"There he was.
Exactly as in my dream – in the corner.
I didn’t know whether he slept or… something worse.
He didn’t move when I rushed toward him.
»Wrathion! My love…«
I fell to my knees before him.
»Wrathion, Rath, can you hear me? My love…«
The others had stepped up beside me and were looking around.
There was nothing around except him.
He blinked now – a thin red line appearing between his lids.
»Go away, Ravina,« he growled. Then he closed his eyes again.
»Rath. It’s me. Not Ravina. I’m here.«
He only growled. No further reaction.
Wonderful.
He thought I was a hallucination. Couldn’t have gone better."
A scene from my novel Stormrider. You can read it for free on my website https://talesfromdalaran.de
Just as a warning the final part of this headcanon series does involve blood/bodily fluids so if that is a trigger or are triggered by things in a medical sense please take caution when reading this instalment. OH!!! Also shit tone of angst guys.
As mentioned in previous instalment, Aelin doesn’t begin to show until around the second trimester. She was thankful for this as this gave her more time to announce it to those closest to her. Unfortunately her precious gowns no longer fit. The royals seamstress took it upon herself and her apprentices to make her maternity gowns that resembled her fashion style.
She did suffer from morning sickness severely in the first couple of months, which was easily disguised as her eating to much food such as cake or chocolates.
Her cravings were nothing extreme like the kitchens had prepared for, all that changed was that she liked her meat a bit more rare and had an increased want for cake. Rowan was prepared to travel for days to get whatever she wanted, only wanting her and the child to be happy.
Yrene took it upon herself to stay close to Terrasen, going as far as to make Chaol purchase an estate in Orynth. The woman wanting help Aelin through the process of childbirth as much as possible.
Yrene gave creams and ointments to ease her morning sickness, cramps and lesson the pain when the child decided to kick.
Midway through the pregnancy Aelin found herself forgetting things more often. One time completely forgetting that she had a council meeting or that she was scheduled to make an appearance at the Royal Terrasen Theatre. So Rowan with the help of Lysandra, Elide and Yrene took it upon themselves to always remind her of tasks and duties of the day, much to her annoyance.
I’d also like to include that Aelin would be 100000% hornier, like she just had to look at Rowan and BOOM! She would climb him like a monkey on a tree, not that he really minded. It turned out that some of their best experiences in the bedroom occurred when she was with child.
Rowan also adapted to having a shorter sleep schedule, having to help his mate to the bathroom multiple times during the night. Brushing off Aelin’s embarrassed apologies and her complaints that she could do it herself.
The lords tried to discuss succession with the couple, trying to enforce that if the child happened to be a girl and then they have a boy later. The boy would be King, the daughter being passed over.
It turned out that Rowan was the one who had to show restraint, almost going feral and killing the lords at the suggestion that any child of his would be refused their birthright. Aelin returned his sentiment, but her rage was wielded like steel. Swift and clean, she took it upon herself to remind the men that she in the end would have the final say.
They both walked away from that meeting with a burning pit of hatred for the lords.
So it draws closer to the predicted date of the child’s birth, and Aelin starts to feel different. Not about being a mother, she worked past those issues very easy on. No, she felt like something was wrong.
She would say nothing, having worried to much in the past.
But her pains grew more potent, at first she thought it could have been contractions, but from what she had been told these pains weren’t localised in one area.
She steadily grew weaker, not eating as much and what she did manage to eat eventually came back up. When asked about the change she brushed it off the symptoms she had experienced throughout her pregnancy.
The one person who could tell she was lying is Rowan, but he was away with Fenrys and Lorcan, visiting some of the border villages of Terrasen.
Aedion and Lysandra had decided to stay in the palace just in case something arose.
One night, just after twilight, Aelin awoke to a pain unlike any she had previously experienced. Removing the covers so that she could relieve herself she was confronted with the sight of blood. It covered her legs and the sheets.
Aelin would begin to hyperventilate, shock taking over and her ability to call for help would be stunted. Until the pain she was already experiencing increased yet again.
Her screams would echo through the halls of the palace, the first to reach her room would be Aedion and Lysandra. His blade drawn and her ready to shift at a moments notice.
The sight they were confronted with was one that would haunt their dreams for years to come.
Aelin arched in bed, covered in her own blood, screaming as she clawed at her stomach.
Lysandra’s maternal instincts surfaced, her feet carrying her towards her best friend.
