Caelum stares out the window of their room, feet propped up on a small mountain of pillows. He's sleepy, tired, and wants nothing more than to nap. But he can't sleep. The baby kicks restlessly in his belly and he tries humming softly to them, to try and get them to sleep. It doesn't work. They wriggle and turn and kick and stretch.

He sighs.

The sun is dipping into the horizon and bright stars are beginning to twinkle in the distance. Aerglo has been busy and each night he's been coming home later and later.

Caelum doesn't even think about going out of their rooms again, not even to go in search of his mate.

He's resigned to spend his time locked in their room, just until their baby is born, until he feels safe.

"Cael?"

Caelum's face brightens at the sight of Aerglo, his heart skipping a beat as his mate approaches him.

"You're here," he breathes, smile wide.

"I am," Aerglo grins, pressing a kiss to Caelum's unsuspecting lips, "the Royal wants us to join xem for dinner."

"O-oh," Caelum stammers, lips still tingling from the kiss.

So, he'll have dinner by himself again.

His smile falls and Aerglo notices, "my eno elttil, xe wants us to join xem. You and me."

"Re-Really?"

Aerglo nods, "yes."

Caelum looks lost. The Royal wants to have dinner them them? With him? He doesn't even have anything to wear aside from Aerglo's clothes which are starting to fit too tight on his baby bump.

"Are you sure?" Caelum asks.

"Yes," Aerglo repeats, gently pulling Caelum from his perch.

Caelum relies solely on Aerglo's help, too heavy and achy at seven and a half months pregnant.

"Thank you... But I... I don't know what to wear.."

Aerglo smiles at him, pulling him toward the closet.

The door opens easily and Aerglo grabs something Caelum can't quite see.

He's speechless, however, when be finally catches a glimpse of the soft fabric.

It's simple, but at the same time looks so soft. A dark blue tunic is paired with black stretchy pants resembling leggings and a blue-gray cloak embroidered with silver is clasped over the shoulders.

"Is.. That's for me?"

"Yes," Aerglo grins, "it is. It's for your comfort and not as constricting like my own clothes are starting to fit."

Caelum traces his fingers over the soft fabric in awe, "I... okay."

Aerglo watches as Caelum shyly changes, revealing soft pale flesh bit by bit.

When he has to take of his shirt he gets shy, but Aerglo doesn't mind.

Xe stands and reaches for Caelum's shirt, tugging it gently off of his body.

Caelum's breath hitches when Aerglo kneels before him, lips kissing his rounded belly, just on a few red stretch marks peeking through.

"You are beautiful, so breathtaking, and so mine."

Caelum gets flustered at the reverent comments and lets Aerglo help him change, although Aerglo prefers viewing Caelum's supple flesh.

"Thanks," Caelum blushes.

Aerglo fastens the clasp of the cape and stands back to drink up the sight of xyr gorgeous mate.

"I... we should go... right?" Caelum whispers.

Aerglo nods, but makes no move toward the door, not until xe pulls Caelum close, "I love you."

"I love you too," Caelum smiles, cheeks a healthy rosy hue.

They walk hand in hand toward the dining hall, both ignoring the stares they get as they pass through.

The guards posted on either sides of the double doors open them and they cross the threshold with a quiet thank you.

Aerglo bows to the head of the table were the Royal waits and Caelum does the same a bit clumsily.

His heart skyrockets when he realizes they're going to sit right next to the Royal's place.

Aerglo pulls out the chair for him and he takes a seat, giving xem a grateful little smile. Aerglo sits in between him and the Royal.

The Royal notices.

"So glad you could join us," xe says causally, eyes boring into Caelum's.

Caelum's gaze flits between Aerglo and Royal Canopus before he coughs a bit awkwardly, "uh, thank you for having me?"

That seems to be the right answer because before he knows it, the room fills with lively chatter.

Caelum tears his eyes from Royal Canopus when he feels a light squeeze on his thigh. He takes a deep breath and tries to calm down his racing heart. He's okay, they're okay.

But they're not.

He doesn't know what possesses him to look up, but when he does, he finds xem. The alien from the ship.

He tenses.

Xe is looking at him, glaring at him, and he shrinks back. He doesn't want to cause a scene, he doesn't want to panic. He's safe, Aerglo's right beside him. They're safe... right?

"Shall we begin?"

The food is brought out in an instant, human servants bringing out plates upon plates.

Caelum can't help but stare, especially when he catches sight of a little girl helping with a tray of drinks.

She trips over herself and without thinking he reaches out, steadying her with an easy smile and taking the tray from her little hands.

An adult approaches them, bowing and apologizing profusely for the spill.

The alien across from him sets down a cup before him.

Caelum looks at xem surprised.

"They'll bring out more to replace the spilled ones. So, please have mine," xe explains easily, offering a small smile that doesn't quite reach xyr eyes.

"Thank you," Caelum whispers.

The Royal begins, eyes sharp as xe notes the stiff interaction between them.

Aerglo notices too and xe just knows xyr comrade is the one who hurt xyr mate.

But xe won't say anything, won't do anything, not yet. Right now xyrs focus is on Caelum.

Xe gives Caelum's thigh another light squeeze, one of reassurance and love.

Caelum looks at Aerglo, relief flooding through him and he quickly tucks into his food, humming around a forkful of juicy and savory meat without another thought. It tastes like home.

He gives Aerglo a reassuring smile before reaching for his cup.

But it barely touches his lips before Royal Canopus stops him.

"Your cup," xe says, standing up with xyr hand outstretched, "hand it to me."

Chattering fills the room, whispers of curiosity and surprise following the order.

Caelum reluctantly stands with Aerglo's help before waddling towards the head of the table and giving the Royal the cup of fruit infused water.

The Royal takes a sip and sits back down, motioning for a servant to hand Caelum another, "sit, eat, enjoy."

Caelum nods.

He's confused just as everyone else is.

And no one seems to notice the alien's wide eyes of shock and fear.

No one, except the Royal.