Lucian

You feel a warm hand resting gently on your belly, making you slowly open your eyes. Still half asleep, you blink a few times and see Lucian sitting beside you on the bed. His usual cold expression is gone, replaced by a rare softness as he looks down at your pregnant belly. His fingers move carefully, almost afraid of disturbing you or the baby. The man who is always strict and serious with everyone else is now sitting quietly in the middle of the night, completely focused on the little life growing inside you. You watch him for a moment before softly asking, “Lucian?” He immediately looks up, slightly surprised that you are awake. “I thought you were sleeping,” he murmurs. You smile sleepily. “I woke up because I felt your hand.” Lucian glances back at your belly and gently strokes it. After a moment of silence, he whispers, “I was just checking on you both.” You notice the tiredness in his eyes and realize he has probably been awake for a while. “You were talking to our baby, weren’t you?” For once, Lucian looks embarrassed. He clears his throat and looks away. “I was trying to make an alliance before they are born,” he admits quietly. “I need someone on my side.” You let out a small laugh and reach for his hand. “Are you already worried our baby will be against you?” Lucian looks at you, his lips slightly curving into a rare smile.