Felling Kingdoms (Book 5) (7 page)

Gabriel straightened slowly and with great care rose to his feet, perching on the edge of the bed. He seized Void and laid the reveal-pattern that would show any wound healed by Spirit. But instinctively he changed it and touched her arm.

Rather than her skin illuminating white, it slowly faded and became transparent, giving way to a bone structure surrounded by gray muscles, and finally a curled baby.

“Oh my stars, I’d never,” Myria breathed.

Gabriel ran through his medical training while visually measuring the baby’s head versus the pelvis. “It’ll work,” he finally said.

“It might, provided she can does not go into shock,” Myria agreed. “Will you keep that pattern a while longer? You should probably sit.”

He nodded and slid back to his chair as someone brought him a fresh mug of water. “Can a body go into shock during birth?”

“Oh, sometimes. It is a traumatic experience, Head Mage.”

“Do we need to alert the father?” a younger Mage asked.

“He is back in Arconia,” Lace replied quickly.

“Looks like you’re just about ready, my dear,” Myria said comfortingly. “Give a slow push on your next contraction.”

Gabriel took Lace’s hand and squeezed. “Take it out on me,” he whispered in Arconian. “It is my fault after all.”

Tears rose to her eyes. “Do not say that. Do not ever blame yourself.” They slipped loose, and she drew in a staggered breath. “This was not your fault.”

He thinned his lips and composed himself. “If I had been stronger, I could have said no.”

“Push dear,” Myria said.

Lace’s face contorted, and her hand tightened on his, loosening a moment later. “Gabriel,” she whispered with tears rolling down her face. “You cannot hold this guilt against yourself. I should never have had children, but you made that possible. You gave me something no one could have. I am thankful for it.”

A tear snuck out of Gabriel’s eye, but he swiped it away. “Do you not hate me?”

“You are the only person who hates yourself.”

“Push.”

Lace’s face contorted again as she strained. Gabriel checked the pattern on her stomach. The baby moved slowly while another Mage pushed to angle it better.

“Do you want to name her?”

“Her?” He shook his head. “That is your decision. I am useless with names.”

“Then will you give her your blessing? And watch over her when she needs you? And make sure she knows she is loved by her father?”

“Of course, but—”

“And hold her tightly when she cries, and imbue your knowledge on her—”

“Head Mage, she’s going into shock,” Myria alerted. “She might not be able to push.”

Gabriel stood a little too quickly and realized in the change of light that Lace’s face was terribly pale. “She is bleeding.”

“Women bleed in childbirth, Head Mage.”

“Like this?”

“This is not an easy thing.”

He looked to Lace. Her eyes were closed. “Lace, I’m putting you down for a moment.” He laid the sleepers pattern, and Lace relaxed into the bed. “Myria, I’m going to need you to pull the baby out.”

“What are you going to do?”

He thinned his lips and flicked his hands up. The room filled with a tremendous
snap
. One of the women turned to retch while the other two stood with wide eyes.

“Did you just break her pelvis?”

“Pull, please,” he replied, his head bent as he battled the blackness. His cloak would keep him from blacking out, but it did not prevent the sensations. The woman reached her hands up under the blankets, twisted, and pulled.

Mercifully, Afton suddenly rushed in. Her eyes widened as her pattern took in the scene. “Let me,” she stated and put both hands on Lace’s belly. It suddenly contracted, and Myria breathed a sigh of relief.

“How are you doing that?” Gabriel asked Afton; she was calm and relaxed.

“T’is? It sends an electrical charge t’rough t’ muscles so t’ey contract. T’is was a pattern to make soldiers build muscle in dire circumstances.”

“Because it rips the fibers.”

“And if you heal t’ tears, you can increase muscle quickly. Myria, how much more?”

“Another big one.”

Afton fueled the pattern again, and moments later they heard a sucking sound.

“Good, good, we got her.”

“It’s a girl?” Gabriel whispered. A moment later a shrill cry rang through the room. He could not help himself as tears rose to his eyes. He snapped the pelvis back together and stitched up all her wounds before lifting the sleepers-pattern. “Lace,” he whispered as he shook her shoulder.

