Dirthin popped in next to me, wearing only his pants and holding a training sword. "You got shot?!" He asked fiercely. He crouched looking me over, "Are you ok?"
"Yes, I got shot. Left shoulder above the heart. I am quite fine, and used to people trying to kill me. They are being questioned now." I said.
He snapped his training sword in half. "I'm gonna go add some splinters."
"Dirthin, as much as I understand your rage, leave it to the professionals." Varnado said.
"Besides, it's not the blade that should be blamed, but the head that directed the hand." I added. "Though, certainly the blade will be scrapped."
He looked at himself. "I volunteer to be the scrapper, but I.. I am going back for some clothes."
"We can allow that." I said, giving a little nod while looking at my husband.
"Yes. I am positive you will be an excellent 'scrapper'." Varnado said. "And yes, clothes would be good."
Dirthin left to do so, returning fully dressed. "How did you manage to get shot with so many people around?"
"Mm. I only had my guards and maid with me. We owe Anais thanks, she caught me when I fell from the horse." I said.
Dirthin looked at Anais, who looked uncomfortable, he put a hand out towards her to shake her hand. She was very hesitant to accept it. "You have saved a Hearthry, so a Hearthry will owe you a favor. You need only ask." Dirthin said.
"Oh... No, I only did what is my duty as her Majesties maid." The girl said anxiously.
He laughed, glanced at me, and said, "This ones a keeper." He looked back at her. "It doesn't matter if you take my hand or not, the favor is there."
"Then.. I just want to keep serving Her Majesty." Anais said. "And I plan to do so."
I flicked an ear. This woman never even made eye contact with me, always mousing scurrying about to do as I asked. "Why?" I asked her.
She flinched slightly, "Your majesty recovered my mother and brother, freed them even. Of course I would be thankful to Your Majesty."
"Oh, right. You did apply just after the slaves were freed. You understand I didn't save them, right? That was just my duty as the conquering Sovereign to do what I felt was right." I said to her.
"Pardon my saying so, but to many in these parts you're magnificent, Your Majesty, because everything has gotten better since you took over." Anais said.
I sighed softly, "Alright, well, don't worry about being dismissed. You do a fine job."
"A fine job indeed. Your actions will be rewarded." Varnado said.
I pondered it. "My Lord, does a person's background or rank matter?"
"On a personal level, no." He said.
"Incidentally, I do not believe there are any suitable ladies to be my lady in waiting. Anais is also already performing most of that role." I noted, "Should rank matter, it would be inappropriate to assign her as my lady in waiting."
"That is entirely your decision to make. You my promote whomever you wish." Varndo said.
"Then, if you are willing, Anais, you may be my Lady in Waiting. You would have more responsibilities, though." I told her. "A matriarch's Lady in Waiting does an advisor's work to some degree, and filters who sees her or not. They also act as a confidant, and direct servants."
"I'm not sure if I'll be good enough, but I shall do my best, Your Majesty." Anais said.
With that settled, I told her she has permission to sit in the presence of Nobility. She now had the most noble position, this made her nervous, and I told her I'd bring in an educator for her so she can learn her role properly. I then explained to Dirthin what I was doing there. He commented that he was wondering when we were going to do that.
When it became time for bed, Dirthin excused himself, and Varnado excused our help. What started as him checking me over to ensure I was really ok, turned quickly into a passionate love-making session. He lay next to me in the bed after, not really touching. He glanced towards me, then stroked the top of my head until I fell asleep purring.
The next day, we had breakfast, and set off on the tour. It was delightful to see all the people and such over the next month and half. What was annoying was the obvious wagon we rode. It was very cushioned, but also very open. I ended up napping against Varnado more than once. Phintias had only stayed with us long enough to reach East Haven, though Dirthin followed along, paranoid.
Well, not really paranoid, because there were a few incidents. The closest one got to the wagon before being struck down. Mostly they were bandits. The second week were were out, we got word that Pyla was pregnant. I congratulated Varnado about it. It wasn't awfully boring for Dirthin because I was able to send him to handle nearby monstrosities, which I did notice signs of and asked him to handle.
