A/N: The next two chapters deal with male birth. I know some object, but for this story, it needed to happen. If this really, really bothers you, I would recommend you to skip read the next two chapters, especially the next chapter. I know boys can't have babies, but remember, this is fiction. Written, I hope, for your enjoyment and hopefully entertainment. So please, bear with me, but you have been warned! Thank you for your continued support!

The Royal State visit with Toronto was a wonderful success. King Lance and his Queen Patricia loved Adam from the start.

The King and Queen had four beautiful daughters, the eldest was eleven and the next was eight and the two youngest were one year old twins. Adam learned a lot from Patricia and she promised to send some baby things to the pregnant young King.

Toronto had finished one ship and after hearing about Shawn's methods, vowed to try them. Adam was proud that his poppa's idea was going to help others. Shawn had told him to pass them along if the opportunity arose.

Barrett's plan was gaining more and more information. He made mental notes during the day and by night put them to paper. It would soon be time to send a messenger with a sample of the information he had, to test its value.

Time was marching along and Adam was now eight months along. He tired easily and Bret had to make him rest. Sometimes it was hard to do.

Adam had charmed most of the Council, especially Lord Richard. They had all taken to his plan about the naval patrols, well almost all. Lord John and Baron Nicholas fought him on almost every idea. Barrett stayed out of it. He could not afford to be found out.

One day, Evan, the messenger from Copeland arrived. He announced the birth of Christian and Heath's baby. A Princess, whom they named Elizabeth Mary von Helmsley de Copeland. Adam was so happy for his brother.

He wanted to go home, but the Physician said no, it was too dangerous for Adam and the baby to bounce around in a carriage. He cried for a long time. Only a promise of a trip after their own babe was born calmed him.

Also, during their wait, Christmas and New Year's had come and gone. Shawn and Hunter came for the holidays. It was fun and a much-needed surprise for Adam.

Adam also celebrated a birthday and he was now nineteen. Bret gave him a new set of Royal Regalia. The crown and belt were made of gold and new gems that had recently been mined. It was a beautiful suite of jewels.

Spring was approaching and so was Adam's time. The baby was due any moment. Physician Galloway sent Adam to bed and told him to stay there. It was time for his lying in. He would stay isolated, in a closed up room until the baby was born and then stay for six more weeks. It was a hard time for the person having a baby.

In order to keep from being bored to tears, Adam worked on his naval maps and plans. He also learned Calgary by heart, reading map after map. The rumors of an invasion were coming more and more often.

Bret was really worried. He told Reigns to increase the guards around the various mines and quarries. All of this found its way into Barrett's reports.

"M' Liege, I must return to Britain. I need to check on my harvests and estate. I can also find out about the rumors. You probably do not know I have the King's ear. I will find out his intentions, then I shall return in a month or so. You know my heart is loyal to Calgary and her people," Barrett spoke with such honesty there was no way his integrity could be questioned. He also kissed Bret's Kingly ring with a deep bow.

"You shall be missed my friend. Our babe will be here when you return. Go in peace and let the King know Calgary is his friend. Why don't you take Lord John or Baron Nicholas with you, as my ambassador. I will council whom ever you choose," Bret said in a friendly tone. He hoped to keep peace in the lands.

Barrett smiled on the outside and shouted for joy on the inside. That was exactly his plan, "That is generous of you. I shall choose Lord John. He has been a good friend and he would represent Calgary well. I'll send him to you for your counsel. Also, if I may suggest, you compose a letter to the King, explaining your hopes to open trade," Barrett suggested to von Hart.

Bret sighed, he should have thought of a letter himself. He'd been so worried about Adam and the babe that he was letting his Kingly duties slide. Barrett had counted on that as well.

"Yes, I will. I am glad I have my Council. My mind is on... other matters. I'll go compose a letter now. Tell Lord john to come see me. I suppose you are taking one of the merchant ships?" Bret asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, I have already arranged passage. The winds will be with us, so three-day sail at most. Best of luck and my blessing for King Consort Adam and your babe. I'll go talk to Lord John now," Barrett said in a sure tone. He knew John would be on his side.

