Ever since King and Queen have told their peers that they were expecting, the hustle and bustle at Card Castle slowly but surely increased among everyone.
The engineers immediately built the next few pieces of furniture for the baby as soon as they heard the news, some of the peers started hand-making little gifts in secrecy, a few of the chefs had regular meetings about what would eventually be classified as actual baby-friendly food for the first time in over a decade… the list would go on and on.
King and Queen themselves were also busy with the (mostly physical) preparations for their baby, even if Queen was merely 6 months pregnant at this point. But better a little too early than way too late, right?
The wardrobe now contained a little assortment of footed pyjamas, bodysuits and socks, the dresser's drawers were now nicely lined with nappies and other changing supplies, a few sets of still packed bedding rested in the crib, and a little collection of colourful feeding bottles lined one of the wall shelves.
"I love how done it already is" King said with a nod before closing the door of the baby room behind him.
"The Baby Is Still Missing Though" Queen said. "But Just A Few More Months And I Shall Take This Statement Back."
The couple took the nearby elevator downstairs so they could go to the main room.
"Do you think this is all going fast or slow?"
"Hmm That's A Tricky One." While Queen thought, her visor showed the text 'processing…'.
"For me, it's a little bit of both. It goes by fast as in how fast the baby develops themself, yet it also goes by slow as in how impatient I am for them to come."
Upon hearing this, the cyber monarch's visor showed a flashing lightbulb icon.
"Good Point. My Stomach Grows Very Quickly Yet It Takes A Little Too Long Before The Baby Is There."
At the same time, the elevator was at its destination, opened its doors back up and allowed King and Queen to step into the hallway.
"We wouldn't want them to be born too early, right?"
"No That's Another Good Point. Iggy And Bowen Told Us That The Earlier A Baby Is Born The Smaller Their Survival Rate. As Long As The Baby Isn't There Yet They Have All Of The Time To: Develop Themself." Queen slowly drew the palms of both of her hands over her somewhat rounded baby bump. "Don't Grow Too Fast But Not Too Slow Either Sweetie."
King chuckled, and gently placed the palm of his right hand on his wife's bump as well.
However, his chuckles were short-lived as he swiftly removed his hand with a gasp.
"What's Wrong Kingy Wingy?"
"I… I just felt the baby punch me? Or… something?" King had to take some deep breaths and process what he just felt from Queen's bump. "Oh my goodness! I think I just felt them kick, like you always mention lately!"
"See I Told You They Occasionally Kick My Belly Here And There!"
"I'm surprised they never did this before while I touched your belly. Are they already scared of me or something?"
Both of the monarchs were howling with laughter at this statement. Queen's visor showed the text 'LMAO' while she laughed, whereas King laughed with both of his mouths.
"What art so funny?" Rouxls, who happened to pass by, asked. "It art a phenomenon to see thoust laugheth together."
"My baby appears to be scared of their father already…!" King laughed. "Am I really that intimidating to even the tiniest of children?!"
Rouxls simply shrugged, not really understanding the point.
"Kingy Wingy Never Believed That My Baby Occasionally Kicks My Belly Until Just Now…!" Queen explained through her laughs. "I Already Have A Very Quirky Child Or So: It Seems!"
"And why shouldeth that be funny?"
"You Really Have No Sense Of Humour Huh?" The cyber monarch looked at the Duke of Puzzles with a stoic-looking mouth shape, her visor showing the look of disapproval ('ಠ_ಠ') while she did.
"Mine apologies. I hath no experienceth with thy sudden situation, so I art afraid I doth not understandeth."
"Meet A Nice Girl Marry Her And Get Her Pregnant Then You'll Know."
King and Queen both continued laughing after this statement had been said.
With another shrug, Rouxls went off and headed for the stairs.
"He really has no humour for most of the time, huh?!" King laughed.
"No That's 100% True!" Queen giggled.
While still laughing, the couple headed to the main room, where they settled at the table.
