AN. Camelot Emrys: Elphaba doesn't typically wear red.
WEEK 10
Week 10 marks a milestone for your baby-to-be. All her cells have been directed to their places—brain tissue is growing rapidly, muscles are forming, fingers and toes are becoming defined. At about 10 weeks, Baby's fingernails even start to appear. Soon, she'll have toenails as well. Baby also has eyelids—but the bottom and top halves have fused together and will keep the eyes shut for several more weeks, like a kitten's. Ears, which (oddly) began developing on the neck, are moving into their normal place on the sides of the head. The baby can now swallow amniotic fluid and its life-sustaining organs (think heart, brain, liver, kidneys, intestines) are beginning to work. And her tiny heart, which already has claim on yours, has all four chambers now.
Fiyero didn't really envy Elphaba being the one who actually had to do the whole "growing a human being and giving birth" part, especially as he saw her wrestle with fatigue, morning sickness, heartburn and all the other symptoms that came along with that, but there were definitely some parts of the pregnancy that if given the opportunity, Fiyero could have really enjoyed.
This was mostly the parts that involved getting away with eating anything you wanted at any time; and getting to nap whenever you felt like it.
Fiyero was reflecting upon this now as Elphaba was still sleeping and it was almost noon. He knew she'd protest and complain about her lack of productivity, but Fiyero refused to wake her. He'd heard her get up three times during the night to use the bathroom, so if she wanted to sleep all day, he was going to let her.
Fiyero had nothing planned for the day, and he found himself creeping around the house, wary of any noise that might awaken his wife. He was glad, at times like these, that he and Elphaba had decided to keep minimum staff around the house. In fact they only had two maids employed, neither of whom lived in-house; although Fiyero knew they'd have to revisit that situation once the baby came. But for now it worked for them.
Feeling slightly peckish, Fiyero wandered into the kitchen to see what he felt like for lunch. On the counter lay that morning's newspaper, and Fiyero casually flicked through it as he munched on an apple, skimming the headlines to see if anything caught his attention.
Then he did a slight double take as he realised he was looking at a picture of him and Elphaba, clearly taken just the other day as they had been visiting the Vinkun markets over the weekend.
Royal Couple Ecstatic Over Baby News, the headline read and Fiyero froze. The press couldn't know their news… could they? He drew the paper closer to him quickly in order to read the accompanying article.
"As Prince Fiyero and Princess Elphaba strolled hand in hand through the Vinkun markets over the weekend, onlookers noted they smilingly observed the many local children playing in a nearby playground and say that the couple have decided the time is right to begin their family.
"They're so excited about having children," a royal insider says. "They've been wanting to start trying since they got married but the timing was never right."
The couple, who have been married for three years this March, chose to focus their energies on their studies, both graduating from Shiz University at the end of last May. Since then, the couple have been working hard to settle themselves into their royal duties.
Sources close to the couple insist that both Elphaba and Fiyero will be natural parents, and say Fiyero, 27, is particularly eager to become a father.
"He just dotes on his niece and nephew," a friend told us, referring to the two children of Fiyero's older sister and heir to the throne, Crown Princess Kastle, six year old Noak, and one year old Aaylis.
"He can't wait to have children of his own with Elphaba."
It is a far cry from the Prince Fiyero we knew three years ago. Close friends and family are amazed by how far he's come since his marriage to Elphaba.
"We never imagined he'd ever get married, let alone want children," the friend says. "It's a sign of how much he loves Elphaba and how far he's come. I think he'll be a great father."
Elphaba, 24, has long since been honing her mothering skills. She cared for her sister, Nessarose, from an early age, after their mother died in childbirth.
And Elphaba and Fiyero aren't the only ones excited about the prospect of beginning their family.
"The King and Queen are just thrillified at the idea of more grandchildren," says an aide close to the King and Queen.
No doubt royal watchers will be watching closely for any sign of a tell-tale baby bump in the coming months.
"Elphaba and Fiyero are so sure that this is the right time. This is the year."
Only time will tell whether this is true."
Fiyero sighed and rolled his eyes as he pushed the paper away from him in disgust.
"Morons," he scoffed.
"Who's a moron?"
He looked up to see Elphaba enter the room.
"Hey, good morning beautiful…or should I say good afternoon?" he teased lightly. "Are you okay?"
