A sword plunged and came within a inch from my ear, I dodged and parsed the blow with the candlestick. A silhouette wanted to rush behind my back but it was pushed back to the other side of the room by Auteur, rising like a shadow and moving at a mind-blowing speed. I kicked the crotch of my opponent who whistled in pain and collapsed to the ground. I turn pale when I suddenly see a blood-chilling scene between two people throwing themselves at each other. I rushed into the pile, pushing those in front of me to rush towards a Solène who had been gripped by his pali on his neck. The poor blond tried in vain to defend himself, scratching his pali, his legs swinging, his face becoming increasingly red, appearing to struggle to catch a few puffs of air.

I couldn't hear the conversation between the two, or rather Polters' monolog, for lack of being the opposite. Two assassins blocked my way, preventing me from going any further.

"Solène!" I cried out in desperation, speaking of the blow of one of the two men in front of me.

I saw him struggle less and less. Convinced that I would witness his death, I began to look away, feeling guilty that I could not save him.

Suddenly, I felt a silver flash sneak between the people, my eyes followed him, seeing him suddenly slit the arm that was holding the concubine. A scream was heard, Polters screamed in pain, his arm falling softly into a pool of blood and Solène sagging to the ground. The pali looked angrily at the one who had done it. Alfen had positioned himself in front of the concubine, protecting him from his damaged and bloody body, wounds that could be seen through his stained clothes.

I straddled bodies scattered on the ground, made up of wretched maids and Polters' henchmen, in order to quickly join the blond and the Prime Minister.

There seemed to be calm in the room. We were just a small group surrounding a trembling, livid Solene, spitting to get sips of air. I glanced at the Empress, having shifted to Alfen's right, Annya had rushed behind Sadé and Auteur was in the middle of the play, seeming to draw a kind of boundary between our group and Polters'. He finally tore off part of his cloak to surround his stump which served him vaguely as an arm, throwing flashes through his eyes to the one who had sliced him.

"Lord Polters, you have lost. Reinforcements will be there any minute because of my signal. Then stop this massacre," the minister concluded with a sadness while looking at the corpses of the maid who littered the ground.

The pali of the blond spit vehemently and angrily:

"Die instead! Even if it means losing, at least I'll take you with me to my grave!"

This exclamation doesn't tell me anything worth...I saw him extend his right hand and one of his henchmen lay some sort of stick in his hand.

"Do you know about fireworks? What do you think if the library was full of them?" he asked slyly, with a terrifying smile on his face.

Wait? Was he gonna blow us up with him? He was completely crazy!!

"Never!!", screamed a Solène in response, standing on shaky legs.

His speech surprised a part of the group. This surprise turned into amazement when the blond threw himself at a book and pulled it towards him.

"If things really get out of hand, there's a secret passage behind the library. We need to push the red book of empire. Don't pull it or a trap will activate," a flashback from Alfen reminded me.

Auteur rushed towards us in a few strides, grabbed my hand, dropping my weapon on the ground, and those of others, only a few seconds before the entire floor of the library opened, completely engulfing everything on it, except the wardrobes glued to the walls. Bodies fell into a void along with tables and books, while Polters and his soldiers fell without warning, their screams echoing. As for us, Auteur was on top of a shelf, on her knees, and she held my hand, the other grasping Sadé's, this one holding Annya under his arm. For my part, I had caught Solène's hand at the last moment and he was grabbing Alfen's hand. I could see Auteur blushing as the superhuman effort it was demanded, forced to bear the weight of five adults. I heard her grumble and grind her teeth.

"You're a bunch of heavy fools! (╯°□°)╯( ┻━┻)"

I smiled at her line.

"How much longer will I have to hold on?"

Her groans reached Alfen's ears, and Alfen answered her honestly:

"Well... As long as no one deactivates the trap remotely... Long time..."

"Misery... (; Д; )"

"However, the minister began, it should not be long before-"

Noises of precipitous steps were heard, interrupting Alfen in his tirade, and known heads appeared in the frame of the door.

"Soliès!"

"Solène!"

"Annya!"

"Don't move forward!! shouted Sadé, stopping the three men in their tracks, the trap was activated, it must be deactivated, you idiots!"

Zal was the first to react and rushed into the corridor. Tolis turned to the soldiers, who had arrived in the meantime, and ordered them something, which they turned around. It finally took only a few long minutes, of suffering especially for the one who was still holding us, before the ground closed, the floor getting back in its place. Auteur suddenly dropped us and we all fell on our backs. Orias rushed toward me and took me in his arms.

"Sorry Soliès, I'm sorry..." he whispered to me as he plunged his face into my neck.

I chuckled softly, knowing perfectly well that he had nothing to do with it. I saw the general doing the same, his brother in his arms, Tolis swearing at the sight of the red mark surrounding Solène's neck.

