††҉††

"Tell me about your mother." I whispered one night as Shan-Yu held me in his arms, our naked bodies entwined. I felt him tense up. I propped myself on my elbow and looked at him. His eyes were closed with his face twisted in obvious pain for the first time. His openness was astounding. The flames from the fire cast shadows across the room, making Shan-Yu's sadness that much heavier. I reached a hand up to his face, stroking his cheek. He grabbed my wrist and kissed it tenderly.

"She was very beautiful. She could be kind one moment then fierce the next. She was truly a force to be reckoned with." Another kiss to my wrist. "She died when I was six while giving birth to my sister. Chunhua passed three days later in my father's arms." My heart squeezed in pain. "My father grew cold, evil even. He loved my mother far more than Wong-Yu's. The entire kingdom seemed to change with the darkness that consumed my father. Famine broke out, wars started. That darkness spread to his sons. My father did nothing but encourage it." He paused, his eyes finally opening to meet mine. The swirling emotions I saw there took my breath. "I forgot what it was like to feel anything besides rage and those other darkness's. I have done terrible things, vile things that have earned me a special place in hell where I belong. But you…" he trailed off. He held my face in his hands so reverently. "You have changed everything. From my frozen heart to my fathers. He has changed so drastically because of you. You are a small piece of the heavens that I will never deserve." Another pause.

"I vow that I will spend the rest of my life attempting to atone for those sins. I will never deserve you. But because of the selfish bastard that I am, I shall keep you and cherish you." He pressed gentle kisses all over my face. "Let me protect you. Let me make you happy. Do you think I could do that?" he pulled away with a worried expression. I had to hesitate. Shan-Yu was right about who he was. He was not a good man and I should tell him that. But I felt my head nodding, my heart in control over my mind. He began to trail kisses down to my stomach, leaving a searing trace after every kiss. "And our children…" his hands rested gently on my stomach, looking up at me. "Our children will be perfect." I laughed quietly as I ran my fingers through his hair silky. He rested his head on my thigh, his hands rubbing my stomach. My grandmothers words once again filled my mind. Did I belong with Shan-Yu? The warmth and peace I felt now could be nothing else.

I need to make a choice.

I could either hold onto my old life, start festering my hatred towards the Hun's and Shan-Yu again. I knew that if I wanted to, I could hate him. I could never forgive him for what he'd done to me. I could find a way to escape or even kill myself as the traditions of my people. I could choose honor.

Or.

I could release all the hurt that Shan-Yu had caused me in the past and forgive him. I could erase the hatred that was ingrained in me toward the Hun nation and choose to see the good. I could accept Shan-Yu's love and return it just as fiercely. I could raise our children in a place of happiness. I could choose love. The love my grandmother had foreseen.

We laid like that for a long while as my thoughts and emotions were at war inside my head. Shan-Yu was suddenly hovering over me, his deep eyes scanning my face.

"Your eyes give you away, Mulan." His soft words made me smirk. I ran my over his muscular arms, over his corded shoulders, up his neck and held his face.

"I choose love." I smiled up at him, something in me seeping away.

"Sounds good to me." Shan-Yu said right before pressing a passionate kiss to my lips, wasting no time in making love to me.

††҉††

Five months later, an exquisite feast was held in honor of the upcoming birth. Dignitaries and ambassadors from across the continent had been invited and were attending. The whole kingdom seemed to be celebrating with us. The realm had reacted with so much joy and anticipation at the announcement of twins. I still didn't fully understand all the excitement. But it was obviously a very big thing. Weren't twins born all the time?

