He stood in front of the mirror and took a deep breath as he studied the man looking back at him. His dark hair was neatly combed, his face was washed and bright, despite being so nervous the night before that he barely got any sleep. His clothes were clean and pressed.
It was the first time he’d attended a school without a uniform and part of him felt uncomfortable with that after four, no - five years of looking in the mirror and seeing Lycée du Soleil’s hunter green uniform with the gold trim.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no need to be nervous. After all, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t been planning to go to this school since he learned about it. He’d worked towards studying in the empire’s most prestigious university his entire life. The area of study wasn’t exactly what he planned on studying a few years earlier, but then again, many things didn’t happen as planned.
Dimitri tugged the hems of his coat and turned around. He grabbed a new satchel that was on a table by his bedroom door and headed out.
“You’re already leaving?” His mother looked surprised to see him. She was still in her robe with her belly swollen as she was coming out of the room she and his father shared, and furrowed her brows. “So early?”
“It’s bound to be a bit hectic on the first day. I wanted to be prepared for any possible delays,” Dimitri told her with a helpless shrug.
Unlike Lycée, Université was an open campus that allowed for visitors in public areas, like the surrounding grounds and a few buildings. It had few dormitories and they were reserved for students who had difficulty finding lodging off campus; usually students who weren’t local and required financial assistance.
Most students lived off campus, renting nearby homes and flats as groups, or rooms if they were alone. If they were local, they usually just commuted from home, which is what Dimitri planned.
As such, particular times of the day had heavy traffic around the major gates of Université. He’d heard stories of students who were late to their first classes because their carriages couldn’t get to the gates on time and they had to get out and walk to campus. As a backup plan, Dimitri planned to be dropped off at Lycée and then walk to Université, through one of the smaller gates.
His father came out of the room, yawning. He put an arm around his wife and looked his son up and down. Dimitri could see the satisfaction on his father’s face as he was given a nod. “The first day of class for first year Université students is mainly spent receiving syllabus and being told what to expect from your classes. It’s not heavy, but do pay attention.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Lady Agafonova is also in your School of Governance and Public Works. You have her comcry registered, don’t you?” his mother asked.
Dimitri hid his grimace. He had Agafonova’s comcry registered, but he never used it. She’d only registered with him in case he had any questions on the comprehensive Université entrance exam notes he bought from her for a nominal fee. He wasn’t too surprised that he never needed to call her, as she was the top student for her year in Université for a reason.
Her notes were like a guide into scoring high on the exam.
“Yes, Mother.”
His father reached out and patted his shoulder. “Study hard, my boy.” He then helped his pregnant wife down the stairs.
Dimitri held back another sigh and followed them downstairs, going to the foyer instead of the dining room. A carriage he’d arranged was waiting for him outside and he climbed in.
From his house, it was about half an hour until he reached the closest gates to Université. He looked out the window, growing nostalgic for some reason when they passed Lycée and didn’t stop.
He’d spent the last year trying to make sure his trade school would sustain itself smoothly for the next five years and then focused the rest of his remaining energy into preparing for the Université entrance exam. He didn’t have any friends. A few acquaintances, but after he declined the first few invitations to go out or study with them, they stopped inviting him.
Compared to his first few years, he was ignored and a loner.
Countess Guevera met with him several times before his exam. She reviewed his Lycée project with him monthly until he turned in the final report. Afterwards, she’d follow up on his study plan and give him what advice she could whenever he was anxious about his future. Despite all of this, she could only be called more of a counselor than a friend.
In fact, she was much closer to his mother. His mother already had baby furniture built in Cosora’s artisan district gifted to her from the Countess. His mother was seven months along and was looking forward to using the baby furniture. His father was equally excited and Dimitri had often seen his father lovingly caress his mother’s stomach, smiling at the bump and softening his voice when talking to it.
Dimitri wondered if that was how his parents appeared when they were first time parents with him. Their eldest child was now an adult and his parents didn’t expect to have another baby at their age. Still, they were very excited. He was sure that they had higher expectations of his yet-to-be-born sibling than they had of him.
His mother was more encouraging than ever, but his father never did have that same glint of pride in his eyes when he looked at him. Even when Dimitri graduated at the top of his class, his father just gave him one of his satisfied nods, as if the feat were expected. Dimitri didn’t know how to approach his father and compared to their past relationship, they were stiff and at times, awkward.
Dimitri found himself disappointed that his father didn’t treat him the same. His father likely felt he couldn’t, and Dimitri couldn’t blame him.
Constantine had once told him that it may be because his father was concerned that it was his previous attitude towards Dimitri that was the cause of Dimitri’s thoughtless actions and question decisions. It would make sense that his father would not want the past to repeat itself, so he was more distant and formal with his son.
