CHAPTER 21

On the way ...

There are still almost 2 months to the term of the labour and not everything is prepared for the arrival of the new family members. Agatha, being on strict bed rest, cannot leave the house and has to rely on her husband even in the choice of baby products. Only a few days and everything will change completely ...

Good afternoon my dear Dragathas! The Second Chance story is basically at its end. Count Dracula won Agatha´s heart and even if not planning it this way from their first encounter, is more than happy that the situation developed the way it did. Now he is a married man and soon-to-be father. As it seems he grasped his Second Chance strongly into his hands and got a sweet reward.

The chapter is divided into 2 parts basically, which happens within the time range of 3 days.

I hope you will enjoy reading it and share the joy of the Balaur due to the fullest

Thank you all for the kudos and motivating comments!

-/-

It's been already over a year, more precisely 1 year and 147 days, since Count Dracula got the second chance to live a full-fledged life and he doesn't hesitate to admit that Agatha is the best that could ever happen to him. No killing. Not that long ago, he truly believed that all the fun of existing would be lost and his never-ending life would bore him to death. How wrong he was and lucky at the same time to be proven it. Now, sitting in front of the jewellery store he just left, Dracula controls his phone, thinking about Agatha and their unborn children again. He has been gone for over 2 hours and yet, did not receive a single phone call from her. It calms him down, nevertheless makes him nervous at the same time. No complications are a win-win. Of course. He already witnessed several strikes of unpleasant tension, that Agatha has to endure and the less they repeat, the better. However, most of the days, he spends at home, with her, carefully monitoring each and every hint of a possible discomfort or trouble, already prepared to grab the bag with babies' and Agatha's clothes, and hurry to the hospital with his growing family. Today though he had to leave his wife at home ... not willingly, with remorse that he is leaving her alone, even though she reassured him, it's okay to be absent for a while. Agatha even promised him to call immediately when spotting something alarming ... nevertheless, 2 hours are too long. That still doesn't change the fact, he had to go. His order was ready to pick up and thus, he came to pay for the goods. Agatha has never been a woman who desired gold or diamonds, he knows that, however his male pride, aristocratic nature and love for her, made him to order another piece of jewellery for her. A gift. For all that suffering which the pregnancy is bringing. Another copy of his family heritage is now hidden in the luxorious paper bag, together with a welcome-gift for his child or children ... not knowing if they are expecting only girls or boy, or a pair of them, even if he suspects; Agatha already must have noticed it on the ultrasound; he directly took all in 2. Two new pairs of smaller earrings fitting even a baby girl, 2 golden bracelets with a small diamond heart, two little dragon heraldic ring, suitable for a boy and a girl alike. Last month, he even received another 2 high-quality swords and basically befriended the Chatelier swordmen family from Carcassonne. Now having, everything ready for his babies, he stands up and leaves, crossing the old, still quite medieval looking street. Walking on the open space, during a beautiful summer day, he once again enjoys the life as it is and anew, starts musing about his wife, children and ... The stroller! I knew I have forgotten something. Suddenly a realisation, that there are still some details they need to fix, crawled back to his mind as soon as he lied his eyes on the richly decorated showcase of the Baby Kingdom. Among all the baby figurines with the newest trendy clothes and many toys, furniture, a stroller captured his attention. Like hypnotised, Count Dracula, the best-known, strongest vampire of all times steps inside the store, full of pregnant, chattering women choosing from the various selection of baby stuff. His goal is simple - they were supposed to shop for a stroller virtually, so why not now? In his mind, by this way at least he wouldn't need to leave Agatha alone another day. Surrounded by all the things related to babies, his joy and impatience to welcome his own on this world only grows. No one would expect a man to look so cheerful in a baby needs shop. Count Dracula is though a special case. Similar joy glowed on his face when the carpenter earlier today presented him with the result of his work. Worthy and well suited for the offspring of Dracula dynasty. Returning back to the presence, Count quickly searches through the rich selection until he picks up the ... in his eyes ... best twin stroller. Certainly, the most expensive, elegant and functional one at the same time. Immediately, with a wide smile on his happy face, he takes out his phone and dials the most important phone number ...

