Brutus was in the midst of budgeting Octavia’s party. His planning was meticulous, everything down to the last appetizer tray was being organized. He had received a good deal of help from his mother and mother-in-law, but he, along with Octavia, had the last word.

“Lucius,” he called out. The teenager appeared and stated,

“Yes, Lord Brutus.” Brutus lifted his head from the ledger and replied,

“Is Octavia resting right now? No matter,I need to walk around anyway.” Brutus shrugged his shoulders and stood to walk towards Octavia’s sitting room. She looked peaceful against the sunlight space.

“Darling,” he said quietly, “are you feeling well?” Octavia stirred from her nap, and nodded.

“Yes, I feel a little light headed, its just the baby. I bet it’s a boy, he’s sucking all the energy out of me. He’ll be strong.” She smiled gently as Brutus sat beside her and helped her sit up. The bump was just beginning to show over her normally trim stomach and she did look radiant.

Brutus kissed her forehead but was startled by how warm it felt.

“Octavia, your head is warm.” She looked at him and then replied,

“It’s probably the baby.” Brutus looked genuinely concerned and stated,

“I’m getting the doctor and the midwife. Where are your attendants?”

“I dismissed them, the room was too crowded.” Brutus frowned and a line of worry appeared on his features. He walked out of the room to call the doctor and find her attendants.