The Heat of the Moment

Disclaimer-i do not own any of the characters of Kyo Kara Maoh



chapter 10

Wolfram was in the seventh month and two weeks of his pregnancy as he waited anxiously at the docks for his husband's ship to be secure. Once the mooring lines were securely tied, the gangplank was lowered and Ellis quickly disembarked. He couldn't wait to feel Wolfram's arms around him and to taste the sweet lips of his pregnant husband.

"Wow Wolfe, you're as big as a house," said Ellis joking.

"How would you like it if I set your hair on fire," said Wolfram jerking a few strands of Ellis’ long green hair.

Before any violence could break out, little Yuu called to his father. "Daddy!" The child stretched his arms out to be picked up by his father.

"And how has my little man been behaving?" Ellis said kissing the boy on the cheek.

"I be good. I protect momma while you away," said the child.

"I see his speech has improved a lot."

"Yeah yeah, I admit it. You were right," said Wolfram raking his fingers through Yuu’s hair. "I didn't have the time to properly teach him. And the teachers at the academy are very skilled at what they do. According to his teachers, Yuu is very intelligent for his age. His language teacher said that if he continues to improve, he will be speaking better than most adults in a month."

"You hear that son," said Ellis lifting the boy over his head and placed him on his shoulders. "Pretty soon, you will be talking better than your mommy."

Little Yuu laughed and squealed in delight.

Wolfram slapped Ellis on the arm. "Don't call me that. I'm going to have to break him out of the habit of calling me mother, momma and mommy."

"But dearest, you are his mother, momma and mommy." The human said smugly.

Wolfram smiled. "You're such a jerk." Then they began to walk away from the docks in the direction of their home.

"Yes, but I'm your jerk." Ellis leaned over and placed a kiss on Wolfram's cheek. The blonde blushed and gently pushed his affectionate husband away.

"Before I forget, you have two letters." He reached inside his coat and handed the letters to Wolfram. The young demon read the names on the letters and scowled at one of them.

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing." Wolfram placed the letters in his pocket and continued to enjoy the walk home with his family.

"Anyway, what took you so long. I was starting to get worried."

Ellis sighed. "First, there was a violent storm. It was awful. The ship was damaged. After the storm it took the ship repairers no more than a week to mend the damages."

"Was anybody hurt?" asked Wolfram.

"No, the only damage was done to the homes and businesses. Those near the docks were completely destroyed. Even though it would keep me away from you longer than I had planned, I decided to help out anyway I can. King Yuuri had sent some of his people over to help. So, I thought I wouldn't have to stay long."

At the mention of Yuuri’s name Wolfram felt his heart flutter in his chest. He began to wonder what Yuuri looked like. Did he still look like that goofy kid that fell off his horse when he first arrived in Shin Makoku? Or did he resemble the handsome, powerful demon king persona. "Did . . .did Yuuri come to help?"

"No, but he sent Lady Gisela to help as well as builders, carpenters and lot of others to help Carolia to rebuild after the storm." Ellis smiled when he saw the fond look in those bright eyes at the mention of the female healer. “Then just as we were about to be on our way, Big Cimaron decided they wanted to pick up where the storm had left off."

"Oh dear, what did that fool do now?"

Ellis groaned. "What didn't he do? First, he sent his men to slip into the city at night and set the buildings on fire. Then they released a swarm of disease infested rats upon the city. And then it happened."

"What happened?" asked Wolfram wrapping his arm around the arm of his husband.

"People starting dying. It started a week after the rats were let loose upon the city. At first, we didn't think anything of it. We thought Belar was just trying to overrun the city with rats. But than a young man died mysteriously. According to your friend, the man's temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit. He began to vomit. He had muscular pain and experienced a severe case of delirium. It was a horrible disease that left the face covered with pus filled sores. None of Carolia's medics knew what was causing this disease but it was your friend that made the connection that the man died within a week of rats being let into the city. One of the rats was captured and your friend, Gisela told Flynn that it was caused by fleas that were drinking the blood of the infected rats. Then the fleas would jump onto humans and bite them thus spreading the disease. Belar had unleashed a plague upon the city. It was awful. A lot of people died from that horrible disease. Those people that were infected by this plague were quarantined from the rest of the citizen."

"So, what happened next?"

"Well, we had to burn down the entire city," said Ellis with a heavy sigh in his voice. "It was the only way to get those filthy disease ridden rodents out. But that healer friend of yours was amazing. She took charge of the situation. She had called for the help of her father and your brother lord von Voltaire."

"Gwendal! Why did she want his help?"

"Well, after the city was burned and the rats were fleeing, lord von Christ used his wind magic to capture all the infected rats in a cyclone of wind. Then your brother used his powers to create a huge cage to trap them in. With the rats trapped and out of the way, Lady Gisela worked tirelessly to come up with a cure. It took longer than she had liked because the infected citizens were dying quickly but when all hope seemed lost, she had found the cure for the plague."

