There was no denying that the King treated her well. Widows were looked upon with respect, and Steve had certainly ensured that she wanted for nothing, especially now as she sat by the window, one hand protectively over the bump that had grown over the months. She was almost full term, the baby's arrival within the next month so it had been estimated. Ingrid had underestimated just how tired she would feel.
The child was active, and she was almost certain that it was a boy. To give the King a daughter would be disappointing, and she would be considered a failure. Dreykov would know and he would then take matters into his own hands.
The door to her rooms opened and on seeing Steve, she got up from her chair.
"You've no need to curtsy Ingrid". He put up a hand to stop her. She was looking radiant, healthy. The physicians were happy that she was strong and well enough to endure the impending birth. He'd seen that she had everything at her disposal. She stood there, hands clasped under her bump, almost cradling it. "How is my son today?"
"Active. He barely stops moving, come, you will probably be able to feel him, even though he barely has any room now". She allowed him over and he came to stop in front of where she stood, getting down on one knee and then pressing his ear to her stomach.
One kick, then another...and another...then more movement even though it was slower than when the baby had been smaller. He closed his eyes, one arm now draping around her while the other had his hand resting next to his face. "He's strong..."
"He is, and he will be in many ways once he is here". Ingrid smiled lightly, looking down at the top of Steve's head. He was so very in love with his child already and she could tell he would be very protective over him.
One of her hands automatically found itself sliding through his hair gently, and now as he looked up at her, it slid down to cup his cheek, caressing it lightly with her thumb before she could realise that this was a step too far for her.
"I should rest". She pulled her hand away quickly and took a small step back. She had overstepped in her position, but he didn't scold her for it.
Steve got to his feet again and nodded. He couldn't lie, but he had enjoyed that rare moment that had passed between them. Private, tender and innocent. No formality, and it felt quite refreshing for once. "You must be tired if he's moving like that all the time".
"Each day gets a little harder, which is good news because it means that soon he will want to finally come out".
"Do you need anything else? Anything at all? I'll see that it's brought to you".
She shook her head. "I have everything I need - I just hope that when the time comes, I can give you the same".
He hoped so too. The future of his Kingdom depending on this. It depended on her. Only now did he realise just how much pressure she must be feeling, how much expectation there was. It was something he'd not thought about, and for that he'd felt guilty that he'd not taken her outlook into consideration.
How many like him did? Did anyone even think about what these women felt? Asked them why they'd chosen this path? Steve would ask her eventually, but not now. She was tiring - he could see it in her eyes.
"Let me help you to bed". He offered.
She brushed it off. "I am fine sire, really. You must have other matters of importance to see to".
"Currently the only importance I have is you and my son staying strong and healthy. You need all the rest that you can get".
He wasn't wrong. Ingrid knew that by the way her body had become, there would only be a couple more weeks at the very least before the Prince would soon want to make his arrival to the world. And she would be prepared for whatever could happen.
YOU ARE READING
The One Shot Chapters (18+)
FanfictionA collection of one shots that include characters from stories that I have already published, as well as new ones. Warning! 18+ - Will contain sex, swearing and other mature content.
