It's Time to Go Home

You and Eliza walk side by side as you walk to the entrance of the castle where your men are making the last and finishing preparations for the journey home. "So your mother is getting remarried?" She comments after you tell her in confidence of the latest development in your family life. "I'm happy for her." Eliza says, "She's finally with the man she desired."

"My father treated well enough but he never loved her and neither did she him. His mistress Lisandra was the woman he loved. Truly he did... well as far as I was told."

"Are you nervous, my King?" Eliza asks out of the blue. "About what?" You ask back. Eliza holds a hand over her flat stomach, "About children. We made love so much I'm sure I'll be with child. So are you nervous?"

"I'm not sure." You've fucked several women already for the very explicit purpose of getting them pregnant.

"Answer me honestly, my King. Do you have other children? You've bedded other women. I know you for certain you have."

With a neutral face, you nod. "I've been with other women. I'm certain I've gotten them pregnant."

"And will you see to those children? Will you care for them?"

Your eyes narrow to a small degree, "Is this a test, my Duchess?"

She places her hand over her stomach again, "I want to know if my child will grow up with a father." You place your hand over hers. "Our child will. I would like to be there for his or her birth. Would you come to Ostgrenze?"

Eliza giggles and looks around to see that no one is there to hear her giggle. "I am already in Ostgrenze or did you forget our union? But more importantly, you would make a woman heavy with child travel? Ostgrenze proper is a long away." She says teasingly.

"Look like we'll have to see."

Eventually you both reach your men, all ready to leave. Mathilde, Piero and some servants of Eliza are there as well. "Your highness, the men and our supplies are all accounted for. We are ready to go." Otto says.

"Very good, Otto." You turn to Eliza, "this is farewell for now." You say somewhat sadly.

"The next time you see me, I'll be round... swollen... your child growing inside me." Eliza wants to hug you but can't do so in public. "Farewell, my King. Safe travels. Do not die. Our child will need you." In more ways than one.

Mathilde approaches you. "My King, Eliza shares her thoughts with me. We've spoken of you and has spoken good. We prior to your arrival and subsequent union with my cousin we had an agreement."

A questioning look creeps into your face, "What agreement?" Suddenly she pulls her close and lands a kiss on your lips much to your surprise and the surprise of your men. Not that you don't want it. "Come back soon," She whispers directly at your ear, "come back and take me." She whispers so alluring and so wanting.

"I will." You guarantee her and she beams you a white smile.