There was so much to do and so little time to do it in, but with the motivation of their Monarch and the thrill of the celebration everything got done in just the nick of time. Opulence, splendor and grandeur was the theme of the event; And this was just for the family and close friends. Brad was not sure whether he should feel grateful or distressed that he was considered a close friend. As it was he had not had the time to get to Maria before the affair, the trip to the tailor took far longer than he had expected or planned. For some reason he had been compelled to get something new so that he could look better, look more presentable for Maria.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Pregnant…with their baby</span><br/><br/>That was all that he could think of, all that he could focus on this night. Nothing else in the world mattered to him, nothing at all. This was what he wanted, what he had been searching for, a family to call his own. Now, all he had to do was get to her, talk to her and let her know that he was there for her. That he would always be there for her and that no matter what, they would be together. She, he and the baby they would be a family.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Even if  I have to kill a certain prince to make certain of it…</span><br/><br/>A bell was wrung, people were sat at the table and the King stood to make his speech. “Family and close friends, thank you for coming here this evening to help my son and his lovely new wife celebrate the news of life. Finally, after years of war, violence and death there will be a lasting peace between the two kingdoms with the birth of the child that she now carries. A child born of the two kingdoms will be the physical representation of our peace and should it be a son the next in line to claim both kingdoms. With this child the two will become one and we can all look forward to a life of prosperity and good fortune!” he raised his glass then. “To the future!”<br/><br/>Glasses were raised, the sound of glass against glass as they clinked together. A low murmur of conversation filled the grand hall as the first of the plates were brought forth. A roasted pheasant, in a nut and herb spice with some fresh vegetables. The aromas were heavenly and were commented on by many of the guests, who continued on with their private conversations.<br/><br/>Ivor, who had been so much the ghost as of late, was now the dutiful husband at Maria’s side. For all to see he appeared to be a proud husband who looked forward to the new bundle of joy that was growing inside his wife. “So, Ivor,” the King began. “What have you been up to lately? We have not seen a lot of you around the castle as of late.”<br/><br/>“Oh, you know father. I have been keeping myself busy and out of trouble I assure you. I mean I am going to be a father after all,” a low vocalized agreement could be heard from those closest to him who heard his statement. Brad among them for he sat with the twins, across the table from Ivor and Maria.<br/><br/>“We should go hunting some time, Ivor,” he offered. “I could tech you to hunt and track, a skill you could later pass on to your child.”<br/><br/>“True, but the child is going to be a royal blood, they would not really have such need for skills of that nature.”<br/><br/>“Don’t you think that every<span style="font-style: italic">man</span>should know how to provide for his family?”<br/><br/>A short pause while Ivor regarded Brad, “Yes, of course.”<br/><br/>“Good, then we can figure out the particulars about our trip later this evening,” Brad smiled and went back to his meal, though his eyes often glanced up at Maria. Hopefully she would see the love and understanding that was there in his eyes.