As Willow entered her third trimester, the strain of carrying the dual-Gifted embryos intensified. Her natural Speed was now a constant, barely suppressed hum of energy. To maintain the illusion, Vaelorian seized on the necessity of accelerating the construction of the "Wall of Unity" within the Imperial Residence.
This became his official focus—a massive, urgent project to justify the constant activity and the heightened security around the Emperor's chambers and, by extension, Willow, who was often nearby.
"We need this chamber finished. I cannot risk Willow having to climb three flights of stairs in an uncontrolled speed burst. I'm telling the architect we need the final wall finished in thirty days." Vaelorian told Riven his plan one morning during breakfast.
The construction became a public spectacle, dominating the news cycle—The Emperor Demands His Wall of Unity Be Finished In Thirty Days! The Senate is grumbling about the cost and the rush, but the public saw it as another sign of Vaelorian's decisive nature.
Meanwhile, beneath the Palace, the Crown Initiative projects were flourishing. The new clinics were open, and the first Imperial School was weeks from completion, proving that the new government structure worked.
The fourteen days of mandatory honeymoon that Riven and Vaelorian had feared would stretch on forever passed in a blure and they didn't even notice. And months later, the traveling experience for the former Emperor and Empress came to an end. They returned looking tanned, rested, and blissfully unaware of the dynastic drama that had unfolded in their absence.
One evening, after the family shared a relaxed dinner, Vaelorian and Riven led the former rulers to the new, massive Imperial Residence. The "Wall of Unity" was mostly complete—a towering, richly carved dividing structure separating the working areas from the massive private living space they now shared.
The four of them settled into the grand living area. The atmosphere was light, filled with stories of the former Emperor's travels across the Eastern Sea.
Former Emperor: "Honestly, Vaelorian, retirement is excellent. I feel ten years younger. And the Empire seems to be thriving. That Crown Initiative is remarkable. You and Riven have done a marvelous job."
"We knew you two would be great leaders." Vaelorian's mother praised them. "Now, Vaelorian, darling, tell us more about the 'Wall of Unity.' It is magnificent, but rather... excessive. You look like you're preparing for a siege, not a shared chamber."
Vaelorian exchanged a significant look with Riven. "Mother, Father. That wall is not just about our shared chamber. It's about security. It's about our future."
Riven took the lead, his voice measured. "Your Majesties, we needed to ensure the stability of the bloodline as soon as possible. Given our unconventional union, we had to take unconventional steps to secure a successor."
Vaelorian then walked to a hidden communications panel and opened a secure line to Anya's lab.
Vaelorian: "Anya, please bring our guest."
A moment later, the door opened, and Willow walked in, looking strong, but visibly in the late stages of pregnancy. She was dressed in comfortable tailored silks, and Barron was close behind her, standing in his full hight.
The former Emperor and Empress stared. Their expressions ran a rapid spectrum from confusion, to shock, to dawning realization.
Former Emperor. "Vaelorian? Is this what I think it is? Lady Willow, you are..."
Willow: "Good evening, Your Majesties. Yes, I am. I am carrying the next Emperors, or Empresses of Lumina Empire."
Empress: (Rising slowly, walking towards Willow with caution and wonder) "Emperors or Empresses? As in Two?"
Vaelorian: "Yes, Mother. Twins. Willow graciously agreed to carry the heirs of Lumina. We needed absolute secrecy that's why we couldn't write to you. They are genetically mine and Riven's. The fertilization was successful on the second attempt."
The former Empress reached Willow, her hands hovering but not touching. She looked at Vaelorian and Riven, her eyes welling up not with criticism, but with fierce pride.
"You two. You couldn't just have a simple succession, could you? You had to defy every law of gods, man, and biology to create a family." She finally reached out, gently placing her hands on Willow's belly. "When are they due?"
Willow: "Anya projects three weeks from now, Your Majesty."
Former Emperor: (Shaking his head, a stunned laugh escaping him) "Twins. Vaelorian, you've secured the line for two generations in a single strike. And...you ensured the children carried you and Riven's stubborn spirit as well."
He smiled, walking over to his son and Consort Riven. "You've proven you're not just ready to rule, you're ready for anything life has in store for you. Welcome to grandparenthood, my love," he said to the Empress. "And welcome to the greatest, most chaotic, unconventional family in the Empire, Lady Willow."