Her husband's incessant pacing managed to be more soothing than aggravating. She wished she had the energy to calm his worries. The birth of their daughters should have been a joyous time, for the most part, it was. Both girls were healthy, cute as buttons. Best of all, they were quiet. They were only a few hours old, she could only hope their peaceful nature persisted. Were she not so tired she would still be holding them both. It didn't feel right to only have one in her arms while the other lied unattended. Jerrod could have held one, but his mind was somewhat, elsewhere.

"If you could spare a moment, your daughters would like some of your attention."

He stopped only momentarily to acknowledge her. "My attention has only been on them since before they arrived. The moment we make the announcement...we'll have to,"

All she could do was sigh. In her mind, she had already come to the conclusion she would be forgoing tradition. She was the empress. Her word was as good as law. Even though her husband was emperor, this matter would be mostly brought to her.

Her resolution was absolute, still she couldn't help but protectively caress her eldest daughter's crown. Delicate, miniature fingers feathered her twin's face in response. This wasn't just a matter of separating her daughter from herself and her husband. How could she separate her girls? They were already so close.

"Aww, that's your Kitana, isn't she Mileena? You can't go anywhere. It would be too cruel. Look at them. So precious."

Finally he had been persuaded to join her side in rejoicing over the marvels they had brought into the world. "I am sorry my darling." Her heart ached when he folded Kitana in her own blanket and took her alone to lie on his chest. Mileena's hand trembled. She grasped at the empty space beside her, then settled on clenching her own blanket. "I understand how you feel, but things are hostile right now. We can't afford any more conflict or dissent. We need the people to believe in us. For too long Outworld has suffered too wide a gap between the royals and subjects. We will be giving this realm our children one way or another. She will be the proof of our allegiance to the people. Of their ability to have faith in us, to stand behind us. She will be here with us, always in our hearts. And, when she is older, she will be right here, beside Kitana as her guard. Our girls will be together."

"I don't need your speeches right now Jerrod. Should she ever find out? She will grow to resent us. Both of them will."

"How will she? The Umgadi forbid revealing the identity to the child or parents."

"They're twins? Do you think they're not going to see each other in one another? If our enemies find out about this, Mileena won't be safe. They are meant to protect the royal family. Having her join defeats the purpose."

He came around her side, doing his best to hold only them together. "My queen, please. Think of the realm. We can't make this a safer world for either of our girls, if we don't have the force of the people behind us." Holding Kitana between them, she could feel the pain in his voice and strain in his heart. "When we make the announcement, we will only be revealing the birth of one child. I will alert the high priestess later on today." The weight of only one newborn was once again upon her. "If this is the last time I hold my girl." Mileena fit so perfectly in the palm of his hand. She looked like a little doll, compared to his massive form. "We will do our best to watch over you Mileena."

Just outside the door she couldn't bear it. The thought of letting her daughter go had crossed her mind. She truly did want to do right as the empress of this realm. Outworld had suffered so much. She had asked others to do the same. She had given support to the Umgadi's ways and urged other mothers to pridefully part with their little girls. It would be nothing short of the ultimate slap in the face to not do the same.

"Until she is to leave, please let them be together. Jerrod..."

Standing at the foot of the bed with Mileena close to his heart, he sighed over her. "Sindel, you're making this harder on us. They are infants. They will be fine." Mileena's small body barely made an imprint in the sheet.

"That's alright with me. After everything we endured to get them here, a little more pain is fine with me." She lied Kitana back beside her sister. Instantly they went to bumping into each other and trying to face one another.

A nation at peace, the lives of millions, or one broken family. Jerrod's words played over and over in her head. Mileena would be near. In time she would be back within the palace walls. It was unlikely she would never see her again from now until she was a full grown woman. It wasn't often she made unplanned visits to Umgadi training grounds, but, if she was there, she would make it a weekly occurrence. Could she stand to see her little girl sitting there among the other recruits and not hold her? For her people's trust? For ten thousand more years of peace? If the answer didn't come with the sun, how could she face the rest of the day?

From up on the balcony, overlooking the courtyard, she watched her husband converse with three Umgadi representatives. One of the women was holding a wicker basket lined with a thick embroidered blanket.

Caution made her weary of letting him take Mileena anywhere. She was promised to them by the end of the day. The announcement was to be made mid afternoon. According to plan, no one outside of the royal nurse, herself and her husband, were to know of Mileena's existence. This, in theory, would ensure her safety among the Umgadi ranks.

Only one ceremonial gown had been laid out for Kitana. Mileena was in a plain infant cloak, swaddled with only her legs free. Kitana wore one similar, however she was unwrapped. Being just an arm's length away from her sister, she was of course reaching for her, grabbing at her. Mileena rocked and kicked. Every time she watched them together time slowed down. Soon, very soon, there would only be one of them. It was unlikely they would remember this time, but she would. With how little Jerrod was able to sit with them, these would be her memories alone.

"Ah, you're awake." The king burst through the door with the three Umgadi representatives. To her horror the high priestess was among them. "They've come to,"

"I had thought you would be taking her tonight?" Sindel rudely cut through the introductions.

