A Royal Conceived

The moon hung full and low over the calm sea. Its light glittering in the water telling the daytime animals to settle into their burrows, nests, and caves as nighttime animals began to wake from their slumber. Other creatures, such as the elementals that lived on this isolated island hidden from the human world, were also stirring around in the night to the sounds of the crickets' nightly serenade. Some were getting ready for bed, others were getting dressed to go to their jobs, some were tucking their kids into bed with kisses and story time, while one particular couple were getting intimately close with each other on this cool night.

All were unaware of the living darkness slithering over the quiet island.

Rylan looked into Mira's dark blue eyes with his own electric blue ones. Their hearts raced inside of their chests as he ran his fingertips down the sides of her shirt. Hooking his thumbs into the top of her pants, he pulled them down, placing a kiss on her lips as he bend down to lower the clothing item. He ran his hands back up her bare legs as she stepped out of the clothing. His hands curled around her hips while her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips locked into a heated kiss. Both tasting the other with such desperation as if it was the first time they were making love.

His hands slid back down to her legs. Curling around her toned thighs, he lifted her up so she could hook her ankles together behind him. He carried her over to their bed. Laying her down gently before entangling themselves in the most intimate act a husband and wife could possibly commit. Both desperately clung to the other while their heavy breathing, moans, and groans mixed together as they did their best not to disturb their son that was trying to sleep just down the hall of their small home.

Thirty minutes later, the couple was tangled up in each other's arms, sleeping peacefully until something woke Mira up. Gasping slightly, she sat up causing her husband to stir. He asked, "What's wrong, Mira?"
"I'm not sure," Mira replied. "Something just feelings-" Before she could finish her sentence, sharp blades of darkness shot out at them from all corners of their moonlit room. Neither had the chance to react to what was happening or even think about what was going on. All they could do was watch as the sharp points flew towards her stomach. Suddenly, a shocking pure yellow glow appeared over her bare stomach. A strange, eerie shrill filled the room when the light touched the darkness.

Rylan shot up in bed. Both their eyes locked onto the bright glow as it washed over their room, pushing the darkness away from them, saving them from a dark fate. The shrill faded from the room. Then, slowly the light also began to fade. The two blinked several times to get their eyes adjusted back to the darkness. Once they could see again, their eyes locked onto each other's.

The same exact thought ran through their mind: There was no possibly way they had just conceived a royal.

The next morning was a silent one except for the sizzling of the frying pan. Mira was sitting at the kitchen table while Rylan was at the stove cooking breakfast for them. Neither of them noticed when their son wandered into the room. He said, "What's going on?"

Mira and Rylan jumped at the unexpected voice.

"Are you two okay?" the boy asked.

"Yes, Kailen," Mira said, smoothing out her shirt. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't know," Kailen said, tilting his head questioningly. "Something just seems off today. I've felt like that since I got up."

"Nothing's wrong," Mira said with a warm smile. Her eyes ran over the young boy's face. She found it uncanny how he was always up and dressed for the day unlike a lot of kids who'd rather run around in their pajamas until their parents ordered or forced them to get dress. She knew the young boy was just trying to not be a bother to them, to try and the best little boy he could be. She knew he still felt like he was an outsider in their home despite their best efforts to make him feel like he was really part of their family. He was their adopted son. And he had only been living with them for about two years. Her heart took an erratic beat inside of her heart at the memory of him first coming to live with them. He was so quiet since his mother died. The boy didn't even remember his father since the man ran off when he was only three. She had no idea how he was going to react to having a sibling now, especially one that might be a royal. "How did you sleep last night?"
"I slept fine," Kailen said, sitting down at the table. "At least I did when the darkness went away."

"What do you mean?" Mira asked. She tossed a quick glance over at Rylan. He too was wondering what their son meant. Was it really true they had conceived a royal? And their baby had somehow protected them from the darkness crystal? But that wasn't possible. No element crystal was revealed until after the child was born. Last night must have been a mistake. It had to have been something else.

"I'm not really sure," Kailen said. "I thought I was dreaming at first. Because the darkness was moving around like knives, but then I saw a beautiful yellow light push the darkness away. I feel asleep after that. I knew I was safe again because the light was so comforting."

Mira and Rylan knew then that it wasn't a mistake. They still wanted it to be, but they knew Kailen would never lie to them about something like this.

"Or maybe it was just a dream," Kailen said. He rested his chin down on the table with a sigh. "I'm sorry. What I said must have sounded very odd."

"There's no need for you to apologize, Kailen," Mira said. She reached over to the boy and ran her fingers into his green hair. She gave him a smile when his green eyes met hers. "We both believe you."