Elphaba shrugged, coming to stand next to him and placing her hand on his back. "I had to pee. And then throw up. And now I'm hungry."
Fiyero smiled and kissed her cheek. "Do you want me to make you something?"
She shook her head. "No, it's okay. I'm not sure what I want. Who's a moron?"
"Oh, just the press. More pregnancy rumours."
Elphaba frowned. "Do they know-?"
"No," Fiyero hastily assured her. "They're just guessing. Again. Here, see for yourself."
Elphaba read the article he pointed to over his shoulder and rolled her eyes.
"I'd like to know the names of these supposed "sources" and "insiders" they're always quoting."
"Me too," Fiyero agreed.
"Although they're right about one thing," Elphaba added.
"That we are actually having a baby?" Fiyero guessed and Elphaba rolled her eyes.
"Ok, two things."
He chuckled. "What's that?"
She smiled. "You've come a long way in three years."
Fiyero leaned down and kissed her. "Well, I had to grow up sometime, I guess. Especially to keep you."
Elphaba frowned slightly. "Keep me?"
"I told you I'm not losing you ever again," he reminded her.
Her face softened and she kissed him softly. "You're pretty much stuck with me at this point," she said matter-of-factly and Fiyero grinned.
Elphaba headed over to see what was in the pantry to eat, just as the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Fiyero offered, throwing away his apple core and leaving the room.
He was surprised to see Kastle on the other side.
"Hey. What's up?" he asked, gesturing for her to enter.
"I wanted to talk to you guys. It's Mom and Dad's thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in May," she reminded him. "Anton and I were talking last night about planning a big surprise party for them. But that involves a lot of planning and for you and Elphaba to be involved. I just finished an appointment and thought I'd stop by. Is Elphaba here?"
"Yeah, she's in the kitchen," Fiyero nodded. "Did you see the paper this morning?" he asked as they headed that way.
Kastle laughed. "Yes. I've told you guys. The only way to stop the rumours is to actually prove them right and get pregnant…"
She trailed off as they entered the kitchen. Fiyero frowned at her, not sure why she'd stopped talking. Kastle was gaping, her eyes wide.
"Oh my Oz, you are pregnant!" she gasped.
Fiyero shot a panicked look at Elphaba, who was seemingly frozen on the spot.
"Wh-what?" he said, forcing out a laugh. "Why would you say that?"
Kastle shot him a Look. "Because only a pregnant woman would eat that."
Fiyero looked to where she was pointing and for the first time, saw what Elphaba was doing- making a sandwich with tuna, tortilla chips and… pineapple? He couldn't help but wrinkle his nose, he'd read that pregnant women might have odd cravings but this was his first time seeing it.
"Really, Fae?"
"It sounded good in my head," Elphaba explained in a small voice.
Kastle beamed. "You really are pregnant! I'm going to be an aunt!" she exclaimed happily, crossing the room quickly to hug Elphaba.
"We're not saying anything yet," Elphaba began, almost apologetically even as she accepted the hug.
"How far along are you?"
"Ten weeks," Elphaba answered. She couldn't help but smile, it felt really good to be able to acknowledge it aloud to someone beside Fiyero or Izanami.
Kastle nodded knowingly. "Waiting until the second trimester?"
"Yeah," Elphaba said.
"And how long have you known?" she demanded.
"Four weeks," Fiyero replied, and Kastle turned to her younger brother as though only just remembering he was there.
"Fiyero! You're going to be a father!"
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Fiyero frowned, but Kastle was already ignoring him again.
"So, when are you due? How are you feeling?"
Fiyero could tell he was no longer needed for this conversation. "I'll leave you two to it," he said and left the room.
Elphaba kind of wished he'd stayed, but didn't say so as she answered Kastle's questions, almost shyly.
"September twentieth," she replied.
"And how do you feel?" Kastle repeated, more gently.
Elphaba hesitated. "I've been better," she admitted.
She looked down at the sandwich she had been making and wrinkled her nose. "Why did I even want this?" she wondered aloud and Kastle chuckled faintly.
She sat down at the counter and watched as Elphaba threw out her sandwich and made herself some dry toast and tea instead, before sitting down beside her.
"So, morning sickness?" Kastle asked.
