12
They recovered from the shock and Good King John didn't kill those who sought to destroy the treaty … he fed them to the dragons.
An inter-planetary holiday was declared as everyone celebrated the wedding of John and Em.
Ianto gave John away, much to Jack's amusement as the planets watched on the Vidscreens.
Ianto took a moment to kiss Em's cheek as she whispered her thanks.
He whispered back that she would rue the day she said that.
Her giggle was dainty and her smile was beautiful as she turned to her King.
The children were unconcerned with the addition of a new mother, Em finding the prospect of joining the family less daunting than first thought.
Finding the separate wing for her and John was a delight and also learning that they shared the planets, spending time on all three was a relief.
Her pregnancy was celebrated as well, one week shy of the returning ships and John was more determined than ever to protect his family.
.
.
.
As Ianto and Jack sat in the war room studying maps and talking over choices, John entered and approached, siting close to Ianto with a hand casually placed on Ianto's thigh, just to rile Jack as he looked over the notes spread over the table.
"Will this work?"
"Yes Sweets" Ianto said softly as he reached for another picture of the planet.
"Hello boys" Em called as she struggled into the room, the baby carriage almost as large as her.
"Barely a week from the "Returning" and you have this poor woman weighed down with that … that …" Ianto struggled for the right word.
"Display of pride" Jack growled as he glared at his husband.
Ianto deflated and smiled as he agreed, John was still prouder of Theo than Myfanwy was of her youngling that she had presented to them the day before.
A wee girl, a heifer.
Ianto had stood with shock as the little baby, roughly the size of a St Bernard, had toddled over to chew in his jacket sleeve.
The little heifer was gorgeous and Ianto bit back tears as he told Myfanwy he was pleased for her and her blue mate, chosen from the battle dragons.
He noticed another blue battle dragon who lingered, watching forlornly.
He asked Myfanwy.
He has no mate.
"No? The rest of you are all paired?" Ianto asked with a raised eyebrow.
We mate for life my love, he cannot wait for another male to fall in combat and then take his widow. He will not find a mate in this lifetime.
"He waits for little blossom then?" Ianto asked as he motioned to the wee heifer.
No. He cannot mate with her. He is the brother of my mate. Only two other younglings are here, both male. If there is another girl to be hatched next season, it will be too late. His window for mating is closing.
"So this warrior will fall in battle without ever being loved?" Ianto gaped, unable to accept this fate for one who had been in the front lines for his people.
Ianto knew what to do and he smiled as he walked over to the young dragon and placed a hand on his flanks.
He pushed.
.
.
.
They stood as Ianto looked up and pointed to the skies above.
"See her?" he said softly to the young warrior, "Go. I'll wait for you."
The return push seemed lighter as the young male's joy at having known love bolstered them along.
Ianto wished he could have let him stay but it was outside the timelines and he knew he had been naughty as it was.
It was a wonder that the gods hadn't stopped him, the fact that they didn't told him that they approved.
As he watched the warrior fly free, trumpeting his joy to his flock, Ianto turned to find his own family, eager to enjoy his own love.
For at the 'Returning' …
They might lose it all.