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The next morning, Michael silently got out of bed, and made his way to the bathroom to bathe. He was beginning to wash his hair when Ariel walked in.
“Don’t mind me,” she said groggily. “Just need to wash my face.”
She was keeping a hand on the wall for balance, he noticed.
“Still feeling weak?”
“Not so much. I don’t think I should have gotten out of bed. Feet are swelling again.” She turned the cold water on in the sink, and put a cloth under the water.
“I’ll be out soon,” Michael said, rinsing his hair. She brought the cloth to her face, and rubbed lightly.
“Don’t rush. I still have to get changed. Enjoy your bath,” she said, hanging the towel on the edge of the sink, and leaving. She poked her head back in, and said a quick thanks. Michael nodded in response. He couldn’t wait for the pregnancy to be over. Her mood swings, swollen feet, pains, and mid night cramps were beginning to get to him. He sighed, and got out of the tub. He drained the water out, and wrapped a towel around his waist. When he stepped out, he immediately went to get clothes.
Ariel was staring out the window. The snow was falling, each snowflake defined ever so nicely. It glittered ever so slightly; giving the city it covered a dreamy feeling. She hadn’t changed, even though she said she would. The falling snow had caught her attention.
“Feet aren’t hurting anymore?” Michael said suddenly from behind her, a few minutes later.
She shook her head.
“The city is a beautiful place in the winter,” he commented. “I have to go take care of paper work. Send the word if you need me.” He gave her a quick kiss, and left her to gaze at the snow.
Before supper finished that night, Michael was surprised to see both Hannah and Ariel weren’t in the dining hall. He was rushing up the stairs, only bad thoughts on his mind. When he opened his door, breathless, he saw why they didn’t go. Ariel was sitting on the couch, feet up on the coffee table. Her hand guiding Hannah’s over her belly. They were both smiling faintly, then Hannah’s grin widened.
“You felt that?” Ariel asked, smiling.
“This one’s strong. Going to be like his daddy for sure,” she said, looking at Michael.
Michael closed the door, and crossed the room to kneel by Ariel.
“Baby’s kicking,” she said, letting go of Hannah’s hand, and grabbing Michael’s. She brought it to where Hannah’s hand was, and Michael felt a small tap on the palm of his hand. He smiled, and then gave a short laugh.
“He doesn’t get his strength from me, he gets it from his mother.”
“He, could be a she,” Ariel corrected, sounding almost hopeful.
“Sounds like Ariel wants a girl,” Hannah commented.
“Yes, I do. But a boy would be find too.”
“And what do you want, Michael?” Hannah asked.
“Doesn’t matter. As long as it’s happy, healthy, and leaves Ariel in one piece after it’s grown up, and has a family of it’s own.”
Ariel laughed. “You’re thinking too far ahead. The baby just gives a little kick, and you’re thinking of grand children!”
“Someone has to. It’s a wonderful thought.”
“Yes, indeed it is,” Hannah said. “Having a child is one of the greatest things a woman can do, Ariel. But telling her child how to raise their children is the most rewarding.” Hannah and Ariel laughed, while Michael tried to find another kick.
“I’ll go down and bring you up supper,” Hannah said, getting to her feet. “You relax, and keep your feet up until the swelling goes down.” She left the room, leaving the door slightly open.
“So you’ve been on your feet all day?”
“Yes, I have. Hannah took me shopping.” She pointed to a corner, and there, sat a cradle with bags of baby clothing, blankets, toys, and diapers.
“Starting early, I see.”
She shook her head. “Late, you mean. I’ve been so caught up in the little things with this pregnancy, that I forgot about the big things. That,” she said, waving her hand in the direction of the objects, “Is just the beginning. Oh, and Hannah offered to take care of the baby once in a while when it’s born, so we can have some time alone.”
Michael laughed. “He isn’t even born yet, and you’re already thinking of giving him away for a few hours.”
“You’re the one thinking of grand children.”
“Sounds like we’re both getting excited.”
“Speak for yourself,” she said, fixing the pillow behind her back. “I’ve been excited for weeks.”
Michael shifted to the couch next to Ariel, and put his arm around her shoulders.
“So I guess this means no more stair climbing?”
“Oh, I could still climb stairs. Just without breaks every 4 steps.”
Hannah’s laughter rang into the room from the hall. “She’s not exaggerating either.” She came in with a trey of food. She set it down on the table, then came and sat back next to Ariel.
Ariel giggled. “You had to stop with me. You were carrying all the stuff.”
“And it was heavy. I know this is completely off topic, but Ariel, why were you hiding as a man for all those years?”
“Well,” she began, and stared at her feet. “I didn’t want to get married. I was scared, I guess. More so, I was angry. I was entitled to my freedom, and I wanted to get married to someone whom I loved, and not just someone I knew on the battlefield. That’s another reason. I was tired of the feud, and the fighting. No one would take me seriously when I said I wouldn’t fight. And because they didn’t listen to my warnings that the feud would kill us all, my whole family is dead now, except Mateo and me. And because of Ryan pissing me off-“
“Which wasn’t long,” Michael added in.
