Good News (Oliver)

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

It felt like she could not go fast enough for Yassia, as she hurried through the corridors of the Ailanthan castle in search for her beloved husband and king Oliver. And it might very well be the case that once she might have been faster. It was not only the common custom of courtesy that held her back – a queen did not run! – but also her current physical condition. No, she was neither old nor ill, but after all she had to carry someone with her with every step she took: her unborn child, the next prince or princess of Ailantha. She was quite advanced in her pregnancy, there might only be two months left, but that was not the reason for her hurry.

Her hand clasped around a little piece of parchment, folded a dozen times at it seemed to fit to the claw of a dove, said dove who had brought this letter just minutes ago, carrying the best news imaginable, and a little surprise on top. Yassia had read the lines over and over again, until they had been so vividly before her inner eye, she didn’t even need the help of the parchment to recite them again.

My Dearest Yassia,

I am writing to you with news I am sure you have been waiting for. I am delivered of not just one, but two children. A daughter and son who we have chosen to name Esmae and Arthur. I am still getting over the shock of bearing twins, while Griff is still getting over the shock that both the twins have inherited my red hair. There is nothing I wish more in the world than for you to meet both of them, and if you would consent I would be honoured to call you Godparents to both children. Both the twins are strong, healthy, and give me and Griff no peace, but Jesu I am so happy Yassia.

I hope you are both well, and look forwards to hearing from you in due course,

With all my love,

Caitrin (Griff, Esmae and Arthur)

Twins! How delightful!! Yassia’s face had blossomed into a radiating smile ever since reading these words for the first time, and it hadn’t left her face since, as she was still searching the halls and hallways for her husband. Oh how he would love to hear it! Not only that Caitrin’s birth had been successful and save – it might calm down his own fears concerning Yassia’s pregnancy – but that there were two of them, a boy and a girl. Yassia knew Caitrin had always wanted a large family, and now she was even one step closer to that goal. The thought of those little wonders, both sporting red hair like Caitrin sent a warm glowing through her whole body.

But she needed to think and focus. Where could Oliver be? He surely wouldn’t have gone hunting without telling her so – not that he needed her permission in anything, but she liked to know where he was in case something urgent came up – so he would be still inside the castle walls. In the end, she decided to head straight to the study they both shared, where they watched over the fortunes of their kingdom, most of the time without argument.
Two guards outside the door saluted to their hurried queen as she passed them and opened the door without even politely knocking first, she was as excited!

“Guess what just came to us by dove, my love!” she exclaimed and waved the letter in front of his face. “It’s from Caitrin! Good news indeed!”
It was rare these days that Yassia let go of all countenance and practically behaved like an overexcited child, but this day and these glorious news just called for it. Who might witness it and not approve might blame it on her pregnant state, but Yassia knew that Oliver would not mind in the slightest. He just loved her like she was, and that relieved her often enough of a fair amount of pressure.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

The moment the door to the study opened in such haste, Oliver knew who it was who had all so eagerly stepped in even before she spoke. His Queen. The Queen of this land, but more importantly the Queen of his heart. Yassia. He was intently reading a book by one of the armchairs in the study, but he couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips when he looked up to see her all flushed with excitement waving the piece of parchment to his face.

The sight of her, heavy with their child, never fails to make Oliver’s heart skip a beat every time. To know that part of him was growing inside her, to know that she was carrying his baby, it brought a varying range of emotions that this father-to-be was still trying desperately hard to grasp his mind around. From happiness to anxiety, from excitement to worry, and yes, even from ecstasy to fear…his feelings had run the gamut. He never realized it would be like this. But what made it so easy to embrace all the warring emotions was the one that stood out amongst them. Love. More than anything, he loved Yassia. With all his heart, mind, and soul, he loved her. And that was what made the difference. It was what made everything worth going through. Heavens, he would still go through anything and everything just to be here with her.

Now, what could have gotten her so excited, Oliver wondered as he watched her literally barge in without knocking. Not that he minded. It’s just that Yassia was not always like this everyday. Now that she was finally queen, she always made sure to carry herself with grace and poise wherever she goes. But this news, it must be a truly happy and exciting one to get her all keyed up. So excited that if she had not been pregnant, Oliver guessed she might have made a mad dash to tell him her news. Soon enough, he got his answer. News from Caitrin all the way from Camelot was such a welcome surprise indeed. He knew how Yassia and Caitrin’s friendship had grown leaps and bounds since they’ve met, and it had only become stronger as time passed by. Oliver was only too grateful that, of all the people Yassia could have befriended, it has to be a dear friend of his as well, a fellow Mercian.

Knowing how excited his dear wife was to tell him the news, Oliver couldn’t help but tease and delay her. He set the book he was reading on the nearby side table, and then held his hand out to Yassia, guiding her to sit on his lap. “How are my dear sweethearts today?” he asked as if ignoring her burst of excitement, trying so hard to keep down the impish grin from his face. One hand settled on the roundness of her belly, gently stroking it, before he planted a soft little lingering kiss on Yassia’s shoulder. Slowly, his lips then traveled up the crook of her dainty neck. He was just as eager to know the good news from Caitrin, and wondered if he could distract Yassia from blurting it out right away. He doubted it would. Still, it was worth all the fun trying.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Oh she should have guessed, Yassia thought fondly as she felt being pulled down on his lap. They both were just so predictable sometimes, and mind you, she HAD been a little rude basking in here without a proper announcement or even so much of a greeting. Then again, it was not like they hadn’t just departed from lunch about two hours ago, so there wasn’t even need for so many formalities. And she really did want to tell him the good news of Caitrin delivering twins, and that she considered them to be Godparents of the two lovely souls. What an honor!
But then there was that old saying: first things first, and while a part of Yassia was practically bursting with the news, another wasn’t much in the mind to protest to his obvious show of affection. She had been only so careless because she once again had been momentarily lost in the overwhelming realization that he was hers, and no power on earth could separate them ever again.

As if she needed any reminder, his hand on her swollen belly once again brought to mind that they soon would be parents as well. That there was a little someone – or two, like Caitrin’s surprise had suggested – inside that just waited for the right moment to come into this world. Would it be more like her or like Oliver? The thoughts alone sent her nerves jittering with excitement. She knew Oliver would be a wonderful father, not too strict, but also not too lenient, but what kind of a mother would she be? Would she manage to walk that tightrope between encouraging and spoiling her children? She really didn’t want to be mother to someone who turned out to be like Stéphane or – the stars prevent! – like Guifré!

But just like the thoughts of Caitrin had momentarily slipped her mind, so did the worries of her soon-to-be motherhood, when Oliver started his teasing caress. He just had that effect on her and the sad fact was that he knew it. He knew he was and probably would forever stay her one true weakness. His voice and his touch were an irresistible siren’s call.
“Both are excited”, she murmured and snuggled a little closer into his embrace. “The one inside me is kicking the living daylight out of me. Are you sure you didn’t father a little goat or a bull?”
Yassia momentarily closed her eyes and savoured the touch of his lips on her skin, but then a little voice spoke up in her head, telling her that she couldn’t let him get away with that so easily. He might be the best distraction on this earth, but this visit was about Caitrin, not about them.

“Oliver…” she chided him softly, voice muffled as she had buried her face in his golden hair. Then she gave him an affectionate tap on the nose. “Will you listen and behave, or shall I go?” Of course the threat was by no means serious, and he probably knew that very well, it was nothing but a beloved game between them, ever since they had found out their true feelings for each other.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

If he were to have it his way, Oliver would rather want to spend every minute of everyday with Yassia. But as they both have duties and responsibilities now as rulers of Ailantha, sometimes personal wants take a backseat in favor of the country and the people. Their alone times are often always relegated to the evenings. Still, Oliver was determined not to let their busy schedules drive them apart. Small moments like this are precious, and he knew he would never tire of telling or showing his wife just how much he loved and appreciated her.

