“Another unique method of the werewolf race is to transform into a wolf and bask in the sun with your mate,” he added.
I gave him a bewildered look when I heard that. I didn’t mind basking in the sun with Rufus, but I just didn’t understand why doing so was good for my pregnancy.
I was the one carrying the baby, not Rufus. How would basking in the sun with him benefit me? Couldn’t I just do this on my own?
The doctor simply smiled. “The purpose of that method is to strengthen the bond between the parents. In your case, the baby will be able to feel the connection between you and your mate, and after you give birth, your baby will grow healthy.”
His reason seemed a little far-fetched, but I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. How would I be able to know if I didn’t try?
After the doctor explained everything, I gave him a wide smile. “I’ll be leaving now, then. Please don’t tell Rufus that I’ve been here. Or else, I’ll tell him that you were the one who told me about the baby’s condition.”
The doctor wordlessly adjusted his glasses again and nodded. Before I left, I happened to notice sweat trickling down his forehead, which made me chuckle.
As I happily left the hospital, I felt relieved. Our baby was doing better than I thought. As long as I took good care of myself, there wouldn’t be any problems.
I had to leave soon and take care of my child alone in the future anyway.
After going back to the army, I talked to Harry. I didn’t have anything to do during the afternoon, so I went downtown alone and brought lots of clothes for Rufus. Ethan amply rewarded all the soldiers who did a good job last time when we were on the border. Just like me, Flora and Harry had also been rewarded. The money we each got was enough for an ordinary family to live a life of comfort for several years.
When I passed by a jewelry store, I bought a necklace and a silk scarf for Maya. I knew she was just in her early thirties, but her fashion sense was quite old-fashioned, so I decided to give her a favor by buying some stuff for her.
I gave Maya the silk scarf and the necklace when I went back to the palace. Tears welled up in her eyes when she took the items I bought for her. She didn’t expect me to buy her gifts. Not to mention, she told me that was the first time someone had ever bought her something.
I smiled and gave her a warm, loving hug. “I’m sure you’ll receive more gifts in the future and even meet the mate who will love you wholeheartedly.”
Maya was delighted to hear that and was very grateful to me. She decided to return the favor by heading straight to the kitchen to make my favorite dessert.
For her, the most direct way for her to show her appreciation was to make food.
I told her that she didn’t need to cook for me, but she insisted. I just smiled and let her be.
During the evening, I decided to cook a special dinner for Rufus. When I was done cooking, I just sat by the door and waited for his return.
Rufus was a little surprised by my actions. He didn’t expect me to be so enthusiastic today. “Honey, you haven’t been like this for a while.”
My heart ached a little. I had recently neglected him because of the curse, and I felt bad for it. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a tight hug before whispering, “From now on, we’ll be like this every day. Let’s live a happy life together.”
“Okay,” Rufus said in an audible whisper as he hugged me back.
Maybe I did that because I suddenly realized that I would leave sooner or later. I had already counted down to my departure, so I was cherishing every minute I spent with Rufus. I relied more on him this time because I wanted to be with him more than ever.
It was so stupid of me to decide to move out and even think that would make things easier.
After spending several days with Rufus like this, the day that I planned to escape the imperial palace had finally arrived.
Sylvia’s POV
Today, I woke up with Rufus as usual and had breakfast, after which I kissed him goodbye and sent him on his way.
I waited for half an hour after he left, and then immediately ran to my room and gathered a few belongings. I went downstairs calmly, as if it was just another ordinary day. “Maya, I have to go to the army.”
Holding a vase in one hand and a duster in the other, Maya paused and eyed me strangely. “Miss Todd, why do you suddenly want to go to the army? Didn’t Prince Rufus suspend your daily training and missions in the army last week?”
Thanks to my pregnancy, Rufus was taking extra precautions. A few days ago, he stopped all my army-related activities for my safety.
“Some details of the previous border missions need to be investigated by the army,” I explained quietly.
Maya looked a little worried. “They won’t make you do any physical activities, will they?”
I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. “No, it’s just a simple talk with no training involved. I promise I won’t do anything dangerous.”
“That’s good.” Maya didn’t feel at ease until she personally walked me to the gate of the army quarters and reminded me that she would be here to pick me up later when I was done here.
I agreed with a smile and watched her leave.
When she was almost out of sight, my smile faded and a sense nervousness rose within me, as if warning me that I was going to face a tough battle. I had come to the army quarters to get away from Maya. Under Rufus’ instructions, she had been keeping a strict watch on me over these past few days. She was not allowed into the army quarters, so she could not stick by my side.
Lots of my acquaintances were milling around. I put my hat on and was careful to avoid everyone’s notice as I headed to Blair’s office.
Blair’s and Rufus’ offices were located in the same building, but Rufus’ office was on the top floor, while Blair’s office was on the second floor.
I hid under a big tree that was far away from the building. Rufus’ men were chatting with someone at the entrance of the building.
Fifteen minutes passed by, but they remained in the same place. I began to get anxious, afraid that I wouldn’t be able to meet Blair at the appointed time.
Even worse, Rufus exited the building at this moment.
I was so terrified that I hurriedly dropped into a crouch. Damn it! Didn’t Rufus have to preside over a meeting for Ethan? What was he doing in the army quarters?
He chatted with his men at the entrance while glancing at his watch in haste. Then a car came and he got ready to leave.
I poked my head out to get a better look, but unexpectedly, Rufus seemed to notice the movement and his eyes turned in my direction. I quickly covered my face with my hands and crouched down, praying desperately to the Moon Goddess that he had not noticed anything.
Ten more seconds passed before I worked up the courage to look again. Both Rufus and the car were gone.
My body sagged with relief and I wiped the cold sweat that had beaded on my forehead. Fortunately, I was quite far from the building, so my scent couldn’t reach Rufus. Besides, there were a lot of camphor trees nearby which could help mask my scent well.
After ensuring that everyone around had left, I rushed into the building and went to Blair’s office. According to the original plan, I would change into a normal soldier’s uniform. Disguising myself as a man, I would get into a military car and leave the imperial palace with Blair, using the excuse of going on a mission. In this way, I would secretly escape.
Blair’s office was unlocked. I sat down and waited for a while. Half an hour later, there was still no sign of him.
He had told me that he would come here after the training, but a lot of time had passed and he hadn’t showed up.
My body thrummed with anxiety, but I didn’t dare call him, afraid that our plan would be exposed.
So, I waited for a little while longer. Twenty minutes later, he barged into his office and informed me with a serious expression that there was a change of plan.
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