Chapter 5 #2
“Sorry, I don’t—” This time she cries out before her body lurches forward and her forehead rests against the table in pain.
“The baby.” Jerimi stands, knocking the table with his brawny body. Cups and pitchers spill over and liquid pools on the floor at the side of the table.
“Quick, get her into Ariah’s room!” my father shouts, taking her hand and helping her up.
“My room?” I protest. “Absolutely not.” It sounds selfish, but the fluids that accompany childbirth are ones I would rather not have soaking into my bed.
“You want her to have the baby on the table, then?”
My mother rushes to the other side of the room, pushing both my father and Jerimi out of the way.
“Have we forgotten this used to be her home, too? She has her own room. Galen”—she calls back to my father, heading to the back of the cottage—“get herbs and anything that will assist with pain. Ariah, get wet cloths and sanitize a blade.”
“A blade?” Jaleese, Jerimi, and I respond in syncopation.
“The cord, my dear.” My mother smooths Jaleese’s coarse curls and rushes her away.
I gather the supplies and take them to my mother in Jaleese’s former bedroom. My father comes in seconds later with an ample amount of his many concoctions, but then we are both forced out of the room.
We wait and pace outside, both restless, the constant screaming is our only update.
“Ready for that to be you?” my father jokes as I stop pacing and take a seat next to him.
“Absolutely not. Not anytime soon,” I reply without a thought, and that only makes him laugh.
“She’s so tiny,” I say to Jaleese, who looks outright obsessed with her new arrival. “Do you have a name yet?”
Jaleese was in labor for over fourteen hours. Enough time for the night to come and go without one of us getting any rest. Well, all but the newest arrival.
“Peace,” Jaleese answers without looking my way.
“Peace Lily Tanden,” Jerimi adds.
I have several peace lily plants sitting in my room, and my father has placed an abundance around the house. They aren’t consumable, but they help with my breathing.
“Beautiful,” I whisper.
“Ariah,” my mother says, coming into the room with a piece of paper. “Go into town and get these items, please. Your sister will be here for the night, and I want to make sure we have enough.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply, before giving my sister a kiss on the head. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Her face is glowing when she looks at me. “Get me something sweet, will you? And don’t tell Mother.”
“Our secret.”
Letting the others get their time in with Peace, I disappear and head into town. The sun is still rising, painting the sky a vibrant purple with hints of fuchsia splattered throughout.
Despite the lack of sleep, I’m wide awake. The crisp morning air rolls over my skin and I can’t help touching the fresh dew on the tall grass as I near a bridge next to Willows Path.
Mornings have always been my favorite. Soaking in the serenity is when I get all of my greatest ideas.
Any ideas, really. Inspiration for dresses, thoughts of adventure, better understanding of the meaning of life, and so much more.
Today is no different. My thoughts are of my niece and what life with her will be like.
Will she like me? Honestly, though, does she really have a choice?
Jerimi has no siblings so I’m kind of her only option.
From the bridge, it’s only another ten minutes until I reach Luna’s parents’ bakery.
Of course, my mother put their bread and cream puffs on the list. Maybe I should surprise Jaleese and Jerimi with a cake.
Luna’s mother does make the most delicious orange sponge I’ve ever tasted.
The perfect treat for the perfect celebration.
Inside the bakery, warmth wraps around me and doesn’t let go. Behind the counter, I see Mr. Trivy stacking some jars of honey for display and Mrs. Trivy isn’t far behind him, sweeping up the morning crumbs.
“Good morning,” I call out, hearing my echoes bounce around the room. “Is Luna here? I want to tell her about my new niece.”
Mrs. Trivy’s eyes round out like moons too big for her sockets. One second, she’s behind the counter and the next she’s wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“Congratulations to you and your family. Darmen,” she calls out to her husband. “Pack up anything this girl wants. Today is a fine day if you ask me.”
Mr. Trivy takes the list and starts collecting my mother’s items. Luna’s mother and father take turns asking me questions, and I’m about ten answers in when I realize there is one person who is not here to share in the joy.
