The Crown of Wilted Gold.

11

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"Is what I hear true?" Aaron asked anxiously. Nancy's mouth fell open, she glanced at the guards that followed the Emperor. He looked like he had aged five years, with a stumble apparent on his face.

"Your majesty, it takes two days or more to get back into the capital from Novetown how did you?"

"I do not have time for your questioning! Is it true that she is with child?" he asked again. Nancy looked down and nodded. Aaron's eyes widened, he could not believe it! She was with their child! Their heir!

"Where is she?" he asked, too excited, he did not know how to contain the excitement.

"In her bedchambers, your majesty," Nancy answered not looking up at him. He ran to the Empress's quarter to find more guards now guarding her door. He was sure Nancy made the appropriate decision to protect her lady.

As they saw the Emperor approach, each guards fell to their knees, in respect for his authority. He was too rushed and excited to care for them. He yanked the door open and ran in. He looked around the living area before making his way into her sleeping area.

She was deep in lumber sleeping soundly, he ran to her and stopped just by her side. Hus hands shook as he touched her hands that were placed by her side.

The words rang in his ears, he looked at her stomach feeling nostalgic, he placed his hands on her stomach, rubbing it. Her eyes opened, and she stared at him for a while before her brain registered who he was. She sat up immediately, causing his hands to fly from her stomach.

"Aaron... What? What are you doing here? Have I slept that long?" Irisa glanced at the window not far from her bed. Aaron gave her a soft smile, "You have not, I took the fastest horse I could find here, when I heard the news I was too elated to think, I just knew I had to you, the both of you," he touched her stomach making her frown.

"What news? What are you talking about?" she asked with a frown. Aaron blinked, "I was informed you are with a child, do you joy knows this information."

"Yesterday, I... I collapse I think, I am not entirely sure my lord, a lot happened and I have been asleep most of the time, worry has plagued me, and sickness is tormenting me, I asked not to be disturbed, Nancy seemed to have something to divulge but I sent her away before she could. I have seen nobody but you since then."

"You are pregnant Irisa, with our child!" he said with a relieved smile, "pregnant," she said tasting the word on her lips. She rested her head against the wooden board.

"Yes, my love, we have our child! I cannot believe that this has happened! I thought it would never happen!"

"How..." Irisa was left speechless, she did not know how to feel about the new development. A child? What was she going to do with a child?

"Do not say too much my love, I am back now, and I do not intend on going back!"

"You cannot do that Aaron! You have successfully driven the enemies away! You cannot say this."

"The war be damned! I always promised myself that I would be the best father to my child, after the childhood I have, I want nothing short of love to fill our child's life."

"Aaron the state..."

"The state is blessed with an heir! You should not be doing my job and yours! Not while you are pregnant, the physician informed Nancy that you collapsed due to the stress of taking up my work, I will not allow that anymore, I have instructed Nancy to send words to the court of the lasted development! Kaley has an heir!"

"But..." Aaron shook his head, "Do not think of the war, my love, think of our baby, we will make sure it grows together, with love and care," he placed his hands on her stomach. The joy he felt knew no bounds.