by Emily Bex
Without another word, he climbed onto the altar stone, propping the pillows to his back and slid in behind bel. As he straddled her from behind, he put his arms around her, cradling her to his chest, providing a place for her to rest her head, letting her body relax against his chest, as he took the weight and stress from her. Placing his hands over her stomach, he gently massaged the mound that was his son.
He lowered his lips to her ear, speaking softly, "Relax into me. Push against me, mi amore. We do this together, as in all things. Ti amo."
He saw his mother smile and move to the side of the altar, placing her hand on Kate's stomach. He knew Madre would calm her, help her as well. Shade looked to his father and nodded to him.
Kate knew he could feel her pain and would take it from her if he could. His strength, his presence, they comforted her, and she relaxed into him, letting her breathing fall into a more natural pattern. His voice was in her ear, soft and soothing as he calmed her. She felt the soft touch of another and opened her eyes to see Portia. Kate locked eyes with her as another wave of spasms overtook her, and she felt the warm gush of water flow from her, dripping to the floor, as the membrane encasing their son broke. Theresa pushed back the sheet and calmly told her everything was moving along as it should.
Shade looked to Theresa, who affirmed that all was well. He continued to rub her stomach, as he felt the tight contractions that pushed his son into this world. “That’s it, little warrior, find your path, fight your way out. Take it easy on your madre, I need her. We are waiting for you. Come out and meet us."
He could hear Dr. Bonutti chuckle and walk over to Theresa. "Let us have a look, my queen. I do believe this baby will not be long in arriving."
Shade watched as the doctor lifted the sheet and examined Kate, placing one hand on her belly. "He is moving into the birth canal, the pain may be more intense, my queen, but it won’t be much longer. I do believe this Medici will come much like his padre did, in his own way and on his own terms."
Kate heard the doctor chuckle as he prodded at her, telling her it wouldn’t be long, as she bared her fangs and growled at him. The doctor stepped back as Theresa stepped forward once more, seeing Kate's agitation with the doctor. She gently "shushed" Kate and watched as Kate's fangs retracted and she relaxed once more against Shade. Shade brushed her hair away from her face, as her hair clung to the perspiration. He spoke softly to her in a whisper, calming and soothing, as Kate prepared herself for the next wave of contractions.
Kate panted, her breath coming rapidly, as she fought not to hold her breath when the contractions overtook her, pushing their baby closer to this life. She was dimly aware of the two Council members who stood like silent sentinels against the chamber wall, observers of history, ready to record these events into the centuries old archives. Kate received a flash of memory from Madre as she saw Portia on this very altar, giving birth to Shade, and the birth of Shade's father, centuries before him. The next contraction was more intense, and Kate pushed her back against Shade for leverage, as she helped push their baby from her body.
Shade felt her pain more intensely. She had a beastly moment when the pain overcame her and he did all he could to calm her. He knew this was their process. Unlike mortals, she couldn’t use drugs that would dull the pain, as the baby must enter the world in a pure form. Almost immediately, another pain screamed through her body and she pushed back against him. "That’s it, mi amore. Do what you have to, help Lorenzo. You can do it. I’m right here, Kate."
Theresa dipped a cloth in cool water and wiped the sweat from Kate’s face as she worked with each contraction to help Lorenzo. Her labor moved quickly, as was normal for their species, and within a few hours, the baby’s head was crowning.
“He is ready, my lady. Your son is ready to come into this world.”
Shade stroked the side of her face as he whispered to her, “Push, mi amore, push!"
Kate took a deep breath, as one contraction ended and another immediately began. Her gown was now clinging to her body, wet with perspiration. The muscles contracted with a power all their own, pushing this baby from her body. Kate tried to pant, to get her breath, but the pain overtook her and she cried out instead, grabbing Shade’s hands, and gripping tightly as she pushed her back hard against his chest. She needed the pain to stop. To give her a break, if only for a minute, so she could catch her breath. Just as the contraction began to ease, she took another deep breath, and was slammed again with the intense pain of the next wave. Pushing harder, eyes closed tight, concentrating all her energy on that one small life that had been growing inside her, she felt him slip from her body, and into Theresa's waiting hands.
