"What!" Louis threw the covers off his naked body and Harry quickly recovered him. "Your sister was not your sister –what! You lied to me –to us? To him!"
Atlas was shaking harder than his twin, "we –if we would have went to Harry's father saying that our omega was crushed, we would have been killed. We did not know how Harry felt about triads, we only knew how his father did. We had to lie."
"No! You did not. You even said Harry was a different kind of King!"
"And then came Niall, and then Zayn and Liam." Ixion grabbed his brother's hand, "we would take it to our graves." He squeezed Atlas' hand, "we never looked down upon them. We made sure to be there for them when they needed us. We accepted them and it is the reason we grew so close. It was fear of hatred."
"We are sorry. Our intentions were never to harm either of you –anyone." Atlas looked at Harry, "especially you, Master." He took a deep breath, "she meant everything to us and –everything felt so unfair. It felt –unjustifiable. We should have told you the truth but, the same way that you did not want your mother's name in the mud, we did not want our omega's."
"We did not chose to leave our Clan. We were shunned by our Clan for being triad. We could not tell them that she was pregnant, they would keep her and kill us if we tried to get her back." Louis' breath hitched. "Clans and Packs are not all what they seem. We needed money –we needed a home." He looked down, "she said she would gather wood –start the foundation. She always –tried to do more than she could."
Louis looked at Harry, then at the twins. He hugged his fur, bringing it to his chest, "will –may I know her name?"
"Her name was Alia."
"And she had rock collection," Harry spoke softly. "That she loved. What did she look like?"
Ixion swallowed, "nothing like us."
Louis, dipped his head, grabbing onto Harry's arm, "could you smell her? Was that a lie?"
"That was not a lie. We could smell, we can smell you. We just, did not feel anything –no ruts, broken alphas." Atlas half-smiled. "But, despite that, we gave her child. We smelled our child." His eyes lowered, "and we saw our child die."
Harry licked his lips, "this will not change things. You are still bonded to me. You will guard my omega, my child, this family and I. I will no longer be your master, I will just be Harry." Atlas and Ixion dropped their heads.
"And you will also be my protectors." Louis pouted, putting a hand on his belly, "for my baby –our baby. It will also be yours." Harry looked at him, and the twin's heads snapped up. "Your child is dead and justice was never served at the hands of Harry's blood but now we are the same blood." Louis' brows creased, "and I will serve justice for your omega and your child." He smiled softly, "I hope you love our child, or children, and protect them as much as we will." He squeezed his alpha's hand, "they will grow up safe and blessed by their protectors."
-
Louis walked into the small home slowly, looking around the empty space. He shivered, removing his shoes before walking further, Harry and Zayn behind him.
"The realtor says to take your time, omega." Zayn clasped his hands behind his back, "we will be here."
Louis nodded once, putting his hand on the cold wall. They had been looking for homes for hours. It was the second day and Louis was already pretty tired of looking but Harry wanted him to want whatever place they choose. Harry would stay with Zayn, speaking, while Louis walked around the house. It was for his sense of safety, not Harry's.
Louis walked towards the hallway, pleased that this home was ground level. He had been skeptical about stairs and this home didn't have any.
The omega opened one of the doors, looking around. He went to the closet, turning on the light. The closet was almost like a little room –this was the master bedroom. Louis went inside, looking up at the shelving that went quite high. They could store their luggage up there.
Louis left, closing the door behind him. He spun around the room, opening the other door. The bathroom was the same size as the one at the house, with a shower and a bath. He opened a few drawers, pulling up the curtains before leaving the master bedroom.
He went to the room across from it, happy that this one was small. Louis associated small with safe. There was no bathroom though. Harry said he could have one installed but Louis didn't want to have to wait either. This would be the perfect den if it just had a bathroom.
Louis went to the last bedroom, smiling at the size. Not small but not large –and with a bathroom. He cupped his stomach, looking around at the many windows. Windows that made him extremely uncomfortable.
He exited the room, walking towards the two alphas speaking by the back door. He went straight to Harry to ease his nerves, kissing his alpha's arm.
"And how was it, omega? You have not looked at the kitchen yet."
"I like it but there is no bathroom in the small room."
"We can build one, strawberry. I have told you this."
Louis whined, biting at Harry's jeweled coat, "no..."
Harry chuckled, pulling Louis close, "okay. We can keep looking."
"No more." Louis growled, walking away from the two. He was tired of looking at places. This one would be it. He liked it enough. "Look around, alpha."
"Yes omega."
Louis looked around the kitchen, happy that there was one window that looked out into the yard. He looked around the bare yard before closing the blinds. Louis touched the stoves, jumping when Zayn cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, Louis." Zayn smiled, "how do you like the kitchen?"
"I like it." Louis touched the marble counter tops, "I cannot cook very well."
"I am sure Niall would love to make your meals."
He smiled, thinking of the blonde, "he has been so sweet to me." He touched his stomach, "to think of how you and I first met..."
Zayn frowned, dropping his head, "I think about it and –I never would have thought. I am so sorry, Louis."
Louis grabbed Zayn's wrist, shaking his head, "no. No, do not be sad. It was not your fault. You were doing your job. I did not ever believe I would have been in this position." Louis pulled the alpha into a hug, "the twins will protect me, of course, but I will not forget you." He moved back to look at Zayn, "you are strong. I know you are, Harry knows you are. I overheard –well, Liam, Niall and I overheard you speaking to Harry." He smiled, "you would protect me with your life and I believe that."
Zayn nodded, putting a hand at the side of Louis' neck. The omega didn't flinch at the sensitive area. "I would. You and your child. You have done more for my omegas and I than I have done for any of us. You are the reason they are always smiling. The reason I feel comfortable holding them and loving them as they should be loved. Without you, Louis, who knows what would have happened." He rubbed their noses together and Louis whined, "I have you to thank for my happiness. I will make sure you have yours as well."
