The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 28

*Aivi's POV*

It'd been one hundred years on Floral Island. I'd gotten used to life there quickly. The island had a greenhouse effect that made it comfortably warm all the time. The clothes of the Floral Island were more comfortable as well. Because it was an island full of women, the dresses were lighter and sometimes sleeveless and sheer. The material didn't feel as heavy and there weren't as many layers as the clothing in the Heavenly Realm. I wasn't surprised that Yong asked the Floral Goddess to look after me, but I was surprised that she was so nice and caring with me. I pulled my weight, of course, but Floral Goddess Peony helped show me how to make a tonic to help my nausea and lethargy. Yong tried to visit at least twice a week. I could see in his eyes how much he wanted to just stay with me, but I was starting to show. I had a little baby bump growing and it was feeling more real. I was pregnant. My stomach wouldn't let me deny it anymore.

I kneeled near the buds that were just starting to grow. I planted and cared for them myself after Goddess Peony showed me how. My cultivation levels continued to rise as well.

"Aivi, you're heavenly trial to goddess will be tonight. It's not safe to go through it while pregnant though," Peony said as she glanced at my plants. The rules were also more lax here on the island. We called each other by first name often and the strict rules of the Heavenly Realm weren't as enforced. I liked it here. Even though I was hiding, I felt relaxed.

"I can use my internal energy to protect the womb and take the strikes to my body only," I suggested. I knew my trial to goddess was nearing because of my continual cultivation, but I never thought about doing the trial while pregnant. Peony shook her head.

"It's not that simple. The trial of 20 lightning strikes goes to your very core. It's harsher than your previous trials," she stopped me. Of course, she didn't know about my lotus heart, but I still didn't know if that protection extended to the child in my stomach. I stood and placed a hand on my lower stomach. I'd gotten in the habit of holding my stomach since the bump appeared.

"But I don't want you to worry. I'm sure Yong has a plan. He refuses to watch you suffer, and I know he won't let harm come to either of you," Peony said as she held my arm gently. Honestly, I was worried. Yong seemed to be wearing himself thin lately. Even with the minor battles and duties as the Crown Prince of Heaven, he always tried to make time to visit me. The dark circles under his eyes were getting more and more obvious.

"I don't want Yong harmed either. I'm sure I can handle my trial on my own, and still keep my child safe. Do me a favor and don't open the barrier for him," I said confidently. I had faith in my Lotus Heart. It was stronger than ever before. I finished tending to my plants, and grabbed something quick to eat before meeting Peony at the edge of Fruitful Lake. The sky was darkening as cloud rolled quickly above us.