Chapter 32: Family Time
After the celebration of the holidays, Shelby and Sebastian found themselves thrown into more preparations for the construction of the housing for families who worked at the castle. Spring would be approaching quickly, and would arrive before anyone knew it. To make sure they were prepared and had all the supplies they needed, they found themselves in several meetings a week with their advisors to discuss only the housing plans. They had other meetings concerning the normal running of North Upswich to attend as well, and were usually fairly busy each day.
Despite their busy schedules, Shelby and Sebastian made a point of spending time with Sadie each day. She was growing fast and they didn't want to miss anything. They'd also made the commitment to care for her; it wasn't something they were willing to simply pass off to Joan and Lucinda.
"I hope the way we end up taking care of Sadie like working parents in the 21st century," Shelby commented one night as she and Sebastian got ready for bed after checking in on Sadie one last time before going to sleep themselves.
"What do you mean by working parents?" Sebastian questioned as he began putting the torches around the room out.
"Sometimes, both parents work in the 21st century, so they have to have someone else watch their kid or kids during the day until they're old enough to go to school. Then, they spend the evenings with their kids."
"Both parents work away from home?" Sebastian asked after a moment of consideration as he sat down on the bed beside Shelby who nodded in reply. "Really? How do they find someone to watch their kids? Commoners can't usually hire a nanny to care for their children."
"It's easier to find a professional like a daycare or something. Sometimes grandparents of the kids are able to watch them if they're retired."
"What about a nanny? Or a . . .daycare?"
"There are some nannies, and daycares are sort of like having a nanny, but just during the day, and not someone who lives with you. Then the kids are at school during the day when they're old enough."
Sebastian hummed as he let the new information sink in. "Maybe this is something you've mentioned before," Sebastian began. "I know you were in school, but it still surprises me that everyone goes to school. There's so much to learn about your time that you've already told me and so much that I still have to learn. It's amazing really."
"I've learned a lot about the 16th century since I got here, but there's still so much to learn," Shelby voiced.
"I guess we still both have a lot to learn from each other and about each other," he spoke as he leaned over to capture Shelby's lips in a kiss. It started out innocently enough, but quickly grew more heated. They found themselves making love as the night ended––something that became more common when they decided they wanted to try having another baby.
XXX
With the continued preparations, the beginning of the year passed quickly. On the days they were free from meetings, Shelby and Sebastian made sure they took the time away from their royal responsibilities to spend time with Sadie, as well as time to relax together while she napped.
Late in the winter, with spring quickly approaching, the work with the housing began to pile up. One afternoon, once their meetings for the day were finished, Seastian took the plans with him to the library to review them one more time. Shelby joined him with Sadie so they could both give everything one final look
"Everything looks good to me," Shelby commented, looking over Sebastian's shoulder at the notes spread across a desk.
"I was thinking the same thing," Sebastian concurred. "If everything stays on schedule from what we've already done last year, it should be done by the end or maybe even middle of summer. I'm glad we decided to do this."
"We just need to wait for the snow to finish melting."
"Go to snow?" Sadie asked.
Shelby and Sebastian shared a look, knowing exactly what their reply would be. "I don't know," Sebastian teased. "I'm not sure going outside would be any fun."
"Please Dada?" Sadie begged. "Is fun."
"I think there's time to go outside before supper," Shelby spoke. Sadie offered a big smile to Shelby. "We should get our coats first though. We don't want to get sick from going outside without them on."
"Okay Mama," Sadie agreed.
The little wiggled free from Shelby's arms so she could walk on her own back towards their rooms.
Soon, the three were making their way outside with Sadie once again deciding to walk on her own. As soon as they were outside, Sadie reached down to pick up a handful or snow to throw it in the air despite the fact that the snow was wet and heavy. She frowned when it didn't fall like it had when it first snowed. "Why?" she questioned.
"It's melting," Sebastian explained. "It's not light like it was when it first fell."
"Oh," Sadie wore a downcast expression.
"We probably won't get much more new snow this season, but at the end of the year it will snow again," Shelby explained. "The snow melting means soon we'll be able to go outside without having to wear coats."
"Okay," Sadie agreed.
