Author's note

Okay this is just a little WARNING to those reading:

This chapter contains some swearing, a rather large birth scene (not Mirana's) and I'm not sure if it's too graphic so, yeah, this is just a bit of a heads up to those that don't like those stuff or is faint hearted.

Alright, you may proceed.

Chapter 10: A lot to think about

She was now officially seven months along, and not even a single person has noticed thus far. Although some have claimed that she's picked up a little weight (her tailors), but even they didn't guess she was seven months into a pregnancy. If anyone would ask, it would probably be the best kept secret in all of Underland.

But to be fair, Mirana was very thin after all, and this is Underland. Anything is possible. Mirana was in her bedroom, she had cleaned out the spare-room of her chambers. It wasn't that big, but it was large enough to be a small nursery and there wasn't much in the room to begin with.

Chessur had sneaked in a cradle made of white-wood as well as a chair. Mirana would have just magic-ed it up, but, no crown, no powers. Iracebeth would have all of Underland bowing at her feet by now if she could use that power, but only the rightful ruler of Underland was able to use Underland's magic.

The door, luckily had been magically enforced when her father had build Marmoreal all those years ago. Only Mirana can enter, but seeing as to the fact that Chessur does not have to use doors, so can he. Mirana sat in the back of this very room, right now. She was seated on the windowsill.

It was largely built so that if she wished to have some place to escape to and just read or whatever she wants to do, she would have the best spot in the entire castle. The window overlooked not only the gardens, but most of Marmoreal AND Underland. Mirana sat, staring out the window, one hand resting over her stomach protectively.

It was late and Chessur was lying beside her, tonight they had spoken of what would happen to the baby after Mirana gave birth. Chessur had asked her if she was going to name it, but Mirana only said that it would only be cruel after what she was planning on doing.

Chessur could only nod, Mirana had very few options on how she was going to keep her child safe and the one she had settled on will be the least cruel, but then she would have to do it fast and getting attached will only make it harder . . . and she was already attached.

"I don't know if I'll be able to do this Chess. I've wanted my own child for so long and now that I will . . . it will be in danger at every turn if it stays with me. If only I had known of the attack, then I'd still have my crown and I would not have to live in fear of losing my little one."

Mirana said sighing as she stroked Chessur and unconsciously, at the same time lightly rubbed her stomach. "Mirana, you know as well as I that there was nothing you could do. Absalom did not have possession of the Erakulum (A/N: I do not know how to spell this) at that time and as such, was he not able to warn you, but now that he does, we have hope.

Why not keep the little one a bit longer? At least then you'll be able to ensure that you have at least a few memories of your time together, even if only for a few days?" Chessur suggested, making Mirana sigh slightly. "You make it sound so easy . . . I honestly wish I could, but then I will make it even harder to say goodbye."

Mirana said looking back out the window, her hand still over her stomach and a sorrowful expression on her face. It will be hard when the time comes, but perhaps Chessur did have a point . . . besides, she still hasn't quite cracked the formula yet . . . she only has two months left . . .

Two months? Her thoughts dwelled back to two months ago. She was once again lost in thought as she remembered. She was five months pregnant, still didn't really show. She was as thin as ever. Her thoughts dwelled as the memories resurfaced . . . everything came back to her about that day . . .

THAT DAY:

As the days progressed, Mirana and Chessur had less people to attend too, for the attacks were becoming less. People feared for their lives and surrendered to the Red Queen before she had chance to attack, sparing their homes and loved ones. Mirana and her court were currently outside in the gardens.

Chessur had offered to fill in for Mirana at the infirmary so that the court could talk to her. She was still a queen after all and queens had kingdoms to rule . . . even if Marmoreal was only part of her true heritage. They were walking along the path, between the white cherry-blossom trees, when one of the ladies-in-waiting suddenly let out a horrific scream.

Every head shot to the white haired, green eyed, woman that was clutching her rather large and round stomach in pain as she fell to her knees. Mirana speed walked over to her, since her entire court was watching and she was queen, she couldn't just break into a full out run and sprint over to the woman.

"Lady Victoria, what-" Mirana cut herself off when she saw the woman's now wet grey-ish-purple and white dress. Her head shot to the guards that had rushed up to them upon hearing the scream. "Her water broke; we need to get her inside." The guards swiftly nodded as they picked up the heavily pregnant woman.

They rushed to find the midwife. Mirana was trailing after them at the fasted speed she could without running or it being 'improper', which was hard since her corset was squeezing the life out of her. She was behind by quite a bit, they just went into a room up ahead. In secret, she was all against the idea of being proper, but being queen, she had little choice.

She despises corsets . . . oh, how much she despises these things . . . Her tailors didn't know this of course, but Tarrant did. When he used to work for her, he'd sometimes make her dresses, inserting stitches and such so that it appeared she was wearing a corset when in reality, she wasn't.

