I looked at my pregnant belly for the second time.
The first time, I'd been in a dangerous place, around dangerous people who wouldn't hesitate to hurt my child, and I had been afraid. Even though Raith waited until his sons were grown to dispose of them, even though I knew Thomas would be more than able to take care of himself when that day came, I was still afraid. What mother wouldn't be?
I smiled down at my belly, and said quietly to it, "Someday. Someday, when you meet, I will be with you.
"I won't be afraid then."