"And this?" Louis looked over Zayn's shoulder at his upset alpha. "I leave for a moment."
Louis grabbed onto Zayn's hand, "leave us be."
Harry raised a brow, "excuse me."
"We were having a moment." He pulled Zayn along, "and you ruined it." He grabbed Harry's hand, "stop being jealous, alpha, it is not cute." Harry looked over Louis' head at Zayn who blinked. "I do not like this house. We will find a new one. I want bigger rooms, and one small one. Ixion and Atlas must be comfortable. We also need an extra room for when Zayn and Julie come over."
"But you do not want stairs. Most four bedroom have stairs."
"Harry, I have said what I said."
"Yes omega."
-
Louis shivered when they walked away from the twin's bedroom. "Alpha?" He pulled back, "what are we doing?"
"You still do not trust me, omega?"
"Of course I do!" Louis growled, sounds becoming whimpers. "But why are we down here."
"I will be demolishing this."
"But, the twin's bedroom-"
"We will have to move it then. Yes?"
Louis nodded, looking down at his feet with a small smile. He looked around, closing his eyes at the reminder of being down here –in a box. He held onto Harry's arms a little tighter, "I am scared of this place."
"As am I. To think that I once had my omega down here disgusts me. I do not want this to bring either of us memories of my ignorance." He put an arm around Louis' shoulders, "it is a coward's way but I have faced this place many times, as has Zayn. I believe it is best for everyone if it is gone." Harry took a deep breath, "this is my father. I used this place as leverage and I am done with that."
Louis stared at the cell door, biting his lip, "alpha?"
"This is where I keep my mother's work." Harry dug in his pocket, pulling out a key to unlock the door. He pushed it, letting Louis inside first, "this is where I hide her."
Louis looked around, swallowing, going straight for the first painting he saw. He kneeled, picking up the frame, "dark colors." He looked around, "she does use dark colors." He looked down at the painting, "maternal. This is her style." Louis set the piece down, picking up another, "this is you?" He smiled at the small angry boy in the painting, "she-" he went for another one of Harry, "she loved you. She captured you –all of you." The omega crawled across the room, picking up a box, "and this?"
"She liked crafting, carving." He sat beside Louis, "I placed this in the open for a reason." The alpha took the box carefully, "I thought I could never love anyone more than my mother." He looked around, "but that was not fair to myself. I had to allow myself to love others more than her –more than I." Harry looked down at the box, smiling at his mother's name, "I wish to give these paintings life. Allow them to see the light again, because this is unfair to her."
Louis nodded seriously, "it is." He looked up, eyes going around the room again, "such talent should not be hidden."
"My father was too dense to buy her a ring. Instead he sent her to find one she liked." Harry rolled his eyes, unlocking the box, "my mother loved red." He lifted the ring, looking at Louis, "she chose what she loved and I would like to give, what she loved, to whom I love."
Louis cupped his hands to his chest, nodding, tears building in the corners of his eyes, "please."
Harry smiled, setting down the box to slip the ring onto Louis' finger. He chuckled softly, "a little large."
"It is perfect." He caught it before it fell off his finger, giggling, "a little large."
"We will have it fitted, if you wish."
"Oh yes, I wish." He wiped his eyes, holding out his hand to stare at the ring. "Ruby –if it is a girl?"
"We have changed our ideas for names several times." Harry smiled, "but yes, I think Ruby sounds beautiful."
Louis blushed, ducking his head, "thank you."
"There is one more thing." Harry stood, going to the chest in the room. He struggled to open it, hitting the lock a few times, making Louis giggle. He lifted it, looking around the box, "here." Harry picked up a crown, letting the chest slam shut, "and this was her crown." Harry turned around, holding the gold crown with both hands, "just for the ceremony –If you wish."
Louis smiled, full teeth, nose crinkling with his ringed-hand cupped to his chest, "I do."
-
Louis awoke slowly, groaning at the strain up his spine. He huffed, shaking out his brown fur. He wanted to be proud of himself for staying in transformation but the uncomfortableness made it difficult. Louis stayed like that, rolling on his back, whining at the cold coming from Harry's side. He looked down at his belly, barely visible in this form, wiggling to try and lick at it.
The wolf shook his head, whining louder when he realized Harry wasn't in the room at all. But he was happy to see that the door was very much locked, and the blinds were shut. Louis rolled onto his side, then onto his stomach before finally jumping off the bed. He stretched his muscles, pushing his lower half back, gritting his teeth at the pressure sitting at the base of his spine.
Julie 'commanded', as his doctor, that he had to be transformed during sleep. Louis was extremely afraid of giving birth and Julie insisted that it was easier if he was transformed. This shape was supposed to make him feel safer, one with his child, but Louis just felt uncomfortable. But, he was intent on listening since what happened at the ceremony. If being a wolf was easier for him and his child, then he would do it. Today was the first day and he was able to stay transformed all night without waking.
Louis finally stood, wiggling out the unfamiliarity of needing to be transformed for so long. It felt exhausting, especially because transform, for him, was solely for safety. Technically this was for his safety but it wasn't like he had fallen asleep feeling unsafe.
The omega stretched, bones cracking in ways he was used to. The pressure finally came off his spine when he touched his toes. Louis lifted his arms, body going to one side then the other, starting his morning stretches.
His hand instinctively found his stomach once the stretches were done. The omega looked around the room, remembering Harry kissing him goodbye in the early morning.
If anyone would have told Louis that he was going to be a Queen, he would have laughed. If they said he was going to be pregnant, he would have laughed. If someone would have told him that he would be a pregnant Queen, that stole from a different Kingdom and had more than just a bounty over his head –Louis would have believed it.
