Notes: Written for the Magi Kink Meme.
Kouen/Hakuei - Fluffy Pregnancy: So Kouen and Hakuei decide to have a child, to ensure Kou will have a future King. But they have to do it on the sly so Gyokuen doesn't find out. Or maybe she can and is just a massive bitch about it. (Could totally be used as a plot device for drama) Smut is fine, but more of a focus on their relationship, fluff and how they'd both react to becoming parents.
This could totally be a long, multi-chapter fic since it could go from conception to birth and then on to actually living with the baby. Any form of fic could be good. Canon, Same Universe AU, AU. Thanks! (*~▽~)
She wasn't getting any younger and every suitor her mother had approved and sent to her door was doubtless a spy. It made her sick, but more then that it made her sad. As two of her most trusted maid announced their pregnancy and went to take their leave Hakuei couldn't contain her melancholy. With her brother gallivanting around the countryside, his presences dark, dangerous and brooding. She'd decided to take En up on his offer to stay in the Imperial city until the international situation settled. But that caused issues in and of itself, Gyokuen was always around. Even when she wasn't Hakuei could feel her presences, lingering around her like a dark cloud. The only time she ever felt safe was in En's company. But she couldn't cling to him, no matter how accommodating he was.
"I can set up a room for you in my personal quarters. She can't reach you there." His offer had been heart warming but she couldn't relay on him, even if his next offer had been even more tempting.
"In my quarters then, stay with me and she'll never be able to get to you." She'd blush and thanked him profusely but refused all the same. They may have been betrothed as children but after the death of her father, their arrangement had been broken off. She loved him though, as a leader and as family, he'd always been there and continued to spread the strength of Kou internationally.
How couldn't she love him, especially when he offered her salvation and a marriage proposal. She denied him of course, but now she wasn't so sure. With Gyokuen as Empress, her status as first princess to a dead Emperor had jumped to first daughter of the First Empress of Kou. Now with their ranks reversed there was nothing keeping them from announcing their union to the Empire. Nothing beside Gyokuen.
Her mother was a perpetual throne in her side. Especially as she just dropped by whenever she saw fit. Which is how Hakuei and Seisyun came to entertain the Empress and her entourage of priests.
"And have you heard from Hakuryuu recently?" Sipping her tea, Hakuei felt the flavour bitter on her tongue at the mention of her baby brother.
"No I haven't" she replied shortly, flashing a fake smile to take the edge off her sharp words. "Nor Judal for that matter." Waving off her concern casually Gougy refilled her cup.
"Oh we know where Judal is. Can't have him running a muck can we?" Her laughter was met with a dull smile.
No of course, unless on your command of course.
"Well that's good then. As long as Judal is fine, Hakuryuu should be fine as well." Stirring her tea Gougy finished her giggling, turning to her daughter with a new expression of interest.
"How was your meeting that noble men? Joroma? From the Northern province. He seemed nice, a most suitable husband." Hakuei supposed she should feel lucky that her mother had even given her a choice in the matter of her marriage. If her mother had willed it should have been longed married to one of her long list of suitors cum spies. Or worse Judal. Shivering at the thought, Hakuei shook her head.
"He was nice enough, but so very boring. He'd never even ridden a horse before." Giggling behind her hand Gyokuen reached out and grasped her daughter's hand gently.
"Oh sweetheart, it's not your job to like him or take an interest in his persons. You just need to have his child. That's what a wife is for" The compulsion was so strong to wrench her hand away Hakuei barely stilled herself from doing so.
"I understand mother, but if I am to be married I'd like to do so on my own terms. You've been so generous giving me the choice so far and I am thankful. But I just need a little more time." Squeezing her hand tighter the Empress nodded.
"Oh you can take all the time you like my dear. I'm in no rush." Releasing her hand, Gyokuen took one of the sweet treats Seisyun offered her. "But your clock is ticking Hakuei. Your womb will only yield for so long. Heaven forbid you should miss out on having children because of your fussy choosing." Gritting her teeth, Hakuei put on a brave face.
"I'm only twenty three mother, plenty of time." Nibbling her snack Gyokuen shrugged.
"Women have gone barren at younger ages. I don't want to pressure you love, just be aware."
It had all been lies of course, Hakuei knew that.
Then why couldn't she get the idea out of her head. A fitful sleep had greeted her that evening. Tossing and turning in her sleep, the first princess struggled to hold back the tears as her dreams mocked her. The faces of all the beautiful, bright eyed babies of her friends and household flashed before her. Leaving her alone and feeling empty. What if her mother was right? What if it was already too late? Her family line would be lost. Hakuryuu had not sire any heirs before leaving on his vendetta and she doubted he'd have time for children, consumed by revenge as he was. So it was up to her. But what if it was already too late?
