A study in survival

The night is silent, and raw d i v i n i t y spills from the stars. Adaline Trastámara Infanta of Aragon | Queen of England var sc_project=11329821; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_security="075178f1"; var scJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://secure." : "http://www."); document.write("");

[thereignofadaline]

{ jamesofengland }

It wasn’t as if James had actually meant to walk up behind her, the last thing he wanted to do was scare either her or the baby. He doubted that was an easy thing within court, seemed to be people everywhere. “How could that have disturbed me? I am more surprised you can find anywhere quiet around here”.

Was it that obvious that she had been hiding? Adaline always knew people would try to always be around the baby once he was born, but she never imagined it would like this. Edward was the Heir to the Throne, but Teddy was her sweet baby and she wanted him to have a good childhood away from court. "It wasn't easy. It took a while to find a place to hide, and so far only you have found it."

[thereignofadaline]

{ adaliees }

soft spanish words could be heard a little bit from the mouth of the queen holding her son. adalie was sure that she was disturbing something special, but she had come this far. “no adaline. i was coming to check up on you. it has been a while since we have spoken and i wanted to know how you and teddy were doing. traveling is hard, and the weather has been so cold. are you doing well?”

At the sight of her good friend, Adaline smiled brightly. "I'm perfectly fine. We both are. You shouldn't worry about us. You're supposed to be enjoying the holidays and your family, not here with us." She appreciated it, of course, as well everything she had done for them. "I don't want to go back to the chambers and staying there. I was locked in for so long. I hope you understand that."

[thereignofadaline]

{ will-protect }

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Will bowed, before straightening. He did his best to keep his voice low, noticing the child in the other’s arms. Growing up with younger siblings, he knew how difficult they could be getting them to sleep. “I feel as though I should be the one to apologize.  Had I known you were putting your child to sleep, I would have taken a different path.” Not to mention, avoid such an awkward interaction with royalty. “If you are willing, I ask that you forgive me for disturbing you.”

"There is no need for an apology." She smiled at the man she recognized as one of the French princesses' guards. He was probably doing his job, making sure it was safe for them, and who was she to give him a hard time for that? "This little one is stubborn and refuses to sleep if there's much noise. Not because it bothers him, no, but because he hears something and wants to see what is happening with his own eyes." He was just too much like Arthur, it seemed, and such thought made her smile.

[thereignofadaline]

{ muscxvy }

          Disorientation was not something that the Duke often experienced. His only recollection of such a state had been as a child and once when he was not as acquainted with his country’s infamous bread wine. And yet, several wrong turns in the grand residence (during deep thought) had caused the feeling to return to him. There was no intention for him to intrude but at the soothing sound that could scarcely be heard, he was intrigued by the lull. He only found himself slightly taken back when a figure turned to face him upon his approach. “Apologies, majesty.” At the recognition of her face, Dmitry bowed. “It is I who should not have disturbed such a moment.”

It was difficult to find a quiet place to lull little Teddy to sleep, especially with so many people around, and some of them still wanted to catch a glimpse of the new prince. Reason why she was so surprised someone had found them when she had made sure and had instructed her guard and ladies to not allow people to come in. Yet she smiled at the familiar presence. "You didn't. My son is very young still and not so used to the noise. I'm hoping he sleeps soon, but he's too curious already."

[lochiels-deactivated20180429]

Jodie Comer as Elizabeth of York in The White Princess  [x]

[thereignofadaline]

Adaline's voice was soft, only meant for her son to hear as she sang a sweet lullaby a wet nurse used to sing to her when she was a child. It was her attempt, of course, to make sure her son learned to speak Spanish as well as English one day. It was footsteps behind her what made her stop and she turned around to see them. "I apologize. Did I disturb you?"

[thereignofadaline]

{ adaliees }

adalie hoped that she was a comforting presence. child birth was hard, and while she didn’t want to say anything about about the dangers that were soon. but she turned to her books and flicked through the book of her notes that she had taken, searching for her section on herbs. “i will attempt to make you something when you are done feeding him. it will help with feeding and your health,” she said with a nod. “i promise i am fine. i have not done the most work tonight. i will sleep when you and your son are well rested. and i wrote her yesterday, and i will write her again to announce the birth if you would like. you have probably stolen me but that is okay.” 

