A young Queen

Dinah ran as if her own life depended on it throughout the Royal Castle. No, perhaps she wouldn't even dare to run as fast as she did thinking her Lady and her children's lives were in danger. The young maid was about as old as Milena, but she thought she'd rather die than see anything happen to her mistress. Dinah knew where the Queen's apartments were, but she was still careful to avoid running into any servants that attend the King directly, yet find the most direct route to get to Her Majesty. Finally, she arrived in front of the apartments, and banged on the door until one of her handmaidens came to open the door.

"What ruckus is this!" Roared the woman that opened the door.

"My apologies," quickly said Dinah. "I came to get her Majesty on behalf of the Grand Princess..."

The handmaiden was an older woman with a tight hairdo, an austere look, and a disdainful expression. She stared at Dinah for a couple of seconds, checking the young woman from head to toe.

"The Queen is in bed already! Even the Grand Princess shouldn't dare disturb her Majesty so late at night! Not everyone stays awake late!"

"It's an emergency!" Retorted Dinah, frustrated. "I am the Grand Princess' personal maid and I came to ask the Queen to come! My Lady wouldn't have sent me if there was no emergency!"

"Whatever the emergency is, she should come herself, then. My Queen doesn't have to come when a Princess summons her!"

Dinah was getting frustrated with that woman. She was visibly putting her pride on the line as an older attendant and pointing out the difference in status was truly low when she had already mentioned an emergency twice. Dinah was getting mad, and ready to lose the manners she had acquired while attending to the Princess for so many years to just push that rude hag out of her way. Yet, to her surprise, someone appeared behind the older maid.

"What is that about?" Asked the Saint, frowning.

His eyes fell on Dinah, who hoped he'd recognize her.

"You're... Lady Milena's maid?"

"Yes, Sir," said Dinah, bowing quickly. "Please, my Lady asked me to get Her Majesty the Queen to come to her side as soon as possible! It's really urgent!"

She couldn't explain why it was so urgent, but she hoped the Saint would see the panic in her eyes, and understand. The man let out a long sigh and turn around, disappearing into the darkness of the apartments. Dinah hesitated, unsure if he was ignoring her or going to get the Queen. The older maid visibly thought she had it figured out already.

"Alright," she said. "That's enough. Get out and if that Grand Princess of yours wants to see the Queen, she should come herself!"

"You old hag," suddenly groaned Dinah. "If you don't step out right now, I swear I'll slap your wrinkly face out of my way!"

The older lady, who had most likely come from a somewhat noble background and stuck to the rigid etiquette for years, dropped her jaw at Dinah's rude words. No one had probably ever imagined one of the Grand Princess's personal maids was a former orphan, beggar, and street thief, but Dinah's polished surface was cracking under the pressure.

"...There won't be any need for that, although I love a good show."

Dinah raised her eyes, and the Saint was back, attaching his long hair into a messy bun. He had visibly just grabbed an extra jacket to put on over his shoulders, and gently pushed the old maid aside.

"Thanks, Gabbie, please go back now, her Majesty is coming."

The old maid glared at Dinah, but turned her heels and walked back inside with a haughty look. Dinah, too, kept glaring at her figure until she was gone, and the Saint stepped closer.

"So, what is it?" He asked. "You're her human maid, she wouldn't have sent you to get Phil if it wasn't really urgent."

"My Lady is bleeding," whispered Dinah, going back to her main worry.

The Saint opened his eyes wider.

"Damn it... Phil!"

The Queen came in running behind him, looking very worried. She was probably sleeping already indeed; her blonde hair was in a mess around her face, and she was wearing a thick and flowery lounge robe.

"What is going on?" She asked, pushing her hair back. "Is Milena alright?"

"No, Your Majesty," Dinah shook her head. "She needs you now..."

"What are we waiting for then, let's go!"

