Intimacy

20th December 1999- Monday

Harry groaned dejectedly as he once again had to grab hold of a wall, breathing heavily out of his nose. As if sensing his irritation at the situation, his stomach roiled more violently, and he practically curled into himself, deaf to Anya's concern.

Morning sickness had hit him earlier this time around, and far harder. Harry was sure he couldn't be more than four weeks along by now, yet his body was already obviously projecting the signs of pregnancy.

At the current time, it was more annoying than anything, especially as he had to keep a straight face and composed facade during the morning meetings. There had been a few slip-ups already, but they were luckily easily explained away as feeling a little 'under the weather'. How long that excuse would last, however, was debatable.

The concubines seemed to have a nose for sniffing out falsities, and already some had been giving Harry glances, despite the morning sickness having started only a couple of days before. The most worrying was the looks coming from those who had children, as they were the most likely to realise his predicament. Penny, especially, had stared at him hard this morning, meeting his eyes with no shame.

Harry was heading back to his Palace after the morning meeting, grateful that he had kept his composure throughout for the most part. However, his body now seemed to be protesting vehemently, and it left him feeling light-headed.

"Your Highness, would you like me to call for a sedan?"

Harry groaned, nodding. They were near enough to a garden that he could wait in there for the time being, hidden from view in the maze of bushes and winter roses.

After being settled on a bench, Anya hurried off to call for a sedan, and Harry leant back with a sigh, feeling the dizziness abate slightly. He breathed in the cold winter air deeply, his stomach settling after a little while.

A rustle to his side had him cracking an eye open, straightening as he caught sight of a human-shaped shadow. It was lucky Harry had composed himself, as a few moments later, First Prince Alexus rounded the corner, a faithful gathering of maids and Eunuchs trailing behind him from a distance.

It took him only a couple of moments to recognise the Prince, although the circlet in his hair was a dead giveaway to his status. The boy, despite having the Emperor's hair colour, looked little like the man, perhaps sharing only his eye shape.

The Prince blinked at him, blue eyes piercing as they observed Harry coldly. The man made to stand, gripping hold on the armrest, before the boy brightened.

"Royal Uncle!" Prince Alexus chirped, and Harry faltered, bowing. "I've wanted to meet you properly for ages!"

The boy, much to Harry's astonishment, skipped forward and sat next to him, patting the bench he had just vacated. Harry sat, and Alexus beamed up at him, legs swinging where they dangled off.

"You have, Your Highness?" Harry murmured, feeling uneasy. He had never had a proper conversation with one of the Prince's before- the 'confrontation' with Second Prince Silas notwithstanding. All of them were much too young, at nine, seven, five, three and newly born.

The Prince hummed brightly. "Mhm! But you're always so busy, and I'm never out of the Palace when you are free."

The First Prince was nine now, having celebrated his birthday a couple of months ago. He had grown a lot since Harry had entered the Court two and a half years ago, and it showed by how he approached him.

As a Consort, Harry was now trusted, in some respects, to interact with the Royal Children, granted that they were the ones to approach him. Evana had already taken advantage of that new benefit, and it seemed the First Prince was as well, although perhaps for differing reasons.

"Do you like the Winter Garden?" The Prince questioned him. "It's always, obviously, prettier this time of year, but it's nice in the other seasons as well. I've heard that my mother-" He made a choked noise, but carried on swiftly. "My mother loved this garden the most. That's why nothing has changed since her death, the Emperor wished it to be a memorial of her for us, so we could feel more connected with her despite her absence."

"That's lovely," Harry spoke softly, and the boy hummed happily.

"Yep. Oh!" Alexus gasped, turning to him with a grin. "I heard you are the Dad of one of my newest sisters! They say she's really pretty, like a flower!"

Harry smiled, charmed. "She is, she's certainly as bright as one. I named her after one, with her middle name being Ruellia."

He nodded his head more vigorously. "Red hair and red eyes, Father was very happy when he told us."

"He was happy, was he?"

"Well," The Prince drawled, contemplating. "He doesn't show his happiness like others do, but I could tell! Father seemed especially pleased to inform us that she was your daughter."

