Child of the Kindred, page 36
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Caleb kissed the side of her face, bringing his arms around her, holding Laurel closer to him.
“I will do all I can to make sure you always feel this happy mo stor,” Caleb whispered, kissing the side of her face softly.
“My dear Caleb, you have always done everything to make me happy. Things happen in life, my dear husband. I cannot and do not expect to be happy all the time,” Laurel remarked, placing her hand on the side of Caleb’s face, kissing his lips softly.
“I still cannot bear to think of how you were imprisoned in that tower, of what you had to suffer with,” Caleb mentioned, his voice filled with sadness and pain, causing Laurel’s eyes to well up.
“I suffered no more than many of my people, or poor Tulla did, my Prince,” Laurel said, trying to ease Caleb’s mind over his distress.
“I do appreciate very much what you are saying mo ghra. Nevertheless, it does not take away the anguish I felt when I walked into the tower, and I saw where you were forced to lie upon the filthy pile of straw, or that you had no choice where to go when you became ill. I know dear Tulla suffered greatly, and Owain is now going to do everything to ease her pain, as I intend to do for you. I am asking you to allow me to do this. The burden my heart feels at this time, for not being there to stop the wretch from hurting you or Tulla and the children, is at times too much to bear,” Caleb explained, his voice filled with remorse.
Laurel sat up to look at Caleb directly, tears softly falling from her eyes as she kissed his face several times. She tried to smile, though her trembling lips made it almost impossible.
“I had no idea you went to the tower. Why…why would you go there Caleb?” Laurel asked in a shocked and bewildered manner.
“I had to see for myself where you were held; what you suffered through. Logan himself begged me to forgive him for not be able to allow you outside more than he wished, or not being able to make you more comfortable, as the mercenaries would often show up without notice. It was after that conversation, that I needed to see how it was. Now that I have and we know that you are carrying our child, for the next few months you will remain here, comfortable and cared for. There is nothing that needs to be done, that cannot be overseen by someone else. You will not resume any duties until I am convinced you have rested and recovered fully. Please do not argue with me, mo stor, concerning this. Tomorrow, I will officially sign the necessary documents to have the children made my wards and members of the Clann. Mother is planning a special dinner to have them welcomed by the family, which is why everyone will still be here. You, however, are only going to stay for dinner, and visit for a short time. Then we will come back upstairs and you will relax quietly, without all the usual rowdiness that occurs when the family are all here,” Caleb stated, his voice calmer but still serious.
Laurel smiled at him sadly, then kissed him with a warm but subdued passion, softly gliding her fingers through Caleb’s hair.
“I will do whatever you wish Sire, for your heart to feel less burdened. I will be alright, and so will our child, now that we are home. I want to assure you, I am not feeling any of the things that women sometimes feel when their pregnancies are fragile. Yes, I am very ill in the morning, but I was told that is not necessarily a bad thing. So please, do not let your heart be troubled any longer,” Laurel replied, smiling sweetly as she kissed him once more.
“Thank you, my darling. I do feel more at ease, but I will admit that my heart will not feel lighter for some time. Now, let us relax for a bit longer, then we will go back to our room,” Caleb said, caressing her face and smiling at her adoringly.
A short time later they were lying in bed holding each other, the only light in the room was the crackling fire in the hearth.
“Caleb, I need to ask you something, concerning the questions Violet and Rose asked earlier,” Laurel mentioned in a sleepy voice.
Caleb smiled, holding her closer, knowing by her expressions she would be asking him the reason for their questioning.
“The reason the girls asked me about what the name of the baby would be, is that it is the custom in Heathwin. Especially for the royal family, to have the father name the first-born child. There will be a naming ceremony, which is why the arches from our wedding were saved, they will be used for this,” Caleb explained, kissing Laurel’s temple.
“I see,” Laurel replied, pausing thoughtfully for a moment. “And have you thought of any names, yet?” she asked quietly.
“No,” Caleb answered with a laugh. “I have really not had the time to consider any, seeing I have only just found out that I am to be a father. Do not trouble yourself mo stor. I will consult with you when I actually consider names, and of course, I fully expect you to share your thoughts as well. Just go to sleep now my love, we have plenty of time to think of names,” Caleb laughed lightly again, holding Laurel closer as he closed his eyes and they both fell into a peaceful sleep.
