Val had to admit, it had scared the ever-loving daylights out of her when she'd rolled over half asleep and found a small blonde mess of hair meeting her instead of thick brown…but then she remembered that Varian had been gone three days already and she managed to calm herself before she made a noise and woke the boy.

She should've expected Anduin's habit of bed hopping to start up again after his father left, and she certainly couldn't blame him for wanting to do it- things were quiet without Varian, and she'd be the first to admit it.

In fact, things were quiet everywhere- seemingly everyone in Stormwind had someone they knew or loved going to the Wrathgate later on today, and the atmosphere was heavy, tense, everything she had never imagined the city to feel like.

Lying here seven months pregnant with a stepson to care for and a kingdom on the brink of good or bad news wasn't really how she'd seen her life turning out like, but she'd make the most of it, she'd already promised Varian that when he'd left.

Even Elliot had apparently realised something was amiss- normally in the mornings she was pelted with a barrage of rolls and kicks, but today there was only a few, which only told her that her own stresses were affecting the boy and she needed to calm down, quickly.

She took a deep inhale, figuring that would help even a little bit, tempted to close her eyes again and make the day disappear quicker but choosing not to.

Anduin stirred, turning onto his back and looking the ideal picture of childish innocence, a fresh face that had no hint of the hardships of the world etched onto it, it was a rare sight nowadays.

She couldn't stay in bed now she was awake, it was just making her feel rotten, so she carefully pushed the furs off of her, making sure they were still covering Anduin, and sitting up too quickly for her body to handle apparently.

She'd had headaches before in the seven months she'd been with child but they were getting worse with each passing day, making her sit with her head bent down and her teeth gritted like she was now, inhaling through them and trying to sit up straight without wanting to vomit, it was infuriating.

She eventually managed it, swallowing down the bile rising in her throat and swung her legs from the bed, letting the cold stone of the floor spread from the soles of her feet to the tip of her head and give her the will power to stand.

Once she was up she quickly checked on Anduin again, glad to see that she hadn't even disturbed him enough for him to close his agape mouth.

She resisted the urge to bend and kiss him in case it made her head start to throb again, choosing instead to pour herself a water from the flagon and slowly sipping it until her eyes cleared and she could actually manage a cognitive thought, using the dull light coming through the curtains to try and figure out the time, determining it to be at least early morning.

Lee had been sent back from Northrend now Gregor was Regent in Varian's absence, and he'd told her already that he'd been given strict orders to let her sleep as long as possible, so really, it could be any point in the day and she wouldn't have realised.

She opened the curtains until the light was too near Anduin's face to not be annoying, opening the balcony door and sliding out, feeling the fresh January air whip her face and her senses clear because of it.

She looked down at the gardens, finding the barest amount of people there and wishing to the Light that she wasn't here to witness the uncertainty that came with the run-up to a big battle.

During the last war she'd been in the thick of it, she hadn't known what was going on at home, and now she did, she hated it.

All she wanted right now was a cigarette and Varian's arms and she couldn't have either of them, only adding to her bad mood.

She hadn't received word from Varian yet, she wouldn't expect to until after the battle, but that didn't stop her wondering whether he was already in the thick of it, whether they'd left early and decided to get it over with or whether he was still preparing, putting every piece of armour on as meticulously as he always did and taking a few moments of quiet reflection before the gathering of the armies.

She was more than certain only she knew of the brief moment Varian would spend on both knees in front of a makeshift altar, whispering prayers that he would swear afterwards were just to humour other people and placing a coin in front of the bust of the blindfolded woman, the symbol of Priesthood and unofficial sigil of the Light, acting like he wasn't scared when deep down Val knew he was terrified.

It had been hard this time, to say goodbye. She had done it so many times that she was sure she'd be fine, and to the day she was called to the Light she'd say it was her hormones kicking in but she'd ended up weeping like an old maid and begging him not to go.

She knew it was completely unfair considering he was already having doubts, but thankfully he'd understood and kissed her head, wiped her eyes and told her with a steady voice that he'd be fine and she wasn't to get herself in state.

So far she'd actually managed it, but as the days went on it was getting more and more difficult to achieve. She heard little footsteps pad behind her and held a hand out ready for Anduin's, smiling down at the half asleep prince.

"I thought you were asleep?"

He shrugged, leaning against her. "Bad dreams."

Val's brow furrowed and she squeezed his hand, thoroughly unable to bend down nowadays without taking an age to get up. "Bad dreams? About what?"

She wasn't sure why she'd asked when really, she already knew the answer. "Ah…your father."

Anduin nodded, letting go of her hand to rub his eyes. "Sorry for sleeping in your bed mum. I know that's not allowed."

