Approaching the steps of Janes Apartment Red was affirming his decisions. 'This woman is dangerous, she is making me soft. But I can afford to be a little softer…at least for her.'
Reaching her apartment, facing each other they hugged and kissed.
After their lips parted "thank you for today, it's been marked in my heart" Jane whispered between kisses.
With a smile Red spoke gently "as it did for me…I believed this would never happen, but you have been the most wonderfully unexpected encounter. Thank you."
Jane, almost wanting to invite him up knew it was too much. With one final hug she whispered "goodnight."
"Good night Jane, I'll see you at the beginning of the week. nodding her head she slowly steps away with her fingers lingering on his forearm. Giving one last look Jane entered her apartment.
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Three years later, Jane 26 years old, the youngest council member in history was in a heated discussion with a group of merchants and some of the wealthiest Empire executives, trying to discuss who gets the latest contracts for weapon production. Rising tension in the Empire has increased manufacturing of weapons and food reserves. Merchants, executives, envoys, kings representatives, even her own father see a civil war on the horizon.
The Outskirts and Middle ring even a few nobles have been organizing. Unhappy with living conditions and tax rates of recent. Consequence of the increase in crusades in the king's name.
A couple hours of being the mediator it was concluded that for now the executives of the weapon manufacturers board would be granted the right to the contract. An even larger exodus of merchants to the Federation in the east will be the consequence. Further lessening the Empire's economic buying power.
A heavy sigh escaped from Jane, as the remaining individuals exited the room she slumped in her chair, "where is he?"
She has come to grow annoyed with his lateness and his attention being directed other places. But then a familiar voice spoke behind her. "You know slouching is bad for your health."
Jane quickly sat up in her chair. "AH !!...don't do that Red, where have you been!?"
Red apparated out of his shroud, leaning over her and giving a gentle kiss "sorry my love, the king and his heads of security have been extra needy lately… They had me attend a dam meeting with some Generals and the head of the royal guard."
Caressing the side of her face a look of contemplation formed. "We were discussing lock downs."
Jane softened her gaze and leaned against him. "Oh…well still, don't keep me waiting. You know how much I hate it."
It's been three years since Jane and Redgwrick started their relationship and have done a good job hiding it. However in an effort to normalize people seeing them together they both thought and wished to have a public "friendship."
Red straightens himself "yes yes my dear I'll be sure to work on my tardiness. I'll even start using Vector shift if necessary."
Jane, noticing the sass in his tone, shook her head and smiled with exacerbation. "Today was something else. Everyone is growing bold with the capital opportunities and if they aren't, they are tiptoeing everywhere…war brings profit I suppose."
Red moved behind her slowly combing his study fingers through her hair. Gently massaging her neck and scalp. "The people are also getting restless, they can feel the uncertainty…but please try to stay relaxed and take it easy."
Jane leaned into his touch with a thankful wisp of breath. "I know, I just want to get everything in order before people notice." Jane absent mindedly caressed her belly for comfort.
Helping Jane rise. "Are you craving anything before we head home?"
Shaking her head. "No, I just want a bath and sleep. I'm tired of people today."
Walking home together, now that they shared a place was easier for Red to take care of Jane. Also deeming it safer with recent assassinations and raids on noble households.
Talk of rebellion, like the wind spread through the city fanning the flames of unrest. Causing ripples of insurgency. War was coming, both Jane and Red wouldn't have thought twice about it. They both don't fear conflict. However one big blessing Jane was carrying caused them, two powerful beings to feel fear.
Jane was pregnant, and they were planning to flee.
Jane's pregnancy was a truly happy moment for the two of them, expectedly it brought complications. Hiding the pregnancy could only be feasible for so long. Faking each other's deaths and escaping to the Goldenfields was on the table. This brewing war has just given them a perfect opportunity.
Red's connections led them both to the Wind queen who was a leader of a nomadic tribe others uncreatively named the Windwalkers. With their help and Red's planning an escape route was plotted, a supply cart assembled and hidden at a waystation for the journey south to the Goldenfields.
It was an early morning on the weekend and during a rare time when they both had nothing to do, Red was preparing breakfast for his lovely lady who should've still been sleeping next to the hearth. While placing some bacon on a plate he felt something on his back.
"So how are the preparations going?" Red heard as Jane placed her chin on his shoulder watching him plate some eggs and bacon.
"Like always with the Wind queen swift and reliable" Red replied carrying the food to the table.
Jane scrunching her button nose a little "humpf!...If she's so reliable why not marry her then." she muttered under her breath.
With a knowing gaze. "Oh my dear Jane, this side of you is so endearing." Red said without a hint of sarcasm. "Just you wait, we'll be wedded soon and you, my silver star will be my Lovely wife."
Finished plating the table while moving with familiar ease they both sat together and ate.
"Gosh!!" Jane said with pink ears. 'All this time and he can still make me feel this way.' Her mood has improved significantly. "I suppose as a thank you we can extend a wedding invitation."
Gently placing his hand on her belly with a small circular motion. "Have you thought of any names?"
Jane leaned her head on Red's arm and thought for a moment. "If it's a girl, I think Cassia is a good name."
A question mark forming on Red's face. "Didn't you want a boy?" Jane didn't respond right away, taking a sip of her tea.
"I do want a boy, but I have always loved the name Cassie." Squeezing his hand. "how about you think of a boy's name. If its a girl well use Cassia if its a boy you'll name him."
Red smiled. "That's a fun idea, I'll be sure to think of a powerful name."
Wanting to enjoy this rare quiet weekend both spent the day lounging around the apartment, not knowing when they could do this again. With Jane reading near the fire and Red carving a new wood piece in his chair just across from her the evening sun arrived and set. Stillness of night took over the city.
Getting ready for bed, Red asked Jane if her family had any suspicions. "Well, it helps that I only see them a couple of times a year," Jane replied. "But I think my mother has started to notice the changes in my demeanor and physique."
Crawling into bed, she placed her head on Red's chest. "I wouldn't be surprised if they start sending seers to monitor me."
Jane tilted her head slightly and narrowed her eyes at Red. "It doesn't help that the two men they chose to court me went missing."
Red chuckled at her accusatory gaze. "What can I say? They encroached where they didn't belong." He turned off the light with a subtle use of his vector manipulation. "Let's just hope the civil conflict is a blessing in disguise."
After some lighthearted conversation and playing with Red's hair. In each others arms peaceful sleep fell upon them.