Celeste struggled against her restraints weakly, using as much strength as she could muster.
"No use struggling, my love," André advised. "I already tried that... It didn't work."
Celeste sighed and gave up. "Fine..."
She caught her breath, really exhausted from the movement.
"Are you alright?" André asked, frowning in concern.
"Just tired," Celeste sighed, smiling weakly at him.
André nodded. "Yeah... That was some battle, wasn't it?"
Celeste frowned. "I'm sorry I didn't do more..."
"Love, you did amazing. It is I who should apologize... Not you. I should be able to protect my wife."
"And I should be able to protect you," Celeste insisted.
"Well, well," the Emperor walked in. "Celeste and André... It is incredibly nice to meet you. The honor is mine."
André rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Emperor? What have we done to wrong you?"
"Oh, nothing really. I just have use for your powers on a certain planet called earth," the Emperor replied.
André shook his head. "We're not helping you. Now let us go."
"I think you might just reconsider," the Emperor said. "After all, your necklaces are now mine. It's only a matter of time before you crumble, so... You might as well give up now."
He showed them the box blocking the rybrospon.
André glared. "We will not give up so easily!"
Celeste struggled a bit more, trying to reach the box before being unable to stand, only being held up by the restraints.
"Celeste?" André's eyes widened. "Love, are you alright?"
"Need...need..." Celeste spoke weakly.
André glared at the Emperor. "Help her or you lose both of us!"
"I will help your wife on one condition... You agree to help me with earth," the Emperor proposed.
André's eyes narrowed. "Never! That planet is innocent!"
"It has something I want. Would you prefer the alternative?" the Emperor asked.
André glanced at her and saw she was now unconscious. He cringed, wanting to hold her and help, but he couldn't. He couldn't let anything happen to her...
André sighed and looked at the Emperor. "Very well. I, André, will help with earth."
The Emperor smirked. "Very well."
"Now help her!!" André demanded more desparately than threateningly.
The Emperor opened the box containing their necklaces. Celeste and André both drew as much power from it as they could. They were desparate by this point.
After a few seconds, he closed it. "That will last you long enough for now."
Celeste coughed, waking up. She still couldn't support herself enough anymore, but it was better than before. The Emperor walked out.
"Hey, are you okay? What's wrong?" André asked, frowning.
Celeste frowned. "I...I don't know, but I'm hungry...and tired...and more tired..."
André glanced at her for a moment. "I have a theory, but... I can't tell yet."
Celeste opened her mouth to reply, then suddenly guards walked in and released them. The pair was escorted to a bedroom with a bed big enough for both of them, a dresser, a bathroom, and a closet. They weren't allowed to leave without an escort, but they were left alone for now.
André picked up his wife gently and set her in bed, pulling the covers over her. "Do you feel better after recharging, my love?"
"Kind of..." Celeste frowned.
André gently touched her stomach and closed his eyes. "That's what I thought..." He smiled and opened his eyes, moving his hand away. "Did you know, love?"
"Know what?" Celeste questioned.
"You're pregnant," André replied with a smile.
Celeste sat up suddenly, eyes widening. "What?! Now?! Here?! What?!!!"
"Celeste, calm down," André soothed. "It'll be fine."
"We're literally in the hands of the Empire after some major fight and you're saying it's fine?!" Celeste asked exasperatedly.
"Yes...?" André asked, confused. "Aren't you excited?"
"Of course I am! But I'm also kind of on edge right now considering you just agreed to unleash power upon an innocent, defenseless planet! And also, we're not exactly free and even if we weren't confined to this room, we still can't escape easily unelss we get our necklaces back!"
"I know, I know... I'm sorry, love, but I had to agree, at least for now," André frowned, kissing her head. "I will make it right as soon as I can. But for now... Can we focus on the news?"
Celeste was silent for a moment then hugged him.
André smiled and hugged back. "I love you, Celeste."
Celeste smiled slightly, hugging him a bit tighter. "I love you too..."
"I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you and our child safe... Whatever it takes."