"You know," Sebastian began. "The snow might work to build a fort," he suggested, making a snowball and beginning to roll it around. Shelby too began making a snowball to roll around, and not to be left out, Sadie copied what her parents did. About a half hour later, several snow boulders sat in a circle creating a small wall of protection as a snow fort.
Sadie giggled as she went inside the doorway and ducked down behind a particularly large snow boulder.
"Uh-oh, where'd Sadie go?" Sebastian questioned, furrowing his brow and looking around.
"That's a good question," Shelby continued, shooting a smirk in Sebastian's direction, knowing the game he was playing.
"I here! Mama! Dada!" Sadie declared, jumping up.
Sebastian gasped and feigned surprise. "There you are. I was worried."
"Dada," Sadie laughed as she fell into his arms.
"You were hiding well," he spoke as he kissed her cheek. "Are you ready to go inside, or would you like to see Ace and Midnight?"
"Ace and Midnight!"
"I thought you might say that. You love the horses just like your mama does." Sebastian shifted Sadie to one hip and held his other hand out to Shelby as the family headed towards the stables.
While Shelby pet and brushed Midnight, Sebastian and Sadie headed towards Ace. Both of the horses had taken an immediate liking to Sadie when they first met her and the little girl instantly loved them as well. She always made sure she was gentle when petting them just like her parents had shown her.
"Good boy, Ace," Sadie said as she gently ran a hand across his nose.
"He is a good boy, isn't he?" Sebastian agreed.
Sadie nodded her agreement. "Me ride?"
"No, you're too small to ride a horse yet."
"Maybe in a couple years," Shelby cut in, having overheard the conversation.
"Okay, Mama," Sadie agreed.
Sebastian continued talking with Sadie as they brushed Ace for a few more minutes. They soon joined Shelby in caring for Midnight for a little while before returning to the castle. It was drawing near dinner time and they all needed to wash up before they could eat.
While they waited for dinner to be ready, the three went to Sadie's room to relax and keep her occupied playing with some of her toys. It was decided that after they ate, they would continue playing in Sadie's room because it was something she immensely enjoyed.
A knock on the door alerted Shelby and Sebastian that it was time for dinner. There was no need for Lucinda to walk with them, so she returned to her other duties.
Following an uneventful dinner, the family returned to Sadie's room where they continued to play games together until it was time for Sadie to go to sleep. Though she still needed help, Sadie was able to do a lot to help get herself ready for bed. She was becoming more independent and trying to do more and more things on her own (or as much on her own as she was able to).
That night, for a while after she and Sebastian lay down, Shelby lay awake listening to his even breathing wondering when time had begun to pass so quickly. Her hatred for Sebastian had somehow turned into love and she had no idea what she'd do without him.
The fact that they were trying to have another baby was surprising too. If someone had told her she'd fall for Sebastian and want to be with him when she'd first arrived in 1522, she would have laughed. But now, she wanted her life and her kids to be with him. Kids. A sudden thought struck Shelby. She was late, and more than just a couple days late––weeks late.
Could she be pregnant again? Of course she could. The doubt of the possibility left Shelby's mind almost as soon as it entered. Though they'd been busy, she and Sebastian made the time to be together because they wanted to have more kids together. It was more than possible that she could be pregnant again. She turned to see him sleeping peacefully and decided not to wake him up to share the news. She'd have to bring it up to him the following morning.
X
Shelby woke up to the sun shining in through the windows which wasn't an uncommon occurrence now that Sadie had her own room and Shelby and Sebastian could make their own schedules. She lay in bed with her arm over her eyes to block off the light for a few minutes. Suddenly, she remembered the realization she had the night before, and a smile spread on her lips.
"Sebastian," Shelby spoke, reaching over to his side of the bed. "Sebastian?" she questioned when her hand didn't land on his chest. She removed her arm from over her eyes to find that his side of the bed was vacant. Sitting up, Shelby saw that there was a note laying on his pillow. Reading over it quickly, Shelby discovered that Sebastian had an unexpected meeting to attend that morning. Sighing at the need to wait to share the news with him, Shelby got out of bed and put a robe on to check on Sadie.