“He was?”

“Yeah! Can I meet her one day, sometime soon?”

Harry bit his lip, debating. It would be wonderful for his daughter to meet her eldest brother, but at the same time, Harry didn’t wish to be accused of currying favour with the young Prince. Even with his elevated rank, there were still four concubines who ranked higher than him, and Harry didn’t want to bet on any of them- perhaps besides Regulus- siding with him.

“If you receive express permission from His Majesty beforehand, Your Highness.”

The boy tilted his head, contemplating. “Can’t I just come round? I won’t be any trouble, I promise! I just want to meet Alsephina.”

“And I would love for you to, once you get permission from His Majesty.”

The boy pouted and huffed, but nodded. “Fine. But Father is always so hard to convince! I barely even get to leave the Palace!”

The sound of footsteps drew their attention, heads turning, and Harry saw Anya making her way through the garden, looking worried. He called her over, and she visibly relaxed, although remained poised when she spotted the small form of the Prince next to him.

"Your Highness, the First Prince, I greet you. Your Highness." She bowed to the both of them. "I am regretful to interrupt, but the Sedan has arrived to take His Highness back to his Palace."

The boy pouted up at Harry but huffed when the man gave him an apologetic smile. Smiling, the boy hopped off of the bench, waving at him jovially. At his movement, the maids and Eunuchs that had followed him came into motion again, surrounding him. "I'll see you around, Uncle! Please ask Father to visit more often!"

30th December 1999- Thursday

Harry steeled his nerves as he entered the Emperor's Palace early in the morning before Penny and her entourage had the opportunity to arrive. He knew that if he left it any later, he would talk himself out of informing the man.

Harry had decided not to tempt fate, and place his trust in Thomas this time, informing him of his pregnancy despite having discovered he was only just over five weeks along as of a couple of days ago.

His Healer had been to the point as she explained the development so far, without the use of an ultrasound. She said it would be too early to see much as of yet, so Harry had to anxiously wait for his first scan at twelve weeks to see his baby for the first time.

She was apprehentious that his morning sickness was so strong whilst measuring so early, but it was yet a major concern. If it got any stronger, however, she had advised Harry that he may need a week or so of bed rest to ensure his continued health.

Noticing his entrance, Thomas stood from his desk, rounding it and meeting him halfway across the room. The door slammed shut behind him, and Harry knew that anything he said now wouldn't leave this room unless it was out of the Emperor's own mouth. The man stepped forward, hands assuming their now regular placement around his waist.

"What has you seeming so troubled, My Consort?" Was the first thing the man said to him, his eyebrows furrowed.

Heaving in a deep breath, Harry decided for certain that now was the time to reveal it. It had only been a couple of weeks since he had discovered his pregnancy himself, but already, there was a gnawing feeling of guilt perpetuating his days. "I'm pregnant."

Briefly, the hands around his waist tightened and then loosened quickly in favour of moving to the front. Thomas smoothed his palms over Harry's stomach as if attempting to feel a bump that was nowhere near existing.

"You are sure?" He asked rhetorically, but Harry nodded anyway, now smiling giddily at seeing the clear emotion in the man's eyes. "How far along are you?"

"Nearly six weeks."

"Six weeks... you have informed me so soon," Thomas smiled. He gently kissed him, and Harry couldn't help but grin into it, chasing after the kiss once the man drew back. He was still smiling down at him. "Can I presume this is an early birthday gift?"

Harry was confused for a few moments before realisation dawned on him. It was the day before Thomas' birthday. "Ah."

The Emperor hummed in amusement. "Shall I forget until tomorrow so you can surprise me once more?"

"No, no," Harry waved the thought away. "A pregnancy announcement should be something celebrated separately from a birthday. It's your day."

"And it's my baby growing within you. It is the greatest gift someone could give. I would have no qualms sharing it with my own child."

"You say that, but wait for the day a child is born on your birthday. You wouldn't be so happy then."

The man kissed him again. "I'm not so sure about that."