“The one inside me is kicking the living daylight out of me. Are you sure you didn’t father a little goat or a bull?”

And he loved the fact that she was enjoying this, too, and was allowing herself to indulge in the moment. It seems both of them are alike in that aspect. After all that they have gone through to get here, they have both learned to appreciate the wonderful gift that they have been given—each other. And then there’s one more coming their way. Quite eagerly, he may add. Oliver was determined to add more to that, grow his family to as big as he and Yassia could manage it. The thought made him chuckle. “I will love that little goat or bull nevertheless,” he replied before moving the hand on her belly to cup her cheek, and leaned in for a soft, gentle kiss.

“Will you listen and behave, or shall I go?”

This time Oliver feigned a calculating look. Yassia knew his weakness. She was his weakness. And she knew quite well how to manipulate it to her advantage. Shrewd woman, he thought amusedly. “Fine, you win,” he expressed in mock defeat. His arms then moved to tighten around her, holding her close to him. “What shenanigan is Griff up to this time?” he added with a wide teasing grin, not that Griff getting in trouble would be good news. He loved teasing Caitrin about Griff. He knew how dearly Caitrin loved her husband, and Oliver just couldn’t resist acting like an annoyed big brother. Of course, he was happy for both of them, especially for Caitrin who had found the love of her life, that one person who completed her and made her the happiest she could ever be.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

When it came down to it, Yassia knew she couldn’t really complain, because she knew exactly how Oliver felt, and even felt the same way. Whenever they were seperated even for a short time, it felt like a miracle when they met again and Yassia realized he wouldn’t go anywhere for long. That they had really made it across sea and land together, had recaptured her kingdom and were now ruling side by side. When she had first discovered her feelings for him, she had been nearly torn apart by the thought she would have to decide between her heart and her mind, but then the stars had made it happen and now her heart and mind could rule together, without fear of doing something wrong. Sometimes at night she still woke up and had to reassure herself that it hadn’t all been a wonderful dream, that Oliver was really lying beside her and that they would face another day together. It was simply too good to be true, but who was she to complain?!

To know that Oliver loved her and the little life that was growing inside her to the ends of the earth was the greatest gift imaginable, and Yassia gladly accepted it. With as much gentleness and passion at the same time she could muster, Yassia responded to his kiss, slipping her arms around his back and pressing herself softly to him. Their caresses had become more gentle and careful with every month that passed in her pregnancy, while not taking anything away of the passion. It seemed like they had found a new level of understanding and it was so incredibly sweet sometimes, Yassia feared her heart might burst.
”You better”, she murmured with a smile. “I bet it’ll take a lot after you anyway. All mischief and feigned innocence, able to make its mother’s heart melt with a simple smile so I forget all the kicks it gave me.”

With a little satisfied chuckle, Yassia situated herself on Oliver’s lap in a more comfortable position and unfolded the letter she had been carrying. Of course Oliver would be asking about Griff, even though he probably knew the letter was not so much about him. He just knew how to play this game, but Yassia was far too excited to waste much more time with playing it herself. She wanted to get to the point and see Oliver’s face when he received the news himself.
”He’s getting the payback for a shenanigan he was up to nine months ago”, Yassia quipped and presented him the letter. “Read for yourself, love, I wouldn’t want to take away from Caitrin’s own sweet words!”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“I bet it’ll take a lot after you anyway. All mischief and feigned innocence, able to make its mother’s heart melt with a simple smile so I forget all the kicks it gave me.”

Oliver and Yassia were never selfish when it comes to lavishing their love and praise for each other. And Oliver was somehow rendered speechless with this one she just candidly expressed. Even though Yassia was talking about the growing life inside of her, it was clear that she was also describing him and his effect on her. He knew and felt the love she had for him, but to hear her say it, to hear the words come out of her very lips with such sincerity and affection, it still amazes Oliver how lucky and blessed he was to have found such love.

“I reckon it is a she. And she’ll be just like her mother. All stubborn and scheming, twisting me around her dainty little fingers to yield to her every wish,” Oliver replied, giving Yassia his trademark cheeky grin. Not that he’d minded being twisted and manipulated by Yassia really. And Yassia knew all too well that Oliver would willingly give her the sun, the moon, and the stars if she asks for it. He’d give her anything and everything she wanted. That was a fact.

”He’s getting the payback for a shenanigan he was up to nine months ago”

Oliver's brows immediately shot up at Yassia’s reply. A questioning little grin tugged at the edges of his lips as he tried to guess what it was exactly that Griff was getting payback for. Nine months ago. Nine months—Could it be? Before Yassia could even hand him Caitrin’s letter, he snatched it from her hands and went to read it, his eyes leaping from one line to another.

I am delivered of not just one, but two children.

“Two!” he exclaimed when he read that Caitrin and Griff had twins. “A boy and a girl! How remarkable is that?”

Griff is still getting over the shock that both the twins have inherited my red hair.

He laughed rather loudly. He couldn’t help but imagine dark-haired Griff surrounded by a sea of redheads.

…and if you would consent I would be honoured to call you Godparents to both children.

Oliver turned to look at Yassia this time, his face lighting up at the thought. “Yes! We're saying yes, yes?” he expressed rather excitedly. He didn’t wait for Yassia’s response, he just turned back to the letter to finish reading it. Oliver was still feeling rather overwhelmed at the thought of Caitrin now a mother of two. It was expected, of course, but Oliver was much too happy for Caitrin and Griff to contain it all in.

As soon as he was done reading the letter, he leaned back on the seat and heaved a sigh, letting the wonderful news sink in. Then after a moment, he turned and gave Yassia a warm smile, and just looked at her beautiful face for a moment before moving his hand over her swollen tummy again. Caitrin’s news filled him with so much love and happiness for his dear friends, and for his one and only wife. “That’s amazing, right? Caitrin had two strong and healthy babies, and she’s as peachy as a peach.” Oliver had been endlessly battling with the fear and apprehension that had grown inside him for Yassia's safety since she became pregnant with their child. Caitrin’s missive somehow eased that considerably.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

“I reckon it is a she. And she’ll be just like her mother. All stubborn and scheming, twisting me around her dainty little fingers to yield to her every wish,”
Stubborn and scheming, it would have been quite the insult had it not come from Oliver. The mere words made her sound like a spoilt royal brat, but she knew their real meaning. These words didn’t so much describe herself, they described Oliver’s feelings for her, and even though she had no doubt about what they felt for each other, it was still a miracle to her. A child born out of such a laugh could only become a gorgeous little soul, right? Like always when she thought about the life inside her, her hand involuntarily wandered towards her swelling bump, only to find Oliver’s hand there first this time. She had actually forgotten for a second! Her smile widening, she started to play with his fingers, which caused a soft drumming rhythm on her belly. Her poor baby was probably wondering what crazy thing its parents were up to now!


“Not my fault if you’re so easy to ensnare and bend to my will” she teased him, affectionately tapping his nose. Oh they both knew very well that it was the other way around two times out of three! Or it was equally divided and a game that never ceased to be funny. The stars knew how they still managed to run a kingdom succesfully with all those tricks they were playing each other or simply the amount of time they spent together. But Yassia just never wanted it to end. Maybe it would change one day, but right now it just seemed impossible that there would come a day where she might love Oliver just a little less. Of course, they had their little arguments once in a while, but they were more heated discussions than actual fights, and she couldn’t stay mad at him for long anyway.