Her eyes flew open at the sound of the baby crying. “She’s alright?”

“She’s alright.” Gabriel warmly smiled.

Myria bundled the wailing, tiny child and presented the cleaned baby to Lace. She was a petite creation but perfectly formed with a faint smattering of dark hair.

“She looks just like you,” Gabriel smiled, wiping the incessant tears from his eyes. Mother and child looked perfect, and for one moment in the sun, they were his. He reached out a finger and took up her tiny hand.

“Here,” Lace whispered and lifted the bundle to him. Shocked, he took the quieting child up in his arm. She was perfect and so small, and she had a heritage that would make her the most powerful child born in this Age—or at least the first. She would someday be stronger than her mother. But now, she was the most delicate, innocent thing alive.

“Well done,” he breathed to Lace.

Afton perked up. “Mikelle and Lael are coming.”

Mikelle rounded the door first, caught one look of Gabriel, and dissolved into tears. She grabbed Lael before he could make it through the door and nearly strangled him in joy. “Oh, Lace, I am so happy for you,” she said as she composed herself and released Lael.

Lael stepped closer to view the babe. “I do not want to know,” he whispered.

“You really don’t,” Gabriel replied handing the babe back to Lace. “What will you call her?”

“Pesh.”

Gabriel smiled. “Because Pesh….”

“Means ‘lace’ in Arconian.”

He chuckled. His emotions composed, he realized he was exhausted. “Get some rest. I must get some myself.”

Lael walked out with him, eyeing the bloodied leg. “Pike is awake and chained in an incanted cell.”

“Make sure he is taken care of. I will speak with him later.”

“And by speak with him you mean….”

“I mean I am quite certain I can replicate what Nolen did to me.”

“Ah, very well.” They walked in silence descending the stairs. “What are we going to do about Lace? It would be very bad for your image.”

“I am going to return her to Arconia as soon as she is mobile, but people are going to learn eventually. I have ten more on the way.”

“I…beg your
pardon
?” Lael gasped and stopped descending.

“It was a dark few days.”

“Dark? Stars above….” Lael smoothed his hair back. “Wait—a few
days
? Eleven in three days?”

“Nine, actually. Two are having twins. Are we still discussing this?”

“No. No, Head Mage, of course not.” Lael was as wide-eyed as Gabriel had seen him in a while. “Consentingly?”

“Lael?”

“Sorry.”

Chapter 10

“Summon the Head Mage,” Virgil commanded.

Robyn had no choice and clicked her summoning ring. They waited patiently in her room at Shshonan Palace. Her bags were packed, her things arranged, and her maids ready, though the eldest kept glancing at Virgil as if questioning his presence.

Robyn had not slept a wink that night. Her brain kept her up into the wee hours of morning, and she searched for a crack in her orders with which to alert someone. She devised nothing.

She made it through and entire supper with the King without anyone suspecting anything. Virgil kept whispering in her ear. He had an instruction for everything, and as hard as she fought, there was no way she could resist. It was as if someone had taken over her body, and she simply stared out from its shell.

Robyn’s heart leapt when she saw Gabriel appear before her. He smiled warmly, looking lighthearted, and he embraced her tightly, kiss her cheek. “Forgive me for not visiting sooner.”

“That is fine. I actually summoned you because we would like to return to Kilkiny.”

“So soon? I thought you were staying for weeks.”

“Plans have been changed. Prince Virgil will be coming with us.”

“Very well.” He extended a hand to her and motioned for the maids to link up along with the luggage. Virgil took Robyn’s arm in one hand while clasping a trunk in the other. “What are you plans for Anatoly City, Prince Virgil?” Gabriel asked warmly.

‘He has a Castrofax!’
Robyn screamed in her head.

“Strengthening our trading.”

Gabriel nodded, looking far too happy for a man in his position.
‘Has everyone lost their mind?’

