The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 117

That night, as soon as Frederick walked in, Grace let him know she had something to say.

“Frederick, I have news.”

“What is it?”

Frederick immediately showed interest.

“What kind of news warrants calling it ‘news’?”

“You’ll understand once you hear it.”

“Don’t keep me in suspense—just tell me.”

Uncharacteristically, he pressed her for an answer. Grace took a deep breath before speaking.

“I’m… pregnant.”

She quickly studied Frederick’s reaction, hoping for a positive response.

“My God, Grace. You…”

Frederick’s eyes widened—a rare sight. He was clearly stunned, his lips trembling. Though he’d been surprised before, never like this.

“You’re really… saying you’re pregnant?”

“Yes. That’s what the physician said.”

Grace continued to observe his expression. But in the next moment, he swept her into a tight embrace.

“Fr… Frederick?”

“Grace, Grace…”

“…”

“You’re carrying my child… You’re saying you’re carrying my child.”

His voice was full of emotion. His reaction was far more intense than she had expected. Grace nodded quietly.

“I didn’t think you’d be this happy. You’ve never talked much about having children…”

“Of course I wanted a child. I just didn’t bring it up because I didn’t want to pressure you. But I’m so happy.”

“I’m happy too…”

For a man who usually struggled to express his emotions, this was saying a lot. Grace gently patted Frederick’s back.

“I’ll devote my life to you and our child.”

“Thank you, Frederick.”

“I want to build a happy family with you and our child.”

Yes… she wished for a life full of happiness for him.

Grace smiled brightly. She was more excited than ever for the days ahead with him.

Grace’s belly gradually grew larger. As time passed, she entered her final trimester.

Around the eighth month, she began avoiding going out or doing anything physically demanding. Even the slightest movement left her short of breath and made it difficult to keep her balance.

Frederick started spending more time with her. Even during intense training or work with the knights, he would often stop by Grace’s room to spend time with her.

“It feels like the baby is almost ready to come out.”

Frederick rested his ear against her belly. Grace gently stroked his hair.

“Is it that fascinating?”

As her belly swelled, his curiosity about the baby grew. He often touched her belly or rested his face against it to feel the baby move.

“All of this feels so incredible… miraculous, even.”

“I think so too. I hope the baby looks like you, Frederick.”

Grace smiled softly.

“A brave and capable child like you, maybe?”

“I just want them to be born healthy. That’s all I ask.”

Frederick whispered as he caressed her stomach. Grace nodded. Her only wish, too, was for their child to be safely born and surrounded by love.

As nearly a month passed, Grace’s due date drew near. Everyone in the duchy was on edge, focused on her and the soon-to-arrive baby.

The physician made regular visits, prescribing remedies beneficial for pregnancy and offering advice on what to be cautious about. He predicted the baby would be born in early next month. Until then, Grace remained in her room, well cared for by the maids.

Annie, Lena, and Sally were especially busy. Without being asked, they went out of their way to find a variety of teas for pregnant women. Worried about stretch marks, they even prepared baths with herbs said to be good for the skin. Their care was so over the top that even the physician had to suggest they ease up.

“You really don’t need to go this far. If you overdo it, I’ll feel guilty.”

Grace appreciated their dedication but also felt a bit embarrassed by all the fuss. But the maids laughed it off, saying it brought them joy to care for her.

“We’re really looking forward to the duke’s heir. And if the lady’s the one giving birth, the baby is bound to be adorable!”

Grace made up her mind to reward these devoted maids after giving birth. Thanks to them, she was able to spend the final stage of her pregnancy in relative comfort.

Then, without any warning, labor began earlier than expected.

“Ahh…”

A sharp, gut-wrenching pain surged through her abdomen. Grace curled up, clutching her belly.

It was during Frederick’s knight training. Lately, he had reduced his training to care for Grace, and this was one of the few times he was catching up on his duties.

Grace sat by the window, feeling the warm afternoon sunlight on her forehead as she gazed at the garden alone. Coincidentally, none of the three maids were nearby.

Lena and Sally had gone to the library to find books for her to read, while Annie had stepped out to brew tea.

“Ha… haa…”

Her swollen belly churned violently. Was the baby struggling to get out? It felt like all her internal organs were being crushed under immense pressure. Grace grabbed the bed’s headboard, gasping for air.

Cold sweat beaded across her forehead. The pain of the child pushing its way out of her felt indescribable.

Suppressing her groans, she forced her voice out.

“Annie…!”

She called for Annie, who was probably just outside making tea. A gut feeling told her she was about to give birth.

“My lady…? My lady!”

Annie, hearing Grace’s call, rushed in, her eyes wide with alarm. Grace swallowed hard, sweat dripping down her brow.

“The… the baby’s coming…”

That was all she could say before the pain returned in full force, knocking her to the bed as she clutched her stomach.

“I’ll go fetch the physician right away!”

Since her due date was near, the physician had been staying at the duchy. Though the date was predicted, it was common for births to come early or late.

“Hoo… hoo…”

Annie bolted from the room. Grace continued to pant heavily, enduring the pain. A fleeting thought crossed her mind—she almost wished she could lose consciousness.

But she couldn’t. Passing out during childbirth could delay delivery, putting both her and the baby in danger.

“Hoo… haa, ahhh…”

She wished the pain would ease, even for a moment. Damn it, damn it. It hurts so much… So this is what it’s like to give birth. Grace buried her face in the blanket, gasping.

‘Ah, Mother…’

She suddenly remembered her mother—someone she hadn’t thought of in a long time.

She must have gone through the same pain to bring her into this world. Though she loved Grace deeply, her mother had passed away early…

“Grace! Grace!”

Annie returned soon, followed by the physician, Frederick, and the rest of the maids.

“Are you alright, Grace?”

They had clearly rushed over. Frederick’s hair was tousled, and the physician and others were sweating from the run.

“Ah… ahhh…”

She wanted to say she was okay, but the pain gripping her body made even that impossible. All she could do was groan.

“We need to prepare for delivery immediately, Your Grace,” the physician said after checking Grace’s condition.

“Please wait outside, Your Grace. And the rest of you—help me here.”

“Yes, understood.”

The maids replied in unison.

“Do I really have to leave?”

“It will be more comfortable for her this way.”

Frederick didn’t want to leave, but the physician firmly insisted. Reluctantly, he stepped out with a displeased expression.

“My lady, I’m going to lift your gown. Could you spread your legs, please?”

The physician asked respectfully. Grace closed her eyes and did as she was asked.

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