- William Penn

- Ricardo Montalban

Rhea gazed at the outside world, watching as shimmering snowflakes fall. She distantly heard the sound of the Hemmingway's butler, Jamison, converse with her parents. She sighed, refusing to acknowledge them, knowing they were waiting just right out the room.

She knew they were concerned about her . . . well, her father probably wondered over the state of her circumstances, seeing as how she was with child, yet, without a husband.

She couldn't help but feel bitterness and despair over her situation. How was it that she could feel so much self-pity? She thought disgustedly.

Ever since she had arrived . . . no, that was not quite the term she would use - ever since she was sent here, back to her family home, without so much as an explanation or goodbye, she had been dwindling to a state of carelessness, of both body and mind. She had been so distraught over Hadrian's actions that she had cried for days on end.

After her pitiful display, though, Rhea had withheld her hope that Hadrian would realize his mistake and come back for her; she had a desperate need to believe this of him, and she had, for an entire month. She had pined and waited anxiously for him, but after a while Rhea had to face the hurtful truth of her position.

Hadrian had abandoned her. He hadn't loved her. He probably never had.

To think that she had imagined any feelings he might've had for her was too much for her to bear, so she forced herself away from that line of thought.

She continued to gaze out of the window; the snow had fallen for days now, as it usually did around the end of December. Rhea surveyed the room and couldn't believe that she had been in this same exact room mere months ago, awaiting her parents to announce her betrothal to the Duke of Vale. Had that been almost a year ago now? Had time gone by so quickly?

With everything that had happened; Beckham's vengeance against Hadrian, her own kidnapping and attempted murder, and her pregnancy, Rhea felt as if she had been pulled apart at the seams of her biological make-up.

Once she had finally let go of the grief and denial, she had finally come to acceptance. Acceptance of the fact that Hadrian no longer wanted her as his wife, despite everything they had gone through, despite her pregnancy with his babe.

Of course, her parents knew this just too well. They had known when Rhea had failed to return to the Duke's manor after a fortnight's stay, and it was confirmed after a month had passed. Rhea knew they were terrified of the gossip that would surface on her behalf from the ton, but Rhea failed to care for any of the frivolous matters and rumors of society.

Frankly, Rhea no longer cared for anything but her babe, and her close friends.

Rhea's lips curled up reluctantly to the side. Thinking of her friends had also left her thinking about their reaction when they found out what the Duke had done.

"That toad!" Leia shouted, "I'll cut off his balls, I will!"

"Leia!" Rhea gasped, scandalized, despite the utter satisfaction that statement had brought her.

"What? Oh, please, Rhea, do not defend him. How could you, concerning the fact that he left you, stranded, with his seed in you? Ugh, the stupidity of men never fails to amaze me. Truly, Hadrian has gone above and beyond the expectations of the mindless, animalistic creatures we call 'man'."

Beth gave her a quelling look. "Leia, I doubt you are aiding this problem in any way."

Leia gazed at her thoughtfully, nodding. "I must say I agree with you, my dear Beth."

Beth's eyebrows raised. "Do you, now?"

"Indeed," Leia nodded solemnly, "'Tis obvious the man is in serious need of flogging. Perhaps even death. I do believe we should finish Lord Utt- Beckham's mission, in fact-"

"Leia!" Beth reprimanded, cutting Leia off from finishing the rest of her rant. Rhea's eyes widened and she was surprised to find herself giggling. Giggling!

Beth and Leia watched in amazement as Rhea's giggles gradually became gasping-for-breath laughs, and began to laugh with her.

"Oh . . . Oh, my friends, I can say without a doubt; I do not know what I would do without you," Rhea smiled broadly.

Leia grinned impishly, "Well, you'd have to hire someone to dispatch of His Highhandedness himself,"

They broke into another fit of laughter. And for that evening, Rhea didn't hurt.

Rhea was smiling softly when she heard a rap of knuckles against the door. She raised her head, and turned to the side, granting the visitor permission to enter the room.