Val ran her fingers through his messy hair, stroking his forehead. "Think nothing of it Little Lion, if anything I enjoy the company."

Anduin looked down at the gardens, not happy with how nearly everything had died from the cold. "Do you think Father's been sleeping alright?"

Val blinked a few times to get the spots from her eyes, digging a thumb and forefinger in them. "I don't know Anduin. 'Probably' is the best answer I can give."

Anduin looked up at her with another question in his cerulean eyes. "Is it over yet?"

Val shook her head, knowing that one for certain. "No, I would've been told if it were. I don't think it's even begun."

Anduin sat down, dangling his legs through the stone railing. "How will we know when it does?"

Val took the hair tie from her wrist, scraping her thick locks back in an attempt to see better. "Lee will come and find me, I suppose. Providing your father hasn't given him orders to keep me in the dark."

Anduin's brow creased. "Father wouldn't do that, would he? He knows we're worried."

Val patted his head, leaning on the stone in front of her. "No, he wouldn't. Sorry Little Lion, it's just your old mum trying to get her head straight and failing to do it, that's all."

Of course he gave her a smile, swinging his legs. "Your head looks rather straight to me, Mum."

Val chuckled despite wanting to do nothing but cry, running her hands down her face. "I didn't mean it literally Anduin. It's just a saying."

Anduin tilted his head, watching the gardeners pottering about below. "I think everyone's upset today."

She had wonder whether she liked how mature he sounded right now when really, in an ideal world, he shouldn't have any knowledge of war of the effect it had.

"I can't exactly blame them. The Wrathgate is the path to Icecrown, which means the end of the war."

A little smile crept onto Anduin's face. "I hope the end comes soon, so everyone can get on with things again."

Val matched his smile, hugging herself and rubbing her arms. "I think everyone in the city agrees with you there, Little Lion. Right now though, I think we should do exactly that even though the war is still going."

Anduin seemed to know what she meant, pulling himself up onto his feet. "Breakfast?"

Val nodded, gently pushing his back towards the doors. "Exactly. I think I'm going to have a few meetings to attend, and you have schooling today. Everything is going to stay achingly normal until we hear from your father, what d'you reckon?"

Anduin nodded enthusiastically, helping her open the curtains properly and pulling his slippers on, which were resting by the bed. "Lee said Benedictus was holding a special congregation this morning, can we go Mum?"

Val was hesitant, not really wanting a sombre reminder that things may go wrong today, but the hope on his face made her crack a smile regardless. "If you want to go that badly then I suppose we can pop in."

Her response seemed to be one he'd wanted, turning his smile into a grin and bouncing on his toes. "You know there will be alot of sad people there today though, don't you? I don't want you upset by them."

Anduin's smile didn't move. "I know that Mum. If anything, that makes me want to go more, to help them not be so sad."

Val beckoned him to her, holding on tight when he did the same to her. "You're such a caring little thing Anduin…don't ever lose it. Promise me you won't."

Anduin put his head on her belly, taking advantage of his brother taking a still moment. "I promise, Mum."

Val gently pushed him back, scrunching her face and bending over slightly, losing her breath with every attempted inhale. "Mum? Are you alright? Shall I get Varro?"

She shook her head, grabbing onto the table that they were standing next to and ever so slowly straightening, annoyed with herself for worrying him. "No, no, Little Lion, it's passed. It's just one of those practice pains that Cathy talked about, remember?"

Anduin didn't look convinced. "That looked like it hurt, Mum."

Val risked not getting up again by bending and kissing his head but he needed reassurance and really, so did she. "Anduin, it's supposed to. It's just my belly getting ready to have Elliot, that's all."

Anduin rubbed her belly like it would make all the difference, letting his brow relax. "As long as you're sure?"

Val patted his shoulder, letting him scurry over to the water flagon and pour her another goblet. "If father were here, he'd tell you to go back to bed."

Val smirked, taking her housecoat from the back of the chair and slipping it on. "I know he would, and what would I tell him, do you reckon?"

Anduin took her hand, trying not to hold it too tight. " 'Feck off'!"

Val laughed too loudly, exhaling slowly again to ease the rest of the pain off, putting a finger to her lips. "Well done Little Lion, but let's not say it tooloudly, shall we?"

She stopped as they got to the door, opening it and grinning down at him. "Now, fancy Mum's special pancakes for breakfast?"

Anduin started bouncing again, stopping when he realised what he was doing. "With blue berries and bananas?"

Val let him out first, squinting at the full daylight coming through the floor to ceiling windows. "Whatever you want mate, today's our special day together."

The streets were practically silent, enough for Val to wonder if she'd lost her hearing.