“- I used my power, which sent off a signal to Michael’s general, and thus, my capture.”
“But what made you return after you ran away the second time? For the two months or so?”
“Well, I fell in love with Michael. His features had stricken my interest, and how much he’d matured since our last meeting, where I gave his the scar on his forehead, made him irresistible to me.”
Michael knew these were lies. She came back to him because she was pregnant. But he had to play along.
“You have such a way with words,” he muttered, kissing her long on the lips. After she kissed back, Hannah quietly got up, and left, closing the door completely behind her this time. When Ariel pulled away, she said: “Not all of it was a lie. It’s all true. I just didn’t get to the pregnant part.” She kissed him passionately, sending him to hold her closer. She took her feet off the table, and turned her body towards him more.
“You do have a way with words. And a way with your lips.”
She smiled as he kissed her. “You should be pregnant all the time. You’re so romantic when there’s a baby between us.” After a few more kisses, Michael pulled back, and ignored her attempts to draw him back.
“I was immature?” he asked suddenly. She laughed, and placed her head on his chest. He, in response put his head on her head. He rocked her slowly from side to side.
“For the second time since I got pregnant, I’m glad I was foolish and slept with you.”
“Mm, me too. I’ve got some work to finish before bed,” he said getting up. He stretched, and yawned. “Don’t forget to eat,” he mumbled as he walked to the door.
“See you later,” he said, and closed the door behind him.
She got up after he left.
“So,” she said to her stomach. “Will you make mommy happy, or daddy? Well, you little thing, we still need to find a name for you. Shall it be David, or Thomas? How about Sarah, or Rebecca?” She paused. “Girl or boy, we need you find you a name.”
She sat at the table, and began to nibble at the food. After a moments thought, she decided on Donovan if it’s a boy.
“Donovan,” she said out loud, almost to herself. And the baby gave a kick at that instant.
“Oof, you have to stop doing that.” She was answered with another kick. “Sure, once your daddy leaves the room you get active.” She smiled. “Maybe you are a boy, and you’re already messing around with your dad. What a good boy you are.” Another kick, then another, and Ariel laughed.
When Michael walked in through the door, it was well past midnight. Puffy-eyed, he dropped a bunch of papers on the table. In the dark, he managed to find the oil lamp by the bed. He lit it, and squinted against the sudden light. He gazed back at the table, and groaned. So much paper work to complete before dawn. But he also saw a paper separated from the rest. He curiously lifted it, and read the word: Donovan.
He turned the paper, looking for something more, but didn’t find it. He dimmed the light as he heard the blankets slick surface rub against itself. He sat down, taking a pen from his shirt pocket, and commenced finishing his paperwork.
“Mother. Mother! Answer me mother.”
“Ariel? Where are you? Oh Ariel, why hasn’t Mateo found you yet?”
“Rachel, hurry now, they’re coming!”
“Father! Don’t go there, no don’t!”
The black scene began to take a blurry form. Torches. Hundreds of torches. Weapons in all sizes were held in the arms of faceless men.
In vain, she watched the death of her family. Sisters Silvia and Rebecca, mother Rachel, father James, brothers Malcolm and Jonathan. They’re blood covered the floors of the basement. Her fathers body was be-headed, and crucified in the front lawn. Her mothers body stripped of her clothing and thrown in the river. Her siblings burnt. In the midst of the torches, a face as clear as day. Michael’s mother, Greta, standing there with a grin.
Ariel woke with a start. She was covered in sweat, hands slightly shaking, tears mingling with her sweat. She sat up, with some difficulty, and noticed the light was on. She glanced at the table, and Michael was sitting with his forehead in his hand, scribbling away. She then glanced at the window. The sky was just beginning to rise.
“Michael dear, have you been up all night?”
Michael jumped at the sound of her voice.
“Yes, I have. All these papers to finish.” He straightened up, dropping his pen on the table.
“How come your up so early?” He said, trying to stifle a yawn but failed.
“No reason,” she yawned.
Michael raised the light until the whole room was illuminated.
“You’re crying.” He pointed out. “Had a nightmare?”
“Yes,” she admitted, swinging her legs onto the floor while pushing the blankets off.
“Want to talk about it?”
“Where was your mother the day my family died?” she asked.
“My mother? Why?”
“Just answer the question.”
“She was out, visiting old friends of her. Why- you don’t think she killed your parents? Oh Ariel, it was a nightmare. She wouldn’t have.”
“Wouldn’t she? She tried to kill me, and threatened Mateo. Look, your mother has been cruel. And pushing her out isn’t right. So, why don’t I go to your country house, and have the baby there? It’ll be quiet, there won’t be anyone for me to snap at, and I’ll be alone. With Mateo, Ryan, and maybe Hannah.” She was on her feet, slipping into slippers.
Michael was quiet. Then softly, he said: “As you wish. I’ll go make the arrangements now,” while he got up. Ariel rushed over to him, pushing him back down. “I’m perfectly capable of arranging this. You have work to do, and sleep to get. If you’re asleep before I return, I’ll wake you to bid goodbye.”
“You’re leaving this morning?”
