...Walked with you once upon a dream...

Pt. 36

Month's had passed. Your stomach had swelled more and had gotten larger. Count Pierre had called Jacques to his estate to tell him something, and you wanted to ride out to Theodora to give her a long awaited thank you. Along with a gift.

Jacques was VERY concerned about you riding out alone.

''PLEASE, ride in the carriage. Even have some of the household guard around to watch over you,'' he said.

You could see the worry across his face, so you did not argue. You went up and hugged him and kissed his cheek. ''I will,'' you said softly. You felt Jacques let out a relieved breath. You rubbed his back to give him more comfort.

He held your head under his chin. ''I just don't want ANYTHING happening to you TWO,'' Jacques said a little emotionally. Know you realized that this child was VERY important to him! You rubbed his back even more and gently shushed him. Some of your motherly vibes kicked in and gave him a wave of comfort.

He shuttered as he let go of you and quickly wiped his eye's with the back of his palm's to get rid of emotional evidence. It was no big deal to you. After all, he had been with you through some of your ''emotional episodes.''

Later on, you both got ready to go. You climbed into a carriage and sat down. Two guards sat on the back and two guards were set to ride on each side. To you, this wasn't real necessary but if it gave Jacques piece of mind, then you would do it. He quickly got on to his horse and began riding in the opposite direction. Not long after, your carriage took off in the other direction.

It didn't take Jacques to reach the Count first. After all he was closer. He went inside as the stable people took care of his horse. Donned a few courtoises to nobleman and then knocked at Pierre's chamber. Pierre opened the door with greetings and offered his friend a seat. He even poured him a cup of wine.

''Your going to need this for what I'm about to tell you,'' Pierre said.

''Whom have I dishonored now?'' Jacques said being a smart ass.

It made both men laugh, but then Pierre got straight to the point.

The Count inhaled and exhaled before speaking. Jacques could tell by his demeanor, this was NOT going to be good!

''Jean de Carrouges is back in the area. He has heard about YOUR title and is NOT happy. Most of all HE want's the rightful justice along with putting your head on a spit,'' Pierre finished.

Jacques stood up knocking the glass off the little table. He knew EXACTLY what this meant!

''Is he in the area now?'' Jacques asked leaning on the fireplace.

''The reports were iffy, a fifty, fifty chance,'' Pierre responded and took a drink himself.

Jacques closed his eye's and sighed. Reopening them to look into the flames again. Pierre stood up and walked next to Jacques.

''Your wife is with child right?'' he asked. Jacques gave a slow nod. ''That will be how he will strike you first,'' he finished.

Jacques couldn't agree more. Carrouges was going to strike at YOU first! You robbed him of his justice and now we're carrying his heir inside you.  Carrouges knew how Jacques wore his heart on his sleeve and what a DEVASTATION this would be! Yes, YOU were a PERFECT target.

Meanwhile, your carriage had made it to the southern region. It was warmer down here, so you took your cowl off. You pulled down a little window and felt the breeze. Scents of the flower's were in it too. You left the little window open and sat back.

Another half hour passed. Until the carriage came to a sudden halt. You looked out the window and you saw that the carriage had stopped in front of Theodora's hut.

You stepped out and look at it. It was more run down than before. You knocked on the door. It opened with a long whine. ''I sensed that you were near,'' Theodora said. You sprang and hugged her. She felt your belly against her. ''I see that you and your lover have created the fruit of you passions,'' she added.

We're married and bound together thanks to you,'' you said as you sat in a chair.

You looked around as Theodora made tea. This place was crumbling and probably wouldn't last another year.

When it was finished brewing, she brought it into the room on a tray with cups. Sat down and served you first. The color threw you off a little. ''It's a blend I created, it will be good for you and your child,'' Theodora said as she took a drink. You followed after. It was actually very good. It had a strong taste of raspberries.

You placed your cup down after. ''I want to thank you for what you did, if you didn't, I wouldn't be with my lover, have this child, and my family wouldn't be whole again,'' you finished.

''My dear, it was you that did the work, I just supplied the vessel,'' she said.

This woman was so modest.

''Since me and Jacques are in charge of the western region, there is a big vacant piece of land with a new house on it. For helping us out, we want to give it to you,'' you finished.

Theodora was stunned. She never had quality of life like that. Overly excited, she gave you a bear hug and graciously accepted it. Along with a new house, she would have servants, new clothes, and plenty of food. Before the house was ready for inhabitants, she would have to stay at your estate. There were over twenty rooms, so you didn't mind. Theodora wanted to help you with the birthing. There would be midwives there, but one more wouldn't hurt.

''I can see the child's soul. Happy, playful, and excited,''Theodora said.

''Is it a boy or girl?'' you asked.

''Your instinct's will soon tell you,'' she replied.

She knew the sex, but wanted you to discover it on your own.

You gave a nod and agreed. Not long after, some guards came in to help with some of Theodora's belongings. She didn't take much with her besides a few books and jars in a small trunk.

You knew she would be blown away by your library. Along with new clothes and endless food! The guards took her belongings and safely secured them.

As you stepped in to the carriage first, Theodora followed. She was just overwhelmed by this little bit of luxury. She then took a seat opposite to you and the carriage took off back home.