White Queen to Black Knight

Chapter 19

In my life, there's been changes
But nothing seems to satisfy me the way you do, no
You make it easy, the way you please me, every time I'm close to you
All this temptation, I can't see wrong from right
Its a new sensation, you know I'm blinded by the light

(feels like) I'm walking on holy water
Feels like I'm walking on sacred ground, baby
(feels like) I'm walking on holy water, every time (that) you come round

You were all I ever wanted, never had a guy in my life til I met you, oh
No
I got a certain feeling, you got my senses reeling
Whenever I get close to you
You're my salvation, I found you just in time
My one temptation, you know I can't believe you're mine

Holy Water, Bad Company

With the execution of the Joker and Two-face, along with a relatively few unknown others, the minds of Bruce Wayne and Alina Witter were firmly engaged in their wedding plans. Alfred was of course handling all the nitty-gritty details. The beautiful couple had hoped to keep it a quiet private ceremony, but once again the craving for Bruce's behind the scenes leadership brought the wedding and the couple to the forefront. There was even an article about them in GothamWeek, a prestigious news magazine. Their picture, in all their beauty and glory, was on the front cover. Alina scoffed at someone other than her taking the pictures, but photographs were photographs and they did send one of the best photographers in the world, so she conceded.

The couple spent many evenings over wine and sex talking about what they had done and the consequences that might be incurred. The White Queen felt no remorse at all for the killings she had committed. The people she killed were evil, were going to kill those she loved, and she struck first. She slightly teased Bruce with the quote, 'Better to ask forgiveness then to seek permission.' She viewed it in clear black and white terms. Bruce was not nearly as torn as they both thought he would be. He felt he was protecting his own, and while he took no joy in killing the Joker, everyone was better off for it. And if left alive, the threat to Alina would only continue to grow, and that he refused to accept. It was the only logical solution. However, they both agreed it was time for the city to pick up where they left off and Bruce and Alina would lead their own mostly private lives.

The city overall seemed thrilled that the Joker and Two-faced were dead and could no longer cause the destruction and chaos they had in the past. The fact that Batman and the White Queen (it was widely assumed) had stood toe to toe with these monsters and by killing them took at least part of the city back seemed to empower the rest of the population to take back their city from the corrupters, the gangs, the thieves, and the killers. And those in positions of power, and those who wished to do good, started leading the process. Others were finally stepping up to carry the mantle that Batman had carried for so long. Bruce Wayne was heavily involved in this process and based on his experience, wealth, and true desire to do the right thing for the city, chose those who would serve to clean up the city.

Bruce was out at one of his meetings with the city leaders and planners trying to solve the overwhelming corruption problem that plagued the city. Alina casually walked into the kitchen to speak with Alfred. She was tired, the circles under her eyes were apparent when she was without makeup, and she had been losing weight at an alarming rate. Alfred had noticed, but other than her vomiting constantly, he had no idea why.

"Alfred, I need to tell you something, but I need you to keep it a secret until I tell Bruce. Can you do that?"

Alfred turned and looked at what had always been a deceptively fragile body that now did look more than fragile. He was afraid of what she might say. If she was dying, all would be lost.

Alfred sighed heavily. "You and Bruce don't have secrets from each other. Why would you want me to keep one for you?"

Alina smiled at him happily, teasing him, "First of all, Alfred you do keep Bruce's secrets. There are secrets between us, but perhaps none that matter. Secondly, Alfred you look like I am going to tell you I'm dying. It is certainly nothing like that, just the opposite in fact."

"What then? Stop toying with me Miss Alina." He knew what it was now and was very excited.

"I am pregnant, about ten weeks along. That is one reason I wanted to do this wedding fast. I want to tell Bruce tonight. The wedding is in two weeks. I am already starting to show if one looks. I'll need another fitting shortly. I was hoping you would prepare a candlelight dinner for two in our room. Food, champagne, water, and dessert. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds perfect."

"Wonderful! I've written out an invitation for him to join me privately in my quarters. You can give it to him. He is not to come earlier, and you are not to tell him anything. No hint at all. OK?"

"This is a secret that I will be very happy to keep. Little Henry and baby Natasha and I shall enjoy dinner and games on our own here in the kitchen. I shall see that they are both put to bed. I'll take the baby monitor into my quarters for the evening."

