The Lady in Waiting (Lady Bloody Ava & Greeneyed23)

Rose listened to Rallon and bit back a little laugh. Women aroundthem asked about the child. Questioning if it was true and were elated to hearit fromRose herself that she felt that she was with child. "But... it is not just me... Tia, my best friend, is expecting a child as well." Yes she threw Tia under the busto spread some attention.

No doubt she would get questions about her background and she came to be in York. But Rose spotted her cousins and smiled."Lilah and Jessica are going to be a godsend when this child is born. If they're not wed by then." One man, handsome, though dressed in clean farming attire approached Jessica from the side with two roses, handing both Lilah and Jessica one before his friend squeezed on by.

Both dawned a physique that spoke volumes about their hard work. Warm smiles and both men each approached a woman. "Hi, I am Fenrir and this is my friend Joseph. We both give our belated condolences for the loss of your family. " Fenrir chimed with a warm smile to Jessica as he offered the flower.

"Please, if you need anytime away from your home, my sister make a mean stew. For all her annoying chatter she has her uses." A young girl clocked Joseph in the back of his head with the palm of her hand. "You could be a tad nicer to the poor dearies. No doubt they've gone through hell and back. Maybel is the name and these two dolts are my responsibility, My Ladies. Please excuse them on my behalf." The young girl was obviously younger than the men but she look well worn. If Rose could make a safe assumption she would guess that there were no parents in the picture.

Rose slowly sprouted a smile as she watched the scene unfold before her eyes. She stood up from her chair so fast with her hands held together in delight. "That settles it! You fine gentleman and your sister Maybel will be joining us for dinner!" Be it her hormones or her simple kindness it would be unsure.

Rallon leaned over. "You're bringing the Twin Lords Havish and their sister to dinner? Do i detect some matchmaking in the air?"

He nipped her ear before leaning back smirking. Lilah and Jessica were blushing and smiling at the handsome and powerfully built young men while Rallon's sisters giggled and made jokes.

Rallon himself was talking to Maybel now asking about her family, having been a friend of her father's and a fifth cousin of her mother's. Apparently the family had fallen on very hard times and the parents had both died, her father in a fire in the barn, while her mother had died giving birth to the stillborn younger sister not long after. The nobles and the Granger brothers had stripped them of much of their lands and wealth but all three had just kept working alongside their workers, having little choice if they wished to survive.

Rallon had his mischievous grin on and was clearly planning something but he would not answer questions about it.

That wicked grin could be seen a mile away on her lips. Looking in her eyes you could almost see the gears turning behind them. Working and plotting her moves. Of course she laughed and feigned innocence when her husband pointed out exactly what she was doing. "Maybe."

To see Rallon's cousins smiling and blushing like young maidens was a sigh for sore eyes and a most welcomed one. Rose joined in on the conversation between Maybel and Rallon. "Actually, I owe you and your brothers so much."

"You paid us handsomely. I had to actually make the boys work off the feast you provided us those days we worked for you. They can be such gluttonous pigs these days, but you can't blame them." The young girl said with a half smile as she looked at the boys with hazel eyes.

"Oh that was far from enough. Those fortifications you had the boys put up saved lives more than once. I will be forever in your debt. Like I said before, if you ever need anything, my door is always open." Rose popped a grape past her lips and relished the juices in her mouth. Finally pushing the plate away.

"Oh this feast was so delicious!! I daresay I must stop myself from eating lest I burst at the seams!"

Rallon just smiled taking her hand and listening silently as he ate.

He was listening to the reports of other John supporters, including the ones he had sent away, who had already begun to plot against him. What was truly surprising is that john himself was telling them to stop but they were ignoring him, now seeing Rallon and Rose as personal threats and embarrassments.

He was grateful but let the news go having set up his own plans he was not going to share with the people and thus endanger them.

As he ate he watched everyone and would occasionally point at certain people before returning to his meal.

He did so subtly but would not answer any questions , even from his wife, about what was going on.

Soon he was done eating as well. "Shall we return home my love? I have a game of chess with Tia awaiting."

