New chapter up. Thanks to everyone for reading.

Kia got ready for bed that night, knowing the Alliance army was due to return within hours. She doubted she'd be able to sleep, but her attendant, an older woman in her late fifties named Raina, insisted she at least prepare for bed. Raina had attended to Anduin's mother when she was pregnant and she was beyond proud she was getting a chance to attend to Anduin's wife as well.

Quinn was already on Anduin's side of the bed, fast asleep. She'd gotten in the habit of sleeping there since the king's departure, though Raina objected. At least until she realized it was an argument the older woman wasn't going to win. Kia appreciated the company at night and Quinn was able to keep the promise she had made to Anduin, when he had asked the big cat to watch over Kia and the baby.

"You need your rest, Your Majesty." Raina said, handing Kia a glass of warm milk. Kia hated warm milk, but it did seem to calm the indigestion she had been fighting for the last few weeks which always seemed to strike right around bedtime. Kia had found that the little tricks to managing pregnancy Raina shared, more often than not, worked well. She really was enjoying not only her advice, but also the older woman's company.

"I know, Raina, but I just miss Anduin so much. I can't rest knowing he's almost home."

Raina placed her hands on her hips. "Be that as it may, you still need to rest. Being up and around at this hour of the night won't do you or your son any favors."

Kia laughed at Raina's reaction. Sometimes it was hard to tell who was the attendant and who was the queen.

"You don't know I'm carrying a son." Kia replied playfully. This wasn't a new conversation. Raina had been insisting for days that Kia was carrying a boy, with no explanation behind the conclusion beyond her just knowing.

"Mark my words, Your Majesty, you're having a boy." Raina pulled back the covers on her bed, stepping to the side so Kia could climb in.

Still smiling, Kia choked down the last of the milk, then did as she was instructed and climbed in, allowing Raina to tuck her in, much like a child.

"I'd be just as happy with a girl as a boy, but only time will tell." Kia settled in, trying to get comfortable. She was still small enough to not be too terribly uncomfortable, though she was looking forward to Raina's advice on what to do once her size overruled her comfort. "I'm very happy that you've been around to help me. Having you here makes me believe I might actually be able to do this mother thing."

"Of course you can do this." Raina said with her usual smile. "You're a strong woman, Your Majesty. Not a Wrynn by birth, but certainly one in spirit. Probably the reason his Majesty fell in love with you. Wrynn men are attracted to strong women."

Kia chuckled. "You can call me Kia. When we're alone you certainly don't need to be so formal."

"Nonsense. This is how things are done and I most certainly won't go being too familiar with you. You're my queen and I'll address you properly, regardless. And when your son is born, emphasis on son mind you, I will address him properly as well."

"I know, Raina. You'll forgive me for trying."

Raina placed a hand on Kia's check. She looked at her with deep affection. "You keep trying, Your Majesty. Maybe, someday, you'll succeed. Now, try to get some sleep. I'll make sure you're roused when his Majesty returns."

Kia snuggled down into bed, still anxious for Anduin's return, but also strangely relaxed by Raina's assurances.

When the Alliance army returned to Stormwind, it was the middle of the night. Anduin was thankful for the timing. The cover of night would allow him to return to his chambers and see Kia before having to partake in any post battle formalities. He was almost giddy to see his wife and Jaina found the gigginess beyond amusing. She had shooed him away, assuring him she'd talk to him in the morning.

Kia must have been alerted to the king's return, since when he entered their chambers, Kia was awake, sitting next to the fire in their sitting room. When she saw Anduin, she stood and rushed into his arms. He could see her prominent stomach even through her loose fitting bed clothes.

"Thank the Light you're back." She said, between sobs. She held him almost painfully tight, obviously forgetting she was stronger than human women. Anduin didn't mind.

"It was almost unbearable being away from you." Anduin replied, pulling away enough to give her a long kiss. He then looked lower, running his hand over her stomach. "And look at you. I knew you'd be showing when I got back, but it never seemed real until now." He looked up at her. "Everything's okay?"

"We're both doing well." She replied, placing a hand over Anduin's hand over her stomach. "Raina keeps insisting we're having a boy, though there's no possible way she can know for sure."

Anduin shrugged. Raina had been his attendant as a child. Basically, she was the person most responsible for him after his mother was killed. He was happy she was still around to help his wife with his own children. "She predicted I'd be a boy."

Kia laughed. "Not you too." She turned, returning to her seat, while Anduin took off his traveling clothes and changed into more casual clothes for bed. Once changed, he leaned over the back of the sofa and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I'll be happy if our baby is born healthy, boy or girl."

Anduin walked around the sofa and sat next to Kia. She snuggled up close to him and they sat quietly, holding each other, watching the fire. Nothing was said about the war, Jaina or what happened during his time away. This was the time for reconnecting and appreciating being together again.

Everything else could wait.

To Be Continued...