Erik and Christine had made their point quite clear at the ball and Isabelle was livid that her husband would do nothing. As time went on it became harder to hide Christine's pregnancy. They had to move fast to get Christine out of the palace before she was noticed. Erik had told Malian to spread word that Christine was sick. At first she told people it was nothing to worry about but as time went on this fictional Christine grew sicker and sicker. The Shah didn't like what he was hearing so he summoned Erik and Malian. Erik arrived long after Malian and gave a small bow as he approached the throne. "I'm sorry I took so long Sir I was tangled up in some things at the site." Erik said.

"No problem Erik. I have summoned both of you today because I am curious. I have heard some things about your wife being in a worrisome way." The Shah said.

Erik wanted to smile knowing the plan was working, but he managed a confused face. "I'm afraid I do not understand sir." Erik said.

"I have heard from some people that Christine has fallen quite ill. Are they mistaken?" The Shah asked.

Erik gave a heavy sigh. "No sir. It is true. Christine is in fact very ill."

"Sir if I may," Malian interjected, "Christine cannot receive the proper care here. With your permission I would like to take her elsewhere for proper treatment. It would need more than just me to care for her and I wouldn't dare ask you to spare Erik since he is needed to oversee the site."

The Shah thought for a long moment then asked, "And where exactly did you have in mind for this treatment?"

"I wish to take her to Nadir's home in the country. I feel the fresh air will be good for her, and I know the staff there will be very attentive." Malian replied.

The Shah paused in thought again, then looked to Erik. "And what do you have to say on this?"

Erik sighed. "I honestly do not wish to part from her, but if it mean she will get better then Malian has my full support"

A long while passed before the Shah spoke again. But he finally spoke. "Very well. Malian, you and Christine will leave as soon as possible. Take what medical equipment you need then leave. If this is serious I wanted treated and cured as soon as possible so it's not spread through the palace."

Malian bowed and said "Yes sir."

"Erik, you may go on back to the site after you tell Christine she is leaving."

Erik gave his small bow and said, "Yes sir." Then they both left.

Malian went straight away to pack while Erik rushed home. Christine sat in the bedroom reading in the bed. "Darling?" Erik called.

Christine looked at the clock. "I'm in here." It was odd for Erik to be home this early when the Shah was here. Erik walked in and kissed her then sat down. "Why are you home so early?" She said with a smile.

Erik returned her smile. "It's worked. Our plan has worked. He has agreed to send you to Nadir's country home with Malian. He said to leave as soon as possible."

Christine's smile grew even bigger and she squeaked as she hugged Erik. They both began to laugh neither of them honestly thought it would work. "This is amazing!" Christine said pulling away.

But then Erik grew a sad smile. "I just wish I was going to be there with you."

Christine's smile softened at his words. "I know my love. But it's not like you're not going to see me until the baby comes. You will visit as often as you can."

Erik put his forehead to hers then caressed her stomach that was just barely showing. "Don't let Papa miss anything little one."

Christine couldn't help a little laugh.

It was hard saying goodbye for Erik and Christine. After he shut the carriage door he walked up to the horses where Darius stood. "Take care of her alright." Erik said.

"I promise. She's in good hands Erik. And if it helps Malian helped deliver Christine so the baby is in good hands too." Darius said wanting to put Erik at ease. "The staff is ready for everything. I wrote to them earlier when we heard we were taking Christine to the house. Everything is going to be fine. Don't worry."

Erik nodded and chuckled. "Thank you my friend. I don't know when I'll be able to visit but be sure that I will." Darius nodded. "Keep me posted please."

"I'll relay progress every other week. I'm sure Christine will write to you as well so you will hear two side to everything." Darius said and chuckled a little.

Erik laughed. "I'm sure I will." After a deep breath. "Alright now go before I change my mind about all of this." Erik didn't like not being without Christine for so long. He worried that something might happen with him not there at her side. There were people all over Persia who would possibly love to see her head on a spike, and Erik worried that those people would find her. When Nadir insisted on Darius going Erik gave little to no protest. He knew Darius would do everything in his power to keep Christine safe, and Darius knew that if he didn't keep her safe it would mean his head on a spike.

Erik gave a heavy sigh as he watched the carriage vanish into the distance. Meanwhile Christine looked out the window. It was the first time she had been in the carriage and been able to have the curtains open as they passed through the city, but she found that she couldn't enjoy any of it without Erik with her. Her hand went to the child she carried longing for Erik already. It was something so little. The fact that she couldn't see the city the same way without Erik. But she smiled knowing that Erik would be in the country soon, and in a few months they would have a little boy or girl to call their own. Christine couldn't wait until that moment.

Twenty Years Earlier ...

The throne room was full of commotion. The Shah stood speaking with some of his advisors with Audra on one side of him and Katelyn on the other. Katelyn didn't really pay attention to anything going on around her. She was bored. She saw someone walk through the doors from the corner of her eye. When she looked up she saw Gustave. He walked right up to the steps before the throne and bowed. The Shah smiled at him, "Gustave, what can I do for you?"

Gustave stood up straight and looked directly at the Shah. "I've come to discuss the condition of me leaving."

Katelyn just stared at him. The Shah was taken aback. He looked around the room. "Clear the throne room." He said loudly. "Audra, Katelyn, you two stay."

Once the room was cleared the Shah addressed Gustave. "Why exactly do you want to leave?"

"Personal matter I'm afraid sir. My family back in Sweden needs me." Gustave replied the practiced lie never even glancing at Katelyn.

"Hm, well I'm sorry to hear that." The Shah replied. "I honestly didn't think you would be leaving us so soon. After you and Katelyn have become so close over the past months."

Only then did Gustave look at Katelyn. It was a look of hurt mostly, then he looked back at the Shah. "I'm sorry sir but my family comes first."

The Shah nodded. "Very well then. I suppose I've always known I couldn't keep you. I do hope our paths cross again though. You may leave when you please Gustave and I hope your journey is a safe one."

Gustave nodded and bowed. "Thank you Sir." He then turned and left.

"Well that was unexpected." The Shah said. "Do you really think it's his family?"

"No. I don't." Audra replied.

"What do you think it is then?"

"I don't know." Audra said looking to Katelyn with a twisted smile. "What do you think, Katelyn?"

Katelyn looked up in a half daze. "I'm not sure. It could be anything."

"Are you alright Katelyn?" The Shah asked looking at her in an almost concerned manner.

"Um, no. Actually, I think I'll go lay down for a while, if you don't mind."

"Of course." The Shah replied, and she left the room. As soon as she reached her room Katelyn shut the door; put her back to it and cried. Not just a slight cry, devastated, heartbroken sobbing. After a while she slowly walked over to the bed and curled up. He was leaving and it was her fault.

Yay! So Christine's gotten away for now. Baby Destler is safe for now. But separation is a pain. Katelyn and Gustave's back story just got a little interesting don't you think? I Believe the next chapter we will know exactly what our Baby Destler will be. Comment what you hope/think the baby will be, and let me know what you thought of the chapter. Until next time my lovelies.