Her smile turned into a radiating beaming as she watched Oliver reading through the lines Caitrin had written. She could read from his face just where exactly he was right now in the letter and it was enough to make her heartbeat pick up speed. She saw understanding, then relief and finally happiness dawn on his face, and she almost missed his words as he addressed her again, as she had been too engrossed in simply watching him.
“Quite remarkable indeed!” she agreed. “But it’s nothing less than I expect of Caitrin. If she did something she never did it halfheartedly. I’m surprised it’s not even more than two at once.” Yassia quipped. Well, delivering two children AND caring for them afterwards must be quite the task already, so Caitrin was probably lucky she didn’t give birth to more than two at once.

“Yes! We're saying yes, yes?”
Even though the exclamation was a little cryptic, Yassia still guessed what it was about, and it made her even happier to see Oliver felt as excited about it as her. Being appointed godparents of a child was a great honor but also a dear responsibilty, if you took it seriously. Godparents were those a child could turn to whenever their parents were not able to watch out for it, but seeing as they lived so far apart, that might prove a little difficult.
“Well, we’ll break the record of most far away godparents ever, but I’m so happy they thought of us still!” Yassia remarked and aspirated a kiss on Oliver’s temple. “So of course we say yes! Who do you want to take? Esmae or Arthur? Or are we simply both godparents for both?”

Yassia could only guess what was going on in her husband’s mind in this moment of elation that followed after, but she reckoned he was wandering along the same line of thoughts she did. It might be wrong to take one woman’s birth as an example for your own, as Suzanna always said nothing came in such a variety as birth experiences and outcomes, but she could not help feeling a little relieved, too.
”So all I have to do now is following Caitrin’s good example, right?” she said and snuggled a little closer to Oliver. “Though I am not so sure I want to start of with twins right away. Suzanna says such things run in the family, and I can’t remember a single twin birth in the Dyfrène line. What about the Strathmores`?”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver’s fingers met Yassia’s on top of her belly and willingly played with them as well. Little gestures, little actions. But they all meant a lot to him, and he knew to Yassia, too. Everything was precious to him now after all that they have been through, and Oliver knew too well not to take them for granted. If any, he cherished each and every bit of the wonderful moments he was being given with Yassia.

“Not my fault if you’re so easy to ensnare and bend to my will”

“I’m only human. Are you sure you’re not a sorceress? Because I know you have thoroughly enchanted me with your feminine wiles,” he replied as he leaned in and touched the tip of his nose against hers. He’d welcome it with open arms, if she were. He’d gladly get himself enchanted over and over again if the enchantress was Yassia herself. The thought made him smile inwardly. How far gone was he? He still couldn’t believe that he would love someone as much as he loved Yassia. He was overflowing with such strong affections for her that he felt like he could burst any second with all these wonderful feelings he had inside. The love he felt the first time they met in the Forest of Balor had never waned, instead it intensified many times over. He doubted it would wane at all. The thought of not loving Yassia was just so absurd, so ridiculous. He knew now he was meant to find her, to go through all those crazy times with her, because in the end, it all led to this. After everything, it all felt like finally coming home.

Oliver truly felt honored that Caitrin and Griff had thought about making him and Yassia godparents to the twins. Despite the time and distance they have away from each other, they have always managed to stay in touch and in each others' thoughts. For a fleeting moment there, Oliver almost wanted to go back to Albion, to Camelot, to see little Esmae and Arthur. But he knew it would take a lot of preparation now that he and Yassia are taking charge of an entire kingdom. Perhaps someday they could go back and touch base against with friends and family, but for now, they just have to find another way to show their gratitude to the new parents. When Yassia asked him which twin he would want to take, he didn’t even have to think twice. “We should both be godparents to both Esmae and Arthur. I really don’t think it matters, does it?” he asked, a smile playing on his face when he felt Yassia’s tender kiss against his temple.

Wrapping his arms around Yassia as she snuggled closer, Oliver guided Yassia’s head to rest against his shoulders. Then he took her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “I know you can do it, my love. And you know I will be beside you when that time comes,” he told her. Yes, he had just made the unconscious decision of being there with her when she delivers their baby. The nurse may shoo him out, but Oliver had already set his mind on holding Yassia’s hand when the time comes for her to push their baby out.

When she asked about any twins in his family, Oliver paused to think, to try and remember if anyone on the side of his father or mother have had any twins, or triplets, or quadruplets. The thought about Yassia giving birth to more than one children was already starting to make Oliver feel lightheaded. “No, I don’t think so…unless you count Edmund as twice or three time the pompous idiot that he already is,” he replied with a grin. To Oliver, his brother most definitely inherited all the conceit and haughtiness that two or three or even an entire line of Strathmores could possess in this lifetime and the next. Of course, underneath it all, Edmund was still his brother, and they had nothing but love and respect for each other.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

In any other kingdom in Albion, a joke about sorcery, however teasingly, would have been a bad one to make. But this was Ailantha, not Albion and no king Uther had ever set his foot on this soil, marking it a free-of-magic territory. Thus, here one could talk openly about any kind of magic, and those who had it – little as they were! – were held in higher regards. Mercia, Oliver’s kingdom had been a bit laxer on those policies as well, and Yassia was glad for Oliver’s open mind.The teasing held another level as well, though. Even on their first meeting, Oliver had all but accused Yassia of sorcery, because she had captured his heart so quickly. The words they had exchanged were still a fond memory in the young woman’s mind. Whatever ordeal and misunderstanding they had been through, nothing could have ever tainted these beloved memories. And anyway, Oliver was as much a tempter as she was a temptress to him sometimes and that simple move of touching nose tips only served as prove to that. The temptation to lean in to a kiss as their lips were just inches apart was overwhelming, and inwardly Yassia already started to count to three.
”Well, you DID offer your heart to me back then, didn’t you?” she whispered against his lips, already tingling all over with the sensation of how close he was. “And so I took it. That’s what comes of giving yourself to a witch.” Of course she was no witch, and in her eyes Oliver was the one responsible for all of this anyway. He had marked her as his with one misguided arrow long before she had fallen in love with him. But she guessed that was the way of fate: you could never fathom the true proportion of cause and effect in the end, and it wasn’t the worst situation to be in by any means.

Of course Oliver was right, it didn’t matter at all. Like this, both could claim two godparents at once without having to settle on just one and all that came with it. It would be a while to pass until such things really mattered to the children anyway. Yassia felt a little prick of sadness when she thought just how far away Griff and Caitrin were. Of course, there was this faraway prospect of visiting again, and the big coronation and wedding ceremony had shown that it could be done, but there were still far too many miles to cover, and letters by doves just weren’t the same. Still, Yassia knew they had to be thankful even for that wonderful idea, as they had been thinking on how to best keep in touch for a while. Yassia had her own destiny to fulfil, and even though she had not been able to take everything she loved with her to Ailantha, she had been given the greatest treasure of all: a marriage of true love.
”Good, we’ll do it this way”, she nodded earnestly, but couldn’t keep the smile off her face for too long. “Sweet stars, I’m just so happy for them! After all they’ve been through themselves, now they finally can settle down!”