"Good day, my King and Queen" Aurea, who also sat at the table, greeted them. "Would the two of you care for some tea?" She didn't seem to be bothered by all of that laughter.
"Yes Please Aurea Sweetie…!"
"I just happened to have made some, coincidentally." The motherly Head Hathy poured two mugs for the two monarchs and also gave them a spoon each, as well as the bowl of sugar cubes.
"Thank You…!"
"What's so funny, if I may ask?"
"Kingy Wingy Didn't Believe That My Baby Could Kick My Belly Until He Felt It Just Now! Oh Ho Ho Ho Ho!" Queen's not-directly-visible-eyes leaked some battery-acid-like tears of joy, her visor still showing the text 'LMAO' at its fullest glory.
"I can't believe I didn't even believe you at first, Queenie Beanie…!" King laughed. "Every time you told me that the baby was kicking, they stopped once I wanted to feel it, too…!"
"You know how I reacted when I first felt Cathy kick when I was pregnant with her? I was honestly a bit scared that something was wrong with Cathy, and didn't even have the courage to tell Castiel about this until it happened again and he reassured me that it was something normal since he experienced his then-unborn younger sister kicking at his hands as well when he was still a child."
"None of us kings had siblings as children, so maybe that's why I found it so strange just now." King put one sugar cube in Queen's mug of tea before putting the rest of them into his own mug.
"Thanks Sweetie."
Aurea simply nodded while pouring herself her second cup of tea.
"If you have any questions about babies and childbirth, I'm the one with all of the answers, for I've been pregnant twice."
"Do You Have Any Experiences With A Baby Being Born: Too Early? I'm Somewhat Afraid Of That To Happen."
"As a matter of fact, I indeed do. Amore was born two weeks before he was due, and he had some respiratory issues afterwards, from which he did eventually recover, don't worry. As for me, I felt significantly more fatigued than after having Cathy, because the second labour process was a little more painful and arduous as well." Aurea put the tip of her tentacle arm on Queen's shoulder and smiled sweetly. "Everyone and everything turned out fine in the end, though, so imagine if you have your child early as well, everything will end up the same way as back with me."
"Phew That's A Relief To Hear." Queen petted Aurea's head and smiled back at her.
"I'm always pleased to answer your questions, no matter how weird they might sound to you."
"In That Case I Have This Weird Question. What Sex Do You Think Our Baby Will Have?"
"I don't know. What do you and King think?"
"Error 404 Not Found." Fittingly enough, the cyber monarch's visor showed the error code '404' while she spoke and subsequently sipped from her tea.
King simply nodded and shrugged in agreement.
"Kingy Wingy And I Decided To Not Have A Sex Reveal Until They're Born But That Doesn't Stop Me From: Asking That Very Question."
"If I have to make a guess? I think your child will be male. It makes a pretty nice contrast to Clover, whom the King of Clubs didn't even expect to be female in the first place."
"Interesting Theory You Got There."
King leaned towards Queen's ear spot to whisper.
"I secretly hope we'll have a son as well…" he whispered. "But will he be exactly like me…?"
"I Think Not. I'm Not Like My Mother And Birth Father Either."
"This is the only thing I'm concerned about, really. I turned out to be exactly like my mean father, even if I try really hard not to."
"Oh Dear That's Indeed Concerning. But You'll Become A Good Father I'm Sure Of That."
King simply smiled, and leaned towards Queen's face for a direct kiss, which she returned.
"I don't understand why we're so strained lately, while we can be perfectly happy like this as well. I really do hope our baby will improve our bond."
"Me Too Sweetheart."
Later that day, it was 7 p.m., and dinner was only just over.
King and Queen had settled themselves in the main room again to unwind from all of the loud hubbub back in the dining hall.
"That Pumpkin Soup Is Unbelievably Popular Isn't It?" Queen said. "Did Someone Overhear Us Saying Pumpkin To: The Baby?"
"I don't know" King said with a shrug. "But so many of the peers just fought their way towards a second bowl, while they could've just asked kindly as well!"
