ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ-ᴛʜɪʀᴅ.

She smiled softly the moment she remembered that it was already their second wedding anniversary. She felt his lips on her bare back, trailing her shoulder blades down to her arms. It's been two years since they got married but until now, they were still not planning to have a child. She cupped his cheeks and left a gentle kiss on his lips. He kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her naked body under the sheets.

"Did you know that you're carrying our first child now?" He whispered and her eyes widened, placing both of her hands on her belly. She didn't know about this since she wasn't like the Royal Princess who got the early symptoms of pregnancy.

"Are you sure?" She asked and he nodded. He placed his fingertips on her wrist and looked for her pulse. Her body was also warmer unlike the last time.

"Your pulse is not lying." He placed a soft kiss on her wrist. She just realized that he was so gentle and caring for the past few weeks. She thought it was just because there were lots of things going and he didn't want to stress her out.

She chuckled softly when he went under the sheets and started leaving kisses on her belly. They heard a knock from outside and she covered her whole body with the blankets. He got up from the bed and wore his clothes first before opening the door and walking out. It was the servant. It was already past nine in the morning, so the servant went to ask if they wanted to have breakfast soon.

"I need you to prepare a new set of breakfast for my wife. I need it to be fresh and healthy. And no tea, please. Prepare a glass of warm milk, freshly-picked fruits and newly-baked bread for her. If you need to run to the shops for it, do it." The Archduke said to the servant and everything he said left the servant confused but nonetheless, she immediately prepared it.

The Archduchess got up from the bed after he closed the doors. She took one of her clean chemises from the closet and wore it before going back to the bed. Now that her husband broke the news of her being pregnant, she started to feel unwell. She felt her stomach churning, so she rushed to the bathroom to throw up. He immediately followed her inside and gently caressed her back. She washed her mouth and he poured a bucket of water to the sink.

"You will start having your vacation today. You will not be allowed to participate in any military activities, including the checking of weapons and helping the injured soldiers. This is a command as the General." She just nodded as she knew that it would be for the sake of their child. He helped her go back to the bed and then, the servant came with the breakfast he requested.

"Are you not feeling well, Milady?" The servant asked and she smiled faintly. She started eating the fruits, easing the nausea. He joined her to breakfast when another servant came in with another set of food.

"As for her food and drinks, I will be the one to decide on what she should take. I will be her attending physician from now on. The Lady of the House is carrying the future little Archduke or Archduchess." He smiled at them as the servants were so happy about the news.

"Whatever you want to eat, Milady, we will get it for you. Even if it is already midnight." One of the servants said and she laughed softly.

"Don't spoil me too much. I might get used to it." She said before eating a piece of sliced strawberry.

"For now, let's keep this news to ourselves. We will go to the Archduchy tomorrow morning to tell it to my family but later, we will visit the County. Prepare the carriage and some gifts to bring." He added and the servants quickly followed his orders. He asked her if she wanted to have a slice of apple but she shook her head.

After having breakfast, they prepared a warm bath for her. She was the first one to prepare for the short trip, so when the Archduke finished his bath, she was choosing the clothes for him. She prepared the same color of her clothes for him and then, he wore it without any questions. He tied up his long hair and until now, she is feeling butterflies in her stomach whenever she can watch him prepare for any trips they will have. She tiptoed and placed a quick peck on his cheeks.

"I love you, my wife." He whispered and her cheeks heated up. He settled her in his arms and gently hugged her, kissing her forehead. Those little endearments were enough for her to stay in love with him.

"You're not wearing a corset, right?" He asked and she nodded. Of course, she will not wear one. It might squeeze their child inside her belly that might put both of them in danger.

He held her hand gently when she went inside the carriage. He ordered the servants to prepare an early dinner for later. Because of her current medical condition, she will need to sleep early to get enough rest. Stress is also something she needs to avoid, so as much as possible, he wanted everyone to know what they should do. He will also need to explain to them later what they should expect while she is carrying their child.

"I'm glad. We didn't expect that we will have our child now because we never planned for it ever since our wedding day." She said while smiling widely and caressing her belly.

He leaned closer to her and kept her in his arms. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth his hug was giving her. He pondered about what would happen if ever his twin brother didn't have a child from his previous lover. Will he be able to enjoy and cherish everything he has today? Perhaps, yes. Perhaps, no. Yes, because he will see her happy with his twin brother. No, because he will continue to love her from afar.