Being a mother was not all that easy. Especially when her child had inherited his father's penchant for mischief and possessed a habit of changing his shape. It was obvious that Quertiz took more after his father.
Despite the seven-year-old boy's knack for getting into trouble, the young prince's easy laugh and heartfelt smile made it hard for people to ever hold anything against him from long. And it was obvious to Dawn that every single person in the castle would gladly protect the child with their life if they needed to.
Maybe it was because of his youth so people were understanding. Or maybe it was for the same reasons that everyone loved Arrion. Dawn personally thought it was a bit of both. She could see a lot of her husband in their son, even if the child was a bit more unrestrained than Arrion. But from stories she had heard her husband had used to be like this at that age too. So… a little of both.
Watching her husband play with their son was something that never failed to warm Dawn's heart. Arrion was a good father. While he could be stern, and would get onto their son if he ever pulled a stunt that was dangerous or hurtful, he was also patient. And extremely loving.
Right now though, they were not playing. It was night time, so Arrion was tucking their son into bed. Then at the sleepy request from his son, he sat on the edge of the bed and read a story to the child.
Dawn felt content just watching. They painted a very domestic picture and it made her heart ache, but in a good way. Her family always made this tightening chest and the lump in her throat happen.
Her husband kissed their son's forehead before standing up and looking at her. His already gentle eyes became even more so as he smiled at her instinctively. Walking over to her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close and kissed her forehead as well. "Well, I think it's our bedtime as well, so come on dear."
"We're adults, my lord. We can stay up a bit longer than our son…" She rolled her eyes at him, but still gave him a smile.
Arrion pulled away from her, and took a not-so-subtle look at her womb area. Then he gave her a blank look, "You need to rest, my queen. And I want to accompany you. So don't argue, sweetie, and come on."
She let her husband pull her along. Keeping her eyes on the side of his face as just pure happiness washed over her. He really did care about her, always looking after her health and making sure she got enough sleep.
It wasn't even like she was all that far in her pregnancy either. Only a bit enlarged but she really hardly noticed any difference yet.
She sighed contentedly as her husband tucked her in, much like he had for their child and ran his fingers through her hair as he sat on top of the covers. She turned on her side to face him, smiling softly at him. For a moment she just looked at him. He was semi-leaning over her, gazing at her with a soft gentle expression on his face. He looked lost in thought, probably thinking about how much he loved his family.
"Arrion, dear. If you wanted to accompany me, I would much rather you actually climb under the covers."
He snapped out of his reverie and grinned at her, "Are you asking me to cuddle you. I will, if you really want me to."
"What pregnant woman wouldn't want her husband to cuddle her to sleep? Now climb in."
He chuckled and slipped in beside of her, pulling her gently against himself. "Alright dear. I wanna cuddle too, you know."
"You always want to cuddle," Her answer elicited a soft laugh from her husband. She looked up at his face, and grinned at him, "Well, I don't really mind it. I've always kinda liked cuddling up against you. You're so warm you know…"
"Thank you." He kissed her nose and then pulled away, "I like cuddling too, and my wife is rather comfortable to squeeze."
His grin caused an answering smile to curve her lips up and she leaned up to kiss him softly. Her affectionate gesture ended up with her being held even tighter as her husband 's arms tightened. Even being held in such a forceful way, Dawn still felt safe. She squeezed herself closer, then whispered to him, "Arrion…" As he hummed in acknowledgment she continued, "You really are a good father. I sometimes wonder…."
He kissed her forehead. "It's alright. You turned out fine, I think."
She smiled. He seemed to always know what was bothering her. Even more the longer they were married. What a wonderful husband she had gotten herself. She yawned and cuddled against him.
As she drifted off to sleep, she was smiling. This was such a wonderful life to have. Filled with laughter and love. Care and concern. There was no other life she would rather have then this one with her wonderful man by her side. Now and forever.