And just when we began to tour the South, we heard about Lucretia, Phintias' wife, delivering her baby. We also learned that I was already producing milk at nearly five months pregnant. I was absolutely exhausted by the time I was home again. Varnado was celebrating the pregnancy announcement of Pyla's, and so Dirthin escorted my staff and I home, carrying me most of the way.
Anais did her best to serve me, I was anxious, didn't want to rest, though I needed to, and didn't want much food. It was only when the Sultan or Dirthin pressured me to do so. The secretaries did excellent jobs at organizing everything and only presenting me things necessary for me to look at.
Finally, after the last month and week, it was time for my son to be born. My belly was quite large already. My people were under orders to contact Varnado as soon as my cub was born. Dirthin was stuck to my side, though. He didn't touch me sexually at all during this stressful time. He briefly left for his nephews' birthdays, and his and his brother's birthday.
It was the very last day of December that my cub decided to be born. I'd gotten up, with Dirthin's help, to use the bathroom and then bathe, but a rush of liquid gushed from between my legs suddenly. Momentrily horribly embarrassed, I'd looked up at Dirthin. I saw excitement and fear in his eyes and remembered that it was my water breaking.
Anais ran to fetch healers and the necessary people for the birthing process. It took three hours for the contractions to begin, and another four for me to stop pacing. I'd refused to listen to anyone about laying down or stopping walking. I screamed, I cried, I passed out a couple times, and finally, exhausted with the day nearing midnight, my son arrived.
He was cleaned off and placed on my chest. I finally let myself be laid down on the bed. He was nearly twice the size of his cousin, Jasper, when he was born, so said Dirthin. Varnado arrived while I was nursing my hungry son. I was so weakened. My son was beautiful. Silvery, like his father, with extra golden fluff about his head and neck, a few dark silver stripes, and my blue eyes.
Once he was finished nursing, I looked at Dirthin, "Hold you're cub. I'd like to call him Dask."
He obeyed, having been patiently waiting for that very moment. Gingerly picking up his sleeping son, he said, "Dask is a good name. He is definitely going to outgrow me."
I smiled weakly, before growing still. As I was passing out, I heard my name spoken sharply, and with concern. Then I was gone. When I woke up, my son was laying on my chest, nursing, propped up by pillows. I noticed Dirthin on the floor, sitting up and napping.
"Your Majesty! You've awoke!" Anais said.
"... Yes." I said, confused, with Dirthin waking.
"You've been asleep for two whole days!" Anais informed me.
"Oh. I didn't realize." I said.
Dirthin got up and said, "You gave us all quite the scare. Did you have a good nap?"
"I'm sure it was fine. I feel a little heavy, though." I said, stroking my son's face adoringly.
"Probably the um, complete and total physical exhaustion." He said.
"He's a beautiful cub. You've been looking after him well." I said, stating my clear assumption.
"I've been doing what I can." He said. "Don't know much about raising kids. We spent a lot of time in here."
I poked my cubs cheek, near his mouth. He made a disgruntled growl, and returned his focus to his meal. I smiled, "He's got a healthy appetite." I looked at Dirthin, "You've done very well."
"Eh, You've done all the hard work." He said, waving a hand dismissively.
"Is there a reason you've napped on the floor?" I asked.
"Just being patient." He said.
"Ah.. alright." I said, sighing a little. "I'm kinda really hungry."
"I'll fetch a meal right away." Anais said, "Should I contact His Majesty?"
Dirthin looked at her, "Let's focus on food first."
Anais left, while I sat up some, further assisted by Dirthin, as I moved the pillows away and held my son properly. "Has he lost any weight?"
"Eh, just a little. Snow said that was normal." Dirthin said.
"Are you disappointed he is as metallic as you?" I asked.
"Only a little. I was hoping he'd have more natural colors to make it easier on him." Dirthin said.
"Guess his parentage can't be called into question now." I said.
"Certainly not." He said.
"Did you get to show him off to your family?" I asked.
