A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my amazingly wonderful boyfriend, who helped inspire much of the romance in this chapter
Chapter Eight
"No, no, no," Euphemia shook her head in disbelief and groaned. "This can't be happening. Not now."
Dr. Eron gave Euphemia li Britannia a pitying look. "Sub-viceroy, do you wish to bring the Viceroy back? She might-"
"NO!" Euphemia, surprised by her outburst, fidgeted nervously and apologized softly. Dr. Eron smiled and patted her hand.
"It's quite all right, Sub-viceroy. You're a little more emotional because of the pregnancy. It's a common symptom."
They were silent for several minutes while Euphemia adjusted to the uneasy feeling in her stomach. Eventually, Euphemia looked up and admitted, "I don't know what to do."
"I can help, if you would like," Dr. Eron offered, taking out a folder from her bag. "I collected together a folder for you. Also, if you would like, I could take on your case. It could be completely exclusive from the public until your child is born."
Euphemia smiled gratefully at the doctor. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Not at all, Sub-viceroy."
Euphemia smiled at her and took the folder. "What is the folder about?"
"It's a small information packet. We can observe it together or..."
"How about I'll observe it and contact you if I have any questions?"
Dr. Eron smiled. "That's a wonderful idea. Would you like the Viceroy to return?"
Euphemia's smile faded. She couldn't keep her pregnancy a secret from her sister. It wouldn't be possible.
"…Can you tell her when she comes in? I won't be able to," Euphemia whispered, leaning back in her bed to rest on the headboard.
Dr. Eron smiled at Euphemia. "Of course I will. Why don't you call her back in?"
Euphemia nodded and did so.
Cornelia could already see everyone was tense. Euphemia looked guilty and Dr. Eron looked extremely professional. Instantly, Cornelia was alert.
"What seems to be the issue?" Cornelia asked stiffly, struggling to come up with possibilities.
"Viceroy, I think it would be best for you to sit down," Dr. Eron answered, standing up.
Cornelia gave Euphemia a long look, but sat on the bed and awaited Dr. Eron's explanation.
Dr. Eron paced around for a moment, unsure if she should just drop the bombshell or if she should let the news off easy. Dr. Eron got the idea the moment she looked at Euphemia's face.
Euphemia automatically knew what Dr. Eron was going to say and buried her face in her hands.
Cornelia, seeing Euphemia's actions, stood up and demanded, "What is going on?"
Dr. Eron sighed. "Viceroy, it seems the sub-viceroy has… well…"
The more Dr. Eron stumbled around for the right wording, the less Euphemia could stand and finally said aloud, "Sister, I'm pregnant!"
Euphemia's eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth.
Cornelia could only stumble to the edge of the bed and stare at Euphemia, eyes wide in shock and her mouth hanging open. What had happened to her precious Euphy? When had she become more than the little sister Cornelia used to dot over?
Suddenly, anger and concern overtook shock. Cornelia wanted to demand who the father was, know that he was good to her. She had to know how long they had been together. Was the man a pureblood or a half-blood? Was he an Eleven-?
No, Cornelia didn't think Euphemia would stoop to that level.
Euphemia could see each emotion flash through Cornelia's eyes. When she saw the anger and concern, she couldn't stand it anymore; Euphemia began to cry.
Instantly, Cornelia's cold shield shattered, leaving a sister aching to take care of Euphemia. Cornelia sat beside Euphemia and wrapped her arms around the younger sister. Euphemia buried her face into Cornelia's outfit.
"I didn't mean for this to happen," Euphemia said softly, sniffling. "I thought we were safe."
"Shh, shh, it's all right, Euphy. Mistakes happen," Cornelia coaxed, rubbing Euphemia's arms. Euphemia snuggled closer to her sister, taking in all the temporary comfort she could get. Cornelia looked over at Dr. Eron and nodded. "You will be taking over the sub-viceroy's case." It was a statement, but Dr. Eron agreed anyway.
"Shall we keep this case from the press?"
"For now, that is best. Please come back tomorrow morning after breakfast. We'll discuss this more later."
