Drake excused himself to contact Madeline, the reception from Liam’s room was terrible. Riley waited by Liam’s side texting Carsyn. She knew that they only had a short window of time before they missed their flight. Carsyn confirmed that she was on the way back to the hospital as Riley settled into the chair beside Liam’s bed. 

“Thank you.”  His voice was so quiet Riley wasn’t sure if she had actually heard him or if she imagined it. 

“Liam? You’re awake.”

He coughed before Riley quickly grabbed the white styrofoam cup next to the bed to hold the straw to his dry lips. He nodded, thanking her before speaking.

“What happened? Where are we?”

Riley stood to look into his eyes. “Liam, you were in a wreck after you left the strip club. You lost a lot of blood. We’re at Baylor hospital.”

“And you--” Liam chokes on his words. “You are here with me. I’m so sorry, Riley.”

“Sorry Liam? You’re sorry? For what? Are you sorry that you have been a creep since the moment we met? Or are you sorry that you burst into Drake’s room while I was changing? Or that you forced a kiss on me and accused me of wanting it? Perhaps you’re sorry for taking my husband to a strip club and paying a whore to seduce him. How about what you should be sorry about, about how disappointed your best friend was because you missed his wedding after staying out all night with strippers? We are supposed to be at the airport starting our happily ever after!” she spat. “But noooo, Drake is a better friend to you than you could ever be to him. So here we are! So you are right, you are one of the sorriest motherfuckers I have ever laid eyes on. How much more is he supposed to endure for you, Liam?” a deafening silence fell over the room. Liam closed his eyes contemplating her words. 

“Answer me, dammit!”

“Riley, I--”

“You what? Liam, you are a poor excuse for a man.”

“I know. You have made your point. I-- I am ashamed of my behavior. It’s clear that I have some self reflecting to do.”

“That’s the understatement of the year. Carsyn is on her way. We have a plane to catch.”

“She is? Where’s Drake?” 

“Yes, she is…and when she gets here you had better have your shit together. You are going to lose her and Drake if you keep to your trifling ways. They are sick of your shit, Liam. I don’t know how much Carsyn has left in her but Drake is done cleaning up your mess. That man, he is mine and I will protect him until my last breath. You’re not going to keep treating my husband like shit. He’s too good to you for that…”

“What am I too good for?” Drake asked as he and Bastien entered the room. 

“Nothing,” Liam said quietly. 

“Liam, you’re awake.” Drake moved to his side. “How are you feeling?”

“I don’t feel so good.”

 “I’m sore; but I will live, I guess.” he trailed off. “Look, Drake I owe you an apology. I missed the wedding, got you tangled in my mess and now you might miss your flight.”

“It’s ok.” Drake started.

“No, it’s not!” Riley interrupted. 

Drake shot her a warning glare before he continued. She deadpanned. 

“I couldn’t leave knowing you were laid up in the hospital unconscious. Then we got here to find that girl from the club lurking around. She wants hush money Li.” 

“Heh, I’m not surprised. Let Madeline handle it.”

“I contacted Madeline so she could get ahead of all of this before it hits the media. Riley and I had a flight to catch and we missed it. She insisted on getting you squared away before we headed to the airport.”

“Drake, I feel awful. Take the royal jet. I’m sure I can’t fly in this condition anyway. It’s the least I can do.” Liam pleaded.

“Damn right,” Riley quipped. Drake glared at her and she shrugged her shoulders as Liam smiled.

After getting Liam all squared away, Drake and Riley set out on their first adventure as a married couple. The 24 hour flight from Dallas to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi aboard the private jet gave them plenty of time to talk about the future, take naps, read, and of course rack up frequent flyer miles as members of the “Mile high Club.” 

He had planned their day, but after that flight they were both spent. They spent the day in bed, tangled in the white cotton sheets, before slumber came to claim them both. Riley fell asleep on her husband's chest in the center of paradise.

The sound of heavy rainfall plucked her from her sleep as a gentle breeze tickled her skin. She reached across the bed to find the place where Drake slept the previous night empty. It was really early. The sun hadn’t come up yet the door to the deck was open and the breeze seemed to draw her.