"Thanks, Mira," Kailen said.

"Breakfast is ready," Rylan announced. He summoned a wind crystal; using his winds he lifted the three plates of food off the counter and placed them onto the table before pulling freshly squeezed orange juice out of the fridge. He then joined the two at the table. "So, how are your healer lessons going?"
"They're going great," Kailen said. "Madam Healer Zinnia is going to visit our class this week. She's going to see how we all are progressing in our training. People are talking about how she's always looking out for elementals to train herself."

"That's exciting," Rylan said. "I bet she'll pick you to train."

"I'm not good enough for that," Kailen said, his cheeks heating up.

"Of course you are," Mira said. "You successfully mastered one of the hardest sleeping powders when you were only six years old. I just know that you're going to be one of the best healers on Luminous one day."

"Thanks, but I still have a long ways to go," Kailen said.

"Well, you're on the right track," Rylan said. "Just keep up with your training."

"I will." Kailen nodded. "So, what are you two going to do today?" Both Rylan and Mira flinched at his question. The young boy easily caught their reaction. "Are you sure you two are okay? The both of you are jumpy this morning."

"We just didn't really sleep well last night," Rylan said. He tossed a glance over at Mira while taking a drink of his orange juice.

"Yeah," Mira added. "I think I might be coming down with something. So I'm going to go see a healer today."

"Oh, well, I hope your not getting sick," Kailen said, worry filling his eyes.

"Don't worry," Mira said. "I'm positive I'm not getting sick. This is more of a…precautionary thing."

"I understand," Kailen said before going back to his breakfast.

Mira and Rylan's eyes locked again. Both were relieved that this conversation had ended. First thing first, they actually needed a healer's conformation that they were having a baby before they tried to figure out how to break this news to Kailen. They dropped their eyes back to their meals. They didn't speak a word unless Kailen spoke up. And when he did, it was usually about his healer lessons. Soon they had completed breakfast. They sent their boy off to his lessons before rushing out of the house themselves.

They tried not to run to the ward. They didn't want to bring attention to themselves. They didn't know if anyone else had seen the solar crystal's glow last night. So far the only conversations they over heard as they passed through their neighborhood were typical ones about the weather, how someone was doing, what their upcoming plans were, and other day-to-day talks. A few elementals ended up stopping to talk to them. They chatted a little bit before having to excuse themselves and move on. Luckily they had reached the end of their neighborhood. They could see the castle peaks sticking out majestically over the thick green trees. The black pirate flag flowed proudly in the wind. Its hollow eyes cast its ever-watchful gaze down on the people of the island. The pirate flag that told outsiders they were under the protection of the Red Haired Pirates. Not that anyone would come here. Only few humans knew of their existence.

They were heading there. Well, not there to the castle but to the ward that was just outside of it. That's where the best healer on their island lived. That's who they needed to see. If anyone could tell if they had conceived a royal then it would be her.

The animals in the forest chirped and chittered happily to see the two elementals. But the elementals didn't have time to stop and play with their furry friends. They just rushed through the thick forest. Ignored the beautiful smells of the flowers, the leaves, and the morning dew that had not yet been evaporated by the warming sun. The trees parted before them. They saw the base of the castle wall then took a sharp right. There only a mere sixty yards away was the crystal green colored ward. Finally, after a seeming long walk to the ward, they entered into the building. A rush of relaxing jasmine greeted them but did nothing to calm their nerves. Ignoring all of the other patients that were scattered around the flower decorated waiting room, they walked right up to the water elemental sitting behind the reception desk. Mira slapped her hands on the counter, causing the other woman to jump. Leaning towards the woman, she said, "I need to see Madam Healer Zinnia right away."

"I'm sorry, but Madam Healer Zinnia doesn't have an open appointment today," the woman said, adjusting her glasses.

"Look this is an emergence," Mira stressed.

"Emergencies should report to the-"

"No!" Mira slammed her hands down on the counter top again.

"Honey, calm down," Rylan said. Grabbing Mira's arm, he pulled her away from the counter before she could do anything else. "Getting upset isn't going to help the situation." He looked to the other woman and lowered his voice. "I'm sorry, but our issue really needs to be attended by the best healer on Luminous."

"Oh?" The woman lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. "And what issue is it that should allow you ahead of everyone else here? As you can see, we have a full waiting room this morning."

"We conceived a child last night," Rylan said. Then he hesitated to continue. There was no way this woman was going to believe him. Or so he thought. Royals were a big deal here. Royals were sacred. Surely she would inform the healer about their issue.