Theresa smiled as she saw their small prince emerge, raising one arm in the air, commanding attention already, a head of dark black hair, in matted wet curls. Theresa supported his head as his small torso followed. She guided his passage as his legs were freed, and he kicked at the air. Theresa wiped the blood and vernix from his face, inserting her finger into the baby’s mouth, making sure it was clear. She lowered her mouth to his nose and sucked the blood and mucus away before spitting it to the floor, clearing his airway as Lorenzo took his first breath and responded with a strong, loud wail that echoed in the chamber.
Theresa heard Kate laugh through her tears, as she heard her baby for the first time. Theresa laid the baby on top of Kate's abdomen, she used two strips of thin hemp to tie off the umbilical cord, before lifting the baby and holding him up for Shade.
Shade's eyes never left Theresa’s hands. His senses in overload, he watched the small baby emerged, his figlio. She administered to him quickly. He slid easily from behind bel, rearranging the pillows under her head. His fangs punched through as he bit through the umbilical cord, freeing his son from his mother. The blood squirted into his mouth and Shade let it slide down his throat, the bond between father and son established at the first moment of his birth.
Shade felt the blood flow through him, strong, fresh, and clean. He felt his son enter his body with a love and stronghold he’d never felt before, blood of his blood, true Medici. Theresa cleaned him off with gentle hands and wrapped him in a warm blanket. She walked to Shade and guided the bundle into his hands.
Looking down at his son, his breath caught in his throat and his heart pounded. He held in his hands the smallest creature he’d ever held, his tiny body was pink in color, his hair was curly and black as the raven's wings. Shade couldn’t take his eyes from the miracle in his hands. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. "Lorenzo."
The infant’s dark lashes fluttered and small eyes opened and locked with his, the most piercing pools of blue sapphire stared up at him.
"My figlio. You are handsome, si? Welcome to Medici."
A small coo escaped the tiny pink lips. Shade was aware of the presence of his mother and father as they saw their grandchild for the first time. Padre walked to him and Shade handed him the small bundle. His mother stroked the baby’s cheek, as his father kissed his small forehead and Lorenzo cooed once again. Shade felt his father’s hand on his head.
"He is strong, the Prince of a mighty King."
Shade took Lorenzo back into his hands and laid him gently in bel’s arms. Kissing her damp forehead, he pushed her hair back from her face. "He is beautiful, mi amore. Like his madre. You have given me a son, my little warrior. Ti amo."
Shade looked at her, his beautiful bel as she held their child. A year ago, he couldn’t have foreseen his life as it was now. But now he knew he’d secured another generation of Medici rule.
Kate accepted the baby into her arms, Shade knelt beside her. She looked at Lorenzo who returned her stare with those brilliant blue eyes. Kate ran her hand gently over his head, his dark black hair already falling in soft curls like a halo around his head. Just like Shade. She knew all along he’d look just like Shade. Kate spoke to him softly as Lorenzo stared at her, making a small cooing sound in return as he recognized her voice.
"My baby, my beautiful ba
by boy, we have waited for you."
Kate looked in amazement at his beauty, newborn yes, but more alert than a mortal newborn. This baby was already aware of his surroundings. She lifted the baby to her shoulder as he instinctively nuzzled into her neck. She gasped in shock as she felt the sharp sting of his fangs and Lorenzo began feeding immediately. Kate laid her head back, letting the baby draw life from her. She felt the bond between them strengthen, and knew she’d feel this child, wherever he traveled, for as long as she lived.
Kate whispered, "Madre," and felt Portia step close to the altar. Portia caressed the baby's back, as she shared her thoughts with Kate. ”And now you know, my daughter, why I can never leave here, never leave this earthly plane to reside only in the spirit realm. I am bound to my son, as you are now bound to yours. We are forever connected, one generation to the next, by our blood bond.”
Shade felt his mother’s joy and love abound for the three of them. Portia looked at him, her tears fresh on her face, a smile in her eyes. He felt her pride and he was overwhelmed with something for which he had no words. He watched his small prince feed from bel and his heart skipped a beat. Her face was angelic, her words soft and soothing as Lorenzo fed.
