Manon's Child

Part 36

Manon's POV

More than once on the way back to Adarlan, Abraxos just stops flying to force me to rest. Although I try to make him stop, as soon as he sense me half-asleep on his back, he lands. Even so, we reach Adarlan in only a couple of days.

When I land, I stay sitting on him for a moment, examining my belly. I am noticeably larger than when I left Perranth, the bumo noticeable, but small. I didn't know people got so fat so quickly, but I don't know much about pregnancy. My clothes are starting to become too small, and I had to replace my tight witch leathers with airier clothing.

I slide off Abraxos and land heavily on the grass of the palace grounds. I scowl. This pregnancy is getting in the way of everything - I'm no longer light on my feet. Next thing I know I won't even be able to train anymore, or fight.

I step out from the shelter of Abraxos's large body, my hand automatically going to my stomach. Guards are coming over to me, although, this time, they don't have their weapons drawn. I suppose that's an improvement.

"Ma'am," a guard says, stopping in front of me. His eyes immediately go to my hand on my stomach, and the small but obvious bump. He obviously doesn't recognise me from my last disastrous visit, though some of the others do. "What - can I help you?"

"Yes," I say haughtily. "I need to speak to the king."

The guard looked around nervously. "I'm afraid that will not be possible. His Royal Highness is currently occupied. I can arrange an audience in a few days time, if -"

"I need to speak to the king, now," I snap, then check myself and finish with what I hope is a smile but makes the guard pale.

"I'm afraid King Dorian is busy," the guard insisted.

I lose patience. "Tell him it's Queen Manon of the Witch-Kingdom," I order.

The guard opens his mouth again, probably to repeat what he'd just said, but rapid footsteps sound, and I turn, hoping to see Dorian. It's not him. 

"Manon," Chaol says, rushing up. "I didn't expect you back so - where's Dorian?"

"What do you mean?" I demand, dread curling in my stomach. "He's here, in Adarlan. I've come to find him."

"No," Chaol says, looking confused. "He went to Perranth to find you!"

"But I only just left Perranth," I say, also confused now. "Why would he...?"

Chaol looks at me like I'm stupid, and I press down on the urge to rip out his throat. When it passes a moment later, it seems a bit extreme. "He came after because he was worried you'd left forever," Chaol explains, like I'm stupid. "He thought he'd completely screwed up whatever crazy relationship you have." I glare at him, and he takes one look at me and clears his throat nervously. "I mean your relationship. Not crazy. Just.. your relationship."

I turn away from him, thinking, absently stroking Abraxos' side. If Dorian came after me, that must mean he doesn't hate me. It means I didn't screw things up as much as I'd thought, and that.. he actually loves me.

"Manon?" Chaol asks carefully.

"I'm going back," I say, determined.

"That might not be - it would probably be better if you just stayed here," Chaol says. I slowly turn to face him.

"What do you mean." I say, dangerously quiet.

Chaol shifts nervously. "All I mean is, you're pregnant, and that can be quite tiring-"

He's cut off as another wyvern lands next to Abraxos. It's Petrah. "Manon," she says, bowing whilst still sitting on her wyvern.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, shocked. "How did you find me?"

"Glennis said you'd be here," Petrah replies. "More importantly, the witches think you've abandoned them and are growing restless. Glennis sent me - she said she didn't trust anyone else."

"Not even Bronwen?" I ask, frowning.

Petrah shrugs. "I don't know. Anyway, you need to come back. Now."

"I'm coming,"  I say, climbing onto Abraxos's back.

"I don't think - " Chaol begins from the ground.

"No one asked you, human," I say, before shooting into the sky.