“Nine months.” River whispered. She was going to have a baby boy. Torak’s son.
“That is good. I would like to see you in a few days to do a complete work up and prescribe you some vitamins to take. Your blood pressure is up a little and I would like to make sure you eat properly and avoid stressful situations. You may exercise but I caution using common sense and to keep it less strenuous than what you are normally accustom too.” The healer was just finishing his instructions when the door slammed back. Torak came in followed by his brothers, Jo, Star, Ajaska, and the two guards.
The healer turned as everyone crowded into the room. Giving Torak a stern look, the healer addressed Torak, “She must not be upset in any way. I want to see her again in a few days to run a complete series of tests. I want her to rest today. Make sure she eats, small meals but frequently. She needs to build her strength. I will prescribe her additional supplements after I have run all the tests. She may exercise but she must keep it light. Congratulations, My Lord. Your Grace, congratulations.” The healer said as he picked up his bag and walked past everyone who stood looking at him confused.
“Congratulations?” Torak said confused. Jo and Star looked at each other for a minute before they let out a squeal of delight and flew to the bed.
“Oh, we’re going to be aunts!” They pulled River into their arms hugging her. “Oh River, we are so happy for you. When Jazin and Manota heard the frantic call for the healer we made them bring us to make sure you were okay. Oh honey, you are going to be a beautiful mother.”
“Mother?” Torak said standing there stupidly looking at River, Jo, and Star.
Jazin came up and patted Torak on the back. “Congratulations, brother.” Jazin walked over and pulled a reluctant Star off the bed murmuring softly in her ear before leaving the room.
“Congratulations, Torak.” Manota grinned. “Perhaps now she will calm down.” He gave Jo a speculative look before he grinned. “Perhaps you have the right idea.”
Jo shot Manota a dirty look climbing off the bed. “Don’t get any ideas.” She muttered as she walked toward the door.
“Yes, I believe you may have the right idea.” Manota murmured softly before patting his brother on the back and following his reluctant mate out the door.
Ajaska walked over to where River was leaning against the pillows. He leaned down and gently kissed her on her forehead. “I am proud to call you daughter. I look forward to seeing my son’s child grow within you. It will be as beautiful as its mother.”
“He.” River smiled up with tears glittering in her eyes. “It is a boy.”
“I look forward to seeing my son’s son grow within his beautiful mother.” Ajaska said bowing to River before looking sternly at his son. “I expect you to care for her right. I will be most displeased if she is upset at all!”
“A boy?” Torak said blankly staring at his father with unfocused eyes.
Ajaska just laughed as he took in his son’s stunned face. Nodding to the two guards who waited patiently at the door he looked one last time at River winking before he left. The room seemed strangely quiet with just her and Torak there. River ran one hand protectively over her stomach while the other played nervously with the covers.
“Are you disappointed?” River asked in a barely audible voice, unable to look at Torak. She was afraid. She wasn’t sure what she would do if he was. She would figure something out. After the last few days, she just wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
A tear slipped out and slid slowly down her cheek when Torak didn’t answer. River felt the bed dip as Torak sat down next to her. “Hush, little one. How can I be disappointed when it is something I have dreamed about since the first time I saw you on the Tearnat’s warship? I dreamed of how beautiful you would be rounded with my child. I crave the sight of my son or daughter suckling at your breasts. I love you, River. I have from the first time I saw you.” Torak said softly, sincerely.
River looked up, her deep dark blue eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I love you, too. I’ve been so scared you didn’t love me anymore. I didn’t know what to do.” River buried her face in his neck holding him close. “Oh Torak, I love you so much.”
Torak gently wiped the tears from her cheeks brushing his lips across hers. “You are mine, River, forever. I, Torak Ja Kel Coradon of the Lead House of Kassis, claim you, River, for my house and as my mate. I claim you as my woman. No other may claim you. I will kill any other who try. I give you my protection as is my right as leader of my house. I claim you as is my right by the House of Kassis. I am proud to call you mother of my children and will love you forever.”