“I’m not dying, you idiot,” I managed to say. “I’m having a baby. It’s a natural process that happens literally all the time.”
“Right. Yes. Baby. Natural. What do I do to help?”
“Stand there and try not to faint. You’re doing great so far.” I rolled my eyes. Fucking hell. They were kings. Did they not know how to handle an emergency?
“I’m not going to faint.” Aurion sounded extremely offended. Serves him right.
“You look like you’re going to faint,” I grunted, annoyed, because I was dripping from between my legs, my baby was coming, and I couldnothandle myself right now.
Mal still hadn’t moved since I’d made my announcement. He was frozen in place, staring at me with absolute terror written across every feature. You’d think he would’ve been calmer, having had months to prepare for this moment. Well, no. His hands were still holding mine from when we’d exchanged vows approximately forty-five seconds ago, but his grip had tightened to the point of being almost painful.
“Mal,” I said, squeezing him harder. “I need you to not panic.”
“I am not panicking.”
“You’re definitely panicking. I can feel it through the bond.”
“That is just a reasonable concern for your well-being.”
“That’s panic. But it’s fine. I’m the one who should be panicking, not you, dumbass.”
“You’re right. You’re totally right.” He said, and that’s when, as an angel landing on earth to perform a miracle, Sorcha stepped forward and took the situation in her hands. It was great to see a queen in action. She clapped her hands once and the entire room fell silent. Her voice rang out with absolute authority. “Everyone calm down immediately. This is a joyous occasion, not a crisis.”
People actually stopped panicking. Just like that. It was impressive.
“Guards,” she continued without missing a beat. “Please escort our guests to the reception hall. The celebration will continue exactly as planned, just without the king and queen present for the immediate moment. We have excellent food and wine waiting. Please enjoy.”
The guards started moving instantly, gently but firmly directing nobles toward the exits. Most people went willingly though some kept craning their necks to stare at me.
Sorcha turned to a young nobleman standing nearby who looked barely old enough to shave. “You. What’s your name?”
“T-Thomas, Your Majesty.”
“Thomas, I need you to run to the infirmary as fast as your legs will carry you. Tell the healers we need them prepared for a royal birth immediately. Can you do that?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” He took off running like his life depended on it.
She turned to Mal and her voice softened just slightly. “Malachar. Pick up your wife very carefully and follow me. Try not to jostle her too much.”
He nodded mutely and scooped me up in his arms bride style. Under different circumstances I would’ve made a joke about the romance of being carried over the threshold. But a contraction was building in my abdomen and I was trying very hard to breathe through it.
Sorcha started walking with purpose, her gown swishing as she moved. Mal followed close behind with me in his arms. Aurion trailed along beside us looking completely lost.
“You look like a puppy who got separated from its owner,” I told him.
“I feel like a puppy who got separated from its owner,” he admitted. “I have absolutely no idea what’s happening or what I should be doing right now.”
“Ha. And you said you weren’t going to pass out.” I grunted. “You’re ghostly pale.”
“I’mnotgoing to fucking pass out. I’m just deeply concerned for your well-being and the baby’s well-being.”
“That’s actually sweet. Still completely useless in this situation, but sweet.”
Mal made a noise that might’ve been a laugh if he wasn’t clearly on the verge of a breakdown. His panic mixed with mine through the bond, and I could feel his heart racing so fast I was worried about him having a heart attack. His breathing was shallow and unsteady, matching mine.
“I’m going to be fine,” I told him firmly.
“You are going into labor. In a realm with different medical practices from your world. That is not fine. What if something goes wrong? What if the healers cannot help you? What if there are complications? What if-”
