* * ☾ * *

4 Months Later

There was truly nothing that Alpha Queen Amory could not do, and it was an added bonus that the Royal Prince or Princess was present for each and every meeting in discussing the reformation that the Queen had led.

And gods, Amory had finally started to see the success of her work. It had been a heroic day when the final Bills were passed from the converted Royal Council—A mix-match group of Alphas and Lunas. As well as trustworthy Noblemen and Women—in addition to those on the the Military side of things.
If the topic involved them, at the very least.

There was not a corner left unturned, and while her efforts could be seen in person, Amory had taken to great lengths to send her males out to be her eyes and ears.

Being in the last trimester of her pregnancy, it hadn't allowed her to leave the castle—Hell, she could hardly leave the Royal apartments!

It was a pain to do most of her daily work in the confinements of her private study, but it was the closest to her bed that she didn't mind a short commute, if it could even be called that. 

At the current moment, however, the Healers in charge of the Queen's Treatment plan had decided that within the week that Amory needed to stay on bed rest to ensure that both mother and pups were settling well into the final stages, given that the pups were shifting on their own.

That's right, pups—A blessing that Romulus wasn't too sure as to how his mate would handle it. But the fact that they were this much closer to creating their litter, was all she needed.

Though, as a woman afraid of birth, Amory wasn't sure how to go about this in a calming way. Even now, trapped in a layer of blankets, propped up by pillows, she was swarmed with papers and files that needed her attention.

Yet every minute or so there was a hitch in her breath as the pain started to course through her lower back. It was one thing to keep her emotions away from the Link with her Mate, let alone groan to release the suffering that was only meant to get worse.

"Your majesty?!" Apparently, she hadn't been so secretive with it, and just as she was about to reply, another one coursed through her, right to the hilt of her tolerance. "Gods—Call—Romulus!"

While informal to say the least, whoever it was outside, wolf or human, they knew what her call might mean. And within the next moment, a voice had filled her mind—Though there was no part of her that could focus on it for more than a second.

But she knew it was Romulus. Knew that he was trying to comfort her from her own worries. Yet it made her feel a rush of relaxation when Rom had managed to tug at the Link, alerting her himself that he was on his way.

Through gritted teeth, Amory screamed as she pushed her legs over the edge of her bed, knowing it would be best to walk through the pain. But there was absolutely no sense to the tactic now, not when she could hardly make sense of where the torture started or ended.

"Amory!!" A roar pulsed through the room, and she answered with her own undivided shriek of labor. Yet the moment she pushed forward had all confirmed her suspicion, her water broke and was currently soaking through the bunched-up sheets.

This was not at all the way she wanted Romulus to see her.

Or the amount of tears streaming down her face, instead, he skidded to her side and settled between her parted thighs. "My mate, with ease. All will be settled in a moment. They'll be here soon."
"Damnit, don't remind me there's two right now." She whispered, hoping that her voice hadn't quivered as another pulse shot through, right at the center of her spine.

"Let me get you cleaned, the Healers are on their way now." A bit of laughter settled through her throat as she sniffled and tried to wipe the sweat that was building up on her brow.

Instead, a handmaid had offered up a cold towel for Romulus to pat her with, it made it easier to focus on something more than just how beautiful childbirth is. "You best not show me off to the Kingdom after this, bastard."

"Well, the guards weren't too quiet about things, love. But we'll take it by ear. Now, let me get you up and the Omegas can change the sheets." On a normal day, Amory would laugh at the smaller details.

There truly was no point for them to replace the sheets when she was going to sit right back down and ruin them again. But damn it all, standing on her two feet never felt so uplifting and cruel at the same time.

"Soon, I promise. Let the Healers do what they need to." Hmm, Amory knew this portion all too well. But the soft touches of her mate were impending upon the worse of it, and without warning, she was allowed back into their bed.
Swarmed by his scent and kind words.

And soon, another smell had been added to the mix, one that highlighted throughout and perked up her attention to what both Romulus and the rest of the Healers had to say. "Every hour until the pups are born, Alpha...And when is required."
"Especially afterward, it aids a female who just gave birth to build up what was lost." It was an honest blur, between the voices, the touches, and the piercing hot pain that would not let up.

Even when the few in the room had confirmed again and again that the pups were just where they needed to be—It was finally time.