"Only to James and Snow at the moment." He said.
"That's fine." I said. "He doesn't have many stripes, and they are pale in some places."
"Those may darken up with age." He said.
"He's so fluffy here." I said, petting my cubs head gently. "It's cute."
"Yes, he has little fur helmet." Dirthin said.
I noticed he'd quit suckling. "I think he went to sleep." I adjusted us so I could put my breast away, and look at my son's face. Sure enough, he'd gone to sleep.
"That's something he enjoys alot: sleeping." Dirthin said.
"Has he let you sleep?" I asked.
"Ah, a little here and there. Not gonna lie, the longest nap was here on the floor." He said.
"How about getting some sleep then?" I asked.
"I can go a few more days. You could use some more sleep.. probably." He replied.
"I am a little tired still. But you need to sleep. I've recovered some." I noted.
He sat back down. "Alright.. just a quick little.." He fell back to sleep.
I smiled. A few minutes later and Anais brought me a soup based meal, which I eagerly devoured. Once I finished my meal, I considered napping, but needed to go ahead and contact Varnado. So I did.
"Hullo, I figured I should let you know I woke." I said.
"Oh, thank the gods. It was a heavy debate whether or not you'd be in a coma." Varnado said.
"Just a little one. I'm still a little tired, but my cub and I are fine " I said.
"Alright. I.. I'll give you a couple days before I come visit you. I don't want to overwhelm you." Varnado said.
"I will expect you, then." I replied.
"Do not worry about anything. Just get some rest." He said.
"Ok." I replied, a little more sleepily than I'd intended. Some more food hd been brought for me. "I will do my best to recover."
"That is all anyone can ask of you. Eat, sleep, attend your child." He said.
I smiled a little, finishing my meal. The next couple of days I focused on recovery. With Dirthin helping, it was a lot easier. I was able to walk around my home, and even go outside before my husband arrived. He'd used the Port Key and just teleported next to us, where I was conversing with Plight and nursing my son.
"Good morning, Vexie. It would seem everyone is up to a fine morning." Varnado said.
"Yup. I am working on exercising." I said.
"It hasn't been long since you gave birth, are you sure you're up for it?" He asked.
I patted Plight's arm. "I have a fine healer right here. I have been cleared, my body has recovered fine, and I am able to walk about without fatigue. I'll swim in the afternoon when Dask is sleeping."
"Alright. It sounds like you're recovering very well, then." Varnado said.
"Yup, and I'm not the size of a house anymore." I said.
"No, no you are not." He said. "He is certainly a big boy. He's gonna put Dirthin to shame."
I grinned, "Yep. Do you see how cute his fluff is?" I pet the golden part of his fur. "His poor father is passed out up stairs again. He's been handling a lot of the care of Dask, just not the feedings."
"Goodness. I had never pictured Dirthin as that much of a fatherly type." Varnado said.
"He took care of him personally the entire two days I was sleeping." I said. "He's enchanted by the little one."
"Well, it is his son, and no one can deny that." Varnado noted.
"Look." I said, poking his cheek. He peeked open one eye and made a baby growl sound, before returning to his meal. "Isn't that adorable?"
"He's gonna be a fighter." He said.
"If he wants to be. Dirthin said he'll train him when he is old enough to be." I said. "Are you well? It's been a while since I talked to you last."
"Hm, I'm alright. The Empire is doing fine, it hasn't burned down in a few days." He said.
"Haha, so we have jokes today, huh?" I said, poking Varnado's belly.
"Only a few." He said, smiling.
I cuddled up to him and said, "I'll be returning to my duties tomorrow while tending Dask."
"If you feel up to it." He said. "No one would blame you if you decided to take a little more time, though."
I smiled and said, "I believe the Isla is opening trade to Cestria next week."
"I wonder who the first merchants will be to get on with this, besides the Hearthry's." Varnado said.
"I couldn't say, I just hope there are no fights. I do not favor the Isla's people." I said. "Mm. If you'd like, we can sit down for tea."
"I have some time, I would enjoy a cup of tea." He said.
