Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun peaked through the curtains, shining a ray of light into the otherwise dark room. Mydei slowly woke up, opening his eyes and yawning like a tired lion. He looked at the window, seeing the sun has only peaked through, he would say it was the starting hours of the morning. Looking to his right, the sight before him left him speechless like many times before in the past.

There next to him, laid the ‘queen’ of Castrum Kremnos, the love of his life, Phainon, peacefully asleep with his hands curled in front of his chest, head leaning into Mydei’s shoulder.

Mydei stared at the sleeping man like a man seeing an angel, full of awe and astonishment. Engraving every detail into his mind and memory. The soft lashes that flutter every once in a while, the snowy white hair that surrounds his head like a halo. Maybe he is the man seeing an angel.

He doesn’t know how long he has been staring, but only when he heard a soft hesitant knock on the door did it break him out of his trance. He got up, replacing his shoulder with a plushie of an orange chimera for Phainon’s head before changing and heading to the door of their shared room. The door revealed an out of breath messenger. “Yes?”

“My king,” the messenger bowed, “there is a man requesting your urgent attention.”

Mydei raised an eyebrow. It’s rare for a man to be demanding the king’s attention. “This early? Ask Krateros to handle it, I’m with my wife.”

“The man said only you can hear what he has to say. All he said was that it was about the queen….and the baby.”

The mention of Phainon got Mydei’s attention. This was suspicious. A strange man urgently needing his attention in the early hours, a man who somehow knows something about Phainon and their unborn child. It was only two months ago that they announced that an heir to the throne will be born.

“Tell him I’ll meet with him soon. I expect him in the throne room.” And with that he shuts the door, going back to Phainon and leaving a soft kiss on his forehead. “I’ll be back my love,” he whispered to the sleeping man. And like that, he left the room.

The strange man didn’t necessarily say anything important, only a short ‘prophecy’ as he said, the queen as white as snow will go through the clouds and dirt in twists, with only the help of strife can it be release. Without one will the other crease, and the unborn will cease to exist.

From what he could depict, as long as he stays with Phainon and helps him through his pregnancy, the baby will be born health.

“Absolutely absurd." He whispered to himself on the walk back to the room.

To think anyone even dared to think Mydei would even once leave his wife should be executed right on sight. He doesn’t need any stupid ‘prophecy’ to tell him to stay. Everyone can go against him and he will still be with Phainon.

The rage and anger that burned in him was extinguished the second he saw Phainon again.

In the still dark room, Phainon still laid asleep to the world, only now, he turned to the other side, his arms curled around the plushie like his life depended on it. His cheeks puffed against the pillow.

Knowing the chef would have made their breakfast soon, he decides to wake the sleeping man.

Gently, he taps the man’s shoulder as he sits on the edge of the bed. “Wake up my angel.” With some more tapping, he manage to get the man to slowly open his eyes…only for them to be closed again.

“Mmmmn…five more minutes.” Phainon said before squeezing his head between the plushie and the pillow.

“Come on, you can’t sleep that long, breakfast will be ready soon.”

Phainon peaked one eye open, “you're the king, tell them to make it later.”

Mydei made a face that says seriously.

“Hmmph, fine.” He sat up on the bed, Mydei propping up some pillows for his back. “…oh…I think I sat up too fast.”

Phainon made a face of discomfort. Knowing what’s going to happen, Mydei quickly grabbed a nearby large bowl before Phainon started throwing up. He rubbed circles on Phainon’s back, knowing its soothing for him.

“Urgh, I hate morning sickness. How are you not disgusted by this?”

“Because I love everything about you and what you do.”

“Even when it’s as disgusting as throwing up almost everyday?”

“Yes.” He said with full dedication.

Phainon blushes slightly, “if only I knew you were so romantic when we met.”

Mydei softly smiles before throwing away the bowl and grabbing a damp towel to clean Phainon up.

After a few minutes, he asked, “are you good enough to start getting ready for the day.”

“Yup” Once Phainon finished changing into his robes and brushing his teeth, he asked “What are we having for breakfast?”

“Honeycakes with the syrup you were craving yesterday.”

Phainon beamed at that.

