Jasmine was just stunned for a moment. It was if all time had stopped for her as Logan just kneeled there, looking right up at her; his eyes practically shinning from the reflection of the stars above, waiting to hear her answer. It took a few moments before her brain finally restarted and functioned once more before she started to tear up and smile.
"Yes! Yes! I will marry you, Logan Valkara!", Jasmine cried as she dropped down to tightly hug him.
Logan smiled brightly as he held her, his heart beating wildly, smelling her wonderful jasmine scent, caressing her lush black hair, and pulled back gently before taking her cheeks in his hands as he leaned in to kiss her.
Their lips embraced, a familiar feeling but now one that had much more passion to it now that they both decided to go further with their relationship with each other. A relationship that they both hoped would last for many years and would be able to enjoy in times of peace.
After a few minutes, they pulled back for fresh air, and Jasmine looked at him with a teasing smile, "Were you holding back for a while?", and Logan sheepishly smiled, "Yes, I admit that, but I was honestly looking for the perfect moment to ask you, and well, I couldn't wait any longer.".
Jasmine cradled his cheek, "I'm glad you didn't wait. You do realize that you will be my Sultan consort, right?".
"Yeah, I don't mind, as long as you don't make me have to do too much Sultan work... I wasn't exactly brought up the way you were to prepare for that.", Logan joked with her.
Jasmine giggled, "That's fair. Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. You do Sultan work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, hmm?".
Logan laughed heartily, "I can work with that, my warrior princess.", helping Jasmine up from the stone floor with a smile...
Jasmine nodded, "It's a deal then, my dragon prince.", before glancing back to her bedroom chambers..."Are you heading back to the guest chambers? Or do you want to sleep with me?", before seeing Logan's slight frantic look, "No, not intimate, just plain sleep. I know you aren't ready for that especially when you are still hurting from that awful mental test...", with a patient smile, wondering what he'll decide to do.
"Yeah, yeah, I can easily do that.", Logan sighed. "Sorry, just... with what had happened as well as with Emma and all; probably for the best for the time being.".
"I agree. It's already going to be a challenge with her pregnant right now, for me as well, we'd have to wait a whole year practically before going out and fight once more. And I think many can't wait that long.", Jasmine said.
Logan shrugged, "Could be a bit shorter for her. I mean, she's a shapeshifter now.", and Jasmine nodded, "True. Come on, let's grab some sleep.", with a warm smile, "We can ask the blacksmith or the gold crafter in Aquarine to make rings for us if you want to.", walking back through the partly moth-eaten curtains with her hand in his.
"That actually sounds like a brilliant idea. Plus, probably wouldn't have to pay for them.", Logan snickered at his joke as Jasmine rolled her eyes before she walked over to the bed. Logan followed right after her as she started to get herself ready to sleep in the bed.
Logan smiled as he grabbed the blanket, pulling it up over him and Jasmine, and soon, Jasmine cuddled up to him, resting her head on his chest as Logan removed his amulet necklace, feeling Esmeralda leave through the tattoo, hearing her voice, 'Many congratulations, Logan. I'll tell the news to her parents, through I'm sure they already know, due to watching over you and Jasmine via the Evening Star. Good night, my friend.'
Logan smiled appreciatively, and held Jasmine lovingly, kissing her temple, "I love you, Jasmine.", vaguely noticing Rajah look at him before dropping his head down to sleep on his paws with a wide smile.
"Yeah, I love you too, Rajah." Logan gave a small chuckled as he reached over to scratch the tiger's ears. The thing was nothing more than a big puppy when around Jasmine and him.
Rajah purred softly from the scratch and flicked his ears before closing his eyes to sleep, and Jasmine giggled softly, "I love you too, Rajah, good night, big guy.", before leaning upwards to kiss Logan on his lips momentarily with a smile, "I love you, Logan.", before leaning back on his chest, closing her eyes, keeping the blanket close to her.
Logan and Jasmine slept very well that night, and in the next morning, they were excited to tell the news to the team. Jason was especially elated to find out that his brother is engaged to Jasmine who shall be his sister-in-law! He knew in his gut that Frederick and their real parents is already happy.
After some breakfast, they set out from the palace, making out to the city borders, and through the sand dunes. Thankfully, there's an oasis at the end of the sand dunes, turning into forestry, and eventually, the port town of Aquarine, taking up the next three days' trip.
Gratefully, between Lord Mortimer and King Edward, they were kind enough to send a message by bird to Atlantis, and so, a couple of Martag vehicles are waiting for the ones who chose to come as the northern bridge from Atlantis to Aquarine isn't finished yet, so it's Martags and boats for now.
"I still will never get over just how advanced these guys can be.", Pippa chuckled as the group were getting loaded up for the seacraft. It was indeed tech that not even Earth back home was fully achieving; at least in the ways the Atlanteans were able to do it.
