The faint sound of chirping birds just outside of the window was vexing her beyond belief.
The terrible headache that had afflicted her for days was still making havoc inside her, and there was nothing she craved more than to remain exactly as she was; locked inside the room with the curtains drawn, laying comfortably under the cool lining without twitching a muscle. Possibly, staying that way until the seasons changed and the weather cooled.
When she could not stand the insolent noise for a minute longer, Elizabeth gathered some strength, -and so very grudgingly- raised onto her forearms to glare at the disruption, even if she couldn't see the offenders from where she was.
Taking the pillow that she had been using to cover her head, she carelessly threw it in the windows' direction.
The glass rattled a couple of times when the soft projectile hit the target, and a laboured breath left her lungs, but everything around went blessedly silent afterwards.
As she returned to her comfortable cover under the thin sheets, the beginning of a triumphant smirk pulled at the corners of her lips. Swiftly disappearing when the door creaked open a second later.
Who had the impudence to enter without her permission?
"I ordered not to be disturbed." she growled to the maid that had thoughtlessly intruded in the middle of her celebration, burrowing her face deeper into the pillow while trying to make herself fall asleep once again.
There was no immediate response after her warning, but the door closed. The empty place next to her body dipped with the weight of another person, and a cool, big palm landed softly on her forehead.
"James" she sighed contently, a real smile drawing on her face as she pressed her forehead more firmly against his skin.
His touch was tender and the lower temperature of his body felt good against her burning-hot one, helping her ease some of her discomfort.
"Have you recovered a little today?" he inquired, letting his thumb brush away the wrinkle between her eyebrows. His deep voice maintaining a deep, even tone that didn't scratch at the inside of her skull.
"No"
A light chuckle was the response to her whine of dissatisfaction, sliding his hand up to her hair and gently carding his fingers through her damp scalp.
"Thankfully your fever appears to be finally receding"
Her disinterested response was a short "Hmmh"
James' eyes remained on her for a while, staring quietly at her. She didn't mind, his simple touch was very enjoyable.
"...You should allow the physician to pay you a visit" he attempted to convince her, again; as he'd been trying to do for the past few days.
The suggestion made her eyes open, only so she could glare at him. "I already said that's perfectly unnecessary. I'm alright" she assured him, irritation evident in her features.
"Love, you have barely tasted anything for the past a week" his tone was still gentle as he said it, but the concern was no longer masked, which only served to aggravate her more.
"I do not have an appetite. I feel sick"
"Elizabeth, could you please reconsider..."
"It is a simple cold." she interrupted him impatiently "I do not need to see a quack!"
James exhaled defeatedly, staring attentively at her with a small frown while his fingers continued with their delightful task.
Using his distraction, she took possession of his other hand, placing a languid kiss on the back of it before bringing her head down and placing it as a pillow.
Although it was not her intention to act unreasonably, her spirit was in a terribly sour state after spending the last two days prostrated in bed with a fever, and so, she did not wish to see anyone else, and only wished to be allowed to suffer in peace.
Hoping to distract him from his relentless insistence about bringing the physician, she asked him the first inquiry that came to her mind "Why are you home at such hour?"
Had he abandoned his duties in order to check on her health? It was completely unnecessary, and she had previously assured him there was no need for him to do so. He really needed to learn to listen to her, she was...
"The sun is about to set," was his prudently enounced response as he stared at her pointedly.
The unexpected words made her brow furrow in a frown and her eyes part once again.
Her upper body pushing sluggishly away from the bed until she was almost seated. The sudden change made her sight lose focus momentarily, and James' hands took firm hold of her shoulders as her body swayed a little.
Her gaze moving past his shoulder to the small gap between the curtains at his back.
"Oh" was her short, perplexed response.
It truly was late.
The clouds had all but disappeared, and the shades of pink and pale orange were already becoming dark blue.
Raising her eyes to his face, she watched as the frown that he had barely being containing, returned to his face with renewed determination.
"Why were there soldiers waiting outside the gate yesterday?" she asked him this time. It was partially a new attempt to divert his attention, but she was interested in the answer as well.
