Lady Dhampir
Chapter 196

The De Crescent Princess let out a long sigh, looking out the window of her carriage. She couldn't help but smile naturally, a slight taste of sugar still on her lips. "...You look very happy, my Lady," noticed Dinah, who was smiling too.

"I am. I should have taken my friends' invitations sooner..." Indeed, she had a very good time that afternoon.

It had felt a bit strange, at first, to ditch her usual alone time with the mountain of paperwork that would indefinitely wait for her on her desk, and instead, pretty herself up to go outside. It had almost felt like she was sulking at some stern partner, and ignored it by focusing on that reflection in the mirror. She had even liked dolling herself up too, and letting Yasina do whatever she wanted. Her raven hair had gotten longer, and her cheeks were a bit more peachy than usual. It had been a long time since Milena hadn't been so peculiar about her appearance, and only then did she realize how little she had come to care about it.

A woman's appearance was one of her mightiest weapons, was what they said. Even as a fervent feminist, Milena knew exactly what this meant, and she couldn't help but agree to it as well. Since the Grand Princess had decided to appear to the public eye again, she was making heads spin and hearts fly. One of those women-oriented magazines that had started under Tiphania's aegis had even made a whole article about her perfect skin, her plump cheeks, and her superb figure as a pregnant woman. The whole population was now aware that, although pregnant, Milena De Crescent was still one of the most beautiful women in the Solaris Kingdom. It had been a drastic change from the days she was holed up in her tower, but Milena was now taking pleasure in her walks across the whole castle every day, greeting people with a proud smile and reminding everyone of her presence, her rose perfume floating in her trail. The volume of letters coming to her attendants had tripled over a mere week's span, and was showing no sign of going low anytime soon. She was definitely coming to the front stage again.

As promised to her friends, though, most of her appearances had been with her close acquaintances. If one of her ladies-in-waiting came to visit, Milena would now walk with them in the gardens or sit in one of the public salons instead of holing them up in her office.

Today had actually been one of her first real outings in a while, and she had loved every second of it. She had missed her friend Lilyan dearly, and as soon as they had heard about that little tea party, all of her ladies-in-waiting had emptied some of their busy schedule to attend. Hence, Milena had just spent the past few hours well surrounded and without any trouble in sight, only her friends. They were all keen to update her on how their businesses were doing, the latest gossip she had missed, and anything else a group of young noblewomen could chat about in a light-hearted spirit. Tiphania had even brought several little cakes from the most famous shop in the Capital, and now, Milena was in that strange state of feeling a little bit dozy with a well-filled stomach. Milena often worried that she would start putting on weight with her new cravings, but her babies were most likely taking up all the space in her belly. Hence, only her center area was getting bigger each week. Heavier, too. Although she didn't have much to complain about her pregnancy so far, especially compared to her often sick sister-in-law, Milena was beginning to hope this feeling of heaviness would definitely be gone once she gave birth, and not remain forever. Seated in this carriage, though, her back was comfortably relying on the cushions Dinah was now constantly carrying around for her, and she could look out the window without even having to bend.

The journey was rather long from Lilyan's secluded mansion to the De Crescent Manor, but with half of her mind lost in a semi-coma, Milena didn't see it go by. Only when she recognized the streets near the domain did she wake up a bit, her heart excited to the idea of seeing her brother and father again. It always felt a bit strange to visit the Manor when Lucian and Valentin weren't there, although they had always seen each other more at work than home, in recent years. At least, Eugenie was doing a marvelous job of not letting anything get boring, or gloomy. The garden was gorgeous despite the temperatures getting worse, and the renovations of the Manor seemed to be going much faster since there was a new lady in the house as well. Milena didn't even have time to feel guilty about not visiting her sister-in-law more often; Eugenie was extremely busy despite having just given birth herself. Milena had seen her nephew three times since his birth, just a little over a couple of weeks ago. "Milena!"

The new Duchess appeared in the Manor's front entrance to greet her, smiling from ear to ear, with two servants behind her. She even opened the door for Milena, as Jeremiah helped her get down. "Eugenie, how have you been?" Asked Milena, hugging her sister in law.

"Much better! Everyone is yelling at me for walking around, but you know how I hate lazing around doing nothing... and it isn't like there's nothing to do around here either... Moreover, I should be the one to ask! Not to be offensive your highness, but you look like you're... pretty much due! I told you it was probably twins..."

"I'm sure you win this bet," sighed Milena. "I feel huge, and heavy..."

The two women chuckled and walked together inside, holding arms. It felt good to be home for Milena, as usual. There were little changes since Eugenie had taken over, but still, as someone who had grown up in this house, Milena couldn't help but spot them. The carpet had been replaced, as well as some of the damaged tiles, and the candles had a different scent than usual too.

"I believe your brother just woke up," said Eugenie. "I sent someone to warn him about your arrival... How come you came so suddenly? You're usually one to send notice beforehand."

"I'm sorry, I spent time with my friends at the Tourmal Mansion, and I just didn't feel like going back to the Castle afterwards. I figured I might as well come and have dinner here."