Rose was enjoying herself immensely and she watched her husband,but did not question him. If there was one thing that she knew about the man that she married,it was that there was always a method to his madness.

Rose continued to hold her husband's hand as they got up from the table. She relinquished it for a brief moment to give Maybel a hug. "I look forward to seeing you again." Rose gave her thanks once more and walked hand in hand with Rallon back to the carriage.

"Have fun with Tia. Meanwhile, I am stuffed and will take a moment to relax in the garden." Honestly she could probably doze off, lay her head for a nap, but she wasn't entirely sure yet.

Something was a brewing in her husband's mind, she would find out in due time. "If you can't find me I may be resting in bed." A yawn was covered up and she rest her head on Rallon's shoulder on the way home.

Rallon lead her inside to the garden, where Cynthia lay in the sun by her mother's feet and went to sleep. Rallon helped her sit, kissed her, then went over to the porch and sat resuming the game. Tia was a very skilled player but Rallon had grown up and repeatedly beaten with several masters, including his father, and had played the game almost nonstop.

They had actually played several times but she had yet to beat him. he never spoke while he played chess, nor did he mock his opponents or use any tricks. He just played, and it seemed he solved a number of problems as he played.

Within an hour he had Tia in a brutal trap she was trying to escape.

Fisher appeared at the door and held up a list. Rallon nodded and made a fisher, at which Fisher vanished. Tia started to grumble and tried to escape only to find herself checkmated. She demanded a rematch so Rallon, who had been rising from his chair, sat back down and the game began.

Below Fisher had all the people Rallon had singled out sitting in the dungeon all being fed and water, much like the Colt's but they were not yet bound in anyway. These were the servants of those who supported john and were being given the opportunity to save their own lives by swearing off their masters.

Rallon seemed to coddle her at times, and it made her smile and roll her eyes at the same time. Rose had played chess with her husband one in a blue moon and she could see herself in Tia's place.

Green eyes looked at the flowers and she chuckled as she heard the familiar growl of frustration. She would always do the exact thing when playing with him. She had not an inkling of an idea about what was going on in their dungeon.

The fair Lady merely sat upon the stone bench, looking down at her fuzzy butt child and day dreaming about the child that they had coming on the way. Picturing various other things as well. Lilah and Jessica with their own beloved husbands. Tia and Fisher's adorable child playing with theirs. Needless to say and lax and comfortable smile sat constantly on her lips.

They had time before the next ball and it should be soon after that, that Sarah or James Granger would make their appearance. "This large and loving family is going to grow by ten little fingers and ten little toes." She said to no one in particular as she relaxed.

Cynthia stirred just enough to open her left eye and shift her jaw onto her left paw to watch her mother as she spoke her puffy tail twitching a bit. When Rose fell silent she snuffed, gave a large rather wicked looking yawn, then lay her head back down and went back to sleep.

The girls were up in their rooms going through their purchases happily showing them off to each other while Lilah and Jessica had gotten the maids to help them get ready for dinner to be modest but attractive unlike their former styles. The Havish brothers would have a lot of work ahead if they did indeed plan to wed these two but the girls planned on encouraging them but not too much.

Jessica was looking at herself in a deep blue high necked and long sleeved dress and smiled a bit sadly. Her arms still bore the marks from her time with John, and her breasts were no better. She could scarcely look at herself or Lilah without covering clothing like this and both of them were afraid they would scare off the Havish brothers or any other suitors. As kind as Rose and Rallon were they did want their own lives. Just never again what had been. The horrors John had put them through had broken them of those urges forever.

Below they would have recognized many of the servants. Many of the women had even tried to help the girls after what John had done to them only to suffer at their masters' or mistress' hands while Jessica and Lilah continued to scream. These claims needed confirming and Fisher decided to call for Rallon.

Tia had finally managed a rather clever breaking of his defenses just as the messenger arrived. Rallon held up a finger and placed her in checkmate with a single move. while she fumed he looked at the messenger who jumped.

"My lord... Sir Fisher asks for your aid...he says you should bring Lady Jessica and Lady Lilah."