"If I had been told that Polters would die falling into a ditch, I would never have believed it."

I turned my head to Auteur, moving by my side and massaging her shoulders.The first prince came running and took Annya in his arms, reassuring the grieving young woman.

"So what about me? Sadé grunted as he stood up and put his fists on his hips, So do my own sons not care about their manio?"

Orias loosely raised his face before sighing reassuringly. He stood up, lifting me in his arms at the same time, blushing for me of the sudden action, and nodded.

"I am reassured to see you safe and sound, my dear ma, the second prince sincerely smiles.

- Likewise," replied the first.

Sadé shook his head and then rolled his eyes.

"I didn't expect anything and I'm still disappointed in your manners," the Empress quips.

The two princes laughed in chorus.

"No one is hurt? Tolis suddenly asked, turning to us.

- Only minor injuries, Sadé replied.

- In this case, come, we will treat you"

Tolis was about to take his brother in his arms to carry him when he was brought forward by Alfen, who lifted the blond and took him out of the room under the stunned gaze of the general and those amused by others.

He frowned before following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister. As for me, I finally put my head on my husband's shoulder, reassured by his presence and warmth, then fell asleep, exhausted by the latest events. 

_______________________________ 

A few months later (eight, to be precise)

"Ouch! Ouch! But why are you hitting me?? ( ; Д ; )"

I was rolling my eyes, insurgent by her absolute bad faith.

"Are you kidding me? You're killing yourself when you called me a whale! It's normal for me to hit you! Shameless!" I growled back.

"But, uh, it's not my fault that you look like a pachyderm because of your pregnancy! Let's hope you don't get a cramp ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)"

"Urgh! Don't talk to me about misfortunes. One day, everything will come back to your face!" I mocked.

"But! Just because pregnancy makes you moody doesn't mean you should report it to me!! Especially since you've been invited to a wedding! (╯°□°)╯( ┻━┻)"

"Precisely, I put my bad humor on you to be in good humor afterwards!" I explained vehemently.

"Are you kidding me? I'm not your punching bag!! (╬ಠ益ಠ)"

Orias suddenly entered the room while we were spitting our venom on each other. We stopped at his sight, Auteur finally shut up and puffed up her cheeks, a sign that she was sulking. 

"Soliès, my love, calm down, whispered softly to me my husband as he came to stroke my hair, it is not good for the baby.

- I'm not in sugar! I'm not going to collapse. Moreover, I can stand alone, without help," I backed up my remarks with action by rising, with difficulty, from my chair.

Orias laughed when he finally saw me struggling to hold my balance and he wrapped his right arm around my hips, his left hand cuddling my round belly, which far exceeds the normal size.

"Are you sure you want to attend the wedding? You are still almost at the end of your eighth month, the delivery can occur at any time, Orias told me with concern.

- Yes, it's out of the question that I miss it! I've been waiting months for these two scumbags to get together, so I'll go! I'll even drag my dead body there if I have to!

- Okay, okay, slow down. Just promise me to be calm, I don't want to risk your health or the baby's," he replied, kissing me gently in my neck.

I nodded, in accordance with the words of the second prince. He smiled and helped me get to the carriage, followed by a still-sulking Auteur.

Inside, I slumped in my husband's arms, my head resting in his neck. This one sang softly, one arm surrounding my waist, the other being busy cajoling my belly, drawing circles, even touching softly, delighted to be able to feel some movements below, laughing delicately at times, and for my part pushing sighs of satisfaction in the face of the tenderness that Orias exuded.

I'd be lying if I said my pregnancy had been unhappy. Apart from nausea and mood swings (not to mention weird cravings and general exhaustion), I had been pampered and spoiled by my husband for the past eight months.

"Oh by the Saints, why did I come up? (￣Д￣)"

I ignored the complaints muttered by Auteur and pushed myself into my husband's embrace, purring almost happily in the face of the sweetness in which I was enveloped.

This moment seemed so short to me when Orias whispered tenderly to me to stand up, helping me as usual. I had to leave my cocoon of heat and face the cold from the outside. The leaves had given way to snow, scattering the trees, giving the impression of a white carpet spread out as far as the eyes could see. A warm, cozy coat was placed on my shoulders, and the freezing cold was felt only on the cheeks and face.

We followed the servants, heading to the banquet place. This time, I attended the wedding from the outside, giving me another point of view. I knew the bride and groom wouldn't be here yet, arriving only at the last moment.

"Soliès!!!" a famous voice screamed at me.

I turned toward it and saw Méaline running toward me at full speed, followed closely by Mariana. She stopped next to me before stammering at the sight of Orias, always holding me by the waist.

"My, uh, greetings, your Highness, uh, the second prince!

- Glad to see you again your Highness, caught up big sister by bowing slightly.