Shan-Yu and I sat at the head banquet table with the king and other notable people. I felt just like a royal-despite being heavy with child-in my floor length emerald green gown of velvet. The dress fit my every curve, flattering my pregnant body instead of making me feel fat. The long sleeves held tightly off my shoulders. A thin belt encrusted with diamonds wound around the top of my belly. A matching circlet rested atop my head and hung in the middle of my forehead. I wore open sandals, not willing to put my feet in those uncomfortable shoes that were totally unnecessary. Ai had curled my hair and toppled it on my head, pinned up with diamonds. Shan-Yu looked very regal in his pristine military uniform of matching emerald green. His jacket was decorated with medals and sashes, showing his rank of general and honors. His black leather belt held the sheath and his sword, the ever-present blade an extension of himself. A thin bronze crown was situated on his head. He truly was a prince.

I was situated between the king and Shan-Yu. Ever since he found out about the pregnancy, the king had been doting on me as if I were his own daughter. I had to admit that it was pleasing to me. My father and I had never been close, never any signs of affection. Our cultures were so different. Instead of treating women as possessions to reproduce for the men, the Hun's treated females with the utmost respect. Instead of a daughter being a curse to the family, the girl was a blessing just as much as a boy. The religions were similar yet practiced differently. The Hun's seemed so much happier than my empire. It made me sad that my homeland was so melancholy, and we were raised to not know differently.

The feast was in full swing, delicious foods and jolly music causing those attending to revel in the cheerfulness. I had never eaten foods like this: roasted pig with a sweet honey glaze, potatoes mashed by hand and covered in a thick substance that tasted like spicy meats, fruits and vegetables I had never heard of. And the desserts…oh ancestors help me…If my stomach hadn't already been heavy and protruding from my body, I'm sure all the desserts I ingested would.

"Another serving of chocolate creamed ice?" Shan-Yu teased as he leaned over, resting his hand on my knee under the table. His breath tickled my ear and his masculine scent filling my senses. My breath hitched and my body filled with that familiar heat of arousal as his hand slowly began to slide up my thigh and-…The king got to his feet, the music stopping and the other guests quieting. I was snapped out of my lustful trance with Shan-Yu. I took his large hand in mine, twining our fingers together. He chuckled, giving my cheek a kiss.

"Later then." I blushed and smiled, nodding my head.

"A toast!" the king rose his goblet, the whole room followed suite. "To the newest additions to the Hun royal family! May they bring about the change of times to come with eloquence and success!" the king took a swig of his wine, everyone mimicking him. "Now. We dance!" the music began again, people moving to the large dancefloor in the center of the hall.

"Come daughter, allow me the first dance." I took the kings hand with a nod from Shan-Yu. I held in a groan as I rose from my seat. The babies had dropped, causing pain from minor movements. The only thing that appeased the pain was sex. And Shan-Yu was more than happy to oblige to my medical needs. As we made our way to the dancefloor, many people came to pay their respects and well wishes. It was quite overwhelming.

"How are you feeling?" the king asked as we gently swayed, finally away from the throng of people. His left hand held my right high in the air and his right rested high on my back.

"Tired." I admitted, giving him a soft smile. The king smiled back and nodded in understanding.

"My Changying was always too swollen to walk at this point in her pregnancies." The kings voice was a soft whisper, only I was able to hear. "Shan-Yu always kicked her in the ribs, especially when she drank milk. He didn't seem to like that very much." I gave a small laugh. "With Chunhua…" he trailed off, his face falling slightly.

"Spring flowers." I blurted, wanting to distract him. He looked at me. "Chunhua means 'spring flowers'. The spring flowers in your gardens grow so abundantly and are the loveliest I have ever seen. I'm sure that is no coincidence." The king gave a shaky smile and nodded his head. We danced in silence for a while, the dancers around us moving quickly to the music. The king and I remained at a slow waltz. The song came to an end, the king released me as everyone stopped and started clapping. The king turned to me and took my hand.

"You have been such a blessing to us, Mulan." He placed a small kiss to my hand and bowed. "Thank you." Another horde of people bombarded the king and me with more and more congratulations. I had started to feel light headed when Shan-Yu was suddenly beside me, the king handing me to him. Shan-Yu led me off the dancefloor and towards a table that held refreshments. I took a large goblet of water, steadily drinking it. Shan-Yu came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and placing his hands on my large belly. We swayed back and forth to the rhythm of the slower song. A sharp jab at one of Shan-Yu's hands made me wince. I could feel Shan-Yu's smile against my hair.

