brunette said, gesturing for Cedric to come inside the room.
Ferrer turns to the king, smiling with an approving nod as he gestured Cedric with his hand. The silver-haired king smiled his thanks, nodding back as he straightened himself up before following Clara onto the door.
He was there with Queen Astrid when his firstborn was born under the protective walls of Castle Partus. But Cedric was not certain in how this one was going to turn out - was he to simply remain by her side as a supportive attendant to the laboring seamstress? Or to take initiative and rein his role as the father by conducting the delivery himself? Was such practices even applied by the Veridans or widely accepted by the town? Uncertainties piled upon uncertainties, and yet, Cedric bravely stepped into the new ground of the unknown-
-for such anxieties did not matter. Cedric was going to be a father again.
The king needed not worry about expectations and tasks delegated. In reality, all that he would have to do was be present; easy, simple, and oh so important.
Inside the room, the women had opened the window to let some fresh air in. A gentle breeze blew in, making the linen curtains of the canopy bed sway faintly. There, Leila sat at the edge of the bed, leaned back on her arms with Beatrix providing some extra support while she tried different braid styles on her sister. Upon seeing him enter, Beatrix scooted out of the bed, making space for Cedric. Marta sat in a chair next to the bed, idly knitting. The seamstress' face was slightly flushed, and her breathing was a little shallow. It seemed that a contraction had just passed, and now they were all taking a break until the next one.
Clara closed the door behind her after Cedric came inside, and went back to organizing some things for the baby.
"I hope my father hasn't bored you to death yet," Leila chuckled softly, the first to break the gentle silence. Despite the lingering pain, she still seemed to be in good spirits. But there was also a longing in her voice, a desire behind the joke.
"I had a craving for your company, my king..." she then admitted, placing a hand to her belly. She had changed into a baggy white chemisier, sleeveless and light to combat the heat, comfortable to move around, and slit at the hips and the chest for easy access during the birth and then breastfeeding. It looked somewhat old, despite it being in good condition; this was once Marta's, no doubt.
"She means it hurts more now, and she wants you to be here, your Majesty," Beatrix said as she passed by the king, giving her sister a knowing look. "She's just shy about it."
"Well..." Leila began, averting her gaze, "...that, too..."
The king watched in awe as the Veridans showed their familial bonds through the entire process of the labor. How each sibling, each relative had a specific role to do and rarely ones to tarry in their assigned work. As Beatrix scooted out of the bed, Cedric smiled his thanks, nodding firmly before assuming his new position beside the seamstress' side.
"Hardly," remarks Cedric, lowering his chin as he imparts a kiss to her forehead. "Your father is an honorable man of the family - he never took more time than what he needed to say.."
"I had a craving for your company, my king..."
Upon her words, Cedric felt his heart flutter, smiling warmly towards the mother of his unborn child. He moves in a hand atop hers, gliding his palm softly.
"Then, you shall have all of me until you are satisfied." teases Cedric, pulling her hand before kissing it softly. He chuckles at Marta's added remark, saying, "Then it is already done. She has had her wish." He glances back towards the seamstress, reaching for her chin and gently raises it up to meet his gaze.
"There is no need to worry, Leila. You are safe..."
Leila closed her eyes and received the kiss with a sweet smile and a soft hum. It felt as though all the fatigue from the past hours had melted away the moment the king touched his lips on her skin.
"I know, I know... I feel safe, too," the laboring woman replied with a kind smile, panning her gaze over to her sisters and her mother.
"Everything is going very well so far, your Majesty. Mother and baby are doing great," Marta said, looking up from her little knitting project. The older woman appeared calm and confident in the progress her daughter was making, and the good condition of the baby readying to come into the world. "She's making good progress! Six centimeters already, we just checked!" Marta added, extending one arm to rub Leila's thigh soothingly.
"But now things are getting more intense. It hurts more..." Leila admitted, letting out a huff.
"And her waters haven't broken yet..." Beatrix added, wringing water out of some cloths.
"Oh, no need to worry about that! It doesn't mean anything!" Marta responded, waving her knitting needles dismissively. "When I had Marco, my waters broke just five minutes before he was born! And with you two, they broke and I still had to labor nine hours to get you out! They'll break when they're ready...
"Every birth is different," Marta continued, her voice calm. "Leila's is going very well so far. Her body is ready, and she is focused and working hard. That is all that's needed, your Majesty."