His eyes narrowed with reproach when he understood her scheme, but also seemed to realize that she did not want to continue arguing about her ailment, and would not listen to him willingly. So then James chose to humour her instead. "A dispatch arrived at port with a request from the Captain stationed in the outpost near Haiti."
She waited patiently, but he only stared back at her, looking completely ignorant.
"And then?" she prodded insistently once she understood he assumed her interest would be sated with only that much information.
One of his thin eyebrows raised at her persistence, but he complied without objection.
"The island was raided recently." he explained. And while he sounded displeased, he did not look particularly concerned about the matter.
Near Haiti?
Anticipating her next question, James responded before she spoke. "The letter sent was a request for reinforcements. As it is my understanding, a significant part of the fort's wall caved, so I gather the rebuilding efforts will take some weeks."
Elizabeth felt her face transform in a scowl of unwelcomed surprise at the last piece of information.
"Should I take that to mean you will be leaving again?"
James smile in response to the unhappiness in her tone was surprisingly self-satisfied, making her pout harder.
Leaning down, his lips brushed her cheek affectionately before they moved to her ear.
"I already sent The Audacious there." he whispered knowingly, before retreating enough that he could see her clearly "Lieutenant Groves is capable enough, he will deal with the situation accordingly in my stead."
Her mood relaxed easily, and a smile took over her face without permission.
James smiled back, but his expression quickly returned to troubled concern when her eyes squeezed close as a new wave of dizziness ailed her.
"Can you please lay down and rest now?" he pleaded, even as his hands gently pushed down on her shoulders to try to make her comply.
Resting was all she'd been doing lately, and she was entirely worn by it.
"Was it the French then?" she asked, ignoring his request again and rolling her eyes at him when his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "The ones responsible for the attack, James. Was it the French who attacked?"
Her dear husband offered her a frustrated glare at her blatant show of ignorance before eventually letting his head slump forward, eyes closing as his thumb and forefinger slowly rubbing over the delicate skin covering them.
"The perpetrators have yet to be caught, but there has been no such incident between the two nations that would merit such engagement at the present."
"But then why..."
"Elizabeth" he finally interrupted her -clearly accepting she would not desist,- languidly caressing her arms. "The attack took place almost immediately after a merchant convoy arrived seeking assistance. If their defences were lacking, the soldiers would have been ill prepared to repel an attack..." the reproach and judgment in him, much too evident as he pondered his thoughts out loud "It is evident the ship was being tailed, and pirates took the opportunity to engage," his neck tilted to the side, in order to try to ease the tension of his shoulders "If nothing else, it would explain the significant structural damage."
When her small hand climbed to his upper thigh in order to move in slow, aimless circles over it, his eyes narrowed slightly. "At the moment, you are a patient in recovery. There is absolutely no need for you to concern yourself with such matters."
His observation earned him a more pronounced pout. He knew Elizabeth did not appreciate his words, but she stopped insisting.
While his wife stared down at her lap with a frown of concentration, James occupied himself by tracing her features. He could clearly recognize the abnormal paleness of her skin, the dark rings under her eyes as they framed a disoriented gaze. Her beauty remained unaltered, but she appeared increasingly exhausted.
"If you are still feeling unwell by tomorrow, I'm summoning the physician." he found himself voicing soberly, bringing her attention back to him.
Elizabeth was not a frail woman, and while her illness did not appear to be all that severe, her unusual condition caused him conflict and worry.
Her delicate features transformed into a displeased grimace, her eyes regained some of their usual strength as she stared at him in petulant challenge.
Catching him by surprise when instead of an argumentative retort, her arms surged forward and she clung to his frame.
The force with which she pulled around his neck before bringing herself onto his lap and resting her face on his chest was unexpected, but also significantly reassuring.
Placing one palm on the soft surface of the bed to support both their weight and keep them erect, he used his free one to hold
"Please, don't" she begged tiredly, rubbing her face against his neck.
Even if her voice was muffled against his shirt, it still lacked its usual might and determination.
"Elizabeth" he called again, starting to feel some irritation of his own by her stubborn refusal "You said you were feeling ill but a few moments ago."
Instead of admitting defeat, her hands gripped tighter onto his clothes. "I don't want to see him. It's just a slight fever" she promised once more, tracing her hand up the back of his neck and digging her fingers inside his soft, dark hair; stroking the strands with soothing motions. Only then realizing that he was no longer wearing his uniform.
