Ronan stared down at Liora with eyes filled with tears. The moment they arrived back at the Mo Kingdom, Liora had innocently asked for something to eat, her voice small and frail. Ronan had served her as quickly as he could, watching his wife eat with ravenous haste.
Ronan couldn't bear the overwhelming grief and relief surging through his heart. Unable to hold it in any longer, he turned and hurriedly walked out of the inner chamber to hide his tears.
Outside in the quiet stone corridor, Ronan leaned his back against a massive pillar, his shoulders trembling. He bumped right into Sophia.
"S-She has suffered so much... she has suffered so much, Sophie" Ronan choked out, his voice breaking entirely.
Sophia stepped forward without a word, pulling Ronan into a firm, supportive hug.
"Let it out, Ron." Sophia said softly, patting Ronan's back. "You both suffered through an impossible nightmare. But it's over now. You stay right by Liora's side until the baby is born. We will manage the kingdom and protect the world for you."
"Thank you, Sophie." Ronan murmured. He pulled back, wiping the tears from his cheeks with the back of his hand and offering a grateful smile. "I'm going to see my big prince now. I want to get to know him properly."
Sophia smiled warmly and nodded, stepping aside.
Ronan walked down the grand hallway, making his way to the quarters assigned to little Benny.
The moment Ronan stepped through the doorway, the boy's eyes lit up. "Daddy!" Benny squeaked, running forward and wrapping his tiny arms around Ronan's leg.
Ronan's heart melted. He picked Benny up, pressing a tender kiss to his cheek, and carried him out into the quiet palace garden.
They sat together on the soft grass under the shade of a wide tree. Benny immediately snuggled his face into the crook of Ronan's neck. But after a few moments of quiet, Ronan felt a warm wetness sinking into his collar.
"B-Baby?" Ronan asked gently, pulling Benny back to look at him.
The little boy was sniffling, tears streaming down his small cheeks.
Ronan's own eyes welled with tears at the sight. "Oh... why is my brave little prince crying, hmm?"
Benny looked down, fidgeting with his small hands. "D-Did I make you mad... when I called you and Mommy 'Daddy' and 'Mommy'?"
Ronan frowned in tender confusion. "What do you mean, sweet boy?"
"I-I know I'm not really your child... and Mommy isn't my real mommy." Benny sobbed softly.
Ronan pulled the child into a fierce, protective hug, cradling the back of his head. "Who told you that, huh? Who dared to tell you that I'm not your dad, or that Liora isn't your mom? You are our baby."
Ronan pulled back slightly, wiping Benny's tears with his thumbs. "If you don't call us Dad and Mom, who else would you call that, my darling, hmm?" He pressed a soft kiss to Benny's cheek. "You are our son."
Benny looked up with big, tear-filled eyes. "So... Dad, you're not mad at me for calling you that?"
Ronan smiled through his tears, shaking his head. "Not at all. You are my brave little boy. You took such good care of your mommy when I wasn't there, didn't you?"
Benny wiped his nose with his sleeve and nodded happily.
"I owe you everything, baby." Ronan whispered softly, caressing Benny's cheeks. "Mommy made it through because you were by her side."
As they sat in the garden, Benny chattered happily, sharing stories about how he helped Liora in the cell, bringing her food and patting her belly. Ronan listened intently, fighting back his tears so he wouldn't cry in front of the child.
Looking at the boy, Ronan felt a quiet resolve settle within his heart. The dark days were behind them. He was going to build a beautiful, peaceful future for his angel, for Benny, and for the newborn prince coming into the world.
"Come on, sweet boy." Ronan said, taking Benny's small hand in his. "Let's go check on Mommy."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night fell over the Mo Kingdom. Ronan had stayed by Liora's side all afternoon. Ever since returning to the sanctuary of the palace, Liora spent most of her time sleeping right after eating. The sheer exhaustion of the past several months had finally caught up to her fragile frame.
Ronan sat by the edge of the large bed, gently stroking Liora's dark hair as she slept heavily.
Looking at his wife's peaceful face, Ronan felt a reverence that went even deeper than love. Liora had suffered so much simply because their destinies were intertwined. She was born an orphan, endured weakness and ridicule, and bore the weight of a world she wasn't even originally from, all for the sake of their bond. And now, she carried Ronan's child in her womb after enduring months of torture.
Ronan wiped away a stray tear that escaped down his cheek, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Liora's forehead.
He then lowered his head, pressing a gentle kiss against the high curve of Liora's swollen stomach. Ronan smiled softly when he felt the baby resting quietly inside, letting his mother get the deep sleep she desperately needed.