Once Lorenzo pulled away from her neck, Dr. Bonutti approached and took the baby from her arms. Laying him gently on her stomach, he unfolded the blanket and inspected him from head to foot. Wrapping him up gently, he placed Lorenzo back in Kate's arms. "He is healthy, strong and a fine specimen of Medici vampire. Congratulations to you, Medici, and to your coven."
Shade grinned. "Grazie. Thank you for your assistance." He looked up as Ivor and Malachi cleared their throats and Ivor stepped forward. "I must take Lorenzo from you now, for only a moment. We will not need to take his blood as we have witnessed his birth, but we must record the birth in the books."
Ivor accepted the small bundle that was the future Medici King. He carried him to their ancient ledger where Malachi used the quill pin to recorded his birth: Prince Lorenzo of Medici, son of King Shade and Queen Katherine of Medici. He recorded the date.
Malachi turned to Shade and nodded, as Shade stepped forward. Malachi lifted Shade's wrist and extended his hand, exposing the solid gold blood-letting ring on his finger. He sliced the ring across Medici's wrist and the blood flowed freely. Ivor unwrapped the infant and placed the tiny foot into his father's blood, before carefully positioning Lorenzo's foot over the ledger, and applying pressure against the ancient parchment, leaving the impression of the Prince's footprint.
Theresa stepped forward, wiping Lorenzo's foot clean, and wrapping the blanket back around the squirming baby. Shade lifted his wrist to his lips, licking the wound, and it healed quickly.
Taking the quill, Shade opened the ancient Medici ledger. The pages were worn and delicate, he carefully scrolled through them, coming to the births. The last recorded birth in the ledger was his. He recorded Lorenzo’s birth as the Prince, born to Shade and Katherine, along with the date. Malachi then initialed the ledger as a witness.
He let the ink dry, as he turned to see Lorenzo once again in Kate's arms. "We wish to be alone now."
Dr. Bonutti took his hand, shaking it. "I will be in Florence if you need me. I’ll come back in a few days to check on our queen and prince. If you need me, just call, I will come immediately."
As the doctor left the chamber, Ivor and Malachi offered their congratulations and informed him the news would be given to Council, and they looked forward to the reign of Medici for many centuries to come. Theresa stood to the side until the others had taken their leave before she approached him. Shade took her into his arms, hugging her tight.
"Grazie, Theresa, you have done well, I am pleased and can’t thank you enough for your dedication and skills this night."
Theresa pulled back, tears in her eyes. "Congratulations to you and the Queen. Our Prince is strong and handsome."
She walked out, closing the chamber door behind her. Shade went to bel and climbed on the altar, pulling her into his arms, their newborn son in her arms between them. It was now their time alone, their beginning moments as a family.
Kate gently stroked the baby's face. "Lover, he’s beautiful. I can't believe how beautiful he is."
He watched her with Lorenzo and let the image of the beauty of them together burn into his memory. "How do you feel? Do you need anything? This is our time now, mi amore, to be alone with Lorenzo. We can stay as long as we like. I want to be alone with you, be a family together before all hell breaks loose. They will celebrate for days on end. Tell me, is he all you thought he would be?"
Kate looked up at Shade, his skin golden in the candlelight. "I feel fine, and I have everything I need right here, you and Lorenzo. Look at him." Kate brushed her fingers across the silky fine hair on the baby's head as Lorenzo reached and grasped her fingers. "Lover, look at him. He’s...perfect. His eyes follow me already. He knows my voice, he knows my blood."
Shade chuckled. "I love seeing you this happy. You are glowing, mi amore. You have given me such a gift, a Prince born of love. It is an historic event and it will change our world. You did well. I love you with heart and soul."
He looked down at the small bundle with his eyes open wide and staring back at him. Reaching over, he carefully removed the blanket and looked at his small frame. "He will be so strong, so brave."
Lorenzo reached out his small hand, grasping his finger. "My little warrior. Do you have any idea how much you are loved? You will rule this kingdom someday, and I will give you all the skills you’ll need. I will protect you with my life. Nothing will take you from me. You are more precious to me than anything. I love you, Lorenzo."
