This is so short it probably shouldn't be a chapter unto itself, but… it is.

Enjoy and review

Chapter Seven

Caspian returned that evening, having ridden to the nearest town inhabited by a doctor to summon him. They entered the chamber, Caspian pulling off his rain soaked cloak and draping it across a chair. The doctor stepped in after him.

He was middle-aged, maybe about forty-five, his formerly black hair thinning and graying. He had a short beard and frown lines. He was the typical Telmarine man.

"My most gracious Queen Rosaline," he said as a way of greeting, bowing slightly.

I dipped my head in acknowledgement, waiting nervously in my plain green dress, my hands laced together in front of my growing belly.

Caspian came over, dripping a bit of rainwater on me as he gave me a reassuring hug. He nodded to the doctor, who placed his bag on the table near the crackling fire.

"If you would please lie down on the chaise please, Your Highness," the doctor asked as he took out his instruments.

I did as he told me, and Caspian stood by the fire, his brow knit in concern. Dr. Rishka, as I learned his name to be, came over and took my pulse, looked in my eyes, ears, and mouth. He tested my reflexes and felt my joints.

"Could you describe your symptoms to me, Your Grace?" he asked as he put away his things.

I hesitated, and then said, "I've been sick nearly every morning, but then feel fine later."

He nodded. "Have experienced any weariness or faintness?" I nodded, noticing he never really looked directly at me when speaking. I wasn't sure if this was because of my status, or because I was a woman. Telmarines didn't approve of strong-willed women, of which I was one, and it was taking them some time to get used to me.

He next inquired, not looking at me at all as he busied himself rifling through his bag, "And…your monthly illness?"

I felt my face flush at this personal question, and I looked down at my feet. "I-I haven't…I haven't had it for awhile," I muttered. How embarrassing to have to talk about this with a man!

Dr. Rishka nodded and took of his spectacles, turning to Caspian. "Well, thank Aslan that your wife, and our queen, is well. Her condition, if you will, is probably one to be celebrated."

Caspian was still looking confused, and I chewed my nails, waiting for the bomb to be dropped. What would he think?

"And what is her condition, sir?" Caspian goaded, frowning.

Dr. Rishka began to gather his things, but paused to answer. "Your wife will, in a matter of months, possibly provide you with an heir. She is in a family way."

That night, as we lay in bed together, Caspian pulled back the covers to reveal my body.

"What are you doing?" I asked him sleepily, wanting to tug the blankets back up over me to keep warm. But he was silent until he succeeded in pulling the sheets down all the way, baring my stomach. Then he stopped, his eyes resting on my slight bump.

I watched him as he slowly stroked my stomach, a small smile tugging up the corners of his mouth. He placed a kiss where the small raise was, before pulling the covers back up over me and saying, "I love you," and falling asleep.

I felt my heart give a small flutter right before my guilt set back in.