The Youngest

By Rose Stetson

Summary: Osten Schreave never failed to surprise his family… Even at the very beginning.

Timeline: Between The One and The Heir.

There was something about being eight months pregnant that should have exempted me from having to sit through one of the laborious council meetings. At least, that's what I might have tried to tell Maxon this morning when he'd asked me to come if he hadn't given me that pained look that told me he didn't want to ask this of me.

He'd taken my hands in his and kissed my knuckles. "I know you're going to want to stay in the women's room today, but the Council needs to discuss healthcare, and I think you're a better judge of what's working or what's not working than I am. Or frankly almost any of the other advisors."

"But Maxon, I've been in the palace for each of my pregnancies. I don't have the same struggles that even the other people in my family might have had. And I was here when Kenna had her baby," I had explained. "So, I can't even tell you if there was something that she struggled with."

And I couldn't call her. Or ask anyone without risking grief crossing their faces. She, like my father, had left us too soon.

Still, I had eased myself out of bed, allowing my maids to dress me. And it had nothing to do with Maxon swearing that he'd take the morning off with me tomorrow as we joyfully anticipated the coming of this newest addition to our family.

Even sitting in the Council room, I smoothed my dress over my growing bump. This third pregnancy had been just as welcome as the first two, but I couldn't deny that I'd had more challenges with this one than with the other two. I could feel my age, even though I wasn't really old, and I suspected that this baby–our fourth–might be our last.

There was something bittersweet in that. Excitement for the coming days where we would get to hold him and watch him grow like we'd watched Eadlyn, Ahren, and Kaden. Sorrow that this would be the last time we cooed over a baby's first smile. First word. First steps.

At least until we had grandchildren to fawn over.

I shifted to try and relieve the dull ache in my back. Though I knew that pregnancy usually came with these sorts of aches and pains, this back pain seemed to be worse than usual.

As I shifted, I could see Aspen across the table ask me a question.

I smiled and shook my head, knowing that in his constant sweeps for danger, he was wondering if I needed to be escorted to the hospital wing.

I knew my body well enough to know when I was merely uncomfortable and when I was in labor. This was the former. Not the latter.

Not to be outdone, Maxon put one hand on mine as he continued reviewing the reports in front of him. One of the advisors was droning on about the cost of healthcare and what a strain it was on the nation's coffers.

I wanted to roll my eyes. "Sir, you don't know what it's like to watch your family suffer, do you?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Your Majesty, I hardly think–"

"I knew families who watched their children grow weak and sick," I said, matter-of-factly. "They'd beg for work so they could afford even a basic cough suppressant or fever reducer. I don't think it's out of line for the country to rally around these unfortunate families in their time of struggle."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maxon's lip tug upward in a suppressed grin. Apparently, he had counted on my fire to keep this Council member in his place.

"Your Majesty, I can understand your point, but we cannot ignore the facts. This program is hemorrhaging money. There has to be a better way to get the lower castes the medical assistance they need."

I nearly rolled my eyes. I would have if I had been younger. But the Queen was supposed to have more poise than a seventeen-year-old girl who had a fiery temper. Given that it had been ten years since then, I'd learned a few things.

I groaned slightly as I shifted again. This backache was no joke. "What about sliding scale fees and discounted medicines?"

Maxon straightened, one of the ways he showed his nonverbal enthusiasm for an idea. Across the table, Aspen's eyes brightened with a similar hope. "You mean, charge different amounts for different castes?"

We'd already done away with some of the lower castes, so I wasn't sure that was the right move, but it was on the right track. "More like, give families the option to pay for their care based on their income. Even my family had seasons where we had more work at certain times of the year than others."

Aspen was nodding. "That's true of Sixes as well. There's almost always more work available before a holiday party, but if a family that usually hires you goes on vacation, there goes part of your income."

I tried to smile my encouragement to Aspen who didn't often speak up in these meetings about his struggles as a Six, but the absolute disinterest on the Councilman's face distracted me. "And what happens when families realize that they are not paying the same amount for the same services. Won't the upper castes go to a different doctor for better service?"