"Thank goodness for Gisela." Wolfram exhaled the breath he did not know he was holding. "She is not the number one healer in the demon kingdom for nothing."

"Truer words were never spoken.

With the help of the neighboring kingdoms, they sent all the aid Carolia would need in order to rebuild."

"That's good to hear. I'm sure lady Flynn must have been beside herself with fear for the health and safety of her people."

"She was. I had never seen her so distraught." Ellis fell silent as he remembered that his sister-in-law did not sleep the entire time the country was in trouble. Then he continued his story. "Anyway, after that crisis was finally over, we thought everything was fine but then something else happened."

"What happened?" Wolfram asked.

"Belar sent his ships out to attack any vessels that were allied with the Demon Kingdom. We would have still been there for probably another two or three more months if I didn’t take matters into my own hands."

"What do you mean?" Wolfram smiled as he watched a group of children run around them playing.

"Well, I decided to set sail at night. It was dangerous but I had to get back to my family." He gave Wolfram a quick peck on the lips and Ellis smiled at the blush that was spreading across his husband’s face. "And as you well know, part of my crew wanted to get back here just as badly as I did."

Wolfram just nodded his head in acknowledgment. Several members of Ellis’ crew were also married to women that lived in the human kingdom. He understood the need for them to get home to be with their families.

Just as they made their way along the busy street, a royal carriage came to a stop along side them. Derrick stuck his head out the window. "There you are." He opened the door and leaped out. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"You're such a scatterbrain," said Wolfram. "I told you yesterday that I would be down at the docks waiting for Ellis."

"Oh yeah." he said cocking his head to the side as he remembered. "I forgot. Anyway, you're needed at the castle."

"Has something happened?" asked Ellis.

"It seems that Count Drakko is here to talk peace with Eric," said Derrick.

"Seriously?" said the blonde with wide eyes.

"Who is Count Drakko?" asked Ellis.

"He's the ruler of a large kingdom to the south of Americus called Dragoon," said Wolfram.

"Dragoon? Why haven't I ever heard of it?"

"Well, the count and his people keep themselves isolated from the rest of the continent," said Derrick. Then he leaned close to Ellis and whispered in his ear. "They’re weird."

"Come now, they can't be that strange." Ellis removed Yuu from his shoulders and set the boy on his feet.

"They hid during the day and only come out at night. And if they catch you trespassing in their land, they will suck you dry of all your blood."

"Vampires?"

"Don’t believe him," said Wolfram rolling his eyes. "Derrick is just over exaggerating again. They are not vampires and neither do they drink blood. You really should keep your nose out of the imaginary world and keep it in reality. You are worst than your cousin Anissina coming up with all these wild stories. You know there are no such things as vampires."

"But it’s true," whined Derrick.

"If they are vampires then why are they here and out in the daylight?" demanded Wolfram.

Derrick opened his mouth to answer but quickly closed it. "Fine. Then they are leeches. They may not drink blood but they do devour a demon's power." Derrick grumbled. "The stronger the demon's power is the better. I heard that when those weirdos drink a particularly powerful demon's powers, they can use it to keep themselves young for decades. It's rumored that Drakko is more than two thousand years old."

"Are you serious? Is he really over two thousand years old?" asked Ellis amazed.

"Yes. He maybe even older than that," said Derrick. "According to our records, Drakko and his people were here when our ancestors came here."

"Wait, if they were here when your ancestors arrived. Does that mean that there was an expedition long before your people decided to cross the Abyssal Sea?" The captain stroked his bearded chin looking at Derrick waiting for him to answer.

"I don't know. You should ask Gunnar about it. History was something I never paid any attention to." Derrick shrugged his shoulders. "Anyway, our records don’t say anything about an expedition to the other side of the world. In fact, our records mention nothing at all about those vampires. So, it's safe to say these vampires were probably already on this side of the world."

"I give up." Wolfram threw his arms up in defeat. "I can see you will continue with your foolishness and believe that Drakko and his people are vampires."

"Blood or magic, they are still vampires," said Derrick. "Anyway, Americus and Brittany and the other kingdoms have never been on good terms with those weirdos. They use to raid the city, both ours and the human kingdoms. They would kidnap women and men in the night. Until this day, no one knows what happened to those poor souls."

"Now he's here wanting to talk peace." Wolfram drummed his forefinger against his lips. "What could someone like Drakko want here?"

"Perhaps he wants passage to the other side," said Ellis.

Wolfram snorted. "Not going to happen if all he's going to do is cause trouble. Shin Makoku and her allies already have enough trouble dealing with Big Cimaron. Adding magic sucking vampires to the mix will only make it worse."

"Ah-ha!" yelled Derrick pointing a finger at the blonde smiling. "I thought you said they weren’t vampires."

Wolfram sighed. "Fine. They are vampires in a way."

Derrick smirked at him smugly.

"All right you two, that's enough for now," said Ellis smiling at the two demons. "I understand why they want the demons but why would they kidnap humans?"

