"Pregnant? That's brilliant news!" Alanna exclaimed over her midday meal.
"It is, isn't it? I couldn't be happier," Numair smiled slightly.
Noticing a shadow of uneasiness in his eyes, Alanna leaned forward. "What's bothering you? Are you worried about being a father?"
Numair heaved a huge sigh and shook his head. "It's not that… Well, part of it is, but that isn't the main issue. Daine won't marry me." Stifling a frustrated groan, he buried his head in his hands.
"That's what's bothering you? That she won't marry you? Numair, you of all people should know that Daine isn't going to bail out anytime soon. If she was going to, she would've done it much earlier than this. She loves you. Having a child isn't going to change anything," Alanna rolled her eyes.
"I know. But a child… This means we're starting a family. Of course I know she loves me. But a child! Doesn't this signify something? Don't you think it's time? I know we've said before we didn't want to tie each other down in an unhappy marriage, but I feel different about it now. I truly think we can be happy now, but after last night… I don't think she feels the same way I do," replied Numair, as uncertainty creased his brow.
Unable to hold it in anymore, Alanna burst out laughing.
"This isn't funny," glared Numair.
Suppressing her emotions, Alanna shook her head.
"It's not that I find it funny or anything, but men! You men are so block-headed at times. Can't you see that she's happy with you? Daine knows she can be. If you're asking me, I think it isn't that Daine is unwilling to marry you. You proposed to her last night, you said? Well, in my opinion, realizing that she's pregnant and being proposed to in one day is a little too much for a lady to handle, even for a strong one like Daine. Give her some time. Besides, you're a fine, handsome mage, aren't you? Try harder. You should know ways to impress a lady, especially one who's bearing your child," said Alanna, as a sly smile stole over her.
"Oh, leave it," Numair muttered crossly. Pushing his chair from the table, Numair got up and left. He shook his head in annoyance. This was serious, and there was Alanna, laughing all over it. Alanna was not helping matters. How was he going to persuade Daine? Wait. Alanna had a point. An idea forming in his mind, Numair's steps lightened as he strode of in search of a suitable metalsmith.