Rallon nodded. "Tia tell Rose I will see her at dinner." he looked at the messenger, one of the cook's daughter, "Collect the ladies and bring them to the dungeon. just tell them that i need their help. Do not frighten them."

Ten minutes later Rallon was sitting watching the people he had had gathered, more than a hundred in all, all of them sitting on the floor watching him as well.

Jessica came in in her blue dress, while Lilah entered wearing a matching dark red dress. Lilah started to speak when Jessica shrieked and threw herself at a man. Lilah turned and instantly screamed as well hurling himself at the man. the slapped kicked, bit, and clawed at him everywhere while Rallon and Fisher rushed over. Rallon grabbed them both and snarled as they whirled at him starting to claw. "Are you mad!?"

They froze not daring to strike him even in their rage both of them pointing at the man. "HE WOULD BIND AND BRAND US FOR JOHN!!"

Rallon blinked. "brand you?"

They both lifted their skirts revealing their creamy thighs which were covered in signs of abuse, but also a serious black burn just above their right knees of a large P and J. Rallon stared in horror. "thank you ladies...You."

The man in question cowered claiming he had been ordered. Rallon glanced at Fisher. "Fisher go grab Rose and beat her until her teeth are gone from her head. then i want you to heat your sword and brand her across the buttocks."

Fisher immediately took his sword off his belt and held it out to Rallon. "Never My Lord. And i will kill anyone you send to do so."

Rallon crouched over the man hissing. "You see? That is a man. better to lose your position or maybe your life than your soul. you filth....How dare you harm women. Have you no pride?"

The man whimpered. "i was ordered..."

Rallon snarled. "Then I have an order for you. When Fisher is done with you you will walk to John. you will walk the whole way and you will not sleep. you will tell him that you regret you actions. then i order you to die. get him out of my sight Fisher. And put your sword back on."

Fisher obeyed immediately the man screaming and pleading, trying to reach the women but Rallon stepped in front of them protectively gently pushing them back. once he was gone Rallon looked at them. "Ladies you have my sincerest apologies. Do you recognize any of these others? Did any of them harm you?"

Jessica and Lilah blinked and looked through the crowd. after several minutes they looked at Rallon shaking their heads. "Nay my lord. but many of them did give us aid...what aid they could..could we express our gratitude?"

Rallon blinked then nodded smiling. These were so different from the cousins he had left in York.

Jessica and Lilah went to each person who had helped them, or tried to, and knelt thanking them. hte servants were surprised but touched trying to wave it away but Rallon was taking special note of each of these. There were only thirteen of these servants but Rallon was not surprised. The rest had had little direct contact with John thus likely did not even know who these two were.

When they were done he had them sit beside him as he spoke to the thirteen who he had called up with the girls. "You have my gratitude for your kindness."

One elderly man stepped forward gripping his hat nervously. "Milord we failed to do anything! The ladies-"

"The ladies tell me you are all responsible for their survival. Even if you merely gave them a spark of hope. I am honored to call you friends. Please go to the garden. have something to eat. Rest. I will have tasks for each of you soon." they filed out under guard as Fisher reentered.

Rallon sneered. "Is it done?"

"Of course My Lord. Would you like my sword now?"

"Fisher I had better never see that sword off you again."

Jessica and Lilah leaned forward. "My lord..what did you do?"

Rallon sniffed and spoke loud enough for his words to chill the blood of everyone in the room. "I had him half crucified. His arms outstretched and his hands nailed to a beam while his arms and chest were tied to it. He'll survive the trip to john. Just long enough to send my message then die."

The girls shuddered. he had such a cold but effective sense of justice. the servants were stunned and a young man stood up. "What gives you the right!? What-"

"WHAT GAVE HIM THE RIGHT TO BEAT, BRAND, AND BIND TWO HELPLESS WOMEN!?! WHO GAVE JOHN THE RIGHT TO DESTROY THEIR BODIES AND MINDS?!"

