Work Text:
When she came to, it was to the image of Doom holding their child in his arms, the baby since cleaned and placed into a green blanket matching Doom’s signature color. She didn’t notice the sigils drawn on the wall behind her. Last thing she knew she was struggling to birth their child while Doom demanded the hired medical team from the Latverian University Hospital get out due to their incompetence.
“I will triumph where weaker men have failed.” Doom had told her as he took over the operation, casting some spell that rendered her unconscious during the worst of it.
Then she woke to the image of her husband cradling their child. She could see little blonde wisps peaking from the blanket.
Sue gave a weak smile. While she lamented she had no memory of the actual delivery process other than Doom having to utilize his arcane knowledge to save her and their child, she knew she’d never forget the sight before her: Latveria’s ruler gently caring for his newborn heir. It was a side of Victor that Sue rarely saw.
“Susan, you’re awake.” Doom said, looking up from the baby. Despite the mask, she could see the rare delight on his face. “Doom has been familiarizing himself with his newborn daughter, waiting for her mother to rise.”
Her smile faltered slightly. “Daughter?”
While Sue had no preference on having a son or daughter, she knew that someone like Doom would likely want a son to carry on his name and legacy. And with how difficult it had been to conceive and then the strenuous delivery process…
“What is the matter? Yes, a daughter. Oh, wait, I see. You have provided me with a daughter, not a son. Doom has no qualms about giving his kingdom to his daughter when the time is right.”
Sue relaxed. “It’s just — with the delivery, I don’t know if I can have another —“
“Say no more, my dear.” He dipped his head. “Doom will not endanger his consort in a vain quest to sire more heirs. I have grown rather fond of my existing child.” He moved the blanket back a bit more, displaying the child to Susan. “As per Latverian custom, I have taken it upon myself to name the child.”
Sue arched a brow, a bit miffed at not being consulted on naming their child, yet Doom had saved her and their daughter, giving her little reason to argue.
“My daughter and heir…Valeria von Doom.” The infant made a noise of contentment. “You like that name, little one? Your father has much to teach you, as does your mother. But fret not, my child, for you are under Doom’s royal protection.”
Sue moved into a sitting position, making herself more comfortable in her bed. Another Latverian custom had been to deliver the child in her quarters rather than a hospital, which were rather scarce in the country. While Sue partially wished she could’ve delivered Valeria in New York both for medical and familial reasons, Doom had been steadfast that the heir to Latveria had to be born on Latverian soil.
“I want to see her.” Sue stretched her arms out expectingly.
“Of course.” Doom approached Sue’s bed, gingerly moving the bundled up child into her arms. “Here in Latveria, middle names are not common place. Doom will make an exception. His consort may pick it.”
”It may be an odd match, but I’d like to name her after my mother.” Sue hadn’t picked out any names beforehand despite flipping through dozens of baby name books, looking for the perfect fit for the potential next ruler of Latveria, but she instantly knew she wished to honor her mother’s memory with their daughter. She was a bit surprised Doom didn’t want to name their daughter after Cynthia, his own mother.
Susan meant to make a mental note to ask where the name Valeria came from. Surely it meant something to him as he was not the type to do something without considerable thought.
”Valeria Mary it is then.” Doom agreed.
Doom stood at Susan’s side as she cuddled Valeria. For a brief moment, he thought of his own mother, but he quickly pushed memories of the past away. He had more important memories to make.
“Well done, my dear Susan.” His cold armored hand caressed her tousled blonde hair. She leaned into his touch and met his dark eyes.
”Thank you, Victor. For saving me…and Valeria.”
He gave a slight nod. ”Doom would not allow his consort and heir to leave him so easily.”