Bret went to the royal chambers. It had been chosen for Adam's lying in because it was what Adam was used to and the room was large enough not to feel overly stuffy. He smiled, Adam was sleeping, his hands resting on his very rounded belly. The King sat at his desk and wrote a letter to the King of Britain. He was glad Drew had said it was better for Adam if Bret stayed with his Consort.

In the letter, he expressed his hope that the two countries could become friends and open up new trade routes. Von Hart told the King that he thought Britain was a beautiful country and he had enjoyed his time there. He told his fellow Ruler he was sorry they did not get to spend time together during his visit. Bret wrote that he hoped the King's troubles in the north were better now. It was a very nice letter and he was anxious to get communications started.

Bret heard Adam whimper in his sleep. He went over to check on his espoused. Adam's eyes were still closed, but his hands rubbed his belly. Every so often his distended stomach would move, the baby was kicking. It amazed the older King. He could almost make out the tiny foot as it thrashed inside Adam.

"Hush little babe. Don't hurt your poppa," Bret said softly as he placed his hand on Adam's bare belly. Adam kept his eyes closed. He didn't want to interrupt Bret's moment with their child. The young King Consort cherished these moments. It was the only time Bret came out of his hardened shell. He knew Bret would be a wonderful father. Strict probably, but he also knew he would be fair, just and loving. Adam couldn't wait to see their babe in Bret's arms.

Adam slowly opened his eyes when he felt Bret kiss his belly. He tangled his fingers in his husband's dark curls. "You always calm our babe, thank you. I do love you Bret von Hart," Adam said softly. He knew the words would never be returned, but Adam also knew in his own way, Bret loved him.

Bret smiled as his head rested on Adam's abdomen. He enjoyed the fingers in his hair and the slight movements of their babe against his cheek. The emotion he felt was unfamiliar, the wetness on his face unusual, the King of Calgary never cried, but he was now.

He wanted to open his mouth and tell Adam he loved him too, but he couldn't do it. The King couldn't afford to open his heart and have it stepped on again. He loved Adam, but he vowed he would never say it.

"What were you so busy writing?" Adam asked as he kept stroking the soft curls.

Bret explained about Barrett, his trip to Britain and the letter he'd written to the King. He also told about Lord John going as his council representative.

"You know I do not trust Lord Laurinaitis nor Barrett. They just... make the hairs on my neck stand up. Why don't you send Lord Richard or Father Robert with them?" Adam said in a careful tone.

He'd spoken to Bret about Lord Alexander Barrett. It had not gone very well. Bret said he trusted Barrett and would hear naught against him. So Adam could only hope his husband was right and he was wrong. He didn't think so, but he hoped. After that, Adam had kept quiet, until now.

"Lord Richard won't get within a league of a ship. Didn't I ever tell you? He was taking his wife, two sons and four daughters to one of the islands north of Toronto. It is a beautiful place for a holiday. They ran into a band of pirates. They killed the Captain, Richard's wife, sons and the entire crew. They left Richard for dead. He hasn't seen nor heard of his four daughters since. Richard was found, only hours from death by a Toronto patrol ship. He won't even go to the port city. Father Robert is needed here. Lord John will have Calgary's best interest at heart." Bret explained at length.

Adam sniffed, "Poor, poor Lord Richard. He must wonder everyday about his daughters. How awful for him, not knowing their fate. Alright M' Lord, I shall trust your judgment," Adam replied honestly. He knew Bret wouldn't budge on the matter anyway.

Bret had Adam draw out detailed navigation maps for the proposed trade routes with Britain. Adam didn't like it, but he knew the route would have to be shown. He didn't like giving away secrets like that until agreements were signed on paper with the Briton King. The Consort did something he shouldn't have. He altered the position of one of the islands by fifty leagues. He kept it a secret, better not to hand a potential enemy the exact location of their largest island. It held the most arms and men.

If the trading was established, he would correct his mistake by explaining his navigational mathematics were off, due to the babe distracting him. Bret never noticed the slight difference.