The morning sun filtered in through the soft grey drapes. Caleb walked out of the bath, still dressed in his black tunic and britches he sometimes wore for sleeping. Opening the wardrobe, he pulled out one of Laurel’s nightgowns, smiling sadly as he heard her speaking to him in a teary voice.
“There is no reason for you to feel embarrassed, dearest. This is not the first time I have seen you ill. No, you are not getting up, I shall be right in,” Caleb answered her, shaking his head and smiling sadly at hearing her crying.
Caleb took out a clean tunic shirt for himself, and changed into it before going back into the bath. As he entered the room, he smiled in empathy, as Laurel shakenly stood up and began to take off her soiled nightgown, still crying and sniffing back tears.
“Here, let me help you with that dearest,” Caleb spoke in a quiet tone, pulling the nightgown over her head.
“I am so humiliated,” Laurel sobbed, as she allowed Caleb to lead her over to the wash basin on the dressing table.
“Mo stor, there is no cause for you to feel this way. It is only me here with you,” Caleb replied, trying to sound reassuring as he added warm water to the basin.
“But I vomited all over you,” Laurel answered back in a mortified voice, her crying renewed.
“Well, it was not the first time,” Caleb chuckled, handing Laurel a cloth to wash with.
“What? No, that is not so,” Laurel replied, with an expression of complete confusion.
“Of course it is. Do you not remember me telling you of when you were an infant, of vomiting all over Remy? Well the very next day, you also gave me that honour. I refused to hold you after that,” Caleb recalled, laughing lightly as he carefully held her hair back. “Then when I returned to Gwenlais with my father for the harvest patrols, you were about four seasons then. I took you for a ride after breakfast, and I apparently had Daibhi canter too much. You looked at me with those big grey eyes and said, “Cawib my tummy is sick,” and you promptly vomited all over me once again. Then you cried all the way home, and I had to carry you in, and your mother and the maid were completely beside themselves. All my father and Tolemais could do was laugh hysterically at me,” Caleb said smiling at Laurel, who was now laughing at him, while she dried off.
“I remember that now. You poor thing, it was really quite awful, and you were so patient. Though I do remember you saying a few things in old speak, when it first happened,” Laurel giggled tiredly, as she slipped the clean nightgown over her head.
“Yes, I was cursing. I did not wish for you to understand what I was saying at the time. How are you feeling now, mo ghra? Are you ready to lie back down?” Caleb asked smiling broadly, taking her into his arms.
Laurel leant against him, sighing deeply, her arms wrapped around his waist.
“Yes Sire, I am. I do feel very badly about being sick all over you, and I am still embarrassed about it. I remember cleaning up after others at the House of Healing, and how they felt. I would feel much better if I cleaned up after myself a bit, before you called in the maids,” Laurel mentioned, looking at Caleb awkwardly.
“You most certainly will not. The maids are more than willing to help, Laurel. They do not expect the Princess of Heathwin to do their job, not to mention, the staff is very pleased about the news of your pregnancy. Now, enough of this silliness, come and lie down,” Caleb chided with a smile, as he took her up in his arms and carried her into their room. After getting settled and comfortable, Laurel smiled as she watched Caleb tend to the fire. He walked back over to the bed and sitting down next to her, leant down to kiss her forehead.
“The cook said she would have your biscuits ready for you this morning, as well as your peppermint tea that Cinnie insisted you have. I am going to check on those things now, and you are going to rest. I shall be back shortly,” Caleb said with a warm smile, kissing her once again.
Just as Caleb stood up, they both glanced over at the sound of wind and rain hitting the window, and distant thunder became more pronounced.
“Will you open the drapes so I may watch the rain?” Laurel asked drowsily, snuggling deeper into the covers.
