Fantasy Betrothed (Closed to Aina)

[FursieTheFlixee]

Aiden smiled at Sarai when she squeezed his hand. He was still so glad that she had pulled through. She was still laying in her own blood and he still felt shocked from having seen it all pooling out of her. He wished something would just go right for once because everytime something good should have happened, it felt like something ruined it. He had to be thankful no one he loved had died yet, though.

Seavers started stitching up Sarai as they waited for Astraea and Riccardo to come back with the baby. His work had been very successful and she only had light bleeding at this point which he took care of as well.

--

Riccardo leaned back in the chair. With his daughter asleep in his arms, he had nothing to think about except what was happening in the infirmary and the fear that Sarai wouldn't pull through it. What would happen if she was not around? He couldn't deal with everything he did if it weren't for her, especially not with their daughter added to it now.

He closed his eyes, brow furrowing with worry as he took a deep breath, trying to convince himself that everything would be alright just like it always was.

He jumped when he heard Astraea's voice, even if it was gentled and soft. He looked down at the baby when she said she was beautiful. "She is," he agreed, looking back up at her anxiously. The news caused a huge wave of relief to wash over him. "She's okay," he breathed. He looked down at the infant before slowly getting up, trying not to shift her too much and wake her.

When he was up, he treaded carefully, trying to rush as much as possible back to the infirmary to see Sarai. He knew she was probably anxious to meet their daughter, too. When he got there, he grinned tiredly at her. "Glad to see you're doing better," he said, softly, coming up to Sarai's bed. He sat on the edge of her bed when he was close enough, gently lowering the infant down towards Sarai. He hesitated before letting Sarai take her completely, loathe to let her go already. "She's fed and fallen asleep already."

Aiden leaned up to get a better glimpse at the newborn. When he saw her sleeping face, he grinned. "She's beautiful." He squeezed Sarai's shoulder. "Look at that little face."

((Me too. I can already tell this is going to be harder on him than I or he thought.))

 

[Aina]

Sarai was too excited to her daughter for her to feel much of what Seavers was doing. It was uncomfortable but she was so numb at this point that she hardly felt it. She grimaced at one point when he was finishing up the stitches but she relaxed as he was done. When the door opened, she looked and she strained her neck to look at Riccardo. When he came closer to her, Sarai shakily tried to lift herself up so she could sit up more to see the baby.

Astraea quickly moved to her side, put the pillows back behind her so she could sit more comfortably. "Thank you Astraea," she muttered with a slight smile.

Sarai extended her arms toward Riccardo when he began to hand their daughter to her. Her heart was pounding excitedly in her chest and she started to cry as soon as she saw her face. She held her gently in her arms, holding her to her chest while the tears wouldn't stop. She noticed her dark hair and she chuckled. There was too much of it for a little infant. "I love you," she whispered and she pressed her lips against her forehead. It must have started her slightly because she opened her mouth but let out the softest yawn. Sarai chuckled again and she grinned widely. Her baby was beautiful and she was healthy. She couldn't stop staring at her.

"What's her name?" Astraea asked, breaking the long silence after a few minutes.

Sarai sighed, and she looked at Riccardo first then up at Aiden. They never had the chance to pick a female name. "We didn't decide," she said quietly and she looked down at her again. She touched her cheek with her finger pondering on what they would name her. Sarai was still so entranced with her that she didn't want to look away. This little being had been growing inside of her. She couldn't believe it still. It felt odd not having her inside of her anymore. But she was so happy.

((I just keep thinking about how Aiden will also be heartbroken over the bond that Sarai and Riccardo have because of Aurora. But also Riccardo's broken heart because he won't be known as the father.))

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo watched as Sarai studied their daughter, smiling as she whispered her love for her. He jumped a little when Sarai's kiss stirred the baby a little, though, almost as if about to reach out for her, but he put his hands in his lap instead.

Aiden smiled wider at the baby's yawn, reaching and gently moving a part of the soft towel to expose her face to him more. "Look at you, you precious little girl," he cooed, softly.

Everyone looked to Astraea when she spoke. Aiden frowned thoughtfully, looking down at the baby. "Let's just call her cutie pie," he said, smiling again at her sleeping face. "She's a precious little angel."

Riccardo raised his eyebrows at Aiden, and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. Some part of him felt like he did not have any right to try to name the baby. After all, she was Sarai's and Aiden's for appearance sakes. With the aloof way he'd been through the pregnancy, too, he didn't think Sarai would really care for him to suddenly put some sort of claim over her, now, but he had the perfect name.

He bit his lip and looked back down at the infant. He couldn't help but smile slightly at her tiny form. "Um... If I may?" He cleared his throat, too embarrassed to look Sarai in the face, instead staring down at the infant. "The Aurora Borealis, or the northern lights, are beautiful streaks of wonder and color and light and bring joy to lots of people who travel to the arctic to see them. I was able to see them once. A long time ago, but they were amazing."

He looked away and shrugged. "I think naming her Aurora for such a beatiful wonder of the world would be perfect. She's already brought so much light and joy to me."

((Yeah. This is going to be a hard situation. Also, sorry for shortness.))

 

[Aina]

((Aww man Riccardo is breaking my heart as usual!!))

Sarai laughed softly at Aiden's suggestion. Cutie pie was fitting but she didn't want to keep calling her that for the rest of the night. Her name was important and she wished they had decided on one earlier. It was Riccardo's sudden suggestion that surprised her. She looked up at him and she listened. She saw the way he smiled at their daughter. She had never seen him like this before. The way he talked about her so lovingly, Sarai smiled and she nodded her head.

