Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sindel had just given birth to her twin daughters, Mileena and Kitana. Her heart overflowed with tenderness as she gazed upon the delicate faces of her newborns, so serene and untouched by the cruelty of the world.

Reclining on the fine sheets of her sumptuous bedroom, the empress leaned lightly on one elbow, allowing herself a moment of rare stillness. Her fingers, so steady after years of experience, now moved with the purest softness, running over the velvety cheeks of her precious daughters.

Each tiny feature of their faces was a masterpiece sculpted by life, and Sindel, enveloped in a mixture of fascination and maternal love, felt captivated by the innocence reflected in those small features.

Her appearance, unkempt and marked by the intense pains of childbirth, seemed to fade before the love that now filled her being. Sindel, empress of Outworld, watched her precious daughters with a gaze full of tenderness.

Mileena, her firstborn, lay enchantingly, her limbs spread out and her posture slouched, but her figure was somehow even more captivating for its pure innocence.

Kitana, her youngest daughter, was delicately nestled against her mother's chest, her small hand resting sweetly on the empress's vast bosom.

Sindel felt the soft warmth of the child's breathing, the fragile beating of her young heart echoing in her own soul, bringing her an incomparable feeling of serenity and absolute love.

Jerrod had not had the honor of witnessing the birth of his daughters, as an urgent mission in Seido had taken him away from his beloved wife, taking with him the most loyal knights of his squadron.

However, at least the empress found solace in the presence of her faithful friend Li-Mei, who was by her side during the arduous hours of labor. Sindel nurtured the hope that her husband would soon return home, so that she could contemplate, with a heart full of joy, his newborn daughters.

She watched the little princesses who lay before her with a careful and attentive gaze. Their similarities to their parents were undeniable, reflecting traces of their royal lineage.

Mileena, the first born of the twins, had light hair with brown nuances that reminded her of Emperor Jerrod's hair. Kitana, the youngest, had black hair that shone with the same deep color as the few present in Sindel's gray hair, revealing the intimate connection between mother and daughter.

Mileena pouted slightly as she slept, making small sounds of discomfort, as if she were whimpering in her dreams. Sindel, noticing her daughter's distress, frowned and gently took her in her arms. She carefully sat on the bed, cradling the little one against her chest, offering her comfort and maternal warmth.

— There, there, my dear... — whispered the empress, in a soft and welcoming tone, gently patting the baby's back while murmuring a lullaby, whose soft and rhythmic sound calmed the little one, as if her mother's words and touch were the key to the serenity of her soul.

As she cared for Mileena, one of her hands rested gently on her daughter's back, while the other slid delicately over the comforter, reaching for Kitana's warm little hand. With a gesture full of tenderness, Sindel offered shelter and protection to the two precious jewels that were there, under her care.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, as the memories of the months of pregnancy came to the surface, like a calm flow of memories. Each challenging day had been softened by Jerrod's constant presence by her side. He, always attentive and caring, cared for her with dedication, bringing her refined delicacies, rare fruits that the empress remembered having savored in the days of her youth in Edenia, moments of comfort that warmed her heart during those long months.

Sindel understood deeply the risks involved in pregnancy, especially with twins, and the constant threat of premature birth. Because of this, every moment with her newborn daughters was even more precious and meaningful. The delight of being able to hold, with such affection and reverence, her two healthy and robust daughters, without any signs of illness or disability, was an immeasurable gift in the eyes of the empress.

Delia, the goddess who had blessed her lineage, had gifted the imperial couple with two wonderful daughters, and Sindel felt overwhelmed with gratitude. When Jerrod returned, the entire kingdom would celebrate with twelve days of banquets in honor of the birth of the heirs. The empress could hardly contain her anticipation to see the expression on her husband's face when he learned that fate had granted them not one, but two precious princesses.

For now, however, the empress decided to allow herself the silent pleasure of appreciating her little daughters. She carefully placed Mileena next to her sister and snuggled close to their delicate bodies, so fragile and susceptible to any and all harm. Sindel made sure they were both comfortable, their little bodies warm and calm, before hugging her daughters and closing her own eyes, finally allowing herself to let out a deep sigh—a sigh that, until that moment, she had not known she was holding.

At that moment, an overwhelming wave of protective instinct took over her heart. Her love and devotion for those little ones were unconditional, and she swore, silently, before the goddess Delia, that she would do everything to protect her daughters from any evil that dared to threaten Outworld. No enemy, no one from her court or beyond the borders, would touch her precious babies.

And that promise, she would never break.

Chapter Text

One month before Sindel was to give birth to Mileena and Kitana.

Jerrod left the in‑person conference with the rulers of Seido, his haughty bearing reflecting the pride of a monarch who believed he had reaped excellent diplomatic rewards. As soon as he stepped into his carriage, he admired the richness of its adornments—white and purple intertwined in a harmonious manner, evoking the colors of his own castle in Edenia.