And as she tried to lift herself up, it was no use, not when Romulus had motioned a vial to her lips. One that she recalled from earlier in the labor, but passed it off as something else.

Instead, the vial of burning liquid had coated the entirety of her lips, mouth, and throat as it continued down to the pit of her stomach. Within seconds, the dosage of Romulus' blood had funneled throughout her veins and suppressed the pain.

Making it bearable, though it could only do so much to relieve this type of discomfort.

With the Healers on the other end of the bed, Romulus had perked himself at his mate's side and held tightly at her hand, leaving enough space to make the birth visible.

"What—what was in the vial?" Amory couldn't remember when she spoke last, but when it was followed by an offered sip of water. Her mate had confirmed her suspicions. Blood. It was his blood.

"Your Majesty, when the next urge hits, prepare to push." With a direction of controlled breathing, and a repeated demonstration from her all too sweet mate, Amory had taken the steps and give it all that she was worth.

Screaming out in agony as she wanted nothing more than to deliver the pups without harm, and the longer they remained inside her, the more likely there was for something to go wrong.

"Another dose, Alpha, she needs to get through this next push." Those were the words Amory assumed the Healer had said considering that within the next moment, a second vial had been pushed to her lips.

As if she needed Romulus to coax her, not when she knew now that it was going to relieve some of the pain in her lower half. And it did, in incriminates—And without much of a warning to her final push, a shrieking wail had set out to match Amory's.

The first pup was born.

"Amory...Look, oh goddess, look at the little one." Romulus whispered, brushing his lips against her cheek and pointing to the Healer taking the moment to wipe them down and go through the given precautions to help the Halfie transition.

"H-How are they?" She croaked, and Romulus hummed his own confirmation that they were well. And even if her gaze was morphed with the blood haze and labor pains, she could see the outlines of their pup in the blanket. An angry fist cursed out into the air, as they did not want to be settled so easily.

Before she could even think to ask if she could hold them, another wave had taken over—But it was easier than the last, two very painful pushes later, another familiar wail had answered the first one's call.

Announcing their arrival to whoever was outside the royal apartments. And all Amory could do was relinquish her weak limbs and relax into the bed underneath her. There was nothing more appealing than allowing her eyes to close, if only for a moment.

But a final vial was issued before multiple hands had taken to cleaning and mending the trials of birth that overtook the Queen. It felt nice to be catered to so intimately, or the ever so often doses of Romulus' blood to help mend the rest.

After so much commotion, it had taken Amory a moment to realize that the room had grown still, the only movement was the Healers slowly making their leave, but even they dwindled in numbers soon enough.

 Yet that isn't what her attention had fixated on, instead, it was the light bit of fussing that caused Amory to stir as she lifted herself up from the pillow, gasping as she opened her eyes.

Seeing the pups so far away in their individual beds had caused a bolt of anxiety to run through her as she worked on getting to her feet, yet it had been Romulus who halted her plans.

"What are you doing?"
"The pups...I need—" Delirious from all that's happened, Amory hadn't noticed that his presence neared, no, all she could hear was the uncomfortable call coming from not one, but both pups.

With Amory now propped up against the pillow, awaiting the arrival of her pups, she watched as Romulus had oh so carefully plucked the two from their bundles and returned them with ease. Passing over the first into the awaiting arms of their mother.

"My Alpha Queen, might I introduce our firstborn, our son...And our sweet little Princess." The tears had so easily followed through as Amory smiled down to the beautiful pups before her. Completely angry, pink, and still bundled tightly as though they were still in their mother's womb.

"Oh, they're precious...Absolutely precious." She sniffled, eyeing her mate as they passed compliments back and forth. Adoring their curious gaze as Amory was concerned that the Healers had completed their tests.

So Romulus humored his beautiful female and watched as she felt for their heartbeat and breathing patterns. Taking the time to test their reflexes.

And just as she said prior, they were absolutely perfect.

"You should rest, Amory."
"Rest? I'm sure half the Kingdom knows by now that the pups were coming..." Romulus hummed, allowing his little princess to engage with his singular finger, though she could not grasp it entirely.

"The Kingdom can wait. But these two need to be named, have you decided?" It was complicated to pick the name for the heir to the throne, and it made matters worse as it all relied on what she thought.

