As if he sensed his mother's death, the child's screams grew louder and more urgent. Gillian cooed to him and cuddled him close, but it wasn't enough to quiet him.
"Maida, send for my husband. And the wet nurse."
As she rocked the infant, a sharp pain stabbed into her belly. Breathless, she hurried to the bed, fearful she might drop the newborn in her arms. Something seemed wrong, or was it simply the sudden passing of Anne that sparked the pain?
"Maida, I think something is wrong with me."
The midwife carefully drew a blanket over Anne's unseeing face and studied Gillian. She folded her arms and shook her head.
"'Tis a bit early, but it looks as if your babe is anxious to be here as well, my lady."
Gillian shook her head. "Nay, 'tis impossible. I can't possibly be ready to..."
"Ready to what?"
Royce stood in the doorway, a scowl darkening his face. His stare moved from Gillian and the babe to Anne's body on the floor.
"What happened?"
"Anne birthed her son. Then she... died. There was so much blood, and –"
Another pain, a tightening of her belly, stole the rest of her words. She gasped and shook her head. 'Twas too soon.The babe shouldn't be born for at least another month.
Royce was at her side in a moment, alarm gleaming in his golden eyes.
"What is wrong?"
"I think Maida might be right. Our babe comes as well."
"Are you sure?"
"No, but she knows better than I. Maida?"
The midwife took the baby from her arms and handed him off to another maid. Just as she was about to speak, a gush of liquid ran between Gillian's legs, soaking her, her gown and the bed.
"'Tis time, my lady. Your waters have broken and your baby is coming today."
Gillian grabbed hold of Royce's arm. "Nay, 'tis too soon. Make it stop!"
"Babes come when they are ready," Maida replied, her tone too calm for Gillian's liking.
"My lord, you must help me get her to your chamber where she can labor in comfort."
Gillian's protests went ignored as she was led from the chamber down the corridor. She looked around for the maid with the baby, but didn't see her.
"Where is the child?" Her panic made her voice weak and shaky.
"He will be well-cared for. The wet nurse has arrived and will feed him. Have a care for yourself."
Royce's tone bordered on a command but the urge to laugh at his worried expression vanished as another wave of pain gripped her back and abdomen. She bent forward, trying to ease the terrible cramping sensation, but it did little to soothe the discomfort.
Royce's gaze grew troubled, adding to Gillian's worry. He held her close by his side, moving carefully so as not to pain her further. But another slice of agony cut into her and she couldn't contain her cry. Royce bent and gathered her into his arms, cradling her bulky body. She clung to himtrying to restrain her sobs.
Royce obeyed Maida's orders and laid Gillian in the bed. He sat beside her, taking her hands in his. His eyes never left her face, his concern feeding into her apprehension.
"Something is wrong." His tone sparked still more distress.
"Nonsense, 'tis the way of things," Maida said, bustling about the chamber. The door opened and a tub of hot water was brought in, just as had been done for Anne.
