With the former Emperor and Empress now initiated into the secret, the final weeks of Willow's pregnancy became a hyper-secure, covert operation overseen by the entire Imperial family and their core team.
The vast Imperial Residence became the secure birthing suite. The massive "Wall of Unity" was completed, now serving as the ultimate barrier protecting the core living area.
Anya established a temporary, sterile medical wing within the chamber, utilizing her Gift to ensure a perfectly controlled biological environment. She managed Willow's volatile metabolism and monitored the twins' accelerated growth with specialized bio-scanners.
Barron and Mira Lune enforced an absolute perimeter. Barron took shifts outside the primary corridor, while Mira Lune used her Gift to subtly monitor the thermal signatures of the Palace walls, checking for any unauthorized surveillance equipment.
The Empress being the only one who had experienced childbirth, took on the role of a caregiver, ensuring Willow was resting (a difficult task, given the constant hum of her Speed) and providing emotional support.
Willow: "I swear, these two are already running races in there. I felt a simultaneous kick every two seconds."
"They have your speed and Riven's restless temperament, Willow. They will be formidable." Vaelorian chimed in.
Vaelorian and Riven were constantly present, their anxiety palpable beneath their calm expressions. They finalized all legal documents, establishing the succession line and securing Willow's future wealth and honor under absolute secrecy.
On a quiet evening, barely forty-eight hours before Anya projected the likely beginning of labor, the secure comms line flashed red—a deep-level security alert. The message was from the Imperial General of the Northern Garrison.
General: (Voice crackling with tension) "Your Majesty, the Western Reavers have crossed the Iron Divide. It's not a border skirmish; they've launched a full, coordinated attack on the Northern Holds' primary defensive hub. They used advanced Gift suppression technology. We are taking heavy losses. We need immediate Imperial intervention."
The Western Reavers, always a threat, had been emboldened by the recent political upheaval and believed the new Emperor to be soft and inexperienced in war.
Vaelorian immediately started preparing to travel. His place was on the battlefield. An must always Emperor must lead.
"Someone get me Barron. Prepare the Royal Guard—I am leaving within the hour. The Empire cannot afford to look weak now, especially after the Crown Initiative." Vaelorian gave his orders with a firm voice.
Riven Intervened, his voice calm. "No, Your Majesty. You cannot go."
"I am the Emperor! My presence is essential for morale and control!" Vaelorian argued.
"And you are the only person who can legally sign the succession papers, Vaelorian. You cannot leave the capital when our kids are due any moment! A Crown without a secured successor is a weakness the Senate will exploit instantly if anything happens to you." Riven stepped forward, his eyes burning with conviction. "They need a counter-force on the battlefield, not just Royal political symbol. I can be that force."
He placed his hands on Vaelorian's shoulders, projecting a wave of reassurance through their telepathic link.
"With my Gifts, I'm better suited for battlefield. I can break the enemy lines faster, demoralize their command structure, and end this invasion in days. You cannot risk getting hurt now. I can—and I will—win this battle and be back before Willow even goes into labor."
Vaelorian's face was etched with conflicted emotions. "Riven, no. It's too dangerous. I can't let you do this alone, not when everything is finally going our way."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will be careful. And I'll be back before you know it."
He kissed Vaelorian, a long press of lips that sealed the decision. He then turned to Willow.
"Willow. You hold my greatest treasures. Do not dare give birth until I return. I refuse to miss this." He said playfully and Willow laughed.
"You have my word, Your Majesty. I'll tell the twins to wait for their papa to return before they come out. Now go. Be safe out there."
Riven immediately got ready to leave, moving with that confidence that Vaelorian knew so well.
"I will be back soon with news of victory and no more than two minor bruises. I promise." Riven assures Vaelorian with a smile. Stay here. Look after our family. I love you."
With one final glance at his Emperor and the chamber where his unborn children were, Consort Riven departed, leaving Vaelorian standing in the silent suite, the weight of the Crown and the anxiety of his family's future resting heavily upon him.