"What? But why would people do that!"

"Be quiet, stupid Dorksta. Don't forget that we have a baby here! Do you want to wake up my niece?"

Normally Vanessa would have laughed at her squadmates adorable and funny behaviour, but sadly, she didn't feel like. Not to mention that it wasn't a topic to laugh at in the first place.

Aimée was babbling softly in her arms, having no idea that she was in the middle of a heavy mess, bigger than it already seemed. Still, the tension in the living room made her felt a bit unease. Vanessa looked at her daughter, worried with what she just learned.

She seriously believed that the biggest danger for her daughter would be the anti-bastard coalition within nobility, not really from the bastards turned criminals. Well, they were a danger too, but never directly for Aimée.

But she was wrong. And she didn't understand. What would they gain of kidnapping Aimée? Why would they take a baby away from her parents? Parents who love their child!

Instinctively, Vanessa hold Aimée closer to her. She would do everything to protect her child. But she felt so much on the edge.

Theresa and Ninon were in the kitchen. Quickly, Vanessa took a look on the persons who were present. Just like her, they all had unbelief, shock and so many feelings showing on their faces.

Firstly, it didn't look like there was going to be some change in the routine today. Asta and Curtis came for the night shift while Zora and Rob were just about to leave. Nothing new, just the usual shift change.

But then, Finral appeared, followed by Nozel, Yami, Noelle, Nebra and even Fuegoleon. Before Vanessa could asked what happened, Fuegoleon broke the news to them. A new threat in this already messed up and uncertain situation.

"Orage was most probably desperate, snapping at anything that could contradict him. But that doesn't mean his threats should be taken lightly," Fuegoleon explained, while Salamander was hissing on his shoulder. "Honestly, I don't know what the criminals would gain from having Aimée, but no matter their reasons, we can't let them do this."

"What they want from kidnapping the Tiny Miss Royal? Well, more power, I guess. She is the child of a royal after all, that must have some value in their eyes," Zora snickered, but it didn't reached his eyes.

"Gain more power… why does it sounds like what a noble would do, in a way?"

Silence followed Nebras words. Vanessa shivered. Somehow, it was true. And it wasn't pleasant to hear. She couldn't help but ask herself, if hate could take over someone this strong, to a point that you become similar to the people you despised?

Vanessa hated that thought. She already knew that too much unfairness could lead you to do horrible things; she hasn't forgotten the Devil Believers, after all. And still she was shocked. And scared too. And angry, at the people who wanted to get their hands on her child. They couldn't care about Aimée, all they wanted was to use her for their schemes, whatever those were. Could there be at least some people within those criminals who actually cared that Aimée was just a baby?

She looked at Nozel. He was pale, more than usual. She saw his clenched fists, his eyes closed, his lips tightly pressed against one another. He was angry, scared as well. For their daughter. She just knew by looking at him and given the circumstances, it was easy to find out who he was scared for.

Vanessa wanted to comfort him, hug him, taking his hand. She wanted to say something, basically anything that could positive, hopeful. But right now, she was unable to find those words and she could curse herself for it.

"So… what was decided?" Curtis asked. "Will it change anything in our current arrangements?"

"Not really," Nozel finally spoke, for the first time since he arrived. "There will be still one Silver Eagle and one Black Bull taking the shifts. For now, the only change will be that the other squads will send one of their knights as well."

He sounded calm and measured like always, but Vanessa knew this was just the façade. How big was his fear that hides behind the mask? Probably as big as hers.

"Well, Goldie Guts will sent the first one, don't know who," Yami added calmly, before bringing two fingers towards his mouth… only to realize that there wasn't a cigarette, so he let his hand fall to the side with an angry sigh.

If she would have felt like it, Vanessa would have giggled. During her pregnancy, before the big announcement, she often secretly stole her captains cigarettes with Neros and Gordons help. It had made Yami really angry, but for once Vanessa didn't care. It had been for her unborn child after all. And after the big announcement, she always had been brave enough to snatch Yamis cigarette out of his mouth when they were in the same room, reminding him that she was pregnant and that smoke wasn't good for the baby. Her captain had growled and threatened to use her pay to buy cigarettes once the mess was over, but obeyed.