"It also helps that I have the best team I could ask for," Leila added with a soft laugh, earning an approving nod from her sisters. Then, her eyes turned to Cedric. "And now it's complete."
The king smiles happily as he leaned to Leila's side, feeling truly at ease knowing she was in good hands, even without his participation. He also knew he could rely and trust that the laboring seamstress would not be harmed or mishandled, as these were her immediate family members. A stark difference to if hired birth attendants or a royal physician were in charge, where intentions and agendas could be manipulated to harm both mother and child.
But here? There was no call for concern, other than the expected difficulties that come with childbirth.
Cedric nods, "Then there is truly nothing to fear then..." The king leans back upon the mattress covers, losing himself to the scent of the seamstress and pure relaxation....
Neither Leila nor her family could keep a straight face at the king falling asleep right there and then, and her twin sisters especially couldn't keep their teasing comments to themselves.
"Tsk tsk tsk, men!" Clara tutted as she shook her head , feigning disapproval.
"What's he even tired from?" Beatrix asked, her voice hushed.
"Mm, Leila, did you and the king get busy last night?" Clara chimed in.
"Oooh~ Did you tire the king out, Leila?"
"Shut up, you two," Leila whispered to her sisters, joining in their teasing. "Royal duties are exhausting, you know!"
"Enough, girls! You're going to wake him up!" Marta interrupted in defense of her son-in-law. "Now, darling, try to rest until the next contraction. Conserve your energy, my dear," she said, helping Leila lie down on her side by the king.
Propping a few pillows between her legs to help with positioning the baby, the three women fell silent (except from the twins' stifled giggling) and let the pair rest.
When the next contraction came, Leila had the king's peaceful presence to soothe her on top of her family's. Keeping her breathing slow and deep to handle the pain, only soft winces and whines escaped her lips. It tightened her belly for just a minute or two, and then faded, until it came again fifteen minutes later. And then, all over again, deep breaths, caresses, words of affirmation from her mother, every fifteen minutes.
In the break between the pains, Leila managed to close her eyes and relax. She was drowsy, but the lingering aches wouldn't let her fall asleep. Still, it helped in keeping her calm and saving her strength for the more difficult challenges to come.
Contraction, then break, contraction, then break... She lost sense of time. She couldn't tell how much time passed like that, only that she had a short break to eat a few bites, while her mother and the twins took turns eating lunch while still looking after her. Contraction, break, contraction, break... Nice and steady.
But then, after a much needed break, something felt a little different. The pains came every ten minutes now, squeezing her belly even tighter. This one was a different sensation, as though it came from deep within. Even before it fully began, Leila knew it was going to hurt.
"Mmf..." the seamstress groaned, shifting on the bed. Immediately, her mother was rubbing her back. "Uhn... Ow, ugh.... Ow, fuck!"
Leila exclaimed loudly as she jolted up from the sharp pain, clutching her belly. The noise and sudden movement would have definitely disrupted the king's sleep, but all she could focus on was dealing with this pain.
Sure enough, the king woke with a start, sitting from bed when he heard Leila's cry and erratic movement. His silver hair messy, and eyes squinting as they adjusted to the late afternoon light. Words stuttered from his mouth. Not exactly one would see as the Fecundian king.
"Wh- where what how?" he asked, bewildered. That was, until he glanced to her side, and his eyes widened. He turns to Marta, asking, "How is she?"
Leila leaned forward while sitting on her legs, rocking slowly as she tried to manage the intense contraction. After so many hours of active labor, it was beginning to look like things were nearing the final stages.
Marta was by her daughter's side, gently rubbing her back to distract her from the pain. "She's a woman in labor, your Majesty, nothing out of the ordinary," Marta said in jest, trying to keep a lighthearted atmosphere. "She should be better in a bit. Right, my sweet? That one hurt a lot, didn't it?"
"More than the others..." Leila sighed through heavy breaths, trying to compose herself as the pain wore off. Her face was flushed, and soon her features softened into a calmer expression. "Pardon my... vocabulary..."
"Oh darling, that was nothing! Don't worry about it at all, they'll be more of that later," Marta laughed, patting her shoulder. The older woman then turned to the king, and without Leila noticing, motioned for him to replace her by rubbing the seamstress' back.
