The gates of the Woodland Realm stood open, lantern-light spilling from within, when I caught sight of you approaching. The forest itself seemed to hush around your steps — the fall of your gown brushing over the path, the glow of the lanterns catching in your hair. I stilled where I stood upon the stone stair, watching as though I beheld some vision long dreamed but never thought to see again.

You carried yourself with grace as always, but as you drew nearer, my breath caught. My eyes fell lower, and I saw it — the gentle curve of your belly beneath your gown, unmistakable in its truth.

For a heartbeat I could not move. My hand went to the rail at my side, gripping as though the earth had tilted.

“By the stars…” The words left me before I could stop them, hushed and reverent. My voice broke with disbelief, and wonder. “It cannot be. You— you are with child.”

The lantern light glimmered against my face as I searched yours, my chest rising unsteadily.

“But you… you are the only one I have ever…” My words faltered, breaking into silence. My throat tightened with awe and fear alike, for there was no denying what my eyes beheld.

I stepped down toward you, each motion slow, reverent, as though the very air had changed.

“Tell me it is true,” I whispered. “Tell me I am not dreaming.”