Another voice across the room popped up, "And maybe some of the castes won't even try to get more income because they'll want to qualify for the lower costs."

Maxon cleared his throat. "I realize I speak from a place of privilege, but I can't imagine a situation where I would stop working as hard as I could for my family just because I could save a few dollars on the chance that one of my children gets sick."

I might have applauded him if the pain in my back hadn't crescendoed to a strong cramp in my abdomen. I had to work hard not to show the discomfort on my face. Not to mention the sudden wave of nausea that crested over me, rivaling some of my worst bouts of morning sickness.

"We don't talk about this often, but my mother for all her grace and poise did suffer from ailments related to the years before she was in the Selection," Maxon said, once again nonverbally taking my hand as if he was attuned to me.

Lady Brice, a relatively new face on the Council spoke up. "And some of the lower castes became that way because of illness. They weren't able to work, even as a two or a three, and they slowly became sevens and eights because our country wasn't designed to take care of people who needed additional care."

"Perhaps that's just the law of nature," the Councilman said, throwing his hands up in frustration. "If you can't take care of yourself, then perhaps it's best to let nature take its course."

Another spasm, so close to the first hit me with such a force that I dug my fingernails into Maxon's arm.

He didn't even look at me, just patted my hand again. Aspen's eyebrows however, did furrow together. Maybe it was because Maxon could only see me in his periphery. Maybe it was because Aspen was trained to watch for things that were out of place.

But Aspen seemed to know more about how I was doing than my own husband did.

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should take–" Aspen said, standing.

Maxon clapped one fist on the table, effectively cutting Aspen off. "If that's really how you feel about the sick and infirm, then you have no place on this Council, Sir Hugh. We are here to provide solutions for all our citizens. Not only the wealthy or the powerful. I do agree that these numbers are concerning, but America has given us an idea for how to recoup at least some of our costs. Does anyone have any better suggestions?"

The whole table erupted into a passionate debate, but my focus was on the sensations in my body.

Something had just shifted in a way that made me feel more urgent about getting to the hospital wing. Maybe that backache had been a new presentation of labor than I'd ever experienced? Because I could feel pressure like I'd only ever felt three other times in my life. Like this next baby was far closer to his arrival than I was prepared.

My mind raced. Could I make it to the hospital wing? Could I even walk?

I staggered to my feet, two guards stepping forward to help me as Maxon looked at me in confusion. "America?"

I grabbed his shoulder, and the exertion of getting to my feet caused my body to erupt in more painful contractions. I tried not to pant, but given the look of panic on the face of the Council member just over Maxon's shoulder, I wasn't doing a good job of hiding just how painful this was. I tried to make my voice quiet but forceful. "Maxon, I think we might have this baby here if we don't leave right now."

His eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he stood, instantly wrapping one arm around my waist. He bent as though he was going to try and carry me but I shook my head. "I can walk," I grunted. "But not far."

I hoped he could read my mind. It felt strange that after priding myself on knowing how my body responded to birth, I could be taken so completely by surprise.

Lady Brice seemed to take charge and urge the other Council members out of the room. Someone, maybe Aspen, must have called for my maid and Maxon's butler because they both appeared within seconds of each other.

At some point in my pain, I had wrapped both arms around Maxon's neck as if we were dancing, and leaned my face against his shoulder, giving myself an option to cry out without alerting the entire palace to my plight.

Maxon held me, murmuring sweet words of encouragement in my ear as the contraction passed.

When it finally did, he locked his gaze with me. "Can you make it to my room?"

I bit my lip, then nodded. I would be damned if I gave birth here in this conference room where only a moment ago a councilman had tried to claim that it was only right for some people to die because they could not care for themselves. Of all the stupid...

Maxon whispered something to the butler as my maid took my elbow. "Your Majesty, shall I get you a robe and a nightgown?"

I wasn't sure we'd have enough time for all that but I nodded. "That would be lovely, but only after I'm settled."

It was so fortunate that Maxon's office, which was one room over from the conference room, was connected to his suite. I wasn't sure we would even make it to mine before my body took over and forced me to expel its inhabitant.

Someone had stripped the bed of its luxurious blankets and left only sheets and several towels in place.

