Chapter 74: The Sword Beneath the Cradle
[Rynthall Estate—Lucien’s Chamber]
It was quiet.
Unnaturally quiet.
The kind of silence that made the hair at the back of Lucien’s neck rise. A deceptive hush that wrapped around the room like velvet... thick, beautiful, and ominous.
Lucien stood by the tall window, draped in layers of pale silk, one hand absently cradling the swell of his stomach. Wobblebean had been suspiciously still all morning.
Not a single kick. Not a single flip. Just... stillness.
Too soft.
"Are you okay in there, my little croissant thief?" Lucien murmured, giving his belly a gentle pat. "Did yesterday’s raspberry tart offend your divine taste? You liked raspberry last week."
Still nothing.
Until—
Thump.
Then another. Soft. Firm. Reassuring.