Chapter 3

It was the week of Shingen's birthday. My period had never come and my symptoms were still getting stronger. I was indeed pregnant. There were also new symptoms added, one of them was that my breasts had grown more tender...and boy was that a hard one to hide from Shingen.

I had finally figured out how I would give Shingen the news. I was going to tell him on our outing the day before his birthday. We were going to be staying the night at an inn. The same one we stayed at for our honeymoon, actually. It was perfect.

I had started on a little sewing project that I would have finished in time for our trip. I had some plans for what we would do during the day, planting hints all day and then I would give him the gift when we got to the inn that night.

I smiled as I worked on my little project. It was my first dive into the baby fashion world, but I knew it would be perfect. I kept picturing the smile on Shingen's face as I continued to sew. Yukimura had caught me falling asleep in the middle of my other sewing projects a couple of times, but luckily he hadn't caught me throwing up again.

Somehow I had managed to not throw up around Shingen. Though part of me wondered if he suspected something. He was very perceptive and attentive, especially when it came to me.

It was then that I heard Shingen's footsteps coming down the hall. I quickly tucked my sewing project away just before he could open the door. He eyed me suspiciously as he walked into the room. "What were you up to?" He asked.

"Just sewing." I answered.

Shingen walked over to sit down beside me. He then pulled me into his lap. "You're hiding something from me."

"Well...if you do remember correctly your birthday is coming up...is it too much for you to assume I am working on something for you?" I replied. As long as I told him the truth, I didn't have to worry about him digging too far into what I was truly hiding.

"You being by my side is gift enough." He told me.

I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him, resting them on his shoulders. "That may be, but I still want to make you something special. Besides, I know you're going to love this."

"I'll love anything you make for me." He said, placing a tender kiss on my lips.

Oh, you've no idea how much you're going to love this one. I thought, unable to hide my smile.

Shingen looked at me in the eyes. He lifted a hand and gently rubbed his thumb beneath my eye. "I hope you're not working too hard...you look tired." He told me, nothing but loving concern in his voice.

"Says the man who fought a war while facing a crippling illness." I retorted. "And acting like it was nothing."

"You just won't ever let me forget that, will you?" He asked, his tone teasing.

"And I'm not the only one." I replied.

"Thankfully an angel came to me and saved me." He said. "And has made all of my dreams come true in the process." He was then moving his hand around to the back of my head and pulling my lips to his.

I felt myself melting into him and our kiss. Oh how I loved his kisses. Just then there was a knock on the door.

"Pardon the interruption, Lord Shingen." Came the apologetic voices of one of his vassals.

Shingen and I both sighed as we broke our kiss, though he still kept an arm around me, holding me in his lap. "What is it?" He asked.

"A visitor has come for an audience with you and I believe he brings a gift and well wishes for your birthday." The vassal answered.

"I'll be there in a moment." He told his vassal, who bowed and then left, closing the door behind him.

Shingen sighed and rested his brow against mine. "I suppose we'll have to pick this back up later."

"Though I hate having to share you, I am glad so many people love you enough that they want to come wish you a happy birthday." I replied. "And we have the rest of our lives. I can share you for a little while."

"My angel is so gracious." Shingen replied, smiling at me. He was then giving me another tender kiss. "Just make sure you and Yuki aren't too busy planning my party that you tire yourself out before tonight."

"What...how did you...but we were so careful..." I sputtered, my eyes widening in surprise.

Shingen chuckled. "And that just confirms that you are." He told me, his tone teasing.

I narrowed my eyes at him, playfully. "You tricked me."

"I had my suspicions." Shingen replied.

"You're too smart for your own good." I teased. "And I always fall right into the palm of your hand."

"And you love it." He said, teasing.

"Only because I know how good you are with those hands."

We shared another kiss before pulling away from each other and Shingen headed out to meet with the visitor.

I was getting ready to pull my sewing project back out when a wave of nausea hit me once again. I was quickly grabbing a nearby pot and revisiting my lunch. That was of course the moment Yukimura chose to come to my door.

"Ava..."

