From her chamber window Leah watched the Barduff Castle courtyard under moonlight illumination. The only sound Leah heard was the occasional dance of leaves with the frigid breeze but otherwise the night remained still. The touch of her hand descended to her stomach which carried the new life within.She should have been thrilled to learn that she was pregnant, but instead she was filled with doubt.
She had wished that the child developing inside of her would improve their relationship, strengthen their bond, and eventually persuade Jacob to embrace her completely as his Luna. But Jacob remained tentative and distant, as if struggling with an inner battle. Leah was afraid that his ongoing concerns about her omega status would always be a taint in their relationship.
Henrietta knocked softly and stepped into the room, her brows furrowed in concern.
"You haven't come down for dinner," she said as she walked up to her. "Are you alright?"
Leah forced a tiny smile that stayed out of her eyes. "I just needed some time to think."
Henrietta sat next to her after giving her a close examination. "You're thinking about leaving, aren't you?"
Leah gave a shaky exhale. "I'm not sure if I can continue doing this. Even though I adore Jacob, I won't live my entire life waiting for him to approve of me. I don't want to remain in a place where people will constantly question and doubt me now that I'm expecting his child."
Henrietta let out a sigh. "You should be loved, not just put up with. And if Jacob is unable to see that, then perhaps you should act in your child's and your own best interests."
Leah's heart tightened as she nodded. It was intolerable to consider leaving Barduff Castle, the man she loved, and the life she had created. But the pain of staying and never being truly accepted might be worse.
Leah headed to the castle stables the following morning in the hopes that the fresh air would help her decompress. It surprised Leah to observe Jacob's workout routine in the courtyard. Jacob fought with one of the warriors in a sparring match where his powerful body executed movements in a smooth manner with his muscles remaining firm. The distance between them failed to block the heaviness of his presence which Leah could sense.
His face revealed nothing when he spun to look at her.
Something, almost like longing, flickered in his eyes for a moment. However, it vanished as swiftly as it had appeared, to be replaced by the constant hesitancy she had become all too accustomed to.
With determination in her veins, she clenched her fists. She would offer him a final opportunity to prove himself. One final opportunity to honor her, to stand by her side without reservation. She would be forced to leave if he failed, both for herself and their unborn child.