Today he would be going to the castle with the family to be branded as Royal. Harry was to speak to his workers, fire many. Louis didn't want that, not because of him.
The artist took his fur from the bed, going straight to the mirror in the room. He rolled his eyes, dropping his fur to retrieve his necklace off the dresser. This could possibly be the reason Louis also hated having to transform. It meant that he had to remove his necklace and he hated that more than anything. His necklace felt like safety, it protected his neck –it was given to him by his alpha.
Louis went back to his discarded fur, looking at his sleeping bunny with a smile before turning back to the mirror. He turned to the side, rubbing his stomach that finally started poking out. He felt an imbalance of weight on his body, a little heavier than he should.
Louis smiled, forgetting about the King of Wereborn, about being branded, Harry's people, Harry's workers. He could only stare at his belly, smiling, "ooh." He giggled, putting the fur around his shoulders, "look at you, baby." He turned the other way, admiring his prominent curves, "my baby." He rubbed his belly once more, closing his eyes, "my itty-bitty baby."
"Louis?"
Louis jumped, looking to the door. He took a deep breath, swallowing it down. He went straight to Thumb's cage, removing the sleeping rabbit, before going to the door. "Yes?"
"It is Ixion."
Louis nodded, "I –I am not dressed."
"Of course, omega. Niall has asked me to wake you for breakfast. We will be leaving soon."
"Okay." Louis turned around, going to the bathroom with his upset rabbit. "I am sorry, Thumb." He set Thumb in the sink, hushing him gently, "I know. I just –I am sorry." He frowned at his angry animal, "I have to see you." He turned to the shower, turning it on, "I always have to see you."
Louis carefully took Thumb from the sink, kissing the top of his head. "Please behave." He set Thumb on the floor, opening the door before going into the shower.
A few minutes into his shower, Louis heard a noise. He rubbed the steam from the glass, squinting, "Thumb!" The rabbit stopped for a moment. "Stop ripping the toilet paper right now!"
-
Louis smiled when Atlas helped him out of the car, "thank you." He flinched at the amount of people in front of the castle, "what?"
"Relax, you are safe. Do not worry of them."
Louis grabbed onto Zayn's shirt who walked in front, other hand on Ixion who also walked beside him. "What do they want?"
"Oh!" Louis stopped walking when his eyes caught someone's. "Louis! Louis!"
Louis whined, pulling back hard. Atlas caught him before he could run, "you are fine."
"No..." Louis shook his head, "no." He turned around, trying to run, "no! Please!"
"Move aside, move!" Julie waved her hands, "he is pregnant, move! Animals!"
Louis reached out for Niall who grabbed his face, "Louis, you are safe. They are holding gifts, not weapons. No one will touch you if they do not want die."
Louis looked back, trembling, at the people trying to look at him. He frowned, "okay..." He pressed his face against Ixion's chest, "Cover me."
"Yes omega." Ixion covered Louis' head with his coat, and the omega could finally calm down.
"Louis! We bring gifts for the child!"
Louis closed his eyes tightly, trying to ease his nerves by rubbing his belly. He squeezed the hand in his –Niall's hand.
"Louis! Louis, we bring gifts!"
"We are reaching the stairs," Ixion whispered. "There you go."
"Please!" Louis jumped at Liam shouting. "Shut up!" The crowd's voice died out. "Sh! He has a baby –he is terrified! Shut up! Give your gifts to the guards and leave! Shoo!"
Louis was still taking slow small steps, voices behind him fading. The coat was removed from his face, light taking form as his soft eyed alpha. Louis whined, falling into Harry's arms, "alpha..."
Harry cupped the back of his head, "beautiful." He lifted Louis' face to kiss him, "what are you hiding from, precious?" Louis looked back at Liam, with Julie and Zayn, shouting at the people. "They have brought you gifts, strawberry."
Louis felt much safer from on top the stairs. He looked around at the people staring at him. Their eyes were large, hands waving excitedly. Many were children, teenagers –many elders. He leaned back against Harry who laid a large hand across his stomach.
"I know you do not feel safe, but you should not feel unsafe, omega." Harry kissed his cheek, "they have all been gathering for your arrival."
Louis looked around once more, eyes falling on three familiar faces. He pointed, "it's Jackson." He took a step and so did Ixion and Atlas. Louis looked at both of them, taking Harry's hand as they walked back down the stairs.
Harry was smiling too much for his own good.
"Why are you smiling so much?"
"Is it wrong that I smile?"
Louis growled, "Seeing as you were supposed to fire workers, yes."
"I will only be firing one, and she has already been fired."
"What?"
"Say good morning to your people," Harry grinned.
Louis looked to the crowd, waving. They all waved back, holding up wrapped gifts. He took another step, releasing Harry's hand, "good morning." He licked his lips, seeing that they didn't hear him. "Good morning!"
"Good morning, Queen!"
Louis blushed, eyes stopping again on Jackson. He kept walking down, looking back at Harry who stayed on the steps. He looked around for Ixion and Atlas, whining. Harry shook his head, motioning him to go on.
Louis' hand was on his stomach once he reached the bottom of the stairs, "hello." He bowed his head slightly, "hello everyone."
"Hello!"
A few small children stood in front of him. One he definitely recognized, "hello Delia."
The little girl squealed, quickly hugging Louis' legs. He put his shaking hands around her, smiling, "you remembered my name!"
"Of course." He squatted slowly, putting both hands on his long gown, "I still have the flower you gave me. I pressed it into my book."
Delia was bright red, eyes welling with tears, "thank you."
Louis smiled, feeling extremely safe around the group of children. "It is great to see you again. And your brother, Evan?"
