Page 46 of Brighter Than Gold

“Reyah,” Callan said when I didn’t answer.

“Reyah. Would you mind if I examined you?”

I looked up from the pillow apathetically. No, I didn’t mind. I didn’t mind if he ran a spear through my heart, in fact he would be doing me a favour.

Callan turned to Eamon. “Out,” he ordered, shoving the black-suited young man back through the door.

The doctor walked to the water basin and washed his hands before sitting on the edge of the bed next to me. “All right.”

Slowly the doctor pulled back the thick blanket that covered me. Callan immediately faced the opposite wall and laced his fingers behind his head.

“Lift your leg up this way for me, that’s right.” The man’s voice was calm and soothing, as I allowed him to move my body.

“Did you have any cramping?” the doctor asked.

“No,” I croaked.

“And the bleeding lasted a few hours?”

“Yes.”

I was barely aware of the man touching me, so disconnected from myself that it didn’t matter what he was doing.

“Ok,” the doctor finally said. He lifted the sheet back over me as Callan turned and desperately awaited his answer.

“Well, Miss Reyah, you are in fact still with child.” He smiled warmly.

“What?” Callan choked. “You’re certain?”

“Yes. There are several reasons a heavy fall could lead to bleeding, most likely an abruption, but you’re very lucky. Everything looks normal.”

I closed my eyes, unable to absorb what he was saying.

“Congratulations, Papa,” he said to Callan, rising from the bed. He walked and doused his hands again in the basin. “If you’ll excuse me, a certain young lady is awaiting my return.” He cracked a polite but embarrassed smile as he excused himself.

I still hadn’t budged when Callan walked over to me and knelt next to the bed.

“Did you hear what he said, Reyah? You’re still pregnant.” He gave me a hopeful look.

It hadn’t mattered what the doctor said, I stillfeltempty.

“Reyah, look at me,” he urged.

I didn’t.

“Look at me Reyah.” This time his voice was stern and commanding, and reflexively I complied. “That’s better. Now I know you’re hurting from everything that’s happened the last few days, but I have been charged with looking after you. Both of you. I don’t care how miserable you are, get your ass over to that table and eat something.”

I couldn’t help the shocked look that must have been plastered on my face. Was he ordering me? Did he forget suddenly our hierarchy?

“Now!”

I sat up in bed. Lightheaded from the lack of food, I fought the dizzying stars that appeared in my vision. Gods, why had I gotten up so fast? Was itbecausehe suddenly demanded something of me instead of gently suggesting it? Was this some leftover, involuntary behaviour I’d grown accustomed to with Kas?

I wandered over to the table and slumped heavily into the chair. A turkey leg, sweet potatoes, and a creamy soup all lay there cold. There was evidence that Callan had picked through the meal already. I glanced over at him; he was already staring daggers at me from across the room. I fought the instinct to roll my eyes and instead, silently turned back to the food.

“Thank you,” he said once I started chewing. “They don’t know who you are. Lazio and his men, I mean.”

“They don’t?” I asked, quietly confused.

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