"Of course! This is your home, what are you apologizing for! I'm glad you decided to come here, rather than in that gloomy castle... How is Lady De Tourmal, by the way?"

"She's doing fine these days, although I think her health isn't as great as it was when she lived in the countryside."

"It will probably take a while for her to adapt, but company might be the best remedy! At least her Mansion is far from the city center..."

"How is my nephew?"

"He's such a heavy sleeper!" smiled the new mother. "It's a bit tough, but as long as he's healthy... Oh, you should see his eyes now! They are of such a marvelous color! I really hope it stays that way when he grows up..."

Milena chuckled. Antonin De Crescent, third of his name, was born a bit early, but in perfect health, and was just as adorable as his mother thought him to be. The ladies would have probably lined up to see the baby Duke if it wasn't for his grandfather being so scary... "He already looks so much like his father, it's really striking!" added Eugenie. "I believe he has definitely more De Crescent genes. Rowena already loves him, by the way. I think babies definitely have their own language, because she loves to be glued to him all evening long!"

"Rowena wakes up early?" Asked Milena, a bit surprised.

Vampire babies were usually completely nocturnal, and wouldn't wake up until late after dusk. Milena had only grown more knowledgeable on the matter recently, since she had tried to educate herself on the difficult challenge of motherhood. Moreover, unlike her sisters-in-law, she didn't know if she was expecting a human, vampire or dhampir child. She had also come to the realization that, aside from Rowena, she had never actually been close to a baby, or seen how they were to be educated, taken care of and raised. She didn't have a motherly figure left to ask advice from either. Being the youngest of her family and surrounded by working but single young women, she had panicked all at once a couple months before, and began reading an impressively long selection of books and articles on the challenge of motherhood. Milena also didn't shy away from asking her sister-in-law multiple questions whenever she could.

Eugenie nodded.

"I know. A bit surprising, isn't it? She doesn't appear to sleep as much as what they say about vampire children... Raphael was also surprised, he even wondered if she hadn't naturally taken his rhythm, but Rowena seems perfectly fine with her current sleeping schedule." Milena slowly nodded. Could it be that, as she had suspected, Rowena had some dhampir characteristics, after all? It would have been interesting to study the young lady, for scientific purposes. If Rowena was showing traits and habits different from what was considered usual for vampire children, perhaps she was even more singular than they had originally thought. Either it came from her biological mother, or this could mean dhampirs were more of a species in the middle of a spectrum between human and vampire than a third category...

"...I had noticed her eyes have a hint of burgundy," whispered Eugenie.

Milena caught sight of her sister-in-law's strange look, and was suddenly hit with a thought.

"She's not my child!" She exclaimed, a bit surprised.

A couple of seconds passed, before the young Duchess laughed.

"My God, Milena, I'm so sorry if I made you misunderstand! Oh, I didn't think she was yours, I thought... It may have to do with the De Crescent family genes..."

Milena let out a long sigh. Even Raphael only had hints about his adoptive daughter's real parents. It couldn't be helped that Eugenie was left speculating about the little girl's origins, considering her unique features. Perhaps had she made up a few theories in her head, thinking the Duke or Raphael could be the father. The Grand Princess slowly shook her head.

"I'm sorry, I can't give you more information about Rowe, but... She's not related to our family in a close way."

"...I see," nodded Eugenie.

She didn't ask more. The Duchess knew better than to ask too many questions, and Milena was grateful her sister-in-law had always been very careful about the family secrets and the discretion she should use in any matter. After that, she regained her usual attitude, seeming to be satisfied with Milena's answer, although she didn't learn much. Rowena was registered in the De Crescent Family records, and Milena hoped no one would come to look for more about Raphael's unfilial daughter. He was easily the most discreet member of her family, and could pass for Rowe's father, age-wise. Since he was still unmarried, the high society seemed not to care much about a man who had fathered a bastard daughter already...

Milena let out a long sigh. She hoped Rowena wouldn't grow up too fast to ask the truth about her origins...

"Millie!"

Raphael came down the stairs in his bathrobe, opening his arms wide to come and greet her. He had obviously come straight down, judging by his messy hair and tired eyes. Milena was happy to hug her brother, although her belly made the whole thing a little bit more challenging than usual. Still, once they separated, he gently caressed her tummy.

"Oh, I'm so nervous about getting more nephews!" He exclaimed. "How are you doing, Millie? Everything alright? How come you came here, did something happen?"

"I drop by home unexpectedly once, and everyone thinks there's a problem!" She chuckled. "I'm perfectly fine, and so are your nephews. I'm feeling better than ever, actually."

"So I heard! I have that article about the Princess' pregnancy glow on my bedside table," Raphael rolled his eyes. "I can't believe what they make up these days..."

"Well, her Highness does look better than most women in her state," scoffed Eugenie. "I'm still on a diet and dying to fit in my corsets again. Can you believe a tiny baby like that left me with this much of a belly? I have no idea what went wrong!"