"He –he is sick," she frowned. "But –but –but he asked me to give you this if I saw you!" She held up a paper with a drawing on it. "It is you and him –I brought you one too!"
Louis couldn't hide his smile, looking at the drawing, "oh, thank you. I will treasure this." He took hers as well, "beautiful. Thank you so much." Louis touched the top of her head, as well as the other children's. He smiled at the people he passed, wanting to get to Jackson. Louis excused himself a few times, "Jackson, hello." He looked at his kids, "Loraine, Tommy –hi."
Loraine stood up extremely straight, "you –remember us."
"Yes, I do." He looked down at Tommy, "do you remember me?"
Tommy was holding onto his father's pants, nodding with a grin. "Yes."
"Oh, may I have a hug?" He caught the boy when he ran, kissing his cheek, "it is so good to see you." He looked up at Jackson, "is everything okay?"
Jackson smiled, removing his sunhat, "yes. I am surprised you acknowledged us."
"Of course." He stood, holding Tommy's hand, "you gave me the best lemonade recipe in the world, curtsy of your omega." Louis smiled tenderly, "is everything okay?"
"Well, we came to speak to Harry but then we found out you would be here." Jackson looked nervous. "I just –I found out you were pregnant at the ceremony before-"
"Yes," Louis nodded. "I know."
"It does not change who I met the day you came to my home. You were humble. You bowed to me." He nodded, "Royals do not bow to lesser folk."
"Because you are not lesser." Louis put a hand on his cheek, "not even close."
The alpha blushed, fiddling with his hat, "you look beautiful, Louis."
"Thank you."
"I just wanted to make sure that you were eating only the best food –for the baby. There are rumors that you will not be in the castle. I just –wanted to make sure you were fed high quality."
Louis put a hand on his chest, ruby ring glistening in the morning light, "please. Come in side."
-
Louis stepped out of the room when Jackson took the pen from Harry's hand. He leaned on the door, "I cannot believe this."
Liam smiled proudly, "you should be proud. You've given him a change of heart. Harry has tried to convince him for a long time and all it took was one meeting for you."
"Yes, but I was not trying to convince him."
"No," Niall started, "but your kindness did."
Louis put a hand on his belly, "this was a lot."
"Come." Niall took his hand, "Wisler has gathered the castle workers."
"Who was fired?"
"The head of Council apparently." Niall shrugged, "if anyone else in Council has anything to say, I am sure their fate will be the same."
Louis took the stairs slowly, "good morning."
The group bowed at him. Wisler caught his hand at the bottom of the stairs, "good morning, Louis."
Louis bowed his head, "Wisler." He smiled, "you are such a comforting face. Thank you for being there for my alpha."
Wisler smiled, "he has a friend, as do you." He turned towards the group, "before our King returns, I wish to speak with you all." He motioned a hand at Louis, "this is your Queen. His name is Louis Styles-Tomlinson. He is pregnant with your King, Harry Styles', child. Louis has a past, as we all do, it does not change who he is. Louis will not live in the castle. Louis will raise his child as he sees fit. Louis is to be respected, cherished, and treated as Royalty. Today he will receive his Royal mark. If anyone as an objection, speak now." Wisler waited. "Our King has spoken to all of you this morning. Traitors will be killed. The price of harming a Royal is death." He looked at Louis, "Louis, you may speak."
Louis looked around, unsure what to say. He cleared his throat, "I am sorry that I was thief. I have no excuse, other than that I was hungry and unhappy." Louis pressed his lips together, "I will not live in the castle because it is too large and I do not feel safe here. I have found out that I have blood of a wolf and I have special needs. I am sorry. I do want my child raised here, I want everyone to meet them. I know you all have not had a Queen in so long, nor a Royal child, and I will not take that from you, I swear." He smiled, looking at the gardener, "I would love to garden while I am pregnant –and cook." He looked at Evy, "and make friends." He bowed his head, "I am your Queen."
He looked up at the bowed heads, sucking in a breath. Louis smiled at Rose when she shouted; "our Queen!" He blushed red, two hands on his belly as the cheers started. Louis looked at Julie, who was staring at Rose as if she hung the moon. He laughed to himself, much happier than the last few days allowed.
-
"Good morning."
Louis watched the alpha walk up to the pedestal. He looked at his alpha beside him, "what is her name?"
"I do not know." Harry looked at Louis with a smile, "we are allowed to know."
Louis looked back at the alpha. Her hair was long, down to her knees, she looked very –neutral. He swallowed, raising his hand, "excuse me."
The alpha looked at him once she was kneeling on the pillowed pedestal, "yes."
"May I ask your name?"
"You may." She blinked, "but I will not answer you."
"Why not?" She held up her forearms, putting them together. Louis squinted at the lettering, unable to read it.
"I am bound to neutrality. I am a bound to silence." She set her hands in her lap, "I am bound to this temple."
Harry looked at him, "she has been here a very long time."
"You do not look like an elder."
"We will begin the ceremony." The alpha picked up the golden bowl of oil in front of her. "Please, Louis, remove your garments."
The room was somewhere in the castle that Louis had never been –that Harry had been but never seen. They were blindfolded and walked to a sacred area that only this alpha knew of. In spite of being scared, Harry held him close, keeping his hand around Louis' stomach –keeping him safe.
It was a very dark room lit with only candles. The floor was soft, covered in a cushion like material, with pillows scattered around. It smelled nice, but quite strong. The walls were covered in what looked like gold sheets and, in the corner, were serval cups and bowls made of gold.
The room was beautiful and terrifying all at once.
Once Louis was stripped naked, the alpha held out the bowl for him, "dip your hands in the oil." Louis did so, wiggling them. "Please rub the oil across your arms."