That was before she had to move to the cottage.

Now, Rob spoke up, interrupting her thoughts, "Would sending another knight for the shifts really be enough? I mean, when the dangers aren't coming from the coalition anymore…"

"Lord Rob is right," Noelle spoke of nervously. "Isn't this decision too lightly, given the new threat? Shouldn't there be more or something?"

"I understand your concern, but please remember that too many knights have also the risk to bring unneeded attention to this cottage. Be it from the coalition and from the criminals. Discretion is important." What Fuegoleon said actually made sense. "Besides, there are too many unknowns about this new threat. Honestly, even the Wizard King admitted that there might be not the perfect solution. We just do what we can for the protection. And we have to investigate and search for bastards even more, not only to protect them from the nobles of the coalition, but also to protect them from becoming criminals and if they are already, trying to reach out to them before they too far gone." Now the captain of the Crimson Lions sighed, before he continued, "That won't be easy. The one we interrogated today was too far gone and I fear there are more like him."

"So, you mean that we can't reason with them, captain Fuegoleon?" Asta asked in unbelief… and in a pretty loud voice.

"Maybe with some we can, but it is very plausible that most would refuse to listen to us, sadly."

"Yeah, and todays fella even insulted old man Julius," Yami growled. "Just because he's a noble. Do you really think we can reason with people that are as stocked up their ass in their beliefs like most of nobility is?"

"But this is just not fair!" Asta almost yelled. "The Wizard King is an amazing man, who cares about the people! And Aimée is just a baby, she has parents who love her and she needs them! Why would they want to kidnap her? She's a baby, not an object!"

"Calm down, peas- I mean, Asta," Nebra said, almost chocking before she could say peasant. She shared a look with Zora – why that? – before she continued, "Yelling and focusing too much on getting upset won't help us right now."

"I know, but-" Asta screamed before stopping. It had been too much tension for Aimée as she began to cry.

"Great job, really, Stupidsta," Noelle sighed dramatically. "Now you made my niece cry, what is your defence?"

"Wah, I'm sorry, I didn't wanted! I-"

"It's not your fault, Asta. The tension was just too much for her," Vanessa said with a tired smile. "I'll go back to my room, Aimée needs to calm down."

Vanessa didn't wanted to leave Nozel, but comforting and calming down Aimée was her priority right now.

With a nod, she left the living room and went quickly to her chamber. Sitting on the bed and rocking Aimée, trying to calm her cries down, Vanessa felt just tired.

The anti-bastard movements within nobility, the problems Nozels father caused, the silence from the Witches Forest, their own situation, the bastards turned into criminals, the threat concerning Aimée… Those things and surely many more were almost giving her a headache. It was like the uncertainty was keeping growing, making things even more difficult.

Vanessa felt the desperation clearly. It was always there, but there were times she felt it more clearly. And this was one of those times.

She didn't ask for much. All she wanted was to be happy with Nozel, to raise their daughter in the way she deserved it. That wasn't too much to ask, her wish was actually very simple… and still it was denied.

Some would say that Nozel and her shouldn't have went this far with their decisions, because now they were facing the consequences. Some would say that he should have brake up with her and leaving her alone with the child, it would have been easier. Some would say that they had to be more careful when they had slept together, so that the bastard would have never been conceived. Some would say that a royal and a witch should have never been together in the first place, that they should have known their places and lived accordingly to it.

But Vanessa refused to regret anything. Even though she felt tired with this whole situation and was hurt by it, she knew that she would have chosen this road still, she would have chosen Nozel and Aimée all over again.

Of course Nozel and her were now facing the consequences of their decisions. But was there ever a decision made without consequences? Normal nobles would have broken up with their lover and leave their offspring alone, but not Nozel. He always had felt a lot of responsibility for many things and what was more important for Vanessa, he loved her and their daughter. Why would he abandon them? Yes, Aimée had been an accident, but was it really a bad thing? Their child was a blessing, the whole difficulties came from outside.

