The time has come

The day quickly becomes a blur, with you checking in on Maya constantly, much to her and the medical staff’s amusement. Apparently, everything is normal, and you’re not supposed to worry. The doctor and nurses tell you that you’re not the first nervous father to be that they’ve had, and even though you’re the big important emperor, these things take time, especially with twins.

Sadie and Uzume are no help, following you around and talking about how excited they are. The excitable pair are already planning how they’re going to become every kid’s favorite aunties. At the same time, the rest of the pregnant girls are excitedly talking about what Maya’s going through.

Oddly enough, it’s Elys who calms you. Pulling you aside, the gorgon speaks to you quietly. “It’sss tough, not being able to help out, right? Jussst remember, women have done thisss forever. And with medical magic, she’sss in better handsss than she would be anywhere. Sssoon you’ll have two beautiful daughtersss.”

You take a deep breath. “Thanks, Elys. Sometimes I just need to hear a rational voice.”

She gives you a smile. “After all, I am your bodyguard, remember? Even after all thisss time, I can ssstill help.”

You chuckle, and give her a kiss. She smiles, and squeezes your hands. “Now, go keep working. I know sssomeone will find you when it’sss time.”

You nod, and kiss her again as you leave. She smiles, and watches you go, laughing to herself. Later on, just as she predicted, a doctor finds you, a smile on his face. “Your highness, it’s time. Maya is waiting for you.”

You blink in surprise, and drop what you’re doing to rush off to the medical area. An amused nurse leads you to where Maya is laying, sweat on her forehead and breathing hard. As you move next to her, she grabs your hand and gives you a smile. “Are you ready, my Josh?”

You laugh. “I should ask you that! Ready as I’ll ever be.”

She nods, grimacing. “Me too. I’m excited, and scared…I hope we do ok…”

You smile and kiss her sweat damp forehead. “I’m sure everything will be perfect.”

The next hour or so is once again a blur, doctors instructions, Maya’s painful grunts, and her crushing grip on your hand. All a blur until one moment which stands out in perfect clarity.

The cries of a baby. And then a second.

The doctors and nurses congratulate Maya and you on a pair of healthy dragon girl babies. After a few moments to clean them off and check them over, the first is handed to Maya, a beautiful baby girl with a tuft of red hair, and wide, startlingly blue eyes.

Maya smiles tiredly. “Kari.”

The doctors hand her the other, very similar but with black hair and dark brown eyes. Maya holds her in her other arm. “Sira.”

You stare at her, and your new daughters. Maya looks up at you and smiles, and you see a moment of triumph in her red eyes. “We did it, my Josh.”

You shake your head. “You did it. I love you, Maya, and I love our daughters.”