Lord Barrett and Lord Laurinaitis were sent off with a fanfare and loaded with gifts for the King of Britain and his husband. Adam prayed everything would work out, but it worried him.

"I want my poppa!" Adam whined like a small boy. He was miserable. Their babe was due any time now he was almost overdue. Adam was scared and felt alone. He so wanted Shawn with him.

Bret sat on the side of the bed, he was reading from a book of poetry that Adam liked, "I know my pet. I sent Cena and Hardy to Copeland. We should hear soon, pet. He might not be able to come you know, he has a lot to do," The older man said softly. He was worried for Adam's mental health.

"I... know. He was there when Heath had Elizabeth. It is not fair, he's my poppa, not his!" Adam said with a pant.

Bret took Adam's hand and kissed it softly. "I know, but he is Christian's poppa and Elizabeth's grandfather. You know he will come when he can, you are his baby," he hoped his words would comfort his espoused. Bret knew Adam was scared, to be honest, he was just as nervous.

"I... want my poppa!" Adam wailed as the tears ran down his face. He was sitting up, several pillows supported him. He was wearing a white silk sleeping gown. Adam was so uncomfortable, his back, legs and hips ached badly.

"Well then, I am glad I got here," Shawn said as he came into the royal chamber. He looked a tad disheveled and his face was dirty from riding.

When John and Jeffery arrived yesterday, Shawn immediately started packing to leave. Hunter told Shawn to go be with Adam and he would stay to attend to pressing Royal matters.

What Adam didn't know was that Hunter and Theodore of Jericho had become fast friends. They were in the middle of trade negotiations. Chris was busy with the army and didn't know of the new, close friendship with Copeland.

Shawn had actually managed to ride to Calgary. It was faster. The carriage with his trunks was still two hours away. Jeffery was impressed that Shawn managed to ride. Then again, his child needed him, that was great motivation to stay in the saddle.

Adam blinked, "Poppa? Is that really you?" the blond was surprised that his poppa had come. He thought Shawn would be too busy.

Shawn laughed as he approached Adam, "Yes, baby boy. Your poppa is here. How are you Bret?" Shawn asked as he hugged his friend and son-in-law.

"Good to see you Shawn, thanks for coming. Someone has really been asking for you," Bret said happily. He was so relieved that Shawn was there.

"I wouldn't miss my grandchild's arrival. I was planning on a visit anyway. Son, you look good. Your father is sorry, he has a few days of business to take care of, he will be here in a week or so. Christian and Heath send their love as well," Shawn said with a cheerful smile as he hugged his son.

"Poppa, make it come out!" Adam said with a whine. He was sure Shawn could help.

"You will just have to hang in there son. Look, I have a portrait of Elizabeth," Shawn opened the locket he wore. One side was a tiny painting of Hunter, the other was of a beautiful baby girl with a shock of red hair.

"She's beautiful poppa. Is Heath alright? How was her birthing?" Adam asked with a curious fear to his voice.

"Heath is fine. She was stubborn, like your brother, but when things got started, she fairly popped right out. I promise you son, as soon as the babe is in your arms, you forget any pain," Shawn said honestly as he gently caressed his son's face.

"Thank you for coming, poppa. I feel better with you here. The Physician should be here soon. He checks every few hours. Oh! The babe is really active today," Adam groaned as the baby kicked him really hard.

Shawn looked a bit worried. Now that his child had settled a bit, he thought Adam looked a bit pale. He didn't want to worry either his son or son-in-law.

"Bret, if you have a room for me, I'd like to wash up a bit, change out of this dirty tunic," Shawn asked the older King with a soft, calm tone.

"You are in the guest room across the hall, it's always ready. Glenn will bring you up some fresh water," Bret said as he called to the ever-present personal guard who stood out side the door. He told the man to call for Jacobs.

"I'll be right back son. I need to wash this dirt. You will be fine. Poppa is here now," with a soft voice and tender kiss to Adam's cheek, Shawn left to go freshen up.

Shawn had no sooner left when Physician Galloway came into the royal chamber. Adam liked the court Physician, he was young but smart and the young consort trusted him, which was very important.

