Just hold on to this feeling
With all the recent events and responsibilities, Mikan had unintentionally neglected Natsume and her carefully laid plans to seduce him. Fatigue, endless work, and the need for focus had overwhelmed her. Every night, she tried to make time for him, sharing meals and spending time in their shared room. Yet, more often than not, the moment her back hit the bed, sleep claimed her almost instantly.
Natsume never complained. Instead, he quietly supported her, encouraging her progress while keeping a watchful eye on her well-being. Still, Mikan couldn't shake the feeling that her efforts to grow closer to him had stalled.
One morning, after a particularly grueling week, she decided enough was enough. For once, she allowed herself a half-day off, setting aside non-urgent documents to tackle the next day. She needed a break—not just for herself, but to reignite the connection she had been working so hard to build.
The thought of seeing Natsume filled her with a sense of anticipation. She wanted more than just a fleeting moment. She wanted to truly spend time with him, away from the weight of responsibilities. Knowing he was likely working in his office, Mikan set off with a determined stride, a playful idea forming in her mind.
As she pushed open the heavy door to Natsume's office, she was greeted by the sight of him and Luca seated at their respective desks, both engrossed in a sea of papers. The faint scratch of quills and the rustle of parchment filled the room.
Natsume looked up first, his crimson eyes widening slightly in surprise. Luca followed suit, his brows raising as he saw her enter.
"Mikan," Natsume said, standing from his chair. "I wasn't expecting you."
"Neither was I," added Luca with a faint smile. "It's rare to see you here during the day."
Mikan clasped her hands in front of her, her heart pounding slightly as she faced the two men. "I decided to take a break," she explained, her gaze flickering briefly to Natsume. "I've been so busy lately... I thought I'd stop by."
Natsume's expression softened, a hint of curiosity mingling with his usual calm demeanor. "Taking a break, huh?"
"Yes," she said, stepping further into the room. "But not just any break. I was hoping to spend it with you."
Luca glanced between them, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he sensed an undercurrent he wasn't privy to. "Well," he said, pushing back his chair, "I was about to step out for some air anyway. I'll leave you two to it."
He gathered a few papers and left without another word, the door clicking softly behind him.
Natsume leaned back against his desk, arms crossed as he watched her. "You're full of surprises today, Duchess."
Mikan smiled, stepping closer. "It's not every day I get time for myself... or for you."
His lips quirked upward at her tone, and the air between them seemed to shift. Whatever playful idea she'd walked in with, Mikan could feel the heat rising in her chest. Now that she was alone with him, she was determined to make the most of it.
She took another step forward, closing the distance until she was standing directly in front of him. Natsume leaned back slightly against his desk, his arms crossed as he regarded her, his crimson eyes sharp and curious.
"You're staring," he said, his voice low and teasing.
"Maybe," Mikan replied, surprising herself with her boldness. "Is that a problem?"
Natsume's gaze flickered over her face, his smirk widening. "Not at all. But you usually have a reason for seeking me out. So, what is it this time?"
Instead of answering immediately, Mikan placed her hands lightly on the edge of the desk on either side of him, effectively trapping him. Her heart pounded, but she refused to look away.
"I wanted to see you," she said softly, her voice carrying a slight edge of vulnerability.
His smirk faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "You're here now," he murmured, his tone almost challenging.
Mikan hesitated for only a moment before lifting her hand and brushing her fingers lightly along the sleeve of his shirt. The movement was subtle, but she noticed the way his posture shifted, his body tensing under her touch.
"And now that I am?" she asked, her eyes locking with his.
Natsume's breath hitched almost imperceptibly, but his composure didn't waver. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between them. "You tell me, Duchess. What are you planning to do next?"
His words sent a shiver through her, but she didn't falter. Summoning every ounce of courage, she leaned in as well, her lips just a breath away from his ear.
"Whatever I want," she whispered, her voice a mix of sweetness and determination.
Natsume chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent warmth coursing through her. "Bold," he murmured, his voice tinged with amusement. "I like it."
Before she could second-guess herself, Mikan pulled back just enough to meet his gaze again. This time, she let her hand rest on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.
"You're always so composed," she said, her voice soft but teasing. "I wonder how long you can keep that up."
For the first time, Natsume seemed genuinely caught off guard. His eyes darkened, his smirk fading as the air between them grew heavier. Slowly, he reached up, his fingers brushing against hers where they rested on his chest.
