??? POV
I reached down, gently stroking my newborn son's delicate face. His skin is soft, warm, and full of life. His golden hair shining brightly.
My voice escaped in whisper-filled awe.
"Oh, how precious you are..."
A tender smile formed on my lips as his tiny fingers curled around mine, grasping onto me with innocent trust.
The sound of footsteps echoed as he approached, and soon, a familiar presence settled beside me. A man with vibrant red hair laid next to me, his eyes full of warmth and love as he gazed at our child.
"I can't believe we created something so..." he began, his voice filled with emotion.
"Wonderful," I finish, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. As we parted, an unshakable sadness crept into my heart. My voice trembles. "But he deserves better..."
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he reached out, running his fingers through our son's soft, golden hair, his expression filled with love and regret.
"I know," he admits at last, his voice heavy. His hand lingered on our child's head, as if memorising the feeling. "He deserves a life free of this..."
"Prison?" I questioned, my smile turning bitter.
He shook his head and turned to me. "How can this place be a prison when I'm here with you?" He cupped my face, brushing away a stray tear. "But this... this isn't a place to raise a child."
I know he's right, but the truth only broke my heart further. Tears well up in my eyes, spilling down my cheeks before I could stop them.
"I know..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.
A soft knock at the door drew our attention. A man with lilac-coloured hair stepped into the room, a long staff in hand. His presence was calm yet commanding, his usual smirk replaced with a rare solemnity he only shows when serious.
With a slight bow of his head, he spoke. "My king, the preparations are complete." He arched closer, his gaze falling upon my son. With an approving nod, he reached out, gently brushing his fingers through the golden strands of my boy's hair.
"I have chosen a good family for the young prince," he continues, a hint of warmth in his tone. "He'll even have an Older Brother as well as a twin sister." He wags his finger playfully as if trying to lighten up the heavy mood.
I forced a small smile. "Thank you, Merlin."
He bowed deeply. "Of course, my King. He is your heir, he deserves the best." Then, his expression turns serious once more. "But I must urge you... The window of opportunity is closing. I will wait outside."
With a final bow, he exited, leaving us in silence once more.
My Husband turned to me, his voice barely above a whisper. "Artoria..."
I nodded, my breath catching as I struggled to hold back another flood of tears. "I know, Shirou..."
He did not speak, only pulled me close, wrapping his arms around both me and our child in a tight embrace. I clung to him, burying my face into his shoulder, wishing that, for even just a moment, time would stop.
But it wouldn't.
And we had no choice if we wanted to give our son a life.
Finally, Shirou pulled away.
He spoke up, "It's time."
No. I don't want this.
I don't want to let go.
Why am I doing this?
Why am I handing over our child?
'Because this is what's best for him,' I reminded myself, trying to ground myself in reality and do what's best for him.
Through choked sobs, I looked intently at my Boy's face, trying to carve his visage into my mind, then I brought my head down to whisper in his ear, as if I was casting a spell that would be engraved onto him.
"May you grow up to be big and strong, my little dragon," And with those words uttered, hands trembling and heartbroken, I handed our child over to Shirou.
"If only we could keep him safe in our absence..." I mumbled to myself, half delirious, half exhausted, then looked over at Shirou, just to see a golden light leaving him and entering our son's body.
"Way ahead of you, Saber." Shirou looked down at our son with a smile. Then, with quiet determination, he rose to his feet, cradling our child in his arms.
I watched as he took slow, deliberate steps toward the door. And even though I knew he would be safe, each one felt like a dagger piercing my heart. I couldn't bear to watch, but I couldn't turn away either, so I forced myself to watch, my body trembling as uncontrollable sobs washed over me through me.
Please... live a good life, my Son.
Reynolds Leywin POV
"UUUMMMMhhhhh"
I let out a slight groan as my wife's hand tightened around my own.
My eyes flickered to her face, pale with sweat slick on her brow, but her eyes are fierce and determined. The midwife's calm voice filled the room, but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart and the sound of bones cracking from how tightly Alice's grip was around my hand.
"We're almost there," Alice groaned, as her grip squeezed even tighter, and with it, more sounds of cracking, almost as if preparing me to say goodbye to my hand.
Suddenly, a sharp cry cut through the air. My breath caught. A tiny boy, wrapped in soft cloth, is laid before me.
