pte
moonlight bathed everything in a silvery glow, casting long shadows across the porch where Lady Nella sat, her body propped up by a rocking
inside her. Her eyes were half-closed, her face flushed with the quiet exhaustion of the late hour. The pregnancy
er's every move. She noticed the subtle frown on Nella's face as she rubbed her stomach, and conc
gestured to her mother's stomach with a
to worry her. "Yes, sweetling," she murmured, her voice with af
ill eyeing her with curiosity and concern. She rested her head gently against her mother's arm, and Nella
d driftwood. She was entirely absorbed in her task, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tied knots and threaded bits together, working with the effic
d to glance over at her mother, her soft expression filled with care. When the cloth had been wo
iet confidence of a daughter who knew her mother's ap
few little garments. She let out a soft sigh, feeling a wave of emotion at the sight. "Oh, Sele
evealed a small outfit she had crafted, one meant for the unborn child. "This one is
g for a response. Adrielle's eyes widened with excitement. "A boy! Ma
who was watching her closely, awaiting her reaction. "It might be," she said with a tender smi
d name him... um... Arthur? Or maybe James?" Her hands moved ex
ork but mumbled quietly, "Arthur
r a curious look but shrugged
with love for each of them. She took a deep breath, the cool night air settl
path leading to their home. She smiled, anticipating the return of her husband, Regent C
e path, their faces lighting up with excitement. "Papa's home!
ms to receive his daughters. Selena, Isolde, and Adrielle swarmed
eling grateful for this moment of pe
canoe repair. "I brought you some goodies, girls," he said, producing a handful of shim
ted a delicate, pink shell. "Oh, P
it to decorate my basket," she said, already thinking
'll make a crown for the baby and one for me, Papa!" she exclaimed, a
d, watching them with pride and affection. He glanced at
ve?" Lady Nella asked, h
ost repaired, but I have some concerns about the fishing nets. We need to replace som
he sensed the gravity of her husband's tone. "What's troubling
aned in closer to Lady Nella, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw Marcellus meeting with some unknown individuals. I couldn't overhear
the information. She glanced at her daughters, ensuring they were still distracted, before turning
settling in her chest. Suddenly, a faint rustling echoed t