Dr. Eron nodded her agreement and began out of the room. Cornelia told the doctor to summon Suzaku back into the room. Euphemia tensed the moment Cornelia said Suzaku's name, but it didn't seem Cornelia noticed. What was Suzaku going to say?
Euphemia could read his expressions in a way Cornelia wouldn't be able to see; his face showed slight worry, but his eyes showed the concern for his love. He obviously didn't know.
"You wanted me, Viceroy." Suzaku stood like soldier; solid and straight, just like a beam.
He's so strong, confident in his ability, Euphemia thought. She slowly untangled herself from her sister, wiping away at her tears and gave Suzaku a tiny smile only he could pick up on.
"Kururugi, your job for the sub-viceroy is more important than ever." Cornelia stood up from the bed and walked in front of Suzaku. "I shall have a trust in you I've never given anyone, but Euphemia. It seems she trusts you, as much as I trust her. So listen closely to what she has to say. Protect her with every fiber of your being."
"Is everything all right?" Suzaku asked.
"Her life is in no danger. She… Euphemia is pregnant."
At first, Suzaku blinked. Euphemia knew instantly it was because of the shock. His soldier instincts kicked in the moment he was surprised and he usually pushed the feelings away until there wasn't a threat.
"She… she's pregnant," Suzaku repeated lamely.
"Yes, Kururugi," Cornelia sighed. Euphemia sensed what little patients her sister had at the moment were ebbing away. "Is that too hard for you to comprehend?"
"N-no, I'm just… shocked."
"Yes, we all are." Cornelia turned to Euphemia. "Euphy, I'll leave you be for tonight to allow you to process the situation. We can talk in the morning."
"All right," Euphemia said softly, staring at her hands.
Cornelia left the room without another word. She didn't fool Euphemia. Euphemia knew how upset she was. But Euphemia didn't have time to worry about her sister being upset. Her and Suzaku were alone now… with news of a baby coming.
Euphemia didn't look up from her hands. She kept her head down, eyes squeezed tightly together as she waited for Suzaku's reaction. For several moments, she heard nothing. Then she felt Suzaku wrap his arms around Euphemia and he pulled her into a hug. She hugged him back tightly, keeping her eyes closed.
"There's a child," he whispered. Euphemia nodded and looked up. Suzaku looked down at her and gave her a small smile. It wasn't one showing he was uncomfortable. In fact, it was the one he gave her before he told her he loved her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering. "I love you, Euphy…"
"I love you too, Suzaku," Euphemia whispered, her eyes closing again. Suzaku kissed her forehead again and then her lips. It was quick, but sweet.
They were silent again, curled up in the bed together. Finally, Euphemia broke the silence, "What are we going to do about the situation?"
"What do you want to do?"
"Do you want my sister to know the child is yours?"
Euphemia watched for Suzaku's reaction. He was hesitant, nervous. Euphemia could sense this was one of the most difficult choices in his life.
"I… want the Viceroy to know it is my child, but…" He paused, causing Euphemia's heart to sink. Did he not want to fess up that it was his child? "Let's wait a little while before pushing more news upon Cornelia."
Euphemia nodded, her heart seizing up in joy. She gave a wide smile and kissed Suzaku. He kissed her back softly and then pulled away to kiss her forehead. "Get some sleep, Euphy," he murmured.
"Will you sleep with me?" she asked softly, brushing her lips against his cheek.
"Of course I will." Euphemia smiled and got up from the bed, despite Suzaku's protests. After she had her door locked, Euphemia tugged Suzaku into her bed and curled up next to him. He wrapped the blankets over both of them, and then pulled her to his chest. "Are you comfortable, my princess?" Suzaku asked, stroking her lush hair.
"I am in your arms," Euphemia answered, leaning up and kissing him.
When they pulled away, Suzaku whispered, "Good night, love."
"I'm not sleepy, Suzaku," Euphemia answered, just as quietly.
"You should sleep still."