"It's a boy!" the midwife says, smiling before her eyes flicker back to my wife.
She hands me my boy.
My fingers instinctively move to his cheek, only to wince in pain at the state of my hand, and my eyes drift up to the top of his head.
I win this time, Alice.
Before I could take it all in, another wail followed. "And a girl!"
My eyes lift up to the midwife who's carrying the other babe in her arms as she swaddles her in another white cloth.
She hands the babe to my panting wife. And I move next to her as we hold our newborns.
Both children sport my greyish brown hair.
"2-1 Honey", I said with a smile as I brushed away a sweat-covered strand of auburn hair from her face.
She laughed slightly.
"It's not a game, Rey", she chuckled as her lidded eyes drifted to me.
"It didn't stop you from boasting when Art was born", I say in kind
"Touche", she replied, her eyes closing before slowly reopening.
The boy's eyes open slightly, revealing the two glistening azure pearls.
"3-1", I said, smirking at my wife
She nudges me slightly, "Careful not to hurt the babies."
I leaned over and I planted a kiss on her forehead before I spoke up, "So, Honey, what should we name these two?" I asked my tired wife as I handed her our boy.
She cradles them both in her arms and brings them down onto her glistening chest.
"I think I'll name the girl Eleanor, and the boy his name will be..."
Elias Leywin POV
"Come on, El!" I shouted, skidding across the patio tiles as I burst outside. "Dad's training!"
My boots thumped against the stone as I dashed toward the far end of the garden where Dad always practices. Sunlight filters through the tall trees lining our yard, painting the grass with gold. I barely heard Eleanor's reply over the rush of the wind in my ears.
"Wait up, Lias!" she yelled, trailing behind me, her breath hitching as she picked up speed.
We skid to a stop near the edge of the garden, just in time to see Dad take his stance. His gauntlets gleamed faintly, already pulsing with the warm glow of mana. He closes his eyes, murmuring something under his breath, a chant, slow and calm, like the rumble before a quake.
The ground trembles with a low rumble. A moment later, three boulders the size of grown men erupt from the dirt and slam into a tree with a deafening thud. The branches shake violently, scattering a storm of leaves across the lawn.
I stopped dead in my tracks, jaw dropping. "That... was awesome!"
El claps politely beside me, but I'm already running forward, skidding to a stop where Dad had been standing.
"Let me try!" I shout, slamming my fists together like I've seen him do.
Grinning like a madman, I run forward and plant myself where Dad was standing. I slap my fists together and close my eyes hard, trying to copy everything I just saw. "Okay... earth... shake! Rise! Smash! Boom!"
I wait. Nothing happens.
I stomp. I grunt. I whisper random words that sound magical.
Still nothing.
"Rgh, come on!" I tried again. Still nothing.
Eleanor lets out a quiet giggle. "I think the only thing you moved was your pride."
I shot her a glare, but Dad walked over, a soft smile on his face. "Trying to move mountains already, huh?"
I huffed. "Why can't I do it yet?! I'm doing exactly what you did!"
He chuckled and knelt beside me. "Because you haven't awakened your mana core yet. No matter how hard you try, it's like asking a lamp to shine without a flame inside."
"But I want to be strong like you," I grumbled, glaring at the stubborn patch of dirt that refuses to budge.
Dad turned to face me, his gauntleted hand resting gently on my shoulder. He didn't laugh this time, didn't tease. Just watched me with that calm, steady look of his.
"I know you do, Lias," he affirmed quietly. "And you will be. But that strength you want right now, it's still sleeping." He poked the middle of my chest gently.
I frowned. "How long does that take?"
He tilted his head thoughtfully. "It's Different for Everyone." His hand came up to rest on his chin. "Your brother awoke when he was a little younger than you." He said as he rustled my hair.
Dad smiled, but there was something thoughtful behind it. "Art's been training since before he could even write his own name. But that doesn't mean you're behind. Everyone awakens at their own pace."
El looks toward the horizon, like she can almost see the faraway forests of Elenoir. "Do you think he's nice?" she questioned, turning towards me.
"El?" I asked, tilting my head to the side, the confusion evident on my face.
Overhearing my sister's question, Dad's face softened. "He's kind. And protective. A bit serious sometimes, but only because he takes things to heart. You'll like him and he'll love you both."