"Congratulations," the woman said with obvious sarcasm.

"We are having a royal," Mira snapped.

"What?" The woman's eyes filled with confusion.

"I know it sounds weird, but we have a royal," Mira said, placing her hands on her stomach. "And our baby used the solar crystal last night to purify the darkness crystal."

"You can't be serious," the woman said.

"We are," Mira said with a firm nod. She knew she would get to see the healer now. No one ever joked about the solar crystal or a royal. It was the only thing that could keep them safe from the darkness crystal.

"All right, I understand," she said while waving to a nurse.

"Yes, ma'am?" the nurse, an earth elemental, asked. "How may I help you?"
"This couple needs to see Madam Healer Zinnia right away," the receptionist said. "They have conceived a royal."

The nurse's eyes whipped to the couple. She swallowed nervously and nodded. Gesturing to the hall to her right, she said, "Please, follow me."

"Finally," Mira said.

The small group of three rushed down the hall of the ward's east wing. Coming to a room, the nurse asked them to stay out in the hall while she got the healer. It wasn't even a minute later when the nurse came back out with the most skill healer on the island. Healer Zinnia was a stout woman with glasses, green eyes, and light green hair that was just starting to streak with grey.

"Come with me," Healer Zinnia said. No other words were spoken. The nurse headed off while the remaining three went in the opposite direction. The healer led them into a room then gestured to the exam table. "Lay down and roll up your shirt."

Mira did. Rushing over to the table, she jumped up on it. Rolling up her shirt as she lied down on the table. She exhaled. Her heart raced rapidly in her chest, pushing blood faster through her veins. Everything that happened had her head spinning. She was going to be sick. This was it. It was going to be confirmed that they were possibly going to have a royal. They were going to have a royal. They weren't dreaming last night. She could feel it.

"So explain to me exactly what happened," Healer Zinnia said while she sat down on a stool near the exam table. She pulled open a drawer and pulled out four light green crystal patches. As she listened to Rylan explain what happened, she placed the patches on Mira's stomach, around her belly button. She then summoned one of her earth crystals. Engulfing the patch crystals in her crystal's glow, they also started glowing. She turned her eyes to the crystal monitor screen just as the glow from the crystals fed into the screen. Slowly, a picture of Mira's womb began to show and lines started to bounce across it. "I see. I guess that explains why some of my patients feel a lot better this morning."

"What do you mean?" Mira asked.

"For the past few weeks elementals have been coming to be feeling more aggressive than ever," Healer Zinnia said, pushing up her glasses. "I thought it was just a lack of sleep or something else along those lines, but suddenly they just felt better when I arrived here today."

"What does this all mean though?" Rylan asked.

"No one has ever known what their child's element is going to be until after they're born," Mira said. "So how was it possible that this happened?"
"I have no idea," Healer Zinnia said. She pushed her glasses up higher on her nose while her eyes roamed over the readings in front of her. "But you are indeed pregnant. And I do believe you are harboring a royal. These readings are not normal."

"What do you mean they're not normal?" Rylan leaned towards the screen. Six different lines were bouncing across it.

"Usually when a woman is pregnant only two lines are shone on here." Healer Zinnia pointed to the lines. "This top one is your wife's. It represents her magic. These other lines represent your baby's magic. When someone is having only one child there are only two lines. If a woman is having twins then there are three lines and so on and so forth. So unless your wife is carrying five babies inside of her, you are definitely having a royal. But to be sure, I want you to come back in four to five weeks. I'll be able to tell them for sure if you're having one or more babies then."

"Sweet crystals of Luminous!" Mira placed her hands on her face. Her mind was spinning with how scary the future suddenly seemed right now. She didn't know how to have a baby, or take care of one. She loved kids enough, but never really saw herself as a mother, especially a mother to a royal. It was scary, intimidating, and just so hard to process right now. And then there was Kailen. She loved the boy as if he was their own son, but she and Rylan didn't have him as a baby.

Rylan exhaled. He too was feeling nervous and scared about having this royal. Royals were different from regular elementals. Royals were stronger than regular elementals. But mostly he was more worried about Mira and Kailen. Kailen because he was still so young and felt so inadequate at times. And was still trying to adjust to being in their family. Then there was Mira. She was a no nonsense type. She wasn't going to like having their child live in the palace all the time and get spoiled. Mira was going to shake up their traditions a lot while mothering their child.

"If I may, I suggest you talk to a mental healer," Healer Zinnia said.

"What for?" Rylan asked.

