Ceres' Sims

"It's a boy. Have you already thought of a name?"

"The child that is being born is not mine, yet I feel responsible."

The contractions came almost unexpectedly. One moment Darletta was resting in bed and the next she felt a sharp pain in her belly.

"Mr. Durwood, this is my wife, Mrs. Farris. She is a midwife as you have requested."

Aurence had already felt somewhat relieved when he saw the cart approaching, but now that the trader had gotten what they needed he felt even calmer.

"May I?" The woman asked Darletta.

"Of course, Mrs. Ferris."

"If it is not too much trouble, I would like to assess the gestation period of your highness. Depending on this, my husband and I will either stay until the birth or return closer to it in case there is still time."

Life is peaceful in the forbidden lands, if very boring. Darletta intensely feels the lack of the luxuries she has taken for granted all her life, but that is not something she can complain to Mr. Durwood. The man has been much more generous to her than she knows she deserves from him.

She tries to be good company to him, telling him on several occasions that as soon as she has the child and feels sufficiently recovered from the birth, she wants to learn the tasks he performs. At least that seems to appease him and he no longer directs resentful glances at her.

"My father is aware that the indiscretion with you was committed by my eldest brother and not me." Aurence spoke out loud while reading the letter the princess had given him.

"Even so, he decided that it is better that everyone keep believing that I am the culprit. I guess I can understand the thought of his grace, better for the third son be a wanted criminal than his heir."

Darletta made no sound, she knew the man wouldn't want to hear her. She had started it all when she, in her panic, had pointed out him as the one responsible.

"I am impressed that they have not decided to hang you for carrying a child in your womb that is not your husband's."

"My father has spoken for me. He requested a royal pardon. In exchange the King of Trenada requested that my marriage with his son to be dissolved and a new betrothal with my younger sister."

The princess consort? Aurence asked himself as immense fury took hold of him.

"Your Highness." The greeting was barely audible thanks to the way the man was clenching his teeth. He did not bow in reverence.

Darletta couldn't hold his gaze.

Helena is happy to celebrate her birthday with someone else besides her family.

The cake her mom made isn't bad, but she thinks she could have made it better.

Jane March is a geologist who is willing to make a future in this town.

She invested all her savings in building a small but comfortable house.

Sebastian caught up with his older sister in age, although both children are very different. Helena prefers to play while the boy is more studious and likes to spend hours writing stories.

Joel and Talia believe that two children are not enough.

Benjamin has not only expanded the family in number but also in love.

Is that a new house in town?

Helena and Sebastian are growing up happy.

After much effort on their part, Joel and Talia were able to renovate the farm.