Oliver’s resolution to stay at her side surprised Yassia quite a bit, but after thinking about it briefly, she accepted the idea with a chuckle. It was just so … Oliver! Against ancient traditions, but perfectly logical in its own way and born out of a breathtaking concern and love for her. How could she possibly say no?
”Well, good luck on convincing Suzanna then!” Yassia laughed. Suzanna, the heart of Ailantha like the young queen liked to call her, had been her own nursemaid now 24 years ago. She was getting of age, but she still would be a good midwife to her. She had a strong will and a quick temper like many Ailanthan women, but she had a heart of gold. “There will be a lot of screaming and maybe even cursing involved, you know”, she commented, nudging her husband. “So sure you want to hear that?”

Oh, Edmund… Whenever that name came up, Yassia couldn’t help but have mixed feelings. This man had been so adamant of winning her over to be his wife, and he had not in the least given just a quick thought about her own situation. He and Oliver had had a serious fight when Edmund had been accusing his little brother of ‘stealing’ Yassia from him. It had been nasty, and Yassia didn’t like to be reminded of it. But apart from his selfishness, Edmund was still Oliver’s brother, kin. And he had many good sides as well, he would one day be a good king of Mercia.
”That could work”, she quipped, letting go a quick sigh. “Sometimes I really think your bother may suffer from having multiple personalities inside him.”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

”Well, you DID offer your heart to me back then, didn’t you? And so I took it. That’s what comes of giving yourself to a witch.”

He did, didn’t he? A smile lit up his face and there was a twinkle in his eyes as the memory came to him as vividly as if it had happened just yesterday. Overwhelmed by the feelings he had for her at that time, he had playfully accused Yassia of being a witch, of leading him and his friends into a trap. And he had offered his heart in exchange for their safety and freedom. What a crazy memory that was. And a fond one, too. “I’m glad you did. I was afraid that you had completely thrown it away to feed to the wolves when I was being such an idiot in Camelot.” He hadn’t meant to bring up that one unfortunate memory, but he couldn’t help it. He realized that he could have lost her simply because of his stupid pride.

It didn’t matter whether either one of them became a godparent to either one of the twins or become godparents to both. They would most likely be choosing the gifts together, or Yassia would for both. And more importantly, they wouldn’t mind being second parents to both of Esmae and Arthur. “I know! They’re getting their happy ending,” he remarked. Then he remembered his conversation with Caitrin back in Mercia, how she had alluded to a rather sad past. Oliver knew it had nothing to do with her leaving Mercia back she was younger. He wondered if Yassia knew. “What exactly have they been through? I remember Caitrin feeling a bit sad the last time we talked about children back in Mercia. It was a happy time then, I didn’t want to pry into private and sad affairs,” he asked his wife, concern written on his face. He would understand though if Yassia wouldn’t tell him. She was loyal to Caitrin, and he would respect that.

Oliver hadn’t really witnessed a woman giving birth first hand. However, he was rather familiar with all the screaming that happens when Sir Sigfried’s wife had given birth to their first born. He had willingly offered his company to the rather restless father-to-be then, standing outside their chambers, pacing back and forth while waiting for the nurse to deliver any news from inside. Oliver knew he could never endure all that waiting and the suspense. With Yassia, he wanted to be there, to see it first hand, and more importantly, to give her all the support that she needs. “Suzanna loves me. She’ll let me in,” he said rather confidently. Yassia’s nurse was the closest they both have to a doting mother here in Ailantha. Somehow, she had made missing his own mother quite bearable. “ I’ll take my chances. For all we know, I might faint even before you start screaming,” he replied teasingly.

“Sometimes I really think your bother may suffer from having multiple personalities inside him.”

He understood why a lot of people are not really as fond of Edmund as they are of him. While Oliver could have easily used that to his advantage (and he did many times in the past when they were still kids), he knew that Edmund needed all his support as future king of Mercia. And Oliver was only too willing to give it to him. They may have different ways of dealing with things, but at the end of the day, all he and Edmund wanted was for the good of their kingdom and of their people. That’s what matters. “ I’ve been trying to kill them all since we were kids. Obviously, I failed,” Oliver teased, chuckling. ”Still I thank Edmund for being Edmund. Had he been the Prince Charming that all ladies fall for, I might have lost you to him,” he added with a wink.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Thinking of what they both had been through sometimes seemed like nothing but a distant dream. It was so far away from their happy reality right here and there that Yassia sometimes almost forgot about it. But it was important to remember, it made you appreciate everything so much more, all the luck she had had, and it helped to not take things for granted. Truly, there had been a time when both their worlds had seemed extremely dark, when they had struggled with their feelings while always thinking they were the only one to be struggling and the other was fine. How blind they had been! So caught up in a web of misunderstandings and unfortunate twists of fate it had seemed impossible to ever get out of it. Sometimes it still hurt, remembering all the things they had done to each other, but this broken road had been worth every twist of the way. And it was also important for Oliver never taking the full blame of things.”We both haven’t been at our best back then, my love”, she reminded him softly, tugging a strand of hair behind his ear. “I did many things I regret today, and stars, was I stubborn and prideful! I vowed to myself to never beg for your affection. How blind I was!”
And now Oliver was brining up things from Caitrin’s and Griff’s past. Maybe she shouldn’t have voiced her thoughts about them finally getting their happy ending. It seemed like Oliver didn’t know much about what had happened to them in Camelot before they got ready to be married, and Yassia was adamant she would keep most of it confidential for all eternity. Caitrin had trusted in her on that part, and she was not going to betray her friend’s trust just because they were so far away. Oliver surely would understand that.
”Well, they had some rough times falling in with Morgana’s raise to power”, she explained, keeping it rather vague. “For a time it looked like there would be no happy ending at all, but they made it. They both had new hope and a fresh start.”

“Suzanna loves me. She’ll let me in,”
Oliver might just be right about that, he really might. Suzanna had been wary about the lad from foreign lands at first, and seeing what a rascal he still could be sometimes, she had probably feared for the wellbeing of the kingdom in general and for that of her ‘Xai’, her ‘little lamb’ like she liked to call Yassia, even now sometimes, even though Yassia was queen now. But Suzanna was allowed that and more. A large part of the succesful recapturing of Ailantha had been due to Suzanna’s never erring faithfulness, loyalty and knowledge of the state the kingdom was in. And she had learned soon to trust Oliver, the game had been won the first time Oliver had seriously addressed her and declared his intentions. Since then, Yassia was more convinced than ever that no woman could resist Oliver’s charm in the long run. There might have been a time once when she would hve felt jealousy on that particular fact, but these times were past as well, gladly.

She laughed at Oliver’s suggestion of fainting. The mental image was just too funny.
”Well, just remember that this time I will be too occupied with my own affairs to give you the Kiss of Life, if it’s that you were speculating on!”, she teased, shaking her head at the memory that so suddenly sneaked up on her again. Really, Olivers and her story just is filled with so many remarkable memories along the way, it is no wonder they always keep coming back to them. “But it would prove what I long since thought: Women can endure more pain than men any day. So maybe it should be us women to do the fighting?” This was only a jest of course, Yassia had no intentions of taking up arms, like she knew some women did. She was content with her life.

”Still I thank Edmund for being Edmund. Had he been the Prince Charming that all ladies fall for, I might have lost you to him,”
As if that could ever have happened! But it was a weakness Oliver had shown before, and as he had so little weaknesses and prodding points to begin with, it was fair to exploit them every once in a while, Yassia thought, mischief taking over her again.
”No one can say he wasn’t trying”, she winked. “It was not his fault I met you before I met him. Queen of Mercia, instead of Queen of Ailantha…” she spoke slowly, as if she was tasting the sound of the words. “Tempting… oh, so tempting indeed!”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Why did circumstances between him and Yassia have to get all twisted and mangled like it had been? Why did they both had to suffer through so much to get here? Had Oliver known who Yassia was from the beginning, it all would have come easy for him, for both of them. Unbelievable as it may, had they not confessed their feelings for each other the first time they met? They would have saved themselves from all the torture they had subjected themselves into and get their happy ever after right there and then. Oliver knew all of the reasons why. It was as clear as night and day. He and Yassia had to go through all the hardships of their past to appreciate the wonderful gift of their future. They had to experience how it felt to be without the other to be thankful for each other now. They had to know how painful it was to lose the other to not take each other for granted now. The stars sure have a funny way of doing things. And Oliver just have to trust them to lead him to the path they had destined for him. And they did. They led him to Yassia. He could never have been any happier and grateful.

