Chapter Twenty - Three #2
The pain came on suddenly and more excruciating than before. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to relax. Struggling against the agony seemed to make it worse. In her hand, Royce's fingers cracked under her fierce squeeze.
"My lord, sit up by her head. You are interfering."
Gillian gave a weak giggle at Maida's words.
Royce still scowled, but remained silent.
She realized his fear had grown. She held back a smile.
Likely her fierce warrior husband wouldn't like knowing his apprehension showed to everyone in the room.
To distract him, she took his arm and placed it around her shoulders, leaning back against his chest.
"You must hold me each time I –"
The scream erupted before she possessed the will to contain it. The pains now came closer together. Royce's embrace tightened as she trembled under the force of her labors.
Several hours later, she screamed with each twisting squeeze of her belly. Now Royce calmed her, whispering reassuring words in her ear, encouraging her to bear this agony.
"You bear it!" she shouted.
His chuckle only added to the tempest of emotions warring within her.
God's bones, she wanted to cuff him soundly, but another great pain was upon her.
His lips pressed against her sweaty cheek, and he gently mopped her brow, soothing her anger.
The small sense of comfort gave her a moment to catch her breath before another contraction left her squirming in agony.
"Do you want the stool?"
Gillian shook her head, images of Anne's suffering now taking over her thoughts. She wanted no part of that evil contraption, even if Maida insisted it made the birth easier.
"She birthed her son that way. I cannot..."
She caught Royce's eye, knew he understood by the single nod he gave her. She squeezed his fingers, gently this time. Another wave of hurt came over her, but somehow this seemed different.
"Maida? Something's changed." She gasped the words out.
"Aye, my lady!" The midwife peered between Gillian's legs. "Yes, it's time to push."
As soon as the words left Maida's mouth.
Gillian was overcome by the need to bear down.
Royce held her up as she pushed with every muscle in her body, falling weakly back when the need passed.
Over and over, her body strained, the pressure and pain changing with the need to expel the babe.
Her hair clung to her face. As if sensing how it distressed her, Royce brushed it free.
"Just a little more," Royce whispered. "Our son is almost here."
She barely heard him over the roaring in her ears. Her heart threatened to burst free of her chest, and she panted and gasped for breath with each assault on her exhausted body.
"One more, my lady! I can see the head. The babe is almost here."
Gillian sucked in a breath and once more bore down with all her strength. In moments, the babe slipped from her body, and the pain immediately receded.
"'Tis a girl child!"
She stared at her husband, his eyes wide in surprise.
Then he let out a laugh of joy and gathered her close just as the babe began to cry, a strong wail that echoed in the chamber.
Gillian leaned weakly against Royce, her heart now racing for another reason.
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she reached for her baby.
Maida placed the swaddled bundle in her arms. Vision blurred by her tears, Gillian looked at her daughter for the first time. In wonder, she raised a finger and caressed the tiny pink cheek.
Lifting her head, she found Royce staring at the babe with the same awe in his eyes that rested in her soul.
"She is beautiful, just like her mother."
"She is perfect. Royce, look at how tiny she is!" Gillian could not prevent herself from touching every part of the child. Royce leaned over and pressed a finger against the babe's hand. His eyes widened in astonishment when the tiny fingers clutched his.
"She is strong," he whispered.
"Like her father."
Her husband hugged her and the babe to him, placing a soft kiss on her damp forehead. Never had she known such contentment. She settled against him, content to stare down at this child they had created.
"Her name should be Marissa."
Gillian's head snapped up. "Really? You would like to name her after my mother?"
"Your mother gave me a gift on the day she bore you. I would like to thank her in this way."
He covered her mouth with a heated kiss, expressing without words all the love he felt for her. Tendrils of warmth filled her, but exhaustion made her eyes heavy and unable to respond as she normally would. The yawn fought its way free. Royce drew back, watching her with amusement.
"Do my kisses bore you, Wildcat?" he asked.
"Nay, Royce, never. But I am so weary."
"Your lady wife must rest now." Maida shook a gnarled finger at Royce and reached for the baby. "Allow her some peace."
"Stay with me." Gillian clutched his hand. He nodded, drawing her against him. She snuggled closer, contentment and peace filling her.
She must have slept, for when she next opened her eyes, candles lit the now darkened room. She sat up, looking around, her gaze settling on the chair before the hearth.
Royce held his daughter in his lap, her tiny body settled amidst a soft blanket.
Gillian remained silent, content to watch him as he studied the child, turning her and stroking her arms and legs, counting her fingers and toes.
His large hands dwarfed the babe, but his touch was gentle, almost reverent.
"She is perfect."
He turned. "You're awake."
"Unless I'm dreaming now."
"'Tis no dream. She is perfect. And she will grow to be as beautiful as her mother."
He gathered his daughter close and strode over to Gillian, placing Marissa in her outstretched arms. She positioned her daughter carefully, and pulled the shift from her shoulder, exposing her breast.
"She must be hungry." Sure enough, the child easily found Gillian's nipple. The sensation of her daughter catching onto her breast stirred a strange set of emotions. When the baby's eyes opened, Gillian gasped.
"She has your eyes, Royce!"
Tawny eyes studied her from above and below. The stroke of her husband's hand along her hair brought a sense of peace.
"Edward arrives tomorrow."
His words shattered the calm. Without looking away from her daughter, she asked, "Why?"
"He was coming to await the birth of Anne's child and pass judgment on her. Now that she's died, he will assist in the search for Burke."
"And what of her babe?"
He looked away and didn't answer. She knew what Edward intended.
"Nay, he cannot! Please tell me he doesn't mean to..."
Royce met her gaze and the regret she found there left her heart lurching. She shook her head.
"He's just a babe, an innocent child!"
"He is the son of two traitors. Edward must decide based on that."
She shook her head, dislodging her daughter, who let out a protesting cry. She soothed the babe with soft whispers and eased her back to her chest. There must be some way.
"I know! We'll tell him Anne's baby died, and I birthed twins. Maida can spread the word throughout the manor. None have to know he isn't ours."
Royce shook his head. "Edward will not be fooled."
"Then I will convince him! I won't let him kill a baby!"
Royce's smile seemed full of regret. "If any can sway the king, I suspect 'twould be you. Very well, you may try. But I'll have your word you won't do anything foolish should Edward insist on ..."
"Not to worry. I will convince him 'tis the right thing to do."