Chapter 1
Everyone had come together in a large family gathering to celebrate the mid – winter festival. Well when I say everyone I don't really mean everyone as someone wasn't here. Valek said he could not come. He was still in Ixia on some secret mission for the Commander. Unfortunately given the situation he was the one person I wanted to talk to.
We were sitting around a large table and Leif was talking about… Actually I have no idea what he is talking about I haven't heard a word anyone has said during the meal because I have been to busy thinking.
"Yelena, you have been very quiet today. Is there something wrong?" a voice intruded my thoughts. I jumped and looked across the table to where Irys was sitting. My mother had insisted on inviting her. I think she was quite excited to have a master magician eating her food.
"Sorry, I missed that, what were you saying" I asked. The table went quiet and I realised Irys had been communicating mentally with me.
"I asked if everything is all right. You have been very quiet is all," Irys answered.
"Oh, everything is fine. I have just been busy thinking about something," I said. I wasn't going to tell them what. I had to talk to Valek first. I still couldn't believe it myself.
"Is it something you want to talk about?" Irys asked concerned.
"Ha, you would be lucky. She has been distracted for days and is refusing to tell anyone about it." Leif said.
"I was thinking I should visit Ixia again soon," I suggested.
"Oh, do not tell me this is all about him," Leif said pulling a face.
"It is my job to go to Ixia, I am the Liaison remember," I argued
"Liaison like hell, that's not the real reason you want to go. Just admit it. You want to see Valek. You two can't stay away from each other," Leif teased.
"Actually, I think I will go now. Then I wouldn't have to listen to any more of your delusional nonsense."
"No, you can't go now. We are in the middle of dinner," Mother protested. "Anyway you were only there a few months ago. What can be so important that you have to leave in the middle of dinner?"
There was no point arguing the point so I decided to sit back down. Leif was smirking so I glared at him first. I had already decided I would leave as soon as possible.
The rest of dinner past so slowly it felt like a few years had past, instead of a few hours. I was thinking I would leave straight after dinner but mother insisted that I stayed for a while.
When I was finally able get ready to leave Irys followed me to my room and watched me pack all my stuff.
"I will come with you part of the way," Irys said.
"There is no need," I replied shoving handfuls of clothes unceremoniously into my bag.
"It makes sense, I have to back to the citadel myself and that is practically on your way." Irys said. She seemed amused by my packing. "Don't you think everything will be really crumpled by the time you get there? Are you really that desperate to get away quickly?"
"Fine you can come with me. I always pack this way. I can never find anything I want when it is all neat."
When I had finished packing I went with Irys to find the horses. Kiki was raring to go. She clearly sensed I wanted to leave quickly. I wasn't sure I should be riding a horse in my condition but it would take much longer to get to ixia on foot and Irys would be even more suspicious if I refused to ride a horse and I didn't want to give the game away, especially not to a master magician. She might be my friend but I don't think she would be too impressed if she found out I was going to have Valek's baby.
I still could believe it myself. I was pregnant and having the baby of the most famous assassin in both countries. How would we cope? It is not like we are even prepared for having a baby. We both travel a lot and lead dangerous lives. How could we bring an innocent child into our lives?