Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1627

The birth was not easy.

The baby gave Rosalind a hard time for five long hours before he was finally born. At first, he didn't cry. The midwife had to tap the soles of his feet a few times before he burst into a loud wail. The moment he cried, everyone's hearts settled once more.

Thomas had been so tense with worry that when he finally relaxed, his vision went dark and he fainted.

Elise gasped. "I heard about that before. Mr. Jacob told me that Mr. Thomas once fainted in the delivery room and everyone teased him for it for a long time."

Rosalind smiled. "Yes, it's true. He was made fun of because of that. The baby in this story was indeed Alaric."

She went on to explain what happened after the birth. Because he was premature, Alaric was weak and often fell ill. He took medicine nearly as often as he took milk. Thankfully, by the age of three, he had grown stronger and begun training in martial arts to build his strength.

The second child came much like Elise did—it was fate. After Alaric was born, Thomas had asked Sebastian for medicine to prevent more children. He took it himself and was told it would work for five years, after which he could take another pill if he wanted to stop having children altogether.

No one expected Rosalind to become pregnant again before the five years were up.

When Thomas learned she was expecting once more, he nearly fainted in shock. But this time, her health was better, and unlike the first pregnancy, she didn't suffer from morning sickness. She could eat, drink, and walk about. She didn't neglect the household or her lessons in the slightest.

Everyone said this child must be a daughter—a girl would be more gentle and less troubling for her mother.

As the two women spoke, Thomas had been listening outside for some time. He had just returned from the local authorities' office, where he had settled some matters, and happened to hear their conversation about the past.

He looked at his wife's happy face and felt the same joy reflected in his own. He often thought himself unworthy of her. He had once been married before, but that union had not lasted.

True companionship required two hearts that understood each other, to be in harmony and trust. Only then could it endure. Life was not the same with everyone; different people made all the difference, and happiness could make up for many hardships along the way.

Many years ago, Thomas had received a sincere letter of apology from Viola, and had long since forgiven her. Viola's betrayal and departure had caused him pain for a while, but fate had more than made up for it.

Now, every day was filled with joy and contentment. He was certain that he and his wife would grow old together, loving each other for the rest of their lives.