- Chapter 11 -

I lay back in my bed with my head turned to the side. My gaze was fixed on the wall, studying the morphing shapes of light and shadow cast by raindrops as they danced down the outside of the window. I winced at an uncomfortable pinching sensation and tried to remain calm as I began clenching blanket beneath me into my fists. Just focus on something else. I closed my eyes and thought of Ben, holding me close to the soothing sound of his heartbeat. I tried so hard to pretend I was anywhere else but here, but—

"Ow!" I hissed, finally giving in and expressing my discomfort. Not only did I have a doctor examining parts which I would rather leave reserved for the man I loved, but he wasn't exactly gentle in his process. I felt two cold, rigid hands; one inside me, and one firmly pushing down on my belly. If I hadn't been so worried that he could harm my baby, I would have been completely washed over with shame. While I was positively mortified, I knew that I needed this confirmation.

The royal family's physician, Dr. Collins, stood from his exam and turned his back as I recovered myself. "I apologize if I caused you any discomfort, Your Majesty, but we are almost through."

I quickly pulled my dressing gown back over my legs and swung them over the side of the bed to sit up. "I am fine, Dr. Collins. Can you give me any answers yet?" I folded my hands in my lap, wringing them together nervously.

He turned to face me, now scribbling notes into his physician's journal. "Do you recall the date on which you last started bleeding?" He raised his eyebrows and held his pen still, waiting for the information he sought.

I chewed on my lip, trying my best to recall, but my mind was too clouded by nervousness and humiliation. Then I remembered my journal. I had always marked small circles on the tops of the pages that coincided with those days. I reached for the book, quickly flipping through to discover that the last time I had marked a cycle had been the week following the Battle for Albion.

I looked up at the physician as I closed my journal in my lap and gulped deeply. "It has been nearly...two months now." My face went blank as I finally realized just how long I had been oblivious to my own body while being consumed with my work.

He scribbled something else into his book and started calculating something on a different page. "And have you ever missed a cycle before?"

My gaze fell upon the book in my lap, as I answered almost shamefully. "My body has never gone against the laws of nature, until now."

The physician made a few more scribblings before looking back up at me. "Well, Your Majesty, I would estimate your pregnancy to be between seven and eight weeks along now."

I felt the air leave me and suddenly my mind was full of chaos. This was real now, and I felt a panic rising up from within me. I could not speak, so I nodded my understanding to Dr. Collins.

He stood silent to give me a moment with my thoughts before advising me. "Majesty, take comfort in knowing that I found no causes for concern. You're very healthy, and so is the pregnancy. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and stay well fed and hydrated of course. Aside from those things, you may go about life as you normally would. Your body will let you know if you are taxing yourself too much."

His words did make me feel a bit more comforted. Perhaps I could just carry on normally with both my duty and personal life. Depending on how cumbersome my belly was to become, I could likely do my job unhindered for the majority of this pregnancy. I could handle this. Mother had managed to do both, and I felt every bit as strong and capable as she had been. I did not have to dread this. My mouth turned up into the faintest smile, and I looked at the doctor. "Thank you, Dr. Collins."

He picked up his bag and his journal, and bowed. "Anything you need, Your Majesty, do not hesitate to call on me."

Before he got to the door, I called out to stop him. "Doctor, you must understand that this matter is to be regarded with the utmost discretion."

He nodded in agreement. "Of course. Congratulations, My Lady Queen."

As the door closed behind him, I sprang to my feet as the excitement of everything started to set in. I was certainly nervous about the political backlash, but I couldn't help but feel amazed and happy in this moment. Soon I would have to meet with my advisors. They were very likely to spout their disapproval of my choice to give birth out of wedlock. But I couldn't place much worry on that, because right now it was quiet and peaceful...just me and my baby.

I looked down as I smoothed my hands across my womb, searching for the faintest signs of a swell. I thought about what it would feel like when the baby started to move or kick inside me, and I smiled. This child was the product of love, and from this moment on I would not let anyone belittle that.