"Just ate too much at lunch." I said, when I had finished.

Otsuna was then coming in behind Yukimura. "What in the world? My lady, are you alright?" She asked, motherly concern in her voice as she came over to kneel beside me.

"I'm fine." I replied.

"You know it was a couple of weeks ago I caught you throwing up before." Yukimura said.

"And I had just ate something that didn't agree with me that day." I lied.

"If you're sick..." Yukimura said.

"I'm not." I argued.

"Lord Shingen should know." He said.

"He will...just not yet." I countered.

"I'm going to go tell him." Yukimura said.

"No! I will tell him, just not yet, okay?"

Otsuna was looking at me, a knowing look on her face. She then looked at Yukimura. "Yukimura, let Lady Ava be the one to tell Lord Shingen. It is obviously important to her." She told him.

Yukimura seemed conflicted for a moment before letting out a big sigh. "You know, if you're trying to wait till after his birthday because you're afraid of ruining it, you really shouldn't. You know he just wants you to be healthy...we all do."

I gave Yukimura a smile. "Just trust me on this? Otsuna clearly does."

He sighed again. "Alright, but you rest. I'll work with the maids and vassals on finishing up the preparations, alright?"

"Deal." I agreed.

He was then turning to walk out the door. Otsuna grabbed the pot from me and took it out to be cleaned. She returned a bit later with a cup of cool water and a rather delicious smelling soup. "Here, this should help." She said.

"Thank you." I told her.

"You're with child aren't you?" Otsuna asked me.

I nodded. "Yes...I've known for a while now. I just wanted to wait till Shingen's birthday to tell him. I thought it would be a nice surprise for him."

Otsuna's smile grew and I could see the genuine happiness on her face. "This is wonderful news!" She exclaimed. "And yes, I am sure Lord Shingen will be excited to hear it. How do you plan on telling him?"

I smiled and then reached for my sewing project. "I am making this and I plan to give it to him the night before his birthday when we are at the inn."

"Oh, how cute. That is an adorable idea." She gushed. "And don't worry, I will help you keep this surprise a secret. I know he's already found out about the party, but at least we can keep one surprise left for him."

"I really appreciate that."

"You should eat this soup. It has a mixture of herbs that will help settle your stomach. It always worked well for Lord Shingen's mother. I made it for her every day while she was pregnant with him."

"Thank you."

Otsuna made me the herb soup mixture every day and it really did help settle my stomach. I wasn't exactly sure what was in it, but I was very grateful. I finished my little sewing project the day before our trip and I wrapped it in some cloth and tied it closed with string. It was small enough that I was able to tuck it in the folds of my kimono.

The morning of our trip arrived and Otsuna made me the herb soup mixture for breakfast and gave me a packet of the herbs to mix into my food at the inn, should I feel like I needed it.

Shingen and I were on his horse, Yukimura, Otsuna, and a few other vassals were seeing us off. "Have a safe trip." They wished us.

"And have lots of fun and rest and relax...both of you." Yukimura said, eyeing me in particular. He still didn't trust that I wasn't sick.

"We will." Shingen replied. "Are you ready, Ava?"

I smiled up at him. "Yes." I answered, leaning into him a little more.

As we rode off, I could see Yukimura speaking to Otsuna. I wasn't able to hear their conversation, but I was later told about it.

"You really think she's okay for this trip?" Yukimura asked, looking at Otsuna.

"Yes, she is perfectly fine. Just trust me." She said, smiling happily.

Shingen and I made our way through the forest and to the neighboring village. "So, I know you have some things planned?" Shingen asked, looking at me as we approached the village. "What is first on the list?"

"I was hoping to stop at that tea house. I've been craving those sweet dumplings they had there." I said, dropping my first hint.

"I like the sound of that. Enjoying sweets with my sweet." He said, kissing the top of my head.

We soon arrived at the village and took the horse to a stable we had been able to rent for the trip. We were then walking to the tea shop and sharing those sweet dumplings and the delicious tea.

Afterwards, I led Shingen to a small stage that was set up in the town. There was a group of children putting on a play. "They are quite lively and cute." Shingen said.