She looked down at the infant. "Aurora," she whispered softly, bringing her head up to her lips again. She closed her eyes, taking in her warmth hearing her tiny heartbeat thud against hers. "Aurora is perfect," she said out loud and she kissed the baby's forehead again. She didn't care to think about it much longer. The fact that Riccardo got to decide was completely okay with her. She wouldn't have had it any other way if she were honest. Seeing him look at their daughter the way he was, warmed her heart. She could tell her loved her already. All of the anxiety she had felt during the pregnancy. All of the fears she had constantly thought about when it came to him avoiding her and the baby were gone.

Astraea smiled thoughtfully at the three of them. Sarai seemed so content and she didn't want to linger in the room longer than she had to. "I'll leave you guys to be with her, alright. I need to go tell everyone the good news anyways," she said happily before she exited the room.

Sarai still wouldn't leave her gaze from Aurora's little sleeping face. She hadn't even realized that Astraea had left. She was a little tired now that she thought about it but she didn't want to sleep. She just wanted to hold Aurora all night if she could. She took the time to unwrap the towel a little so she could see all of her fingers. "She's so tiny," she tried not to let it bother her too much. She knew that she was premature but it still worried her. She was going to ask Seavers to check her thoroughly but if Sarai was honest, she didn't want to let her go just yet.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((He is really good at that.))

Riccardo felt stunned when Sarai looked down at their daughter and tried the name out. He felt even more stunned when she said the name was perfect. He smiled, looking up at her, and then back down at the baby. She was still sleeping so soundly and so peacefully. He was glad he'd been able to soothe her, proud of himself for doing so.

"Thank you, Astraea," Riccardo murmured as she left them to their little piece of bliss.

Aiden chuckled when Sarai opened the towel to expose more of Aurora. "She is," he agreed. "Look at those tiny hands." He already couldn't wait to play with her, and hold her little hands and see her smile and laugh. "She's so perfect," he breathed.

Seavers observed them from further back, letting them have their uninterrupted time with their new baby. After all the stress of trying not to lose Sarai and the stress of the last few months helping them with every single medical need, he felt happy to see a new family gushing over new life.

He couldn't let his doctor's mind go completely, though. From where he stood on the other side of the room, he could hear Aurora's heart beating, counting time with it, but it sounded healthy and strong. Focusing, he could hear her lungs, trying to gauge from the sound if they needed to be worried about an over abundance of birthing fluids, but there was no worry it seemed. The only worry he had was that she was a little premature but with the loving way the three of them were already with her, Seavers had no doubt they'd be up to the task of helping the baby put on the weight she needed to grow as fast as she needed to.

"Whenever she wakes," Seavers said, as hushed as they were to not wake her. "Let me know. We need to properly remove her umbilical cord as well as a few other things. I'll be in my room in the mean time." He smiled, staring at Aurora for a moment, glad mother and daughter were okay.

"Thank you, Arthur," Riccardo said, nodding at him. "For everything."

Seavers only nodded at him before ducking out of the room.

Riccardo looked back down at Aurora and chuckled softly. "She has your thick hair, Sarai. Look at all that."

 

[Aina]

((Okay but I just imagine Aiden and Riccardo having to take care of Sarai when she's too tired and how hilarious that will be. Too bad she doesn't need diapers.))

Sarai looked up at Seavers when he spoke. She nodded once he explained what there needed to be done. She knew all of that was important but Sarai still stared at Aurora. Her head moved slightly and she yawned again. For a moment, Sarai was worried that she would waken but Aurora lulled back to sleep.

She also chuckled as she noticed her hair. "My mother said I had thick hair when I was born too," she smiled down at Aurora. She couldn't believe still that this little thing was here in front of her. "All of this fuss over you Aurora," she grabbed her hand gently, to her surprise Aurora wrapped her tiny hand around her finger. She looked up at Riccardo and Aiden, her smile only widened as she saw their faces. "Do you want to hold her Aiden?"

It was when Aurora yawned again that Sarai looked down at her. She opened her eyes and Sarai's own eyes widened. She chuckled softly, "Hey there precious." Aurora blinked up at Sarai and another soft yawn escaped her mouth. She blinked tiredly but closed her eyes after a moment. She looked up at Riccardo and she grinned. "She has your eyes Riccardo," she muttered, looking at Aiden now. "You want to hold her honey?" she asked, "I almost don't want to share her though."

((Sorry again for shortness.))

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((I hope Sarai is prepared for more bickering between them.))

Aiden grinned. "She definitely has your hair, then," he murmured. "Look at that big tuft." He looked at Sarai when she asked if he wanted to hold her. "But she grabbed your hand," he said. "Look at those little tiny fingers!"

He couldn't grin any wider, but he would have when Aurora's eyes opened. "Hi, little one," he cooed at her. "It's so different out here, huh?"

Riccardo smiled at Sarai, and looked at Aurora again. "It's a little unfortunate," he said. "Getting these dark eyes." He shook his head, but couldn't keep his eyes off Aurora for long, smiling at her again. He couldn't help but feel a little annoyed at Sarai trying to let Aiden hold her. He was selfish, wanting Aurora back in his own arms, but he didn't dare say anything. It was ridiculous anyways. He was going to have to get used to a lot more than Aiden just holding her. In front of the staff, their people, everyone but their closest friends, Aurora was Aiden's and Riccardo already hated it.

It's for her safety, he reminded himself, remembering with a pang that even she would not know him as her father.