I let Plight return to Nia, and walked to the mansion with Varnado. Dask had stopped nursing and was looking around, "Goodness, Dask, what are you looking for?" I asked him. He looked up at me and made a baby sound, before yawning. I poked his nose and he gave a grumpy expression.
"Seems he is filled with curiosity." My husband said.
"I am sure your children will be, too. Whether from Pyla or I." I said.
"I'm personally hoping that they are quite studious." He said.
"Curiosity is part of that. Especially if guided gently." I said.
"I am not much of a teacher myself." Varnado said.
I asked for tea and snacks to be brought, then we went to a sitting room, and sat where Varnado could choose to sit next to me or not. "It's alright. That is what a governess is for."
He sat next to me, "Sometimes I miss my teacher. They were sometimes very insightful."
Anais brought us tea and snacks, excusing herself after. I leaned against Varnado briefly. "Do you want to hold my son?"
"I suppose I could give it a shot. I haven't held a baby before.. so.. keep an eye on me." Varnado said.
I giggled. And helped him set up his arms to hold Dask, then I placed him in his arms. Dask stared up at him. "Here we arm, that's how you hold a baby. Just support his head and neck."
He followed my directions, "He's much heavier than I expected."
"Yeah. I just pushed him out of me a few days ago, trust me, I know." I said. "He's easily twice the size of a humans newborn."
"No wonder you were in a coma for a couple of days." Varnado said.
"It's good that I have no intentions of having another cub with Dirthin. I might really die if I tried." I shivered.
"I would definitely never recommend it." Varnado said.
"But isn't Dask a cutie?" I asked.
"He is an adorable little thing. Very fluffy." Varnado said.
I heard a soft gurgle sound, froze, and saw my son spit up on Varnado. Wordlessly, I took him back from Varnado, and cast Prestidigitation on my cub, then him. "Sorry but that. Cubs and babies are messy.."
"That's alright.. that's quite alright.." Varnado said.
"If it makes you feel better, he got Dirthin, Anais and I, and apparently got James." I said.
"Well, at least I am not alone in my trauma." He said.
I laughed. "I cleaned you up at least."
"Indeed.. I'm perfectly clean." He replied.
I said, "You're gonna be a fine father. You've not panicked at all about it."
"I do my panicking on the inside." He said.
"That's kinda adorable." I said.
"Well, thank you. I find you quite the cutie yourself." He said.
"It's the fluff, isn't it?" I teased.
"Oh, I suppose that could be part of it." He said.
I leaned my head against him, about to say something before I looked to the doorway to see my Uncle standing there speechlessly. "Ah! Uncle Barak! Where have you been?!"
He blinked, recovering from his shocked state, "I stumbled into an Underdark tunnel... You've had your cub... and who is that?"
"This is my husband, the Emporer of Cestria, which is here by the way. And this is Dask, my son," I said. "Varnado, this is my uncle Barak."
"You're.. husband...?" He repeated.
"Yes. I married him." I said.
Varnado stood and offered my uncle his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Barak Silver, good to meet you... " My uncle said, ears back slightly.
"Varnado. Emporer of Cestria. It's a.. very recent title I am not used to yet." Varnado said.
Barak briefly shook his hand, "Why have the two of you married?"
Varnado smiled and said, "Technically she is using me to try and give her son more freedom."
Barak frowned. "Ok, explain that. It doesn't math to me."
He looked at me, "Would you mind explaining? I feel you have a firmer grasp than I."
"I won't be able to save any of my other children, but Dask will be able to live freely because the Isla won't know of him, and because Varnado isn't claiming him." I said.
Anger flashed in my uncles eyes, "Why? You married her knowing she was with child."
"Indeed, I did. And that was also by her design. If I had claimed him, then he would be the first prince. Completely ruining her desire for freedom." Varnado said.
My uncle sighed. "I don't understand how you figure all this, Sevexine. He is a prince by birthright, at the least to the Isla. Whether Varnado accepts him or not, he still has rights through you for any place you reign. The best he can hope for is to be offered abdication."