With waves of goodbye, Emma and Silver rode away on one Martag with the Atlantean driving it, with the second Martag rode by Jim, Eilonwy, and Jason, with the other Atlantean driving as well.
Under 10 minutes, they made it to Atlantis which is remarkably amazing since the boats of supply from Aquarine to Atlantis takes up to 40 minutes if the water is rough, but 25 minutes if the water is calm.
Emma and the others have seen the movie in their world, but seeing Atlantis before her eyes, all fixed up and painted, it's beautiful, and it is far more spectacular compared to the other kingdoms she had seen on her journey.
"Seeing it in the flesh really doesn't do it justice...", Emma said to herself. It was honestly just breath taking to see all of Atlantis in its prime and hopefully not on the verge of being destroyed like the movie showed. She stuck close to John as they walked through the halls of the grand palace, which were even more spectacular than the kingdom itself.
Jim, Eilonwy and Jason are exploring, and said that they will meet Queen Kida and King Milo in their own time, but it's Emma and John's turn first, especially since they need a magical healer to know if it's one or more children and such.
Guided by the head vizier of Atlantis, the couple made it to the throne room where Emma saw that the statue of the weeping king is no longer weeping but standing high and strong above the throne room.
Queen Kida smiled softly while King Milo looked curiously as Emma and John kneeled and bowed their heads, and heard Queen Kida speak, "No need for that, John Silver and Emma Fischer. Rise, please.".
The couple got up, smiling respectfully as Queen Kida smiled, "Now, I have heard that you two are in need of a magical healer, but no more. King Edward has said that the less rumors about you, the safer you are, and I must agree with that as we need all the advantage we can get of your team, but I can't help but inquire of the reason you seek a magical healer.".
"Well, your majesty...", John cleared his throat. "Mostly one reason why keeping things to a minimal in terms of messages is to at least keep the dark rulers from knowing very little about us, or at least Emma and her companions that came with her from... a distant land. It's been one major advantage we've had throughout all the fighting.".
"And the specific reason we're here is much more personal. It relates to motherhood.", Emma gave a small smile as she gently rubbed her stomach; Kida and Milo obviously knew instantly what she was meaning.
King Milo smiled warmly, "Many congratulations, Miss Emma.", and Queen Kida nodded, "Yes, motherhood is quite a bright light on the way to hope and love. After all, we all need something to believe in. I am able to help you as I am a magical healer, but it's up to you if you want to go with a much-experienced magical healer than me.".
"I'd rather leave that up to you to decide, your highness. Either, I'm sure, would work, I'm just in need of a healer during this time... especially in case things suddenly take a turn.", Emma obviously knew there could be complications in terms of pregnancy. After all, considering the world she was in and all the princesses with dead mothers? Better not leave some of those kinds of things to chance if possible.
Queen Kida smiled in understanding, "Very well, here in the throne room, it's the safest place without eavesdropping, not that we have spies. I have made sure of that extremely with some of my people sensing bad intentions, thankfully. Still, all the same, please come up here to the couch.".
Emma smiled appreciatively, and went up with John at her side, and went to lay down on the couch, with John sitting near her head, holding her hand, "I'm here, Emma.", and Emma nodded warmly with a kiss to his cheek.
King Milo moved a chair for Queen Kida to sit near Emma's body, "Alright, if you will move up your shirt, please.", and Emma did what she said, moving up her shirt up to just before her breasts.
Queen Kida nodded with an assuring smile, "Do not be afraid, Miss Emma. This shall tingle a bit, but it will not harm your child. If I may?", and Emma smiled, "You may.".
The crystal necklace of Queen Kida glowed a tad brighter, and her hands then glowed a calm, soft baby blue, moving down to touch Emma's belly, moving across the span of her belly slowly as she focused on something out of her view.
King Milo spoke warmly, "She's mapping out your womb, seeing the mental picture of it in her mind, seeing the child.", seeing Emma's curious expression before hearing Queen Kida's gasp, "By the Great Kings!", her glow vanishing on her hands in surprise.
Queen Kida looked at Emma, "I must seek a second opinion. I could be wrong, but it's better to make sure with a second opinion. I will return with my most experienced magical healer.", having an apologetic look with urgency in her eyes as she got up, leaving them, through the throne room, to the open doors, turning on her right.
"Well... that doesn't make me feel comfortable.", John admitted as he looked back at Emma. "Maybe it's more of a pleasant surprise?", Emma gave a nervous look to him.
"Perhaps; but the next few minutes aren't going to put my mind at ease.", John bit his lip.
King Milo reassured them, "Don't worry, my friends. I know Kida, and she isn't one to do bad news.", and the couple nodded in understanding, but still nervous. A few minutes later, Kida returned back with a woman that is certainly a bit older than Kida by a decade, though they have lived for many centuries.
"This is my most trusted elder of the Advisors' Tribunal, Clethlero, but her nickname is Cleo. She is to check more thoroughly of what I have seen.", Queen Kida fondly smiled, introducing her friend.
