The Hrodger Family

"Calm down dear, you're upsetting Conrad," Sophia spoke as she watched her husband pace the floor. "Sit with us. You need rest, and worrying about Mirabelle isn't helping." Sophia wondered if Edward had been this nervous during her own delivery.

"I'm sorry, I can't help myself. I wouldn't know what to do if we lost Mirabelle, her child, or both. Feel free to return to your room, Conrad needs you to be rested more than I need to rest." 

Edward, you wonderful, foolish man. If the worst were to happen, we would grieve for a time, but you would survive. You would still have your responsibilities, you would still have your heir, and you would still have me. Was our marriage just an obligation to you? You hired the most skilled midwife money could hire. A midwife who possesses a rare Gift impressive enough to be desired even by nobles. Mirabelle will be fine. Why won't you let me comfort you? Are you truly done with me? Don't you understand that I love you?

Meanwhile, Edward was oblivious to the source of her pain.

Why is Sophia still here? She's been kind to me since we were children. When our parents suddenly decided on the betrothal, I did my best to help her find someone better than me. I can't help feeling guilty for my failure. Every time I see her, she is clearly putting up a front. Deep down, she must be disappointed to have gotten stuck with me. She's been especially on edge ever since Conrad was born, and now I feel sick with the thought she might not want anything to do with me now that I have an heir. I know that as my first wife she should be present when our family grows in order to keep up appearances, but that's under normal circumstances. Only two months have passed since her own delivery, she just has to say the word and she can leave. I know Mirabelle's presence is painful for her, so why is she forcing herself to stay here?

Lost in their thoughts, the antechamber fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by anxious footfalls muffled by the soft carpet.

The atmosphere shifted to anticipation when the door to the bedroom opened,and the aged midwife stepped through. She declared with a gentle smile, "Congratulations, Mirabelle has given birth to a healthy baby boy! There were no complications, she just needs to rest. But first, the Naming."

Her demeanor shifted, now solemn as she carried out the second most important part of her duties.

"Come and name your secondborn son, Edward Hrodger."

The naming ceremony was a simple yet important tradition in the Kingdom of Flaurapan, and had to be completed as soon as possible. Edward entered his second wife's bedroom, and Sophia followed closely behind him.

"Thank you for coming!" Mirabelle tiredly greeted her family with good cheer as she stared at her newborn son. 

He's beautiful. Sleep deeply, little one, mama's got you. I never thought I would be as happy as the day Eddie proposed to me. I wish my lovable blockhead had remembered to tell me he was already betrothed. Look at her face! Now I'm sure Sophie thinks I tried to poach her husband! I wish we could be friends, but she won't let me get close. I hope our boys become friends so we can get closer.

"He looks just like his father," Sophia said with a neutral face.

He isn't as cute as my Conrad, but he has his father's features. That's good, I don't want more reasons to think of that ditzy gold digger. No, I shouldn't think of her that way. She's part of the family, I need to forgive her for pursuing my fiancée behind my back .Though, every time I try to muster the fortitude it always seems just out of reach. It's a pity. Under different circumstances, we might have been friends. I hope the boy's Gift will help him find his footing in life. He won't inherit the Hrodger estate, after all.

The midwife began the ceremony, "Under the auspices of Trefin, I shall announce the Allocation of the infant to the family, as is custom, and as I will report to the kingdom in accordance with the law:

Of the Boons of Grace, four.

Of the Boons of Intellect, seven.

Of the Boons of Wisdom, six.

Of the Boons of Prowess, one.

Of the Boons of Might, two.

Of the Boons of Diligence, three.

Of the Boons of Fortitude, two.

"A common quantity of 25 boons, but the harmony within his gift speaks to the careful consideration during this Gift's composition. The boy possesses a Noble Gift. There are no signs of Anord's gilding."

A Noble Gift! Mild surprise ran through the room, but such a result was not unthinkable, given the influence of the Hrodger company, and the Gifts of his parents.

My son, what should I call you? You are precious to me already. Even in your sleep, you bring me peace. You will need to become strong, strong enough to stand on your own, strong enough to support your family. The strength of a knight.

"Welcome to the family, Gareth Hrodger."

True shock spread through the room.

What have you done Edward!? Acknowledging him privately would be one thing, but this is the formal Naming! By giving him your surname before coming of age, here and now, you've publicly given him the right to challenge our son for the estate! Am I such an eyesore that you would spurn Conrad too!?

Sophia's mind raced, trying to find the motives behind her beloved husband's actions. Meanwhile, Mirabelle decided to trust the man she loved.

Eddie!? I hope you know what you are doing, because I'm pretty sure you just destroyed my past efforts and future hopes of befriending Sophie...

The midwife had thoughts of her own.

I've been a midwife for decades, but this might be the first time the family head has acknowledged his secondborn's birthright during one of my Namings. Unusual, but not unprecedented. Judging by his wives' reactions, he didn't discuss this with them either. Oh well, clearly they both love him. I'm sure it will work out, but I hope he has a plan.

Meanwhile, in the mind of Edward,

Oops, that just kind of slipped out. Oh well, I'm sure it won't cause any major problems. Welcome to the family, Gareth.