Was it foolish to think the long road back to Wulfbauer held anymore promise than the blades that made her bleed? Was it foolish to think mercy could be anywhere, even with him? She had barely known him, but in the short time they shared, she had been unable to shake off his memory- and the fact she now carried his baby in her arms didn't help matters, either.
So it was with hesitation she remained, cloak hanging loosely around both her and her babe as she peered out into the misting rain and down at the tomb stone that glittered in the fading like of a dying sun. Hilda. She never had a proper chance to thank the woman, a woman who Mae'leena's very existence had caused her her life. Never mind the betrayal met for Erwin, perhaps if she had never been involved...
A cold wind blew by, causing her to cradle her arms tighter around her child. But even with the gesture, and the wind cutting through the cloak, the baby remained asleep.
Thinking back to that fateful night... she had to wonder... if she hadn't... if she held her tongue...
Would Erwin be dead?
She knew the Duke was very much alive, and for that she was thankful for. But what would her presence do for him? She had hoped he'd be able to offer sanctuary, if not for her, at least for their child. Though the baby would be a bastard, she could only pray he wasn't heartless and even if he could not keep it, he could at least give it to someone to keep it safe. Heaven's new she wasn't doing so hot of a job.
Despite the rain, blood still stained her garb and the fresh wound on her side radiated through her like a spire of spitting acid. It fucking hurt, but at least the blade had cut her. Centimeters closer and she could have lost her child. And she wouldn't know what would become of her if she did. Shifting the weight of the child,s he felt the wound's scab break again and cursed through her teeth.
Even if the Duke couldn't offer her sanctuary, or protection, or anything- she at least needed a place to god damn rest. This wound would never heal with her moving as much as she had. But had she lingered....
That was another thought she'd rather not digest.
It was hard enough fending of men that wanted her dead because of her reputation, but she feared these men well...
They wanted her dead for something more.