Chapter One Hundred Two: The Prelude

The day had arrived, Aurora was ready to give birth, and the baby was ready. Ember and Khalivar had gathered around her, whilst her parents took their place on the throne and oversaw any duties for the day, though most people were preoccupied with the childs wellbeing.

After several hours of labor, Kara was born and immediatly surrounded by loved ones. People remarked at how beautiful she was and how she would be a great leader some day, blessing her and giving her tons of love and affection.

Ember looked on, and there was. Kara, now an infant and eventually would become one of the greatest leaders the Underworld had ever known. Ember had done her job thus far but there was still much more to do. Both she and Aurora had made plans that would go into effect after Kara been born and Ember fully intented to make sure that Aurora would keep her promises.

The baby was taken by Khalivar whilst Aurora rested, Ember stayed with the two so that she could watch over Kara and perhaps try to gather more trust from Khalivar.

" She is beautiful " Ember smiled, trying to make small take with Khalivar who could not help but to continue to stare down at his newborn daughter. " She is. She is everything I had hoped that she would be and more" he leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss upon his daughters forehead which garnered a small cry of happiness and an even smaller smile.

" I know she will grow to do great things in the world" he smiled and turnd to Ember. " And I thank you for doing all that you can to protect her" Khalivar's sentiments were genuine. He knew that would have to step up even more as father than a King. And he would have to do his best, though he had rarely spent time around kids.

" You will do fine, just try to do right by her and you'll be fine" Ember assured him.

" Are you a parent? " Khalivare questioned to which Ember simply replied " To more Children than you could possibly realize" she answered. She had always considered the people of the world as her children, though she were perhaps not the best parent herself. As they walked, Ember began to feel lightheaded however and before she realized it, she had collapsed to the ground, her head pounding and the sounds of blood curdling screams echoing through her head. Khalivar knelt to her side and called for aid, as she seemed completely disoriented. " Wha..what is happening " Ember tried to speak before going completely unconcious.

It was hours later, when Ember would finally awake. She had been placed in a bed, in a makeshift hospital wing of sorts. She couldn't remember much, but her head at least stopped pounding and she no longer heard the screams. Once she had opened her eyes, she was greeted to the sight of Aurora who was slumped down in a chair, half awake.

" What happened? " Ember questioned which seemed to snap Aurora awake again.

" Khalivar said that you just passed out..he had you sent here so we could check on you and make sure that you were okay..are you okay? " Aurora inquired as she tried to wake herself up.

" I don't remember. I just suddenly felt exhausted and..I collapsed I think? " Ember tried to remember what she had exactly felt in that moment but it all seemed to be a blur for her.

" Well if you need anything then I will try my best to help" Aurora groaned in discomfort.

" You need to try and rest yourself. You just gave birth" Ember sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed, seeing that Aurora was struggling.

" I'm fine" Aurora lies, she could not get comfortable in her chair no matter how much she tried. " One thing is for certain, I won't be sitting on any thrones anytime soon" She joked.

" Well, I promise you that I am fine but it was nice of you to worry for me. I won't lie, I wouldn't have guessed that you cared all that much" Ember stood to her feet slowly, cautiously so that she wouldn't fall again.

" Well, I'm full of surprises" Aurora finally adjusted herself more comfortably in the chair and let out a sigh of relief.

" Give me a few days and I'll be ready to handle business just like we planned " Aurora assured.

" If you need a little more time then take it. We can't do what we have to do if you aren't feeling well. Don't rush yourself" Ember was surprised at Auroras determination but it was also nice to see all the same.

" I said that I'll be ready in a few days and I will be. Just..make sure the kingdom doesn't fall apart in that time" Aurora groans in pain.

" Do you not trust Khalivar? " Ember questioned.

" like I said, keep an eye on the kingdom. I have a bad feeling something is coming" Aurora warned.