Aiden chuckled. "Yeah. I'll take her now." He was careful as they transferred Aurora between them and then he cradled her close. "You are so itty bitty," he cooed more at her, softly so she could fall back asleep. "Just perfect. Like you," he said, suddenly looking up at Sarai.

An hour passed with the three of them awing and ooing over everything Aurora did. Finally, though, she seemed to wake more fully and Seavers took her from the three of them to document her weight, take a sample of her blood, cut her umbilical cord and overall run a physical on her. He had to tell Riccardo to give him some space to do these things.

"Heeeeeeeey," Rosita said, gently as she came into the infirmary. She grinned at Sarai and Aiden, Riccardo still hovering around Seavers as he did his physical on her. "How are you feeling? Astraea said there was a little bit of a complication." She smiled, glancing over at Seavers and Riccardo's backs, hearing Aurora fussing a little at being poked and prodded.

"She doesn't like that," Riccardo said as Seavers took a small sample of her blood.

"Riccardo, she is fine," Seavers reassured him.

Rosita giggled, hearing the short exchange. "So she's a girl? What did you decide to name her?"

Seavers finished what he needed, gladly handing her back to Riccardo, who immediately swaddled her and held her to his chest again, speaking softly to her to try to comfort her. He turned back around to bring her back to Sarai and Aiden, somewhat surprised to see Rosita had joined them. "She had a needle poked in her leg," he said, furrowing his brow in concern as Aurora continued to fuss.

 

[Aina]

((They're going to drive her crazy. And she's going to snap at them a lot or laugh. It all depends.))

Sarai noted the way Riccardo sounded when she mentioned Aurora's eyes. She frowned and looked at him. She hated still to think that they would have to keep the secret that he was her father. It wasn't fair to him. She tried not to think about it too much, focusing back on Aurora again. Sarai wanted to talk to Riccardo about it later.

The next hour they spent adoring Aurora even more. Sarai couldn't get enough of her. Every little movement she made and her face lit up. She was anticipating already when they would be able to watch her do so many other things as she grew up.

She was reluctant to let her go but Dr. Seavers needed to examine her. She strained her neck, trying to see what exactly he was doing. When Rosita walked in, Sarai was startled and she pulled the covers more over her legs. She had been given a clean blanket but the sheets were still covered in blood and Sarai felt uncomfortable.

"Riccardo named her," Sarai said and she reached out for Riccardo to give Aurora back to her, "Aurora." She smiled widely after a moment and looked at Rosita again. She didn't want to be mean, but Sarai didn't want anyone else to hold the baby other than her and the boys just yet. She also wanted to go to sleep too. She was so tired. The only think keeping her up was Aurora.

She looked sheepishly at everyone. She felt horrible for what she was going to say next, "I know you just got here Rosita but I'm really tired." She looked down at her lap. She was in need if some clean clothes as well but she didn't say anything about it yet. "I don't mean to kick everyone out. I need…some rest," she said wearily.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((I'd snap at them. That's for sure.))

Rosita smiled. "Aurora," she asked. "That's such a beautiful name."

Riccardo hesitated when Sarai reached out for Aurora, but passed her along and stood back. Wasn't it dangerous to be letting himself feel so attached already? This could only end in heartache. She was perfect, though, and all the preparations, all the extra security measures, he had to see what it was all for. Aurora was worth it all.

Rosita looked surprised when Sarai mentioned feeling tired, but then she smiled and shook her head. "Don't feel bad, Sarai. I'm glad I was able to see you two. Get some rest. I'm sure we'll see Aurora around the house."

"I can take Aurora back," Riccardo offered, immediately. "So you can sleep." He gently took Aurora right back into his arms, glad for every moment he could hold her. He didn't know how much he'd be able to or how it was going to fare with having to lie about Aiden being the father.

She was still fussing from being pricked with the needle and Riccardo immediately continued to try to soothe her like he had earlier, rocking her gently.

Aiden watched Riccardo with Aurora, honestly surprised at how the other man was behaving towards the baby. He hadn't expected this from Riccardo in all honesty. Aiden was certain he'd be playing the role of father far more than just for appearance sakes.

"Get some rest, Sarai. It's not a big deal. You had to deal with a lot tonight." He leaned over and kissed her before rising up, glancing at Riccardo and Aurora and then back down at Sarai. He gave a pointed look to Riccardo and then made an overexaggerated surprised face, hoping she understood. He chuckled before leaving her, Rosita following him out of the infirmary.

Riccardo was slowly getting Aurora to calm down, but he hadn't made a move to leave yet. He looked back to Sarai. "You're okay with me watching her while you sleep? We'll probably go to the library again."

 

[Aina]

Sarai was glad that Rosita wasn't mad at her. She really did need to sleep. If she was going to get to spend more time with Aurora she needed as much rest as possible.

"She's beautiful," Sarai mentioned, "The name is perfect." She knew she would be saying that a lot but she didn't care. The joy she felt almost overpowered the exhaustion.

When Riccardo offered to take Aurora back she frowned. She wanted to sleep with her there next to her. She didn't argue with Riccardo though. She knew he wanted to hold her just as much as she did if not more. But still, she was staring at him as he held their daughter, worried that he was going to leave the room with her.

Sarai was too distracted by Aurora's cries to have noticed Aiden giving her a kiss. She noticed the expression he had given her and it took her a second to realize what he was pointing to. She looked over at Riccardo again. Aurora was still wriggling about in his arms. Riccardo surprised her. He was eager to hold her at all times. Sarai watched him and she felt tears in her eyes again.