"Greetings Your Majesties. I saw your poppa, I'm happy he could be here. I'm sure you will find him a big comfort. Let's see how this babe is doing. Feel anything different?" Andrew asked as he started pressing on Adam's belly and listening to his patients heart and breathing.

"The babe has kicked and moved a lot more today. Yes, I am very glad poppa is here. How much longer Drew? I am ready!" Adam nearly whined. The Physician had told Adam to call him Drew, it was just easier and more friendly, after all the man saw Adam at his most intimate.

Drew laughed a bit, "Soon, mayhaps even later today. The baby has turned and is ready. Try to get up and walk around, sometimes it helps move things along. Remember when your channel starts to open your liquid will break. Call me immediately when that happens. Your poppa will know," Drew gave his instructions. He left again with a promise to check back soon.

Shawn returned. He was freshly washed and his damp hair was tied back. He'd put the clean tunic that John had put in his saddle bag. He felt better.

"What did the Physician say?" the "Queen" of Copeland asked his son as he sat on the bed with Adam.

Bret had excused himself for a while now that Shawn was there. He could go check with his Council. No word from Barrett had come back yet. The King wasn't worried, after all, Lord Barrett had only been gone a few weeks.

Adam told his poppa what the Physician had said. "Well, come on then, I will help you walk a bit. It does help. Have you thought of names yet? You know your son or daughter will inherit Copeland," Shawn reminded Adam that Christian lost his right to inherit when he married Heath.

"We have a few in mind, but Bret wants to see the babe, he says the name will come then. Poppa, I'm worried. Bret doesn't tell me much, but he hasn't had any word from Barrett. I have a very bad feeling about all of this. I am scared for him poppa," Adam spoke as Shawn helped him out of the bed. They walked around the chamber.

Shawn looked at his child, "You... love Bret don't you?" the older man was a bit surprised, he thought Adam's love was only for Jericho.

Adam blushed, "Very much, poppa. I still... love... Chris, but I love Bret too. He is so good and kind. He cares for me and he loves our babe. He is so broken still, but I don't mind. I know he loves me, even if he can't tell me. I love his calm strength, his love for the people, he's a good man who had a terrible time. He can't let go of the pain Edward caused him. But, I love him," Adam explained his feelings. It was wonderful having his poppa there to talk to.

"You are doing the right thing, my little one. Just keep loving him. He's changed; he smiles now. He hasn't done that for a long time. I am proud of you. Now, I know you are worried about Royal concerns, but you need to keep your energy for having this little one," Shawn said as he walked more with Adam.

"I want to go down to the garden. I want some fresh air," Adam whined as he looked out of the window. He'd pulled back the heavy velvet drape.

"I know. Lying in is very confining. You can't go though, it isn't allowed. You can go out again after the Father cleanses you. It's archaic , but Church law is strict. I know Father William wants to change some of the old doctrines," Shawn sighed.

Birth was considered unclean by the Church. Adam would not be allowed contact with the public until six weeks after the birth. Then he would be "cleansed" by the Father in an act called "churching".

"If Priests had children, I bet the doctrine would... ch... ange," Adam paused as Shawn's words sunk into his brain. "Father William? From Jericho? Have you been talking to him? How is... he?" Adam continued. He had no idea what was going on back home in Copeland.

Shawn could have kicked himself, he'd meant to spare Adam, but then again Adam would rule Copeland one day, so he needed to know. "Theodore and your father have become dearest friends. Hunter is delayed now because he and Theodore are in the middle of setting up trade agreements. So yes, Father William is often in Copeland. All I know is that he has made a life in the army. He is a Commander of a border patrol. Theodore hasn't seen him... for a while," Shawn spoke the truth, hoping Adam could take it.

"Theodore is a nice man, I still think of him as 'Uncle'. Good, Jericho has a lot to offer in trade. He... is suited for the army. Send him... my love. Does he know about this?" Adam held his stomach. He was glad to hear news of Chris and he prayed for the safety of his Lion.

