Author's note: Get ready! It's about to get awesome!

Happy reading!

Chapter Seven

Sydney moved into the Ivashkov home, ostensibly to stay as an extended guest. Adrian arranged for her room to be close to his so that they could easily go back and forth. The home they had wished to purchase was already sold when Adrian started the inquiries.

He brought this information to Jill in her room. She'd been placed on bed rest for the last weeks of her pregnancy. He paced her room nervously.

"She can just stay here until we figure something out." Jill offered.

He paused a moment and asked, "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt your reputation."

She laughed. "My reputation? Don't we pay the servants enough? If they would be talking about anyone, it would be that Eddie spends most of his time with me. More than you do, even for a guardian."

He sat down on the side of her bed and placed a hand on her stomach. "I don't want to cause you and the baby any undue stress this late."

She put her hand on top of his. "The baby and I are fine. In fact, with Sydney here, I'm even better. You were causing me stress." The side of her mouth tilted up. "You're feeling more relaxed. You're painting even more. You feel like you have a purpose."

"We can build her a house on our property. How would that be?"

She thought about it a moment and then nodded. "Yes. I think we'd all like that. She can have her privacy, but still be under the protection of the wards and our guardians. And she wouldn't feel so awkward."

"Awkward?" he asked, puzzled. He chuckled. "He's moving."

"I told you, he likes your voice." She patted his hand. "And I know that Sydney wishes to be more affectionate with you, but doesn't always feel comfortable doing so. In her own home, you can be there and touch and flirt and be adorable and neither of you need to worry about what others think. Or holding back."

"But how do we explain that when people visit?"

"We'll have it placed in such a way that it would seem it's a neighbor's home. We're far enough from town that no one will be able to observe it and its construction. Any Court visitors we get won't care, I don't think. She doesn't like to be around more than us as it is. She told me so."

He leaned down and whispered to her stomach, "Your mother is pretty smart."

"Your father's not so bad either." She combed her fingers through his hair. She bit her lip. "It could happen any time." Hopefully today.

"You're nervous." He pointed out.

"Extremely. Aren't you?" She felt the contracting of her muscles that hinted at labor, but it was still so irregular.

He looked at her sternly. "One of my biggest fears is that you will die again. And then where would I be? Locked away alone in my madness."

"You don't think you could save me again." She stated simply, coming out of the pain enough to see his fears.

He patted her hand. "I worry about that. I'm not allowed in the room. You could go quickly."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm not leaving, Adrian. Not this baby or you or Eddie. None of you are getting away from me so quickly."

He squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek. "Rest, my princess."

Before he could leave, she asked meekly, "Would it be okay with you if Eddie came to sit with me? I don't want to be alone when…"

Adrian smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'll find him just for you."

Jill reclined against the pillows and reached for the book she was reading. She and Sydney had decided to pass books back and forth to pass the time after she was sent to her bed. The one she was currently reading was decent, but there were a million other things she'd rather be doing than lying in bed and reading. She threw it back on the table with a sigh.

There was a soft tap on the door and Eddie called, "Princess?"

"Come in." She worked to push herself up as he opened the door.

"Oh, hey!" he ran over and helped her to sit up. He smiled. "The doctor put you to bed for a reason."

Jill grinned and placed her hands on the side of his face and pulled him to her. She smiled against his lips as they kissed again and again.

"Are you feeling well, then?" He asked, smoothing a hand over her hair.

"I feel good, for the most part. But I know I look pretty frightful."

He shook his head and kissed her again. He got up and walked over to the door, pushing it closed the rest of the way and flipping the lock. He walked over to her, taking off his coat and throwing it over the end of her bed. He sat down and took off his shoes, placing them carefully together just under the edge of the bed. He lifted the blanket and got in beside her, resting his hand on her stomach.

"Is this okay?"

"If it wasn't, I would have already kicked you out."

They lay quietly for a while. Eddie moved his thumb over her swollen belly. Jill watched his face as he looked on in awe. Another contraction gripped her. Could he feel it? Could he tell she was in pain? It was getting harder to hide it and they were lasting longer, getting closer together.

The pain passed and she breathed slowly. He continued to rub her stomach and kiss her face sporadically, affectionately.

"You're so beautiful like this."

"I'm a lot of things. Beautiful isn't one of them."

"Of course you're beautiful, my love."

"Will you think I'm as beautiful carrying your child?"

"Yes. Maybe a little more, but not much."

They shared a kiss. She paused and took in a sharp breath.

