Page 24 of Bought By the Revenant
“Yes, all three in the apothecary cabinet.”
“Prepare a tea with raspberry leaf for now. We’ll hold the others in reserve depending on how things progress.”
Fenna hurries to make the tea while I talk quietly to Katherine, explaining what will happen, and reassuring her that premature babies can do well with proper care. She nods bravely, though fear lingers in her eyes.
I notice Riven standing awkwardly by the bedroom door, not sure if he belongs here. Even though he’s uncomfortable, I see how he watches everything with interest. His background in medical science is the only explanation I have for his behavior, as men, in my experience, run as fast as they can from women giving birth. Even when it’s their wife and their baby.
“Riven,” I call to him. “Could you help Fenna bring more water? And perhaps find something for Katherine to grip during contractions?”
He nods, looking relieved to have specific tasks. When he comes back with a sturdy wooden spoon wrapped in cloth for Katherine to bite down on, his thoughtfulness strikes me. He may be uncomfortable, but he understands pain management. Of course he does. He’s experienced so much pain himself.
The afternoon passes slowly while Katherine’s labor progresses. I give her herbal remedies to strengthen her and ease her pain, timing each contraction carefully and watching both mother and child. Fenna learns quickly, following my instructions.
“Apply counter-pressure here,” I show her, pressing my palms against Katherine’s lower back during a particularly strong contraction. “It helps relieve some of the pain radiating from the sacrum.”
Fenna copies my actions, concentrating hard. “Like this?”
“Perfect,” I say. “Now when I check the cervical dilation, notice how I…”
Katherine cries out. Her contractions are coming closer together now, though still not close enough for delivery. My dress is stained with fluids despite the apron Fenna gave me. As evening approaches, I realize this will take all night.
I notice Riven’s growing concern. He’s stayed in the room, keeping a respectful distance, but he watches my face constantly, checking how tired I am. His discomfort shows in how he holds himself, stiff and controlled. I understand why he’s reluctant to be too involved with another revenant’s human wife. As Katherine takes a breath and rests, I walk over to him.
“This is going to take all night,” I tell him. “Could you please go home and bring me a change of clothes and my bag? I have various tools and herbal mixtures in there that might help.”
“Are you sure? I don’t like leaving you.”
“I’m sure. Fenna is capable, and Katherine is strong. We’ll be fine for a few hours.”
He studies my face, then nods. “I’ll return as quickly as possible.”
After he leaves, I feel both relieved and lonely. I hadn’t realized how much his presence has become a comfort to me. But I need to focus on Katherine without worrying about Riven’s anxiety.
“He loves you very much,” Katherine observes weakly during a break between contractions.
I look up from preparing another herbal drink.
“What makes you say that?”
“The way he watches you. Like you’re the most precious thing in the world.” She smiles faintly. “My husband looks at me the same way.”
Before I can respond, another contraction takes hold of her. Hours stretch in front of us. The night will be long, but I’m ready. This is what I’m meant to do – help life enter the world. As I hold Katherine’s hand through another contraction,I silently promise her and her unborn child that I will see them safely through to morning.
Chapter Twelve
Riven
The carriage rocks gently over the dark roads of Luminea, and I watch my reflection in the window glass. My white eyes glow in the darkness, and for once, I don’t turn away. Since Amity has given herself to me, since she’s let me touch her, kiss her, have her, I haven’t hated myself with the same intensity. Soon, I might find it in me to uncover all the mirrors in the house.
“We’ll be at the mansion soon, sir,” Olaf says from the driver’s seat.
My thoughts keep returning to Amity at Katherine’s house. I left her half an hour ago, but the distance already bothers me. I know I’m just doing what she told me, which means that she feels safe. She probably wanted me to go away, too, since all I did was put more stress on her with my awkward presence. But I swore not to let her out of my sight. I shake my head. No, I can’t let dark thoughts get a hold of me so easily. She’s fine. We’re fine. Besides, I’ll grab what she needs and return to her as fast as I can. It’s not like I’m going home to take a nap while she works all night. She’s my wife, but she needs her independence. I can’t be glued to her side every minute of every day, or she’ll feel smothered.
The carriage rolls on, and I find myself thinking about my choice to live near Aura Glade. After the Marriage Temple disaster, I needed to get away from everyone and everything.
The Marriage Temple.
It’s not something I think about often. When memories of that time resurface, I push them down. Ruthlessly. Ethelburg and Elysburg, the larger cities of Luminea, offered no peace after what had happened. In Ethelburg, where I spent decades perfecting the soul-to-matter transference process, the streets were too crowded. Too many eyes followed me. Too manyconversations stopped when I passed. Even my colleagues, who looked nearly human thanks to my work, found reasons to avoid me. Whenever I entered a room, they’d pretend they were needed somewhere else.
