Chapter 74: Softness is Weakness

She’s my mate.

If only I could make her see it.

“I can hear her. Her…heartbeat.” He said softly. “Baby girls hearts beat faster.” After an extended pause he explained. “She sounds like hummingbird wings.”

He saw Elsabet’s elbow move and could tell she tenderly rubbed her swollen belly.

Elsabet was still as she processed the news.

“What will you name her?” He wanted to beg her let him help pick one. Longed to sit with her in their chambers. Watching the orange glow of a fire with her body warming his.

When I can never feel heat any other time. He yearned to feel her new curves against his side and hip. To whisper to her about the names she considered.

“Please…Elsabet please talk to me.” He knew bone deep, that she was going to leave without a word more. But when she did it still felt like it tore him apart.

He called after her several times, but her step didn’t slow.

Once she’d gone, he collapsed limply back into the chair. Dropping his face to his hands.

“Elsabet…” He said mournfully. “Come back to me…”

Finally rising he retreated to his chamber under the stairs. The simple dark room where he could tune into the combined heartbeats of the girls sleeping above him. Hear the rapid burble of the tiny beat and the slow thump of her mother. And its slight speeding if she woke and moved or had one of her frequent nightmares.

Which she is tonight. He heard her pants and slight cries and found himself on his feet pacing without intending to.

I should go to her.

No, she doesn’t want to see me. He reminded himself.

She whimpered again.

Without thought his feet carried him up to her room and he quietly easing open her chamber door.

She sat on the edge of the bed. Leaned over to cradle her stomach as though wishing to protect it from whatever images haunted her tonight.

“Can I comfort you?” He asked tentatively. Creaking the door open enough he could step into the crack, waiting for her answer.

Say yes.

She gave him a quick sideways look. Before shaking her head stubbornly as her panicked eyes returned to the floor.

“Maybe I could help you relax? Help her ease?” He sighed. “The stress could hurt one or both of you in these late stages.”

“How would you know that?”

Because women confide in me.

He stepped slowly in, to keep from alarming her as he sat on the far corner of the bed. “I’ve lived a long time. Known many women.”

“I’m certain you have!” She said bitterly. Heart thrumming faster in her ire.

I didn’t mean in that way.

Calm down.

“Elsabet please stop. I didn’t mean that. I haven’t-I wouldn’t-You’re the only woman I’ve ever lo-cared about…”

Don’t tell her that.

Softness is weakness in her eyes.

Her head tilted to give him a sideways look. “You what Sebastian?”

“I’ve been with no woman since you.” He blurted.

“Nor have I been with another.” She said venomously. “But you wouldn’t know if that is by my choice or yours. Since I’m not allowed to see anyone but those you allow!”

I don’t want to fight with you.

I only wanted to comfort you.

“Don’t.” He pleaded. Shaking his head to ward off her anger. “Don’t put walls between us Elsabet…”

“Get out.” She said. Dropping her face into her palms. “Or I’ll slit you open myself.” She said brokenly.

He heard her first sob as he closed the door. Making him stiffen. He dropped the back of his head against it and slid to the floor. Knees drawn to his chest as he decided he’d spend the night there.

Elsabet…

Elsabet awoke this morning to unmistakable brightness pouring through the window slit.

Quandary had been gone a long time. Two days had passed without so much as a glimpse of him.

She was becoming increasingly worried. Elsabet spent time in her chamber gnawing her fingernails and sharpening her talons on the stone wall. Making an eerie scraping that had the wolves downstairs howling in pain.

Calisto appeared. “Cease that noise Elsabet! Why? Why do you do that?” She pressed her palms to her ears.

“I’m preparing to fight.”

“Why?”

“I think Sebastian has hurt my feline.” Elsabet’s claws fell and she looked at her newfound friend, forlorn.

Calisto’s eyes roved the floor in confusion before settling on Elsabet as she cocked her head.

“The panther?” Calisto gasped. Letting her hands drop.

“Yes. I’ve looked everywhere. Called him ceaselessly.” She slid down the wall to the floor, hopeless. “He’s harmed him or taken him! I’ve looked everywhere. Searched every corridor of this damnable castle!” She cried.

Calisto was quiet as she struggled to decide what she’d say.

“All the while, with those paintings downstairs watching me.”

“The portraits?”

“Yes!” Elsabet was clearly frustrated. “The very walls here watch me in their master’s absence.”

“He’s not so bad as that.”

“Oh, the King of this Castle of Water is not such a grand soul as you’d have me believe!” Elsabet’s eyes flashed red. Narrowing on the dark-haired woman.

“He does have his faults.” Calisto chuckled softly. “Though he’d be shocked to hear me say it.”

The castle walls quivered with Elsabet’s anxiety. Her hands fisted.

Torches doused in puffs of smoke in the chamber.

His baritone voice filled every corridor, summoning her. “Come to me, valkyrie.”

Startled, she jerked upright. “No.”

“Come.” His voice emerged from everywhere. Smooth and coaxing.