She didn't want him to leave her alone. She felt as if her mind still hadn't caught up to the ordeal she had went through. It was still surreal to her. It almost felt like a dream.

She hesitated to look at him when he asked his question. She felt embarrassed and also crazy for feeling the way she did. He wouldn't understand how she felt but Sarai didn't want to lose sight Aurora quite yet. If she were left alone in the infirmary she'd have no comfort of holding her. She'd be left to think about the labor and Aurora being there was a distraction for her.

Finally she looked at him, and she shook her head. "I don't want you to leave. C-can you stay, till I fall asleep?" she asked him and she scooted some to give him more room on the bed so he could sit down. "I just-I just want to be with her a little longer," she told him.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo was surprised when Sarai asked him to stay with her. He nodded, though, and took the spot she had made for him on her bed. He leaned back, getting comfortable, still cradling and soothing Aurora with a gentle rocking motion.

"She's amazing, isn't she," he asked Sarai, softly. Aurora seemed soothed, trying to keep her eyes open by the looks of it, but she was as tired as her mother.

Riccardo grinned as Aurora yawned again. "The books say she'll get her fangs in just a few weeks, and the rest of her teeth will come in around 9 months old." He looked at Sarai, suddenly apologetic. "I apologize. You wanted to rest and I'm keeping you up." He chuckled nervously.

"I just feel ridiculous, now." He had stopped rocking his arms as Aurora seemed ready to drift off again. "I was so scared. I still am. Rocking a newborn infant to sleep isn't exactly the hardest part of parenting, but Sarai, I love her so much already." He looked back down at the baby. "I'm a little jealous. You and Aiden get to claim her as your own." His face fell a little. "My father's fu -" He cut himself off to avoid cursing in front of Aurora. "- screwed everything else up for me, though, so why wouldn't he affect this, too?"

It was insane to think he'd barely had more than a few hours with Aurora and she had already brought so much joy into his life. It felt like his very future was shifting because he was prepared to do anything for the baby in his arms, even if it meant denying himself as her father. She needed to be happy and safe. He wished it did not have to be this way. It was going to be much harder than he had originally thought.

He sighed heavily. "Again, I'm sorry, you wanted to sleep."

 

[Aina]

Sarai scooted closer to him when he sat down next to her until their shoulders touched. She shook her head when he apologized. She didn't care that he was talking to her. It was comforting to her for some reason. "Don't be sorry. I didn't want to be alone," she told him.

She looked at him when he admitted he already loved Aurora. She frowned at his next statement and her gaze averted from his. He was right. Aiden and her would be known as their parents whereas he would not and that shattered her heart. It wasn't fair. Riccardo deserved to be known as her father. It wasn't fair.

Sarai remained quiet, letting him speak his mind. He was right about his father. Of Demetri found out Aurora was Riccardo there was no guess as to what he would do. He may take her away from them completely. And the thought of her baby being harmed by the man who already taken so much from her scared her. She could only imagine how Riccardo felt as he was his son. But still she had to wonder what Demetri would do. She wasn't sure.

Sarai rested her head against his shoulder and she looked at Aurora sleeping in his arms. For once, Sarai was at a loss for words. She didn't want to say the wrong thing and hurt his feelings. She also didn't want to make him feel worse. "I'm sorry," she started softly, she closed her eyes, "You will always her father. That will never change." Sarai sighed, she opened her mouth to say something else but she stopped.

Her eyes opened, she lifted her head to finally look at him. "I don't want her to grow up finding out that we lied to her," she frowned, "What if-what if we told her...when she was old enough?" She already knew that he'd say no but Sarai wanted it so that they didn't have to lie to everyone. The only reason they were keeping the lie was mostly because of Demetri. If he wasn't around then they wouldn't have to worry about her safety.

"What would Demetri do if he found out? Would he try to harm her?" she asked.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo sighed, heavily. He may always biologically be her father, but he would never be able to have the role in her life that he would want. It was probably better this way. He was a walking disaster, after all. He couldn't do anything right and Aurora didn't need that kind of man in her life, anyways. He could watch from the sidelines. He'd have to make himself okay with that. For her safety, he'd have to be okay with that.

He looked at Sarai again when she mentioned not wanting Aurora to find out that they'd been lying to her. At her next idea, he started to shake his head, but stopped. If Aurora could keep a secret, understand the severity of the knowledge, then maybe it could work. But could he take that risk? He looked down at her. Was it so important that he get the title of father in her life that he would take a risk on her health and happiness? No. He couldn't be that selfish.

"I don't know, Sarai," he said, quietly. He rested his head on top of hers and stared across the infirmary. "But do you want to take a risk like that? Look at what he's done to you. The only family you had left... Roland, your sisters... Roland's not dead, but that's only as far as we know."

He shifted Aurora slightly in his arms as if he needed to feel the weight of her again to know she was there. "Look at what he did to the werewolves. Drove a whole people near to extinction for his own deranged reasons. For all I know, he's probably done things to demons, too."

He sighed. "And then, look at what he was willing to do to me. He threatened to kill me, Sarai," he said this quietly, tensing a little. "That last day at Roland's... When you found me in the woods. He wanted me to start behaving myself or he'd kill me. I don't even know what is worse... The life of pain and hardship he gave me or the willingness to snuff me out because I wasn't useful to him."

Riccardo carefully moved Aurora to one arm so that he would be free to take Sarai's hand. It was comforting and he squeezed hers gently. "I don't want to risk that kind of torment on her, Sarai. Even the smallest risk is too much when it comes to my father. I never want her to have to bare the load I have to. Even just being related to him is enough to put her in danger from others. Look at how Emmanuel first reacted at finding out I was a Tenepri. There are those who would hurt me and there are those who would hurt her, too."