Guards lined the route from Keep to Cathedral, but they weren't needed in any way, for most of the crowd was gathered at the House of the Light already, pressed against the front walls where they weren't permitted inside the packed building.

But still they noticed Val and Anduin, bowing and greeting them like it was any normal Sunday when it was abundantly obvious that it wasn't.

Even the atmosphere inside was different; there was normally a sense of calm that washed over Val whenever she stepped over the ornate threshold, but this time she could see that some weren't even looking at her, they were already affixing their gaze to the altar and moving their lips in silent prayer.

Really, Val was glad that she wasn't the centre of attention as Varian would be had he been here today, she didn't think she'd be any sort of comfort anyway.

She was shambling like she was a member of the undead herself, feeling her head start to crack more and more with each step up the aisle and finding it hard to focus on…well, anything at all.

She held on to Varro's arm like it was the only thing keeping her upright, squeezing Anduin's hand with her spare and swallowing the spittle forming in her mouth, letting the guard help lower her to her knees with the boy, all lining up to receive the Light's grace.

Benedictus gave her his ring to kiss, treating her like the Queen that only the priest knew she was when she really didn't want or ask for it.

He moved on to Anduin and then placed a palm on each of their heads, sending the familiar hot and cold swell through them with a smile.

He helped Val to her feet and she took Anduin to the two ornate chairs sat high above the others in a separate box; normally Varian would occupy the bigger one but today she sat there, giving Anduin a wobbly smile and holding his hand, squeezing it when he tightened his grip.

Benedictus lit the largest candle on the altar and looked up at her, supposedly asking for permission to start.

She inclined her head, ignoring the pull at the front of it and settled back, sweeping her gaze across the crowd as he started the first prayer, not entirely shocked to find that there wasn't even any standing room left.

Cathy was sitting with Sofia on her lap and an expression as grim as the rest of the crowd on her face, and next to her was a man with his face already in his hands, weeping in fear for a loved one or a friend that was probably just as scared.

Val found her own eyes growing damp, wondering herself if Varian was scared and realising that it was inevitable; despite what people thought, whatever rumour or song went around telling the world Varian was invincible and a stone gargoyle of a man, he was still human.

He was going to the Wrathgate knowing full well that there was a chance he wasn't coming back, and she'd let him…what sort of a wife did that make her?

To potentially deprive the child watching the Archbishop so attentively of a father just so she could let Varian fulfill a promise he made no one but himself?

Yes, he was king. Yes, he had sworn to take Arthas down himself, but was it really thatnecessary?

Another pain from her belly stopped her thoughts in her tracks, like Elliot was telling her that everything was to be alright, that she needed to stop fretting, but this time it was rather impossible. "Do you need to leave, Milady?"

She appreciated Varro whispering but even that did nothing for her head. "No. I'll be fine."

Benedictus raised both hands to quiet the small murmur that was still hanging in the air, folding them after.

"We come here today to pray for the success of our brothers and sisters who have taken the gallant duty of facing the abomination that is the Lich King. We pray that our losses be few, but our boons great. For the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters gathered in Northrend this day. May the Light guide them, and our good King Varian Wrynn, to absolute victory."

Val barely managed to push the croaked 'amen' from her throat, somehow managing to hold on tighter to Anduin's hand.

Val finally admitted defeat after the service, finding her head threatening to rip itself in to as the day went on and figuring a small lie down would be just what she needed.

She let Nan help her in taking her dress off and replacing it with her nightgown, huffing in annoyance as she sat down to have her hair brushed out like it was the middle of the night once more. "So much for just 'getting on with things', eh?"

Nan gave her a sympathetic smile, actually glad that she'd finally conceded and accepted that she couldn't do absolutely everything.

"You've done exactly that until the last second, Milady, that's no small feat."

Val didn't seem convinced and Nan was sure that she never would. "Varian will start doing a jig once he finds out about this. I can hear his 'I told you so's from here."

Nan's eyebrow rose in amusement. "I'm sure that's not the case at all, Milady. He only wants what's best for you and baby."

Val sighed, running her palm over the top of her bump and even now feeling her son roll in response to the touch. "What's best for baby and I is having his father home safe and sound."

She glanced over at the clock, trying her damnedest to ignore how little dots appeared in front of her eyes with a simple turn of her head.

She'd felt like she had ingested a whole bottle of brandy all day, stumbling about, feeling light headed and threatening to cover every floor in the remains of her meals, and she was sure it was all because her son couldn't pick oneorgan to sit on instead of absolutely all of them.

"I still don't know whether he's even moved out yet. If the anticipation is killing me like this, Light knows what a nervous wreck he is right now."

Nan didn't mean to snort but it slipped through before she could stop it. "If I may, Milady?"