I smiled. "Yes, I heard about this and I thought it was something we might enjoy watching."

Once the play was over, we just walked around the village, taking in the sights. There were children everywhere, running around and playing. Some were even being chased down by their mothers for bath time or other such activities that the kids did not want to do.

I smiled fondly as I watched them all. "I can't wait." I said, quietly.

Shingen looked at me. "What was that?" He asked.

I gave him a smile. "It's a secret." I answered, bringing a finger to my lips.

"I have ways of getting those secrets from those beautiful lips of yours." He replied, playfully.

"You'll just have to wait." I told him. This was my final hint of the day.

"You plan to tell me this secret soon then?"

"Yes." I answered.

He pulled me close then and kissed me gently on the lips. "I look forward to it."

We were soon heading to the inn and settling into our room. Once we were in our room, Shingen turned to me, a devilish grin on his face as he put an arm against the wall and leaned into me. I smiled as it reminded me of our first day together. He lifted his other hand to cup my cheek. "Now, how can I get my princess to share her secrets?" He asked, his tone teasing and seductive.

I gave him a coy smile. "Hmm...I was planning to just tell you in a bit, but I'm tempted to see what you'll do." I replied.

Shingen smiled as he leaned in closer, heading for my ear.

It was at this moment, my nausea had finally decided to hit me. No! No! No! Not now! I thought. We've made it this long without Shingen seeing this!

Shingen noticed the shift in my expression and pulled back. "Ava?"

I couldn't answer, the bile was already rising to the back of my throat. I reluctantly ducked under his arm and headed for the adjoining room to ours that was used as a "wash room" and found an empty basin to empty the contents of my stomach into.

Shingen was right behind me. I felt him gather my hair into his hands and hold it out of the way. Once I had finished he was grabbing a hand towel and dampening it. Then he was pulling me into his arms and patting my face with the towel.

I had spent the last couple of months trying to keep him from seeing this, but it was nice to have him here taking care of me. I rested my head against his chest. "Are you alright, my love?" He asked me, concern coloring his tone.

I nodded. "Yeah."

We stayed there a few more moments before he picked me up and carried me back to the room. He laid me down in the futon and then went to fetch a cup of cold water for me from the inn keeper and to get the basin cleaned up.

"If I had known you were feeling sick, we would have stayed home." Shingen said to me as he sat beside me in the futon.

I gave him a small sheepish smile. "I've been doing my best to make sure you didn't find out."

He quirked a brow at me. "If you were worried about ruining my birthday..."

Before he could finish that sentence I was shaking my head. "That's not it." I told him. I was then fishing the small package out of my kimono and handing it to him. "I know it's a little early, but I think if you open this, you'll understand."

"How does a birthday present have anything to do with my beloved feeling ill?" He asked me, his eyes curious.

"I've been dropping hints all day." I told him. "Just open it."

He untied the string and began to open the cloth. When he did, he was holding up the tiny pair of booties I had made. His eyes widened in surprise and then he looked at me. "You're pregnant?" He asked.

I nodded, smiling. "Yes."

A huge, unabashed, truly happy grin came to Shingen's face. He was then reaching over to me and pulling me into his arms. "You really must be a goddess for making all of my dreams come true." He told me, before showering my brow, cheeks, and nose in kisses.

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my lips nor the joy that I felt. I was having a child with the man I loved and he was overjoyed at the thought, too. "So, is this the best birthday present ever or what?" I asked, teasing.

Shingen smiled. "Every day and every precious moment with you is the best gift I have ever gotten. Though this is definitely the happiest I have ever been for my birthday."

"You always say the sweetest things." I told him, as I leaned into him, once again resting my head on his chest.

"You said earlier you were trying to keep me from seeing you sick...how long have you known?" He asked.

"A little while." I answered. "I...I was late a couple of months ago and I wanted to skip another one before I would say for sure I was pregnant...I also figured I'd make sure of all the symptoms before."

"So...you've been suffering all this time?" Shingen asked me.

"I just...I wanted to be sure before I told you...if I was wrong I didn't want you to be disappointed."