- Nice to see you again, my sisters-in-law," chuckled the second prince.

Both blushed, embarrassed by the presence of my husband.

"Mariana, Méaline, can we talk later?" I said, smiling.

They nodded and then greeted us one last time before running off like startled rabbits.

"You scare them, I laughed quietly

- I don't remember having threatened them though," Orias thought before laughing back and kissing me on the forehead.

And with these words, he pulled me towards him and dragged me into the palace, into the immense banquet hall. I sat with difficulty, having difficulty placing my belly against the table, under the hilarious gaze of my companion. I specifically restrained myself from hitting him.

In the distance, I saw Auteur, leaning against a pillar, chatting with Fury.

Who would have thought he was the one who sent the signal and not Alfen? As a result, he had intervened at least a minimum.

A few words of their exchange reached my ears (unless Fury did it on purpose?)

"I'm not betting on anything. I would lose if I did it against you (￢ε￢　)"

"You're exaggerating! I just wanted to invite readers to bet on the new couple before they continue reading," the blond chuckled happily.

"Peuh! As if! (￣_￣)"

"Go, readers! Make your games and your bets on the couple who will get married. Please don't look down before saying it in the comments," jubilated the god by throwing his hair back, a playful look on his face.

I rolled up my eyes, not surprised to see them break the fourth wall.

The music that started interrupted any conversation in the room and the eyes turned to the entrance. A man stepped on the red carpet, towards the altar at the back of the room, his red dresses surrounding him and giving him a noble aura. His long silver hair had been straightened into a bun, crossed by a golden pin.

The Prime Minister was getting married, and not with just anyone. This one waited a few minutes before the doors opened again on the other person, also draped in red, a veil of the same color on his head, his blond hair braided so as not to hinder the walk. Tolis was the one who guided him to the altar, preventing him from stumbling to the ground.

The tradition was indeed that the relative, sharing the same blood, should guide the groom to the husband or wife at the altar. As for me, having been adopted, I had not been able to be guided by my adoptive family.

I watched the ceremony carefully, remembering how the Prime Minister knelt down so that Orias divorced his concubine. My husband, on the contrary, was happy to leave the blond to someone else. Solène and Alfen found each other, the blond gently accepting the advances of the other man. However, the "big protective brother" factor had been slightly overlooked, leading to complications. A silent war had then started between Tolis and Alfen to determine who would win the "heart" of Solene. That is to say, to be more exact, a Tolis who refused to let go again his beloved little brother in the arms of a man. The funniest part of the story was that it was the former concubine who decided and he decided to go the way he wanted, a marriage with the Prime Minister. The general had finally bowed to his younger brother, eager to respect his will.

Solène had come to see me on several occasions, both to express his fears and doubts and to ask me for advice. It would certainly take a long time before they could have relationships, because of the blond's trauma, but even longer before they would consider a child. However, Alfen was patient, he would wait and take care of his fiancé. I knew that.

I looked up at Solene, when the veil was removed, and was struck by the beauty of his face, underlined by the makeup and the dress.

Why was the world so unfair? He looked like a god who had come down to earth!

"It's unfair, I sniffed in disgust

- How?, Orias asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at me.

- Why does nature give such beautiful attributes to some and not to others?, I complained, they look like a perfect couple of gods.

- Oh?, my companion asked before smiling mockingly, would you be jealous my heart?

- No," I grumbled, scowling at the unconvinced gaze of the second prince.

A breath brushed my face and I backed down as a voice rose:

"I can feel the stench of jealousy miles away"

Fury looked at me with a smirk, complicit in the same smile as my husband. I was blowing silently with rage.

"Leave me alone and go back to your business," I mumbled.

The two chuckled like turkeys at my broken face.

The wedding took place quietly, in a festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, I couldn't dance because of my condition, however, Orias didn't leave me and stayed with me.

Even though I was a little jealous of my friend's beauty, I sincerely wished him all the happiness of the world after all the misfortunes he had experienced. I was really hoping that he could taste the joy and that he could live without fear the next day.

I yawned and put my head on the shoulder of my companion, falling asleep on the spot. When I woke up, we were in the carriage, heading toward the house.

"Hmm? Is the party already over?, I asked when a yawn took possession of me.

- Hmm, not really, but you look exhausted. So, I thought it would be more appropriate for you to rest at home, in a bed, the second prince smiled softly at me.

- It is a wise decision," I said as I huddled against my husband.

We stayed huddled together in this way, only our synchronized breaths and the gentle swinging of the vehicle dictated the ambient silence. I mean, it was until I felt pain in my lower abdomen. It grew and I began to feel the first contractions. My instincts and my body were shouting very clearly to me, the baby was coming.