The man flinched at Rallon's rage while Jessica and Lilah looked down in shame. Rallon would have none of that. "No cousins. look up. Take pride. you have survived him. God has given you a second chance. You are still here. you are loved. look up and show no fear." They slowly looked up at him their eyes watering as Rallon turned back to the servants. "I will give you all this choice. I want you to look at these two. Think of what John did to them. you do not need details. You all know what kind of monster he is. If you cannot look them in the eye....Get.Out."

The same young man, who was sweating, spoke up. "But My lord-"

"SILENCE!! Do as i say or leave and do not return." Fisher watched as though it took some while many, nearly all in fact did indeed look at the two women. the young speaker and two other he recognized vaguely could not place. The young man tried to stay but Rallon snarled. "Get.Out."

As he went toward the door the young man suddenly pulled a dagger. "PRINCE JOHN!!" and launched himself at Rallon. Fisher, Jessica, and Lilah all started for their Lord but Rallon did not stir until suddenly he caught the young man's head and with a brutal but simple shove slammed him face first into the wall. The man stood there unsupported for a long moment still gripping the dagger, then with a bubbling gasp collapsed into a heap.

The servants all gasped in shock then looked at Rallon and Fisher remembered. "My Lord!!" he rushed into the group and hauled the two up and yanked long heavy wigs off them revealing the maid and butler that had accompanied the Colts to the ball. Rallon nodded. "Good eye Fisher. Go put them with their masters. They are to be gagged as well but fed and water and not harmed at all."

Fisher nodded obeying as Rallon pointed at the guards in the room. "take the rest of these up to the ballroom. Make sure they have food and water and a chair to sit in. i will come speak to them in a bit."

After they had all Filed out Rallon helped the ladies to stand and smiled. "Well done cousins. You have restored much of yourselves." he kissed them on the cheek and grinned. "And you look lovely. i am sure the Havish brothers will be quite smitten. though i suspect they already are. I am glad your time of mourning is over. now allow me to escort you to the garden. I am certain Rose will want to see you as well."

They took his arms blushingly surprised but pleased and did indeed take him up to the garden where the girls had joined Rose and now exclaimed over how lovely Jessica and Lilah looked in their dresses with their hair done up.

Rallon flopped into a chair beside his wife and after kicking his boots off lay his feet on Cynthia side, the dog not even reacting , while Rallon explained everything to his wife and waved the thirteen over.

"My love these men and women have proven useful and loyal and unendingly kind. I would like you to find them suitable positions either here or with people who need them. I need someone i trust to take care of these people." He also gave each of them a large pouch of gold and another of silver then granted them an eternal invitation to come to the manor for food or a place to sleep at anytime.

Rose was none the wiser to what her husband was tending to in the dungeons. In the garden she continued to sit in content with her beloved furry child, whom provided a great deal of comfort in her father's absence.

The girls had joined their sister and were marveling over the flowers. A few naming off some of them and naming the good properties of them of what they stood for. The girls were so brilliant and beautiful. Rose was more than proud to be their sister-in-law.

Out of no where emerged a small group of people. One lady sighed, "Oh My Lady Granger." With a great sigh of relief.

"What is this?" Rose asked, just as her husband made an appearance. She should have known. The Lady listened to him and nodded her head in disbelief before the thirteen were brought forth. "You, my love, certainly have been a tad busy." Rose chuckled and looked at the bunch.

"I will see to each of you personally and we will find out a suitable place for each of you earn a healthy living. Knowing that people such as yourselves work here, makes me all the more eager to bring my child into this world, while there is peace."

Rose had them put in a wing of the manor and given a hearty meal. With this being a long day and the plans for dinner, she would see them tomorrow. "Jessica! Lilah! Oh my goodness.... you look... no words come close to describing your beauty. Our guests should be arriving any minute, maybe you two can kindly bring them to the dining hall... we will be there in due time."

Rose hugged onto Rallon's arm with some clear excitement. "Rallon, this night has to be perfect. They need a fresh start and someone to love them, and no...I mean someone other than you. I see respect and envy in their eyes and I want the past to remain where it is. If I could give them the world, I would Rallon but.... I can start off with this. If anything goes wrong the medic will be removing my new boots from those boy's backsides." From sweet and kind to the words that resembled the kisses of a black willow, sometimes rose could be like night and day. "So... care to relax before we head to dinner. Give the girls some time to talk?"

