Chapter 304 Chapter 304

Chapter 304 Chapter 304
The months slowly passed, and most of the human soldiers that had been called on during the battle began returning home, with Rayena personally seeing them off since they were from her father. Standing at the border gates with her bodyguards, she kept waving till everyone had walked through those gates and it was just her.

Letting out a soft sigh, Rayena let her gaze linger for a while before returning to the palace in her carriage.

The realm had continued to flourish. Thanks to the steady but heavy rains, most trees had started sprouting leaves, and there were shrubs where there used to be dry land.

Resting her head against the window, Rayena watched the scenery pass them by, a corner of her lip turned up but not forming a smile.

The palace soon came into view, and her heart began to pound, especially when she saw Xenon lingering at the entrance of the palace gates.

She was practically vibrating by the time the carriage rolled to a stop.

She instantly rushed out of the tiny space, straight into his arms, beaming up at him.

“Hello there…” he groaned, his voice low and velvety. She chuckled, pressing her face against his chest.

“Hi yourself…” she muttered, her voice muffled against him. His grip on her tightened slightly for a moment before he slowly pulled back, reaching for her hand and gently guiding her into the estate.

“Did you see all of them off, like you said?” he asked, glancing down at Rayena as they walked side by side.

“Yes, I did. It was strange—kind of bittersweet watching them go,” Rayena admitted, gently squeezing his hand.

“I suppose it would be. They are your people, after all. Don’t worry, that won’t be the last you’ll see of them.”

“Really?!” Rayena asked, looking up at him. “What do you have planned?”

Xenon fought the grin trying to grow on his lips. “Let’s just say it’s a secret for now. Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise, would we?”

Rayena scoffed, but it had no heat. “There you go with being secretive once more,” she mumbled under her breath, and Xenon chuckled, swooping her off her feet and carrying her bridal-style into the palace, but not before pressing a short kiss to her nose.

Rayena watched him as they walked, her heart rattling hard against her chest. Xenon smiled more easily these days; it was lovely to see. She snuggled against him, listening to his heartbeat, and let her eyes flutter closed, feeling safe and cocooned in his arms.

Time drifted slowly, and things continued improving. The new settlement for the weretigers was going well, and despite Morvan’s reluctance in assuming his new duties, he was doing a stellar job in that area. Xenon couldn’t be more proud.

The plants grew quickly, and Xenon couldn’t wait for the first harvest. He was on one of his routine walks with Rayena one evening when she complained of having recurring fevers and morning nausea. Xenon’s steps faltered, his eyes widening, the implications of what Rayena told him just settling within his consciousness.

“What did you say you have been feeling?” he growled again, staring down at her.

“Sick. I’ve been feeling sick recently. Today, I couldn’t even stomach anything I ate. I don’t know why I feel so nauseous...” he didn't get the rest of her words.

Xenon’s thoughts were moving a mile a second. He took in her expressions, the minute changes he hadn’t noticed before, then buried his face into her neck, sniffing her in. There it was. Her scent had altered, if only slightly. His heart began to pound.

Surely, it couldn’t mean…

He immediately grabbed hold of her hand, pulling her back to the palace. “Come… come on,” he urged her, resisting the urge to haul her in himself.

Turning to a guard, he gave a resolute command. “Summon Ladrian for me,” he growled, unable to keep the impatience from his voice.

The latter bowed instantly. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he answered and quickly hurried off.

“Xenon… what’s going on?” Rayena asked, concerned about the sudden change in his demeanor.

“Everything… everything is alright. I just want to confirm that you’re alright. Come on, let’s go wait for Ladrian,” he gritted through clenched teeth, trying to stop his voice from trembling.

They returned to their chambers, and Xenon began pacing like a caged beast, unable to sit still while Rayena watched him, completely confused.

Ladrian showed up a while later, and he had barely gotten his greeting out when Xenon hounded him.

“Perform all the tests on her. All of them,” he snarled, pulling the aged man by his collar. Ladrian’s eyes flickered with fear, but he forced his expression to remain composed.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Now… if you’ll excuse me, I need to be alone with her to do so.”

Xenon let him go with a grunt and instantly rushed to kiss Rayena on the forehead. “I’ll wait outside, okay?” he said, his voice soft.

Rayena nodded, concern flickering in her eyes. He gave her a tender smile before walking out of the chambers, leaving Rayena alone with Ladrian.

“Good evening, Your Highness,” Ladrian greeted, delivering a small bow.

“Hello there, Ladrian,” she answered, a gentle smile on her face, watching as he set his bag down.

“Please, lie down. I shall begin now,” he instructed, and Rayena did as he said.

Steadily, he approached her and began conducting his tests.

A long while later, after Xenon had almost lost his mind to worry, Ladrian finally opened the door and called him in.

“What is it… what’s wrong with her?” Xenon rushed out, even though he already had an idea. From the corner of his eye, he could see Rayena’s glistening with tears.

“Well, congratulations, Your Majesty… she is pregnant,” Ladrian announced.

Xenon’s knees buckled. Rayena covered her mouth in shock.

Fighting to keep his breathing steady, Xenon stared at Rayena, watching as she clutched her stomach in disbelief.

“I am…? I really am?” she asked, her voice soft and filled with wonder.