"What about a bath?" she inquired, raising her eyebrow. "I'm still relaxing, but I'm not lying in bed the whole time." She hoped Suzaku would like the idea. While she loved to lay in bed with Suzaku, Euphemia couldn't stand the bed any longer. She could enjoy curling up with Suzaku when it was bed time.
"All right, I'll help you into the bath," Suzaku sighed, but he didn't make a move to let go. Euphemia squirmed and felt Suzaku's grip tighten slightly.
"Suzaku?"
"Can I have a few more minutes?" he asked softly, resting his eyes. "I haven't been able to hold you like this in a week."
"You'll be able to more often, especially when Sister realizes you're my love," Euphemia murmured. She didn't make a movement to move though. That made Suzaku smile.
"This is just one of the thousands of reasons why I love you," he said, kissing the top of her head.
"What's the reason?" Euphemia asked, looking slightly confused. The look on her face made him smile and kiss her again.
"You're so cute when you're confused," he sighed, kissing her cheek. "The reason is that you understand everything and you say all the right things." He kissed her again and grinned. "That and you're so adorable."
Euphemia smiled, feeling a rush of love for Suzaku. She leaned up for another kiss. "God, Suzaku, I wish we could stay like this forever," Euphemia sighed, closing her eyes.
"I know what you mean, Euphy," he said and reluctantly let go. Euphemia clung to him, now not wanting to get up either. "Come on," he pressed, scooping her up into his arms.
She giggled and clung to his shirt, kissing his neck since she couldn't reach his lips. He hoisted her up just a little more and kissed her on the lips. Euphemia smiled at Suzaku, who grinned in return and began to walk towards the bathroom.
He set Euphemia down on the sink counter and turned to her bathtub. Euphemia quickly, but silently hopped off the sink and stripped off her clothes as fast as possible. She was standing stark naked in front of Suzaku when he turned around. At first, Suzaku simply smiled at Euphemia. Then his gaze traveled downwards. And continued to, all the way down and then back to her face. He gazed at Euphemia with a sweet smile and stepped forward, engulfing her in his arms. He kissed her tenderly, wrapping his arms around her bare waist. He pulled away from the kiss, leaving a trail of kisses on her cheek and neck.
"You're a goddess, Euphy," he murmured against her skin, kissing under her ear. Euphemia's eyes fluttered closed and she leaned her head back. After a moment, Suzaku pulled away and grinned at Euphemia. "It's time for your bath."
"You're going to come, aren't you, Suzaku?" Suzaku shook his head. Euphemia gave him a disappointed look. "Why not?"
"I have to keep guard over you, Euphy. That means outside the bathroom door."
Euphemia huffed, then said, "But you do have to get a shower at some point."
"I will later, Euphy."
"Suzaku," she sighed, looking up at Suzaku with puppy dog eyes, "please come in."
Suzaku hesitated, then nodded and allowed Euphemia to get down so he could undress. Euphemia giggled as she watched, slipping down into the tub. Suzaku was with her in moments, wrapping his arms around her from behind. She smiled, leaning back into Suzaku's chest. He kissed her head, nuzzling his face into her sweet-smelling hair.
They were silent for several moments. Then Suzaku whispered, "Euphy, we're going to be parents."
"I know, Suzaku," she said softly, wrapping her hands around his forearm. They fell silent, unsure what to say. They were a fairly new couple. How would a child affect their relationship? Euphemia's head began to spin with questions. She was nervous just thinking about it. What happened if Suzaku decided he didn't lover her-? Euphemia's grip around Suzaku's arm tightened. What would happen?
Suzaku seemed to sense Euphemia's nerves, for he kissed her head again and asked, "What's wrong, Euphy?"
"It's nothing," she mumbled, burying her face into the crook of his arm.
"You can tell me anything," Suzaku coaxed, rubbing her arm with one hand.
"It's just… I'm scared."
"This is a lot to be scared about. A child-"
"That's not it."
"What is it then?"
"I'm afraid what's going to happen with us."
Suzaku was quiet. Euphemia's fear tightened its grip on her heart, forcing her close to tears.
"Why would you worry about that, Euphy?"