Shingen let out a sigh. "Ava..."

"But then by the time I knew for sure it wasn't that far from your birthday, just a couple of weeks. So, I wanted to surprise you with the news."

"I suddenly regret being so busy these last weeks with the negotiations." He said. "I was so busy I didn't even notice my wife wasn't feeling well."

"To be fair I hid it very well." I said. "Though I do think I've worried Yukimura."

"Yuki knew?"

"He caught me getting sick a couple of times when we were meeting to plan your party." I answered. "But he just thinks I'm sick and not telling you because I don't want to ruin your birthday."

"So you really have suffered alone in this?"

"I did want you to be the first to know...though Otsuna figured it out and has been making me an herbal remedy that has helped. She said she gave it to your mother when she was pregnant with you."

"She would know everything." Shingen said with a nod. It was then that he began to think. "And now I don't know why I didn't see it before."

"What do you mean?"

"The foods you've been eating have been lighter...you haven't been eating as many sweets. You haven't had any sake...and your breasts are tender, aren't they?"

"So you did notice that?"

"I just can't believe I didn't put it together."

I let out a small laugh. "I just can't believe I was actually able to keep it from you for this long. Between how smart you are and how easy to read I am...and how excited I have been. I've been imagining every day the look on your face."

Shingen shook his head a look of love and happiness on his face. "Just...damn." He said before pulling me in for a deep kiss. In the kiss I could feel his love, his passion, and his joy. Everything he wanted to communicate to me, was in that kiss.

I poured my own feelings into the kiss, wrapping my arms around him. He soon had me back on the futon and was undoing my obi. We spent the evening celebrating our love and joy making love.

Back at Tsutsujigasaki Palace...

Kenshin and Sasuke had arrived an hour or so after Shingen and Ava had left. "I'm surprised we were able to pull this off without Lord Shingen finding out." Sasuke observed as he began helping to set things up.

"Well about that..." Yukimura said.

"You mean to tell me the master of spies was able to find out?" Sasuke asked.

Yukimura nodded. "Yeah, he wouldn't say who spilled the beans but I'm pretty sure it was probably Ava."

Sasuke nodded. "She does have a hard time keeping secrets."

Otsuna smiled as she heard the boys talking about Ava. She had a big secret she was managing to keep from them all.

"Though I imagine part of her reasons for not being able to keep it secret is she's been keeping something else secret." Yukimura said.

"Ava, having secrets from Shingen?" Kenshin asked, joining in on the conversation, though he still did his best to look bored.

Yukimura nodded. "Yes, she's been sick."

"Sick?" Sasuke asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, just a couple of days ago, I went to talk to her about the party and she was throwing up."

"Perhaps she had eaten something bad? Or too many sweets trying to keep up with Lord Shingen?" Sasuke suggested.

"Or drank too much sake? She strikes me as the type who wouldn't be able to hold her sake that well." Kenshin added.

Yukimura shook his head. "No. I found her throwing up a couple of weeks ago, too. She mentioned the food then, but I know she was lying. She wouldn't let me tell Lord Shingen either, saying he had too much other stuff to worry about. And I know she didn't want to say anything now because she doesn't want to ruin his birthday...but she'll ruin it by not telling him."

Sasuke nodded. "Maybe when they return tomorrow we can convince her to tell Lord Shingen what is going on."

"Oh, I think she is probably telling him now." Otsuna said.

"What?" Yukimura asked. "And don't act like that. You've been helping her hide it these last few days."

"Because I know what she's hiding." Otsuna replied. "Trust me, Lady Ava is well and I am sure our lord knows now what ails his wife."

Kenshin narrowed his gaze as he looked at the woman. His eyes then widened in understanding. "You don't mean..." He asked trailing off.

Otsuna saw the understanding on Kenshin's face and nodded. "Yes, exactly."

Kenshin shook his head. "Well, it's not that surprising given how they are." He muttered.

"What are you talking about, Lord Kenshin?" Sasuke asked.

"If you two can't figure it out, I'm not spelling it out for you." He was then stalking off to the room he would be staying in.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yukimura asked, looking at Sasuke.

