The two of them walked back slowly towards the palace as the afternoon shadows grew longer. They were arm in arm but given her condition, no one who saw them would think anything of her using him for support.
They were both quiet but Lucas seemed agitated. Celia could tell he was grappling with some issue. Once or twice she caught him looking at her as if he might speak, but he didn't.
"We're fast running out of time before we reach the palace." she finally pointed out. "So whatever it is that's bothering you, you may as well tell me now. Is it about our child?"
Lucas gave her a rueful look. "No, it's not. It's actually about Tobin."
"Ugh. What else has that clod been saying to you about me?"
"It's nothing like that, but it is…it's a fairly unpleasant matter." Lucas's eyes were pinched with worry. "But I guess you're better off hearing it first from me, before it all becomes fodder for the gossip mill. I just don't want you to get upset-"