The Fall of Wei and Shu
Chapter 1
(One month after Pirate Princess)
Lu Xun turned in his saddle, looking at Ai Rong as he led his troops away, toward Chi Bi, where the forces of Wu and Shu hoped to defeat Cao Cao's vast navy. He had to admit, he didn't like the odds, which were stacked impossibly high against them. He sighed and turned back to the front when he could no longer see her. He had never gone into a battle without her, and it felt strange to leave her behind.
Ai Rong stood in the doorway with Shang Xiang, who had stayed behind on her husband's request. The princess had sulked until she got word that Ai Rong would be staying home too, and the two immediately set up a visit until the battle was over.
Shang Xiang looked at her friend critically, taking in her changes and wondering what was causing them. The ex-pirate looked like she had swallowed a star, and all the light was pouring out of her, making her skin healthier, her cheeks rosier and even her hair shinier. She led her friend inside, where Ai Rong's servants were cooking their midday meal. When the smell of cooking fish hit her, Ai Rong turned pale and turned quickly away. She ran out to the garden and leaned against a tree.
"Ai? Are you okay?"
Shang Xiang walked over to her just in time for her friend to start throwing up at the base of the tree.
"Ugh… I can't eat fish… Makes me sick anymore… Everything makes me sick, actually. Just getting up in the morning is enough to bring it on…"
"Wait… Food… and waking up? Ai, are you…?"
"Pregnant? I think so… I didn't tell Xun or Ning… I don't want them worrying while they're at Chi Bi…"
Shang Xiang squealed happily, jumping up and down, holding her friend's hair back while she threw up more.
"We'll have a doctor look at you today. I'll go with you! I'M GONNA BE AN AUNTIE!!!"