She knew it wasn't the most sensitive decision, but Teddy was all hers and she refused to share him. Soon he would be the Prince, duties and lessons taking him away from her. But like this, small and fragile, he was all hers. "I appreciate everything you do for us." It was not Adalie's duty and she could walk away at any moment, yet she stayed and helped. Childbirth hadn't been easy, but it had been better with her friend taking care of her and her child. She laughed softly, looking down at the babe. "Well, I simply do not want your mother, or worse, your betrothed think we're keeping you away from them."

[thereignofadaline]

{ arthurcfengland }

Arthur felt in that moment, for lack of a better term, overwhelmed. He was overjoyed that both Adaline and their son were fine - that their son was finally here. He hardly knew what to do. “Teddy, yes.” He echoed in agreement, his voice soft. 

“I should hope that he does recognise your voice.” He chuckled. “After all, he has spent a great deal of time with you these past months.” Arthur was quiet for several moments, lost in thought. Sighing softly, he rested his head against hers. “You resemble your mother.” He told the babe in his arms. He hummed lowly, trying to remember the songs his mother had sung to him as a child.

"I cannot believe he is here." She had dreamed of this moment many times, even before conceiving their child, but nothing would ever compare to have him there in their arms. She smiled as he hummed, closing her eyes for a moment to focus on his voice. It seemed that Teddy enjoyed as well, for their child was quiet as he listened to his father. "You know," she broke the silence, opening her eyes. "I feel I finally have everyone I have ever wanted. And he is a dream come true. Look at him, he is all ours. How did we do something as perfect? It does not make sense."

[thereignofadaline]

{ hrhisobel }

@thereignofadaline​

           Isobel cooed at the baby she held in her arms, gentling rocking the boy as she brushed a free finger across his soft cheek. Smiling, she looked up past the bundle in her arms, who’s hands were waving as he tried to grasp her fingers, to his mother laying in the bed next to them. “He is beautiful,” Isobel said with a soft smile, her voice almost a low hum as to not disturb the tiny human. 

    Moving the free hand away from little Teddy’s face, she grabbed Ada’s hand with a beaming smile. “Look at the beautiful son you have had, meine liebste! I always knew you would have beautiful children, but you have quite outdone yourself here Ada,” Isobel teased with good nature. Gently, she pressed a kiss to the infants head, trying not giggle much like the ladies in waiting had been around the child. It seemed little Teddy was already charming all he looked at with his big round eyes. “And I promise to spoil him beyond compare, as godmothers do,” Isobel said in mischievously.

It was one of those things she had imagined a thousand of times before, but not once had it ever been as wonderful as reality. "He is," she agreed. Ada was his mother after all, and he was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. Most of the time it felt like a dream, because Adaline couldn't believe someone as perfect could exist, but then she would realize that he was there with them, and there was nothing that would ever make her happier.

Naming Isobel his Godmother hadn't been a difficult choice, but the obvious one that hadn’t needed too much discussion. Arthur understood that Isobel was her sister, and no matter who they were married to, they would always love each other more. "I sure hope so. I look at him and I know it will be difficult to tell him no. As soon he discovers that weakness and learns how to use it to his advantage, we all are doomed." And if he had even an ounce of Arthur's charming personality, they would never stand a chance. "But look at him, he already adores you." Little Teddy like his parents, his aunt Isobel and his aunt Adalie. If anyone else tried to hold him, he would fuss and cry.

[thereignofadaline]

{ arthurcfengland }

“A boy…” He echoed, his voice heavy with awe. A healthy baby boy - a son to one day succeed him as king. It truly seemed as if his prayers had been answered. “Edward.” They had discussed names months ago, in the wake of his father’s passing, and Arthur could only hope that their agreement on names still stood. “I am so proud of you, Ada.”

Rising, he moved to sit on the bed beside her, his back against the headboard. “I only wish that were possible.” As much as he wished it wasn’t so, he had responsibilities and a world that lay outside of the chamber. He looked down at the bundle Adaline placed in his arms, unsure of what to do. “Hello…”

"Edward," she agreed. Adaline knew how much it meant to Arthur and she had grown fond of the name. "Teddy," she added in a soft tone, smiling down at the beautiful babe. One day he would become King Edward, but for now he was her little Teddy and nothing else mattered. "He is all ours now."