"Just that you two have a lot to learn and have such thick skulls." Otsuna answered. "Now come on lets get back to work. We have a banquet to prepare for and lots of celebrating to be done tomorrow!"

The next day...

I awoke to the early morning light streaming in through the open window and the cool December air on my skin. Though it was starting to get chilly, I was nice and warm all snuggled up in Shingen's arms in the futon.

"Good morning, my princess." He greeted me, smiling.

"Good morning and happy birthday." I greeted him back.

Shingen smiled as he pulled me close for a tender kiss. "I think you being the first one to wish me a happy birthday is one of my new favorite things." He said. He was then pushing the futon cover away and leaning down to kiss my belly. "And good morning to you, too my littlest love."

I felt myself gushing internally at the way he spoke to the child I carried. I let out a happy "squea" noise.

Shingen looked up at me, smiling. "I really enjoy all of the sounds you make."

"I'm just so happy." I told him, feeling my cheeks flush. "Besides, the way you just talked to our baby...it just...it was adorable."

"You're the adorable one." Shingen said, kissing my brow.

I giggled as I snuggled closer to him and buried my face in his chest.

"It is a shame we only had the one night here." Shingen mused.

I nodded. "Yes, but we have a party to get to for you today."

"True...but I'd rather spend my birthday here with you." He replied, his fingers tracing from my cheek, along my, jaw and coming to rest under my chin before pulling my gaze up to meet his. He was then kissing my deeply.

I quickly melted into the kiss and his arms. I swear, I'm powerless to this man and these lips. I thought to myself. I found myself laughing as we pulled apart.

"Hmm...my angel laughing after a kiss. I am not sure how to feel about that."

"I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Wondering how I ever resisted you before when we first met." I answered him. "If I had known then just how good you were..."

Shingen couldn't help but to laugh with me. "It's all worth it to have ended up here with you now." He told me once he had finished laughing. He then began to stroke my hair. "Though if I had known then just what was possible, I would have tried harder to win that bet sooner."

"You mean you weren't giving me every trick you had up your sleeve?" I teased. "I mean you even brought out a bear cub on me."

"And Koro almost got you, too." Shingen teased back.

"To be fair, I was probably smiling internally...and also swooning a little."

"Swooning, you say?" He asked, an eyebrow raised.

"That was the first time I'd seen you doing your carpentry...I found the sight very attractive...nor had I ever been jealous of a piece of wood before."

Shingen chuckle. "So that's why you enjoy watching me work when we work on our projects together?" He asked.

I felt my cheeks reddening. "Something like that."

"I love you, Ava."

"I love you, too Shingen."

We were then heading for a kiss when I felt my stomach begin to churn. "Hold that thought." I said, bolting up from his arms and the bed, heading for the wash room again.

Shingen followed me and held my hair back once again. And when I had finished, he was caring for me, with a damp towel and cool water. "Sorry." I felt myself saying.

"You have nothing to apologize for my love." He told me. He was then lovingly placing a hand over my belly and kissing the top of my head.

Shingen held me for a while, stroking my hair while I rested my head on his chest. When the sick feeling finally passed we got up and began to get ready. I put the herb mixture Otsuna had made for me in my breakfast the in keeper had prepared for us and that seemed to settle my stomach.

We were soon on Shingen's horse, heading back home to Kai. I sat in the saddle in front of him, between his arms. While I knew how to ride a horse and was even pretty good at it, I really enjoyed riding with Shingen.

"What is my beautiful goddess and mother of my child thinking of?" Shingen asked, gazing lovingly at me.

"Just how much I like riding with you." I answered. "I know I can ride by myself, but I prefer riding with you."

"You know, when we first came back to Kai and I started showing you around, I couldn't help but to think how much I enjoy traveling on horseback with you." He said. "It's nice to know you enjoy it as much as I do."

"Any time I get to be close to you, I enjoy it." I replied.

Shingen gave me a tender kiss then. "If it weren't starting to get too cold, I'd say we need to take a detour again as we did when returning from our honeymoon."

