Chapter 48 — Baby Monsters

It's been almost a month since the night Cliff and Laura got together as husband and wife. Laura always looks cheerful and happy because she finally feels she has status as a woman and wife. She also kept on praying so that she could soon conceive Cliff's child. She was determined to wait until the end of this month. If she didn't feel any signs of pregnancy yet, she would force Cliff at any cost to do it again with her until he managed to get her pregnant.

Unlike Cliff, since that night, his life has become uneasy. He indeed thought he wanted to please his mother-in-law, who asked him and his wife for grandchildren. However, the fear that his actions would hurt Laura uneasy Cliff. He hoped the seed he planted in Laura's womb would not grow. He hoped that Laura would never bear his child. He realized he had made a mistake. Whenever he and Laura can't give grandchildren to his mother-in-law because the child Laura will give birth to will become a vampire like him.

Every day both day and night, Cliff always watches over his wife. Not knowing how many nights he couldn't sleep, and chose to watch over his wife, who was fast asleep in bed. He also stopped training military troops, which had become a daily routine since living in the Palace and preferred to always be by his wife's side. Accompany him wherever he goes.

Like today, Laura has routine activities, namely visiting an orphanage every month to give donations from the kingdom. Laura has always loved children. She is always excited every time she visits an orphanage. She would spend all day at the orphanage playing with the children.

Usually, she would go accompanied by several court ladies and soldiers. However, it differed from today because Cliff insisted on accompanying Laura to the orphanage. Even though Cliff usually refused to come whenever Laura asked him to, Cliff reasoned that he didn't like children because they were small creatures that bothered him. That's why Laura was amazed when Cliff insisted on accompanying her, even though she couldn't deny that she was pleased because her husband would accompany her.

At this time, Laura and several court ladies and soldiers were standing in front of the Palace. Some items that would be donated to the orphanage had also been packed neatly and stacked beside them. They were waiting for some Palace soldiers to bring a carriage that Laura would later ride along the way. Cliff also has yet to show his nose because he takes a horse to ride on during the trip.

Not long after, Cliff, sitting on the back of a horse, and several soldiers lifting a large box with various beautiful decorations on the outside, which Laura would later occupy, were now walking towards them.

Laura was about to get into the box or carriage that six soldiers would lift. She was discouraged when she saw Cliff extending his hand towards her as if indicating for her to come to ride the horse.

"You're asking me to ride this horse with you?" asked Laura, worried that she might misunderstand what Cliff was reaching out to her for.

"Yes, I will take care of you myself," Cliff said, blushing Laura's face. She was undoubtedly happy because her husband cared so much about her. She took Cliff's hand and immediately lifted her body. Now she sits right in front of Cliff. Her heart was beating fast when she felt Cliff as if he was hugging her while the man was pulling the horse's reins.

Despite living for three years with Cliff. Spend time together. Go places and do lots of fun things. Even though she had had a husband and wife relationship with Cliff, for some reason, Laura's heart always beat wildly every time she got the slightest attention from Cliff or just got close to her husband.

Along the way to the orphanage, some of the court ladies and soldiers who saw their princess and prince riding together in a very romantic position made them smile. They are happy to see the harmony of their masters. Not infrequently, they also whispered, envying seeing a husband and wife who were so perfect in their eyes.

Meanwhile, Laura had a smile on her lips. She is pleased because now she is more sure that Cliff loves her too. What her husband said that night was the truth. Laura realizes that after that night, their relationship is getting harmonious, and Cliff also pays more attention to her. However, her smile suddenly faded when she felt her stomach hurt like it was being squeezed.

"C-Cliff... could you stop the horse for a second?" she asked as she squeezed Cliff's hands tightly.

"What's wrong, Laura?" asked Cliff worriedly after he did Laura's word to stop the horses. Cliff was even more worried when he saw sweat pouring down Laura's forehead and a grimace on her face in pain.

"What happened to you?" he asked again because Laura did not answer him.

"My stomach hurts. It feels squished," Laura said. Then suddenly, she covered her mouth with one hand while the other was busy patting Cliff's hand, blocking her as if giving a signal for Cliff to step aside.

"Put me down. I want to vomit," she said because Cliff didn't understand the hint she gave earlier.

Cliff swiftly complied with Laura's request. He helped Laura off the horse. Laura rushed away from the group, crouched down, and vomited all the food she had eaten before leaving.

Cliff, who saw it, was, of course, even more worried. He walked over to Laura and rubbed her back gently while Laura spat out the contents of her stomach.