"I Agree. We Live In A Luxurious Castle Not In Cyber City's Trash Zone."
King couldn't help but chuckle and nod at the statement.
"Say, Queenie Beanie" he then said after having cleared his throat. "I have thoroughly thought of some possible names for the baby lately. They do fit our titles and primary nicknames, don't worry." He got his notebook from the inner pocket of his cape and started reading his name suggestions out loud. "If we indeed do have a son, I'd suggest we name him Alexander, Arn, Darwin, David, Edward or Eddie for short, Fabio, Henry, Ira, Jack, Ludwig, Matthew or either Matty or Matt for short, Oscar or Ozzie for short, Rupert, or Sherman which could be Sherm for short."
"You Do Know That We Already Know Darkners Named: Arn and Fabio and Matt and Rupert Right?"
"Dang it, totally slipped my mind."
"Also To Be Frank None Of These Names Please Me."
"Hmm, that's too bad. But in case we have a daughter, I'd suggest we name her Alexandra or either Alexa or Lexie for short, Anabelle or either Ana or Belle for short, Elizabeth or either Liza, Liz, Beth or even Ellie for short, Jolena or either Jo or Jojo for short, Julianna or Julie for short, Katherine or Katie for short…"
Queen's visor showed a tiny look of disapproval while she listened to the next name suggestions that she didn't like either. Plus, speaking of accidental suggestions regarding Darkners she already knew, she already had a Swatchling named Ellie living in her mansion.
"...Liliana or Lily for short, Lucinda or Lucy for short, Pamela, Paulina, Polly, Trinity, Valerie or Victoria."
"Ew Who Names Their Child: Pamela? That Name Corrupts My Microchips Simply By Hearing It."
"So you don't agree with all of my female picks either, do you? Now I'm really wondering what name suggestions you happen to have in store."
"Well Genderless Names Naturally." Queen's visor briefly showed the text 'processing…' while opening her inner file in which she saved her name suggestions, until it briefly showed the text 'open file'. "Okay Here We Go. Perk: Your Ears."
"Ramble on."
"Al Which Is An Abbreviation For: Allister Or Alistair Or Alice. Alex. Alph. Arin. Billy. Charlie Or Charles For Short. Finn. Frank Which Is An Abbreviation For: Franklin Or Frankie. Henning. Joe Which Is An Abbreviation For: Joseph Or Joanne. Jordan. Jules. Kay Which Is An Abbreviation For: Kayden Or Kaylee. Kel Which Is An Abbreviation For: Kelvin Or Kelly. Lou Which Is An Abbreviation For: Louis Or Louisa. Luce Which Is An Abbreviation For: Lucian Or Lucina. Morgan. Ollie Which Is An Abbreviation For: Oliver Or Olivia. Polaris. Ray Or Rae. Reggie Which Is An Abbreviation For: Reginald Or Regina. Robbie Which Is An Abbreviation For: Robert Or Roberta. Rory Which Is An Abbreviation For: Rowen Or Aurora. Sam Which Is An Abbreviation For: Samuel Or Samantha. Or Tori."
King had to take his time to process the names that Queen had addressed out loud just now.
"Pretty Nice Huh? Alex Is So Much Better Than: Alexander Or Alexandra. Joe Is So Much Better Than: Jojo. Ugh That Sounds Too Childish. Luce Is So Much Better Than: Lucinda. Ugh That Sounds Too Posh For Even Royalty Like Us."
"I can't even comprehend any of those names you just said. How is Joanne better than Jolena, and how does Polaris possibly beat Polly?"
"Wow I Currently Can't Comprehend: You." The cyber monarch got up from her seat. "Please Be Patient While I Spend Some Time: Alone. Don't Worry About My Whereabouts I'll Remain Nearby." Somewhat annoyed and even more overstimulated than beforehand, she went out of the main room and out of Card Castle as well.
King simply shrugged, but still let his wife have some time alone anyway.