... The phone is ringing for the third time in a row and Agatha with a disapproving look is trying to reach for it and not disconnecting the dialysis pump from her arm at the same time. These past few weeks, she is on a strict bedrest and under the scrutinising supervision of her husband who would rather carry her everywhere than let her use her own feet.

- I am fine, Vlad. - she finally picks up the phone, re-adjusting the large heating belt around her abdomen and huffs. On the other side a relieved sigh can be heard.

- Glad to hear that, however I am not calling to check on you ... this time. -

- No? - his constant caution is sometimes unnerving.

- No. Don't you remember? Well, I almost forgot as we. You know. We agreed on a virtual selection of the strollers and other stuff and I am already in a perfect store, the Baby Kingdom, so we can start. - in his voice a clear satisfaction can be heard. He is proud to be the chosen one. The one to select the best ... baby clothes, accessories, toys ... Agatha is lost at words for a moment ... well, she wanted to shop for her children as well, being lost in all the tons of toys, little dresses, cute accessories, fairy-tale-like furniture ... she bought already some basics, of course ... each time she passed across a baby-shop, motherly instincts (or at least she justified it this way) urged her to step in and get something for her growing happiness. Jumpers here, a rattle there ... the nursery lacks only a few little details ... a place to sleep foremost and the stroller ... alright, not little details ...

- I meant online shopping. - the vampiress clarifies. Although Dracula has a perfect style, she is sure, he would never agree on unicorns or teddy bears that she might insist on, but would simply choose a cold elegance ... For babies!

- Oh. - it seemed a little bit strange, even to him, that she willingly gave up roaming the baby kingdom, but on the other hand, given the circumstances ...it was just understandable and logical. - Well, since I am already here...turn on the camera, love. I have few favourite pieces already. - that purring voice of the Devil... how much she loves it and gives up easily even now.

- How long have you been there? - the front camera on Dracula's phone is already turned on, she can see his smiling face.

- A few minutes ... - almost 10, if he was honest. Not to waste time or let her think about it further, he rather promises. - It will be quick, Agatha. -

- I´d better be. - turning the TV on and pairing it with her phone, she immediately finds herself in the shop as well ... virtually ... - Show me what you want. -

- What the babies want, my dear. - he corrects her, not reacting when Agatha raises her eyebrow in a telling look. The mother knows best, not the father ... - But let's focus on the reason of today's visit. - moving further, Count Dracula points his phone directly on the furniture section.

- Here are the strollers we miss. - he announces pompously and looks to the camera again. - Do you want to see all of them or just the best? -

- Show me the one, you have chosen already. - although it's tempting to look at everything, she cannot risk, that the shop visit will prolong to few hours.

- Alright ... take a look at the winning piece. - on the large TV screen, a champagne-coloured baby carriage appears. Two baskets for infants look luxurious, though very stylish and simple.

- And, my dear, if only you could try the softness of the material. It feels like paradise. Trust me. - he starts with the description of all the positives, she cannot test personally. - The stroller is spacious even if it doesn't look like that. You know, with this one, we wouldn't block the entire pavement, yet the babies could comfortably stretch or sleep. -

- What an expert you are, my dear. - she chuckles. - You would sell anything, Mr. Business man. -

- I am just taking my role of a father seriously. - then he lowers himself and picks up something that looks like ... - When the babies grow, these baskets can be replaced for a toddler seat. Perfect, isn't it? - with a sparkle in eye he takes another accessory to the hand and shows it to the camera. - Car seats. Now imagine them in our car. And the best: they can be secured on the stroller´ skeleton. Not sure what is it good for, but it's an extra function and I like that. -

- And you are sure this is the best one. -

- Yes. -

- Not only because of the price tag, right? -

- No. - - I did my research. -

- Well, in that case, take it, Vlad. - - In my condition, I really need to trust you, even in this case. -

- Have I ever ... - - In this century, deceived you? -

- No. - - Now show me the cradles you have chosen so we can have it all finally and end this call. -

- Those are a surprise, darling. I show you at home. - after few additional sentences and final agreement, the phone call is ended and Agatha can finally return back to the reading. Before though, she caresses her abdomen that is again being stretched by little, luckily now harmless baby-kicks.

