Waveborn | The Oceane Series

Thirty-One

Delmare strapped his sword across his waist, his face focused on the task at hand, but I could tell he was sad he had to leave. I had been worrying about this day ever since he told me he was leaving two weeks ago at the baby shower, and now the day had finally arrived. With a sigh, I crawled out of bed, my gigantic belly making me feel as if I was a whale, rather than a pregnant mother. With my bare feet padding against the crystal flooring, I watched him turn around, staring at me, trying to smile, but failing as the saddened look never left his face.

"Delmare, don't feel bad," I said, as I wrapped my arms around him, my belly keeping me from accomplishing it entirely. "You have to do this. Just focus on staying alive, okay? I don't think I can handle raising our children alone."

"You won't be alone," he replied, his jaw clenched at the mention of the possibility of this being the last time we see each other.

"That's not what I meant," I whispered. "Ronan and Chelsea deserve to know their father."

He closed his eyes and nodded, "That reminds me." He paused, walking over to rummage through a drawer before handing me a heavy envelope. "If I don't make it, I want you to read this to them. I want them to know me, and know that I—" His voice broke as I took the envelope from him, cupping my hand to his cheek as he stared down at me.

"I will. They will know you." My eyes watered and my breathing shook before I hugged him again, desperately wanting him to stay, but knowing he had to leave for the good of everyone we served and cared for. "They will know that you love them."

He hugged me back, holding me close as a sob escaped both our lips. I didn't want him to leave sad, but I couldn't keep my emotions from overwhelming me. Kissing him on his cheek, I rested my forehead against his, running my fingers through his hair as I tried to comfort him, tried to make him forget he would leave me to defend the ocean.

"I love you, Delmare Stormborn," I whispered, kissing him as he grabbed my waist, drawing circles across my skin underneath his T-shirt that I had insisted on wearing.

He kissed me back, needy as he kissed along my jaw and down my neck, making me forget why we were saying goodbye. He stopped to catch his breath. His eyes were a mix of blue and purple, but the sadness written on his face was replaced with a cocky grin.

"Don't go falling in love with anyone else, Mrs. Stormborn." He grinned, trying to change the mood.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll try not to, Mr. Stormborn." I grinned as he leaned into me, placing another kiss against my lips just as someone knocked on our door.

"I have to go." He sighed, sounding defeated as he pulled away, but I stopped him, grabbing his hand and gently placing it on my stomach as the children kicked against his palm.

He leaned down, exposing the skin of my belly and kissing it softly, whispering to them before looking up at me, his eyes brimming with tears as he kissed me again. Turning away, Delmare walked out the door, looking back once before shutting the door behind him. I fell to my knees, my emotions overwhelming me as someone ran into the room, wrapping their arms around me, but to my disappointment, it wasn't the Symari I wanted.

"Come on, Anna," Consuela cooed, helping me up and into bed as my sobs continued. "Let's get you to bed."

"I'm sorry I'm a mess," I mumbled, hiccupping as my salty tears stained the pillow.

"It's okay," she said, pulling the covers over me. "I know how you feel. My fiancé is also going with the king. We'll get through this together, alright?"

I nodded, wiping my face as she gave me a soft smile. "Thank you, Connie."

"You're welcome, Annie." She smiled, then walked toward the door as sleep overtook me.

***

The familiar sound of waves filled my ears as I blinked back the brightness of the sun. The sand burned against my feet as I ran, being chased by a being I did not recognize, but knew was dangerous. Suddenly, I fell to the sandy floor and I felt something wet between my legs. Looking down, I gasped as I saw the red blood gush from where I knew my unborn children were housed. I heard the creature laugh, the sound a mix of Delmare's and something else entirely, as I looked up, meeting Delmare's face. His eyes were consumed in a black haze. It was a Syren, and it was here to kill me. And before it could pounce to finish me off, I awoke, screaming at the top of my lungs as the effects of the dream overtook me.

Guards ran in, searching the room for any dangers as they assessed my condition. "Are you alright, my queen?"

"I—" I paused, taking a deep breath as I sat up in bed. "I'm fine, it was just a nightmare."

"Would you like us to get the doctor or the queen mother?" One of them asked as I stood, shaking my head.

"No, don't wake them. I just need some water," I replied.

They nodded, one of them motioning for me to go ahead as he intended to escort me to the kitchen.

Once there, I filled a glass, guzzling the glass in seconds before filling it up again. As I was placing the cup in the sink to clean it, I accidentally dropped the glass, which shattered into hundreds of pieces at my feet. Cursing under my breath, I went to lean down to pick up the pieces, but someone rested a hand on my shoulder, stopping me from going any further.

"It's okay, Anna. I got it," Theodosia whispered, helping me not to step on the broken glass. "Go back to bed, dear. You're going to need the sleep."

With a shaky breath, I followed the guard out of the kitchen, walking in a quiet haze as he led me back to my room. He bowed to me before leaving me in the room alone. Suddenly the door opened as someone padded into the room.

"Hi, Anna," Sedna whispered. "I was wondering if I could stay in here with you tonight, or if you wanted my company."

I nodded, unable to speak as I crawled back into bed. She crawled onto the other side. My mind was everywhere, swirling with hundreds of questions as I tried to fall back asleep, but couldn't. I couldn't help but worry about Delmare. What would happen if he found his aunt, and she was behind the attacks, or if Ondina was dead? What would happen if Delmare came back, but he, too, was dead? Would I be able to raise our children with Theodosia and Sedna's help? What if something were wrong?

"Don't worry, Anna," Sedna whispered beside me. "Delmare is an exceptional fighter. He will come back alive. My niece and nephew will meet their father and you both will raise them together."

I sighed, knowing she'd know what I was thinking as I pulled the covers closer to me. "I know. I'm just scared."

"I am too," she said, her voice echoing in the room's darkness as I fell back to sleep.

Happily, no nightmares plagued my dreams, but I hoped my nightmares would stay in my dreams and not fill my reality. I could only hope my fears didn't come true and Delmare would come home, alive, and our world could be at peace again.