“I was ignorant and I was stupid. I let my anger get the best of me, and even after I have apologized for that, I stuck to a promise not knowing I was hurting you in the process. My heart never stopped crying out for you, my love, but I was so keen on helping my kingdom find a future queen that I threw it all aside,” he replied. He caught her hand when it reached up to his ear, and turned his head to plant a long and lingering kiss on her palm. Then he leaned his head to rest his cheek against it, his hand holding hers that was now cupping his cheek.

He nodded, imagining the cruelty Caitrin and Griff must have gone through in the hands of Morgana. The news of Morgana’s ruthless takeover of Camelot had spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and Oliver had to admit that they had all been anxious as to what it would mean to Mercia’s relations with Camelot had it continued to be successful. Of course, Oliver knew Bayard would try and strike up an alliance with the witch as well, not wanting to go against her immortal army. “I’m glad they had come through it unscathed. I dread to think about what Morgana had done to them. Were you in Camelot when she had taken over it?” Now, Oliver was curious.

”Well, just remember that this time I will be too occupied with my own affairs to give you the Kiss of Life, if it’s that you were speculating on!”

Oliver couldn’t help laughing at that, remembering his harmless little shenanigan back when they were still in Mercia. Him pretending to drown in the river, and Yassia, the healer that she is, trying to revive him with “the Kiss of Life.” He had not expected it, but when her lips touched hers, he was totally lost and kissed her back. “Hmmm….” Oliver remarked squinting his eyes at Yassia. Of course, he would feel uncomfortable with the thought of Yassia fighting. He would be endlessly afraid for her safety like he had been when were taking over Ailantha from her uncle. “…no.” he ended with a wide smile on his face. ”But I’m content to know that you can defend yourself should the need arise.” Yassia was quite skilled with the dagger and now knows quite well how to handle a bow and an arrow to be able to protect herself should it happen.

“Queen of Mercia, instead of Queen of Ailantha…Tempting… oh, so tempting indeed!”

Oh, Yassia knew all too well where to hit him where it hurts…or tickles. It was one for Oliver to tease Yassia like he always does, but for her to give him a dose of his own medicine…well, let’s just say, she could always tell quite well exactly how to do it. He dropped his hands away from Yassia and leaned against the seat, looking at her with a hurt expression on his face. Then he turned his head to look out of the nearby window and the bright blue sky outside. Oh, he knew perfectly well that his lovely wife was joking, and he knew how to play this game as well. ”Then I’d be left to wander the Seven Kingdoms all my life, all sad and alone, nursing a broken heart, never healing…until I fade away...” he expressed rather sadly, rather exaggeratedly, too.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

This was not the first time they talked this out, of course. After finally getting over all the obstacles that kept them from each other, there had been long nights of talking it out – and making up for lost time of course. But Yassia knew that bringing it up now once again was all part of a process they had to go through. Deep down inside, both might still not believe that they actually deserved what they had been given – at least Yassia sometimes thought so. So this was their way of getting to terms with all that had been, even if it meant saying the same things over and over again. There was nothing better than hearing of past mistakes and knowing they had been overcome and lead to this utmost happiness now, where everything was just like it should be. Still, Oliver had to be careful sometimes. Beneath all his cheek and careless exterior, there was a great worrier at work. He was always too ready to take full blame, even if that was anything but deserved. Yassia needed to remind him once in a while, that she hadn’t been completely innocent either. She was nothing like a mere victim, she had given him so many pains as well.
”You acted very bravely, my love”, she contradicted him gently, moving a caressing thumb over his cheek he had guided into her hand. “You put the prosperity of your kingdom before anything else, and that is the hardest way to act. I know that, believe me. Had I known how serious you would take that vow I witnessed, I would never have agreed to it.” She sighed, savouring the feeling of just leaning against him, rejoicing in the deep understanding they shared. “If I learnt something from all the stars put me through than that it is never wise to completely forgo your heart. It is often wiser than the head, and sees ways where your mind sees none. Had we simply followed our hearts from the beginning, there would have been no stopping us, and everything would have turned out easier. But now…” she leaned over his face againt and softly pecked his nose, “we learnt something from it, and that’s the main thing. So away with the gloomy thoughts!”

Even though they knew each other so well, there were things they had never talked about, and some secrets Yassia had never shared. She was sure Oliver did the same, and it didn’t make her feel uneasy. Love was not about knowing everything about each other, it was about trusting the other that what you knew was all you needed to know – and not having that trust betrayed. And like this, Yassia had never told Oliver about what had happened to her when Morgana had ruled over Camelot. It simply hadn’t seemed too important to share, and as much as he loved her, he would probably just work himself up over things that were long past and didn’t need his worry. Morgana’s reign had be short-lived and Yassia was here now – wasn’t that all that counted?
But then, he had asked her now, and as little as she would have told him by herself, as little would she now act evasively. She had sworn to herself once, she would never lie to Oliver, as there had been too many lies and half-truths between them already.
”Yes, I was there”, she told him thus. “Well, at least I was summoned there from Falconeyrie after her takeover was completed. She tried to get my loyalty, which was ridiculous of course. I was a guest, not her subject, my allegiance would have meant nothing to her.”

“Hmmm….”“…no.””But I’m content to know that you can defend yourself should the need arise.”
Oliver was always so concerned about her safety. It was moving and a sign of just how much he loved her, of course, but sometimes Yassia had to stop him from treating her too much like a porcellain doll. There were some things she had to go through alone, some things he could not help her with. Of course she had not been serious by any accounts on the topic of fighting, but it proved to be just another lovely thing to banter about. They could probably do this all day.
“Well, I was trained by the best”, she said, leaning ever close so she could gaze into his loving eyes. “My brother, you… that’s more than I ever would aspire. Don’t worry, I don’t have any ambitions to compete with you and beat your poor ego.”


Oh dear, they were in a dramatic mood today, weren’t they? It cost Yassia some to not just break out in laughter, but to stay in the character she had just been assuming: The heartless, evil queen who would not care if the man that loved her so much would suffer.
“Oh come ooon”, she teased him lightly, tapping his shoulder. “I’m sure within ten days or so, you would find the next irresistible face to have some fun with. Some lady of the court perhaps? Or some free-spirited, roaming gypsy? You’d have quite a mass to pick from.” That wasn’t even so far-fetched, if it wasn’t for Oliver’s dedication and love. Yassia very well saw the looks her handsome husband was being given on a daily basis, and sometimes it still could make her jealous.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Yassia always knows the right things to say at the right time. To him, at least. Oliver felt like Yassia could say anything and everything, and it will ease all the worries and anxieties in his mind. Add to that a gentle caress of her hand or the feel of her body just leaning comfortably against his, and everything feels right again. It was no question she had that effect on him, and it was an even bigger no-brainer that he wanted it that way. She was his drug. One that he could knew he could never survive without. “You’re right. We wouldn’t have appreciated what we have now as much as we do if we didn’t go through all those hardships. But I still want you to know that I will do everything that I can to not let you go through all that pain again,” he replied with a smile.

