Chapter Seven
Winter 498
With one sharp stab, my entire world changed.
We were in the middle of a cordial dinner with Cador, lord of the western kingdom of Bernicia, when I felt the first sign of distress. At first I thought I’d just eaten too much venison or the leek soup had disagreed with me, so I continued my conversation with Cador’s wife, laughing heartily at her impression of an impudent servant.
But then a second twinge bit at my ballooning belly. I sucked in air and dropped my knife, hands instinctively fluttering to the sore spot in my side. I looked at Arthur in alarm, and he slowly ceased chewing as understanding dawned across his features. A moment later, I felt a soft trickle of warmth ooze down my thigh.
I grabbed Octavia’s arm as she leaned over my shoulder to refil