Vanessa knew that their different circles should have never allowed for Nozel and her to cross paths. But still they did and it was one of the best things that happened in both their lives. After getting her heart broken from her first crush and for a while believing that love wasn't for her, Vanessa got the chance to be proved wrong, to fell for someone who loved all of her, even the unappealing broken parts. As for Nozel, he finally started thinking about himself a bit, allowing himself a happiness he always denied himself in the past. Stopping living for expectations of others and let her melt the cold in his soul, letting her love all of him.

Not everyone understood this. Vanessa even knew now that some people didn't want to understand. For various reasons and she didn't want to think about those reasons in the first place.

Aimées slowly calmed down, but Vanessa felt like she would cry now. Heck, she could already feel the tears in her eyes.

This was just one of these days, when everything seems to be too much, when being on the edge feels more real than it already usually was.

She heard the door open and close. In the next moment, she felt Nozels lips on her cheek, kissing a tear away.

Vanessa looked up, just to see Nozel kneeling in front of her, caressing Aimées face softly. He looked tired too, almost defeated and maybe the shimmer in his soft purple eyes were also due to tears. But still, he looked like a royal, a true one, concerned for the people he cared about.

They were silent, but not in an awkward way. Vanessa still felt like she was on the edge and she suspect Nozel to feel the same. And still, she felt secure. Not quite calmed down yet, but already more at peace.

It was rather ironic, now that she thought about it. When they were together, they could feel more secure, despite standing so close to the edge.

That sounded crazy and broken. But then, they were both broken people and kinda crazy in their own way. After all, what they did, especially with protecting their child, could be called crazy. At the same time what would parents not do to protect their baby?

"I didn't want that it come to this," Nozel spoke so softly that she almost didn't heard him.

"What exactly, honey?"

"Many things. But mostly, that Aimée won't be in the centre of this mess. I didn't wanted her to be part of this crisis, even though it became rather inevitable. But being in the middle, this is worse."

"Maybe she already was, it's just very clear now. After all, given our statuses, especially yours, and our whole situation being public… it's like it gives everything more importance than it should have."

Vanessa only realized it as soon the words left her mouth. That was it, in a way.

She heard Nozel sigh and saw his shoulder slump. It pained her to see him defeated like that. Even though she knew that he would never accept to give up. Right now, he just felt the heaviness of their situation just as much as she was.

Aimée stopped crying and was now looking up at her parents. Not able to understand what burden their parents had to feel right now. Of course she couldn't, she was just a baby. That poor sweetheart had no idea about what was happening in the world right now.

Vanessa hoped that she would never learned it, that they could win this battle before Aimée would be old enough to understand.

She sighed deeply, feeling another tear run down her cheek and Nozel kissing it away again. It was in moments like this one that Vanessa couldn't help but fear that they might be forced to give their daughter to an orphanage, for her safety.

Oh, Vanessa hoped with all her strength that it would never come to that. This possibility was in her eyes a worst-case scenario. It would break her heart and Nozels as well if they had to give up on Aimée. She refused to allowed this possibility, she didn't want to have to take this decision after everything they already risked and fought for.

Normally Vanessa would never ever think about this, because after everything that happened, it seemed too far-fetched. After all, it was common knowledge today that Nozel had a child with her and giving up on Aimée might only go into the views of those who would never accept their happiness in the first place. Yet still, Vanessa couldn't help but think about it and she hated to even let herself allow to have this thought.

Again she felt Nozels lips, on her forehead this time. Vanessa looked up, only to see his sad eyes glowing with determination.

"Don't think about it."

He didn't need to ask, just knowing what went through her head.

Vanessa smiled softly. Nozel didn't need the ability of reading Ki to know what she was feeling and thinking. It was like he just knew.

"I'm sorry."

"We'll find a way, Vanessa. I don't know how, I don't know when, but we'll find one. This is what you always tell me, remember?"

"Of course."

Nozel moved, sitting down on the bed next to her. Vanessa lied her head on his shoulder. It was such a familiar feeling, helping her to relax, to enjoy this simple happiness. Still, some tears continued to run down her cheeks.

