Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

Brogan still did most of the work, thrusting slowly up into her core and in turn supporting most of her weight alongside his own. He reached a hand up to caress her cheek in adoration. "I still can' 'ardly believe I've got a beauty li' you." He sat up just enough to kiss her warmly without placing too much pressure on her belly.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia felt tears flood her eyes as he told her that she was a beauty. She whimpered as he sat up to kiss her, doing all the work just as he promised. She wrapped her arms around his throat, cradled against his chest as he thrust into her body slowly, making sweet love to her. She sighed, moaning for him as she enjoyed his intimate attentions.

When she came, she cried out loudly, her head tipping back as tears flowed down her cheeks once more. She loved her husband deeply, held him tightly to her body and let the emotions flow through her body. She should have never doubted him.

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan was honestly surprised at how quickly she climaxed, but he wasn't too far behind her. When he came, he laid back with a long groan, his eyes closing as he let the feeling wash over him while his seed flowed into her full belly. He let out a breath, looking up at her with a loving smile, "Better, darlin'?"

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia nodded as she slowly sank to the bed beside him, her body sated and her mind slowly clearing. She rested beside him, staring into his dark gaze for a long moment before she reached out and gently touched his cheek. Her thumb moved across his lips gently before her lips pressed against his. She kissed him out of apology, in thanks, with love.

“I shouldn’t have accused you, Brogan. I know you’ve been working hard to bring in the crops.” She said softly, the baby kicking her hard in the ribs, enough that she winced and hissed, her hand rubbing the spot as she looked down at her belly.

“The baby has been so active lately.” She commented, moving her green gaze back to Brogan’s. “I can only imagine the sleepless nights we’ll have when it comes.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"When it does come," Brogan laid his huge hand across her belly, and with that, the baby seemed to calm. "I'll finally be able t'help ya properly." He relaxed at her side, and sighed, "I'll talk t'this servin' girl and put down th'rumors t'morrow. Ye'll have t'point 'er out t'me."

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia sighed in relief as the baby settled with a touch of Brogan’s warm palm against her belly. She placed her hand over the top of his as he relaxed at her side. “I’ll point her out to you, love, but please go easy on her until you hear the whole story.”

She looked into his dark eyes for a moment, struggling to come up with the words that would tell him about her fears. “I’m scared, love. What if…what if something happens with the baby? What if I die? What if I end up like Emma?”

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan had no idea how to quell such fears. He couldn't control those things, all he could do was take Julia's hand and kiss it and tell her, "I'll do everythin' I can t'make sure none o' tha' happens. We've got Vincenzo an' Val, an' if somethin' 'appens, ye'll be okay like Emma was." It was all he could say.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia knew that he was saying what he needed to. She nodded and snuggled close to his chest, hoping that the bad thoughts she was having would go away before the birth. She wanted to be calm and collected for when the child came, but she didn’t know that would happen.

“I trust you, love.” She said softly, snuggling up against his side as much as her belly would allow her. “And I know everything will be alright.”

 

[KieranSoares]

The next morning, Brogan walked with Julia out to the great hall, and when he found the serving maid, she froze before him when confronted. "Jeanne, isn' it?" He asked, and at her nod, he sighed, "Listen, lass... there's been rumors flyin' about us, an' I'd like yer 'elp dispellin' 'em."

"O-of course, m'lord..." She blushed deeply at his dark gaze. It was oh so obvious how sweet she was on him.

"If anyone asks ya if yer seein' me, y'tell 'em th' truth, tha' yer not. I don' need t'be upsettin' people an' I sure as Hell ain' lettin' anyone think I ain' faithful t'my wife."

"Yes, sir..." She seemed disappointed. Had she hoped the rumors would come true?

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia stayed out of Brogan’s confrontation, taking her seat at the head table next to Kitty. She told her mother-in-law what had happened and it seemed that the older woman understood. She was much more welcoming as her son came back towards them, standing and hugging him in greeting. Julia smiled as Brogan sat down next to her and she leaned over to kiss his cheek gently.

“You’re a good man, love.” Julia said softly as Val came into the great hall with her father in tow.

The two stopped for a moment and had a brief discussion before they both walked towards the head table. “Julia, Father wants to see you after breakfast to make sure you’re still carrying the baby well, but first he has something he’d like to say to Kitty.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Kitty, my darling," Vincenzo came to kneel beside her with a smile. She'd gone from sickly and weak to lively and strong in his time there and under his treatment. It seemed as if he'd cured her of what was wasting her away. "I know it's late, and I should've asked you years ago in Italy... but will you marry me, my love?"

