16.

The painting was looking good, Paradox stepped back from it and looked at it he turned his back on it and quickly turned to look at it fast then turning away again.

Silver watched him do this several times. The fifth time he did the quick turnaround she started to snicker.

His ears perked up at her snicker. He ignored her and did the quick turn again this time flapping his wings when he almost fell over. He did it again quicker and ended up flailing his paws and losing his balance. He stumbled back and ran into the wall. “Horse nuggets.”

Silver laughed loudly at him. “Doxy? What are you doing?”

He stood up as he grabbed one of his wings and pet the feathers down with his paws. “I was trying to see what was wrong with the painting. It’s a commissioned piece and I want it to look perfect.” He let his wing go and grabbed the other one and pet his feathers there too.

Silver slowly got up and walked over to him. She looked at his painting. It was a portrait of Princess Luna. Her mane was long and flowing that blended with the night sky with a beautiful array of stars. Silver let in a deep breath.

“Yeah, exactly… It’s terrible.” He muttered as he put his claws through his feathers. “You don’t have to say anything. I’ll just start over tomorrow on it.”

“It’s gorgeous.” Silver said as she looked at the fine detail work he did. “Why do you think it looks bad?”

He looked at her. “I don’t know… It’s her eyes… They could look better.” He pointed at a speck of paint with his claw.

Silver squinted. “Um… I don’t know what you see. This painting is perfect.”

He put up his paws and let out a sigh, “I’ll have to look at it later, and then I can find the major flaw.”

Silver frowned as she squinted at the painting. “It looks so good, beautiful detail.” She shook her head when she felt a little dizzy she gulped and placed her hoof on her belly. “I’m going to go sit back down.” She turned and stumbled slightly as she walked back to the couch and stretched out on it. He watched her as she walked back. He placed his paintbrush in the washing cup and followed her to the couch.

She didn’t notice he had followed her so after she had stretched out she looked up and saw his muzzle in her face. “Ah! Doxy!” She said in shock as she blinked at him.

“Are you alright? You don’t look alright. Is it the baby? Are you in labor? Do you need help? I can help you if you need help. Here is a pillow.” He fluffed up a pillow and placed it under her head. “Just tell me. Please.”

“I was only a little dizzy, that’s all.” She confessed. “I have a month before I even begin having labor pains.”

“Are you sure Silver? I worry…” He picked up her hoof and kissed it. “I want you to be comfortable. Are you hungry?”

Silver smiled at him and put her hoof on his cheek. “Thank you for thinking about me. I’m alright.”

He looked at her doubtfully. “Alright. I am here if you need anything at all.”

“I know. Thank you.” She relaxed and closed her eyes. He got up and went back to look at his painting while she relaxed.