Caleb smiled and walked over to the beautiful floor length window, pulling the light flowing fabric away, which appeared for a moment to be a soft grey cloud hanging in the air. Laurel had forgotten how beautiful the view from Caleb’s room was. The majestic and ancient oak, and conifer trees, swaying with the wind. The oak trees now nearly bare, only a few dark brown leaves clung to the branches, looking like tattered bits of cloth. The thunder, the last remnants of warmth in the air, giving a final farewell until the sun of the early Planting Season ushered it back. Laurel watched the rain steadily increase with intensity, the echoes of the thunder now coming closer together. A sudden bright flash of lighting, causing her to abruptly startle. Immediately, it was as if she were experiencing everything all over again. Laurel felt the pain in the back of her head as she fell to the floor in Gwenlais, as Warrick struck her. She could smell the drink on his breath, feel his hands viciously tear at her dress, and then she heard Caleb’s voice, calling out to her in the distance.
“Laurel! Laurel! Look at me, mo stor. It is alright. I am here,” Caleb said to Laurel, his hands cradling her face, trying to have her look at him, her eyes wide and fearful. “Yes, it is alright. I am here mo cailin milis. Shh, I am here,” Caleb said once again, in a soft deep voice, holding her tight against him.
Laurel now realising she was having, something she could only describe like a waking nightmare. She gripped onto Caleb’s sleeves tighter, sobbing uncontrollably against his chest.
“What…what happened?” Laurel asked, in a broken whisper.
“The lightning struck a tree, and then you stared blankly for a moment, and began to cry out for me. It was as if, for just that instant, you were somewhere else, a frighteningly dark place. Where were you mo stor? Where did your broken heart, take you back to?” Caleb whispered, his voice unable to choke back his emotions, as he gently stroked her hair.
Laurel did not answer at first, closing her eyes to shut out the terrible memory she had just experienced, feeling the tears flowing from her closed eyes.
“I…I was back in Gwenlais. Warrick had just entered the castle, he hit me and I fell backwards. The pain I felt when I hit the floor, almost made it seem as if I had seen lightning. I could feel his weight on top of me, and his hands tearing my dress. I…I just suddenly remembered all of it,” Laurel explained tearfully, as Caleb hugged her tighter and kissed her forehead.
“Then I shall give your heart a different memory to go to when you see lighting once again,” Caleb whispered back as he turned them both on the bed, Laurel now lying down on top of Caleb. “You said he hit you, show me where his blow fell mo stor,” Caleb gently entreated, as lighting flashed once again, Laurel jumping slightly with its nearness.
“Here,” she whimpered softly, touching her left cheek.
Caleb smiled and kissed her cheek tenderly several times. Then sitting up slightly, having Laurel sit up as well, he reached over and unlacing her nightgown, Caleb leant forward kissing her neck and face, his hands gently caressing the back of her head.
“You are my life and my reason for living. I will do everything within my power and the power of Heathwin, to keep you safe. I will destroy anything or anyone, that threatens your safety, and that of our child. I love you above all others, my sweet girl. I will help you get through this, and I will heal your broken heart, as you healed mine. Here now, lie against me for a while. I will be here for you all day; I may need be come and go, to do a few things, but my priority for the day is you. You are home now my love, your family is here for you, and the children are safe. You have left your beloved Gwenlais in the most capable of hands. By the end of the week, you will have the joy of seeing your dearest friend married to the man who loves her without limits. I will no longer be going on patrol until the Planting Season. You will get to experience the beauty of winter here. It is long and sometimes harsh, but still beautiful and peaceful. We will share in watching the wonder of our child, grow within you. This will be a time of rest and healing for you, my darling Princess, and I will be here to ensure that happens,” Caleb spoke in a deep soft voice, softly kissing the top of her head as he caressed her back and shoulders.
“Thank you, Caleb,” Laurel murmured, as she released a long shuddering sigh, loosening the tight grip she had on Caleb’s tunic sleeves. Sighing once again, as she closed her eyes, allowing herself to yield to the peace and warmth she felt in Caleb’s embrace. He held her until he felt her fall asleep, carefully moving and stroking her hair as she lay in the bed, engulfed in the warm coverings. Caleb stood up and closed the drapes, lighting the candelabra on his desk, and adding more wood to the fire. Looking over towards the bed once more, he turned and quietly left the room, softly closing the door behind him.