"Slave labor and servants," said Derrick. "They consider themselves to be far superior to humans and the only thing they are good for is heavy labor and being servants. Come on, you better get up to the castle."

"Okay, do you mind taking Yuu home?" Wolfram asked his husband.

"Uh, I’m afraid that you will have to bring Yuu with you."

"Why?" asked Ellis.

"It seems that Drakko has heard about Wolfram and he wants to meet him and his son." Derrick sighed not liking this one bit. "It seems that Drakko heard about the beautiful demon that has come from the ancestral land of Shin Makoku."

"I've been here for more than three years. Why would he want to meet me now?" Wolfram frowned. He got into the carriage followed by Ellis and Yuu. Closing the door Derrick stared at the blonde with wary blue eyes.

"Who knows but I will tell you this. Please be careful around him and his Chevaliers. They are dangerous even if they are weirdos." Derrick stepped away from the carriage and watched as his friends went to the castle.

xxxxx

Once they arrived at the castle, Wolfram and his family were led to the meeting room by one of the servants.

"Please wait here," said the man as he knocked on the door and then went inside. A few seconds later, he opened the door and told them to come inside.

As Wolfram and his family walked into the room he noticed that at one end sat Eric with Gunnar, Corwyn and two other guards by his side. At the far end of the table were a group of five men dressed in black hooded cloaks. Wolfram noticed that the figure that was sitting down straightened to attention when he walked in. Although None of them spoke, Wolfram knew that reaction. It was a reaction he has grown use to over the years. Every demon that saw him are shocked to see him. The first thing that comes to mind is that is Shinou reincarnated. It is a reaction he has come to hate. He was not Shinou. He just looked like him. He was Wolfram von Bielefeld Gilbit. 'Wait a minute, if they were already here on this side, how would they know who Shinou was or even what he looked like?' Suddenly Wolfram was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of Eric speaking.

"I'm glad you could make it Wolfram," said Eric. "Please sit down." Both Wolfram and Ellis sat down in the chairs that were placed in the middle of the long conference table and Ellis placed Yuu in his lap.

Wolfram stared at the pinched expressions on their faces and frowned. He placed a hand on his swollen belly as the child began to move in agitation in the presence of the eerie strangers. Wolfram began to rub his belly and the child began to settle its movements. Yuu became restless as he hid his face against his father's chest. Ellis could understand why the child was so uneasy around these people. He just walked into the room where they were and they were giving him the creeps.

Then the four standing around the fifth man removed their hoods. Wolfram noticed that each man was quite handsome. The first was tall with shoulder length brown hair that was tied into a ponytail. His eyes were a vibrant blue. The second which was an inch taller than the other had long golden hair draped over his left shoulder. His eyes were the color of dark honey as he smiled tilting his head in a bow at Wolfram. And the last two were twins, both were about two feet shorter than the other men, with long scarlet colored hair that they both had in a single braid hanging down their backs. Both men had dark silvery colored eyes.

The man seated at the table raised his gloved hands to remove his oversized hood and revealed a very effeminate face. If it wasn't for the fact that they knew he was a man Wolfram would have sworn that this person was in fact a woman. His pale skin seemed to glow in the light. He had long thick lashes over deep crimson colored eyes. His lips were painted the darkest red Wolfram had ever seen. It was like the color of blood. His long, sharp fingernails were painted that same blood red color. Long, thick locks of forest green hair flowed down his back. And when he spoke, it was like syrup.

"Greetings. Do I have the pleasure of speaking with Lord Wolfram von Bielefeld," Drakko asked in his thick accent.

Hearing that voice made Wolfram feel like millions of ants were crawling over his skin. Then he cleared his throat and answered. "I am Ambassador Wolfram Gilbit."

"Lord von Bielefeld, it is an honor to meet someone as breathtakingly beautiful as yourself," he said intentionally not using Wolfram's married name. "I am Count Drakko of Dragoon."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you," said Wolfram forcing a smile on his face as he tilted his head forward in a bow. He did not like this guy one bit. There was something unnatural about him and his chevaliers. 'Derrick was right. These guys are weirdos.' "I have heard a lot about you Count Drakko."

"All good, I hope." His smile was like that of a big cat stalking its prey. "Please, allow me to introduce my chevaliers. This is Gustav." He pointed to the brown hair man and then he pointed to the blonde. "This is Nikolas and the twins are Siegmund and Sigfrid."

"I must admit, lord Bielefeld that when I first saw you, I thought you were Shinou." Nikolas raked his long glove-covered fingers through his long blonde hair.

"No, but my mother is a descendant of the Great One."

"So tell us lord Bielefeld, how are things in our ancestral home?" asked the blonde. "Are the demons still at war with the humans?"

Wolfram frowned. "How can Shin Makoku be your ancestral home? I thought your people were already here when the first settlers arrived? Also, how do you know about Shinou and that I look like him?"