The king picked up on the mood of the room, laughing softly at Lady Marta's joke with an understanding nod. "Of course, I understand the expectations that come with bringing forth a child into this world. " He looks back at Leila however, letting his palm rest peacefully upon her fecund swell.
"But I also acknowledge that such arduous task is no easy one at all." At Marta's signal, Cedric scoots closer to Leila. A warm but brief embrace follows, and Cedric takes her mother's place.
He kneads softly on Leila's lower back, remembering his lessons in anatomy on the right pressure points of tension and soreness. All while Cedric softly encourages the laboring seamstress.
"You're doing wonderfully well, Leila..." The king whispers softly into her ear. His warm breath felt on one side of her face.
Leila remained focused on calming back down and listening to her body as it now faced a different stage of labor. She would describe it as pressure on her lower back, inching closer downwards, between her legs. Her body felt heavier, more sensitive. Her baby had descended well, that much she could feel, even though there was no urge to push yet. But that would soon change...
Still, she felt Cedric's tender touch, his warm hands fighting back the aching, his sweet voice grounding her, bringing her back to the room. As the pain faded, she straightened her body up, still kneeling on the mattress. She found this position easier on her lungs, and maybe gravity could help things along, too.
She turned slightly, bringing a hand up to cup the king's face while the other rested on her belly. Inside, a little wriggle; the baby opening its mother up. "Thank you, my king... Unf... I think...we're getting closer," she said softly, exploiting this brief break to gather herself before the next contraction.
She was tired and sore, but not miserable. The seamstress had been laboring since the early morning and it was now late afternoon, yet the long hours hadn't made a single dent in her determination. "We're getting closer," she repeated, her voice perkier this time. "I can feel it... Our baby is almost ready, my king... Uhn... Mmf....
The king rested his chin upon her shoulder, listening to her deep breaths of motherly effort as she labored through. His hands held onto hers as he quieted her fears with his presence. His bodily warmth pressed upon her back, a constant reminder of his affectionate support.
Then, more good news. Cedric's eyes widened with newfound excitement, squeezing her hand happily to let her know he heard her message well. "Bless Mellidone, Leila. I must see the little one!" he exclaims.
He gestures to Lady Marta to take his place, slowly letting go of Leila's hands as he crawls toward sitting in front of her. Knees and legs folded as he squats. Cedric gently pushes her thighs apart, eager to lay witness to the onset of the glorious appearance of his child.
"Let me see the little one, my love." coaxes Cedric, smiling happily. "Let us see your finest work!"
Leila couldn't help but laugh softly at the king's comment, and then looked up at him with gleaming eyes when he called their child her 'finest work'. Indeed, this was her finest! Her most meticulous, most lovingly-made, most beautiful creation so far! Their chef-d'oeuvre!
Nothing else could ever match such purity, such beauty... Only the next child that she would gift her king.
Groaning as she felt another contraction coming, Leila slowly opened her legs wider. She placed her arms on his shoulders and used them as support to lift herself up a bit, giving him (and her mother who was closely monitoring from behind) a better look of her womanhood.
Her folds were reddened, sensitive, and slick with moisture from the warm wet cloths that her mother had applied to them earlier. Under the hefty weight of her fecund swell, they appeared slightly parted, holding back a small bulge. No sign of a head yet, but something was there, right there...
"Uhn, a-ah... Ugh, ow..." she moaned, leaning more against the king's strong frame. The pain intensified, clenching her womb, ushering the baby down, farther down... "Mmf... Unf, haa... Mmf..." she grunted, bearing down without even realizing it. There was an urge that came so naturally to her, an urge to...
"Push, my darling... Give it a little push," Marta whispered softly into Leila's ear, instantly picking up on the switch. Her hands remained on her daughter's back, firmly rubbing.
"A-ah, haa...Haa... Mmmf!" Leila followed her instincts, trusting her mother's advice, and pushed. It felt natural to do so, as though that was the response her body was waiting for.
And indeed, it was exactly what it needed. That faint bulge grew a little bigger, a little bit more prominent, until a light twitch released the waters.
A gush of fluid rushed out from between her legs, eliciting a loud cry of pain from the seamstress. Her whole body shuddered and she held onto Cedric tight, trying to stay in control. "Argh! Uhn..."