I hoped I was wrong, but I had a feeling that this was going to be the one baby of ours who was delivered outside the hospital wing.

In the comfort of the bed where he'd been conceived.

Maxon allowed me to lean on him as my maid helped remove my gown. I groaned against him, both wishing that he would stop touching me because of his raging body heat and aching for the comfort of his touch even more than I already had it.

"The young prince seems to be in a hurry," Maxon said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Something tells me this isn't the last time he'll–" I bit back a cry as my dress dropped to the ground leaving only my silky slip. "He'll inconvenience us."

Without waiting for me to say otherwise, Maxon swung me into his arms and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

A quick knock at the door seemed to indicate that the doctor was here. Instead, Ahren and Kaden seemed to appear. "Dad, we can't find Mom anywhere…"

I moaned low, unable to hide the sounds.

Maxon kissed my forehead as set me on the bed, then walked to the door to help our sons. "Boys, your mother's not going to be able to help you right now. Why don't you go find Nanny and ask her for help, hm?"

I looked over, hoping to reassure them between contractions. "It's okay, Ahren. I think your baby brother is coming."

Ahren was frozen to his spot on the floor, his eyes as wide as saucers. Only the promise of a baby brother seemed to do anything to move the eight-year-old from his spot. "Do you need anything, Mom?"

Maxon took over. "Right now, she needs some privacy, okay, but I'll update you as soon as I can. Tell Eadlyn that your mother and I are not to be disturbed but that we love you and I'll find you as soon as there's anything to announce."

Tears wet my eyes. Maxon was such a wonderful father. The opposite of the man who had raised him.

Little Kaden took Ahren by the hand. "Let's find Eady and tell her we're getting our baby brother."

Ahren looked reluctant to leave. He was probably the most sensitive of my children. Kaden was a born leader, and though it was funny to see the roles reversed, it didn't really surprise me that the younger boy had taken charge.

"I love you, Momma."

It had been years since he'd called me that, and it soothed my heart. Even as my body shook with the onset of another contraction.

Another voice at the door seemed indistinguishable as my maid brought a robe and a nightgown that would be more comfortable than what little I was still wearing.

"Thank you for coming, Doctor," Maxon said, shaking the man's hand. Already, Maxon looked somewhat frazzled. Something that usually came after I had been in labor for hours. He must have also done something with his tie because it was hanging undone out of his collar. "I think this little one is more eager than we expected."

Everything seemed to be going so quickly that it all blurred together. Maxon had sat on the bed half-behind me so that I could lean on him for support. He also offered me his hands if I needed them to relieve some of the pain of the contractions. All while he whispered encouragement to me.

I didn't have the heart to ask him for Marlee. Or Lucy. Or my mother.

Crouched toward the end of the bed, the doctor did a quick examination. "Your Majesty, I can see the baby's head. Won't be long now."

I leaned against Maxon's chest, almost sobbing in part because I knew that if we were this close, they wouldn't be able to even offer me any medication to help with the pain.

"You can do this, America," Maxon said, leaning his forehead to mine. "You've done it before."

"Maxon, I know you're not about making decisions in the heat of the moment," I said, between panted breaths, "but I think this might be our last baby."

He laughed. "Anything you want, my dear."

I threw him a venomous look and won an impish grin as if he knew that pushing that button would take my mind off my immediate troubles. I just shook my head and leaned in for an embrace.

He kissed my temple. "Shall we have a baby, darling?" he asked, his voice so full of love and tenderness that it nearly broke me.

I gave him a brave smile and turned back to the doctor. "I think I'm ready to push."

Osten Schreave was born only a few minutes later with a full head of bright red locks.

Maxon laughed as the squirming baby was toweled off, wrapped up, and put in my arms. "About time someone in our family had red hair to rival yours, America."

I didn't respond, just held the baby close and let the bonding hormones transport me to a state of total bliss.

Maxon wrapped one arm around my shoulders and leaned over to look at our son more closely. "He's perfect."

A tired smile lifted my lips as I looked over at Maxon. "Thank you."

His eyes quickly moved from the baby to me, filled with an unspoken curiosity. "I think that if anyone should be thanking anyone in this moment, I should be thanking you."