Oliver reached a hand out and gently caressed her cheek when she spoke of her experience with Morgana. The witch didn’t seem to have made any lasting traumatic effect on Yassia, but Oliver had to be sure. “Did she hurt you as much as she did the others?” His thoughts went back to Caitrin and Griff, and could only just imagine what they had to go through in Morgana’s clutches being citizens of Camelot. Oliver knew the devastation and destruction her immortal armiy had laid waste to the lands that they had passed through from Cenred’s kingdom on their way to Camelot. Mercia had counted itself fortunate they were up north to be spared from the slaughter. ”We should send something for the twins. I’m sure Cait and Griff would appreciate it. What do you think would be a good gift?” he then blurted out, hoping Yassia wouldn’t be surprised by his abrupt change of topic, hoping she had guessed the thoughts that were swimming in his head.

“Well, I was trained by the best…My brother, you… that’s more than I ever would aspire. Don’t worry, I don’t have any ambitions to compete with you and beat your poor ego.”

A laugh came out of Oliver at Yassia’s playful attempt to patronize him. He always finds her cute when she does that. He knew exactly what his wife was capable of in terms of weaponry. He had been at the receiving end of one of her dagger throws after all. And he had personally seen her progress with the bow and arrow. “Oh, don’t tempt me now, woman. I could just take you up on that challenge right now.” Yes, this was just one of their many favorite games to play. The bantering.

He laughed when she called his bluff, and couldn’t help the memories of that one particular gyspy that Oliver had once loved in his teenage years come to him. Yassia knew all about her and the influence she had in his life growing up. But all of that were now fond memories of his past. Oliver was now with his present and his future. He couldn’t ask for anything more. “Not when my heart yearns for you. I’d be truly miserable…” Then a sly smile appeared on his lips. ”And I know you will be, too. Edmund is not just one haughty prince, he’s as vain as a princess, too. His room is full of mirrors, and I think he wears powder. He’d beat you in that department for sure.” Oliver always loved making fun of his brother. He always has ever since they were kids.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

As if she would ever doubt Oliver’s good intentions! Sometimes he was almost ridiculous, but nevertheless cute, in his frantic attempts to make up for mistakes he might have or might not have made. Of course he would never want to hurt her, he didn’t even need to say that, it was written all over his face and burning in his eyes whenever he looked at her. This exuberant love that still could overwhelm her day by day and leave her even a little helpless, because she wondered if she deserved it all. But she knew better than to harbor such doubts for long, as she knew the stars might hear it. They were fickle creatures in granting favors. If they thought you didn’t appreciate something the right way, the could take it away from you in the blink of an eye! ”You’re on the best way imagineable to that anyway”, she assured him fondly, searching his gaze. “We’ve battled stormy seas, mosquitos, evil uncles and stubborn subjects, don’t you think we’re now seasoned enough to master everything that’s thrown our way – even by each other?” Before he could get that wrong, Yassia gave a little chuckle and leaned closer yet again, tapping his nose. “Not that you ever would.”
It was another sign of his care that he felt the need to inquire deeper, and for him as well as for herself, Yassia was glad she could deny this question. To this day she still didn’t know what it had been, but Morgana had never handled her as roughly as she might have others. Yassia could have lost her tongue on many occasions, as she just hadn’t been able to keep her mouth shut, but it had not happened. She didn’t dare to think her opposition might have impressed the evil queen, but at least she had been able to stand her ground for longer than she would have dreamed herself. Maybe being manhandled by different monarchs or wannabe-monarchs who all lacked in the courtesy department turned you into some sort of expert after a while? Well, it would probably stay a mystery never to be fully uncovered.
”No”, she answered therefore truthfully, and still a little thoughtfully. ”I was lucky, I guess. Others had it far worse.” The abrupt change of subject didn’t surprise her that much. After all, thinking of what-might-have-beens in such circumstances was always an affair to make your skin crawl. Yassia wanted to chase the shadows away as well!

“A gift sounds wonderful yes!” she agreed, then cocked her head in thinking. “We could let it travel by messenger, so it might take longer, but it would be more than could fit to a dove’s neck. Oor…” suddenly a smile broke out on her lips, as she remembered something from her own childhood.
“I don’t know if that custom is known outside Ailantha, I never asked my mother about it, but when I was born, my father planted the seed of a tree into the ground, somewhere in our garden. My brother has one too, but it’s different from mine, an oak, because he was the crown prince. Mine’s a cherry tree.” Yassia furrowed her brows and then looked at Oliver. “What would you say would be two good trees for Arthur and Esmae. Or do you have any other good idea? We don’t have to go with this!”

A sly grin flickered over Yassia’s face at Oliver’s words. Was that only her imagination or had there be a hint of suggestion in Oliver’s tone? Well, seeing in what state she was right now, to declare Oliver completely innocent and incapable of such things would be foolish indeed.
”Right noow?!” she asked, chuckling and leaning in to give him a lingering, teasing kiss. “In this room? How, pray tell, would THAT look like? You don’t even have anything here to fight!” Just his bare hands of course, but Yassia knew well enough that they would suffice. Oliver might not look brawny, but he had surprised many a man already with the strength that was hidden inside him.

Yassia couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the mental image of a powdered Edmund. She laughed so hard she had to cover her mouth and doubled over. Had she not been alone with Oliver in this room, she might have swallowed it all down, forced herself to remain nonchalant, but this attack on her imagination had been too sudden, soo unexpected. Of course, she had never been in Prince Edmund’s room, as that would have been far from proper, and so she had no way of telling if Oliver was right. He probably wasn’t, but that was completely beside the point.
”Alright, you win”, she gasped between two laugh attacks and fanned her face. “Sweet stars… I could have beared so much… but NOT a whitewashed husband. Maybe I senses something, that’s why I ran off when I had the chance!”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“I would take stormy seas, mosquitoes, evil uncles and stubborn subjects anytime, any day, my love. I’d easily triumph over them with you beside me,” he replied meeting her gaze with his own. Then his lips curved up into a playful little smirk. ”But I don’t know if I’d ever be ready for anything that you would throw at me. Come to think of it, I know you’d be the death of me,” he added with a chuckle. That was true. Oliver knew he can easily survive even the harshest punishment in the world and in life if he had Yassia holding his hand, supporting him, battling them all beside him. But somehow, he knew as well that she was his greatest strength and weakness. Without her, he was nothing. Without her, he might as well die. If Yassia, by some sick twist of fate, would decide to be rid of him, Oliver might as well jump off a cliff and end his life rather than go on living without her. But of course, he was confident and secure of his place in Yassia’s life, just as Yassia should be in his. There was no question of that. Their love for each other was that strong and true that there was simply no room for doubts or fears.

He nodded, relieved that Yassia hadn’t been traumatized by her experience with Morgana. The witch seemed to be determined in her pursuit to take Camelot from Arthur, and she had no care whatsoever as to how many had to die for her to get it. They could all easily find themselves in that same situation again should Morgana return. Adding to the relief Oliver felt was the fact that they are leagues away from Camelot at the moment. Still, that doesn’t stop him from worrying, for their beloved friends and family this time.

So when Yassia gushed at the idea of a gift for the twins, Oliver couldn’t have been any happier. Fondly, he watched her try to think up of a way to send it to Camelot, and couldn’t help the amused glint in his eyes when she mentioned something that would ‘fit a dove’s neck.’ If Oliver had his crazy ideas, Yassia had even more than he does. She was talking about seeds of trees. Oliver hadn’t heard much about it before in Mercia, but it does seem like a beautiful and meaningful gesture. He liked the thought of Yassia’s father planting different kinds of trees in his children’s honor. It was truly admirable. “I like it actually. The trees grow as the kids do. Do we send them the seeds? Or do we plant them here?” he asked. He had to make sure he got all the details right.