Dimitri really couldn’t find it in himself to be upset with his father. He knew what he did. He knew what he put his parents, who had always loved and supported him, though. If he were his father, all the love he’d have for his son might not have been enough to forgive him.
There were nights where Dimitri wondered what he could’ve done differently. Where did it start to go wrong? Why did he do what he did?
Agafonova had literally punched it into him that he was responsible for his own actions, but he couldn’t ignore that his relationship with Alessa Hart had a negative effect.
It was such an innocent friendship. He admired her and had some feelings of ‘puppy love’, as it was called.
But had he lost his mind pushing things for her sake? For some meager benefit that he could give her? He’d lost his temper with others, cut corners, and refused responsibility. That wasn’t like him.
In the end, he was nearly held back a year and spent months of his life depressed and then trying to get his life together. He almost wrecked his parents’ marriage, as well as nearly ruined his father’s political career.
At first, he couldn’t help but be upset that while he had been suspended for a year and held back, Alessa had returned to school and continued on the path to graduating on time.
Then he found out that she had been involved with a traitor.
It was his father who told him.
Alessa may have caused him some anguish, but Dimitri didn’t think she could be a traitor. That was a heavy hat to wear.
In addition, his father told him not to speak of it. The exact details of her treachery and the person she colluded with were carefully guarded by the imperial family.
Then he asked Constantine if he knew what happened to Alessa Hart.
Constantine had gone quiet. He lowered his eyes and seemed to hesitate before quietly telling Dimitri that it was not his place to say, but if he really wanted to know, he should ask the Countess. So, Dimitri called her.
His heart had sunk.
Dimitri had swallowed hard and sat in his chair, in his bedroom, listening to Countess Guevera tell him that Alessa had lured the second prince out with the intention of capturing him. It was under the illusion that doing so was saving Prince Gideon from the Countess, who was believed to be the one plotting against the empire.
Alessa unknowingly assisted a foreign power to nearly kill Prince Gideon and invade the empire from within.
If that wasn’t terrifying enough, Agafonova commandeered the call and told him that the Countess almost died, and at the time of the call, had still not recovered to her full crystal strength.
Dimitri wasn’t sure what was more terrifying, that he had a friendly relationship with Alessa at one point and could’ve easily unknowingly helped her assist in destroying the empire, or that Countess Guevera killed several thousand enemy soldiers by collapsing an entire cave system.
It was good that she didn’t hate him.
Thank goodness his mother absolutely loved the Countess and that the Countess liked his mother, otherwise, who knew where he’d end up. His family had dutifully served the empire for generations. He’d deserve to die if he was involved.
As for Alessa, he found out that through her father’s lobbying, they were given the choice of bloodline termination. He’d never heard of it and had assumed that Alessa would be executed, if not already dead, as he had lost track of her. Dimitri had gone to look up what bloodline termination was: an obscure, ancient punishment that made any family with significant wealth and power cold with fear.
If it were him, he would’ve advocated for death so as not to get his family involved, no matter what his family wanted.
After finding out what happened, he hadn’t been able to sleep for two nights.
He had to force himself to refocus his energy on keeping up his strength and pushing forward. Fate had somehow spared him from death and destruction. He needed to take advantage of his time and do good. Only then could his lingering guilt be somewhat quelled.
That was part of the reason his chosen area of study was public works and policy. Not necessarily on a grand scale, like the Chamber, but more community-based, focusing on improvement driven by the people most in need and affected by policy and change. When he told his parents, his mother was supportive, as always, but his father had looked surprised.
His father had given him another satisfied nod, but Dimitri had caught the redness in his eyes, as if he were relieved.
It just so happened that Agafonova was studying something similar. She was studying two things: business and public works. It was a hefty task to focus on one area of study, but Agafonova was apparently excelling in both.
At least, that’s what his mother claimed. Dimitri couldn’t help but be envious.
Excelling in such a way should’ve come naturally to him. Now, he felt as if he were constantly trying to catch up.
A part of him didn’t think he ever would, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try.
Countess Guevera was right: there were plenty of ways for him to do good for the people of Soleil without becoming a Prime Minister.
The carriage he was on came to a stop. Dimitri peered out the window and saw the iron fence that went around the main campus of Université.
“Sir, I’m afraid there is a line of carriages and it will take some time before we reach the gate,” the driver’s voice came from a light blue crystal embedded into the wall across from him. His mother got a discount having it installed in the delta.
Dimitri moved to the bench across from his seat and touched the crystal. “How long will it take until we get to the gate?”
He heard the driver let out a small hiss. “I’d say another fifteen minutes. There are quite a few carriages in line.”
Dimitri furrowed his brows and thought for a moment. “I’m not far from campus, I’ll get off here. My father still needs the carriage for work.”