"Something wrong, my Queen?" Boyd asked in a concerned tone when he saw Queen go out of the main entrance of Card Castle.
"Leave her be" Larry simply said. "She seems angry."
Queen had ignored the two guards at the main entrance and what they said, and headed towards the end of Scarlet Forest, where she sat down at the tree where she'd usually sit with King whenever they'd find themselves outside.
Once she sat, she took some deep breaths and listened to the background sound of the rustling leaves and the very gentle wind.
Why was King suddenly so pushy and demanding? This was literally a time in which he was supposed to support his wife through thick and thin! That baby did not represent nothing, they were a literal lifeform who was in one of their last stages of prenatal development!
Little did Queen know that Nubert also happened to be present now, as he found his way through the warp door and suddenly noticed Queen's presence.
He slowly went to her and stopped in front of the tips of her two black, high-heeled boots.
"Are you okay, Queen?" Nubert quietly asked.
"It's Nothing I'm Just: Annoyed" Queen stoically replied before realising that she didn't even know from whom the question came. "Wait A Millisecond Who Said That?"
"Nubert said that."
"Nuby? How Did You Get Here? And…" Queen's visor briefly showed the text 'processing…', for she was suddenly speechless. "Where Is Your: Magic Pendant?"
"Nubert doesn't need a magic pendant to go from there to here. He's fine wherever he is."
"How Is That Possible?"
"Nubert doesn't know either."
"You're A Very Special Little Darkner You Know That?" Queen patted the vacant spot on her left side. "You Wanna Settle Next To Me?"
The small red Darkner settled at the suggested side and somewhat rubbed his head against Queen's left upper leg.
"Nubert is worried about you. Why are you angry?"
"Nuby I'm Not: Angry. I'm Annoyed At King For His Baby Name Suggestions Are Big Stupid Ones And He Doesn't Like Mine Either." The cyber monarch couldn't help but shed a few tears. "It's Not Fair!"
"Nothing is." Nubert somehow managed to make his way on top of Queen's baby bump in order to make better eye contact with her. "What did King suggest that you don't like?"
"Everything. It All Poked At My Microchips Like Crazy. I Can't Even Say It Out Loud."
"Difficult. Nubert doesn't fully understand for it's difficult."
"King Doesn't Even Like The Names: Joe And Polaris!"
"Polaris. The pole star. What's to hate about that?"
"Exactly! I Don't Understand Either!"
Nubert started petting Queen's baby bump with his two stubby hands in an attempt to comfort her.
Queen herself gave in to crying and sobbing a little since she still needed to somehow unwind herself in the meantime, and simultaneously started petting Nubert back on the top of his head while she did.
"There you go. Nubert doesn't like to see you cry, but it should make you feel better. Please keep giving in."
For the next few minutes, there was nothing but silence, baby bump rubs and petting between the cyber monarch and her little friend.
This felt very therapeutic for Queen, and within a few more minutes, she had calmed down significantly.
"Thank You Nuby For Supporting Me" Queen said. "You're A Sweetheart."
"No problem" Nubert said. "Nubert is pleased to see you in a calm state again."
Queen had to bend over a little to plant a tiny kiss on the small red Darkner's forehead.
"Nubert thinks that Spade King's peers are cool, and so are you. Nubert is a big fan of those diamonds-themed lancers! They are red just like me!"
"Lancers? Those Are: Rudinn Rangers."
"That's a whole mouthful to pronounce."
"And You Said Lancers? Plural Of: Lancer?" Queen's visor briefly showed the text 'processing…' once again.
"Yes, why?"
"Now That's A: Unique Name!" The cyber monarch was now smiling sweetly, her visor showing the text 'true' as well. "Thank You Nuby! You're The Best At: Thinking Of Names!"
"Me?" Nubert cocked his facial area (he doesn't really have a head) a little.
"Of Course You Silly Sweet Cherry. Thanks To You I Now Know That My Child's Name Should Be: Lancer."
"Baby Lancer, huh? Nubert still hopes they'll be a sweet baby."