I shook my head, overwhelmed with the love for this husband and this newest little member of the family we'd created. "You picked me, Maxon. And because you did, we have this beautiful family. This perfect baby." Tears spilled down my cheeks. "I did so many things back then…"

Maxon hushed me with all the tenderness he could muster, even going so far as to put a gentle thumb against my lips. "Those days are in the past, America. We've had ten years of marriage, and we're just getting started, you and me. Besides, I was just as much a part of holding back pieces of my heart back then."

He turned my face toward his and gave me a lingering kiss on my lips. "As hard as it was going through everything, I wouldn't change it for the world. That was how we learned to trust each other, even when we weren't sure. That's how we learned we could change our country. And if Eadlyn is any indication, that legacy isn't going away anytime soon."

I leaned against him, suddenly overcome with a wave of exhaustion. "She's not the only one, Maxon. They're all carrying that torch. Maybe in different ways, but there's no doubt in my mind that every one of our children are going to take this world by storm."

He grinned. "Well, at least they come by it naturally."

The baby, who had settled into my embrace as if he'd been there for years, yawned with his fists clenched in the air, like he was giving up the fight against this new circumstance. At least until he'd had a chance to rest a little.

I would never get over how absolutely precious each of these moments were. If my body hadn't just rung itself through the ringer, I might have been tempted to stay awake and watch him.

Maxon kissed the top of my head and leaned his cheek against it as he took a moment to process everything that had just happened. I loved how sensitive he was in the still moments like these.

I craned my neck slightly to get his attention. Then, I gestured to the wall. "When is little Osten going to get his picture up on the wall?"

Maxon reached onto the nightstand for something his butler had placed there a few minutes before the doctor had arrived. "I don't really want to get up and try to take a perfect shot right now," he admitted with his nose buried in my sweaty hair. "But maybe I can still capture this moment."

I tried to position the baby in such a way that his face would show just as well as his father's and mine as Maxon turned the camera lens toward us. With only a few words of direction, he positioned his face and mine close enough to the baby's so we would all get in the shot. Then, right before the photo clicked, he kissed me.

In my mind's eye, I could almost picture the photo and how it would turn out. Maxon and me sharing a look of adoring love as we presented the world with our youngest child. Perhaps, even, the last one we would ever bring into this world.

A timid knock on Maxon's door stole our attention as Marlee peeked her head around the corner. "America? Is everything–"

She stopped speaking as she took in the sight before her. The bundle in my arms. The sweat on my brow.

"America," she breathed in an excited whisper. "He's here?"

I grinned and tucked the baby closer to my chest. "Yes. Meet Osten Schreave."

Marlee almost seemed to ask for permission before Maxon waved her inside. "I only heard a few minutes ago that you were in labor. You didn't waste any time."

Maxon snorted. "Something tells me that's just a preview of what's to come with this little man."

Given the fact that Maxon and I had held closely to ourselves what a surprise this pregnancy had been, I suspected he was right. "He was just eager to see the world, I think."

Marlee pressed her hands to her lips as she caught sight of the baby. "Oh, America, he's beautiful. And with all that gorgeous red hair. He'll be catching the eyes of the girls in no time."

"It's a good thing he won't have a Selection," Maxon murmured under his breath. "It was bad enough when I was the prize at the end of it."

I gave him a playfully reprimanding look. "As someone who actually saw the behind-the-scenes of that Selection, there were plenty of girls happy to get their hooks into you."

Maxon's lips lifted into a bit of a smile as he placed yet another kiss on my cheek. As with all the other babies we'd had together, I suspected that this was just one of the first of a thousand kisses and loving caresses that would come over the next few weeks that would proclaim to me without words that he and I made beautiful babies together and that his heart was full to overflowing with joy at our growing family.

Marlee cleared her throat as if to remind us that she was still in the room. "You'll get used to that, Osten. Your parents were made for each other. Even if it took them forever to figure it out for themselves."

I tried to hide as a yawn overtook my expression.

Maxon helped me lay back on the pillows and propped my arms up so I could continue holding the infant. "You should get some rest, and I promised the boys an update."

