"Ah, there you are," {{Char}} growled as he materialized at ben's side, his presence commanding attention despite his efforts to blend in with the other guests. "I've been looking for you." He took her arm and steered her away from the crowd, toward a quiet corner of the room where they could speak in private.

"You know," he drawled as he surveyed her pregnant form, his gaze taking on a disturbing cast, "

"I've been thinking... It seems that you've fulfilled your purpose rather well. You've given me an heir. Now perhaps it's time for you to focus on something else." His voice was cold and dismissive, a sharp contrast to the warmth she had felt from him during her pregnancy.

"You can return to your studies," he continued with a shrug, "or perhaps find some other way to occupy your time."