— Was the conference fruitful, Your Majesty?
asked the old coachman, his seasoned voice and the wrinkles upon his face attesting to his experience.

— Certainly, my faithful friend. If the gods are favorable to us, we shall soon establish even stronger political ties with Seido, –
Jerrod replied as he settled into the cushioned seat, his fingers resting gently on the decorated upholstery.

The coachman bowed his head slightly, signaling his respect and understanding, as he commanded the horses to proceed. The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the ground was almost hypnotic, filling the long silences of the journey.

As the hours stretched on and the days passed, the weather began to change. Dense clouds covered the sky, and the rain finally poured down—heavy and incessant. Jerrod peered through the small carriage window, watching thick droplets slide along the glass. The inclement weather would surely delay his return home, yet the monarch allowed himself to appreciate the melancholic beauty of the gray landscape.

After hours of silence, the coachman, seeking to dispel the torpor of the journey, ventured into a new conversation:

— I’ve heard rumors that the queen carries an heir in her womb, Your Majesty.

— It is true, my wife is pregnant, – he replied, his eyes glimmering with affection. — I deeply long to witness the birth and hold in my arms our child. We do not know whether it will be a prince or a princess, but what I desire most is for the child to be born in good health.

— Undoubtedly, a blessing from the gods, Your Majesty.”
The coachman nodded respectfully.

— However, allow me to remind Your Majesty that this journey will require nearly a month to reach Sun Do and then the castle. Depending on the stage of the queen’s pregnancy, it is possible that we may arrive only a few days before—or perhaps even after—the heir’s birth.

The conductor’s words weighed heavily on the monarch’s heart. The prospect of missing the moment his son or daughter would come into the world troubled him, yet he concealed any sign of worry beneath his serene expression.

— May the Old and New gods grant us a swift and safe journey, – he murmured, his voice like a whispered prayer as he leaned his head against the carriage’s padded wall.

The following days passed amid picturesque villages, dense forests, and bustling capitals. Jerrod counted each of the ten nights since they had departed from Seido, feeling the weight of the ever-growing distance between him and his wife. Each day brought him closer to home—and simultaneously, increased the risk of missing the most awaited moment of his life.

After another twenty arduous and exhausting days, the gates of Sun Do finally emerged on the horizon. The sight of the majestic capital was a balm to Jerrod, whose thoughts had remained fixed on Sindel and the child soon to be born.

Upon entering the capital, the king was warmly greeted by his subjects. Petals were showered upon the carriage, tinting the air with vivid colors and delicate fragrances. Men, women, and children bowed respectfully as they chanted salutations to the monarch. Jerrod acknowledged them with gentle nods, his expression torn between the joy of his return and the concern over the time lost.

The carriage eventually came to a stop in one of the castle’s inner courtyards, and the coachman, with a reverent gesture, disembarked first to open the door for the sovereign. Jerrod offered a grateful look before, impetuously, proceeding into the castle. Though the weight of the journey was evident in his body, his desire to reunite with Sindel overpowered all fatigue.

— Call the bath maids immediately! – he commanded one of the servants accompanying him.

A few minutes later, Jerrod was led to the bathing chambers, where silver basins filled with warm water awaited him, scented with aromatic herbs that exuded a comforting fragrance. The hot water eased the tension in his muscles, washing away not only the dust accumulated from the long journey but also any spiritual impurity—in keeping with the ancient rituals of Edenia.

Upon leaving the bath, Jerrod dressed with care. He chose the tunic that Sindel had gifted him on their wedding day—a richly embroidered garment in the colors of his kingdom, marked by the delicate touch of his beloved. Though the fabric was old, it was well preserved, and every thread seemed to recount the tale of the love and alliance between them.

If his anxious heart had been allowed to rule him, he would have rushed into Sindel’s arms as soon as he entered the castle. However, the traditions of Edenia were clear: any monarch returning from long journeys was required to purify himself with herbal baths and fumigation before reuniting with his consort. Respecting this sacred protocol, Jerrod instructed the servants not to announce his arrival to the queen. He longed for the surprise and joy of beholding her with his own eyes.

Ascending the staircases leading to the royal chambers, Jerrod caught sight of Li Mei, the diligent leader of the Umgadi. Her eyes widened upon seeing him, and she promptly bowed deeply in reverence.

— Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you back, – she said, her voice respectful yet tinged with a slight hint of surprise.

Jerrod acknowledged her with a courteous nod and, without further ado, entered the room. His eyes immediately sought out Sindel, who lay in repose upon the vast bed adorned with diaphanous veils. His heart tightened at the sight of her serene countenance, her silvery hair spread around her like a halo.

Yet nothing could have prepared him for what he saw in her arms: not one, but two babies rested beside their mother. Their delicate, tranquil features promised a brilliant future for Edenia. The realization that he was not merely a father, but the father of two children, swept away the fatigue of his long journey.