I could feel my eyelids growing heavy. "You should bring them to see their new brother. Eadlyn, too."

"I will. But not until after you've gotten some rest."

The last thing I remembered was the feel of his lips on my forehead as I drifted off to sleep.

There was a tray of food on the nightstand when I woke, and the sandwiches kindled the ravenous hunger in my belly.

Maxon smiled from where he stood by the window, cradling little Osten in his arms. "I heard that all the way over here. Hungry?"

My body ached as I sat up more fully and reached for the tray. "Famished."

Maxon motioned to the train with his chin. "The doctor left a pain reliever on the tray. He said to take it with food as needed."

Another way that my husband and the palace staff were looking ahead to my every need and comfort.

"He wanted to move you both to the hospital wing for your recovery, but I didn't want to make that decision without you."

I shook my head as I took a bite of the artfully crafted sandwich, a mix of meat and cheese highlighted by a slightly spicy sauce and vegetables between two slices of artisan bread. "There's no need, although we might have to move into my suite for a few days."

I would be extra attentive to Maxon's butler for the next few months. He and the other household staff probably weren't looking forward to cleaning up the effects of a live birth on the king's mattress.

Maxon's smile was tender as he looked down at our son. "How can I complain now that we have this little one with us?"

My heart melted again as it always did the first time I saw Maxon bonding with our newborns. His strong hands and arms were such a change from their fragile tiny bodies, and yet, he held them with such confidence and softness.

I knew they were safe with him.

And it appeared that the newest member of our family knew it as well since I could hear tiny newborn snores from that side of the room.

"Did you tell the kids?" I asked before taking another bite of my sandwich.

Maxon nodded. "I said that I would call them when you were ready. I figured we'd have your maid come in and help get you feeling presentable before we called them in."

I reached for the baby, and Maxon instantly made his way in my direction. "Has Osten had his bath yet?"

Again, Maxon bobbed his head. "This hair is even redder than it was when he was first born, I swear."

I let an amused smile grace my lips as one finger glided against the baby's smooth cheek. "It always astounds me how in an instant there's a little person in our arms."

Then, without warning, I changed the subject. "Would you be opposed to this being our last baby?"

Maxon's head snapped up, though his eyes were still glazed over with adoration and love. "We've done our duty, America. I still hold my position that this might not be the best time to make that decision, but if that's what you want, I am perfectly content with the four little rascals we already have."

My eyes watered as my heart swelled with love for this man.

How unlike his father he was. Where Clarkson might have berated me or demanded that I do his bidding, Maxon was willing to wait for resolution when we had clearer heads. He was willing to compromise and bend with me.

It hadn't been perfect by any stretch, but as we had learned to lean into one another, it had grown into something truly precious. And more resilient than either of us could have imagined.

"Your Majesty?" My maid curtsied as she walked into the room. "Can I get you anything else?"

I shifted slightly and set the remainder of my sandwich to the side. "I think I'm ready to bathe and dress. My children are going to want to see their new brother, and I don't want to keep them waiting."

Eadlyn's nose scrunched up as she looked at baby Osten. "He's all wrinkly. Is he supposed to look like that?"

I couldn't help but laugh, and Maxon joined me. "Yes, sweetheart. This is what babies look like when they've just been born, but he'll grow."

Ahren hovered toward the back of the group as Kaden came and sat beside me on the bed. "I want to hold him. He's my brother."

Maxon took the baby from me and carefully positioned the baby into the four-year-old's arms. "Watch his head, okay? He can't hold it up on his own."

Eadlyn peered over Kaden's shoulder, her eyes dark in concentration. "I guess he's cute."

Maxon's expression was slightly far off. "Just wait until the rest of the country hears he's here. They're going to be so excited."

A light pop went off in the distance, and I shared a look with Maxon, hoping to ask what was going on.

Maxon's face lit up with a smile. "The mayor of Angeles called the palace today and warned me this might happen."

He walked over to the balcony and opened the doors. In the distance, brightly colored fireworks lit up against the night sky.

Eadlyn's eyes widened. "That's amazing! Did they do fireworks when I was born, Daddy?"