Kate let the tears fall down her cheeks, overcome with emotion. She already felt such love for Shade, she didn't think it was possible to love him more. But now that she held in her arms this life they’d created together, this living, breathing symbol of their love for each other, her heart felt as if it would explode. Her body felt overly full of love as it spilled out of her. She leaned forward, resting her head against Shade as his arms encircled her. She felt his strength and protection for the both of them.
Kate closed her eyes, and saw Lorenzo's future flash before her. She saw his rise to manhood, his power as he stepped into the legacy of the Medici, leading the coven with honor and integrity. She opened her eyes and looked down at the small infant in her arms. She wanted to keep him like this, small and protected. But she knew he was warrior and would take his rightful place beside his father.
"Can you see him, lover? Can you see him as I see him? He can't wait to follow you, to be like you. He’s so eager to begin. I want to cling to him and hold him close, and he wants to follow after you. He already feels the pull. He is warrior."
Tucking a strand of crimson behind her ear, he smiled. "Si, I have taken his blood, I feel him strong inside me already. He is warrior, mi amore. He will learn quickly. The task will be a huge one but one he takes on fully. He will be my shadow in all I do and say. But I also feel something else. I feel his heart soar when he looks at you. His love and devotion to you is overwhelming. You are his love and light as well, just as you are mine. He will be different from me. For one very simple reason, he has both of us to guide him, teach him, and love him. Padre was so damn difficult, I never felt good enough, always that ever present weight on my shoulders. Lorenzo will not feel that from me. Be with him as much as you can, mi amore, because he will grow to be a man before your very eyes. Cherish the moments you have with him. Ouch!"
Shade looked down and Lorenzo had sunk his fangs into his finger and he laughed out loud. "Si, this is my figlio!"
Kate laughed and gripped the baby tighter. "Oh, I’ll not let him out of my sight. He’ll never go unattended. Theresa or I will be with him at all times, until he’s old enough to follow after you. Even then, I'm afraid I’ll worry. Make him strong, Shade. Make him brave and fearless. Make him a powerful warrior who is feared by others, and maybe then, I’ll not worry for him."
"Do not fret. You’ll have two bad ass warriors to look after and attend to. What more could a queen want?"
Looking at her, he could tell she was tired, the birth taking its toll on her. "I would love to lock us in here for weeks, but I think it’s much too uncomfortable and cold for such. I can teleport us into our bed chamber. Theresa can help you with a hot bath. Hell, I need a shower myself. And this little warrior can be with us the remainder of the night and through my death slumber. He will probably need to feed again soon as well. But first, you need to feed. Keep up your strength, mi amore. I still can’t feed from you until Lorenzo is weaned, but I know one damn thing for sure, I can’t wait to taste you again. I have missed you so deeply."
Kate's eyes felt heavy, and her body felt weak. The labor had moved quickly, and her body seemed to have healed, but it took a lot of her energy. Lorenzo took very little from her in his initial feeding, and Kate realized it was more of a bonding experience for both of them. He’d need to feed from her properly soon, so she’d need to feed from Shade.
"Take us back to our room, lover. You can hold our baby while Theresa helps me bathe, and then I will feed from you."
Standing, he lifted her into his arms. "Hold him tight, mi amore."
He teleported them out of the chamber and landed them softly in the bedchamber. Theresa was already waiting their arrival. As she went to run a hot bath, he took Lorenzo from bel and Theresa helped her into the bath. Shade held him firmly and walked with him around the room, his small body curled into his chest, when he heard the loud ringing of bells in the towers all over Florence. Walking to the window, he looked down at his son.
“Do you hear that, Lorenzo? They celebrate your coming. Their Prince has arrived. Per sempre, Medici."
Lorenzo looked up at him, his blue eyes clear and wide. Shade turned, so Lorenzo could see out the window. "All of this will be yours someday. So many have given their lives to make sure it remains Medici. I have spent my life building this for you. I will pass this to you, and you will wear the crown of King. It is a big job, figlio, but I will be right beside you all the way, and together, we will conquer."