Ben stormed up the stone stairs leading to his private room in the keep, the eerie quiet of the castle at odds with the clawing panic that coursed through his body. The servants looked away as he passed them, each of them not willing to meet their laird’s eye. It was probably best that they did not, for at this very moment, Ben wasn’t sure what he would do should he see fear, sadness…pity, even, in their gazes.
The long corridor toward his chamber was dark, the lanterns not yet lit for the evening, and he yelled out orders for the sconces to be lit. Muffled chatter sounded from behind his wife’s door, along with her sweet voice that was broken with intermittent sobs.
He entered and read the room easily. The castle healer sat at the bedside, the old woman’s brow furrowed in worry and compassion. The redness of Aline’s eyes gave her despair away, and he joined her, pulling her tight against his chest. “What is wrong, lass?” She sobbed again, and he looked to the healer for enlightenment. “Tell me what causes this distress?”
The healer sat back, folding her wrinkled hands within her lap. “The babe has been born and is now with a wet nurse. You have a son, Laird. A healthy babe who’ll grow up and do you proud, I’m sure. But what we thought was a twin sibling is nothing more than a hardened mass that will never be born or heal with time.”
Ben frowned, leaning back to gain Aline’s attention. “What does that mean?”
“It means,” the healer said, standing, “there is nothing further I can do here.” The elder placed her hand gently on Aline’s brow. “May God bless you, my child.”
Shock tore through him at the implication of the woman’s words and the finality of them. “There’s no second child?” He took a calming breath, his heart too fast in his chest. The room spun, and he clasped the headboard for support. “Are ye sure?”
“Aye, I’m sure. ’Tis a miracle that you have a healthy child at all, but Lady Aline will unfortunately not recover from this birth. The birth of the boy has caused this mass to bleed—slowly—and it will not abate. I’m sorry, my laird.”
Aline sobbed against his chest, and he rubbed her back, not wanting to believe the healer’s words. “Leave us,” he barked, watching as the woman hobbled out of the room.
“I’m going to die, aren’t I? I’m too young to die.” She sniffed, and tears burned behind his lids. He hated to see her like this, scared and desperate for salvation.
“The old woman is mistaken. I’ll send a rider tonight to Castle Druiminn. Aedan will have Gwen come at my summons and see to ye. I know she’s there visiting after the birth of Aedan and Abby’s second child.”
“’Twas a boy, was it not? I’m happy for them.” Aline looked up at him, her beautiful face blotchy and red, either from the birthing ordeal or from crying, Ben wasn’t sure. “I had hoped to give ye two strong boys, but at least we have one. I hope I’ve not been a disappointment to ye.”
He shook his head. “You were never a disappointment to me. I know we had an odd beginning, but it’s been an honor having ye as my wife. I hope I’ve not been a disappointment to ye, either.”
Her pale hand reached out and stopped his words, her fingers cold against his lips. “You never were. ’Tis impossible for ye to be so.” She slumped onto the bed. Ben studied her person and noted the ever-growing stain of red that spread upon the bedding. “I will send word straight away.”
Standing, Aline reached out and grabbed his arm, shaking her head. “There is no time. Just promise me one thing, please.”
Ben sat back down, taking her hand and fighting the gnawing ache opening inside his chest. “Anything, lass.”
“Watch our precious lad. And as often as ye can, tell him how much I loved him. How sorry I am that I didn’t get to see him grow up into the man I know he’ll become. One like you: strong, capable, and kind, if not a little savage around the edges.”
Her weak smile wobbled, and Ben nodded, the lump in his throat denying him the ability to speak. “Of course,” he croaked out. “I’ll not let a day pass without such a reminder.”
“I’m so cold.” The shiver that rocked her sent panic through his gut.