The Royals of Silvercrest

18

Four Months Later:

Queen Leia's POV:

Emberfall Castle:

I make my way into the castle, looking about for my husband.

I place a hand upon my growing stomache, tired as I had ever been but happy for soon enough my child will come into the world.

I think back to when I had dealt with sickness, then soreness.

I had been taught the signs by my Mother after my first bleed.

However I am not a normal woman.

Sharing news such as this required grace and certainty.

So I waited.

Time passed and my condition would change.

First illness, then soreness and exhaustion.

Then, I felt it.

A light tapping motion.

It worried me at first, but then I recognized it for what it truly was.

My babe moving inside me.

I search from room to room, my knights following closely behind.

The clinking of armor fills the hall as a fleet of knights make their way through the hall on my opposite direction, heading outside.

"Hold please." I say

The knights stop, bowing.

"Where is His Majesty?" I ask

"The outer courtyard, Your Majesty." One says

"Thank you. Please, be on your way." I say

They bow again before marching off.

I make my way past a grand suit of armor.

Then the knight's quarters.

I breathe in the warm air as I step into the vast courtyard.

In my free time I had spent quite some time here, painting or gardening.

The flowers were in full bloom, turning the once bland space into a lush array of color. It brought me great joy and pride.

Staring out at the clear stretch of the yard, I see King Shane, bow in hand, ready to let an arrow fly to its target- a large block of wood.

"Loose!" One man calls out

King Shane releases a breath, eyes focused as he then releases the arrow.

It zips through the air, landing with a thud into the target.

I cheer in celebration, causing King Shane to turn in my direction.

"Darling wife !" He exclaims smiling and motioning me over.

Carefully, I cross the stretch of grass between us.

I curtsy as deep as I am able, stomach churning as I do so.

I withhold breath for a deep moment, allowing the nausea to subside.

King Shane embraces me, hugging me and placing a kiss upon my lips, a gentle hand upon my belly.

"How is our beloved child? How are you?"

"Rest assured, we are both well, Your Majesty."

"Good."

"I am quite enjoying watching." I say

"I am pleased. If you desire to stay, sit and rest."

I take a seat upon one of the chairs surrounding a table.

I watch as he continues to send off arrows.

I look from him down to my growing stomache.

Life is blessed.