Thorn in the Rose {Book 1 Of The Once Upon A Time Chronicles}

Forever

"Looks like you were right," Valerie sighs as she looks at her son.

"I don't know why you're so shocked I usually am," Henry chuckles.

She shoots a quick glare at her husband who continues to chuckle but a small cough from her baby snatches her attention. "It's okay baby. Maman is here," Valerie whispers as she kisses his soft cheeks and rubs his back.

Feeling safe in his mother's arms the little prince kept his eyes squeezed shut and fell into a deep sleep.

"This little one is going to be spoilt," Henry chuckles gently rubbing his son's arm.

"We said we weren't going to spoil him," Valerie remarks.

"I didn't say it was going to be us. Amelie is no doubt going to compose some songs and hold concerts in his honour when she comes back from tour. Charles told me he was going to gift the baby this master clock he's been working on for decades, and I've seen Miss Potts working on some recipes for all sorts of treats she'll no doubt sneak to him when we're not looking."

"I never said that," Miss Potts hastily protests from across the room, but the small smile tugging at her lips said all that needed to be said.

At the orders of the tired Miss Potts, the nurses take the blood-soaked towels and their other instruments and leave the room each of them mostly likely running to their friends to spread the news of the birth of the prince.

"What are you going to name him?" Miss Potts asks as the door clicks shut behind the last nurse.

Henry and Valerie look at one another. Henry smiles at his wife and nods.

Turning her head to look at Miss Potts the young queen with tears in her eyes says with great pride, "His name is Maurie."

A choked sob leaves the old woman's lips and tears start streaming down her cheeks. "That's a beautiful name," she whispers through another sob.

Valerie looks down at her sleeping child and nods. "Yes, it is." Using her non-bloody sleeve to wipe her tears away she silently bids the new family goodbye.

"Are you going to send Fabienne a letter or should I?" Henry asks.

Tears trickle down Valerie's cheeks. "I think you should," she mumbles with her head hung low.

Henry sighs and rubs her back. "She doesn't blame you for what happened. Maurie made his choice, and Fabienne understands that."

Valerie nods her head and wipes away her tears. "You're right. Don't worry about the letter I'll send it. When was the last time you heard from her anyway?"

"She sent a letter a week ago. She said she made it to Paris and she was looking for an apartment by the Seine. She's going to spread Maurie's ashes there. Says at least that way they can kind of live their dream together." He stays silent for a moment before asking, "Have you heard from Adrien?"

Valerie shakes her head. "No, he said he'll send a letter when he can but that was a while ago. He took Gaston's death quite hard, so it's only fair I give him some time."

"True."

The moment of reflection is suddenly interrupted by a loud cry. The king and queen look down at their baby smiling.

"And there goes our peace and quiet."

Valerie scoffs and shakes her head. "As if we ever had any."

Henry bellows with laughter which only causes the baby to cry more. "I'm sorry my boy. I'll let Maman feed you now." After kissing his wife and son on their cheeks Henry gets off the bed and rushes toward the door.