Taking advantage of her weakened state, James used his own weight to laid down on the bed, bringing her down with him The comfortable position left her unable to argue for any longer; readily accepting her loss as her head rested on his bicep, eyes closing tiredly.
"You need to eat properly" he repeated, lowering his voice when her hands halted and her body tensed under his "Please. I am sincerely concerned about your health"
With a long exhale she nodded in agreement, feeling her eyelids become heavier, starting to fall back asleep. "Stay with me" she ordered softly, using her remaining energy to embrace him.
His deep chuckle was the most pleasant sound in the world.
"Promise me you´ll eat then" he bargained, pressing his lips against her forehead.
"Are you trying to blackmail me?" Her own words made her smirk amusedly as her body lost all its strength against her will. "What an outrage" she mumbled playfully.
"You were the one to suggest I should be more cunning"
She did laugh heartily at his liberal understanding and use of her advice. "I do not believe those were the words I used, Sir"
When his arms wrapped around her and his fingers stroked her head lovingly, it became much too easy to relent with a nod. She did not care much for it anyway. Cozying closer to his body, she basked in the way he played with the curls on the top of her head.
...
The next morning, Elizabeth woke up to the unwanted call of one of the maids. Although witnessing the timid way in which the girl entered the room, almost made her feel guilty. until the girl gathered her courage to inform her of the arrival of the physician, in spite of her wishes.
Acutely aware that her rejection would have resulted in a fight between them, and much too fatigued for it, she had sullenly allowed the old man to examine her.
However, all useless thoughts about retribution against James as repayment for his dishonourable trap, came to a brusque halt.
The disproportionate irritation for the presence of the man since the moment of his arrival, had all but extinguished by the time he walked out of their home.
Her mind now occupied by much more pressing concerns after learning just how completely mistaken she'd been.
It was not a cold, and most definitely not nothing.
But it wasn't possible! her brain bargained stubbornly, making her grimace.
...Well, of course it was, clearly it was... but still!
After spending the last hour nervously pacing around the length of James' study, Elizabeth was still struggling to achieve some semblance of composure while fighting to control the wave of rising panic.
It was too soon! Much too soon! Not even an entire year had passed since the day of their wedding.
It was a real disaster!
A new intrusive, impertinent thought made her anxiety rise as the beat of her heart quickened erratically.
What if... James didn't want it?
Her hands covered her face to muffle the short, frustrated yell that she couldn't prevent from escaping.
How was she supposed to tell him!?
They had never truly talked about the possibility... Had he ever expressed a desire to have them? or even interest? she couldn't remember absolutely anything at all.
Her thoughts and feelings a disordered mess, unsure on what to do, and even less so, how to feel.
...How could she be with child!?
The stupidity of her own question made her feet stop their incessant pacing, becoming so flustered by the mere word that it actually helped her calm down a little.
But when had it happened?
They had not even seen each other very often for the past couple of months, she had always been mindful... They hadn't even been intimate since…. oh.
Her chaotic mind finally stopped making noise inside her head as everything went oddly quiet and clear instead.
It was definitely then.
A hot flush that she would not have thought possible took over her face. Remembering how overly enthusiastic and affectionate she had behaved while welcoming him back home after his first journey on The Audacious some weeks back.
A child…
She moaned in realization, bringing one of her hands to rest on her flat stomach with apprehension, her fist clenching the fabric of her bodice so tightly it felt like she might rip it.
There was a child inside her.
The mere idea was daunting, sending her heart into a fluttering delirium that could rival the flying wings of a hummingbird. And yet... there was also uncontainable anticipation spreading on her chest. She was scared, incredibly so, but also... completely excited. She wanted the baby, it was hers and it was also his, it was their child.
But she had no notion on how to properly care for one.
Another frustrated noise abandoned her as she resumed her aimless pacing of the room.
No, no. She needn't panic, she tried to reassure herself. James would obviously want it, he would be happy... Wouldn't he?
Doubt infringing into her mind again. Although she only allowed herself to dwell on it for a brief moment before shaking her head vigorously in order to dispel such silly concerns. Reprehending herself for doubting him.