Oliver liked it a lot when she gives him kisses, especially the random ones, those that came out of the blue just for something he said or did...or even for no reason at all. He didn’t know what was so fascinating about what he just said, but he was glad it earned him a lingering kiss anyway. “In this room? How, pray tell, would THAT look like? You don’t even have anything here to fight!” Trust Yassia to ride along. ”And you do? The way I’m seeing it, it is going to be a fair fight,” he replied with a wink before putting Caitrin’s letter safely on the side table. Then he laced his fingers with Yassia's, and brought them me up to his lips. He planted a kiss on the back of her hand before slowly moving his lips up to her wrist, then further more…traveling his way up the length of her slender arm.

Her laughter filled the air, and Oliver loved the sound of it more than anything in the world. And nothing certainly amuses Yassia than jokes that come at the expense of Edmund. Not that it would hurt Edmund or get them in trouble, they’re practically a million leagues apart. He had joined in her laughter, and Yassia was looking all flushed and ever beautiful as she tried to recover from her fit. “You were right to listen to your instincts, my dear,” he replied, laughter still in his eyes. Yes, Edmund does have the tendency to be a little too vain with his looks and all. He is a man through and through though.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

There was something about Oliver’s words that could have been insulting or unsettling, had Yassia not known him better. From their first meeting on, he had spoken of her as a witch, a player and all other kinds of unpleasantries to find any reason for the hold she had on him. However, Yassia wasn’t even sure she DID have a hold on him at all, she rather felt it was the other way around, but there was no convincing him. During their fallout, these insults had become painfully real, but now she knew them to be as just what they were: A token of his overwhelming love and gratitude towards her. It might sound peculiar, and for any outsider it might be, but Yassia had long since learned that this was Oliver’s way of showing affection, and she found nothing wrong with it. Too much direct praise or gushing would only make her horribly uncomfortable. It was easier to play along to this game and act the heartless evil thing he made her out to be, the muderess if that was what they were steering towards at the moment, instead of squirming under different shows of affection.”Well, then let’s just hope it’ll be a sweet death”, she murmured, adopting the role of the heart-stealing witch like she so often had. Yassia had never been one for such games, really, but around Oliver she found it surprisingly easy. He could tease out sides in her she had never known she possessed. She guessed that was one of the perks of having found your other half in life, for that was undoubtedly what he was. “Though really, I might just as well go downt with you. It’d be boring without you around.”

The more she thought about the idea with the seeds, the more Yassia started to like it. She only could hope Caitrin and Griff woulf appreciate the gesture as well. It was more a symbolical than a material gift, something that showed the appreciation they had for being chosen godparents even when living so far away. The seeds contained the wishes that the two little souls would grow and prosper like the trees would, and the trees itself would almost be like guardians, watching over the children where Oliver and Yassia couldn’t. It might be pathetic to load a few simple seeds with so much meaning, but then, it might catch their fancy nevertheless.
“We send the seeds, so they may plant them in their garden somewhere”, she explained the idea to Oliver. “So the trees will grow along with the kids. They will be THEIR trees. I helped caring for mine when I was younger, it was a big deal for me.” Yassia smiled in reminiscence. “And when it grew tall enough to have cherries, no one was allowed to eat them without my permission.” A wistful shadow crossed her face for a moment. “And when my father died, it was like he was still watching out for me… not only from the stars, but closer, through the cherry tree he had planted for me with his own hands.”

A fair fight?! Since when had anything between Oliver and her been a fair fight? He knew as well as she did that he could twist her around ever single one of his fingers without her being able to do much about it! And Oliver just proved that again by starting his teasing exploration up her arm. When had been the first time he had found out her arm was one of her weak spots? Yassia had forgotten, but she knew he used it to his advantage ever since. She was just too ticklish there and his pecks didn’t help with that. When she couldn’t bear it any longer, Yassia gently put her right hand under Oliver’s chin and directed his head away, while leaning in herself and slowly starting to trace his jawline with her lips, until she reached the delicate skin under and behind his ear. Two could play at this game, and the euphoric news of this day had put her in a rather playful mood. Inwardly she suppressed a chuckle. If only Caitrin could see her now. Oliver surely had changed the slightlx demure Yassia in many ways.

“You were right to listen to your instincts, my dear,”
Oh, Yassia knew she had never been more right than when she had decided against Edmund. Though, back then, it hadn’t been much of a decision really, or it would have been a much harder one had Edmund not been who he was, the Crown Prince. Had Oliver been in his place, had her heart not settled on the second son by a twist of incredibly generous fates, she probably would have torn herself apart over the choice between her kingdom and her heart. And in the end the kingdom would have won out. She had been born to make that decision once, so she would not have failed her people for her own personal gain. But it would have killed her inside, and instead of a thriving queen that practically lit up her kingdom with her personal happiness like she was now, they would have been ruled by an empty shell. A dutiful shell, yes, but a shell still.
”Even though I felt so ashamed of myself for running off, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made”, she agreed.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

To Oliver, Yassia was not exactly the type to play along with anybody's foolish and nonsense games. But somehow, he was happy to see that she would, just as easily and gladly, ride along with his crazy antics, ridiculous they may be. And it was no one-way road either. Yassia also knows a few tricks up her sleeves that never fail to keep Oliver amused. Other than that, she also keeps him grounded and well-behaved when the need arises. She keeps him in line when he gets overboard over certain things. They complement each other, two halves of a truly wonderful whole. ” “Though really, I might just as well go down with you. It’d be boring without you around.” “That’s my girl. For a moment there, I thought you’d be content to just let me go and die in vain. I have chosen well,” he replied, teasingly yet again, because he knew exactly how Yassia feels for him, how he could always rely on her to always be there for him in both the good and bad times.

Listening to Yassia speak about the meaning and significance of their agreed gift to the twins, Oliver couldn’t help but love the idea more that he wanted to continue what her father has started with her. It would be a legacy of sorts, exactly how she felt with her own cherry tree. “I’m sure Caitrin and Griff will love the seeds that we will send them and appreciate the meaning behind them. It will be a symbol of our commitment as godparents to the twins as well,” he remarked. Then he noticed the wistful look on her face as she spoke more about the cherry tree her father planted for her. “Why am I learning about this cherry tree only now? I need to see it to believe it,” he told her with a wink. Of course, he believed her. While he had seen and known a lot about Yassia’s family since they had taken over the castle, he thought the cherry tree was much more special than all the family portraits that hung all around them. It was more personal, and it spoke tons about the man who once ruled over Ailantha, the man who sired his lovely wife, the man Oliver wished he had personally met.

Oliver knew he would never succeed in his mischievous little trick. He knew that Yassia wouldn’t want to be easily beaten and would retaliate. And retaliate she did. Quite unfairly, he might add. Just as he knew her arms was one of her weak spots, Yassia too knew the back of his ear was his own Achilles heel in this department. And he had the feeling that she was going to attack that area when she started tracing his jawline with her oh-so-luscious lips. When she felt her lips touch the delicate skin behind his ear, Oliver tried but failed to suppress a low moan which he immediately turned into a chuckle. “Okay, that’s just not fair,” he expressed as he gently pulled away, a wide grin on his face. ”You can’t make me all excited like that…not while you’re all…” Oliver added gesturing at her swollen tummy, amusement written all over his face. Of course, it didn’t escape him that he was the one who started all this teasing in the first place.