"Sorry, you must be disgusted to see it," Laura said, smiling after vomiting. "I think I caught a cold," she added, trying to calm Cliff, who she realized was putting on a worried face.

"I will take you to a clinic nearby. A doctor should examine you."

"But I'm okay, Cliff. And what about the donation? We have to continue our journey," Laura said, refusing Cliff's wish to take her for treatment.

Cliff ignored her. He walked over to several soldiers and maids who looked worried for Laura. Cliff ordered them to continue their journey to the orphanage without him and Laura joining them. They can only obediently accept orders from their master. Likewise, Laura could only obey her husband, who returned to her lap and sat her on the horse's back.

Arriving at a public clinic, a female healer was examining Laura. The healer was nervous because Cliff stared at her as if she had made the slightest mistake and would immediately sentence herself to death. It's too much, but that's what the healer feels.

Soon the healer finished her examination of Laura with a smile tugging at her lips. Laura was curious about the examination results, unlike Cliff, who had a bad feeling.

"How is the condition?" asked Cliff impatiently.

"Princess is fine. On the other hand, there is good news. Congratulations, Princess, Prince, you guys will be parents soon. Princess Laura is pregnant," said the healer with a radiant face.

"Is it true? I'm pregnant?"

"That's right, Princess. Congratulations." Laura's face filled with happiness. She subconsciously hugged the female healer because she was too happy to hear the news of her pregnancy.

"Thank you, I'm pleased," Laura exclaimed excitedly, making the female healer smile happily, watching her daughter's excessive reaction.

"Okay, excuse me first," said the healer.

"Yes, thank you," said Laura.

After the female healer left, Laura continued to stroke her stomach gently while a bright smile never faded from her pretty face. She was very grateful because her prayers and hopes were answered so quickly. Now she no longer had to think about forcing Cliff to touch her again.

"Cliff, thank goodness we're having kids soon. We're going to be parents. I'm so happy," Laura said as she hugged Cliff tightly to channel her happiness.

"You're happy too, right?" she asked. However, Cliff said nothing. He also didn't return Laura's hug at all, making Laura immediately let go of her hug.

Laura was shocked when she saw the look on Cliff's face that didn't look happy. On the other hand, his face was red from the mounting emotions. He clenched his fists so tightly that his eyes were even redder.

"W-what are you doing? You don't look happy." Even though she knew Cliff was angry, Laura worked up the courage to ask. Laura didn't understand why Cliff suddenly had this expression. Shouldn't he be happy to hear this happy news? That's what Laura was thinking.

"Laura, I'll be honest with you. I never expected you to bear my child. I always hoped you would never get pregnant." Laura covered her mouth in disbelief at Cliff's confession. Her eyes were glassy, and she almost cried.

"But why?"

"I won't let that monster hurt you. I swear I'll get it out of your belly with my hands if it hurts you even a little bit." Laura gasped. He was very disappointed and sad to hear Cliff's words.

"Monsters? Did you call it a monster? It's not a monster. It's just a tiny baby. After all, it is our child. The fruit of our love." Both of Laura's eyes were now shedding tears, making Laura's beautiful, flawless face flooded with tears.

"To me, it's a monster—monsters like me. I won't let it hurt you. You know me very well, Laura. When I said I would get it out of your stomach if it hurt you, then that is what I will do whether you agree or not," Cliff growled.

"I won't let you do that. I won't let you hurt my children. Even if you don't want it, I will still give birth to it and raise it. Even if you choose to leave me because you can't accept my decision, I will let you go. It doesn't matter how much I love you," said Laura as she ran away from Cliff alone. She rode Cliff's horse and returned to the palace, leaving Cliff still in the clinic.

At the Palace, Laura rushed to meet her brother, Prince Laurent. She talked about her pregnancy but didn't discuss her fight with Cliff. She came to her brother because she felt she needed her help.

Laura knew very well how Cliff was, especially after Cliff told Laura about his dark past. Even though Cliff had changed for the better, Laura knew her husband would not play around with his threats. She had to take care of her womb and keep Cliff away so he couldn't approach her and her brother could help her. That was what Laura was thinking at the moment.

"Bro, can I ask for your help?" asked Laura, not intending to mince words.

"Of course. What kind of help do you ask of your brother here? I will grant whatever your request. Think of this as a gift to you because you're finally going to give me a nephew," Prince Laurent said enthusiastically.

