Simprina had been keeping the ever watchful eye on her princess. It was the only duty with which she was charged and she would see to it that it was followed through with to the letter. As such, she’d been counting the days since the wedding night, and had been carefully watching her condition to see if she was showing signs. Morning sickness had been prevalent, but she couldn’t tell for certain if that was sickness or stress as she’d not yet returned to her normal self.<br/><br/>So, when the king approached to inquire, she bowed her head in a slow sort of nod. “I’ve been keeping watch, Your Highness. I’m almost certain that she is with child, as the signs are there. But I’ve not yet confirmed it beyond a shadow of a doubt.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> King Randal stroked his beard and ran a hand through his hair, “I can have a midwife check her to make sure. If that is the case a celebration is in order. We will have our heir and the peace between the two kingdoms cemented in the birth of this child,” he clapped his hands in excitement. Already his mind ran through the possibilities and the future that was sure to come for them all now.</span><br/><br/>His excitement was mirrored in her own quiet demeanor, as showing anything more was against her training. “When is the soonest you’ll be able to get a midwife to see her?” Simprina asked next.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">“I should be able to have her visit Maria this afternoon, please have her bathed and ready for her,” a dismissive wave was given to conclude the conversation. Already he waved over another servant to go and send for the midwife, once it was confirmed there was a celebration to plan.</span><br/><br/>Things had begun to look up for Maria in those next two weeks. Since he’d stolen her away that first time, each time following had her spirits lifting more. More of who she used to be was beginning to resurface behind those tired eyes and hollowed cheeks. What was dull was now springing to life and a sort of glow, reminiscent of what used to be natural, was working its way back. The situation, certainly, wasn’t something that she was comfortable with, having to sneak around to see Brád, but it was better than it could have been. She still avoided sleeping on her bed, but felt like she was getting more restful sleep than she’d gotten prior.<br/><br/>Each note or flower that he’d snuck her was met with an even lighter heart, kept close to her at all times, hidden from view or accidental discovery. He’d even made Simprina more bearable as nothing could get her down after reading a note, and leaving her own in its place.<br/><br/>At least, those notes<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>made her more bearable until today.<br/><br/>A knock on her door caught her attention, glancing over from her usual perch by the window. Another knock and then she entered, a smile on her kindly face before waving her over to her sitting room. There was a look of confusion on Maria’s face, but she complied, walking over and settling in her seat. “So, what’s this about?” she asked, wary of what news Simprina would announce next.<br/><br/>“Princess, you’re to be seen by a midwife today,” Simprina started, meeting Maria’s gaze with as casual a look as possible. “The King would like it confirmed—as would we all—whether or not you are with child.”<br/><br/>Silence. Simprina was met with complete and utter silence.<span style="font-style: italic">I’m…I’m to be…</span>“No.” It was said plainly, simply, as her eyes hardened. “I will not be looked at today.”<br/><br/>“Princess, you’ve no choice. It’s been two weeks of morning sickness…If you’re in delicate condition, would you not wish to know?”<br/><br/>How could she say no to that? How could she say,<span style="font-style: italic">“No, I don’t want to know if I’m pregnant with Ivor’s child, and would rather not find out ever if I’m stuck?”</span>She couldn’t, and there was no avoiding it, as much as she’d have liked to.<br/><br/>“What time?”<br/><br/>“This afternoon. If it’s confirmed, then there’s to be a celebration of your union,” the woman confirmed. “I’m to make sure you’re bathed and ready.”<br/><br/>There wasn’t really anything else to say to that, so she just nodded and awaited the inevitable. That inevitable felt dragged out, the light having bit well passed its peak before she finally arrived and did what was needed. By the end of it, she felt unclean, violated, and not nearly the happy mother-to-be she was supposed to be. So a small smile was offered as she got herself sorted, both the midwife and Simprina giving her some privacy. But, Simprina didn’t stay; she went straight for the King to relay the good news.