–Congratulations, fair maiden. Lord Leandre himself has chosen you to bear his firstborn. Praise the gods!

The housekeeper's announcement was imbued by admiration and genuine enthusiasm, yet to Emily it felt like a death sentence. Being forced to be a mother in an unjust society was devastating enough, let alone carry a baby for such a vile master. Her heart skipped a beat, but she tried her best to keep a straight face.

–Why did Lord Leandre choose me if I may ask? I am new here, after all.

The housekeeper frowned at her response, slightly surprised. She wrongly assumed Emily would be happy with the news, since pregnant women from wealthy households usually enjoyed plenty of privileges.

–That is one of the main reasons for his decision, in fact. Most of the maidens around here are already established in their routines. He also took into account traits such as physical strength, temperament, health condition, the quality of your teeth…

Emily's stomach turned in disgust as she imagined Lord Leandre meticulously analyzing her profile, as if he was about to buy a pure-breed steed. She tilted her head and looked down to hide her anguish. Her superior sighed then, reaching for her shoulder with a reassuring gesture.

–Emily, I know you are nervous. It is normal; motherhood is a life-changing experience indeed. But you are not alone, and you will be okay. Our merciful deities and everyone in this household will take care of you; we will guide you on this important journey. You should consider yourself fortunate. You will be exempt from work until you finish breastfeeding the baby, you will move to the mansion, the gods and the religious council will reward you for your service. If you give birth to a girl, she will be sent to a community orphanage, where she will live a happy childhood. Whereas, if you give birth to a boy, he will become our honorable masters' heir. Isn't that a tremendous achievement for any devout Rosettan woman?

–I am sorry, Miss Jade. I do not think I can do it.

According to the sacred norms, Emily's refusal was a blatant display of disrespect for her masters. Although, Jade was not bothered by her initiative. On the contrary, she seemed to pity her.

–Emily… If you are unprepared, perhaps you can address the situation with Lord Leandre. Maybe we can persuade him and his husband to choose someone else.

Emily instantly lifted her gaze, entranced by hope.

–Can we do that?

–I wouldn't recommend it, but… We can try if you really want to.

–Thank you, Miss. Thank you very much.

–Please come with me now. Master Leandre is expecting you.

A few minutes later, Emily followed Jade towards the mansion's lavish dining hall. Everyone at the house was getting ready to start the annual procession to the religious headquarters, so the corridors were particularly busy. Lord Leandre was almost done having breakfast. His husband was not in the room; Emily assumed he was still occupied in his fencing practice. She bowed before her master, while Jade took a step forward.

–My Lord, Emily Ratzer is here to discuss her duties. I suggest you…

–There is nothing to discuss; she already knows the holy protocols. I know she is not under the moon's influx right now; hence, we will present our sacrifice at the temple today and request the gods' blessing as intended. Prepare a room for her in the east end in the meantime.

Emily raised her head and intended to speak, but Jade interceded in anticipation.

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–My Lord, I strongly believe you should consult Emily and your husband before we move forward, because…

Suddenly, Lord Arthur stepped into the room, still cleaning his gold-plated sword. As soon as he recognized Emily, his countenance conveyed dread. She quickly realized he was both confused and mortified.

–Good morning… What is going on over here?

Lord Leandre grinned and calmly bit the apple in his hand.

–Come here, love. Remember I told you I had another surprise for you? Well, if the gods see fit, we will be starting a family soon.

–What? During the winter's Moon Festival?

–Of course, everyone knows that it is the most convenient holiday to conceive a first born. I know it may feel hasty, but don't you worry. I am the older partner, so I am supposed to procreate first.

Lord Arthur faked a laugh as he approached the broad table. His distraught eyes met Emily's for an instant. Like some kind of symmetry, they knew exactly what occurred in each other's heads.

–Leandre, I understand you intend to strengthen our marriage, but this is not what I had in mind.

–That is the entire point of surprises, in case you haven't noticed.

Arthur was about to speak up, but his husband stood up and grasped his arm with a decisive move.

–We will discuss all the details along the way, love. There is no time to lose. Jade, organize the female pilgrims. Emily, secure the scepter and follow us to the carriage…

*

The major pilgrimage was an annual event that gathered the faithful from all over the realm. Some families came from the most distant corners of Rosetta, forming a multitude of pedestrians, horses, and wagons in the main avenues. People danced and chanted in the streets. The stalls were full of traditional food and colorful costumes. Men carried their offerings proudly, including the mandatory tithe to the religious authorities, whilst many women gifted flowers and sweets to the children. Emily was amazed by the cheerful atmosphere; despite that, the ride was completely unbearable for her. She sat right next to Arthur, almost frozen in her seat, while Lord Leandre emphasized the importance of respecting sacred traditions. He also lectured his husband on the value of marriage and family life, as if he was preaching at the temple.

To Emily's misfortune, she would not realize how influential her master truly was until she witnessed his grandiose arrival at the religious headquarters. A group of maidens immediately prostrated themselves and threw rose petals as he passed by. All the priests rushed to greet him, the devotees lauded him, and Rosetta's crown king in person bowed down to kiss his hand. Emily simply stood behind the couple, trying to slip by unseen between the distinguished guests. However, her presence was eventually announced by Lord Leandre himself.

–This is Emily Ratzer, one of my maidens. I am beyond honored to have her here today. Arthur and I are about to request the gods' blessing to conceive our first child. She is the chosen one.

Lord Leandre's friends and lackeys were delighted with the news. They congratulated the couple and praised her for her holy mission. Lord Arthur, on the other hand, was visibly uncomfortable. Emily was only waiting for the precise moment to pull him to the side and discuss her thoughts. Eventually, she managed to address him at one of the balconies of the top hall, while Lord Leandre was distracted.

–Lord Arthur, you need to help me, please. I am not ready to be a mother. And even if I were, I would not stand to sleep with that repulsive man you call a husband and bear his child, no offense.

Arthur pierced her gaze with a mix of longing and impotence.

–What do you want me to do? He already made up his mind.

–You need to help me persuade him. He cares about you; he will listen to your advice.

–You clearly have no idea who we are dealing with.

–Please, I beg of you…

Arthur was about to turn around, but Emily's disheartened pleading made his body shiver. He simply could not bear to ignore her call, not after all they went through.

–Like I said, I cannot go against him. However… If, for some reason, he felt unwell for the rest of the Moon Festival…

–But how?

–There is a herbal remedy, a common plant frequently used to cure constipation. When administered in elevated doses, it can… Well, you already know what I mean. I could make him sick enough to stay in bed for the rest of the week. That way, he would have no choice but to cancel his plans.

–Are you sure that will work?

–We must give it a try.

A couple of seconds later, Lord Leandre returned to the spot. He was holding a glass of sparkling wine.

–Is everything alright?

–Yes, love. We were just practicing our litanies.

–Don't be nervous, I will lead you both. The ceremony is almost ready, praise the gods… But first, Emily, go fetch more wine for my husband.

–On my way, master.

Emily turned around and Lord Leandre pulled Arthur for a kiss, embracing him dearly and fervently behind the velvet curtains. She stared at them from the corner of her eye. For some reason, the way Arthur yielded to his touch and wrapped his arms around him made her soul ache. It was complicated for her to decipher her own feelings: up to that day, she never knew what true jealousy looked like.