"It's more like afternoon sickness," Elphaba chuckled. "I'm fine in the mornings, just a little dizzy. But then I'll be sick all afternoon. I used to be fine in the evenings, but lately…"
"Yeah, morning sickness doesn't really have a routine," Kastle consoled her. "Well, do you have any questions? Anything you want to know? Feel free to ask anything."
Elphaba sipped her tea thoughtfully. "Is it normal to be this tired?"
Kastle chuckled. "Yes. It does get better… and then it gets worse."
"Oh, joy," Elphaba made a face.
"Same goes for the constant need to use the bathroom…not that it goes away, it just gets worse. Anything else? Heartburn?"
Elphaba shook her head. "A little, but not really. The tiredness is the most annoying part, besides trying to hide it from everyone. And I've already gained three pounds, most of which I think is in my breasts."
"And how's my brother treating you?" Kastle asked, her tone suggesting she didn't really trust Fiyero's ability to take care of Elphaba.
Elphaba laughed. "He's been wonderful," she reassured him. "He's hovering a little," she admitted.
"I heard that!" Fiyero called from the next room and Elphaba laughed again.
Kastle hugged Elphaba again. "I'm so happy for you guys. And Mom and Dad will be thrillified. So you haven't told anyone yet?"
Elphaba shook her head. "No. We're going to tell Galinda and my family next month when we see them. I didn't want to tell them in a letter," she explained.
"Of course not. Telling people and seeing their faces is one of the best parts," Kastle grinned.
"So… you really knew just from my sandwich?" Elphaba asked in amazement.
"I have two children," Kastle reminded her. "Plus, I thought you looked different at dinner last week, but I didn't really think anything of it. When I saw the sandwich, it just made sense. So, tell me everything. How did you find out?"
Elphaba hesitated. Honestly, it was already such a blur.
"I just realised the date and connected the dots. Remember when we had lunch with your mom and I got sick?"
"Yeah," Kastle nodded.
Elphaba shrugged. "I couldn't work out why I felt so sick and then… it all made sense."
"I think this is the longest secret Fiyero's ever kept," Kastle commented thoughtfully.
"Again, I heard that!" Fiyero complained loudly.
"It's true!" Kastle called back, and Fiyero had no answer.
Elphaba decided to intervene. "Sorry, did you have a reason for dropping by?"
Kastle blinked, having almost forgotten. "Oh, yeah! Fiyero, get back in here!" she called out, and Fiyero obeyed.
"Mom and Dad have been married for thirty-five years in May," Kastle informed them. "And Anton and I thought it would be nice to do something, which obviously means planning. And of course, we wanted this to be from all of us. What do you guys think?"
"I think it's a nice idea," Elphaba replied immediately. "What were you thinking of… a party?" she asked hesitantly.
Kastle smiled at her. "I was, but now, considering you'll be what- five months pregnant? Maybe a banquet would be a better idea. Slightly more low-key, more sitting opportunities…"
"I approve of that plan," Elphaba said in relief.
Kastle grinned. "I thought you would. Yero, thoughts?"
"It's a good idea," Fiyero agreed. "But… why this year? I mean… thirty-five years is impressive but, why didn't we do something for their thirtieth? Or wait until their fortieth?"
His sister glared at him. "Fiyero-" she began warningly, in a tone Fiyero recognised all too well.
"Ok, ok," he hastily cut her off. "Sounds good. Just tell us what you want us to do."
They discussed the idea a bit further, and then Kastle took her leave, congratulating them one more time and promising to stay mum on the subject until they made the announcement to the family.
When they were alone again, Fiyero looked at Elphaba worriedly.
"Planning this banquet… it's not going to be too much for you, is it?" he asked.
Elphaba shook her head and kissed him. "I'll be fine," she reassured him. "And I'm sure you and Kastle will make sure I don't strain myself."
"True," Fiyero admitted. Then he smiled. "It's kind of nice that Kas knows, isn't it?"
Elphaba nodded, returning his smile. "Yeah, it is. It makes me even more excited to tell the rest of our family."
"Only two more weeks," Fiyero said happily.
Then suddenly Elphaba sighed, and he frowned. "What is it, Fae?"
She made a face. "Now I wish I hadn't thrown that sandwich out."
Fiyero could only laugh.