Rhea grimaced slightly when the door opened to reveal her mother. "Rhea, my darling, I hope I am not disturbing you . . ."

Rhea sighed, shaking her head, "No, 'tis quite alright, I was just resting and enjoying the view."

Lucinda glanced at the window and then at her daughter, her hands fidgeting a tad. "Oh, but you shouldn't sit too close, my dear, wouldn't want you to catch ill with the babe and all."

Rhea nodded, wrapping her robe tighter around her body. As the months have passed, the babe had grown bigger inside of her - and it showed. Her abdomen had a significant bulge that could be easily seen by any and all.

Rhea had rested her hand on her stomach many times and was delighted when she felt a harsh thump against her side - Doctor Humphrey, who continued to attend to her, had mentioned that the babe would be moving and become more active during the second part of her trimester.

As the kicks came more often and became more powerful, Rhea grew more confident that she would birth a baby boy, the heir of the dukedom.

Rhea frowned. What would Rhea and Hadrian's separation mean for their child? Would he suffer because of his father's lack of acceptance? Rhea's frown became worse and again, she found herself shoving away those thoughts. She would find a way to provide for her and her babe, if Hadrian would have no part of them; of her and his own flesh and blood.

"Are you alright, my dear?"

Rhea's blank stare met her mother's concerned ones and she forced a smile, which she desperately hoped didn't end up forming a grimace.

"Quite."

Lucinda let out a relieved sigh and went over to Rhea's side. She reached out a hand to Rhea "That is good, I wouldn't want you to be leaving the house if you didn't feel well. We've already drawn the carriage around the front, Lord Hemmingway awaits us now, down the stairs."

Rhea, along with her father and mother, was invited to Lord Elisha and Lady Aurora Blackwood's Year's End Ball. As far back as Rhea could recall, the Blackwood's always held a Year's End Ball, they were among the few nobles that held one, but the Blackwood's were most popular for those among the ton to attend.

Rhea nodded her assent and took her mother's hand, grateful for the help. Though she was joyful over the growth of her babe, she found herself becoming more awkward on her feet, and her back, as well as those darned feet, were beginning to ail her frequently.

With Lucinda's help, they were both able to make it down to Abraham slowly, but carefully. Abraham nodded his approval over Rhea's appearance, the way Rhea's father showed her affection in the only way he knew how.

"You are glowing, daughter," he said gruffly, in greeting. Rhea gave him a charming smile.

"Thank you, papa."

Abraham, Lucinda, and Rhea, all retrieved their cloaks and coats to shield them from the wintry weather outside. Then they were on their way to the ball.

~~**~~

Once Rhea and the Hemmingway's arrived, were announced, and greeted nearly every partygoer, she found her friends in a semi secluded area, usually where many young maidens awaited a lord to whisk them away to the dancefloor.

Though Rhea was no longer a maiden herself, she was welcomed into the area.

"Ah, Rhea, you've arrived!" Leia grinned excitedly. Rhea cautiously eyed her friend, noticing the mischievous gleam in her eye.

"I have . . . what say you?" Rhea warily asked. Leia smiled and casually waved her hand at her friend. Rhea glanced at Beth and saw her friend sighing, with a half-smile.

"I say, my precious Rhea, I've got a solution to predicament."

"Solution? To what?" Rhea asked, aghast. Sometimes Rhea could not keep up with Leia. It was as if the girl's mind was constantly working twenty four hours a day, for all seven days!

"To your deserted acquisition, of course! Come, come, Rhea, did you not think I would aid you in your time of need?"

Beth intercepted, "I say, Leia, that is not quite the proper use of 'acquisition',"

"Oh, posh, Beth, lend me your hand for a moment, why don't you?" Leia drawled.

Rhea's brow furrowed, "Leia, I still do not comprehend what-"

Leia's eyes suddenly shot to someplace behind Rhea and her eyes widened. Rhea watched Leia's eyes flash in astonishment. Rhea turned to face what Leia was watching and she saw Beth do the same.