------

“Carsyn, you came.” Liam laid heavily medicated in the Dallas hospital bed. He laid eyes on the one person who he never expected to see. He was sure he had blown it with her. His remorseful eyes followed her as she moved to his side. 

She looked at his bruise pale skin before she placed her hand over his. “Li, I have to be honest. After all that we have been through, everything within me tells me I shouldn’t be here. That I should run away from you and never look back.”

“Car--”

“Let me finish,” she interrupted. He nodded. “But when I look into your eyes and I remember the vows I took to be by your side for better or for worse, I just can’t help coming to your aide. I have no idea if I will live to regret this, because all it has been for our entire marriage is for worse. When does the “for better” part start Li? When?” Her shoulders visibly shook as she held back a sob. 

“Now,” he said barely above a whisper. “You’re a remarkable woman Carsyn. I’m not sure how you have held on this long, but I’m glad you have. I honestly didn’t know the depths of how deeply I needed you until you left. Come home. Let me prove to you that I can be the man you fell in love with. Riley was right. I have been a bismal husband, poor king and a pitiful friend.”

She gazed at him thoughtfully. Quietly, she spoke. “I don’t trust you. You assaulted your best friend’s wife, got drunk and got in a wreck and missed their wedding. Drake is a better friend to you than you could even be to yourself. He and his new bride missed their flight to their honeymoon to be at your side.”

“Don’t you think I know that? All the people I hurt the worst were the only ones by my side when I woke up. I realize that now. This has all been quite the humbling experience. I promise you Car, I will spend the rest of my days trying to right this wrong. All I do is run people away. You left me, Drake left me. Hell, even my own mother… I am so damaged.” 

The rain poured violently through the canopy of trees. Riley found a shirtless Drake in a trance staring out into the storm. His far away look alarmed her. She slowly approached him, wordlessly placing her hand on his shoulder. After a few moments he reached up to cover her hand with his own. His deep breathing turned into unabashed sobs when she took him in her arms. “Babe, what the hell?”

“I’m a horrible friend. I left him alone. If I just stayed..He needed me.” 

She wiped his tears. They terrified her. Her big strong, confident, brooding, masculine husband was a blubbering mess of tears. She swallowed thickly, trying her best to hold it together. “No! No Drake. You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to blame yourself and take on his bullshit.” she chidded. If you would have stayed you would have missed our wedding too. You’d be laid up in the hospital or worse, dead! You were where you were supposed to be. You came home. He’s a grown man Drake! You’ve taken care of him long enough. Let his wife take care of him. I need you. I’m your wife. Take care of me.”

His tears slowed as he pulled his bride into his lap. “You’re right, il mio amore. I’m so sorry,” he whispered against her neck. His lips found the sensitive flesh as his large calloused hand ran up her thigh. Her breath caught in her throat, she shivered as he broke contact with her just long enough to slide his undershirt over her head. “You are perfect, you know that?” She blushed at his words as she straddled him running her fingers through his thick chocolate mane. He bit his lip as he ghosted his hand down her curves. Her full lips found his in a slow lust filled kiss. She moaned into his mouth as he rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her swollen lips parted as she panted. Her stiff tongue flicked one of his nipples before she moved over to suck the other. Her warm mouth followed her hands down his defined abs, her tongue tracing each muscle. She slowly dragged her tongue down his Adonis belt before tugging his boxers down. She smiled when he lifted his bottom to help. His monstrous erection sprung free as her eager mouth found his tip releasing it with a pop. 

Drake pulled Riley to her feet and pressed her up against a post, before running his hand up her body settling his large hand around her throat. Their eyes met in adoration as her chest rose and fell with anticipation. Her body was on fire. She had never felt so connected to another person. It was deeper than a physical connection. As he looked into her eyes she was sure that their souls were one. Drake fell to his knees and rested his wife's thigh on his shoulder. He took his time kissing her inner thighs before burying his face in her apex. She gasped at the sensation. “Drake, I--Iove you,” she stuttered. “I love you more.” His voice reverberated throughout her core. His words were enough to send her crashing into her first orgasm. 