After relaying instructions, Gabriel shot them through the black and white world, under the sea, over the rolling hills, and arriving outside Robyn’s anteroom. The guards outside started, and bowed respectfully. The maids instantly started carrying bags into her rooms while Virgil sauntered in and looked about.

“Where should you have me stay?” he asked.

“I would be delighted if you stayed in Gabriel’s old room,” she said and pointed.

“I would gladly,” he smiled. “I must go into the City for a while. How about a parting kiss?”

Gabriel had been helping the maids carry the innumerable bags and crates in, but he stopped and turned slowly at this revelation. Robyn could not stop, and she reached up on her toes and passionately kissed Virgil’s lips. She looked like she enjoyed the whole thing, but inside she was screaming.

Virgil turned haughtily to Gabriel who stood with a tight expression, the crate in his hands forgotten.

“Oh, Gabriel, I should have told you earlier. We are to be wed,” Robyn smiled.

“No,” Gabriel stated blankly, “you’re marrying me.”

“You have not asked me. Virgil did.”

“Are you…drunk, Robyn?”

She narrowed her gaze. “You will watch the way you address me.”

“Highness,” he replied, his key word to express irritation. “Explain yourself.”

“We were attacked on the road. I summoned you, and you did not come, but Virgil risked life and limb to save me,” she looked up at him with an adoring smile. “That is more than you have ever done.”

Gabriel carefully set the crate down and folded his arms. “Virgil, explain.”

“It is as she said,” he shrugged. “I have always loved her. It was time to make it official.”

Gabriel looked back and forth at them. “Tell you what. I’m going to leave and come back a few hours from now. When you’ve both had a chance to clear yourself of Arconian air, then we can discuss this.”

“There is nothing to discuss,” Virgil replied. “Perhaps you should leave us.”

Gabriel shot him the darkest look Robyn had ever seen. “I have authority in all lands. This one is no different.” He picked the crate back up and marched down the hall.

“Guards,” Virgil called. They entered a moment later. “Escort the Head Mage out.”

Gabriel dropped the crate and spun around looking ready to put a hole through the wall, and four guards flanked him. He looked as surprised as they. Everyone knew the Star Breaker in the palace. There was no reason to show force against him.

“Tell them to take him outside and flog him,” Virgil whispered. Robyn watched Gabriel, and he did not miss the exchange.

“Guards,” Robyn called, “take the Head Mage out and have him flogged.”

“
What
?” Gabriel breathed, thoroughly confused.

‘Oh, you did it Virgil. You said the one thing I would never say.’

The guards hesitated. “For what, Your Grace?”

She smiled and waved a nonchalant hand. “Oh, for
hours
.”

Gabriel folded his arms with a puzzled frown. “Did something happen in Arconia I don’t know about?”

“We fell in love,” she smiled.

He rolled his eyes across the ceiling as if searching. Finally he shook his head. “I’m leaving. I’ll return when you’ve come to your senses.”

“You will be gone a long while.”

He turned and missed their kiss, but she suspected he heard the smack before he stepped through the hinge. The guards looked as confused as ever as they returned to their posts.

“That went well,” Virgil smiled. She was astounded at his honesty.

“It is my greatest wish that your head does not wind up on the end of a pike,” she smiled, the best threat she could devise around her boundaries.

“Where does that door lead?”

“To Castle Jaden.”

“And how does one pass through it?”

“Why, with a ring my Advisor has right now.”

He kissed her cheek. “Go bring it to me.”

She unwillingly marched to Aisling’s door and knocked, hoping to the stars she was not in. Her heart sank when the latch unsnapped.

“Robyn!” Aisling smiled. “I did not expect you back so soon. Is everything well?”

“Of course. I would like my hinge ring back if you are finished with it.”

Aisling nodded obligingly. “I am for today. I have a Council Classing tomorrow morning, but I will see you for breakfast and get it then.”

“Very well. Prince Virgil will be staying with us for a while on business.”

Aisling peeked around the doorframe, but Virgil had vanished in his room. “Excellent. Did you enjoy your time in Arconia?”

