An Unexpected Surprise

Chapter 4

Mare POV

It has been just about 2 months since I found out about the baby. I'm starting to get slightly bigger now, but it is still only noticeable to Cal and me, and most of my clothes cover my bump anyways. The morning sickness is persistent, but nothing too terrible. I am able to manage it most days. To my great relief, the fatigue has started to wear off slightly, allowing me to get back to my regular work and training regime, but Cal insists that I don't push myself too hard. I try to explain that I am fine and that I wouldn't do anything if it didn't feel right, but I still take things day by day depending on how I am feeling to give Cal a bit more peace of mind.

He has been great all the way through this. Albeit a little protective, he has been supporting me however he can and getting excited whenever we mention something about the baby or whenever I bring it up. I can tell that he is worried though. He has never gone through anything like this, neither of us have, and I know that he just wants to make sure that the baby and I both stay safe.

We haven't told anybody yet, although I have a feeling Kilorn is starting to get suspicious. Cal and I decided that it would be best that we keep it between us, especially when I am still in the early stages of pregnancy, and with the Silver Succession still such a present threat. I think that is what concerns Cal most of all. A few days after I told him about the baby, he asked if we could talk and told me about his concerns. He explained how we will have to be careful whom we tell, as we don't know who could be feeding information to the Silver Succession, and that we should try to keep it hidden as long as possible since it will be such big news when people find out. After all, it's not every day that the lightning girl and the ex-fire king have a child together. He also said that when they do find out we will have to be extra cautious. Ultimately, they will see this child as an heir to the Nortan throne, and who knows what they will do to get their hands on it.

The conversation sent chills throughout my body at the thought of what we might have to go through to protect this child, but I know that it will all be worth it. Even now I can already feel my love for the baby growing.

I'm sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Cal pack for another trip to Norta, this time for a delegation meeting with Norta, Montfort, and Scarlet Guard representatives. I was asked to go, but I decided not to, not wanting to sit through another long series of meetings. Although now that I compare it to my other option, of sitting at home by myself, since everyone I would usually spend time with is going to be in Norta, it doesn't sound like a bad choice.

Cal notices me staring and looks over at me with a smile.

"What is it?" he asks

"Nothing," I reply, offering him a smile in return. "I'm just trying to figure out what I'm going to do for 5 days without you."

"You could always come with me," he closes his suitcase and begins walking over to me. "You were invited after all, and I know I would feel better if you were there with me."

I contemplate his suggestion. On one hand, the thought of going on an airplane and sitting through countless hours of delegation meetings makes me cringe, but on the other hand, the prospect of staying here alone, bored for 5 days doesn't seem too great either. At least if I go I will have something to do and I won't feel as useless as I will at home. Besides, it might be nice to spend more time with Kilorn and to see Julian and Sara again.

I look up to find Cal smiling at me, awaiting my answer. I know what my decision is, but I can't resist the urge to drag this out a bit.

"What do you say?" Cal asks.

"I'm not sure..." I give him a cheeky grin, and I can see from his face that he understands where I am going with this. "I might need some extra convincing."