”Even though I felt so ashamed of myself for running off, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” He took her hand, brought it his lips and placed a soft lingering kiss on her fingers. He could just as easily guess what was going on inside her head at that moment. “If you hadn’t ran off, I never would have come after you, and I never would have gotten the courage to tell you how I truly felt about you. If you hadn’t ran off, then we wouldn’t have this, we would be here together now. ” Oliver didn’t know it then, but he realize now that he was subconsciously waiting for Yassia to reveal her true feelings for Edmund. And her running off after Edmund’s proposal was so clear a message that it was already too hard for him to ignore. Oliver had already wasted too much time playing cupid for her and his brother, he felt no qualms about finally telling her his feelings right there and then. Such a joyful day that turned out to be for both of them.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia couldn’t understand those who took this game of ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ further than just a few teasing remarks here and there, though she knew there were relationships based on this methods. What kind of relationship should that be anyway? Where you constantly weren’t sure of your partner’s feelings, where you had to fear to be dropped for someone better any minute? If you thought the other to be perfect for you, why couldn’t you just admit it? Alright, maybe you shouldn’t overdo it, and the teasing was just one way of keeping things at a healthy balance, but you needed a foundation of security to go into these banters with a light heart, right? For a moment, she took her time to examine Oliver again, take in every beloved detail, not only of his face but also what she knew to lie beneath his skin. And she just had to agree with him: She had chosen well, too. She couldn’t have found anyone better.“Well, I can’t have you take me for granted, now can I?” she murmured, even though she knew that was probably farthest from Oliver’s mind than anything. “A little reminder here and there won’t go amiss.” As if she ever could truly walk out on him… and as if he ever would give her a reason! Her belief in those two simple facts was as firm as a rock.
It only occurred to Yassia now that she really had never shown Oliver her special cherry tree, hadn’t even told him about it before, even though they had been settled in Ailantha for quite a while now. The realization made her stomach churn with guilt and she bit her lip, looking a bit embarrassed. She had checked on the tree herself once or twice, and she knew that by now a few of the precious cherries might already be ripe. She should take Oliver there as soon as possible, Yassia didn’t want Oliver to think she’d be excluding him from anything in her life, let alone something as important as this!
”Goodness, yes!” she exclaimed, blushing. “You need to see it! Right now if you want to! I guess it just… slipped my mind, though clearly it shouldn’t! I’m so sorry!”

Yassia’s feeling of triumph was short-lived when she heard Oliver’s low, strained moan, a clear sign of how she had managed to turn the tide towards her own advantage – but then she remembered again that there could be nothing forthcoming from this until some time to come, and it made her longing grow instead of subside. Nevertheless, she couldn’t suppress a laugh at Oliver’s almost pitiful remark and his obvious indignation, regarding her current ‘state’. “Well, since you weren’t all that innocent in the making of this particular state”, she teased and touched her swollen belly fondly, thinking of the new life there inside, “you are hardly one to complain, are you?” But she understood him so well, so very well. They were taking ever y precaution there was to not hurt their firstborn in any possible way, and so they had of course step down from a few things. Sometimes it was fine, but there were moments just like now, when they both wished they were already a few months advanced and the baby was already born. “Soon though, my love!” she whispered, a longing gaze in her eyes that might melt a heart of stone.

“If you hadn’t ran off, I never would have come after you, and I never would have gotten the courage to tell you how I truly felt about you. If you hadn’t ran off, then we wouldn’t have this, we would be here together now. ”
He was right of course, he almost always was, though sometimes Yassia couldn’t help but wonder. Had her decision to run away been always written in the stars, or had she made it all by herself, therefore forcing the stars to accept that she had suffered enough? Who could tell, really? Maybe she shouldn’t waste so much time on such sophisticated and idle thoughts, but somehow that had always been part of Yassia’s upbrining and she couldn’t deny it now.
“How peculiar the ways of life are sometimes”, she mused with a smile. “I think a huge part of my life was rather directed by the things I did NOT than by the things I did. And to think that all my refusals led me straight to you!” Yassia shook her head slightly, as if to shake off the thoughts that had occupied her mind. “Do you want to see the cherry tree now?”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

All these crazy bantering were merely that--surface bantering. It's a game they play for the sake of playing. To Oliver, there was nothing more to it than making Yassia laugh, watching the play of emotions on her face as he meet her jibes and she his. Oliver loved nothing better than to gaze at his wife. Forever, if at all possible. Yassia was the most beautiful person inside and out. No person could be so pure and true of heart than the woman he was cradling there in his arms that very moment. The words they were exchanging hold nothing because they both knew what is in their heart of hearts for each other. Oliver knew how precious the gift he had been given to even think about taking it for granted. He need no reminding. Still, he liked it that Yassia was just as playful as he was. Games like this could get dangerous if the lovers themselves are not secure in their place in the other's life. Not for Oliver and Yassia. They can banter all they want about exploiting the other, reminding the other of their love...but in truth, that was the last thing they needed. They were soulmates. Nothing could tear them apart. "Reminder noted, Madame." He smiled before leaning in to take Yassia's lips in his own, capturing her luscious little mouth into a warm, passionate yet gentle liplock, pouring all his love for the woman who ensnared his heart and made him the happiest man alive. "I love you," he whispered softly as he rested his forehead against hers.

A smirk appeared on his lips when his lovely wife apologized profusely for forgetting to show him her tree. He loved the faint blush that colored her cheeks. It made her more alive and lively in his arms, and it only made Oliver's heart skip a beat. Goodness indeed! He was truly, madly, deeply enamoured by this woman. He only laughed and then caressed her cheeks, calming her down. No good to get her too distressed now. "It's all right, el meu amor," he comforted her, trying his tongue at what little he knew of her language. Everyday, Oliver made it a point to learn more about Yassia's mother tongue. Not only for Yassia, but also for the people of Ailantha. He was one of them now.

“Well, since you weren’t all that innocent in the making of this particular state...you are hardly one to complain, are you?”

Oliver had to laugh inspite of himself. After all, Yassia was right. He was just as guilty as she was in bringing about her current state, the most wonderful state a man could wish for his wife, the beginning of a family. Oh, he could just remember that wonderful time in Mercia when they finally opened themselves up to each other, pouring their love for one another, giving all that they could, becoming one. It was the most beautiful thing in the world. But the baby that was growing inside Yassia now was the fruit of that love. And it was just as amazing. Oliver couldn't have thanked the stars for any more wonderful blessings. The look that Yassia gave him definitely melted his heart, and he knew he could endure anything for her. "Soon..." he whispered back and lovingly carressed her tummy. Then just as suddenly, he felt a gently jolt from within. "Was that our little bundle making itself known again?" he asked, his face lighting up like a child. For a few months now, the baby inside Yassia has indeed been kicking about and around. It was the most delightful thing ever. "Hang in there, little fellow. Don't worry, mother and father will behave themselves until you come out," he spoke to Yassia's tummy, laughing.

"We both had been making our way towards each other. Whether that had been written in the stars or simply borne out of the decisions that we made, it doesn't matter to me now. All I care about is that I now have you and I am happy," he replied. Yassia always put stock in fate and the stars, and Oliver had learned that indeed somewhere their destinies had already been pre-ordained. He himself was glad that his destiny was Yassia, and not some painful death fighting a war in Mercia. When she asked if he wanted to see her cherry tree now, Oliver gave her a rather enthusiastic nod. He had been cooped up in the library for a while now reading that book, he needed to go out again. "Let's go," he replied and gently helped his wife stand up.