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The gentle light from the morning sun peeked through the windows of the bedroom. It was early still, but the light never failed to wake Diane up these days. Part of her missed the days that she and King would sleep in until nearly midday; the days when she could sleep when and where ever she wants. But this was a new chapter of their life, and an exciting one at that.
Diane rolled over and admired the sight of her sleeping husband; the rise and fall of his chest with each soft breath; the auburn hair gently framing his face. The faint smile on his lips had her curious about his current dream.
She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before turning to get out of bed. She knew at this point that she wouldn’t fall back asleep now, and there was no point lying in bed if it was only going to disturb King’s sleep. She dressed and readied for the day quietly in the bathroom, as she did every morning, before heading to the kitchen for some breakfast.
After eating some fresh fruit she had gathered the previous day, she headed outside for a short stroll among the forest. This was one of her favourite ways to spend the early summer mornings; the light from the rising sun filtering through the trees; the luscious grass beneath her feet, warm from the earth. The Fairy King’s Forest had been home to her for a couple years now, yet she never grew tired of it, and she knew she never would. Naturally she loved the earth and the Fairy King’s Forest was no exception. She had fallen in love with it the first time she was there, and now that it was home, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
She walked out towards the small meadow on a nearby hill that King had shown her, it was one of his favourite spots and soon became one of hers as well. She often opted to walk bare foot in the summer because she loved the feel of earth beneath her. Once she made it to the meadow, she took a seat on the grass, looking out at the trees ahead of her. It was still early, and although the sun was up, it would stay behind the tall trees for a little while longer.
“I thought I told you to wake me in the mornings when you come out here,” the gentle scolding from her husband reached her ears.
“You looked so peaceful; I couldn’t bring myself to wake you,” she smiled as she turned towards him. “Plus, I thought I told you that I was fine. That we’re fine.”
King floated over to her, resting on the ground beside her before wrapping his arm around her.
“I know, but I can’t help but worry about you.” With his other hand, he rested it on her swollen belly. “You don’t have much longer. I’d rather be with you and know you’re both okay.”
Diane leaned against his shoulder. She loved him, beyond words, but he was a little overprotective at times. Especially now as their child grew inside her.
“You worry too much,” she giggled.
He scowled at her. “I think I worry a normal amount,” he protested.
Diane sat up, gazing into his eyes. Gods, she loved him.
“You’re right. You wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with if it was any other way.”
Her words brought a smile to his face.
“How are you feeling today?” he asked after she settled back into his side.
“Fine, just tired,” she admitted.
King rested a hand on her belly, it had become almost second nature for him to hold her that way. She knew he enjoyed feeling their child move as well. The movements hardly fazed her anymore, since she had become accustomed to them some time ago. But it never failed to excite him.
“She’s pretty wiggly today,” he commented.
“She?” Diane teased.
From day one, King had insisted that the baby was a girl, where Diane was sure it was boy. Of course, only time could tell, but she felt she had the upper hand since the baby was growing inside of her.
“Yeah, it’s a girl. I can just feel it.”
“Hm, I think you’re wrong. It’s definitely a boy,” Diane responded, knowing he would let her have this one. She found as they neared their baby’s arrival, it didn’t take much to persuade him.
After a few moments of silence, King pulled away from her.
“What do you say, should we head back?” King said softly.
Diane nodded as he helped her up. She knew he would rather spend the day cuddled up with her, but being the Fairy King meant he had responsibilities aside from her.
The two walked back towards their home, taking their time as Diane’s walk was more of a waddle now.
Later that day, as the sun was setting, Diane returned to her bedroom, beyond ready for sleep. King had told her that he would be late, something needed his attention at the north side of the forest. He hadn’t explained what exactly it was, but he assured her that she didn’t need to worry. And that was exactly what she did. She trusted him with her life; if he said she needn’t worry, then she believed him.
When she climbed into bed, she was unhappy to find that her restlessness still hadn’t passed. She spent the majority of the day ignoring it and keeping busy, but anytime she stopped she felt as though her body didn’t want to stop; couldn’t stop. She dismissed it as nerves, thinking she was just getting anxious for the baby’s arrival.
After tossing and turning for the better part of the next hour, she decided to get up and find something to keep herself busy. Pacing the room, she found herself wishing King was there, and although he probably would want to sleep, she knew he would have kept her company. They had spent some time the past few nights cuddled together while he read to her, and although it never put her to sleep, it was definitely relaxing.
Diane made her way to the small cradle that they had ready for the baby. Inside was an incredibly soft blanket with the same pattern as King’s Chastiefol and a matching miniature doll. Picking up the doll, she looked it over, admiring the skills of her beloved husband. He had insisted on making a few items for the baby shortly after they found out she was expecting.
