"You are carrying twin boys," the doctor informed Janessa. Janessa paled. "I would estimate you are nearly three months along. Certainly far enough that I can tell the boys will be identical except for one thing. One is a witch, and one is not."
"So, one will have red hair like me, and the other will be blond," Janessa said. The doctor nodded, then left the room to tell Lilia and Vidar. Janessa's stomach churned. Knowing she was carrying Antyny's children made her want to carve out her own womb. But at the same time...
Janessa placed a hand on her stomach, imagining it swelling as life grew within her. She already felt a maternal bond to them. Given that she'd felt a surge of electricity from the amulet a moment ago, she suspected the gift from Anya was helping her to come to terms with her current state.
And, Janessa realized, quickly fighting back hysterical laughter, she was carrying her own heirs! At least now she wouldn't be pressured by advisors to marry someone and sire a son the moment she sat on the throne as King Jasper.
"Oh, poor Janessa!" Lilia said, rushing into the room. She embraced the redhead tightly. "I am so sorry you carry your abuser's children."
"They may be his, but they are also mine," Janessa said softly. Lilia smiled.
"You are right." She squeezed Janessa's hand. "And not to worry. I can think of fifteen witches who will be happy to marry you quickly and pretend to be your sons' father."
"Marriage?" Janessa croaked. Lilia sighed.
"Unfortunately, you do not have many options. I want you close by, in case Antyny hears and tries to take you or your children." Janessa nodded, swallowing the bile rising in her throat. She would like that, as well.
"But you said options. Plural. I have more choices than marriage?" Janessa asked.
"Only two. The second is that you remain an unwed mother, but keep a low profile here at the castle. You would blend in, and news about you would not spread. You would be a maid or cook. We would say that your husband passed away after impregnating you."
"And the third option?"
"A temple," Vidar said. "There are three all-female temples right now that accept pregnant unmarried women into their orders." He looked at Lilia, and Janessa got a feeling this was an argument they'd been having. "I think it is the best option. You will blend in and have an additional level of protection. Not even a King can take a Priestess from her temple."
"She would not be in the castle," Lilia argued.
"Temple Row is a five minute walk from here! And no goddess would let her Priestess or Priestess's children be taken." Vidar turned back to Janessa. "But regardless of our opinions, ultimately, Janessa will make the decision."
Lilia and Vidar looked at the busty redhead. Janessa swallowed and mentally weighed her options, before ultimately deciding on...