"Darla, can we talk?" she nodded and we walked upstairs away from the others while Kingston was making us something to eat. "What is wrong? I can sense your worry, and can clearly tell you are uncomfortable. "I do not know what to do Anastasia."

 I rubbed her back gently as we stood there at the top of the stairs. "Anastasia, I am pregnant." My jaw nearly hit the floor. "Does Bryson know?" she shook her head no. "I can't tell him right now. Not with everything going on." I hugged her. "Darla, you will not miscarry like before remember we healed you. Just stay calm and he needs to know. Better from you than from someone else. Layla will be happy to have another pregnant woman beside her through this."

 Her eyes glared at mine in shock. "Oh, yeah, I forgot I am the only one who knew. Shit, I suck at secrets. See you better tell him cause me keeping secrets is not a good combination." "Okay I will tell everyone now. Will you be there with me?" "Of course, Darla."

I followed Darla back down to the kitchen, but she was silent and I could tell she was scared. 'Lucy, she will explain in a moment but can you do your feeling thing and give Darla strength, comfort.' 'of course, Stas.' Lucy stretched her hand towards Darla gaining everyone's attention. Darla took a deep breath and Bryson ran to her in concern.

 "Darla, baby, are you okay?" I looked at Darla nodding, motioning her to continue and tell him. "Bryson, I am pregnant." Nothing but silence I swear you could hear if a water droplet fell. "Are you serious?" I have always found that to be a dumb question but not my place to talk. "Yes." He grabbed her in a tight hug, and everyone cheered. "How I mean the doctors said." He stopped and looked at me smiling and somehow he knew. "Thank you, Anastasia, for whatever you did."

We finished the amazing lunch that Kingston was kind enough to prepare. Layla and Darla were in the corner talking about babies and baby stuff. Kingston and my mother the Queen were having their own conversation. Lucy and Chandler were sitting at the dining room table talking. I took that opportunity to walk outside on the porch and get some fresh air. 

The sky was a bit cloudy but it was still beautiful. I heard the door open as I was rocking in the wooden rocking chair. I looked to see, and it was my King father. I was not in the mood to argue so I was going to just go back inside. He raised his hand to stop me.

"Please sit down. I am not here to argue or yell, okay?" I slowly sat back down. "I truly did not want to fight with you. I am sorry for all the pain and grief that we have caused. We only thought we were doing right by both of you." His words were sincere. "It is not your fault. This is all because of men who want what is not theirs." He nodded in agreement. 

"You know something?" "What is that, your majesty?" "Lucy takes after your mother. Peacemaker, caring, almost motherly. Can be fierce but just like her. You on the other hand. You are like me. Strong minded, hard headed, stubborn, but all to protect those you care about. You never stop fighting." I smirked at his remark. "Like father like daughter your majesty." We sat there in peace for the first time.

As we were sitting there I saw something in the woods and ran after it. Father in tow, staying right with me and not questioning my actions. 'Ember, I feel like something is really wrong.' 'Me to Stas.' Then we hit a clearing and my stomach dropped. There were four dead bodies lined up. Each of them had a note.

 One was addressed to the King, one to Lucy, one to me, and one to Kingston. "These must be some of Kingston's guards. We need to go back now." The king grabbed the notes, and we headed back to the packhouse. I knew he was here. I knew he was watching and I knew he would not stop. One thing is different this time because neither will I.