The king's heart gushed over the hardworking seamstress, in awe and at a loss for words as he bore witness once again to another life being birthed before his very eyes. For just as the concept of mortal death fraught the king's mind to his very core, the concept of life left Cedric...strangely calm. Upon these small hours, a still warmth enveloped his chest, speaking to his heart.
Hope remains...and rests upon such as them.
"Beautiful, Leila... You are so brave!" complimented Cedric, who pecked Leila's cheek when she briefly leaned towards him. A soft pat to her back followed, before Cedric watched on. He felt admiration and marveled at the sight. Deep breathes following him.
Sensing Leila's motherly groans, Cedric rallies her mental strength with his supportive words. "Let it flow, my dear. Do not resist. Let it all out...You are doing such a lovely job..."
Leila let more of her weight fall onto the king as she slowly lowered herself back on the mattress, panting loudly. Soft whines escaped her lips in-between her sharp breaths as her body tried to calm down and recover from the intense pain.
Breaking the sac of waters provided some relief from the pressure that had been built up after so many hours, but now that meant that the head would soon emerge. She could really feel it, lodged between her legs, slowly opening her up more and more... It hurt so much, so so much...
Yet she refused to lose control, she couldn't let it overwhelm her. Clutching onto the king's shirt, she buried her face in the nook of his shoulder and let it out, just as he asked, the overflowing emotions exiting her system with each long exhale. Slowly, she relaxed and regained her composure, but stayed in the comfort of his embrace, calmed by his words and soothing hands.
"That hurt a lot..." she mumbled, shifting her head a bit. "Haa... Almost, almost..."
"You did well, my dear, good job," Marta said softly, cleaning up her daughter's legs of the amniotic fluid.
"I made a mess... Sorry, mom..."
"No, honey, don't apologize, it's all good. We have so many sheets and towels!" Marta said sweetly, caressing Leila's head. "You focus on your baby, and let us worry about that, okay? Atta girl, Leila, good job..."
The king kept himself stiff and rigid when Leila fell onto him. His hands actively rubbing her sides in top to bottom motions. He could hear her whines, feel her warm breaths flow near his upper body. The tension undeniable to Cedric's eyes.
But he knew Leila was also a fighter.
Cedric pats Leila's back when he feels her hands grip his shirt. With the king whispering soft words of support to her ears. Sometimes, he'd hum a tune he remembered, songs played during the castle balls and town feasts. There was nothing else Cedric had to do in these moments, other than simply remaining by the seamstress' side, and being ready to act upon moment's notice.
While he holds Leila in his arms, Cedric watches Marta as she cleans Leila's birth-fluid wet legs. His eyes squinted to catch the color of the fluids, relieved that its color was not dark. Cedric pats Leila's back, slow palms tapping her sweaty back before flowing down across her spine.
"You're doing, so, so, well, my love." added Cedric, "I love you so much..."
These were the only words needed.
Leila huffed loudly as she felt her body preparing for another contraction, her midsection tightening once more. She barely had any time to recover from the last one, but with how close she was to giving birth now, there was no time for rest anymore.
Cedric's words kept her grounded, despite the pain. Their masterpiece was almost ready, minutes away from being revealed. She had to keep going for a little longer, to keep fighting for just a bit more. Delivering such excellent work was never an easy task, yet Leila remained focused, in tune with her body.
"I love you... Hhnng, I love you too, my king... My king... Uuuhnnn," she grunted, spreading her legs a bit more as the urge to push returned. She pushed with the pain, her folds twitching as the weight of the head began to spread them open. It was there, right there, and all she had to do was keep on.
"Uhn, uhn... Mmmff! Argh, ugh! Haa, uhnn..."
Marta stood right next to Leila, monitoring her progress and providing extra affection to her daughter. She had full confidence in Leila's ability to deliver this baby, and it showed through the calmness of her face, and the sweetness of her soothing voice. The twins were just a step away too, one holding a little tower of clean cloths and towels, and the other a small bowl of hot water.
Eventually, the pain faded, and Leila's body relaxed again. She lifted her head up from the king's shoulder, her forehead glistening with sweat and her cheeks read from the exertion. Immediately, Marta offered her a cup of water, which the laboring woman gladly took.
Leila straightened herself up a bit, her hand reaching to tug at the rope her father had installed over the bed. "Oh, Mellidone... Please let it be over soon," she exhaled, returning the cup to her mother.