"It can be rather stressful for some when they know their child is a royal. And you two are clearly a very unique case," Healer Zinnia said. "This has never happened before. And we might not ever know why it happened. I just want you two to be prepared for what's to come. It's amazing for sure. We'll want to study your child to see if we can find answers as to why the solar and the darkness crystal appeared so suddenly. And as to why the solar crystal was able to be used through you. And at conception."

"Through me," Mira repeated. She ran her hands over her face with a confused, yet aggravated sigh.

"Maybe we should speak to the mental healer," Rylan said. He braced himself for Mira's retaliation.

"Maybe that would be best," Mira said.

Rylan blinked in confusion. "What?"

"At least a time or two," Mira said with a pointed glare at both Rylan and Healer Zinnia. "But I will not have our child being spoiled by everyone on Luminous. And our child will not be constantly living in the castle. Our child will be living in our home. Am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Rylan said.

Healer Zinnia smiled brightly. She said, "I can tell that this is going to be one very interesting royal."

"That is, if we are having a royal," Mira said, turning her head to the healer. "You said we would know for absolute certainty in a couple of weeks."

"That's correct." Healer Zinnia began to pull the crystals off Mira's stomach. "But I believe that it would be best if you start mentally preparing yourself for the high possibility you are having a royal. Non-royals never have used the solar crystal."

Mira rolled down her shirt then slid off the table.

"Thank you, Madam Healer," Rylan said.

"Please, let me know if you need anything." Healer Zinnia pulled a small notebook out of her pocket and scribbled a note on it. Ripping it from the pages, she handed it to Mira. "Give this to the receptionist. They'll put you in the books to meet with me in a few weeks."

"Thank you," Mira said.

"Yes, thank you," Rylan added. With his arm around Mira's shoulders he guided her out of the room and back down to the reception desk. They were meet with stares and whispers. The rumors have already stared. He casted Mira at look that told her she shouldn't have been so loud before.

Mira shrugged. "It's not like we're going to be able to keep this a secret forever."

"Thank you." Rylan took the appointment card from the receptionist then headed out the door with his wife. "True. But we don't need this news getting back to Kailen before we have a chance to speak to him."

Mira sighed as they stepped out of the ward. "This is just great. What now?"
"We go home and prepare for what's to come," Rylan said. "You know everyone's going to start coming around more to see how you and our baby are doing."

"Great," Mira grumbled. "I hate so much attention."

"But first, we need to figure out how we're going to break this to Kailen," Rylan said. "I'm worried this might hurt him."

"I've been worried about that too," Mira said. "We're really going to have to enforce the fact that we love him. And that having this child doesn't change anything. He is our son."

"Yeah." Rylan nodded. Slipping his fingers through hers they made their way back to their home in a lot slower pace than they did on their way here.

…

For hours they waited for their son to come home from his healer lessons. For hours they debated and talked about what's the best possible way to tell their son that he was getting a sibling, a royal sibling. The wait was nerve wracking. Neither one could sit still for very long. They both paced the house, fiddled with this or that, cleaned their already clean home, Rylan baked several desserts which they ate a lot of while they worried and waited. Then suddenly, their time was up. Kailen had walked back into their house.

"Uh oh," Kailen said when he smelled all the baked goods and cleaning supplies in the air. He scanned his eyes at the two adults in the living room. "What happened?"

"Kailen," Rylan said, moving away from the mantle to sit on the couch. "There's something we have to talk to you about."

"Okay," Kailen said cautiously.

"Come sit with us," Mira said patting the couch while Rylan scooted over to make room for the boy.

"All right," Kailen said. He placed his bag down on the first step of the stairs, closed the door, and then walked over to them. He sat down and looked up at each of them. "What's up?"
"Kailen," Mira started. "How would you feel about having a sibling?"
"A sibling?" Kailen blinked. "I don't know. I never really thought about it. I…I guess it would be fine."

"You won't be upset?" Rylan asked.

"I don't think so," Kailen said.

"What if your sibling turned out to be a royal?" Mira asked.

"Why? Where's all this coming fro…" Kailen's voice trailed off. "You're having a baby."

"We are," Mira said with a light nod.

"I see," Kailen said, his eyes dropped to the floor. "And your baby is a royal. That's why I saw that light last night."

"Yes," Rylan said. "It is. Or we're pretty sure it is after what happened last night. The healer still wants us to come in for another check up to be sure."

"What does last night have to do with anything?" Kailen asked.

"The darkness you saw," Mira said. "It was real. Somehow our baby purified it."

"A recently conceived child purified the darkness?" Kailen asked. "How is that even possible? No elemental child has ever shown what their element is until after they're born."