Drake lifted her petite frame with one hand as she trembled. He stroked his throbbing length with the other pushing inside of her without warning. “Drake!” Riley screamed as she stretched around him. With her legs wrapped around his waist he thrusted into her slowly and deeply. A single tear fell down her cheek as she gripped the hair at the nape of his neck. His greyish blues met her hazel greens as she bounced up and down. “What have you done to me, woman?” Watching her cry got him all choked up. After several more passionate, sensual minutes of love making Drake could feel himself getting close. “I can’t hold out much longer in this position. Where do you want this?” 

“Inside me.” she whispered in his ear. “I can’t wait to have your gorgeous country ass babies.” Drake buried his face in her neck as he chuckled lowly. 

In that moment he knew he was a goner. He knew that he would give his life for her. He knew that she had been the best decision he had ever made. She was his dream come true. She completed him. She held him down like no one else could and still let him be a man. He didn’t know where life was taking them. But he was sure that with her by his side it would be an adventure.

@txemrn @secretaryunpaid @khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20 @choicesficwriterscreations @petiteboheme @phoenixrising308 @queenrileyrose  @somersetmummy @axwalker @gkittylove99 @nestledonthaveone @princessleac1​ @wackydrabbles​

Months had passed since their fairytale wedding and romantic honeymoon. They had returned to face the music concerning their pregnancy. Ana De Luca, a long time acquaintance of the crown had paid a paparazzi for private photos of Karis laying on the beach with her growing bump exposed. Adonis agreed to give her the exclusive in return for the pictures and a bit more time to announce their big news on their own terms. 

The day had come for the press conference. The PR team for the royals only told the press that their monarchs had big news to share. Security at Valtoria was so airtight that only people on a short list were allowed on the grounds. The press was only allowed for the announcement and had a short time thereafter to vacate the premises. Adonis arranged for a team of stylists to make sure his queen was presentable for this potentially stressful day. Karis was carrying their heir in her hips. Her bump was still modest for someone 8 months along. Perez, the designer responsible for her wedding dress and his seamstress Enoch, dressed her in an off the shoulder, floor length, royal blue gown that hugged her curves. 

Adonis was sure his heart skipped a beat when he laid eyes on his bride. She was sitting at the vanity inside their bedroom putting on the blue sapphire and diamond earrings he gifted her for Christmas. “Love, I have no words,” he said as he kissed her cheek, not daring to ruin the makeup that had taken nearly an hour to perfect. “It’s time,” he announced as he took her hand. “Both Kenyon and I will be by your side the entire time. I will make the announcement and we will take a few questions from the press before the celebration.” 

Kenyon was posted outside her door. He smiled at Karis before clearing his throat. “Your maaajesty! You look--“ Liam scowled at Kenyon who immediately trained his eyes forward. “Appropriate for the occasion. You look very appropriate.” Karis laughed as Adonis brooded. They headed down to the grand ballroom, where they had a photo shoot with Ana, capturing the momentous occasion. When they were done they joined the press on the east lawn. 

Royal trumpeters played before the royal crier announced, “Their Majesties, King Liam and Queen Karis Rhys of Cordonia.” Karis’ hand rested in the crook of his arm as he escorted her to the podium. He looked deeply into her eyes, and her nerves seemed to settle. “People of Cordonia, before I took our queen as my bride, she was made aware of her responsibilities as she serves in this role. She has humbly trained under Queen mother Regina not only soaking up her role and responsibilities, but our culture. I had no doubt that she would be the queen that Cordonia needed. She had, even during our engagement, stepped up to the plate and excelled far beyond what I could have hoped or asked of her. 

I am aware that some have noticed that her majesty has been missing from the public as of late. Today, we have gathered here on the same grounds where my parents made this same announcement many years ago. Without further ado, Queen Karis and I would like to announce the coming of the royal heir to the throne of Cordonia.” Karis stepped from behind the podium resting her left hand on her bump to wave at the crowd. The news was met with a rapturous applause, whistling and cheers.   

The afternoon was filled with congratulatory fluff, indulgent food, and schmoozing with Cordonia’s upper crust. As promised, Kenyon didn’t leave Karis’ side. When she had her fill, per usual, Adonis was nowhere to be found. After fruitlessly searching the estate for her King, Kenyon escorted Karis to the master suite. She rested her swollen feet on the chaise lounge. “Is there anything I can get for you or help you with, ma’am?” Karis shook her head. “Kenyon, I have told you a million times, you can call me Karis in private. And since you asked, yes. Can you please help me out of these heels? They are pretty but they stopped being comfy hours ago.” Kenyon hesitantly approached. 