"It is a bit chilly." I agreed. "Though I don't think I'd feel the cold."

Shingen hugged me tighter to him.

I leaned into him, nestling into his embrace. "But we do have your party to get to. I think Yukimura might hurt us if we were late...especially since I'm the one who helped him plan it."

Shingen laughed. "You're probably right...and I am excited to share our news with everyone."

I smiled. "Me, too." I said, my hand going to rest on my belly.

Shingen placed a hand over mine, while keeping the other one on the reins. His gaze was warm and loving. "I still can't believe I didn't see it before. You do have that glow."

I giggled. "It's not like it's obvious yet."

"I'm looking forward to when it is." He said. "You're already adorable...you're going to be even more so." He was then nuzzling the top of my head in affection.

"I don't know about that..."

"It is a good thing for you, I do know." He replied. "I think you're going to be so cute that I will have to keep you pregnant often."

I laughed and felt my cheeks reddening. "Well, given how much I enjoy the activity that led to me getting pregnant...I can see that happening easily...however, let's just see how this first one goes."

Shingen kissed my cheek. "I love you, Ava."

"I love you, Shingen."

We were soon returning to Kai. Throughout the city everyone was lined up and wishing Shingen a happy birthday. It made me happy to see how all of his people loved him. We arrived at home. After taking the horse to the stables, we walked towards the castle, Shingen keeping an arm around my waist and holding my close.

He leaned over and kissed me.

I smiled up at him. "And what was that for?"

"Do I need a reason to kiss my wife?" He replied. "Though it's all because I can't help myself when I am around your beauty...or when you make me so happy."

"You know you make me happy, too Shingen."

"And to think there was once a time when you wouldn't have dared utter such words or share that beautiful smile with me."

"You definitely made it hard for me."

We were stopping and Shingen was pulling me into a deep kiss. When we parted, he rested his forehead against mine, still holding me close. His gaze was locked on mine. He lifted a hand to cup my cheek. "I am so truly happy to have you...to share my life with you...and I can't wait for our baby to get here. Another adventure I am looking forward to sharing with you."

I smiled as I returned his gaze. "I was just thinking the same thing."

"Here they are!" A familiar voice shouted, pulling us from our own little world we had been locked in.

We turned to see Yukimura standing there looking at us. He had called over his shoulder and Sasuke came with Kenshin not far behind him.

"How can you two have gotten worse?" Yukimura asked, looking at us.

"You should have seen them in our time." Sasuke remarked.

"Yuki, I have failed in your education if you think there is anything wrong with showering the woman you love with affection. Not to mention it is my birthday. Shouldn't I get to choose how I celebrate?"

"No because if it were up to you, you two would be locked up in your bedroom." Yukimura replied.

I felt my cheeks reddening.

"There is something seriously wrong with all of you." Kenshin said with a bored sigh.

"Says the man with even more serious issues than me." Shingen countered.

"Can we all just go inside for the party?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

After a few more moments of the back and forth, we all headed inside. Shingen and I went and changed for the party and then joined our friends in the main hall. We took our seats and trays were brought in. Shingen's tray was of course piled high with sweets.

Otsuna made sure to pile my tray with plenty of light food, including my soup. Kenshin had a tray full of sake and pickled plums. I was so grateful. The food and the sake began to flow, and everyone was having a good time. Some of Shingen's vassals made toasts to him.

I could feel Yukimura and Sasuke watching me. Yukimura had to have told Sasuke about me getting sick and they were both watching for signs of me getting sick again.

After a few more toasts, Yukimura stood up to give a toast. "Lord Shingen, I just want to say what an honor it is to celebrate your birthday with you this year and how happy I am that you'll get to have many more. You may be a pain, but I am glad to have you as my lord."

Shingen smiled. "Awe, Yuki I am touched." Shingen said. "Now if only you can learn to speak to women so nicely."

I giggled and then playfully swatted Shingen on the shoulder. "Come on now, he said something nice. You can't just let it go?"