"What are those for?"

"No idea, honey. Might be tears of worry or tears of joy. Or both"

They went silent. Vanessa closed her eyes. Still on the edge, of course, but feeling better. Thank goodness. If she started worrying and fearing too much, she might not be able to enjoy those simple, happy moments anymore.

Aimée let out a babbling sound and Vanessa could feel how she was pulling one of her locks.

"Do you believe the criminals have any clue of where we are hiding?"

In the end, Vanessa couldn't help but ask. She wanted to know, to at least have an idea and acting accordingly. She almost giggled. Nozels overthinking habit might rubbed off a bit on her.

Nozel sighed, before answering: "We can't be perfectly certain. But it seems that those people are a bit on the same wavelength as nobles, ironically. From what I witnessed, none of them wants to believe that I would ever set foot in the Forsaken Realm. That might be something to our advantage. Which doesn't mean we can take the threat lightly, of course."

"Of course. Well, let's hope their beliefs would stay this way… And, honey?"

"Yes?"

"Can I finally have a kiss now?"

Nozel chuckled, before leaning to her, pressing his lips on hers. Vanessa hummed happily, kissing him back softly, while Aimée was just happily babbling. She never seemed to care when her parents kissed each other in front of her.

Just as they parted, there was a knock on the door. Noelle entered and Nebra behind her.

"We'll be leaving soon. Noelle and I don't want to go without a proper goodbye. Are you… hm, are you okay? Do you need time before you come down?" Nebra asked, unsure, but trying like always.

"Thank you, but we're fine now. As fine as we can be at last. You can go, we'll follow," Vanessa answered with a soft smile.

The two sisters nodded. Though they seemed hesitant to leave, Noelle was playing with her fingers and Nebra seemed very interested by her nails.

Nozel sighed and Vanessa could actually hear that he was trying to hold back a chuckle. "What is it?"

"We… um, well…" Noelle stuttered, before giving herself a hold and asked, "Can we please see our niece? We didn't really got to spend some time with her today, so, some minutes before we go…"

"Why, of course," Vanessa smiled, standing up and put Aimée in Noelles arm. Her squadmate immediately had the happiest smile on her face, while Nebra leaned over to caress softly the bridge of Aimées nose, genuinely smiling. It was still unusual for Vanessa to see Nebra smiling like this, but since the three Silva siblings were getting more and more on better terms, it was always welcome.

"They're going to spoil our daughter rotten if we aren't careful," Nozel sighed as he watched his sisters leaving the room with Aimée. A small smile was still on his face.

"Well, I guess that it's their job as aunties," Vanessa answered with a giggle.

But just as she was to follow Noelle and Nebra, their older brother hold her back, pulling her towards him and don't wasting any time to press his lips against hers.

The kiss was passionate. Maybe almost a bit desperate, but Vanessa couldn't care less. She returned the kiss with the same passion he was, one hand in his hair.

They were still on the edge, yes. Their situation remained uncertain. But it didn't matter, because they won't give up. What they had… it was beautiful and worth to fight.

Vanessa sit down carefully on her new bed, a hand on her big belly, while Noelle dropped the last sack on the floor.

Well, that was it. Her new home, in a way. It didn't really felt like it, but honestly, that wasn't the priority here. The priority was to protect the little one in her womb, in a safe place. A small cottage, forgotten royal propriety in the middle of nowhere, hidden in the Forsaken Realm. Considering the circumstances, it was kinda perfect.

She still needed to get used to it, though. Which was easier said than done. Her current situation was very uncertain.

"All done," Noelle sighed, sitting next to her on the mattress. "Everything you need and some things you want are here."

"Thank you, sweetie. It sucks that I couldn't take all my stuff with me, but I guess it would have been too much, despite this room being bigger."

"Bigger? You must be joking, Vanessa. This room is smaller than yours at the Hideout."

"Really? It seems bigger, though."

"That's because this room is not full of chaotic mess."

