chapter 5 - part 2

Mrella knows that if she tells Saddiq that she just wants to maintain her weight, he'll be supportive. She has to say the word, and he'll do it. But she loves the unabashed hedonism and is on the fence about putting on more weight. If she could have her cake and eat it too, she gladly would. But indecision isn't enough to keep the pounds off.

Before she knows it, it's time for her parents' visit. The king throws a massive banquet in their honor.

"Trying to impress the in-laws?" Queen Mrella teases.

"Oh please," he snarks playfully, "I'm the king of Lothor. I don't need to impress anyone."

"Cocky, aren't we?" she strokes his chest. "I like that."

King Saddiq leans in and sweetly kisses her lips. "Is it cocky to want to thank the very people responsible for our union? If anything, I'm in debt to them. I wouldn't have you by my side otherwise."

"Oh, you silver-tongued devil."

"You like it." Saddiq purrs. Mrella feels her pulse pick up.

"I don't like it," she sniffs and grabs his collar, "I love it." And with that, she kisses him back with a lot less sweetness and a lot more heat. Her husband wraps his arms around her and holds her close. They stay like that for a few moments until his hands wander down to massage her cheeks.

Mrella is about to do something decidedly naughty. But unfortunately, the herald chooses that moment to announce her parents' arrival.

The first thing she notices about her parents is how healthy they look. Their eyes are bright, and their cheeks are no longer hollow. Of course, decorum dictates that she must stand by her husband and calmly greet them once they approach. But all she wants to do is run right into their arms.

"Thank you so much, King Saddiq, for helping up through these trying times," her father says in greeting, "Your efforts have saved us, and we will never forget this."

"The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty. My people have more than enough to share. But, if anything," her husband loops an arm around her, "I should be thanking you."

"Well, I am so glad this has worked out so well," her mother announces, "You two look so darling together."

They trade pleasantries for a bit before her father mentions their long journey. Mrella insists on showing them to their rooms despite the royal attendants' objections.

"I'm the Queen of Lothor. If I say that I will escort my parents to their suites, I will escort them to their suites."

And that was the end of that.

The three catch up on the walk there. It's nice to hear how Timoa has been recovering from her absence. Her father rambles about how magnificent the Lothorian scientists are until her mom reminds him that he hasn't asked how his daughter is doing.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I've just been so excited about what they're doing for the blight."

"It's fine, dad. I've got you for today and tomorrow before you leave."

"Which is hardly enough time."

They stop in front of the guest suites.

"Well, this is you guys," Mrella announces, "Lunch is in three hours. We'll send an attendant to get you."

"Oh, look at my baby. All grown up and married," Mrella's mother sniffles, "I'm just happy you're doing well." The older woman hugs her daughter tight. She accidentally bumps into her swollen belly.

"Mrella!" she gasps, "You didn't tell me you're pregnant."

Mrella blushes. "That's because I'm not. This isn't baby. This is breakfast."

It's now her mom's turn to blush. "I am so sorry, sweetie. I swear I meant nothing by it."

"It's okay, mom. I know."

"There's nothing wrong with gaining weight once you're married. It's practically expected. I know I got heavier not long after we married."

Luckily, her father steps in to save his wife from her panicked babbling. "Your mother is trying to say that we love you, and we are glad you're happy."

Mrella laughs. "It's fine. I'll see you in a bit."
Lunch was a weird experience. Mrella's mother must have liked the idea of grandchildren because the moment they sat down, that was the first thing out of her mouth. Mrella's just glad she didn't have anything in her mouth.

"Well, there's no rush right now," Saddiq says, "There's no harm in waiting."

Mrella sighs. She hopes that were mother will drop it. There's nothing more awkward than discussing your sex life with your parents. But unfortunately, it seems to have had the opposite effect.

"Oh. I see." The older woman's face twists as if she has eaten a lemon. "No harm in waiting."

"Now, dear-" her father tries to interject, but she quickly hushes him.

"Come on, Ryn. She's too thin for his tastes. He's clearly waiting for her to plump up before touching her."

"Mother!"

"Am I wrong?" she ignores Mrella in favor of her son-in-law. "I may be grateful for your help, but I will not have you neglect my daughter. She is very precious to me, and she deserves the world."

"Ralia!" The king of Timoa pulls her back down and gestures toward their utterly mortified daughter.

"Mom, you've got it all wrong. He ... touches me plenty. We just aren't actively trying right now. That's all."