Oh how much she loved those dresses! They fooled everyone and were the dresses she mostly enjoyed wearing. She tended to wear those dresses more these days now. How she wished she had warn one of them today! Another scream brought her out of her musings.

That was two minutes; the contractions must be getting closer. "Your majesty, thank goodness! The midwife needs help, Lady Victoria is in labour!" One of the maids said running out of the room. Mirana could only nod and fallow the younger woman into the room.

It had taken a lot of will power to not shout out 'I know!', but Mirana had managed, if only barely. The screaming only got more and more as the contractions drew closer together. Mirana sat next to Lady Victoria, keeping her in an upright position as both sat on the bed, one hand holding Victoria's hand as she used the other to try and massage her lady-in-waiting's back for a bit of comfort.

"Try to stay calm. Why not practice your breathing?" Mirana said as she massage the (only slightly) older woman's back. "With all due respect my queen . . . ahhh! OH GODS! . . . that's easy . . . for you to say . . . ahhh! . . . you're not . . . the one who's . . . having a baby . . . ahhhhh! CRAP!" Victoria said in between shouts of pain.

Mirana could only smile softly at her while internally wicking at the curses and thinking to herself: 'you have no idea'. "At least try." The White Queen persuaded. Victoria's face was red as sweat dripped from her forehead. Mirana couldn't help but wonder if that's how she was going to look like when the time came.

"Alright milady . . . now when I say push, you push. Ready?" The midwife asked as she stood in front of the two women. Victoria shook her head before throwing it back in pain. "No!" "Yes. Squeeze my hand when you feel a contraction, alright? I'll try to help you however I can."

Mirana said trying to be encouraging before a thought hit her. "Just imagine when all this is over, you'll have a healthy baby girl or boy. Focus on that okay?" The White Queen asked and Victoria slowly nodded through gritted teeth. "Okay, now . . . push!" The midwife was heard and with a scream, Victoria did just that.

Mirana couldn't help but blink slightly when she felt Victoria squeeze her hand. If she kept squeezing like that Mirana's hand will be broken by the end of the delivery "Push!" "FUCKING BLOOD SUCKERS THAT HURTS LIKE SHIT!" should she even be worried about her hand, after what was just said? "Almost there Milady, push!" "OH BLOODY GODS" yeah, not going to forget that one any time soon . . . "One more . . . Now . . . push!"

"Ahhhh!" hand! Hand! Hand! Sweet cheese and crackers, forget her language, this woman has a strong grip! "It's a girl!" The maid could be heard saying happily. Victoria sighed as tears streamed down her face. Mirana stared in wonder at the small bundle in the maid's arms.

The baby is so small . . . and yet Mirana couldn't help, but stare. In just four months, she'll have her own little girl or boy . . . Mirana lightly shook her head, she was about to step back when the midwife's voice caught her attention. "I'm afraid we're not out of the woods yet." The midwife said still standing in front of them. "There's another one."

"WHAT?!" Victoria shouted and Mirana was sure her lungs were going to burst at any moment. "You're going to have to push again." The midwife said, seemingly unfazed by the lady-in-waiting's outburst. "You have to be joking!" Victoria yelled before she felt another wave of pain.

"Come on, just like we did before." The White Queen tried to encourage as she gave her lady-in-waiting a small encouraging squeeze with her hand "Push!" The midwife shouted and Victoria did exactly that . . . again . . . and she once again squeezed the queen's hand so tightly, Mirana couldn't stop the wink of pain.

"Again!" "Ahhhhhhhh!" hand . . . hand . . . ouch? Wait, yes! Definitely, ouch . . . ouch . . . ouch! Why did she agree to do this again?! "Push!" "Ahhhhhhh! FUCING HELL!" and then there was the screaming of a small child . . . oh . . . right . . . that's why. "It's a boy." The midwife said handing the child over to the maid who placed him in a blanket before both maids handed Victoria her children.

"Well done." Mirana congratulated as she stepped away from the woman, slightly rubbing her now blood red hand. "Well, let's leave the family be. Marge, go call Lord Archer. Tell him his wife delivered." The midwife said to one of the maids who nodded before quickly going out the room.

The midwife was already out the door and Mirana was making her way out as well. "Thank you." The White Queen turned to see her exhausted lady-in-waiting looking at her "Whatever for?" Mirana asked confused. She hadn't done anything. Why was she being thanked?

"You were willing to help with the birth . . . you gave me the strength I needed. Thank you, your majesty." Victoria said with a truly sincere and thankful smile. Mirana smiled at her as well and gave a small nod before leaving the room . . .

Awe! Okay, you have to admit, that last bit was kind of cute. The perfect end to a chapter huh? Well, let me know what you guys think. Till next chapter!

– Lyrical-Light