[There is a small trepidation aching in Richard's chest at the mention of "abandonment." The tension flares up in his body, trapping the air in his lungs and making his throat feel painfully tight. And once again, he could not stop the howling wind rustling the leaves of dark woods. He could see the shadows of the trees raising again, reaching for them. There was no denying it... Richard felt sad. But for who?

Instead of addressing those thoughts he focuses on Silco's question. How... How had it gone again?]

Not.. Not right away. [He swallows around his words, thinking back to that moment.] I wasn't there when Anne went in labor. I was only allowed inside when it was over. That is common practice in my world among the nobles. But yes, I did hold him, then. [What kind of father wouldn't hold his newborn heir? It had been all an act. The small human being sleeping in his arms, all while he exchanged knowing looks with each other. They both accepted the child.]

Do you think it is weird? That this body of mine could produce something like that. A normal human being.