Warrior's Heart

Chapter Twenty

The next day found them bundled back into the coach, the Company riding ahead of them, and Arielle smiled as Thorin climbed into the coach with a wince. "I told you she kicks in her sleep."

He didn't return the smile. How could he, when pain still radiated up into his gut? Not only did Tiriana kick him, but she seemed to do so with every bit of strength she had in her tiny body. As a result, he was awakened in the rudest manner possible, by a stinging hot bolt of pain driving up into his gut. He actually saw stars from the force of the blow, and he couldn't recall the last time anything came into contact with his groin with that much force. He hurt so badly, he was thankful Arielle was already pregnant, because he wasn't at all certain he'd be able to perform in bed after this. 

"I'm glad you're enjoying this," he told her, shifting with a wince. "Have you any idea how hard this child can kick?"

"I sorry, Papa."

"It's all right, sweetling. It was an accident. I hope."

Tiriana nodded. "It was."

"Actually," Arielle replied, her smile fading, "I know exactly how hard. She crawled into bed with me night after night while you were on your way to the Iron Hills and again when you ventured to Moria."

"Well, you do not have to worry much about sensitive body parts being crushed in the process, do you now?"

"It didn't exactly tickle me, either."

He glared. "I do hope this baby is a boy, for it quite possibly might be our last child."

"Oh, do not be so dramatic, dwarf. You'll recover in time. Surely that's not the first time they've ever been wounded."

"They who?" Tiriana asked, looking over at him. "And why might this be the last baby?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "I thought Mama was having the baby, not you."

"She is, but without me, there won't be any others."

"Thorin..." Arielle's voice was low with warning.

"Why?" Tiriana asked.

"Love, why don't you try drawing while we journey to Erebor?" Arielle tapped the sheaf of paper on the seat alongside Tiriana.

"But what does Papa mean?" Tirana looked over at her and Thorin had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling as a hint of a blush appeared along Arielle's high cheekbones. If he wasn't careful, she would probably kill him before they reached Erebor.

"Mama's right, love. Why don't—"

"What did you mean?"

Thorin groaned softly. "Tiri, that is a discussion for another time."

"But why?"

"You're too young."

Tiriana looked from him to Arielle and back, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not."

"You are." He nodded and then pointed to the papers. "So let the matter drop and draw."

"But, Papa—"

"Tiriana."

She scowled. "I'm not sorry I kicked you then."

She sounded so proud of herself, he almost smiled. Almost. However, his boys still ached and he would never see the humor in them being pummeled. "Is that so?"

She folded her chubby arms and bobbed her head sharply. "It is." 

"Well, that is unfortunate," he replied, "for I was going to tell you—"

Arielle glared at him. "Thorin."

"But now I'm not."

Tiriana stuck her tongue out at him. He replied in kind, and bit back another smile as Arielle twisted sharply to peer out the window. He could hear the smile in her voice as she growled, "Will you both cut it out already?"