these were the words Kalia wanted to scream at Simon when she discovered she was with child. Kalia was a fearsome commander who had led her kingdom to victory against a terrible foe. During the celebrations, she had given in to her hidden passions for her friend, the archmage Simon. However, Kalia feared Simon only saw her as a soldier and leader, not a woman to build a life with.
Believing Simon would reject the baby, Kalia hid the pregnancy from all and retired from her position. While Simon was away, she disappeared to a remote village to give birth in secret. Though it broke her heart, Kalia felt this was the only way to protect her child.
Meanwhile, Simon had returned home, eager to propose to the woman he had loved for years. However, he found only a cryptic letter from Kalia announcing her retirement. Shocked and confused, Simon searched everywhere for clues to Kalia’s disappearance.
Through questioning villagers, Simon pieced together rumors of a mysterious woman who had recently given birth then vanished into the night. His heart raced as he realized the woman could only be Kalia.
Tracking her to the remote village, Simon burst into the room where Kalia was singing a lullaby to her infant. “The baby is mine, isn’t it?” he asked gently.
Tears filled Kalia’s eyes as she nodded. Simon knelt before her, gazing at the tiny bundle in her arms. “Why did you hide from me? I have always loved you, Kalia. And I will love our child with all my heart.”
Overcome with joy, Kalia told Simon the truth at last. The baby was his, and she had only wanted to protect their child. With a smile, Simon promised to never leave her side again.
At long last, Kalia knew she had found her heart’s desire in the man who had searched the kingdom for her. No longer would she run from their love, but instead embrace the new life they would build together, bonded as husband and wife, and mother and father. The baby was theirs, the first chapter in a wonderful new story.