As they walked out of the room, Mydei notices the way a slight bump of Phainon’s stomach can be seen with the robes he’s wearing, a sense of pride and protectiveness washing through him. Seemingly unaware of his husbands inner thinking, Phainon talks about anything that comes to his mind through the entire walk to the dinning room, Mydei merely listening like a man caught by a siren's voice.

Once they finished eating through the honeycakes, Mydei got up first before offering a hand to Phainon to help him get up.

“You, my king, are such a gentleman. What did I do to deserve a man like you?”

“Mmh, I should be asking myself that.”

“I agree. You don’t deserve me. Did you know how long it took to make everyone stop ogling you and your body? It certainly didn’t help that you're basically half naked all the time” he said as he poked his husband's muscles.

“How about your own sun mark on your neck, the citizens sure loved talking about it.”

“Annnnnddd you made a royal decree that if anyone dares take a photo of it they will be imprisoned.”

Mydei smiled proudly. “I have no regrets.”

Together, they walked around the garden, hand in hand. As time past, Mydei noticed Phainon’s pace slowing down. “Are you alright?”

“Ah yes, just a bit tired. I fear this baby is taking a lot of my energy.”

Without a second later, Mydei picks Phainon up.

“Aah!” Phainon’s arms circle around Mydei’s shoulders for support and balance, “warn me next time.”

“Sorry.” Mydei decided to go to the library. As he walks there, he can feel Phainon tracing the red lines of his tattoos as a small sniffle caught his attention. “Phai?”

“….nothing.” He says, his voice clearly cracking.

When they reached the library, he settles his ‘almost’ crying wife on the large couch. He goes on his knees to be on eye level with Phainon before using his hands to try and stop the tears from slipping down to his chin. “Why are you sad my love?”

“……”

“Come on. Is it something I did?”

“…no”

“Will you tell me what it is then?”

“I realized that I- I’m taking up all your time today.” Phainon hiccuped as tears started to run freely.

…..oh, Phainon thinks he’s wasting his time when he should be running the nation. Ah I forgot to tell him. Chuckling, he cups Phainon’s face, “I took the day off.”

.

.

.

“…WHAT.”

If Mydei didn’t know it was the mood swings, he sure does now as Phainon did a whole 180. His tears quickly drying as he starts the angrily hitting and kicking the man in front of him. “HOW DARE YOU NOT TELL ME”

Mydei took all the hits (they didn’t hurt anyways). Seeing as his wife is calming down, he tries to defend himself, “I forgot to tell you today. I was suppose to tell you last night be you fell asleep early so I didn’t had the chance.”

Plainly stared it him for a moment, seemingly deciding if what he said was true or not. “Hmmfp. Fine I guess. I’m just tired now.” Without needing to be asked, Mydei laid down on the couch before Phainon slotted himself on top of him, his head on his chest.

Mydei grabbed a near by book before looking down, “go sleep for now, I’ll wake you up later.” Phainon hummed contently (though still a little pissed) as Mydei started to comb his fingers through his hair.

Eventually, sleep overtook him as he heard Mydei turn over to the next page.

Chapter Text

“Mydei! Come here!”

The king swiftly navigated through the crowd to the white haired man, who was waving at him the whole time. Ever since Phainon entered through the second trimester, he has been a lot more energetic, dragging Mydei to shop around the market with him whenever he was off duty. The citizens loved seeing their king and queen outside the castle, it made them seem so…domestic compared to when they were on duty. No one dares to say that aloud though. Ever since a (corrupt) noble got too close to the queen, he was never seen again. Rumour has it that he was stripped of his title and banished. “It’s only a rumour Phai,” Mydei would say when Phainon questioned him about it.

“I’m here love, what do you need?” He said as his arms wrapped around Phainon’s waist, hands landing on top of the very obvious baby bump.

“Do you think this antique will match with the library’s decor?”

Mydei stared at the antique in question, a large vase, off color white lined with gold. Truth being said, he didn’t necessarily understand Phainon’s love for antiques and the history behind it but as long as Phainon’s happy, he is. Afterall, his angel is already doing so much by carrying their baby, so he will do anything his queen wants. “Mmmh, the gold will match the front. Let’s buy it.”

In front of them, the shop owner tries to tell the couple that they could have it for free after explaining the meaning behind it but Mydei’s presence made the man more nervous by the minute. “This…is authentic right?”