Jerrod cleared his throat at her. "Yes, they came to see her."

The woman with the basket bowed, then approached the babies. "The eldest, empress."

"Here, it is, this one." Eager to move the transition along, Jerrod put their daughter in that woman's hands. "Her name is,"

"Per Umgadi rules, your majesty, her name will be changed. And unknown to you. Given how special this initiate is, you understand it is for her protection as well as yours. We're trying to keep her identity as contained as possible."

"Yes. We understand."

The woman who held her daughter immediately went to stripping her of everything, save for her simple cloth diaper. She was then wrapped in an Umgadi shawl and placed in the basket. "May Delia's blessings be upon your other daughter, too."

In a last ditch effort to let go, she took her remaining child in her arms. Holding her as tight as she could without hurting her, she inhaled her sweet infant scent. It didn't fill her as it did before. The difference was already felt.

"Were you not going to stay for the festivities? This is a celebration to honor the princess's birth." She asked. "You still have the task of protecting the royal family, do you not?"

"There are other Umgadi already in place, surveying the area."

"Yes but none here. I planned to wait here until the reveal. You all could stay here, with her, until it is over and leave at the end, as intended." Bouncing her girl out of nervousness, she prayed none of them would offer an alternative. She didn't want to have to get aggressive.

"I...I wanted to get her home first. But, if we leave now before you make the announcement, that may look suspicious. Perhaps it would be better to wait."

"Yes, surely. I'll have food and drink brought up for you." Calmer, she settled Kitana into her crib. "Until then, she's fine to rest in the crib beside her," Biting back her words, she smiled. " Princess."

"No. She is fine where she is. She is in Umgadi custody now empress. It is best she learn her place."

"Yes..." Ignoring every side eye and furious huff the King was giving her, she pulled up a seat and invited the women to do the same. Only two took her up on the offer.

"I will go and speak with the other warriors."

Jerrod left along with her. From the way they both stormed out of the room, they were no doubt about to have a heated conversation about her actions. "I'm sure you see this as just as high an honor as your husband does?" The older woman, dressed in ritualistic garb, smiled at her. "Even though her lineage will be only known to the highest. Throughout our sacred halls, all your praises will be sung. You will have our unwavering support. These are the daughters of Outworld. They belong to us all. Our support, is the support of the people."

As she spoke, the only thing on Sindel's mind, was how many families had lost daughters, they'd never known. They were fierce warriors, but they were warriors. Their main role was protecting the royal family, but, on more than a few occasions, they had been called to aid in wars. They would never turn down the request, no matter how unprepared they were. She had seen them send children off to their certain deaths. Young, terrified girls, clinging to their own skirts or the skirts of barely older girls, in place of their mothers. Her little girl could be on a battlefield, crying by herself amid endless bloodshed. While Kitana was here, safe behind guards, soldiers, walls and her parents.

Imagined cries became real ones, when Mileena started to scream from the basket on the floor. The priestess did little more than shake her bangles in her face. The other woman present rocked the basket but otherwise didn't try to soothe the baby. Within seconds, Kitana was also screaming.

Sindel slipped her arm between the bars, Kitana was easily quieted by a hand on her tummy. Mileena continued to wail, while being left virtually alone. The younger woman who'd come in with the basket was more perceptive of Sindel's displeasure than her elder.

"Ma-may I hold her, priestess Iona?"

"You will be in charge of her. You will be responsible for making sure she has a proper Umgadi upbringing. Do what you see fit, Kendappah."

"Has she been fed recently your highness?"

"Yes. Just before you arrived." She lied.

The young woman unwrapped her daughter again and inspected her. "I see no other issues. Perhaps she is still hungry. Having to provide milk for two, might have been too much on your body." Layers of clothing were pushed back. Her swollen breasts hung freely in her daughter's face.

"She's just eaten, she's probably just bored. Infants cry. It doesn't always mean they want something."

"It is alright, your highness. I am prepared for this. I've been preparing since we learned of your pregnancy. If you would like, since I'm here, I could nurse the other one for you."

"No...thank you. I should have more than enough milk now."

Time dragged on, endlessly. Every interaction between this woman and her baby boiled her blood. Normally, they would come, allow the family to say goodbye, praises would be given for their sacrifice and that would be that. She was putting herself through this torture, not knowing if she could go through with it. One minute she'd be frantically fighting the urge to snatch her daughter back. The next she was reluctantly giving in and focusing on the brighter future ahead.

The band was playing, the cheers and ruckus had died down to mild conversation. The crowd was patiently waiting for the news. It was almost time.

"Darling," Jerrod once again entered the room with more energy than necessary. "It's nearly time. Is Kitana ready?"

Yawning, Sindel stretched then turned to retrieve the baby. "She only need be dressed. So yes, she is ready. I'll be glad when this is over."

"Only a little while longer, and you'll be able to rest." He went over to the balcony doors. Until they were open, she hadn't realized just how much they were holding back. It sounded as though all of Outworld was squeezed into their courtyard and were clamoring to get to them. She may as well had been outside with them. "Well, they are all gathered. Now may be the perfect time. They are all eager to see you, my queen."