He shifted, looking up at the ceiling. "Maybe there will be a day where none of this will matter, but I doubt it."

 

[Aina]

Sarai swallowed hard. He was right about his father. And she had already known what he was going to say. She had just hoped that he would say otherwise. Demetri was unpredictable. He could easily kill Aurora if he wanted.

Just the reminder of what he did to her sisters brought her back to reality. What was she thinking? "It was a naive thought," her voice cracked when she spoke. She needed to be smarter and more logical. Especially now that she was a mother. She needed to protect Aurora.

She was shocked as he grabbed her hand. She squeezed it immediately without any hesitation. She looked down at Aurora again and her eyes watered. Still, her worst fear would be that she got hurt. She hoped that Aurora never had to feel pain or experience trauma the way they did.

"I'm sorry I brought it up. I just want you to be there, you'll have input in everything she does Riccardo," she told him, "I promise you that." She looked up at him, smiling faintly, "I'm happy you chose her name. You're going to be a great father Riccardo." Sarai yawned, rested her head back on his shoulder and she closed her eyes. "Feed her...and get some-get some sleep," she yawned again.

~~

((I ended up skipping ))

The next night Sarai woke up groggily. She didn't even remember falling asleep. She looked over to her side expecting to see Riccardo still there. She had slept horribly. Tossing and turning all night from her nightmares. She sat up in the bed, but it hurt to move so she laid back down. She desperately wanted to wash up, however she needed the help to move. She asked the servant who had walked into the room to get Aiden for her.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo had fallen asleep beside Sarai, but as he dozed off, his arm cradling Aurora began to slip. He woke with a start as he felt it slowly slide down his body. It was apparent he should put Aurora down, but he smiled as he looked at her again. She was so little and precious.


Groggily, he turned and put Aurora gently between he and Sarai. He wasn't sure where a safe place to put her for the time being was. He wasn't about to leave the infirmary with her. Not after Sarai's request. He let himself fall asleep again, knowing he'd be a good barrier for Aurora not accidentally falling off the bed.

He was still asleep when Sarai woke up, mumbling incoherently every now and then in his sleep. He stirred a little when Sarai sat up, but fell back into his slumber.

After Sarai sent for Aiden, Aurora woke up, starting to fuss and quickly wailing as hunger hit her. This did wake Riccardo. He roused and looked down at her. "Whaddizit," he slurred.

Aiden checked on Sarai about a dozen times through the day, each time disappointed to still see Riccardo laying beside her. He felt hurt that he'd left at Sarai's request to be alone to rest, but it was apparently okay for Riccardo to stay. He tried to not let it bother him, but Sarai and Riccardo's strange bond had always been a sore subject for him. He did not understand it and, truth be told, he still felt threatened by it.

He was already awake when the servant came to fetch him for Sarai, and he looked up in surprise, but was glad that she had woken. He hurried to the infirmary. Part of him wanted to frown when he saw Riccardo very much still there, but he shook it off. Aurora was crying and Sarai and Riccardo looked like they were just waking up.

"Hey, what is it? Do you want me to take her? She might be thirsty." He gently offered out his arms when he got up to the bed.

 

[Aina]

Sarai jumped as Aurora had started to cry. She chuckled as she heard Riccardo speaking incoherently. "Go back to sleep," she said to him. She scooped Aurora in her arms, rocked her back and forth so she'd calm a bit.

"It's okay sweet girl," she hushed, "You're okay. I'm going to feed you soon."

Once Aiden walked into the room, she looked at him in relief. "Hi honey," she tried not to look or sound so exasperated but Sarai was still exhausted. Aurora was relentless. She wouldn't stop crying even after Sarai continued to rock her.

She took Aiden's hand so she could sit up properly. She set her feet on the floor, gently because her legs were sore. She passed Aurora into his arms and then grabbed his shoulder so she could lift herself off the bed. "She's thirsty," she told him, she let out a deep sigh. "I need to get these clothes off of me," she was mostly saying it to herself.

She yawned and she looked over at Riccardo. She smiled at him, she hadn't realized that he slept next to her all day. She didn't want to wake him up so she guided Aiden and the baby out of the room. She gripped Aiden's hand the entire way, since she could hardly walk all on her own. She wished she didn't have to walk so slow. It was too painful otherwise.

They headed toward Aurora's nursery. There was bottles of blood already waiting. "You want...you want to feed her?" she asked him. She grabbed a bottle and handed it to him.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Aiden looked concerned at Aurora's crying. The infant was very upset it seemed and Sarai still looked exhausted. He took Sarai's hand when she offered it out to him and then gladly took Aurora. "Careful," he told her as she got herself out of bed. He wasn't sure if she should even be out of bed and he wished the doctor was up to give some direction.

"Poor thing," he cooed when Sarai said Aurora was thirsty. "Are you thirsty?"

He put his free arm around Sarai to give her a little more support. He watched her as she stood there, worried for her, the image of all that blood the previous night still burned in his mind. Sarai had a bad habit of not taking care of herself and he felt it was legitimate to be concerned.

Riccardo slowly sat up as Sarai got to her feet, feeling groggy and dazed. Aurora's wailing made him nervous, but it seemed Aiden and Sarai could handle it. He didn't move too fast to get up.