"You're doing amazing, my sweetheart," Marta smiled, tucking a few locks of hair behind Leila's ear. "Mellidone will reward you for your efforts very soon. Both of you, my dears," she added, lightly squeezing the king's arm, too.
A brief respite, and then another contraction came. This time, Leila put her legs in a squatting position, holding tightly onto the rope when she had to push again. "Hhnnnghh! Mmmff, uhn... Herghh.... Haa, haa...." she groaned, baring down in this new position that seemed to help.
"Hheeengh.... Uuurgh... Haa, aah... Uhn, ow..." Slowly but visibly, her womanhood parted, bulging with the head that was about to make its appearance. "Come out... Come out..."
Cedric quickly stood up when Leila decided to reach out for the rope hanging from the ceiling, his hands supporting her lower back until he realized she opted to squat. Once her hands firmly hold on, Cedric scoots back to the front, watching with rapt wonder as he smiles back to the laboring seamstress.
"It will be over soon, my love," reassures Cedric, who nods to Marta's own encouraging words. "You work hard, after all."
The contraction comes, and Cedric crawls closer to get a better look at her parting womanhood. His hands were out, but Cedric did not take action. Not yet. Eagerly, the king's gaze remained, holding his breath as the seamstress tried again.
In the short time between contractions, Beatrix came to sit behind Leila, supporting her back as she squatted. Clara dabbed the sweat away from her sister's forehead, while Marta carefully reached down between Leila's legs to feel her progress.
Her face lit up and she retracted her hand, giving the king a bright smile. Without saying a word, she took one of the wet warm cloths, placed it on Cedric's hand, and guided it to gently touch Leila's folds. The older woman smiled at him encouragingly, before turning back to her daughter.
"Good job, my darling. The baby's almost here! Give us another big push!"
As if on cue, the pain returned, and Leila's belly clenched around her baby's body, ushering it further down her birth canal. "Hhhnnghhh!" the seamstress groaned, straining. "Nnngh, haa... Mmff..."
Slowly yet surely, the mother-to-be made progress. More of the clear amniotic fluid trickled down her folds, and Cedric would be able to feel through the cloth something hard and solid gently press against his hand. If he were to pull it away, he could see it, right there... the top of the baby's head!
"Haargh... Unf, unf... Hnnnnghnn! Heeegnh... Hah, hah... Mmmfm, uhn," Leila moaned, slowly swaying her hips from side to side while squatting, easing the pressure. "Mmmfm... Hnngh... Haah..."
The king let his arm fall loose when Marta suddenly took his hand and led him to feel her folds beneath the wet cloth. His heart pounding excitedly, followed by an insurmountable rush of emotions. By now, he had attended and seen many deliveries as king, but it would always be his Bearers that never failed to leave him at a loss for words. Cedric swallows nervously, waiting for the contraction to pass before slowly pulling the cloth back for a better look...
Oh, the little one is so close-
"Oh , my dear little one..." mused Cedric, feeling his heart gush proudly for Leila and their soon-to-be child. His free hand clutched at his chest, feeling an overwhelming sense to protect and cherish the life being birthed before the king's very eyes. Cedric looks up proudly to Leila, tearfully smiling at her before wiping his own tears with the back of his hand.
He tenderly wipes Leila's folds, cleaning the trickling amniotic fluids. There, indeed, he could see it-
Rich dark hair glistening between the red and soft fleshly petals, and a wave of new emotions sent Cedric's heart to flutter tenderly for their child. Their child.
Until his very breath, the king swore to himself, he was going to protect them too.
"It's beautiful-" remarked Cedric, looking at Marta with a soft affectionate expression. He looks back to Leila, letting her know of how proud he was in this very moment, to be with her and for her.
"Y-you can see it...?" Leila mumbled, the king's comment diverting her attention away from the pain and fatigue, which were dominating her mind. Tired and sore as she was, all she had been able to focus on was withstanding the burn and sharpness of each contraction, and was beginning to forget that she, too, had to experience this moment as beautifully as the others did.
"C-can y-you..." she muttered, and slowly reached a shaky hand down between her spread-out legs, and lightly touched her bulging vagina. There, she felt it: the soft head, lodged snugly between her velvety folds, waiting to exit. "A-ah... Hah! It's there... Right there!" Leila exclaimed, letting out a squealing laugh.