"To answer your first question, you see this continent use to be part of Shin Makoku," said Drakko. "I believe about a millennium or two there was a great shift in the land which cause Shin Makoku to tear itself apart. This land mass began to drift farther and farther away from our homeland until it final settled here on this side of the world."

"I thought little Eric would have told you this," said Gustav smiling at the young king.

"I'm sorry Wolfram. I just assumed you knew already since you seem to spend a lot of time in the library," said Eric looking at his friend apologetically.

"No, it's quite all right. To tell the truth, I'm not much for history. I was trained as a soldier. I tend to read more about military battles and strategies." The blonde scratched the side of his nose in thought. "It seems I've missed out on a lot of important information. I will make it a point of asking lord von Christ to show me these documents." Then he remembered something. "So, what about my other question. How do know about Shinou and what he looked like? Your reaction was that of someone who was shocked to see a person they thought was dead." ‘I’m beginning to believe what Derrick said is true.’

"No, we don't know Shinou but Eric showed us a painting of this great leader of the demons," said Drakko.

"Oh," said Wolfram. That was a reasonable explanation. "Anyway, let's start off by getting something clear. I am Ambassador Wolfram Gilbit. This is my husband Captain Ellis Gilbit. I do not like the way you have insulted him by not addressing me properly." Wolfram was starting to get agitated along with everyone else as his back and stomach began to hurt, and the cloth of his shirt was really irritating his sore nipples. To top things off, the baby was doing an exuberant dance on his kidney and bladder. He slouched over hoping that would stop the backache but it only eased a little.

"Please forgive us, Ambassador Gilbit," Drakko said condescendingly. "It was not our intentions to insult you or your . . . husband."

Wolfram did not like Drakko's tone but nodded his head in acceptance of his apology. "To answer your question, the new king of Shin Makoku is called Yuuri Shibuya. By Shinou's design, he was born on another world called Earth.

"Why would this Shinou send him to another world?" asked one of the twins. Wolfram believed it was Sigfrid.

"And how could Shinou do anything when he died centuries ago?" asked the other.

Wolfram snorted. 'If Gunter was here, I’m sure he would love to give you a history lesson.' But since the lavender hair man wasn't there, he would have to tell them. Wolfram sighed and started rubbing his belly to calm his overactive child. "When Shinou died, he sealed his soul behind his seal in his castle. From there he guided all the kings and queens of Shin Makoku by giving them advice and helping them when they needed it. He only spoke through the shrine maiden, Ulrike. She would pass on his advice to the king."

"So, in a way, Shinou is alive," said the brown hair chevalier. "If he is still alive after all this time than, he must truly be the most powerful demon in the world."

Wolfram frowned as he saw a strange glint in the man’s eyes and it sent chills down his spine. "Yes, he is but his soul has been set free. He no longer resides behind the seal." He noticed the intense gaze fall from the man’s face at hearing this. ‘What freaks.’

"Too bad," said Nikolas nonchalantly. "Anyway, you didn't answer why he would send the present ruler of Shin Makoku to some strange world."

Wolfram shrugged his shoulders and guessed it wouldn't hurt to tell them about what has been happening in their . . . dare he say it, homeland. He guessed in a way Shin Makoku was their ancestral home. It's not like they are planning to overthrow Yuuri's rule. "He sent Yuuri to earth because his life was in danger if he was born in Shin Makoku. For his safety and for the future of the demon kingdom, he had no choice but to send Yuuri away. For years we waited for our king to return. Actually he wasn't suppose to return until he was older but things happened and he was summoned to Shin Makoku earlier than expected."

"Oh, what sort of things?" asked Drakko.

Wolfram sighed as he could feel the baby stomping on his kidney. He took a deep breath and exhaled. Then he continued. "It was a lot of things happening but what was important was that when Yuuri returned, he made a huge impact on the lives of everyone in the demon kingdom. Shin Makoku is at peace now. Although Big Cimaron and one or two other human countries do cause trouble every now and then, the last big war we fought against the humans was something like more than forty years ago. It's thanks to Yuuri that we have so many human kingdoms wanting to join in an alliance of peace. Everyone there never thought the day would come when we would have peace with the humans but it's thanks to Yuuri and his firm belief that he would never go to war that this all came to pass."

"It seems that the new demon king is a wise man," said Gustav.

"I don't know about that," Wolfram said smiling. "But he has a lot of people there who would do anything to protect him, both demons and humans would gladly give their lives for Yuuri."

"Such loyalty he has inspired in the people," said Drakko smiling sinisterly. "Everyone must love him."