"Is this so the marking will not hurt?"
"No."
Louis rolled his eyes, but enjoyed the feeling of being pampered with the soothing, good smelling oil now on his skin. He looked at Harry, "I like this."
Harry bit his lip, trying to keep professional, "stunning." He shook his head, "I am sure we can find more."
"No." The alpha set the bowl down, "I am the only one who holds this oil."
"Where did you get it from?"
"I cannot say."
Louis pouted, looking down at his belly, he rubbed his hands over it, "mm, for my baby." He grinned, at himself, "I am beautiful."
"May we continue?"
"Yes, please." Louis held out his hands, "I apologize. I am new to this."
"Do you wish to become a Royal?"
Louis took a moment to answer, "I do."
"Do you wish to wear the mark of a Royal?"
"I do."
"Will you die with your Kingdom?"
Louis flinched, making a sound, "I think so."
She sighed softly, "I need an answer."
"I will."
"Will you stay by your King through sickness and death?"
"I will."
"And, if your alpha dies, will you rise to take the role of Queen? Will you run Arizella?"
Louis swallowed, throat clamming up, "I will." He looked at Harry, whining, "I do not want you to die."
"I am not dying, omega." Harry smiled, cupping his neck, "these are only questions." He looked at the alpha, "he is emotional."
"These are questions I must ask."
"I will –I will."
"Will you put your child before the Kingdom?"
Louis' lids lowered, "I would put my child before anything."
She tilted her head, "even your King?"
"Yes," Harry answered. "He said anything, did he not?"
"To be a Royal means that you will dedicate all extra time to Arizella. You will only see Arizella for its best. If it crumbles, it is on your shoulders." Louis nodded uneasily. "Being a Royal means you will care for Arizella as your own. You will not allow people to speak ill of our state. You will do anything to keep it afloat. Do you agree?"
"I agree."
"By becoming a Royal you are sworn to secrecy. The secrets, trades, and missteps of Arizella are Arizella's alone. Arizella's news is Arizella's alone." She looked at Harry, "what has happened is not traditional. You understand this?"
"Yes." Harry nodded, "I chose what I did. That is all."
"You chose a path that makes it difficult for another Royal to be branded. If Arizella is sworn to silence, and you tell your people, why is it wrong for another to do the same?"
"My reason was well justified. I am dealing with any consequences I have created for myself and my Kingdom. You have never liked me because I go against your rules and I will continue to do so if it is for my omega and child."
The alpha hummed, dipping her hands in the oil. "It does not change what I have said."
"I can destroy Arizella." The alpha looked up at him at the same time as Louis. "I do not care. You do not control the air I breathe. I will flip Arizella's history on its side and everyone will accept it or die trying –including you. My word is law, not yours. I continue this because I respect Arizella's history but I am no longer afraid of it. Do not confuse that."
Louis bowed his head, goosebumps flying up his back at Harry. At his alpha so stern and un-moving –strong on his feelings and opinions. Louis rolled his neck, flushed and proud.
The alpha sighed, standing, "Louis. Come."
Louis stood, thigh getting brushed by Harry's warm hand. He sat back on his knees in front of the alpha, holding out an arm when she held out hers.
"I will mark you with a branding iron. It will hurt but it should not be unbearable. It will heal in three days' time."
Louis nodded, eyes widening at the red hot branding iron. "Um –maybe –speak to me."
"Of?"
"I am scared."
She licked her lips, holding the small branding over his forearm, "it will be fast."
"My name is Louis." He closed his eyes, "I am pregnant. I am an artist from Wereborn. I love my alpha. I love my family. I am married. I was a thief." He gasped when the heat was closer to his skin, "I love –fried bread." He sobbed, "I love strawberries so much."
The alpha paused and Louis opened one wet eye; her eyes were much softer. She leaned closer, whispering, "no one has ever asked my name." Louis' pink lips parted, tears slipping out. "Edrei."
-
Louis stared at the painting hanging in his nesting room. He touched the dark colored artwork, Harry's mother's artwork. The omega closed his eyes, touching over the paint, wondering which kind of paint she used to get such dark shades. He had fun removing each piece of artwork, taking time to admire each one.
Louis chose which they would hang in the house, which they would hang in the castle, and which got to come to their den. He made sure that there was a painting of Martha's in every room in the castle.
Louis looked down at his large nest, giddy about how big it was –about how many blankets it had. The blankets Harry had handpicked from ridiculously expensive cloth shops. The face Zayn made when Louis asked how much all the blankets and fur were said it all. The nest took up a lot of the room's space and Louis loved it.
The room was big enough to have a bathroom attached to it but small enough to only have two windows. Windows that Louis appreciated because they were long and touched the floor. He could see if anyone was outside of them.
Thumb's cage was in the corner beside Harry's mother's chest. Louis' art supplies were in there. He had a small closet that fit his clothes nicely, but was also big enough for him to hide in. The house was perfect and both him and Harry loved it.
The furniture took no time to set up, mostly because they didn't have to set it up. Louis was given different pictures of different pieces of furniture. He picked what he wanted and the next day it was all in the house. Living as Royalty was something Louis hoped everyone got to experience once because it was surreal. He finally understood why Harry let his people into the castle, why he let them eat at his table. He wanted them to feel like Royalty even if for a day.
"Omega."
Louis smiled, "alpha." He walked to Harry, careful of his nest, "have Ixion and Atlas settled?"
"Very comfortably."
"Good." Louis pointed at the painting of an upset Harry on his wall. "Look."
Harry rolled his eyes, getting an elbow to his stomach. "Goodness." The alpha groaned, "why that one?"
"Because I like that one." Louis walked away from him, going down the hallway towards the kitchen. He grinned at Niall fighting with Julie.