Before Shawn could reply, Adam nearly doubled over in pain, "AH! Oh holy scheisse," Adam cursed in the old language. His brother had taught him the bad words as a child.

"Adam Joseph! Language! The babe?" Shawn scolded, but with fatherly concern.

"Sorry poppa. Yes... Ah! Oh! OH!" Adam did double over that time. When he did, he felt warmth rush down his legs. His eyes were wide with pain and fear.

"Easy son. Let's get you out of this, then into the bed," Shawn helped his son change out of the wet gown. He then helped his naked son to the bed. Shawn pulled up the sheets.

The "Queen" of Copeland went to the door, "Send the Physician! The King Consort's time has come. Send the King! Send Cena!" Shawn knew his words were heard, after all the guard was constantly at the door.

"Poppa!" Adam cried out as the babe contracted, sending pain washing over Adam's body.

"Just breathe son. Come on, in... out... in... out. That's my boy," Shawn remained calm as he helped his son relax and breathe.

The Physician rushed into the room, just arrived John Cena on his heels. Bret was not with them.

"John, bring hot water and cloths, also bring some cold, watered wine," Drew ordered the servant. John nodded and rushed to do the doctors bidding.

"Let us have a look," Drew lowered the sheet and helped Adam pull his legs up. Adam had learned early, having a baby meant having no dignity. At least Drew treated him with respect. It helped that the Physician was closer to his age.

"Yes, you are open. The channel has to open a bit more, then it will be time to push. It could take a few hours but once it starts, it will happen fast. I shall stay close by, but with your Majesty here, there is no need for me to over, you will be sick of seeing me soon enough. Just breathe, and take a little watered wine every hour. Call for me when the pains come faster," Drew said as he gently pulled Adam's legs down and the sheet up.

Another pain hit Adam after the Physician left. Father Robert was also on alert. He would be called to witness the birth. It had to be verified that it was a live birth and the King's child. The Father had nothing to gain, so his word was law about Royal births.

"Poppa? Where is Bretty?" Adam asked with a breathless whimper. It had only started and he was getting tired.

"I am sure he is coming. You know how Council meetings can be. Try to sleep my baby, you will need the rest. I'll send John for Bret," Shawn said softly. He remained calm.

John Cena came in with a pot of hot water that he hung on a hook just inside the fireplace. He had a stack of clean cloths and a lesser servant followed with the watered wine, then left quietly.

"John, please tell his Majesty that he is required, but assure him Adam is fine. Thank you," Shawn ordered the stocky servant.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Majesty, is he alright?" John's voice was full of worry for his Master.

Shawn smiled, "He's fine, John. It's just very exhausting to give birth. You are such a good boy John. If I haven't told you, I rest a lot better knowing you are here with Adam. So you know, de Brooks is with Prince Christopher. Last I heard he was well. Your father is proud of you as well. I am sorry he was gone when you came to fetch me, but he is out buying new breed stock. You may go now," Shawn spoke warmly to the servant. John was more like family than servant.

John nodded with a furious blush, then went to find King Bret. Adam needed his husband and John would deliver him.

Bret was not in the throne room. Lord Richard said he'd not seen the king. John was puzzled, where would the King go now of all times?

In the mean time the carriage from Copeland was being unloaded. Jeffery and his Knights were with the Royal property. Glenn took over and sent the trunks to "Queen" Shawn's chambers. Normally John would see to Shawn's things but he was in search of King von Hart.

No one had seen where their King had gone. John was starting to worry. A King just didn't vanish. He had a sudden thought as he made his way outside.

John went to the small hut near the Royal Garden. He found Michael Le Foley, who was re-potting some rose slips that had just arrived on the carriage from Copeland. They needed immediate attention. John was amazed at the way the large, clumsy looking hands, handled the delicate rose slips. Michael smiled at John.

"Fare the well young Cena. How fares our King Consort?" Le Foley asked politely. He kept on working with the roses.

"The babe is on the way. Have you seen His Majesty?" John asked hopefully. He kept watching the fingers work.

