Chapter 134 - News
Lilith stopped the doctor and sent for Mary, needing her maid to provide an answer for the last day she had bled.
Now Mary stood before Lilith and Jonah, her hands trembling as she tried to recall. She had been running around, not thinking about it.
"Your Majesty," Mary said, on the verge of tears for being useless. "I wasn’t keeping track. You were so busy that I didn’t think of it. But I do remember the events you attended. You sat with the duchess at her ball, and that was more than three weeks ago."
Mary tapped her chin as the action helped her to remember. "You visited the orphanage the week before to offer food. Before that, you invited a few ladies to the castle, and I didn’t have to be careful for any of those occasions. I didn’t think of blood for the other events you attended."
Lilith’s eyes widened slightly. "It has been far more than a month. I have the answer now. The last time was at the ball where we welcomed all the young ladies to the castle to end the season. That was nearly two months ago."
"Forgive me," Mary whispered, bowing her head. "I will do better to keep track."
"You don’t need to," Lilith replied, as it was not needed now.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Jonah said, bowing. He was eager to be the first to declare it. "I shall brew medicine to help you and the child."
Lilith’s glare silenced him instantly. Medicine was the last thing she wanted to hear.
Jonah kept his head bowed, folding his lips as silence was the best way to spare his life.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. The kingdom will be overjoyed at the news of an heir," Mary said, jumping for joy. "We must get you back to your chamber and double your guards."
"We will do nothing until I have spoken to my husband," Lilith said, rising to her feet. "I will come to you again to confirm it. It is not to be announced until we are certain and it is safe for me. If you spread word of this to anyone, your head will be the next displayed inside my chamber."
Lilith peered down at Jonah. "Do we understand each other?"
"We do, Your Majesty. My mouth shall remain closed," Jonah promised.
"Good. Until I send for you, do not brew medicine. I am beginning to believe you are all against me, eager to drown me in bitter concoctions. Wait for my order," Lilith said, casting one last look at him before leaving.
Mary followed closely, her excitement barely contained.
"Mary," Lilith warned, silencing Mary before they stepped outside. "If you let your joy show and reveal this, I shall punish you as well."
Mary pressed her lips together, swallowing her delight.
Solomon watched Lilith carefully, his suspicions confirmed by Mary’s behaviour.
Lilith led the way to the training grounds, where Cassian was overseeing the young men newly welcomed to the castle.
As she walked, her thoughts raced. What kind of mother would she be? Did she have the warmth inside her to love a child?
Lilith had not yet told Cassian she loved him, so was she ready to be a mother?
Fear pricked at her heart. She worried she might remain too guarded, unable to give her child the love it deserved. Yet she adored every other child she had met. Surely, she would love her own.
Lilith’s pace quickened, forcing everyone behind her to match it. The path to the training grounds seemed endless, and for a moment she broke into a run, only to stop abruptly, mindful not to harm herself. She wanted this moment to last, not be cut short.
Behind her, panic rippled through her guards. Even Alexander, usually calm, felt unease as he pieced together what everyone else suspected.
Mary bit her fingers to stop herself from screaming. Solomon moved closer to Lilith protectively, while Alexander silently cursed his fate. ’If she is pregnant, she will torment us all, ’ he thought grimly. ’She already keeps everyone on edge. With a child, she will use it to frighten us further.’
Unaware of their turmoil, Lilith stepped onto the training grounds. Soldiers and servants noticed her immediately, their chatter falling silent.
Cassian’s eyes narrowed, confusion flickering across his face. Why was she here when she had duties elsewhere?
He excused himself from the young man he had been speaking to and walked swiftly to her side.
"Come with me," Lilith said, taking his hand. "I apologise for disturbing you, but this is urgent."
Cassian followed quietly, though his mind churned with worry.
Lilith led him into a small chamber and closed the door behind them.
"Lilith, what is wrong?" Cassian asked, cupping her face in his hands, searching her expression for signs of illness.
"At the moment," Lilith began, her voice trembling. "Since I have not bled for nearly two full moons, it is safe to assume I am pregnant. That explains why I have felt unwell. I asked the doctor to confirm it, but all signs point to this."
"You are pregnant?" Cassian repeated in evident disbelief.
Slowly, he lowered his hand to rest against her flat belly, careful as though she were made of glass.
"It is likely," Lilith said softly. "There shouldn’t be any doubt, considering how well acquainted we have been these past months. I am surprised the news didn’t come sooner-"
Lilith didn’t finish. Cassian pulled her into his arms, holding her close. His embrace was strong yet gentle. Protective without suffocating.
Lilith’s heart swelled as she leaned into him, her fears easing. For the first time, she allowed herself to imagine not just duty, but love for Cassian, and love for the child they might soon welcome.
Cassian pressed his lips to her cheek, whispering, "You have given me the greatest gift. Whatever comes, we will face it together."
For once, Lilith did not feel guarded. She felt safe as they looked forward to the future which awaited them.