“Ah yes it is my king. Please, take it. Free of char-“

“Oh no sir, we will buy it, full price.” Phainon cut in, “we have so much. Giving something for free to the rich is useless, please, use this money to take care of yourself and your family.”

The man speechless, stared at the queen in gratefulness, as the king set the money on the counter. “Umm let me wrap it for you.”

“Thank you.”

The room was quiet except from the soft sobs when Mydei entered their shared room. Immediately worried, he took big strides before sitting down on the bed, next to the sobbing man. “Are you alright? Are you hurt? Do you feel pain?” Questions and what ifs swarmed his head as he quickly scan Phainon’s body to check for any blood or wound. Nothing. “Can you look at me?”

Red rimmed eyes peaked up to might gold ones. “They broke up.” He said between sobs.

Huh?

He got his explanation when his eyes locked on the bright screen of Phainon’s teleslate. It showed a gossip post about a break up between two Crastrum Kremnos celebrities. 

As of lately, he has noticed that during the pregnancy, Phainon’s mood swings tend to lead him to cry a lot, both in sadness and happiness. And right now, his hormonal wife is crying his heart out over a celebrity break up.“I really love the singer too. Why did they have to break up?”

“My love, people break up all the time, it’s just something that happened.” He tries to comfort him but he only makes it worse. Phainon is now crying so hard he fears that it will turn to hyperventilation. In hindsight, Mydei never said he was good at comforting people. That’s more Phainon’s forte.

“Does that mean we’re going to break up too?” His voice cracked between all the crying and the need to breathe.

Shocked, he gathers the sobbing angel onto his lap, the angel’s face snuggles between his neck and shoulder as his body melts into the touch, his actions like second nature. “What! No. What makes you think that?”

“You said people break up all the time, that means we will break up too.”

“Please, my love. I didn’t mean that, you know I’ll always be by your side.”

The crying seems to stop but soft sniffles can be heard. Slowly, he lifts his wife’s face to meet his, grabbing a tissue to clean up the mess. “What do you want, my queen? Do you want to meet them and ask them yourself? I can send an order for them.”

“…no, I don’t want to inconvenience th-“

Ah Phainon, you are too kind “You're their queen, I doubt they will call it inconvenience, actually, I think they will be more amazed to meet you.”

Phainon thought thoroughly, "I do want to go to one of her performances but by then I might be too close to my due date. I don’t want to disturb them with loud music.” He circles his hand over his stomach gasping when he felt motion. 

Any remaining tears left as he stares at his husband in pure shock, “Mydei, can you feel it?” He quickly grabs his large hand and places it on top of his stomach. Seconds later, a small movement could be felt. “Hehe, they know their father is near.”

Mydei was left speechless. They weren’t any kicks yet but rather gentle tapping, small enough that if he wasn’t actively searching for it, he would never feel it. “Our baby is moving.”

He has never felt more in love then now. Smiling, he quickly (and gently) tackled Phainon on their bed, forcing them both to be laying down as he tickled his wife, watching as he tried to squirm away, legs getting tangled with his own.

“Hahahah Mydei stop. Ah please.” He laughed as tears started to form. 

Mercifully, Mydei stopped but not without kissing Phainon everywhere on the face.

Phainon felt the cold gel press onto his stomach as the ultrasound machine moved around. “Your baby is healthy. Have you felt any movement yet?”

“Yeah it’s like gentle taps, some shuffling once in a while.”

“That’s good.” The doctor looked at the screen that was facing away from Mydei and Phainon. “Would you like to know the gender of your baby now or do you want to do a baby shower of some kind?”

The couple stared at each other for a while.

“We would like a baby sh-“

“We would like to know n-“

They stared at each other again. “You want a baby shower?”

“I mean yeah. This is our first child, I never got to do these parties in Aedes Elysiae so I just thought why not?”

“Mmm I understand but I just don’t think we need that many eyes on you or our unborn child just yet. We can reveal their gender through a royal announcement. I don’t want you to push yourself too much.”

Phainon, the stubborn man he is argued back, “I’m feeling fine now, we can do the party by tomorrow.”

“No Phai.”

The doctor quietly felt the room to give them privacy.

“Why not? I want this party and you deserve a break from ruling the nation, isn’t this party a good thing, we are celebrating our baby.”