"I could say the same about you," he replied, his tone low and gravelly.
Mikan's breath caught as his hand moved to her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. He guided her hand downward, his touch deliberate and slow. Her pulse quickened as the tension between them thickened, every movement feeling charged with unspoken intent.
For a moment, it was as if the rest of the world ceased to exist. The only thing that mattered was the look in his eyes, the heat of his touch, and the steady thrum of her heartbeat.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Mikan," he said quietly, his voice carrying a warning that only heightened the thrill coursing through her.
"Maybe," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "But I think it's a game worth playing."
Natsume's lips curved into a small, wicked smile, and he leaned in, his forehead brushing against hers. The proximity was intoxicating, his breath warm against her skin.
"You're going to regret teasing me like this," he murmured, his voice dripping with promise.
Mikan's lips parted slightly, her breath hitching as his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her just a fraction closer. Her heart raced, every nerve in her body alight with anticipation.
"Then stop me," she challenged softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.
For a moment, neither of them moved, the tension between them so palpable it felt like a physical force. Then, with a quiet exhale, Natsume closed the gap between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and searing.
Mikan's hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at him as the kiss deepened, her body pressing against his. The fire she had felt building inside her finally ignited, consuming every doubt, every hesitation.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their foreheads still touching. Natsume's eyes searched hers, a mix of amusement and desire dancing in his gaze.
Without breaking eye contact, he straightened, his hands slipping away from her only to carefully gather the papers and documents from his desk. In a deliberate motion, he transferred them to Luca's desk, ensuring they were neatly stacked and perfectly aligned before returning his attention to her.
Mikan blinked in surprise, her cheeks still flushed from the kiss. "Natsume—" she started, her tone caught somewhere between a scolding and a question.
But he was already placing his hands on her waist, guiding her back a step. "Sit," he said, his voice low and commanding, though a faint smirk betrayed his amusement.
Her heart skipped a beat. "On your desk?" she asked, incredulous.
He raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "Unless you're suddenly shy, Duchess?"
Mikan felt her face heat, but there was no backing down now. Slowly, she let him guide her until she was perched on the edge of the desk, her knees brushing against his hips. The cool wood beneath her was a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from him as he stepped closer.
"I didn't think you were the impulsive type," she said, trying to mask her nervous excitement.
Natsume leaned in, his hands braced on either side of her, effectively trapping her. "You bring out the worst in me," he murmured, his voice a delicious mix of teasing and sincere.
Mikan felt her breath hitch as his gaze dropped briefly to her lips before flicking back up to meet her eyes. The intensity in his stare made her stomach flutter, and she found herself gripping the edge of the desk for stability.
"And you?" he asked, his tone soft but probing. "Do I bring out the worst in you, too?"
Her lips quirked into a small, mischievous smile. "I don't know yet," she replied, her voice a whisper. "But I think I might enjoy finding out."
His chuckle was low and warm, and before she could second-guess herself, she reached up, threading her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. The movement seemed to embolden him, and his hands slid to her waist again, his grip firm but not overwhelming.
"You're playing with fire, Mikan," he warned, though the heat in his voice suggested he didn't mind in the slightest.
"I think I can handle it," she said, leaning in just enough to brush her lips against his.
Natsume's response was immediate, his lips capturing hers again with a fervor that sent a spark down her spine. Her fingers tightened in his hair as his hands moved, one resting on the small of her back to pull her closer, the other lightly grazing her thigh where her skirt had ridden up.
Time seemed to blur as the tension that had been simmering between them spilled over, unrestrained and electric. The desk creaked slightly beneath her as they lost themselves in the moment, the world outside his office fading into oblivion.
When they finally pulled apart, Mikan's breath was shallow, her heart racing. Natsume didn't move far, his forehead pressing gently against hers as they both tried to catch their breath.
"I think," he said after a moment, his voice rough but laced with humor, "we're going to need to clear my schedule for the rest of the day."
Mikan laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "I'm sure Luca will understand."
"I hope so," he replied, his lips brushing against her temple. "Because I'm not done with you yet."
Her smile widened, her hands slipping to rest on his shoulders. "Then I guess I'll have to make sure I'm worth the time."
His grin was wicked as he straightened slightly, his hands still resting on her hips. "You always are."
Mikan felt a rush of heat crawl up her neck at his words, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. Before she could muster a retort, Natsume slid his arms around her waist, guiding her gently but firmly until her back rested against the cool surface of the desk.
