(Back to Mary's POV)

I awoke the next morning around half past six and went out to the stables to check on William and Ember before waking Braden and Brielle. Once in the stables, I walked towards the end stalls, but was surprised when I didn't see William or Ember.

"William?"

"I'm in the next stall over."

I walked up to the stall and peered over the door to see William look up at me with a smile.

"You're just in time. She's in labour and it shouldn't be very long; the foal's head and neck are out."

Fifteen minutes passed.

Ember whickered, her eyes wide, her face and neck glistening with sweat.

"Easy girl.." William said soothingly, stroking her side.

I smiled.

"Well, I would love to stay to see the foal be born, but I need to go back to the house and wake the children. I'll be back though, to see if anything has happened."

William nodded.

"Very well.. Oh, by the way, could you release Belial into the pasture nearest to the stables on your way up?"

"Yes I can."

"Thank you." Said William with a small smile. "I love you."

About one hour later, just after Braden and Brielle had finished eating, I took them with me to the stables to check up on William and Ember.

We had just reached the stable entrance when I saw William step out of the stall that Ember was in.

"Has she had the foal yet?" I asked.

William nodded.

"Shortly after you left. The colt looks just like his sire, with a chestnut nose like his dam."

"How is Ember fairing?"

"Perfectly."

"Papa, can we see the colt?"

"Perhaps later Brielle; Ember and her colt need some time to get to know one another."

Brielle nodded.

"Mother, may I go riding?" Braden asked.

"Yes, as long as you take your sister with you. And only stay within the second and third pastures. Your father's horse is in the first one and I don't want you near him unattended."

Braden nodded.

"Thank you Mother."

"You're welcome."

After Braden and Brielle left, I helped William release the workhorses into the first pasture with Belial.

"Mary, you don't need to be doing this." Said William as I released a couple of shires into the pasture.

"Nonsense William. I enjoy it. And if you're worried about the horses spooking and kicking me in the process, the two I just released are as hard as the devil to spook."

William gave me a small smile and shook his head.

"So, what are we going to name the colt?" He asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm not sure. I did get a glance at him while releasing the horses into the pasture. He's quite a handsome little colt. Very much like his sire."

"Yes, he'll be quite the stallion when he gets older. He needs a good strong name."

"Alright; but nothing pertaining to the devil. We've had two of those."

William laughed.

"I know; Asmodeus, and now Belial. How about Artorius?"

"Artorius… Yes, that will do."