Chapter 12: The Punishment

                                    

                                          
After Xander said his goodbyes to Aemilia and Una buried her brother, the siblings returned to the castle. Una was taken into custody, but when the siblings pleaded with their father to let her go. Instead, he allowed her to be a captive at the Northern Castle. 
                          
She spent her days in her room for the most part and about once every day Corrin would stop by to have tea. That always made her happy as she felt like she was going crazy staring at the same things every day. Her bruises had begun to heal, but new problems arose as it turned out she was indeed pregnant.
                          
Soon weeks and months began to pass, Una was nearing the end of her second trimester when she received a letter from Leo. It'd been months since she'd heard from him but longer since she'd seen him. Out of all the siblings though, she had received the most letters from him and they were always so sweet and filled with promises she was afraid he wouldn't be able to keep. This letter was written in his lovely cursive handwriting and it read:
                          
Dearest Una,
                          
I hope you are feeling well and that the baby is healthy as well. I talked to Father recently about your situation, he says that we will be visiting you and Corrin in a week's time. I'm sure by the time you get this it will be just tomorrow. We've been ordered to bring you home with us, you'll be receiving punishment. Xander fears that you'll be put to death, but I think not. Even if he does, I can't let it happen, no, I won't. 
I was sitting in the garden yesterday with my book and I saw a flower that reminded me of you. Niles said they're called cornflowers, they're so vibrant and beautiful. Just like you. Anyhow, I remember last time you wrote you said you felt fat. I'm sure you're still just as beautiful as any day, if not more. A tomato is just a pregnant flower after all, round but still beautiful. I hope to see you soon, my love. Please take care.
                          
Yours truly, Leo
                          
She smiled to herself at his sweet words and looked at the date on it. He was correct he would be arriving tomorrow with their siblings. She laid down as there was a soft knock on her door. The guards opened it and Laslow came in as one retainer always arrived first before their master to make sure everything was alright.
He smiled when he saw her, "Wow when Leo said you were pregnant I guess he wasn't joking."
She laughed feeling relieved to see another face then Corrin's even if it was Laslow, "Yeah, I guess not."
"Una, I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry I left you."
She looked away from him, "It's too late now. I'm getting married to Leo."
He smiled, "I know and I'm happy for you. You're the only thing he ever talks about now, it's quite cute actually."
She laughed, "He's cute in general."
Laslow chuckled, "You're cute." She gave him a look and he blushed, "My bad, sorry."
"Did you need something?"
"No, I wanted to visit... Una?"
"Hmm? "
"Do you think... well, do you think the baby is mine?"
"No... "
"How can you be sure?"
"Well, Leo didn't pull out any of the times and it wasn't until I slept with him that I started getting sick. "
"How many... Nevermind. Anyways nice to talk with you."
"No, what?"
"Really, it's none of my business. "
"Ask."
"How many times did you sleep with him? "
She blushed, "5-6 times."
Laslow raised his eyebrow, "Wow, that's a bit excessive..."
"Not really. Once after we broke up there were at least 3 times when we first got together. Then again on the morning, I was taken into custody. "
He nodded, "Still, we didn't sleep together that often."
"My point."
                          
• • •
                          
Leo arrived early in the morning but knew Una was asleep still as there were only a few servants awake at this time. He went to see her anyways. She woke quietly as he entered the room, blinking away sleep.  He's missed her so much.
                          
She sat up to look at him and he smiled, "Good morning."
                          
He tucked her hair behind her ear before she realized what was happening and hugged him. He was a little surprised but happy. He held her.