He gently pulled her swollen feet into his lap. After removing one sandal, Karis noticed a bulge in his pants. She didn’t think much of it, he had never said or done anything inappropriate, as his large hands fumbled with the buckle on the second one. The door opened and Adonis entered the room; his eye immediately fell upon Kenyon kneeling in front of Karis. “There you a-- what is the meaning of this?” Kenyon stood abruptly, Karis’ foot falling to the floor, but before he could speak, “I couldn’t find you love, and my feet are killing me. Kenyon was just being helpful.” Adonis looked between Kenyon and his very pregnant wife. “Thank you for your-- help, Kenyon but I got it from here,” Adonis said dismissively. “Of course, sir, I’ll be right outside if you need me, Karis,” Kenyon said as he exited the room. 

Adonis gathered some pillows that were arranged on the bench at the foot of their bed. “Fuck you mean? And just why would she need you? I’m here,” he mumbled under his breath. “What’s that love?” she asked as he propped her feet on the pillows. “Nothing, the next time your feet hurt, call me,” he instructed as he poured himself a bourbon. She laughed. “Promise.” He put the tumbler down and disappeared into the closet. “I was just saying good evening to some of our guests, you know?” 

When he returned he was carrying her favorite nightgown. He walked into the master ensuite before Karis heard bath water running. “Helpful my ass,” he muttered as he removed his cufflinks, placing them on the dresser. Karis watched as he undressed in the midst of his tantrum. His shirt fell off of his muscular shoulders and Karis’ breath hitched. Her eyes widened when his trousers fell to the floor. He approached her wearing nothing but his boxer briefs.He extended his hand, “come love, it’s bath time.” 

He led her into the ensuite where he unzipped her gown, cursing quietly as it pooled on the marble floor. “Karis, you are a whole lotta woman,” he whispered in her ear as he unhooked her bra. Her full perky breast sprung free as he watched in the mirror. She shimmied out of her panties before he helped her into the full tub. She looked at him with hooded eyes. “Is there something on your mind, Adonis?” He slipped out of his underwear and into the tub. “I’m just thinking, maybe we should restructure the guards. Maybe, I can put Mara on you and maybe Kenyon would do better with Regina.” 

“Wait, Mara the one who was supposed to be guarding Regina when she was kidnapped? Where did these thoughts come from?” Adonis pulled her foot out of the water as he began to massage her. “I think he is too comfortable with you, too familiar. Since when did he start calling you Karis?” She knitted her eyebrows together. “When I asked him to call me Karis. I spend a lot of time with him. It’s weird for him to call me Ma’am. Tell me you’re not jealous?” Adonis smiled smugly, “Of your guard? Ha!” he threw his head back in laughter. “Well, it seems that way.” She bit her lip, and batted her eyelashes as he took her big toe into his mouth circling it with his tongue before releasing it with a pop. “I am the KING of Cordonia, I have my health, wealth, and the finest woman walking this earth carrying my heir. Remind me again why I would be jealous of your guard?” She smirked. “Exactly,” she said as she attempted and failed miserably at getting out of the tub on her own.

Adonis grabbed her wrist pulling her soapy body down into his lap. “Hey, you know what? I’m sorry, I was out of line,” he swept her hair to the side exposing her neck before kissing it gently. “Do you forgive me?” His husky voice, his breath tickling her neck and the way his chest vibrated as he was pressed up against her back made it all but impossible to say no. “No,” she said it anyway. “Please,” he pleaded in a sensual whisper. “Forgive me Karis,” he growled. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head, no before she shifted in his lap. She felt his erection nearly impale her. She couldn’t help but think how easy it would be to get into reverse cowgirl right there in the tub. He started to roll his hips slowly as he apologized in different languages. “Scusa...Es tut uns leid...Pardon...Gomen’ nasai… Joesonghabnida...Lo siento,” he whispered into her hair.   