I heard the door quietly click shut. I must have been in my own little world, because I did not hear anyone enter. Ben looked at me and his face lit up when he saw me smiling back at him while I caressed my belly. He moved to stand before me, placing his hands on my hips and raising his brow in suspense. "Evie?"

I bit my lip as I grinned with excitement. I moved his hands to rest on my stomach, and I looked up at him as I spoke softly. "We have a tiny little human, Ben."

He let out a sharp breath as he closed his eyes and placed his forehead gently against mine. Our noses brushed against each other as he whispered against my lips, "I'm officially the luckiest man alive." He brought his hands to my face, caressing my cheeks delicately.

My heart filled with overwhelming emotion and my eyes welled up, spilling a few stray tears over his hands. "Oh, Ben...it's really going to be okay, isn't it? We really can make this work?" I reached up to gently cup the sides of his neck, stroking his stubbled jaw with the pads of my thumbs.

"As long as we're together, love, we can make anything work." He leaned in and kissed me tenderly, moving one hand down to caress my belly, which by this time was full of butterflies.

I drew away and smiled as I blinked the tears from my blurry eyes. "Are you truly ready for this, Finn?" I placed my hand over his as he rubbed circles over my stomach.

Ben let his other hand glide down my neck, trailing softly down my body to rest against my womb. "This is us, Evie...growing inside of you. Truly amazing. I'm more than ready, beautiful."


I fully expected most, if not all, of my advisors to jump at the opportunity to dictate the direction of my new life. I was, after all, about to drop some life changing news upon them. I wondered which of them would be the first to cut in and offer me prospects for a suitable husband. Maybe they would tell me that I could rule without a husband, now that I was already carrying the next heir. The only problem was, none of their plans would include Ben, and it broke my heart because he would be present to hear it all.

I sat at my desk, nervously skimming my fingers across the knots in the wood while my advisors arrived and seated themselves. While I had no intention of revealing the identity of my unborn child's father, I still wanted Ben with me. His presence always brought me an overwhelming sense of peace. He stood behind me as the man who loved me, but to the others in the room, he was just the man in charge of my personal security detail. I desperately hoped that the meeting would be free of insults or accusations, for both of our sakes. I knew Ben would not take kindly to anyone who attacked me or the innocent life that we had created, and I wanted to protect him throughout all of this.

I looked across my desk at my four advisors: Logan, Hobson, Jasper, and Reaver. The men wore varying degrees of unamused expressions, perhaps because the look on my face suggested that bad news was about to be announced.

I knew that Logan and Jasper's caring for me far exceeded that which was required of an advisor. They were my family, I loved them, and I could always trust in their sincerity. Reaver and Hobson held their positions on my council because they were highly skilled in their areas of expertise. It was no secret that their moral compasses did not always, if ever, point due north. However, they diversified my council, and despite some unappealing personal characteristics, I knew that they would not steer me into harm's way. I may not have been particularly fond of all of these men, but I trusted them all.

I rose from my chair, feeling the urge to pace in order to calm my nerves. I glanced over at Reaver as he sat, legs crossed, drumming his gloved fingers atop his knee. "Before we discuss the reason you have all been called before me today...Reaver, I need you to make yourself available after our meeting."

A grin spread across Reaver's lips, and they parted to reveal his perfect white teeth. "Your Majesty, I would take great pleasure in satisfying any needs that you may have after hours."

I hadn't the desire or time to engage in his nonsensical banter. "Perhaps you might find pleasure in knowing what has been happening in Bowerstone Industrial while you've been off playing in the sand. I left you in charge of the district, Reaver. After our meeting, I believe we should discuss what your responsibilities entail."

Reaver bowed his head with a wide grin still intact, as he placed a hand over his heart. "Do not worry your pretty head about this one moment longer, Your Majesty. I am, after all, a man of many talents; one of which is restoring order."

I paced away from my four advisors, drawing in a breath of courage as I caught Ben's gaze. He gave me a look of assurance, along with a slow blink to let me know it would be okay. I turned back to face my council and placed my hands on the back of my desk chair, almost bracing myself. Once I spoke the words aloud, everything would change...and I was terrified. I opened my mouth, but the words had yet to escape.