Shingen smiled at me. "Of course not. I can't give up on Yuki." He said. "I only want him to learn how to talk to women so he can one day experience the same happiness we have." He was then wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close, kissing my cheek.

"I swear, you two really are worse." Yukimura said. "What happened on your one day trip...wait never mind, I don't want to know nor do I need to know."

Shingen looked at me then. "You think it's time?" He asked.

I nodded. "I think so."

Shingen then stood up, commanding the attention of the room...not that my attention ever really left him to begin with. "First I want to thank all of you for coming to celebrate my birthday. It means a lot to know that you're all happy to celebrate my life." He began. "And this birthday is a special one. For so many special reasons...all of them thanks to my lovely wife, Ava. And just when I think she can't give me anymore, she gives me yet another wonderful gift. Last night, she gave me the news that we are expecting our first child."

I was pretty sure I heard Yukimura and Sasuke's jaws hitting the floor. There were cheers throughout the room from the rest of the vassals and the maids were squealing with delight at the thought of having a baby in the castle once again. Kenshin just sat in his seat, popping another pickled plum into his mouth.

"So...that's why you were sick?" Yukimura asked, looking at me.

I nodded. "And now you know why I didn't tell you. I wanted Shingen to be the first to know."

"Second really." Otsuna said with a wink. "But I've just been around long enough to know these things. Not to mention I have been so looking forward to this day. I've been watching you for signs for a while."

"I think I can forgive you knowing first...especially since you figured it out." Shingen said to Otsuna with a smile.

"Congratulations Lord Shingen and Ava." Sasuke said, giving us a small yet happy smile. "I think you'll be wonderful parents."

I smiled. "Thank you Sasuke."

Shingen was sitting back down and pulling me over into his lap. "I am certain Ava will be an amazing mother." He said, kissing me on the forehead. "And I am excited to see how adorable she'll look." He was then placing a loving hand on my belly.

I felt my cheeks reddening. "Shingen..."

"Do you have nothing to say Lord Kenshin?" Sasuke asked, looking at his liege lord.

"Only one thing." Kenshin said. "Shingen you better have a made that a son. I will need a worthy rival in the future. You're clearly no fun to fight any longer."

Shingen laughed. "I thought you missed fighting me."

"Yes who you used to be. I don't think you'd be any fun for me any more...unless of course I took Ava hostage."

"No one is taking me hostage. Once was enough." I said.

"Look how good that turned out for you, though." Shingen said with a playful smile.

"Yes, but that won't happen again."

"Anyway Kenshin, you may just be out of luck on having a future rival. I am hoping for a girl who looks just like her mother." Shingen said looking at Kenshin.

"I don't know Shingen...having a boy who looks just like his father wouldn't be so bad." I said, smiling at my husband.

"Maybe you'll have twins." Sasuke said.

I shot Sasuke a glare. "Don't you dare wish that on me! One at a time!"

"Twins could be fun." Shingen mused.

"Says the one who doesn't have to be pregnant or give birth." I replied.

"That is a fair point." Shingen agreed, still a playful smile on his face.

"Well, this at least explains why you two seem worse than usual." Yukimura spoke up.

"Of course, there is no greater joy than starting a family with the woman you love, Yuki." Shingen said. "Nor is a woman more beautiful than when she is with child."

"Really? I think she looks worse, with those dark circles she's had under her eyes and all." Yukimura replied.

"You know I may be a pacifist but one of these days I will probably hit you, Yukimura." I found myself saying.

"There's no need for you to do that, my love." Shingen said. He was then reaching over and smacking Yukimura on the back side of the head. "That's what I am here for."

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my lips.

Yukimura just glared at us, but there was a smile on his face. "Someone has to be honest with her."

"I am always honest with my goddess." Shingen replied. "I can't believe I failed so miserably in your education though." He added this last part with an exasperated sigh.

"Hey, I know all I need to know."

"Except you have no tact." I replied.

Shingen smiled as he patted my belly. "Well, if this is a boy, I won't fail with him."

"In that case I hope all you have are girls, Lord Shingen."

"Oh, I would love that." Shingen said. "Of course, I would have to teach them how they are to be treated."

