Rule as Equals (Meant to Be My Balance #2)

Chapter 11

The sickness passed, and the Healers let me leave bed-rest. I reached ten weeks, and the Healers told me my baby had a brain, a heart, arms and legs, fingers and toes.

"Our baby boy is real," I whispered. We weren't sure about the gender, but Aleksander had thoroughly convinced me he was a boy.

Aleksander had been unbelievably happy when I told him I wanted to size up my kefta. Half of the weight was probably from the baby, but the other half was from my unfailing appetite that Aleksander was unremorseful in encouraging. He had hired three more personal chefs to be available at all hours of the day and ensured I always had a snack in front of me to appease my cravings.

We had "baby experts" from all over Ravka come to tell me what diets were best, how much I should be sleeping, and a whole manner of other lectures I didn't really need. Aleksander hated being told what to do, so I expected him to send them away as quickly as he hired them. Imagine my surprise when he sided with them over me.

"Katerine said broccoli was good for the baby," he said, narrowing his eyes as he shoved the plate at me.

"I'm not a picky eater, Aleksander, but broccoli is—"

"For the baby," he would insist, practically shoving the disgusting vegetable in my mouth.

"Do you know how many mothers are just fine without Katerine?" Her name came out of my mouth with disgust.

"She's had four children of her own and helped a hundred women through their pregnancies. Don't be stubborn and eat, my sweet wife."

Eventually, I finished the plate because Aleksander had... convincing methods...

Now, I was supervising the Grishas' training. Aleksander frowned but knew better than to stop me. One second, I was watching the Tidemakers create a water tornado. The next, Baghra was crawling up the hill like she was climbing from the pits of hell itself.

"Come here," she said, yanking my arm, avoiding eye contact as she led me back to her hut.

"Saints, wait, Baghra—ADRIK! Watch them!" I barely managed to catch Adrik's attention before the feisty old lady that was my mother-in-law dragged me through the forest. I didn't know whether to be angry or grateful that she wasn't treating me like a delicate, pregnant woman.

"I forgot how mean you were," I grumbled, fixing my footing so I could actually walk straight.

She smacked the back of my head. "I forgot how whiny you were." Under her breath, she grumbled, "A match made in heaven."

When we reached her hut, Baghra went into the drawers, clamoring around until she found a woven piece of fabric. It looked old, but it was beautiful and well-cared for, handmade. The fabric was black with shining silver strands embroidering the night sky.

"I know you've got no parents of your own," she said gruffly. Maybe there was fondness deep beneath her tone. You had to really search for it, but it was there. I think. "But this was my mother's, then mine, then my useless son's. It'll be your son's too. Maybe if you're smart, you'll get rid of it. The thing is bad luck."

"Son?" 

Only Aleksander and I had predicted...

She scoffed, moving on. "You can burn it for all I care, but you strike me as the type to treasure worthless heirlooms." She threw me the blanket, walking away without looking back.

"Baghra," I said, marveling at the intricate designs. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"Thank me by not having any more children after this." Then she was closing the door and effectively throwing me out. But that was fine. Baghra could hide her soft side all she wanted, I knew it was there. She had taken care of this blanket, treasured it even, before giving it to me. I was honored.