I shifted my feet, not sure what to say. I know about Arthur, I've heard the stories, but he's still just... someone far away, like those heroes in the other stories my mom tells us, like the one about the knight that saves the princess from a bunch of bad people in the forest.
"Do you think he'll want to train with us when he comes back?" I asked as I nervously looked up at my father.
"If I know Arthur," Dad says with a grin, "Then he'll want to see exactly how strong his little brother and sister have gotten in the time he's been away."
My chest lifts a little at that.
~~~
I should've run when I had the chance.
The second I heard Eleanor's footsteps pounding down the hall, I knew something terrible was coming. And sure enough, before I could escape through the kitchen door, she skidded around the corner and grabbed my wrist with a grip that could crush stone.
"Come on, Elias!" she whined, dragging me toward the garden. "You promised!"
"I said maybe," I protested, heels digging into the floor as I tried to slow her down. "Maybe is not a promise!"
"Too bad. It's today now." Her tone brooked no argument.
Before I could untangle myself, we were outside. The warm sun hit my face, but it did nothing to lift the dread creeping up my spine. Because there, in the shade of the big cherry tree, stood a table. A small one. Covered in lace. With dolls.
And worse, Lilia was there too. She turned when she saw us, beaming like she'd just won a bet.
"Oh, good! You're just in time," she said, hands behind her back, voice far too sweet.
I blinked. "Time for what?"
"Our peace summit," Eleanor said matter-of-factly.
"It's a tea party," Lilia added, like that explained anything.
They dragged me to the little table before I could run. I stared down at the cracked porcelain teacup in front of me and the army of dolls seated like silent witnesses to my doom, 'Oh, how much I wish that the earth would open up and swallow me whole.'
I sighed dramatically. "I'm going to die here."
"No, Sir Elias," Eleanor corrected, sitting down across from me in a too-serious voice. "You are here to represent the mountain realm. Princess Rosalie has invited you to negotiate the final terms of the magical fruit treaty."
I glanced at the doll beside her. Rosalie, apparently. Her head was tilted just slightly, one eye scratched, as if she didn't fully approve of my presence.
"Right. Of course. Wouldn't want to offend the princess," I muttered.
Lilia poured 'tea' for all of us with the kind of exaggerated grace I'd only seen nobles use at those big formal dinners the Helsteas would occasionally host. The stuff in the pot turned out to be strawberry juice. Not terrible.
"To the unicorn alliance," Eleanor said, raising her cup.
"To fruit trees and peace," Lilia added.
"To my slowly dying dignity," I said, lifting my cup. The girls giggled.
I'll admit, after a few minutes of pretending to sip and bowing awkwardly to dolls, something about the whole thing started to grow on me.
That is, until Lilia pulled out the crown.
It was crooked and covered in glistening purple glitter.
"Time for ogre diplomacy," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Before I could protest, Eleanor placed the thing right on my head.
"You're our champion now," she said solemnly.
I sighed again, but... I didn't take the crown off. No, I couldn't not with the smiles on their faces.
The crown sat heavy on my head. Not because it was made of anything valuable, it was glitter, paper, and way too much glue, but because of what it meant to my tormenters.
Lilia handed me a scroll, which was just a napkin with scribbles on it, declaring an 'eternal peace' between the Mountain and Flower Kingdoms. Eleanor, of course, was already off recruiting new doll ambassadors from under the tree roots.
In that moment, I began to hear the sound of crunching leaves and footsteps.
Please be servants. Please pass by. Please don't-
"Oh my God."
I froze in place as the high-pitched voice cut through the garden.
I raise my head from the 'treaty' I was in the middle of signing to see my mother cupping her hands to her face.
Standing right next to her, holding a basket of what looked like herbs and fresh linen, was Auntie Tabitha.
Both of them had stopped right at the edge of the garden path, eyes locked on me in my full tea-party glory: crooked glitter crown, juice cup in hand, surrounded by dolls and war treaties.
Auntie blinked once, slowly. My mum? Already trying not to laugh.
"I knew he'd keep his promise," Eleanor said, walking up to them proudly like she'd just summoned me from the heavens. "Elias is our mountain prince today."
"Champion," Lilia corrected in an all-too-serious tone, setting down the glitter wand like it was a sacred relic.
"Ah, pardon me," Eleanor said with a mock curtsy. "Sir Elias."
My mum stepped forward and crouched in front of me. Her brown eyes sparkled with something dangerous and amusing.