Mydei exhaled in frustration. “I do want to celebrate our child but I think it’s best that we celebrate after the baby is born. You might think you’re fine since your morning sickness has gotten better but your back and joints are sometimes sore, your ankles are swollen. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable during the party, especially in front of so many people.”

“I don’t care Mydei! Do you know how useless I've been lately? You restrict almost all my duties, my ankles are sore that I can’t walk for any longer than an hour. I lay in bed all day with nothing to do, no one to talk to. I don’t care if I’m sore throughout the party, I just want to do something, talk to people. Please Mydei.”

His words strike a cord in Mydei’s heart. Still hesitant, he tries to make a compromise, “no party but a get-together, closest friends only.”

“A small party, close friends AND a few servants that I’m close with, oh and a few random people I know.”

A true king knows when it’s best to surrender. “You HSK. Fine, I’ll let Aglaea know so she can prepare it with the other heirs but ONLY a small party.”

…….

The party was indeed not small. It was filled with people he doesn’t even know. Random academics, businessmen, even some servants and soldiers Mydei didn’t know worked for him. This was when he concluded that his wife, the queen, knew too many people.

Together, they sat in the throne room, which was decorated with golden and silver. He may have underestimated the amount of ‘random people’ Phainon knows.

There were two long tables as people walked up to them on the throne, presenting their gifts before wandering and chatting off with others near the sides. All the other Demigods have arrived, Castroice, Hyacine and Aglea especially excited for them. Even professor Anaxa has arrived, congratulating the couple and chatting with Phainin before some of the academics whisked him away.

Once everyone had presented their gifts, Phainon stood up and tapped his glass, “ok ok, let’s get this started. As you all can see there are two tables, one with gold and the other with silver. For those who think this baby is a boy, sit at the gold , for those who think they are a girl, sit at the silver table.” As everyone started wondering off, he looked at his husband, “so tell me, a girl or a boy?”

“I don’t care, I’ll love them no matter what.”

“Booooo so boring, don’t be like that little lion, your wife is asking you to choose. Personally I think they’ll be a girl.” A voiced said before disappearing somewhere.

“Haha, Cipher is right, you must choose.”

“Fine, I think they’ll be a boy.”

“I think girl, wanna make a bet?”

Mydei smirks, “if I win I’ll get to choose the colour of the baby room.”

“And if I win you can’t drink pomegranate juice for a month.”

“WHAT”

“A bet is a bet.”

“HSK, fine, I’ll win anyways.”

They still sat at their throne but wore their gold/silver headpiece. 

Suddenly, gold threads wrapped around the cannons before silver confetti boomed out of cannons. “Ahhh we are having a girl!” 

Mydei stood up and immediately hugged Phainon, trying to hide his smile in between his angel's neck. “We are having a girl my love. God I love you so much.”

Chapter Text

Phainon is now in the third trimester of pregnancy. His morning sickness is long gone, the cravings have died down, his ankles are swollen, his back lowkey hurts but best of all, he can feel the slight kicks of their baby girl. 

He is currently sitting in the garden of the third floor, seeing the beautiful view of Castrum Kremnos. Past the railing, he can see many young Kremnoans sparring with each other, their weapons screeching against one another. He closed his eyes, feeling a strong kick from their little girl, “oof, calm down sweetie.” Seemingly hearing her mothers words, she stopped her kicking, calming down for now.

He closed his eyes again, slowly relaxing into the chair. In some time, he fell asleep, soaking in the warm sun. That’s how Mydei found him after his afternoon meeting with his advisors. Upon walking up to the sleeping angel, his eyes noticed a dark patch on Phainon’s white robes, around his breast. 

29 weeks into his pregnancy and Phainon is now leaking milk.

Mydei took off his red cloak and covered Phainon’s front, scooping him up in a bridal carry before quickly walking into their shared chambers. He laid him down before going to the conjoined bathroom to grab a towel. As he was carefully unwrapping Phainon’s robes, the man stirred before blue eyes fluttered open. “Mmh?” He muttered drowsily.

“Shhhh go back to sleep.”

“I know it’s normal for you to see me undressed but u can’t be saying that as you're undressing me.”

Mydei finished undressing him. “Pregnancy brain got to you? You’re leaking Phai”

“HUH?” Phainon embarrassingly looked down only to see milk slowly dripping down. Face rapidly reddening, he grabbed the blanket and threw it over himself, covering him from head to toe.

