The Spoils of War (COMPLETED)

Epilogue

*Mature audience suggested but not required.*

"Your highness you should be resting!" Jasmine huffed at the maid for what felt like the 50th time that day.

She was pregnant, not disabled. "I only wish to go see my husband for a little while. There is no reason for me to stay cooped up inside like a bird in a cage." Her stomach was at the point where it entered a room way before she did.

Jasmine rubbed her belly as she waddled down the hallway surrounded by guards and maids. She had a full entourage almost all hours of the day, well all the ones she wasn't with Alaric. Their little bundle of joy would be here any day now and she couldn't wait.

Would it be a boy who would grow up strong and handsome like his father, or a girl who looked like her? Either way, she would love them unconditionally and spoil them.

She was almost to the corner of the hallway that would lead her to Alaric's study when she felt warm liquid run down her legs. Her legs stopped almost of their own volition. Bracing one hand on the wall pain ripped through her abdomen in waves. She had minor contractions before but this one took the cake.

"Your highness?" The little maid to her right looked at her with worry. "Are you alright?"

They couldn't see the puddle she was sure was underneath her due to her dress. "The baby is coming." Those four words were like a bomb.

All the maids were almost frantic until one guard stepped up. "Jay, go inform his Highness that the baby is on the way. You, " he pointed to the maid who had asked if Jasmine was alright, "go fetch the midwives. The rest of you are to gather towels, clean water, and everything else we may need. I will get her highness back to her room, Go now!" His voice echoed down the hall leaving no room for arguments. The man who had spoken was named Tanner, he had been personally selected by Alaric to guard her.

He came up to her side a slight frown between his eyebrows. "Please excuse me for my discourtesy, Your Highness. Would it be alright if I carried you?"

Jasmine wanted to tell him no, that she would just walk, but another contraction ripped into her and stole her breath for a moment. So instead of arguing she just nodded her head.

When he picked her up and felt the wetness of her dress he did not look disgusted and instead only kept his eyes straightforward as he carried her. Despite that Jasmine could not help the red that tinted her cheeks and neck. "Do not feel embarrassed, I have two little ones myself. My wife needed me to carry her both times."

Jasmine knew he was trying to make her feel better but hearing someone tell her not to be embarrassed only made her more embarrassed.

The walk back to her rooms was short but painful. The contractions were coming quicker and she felt like she was being split in two.

They had barely crossed the threshold when the maids returned with everything that was needed, midwives included. As she had neared her due date Alaric had set 3 up in the same wing of the castle so that they were not far away.

Jasmine could hardly pay attention to what was going on, barely noticing when Tanner excused himself from the room and the midwives started to remove her skirts. "This is happening much quicker than is normal. I feel that within the next quarter-hour we will be blessed with a new prince or princess." The one that Jasmine had nicknamed Big Momma said from between her ankles.

The other two nodded in agreement as they busied themselves around the room. Jasmine could not even ask questions as another wave shot through her.

Alaric had been in a important meeting when he got the news, still, he dismissed everyone immediately and ran down the halls. When he got to their door he wanted to rush in immediately but tradition stated that he wait to be brought in after the birth. He began to pace as each cry of pain that left Jasmine's lips tore his heart. Luckily he did not have to wait long before he heard a baby cry from inside the room.

He stopped his pacing, instead straining his ears for any other sounds he may pick up. He expected the midwives to be coming out to get him any moment but instead, he heard Jasmine once again crying out in pain. Clenching his fists he put his forehead against the door. It was killing him to not be by her side. There was a war waging inside of him between tradition and what his heart wanted. Just as his heart was about to win he heard a second cry of a baby.

He was still leaning against the door when it opened almost sending him sprawling on the floor. The moment he was no longer obstructed he charged forward until he was right beside the bed, looking at a sight that could only be described as heaven. Tired and sweaty but still beautiful in his eyes, Jasmine leaned against the pillows a baby in each arm.

Mustering a tired smile Jasmine looked up at Alaric. "I would like you to meet your son," she motioned to the child in her left arm "and your daughter" she motioned to her right.

Alaric was in awe as he reached out his hands taking the bundle on the right. A son and a daughter... He had a son and a daughter! As he looked down at his little girl he saw little tufts of white hair that looked like the softest fuzz. He barely held himself back from running his fingers over it. Peeking into the bundle that Jasmine still held he saw similar fuzz but of the blonde variety. 

He couldn't imagine a more perfect life. He had the love of his life by his side and two new bundles of joy.  "Let's name them Aria and Lucas." He looked to Jasmine for her approval and was met with her sleeping figure curled up around their son. He chuckled as he motioned for a maid to come over and prepare his wife for bed. She deserved a rest so he would take baby duty for now. They could talk about names later, she worked hard and now it was his turn.