4/11
A week had passed since the incident with the cougar and surprisingly Gregory Tucker, the guard that had asked me to marry him, hadn't come by to speak with my father; so, naturally, I never mentioned it either. When they had questioned me about the blood, I had simply told them it was an unfortunate incident with the local butcher. They tripped and accidentally spilled a bucket of guts on me.
They didn't believe me of course, but to keep them from asking, I told him the boy was fired immediately; even against my protests.
The events from when I ran off had quickly dissipated, either to keep me safe or safe from embarrassment on behalf of my family or even both, but I was thankful nonetheless.
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The sun was high and beating down upon the city like a fire. It was midday, and not a cloud was in the sky. The birds twirled and danced in the air, singing songs that soothed the heart.
I was making small talk with the vendors in the central part of our district where families often sold some of their crop or crafted items. I was simply browsing items for our baby, though having no means to actually buy them, and trying my best at being sneaky about it at least.
Was I ready? I started to doubt myself, as the realization of the child growing inside me had finally hit me.
"Are you needing anything specific?" A frail, elderly woman asked me as she was sitting behind a stall that was selling blankets. "I make all different shapes, sizes, colors." I peered at her in disbelief, even her eyes were so low from not being able to open them fully from being so weak. Her skeletal limbs shook as she moved, and she needed a cane to maneuver throughout the world as is; it was propped up against the flimsy, plank wall of her stall.
There was no way she made such magnificent creations.
"Just looking, thank you though." I smiled at her as I looked at the few she had brought with her. "Do you get any help doing these? These seem like a lot of work?"
"Quite, but no help, dear," she beamed with glee. They were her babies and it was obvious. "My husband died years ago, and my children have all since went on with their lives. Some are even working inside the castle! Isn't that wonderful?"
I didn't respond to her, I felt sorrow for her, instead I inquired on how much a baby blanket would be. "Expecting dear?" Her eyes opened enough to peer at my hands, "no ring, though?" she questioned.
I quickly hid my hands behind my back, "it's for my friend."
"Yes, well, I'll make you a fresh one when it's born, as a gift? For now, you need to feed the darling, little joy." She bent down, her back cracking as she did so, before grabbing something by her feet and bringing it up to show me. "Try drinking this, it has all the nutrients you need for a healthy baby."
I was a bit perplexed as to why she had a random bottle of liquid to help a pregnant woman.
Noticing my confusion, she chuckled as she explained, "I make blankets, honey. I get a lot of pregnant women, so I started making a drink for them as well. It does nothing but help grow the child." She held the small, black vial of liquid out for me to grab. Coincidentally enough, it had a small red heart on it as the only image; not a word was written upon it, and it was only a few tablespoons at most.
"Thank you," I said, quickly taking the top off and drinking it. "I can't let my family know about this." I stuffed the vial into my apron's pocket before excusing myself. The old, frail woman only waved as I departed her stand.
As I walked further down the street, someone caught my attention from the corner of my eye through the sea of faces. When I turned to look at him, he looked familiar, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I squinted my eyes, hoping it would help me concentrate.
The man was at the end of the street, waving at me. I was sure he was meaning for me because he had pointed as well. I began to walk towards him to see what he needed; he didn't look like someone that typically frequented our district. He had to be a nobleman; the way he's dressed seemed more put together compared to the men that worked in our district.
And I was right.
"I thought it were you." It was Gregory, and he had met me half way. I wanted to run when I realized who it was. He wasn't in his typical armor, he was dressed as a normal man of his stature, and trying, but failing to blend in with the crowds. He was wearing brown trousers with a white shirt and dark brown boots. He was also wearing a small, red chain around his neck, a symbol of being a guardsman.
"Hello," I tried to smile, but I most likely appeared more constipated than anything. I wanted to avoid the topic of marriage, hoping he'd have somehow forgotten. "How have you been?" I motioned for him to join me as I continued walking towards the way in which he came.
"I know you love... him..." he began, ignoring my fake attempts at being interested in him as he followed my lead. "And you'll be killed if you give birth to that child without a husband."
My ears perked up, "what are you saying?" I kept my voice low, almost a whisper.
"Marry me, and I will raise the child so you both can live."
I stopped walking, and he did the same, halting only a few inches ahead of me. "Are you serious?"
Gregory stepped forward, placing his hands on either side of my waist and leaned in towards my lips. I turned my head last minute, forcing him to instead kiss my cheek. He let out a soft sigh of defeat as he backed away, his head down. "Very. I work all the time, and what woman wants a man like that? I already know who you actually want, and I'll be okay with it, so long as you....help me as well."
I wanted to puke. I straightened myself up, "talk to my father. Now if you'll excuse me." I passed him quickly, walking speedily but not running to avoid people looking at me. I glanced over my shoulder at him. He wasn't coming after me, only watching as I left him.