A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 25- Childbirth

I awaken the next morning, feeling significantly better. The fever and pains have finally disappeared, although a nasty scar the size of a handprint remains on my arm, just above my elbow. It feels as if the shadow monster has marked me, and the thought sends a shudder down my spine.

Slowly, I sit up and change into a lightweight pale yellow dress, attempting to tame my wild red curls. After a while, I realize my efforts are in vain, and I allow them to remain messy, cascading past my waist.

I make my way down the hall and run into Mrs. Biyu, who seems to be in a rush.

"Mrs. Biyu, where is Celestia?" I ask eagerly, longing to reconnect with my friend.

"She's in labor. The child will be born tonight," she replies. "Do you want to help?"

I nod, a surge of determination coursing through me.

"Fetch me some boiled water and Vitalia. I was there when she lost Elaria the first time, and I won't let it happen again," she says, hurrying away.

I head to the kitchen and grab a large vase filled with water, pouring it into a pot above the fire. While I wait for the water to boil, I gather some crushed Vitalia into my satchel, thankful for the convenience. I also collect some fruits, vegetables, and extra cloth, just in case.

Once the water has boiled, I pour it back into the vase. With my satchel slung over my shoulder, I make my way up the stairs and through the long maze of tunnels and hallways to Celestia's chamber. It used to be my own.

I can hear her screams before I even reach the door, instantly reminding me of my own labor with Mavis and causing a pang in my heart.

"I'm here to assist with the birth," I inform the guard, who promptly opens the door for me.

To my surprise, Caspian is in the room, along with Mrs. Biyu and Dysis, as well as multiple healers and midwives. I even spot the royal surgeon. Usually men, even kings aren't allowed in the room during childbirth.

Celestia doesn't even notice my presence as I set down the supplies on the bedside table and stand back next to Dysis.

Caspian's eyes meet mine, and he gives me a small smile. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Me too, Your Grace," I reply, then direct my attention to Celestia. "Your daughter should be here soon. I brought you some Vitalia to help you through the labor without exhausting yourself."

"Yes, please," she says, and I walk toward the table, opening the satchel and handing her a small handful.

"Thank you," she tells me as she nibbles on it.

The room falls into a quiet lull, with no one quite knowing what to say. The memory of Celestia's previous loss during childbirth hangs heavy in the air, and we all hope to prevent history from repeating itself. Maybe the consequences of time travel have made the situation worse, but I pray that it's not the case. After experiencing the heartbreak of losing my own child, I can't bear the thought of it happening to Celestia all over again.

Celestia's piercing shrieks pierce through the chaos of my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. I notice her tightly clutching Caspian's hand, her grip almost suffocating him as he tries to guide her through steady breaths.

"Damn you, Caspian," she manages to utter between heavy pants. "I'd love to see you try to breathe through the agonizing pain of a child tearing its way out of your... ahhh!" Another scream tears through the air, shattering the silence.

The midwife positions herself at the end of the bed, her gaze fixed between Celestia's trembling legs. A sheet conceals the sight from everyone else, but the midwife steals a clandestine glimpse underneath.

"I can see the baby's head," she informs Celestia. "Just one more powerful push, my dear."

Celestia nods, determination etched on her face, and musters the strength to propel her body forward before collapsing back onto the bed in exhaustion.

Suddenly, a soft cry fills the room, breaking through the tension like a beacon of hope. "She's here, and she's absolutely breathtaking, Your Highness," the midwife exclaims, wrapping a tiny bundle with dark locks in her skilled hands.

"Let me see. I must hold my baby," Celestia implores weakly, her voice filled with a mix of longing and joy. The midwife gently transfers the newborn into Celestia's waiting arms.

Celestia gazes down at the bundle, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "She resembles an Elaria," she whispers, marveling at her newborn daughter. Caspian, too, beams at the sight, extending his finger for the tiny baby to grasp.

Without realizing it, I had been holding my breath, my emotions bubbling up inside me. As I finally release the pent-up air, tears well up in my eyes. We did it. We managed to save her baby. Overwhelmed, I take in the heartwarming scene before me, reminiscent the moment I met my own daughter for the very first time and it also reminds me of her brutal death. The flood of emotions becomes too much to bear, and I find myself instinctively slipping out of the room, needing a moment to collect myself.

As I make my way down the dimly lit hallway, the echo of my footsteps is abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice calling out my name. Startled, I turn around to find Caspian hurrying towards me. Frantically, I attempt to discreetly wipe away the tears that have stained my cheeks, but it's too late. His compassionate gaze locks onto my tear-streaked face.

"What's the matter? We succeeded in saving the baby. Aren't you happy?" he asks, genuine confusion etched on his features.

"Of course, I am," I reply, my voice trembling slightly as I continue to dry my tears. "I was just so afraid for her and the baby. I'm relieved that we were able to save them."

"You saved them," he gently corrects me, his eyes searching mine. "So, what's really wrong?"

I force a smile, masking the pain threatening to overflow. "Nothing," I lie, hoping to deflect his concern. But Caspian studies my face intently, and a flicker of realization crosses his eyes.

"It reminds you of your own child, doesn't it?" he asks softly, his voice brimming with empathy. I nod, unable to speak as fresh tears cascade down my cheeks.

To my surprise, Caspian pulls me into a warm embrace, his arms encircling me tightly. Though taken aback, I don't pull away. Truth be told, a hug is exactly what I need in this moment. All I can think about is the bittersweet memory of giving birth to Mavis and the four days I had with her before Kieran murdered her. While I am overjoyed that we were able to save Elaria, a part of me yearns to somehow rescue Mavis as well.

"I can't even begin to fathom your pain, for I have never experienced the loss of a child," Caspian whispers, his chin resting on the top of my head as he holds me tightly. "But I am deeply sorry that you had to endure such unimaginable sorrow."

With a heavy heart, I reply, my voice choked with emotion, "There are no words that can heal the wounds. I am simply grateful that I could save Celestia and her child, ensuring they will never have to endure that same pain."

"We owe you a debt that can never be repaid," he murmurs sincerely.

Pulling away slightly, a question suddenly strikes me, one that should have been asked the moment I returned. "Caspian, what happened with the war?"

A warm smile graces his face, his eyes brimming with triumph. "We emerged victorious."