Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan
Love makes even a beast become sweet.
Touched by sunlight, Annetteâs hair looked like gold thread, and Raphael touched it gently. Even that caress provoked a little groan from her.
She couldnât seem to fall asleep, and Raphael noticed the small frown at her eyebrows. Carefully, he checked her temperature, and his eyes narrowed.
Raphael didnât miss even the slightest changes in his fragile wife. Gently, he stroked her cheek.
âAre you uncomfortable?â
âMmmâŠI donât knowâŠâ She mumbled, half asleep. But Raphaelâs sharp eyes didnât miss the fact that her hand had moved to her stomach, gently rubbing, and he moved his own hand over her belly.
She didnât deny it this time. She nodded, embarrassed by her own gluttony. She did feel sick to her stomach, but it was her own fault for eating so much earlier.
âIâll call for the doctor,â he said, stroking her hand as he rose immediately. âBe patient.â
His warm touch made her feel better, and Annette relaxed, waiting for the doctor to arrive. It didnât take long. Her previous doctor had been executed for poisoning Annette, and they had had to find a new doctor they could trust. Fortunately, Celestine had offered the daughter of her own family doctor.
No one knew her, but Liza seemed like someone they could trust, with Celestineâs recommendation. To this point, she had done a good job.
âGive me a moment, and I will examine her,â said Liza, briskly checking the dazed Annette. Then she asked a few questions, which had little to do with an upset stomach: how much she had eaten lately, how often she was going to the bathroom, and when she had had her last period.
Raphael sat quietly nearby as this went on. Liza was so serious about her examinations, he was worried that something was seriously wrong.
But after Annette had answered a few of these questions, she had a sudden suspicion about where this might be going.
âI donât thinkâŠâ She began, even as Liza removed her glasses and smiled broadly.
âCongratulations, my lady. It is still early, which is why your symptoms are mild, but you are pregnant.â
âOhâŠâ Annette let out a soft exclamation and laid a hand on her belly. It was so sudden, she didnât know what to say. She had dreamed of one day having a child that looked like Raphael, but she had never expected it to happen so soon.
They had not even talked about their future, or having children. Raphaelâs own parents had been so terrible, he had never seemed very interested in children. What would he think if he suddenly had a son?
She couldnât help glancing sideways at his face. He wasnât looking at her. He was looking at the doctor, his face rigid, as if he were urging her to take back what she had just said. Or willing her to correct the misdiagnosis.
He doesnât want it, she thought suddenly.
Raphaelâs personality had improved, but he was still a beast at heart. She knew how he felt with only the slightest change in his face, and it was obvious that he was not happy with this news.
Unfortunately, Liza ignored all these signs. She never cared whether Raphael was angry or not, and instead began telling Annette all the things she must do while she was pregnant.
âPlease make sure to drink plenty of water, and consume lots of vegetables. If you are feverish or feel nauseous, make sure to rest. Even if the morning sickness is bad, you must eat. Tell me if it is, and I will fix something for you.â
The doctor congratulated her again, and then quickly left. The Marquis Carnesisâs wife was about to have a baby. That meant there was a lot for her doctor to do.