Her kind words toward her husband brought a reignited smile to Meiying's face. In all actuality, Meiying's father had hoped to wed her to Keir Delaney, when the time had come. But Meiying had wanted to prove herself worthy. She'd refused to marry until she had established herself in the military, and then she had been sent to Cambria. When she was back, and prepared, she was too late. An unfortunate turn of events, but it mattered little in the long run. Mei was in no hurry to marry or have children. Her work felt more important, especially now.

"Yes, well, you certainly seem to feel very negatively about being forced to step-down. I can empathize with that, but it is the nature of a woman's fate that we must put our own selfish desires aside for the sake of our children. I'm sure that once the child is old enough, you could rejoin the military, if that is what you prefer to do at the time. You're still very young. When the time comes for your child to eat solid foods, you'll still be younger than I am now. The sea will always be here." Meiying couldn't relate to Valeria's outward exaggerated disdain for having to resign her rank. Had she expected to continue her role in the military while pregnant and rearing? Pregnancy was a difficult enough path as it is, without being on wavering ships in the open seas or the stresses of leadership. The future generation was always much more important, but even so, if she had not wanted to give anything up, she should have waited a while longer to have the child.

Yet, she had to admit that she was still looking forward to motherhood. "Scary? I'm sure you'll be well taken care of, and in the best of hands. I suppose giving birth is an intimidating process regardless, but certainly, you'll have nothing to fear. The time will approach more quickly than you expect and before you know it, you'll have a healthy child to care for. A gift, truly."

Speaking of the King and having much to do, though, seemed like an understatement. "I believe Commander Usher is handling the events rather well, with some guidance from the King, of course. His Majesty is always busy, of course, which is why he must be able to rely on those of us closest to him to do our jobs well. The adjustments made to the military by your father will be very helpful, I'm sure."