Val gave her a nod of permission, squinting and relaxing her eyes for a brief second afterwards to un-blur her vision. "He's probably had his armour on all day and is pacing himself to death with the need to get going. This is Varian Wrynn we're discussing, after all."

Val started to laugh, which was thankfully the response Nan had been hoping for. "That's probably accurate, I'll grant you that one."

Nan loosely tied her hair up, knowing her head was killing her and not wanting to make it worse in any way. "I think we should be more worried about whether he'll end up throttling the Horde captain before they even get to the Wrathgate."

Val's brow furrowed and only made things worse. "Nan, we had no choice but to involve the Horde. They had the same goal as us and we needed the soldiers."

She sighed, finally letting her forehead actually relax. "Which doesn't mean that I'm any happier about it. I could've slapped Varian myself when he told me we'd be serving at the side of those who wanted nothing more than to destroy us."

Nan hooked an arm around Val's to help her up, anxious for her to get the rest she'd come up here for. "Don't stress yourself with such things Milady. I should apologise for even bringing it up."

Val waved a hand, feeling worse with every step and wondering just how the hells she was going to put up with this for another two months. "No, don't apologise for making conversation, if anything I'm glad that someone thinks I'm worthy of it."

She jabbed a thumb towards her door, shrugging off her shawl and letting the maid take it from her, feeling far too hot for it to become comfortable. "Too many of that lot out there think that because I'm with child that I won't be able to handle the slightest bit of bad news, it drives me up the fecking wall."

She sat on the edge of the bed, gladly taking the water Nan passed her and finding herself feeling ill with it even touching her lips. "I'm sure they just don't want you getting unnecessarily upset, that's all Milady."

Val huffed, leaning forward and making Nan instinctively grab the basin; it was quite the smart move, for not five seconds placing it underneath her mistresses mouth did Val fill it- though what exactly she had left to do that with baffled her.

"Milady, if I may once again?"

Val wiped her mouth with the cloth Nan handed to her with a grimace. "No, but I know you're going to anyway."

Nan took the basin into the washroom, not wanting the sight or smell of it to make Val worse.

"I think it would behoove you to get seen by the doctor at this point. You don't look well."

Val fought not to roll her eyes simply because she could hear genuine concern in the older woman's voice, but it simply wasn't helping her mood to hear that she looked awful as well as felt it. "Nan, it would be a colossal waste of time and you damn well know it."

She stayed where she was for the time being, needing to get her bearings, lamely pointing to the window. "Open that, will you? It's boiling in here."

Nan's brow creased but she obeyed regardless, wanting nothing more than to at least make Val comfortable if she couldn't help in any other way. "And sort the candles out, they're sparking again."

Nan was having a small fight with the lock, which had decided to stiffen at the most annoying of times. "Sparking, Milady?"

She noticed Val took a few more seconds than usual to respond. "Aye, the little lights…They're hurting my-"

Nan whirled around at the colossal thud behind her, finding Val had fallen to the floor, curled up and twitching like she'd been shocked. Panic and bile rose in the maid's throat as she dove onto her knees, holding Val's head so it stopped smacking against the stone of the floor. A hoarse throat screamed for Varro, who came barrelling in with as much urgency on his face as she had.

"What's happened?!"

He came around the bed, found the state Val was in and dropped the polearm he was holding. "Quick, go and get the doctor! Hurry!" Nan let him leave, hearing his heavy footfall grow fainter and merely bending to Val's ear even though she was sure she wouldn't hear her. "It's alright Milady, everything will be alright…"

It was like Varian could smellbattle on the air, and while he was ready to do his part, he was still uneasy about letting the Horde work beside them.

He was standing across from Dranosh Saurfang now, relaying the plan of action with the Orc with only minutes to spare before they moved out.

While he appreciated the Horde's grudge against the Scourge for the attacks on their lands, Varian felt rather put out with how much involvement the faction was partaking in when really, this was completely an Alliance war.

He recognised that the original Lich King had been an Orc, but it had been Arthas that had staged the attacks in Lordaeron and the Eastern Kingdoms, so that made him the Alliance's responsibility.

To have Dranosh bleat about how he would crush his head to a pulp was rather vexing, and it made Varian want to do nothing but tell him to keep his mouth shut and stay in silence for the entirety of the battle.

Magni, Gelbin and Jaina were on one side of him, and the Horde captains were on the other, with Jaina acting as self appointed mediator.

Really, she had no reason to be here since the Kirin Tor wasn't to be involved with this assault, but Varian supposed that someonehad to stop he and Dranosh killing each other, so she was the best candidate.