"So he's not-"

"He's been nothing but respectful. I've just been eating a lot. It's nice to just enjoy food and not worry about my waistline. And I like how I look now."

Queen Ralia colors. "Well, I've made a right mess of things, haven't I?"

Saddiq clears his throat. "No harm done. Anyone can see how much you love her."

"I'm sorry. It's just that Mrella is my only child. I don't want her to think I see her as just a meal ticket."

"Well, this quail is delicious!" King Ryn interjects. "Do you raise them in Lothor, or are these imported?"

And with that awkward topic change, the rest of the meal carries on without incident.
Mrella spends most of the day with her parents. She gives them a tour of the castle and her favorite spots in the kingdom. She's hyper-aware that they all have some kind of food from the plaza to the park. She's also hyper-aware of just how much food she's eating.

She knows that this is more or less the usual amount of food she eats in a day, but she never realized how much she can put away these days.

"You really like eating, don't you?" Queen Ralia asks after her daughter shovels another plate of treats in her mouth. Mrella's been constantly grazing since lunch, and it shows. Her belly throws off her balance, giving her a slight waddle. And still, her daughter eats. King Ryn gives her a warning look.

"I guess so," Mrella admits sheepishly. "I mean, you remember what things were like before I married Saddiq. And now I've got access to more food than I could ever eat. So it feels ... comforting."

Her father stands next to her and pulls her in close. "My heart. Your mother and I just want you happy. That's it. And if doing this makes you happy, then your mother and I are just happy you're happy."

"Yes, dear," her mother joins the embrace, "It was just a slight shock as all."

Mrella places a hand on her belly. It's firm and warm to the touch. No doubt stuffing herself silly makes her happy. But if she's honest, watching herself fill out is also highly satisfying. She doesn't want to restrict calories or worry about keeping her weight stable. She just wants to freely eat to her heart's content - just like her husband.
Dinner is a more relaxed affair. Mrella joyfully fills herself with as much food as possible. Her mother recounts their little adventure around Lothor as her father listens. Saddiq notices that his wife is eating with more gusto than usual - especially considering today's events. He doesn't say anything, though.

Eventually, dinner comes to an end. As soon as Mrella's parents turn in for the night, she immediately leans back and releases a satisfied belch. She looks at him with lustful eyes and rubs her turgid middle.

"Is everything okay, Mrella?" Saddiq looks at her in confusion.

"Everything's fine, handsome. In fact, I'd say it's more than fine."

Saddiq scoots over and massages her belly. Mrella groans and arches into his touch. Now he's even more confused. Although Mrella's always been okay with stuffing herself and getting handsy, she's never been this gung ho.

"I've had an epiphany," she says as if hearing his inner thoughts, "I love eating. Like really love eating. And I also love getting fat."

Saddiq stills for a moment and resumes her belly rub. He'd hoped that when Mrella insisted decided to embrace the Lothorian lifestyle. But he didn't want to say anything to scare her off. He'd worked so hard building her confidence. The last thing he wanted to do was destroy it.

He was honest when he told her that he found her beautiful when they met. Her flawless emerald skin and big green eyes would turn any man's head, paired with her striking features and long white curls. But Saddiq would be lying if he said he didn't appreciate her growing softness whenever he touched her.

"If that's what you want." Saddiq's voice cracks a little.

"You know what? It is. And I know you'll love it too. Especially when my thighs thicken up."

Saddiq stammers - his mouth turning to cotton. Mrella cuts him off with a kiss.

"You're lovely, but you don't need to tell me that you'd love me thin. It's sweet, but I know better. I've known for some time. I've noticed how you can't help but touch my softer bits. I can see you light up when you rub my stomach. Do you stop to think about how it'll make me bigger? I know I have."

Saddiq licks his lips. "And where did this epiphany come from?"

"I just realized that I love this. And I don't have a reason to stop."

Saddiq closes the gap between them with a kiss. It quickly grows heated - the two of them pawing at each other to take their clothes off.

"Wait!" Saddiq pulls away, panting, "The servants could come in at any time. We need to find a more private room."

And that is how Mrella found herself lying on a conference room table, and her husband sent her to new heights. She'll never be able to come here again without blushing, but she's not complaining.
Mrella finds herself glad her parents are leaving. Oh, to be sure, it was nice to have them, but neither Saddiq nor herself were eager to repeat this debacle.

She's also glad that her mother isn't going to be around to see her really blow up. Saddiq had promised to feed her like she's never been fed before.