“No.” Robyn surprised herself before the boundaries took effect. “We were ambushed one night, and poor Virgil was wounded.”

“My stars, were you alright?”

“I was fine. Virgil was stabbed through the hip, and I had to stitch him up and sleep under the starlight.”

Aisling looked impressed. “That sounds barbaric. Oh, speaking of such things, my parents decided to make this their winter home. I would be most thankful if you said nothing about Gabriel to them.”

“I will do my very best.”

Aisling paid Robyn a nod of respect and closed the door. Robyn stood there for a moment trying to decide what to do next when she remembered she was supposed to act normally. It was nearly time for afternoon tea. Tea was normal. She slipped into her room in a fit of distress and unable to show it, but tears were hot behind her eyes. Crying was normal. Maybe if she cried without ceasing, someone would realized she was in danger.

“Shaun and I are having supper in the Council sitting room with Afton. Will you be joining us?”

Gabriel drummed his fingers on his chair, his vacant expression unfocused through the diamond-paned windows.

“Gabriel,” Mikelle hissed. “Food time. There may be bacon. I might be lying.”

He looked up. “What?”

“Did you hear anything?”

He directed his glare back outside. “No.”

“Something troubling you?” She rounded his desk and perched on the edge of the windowsill. “You are never this distracted when bacon is mentioned.”

“Something is wrong with Robyn, and I am not certain what.”

“Something is wrong with all women…. No, wait. That came out wrong. Let me repeat that in Arconian.”

“It translates the same.”

She smiled and kicked his boot. “What happened?”

“She returned with Virgil and told me she is marrying him.”

Mikelle was silent for far too long, so he glanced up. She looked as confused as he felt. “What did she say?”

“She kissed him.”

“That hoarfrost!”

Gabriel smirked. “She said they fell in love, and she’s marrying him. Then she tried to have me thrown out and flogged.”

“What?” she snapped incredulously. “Could…could a poison have an effect like that?”

“I thought it might be alcohol.”

“What about a pattern?”

He shrugged. “Not any I know.”

Someone knocked at the door. “Supper will be here any moment,” Shaun said as he stuck his head in.

“I can’t eat.” Mikelle exclaimed, “Gabriel is in crisis!”

“T’en leave him alone!”

“It’s not
my
fault he’s in crisis.”

“Oh, carry on.” Shaun’s soft footfalls rounded the desk, and he leaned against it, mimicking Gabriel looking out the window. “Is it t’ Arch Mage?”

Gabriel looked up. “How did you know about that?”

“Mikelle.”

“Do you know about the girl in the infirmary?”

“I do now, mate.”

Gabriel wracked his brain, running over the same scenario. “At one point Virgil leaned down and whispered something, then she ordered to have me flogged.”

“What?” Shaun muttered.

Mikelle palmed her forehead. “Can she be, what is the word?”

“Taciturn?”

“No, hypnotized.”

“We call t’at brainwashin’, mate.”

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders dejectedly. “I will talk with her in the morning and see if I can make something of this madness. Maybe she’s lost her mind.”

“Sure she loves you?” Shaun piqued.

Both Gabriel and Mikelle frowned at him.

“Calm down! A lost mind is
much
better.” Shaun put his hands up defensively. “Supper is goin’ to be eaten wit’out you. Are you comin’?”

“I’m not hungry,” Gabriel replied.

Shaun turned around and, pulled apart the bookshelf for the hidden spirits cabinet. He grabbed a bottle and a goblet, and stuck both within Gabriel’s reach.

“How did you know where that was?” Gabriel asked after his initial amazement wore off.

“T’ere is air wit’in.” He uncorked the bottle and poured a hefty serving. “Enjoy your supper.”

“You…lushes,” Mikelle muttered. “Sleep on it, Gabriel. We’ll go over in the morning and sort this out.”

“Goodnight all. Thanks for the drink.”

Shaun clapped his shoulder with a sympathetic and understanding expression, and left Gabriel to his thoughts and his liquid supper.