There was something freeing knowing that the most powerful man in the kingdom knew. Knew about him and Maria. Knew about the child she cared and wished that things were different. But they weren’t different. Ivor came by to thank him for saving his life and made the rather selfless statement that when their child was born, he would name it for him if it was a boy. Brad scoffed at the irony of such a statement, but made sure that he thanked the Prince for the kind gesture.<br/><br/>After that, it was well wishes and gifts from those that were grateful for what he did. And of course, there was Maria. Each day that she came brought a smile to his face and added strength to his already depleted body. Knowing she was leaving the castle without him, though with the promise of an escort, still did not sit well with Brad and had him trying to get out of bed. It caused a coughing fit, the made his whole body hurt and produced a heavy amount of phlegm mixed with blood.  When she returned, Brad was sat up in bed but of course looking worse than before because of the exertion he put on his body.<br/><br/>“They have to be ground up into a paste and then mixed with some wine,” he instructed. “Did you have any trouble while you were out? Any predators? Bandits? How’s the baby?” worry clear in his words as he rapid fired the questions at her. Even if he was of no use, Brad felt as if he would and could kill anyone or anything that would threaten her life and the life of their child. “You look tired too...I should mix you something to help you sleep at night…” trying to get from the bed despite knowing it was impossible and also stupid.