Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 469: No More Kids?

Chapter 469: No More Kids?

The Rosandale Royal family had a tradition. Every time there is a birth in the Royal family, the parents will come to the stairs of the Jordar wing of the hospital and will pose with their newborn to share the news.

Cordelia did that with the birth of her two sons just hours after the birth. Arthur never liked that tradition and called it regressive to make a woman who went through labour stand in front of a bunch of strangers and to even include the little baby in that showcasing event.

But Talia differed in opinion. The curiousity of the people that stemmed from their love towards the royals cannot be dismissed as a showcasing event. Like how her family wants to see her and the babies as soon as they are born, the people want to have a glimpse at the mother and baby so that they can be happy with them. Just like their wedding is not a spectacle, this too is something joyous they share with others.

But in Talia’s case, since her babies are still in incubators, they cannot be shown to the public immediately. The Palace was trying to handle the situation. Since Talia is loved by a lot, a big crowd had gathered and they were all worried for her. Even after the announcement of the birth, they still wished to have a glance at the Princess so that they can be at peace.

Talia had a short rest when her great-grandma came to visit her along with her grandfather. Talia was happy seeing the joy in their faces.

"Did you see the babies?" Talia asked.

"Yes, they’re so little and we can hold them after some days," Jerome Brunton placed a kiss on her forehead. "I still remember the day I held you when you were born...You were so small and I feared I might squish you... And now you gave birth to little ones and they are even littler than you... How time flies!" he wiped the corner of his eyes and looked at Arthur who was sitting by her side.

"Artie... so what have you planned? You’ve got a boy and a girl. Isn’t it time for you to-"

"Grandpa!" Talia interjected. She understood what her grandpa implies. "Why should he decide about that? It should be our combined decision. We’ve already decided to have four children. Fred... Tell him," she looked at Arthur and he blinked pursing his lips.

"Well... it is something we should be deciding together, but Iris..."

"No buts," Talia turned her back at everyone, not wanting to speak further.

The Dowager stopped Jerome Brunton who was about to argue with his granddaughter as it is not the time for that.

Jerome was scared. He lost his wife and his daughter during their second pregnancy. There weren’t many kids in the Brunton family for generations and there are rumours of a curse and whatnot.

He is not someone who believes in curses and all, but when it comes to his granddaughter, he wanted her to be safe. He didn’t want his granddaughter to get added to the list of the women in his life he lost due to second pregnancy.

Arthur’s thoughts were different. He did want a lot of kids, and he still couldn’t believe the two little munchkins are real. He wouldn’t mind seeing a hundred more of those munchkins if possible.

But seeing his Iris’ suffering to bring them to the world, made him rethink his conviction. She cannot suffer any more than this. And her life can get threatened the next time around.

But the Dowager is right. Now is not the time to talk about it. It would only spoil her mood.

Talia wanted to meet those people gathered outside the same day, but Arthur stopped her and asked her to take a rest. She went through a very tough ordeal and she needs to rest.

But when he went out he felt bad. An elderly lady he remembered seeing wearing a bright pink jacket was still standing outside. He could see some others who were standing there from the morning.

Why aren’t they returning to their homes? Are they this obsessed?

He got angry and he walked towards the people gathered there. The reporters started to shoot questions at him and flashes went off.

"Is the Princess okay?" the lady in pink jacket asked and Arthur was surprised seeing the care in her eyes.

"She is fine. She is resting," he said with a smile.

"Oh, that’s a relief! I am glad you informed us yourself," the lady patted her chest. "I was so worried since she was not full-term yet. And the babies are fine, right? Who do they look after?" she started smiling and her cheeks went red out of happiness.

"Mother and the babies are fine. You shouldn’t be standing here in the cold," Arthur said and asked them all to leave politely.

Some left and others decided to stay. Arthur with a sigh left and asked his people to buy something warm for them.

It was then he realised that his wife is adored so much by a lot of people and they consider her as their family. And she is right to care for them the same way.

After staying in the hospital for three days, Talia was ready to go home, but the babies had to be kept in observation for many weeks.

Talia found it hard to stay in the hospital for long and so they brought the babies and set up a mini NICU in Gresford Palace. The babies thankfully didn’t develop any complications and grew up well.

Talia spent most of her time with the babies and they started to get really better within six weeks. Only then Talia was relieved.

"You’re ignoring me all the time, Iris," Arthur said with a yawn that day. With two kids, they had double the trouble and although they had nannies, it still took a toll on them.

"I am? I think I am ignoring myself even," she leaned on his chest."I’m so tired, Fred. I want to sleep for a month."

"I want to sleep for a year. I wish when I wake up, our kids can talk and tell us what they need other than crying," Arthur rubbed her back.

"They won’t be able to articulate well in a year, I think..." Talia said and Arthur rubbed her back.

"I’m going to do the snip, Iris. Do we need more of this trouble?" he asked and she was silent. He looked down to see her already asleep. He carried her to bed and lied next to her.

She was still having the baby weight and her belly was a little big and it had stretchmarks. She was rubbing some ointments on the marks and they reduced a bit, but he can see her body has changed.

He placed his hand on her belly, "I love you, Iris," he placed a kiss on her forehead. This is the woman he loves and she is the one who gave him every happiness he has.

"I don’t want to hurt you anymore," he said.

If childbirth is easy, he can have any number of children. But it is not.