Disclaimer: I own nothing but Kassy.

"Kassy, what are you doing out there?" Merric joined his wife on the balcony of the manor at Hollyrose.

"I was watching the sunset darling" Kassy turned to her husband and kissed him on the cheek, making sure to not bump him with her large belly.

"Next week, we shall be parents and as happy as can be." Merric said drawing his wife into his embrace. Kassy smiled happily.

"Merric, do you remember that day I escaped from Scanra? I was nearly dead with exhaustion, pain and hunger. Oh, how long I wandered in the forests between Tortall and Scanra until I finally arrived at the river." Both Merric and Kassy shivered at the remembrance.

"And how valiantly our men and women fought to get you back. King Maggur died the next day on Kel's glaive." Merric smiled and turned. Kel, Neal, the Lioness, Lord Wyldon and many others were sitting in their lounge room sitting around the fire, reminiscing about past battles fought and won.

"Yeah, it was only a year ago, and yet it feels as if it were yesterday." Kassy put her hand on her belly and smiled at her loving husband. "I can't wait until our child gets the chance to do grand things."

"I hope that is a long time off. I don't feel like having to worry and whine about their safety." Merric chuckled. Kassy tried to answer but a shooting pain in her stomach stopped her.

"Merric, I think I'm going to have the baby." Kassy bent double and groaned. Everyone in the room went quiet as the Lioness and Kel led Kassy to the birthing room.

Several hours later screams could be heard as the Lioness opened the door. Merric had been pacing with his father-in-law. They stopped and looked at the smiling woman.

"Congratulations. Little Lord Josh and his mother are quite healthy and happy."

THE END

Hope you liked the ending.