- Your father will definitely spoil you, darlings. It will be up to me to raise you properly, hm ... and spoil you in a different way. - the sooner you are here, the better ... but don't hurry, not necessarily. With me you are most safe ...

-/-

An hour later the sound of braking tires immediately alerts the humming vampires, that allowed herself a quick moment without the dialysis machine. Quickly, Agatha Balaur hurries to the large window in the library, that was turned into a private little hospital.

- No, no, no. - she shakes her head, first worries popping up in her mind. A large, silver van just stopped in front of the distanced main gates and her husband, that promised to be at home already, is nowhere to be found. The worst possibilities and explanations crawl to her mind. Anxiously she watches as 3 strong men, dressed in identical black shirts and jeans get out of the car and open the large sliding door on the side, taking something out of it. Agatha swallows empty and almost jumps from fear, when Luna joins her, licking her left arm ...

- We need to protect the babies, Luna. - the vampiress says resolutely, looking down at her wolf with determination and still present anxiety. A moment later, different sound catches her ears and thus she looks immediately through the window one more time. Another car stopped in front of the gates that are slowly opening wide, as if inviting the van to the residence ... - That´s Vlad´s car. - next her phone rings anew.

- Hello, darling. - the easiness of his voice doesn't match Agatha's tension in retreat at all. - I brought the furniture home, so please make sure, that Luna won´t get under the feet. I have a few men to help me here, alright? - he explains and doesn't await similar response:

- And you are telling me that now? Those bulky man outside look like a secret commando! I already thought that they came for us! - she hisses, immediately placing her hand on her abdomen, reassuring the babies by the simple touch that everything is alright now.

-Oh … I didn't realize that. - he admits humbly. - I am sorry. - Agatha hums, but calms down completely-

-Yeah … I'll make sure, Luna is out of reach. -

-/-

- They are beautiful Vlad, - Agatha once again compliments the handy-work, examining the wooden piece of furniture with her palm. - even if quite pompous. More than that. Don´t you think? - the expensive pieces of furniture would definitely suit every royal nursery ... and that's exactly Dracula's point of view.

- Worthy of a prince or a princess, darling and that's exactly what our children are. - removing his hand of one of the cradles, Dracula caresses Agatha's abdomen.

- You do realise, Vlad, that they will grow out of it quickly, don't you? -

- Who knows, what the future brings ... - that mysterious grin, with a mischievous subtone appears on Dracula's face again.

- If you think I will go through this the second time, you are very wrong, my dear husband. - Agatha's hand is no longer probing the quality of the mattress, rather the quality of her husband´s shirt. Both palms resting on Dracula's chest, she rests her forehead on his shoulder ... and must bench uncomfortably, because the babies grow too fast and she no longer has to option to cuddle and cling to him completely.

- Alright ... hush now, love. - though the idea of a large dynasty doesn't look so bad, quite the contrary. - You should sit down and I will finish it here, okay? - Agatha nods. It's senseless to quarrel now, so she indeed listens to the advice of her husband and comfortably sits down on the creamy-white, small sofa with cosy yellow cushions.

- This is one of the last remaining moments that there are just the two of us. -

- I know. - Dracula hangs two small carrousels with wolves (still not believing he found something like that) and horses above the cradles and satisfied with the outcome of the carpenter´s choice, returns back to his wife, that is now wrapped not only in a heating belt, but in a soft blanket as well.

- Do you realise how many things will change once the babies are born? -

- Isn't it too late to ask that now, honey? - leaning against the backrest, Dracula encircles Agatha's shoulders and cuddles her closer to himself.

- Well, we did not have a proper chance to discuss it all. - the pregnancy has been quite hectic, especially these last weeks and it has been hard to find a moment to properly talk about it. - Are you prepared to share me and my attention with our children, Vlad? You know, they will be demanding a lot, not only care and ... well ... you won't be the centre of my universe. -

- I never was that, my Sun. - he chuckles, when he recognizes that eye-roll ...

