Chapter 312 – If I Am With Him (2)
* * *
Before Elena knew it, several months had passed since the war with Paveluc. After the first trimester of her pregnancy, her stomach began to noticeably grow round, and she began to feel the baby’s movements inside of her.
So far, she had only thought about pregnancy in an abstract way. Now that she was experiencing it herself, she realized how enormously difficult it was to bear a child. Anytime she experienced pain, Carlisle was immediately by her side. Though their relationship had started out as a contract, Elena was once again grateful that this man was her husband.
Chyalalalalageu—
Elena pushed aside the curtain, and came out of the fitting room wearing an unusual blue dress. The fabric was a unique material not readily available on the market, and the color was reminiscent of a deep ocean or blue sky. The detailing on the dress was so exquisite that anyone could see that the dress was specially designed for Elena. If it weren’t for her rounded belly, one wouldn’t even notice that she was pregnant at all.
Mary’s eyes sparkled in admiration.
“Wow, the dress suits you so well. Is it a gift from Lady Mirabelle?”
“Yes. I sent her my measurements, but even I didn’t expect it to fit so perfectly…”
Elena was delighted that Mirabelle made a dress just for her, and she turned around to examine herself in the mirror.
After Elena had returned to the Imperial Palace, she and Mirabelle often wrote letters to one another. Elena hadn’t seen her sister in months, but after receiving the dress, she could tell how vastly Mirabelle had improved.
A warm smile grew on Elena’s face, when Mary noticed someone and hurriedly bowed.
“Y-Your Majesty, you’re here?”
Elena’s eyes naturally slid towards the entrance of the dressing room. There, Carlisle was coolly leaning against the wall, looking overwhelmingly handsome in a black tuxedo. Elena gave him a smile.
“Since when were you here?”
“Just now.”
Mary quickly bowed to them, then hurried outside the dressing room to leave the couple alone. Elena studied herself in the mirror again and addressed Carlisle.
“How do I look? It’s been a while since I made a public appearance, and I’m a little nervous.”
Today was finally the celebration day of her pregnancy. The party was to take place in the Imperial Palace, and had been delayed several times. Carlisle approached her slowly and spoke.
“You’re beautiful. You ask questions which are too obvious.”
“I know. But you always say that I’m beautiful, so I don’t trust you.”
Carlisle’s eyes softened, and he took Elena’s hand. He brushed his lips against the back of her hand, his breath hot against her skin as he spoke.
“But it’s true. I’ve never seen a woman more beautiful than my wife.”
Elena’s cheeks turned red at his surprising words. She couldn’t tell him no. Even if what he said wasn’t true, his words made her happy. However, he seemed to notice her doubt.
“I mean it.”
Elena smiled and nodded, knowing that there wasn’t anything she could do to change his mind.
“I know.”
“How are you feeling? Will you be able to attend the party?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Tell me if you’re tired. We can postpone the party, or we can just forego it entirely.”
“No. We’ve been putting it off because you’ve been worried about my condition. If we postpone it any longer, I’ll have already given birth then.”
There were many people who wished to congratulate the Empress on her pregnancy. Since the child was likely to be the only one to carry on Carlisle’s bloodline, it was likely to be heir to the throne, regardless of gender.
“I’ll allow the party, but let me know if you have even the slightest discomfort.”
“I know. I’ll tell you if it’s too difficult for me, so don’t worry.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
Carlisle looked relieved after her answer. He straightened his posture and held out his arm to Elena.
“Shall we go then?”
She gave him a soft smile. Carlisle obviously disliked parties, but he would join hands anywhere, even if he had to walk through Hell. As long as he was with Elena, he would always be happy.
“Caril…”
He turned towards Elena. His blue eyes shone warmly in the sunlight, and she spoke in a tender voice.
“I love you.”
His eyes widened at her sudden confession. It was not new; they had confessed their love to each other several times before. But whenever Elena said those words to him, it was as if the whole world stopped. Then, a smile spread across his face. No matter how much time had passed, he would always feel bliss around his wife. This time was no different.
“This is a problem.”
“Why?”
“I’ve been falling more and more in love with you, and I can’t seem to get you out of my head.”
She smiled and gave a sweet smile in present.
“There’s no such thing.”
“I prepared a present for you today. Please look forward to it.”
She gave him a startled look, as any present he gave her was always beyond what she expected.
“What did you prepare?”
“You’ll see when you get there.”
“….Ah!”
Elena suddenly flinched and grabbed her stomach, and Carlisle looked at her worriedly.
“What’s wrong? Are you alright?”
“Yes. The child gave a kick.”
“Well, then I’ll have to punish them when they’re born for bothering their mother.”
“That’s enough. They don’t know anything.”
The two of them laughed and chatted as they walked to the palace’s banquet hall. From behind, they looked like a comfortable pair.