"That they do. In a matter of months of him taking the throne, he has gone through many trails and conquered them all. He had to fight hard to get humans and demons to trust one another. He had to battle bandits that attacked our citizens. He’s been kidnaped, held prisoner and threatened but each time he came out on top. I have to admit. I had never met anyone quite like Yuuri," Wolfram said fondly as he thought about all the adventures he and Yuuri went on together. He closed his eyes and smiled. "He is certainly an unconventional king with all his talk of peace between demons and humans." Wolfram opened his eyes and stared at the table as he let his mind drift back to the first day he had met the new king. "He wasn't what I had expect to see of a king. He looked like an ordinary human. I sensed no elemental powers in him. When I first met him, he was a gangly, goofy, clumsy fool that didn't know anything about his own kingdom. The idiot didn't even know he was a demon or a king. I wasn't impressed with him but when he defeated me in a duel three times. I had no choice but to admit that I had been wrong about him." The smile on Wolfram’s face made his emerald eyes glow with love and admiration.

"You sound to be quite fond of the demon king," said the blonde hair chevalier smiling mischievously. "In fact, I would be so bold as to say that you are in love with him."

"I agree with Nikolas," said the brown hair man. "Is there something you're not telling us?"

Wolfram sputtered as he glared at the man with a hint of pink staining his cheeks. Wolfram neither denied nor confirmed the chevalier's accusation. He just continued to tell them about Yuuri. But Drakko had a strong feeling that the blonde beauty was indeed in love with the demon king. He stared at little Yuu clutching tightly to the shirt of his father. 'It’s obvious the boy is a demon. I can sense a great amount of demon power lying dormant inside him. The child will become amazing once he is older and learns how to control this power. Which means, he will be perfect for what I have planned.' Then he turned his gaze back to Wolfram. 'And as for you, you shall make a perfect consort for me.' Then his eyes went to Ellis, and the human scowled at him as he held Yuu tightly in his grasp. 'But first, to get rid of the human filth that dares to soil your beauty. Once he is out of the way, you shall be mine Wolfram von Bielefeld.' He was pulled out of his lecherous thoughts to hear Wolfram continue to talk about the new demon king.

"His element is that of water and he is able to access his powers even in human territory."

Nikolas cocked a blonde brow in surprise. "He's able to use his powers on human soil." He stroked his smooth chin. "He truly is magnificent and a truly great demon if he can do something like that."

"True. Not only is he a powerful water wielder, he also possesses the demon blade, Morgif."

"What's a Morgif?" asked Siegmund.

"Morgif," said Gunnar finally deciding to take part in the conversation. "Is a very powerful demon sword that Shinou used in his battle against the Originators. It devours souls and releases a powerful attack that can destroy an entire country."

"It is said that only a truly powerful demon and the rightful ruler of Shin Makoku could handle the sword,” said Eric.

"This Yuuri sounds to be a truly amazing person," said Drakko with an unsettling smile on his face that Wolfram could only describe as lust. "We really should return and pay our respect to the new demon king."

Wolfram slammed his fist against the table as he leaped to his feet. "Stay away from him!" snarled the blonde as his emerald eyes flashed with rage.

Drakko sat at the table and watched the anger darken Wolfram's eyes. Even in his anger, the count thought Wolfram to be the most beautiful creature he had ever set eyes on. He could feel his groin stir in anticipation of having the blonde beneath him and in his bed.

Wolfram looked around the table and saw everyone staring at him. His face turned a deep shade of red as he cleared his throat. "Please forgive my outburst. My . . . pregnancy has made me a little emotional."

"There is nothing to apologize for," said the count smiling. "It is to be expected. No harm done."

"Well, if that was all you wanted to see me about. I would like to return home and rest for a while." He turned to Eric and bowed. "If you will excuse us, majesty."

"Of course," said Eric smiling at his friend.

Then Wolfram turned to the count and bowed to the man. "It was an honor to meet you," Wolfram forced the words passed his lips as he fought down the urge to sneer at the man.

Count Drakko stood up and walked over to Wolfram. Taking the blonde's hand, he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of it. "No, it was my honor to meet such a beautiful demon such as you."

Wolfram steeled himself from yanking his hand away and wiping it on his pants. "Excuse us."

Ellis stood up with Yuu still clinging to him and walked out behind his husband.

xxxxx

As soon as Wolfram walked into his home he went straight to the bathroom where he began to furiously scrub the back of his hand. Drakko's cool lips were like fire as it seemed to burn his hand. He did not like the way the count looked at him and neither did he like that lecherous look in his eyes when he talked about going to see Yuuri. Wolfram slammed the soap into the sink as his anger began to grow thinking about that freak putting his disgusting hands on his Yuuri. Wait a minute! When did he become his? No, he can't fall back into that pattern again. He's happy with Ellis but, Yuuri was and always will be his first priority. After all, Yuuri was his true love but he was his king as well. And althougoh he no longer lives there, he had taken an oath to protect his king as well as Shin Makoku.

He sighed unhappily. ‘It seems I’m doing a bad job of both. Not only have I deserted my country but I’ve deserted my king as well.’ He picked up a towel and dried his hand.

"Are you all right?" asked Ellis walking into the bathroom to stand behind Wolfram.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Wolfram said softly throwing the towel in the dirty clothes basket. "I'm sorry."

"What for?" wrapping his around the blonde's waist, he pulled Wolfram against him.

