Eric.
He was coming from a war in the mountains.
His party had succefully taken back part of the kingdom from monsters that invaded their territory from the east.
The King of the monsters was killed off by him several months back. And the great war had come to an end.
Even other nations were not friendly. They feared Eric's power and his loyalty. But he always knew his nation had his back.
What was left was for diplomatic relations to be reestablished between nations as those were destroyed years back.
Eric was now a hero hailed for his power and righteous for about six years.
Eric and his team walked towards the gates of the royal castle, they opened up with warm welcome from the guards.
Praises came from the king as he opened his arms to them. Eric and his party knelt before the king.
"Rejoice everyone, for the hero has returned victorious once again. Shower him with praises, the king requests you as his subjects." His majesty said with a bright expression.
"You honour me too much your highness. I fight in your honour. And all my victories are done in the name of the kingdom." Eric spoke on behalf of his party.
The king approached Eric and helped him to his feet.
"On your feet please. All of you, stand up. My family and I would like to honour you. As such, please accept our gratitude." The king looked around.
Everyone present agreed with him on the spot. Cheers roared from the crowds. Eric felt like the man he had always wanted to be. A hero to his people regardless of what he had to give up.
Luckily, he didn't have to sacrifice anything for what he gained. The trust of everyone who knew him.
Everyone scattered as a feast was to be prepared.
Eric wanted to take a shower. He had to change out of his armour which was a bit destroyed and cracked. The sheath of his sword had marks and scratches all over it.
The team broke up and scattered, only Jeanette followed him, hugging his right arm closely.
"You do know we haven't told them yet, right?" Eric joked with the woman on his arm.
"I don't think they would mind. And anyway, I doubt they are that oblivious." Jeanette said and snuggled closer to Eric.
Her big soft bossom brushed and pressed against Eric.
"I find it surprising how you can always smell so great even after such a workout." Eric sniffed her hair and they headed to their quarters.
The sun lowered behind the mountains. The rays spread beautifully across the sky. Jeanette dressed in a red dress and heels of a yellow hue.
Eric wore a very casual outfit. Black shirt and blue pants. Had a pair of brown boots on.
"Can I interest you in changing out of those?" Jeanett asked Eric, being aware he won't be willing to change his clothing.
As expected, Eric just shook his head in denial.
The duo went out of the room for their celebration. The royal grounds brimmed with lanterns everywhere. Everyone made sure to dress to kill.
And of course, the security was reduced as most would expect for a celebration.
"Here comes the star of tonight's show. Everyone, welcome Eric..!" Lotn spread his arms with a smile.
His voice echoing with excitement, he approached Eric and Jeanette. He picked up glass of alcohol and handed it to Eric.
"War is over now brother. Rejoice with me, and enjoy the festivities of the night with me." Lotn handed another glass to Jeanette.
"I shall do that, dear brother. But first, i have a rule for you..." Eric gulped down his glass and took the one in Jeanette's hand.
"Don't give my woman alcohol. I wouldn't want to any harm to come to our little one." Eric said to his face, gulping down the other glass.
Lotn was left awestruck. He feoze to process what he had just heard.
"No damn way. Don't tell me you are...?" Lotn responded in surprise. Before he said more, Eric shushed him with a finger to the lips.
"Sit her down and I shall join you in enjoying the festivities you spoke of." Eric whispered in Lotn's ear and gave him Jeanette's hand.
As a trusted companion, Lotn was almost like a brother to Eric. He would trust him with his life.
Eric then went to meet with the king and some other officials. He was gifted with gold as a reward for his efforts. That too, a position of his liking within the empty ones that the king knew of.
Of course, he was to give an answer in a few days. He wasn't the only one who protected the Kingdom, so he had to make a decision that would benefit his party as well.
After lots of talk and politics, he finally went back to the feast made for him.
With his head a little heavy, Eric did something he didn't normally do.
He sealed away his power so he could at least be intoxicated tonight. But before he became drunk, he made an announcement that no one would ignore.
"Everyone, as grateful as I am for you all. As a grateful as I am for my party. I am even more so grateful for one woman and miracle that burst into my life to help me find stability." Eric walked towards Jeanette.
He offered her a hand and helped her up. The two of them exchanging smiles.
"The first piece of news is that, this lady by my side, has agreed to spend whatever time she has alive by my side. Cheers to that." Eric raised a glass to a toast and everyone followed with cheers of happiness.
"Now for the most important part!" He called for attention once more.
"The two of us are happy to let you know. We are having... a baby. We would love to receive your blessings for that." Eric hugged Jeanette closer.