They devolved into silence, the man's hands still holding his waist, and Harry felt himself beginning to sway. He had to inform the man of the wishes he had before he and his weak stomach ruined the aura of the announcement.

"I want you to announce my pregnancy on the first."

The Emperor pulled back to look seriously into Harry's eyes. "Are you certain? You were rather apprehensive last time, and you are earlier in your pregnancy this time."

Harry smiled unsurely. "I won't be able to conceal it for long at all. I'm already experiencing morning sickness to a worse degree than I ever did with Alsephina. I don't want to throw up in a meeting one morning, revealing to the harem that I'm carrying in such a humiliating way."

The man kissed him breathless, and Harry gasped at the suddenness of it. "Thank you for trusting me, my Consort. I will ensure nothing harms you or our child. Whether or not you are pregnant at the time."

Harry smiled, brushing Thomas' cheek. The declaration was heartwarming, but Harry knew the man was incapable of protecting him from all the dangers he would face. If he was entirely serious about such a thing, he would have to do away with the Harem as a whole. Whilst they were still present in the Court, Harry didn't feel secure. "That's all I ask."

31st December 1999- Friday

The Emperor's birthday was an ample opportunity to dress up in the finery he had assembled over the past couple of years. Perhaps it had been a time since he’d last been able to, but Harry was looking forward to dolling himself up.

Harry was dressed in one of his newest robes, a loose one made of white silk with yellow edgings and decorations. Paired with it were the citrine earrings decorating his ears and the bangles of silver sliding over his arms. His crown was placed atop his head, the one the man had gifted him but with the central emerald replaced with a citrine gem he had been gifted recently. The Emperor had handed it to him with a sly look, promising that it was only a temporary measure, which Harry still refused to think on.

If he received yet another crown...

Alsephina looked lovely in her green robes, tailored to be loose so that they didn't restrict her movements. She was five months old now, and Harry couldn't believe how she had developed in such a short amount of time. His daughter seemed to want to be on the move constantly now, shuffling herself about on the floor and sticking everything in reach into her mouth, Luckily, today seemed to be a cuddly one, as she was content to be held.

She was sat up in his arms, resting her head on his shoulder as she patted his arm, a look of concentration on her face. He smiled down at her, dropping a gentle kiss on her forehead which she followed with a gummy smile.

“Your Highness,” Anya spoke gently from the doorway. Harry turned, patting his daughter's back as she gurgled, and smiled. “Are you and the Princess ready?”

“Yes, let us leave now or we’ll never arrive on time.”

Attending to them for the evening would be Anya, Kia and Lola, the maids his daughter was most comfortable with. He didn't wish to bring with him too many attendants, as the hall would already be quite full with the guests and other Court personnel.

He carried his daughter carefully down the steps, flanked by his maids, gripping hold of the bar to balance them. The main hall was only a short walk away, but Harry already knew it would be a struggle for him.

It would only take him a few minutes, and Harry savoured the fresh air and relative silence that permeated the Court now that most were busy in the kitchens or on break, before he was thrust into the hubbub of the hall.

The hall was bustling, a record amount of attendees having shown- the event being a celebration both for his birthday and the eve of the new millennium.

Thomas had watched from his throne as the crowds had entered, buzzing with excitement at being granted the privilege to attend the Courts’ New Year's celebration. Only he could arrange such a high-profile celebration, with world leaders, politicians, royalty, nobles and his Court all gathered under one roof. He had spent most of the day discussing with them his plans for the new millennium and consequently fending off any offers of marriage to their relatives with the excuse that they would have to enrol them into the Selection in the coming year. It had left many disappointed, but none dared to show their dissatisfaction, simply agreeing to his plans and then scuttling out of the office with their proverbial tails tucked between their legs in defeat.

On the matter of concubines, Thomas had watched with rapt attention as his Harem filed in once the festivities had commenced, each dressed splendidly and according to rank. Most of his attention, however, was on the first group that arrived, dressed in varying shades of yellow that denoted their rank as Consorts. 