"If we have a girl, you'll have her so spoiled no man will ever be able to measure up." I said.

"How is it you always see through my plans?" Shingen asked me.

The party went on for a while longer. Everyone was happy for us, congratulating and toasting us and wishing for a healthy baby and an easy pregnancy for me. I was starting to feel utterly exhausted when I could normally stay up a while longer, enjoying the festivities.

I glanced at Shingen, who was having a conversation with one of his vassals. He looked to be having a great time still. If I could just make it a while longer, he is enjoying his party. Or maybe I could find a way to sneak out. I knew if I told him I was tired, he would go with me. I wanted him to stay and enjoy this. He deserved it and it had been a long time since he could truly celebrate his birthday.

It was then Shingen was excusing himself from the conversation with his vassal. He was then standing up. "Well, everyone I think it is time to bid you all goodnight. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this celebration. Stay and enjoy it as long as you like. It truly means so much to me that you all came to celebrate this day."

Shingen was then offering me his hand. I accepted and allowed him to pull me to him. He wrapped his arm around my waist and we exited the room together. As soon as we were out in the hall, he scooped me up into his arms.

"Shingen?" I asked, looking at him.

He smiled at me and kissed my brow. "You looked like you were about to fall over in there." He told me. "You're already so tired, I didn't want you to completely exhaust yourself walking to our room."

"You could tell?" I asked, feeling my face flush.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about, my angel." He told me.

"I should be used to this...considering how attentive you are." I told him. "I guess since I was able to keep one secret from you I was getting overconfident."

Shingen chuckled and kissed my forehead again. "Your face is my favorite to read."

"You know...I'm not that tired that I can't walk to our room."

"I know." Shingen replied. "But you've been hiding how terrible you've been feeling from me in order to keep the surprise...I have a lot of time to make up for in caring for you."

I felt myself melt at his confession. "Shingen..."

We were soon in our room. Shingen set me down in the futon. Before I knew it, he was getting my night robe for me and helping me change. I wasn't sure why, but having him help me change for bed felt more intimate than it should have. I felt my cheeks reddening.

"What is it, my princess?" He asked me, cupping my face between his hands.

"I just...I...can dress...myself you know."

"I know." He told me. "But as I already said, I want to take care of you." He was then placing a gentle peck on my lips. "You've been feeling sick and tired all of this time and I haven't been there for you..."

"Because I was trying to keep it a surprise." I said.

"I know...and it is the best surprise." He told me. "But you suffered through all of that for me. If I would have known, I would have been there for you through every second of it...so now that I know, I want to take care of you through all of it."

I smiled up at him. "Well, when you put it like that how can I refuse?"

Shingen kissed me tenderly and then finished getting my night robe on before changing into his own. Once he was finished, he was climbing into the futon and pulling me down next to him, holding me close.

I smiled as I snuggled closer to him, resting my head against his broad chest. "I love you, Shingen."

I felt his lips on top of my head. "And I love you, Ava." He was then gently rubbing my back. I felt my eyelids growing heavy as I was comfy and warm in his arms. I quickly drifted off to sleep, nestled in his embrace.

Shingen looked down at Ava, sleeping so peacefully in his arms. My beautiful princess. My angel. He thought, his gaze loving and tender. "I still can't believe what a lucky man I am to have you by my side."

He then placed a gentle kiss on Ava's forehead and then rested a hand on her belly. "And I can't wait to meet you, little one."

He laid there gazing at his sleeping wife, limned in the silver moonlight. "I still can't believe it." He murmured softly. "How could I have not known?" It was then that it hit him, that Ava would be needing a midwife. He knew exactly who to call on.

Delicately and reluctantly, Shingen pulled himself away from his sleeping wife and went over to write a letter. Once he had finished the letter, he called on one of his vassals to deliver it, urgently.

Once that was taken care of, Shingen climbed back into the futon and pulled Ava into his arms once more. "Shingen..." She murmured in her sleep, making him smile.

"I am glad to be in your dreams, my angel." He whispered, kissing her forehead, before snuggling closer and closing his own eyes.