- But you came quite close to be it ... -

- That´s an honour, darling. But I am quite content with the fact that these two little ones will reach my goal, Agatha. -

- Good, because they already do that. - Agatha smirks, lowering her gaze at her enlarged abdomen, which she strokes with the utmost love. - Our babies. - the good mood, is however, replaced by a worried sigh. - I am scared, Vlad. -

- Why? We already discussed the unpleasant blood-thirsty infant memory and concluded that this is not the case. -

- I know. - that doesn't change the fact, that such little monster visits her calm, peaceful dreams every now and then. - It's though a big unknown. - even Dracula sighs, although not sharing the fear of his wife. - Not children, I mean ... I am a doctor ... I know how to take care of them, but our babies ... they won't be regular ... we are vampires, Vlad and ... ufff. - tears fill her eyes immediately ... even saying it aloud brings tremor to her mind. - we are immortal and I cannot imagine losing them, be without them once ... I don't want them to be mortal, however I don't want them to suffer from the blood addiction. - up until now, such thought hasn't crossed his mind.

- Honey, it's too soon to think about it now. They are not even born yet ... - In his opinion, it's a simple calculation: they are immortal, thus their babies must be eventually as well, even though having regular, beautiful heartbeat, that is necessary for the development ... - I know it is hard, but don't trouble yourself with that unnecessarily. It does no good to your, neither to our little vampire angels. - he loves to call them this way, even if Agatha disapproves ... sometimes. Rather than muse about it further, he changes the topic, distracting her from those troubling thoughts. - What can I do to make you feel better? Hm? - Countess' shoulders shrugs and innocent smile beautifies her lips anew:

- I could think of one or two things, however, that is not an option now. - at this time, she can only use her vivid imagination and recent memories of their intimacy. Passion. Animality. Excitement. That has to be suppressed for few weeks ...

- Well, my dear Countess, I believe, together, we can think of some alternatives, which will satisfy you, hm? - now, with head full of such ideas, Count Dracula kisses captures the lips of his wife and unsuspiciously, one by one, starts opening the buttons on her silky blouse ...

-/-

Thirty-three weeks. That's all she could manage. Carrying two babies at once, although in a female body but not mortal, working completely in a different way than her immortal has been a difficult task that cost her much, almost took her life, nonetheless, she did all she could to last as long, as possible. Now though, her water broke almost 2 hours ago and the stretches, contractions of her uterus multiply with every unnecessary breath she takes, the babies are somehow not that eager to come out at the moment. It's not as painful as she was scared ... it doesn't near the pain she felt a month ago or back in Transylvania, though the inner tension is even more terrifying. She might explode ... and her husband makes her only more nervous even though he does his best to offer her as much strength and comfort as possible.

- Try small breaths, Agatha. As Elizabeth advised. - he repeats again, encircling her waist partially as he strokes her aching back. - Just like this. - it would be funny under normal circumstances, seeing Count Dracula taking short breaths in regular intervals, pursing his lips in a splendid "O".

- I cannot breathe, remember? It's useless for me! - another contraction makes her bench and look for a support in his arms. In a surprisingly swift spin, she clutches his shirt in her palms and buries her tired face into his chest. - Can´t they just be born already. Quickly? What takes them so long? They should have been here already! - ... not only once did she attend a childbirth in her long career of a medical doctor, and from her own, even if only witnessing experience, she knows it might take hours, sometimes even a day or two. How stupid of me to think it will be over in a moment ... I am a vampire! ...

- Just a little while and it will be over. - nothing he says now though, brings peace to her mind. Quite the contrary. The nervous vampiress frowns, clutching her teeth.

- Oh, you are a doctor now, Vlad? You have said that an hour ago! - Agatha huffs in frustration again, clenching his shirt even more, almost ripping it. Count Dracula is helpless (feeling even useless) ... in this century quite often ... not knowing anymore what to say, he decides to be quiet. Instead, he does his best to embrace Agatha as much comfortably as possible around the shoulders and without further words or encouraging, starts to simulate panting. Silence is more convenient for Agatha right now and in a while, even she joins her husband, focusing just and only on the rhythm of his breathing and pleasant circular movement of his hands, that massage her shoulders. Ten minutes later, doctor Elizabeth Sparks enters the room and once she sees the struggling, yet cooperating couple, a smile appears on her face.

