In Which Arydath Is Always Right

September 29, 1157

"I must say, Arydath, I'm surprised to see you," Lady Alina greeted her as she lowered her pregnant form onto the couch. "Delighted, of couse--but surprised nonetheless."

Arydath smiled. "I wouldn't expect otherwise, milady--I didn't really announce myself beforehand, did I?"

"Don't feel as if you have to; you are always welcome here. Now, how is the new baby?"

"Thank you, and he is very well," replied Arydath with a grin, "but he cries every time his father comes anywhere near him. Poor, silly old Halford."

"Jealous of this large, hairy man who showers Mama with hugs and kisses, no doubt," laughed Alina. "How is Lyraina feeling about the new baby?"

Frowning, Arydath could think of no more fitting a reply than a mere shrug. "Indifferent, I guess. Just as long as Papa picks her up and tosses her in the air once in a while, she's happy."

Alina nodded. "Sounds like Raia when Jadin was born."

"I remember," agreed Arydath. "However, I also remember how young Prince Ietrin was terribly jealous of both his sisters--still jealous of little Princess Camaline, I believe. It should be interesting to see how Raia and Jadin react tonight."

She watched as Lady Alina raised an eyebrow, just as she had predicted. "Tonight?" Alina repeated, confused. "What's happening tonight?"

"Well, they might find themselves made wallflowers tonight, considering they'll have a new baby brother by the end of the afternoon."

Alina stared blankly. "You must be mistaken, Arydath; the baby isn't due for another few weeks."

"I know, but the baby thinks he's due today," insisted Arydath. "I hope you have a name picked out, milady."

"Well, Severin wants to name the baby Viridis if it's a girl..." the lady mused, but she trailed off as Arydath shook her head.

"Trust me, it's a boy," Arydath assured her. "I'm always right, milady, so maybe you should start thinking of boy names, and start thinking quickly. Although... I guess you could call him Viridis, but I imagine he'd get teased."

Sighing skeptically, Alina heaved herself to her feet and made her way toward her squabbling children. "We still have a few more weeks before we know whether or not he will. Now, Raia, stop hitting your brother."

"Mama, Jadin pull my hair!" Raia defended herself.

"Well, he can't say very much yet," explained Alina. "How else is he supposed to tell his sister how pretty she is? Now, play nice."

Jadin smiled widely at his mother, offering her a doll. "Mama!"

"All right, I'll play," she relented, "but I don't think I can stand up on my own, so when Papa has to pull me off the floor, I'm telling him it was your fault."

Arydath could barely claim to be listening. No matter what Alina claimed there was no way that baby was going to wait another few weeks. Her belly was that of a woman mere hours--if not minutes--away from giving birth; Arydath would not leave until that baby came.

And she planned to be home for supper.

"Arydath...?"

Yes, she would indeed be home for supper.

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