A Hunter's Curse (Closed o/o with Nyx)

"Okay." Nathaniel whispered, his jaw quivering as the inflection of Ember's voice startled him. It was only going to be three days. How long could that be in his mind? A month?

And that day was, in fact, fourth months ago. Nathaniel had recovered by now, studying in his study. He wrote strange words in the black book that almost took his life. But now, things were simple. It was more like a family lifestyle than one of a king and queen. Nathaniel hadn't changed a bit, par Ember's request. The only alarming thing about him was his look of exhaustion. He hadn't slept well the previous night, struggling to not fall asleep at his desk. Nathaniel had started to nod off, his head leaning off to the side.

Nathaniel shook his head, trying to keep himself awake. He couldn’t help but look at Ember and smile. He turned his attention back to the book, neatly closing it and putting head down at the table. It was a sleepy, drowsy day. He wanted to go back to bed, and that’s he did. Yawning, he stood up and went to go back to sleep.

Nathaniel sleepily rubbed his eyes, flinching and Ember wrapped her arms around him. “Be careful when standing up sweetheart..” He murmured. “But I’m going to go catch up on some sleep. I’m very tired. Maybe you should to.” With a little stretch, he opened the door and took Ember’s hand. “Come along, sweetheart.”

Nathaniel rubbed her hand. “I just wasn’t expecting you to wrap your arms around me. It’s okay..” He paused. “But I am going to worry about you, you’re pregnant after all..” He led her to their room, yawning as he opened the door. Nathaniel let go of her hand, collapsing onto the bed. “That’s alright with me. As long as you’re careful.”

Nathaniel straightened himself out, laying on his back, his eyes drooping. "Don't do anything too wild. I don't need you hurting yourself- or worse… Stressing yourself out." He closed his eyes, breathing softly. "I worry about you when you're away from me. What if you need something and I'm not there?" He slipped his shoes off his his feet, climbing under the covers. He opened his eyes. "But every dress you wear looks gorgeous on you and really shows your cute little baby bump." He moved the came up behind her, kissing her neck.

Nathaniel smiled, listening to her words as she spoke. “I’m just being cautious. You know I worry about you.” He placed his hand on her stomach. “And the child. Can’t you tell I’ve been protective as of late?” He wrapped his arms around her. “Yes, there have been no interruptions, no stressors, and everything’s been well.” Pulling her closer to him, he kissed the top of her head. “I don’t have to go, I’m just cautious. But why do you tend to wear more dresses now? I’ve noticed this slow transition.” He leaned in to kiss the hallow of her neck, looking up at her before kissing her neck again. “I love you too.”

Nathaniel closed his eyes, letting Ember lean on his chest. “I just— I want to make sure you’re in good health. I need to make sure there are no complications. I have a lot of scenarios in my mind that could play out. My reason to stress is because I don’t want to loose either of you.” He nuzzled into her neck. “But we already a nursery that was set up previously in the past. No one bothered to take anything down. It’s all neutrals” He took his hands off her belly, rubbing her arms. “Understandable. And dresses are more flexible than any other piece of clothing.” He smiled, kissing the top of her head. “I have a million names floating around in my head for the little one when the time gets closer.”

Nathaniel sighed. “If you say there will be no problems, I believe you.” He placed his hands back on her belly, closing his eyes, seeing if he could feel the baby move. He smiled when she kissed him, placing his head in the crook of her neck. “Alright..but I want to help too.” He pouted. “I want to set up the nursery too.. but I can tell the maids to help you. They’re just scared you’ll be mean. Unfortunately, my grandparents weren’t so nice..” He lifted his head up, taking a hand away to place it on her head. “I don’t mind if it’s either, but I kinda want a little boy.”

Nathaniel ran his fingers through her hair. “Alright, alright! I believe you, Ember. Everything will be alright. I have no reason to judge your judgement.” His eyes sparked with excitement. “Really? I can help!” It was a little silly that he was excited over such a little thing, but he wanted to help set up his child’s room. He was excited to be a dad. “I’m just— I wanted to be a father so bad.” He nuzzled into her neck, taking in her scent of honey. “The maids are just— how do I say this..? Traumatized.. but I can’t really do anything about it.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Really? You think it’s a girl? Well, sometimes mother’s can tell the gender— it’s strange to me, but-“ He shrugged. “How do you like the name Roselyn for a girl?”

(I am basically god lol. I just picked a random name from my list of irrelevant OC’s)

“I love you too, Ember.” Nathaniel kissed her back on the cheek, leaning his head on her shoulder. “Yay! I like helping! I can decorate the nursery with so many exciting things! I have some nice things in storage!!!” He was like an excited puppy, yapping a mile per minute. “It is very very exciting! I cant wait!” He played with her hair and fixed her dress. His suit was getting somewhat crumbled from her cling to him, but that was okay! He lived for these moments with his wife. “I can’t wait to see our little on too, but we have five more months before then.” He gave her another kiss. “And is glad you like that name. It’s my one favorite names for a baby girl.”

Nathaniel was surprised by her sudden kissing, making a few soft sounds as she planted kisses along his neck. He wrapped his arms around her. "I am adorable? First time I've heard that, but I am excited to set up the nursery, Ember. I'm excited to have a baby and be a helpful father. That's why I am so enthusiastic." He kissed her back. "I love you too, my queen." He smiled at her, not expecting her next move. His face grew red when she pushed him down onto the bed, and it grew redder with the more kisses she planted. "You need to be careful, Ember. Five months will go by in a flash, and we'll be holding our baby. I promise."

Nathaniel’s face grew redder as she continued to kiss on him. He might explode from affection. “Now don’t explode on me, Ember.” He smiled, holding Ember loosely. She was acting like a cat, nuzzling against him to mark him with her scent. He was a piece of her territory. He cupped her cheeks and kisses her. “You are also adorable! You’re cuter than me. Can you believe it? I’m not that cute.” Nathaniel let go of her face, pressing a kiss to her neck. “I’m sorry dear, I didn’t mean to stomp out your fun. Please, continue as you wish. I love when you show me affection.”

“I know, I know! But still no exploding. It’s rude.” He smiled, wrapping his arms around her back. “Nooo, I’m not as cute as you, my love. You are so enthusiastic and sweet. You get so excited over over child, it’s adorable.” He looked at her ears and started to play with one. “And look, your body is starting to change. It takes a long while, but my blood will alter your physical features.” He ran his thumb to the point of her ear. “Your ears are pointy like mine.” Nathaniel pulled his hand away, kissing her forehead. “You’re a tad bit frisky, aren’t you?”

Nathaniel giggled, booping Ember on the nose. “Alright then, I’m cute. But you’re also cute, my love. We’re both excited, so that accounts for it.” He pulled his hand back, kissing Ember. “Yes, pointy!” He wrapped his hands around her neck. “It’s because my blood alters your body slowly. Make you more— demon like.”

Nathaniel frowned, furrowing his brow. “Why not? It’s just a little nose boop.” He kissed her on the head. “I am very cute, according to you. But my blonde hair is a mess.” He gently grabbed her head, pulling Ember closer. He kissed her gently, holding his kiss before going in for more kisses. He pulled himself away for a minute. “I’m not going anywhere, love. We should rest for a little and get some sleep.” He pulled her back in for another kiss, deeply wishing he could hold their baby in his arms. But he would cherish these moments precious to him for now.