Lord of time (chapter 41-107)

101

Tom leaned against the wall, panting outrageously in pain, lips pursed, he had gravely underestimated the pain one goes through giving birth. He'd never admit it, though, no way, how the hell could pain ripple that way? He thought, groaning between clenched teeth. He couldn't let anyone see him this way, it was utterly demeaning. He would never live the humiliation of this down if his followers saw him this way.

Yet on the other hand, he did not wish for Hadrian to take all the pain upon himself. Despite the fact he had done so first - by closing the bond - and he was still sulking over the fact he'd never noticed. He would keep a closer eye on the bond from here on in. Then again, Hadrian was significantly more powerful than him, he was the Master Of Death, their bond allowed him to share that power and longevity. Still, it didn't change the fact Hadrian was the more powerful...and it was only known between them.

Tom sighed in relief as the pain abated, hand splayed out on the wall, he used it to lever himself. To stand on his own two feet again, once more contemplating the idea of closing the bond. He needed to keep his equilibrium; Hadrian would understand.

Yet why did the thought cause a tugging in his gut? Normally he relied on Hadrian - even now - with some emotions giving him trouble. Fortunately, he didn't need to wonder long, it was reluctance, he didn't want to cause his bonded, his husband any further stress than his body was already going through. The sheer thought of anything happening to him so distressed him.

Sure, they were immortal, but he still didn't want to lose Hadrian even for a second. Having to start all over again filled him with dread. Plus, Hadrian would never forgive him if he followed him and left their child without parents. He wouldn't forgive himself either. They were both so terribly aware the pain and loss involved with growing up parentless.

Tom stepped towards the fireplace, only to fall to one knee, as a rippling agony encompassed him. The quiet murmuring of Hadrian and the Healer informing him that all was well in a way the bond could not.

Only because he could feel how pissed off Hadrian was that he wasn't in there with him.

They had specifically - and with great care - picked out one of the best healers possible. One who was amendable to any alterations they made. The adjustments were spell related, naturally, since the spells Harry knew were far more advanced than the ones the healers still used. Potions too, come to that, most of them were already published, but not yet picked up in the medical sector fully. Any healer worth their title would know better than to even suggest going against two of the best pioneering wizards the magical world had ever seen.

The sound of crying started up, but it was not that of a new-born baby, no, this was Severus. He swore he could have killed Eileen Prince for her lack of preparedness. If she didn't want a damn child, least of all with the Muggle then she shouldn't have had one. He knew where to get her, he could just go back and do it. Displeased as he was by it all. Hadrian had given her a substantial amount of money, her own flat, shop and potions lab below that shop. She was independent, free of any responsibilities.

And yes, she was Eileen Prince again, she was in the midst of a divorce and reinstatement into the Prince family. The Prince couple could not tolerate the complete turnaround of their social life. Which right now was nothing at all, they were being turned away from future investments and current ones too. They were no longer welcome at any social functions. They had upset Lord Peverell-Slytherin and that had cascaded down the entire elite social society. It made Tom rather smug at the control they had, even when they weren't actively doing anything. It was beautiful knowing it had only taken a few years to entirely break the proud pureblood couple. In an entirely different timeline, they'd been too proud to accept her back, and the name became extinct.