Sansi pressed a hand to her flat stomach. “In a few months, there will be a baby.”
Tears blinded, but Mischka swiped frantically to clear her vision. When Bane’s maman learned of the trauma Mischka suffered, she’d volunteered to carry their child if they chose to have one. Today marked two weeks since the implantation.
Sansi stretched out her arm and pulled Mischka into the three way hug with Bane. Once Mischka got herself together, she broke away but continued to sniffle. Bane kept a hand on her lower back and rubbed in soothing circles.
Dr. Maku smiled. He’d gone over the potential failure and success rates with them in clear detail. The odds weren’t in their favor. Dr. Maku had expressed concern about her one functioning egg sack. Mischka had been open to trying anything, but she and Bane had both agreed they would try this one time. If it didn’t work, they would step away and look at alternatives if they still wished to be parents.
The hardest part was all of the hormones Dr. Maku needed her to take over a three day window. She’d been sick with severe stomach cramps and occasionally nausea. Getting her to produce viable eggs had taken weeks. Then the moment had occurred and a specialist had been called in for the retrieval process and the fertilization with Bane’s specimen.
“Sansi is correct. It was successful and both embryos are showing on the scans as healthy and measuring on track for slightly over two weeks gestation.”
Bane froze. “Both?”
Dr. Maku nodded. “Only two of the four eggs could be utilized so both were implanted with Sansi’s full knowledge.”
Bane’s maman gripped one of Mischka’s hands in hers and one of Bane’s in the other. “Please don’t be upset. I wanted to do this. You made it clear this was a one time thing for you. I understand the struggle in making this decision and I only wanted to help.”
“T-two?” Mischka stuttered, trying to wrap her head around what this meant.
Dr. Maku intervened. “As I said, everything is progressing well. Ceraton females are built to carry multiples. They have a larger reproductive system internally than a Marenian. Carrying the two babies to term should not be an issue for her.”
They were going to have two babies. Mischka shifted her gaze to Bane and he circled his arms about her waist and jerked her close. It took a moment for her to identify the trembling was from him and not her.
“I love you so much, gariad,” he muttered in her ear.
Because of the lump in her throat, Mischka could only squeeze him tighter in response.
***
A few days after Nikol’s release from the Jutaks
“It is good to have you home. Safe.”
Nikol nodded as the Majad hugged him and waved him to the stack of pillows to sit. “It is good to be home.”
Majad Renik stared as if seeking the truth. “Did the Enotians harm you?”
It was an expected question since he was sure Lothar had lied in some manner to get the Majad to be involved in his release. “No. I was treated as well as can be expected.”
“Good,” Renik clapped his hands together. “I believe it is time I discussed my abdication.”
Nikol froze, reaching for a piece of cheese. The intent expression on his uncle’s face had him sitting back against the pillows. “You have years ahead of you.”
“Bah! My time will soon be at an end to rule. Power must come with those capable of enforcing it.”
Nikol chuckled outright. While he enjoyed a pleasant, even somewhat close relationship, with his father’s brother, he also knew Renik could be ruthless. He had not attained his seat by being benevolent.
“I am only telling you this because it is already recorded by my vizar that on the fifth day after the birth of your first child, I will step aside for you to become Majad.”
Nikol laughed, hoping this was a jest. “Surely not.”
There was no amusement on Renik’s face. “It is done, Nikol. I assure you.”
“And my sisters?” Lothar had daughters who also received the Majad’s grace in matters of their life. Despite Lothar’s claim that Nikol received special treatment, his sisters were not neglected.
“All four of them will receive jewels aplenty and an allotment of funds when I step down for you. Although they have a bit more of my brother in them than I prefer, they will be placed in good kitse. Hauke is already First Placement, showing her master understands the value I place on blood.”
Nikol didn’t want to accept this gift. It would only annoy and enrage Lothar.
As if reading his mind, Renik smiled. “We will not share this with my brother. Not quite yet.
“And if there is another son?” Nikol pondered aloud, his heart drumming.
Renik tipped his head to the side and was slow in responding. “If there is another child of our blood, I would wish to know.”
Nikol held his tongue. Renik reached out and tapped Nikol on the knee. “Perhaps it is best not to discuss at this time, but one day, you will trust me enough to share. Maybe this blooded kin is a secret for a reason?”
Nikol shook his head and forced a grin to his lips. “It will be many years before I take a First Placement and breed a child on her. We will talk of more pleasant things.”
Renik hesitated then nodded. “Agreed.”