"I don't know why I haven't been comfortable around Cliff lately. I want him to stay away while I'm pregnant."

"Oh, it must be a baby. You know the term cravings, right? Usually, young pregnant women do ask for strange things. I'm so sorry for your husband because your children don't want to be close to him." Laura smiled as she seemed to have found an excuse to keep Cliff away from her for the time being.

"Yes, bro. I also think this is a congenital baby. That's why I need your help, bro."

"What should I do to help you?"

"I want you to order some soldiers to stand guard in front of my room. Don't let Cliff into my room." Laurent stared at his sister's request. He just felt sorry for his brother-in-law.

"That means Cliff has to change rooms?" asked Laurent. Laura nodded.

"Please talk to him. Make sure he doesn't come into my room. He will obey your words, bro. I know Cliff respects you a lot," Laura asked with a sad face.

"But I think it's too much. After all, the craving phase won't last long."

"I'm begging you, bro. I want to be pregnant until I give birth later, don't let Cliff come near me. Bro, this is the baby's wish. I beg you to help me." Laura put on a pitiful face, hoping her brother would feel sorry for her.

"Haah… alright. What else can we do? Since this is the baby's wish, we must grant it. Starting today, I will immediately order some soldiers to stand guard in front of your room. I will also talk to Cliff so he understands." Laura rushed to throw herself into her brother's arms while constantly thanking her.

"Bro, make sure Cliff promises never to enter my room or come near me while I'm pregnant," she said once again. Laurent sighed tiredly while his hands were busy stroking the top of his younger sister's head, who was always spoiled when in front of him.

"Okay, you don't need to worry," Laurent said, again making Laura sigh of relief.

Shortly after that, Laurent came across Cliff, who seemed to have just arrived at the palace. He immediately hugged Cliff, congratulating him because soon his brother-in-law would become a father. At the same time, Cliff replied only with a skinny smile that looked forced.

"Oh yes. Laura came to see me earlier and asked me to tell you something." Cliff frowned at Laurent's statement. However, he remained silent and waited for Laurent to continue his words.

"This is it, Brother-in-law. Women who are young and pregnant usually experience a phase of cravings. They'll be annoying with weird requests, but trust me. They're innate in babies. So, like it or not, as the baby's father, we must grant her wish."

"What do you want Big Brother to say?" said Cliff, not interested in hearing Laurent, who was making small talk.

"Yeah, I mean, Laura is currently going through that phase. She asked me to order several soldiers to stand guard before her so you couldn't enter her room. As long as she is pregnant with your child, your child doesn't want to see you. So you have to be patient, okay? Just give in and don't make a big deal out of this. For now, you will be sleeping in another room, just until Laura gives birth." Cliff was silent, but Laurent could catch the irritated look on Cliff's face.

"I know her request is unreasonable and annoying. I used to be like that when my wife was pregnant. It's just that I'm lucky enough not to have to move rooms like you. Hahaha." Laurent tried to lighten the mood by laughing, but it didn't affect Cliff.

"Hey, Brother-in-law. You can understand this situation. You're not mad, are you?"

"I understand, Bro. Don't worry," replied Cliff.

"Haha, thank goodness. Oh yes. At first, I thought you were not normal, you know," said Laurent, changing the subject.

"It means?" asked Cliff in disbelief.

"Because you just managed to get my sister pregnant after three years of marriage. Is there a little time? Hahaha, just kidding, don't sweat it. The most important thing is congratulations. You will soon become a father."

"Thank You. If you don't have anything else you want to talk about, I'll take my leave first to rest," said Cliff, no longer interested in continuing the conversation with his brother-in-law.

"Oh, of course. For a while, you will be occupying Laura's old room. No problem, right?" Cliff nodded and stepped away from Laurent.

"Uh, Cliff, wait a minute!" Laurent shouted, making Cliff grind his teeth in annoyance because he had to stop again.

"I forgot that Laura told me to make sure you promise that you won't go near her or enter her room while she's pregnant. Sorry, but you know yourself, my sister's spoiled nature? Her wishes must always be complied with, so I…"

"Okay, Bro. I promise I won't go near Laura or enter her room," Cliff said. He bowed slightly to pay respects to his brother-in-law before moving on.

At this moment, Cliff was enveloped in anger bubbling up inside of him. He hurried away, fearing that his innocent brother-in-law would become the outlet for his anger. He didn't expect Laura to do something like this, asking her brother for protection. However, Cliff is determined to watch Laura, even from a distance.