Rhea's eyes also widened as she took in the familiar face. "Lil' Cub?! Jacob?!"

The man, who was once called 'Lil Cub' for his small, rounded structure and cherubic features, grimaced lightly and then smiled warmly at the group of girls.

"It has been some time since I've heard that nickname," he chuckled, "I must say that I have not missed it."

"I cannot believe 'tis you!" Leia squealed happily. Rhea was quite sure that Lil Cub - Jacob - is probably the only boy Leia really liked and considered a valuable friend when they had all been younger.

"Indeed, it is I," he grinned impishly, "truly, how could it be anyone else? If I must prove my identity I could always retell the story of the Pig's Pen . . ."

Beth's eyes gleamed with laughter as Leia shuddered. Rhea chuckled and found herself extremely pleased at the turn of events.

"It has been a long time," Beth murmured.

"Too long," Jacob agreed. "I've just gotten back to London, actually."

"Really? To stay?" Leia asked.

Jacob shrugged, "I've not a clue, to be truthful. But I insist we meet for lunch, or an outing. There is much to speak about."

"I agree," Rhea nodded, "you left so abruptly . . ."

Jacob sighed and slowly nodded. "Yes, I know. Do not worry, all will be explained in due time."

The girls gazed at the man before them, unsure, yet excited at the same time, and they all smiled at each other.

"Unfortunately, I cannot stay for long." Jacob conveyed sadly, he turned to Leia, "I actually-"

Leia's eyes had widened once more, but she had now taken on a devilish glint. "Lil . . . Jacob wouldn't you mind taking Rhea for a whirl? She's yet to dance with someone, and you are such a close friend."

Both Rhea and Jacob looked at her with confusion, but Jacob got over it quickly enough to readily agree to take Rhea for a dance. Rhea and Jacob started to head toward the dancefloor when a figure stepped in the way.

Rhea's eyes widened for the second time that evening as she took in her husband who stood before her. His eyes were latched on Rhea's hand cradled in Jacob's.

Jacob was obviously taken aback by the action and put on a charming smile, "Sir, please excuse us, we were heading to the dance-"

"No." Hadrian said, continuing to gaze at their linked hands. Rhea suddenly felt her entire body flush - not only from being in close proximity to Hadrian, but also because of the attention Hadrian was now garnering by noticeably blocking their path to the ballroom dancefloor. Rhea could already hear the murmurs filling the ballroom.

"Get your hands off my wife."

Jacob appeared stunned before he recovered, he glanced down at Rhea and she nodded her assent. Jacob looked back at Hadrian, releasing Rhea's hand.

"I beg your pardon, my lord. I meant no disrespect. Rhea is a close friend-"

Hadrian snarled, softly, in disgust. Though it was soft, the sound was audible enough for others around them to hear. Rhea was mortified. Couldn't she get a rest? Despite her heart rapidly beating away for Hadrian, for her love for him - which, apparently, hadn't disappeared as she'd have liked it to - she had no desire to start gossip here . . . or anywhere at all for that matter.

"Hadrian. Enough. Please, do not do this," Rhea begged.

Part of Rhea begged for Hadrian to leave her alone, but the other, larger part of her, the part she refused to acknowledge at this moment, yearned for him to stay.

He did neither.

After glancing at her, piercing her with his blue eyes that left her frozen before him, he reached for her hands and whisked her away, out onto the balcony, away from the sight of their peers and society.

When he was satisfied that they had reached far enough away from the ballroom and leery eyes, he whipped her towards him. Rhea's breath was stolen away from her as she found herself mere inches before him. She had not been this close to him for almost more than two months.

She was so caught up in his appearance, and that aching, gnawing feeling in her chest that she failed to register the anger in his gaze.

"Who is that man?" he demanded.

Rhea was so taken aback by his demand, and struck blind with his appearance before her that she answered mindlessly. "A close friend. I've known him a long time now."

