Freyja's Fire - Chapter 2 - A'mara Books

2

(Fenjaday, cont.)

Erion Sands

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Rachel laughed as she watched the children come back across the sand. Even Aurelia’s wrath didn’t dampen her spirits. “Look at how Bridget leads the whole group of them, Breyind!”

Her handsome husband of two amazing years turned and looked. “Yes, she’s a little Stella, isn’t she? I can’t imagine anyone other than Stella so willing to tell everyone else what to do!”

“Prince Aron is going to have his hands full just learning how to be a prince!” Rachel added as Katja chased the children right to the water’s edge. At least Katja had had the sense to space her children a little further apart, being only halfway through her second pregnancy, whereas Rachel was due any time now.

“I imagine that Katja and Adrick will manage just fine – especially with Anneli’s help,” Breyind replied. “However, you should really sit down, my Lady.”

Even as he said it, Rachel felt the latest pain in her abdomen. Braxton Hicks, Sister Deby had reminded her. A large part of the third trimester, helping her to prepare for birth. She didn’t remember having so many when Bridget was ready to be born.

“Sit,” Breyind repeated, helping guide her to the cushioned wooden seat that had been brought for her comfort.

“Are you okay?” Marie Holworth asked as she came over to investigate.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Rachel insisted.

“Braxton Hicks?”

“I think so. It’s gone now.”

“When I was pregnant with Ewan, I didn’t have hardly any. But with Emma, it was completely different,” Marie explained. “I went to hospital several times thinking I was in labour, when I wasn’t.”

“I don’t know what a hospital birth is like,” Rachel said. “I don’t suppose I ever will now.”

“Don’t be sad about it, m’lady. A hospital birth is nothing to be proud of. Emma’s birth was much nicer,” Marie replied.

“You don’t need to do this m’lady nonsense with me,” Rachel reminded.

“Maybe not, but you’ve got to admit it’s fun sometimes!” Marie replied with a grin. “Like a fête or something.”

“It is!” Rachel agreed. “But you must not think I’m somehow better than you! I was just lucky.”

“I think I was lucky too – lucky that you and Katja found me ‘n Ewan. Don’t you miss anything from England?”

“Mobile phones,” Rachel replied instantly. “I’d like to know what on Terrenden Stella is up to in the Fire Swamps!”

“You ‘n me both,” Marie agreed. “Even though I’ve attended a dozen births since Bridget was born, I’m a bit nervous attending you by myself!”

“Deby and the Doc are here. I’m in good hands, even if you panic!”

“I am more afraid of m’lord panicking again!” Marie said with a giggle.

“Huh?” Breyind asked.

Marie giggled. “I swear, I like making him react more than anything else!”

“I’m sure there’s a law that attendants aren’t supposed to tease their lords,” Breyind quipped.

Rachel looked at him to hear him chuckling.

“I was just looking at the horizon where Ewan was focused a few minutes ago. I could have sworn I saw a sail, but I don’t see it now.”

“Aeroplanes!” Marie uttered.

“Huh?” Breyind repeated.

“What I miss from England. I’d love to see the rest of Terrenden!”

“Maybe Stella can make it happen,” Rachel suggested. “And there’s always ships. You’ve always said how Ewan is desperate to get on one of those sailing ships!”

“No! Not me!” Marie protested. “I ain’t even been ‘cross the Channel!”

Rachel laughed. “Then how would we get you on an aeroplane?!”

“They serve alcohol on planes these days, right?”

“And on ships! But then you wouldn’t be very good at attending me, would you?!”

“You speak in such riddles,” Breyind remarked, lifting her into his arms. “Marie, you can look after Bridget, right?”

“Of course, m’lord,” Marie replied.

“Good. I think Lady Rachel needs a nap,” he said. “I will attend her myself!”

Rachel smiled into the handsome face of the man who had won her heart that first day in Velantia.

“Have you named our son yet?” Breyind asked.

“It’s supposed to be a joint effort,” Rachel replied. “Just like creating him was.”

Breyind grinned as he carried her into their tent. He put her down and claimed her mouth with his. “Apparently, it’s our second anniversary today,” he murmured. “You game for another two?”

“Yes!” Rachel whispered. “You’ve made all my dreams come true!”

“Only with your help, my lady,” he said pushing her dress off over her shoulders, then her hips and guiding her to their bed.

Breyind’s warm, strong hands caressed her baby bump which hardened at his touch, the life within kicking at his hands. “I felt him,” Breyind said. “What are we calling him? I’d like you to think of a name from your world.”

Rachel smiled, feeling her love for him growing again. “Well, Bridget is one name for the Irish goddess Brighid. Maybe our son should also have a Celtic god name. And you are a good hunter… perhaps Herne the hunter?”

“I like it. Is Herne a good god?”

“I’ve never heard anything bad about him. He wears antlers on his head.”

“Sounds like good camouflage,” Breyind replied. “Our son shall be called Herne.”

“Marie thinks he will be here any day now. I wish Stella were here!”

“What is she doing in the Fire Swamps, anyway?”

“Learning. When Katja and I met the witches in the Fire Swamps, they kept asking for Stella to come and stay with them awhile. I’m not sure why.”

“Well, I’m sure it’s important, whatever it is. It would not be like Stella to shirk her duty!”

“I know. I just miss her.”

“I think we’d better get started on our nap before Bridget becomes impossible for Marie,” Breyind said, lifting her leg over him and pressing into her body. “Apparently, this makes delivery easier.”

Rachel gasped with the pleasure which had become part of her daily life two years previously.