"Apparently it is possible," Rylan said biting his thumbnail. "Somehow."

Kailen stood up and walked a few feet away from them. When he turned back, he was wearing a forced smile that was all too easy for them to notice. "Congratulations then. I'm sure you both will be very happy to have a royal. Well, I have studying to do. I'll see you later."

"Would you like a snack?" Rylan asked. "We have plenty."

"No thanks." Kailen picked up his bag and headed upstairs. "I'm not hungry."

Rylan and Mira both sighed when the boy shut his door. It wasn't a slam exactly but it wasn't a normal shut either. Exchanging looks, both wondered if this was really going to be all right. Maybe they should have Kailen see a mental healer as well.

…

Four weeks later the truth had dashed any lingering doubt they had about having or not having a royal. With Healer Zinnia's crystals on Mira's stomach once more, they showed that only one baby was inside of her.

"Well, there you have it," Healer Zinnia said. "You two are officially the proud parents of a royal."

"Great," Mira said, eyeing their little bean on the monitor.

"Are you two going to be all right?" Healer Zinnia leaned back in her chair.

"We'll be fine," Rylan said. "It's just a bit much. Even after having four weeks to prepare themselves for this, it's still a lot to take in."

"Indeed," Healer Zinnia said. "This is the first time a royal has appeared like this. It's amazing we can tell so soon that your baby is a royal."

"I don't suppose we can just keep this a secret?" Mira asked.

"I'm afraid not," Healer Zinnia said. "As I'm sure you already know, rumors are spreading like wildfire. We're going to have to officially confirm this very soon. I'm sure Atlas will contact you any time now."

"Do we have to?" Mira asked. "I'm already tired of people stopping me and asking about it. There must have been a hundred today alone that stopped us on the way here."

"Afraid so," Healer Zinnia said. "Shall I inform Atlas of this?"

"Mira?" Rylan looked at his wife.

"Fine," Mira said a few minutes later. "Might as well get this over with." She locked eyes with her husband. "This is really happening, isn't it?"

"It is." Rylan nodded.

The healer got up and left the room to file her official report.

Myra studied her husband. His eyes were full of such a happy glow guilt settled into her for not feeling the same. Though she tried not to be so hard on herself. He had always wanted kids. He loved kids. She never was all that fond of the idea. She wasn't bad with kids or anything like that, she just never saw herself as a mother. All of the commotion and attention new mothers got from having a baby sent her skin crawling. And having a royal the attention would erupt. But now here it was being thrown at her like a hurricane. It was going to take a lot of time to adjust to.

A short time later a knock came on the door. Rylan opened it and a maid from the castle stepped inside. She bowed her head to them. "If you would please come with me. I have been asked by Atlas to escort you to the castle."

"Fine." Mira slipped off the exam table and followed after the maid. Stepping outside they were greeted by several elementals all-looking to get a finally announcement on whether or not they had a royal. Her body tensed up from all the eyes roaming over her.

"Is it true?"

"Is there really a royal?"

"Please, tell us!"

"We have nothing to say at this point in time," the maid said. "If you all will be patient the official announce on whether or not we will prepare for a royal will be announced soon. Please, go on about your business."

The crowd mumbled as they wondered away from the ward.

"Stupid crowds," Mira murmured.

"I should have know we would have a royal," Rylan said. "I wonder what Shanks and his crew will think of this."

"I wonder when they're going to visit us again," Mira said then added thoughtfully, "If they come around the seventh month then I might not be in good condition to get a piece of his hair."

"You're never going to give up on that, are you?" Rylan asked.

"Of course not!" Mira said. "I am going to get a lock of his hair before I die! It's too beautiful!"

"You're just too obsessed with that," Rylan said as they crossed the large yard in front of the castle. He gazed up at it. It's towers standing tall; the one in the middle sported the Red Haired Pirates flag. "I can't believe it's been so long since he first arrived here."

"He's going to be our children's godfather," Mira said.

"What?" Rylan shot his gaze to his wife causing the toe of his shoe to catch on the first step of the castle's porch. He fell forward, pain shooting through his knee when he hit the stone.

"Are you all right, sir?" the maid asked.

"Yes, I'm all right." Rylan stood back up.

"Then please come this way." The maid continued up the stairs to the two large double doors. Two guards stood outside of them. They grabbed the handles and pulled them open then bowed their head to the expecting couple as they passed through.

"I've made up my mind," Mira said.

"We have to ask Shanks first," Rylan said.

"He'll say yes," Mira said. "There's no way he'll say no."

