[Original Fiction] Small Reminders

[serpentine]

Title: Small Reminders
Author: serpentine

Universe: Starikov Chronicles
Characters: Alexei, Irina
Rating: G
Word Count: 552

Summary: Alexei and Irina get ready for a dinner gathering.
Notes: Written in the same universe as my NaNoWriMo 2012 universe. Uses the prompt "nightmares" from my cottoncandy_bingo card and the prompt "I love you - those three words have my life in them. - Tsarina Alexandra" from the Heart Gold prompt list at rainbowfic. Takes place before my NaNoWriMo novel.

Prince Alexei and his wife Irina were hosting a dinner party that night where he would be meeting with diplomats from several neighboring countries. He wasn't entirely looking forward to it, but it was one of those things he had to do if he wanted to keep the peace between him and the other countries.

There were other things on his mind however and he brought them up with his wife as they were getting ready for dinner.

"I've been having nightmares again, Irina," said Alexei as he fingered the jacket that his wife had given him to wear.

"What of?" asked Irina, as she adjusted the clothing that Alexei had already put on.

Alexei sighed and said, "The usual. I...just...I know you want a child, Irina, but I keep having nightmares about what might happen, especially if we have a son. I don't like being haunted by the idea that someone might be doomed to living under the thrall of a demon just because I'm their father. Is it fair for me to do that to my own child?"

"Oh Alexei, you worry too much. Sofiya is doing all she can to assure that the demon will have a harder time influencing any children you might have, plus you have that amulet you wear." Irina picked up the jacket from the table and held it out so that Alexei could put it on.

As he pulled it on, Alexei replied, "I'm not so sure the amulet is going to help our child. I know it helps me, but there is no assurance other than my sister's word that if I wear it when we conceive a child that it will give him or her any protection against the demon."

"I trust Sofiya. She's my best friend and she has been studying ways to combat this demon who has been bedeviling your family for generations. Besides, I'm here to make sure that you don't end up like your father." Irina gently touched Alexei on the shoulder and said, "I love you and I won't ever let you forget that."

Alexei turned around, leaned down and kissed his wife gently and said, "I love you too. You make my life an easier one to live. It's easier to keep my humanity when you have someone that you care about in your life. Thank you for that."

"Love is a strong magic, being with you has taught me that," said Irina as she smiled and adjusted the collar of Alexei's shirt. She then stood up on her toes and kissed Alexei. "You look handsome, dear. I'm glad that you've decided to wear the clothing that I've made for you."

"I do like them and your embroidery is gorgeous," said Alexei as he looked at the embroidery on the cuff of his sleeve, "It reminds me that you are in my life. Really, it's the small things that seem to help."

"Yes, the small things help," said Irina with a chuckle, "I just like to remind you that you are not alone and if I can do it in a practical way while making you look handsome at the same time."

Alexei sighed, "And we should probably get going. Our guests are probably waiting. At least I'll have you by my side tonight."