"The Horde will wait for our signal to attack, then join the battle once it's given. We know for a fact that the Lich King already knows we're coming, so it stands to reason to believe he has something planned to wipe us out with one fell swoop."

Magni ran a hand down his beard, clucking his large tongue. "Varian's right. T' bastard's been unpredictable thus far, and we cannae waste all of our men chargin' in like tanks."

Dranosh huffed, warming Varian's face with a uncomfortable blast of air from his nose. "I feel the Alliance wants us to hide behind their legs like frightened cubs."

Varian pinched the bridge of his nose, really not understanding why this conversation had flared up now. "The plan was agreed on days ago Warlord, why do you choose nowto protest?"

He placed both palms on the table sitting between them, not breaking eye contact with the brown skinned Orc for a second.

"You will have your glory, Warlord, your own stories to tell of how the Horde participated in this battle, but you have to have soldiers still alive to do it. I don't have to explain why the Alliance will be better suited at drawing the Lich King out, but we will, and once he's out in the open the Horde can attack."

Dranosh was silent for another minute before nodding his large head. "Fine. My warband are ready to move when yours are."

Varian fixed his gauntlet, giving him a reproachful nod. "Go to them and make sure they know the plan. I'll join you presently."

He waited until Dranosh was completely gone and the tent flap was down before sighing heavily, running both hands down his face and narrowing his eyes at Jaina. "How in the hells did I let you talk me into this? He's infuriating."

Jaina was clearly trying not to laugh, putting a hand in front of her mouth. "Varian, you said it yourself that we need all the soldiers we can get. He may be infuriating, but Thrall trusts his military instincts enough for him to lead this, and so should you."

Magni grunted a reluctant agreement. "He's just eager ta please, tha's all Varian. His Da is high up tha food chain in tha Horde, it cannae be easy for him."

Varian hated the fact that he understood exactly what he meant. "I know all about trying to please fathers, Magni, I did it for long enough."

He was starting to fidget, pulling at his hair to make sure it was secure, undoing and re doing the buckles on his gauntlets, these were all things he was used to doing before a battle, itching to get out there and get things started so they could end just as quickly.

"It's a little unnerving, knowing we may get a chance to take him down tonight."

Jaina's lips pursed and her arms folded. "I'm not sure you've thought this through completely Varian."

Varian shrugged, taking a last minute ale from Magni's squire. "He's recalled all forces and we're at his doorstep. The rallying of his soldiers means he wants defence, and that means he's desperate. I don't think he was anticipating our alliance with the Horde, and it's thrown his plans off."

Magni clapped his large hands together, rubbing them eagerly. "Right then lad- we better get you off."

Varian nodded, anxious to get going. "Aye, it's a two hour ride, we better start marching no-"

He couldn't help but bite his sentence off at the tent flap lifting again and the least likely of faces appearing in front of him. "Lee? What the hells are you doing here?"

The groom was pale, which made Varian suspicious, but the fact that he didn't say a word was doing it even more. "Lee, I don't have time for this, if this is just to give me another picture of Anduin's, leave it there and I'll look later."

Lee shook his head, finally clearing his throat. "Your Majesty needs to return to Stormwind immediately."

Varian ignored Jaina's concern, trying to swallow his own down. "Why? What's happened?"

Lee started to shake, and strangely enough, it annoyed Varian. "Well come on then, spit it out!"

More attempts to speak failed the younger man and Varian was getting irate now. "Lee, I need to go, will you just, for the love of-"

"Lady Glenmore has miscarried."

Every word died on Varian's tongue and it was as if he stopped functioning; his arms flopped lamely and his jaw went with it until he regained a certain amount of cognition, just enough to tighten his facial muscles and get them working again.

"No. You must be mistaken."

Lee shook his head, trying not to look at the looks of horror around them and focusing straight on the king. "She's been feeling ill these past few days…her headaches were getting worse…"

Varian shook his own head, still not wanting to or attempting to believe the vile things he was saying. "No, she was fine. I saw her myself not three days ago, she was fine. A headache isn't anything, it's all part of it, how could you suggest that she's miscarr-"

He couldn't even say the word.

It felt like poison on his tongue, burning the flesh and leaving his speech slurred. "If this is your disgusting way of getting me distracted so I don't go to battle, I'll have your head."

Jaina put a hand on his shoulder but he barely felt it, only managing to feel the overwhelming cold spreading from his chest.

"Varian, I don't think he's lying."

He didn't mean to snap, but he did it anyway. "Shut up. You know nothing. And neither does he. Val was finewhen I left her, the midwife said she was fine, why would she say that if it wasn't true? No, you're making this up. My son isn't dead."

