Locked to tinderhearted

[fallenscion]

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[tinderhearted]

[After all is said and done, they settle. While Berkut is no emperor (and she, no empress), they find happiness in the little things. Her hand ghosts over her middle before she clasps her left wrist to still nervous hands. This, she hopes, will be a bigger source of joy for her beloved.

She waits for him with folded hands, knowing better than to upset his routine. He is a busy man; surely, he would prefer to absorb the news she has to share at his own leisure. As for herself, time seems to pass slowly and all too fast at once. At the first sign of approach, she starts.]

Oh!

[fallenscion]

[Things have been both the same and different since Alm and Celica took the throne and reunited all of Valentia. He was steadily getting used to the idea of Alm being his long lost cousin and no longer needing to take his place as Emperor. But one thing that never changed was his undying love for Rinea. They had properly wedded a few months ago in a spectacular huge affair that was as extravagant as Alm and Celica’s own, as he wouldn’t have it any other way. As Rinea’s husband he always made sure to leave aside time every day to her and to treat her as if she was the crown jewel of Valentia herself.

This was no different. After spending most of the day meeting with his cousin to discuss political matters and then practicing his combat on horseback to keep himself amused and in shape, he was ready to settle down the evening with his beloved Empress. He comes into the flower garden in the center of the castle where she usually was, finding her with ease.]

My sweet, how are you doing on this lovely day?

[He asked, placing a kiss on her lips tenderly and drawing slowly back.]

[tinderhearted]

[Smiling into the kiss, she watches him through his retreat with a twinkle in her eyes.

Her heart races now that he's within her reach, and the words she'd been ruminating on until now remain unsaid. For all the waiting she's done, springing the good news out of the blue would be neither wise nor well-mannered. There's no reason to rush, she reminds herself: She treasures every waking moment with the man before her, after all.]

I'm doing well, my lord. How was your meeting with the king?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut gave a grin back, pleased at how things have went between the two. Despite growing up in different sides of the world and having to work things out, sometimes not so smoothly they were starting to get along.]

It went swimmingly my love. Perhaps now the farmboy has finally acquired the ways on how to conduct himself as a king proper. His wife is also doing all she can to help ease him into royalty. I can start to feel at ease with him in charge.

But enough about my day, Rinea. Please, tell me about yours. You’ve been feeling better lately after falling ill, did the doctor prescribe you the right treatment? Perhaps when you’ve fully recovered we should take a small vacation to ourselves, we haven’t been able to spare that much time since our honeymoon.

[... Well at least he’s eager.]

[tinderhearted]

[Cute.

Rinea's smile softens. She hears the endearment in the otherwise acerbic assesment, and no words are enough to express her gratitude for this development. It is right that a good man like Alm should have a good woman—the lost princess of Zofia!—to guide him; however, more than that she's grateful for the hand Berkut has had in everything. How her heart had hurt to see him suffer so upon learning the truth. Looking at him now, she never would've guessed the agony he'd endured then.

Rather than dwell on this, he insists on asking after her. Truly, her lord pampers her. A part of her is just a touch regretful that she won't be fully recovered anytime soon, but she hopes what follows will lift his spirits.]

I didn't mean to worry you. The doctor has prescribed me rest, and I'm already feeling much better. It will not be long before I'm able to accompany you outside.

[She pauses.]

There is . . . one more thing the doctor mentioned, though.

[fallenscion]

What would that thing be?

[He looks at her with concern written on his face and a tense expression building up. The last thing he wanted was for Rinea to be snatched away from him after they both nearly lost their lives together. He truly has no idea what a life changing moment this was about to become.]

[tinderhearted]

[It's a wonder that she hasn't fainted yet. The excitement has built up to a point that it's almost dizzying. Subconsciously, she brings her hands up to rest on her stomach.]

Berkut, I . . . I am with child. Your child.

[fallenscion]

[It wasn’t long before most of Valentia knew that Berkut and his wife were expecting their first child. Well wishes flew in from those far and wide. Berkut also made certain that there was always someone nearby keeping watch on the mother to be whenever he wasn’t around. A little overprotective, but he couldn’t help it in the precarious position his wife was in, responsible for their child for several moons until they are fit and able to live in the outside world.

On his days off, he usually liked to sleep in. A small vice he can take now that there’s no longer a war occurring. Especially after Rinea’s announcement. This time it was a little different as he woke up to an empty bed in their private quarters and could spot Rinea standing in their washroom a few feet away. How odd.]

Rinea.. what are you doing?

[tinderhearted]

[Gasping softly, Rinea spins around with her hands over her middle. Perhaps driven by the budding instinct to protect the unborn baby, this is the posture she's taken to assuming over the past few months. But the exact reason for this so early in the morning—and before the father of said child, no less—is a bit . . . different today.]

Lord Berkut! Did I wake you?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut let out a long yawn, still feeling drowsy from recently waking up. He didn’t seem bothered by it no- rather he was concerned about her feelings.]

Don’t worry about that, my love. Are you fairing well? You seem tense.