"I cook good food!"
"I never said you did not. I said he needs to eat better food."
Niall lifted his hand and Julie flinched away. "I make better food. Julie –Julie, do not –go attack Liam or Louis, you are not about to do it to me." The blonde growled, swinging the cooking spoon around, "away!"
Julie shook her list, "I have a list of healthy meals! I made it!"
"I do not need your list. Get away from me."
Julie glared at Niall, "maybe I should speak to Zayn." She ran when Niall jerked in her direction. Julie stood on the opposite side of the kitchen, looking at Louis. "He is not listening."
"Julie!"
Harry sighed, rubbing Louis' back, "must you?"
"I must! I made a list! I am a doctor!"
"Nothing I cook is going to harm him! I make planned meals –healthy meals! My mother was a chef, you obtuse alpha!"
Julie folded the paper calmly, sticking it her shirt pocket, "and you are annoying."
Louis giggled, going to Niall's side, pressing his nose against the omega's shirt. "Maybe we can take a few meals from Julie's list. I would like to try something different."
Niall looked back at the grinning alpha, dropping the spoon. He tilted his head, "you tell Zayn, and I will make a nice visit to the castle."
"Brat."
-
"Ooh, ooh," Julie rubbed his back soothingly, wiping Louis' mouth with a wet cloth. "It is okay." She pressed kisses to his temple, "all done?"
Louis nodded, groaning when he was lifted. He kicked his feet softly, waiting to get back onto the floor. Once he was set back down, he burrowed himself underneath his blankets, growling when Julie pinched his toes that stuck out.
She chuckled, setting the cloth in the corner, "he is fine. It is just morning sickness." She looked at the twins, "Liam and Niall will be here soon. They will stay the night."
Atlas nodded, "thank you."
"Of course." Julie stood, "how was the first night?"
"Fine. Louis' just not used to us yet so he woke up screaming in the middle of the night when he saw Atlas pass by the window. Gave our King a fright."
The alpha laughed, "I am sure he will grow used to it." She looked down at him, "he is so beautiful." Louis whined, moving under the blankets. "Such a sweet omega."
"Extremely."
-
Harry unlocked the fence, still not used to the act of doing so. He went to the door, dropping the house keys, "damn." He fiddled with the keys for a moment before getting the door opened –something else he wasn't used to. Harry wiped his feet on the rug, surprised by people in his living room, "hello?"
"My King!" Julie patted the couch, "welcome home!"
Harry made a face, "what is everyone doing here?"
"Well, Niall and Liam came by to see Louis and then Zayn came by –and if Zayn comes by, I will." She pointed a thumb at Ixion and Atlas, "they live here so."
Harry nodded, licking his lips, setting his coat over the couch, "and where is my omega?"
"Taking wonderful nap with Niall and Liam."
"I see." Harry started walking to the room, turning around to see everyone following. "What is going on?"
Zayn shook his head, sighing, "we have avoided going inside is all."
Harry raised a brow, opening the door slowly. His eyes grew, unsure who to look at. Liam was cuddled into Louis' side, hand on the omega's belly, naked. The only thing covering them was a thin sheet that did no justice. Niall was outside the nest, bare, knees pulled close to his body with a sleeping rabbit in his arms.
Harry covered his nose, shutting the door, "oh Elements."
"Yes, indeed." Julie stood on her toes to look inside just before the door closed. "We do not have the heart to wake them –or the strength."
Harry rubbed his temples, going back to the living room to sit down. "That is a sight."
"A beautiful one, is it not?" Julie sat beside him, patting his thigh, "do not feel bad. We were all quite –enamored." She crossed her legs, "and how is the Kingdom?"
"It is fine, nothing has burned down." Harry unbuttoned his shirt, "we found out how the King of Wereborn knew of Louis. There was an alpha that had sold Louis his work and went back to Wereborn asking for work of his." Harry sighed, "My big-mouth omega."
Ixion leaned forward, elbows on his knees, "what will you do with him?"
"He confessed, said he was willing to apologize to Louis –to the Kingdom. I may let him, we will see. For now, I will do nothing because he did nothing illegal." Harry lifted his foot to his knee, "how is my omega?"
"He suffered morning sickness for the first time but he is fine."
Harry nodded, "very good." He shook his head, "I cannot believe I am having a child."
Zayn chuckled, "I remember a night we drank, you had it cast from your head."
"Of course. I would be a terrible father." He rubbed his eyes, "and then there was Louis." He looked down the hallway when the door opened, smiling. "Omega."
Louis came down the hallway whining, with Niall on his trail with a sheet. The blonde wrapped him quickly, ducking away from Louis' swatting hands. Harry stood, going to him before he entered the living area. "My strawberry. Good evening." Harry made sure the sheet was around him before hugging his omega.
Niall hugged the blanket around his shoulders, voice low, "I will get Liam."
Harry picked Louis up, sitting the omega in his lap, "sh, sh. How was your nap?" Louis didn't respond, hiding his face in Harry's neck.
Zayn stood up, "I will not enter, only watch them."
"That is fine, Zayn." Harry rubbed Louis' arm, "please, Niall looks upset." Zayn nodded once before walking away. Harry prodded at Louis' cheek, "good evening, beautiful."
Louis whined softly, "evening..."
The King smiled, taking a sharp intake of breath, "you smell wonderful, omega."
Louis turned his head, watching Niall and Liam walk out of the room. He held up a hand at them, "Niall." The blonde approached him slowly, wrapping his robe tight before sitting on the arm of the couch. He brought Louis' hand to his lips, kissing it. Louis preened, rubbing his cheek against Harry's shoulder, "I took a bath."