"He's a strong one." He laughed. Another jab on the other side.

"Don't forget her." I mumbled as the two moved around. I pushed back as a little foot pressed against my rib. Shan-Yu chuckled and leaned forward to kiss my neck. I tilted my head back-…

"Fa-Mulan, Prince Shan-Yu." The king snapped. I stood straight but Shan-Yu stayed where he was, uncaring. "Might I introduce the ambassador of the Western Empire." The king motioned to a short, scrawny man standing next to him. The ambassador was dressed in stiff formal attire for the imperial palace and looked very out of place amongst the Huns who were all very tall and burly men. Even the women carried similar attributes. Despite being so out of place, the man gave a slight bow and a smile. The tassel on his hat waved in front of his face but he didn't seem to notice. I held back my grin.

"The Emperor sends his congratulations and wishes a prosperous marriage with many sons." He bowed again. I blushed at his mention of our marriage. Very few knew that Shan-Yu and I were not married. The king didn't want anyone questioning my honor and virtue. Although that's exactly what should happen...Simply ignoring it wasn't the right way. But still.

"Please return our gratitude." Shan-Yu mumbled. The king glared at Shan-Yu and I elbowed him before stepping away.

"Might we have a dance fair lady?" the ambassador seemed not to notice Shan-Yu's rude attitude. I smiled and took the hand he offered before Shan-Yu could object. The ambassador came to the height of my shoulder, so it was difficult to place his hands somewhere that wouldn't bother Shan-Yu. I could feel his fiery glare from across the room.

"How is the Emperor's health?" I asked, trying to fill the silence. I seemed to have been the only one feeling uncomfortable.

"Impeccable. The gods surely smile down upon our kingdom for us to be so blessed with such a wise and generous ruler." His smile seemed to be plastered on. Did I sound brainwashed like that...? "But, I have also been sent to make sure that you are alright." I stumbled a bit. They actually cared? I had heard nothing for a year.

"I am quite fine sir. I appreciate the Emperors concern." I paused, considering whether or not to ask. "What of my family?"

"Oh yes! They send their well wishes as well!"

I didn't know how to react to that.

"And the general-…" the man was cut off by Shan-Yu's large body appearing so suddenly the ambassador bumped into him. I would have fallen if Shan-Yu hadn't grabbed me by the waist.

"Mind if I cut in?" Shan-Yu's voice was gruff, not really leaving room for a response. His stare landed on the small man whose smile was gone and he looked quite shaken. He gave a hasty bow before scurrying off.

"Must you be such a bully sometimes?" asked as he swooped me gracefully into his arms. He didn't answer. I bit my lip before stating plainly. "We're lucky a war didn't break out." Still no response as we danced. "It is important for you to be diplomatic. One day, you could be king. You'll have responsibilities to the kingdom. And when you marry-…" his hands tightened their grip on me, making me jump in surprise.

"Don't say anything more." His tone was icy.

"We can't ignore the fact that you will have to marry. And your father has said nothing about changing his mind on my marriage to your brother. I'm just saying that you need to start thinking ahead. Your father has yet to choose which of you will inherit the kingdom. I very much so believe it will be you. So-…"

"Silence." His teeth were clenched and while his face was completely serene, his voice boiled with rage that only I could hear. I felt my own anger rising. We had stopped dancing. I didn't even notice whether the music was still going or not.

"Do not speak to me like that." I snarled back. He pulled me closer to him. If it weren't for my large stomach, we would have been flush against each other.

