A/N: Okay, so I've got a very busy weekend coming up, so the chapters will come as they come! But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about my readers! Another HUGE thanks to my friend angelacm for all of the hours she spends listening to my brilliant (though, sometimes stupid) ideas. READ AND REVIEW! I want to know what you think!

-Chapter Nine-

Driftwood was beautiful now that it had been restored. Reaver helped me out of the carriage, and he drew me in close to him. Logan and Angela's carriage was coming down the road toward us, but Reaver simply led me to the water's edge.

Rowboats waited to carry us toward the estate that was set back on a small little island just off of the coast, and Reaver helped me into one of our own. He tried to avoid getting the hem of his pants wet, but he just couldn't.

He launched the boat off into the water, and he grabbed the oars, rowing us toward the estate.

"You know," I said looking up to him. "I think I may need a nice, long stretch in bed."

He looked up to me, smirking. "The journey has you tired out, my love?"

"Perhaps a little," I sighed, reaching a hand into the water, feeling the cool water.

"Yes," He agreed simply.

When we came ashore, Reaver took me into the estate as quickly as possible, barely greeting the guards that had been stationed outside. I glanced around the place, it was beautiful, almost rivaling the décor of the palace, but I didn't have much of a chance to take it in. He held my hand firmly and dragged me up the stairs. When he wasn't satisfied with my slow progress, he swept me off of my feet.

We entered the master bedroom, and it was decorated in blue and gold. I saw the large bathtub, and I knew that Reaver had planned to bring me up there whether I was tired or not. Water was drawn, soaps and oils were set aside for us to use as we pleased. I smiled.

He pushed the door shut with his foot, and he stepped forward to the tub before setting me down.

"Oh," I sighed. "You...are the best husband in all of Albion."

He just grinned as he started to undress me. When I was fully unclothed, he worked at his own clothing, and they joined mine on the floor.

When we were settled comfortably in the bathtub, Reaver pulled me against his chest, and I leaned back into him. All of the tension in my muscles seemed to melt away, and I closed my eyes. He slipped his arms around me, massaging the swell of my stomach, and moving up to my breasts.

I groaned softly, and I said, "We just got in. I don't want to have to get out again." I felt him chuckle silently, and his hands returned to the belly.

"Well, my dear, I suppose I will just have to wait," He said, and after a good moment he continued. "Have you thought of any names for our dear girl?"

My heart swelled with his words, and I thought for second. "What about Emma?" I asked, putting my hand over his.

"I knew a girl named Emma once, and she made quite an impression...I certainly remembered her name," Reaver said.

"Not Emma, then."

He took my hand in his, lacing our fingers together, and he brought it to his lips. "It will be quite a feat if you can find a name I have had yet to encounter."

I glanced back to him, giving him a dirty look, but I turned back around. "Charlotte?"

"Let us just say a simple 'no' to that one."

"Daisy?"

He snorted softly. "Princess Daisy?"

"Then, what do you suggest?" I asked, reaching back and pinching him gently.

He exhaled, and he hummed softly, as if he were giving it genuine thought. "I always rather liked the name Amelia. I have yet to sully the reputation of anyone that goes by it." He laughed softly.

I ignored his little remark, knowing that he'd only said it to grab my attention. I then thought about it. "Amelia," I said, as if I were trying it on.

"Yes," He said.

"Amelia Pearl," I continued on.

"Pearl?" He asked with a small chuckle.

I moved his hand to rub my belly. "Your pearl, remember?"
He kissed the side of my face, and he nodded against me. "Amelia Pearl."

"Now, if it is a boy..."
"But you've stated it won't be," He said. "I shall take your word on it." He leaned in, using his distracting mouth to trail kisses down the side of my neck. His hand slid down my belly, working its way further down, but it stopped short of its destination.

"Is there any particular reason you stopped?" I asked, pressing my rear tighter against his groin.

"Well, don't get upset about this, darling, but it seems that I cannot reach," He said, trying so hard to hide the humor in his voice.