Hadrian sneered at her. "So you've already taken lovers, hm? Already forgotten about me?"

"I . . . uh . . ." Rhea felt like she was struck stupid, she couldn't seem to formulate any words in her head.

"And then, you have the gall to tell me, your husband, to walk away? You think you can just pass me up so quickly? Are you so heartless then, my love?" he asked mockingly, but Rhea saw the burn of fire in his eyes.

And a likening force welled up inside of her as a response to his accusations, to the mindless way he bombarded her with his questions.

So she slapped him. It caught both of them off guard and Hadrian gaped at her.

"How dare you?!" Rhea demanded. Hadrian gazed at her, silently, but Rhea was beyond caring about his feelings. She was filled with bitterness and weeks of anger at Hadrian.

"How dare you do that to me? To my friend? How dare you accuse me of . . . of infidelity? You've no right, Hadrian, none atall. In fact, you've given that right up when you abandoned me and left me with my father and mother. You gave up any right to being my husband when you gave up on me being your wife. So, don't you dare make allegations against me - for any reason."

Rhea didn't realize she was sobbing until she was gasping for breath, she tried to turn away from him, but he held her; his hands banding around her biceps, holding her in place.

"I didn't want to give you up!" he roared. "Have you no idea how mad I've been these past few weeks without you? Have you no clue at all? I would die before abandoning you, Rhea. This wasn't a choice for me, it was something I had to do." Hadrian's hands tightened around her, but she ignored the feeling.

"You had a choice, Hadrian. You've always had a choice."

Hadrian shook his head violently, "No, I did not, love. I watched as you lay half dead in our bed . . . because of me, because of who I am. I almost lost you, Rhea. You almost died because of me. I couldn't ever live with myself if something happened to you. I would never want to live in a world without you in it."

Hadrian watched as she took his face in her hands, wiping tears that had fallen from his eyes without him noticing. "It was absolutely not your fault, Hadrian. None of this was, it was your father's. He put us in that situation, you are not to blame. You saved me, Hadrian. You could never, purposefully put me in harm's way."

Hadrian searched her eyes, his voice hoarse, he asked, "How do you know? How do you know that I could . . . that I will never harm you?"

Rhea smoothed her fingertips over his cheekbone, "Because I trust you, Hadrian. I love you."

Hadrian's eyes darkened and he pulled her roughly against him, one hand circling her waist and the other hand threading fingers through her hair, mussing up her styling. Rhea couldn't care less.

"I missed you," he rasped against her lips. "God, how I missed you Rhea. I love you so much,"

Rhea started crying again. She had no clue why, but she couldn't help the tears that started to fall at a swift rate. Hadrian pulled back, gazing at her with bemusement and concern, his hands circled her waist.

"What is the matter, love?" he asked.

She looked up at him and smiled, "Nothing atall. I'm just very happy."

Hadrian bestowed a wide grin at her words, he opened his mouth to say something when he paused, his eyes widening so large that Rhea laughed. He looked down at her stomach, where their child rested . . . and played.

"Rhea . . . these blows . . . they are from our child?" he asked, his hand now spanning the side of her stomach and little Hadrian thrust and hit.

"Aye," Rhea grinned, "Methinks he is not happy being manhandled so,"

If at all possible, Rhea watched as Hadrian's eyes widened even more. "He? You are sure? How?"

Rhea giggled again. "You doubt your son? Have you not felt his blows?"

Hadrian returned her chuckle and grinned impishly, "Aye, I have. Rightly so, then. Though, I wouldn't mind a wee lass, myself."

Rhea smiled, her heart, body, and mind falling for Hadrian all over again. She rested her hands on his shoulders, giving him a kiss, "Neither would I . . . I'm sure the little one will need siblings . . ."

Hadrian let out a hearty chuckle and swiftly lifted Rhea into his arms, carrying her away, back to his manor, where the duke's wife belonged.