Ciel moaned, dragging himself back to bed after a particularly bad case of morning sickness. He climbed under the cover and laid down, ignoring Mordred who shook his head.
"I was beginning to think you had gotten lost in there, or perhaps you had been sucked in."The older demon said.
"Shut it.I'm in no mood to listen to your ridiculous-"Ciel gasped suddenly.
"Be still. You are in no condition to quarrel, you have a duty to the royal family to deliver a strong,healthy demonling when the time comes. I will not have you jeopardize my birthright."
"Then I suggest you stop talking. Every word that comes out of your mouth makes me want to vomit. The sight of you-damn it!" Ciel cried painfully.
"Serves you right. The disrespect you show me...however as you are pregnant, it is my job as per our tradition to care for you to the best of my ability."
"You couldn't take care of a blade of grass. Anyway, you've done quite enough already,haven't you?"
"Come now Ciel, are you telling me that a once gentle creature with so much love in his heart is not happy to be giving the gift of life?" Mordred teased.
"This mess is all your doing, you know."Ciel shot back.
"You knew what was expected of you." Mordred replied coldly.
"You say that as if i had a choice."
"Unfortunately for you, you are correct. You have no choice. You must provide an heir,I must say, I'm impressed by how quickly you conceived this child. The law is that you are to become pregnant in our first year, but within the first two months..now that has never happened in my family. It should serve as proof as to how incredible and truly powerful I am."
"Of course, that must be it,you're just so bloody spectacular." Ciel said sarcastically. "What a blind fool I am for not seeing your greatness...git. Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?"
"Keep it up, my child will not share your body forever. You insufferable little-"
"You don't scare me. I was highest in Heaven's army, I've taken down many of your kind on my own. Your problem is that you're a self-centered, power hungry prat and you need to learn respect. If not for the child, I would teach you the meaning of the word. Get over yourself, Mordred." Mordred's eyes flashed a dangerous red as he let out a low growl.
"Do not provoke me further. I will not tolerate this from my mate,I am in control here,you are below me,mates have no right in this family,royal blood rules all,learn your place." The door opened suddenly, Mordred turned from Ciel to the tall shadow figure in the doorway.
"That door is there for a reason, brother. Try knocking, I'm sharing a private moment with my mate."
"Yes, well a door means nothing to me when I hear you threatening the mother of your child and my forever love. I must protect the future, mustn't I, clearly you have no intention to do so." Sebastian retorted.
"It is not your concern, mind your business, brother, I won't say it again."
"If I had my way, you wouldn't breathe again either."
"Anytime you feel like having a go, Bastian." Sebastian chuckled.
"Soon enough, Mordred. At the moment though, I'm here on behalf of our parents who wish to see you. Details about your big day I suppose. Do hurry, father would not at all be pleased if you're late again." Ciel sat up in bed, feeling the nausea return. He watched the brothers who stood motionless now, staring deep into each other's burning red eyes as if to silently challenge the other, almost daring him to make the first move.
Finally, after a long silence, Mordred moved passed Sebastian and into the hall.
Sebastian was suddenly at Ciel's bedside, kneeling on the floor, his expression now gentle as he reached out to take Ciel's hand.
"Lie down,Darling, it's all right. Did he hurt you at all?" The prince pressed his lips to the former angel's forehead. Ciel allowed his love to guide him down to the pillows.
"No." Ciel answered.
"How are you feeling, can I do anything for you?"
"Are you sure he's your real brother, there's quite a difference in the way you treat me."
"As much as I would love to tell you one of us was adopted at birth, I cannot truthfully. You don't seem yourself today, precious. What is it?"
"I've had a long morning. The sickness started and now it's painful, the arguing didn't help I suppose." Sebastian softly kissed Ciel's belly and carefully stroked it with his thumb.
"Gentle my little one, be gentle with your mother." He instructed softly.
"You're going to be a wonderful father. I just wish we could have our child and not have to hide."
"I'm sorry, my Ciel. Had i not failed you, we would-"
"It wasn't you. You could only do so much. I don't blame you for this." Ciel said. Sebastian rested his head carefully on Ciel, closing his eyes and feeling the younger demon's fingers through his dark hair. A long silence passed before Ciel spoke again, his tone slightly more cheerful.
"What do you think, Sebastian, will we have a son or daughter?" A smile crept onto the prince's face.
"I can't say, my love. I'm not opposed to having either one, I would love them the same no matter what. Though traditionally speaking, a son would be preferred as it's typically the males that become heirs. Should we have a daughter.. Well, we may be forced to...revisit the situation a bit later...for your protection of course." Ciel chuckled.
"Of course, it's a perfectly logical reason if any." He teased.
"I thought you might agree. When is your next visit with the healer?"
"Three days from now. Why do you ask?"
"Would it bother you if I arranged to be close by, I just like to know my two precious gifts are well."
"But isn't it a tradition to not be there during-"
"We shall make our own traditions,we shall have our own most important thing to me is my dear angel and our demonling are happy and healthy. If you're feeling well enough later this evening, I would like to spend some uninterrupted time with you, I'm afraid we don't have much longer at the moment."
"I will if I can get away and if I have the energy. I always feel so much better with you."
"I do my best to keep our meetings stress free, Mordred thrives on confrontation. That is where the problem lies .Your pregnancy would not be as painful if the stress level would come down. The more relaxed you are, the better for you both. Do try to rest a bit."
"I'll try." Ciel promised. Sebastian rose to his feet, pressing his lips to Ciel's briefly.
"I love you both with all my heart." He whispered.
"I love you too, I'll see you soon." Ciel whispered back. Sebastian fixed the blanket around Ciel before departing. The pain and nausea subsided leaving him with a feeling of peace as he drifted into a much needed sleep.