I felt a flood of embarrassment wash over me, and I pushed myself from the tub, and I climbed out. I grabbed the towel, wrapping it around myself, my protruding tummy still sticking out. I groaned in frustration and the tears fell before I could stop them.

"Oh, now don't get all worked up over a little thing like this," Reaver said, rolling his eyes gently. He climbed out of the tub, and he wrapped himself his a towel of his own.

"I'm getting bigger and bigger, and soon I probably won't even be able to fit through the door!" I wept, plopping down onto the small fainting couch at the opposite side of the room. "And you'll find someone else that can fit through doors, and then you won't need me anymore." The words came out without any sort of filter between my mind and my mouth. I realized, already, that what I said was foolish, but I still couldn't stop myself from saying it.

He laughed out loud. "Then I will buy wider doors."

"This isn't funny!" I cried. "What if you aren't attracted to me after this?"

He didn't say anything, but he joined me on the couch. He leaned in and he took the towel from around me. His eyes drifted over me, scrutinizing every inch. He smirked, and he trailed a hand up my thigh. "I do not believe that will ever be a problem."

I kept my mouth set in a frown, but my mood had lightened slightly.

He stood, and he held his hand out to me.

"What? What are you doing?" I raised my eyebrows.

He grasped my hand and tugged me to my feet. He pulled me against his body. "I'm going to fuck you until you believe me, my sweet."

My gut leaped at his use of language, but a small grin spread across my face. "Are you sure you're up to the challenge? I feel bloated and disgusting."

"There is no challenge here, love." He lifted me easily, and he carried me to the bed. He laid me gently across the pillows, and he scooted in beside me. His mouth turned up into a seductive smirk as he leaned down to brush his mouth across the length of my neck, and further down. "Are you convinced?"

"Not yet."

He drifted further down, placing kisses all over my belly. "Now?" His eyes flickered up to me.

I shook my head, chewing on my lower lip. "Nearly."

"Then we will keep going until you are fully assured of your beauty."

Ben arrived in Driftwood just before supper on our third day on the coast. I could tell from the look on his face, that the news he brought wasn't good. He gave Reaver a long, unreadable look, and Reaver nodded in return, as if to say that they would talk soon.

I felt my stomach bundle up into a ball of nerves.

Ben stepped over, and he gave me a hug and he looked down. "You just keep getting big-"

Reaver cleared his throat. "I believe you have something to discuss with me. Can it wait until after supper?"

"I...don't believe so," Ben said. "We should talk now."

"Then let's go," I said, raising my eyebrows.

Reaver turned to me, taking one of my hands in his. "Love, I cannot have you worried about all of this right now."

"I will worry more if I do not know," I told him.

"Please," He said, cupping my face. "Have faith that I will let you know as you need to know."

"I do need to know."

He kissed my forehead. "We will speak afterwards, darling."

I exhaled, defeated. If I were any other woman, this would be the way it always was. It was how it used to be for me, and I'd accepted it. When I had my independence thrust on me by circumstance, I had been bewildered, but I also learned how to be my own person. I made my own money. I protected myself. I was more than just The Princess. I was Lilyana, and I was a hero. Now, all of that had been stripped away.

"Yes," I said softly, putting a hand over his. "I will try to be patient with this."

"And for that, I am so grateful," He sighed, releasing me. He turned to Ben. "Let us go find Logan. He will need to be present for this, as well."

"Right," Ben confirmed. He turned back, offering me a small smile. "You know, I was kidding about you getting bigger. It actually really suits you."

"Shut up, Ben," I sighed, but I then gave him a soft grin.

I watched as they walked off in search of Logan, and I decided that perhaps I'd better find something to keep my mind off of strategy and fighting. Perhaps I would take up crochet with Angela. I'd always hated crocheting, and I hated waiting.