"What happens if our relationship-"
"I'm going to be with you every step of the way. Our relationship isn't going to change."
"But what if you quit loving me? Or if I quit…"
"That's not going to happen, Euphy. I know it."
"You don't know that for sure." Tears had formed in Euphemia's eyes and she felt a few leak from her eyes.
Suzaku pulled her closer still and kissed her head, cheek and neck. "Euphy, I promise you, I won't leave you."
"You can't promise that," she whispered.
Suzaku sighed, then asked, "Euphy, can you turn around?"
Confused, Euphemia did as she was asked, wiping at her eyes slyly so Suzaku would not see her tears. Suzaku gave Euphemia a tender smile and kissed her softly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and kissing him desperately. He kissed her just as feverishly, leaning back in the tub so she was on top. Obviously they weren't going to do anything (Euphemia was pregnant after all), but Euphemia had such an urge to kiss Suzaku, she couldn't stop herself from straddling his waist. She could feel him getting hard.
Euphemia pulled away and scooted off Suzaku back into the tub. Suzaku seemed highly embarrassed. "Suzaku, I can't lose you. This child could cause problems worse than we know," she said softly.
Suzaku tenderly touched her cheek, giving her a bright smile. "You know what Euphy? There is a way that I can promise I'll be with you forever."
Euphemia cocked her head to the side, confused. "How can you promise?"
Suzaku smiled and kissed her softly. "I'll show you tomorrow, okay?"
Euphemia hesitated, then nodded with a small grin. "Sure."
"Now let's get you washed up, okay?"
"You too, Suzaku." Euphemia gave a shy smile, kissed him again, then whispered, "I love you, Suzaku."
"I love you more, Euphy." He gave her a grin, then leaned down towards her stomach. "I love you too, child," he whispered, giving her stomach a tender kiss. Euphemia giggled, then snuggled up towards Suzaku when he leaned up again. "Euphy, let's snuggle later. We need to hurry up with your bath."
"Okay, Suzaku," she sighed, straightening up and reaching for the soap.
Their bath was eventful, with much goofing around. It was about an hour before they finally got out. When they did, Euphemia's face was aglow with happiness. She was certain her and Suzaku would be good parents. The child would have a wonderful family.
Euphemia decided to lock her bedroom door double what she normally did, so her and Suzaku could curl up in bed together that night and be able to relax. The second latch (which had only been put on days ago) was only on the inside, so not even Cornelia could get in.
Suzaku was already lying in Euphemia's bed. She bounded over and slipped under the covers, curling up into Suzaku's arms. He pulled her to his chest and kissed her head. "Go to sleep now, Euphy," Suzaku suggested quietly.
"You too," Euphemia murmured. Since she was curled up in Suzaku's arms, Euphemia fell asleep easier than she had in weeks. Her dreams were plagued with wonders she could only hope for.
#
#
Suzaku was awake. He wasn't able to get to sleep that night. He wanted to stay up and watch over Euphemia. At least until she woke up.
When Euphemia finally woke up, it was still dark out outside. Suzaku was awake, but he was still in bed with Euphemia. He was fully clothed in his uniform for the day, but he had gotten back into bed and was stroking Euphemia's hair. She nuzzled Suzaku's hand and kissed his palm. Whispering good morning, Suzaku smiled at Euphemia and kissed her on the forehead, her nose, and finally her mouth. Then he leaned down and kissed her stomach, telling the child its father was here and he was protecting him.
Euphemia ran her fingers through Suzaku's hair, watching him with wide, child-like eyes. She looked so adorable… Suzaku kissed Euphemia again, stroking her sides as he coaxed her onto of him. He enjoyed being on top of her, but Suzaku knew with the child, he should allow her to sit on top of him. Euphemia seemed to enjoy it too…
Suzaku felt guilty though. Whenever he began kissing her, he would get turned on. He didn't mean to, but he had just indulged himself in the pleasures of sex once again. It had been about four years since he had had that feeling. Euphemia was so good at it too, but he knew with the child, there wouldn't be anything.
