Veiled in Shadows and Brimstone

7

The Hazbin Hotel’s ballroom was alive with activity as the blonde Queen of Hell, Charlie, moved gracefully amongst the decorations and party supplies, ensuring that everything was in order for her and Alastor’s triplets’ fourth birthday party. At eight months pregnant with quints, Charlie’s belly was swollen with the weight of her unborn children, but she refused to let that stop her from making sure that her children had the best birthday celebration possible. As she arranged the last of the streamers, the doors to the ballroom swung open, revealing her husband and King, Alastor, along with their children. In tow were their 13-year-old daughter, Liliana, and 9-year-old twins, Aurora and Alarik, followed by the triplets, Damien, Noelle, and Nicholas. Five of their children had inherited Alastor's deer features, and various eye colors that glittered in the ambient light of the ballroom. “Charlie, my dear, you should be resting,” Alastor chided as he made his way over to her. “You know you’re not supposed to be exerting yourself like this.” Charlie smiled at her husband, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I’m fine, Al,” she insisted. “I just want everything to be perfect for the kids.” Alastor chuckled softly, placing a hand on her swollen belly. “I know you do, my love,” he replied, his red eyes filled with warmth and affection. “But you need to take care of yourself as well. Let me help you.” Together, the couple finished setting up the final touches for the party, working in comfortable silence as they hung banners and arranged gifts on a nearby table. Liliana, Aurora, and Alarik busied themselves with setting up the games and activities, while the triplets eagerly explored their surroundings, their excitement palpable in the air. As the party preparations came to a close, Rosie, the Cannibal Overlord and close friend to the royal couple, entered the ballroom with a smile on her face. “Everything looks lovely, Charlie,” she said, her black eyes sparkling with delight. “The children are going to have a wonderful time.” Charlie beamed at her friend, grateful for her assistance. “Thank you, Rosie,” she replied. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Just then, Damien tugged at Charlie’s dress, his blonde and red ombre hair fluttering around his face as he looked up at her with wide, curious eyes. “Mommy, is it time for cake yet?” he asked, a hint of impatience in his voice. Charlie chuckled, ruffling her son’s hair affectionately. “Not yet, sweetie,” she replied. “But soon. Just a few more minutes.” The triplets’ excitement continued to build as the party guests began to arrive, filling the ballroom with laughter and chatter. Alastor stood by Charlie’s side, his arm around her shoulders as they watched their children enjoy the festivities. As the evening wore on, the children played games, opened presents, and danced to the music that filled the air. Liliana, Aurora, and Alarik joined in the fun, laughing and joking with their younger siblings as they celebrated another year of life. Finally, it was time for cake, and Charlie and Alastor stood at the head of the table as the triplets blew out the candles on their birthday cake, their faces lit with joy and excitement. The room erupted into cheers and applause, and Charlie couldn’t help but feel a swell of love and gratitude in her heart. As the party drew to a close, the guests began to depart, either going back to their rooms within the hotel or their homes within the Pride Ring, leaving Charlie and Alastor alone with their children in the now quiet ballroom. Alastor wrapped an arm around his wife, pulling her close as they watched their children play and laugh together with their Uncle Angel, a sense of contentment settling over them. “I love you, Charlie,” Alastor whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Thank you for everything you do for our family." Charlie smiled, leaning into his embrace. “I love you too, Al,” she replied. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way"

🗝️3 weeks later 🗝️

It had been three long weeks since the triplets' birthday party, and Charlie was officially on bed rest. She had overworked herself to the point of exhaustion, and it had taken a toll on her health. Alastor, being the overprotective husband that he was, had insisted that she stay in their bedroom to rest and recover. But Charlie was going stir crazy being cooped up upstairs, away from her family and the hustle and bustle of the hotel. "Al, please, I can't take it anymore," Charlie pleaded with her husband. "I need to be downstairs, with our kids. I need to see them, to be a part of their lives." Alastor sighed, his red eyes filled with concern. "Charlie, you know the doctor said you need to rest. You can't push yourself too hard, especially not with the quints on the way."

"But I'm going crazy up here, Al," Charlie insisted. "I promise I won't overdo it. Just let me be in the lobby, or in our private office, doing paperwork at my desk. Please, Al, I need this." Alastor hesitated, torn between his desire to protect his wife and his understanding of her need to feel useful and connected to their family. Finally, he relented with a sigh. "Fine," he said. "But I'm shadow walking you to the lobby. I won't take any chances with your health." Charlie smiled gratefully, wrapping her arms around her husband. "Thank you, Al. You won't regret this, I promise." With Alastor's help, Charlie made her way down to the lobby, where their six children were playing and laughing. Liliana, the twins, Aurora and Alarik, and the triplets, Damien, Noelle, and Nicholas, all ran over to greet their mother with joy and excitement.
"Mama, you're back!" Noelle exclaimed, throwing her arms around Charlie. "We missed you so much!" Charlie hugged her daughter tightly, feeling tears prickle at the corners of her eyes. She had missed her children more than she could put into words, and being back with them felt like a balm to her weary soul. "I missed you all too, my darlings," Charlie said, kissing each of her children in turn. "I'm so happy to be back with you." The children crowded around Charlie, talking all at once and asking her a million questions about where she had been and how she was feeling. Charlie laughed and answered as best she could, reveling in the chaos and love of her family. As the day wore on, Charlie settled into her makeshift office in the lobby, surrounded by her children and the comforting bustle of the hotel. She worked on paperwork, keeping an eye on her kids as they played and chatted with the guests who came and went. Alastor watched over his wife from a distance, his heart swelling with love and pride for the woman who had captured his heart and given him a family he never thought he could have. He knew that Charlie was strong and resilient, and he trusted her to take care of herself and their children. As the evening drew near, Alastor approached Charlie and took her hand in his. "It's time to go back to our room, my love," he said gently. "You need to rest." Charlie nodded, reluctantly gathering her things and saying goodnight to her fawns and telling them to go upstairs and get ready for bed as well. As she and Alastor made their way back upstairs, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and peace. She was surrounded by love, and she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with her family by her side. As they reached their bedroom, Charlie turned to Alastor and smiled. "Thank you for letting me come down to the lobby today," she said. "It meant everything to me." Alastor kissed her forehead, his eyes soft with love. "Anything for you, my queen," he whispered. "You are my heart and soul, and I would do anything to see you happy." Charlie's heart swelled with love for her husband, and she knew in that moment that they were stronger together than they could ever be apart. She settled into bed, feeling safe and loved, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a family, united in love and devotion.