Harry smiled, putting a hand on the back of Niall's head, "a bath?"
"Niall and I bathed him in flowers." Liam leaned against Zayn, putting a hand on his alpha's chest. "It was really nice."
"How lovely," Harry cooed. He looked at Niall, "and you, omega? What is wrong?"
"Nothing." Niall smiled, "tired."
"Of course. You and Liam have been working so hard on keeping Louis happy while I am away."
"Louis has told us about what the omegas in Circuit did for him." Liam kneeled Louis' feet, "we want to be good for him."
Julie whistled, grinning, "Magnificent. How are we so lucky to have such perfect omegas?" Liam blushed, ducking his head with a smile. She licked her lips, "ooh, if Zayn would not have scooped you up."
"Then is it not great that I did? Both of them." Zayn crossed his arms, "watch your tongue, Julie."
Louis wiggled, hand in hand with Niall. He kissed Harry's neck, nibbling gently at the bite there, "I threw up this morning."
"I heard." Harry rubbed his lower back, "and?"
"It was okay." Louis lifted his head, bending his spine until it cracked, "I was happy."
"Because you vomited?"
"Because that means my baby is there." The artist lifted his arms, blanket sliding off his shoulders, "I am hungry."
"I have a snack ready if you wish, Louis."
"Please." Louis kissed Niall's hand before he climbed off the couch with Liam following after him. Louis sighed, "They have treated me so well." He shivered, recovering himself, "I do not know how to thank them."
"By being happy, Louis." Zayn smiled, "that is all they want."
Louis squirmed until he was facing the twins. He waved and they waved back at the same time. He smiled, putting the blanket against his mouth, "good evening."
"Good evening, Louis."
Louis stretched his legs, putting a hand on his stomach, "you scared me last night."
"We did and we very sorry, omega." Ixion bowed his head, "we just need to memorize the terrain. We promise to be quieter."
The artist giggled, "Harry was screaming too." He laughed when fingers pressed into his sides, "you were!"
"Because you were screaming."
Niall and Liam frowned when they came back, food in hand. "Um," Liam swallowed, "you all must move, please."
Harry pointed at himself, "I must move?"
"Yes, my King." Niall bowed his head, "Louis has no clothing and –you are all here."
Julie rolled her eyes, going to the couch, "sounds like stupid Pack things."
"It is not stupid." Louis kissed Harry's cheek, "off."
Harry clucked his tongue, putting Louis on the couch, standing. He shook his head beside Zayn, "what is the difference?"
"Well, he is supposed to be in his nest right now but this is okay." Niall kissed Louis' temple, sitting on couch beside him, "I have snacks." He looked to Liam who knelt on the floor, holding the plate of fruits and nuts. "Would you like me to feed you?"
Louis shook his head, taking an almond off the plate. He closed his eyes, thanking Earth; "to Earth, thank you for the food you bear that my child will consume." Louis growled at Julie who snorted under her breath. He stuck the almond in his mouth, reaching for two more.
"When Louis is naked, it is important to have him somewhere safe and quiet. He is vulnerable." Liam turned around, looking up at Zayn, "I want this treatment when I have a baby, alpha."
Zayn' lips parted and Julie let out a loud cackle, "oh Elements!" The alpha fell against Atlas, "oh, I cannot wait! Zayn will finally retrieve the stick from up his ass!"
Zayn closed his eyes, "shut up, Julie."
"Omega." Harry grinned when Louis looked at him abruptly, blowing him a kiss. Louis whined with a strawberry in hand. The King tilted his head, "I found who told the King of Wereborn who you were."
Louis frowned, "who?"
"It was not his intention but it happened. It was an alpha you purchased your art from –in downtown."
Louis' jaw fell, Niall's and Liam's following. The three spoke at once; "Gary!"
-
Louis rubbed his nose against Liam's thigh, "Atlas!"
"Omega." Atlas went on one knee, looking over Louis' body for marks, "what is wrong?"
The omega sat up, pointing at the fence where Niall was, "I heard something."
Atlas looked to the fence then at Liam who shook his head softly. The alpha smiled gently, "are you sure, omega?"
"I heard something!"
"Okay," Atlas soothed, "I will check."
Liam stroked Louis' cheek, adjusting the fur around his waist, "would you like to go inside, omega?"
Louis shook his head, eyes wide and focused on Atlas. He whimpered when the alpha disappeared on the other side of the fence, pupils dilating when he came back. Atlas walked over, hands in his pockets, "just a squirrel."
Liam smiled, patting Louis' fluffy hair down, "nothing but a squirrel."
Louis wiggled closer to Liam, keeping an eye on Niall, "I knew I heard something."
Atlas glanced at Liam who nodded in understanding. "Yes, my apologies." He squatted, fixing the crinkled corner of Louis' blanket. He pointed at the bowl of whipped cream, "and what is this?"
Louis took the bowl, hugging it, "fluff."
The alpha grinned, "Should you be eating fluff?"
The artist blushed, looking away, "yes..."
Atlas chuckled, "I am sure Julie would not approve."
Liam rubbed Louis' bare belly, giggling, "He was craving something sweet. Whipped cream will not harm him."
"His stomach is finally protruding."
"Yes," Louis stuck his cream covered finger in his mouth. Liam kissed the top of Louis' head, "Louis? May Atlas touch your belly?"
Atlas sputtered, "no –no –it is fine."
"You may." Louis blinked at him, arching his back, "just stay off my blanket."
Atlas nodded, swallowing, "I –thank you." He reached out, fingers shaking slightly, "oh." He rubbed his thumb across Louis' belly button, "wow." Atlas smiled, breathless, "it is soft."
Louis preened, bending his back further, "thank you."
Atlas blushed, pulling his hand away, "beautiful."
