It was only a two months after the wedding, when the announcement was made. Gwen was in the Library, reading tended to distract her, keeping her thoughts away from the sadness she still felt. With all the time she spent reading, it was no wonder why Sara was so fond of books. Sara was learning how to read, and was doing well.
Gwen was browsing when she heard a cough. She turned to see Vonda standing there. Vonda curtsied, "My Queen, I have some news to tell you, & a request."
"Tell me." Gwen replied.
Vonda smiled, "My Queen, I will come straight out with it. I'm pregnant."
Gwen couldn't help but feel excited. She gave a wide smile, "I'm so excited for you."
"Thank you. But, I'm afraid this means I must temporarily leave your service soon." Gwen was puzzled. Vonda went on to explain, "My mother has requested that I deliver all my children at her residence, and there's no denying her."
Gwen was shocked at the news. She had assumed that the request would be that she would be the Godmother, she had no idea that Vonda would request to leave. "When did your mother request this?"
"Before I left home." Vonda answered, "She made me promise, I was going to tell you this before, but, could never find the correct time."
Gwen thought about it. Then, with her Queenly grace, she replied, "When do you plan on leaving?"
"After Percival's next patrol, Mother would like to meet him."
Gwen didn't like sending her knights away, especially her friends, in fact she only did if she had to, like for patrol, or an emergency, which fortunately so far, only meant family. "Technically this is a family emergency." Gwen thought. "Do you need anyone to go with you?"
"No, madam, all I need is Marina & my husband."
A strange uneasy feeling filled Gwen. She didn't know why, but the thought of losing both Vonda & Marina filled her with dread. "When will you be back?"
"We should be back during the first month of the new year, but it might be later, or surprisingly earlier."
"Why so long?" It was only April, and Percival's next patrol would only be a month, and start in three weeks. They were planning on being away for at least 7 months.
"Mother lives far away, and she refuses to make the journey here."
Gwen found herself in a comprising position. She wanted to grant her faithful knights to be with their families, but it felt like she was being asked to move a boulder on her own. As hard as the decision was, Gwen knew she had to be a Queen. "I will grant you're request."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Vonda said with a curtsy.
Gwen was being kind, and probably saving her kingdom in the long-run, but she sealed her fate.