Of course he would be! He would be delighted! ecstatic even!
Elizabeth could not muster a reason why he wouldn't be… but… It was too soon!
Nevertheless, there was nothing she could do about it, aside from accepting the fact that she was going to have a baby.
After the dumb man announced the shocking news to her with offensive nonchalance and quite some bluntness, he had also assured her the baby was in perfect health, which resulted in an immense wave of relief travelling through her body at knowing she hadn't accidentally hurt it with her ignorance.
It was not something she planned, but it would be alright. It had to be alright.
No matter what she did to try to distract herself, her thoughts once more wandered back to her husband.
Elizabeth knew she would have to tell him, and quickly; otherwise she would risk the announcement spreading all through Port Royal before she was ever given the opportunity to do so herself.
While Mr. Smith was a boring, unaware man, and not known to be a particularly talkative person, his hag of a wife was. Elizabeth had witnessed the insufferable excitement in Mrs. Smith's eyes each time she acquired first hand knowledge of fresh news. And it was much too easy to remember the way the woman had always magnified, or even fabricated the details as much as she possibly could, sometimes even adding outlandish claims.
Once the woman knew, it would not be long before the rest of the people did.
Being forced to talk might not be the worst, she eventually decided with resignation. Otherwise she would easily convince herself to avoid the matter until James realized it by himself.
...Damned gossips!
…
She had resolved to tell James promptly. But hours later, Elizabeth still lacked the faintness idea on how to start such conversation.
Swiftly babbling out the words had seemed like the easiest way to proceed, but the second she had seen him enter the dinning room after his return home that night, she became much too nervous to do it. Opting to feign normalcy by welcoming him home in the same manner she always did.
And thus, spent the entire night staring at his profile, feeling a little resentful that he could sleep so peacefully while she anguished at his side.
By the time the sun had risen again and he made his way to the fort, she was beyond irritated at the both of them.
It was absurd! Since when had she become a coward!? Why couldn't she just tell him? And how was he so oblivious? How could he not realize she was expecting his child!?
Hours spent seething at her own cowardice, she decided she would tell him that same day, no matter how she had to do it.
After ordering the maids to prepare a basket with food and the carriage to be readied, she spent an unreasonable amount of time getting dressed. However, Elizabeth couldn't comprehend why none of the dresses she owned seemed sufficient enough for the occasion.
It took her a couple more hours to arrange her hair, only to become frustrated and deciding to leave it flow loosely instead.
And by the time she finally reached his quarters at the fort, her heart had resumed its unsteady beat from the day before. Admittedly, she had wandered around the building and lingered the hallway for much too long before compelling herself into walking thru the door at last. Belatedly realizing that she might have been holding the faint hope to find him engaged in some important meeting, or surrounded by his officers.
But James was alone and unbothered, sitting at his desk with a relaxed posture
"Good afternoon, Commodore"
Confusion crossed his expression, followed by surprise as their eyes met. "Elizabeth?"
"Hello, Dear" she greeted, as cheerfully as she could.
His steps were hasty as he walked to her, looking her up and down as he approached. "Did something happen? What are you doing here?" he questioned, palms taking hold of her face as soon as she was within reach "Are you well enough to be outside?"
She scoffed softly at his interrogation, lifting the basket that he had rudely ignored, bringing it up between their faces. "I brought you proper nourishment" was her casual reply.
He stared at the object for a long moment before returning his attention to her, looking speechless and even more confused. But his eyes narrowed as he quickly regained his bearings.
"Did you allow the physician to properly examine you?"
Her stomach gave a sudden turn, before her irritation conquered.
"How could you summon him without my consent?" she demanded with a growl.
"I warned you I would." was his shameless response.
"That was foul treachery"
James exhaled in annoyance but stared at her, confidently and remorselessly. She stared right back, eyes narrowed and her chin held high; although she became tired of standing like that quite fast. Grabbing his hand, she walked him to the sofa, sitting down and bringing him down with her.
Elizabeth could feel his eyes staring intently at her as she quietly placed the basket on the low table and started pulling out its contents. Her hands distractedly working on setting the table for him.
"Elizabeth."
The way he said her name made his request clear. Taking pity of him, she told him sincerely "He assured me I am in very good health."