His large hands began to knead her shoulders. Her eyes closed and her head fell back to rest on his shoulder. It felt heavenly, her soft mewing encouraged him. “I don’t get it, you are always so confident in everything you do,” she panted. He kissed her exposed neck gently as his hand moved down her torso and around her swollen belly into the water. “You still don’t get it, do you? I found my kryptonite,” he said as he cupped warm water in his hand and poured it over her belly. “You’re my kryptonite, Karis Rhys. The thought of some other man touching you, even looking at you, if only to help remove your shoe; it drives me to distraction. It certainly cracks my unyielding confidence.” She smiled, flattered by his words. 

Her life to this point still seems like a dream. From meeting him at work, to spending that first night at her place with him. Losing him as suddenly as they connected. Reconnecting in Paris. The first time they made love, him buying the house in DC. The proposal in Paris, and their fairytale wedding. They have certainly had a whirlwind romance. He had been perfect, except she knew that no one is perfect. He was close. His hand gently slid across her thigh and found her center. He caressed her bundle of nerves before sliding into her as much as she could take. He tried his best to remind her with every thrust who she belonged to, her whimpers confirmed that she was fully aware.   

The next few weeks seemed to fly by, Karis could be found putting away freshly laundered baby clothes, arranging diapers and wipes into the basket below the changing table, or fussing over the crib bedding. Adonis did everything in his power to keep her off her feet. She usually waited until he was in his morning meetings before heading into the nursery. She had scrubbed the kitchen, in their quarters, and dusted the newly decorated living, dining area.

When he returned from his meeting with the counsel, he found her vacuuming their bedroom. “Babygirl, what are you doing?” His voice boomed over the sound of the vacuum. She jumped before turning it off. “Karis, baby, my queen. We have talked about this. We have staff that can do this for you. You are supposed to be resting.” She waddled over to him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I am tired of lying in bed. I was trying to kill time before the new chapter of Foreign Affairs releases on the Choices app. Blaine is so hot,” she giggled as she fanned herself. 

“I’m hotter,” he said as he walked his wife over to the bed. Instead of helping her lay down, his large hand splayed across her back gently bending her over the plush bedding. His other hand traveled up the soft smooth skin of her leg. Her silk nightgown gathered at her waist as he freed himself from his trousers. Just when she took a deep breath anticipating him entering her, he dropped to his knees to taste her. Within minutes her orgasm was within reach. “Adonis, I’m close,” she panted. His long digit joined his tongue in pursuit of her pleasure. She gasped before her body started to gently shake. He waited patiently as she rode out her first of three orgasms she would experience that afternoon. 

When they were done, she was exhausted. His mission was accomplished. He hoped that she would sleep until he returned from his afternoon meeting in Fydelia. Kenyon was posted outside of her door. He had just returned from lunch when the King departed. It was like any other afternoon. Kenyon always took his lunch when he saw Liam “checking in” on Karis. It was always hard to look either of them in the eye afterward. Karis woke a couple hours after Adonis left with mild stomach discomfort. She drank the water that he had sent to her side table and turned on her side, which was the advice from Dr. Dameron the last time this happened.

She felt better a short time later. She smiled at Kenyon sheepishly as he shook his head. She was creeping down to the nursery. She wanted to make sure that the new packages that arrived had been put away. She didn’t think much of it, she would be back in bed before Adonis returned. Kenyon sat in the recliner on her insistence that he took a load off. She dropped a pair of baby socks that rolled under the chaise lounge. “I’ll get that,” he offered. “No, I can pick up a pair of socks,” she insisted. When she reached for the socks she didn’t feel anything. She got on her knees feeling triumphant when she located them under the lounge. She held the tiny grey socks in her hand as she attempted to get up from the floor. “See! I’m not helpless!” She stood proud of herself, while Kenyon chuckled at her theatrics. 

Suddenly, a gush of warm fluid rushed down her leg. She looked at Kenyon with a look of horror on her face. “This can’t be happening. Adonis is not here. It’s a few weeks too soon.” Kenyon immediately stood taking control of the situation. “What happened?” She clutched her belly, taking a deep cleansing breath, “my water broke.” Once the initial shock wore off, Kenyon called the doctor  as they rehearsed, before calling Liam. The phone went straight to voicemail. “Sir, this is Kenyon. It’s time. Dr. Dameron instructed us to head to the hospital immediately. I will try calling back once we are in route.” His next call was to Alexsei, Karis’ driver. “Alpha Rabbit has commenced. Meet me out front in 3 minutes.”  He ended the call and turned to Karis, “look at me. We have gone over this. You are ready. Your bag is already in the truck.” 