The three of them kept joking for a little while, although they quickly moved to the dining room to wait for dinner. Milena frowned, however, seeing how her father still hadn't shown up.

"Isn't Father coming down?" She asked, a bit worried.

"Oh, I don't believe so..." grimaced Eugenie. "The Duke goes to bed early these days, we scarcely see him, to be honest."

"Is he alright?"

"Don't worry Millie, you know how Father gets at times. He seems... tired, lately."

"Tired how?" She insisted. "Did you check his blood supplies?"

Raphael nodded.

"Of course. Nothing's wrong, he isn't being poisoned or anything. Millie, I think our Father is just a bit... depressed."

Milena felt her heart sink a little.

It was understandable... Their father had already lost his wife and grandmother recently, and now two of her brothers were at war, with still no sign of returning anytime soon. Milena wasn't living in the Manor anymore either, and only Raphael was left, but he was busy taking care of his daughter and the relationships they had left with the shattered Society of Vampires. Eugenie was a bright daughter-in-law, but even she couldn't do much about the laws of nature, and now that she had a baby, she probably had less time to be awake with the Duke at night...

"It's alright, Millie. I think our Mother's death anniversary recently took a bit more of a toll on him than usual, and... Father isn't so young anymore."

"He's a vampire," replied Milena. "He isn't old at all yet."

"A man can feel old regardless of his age, Millie... Moreover, he's worried for you." "For me?"

Eugenie nodded.

"I think so, too... Since you've been living in the Royal Castle, it can't be helped that you're more on your own, and we know how strong you are, but... now you're most likely carrying twins, which means a... difficult and potentially dangerous childbirth, Milena." The Grand Princess let out a long sigh.

Indeed, it couldn't be helped. Although the Kingdom wasn't too bad in terms of medical knowledge, twin pregnancies were inevitably dangerous for women. First, it was extremely rare, which meant rarely documented, and, in Milena's case, a Dhampir having children would be a first in recorded history. Milena knew this was a potentially lethal situation, but she had wanted to become a mother so badly, that scary thought had only been a shadow in the back of her mind. Now that she was getting close though, that shadow was growing bigger and bigger each day. She just hadn't thought her loved ones carried that shadow for her as well.

"It will be alright," she said. "Queen Lyriana had her sons too, and everything went well."

"The Queen was a vampire, Millie," said Raphael, frowning. "She was stronger than a human woman, and had the best medical care possible."

"You think I won't be well surrounded too?"

"I think you will be in the Royal Castle, surrounded by people who'd want you dead even if you weren't pregnant. I know you want to give birth here, but the Castle is far from the Manor. If things happen earlier than anticipated, you won't be able to come here safely or in time..."

"Well then, what do you suggest? I can't come back to live in the Manor, Raphael, especially not now when I've just appeared to the public eye again."

As her sister-in-law and brother exchanged a look, Milena understood.

"...So that's what you wanted? For me to come back and live here?"

"Just temporarily, until the babies are delivered," quickly explained Eugenie. "We have tried thinking about it, Milena, but... no matter what, it would probably be much safer for you here than there."

"Father is worried sick, Milena," added Raphael. "Your husband isn't there, and the only person you're close to still living in the Castle is Lady Briseis, and with all due respect, I doubt she will be of any help if anything happens."

"Are you forgetting my staff?" Scoffed Milena. "Dinah, Olivia and Ruby would never let something happen to me!"

"They can defend you but they are no medical team, Millie. Here, we can have absolutely everything ready for anytime. We already have your room ready, too."

The Grand Princess sighed.

"Raphael, I understand you're worried, but... This feels way too premature. I'm at six or seven months, at best, nothing will happen for at least a few more weeks! If I move here, can you even imagine how happy our enemies would be to see me leaving the Royal Castle?"

"There's nothing wrong about you taking days off for your health!" Insisted Eugenie.

"You mean weeks," sighed Milena. "There might be nothing wrong, but it leaves way too much space for some people to act against us, against our people and what we stand for. With Rayan gone, I am the last wall for all of them. I can't... I can't just retreat now, when I've just come back to the front stage!"

Raphael let out a long sigh, and gently moved his hand on top of his little sister's.

"Milena... Our father is really worried sick about you. If he loses you... If we lose you, with everything else going on, I don't know how this House will endure. We've suffered too many tragedies already. At least, consider it, please. I know you're the most dutiful woman around, but... nothing is more important than you staying alive. Please."

Milena looked down at their joined hands.

She knew her family was right in some ways, but... she just couldn't really envision herself retreating. She was feeling fine. Heavily pregnant, but fine. The dangers of childbirth still felt like something too far and too distant to think about for now. Milena had kept in mind that she wouldn't give birth before Philomenie, considering their due dates, so she hadn't even considered when her time would come... However, this was an important reminder. She couldn't forget her health, and how she ought to be careful about more than just her enemies.

After a little while, she gently nodded.

"...I understand. I can't move to the Manor just yet, it feels too premature, but... I promise I'll think about it."