Helena and Edward stepped down from the carriage, each carrying a baby in their arms—Edward held Jonathan, and Helena held Julian. As they approached the front gates, Alric came running over, his expression worried.
"Is it true?" he asked breathlessly, his eyes on the baby Helena held. "Did she really…?"
Helena slowly nodded. Alric's face fell, grief settling into his features.
"She was such a kind woman," he whispered.
Edward remained quiet, gently rocking the baby in his arms.
They entered the estate, where Charles stood waiting. The moment he saw them, he frowned. "Where were you two?" he asked, confused.
Edward looked at him, then stepped forward and gently offered the baby in his arms. "Can you hold him for a moment?"
Charles blinked and carefully took the infant. He looked down at the tiny child, surprised. "Whose baby is this?"
Helena replied softly, "They belonged to my friend. She passed away after giving birth."