A hush had settled over the room when they had entered, stealing the attention of every being in the Hall with their overpowering presences and desirable appearances. It had made Thomas smirk with pleasure that his Consorts were so alluring, yet untouchable to all but himself. He had truly collected the finest of each generation, ensuring his bloodline would continue only through the blood of those worthy. The powerful, the desirable, the coveted.

His eyes had widened minutely when his newest Consort had entered, rounding off the pack of yellow in a white robe that made him shine like an angel, gold patterns twirling at the hems glowing under the light of the Hall. His Consort looked captivating, an angel of light surrounded by faceless figures dressed in yellow.

The little girl in his arms looked fascinated by all the pageantry, eyes wide as she tried to take it all in. Her head was turning side to side, with Harry cupping it when she leant back too far to see more of the hall. Her siblings were the same, clasping onto the hems of their parent's robes- except Carina who stood straight-backed by Regulus’ side.

A path was formed by the crowd leading to the dias, and the Hall watched as his Royal Consorts, five strong now compared to the two he had held previously, made their way to his side, bowing in greeting.

As the head of his Harem, Penny spoke for them. “Your Majesty, on this momentous day, I convey my, and the Harem's deepest congratulations to you. As another year passes, and we enter a new millennium, we pray to reside by your side for the rest of our lives, and that your reign will long surpass us.”

Thomas wanted to snort at the blatant lie she told to his face, but that would be undignified of him. The woman wanted nothing more than to be the Dowager Empress, Mother to the future Emperor or Empress. To achieve that, Thomas would have to abdicate in favour of one of her children. She coveted the position of Empress for herself, yes, but she would have far more power as Mother to the future ruler than as the Primary wife to himself.

“Thank you, Consort Haywood. Your congratulations are appreciated. Please, sit. And my children,” He spoke mainly to the oldest of them, Carina, as the others were much too young to leave their parent's side. “You may socialise if you wish. But do be sure to keep a Knight by your side at all times.”

“Yes, Father.” His third daughter smirked, bowing shallowly before leaving her father’s side, who watched after her with bright eyes.

His Consorts sat accordingly, Harry with his daughter cradled carefully on his lap, furthest away from him although still on the top dias. Bellatrix seemed to be struggling with her daughter, as Delphina was fighting in her arms. Silas stood faithfully and solemnly by his mother’s side, who was on the opposite side as Penny. To his right, Penny was hissing at her daughter to ‘sit still’, whilst their son and younger daughter clung to her skirts. Taking a moment to observe the situation, Thomas bent down and plucked Cecilia off of the floor, to her mother’s surprise.

“Your Majesty, I-”

Ignoring her, he smiled down at the curious child in his lap, who seemed endlessly intrigued by her younger sister, Alsephina, now within eyesight. The girl was now just a few weeks from turning two, so it was no surprise when she pointed at Harry’s daughter and spoke. “I go.”

“You want to see your sister?” He spoke as gently as possible, hoping that she would agree so that he could approach his Consort without the others creating a fuss. Despite the onlookers, Thomas had no qualms in humouring his youngest children. His children, his blood, were above such frivolities. His daughter nodded, so the the surprise of those watching, he stood and approached Harry, who was staring up at him with big, green eyes filled with confusion.

Cecilia made a grabbling motion towards Harry, so swiftly, hearing Penny making a choked sound behind him, Thomas deposited her into his Consort’s arms. He was quick to cradle the girl as Thomas stepped back, eyes wide as he stared down at the Princess babbling in his lap.

“I thought it best to humour her before she grew upset. If you wish to have another child soon, it is best to have experience handling a toddler and a baby at the same time.” He spoke, smiling knowingly down at the man, who blushed and nodded.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

As he sat back down, Penny looked as if she would say something, her lips pursed, but seemed to think better of it as the doors opened once again and the Concubines entered with their children in tow.

Seeing that the entirety of his Harem was now settled, Thomas stood, gathering the attention of the Hall. A hush quickly descended as they noticed his form, until no sound other than his strong voice could be heard.

"On the eve of this new millennium, I wish to announce that I have great plans for a grand tournament to take place in the Summer months of the next year, in celebration of this momentous occasion."

