🥺🥺
Between one blink and the next, Aldwin went from calmly eating beside her to flying off with much haste. Gwendolyn found herself staring at his empty chair for a few heartbeats longer than she should before setting down her utensils. She turned her attention to the messenger that had her husband rushing off in such a hurry with a polite court smile, "May I ask what the commotion is about?"
It was mostly just a courtesy to ask for permission to know. Unless it pertained to confidential information, the staff were obligated to answer their Queen's questions. Still, Gwendolyn wasn't one to be unnecessary rude.
"His Magesty's dog has gone into labor, my Queen," the messenger answered, his voice even despite his apparent surprise that his news had given His Majesty such the start.
"I see, thank you. You are dismissed," Gwendolyn gave the lad a more genuine smile, who inclined his head and gave her one as well, before heading off to continue his duties.
Aldwin had shown much anxiety about Delilah's birth the past few weeks, with almost obsessively checking up on her and monitoring her pregnancy. With this stress - and, what Gwendolyn silently prayed for, subsequent joy - he would not want his advisers to bother him about his conduct. So, she took it upon herself to attempt to smooth out the situation, lightly remarking, "His Majesty has been eagerly anticipating this event. Perhaps with the new puppies lightening his mood, His Majesty might even be more amendable to My Lord's new tax plan."
He wouldn't be, of course, because Aldwin was too fair of a ruler to let his mood sway his hand, but for the advisers who would be apt to condemn Aldwin for his conduct, they were also the most easily manipulated, as their quest for power was predictable at best and tiring at worst. For those who saw through Gwendolyn's lie, it was because they were true friends of Aldwin's, and would not chastise him to begin with (except perhaps in jest, when the puppies had been safely delivered were napping in His Magesty's lap, so their King could not chase them around for their jokes).
Those men could understand why Gwendolyn would say such a thing, and silently nodded along, before resuming their meal.
Gwendolyn herself beckoned over a standing maid, and quietly requested her to send water and crackers up to the room Delilah was in for both the King and the physician, but not to disturb them if there was any noise or commotion. Since Aldwin did not finish his meal, he would likely be hungry once his anxious adrenaline faded.
After that was taken care of, Gwendolyn resumed eating. She would likely head up after breakfast had concluded, but for now, Aldwin would likely want to spend time with his beloved dog and focus all of his attention on her. If he wanted her there, then he would send for her, but for now, Gwendolyn would portray the picture of the elegant and unperturbed Queen, when really all
she wanted to do was squeal and be excited about the new puppies coming.
Spring Month: 3 
Night 
Clear Moon: 