You're being influenced. Sitting up suddenly Hakuei clumsily grabbed her fan, the soft voice of Paimon helping to calm her shaky nerves.
"Are you sure?" She wasn't even aware she'd spoken out loud until her djinn shushed her.
Yes I'm sure. The Bitch's magoi is so thick in the air, I can barely think with all this darkness around. Holding the fan to her chest Hakuei stared out into the darkness of her chambers.
"What should I do?"
Shhh! The princess could almost see the beautiful blue woman rolling her eyes at her. She's listening. Go to the King. You'll be with Agares, Astaroth, Phenex and myself of course to hold back her influence. Quickly before the visions come back. Choosing not to question the djinn's wisdom, Hakuei donned a thick wrap before sneaking from her chamber, trying ignore the voices in her head.
Too late. Too late. Empty, dried up, useless .
Don't listen my Queen! Urged on by Paimon Hakuei crossed the courtyard. She could see the path leading towards her cousin's quarter, not far now.
Useless!
The face of Hakuyuu suddenly flashed before her eyes. Dropping to her knees, tears fell from her tired eyes as the image of her brother burned its way into her mind.
It's just an illusion, snap out of it my Queen; the King is just over there. He'll be waiting with open arms. You need to hurry. Wiping a hand across her eyes, Hakuei could barely stand. Crawling forward a few feet she collapsed at the foot of the path to En's courtyard. She was so close, but Hakuyuu wouldn't leave. Standing over her like a dark ghost, cursing her, degrading her.
It's not him, she reminded herself. Opening her eyes to stare down the path, En's door was so close. She could almost make out the patterns in the wood. The soft light of his guards and General's quarters was like a beacon in the distance. So close. Pushing herself up onto her knees, Hakuei pushed forward, the wrap falling from her shoulders as she ran. Fleeing the leering ghost of her dead brother.
Running straight into the door, she pounded hard on the wood. She must have been screaming, she could hear it in her ears, but couldn't register it as her own voice. Sobbing as the door finally opening, Hakuei couldn't hold back as she flung herself at Kouen. Burying her face into his chest as she cried harder. The foggy haze around her vision faded in the softly lit warmth of her cousin's room.
Strong arms suddenly swept her off her feet as her world shifted. Tucked against Kouen's chest, Hakuei felt the reverberation of his voice against her cheek. Commanding his household to stand down, he moved towards his personal sleeping chamber. Carefully laying her back in bed, Hakuei caught a few of his muffled words before her conscious began to fade.
"Phenex. Now. Keep watch."
Paimon only came to her in sleep and only once in battle. Now was no exception.
"She's much stronger then I expected." Standing naked beside her djinn, Hakuei took a deep breath, feeling her body warm and relaxed regardless of her nudity.
"I know" the princess admitted reluctantly "Thank you for protecting me." The bejewelled djinn snorted.
"Not good enough it would seem. It's taking three of us to keep her nasties at bay while Phenex heals you." Looking down her her body Hakuei inspected the numerous cuts and scrapes all over her body.
"Please thank her and the others. I'm sorry to have caused so much trouble." Paimon's expression softened. Pulling her master into a tight hug, the djinn kissed her cheek.
"None of this is your fault. The evil of Al Thaman affects us all. And you have been so strong against her influence for such a long time. But she really got to you today. Nasty old witch." Squeezing Paimon back, Hakuei sighed.
"I know, it was foolish."
"And all over nothing as well" the djinn cut in. "Remember who I am! What I can do? You could bare children at fifty if I willed it." Giggling Hakuei smiled.
"And I am so thankful for that." Sighing Hakuei felt weightless as Paimon gave her an extra squeeze before releasing her.
"But you know, if you wanted a baby, I could give you one." Raised her eyebrow Hakuei grinned.
"Just you? No man required?" Sighing exasperated, Paimon shook a finger at her.
"You still need a seed, I can just ensure it grows." Cocking her head to the side the long, dark haired djinn smiled. "The King is watching over you. He's worried about you. He would be a good father." Blushing Hakuei shook her head, her heart not really in it. Of course En would be a good father and an even better husband. Closing her eyes, Hakuei felt her conscious fade, shifting into wakefulness.
The lamp light was dulled and warm, making the room soft and fuzzy. Stretching in the plush bedding, Hakuei felt her smile grow as her eyes focused in on the man sitting beside her. Concern etched Kouen's face as he watched her. Heaving a heavy breath Hakuei reached out to him feeling the heat of his hand encase hers.
"Hakuei. How are you feeling?" The anchor of his hand steadied her racing heart as she took in her surroundings. The inner sanctum of Kouen's personal quarters. She'd only seen it once before, but she now felt more at home here then she had in her own quarters for months.