Whispers began, filling the hall with a hum. The Emperor smirked as he watched the crowd lose themself in the excitement of the unexpected announcement, the sight of the usually dignified upper classes descending into a tizzy amusing.

"More details are to be released tomorrow, with additional information sent to each government of the countries of this glorious Empire. It is with eagerness that I invite them to send their best Wizards and Witches to compete for a grand prize at the conclusion of the tournament. However, to ensure the audience receives the best viewing possible, only the top thirty-two contenders will enter the tournament after vigorous testing. I await this contest eagerly, and invite the citizens of my Empire to look forward to the events with great anticipation."

The Hall practically shook with the force of the cheers, chants of praise forming as the crowd devolved into hysterics.

Thomas raised his goblet and took a sip, hiding his growing smirk.

The trap had been set. He wondered if anyone was stupid enough to take the bait.

1st January 2000- Saturday

"It is my pleasure to open the first Meeting of this year, and the first of the millennium." Penny began, smiling down at them with her bright teeth. She seemed to have dolled herself up further for this morning's meeting, her ringlets tighter and yellow robes more bejewelled than usual. "The Emperor wishes to convey his anticipation of the upcoming tournament, and hopes that his Harem will enjoy the festivities on the Royal balcony with him during its course. His Majesty also reminds us to keep in mind the upcoming Harem selection this year. My, it feels like yesterday that we welcomed our newest additions into the Harem, yet it has already been two and a half years. And already, what an impact some have made, especially you, Brother Harry. You have already given birth to a Princess, fulfilling your duty to His Majesty with little delay."

"Thank you for your kind words, Sister." Harry acknowledged, hiding back the smirk that wanted to form on his face, knowing, and anticipating the information she soon had to reveal.

She smiled at him, eyes darting back to the scroll after she had conveyed an appropriate amount of cordialities. "And His Majesty also announces, with much delight, that Consor-" She stopped suddenly, and Harry watched on as her hands began shaking. The concerned stares sent her way were enough to snap Penny out of her stunned silence, and she began again, clearing her throat and plastering an unsteady smile on her face. "That Brother Harry is expecting once more, and has informed His Majesty in prudent time."

You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that descended on the hall. Harry smiled brightly, straightening so that he'd be able to see the expressions of the others.

They were, as he expected, positively delighted by the news.

Not.

Patricia looked as if she'd swallowed a lemon. She had been one of the most vocal about the lack of pregnancies within the Harem. Perhaps she should have been more careful with her words if she hadn't wished for this.

Similarly, many others looked completely put out by the sudden, unexpected announcement, trying but failing to plaster smiles of congratulations upon their face. Felix, Alecto, Pippa and his yearmates excluding Luna didn't even try.

It was Penny's reaction that drew his attention the most.

"Congratulations, Brother." Penny gritted out behind clenched teeth, her smile stiff. "I am surprised to hear of this. His Majesty announces that you are to become Third Consort in light of this joyous news."

He smiled at her in a way that felt so refreshing, so carefree and genuine in a way he'd forgotten outside of the privacy of his Palace. "Thank you, Sister Penny. Your congratulations mean a lot. His Majesty was incredibly pleased to receive the news, especially as there has been a lull in the past few months, as Sister Patricia noted."

"Yes," The woman spoke faintly. "Perhaps- Perhaps your pregnancy shall encourage His Majesty to seek out other concubines for company." Her smile was brittle, and Harry grinned sweetly.

"Yes, I have felt a little ashamed for monopolising His Majesty's attention over the past few months. He is so enamoured with our daughter, however, who am I to refuse his visits?"

Once the final concubine had left the hall, Penny tightened her grip on the scroll and threw it at the wall with a shout of rage that echoed loudly. She stood, filled with burning fury that didn't seem to fade despite her many attempts, stomping down the dias steps to approach her loyal Head Maid. Penny was shaking with fury so great she didn’t know if she’d be able to contain her magic for much longer.

