Partners In Crime

Chapter 58: Little Star Part 2

"Rise and shine, Empress."

Layla whined as the curtains to her room were opened, allowing the light to pour in. Layla reached beside her to find her husband's spot in the bed empty.

"He's working early again," Layla says with a sad look.

Mistake, the Oni who served Layla, approached the bed and patted her head.

"So is a Kings job," Mistake tells her comfortingly.

Layla sat up and sighed as she put a hand over her stomach.

"Perhaps he is growing tired of waiting," Layla says. "Ryoji had 2 boys, did you hear?"

"I did," Mistake replies as she gets out Layla's dress from the wardrobe "The eldest was named Wu, the younger brother was named Garmadon."

"The battle has been over for almost 10 years now," Layla sulks "Maybe... Ryo's birth was one of fate or luck. An Oni and a Dragon... aren't meant to have children."

"Do not say that" Misako helps her get out of bed "you would have the most wonderful child Layla. I've known you since you were a little girl and you have never been one to give up so easily."

"It's just, 10 years with no luck." Layla shakes her head "Maybe I'm infertile."

"An infertile Oni, never heard of it." Mistake replies "The time will come, just be patient."

"I hope you're right." Layla says before putting on a smile "How are you and your husband?"

"We are doing well thank you." Mistake tells her "To think a mortal man could amuse me of all things."

"I was surprised too," Layla giggles.

"Come now," Mistake playfully shoos her "let's go see your husband."

Layla followed Mistake out of her room and past the remaining stone warriors that guarded her room. The rest of the castle was guarded by newly trained men that served their kingdom. Despite losing the war against Ryoji, the citizens of the Del kingdom stayed, after all this was their home now.

"Svern!" Layla called out happily as she entered the great hall.

The people in the hall bowed to her as she approached Svern who stood up from the throne and held his hand out to her.

"Good morning my Empress," Svern says before placing a kiss on the back of her hand.

"Good morning, dear," Layla responds "what's going on?"

"Morning reports," Svern replies as he glides her over to her throne and sits beside her on his own. "I didn't wish to wake you over trivial matters like this."

"I appreciate it dear," Layla smiles as she turns to the group of people "Should we begin?"

The meeting continued as usual with both the Emperor and Empress present to make decisions.

"Moving on," Svern says as he addresses the last person "How is the management of the raging monster's commander?"

"It is going well your majesty," the man replies. "The creatures we call Vraal, are being pushed to the eastern side of the forest. However..."

"What is it?" Svern asks, seeing his commander hesitate.

"It appears we have other things to worry about," the commander sighs "there has been spotting's of what appears to be humans, but they kill anything on sight. All you see before your death, is glowing red eyes."

"Intriguing." Svern replies "You must find a way to deal with this new threat."

"I will do as your majesty commands," He bows deeply.

Svern and Layla stood up from their thrones as everyone in the room bowed. Svern led Layla out of the room and went on about their day. Svern noticed Layla looking a bit down as they continued through the day before he pulled her into their room.

"Layla, what's wrong?" Svern asks.

"Nothing is wrong," Layla replies "What's makes you think something's wrong?"

"Bunny," Svern takes her hand "you're doing that thing you do when you're upset, you refuse to look me in the eyes."

"I-" Layla sighs "you know me too well."

"I'm your husband, of course i do." Svern sat her down beside him on the bed "What's wrong?"

"It's been almost 10 years, and we haven't had a child," Layla tells him looking disappointed "Ryo's already had 2 sons. What if Oni and Dragons aren't meant to have children?"

"Don't say that dear," Svern shakes his head "remember what we said, a child would be a blessing but no matter what we still have each other. You're my whole world Layla, child or not."

"I love you Svern," Layla wraps her arms around him "thank you."

-

"Svern!" Layla happily ran through the halls with Mistake behind her.

Svern, who was with his commander, turned to her looking worried.

"What? What's wrong?" He asks.

"Nothing," Layla smiles happily as she stopped in front of him "I'm pregnant!"