Pre-Anschluss.

His eyes moved a fraction to the side for a moment before turning his attention back to Max and his incessant badgering. He tried to listen, he really did, but his eyes couldn't seem to stop being drawn to his wife.

Two months pregnant and still looking as slim as ever, Maria talked and laughed with Stefan Trinkl and his wife Petra. She stood at the other side of the large ballroom, but her laughter seemed to highlight her eyes and her complexion.

She glowed, just as an expectant mother should. Happiness, overjoyed, excitement… it seeped from her pores like a finely smelling perfume. It was casting a spell over him and seemed to practically entice him to move towards her, but Max wasn't going to shut up anytime soon.

"Are you listening to me, Georg? Did you hear any of-never mind." Max sighed in irritation. "I can understand why you refuse, but why can't you just try-"

"Max." Georg interrupted before being told again exactly why his children should sing at the festival in four months time. "For the final, final time, the answer is a firm no." He lowered his eyebrows in a dark stare.

"But Georg-"

"Max!" Just loud enough to draw two other guests attentions, Georg tugged at the fingers of his gloved right hand, pulling it off.

"Wouldn't it be lovely to hear the children and Maria sing?" He changed tactics, knowing that when mentioning Maria, it did sometimes have a persuading momentum, sometimes.

In this case, mentioning Maria was all he needed to make this subject disappear. "In case you haven't noticed, Maria is with child." Georg looked across the room. "And with the children returning to school in September, I don't want any unnecessary distractions."

Max chuckled as he scratched the back of his head. "My dear friend, only you seem to be able to see that your wife is expecting. I'm surprised you let her attend this evening."

Georg raised his eyebrows. "She may be pregnant, Max, but she's is still Maria. If she tires, and I assure you she soon will be, she will retire early. You have my word." His eyes were drawn away from his friend once again as Stefan guided Maria out into the dancing crowd. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

Turning, Max watched him walk away. "Well, I guess that's one way to avoid me." Catching a young lady's eye, he grinned.

Tugging his gloves back on, Georg cleared his throat as he approached the couple. "May I cut in?"

Stefan smirked and nodded. "Cousin."

"Thank you, Stefan, for looking after my lovely wife." Georg's eyes sparkled as he gazed into Maria's.

Chuckling, Stefan backed away. "It was my pleasure."

Maria placed her hand in her husbands and smiled. "I think you are taking your protective duties a little far, my love."

His eyes didn't leave hers as he pulled her closer and timely stepped forward and back as the orchestra strung out an Austrian folk song. "I'm going to be a father, Maria. I have every right to protect you with whatever means."

Her head tipped back as she laughed. "You are a father of seven children. And I was dancing with Stefan. No need to ride up on your white steed."

"He may be my cousin-"

"He's married. Happily." She counted.

"Still-"

Maria released his left hand and touched his cheek. "My love, I'm honoured. I'm blessed."

Taking her hand, he kissed her palm before returning them to holding hands and turning as one. "Proud father, and father to be," He chuckled at her raised eyebrow. "husband and knight. Forever here to protect and serve."

"Hmm." She hummed in appreciation as he pulled her closer. "My dear knight, if we were not hosting a magnificent party, I would suggest a retreat."

Georg laughed, loudly.

Spying Max dancing and chatting animatedly with Lady Monika Renner, Maria's hand moved over the fabric of Georg's finely tailored jacket. The fabric was so smooth, her fingers slid across his back. The feel of his strong muscles beneath were a comfort to her. Nights of making love with her husband and exploring his body with her hands, sharing tender moments that no one would ever be witness to or know of. Moments like the one they were having.

Without a word passing their lips, his and her eyes held with a depth that was beyond anyone who knew them. To know they were in love was nothing compared to what they could see in each others souls… for only they could see that this love was never ending and grew with strength.

May Continue, May Not.