“Yes, sir,” the driver said.
Dimitri collected his satchel, slinging it over his body, as the footman jumped from his seat to open the door while they were still stopped.
“What time should we come to retrieve you, young sir?” the man asked.
“I am not sure. I will go to the plaza to hire a carriage to bring me home when I am done for today.”
The footman nodded and Dimitri headed towards campus, walking along the raised pavement beside the road. It seemed that many other students had this idea, as a few were also coming out of their carriages to walk to the gates.
Just as he entered the massive double iron gates that had metal seals of the school on them along with the long marble slab to one said that said ‘Université du Soleil’, a voice called out to him.
“Dimitri! Good luck on your first day here!”
Dimitri turned around at the sound of the man’s voice and felt an unexpected surge of relief. “Constantine, good morning. Do you have morning classes?”
“Yes, but I’m going in early to do some work. There are numerous pieces that need identification and mild restoration done at the museum and we’re short on staff,” Constantine said with a friendly smile. He reached Dimitri’s side and walked through the gates with him. “I’m going to sort some pieces so I can focus on the simple identification and restoration. Montan can focus on the translations on any of the pieces when he arrives.”
Dimitri tilted his head to the side. “Montan Alvere also works at the museum?”
“It’s not paid work...at least not monetary,” Constantine replied. “It’s for experience and credits. Montan’s brother made him quit working as a game master at Duel so he could focus on his preparation for studying abroad next year.”
“He’ll study abroad?” Dimitri looked surprised. Only students in specific areas of study could do that, as there was a large benefit to exposure elsewhere. “What is he studying?”
“Ancient languages, but he specializes in Old Sulfae,” Constantine told him. “He and I will be going to Nazaria next year.”
Dimitri’s brows shot up, impressed. “You’re going, too?” He shouldn’t have been surprised. He knew that Constantine was studying antiquities, and Nazaria was brimming with them.
Constantine smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’ll get hands-on experience. If I do well, I’ll be able to stay with the research team for another year afterwards.”
“I see...well...congratulations.”
Constantine laughed. “I haven’t done so yet.” He checked his time piece and gave Dimitri a nod. “I go in that direction.”
Dimitri nodded in return. “My class is this way. I hope to see you around campus.”
“Not just campus! We often have dinner nearby and study. If you find studying on campus boring, join us.”
Us being not only him, but the Countess and the rest of her little circle, Dimitri was sure. He forced a polite smile and nodded, though had no intention of taking him up on the invitation. “Thank you, I may just do that.” He would not.
Constantine likely only said it to be polite.
♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡
“No, look up Imperial Local Ordinances, volume 103, under the central region,” Albert Martin said in a firm, convinced voice as he slapped his hand on the large table. “It says ‘taxes from the local area should have 10% set aside for local infrastructure’.”
“It’s talking about roads and public waterway maintenance to prevent flooding and such!” Agafonova sounded equally convinced. “Plumbing is considered private, so taxes paid to the empire can’t be used for it.”
Dimitri sat at the far end of the table, his eyes going from Albert to Agafonova in silence, finding the entire situation surreal. He’d come at Constantine’s insistence after rejecting the offer to study and have dinner with them so many times. What made him agree this time? Was it a lapse in judgment? Did he really need a place to study for the upcoming exams? He could’ve waited until he got home, couldn’t he?
Yet, there he was, to one side of a dinner table with company he least expected. Albert was studying imperial policy, both empire-wide and local. He argued with such determination that Dimitri couldn’t question him, even knowing that his opponent was Agafonova.
“There is only one way to settle this,” Albert said with narrowed eyes.
Henrik let out a tired breath and rubbed his forehead. “Please don’t call-” “Call Piers du Soleil!” Albert almost shouted into his comcry. Agafonova didn’t stop him, but rather looked haughty, as if she’d already won.
Dimitri watched Albert’s comcry glow and pulse once...twice....
“What is it, Albert?” His Imperial Highness Prince Piers answered on the third pulse. He didn’t sound angry or happy. He almost sounded resigned.
“Your Highness, regarding public water works in the central region....” Albert went on to explain the issue and then stated his point of view and Agafonova’s fairly. When he was done, he looked at Agafonova, as if asking if she had anything to add. Agafonova scoffed and crossed her arms.
“You’re both correct,” Prince Piers replied in an even, emotionless voice. “Albert is correct in that piping for a village or town is considered local infrastructure. However, Lady Ilyana is also correct, in that when a private individual or entity wishes to connect to public sources of water, including connecting to an existing pipe system, for purely private use, such as in a private residence, the allocated taxes cannot be used. The private individual or entity must pay for the connecting work themselves during construction or any repairs to that system should they purchase an existing lot for private use.”
Albert and Agafonova went quiet. They looked at each other.
