Chapter 115: The Price of a Miracle
Zavren carried Ariana as he noticed her breathing begin to grow rapid. His face twisted with worry as the maids rushed to clean up what had happened. Leah hurried not far behind Zavren, her face mirroring his concern.
This was the first time Zavren had heard his wife actually scream—the first time he had ever heard her voice. Until now, he had only heard her through their link. The fact that he heard her now...his sharp senses picking up the sound—made his jaw tick hard as he felt the pain from them. He was just thankful he had arrived in time to catch her before she fell to the floor.
They reached the royal hospital, where the physician and several other women dressed in white and wearing gloves were already waiting. For the past few days, they had been stationed there, keeping close watch on Ariana, knowing the baby could come at any moment. But this timing was far more sudden than expected. Zavren moved quickly, placing her gently on the bed, his expression calm as the medics rushed in to check on her.
"H...Her throat... Get the tray! Where is it? The herb...she needs to drink it!" one of the women shouted.
Ariana was drenched in sweat as the pain hit her. Her breathing grew even more rapid as she tried to breath, but her body felt drained and heavy—exhausted from the intensity of it all.
Zavren gritted his teeth. He hated seeing her like this. If he could take the pain for her, he would. The way her head pressed against the pillow, as though trying to escape the agony—it made his chest ache.
He moved closer as the women turned to him. Ariana’s eyes welled with tears as Zavren held her hand. She squeezed him tightly, her eyes locked on his. One of the women gently poured a warm herbal liquid into her mouth. She gulped it down, and the ache in her throat eased slightly.
A tear slipped down her cheek as Zavren whispered softly,
"Sweetheart, I’m here."
He caressed her hand, even as her grip on him tightened.
"We need to begin the delivery," the royal doctor said quickly as she moved into position. Ariana’s legs were gently parted and modestly covered as her face twisted in pain.
"Sweetheart, everything will be fine. Don’t worry...I’m here. Just follow her instructions."