Logan, sensing my apprehension, spoke up. "Evelyn, we cannot address this issue unless you tell us. Whatever this is, sister...I am sure that we can-"

I abruptly spat the words out. "I am pregnant."

I looked up and scanned the reaction of the four people sitting across from me. It was then that I realized I was in a room full of men, and they were probably every bit as uncomfortable discussing this matter as I was. All perhaps but Reaver, who was glaring at Ben with a devilish smile. I shot the industrial tycoon a look of warning, as it was not his place to allude to the identity of the baby's father.

Jasper stood up and walked over to me first. He gently coaxed my hands from their vice-grip on the back of the chair and placed them in his. I turned to face him and his face lit with a smile, immediately easing my tension. He pulled my chair back and ushered me to sit back down.

"Your Majesty..." He knelt before me and took my hands back into his as they rested upon my lap. "I am so very proud of the woman you've become, and your mother would be as well. This is not a bad thing, and you are strong enough to be both an amazing Queen and a mother."

My emotions had proven to be more unstable as of recently, and I did not want to sob in front of my council. I was afraid that speaking of my mother at any length would easily drive me to tears, so I simply nodded back at Jasper. "Thank you, Jasper. That means the world to me."

Jasper stood and pressed a hand to my shoulder before returning to his seat on the other side of my desk.

"Your Majesty, I am in agreement with Jasper, however..." As Hobson began to speak, I could tell by his tone that he was going to try and sell me an idea. It was the very same tone he took each time he wished me to sway his way on a new petition. "...you might also wish to seize this opportunity's fullest potential and marry someone from another seat of power."

There it was. As much as I hated hearing it, I knew that it was inevitable, and from an outsider's point of view it seemed the most logical move. I understood that I would be frowned upon for not marrying, but in my heart, I was not willing to sacrifice my love for Ben to Albion. "I thank you for your advisement, Hobson, however that will not be an option for me. I still have yet to be convinced that something so intimate as marriage should be tampered with for political reasons."

Logan stood and regarded me with a look of pride as he held the faintest of smiles before turning his attention back to the other men. "And no one shall fault you for that, sister. Ruling alone might be regarded as undesirable, but it is certainly not unthinkable."

I knew that my brother would give me his support, but it meant the world to me that he physically stood up and defended my decision. We had developed an understanding after our discussion that evening, and he made me feel secure in my choice. I looked up at him and nodded with a relieved smile. "Thank you, Logan. It is my hope that everyone else can support me as you do." I glanced over at Hobson and Reaver. "I need us all to work together. People are less likely to lash out or be afraid if we are on the same page."

Reaver chuckled as he uncrossed his legs and shifted his weight forward. "You needn't worry about me arguing this issue, ma petite, children are of no concern to me." He held his black cane across his lap firmly at one end, with his other hand loosely wrapped around it. "I do wonder though..." he said curiously as his hand slid suggestively up the length of the cane. His eyes darted quickly to Ben. "...was your careless lover simply too endowed for protective measures?"

"REAVER!" Logan all but lunged at the deviant before Ben and I both broke out into uncontrollable laughter. My brother turned his attention to us, by which time even Jasper had covered his mouth to hide his silent chuckling. Reaver merely sat with a pleased grin on his face as all sense of propriety within the meeting went by the wayside.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Logan pointed in our direction. "Must you two always carry on like children? Let us get back to the reason you called on us all. Now, what is your plan, Evelyn?"

I cleared my throat and refocused my thoughts. "I will not hide this from the people of Albion, though I had considered it. They will get the heir they so desired but I must also retain my privacy. The details of my personal relations with the child's father do not need to be public knowledge. I will announce the pregnancy two months from now. By then we will have finished resolving the problem in Industrial. The odds are that at that time, I will have a much higher level of acceptance."