"What?" He asked in alarm.

She shook her head. "Nothing much. At least not yet."

"And what does that mean?" he rubbed her stomach.

"That I think I might be having the baby soon." She smiled. "I've been having these pains all day. I didn't say anything to Adrian because I didn't want to worry him. But I think it's closer now."

"Then I'll get someone to go for the doctor." He got out of the bed and reached for his shoes.

"Wait." She placed her hand on his back.

He turned. "Yes?"

"I love you. Very much. Don't ever forget that."

He leaned over her. "Do you have any reason to suspect you won't make it through this?"

She shook her head.

He kissed her hard. "Then don't worry. I'll tell Adrian and send for the doctor. And we'll have our own baby sometime soon."

He quickly put his shoes back on and then ran out the door.

Adrian laughed. "No, I want your arm here." He lifted Sydney's arm up to the back of the sofa.

"You sure you don't mean here?" She moved it again.

"For the thousandth time." He laughed and leaned over her.

Eddie ran in. Adrian stood and observed that he wasn't wearing a coat and his shoes were untied.

"Jill needs the doctor." There was a smile playing on his lips.

"Matthews!" Adrian called, throwing his sketchbook and charcoal onto the table.

The butler came in and bowed low. "Yes, my lord?"

He smiled proudly. "My wife is in need of the doctor right away."

"Yes, my lord." He bowed again and hurried out of the room.

"Just in time for your birthday." Sydney said with a grin.

"I left my coat." Eddie said with sudden realization. He ran out without another word.

Adrian grabbed Sydney by the shoulders. "I'm going her room to be with her until it's time. Make yourself comfortable, love. It could be a while."

She smiled. "Would you like me to write a letter to the queen?"

"Yes, that would be great." He looked up at the clock. "The post will go out any minute."

"Then I'll be quick about it." She hurried over to the desk in the corner as he rushed out of the room.

Adrian took the stairs two at a time. He walked into Jill's room as she was in the midst of pain. She gritted her teeth and squeezed Eddie's hand.

"I don't think anyone in this house would be offended at all if you wanted to scream." Adrian said as he walked around to the other side of the bed.

She smiled as the pain finally passed. "Maybe when it's more pressing."

"Matthews is going for the doctor. Sydney is writing to your sister." He smoothed a hand over her hair. "I wish there was something I could do to take away the pain. But I'm afraid this is something I can't heal."

"I'll be all right. Women have gone through this for centuries without the luxury of a healer like you. And they'll go on doing it for many more." She smirked. "I just wish the bond went both ways so you could experience it with me. At least then you'll know what you got me into."

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "After this, you'll never have to go through it again if you don't want to."

She shook her head. "We agreed on two." She turned her eyes to her lover. "And I'd like to have a few that look like you."

Eddie smiled and squeezed Jill's hand. "That sounds lovely."

"You want to discuss names while we wait?" Adrian asked, bringing her attention back to him.

"Do you have any in mind?" She brought a hand to her stomach. "Calm down, baby. The doctor isn't here yet."

He nodded. "Mikhail. I've always liked it. It's a strong name."

She contemplated it before asking, "And for a girl?"

"Zoya." He smiled. "I thought it best to give them Russian names, being Royal and all. What do you think?"

"I like them both. I really hadn't thought too much about it. I kind of wanted to meet them first." She grabbed his hand and a low groan escaped the back of her throat.

"My princess, what can I do?"

She panted. "The doctor."

Eddie stood. "I'll look to see if he's coming." He looked between his lover and her husband and then leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Jill's lips.

"Come back here." She pulled him back down for a more proper kiss. "I love you."

He smiled and brushed his lips over hers again. "I know." He left the room.

"Well, I suppose he's over everything." Adrian comment as he left.

She shook her head. "But he cares more about me than about fighting with you."

"He has no reason to be jealous of me."

Jill snorted. "Really? Then maybe you shouldn't touch me so much."

"It's because of the baby—"

"Yes, I know that. Deep down, he knows it too. But seeing it just makes it worse." She gasped and clutched at her stomach. "It's coming, Adrian."

"The doctor will be here any minute, Jill. You just have to hold on."

"I'm trying." She looked at him. Her eyes were brimming with tears. "Do you think Sydney would stay with me?" Her voice was small. His friend, usually so strong was scared to death.

He squeezed her hand. "I can ask her."

"She'll never want to have a baby herself." She whispered.

"Of course she will."