"Only because he's afraid of you," Rylan murmured.

"What was that?" Mira glared.

"Nothing, dear," Rylan said. He turned his eyes to the castle. The maid was leading them down a long hallway. Several crystals sculptures, paintings, and plants decorated the hall. Soon the maid came to a door.

"Please, enter," she said while waving to the door. "Atlas will be here shortly. Enjoy the snacks that have been provided for you."

The couple stepped into the room. Lying out on the long rectangular table was an array of fruits, vegetables, and a few cookies. Two other maids were in the room. They poured two cups of steamy hot tea then left the room.

Mira sat down in one of the high back chairs with a heavy sigh. "I'm not ready for this. I can't be a mother."

"Of course you can," Rylan said as he sat down beside her. "You're a wonderful mother to Kailen."

"He's easy," Mira said. "He was out of the baby stage when we adopted him. And he's always taking care of himself."

"He'll be a good help in raising his little sibling," Rylan said.

"Or he'll despise his sibling for being a royal," Mira said.

"That won't happen," Rylan said. "He's a good boy. He'll be fine once he adjusts to the idea."

Mira opened her mouth to reply but was stopped by a knock on the door. She looked over to it as it opened up. A short man with white hair and a matching tapered beard walked in.

"Mira! Rylan!" the man said. "I have heard the wonderful news! My congratulations on conceiving a royal! This is really is a blessed day!"

Mira eyed him. Despite his pretty words and smiling lips, his eyes didn't shine like she thought they should.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to hear about this," Atlas said as he sat down at the head of the table. "I was starting to worry about all of the elementals that were growing more and more hostile. Again, I can't tell you how wonderful this is."

Mira desperately tired to hold back her on coming eye roll. Personally, she didn't see it as wonderful news. Babies were being born all the time. It's not like having a baby was a rare event. But having a royal was. She internally groaned. Already she loved their baby. She couldn't deny that and never would. Nothing would ever change that. It was just all the fuss that would come with having a royal that she didn't want to deal with. She scanned her eyes around the meeting room in the castle. It was a long room with long rectangular shaped table inside of it as well as several bookshelves that held important documents of their island and history, especially the history of the former royals that have lived here.

Forcing her eyes off the books, she looked back at the old man they were with. Atlas was wearing traditional purple robes that the castle experts always wore. Since royals were rare they needed someone else to help made decisions when it was necessary. Atlas was the head expert. So that's why they were meeting with him instead of the entire expert parliament.

"Yes, it is wonderful," Rylan said. "We're just having to adjust to it. It's quite a big shock."

Mira looked at her husband. He was always the calmer of the two. He had a good head on his shoulders. He was taking this a lot better than she was.

"As I'm sure it is. Though I do think we should inform the island right away," Atlas said. "We can have everyone gathered in two hours."

"That fast?" Rylan asked.

"The elementals are waiting and very curious," Atlas said. "Word has spread already all over the island about this. We need to confirm it-"

"Just do it then and get it over with," Mira said, feeling a headache already pounding behind her eyes.

"Very well." Atlas slipped in hands inside of his sleeves. "I'll have it announced right away. Is there anything you would like to say during the announcement?"

"No not really," Rylan said.

"Very well," Atlas said. "If there is nothing else you'd like to discuss." He started to stand up.

"There is," Mira said. "It's about what I'm going to say at the announcement."

"And that would be?" Atlas probed.

"I will not have our child being spoiled," Mira said. "And we are not moving into the castle."

"But that is our custom for a royal," Atlas said. "They must live in the castle. It is their birthright."

"Well, it's not going to work for us," Mira said.

Atlas opened his mouth to object, but Rylan stopped him. "Don't even try. When Mira has her mind made up nothing can change it."

Atlas sat back in his chair. "Well, I guess I can understand that. If my son had been born a royal I don't think I'd like him being spoiled either."

"I'd say your son is already spoiled," Mira said.

"How so?" Atlas listed his head.

"He's water and a fire elemental," Mira said. "Those are rare as well. And I've seen how many looks he gets from the ladies."

"Ah, indeed," Atlas said. "But my wife, God rest her soul, didn't allow him to get a big head either. I have done my best to keep up her teaching."

"You have done well, Atlas," Rylan said.

"Yeah, well, as long as we understand each other there won't be a problem," Mira said.

"I do, but I cannot speak for the other elementals," Atlas said.

"I'll deal with them then," Mira said.

"Very well." Atlas stood up. "I shall prepare for the announcement. Please, feel free to roam around the castle and enjoy something to eat."