Quietly, Ronan slipped out of the room, letting Liora rest peacefully.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
By ten o'clock that night, after spending more time putting Benny to bed, Ronan returned to check on Liora.
Stepping into the warm bedchamber, he saw Liora sitting up on the edge of the mattress, her back turned as she tried to tie the belt of her silk bathrobe.
"Did you wash up, love?" Ronan asked softly.
"Yes, Rony." Liora replied quietly, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled with the sash.
Ronan walked over, climbing onto the bed behind her. He wrapped his long arms around Liora's waist, pulling her back so Liora's back rested comfortably against his chest.
Gently moving Liora's hands away, Ronan unfastened the belt of the robe himself. He parted the fabric, letting it slide down off Liora's shoulders to expose her chest and arms. Liora closed her eyes with a quiet sigh, letting her head rest in the nook between Ronan's neck and shoulder.
Ronan reached down, resting both of his broad palms over the high curve of Liora's bump.
"He's grown so much." Ronan whispered, caressing the stretched skin with infinite tenderness.
A soft, beautiful smile spread across Liora's face. "Hmm... it's been months..."
"Eight months and three weeks." Ronan finished smoothly.
Liora let out a faint laugh, though her smile slowly faded into a quiet, hesitant look. "He missed you so much, Rony... I-I should have been more careful. I shouldn't have let myself get captured. If only I-"
"Shh... relax, my love." Ronan interrupted gently, pressing a soft kiss to Liora's cheek. "Don't dwell on the past anymore, okay? We are here together now. No one will ever tear us apart again."
For a long while, the two sat in quiet comfort, feeling the subtle, rhythmic movements of the baby beneath Ronan's hands.
Liora looked down at herself, biting her lip. "Rony... have I become ugly?"
Ronan let out a soft, husky laugh. "Ugly? You are more breathtaking than ever. And if you weren't carrying our child right now, you wouldn't be sitting here talking... you'd be pinned under me." He leaned in, playfully nipping at Liora's earlobe.
Liora flushed red, a small laugh escaping her lips. She turned her head to look directly into Ronan's eyes.
"Then... make love to me, Rony."
Ronan swallowed hard, his breath hitching. "L-Love... that's risky. You're so close to your deliv-"
"Be gentle, Rony. That's all I need." Liora pleaded softly, her dark eyes brimming with sudden tears. "I trust you completely. I know you won't hurt me or the baby. Please, Rony... I've missed your touch so much."
Ronan reached up, tenderly wiping the tears from Liora's cheeks. "Don't cry, baby. I'll give you whatever your heart desires." He leaned in and pressed a warm, lingering kiss onto Liora's forehead.
Carefully, Ronan helped Liora shift back into the center of the bed. Mindful of the heavy bump, Ronan leaned over her on one elbow, keeping all his weight off Liora's body. He cupped Liora's cheek with his thumb, smiling down at her.
"I love you so much, angel." Ronan whispered.
He leaned down, capturing Liora's lips in a slow, deep, passionate kiss.
There was no harshness in Ronan's touch tonight. Usually fiery and intense, Ronan handled Liora as if he were made of fragile glass. He trailed slow, feather-light kisses down Liora's jawline, over her throat, and across her collarbones, soothing every inch of her skin.
Ronan carefully slid the silk robe completely off Liora's body. He guided Liora onto his side, placing a soft pillow beneath her knees and keeping one hand anchored underneath Liora's stomach for support.
He pressed a soft kiss to the back of Liora's neck. Liora closed her eyes, melting into the soothing warmth of Ronan's touch.
A soft gasp escaped Liora's lips as she felt Ronan's long, slicked finger carefully prep her entrance. A tiny ache bloomed, but Liora ignored it, opening herself up completely.
"Are you okay, baby?" Ronan whispered against her shoulder.
Liora shook her head with a breathless smile. "I'm okay, Rony..."
Soft, needy moans began to slip from Liora's lips as Ronan prepared her with absolute patience. Hearing those sweet sounds nearly pushed Ronan over the edge, but he remained focused, refusing to let his own desire bring even a flicker of discomfort to his wife.
"R-Rony... I'm ready. Please..." Liora whimpered softly.
Ronan pressed a gentle kiss to Liora's cheek before shedding his own garments. Feeling Ronan's bare chest pressed against her back brought an overwhelming sense of relief to Liora's soul. She desperately wished she could turn around and bury her face in Ronan's chest, but her large bump made it impossible.