Aiden walked slowly with Sarai out of the room, helping her as they went. He tried rocking Aurora to soothe her in the other arm, but the baby was too uncomfortable to be soothed by such a simple gesture. When they got to the nursery, he took the bottle Sarai handed to him and offered it to the baby. She took it immediately to Aiden's surprise.

"Are you feeling okay," he asked Sarai. "You should probably rest more tonight." He looked down at Aurora and smiled at the baby. "Spend some time getting to know your daughter." He looked back up at Sarai.

She did still look exhausted and pale. She'd lost a lot of blood and, despite the blood transfusion, she obviously still needed to recover. "Will you just rest and take care of yourself tonight? Please? You look so tired."

He walked up closer to her and kissed her, Aurora feeding in his arms between them. "Astraea, me, Rosita... We can take care of you and the baby tonight. The kingdom and the house will be taken care of. You know that." He kissed her again, tenderly. "Rest. Please."

--

Riccardo got out of bed. He still wore his clothes from the previous night, having slept in the infirmary obviously. He strangely didn't feel like going up to his room to change, though. He was thirsty himself.

He trudged to the kitchen where he got himself a glass of warm blood and sipped at it. He was already waking up, and his mind was already racing. There were things he'd left unfinished the night before and he needed to work on that. Besides that, he needed to do his usual nightly rounds, making sure everyone was comfortable and the house had the needed supplies.

He looked down at himself, trying to decide if he cared enough to get dressed yet before starting on his duties. His clothes were a little wrinkled, but he hadn't done much in them the night before for them to really be considered dirty. It wouldn't hurt to stay in them to get started. He'd change later.

Having finished his blood, he poured himself some more before leaving the kitchen, smoothing his shirt with his other hand and then tucking it into his pants as well. The werewolves were closest to where he was, so he headed to their wing, knowing most of them would be turning in for the night.

He partially hoped Emmanuel was awake still. He couldn't exactly say he was close to Emmanuel, but there was something about the other man that he decidedly liked.

 

[Aina]

"No," she said in response to his question. She was so tired, she wasn't sure how she was still standing on her feet. She had to continue to grip his shoulder. Sarai was hard headed she didn't want him to worry about her.

Sarai frowned against his lips when he kissed her. He was right, but she didn't want to leave him with Aurora by himself. "There's no rest when you have a baby," she shook her head, sighed and looked down at Aurora who was nearly done with the bottle already.

"I'm sorry princess...we didn't mean to keep you waiting," she told the infant. Aurora stopped drinking, she smacked her lips together and she yawned. A little hiccup came out of her, which made Sarai laugh.

Sarai smiled at her, watching as Aurora closed her eyes but she didn't fall asleep it seemed. She moved her arms around and puckered her lips. Sarai wanted to hold her again but she'd give Aiden his time with her. "I'll....sit in the chair for a bit okay. Rest my eyes," she yawned and went over toward the chair, sitting down and leaning back as she closed her eyes.

~~

Emmanuel and some of the pack were just finishing up dinner. While they were eating, the night guards took over for the remaining time. The servants were in such good moods in regards to the queen and kings newborn that they served them drinks. They offered extra servings of food as well.

"I wonder what she looks like," Edyn was saying to him from across the table.

Emmanuel shrugged, he wasn't really the type to care much for children so he didn't care. "She's probably just as adorable as when you were a baby," he laughed, "You used to be so chunky."

"I was not!" Edyn scoffed back.

Emmanuel couldn't hold back the laughter at her face. "I'm heading to bed. You two should too," Ignacio scolded them but he smiled afterward and left the dining room. Edyn rolled her eyes. "Papi is a party pooper. I'm going for a swim," she said and left Emmanuel at the table. Emmanuel sighed heavily, not sure what he should do now. He guessed that he'd go do his rounds, make sure everyone was doing what they were told so he the dining room too.

He stopped in his tracks as he saw Riccardo. He hadn't seen him in a few weeks. "Tenepri...congrats on the new addition to your family. By the way how's queen Sarai doing?" he asked him. He looked at Riccardo, noting his clothes and he chuckled. "Rough night?"

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Aiden actually rolled his eyes at Sarai's comment. "You have a whole host of people willing to help you with her. You'll get plenty of rest, Sarai."

He smiled widely when Aurora yawned and hiccuped. "You are the sweetest little thing," he cooed at her. He set the bottle aside and raised her up towards his face a little. "What do you think of your room, little one?"

He glanced back at Sarai when she walked to the chair. He nodded. "Good. Rest. You should have someone bring you some blood, too. You lost so much last night and it scares me when you don't drink enough."

He looked back down at Aurora and smiled. "Huh? Mommy needs to take care of herself. Yeah. So she has enough energy to play with you." He bent down and rubbed his nose on hers. When he pulled away, she sneezed. He grinned. "Bless you." He looked around the room before carrying her to the bookshelf. "Do you think she'd like if I read to her already?"

--


Riccardo hadn't even made it to the werewolf's wing when he heard Emmanuel's voice. He couldn't explain why his heart skipped a beat whenever Emmanuel called him by his last name, but it did and he was glad he'd come looking for the other man.

Emmanuel's words made him stop, though. New addition to his family? He was certain Emmanuel meant that Aurora was new to his family because he considered Sarai as close as family, but he couldn't help but be worried that Emmanuel knew he was really the father. He hoped not, because who knew how many others knew?

"Thank you, Sarai's -" He frowned at Emmanuel's chuckle and huffed. He looked down at himself. Apparently it was more noticeable that he'd slept in these clothes than he thought. Leave it to Emmanuel to point it out. "Sarai had a bit of a complication with the birth, but the baby is very healthy. She and... Aiden are lucky," he hoped Emmanuel didn't notice the hesitation before Aiden's name. "It's a little girl, though. Named Aurora. She is very sweet."