XXX
3 hours earlier
"I don't understand why the advisors want to have a meeting before dawn," Sebastian said to Angus as they walked down the hall together.
"I do not understand it either," Angus spoke. "It came up so suddenly as well."
"Yes, that surprised me too. I didn't expect you to wake me up this morning," Sebastian laughed.
"Do you have any idea what the meeting could be about?" Angus asked as they stopped outside the room the meeting would take place in.
"No," Sebastian replied. "I also don't understand why they requested only I be at this meeting and not Shelby as well. All the meetings we've had lately have been with both of us," he added.
"That is peculiar," Angus agreed. "Well, good luck," he spoke after a moment of silence.
"Thank you," Sebastian replied, pushing the door to the meeting room open. "Good morning," Sebastian greeted the advisors who already sat around the table. He made his way to the head position of the table and turned his attention to the lead advisor, Thomas.
"We have important things to discuss," Thomas said, skipping any pleasantries that would have normally been exchanged.
"I assumed as much with an early morning meeting, but Shelby and I have been attending any meetings we have together and I want her involved in the decision making. Why was I not told to wake her up for this meeting?" Sebastian asked, adding an accusatory tone to his voice as he eyed Thomas suspiciously.
Thomas paused to clear his throat. "We have things to discuss about Shelby that are better done when she is not present."
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "I am not following. This makes no sense."
"This meeting is about her," Thomas repeated.
"What about? Why would something to discuss things about Shelby require her to not be here?"
"You will see when we begin the meeting. Which I would like to call to order now," Thomas spoke.
"There is concern about some things relating to you and Shelby," another advisor, Henry, spoke.
"What sort of concern? Shelby and I are very happy together."
"Our concerns are not about the relationship but rather that you do not have a son yet," Thomas spoke.
"Really?" Sebastian deadpanned. "This is what this meeting is about?"
"Yes."
"And why does it matter?"
"Shelby has not given you a son let alone another child yet," Thomas continued. "That is reason for concern."
"It shouldn't be," Sebastian replied.
"It is a concern of the whole kingdom whether or not you have a son. A lack of a son means there is no heir to the throne to rule after you," Thomas continued.
"Shelby was the only heir to the kingdom and it has worked out just fine. I have confidence in Sadie if Shelby and I wouldn't have more kids, or if we only had daughters."
"That is true," Thomas agreed. "But a son is preferable, and there is concern for you not having one yet."
"I still do not see the point."
"Shelby hasn't given you a son and something should be done."
Sebastian's lips tightened into a thin line for several long and silent moments while he thought. "Please tell me you're not thinking of doing anything irrational. Shelby and I have a mutual relationship and we are partners not only in marriage but also in our care of the kingdom. Regardless of anything you suggest, I will stand with Shelby. It's not her fault we have not had any more kids. It takes two people to make a child last time I checked. If you want to get to Shelby, you will have to go through me first because I will stop at nothing to protect Shelby," Sebastian finished. He placed his hands on the table with a loud thump, pushed his chair back as he stood, and marched out of the room.
As he walked through the halls, Sebastian could feel his heart pounding in his head. He was upset and needed to calm down. Although Sebastian didn't have his coat, he decided to head out to the stables. The biting cold of the early morning would help calm him and clear his head.
By the time Sebastian made it out to the stables with Ace, the sun was beginning to peak in the horizon as day dawned. The early light was just enough for Sebastian to see through the darkness as he saddled Ace up and began to ride through the castle fields.
Although he wanted to stay out with Ace and away from his advisors for several more hours after the sun rose, Sebastian headed back to the stables a couple hours later. He could tell it was nearing the time he and Shelby normally got up and he wanted to have breakfast with her and Sadie.
XXX
"Hello," Sebastian greeted as he entered Sadie's room where she and Shelby were.
"Dada!" Sadie exclaimed, running over to him.
"I thought maybe you would be Joan or Lucinda letting us know breakfast was ready."
"No," Sebastian replied. "The meeting I had finished so I was hoping you'd still be here and we could eat together," he informed Shelby, reaching down to pick Sadie up.
