Chapter 11 Romi
Chapter Eleven
ROMI
When couples mate on this planet, they have a week alone, no matter their stature in society.
I marvel at this. Here, those with the least are treated better than the richest on Earth.
There isn’t such a thing as a class system here.
Everyone is considered worthy of dignity and respect.
Although it’s a luxury, I also recognize the week of pleasure after a wedding is designed to enhance the likelihood of making babies.
On the very last morning, when Thorne fills me yet again, he leans close, whispering, “We have made a baby this week.”
It’s shocking that I even want this after years on Earth hoping to never give birth to a child.
Over the days that followed, I could swear I’m pregnant.
I’ve even convinced myself I know when the conception happened, but I haven’t said a word about it to Thorne because I’m waiting to be sure.
I think it was the very first time we were fully joined.
I felt a quickening inside as if something had taken root in my body.
In the days after our week alone ends, our daily life settles into a comfortable rhythm.
He goes to his job as part of the security detail for the royal family, while I go to my job at the stables to care for the horses.
Every evening, we have dinner together, and I savor those mundane moments.
I’m aware his job will take him away from me for travel at times, and I’ve made my peace with that.
I’ll miss him, but it’s part of loving him, and I accept it.
Thorne comes to see me almost every day out at the stables.
He spends time with me and his mount, Silver.
Silver has a prickly and aloof personality but has become more comfortable with me and seeks me out daily.
He’s not a particularly affectionate horse, but he always nudges me with his nose, snorting a little as he passes me by when I’m out in the pasture.
Thorne also takes me almost daily in the supply room.
He says it’s our special place. I float through my days awash in pleasure.
Of course, I also go home to him every night and lose myself with him yet again.
It’s strange to experience so much pleasure.
I feel wanton and greedy with him, but I love it.
Nadine and I meet during one of her breaks at the cafe.
I sip my tea, as does Nadine, who is expecting another baby soon.
Trudy teases Nadine, and her cheeks go pink, but she shrugs with a small smile.
“I’ve told Kayden this has to be our last baby.
This will be our third, and I think that’s enough. ”
Trudy nods. “You are somewhere where you have that choice, so be grateful.”
At that moment, Trudy straightens her shoulders. Glancing around, I realize the queen has walked in with one of her close friends. She greets everyone kindly before she stops at the counter to order.
The queen turns to Nadine and me, her eyes lingering on me. “Marriage appears to be treating you well,” she says with a dip of her chin.
I always feel flustered around the queen, but I gather my composure. “It does. I love this planet so much,” I say, my words coming out in a rush. “Thank you so much for welcoming me here along with other women from Earth.”
The queen’s eyes crinkle at the corners with her warm smile. “Women from Earth are always welcome here, as are men. And we are grateful to those of you who have chosen to stay and help us rebuild because we lost so many women.” She pauses, tilting her head to the side. “I sense you are with child.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. She nods again as if to herself. “I think you know it. Jane has told you where to go for medical care?” she prompts.
“Oh, yes. She introduced me to the doctor a few days before my wedding. I have an appointment next week. I hope to find out before Thorne has to travel,” I explain.
After the queen leaves, Nadine arches a knowing brow. “How does it feel?”
“How does what feel?” I hedge.
Nadine lets out a soft chuckle. “Being pregnant.”
I take in a quick breath, letting it out in a rush. “I’m excited, and I can’t believe it. When I was on Earth, the last thing I wanted was to end up pregnant. Here, I feel desperate to have Thorne’s baby. I want to make a whole family with him.”
Nadine reaches across the table to clasp my hands. “You will. Have you told Thorne you suspect you’re pregnant?”