Baby's Surprise

**Aileen POV**

All cameras swung to get the perfect view of Shiuku. He paid them no mind. His eyes were glued to me as he strode over. Clapping and hooraying in the background echoed around the room. The demons were thrilled for their leader's arrival. I guessed this was his plan.
"I would like to welcome the whole viewing world to this wonderful announcement and party." Shiuku put himself beside me, shooing Devon to the side like a stray puppy. Devon gave me a playful wink before stepping away from the camera's lense. Why did he seem joyous that I would be standing with Shiuku. We were in the middle of his plot, so why was Devon happy?
"This is a very special girl who has agreed to carry my child for me!" Shiuku lifted my hand for the everyone to see. He lightly kissed my knuckles. The demons bought Shiuku's hoax of affection. None of them realized this was all a cover for whatever his real intentions were. I was not going to fall for this charade. Shiuku was going to gain something from this. I just wasn't sure what yet.
More cheers went off in the background. Shiuku waited for them to quiet. "Yes, this broadcast will be celebrating not only her birthday, but the reveal of my child. He or She is growing well and healthy. I have confirmed the baby has lots of raw energy and elemental talent inside this fantastic woman. All that remains unknown is if I'm having a boy, or girl. Little one, if you would do the honors; the doctor has filled this balloon with confetti. Use this needle and let the world see what gender my baby is."
He was acting like a real showman. Cocky, just like the day he tortured my brother to get me here. Everything was calculated out. "I see you're shy about it. Come now, this is exciting! Is there a boy or girl growing in that adorable bump?"
I had heard that this dimension could tell the gender of a baby before birth. That weird machine the doctor used the second time must have been to detect gender. Truthfully, I did like that visit. She showed me his little hands and feet. It was adorable, but neither of them informed me they were going to find out the gender. I was completely blindsided. Still, I wanted to know. Not only that, but this was a publicity stunt. I was not going to appear weak to anyone, let alone the entire world.
Taking the needle, I stabbed the balloon.
A loud pop and soon my hands were filled with little blue pieces of shiny paper. "A son! Demon Lord Shiuku has an heir!" several demons screamed out in the crowd.
*A little baby boy. Don't worry, nothing will happen to you. I'll protect you, my precious son. No one will hurt you.*
Regardless of the events around me, I was overjoyed to hear the gender of my baby. I was going to be a mommy; the idea became more real every passing day. There was no doubt I was going to stop Shiuku from abusing him, or filling his little body with hatred. No, I would make sure he was full of love and security. He would not suffer the way my friends and family had on Shiuku's orders.
Shiuku gave me a slight bow, confusing me all the more. "Let's dance, little one. It is a party planned out for you."
My eyes searched the sea of demons for Devon. When our eyes met, he gave me a small nod. This was all part of a game, I just had to remember that. This was Shiuku's raise and I was not ready to call. One dance was not going to beat me. It didn't matter how small; I was not giving him another victory.
The cameramen withdrew from us, focusing on other aspects of the party. The demons started dancing, most with other demons, a few with the dolled up maids. Shiuku held my hand and placed his other hand on the small of my back. We twirled around swaying to the music. His expression was unreadable as he looked down at me. I hated how close we were, but I kept the disgust from my face; barely.
"You really do look like a fairy tale princess in that dress. And knowing my baby boy is growing under that gown, just makes you all the more beautiful."
I missed a step and 'accidently' stepped on his expensive shoes. "What is this really about? Why bother with all the work it would take to control all the television signals? What are you playing at?"
When he had spoken to his audience, I hadn't missed the fact that he'd only used words like my, and I'm. There was no we, or our. He announced to the world that I was simply just the carrier. Well, to him I guess I was. Shiuku had made it clear I would not be our son's Mother.
He lifted his arm and spun me in a small circle. Our bodies collided closer together when the spin was finished. He was taking advantage of this dance. Aside from my stomach, I hadn't permitted him any closer to me until now. *Play this right...*
"My little one wants to get straight to the point huh? Okay." He cupped my face with one hand, leaving his other to hold my waist. "I would wager that you were hoping to escape. That submissive sad dullness is gone from your eyes. So, I just made sure the DSS knows that my child is inside you. How many citizens in the world do you think would track you down in a mad witch hunt if you left the safety of my castle? It wouldn't be wise to go back to the DSS either. There would be no guarentee they wouldn't try to induce a miscarriage. You can only be assured protection here."
"You think you've won don't you. A pity that you picked the wrong girl. This isn't done yet. The round may be yours today, but the game; it is far from over. I will make you regret the day you chose me to be your pawn. You will pay for hurting Devon and my family too. And I will NOT let you raise this child without love... You've watched my Father for a long time, yes?"
"I have and I'm very grateful that I did."
He looked like a shark showing me that many teeth. I wanted to knock them out of his mouth. Instead I placed my hands on his shoulders holding him close to me. Once more, I had taken the evil demon lord by surprise. "Then you know that revenge runs in my bloodline. And I crave it just like Father did. I hope Kalum watches me from heaven as I win the ultimate gamble."
He laughed loud and wholeheartedly. Those around us tried not to pay any attention, but I caught a few gandering.
"Oh, I like you more by the day. If being with you wouldn't weaken me, I think I could have actually fallen for you. I-"
Feeling courageous I spoke over the demon lord, shocking him again. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "You are obsessed. There is a big difference between obsession, lust, and love. Yours is toxic. What you felt from stealing Devon's aura, that is only a fraction of how strong our love is. That is how I want MY son raised."
The camera focused on us periodically. I would see us up on the big screen and have to conceal a grimace. A few times, I saw Devon. He never stopped watching me gleefully. His piercing eyes held trust and respect for me. Just a twig of jealousy worked its way in, but his unyielding support was always there. I loved that, but still had no understanding of his merry demeanor.
What was equally as peculiar was when my Father and Sekai joined him. They had the same expressions. And I was left out of the loop! Today was supposed to be my surprise for Devon! Why were my friends keeping secrets today?
Shiuku snickered, forcing my attention back to him, "love makes you weak. I will never allow myself or my son to be chained by it. But you can always warm my bed. You are damn sexy in this dress and with that attitude. Let me rip it from you in the privacy of my room." I had almost forgotten what we were talking about. I had to plaster a fake smile back to my face.
I mirrored his arrogant presence, "I used to believe that too. Love leaves you vulnerable. But that was just foolish kid me trying to copy my Father."
"You were right back then."
I giggled lightly, "no, I wasn't. It took my Father this long to comprehend, apparently an extended life makes demons learn like snails." His grip on my waist tightened almost to the point of pain. He can degrade others, but can't take it himself; well that was just too damn bad. "I'm not giving up. You'll see first hand what having a family really means. It's not all about power and control."
"Aileen." He growled. I must have really been getting to him. Shiuku almost never said my name!
This time I got up on my tiptoes and purred, "I'm going to make you regret everything." My eyes flicked over to Devon. "Now the song is over, I need to return to my man."