An Unexpected Proposal

August 10, 2020

“I won’t disappoint you.”

“It’s alright even if you do. People make mistakes, and they grow from them.”

“…”

“My lady, don’t be afraid of disappointing me. What matters is not my judgment, but how you see yourself.”

“…How I see myself?”

“No matter who judges you or interferes, in the end, it’s your life. You should be the one in control.”@@novelbin@@

Alicia hesitated, fidgeting with her fingertips. Lady Morco watched her in silence, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. She had wanted to nurture her, to let her take root and grow strong within her embrace. But the circumstances were not in their favor.

Lady Morco took a deep breath before firmly grasping Alicia’s hands.

“My lady.”

“Yes?”

“We don’t have much time, so I’ll get straight to the point. Is that alright?”

“Of course.”

Though Alicia’s nod wavered slightly, there was strength behind it.

Lady Morco took another breath before speaking carefully.

“You are with child.”

“Oh… that…”

“Did you already know?”

“Yes. Somehow, I just… realized.”

Alicia let out an awkward laugh.

“Are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“You didn’t want a child.”

Lady Morco studied her carefully. She knew Alicia had been just as reluctant about the child as Cabelenus.

“I used to feel that way, but not anymore.”

Alicia absentmindedly stroked her stomach. Now that she knew the child could hear her, every word felt more precious.

“I still don’t know if I’ll be a good mother… but the baby seems to like me a lot.”