Vanessa giggled. Well, that was true. She missed her chaos, but she'll try to get used to it. Not all of her stuff were there, after all, so it would be difficult to mess it up like she was used to.

She brought her clothes with her, as well as her plants and potions, along with a little cauldron and vials. But Vanessa also did pack some things that weren't necessary, technically speaking. But they meant a lot to her and she didn't want to leave them back. Nozels letters for example, his gifts, her sewing box and other objects she loved. They helped her to feel a bit more at home. Even if it wasn't home.

She heard Noelle sigh, before the young girl carefully put one hand Vanessas belly. Her eyes went big as she felt a kick.

"Oh… the baby's moving."

"Indeed. If you ask me, it's going to be a strong girl, this little one."

"Girl? How do you know it's going to be a girl? It can also be a boy."

"Yes, it could also be. But honestly, I think it's a girl. Can't explain, just a feeling."

"If you say so."

"I hope so. Because the name your brother choose is a beautiful one."

Aimée… the sound of it was so lovely. Simple, poetic, it gave Vanessa a happy feeling.

Noelle looked at her in disbelief. "Nozel choose the names?"

"Yes, he did. Your brother is not one-dimensional, you should know that by now."

"Why yes, of course I know! I'm royalty!"

Vanessa couldn't help but snicker as she saw Noelle getting all flustered and using the royalty card again. It was honestly always a sight to see.

But the fluster disappear as Noelle got a more serious look on her face.

"Be honest with me, Vanessa. You're really okay with… well, this?"

The witch sighed. She understood perfectly what Noelle was asking. She wasn't the only one who already asked her that. Finral, Gordon, Nero, Zora, Yami in his own way, even Nozel. Gauche always claimed that he didn't understand, even though he did. Grey was embarrassed every time the subject came and who knows what Nacht was thinking on this matter.

As for Henry, he had just been sweet while Asta and Magna seemed to be still recovering from the shock – why were they this shocked in the first place. And Luck, well, he was just excited to fight the child once it would be time. Vanessa already promised herself to never let Luck be the babysitter.

"Honestly? I'm not really sure, Noelle. This isn't what Nozel and I wanted. Neither for us nor for our child. But the circumstances forced us to take the decisions we had to made. You know how the tension is in the kingdom. It's like we're standing on the edge of a cliff."

Vanessa didn't know if this was a good answer, but it felt like a right one.

Noelle went silent for a few seconds, before asking again, "Did you ever regret it?"

"What do you mean, sweetie?"

"I don't know… well, I mean…"

"Oh, if you mean if I regret being with your brother… no. I don't regret."

"Good."

Vanessa turned to her squadmate, raising an eyebrow. Noelle was looking down, fumbling with her Silva clothes.

"It's just… Nozel seems always so happy when he's with you, when it's about you. I never seen him like that before. Granted, I never got to see him often. But Nebra says the same. You mean so much to him. Why else would he go through to this thorny way? And… I think… he would be destroyed if he would lose you."

"I can relate to that. Your brother means so much for me as well. I don't want to lose him either."

"I think… you saved him in a way."

"How so?"

Noelle sighed as she fell down on the mattress, her eyes focusing on an invisible point on the ceiling.

"Did you know that there had been a time when he would have sacrificed himself into an arranged marriage so that Nebra, Solid and myself would be free? Normally, I would have been married or at least engaged around the time I joined the Black Bulls. But that wasn't the case."

"I know," Vanessa sighed, as she lied back on the mattress, looking at the ceiling, hands on her belly. "He told me this, a long while ago. We weren't together back then, but I think I was already in love with him. I was so scared for Nozel, I didn't wanted him to give up his own happiness. After everything…"

"Exactly! Gosh, I would have felt so bad if he would have done that! The mere thought of Nozel being unhappy for the rest of his life, only so that I can have my happiness… I don't want this for Nozel. But thankfully, that's not going to happen anytime now. Actually… I should thank you."

"What for?"

"For saving him. I don't know exactly how, but I really believe you did."

Vanessa smiled and Noelle allowed herself a tiny smile.

