Chapter 22: No Intimacy While I’m Pregnant

“We have gathered here today to address a matter of great importance,” Lokir’s gaze drifted towards the left end of the table to Nome-- the war hero who had vanquished the barbarians.

The counselor then shifted his attention to the right end of the table, where Darian sat -- the kingdom’s savior, the prince who had taken charge in its time of need.

A heavy sigh escaped Lokir, who felt Jason’s presence behind him before he turned to see Nymira, seated across from him.

Her hands were folded over the gentle curve of her belly. She ran a hand over it.

“Today, we shall ascertain the identity of this child’s father.” Finished Lokir.

The news came unexpectedly.

“Look how quickly Tartuff is growing,” Nymira seated at the table and observed the now-toddler confidently exploring the room.

Darian quietly savored his chowder, sometimes glancing at Nome on the other side of the table.

Since the last time with the queen, he had never pondered whether anything was going on between his mother and Nome. In truth, he didn’t care.

He had fulfilled his part and more than once.

Even if Nome took over from here, a potential child would still be his.

“It’s wonderful to have us all together as a family again, just like years ago,” she said while adjusting her dress. “Only sad your father is not with us,” She lightly touched her forehead, and Nome turned his attention toward her, “It’s odd.”

“Perhaps you should rest, Mother? The last thing I want is for you to be sick,” Nome glanced across the table as if Darian shouldn’t be here.

“No need to worry, darling; I’m feeling better now.”

As they sat side by side, Darian couldn’t help but notice the pronounced swelling of her breasts, her nipples prominently evident.

A sudden kick to his leg drew his attention to Tartuff, who stood between him and Nymira, casting an envious, childlike gaze. “What do you want, spawn of Inglud?” The child looked suspiciously pale and seemed sick.

“He’s growing so quickly,” Nymira gently stroked the child’s head. “Motherhood is a source of joy for any woman, and the more, the merrier. Giving birth and raising children are challenges every woman should embrace, and I’m more than ready for another.”

Darian coughed.

“Are you saying...?” Nome leaned in closer.

“Yes, dear. It appears I’m expecting once again.”

Darian and Nome exchanged glances, and Darian couldn’t help but notice a unique sense of pride in the expression on the redhead’s face.

“How can you be so sure?” Nome asked.

“Believe me,” she replied with a serene smile, “I just know.”

Nome gently took her hand. “That’s wonderful news, Mother.”

The unspoken question lingered in the air.

“I understand what you’re both thinking. But I’ll reveal the identity of the father when the time is right. I don’t want this to be another stumbling block in our relationship. Now, I hope you both will be devoted sons and provide unwavering care for your mother in these coming months,” Nymira gently passed her hand over her belly, even though there was no noticeable bump. “I never aspired to motherhood, but having sons as splendid as you two--I’m grateful I am. Pregnancy is challenging, but bearing a child of the Serpent-Slayers is a far greater trial. And, I’d prefer if we refrained from discussing the throne until after I’ve given birth. We can consult Lokir on how to present my pregnancy to the kingdom.”

“That can wait. Can you leave us, Darian?” said Nome suddenly.

Darian was taken aback but didn’t argue. He stood up, pale-faced Tartuf kicked him in the leg again and walked out under his mother’s silent gaze.

“I am surrounded by enemies. How did it come to this that my own brother became one? This is my child, isn’t it?”

He stood at the door with a lost look in his eyes. “Right?

It was so thrilling to see her body changing. Her becoming a mother.

And at the same time, it was weird. She was becoming a mother of his child, and at the same time, this very child was his brother or sister.

Being at the same time father and brother was so weirdly thrilling to think about.

As the weeks passed, the transformation of her body became increasingly pronounced until, on one special day, the curve of her belly could no longer be hidden.

“I remember seeing her go through pregnancy with Tartuf, but now that she’s carrying my child, it feels like an entirely new experience.”

She sat next to him in the empty throne room where Lokir was reading out some news. Her hands were placed on her stomach to hide the emerging bump. She had made it clear, “No intimacy while I’m pregnant,” prioritizing the well-being of their growing child above all else.

“Your Grace, our enemies ... You Grace? Are you listening?” Lokir stood in front of the throne.

“Yes, yes. Go on.”

“How many days do you think will pass before the people in the castle and throughout the kingdom notice?” asked Lokir suddenly.

Darian, visibly taken aback, turned his head toward the queen and noticed that she had fallen asleep. She was sleeping peacefully, sitting on her throne. Something she had never allowed herself to do before.

“The answer is zero.” Lokir came closer. “Everyone has already noticed. We can’t put it off any longer and my opinion is that it has to be reported.”

Darian let out a chuckle. “Reported to whom? The citizens? There’s nothing to report.”

“The people need to know whose child it is. It would serve the queen no good to have rumors circulating that she is expecting a child from an unknown lover.”

“And from her own son?”

“If we tell about the old traditions, then the kingdom will accept it. After all, you are their king.”

“The kingdom don’t respect me this much to accept it. That’s nonsense,” Darian took off his crown. “It will not accept this turn of events. Queen Mother pregnant by her King Son.”

“You should give this some serious thought though. And we should also know whose exactly child it is, because...”

“Because what?” Darian’s voice slightly trembled.”Did Nome lay with her?”

“Yes”.

He clutched the crown tightly, not understanding the very source of his anger. He had suspected it, after all, he knew it. But still.

It was painful.

He looked at her peacefully slumbering on the throne, looking so innocent and cute.

It was so good filling her. He did not want to share Nymira. Much less with Nome, and also now, while she’s pregnant.

“Mother knows whose child it is,” his grip on the crown grew fiercer. “She’ll decide.”

“Unless she decides to claim it as your brother’s, even if it’s yours.”

Darian’s expression tightened. “She won’t do that.”

“Who knows, Your Majesty. As the chronicler, I have seen women capable of all manner of things.”

“Not my mother.” He watched her sleep; her breasts heaving as she peacefully enjoyed her slumber.

Lokir moved closer, suspiciously close. He said, barely audibly.

“I’ve ... I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a while now.”

“Go ahead.”

Counselor hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I was just curious what it’s like ... I mean, how does it feel ... being inside a mother? In that way...”

Darian leaned back in his throne, making sure with the corner of his eye that Nymira was definitely asleep, and tried to find the right words. “Well, where some might see the enigma of the forbidden womb -- I see a woman whose heart can be passionately pursued and won over. Once you get past that stage, when you think there can be no intimacy with your mother, that it’s a dream too distant to reach, as you delve deeper into this internal battle, it becomes evident that this is a battle that can be won. When you emerge on the other side, a world of boundless possibilities and pleasures opens up before you, like an unexplored landscape waiting for you.

In this process, the place where you grew up inside your mother undergoes an incredible change. It stops just representing your mom’s care and becomes a fascinating part of the amazing person you admire and love deeply. It’s when you realize that your mom isn’t just someone who takes care of you but also has her own wishes and qualities that you can value and treasure in a special way. And you can love her not just as a son, but also as a man.”