"Thank you Alfred. We should see about hiring a nanny soon. See you later."

She climbed the stairs and entered her room only to find Henry there, curled up in her bed. He had nightmares most nights, and the only place he found solace was in her room and her bed. Alina smiled softly at him and curled up beside him surrounding him with her love. He woke up slightly as she wrapped her arms around him, smiled at her and said, "Mama," and fell back asleep. He had started calling her 'mama' soon after he came to stay. He was still not calling Bruce 'daddy,' and despite both adult's assurances, he still believed they would send him back on the streets. The adoption of both children was moving smoothly and both Bruce and Alina worked hard to convince him he was part of their family, along with Natasha. They would live here now at Wayne Manor, and would be their children.

An hour later, Bruce returned from his meeting and was given the invitation by Alfred.

He read it quickly, and looked at Alfred. "What is this about Alfred? And what about Henry and Natasha? Who will be with them? And is this something I should dress up for? I mean, it's our bedroom, do I wear a suit or pajamas?"

Alfred was pleased to hear how attached he had become to Henry and Natasha already. That was a good sign, especially given the news that would be coming. "Master Wayne, Henry and I will entertain ourselves quite fine without you. I will have Natasha as well as the baby monitor for the night. I'm sure I couldn't say what this would be about. I have just been asked to prepare a dinner for your room, sir. Given what I do know, a suit or even tuxedo would be a nice touch."

"Which all translates to you knowing exactly what is going on, and that I will have to wait for Alina to tell me. The two of you conspire against me entirely too often." Bruce smirked at Alfred, snagging a fresh cookie fresh from the oven.

"Entirely sir. It keeps your life interesting." Bruce chuckled on his way out of the kitchen with his mouth full of cookie. Yes, his life was certainly interesting.

He softly opened the door to Alina's rooms. They were really their rooms now. He never went in the rooms considered his anymore. They would probably give those rooms over to Henry so he was close by when he had his nightmares. He crossed to the bedroom and found Alina encircling Henry while they both slept. Henry was still extremely traumatized and almost never slept at night because of the nightmares. Alina was constantly exhausted from her position as White Queen even though she had retired the night the Joker was killed. The long nights, and the constant daily activity drain of being the soon to be Mrs. Bruce Wayne left her tired, and she slept as often as she could.

And now she lay sleeping soundly, maybe a little too soundly. Either she was very very tired or she was losing her edge. Henry woke up smiling as Bruce Wayne silently walked into the room. Bruce came over to Henry, whispering in his ear, "You wanna go swimming? You think you are ready for some swim lessons?"

Henry smiled widely and slipped from under Alina's arms and into Bruce's while they went off to swim. Alina had barely stirred. Bruce sighed and kissed her briefly on her temple.

Four hours later, Alina was prepared for her candle lit dinner with her soon to be husband. She was excited to share her news, knew she should have weeks before, but the White Queen was too important and her and the baby's safety were not at great risk. She wore the silk satin nightgown that had never been worn, despite their earlier plans. Alina pulled her amazing hair up into a messy updo that made her neck and body look even longer. She put on the 60 ct. earrings Bruce had bought her after their engagement, and a large diamond drop necklace that fell right into her cleavage. Her eyes were painted dark as were her lips. She had covered her dark circles and she looked dramatic and beautiful. She hoped he would think so. Alfred rolled the cart into the room, leaving her to light the candles, bowed his head to her, smiled, turned and left.

Right on time Bruce entered the room, surprise all over his face at the dim lights, candles everywhere, and his beautiful bride standing in front of the dining table in the crème silk satin nightgown she had never worn. He was stunned as he softly closed the door behind him, locking the door as he removed his hand. She smiled seductively at him, using that voice his body craved, "Hello my darling. Welcome to our dinner of love."

"When did you come up with this? You look more beautiful that I have ever seen you. In the candlelight you glow."

"I have been thinking of it for a few weeks, but today finally decided to make it happen. We haven't had much you and me time."

He kissed her gently on the lips and took his place at the table. They enjoyed their delightful meal. Bruce noticed she wasn't drinking any of the champagne but didn't say anything about it. They talked and laughed as they usually could. Finally, before she brought dessert to him, she refilled his champagne glass and hers with sparkling water, and handed him a card with his name and the first letter written with illumination. Illumination is a detailed and intricate work of art. She might have spent days creating just the 'B' in Bruce.

