March 26,1890
"I'm not saying I don't like it, but I'm saying i don't like it."
"You never like any of the names I pick out."
"I liked Ashley!"
"You are so insensitive Alois.." Hannah sighed as she folded the paper in her hands and turned away.
"You're so stubborn." Alois rolled his eyes and turned away.
There was a moment of silence.
"Okay, let's look over them again." Alois took the paper from Hannah.
"Thank you." Hannah said softly as she smoothed her dress and rested her hand on her bump. Hannah then sat at the foot of his bed and watched him.
Alois sat next to her and continued reading the names.
"Royalty sounds lovely." He commented, placing a hand on his chin.
"For a girl." Hannah added.
"It can be a boys name too." Alois countered.
"No It's not unisex." Hannah replied, her mind set.
"See, this, right here is why we always get into arguments." Alois motioned to her and himself and then all around them.
"I'm simply saying that you cannot name a boy Royalty. Royale, maybe." Hannah said stubbornly.
"Royale suits a girl. We're not even sure what you're having." Alois sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Hannah was hurt. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and turned away, hugging herself.
"That was rude." Hannah said softly. "You act as if you never got me pregnant in the first place."
Alois rose his thin blonde eyebrow. "What? You're mad at me for using the word 'You're'?" Alois scoffed. "Get over yourself Hannah."
That hurt even more. "I..I.." She couldn't find the words. Should she scream at him? Should she sternly reprimand him? Or should she just shut her mouth and take it?
Hannah moved a bit closer and leaned on Alois. "Sorry." She mumbled.
Alois flicked the paper. "Where did you get Asha from?" He questioned.
"India. I met a little girl." Hannah commented solemnly.
"Oh." Alois said knowingly. "Well I only really like Royale and Royalty. Maybe Kirean." Alois handed her the paper.
Hannah took it and folded it up. "Royalty is still for girl." She commented.
"Royalty sounds more like a boys name." Alois argued.
"But Royale is more manly." Hannah countered smartly.
Alois wrapped his arms around Hannah and kissed her head. "Whatever makes you happy." He sighed.
Hannah gently smiled and held back a giggle.
"Whatever?" She repeats.
"Whatever." Alois says in a content manner.
"Then you will admit Royalty is for a girl."
"Hannah!"
...
"Checkmate." Alois said for the tenth time.
Hannah stared at the chessboard. She was baffled.
"What a peculiar game." She said in a low tone.
Alois let out a laugh. "You've been alive for 800 years and you don't know how to play chess?" Alois questioned as he reset the board.
"I spend most of my time in the underworld..or making contracts." Hannah sighed. "Or sleeping."
She leaned back in her chair and began to rub her bump.
She was at her three month mark. The bump wasn't such a bump anymore. It was more like a belly. Round, firm and soft.
Alois leaned back in his chair and stared at her with a gentle smile.
"Nine months will be too long I fear." He sighed.
Hannah looked up at him with a weary look upon her face. "Nine months? Do you intend to kill me?" She shakes her head. "Holding a baby past six months will surely do me in."
"Wait, what?" Alois leaned forward. "Six months? That means it'll come out deformed and malnourished."
Hannah shook her head once more. "No..it doesn't work that way. It'll be just as normal as a human baby. But he'll grow quickly then stop all together." Hannah rubbed her belly as she talked.
"Oh." Alois sighed. "Why do you keep rubbing your stomach like that?" He asked as he moved a chess piece.
Hannah shrugged. "Because I am astonished at how it's growing and moving. It feels nice under my fingers." Hannah hummed as she rubbed her belly in a circular motion.
Alois paused and looked up. "Wait It's moving? How could you not tell me it's moving?!" Alois got up and practically dropped to knees before her. Hannah moved her hand so he could take purchase.
All was quiet.
"Oh sweet Jesus! I felt it!" He began to rub in a circular motion. He felt movement beneath his fingers.
"I feel it doing somersaults..I may throw up of tickles." Hannah smiles as she watches him.