Eddie came back in followed closely by an older man carrying a black bag and a woman smiling kindly.

The doctor smiled, introduced the woman as his wife, and directed his gaze to Adrian. "Let's clear the room."

The vampire smiled and pressed a reassuring kiss to his wife's forehead. "I'll send Sydney in."

"Thank you."

"Anything for you, my princess." He kissed her again and then walked out, catching Eddie by the arm. "Let's have a drink."

Sydney hurried down the stairs, a huge smile on her face. Adrian stopped his pacing; a cigarette between his lips. Eddie put his glass of scotch down and stood.

She stepped toward them. "Jill wanted me to tell you that she and Mikhail are fine."

"Mikhail." Adrian repeated. "A boy. I have a son." He threw his arms around the dhampir. "Eddie, we have a boy!"

Eddie smiled kindly. He patted the vampire's back and asked, "When can we see her?"

"It will be a few minutes. The doctor is finishing up a few things."

He nodded, a relief spreading across his face.

Sydney patted his shoulder. "She's fine."

They three were silent for several minutes. Adrian returned to his pacing and smoking. Eddie picked up his drink once more. Sydney sat down at the desk and took up a pen.

"What are you doing?" Adrian asked, blowing out a plume of smoke.

"Writing to Jill's parents. She asked me to."

"Did you get the letter sent to Lissa in time?" He took a long drag ion the cigarette and then put it out in a nearby ash tray.

"Yes. But I'll write another."

"I can have someone deliver it personally tonight. Any thoughts to who, Eddie?" He stepped over to the door and looked out into the hall. No sign of Matthews. He rang the bell and the young man appeared.

"Shane could use some time away." The guardian said, swirling his drink. "She's getting a little too close to a certain someone. They need a break."

"Yes, my lord?" Matthews said on a bow.

Adrian asked, "Will you get me Guardian Shane, please?"

"Right away, my lord."

The female guardian arrived a moment later. "Lord Ivashkov, congratulations on the arrival of your child."

"Thank you. I have a mission for you. I know you're not a messenger, but I'd like you to bring news of the arrival of the Dragomir child yourself. Miss Sage is writing the missives now. Prepare a horse. You leave within the hour."

"Yes, my lord. I look forward to this fine mission. Might I ask the name of the child?"

"Mikhail." He smiled. "Full name to be disclosed at a later date."

"Adrian." Sydney said as she handed the letters to the guardian.

"Yes?"

"Not you, the baby. Mikhail Adrian Ivashkov Dragomir. That's the name Jill told me."

Adrian smiled and puffed out his chest. "Yes."

The guardian smiled. "It's a good name for a royal." She held up the letters. "I'll be on my way." She looked past the couple in front of her to Eddie, who still sipped his drink. "Guardian Castile?"

He swung his head around. "Safe travels, Shane."

"Yes, sir." She nodded and turned on her heel toward her room at the back of the house.

The doctor and his wife came down the steps a moment later. "Mother and baby are resting, but she has asked to see all of you."

Adrian nodded and shook his hand. "Send me the bill, Doctor, and I'll have it settled straight away."

"Of course, Mr. Ivashkov."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before the pair left. Adrian turned to tell Eddie to go up, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Guardian stealth." Adrian said in admiration. He pulled Sydney into his arms. "We'll give them a few minutes."

"Yes, that sounds good." She rubbed his back. "He's beautiful, Adrian. He looks like Jill. His eyes are dark green. He has a bit of dark fuzzy hair on his head."

He grinned and rested his head against hers. "I don't think I could be happier than I am at this moment."

"Until the next one." Sydney asked tentatively.

"That's going to be a while."

"Yes. I'd say about eight months."

He froze and looked down at her. "Are you being serious?"

She nodded. "I wasn't sure I should tell you yet."

"Why?" He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. "You were going to keep it from me?"

"I was going to tell you today. And then Jill…" She shrugged. "I didn't know if it would be right."

"Eddie probably…Let's keep this ours for a while."

"I told Jill already. Earlier when we were having tea. She said she didn't mind it. I hope she wasn't just saying it. She might tell Eddie."

He pulled her flush against him and covered her mouth with his own.

She pushed him away gently. "Not here."

A woman cleared her throat. "I'm going to take my leave, Lord Ivashkov." Shane said, trying to look everywhere but at the pair.

"God speed, Guardian Shane. Take your time. No doubt the queen will try to convince us to come back to Court. But let her know that our baby is staying put until he's at least a year old."