Mydei chuckled as he nudged the bundle under the blanket, “Ha You embarrassed my queen?”

A soft muffled “yes” was his only reply.

He let his queen hide in his embarrassment for a moment before grabbing the blanket, throwing it up and away from Phainon’s reach. Before the man could react, the king quickly cages the queen between his arms, leaning down and licking a bit of the milk dripping down from his breast. “Taste good to me, can I have more?” 

He did not wait for an answer, immediately going in and drinking more. At this point, Phainon is so red, someone might think he is having a heat stroke. “Wha- Mydei? Hey! Ah- stop a little will you, there’s no more milk.”

He patted the king's head as a warning.

Luckily his words seem true as Mydei eyes look up to meet his, resembling a disappointed lion. “You need to produce more.”

Phainon flicks a finger at his forehead, “you’re only saying that cause you want more. I doubt our baby will drink as much as you.”

“I haven’t drank pomegranate juice for the whole of last month plus it’s not like the baby needs it right now, I’m helping the baby taste test it.”

“You, my king, are absurd. If you want to help me then massage my feet, they’re sore and swollen.”

Mydei moved and sat on the edge of the bed, grabbing one of Phainon’s feet and started massaging it. “Next time this happens again call me, I don’t care about what time it is, your milk will not go to waste.”

“Haha if only people knew their king was like this.” 

Mydei and Aglea sat together in one of the meeting rooms with a window facing the gardens, where Phainon is currently in right now, sitting happily while chatting with a few of the servants. Mydei observed his wife, making sure he is alright and not tiring himself.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t noticed you yet, you’re basically staring daggers at him.” Aglea chuckled. 

“Ah Lady Agl-“

“Even before you were crowned king I told you this, don’t need to address me as ‘lady’ unless you would rather me address you as ‘king’ now.”

“Apologies Aglea.”

“So tell me why request this meeting with me?”

Mydei turned his gaze to Phainon one more time before asking the million dollar question, “Phainon and I were wondering if you would like to be our baby’s godmother.”

Aglea’s neutral gaze turned to a slight smile, (for Aglea’s that’s basically her screaming in joy) “of course Mydeimos, it would be my honor to be her godmother.” Her smile falter a bit, “however that does make me wonder, if you’re asking me to be her godmother, I suspect you’re asking him to be the godfather too.”

Mydei chuckled nervously, “…you are correct. As Phainon is close to him, he will be asking the professor tomorrow.”

“I see.”

At her short reply, the atmosphere of the room turned awkward. No matter how high his position is now, he will always be slightly intimidated of Aglea’s words. “Will that be a problem?”

“Certainly not. In the chances that he does agree I will ensure your daughter's protection from that man’s ridiculousness.”

Mydei never understood why they both don’t like each other. Phainon tried to explain it to him once, to which he replied, “can’t they just spar, the winner of the spar will be the winner of the argument.” Phainon just stared at him like he was crazy. 

“I sense Hyacine’s arrival, I shall take my leave. Please notify me if that man excepts your request.” And with that, she left.

He wasn’t even going to figure out how she can sense it without her strings in Castrum Kremnos.

Surprisingly, Hyacine did arrive minutes after Aglea’s departure. “Ahhh sorry I’m late Mydei, I saw some trickets in the market and since I’m rarely at Castrum Kremnos I decided to take a look.”

“It’s ok Hyacine, actually, I was asking if you were willing to stay here for awhile.”

“Is this about Phainon?”

“Yes, you know, even when almost 8 months pregnant he still wants to run around. If you could just stay here for the time being and help the royal doctors to deliver the baby. You will be provided a room in the palace with all your necessities and more taken care of by me personally.”

Hyacine's eyes sparkled as little ica floated around, “of course Mydei! You don’t even need to provide all that much, helping you and Phainon with the baby is an absolute honor for a healer. To start though I would need access to all of Phainon’s past medical history from the beginning of his pregnancy to now.” Her eyes moved to the window, focusing on Phainon, “he’s practically glowing like the sun, hahah he looks so happy with you know you know that right.”

Phainon seems to feel eyes on him as he turns around, seeing two pairs of eyes watching. Surprised to see Hyacine here in Castrum Kremnos, he excitedly waved at her, only turning back around when he saw both Mydei and Hyacine wave back.