The two squadmates went silent, starring at the ceiling and having their own thoughts. Vanessa couldn't help but think about what Noelle just said to her. Her, saving Nozel… maybe even in more ways than one. She never thought really about it, but maybe there was some truth in it.

But Nozel also saved her. From ignoring her broken parts for too long, from believing that Fate could never do something good to her in person. From continuing to grieve for a crush that never had a chance in the first place.

In a way, Nozel also saved her from many things. Vanessa couldn't what everything was exactly, but he did save her and that's for sure. It was a nice thought, that they saved each other.

After a while, Noelle broke the silence, "I really hope you'll win this fight in the end."

"Of course we will, sweetie."

"You don't sound as certain as you used to, Vanessa."

"Well, that's because I didn't know how everything really works within nobility back in those days, when I was rather naïve. I had no idea that rumours could hurt more than they should. But now, I know. And I also witnessed how Nozel is treated by the other two royal Heads."

"It's horrible, isn't it? Nebra and I… well… okay, I admit, we were eaves dropping when Achilles Vermillion came to visit Nozel after the whole… um, affair became public. What he said to our brother… I recently realized what pressure my brother was under, I know that he put himself under pressure. But it wasn't only him and I had no idea how king Augustus and lord Achilles and many, many nobles were treating him. Even Nebra had no idea and she still felt guilty for never realizing it. It's not fair, he lived so much to their expectations and in their eyes, it was never enough! If only I can help Nozel more."

"Don't get too much upset, sweetie. You're already helping a lot. Nozel is starting realizing that he can count on others, just continue to show your brother that."

"You also want to help him, Vanessa."

"Of course I do. I promised myself to partake his burden, so that he don't need to carry it alone anymore. And I'm really stubborn on that point, I will not accept no for an answer. Nozel will know that he can count on me as well."

"You really do love him."

"That I do, Noelle. That I do…"

Vanessa couldn't help but smile. Yes, she loved Nozel and she considered herself the luckiest girl in the kingdom, just because he loved her back.

"I envy you a bit. That kind of love must be something very precious to have."

"Oh, sweetie. I'm sure that one day you will have it as well. And maybe we all know the perfect candidate for you."

"There's no way that an idiot like him can be perfect for me! I'm royalty after all, I have standards!"

"But your brother is with me and he's royalty while I'm not," Vanessa giggled, but she decided to not pry more.

It was funny that even though she didn't mentioned him, Noelle immediately assumed that the perfect candidate in question was Asta. That still hasn't changed. Did Noelle even finally admitted to herself? Maybe, but that wasn't something she would say out loud. If she needed that much time to admit her feelings to herself, how long will she need before admitting it to others?

Vanessa still hoped that it won't be too long before those two get finally together. But that won't be that fast either. Noelle was really stubborn like the Silva she was, Asta had still that ridiculous obsession over the nun who raised him and Vanessa won't be there in the near future to push them from time to time.

Looking at Noelle, it was really better to not pry right now. And Vanessa shouldn't mention either that she already spilled the beans to Nozel not so long ago. He had sighed deeply, kept silence for a while and declared that since he was himself with someone out of his circle, he would be a hypocrite to fight against his sisters feelings. Not to mention that he owed it to her. If that didn't meant that Nozel was trying so hard to be a better brother, then Vanessa didn't know what it was.

"Yes, but you and Nozel, it's… different," Noelle replied to her previous statement. "You… love each other, you make each other happy. Nozel would give you the world if he could and you made him show the best of him. That's something else entirely."

Vanessa hold back a chuckle. Everything Noelle said could also apply to her and Asta in a way. But it was also sweet how Noelle was so supportive on their relationship. After the shock the poor girl had when they finally announced the relationship and the pregnancy to her, Noelle basically became their number 1 supporter.

"Thank you, Noelle."

"What for?"

"For your support. It means a lot to me and to Nozel as well."

"You're welcome."

Both Black Bull girls just smiled at each other. They went silent again, while Noelle put a hand on Vanessas belly again, probably hoping to feel a kick from her niece again. Or nephew.