"O- Orias, I stuttered, the baby, the baby is coming"

My husband looked at me with big eyes before pulling himself together and asking me for confirmation:

"Are you sure he's coming?

- No?? I'm suffering martyrdom, losing my water and you think it's a cold???", I spat on him as I felt a liquid running between my legs.

My companion pinched his lip and nodded. My vision darkened and became slightly blurred.

I heard nothing of what Orias ordered the ticker, only his words of encouragement such as "Hold on" or "We are coming" or "Breathe".

As if that's not what I'm doing, asshole!!

After long minutes of suffering to hold back some of my contractions, I suddenly felt a soft cloth under my back, surprised to see me in our room.

"Hold on Soliès, I called the doctor, he should arrive soon and-," the prince began as he held my hand.

He did not have time to finish his sentence as the doors opened wide, revealing a breathless Auteur carrying on her back an old man in a white and orange dress.

"I felt that the baby was coming ﾍ(;'o')ﾍ"

And the old man slipped off her back to move toward me, leaving a breathless Auteur at the end of her life to collapse on the floor. He ordered maids to fetch a pool of water and towels.

"Your Highness, please, please go out while I help your husband give birth," the hesitant doctor gently explained.

Orias rebutted his words with a gesture of the hand.

"No way, I'll stay to help. I've seen blood before, don't worry. I won't bother you, Doctor, answered this one.

- Well, as you whish your Highness, but if you feel bad, then you must leave the room."

The concerned person agreed to the doctor's words.

"Hello, I'm in pain, I groan between two jerky breaths, so if you don't help me, I push no matter what."

The doctor looked devastated and demanded all that was needed. Auteur rushed beside me and handed a towel to my husband.

"Hey, come on, Soliès, trust your body no matter what, it knows what to do, follow the rhythm, all right?"

Strangely enough, her words seemed to me to be correct and perfectly suited to the present situation.

"Ah yes, and also, take it ヾ(^^ゞ)"

She took out of one of her sleeves a green vial with a dubious liquid.

"Drink this. Fury gave it to me, it will allow you to decrease the pain of your contractions."

Neither one nor two, I tore the bottle from her hands and the bus to the last drop in front of Orias' stunned eyes. And Auteur had not lied, the contractions were less painful afterwards. She looked at me and asked a question with sincerity.

"Ellipse? To not show it to the readers? (¯―¯٥)"

"Ellipse," I said, before I really began the process.

Ellipse

The cries of a newborn were heard in the bedroom.

"Congratulations Your Highnesses, it's a boy!" exclaimed the doctor joyfully.

I was finally completely relaxing, taking my breath as if I hadn't breathed. The pain was still present in the hollow of my kidneys and... in places I won't mention, however, it had become weaker.

"Bravo Soliès, whispered Orias to me, wiping my sweaty forehead with a towel and kissing it right afterwards, rest now.

- No, I mumbled as I struggled with sleep, I want to hold my baby in my arms."

"Hey, my compliments Soliès, you handled it. You have given birth to a beautiful, well plump baby ( ' ∀ ' ). I cry with joy, it's so beautiful! \(*T▽T*)/"

She handed me a bundle wrapped up, all traces of blood having disappeared, the little one was all clean. She finally put it in my arms directly when she saw that it had been hard for me to even lift them up.

I looked with affection at the little face in front of my eyes. A few clumps of black hair were visible and framed his face with bitterly plump cheeks. His eyelids opened and he looked at me with big black eyes, then he began babbling a stream of unknown words.

"He looks like you, he is like you like two peas in a pod I grumbled in a low voice.

- Isn't that right?", Orias whistled in a guilleret air.

My husband leaned over and held out his finger. The child caught him, curious about this new thing. I raised my head and saw in my companion's eyes an infinite tenderness. I smile softly, ignoring a grieving Auteur.

The future was just beginning, with another life by my side.

Maybe will be there others?

"How do you want to name him? asked Orias while continuing to play with the baby, who drools on his finger.

- I don't know... Alexis, perhaps? I whispered.

- Alexis... I love it very much...", my companion blew.

He finally sat down and his right arm came around my shoulders.

"I love you Soliès, thank you for everything you have given me, he whispered to me as tears of joy poured down his cheeks.

- I love you too, Orias," I replied softly.

He leaned toward me and put his lips on mine, a sweet kiss filled with love, while Auteur diverted the little one's attention by making faces at him. Orias separated from me and kissed me on the cheek, leaving my head to rest on his shoulder after that.

I was happy, full of happiness. I didn't know what to say in the face of what I was feeling right now. Perhaps there were no words to describe true happiness?

I suddenly felt sleepy.

"Sleep Soliès, he said gently, rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

I smiled in response, happy to be surrounded by the people I loved.

For readers, this story may have ended. But for us, it was just beginning. 

The End

_____________________

There are 4 extras which will follow :).