"Yes, my lord." She stepped around him and hurried out the door.

"Will she say anything?" Sydney asked.

"She knows what would happen if she does. Here, she doesn't work hard all the time. Patrols and plenty of time to train on her own or with the others. There, she'd be working all the time, barely any time to herself. And she's sleeping with Petrov. She wouldn't want to jeopardize that."

"Is that what Eddie meant about her needing time away."

"I think so. They're really intense. I'm surprised you didn't notice." He stepped away. "Now, I think it's my turn to meet my baby."

Jill lay in the bed with heavy eyes. She watched Eddie sitting on the edge of her bed as he stared transfixed at the baby in his arms. "I'll keep an eye on you always, Misha." He promised. "You won't go too far without me knowing where. Your Mommy and Daddy are two very important people. And so are you." He kissed the baby's face and then looked up. He walked across the room. "This one here is your father. Sorry if there is any confusion."

Adrian smiled as he took the baby. "Thank you, Eddie."

He nodded and walked to his lover's side.

"There's my little boy." Adrian crooned, holding him away just enough to look at his face. He fussed a moment and opened his eyes. "Green eyes. Beautiful." He stared at the baby for several mesmerized minutes before he finally pulled him close. He unwrapped the blanket and looked at his little hands. "Ten fingers. As there should be." He unwrapped him even more and lifted up his feet. "Ten tiny toes." He kissed the baby's small face. "I need to draw you. I'll document your life in sketches, Misha. At least one a day when I'm with you." He kissed the baby's face again and held him close to his chest. "You're so small."

He started crying, a soft almost pitiful sound.

"Are you cold, baby?" Adrian asked, attempting to wrap the blanket back around him as he stood.

"I think he's hungry." Jill said sleepily from the bed.

"Well, there's nothing I can do about that." Adrian carried him to the woman on the bed.

Jill gave her lover a significant look.

Eddie nodded. "Sydney and I will clear out." He leaned forward and kissed her. "And then you rest."

"I promise, love." She pulled him in for another lingering kiss.

As they left, Adrian sat down on the bed and handed her the baby.

"Isn't he just so perfect, Adrian?" She said as she looked at him.

His crying grew louder as he grew impatient to be fed.

"You don't have to leave, but I'd appreciate if you'd look away a moment." She worked to unbutton the front of her nightgown.

Her husband averted his eyes until the baby quieted. He turned his face back to her and watched as she fed their son and hummed softly to him.

"Sydney said she told you…" He began.

She looked up at him, a smile on her face and nodded. "Misha doesn't have to wait too long to be an older brother."

"And you're really not upset?" He asked.

She watched him a moment. "I can feel the excitement in you. And I know it's not all about our son, but it is mostly. Misha and that baby will be raised as siblings. And you will love them equally. But it would probably be best to get the house built for Sydney sooner rather than later. She and the baby need their own place. Sydney will want a place to retreat when we know we'll have Court guests. She doesn't want them to train her children and I respect that. The best way to make that happen is for her to be hidden, even if it is in plain sight."

He looked at her in amazement. "You just gave birth to my child and I impregnated someone else. You should be angry with me."

"Do you want me to be?" She looked down to the baby at her breast. "Babies are a blessing. This one, that one, all babies. You and I made him out of obligation. You made that one out of love." She looked up again. "I won't be angry as long as you promise not to be angry when Eddie and I have one."

"I won't be. And if you want that to be soon, I won't object." He leaned close. "We'll have one more, but whenever you're ready. Two years, ten years, I don't care. You can have babies with him the meantime. I want Misha to be part of a big family. That won't come from just us."

She pulled him to her and brushed a kiss across his lips. "We'll make him the focus of our lives for a while. Spoil him rotten until your other baby arrives. Okay?"

He nodded. "And even after."

She pulled the baby away and set her nightgown back. "Will you wrap him back up and put him in the basinet? His diaper may need to be changed soon."

He took the baby and did as she asked. "I don't know how to do that."

"I do." She yawned and moved down on the bed. "Will you send Eddie in?" She looked up at him. "Unless you want to stay with me."

He gave her a doting smile. "Who would you rather have?"

"Him." She whispered, biting her lip uncertainly.

Adrian nodded. He leaned over and kissed her temple. "I'll come back to check on you both soon." He kissed the baby and stroked his cheek once more. He whispered, "I love you, my sweet boy." He stood in the doorway a moment, watching the scene. "Sleep well, my princess." He said as he finally closed the door.