He walked them into the tent, and lowered her carefully on the mattress he had prepared.
"Are you okay?" he asked, scanning her face.
"Yes," she answered.
He lay beside her and rested his hand on her stomach.
Warmth spread instantly from his palm, seeping gently through her body, easing the discomfort that still lingered from her cycle.
She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
He didn't respond, but his hand stayed there.
They stayed there in silence for a while.
The fire outside crackled faintly.
Then Eliora spoke again. "What was your childhood like?"
He turned to her immediately, clearly surprised by the question.
Her eyes were already on him, watching him with subtle curiousity.
He stared at her for a long moment. Then he let out a breath.
"It was tough."
He looked up at the tent ceiling as he spoke. "I didn't really have a childhood. I was raised to take the throne. Everything I learned, every day of my life… it was preparation."
