Scene 1: Leon's Quiet Resolve
The early morning light filtered into Leon's room, casting a soft glow on the walls. He sat by the window, gazing out at the estate's gardens. His hand rested lightly on his abdomen, the weight of responsibility growing heavier each day.
For the first time in weeks, the nausea had subsided. He felt a fleeting moment of peace, but it was quickly replaced by a familiar ache—the longing for Atlas.
Why aren't you here? he thought bitterly. Do you even know what you've left behind?
A knock at the door broke his reverie. "Come in," he said softly.
Tristan stepped inside, a small tray in his hands. "Good morning," he said, setting the tray on the table. "I brought you some tea and toast."
Leon smiled faintly. "You don't have to keep doing this, you know."
"I know," Tristan said, sitting across from him. "But I want to."
Leon hesitated, then reached for the tea. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For everything."
Tristan's gaze softened. "You don't have to thank me, Leon. I'm just glad to see you looking better today."
Leon took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through him. "I've been thinking," he said after a moment. "About the baby. About what kind of parent I'll be."
"You'll be a good one," Tristan said without hesitation. "I know you will."
Leon looked at him, his chest tightening. "What if I'm not? What if... what if I can't do this alone?"
"You're not alone," Tristan said firmly. "You have your family. And you have me."
The sincerity in his voice brought tears to Leon's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. "Thank you," he whispered. "That means more than you know."
---
Scene 2: A Family Divided
Downstairs, the tension in the study was palpable. Edwin stood at the desk, reviewing security reports, while Bjorn paced restlessly.
"We've tightened security as much as we can," Bjorn said, his voice low and urgent. "But if the Fleur Empire finds out—"
"They won't," Edwin interrupted, his tone clipped. "We've taken every precaution."
"But it's only a matter of time," Bjorn argued. "You know that as well as I do."
Cecily, who had been standing quietly by the window, turned to face them. "What's the plan if they do find out?" she asked. "Have you considered evacuation?"
"I have properties far from here," Edwin said. "If it comes to that, we'll leave the estate."
Bjorn stopped pacing, his expression grim. "And what about Leon? Does he know any of this?"
Edwin's jaw tightened. "No. And he doesn't need to. He has enough to worry about."
Cecily frowned. "Don't you think he deserves to know? This is his life we're talking about."
"It's his life," Edwin said sharply. "Which is why I'll do whatever it takes to protect him. Whether he likes it or not."
---
Scene 3: Whispers of Danger
That afternoon, a messenger arrived at the estate, his expression grave. Edwin met him at the gates, his sharp gaze scanning the letter he carried.
"It's from one of our allies near the border," the messenger explained. "There have been sightings of Fleur agents in the area."
Edwin's jaw tightened as he read the letter. "How close?"
"Too close," the messenger said. "They're asking questions about the Mondell family."
Edwin handed the letter to Bjorn, who had joined them at the gates. "We need to move quickly," he said. "Double the patrols around the estate. No one gets in or out without clearance."
Bjorn nodded. "What about Leon?"
"He doesn't need to know," Edwin said firmly. "Not yet."
---
Scene 4: A Moment of Laughter
Meanwhile, Leon sat in the parlor with Cecily, who was carefully arranging flowers in a vase. The gentle hum of conversation filled the room, and for the first time in weeks, Leon felt a faint sense of normalcy.
"You should get some fresh air," Cecily suggested, glancing at him with a smile. "It might do you some good."
Leon hesitated, then nodded. "Maybe later."
Cecily set down the vase and sat beside him. "You're stronger than you think, Leon," she said softly. "I know things feel impossible right now, but you'll get through this. You always do."
Leon smiled faintly. "Thank you, Cecily. That means a lot."
As they talked, Tristan entered the room, his expression unusually light. "Am I interrupting?"
"Not at all," Cecily said, standing. "Actually, I was just leaving. You two enjoy yourselves."
Leon watched her go, then turned to Tristan. "What's with the smile?"
Tristan shrugged, sitting across from him. "I found something that might cheer you up."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden bird. "I saw it at the market and thought of you."
Leon took the bird, his eyes widening. "It's... beautiful," he said softly. "Thank you."
Tristan smiled. "I thought you might like it."
For a moment, the weight on Leon's chest lifted, and he allowed himself a small laugh. "You're full of surprises, Tristan."
---
Scene 5: The Shadows Deepen
That evening, as the estate settled into quiet, Edwin stood by the window in his study, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Bjorn entered, his expression grim.
"The patrols are set," Bjorn said. "But we can't hold them off forever."
"We won't have to," Edwin replied, his voice low. "As soon as we get word of any real threat, we'll leave."
Bjorn frowned. "And if Leon refuses?"
"He won't have a choice," Edwin said. "This isn't about what he wants. It's about keeping him and that baby alive."
Bjorn nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."