It was a mother's duty, something that was considerably different than what Amory was prepared for. Usually, it would have mattered if there was simply a male heir, and the father would make an effort.

Now, in the realm of wolves coming to find their mates with humans, there had been a culture shock when Romulus brought it up. Claiming that he couldn't wait to hear what she had in store, though, then again, she hadn't truly accepted the fact that there were twins.

Another factor they had kept hidden from the Kingdom.

"I believe I have..." She smiled, turning to their secondborn, a daughter that she knew Romulus wanted more than life itself. And the beautiful grey eyes that shined up brightly, knowing that her mom was talking to her.

"Announcing Princess Amara, the future of our line. Who will aid her brother when succeeds his father...Prince Remus, soon to be King." Romulus' eyes pinned to his mate's subtle gaze in his direction, knowing plainly what she had done not only to his own heart, but to his beast's as well.

"Your brother should be recognized, Rom. He might have been able to see this Kingdom, but he's watching over us all. Now he can watch over his nephew and niece." It wasn't often that she had the ability to pull her mate to tears, perhaps the night following her admission to being pregnant. Or when he finally had caught the addicting scent of her sweet pregnancy starting to fill his nostrils.

And now he was blessed with the beautiful smell of their pups, something he would miss once they grew out of it.

Even without a wolf, Romulus watched Amory as she nuzzled gently into Amara's cheeks and tapped at Remus' tiny nose. One he scrunched in distaste, but it elected a laugh from his mother, one that caused her family to gaze warmly at her.

"Love, look...They hear you." Romulus whispered, and it was true, both pups' eyes had turned onyx. Pinned at attention, as they no doubt recognized it. And it only elected another one, though Amory had joined her husband in a fit of tears.

"It was worth it, all of it."
"Even the times you threw your shoes at me?... All I wanted to do to do was help you." She rolled her eyes, unbecoming of a Queen, sure, but it wasn't all Romulus had wanted at the time.

There was a sort of feverish haze of highs and lows that Amory had fought through to get where she was. So the playful nudge to his side as she continued onward to shift off the likes of her breasts—And at the mere sight of it, both pups had shimmied inside their wrapped bundles as they couldn't get enough of the newly found fragrance of breast milk.

It seemed like they couldn't wait for their first meal.

"Seems like they're hungry..." Their father claimed, and Amory had hissed when she shifted once again. "You might have to help me, Rom."

"Do you promise not to throw another shoe?"
"I don't think I can handle the pups crying right now. So yes, I promise. You're safe for the next twenty-four hours or until I can stand again." To be fair, Romulus hadn't liked the small whines that they were already causing either, it started to stir his beast.

It had been easier to remove her entire shirt and pair them each with a breast, and Amory tried her best to hold back her laughter as either had latched with ease, another worry that she'd come across and spoken with Romulus about.

Truly, it sent her in an emotional spiral as she watched them fight to find a proper rhythm—Even if it meant jabbing their tiny fists against the swells of her chest and taking rushed gulps as if it was anything to battle over.

"See, there was no need to worry...You're a natural. But after this, I ask you to please rest—I'll make an announcement to prepare for tomorrow."

"Nonsense, it's still early. By tonight I'll be alright. You might have to get a chair out onto the balcony so we can present them." She spoke as if it was now a commandment, but truly, there was no denying that he adored the way that Amory had returned to the throne with so much ease.

So there they sat, in comfortable silence as the newly made parents watched the pups eat themselves to sleep. When Romulus had deemed it enough, he placed the pillow Nelo crafted to allow the pups to rest in bed. Allowing him to feel at ease when he left the room to greet those waiting outside.

With Amory wrapped and turned to face the twins, Romulus hurried along to the hall and was met with dozens of those on the Council—But at the forefront of the line was Beta Elias and Delta Lyall, with Kieran and Wilhelm standing there, awaiting the word of their King.

"It's a glorious day, my court! My mate, your Queen, has safely delivered two very healthy and very happy pups. I ask that you spread the news, on the pup and the Queen's status. We will announce the names publicly tonight." A cheer had followed throughout the hall, echoing loudly, but after taking a small peek at his family's Link, he hadn't felt any sort of disturbance that had risen them from their slumber.

