Descendants of the Dragons

The Royal Twins

After securing the border, Prince Kael made his way back to Darkstone Castle. His mind was heavy with concern for Mei Lin, but there was one stop he had to make before returning to her side—the dragon eggs. The eggs had hatched, and he knew that their arrival was of great significance, not just for the kingdom, but for Mei Lin and their unborn children. They would need the strength and protection that only these dragons could offer.

Upon reaching the castle, Kael wasted no time. He dispatched his most trusted men to secure the court, ensuring that his family would be safe. Though his methods were ruthless, Kael was driven by a fierce love for those he cared about. His mother and sister would be safe and cared for, and with King Aldric still alive, Kael was confident that the kingdom would remain stable until his arrival. Prince Kael had sent his people over to them.

But Mei Lin—she needed him more than ever.

His next move was decisive. He summoned the physician, his presence non-negotiable for what lay ahead. Kael also brought along the two newly hatched dragons, knowing they had a unique bond with the babies Mei Lin carried. These dragons were telepathic, capable of locating the infants still in her womb, and they would lead him to her. With Kee, his loyal dragon, as his steed, Kael set out, the urgency in his heart driving him forward.

The journey was swift. The dragons, guided by their telepathic connection, led Kael through the skies, their senses attuned to the faintest whispers of life within Mei Lin. It wasn't long before they located the waterfall, a cascading veil of water that hid the entrance to a hidden cave. Kael was puzzled at first, but Kee knew the way, plunging through the roaring water to reveal the vast cavern beyond—large enough to conceal even a dragon of Kee's size.

Kael leapt from Kee's back, his voice echoing through the cave as he called out to Mei Lin. Relief washed over him as he heard familiar voices—J, Jannel, Min Jone. They responded, guiding him to where Mei Lin lay. His heart clenched when he saw her; she was slipping in and out of consciousness, her face pale and drawn from the relentless labour she had endured.

The physician rushed to her side, his expression grave as he began his examination. "How long has it been?" he asked, his hands moving deftly as he checked Mei Lin's pulse and the condition of her womb.

"Two days," Min Jone replied, his voice thick with worry. The toll of the ordeal was evident in the dark circles under his eyes and the tension in his posture.

Kael felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He had been fighting battles far from here while Mei Lin fought one of her own. But there was no time for regret—only action. The physician, sensing the prince's desperation, guided him to clean himself and prepare to support Mei Lin through the final stages of her labour.

Mei Lin's labour had been long and gruelling. For two days, she had endured the agonizing contractions, each one draining her of strength. The initial pains were as bad due to her fall, but as time passed, they intensified into sharp, relentless waves that left her breathless. The contractions came in quick succession, giving her little time to recover between them. Her body, exhausted and pushed to its limits, had reached the point of no return.

The physician checked the babies, ensuring they were still in good condition despite the prolonged labour. He then slid his hand in to check her dilation, and Mei Lin cried out in pain. It was an excruciating process, and every examination felt like a violation, adding to the torment she was already enduring. But when she heard Kael's voice and saw him by her side, a spark of hope ignited within her. Despite the pain, a smile touched her lips, and her heart swelled with relief. His presence gave her strength she didn't know she had left.

"My lady," the physician said gently but firmly, "I'm sorry, but you must bear with it. This will hasten your labour."

Kael knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he showed her the baby dragons. Their small, delicate forms were a symbol of the life they were about to bring into the world. Mei Lin's eyes widened with joy and awe, the sight of the dragons filling her with renewed determination.

The physician then administered two small pills, designed to help dilate her cervix quickly. Mei Lin gasped as the medication took effect, the pain ramping up to an unbearable level. The contractions became more intense and more frequent, and within an hour, her water broke. A gush of warmth spread across her thighs, signalling that the final stage of labour had begun.

Mei Lin's body was no longer her own. It was driven by the primal, involuntary need to push, to bring her children into the world. The fire of labour consumed her, burning through her insides with every contraction. Her belly tightened like a vice, the pressure building with each wave until she could hardly breathe. It felt as if her body was being torn apart, the pain so intense that it blurred her vision and stole her breath.

She felt the babies moving down, their descent urgent and unstoppable. The involuntary pushing was relentless, her body convulsing with the effort as the contractions came one after another, leaving no room for rest. The pain was beyond anything she had ever imagined, a searing, all-consuming agony that left her trembling and drenched in sweat.

Kael was there, holding her hand, his voice a steady anchor in the storm. "You're doing so well, Mei Lin," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm here with you. We're so close now."

Mei Lin nodded, unable to form words through the haze of pain. Her body continued to push, each contraction bringing the babies closer to the world. She could feel the pressure building, the unbearable tightness as the first baby moved into the birth canal. It felt as though her body was splitting apart, the pain sharp and unrelenting.

"Push, my lady," the physician urged. "With the next contraction, push with all your might."When the contraction hit, Mei Lin bore down with everything she had, the force of her push driven by both the pain and the desperate need to bring her children safely into the world. Her muscles strained, her body shaking with the effort, but the baby moved lower, closer to freedom.

Kael supported her, his grip firm and reassuring. "You're almost there," he said, his voice a beacon of hope.

The pain was all-encompassing, the burning, stretching sensation overwhelming as the baby crowned. Mei Lin screamed, the sound torn from her throat as she gave one final push, her body quaking with the exertion.

And then, as if by a miracle, the first baby was born, the cries of new life echoing through the cave. Mei Lin collapsed back, panting, her body trembling from the ordeal, but there was no time to rest. The second baby was already making its way down, the contractions still strong and insistent.

Kael's voice was the only thing keeping her grounded, his words of encouragement giving her the strength to continue. With one final, agonizing effort, Mei Lin pushed again, and the second baby was born, its wails joining those of its sibling.

Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Mei Lin finally allowed herself to relax, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Kael, who was holding their newborns in his arms. The pain was already fading, replaced by a profound sense of relief and overwhelming joy.

"You did it," Kael whispered, his eyes filled with love and pride as he gazed at her. "They're here, Mei Lin. Our children are here."

Mei Lin reached out, her hands trembling as she took one of the tiny, wriggling babies into her arms. The baby dragons curled around her protectively, their soft purring a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.

In that moment, all the pain, the fear, and the suffering melted away. The babies' cries echoed through the cave as J gently cleaned them. Once swaddled, he placed them onto Mei Lin's breast, their tiny mouths seeking comfort. Mei Lin, exhausted but filled with joy, held them close, the warmth of new life grounding her in the aftermath of her labour. Kael was overjoyed.