Author's Note: Well, it's probably a little soon to update, but I've managed to finish this chapter, so why not? It's the holidays now so I haven't had much else to do, maybe I should start writing longer chapters. What do people think? Oh and before I forget, thanks for the idea, PurpleLight :)

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As he knelt beside her, Lief questioned whether the woman in his bed was really his Jasmine, instead of some girly imposter. The way her chest rose and fell in the harmony with her calm, easy breaths, made her appear so deceptively delicate. Rays of morning sunlight leaked in through the curtains, splashing onto her face, which was depicting an expression of utter peacefulness. Not a single muscle in her body was tensed, even the slightest bit.

But the aspect of Jasmine's appearance which suited her least was the pillow-sized bulge around her belly. Tentatively, Lief caressed the future ruler of Deltora, sighing with contentment as he did so, before directing his attention back to his wife.

He hardly dared to believe that this was the same girl who had travelled the land in his company, slaying their enemies with relentless courage and defeating obstacles, which Lief could never have handled on his own.

He looked to her wild mane of hair for reassurance. Jasmine detested the very notion of having her hair tamed. She claimed that it their willingness to comply with 'pointless traditions' which had turned the previous kings of Deltora into such inadequate rulers. Lief knew from experience that once an opinion had manifested itself in Jasmine's mind, it would be nigh on impossible to sway her. Only his Jasmine would cling to her convictions with such persistence.

Lief shuddered, as a sudden pang of guilt stabbed him in the chest. It was wrong for him to refer to Jasmine as being 'his'. She would certainly not approve of being anyone's property. But the more Lief marvelled at the sight of the young woman and her soon-to-child, the more possessive he felt toward the both of them.

Endless doubts floated about in Lief's head. He knew child-birth was no easy task, but he had faith in Jasmine's strength of character. The birth alone would, however, be the least of their worries. There was still the matter of raising the child and moulding it into the dependable leader it needed to become, if the land of Deltora were to be preserved in its sanctity.

Lief cast another glance upon Jasmine's face, allowing her sleepiness to infect him. So mesmerized was he, by the image of his wife, that he only subconsciously heard the sounds of approaching footsteps.

Though reluctant to divert his gaze, Lief eventually snapped his head around, curious to know who had decided upon visiting him at such an early hour. 'Barda,' he stammered in delight. He stood up to shake his former companion's hand, as the broad-shouldered man strode confidently into the room.

'Lief, a pleasure to see you as always.' Barda beamed down at his old friend. His eyes came to rest upon the pregnant Jasmine. 'I see you shall soon have three children to take care off,' he teased, 'including yourself.'

Lief feigned annoyance, as he gave Barda a playful punch on the arm for old time's sake. 'How was the journey from Broome?'

'Not much to complain about, the weather has been rather swell recently.'

'Indeed it has,' Lief agreed, 'and it will be even warmer when our child is born.'

'It shall be born in the late summer then, just as you were,' Barda inquired.

Lief nodded. His heart leapt as Jasmine's eyes flickered open. She blinked drowsily around the room, waiting for the image of her husband to come into focus.

'Good morning, dear,' Lief cooed, returning to his place at Jasmine's bedside, so as to give her a brisk peck on the cheek.

Now that Jasmine had awakened from her peaceful slumber, the illusion of calmness would soon vanish and Lief would have his fierce, energetic Jasmine back for the day.

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