Euphemia seemed to sense Suzaku wasn't quite in his mind and pulled away. She looked at him, concerned. "Suzaku, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Euphy," he murmured, tugging lightly at a lock of her hair. She leaned down to kiss Suzaku, but he only gave her a brief kiss before he kissed her cheek and then began kissing down her neck, lightly nipping the skin.
"Why are you distracted then, Suzaku?" she breathed, closing her eyes at the amazing feeling Suzaku was giving her. Suzaku didn't answer her right away, moving up to kiss Euphemia on her sweet lips. God, he wanted her so bad...
Suddenly, Euphemia pulled away. Suzaku opened his mouth to speak, but she hopped off the bed before he could ask anything and dashed for the bathroom. The sound of her retching was easily heard from where Suzaku was. He got up and walked over to the bathroom to check on Euphemia. She was at the sink, rinsing out her mouth with some water.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Suzaku wondered softly, coming up behind her and pulling her to his chest.
"The morning sickness doesn't bother me quite like it did yesterday," Euphemia rasped, then coughed and said pretty normally, "I'm beginning to feel more nauseous though."
"Why don't you lie down?"
"What was bothering you?" She turned around to face Suzaku, her face mirroring her eyes with concern.
Suzaku looked away, embarrassed, as well as slightly ashamed. He shouldn't be wanting anything from Euphy. She already…
"Suzaku?" Now she looked really worried. "What's wrong? You're not… you're not thinking about… about…" Tears were forming in her eyes.
"Hey, hey, it's okay," Suzaku said in a soothing voice, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead, pulling her into his chest. She curled into him, gripping him. She was holding onto him as if he was going to leave.
"What's wrong then?" Euphemia asked softly, looking up at him.
"I just feel bad," he admitted.
Now she looked confused. "What about?"
"The fact that…" He took a deep breath, then decided. "It's not important."
"Suzaku, it is important," Euphemia said, sounding stern. "If it's something about you, it's always the most important thing, no matter what it is."
Suzaku hesitated. He really didn't want to discuss it with her.
"Suzaku," Euphemia said softly.
He sighed and closed his eyes, burying his face into her hair. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, murmuring softly, "I just want to know. I don't care what it is."
"No, I just…" He took a deep breath. "When we're kissing, I keep getting…"
"Aroused?" Euphemia offered. A grin was beginning to form on her face.
"Yes, and I know we can't do anything. Not with a child inside you."
Euphemia smiled suddenly, which confused Suzaku.
"Suzaku, you're forgetting something."
"What do you mean?"
Euphemia kissed Suzaku instead of giving a direct answer. Instantly, Suzaku kissed Euphemia back. His member, which had begun to deflate, popped up the moment Suzaku began to kiss Euphemia. Euphemia's hand trailed down from Suzaku's chest, lower until she was at the hem of his pants. In a swift motion, Euphemia unbuttoned Suzaku's pants and then she slipped her hand inside. Twice she stroked his cock before she quit kissing Suzaku and pulled him out of his pants. Then she knelt down. Instantly, Suzaku understood what she was getting at. He never thought she'd actually suggest it.
She continued to stroke him, but she was looking up at him with a small smirk on her face. Suzaku's hips thrusted forward slightly in time with Euphemia's ministrations. "Are you enjoying what I'm doing?" she asked, giving him an innocent look.
"Y-yeah."
Euphemia kissed the tip of his cock, then flickered her tongue out. Wow, she was good at it... Thoughts of what Euphemia could be doing filtered into Suzaku's mind, but when she took his tip into her mouth and sucked lightly, all thoughts flew away. Euphemia continued to do everything she could think of doing; sucking, then pulling away, and stroking his cock with her tongue. Suzaku seemed to enjoy it when she used her tongue. She also made sure to pay special attention to his corona or frenulum.
She always kept one hand on his shaft. Euphemia couldn't take him in completely. Her gag reflex was decent, but with the morning sickness, she didn't want to press her luck. So, since she couldn't deep throat him, Euphemia would stroke him with her hand also.