“All right, that’s fair,” Agafonova said.
“Yes,” Albert nodded. “Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.”
Prince Piers didn’t say good-bye. He just ended the call, and the study session Dimitri had found himself in continued on. Constantine had invited him to study at his flat, neglecting to tell Dimitri that his flat was a room in a large house where the Countess lived.
And where Countess Guevera lived, so did Agafonova.
Every time he saw her, he could feel a sort of phantom pain on his face, as if in warning that at any moment, Agafonova would strike him again. Her sharp look at him didn’t help him calm down.
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“I was wondering why I could hear yelling outside. I should put silence charms in the dining area.” Countess Guevera walked in through one of the double doors that led out to the courtyard. She must’ve cut across from the stables.
From her casual clothing, pants and a thick buttoned up shirt, along with a rolling case of crystals, she must’ve come from Université. From what Dimitri knew, she was focusing on crystals, but also doing minor studies in governance and ancient text. Last year, she had been studying abroad in Nazaria for several months and all her calls checking on him in preparation for the exam had been made from there.
Dimitri had been moved by her kindness. She was so busy, yet took time to force him to study.
“We had a question and Albert and I disagreed on how to handle it,” Agafonova said as she returned to her seat.
The Countess rolled her crystal case against the wall and walked towards the long dining table that sat at least a dozen people. It was where the house residents, students, knights, and nobility alike, would go to eat, as the kitchen was right next to it. There was a couple who cooked for and managed the house, he learned.
Apparently, the cook’s mother was the Crown Prince’s former nanny and owner of Cafe Fortuna. No wonder the snacks he was eating tasted familiar.
“Ah, if it is for community use and for infrastructure that will support local functions in villages with over a hundred people, including commercial and industrial use, then the taxes will be used. If it is a private home on the same street with no other function, than the owners have to pay for it,” Countess Guevera said as she looked over the problem they’d come across. “We had that issue in the delta, and the council, Kasey, and I were meticulous in organizing the guidelines so there would be as little confusion in the future as possible.”
“Nothing beats hands on experience,” another voice said from the doorway. A man in work clothes came in after holding the door open for two women.
“What’s Guthry doing here?” Sonia Vissage narrowed her eyes at him and Dimitri tried not to shrink back.
“I invited him to study,” Constantine said. “At this time of the year, finding space to study on campus is difficult.”
Sonia let out a small snort and looked around. “Well, I thought dinner was going to be served, so we came.”
“My lady, dinner will be served soon,” a woman in her thirties seemed to rush out of the kitchen. “May I ask the guests and residents to clear the table so that we may serve the food?”
“Of course,” Henrik said with a nod. He began to clean up, as did the others around the table.
The Countess continued to stand by the chair at the head of the table. “By the way, Guthry, this is Lady Claire James. She is Sonia’s fiancée.”
Dimitri stood up to properly greet her and congratulate her. He looked towards Sonia. “Miss Vissage, congratulations. I didn’t know you were engaged.”
“I didn’t tell you.”
“Sonia.” Her brother gave her a light scold and she scoffed and helped Lady Claire to her chair.
Dimitri awkwardly returned to his seat. There was a vacant chair to his side, so JP took it. “Do you and your sister live here, as well?” Dimitri asked. He used to be so good at casual talk, and now he felt as if he were grasping at straws to try to make conversation and lessen any awkwardness.
JP shook his head once. “No, but the school for animal care Sonia and I attend is currently doing training work with the animals on campus at Université, so when we have late days, Tori has us stay over so we don’t have to go all the way back to the Eleventh District.”
“And I am here to deliver some paperwork to the Countess from Viclya,” Miss James added.
“You work at the delta?”
“Yes, in the joint planning committee pool,” Miss James told him. “What are you studying here?”
“Governance and policy at a local level,” Dimitri replied. Small talk regarding his studies he could do. It was something he was often asked and he had a small script prepared for such an occasion.
Miss James nodded. “Then, if that is the case, you should try to find an internship or practical training, as you will be working with both lawmakers and the community.”
Dimitri gave her a nod in return. That was something he already knew and needed to figure out. If it were the old him, he would simply go to his father for assistance, but since the incident, he felt it would be best to seek necessary assistance and opportunities elsewhere.
He would be lying if he pretended it had nothing to do with keeping his personal relationship with his father separate from his career. He didn’t want to incriminate his father again because of his dependence. Even if it was more work on his part, Dimitri would rather seek assistance apart from his father.
Unfortunately, family friends and acquaintances knew about what had happened at the orphanage; some were even present when the collapse happened. Knowing that he was involved and made some bad decisions made them hesitant to reach out to him as they would have in the past.
