## In the Doctor's Study
"There were no complications in early pregnancy," Kaian demanded. "So why can't we proceed with the birth?"
The doctor, who had been enjoying his sense of importance before this moment, now felt genuine terror.
"It's impossible. The pregnancy needs more time—four to five weeks minimum."
"Why not this week?"
The doctor felt the weight of potential unemployment—or worse—hanging over him. But he stood firm. "Your Lordship, Claudel's pregnancy is a miracle. Herzol has no survivors. Even considering her crocodile injury and illness, her current health is remarkable. The baby needs time to develop properly."
Kaian slumped into his chair, ruffling his hair in frustration. "My mental health is deteriorating."
The doctor blinked. "What?"
"I see my wife every day," Kaian said intensely. "Do you understand how much I desire her? Can you comprehend the restraint required?"
The doctor slowly shook his head in a mixture of pity and disbelief. *The mighty Duke of Temnes is completely wife-crazy.*
"There's only one solution," the doctor finally offered.
"What?"
"Dialogue with your wife. Talk to her about this."
Kaian muttered darkly in response, then broke an innocent pen in his grip with a sharp crack.
---
## In the Bedroom
I was waiting when Kaian slipped into the darkened room without knocking.
"You're awake," he said, surprised to find me sitting against the bed.
"I thought your insomnia was better. I came to work longer since I assumed you'd sleep."
His excuse was transparent. He knew perfectly well my insomnia hadn't improved—the pregnancy had just made me sleep deeper when I did. He called the doctor daily about my condition. He knew.
"You must be busy," I said, trying to sound understanding while my chest tightened.
"The past two months have been chaotic with the wedding and capital visit," he explained, settling beside me. "But I always find time for you."
Always time to come late to the bedroom. Always finding reasons to stay away until after I'd supposedly fallen asleep.
The paranoia I'd supposedly overcome came rushing back.
*Is he with Madame Marcel? Is that where he spends his evenings?*
I knew it was irrational. Kaian had never frequented entertainment districts. But the capital had salons, pubs, countless places where a man could spend time away from his wife.
And those late-night office visits with Madame Marcel...
"I'll let you rest," he said, moving to leave.
But something in me snapped. I followed him to the bathroom and knocked.
"Kaian. Can I come in?"
He started to refuse, but I pushed the door open anyway.
He sat in the massive white bathtub, water cascading over his shoulders and muscled chest. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
I climbed in beside him, and the water immediately began to overflow.
"Why are you doing that?" he asked, looking at me with confusion and something that might have been concern.
"Why do you come to the bedroom so late?" The words came out broken. "Why do you avoid being with me?"
My eyes felt hot. My voice cracked with tears I couldn't quite shed.
"I waited. I've been waiting."
All my pregnancy hormones, all my insecurity, all my fear that he'd grown bored with me—it all came pouring out.
"You come late. You avoid the bedroom. You're always with... with her..."
Kaian's expression shifted from confusion to realization.
"Claudel," he said quietly. "You were the one who didn't want to shower together."
I froze.
"When we first came to the castle, you said it made you uncomfortable. You asked me not to suggest it." He moved closer, his voice dropping. "Every night, I come to your bedroom because that's all you'll allow. I respect your boundaries, even when it costs me everything."
The truth of his words crashed over me.
I'd been so caught up in pregnancy paranoia that I'd forgotten—I had asked him not to shower with me. I'd been modest, shy, uncertain. And he'd been respecting that choice every single night.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"Don't apologize for carrying my child," he said fiercely. "But know this—I'm here because I want to be. Not because I have to be. Not because of duty."
He pulled me closer in the water, his touch gentle despite the intensity in his eyes.
"When the doctor finally clears us, I'm going to show you exactly how patient I've been."
---