"Is sothing wrong?" Lady Marceline looked genuinely concerned as her gaze darted from Mauve to Jael.
Jael narrowed his eyes at Lady Marceline, then turned to Mauve as if to ask if this was what she truly wanted. Mauve nodded and grabbed his hand. The chance that Jael would say sothing that would upset Lady Marceline was pretty high, but she couldn't bla him as she had started it first.
"Could we have a word?" Mauve asked, "Privately."
Lady Marceline looked even more worried, but she didn't ask any more questions. "Co in," she replied, opening the door and stepping aside to let them into the room.
Mauve walked in first, and Jael hung back; she had to pull him before he stepped into the room. Mauve looked around as she walked in. The only source of light was a candle on the dresser. The curtains were drawn, and it looked like soone was on the bed.
Lady Marceline shut the door and gestured towards the sitting area. "Have a seat," she said.
"No need for that; we won't be here long."
"Jael," Mauve scolded, then turned to Lady Marceline. "We apologize for barging in. I know Lord Alaric is resting."
"It's fine," Lady Marceline replied and turned to the bed. "I am sure he is delighted to see you."
"Hello," a soft voice ca from the bed.
Mauve squinted her eyes as she tried to get a proper look, but she couldn't even make out his blond hair in the dimly lit room. "Good to see you, Lord Alaric," she replied into the dark.
"That's enough chit-chatting," Jael interrupted. "We didn't exactly co here to exchange pleasantries."
"No, we didn't," Mauve reluctantly agreed.
"Besides, what we have to say is for you and not—"
"It's fine," Mauve cut in.
"What's going on?" Lady Marceline asked with a puzzled expression.
"Well," Mauve glanced from one person to the other. "The short story is, I am pregnant."
"Who's the father?" Lady Marceline blurted out.
Jael pulled on Mauve's hand to the exit. "I told you this was a waste of ti."
"Jael!" She turned to Lady Marceline. "Jael is. Please lady Marceline, take this seriously."
"I have never heard of a human carrying a vampire baby before." She narrowed her eyes as she stared at Mauve.
"I am a little shocked too," Mauve replied.
Lady Marceline opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Alaric getting out of bed. "Alaric," she called.
"I am fine," he said, partially walking and limping to where she stood. "Sire," he said to Jael with a bow, then turned to Mauve. "You're pregnant," he whispered. "That's great news."
"Thank you," Mauve bead at him. It was nice to hear an appropriate response.
"Marceline forgets her manners sotis and just blurts out the first thing on her mind. She is just as excited. I apologize for her question."
"You don't have to speak like I am not here."
He grabbed her arm and slid back into his usual position beside her. His hair fell forward and covered his face. He slouched, appearing smaller even though he was taller than she was, and Lady Marceline was quite tall.
"You're certain you're pregnant?" she asked.
Mauve nodded and turned to Jael. He returned her gaze, and when he realized she was expecting him to say sothing, he reluctantly added, "I am sure."
"I can't tell yet," Lady Marceline replied.
"It's too early for that, I think," Mauve said.
"Do you feel anything different?"
"Well, aside from nausea, nothing else. Do vampires throw up during pregnancy?" Mauve asked.
"No," Lady Marceline stated. "Nothing of that."
"Oh," Mauve said. "I think that's just for humans then."
Alaric whispered sothing to Lady Marceline, to which she responded, "I know." She turned to Mauve. "I am sorry I asked that. I was just shocked—not just about the pregnancy but the fact that you'd tell ."
"I was against the idea," Jael stated.
"Clearly," Lady Marceline replied without missing a beat.
"Well, you are family, and Jael told you were there for his mother. I figured you'd have so useful information. I don't know much about pregnancies for humans, let alone vampires. I don't want to do anything wrong."
Lady Marceline turned to Jael. "You'd trust with your child?"
"Don't push it," he stated. "Mauve needs your help, and that's all that matters."
"Congratulations," Lady Marceline said, but the way she said it made Mauve a little uneasy. It was hard to say whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.
"Thank you," Mauve said with a smile.
"You're welco…" she said and paused. "I don't want to scare you, but vampires don't exactly have easy births, and being able to heal is… Never mind. What am I talking about? My little nephew is going to have a child."
Mauve half expected Jael to deny that Lady Marceline was family, but he didn't say anything, just stood stoically beside her. Mauve smiled and turned her gaze back to the lady.
"Is there anything in particular I need to prepare myself for?" Mauve asked.
"No," Marceline said. "Well, aside from the fact that you'd be eating more, sleeping more, and, well, you'd get heavier."
"Oh," Mauve replied with a giggle. "I already expected that."
"I told you she wouldn't be much help."
Lady Marceline shot Jael a glare. "Thank you for informing , Mauve. I was going to leave the castle as soon as Alaric was well enough to travel, but I guess that won't be happening. If you feel even the slightest thing, let —"
"We don't need you to stay. Kieran is more than enough." Jael didn't like the idea one bit. A year with Lady Marceline would be like drinking shattered glass. He would rather walk around with his head.
"No, Jael. I think that's a good idea," Mauve replied, tugging at him. It would definitely be nice to have a more experienced vampire around. She had thought about it but felt it would be inappropriate to ask, and that Lady Marceline might be unwilling to live here.
"What do you know?" Lady Marceline replied. "The lady has decided."
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