CH 108

When she finished reading the letter, Elena briefly hugged the pieces of parchment to her chest. She dwelled in the feeling of longing for a moment, thinking about Rowena, Marina, her father, and her hometown. Rowena, who was quiet but always hard working. Marina, who still acted like a child, but was nevertheless lovely. When she thought about her precious siblings, the tragedy that had happened to Gareth brought more sorrow to her. The man who had cared for and loved his family so much had lost all of them right in front of him.

Elena wiped her tears with the back of her hand and gently stroked her stomach with the other. It was fascinating how the baby growing inside of her was changing her body and mind every day. It had already been a week since Gareth had left the estate, and the urge to show him her changing body grew each day. ‘I think he might even like the changes…’ Elena thought as she recalled how he had touched and kissed her belly as if it were the most precious thing in the world before leaving. Such affectionate gestures had given her yet another set of expectations and impulses to share her life with him.

“I have to get going now, Lady Elena,” William said at that moment.

“Already? Why don’t you rest here for the night?”

William smiled and replied, “No, I’ve already been away for too long.” Everyone had been worried about Elena’s well-being, but William was confident about what he was going to say when he returned back home. The lady was the happiest he had ever seen her.

“Ah… I see. I can’t be greedy and hold on to you, then. Tell everyone that I’m doing well.”

Elena accompanied William out the castle. Before he set off on his way back to Townsend estate, she mentioned what she had not been able to say with other people around. “Gareth says there will soon be a battle between the king and his cousins. The Townsend estate can’t just rely on Gareth anymore. They need to come up with their own countermeasures. Please inform Father of this news like it is your thought, William, not mine,” she said in a gentle voice.

William’s face hardened at Elena’s words. He had not cared about the current political situation for a while, and felt as if he was hit in the head with a brick. The estate was having a harsh winter as usual, despite Logan having halted his attacks.

“Logan is probably getting ready to attack the king, but you never know. It’s never bad to be prepared, so persuade Father well.”

“Yes, my lady. I will make sure to relay this advice to Count Townsend.”

“Have a safe trip back home. I’ll visit next time.”

Elena watched William leave until he disappeared from her sight. She then went back into the castle and made her way to the kitchen. Standing outside made it feel as if Gareth were going to return soon. There was no clear reason why, but she felt that he was going to be back soon.

* * *

Gareth arrived back at his estate around midnight that night. He washed himself with cold water before silently climbing up the stairs to his room. After watching Elena sleep for a while, he placed his armor and scabbard on the table and began to take off his clothes, moving as quietly as possible. However, he soon heard a rustling sound come from behind him. Gareth looked back, approached the bed, and leaned over to kiss Elena’s forehead.

“Did I wake you up?” he whispered.

Elena blinked her eyes, half-asleep. She had a feeling that he was going to come back soon, but was he really here?

“Gareth?” she asked to confirm.

“I’m right here,” he replied, lightly kissing her lips. He then threw off his pants and slipped into the bed naked to hug her.