Ronan rested his hand over Liora's lower belly, slowly and carefully entering her.
That night, Ronan gave Liora everything she had longed for. Never in their union had Ronan been so sweet, so careful, and so incredibly gentle. Through every slow movement, Liora felt the boundless depth of Ronan's love washing over her, wiping away the dark lingering shadows of their separation.
They held each other tightly into the late hours, drowning in the warmth they had missed for so long, building new, beautiful memories over the old wounds.
One month later
"AAAAAAAH!! A-AHHH!!"
Liora's painful screams echoed down the stone corridors of the main palace.
"You're doing great, Liora! Keep pushing!" Lily called out anxiously, positioned at the foot of the bed.
A full month of rich meals, peaceful rest, and Ronan's constant care had restored Liora to health, bringing the color back to her cheeks. But her bump had grown so exceptionally large that Ronan had spent the last week terrified even to touch it, convinced it might pop at any moment.
However, when labor suddenly started early that morning, Ronan had briefly stepped out to check on the kingdom's guards, and now he was barred from re-entering his own quarters.
"Your Majesty, you cannot go in there!" a young maid declared, spreading her arms wide to block the heavy doors.
"What?! Why on earth not?!" Ronan demanded, frantic.
"Doctor Lily gave strict orders!"
"Who is she to give orders in my palace?! I am the Emperor of this kingdom!"
"Empress also ordered it, Your Majesty!" the maid added helplessly.
Ronan blinked, terrified. "W-Why?! What did she say?!"
"S-She said that if you come inside, Doctor Lily won't be able to manage two patients at once!"
Ronan let out an exasperated sigh, though a sudden, mischievous smirk flashed across his face.
"Hey, what is that over there?" Ronan pointed down the hall.
The maid turned around quickly. "Where? What is it, Your Majesty-"
She turned back, but Ronan was already gone.
"YOUR MAJESTY!!" she yelled in frustration.
Using his spatial teleportation, Ronan materialized directly inside Liora's delivery room.
"Oh, brilliant. Here comes my blood pressure." Lily muttered, looking up from the bed as Ronan appeared.
Ronan's eyes widened in horror as he saw Liora pale, drenched in sweat, and screaming in agony.
"L-Liora?!"
"R-Rony... please don't make a scene." Liora gasped out between sharp breaths. "This pain... it's normal! AAAAAAH!"
"Make it stop! Use magic! Do something!" Ronan shouted at Lily.
"I am a doctor, Ron, not a wizard! As she just told you, labor pain is normal!"
"How can this be normal?! She's screaming!"
"Then you should have thought about that nine months ago, you idiot! Now shut up and let me deliver this baby!" Lily yelled back, causing Ronan to flinch.
Panicking violently, Ronan's internal magic suddenly surged out of his control.
"Oh no, no, no," Liora groaned in realization.
Instantly, the ambient magic flowing from Ronan washed over the room, and Liora's intense labor pains vanished completely.
"Rony, stop! No! I need to feel the contractions, please!" Liora begged.
Ronan looked at her with tear-filled eyes. "But love... I can't bear to see you in pain!"
"Please, Rony. Let me bear this pain for our prince." Liora pleaded softly.
Ronan squeezed his eyes shut, swallowing hard, and nodded. He reined his aura back inside his body.
The moment the magical numbness vanished, a massive wave of pain hit Liora's abdomen, causing her to let out a guttural groan.
Ronan scrambled forward, grabbing Liora's hand and gripping it tightly. Tears spilled down Ronan's face as he watched Liora strain, drenched in sweat. Unable to watch the physical toll any longer, Ronan buried his face into the side of Liora's neck, sobbing quietly.
Half an hour later, after one final, violent scream, the sound of tearing air gave way to a sudden, sharp cry.
Liora sagged back onto the pillows, gasping for air, unsure if the agony in her fingers was from the birth or from Ronan crushing her hand in a grip of sheer panic.
As the baby's sharp cries echoed through the chamber, Ronan kept his face buried in Liora's neck, crying uncontrollably while squeezing Liora's hand even tighter.
"R-Rony... get up." Liora whispered weakly, exhausted. "Don't you want to see our baby?"
Ronan slowly lifted his head, wiping his eyes as he looked over at Lily, who was holding a crying bundle wrapped in white linen.
Lily was staring down at the newborn with wide, utterly stunned eyes.
"Well... this is a massive surprise for both of you." Lily said, looking between Ronan and Liora. "It's a girl."
Ronan and Liora both froze, staring at Lily in absolute shock.