"I gather by your wording, Your Majesty, that the father is a commoner." Hobson spoke frankly and stood from his seat to approach my desk. "Should that be the case, I understand your hesitance to disclose such information. We are all well aware of the laws that govern the validity of a royal pairing. But, if I may..." He leaned forward to reach for an envelope in my letter bin, promptly placing it in front of me. "I see a great opportunity in revisiting this letter, Your Majesty. Perhaps now is the time to accept The Royal Prince Omari of Samarkand as your husband. The timing could not be more advantageous. There would be enough time to be wed to the Prince before any announcement needs to be made to the people. He-"

I interrupted as I pushed the letter to the side of my desk. "Hobson, I am well aware of this proposal, and you must remember that I did decline it upon reading it through the first time. I have not changed my mind. This matter is settled."

Hobson looked down as he stood silent for a moment. He clasped his hands together before he looked back up at me with determination. "I understand. But please know that I only brought it back up with your best interest in mind. The people could be left in a state of unrest knowing that their future heir's sire could be of inferior blood and upbringing, and-"

I closed my eyes and prayed to the gods that Ben was not boiling over with anger. I couldn't look back at him to make sure, so instead I just interrupted Hobson's speech. "Your concern is appreciated, but I do not believe the people would overlook all of the good that I have done for Albion when such news is delivered."

The seedy little man's posture hunched slightly in defeat. "Of course, Your Majesty...and on that note I should remind you, we will have to find a suitable nobleman to sign the birth certificate when the time comes. There are laws in place that prevent the inheritance of anything—especially a throne—to a bastard child."

In an instant, I saw the red blur of Ben's uniform coat as he dashed by me, charging at Hobson with great speed. My heart stopped and I brought my hand to my mouth in disbelief. The snide old man's words cut me like a knife, but seeing Ben respond with such rage left me stunned. Reaver and Logan intercepted him, each restraining him by the arms under great resistance.

Ben's face was flushed with anger and his tight fists were trembling as he hollered down at the cowering man. "Listen up, you filthy little HOBKNOCKER! The next time you use a word like that to talk about MY child, the only certificate that'll need signing will be your DEATH certificate! Do you hear me?!" He attempted to kick Hobson as Reaver and Logan dragged him across the room into another seating area. I saw both of the men patting Ben on the back as they continued to guard him from doing something that would cost him his station.

I held my head in my hands, sickened by the commotion, and despite my best efforts to keep my emotions in check, I felt the hot tears rolling fast down my cheeks. I took a deep breath and looked up to speak as my voice still shook. "Jasper, Hobson, this meeting is concluded. You may both go."

Jasper looked at me regretfully before bowing and holding the door open while a very scared Hobson scurried out with great haste. I felt no remorse for Ben's attack on the slimy, prick of a man. I was more worried about his safety now that he made himself known as the father of my child. I didn't know what he could be subject to now. Between that and hearing my child being referred to as...well, needless to say, my composure was wavering. I covered my face to mask the emerging tears.

Reaver was the first to excuse himself, turning first to Ben. "Benjamin, we really must get you some pistols. You could have silenced that disgusting little hobbe before our intervention, but..." He chuckled as he patted Ben on the back. "Good for you, my man."

Reaver strode quickly to the door, pausing briefly before exiting to say, "I will await your bidding outside, Your Majesty. I do not do well around crying. In fact, I am only bound to exacerbate it."

I looked over as Ben finally stood back up. Logan held a hand out to firmly shake the other man's. My brother placed his other hand on Ben's shoulder and said very simply, "If you hadn't, I would have."

Logan walked behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders, trying to comfort me the best way that he could. "Do not place any more thought on what that insidious man said to you, sister." He turned to leave Ben and me to our privacy.

I called out to him before he opened the door. "Logan..."

He looked back over his shoulder. "Evelyn, I have known since Aurora. Do not apologize." The door closed behind him before I could say anything further.

I stood from my chair and rushed over to Ben. In one fluid motion, he scooped me up into his arms and moved over to the chaise. He seated me across his lap and I wept into his shoulder. For a short while, we sat silent in our tight embrace, needing each other's closeness more than words.

Ben leaned back. "Please don't cry, love. Everything will be fine." He held the side of my face, sweeping away my tears with his thumb.

"It will be." I nodded. "It just...crushed me inside when that man called our child-"

"Don't even think on that," Ben interjected. "This child's father will be very present in their life. I can't wait to be, Evie."

