"I know you too well. It's a trap." She laughed, but came closer, held my face in her hands and kissed me regardless.
As Valleria disappeared from the room, I couldn't help but smile.
I got out of bed and made my way to the window, staring out at the bustling city below. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the rooftops and streets. I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace in the quiet moments before the chaos of the day began.
There is so much to do. Many things I had to deal with personally. As I sat at my desk, going over the day's agenda, I couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness.
As the day drew to a close, I found myself once again in the nursery, holding her in my arms for a short while. I felt a sense of contentment and happiness that I couldn't find anywhere else, and I knew then that I was truly blessed to have her.
"Ah-goo." she babbled, stirring a bit as she was reaching for the little toy I held in my hand.
"I wanted to apologize, Your Majesty." A quiet voice resounded from the door before I turned my head towards her direction. Aurelia was finally dressed in women's clothes, though her face still looked like that of a boy thanks to her short brown hair.
"Apology accepted." I nodded without granting her the opportunity to continue as I turned my head back to the infant in my arms. Aurelia didn't bother me any longer and I was able to spend a few more minutes with this laughing bundle of joy.
On my way out, I approached the old woman whom Valleria so desperately tried to keep around. Her wisdom was admirable and I was in need of advice, "Tell me, when is the reasonable time to try for another?"
She didn't respond at first, but then the understanding lit up her eyes "Another child, your majesty?" After the nod I gave her, she sighed "I'd say to wait until she is done feeding this one. The lactation works as a contraception. Her body should also gather a bit more strength. I'd say to wait at least a year. Mothers usually crave another baby when they are ready themselves."
"Hmm." I hummed and turned to leave her behind. That wasn't the answer I wanted to hear. But there is time, she is young and clearly able to carry the child through the whole pregnancy.
I adjusted my posture, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of pressuring Valleria into another pregnancy so soon. She had been through so much already, and I didn't want to rush her into anything she wasn't ready for. As I made my way back to my chambers, exhausted by today's tasks, my mind wandered to her. Where was she?
But the answer was obvious when I turned around the corner and found her guards stretched out in the hall in front of my chambers.