Cleo smiled patiently, "Hello, Miss Emma. I am Queen Kida's most experienced magical healer. May I see with your permission?", and Emma did pull her shirt up, nodding, "You may.".
Cleo nodded, her crystal glowing brightly as her hands glowed the very same calm, soft baby blue, and she went to touch Emma's belly, moving across the span of the skin gently, and she smiled widely, "Oh, you were right to fetch me, my Queen, this is most remarkable!".
John asked worriedly, "Is everything alright?", and Cleo chuckled, "Indeed. They are all healthy and well, the five of them.", with an awed, warm smile.
"Five?!", John and Emma practically screamed as upon hearing that shocking information. It was only a second before John fell over in a faint as the news clearly was too much for him at the moment. Emma was able to keep conscious, but she was completely dumbfounded. One or two children she could expect and thought she could handle, but five?!
Cleo nodded, "I can sense shapeshifter magic in all of them. I must ask you of that night. Has something changed?", and Emma nodded, "It was a love potion, but John and I love each other.", glancing to see King Milo use some smelling salts on John.
Cleo smiled, "Ah, I see. And no wonder you made love multiple times, yes?", and Emma blushed, "With the love potion, once our memories returned, we found out that it was five times...".
"That explains why each one is a bit younger, and they are all different...Three humans with unknown shapeshifter genes, and one dragon, and the last one is a hybrid shapeshifter of dragon and human. And they are all in eggs which is why I believe you are feeling more tired than usual.", said Cleo thoughtfully.
"I see...", Emma sighed as she glanced over to John who was still out cold. "It... This is something neither of us were expecting. I thought maybe it was just one or maybe even two... but not this many...", she admitted to the three that were with her.
Queen Kida nodded, "I believe you, Miss Emma, but a pregnancy this remarkable must be carefully monitored.", and Cleo nodded, "Yes. Now, they are all fine with you shapeshifting for two more months, but no flying anymore. Walks and swims in your other form will be good. I strongly suggest that at the end of the second month, you stay as a dragon, for they are most definitely preferable to be incubated in a safe place once you give birth, and it will be three months of keeping them warm, safe before hatching. After all, it's dangerous to give birth to five younglings as human, I deeply believe.".
King Milo piped up, "How about the old crystal chamber? The water's all gone, and it's quiet, dark, safe, and big enough to fit her and the eggs.".
"That sounds like that would be a good idea.", Cleo agreed while Emma held up her hand.
"Wait... I... I need to say something about this... I know what you're saying... about me having to take it easy and all for the time being, but I'm sorry, right now my mind is still trying to think of how I can honestly carry and later care for five children, on top of having to help end this war that is still tearing apart the world.", Emma shook her head.
Queen Kida looked thoughtful, "What about the rest of your team? Can they do some fighting and all while you're carrying? And as for caring for them when they've hatched, I do not know. Do you have a gift? All shapeshifters have a gift in many ways, small or big.".
Emma exhaled, "I can do portals.", and King Milo widened his eyes, "That's incredible! You could talk to your team through portals every day while you're caring for your children.", before hearing a groan, and all eyes turn to John who's finally waking up. Apparently, smelling salts took a bit longer with him than usual, perhaps to the massive news of his children...No one could blame him there...
"Maybe, but I just feel like I need to help lead, to help fight with the rest of them to win this war. We're apparently the only ones who can do it. At least in terms of getting it done with as few of casualties as possible.", Emma sighed as she looked over to John, "You okay?".
"Sorry... shock to the system and all...", John apologized.
Emma caressed his cheek with a soft smile, "I know, John. I'm really surprised too.", before explaining all what Cleo told her, and John exhaled softly, "This is going to take a while to get used to...How often do Emma have to be monitored?".
Cleo smiled, "Either I or my Queen here will check on Emma every week as long as she takes it easy. At the end of the second month, perhaps a day or two after she stays as a dragon, they will come. After all, it happens with shapeshifters of other species, but this is unique since she will be the first dragon to do so.".
"I hate that this is pretty much unknown territory I'm going to be in with this... How can I fully know things will be alright... that I'll deliver the children and be fine... or they all survive themselves?", Emma obviously was worried about all that could easily go wrong about this situation.
John grabbed her hand gently, kissing it as he spoke, "We must trust ourselves with faith. If you worry so much, they will pick it up...Gods, five children...", softly caressing her belly which will be showing sooner or later, "Can you imagine Jim's face when he finds out that he literally got five cousins?", with a teasing smile at Emma.
Emma giggled heartily with a smile, and glanced at Queen Kida and Cleo, "Since today is a Monday, I will be coming every Monday then?", and Queen Kida smiles reassuringly, "That will be fine. Milo, will you escort them to the guest chambers?".
King Milo kissed her cheek affectionately and lovingly, "Of course, Kida. Shall we, my friends?", with a smile at Emma and John.