Aedion began to move forward also.
“No, get Yrene, something is wrong with the baby. She may be the only one to save them both.” She instructed, not looking back to make sure he had understood.
Aedion rushed past guards and servants. Ignoring the questions of lords and dignitaries. He was thankful to the gods that Yrene and Chaol had decided to stay the night.
He practically rips the door of its hinges, sending Chaol for his sword, prepared to defend his pregnant wife and child. But when he sees Aedion’s face, terror and pain consuming his features.
Yrene had sat up when Chaol had reached for his sword that was always beside their bed. She only had to take one look at the general to know something was wrong with Aelin.
“Chaol, get my satchel, the one by the dresser. Aedion, I’m going to need your help getting to her.” Both men nodded, Choal grabbing his cane, Aedion carrying Yrene in his arms.
They reached Aelin as a pageboy was rushing out, Lysandra was beside Aelin, gripping her hand and whispering encouragement.
Yrene waddled over to Aelin, ripping away the sheet, going pale at what she saw. She motioned for her husband to hand over the supplies.
He’d shuffle over, trying not to make eye contact with Aelin, knowing if he did he might break, knowing how much this baby meant to her and...Rowan
He returned to his place at the wall near the door beside Aedion, the two men unable to help in the situation. Both feeling like they were both failing the woman in the bed.
“Where’s Rowan?” Aelin would moan, having descended into delirium due to the pain. Everyone would make eye contact, the tension in the room intensifying tenfold.
“I’ve sent word, he’ll be back any moment now.” Lysandra would explain, wiping the sweat from Aelin’s brow.
“I-I don’t think I’ll b-be-”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Aedion growled, not letting her or anyone else in the room entertain the prospect of Aelin not being here when he returned.
Yrene swore after finishing examining her, her hands covered in blood. Her hands glowing softly, as she tried to use her gifts to heal the damage done in her womb.
Rowan that night had nightmares like he hadn’t experienced since before the war ended, all revolving around Aelin and their future family.
Rowan wakes up in the morning being shaken relentlessly by Lorcan, as he begins to tell the fae to piss off he notices the worry in his eyes, then sees the letter in his hand with the royal seal.
He doesn't wait to hear what Lorcan has to say before shifting into his falcon. Flying as fast as he can back to his mate, feeling the pain and terror through the bond.
He arrives at the palace via the balcony of their chambers. He’s immediately confronted by the sight of Aelin. She’s deathly pale, covered in sweat, the bottom half of her body covered in blood. He could see Lysandra holding her hand, Yrene furiously trying anything to heal her. The royal doctor beside her, offering his services when Yrene would become unsure of what to do. Choal and Aedion remained by the wall, the two first noticing his presence.
Lysandra looks over her shoulder, seeing him, she’d stand so that he could take over.
As he reached her side he’d notice how quiet she was, the occasional moan would fall from her lips, but other than that she remained silent.
Yrene and the doctor began whispering hurriedly, but due to his worry Rowan didn’t make out anything they said. But he could see dread written on both of their faces.
“What? What are the two of you saying?”
“We need to deliver, the placenta, it’s torn from womb causing her to bleed out and cut off circulation to the child.”
“Why haven't you delivered yet then?” He’d ask through gritted teeth, anger evident through his words, he couldn't imagine what could cause them to not deliver.
“I can’t promise she or the baby will survive. The baby will be born before it should, and there is a high chance that tear lead to her to bleed internally. We haven’t done anything in hopes that my gifts could reverse the damage, but it’s to far gone.”
Rowan paled the healer’s words sinking in.
He turned back to his wife, who was barely conscious. He leaned down and nuzzled the crook of her neck.
“Save the child.” Her voice, even in that moment sounded like a symphony, instructed the healer.
“Aelin, you might not make it if she does. I can’t lose you, either of you.”
Aelin remained silent through that and many more pleas from her mate, ignoring his wishes. Knowing that she'd never forgive herself if she let the child perish just so that she could survive.
She lifted her head to indicate to Yrene her wish once again. They held eye contact, both knowing what a mother would do for their child.
Yrene then asked the doctor for a scalpel.
Rowan’s eyes would fill with fury, Lysandra would have to restrain him. Chaol stepping forward his face hardening. He didn't care what was happening, he wouldn't let the fae intimidate his wife. Aedion would pull him back, the pair had to remain otherwise the room would descend into chaos.
