“The Emalne pose no threat to us that I know of. But I did not think Mika would turn on you as she did either. And I have to take into account not only what we learned about your connection to my past but also your fragile condition.”
My condition. I wanted to wrinkle my nose. I’d never wanted kids, and it hit me that I hadn’t even stopped to think about how I felt about it. However, I knew that I was feeling completely defensive about being seen as weak. “I am not fragile.”
“Auri…” Kane walked over and wrapped his arms around me. “Do not pretend the pains are not getting to you. I can see you nearly double over even when you try not to show me.”
He wasn’t wrong. It was getting worse, but I didn’t want him to know. I didn’t want him to worry.
His lips pressed to mine. “Go. Get changed into something more comfortable. I will go down to the main floor and bring up some food and beverage. You need to rest. Tomorrow, we will find the herbs and such that you will need.”
I wanted to argue and say I could just go with him, but as I opened my mouth, his closed over mine, and I found myself complying to his request. “Fine. But please hurry back.”
“Not fragile, yet you need me to rush back to your side?” He smirked.
I playfully slapped his arm. “Kane… don’t…”
He kissed me quickly then was halfway out of the door before I could blink. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t make me wait.” I scolded him.
He smiled wide. “I have no intentions of it, little one.”
The door closed and left me smiling, shaking my head. I wandered into the bedroom and opened my case, selecting an outfit that was more or less like lounge clothes. Soft pants, matching top and a warm cardigan that came down mid thigh. Perfect for curling up, which sounded amazing.
I took the time to brush out my hair, pulling it back into a braid and then washed my face. While looking in my reflection, my hands smoothed over my top, pulling it against my rounded tummy. I had been so wrapped up in everything that I’d not let myself acknowledge that it was there… that it was growing and developing, a life forming inside me.
No. I’d never wanted kids. Not with what I’d gone through. But standing there, I wanted this pregnancy. Not because of some prophecy. That made me second guess if I was losing my mind. But the idea of having Kane’s baby or babies made me feel like I had a purpose. I wanted to be a part of his life and his family and to share that with him.
Thoughts of us together as my stomach grew ran through my mind that segued into us raising a family. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to daydream.
A wave of pain washed over me, but I breathed through it, bracing myself on the wooden sink basin with one hand, still holding my stomach with the other. “Shhh… We will take care of you.”
“Yes we will.” Kane’s arms snaked around me, and he lifted me up off the floor, carrying me out of the bathroom as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “And I will take care of you.”
He set me down on the sofa in the main room. A platter of foods and a pitcher of water with a glass sat on the table in front of me.
“Thank you.” The pains eased slowly as I reached for a bowl of cut fruits.
He watched as I took a bite. “Are you alright?” His voice was full of caution.
“We will have the herbs tomorrow. I will be fine.” I patted the sofa next to me. “Come. Sit. Or do you need to feed?”
“I fed while downstairs. They had a supply of my drink for travelers.” He poured my water and did as I requested.
I finished another bite and leaned into his shoulder. “Kane? Do you… ummm… How do you…” I looked at him and sighed. “I just want to know…”
He smiled gently. “You want to know how I feel about this?” His hand rested on my stomach.
“Yes,” I replied softly.
“On one hand, I get to have something I’ve wanted my entire life. And with a woman I am fairly certain I have wanted my entire life.” He ran his hand down my arm. “But at what cost? I fear the herbs not being enough. And I fear those that want to get involved in one way or another over this prophecy.” He said the word as if it was filthy.
“I…” I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to say. But before I could say anything more, there was a loud banging on the door that made me jump.
He lifted his hand and went to the source of the noise. Grabbing a dagger from the table he’d set down when we arrived, he tucked it behind him in his waistband. His hand went to the doorknob, not opening it but holding it secure. "Who is it?" There was a layer of menace in his tone.
Nobody replied vocally. Instead, Kane’s query was answered with more loud banging.
He looked to me with concern pinching his brows. "Go lock yourself in the bathroom with a weapon. There is another dagger in its sheath by my things.”
I got up and started for the bathroom. "What's going on?"
"I am honestly not sure, just taking precautions." He waited for me to be out of the room before opening the door.
I went in and sat on the side of the tub, dagger in hand. Something about closing the door so I couldn’t see any possible danger coming my way and my need to know