A broad smile, full of love and admiration, graced Jerrod’s lips as his eyes filled with restrained tears. The queen, noticing his presence, lifted her face and smiled gently upon meeting her husband’s gaze.

— Jerrod…
murmured Sindel, her voice laden with tenderness and relief.

— Sindel, my love…
he replied, his voice choked with emotion. — There could be no greater gift than returning to you.

Unable to contain the overwhelming wave of emotion at the sight of his beloved wife and the two babies cradled in her arms, Jerrod advanced with quick yet careful steps. Without a moment’s hesitation, he gently cupped her delicate face in his hands and kissed her. The touch was soft, yet imbued with longing and profound love, their foreheads tenderly brushing together as the little ones slept peacefully.

The kiss lingered—a meeting of souls separated by distance and finally reunited. When the need for air compelled them to part, Jerrod remained close, resting his forehead against Sindel’s. His teary eyes reflected both relief and the sheer joy of being beside the woman he adored.

— How long ago… – he whispered, his voice trembling as silent tears traced warm paths down his travel-worn face. — How long ago did you give birth?

Sindel closed her eyes for a brief moment, absorbing the warmth and closeness of her husband. A gentle smile, full of serenity, curved her lips before she replied:

— Three days…

Jerrod’s heart tightened with a blend of joy and regret. He had so desperately wished to be present—to hold Sindel’s hand during the birth, to witness the very first breaths of their babies now resting so delicately in her arms. Yet, despite his absence at that crucial moment, a deep sense of gratitude enveloped him like a protective cloak.

— I wish I had been there… – he confessed, his voice thick with emotion as his fingers trailed through Sindel’s silvery hair. — I longed to see your first breaths, to be there to support you…

— You are here now, Jerrod, – she gently interrupted, her eyes fixed on his with unwavering sweetness. — That is what matters.

The king smiled, the burden of guilt eased by Sindel’s words. Their gazes then shifted to the little ones, whose soft, steady breaths filled the room with an almost ethereal peace. In that moment, everything felt complete—the family they had built, the love they shared, and the promise of a future unfolding before them.

With delicate care, Jerrod stepped away from Sindel, allowing the moment of reunion to settle softly. He circled the bed with light steps, his eyes ever watchful of the tiny figures nestled against his wife’s chest. He then sat beside her, his weight causing the mattress to yield slightly, though never disturbing the newborns’ rest.

His gaze remained fixed on the babies—so tiny and fragile, wrapped in fine mantles adorned with elegant embroidery. Their serene faces suggested that the very balance of the world rested in their peaceful slumber.

— Are they twins? – he asked, hardly believing his own words. His voice carried a blend of admiration and wonder, as if the mere fact of there being two children made the moment even more miraculous.

— Two girls, my love, – she replied, a soft smile reflecting the same tenderness she had felt at their first sight.

Jerrod’s heart seemed to beat ever stronger with each pulse. He admired the delicate little faces, the fine, feather-like lashes resting on rosy cheeks. The thought that he was now not only a father but the father of two daughters filled him with such intense love that he could scarcely contain it.

— Two girls… – he repeated with a trembling smile, as a solitary tear escaped his gaze, tracing a warm path down his face. — We could not be more blessed, Sindel.

Sindel gently placed her hand upon his, their fingers interlacing. Together, they gazed upon the daughters they had brought into the world—two souls who, in their innocence, carried promises of love, hope, and futures yet unknown for the kingdom.

Leaning carefully over the little ones, Jerrod’s heart overflowed with paternal love. With the tenderness of a man whose greatest treasure lay before him, he bestowed gentle kisses upon the heads of the newborn girls. The delicate touch of his lips on their tiny foreheads seemed like a silent vow of eternal protection and devotion.

After a moment of contemplation, he let out a light sigh, laden with reflection.

— We have a small dilemma, I believe, – the king said, a playful smile emerging on his lips. — We had chosen the name ‘Mileena’ for a girl and ‘Tyron’ for a boy... Yet fate has blessed us with two girls.

Sindel let out a soft laugh, understanding the predicament. Her eyes turned to the daughters, studying them attentively, as if seeking the answer in their presence.

— The first to be born was this one, – she said, indicating the baby wrapped in a delicately embroidered pink blanket.
— I think it is only fair that she be our Mileena.

The queen’s gaze then shifted to the other girl, serene in her blue mantle, and before she could continue, Jerrod gently interjected.

— Kitana.

He declared it firmly, as if the name were already etched in his heart.

Sindel lifted her gaze, surprised by her husband’s promptness.

— Kitana? – she repeated, genuine curiosity in her tone.

— Kitana was the name of one of the first empresses to sit on the throne, – explained Jerrod, his tone affectionate yet laced with respectful pride. — It is a strong, meaningful name. I thought it most appropriate... and it is beautiful, don’t you think?

Sindel allowed the name to echo in her mind before softly repeating it.

— Kitana… Mileena and Kitana… Yes, I love it.