The Magician's Witch

Birthday

Eilis got up one morning, groaning as soon as she sat up. She rubbed her lower back tenderly. She called a servant, asking for a bath to be run.

The warm water eased the dull, throbbing ache. Eilis tilted her head back against the lip of the tub, dozing a little. She rubbed a hand over her swollen belly.

"Any day now," she murmured. She could feel it; the baby had changed positions and its movements had slowed. Eilis felt both thrilled and nervous, with a massive dose of just wanting to get it over with.

A female servant helped Eilis step out of the tub when she was ready, helping her get dressed.

After she had breakfast, Eilis strolled around the house, simply wandering, staying on her feet. She felt restless, her skin humming with impatience.

Erik had left early that morning, as was his routine, to get to the palace. The main outer structure was finished, and now they were working on the interior.

Before he left, Erik kissed her, waking her to say goodbye. "Remember, if something happens, have someone send a message immediately," he instructed.

Eilis smiled and nodded, falling back to sleep. She wasn't the only one on edge.

Eilis moseyed around the halls, coming to Reza's room. She peaked inside. Reza sat in his wheelchair, a servant sitting nearby. The room was too quiet.

Eilis knocked on the door. Both the servant and Reza perked up. "Sorry if I'm disturbing you. May I come in?"

Reza nodded his head eagerly. The servant looked a little apprehensive.

"Please, come in," the boy whispered.

Eilis waddled across the room, taking a seat next to the servant who fidgeted nervously. She ignored him. Some of the servants had gotten used to her, but many of them still remembered her levitating or floating on her broomstick in the yard, and they were afraid of her.

"How has your morning been so far, young man," she asked Reza.

His thin shoulders shrugged. "Boring."

Eilis smiled sympathetically.

Reza spoke again. "I wish Erik didn't have to work so much. He is not boring at all."

Eilis chuckled. "Yes. Erik is far from boring."

The baby's foot kicked Eilis right under her ribs, making her wince and groan. She rubbed the spot where the tiny foot had struck her. "Thanks for that," she muttered.

"For what," Reza asked.

"Oh, no, not you, Love. The baby just kicked me."

Reza's eyes lit up. "What does that feel like?"

Eilis smiled. Gently, she took one of Reza's frail hands, placing it on her belly. They waited a moment, then the baby kicked again.

Reza laughed delightedly. "It really is kicking you!"

Eilis laughed. "I'm glad you're amused." She let go of his hand.

"Does it hurt," Reza asked, sounding concerned.

"Well, it doesn't feel good when the baby sticks its foot under my ribs or starts to dance around on my bladder. But it's a small price to pay."

Reza's eyes turned sad. "I hope I didn't do that to my mother."

Eilis smiled sweetly. "Oh, trust me, sweetie. The moment she held you in her arms, none of that mattered anymore."

Reza looked toward her; his unseeing eyes were skeptical. "How do you know?"