He stomped until he was toe to toe with the groom, bearing his teeth at him. "Do you hear me?! My son…my son…"

The threats wavered as he looked more into Lee's grey eyes, not finding a hint of deception, no slither of doubt, he was telling the truth and somehow Varian knew that deep down.

He had to put a hand on Lee's shoulder to steady himself, silently thanking Magni for heaving him back up when his knees buckled. "Sweet Light…" His lungs were shrinking in, his heart pounding in his ears and his vision was blurring.

Dead…how was his son dead? She was so close to full term, she'd been fine…but had she? She'd told him about the headaches, had she been lying to him about how bad they were?

But then, how could something as simple as a headache lead to death?

There were a million and one questions swimming around his mind, the mind that was so frazzled that it could barely process anything.

"It's true? My son, my little Elliot…"

Lee's nod was so solemn that he barely saw it happen, tricking himself into thinking that maybe he'd shaken it instead, but the rational part of him that was quickly being crushed by emotion told Varian that he'd seen right, that it was true.

"Varian. Go home. Go home and be with Val, lad."

Varian managed to stand on his own, turning to face them all. "The battle…Bolvar. Tell Bolvar to go in my place. He already knows the plan of attack, he'll know what to do."

"We'll handle things here Varian. You look after your family."

Varian wasn't sure he wanted to, turning to Lee again. "Is she alright? She's not-?"

He was trembling now, sick with bile at even the thought of losing Val as well. He was devastated enough with Elliot, but not Val. He couldn't handle losing her.

"She's hanging on, Your Majesty. That's why I came to get you as quickly as I could."

Varian put a hand on his shoulder, still not fully grasping the idea that his son, the bonnie little boy that he and Val had been so happy to even be having, was no more.

"Then let us go. I need to see for myself."

A dazed Varian soon materialised in the familiar hallway of the Residental Wing. Normally, he'd be elated at an early return from a battlefield. But this time, he felt as if he'd simply crossed from one, straight into another. One that was more brutal by far.

He'd walked the route to his chambers a million times before. But never had it felt so daunting. The guard had been cleared, the staff herded out, as was the way in situations like this, so every footstep rang like a cathedral bell, counting down the seconds before reality set in, and Varian's world truly fell apart.

His chest mimicked his fingers as they curled about the doorknob, and tightened to the point where it began to hurt. Just the simple act of breathing became laborious, and he had to wonder if he was genuinely about to drop to the floor.

There were voices beyond the door. Familiar ones. Ones he didn't want to hear.

Ones that made this real.

"I take it that Elliot's been taken to the chapel already?"

"He has, Your Majesty."

"Double the guards there, and make sure no-one goes in. No-one sees him, no-one touches him, no-one breathes near him, do you understand? Spread the word amongst the staff that if any of them so much as pause near the door, they'll have me to answer to."

"I'll see it done, Your Majesty."

"Thank you. Now...leave us, please. I'll call if I need you."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Lee said, taking a purposeful step back. "And may I say again, that I'm immensely sorry for your loss."

A grunt was all the reply Varian could muster, but he was sure that the groom was in no way offended. He waited until the clunk of his boots had faded away, and even then, it took every particle of strength that his tired body could conjure to open the door.

He hadn't known what to expect. In his head, he'd seen blood, and panic, with the sounds of despair permeating the chilled winter air.

But instead, there was a calm that felt almost insulting. To the naked eye, there was an illusion that all was well, and Varian had simply dreamt the last ten minutes of his life.

For those looking, however, the bucket filled with crimson rags, the tools lain about his table, and the unfamiliar faces gathered about his bed in vigil were devastatingly obvious.

"Someone tell me what the hells happened here."

The anger within him burst forth in that moment, and made the elders of the group jump in surprise of his demand. Lineker didn't answer, but then, Varian hadn't expected him to; a weasel-faced hunch of a man wouldn't be capable of plucking up the courage to face an irate king, for fear of the consequences if he said the wrong thing.

A seasoned midwife, however, held no such fear.

"Your Majesty, you're back. We're glad," she said, sidling past Nan and taking a spot at the foot of the bed, directly in line of Varian.

"Tell me what happened," Varian growled, holding her gaze and hardening his own.

Thankfully, Gertrude got the message that time, and did exactly as he asked- despite how he would soon come to regret it. She rattled off every single detail of the ordeal his fiancee had gone through, and by the time she was done, Varian was on the verge of tears, and shaking like he'd been left out in the rain.

"It came to light that they were a symptom to a bigger problem, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, it was one we all missed, and ended with Lady Glenmore siezing."

"Seizing...she had a fit?"

"Two, in the end. One at the beginning, and another not an hour ago."