"My King, the citizens await your word. There's no way to depart the crowd." Romulus' jaw had nearly slacked at Wilhlem's words, and the confirmation from both his Beta and Delta had shaken him from his stature.

"Gods, alright...Have a few Enforcers and Royal guards to make sure that things are safe and secure. I cannot handle a hormonal wife and one who's guilty over the people being hurt over crowds." That had caused Drex to push through to the forefront of the awaiting crowd and pound his forearm to his chest.

"Apologise for the late arrival, Alpa. Consider it done." Part of the crowd had dispersed, though they knew that the royal couple would have to make their way to the ground balcony and greet them.

They would be the first to take a gaze upon the next generation, but the biggest of the news and concerns had been discussed right there in hall. Knowing that any further would cause unnecessary stress to his mate.

It was important for the male to stay close, to protect their vulnerable female and children. And now it was more important than ever, considering one very loud risk was still eating away at his mind.

"Sir? How are the pups?"
"Good. Amory checked their heartbeats. They're strong. Ate until they fell asleep." Romulus knew what Elias was getting at, but it was Lyall who voiced it out loud.

"Your brother wasn't well, Romulus. I'm sure your secondborn will—"
"I know she will—They will. Damnit, don't tell Amory I told you." There was no need to explain it, but the grins showcased on the two males. Having picked at their Alpha enough to out the secret.

"A princess...? You're in for it now, Rom." With that, the two had given him a hug—One that was long overdue, but endearing nonetheless.

With the hallway only featuring Enforcers, Romulus had snuck his way back inside and took to sitting at the chair just at his Mate's side. Holding a protective gaze over his family as he couldn't be anymore thankful for what had been bestowed upon him—Which brought him easily to his knees and grasping his hands together tightly, just over his mate's sleeping figure.

"Heavenly mother, holy deity in the sky, who shines brighter with every phase...I want to thank you for the life you have given me, given us. For without you, I do not know if Amory and I would have found one another again." He praised, squeezing his eyes tighter as to not allow the tears to spill just yet. Instead, he bowed his head further. "I promise to protect them with everything that I am, to love and support my son and daughter throughout their lives in the Kingdom—For they are the greatest gift of all, right beside my beautiful and radiant mate...Amen."

"Amen." Amory returned, and Romulus bit back his chuckle as he watched her turn and face him entirely. Leaning forward to demand a kiss, one he so graciously returned. "Hmm, how did it go?"

"The masses are outside awaiting for an answer, it's—" With Romulus' words cut off, Amory peeked an eye open to check to see if he had fallen asleep. Instead, his gaze was pinned onto the pups beside her. Quickened panic raced through her as she turned to them, rising up and prepared to offer any support to cater to their needs.

But she didn't have to, as when she parted the cloth, she was greeted with the softest coat of fur she has ever met. The mix match of black and grey had contrasted beautifully between her pale skin, and she smiled down to see not only Remus had shifted, but Amara had as well.

"Rom..." She whispered, not wanting to disturb their sleep, but to see something that she never thought possible for her pups. Especially not this early!

"Once they can learn to do it on command, we'll have two pups running around. It'll be stressful to handle them at first, but it'll get easier." Perhaps it was exhaustion, or the amount of blood she had taken from her mate that was making her excited for the future—No longer accepting her content position as a Healer.

"I cannot wait, isn't that right papa?" She cooed, her body curling around the bundles while Romulus propped himself lightly at Amory's waist, his finger rubbing at the in-between of their eyes and snoot. Switching between them until they elected a yawn or small whimper.

As much as Amory wanted to stay in bed to enrapture this perfect moment forever, she managed to find the strength and get to her feet with the help of her Mate. It was easy to figure out the wrap to conform Amara to her chest.

Hopefully allowing herself to sleep peacefully through the announcement, while Remus had been wide awake to look at each and everything as his father held him tightly while also pausing ever so often to make sure Amory could manage.

Sure, Amory had felt rather pathetic that she couldn't handle the weight on her own two feet as smoothly as she could before. But the weight she was holding for the past few weeks had been uplifted, though that didn't mean that she didn't waddle.

However, upon opening the double doors to the hall, the first thing Amory had been greeted with was the pleasant smile of her males. Dane and Ray couldn't beam any brighter in the direction of their savior.