He smiled and sat back. "i plan on staying here until dinner is ready. i am tired of being inside....could we not have dinner here in the garden?"

He said this cautiously. He did not command her home as much a sit seemed, nor did he try to. This was her manor and though he was the Lord and her husband he knew well she ran it far better than he ever could and he only gave suggestions unless it was something necessary likes the balls and even those he was careful to stay out of the way helping as he could but not interfering.

He had learned this from his parents and it had worked well. They had worked together but when one was working in area the other knew little or nothing they stayed quiet. Rallon knew Rose knew how to handle politics but she was not quite as capable in the art of war which was why he kept himself between her and such matter. Just as handling society and all such things was far behind his warrior's mind and hand so he trusted his wife to lead him along correctly. He had his basic training in such things and he could talk, dance, and behave properly thanks to his mother but it was for Rose that he maintained that behavior.

He gently pulled her into a kiss. 'Darling if those boys hurt my cousins i will flay them myself. After we remove your lovely boots. please don't use the new ones I bought you. They are quite lovely." He smirked winking at her.

Rose smiled at Rallon's idea. He was far from normal in today's society, and Rose wouldn't change him for all the money in the world. "That sounds like a very nice idea." The kiss was all too sweet and she was loving being the garden. "Yes, my love. I will be sure to switch boots."

Two of the girls were waved down to ask one of the helpers to retrieve a few blankets. "And tell the kitchen that we will be taking dinner in the garden. Thank you, girls." The girls stuck their tongues out at your brother before giving their sister a kiss on the cheek for her thanks and going off to do as she had requested.

A kiss was pressed to Rallon's left temple before Rose rest her head upon his shoulder. "Oh, my mother sends word that she will be stopping by for a visit tomorrow. Apparently news of a baby has her beyond happy."

Silently, she hoped that it was a boy. A big brother for their baby girl. Which is how Rose hoped her little family would go. One are twined around Rallon's as she watched the girls.

"Slowly things are changing for the better. But you know that the ball incident may not be the last scare that we have." Who knew just how many supporters were out there for Prince John. Many willing to kill to put him on a throne that he would only abuse.

Rallon smirked and stuck his own tongue out at his sisters.

"Ahh it will be lovely to see your mother. been some time. Does she still despise me? i seemed to remember her swearing i would never have your hand in marriage at one point. Something about trying to peek while you were swimming." He grinned as it had actually been James but he had been blamed.

"Perhaps my love. But i have many plans for the time between. But also there will be...other things preventing them." he kissed the top of her head and smiled as the servants began to set up a more mobile table and then to set it. he coughed. "I have an announcement. All servants are to receive double portions of food from now on." They cheered as Rose had always fed them well but this would be truly luxurious and would ensure they had more than enough for their families as well.

Rose laughed at Rallon's side at the reminder of his relationship with her mother. "Well, could you blame her? Her only daughter had her attention on one thing and one thing only and it was you. Apparently you were too much of a distraction." There were other reasons and various moments that did not bode well with her mother.

"However since your departure she has grown a soft spot for you. As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Now that you're back there's no telling what she will be like."

Rose watched as the arrangements were made for dinner in the garden. She listened as her husband cleared his throat before making an announcement. Rose sat up and shocked her head, not surprised in the slightest. "Rallon Granger, what am I to do with you? But... while we are on the topic of new things and improvements, I've spoke with Brother Arnold and Sister Helga about starting a school for the children of the servants and those in the village. It still has some issues to be worked out, but if I coax the right investors and charm few nobles, it should be no time before things get underway."

Just as the food was coming, Maybel showed up out of the blue with a nice smile, dressed in cleaner clothes. Pointing her thumb behind her. "The boys are regaling the Lady's with tales of their youth, they should be here in a minute" Rose smiled and sighed as she removed herself from her comfortable seat at her love's side and stood up to give Maybel a hug. "Nice to see you could make it!"

