Ghost of Whisper Creek
Chapter 20: The arrival

The next several months went very slowly for Krita. She did what she could for training, but was not allowed to spar or participate in the arena. She tried to drown herself in studies. History of wars on the coast and through Ra’vain. She thought her current condition would be a good time to practice stealth. If she could get the drop on someone six plus months pregnant, she would be able to do it any time. She was not very successful but got close enough not to break her spirit.

The last month Krita was relegated to only classroom studies. Lord Matsu, Arthion and their staff took Krita through mock battles with miniature figures on a large table. Krita was able to beat one of the other teachers here and there, but was always bested quite frustratingly by Lord Matsu and Arthion. She wondered if it wouldn’t be smarter to put one or both with an army on the frontlines instead of training them. That wasn’t her choice to make however, and she was glad that both of them were here to learn from. And to love Arthion.

Finally the time came and there was a gathering outside of Arthion’s room as nurses and healers tended to a screaming Krita. One nurse stumbled out with an already bruising eye as she must have gotten too close to the mother-to-be during a particularly painful contraction. Eventually Krita’s screams were replaced by the wail of a baby.

For Arthions part he seemed to take things in stride. His father treated everything as ‘normal’ and barely showed any emotion on the matter. The only time his firstborn had seen the man display emotion on the subject was the disappointed and disapproving frown when Arthion told him that Krita wouldn’t be staying as his son’s wife. Nothing was said on the matter and Krita was treated like any other student of Arena Tsukimatsu.

When the day of birth came Arthion manned up enough to be there for her. He stayed in the room and helped the nurses where he could, holding her and walking her about the room to wait for their newborn child. A slimy, bloody and squalling bundle thrusted into his hands while Krita was tended to. He watch it all with a passive demeanor but when he saw his son squirming in his hands he couldn’t help but smile.

After it was done, Krita was eased into the nearby bed. She’d been given fresh linens to wear, but her hair was messy and wet with sweat and cooling water. She forced herself to sit up, propped up on bent elbows and watched Arthion with their son. She smiled but said nothing. Just watched for several moments before she gave a soft chuckle. “Does the mother get to see the baby?” she asked lightheartedly.

Arthion blinked from a daze for a moment “S-sorry...” he chuckled. Scooping the babe from hands to arms and snatched up a soft blanket to wrap him up in and handed the child to Krita with a smile.

Krita returned the smile as she took the baby into her arms. She looked down into the face of their child and smiled wider, “It’s ok. I don’t blame you. I don’t want to give him up now either. Can we just stay here together til he grows into a little brat?” she gave Arthion a wink. “Then he can start his training.”

Arthion struggled to keep his proud laughter from being too loud as he slipped into the bed with her and wrapped an arm around to bring her and the child close “Aye, I think that can be done.” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Krita leaned her head against Arthion’s shoulder and snuggled as close as she could. “I wish there was no duty, or responsibility for either of us. I wish we could always be this happy. For now I’m going to pretend it’s possible.” She moved her head and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Without duty however I would not have come here. We would not have met and this little boy would not exist. I guess there are some good things that come from following duty.”

“Ssshh” Arthion chuckled as he kissed the top of her head “For now. Just enjoy the moment.” Krita nodded pulled their son close and cuddled next to Arthion.

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