"Yeah, sure," Mira mumbled as the old man left the room.

"Try not to anger them," Rylan said.

"I don't care if they do get angered," Mira said. "Our child is going to be as normal as possible."

Rylan reached over and took her hand. "I know. And our baby will be."

"You know that's a lie," Mira said, squeezing his hand.

"I know," Rylan said. "But it sounded good."

Mira nodded. Unwilling to leave the room, they stayed right where they were. They would get an up close and personal tour of the castle soon enough. This wasn't the first time they had been inside. Anyone on Luminous could come into the castle and looked around. But only a royal, their family, and some servants could live inside of the castle.

The two hours passed slowly. When the time finally came, a soldier had come and got them. They stood up and followed the man out into the hall. Looking to her right, Mira saw the library at the end of the hall. She would love to get her hands on those books. And now she was going to be able to read all of them that she wanted. This castle was now a second home for them.

Far too soon they had reached the grand entry way to the castle. Maids and butlers bustled around, going in and out of doors and up the grand stair case that slip off into two separate stair cases that led up to the second level. Crystal sculptures were scattered along the walls accompanying the many paintings of the sea some artist was commissioned to do a couple thousand years ago. The entry way had filled up with tantalizing smells of the celebratory feast they were going to have. It was something else that came with having a royal. The celebrations were going to be big from now on.

The thought made Mira shiver. Crowds and loud parties were not in her comfort zone. She would much rather curl up in a corner and read a book. But that was temporarily going to become a favorite past event. She knew a lot of her time was going to be taken up once their baby was born. Her hand lifted to her stomach to where her bump was slowly starting to become more round. Touching her rounding flesh made this even more real. It was actually happening. They were having a baby.

The large doors were pushed open by two soldiers.

This was it. There was no turning back now. They stepped outside where Atlas was waiting for them on the porch. Stepping up to the railing, Mira looked out at the gathered elementals. They were chatting and whispering to each other, eager to hear the conformation that had been spreading around the island. Sweat gathered in her palms. It looked like the entire island population had come to hear this announcement.

"My fellow elementals!" Atlas boomed. "We call you here today to make a joyous announcement!"

A hush rushed over the crowd. Some moved in closer to the porch to make sure they wouldn't miss a single word of the announcement. Mira thought some of them would have came upon the porch if they could. But soldiers had been lined up on both sets of stairs that curved out from the porch and some were standing down on the ground a few yards in front of them. She scanned the crowd again, locating Kailen standing off from the group alone. The young boy was leaning against a tree, looking like he didn't want to be there. She felt bad for him. He still hadn't come to terms with having a royal as a sibling. She wasn't sure he was going to. And they still had no idea what to say to him to make him feel better.

"Rylan and Mira." Atlas gestured to the elemental couple. "Have conceived a royal!"

The crowd erupted with cheers and whistles.

Mira flinched at the noise. At least this part would soon be over.

"Please, give your full attention to them," Atlas said. "Mira would like to speak."

Mira drew in a breath then exhaled slowly to calm her nerves. "I'm going to make this short and simple. So listen carefully. I know this child I am now carrying is indeed a royal. And he or she will be receiving the royal treatment from you all. However, I will not allow you to spoil our baby. Our baby will be allowed to spend time in the castle, but will also live in our rightful home."

Like they expected, the elementals weren't every happy about that.

"But it is our royal!"

"Royals belong in the castle!"

"This isn't right!"

"This is right," Mira continued. "Think if it was your own child. Would you all really be happy to have them be unnecessarily spoiled?"

No one replied.

"I didn't think so," Mira said. "Then it had better be settled." She knew it wouldn't be. She knew people would still try to get her to move her family into the castle permanently. "You can argue with me all you want. But this is Rylan's child and mine. We will decide how he or she is raised."

"Now let's enjoy the feast in wondrous celebration!" Atlas announced when Mira didn't say anything farther. The crowds erupted again as the maids and butlers started to move the food outside.

Mira looked over at Kailen but found the boy was gone. She sighed. With all of her being, she hoped and prayed that this wouldn't damage him in any type of way.

…Three months later…

"Rylan!" Mira snapped. "I told you not to move this pan!"

Rylan jumped when his wife picked up the pan and slammed it down on the counter. "I'm sorry. It was in the way."

"I don't care!" Mira said. "If I tell you to not do something, you better not doing it!"

"Yes, dear," Rylan said. He remained stiff as his wide stalked passed him and into the living room. He relaxed with a sigh. These mood swings Mira was having was really starting to get to him. The mood swings didn't come often, but when they did, they were intense. He had to remind himself over and over that this was just temporary. Everything would be back to normal in four months.

