Chapter 107 - Good News

I never actually thought I would be in times of war, I never thought I would experience it first hand, and more I never thought I would be in a position where I would have to pray for my husband's safe return.

☆Banging Bells☆

It was the temple bells. I placed my palms together, bending my head and closing my eyes. It has been two months since I found out my husband was at war, two months since my unfortunate accident and the death of Princess Alice. Dear gods of this land, I pray for a safe return for my husband, please. My body trembled, it has been nothing but torture without him, I barely slept and I couldn't help but feel worried all the time or be in a daze of what he might be passing through over there, I knew nothing of what a battlefield would be like but I could only imagine, please gods and goddess, let him come back to me, let him come back to us.

I will wait for you Cedric, I didn't mind how long as long as he comes back.

"Sylvia", at the sound of  her voice I turned to Mother beside me. She smiled.

"Let us go"

I smiled with a nod.

We both came here on some occasions to pray for Cedric and his victory for battle, it was traditional in the Empire. We both descended the temple stairs, other wives were still coming in too, there were a lot of them and I knew just how much of a reality this was. I adjusted my hood properly as the wind got strong.

"Emperor Edric time is almost up" Mother began.

"Cedric hasn't returned yet," I said, over the past months, my voice had returned to me, but it was rather weak and low before I could barely hear myself but now it was a bit louder but I couldn't shout or yell or it would hurt so much. Beowulf told me Cedric must have healed me with his blood, that was the only reason I could get my voice back.

"I know my dear, but the throne can't be vacant even if he's yet to return and we have heard nothing from the borders"

That was one of my fears in these times of war, according to mother when Cedric left for war the first time they always heard a word about the battle but we haven't heard a thing ever since, the entire Empire have been high on alert, we have no news of any winning armies, we were in the dark, in short, we were in alert of any attack, Mother told me if there was any there was nothing to worry about that we would retire to a shelter far from the Empire her husband built long ago, I also told her if such were to happen my papa would join us, and she welcomed it.

But those were just plans, we were still safe for now.

"I do not know what he intends to do now" she adds in a mystery, no one knew what was playing in the Emperor's mind but we knew he wanted only Cedric as his succeeding heir.

"You don't think the Emperor blames Cedric do you?" I began. "The death of Princess Alice caused all this and it's my fault dragging him into these"

"Sylvia" she took my hand. "I do not regret what Cedric did to that witch, I'm very happy he put her in her place, that wasn't a princess, that was a monster, along with everyone in that North, I believe we will strive in victory and Cedric will return to us, He is powerful, no one can take him down" she assured me.

I smiled nodding. "Mother, you lost your composure there" I teased.

She huffed.

"Mistress, Mrs. Hartford," Mint said, walking towards us. "The carriage awaits"

"Sylvia" I turned to Danette who approached us.

"Danette" I was surprised to see her here, does it mean...

☆☆☆

"Forgive me I didn't know Lord Dalton was part of the war, I thought as Lord Lawrence didn't go that -"

"It's okay Sylvia, Lord Cedric is there too, you got your mind crowded. I should be the one who should be apologizing. I haven't visited you since what happened" she bit her lip. She must be talking about my incident.

I smiled. "It's alright Danette, I understand," I said as my eyes grew wistful. "These past two months have been difficult for everyone even the ambassadors household"

She nodded. "Yes" her voice was shaky. "Danette," I said worriedly, taking her hand. She was crying.

"I just pray he comes back safely, I want this war to end," she said, cleaning her tears and sobbing. Every woman prayed in this time of war, for their husband to come back, my chest grew heavy.

"It will Danette don't -" I paused.

"What is it, Sylvia?" She asked about my sudden action.

"Its" I tilt my head to the side as a presence overwhelmed me, I moved close to her on the chair we sat in, I placed my hand on her stomach, and then I felt it again. I gasp.

"Sylvia"

My gaze fell on her brown ones. "I think you're with child, Danette" I whispered with wide eyes, I was both confused and stunned.

Her eyes went wide like saucers. "What?" she said, feeling her stomach. "How could you... I'm... " she was in a daze.

"Let's call the doctor"

The doctor after arrival checked her pulse. There was an immense silence in the room, Mother was present, I knew what the answer was already, I didn't know how and Danette was still in shock and confusion so I figured it was best for the doctor to be here to give better confirmation.

"Yes this is good news Lady Danette, you're with child" he announced. She gasps.

"This is wonderful news Lady Danette," Mother said in joy.

"Oh, my gods" she covered her mouth before turning to me. I smiled and then she hugged me tightly.

"How did you..." she began in amazement. I was puzzled, but I could only answer the simple truth right now.

"I just knew"