- How is it going, Agatha? - she asks and steps closer to the Balaur duo. Agatha, lifting her head from Dracula's chest, just sighs, interrupting the panting exercise.

- Slowly. Too slowly. - she complains, moving her arms lower to clench for change Dracula's forearms … now he can feel each contraction as well, when her nails dig into his skin … - Can´t you just give me an epidural? - doctor Sparks however, shakes her head in disapproval.

- We have discussed it already; Agatha and it was you who insisted on no drugs and definitely no epidural. - ever since Agatha underwent the troubling surgery, the further course of pregnancy was discussed constantly ... mainly all the possible scenarios and their outcome. They have been preparing themselves for every situation, yet now all that seems useless.

- And that was stupid of me. - lowering her gaze, again she looks at the guilty abdomen that grew significantly … - They just don't want to leave! - doctor Sparks would expect a more rational approach from her friend – a doctor alike, but such behaviour is completely normal, specifically in the cases of primiparous women.

- Give it a time, Agatha. - the named one groans again, yet has to remember that once she advised her friend to be patient in a very similar moment. Elizabeth approaches one of the cabinets, taking out of it a pair of surgical gloves. Turning back to Agatha, she gives her another instruction. - Hop on the bed, I will check the progress. -

- Hop? - Agatha repeats sarcastically quite amused. She can hardly walk and stand on her feet...Doctor Sparks emits a silent chuckle, though nods again.

- Just lie down. I can see that Mr. Balaur is of a great assistance and will gladly help you. -

- Of course. - and as proposed, Dracula takes the situation completely into his hands and instead of helping Agatha walk to the bed (the distance is in her eyes too big), takes her into his strong arms and carries her directly there. Examination follows and the doctor evaluates the progress. - Well, Agatha, it won´t last that long. You are fully dilated and I can see that the contractions only intensify. - that sounds good and terrifying at the same time. - I will call the nurse and alert the paediatrician to be ready if needful and then we will start, alright? -

- Yes. We are ready, aren't we, Vlad? - Agatha nods, momentarily looking at her husband little bit uneasy, seeking reassurance in his eyes ….

- More than that, my love. - leaning, he kisses her on the forehead, that is in the next moment wrinkled by a grimace caused by the upcoming contraction ...

... Within the next 5 minutes the hardest part of the labour begins and Agatha Balaur, Countess Dracula of Wallachia is pushing carefully, breathing through every contraction, cursing each hint of pain, meanwhile clutching the hand of her poor husband who is withstanding all of this in silence ...

- I can see the head already, Agatha. It won't last that long. - Dracula's excitement grows, through Agatha is impatient ... - It will be over soon. -

- There's second baby, Liz, remember? - Agatha benches forward again and pushes once she is given the instruction to try her hardest.

- Now let's focus on this one, Aggie. - the doctor chuckles, holding already the little head carefully, manoeuvring the rest of the tiny body out of the safety of mother´s body. - Slightly push. - doctor instructs. - Good girl, the shoulders are out. One last push, okay? - Agatha's still heart would beat madly right now, her entire body sweating, not only from the labour, but due to the upcoming reality ... she can already hear real, unstimulated breathing and muttering, that shortly afterwards, once the little human being leaves Agatha's womb completely, changes into a loud, heart-warming cry.

- Congratulations! You have a beautiful baby boy! - Elizabeth announces with an honest joy. Both parents are stunned, speechless ... Agatha still under unpleasant pressure, has tears already in her blue eyes and immediately reaches for her baby. The umbilical cord is cut and the assisting nurse quickly hands doctor Sparks a towel. Crying baby wrapped in a soft towel is finally handed to its mother.

- Look at him, Vlad. - the fresh mother smiles at her husband, uncovering the little face of their child so he can see its father as well. Deeply moved Dracula manages to simply smile, never before feeling so much joy as right now and lovingly stares at the little baby with thick black hair, that could compete with his dark strands ...

