Rachel woke with a sharp, twisting pain low in her belly. She gasped, clutching the sheets as another contraction rippled through her. The baby was coming — weeks earlier than expected, but strong and ready. She called out weakly, and the servants rushed in, alerting the healer and Kylian immediately.
Kylian arrived within minutes, his face pale with worry but his movements steady and determined. He climbed onto the bed behind her, pulling her gently against his chest so she could lean on him. His arms wrapped around her, one hand resting over her swollen belly, the other holding hers tightly.
“I’m here,” he whispered against her hair. “I’m right here. Breathe with me, Rachel. You’re not alone.”
The healer, Elara, worked efficiently, directing the servants to bring clean linens, warm wa
