Chris held Lauren's hand and guided her by the small of her back as she descended the stairs saddled with a seven month along foal and a ball gown modified for her current state. He ushered his wife from step to step, making sure her hooves landed firmly before encouraging her to take another step.

"Though it's very sweet of you, you know I don't need you to treat me like I'm porcelain." Lauren flashed him a playful smile, indicating she clearly enjoyed the attention despite her efforts to appear gracious. "After all, I did help to defeat Caspian and return our nation to independence."

Chris smiled back. "My love, you're hardly in fighting shape right now. At the moment, for the first time in a long time, we've nothing to worry about. I've every intention of milking your lovely maternal state for all it's worth until our baby is born, and after he is..."

"She," Lauren corrected.

The gender of their baby had been a point of friendly contention between his or her parents. Chris eagerly hoped for a boy, and Lauren wanted a daughter to spoil. Chris knew that his wife would probably keep correcting him if he used male pronouns, so he adjusted his statement.

"After the baby is born, I intend to do the same to them. Now the others are waiting for us. Kyle, Topaz, and Kathris are already in the main ballroom. I do hope you're up to a night of dancing." Chris rubbed her tummy.

"I can keep up with you, though I may need a hoof massage after...."

Lauren and Chris are  laurenrivers
Art by  netherwulf