He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke, his voice low and teasing. "Tell me, Duchess... did you come here with a plan, or are you just improvising?"
Her heart raced as she struggled to find her voice. "Maybe a little of both," she admitted, her words barely above a whisper.
His chuckle was warm, sending a shiver down her spine. "Brave," he murmured, trailing the tip of his finger down her arm before it settled on her hand. He lifted it, pressing a kiss to her knuckles, his lips lingering just long enough to make her pulse quicken.
"Natsume," she started, her voice soft but firm, a mixture of nervousness and resolve.
"Hmm?" he prompted, his crimson eyes glinting with mischief as he straightened, still holding her hand in his.
Her fingers curled slightly around his, and for once, she found herself meeting his gaze without hesitation. "I want to be with you," she said, her words trembling but genuine.
His expression softened, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. "Then stay," he said simply, his voice steady and certain.
With that, he leaned in again, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was tender but held a depth that left her breathless. His hands, still resting on her hips, tightened their hold slightly, drawing her closer as if to anchor her in the moment. Mikan's fingers instinctively found their way to the front of his shirt, gripping the fabric as her pulse quickened.
The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, each movement of their lips igniting a warmth that spread through her entire body. Natsume's hand slid up from her waist, tracing the curve of her back with a featherlight touch that sent shivers down her spine.
Mikan pulled back just enough to catch her breath, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. Her eyes searched his, and she was met with an expression so intense and unguarded it made her body feel weak.
"Natsume," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the weight of her emotions carried through.
He rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and teasing. "You're distracting me from my work, you know."
A soft laugh escaped her, her hands still clutching the front of his shirt. "That was the idea."
The two exchanged a knowing smile, before Natsume took matters into his own hands. He delicately unbuttoned Mikan's shirt, exposing her underwear to his view. It didn't stay on for long, as Natsume also unbuttoned it quite quickly, the opening being in front. His hands didn't waste any time either, delicately caressing Mikan's chest. Glancing at her, who already seemed satisfied, he brought his mouth closer to one of her breasts, starting to lick it.
Under his wife's faster breathing, he began to move his hand down to her crotch, starting to caress it. Feeling impatient, he quickly lifted her skirt to get a better view. Mikan seemed to want more too, so he placed his hands on her bottom, lifting her pelvis a little so that he could remove her undergarment.
Once this was done, he quickly unbuckled his belt and trousers, freeing himself from his underwear as well. He kissed Mikan once more and admired her body lying on his desk for a few seconds. He would surely never forget this sight. Then, gently, he merged his body with hers.
When they finally pulled away, their breath still heavy, Mikan remained close to him, her hands resting gently on his chest as if grounding herself in the warmth of his presence. Natsume's fingers were still lightly tracing patterns along her arm, his gaze soft as he looked at her, searching for any signs of discomfort.
Mikan took a steadying breath, her heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. "I... didn't expect that," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper, but filled with a softness she couldn't hide.
Natsume smiled, a look of quiet satisfaction in his eyes as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm not sure I expected it either, but..." He paused, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek. "I don't regret it."
Mikan nodded, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her chest at his words. She wasn't sure how to fully process everything that had just happened, but she couldn't deny the feelings stirring inside her. This connection, this tension that had built between them for so long, had finally come to a head—and it was different from what she'd imagined.
She glanced at the papers scattered across the desk, the reminder of the world outside of this intimate moment creeping back in. "We should... probably get back to work," she murmured, though her voice was laced with reluctance.
Natsume chuckled softly, his fingers still resting on her waist as if he wanted to pull her back into his embrace. "I suppose," he said, but there was no hurry in his tone. "But I think you've earned a break, don't you?"
Mikan laughed quietly, meeting his eyes. "Maybe, but the duchy won't run itself." She took a small step back, feeling the space between them return, though it was different now—more charged, more significant.
He nodded, straightening up and gathering the scattered papers. "You're right. Let's take care of business, then."
As she moved back toward the door, Mikan couldn't help but glance over her shoulder at him. Natsume was already focused on the papers, but there was something undeniably different in the air between them now—a shift that neither of them could ignore.
"See you tonight," she said softly, her voice warm.
Natsume met her gaze with a knowing smile. "See you later, Mikan."