"It is so if I say it is so, or I will make it so with force. Varnado is helping me, so that's that." I said.
Varnado kinda shrugged. "She has spoken. Thus, I must make it so."
"... That's.." He saw my expression, "Alright. Well, welcome to the family, Varnado. I don't think our people will widely accept you, but I see no problem with this marriage."
"Well, I suppose it is my turn to experience that.." Varnado said.
"What does that mean?" My uncle replied.
"The Southerners mainly worshipped Pelor." I clarified.
"Ah. Yes, they are troublesome." Barak said.
"Hah. Certainly not welcoming of other species." Varnado replied.
My son started getting fussy, he didn't need to be changed, I checked, though. So I gave him the other boob. He blinked and closed his eyes again. "There, there, Kitten."
"Hungry little fellow. I must get back to my duties, but I am glad you and your cub are doing fine. I will see you later." Varnado said.
"Pat me, then you can go." I said.
He smile and gave my head a pat. "You're adorable. I'll be back later."
I smiled and agreed. I briefly spoke with my Uncle after Varnado left, before I went upstairs and took an hour nap with my son. I woke up, finding that Dirthin had woke. I got up and looked over my papers while he held his son. We soon had dinner together, after a swim. Then bathed our son, and attempted to sleep.
We weren't bothering with putting him away in his nursery room, we were keeping him nearby with us for now. I was a bit paranoid Dirthin's mother would spirit him away, not that I told Dirthin as much. Besides, I didn't have the energy for sex, and Dirthin wasn't trying to sleep with me, so having the cub with us just made sense.
The next day, my husband arrived in time to join us for lunch. We took a stroll together while Dask slept in his nursery, his father stayed nearby him. Perhaps he was as paranoid as I. After the walk through the villa, we sat in my office upstairs and discussed necessary things about the Empire. Dirthin interrupted, briefly, bringing our crying son to me for nursing.
We discovered the lactating issue of a nursing mother with a crying infant. I was embraced by it, but took care of my son. Actually, I noticed I felt much more relaxed with my son in my arms. We were able to finish discussing what we needed to about our country. He stroked my head without prompting before he left saying he'd be back later.
Dirthin seemed off for the rest of the day. I couldn't blame him. I still showed him some attention later, though we still didn't sleep together. It was fine, I didn't want to anyways. The next day was much the same, me attending to my child and papers, and Dirthin helping. Varnado joined us for lunch again. After lunch, we discussed some business while Dirthin had our son in the nursery.
While going over some papers and sitting together, he rested his hand on my thigh as we went over it. I was initially uncertain if he was trying to start something intimate or not, but when he started rubbing my leg lightly, I understood his intent. For a moment, I considered rejecting him, but then I remembered my responsibility.
"Is it comfortable in here for that activity, My Lord?" I asked.
He sputtered, then recovered, "Yes, I think we could make it comfortable."
I got up and locked the door, before going back to him. I removed the papers from his hands, setting them to the side and got into his lap. He seemed very surprised by my forwardness, but moved pass it, caressing my fur. I helped us lose our clothes, while we kissed. His gentle touches were a bit more intimate feeling than they'd previously been, but it could also be from the couple of months I didn't sleep with either man.
He maneuvered my hips to slid inside me, while I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. I shivered, squeezing him firmly and moaning. After a bit of that position l, he wrapped one of his arms around my waist, and placed a hand firmly on my knee. I looked at him quizzically until he stood, keeping us joined, and turned, laying my down on the couch and continuing until we were done.
We definitely could have gone again, but we were worried my son needed me. So we stopped there, redressing ourselves. I unlocked the door and went to check in Dirthin and Dask. Dask was sleeping with his father watching over him. I smiled at him and went back tonthe office, before we continued looking over papers together.
"I feel like I can focus a little better now." He said with a smile.
"Aww, were you a little backed up?" I teased.
"Oh, I'm sure if I'd gone swimming I'd have my own floatation devices." He replied.
I laughed and kissed his cheek. "That's a hilarious mental image."