He looked Emmanuel up and down before settling his eyes back on Emmanuel's face. "What are you doing out and about still? Isn't it time for puppies to go to bed?" He tried not to laugh at his own joke, but failed as a few soft chuckles escaped him.

 

[Aina]

Sarai ignored that he had rolled his eyes. She sighed heavily, resting her head back. She knew he was right. Perhaps that bothered her a bit. She knew every single person in the house would help her. She didn't want Aurora or her to be suffocated by help like when she had been pregnant. It was annoying.

When he mentioned blood Sarai nodded. She was too tired to go get a servant and ask. She closed her eyes, briefly listening to what Aiden was saying to her. She only opened her eyes when Aurora sneezed. She watched Aiden and her, she smiled a bit but she yawned. She rested her head back again and she yawned again. "She knows your voice already," she told him with a smile. Even though she was tired, Sarai wanted to hold again. "You don't mind...if I hold her again?" she asked sheepishly.

"Just for a few more minutes before I go to sleep," she went on to say.

~~

Emmanuel smiled slightly. "That's a nice name they chose," he told him, "And I'm glad the queen has recovered." He was going to say that he hoped to see the little baby soon but Emmanuel didn't get the chance after what Riccardo said. His eyebrows raised immediately but he laughed.

"Puppies!?" he still managed to continue laughing.

"I just finished eating. I was going to do some rounds before heading to bed," Emmanuel told him but he grinned, "It's amazing...seeing you laugh Tenepri."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I say that cause you don't seem the type who laughs alot," he chuckled, "I'm curious what you're doing over here hm?"

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Aiden grinned when Sarai said she knew his voice. "They say the baby learns voices before they're even born." He nodded at her request, immediately walking back over to Sarai. "Of course, not, Sarai."

He gently passed Aurora over to Sarai and stood back, smiling at the perfect picture. He had to admit, he wished Aurora was his biologically, but she would never know that wasn't the case and Aiden was the only one content with that.

"You are both so beautiful," Aiden said, kneeling besides Sarai. He looked down at Aurora. "She's just so perfect."

--

Riccardo couldn't help but laugh more when Emmanuel did. Emmanuel's good-nature and humor made it easy to talk to him. He seemed to find everything amusing which was just fine with Riccardo, too much of his life had been spent without laughter.

"I'm just in a good mood," he mumbled when Emmanuel mentioned his laughing. He crossed his arms in discomfort as a bit of a blush rose to his face. He did not want to tell Emmanuel he was out looking for him.

"I was just doing some rounds, checking on everyone for the night. I was hoping to catch you and your people before you went to bed to ensure you weren't in need of anything." He lowered his arms and held his hands behind his back, suddenly business-like. "I've been neglecting this part of my duties, and I apologize. It's been a busy few weeks. Is there anything I should know?"

((Sorry for the short posts lately. It's been hard to write. But... I'm laughing because Emmanuel is Riccardo's first crush and he is as dumb and awkward as anyone around their crush and I'm dying.))

 

[Aina]

Sarai blushed when he called her beautiful. She looked away so he wouldn't see though. She glanced down at Aurora and she smiled. Her eyes were closed, she was sleeping so peacefully. She couldn't believe she was there, and that she was finally holding her.

"I love her so much already," she told him, Sarai kissed her forehead softly, "I still can't believe this little thing was growing inside of me." She laughed at that and she looked at him. "We should introduce her to everyone. Possibly by the end of the week. But for now...we keep her to ourselves." She brushed the hair on Aurora's forehead. Gently caressing her cheek for a few minutes. She kissed her forehead again but she passed her on to Aiden. "I want to hold her forever, but I need to sleep," she yawned as she said that and got up from the chair.

~~

Emmanuel was actually glad to see that Riccardo was in a good mood. Last time he had talked to him, he nearly died. He had been genuinely afraid that he was going to die. So he was relieved that he seemed to be in good spirits.

He had seen the blush in his cheeks which only made him laugh more. He shook his head at his question. "We have been fine. We know your queen was pregnant so your attention was all on her. I've made sure to have everyone on high alert since the baby was born," he explained.

"We've gotten along well with the demons. Everyone seems like they're in a great mood since the baby," he smirked then, "Even you Tenepri. I never pictured you as someone who likes babies."

((Their flirting is freakin adorable. And don't worry about length. I didn't give you much to go on. But of you need a break from writing or something, that's okay ))

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

"Yes. All to ourselves," Aiden agreed. "She's too perfect for everyone else already." He gladly took her back from Sarai and cradled her to his chest. She was sleeping again, and he was surprised by how much she was sleeping, if he was honest with himself.

He nodded as she got up. "Okay, darling." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Get some more sleep. Have someone bring you blood. Please. I'm tired of worrying about you all the time."

It wasn't long after Sarai left that Aiden took residence in the rocking chair, gently rocking back and forth with Aurora in his arms. It was all going to be different, he believed. With Aurora born, things were going to change. He was worried about Sarai and Riccardo. He tried hard to shake the feeling, but he was insecure. She liked him better; there was some sort of bond there that Aiden couldn't quite attain with Sarai. With Aurora in the picture, he was worried.

He still felt frustrated. Frustrated that Sarai was frustrated anytime he expressed this insecurity. It was hard keeping it bottled up. He looked down at Aurora. He loved her already. She was perfect, but could he be blamed for the worry he felt because she wasn't his?