With that, she left the room, her heart still fluttering in her chest as she walked back to her office. The day ahead awaited her, but there was a new sense of confidence in her steps, one that had been ignited by something far beyond paperwork and formalities.
The sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor outside the office before Luca pushed the door open, carrying a stack of freshly signed documents. His usual calm demeanor shifted slightly as his sharp eyes immediately noticed the disarray on his desk.
He paused in the doorway, his brow quirking in quiet curiosity. "I take it that something… important happened while I was away?"
Natsume didn't look up from the papers he was now carefully organizing, his expression as unbothered as ever. "Just some necessary adjustments to the workflow," he said smoothly, not missing a beat.
Luca stepped closer, his gaze flicking between Natsume's uncharacteristically composed face and the noticeable absence of certain documents on his desk. Then he saw Mikan's ribbon on the corner of Natsume's desk, forgotten in the moment and quietly screaming volumes about what had transpired.
Luca's lips twitched, though whether it was in amusement or exasperation wasn't entirely clear. "Adjustments, huh? Should I even ask?"
Natsume finally looked up, his crimson eyes meeting Luca's with a calm defiance. "Probably not."
Luca sighed, setting the documents he'd been holding onto his now-crowded desk. "You know, for someone who insists on efficiency, you're awfully messy today." He gestured at the haphazardly placed papers and then leaned against his desk, crossing his arms.
Mikan chose that moment to knock lightly on the open door, clearly unaware Luca had returned. She entered, carrying a small notebook and looking a bit flustered but composed enough to maintain her usual grace.
"Oh, Luca, you're back," she said, her tone polite but faltering slightly as her gaze darted to Natsume.
Luca's eyes flicked between the two of them, and the realization solidified in his mind. His lips twitched again, this time in unmistakable amusement. "Duchess," he said smoothly, inclining his head with exaggerated politeness. "I see you've been keeping the Duke busy."
Mikan's cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her attention to the notebook in her hands. "I—I came to follow up on some reports," she said, her voice a touch higher than usual.
Natsume stood, walking over to Mikan and taking the notebook from her hands with a casual air. "We'll go over these together later," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Luca, watching the entire interaction like a hawk, let out a low chuckle. "You know," he began, "I left you alone for an hour, and suddenly, this office feels a lot… warmer."
Mikan shot him a quick glare, though her reddened cheeks gave her away. "I don't know what you're implying, Luca," she said, attempting to recover her composure.
"Oh, nothing, Duchess," he replied, his tone far too innocent. "It's just an observation."
Natsume narrowed his eyes at Luca, though the corners of his mouth twitched as if he was fighting back a smirk. "If you're done making observations, get back to work," he said, his voice dry but with an underlying note of amusement.
Luca raised his hands in mock surrender. "Of course, Duke." But as he turned back to his desk, a quiet laugh escaped him.
Mikan quickly excused herself, feeling the heat of both men's eyes on her back as she left the room. Once the door closed behind her, she pressed her hands to her flushed cheeks, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
A few days passed in an almost suffocating silence between Mikan and Natsume, the tension between them palpable. They continued to work side by side, the occasional glance or touch sending waves of heat through both of them. But it wasn't like before—the playful teasing, the spark of excitement—now, it was different, more charged, and neither was entirely sure how to break the barrier they'd unintentionally put up.
Mikan focused on her duties as Duchess, and Natsume, despite his usual aloofness, seemed to be waiting for her to make the first move. But even as they interacted, their conversations felt stilted, as if they were both dancing around something they couldn't yet put into words.
Then, one late afternoon, everything shifted. Mikan was in her office, reviewing some documents, when Natsume knocked and entered without waiting for permission, as usual. His eyes were dark, a quiet intensity behind them. The door closed softly behind him, and the silence in the room stretched between them like an unspoken invitation.
"You've been avoiding me," Natsume's voice was low, but there was no anger, just a quiet curiosity.
Mikan's heart skipped a beat at his words. She hadn't realized she had been avoiding him, but in retrospect, it seemed like the only way she could keep her composure. She looked up from her desk, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, neither of them moved.
"I haven't been avoiding you," she said softly, though the truth was, she had. She had been unsure how to act after what had happened in his office, unsure of how to proceed without making things too complicated. But now, with the heat of his eyes on her, all of her reservations began to slip away.
Natsume stepped closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. He placed a hand on her desk, leaning in slightly. "Then let's stop pretending," he murmured, and before Mikan could say another word, he leaned down and kissed her—gentle at first, as if testing the waters, but then with an intensity that made her breath catch.