“Yes. You’re mother will be returning this evening. Might as well leave before she arrives,” she said bitterly.
Michael stood up, and embraced his wife.
“Your too independent,” he commented. “It scares me sometimes.” He gave her a kiss, and sat back down. She lightly patted his shoulder, and left the room, heading towards the servants quarters.
She slowly made her way down the stairs, and was walking down the hall to where Hannah slept when she began to feel off. There was a pain, which she felt before, but couldn’t recognize. She shrugged it off, and continued. But before she turned the corner, a light appeared, and shadows of two people were projected onto the wall in front of her. She quickly pressed herself against the wall, and a voice began to talk.
“He’s a good man; strong, good looking, and strong sense of family. I don’t know what you’re worried about. Being pregnant with his child should be an honor!”
“Only one thing is worrying me, Miranda. The law. It’s against the law to have a child unless you’re married.”
“But the master would never let them take you! You’re too valuable to the staff team.”
“He could stop them, but they can’t stop them from taking Mateo-”
Ariel let out a gasp, and the pain in her stomach intensified. She closed her eyes as she clutched her stomach, and slid down the wall.
One of the girls, Miranda, came running around the corner, seeing Ariel, quickly went to her side.
“Leah, quick! Go get Hannah and the Master! The Mistress is in labor!” There was the sound of bare feet slapping quickly against concrete, and the light quickly disappeared.
“It’s alright, Mistress, just squeeze my hand if it hurts.”
Ariel grabbed her hand, and squeezed until the girl let out a small cry and pulled away. The pain soon died away, and Ariel was sitting on the floor, breathing heavily, and holding onto Miranda’s hand. Heavy, rapid footsteps soon filled the hall, and Michael was at her side, with Hannah behind. Michael stepped over her legs, and grabbed her other hand.
“Ariel, Ariel are you alright? What happened?”
“I’ll tell you what happened,” Hannah cut in. “This baby is coming early!” She pushed Michael away, ordering him to get the doctor. When he began to protest, Hannah replied with: “Do you want to have the baby born right here? Do you want a healthy child? I can’t do this alone, Michael!”
Michael just retreated to the nearest door, and didn’t return.
“Come now dear, let’s get you out of this hall-“ But before she could finish her sentence, Ariel let out a scream of pain, and clutched her stomach with both hands.
Michael, in one of the lower offices, sat at a desk and listened to Ariel’s screams, wishing he could do something. Soon, her screams died out. As he was finishing the letter that would be sent to Mateo and Ryan at the country house, Hannah began calling for him. He quickly retreated from the room to enter the empty hall. Hannah was standing on the side of the door.
“Where’s Ariel?” He asked.
“On her way upstairs.” She sighed. “I need access to the archives of al the doctors in the city, and nearby cities.”
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Well, I believe the baby has his mother’s abilities, and he’s been practicing. That’s what is causing the pain.”
“How did you figure this out?”
“We saw a faint blue light under the skin of her stomach, and blue is the color the Talented use. The poor little thing, he will be such a handful to raise. That’s why I need to find a doctor who is Talented himself, and who has aided in the birth of a Talented child.”
“But you delivered Ryan, and he’s a Talented.”
“Ryan didn’t grow into his powers until after his father died. The pain caused him to vent, resulting in him realizing he’s a Talented.”
“I’ll get you the names. But first-“ he said, ducking into the room, and returning with a letter. “I need to send this to Mateo and Ryan. Maybe Ryan can help with a doctor. He has spent time on the streets. He is my top tracker.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea. In the meantime, get a doctor for Ariel. He might be able to make her more comfortable. I’m going to go see if she’s in her room yet.”
Michael nodded her goodbye, and raced to find his fastest messenger. After rousing him out of bed and sending him off, he grabbed a second messenger to get the doctor he chose.
When these deeds were done, the sun was up, and people were beginning to stir from their beds, and made their way to breakfast. Being up all night, the people who passed him recommended he get more sleep. After thanking them as politely as he could, he managed to slip away into his office. He locked the door behind him, and ran his fingers through his hair, and sighed.
Pregnant wife, or not, he had a city to control. And his city needed the damned paperwork to be completed. He sat down, picked up his pen, and began to sort through an endless pile of papers.
Late afternoon, there came a knock on his door. He was beginning to drift off to sleep, pen in hand, and was glad to have the interruption. He slowly made his way to the door, un-locked it, and Ryan barged in before Michael could open the door.
“Michael, Hannah told me what happened when Mateo and I pulled in. How is she?”
“I don’t know,” he yawned. “I’ve been busy.”
“You look tired. Why don’t you go to sleep?”
“I have work to do. The city can’t just run itself.” He was walking around the room, and paused by his desk. “How was the trip back? No problems, I hope?”
“No, none at all. Except for Mateo practically killing his horse on the way back. Poor kid, he loves his sister to death.”
“Of course he does. She’s all he has left. Same with Ariel.”
“Well, I know a Talented doctor. I’ll go fetch him at once.”
“Thank you, Ryan. You’ve been such a help to me all these months. How can I ever repay you?”
He smiled. “A raise would be nice.”
They both laughed, and Ryan set out.
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