To Dinah's surprise, the Queen walked past her to get in the corridor, running ahead still in her loungewear, visibly not caring at all about anyone seeing her like that. The Saint also followed behind them, with a bored expression rather than a worried one, but at least he was still coming.

"What happened?" Asked Philomenie as the trio rushed through the corridors, ignoring the servants' curious stares.

"M-my Lady received a big shock, and... now there's something wrong," said Dinah, unsure what was safe to say or not. "We just came back moments ago."

"I head Milena was staying out without notice, my husband sent men to ask the Manor... Oh, God, if his Majesty hears about this it's going to be so troublesome..."

"I'm pretty sure the news is already on the way to his office," sighed the Saint, glancing at a duo of servants whispering as they ran past them.

Philomenie thought the same, but she didn't say anything. She was more worried about Milena than handling her husband, for now, and was trying to get to her sister-in-law as fast as her belly allowed her. Thankfully, they weren't that far, and no one was visiting the Royal Castle at such a late hour either. With no one getting in their way, the trio quickly arrived in Milena's apartments, Olivia opening to them.

As soon as the doors to Milena's apartments were closed behind them, Philomenie rushed past her office and into her private area, guided by Olivia. The worry on her face was genuine, or very well faked, leading the two young maids to trust the Queen around their Lady. Milena had already been brought to her bed with Olivia's support, but she was grimacing terribly, pearls of sweat on her face. Philomenie had never seen her sister-in-law in such a state, not even when she had taken a bullet or been stabbed before. She ran to her side as fast as her pregnancy allowed it.

"Milena! Are you alright? What hap..."

"Phil."

Just as she had taken Milena's hand, the Queen turned to see the Saint's grimace, his eyes on the Princess' feet at the end of the bed. Philomenie's eyes opened wide in shock, but she suddenly found her reflexes.

"Saint, turn around. Ladies, help me undress her. Quick!"

Olivia and Dinah had nothing to say and were actually happy to finally have something to do to help. In a few seconds, they gently helped Milena get out of her dress and in her undergarments, and the Queen put her hands on her belly, gently, applying soft pressure here and there with precise movements.

"Milena, talk to me, please. What happened? Where are you in pain? Ladies, get me hot water and towels!"

Dinah ran out of the room, and Olivia to one of the wardrobes. Meanwhile, Milena grabbed her sister-in-law's hand. Behind her grimacing, Philomenie finally realized the Dhampir Lady was really crying.

"Milena..."

"Philomenie, you have to save my babies, please..." She cried.

"I know, I know. Don't worry, I got you..."

She understood the Princess's distress was more than just physical. She turned to the Saint.

"Get me my Lavender mixture, please."

The man nodded and ran out of the room again. Meanwhile, Philomenie turned back to Milena, caressing her forehead.

"Calm down, alright? I'll do my best, but you need to relax if you can. Let me check you."

Milena nodded weakly, trying to repress her sobs, and lie still. She could feel the Queen's hands all over her, with a strange irony that she wouldn't have let anyone else touch her now. Philomenie was extremely gentle, yet she had the determination of a real practitioner. She was checking the Princess methodically, exactly like a doctor would have done, minus all the protocol. 

As she f****d herself to calm down, Milena felt her calm come back, or perhaps was it the fatigue keeping her from panicking more. Now everything was left to her sister-in-law, as she was completely helpless and didn't dare move.

"...I lost my brother," she suddenly said in a whisper.

She didn't know why she felt the needed to say it, to Philomenie of all people. Milena just needed to say those words, again, as if the reality would come to pass and hurt a bit less these days. She took a deep breath, and nodded, despite the tears coming back again.

"He died... I just learned," she mumbled.

Philomenie glanced towards her, feeling her heart sink. She didn't know Milena's brothers much, but she knew how close the De Crescent siblings were. The few times she had seen Valentin or Lucian De Crescent was almost always next to their little sister, at parties. Moreover, having her own brother on the battlefield, Philomenie couldn't help but feel even more compassionate about that tragic news.