Bruce looked at the card and then back to her. She could see concern, maybe even fear in his eyes. She leaned over him, kissing him passionately, and with her mind, "Baby, this is a really good thing. At least I hope you think so. Open the card. I love you."

He smiled slightly sliding his thumb under the flap, pulling out the card with the picture tucked in it. The card said a very simple 'Congratulations' on it. He smiled slightly and opened the card, taking out the black and white image on the paper. He wasn't quite sure what it was at first, until he took a closer look. He looked sharply up at Alina and then back down at the picture.

"We're going to have a baby?" He sounded so vulnerable and hesitant. He held his arms out open to her and she slid into them and onto his lap where his hands rested on the small bulge that formed in her abdomen.

"Actually baby, we are having two. Twins. Batman and Bruce Wayne," she quipped.

The look of wonder quickly changed to frustration, even anger. "How long have you known?"

"A while Bruce. I'm ten weeks, by our wedding I'll be into my second trimester. The White Queen had to play for a while, I wasn't showing and the babies weren't in real danger. We were so consumed with what we were doing that weeks passed by before I even knew. By then, we just had to get the Joker, and I was the only lure we had. I never believe either me or the babies were in danger. I blocked it from my mind so you wouldn't stop what we needed to finish. Please don't be angry. Bruce I was hoping you would share my excitement and joy. I prepared this whole night to tell you. I haven't told anyone else except Alfred and he just found out when I asked for dinner in our room. I was responsible when I was the White Queen and I knew. What is done is done. Are you happy about this?"

Bruce rolled his head to the side, burying his head in her hair and squeezed her closer to him. "I'm really, really happy that you are going to have my children, the first of my children, besides Henry and Natasha." He started to tease her, "Your wedding dress may have to be let out slightly. I can see and feel the bulge. Twins! You are going to get huge. We'll have to build a whole new wing to the mansion just for the kids!"

"I think there is plenty of room as it is. But we will have to hire a couple nannies."

Bruce immediately leaped on that idea, "Nannies?"

"Yes, my love. Alfred and I will find fat, ugly nannies with hairy faces and underarms who don't shave their legs, and that have moles with hair on their lips. They will of course love children, but not you."

Bruce pretended to be deflated by the idea, but laughed at her anyway. "Like there is a woman in the world who could compete with you, in any way. When do you think it happened? I guess maybe we have sex so often it is impossible to tell."

She smiled shyly at him, "I think I know. I knew that night. I just didn't say anything because I didn't want to be wrong. The night you came to me as Batman and came back as Bruce is the night I think we made these babies. Maybe that is why they are twins."

Bruce look at her seriously, "I love you Alina. I'm glad Joker and Two-face are out of our lives forever. I'm glad Batman and his Queen hung up their mantles. We have far too much to risk to ever pick them up again. I do not want to orphan our children, however many we have or adopt, like we were orphaned." He held her close breathing in the scent of her.

Alina sighed at the happiness she felt around her and started to sing him a song. She sang 'Holy Water' by Bad Company. She sang it slow and softly, while she took Bruce's hands and moved them around her growing belly. She sang as she nibbled at his ear and moved down his jaw line lightly brushing his lips as she finshed the song. Bruce kissed her back, passionately, all his love and need, his desire and his happiness at her pregnancy was all there in that single kiss. He lifted her from his lap and cradled her to their bed and made love to her into the night. And when they woke in the morning, Henry was snuggled between them sound asleep.

Fin

A/N: I think this is the end unless there is a storm of requests for detailed wedding, twin births, and life at Wayne Manor. While I enjoy this sort of writing in Jane Austen books, and the subsequent modern writings using her characters and their lives, I'm not sure it fits in the comic book world of Batman. In my story, Batman and the White Queen have hung up their costumes, never to be worn again, and settled into domesticity that most of us already live and I don't need to write about. Although probably none of us live it on the billionaire scale. Please Please Please review. From alerts, favorite authors, and favorite stories I can tell this is one of my more popular stories. This has been a real a stretch for me as a writer since I know nothing about comics or the cannon or Batman other than what I can glean from long ago movie watching. I'd really appreciate the reviews. CQ