Feeling a dull ache in her belly, she placed the doll back in the cradle and began pacing again. She could hardly believe they were here, at this point. Part of her felt like it was just yesterday that they got married, while the other part of her felt like eternity ago that Merlin had confirmed her suspicions of about being pregnant.
That day came rushing back to her. A memory that she would never forget.
“Diane, I think we should go see Elizabeth. You’ve been sick for over a week,” King brushed a stray hair from Diane’s face.
She didn’t want to go. She knew it would it go away eventually; she didn’t need to bother Elizabeth. Especially right now. She and Meliodas had just welcomed their adorable little boy into the world, and the last thing Elizabeth needed was to take care of her as well.
She knew if King brought it up to Elizabeth though, she wouldn’t say no.
“No, I’m fine. It will-“ Diane grabbed the pail from the floor beside her.
King rubbed a soothing hand over her back, while holding her hair with the other hand.
After the wave passed, she leaned back, eye’s closed as she wiped her mouth with the cloth King handed her.
“You were saying?” he teased lightly.
Despite not wanting to admit it, Diane knew there was something more than a simple illness going on. She rarely got sick, and when she did, it lasted a couple days at most. So, to have this lasting so long was mildly concerning.
“We both know Elizabeth can help heal you. Especially now that she’s no longer pregnant…”
Diane’s eyes shot open. That was it. The only thing that made sense. Right?
“…What is it?” King asked softly.
She knew King would be ecstatic if she was pregnant and she didn't want to get his hopes up just in case she wasn't actually. “Uh, yeah, let’s go see Elizabeth.”
The trip to Liones had Diane exhausted, although thankfully she wasn’t feeling nauseous anymore, just depleted from lack of food. Despite it not taking long, thanks to their means of transportation, it was still a tiring journey.
When they arrived, it was Diane's first-time meeting Tristan, the boy being only a couple weeks old, and Diane was in love. She couldn’t take her eyes off the sleeping baby in her arms.
“What brings you two to Liones?” Elizabeth asked after taking a seat on the sofa across from her.
“Uh, well…” Diane started, not wanting to look up from Tristan, but knowing she should probably look at her dear friend. “I think I’m pregnant.” A smile hinted at her lips.
“Really?” Elizabeth could hardly contain her excitement.
Diane nodded. “I haven’t said anything to King yet, since I don’t know for sure. But I’ve been really nauseous the past week. King insisted that we come see you… so you can heal me.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Well I could try healing you, but Merlin is in the city and we could just ask her.”
Diane nodded. She hadn’t expected Merlin to be around, but she also realized there wasn’t much Elizabeth could do for her if she was indeed pregnant.
It wasn’t long before Merlin entered the parlour. Elizabeth had sent Meliodas and King to request her assistance. Although she was a busy woman, she made Elizabeth and Diane a priority.
Tristan woke up in time with Merlin’s arrival, causing Elizabeth to excuse herself with the newly fussing infant.
“How have you been Diane?” Merlin asked once they were alone.
Diane wasn’t certain, but she figured King may have said something to her when he and Meliodas had gone to retrieve her.
“Eh, I’ve felt better,” she said honestly.
“What seems to be the problem?”
“I think I’m pregnant. I’ve been nauseous all week, and now that I’ve thought about it, I missed my cycle.”
Merlin’s expression changed slightly to amusement. If Diane hadn’t known her, she may not have even noticed.
“Very well. I have the means to confirm your suspicion. Anything else?”
Diane let out a sigh. “What would mean for us? You know, since I’m a giant and King’s a fairy.” She had never voiced her concerns, but she couldn’t deny that it had crossed her mind more than once over the years.
Merlin hummed with thought.
“I can’t be certain, but I would suspect that if you two were able to conceive, then your body can handle it, either way. Although, it may not be a bad idea to stay at human size for the duration though. To stay on the safe side.”
Diane nodded. A wave of relief washed over her.
After Merlin was through, and confirmed she was indeed pregnant, Diane set out to find King. She was excited to tell him the news, now that her concerns were eased.
“Diane, wait up!” she heard King call from behind her.
She turned to face him, a smile on her face.
“Did you figure out what’s wrong?” he asked, landing on the ground in front of her.
She nodded. “There’s nothing wrong.”
He looked shocked at her words, dropping his gaze to the floor. “But you’ve been so sick this past week!” a hint of frustration on his voice.
Diane placed a hand on his cheek, his skin warm and comforting beneath her touch.
“There’s nothing wrong because… I’m pregnant.”
King’s eyes met hers. “What?” his voice was barely above a whisper.
Diane smiled as she let the news sink in.
“You really are?” he asked.
She nodded as his smile grew.
He wrapped her in a tight embrace, not letting her go for a long time as he processed the new information.
He spent the rest of the evening gushing over the news. She honestly hadn’t expected him to react in such a way, but it made her heart happy, nonetheless.
