Yuno stood before the map of the continent, the borders of Clover, Spade, and Diamond outlined in shimmering magical ink. The candlelight cast long shadows over his face, but his expression was steady — hardened by duty, softened by the presence he now carried within.
He touched his stomach absently.
Seven weeks.
Still no outward signs, but his magic was more reactive, more sensitive. When he focused, he could feel the faintest flutter — like the heartbeat of a new wind spirit, delicate but real.
Behind him, Asta entered the chamber, fresh from a midnight mission. His shirt was half-burned and there was a streak of blood across his cheek — not his own.
"They tried to intercept a letter from Spade," he said, tossing a sealed scroll on the table.
Yuno opened it.
To Yuno Grinberryall, Prince of the Spade Kingdom,Word has reached us of the heir you now carry. As the rightful bloodline of our throne, the child belongs to Spade. We request — no, require — your return immediately for protection, guardianship, and preparation. This is not a request. It is destiny.
Yuno clenched his jaw.
"They want to take the baby," he said.
Asta folded his arms. "They want to take you."
Flashback – A Memory from Youth
In their orphanage days, Yuno once asked Asta if he believed in fate.
Asta had scoffed and said, "Only the kind I punch in the face."
Yuno had smiled then, quietly tucking that answer away.
He was remembering it now.
A Meeting of Kingdoms
Julius arranged a private conference between Clover's highest-ranking mages and the emissaries of the Spade Kingdom. The Black Bulls and Golden Dawn were stationed at every corner of the meeting hall — magic humming beneath the walls like a storm about to break.
Yuno stood tall beside Asta, who never once let his hand leave Yuno's lower back.
The lead Spade envoy bowed. "Prince Yuno. Your bloodline is sacred. The child within you is of great political value — the heir of two kingdoms. We offer protection, housing, training… and royal reintroduction to your ancestral lineage."
Yuno's voice was low and dangerous. "I'm not a tool. And neither is my child."
A Clover noble sneered. "You may not have a choice. If Spade and Clover both claim the child, and the birth violates kingdom law—"
Asta slammed his hand on the table. "You don't make the laws of our love."
Julius held up a hand. "Enough. No decision will be forced on either of them. But this child… may change the course of the continent."
Later – Alone
That night, Yuno couldn't sleep.
He stood by the window, hand resting on his belly. His wind magic responded to his emotions, circling him like a protective breeze.
Asta came up behind him, shirtless and warm, wrapping both arms around him from behind.
"I'll go wherever you go," Asta said quietly. "Even to Spade. Even through hell."
Yuno leaned back into him.
"You'd really give up Clover… for this?"
Asta nuzzled his neck. "I wouldn't be giving up anything. I'd be choosing you."
Their lips met — soft at first, then deeper. Asta's hands moved lower, resting against the slight curve just beginning to form. They kissed until words blurred, until love replaced fear.
That night, they didn't make love in desperation or urgency — but with purpose.
Every breath, every touch said:
This is ours. And no one will take it.