“Is Luna up yet?” I go to place a few coins in Mr. Trivy’s hand, but he closes it before I can drop them in.
“This is on us.”
It’s a kind gesture, but knowing their situation it doesn’t feel right not to pay.
“Luna was summoned to council,” Mrs. Trivy’s shrieks out, excitement overflowing from her. “The divinities have seen our struggle and have sent us aid.”
“What do you mean, summoned?” My mouth dries and items around the shop vibrate in my periphery. It takes several blinks for my vision to return to normal.
She retrieves a scroll from her apron pocket. “They sent an order this morning. She left for council an hour ago. They usually like to space out the marriages, but considering they didn’t get one yesterday, they continued down the list. Our precious girl will save us.”
“No.” My head shaking prevents me from reading anything on the paper. “They can’t.”
“Don’t be irrational.” She grabs my hand, her tone soothing. “This is a good thing for us all.”
I can’t listen to her, and shove the scroll back her way as I run out of the shop and into the street, where I nearly collide with a wagon going at full speed. Narrowly escaping a tragic end, I keep going and make my way to the village center where the council building is located.
Slowing near a fountain, I hear bells chime.
I hear eight rings before the dongs stop.
Nearing the building, I spot Morren Beetlerum out front with an older man who looks an awful lot like him.
Morren has on a finer suit today, one that looks like he’s ready to marry in this instant if given the chance.
That thought alone sends my heart into hysteria and my chest becomes tight, as if a thousand pounds have just fallen on it.
Digging in my pockets, I fish for my spray and take in two puffs. As I get closer to the entrance, I see one of the doors open and out comes Luna. My eyes drift to Morren, who grins wildly.
Luna, is in a rose gold dress that sweeps over the cobblestones, making it hard for anyone to miss her.
Her hair is pinned in a tight bun with a few loose curls.
The color of ripened red berries sweeps her lips and coal dusts her eyes.
Through the decorations on her face, she holds a look that suggests she’s ready to kill.
She walks up to where I wait and then straight past me, purposely ignoring me.
“What happened?” I whisper, struggling to keep up with her pace.
“What do you think happened?” she spits out bitterly.
Tugging on her arm. “Well, you said no, right? They can’t do that.”
“They said my parents’ debt would disappear and I would be given a life people only dream of.” No wonder her parents were so cheerful. It doesn’t sound like a bad deal for people in their position, but I know Luna doesn’t want this.
My eyes roll back. “Council should be ashamed of themselves.”
“Them?” She stops and spins before taking a step closer. She’s only a few inches taller than me, but at this moment she stands over me like a towering tree. “All you had to do was say yes. I wouldn’t be in this position so soon if you had just stuck with tradition.”
“That’s unfair.” I too, take a step closer ridding any intimidation, and we are both crossing the line into each other’s spaces. “They would have come after you, eventually. They go after everyone.”
“Maybe so, but they saw us together yesterday and that moved me up on their list. If he couldn’t have you, then I’m sure the best friend will do.” When she’s done, she sucks in a deep breath, as if she’s trying to keep calm. “I have to go. I have to go tell my parents the good news.”
“I really am sorry.” She stops with my whisper. “I didn’t think it would lead to this.”
“Me either.” Her eyes fill with water, but she holds her tears in. “I have to go. I’ll see you around…maybe.”
She leaves me standing there. We could easily walk back together since my home is in the same direction, but I know she doesn’t want to.
“Miss Tyddle,” a familiar voice calls from behind me, spreading a fire inside.
I turn to see the man with the snow-beard.
My hand clenches into a fist and I’m tempted to let it loose.
“Good thing I caught you. Just wanted to inform you that a request was sent off to the Queen this morning. After your defiance yesterday, we realized that all marriages should be overseen by that of council. Why have people choose and worry about marriage when we can assist and make it easier? Of course, your dear friend will take your place in the Beetlerum house, but I assure you we will find you another match.”
I want to slap the grin off his face. “How kind of you. I hope the Queen takes it under a long and thoughtful consideration.”
He tips his hat to me. “Must be off now. I have wedding plans to attend to.”