Queen Chalyela and Surgeon Gavin’s plan worked. Although Chalyela was not proud of deceiving her people, she felt that the outcome was worth it. Decades of ill feelings between Archolia and the territory of Tredony were avoided.
The first time Ivan laid eyes on the princess, he was instantly in love. He was happy that she was born in a time of peace.
Ivan was determined to do his part to make sure things remained peaceful. He wanted nothing more than for his princess to one day be able to wander all over the kingdom without threat.
Ivan lifts Adela out of her crib and stares into her eyes. She stares as if she knows that this is her father. “You will be a great beauty, just like your mother,” he whispers.
Ivan lies down next to his wife and sleeps peacefully now that Chalyela has delivered their child without any health issues.
Chalyela rises early the next morning to nurse Adela. Ivan, still tired from his sea patrol trip, sleeps on.
Chalyela can barely believe that she is a mother, and as queen, she is thrilled to have a potential heir to the throne.
Surgeon Gavin arrives to check on Chalyela and Adela. “How are you faring your majesty?” He asks.
“Besides a lack of energy, I feel fine.”
“I assure you that your energy will return soon.”
Gavin picks up the princess to check on her progress. Ivan awakes and is not too happy to see Gavin this morning.
“She is strong and in good health, M’Lady,” Gavin informs Chalyela.
Ivan is glad to hear that, but is irritated that Gavin is holding his child, knowing that Gavin and Chalyela were once involved.
Feeling territorial, Ivan walks over to Chalyela and gives her a big kiss.
“How are you my love?” He asks resisting the urge to see the expression on Gavin’s face.
“I am well. Did you sleep well?”
Ivan pulls Gavin to the side. “So is everything alright with my family?” Ivan asks, questioning himself as to why Gavin insists on hanging around.
“Yes, Princess Adela is healthy and Her Majesty is recovering just fine.”
“Well I thank you for checking in on them,” Ivan says, although he would rather tell Gavin to stay away from his family.
“Did I hear that your wife has also delivered a child?”
“Yes, Jolene and I have a baby boy named Godfrey,” Gavin answers.
Well, why are you not with them? Ivan wants to ask, but decides that it would be rude.
Justinian the Servant has prepared a large bowl of stew. Ivan walks into the library to grab a bowl and is not happy to see that Gavin is still in the castle.
Finally Gavin leaves the room and Ivan hopes that he is leaving for good. Ivan is not sure why, but having Gavin hanging around intimidates him all of a sudden. He realizes that Gavin is now a married man, but Ivan suspects that he may not be completely over Chalyela.