Her mother and sisters joined in laughter, with Marta lovingly caressing her daughter's head. "Almost there, my darling, almost. Just a little more!"
Smiling even as the next contraction seized her midsection, Leila gave Cedric a tender look, clutched the rope again, and bared down with this new strength and determination. "Uhn, uhn, ha... Hnnnghnn! Haarghhnn! Gah, ugh... Mmff, uhn... Heeeenghh..."
Thrusted by the force of the contraction and its mother's pushing, the baby move, spreading her folds out more as it worked its way out of her birth canal. Tightening and then releasing with each push, her belly squeezed around her abdomen, bringing the head into a first crown.
"Hhuughnn! Argh! Uhn, it burns... Uhn, haa..."
The king looks to those near the seamstress, the family members gathered who laughed alongside Leila. His face was full of awe and wonder as they all laughed together as a family. It all felt so simple, but yet, tenderly profound that Cedric had to smile at himself. How could he not? For truly, he could see how deeply loved the motherly seamstress was by her family.
If only all the other noble families were like this, instead of broken children and large mansions full of strife.
"You are so strong, Leila!" joins in Cedric, applying perineal support as she pushes. "You are spreading so well! The crown is nearly there - oh!"
And what a beautiful blossom the dark-haired crown was. The moment in which the child was a few pushes away from entering the world. Cedric lets out a deep breath, composing himself to hold in his excitement. He looks back to Leila, his face softened as he looks up to her with newfound pride as the father and husband. He firmly presses the cloth under her perineum, actively supporting the vaginal skin to prevent her from tearing.
Mellidone, it felt like her body was on fire! Now all of the pain was focused down there, where the head was trying to emerge, stretching her tender skin out, pushing past her folds. The warmth from the cloth did little to soothe the burning sensation, this 'ring of fire' that she had heard women complain about.
Now, the urge to push was nearly unstoppable, and all she could think about was making the pain stop. No pacing, no waiting and listening, just to quickly, as quickly as possible, get this over with. At the first signs of her daughter about to panic, Marta expertly swooped in.
"Easy now, my darling, easy..." she cooed with a shushing tone, caressing Leila's hair. "I know it hurts, sweetheart, but don't rush this, alright?"
In response, Leila let out a loud whine, followed by a strained grunt as she pushed again. The crown widened just a bit.
"Take it slow, my dear... Breathe, Leila, breathe out... Hoo, hoo..."
"Hoo, hoo... Haa, uhn..."
"That's it, darling, good job. Wait for the contraction. Your baby's doing just fine in there," Marta said sweetly, kissing her daughter's cheek. "Baby's doing just fine... Daddy's got it, see?" she added with a laugh, smiling at Cedric.
"It burns so bad..." the seamstress groaned, tilting her head back.
"I know, darling. I hated this stage too! It's all going to be better soon. Just take it slow, relax... Good girl, Leila, that's a good girl..." Marta whispered as her daughter began to regain her composure.
She exhaled deeply, and accepted a few sips of the water Clara had quickly slipped her. Though she couldn't see much past the curve of her large belly, she trusted that Cedric was taking good care of both of them.
"There's... the contraction..." she moaned, and braced herself again.
"Good. Now give us a nice, big push!" Marta said, cupping Leila's belly.
"Hhnngh! Heeenghnn! ARGH! Gah, uhn... Ow, ow, ow, burns! Oh baby, oh baby! Hnnnnghn!" The pear-shaped opening of her folds turned into a wider circle, growing and growing, until more of the head emerged, and then the forehead.
"Good! Good job, Leila! Just a little more!" her mother exclaimed.
"Haaarrnghnnn.... Mmmfff... Uhn, guh... It's so big... Why is it so big..."
Behind her, her sisters chuckled lightly, eliciting a groan from Leila. "Y-you won't be l-laughing when it's y-you pushing!"
"Girls, behave," Marta chastised, but she too could barely keep a straight face.
Even the king was holding back his own smile at Leila's remark to her sisters. For he knew fully well their fates would be the same as their sister’s if they were to make their own imprint inside Castle Partus, just with their chosen Planters. Still, Cedric was amazed at how calm and even light-hearted the atmosphere of the room felt. A nearly parallel difference to the traditional birth chambers back home and for what it was worth - it was paying dividends to Leila's comfort and strength.
