The Duke of Linberburg

The Duke of Rheinland is a resilient and perceverant man indeed. He has recovered from his sickness and is up and about again. You sigh from hearing that news of the old Lord’s recovery but there is no point in complaining about it.

You stop just within sight of the capital of Linberburg. You have no intention of making a stop there. It wasn’t that you had something against the ruling family of the Duchy but you are in a hurry to get home.

You, Eliza and Helga eat together for the mid-day. Eliza eats with one hand. She has baby Simone nestled in her left arm. The baby nurses on his mother’s nipple. You try to offer help to a mother of your child but she politely turns you down. Helga munches on her meal, occassionally massaging her growing tummy whenever she swallows.

Sophie and baby Lara had went with your mother, step-father and baby siblings to Grand Driton. You and Sophie wanted another fuck before parting ways but Beatrice couldn’t afford Sophie becoming pregnant anytime soon.

You kiss the mothers of your children each on the lips before you go your way. You inspect your retinue and find everything in good shape and order. You run into Constance who smiles pleasantly at you.

“Oh hello, Constance,” you say to her, “you appear to be in good spirits.”

“Hello to you as well, Sire. Yes, about that. I am with child. Seed has taken root within my womb.” She has her right hand on her belly.

“I’m glad.” You say. “How has your husband taken to the news of your pregnancy?”

“He was distraughted at first but he eventually came around. My pregnancy caught him by surprise.”

“Well should he decide to skip out on his responsibility, do let me know so I can sort him out.”

“I do not that shall be a problem, Sire. But if it ever comes to it, I will let you know.”

You take her hand and kiss it, “May you have a healthy pregnancy and an easy birth, Constance. I wish you only the best.”

“Thank you, Sire,... for everything.” She whispers. You take her in your arms for a close kiss, not caring in the slightest of whomever can see you.

A little while later, you and everyone are ready to hit the road again. A rider bearing the sigil of Linberburg approaches. Two of your men intercept him before bringing him over to you. “My King,” says one of your men, “this man is a herald from the Duke of Linberburg. He has a message to relay to you. It does not need to be private, he claims.”

You signal for the man to be brought closer. Though a line of four men separate you from him. “Speak,” you say to the messanger.

“Good King of Ostgrenze, I am a servant of the Duke of Linberburg. I come bearing bad news. My Duke has become gravely ill and the healers all agree sadly that he is not likely to recover. He has gotten news that you are nearby on your way back to Ostgrenze. He has requested that you see him while he is still alive. What words do you wish for me to say back to the Duke?”

The men behind you look to you for a decision. You are in a hurry to head back home for the birth of Dorothye’s child. But at the same time, to dismiss a man on his **** bed could be seen as a slight and could harm relationships with the successor of the Duke.