[tinderhearted]

[A good man, her beloved ever worries after her. As much as she wishes not to disturb anyone, she needn't endure the morning sickness and other developments on her own. In fact, the latter shouldn't be kept from Berkut. With a hand still draped over her middle, she takes small steps over to his bedside.

Up close, she can see the drowsiness draped around him like a cloak. How endearing . . . ]

I'm fine, my lord. In fact, there's something I would like to show you. May I?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut rubbed his eyes upon her drawing close, trying to fully wake up. He knows Rinea would not bother him if it wasn’t important so she has his full attention. He even attempts to sit up proper in bed to address his wife.]

Of course my dear. My eyes and ears are yours to show.

[tinderhearted]

[With a small smile, she sits down on the bed and reaches for his hand, which she guides to her stomach. Hidden from sight until now by the layers of her nightgown, the small bump there is unmistakable.]

Here . . . Do you feel it?

[fallenscion]

[Some more time had passed by and Berkut felt like a fool for ever worrying. Their child was growing and now everyone around them could see Rinea’s swollen middle as her body adjusted to accommodate their child. Anytime they were together, Berkut always put his hand down there to protect and to see if he could feel them. He had grown jealous that Rinea was feeling their little one squirm and move while he couldn’t.

But the prince had other matters to concern himself with. He personally took on the duty to construct a crib, not trusting anyone else with the job. Only the best for his kid. Unfortunately this meant it took far longer than if he had commissioned one to be mad. After finally finishing up part of the work inside the nursery, he sighed and stood up, getting in a good stretch. He forbade Rinea from working on anything in her delicate condition, but she usually couldn’t help but check on him.]

[tinderhearted]

[Berkut's declaration that he would build the crib himself had come as a shock to many, even Rinea. In retrospect, no matter how brief the surprise had been, she knew that she shouldn't have felt it in the first place: A proud prince of the Empire was capable of anything, as he would say.

Carrying his child was an honor, but one that was accompanied by growing restrictions lest she hurt herself. Truthfully, she was beginning to grow restless. In such moments, she would seek her lord out for his company.

This time of day, he would be in the nursery . . .]

Berkut, my lord. How are you feeling?

[fallenscion]

Ah Rinea. [He turned over to face her, relaxing his expression. He’s happy to see her after the hard work he put in.]

I’m halfway finished with the crib, it should be less than a fortnight when I’ve completed the rest of it. [He walks in closer, his hand pressing gently on her midsection, hoping their child would stir.] And what about you, my love and little one? Has my child given you any trouble today?

[tinderhearted]

[The child, alas, does not stir. Poor Berkut. But Rinea does, and with a growing smile she lays her hand over his.]

No trouble at all, my lord. The little one's been on their best behavior, and I no longer feel so nauseous in the morning.

[She cranes her neck, but only just enough to indicate her interest in taking a peek at the crib.]

May I?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut nods, stepping back to allow her to see his craft. It’s still only half finished and perhaps not as well done as a professional job but its clear he’s poured effort into making it.]

Of course, isn’t it grand dear Rinea?

[tinderhearted]

[Taking a step forward, she peers at the half-finished crib.]

How lovely . . .

[Certainly, there are craftsmen who could have produced something better. Rinea, however, isn't concerned with perfection the way her lord husband is. What she sees before her is the ripening fruit of his effort—his love.]

Oh, Berkut. It's the most wonderful crib I've ever seen.

[tinderhearted]

[Tomorrow comes, but Rinea makes no haste to find her lord husband. He is a busy man, after all. Only once the time is right does she seek him out with both hands, tingling from the familiar warmth of nerves, laid over her middle.]

Berkut, my lord. Are you busy?

[fallenscion]

[He is located in his own study, tucked away in the castle and located on the same hall as their shared room and the nursery. Upon closer inspection it appears he’s reading a book about fatherhood, passed down among the Rigelian family. When his wife calls for him, his gaze rises up and his expression softens.]

Ah Rinea, come in please.

[tinderhearted]

[In Berkut's grasp, the book is too far for Rinea to make out its contents as she approaches, returning his expression with a gentle smile. She'll realize what it is soon enough, but for the time being is content not to snoop.]

As promised, I've come up with a name if I should bear you a daughter. Would you like to hear it?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut nods, awaiting to hear what she has come up with. A noble name, one strong and fitting for their possible daughter is what he wished to hear.]

Ah, splendid. Please, let me hear what title we shall bestow upon our child.

[tinderhearted]

You wished for a name that represents strength. I thought long and hard about what that would entail for a girl, and I've decided upon . . . Marianne. So that she might mature into a woman of grace, much beloved by her parents, while the bitterness in her name drives her to lead an honorable life like her father.

[Coming from Rinea, this might not be the name most would have guessed. With an anxious intake of breath, she watches Berkut for his response.]

What do you think?

[fallenscion]

[Berkut’s expression felt thoughtful as he listened to Rinea’s explanation for the name. He appeared quiet, reserved for a minute. Perhaps that would unintentionally make Rinea worried but he simply wanted to repeat the name over in his head and feel how it sounded back. Finally his expression relaxes and he comes over to press their foreheads together and lay a hand on her stomach. ]

... I think its suitable name, yes.