A delivery, with no complications whatsoever. At least, not yet, and hopefully not ever. All that was left to do was for the child to fully come out.
"Just take your time with the pushes, my love," encourages Cedric, suddenly remembering something. "Like how you'd spin and weave those dresses back home - working your way through...with tender care and diligence."
Still with a cheeky smile on their faces, Clara and Beatrix returned to their tasks, making sure Leila was taken care of.
The seamstress looked up at Cedric with half-lidded eyes, and nodded her head. His words grounded her, and with the help of her mother's advice too, she managed to calm down between the contractions. Of course, it still burned, now more than ever: the head was halfway out, and her folds were as stretched as they would go. But if she were to rush now, she'd tear. "Slowly and...carefully..." she said softly, continuing Cedric's words.
She lowered one knee on the mattress, feeling her legs about to go numb from the squat she had been in all this time. She brought one hand down to rub her belly, feeling its tightness, its warmth, the light movements of the baby one last time before it empties, before her child would come earth-side. She was going to miss it...
Oh, Mellidone... Make it so that my body swells with life again soon... Bless me like this one more time...
Leila felt the contraction under her skin, clenching her muscles, and heeded her body's urge to push again. "Heeerghn... Huh, uhn... Hhnnnghnnn! Huunngh... Haa, haa..."
The head moved slowly, sliding out inch by inch, stretching her out more and more. The seamstress bared down and gritted her teeth, straining and groaning, and her efforts would soon be rewarded. More of the forehead, then the eyes, then a tiny nose... Upper lip, lower lip and... With one quick and subtle intervention from Marta, who was providing support from behind, the chin was released. The entire head was out, slipping right into Cedric's waiting hands.
Leila let out a loud cry of pain, moaning and panting. The sensation was so intense it made her whole body shudder like it was freezing. She clutched onto the rope, trying to calm herself out as the baby turned. "It's out! Hnngh... Uhn, haa... Come out... Come out... Mmmfff.... Uhn, uhn..."
The king's hands actively supported the slimy and slippery head as more of its features started to peek out. Fingertips gently cupping as much of the head to support its descent downwards. The wet cloth was spread across the top of the baby's scalp, but Cedric felt its wetness against his palms, deeming the material too wet for use.
He turns to Marta, offering his hands to her.
A wooden bowl full of water was soon provided and Cedric quickly dipped his hands to clean them. Shaking the water off behind his back, he takes a deep breath-
-And cups the baby's slimy head with his bare hands. The gesture both out of tradition and the king's earnest desire to establish a bond early with his soon-to-be-delivered offspring. His fingers idly brushed the matted black hair, feeling his heart gush out for this child born of Leila's and his blood.
"I'm holding the baby's head," assures Cedric, looking up to Leila. "You can push now, Leila. I'll catch the little one."
Once the head appeared, Marta and the twins couldn't hold back their joy, eagerly congratulating Leila for the progress she had made. Of course, there would be time for more celebrations with the entire family once the baby was born, but their laughter and encouragement brought a smile to the exhausted woman's face.
Immediately, more water, towels and blankets were provided, everyone at the ready to receive this little new life, just minutes away from entering the world.
"Good job, Leila! Almost there!" Marta smiled, rubbing her daughter's arm. "Let the baby turn... Good, just like that. Just the shoulders now... One big push, come on!"
Panting, Leila clung onto the rope, whining a bit as the baby got into the right position. "Hhnnngh... Uhn, unf..." she grunted, going for the final pushes. "A-almost... Heerngh, guh... Ow... Come on... Hurrrnghhhh!"
The shoulders pushed past her reddened petals, emerging slowly. At this point, Leila didn't have to do much anymore, her body was working on its own. The shoulders slipped out, then the torso with the umbilical cord, and finally the legs, followed by a trickle of the remaining amniotic fluid.
"ARGH!" Leila cried out, falling to her knees. Her whole body was shaking from the pain, radiating from her head to her toes, her heart pounding in her chest. She was breathing fast trying to regain her composure.
The baby in Cedric's hands was still for a few instants, before its skin began to pink up. It made a grimace, wriggled, and let out a loud, high-pitched cry.
The whole room erupted in joyful exclamations and laughter. Tears welling up her eyes, Marta tended to Leila who was perking up, while Clara and Beatrix rushed over to the king's side.
"What is it?! A girl?" Clara asked excitedly.