It was the truth, she truly wasn't sick. But it was also not the complete truth.
"Did Mr. Smith say anything else?"
Her fingers twitched at his question.
"Nothing" she lied, feeling her doubts begin overwhelming her once again, she continued to avoid his inquiring gaze until his hand grabbed onto hers so she would stop fiddling with the cutlery she had already rearranged for the fourth time.
"Then why are you acting so impatiently?"
"I am not." she denied quickly, looking back at him with a frown.
James simply smiled indulgently at her. "You are"
Were her nerves that evident?
Her eyes wandered to the outside, The Dauntless was moored in its usual spot, but The Audacious was nowhere to be seen.
"I have been locked inside the state for some time now. It is to be expected that I am slightly restless" she excused, not truly caring whether he believed it or not.
He chuckled gently, which meant her lie wasn't trusted.
"I promise to take you sailing as soon as you recover completely"
It was an earnest promise, said with the confidence of someone certain of his words; it was a promise she was sure he would do whatever he could to keep. The same way he always did, the same he always had.
Her lips pulled into a smirk, unable to help but realize it would take some long months for her to 'recover.'
Turning her body towards his, she leaned over to him, lightly kissing his jaw.
"I would love that" she assured him, taking hold of his hand in hers and bringing it down to her abdomen. "But, I think it is going to take a very long time if you really wait until then," Taking a short breath, she prepared herself before her next words left her "and we'll need to make arrangements so we can take our baby with us"
'Our baby' it was the first time she'd ever say the words; it was an odd notion, unfamiliar, but... It felt right and comforting.
Although the tentative tone she was unable to mask from her voice embarrassed her.
James did not appear to care that her nails were digging into his hands. His stunned eyes stared wide open as he assimilated her last words, so much so that she let out a small, nervous giggle; anxiously waiting for his answer.
Even though his lips had separated, he was yet to make a noise, any noise. And after a much too prolonged moment of silence, her nerves could not bear it any longer.
Reaching for his cheek, she asked with an unsure whisper "James... Are you planning to continue staring at me without saying a word, dear?"
His eyes finally blinked, and the next second, she was engulfed inside his embrace.
"Elizabeth... what.. that..."
His inability to articulate proper words was so unlike himself that it was comforting. His lovely scent and the way in which his arms held her tightly helped her relax.
"We are going to have a child, James" she repeated, more confidently this time, as she clung to him her arms held onto his back with all her strength.
One of his hands held her hip while the other one caressed the back of her head with the gentlest of pressures.
"…Thank you, Love" he whispered. And the faint break of his normally steady voice sent an indescribable wave of relief that made her eyes sting.
"Are you pleased? Truly?" she insisted, pushing her face against the thick fabric on his shoulder so she could suppress an impertinent sniffle.
The adorable laugh he gifted her with was so filled with mirth that the wet pressure behind her eyes finally overflooded.
He separate from her only enough she he could rest his forehead against hers. His eyes shined with such joy that her own flowed freely.
She knew his answer before he spoke.
"I am."
Just those two words made her chest fill with indescribably warmth and happiness.
"Of course I am, Elizabeth"
His delicate tone made her flush. She tried to hide her embarrassment against his neck, but he would not allow her too look away.
His thumb swept gingerly under her eye as she gripped his neck tightly, pushing her toes against the floor until her mouth reached his.
It was all the same since that first time. Same soft lips, same gentle hands and warm embrace, all of them meant only for her.
When they took a breath, his lips travelled up her nose, down her temple, over her cheeks. "You are the most marvellous woman I know."
Unable to contain all the profound emotions she had been experiencing in such a fast sequence, she began laughing. A laugh with relief, with elation, with love.
"I will always protect you." he promised, continuing to brush his lips affectionately over hers. Long fingertips moving lightly over her abdomen. "Both of you" he amended, "No matter what. You have my word."
Taking both sides of his jaw she pulled his face away from hers, just enough that he could see her delighted expression.
"I already know that, Love"
Note: I mean with the amount of action they get it was expected haha. I do have to clarify that this is not about to become a pregnancy centred fic, there's only a little bit, but it's not going to go too deeply into that.
Also thank you for all the guest comments, I love all of them. It's a shame I cannot answer those individually.