"I thought you were dying," Aldric muttered, half in relief, half in disbelief. "You scared the life out of me, Sylvia."
She giggled softly, her eyes brightening as she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "I thought you'd faint."
"I nearly did." He let out a shaky breath, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he looked down at her belly. "You're… going to have a child?"
Sylvia nodded again, this time smiling through tears she didn't even realize had gathered. "Your child…"
He looked up at her, his expression softening into something reverent, as though he were seeing her for the first time. Then he pulled her gently into his arms, holding her close, careful not to press too tightly.
For a long moment, neither spoke. The fountain murmured quietly behind them; the scent of fresh earth and new blossoms filled the air. Spring had only just begun—and so, it seemed, had something else.
