Piers and Katherine walked together toward the a point in the citadel where they could both speak more privately.
Katherine stared out at the horizon with a distant expression as though finding a way to begin.
After a moment of silence, Piers who had been waiting gently then asked, "What's wrong?"
Katherine didn't answer right away.
Piers continued. "I noticed it during the battle too. You stayed on Qasag's back the entire time and didn't engage directly, not even once. And that is very odd even for you"
Katherine turned her head toward him, with a smile on her lips. "Oh, you saw that?"
Piers reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. "Of course I did."
She leaned into his touch, her smile growing just a bit. Then she took a breath and said it.
"I'm pregnant."
For a moment, Piers didn't move. His hand remained on her cheek, but his eyes went wide. He blinked, then again, as though trying to process what he had just heard.
"Are you serious?" he asked in gentle tone.
