Five and a Half Months Later Ella There’s a strange atmosphere in the palace today and I admit that I don’t quite no how to feel, because everything is half dread and half excited anticipation. At least, that’s how it is for everyone else. For me? For me it’s just a great deal of discomfort.
“Roger’s just jealous,” he says, leaning over to kiss me on the cheek. “Because Rafe is faster than Jesse.” “Jesse’s six months old,” Cora says, rolling her eyes at the dads. “He could be faster for six months,” Sinclair says dryly, trying to hold his smirk. “Don’t worry, Jesse,” Roger says fo
Ella I take deep breaths, working to breathe through the contraction. Sinclair is seated on the bed next to me, one hand on my lower back, the other clutching my left hand as I squeeze his fingers, hard. “You’re doing great, Ells,” Cora says, there on my right, coaching me through it. She was t
My eyes go wide as he moves a few steps forward and shadows clear from him, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with an angular face, impeccably dressed in rich fabrics, each a darker shade of black. “Congratulations,” he continues, giving me a short, teasing little bow, “on the birth of your fir
Ella I go rigid at the idea of this dark god giving my daughter anything. “No,” I gasp, attempting to push myself away from him – but I struggle to move – “Fear not, moon daughter,” he says, the corner of his lip tilting up. “I do not give curses to those who are my chosen ones – only gifts.”
“She’s precious,” Cora murmurs, her voice almost reverent. “And I love her, and I’m going to be her favorite aunt.” “Only aunt,” Sinclair murmurs, his voice a little dry. “Even if she had sixty,” Cora coos, tapping the baby’s little belly with a single finger, “I’d be the best.” She leans forwar
Ella “So you’re all right? You’re both all right?” My mate asks, pressing his forehead to mine, still reeling from the strange news of the Dark God’s gift. “We are,” I say, nodding, sure of it. And then I shift again, passing the baby to him. “See for yourself, new papa,” I sigh, placing the lit
We all burst out laughing at Rafe’s tiny jealousy and I stroke his head some more, murmuring sweet things to him as I carry him over to our freshly-made bed, the rubbered sheets and soiled linens thankfully already changed. I sigh a little with gratitude, thinking that it’s perhaps a little nice to