The Royal Bedchambers · Midnight

The palace was quiet.

Outside, rain whispered against the windowpanes. Inside, a dozen candles danced with gentle flame, casting gold shadows on the silk-draped walls and your curved belly beneath a fine, gauzy nightgown.

You sat up in bed, propped against velvet pillows, a hand resting protectively over your stomach. The baby had been fluttering all night—little kicks and rolls, as if sensing the moment drawing near.

You couldn't sleep.

Not with the weight of the unknown ahead. Not with the way your heart ached—overwhelmed with love, wonder, fear. Your eyes flickered to the chair beside you.

Oscar was there.

Sword sheathed beside her, boots left at the foot of the bed, golden hair tied loosely behind her. She was reading aloud—voice hushed and low—from the worn pages of the novel you’d always adored. She'd memorized parts of it by now. Every word passed her lips with reverence, like prayer.

She paused, glancing at you.

"You're not comfortable."

You shook your head slowly. “I just… I don’t want to be alone when it starts.”

Her chair creaked softly as she moved closer, then sat on the edge of the bed. Without saying a word, she leaned down and pressed her lips to the curve of your belly, her hand resting just below yours.

“I’m not scared,” she whispered, voice steady. “I’ll catch you both when the time comes.”

You melted under her touch, the way her fingers skimmed your belly, her lips lingering. Then she kissed your lips—soft, deep, slow. The kind of kiss that told you she’d fight the gods themselves to keep you safe.

“I’ve fought wars, crossed snowed-in passes, faced generals three times my size,” she said, pulling back only slightly, just to look at you. “But this… us… you carrying our child… this is the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”

You swallowed, tears pricking, not from sadness, but from the weight of her love.

She curled into bed beside you, careful as ever, pulling you into her arms. Her hand slipped around your belly and stayed there, cradling you both.

The candlelight softened.

Outside, the rain fell like a lullaby.

And inside that warm cocoon of flame, silk, and whispered promises—Oscar held you close, breathing against your shoulder like she could anchor you to the earth with love alone.

You weren’t scared anymore either.