“Hands-on experience is very important and I plan to look into such opportunities for this summer come winter break,” Dimitri replied. From what he learned from speaking to faculty and peers, most openings for part time work in the summer started to be offered in winter so the employer had time to properly interview candidates and select them accordingly.
It was also a period where students were on break, so it was easier for them to attend the interviews. He’d also heard that many people had to go through multiple rounds, especially when it was in a government-related position.
“Have you considered the Cosora Delta?” Miss James asked. Beside her, Sonia perked up and quickly shook her head. Miss James flushed and averted her eyes.
Dimitri put on an empty smile. It wasn’t that he didn’t consider it. In fact, he did. It was just that it was his mother who brought it up. Dimitri wasn’t sure how she found out; if the Countess told her or if she knew others who had children interning at the Cosora Delta, but his mother was confident that he would be accepted if he applied.
He almost wanted to laugh at his mother’s trust in him. Perhaps he could understand it when he was younger, but now, not so much. He was far from perfect and dared not stand out too much.
“The delta does have open positions for Université students. You can go to Henrik’s travel center or the Lunar Pavilion to get an application,” the Countess said. “With a growing county, we are hoping to train the next generation of community leaders that can stand by and support us.”
Dimitri nodded. “What is the likelihood of me getting in?” “There are five positions,” she replied as she took a seat now that the table was cleared. “And it depends how many people apply. This would be our first summer running the program.”
“But preference is given to delta residents.” Agafonova didn’t forget to remind him.
This was a bit deflating. Of course, it made sense as delta residents would likely work and remain in the delta after they finish their schooling. They were home growing their future leaders.
“Yes, but how many delta residents meet the other requirements?” Henrik asked with a raised brow. “Must be a current student at an approved university, they must at least have one full year of school, and they need two recommendations. Then the approved participants will have their interviews.”
“There aren’t any delta residents outside of us, enrolled in Université, but there are a few in professional schools.”
JP shook his head at his sister. “If they’re in a professional school, such as we are, then how would they qualify? We’re studying a completely different subject matter.”
“Your chances look quite good,” Constantine told Dimitri. “You should apply.”
“And it’s a blind application process to begin with, so he’ll be judged on his application first. There are different positions in different departments, so read the application packet carefully,” the Countess told him.
Dimitri nodded and took a seat. Constantine already invited him to eat as well as study and said he cleared it with Countess Guevera first, so he knew he could join them. If not, he would’ve excused himself the moment the Countess returned so as not to embarrass himself as unwanted company.
Studying was one thing, but to eat their food? He knew where he stood with them.
The meal was served and the table was loud. There were several conversations going on at once regarding schoolwork, the delta, animals, and the Countess’ upcoming travel to Varsha, where she’d spend several months studying at a sister university.
Once more, Dimitri felt as if he were struggling to keep up, though there was no competition.
Halfway through the meal, JP did a double take. “Your comcry is glowing.”
Dimitri looked down at his pocket and saw the light coming through the fabric. He nodded and politely excused himself from the table to take the call from the family’s maid.
He walked to the corner and tried to contain his worry. The maid wouldn’t call unless it was something urgent. His mind immediately thought something terrible had happened and he tried his best not to let his voice shake when he answered.
“Young master, the madam has started labor.” Dimitri staggered back,
“Already? But...but we had another week!” Part of him knew that the estimated time wouldn’t always be correct. It was an estimate after all, but his heart still shot to his throat and he gasped. “I’ll be home in a moment! Did you already call my father?”
“Yes, young master, he is also returning at once.”
Dimitri ended the call and shoved his comcry in his pocket. He turned around, flustered . “Thank you for dinner! I should go now.”
“So soon?” Albert asked with a raised brow. He looked towards Dimitri’s plate. “You’re not finished.”
“It’s urgent.”
The Countess’ lips tightened a bit and the corners pulled down. “Is something wrong?” The rowdy dinner table went quiet and all eyes were on him.
Dimitri swallowed hard. “I...I have to go.” He couldn’t seem to wrap his head around the question. He turned and headed towards the door, only to be stopped by Constantine.
Constantine motioned his hand towards the bag on the floor. “Don’t forget your things.”
“Right! That’s right!” He flushed and almost stumbled over his feet to get to his bags. As he snatched it and slung it over his shoulder, he rushed to the door and stopped. He looked back at the table. “Which plaza is closer? I need to hire a carriage back home.”
There was urgency in his voice and the others must’ve realized it. Constantine tilted his head. “Are you sure everything is all right?”
“Yes! Everything is fine! It’s just that my family’s maid just called and my mother is going to have the baby-”
Before he could say any more, the Countess was on her feet. “Come. I’ll have one of our drivers take you back. It’ll be faster than walking all the way to the plaza and then trying to flag a carriage down.”
