Serena was very nervous and afraid. Their society has never been kind to women. If people were to find out that she's pregnant out of wedlock, and even worse, that the baby was not her fiance's then

She shook her head. Despite her being afraid, she was also happy inside.

She smiled as she rubbed her stomach. If she was indeed pregnant, then the baby inside her was the embodiment of her and Charlton's love. How could she not be happy about it? Even without confirming if it was really there, she already loved and cherished it.

Anyway, should she cancel on attending the ball tomorrow evening? Just to be sure. But then, she missed Charlton so much. She hasn't seen his face for almost a month now. She needs to see him so that she could stare at his face to ensure their baby would look like him.

Gods, what does she tell him? Should she tell him? Never mind. She knew she must wait She hasn't even missed her period yet!

She doesn't even know if she wants her period to arrive or not anymore. The thought of a child with Charlton making her feel very exhilaratingly happy.

Should she start knitting baby clothes? She recalled Charlton saying that his mother was excited for a grandchild and doesn't even want to prolong the engagement. Was that an angel's tongue? She wanted to laugh.

Earlier, she just felt like the world's closing in on her, now she was again very happy. Her emotions fluctuating like crazy. Maybe it was really her hormones.

Thank goodness, her mother's not around. That makes her think that she should be careful with her clothes later just in case, lest people notice that she's missing her period.

--

It was Thursday, the night before the Ligeti's ball, and the last night that Geoffrey was visiting Serena past midnight. Sadly, Leonard was due to arrive back on Saturday morning.

Anyway, before leaving to see Serena, one of his men came to report.

"Your highness, we have found a witness with information saying that he was sure that the grand duke of Suffox have signed one document proving that he attended one meeting with the radical faction. However, it was a document from 29 years ago and he doesn't know if it still exists."

Geoffrey who spent time in studying all the tasks handed out to all the vice ministers and ministers through the years was able to recall that 29 years ago, grand duke Charles, who was still a Marquess and the vice minister of defense, was delegated to eradicate the people part of the radical faction. It was the only task he failed as he reported that he could not identify who they were.

If there was a witness and sufficient evidence that he attended said meeting, then

Geoffrey suddenly had a devious glint in his eyes. "It doesn't matter if it exists not. If you cannot find said document, then produce one."

"Yes, your highness."

Finally, things were going his way.

--

Mildred opened the gates to let Geoffrey in. As they walked towards Serena's room, Mildred reported her observations regarding Serena's behavior and her health.

Geoffrey wondered, was it the effects of the drug they have been feeding her that causes her strange behavior or was it that she was already pregnant? The symptoms were quite similar.

"Tonight, would be the last time you administer that on Serena. Burn whatever remains you still have of it. When is her personal maid coming back?"

"Yes, your highness. Her personal maid, Beatrice, should arrive a week from now."

"That's good. I want you to keep your eyes on Serena. Do you know when we should expect her bleeding to arrive?"

"If my calculations were correct, it should be in about 4 days. Your highness"

"Good. I will visit next weekend then."

--

Geoffrey smirked as he placed his hand on top of Serena's stomach.

"Serena, have you figured it out yet? We're having a child. I'm sure when you find out, you would be ecstatic. Then, you would surely share it with your lover, thinking that it's his. Oh my, I can't wait for the day when he finds out the truth." He said as he chuckled.

Then, he started undressing her. He looked at her now exposed breasts. "Is it just me or have these grown larger?" Geoffrey asked as he fondled them. Feeling aroused by his own ministrations, he started licking her areolas then, he sucked her nipples as if trying to see if milk would come out of them.

Serena moaned but did not rouse. "It would be nice if I can hear you call my name as I do this to you. What do you think of doing this tomorrow at Ligeti's ducal mansion? You won't deny me, would you? Not with our baby inside you that you think was Charlton's. Ah, this feels so good. I wonder what face he would be making if he were to see us.

By the way, do you know what your lover has been up to? Using his mother to convince my father so that he can beg for leniency once he asks for your hand? I'm sure you know.

I found it problematic at first, but now, it's like a blessing in disguise. I wonder what my father would do once the gift I'm preparing for your lover's family comes unwrapped."

Geoffrey Then began to move downwards as he spread her legs apart. He stared at her womanhood. From a bright pink, it has now turned into the color of dark rose. The lips a bit swollen. He wondered if the change was because of pregnancy or because he has been pounding her every night. Either way, he enjoyed how it looked like.

He looked up to talk to her again. "After tonight, I won't be able to do this to you for quite a while. I'm afraid that our child might have some deformity if we still continue administering the drug. But don't worry, I'll make sure to make up for all the night we will be missing tonight."

With that, Geoffrey began their nightly ritual.

--

TBC