The Archduchess' delivery went well. The help of a physician was hardly even needed. Soon a healthy baby girl was born.
In honor of his daughter's birth, Henry Ashford threw a feast — which lasted almost a week. Aristocrats from all over the empire came to the estate to congratulate the young parents.
It seemed as if the Ashford family was on a new bright streak. Emily named her daughter by the traditional name of the clan Ileas — Leriana, which means connection to nature. The girl herself came out a copy of her mother.
At first all went well. Emilie took care of the child, perhaps her only comfort in her present life. The Archduke also behaved with dignity. It seemed that he loved his daughter no less than his wife.
From the outside, the happy married couple — who for the first time knew the joys of motherhood and fatherhood. Whereas in reality Emily had no idea what awaited her.
