Page 118 of Highland Queen

Chapter 34

As the weeks passed, autumn faded into winter. The first of the winter winds howled through the valley and snow fell. The River Lochy was trimmed with ice and snow. Life at Lochaber slowed. And so did I.

Every muscle in my body ached.

It pained me to move.

Somehow, I thought carrying one child would be more comfortable, but the pain in my lower back was excruciating. The terrible ache went on for days. Given how achy I was, it came as no surprise when I rose one morning to find my bedclothes were wet. I had barely slept the whole night. Cramps had wracked me. Crearwy and Lulach had been so reluctant to come into the world. Aelith, it seemed, was ready to go.

“Oh,” I said lightly, touching the gown.

Thank the Goddess, there was no blood.

“What is it?” Banquo asked groggily.

“I think…I think I may have this baby today. Can you go fetch Morag?”

Banquo jumped from the bed, nearly tripping on the furs, and rushed out of the room.

I chuckled then winced as another pain wracked me. My labor had started in my sleep.

“Little sneak,” I said, patting my stomach.

I breathed through the pain then poured myself some water.

“My lady,” Morag said with a smile when she entered the room. “I hear you have news.”

I nodded. “We’d best have a look.”

“Come, Banquo, collect your clothes and get out,” Morag told him. “We will be here awhile.”

“Gruoch, I won’t be far away,” Banquo reassured me.

I moved to smile at him but cringed as another pain wracked me. That was fast.

“Morag, the pains are coming quickly.”

Morag clicked her tongue at Banquo, hurrying him along. His hands full of boots and clothes, Banquo left.

Morag’s niece, Greer, a pretty red-haired girl with a face full of freckles, closed the door behind Banquo.

I lay back down on the bed. Morag washed her hands then had a look.

“Well, Gruoch, we’ll be at this very soon.”

“What do you mean?”

Morag laughed. “It’s almost time to push.”

I wanted to laugh, but the pain took me once more. I lay back and closed my eyes.

Goddess, Mother, watch over us.

It was not long after that the hard labor began. As Morag said, the time had nearly come. Giving birth to Lulach and Crearwy had been the hardest thing I had ever done. Aelith, on the other hand, seemed to be in a great hurry. I grunted and strained with the effort, but before lunch, our daughter arrived screaming.

Her squall echoed throughout the castle.

From the great hall below, I heard cheers.

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