"Why, yes I have friend Cena. He went into the garden and is still there as far as I know," Michael said honestly, he didn't think the King would mind John being told where he was.

John gave his thanks and left the hut. He saw Robert of Backlund trimming the hedges. Somehow the man managed to make box hedges into wonderful shapes. Right now he was making a star. It was amazing. The gardener waved and John returned it. He felt like he had a second family in Calgary, and he did. He liked it here for the most part. He was glad to have news of Philip, maybe he would write again soon.

Cena entered the maze of the Royal Garden. He had walked here many times with Adam. The young King Consort had transformed the garden in to a thing of beauty. Michael and Robert tried, but with no care or motivation, it was hard to keep the garden as it should be. Bret never showed any care for it, until Adam came along.

New types of flowers had been collected from Shawn, Queen Patricia and King Theodore. In return, Adam sent them slips of the Pink Rose of Calgary. Adam was the one that showed Robert how hedges could be trimmed into various shapes and Backlund had a natural talent for it.

The young King had a matching bench made to sit next to Bret's dragon bench. Adam's bench was held up by two unicorns. Also, he'd had a new statue carved from a block of the famous pink marble of Calgary.

The statue was part of the fountain in the center of the maze. It was a rampart unicorn, water poured from its horn. With the unicorn, there was a crouching dragon, water came from its mouth. The two pieces complemented each other and symbolized their two Kingdoms. Bret loved and was once again proud of his Royal Garden. It became a respite for him.

John followed the twisting path. He knew never to leave the main path, it was the fastest way to the center. He stopped short of the entrance to the middle of the maze. King von Hart was there and he was talking to the air.

"Please keep Adam safe and see our babe well-born. I am afraid, Lord God. I do not think I shall be a good father, but I shall try. I can promise neither Adam or our babe will want for anything. Thank you for sending Adam to me. I love him. I just wish I could tell him. Edward made my heart hard. I know Adam still loves Lionheart. I know I hurt them, taking Adam away, but I needed an heir and I do care about him... NO, I love him. I'll never tell him, I just can't. Help me Lord God," Bret sat on the unicorn bench, his head in his hands.

John cleared his throat and called out, acting like he'd just arrived and had not heard Bret's heartfelt prayer. "Your Majesty? Are you here? Sire?" Cena called out, making his ruse real.

"Yes John, I am here," Bret called out to Adam's personal servant. He granted permission for John to approach by waving the man towards him.

John entered the paradise of the Royal Garden's center. He bowed deeply, "Your Majesty. The King Consort is calling for you. The birth has begun in earnest and he wants you there," John's blue eyes almost seemed to beg. He knew Adam needed his husband.

"Alright John. John? I am... afraid. I can not take away his pain and suffering. It is because of me he is hurting," Bret expressed a rare show of emotion, especially before a servant.

John smiled softly, "Yes, Your Majesty, you can help him; be there with him. Yes. "Queen" Shawn is there, but he is not you. He is asking for you, Sire," John explained as best he could.

Adam whimpered as he woke up. He was having another contraction, "Hurts" he whimpered again.

Shawn placed a cool cloth on his son's brow. "Just breathe. In... out... in … out, good boy. Better now?" Shawn asked as he watched Adam breathe with him, as he held the cloth in place.

Adam was lying on his side, his knees drawn up a bit, it was the most comfortable position, at least for now. "Poppa? Where is Bret? I thought he cared about me and our babe," Adam asked as a tear rolled down his cheek.

"I do, my pet. I am here now. I am sorry, I stepped out into the garden for some fresh air," Bret said softly. He climbed on to the bed and was supporting Adam from behind.

Shawn smiled, "He's been asking for you. See son, I told you he'd be here," the young King's father spoke softly.

Adam screamed in pain this time. The pains were coming faster and harder. Bret's face was full of concern as he rubbed Adam's back.

Shawn sent for Drew, things were going faster now. The Physician and Father Robert both entered the chamber.

In the throne room, the Royal Council waited anxiously for news of their heir. The villagers had started to gather beneath the balcony as word of the impending birth swept through the village.

The Royal heir of Calgary was on the way.