"May I-…?" another dignitary came up to ask for a dance. Without breaking eye contact Shan-Yu grabbed the man by the face and shoved him away. The man was splayed across the floor, the crowd having parted and now observing what was taking place. Before I could react, Shan-Yu grabbed my hand and yanked me towards a back exit. We sped down a long dim hallway, the torches lights flickering softly. I was having trouble keeping up, easily out of breath.

"Stop!" I yelled, breaking my wrist from his grasp and stopping. He turned towards me, his face no longer blank but twisted in rage. "Stop this right now!" my voice bounced off the walls. "You must stop fighting our fates. Our destinies." I shook my head, panting heavily.

"I stopped fighting a long time ago." He snapped. "How do you think we got here?" he motioned his hand between the two of us, his voice was still rising. He easily towered over me, but I stood my ground. "But you don't see the difference between fate and destiny. With destiny, you have no choice. With fate, you choose. Fate happens and you choose when to fight and when not. And those choices of fate are what leads to your destiny." His voice had lowered. "I chose you a long time ago, Mulan. Fate brought you to me and I chose to make you my destiny." My breathing was still fast but for another reason. "This will not be the last time that fate tries us. But every time. Every time I will choose you." His words were so strong, so final, that I didn't argue. "Tell me what destiny you will choose." Just a whisper. A soft, desperate whisper.

"What happened to you that would make you doubt my love for you?" I placed my hand on his cheek. "Just because another man looks at me or speaks to me means nothing. Fight this jealous beast inside, Shan-Yu. Please know and understand that I will choose you. Over and over, you will be my destiny." Shan-Yu rested his head on my shoulder, and I wrapped my arms around his large torso.

"I will not let him have you." His words made me tense up. "You belong to no man." My heart fluttered.

"No. I belong to a demon." I teased. He pulled away, his expression sorrowful.

"I do not deserve you."

"Oh ancestors…Stop that shit." I couldn't hold back the profanity, rolling my eyes. "I'm in love with a warrior. Not a wimp. So quit your whimpering and come kiss me like a real man." I placed my hands on my hips. His face quickly changed and a devious smirk rested on his lips.

"You do not want declarations of love and worship at your feet?" he stepped closer. I titled my head, mirroring his grin.

"We are equals Shan-Yu. Do not treat me like some fragile woman-…" a sudden pain stabbed my stomach, making me cry out and fall towards the ground. Shan-Yu caught me in his arms. Another stab of pain, my screams echoing through the hallway. Bo and Chang-a pair of Shan-Yu's soldiers-suddenly appeared from the shadows.

"Fetch Ai. Have her brought to our rooms." More pain.

"Somethings…wrong…" I forced the words out despite more pain. Shan-Yu shook his head as he lifted me in his arms. *stab* Another scream. So excruciating. I pressed my hands to my contracting stomach then down to where most of the pain was. I felt the sticky liquid coming out of me. *stab* Blood…that wasn't supposed to happen…*stab*

"Hold on Mulan." Shan-Yu said in my ear as he kicked the door in and set me on the bed. I felt Shan-Yu ripping my dress off, not being gentle at all. *stab* My hands shoved his away, screaming more and feeling more liquid coming out of me.

"The babies!" I yelled desperately, clenching my stomach.

"Mulan, Ai is here." How could he sound so calm?! My eyes flew open and I met Ai's soft eyes. She gave a firm nod right before another*stab*.

"Ai…the babies…" I pleaded. *stab* another scream.

"I know she's lost a lot of blood!" I heard Shan-Yu snap.

"Don't snap at her!" I snapped right back. I jerked my head up to glare at him. Ai shooed Shan-Yu to me and he took my hand. He swiped away my sweaty hair from my face and looked into my eyes, his mirroring my own fear. I lost track of time and who came and who went. Shan-Yu stayed by my side, enduring it all with me. I wish I could remember more. The only thing I remember is lots of pain and plenty of blood. And then…

One shrill cry.

Another cry, this one softer. I felt Shan-Yu's hands ease around mine. But then…

A third cry.

And then relief and blissful darkness.