"...I'm very sorry for your loss," whispered Philomenie.

Milena tried to take another breath but was cut by another wave of loud sobs. Meanwhile, Olivia stepped closer to the bed, carrying the towels.

"...Will my lady and her children be alright?"

"I believe so," gently nodded Philomenie. "This doesn't look like pre-term labor, but vampire nesting gestation."

"Do you mean my Lady is carrying... vampire babies, your Majesty?" Asked Olivia.

"I think so... Well, at least one. It's a bit unclear because I've never examined a vampire woman's body before, only human women carrying baby vampires, but there's sometimes this type of bleeding occurring the few weeks before the birth. Baby vampires prepare their mothers naturally by creating an extra pocket of blood near the pocket they are in. It's fascinating, really. The blood gets richer in nutriments, but if that pocket is pierced for some reason, it can also cause some bleeding like this... Lady Milena doesn't show real signs of going into labor yet, but I'm sure both children are alive, and nothing else seems wrong. The psychological shock and carriage-riding probably triggered the pocket to break."

"Is it bad that it broke early?"

"Not really, as long as the baby or babies get blood once he or they are born. And Lady Milena is a dhampir, so she can drink more herself to feed her children, so it should work fine..."

"A-are you sure?" Asked Milena, worried.

"It will be alright," Philomenie smiled. "But you have to rest now, Lady Milena, stress is no good for the babies."

"...My Lady called her brother to come, young Master Raphael is on his way," said Olivia.

"Good," nodded Philomenie. "I'll stay with you until he comes, then. But..."

She didn't have time to finish her sentence that the Saint walked in with a grimace, carrying a large bottle.

"His Majesty Sir Troublepants is here," he said. "And he's not happy..."

Blanche suddenly jumped on the bed out of nowhere, turning into a large white wolf and growling. A bit scared, Philomenie took a step back, but her hand was still holding Milena's. She let out a long sigh, and turned to the Saint.

"I'll go and deal with him. Can you make Lady Milena my herbal tea, please?"

"Sure."

Philomenie then turned to Milena, gently putting one of her curls back.

"I'll be right back, Lady Milena. Please don't worry and try to relax, alright?"

"Please don't let him come here," said Milena, with a determined expression despite her weakness. "If Ellias comes..."

"I promise he won't," answer her sister-in-law, very serious. "I swear to God I won't let him come here."

Milena slowly nodded, and let go of Philomenie's hand, tired. The Queen took a deep breath, and turned to the Saint, all gentle smile gone from her expression. He chuckled.

"Good luck with that..." He sighed.

Philomenie ignored him and walked back inside Milena's office. She could already hear him yelling from across the room, trying to force his way through the servants. Milena's maids and guards were barely able to stand in front of the infuriated King, but holding their ground nevertheless. The Queen took a second to adjust her clothing, comb her hair back a bit and take a deep breath. For a moment, she wished she could be as strong as the usual Milena De Crescent, who could face any man with blinding strength. 

She walked out to the door, her eyes finally meeting with her husband. Dinah and the guards finally stepped aside a bit, letting her through.

"Your Majesty," she said. "You shouldn't be making such a ruckus at this late hour, and in front of Lady Milena's apartments."

"What is going on?" He retorted. "I sent guards hours ago to find Milena's whereabouts, but now I heard there's something happening here! What's going on!"

"Will you stop shouting at your pregnant wife for a minute?"

The King's expression changed, and he took a step back. This was a bit of a low blow, but Philomenie knew leveraging her pregnancy would be a good way to bring him back to his senses, especially with many eyes and ears around them. On top of Milena's staff, there were several servants gathered in the corridors, either they had come to attend the King or out of curiosity about the loud ruckus in this area. Philomenie sighed, wrapping her robe a bit tighter around herself.

"Lady Milena is fine, she came back just a while ago and can't be bothered now."