The kiss was a release, and Mikan responded almost immediately, her hands gripping his shoulders as he deepened the kiss, his body pressing closer to hers. The room seemed to shrink around them, and all the doubts, the uncertainty, vanished.
When they finally broke apart, Mikan's heart was pounding in her chest, her cheeks flushed from both the kiss and the heat that radiated from Natsume. She met his gaze, her breath coming in shallow pants.
Natsume smiled, a rare, genuine smile that reached his eyes. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Mikan laughed softly, feeling a mix of exhilaration and relief. "No, it wasn't," she admitted. "But it's still a bit…" She hesitated, not sure how to put it into words.
"Complicated?" Natsume suggested, his tone teasing but understanding.
"Yeah," she agreed, her lips curving into a smile.
He leaned in again, his hand gently cupping her face. "Well, let's make it less complicated."
And with that, he kissed her again, this time with more urgency, his hands pulling her closer. The kiss quickly escalated, and Mikan lost track of time as they continued to explore the newfound intensity between them.
From that moment forward, things between them shifted. No longer was there the awkwardness or hesitation that had lingered. They found themselves spending more and more time together, slipping into a rhythm of stolen kisses, quiet moments shared in between meetings, and lingering touches that spoke volumes without a single word. It didn't matter what time of day it was—whether it was in the early morning before the day had fully begun or late at night after they had finished their work—whenever they found a moment, they couldn't resist each other.
Mikan would find herself in his arms at any given time, their kisses growing more passionate as the days went on. She didn't know when it had happened exactly, but somewhere along the way, they had crossed a line, and now there was no going back.
But for now, as they kissed again and again, as their hands explored and their hearts raced, nothing else seemed to matter. The world outside their bubble of stolen moments and heated glances faded away, leaving only them, entwined in something that was no longer just a game.
It had been weeks since the tensions between Mikan and Natsume had simmered into something undeniable. Their relationship, once filled with playful teasing and unspoken desires, had evolved into something deeper, more intimate. As they spent more time together, both in the office and in private, Mikan had begun to notice subtle changes in her body.
There were the tired spells she couldn't shake off, the strange nausea that seemed to come and go with the mornings, and an overall feeling of being… off. At first, she had dismissed it as the stress of managing her duties as Duchess—balancing the duchy, the Princess's cause, and the constant demands of court life. But as days passed, the symptoms lingered, and the more Mikan thought about it, the more she wondered.
Could it be?
She hadn't given much thought to the idea, but there it was, lingering in her mind like a question with no answer. The cycle had been late, which was unusual for her. She couldn't ignore the possibility any longer. But she wasn't sure—she needed confirmation.
Mikan had never been one to make rash decisions, especially when it came to something so life-altering. She needed to know for sure, but there was no way to confirm it on her own in the confines of their manor. In this era, pregnancy tests were a luxury that hadn't yet been perfected.
The only way to know was to consult a trusted physician, someone who could provide answers. But, Mikan didn't want to face this uncertainty alone—not when she wasn't even sure how to approach it. So, after much deliberation, she decided to ask Natsume for help.
It was late in the evening when she found him in his office, hunched over paperwork. The soft glow of the lanterns cast shadows across his face, making him look as if he was contemplating some serious matter. She stood in the doorway for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she entered.
"Natsume?" she called softly, her voice hesitant.
He looked up from the desk, his expression softening when he saw her. "Mikan? What is it?"
Her heart fluttered in her chest, but she pushed the nerves aside. "I… I need to talk to you about something," she began, stepping into the room and closing the door gently behind her. "Something important."
Natsume pushed his papers aside, giving her his full attention. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, and it made his pulse quicken slightly. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice steady and concerned.
Mikan bit her lip, her hands fidgeting nervously. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm… I'm not sure, but I think I might be pregnant."
The words seemed to hang in the air between them, heavy with meaning. She watched his reaction closely, unsure of how he would respond. He didn't say anything for a moment, and Mikan felt her breath catch in her throat.
"Pregnant?" Natsume finally asked, his voice quiet, though there was an edge of surprise to it. He stood up slowly, walking toward her. "Are you sure? How do you know?"
Mikan lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes for a moment. "I'm not sure. But I've been feeling… different lately. The nausea in the mornings, the fatigue. And my cycle is late, which is very unusual for me." She paused, gathering her courage before meeting his gaze. "I need to see a doctor, Natsume. I can't do it alone. I'm not sure if I'm imagining things."
