Scene 1: Leon's Growing Despair
The garden behind the Mondell estate was quiet, the faint hum of insects the only sound. Leon sat on the old stone bench, his head in his hands. He'd written dozens of letters, and each one was returned with the same vague response: His Highness is focused on the war effort and cannot respond at this time.
His chest tightened as he recalled the last time he'd seen Atlas. He'd been so sure of their bond, so certain of the promises they'd made. But now, with each unanswered letter, doubt began to creep in.
"Leon?" a familiar voice broke the silence.
Leon looked up to see Tristan standing a few steps away, his expression filled with quiet concern. "Tristan," Leon said softly. "What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you," Tristan admitted. "You've been... distant lately."
Leon laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Distant? That's ironic, isn't it?"
Tristan hesitated, then moved closer. "You're allowed to feel like this, Leon. No one expects you to be okay all the time."
Leon's gaze dropped to the ground. "I just... I thought I was stronger than this."
"You are," Tristan said gently. "But even the strongest people need someone to lean on."
---
Scene 2: The First Signs
Over the next few weeks, Leon's health began to decline. The nausea that had started as an occasional annoyance became more frequent, and his appetite vanished. Even the simple act of standing left him lightheaded.
One morning, as he sat at the kitchen table, Cecily entered with a basket of flowers. She froze when she saw him, her brow furrowing. "Leon, you look awful."
"I'm fine," Leon muttered, though the pallor of his skin betrayed him.
"You're not fine," Cecily said bluntly. "When was the last time you ate?"
Before Leon could respond, Edwin strode into the room, his presence commanding as always. He paused, his sharp eyes taking in Leon's state.
"What's going on?" Edwin demanded, his voice firm. "Leon, you look like you're about to keel over."
Leon sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I'm just tired, Edwin. It's nothing."
"Nothing?" Edwin's voice rose, his anger barely restrained. "You've been like this for weeks, and now you expect me to believe it's nothing?"
"Edwin, calm down," Cecily said, stepping between them. "Leon doesn't need you shouting at him."
"He needs answers," Edwin snapped. He turned to Leon, his expression softening slightly. "When was the last time you saw a doctor?"
Leon hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. I'll go."
---
Scene 3: The Revelation
The physician's office was quiet, the tension thick as Leon sat on the examination table. Cecily stood nearby, her arms crossed tightly as the physician conducted her tests.
Finally, the woman straightened, her tone gentle. "Leon, you're pregnant."
Leon blinked, the words not fully registering. "I'm... what?"
"Pregnant," the physician repeated. "About three months along."
Leon's hands trembled as he pressed them to his stomach. "But how...?"
Cecily stepped forward, her voice soft. "The festival," she reminded him. "It must have been that night."
Leon nodded numbly, his mind racing. "But what do I do now?"
---
Scene 4: Edwin's Reaction
That evening, Cecily and Leon returned to the estate, the weight of the revelation hanging over them. Edwin was already waiting in the parlor, his arms crossed as he looked between them.
"What's going on?" he asked sharply.
Cecily took a deep breath. "Leon's pregnant."
Edwin froze, his expression darkening. "Is this a joke?"
Leon shook his head, his voice trembling. "I didn't know... I didn't realize."
Edwin's jaw tightened, and for a moment, Leon thought he might yell. But instead, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "How could you be so careless?"
"Edwin, stop," Cecily said firmly. "He doesn't need your judgment right now."
Edwin exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing. "You're right. I'm sorry, Leon. But this changes everything."
Leon looked away, his chest tightening. "I don't even know if Atlas will come back."
Edwin's eyes flashed with anger. "If he cared, he wouldn't have left you like this."