"I think that's the first time you actually laughed at something I said- and not out of politeness." Varnado said.
"Mm. To be fair, I'm not terrified I'm about to die just to birth a cub." I said.
"Fair. I'm sure that was an extremely terrifying situation to be in." He said.
"Not that I mean to be a whiner but it hurt." I said.
"I cannot even begin to imagine the pain. To be honest, I expected him to come out a forth of your size." Varnado said.
"I am positive I would have died if that was the case. Crazily enough.. I'd do it again." I said. "He's so cute I don't regret it."
"Then let's be glad he came out as cute as he did. How do you feel now that you're a mother?" Varnado asked.
"Mm. That's a very open question. I have a lot of feelings. Which sort are you wanting to hear about?" I inquired.
"I would say all of them, but we can start with.. have you developed any new worries?" Varnado asked.
"Not really, I am confident we can handle anything. How about you?" I asked.
"No, nothing crazy has been going on." He said.
"Mm.. I am feeling pretty confident, actually. Especially after having sex." I said flirtatiously.
"It makes me wonder how confident you can get in one day." He said.
"I'm positive you'd wear out first." I winked.
"Unfortunately, you are probably correct. Might look into that." He said.
I laughed loudly, holding my belly. "Goodness! Can you imagine the talk that'd cause!"
"Hmph. Let them talk." He said.
"You sure got some serious pride." I grinned.
"I am an emporer. I should have a little." He replied.
"I'm getting far too interested in seeing how much you can do.." I admitted.
"To be perfectly honest, I am not sure, I have never been pushed to my limits before." Varnado said.
"Never had someone to keep up?" I asked.
"I don't wish to speak ill of anyone." He said.
I tilted my head, "It's not insulting, in my opinion. People have different preferences and stamina for such things. There are plenty of people who only have sex once a month and that's plenty for them. Then there are people who have sex many times a day.." I shrugged.
"Having someone's preferences is different to having someone who does not truly wish to." Varnado said.
"Mm." I hugged him. "I see. I dated someone once who passed out immediately after finishing. It was incredibly frustrating for me, but he was a really nice person." I shrugged.
"Well, at least I don't pass out." He said.
"I suppose my flirting has distracted us from our papers. Is that ok?" I asked.
"It's not like the papers will go anywhere. Unless they are magicked. Which I doubt they are." He said.
I giggled. "Are you not a cuddly type person?"
"Typically I am not in a position to cuddle, so.." He said. "So I am not a hundred percent sure if I am or not."
"You like my fur, though." I noted.
"I do. You are very soft." He said.
I took his hand and rubbed it against my face. I let myself purr. "I don't mind affection."
He petted my face of his own volition, "I don't mind to give it. It's a good chance to practice it."
"Just so you know, petting Tigrine is commonly quite rude. It's reserved for lovers, spouses, and parents to their children." I informed him.
"I certainly felt no desire to pet any others." Varnado said.
I giggled and kissed his face. "Good. I'm a little curious, can I make you mad?"
"How do you plan on doing that, precisely?" He asked.
"I dunno. You've pretty much let me do as I please without complaint so I don't know how to rile you." I said.
"You can give it your best shot." He said.
My tail wagged lazily and I said, "Well, since you're such a gentle man, I would have to needlessly harm someone, huh?"
"Oh? Would you be capable of harming someone just for the sake of making me mad?" He asked.
"I don't need a reason to harm someone." I said. "I don't normally go out of my way to harm others, though."
"Hm. So terrifyingly dangerous." He said. "At the drop of the hat to snap someone's neck. Don't think I could do it." He placed a finger under my chin to draw my undivided attention. "Just because I am so kind does not mean I am incapable of being oh so cruel." He kissed me, "So, shall we get back to this paperwork."
"That was thrilling." I said, "To be frank, it's probably only ever going to be the people of the Isla's palace that I will needlessly harm. They were complacent throughout the last eighteen years of abuse I experienced." I looked at the papers, "But yes, we can return to the papers."
He looked at me, "I believe my ploy failed."