And as she started to walk down the aisle of awaiting supporters, she smiled... Taking hold of Hawes hand as he bobbed his head in excitement, his smile never disappearing.

However, it was Dane who took to her empty side and offered another layer of support to guide her down the hall. "Gods, tell me that the crowd didn't wait." She groaned, realizing that it would be a possibility. Yet the laugh had followed suit instantly.
"Wait? They're still cheering." The Head of her guard had teased, and thus she leaned her head into his shoulder. "Cheering what?"

"Let's just say it's a familiar tune." Amory blinked in confusion, but that damned Lycan hearing had allowed Romulus to know first. And he nodded in confirmation.

Until she had finally caught what Dane had met, and her heart had nearly burst with emotion.

It had been a sudden embrace of a warm and fluid melody that made up the Vrovaria national anthem. A glorious and demanding chorus that spoke of blood, sweat, and tears that their ancestry had returned in all its pure righteousness, even after an overtaking.

It spoke of love, devotion, and sacrifice—Until some brilliant soul had weaved it into the beginning chants of the Tirean's theme. Which focused on prosperity, the Blessings of the Goddess and not accepting defeat.

How was it that Amory was fighting back tears for the fifth time today?

Romulus had stopped their sanctioned walk at the double doors and turned back—Catching sight of Osmin and Lillian, holding their cherished daughter, Opal.

It seems like Amara would have an instant friend.

"Are you ready, my Queen?" Romulus asked, and without hesitation, she nodded. Breathing in tightly as she took proper hold of his arm and forced herself into the cool evening air.

The sun gave just enough light to make the crowd visible, and if she tried to single out individual voices, she could. But with one mere motion of Romulus' hand, the crowd had worked its way to becoming silent.

"Citizens...It is my honor and privilege as your Alpha King, to announce that my mate, Alpha Queen Amory is standing beside me to help me make the announcement of this generation. For years, I have struggled to better this Kingdom, when all I needed was a helping hand. Which is why I cannot express how delighted I am to have this blessing and share it with you all tonight." He instated while lifting up his son to showcase to the crowd.

Short cheers had lingered throughout, and out of fear, Remus had shifted. "I would like you to meet, the young Alpha Prince Remus—Named in memory of my brother...Prince Remus is the heir to our throne, and when the time comes he will make an excellent King." He instated, and the citizens below shouted his name in support.

But now it was Amory's turn, and she could only recall using her title in this way a few times over her life, perhaps the more famous time during her first reign, when she called upon the armies to retreat.

With her hand risen, it had piqued Amara's attention, as she tried to huddle back into place and find solitude in her mother's embrace. Something that Amory planned to apologize for afterward.

"But every King needs guidance, and who better than to have the support right by your side since birth? Citizens of this beautiful Kingdom, I am deeply honored that I can present you with not one heir, but two...Here I hold our daughter, Princess Amara of Tirean."

Amory had pulled the young pup back the second she had finished the announcement, covering her ears as it had elected a thunderous roar that she didn't doubt those in the far regions of the Kingdom couldn't hear.

Rejoice and a celebration was in the works, and all Amory could do was stand there and accept the glory that was always meant to be hers. But upon looking up towards her mate, a love she didn't know she was capable of having, it all made sense.

The hardships and struggles she had endured didn't allow her to see a sort of clarity she would have missed. And so she took the moment to tug at her mate, leaning forward to press her lips to his in a claim that would be forever bound between the stars and the heavens.

"I love you." She whispered, clear as day with their newborn pups pressed gently between them both. He nodded, sighing as there was only so much pure ecstasy that one person could hold at once.

"And I love you, my brave human mate."

______

Date: 07/28/23

Time: 10:27

Words 4546

Author's Note:

And we have reached the end, and it has been absolutely bittersweet to reach this moment.

I absolutely love how Rhea/Amory had turned out as a character, how she overcame such difficult obstacles. It makes me devastated to say goodbye, and I truly do not want to.
Perhaps in time, we'll come to visit them again.

I want to thank everyone for the support you've given me for this story, it means the absolute world to me that you are reading what I create. It sometimes shocks me to see when a reader starts binge reads through an entire story of mine. It's crazy.

So, thank you again, and I hope you'll join me on the next journey--Wherever that may lead to✨