“You're right, he does seem quite energetic, I can basically see his tail wagging happily.”

“Ha that’s Phainon alright.”

“I can’t wait to help you guys out. Look! Even little Ica agrees.”

Hyacine told them it was called ‘Braxton Hicks Contraction’ or ‘false labour’.

It happened in the middle of night, Mydei woke up groggily by a hand repeatedly smacking his shoulder. As the sleep slowly disappeared, he took note of the urgency between each smack, a voice calling his name. Worry fills him as he looks at Phainon’s freaked out eyes, a clear sign he’s asking for help. “What happened? Are you ok? Is the baby ok?

In between pained gasps he managed to speak out, “I- I don’t know. It hurts like hell but my water hasn’t broke yet. Mydei? It hurts.”

“Can you move?”

Not trusting his words, he shook his head.

Slightly panicked, he called Hyacine. In a matter of minutes, she arrived to their room with a few of her equipment and little Ica floating beside her.“Phainon I need you to try to breathe in and out slowly.”

She poked and measured with the equipment she bought, Mydei merely standing there and holding Phainon’s hand as he tries to slow his breathing. 

“Will th- the baby be ok?” Phainon asked after she finished checking his stomach and blood pressure.

“Your baby will be fine but I’m going to need you to follow the way I’m breathing ok.” Hyacine took a deep breath and exhaled in a pattern, Phainon following soon after.

After a while, the pain began to ease, letting Phainon’s grip on Mydei’s hand to loosen. “Are you ok now Phai?” He turned to face Hyacine, “what happened?”

“That is called Braxton Hicks, basically false labour. This is very common when you're closing in on your due date. It helps the body prepare for the actual labour and it’s good practice to get your breathing right. That pattern you just did, it’s a great way to ease a bit of the pain rather than just smashing Mydei’s hand into a million pieces.”

“So he will be ok?”

“You worry too much my king, I’m perfectly fine now see.”

“Phainon is right Mydei, I’m going to go get more sleep now. Let’s go little Ica.”

She left the couple's shared room, hearing apologies on her way out.

Originally, Phainon wanted to decorate the spare office-turned-nursery room for their unborn daughter, however after a few decisions of his left Mydei speechless, “Phai, you know I love you right.”

“Of course.”

“Then I say this with all my love….its looks horrible.”

“WHAT! HOW?”

“Yellow and purple just doesn’t match.”

Mydei managed to now be in charge of decorating after the accident but not after being vanished to the couch in his office for a day.

This now leads him to his current predicament, “tell me, does this colour look better with the beige or does this look better instead?” The unlucky servant next to him nervously stared at the color sample in the kings hand.

“They look the same your majesty.”

The quiet before the storm they said as silence was slowly spreading thin before a calm “get out now”

The servant scrambled out at the orders, “don’t frighten the people Mydei.”

The king turned at the voice. There, sitting in the random couch currently moved is Phainon, a hand under his stomach as he watches his husband freaking out between two different shades of pink. Mydei immediately stopped what he was doing to go hug his beloved. 

“Haha. I’ve seen you order people around, defeat armies in battle but choosing between two different shades of pink freaks you out?”

“I am not ‘freaked out’ ok”

“If I ask anyone in the palace they would say you’re going crazy. You have literally been in this room for 3 hours and nothing has been moved in. I can see the crib is still in the box over there.”

“Just…trust the process. I want everything to be perfect for our daughter.”

“When she’s born she won’t even know how to stand, I doubt she will care or let alone even know the difference between the colors you’re holding right now. Your only this stress out because-”

Phainon was silenced as Mydei crashed their lips together before separating, “Shhhhhh it doesn’t matter.” With little to no warning, he gently lifts his queen up in a bridal carry, mindful of the added weight from the baby. 

“You brute. At least you finally left that room.”

“Again..shhhh”

Together they moved, inching closer to the library they love so much. “I love you so much you know.” He leaned down to place one more kiss on the white haired man’s face.

“Me too….oh wait I need you to put all those books on the shelves once you finish choosing the paint.”

“The baby is going to read all that?”

“Hhmmp, and you call me HKS, I’m reading all that stupid, for the baby. She's going to need bedtime stories.”

“Ah my bad.”