- He looks like me ... - Dracula concludes, truly seeing the uncanny resemblance ... only the eyes are blue ... exactly Agatha's shade ... - My little copy, my son. - the crying softens, once the baby feels mother´s skin and hears father´s well-known voice ... this idyllic doesn't last long though ... another contraction interrupts this family moment and the baby, scared from the sudden spasm of his mother, cries louder. Instinctively, Dracula takes his son into his arms (surprised a bit how natural it feels, how naturally the baby fits into his arms) and takes a look at his wife and the doctor that instructs Agatha to push anew ... tiny baby is calming down again, looking at Dracula as hypnotized … having the same effect on its father. In that very moment, the room is entered by another person. Dracula turns around sharply, with his son safely cradled in his arms and looks at the intruder, already expecting his rival Mike Sparks. Luckily, it's not him. The nurse notices the man in doctor´s cloak and instructs politely Dracula to let him check his precious boy. Now, Dracula torn in two, eyes his wife and son, not knowing where to go, with whom to stay ...

- Vlad?! - Agatha calls his name in desperation and thus, the worried husband and father in one, hands the baby to the doctor´s arms and hurries to his wife, that is struggling to bring their 2nd child to the world. Gently taking her hand in his, both are panting again in unison and this time, he doesn't hesitate to encourage her ... soon the 2nd baby is born as well and the smiling doctor congratulates them again.

- It's a girl! - she announces handing the crying baby to Agatha again.

- Little girl? - she repeats, completely exhausted and with the babe safely in her hands, collapses to the bed. - Isn't she beautiful? - it's instant love. The little girl as well as her boy, won her heart immediately.

- She is, my love. Just like you. - little girl stretching herself stops crying and curiously eyes her mother and father, who gently and over-carefully caresses the soft cheek of his black-haired, blue-eyed daughter.

- And where´s our little boy? - Agatha asks immediately, looking around, until she spots the little bundle of joy.

- Here, doctor Balaur. - doctor Clarkson returns with the baby, that is no longer covered in blood, though completely examiined and wrapped in a warm blanket. - You have a healthy, big boy, even if little bit preterm. - both breathe out in relief. - The incubator seems to be unnecessary though I would recommend a day or two just to be sure. - Agatha only nods, but is not thinking about her colleague´s words. She is completely lost in the faces of her children that are placed next to each other, safely nestled on her chest. Dracula leans partially on the bed, so Agatha can rest at least her head on him as well.

- So much hair. - she muses, gently brushing the wet black strands of her daughter´s hair from her little forehead. - And tiny noses. Aren't they lovely, honey? - even if question was directed to Dracula, Agatha doesn't avert her eyes from her little twins to look at him. As she already said: these two are her centre of universe, even if Dracula came close to that point.

- Of course, they are. After all, they look exactly like me. - the proud father kisses Agatha on the temples and carefully caresses the tine cheeks of both children.

- Oh yes, that's the reason. No doubt. - finally, tension-free, Agatha giggles at the remark ….

- Now, Agatha, I don't want to interrupt these wonderful moments, but we still have a job to do. Nurse Jenkins and doctor Clarkson will check your baby girl and Mr. Balaur can take care of your little son meanwhile, alright? -

- Alright. - back to the reality. The nurse takes the baby girl, the tiny boy is transferred to his father´s arms. Before they leave, Agatha looks at her husband and says:

- My dear, take care of them and stay with them. - already proud father cautiously keeps an eye on everything that's going on in the room, precisely on all that involves his family

- I won´t leave their side for a single second, don't worry, Agatha. - and with these words, with his baby son in arms, Count Dracula leaves the side of his Countess and joins the medical stuff, examining and cleaning his baby girl. Immerse happiness and relief fill him to the top. He is already a caring husband and now a loving father as well. The dreams he never knew he had, just became true …

-/-

- Are you sure, it´s necessary, Agatha? - Count Dracula asks her again, with a doubtful and not eager tone of his voice. Probably the tenth time already, Agatha just rolls her eyes and nods.