As Caleb walked into the corridor, he looked towards the room that had once been Laurel’s, listening to the sound of children’s voices, and intermittent laughter. He stood for a moment, continuing to listen as the children were getting ready to begin their day. He smiled at the thought that despite all they had suffered and lost, they were still able to find happiness in everyday moments of life. He made his way down the corridor and walked into the study to find King Fergus, Gavin and the Scribe Marcus, waiting for him.
“Good morning, son. Come and join us for a mug of chicory root and some sweet rolls, before we get on with the business at hand. How did our Princess sleep last night?” King Fergus asked in a warm but concerned tone, seeing the troubled expression on Caleb’s face.
“She actually slept very well. It was this morning, however, that she did not do so well with,” Caleb replied, glancing at everyone at the table and taking a long drink from his mug.
“The poor lass, having the baby sickness, is she? Aye yes, I went through that five times with Marvina. We was told that it would get easier with each baby. Well, do not believe that for a second, my lad. It was certainly not the case with Marvina. Also expect a bit more cursing from time to time,” Gavin explained with a kind smile, reaching over and patting Caleb’s shoulder.
“The poor thing, she sat up a too quickly, and then rushed to the bath, and became very sick. She was mortified, as she became sick all over me, as well,” Caleb explained, smiling forlornly.
“Well, that was not the first time,” King Fergus remarked, chuckling lightly, to which Caleb shook his head and laughed back.
“Yes, I did remind her of that day, it seemed to help her feel better about things,” Caleb smiled and then took a bite of his roll, while Gavin and Marcus looked on in amused curiosity.
King Fergus went on to explain about their remarks, leaving Gavin and Marcus laughing, with Gavin hitting Caleb roughly on the arm, his booming laugh filling the room.
“So in walks Caleb with a very distressed little girl, both of them covered in vomit. Milna and the head maid whisking Laurel away, with Caleb standing there in the doorway, glaring at Tolemais and I, as we could not stop smirking at him. The poor boy was completely stripped of his dignity that day. Of course, pummeling your brother Cahir the way you did, when you got back to the Gwenlais Lodge, was uncalled for,” King Fergus remarked, laughing again.
“It was wholly justified, the annoying pain in the arse would not stop laughing,” Caleb said with a wry grin.
“The poor lass. I shall have Tess make her a nice warm ginger toddy when we all come by for supper tonight. It will help her feel more herself,” Marcus mentioned with a wink.
“Thank you, Marcus. I am afraid, though, her unsettled stomach is not the most distressing part of the morning. She was just getting comfortable again in bed, and after a bright flash of lighting, she suddenly panicked, from remembering a horrifying incident that took place with Warrick. I have never seen her expression that way before. She just stared for a moment, looking at the window, and then began to cry out to me, as if she did not know I was in the room. I had to actually take her face in my hands and have her look at me, and say her name twice. She then acted like she had just awakened from a nightmare. I have seen this take place once, with a young man who had just gone on his first patrol and had suffered trauma from his group being ambushed. I never thought my dear Laurel would go through that as well,” Caleb remarked, staring at his mug for a moment, with a sad, faraway look in his eyes.
“You know that Laurel, Tulla and the children, all suffered greatly at the hands of that maniac, Warrick. They will all react to the trauma they have experienced in different ways, Caleb. I watched them all very closely last night. I noticed with the children, Oriel was alright as long as she was receiving attention or engaged in conversation. Jamison was very subdued and quiet, not letting go of his small blanket. Marina was engaging, but I did notice she would often hold onto Aiden’s arm, looking lost when he would step away for a few moments here and there. In fact, Marina is downstairs with him now, talking with everyone in the Hall. They are all in the seating area by the fireplace. She is curled up next to Aiden like a kitten, holding on to his arm once again. I am happy to say, your brother is being very caring and affectionate, not minding at all how the poor girl is clinging to him. Imagin and Orla are doing an excellent job with the little ones. Ardal and Beacam are also very kind to them, especially Ardal, he is most attentive. I do feel though, at some time, the pain of their loss will surface, and it will most likely be the little ones first. Once the distractions of all the family being here subside, their pain and loss will become more evident,” King Fergus related, sitting back and taking a drink from his mug.