"I finished." Niall walked up behind Atlas, removing his gardening gloves, "I finally set down the foundation."
The alpha looked up at Niall, squinting from the sun, "do you need anything else?"
"No. Thank you for helping me move the rocks." The blonde omega looked down at Louis' hand wiggling for him. He took Louis' small hand in his own, "hello Louis."
"I was watching you. You look so beautiful gardening, Niall." He sat up, keeping his bowl of whipped cream close, "there is an omega named Jackie who keeps the castle garden very beautiful."
Niall nodded, "yes. Jackie is kind."
Louis pouted, "I know you have set up the garden, Niall. Maybe you can come with me to teach a class with the children that come. I really would love to garden with you."
Niall smiled, purring, "I would love that."
The artist smiled, pulling Niall onto the blanket. He quickly looked up at Atlas, tilting his head, "I want you to leave." Niall rubbed his nose against Liam's, kissing him gently. Louis blinked at Atlas who bowed his head. "Thank you, Atlas." He frowned, "please do not take it personally."
Atlas shook his head, hands behind his back, "not at all, omega. As long as you all are happy." He bowed once more, walking away from the beautiful sight that captured the sun's attention.
-
Harry fumbled with the bouquet of flowers and bag of food, "goodness." He opened the front door, growling when his keys fell. Harry was still waiting for the day that he finally got used to opening the door on his own. The alpha shut the door behind him, leaving the keys on the floor with his shoes.
He walked towards Louis' nesting room slowly, pressing his ear to the door. Harry smiled when he heard his omega humming, "omega?" He opened the door carefully, sticking his head inside, "good evening."
Louis didn't know what he did to him. Harry would come home exhausted, burnt out, throat dry from talking. But then he would walk into Louis' nesting room, smell him –see him in nothing or sometimes in just the thinnest material. Louis was a walking statue. His hair was never flat, always puffy and covered in clips that someone must have left in his bathroom. His necklace hung delicately on his neck, now complimented by their wedding ring. His glow was blinding. Sometimes he came in with Louis rocking Thumb like a baby, singing to him. Sometimes Louis was drawing, other times he was sleeping. But, most of the time, Louis was waiting. He was waiting patiently for Harry to come home to him and it was all the alpha wanted. A healthy, smiling, pleased omega.
Louis wasn't smiling though.
Thumb was hopping towards the door so Harry quickly came inside. "Is everything okay, strawberry?"
"Where were you?" Louis pointed at the small clock on the wall, "it is ten minutes past!"
Harry toed up to the large nest, unsure where to go. He sat on his knees, holding out the bouquet, "I've brought you flowers." Harry held up the other bag in his hand, "and pretzels."
Louis snatched the flowers, pressing his nose to them. He lowered his eyes, "pretzels?"
"Yes. The alpha who sells the fried dough sells salty pretzels. I thought you may like them." Harry quickly removed them from the bag, watching Louis' expression as he set the small cup on the nest. The King sat back, smiling, "smells good."
"Thank you, itty-bitty." Louis took one, looking at it before eating the piece of bread. He chewed, smelling the flowers once again, "I missed you."
Harry sighed, smiling wide, "I miss you every day but I am working hard –so hard to make sure that everything is ready for when you are close to birth."
"I will go to the castle soon with Niall to teach a gardening class."
"I am sure the children, and castle, would love that."
Louis took another pretzel, setting the flowers down, "I have been reading." He crawled over to his stack of books, "I read the second part of my book. I wanted to tell you about it." Harry nodded, biting his knuckle. "Once you shower, you may join me."
"Thank you, omega. You smell incredible. Pregnant and sweet and just like strawberries."
Louis giggled, pink cheeked, "no..."
"Yes, my love. Just like them."
The omega kept giggling, flustered by the comment. He unintentionally scented the air and Harry responded with his own pheromones. Louis played with the pink clips in his hair, "thank you..."
"Of course, omega." Harry took a deep breath, pleased that he could smell his baby now. "How was your day?"
"I slept in our bed today. I want to try to sleep in it with you tonight, please."
"Of course. I would love that." Harry shrugged, "I do also love sleeping down here with you."
"I love my nest." Louis touched the fur around him, "I love everything. I love everything!" He took the cup of pretzels, "everyone is so amazing to me. Even your people –our people." He stuck two in his mouth, "they really love me and I know some do not, but –all the gifts. I do not know what to do with them."
"It is overwhelming at first. The gifts will eventually stop –hopefully." Harry picked up Thumb, "how is our baby today?"
Louis finally removed the sheet covering his belly and Harry swooned. "Growing." Louis loved showing off his belly. "Beautiful." He poked his belly, "perfect."
"I need to shower so I can get in there," Harry growled. He set Thumb in the nest, "I need to inspect. Make sure everything is in its place."
Louis held up his book, "and I need to tell you about my book!"
Harry licked his lips, "of course."
The omega blushed, pointing at the chest, "I want to paint with you. I have been drawing but –I just want to paint with you. I want to make more art with you and hang it so I can see what we have made."
"Yes omega." The King stood, "we will add to our art." He winked, "I have a gift for you. It will have to wait until you are no longer pregnant."
"What is it?"
"When I demolish the basement in the house, I will add an addition." The alpha smiled, "a pottery area."
Louis' jaw fell open, "pottery! You smelled like clay that day!" He covered his mouth, "oh! I must wait?"
"Well, they will have to build it and Julie says that you should not be breathing in anything toxic."
Louis kicked his feet, throwing his hands up, "yes!" The clips in his hair moved, some falling off because Louis didn't care how many he put in, he just wanted them in his hair. He laughed happily, "hurry! Come back to me!"
The alpha laughed, in love and blessed, "yes omega."