Androkles has been gone for nearly two months now. And I don’t know if it’s because of the pregnancy, but it feels like an eternity since he left. We received word that he had defeated Eugenius and Nikos and would be returning home. But that was weeks ago. But I understand that marching home takes time. Especially as they travel with the injured and dead, his letter advised a battalion would be taking the prisoners directly to the Underworld for judgment. Today I was outside, getting fresh air and exercising as my doctor recommended. Rea and Helene have been of great help in making sure everything is getting done and that my instructions are being obeyed. I also ensured that the main House and the grounds were being cleaned and readied for when Androkles and the army would return. We didn’t know how soon that would be, but I wanted to be prepared. Mitha is still here even though the rebellion has ended. She said she would not leave till my husband dismissed her as he was the one that

It's probably for the best that no one tried to stop us on our way to our bedroom. It’s been months since he was home. I want and need to have this time with him. And while most probably fear him more than me, I think pregnancy hormones may make me the one to fear if they did get in the way. The door had barely closed before his lips were on mine, and I felt my back pressed into the door. “Ahem…" someone cleared their throat nearby. With a groan, we both pulled back from the kiss breathlessly. “Hypatos, you better have a damn good reason to be in here,” Androkles responded, not hiding his annoyance. I blushed at the realization of finding it was Hypatos in here. If anything, I would have expected Rea or Helene. “I was trying to leave m’lord. I put some food and drinks out by the bath Rea and Helene had prepared. So, I will gladly go if you move from the door. I have better things to be doing than standing around here." Hypatos explained. Androkles took my hand and moved us away fr

“I take it the doctor and midwife hadn’t realized that yet. Well, don’t blame them. I have the healing touch to sense the two babies.” Melanthios explained. “And I can hear their heartbeats easily.” Rosalyn nodded. I was still dealing with what the doctor and midwife had told us at our last visit. I’ve worried about my baby and my chances of surviving childbirth. And now Lord Melanthios and Lady Rosalyn have added to my distress by telling me there are TWO! Does that mean both babies are breech? Or is it just that one of them is? My mind has a million questions that I can’t form into words. “Would you like to hear your children?” Rosalyn offered. Her offer threw me off guard, completely derailing all my new fears. “I… can hear them?” I asked. “Of course. I’ll put the ear tips into your ears and then press the drum on your belly. You’ll be able to hear their heartbeats this way.” she explained, doing exactly as she explained. My eyes widened as I smiled, hearing their steady, fas