She gripped her shoulders harshly, fingernails digging into the woman's skin. Ever calm, she didn't even flinch, her gaze lowered respectfully to the floor. If she hadn't resumed such a submissive posture, Penny would have had her eyes plucked out for her insolence. She was barely refraining from striking her to relieve some of her anger, but she knew that to do so would be unwise. The mark would be suspicious, and surely reveal to the beady-eyed vultures she shared the Court with that Harry's pregnancy had gotten under her skin more than she had revealed.

And she had revealed far too much emotion already, something which the smug brat had clearly revelled in.

Remembering his sweet, gloating smile at the announcement of his promotion only heightened the sheer rage Penny was feeling.

"You," She hissed. "Get me more information now!"

"Yes, Your Highness." Her head maid whispered dutifully, demurely backing away once Penny had loosened her grip, bowing lowly.

"And find out if any of those other bitches are carrying currently! I can't have His Majesty's attention split further, not when I'm so close to getting what I want!"

"Yes, Your Highness." She left quickly, and Penny raised her hands to grip at her hair once alone, knocking the small golden crown off her head as she did so.

Gasping, she lunged to catch it, forgetting entirely about her magic- a muggle habit she had yet to stamp out. Penny missed by mere millimetres, and watched in horror as the small crown clattered harshly on the marble floor, the single tiny gem at the front shattering.

"No!" She yelled hoarsely, dropping to her knees and sweeping the cracked gem into a small pile. Tears now blurring her vision, she began to heave violently, hands shaking as she held onto the crown tightly. "Stupid, stupid, fuck!"

She threw it to the ground, uncaring when it dented. The useless hunk of metal wasn't the important part, it was the gem.

Penny had commissioned the crown for herself with her promotion to the rank of Primary Consort, secure that no one could demand she refrain from wearing it. She was nearly apoplectic when she'd seen Harry wearing a daintier but far more bejewelled one as a Concubine- a gift from His Majesty with permission to wear it.

No, it was the gem she mourned. The very gem placed into her palm on the day of her selection, dark blue to signify her rank as an Attendant. Penny had kept it safe for years, chipping away at it slowly to add it sparingly to her clothes and jewellery, which she had thrown out with every promotion to begin her wardrobe anew in her latest colours. What she had placed at the centre of her crown had been the remaining shard, but it had been oh-so-worth it to place it there- the only piece she would keep as the Empress, the only acknowledgement of her previous rank as the lowest concubine.

And now it was shattered, dust, unfixable due to the nature of the stone chosen by His Majesty for the Selection.

Penny wept for the loss, feeling more lost and alone than ever.

6th January 2000- Thursday

"Well, I, for one, am delighted by the news." Regulus smiled charmingly, a cup held daintily in his fingers. "Weren't we all just discussing the lack of pregnancies in the Harem? Harry has outdone himself, he is already pregnant yet again."

"I suppose that brat is proving his worth." Bellatrix tsked, looking dissatisfied. "The birth of the Sixteenth Princess seemed important to His Majesty, far more than the births of his successive children. There is now a blood link between the Potter and Slytherin families and a further connection to the Black family. That little girl will perhaps be named as the heir to the Black or Potter families when Potter is the Lord, since he appears to have no gender preference. The Princess is more important than many have pinned her to be, even I admit so."

"We need to present ourselves as a united front, Brother Harry included. We are the highest of the Emperor's Harem, his favoured. Therefore, it means that whatever is going on between you and Brother Reglus needs to be resolved. And we also ought to invite Brother Harry into our fold. I or one of yourselves will request him to attend our next tea. His presence is far overdue, he has been a Consort for over five months now." Penny sighed, her hands folded neatly before her.

Isla hummed. "As Brother Regulus and I have been saying for months now. He is a Consort, a pillar in the Harem. It is a disservice that he has yet to join us like this. Just because he is young does not mean he doesn't have anything to bring to our discussions." She had a book on her lap, but it was unusually closed, her full attention on the discussion.

Regulus nodded, placing his cup down with a clack. "Then I shall ask him next week. I am the closest to him, after all."

