Summary: Narcissa wanted to enjoy the fresh, spring air.
Rated: K
Genre: Family
Warning Tag: References Pregnancy; References Bed Rest; Implies Past Miscarriages
Apple of My Eye
Narcissa sang quietly while resting on the stone bench placed on the edge of the apple orchard. She drew protection runes over her protruding belly as she soaked in the gentle warmth of the sun and the refreshing spring breeze rustling the leaves around her. She wasn't going to risk anything this time, not with how far she has already come with this child. Bedrest and health drinks were a given, light exercise and stretches were recommended but not demanded, yet Narcissa preferred to meditate in the outdoors with nature.
It was harmless to trace protection runes on herself, she knew it wouldn't really do anything, either. But the comfort it brought while she sang her favourite childhood lullaby to her growing child gave her hope, something to cling to, a sense of usefulness that told her she was fulfilling the votive she made to herself—and to her husband—that she would have a child, an heir to the family name.
Though she truly wished she could have more, the struggles she faced with pregnancy were a stressful reality of her life and genes. One would have to be enough, and they would be deeply loved because of it.
Lucius approached quietly, not wanting to disturb her singing. She knew he didn't approve her spontaneous strolls around the Malfoy Estate, but Narcissa also knew she would go absolutely feral if she had to remain indoors much longer.
The remnants of rain filled the air as he sat down beside her. She closed her eyes and took in the fresh damp scent that her husband stirred around her. It was lovely.
"My love, you should be resting."
"I am resting," she responded curtly, rubbing at her stomach that was draped in her violet nightgown.
"You know what I mean." Lucius pulled the hair that fell from her loose bun and tucked it behind her ear. "The healers said…"
"I am okay, Lucius," Narcissa said. "We need to get out and about. You know as well as I do that it is just as good for both of us to get fresh air. Two weeks of being indoors while watching the rain can do the body harm."
He went quiet, accepting her argument without question. He rested an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close while they listened to the songbirds sing. She started to hum along with them then, and Lucius found himself lightly tracing over the patterns she drew on her stomach.
"We are so close now, just a little longer," she whispered, resting her hand over his after finishing tracing the last rune. "I am exhausted. Will you?"
Lucius rose to his feet in an instant to aid her back to the mansion. "Anything for you both, my loves."
She smiled warmly before slowly getting to her feet. They walked through the apple orchard slowly, her nightgown brushing past the two saplings freshly planted not long ago, their blossoms turned violet from the increased magic residue that surrounded Narcissa from the pregnancy.
Originally Written For:
Monthly Challenges for All
Word Count: 502
Written: February 2021