"WHAT?!" they yelled in unison.
"A-A girl?!" Ronan squeaked out.
"Oh dear, here it comes." Lily muttered.
The very next second, Ronan's eyes rolled back, and he passed out cold, crashing hard onto the floor.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Ronan finally drifted back to consciousness, he was lying on the side of Liora's bed.
The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself staring directly into a pair of wide, dark eyes looking back at him.
Resting in the center of the bed was a tiny baby girl wrapped in a soft white blanket, curiously looking around the room. Liora was sound asleep beside her, completely drained of energy. The room was quiet.
Ronan bolted upright as if hit by lightning, scrambling off the bed in wide-eyed panic.
Tears of immense joy filled his eyes as he stared down at his daughter. But a wave of sudden guilt washed over him. For months, while she was still in the womb, he had repeatedly called her his 'Prince' and his 'Little Champ'. Ronan felt a sudden wave of embarrassment, worried his daughter was already holding a grudge against him.
As if sensing her father's panic, the baby suddenly scrunched up her tiny face and let out a loud, piercing cry.
"Oh no, oh no! What do I do?!" Ronan panicked, wringing his hands. "O-Oh, baby, please don't cry! Daddy was wrong! Forgive me, sweetie... you are my little prince... ess! Princess!" He emphasized the end of the word frantically, convinced she was crying because he had misgendered her.
The newborn, completely oblivious to his logic, simply cried louder, wanting to be held.
The noise woke Liora, who opened her eyes groggily. "Shh... sweet baby, don't cry..." Liora murmured, reaching out to pat her belly, but the baby kept crying.
Liora looked over at Ronan. "Rony, pick her up. She wants her dad."
Ronan stepped back, waving his hands frantically. "A-Ah! I can't! She's so tiny! My hands will crush her!"
Liora rolled her eyes fondly. "Don't be silly, Rony. Pick her up, she's your daughter. She's not a bug to be crushed."
Ronan let out a tearful laugh. "Come here, sweet girl. Did Mommy just compare you to a bug? Hold on... let Daddy hold you."
Ronan carefully slipped his large hands beneath the baby, lifting her gently against his chest.
Liora smiled, rolling her eyes again. "I didn't call her a bug, Rony."
The moment Ronan brought the baby against his warm chest, her crying stopped completely. She blinked up at Ronan's tear-stained face with quiet curiosity.
Ronan sat down on the edge of the bed next to Liora, cradling the tiny bundle securely in his arm.
"I'm so happy, love." Ronan choked out, tears streaming down his face. "She is so beautiful... Thank you for this priceless gift." He reached out, tenderly stroking Liora's hair.
Liora looked at her husband and daughter, tears of quiet happiness welling in her own eyes.
"I was so sure she was going to be a boy." Ronan chuckled softly. "But I'm even happier that she's a girl."
"Me too." Liora agreed, stroking the soft fuzz on the baby's head. "She was so strong and active in my belly that I just assumed she was a boy. It was a complete surprise."
"She is strong and brave." Ronan said softly, gazing at Liora. "Just like her mommy."
Liora smiled warmly. Since Liora had named Benny, she decided to let Ronan name their daughter.
Ronan looked down at the tiny girl in his arms. "Her name will be Andrea." he announced softly. "Meaning 'strong girl'."
"Mommy!"
The door burst open, and little Benny came running into the room. But he skidded to a halt near the bed, his wide eyes landing on the tiny, cotton-ball-like bundle in Ronan's arms.
"Come here, Ben." Liora called gently.
Benny hurried over, scrambling onto the bed to hug Liora, though his eyes never left the baby in Ronan's arms.
"Mom?" Benny asked quietly. "Is that my little brother?"
Ronan and Liora both chuckled.
"Not a little brother, sweetie, a little sister." Liora corrected warmly. "Her name is Andrea."
Benny's eyes lit up, and he began bouncing on the mattress happily. "Andy! Andy! Benny's Andy!" he cheered softly, leaning over to press a super gentle kiss onto the baby's cheek.
Ronan and Liora looked at each other, their eyes brimming with happy tears. Their family was finally complete.
Ronan leaned over, pressing a tender kiss to Benny's forehead, then to baby Andrea's head, and finally to Liora's lips.
"My angel Liora Brown, my prince Benny Brown, and my little princess Andrea Brown... I will love the three of you for eternity." Ronan whispered.
Liora leaned her head comfortably against Ronan's chest, looking at their two children, her entire world.
"We love you too, Ronan Brown."
THE END