No one was surprised by this, quite clearly.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia smiled as her mother-in-law gasped, tears in her eyes as she exclaimed yes and wrapped the Italian in a tight hug. Julia took her husband’s hand and squeezed it tightly, extremely happy for the woman that had given her everything for her children. Kitty was positively glowing as she kissed her handsome Italian, the entire room cheering their happy news.

“Looks as if you’ll finally have a father you can be proud of, love.” Julia whispered against Brogan’s ear, knowing that he would be happy with his mother’s choice.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Looks like... an' I was about t'ask 'im t'marry 'er m'self," Brogan laughed gladly, leaning over to kiss his mother's cheek. All seemed right with the world.

That was, til a few months later when Julia woke in the dark early morning to a searing pain. She'd been in pain all day, but nothing had come of it til now, when he water suddenly broke.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia woke that morning as it felt like her belly was on fire. She slipped from her bed, pacing the floor as Brogan slumbered. She rubbed her belly, struggling to keep the pain under control. It was her time. She knew that as she stopped and let out a whimper, a gush of water suddenly rushing down her thighs. She glanced down at the puddle that she now stood in, another pain hitting her that she slowly breathed through.

“Brogan.” She called softly to her slumbering husband. “Love, I think it’s time. The baby’s coming.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan woke when she said his name, but he was really awake when she alerted him that she was going into labor. Immediately he rose and came to her, "Come on love," he guided her slowly into the washroom to settle her in the bathtub. Having been around for Annie's birth, he knew what to do. He left her side just a moment, calling for Valentina and Vincenzo. Both came running to Julia's aid, allowing Brogan to stay to support her. He remained loyally at her side, holding her hand even though he knew he was in for nearly getting his hand broken.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia settled in the tub, panting through the pain as Val filled the tub with warm water at her father’s instruction. For the child of the king and queen, there would be nothing spared. Julia was terrified, holding Brogan’s hand tightly as she worked her way through the labor pains. She whimpered with each passing labor pain, the morning wearing into the day and then into early evening.

Kitty paced through the main room, waiting for the tiny cry of her new grandchild. She was joined by Marri and Emma at different times, each offering their help and each showing their excitement and concern. It was shortly after dinner when Julia finally was told to push. She gripped Brogan’s hand tightly, bearing down with Vincenzo’s encouragement.

A while later, Julia gave a final cry of pain and their child was born into the water, scooped into Vincenzo’s sure hands and held up for them both to see. Julia tilted her head back against the basin, panting as the pain passed and the cries of their baby filled the room. She started to cry, looking at Brogan with all of the joy of a first time mother.

“What is it, love? Boy or girl?” She asked him as Val worked to clean her up.

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's an 'andsome li'l lad, darlin'," Brogan smiled softly, and when Vincenzo finished with the boy, he was wrapped in a patch blanket with the Ghis colors that Kitty and Julia had knitted together. He was crying feebly, incredibly quiet and weak. Vincenzo looked rather worried.

"He's a bit premature," Vincenzo told them quietly, "He could've done with another month, I imagine. I'd say he's more than a pound and a half shy, and several inches short of what a full-term child would be, but he's healthy, and that's what's most important, he's got all the chance in the world and, with a little extra care and plenty of warmth, he'll catch up soon."

"Yer sure 'e'll be alrigh'?" Brogan asked quietly as the boy fell quiet in his arms. The lad was so small that Brogan could hold him in his hand alone with his head resting on Brogan's forearm. And that's just how Brogan held him, his other hand cradling the boy securely into Brogan's warm chest.

"He's going to require a lot more special care than Annie and a watchful eye," Valentina spoke up, "But nothing drastic. If we just keep close watch, he'll be fine. He needs to eat soon, though, he won't be able to last very long without milk for some time. Let him rest a bit first. And you, Julia, we need to get you into bed." Valentina smiled at her and she and Vincenzo helped her out of the tub. Vincenzo left them to go fetch a few things and Valentina helped Julia get into a clean and warm nightgown. It seemed odd for the bump of her belly to be gone so suddenly.

Valentina settled Julia into her bed, having her sit up propped on pillows, and Brogan settled beside her, laying the boy in Julia's arms for the first time. They were allowed a while to relax before anyone came in.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia was so incredibly sore and exhausted, but she was proud of the little boy that she had brought into the world. He was weak, but Vincenzo swore that he was healthy. She had to hope that he was right and that her son would grow to be strong like his father. She was tucked into bed, Brogan at her side as the little boy was gently placed into her arms.

She looked down at him with a smile on her face, sighing softly as tears gently coursed down her cheeks. Her little boy…how she had dreamed about this moment so much and now that it was finally here, she couldn’t help the pride that swelled in her chest. She looked up at her husband, sniffling as she leaned in and kissed him warmly.