As Yrene would begin working to save the child Aelin would scream again, her hand reaching out in search for Rowan.
He’d immediately drop resisting Lysandra, his instincts making him be their for his mate. He held her hand tightly, pressing kisses to it while his other hand stroked her forehead. He tried to comfort her as best he could, but couldn’t help but flinch every time she cried out. After a minute he was crying with her.
Then there was a moment of quiet.
A baby’s cry filled the room, Rowan looked at their child in awe as Yrene cleaned the child as best she could.
“It’s a girl.” Yrene announced with a sad smile, handing the newborn over to her father.
Rowan cradled the child in his arms, almost forgetting everything and everyone in the room. His entire being was focused on the daughter he and Aelin had made together. She was so small, she had almost no hair, but he could tell it would be the same shade as her mother. Her eyes were closed, as they would remain for a week or two but he silently hoped they would also be her mother’s.
Turning to Aelin, he sat beside her and leaned down. Showing her their beautiful child.
Aelin cooed at the little one, holding out her pinky for her to latch onto.
“What shall we name her Fireheart?”
“Lyria.” The room stilled, all except the doctor knew that was the name of his first wife and who he was lead to believe was his mate.
“Aelin I-”
“She brought great joy and love into your life. I’m sad I never got to know her, but I can only hope that our Lyria will grow up to be just as wonderful as her namesake.” Aelin whispered hoarsely, her eyes closed. Rowan blinked away tears, he knew Lyria, the one he married wasn’t his mate. But she still held an important part of his heart, and Aelin wanting to honour her memory...it made him love her more than he thought possible.
“Oh, Oh my!” Yrene gasped, Rowan’s head looked up, afraid of what she might say.
Yrene did not elaborate on what caused her outburst, but it must have caused the following groans and almost screams.
Then another wail filled the room, silencing the room once again as the two cries joined together.
“It’s a boy! Twins, you have twins!” Yrene announced joyfuly, the room filling with cheers. The lords rushing to make the announcement to Terrasen and the surrounding kingdoms.
Rowan handed Lyria to Lysandra who was practically purring at the sight of her goddaughter. Taking his son into his arms, shock, joy and wonder filling his soul. He showed him to Aelin like he did with Lyria, but this time Aelin remained silent.
At first he’d pay no attention to it, believing that she was just shocked as he was. But he turned to ask her what they should name her when he noticed she had gone still and her chest had stilled.
“Fireheart? Aelin-Aelin? Darling wake up, do not leave me now after everything we’ve survived don’t leave me now!” He begged, their son’s cries mixing with his own.
Yrene’s face would harden, telling Aedion and Chaol to get Rowan out of the room so she could save the Queen.
Rowan waits outside the room, his son still in his arms, but had fallen asleep shortly after exiting. He tries to refrain from crying but can’t. Tears slowly trail down his face as he tries to comprehend raising his children without his Fireheart.
He can hear Yrene shouting at the doctor and then there's silence, it feels like hours before the door opens. The royal doctor exiting without saying a word, then Yrene opens the door wider. She’s covered in sweat blood and birth fluid, but she has a smile on her face.
That smile sends relief through him, almost making his knees weak knowing that Aelin will be okay.
“She’ll be okay. She won’t be able to leave her bed for a month at least but she will be okay.” She explains to everyone, but her eyes never leave his.
They all began to renter the room but Yrene stopped them with a hand. She only let through Rowan and Aedion who was now hold Lyria who was gurgling happily to herself.
Rowan almost sprinted to Aelin’s bedside, kneeling beside her, needing to see any evidence that she was alright. And he let out a breath of relief when she opened her eyes, those eyes he loved so dearly.
“Wha-what happened?”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Would you like to meet our son?”
Aelin almost sat up straight at those words, she looked over to Aedion to confirm that she did in fact have two children.
They spent an hour together, the three adults and two newborns just learning what they looked like, acted and mannerisms. That is until Aedion perked up.
“What are you going to name him?”
The couple shared a look before going at their son then Aedion.
“Gavriel.”
Aedion nods quickly looking back down at Lyria quietly, but both Aelin and Rowan can see the tears in Aedion’s eyes.
They both at that moment can’t wait to see what life had in store for them next.
tags: @zarixxx
If you’d like to see more about how things continue from the end please leave a request. Well that brings an end to the pregnancy au! series, and I can confirm that the next thing I write that will be posted will be for...(DRUM ROLL) ELORCAN!!!