"I'm sorry." Mira came back in.

Rylan turned to her. Tears were streaking down her cheeks. He wrapped his arms around her. "It's all right."

"No! It's not!" Mira buried her face in his shirt. "I keep yelling at you for stupid stuff! I'm so sorry!"

"It's all right." Rylan stroke her hair. "This is normal. You know that. And I'm fine."

"You're so nice." She pulled back and glared up at him. "Stop being so nice."

Rylan chuckled. "I'm sorry."

"You really are amazing for putting up with me," Mira said.

"You're worth it," Rylan said before kissing her.

"Oh, I'm hungry," Mira said. "I want a fruit salad."

"You got it," Rylan said. He moved away from her and started getting her fruit salad ready. A few minutes later, Kailen wondered into the room. "Good morning, Kailen."

"Hey," Kailen said dully as he sat down at the table.

"We have another meeting with the mental healer," Mira said, sitting down as well. "We'd really like it if you'd join us."

"I have my lessons," Kailen said. "And a huge paper due in two days."

"Oh, okay." Mira smiled. "Maybe another time."

"Maybe," Kailen mumbled.

Mira exchanged looks with Rylan. Neither of them knew what to do for their son. He just kept getting more and more distant from them with each passing day.

"Breakfast is ready," Rylan said. Using his wind crystals, he placed everything out on the table then sat down himself. Silence fell over them as they ate their fruit salad.

…

"So nothing has changed with him," the mental healer said.

"That's right." Mira nodded. "He just keeps burying himself into his studies."

"I'm worried about him," Rylan said.

"That's understandable," the mental healer said. "This is a big change for you all. And even more so since you're having a royal. Just give him some more time. I'm sure he'll come around."

Mira slumped in her chair. She didn't like what the metal healer was saying. He was being no help at all where it concerned their son. She just didn't want to wait and see what happened. She wanted Kailen to love his sibling. It made her wonder how he was going to be once their baby was born. Would he still remain distance? Would he finally accept the baby? Or would he run off?

In an attempt to distract her from her worried thoughts, she looked around the room. It was, like all their buildings, made of crystals. This particular building was light blue. There were a few paintings up on the walls of pirate and Navy ships and a few plants scattered around the room. The mental healer sat across from them at his desk. There was also a couch in the room but they never used it. She wondered if anyone ever did since there were two chairs in front of the desk.

"Well, we thank you for seeing us again," Rylan said.

Mira brought her attention back to the two men. Their session had already ended. She was glad. It was starting to be very draining having to come here. She wanted to stop. They were already, more or less, settled into have a royal. Kailen was the only issue that still needed to be addressed. But no one seemed to know how to reach the boy.

"I am happy to help." The healer stood up and walked them to his door. "Don't hesitate to come see me at any point in time."

"Thank you," Rylan said before they left.

"That guy's a quack," Mira said once they were outside. The quiet of the building was replaced with the chattering of the elemental people as they buzzed around the town.

"He's just trying to help," Rylan said.

"Well, he's not," Mira said. "Telling us to just wait and Kailen will come around. He doesn't know for sure what will happen."

"That maybe true, but he does have a point," Rylan said. "Only time will tell how Kailen deals with having a sibling. He's a good kid. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"I wish Shanks was here," Mira said. "Maybe he could get through to Kailen."

"It's been a while since he showed up," Rylan said. "They're about due for a visit."

"I hope they get here in time to see our baby." Mira placed her hand on her rounding stomach. "Which reminds me. We never did finish a certain conversation before."

"Oh? And what would that be?" Rylan took her hand and started walking.

"That would be how I want Shanks to be our children's godfather," Mira said.

"Right that one." Rylan looked at her.

"Yeah. That one." Mira nodded.

"Any particular reason for this?" Rylan asked.

"I want to know they'll be taken care of if we die," Mira said.

"Of course they will," Rylan said. "Our child is a royal after all. But having a pirate being their godfather? I'm not so sure the elementals would approve of that. You've already made a lot of changes as it is."

"I know," Mira said. "But I know that Shanks will raise our kids the way we want them to be raised. If we leave it up to the elementals, they'll spoil our kids rotten just because our baby is a royal."

"That's true," Rylan said. "All right. We'll have a talk about this when Shanks arrives."

"Good." Mira nodded. Now all that was left was to wait for Shanks to arrive. She dropped her hands down to her rounding stomach, wondering when they would arrive. She hoped, wished, and prayed that they would get here around the time their baby was born.