Another dull pain in her abdomen pulled her from the memory. This time it was a little stronger and less ignorable. Her thoughts couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of labour. She had had pains and cramps before, but something about tonight felt different. More consistent.
Checking out the window, she wondered again where King was. She would have figured he’d be back by now, but there was still no sign of him. She knew from Elizabeth that it could be a while from the onset of labour to when she would actually give birth, but she couldn’t help but want King nearby, regardless. Since there was still no sign of him, she decided to go in search of Gerheade, knowing King would have told her to stay nearby in case anything happened while he was out.
“Lady Diane, is everything okay?” Gerheade asked, when Diane found her.
“Yeah, of course. I’m just wondering if you’ve any idea when Harlequin will be returning?” Diane gently rubbed a hand over her belly, willing herself to stay calm as the discomfort inside increased.
“I’m not sure exactly. But I don’t imagine it will be much longer. Is there anything I can do in the meantime?” Gerheade offered.
Diane shook her head. “No, that’s alright. Have a good night.” Diane waited for a response then turned to leave. Her first step stopped by the gush of water pooling at her feet.
“Um, Lady Diane?” Gerheade asked.
“My water just broke!” Diane turned to look at the fairy who was watching her intently. “I’m going to head back to my room and get cleaned up. If you see Harlequin, can you let him know I’m there?”
Gerheade nodded and before she could say anything else, Diane left in search of clean clothes.
Diane paced in her room, glancing between the door and the tub that was now filled with hot water. It had been a couple hours since her water broke- and still no sign of her husband- but the pain that accompanied each contraction was growing intensely and she needed some sort of relief. As much as she wanted to go out in search of King, she knew she wouldn’t make it very far.
Just as she was about to climb into the tub, she heard the faint click of the door. Peeking out from the washroom, she was relieved to see King, finally.
“Hey,” he greeted her. It was clear he was tired. “You’re still up?”
Diane nodded as he walked towards her. “I’m in labour…”
“What!? Why did no one retrieve me! How long? Why are you alone in here?” King rushed over to her, only then did he notice the bath that was waiting for her.
“I’m fine, it’s been a couple hours. I was going to take a bath and see if that helped things along at all,” she spoke calmly, despite King’s overreaction.
“You’re sure? Should I get someone?” his voice a little calmer now.
Diane shook her head as she breathed through another contraction. “No, I’m just happy you’re here.”
King made his way to her side, helping her into the tub when she was ready. Now that her beloved husband was by her side, she knew she could get through this, and before they knew it, their baby would be in her arms.
“You’re almost there, Lady Diane. One more push,” Diane heard.
She wasn’t paying enough attention to know who was speaking because honestly, she didn’t care right now. She was tired, had been in labour for hours, had been pushing for what felt like too long, and she was ready for the baby to be out.
She felt King squeeze her hand, pulling her attention to him.
“You’re doing amazing, you’re so close to bringing our child into this world. I’ve always known you to be an incredibly strong woman, I’ve never thought any different, and today you’ve shown me a whole new strength that you possess. I couldn’t image my life without you, my queen.”
Diane’s heart melted at the sweet words from her husband. His encouragement giving her the last bit of strength that she needed.
With one final push, she heard the unfamiliar, yet long awaited, cry from their baby.
~~~
King sat silently atop Chastiefol in the corner of their room as Diane slept peacefully in the bed. It was nearly nightfall and Diane had endured many hours of labour to bring their beautiful daughter into the world. King had been staring at his beautiful daughter for well over an hour as he let Diane rest. He suspected it wouldn’t be long until the baby needed to feed again, so he wanted to give his wife the chance to recover a bit from the delivery.
He was also incredibly in love with the tiny human in his arms and couldn’t imagine not watching her as she slept.
Everything about the labour and delivery solidified his belief that Diane was a true warrior. He wasn’t sure how women did it, but he definitely had a new appreciation for them. Once he had arrived back the previous night, things had progressed steadily. And although it felt like it took a long time, the reward of having their perfect bundle in their arms was everything they could have dreamed.
She was the perfect combination of the two of them. The most adorable child King had ever seen, although he may be biased. He couldn’t help but feel that she fit perfectly in his arms, as if he had been missing her his whole life. And his heart felt the same. Complete.
The baby stirred in his arms, pulling him from his thoughts. Before she could let out a cry, King brought her to where Diane was asleep. He gently rested one hand on his sleeping wife's shoulder to wake her.
“I think she’s hungry,” he said softly when Diane looked up at him.
King made his way to the other side of their bed and sat next to Diane as she fed their baby.
“You did absolutely amazing today,” he mused.
“Thank you for being with me,” Diane hummed, obviously still tired from the day’s events.
King turned to look at her. “I will always be with you,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, then leaned down to kiss their daughter's cheek. “…with both of you.”
He had more than he could ever have imagined. Everything in his life was absolutely perfect.