For The Better

"I'm going to tell King Calarian," Atticus said after Sirona had finished lecturing the both of them on the 'dos and don'ts' of pregnancy. 

"Alright then," Daphne said as she sighed, slumping against the pillows, "I wish to rest now."

"Do you need anything?" Atticus asked, his voice soft. "Food, perhaps? A warm soak for your feet? I heard that pregnant women would sometimes have swollen feet. A soak would feel nice. Or maybe you would like extra pillows to help bolster your waist for comfort?"

Daphne looked into his eyes as he spoke, her throat suddenly feeling all clogged up when their gazes met. Atticus's eyebrows were slightly furrowed, concern filling the gold of his eyes as he stepped forward. He crouched down right at her feet, looking up at her while down on one knee like a knight swearing his loyalty.