He moved to her side and she wrapped her arm around his shoulder for support. He flung the strap to her purse over his shoulder as they headed towards the stairs. She struggled to walk, stopping every few yards for a contraction. “If I’m not being too forward Ma’am, may I?” She nodded her head and Kenyon swept her into his arms, carrying her bridal style out to the truck. 

“Where is Adonis?” she asked as she riffled through her purse with tears running down her face. “He’s at a meeting in Fydelia. His phone went to voicemail when I called. I left a message. I will try calling again.” 

Karis took deep breaths like they taught her in the private child birthing lessons Adonis insisted on her attending. The pains had begun to come closer together and stronger with each instance. In between contractions she fruitlessly attempted to reach her husband. She wiped the tears from her eyes before Kenyon turned to her. “Everything is going to be ok, Ma’am.” She reached across the seat and patted the top of Kenyon’s hand flashing him a strained smile that didn’t reach her eyes. 

21 minutes later they still hadn’t heard from Adonis. They were met at the private entrance of the hospital by a team of nurses who helped her into a wheelchair, and took her inside to the grand nursing suite where Liam was born 31 years earlier. Kenyon stood watch at the door while Karis gave a urine sample and changed into a silk hospital gown. They got her settled into bed and asked her if they could get her anything. Karis was terrified and alone. She kept thinking about how Adonis scolded her for allowing Kenyon to help her when she couldn’t find him. 

There was a knock at the door that tore her from her thoughts. “Come in.” Kenyon entered the room with his hands over his eyes which were clenched tightly closed. “Good news Karis, I was able to get in touch with King Liam. He’s on the way.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Kenyon. You can uncover your eyes. I am covered.” He dropped his hand and slowly opened his eyes. “Are you, uhh comfortable? Did they do the back thing?” She looked at him, confused. “You mean an epidural?” He smiled sheepishly. “Yes, that’s what it’s called. It made my sister feel a lot better when my niece was born.” Just then another contraction started and she reached for his hand. He nervously looked over to the door before offering his hand. She squeezed his hand while breathing through the momentary pain. “I guess this means you didn’t get the drugs?” 

When it was done she looked at him. “How long before Liam gets here? I’m scared, Kenyon. The contractions are getting closer and closer. I don’t want to have this baby alone.” His heart sank. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he was over an hour away in Fydelia. His eyes must have given it away, her eyes went from sad to panicked. “Kenyon, I know this is a lot to ask, but if he doesn’t make it here on time, will you stay with me?” He swallowed thickly considering what she just asked. He reached over and offered her tissue to dry her eyes. “Aww, come on Karis, don’t cry again, you’re killing me. He’s gonna be here.” he lied. He knew that there was the possibility that he wouldn’t make it. “But if not, of course, I’ll stay with you. But he’s gonna be here soon.”  

Just then her purse fell to the floor from the chair. When Kenyon went to pick it up he discovered that it likely fell because of her phone violently vibrating from inside. “Oh, it’s your phone,” he announced. She extended her arm. “Well, pass it to me.” He instead passed her the entire purse. She looked at him with her brows knitted together. “What? My mom told me to never go in a woman’s purse.” She smiled as she pulled her phone from her purse. Another contraction came as she took deep breaths. When it passed she called Adonis back. 

“Hey babe, it’s me.”

His voice was sorrowful. 

“Babygirl, I’m so sorry. I never should have left you alone. Howard is driving as fast as he can to get me there. Just try to hold on.”

“Babe, don’t apologize, you had no way of knowing that this would happen today. Just get here safely. I’m scared.” 

“I’m sorry you are there going through this alone. We are still about 35 miles out.” 

“I’m not alone. Kenyon is here with me.” 

Liam cleared his throat, “yeah, well, I will be there soon.” 

“Adonis, I don’t know if I can do this. I’m not as strong as I thought. I’m kind of freaking out over here.” 

“Karis, listen to me my Queen. You are so much stronger than you think. You are brave, and courageous. You can do anything. Don’t think too much. Just take it one contraction at a time. Remember your breathing.”

“What would I do without you?” 

“Heh, I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out.” 

