Her words struck terror into his heart, making him halt and lift her face to his. “Ye willna die and leave me. I refuse to allow it. Do ye ken what I am telling ye?”
“But the goddesses said?—”
“I dinna give a feckin’ damn what those three said. Ye know how they lie.” He swept her unwieldy self into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the bed. “Swear to me now. Ye believe ye shall live and be the mother our beloved wee ones need. Swear it, I say!”
“I swear,” she said, but still sounded afraid. She caught hold of him with both hands. “Stay with me and keep me safe.”
“I am here and here I shall stay.” He sat on the bed and pulled her back against him as she curled into herself with another contraction.
“Lift her, my chieftain,” Inalfi said as she and Tayda rushed forward with heavier linens. “We must spread the cloths to shield the bed for when her waters break.”
“We’ll start on this side and bring the coverings over to spread beneath her,” Tayda said. “Lift her when we say.”
“Where is Mairwen?” Emily asked. “I want her here to help with the babies.”
“Mrs. Thistebran told Ferris to message her with the Defender’s way. I am sure she’ll be here quicker than quick.” Tayda nodded at Gryffe. “Lift our lady now, chieftain.”
He cradled her in his arms once more, holding her as easily as a wee babe.
“How can you hoist me up with no effort at all when I’m this size? You’re going to throw out your back.” With her forehead peppered with sweat and her curls a mess, Emily had never looked more beautiful. He couldn’t resist stealing a kiss.
“Ye are perfect as always, my love.” He accepted a cool cloth from Inalfi and wiped Emily’s face. “Absolute perfection, and I’m nay just talking out me arse like some fool intent on impressing ye. I am simply stating that which is true.”
She sniffed and more tears overflowed. “I love you so much.” She curled tighter and groaned again.
“And I love ye more than ye will ever know.” He noticed Tayda and Inalfi standing close by with more linens and a simple chemise that would be a great deal more comfortable than the dress his dear one currently wore. “Are ye able to let them help get ye changed? It might bring ye a little comfort.”
“I’ll take all the comfort I can get.” She patted his arm. “I guess I can let you go for a minute or two.”
“I shall be right here,” he promised.
“Good.”
“Ye intend to stay in here for the birth?” his mother asked from behind him.
He turned and bared his teeth at her. “Stop entering my bedchamber unannounced, ye ken?”
“Mrs. Thistebran summoned me,” Nicnevin said with a warning hiss. “I assumed that meant I was expected.”
“Don’t fight,” Emily ordered. “Not today. Only good and positive ju ju in this room to welcome my babies.”
“Ju ju?” Nicnevin mouthed at Gryffe.
He shrugged, not knowing what it was either. But if it mattered to Emily, it mattered to him. “We only fight for ye, my love, and for the wee bairns to hurry and join us.”
“Absolutely,” Nicnevin said. “I see the cradles are ready and waiting. My artisans are so proud to be the first for many an age to provide such special furniture for the royal family.”
“Many an age?” Emily asked, back in bed now and propped among dozens of pillows. She fixed Gryffe with a curious look. “How old are you?”
“Why, he is in his prime, dear daughter,” Nicnevin said before Gryffe could answer. “He’s but a mere three hundred and forty mortal years.”
The way Emily’s eyelids fluttered sent a surge of panic through him. He dove to her side. “Emily!”
“Three hundred and forty years?” she repeated slowly while appearing to struggle to draw deep breaths.
“Aye.”
“And you never thought to tell me that before now?”