Dimitri nodded as the tightness in his chest loosened. “Thank you, my lady!”
She gave him a shake of her head and swept out the door. Before they reached the stables and the carriage house, she had yelled and two men began preparing a small carriage.
“This is SIG Three, it’s smaller than the others and faster,” she said. “Hurry home and support your mother. She’s no longer a young woman and complications at her age are common.”
“Yes, the doctor has been monitoring my mother carefully, even coming to our home to check on her throughout her pregnancy. Midwives are also on standby.”
“Good,” she said. She reached into her pocket and fished out a smooth lump of dark green with red and gold flecks. “For strength and stamina during childbirth. Give it to your mother. It’s charged and will feed her energy if she can’t bring herself to eat or drink.”
Once more, Dimitri wanted to bow his head and thank her. His eyes reddened and he nodded as he accepted the crystal as if it were an honor. “Thank you, Countess.”
She didn’t hold him back. He got into the carriage and went home.
♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡・・・・・・♡
He’d left the large house across from Université as soon as he could, but it was a busy period in the city, when everyone was returning home and running errands on the way there. The streets were crowded with carriages and horses. Dimitri looked out the window, bouncing his leg as he sat and restraining himself from asking why it was taking so long.
He wouldn’t feel comfortable until he was at home and could see the situation with his own eyes.
He’d been at home when the doctor visited and the entire household knew that his mother, due to her age, needed to be cautious. Even if she brought the child to full term, there could be complications, as the Countess warned him. His father had hired the best midwives they could find and was going to have one of them move into the house in case his mother went into labor early.
It would take time for help to arrive, but a second could mean the difference between life and death for a mother and child.
The more he thought about it, the more anxious Dimitri became.
While he respected and admired his father, it was his mother who was his greatest backer. She loved and supported him at his worst and pushed him to be a better person. If something happened to her....
He didn’t want to think of the heart wrenching possibility. He only wanted to focus on supporting his mother and her having a smooth birth.
By the time he reached his house, the midwives and a female doctor were already on hand. The midwives were running around preparing hot water, supplies, and carefully monitoring her. The birthing room was on the ground floor in what used to be a small drawing room that had been converted in preparation for the event.
Pregnancy was exhausting and dangerous, so birthing rooms were almost always on the ground floor as it was easier to get to. No one got stuck on the stairs and if his mother had complications and was weakened after the birth, then she needn’t concern herself with going up and down stairs. It was also easier to transport people out of the house, should a fire happen when they were most vulnerable.
Dimitri hastily thanked the driver of SIG Three and ran into the house. His eyes swept across the foyer and halls. He saw midwives walking swiftly with towels and jugs of hot water.. They dashed past him and he pasted himself against the corner to stay out of their way. No one stopped to greet him or ask who he was. They had one job and all their focus was on it.
The tense energy in the air was palpable.
He tried to take as little space as possible in the hall as he made his way to the parlor, where he’d seen a fleeting glimpse of his father as the older man paced within. His father ran his hand through is graying black hair, ruffling it further.
He was wearing a suit, though the jacket had been tossed across the sofa back. He crossed the room, by the entrance, his arms going up and down as if he had no idea what to do with them. His brow creased with worry and every so often, he glanced towards the door.
As soon as he made contact with his son’s eyes, his brows shot up and he was making steps towards him.
“Dimitri, you’re home! Good!”
“Yes, I was called shortly after you. How is she? Is the birth imminent?” Since the midwives were all still running out around with clean cloth and water, it was likely that she didn’t have the baby yet.
“The midwives say she’s fine, but she must be watched carefully. So many things could go wrong at her age.” His father’s voice trembled as he reached his son and put his hand on his shoulder. “Don’t be nervous; everything will be fine.”
As he said that, Dimitri could feel his father trembling. The other man’s eyes were red and he kept looking over Dimitri’s shoulder, towards the other side of the hall.
“Father, have you been pacing this entire time?” Dimitri lifted his hand and carefully pried his father’s hand off his shoulder and tried to steer him towards the seats. “It’s not good for you to pace like this. If Mother knew you were in such a state, it would only add to her worries.”
His father gave a vague nod of his head. “Yes...yes, you’re right.” His father lifted a hand and ran it through his tousled hair once more. “I shouldn’t worry your mother. She is working so hard....”
Dimitri stayed by his father’s side, making sure he was steady before helping him take a seat. His father kept a firm grip on his forearm. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to bring something to Mother.”
“Don’t stay too long. We don’t want to get in the way of the midwives.”
“I understand.” Dimitri stepped back, trying to pry his father’s nervous grip from his arm before rushing out of the parlor. He wove through the hall to get to the birthing room, but was stopped by the maid.
“I’m sorry, young master, but there are too many people and only those necessary should be inside,” the maid said.
