Alaric stood in the war chamber, the map before him scattered with red markers.
He was mid-discussion with his lieutenants and strategists when Alice burst in, breathless.
He turned sharply. "What is it?"
"Your Highness," she said, bowing, "Her Highness requests your presence."
He stiffened immediately, "Is she all right?"
"There's no problem," Alice reassured him quickly. "She's perfectly fine, she just wishes to see you."
Relief washed through him. Still, his heart hammered in his chest. "You're certain she's well?"
Alice nodded. "Yes, General."
Alaric glanced once at the map, then at his men. "Continue without me," he ordered, his tone left no room for question. "Send me updates on the positioning."
He didn't wait for acknowledgment. His cloak snapped behind him as he strode out, each step faster than the last.
When he reached their chamber, he pushed open the doors and there she was, wrapped in white. Their son slept peacefully in his crib beside her.
