NINE
Spring
SPRING 966 MC
Anna was sweating profusely.
"We should have remained in Wincaster," said Alric.
"Nonsense," she panted. "This way, I can stay close to…" Her voice trailed off as a contraction began anew. She gripped his hand tightly.
"Breathe through it," said the midwife.
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one about to push out a baby the size of a melon! Aubrey, where are you?"
"I am here, Majesty," replied the Life Mage, coming closer.
"Should I leave?" said Alric.
Aubrey looked at him in surprise. "Why would you do that?"
"It's the custom in Weldwyn for the father to wait in another room."
"That is not the custom here. You forget, Highness, warriors founded our kingdom, and we don't leave our women to undergo the trials of birth alone, at least not if we can he