- Look, Vlad. So far it seems that our angels are completely normal babies. All vampire traits are absent, - Count Dracula just raises his eyebrow in suspicion and looks at his children again. In his eyes, it´s too soon to tell ... - I know, it´s too early and I hope I am mistaken, I really do ... - just a thought that the little ones could be by any chance regular mortal human beings, sends a stabbing pain into her heart, - but I want to be sure that they will have a chance to find their peace eventually. -

- Oh darling, don't be so morbid. Overthinking doesn't do you any good. Particularly not in this case. - he sees no reason to discuss such far away future just two days after the child-birth, though rational mind of doctor Balaur cannot rest even in these happy moments.

- Vlad, I mean that! You surely are concerned as well. - even Agatha now looks at the two smiling faces (incomparable from that turned-baby-vampire from Dracula's memory) that lie between them on the small double bed in their Carfax apartment that became their temporary home once again. - Definitely about their well-being. - Each one holds the thumb of one of the parents that serves like a pacifier and unlike their arguing parents, completely carelessly play with it, stretching magnificently.

- But baptism? Isn't it too much? - he doesn't like this idea at all. - What if I burn on spot once I step through the door?! Do you want to lose me? - Agatha just raises her eyebrow. How theatrical he can be ... haven't we already talked about this several times? - Holy water can harm them ... I am their father, remember? -

- It isn't too much, Vlad and don't be so dramatic. Holy water will do no harm. It's another myth that has no sense. I used to go the church every now and then already being a vampire and here I am. - she rolls her eyes, lying comfortably on her side. - We owe it to them and anyway, darling, the both of us are baptised ... you, the most famous protector of Christianity in your times, a Holy Warrior for Christ, that fought under the sign of cross... - now it's him to grimace in annoyance, though he cannot say, that Agatha is wrong ...

- You are a wicked woman, my love. -

- That's why you married me, Vlad. - immediately she comes with a different … let's call it … argument. - And I allowed you to call our son Dragomir. -

- It's a second name and means He who is very precious. - and resembles dragon in English ... clever, yet pretending to be innocent. - Alexander will use that name rarely, unless he decides to use it later, when he rules the world. -

- He will rule ... your world only. Just like Aurora. -

- And you. -

- And I. - following, Agatha presents him all the next necessary steps: - So, once we all will be alright and the babies are at least 3 months old, we will travel to Romania and baptise them in one of the churches you build during your reign. You choose and no more discussion, deal? - Dracula can only helplessly huff and look at his baby son, playing with his thumb.

- Fine. - as he said, Agatha now rules his life ... though a small protest ... - Ouch! - he yawps suddenly, pulling his thumb out of the surprised infant's mouth. - Drago bit me! - alarmed Agatha, immediately stiffens and with horror in her eyes looks at the baby ... carefully, with her index finger that up until now served as a pacifier for little Aurora Catalina Balaur, examines the toothless little mouth. Nothing. With a concern written all over her face, she looks at her husband who already giggles quietly, observing her distressed reaction.

- Funny. - her facial expression says otherwise ... nevertheless, Count Dracula is satisfied with the outcome of his little jest.

- That´s for the baptism. - he chuckles, however his smile freezes momentarily, when Agatha punches his shoulder playfully and he lands on his back, almost falling from the narrow bed. After a moment he needs to recover from the shock, Dracula starts to chuckle again.

- And it won you extra 10 duties with the dirty diapers. For both. - now, Agatha focuses all her attention on the tossing babies and to prevent them from crying (Alex is already dissatisfied with the absence of something to suckle and the new-mother already knows very well, that Aurora will follow him shortly after ...), gives each one the dummy.

- Whatever for my little vampire angels and a bit of fun. - ...

- TBC -

We started with 1 Balaur, progressed to 2 and now we have 4 of them! How do you like the baby names? I have to admit that I struggled with the choice, mainly for the baby boy. Alexander Dragomir though sounded the best, other combinations failed ...

As I stated at the beginning of the chapter, the story basically ends with childbirth, nevertheless, I discussed with some of you the continuation. Maybe a few chapters will be added, however, I am not sure if on regular basis. It would be nice to see the Balaurs in the role of parents or discover if the babies will become vampires eventually ... Let me know your point of view and opinions. Did the story meet your expectations?