Maybel hugged Rose back before looking to Rallon. Rose spoke as the smell of the food wafted in the air. "How you put up with those two is beyond me, Maybel." Both girls shared a little laugh before Rose sat back down once more, offering up a seat to her guest.

Rallon grunted. "So start the bloody school. Use the money my idiot brothers stole."

He looked up at Maybel. "i am not hugging you. i remember how you hug and I need my ribs." He smirked at her laughter as she sat and the meal began.

he watched as the Jessica and Lilah dragged the boys in. both women's eyes were shining. The Havish boys were a bit rough but they were very sweet and they were well trained to treat women well.

Rallon nudged his wife and nodded toward the two couples. "I wager that by the time you and Tia are ready to pop they will be ready to ask my permission to get wed. Say we wager you a new sword? If Im right and it's before you give birth then I get to make you one. If after you get that trashy thing Tia uses."

"Hey!"

He ignored the woman. "You need a real sword with how much you've been improving."

Rose rolled her eyes. "It's not about the money. You and our large and varied family can't be the only ones taking interest in these things. Maybe if more people lent a little more gold towards something that would flourish in time, it may take their minds off of more pompous things. I've already gotten the Whimbeltons to join the cause. I doubt it should be long."

Of course Rose laugh and smack Rallon on the shoulder as he refused to hug Maybel and promptly gave his reason why. Rose could lie, she loved it when the little Maybel would squeeze the life out of him in the form of a hug.

Green eyes looked to the newest arrivals and Rose smiled at the progress. The glow about the girls was like night and day. "You have a wager. Especially seeing as how I pretty much win if I lose and I don't think Tia's sword is trashy." Now it was her turn to stick her tongue out."

One of the girls brought brought both Rose and Maybel a plate. The pigtailed one boasting about how she helped make it. "Now your brother may not eat it for fear of being poisoned." Rose pointed out with yet another laugh, while she kept a cool eye on the boys with Jessica and Lilah. The four seated upon a blanket spread upon the ground.

Fenrir seemed smitten with Lilah and Joseph... he couldn't seem to take his eyes off of Jessica. "Tia, Maybel and Rallon here have quite the history. If anyone other than you could give him a run for his money it would be this spunky little lady right here, eh Maybel? Remember when the Grangers found us by the lake and you chased them off with only a stick when you poked two of them in the eye, one fell in the water and the other ripped his pants. Of course I simply stood by and laughed to the point of tears." Rose took a bite to eat in between words.

Rallon b,linked. "Who did you poke in the eye?"

Maybel sighed. "Gregory of course. And William never pestered me again."

Rallon sighed and stood letting Maybel wrap him in a tight hug and lift him off his feet grinning. he groaned then as she let him down he smiled. "Maybel i have a trick to show you." he held out his hand and grinning she gripped his squeezing hard. He just smiled then his smile grew broader and she began to wince then to bit her lip and finally she smacked his hand. "OK! you've improved your grip!"

He grinned and released her. "had no choice. I had to break swords and hold up gates. often at the same time."

She was rubbing her wrist as he started to sit when she asked. "So is it true you joined the Templar?"

Rallon's head came up with such a quick movement it popped and the look on his face made her step back and made Cynthia whine and crawl behind her aunts who were staring at Rallon in horror. Even the Havish boys, Jessica, and Lilah were staring at him. Maybel licked her lips. "Rallon-My Lord I am so sorry...I..."

Until that moment no one had believed the tales of the horrors the Templars had performed but seeing his reaction they no longer did. His face was still twisted in a mask of hate glaring up at the very frightened Maybel.

"I would never join those fanatics. For every one who joined to serve God you had ten who used it as a cult to destroy anyone in their path of power. They damned the very name of God Himself by claiming his cause."

Maybel gulped nervously. "Of course My Lord. I meant no offense."

Rallon did not hear her. "Many of my friends joined their ranks because they seemed unstoppable warriors. They were turned into monsters. I cannot tell you how many times the Templars abandoned us when needed most. Not to mention that their insanity led to the fall of Jerusalem...." He was stewing in his rage now and he was nearly at the point of exploding when Thea touched his leg snapping the tension and rage instantly. "Rallon...what's a Templar?"

