Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters

Note: this fanfiction only represents my personal headcanon. Read it as it is: my own version of the events.

I translated this from my original work (written in Italian), so be aware of possible grammar mistakes. Suggestions and advices are welcomed!

Chapter 1

The battle was over. They, the soldiers of the Parsian army, had managed to avoid the enemy's advance on the terrain of the allied Lusitania. After the first moments of disbelief, enthusiasm quickly spread among the troops, venting in exultant and proud exclamations that contrasted the cloudy sky.

However, not everyone had been overwhelmed by the wave of relief that victory had brought along: King Arslan, still on his horse and with the blood soaked sword clutched in his hand, was looking around restlessly. Anxiety and worry disfigured his gentle features, while his gaze wandered along the battlefield from side to side.

"Estelle!", he called venting all his distress. However, no answer followed his cry, except the cheering voices of the army invoking his name.

"Estelle!"

Again, nothing more than the troop's clamor. Arslan moved a few meters forward and started looking at the crowd of soldiers again, managing to glimpse only bouncing spears and long flags dancing in mid-air.

"Damn it", he cursed gritting his teeth, clamping tighter his sword's hilt.

All of a sudden, a gap opened in the solid mass of troops. The king turned abruptly and a glint of hope lightened his blue eyes. However, it wasn't Estelle who was paving her way through the soldiers; it was Elam. Arslan's gaze clouded just a little, encouraged by the smile painted on his friend's face.

"Your Majesty!", he said getting closer. "Her Majesty the Queen is now at the camp. She's been wounded but the prompt treatments will grant her a complete healing!", he said breathlessly. Arslan's face regained its usual brightness. He thanked Elam and replacing the sword in its scabbard he rushed at full gallop to the main camp.

As soon as he moved the cloth closing the tent, he was welcomed by Daryun's, Narsus' and Alfreed's reassuring looks, but they failed to soften the pain his heart suffered at the sight of Estelle's golden armor still stained with blood, abandoned a few meters away.

"What did happen? Where is she?", he asked immediately looking around.

A short gray-haired and gray-bearded man on whose white clothing were unmistakable red stains, got closer.

"Your Majesty", he greeted performing a deep bow. "I'm a doctor from a near village and I've been called for the emergency that got involved your Queen. Her Majesty has been hit with a sword on her left shoulder and arm. Luckily, this will not have permanent consequences. Her Majesty is no longer in danger and right now she's resting."

Arslan listened silently and only hearing the last two reassuring sentences he realized he had been holding his breath. He smiled and thanked the man. Then he turned to Daryun to learn who helped Estelle to get away from the fight.

"However", the man resumed unexpectedly, "in a place like this the wounds could be in contact with contaminated substances and cause and infection and... in these circumstances I haven't any expedient to face this eventuality", he concluded with an embarrassed whisper.

"I can take care of this", Narsus intervened suddenly. He reached the sacks ordered at the bottom of the tent. He opened one of them and took out a handful of purple dust. Arslan and Daryun looked at him doubtfully, but Alfreed, having recognized the medicament due to the typical color, jerked inexplicably.

"What do you mean?", the king asked.

The root from which this dust is obtained is able to prevent infections and lower the pain as well. I can prepare an infusion and Her Majesty will immediately find solace", he explained bowing slightly. Arslan smiled and approached the Court Painter.

"I'd be very grateful, Narsus."

"No!", Alfreed exclaimed rushing towards the strategist and making him drop the purple dust. The shocked gazes of the king and his collaborators converged on the young woman.

"What's the problem, Alfreed?", Daryun asked, failing or not wanting to hide his disappointment. She bit her lip showing a certain discomfort.

"Alfreed?", Narsus urged her lifting an eyebrow, more annoyed than incredulous since he was clearly missing something.

"We can't use this root. It would only bring harm to Her Majesty", she answered vaguely, hoping the explanation would be enough.

"What are you talking about?", Arslan asked losing his patience. Alfreed breathed in and lowered her eyes.

"Alright…", she whispered hesitantly. "This… This root can cause a miscarriage and…"

Narsus opened his eyes wide, Daryun kept staring at her motionless, Arslan felt his heart missing a beat, as in their minds insinuated an undeniable truth.

"Her Majesty is expecting a baby."