"Or a boy!?" Beatrix added.
Behind her, a tired Leila was slowly reaching out for the first embrace with her baby, while her mother undid her gown so it could lay on her bare skin.
Like opening the floodgates of a wooden dam, the silver-haired king kept his hands firm and gentle around the baby's head. The warm fluids trickled down his fingertips and dripped down his wrists. There was no need for him to even tug or rotate the baby's shoulders in the right direction, as he could already feel the seamstress' body being in full control of the pushes. Cedric stiffens, bracing to receive the infant in full.
Another gush and sudden weight signaled Cedric to ease down and slightly lower his hands. He lets out a gasp in surprise, his reflexes managing to keep up with the sudden jerks until suddenly-
The king was holding the newborn in his hands, a little baby girl with black hair, dark as the night.
Cedric gazes upon his firstborn daughter with a softness on his face, before tenderly passing it on to her mother, who was already eager to receive their daughter.
"We have a daughter of Fecundia, my love." remarks Cedric, grinning. "And she takes after you!"
"A girl! It's a girl!" Clara shouted excitedly, nearly jumping up and down. "I won the bet! You and Marco owe me!" Next to her, Beatrix just rolled her eyes, and quickly the twins re-focused on their sister and newborn niece.
"A girl..." Leila said softly as she took the crying infant in her arms, holding her close to her bare chest. Behind her, Marta had gathered several pillows to make a soft place for the new mother to lay on, as she eased Leila to lean back and rest after the exhausting birth.
As her body slumped over the pillows, and the infant continued to cry as it announced its entry into the world, Leila's body relaxed completely. She smiled sweetly at the baby, chuckling as she rubbed her little head. "She's got so much hair..." was all she managed to say as the first tears of joy streamed down her cheeks.
"Oh Leila, she's so beautiful," Marta said, also crying at the sight of her first grandchild. "What a beauty!"
"She's so cute!" the twins chimed in, almost in unison.
The warmth of her skin, the tenderness of her touch and the familiar, steady beat of Leila's heart began to soothe the newborn, who blinked her eyes at her mom. "Hello!" the new mother cooed. "Welcome, little one! Hi! Oh, Cedric... She's here! Our daughter..." she breathed out in awe as she looked up at him, her grin inviting him to come closer. "She's... Oh, Mellidone, thank you! She's so wonderful..."
The king let out a deep sigh of contentment as he eased down next to Leila. His shoulder touching hers as he sat next to her. He reaches out with one hand, giving one stroke across the newborn's soft-skinned cheek. The skin, softer than silk.
Cedric looks at their child in awe and wonder, before glancing to Leila with a tender expression. "She's...perfect, Leila. Together, you and I have..." His voice trailed off, and the seamstress can sense his tone shaking before the king sniffles. His chest swelled with pride, before looking to the rest of the Veridan's with a grateful expression.
"Today....Mellidone has blessed us with a gift. An innocent gift of life, by the name of....Flora Veridan Robus. Let it be known here first, Leila has bore me a beautiful little daughter."
He turns back to Leila, putting a hand to her cheek and pulling her in for a quick kiss.
"A daughter....I will openly acknowledge as my own flesh and blood, and whose mother...I love dearly. Thank you all...."
More exclamations of joy as the name of the little girl was announced. Leila looked at the king with the most loving look; he'd picked the name she wanted, and for that, she was forever grateful.
The hours that followed were the happiest the Veridan family had experienced in a long time. The news of the birth of a healthy baby girl was relayed to Ferrer, Javier, and Julia who were waiting outside, and then to Marco, who was on duty at the gates but rushed back home with a large carafe of wine and flowers for his sister and niece to celebrate.
Leila was left to rest and recuperate after the birth, in the company of Cedric and Marta, who made sure both mother and baby were in good health. The seamstress' happiness was indescribable. To finally hold her baby in her arms, her child with the king, to nurse and soothe her... To have Flora's tiny hand wrapped around her finger, to lay her head on Cedric's shoulder as they admired the little masterpiece in their embrace... To have her dressed in the clothes she'd made for this moment... Leila couldn't be happier.
That first night with Cedric and their little one would be forever engraved in her memory. Surrounded by the king's and her family's love and warmth...
It was the perfect summer night in Serille. All the flowers were in full bloom, but she had the most beautiful one in her arms.
