Page 11 of Demonchild

Was there a trace of irony in the man’s voice, or had Malissa only imagined that? It was always difficult to tell with Jaeger.

“Droanna said you have some news of him?”

Jaeger frowned. “I’m afraid so. He was wounded in battle.”

Malissa’s heart leapt. She knew it was wrong to wish for a man’s death, especially when that man was her own husband, but if Wulfgang died, it meantshecould go on living.

“How badly?” she asked, hoping her voice sounded concerned, not eager.

“He will survive, Your Highness. An arrow took him in the groin, just above the edge of his greaves. It went deep, but it did notsever any major arteries, and his men were able to carry him to safety. He will need to spend at least a month in Corrinia, recovering. Once he is well enough to ride again, he will return to Drachenval to complete his convalescence. His generals will remain in the east to continue the war in his absence.”

“He’s returning here?” Malissa said. “I shall be glad to see him.”

In reality, her heart felt as if it had just turned to stone and dropped to the pit of her stomach. Her mind raced as she tried to calculate the date of his return. A month recovering in Corrinia, then another month or two traveling. Maybe longer if the weather was bad crossing the White Mountains. But then, the message would have come via a carrier pigeon, which meant the news was already several days old at this point. Perhaps even a week.

As if reading her thoughts, Dr. Jaeger said, “He is expected to arrive in ninety days.”

Ninety days. Holy Creator.

“Your Highness?” Jaeger said.

Malissa realized she was frowning. She quickly shook her head.

“I’m sorry, I just… I amshakenby the news of the king’s wounding. But I am happy to hear that he will be returning home so soon.”

“Of course,” said Dr. Jaeger. He paused for a beat, then he added: “The king also enquired about you, Your Highness. He wished to know about your…health.”

“My health?”

Jaeger’s normally pale cheeks pinked with embarrassment, and he dropped his eyes to the floor.

“Yes, Your Highness. Specifically, he wanted to know if you have… menstruated since his departure.”

Malissa’s heart skipped.

Before she even had a chance to consider her answer, she heard the words leaving her mouth, and they surprised her just as much as they seemed to surprise the doctor.

“I havenot,” she said.

Jaeger’s dark eyes flicked up to meet hers. “You’re sure?”

Malissa laughed, taking advantage of the man’s obvious discomfort with the topic.

“Of course I’m sure, doctor. I think I would have noticed the blood if it had come.”

Jaeger’s blush deepened.

“Your Highness, it has been over two months since the king departed. If you have not… not bled since then… you must be with child.”

“Yes, I’ve suspected it for several weeks now.” Malissa was amazed by the cool confidence she heard in her own voice. “I only wished to wait until some time had passed before telling anyone—just to be absolutely certain.”

“I must inform the king,” Jaeger said thoughtfully. “I shall pen a letter immediately, and send it out with a pigeon.”

His eyes narrowed, and he regarded Malissa with what may have been suspicion.

“The king will be gladdened by this news,” he said. “Perhaps it will evenhastenhis recovery. Who knows? With luck, he may be home sooner than ninety days.”

He bowed deeply.

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