Natsume studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, but then he stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "We'll find out for sure," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "If you're unsure, we can call a physician. I'll be with you. It's important to know what's going on."
Mikan nodded, relieved that he was so understanding. "Thank you. I just… don't know what to think."
Natsume smiled gently, his hand still resting on her cheek. "It's okay, Mikan."
With that, Mikan felt a sense of calm wash over her. She hadn't known what to expect from Natsume, but his quiet support gave her the strength she needed to move forward.
Mikan had made the decision. She couldn't wait any longer to confirm her suspicions. She had taken a few more days to think about it, but the doubt had only grown stronger. The fatigue, the nausea, the odd sensations in her body—it couldn't be ignored. The thought of pregnancy lingered like a shadow, and she needed to know for sure.
She'd spoken to Natsume about it again, and his response had been exactly what she'd hoped for—calm, supportive, and reassuring. The physician would be coming to the duchy to examine her, and he would confirm what Mikan couldn't quite believe on her own.
It wasn't uncommon for women in their society to fall pregnant soon after marriage. It was expected, even. But that didn't make the situation any less daunting, especially for Mikan. She had no idea how to navigate this new phase of her life, and yet, with Natsume by her side, she felt as if maybe, just maybe, she could manage it.
As she sat in the private chambers, waiting for the physician's arrival, she couldn't help but feel a nervous flutter in her chest. The door opened to reveal the doctor, an older man with gray hair and soft, knowing eyes.
"Duchess," the physician greeted, bowing his head slightly as he stepped into the room. "I'm here to assist you."
Mikan stood up, her hands clasped together in front of her as she smiled politely. "Thank you, Doctor. I just… I need to know for certain."
"Of course," the doctor said kindly, settling into the chair beside her. "This is a routine examination. Nothing to worry about."
Outside the room, Natsume stood with his father, the former Duke, and Aoi, all of them awaiting the results. The air was thick with anticipation, but there was a sense of calm that settled over them all.
The door to the room opened, and Natsume's father, ever the picture of dignity, stepped forward as the physician emerged. He smiled broadly, his eyes twinkling with the sort of satisfaction that came with the expected news.
"Well?" the Duke asked, his voice filled with warmth. "How are things progressing?"
The physician gave a polite bow. "It appears as we expected, Your Grace. Duchess Mikan is indeed pregnant. Congratulations."
Aoi, who had been standing silently by her father's side, looked between her father and Natsume, her expression unreadable but pleased. She stepped forward, offering Mikan a smile as the news was relayed.
"Congratulations, Mikan," Aoi said softly, her voice sincere. "I'm sure you'll make a wonderful mother."
Natsume's lips curled into a proud, if slightly teasing, smile. He stepped forward, his hand gently resting on Mikan's shoulder. "I told you we'd face this together," he murmured in her ear, his voice low with affection.
Mikan smiled up at him, her heart beating a little faster. It was still overwhelming, but there was comfort in the knowledge that Natsume, his father, and Aoi were there to support her.
The former Duke gave them both a nod of approval, his hands clasped behind his back. "This is a joyous occasion. I'm glad to see that everything is progressing as it should."
Natsume glanced at his father, then back at Mikan. There was something deeply comforting in the way the older man had spoken. The expectation was clear—pregnancy was a natural part of life, a norm in the noble family. For Natsume, it seemed like a logical next step, and perhaps that's what made it feel more easy for him.
Mikan, however, felt her heart racing with a mixture of emotions—joy, fear, uncertainty. But Natsume's presence beside her, the way he held her hand with such quiet assurance, made her feel like maybe she could do this. They could do this.
"Are you alright?" Natsume asked, his voice gentle but insistent as he turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly.
Mikan nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I'm fine. I'm just… trying to process it all."
"You'll have time," he reassured her. "There's no rush. And I'll be here every step of the way."
The room settled into a quiet calm after the news, the Duke's expression a mixture of pride and satisfaction. It was what they had all expected, what tradition had set in motion, and Mikan couldn't help but feel the weight of it all—both a sense of relief and the daunting reality of what was to come.
For now, though, there would be no more uncertainty. The truth was out in the open, and she would face it, step by step. With Natsume beside her, offering his steady presence and unwavering support, she felt a surge of determination.