10th January 2000- Monday

Harry began the day with the worst bout of morning sickness he'd experienced yet. It was so terrifying in fact that a Healer had been immediately sent for, fortunate as he had begun to feel faint soon after.

"Do you believe I can still attend the meeting this morning?" He slurred as he sat forward to meet her eyes, the light-headedness having barely abated.

The Healer shook her head. "I believe you should remain resting, Your Highness. You are rather dehydrated, and the dizziness is worrying. The risk to your child would be high if you were to strain yourself or faint on the way. I recommend you remain on bed rest until this abates."

Harry sighed, leaning back on the pillows, exhausted despite the early hour. “And how long do you think that will take?”

Thomas' arrival was unexpected but greatly appreciated, brightening his dour mood immediately.

He was carrying Alsephina in his arms, the baby babbling up at him joyfully as he gently stroked her hair, nodding along when appropriate. It made Harry's grogginess vanish, and he sat up with a smile.

“Your Majesty.” He greeted when the man continued to stare at him, sitting himself on the chair beside his bed. Alsephina, oblivious of the tension that had begun to grow, sat happily on her father's lap, now strong enough to support her upper body without much support.

“You are to be on bed rest for the next two weeks,” Thomas stated, his expression blank.

Ruffling his messy hair self-consciously, Harry laughed self-deprecatingly. “I underestimated how much the sickness would affect me. This pregnancy has taken a lot of energy out of me so far.”

“You are only seven weeks along, correct?”

“Just over, yes.”

“It is quite early for you to be feeling the effects of pregnancy so harshly. Has your Healer considered the possibility that this may be a multiple pregnancy?”

His Healer, who had entered the room mere moments beforehand, blinked. “It is possible that may be the case, Your Majesty. However, at the time being, I cannot confirm that for certain. I was going to check for such at His Highness’ twelve-week scan in February, but I can perhaps catch the chance at ten weeks in late January at the earliest.”

“Do so.” The Emperor commanded, turning back to Harry. “However, I hope that your sickness had abated before then. I'm sure you'd wish to witness your child's scan whilst healthy.”

26th January 2000- Wednesday

After over two weeks subjected to bed rest, confined within the walls of the Palace by his own body, Harry finally felt well enough to attend the morning meetings once again.

He regretted that decision the minute the meeting had concluded, and the harem descended on him like starved vultures.

"Brother, I must say, your sudden departure was sorely felt. We have missed your presence in the last couple of weeks. Please, do tell us, has the cause for your severe sickness been uncovered?"

"No, Brother. I suppose this pregnancy is just affecting me differently, especially since It hasn't been long since the birth of my daughter."

"Yes, it was rather irresponsible of you to conceive yet another baby despite having such a young daughter to care for still. Are you perhaps hoping for a son despite your insistence that you were grateful to have a daughter?"

He coolly observed the man. "Please watch what you say, Concubine Rosier. His Majesty was the one to invite me, after all. It is not my fault that I am so favoured."

The man's lip twitched, scowling. "Apologies. I have overstepped."

"However, Brother," Penny entered the conversation, voice filled with haughtiness, and Harry struggled not to openly glare at her. "I do have to agree. This may have adverse effects on both yourself and your daughter."

Harry huffed. "His Majesty and my Healers have been attentive to inform me and guide me with this. It is why they are being so cautious, which I am grateful for. I am sure Alsephina won't be overlooked, after all, His Majesty and I are attentive, loving parents. My daughter already has experience with siblings, over twenty of them, in fact, two of whom are younger. She will just be more involved with the baby I am carrying."

"Still-"

"Sister," His voice hardened. "Are you a Seer?"

"I-" The woman stuttered, clearing her throat. "I am not, Brother." 

"Then why are you attempting to proclaim the future? Please bear in mind that His Majesty is dearly awaiting the birth of this child. They are not unwanted, and they are most certainly not a mistake on my behalf." Harry coldly spoke, leaning back on his chair. "Please, mind your words, Brother, Sister. I may take them as you wishing my baby didn't exist."

Nothing more truthful had ever been spoken in that hall.