Rallon looked down at the girl and slowly smiled his face softening as he picked her up onto his lap and everyone slowly returned to their meals though they could not help but listen. "Thea my love a Templar is a warrior monk. The Knights of the Temple were a group of knights who found the buried remains of Solomon's Great Temple under Jerusalem during the First Crusade. In the beginning they merely sought to protect the holy places of our Christian faith no matter the cost. But in time this twisted."

"Why?"

He licked his lips. "The greed of many men who used the faith of others for power. Like William did by using your faith in Father and Mother." She nodded. she would never forget that. "Many innocent men were sent to their deaths so these men could do like William did. Slowly the order grew more and more powerful until it was an army unto itself. They still exist and are immensely dangerous. Not all of them are bad but most are and no matter what be careful of any Templar you meet my love. They are like mad dogs." She nodded and hugged him nervously. He smiled. "but I'll also protect you dear sister mine."

Maybel and Rallon both had a playfulness about them. A seriousness seldom seen from Rallon was brought forth with only a few words. The topic, being the Templar. Rose loved to to her husband recant tales of history and the present with his opinions of them.

The man held a vast knowledge of such when they were far younger. Thankfully Thea brought them back to his right mind. Her adorable innocence and curiosity working wonders.That small smile, more than reassuring.

"Yes Thea, my dear, you need not fear. There's no safer place than that which you call home." She replied with a sweet smile. Soft fingers swept beneath Rallon's chin to garner his attention. Looking him in the eyes with her own soft spoken smile. "So... you have yet to anoint someone the harbinger of peace in your absence. While your faith in me is more than sweet, you may have to leave once. No?"

The thought of yet another single day with him ached her. Haunted her to no end. Even after his safe return and the ever looming threat of his brothers no longer an issue. A light kiss pressed to his chin before she looked down at her plate, no longer did she have an appetite. Though she didn't openly admit it.

"You want a Harbinger of Peace? I already gave the title to Fisher."

The man looked up. "my lord..I thought you were joking. you even said you were..."

Rallon shrugged eating some of his chicken. "I lied."

Fisher blinked amazed. "Thank you My Lord."

Rallon shrugged again. "Only person i trust more with my family is Rose."

Rose looked more surprised than Fisher. That didn't delay her elbowing her husband in the side of his ribs. "You joked around about making Fisher a Harbinger of Peace AND you forgot to tell me?" She smacked him on the shoulder and then smiled with a smile.

"I do agree. Fisher paired with Tia, I would not feel safer with anyone other than them, save for my silly husband."

She didn't touch her plate for the remainder of dinner and indulged in conversation with Maybel and Tia with Rallon at her side. After dinner, conversations pursued with laughter and tales. However Rose easily noticed her baby sister drifting off to sleep with her head upon another sister's lap.

"It grows late ladies." Rose announced as she got up and walked over to where Thea lay. "Please excuse me. I'm going to tuck Thea in and see to it that she cleans up." A quick graze of Rose's fingers through the young one's hair and she awoke to a half slumbering state. Still able to walk. "Come sleepy head." Rose whispered to her as she saw Thea off to bed.

"What? I'm not going anywhere for a while. i can't afford to. Fisher won't need to do the job for some while. And why should i tell you? Anywhere i go you go with me." He caught her hand and kissed her deeply.

"I am not silly."

Rallon watched her go thoughtfully pondering her and her actions. Something was troubling her but he wasn't sure what it was. He'd have to corner her later. After dinner was over he sent everyone to bed, gently but firmly pushing the Havish boys out ignoring Jessica and Lilah's moans of protest.

He then went looking for his wife. "Rose? What troubles you my love?"

Thea was soundly tucked in bed. By the time she left Thea's room, she shouted the other girls retiring for the night as well. Off to her bed chambers she walked, knowing that Rallon was seeing everyone off.

Rose was a tad tired but opened up the double doors leading to their stone balcony over looking the garden. She leaned resting on both of her forearms. The sound of her bed chamber for opening did not go amiss.