"For reacting like that when Drakko said, he should go to Shin Makoku to see Yuuri." He leaned his head against his husband's broad chest and sighed. "I don't wish to hurt you."

Ellis kissed the top of Wolfram's golden head. "Silly boy, I came into our marriage knowing that you would always love Yuuri. So, I can't be angry with you."

"Maybe so but you must hurt some knowing that my love will forever belong to someone else."

"Do you want the truth?"

"Yes."

"I am a little jealous. Maybe I should say extremely envious of his majesty. It has been more than three years now and I can see the love burning brightly in your eyes whenever you think about him." Ellis smiled sadly. "Sometimes when your eyes are sad, I just want to kill that idiot for making such beautiful eyes cry. It tears at my heart when I use to hear you in your room crying your eyes out calling his name."

Wolfram turned to stare into those sympathetic blue eyes of his husband in shock. He never thought that Ellis could hear him in his room at night crying his heart out because the person he loves more than his own life hates the ground he walked on.

"It’s not that I don't love you Ellis. It’s just that . . ."

"You love Yuuri more. I know this and I have come to accept that you will always feel this way. But there is a part of me . . . no, a very large part of me that wishes you could forget about the demon king and love me."

"But I do love you. If I didn't, would I have gone through the trouble of finding Esmeralda and asking her for help. This child I carry is a sign of my love for you," said Wolfram.

Hearing the blonde demon professing his love for him, even if it's just a little, made Ellis feel an unimaginable happiness. Ellis pulled the blonde into his arms and kissed him passionately. Breaking the kiss, he looked into those bright emerald orbs. "Thank you." He gives him a quick kiss and decides to change the subject. "So, are you hungry?"

Wolfram nodded his head. "Where is Yuu?"

"He was tired. So I laid him down," said Ellis frowning. "That Drakko guy. I don't like him. There’s something about him that had Yuu on edge the entire time we were there."

"He wasn't the only one." Wolfram and Ellis walked out of the bathroom and went to have lunch. "I don't know what it is but I have this icky feeling that Drakko is up to no good."

Just as they walked into the dining room, Wolfram gasped while holding his stomach.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it was just a slight twinge in my stomach." Wolfram straightened up and continued toward the table when another pain worst than the first struck. The blonde doubled over gripping his stomach. Suddenly he screamed in awful pain.

Ellis quickly caught Wolfram before he fell to the floor and lifted him into his arms bridal style. "Wolf, what's wrong?" The human became frantic as beads of sweat began trickling down Wolfram's face. Suddenly Ellis felt something wet running down his stomach. Looking at the front of Wolfram's pants, they were soaking wet. Ellis was beginning to have a bad feeling.

"It's . . . it's the . . . bab . . . baby," he said before another gut wrench cramp hit and he screamed in horrible pain.

"Oh shit!" Ellis rushed through the house heading for their bedroom. "ANNE!" he bellowed. "ANNE!" He kicked the door open with his foot and laid Wolfram on the bed.

Just then a young maid with short curly red hair stood in the doorway. "Yes lord Gilbit."

A painful scream ripped from Wolfram’s throat as he turned on his side and curled up in a fetal position holding his stomach.

"Hurry, go get the healer! The baby is on its way."

Without saying another word, the young woman ran out of the house to get the healer.

Ellis poured some water into a basin that was on a small table beside the bed. He dipped a wash cloth into the cool liquid and wrung out the excess water. Then he began to wipe the sweat from Wolfram’s forehead. "Take it easy now Wolf," he said soothingly as he continued to wipe the sweat away. "Everything will be all right. Breathe Wolf."

"Breathe? Breathe!" The blonde turned to glare daggers of flames at him. "You try breathing when something the size of a watermelon is trying to tear its way out of YOUR BODY AND WE'LL SEE IF YOU CAN FUCKING BREATHE!!!"

Ellis knew that it was the pain causing Wolfram to strike out. "You have to be strong Wolfe. I will be here with you throughout the birth of our child just as I was here when Yuu was born."

"A LOT OF GOOD THAT IS DOING ME!" Wolfram turned flaming green eyes upon him. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! TOUCH ME AGAIN AND I WILL BAKE YOU LIKE A POTATO!"

Ellis chuckled softly as he placed a kiss on Wolfram’s forehead. "I know you don’t mean that. Try to save your strength for what’s to come next. The healer will be here any minute."

Wolfram groaned in pain as he turned away sobbing against his chest. "I'm sorry," he said panting and moaning. He took Ellis’ hand into his hand gently squeezing it. “It’s just . . . that I’m I’m so . . . so scared. The baby . . . isn't due . . . for another two m-months." Another contraction hit and Wolfram screamed in pain as he dug his nails into the flesh of Ellis' hand.

The human grunted in pain but he remained calm. "Wolfram, you're hurting my hand," he said through stiff lips as he held back his scream.

Wolfram quickly let go before he broke his husband's hand. He wrapped his arms around his stomach curling himself tighter into a ball.