"I have no doubt that this baby will have an overabundance of love. I just worry about you, Ben." I ran my fingertips lightly down his cheek as we locked gazes.

"There's no need to worry, love. That blighter was just trying to scare you with old rules and even more ancient traditions. Your people would not protest our union. They love their Hero Queen, and they would want the same happiness for her that she has given them. I believe that in my heart, Evie. In time, you will too."

His words inspired me to feel hopeful again, and a smile crossed my lips. "I don't know what I would do without you, Finn."

Ben chuckled, "Ah, sweetheart...just remember those words when I come to you later this evening to proposition a little roll in the hay."

I laughed back, "I suppose it has been a while hasn't it? What kind of horrible Queen neglects the needs of her most valiant and loyal soldier?"

He grinned wickedly. "I have all that I need, love." He moved to nip at my neck as his hand drifted up my side. "It's your needs that have been neglected...you're way overdue for some release."

I drew in a deep breath as I took his roaming hand in mine, trying desperately to quell my escalating desire. "Ben..."

He stood up with me, still amused by my weakness to his advances. "I know, I know...Couldn't help myself, darling."


After I had taken a few minutes to compose myself, Ben brought Reaver back in so that we could discuss the situation taking place in Bowerstone Industrial. The three of us sat down, and I filled him in on the rising crime and our plans to gather more intelligence before striking. I also updated him on our previous attempt to flush the gang from the sewers while he was gone. Ben told him everything we had discovered to date and elaborated on the royal army's detail. Lastly, I told him of our friend Marina and her brother's situation, and insisted that all measures be taken to bring the underboss out alive.

Reaver heaved a sigh, seeming thoroughly unamused. "No one knows I have returned yet. I suppose I could quite easily sneak around for a little while to see what I might dig up on this. As long as these gang members end up being my human target practice..."

I nodded with a determined smile, "You shall have all of the targets you desire in the end, Reaver. This plan is sure to require all of our efforts and skills if it is to be successful."

Reaver placed a hand over his heart. "Well everyone knows who the best shot in all of Albion is." His eyes flitted over to Ben. "Though I daresay in light of recent developments that your precision is also quite impressive, Benji."

Ben slapped his knee as he laughed heartily. "Thanks mate, but we both know that you first discovered my talent back in Aurora, when I beat you free and clear."

I quickly interrupted, "Alright, before you two start batting eyelashes at one another, we need to settle some things. Reaver, please find out what you can without drawing any attention to our investigation. I would also like you to be present at our next meeting in one week. Ben, we need to locate Page. As much as I adore her charm, I feel that she may respond better if you call upon her for assistance. We are running out of time."

Reaver stood, placing his stovepipe hat back atop his perfectly styled raven hair. "Do not fret, ma belle, it will be done. Now if you will excuse me, I must be off to take care of some personal business that I have waiting for me back home."

We parted ways after coming to our agreement. Feeling much more calm and collected, I decided to take on the dreaded task of confronting Hobson after our little misunderstanding. Ben opted not to attend with me, stating that he wanted nothing to do with him and strongly suggesting that I quickly replace the treasury advisor. While it was something I knew I should highly consider, I could not make such a change at this time with the unresolved conflict in Bowerstone Industrial. I did not want the people losing confidence in my leadership, and I decided that one issue at a time would be enough to deal with.

It had been a day of extreme highs and lows. My nerves felt completely taxed, and I found myself crawling into bed before the sun went down. My mind was full of excitement and worry, so I pulled out my neglected journal and decided to write until I was relaxed enough to drift off. I gently rubbed my belly before placing the journal on my lap and letting my pen take off with my thoughts.


A/N: Bollocks, this one took much longer than I had anticipated. This chapter was mostly dialogue but every bit was needed to prepare for what's to come. How do you all feel about Ben's decision to go after that "hobknocker" Hobson and reveal himself as the father in a fit of rage? I am not used to writing such dialogue heavy content, so please leave me your thoughts in a review and let me know what you liked and/or disliked! A great big thank you to those who favorite/follow this story and/or me! To those who haven't, if you enjoy my writing as well as this story, consider a favorite and follow! It is a great source of support and encouragement! /hugs