"Oh Of Course They'll Be Nuby Darling." Queen kissed Nubert's forehead for a few more times. "And You Can Play With Them Once They're Here." She got up, supporting her little friend on her baby bump while she did, and decided to head back to Card Castle.
"Not all babies are playful. Nubert has seen plenty in the city, and most of them slept in their prams and pushchairs."
"In That Case You Can Sleep In Their Bed Too. Maybe They'll Abort Their Crying Protocol When You Join Them In Bed When They Happen To Cry?" The cyber monarch continued petting the small red Darkner while walking and eventually reaching the entrance of Card Castle again. "Hi There Boyd And Larry How Are You Today?"
"Ah, my Queen" Larry said. "You're back. I'm doing fine today."
"I'm doing just terrific" Boyd said with a confident smile. "Good to see you again!"
"Good To See You Too." With a little more pep in her step, Queen went back towards the main room, where King now sat with Rouxls and a few cups of tea. "Hi Rouxls And Kingy Wingy I'm Back!"
"Good even, mine Queene" Rouxls greeted her. "And whomever that art."
"I'm Nubert" Nubert introduced himself. "Everybody loves me."
"You seem to feel a lot less strained" King said. "Is it because of Nubert?"
"No Sweet Kingy Wingy It's Because Of Something Significantly Better."
"Oh?"
"However I Must Request Rouxls To Briefly Leave For This'll Just Be Between: Me And King, Since It Regards The Baby."
"Ah" Rouxls said as he got up and took his mug of tea along. "I shalt giveth thou some privacy." And with that, he left the main room, closed the door behind him, leaned against the door with his back and took some very careful sips of his still hot tea.
"Kingy Wingy Hear Me Out. My Man Here Has Suggested The Best Name For Our Baby Ever." Queen held Nubert up in the air, similarly to one of those magical cartoon movies about an animal monarch.
"Nubert suggested a name?" King asked with his head cocked in slight incomprehension. "How?"
"Long Story That Involves: Rudinn Rangers. But Are You Ready To: Hear Me Out?"
"Sure?"
"I Think Our Baby Should Be Named: Lancer."
"Lancer?"
"Correct."
"That…" The spadeling was quiet for a little while, but was soon found smiling in sheer approval. "That's perfect! Lancer is the perfect name!" He was soon found hugging Queen tightly, still being careful to not crush her and Nubert in the process.
"Was It A Good Thing Of Me That I Needed Some Time Alone?"
"Of course. Contrary to my expectations, it actually resulted in something positive!"
"Kingy Wingy Dearie You Should Really Abort Your Worrying Protocol. The Baby And I Have Been Doing Just Fine This Whole Time." Queen peppered some kisses onto her husband's cheek. "And As Long As We're Both Fine So Are You."
"Yeah, you're right about that." King escorted the cyber monarch towards the table and let her have a seat. "Would you like to have some tea?"
"Of Course." Queen placed Nubert onto the surface of the table, at a spot just next to her. "Nubert Do You Want Some Too?"
"Yes, please" Nubert replied.
At the same time, Rouxls opened the door of the main room back up and checked if everyone was still doing fine.
"Art I allowedeth to come back?" he asked.
"Of course, Rouxls" King said.
"Did everything go-eth well?"
"Surely. Our little feud is now over."
"That art goodeth to hear." The Duke of Puzzles had his usual seat at the table, poured himself his second cup of tea and grabbed the nearby biscuit platter. "Doth thou wanteth a biscuit, mine Queene?"
"Yes Please My Dear Shakespearean Friend" Queen replied as she grabbed two biscuits and handed one of those to Nubert. "There You Go My Man."
"Thank you" Nubert said. "You all seem very kind. Do you mind if Nubert occasionally visits Card Castle for additional support?"
"Do Whatever Pleases You. You're Always Welcome When You Need Or Want Us." The cyber monarch smiled endearingly and petted the small red Darkner's head, which made him smile in a relaxed fashion.