The three men entered Reaver's office, and Reaver locked the door behind them. Ben leaned on the corner of the desk, and he crossed his arms over his chest. Reaver and Logan simply stood before him, ready to hear his report.

"It's Page," Ben said. "She's been the rallying force behind all of this."

Reaver cursed, and Logan simply exhaled heavily.

"She has a few bands of mercenaries behind her, and she's trying to gain the support of the people in Industrial," Ben told them. "Though she's finding it rather difficult now that the people are happy with their jobs and wages."

Reaver just shrugged, as if to say 'Lilyana made me do it.'

"And she's got a source somewhere in the castle," Ben sighed.

Logan's eyebrows shot up, and he asked, "Do you have any idea who it may be?"

"Someone very close," Ben said. "They knew about Angela's pregnancy."

Logan's face tightened, and he gulped. "What are their intentions toward her?"

Ben shook his head grimly.

Logan's eyes burned with fury. He folded his arms over his chest, and made a small, angry noise.

After a few moments, Reaver finally said, "We can trust no one, at this point. What are we to do?"

"I have a plan," Ben said, glancing around.

I was pacing around the study, and Angela sat on the other side of the room, watching me. She seemed a little more at ease than I was, but then again, I was a bundle of raw nerves. She looked down to the blanket that she had been working on for the past few days. It was beautiful and intricate, and she'd been working on it since we'd arrived.

"If you sat down, Lily, I could teach you to make one of your own," She said, raising her eyebrows.

"I don't think I can sit right now," I said. My hips and back ached, and the only relief I'd found was standing and walking. Soon enough, though, my feet would beg for me to lay back, and I'd really be in a pinch, then.

"Alright," Angela said. "Then I will make one for you. I'm nearly done with this one anyway."

I crossed my arms over my chest, and I growled softly. I didn't know how patient I could continue to be. I turned to walk toward the door, but it opened, and Ben, Logan and Reaver came marching through, each looking troubled.

Logan moved to Angela, and he offered her a soft smile. "I'm sorry, my dear, but I'm afraid that I am going to have to leave you."

She raised her eyebrows, "Oh?"

"Yes," He continued to say. "We must move from this estate tonight, and find other refuge."

"Other refuge?" I interjected, looking over to Reaver. "What is going on?"
"There have been rumblings," Ben explained. "That all of Reaver's property is going to be...er...visited by these rebels. We have to move you somewhere safer, that's all. Logan and I are going to ride ahead to ensure that he path is clear, then we will return."

Angela climbed to her feet, and she took Logan's hands in hers. "Don't leave me alone with Lilyana too long, she's being positively foul today."

I shot Angela a look, but when I saw she was smiling to me, I couldn't help but smile as well.

"My love," Logan said, cupping her face. "I will return to you as soon as I possibly can."

I walked over to Reaver. "And where will you be during all of this?"

"With you," He said. "Do you think I'm going to make the mistake of leaving you alone? I think I have learned my lesson, love. I promise I will not leave you."

I exhaled, relieved yet apprehensive at the same time. I looked back over to Logan and Angela, and he was giving her a soft farewell kiss, his hands cupping her face delicately.

"Don't worry about us too much," Ben said. "Probably nothing out there, but we've got to be sure."

I nodded. "Be safe."

Logan broke away from Angela, and he looked over to me, nodding intently. "We will, sister." He walked over, and he gave me a small hug. "You be safe, as well. Don't come storming after us if we're a little late."

I chuckled softly, and I nodded.

Reaver stepped forward to put his arm around me, and he kissed the top of my head. "I will make absolutely sure that there will be no storming of any kind from either of these ladies. I will find other ways to keep their minds at ease."

Logan's eyes narrowed momentarily, but he shook his head and turned.

I watched the pair of them leave the study, and I glanced to Reaver once more.

"They will be safe, my dear, I assure you," he told me. "Now, my two fair mothers-to-be, let us gather your things and ready ourselves for travel to our next destination."