Just then Ellis heard a tiny noise coming from the direction of the door. He turned to see his terrified son standing in the doorway with tears in his eyes. "Oh no, Yuu."

Upon hearing his son's name Wolfram raised his head and turned it toward the door. His eyes widened in shock to see the boy standing there crying. He wanted to go to his son but the labor pains were too much as he released another scream. "Ellis, get him out!" yelled Wolfram through his pain.

Ellis got to his feet and ran to the child. Lifting Yuu into his arms, he quickly took the boy back to his room.

"Mommy!" The child looked up at his father. "Daddy, what's wrong Mommy?" He began to wipe his eyes.

"Shh," Ellis cooed comforting the child. "Everything is all right." He held the child in his arms. "Your mommy is going to give birth to your new baby brother or sister."

"Really?" The child stared up at him with large, wet eyes as his tears ceased to fall and smiled in excitement.

"That's right," Ellis said smiling. "So, I want you to be a brave boy and stay in your room until I come get you. Okay."

"Okay daddy." The boy threw his arms around Ellis and hugged him. Ellis pulled himself out of the embrace and ruffled the child's hair. He stood up and was about to leave when Yuu stopped him. "Daddy."

Ellis turned to face the boy. "Yes son."

"Who is Uuri?"

Ellis didn't know what to say. He wasn’t expecting that. He sighed as he smiled at his son. "I promise. Your mother and I will tell you all about Yuuri. Okay."

The child nodded his head and slipped under the covers when he heard his mommy scream. Ellis closed the door and went back to take care of Wolfram.

xxxxx

Ellis walked back into the bedroom and sat down on the bed beside Wolfram. The blonde turned slightly to see his husband. "How is . . . Yuu?"

"He's fine now. He's happy about the arrival of his new brother or sister," said Ellis picking up the cloth and wetting it again. Then he began to wipe away the sweat from Wolfram's face.

The blonde groaned as he clutched his stomach as another contraction hit. "Where is that idiot Josef?"

Suddenly the doctor burst into the room. "I'm here."

"Finally," sighed Ellis as he got up. "It's about time Josef."

"I came as soon as Anne came for me," he said panting heavily. "How long has
he been having contractions?"

"They just started," said Ellis.

"Actually, I’ve been having pains every since I woke up," said Wolfram panting heavily. "At first, the pain would be like every thirty to forty minutes. They only became worse when I got back home."

"For heaven sakes, didn't you realize you were going into labor." Josef stared at the blonde in disbelief. "I mean you already had one. You should have known."

"Well I'm sorry. I had other things on my mind!" snapped Wolfram. "First my husband was late returning home and then I had to go meet that creepy Drakko."

The doctor shivered at the mention of the count. "Yes, I heard about that. I hope he didn't upset you."

"It's nothing I can't handle." Suddenly Wolfram released a long pain filled groaned as he clutched his stomach. "Oh Shinou! I think it’s coming!" He began panting as though he had run several miles.

"Quickly take his pants off," said the doctor pushing the trunk that was at the foot of the bed out of the way.

Ellis quickly began to remove Wolfram's pants. Once Wolfram's lower half was exposed, Ellis threw the blanket over him and propped his back up with several pillows. Josef raised the blanket up to the blonde’s stomach and opened Wolfram’s legs. "You’re going to have to keep your legs opened and bent at the knee. Do you understand?" he asked the panting Wolfram. When the young demon said nothing, he repeated again and this time with force.

Wolfram shook his head and did what the doctor told him. Opening his legs and bending them at the knee, he cried out as the pain became unbearable. "SHIT! HOW CAN WOMEN GO THROUGH THIS?"

"It’s just a fact of nature," said the doctor taking out all the things he will need. "Here, chew this plant and it should help with the pain."

Ellis took the green oblong leaf and placed it in Wolfram's mouth. The blonde chewed the leaf and nearly gagged as he swallowed the medicinal herb.

"THAT WAS AWFUL!" Wolfram raised his head to yell at the doctor. "If I wasn't in such extreme pain, I would FLAME BROIL YOU!"

"I know," said the Josef not paying any attention to the ranting pain-stricken demon. "Now, when the next contraction hit, I want you to push as hard as you can."

The young maid that went to get the doctor walked into the room rolling a cart. On the top of the cart was a ceramic floral basin. On the bottom shelf of the cart was a pitcher of warm water and towels.

"You there," said the doctor. "Stay here, I may need your help." He placed the instruments he would need into the basin and then poured some clear liquid over them.

The woman nodded and placed the towels at the foot of the bed as she waited patiently to see what the doctor needed her to do.

"What's that?" asked Ellis looking at the liquid Josef was pouring over his instruments.

"Although I've already boiled my instruments in hot water, this is called antiseptic. It is to help with the sterilization of my tools so Wolfram won't catch an infection."

