Queen Ariana was prevented from going to the throne room because she was due to have the twins any minute now.
A knock startled her and before she couldsay anything Millie and another maid entered carrying damp cloths and a change of clothes.
Ariana fought the urge to roll her eyes. "What are those for?"
"You, your highness." the other maid chirped, cocking her head. "King Kojo requested them to be brought to you."
"He need not-"
Ariana cut off and placed a hand on her round middle, gritting her teeth. A moment later the pain passed and she released a breath.
Millie placed a cloth on her forehead, shaking her head. "It's almost time. Olivia go fetch some more bed sheets."
Ariana opened her mouth to stop the girl but she'd already left. She turned a glare on Millie. "Someone just brought in some sheets a little while ago."
"I know."
"Then why-"
Millie removed the cloth, sighing. "Fewer suspicions and questions, your highness. I'm sure you have questions. Many questions."
"What happened exactly? Who was accused? What was the rime? Who was involved? What punishment did they receive?" Arian blurts in one breath.
Sighing to herself Millie told her what had happened.
Ariana listened, struggling to wrap her mind around it. "Wait. Benigna and Raymundo Morales were caught?"
"yes."
What are we going to do about Ronnie and Fabian? If my husband goes through with this they'll be without parents-"
Millie replaced the cloth. "It's not an 'if' it's a 'when'. And I'll worry about the children. You focus on these little ones." she pats Ariana's stomach.
"But I want-"
"You and your daughter have done enough for the cause." Mille snapped. "Look, we appreciate the help but sooner or later your husband will start to get suspicious. You know this."
Ariana opened her mouth to argue but she screamed and wrapped her hands around her stomach.
"It's time."
Olivia stumbled inside hauling sheets, her eyes widened and she dumped them on the floor rushing over.
"Breathe, Your Highness." Olivia gripped her hand, changing the cloth. "Breathe."
Ariana whimpered, looking over at Millie. "I don't-"
"It's time. Breathe and push."
Olivia gasped. "I see a head!!"
"Breathe. Push."
Ariana screamed.
...
two hours later, Ariana was sitting up in bed cradling her newborn twins.
A girl she named Arya and a boy she named Kerr. Normally she'd wait for her husband to arrive, but screw him. He was probably ruining more lives.
Kaya and Kojo barged in at the same time, startling Arya who started squealing.
"What beauties." kojo proclaimed, scooping up Kerr. "Have you named them?"
"Kerr and Arya."
Kaya lightly pinched Arya's cheek. "She's beautiful. Hi! I'm Kaya."
Arya stopped squealing to blink up at her.
"Her eyes are so gorgeous!" Kaya gushed. "I wish there were blue though."
Ariana looked over at Kojo and almost wished she hadn't. His glare would melt ice, she swallowed nervously averting her gaze.
"Kaya," Kojo grumbled. "I need a word with your mother."
Kaya looked between them, brows furrowed. "Oh. um..or course."
She slipped out closing the door behind her.
"Is it not customary to wait before naming the children?" King Kojo inclined his head. "Given that it is not just the woman's decision alone."
Ariana ran a finger over Arya's cheek causing her to squeal in delight.
"Your point being?"
"I would like to change his name." Kojo kissed Kerr's forehead. "It sounds...weak."
"What does a name have to do-"
Kojo flared. "Everything. I do not want my only son to grow up and be scared of his own shadow. I want him to be respected and feared."
Ariana laughs dryly. "Over my dead body.
"That can most certainly be arranged." he sneered at Ariana's horrified expression. "I'm not naming my son Kerr."
"I'd rather he be scared of his shadow than turn out like you."
"Like me?"
Ariana scoffs. "Do you not realize the lives you've destroyed? The blood you spilled just for fun?!" Ariana snarled, her blood boiled. "Do you not care? I do not want my children to grow up and hate the elves because they're different from them. So what? They have pointy ears, long limbs, and even longer hair. They had a family, a home, a life, and you took all of that away."
"They took my family from me!" Kojo roared. "Killed them right in front of me."
"Because your father threatened their way of life when they have done no wrong. He threatened to kill off the dragons." Ariana lifted her chin. "His idiocy caused them all to flee and seek shelter. So, the name stays. Both of them."
Kojo's face was red but Arian pierced him with a glare of her own. "Deny me this and I will not hesitate to pack up the children and leave. Your choice."
Ariana could see the gears turning in his head, finally, he grunted and Ariana smiled down at her now-sleeping daughter.
"And in case you were wondering," Ariana whispered. "Kerr means spear."