"Oh, beautiful little girl, what are we going to do?"

--

Emmanuel's thoughtfulness, much like Sarai's, really drove Riccardo closer to him. He appreciated his understanding for how busy he had been and especially the extra care for security since Aurora was now born.

He faked a scowl when Emmanuel mentioned his good mood. "I don't like babies," he puffed. "I just like when my friends are happy." He couldn't help but smile, though, thinking of Aurora's little face.

"I am glad to hear everything is going well, though. I was worried about having three very different kinds of people in this house, but if everything is running as smoothly as you say, then there's no reason to worry." He rubbed his own hand with his thumb behind his back. "Emmanuel?" He furrowed his brow. "Why do you only call me by my last name?" He shifted, looking away from the discomfort of his question. "I only ask because you're not as familiar with me as say... Sarai, or Astraea." He looked up again, eyes bouncing between Emmanuel's. "I've worked hard to set myself apart from my family and their terrible misdoings, but... Is that all I appear to people? Just another version of my father?"

 

[Aina]

Sarai was going to tell him not to worry about her but she knew he would anyways. On her way to their room which she was thankful was next door, four servants were waiting for her. The bed was made, a clean dress was set on the bed for her. The curtains were drawn to let in the cool air, and there was blood on the nightstand.

"Your majesty!" Sarai's handmaid Bonnie stepped forward, "We drew you a bath. We didn't want to disturb you but we knew you had a difficult labor. Congratulations!" They all bowed in front of her and she smiled warmly at them, shaking her head as she waved her hand so they could stand straight.

They didn't wait for any other instruction. "You rest your majesty. We will help you into your bath. And if you'd like, we will have everyone leave you be for the night," the three other servants helped her into the bathroom. Sarai was still sore so of course she took her time and it still hurt to move.

"Thank you...everyone. I will rest but I'd like to spend more time with Aurora," she mentioned with a huff. It took so much of her energy to do anything. They had to help her remove her clothes.

"Oh, princess Seraphine had been right," one of the girls laughed as she was holding onto Sarai's arm while Bonnie took the remainder of her clothes off. "A little princess has joined the family. Everyone will be so pleased your majesty," she went on to say with a grin.

"You did amazing your majesty. Some happiness is needed after all of the tragedy," Bonnie mentioned and Sarai nodded limply. She wasn't sure what to say about it. They were right. Aurora's birth brought a lot of joy to everyone. She smiled widely at that thought as they helped her into the bathtub.

"She's an amazing little thing. Soon, all of you will meet her," she told them and they jumped excitedly. The three girls left but Bonnie remained, "I'll be out here if you need me."

Sarai nodded, closed her eyes as she sank into the water. The heat was so relaxing and calming that she could probably fall asleep. She wanted to, but part of her wanted to go back to holding Aurora again. She felt some fear that something would happen to her if she wasn't there. It was a silly thought but her nightmares lately made those fears worse.

~~

Emmanuel laughed again, "I am not surprised. I...don't like babies all that much either." It wasn't exactly the entire truth but Emmanuel didn't like them because he didn't understand them. They were so tiny and helpless. He was especially weirded out when they cried all the time.

He wasn't paying much attention till Riccardo said his name. He looked up at him and he frowned. He hadn't even realized he was doing it. He hadn't meant to insult him. He sighed and he ran a hand through his hair.

"I didn't mean anything by it. I guess it was just reflex but I wasn't associating your name with your father. At least not till I got to know you," the corner of his mouth turned upright a little, "You're not so bad you know. You seem pretty decent." He started to laugh again but he shrugged his shoulder, "I'll call you by your first from now on. At least until I can think of a nickname for you."

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Aiden felt relaxed as he continued to rock with Aurora. She stirred a few times only to make small grunts and fall back asleep. He couldn't help but be worried for Sarai with her out of sight. She had a nasty habit of getting herself hurt and sick. He just hoped she was just resting like she had said.

He felt like he was going to doze off in the rocking chair when the sound of footsteps made him more alert. Not surprisingly, Rosita suddenly stepped into the room. She carried more paint in her hands, but she paused when she saw Aiden and Aurora.

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt you! I was going to touch up some of the paintings..." She trailed off and grinned. "Aurora is very cute." She gently set down the paint buckets to tip toe up to Aiden and the sleeping baby. "She's just precious," she said.

Aiden chuckled softly. "Yeah. She is. Do you want to hold her?" He carefully stood up and slowly offered her out to Rosita who took the baby from his arms, transporting her to her own.

Rosita held Aurora close, grinning ear to ear. "She's just perfect. You are so lucky."

Aiden chuckled. "Yeah. But you're lucky, too. You and Leon are getting married soon! That's exciting!" He kept his voice hushed despite the excitement.

"It is exciting! Astraea has been helping me plan everything."

--

Riccardo was surprised by Emmanuel's answer. He frowned and looked down. "No... You can call me whatever you like, Emmanuel." He chuckled nervously. "I apologize. I am a little sensitive and I'm trying to get better."

Would a normal person be bothered by that? Was he being too sensitive? He huffed softly, frustrated with himself, and tired of always being so unsure if he was behaving within the parameters of normal.

"I should let you get to your nightly routine, though," he suddenly said. "Get some sleep. I still very much appreciate you and your people's help. Thank you." He didn't look as happy as he had earlier, thinking again about his abnormalities and his father. Why did he always have to find some reason to brood? He really had no business being a father.

"Let me know if you need anything," he mumbled as he turned to walk away.