Suzaku took a while to actually finish, but when he did reach his orgasm, it was amazing. He never knew she could do any of that. She was so…
Euphemia got off of her knees and gave Suzaku a small smile. But he could see she was trying to hold back a cringe. "What's wrong, Euphy?" he asked as he leaned in to kiss her.
When he pulled away, she said, "Bitter."
Suzaku chuckled lightly, kissing Euphemia again. "Sorry." Euphemia smiled and snuggled close to him. "That was amazing," he whispered.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
"You know, all of this has left me wanting to do this…" Suzaku's hands trailed up, massaging Euphemia's breasts.
She bit her lip. Suzaku pinched at Euphemia's breasts, catching her nipples easily. "Do you want anything?" he wondered softly. One of his hands began to caress down to between her legs. He rubbed at her clothed lips. He could already tell she was getting wet.
"I just want a little," she mumbled, taking a hand and pressing Suzaku's hand harder against her pussy.
"I'll do whatever you want," he murmured, pushing her towards the bedroom. She lay down on the bed, spreading herself out. Suzaku slipped her nightgown up and over her head before he kissed her. She didn't wear a bra to bed, so all he had to do was take off her panties. Then he began to stroke her pussy again while he took her nipple in his mouth. She arched off the bed, whimpering at the pleasure.
Suzaku slipped two fingers into Euphemia's pussy, working them softly at first. He slid down until he was between her legs, then began to stroke her with his tongue as well. After he slipped in a third finger, he began to rain kisses upon her clit. Euphemia gave off a soft moan, biting her bottom lip.
Euphemia didn't seem sure where to put her hands. Then she found herself stroking her breasts. When had she started that? Not really caring, Euphemia fondled her breast, massaging and tugging at her nipples. Her head began to spin and she could feel herself begin to clench around Suzaku's fingers. She was so close…
A knock to her door suddenly broke apart the wonderful feeling. Suzaku jumped slightly, but he kept his fingers inside of her. Euphemia cleared her throat, then called out shakily, "Yes?"
"Sub-viceroy, the Viceroy wanted me to call you for breakfast," Darlton said from the other side of the door.
"A-all right," Euphemia stuttered, not able to keep her voice when Suzaku suddenly licked her pussy. He was still working at her… "Tell si-sister I'll be upstairs so-soon."
"Are you all right?"
"Quite," Euphemia said tensely, unable to dispel the frustration Darlton brought still being there.
"I'll inform the Viceroy," Darlton said, much to Euphemia's relief.
Suzaku smiled and began to lap at Euphemia's pussy once again.
"S-Suzaku, we should st-stop," Euphemia tried to say.
"You're close, Euphy," was all Suzaku said.
In a few minutes, Euphemia came. For the most part she was quiet, though Suzaku could hear her gasping his name over and over. Just seeing her like this made him hard again, but he knew it would dispel within a few minutes.
After Euphemia recovered, she began getting ready for the day. Suzaku had to get into the shower again as well. They took a shower together to "conserve water" (really, who would believe that?). Then Suzaku asked Euphemia, "Will it be all right if I disappear for a few hours today?"
Euphemia cocked her head to the side, confused. "What do you need to do?"
"It's just something," he said, leaning down to kiss Euphemia. Euphemia nodded, though she began to wonder what he was doing. "I promise I'll be here for dinner at eight."
"Okay," Euphemia smiled, leaning up to kiss him again. He pulled her close to him.
"I love you so much, Euphy," he said softly.
"I love you too, Suzaku," Euphemia replied with a grin.
"I want you to know you're my entire world," he continued, kissing her forehead, her nose, both her cheeks, her lips and her forehead once more. "No matter what, we'll be together."
"Always," Euphemia agreed, kissing him one more time. With a smile, Suzaku squeezed her hand.
"I'll see you tonight."
"I love you."
Suzaku gave a small chuckle. "I love you too." With one last kiss, Suzaku left the room.
Euphemia finished getting ready and headed up for breakfast. She was only about fifteen minutes late, but Cornelia didn't seem happy about this.