Shelby nodded and stood from where she'd been sitting on the floor to play with Sadie; she went to meet Sebastian and the two shared a quick kiss. "There's actually something I want to talk to you about before breakfast."
"Okay. What is it?" Sebastian asked as the two made their way to a pair of chairs in the room.
Shelby took a deep breath to prepare herself for what she was going to say. She couldn't even remember how things played out when she first suspected she was pregnant with Sadie. Things––their lives––were so much different than they were then. "I think I'm pregnant," Shelby spoke, meeting Sebastian's eyes. She smiled when she saw a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yeah. I've realized there are some things going on that I haven't felt since I was pregnant with Sadie."
"That's amazing. I must send for the doctors right away."
"Think we could have breakfast first?"
"Maybe," Sebastian joked as there was a knock on the door. "Come in," he called.
"I thought I might find you here after I discovered your meeting was over," Angus spoke from the doorway. "I have been sent to inform you that breakfast is ready."
"Thank you, Angus," Sebastian said as he stood. "Before you go, I have a task for you. I need you to send the message, or begin to get the message sent for Isabel and Martha. Shelby believes she may be with child. But please keep the news quiet until we know for sure."
"As you wish," Angus replied. He waited at the door and held it for the family as they exited. He gave a small nod before heading off in the opposite direction.
"Have you been feeling nauseous at all?" Sebastian asked after a brief moment of silence as the two walked down the hall. "I know that is something you dealt with when you were pregnant with Sadie."
"I actually haven't, but I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant again. Even without the nausea, other things add up to that."
"Okay," Sebastian agreed. They soon reached the dining room for breakfast. The meal was uneventful and they soon returned to Sadie's room.
A knock on the door shortly after returning to Sadie's room informed the family of Angus's arrival. "A messenger has been sent," he informed them.
"Thank you," Sebastian replied. "When the messenger returns with Isabel and Martha, I would like you to be the one to let us know."
"I will," Angus agreed, giving a bow before leaving the room once again.
"Do you think it would be all right if I left you on your own to take care of Sade for a little while?" Sebastian asked a few minutes after Angus left.
"Yes, but why?" Shelby questioned.
Sebastian hesitated, unsure of exactly what he wanted to tell Shelby. "It's just that there's something I forgot to tell the advisors earlier and I want to do that now before I forget again. I shouldn't be gone very long."
"Okay," Shelby nodded.
As he walked towards the room where his advisors usually sat to review documents and the like during the day, Sebastian considered how he would greet them. Part of him wanted to throw it back in their faces that it was highly likely Shelby was pregnant. Another part of him realized how immature that would be and that he shouldn't do it. Although he decided against it, Sebastian couldn't say the idea wasn't tempting. A few minutes later, Sebastian gave a knock on the door to the meeting room before entering.
"King Sebastian," Thomas greeted as he and the other men stood. "What brings you back here today?"
"I have news you may be interested in hearing."
"What is it?" Henry asked as the group sat back down.
"When I returned to Shelby, she informed me that she believes she is pregnant. We are waiting for the doctors to arrive and confirm this for us. But, as the meeting this morning concerned that, I thought you should all know."
"Really?"
"Thomas, why would I lie to you about something like this? The doctors will be here later today as proof of our belief that Shelby is pregnant. Have a good remainder of your day," Sebastian spoke before leaving the room.
X
Later that day, when Isabel and Martha arrived, Angus and William went together to let Shelby and Sebastian know. The two were going to stay with their niece to take care of her for the little while Shelby and Sebastian would be gone.
Although Angus and William could have stayed in Sadie's room with her, they decided to head to the Great Room where there would be more room for them to play games with her. When Shelby and Sebastian returned after their visit with Isabel and Martha, they found Angus sprawled out on his back in front of the fire while William was giving Sadie a piggy-back ride.
"How do you do this?" Angus questioned, looking up to Shelby and Sebastian.
"We don't always run around with Sadie," Sebastian answered. "And you are going to need to get used to it."
"I will," Angus paused. "Eventually."
"Look Sadie, it's your mom and dad. Why don't you go to them," William said, handing the little girl over to Sebastian.
"Dada!" Sadie smiled.