She rested her head on his shoulder, giving him a moment with his son. As tired as she was, she hoped Arthur would stay with her a little bit longer, not wishing him to part so soon. It would take her at least a month before she could return to Westminster and she knew he couldn’t be travelling back and forth that often. "Talk to him, he seems to like that. Adalie says he recognises my voice. Maybe he does yours as well."

[thereignofadaline]

{ adaliees }

“it is possible, he will eat quite a bit when he is young. it’s part of being so young. it will be soon that he will require you less frequently,” she said, noting that the baby nuzzled at the breast. “that was the most likely case. should i prepare something for you to help with feeding, or will you be sending him off to a wet nurse soon?” adaline had wanted to feed him from the start now, but in the same vein it was quite the task to do so. a wet nurse might be the best option. “i’m alright. i can keep going for a little longer. at least until another nurse returns. you’re still in a very delicate state, you both are. i would fail my duties if i left you alone.”

She nodded at the explanation, infinitely grateful for having Adalie there with her. She was the only one she trusted as much, for she knew her friend only wanted the best for her and the child. "That would be lovely, thank you. There will be no wet nurses, I will feed him myself." If women did all the time, why not her? The idea of another woman feeding her son made her uncomfortable and she would feed him for as long as she could. "As long you feel well to do so. Please don't force yourself and rest a little. It was a long night for all of us. And please, Adalie, write your mother soon. I don't want her to think I've stolen you."

[thereignofadaline]

{ adaliees }

adalie had offered to hold the new baby while adaline rested. the other midwives had gone off to burn the rags used in the birth. she had cleaned the baby’s face and body with a clean rag and water earlier and was now rocking him slowly now that he was calm again. he had lungs louder than any baby she’d ever met before. adalie turned when she heard the groan from adaline. “yes he did. in fact i thought he was going to wake you will all the fuss he made. he’s a loud little one,” she said before walking over to rest the baby in his mother’s arms adjusting him so that his head and neck were supported. 

Adaline smiled. A loud baby meant a healthy baby, and that was all she prayed for. "Do you think he is hungry again?" She asked as she kept him close to her chest, smiling at the tiny face nuzzling her breast. "He is." Considering she hadn't allowed any wet nurse to feed her child, Adaline knew she had to get used to her son's schedule. She pulled at her nightgown to uncover her chest, following the instructions she was given the first time she tried. "You should rest, Adalie. I am sure this was exhausting for you as well."

[athousandtales]

[thereignofadaline]

{ prinz-friedrich }

{{ @thereignofadaline }}

Friedrich had strongly desired to see Adaline as soon as he had heard that she had gone into confinement. He envied his sister but he had also been grateful for her being there. Now that he had heard of the birth of Prince Edward, he was even more desperate to visit Windsor. And thus he now hurried through the corridors of the castle. The servant directed him to the door and he took a deep breath before entering. For a moment, he stood in the doorway with a slight smile, watching her lay there peacefully.

“So, little one. You did it.”

The first few days had been quite an experience; learning to be a mother at the very same time her body recovered had proven to be a challenge. But as she recovered strength and mobility, Adaline felt more confident in her abilities. After a bath and a clean gown, she felt more herself. As soon as she received the blessing, she would be allowed to step outside the room and return to Westminster, but at least the tapestries were gone and the sunlight entered the room, as well fresh air that was exactly what she needed. When she heard about Friedrich arriving to Windsor, Adaline had made sure her friend had everything he needed to rest.

She had just finished feeding Teddy when one of her guards announced the German Prince wished to see her and the little Prince. One of her ladies helped her dress and lay back onto the bed, her legs covered by a warm blanket. The Queen smiled at her friend. "I still cannot believe it sometimes," she said as she looked down at the babe sleeping peacefully. "Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it." For now only her friends and family were allowed to visit Windsor, giving her time to get used to motherhood without any pressure. "Come here. I would like to introduce you to my little Teddy."

[thereignofadaline]

{ arthurcfengland }

The light in the room was poor indeed, but he could still make out the face of his wife and the swaddled bundle in her arms. His breath caught in his throat. Their child. Adaline and the babe were well. How long he had been waiting for this moment. Wordlessly he crossed the room, dropping to his knees at the bedside, the remaining staff shuffling out of the door. “It has been a while, my love.” He spoke quietly, the corners of his mouth tipping upwards in a wry smile.