"Where is Kururugi?" Cornelia demanded as soon as Euphemia sat down.
"He has his morning training, sister," Euphemia began.
"He needs to be with you at all times. Everything else is cancelled. Guilford, send for Kururugi immediately."
Guilford, who had been standing behind Cornelia, gave a nod and left the breakfast hall. Cornelia observed Euphemia quietly for several minutes. "We have a lot to discuss today, Euphy. There are a lot of preparations we're going to have to do before we allow this… situation to go public."
"How much is there to prepare for?" Euphemia asked.
"There's a lot. We have to inform Britannia first, mother and father specifically. Once everyone is aware of the situation, of course we need to meet the father and then arrange the marriage before the child is born. Then political issues will arise, all before the child is born."
"How much of this needs to be worked out right now?" Euphemia asked, growing more mentally exhausted with each passing moment.
"I know you're tired right now, Euphy. Today, I just need you to set up a time when we can travel to the homeland. Father and Mother will want to see us."
Euphemia nodded, looking down at her breakfast plate. She wasn't hungry any more. Euphemia looked up when she heard Cornelia's chair move and was surprised when Cornelia stood up and hugged Euphemia.
"I know this is tiring, Euphy and I wish this hadn't had to happen yet," Cornelia said softly. "Just hold in there. You'll be fine."
Euphemia nodded again, hugging her sister. She was touched that Cornelia showed care in such situation.
The door to the dining hall suddenly opened. Guilford and Suzaku walked in. Suzaku immediately bowed down for Cornelia.
"Viceroy, I apologize greatly. I did not realize everything would be dropped immediately."
"It's fine, Kururugi. I want you around the sub-viceroy at all times."
"Yes, of course." Suzaku hesitated. "I have a few…tasks I need to complete today. If I could have part of the afternoon off…"
"Kururugi…" Cornelia's voice had a sudden, threatening tone.
Euphemia stepped in. "Viceroy, it's quite all right. Someone else from the guard can watch me for the time being." A sudden, queasy feeling in her stomach appeared, but Euphemia tried to ignore it.
Cornelia didn't seem overly pleased with this, but she nodded. "This will be the last time, Kururugi."
"Of course." Suzaku stood up and walked up behind Euphemia.
Euphemia smiled at Suzaku, who gave a tiny smile in return. He seemed distracted though, which worried Euphemia.
#
#
Suzaku stayed with Euphemia, while she did so many things. She explained Cornelia, himself, and herself would be going to Britannia in a few weeks, when Euphemia would introduce Suzaku to her father and mother.
Eventually, Suzaku left Euphemia's side for his task. He was gone for several hours, far later than he anticipated, but it took forever to make a decision. When he finally returned back to the palace, it was well past eight. He hoped Euphemia wouldn't be too upset.
She was in her room, a table set with food. She looked exhausted. The morning sickness had gotten to her around midmorning.
"Hey, I'm sorry I'm late, Euphy," Suzaku apologized as soon as Euphemia closed to door. She nodded, looking slightly upset.
"Did I do something today, Suzaku?"
Suzaku gave her a confused look. "Why would you upset me?"
"I don't know, but you were out of it most of the day."
Suzaku gave Euphemia a grin. "Do you want to know why?"
"Yes!" Euphemia looked concerned again.
Suzaku gave a laugh, then kissed Euphemia. "All right, then watch."
With that, Suzaku got down to one knee and pulled out a box. He opened it, to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. Euphemia's eyes widened and a grin formed on her face.
"Are you-?" Euphemia began.
Suzaku nodded, then asked, "Euphemia li Britannia, will you marry me?"
"Of course!" With a laugh and a large smile, Euphemia fell into Suzaku's arms and kissed her lovely fiancée.
~Author's Note~
I'm terribly sorry about the slow updates! I just have so much school work that takes up a quarter of the time. Then there's an eighth for sleep and of course most of the rest of my time is for my boyfriend (who deserves as much as I can give him). Thank you for being patient! And thank my boyfriend (you can call him Mr. Adorable) for the inspiration of the romance and love for this story!
Review!
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