Page 93 of He Who Ignites The Flame
I shrugged. “It didn’t seem like that. Originally, she planned to take a year or two to spend with the baby after she was born, but this... This felt permanent. Something changed. She seems almost desperate for it, and it made me afraid to accept despite my feelings.”
“I haven’t seen her since she went on bed rest after the battle,” he said, leaning back in his chair, the wood groaning. “What do you think happened?”
“I don’t know, but I’m worried she’s hiding something.”
Micah took my hand and squeezed it in gentle reassurance. Our bond swelled between us, warmth filling my chest. “Everything will be all right.”
I let out a sigh. “I hope she can find someone else to take the position, I just... I can’t do it.”
My eyes passed over the list of names once more, my heart twisting at each notation. “I can’t be responsible for anyone else’s death.”
37
BARRETT
“Your due date’s right around the corner, isn’t it?” I asked as I stepped through the doorway, looking around Lucia and Damien’s chambers. They were decorated with a number of baby items, a bassinet tucked away in the corner, stuffed animals their servants had made, blankets, even some books, which looked suspiciously like some from the Archivallia. How had she convinced the Astral Sprites to allow them to leave the library?
Lucia was staring out the window, a sense of longing in her gaze, and her brows rose as she turned to me. “Oh! Yes. We’ll see if I make it that far, though. She seems ready to get out. Just as impatient as her father.”
“You’ve made it further than many have,” I admitted, thinking of how many children had been orphaned in the battle, how many mothers, even those who had been with child, had been slaughtered when the darklings attacked the city. Thalia had aided in helping mothers find assistance in ensuring their young were fed, some struggling to do that on what little rations we could provide. Some mothers were going sofar as to nurse not only their own babes, but orphaned infants just to help them survive.
“I heard you finally started building that house on the mountain,” I said, hoping to get her mind elsewhere, anywhere but where she’d remained for too long in her restless thoughts. Perhaps I needed the distraction as much as she did when it came to the possibility of what was to come with her delivery.
“We did a few weeks ago—well, I guess Damien did. I haven’t been able to visit the site to see it. It was beautiful when we first picked the land earlier this year,” she said, her smile somber, as if she longed to go there. “It’s not far from where the humans are discussing building a mountainside rail system to transport people from the valley to the top of the mountain in cases of emergency. The view is going to be incredible.”
“Damien told me how excited you’ve been to design the house.”
She nodded. “I wanted to plant some maple trees in the front yard for shade, maybe some beds of foxglove. They’re my favorite.” Her voice trailed off, as if envisioning it. “Have a nice big porch with one of those beautiful bay windows to sit and read in.” A sigh slipped from her lips. “There are so many homes to rebuild, though, so it likely won’t be finished until next year.”
Her gaze wandered to the window again, and I watched her for a moment. The air should be full of excitement, of happiness for what was to come...so why did I smell sadness, like the scent of freshly fallen rain, in the air? Why was it faintly laced with fear?
“How long has it been since you left this house?” I asked as I approached her bedside, following her gaze to the outside gardens. “Been in your garden?”
Her silver eyes dulled. “I haven’t had the strength to.”
“Would youliketo go outside?” I asked. “Get some fresh air?”
She perked up and hesitated a moment before looking back at me. “I’m supposed to be taking it easy and lying down.”
“If I carry you, you’re technically not walking,” I said, offering her a smile.
She arched a brow at me, the corner of her lips kicking up into a half grin. “Barrett Stratos, are you suggesting I not listen to the midwives?”
“I never said anything of the sort. You’d still betaking it easy and lying down,” I said, leaning onto the bed. “Come on. Let’s break the rules one more time before you have to be a responsible mother and I’m left to get into trouble on my own. I’ll carry you wherever you’d like so you aren’t exerting yourself.”
Her laughter bubbled up her throat, and it warmed my heart to see her smile again. “You’re a terrible influence.”
“Would you prefer me any other way?” I asked, cocking a brow.
She wiped a stray tear from her eye before shaking her head.
“Where to,Your Majesty?” I asked, opening my arms to her.
“The gardens would be nice, and there’s a bench so you don’t have to carry me the entire time,” she said as she pulled the blanket away before I scooped her into my arms.
“Are you implying I’m too weak to carry you?” I asked, in an insulted tone as I cradled her.
“I’mimplying,” she clarified, stifling her laughter, “that I’m not exactly light right now. I feel like a sky whale.”