"Tell me, are there bets about if it's going to be a boy or a girl?"

"You have no idea. Even most of the Silver Eagles jumped in. Some even have a bet on twins, Magna actually went as far to bet on triplets and he also persuaded Stupidsta to put most of their pay on this."

Vanessa giggled. Triplets, really? What was Magna hoping with that suggestion? And why was Asta betting on triplets as well? Did reading Ki not allow him to know that there was only one baby in her womb?

"Magna bets on three boys, Asta on two and one girl. Those who suggested twins varied between two boys and one of each. Only one person had a bet on two girls. For the rest, the majority have bets that it will be a boy. Only captain Yami, the vice-captain of the Silver Eagles, Nero and Gordon are betting on a girl."

"That's not a lot. What about you, sweetie?"

"Nebra and I want to bet together, but we still hesitate on what. Do you think we should bet on a girl too?"

"Yes. Not only because I'm pretty sure it's a girl but also because not a lot of people are betting on it. Imagine you win, you're going to win a lot."

Noelle seemed to think a bit, before giving in, "Fine, I'll tell Nebra that."

"You really getting along better with your sister, aren't you?" Vanessa asked carefully. She was still very protective on her squadmate.

"Yes, and I'm really happy about it. It goes so much better since she apologized a few months ago and Nebra's trying so much. You do remember how she helped us to investigate Lucks father? She didn't have a reason to and still she did. It means a lot to me," Noelle smiled and that was relieving for Vanessa. "Did you know that she also likes spooky novels like me? Even though she is as afraid as I am, but we both can't stop reading them. It helped us bond even more."

Vanessa was very happy to hear it. Nebra was really trying a lot and even though Vanessa was still unhappy about how she treated her little sister in the past, she was also someone who appreciated the efforts someone was making to get better. Today, she came to like Nebra a bit. Besides, Nozel and Noelle cared a lot for their siblings and Vanessa would always respect that.

She didn't ask about Solid though. It was still a difficult subject to the remaining siblings, especially since the fight between him and Nozel. Solid had still a lot to do to atone in her eyes, but Vanessa still hoped that one day Noelle, Nozel and Nebra would be able to make peace with their brother in the end. And if Nebra managed to get better, maybe Solid could as well.

"Speaking of Nebra, I promised to help her go through the Royal Laws, to search a loophole that could benefit you and Nozel. Is it okay for you if I leave now?"

"Don't worry about me, Nozel should be coming soon anyway."

The two friends hugged each other before Noelle left the room.

Vanessa managed to sit up again, although her big belly made it a bit difficult. The discussion with Noelle actually distracted her. But now, alone in her new room, she faced the reality of her situation again.

It was one thing when they had discussed about the solutions for her to get into hiding. But it felt so much more real now that it was actually done. Standing on the edge of a cliff was a good metaphor to describe the situation, actually. She should even add a thunderstorm to it, because all the difficulties they had outside could indeed be compared to a storm.

"I'm sorry that you'll be born during such uncertain times, sweetheart," Vanessa sighed, putting a hand on her belly. She could feel the baby moving. She couldn't help but get excited to finally hold her child in her arms. Even though the mere thought of giving birth scared her a bit. Auntie Océane had told her about her own experiences and did make sure that Vanessa prepared herself the best she could. But it was still a big unknown.

She felt a bit lost in this situation. Well, to be honest, more than a bit. And even so, Vanessa was surprised that she was still pretty much calm despite her fear. It was like her feelings were in contradiction. Fearing the unknown, excited about the new. Worried about the future, feeling prepared to face a new page of her life.

Well, it was more a new chapter than a page. Heck, like things were going on right now, Vanessa wouldn't be surprised if it was a new book entirely.

She was standing on the edge, that's for sure. Despite this, she still felt secure.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, the door opened again. In the next moment, two arms she knew and loved were hugging her from behind.

"Are you both alright?" Nozel whispered, caressing softly her cheek with his lips.

"We are, now that you're here," Vanessa giggled, as she put his hands on her belly. The baby was moving again.