I half-expected Ahren to elbow his way into his sister's spot and remind her that she hadn't been the only one those fireworks would have celebrated. But he stayed right where he'd been standing. Not saying a word.

I patted the space beside me on the bed as Kaden grunted that he was done with the baby. "Come and sit, Ahren."

Maxon took the baby from Kaden, who ran off to look at the fireworks, then looked over at Ahren. "Do you want to hold him?"

Ahren, who had just sat on the edge of the bed, bobbed his head once. "Okay."

Once again, Maxon walked him through the mechanics of holding the baby safely. Ahren, so careful to take care of everyone around him, hardly breathed while the baby was in his arms.

I looked over Ahren's shoulder as Osten's mouth twitched. Though I knew it was likely just his reflexes making sure that everything was in working order, I glanced down at the oldest of my sons. "Looks like he likes you."

Ahren's back straightened. "Really?"

I nodded. "He's going to need a big brother like you to help him figure out what it's like to be a prince."

Ahren's chest seemed to swell with pride. "I can do that."

"Me, too," Kaden said, racing over from the window. "I'm a prince, too, Mommy!"

Maxon heaved the four-year-old onto the bed and I kissed the top of my middle son's head. "Yes, Kaden, you are. You can both show Osten what it's like to be a prince."

"But I'm the only one who's going to be Queen," Eadlyn said, putting on an air of self-importance.

I glanced over at Maxon who just shook his head. He would talk to Eadlyn about the responsibilities of being the heir apparent to the Crown, and if he needed my help, he'd reach out.

"Is it hard to have a baby?" Ahren asked, looking at me with concern.

I couldn't lie but neither could I make the whole thing as scary as he must think it was. "It takes a lot of hard work to get a baby born, but there's nothing quite like holding them in your arms, or watching their older brothers and sisters take care of them."

He nodded, his old soul digesting the information with care.

"Eadlyn, do you want a turn to hold the baby?" Maxon asked, looking down at her.

She hesitated a moment before she nodded. "Okay."

Ahren carefully passed the baby to Maxon, who once again, situated the baby in someone else's arms.

"One of the responsibilities of a queen is to have babies who can take over the royal line," I said, gently. "One day, you're going to be the one with the baby, and we'll all be visiting and taking turns holding him or her."

Eadlyn's brow furrowed. "I don't think I want to do that. I like running the country better."

I couldn't help but smile. "Your dad took the day off to be with our family, sweetheart. You don't have to choose between having babies and running the country."

As if on cue, Maxon's butler walked in with an expression of apology on his face. He passed Maxon a note, and Maxon's carefree look seemed to age before my eyes. "Thank you."

He folded the paper and stuck it in his pocket before he turned to the three walking, talking children on our bed. "Okay, Mom and Osten have had a long day and need some rest. Time for you three to head to bed."

As Maxon lifted the baby out of Eadlyn's arms and placed him back in mine, she popped off the bed. "Can we stay up and watch the fireworks? Just a little longer?"

Maxon shared a look with me as if to ask what I thought.

I nodded. "The whole country is celebrating your little brother. I'll tell Nanny when she comes to get you that it's alright with me."

Maxon walked the lively bunch of children to the door where Nanny collected them. He murmured something that I assumed were our permission for them to enjoy the fireworks before bed. Then, turned back to me. "Apparently, the country can't give me a full day off. Do you mind if I go back to work for a little while?"

I wanted to protest, not for my sake but for his. He needed a rest.

But if I asked him to stay, he would. And his mind would be a million miles away, percolating on the pressing issues that would have been urgent enough to be brought to his attention. I tugged at his button-down shirt, and he brought his lips closer to mine. "You've had a long day, too, Maxon. Do what you need to do, then come back to bed with us."

His lips lifted in a smile as he nodded. "I promise."

I didn't release his shirt for just a second as I looked back at the bundle in my arms. "Maxon Schreave?"

He looked over at me. "Yes, America Singer?"

I sighed, so full of love hormones that my brain almost went a little fuzzy. "We make the most beautiful babies."

He grinned. "That we do, America. That we do."