I was worried. It had been three hours since Ben and Logan had left, and they had yet to arrive or send word. I watched as Angela napped on the couch in the study, dressed for travel, but I couldn't bring myself to rest. Reaver, sensing my anxiety, glanced to the clock, and he exhaled loudly.

"Come, my love," he said quietly, helping me to my feet. "I need to speak with you outside."

I looked up to him, but I said nothing, only following him outside of the study. He closed the door behind us, granting us privacy in the hall.

"I need something very important from you," He said, taking my hands. "And you must say yes before I tell you."

My stomach tightened. "What is it? I can't just say yes..."

"My favor," He said. "I am using it right now. You promised me anything, and this is what I want."

"What is it?" I asked, my heart pounding heavily now. I tugged my hands away from his, and I licked my lips softly.

"You need to go," Reaver said, grasping me by the arms, his eyes wide and full of what looked to be a mixture of worry and regret. "You need to take Angela to your Sanctuary and stay there until I've found Ben and Logan."

"What? No," I said, shaking my head. How could he be saying this? He'd just told me earlier that he wasn't going to leave my side. "If I must go, you go. You promised-"

"Ah, my dear, but I have to break that promise," He sighed, stroking my face. "I so wish things could be that way, but I cannot risk your life or our child's life just to save mine."

Tears sprang in my eyes, and I shook my head. "Please...don't."

He slid his arms around me. "I must."

I pressed forward, burying my face into his chest, and I felt one of his hands move to touch my belly ever-so tenderly.

"I do not know how long it will take to find them," Reaver breathed. "Check in at my home in Millfields everyday at this time. If I am not there, leave immediately and return to your Sanctuary."

The weeping took me over, and I shook my head. "You had better be there tomorrow."

"My love, if I can, I will be," He sighed. "But just in case I am not...In case I never make it back-"

"Don't say that!" I exclaimed, pushing away. "Don't you dare...not after...not when ...You can't just leave me." The very idea of it was horrible and gut-wrenching. I couldn't lose him again. It felt like I had just gotten him back.

He cupped my face. "Darling...I would never leave you. Not by choice."

I felt my heart wrenching within my chest. I gripped his shirt tightly, and I brought my eyes back up to his. They were steady and blue and filled with sadness. I covered my mouth, trying to hold in all of my begging. I couldn't beg because I could see how much it broke his heart, and I couldn't bear that.

"If I don't make it back," He continued, leaning in. "If you are carrying my son and not my daughter..."

I took my lip between my teeth, my tears still streaming.

"And if you still wish to name him after his father..." He gulped softly, and he exhaled. "Name him Ashley."

My whole body trembled, and he pulled my mouth against his before I could fully react. The kiss was passionate, but it felt final, as if he thought he might never kiss me again. After a moment, he drew away, simply pressing his forehead to mine.

"I love you," I sobbed, gripping his face tightly, never wanting to let him go.

"I have never loved anyone more than I love you," He said, his voice tight. He kissed me once more, and his hand moved to rub the swell of my womb one last time. "Now, go." He released me, and he turned to walk away.

"Please..." I wept. "Don't go. Don't do this..."

He paused, his fist clenching slightly, but he didn't turn back. He continued to walk down the hall.

I felt my knees turn to jelly beneath me, but I caught myself against the wall, and I watched him take the corner, his eyes slashing momentarily back to me, filled with sadness, his mouth pressed into a hard, silencing line. Then he was gone from my sight, and I was forced to turn back toward the study.

Angela had woken from her sleep, and her eyes widened when she saw the state of me. She rose gracefully to her feet and crossed the room toward me.

"Lilyana, what-?"

I grabbed her hand silently, and I moved toward our quickly-packed bags. I handed her one, and I took one of my own.

"Sister, I don't understand, what is happening?"

"We have to go," I whispered, sure that if I spoke any louder, I would dissolve into tears once more. "It isn't safe."

Before she could say anything, we were wrapped in light before we found ourselves in The Sanctuary.