[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.]
[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 . . .]
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?
[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.]
[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.
[Upon declaring those words, he gives pause to think about something he had been meaning to address to his wife. A thought that had been buried in his head but always present and coming back. He reaches over to hold her hand, gently squeezing it.]
Rinea, I think its about we discussed the matter of what name we shall designate our child with, whether it be a boy or girl.
[Her other hand goes to caress his on pure instinct, and she can't help looking surprised. In hindsight, they should have discussed this much earlier. Perhaps in their eagerness to get everything else settled (and her quiet fears that something might happen), they neglected this very basic step.]
Hmm.. well it isn’t uncommon for children to inherit their fathers names in Rigelian culture, but I’d rather have ours stand out on their own merits. What about a name representing strength?
[He still held onto Rigelian ideals somewhat. Even in their united kingdom, they should retain some customs in his mind.]
[Berkut will ever be a proud citizen of the empire; this, Rinea knows. She can't possibly deny him a name that would bring out that pride. It would also serve her need in this matter by promising their child a healthy future, and so she sets to thinking.]
After our nations crest right? Mm.. Leo wouldn’t be a bad fit.
[Nah, that didn’t sound quite right. Let’s try another name.]
I was thinking if you bore me a son, we should name him Ares. The name of one of the first Rigelian rulers and a legendary warrior of tales older than Duma himself. His father’s title was Lionheart.. wouldn’t that be just perfect?
Now, what about a name if we have a daughter? Rinea, I shall allow you the honor of choosing what we will bestow upon our child if they are born a girl.
[There are so many names in the world, yet not a single one comes to mind when under pressure. While this isn't the end of the world, she hates to dispirit her lord so.]
No . . . Forgive me. This is all rather sudden.
I would hate to suggest something without proper thought. May I have some time to think this over?
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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.]
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Of course, isn’t it grand dear Rinea?
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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.
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[Upon declaring those words, he gives pause to think about something he had been meaning to address to his wife. A thought that had been buried in his head but always present and coming back. He reaches over to hold her hand, gently squeezing it.]
Rinea, I think its about we discussed the matter of what name we shall designate our child with, whether it be a boy or girl.
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Yes, of course. Did you have any in mind?
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[He still held onto Rigelian ideals somewhat. Even in their united kingdom, they should retain some customs in his mind.]
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Something to do with . . . lions, perhaps?
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[Nah, that didn’t sound quite right. Let’s try another name.]
I was thinking if you bore me a son, we should name him Ares. The name of one of the first Rigelian rulers and a legendary warrior of tales older than Duma himself. His father’s title was Lionheart.. wouldn’t that be just perfect?
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[Certainly, it's got a ring to it that Leo lacks. On the other hand, Leo is charmingly down to earth.]
If this is the name on which your heart is set, I have no objections.
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My dear wife, do not fret. I’m sure you can think of a worthy name for our child. Does anything at all come to mind?
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No . . . Forgive me. This is all rather sudden.
I would hate to suggest something without proper thought. May I have some time to think this over?
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[He placed a small kiss on her forehead, one hand going firmly on her stomach again.]
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I'm fine, my lord, and so is your child.
[One hand follows his to her belly while the other comes up to rest on his chest. Already, she feels calmer.]
Tomorrow, I shall come to you with a name for a daughter.