Dimitri’s face tightened. He reached into his pocket and fished out the crystal he’d been given. “Then, please give this to my mother. It is from Countess Guevera for safety in childbirth.”
A thoughtful look crossed the old maid’s face before she took the crystal and nodded. “I will give it to her, young master. Don’t worry. Your mother will be fine.”
Dimitri really hoped so. He lingered outside the door for a bit longer until the maid came out and confirmed that she’d given the crystal to his mother. He let out a low, relieved breath, as if a weight had been lifted from him.
Mother will be all right.... He thought this to himself over and over as he returned to the parlor to wait. His shaken father remained seated on the armchair. “Father.”
His father raised his head. “I’m worried about your mother.”
“I know. I am as well. We’re all doing what we can,” Dimitri said as he sat across on the sofa. “Mother is stronger than she looks.”
His father shook his head. “It is because she is so strong that I worry. Worry that she will push herself too far.” He drew his lips inward. “I don’t know what I’d do without Miriam....” His voice was faint and trembled. “If the gods are merciful, they will not take her from me yet.”
Dimitri didn’t know what else to say. The labor could take hours and neither he nor his father could focus on anything else. Outside, the sun had already set, and if the maid hadn’t come to turn on the light crystals, the father and son would’ve remained sitting in the dark.
“Master, Young Master, someone has delivered a meal,” the old maid looked hopeful as she carried a heating container the size of a picnic basket.
Dimitri furrowed his brows and his father frowned. “We didn’t order any food.”
Dimitri was fairly certain eating was the last thing on both their minds.
“It is from Crescent Sky sent over by Countess Guevera,” the old maid said. “According to the delivery man, there are boxed dinners for everyone and nourishing soup for the madam.”
“Quickly!” His father sat up straight. “Take the soup to my wife-” A pained scream, muffled as it was, pierced the silence of the house and Dimitri watched his father pale. “Miriam-”
Before he could shoot out of his seat, Dimitri grasped his arm and pulled him back down. “Father, it may be time. We can’t get in the way.”
“I will see to the madam!” Frantic, the old maid placed the heating container on the coffee table and abandoned it without another thought.
Dimitri’s father lowered his head, his hands gripping the arms of his seat. “Gods, let her be safe. Gods, let her safe....”
Dimitri could only pray in his mind. His mother’s screaming chilled him and all the voices of the midwives and doctor could not drown out her cries.
After an unknown amount of time, the screaming seemed to fade. Dimitri lifted his head and looked towards the door, his heart hanging.
“Master! Young master!” The old maid rushed out, red faced with tears in her eyes. “The madam has a healthy son!”
Both Dimitri and his father let out their breaths. Dimitri slumped back against the sofa, but his father still seemed to want to get up and race to his wife.
“And Miriam? How is she?”
The old man laughed through her smile. “She is exhausted, but well. The doctor is checking her right now.”
“Sarah!” One of the midwives came out, carrying a basin carrying red water. “The madam is very weak! Quickly, you must prepare something for her to eat.”
Dimitri sat up. He eyed the heating container. “Is soup all right? We were sent nourishing soup from the Countess!”
“Yes, soup is easy to drink and digest,” the midwife said before she carried the basin to the kitchen.
The maid’s hands were quick and she opened the heating container and removed metal pot of sorts. It was still warm and the maid went to get a spoon. A bowl would only waste time; the madam wouldn’t care about eating from the pot directly. After all, the food was from Crescent Sky.
As the midwife passed with a basin of clean hot water, Dimitri’s father stood up. “Can I see my wife?”
“In a moment, sir. We are still cleaning her and the baby. Someone will call you when they are ready.”
Dimitri watched his father begin to pace once more. He’d used up all his patience already waiting for his wife.
Dimitri was fidgeting in his seat as well. Time seemed to pass painfully slow and every time he checked his time piece only a few seconds had passed. He frowned. How was this possible?
At last, one of the midwives came out.
“The sirs may visit the madam.”
They nearly ran past her. Dimitri’s heart was racing. His father was faster than he thought and entered the birthing room before he could.
The light crystals were on and the windows were open just a bit to air out the room. There was a scent of blood and herbs in the air. It seemed that the midwives had cleaned up the area and his mother.
The woman with a pale face and shadows beneath her eyes was leaning back against a stack of pillows on the bed, smiling as she held a tiny red ball wrapped in soft cotton blankets in her arms. Sarah was dutifully seated by her bed, feeding her spoonful after spoonful of nourishing soup. His mother was distracted, though, and had to be called when being fed.
Dimitri’s father had slowed as he entered, his eyes fixed on mother and child.
“Miriam....”
“Charles.” The woman looked up and a brilliant smile filled her face. “A son. We have another son.” She lifted the bundle in her arms just a bit. “Come and see him.”