Pulling back, his gaze dropped to the blanket. “Is it…” He trailed off. Whilst he would be content for the child to simply be healthy, he hoped for a boy. England needed a boy to continue the dynasty. “Is it a boy?” A hesitant hand reached out, ghosting over the tuft of golden hair. 

“I can scarce believe it…” He murmured, his tone amazed. The months of waiting had finally come to a close. “How are you feeling? I can return later if you wish to rest.”

Her fingers reached to caress Arthur's cheek, her chest unable to contain everything she was feeling. They hadn't seen each other in weeks and now it wasn't just the two of them, but a babe that was the perfect combination of both. Adaline couldn't help but laugh at his question, and nodded as her fingers pulled the blank aside so he could see their child's feet. "A beautiful boy."

She gave the bed a gentle pat, inviting him to join them. "No, stay. I don't want you to leave ever again." She knew he had to return to Westminster, but she wanted to ignore that fact for a while. "I'm tired, but nothing to worry about." There was plenty of time to sleep after he left, for now she wanted to enjoy her family. "Do you want to hold him?" Without waiting for an answer, she placed their son in his arms. “Be careful with the head.”

[thereignofadaline]

{ @adaliees }

Her eyelids fluttered open, and it took her mind a while to wake up. But her instincts kicked in almost immediately, and at the moment she noticed her son was gone, Adaline sat up. She groaned in pain, not ready yet for such effort. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when she saw him in Adalie's arms. "Did he cry? I didn't hear." She had been so tired. The Queen extended her arms, wordlessly asking for her son back.

[thereignofadaline]

{ arthurcfengland }

{ @thereignofadaline }

It had been hours since he had finally arrived at Windsor, following the frantic missive from the messenger. He had left Westminster with no second thoughts, and only a small retinue trailing behind on the few hours journey, his trunks being sent on behind. Upon his arrival he had been quickly ushered into the study in the opposite end of the royal apartments to Adaline’s chamber.

Nerves roiling in his gut, he paced the length of the room. How he wished to be at Adaline’s side - convention be damned. He felt so useless, being only a mere numbers of rooms aware yet not allowed to be involved. He was the King of England - why couldn’t an exception be made? A hand raked through his hair in frustration, the mass of dark curls growing increasingly unruly with each repetition of the motion.

Finally, the familiar face of Adaline’s chief lady-in-waiting appeared in the doorway. Without waiting to hear her news, he pushed past her and into the corridor. His heart thumped wildly in his chest, the beat in time with his footfalls. Was Ada alright? Was the child? Was it a son? He knew that there would be trouble for entering the bedchamber but at that moment the consequences were of little concern to him. The Lord would forgive his need to be united with his family. Pushing the door open, he hurried into the room, his eyes squinting in the darkness.

“Ada?”

The soft, warm weight in her arms couldn't be real. He couldn't be real. It had to be a dream, because there was no way someone this perfect could exist. Her babe barely moved, but the gentle rise and fall of his chest made her grin -- he was so small. Her son had been with her only a couple of hours and Adaline already felt she had loved him her whole life.

The babe yawned and his mother sighed in awe, as though she couldn't believe her eyes. She was so in love with her little baby boy. "Are you tired, my love?" Soft laughter bubbled from her lips, her body exhausted and her eyelid heavy, yet she refused to sleep. The midwife had helped her to clean herself and the maids had changed the bedclothes, but she wished they would open the windows and allow some fresh in, some sunlight she missed so much.

"I think he's tired," she said to no one in particular, not really knowing if she was right. This mother thing was new, nothing had every prepared her for the moment her son arrived. Sure women who had already gone through childbirth and motherhood had offered advices, and she appreciated it, but still she was scared of doing it wrong. Running a finger over the smooth baby skin, Adaline took a moment to forget all those fears and insecurities and enjoy the moment.

She hadn't allowed the wet nurse to touch to her child. She was his mother and she would feed him, and she didn't care they didn't approve. Adaline was the Queen after all, they must obey her and if they didn't, she would make sure they didn't serve them anymore. She would not allow anyone but her to ever touch her son. At the sound of the familiar voice, her heart jumped and she couldn’t help but smile. Oh, she had missed him. "Artie," she greeted. "Come here, my love. There is someone who would love to meet you."