Eliza Anani's child grew alongside the the amount of questions asked by her family.

Why did she seem ill?

Why did her clothes need tailoring?

Why did she refuse the wine?

Evidently, she couldn't keep her pregnancy a secret for very long. When she discussed it with Rowan, his smile only lasted a moment.

"Should we get married?"

"You're a thief from the outer city, theres no way my family will accept you as such."

"But they're going to find out about the child eventually, right? Isn't a bastard child looked down upon in Upper Holn?"

"... I can handle it."

"I'm so sorry, Eliza."

"Rowan, don't be sorry. I'm glad it's with you."

Rowan stayed a the Anani estate with Eliza that night, sneaking out at sunrise. He came back as often as he could to help her, make sure she was okay, to enjoy tea and cookies together away from view.

He continued doing so after her grandfather threaten to take the child away for adoption. When she refused, he made sure she and her child would not be next in line to be the High Keeper of the Arts. Instead, they would be in line after her younger sister and any children she may have. It was a shame to the Keepers to bear a fatherless child. Every part of Eliza wanted to introduce Rowan to her family, and yet she was too afraid to face more anger from her family at his origin.

Some months later, she gave birth to a beautiful little girl she named Norah. Despite her fears, Eliza's family loved Norah entirely, and never brought up her father. The Anani house had a new little princess to spoil.

As expected, Rowan visited Eliza and Norah whenever he could. When the Anani family was away from the house, the three of them became the Summers family.

One night, when Norah was almost a year old, Rowan snuck in, his face bloodied.

"Rowan? Ro, what happened?" Eliza ran to him and checked for cuts.

"It's not mine, love, don't worry."

"... Honestly that makes me more worried." Eliza muttered. "What did you do?"

Rowan stayed silent for a moment. "They got Julian. The Guards. They uh, caught us stealing something we shouldn't have. They messed up Julian quite a bit. I tried defending him, knocked out a couple of guards. I- I think they're after me now... I know I can't hide here but I wanted to see you and Norah before they find me."

Eliza stared at Rowan. He looked exhausted beyond recognition.

"What are you saying?"

"I- I'm here to say goodbye, for now. I don't know if they're find me or if I'll run away but-"

"No, nono no, Rowan no please, we need you here, I need you here there's only a few months before it'll be time, you could be safe here."

"You know I can't stay, you and your entire family are officials who alerady resent me."

Eliza exhaled deeply and leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his torso. "You knew how unsteady the guards are..."

"I couldn't let them kill Julian. I couldn't live with myself."

"Kill him...? What were you trying to steal?"

"I-... we were trying to find proof of the Regis's transgressions."

"What transgressions?"

Rowan looked down at Eliza. "There's no way he can get everyone to believe everything he says. There must be something more at play."

"... when do you have to go?"

"I have a few minutes. I'm considering turning myself in so they don't hurt me. Maybe they'll let me out for good behavior? I don't know, I just know we messed up. But something about the Regis isn't right. Please, please keep an eye out for that at meetings and such? For the good of Holn, please Eliza." 

Eliza nodded. "I promise, Rowan. Come back to me?" 

"I'll do everything I can to." 

Rowan let go of Eliza and turned to where their daughter slept, reaching down to stroke her cheek. "I'll see you soon, princess, I promise." As Eliza approached him, he sat on the side of her bed and gently placed his hands on her stomach.

"I know if it's a girl you like the name Lily. If it's a boy, I like the name Milo..."

Eliza chuckled. "Deal. Milo Anani... that sounds nice."

"I'm just sorry I won't be there to meet our child..."

"I'll come visit you."

"Don't bring two children to prison, Eliza, please, they don't need the nightmares that come with that place."

"... okay."

Eliza and Rowan held each other until he needed to leave.

"I'll be okay."

"I know."

"I love you."

"And I, you"

The kiss was as gentle as their parting.

Eliza watched Rowan walk towards the Guard tower, head held high, as she rested her hand on her stomach, protecting the child within. Wiping a tear away, she picked up Norah and carried her to her own bed, holding her close as she fell asleep, praying for her unborn child to have a sense of guidance through their life.

And for them to never stop dreaming.