"Well," she started, brushing a bit of purple glitter off my cheek, "I thought you said you didn't do tea parties?"
"I don't!" I said quickly. "This was blackmail. I was tricked."
"He signed a royal pact!" Ellie chimed in. "He's honour-bound now!"
I groaned and sank lower in my chair, the crown flopping sideways.
Tabitha raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Lilia, darling, are those my good lace napkins?"
Lilia froze, halfway through refilling a cup with strawberry juice. "They're part of the Treaty of Glimmering Unity. I needed official stationery."
My mum looked back at me, her expression softening as she reached out and straightened my paper crown.
~~~
I hadn't meant to end up this far from the house. One second, I was throwing pebbles into the creek behind the Helstea's orchard, the next, I was wandering under the dappled shade of the pines, following nothing but the hum of cicadas and the soft rustle of the wind. My boots were dusty, my sleeves rolled up, and my fingers stained red from a few stolen berries I definitely wasn't supposed to eat.
It was peaceful.
But that peace was shattered the moment I spotted three figures moving along the estate's perimeter trail. Their armour caught the sunlight as they made their way through the break in the trees. One of them stood straighter than the others, not wearing armour but a dark shirt with a black armband bearing the Helstea's crest, his stride steady, practised.
"Dad?" I called, already breaking into a sprint.
The guards stopped. One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a dark beard, shaded his eyes against the light. My father turned fully, squinting slightly. When he saw me, a grin pulled at his mouth.
"Afternoon, Elias," Dad said, hooking his thumbs through his belt.
I skidded to a halt in front of them, panting, grinning like an idiot. "You're on patrol?"
"That's right," he said, nodding. "Keeping watch with Morris and Ellis."
Morris grunted. "Is this your kid?"
"One of them," Dad replied, grinning as he rustled my hair slightly.
I straightened my shoulders, trying to stand a little taller under their gaze. "Can I come with you? Just for a bit?"
Dad looked to the others. Morris raised an eyebrow but didn't say no. Ellis just shrugged, chewing on a stalk of grass.
"Stick close," Dad finally said. "And don't wander."
I nodded fast and fell into step beside him.
We walked along the orchard fence, following a narrow dirt path that wound through low brush and tall grass. The trees thinned out near the edge, giving us a clearer view of the hills beyond. My father moved with quiet confidence, hands resting on his hips.
"So what are you actually looking for?" I asked after a minute.
"Anything unusual?" he said. "Tracks, damage, people who shouldn't be here."
"Like monsters?" I asked with stars in my eyes
"Not in Xyrus." He replied with a slight laugh before adding, "But bandits have tried their luck before."
That made my eyes go wide. "Did you fight them?"
"Sometimes," Dad stated simply. "Most run when they realise they've been spotted."
We were just rounding the bend when the pounding of hurried footsteps broke through the cicadas' hum. A younger guard sprinted towards us from the direction of the main estate, dust flying from his boots. His helmet tucked under one arm, his expression tight with urgency.
"Captain Reynolds, Sir!" he called out, breathless.
Dad turned sharply, and I froze beside him as Morris and Ellis tensed.
"What is it?" Dad demanded, voice clipped.
The guard didn't slow all the way just enough to suck in a breath and say, "There's a boy at the front gate, sir. He says his name is Arthur Leywin?"
Everything stopped.
For a heartbeat, nobody said anything. The birds, the wind, everything seemed to fall away.
Dad stared at the guard, his brow furrowing like he couldn't quite believe what he'd just heard. "Arthur?"
The name left his mouth quietly, as if speaking it out loud might break the illusion.
"He claims he's your son, Sir", the guard added quickly
My mouth opened slightly, confusion knotting in my gut before I came to a realisation.
Wait, isn't that-
Before I could say a word, Dad's arms were suddenly around me. He scooped me up with ease, lifting me like I weighed nothing, and turned back the way the young guard came with long, purposeful strides.
"Dad?" I asked, clutching at his shoulder. "Isn't that Big Brother's name?"
He holds me tighter as tears well up in his eyes.
WC – 3432
Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it. 😊
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
This is my first time writing a character who is a child, so any advice is appreciated in how to do so is appreciated.
Special Thanks to LancelotDragonroad for editing this Chapter.
The next chapter is out at 10 Likes or Wednesday.
Rius out.