“Another contraction is coming.” 

‘Baby, focus on my voice. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

“Ok, it passed. Thank you. Kenyon just brought me some ice chips. I’m going to get on the birthing ball. I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes love, we are only 17 miles out now.”

“Adonis?” 

“Yes love?”

“I love you.”

“I love you more.” 

They end the call as the nurse and the doula enter the hospital suite. Once Karis was out of the bed and onto the birthing ball she became even more uncomfortable. She was in active labor. Her pains were hard and closer together. She was getting tired. 

“Hazel, will you help me? I think I need to use the restroom.”

“No ma’am, we are going to get you back into bed so that nurse Emilia can give us the go ahead to start pushing.”

“Pushing? But Adonis… my husband isn’t here.”

Hazel grabbed her hand and said, “Yes pushing, we want to make sure we don't put baby in danger by holding off too long. I’m sure Adonis will be here soon so he can help you with your breathing as you begin to push.” Her Calm demeanor and comforting words consoled Karis in that moment. 

After a vaginal exam, the nurse confirmed that she was indeed ready to start pushing. 

“Unfortunately, your baby didn’t get the memo,” Hazel quipped. 

A team of nurses swarmed the suite getting things set up for the birth of her baby, Cordonia’s heir. The tears started to pour again. Kenyon stood helplessly before, “I’ll just wait outside,” he said quietly. “But Kenyon, you promised,” she sobbed. “That was before they pulled your covers off.” She pouted and gave him the most ridiculous puppy dog eyes. “Ok, I’ll stay. But only until King Liam arrives.” he looked at Hazel, the doula and asked, “how can I be helpful?”

“I am going to stand on the left and empower Mom, and you stand on the right and help hold her thigh.” Kenyon’s eyes went wide. “Forget it. If you are going to be all weird, then just go,” Karis chided. “I promised I would and I will.” He swallowed thickly before placing his large hand on the joint behind her knee mirroring what he saw Hazel doing. “Am I doing this right Ms. Hazel?” She smiled and  nodded her head reassuringly.  

“Now Mom, on the next contraction, take a deep breath and push.” 

Karis could feel her abdomen tightening. When the next contraction came she took a deep breath and pushed. It felt like she was constipated and needed to relieve herself. On the next contraction, it burned like nothing she had ever experienced. “You’re doing so well Mom, a few more pushes and you get to meet your baby.” 

Tired and in pain Karis looked at the nurse and said, “Oh, screw you! This hurts!!”

“Karis!” Kenyon blurted. “Oh, screw you too! You try pushing a watermelon out of a lemon.” 

Then came another contraction, but this time instead of focusing on her breathing, she screamed at the top of her lungs, “Adonis!!!! I hate you! You did this to me.” Just then the door flew open. “You called for me, love?” He smiled at her and she melted like she always had. 

His presence was a momentary distraction from the insurmountable pain. He had finally made it. He wasn’t going to miss the birth after all. When she laid eyes on him she began to sob. “I don’t really hate yooooou.” One of the nurses helped him scrub up and get into a gown. He gave Kenyon an appreciative elbow dap. 

“Adonis, how nice of you to join us. Get over here. Are you ready to meet your baby?” Dr. Dameron asked. 

“Yes, of course,” he said before kissing Karis sweetly on the forehead. 

“Good because on this next contraction she will deliver the head.” 

On the next contraction, Karis seemed more focused than ever. Kenyon wiped the sweat from her brow before she closed her eyes. “I’m here with you now, baby. You are doing amazing. You can do anything.” His confidence in her gave her just the strength she needed to champion through. Quietly, she took a deep breath, tucked her chin into her chest  and pushed as hard as she could. “That’s it baby, you’re doing it. I can see the head.” 

Dr. Dameron checked for the cord around the baby’s neck as the nurse suctioned it’s airways. On the next push Dr Dameron moved behind Liam positioning his hands to catch the baby. 

Karis pushed one final time and the heir to the crown of Cordonia was born. “Oh my God, Karis, love! You did it! He’s beautiful.” 

She looked up through the tears, “he? It’s a boy?” The King began to sob and he shook his head confirming. Dr Dameron looked at the clock, “12:09” she told the nurse. Congratulations, your majesties, “It’s a boy.” 

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