"Yeah. Dada. And who's this?"
"Mama!"
"Do you want to go to Mama?"
"Mama!"
"Looks like she wants to go to you," Sebastian said, turning to face Shelby.
"Okay. Come here, Baby Girl," Shelby said, taking Sadie who immediately lay her head against Shelby's shoulder and closed her eyes.
"Now she settles down," William sighed.
"Did you tire Uncle William and Uncle Angus out?" Sebastian asked. "Maybe we need to up your training," he said, turning to the two.
"No!" Angus and William exclaimed together.
"We'll be fine," Angus said.
"Kids are different, so I will let it be for now," Sebastian joked. For a little while, the group sat on the couches by the fire to relax. Sadie fell asleep a few minutes later, so Shelby and Sebastian headed back towards her room.
As it was Friday, and the 20th of March, Shelby and Sebastian were expecting to know what Isabel and Martha found in their test on Monday. Guest rooms were prepared for the two in the same wing where Sebastian's family usually stayed when they visited.
The weekend passed by without event. Shelby, Sebastian, and Sadie spent much of their time together playing in Sadie's room and keeping her occupied. Shelby and Sebastian were also thankful they had already moved her into her own room since it seemed she would likely be a big sister before the end of the year.
X
Monday evening, following dinner, Shelby and Sebastian made their way to the medical ward to see Isabel and Martha again. While they were away, Joan and Lucinda were caring for Sadie since Angus and William were busy with their knightly duties.
"King Sebastian, Queen Shelby," Isabel greeted them.
"Good evening," Martha added.
"How are you?" Sebastian asked, out of courtesy and because there had been too much going on Friday for him to ask how they were.
Both women's brows furrowed. "We––we are well," Isabel answered.
"How are you?" Martha countered.
"We are well also," Shelby replied. "I'm sure you know why we're here," she continued.
"Yes, of course," Isabel spoke.
"We have the results and they are positive, My Queen. You are with child," Martha smiled.
"Thank you," Sebastian said. "That is wonderful news."
"Thank you," Shelby repeated what Sebastian said. "We appreciate that you were able to be here on such short notice."
"It is our duty as citizens of North Upswich."
"We appreciate it none-the-less," Shelby stressed.
Shelby and Sebastian bid the women goodbye before making their way back to their room. "Wow," Sebastian breathed as he and Shelby entered their room. "We're going to be parents again. Responsible for another little human. It's scary and exciting. I never felt this way with Sadie."
Shelby was silent for several seconds as she moved to meet Sebastian. "I think you might feel that way because you care more than you did the last time. Our relationship was better than it was at first, but nowhere near what it is now."
Sebastian slowly nodded as Shelby's statement rolled around in his mind. "True," he agreed. "I love you now and I didn't then," he said, placing his hands on her hips and drawing her closer to him.
"And I love you," Shelby replied as their lips met in a tender kiss.
When they separated a couple minutes later, they were both breathing heavily. "Do you think we have to go check on Sadie with Joan and Lucinda?" Sebastian questioned.
"Probably," Shelby replied. "I mean, it's not like I can get any more pregnant than I already am."
"Doesn't mean we can't have fun," Sebastian winked.
Shelby rolled her eyes as she took Sebastian's hand to lead him towards the door. A few minutes later, they'd dismissed Joan and Lucinda for the night to spend the rest of the evening with Sadie and help her understand that she'd have a little sibling later that year.
A/N: So, not only is Sadie going to be a big cousin, she's also going to be a big sister! Or is she. . .? Nah, I'm just playing, she is going to be both of those things.
I hope everyone enjoyed the additional family moments in this chapter, other than to ask what you thought of the brief, but present drama with the advisors. I don't have much more to add, so thanks for reading and see you next chapter.
Reviews:
Sweetsimplegirl: I think Shelbastian is a great ship name, but that might be because I came up with it since no one else in the fandom really shipped them when I decided they should be a ship. And they really are adorable, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Ansy: I'm glad you enjoyed the sweet moments. I had a lot of fun writing them and re-reading them while getting the chapters ready to publish. Get ready to also see Sadie as a big sister. :)