“You have your son, love.” She said, her voice choked with emotion as she ran her fingers through the baby’s downy soft black hair. He looked so much like his father, but when his little eyes finally opened, she was stunned to see her own emerald green staring back at them.

“Oh, Brogan. You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world.” She said softly, meaning that from the very bottom of her heart. “He’s perfect.”

 

[KieranSoares]

The little boy let out a soft whimper at her touch, but he seemed to be trying to move closer to her hand as it was warm. Brogan moved closer to the two, offering his warmth to them both. "He is. Abs'lutely perfect." He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the lad's forehead. "Ciaran..." He whispered, finding it was the only name that fit, and looked to Julia. "Ciaran Julius Ghis." He'd never told her he was going to use her name as inspiration for the middle name.

 

[heartofcourage]

Again, the tears began as Brogan announced his name. Ciaran…the name that had haunted them both and made them ache with loss. It seemed right for the little boy that whimpered and sighed in her arms, nuzzling against her breast as his father held them both tight. He had also named him after her, giving him the middle name Julius which completely took her breath away.

“Thank you, love.” She said softly, kissing her husband gently before she unlaced her top and brought their son to her breast, gasping as he latched on and sucked hungrily despite his weakness. “Well, he certainly is a Ghis.”

She smiled at her little joke, looking deeply into Brogan’s eyes as the sound of a cheer went up outside of the keep. News had reached Inverness that they had a new prince and she knew that soon their peace would give way to the duties of their position. First would be the family and then the people of Inverness clambering to see their new little prince.

“Go and be with your people, love. Tell them about your son.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Yer sure ye'll be alrigh'?" Brogan asked with a concerned gaze. But then Durban entered with Marri.

"We'll look after 'er, brother," Durban offered, and Brogan nodded, still reluctant to go.

"Alrigh'... take good bloody care of 'em," he warned his elder brother, making the larger man laugh. Brogan left the room to go speak to the rest of his family and his people.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia stared down at her son as Marri fussed over her, adding another blanket to the bed and tucking the sheets a little tighter around her body. She was completely over the moon, her tiny son the only thing in her world at the moment. She brought his body close and she kissed his forehead, murmuring words of encouragement to him as he finally finished eating. He let out a little sigh of relief and instantly burped.

“I didn’t think it was possible to be this in love.” Julia whispered, looking at Durban and Marri as they settled into chairs next to the bed.

“It’s pretty easy when they’re so tiny and cute.” Marri said, holding out her hands for the baby, itching to hold the little prince.

Julia passed her son to Marri, using the moment to retie her nightgown before she settled back against the pillows. “I’m sure Kitty will be busting down the door any moment now.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Ma's in tears o' joy out in th'great 'all," Durban chuckled, "she'll be in once Brogan calms 'er down."

It wasn't too long before Vincenzo re-entered with Kitty on his arm. Vincenzo let her go to see Ciaran whilst he checked Julia over once more, finding she was in the best shape a woman could be after giving birth.

In small groups, Vincenzo let the family visit Julia, but only three or four in the room at a time. It wasn't too long before Brogan returned to his wife and son's side unwilling to be away more than he was required. The people of Inverness went to bed happy that night, knowing that another Ghis was in line as an heir, and if he was anything like his parents or his grandmother, he'd make a grand king one day.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia was exhausted by the time Brogan came back and she was asleep within moments of little Ciaran being taken from her arms. She slumbered through the until something brought her from the deep sleep. She glanced at Brogan’s side of the bed and saw it empty. Sitting up and turning towards the fire, she saw him sitting there with Ciaran cradled in his arms.

She gently moved from the bed, walking gingerly to her husband’s side. She placed her hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek, noticing the way that the baby slumbered peacefully against his father’s chest.

“Penny for your thoughts, love?” Julia said softly, knowing that while Ciaran’s birth had been joyful, he had to be thinking back on Annie and all that he had lost with Cassandra.

 

[KieranSoares]

"... About a year ago, if someone would'a told me I'd e'er 'ave m'own child in my arms again... I'd've knocked 'im out fer playin' on my emotions... I did, three times, with Ciaran an' Cole an' Durban, though Durban really knocked me out instead..." Brogan said this while looking down at his infant son. His first and only son currently.

He looked up at his wife, "Y'know... I missed Annie bein' born... I was off fightin' at Edinburgh t'keep th'English out o'Scotland. Cassie only 'ad Val an' Ma t'help 'er... I didn' see Annie for th'first time til two weeks later."

Brogan wrapped an arm around Julia's waist, easily able to hold Ciaran in one arm, and he kissed his wife with all his heart and soul, tears brimming in his dark eyes. Tears of pain at the thoughts of Cassie and Annie, but mostly tears of joy that he had a love again, and a proper family again.