Waveborn | The Oceane Series

Eighteen

By the time we made it back to the room, Delmare and the captain were discussing the funeral and nearly an hour had gone by. Both men looked up, quizzical looks written all over their faces.

"Are you at a stopping point?" I asked.

The men looked at each other and then back to us.

"Why? Do you need me?" Delmare inquired as the captain scribbled something down.

"We were going to go to the physician for a checkup and I was wondering if you wanted to come," I replied, taking a step toward him. "That is, if you are close to a stopping point or nearly finished with the preparations."

"I can take a break," he said.

The captain waved him off. "It's alright. I can take everything from here. It will be good for you to spend time with Lady Anna."

"Okay," Delmare said, grinning as he came toward me, instantly entwining his hand in mine. "I'm ready to go."

Theodosia grinned, spinning on her heels as she led us out of the large room and into the hallway. Delmare's presence seemed to calm me while we walked. I wasn't sure why I was so nervous about seeing the physician, and I hoped he wouldn't ask me why.

"So, what did you and my mom talk about?"

I shrugged. "We talked about how your mother is nearly 250 years old and how you aren't an old man in disguise. She showed me some family photos, and we talked about my parents." I paused. "She suspects I might be carrying twins. Also, when were you going to tell me you have a sister?"

"I haven't told you about Sedna?" he asked, thoroughly confused until a cocky grin spread across his face. "You thought you were sleeping with a three hundred-year-old?"

I heard a gasp and Theodosia stopped walking, turning back around to give Delmare an angry glare. "Delmare, what have I told you about using such horrid language!?"

I saw the guilt written all over his face. I couldn't help but stifle a laugh as Delmare swiftly apologized.

"Is that all you got out of what I just said? We could have twins, Delmare. Twins!"

"If we end up having twins, they'll be loved just as much, if not more than just having one child. We will get through it together," he said, turning to me, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Besides, I can't wait to see the cute head of red hair our child will have, just like their mother."

I couldn't help but blush while looking away. "Yeah, and they'll have your gorgeous eyes that always seem to be gold, or are you just horny all the time?" I teased as Theodosia protested in front of us.

"Will you two cut it out?" She sighed as she rounded the corner. "Kids today."

I knew she was teasing us like most mothers did, and I couldn't help but feel a little pride as she opened another door and led us into a room furnished with several beds, cabinets filled with jars of ointments and herbs, and a large desk on the other side of the room where a man sat. He looked up as we arrived, surprise written on his face. He quickly stood and bowed to us.

"George, it is wonderful to see you," Theodosia greeted. "How are you?"

"I am doing well, my queen. I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know." He looked over at us. "Ah, my prince, I see you have brought Lady Anna with you."

"Thank you for your kind words, George," Theodosia said. "There is something you can help me with today. Anna, here, hasn't seen a doctor since she found out she is with child, and I would like you to check and see how the baby is developing." She paused before looking over her shoulder at me and smiling before turning back to the doctor who looked me up and down. "I know that rumors might have spread throughout the castle about Anna's arrival, about who she is and why she is here. All will be revealed in time. I don't want to overwhelm the country after everything that has happened. We will make an announcement soon. We just need to prepare Anna for her future here. She is not from Arcania."