It was late into the night but neither of them slept. Drayce lay on his back thinking of their fight earlier. He had never given much thought to having kids. He guessed he had always just assumed he would eventually have kids if he got married at all. Well now he was married, and his wife was pregnant. And she seemed miserable.
He had been debating all afternoon what he could do to cheer her up. He blew out a tense breath, ignoring the sharp pain in his ribs. “So,” He started awkwardly. “have you thought of any names?”
“Yes.” She said curtly. There was a silence between them for another few moments.
“Do I get to hear them?” Drayce finally asked.
“Maybe if you cared.” She said.
“What? Of course, I care.” Drayce said. Now he was even more confused.
She rolled to other side, facing him. “You do?” She sounded surprised.
“Why wouldn’t I?” He asked. “Are you dreading it?”
“No!” She exclaimed. “I’m thrilled, I thought you were dreading it.”
Drayce chuckled. “I guessed we should’ve had this conversation sooner.”
She nodded. Her eyes filled with tears. “All I’ve known is an unhappy family. I guess part of me is scared our family will end up the same.”
“It won’t. We both know what not to be.” Drayce said, pulling her close, his arm around her.
“I hope not.” She said softly. “I already feel so much love for this unborn baby.”
They lay in silence for a time, before Drayce said. “So, do I get to hear the names you’ve come up with?”
Lillia smiled. “Well if it’s a girl…”
“It’s going to be a boy.” Drayce said. She looked up at him scowling.
“Who said it’s going to be a boy?” She asked.
“Who said it’s going to be a girl?” Drayce countered.
“No one. I said if it’s a girl.” She rolled her eyes at him. “If it’s a girl then I want to name her Roselen, to commemorate my sister.”
Drayce adopted a thoughtful look. “Yes, but to be honest, I’ve never liked that name. What about Gertrude. And we can nickname her Gerti.”
She hit his shoulder playfully, but it hurt more than she’d intended. He couldn’t stop himself from wincing.
“Oh sorry! I forgot.” Lillia said. “But in my defense, you’re ridiculous.”
“I make a habit of frustrating you, I probably deserved that.” He said smiling.
“No, you didn’t.” She softly ran her hand over the spot she had just hit.
“What if it’s a boy?” Drayce asked.
“If it’s a boy, I was thinking we could name him either Drayce, after you, or Thorin, after your father.”
YOU ARE READING
Dawn of Arcane Destiny
FantasíaLillia Leroux and Drayce Shalddwell find their destinys and fates unexpectedly intertwined when they're forced into a political marriage. Drayce is to become King, however he has secrets that he knows could get him executed if anyone knew. Lillia, w...