"What happened? I heard she sent to fetch you, what could she want you for at such an hour?"

"Is it so surprising my sister-in-law would want some company?" Said Philomenie, trying to act sure of herself. "You know I have been spending time with her."

"Not this late," Ellias hissed. "I know you're in bed earlier than that, she shouldn't be able to have you come all the way here without good reason!"

"Whatever Lady Milena had to tell me urgently has nothing to do with you, my King."

Now, even the guards were feeling a bit embarrassed as the King and Queen were staring at each other in the hallway, neither wanting to let go of this. Dinah used this to turn back and go inside to bring the hot water, and the guards stepped a bit closer to the doors, Philomenie still standing at the entrance. The King still looked upset, and very unwilling to leave the premises.

"I shall confirm myself she is fine, then," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"There is no need for such a thing," replied Philomenie right away, nervous.

"Why not?"

"Because I saw her myself. Princess Milena is fine, I assure you, and she will not see you tonight. I already spent more than enough time with her to confirm she is fine."

"What is going on, Philomenie?" He insisted, squinting his eyes. "What are you hiding?"

The Queen let out a long sigh.

"Will you please stop insisting? This is extremely uncomfortable and unpolite of you. Those are Lady Milena's apartments, and she is entitled to her own privacy."

"I am the King!" He retorted. "Why would she have called you for if it wasn't about her health? She may be a Grand Princess, but I am the King, and if I wish to enquire to the health of one of my subjects, I can!"

"And I am the Queen", suddenly said Philomenie, very calmly but taking a step forward. "I am the mother and sister to all the women in this Empire. I believe I have much more advanced knowledge of women's health than you, my husband, so when I say there is nothing wrong with Lady Milena, I mean it and I am sure of it."

Ellias was visibly surprised by his wife standing up to him, and pissed, too. He was making a sour expression but didn't move an inch, his eyes stubbornly fixated on a point somewhere behind her. Then, his eyes went on her, still filled with anger.

"...On which side are you, my Queen?"

The Queen took another deep breath, silently praying her friend would forgive her for this.

"If I tell you what happened, will you let go of this whole affair and go back?"

"...I'll consider it."

Philomenie briefly glanced towards Milena's guards, but neither of them was moving an inch, or even blinking.

"...The family De Crescent suffered a great loss tonight. Princess Milena was very distressed about it, so one of her maids sent for me to come and keep her company. I even asked the Saint to go and get my herbal tea, if you want to ask the servants if I am lying."

This time, the King frowned. He most likely didn't know yet of the passing of Milena's brother, making Philomenie's words more believable. After a while, his eyes went back to her.

"...Is that really all?"

"What else could there be?"

"...How is her pregnancy?"

Philomenie tried hard to hide her emotions. A part of her was angry that he'd even dare ask this out loud. Another was worried she wouldn't say the right thing. Philomenie tried to think hard of what Milena would have done in that situation. She didn't want to lie, this wasn't her thing. However, the young Queen was also well aware of the current struggles of power, and how their pregnancies were heavily weighing in this... She put a hand on her own belly.

"...She seems fine for now," she finally muttered.

"...I see."

The King finally turned around, and the Queen let out a long sigh of relief. She watched him leave before she stepped back inside, the guards closing the doors behind her. For a second there, alone, Philomenie felt like crying. She leaned her back against her door, wondering how she would have felt if Ellias had been as concerned about her own pregnancy. 

She slowly caressed her tummy, thinking. She already loved her baby so much, yet she felt sorry that child would be brought into the world in such circumstances. She shook her head, but there was no way out of this. Would he baby be in an endless competition, a struggle of power like her husband had always been with his twin? And what part would she and her sister-in-law play in that cruel game? 

Perhaps it would be better for the two of them if Milena didn't have those children. Philomenie closed her eyes for a second, and, once she was ready, she opened them. She had never been one to think ahead, but perhaps now was the time...