The Newborn Son

The first chapter of Sanguine Sovereign, which was originally published Dec 16, 2020.

The chapter starts with Ygraine holding her newborn son, describing him as “my most perfect boy”. A maid reports the birth to Janus, who emotionlessly states that he finally has an heir.

Ygraine holds her son to her chest and names him Shimoa, a name she states is traditional from her homeland.

The chapter then cuts to 11 years later. Ygraine is walking with her son down a hallway, stating that he should put the book away, as it’s time for prayer. Shimoa asks why he never sees his father. Ygraine asks if he means for prayer and Shimoa agrees, though to himself he recounts that he never sees his father in general. Ygraine states that Janus is a very busy man.

in prayer, Shimoa prays that the gods could make his father care about him, doubting his father even loves him at all.

Trivia
The maid that reports to Janus is confirmed by the author to be part of Shay’s spy network.

While Ygraine states that “Shimoa” is a traditional name from her homeland, she actually is bending the truth, as “Shi” is an elven onamotopiea for an arrow flying, with “moa” meaning a blessing.

The book Shimoa is holding has no title on it.