"As I said, Jaelynn is now truly your child," Olga said with a smile. "I transformed her to be a combination of the two of you, just like your son is. Speaking of your son, what name do you have in mind?"
"We were thinking of naming him Oskarr," Iris said in a tremulous voice. "But we will have to revisit that, as I would like his name to match Jaelynn's." Olga's smile broadened.
"How adorable. Twins with matching names. And both children strong Copperstone Horse Witches and loyal to the King."
"But of course," Iris said with a nod. Olga nodded in return, her feigned pleasure now seeming genuine. "Please send our thanks and wishes to him." She stroked her baby bump, which had become even larger with Jaelynn within her. "Perhaps we will name our son in honor of him."
"How gracious to name your firstborn after him. King Antyny will be most pleased with your family. We were concerned at first that the Copperstones would reject the new regime. But it is clear now that you were all as eager to be rid of the tyrants as we were." Olga bowed to Iris. "I look forward to hearing of your children when they are born, and hope you will continue to produce Witch subjects loyal to the King." Iris nodded regally. Olga left. Mikhail looked at Iris, dumbfounded.
"What?" Iris asked.
"You almost had me fooled," Mikhail whispered to her. Iris laughed, the sound like lovely bells.
"I was raised to perform diplomacy, Mikhail. Of course I can lie through my teeth and have everyone be none the wiser."
"We may have to have you be more involved," Mikhail said. "I do not wish to put you in danger or in the spotlight, but if you can convince the rebels that we are fully aligned with them..."
"I will do whatever the Royalist cause needs me to do," Iris said firmly. Her eyes widened. She grabbed Mikhail's hands and placed them on her baby bump. "Feel! They are kicking!" Mikhail beamed. Feeling the new life within the princess was a true treat.
"How wondrous."
"Yes." Iris arched her back. "Oh, dear. I fear I may struggle to perform my duties until I give birth. Carrying two children is so much more difficult than carrying one. I am already exhausted!"
"Go take a nap, Iris," Mikhail said. He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, which she returned. Mikhail watched Iris go back inside, waddling due to her advanced and large pregnancy.