"Well, I am ready to be seen." With the finely dressed princess warmly swaddled, Sindel made her way to the balcony. Jerrod was already waiting, orchestrating their entrance. Trumpets played, and the outside noise gradually faded.

The king held out his hand, signaling she pause. Then he began to speak. "Family. Friends. We would like to personally thank each and every one of you for coming here today, to welcome, not only our future, but the future of all Outworld. Just as you have entrusted us to lead you through the age of war, into one of peace. We entrust you, to bestow that same faith on our successor, whom we plan to raise with all of your wills in mind. The next in line will not just be Edenian, or Shokan, or Centaurian. They will be, an Outworlder!" There was one overwhelming cry of joy that startled the queen, and princess, so much so she started to whine. "Hear that might cry. Already joining the voice of the people."

As he called her forward. She waved the Umgadi closer. "Stand, please. You are just as honored." Just as anticipated, the woman stepped forward with Mileena in her arms.

"I would like to introduce you to,"

She quickly shoved Kitana in Jerrod's arms, then turned back inside and lifted Mileena from the confused younger woman. Gracefully back at her husband's side, she angled Mileena just as he did Kitana, facing their subjects. "The princesses of Outworld. Mileena and Kitana!" She gestured Kendappah over. "To prove our dedication and faith in the strength of our people, we graciously, on our daughter's behalf, accept the Umgadi warrior's honorary membership."

The loudest chant came from the Umgadi warriors in the crowd. Kendappah smiled and bowed, as was the proper thing to do. Iona however did neither. She looked to be biting her tongue. Several Umgadi women were huddled below, whispering to each other, from what she could see. They glared up at her specifically, then a large group of them left together.

Soon as the introductions were done, greetings were had, blessings were given, Sindel laid both her girls down for a nap, in her bed. She had very little fear of repercussions tonight. That didn't mean she was without caution. She wouldn't put it past her husband to hand her child over behind her back.

In bed, with her daughters beside her, the queen fought long and hard to keep sleep at bay. She was the queen, her life wasn't supposed to be difficult, especially not after giving birth, to not one, but two babies. She had already given so much to Outworld. Allowances needed to be made for her.

It was hours before the castle fell quiet, and even more hours before Jerrod joined her and the girls.

He came in, threw off his heavy garments, then climbed into bed without a word.

With Mileena on her lap, and Kitana on her shoulder, she pondered a way to breach a reasonable explanation or an apology.

"We're in this together, are we not?"

"Of course Jerrod, but,"

"No. Do you trust me? Do you believe I love our daughters just as much as you do?"

"You know I do. It's just, I know you. Like the good king you are, your loyalty is also to our people, this realm. I,"

"Do you hold her, because you fear she'll be taken from you, while you sleep?"

"I could not see them take her. The Umgadi ways are, Jerrod they aren't how they used to be. During conflict, yes, it was better to have the girls be taken and trained, rather than sold or abducted. They took orphan girls, or girls who's families couldn't afford them. Times aren't like that anymore. Even if they were, Mileena isn't in need of their kind of help."

"You could have told me you weren't going to go through with it. You embarrassed them. You made them come out here under the impression they were leaving with a child. They are furious. There are no honorary members. There were talks of abandoning the royal family all together."

"They sent children to their deaths. Glory of the fallen is for seasoned fighters. Not little girls. Mileena could have died before she ever made it back here. They would have changed her name, sent her to another sector. Tonight could have been the last time we saw her. They were never going to let us just see her whenever we wanted."

"We will have to reconcile this someway."

"I will see them disbanded before I hand her over."

"Then what? Then what of all the girls who can't just go home. They have no idea who they belong to. They'd have nowhere to go. You aren't the only one displeased by their traditions. Now you've painted yourself as the only one who can refuse them."

"It, it should be voluntary."

"Who would agree Sindel? Who? For what reason?"

"For what reason do we do it now? Tradition? Their egos? That's no reason to break up a family. I couldn't. I won't. Mileena is by birthright, the next in line for the throne. To pass it over to Kitana, so she can be a foot soldier, it would destroy her should she ever find out the truth."

"We do it, so we don't need them. It is not hubris or simply tradition that gives them the right to keep this going. It is design. When the lands were ripe with chaos, when the fields were watered with blood, and the boys were forced to be mercenaries. Where were the girls? Who took them?"

"I don't need a history lesson. I know."

"We've worked hard for this peace. Without it, we could only hope they would take both our girls. It is an honor they want her. It would be an honor for us to have her accepted."

Having nothing else to say to her husband, she went back to tending her girls. They wouldn't see eye to eye on this issue. Talking about it wasn't going to fix that. There was no common ground to be made, found or speculated upon. She didn't care how noble he made them sound. She wasn't handing over her daughter.

"There is nothing to do but deal with it for now." He reached over her and took Mileena off her lap. "I wish I could blame your recent condition on this choice you've made, but I had it feeling somehow things would end this way. Your father has a busy day ahead of him. Lend him your strength little one."

At last, she had her family happily together, enjoying one another. Whatever problems arose from her selfishness, she would face them with this moment as her motivation.