"I'm fine" she said, wincing at the sound of her own voice. She'd been screaming before hadn't she? Remembering her struggle across the palace, Hakuei pulled her hand away suddenly. Closing her eyes as the sting of tears began again.
"Are you sure?" The bed dipped as En moved to sit beside her, pulling her into a hug. "I've never seen you so shaken before. Is everything alright?" Snuggling into the warmth he offered Hakuei struggled to hold back her tears.
"Gyokuen. She's in my head. I saw Hakuyuu." Breaking down Hakuei gripped the front of his loose robe, burying her face into his chest. "I'm not useless. Hakuyuu would never say that. Why would she do that?" Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, the first prince held her gently, rocking her back and forth slowly.
"Hakuyuu loved you. He loved you so much. You're not useless, you are one of the strongest pillars of our Empire." Forcing down his rage, Kouen struggled to keep the anger out of his voice. "What's she's done is unforgivable. You shouldn't have to live like this." Tipping her face up En wiped tears from her dark blue eyes. "You'll stay here from now on. The djinns will protect you." Nodding Hakuei sniffed, leaning into his touch and she felt her face flush.
She was almost sitting in his lap, her hands curling into his robe and pulling it apart as she snuggled closer. Her cheek touched the open gap of his chest, his skin damp with tears as Hakuei tried to pull away, only to have the arms around her tighten.
"You can stay here tonight, I'll organise a room for you tomorrow." Her throat sore, Hakuei could only nod, opting instead to snuggle back against the bed. Laying back with her, Kouen ran a hand over her hair, feeling her smile against his chest.
"Or I could stay with you." Her voice sounded so strained, it broke his heart to hear the course, pain in her voice. Her arrival was a stressful surprise, coupled with her obvious distress, it had taken everything in Kouen to not go and face the venomous old hag himself. How dare she do this? And to her own daughter? Hakuei was strong, it was something he admired about her. But haunted by the ghost of her brother at the hands of her mother had just broken her. Screaming inherently, knees and palms bleeding as she fell into his arms, babbling about Hakuyuu and Gyokuen's evil. He made his blood boil. But now she was coming to her senses, finally agreeing to take up his offer for safe lodging within the Imperial city. Even more then that, she'd agreed to share his bed. Perhaps she'd finally agree to his wedding proposal.
"That offer is still open. You're very welcome to stay if you wish." Digging her hands in under his robe, Hakuei finally started warming up as her hands ran down his sides. "Are you feeling better." Sighing the princess wiggled down deeper under the sheets.
"I'm a little sore and my throat hurts but nothing I can't handle. Thank you, for letting me stay." Kissing the top of her head, En threaded his hand through her hair, running his hand down over her nose and chin.
"I wish you'd come sooner, I'm sorry you had to suffer through that." Shrugging Hakuei laid back against the pillow. Pulling herself up beside him, she stole a kiss from Kouen's lips, smiling at his surprise.
"Can I impose on you for another favour?" Leaning his forehead against hers, Kouen closed his eyes, inhaling her soft, clean scent, soaking in the feeling of her being so close.
"Anything" he whispered. His hands working their way down her back, rubbing along the length of her spine, yearning for a second kiss. Leaning into his lips for another soft kiss, Hakuei tugged gently at his chin, pulling his face closer as she deepened the kiss. Pulling back the princess felt her cheeks heat as she caught his eye. The gleam of interest and arousal burning deep within his crimson gaze.
"A baby." Raising an eyebrow, the first prince didn't bother hiding his surprise.
"A child, you want an heir?" Her cheeks were red, she could feel it but she held her ground. Her mother's mockery and Paimon's advice ringing in her ears, Hakuei gave him a soft smile.
"Yes. If you'll allow it."
"Of course I would allow it." His smile couldn't be big enough, conveying his intense happiness at her request. She was finally coming around to him. His betrothed was coming back into his arms, seeking safety from her mother and her evil influence. This couldn't have gone better if he'd planned it himself.
Smiling at him Hakuei sat up, running her hands down the flat of his chest. Kissing him quickly she pinned down his shoulder, pushing herself forward to straddle his hips. Taking his lips hard enough to force his head back to the pillow Hakuei winced as her tender knees took her weight. Noticing her sudden change of expression, Kouen took the opportunity to steady her hips. Rolling them both over and smiling as the room filled with quiet giggles.
"Now?" He asked breathlessly "are you sure you're feel well enough?" Groaning Hakuei rubbed her nose against his, catching a small kiss before replying.
"Yes now. I feel fine. Unless you don't want to."
"No" he almost blushed. He sounded too eager, like a cherry boy with his first woman. If she'd noticed, she didn't mention it. Instead content to link her hands around his neck pulling him closer.
"Good."