"It became necessary for us to deliver the child, in order to save the mother," continued Lineker. Varian could already see the stains on his bony hands, and the smell of alcohol and potions radiated from him like a putrid cloak, clogging his nose and making it near-impossible not to heave.

"But she wasn't in labour."

"No. I was forced to cut her."

"Without consulting me?"

"We didn't have time to, Your Majesty. If we'd waited any longer, we would've lost both of them."

He didn't want to keep asking questions, but it was the only thing preventing Varian from crumbling completely.

"What was this 'bigger problem' that you spoke of? Was it a sickness? A wound?"

"It's a condition called 'Toxemia', Your Majesty," explained Gertrude, who kept her tone gentle, but firm, so that Varian could focus on her words better.

"I've never heard of it."

"That's because it only affects pregnant women. In truth, Your Majesty, there's not alot we know about it, except that it could prove fatal unless it's caught early."

That was the point in which Varian's sadness gave way to anger, and he looked down at the midwife with gritted teeth, and squared shoulders.

"And why wasn't it caught early? You're all supposed to be the best that Stormwind has to offer, so how did it come to be that not one of you noticed that things weren't right?"

"It only deeply affects mothers in the third trimester Your Majesty, which is why it struck so suddenly in the past few days. The symptoms are very much akin to those of a normal pregnancy, we had to wait until it was more serious to differentiate."

Varian was shaking, and the three of them couldn't decide whether it was out of rage or sorrow.

"What can I do?"

Lineker took over again, trying not to meet his eye.

"Let her rest would be all we can suggest Your Majesty. We'll keep her hydrated and monitored, but apart from that there's not alot we can do but hope."

Hope? What hope was there at a time like this?

With slow, resistant steps, Varian moved straight past them, and sat himself at the edge of the bed, where he was brutally presented with the actuality of what had come to pass. The only sign that Val was alive was the shunted rise and fall of her chest- all others had been eliminated. Her usually browned skin was a deathly, waxy pale, and she felt as cold as ice.

"Val? It's alright, sweetheart- I'm here now."

He had no clue whether she could even hear him, but he couldn't take the chance.

"I'm so sorry that I wasn't here, love," he choked, sitting himself upright once again. "We'd already discussed how I may miss her labour...but I never dreamt it'd be in a way such as this."

"She was never alone, Your Majesty. I made sure of it."

"Thank you, Nan. You've proven a loyal friend over the years," Varian replied, finding it difficult to look at the brunette, even as he spoke to her. "But that won't soothe my conscience. Not today."

"This is in no way your fault, Your Majesty. Neither is it Lady Glenmores. You cannot blame yourself."

"I appreciate the sentiment, Sister. But for now, I cannot do anything else."

"You've taken exemplary care of Lady Glenmore for the past six months, Your Majesty."

"She should never have fallen in the first place!" Varian snapped, putting his face in his hands. "We were in a fucking war camp, for Light sake. I should've shown restraint, or taken far more precautions then I did."

"The circumstances of his conception had nothing to do with the boy's passing."

"Forgive me if I don't completely believe that. She was under immense stress, in an environment where the temperature never reached single figures. The last thing I should've done was sire a child within her."

Varian's ramblings were a masque, and everyone standing by him knew it full well. Eventually, it dropped, and he finally asked the one question that he'd been dreading since he arrived.

"Was the child gone before he came to air? Or did his delivery take its toll?"

Gertrude thought about her answer long and hard, before she softened her face, and carefully put a hand on Varian's still-pauldroned shoulder.

"As far as I can ascertain, he died a few days ago."

"Don't tell Val that- I beg you. Her devastation will know no bounds if we tell her that."

"Whatever you think is best, we will do, Your Majesty."

Varian was no longer looking at her. He was focused on his wife, whose eyes hadn't so much as fluttered in all the time he'd been sitting there. He lifted her hand to his lips, and squeezed it as tight as his tired body would allow.

"Stay strong for me, love. I'll be back soon," he said, putting it down, and cautiously standing.

"I must attend my son. I ask that all three of you remain here until I return, and immediately fetch me if anything happens."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

His voice was cracking, and his eyes stinging, so he quickened his pace until he managed to close the door behind him. Once he was alone again, the dam broke, and he crumpled to the floor in a mess of tears and harsh, heavy breaths. A hollow knocking started up, and Varian couldn't determine it's origin, until he realised that it was the back of his own head hitting the hard oak over and over.

"I should've been here...I should've been here..."

He looked up for all the good it would do, and forced his lungs to control themselves for just a small while.

"Please...don't take her yet. Not so soon after him. Let her live. Please..."

He could vaguely remember making the exact same prayer when his mother had passed, and it hurt just about as much as it had then- if not more.

In his heart, he knew he was talking to thin air, and it was up to him to make sure his wife got through this. But he just had no idea what to do.