Wolfram screamed as a contraction struck. Remembering what the doctor told him, he clutched Ellis' hand and pushed as hard as he could. Once the contraction passed, he fell back against the pillows breathing in relief. He gulped in breaths of air as he waited for the next contraction. "Oh Shinou, this is one hundred times worst than when I had Yuu. Oh yeah, and Josef, your medicine isn't helping." He grinded out through clenched teeth.

The young healer chuckled and continued his work. "Your vagina is not wide enough. I'm going to cut you to make the opening wider."

"What!" yelled the prince.

"It's the only way. If I don't, the baby's head will tear your opening when it comes out."

"Just do it," said Ellis. Josef took his scissors out of the antiseptic, dried them on one of the towels and snipped Wolfram's vagina widening it.

"How are you holding out Wolfram?" asked Ellis wiping sweat from the blonde's face.

"As well as . . ." Before he could finish another contraction hit. Wolfram howled as he clenched his teeth and pushed. "I mean it Ellis. If you ever touch me again, I will kill you."

"I see the head," the doctor said excitedly. He gently took hold of the tiny head. "Keep it up Wolfram. You're almost there."

"I HATE ALL YOU PEOPLE!" He wailed as he continued to push his child out of his aching body. "OW! OW!"

"What is it Wolfram?" Ellis asked in a panic.

"CRAMP! MY LEG!" His leg had caught a painful cramp and it was too much for him to keep them in the position as he began to lower them in order to soothe out the cramp.

"No, don’t!" Yelled Josef. "Ellis, keep his leg up. Girl, get over there and keep his other leg from going down. If he does that he may hurt the baby."

Anne quickly rushed over to the other side and held Wolfram's leg up and opened. Just when Wolfram thought his pain would continue, his body went slack as he felt his body completely expelled the infant. Once the shoulders emerged, the rest of the infant’s body slipped out with the help of the doctor. Wolfram wanted to collapsed onto his pillow exhaused. He wanted so much to fall asleep but he couldn't just yet. He wanted to know if he had another son or a daughter.

"Well, what is it?" Wolfram asked sitting up and watching the doctor clean all the mucus, blood and gunk out of the baby’s mouth and nose. Moving with great skill he grabbed a clamp and tied off the umbilical cord. Taking the scissors and dipping them back into the antiseptic, he severed the cord. Holding the child upside down by its feet, he gently slapped the baby's bottom. The child took its first breath of air as crying filled the room.

"Are you going to keep it a secret, doctor or are you going to tell us what it is?" asked Ellis.

"Congratulation, Wolfram and Ellis, you are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl."

"It’s a girl," said Ellis kissing Wolfram sweat-dampened brows. Wolfram was overcome with emotions as he cried tears of joy at hearing this news. Then his heart nearly stopped as he remembered that the child was born early.

"Is she all right, doctor?" asked Wolfram looking at the man frightened.

"Let me clean her up and then I will check her out. But from just looking at her, I would say she is fine." He smiled at the relieved parents. The maid hurried to the cart and grabbed the other basin. She placed it on the trunk that was setting at the foot of the bed before the doctor moved it and poured in the warm water. The doctor placed the child in the water and gently cleaned away the blood and mucus. After drying her off, he passed his hand over the infant as a soft blue aura surrounded his hand. He smiled as he stared up at the anxious parents. "You have nothing to worry about. She is quite healthy."

"Is that normal doctor?" asked Ellis. "I mean for the baby to have no health problems after being born two months too early."

"I understand your puzzlement but I think your daughter was developed enough that she was able to be born early. Either that or it could have something to do with the potion Esmeralda gave you." He shrugged his shoulders. "Either way, your daughter is fine." He wrapped the infant in a blanket and placed her in Wolfram's arms.

"She's so small," said Wolfram holding the infant.

"She's beautiful," said Ellis smiling as he kissed the cheek of his love.

"So, did you have a name for the little one?" asked the doctor.

"Yes, we had two just in case. If it was a boy we were going to name him, Henri," said Wolfram.

"And if it was a girl, we settled for Dominique," said Ellis. "So, her name is Dominique Gilbit."

"What a lovely name," said the maid smiling at the family.

"Daddy." They turned to see Yuu standing in the doorway.

"Come in, Yuu," said Wolfram beckoning to the child. Yuu excitedly ran into the room. Ellis lifted the child into his lap. "Yuu, this is your baby sister, Dominique."

He raised his tiny hands and began to gently stroke his sister’s silky green hair. "She's pwetty."

"Now Yuu, as the older brother it is up to you to take care of your little sister," said Ellis smiling at the boy.

"I will daddy. I pwomise."

They turned to see Wolfram had fallen asleep with Dominique held tightly in his grasp. Ellis decided to move him to the guest bedroom. He sent Yuu out until he had Wolfram settled in the other room. Once the afterbirth was discharged, the maid went about cleaning the blonde up. Josef held the baby while Ellis tended to his exhausted husband. Once Wolfram was clean, Ellis dressed him in a nightshirt and took him to the guest room where the blonde would be able to sleep more comfortably.