The Emery Chronicles: The White King's Woman (FIRST BOOK)

Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty Two- New Problems

Just barely over a year later, Arwen rested on a bench in the gardens, her pregnant belly swollen so large she could not sit straight, she had to lay back slightly to feel comfortable. Her mother Bianca sat beside her, sewing, as Arwen looked out at the rows and rows of white roses that little one-year-old Amaryllis was playing in. Her dark hair was a messy waterfall down her back, and her eyes had only grown as she had, the bright blues continuing to take in the world around her. Her nurses bustled behind her, trying to keep her off the thorns, but Arwen did not worry. She was a child of the White King; the thorns on the white roses of her family sigil would not harm her. Her steps were quick and slightly off balance, as she had only started walking recently. Her tottering steps made Arwen smile as she rubbed the swollen belly of her second pregnancy. She felt her life could not be any more perfect. She remarked as much to her mother, who slowly put her needlework down to talk to her daughter.

"Is something the matter, mother?" Arwen asked, noticing the change in her mother's posture.

"I hope nothing," Bianca replied, "but the times call for us to be careful."

"Why? What is it?" Arwen asked, trying not to worry herself too much. This baby was much more active than Amaryllis had been, and any slight quickening of Arwen's breath or heartbeats made the kicking almost uncomfortable. Arwen tried to stay calm, always, with this one.

"You know Gavin has been cutting off more trades with his cousins?" Arwen nodded; Gavin had mentioned some of his business matters to her, but he always ended up saying he shouldn't bother her with business, and she should just focus on the coming baby. "His trade with his cousin Roux is practically nonexistent now; he's cut off some payments to the two others as well, and it's not gone unnoticed. The cousins are, of course, weary, but so are Gavin's councilmen. If Gavin completely isolates himself from his cousins, it could endanger the well-being of Brigantia."

"But isn't this what we wanted? To wage war, to claim Brigantia as the one true realm of Emery?" Arwen whispered, glancing slightly to her right and left to make sure they were unheard.

"Yes, but Gavin needs a strong realm if he is to wage war. If his own councilmen are against his decisions, it could mean corruption at the heart of Brigantia."

"Is it Finnian?" Arwen asked, her voice taking on an icy tone.

"He is a leader in the oppositions against your husband's decisions, yes. But he has convinced others to follow him, convinced them that we are the problem."

"Even now? Even a year later? Even with our child?" Arwen shook her head, exasperated.

"Amaryllis means nothing to Finnian. He needs a son to prove to him that you and Gavin are a good match, a match that can produce a strong line of heirs."

Arwen looked at her happy little child, prancing through the garden and troubling her nurses. How could such a miracle mean nothing to people?

"Arwen," Bianca said, her tone serious. "Pray that this next child is a son. It won't solve everything, but it'll gain some support for your husband with his councilmen. And the gods know Gavin will need support if he is to lead an army against his cousins."

Arwen patted and rubbed her belly, praying and wishing and hoping. She knew she had over-worried herself, the baby was kicking harder against her belly with her every heartbeat; she knew this baby would arrive that night itself.

***

A week later, the new baby was blessed by the godsman.

None of Gavin's cousins were present to witness the blessing of the little Princess Cerelia.