Dimitri stood back so that his father could take up the other side of the bed and see his new son. The older man was careful and extended his hand to touch the child’s head, but hesitated, afraid that he’d hurt him.
“He is tiny....”
“He’s a newborn,” his mother chuckled. She looked down at the child fondly. “I think he looks like you.”
His father let out a laugh, his eyes crinkled with mirth. “A bit too soon to decide on that when he’s as wrinkled as a prune, isn’t it?”
The couple chuckled.
“We should decide on a name to register the baby.”
Dimitri wondered what his new sibling would be named. He’d heard his parents discussing it over and over. They’d discussed names of various scholars and what names were currently popular, as when the child entered school, they didn’t want their child to share their name with a dozen other children.
Dimitri wondered if his parents agonized over his name, as well, before he was born.
“If he were a girl, I wanted to name her after the Countess,” his mother sighed. Dimitri held back a small laugh.
Somehow, he expected that after what Countess Guevera did for him and his family.
“Don’t let him hear you be disappointed,” his father said with an amused smile. He lifted his hand and gently stroked back his wife’s hair, which was still damp with sweat. “What about Viktor?”
“Hmm...do you think that name will be too popular in the coming years? There was a wave of Matthews and Philips when the Emperor was married.”
“I think it should be fine.” His father looked up towards their son. “Dimitri, what do you think of the name?”
Dimitri chewed on his lower lip for a moment. He furrowed his brows. “Whatever name you pick will be good.”
His mother giggled. “Then, come here and see your brother - Viktor.”
Dimitri smiled. “First finish your soup and then I’ll get closer. You’ve worked hard, Mother. You need to replenish your strength to take care of Viktor.”
His mother’s loving gaze only softened more so.
Dimitri stood at the foot of the bed, waiting for his mother to finish at least half of the soup provided. They could reheat the rest, but he didn’t know when she last ate, and childbirth was a draining experience from what he’d heard and seen.
He watched his family in front of him. His father was seated on the edge of the bed beside his mother, his large hand touching the faint dark hairs on the baby’s head. His mother alternated from staring affectionately at her newborn to turning her head to take another sip of soup from the spoon.
They looked like such an ideal family.
Nothing like the strained trio that they were a few years prior.
Dimitri felt his hands grow cold. Perhaps this was his parents’ chance at a fresh start.
His heart began to tighten and he resisted the urge to raise his hand and rub against it. Was he jealous? How could he be jealous?
He held back a frown, but his brows couldn’t be stopped from creasing.
He was a grown man; it wasn’t as if he were a child who was losing his parents’ attention or didn’t want to share it with a new sibling. That was ridiculous.
Dimitri swallowed hard.
It was ridiculous...but as he watched his parents pour their affection and attention on to the latest addition to their family, he suddenly felt as if that was all he was doing, watching. An unexpected distance appeared between them and it had nothing to do with being a few paces away, at the foot of the bed.
The child in his mother’s arms was his baby brother. He carried the same blood. As the older brother, he should’ve felt protective.
“Hah! Look how strong he is! He’s already trying to grasp my finger, this little brat,” his father said with a hearty laugh.
“Maybe he knows you’re his father and wants to get close to you,” his mother said with a thoughtful smile.
His father beamed and a proud glint appeared in his eyes that Dimitri hadn’t seen for some time.
Despite himself, despite the logic, a sourness swept over him as his chest ached.
All the baby had done so far was be born, and it wasn’t even up to him. It was their mother who did all the work.
And yet, his father looked at his new brother with such hope and pride.
Hope and pride that he’d once given to Dimitri.
He lowered his eyes and let his dark bangs fall over his face to hide any semblance of disapproval or irritation. No matter what he felt, he knew if his parents saw a negative expression on him, it would lower the mood of the happy event and possibly upset his parents.
His mother was exhausted. His father was happy. They didn’t need him to depress them.
“Dimitri, switch places with me and see your brother,” his father said, cutting through his pained thoughts.
Dimitri swallowed once more. How could he feel like this? This was his family. He loved his family. He loved his brother. Since he found out his mother was pregnant, he’d been looking forward to the birth. He’d been the one to tell the Countess, and went out of his way to learn as much as possible so he could support his mother who had supported him.
Just minutes ago, his heart was hanging, hoping for the best; that both mother and baby were healthy and safe. He didn’t understand where that feeling went now that he saw his parents with the baby. Having Viktor was a blessing, wasn’t it? At least now, his parents could have a child who didn’t ruin their own future. A child who didn’t implicate the family and had been close to a traitor. Wasn’t that a good thing?
He took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face as he lifted his eyes.
“Sure,” he said, hoping that his parents didn’t notice that his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve waited so long to meet him.”