Rose could only shrug a shoulder. "Honestly I am not entirely sure, Rallon." Her appetite waned, sleep plagued her earlier and earlier. Her mood was not always the best when she was alone.

"Maybe just me being tired. A good soak before bed should do me a world of good. I'll draw myself a bath. Maybe you'd care to join me?" She asked as she finally turned to look upon him. Her back pressed to the balconies edge.

He studied her and smiled. "Darling you're pregnant." He leaned back and called for someone to draw a bath as he moved toward his wife.

He cupped her face gently stroking her neck. He smiled his eyes blazing. "You're anxious, fidgety, and you're off your food." He kissed her deeply. "You're pregnant my love. i saw it often enough in my mother. You're guna be a momma."

He kissed her again. "The poison did nothing to you or our baby. We shall have to send many thank yous to that wonderful monk."

He lead her to the now full tub and gently but expertly stripped her then himself. he entered the water and gently pulled her in with him wrapping around her kissing her neck, his fingers stroking her chest and tummy. "I love you so much Rose."

To see Rallon smile, had her smiling. He had that effect on her. Even when she felt mad at him or at least wanted to be mad, it was not for very long. A deep and soothing breath was taken and she lightly shook her head.

His touch proved most warm and sweet, rivaling the very words that he spoke. But none was better than a kiss. It swept her anxiety away "I don't think there are enough 'thank yous' in the world to express my gratitude, but we can try."

Hand in hand she walked with her beloved husband. Still not completely use to him undressing her with such finesse. However there seemed not an inch of modesty when it came to watching her husband remove himself from his garb.

The warm water was blissful on her slightly aching body. His warm and steely embrace around her body was wondrous. Her very breath was stolen with a kiss to her neck. It was probably just now dawning on her that she was pregnant. Up until now she thought maybe. Not really wanting to get her hopes up, just in case she wasn't.

"I love you Rallon. I don't know what I would do without you." She softly whispered to him as he rubbed her belly, making her smile all the more. The warmth of the water seeped down to the very bone and she felt just as she had when her lover massaged her feet in town.

"You really do spoil me. I wish my mother weren't so blinded to that when we were younger." When they were much younger her father defended Rallon, seeing the better qualities in him and merely saying that he was an 'adventurous boy'. Her mother merely saw a thief for her daughter's maidenhood.

"Come.... let's get out of this bath and relax in bed."

"As my Lady commands."

he stood and dried himself first giving her more time to relax in the warm water. he then reached in and fished her out then softly and lovingly dried her off before leading her to bed and laying down with her wrapped tightly in his arms.

He lay back and squeezed her to his chest and smiled. "My lovely Rose."

He kissed her neck lovingly snuggling into her as Cynthia came and lay over their twisted legs going quickly to sleep. "It would seem our eldest thinks we need to stay here."

Rose giggled as he heeded her request as though her word were law. Soon enough she found herself in bed. In the warm and sweet embrace of her husband's arms.

Her body entangled with his and their fuzzy child joined the sweet moment, making Rose laugh once more. "I see no reason why not. When it comes to decisions, she is very much like her father. " Cynthia was warm and she proved comforting in the dead of night.

"My sweet Rallon, I can hardly wait to have..." A yawn slowly escapes her lips, which is covered up, "... our next child." She whispered as a fan of lashes closed as her eyelids grew heavy. Falling asleep in the best possible conditions. With both Cynthia and Rallon in her company.

No Rose's mother was said to be there before noon, but Lady Victoria Benedict saw no reason to not show up early in the morning. With Rose being dead to the world it was no wonder she did not hear the light rapping on the door of the servant trying to inform the Lady and Lord that Lady Victoria was impatiently waiting in the grand foyer for her daughter and son.

Lady Benedict dawned a light blue gown with her long gold and silver locks tied back into a ponytail. She held herself in a regal manner and raise Rose to be the perfect woman, that is... until she met Rallon. However she was to be a grandmother and she couldn't be more excited. "How rude..." She whispered to no one in particular.