He hadn't really used the Keep's personal Chapel after it was rebuilt; his faith wasn't strong enough to spend hours in there as his father had in life, and right now all he wanted to do was take a hammer to the room and pretend it had never existed.

It was slightly darker in here than the rest of the Keep, lit by a few candles and only one window behind the altar standing opposite Varian, who had frozen in place once the door had closed behind him.

It was cold in here…too cold, he could see every jagged breath that forced its way out of his lungs, and the hairs on his arms were standing right up, like he was on high alert when really, there was nothing in here that could physically hurt him.

He could see Elliot, or at least the oversized blanket they'd put him in, but Varian couldn't make his legs move to go forward and see his boy, it was as if fear had made them turn to stone.

All he could think were trivial things, like his feet would be cold, or he should've had the little rabbit that he'd bought him to sleep with…it was insane, it feltinsane, but at the same time, it was his son, surely he should be thinking these things?

Move Varian. Go to him. He's alone.

The metallic thunk of his boots rattling was the only sound in the place that wasn't Varian's heavy breathing. All he kept thinking was that Val should be here, but she was upstairs, sick with an illness he failed to see.

Failed to notice, failed to fix, the list of Varian's failures kept getting longer with every step until he was looming over the bundle of hideous looking brocade that was wrapped tightly around Elliot's ghostly pale face.

Varian leant his elbows on the mahogany box the babe had been put in, bending over and practically dragging a knuckle down a cold, but plump cheek. He was beautiful, Varian could see it even with his face being the only visible part, sweet Light he was beautiful.

Long eyelashes, perfect little lips...it was breaking his heart to even look at him. He moved the blanket from around his head, sucking in a breath that was meant to beat back tears as his fingertips brush soft little curls.

Val's curls, just like I wanted.

He couldn't stand his baby boy lying in a damn box anymore, so with one mustered up ounce of strength he scooped him up, only needing one hand to cradle the boy, using the other to completely rid him of the blanket and lay him bare on his father's arm.

"I'm sorry, son. I'm so, so sorry."

A tear fell with a small smack on Elliot's pale belly, and another joined it, but this time Varian didn't bother wiping them away or even fighting them. He sat down on the pew behind him, smoothing the tiny curls and rocking him like he was merely asleep.

"My boy, my sweet little boy. Papa loves you. And your Mama. And big brother Anduin adores you. If there's anything you take away from this wretched, awful world, make it that."

He wasn't sure how long exactly he spent in that room, but he knew that he couldn't stay there all night, Val needed him just as much as Elliot did, and the fact that she was alone save for the midwife when he got back was quite the relief.

The fire had been extinguished and only a few candles lit, the curtains drawn and the only noise in the room being the ones he caused coming in.

It was a welcome change from what he had seen earlier, with people packing the room in a frantic rush to get rid of all evidence of what had happened when really, it was never going to go away. "How is she?"

Sister Gertrude looked up at him through her half moon spectacles, closing her book. "She came around about five minutes ago, but Light love her, she's exhausted."

Varian went behind the screen to shed the rest of his armour, leaving a tunic and trousers so he could move like a normal man. There was a report on his table, presumably about Wrathgate and its outcome, but it could wait.

His bare feet slapped against the stone floor and he put a hand on the sister's shoulder. "Leave us. If we need you, I'll send the guard."

The kindly nun stood up and patted his arm, gathering her things. "The young groom from before has offered me chambers for the night, so I shan't be far away. And Your Majesty, I think I ought to enlighten you…she doesn't know yet, about the baby. Try and break it gently."

Varian merely nodded, bidding her good night and watching the door close. He moved to the free side of the bed, climbing onto it and resting behind her, glad she was on her side so he didn't have to see how pale her face was, curling his arm over her waist and kissing the back of her head.

"Val?"

Her fingers moved against his, and he knew she could hear him, so he shuffled closer. "I'm here, Sweetheart."

The bandage that was tightly wrapped around her hand brushed against his knuckles as she moved in acknowledgement of his presence.

"…I lost him, didn't I?"

Varian hadn't been expecting her to ask it so soon, hells, he hadn't even been sure if she could talk, and her voice was so quiet and unlike her at all that it chilled him to the bone. He sighed from deep within his chest, putting another small kiss on the back of her head.

He couldn't lie to her, it wouldn't be fair, but then again, the entire situation wasn't fair. "Yes. I'm sorry Sweetheart. But it's not your fault."

She didn't believe him, he could already tell, and her shoulders started to jolt, frightening him into thinking she was fitting again, but then he heard the sobs choke their way from her chest and all he could do was pull her to him, burying his nose in her hair.