Hierarchy (Book Four of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Fifty-Three: Consequence

Middle Goahm, (summer), 872 P.C

In the time since their return to Itrea, Katerin had worried herself little, of fighting, or even using magic. The news from Oshir troubled her deeply, but the town and manor demanded enough attention that she could almost ignore it. Almost ignore that Jon and Donovar were not themselves, that she could tell no one about it, at least not until she figured out how to approach the situation, or if she even wanted to. She cried over it less and less, though small things tore at her heart. Jon's stories of sailing... were they even true? Or were they figments of memory from Lodyne? It was impossible to know. The Book of Ralore's was... Donovar's. The greatest mage in all of history... and he ran a toy shop in Rastridge, with a reputation of being lazy, and never paying for his meals or his taxes.

So she worked in her office and attended council meetings. With Lugaria and Agrata around, nothing bothered the manor. They had 'retired' from Sahn-Raidar, for all of two months, and she, feeling rather proud of herself, had convinced them to work for her, instead of returning to Graiden's service. She was overpaying them by a ludicrous amount, but she had no worries of any enemy outside her door. But today she felt more nervous than if she were about to stand on the edge of a volcano.

She paced around the manor, nervous and unsure. How was she supposed to tell him? Was there anything specific to it? Should there be some sort of... social courtesy? Should she just blurt it out? Should it be, 'you're going to be a father', or, 'we're going to have a child' or... she sighed. Nothing sounded right, and thinking of it made her heart beat too fast. The children of your children's children... no. She could not think of that. Not today.

When Fykes got home, he had a strange look in his eyes. Not fear, not really worry. But something was there. And he did not mention it to her during dinner, or when they sat in the lounge, or when they played cards with Brazen and Jon. So she did not mention her news to him, either. Her stomach was full of knots, the whole evening. But she waited until they were alone in their bedroom.

"Katerin," Fykes began as she combed her hair. "I have something to tell you."

Katerin's breath caught. "I have something to tell you, too." Her voice squeaked, despite her internal berating.

Fykes looked startled, and despite the hearth, the room felt colder. Never did Katerin remember anything feeling so strange between them. So uncertain.

"You first?" Fykes said, patting the bed next to him, and offering a smile. It was not disingenuous, but something was off about it.

Katerin took an immense breath as she approached. She sat and took his hand, and fought the urge to get up and pace. He waited, looking at her with a warmth in his eyes. "So..." she coughed. "So... I'm having... We... uh, We're... We'll be parents." She felt as if the mattress beneath her was spinning, as comprehension slowly dawned on Fykes face, as soon as her words were fully realized, Fykes was on his feet.

"We... we will?" His eyes were bright, excitement coloring his cheeks.

She nodded at the relief that washed over her. He was smiling. Smiling!

He squeezed her hand, leaning over her and looking at a loss for what to say. "Th—that's amazing! Who else knows? Did you tell them without me? We should..." The smile faltered for a half a second, and he shook himself. "We should celebrate."

Katerin raised an eyebrow.

"We can go tell everyone tonight. I'll go get Graiden and—"

Katerin laughed. "Fykes, it's late. We should tell them tomorrow. We'll have a dinner. No need to rush it, tonight."