A/N: IM BACK BITCHES (pt2)

"For real?" Xavier was still frozen in place. "You're serious?"

"Rhys just confirmed it. Well, Seyr sensed it, then I had Rhys test me, and, well, here we are." Zephrine shrugged.

"How would Rhys know if you're pregnant?"

"He put a needle in my piss and it rusted red. I didn't think to ask any more questions."

Xavier's face lit up, shining brighter than the sun that glowed through the colored glass behind him. His heart was happier. Zephrine just gave him a small smile.

"Just- just to be clear, it's mine, right?" Was the first thing he said, because other words failed him.

"Yes, of course it is."

That was it for Xavier. In about two seconds, he was on his feet, face wet with tears already.

"You're not mad?" Zephrine asked as Xavier took hold of her not-even-there stomach gently.

"Why would I be mad?" He stared, fascinated, at her gut.

"We're not married. The child would be a bastard." Zephrine wiped a few tears away.

"You think that matters to me?" Xavier laughed, looking deep into Zephrine's eyes. "I couldn't care less if it's a bastard. As long as it's ours, it's family."

Zephrine still looked uneasy. Her large moonstone eyes were full of panic, looking to Xavier for comfort.

"Okay, if it's worrying you that much..." Xavier reached behind him. "I was saving this until dinner, but I think now would be better."

In his hands, behind his back, Xavier fidgeted with a little wooden box. The box itself wasn't too big, barely large enough to sit in one palm. Though he was sure he knew Zephrine's answer to the question he wanted to ask, anxiety filled his body, rendering him almost totally unable to move. Still, he found the energy to force one knee to the floor so he was resting on the other, bringing the box forward.

"I suppose you know now that this is the 'big surprise' I had planned. And I know we haven't gotten the whole Vana situation under control, but, considering everything that's happened between us, and our family," Xavier nodded to Zephrine's gut, "I think this is the right move."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm getting there." Xavier slid back the top of the box, revealing a silver band that had glittering moonstones decorating it. "Will you, Zephrine Geûld, do me the honor of becoming my Queen?"